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Zambrotta joins AC Milan from Barcelona (May 31, 2008)

Italian fullback Gianluca Zambrotta, who played at Barcelona for two seasons, has joined AC Milan, the Italian first division club said on Saturday, without giving further contract details. . . . more . . .

AC Milan say Ancelotti not taking over at Chelsea (May 31, 2008)

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has said their coach Carlo Ancelotti will not be taking over the vacant Chelsea manager's job, the Italian first division club said on their website. . . . more . . .

Portugal see off Georgians (May 31, 2008)

Portugal warmed up for Euro 2008 with a 2-0 home win in Viseu on Saturday over Georgia courtesy of first half goals from Joao Moutinho and Simao Sabrosa. . . . more . . .

Eto'o overcomes assault claim to score as Cameroon win (May 31, 2008)

African superstar Samuel Eto'o overcame an assault claim to score as Cameroon opened their challenge for a record sixth World Cup appearance with a 2-0 win over Cape Verde Islands Saturday. . . . more . . .

Fifth place will cost us 20 million euros, says Gallliani (May 31, 2008)

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani claimed on Saturday that his team's failure to qualify for next season's Champions League has cost the club around 20 million euros. . . . more . . .

Beckenbauer against football's big-money investors (May 31, 2008)

Double World Cup winner Franz Beckenbauer regretted in the press here on Saturday the role of investors who use football clubs purely for speculative purposes. . . . more . . .

Neuville, Ballack strike to save Germany in football friendly (May 31, 2008)

Veteran striker Oliver Neuville and captain Michael Ballack saved Germany's blushes with second-half strikes on Saturday to seal a 2-1 win over Serbia in the hosts' final Euro 2008 warm-up. . . . more . . .

Beckham takes captain's armband for friendly (May 31, 2008)

David Beckham will lead England out as captain for the first time since the 2006 World Cup in Sunday's friendly against Trinidad and Tobago, the BBC reported on Saturday. . . . more . . .

Stielike signs three-year deal with Swiss club Sion (May 31, 2008)

Former Ivory Coast coach Ulrich Stielike has signed a three-year deal with Swiss first division side Sion, the club announced on Saturday. . . . more . . .

Trust in Lehmann, insists Kahn (May 31, 2008)

Former Germany captain Oliver Kahn insisted Saturday the public and press here must trust national goalkeeper Jens Lehmann for Euro 2008 despite the Arsenal man spending most of last season on the bench. . . . more . . .

Eto'o accused of headbutting journalist (May 31, 2008)

Cameroon international striker Samuel Eto'o has been accused of headbutting a journalist during a heated Indomitable Lions press conference, according to press reports here on Saturday. . . . more . . .

Jordan's team members celebrate their draw

Jordan hold South Korea in World Cup qualifying (May 31, 2008)

South Korea squandered a two-goal lead in front of 53,000 fans here Saturday as Jordan battled to a 2-2 draw in the third round of Asian World Cup qualifying. . . . more . . .

Liverpool forward Babel (L) is thought to have ruptured his Achilles' tendon

Injured Babel out of Euro 2008 (May 31, 2008)

Striker Ryan Babel has been ruled out of the Euro 2008 tournament starting next week after sustaining an injury in training, Dutch football officials said on Saturday. . . . more . . .

Spalletti claims his team are close to being title winners

Spalletti wants two players to launch Roma title bid (May 31, 2008)

AS Roma coach Luciano Spalletti said he needs to sign two world class players in order to wrest the Serie A title away from Inter Milan next season. . . . more . . .

Newcastle's Emre set for Fenerbahce move (May 31, 2008)

Fenerbahce have agreed a deal with Newcastle to sign Turkey international midfielder Emre Belozoglu, the Turkish club claimed on Saturday. . . . more . . .

Scolari is out of contract at the end of Euro 2008

Scolari plays down Chelsea speculation (May 31, 2008)

Portugal boss Luiz Felipe Scolari on Saturday played down a possible move to Chelsea, insisting the Premier League side have made no contact with him over their managerial vacancy. . . . more . . .

Dunne (L) has been linked with Newcastle and Tottenham among others

Pompey target Man City's Dunne (May 31, 2008)

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp confirmed Saturday that he is hoping to sign Manchester City defender Richard Dunne. . . . more . . .

