Archive soccer news from around the world
Milner makes Villa pay for ignoring him (Jan 31, 2007)
James Milner, a player who almost joined Aston Villa at the start of the season, played a significant role in their 3-1 defeat by Newcastle United in an action-packed Premier League meeting at St James' Park. . . . more . . .
Roma beat AC Milan to reach Italian Cup final (Jan 31, 2007)
Roma clinched a place in the Italian Cup final for the third successive season after beating AC Milan. . . . more . . .
Arsenal's young guns earn their Spurs (Jan 31, 2007)
Jeremie Aliadiere scored the decisive goal as Arsenal reached the League Cup final with a 3-1 extra-time victory against Tottenham. . . . more . . .
Amateurs Montceau, Marseille progress in French Cup (Jan 31, 2007)
Fourth division amateurs Montceau-les-Mines produced a fairytale result when knocking out first division Bordeaux to book their place in the French Cup quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
Ronaldo-fired United turn on the style (Jan 31, 2007)
Cristiano Ronaldo inspired Manchester United's four-goal rout of bottom-club Watford to maintain Sir Alex Ferguson's side's six-point advantage over Chelsea at the head of the Premiership table. . . . more . . .
Chelsea win offset by Cole injury (Jan 31, 2007)
Chelsea kept pace with leaders Manchester United with a 3-0 win over Blackburn but their defensive resources were hit once more when Ashley Cole was stretchered off in agony with a knee injury. . . . more . . .
Nightmare day for Bayern sealed by Bremen victory (Jan 31, 2007)
Defending champions Bayern Munich slipped to eight points off the Bundesliga lead after pacesetters Werder Bremen and Schalke 04 both recorded wins on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Dubai pulls out of Liverpool takeover talks (Jan 31, 2007)
Dubai International Capital (DIC), the investment arm of the Gulf Emirate, pulled out of negotations on a takeover of Liverpool after the club's board asked for more time to examine a rival bid. . . . more . . .
Shambolic scenes overshadow Asean final (Jan 31, 2007)
Singapore beat Thailand 2-1 but the first leg of the Asean football final was overshadowed by shambolic scenes when the Thai team walked off the pitch for 15 minutes. . . . more . . .
Hitzfeld to the rescue as Bayern axe Magath (Jan 31, 2007)
German giants Bayern Munich sacked manager Felix Magath after the 20-time champions slipped to fourth in the Bundesliga. . . . more . . .
Hammers get their man as Upson signs (Jan 31, 2007)
West Ham's battle for Premiership survival will be bolstered by the arrival of England defender Matthew Upson from Birmingham for an initial fee of six million pounds. . . . more . . .
Heynckes quits Monchengladbach (Jan 31, 2007)
Former Germany international Jupp Heynckes has quit as coach of Borussia Monchengladbach after the team's failure to win a Bundesliga match in nearly four months. . . . more . . .
Man Utd lapses a worry for Rio (Jan 31, 2007)
Rio Ferdinand admits Manchester United's recent defensive problems are causing concern ahead of the crucial, closing stages of the season. . . . more . . .
Chelsea's Cole enjoying tight title race (Jan 31, 2007)
Ashley Cole believes a keenly-contested race for the Premiership title is better for the English game than when Chelsea walked away with the prize in the last two seasons. . . . more . . .
Euro dreams on line for Newcastle and Villa (Jan 31, 2007)
Time is running out for both Newcastle United and Aston Villa as they attempt to mount challenges for a finishing position that would earn them a place in the UEFA Cup next season. . . . more . . .
Liverpool get Mascherano ahead of deadline (Jan 31, 2007)
Liverpool appear to have won their battle to sign Argentina World Cup star Javier Mascherano after FIFA ruled that the midfielder could sign for his third club in less than a year. . . . more . . .
Benitez refuses to give up Premiership title hopes (Jan 31, 2007)
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has urged his side to increase the pressure on their rivals in the Premiership title race after this latest win over West Ham at Upton Park. . . . more . . .
Liverpool takeover bid in doubt (Jan 30, 2007)
Liverpool decided not to formally accept a bid from Dubai International Capital to buy the English Premiership club. . . . more . . .
No Royals pardon for struggling Wigan (Jan 30, 2007)
Reading condemned Wigan to a club record eighth consecutive league defeat with a 3-2 win that was more comfortable than the scoreline suggests. . . . more . . .
Blades cut down Fulham (Jan 30, 2007)
Jon Stead opened his goalscoring account for Sheffield United as the Blades took another huge step towards Premiership survival by beating Fulham 2-0. . . . more . . .
