Archive soccer news from around the world
Kitson ruins Owen's return (Apr 30, 2007)
Michael Owen's return to the Newcastle starting line-up after 10 months out with a cruciate ligament injury failed to spark a fairytale as they lost 1-0 to Reading in their Premiership clash on Monday. . . . more . . .
Too many foreigners in Serie A says Donadoni (Apr 30, 2007)
Italy national coach Roberto Donadoni said on Monday that there were too many foreigners playing in Serie A. . . . more . . .
AC must control game against Man Utd, says Ancelotti (Apr 30, 2007)
AC Milan must control the game against Manchester United in Wedensday's Champions League semi-final, according to coach Carlo Ancelotti. . . . more . . .
Adebayor wants Arsenal fans to end feud with Chelsea's Cole (Apr 30, 2007)
Emmanuel Adebayor has told Arsenal fans not to give Ashley Cole a rough ride when the Chelsea defender returns to his former club for the first time on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Blanket alcohol ban for AC Milan - Man Utd decider (Apr 30, 2007)
Authorities in Milan have enforced a blanket ban on the sale of alcohol this Wednesday in a bid to stave off the threat of trouble between Manchester United and AC Milan fans. . . . more . . .
Liverpool boss taunts Chelsea ahead of Champions League decider (Apr 30, 2007)
Rafa Benitez has taunted Jose Mourinho ahead of Liverpool's Champions League semi-final decider by claiming Chelsea are under even more pressure after suffering a huge setback to their title hopes. . . . more . . .
Jet-set Lualua seals Congolese triumph (Apr 30, 2007)
Portsmouth striker Tresor Lualua dashed to the Democratic Republic of Congo from England and scored the goal that clinched a 2-0 win over Ethiopia in an African Nations Cup qualifier at the weekend. . . . more . . .
Barthez quits Nantes over safety fears (Apr 30, 2007)
France's World Cup-winning goalkeeper Fabien Barthez has quit his club Nantes for safety reasons following a violent post-match run-in with a group of disgruntled supporters. . . . more . . .
Kaka call for AC Milan's character to beat Man Utd (Apr 30, 2007)
Brazilian striker Kaka has called on AC Milan to reproduce the form which had Champions League semi-final rivals Manchester United in a half-time sweat during their first leg at Old Trafford last week. . . . more . . .
Wigan manager Jewell set for FA hearing (Apr 30, 2007)
Wigan boss Paul Jewell could face Football Association sanctions at an end of season hearing to explain comments made about referee Phil Dowd. . . . more . . .
Bolton appoint Lee as Allardyce's replacement (Apr 30, 2007)
Former Liverpool and England coach Sammy Lee has been confirmed as the full-time manager of Premiership side Bolton following Sam Allardyce's shock resignation. . . . more . . .
Leeds on brink of administration (Apr 30, 2007)
Former Premiership giants Leeds will welcome interest from only real investors after a latest league setback left them teetering on the edge of relegation to England's third division. . . . more . . .
Thailand to train in Germany (Apr 30, 2007)
Co-host Thailand will head to Germany for a training camp as part of their preparations for the Asian Cup finals in July, a report said Monday. . . . more . . .
FIFA sticks to 2010 contingency plan (Apr 30, 2007)
England and Australia are among the countries on FIFA's list of contingency options to host the 2010 World Cup should South Africa fail to meet organisational deadlines, FIFA president Sepp Blatter said Monday. . . . more . . .
Ex-Thai PM keeps quiet on Man City plans (Apr 30, 2007)
Thailand's deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has kept quiet about reports that he made a surprise 108 million pound offer to buy an English Premier League club, his lawyer said Monday. . . . more . . .
Bordeaux and Marseille on road to Europe (Apr 29, 2007)
Former champions Bordeaux were forced to flex their muscles but emerged with a 1-0 win over Lens on Sunday to maintain their hopes of a Champions League place next season. . . . more . . .
Battling Barthez may not return - Nantes president (Apr 29, 2007)
France's World Cup winning goalkeeper Fabien Barthez may not return to help save Nantes' stricken season following a violent run-in with a group of disgruntled supporters. . . . more . . .
Gullit warns of player burn-out (Apr 29, 2007)
Former Chelsea and AC Milan player Ruud Gullit has warned that top footballers are facing burn-out and the threat of career-ending injuries from the ever-increasing number of games in European competition. . . . more . . .