Newcastle's Emre set for Fenerbahce move (May 31, 2008)

Newcastle's Turkish international midfielder Emre will sign a three-year deal with Istanbul side Fenerbahce next week, the Turkish press reported Saturday. . . . more . . .

Mourinho has been out of the game since leaving Chelsea by mutual consent early last season

Mourinho nears Inter hot-seat after Moratti meeting (May 31, 2008)

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is close to being named the new boss of Inter Milan according to Italian press reports following the release of pictures of the Portuguese coach meeting with Inter president Massimo Moratti in Paris. . . . more . . .

Verbeek was in charge of S. Korea when they were beaten by Iraq in the semi-finals of last year's Asian Cup

Australia's Verbeek warns of Iraq counter-attacks (May 31, 2008)

Australia coach Pim Verbeek has urged his players to be patient and wary of Iraq's counter-attacks if they are to remain unbeaten in their World Cup qualifying group here on Sunday. . . . more . . .

Mourinho nears Inter hot-seat after Moratti meeting (May 31, 2008)

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is close to being named the new boss of Inter Milan according to Italian press reports following the release of pictures of the Portuguese coach meeting with Inter president Massimo Moratti in Paris. . . . more . . .

Shaun Maloney of Scotland (L) goes to head the ball with Zdenek Pospech of Czech Republic

Scots defeated 3-1 by Czechs in a football friendly (May 30, 2008)

The Czech Republic ran out comfortable 3-1 winners over Scotland here on Friday, but big question marks still remain over the home side's midfield ahead of next week's Euro 2008 finals. . . . more . . .

Croatia's Da Silva set to return after horrific injury (May 30, 2008)

Arsenal's Croatian striker Eduardo Da Silva, who suffered a horrific leg break earlier this year, said doctors had given him the all-clear to return to action in August, Croatian sports daily Sportske Novosti reported on Friday. . . . more . . .

China and NKorea sweep into Asian Cup semis (May 30, 2008)

Asian heavyweights China and North Korea took their places in the Women's Asian Cup semi-finals Friday with comprehensive wins over Thailand and Vietnam respectively. . . . more . . .

Iranian football fans are seen during a game in February 2008

Iranian-American coach quits after triumph (May 30, 2008)

Iranian-American football manager Afshin Qotbi quit as coach of Iranian side Persepolis, just a week after guiding the club to the league title in his first year back in Iran, officials said Friday. . . . more . . .

Brazilian Amauri makes dream move to Juventus (May 30, 2008)

Juventus have signed Brazilian striker Amauri, widely seen as one of Serie A's best midfielders, from Palermo in a deal worth nearly 23 millions euros. . . . more . . .

Russia forward Alexander Kerzhakov (R) vies with Andorra's defender Oscar Sonejee

Kerzhakov, Bulykin ready to replace Pogrebnyak for Russia (May 30, 2008)

Dynamo Moscow striker Alexander Kerzhakov said Friday he was ready to replace injured forward Pavel Pogrebnyak in the Russian national side if necessary. . . . more . . .

Brazil's former international forward Edmundo (front), then of Palmeiras, in 2006

Brazilian Edmundo retires after missing vital penalty (May 30, 2008)

Brazil's former international forward Edmundo revealed Friday that he has decided to retire a year earlier than expected after missing a vital penalty for club side Vasco de Gama. . . . more . . .

Real's Cassano on way to Sampdoria (May 30, 2008)

Sampdoria have agreed terms with Real Madrid to secure the signature of on-loan striker Antonio Cassano, according to the club's website on Friday. . . . more . . .

In 2004 Mourinho famously called himself 'The Special One'

I'm not the 'special one' after all: Mourinho (May 30, 2008)

Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho, widely tipped to take over at Italian giants Inter Milan, on Friday revealed his sensitive side by talking down his difficult and temperamental reputation. . . . more . . .

Forssell heads for Hannover (May 30, 2008)

Birmingham's Finland striker Mikael Forssell confirmed Friday he has agreed to join Hannover on a free transfer. . . . more . . .

Former France player Zinedine Zidane signs autographs

Zidane denies agreeing to Aussie exhibition match (May 30, 2008)

Three-time world footballer of the year Zinedine Zidane on Friday denied that he had ever agreed to travel to Australia for an exhibition match. . . . more . . .