Finishing masterclass from Reds adds to Hammers woe (Jan 30, 2007)
Liverpool gave West Ham a lesson in finishing at Upton Park as two brilliant goals from Dirk Kuyt and Peter Crouch decided this Premiership encounter 2-1 in the visitors' favour. . . . more . . .
Minnows Vannes in the driving seat while PSG keep season alive (Jan 30, 2007)
Paul Le Guen's Paris Saint Germain safely booked their place in the French Cup quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over Valenciennes. . . . more . . .
Bayern slip up again (Jan 30, 2007)
Bayern Munich slipped up badly when Felix Magath's champions were held to an embarrassing goalless draw by lowly Vfl Bochum. . . . more . . .
Bamogo's Vigo deal is done (Jan 30, 2007)
Marseille striker Habib Bamogo joined Spanish top flight side Celta Vigo for six months with an option of a permanent move, the Spanish side told AFP. . . . more . . .
Charlton not going to bend over Bent says Pardew (Jan 30, 2007)
Charlton manager Alan Pardew is adamant England striker Darren Bent will not be allowed to leave the struggling Premiership club. . . . more . . .
UAE record maiden Gulf Cup victory (Jan 30, 2007)
Hosts the United Arab Emirates beat neighbours Oman 1-0 to win their first Gulf Cup of Nations at the Zayed Sports City stadium. . . . more . . .
Grygera to join Juve on busy day of transfers (Jan 30, 2007)
Czech Republic international Zdenek Grygera has agreed to join Serie B promotion hopefuls Juventus for the start of next season, his agent said. . . . more . . .
Lampard desperate for Mourinho to stay at Chelsea (Jan 30, 2007)
Frank Lampard admits he would hate to see Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho forced out of Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Goalkeeper Letizi quits Rangers (Jan 30, 2007)
Rangers goalkeeper Lionel Letizi has had his contract cancelled by the Scottish Premier League club. . . . more . . .
Ronaldo relishing AC Milan challenge (Jan 30, 2007)
Brazilian megastar Ronaldo said he hoped he could fulfill the dreams of AC Milan fans after leaving Real Madrid to join the six-time European champions. . . . more . . .
Wigan sign Nigerian ace (Jan 30, 2007)
Relegation-threatened Wigan has completed the 2.4-million-pound signing of Nigerian striker Julius Aghahowa from Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk. . . . more . . .
USA beat China to take women's Four Nations title (Jan 30, 2007)
The United States have beaten China 2-0 to win the Four Nations tournament, a warm-up for the Women's World Cup here later this year. . . . more . . .
Scotland manager McLeish calls up McGregor (Jan 30, 2007)
New Scotland boss Alex McLeish has handed Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor a first call-up for the national squad. . . . more . . .
Lights out during Parreira's much awaited first day at work (Jan 30, 2007)
South Africa's new football coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, hired to shape the national team into world beaters when the country hosts the World Cup in 2010, faced a bad first day at work due to power cuts, an official has said. . . . more . . .
Davids back where he started at Ajax (Jan 30, 2007)
Edgar Davids has completed his move from Tottenham back to Ajax, the club where he first made his name as a skilful and tenacious midfielder. . . . more . . .
Bookmaker pays out on Inter title win (Jan 29, 2007)
One of Italy's largest bookmakers is already paying out on Inter Milan retaining the Serie A title following the holders' 2-0 win at Sampdoria. . . . more . . .
Derlei returns to Portugal as Benfica snap him up (Jan 29, 2007)
Portuguese giants Benfica have signed Champions League and UEFA Cup winning striker Vanderlei Fernandes Silva, popularly known as Derlei, on a six-month loan from Russian outfit Dynamo Moscow. . . . more . . .
Dutch keeper Waterreus joins MLS Red Bulls (Jan 29, 2007)
Former Dutch national team goalkeeper Ronald Waterreus signed with the New York Red Bulls, the Major League Soccer club announced. . . . more . . .
Materazzi goes down easily, says Domenech (Jan 29, 2007)
France coach Raymond Domenech stuck the boot in on stricken Italy international Marco Materazzi after the centre-back was the victim of another headbutt. . . . more . . .
Rooney prostitute libel case thrown out (Jan 29, 2007)
A woman sueing a British newspaper over reports that she was a prostitute who had sex with footballer Wayne Rooney saw her claim thrown out of court. . . . more . . .