Barcelona stay top but Sevilla and Real keep up the pressure (Apr 29, 2007)
Barcelona maintained their slender one point lead of the Spanish first division, thanks to a Samuel Eto'o goal in their 1-0 victory over Levante, as the top three teams in Spain all won. . . . more . . .
Bremen's Schaaf rues missed chance to go top (Apr 29, 2007)
Werder Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf rued his side's missed golden opportunity to go top of the Bundesliga on Sunday as they crashed to a shock 3-2 defeat at relegation-threatened Arminia Bielefeld. . . . more . . .
Arsenal's late show gives Fulham sinking feeling (Apr 29, 2007)
Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor plunged Fulham deeper into relegation trouble as his late goal set up a 3-1 win over Lawrie Sanchez's struggling side on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Allardyce resigns as Bolton manager (Apr 29, 2007)
Sam Allardyce on Sunday resigned as manager of English Premiership club Bolton Wanderers amid rumours he could be appointed Manchester City boss in the summer. . . . more . . .
Hitzfeld slams his Bayern players (Apr 29, 2007)
Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld slammed his side on Sunday and revealed he will banish players to the reserves after their 2-1 defeat at home to Hamburg all but closed the door on a Champions League berth. . . . more . . .
Hearts breaker for champions Celtic (Apr 29, 2007)
UEFA Cup chasing Hearts dented Celtic's hopes of brandishing their Scottish Premier League trophy with pride after stunning the champions 3-1 at Parkhead on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Derby defeat sees Birmingham and Sunderland promoted (Apr 29, 2007)
Birmingham City and Sunderland won automatic promotion to the Premiership on Sunday after their only other rivals for one of the two spots Derby County lost 2-0 to Crystal Palace. . . . more . . .
Peruzzi hangs up his gloves after Rome derby ends in stalemate (Apr 29, 2007)
Lazio's veteran keeper Angelo Peruzzi announced his retirement after Sunday's drab goalless draw against city rivals Roma. . . . more . . .
Bayern in hot water over Klose approach (Apr 29, 2007)
Bayern Munich must explain their actions to the German Fooball Federation (DFB) over allegations they made an illegal approach to Werder Bremen striker Miroslav Klose, it was revealed on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Wenger wants English director of football (Apr 29, 2007)
Arsene Wenger has revealed he wants to appoint an Englishman as Arsenal's director of football. . . . more . . .
Henry takes swipe at Spurs (Apr 29, 2007)
Arsenal captain Thierry Henry took a cheeky swipe at bitter rivals Tottenham by criticising their exaggerated celebrations whenever they avoid defeat in the north London derby. . . . more . . .
Don't blame me for Leeds demise, says former chief (Apr 29, 2007)
Fallen English football giants Leeds' almost certain relegation to League One is nothing to do with the tainted former regime, claimed the club's former chairman Peter Ridsdale on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Gattuso fit to face Man Utd, Maldini's place in doubt (Apr 29, 2007)
AC Milan's tigerish midfielder Gennaro Gattuso will be fit for next Wednesday's Champions League semi-final, second leg at home to Manchester United after recovering from a right foot injury. . . . more . . .
FA probe Leeds pitch invasion (Apr 29, 2007)
English football's ruling body the Football Association (FA) on Sunday announced it was holding an investigation into the pitch invasion by Leeds United fans at Elland Road on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Premiership won't tempt Strachan: Celtic chief (Apr 29, 2007)
Manager Gordon Strachan won't be tempted to quit Celtic for a move to the English Premiership, the Scottish champions' chief executive Peter Lawwall claimed on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Mourinho targets Champions League consolation (Apr 29, 2007)
Jose Mourinho has urged Chelsea to take out their Premiership title frustrations on Liverpool in Tuesday's Champions League semi-final. . . . more . . .
Ferguson hails his have-a-go heroes (Apr 29, 2007)
Sir Alex Ferguson has warned his Manchester United stars not to get carried away with the five-point lead they have opened up over Chelsea with just three games to play in this Premiership campaign. . . . more . . .
No Mourinho mind games for me, says Benitez (Apr 29, 2007)
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is refusing to be drawn into mind games with Jose Mourinho ahead of Liverpool's crunch Champion's League semi-final encounter with Chelsea. . . . more . . .
Smith happy Gers spirit augurs well for future (Apr 29, 2007)
Rangers boss Walter Smith believes the spirit shown in a 3-3 draw at Hibs augurs well for the challenges his side will face as they seek to mount a more sustained challenge to Celtic next season. . . . more . . .