Park not guaranteed to start against Jordan (May 30, 2008)

Manchester United's Park Ji-Sung didn't appear in last week's Champions League final against Chelsea, and he is not guaranteed to be in South Korea's starting line-up on Saturday. . . . more . . .

Casanova takes over from Baup at Toulouse (May 30, 2008)

French first division side Toulouse, who narrowly avoided the drop this season, have parted company with their coach Elie Baup, club president Olivier Sadran said on Friday. . . . more . . .

FIFA President Sepp Blatter (L) presents a soccer ball to John Fahey, president of the World Anti-Doping Agency

FIFA Congress ratifies doping code (May 30, 2008)

FIFA on Friday ratified an agreement with the World Anti Doping Agency to fight doping in football. . . . more . . .

Iraq warned on interference, says IFA chief (May 30, 2008)

FIFA's move to curb political interference in Iraq's football has sent a strong message to the government in Baghdad, Iraq Football Association president Hussein Saeed said here Friday. . . . more . . .

Defiant FIFA boss confident of getting '6+5' quota to work (May 30, 2008)

Sepp Blatter is convinced Europe will come on board and agree with his foreign player quota for club teams after an overwhelming endorsement by the FIFA Congress Friday. . . . more . . .

French national football team coach Raymond Domenech

Euro contenders ready for battle (May 30, 2008)

One could almost hear the sound of knives being sharpened as coaches of the 16 Euro 2008 finalists trimmed their squads ahead of the start of battle in Austria and Switzerland next Saturday. . . . more . . .

Mancini finds out harsh price of success (May 30, 2008)

Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini must be wondering what the football world is coming to following his sacking after three consecutive Italian league titles (2006 to 2008) and two Italian Cups (2004 and 2005) in four years. . . . more . . .

Turkish Semih Senturk celebrates with Kazim Kazim

Turkey impress in Euro 2008 warm-up (May 29, 2008)

The 2002 World Cup semi-finalists Turkey put in their most impressive performance of their warm-up matches for Euro 2008 here on Thursday as they eased to a 2-0 win over Finland. . . . more . . .

Ireland's Robbie Keane (L) celebrates his opening goal

Keane gives Trapattoni his first win (May 29, 2008)

Giovanni Trapattoni savoured his first win as Republic of Ireland manager as Robbie Keane's goal clinched a 1-0 friendly victory over Colombia here on Thursday. . . . more . . .

(L-R)Dutch Ruud van Nistelrooy, John Heitinga and Arjen Robben

Attack-minded Holland looking shaky at the back (May 29, 2008)

Holland showed worrying defensive frailties in their 1-1 Euro 2008 warm up international friendly draw against Denmark here on Thursday night. . . . more . . .

Lyon confident of signing goalkeeper Hugo Lloris

Lyon president confident of signing Coupet's replacement (May 29, 2008)

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas said on Thursday the seven time champions have agreed terms with Nice and French reserve goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, without giving further details about the contract. . . . more . . .

Crisis club Gretna relegated to Third Division (May 29, 2008)

Gretna were relegated to the Scottish Third Division on Thursday after the crisis club were unable to guarantee they could fulfill their fixtures next season. . . . more . . .

Mancini sacked by Inter paving way for Mourinho return (May 29, 2008)

Roberto Mancini was sacked as coach of Serie A champions Inter Milan on Thursday opening the way for Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho to replace him. . . . more . . .

Alain Perrin's future still uncertain say Lyon

Perrin future still uncertain say Lyon (May 29, 2008)

The future of coach Alain Perrin, who led Lyon to their seventh consecutive league title and the French Cup this season for their first ever domestic double, is still unsure, the club's director of communications Olivier Blanc told AFP on Thursday. . . . more . . .

Stephen Pienaar(R) challenged by Dennis Masina(2nd L)

Unimpressive South Africa edge Swaziland in friendly (May 29, 2008)

Lacklustre South Africa edged neighbours Swaziland 1-0 in a non-cap international friendly match at chilly Germiston Stadium Thursday. . . . more . . .

Ten Cate sacked by Chelsea (May 29, 2008)

Chelsea assistant manager Henk Ten Cate was sacked on Thursday as the Dutchman became the latest victim of the Premier League club's close-season clear-out. . . . more . . .