Brave Rwandans stun Congolese in Champions League (Jan 29, 2007)
Rwandan army club APR have provided the shock of the first African Champions League qualifiers with a 2-1 triumph over Saint Eloi Lupopo in the Democratic Republic of Congo at the weekend. . . . more . . .
Czech squad for Belgium friendly (Jan 29, 2007)
Czech national manager Karel Bruckner has named Mlada Boleslav fullback Marek Matejovsky for the first time in his 18-strong squad for a friendly in Brussels on February 7 against Belgium. . . . more . . .
Wary Zambia import food before playing hosts Congo (Jan 29, 2007)
Zambian players will eat food prepared in a neighbouring country ahead of an African youth championship semi-final against hosts Congo. . . . more . . .
2010 World Cup will boost whole of Africa: Mbeki (Jan 29, 2007)
South African President Thabo Mbeki has pledged to ensure the first ever World Cup to be staged on African soil would benefit the whole of the world's poorest continent. . . . more . . .
Win or bust for Bayern Munich in Bundesliga (Jan 29, 2007)
Bayern face a must win clash with lowly VFL Bochum as the double-double winners aim to get their title tilt back on track. . . . more . . .
Reading manager Coppell wary of Man Utd draw in FA Cup (Jan 29, 2007)
Reading manager Steve Coppell believes his side have got the FA Cup tie "nobody wanted" after being drawn away to Premiership leaders Manchester United in the fifth round. . . . more . . .
Psychic Morimoto saw debut goal coming (Jan 29, 2007)
Catania's Japanese striker Takayuki Morimoto said he knew he was going to score on his Serie A debut for Sicilian side Catania. . . . more . . .
West Ham looking to bounce back against Liverpool (Jan 29, 2007)
Alan Curbishley has tired of being reminded of West Ham's startling achievements last season, but Tuesday's meeting with Liverpool is another unwanted memento of happier times. . . . more . . .
McLeish named Scotland football coach (Jan 29, 2007)
Scotland have confirmed that Alex McLeish will take over as national team coach through until the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa. . . . more . . .
Materazzi pleads innocence after Delvecchio headbutt (Jan 29, 2007)
Inter Milan's Marco Materazzi claims he did not provoke Gennaro Delvecchio before being headbutted by the Sampdoria midfielder in Sunday's fractious Serie A match. . . . more . . .
Sicilian derby switched due to security fears (Jan 29, 2007)
This week's potentially-explosive Sicilian derby between between Catania and Palermo will now be played on February 2 at 1700GMT, the Italian Football League (Lega-Calcio) has said. . . . more . . .
Lens depose Marseille after six-goal thriller (Jan 28, 2007)
A combination of defensive errors and opportunistic scoring saw Champions League hopefuls Lens claim a share of the points in a dramatic 3-3 draw with St Etienne. . . . more . . .
Platini confirms Champions League to be overhauled (Jan 28, 2007)
Newly-elected UEFA chief Michel Platini confirmed he intends to reduce the number of clubs that England, Spain and Italy are allowed to qualify for the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Materazzi headbutted again as Inter extend winning run (Jan 28, 2007)
Inter Milan maintained their 11-point lead at the top of Serie A and extended their record run of consecutive league wins to 14 matches with a 2-0 victory at 10-man Sampdoria. . . . more . . .
Beasley strike sees off Saints (Jan 28, 2007)
United States international midfielder DaMarcus Beasley netted the best goal of the game to seal a 3-1 FA Cup fourth round victory for Manchester City against Southampton at Eastlands. . . . more . . .
Hesselink late strike hands Celtic points (Jan 28, 2007)
Dutch striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink hit a last-gasp winner for Celtic in a 2-1 victory away at Inverness Caley Thistle as the Scottish champions marched 19 points clear at the top. . . . more . . .
Allardyce fears Chelsea ready for Ben Haim swoop (Jan 28, 2007)
Bolton manager Sam Allardyce fears Chelsea are set to make a renewed bid for Tal Ben Haim after the defender pulled out of his side's FA Cup draw at Arsenal. . . . more . . .
Werder back on top after Hanover stroll (Jan 28, 2007)
Werder Bremen moved back to the top of the German first division after a comfortable 3-0 win at home to struggling Hanover. . . . more . . .
Football: Barcelona handle the pressure to stay top (Jan 28, 2007)
Reigning Spanish champions and league leaders Barcelona endured some difficult periods but eventually prevailed for a 3-1 victory over Celta Vigo. . . . more . . .