Jewell slams Premier League over West Ham punishment (Apr 29, 2007)
Wigan manager Paul Jewell slammed the Premier League's decision not to deduct points from West Ham for their controversial signings of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano in the wake of his team's 3-0 defeat to the Hammers. . . . more . . .
Joaquin's quick-fire double gives Valencia victory (Apr 28, 2007)
Two goals in three minutes from Joaquin Sanchez gave Valencia a vital 2-0 win over Recreativo Huelva and moved the 2002 and 2004 Spanish champions up to fourth place in La Liga on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Ancelotti rests stars for United as Seedorf secures win (Apr 28, 2007)
Rejuvenated Dutchman Clarence Seedorf fired a superb solo strike to secure a fifth win on the trot for a slimline AC Milan side with a 1-0 win over their hosts Torino on Saturday. . . . more . . .
PSG avoid Toulouse trap and boost survival hopes (Apr 28, 2007)
Paris St Germain continued their late season fightback by edging further away from the drop zone with a precious 3-1 away defeat at Toulouse on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Rangers edge closer to Champions League (Apr 28, 2007)
Rangers missed an opportunity to guarantee a second-placed finish in the Scottish Premier League after being held to a 3-3 draw by Hibs in an entertaining but error-strewn encounter at Easter Road. . . . more . . .
Weakened Liverpool hand Pompey points (Apr 28, 2007)
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez's decision to leave out captain Steven Gerrard backfired as the Champions League hopefuls slumped to their first league defeat in seven weeks, losing 2-1 away at Portsmouth. . . . more . . .
Keane's double keeps Spurs on track for Europe (Apr 28, 2007)
Robbie Keane kept Tottenham on course for a UEFA Cup spot as his double strike clinched a 3-2 win at Middlesbrough on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Hammers on verge of great escape (Apr 28, 2007)
Carlos Tevez, whose signing cost West Ham a 5.5-million-pound fine helped repay a large part of that sum on Saturday as he masterminded his team's emphatic 3-0 victory at fellow strugglers Wigan. . . . more . . .
Villa avoid landmark as City crumble at home again (Apr 28, 2007)
Aston Villa banished one undesired statistic and avoided another on Saturday with a 2-0 away win at Manchester City. . . . more . . .
Tonge adds another twist to relegation drama (Apr 28, 2007)
Sheffield United gave their hopes of Premiership survival a huge boost with a 1-0 win over already-relegated Watford on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Roberts' double widens relegation trapdoor for Charlton (Apr 28, 2007)
A double from Blackburn Rovers striker Jason Roberts inspired his side to a 4-1 humbling of 10-man Charlton Athletic and inflicted a hammer blow on the visitors' chances of retaining their place in the Premiership. . . . more . . .
Stuttgart up to second as Bayern stumble again (Apr 28, 2007)
VfB Stuttgart coach Armin Veh was delighted by his side's "thankless" 1-0 victory at bottom-side Borussia Moenchengladbach which took them up to second and in sight of the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Carvalho to miss Liverpool crunch match (Apr 28, 2007)
Ricardo Carvalho has been ruled out of Chelsea's Champions League semi-final second leg against Liverpool after suffering a knee injury in his side's 2-2 draw with Bolton on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Man Utd fightback to seize control of title race (Apr 28, 2007)
Manchester United took a huge step towards clinching the title by defeating Everton 4-2 after a stunning second half fightback at Goodison Park on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Davies derails Chelsea's title charge (Apr 28, 2007)
Chelsea saw their hopes of retaining the Premiership title all but snuffed out as they were held to a costly 2-2 draw by Bolton on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Italian star Toni signs for Bayern (Apr 28, 2007)
Bayern Munich have signed Italian World Cup winner Luca Toni from AC Fiorentina in a deal worth 18 million euros, it was reported on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Park out until August (Apr 28, 2007)
Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung will be sidelined until August after undergoing knee surgery in the United States. . . . more . . .
Gunners chief to meet American billionaire (Apr 28, 2007)
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has told the club's shareholders that he intends to meet Stan Kroenke to "hear what he has to say" amid reports the American billionaire is planning a hostile takeover bid. . . . more . . .
The Gunners are perfect for me: Lehmann (Apr 28, 2007)
Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann, who on Friday signed a new year-one deal with the Gunners, admits he was tempted by a move back home to Germany. . . . more . . .
Leaders Schalke slip up at Bochum (Apr 27, 2007)
Bundesliga leaders Schalke 04 slipped up in their bid to clinch the German title with a 2-1 loss away to Vfl Bochum on Friday. . . . more . . .