Cameroon coach Pfister has been questioned by police

Cameroon coach Pfister questioned by police: press (May 29, 2008)

Cameroon coach Otto Pfister has been questioned by police after accusations by the agent who negotiated his contract that he failed to receive his commission, the press reported here on Thursday. . . . more . . .

Patrik Berger leaves England to play for Sparta Prague

Berger ends English stay to join Sparta Prague (May 29, 2008)

Former Czech Republic international midfielder Patrik Berger has joined Sparta Prague on a two-year contract, the top Czech first division club said, to end a seven-year period in England with various clubs. . . . more . . .

Being left out of French squad biggest blow of my career: Landreau (May 29, 2008)

Goalkeeper Mickael Landreau admitted on Thursday that being axed from France's Euro 2008 squad was the biggest setback of his career. . . . more . . .

FC Port president Da Costa was suspended for two years due to match-fixing

UEFA to decide Porto's Champions League future by June (May 29, 2008)

FC Porto will have to wait until June 4 to see if they can play in next season's Champions League, when a UEFA committee will give its ruling over a match-fixing scandal. . . . more . . .

Germany will reach Euro 2008 last eight: Ballack (May 29, 2008)

Germany captain Michael Ballack said on Thursday he is confident his side can reach the Euro 2008 knock-out stages and will be in form for Saturday's final warm-up with Serbia. . . . more . . .

Ronaldo has been repeatedly linked with a move to Real Madrid

Wages spiral in wealthy English Premier League (May 29, 2008)

Wages and profits are up again in the English Premier League, but it lags behind Germany's Bundesliga in terms of profitability, a study by accountants Deloitte showed Thursday. . . . more . . .

Japanese national football squad star Naohiro Takahara

Japan football coach Okada drops Takahara (May 29, 2008)

Japan football coach Takeshi Okada has dropped former Eintracht Frankfurt striker Naohiro Takahara from his squad for crucial upcoming World Cup qualifiers because of poor form. . . . more . . .

Iraq to play WCup qualifier after FIFA lift ban (May 29, 2008)

Iraq's World Cup qualifier with Australia will go ahead this weekend after football's world governing body FIFA on Thursday "provisionally and conditionally" lifted its 12-month ban on Iraq taking part in international competition. . . . more . . .

Zidane cancels Aussie trip (May 29, 2008)

Three-time world footballer of the year Zinedine Zidane has pulled out of his trip to Australia, forcing the cancellation of a weekend exhibition match here, organisers said Thursday. . . . more . . .

FIFA 'provisionally' lifts Iraq soccer ban (May 29, 2008)

Football's world governing body FIFA on Thursday "provisionally and conditionally" lifted its 12-month ban on Iraq taking part in international competition. . . . more . . .

US Oguchi Onyewu (L) vies with England's Wayne Rooney

Capello confirms England absences for Trinidad friendly (May 29, 2008)

England coach Fabio Capello has confirmed that seven players involved in last week's Champions League final have been excused from Sunday's friendly against Trinidad and Tobago. . . . more . . .

Newly appointed Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni

Ireland football coach chases first victory (May 29, 2008)

Giovanni Trapattoni will be chasing his first win as Republic of Ireland coach when his side face Colombia in Thursday's friendly at Craven Cottage. . . . more . . .

England's John Terry (R) celebrates his goal against USA with teammate Steven Gerrard

Terry's goal gets England captain smiling again (May 28, 2008)

John Terry finally had something to smile about as he marked his return as England captain with a goal in Wednesday's 2-0 friendly win over the United States. . . . more . . .

Marek Jankulovski is named Czech player of year

Marek Jankulovski Czech player of year (May 28, 2008)

AC Milan defender Marek Jankulovski was Wednesday voted Czech footballer of the year in a poll of players and coaches in Prague. . . . more . . .

Alberto Gilardino quits AC Milan for Fiorentina

Gilardino quits AC Milan for Fiorentina (May 28, 2008)

Italian international striker Alberto Gilardino has left AC Milan after three seasons to join Fiorentina on a five-year contract, his new club said Wednesday. . . . more . . .

Russia continue Euro warm-up with a win over Serbia (May 28, 2008)

Russia recorded a 2-1 win in a Euro 2008 warm-up match with Serbia played in the German town of Burghausen on Wednesday. . . . more . . .