Toure keeps Arsenal's FA Cup hopes alive (Jan 28, 2007)
Kolo Toure kept Arsenal in the FA Cup as his late goal salvaged a 1-1 draw against Bolton in the fourth round. . . . more . . .
Pearce accepts England Under-21 role (Jan 28, 2007)
Stuart Pearce, the Manchester City manager, confirmed he had accepted the job of succeeding Peter Taylor as England Under-21 coach. . . . more . . .
Mourinho determined to see out Chelsea contract (Jan 28, 2007)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has insisted he intends to see out his contract with the English Premiership champions despite reports he has fallen out with the club's Russian billionaire owner Roman Abramovich. . . . more . . .
Wolves mauled in Black Country derby (Jan 28, 2007)
Kevin Phillips extended his reputation as the king of derbies with another decisive strike to send West Bromwich Albion coasting into the FA Cup fifth round in a 3-0 win away to arch-rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux. . . . more . . .
Chelsea cruise into FA Cup fifth round (Jan 28, 2007)
Premiership champions Chelsea eased into the last 16 of the FA Cup with a 3-0 win at home to Nottingham Forest here at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Wonderkid Bale takes centrestage as Saints go to City (Jan 28, 2007)
Southampton defender Gareth Bale is likely to prompt as much interest as the FA Cup tie between Saints and Manchester City itself when the highly-rated teenager lines up for the fourth round clash here on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Revenge on the agenda as Arsenal face Bolton (Jan 28, 2007)
Arsene Wenger will be motivated by a desire for revenge when Arsenal face the team that has infuriated him more than any other on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Lazio and Udinese boost Champions League dreams (Jan 27, 2007)
Lazio and Udinese remain in close contention for a place in the Champions league next season after both teams recorded away victories in Serie A. . . . more . . .
Marcos the man as Villarreal beat Real (Jan 27, 2007)
Villarreal put the brakes on the Real Madrid revival with a 1-0 win, the only goal of the game coming from teenage striker Marcos Garcia after 67 minutes. . . . more . . .
Rooney magic puts spell on Pompey (Jan 27, 2007)
Wayne Rooney scored twice to fire Manchester United past Premiership rivals Portsmouth at Old Trafford and into the fifth round of the FA Cup. . . . more . . .
Leave Ronaldinho alone, says Barcelona coach Rijkaard (Jan 27, 2007)
Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard leapt to the defence of his under-fire superstar Ronaldinho at a press conference. . . . more . . .
Underdogs sneak into Gulf Cup final (Jan 27, 2007)
There will be a new name on the Gulf Cup this year after hosts the United Arab Emirates and Oman reached the final. . . . more . . .
Baros off the mark as PSG ease past drop zone (Jan 27, 2007)
Milan Baros celebrated his recent move to French champions Lyon by scoring a face-saving goal in a 1-1 home draw with Nice. . . . more . . .
Kuranyi fires Schalke three points clear (Jan 27, 2007)
Schalke 04 made the most of Bayern Munich's slip-up the previous day and Werder Bremen's inactivity to move three points clear at the top of the Bundesliga with a 3-1 win at Eintracht Frankfurt. . . . more . . .
Singapore beat Malaysia in Asean semi-final thriller (Jan 27, 2007)
Singapore are through to the final of the Asean Football Championship, defeating arch-rivals Malaysia 5-4 on penalties in a thrilling encounter. . . . more . . .
Kuwaitis protest for change after Gulf Cup debacle (Jan 27, 2007)
Hundreds of Kuwaitis marched outside parliament calling for the country's football federation to step down after the national team's poor showing in the Gulf Cup. . . . more . . .
Vogts' Nigerian deal delayed (Jan 27, 2007)
German World Cup winner Berti Vogts will sign a deal to take over the Nigerian national team in London on the eve of the country's friendly against Ghana, officials said. . . . more . . .
Gers drop first points under Smith (Jan 27, 2007)
Rangers failed to win for the first time since Walter Smith returned as manager with a 0-0 draw at home to Hearts in the Scottish Premier League. . . . more . . .
Nedved saves Juve's blushes (Jan 27, 2007)
A goal in the second minute of stoppage time from Czech midfielder Pavel Nedved salvaged a 1-1 draw for Serie B leaders Juventus at Spezia as the season reached its halfway stage. . . . more . . .
Bristol fightback leaves Boro blushing (Jan 27, 2007)
Middlesbrough were forced into an FA Cup replay after blowing a two-goal lead in their fourth round tie against League One side Bristol City. . . . more . . .