Wenger faces balancing act (Apr 27, 2007)
Arsene Wenger faces a challenge that will define Arsenal's future as he tries to balance the expectations of his star players with the need to develop his young prodigies. . . . more . . .
Klose apologises for 'inappropiate' Bayern talks (Apr 27, 2007)
Werder Bremen's top striker Miroslav Klose on Friday apologised to his club for holding talks with directors from Bayern Munich. . . . more . . .
Werder call on Klose to explain Bayern talks (Apr 27, 2007)
Werder Bremen on Friday called on their top striker Miroslav Klose to explain reports that he had held talks about a possible transfer to Bayern Munich. . . . more . . .
Lehmann extends Arsenal deal for one more year (Apr 27, 2007)
Jens Lehmann has ended speculation over his future by signing a one-year contract extension that will keep him at Arsenal for at least next season. . . . more . . .
German coach to talk football with Wenger (Apr 27, 2007)
Germany coach Joachim Low will meet Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger in London on Monday for talks about English and international football, according to the German football federation. . . . more . . .
"Deceitful" Hammers keep precious points (Apr 27, 2007)
West Ham's chances of surviving in the Premiership were increased on Friday when the east London club escaped a points deduction over the controversial signings of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. . . . more . . .
Ferguson lets fly at Mourinho (Apr 27, 2007)
Sir Alex Ferguson on Friday launched a stinging attack on Jose Mourinho in the wake of the Chelsea manager's claims that Manchester United are being favoured by referees during the Premiership title run-in. . . . more . . .
Prosecutor demands jail time for violent player (Apr 27, 2007)
A public prosecutor here on Friday demanded four months in jail for the captain of a French amateur football team who head-butted a referee during a local league game. . . . more . . .
Schweinsteiger ticked off at knee infection (Apr 27, 2007)
Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger said Friday the mysterious infection which has sidelined him with right knee trouble recently was caused by a tick. . . . more . . .
Inter striker Ibrahimovic has surgery (Apr 27, 2007)
Inter Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has undergone surgery in the Netherlands to strengthen his abdominal wall, the recently crowned Serie A champions said on Friday. . . . more . . .
Indonesia line up matches ahead of Asian Cup (Apr 27, 2007)
Co-host Indonesia have lined up three friendlies in Jakarta as part of their warm-up for July's Asian Cup finals. . . . more . . .
Manchester United send Park to US for surgery (Apr 27, 2007)
Manchester United have sent Park Ji-Sung to the United States for knee surgery to be carried out by the specialist who saved the careers of Alan Shearer and Michael Owen. . . . more . . .
High noon for Premiership football heavyweights (Apr 27, 2007)
Like heavyweights hauling themselves off their stools for the 12th round, Manchester United and Chelsea must find the energy to resume slugging on Saturday as their gruelling title bout edges nearer a conclusion. . . . more . . .
Osasuna stun holders Sevilla, Espanyol edge Werder (Apr 26, 2007)
Spanish league strugglers Osasuna turned on the style to claim a precious 1-0 home win over reigning UEFA Cup champions Sevilla in the first leg of their semi-final here Thursday. . . . more . . .
Chelsea in search of second wind to blow United away (Apr 26, 2007)
Jose Mourinho has never cared much for convention, and his penchant for the unpredictable has apparently spread to his Chelsea players. . . . more . . .
Gerrard confident Reds can sink Chelsea at Anfield (Apr 26, 2007)
Steven Gerrard has insisted that Liverpool are capable of overturning a 1-0 first leg deficit against Chelsea to clinch a second Champions League final spot in three years. . . . more . . .
Eusebio feeling well after leaving hospital (Apr 26, 2007)
Former Portugal star Eusebio said he was feeling well Thursday after leaving hospital, where he had been held since Saturday. . . . more . . .
Bayern striker Podolski out for three months (Apr 26, 2007)
Bayern Munich's drive for a Champions League place suffered a massive blow on Thursday with the news German international striker Lukas Podolski is out for six months. . . . more . . .
Barcelona's Saviola set to defect: report (Apr 26, 2007)
Barcelona's Argentine forward Javier Saviola is set to defect to arch-enemies Real Madrid, a sports newspaper said on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Wenger hails old foe Fergie as manager of the year (Apr 26, 2007)
Arsene Wenger has paid tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson's achievement in building his third great Manchester United team by saying he deserves to be named as the Premiership's manager of the year. . . . more . . .
Woodgate makes Boro loan move permanent (Apr 26, 2007)
England defender Jonathan Woodgate has handed Middlesbrough a huge boost by agreeing to transform his season-long loan move from Real Madrid into a permanent transfer. . . . more . . .