Stambouli appointed Togo coach after winning concessions (May 28, 2008)

Experienced French coach Henri Stambouli was charged with guiding Togo to the 2010 World Cup finals and the African Nations Cup finals the same year when he signed a two year contract on Wednesday. . . . more . . .

AC Milan look to agree terms with Barcelona on Zambrotta (May 28, 2008)

World Cup-winning Italian full-back Gianluca Zambrotta could soon be joining the ranks of giants AC Milan, if the club can agree terms with Barcelona. . . . more . . .

Valverde named as Olympiakos coach (May 28, 2008)

Former Espanyol manager Ernesto Valverde was Wednesday named as the new coach for Greek champions Olympiakos. . . . more . . .

Veteran Vastic makes dramatic return to Austrian colours (May 28, 2008)

Austria coach Josef Hickersberger opted to recall veteran Ivica Vastic at the age of 38 to the Austrian squad for Euro 2008 when he named his final squad of 23 on Wednesday. . . . more . . .

Ferguson(L) and Queiroz found not guilty after ref row

Ferguson and Queiroz found not guilty after ref row (May 28, 2008)

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and his assistant Carlos Queiroz were found not guilty of improper conduct by the Football Association on Wednesday. . . . more . . .

Baggies wrap up Kim and Moore deals (May 28, 2008)

Premier League new-boys West Bromwich Albion signed South Korea midfielder Do-heon Kim and England Under-21 striker Luke Moore on Wednesday. . . . more . . .

Tight-lipped Cisse looks to England as Euro consolation (May 28, 2008)

French international striker Djibril Cisse could be returning to English football according to his agent on Wednesday as the Marseille star came to terms with being left out of the France squad for Euro 2008. . . . more . . .

Iraq's Ala Abdel Zahra (R) fights for the ball with Adel Lami of Qatar during a friendly match in 2007

Iraq says football association not sacked (May 28, 2008)

Iraq's football governing body was not sacked under a decree that covered other sports, the government said on Wednesday in a move that could see them play its World Cup qualifier in Australia. . . . more . . .

Grant - I would have won the league with more time (May 28, 2008)

Avram Grant insists Chelsea would have won the Premier League if he had been in charge from the start of the season. . . . more . . .

Cisse dropped from France's Euro 2008 squad (May 28, 2008)

Djibril Cisse was one of seven members of France's Euro 2008 squad to be dropped by manager Raymond Domenech on Wednesday, the third successive time the former Liverpool star has missed out on a major tournament. . . . more . . .

(From L to R) Germany's midfielder Jermaine Jones, striker Patrick Helmes and midfielder Marko Marin

Germany trio cut from Euro 2008 squad (May 28, 2008)

Germany head coach Joachim Loew has dropped striker Patrick Helmes plus midfielders Jermaine Jones and teenager Marko Marin from his Euro 2008 squad, it was announced on Wednesday. . . . more . . .

Cisse dropped from France's Euro 2008 squad (May 28, 2008)

Djibril Cisse was one of seven members of France's Euro 2008 squad to be dropped by manager Raymond Domenech on Wednesday. . . . more . . .

EU red cards Blatter's six plus five rule (May 28, 2008)

The European Commission rejected on Wednesday a call from FIFA president Sepp Blatter for a curb on the number of foreign players appearing for club sides, warning it would break EU labour rules. . . . more . . .

Germany trio cut from Euro 2008 squad (May 28, 2008)

Germany head coach Joachim Loew has dropped striker Patrick Helmes plus midfielders Jermaine Jones and teenager Marko Marin from his Euro 2008 squad, it was announced on Wednesday. . . . more . . .

Iraq confident Australia clash will go ahead (May 28, 2008)

Iraq are confident of playing Australia in their World Cup qualifier this weekend, but have been rattled by moves back home that could see the game abandoned, coach Adnan Hamad said Wednesday. . . . more . . .

Japan announce squad for World Cup qualifiers (May 28, 2008)

Japan's coach Takeshi Okada on Wednesday announced a 25-strong squad, including Celtic playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura, for World Cup qualifiers due to resume at home against Oman next week. . . . more . . .

Real seek to ease escalating Ronaldo row (May 28, 2008)

Real Madrid on Wednesday took steps to cool down the heated row that has blown up with Manchester United over their pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo. . . . more . . .