McNamee stuns Hammers (Jan 27, 2007)
Watford winger Anthony McNamee heaped more misery on struggling West Ham as his stunning goal clinched a 1-0 win that dumped Alan Curbishley's side out of the FA Cup. . . . more . . .
McCarthy sends Rovers roaring into FA Cup fifth round (Jan 27, 2007)
Benni McCarthy was in irrepressible form as Blackburn strolled into the FA Cup fifth round with a 4-0 win at Luton. . . . more . . .
Shevchenko too selfish, moans Drogba (Jan 27, 2007)
Chelsea frontman Didier Drogba has said strike partner Andriy Shevchenko needs to be less selfish and become more of a team player. . . . more . . .
Beaten Bayern still in hibernation (Jan 26, 2007)
Bayern Munich emerged from the month-long Bundesliga winter break and were left wishing they hadn't after losing 3-2 at Borussia Dortmund. . . . more . . .
Strachan warns against complacency (Jan 26, 2007)
Celtic boss Gordon Strachan has warned his Scottish champions from becoming complacent after building up a massive 17-point lead in the title race. . . . more . . .
Liverpool confirm US approach (Jan 26, 2007)
Liverpool confirmed that American businessman George Gillett has made an approach "which may or may not lead to an offer" for the club. . . . more . . .
I may have got it wrong over Beckham: Capello (Jan 26, 2007)
Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello hinted he might have been wrong to have indicated David Beckham would not pull on the white shirt again after agreeing to join LA Galaxy this summer. . . . more . . .
Higuain chooses Argentina over France (Jan 26, 2007)
Real Madrid's teenage striker Gonzalo Higuain, who was born in France to Argentine parents, has told French coach Raymond Domenech that he will never play for Les Bleus. . . . more . . .
Kachkar plan given thumbs up at Marseille (Jan 26, 2007)
Marseille have given the thumbs up to the financial package proposed by Canadian businessman Jack Kachkar following a two-hour meeting, the French first division side said. . . . more . . .
Chelsea crisis getting to players: Cole (Jan 26, 2007)
England defender Ashley Cole has become the second Chelsea star to admit that tensions between manager Jose Mourinho and the club's hierarchy could have contributed to the club's recent dip in form. . . . more . . .
Fergie fires verbal volley at Wenger and Real (Jan 26, 2007)
Sir Alex Ferguson has aimed a double blast at Arsene Wenger and Real Madrid by accusing the Arsenal manager of talking 'nonsense' and warning Real to forget about tempting Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Beckenbauer elected to FIFA executive committee (Jan 26, 2007)
German football legend Franz Beckenbauer has been voted on to the powerful executive committee of world football's governing body FIFA as a UEFA representative. . . . more . . .
Man United anticipating bright financial future (Jan 26, 2007)
Premiership leaders Manchester United are predicting dramatic growth in the club's income over the next two years after seeing their profits rise by 20 million pounds to 30.8 million pounds last year. . . . more . . .
Gibraltar's UEFA bid turned down (Jan 26, 2007)
Gibraltar's bid to become a member nation of European football's governing body has been turned down at the UEFA Congress. . . . more . . .
Feyenoord appeal to CAS after UEFA Cup exclusion (Jan 26, 2007)
Feyenoord will appeal their exclusion from the UEFA Cup because of hooliganism to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the Dutch first division club have revealed. . . . more . . .
Cristiano would be welcome at Real Madrid: Van Nistelrooy (Jan 26, 2007)
Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson insists he is going nowhere but former United star Ruud van Nistelrooy says Portuguese winger and former clubmate Cristiano Ronaldo would be more than welcome were he to opt for a new challenge in Madrid. . . . more . . .
Reading snap up Danish goalkeeping prospect (Jan 26, 2007)
Reading have signed highly-rated Danish goalkeeper Mikkel Andersen from AB Copenhagen for an undisclosed fee. . . . more . . .
Ronaldo takes AC Milan medical (Jan 26, 2007)
Real Madrid striker Ronaldo underwent his medical with AC Milan before talks with coach Carlo Ancelotti at the Serie A side's training centre at Maranello ahead of next week's expected transfer. . . . more . . .
Champions League beckons for European minnows (Jan 26, 2007)
Andorra, San Marino and Montenegro will for the first time next season be rubbing shoulders with Europe's footballing superpowers in the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Platini wins UEFA presidency vote (Jan 26, 2007)
French football legend Michel Platini has won the vote for the presidency of UEFA, dethroning long-time incumbent Lennart Johansson of Sweden with a call for reform. . . . more . . .