Ranson revises Manchester City bid (Apr 26, 2007)
Ray Ranson has stepped up his bid to secure control of Manchester City by submitting revised takeover proposals to the Premiership club. . . . more . . .
Bremen look to stem Spanish tide in UEFA Cup (Apr 26, 2007)
Werder Bremen's Champions League elimination by Barcelona could be met by a measure of revenge on Thursday when they face Barca's city rivals Espanyol in a UEFA Cup semi-final first leg clash. . . . more . . .
Klinsmann keen to make coaching return (Apr 26, 2007)
Former Germany boss Jurgen Klinsmann revealed on Thursday he is set to return to coaching and will be spending the summer considering job offers - from both clubs and countries. . . . more . . .
Mourinho rues missed Champions League semi-final chances (Apr 26, 2007)
Jose Mourinho admitted that Chelsea had blown a chance to put the outcome of their Champions League semi-final clash with Liverpool beyond doubt after his side emerged with only a 1-0 lead to take into the second leg. . . . more . . .
Quaresma talk premature, says Aulas (Apr 25, 2007)
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas tried to dampen down speculation linking him with a bid for Portugal winger Ricardo Quaresma on Wednesday, describing the rumours as premature. . . . more . . .
Pires considering return to Metz (Apr 25, 2007)
Villarreal's Robert Pires said Wednesday that he is considering ending his career at his first club, Metz in France. . . . more . . .
Essien denies drink driving charge (Apr 25, 2007)
Chelsea's Ghanaian midfielder Michael Essien was not contrary to reports arrested on a drink driving charge this week, one of his entourage told AFP on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Bayern Klose in on German marksman (Apr 25, 2007)
Werder Bremen's German international striker Miroslav Klose held talks with out of form defending Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich according to local media. . . . more . . .
United, Roma fined over Champions League clash (Apr 25, 2007)
Manchester United and AS Roma were both fined by UEFA on Wednesday over the violence which erupted during their Champions League quarter-final in Rome this month. . . . more . . .
Portsmouth unveil plans for new stadium (Apr 25, 2007)
Portsmouth have unveiled plans to build a new 36,000-seater stadium, a move that will end their 108-year stay at Fratton Park. . . . more . . .
Lennon to quit Celtic (Apr 25, 2007)
Celtic captain Neil Lennon said Wednesday that he will leave the club at the end of the season. . . . more . . .
Berlin investment could herald Lehmann's arrival (Apr 25, 2007)
German club Hertha Berlin are set for a multi-million-euro cash injection which could pave the way for Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann to return to the Bundesliga, a report said Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Top sport court throws out Galatasaray claim over Ribery (Apr 25, 2007)
World sport's top court on Wednesday dismissed an appeal by Turkish club Galatasary against French international Franck Ribery's move to Marseille in 2005. . . . more . . .
Bayern's Hitzfeld reveals health scare (Apr 25, 2007)
Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld revealed on Wednesday that the health problems which forced him to retire in 2004 have returned. . . . more . . .
Barcelona to take on Hong Kong minnows (Apr 25, 2007)
Spanish league champions Barcelona will take on a Hong Kong invitational side in a friendly clash this summer, a spokeswoman for the promoters said Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Chelsea's narrow win leaves Liverpool Cole-d (Apr 25, 2007)
Joe Cole scored the only goal of the game as Chelsea emerged from the first leg of their Champions League semi-final with a 1-0 advantage over Liverpool to take to Anfield. . . . more . . .
England's 1966 World Cup hero Ball dies (Apr 25, 2007)
Alan Ball -- who teammates said was the hero of England's 1966 World Cup winning team -- has died from a heart attack at the age of 61. . . . more . . .
England's 1966 World Cup winner Ball dead at 61 (Apr 25, 2007)
England's 1966 World Cup winner Alan Ball died from a heart attack overnight, his family said Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Milan stars warn Man Utd to prepare for San Siro battle (Apr 25, 2007)
AC Milan hardman Gennaro Gattuso has warned Manchester United to steel themselves for an almighty battle when they visit the San Siro for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final. . . . more . . .
Pars book Cup final date with Celtic (Apr 24, 2007)
Dunfermline will face Celtic in the Scottish Cup Final after a late Jim McIntyre penalty gave them a 1-0 win over Hibernian at Hampden on Tuesday evening. . . . more . . .