Capello issues England warning (May 28, 2008)

Fabio Capello has warned England's tired stars they could be embarrassed if they take it easy in Wednesday's friendly against the USA. . . . more . . .

Nakamura vital for football World Cup bid: Japan coach (May 28, 2008)

Japan coach Takeshi Okada admitted Celtic star Shunsuke Nakamura was vital to their World Cup qualifying campaign after being recalled from eight months on the sidelines. . . . more . . .

Austria's Emanuel Pogatetz (L) vies for the ball with Nigeria's Ikechukwo Uche

Nigerians hold Austrians to extend Euro co-hosts winless run (May 27, 2008)

Euro 2008 co-hosts Austria's hopes of a welcome boost ahead of the finals which begin on June 7 were erased here on Tuesday as they were held 1-1 by African Nations Cup quarter-finalists Nigeria. . . . more . . .

Zurawski gives relaxed Poles narrow win over Albanians (May 27, 2008)

An early goal by Maciej Zurawski gave Euro 2008 finalists Poland a 1-0 win over Albania here on Tuesday. . . . more . . .

Jan Koller (L) of the Czezh Republic looks on as Milan Baros (C) fights for a ball with Lithuania's Deividas Semberas

Koller double gives Czechs Euro bounce (May 27, 2008)

A double from seasoned striker Jan Koller gave the Czech Republic a morale boosting 2-0 victory over Lithuania in a Euro 2008 warm-up match here on Tuesday. . . . more . . .

Gomis emulates Zidane to give France victory over Ecuador (May 27, 2008)

Bafetimbi Gomis became the first French player since Zinedine Zidane to score a double on his international debut here on Tuesday as the French beat Ecuador 2-0 in a Euro 2008 warm-up match. . . . more . . .

OFI Crete take on experienced Czech coach (May 27, 2008)

Greek First Division side OFI Crete appointed seasoned Czech coach Frantisek Straka on Tuesday on a one year contract it was announced by the Czech Football Federation (CMFS). . . . more . . .

Paul Le Guen stays at PSG despite taking them to the brink

Le Guen stays at PSG despite taking them to the brink (May 27, 2008)

Paul Le Guen was retained on Tuesday as coach of ailing French football giants Paris Saint Germain despite having been one match away from seeing them relegated this season. . . . more . . .

Mourinho set to replace Mancini as Inter Milan coach: reports (May 27, 2008)

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho's long anticipated return to coaching looked set to be confirmed later on Tuesday as it was reported that Serie A champions Inter Milan were to let coach Roberto Mancini go. . . . more . . .

Belarus' Bulyga double strike leaves Germany red-faced (May 27, 2008)

Second-half goals from striker Vitali Bulyga gave minnows Belarus a shock 2-2 draw on Tuesday against Germany - one of the favourites for next month's Euro 2008. . . . more . . .

Boulahrouz fails to make van Basten's Euro grade (May 27, 2008)

Hardman defender Khalid Boulahrouz was the unlucky player on Tuesday as Dutch coach Marco van Basten decided he was excess to demands and cut him from his final squad for the upcoming Euro 2008 championships. . . . more . . .

Belarus' Bulyga strikes to leave Germany red-faced (May 27, 2008)

Second-half goals from striker Vitali Bulyga gave minnows Belarus a shock 2-2 draw on Tuesday against Germany - one of the favourites for next month's Euro 2008. . . . more . . .

Robin van Persie will sit-out friendly with Denmark

Van Basten not prepared to risk van Persie (May 27, 2008)

Injury-plagued Dutch striker Robin van Persie will sit out Thursday's Euro 2008 warm-up match with Denmark as Netherlands coach Marco van Basten does not want to risk him aggravating a thigh injury. . . . more . . .

Tomas Ujfalusi has been named Czech captain for Euro

Ujfalusi named Czech captain for Euro (May 27, 2008)

Veteran Czech defender Tomas Ujfalusi was on Tuesday named captain of the national side for the upcoming European Championships, which are being co-hosted by Austria and Switzerland and gets underway on June 7. . . . more . . .

Ruud and van Basten - professional, not pally (May 27, 2008)

Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has described his often fractious relationship with national coach Marco van Basten as "professional". . . . more . . .