Chelsea striker Robben to tie knot (Jan 26, 2007)
Chelsea striker Arjen Robben is set to marry his highschool sweetheart Bernadien Eillert in the northern Dutch city of Groningen on June 9. . . . more . . .
Tensions won't split Chelsea: Drogba (Jan 26, 2007)
Didier Drogba has admitted there are "tensions" at Chelsea but insists they won't divert the players from continuing their push for tropies under manager Jose Mourinho. . . . more . . .
Mancini keen on coach in the Premiership (Jan 26, 2007)
Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini has said he would not rule out a move to the English Premiership. . . . more . . .
Pearce considered for England U21 job (Jan 26, 2007)
Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce has been targeted to lead England's Under-21s in their 2007 European championship campaign. . . . more . . .
Parreira set to relaunch Bafana Bafana (Jan 26, 2007)
South Africa's new football coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has arrived in Johannesburg to launch what is hoped will be a successful bid to become world beaters when they host the World Cup in 2010. . . . more . . .
Rosenberg moves from Ajax to Bremen (Jan 26, 2007)
Ajax Amsterdam and Werder Bremen have reached an agreement for the immediate transfer of Swedish striker Markus Rosenberg to the German league leaders, Ajax have announced. . . . more . . .
Two jailed for match-fixing in Vietnam (Jan 26, 2007)
A Vietnamese court jailed two former footballers for fixing an international match but handed only suspended prison sentences to six young players involved in the scam. . . . more . . .
Cantona backs United for title (Jan 25, 2007)
Former Manchester United star Eric Cantona believes the Old Trafford giants will be the Premiership champions again this season. . . . more . . .
Roma hit back in Cup thriller (Jan 25, 2007)
Roma staged a thrilling comeback from two goals down to draw 2-2 at AC Milan in the Italian Cup semi-final first leg clash. . . . more . . .
Samba signs for Blackburn (Jan 25, 2007)
Blackburn Rovers completed the signing of DR Congo international defender Christopher Samba from German club Hertha Berlin, the English Premiership side announced. . . . more . . .
Emre denies FA racism charge (Jan 25, 2007)
Newcastle United's Turkey international midfielder Emre denied a Football Association (FA) charge of using racially-aggravated and/or insulting words against Everton last month. . . . more . . .
O'Neill urges patience over new signings (Jan 25, 2007)
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has warned the club's fans that new signings John Carew and Ashley Young will not "change our fortunes overnight". . . . more . . .
Fabregas raring to go (Jan 25, 2007)
Cesc Fabregas has told Arsene Wenger to forget about resting him as Arsenal's season hots up. . . . more . . .
Chimbonda planning to sting Arsenal again (Jan 25, 2007)
Tottenham defender Pascal Chimbonda has warned Arsenal he is determined to give them another dose of League Cup despair. . . . more . . .
Friday medical for Ronaldo (Jan 25, 2007)
Brazilian striker Ronaldo will undergo a medical at AC Milan on Friday as he takes a step closer to completing his drawn-out move from Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
Platini boosted by Blatter backing (Jan 25, 2007)
Michel Platini's UEFA presidential campaign received an eve-of-election boost when FIFA chief Sepp Blatter reaffirmed his backing for the Frenchman. . . . more . . .
Celtic sign Cameroon's Perrier-Doumbe (Jan 25, 2007)
Celtic have signed Cameroon defender Jean-Joel Perrier-Doumbe on a six-month loan from French club Rennes. . . . more . . .
McLeish to be named Scotland boss on Monday (Jan 25, 2007)
Scottish football bosses have scheduled a press conference for Monday, at which it is widely expected Alex McLeish will be confirmed as the new manager of the national team. . . . more . . .
UEFA makes 32 million euros profit in 2005/06 (Jan 25, 2007)
European football's governing body made more than 32 million euros profit during the 2005/06 season, mainly due to its flagship competition the European Champions League. . . . more . . .
Ehiogu completes Rangers switch (Jan 25, 2007)
Former England defender Ugo Ehiogu has completed a free transfer to Rangers from Middlesbrough and signed an 18-month deal with the Scottish giants. . . . more . . .
Lee on track for Boro debut against Arsenal (Jan 25, 2007)
Lee Dong-Gook is set to get his first taste of English football when Middlesbrough entertain Arsenal on February 3 after being granted a UK work permit. . . . more . . .