Rooney trumps Kaka to give United edge (Apr 24, 2007)
Wayne Rooney brilliantly trumped AC Milan's Brazilian star Kaka to fire Manchester United to an exhilarating 3-2 victory in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final here on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Chelsea's woes are just a myth says Benitez (Apr 24, 2007)
Rafa Benitez insists Jose Mourinho's claim that Chelsea are a team on their last legs is just an attempt to transfer the pressure onto Liverpool ahead of their Champions League semi-final. . . . more . . .
Mourinho warns Chelsea to expect foul play (Apr 24, 2007)
Jose Mourinho has warned his Chelsea players they should not expect a fair fight in their Champions League semi-final against Liverpool. . . . more . . .
Cruyff turns 60 but refuses to mind his language (Apr 24, 2007)
Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff celebrates his 60th birthday here on Wednesday where he is revered not only as the greatest player of all time but also as a cultural phenomenon who even has his own language: Cruyffian. . . . more . . .
City deny United fixture change request (Apr 24, 2007)
Manchester City have refused a request from bitter city rivals Manchester United to reschedule their local derby clash on May 5. . . . more . . .
Madrid interested in Diego (Apr 24, 2007)
Spanish giants Real Madrid are tracking in-form Werder Bremen playmaker Diego, according to Marca on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
United fans demand Italian police apology (Apr 24, 2007)
A Manchester United supporters group have demanded an apology from Italian police over their treatment at the recent Champions League quarter-final in Rome. . . . more . . .
Arsenal's Fabregas would like to return to Spain (Apr 24, 2007)
Aresenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas, who signed a new eight-year contract with the English club at the start of the season, says he would like to return to Spain once his time in the Premiership is up. . . . more . . .
Celtic hero Nakamura pondering transfer (Apr 24, 2007)
Japan midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura, who has powered Celtic to the Scottish Premier League championship, says he is feeling old at 28 and pondering a transfer. . . . more . . .
Former player confirms Man City interest (Apr 24, 2007)
A British-based consortium headed by former player Ray Ranson on Tuesday launched a 90 million pounds (135million euros) takeover bid for English Premiership side Manchester City. . . . more . . .
Chelsea's Essien arrested for drunk driving (Apr 24, 2007)
Chelsea's Ghanian midfielder Michael Essien was arrested for drunk driving in the early hours on Monday after leaving a nightclub, The Sun reported. . . . more . . .
Bikey signs for Reading (Apr 24, 2007)
English Premiership side Reading have signed Cameroon international Andre Bikey on a three-year deal from Lokomotiv Moscow. . . . more . . .
Crocked Man Utd seek to keep treble dream alive (Apr 24, 2007)
When Manchester United knocked seven goals past AS Roma in the last round of the Champions League, the Italian press was moved to voice concern over the humiliation Cristiano Ronaldo and co. might inflict on the 'dinosaurs' of AC Milan's ageing back four. . . . more . . .
Football: Chelsea's Essien arrested for drunk driving (Apr 24, 2007)
Chelsea's Ghanian midfielder Michael Essien was arrested for drunk driving in the early hours on Monday after leaving a nightclub, The Sun reported. . . . more . . .
Johnson's sprained ankle confirmed (Apr 23, 2007)
English Premiership highflyers Everton's hopes of maintaining their place in the UEFA Cup next season suffered a blow on Monday when it was confirmed England striker Andy Johnson had suffered a sprained ankle. . . . more . . .
No special treatment for Ronaldo says Maldini (Apr 23, 2007)
Paolo Maldini insists AC Milan ageing back-four will not make any special plans to halt Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo in the Champions League semi-final first leg at Old Trafford on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Guidolin sacked by Palermo (Apr 23, 2007)
Francesco Guidolin was sacked as coach of Serie A highflyers Palermo on Monday after failing to win their last 11 matches which has seen them slip down the table. . . . more . . .
'Referee did get it right' says Ferguson (Apr 23, 2007)
Sir Alex Ferguson refused to get involved in a war of words with Premiership title rival Jose Mourinho after the Chelsea manager suggested referees are reluctant to award visiting teams penalties at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
Crouch desperate to join Champions League winners (Apr 23, 2007)
England striker Peter Crouch has admitted he is jealous of his team-mates who have already been crowned kings of Europe two seasons ago. . . . more . . .
Van der Sar senses more Champions League glory (Apr 23, 2007)
Manchester United keeper Edwin van der Sar senses he is on the verge of collecting his second Champions League winners' medal 12 years after pocketing his first. . . . more . . .