German federation against Euro enlargement (Jan 25, 2007)
Wolfgang Niersbach, general secretary of the German football federation (DFB) says he is against the enlargement of the European championship finals from 16 to 24 teams. . . . more . . .
Tottenham given bye into last 16 of UEFA Cup (Jan 25, 2007)
Tottenham have been handed a bye into the last 16 of the UEFA Cup following the exclusion of Dutch club Feyenoord from the competition. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid agree Ronaldo deal with AC Milan (Jan 25, 2007)
Real Madrid have finally agreed to sell their Brazilian striker Ronaldo to AC Milan after thrashing out a deal during late night talks. . . . more . . .
Hughes could succeed Ferguson at Man Utd: Neville (Jan 25, 2007)
Manchester United captain Gary Neville is glad that former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson did not become the manager at the club. . . . more . . .
Chelsea chief wants Inter's Mancini (Jan 25, 2007)
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is lining up Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini to replace Jose Mourinho in case the Blues manager leaves at the end of the season. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid to break bank for United's Ronaldo (Jan 25, 2007)
Real Madrid would be willing to make Cristiano Ronaldo their third biggest ever signing if they can lure him away from Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Vietnamese football star admits guilt in match-fixing trial (Jan 25, 2007)
One of Vietnam's brightest football prospects has tearfully admitted in court that he took cash in return for helping rig an international match. . . . more . . .
Nigeria recall Udeze for Ghana friendly (Jan 25, 2007)
Greece-based defender Ifeanyi Udeze has been recalled by Nigeria for a friendly against Ghana in London on February 6. . . . more . . .
Football: Star in tears at Vietnam match-fixing trial (Jan 25, 2007)
Eight Vietnamese footballers have gone on trial accused of rigging an under-23 international game in return for cash in a scandal that has gripped this football-obsessed nation. . . . more . . .
Baptista's double rescues Arsenal (Jan 24, 2007)
Julio Baptista scored twice as Arsenal staged a superb fightback to earn a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final at Tottenham. . . . more . . .
Football: Baptista's double rescues Arsenal (Jan 24, 2007)
Julio Baptista scored twice as Arsenal staged a superb fightback to earn a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final at Tottenham. . . . more . . .
Football: Barcelona crowned Spanish 'winter champions' (Jan 24, 2007)
Barcelona were confirmed Spain's 'winter champions', the unofficial honour going to the La Liga leaders after the first half of the season, despite only drawing 1-1 at lowly Real Betis. . . . more . . .
Brazil's Fabiano Eller moves to Atletico Madrid (Jan 24, 2007)
Atletico Madrid have signed Brazilian midfielder Fabiano Eller, the club confirmed. . . . more . . .
DIC's Liverpool takeover completed within weeks: source (Jan 24, 2007)
Liverpool sources said that Dubai International Capital's (DIC) takeover of the club could happen within weeks. . . . more . . .
Hasselbaink fined over Chelsea slur (Jan 24, 2007)
The English FA fined Dutch striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink 5,000 pounds for claims he made about former club Chelsea in his autobiography. . . . more . . .
Real defenders stand up for Beckham and Ronaldo (Jan 24, 2007)
Real Madrid's Spanish international defenders Ivan Helguera and Michel Salgado leapt to the defence of out-of-favour teammates David Beckham and Ronaldo. . . . more . . .
Drogba named UN goodwill ambassador (Jan 24, 2007)
Ivory Coast and Chelsea footballer Didier Drogba was named a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme, joining other luminaries from the sport such as Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane. . . . more . . .
Second straight defeat for Lyon as rejuvenated Marseille win (Jan 24, 2007)
Marseille moved up to second in the French league after a 3-1 win over Auxerre. . . . more . . .
Reyna joins MLS Red Bulls after Man City dismissal (Jan 24, 2007)
Claudio Reyna, captain of the 2006 US World Cup squad, joined the New York Red Bulls, one day after leaving English Premiership side Manchester City. . . . more . . .
MLS Fire make pitch to land Zidane (Jan 24, 2007)
French star Zinedine Zidane, whose legendary career ended with an infamous head-butt in last year's World Cup final, has received a comeback offer from the Chicago Fire, a US newspaper reported. . . . more . . .
Marseille provisionally second after Auxerre win (Jan 24, 2007)
Marseille moved up to second in the French league, for a few hours at least, after a 3-1 win over Auxerre. . . . more . . .
Thailand beat Vietnam in Asean semis (Jan 24, 2007)
Thailand beat Vietnam 2-0 in the first leg of their Asean Football Championship semi-final. . . . more . . .