African football giants Ahly mark 100 years (Apr 23, 2007)
After clinching 99 titles in as many years, Egypt's Al-Ahly -- one of the most trophy-laden clubs in world football -- is set to celebrate its centennial in style by hosting Barcelona. . . . more . . .
Mwana 'miracle' lifts Zimbabwe spirits (Apr 23, 2007)
Unfashionable Mwana Africa brought rare cheer to troubled Zimbabwe by reaching the African Confederation Cup playoffs at the weekend. . . . more . . .
Owen back within the week, say Newcastle (Apr 23, 2007)
England striker Michael Owen could make his long awaited debut this season in Newcastle's clash with Reading next Monday, according to his manager Glen Roeder. . . . more . . .
Romania and Israel to meet in two friendlies (Apr 23, 2007)
Romania and Israel have signed an agreement to play eachother in two friendlies, the Romanian federation said on Monday. . . . more . . .
Record African Champions League appearances for ASEC, Esperance (Apr 23, 2007)
ASEC of Ivory Coast and Esperance of Tunisia clinched record eighth appearances in the African Champions League group phase at the weekend. . . . more . . .
Branko Culina gets Sydney job full-time (Apr 23, 2007)
Interim Sydney FC coach Branko Culina on Monday accepted a two-year contract to manage the club full-time and set out some lofty ambitions. . . . more . . .
Yanagisawa breaks foot, out for three months (Apr 23, 2007)
Japan's former international striker Atsushi Yanagisawa will be out for three months after breaking a bone in his left foot, the Kashima Antlers said Monday. . . . more . . .
Deposed Thai PM eyes English Premiership team (Apr 23, 2007)
Deposed Thai prime minister and football fan Thaksin Shinawatra, who once tried to purchase Liverpool, may be considering buying another English Premier League team, his lawyer hinted Monday. . . . more . . .
Defiant Inter insist Serie A football title is legitimate (Apr 23, 2007)
Inter Milan have insisted their latest Serie A title success is legitimate despite the lack of serious competition after the fall-out from last summer's Italian match-fixing scandal. . . . more . . .
Naka takes the big jump after netting Celtic another Premiership title (Apr 23, 2007)
Shunsuke Nakamura revealed he achieved a long-held ambition by abandoning his usual reserved demeanour and jumping into the Celtic support to celebrate his league winning goal. . . . more . . .
One rule in English football for United, another for us moans Mourinho (Apr 23, 2007)
Jose Mourinho took managerial mind games to a new level when he suggested English football was now governed by a rulebook weighted heavily in the favour of title rivals Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Ronaldo swoops double award (Apr 22, 2007)
Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo was on Sunday named the PFA Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year. . . . more . . .
Ronaldo wins young player award (Apr 22, 2007)
Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo has completed the first half of an expected double award triumph on Sunday night when he was named PFA Young Player of the Year. . . . more . . .
Burgundy hangover for champions Lyon (Apr 22, 2007)
Title-holders Lyon had to settle for a goalless draw at Auxerre on Sunday, a day after being crowned French champions for a record sixth time in a row. . . . more . . .
Barcelona lose to leave La Liga wide open again (Apr 22, 2007)
The see-saw season at the top of the Spanish first division continued with league leaders Barcelona going down 2-0 at Villarreal on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Zidan strikes as Mainz poach valuable point (Apr 22, 2007)
Mainz 05 striker Mohamed Zidan helped his side take a step closer to clawing their way out of the relegation zone as they picked up a valuable point in Sunday's 2-2 draw at Hamburg. . . . more . . .
James breaks cleansheets record in Villa stalemate (Apr 22, 2007)
David James broke the record for Premiership cleansheets with a superb display that helped Portsmouth earn a 0-0 draw at Aston Villa on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Nakamura on the double (Apr 22, 2007)
Japanese international midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura capped off a perfect day Sunday as the Celtic star was voted Player of the Year by the Scottish Professional Footballers' Association. . . . more . . .
Mancini earns new contract as Inter clinch title (Apr 22, 2007)
Inter Milan retained the Serie A title on Sunday after they won 2-1 at Siena and nearest rivals Roma lost by the same score at Atalanta. . . . more . . .
Chelsea falter as Premiership title race takes another twist (Apr 22, 2007)
Chelsea blew an opportunity to close the gap on Premiership leaders Manchester United as Newcastle held on for a 0-0 draw on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Birmingham on course for quick return to Premiership (Apr 22, 2007)
Birmingham moved closer to a quick return to the Premiership after a dramatic 3-2 victory against Wolverhampton on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Mourinho puts Man Utd on the spot over penalty decisions (Apr 22, 2007)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho took a cheeky swipe at title rivals Manchester United by claiming it is "forbidden" to give penalties against the Premiership leaders. . . . more . . .