Punch-up to cost Gillespie chance of move (Jan 24, 2007)
Sheffield United winger Keith Gillespie faces a six-match ban after admitting a charge of violent conduct in connection with an attack on Reading midfielder Stephen Hunt during a stormy Premiership clash at the weekend. . . . more . . .
Fulham sign Davies, Liverpool snap up teenager (Jan 24, 2007)
Wales midfielder Simon Davies has moved from Everton to Fulham for an undisclosed fee as Liverpool continued their investment in youth by poaching Dutch teenager Jordy Brouwer from Ajax. . . . more . . .
Sponsors to pay new Nigeria coach (Jan 24, 2007)
The four-year contract of Nigeria's new coach Berti Vogts will be financed in full by a sponsor, according to the chairman of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA). . . . more . . .
Platini camp hit out at destabilising tactics (Jan 24, 2007)
Michel Platini's camp hit out at what they described as an "amateurish attempt at destabilisation" following an anonymous source saying Lennart Johansson would win UEFA's presidential vote with 36 of a possible 52 votes. . . . more . . .
DeMerit seals Watford win as Savage suffers broken leg (Jan 23, 2007)
Jay DeMerit's header 20 minutes from time secured only Watford's second Premiership win of the season as the league's basement club beat Blackburn Rovers 2-1 at Vicarage Road. . . . more . . .
Shevchenko double sends Chelsea into League Cup Final (Jan 23, 2007)
Andriy Shevchenko got back in Jose Mourinho's good books as his double strike sent Chelsea through to the League Cup final with a 4-0 win against Wycombe Wanderers at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Van Persie out for six weeks (Jan 23, 2007)
Arsenal striker Robin van Persie was ruled out for at least six weeks with a broken foot after coming on as a substitute last weekend and scoring the equaliser in the Gunners' come-from-behind 2-1 Premiership win against leaders Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Terry confirms return to full training (Jan 23, 2007)
Chelsea and England captain John Terry has announced his return to full training. . . . more . . .
Parreira due in South African to train 2010 squad (Jan 23, 2007)
Brazilian coach Alberto Carlos Parreira, who has been promised a big salary to groom South Africa's national team for the 2010 Football World Cup, arrives here on Friday to start his new job. . . . more . . .
Croatia's Klasnic to have kidney transplant (Jan 23, 2007)
Croatian international striker Ivan Klasnic will be out for two months because he needs a kidney transplant, his lawyer Klaus-Peter Horndasch has said. . . . more . . .
Ron Atkinson takes over at Kettering (Jan 23, 2007)
Former Manchester United manager Ron Atkinson has taken over as non-league Kettering's director of football. . . . more . . .
Tottenham agree Rocha deal (Jan 23, 2007)
Tottenham have come to an agreement to buy Benfica defender Ricardo Rocha, the two clubs said. . . . more . . .
Birmingham reject new Hammers bid for Upson (Jan 23, 2007)
Birmingham City have said they have rejected an improved offer of six million pounds (12 million dollars) from West Ham for England defender Matthew Upson. . . . more . . .
Villa complete Young deal as O'Neill recooks Celtic recipe (Jan 23, 2007)
Aston Villa secured the signing of highly-rated Watford forward Ashley Young for nearly 10 million pounds (20 million dollars) after offloading the misfiring Milan Baros to Lyon. . . . more . . .
Funds crunch for South Africa's World Cup cities (Jan 23, 2007)
South African cities due to host the 2010 football World Cup have complained of funding shortfalls of billions of rand to build stadiums for the continent's biggest sporting event. . . . more . . .
Manchester City confirm release of US-bound Reyna (Jan 23, 2007)
Manchester City has confirmed that they have agreed to terminate the contract of American midfielder Claudio Reyna to allow the veteran midfielder to return to the United States. . . . more . . .
West Ham's Neill blasts back at 'greedy' insults (Jan 23, 2007)
Lucas Neill has blasted claims that he turned down the chance of Champions League football with Liverpool in order to join West Ham because the relegation-threatened club came up with more cash. . . . more . . .
Lazio defender Oddo signs for AC Milan (Jan 23, 2007)
Lazio skipper Massimo Oddo has signed for AC Milan for 7.5 million euros, according to a newspaper. . . . more . . .
Football: SKorea's Lee headed for Middlesbrough (Jan 23, 2007)
South Korean club Pohang Steelers has agreed to release striker Lee Dong-Gook, allowing him to join English Premiership club Middlesbrough, according to officials. . . . more . . .