Ronaldo can be Man Utd's greatest player says Law (Apr 22, 2007)
Manchester United legend Denis Law believes Cristiano Ronaldo is on course to become the club's greatest ever player. . . . more . . .
Chelsea's Terry won't leave England (Apr 22, 2007)
Chelsea and England captain John Terry insists he will never play for a club outside the Premiership. . . . more . . .
Houllier demands guarantees from Lyon (Apr 22, 2007)
Lyon coach Gerard Houllier broke off from celebrating his side's sixth French title in a row to demand some assurances from club bosses. . . . more . . .
Eusebio may need surgery, say doctors (Apr 22, 2007)
Former Portugal star striker Eusebio may need to undergo surgery on his carotid arteries, doctors in the Hopistal of Light in Lisbon said Sunday. . . . more . . .
UEFA discard 1.6 million suspected black market ticket requests (Apr 22, 2007)
UEFA has discarded 1.6 million Euro 2008 ticket requests, believing them to be destined for the black market, the competition's commercial director Martin Kallen said Sunday. . . . more . . .
Shepherd tells England to wait until Owen proves fitness (Apr 22, 2007)
Michael Owen will not play for England until he has proved his fitness for Newcastle, according to the club's chairman Freddy Shepherd. . . . more . . .
No early exit for Beckham, says Real coach Capello (Apr 22, 2007)
Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello said here on Sunday that neither he nor the club would consent to releasing David Beckham early so that he could join his new American club Los Angeles Galaxy. . . . more . . .
United stumble opens the door for Chelsea (Apr 22, 2007)
Sir Alex Ferguson admitted that Manchester United had opened the door for Chelsea to retain their Premiership title after his side were held to a 1-1 draw by Middlesbrough at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
US women's football team cry foul over tough World Cup draw (Apr 22, 2007)
Two-time champions the United States cried foul on Sunday after being handed a nightmare assignment in this year's Women's World Cup. . . . more . . .
China boosted by World Stars women's football win (Apr 22, 2007)
China's women said a narrow win over a World Stars team had given them a massive boost for the World Cup. . . . more . . .
Ruud and Ramos are the Real deal (Apr 22, 2007)
Real Madrid players had been saying all week that they had to beat Valencia to stay in the Spanish title race and they did just that with a 2-1 victory over the 2002 and 2004 champions on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Reds perfectly primed for Chelsea: Benitez (Apr 22, 2007)
Rafa Benitez described Liverpool's build-up to Wednesday's Champions League semi-final trip to Chelsea as almost perfect after watching his side glide to a 2-0 win over Wigan. . . . more . . .
Boothroyd looks to bounce back as Watford go down (Apr 22, 2007)
Watford manager Adrian Boothroyd is already planning for a quick return to the Premiership after his side's 1-1 draw against Manchester City confirmed their relegation. . . . more . . .
Business as usual for Gunners says Wenger (Apr 22, 2007)
Arsene Wenger insisted David Dein's departure as Arsenal's vice-chairman will not affect his summer spending plans after his team were held to a 2-2 draw by rivals Tottenham. . . . more . . .
Pardew refuses to give in as relegation looms (Apr 22, 2007)
Alan Pardew remained defiant about Charlton's Premiership survival chances despite a potentially costly 1-1 draw against fellow strugglers Sheffield United. . . . more . . .
Ferdinand adds to Manchester United injury crisis (Apr 22, 2007)
Sir Alex Ferguson is facing a growing injury crisis after Rio Ferdinand was ruled out of next week's Champions League semi-final against AC Milan. . . . more . . .
Ronaldo double fires AC Milan ahead of United clash (Apr 21, 2007)
A Ronaldo double fired AC Milan to a 3-1 Serie A win over Cagliari at the San Siro on Saturday as the Italian side warmed up in style for next week's Champions League semi-final against Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Ruud and Ramos are the Real deal (Apr 21, 2007)
Real Madrid players had been saying all week that they had to beat Valencia to stay in the Spanish title race and they did just that with a 2-1 victory over the 2002 and 2004 champions on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Nervy United stumble as Viduka earns Boro a point (Apr 21, 2007)
Mark Viduka blew the Premiership title race wide open when he denied Manchester United the chance to open up a six-point lead at the head of the table, by striking the goal that earned Middlesbrough a point at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