Bayern Munich goalkeeper and captain Oliver Kahn (C)

In India, King Kahn bows out with a clean sheet (May 27, 2008)

Some 100,000 Indians came together to bid legendary German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn a fond farewell when he played his last match as a professional for Bayern Munich on Tuesday. . . . more . . .

Liverpool warn Chelsea to forget about Torres (May 27, 2008)

Liverpool have told Chelsea that Spain striker Fernando Torres is not for sale at any price. . . . more . . .

Sacked Grant turned down director of football role (May 27, 2008)

Avram Grant revealed he turned down the chance to return to his role as Chelsea's director of football before being sacked by the Premier League club. . . . more . . .

Head coach of the Russian national football team Guus Hiddink

Hiddink announces Russia Euro 2008 squad (May 27, 2008)

Russia coach Guus Hiddink on Tuesday unveiled his final selection of 23 players to play in the Euro 2008 finals. . . . more . . .

Terry will lead England against US footballers (May 27, 2008)

John Terry has been restored as England captain for Wednesday's friendly against the United States at Wembley. . . . more . . .

Real still hopeful of landing Ronaldo - press (May 27, 2008)

Real Madrid is awaiting a decision by Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo on his possible transfer to the Spanish champions, but are hopeful of signing him, Spanish newspapers said Tuesday. . . . more . . .

Terry will lead England against US footballers (May 27, 2008)

John Terry has been restored as England captain for Wednesday's friendly against the United States at Wembley. . . . more . . .

Manchester United's goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar (2R) celebrates with teammates after saving a penalty to win

English Premier League's global expansion still on the agenda (May 27, 2008)

English Premier League plans for a 39th round of fixtures to be played across the world are back on the agenda according to Everton chief executive Keith Wyness. . . . more . . .

Thaksin still coy on Sven's future with Man City (May 27, 2008)

Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra sidestepped questions Tuesday on the future of manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who is rumoured to be facing the chop in an end-of-season review. . . . more . . .

Man Utd defender Pique to join Barcelona (May 27, 2008)

Manchester United sold Spanish defender Gerard Pique to his former club Barcelona on Tuesday. . . . more . . .

FIFA shelves controversial altitude ban (May 27, 2008)

World governing body FIFA has shelved its controversial ban on international football matches played at high altitude, its president Sepp Blatter said Tuesday. . . . more . . .

Arsenal's Emirates football stadium in London

Arsenal not looking for new investor (May 27, 2008)

Arsenal have ruled out looking for an new investor who could provide the cash injection needed to keep up with Manchester United and Chelsea. . . . more . . .

Liverpool warn Chelsea to forget about Torres (May 27, 2008)

Liverpool have told Chelsea that Spain striker Fernando Torres is not for sale at any price. . . . more . . .

Iraq's Ala Abdel Zahra (R) fights for the ball with Adel Lami of Qatar during a friendly international in 2007

FIFA chief upbeat on Iraq football crisis (May 27, 2008)

FIFA president Sepp Blatter said Iraq must back down from 'political interference' in its national football federation so the team can play their World Cup qualifier in Australia this weekend. . . . more . . .

UAE to host 2009, 2010 Club World Cup: FIFA (May 27, 2008)

The United Arab Emirates will host the Club World Cup in 2009 and 2010 after beating off rival bids from Australia, Japan and Portugal, world governing body FIFA announced on Tuesday. . . . more . . .

A policeman watches a V-League match in Hanoi

One dead, 10 hurt in Vietnam football clash (May 27, 2008)

One man died and at least 10 people were wounded in clashes between hundreds of football fans in Vietnam, state media reported Tuesday, in the most serious in a spate of similar incidents. . . . more . . .

Capello warns England stars not to take it easy (May 27, 2008)

Fabio Capello has warned England's weary stars they can't afford to start their holidays early by coasting through Wednesday's friendly against the USA. . . . more . . .

Euro challenge has Ballack raring to go (May 26, 2008)

German captain Michael Ballack shrugged off his disappointment at losing out to Manchester United in last Wednesday's Champions League by saying on Monday he couldn't wait for Euro 2008 to begin. . . . more . . .

Cassano can be our Ribery, says Toni (May 26, 2008)

Italy foward Luca Toni likened controversial striker Antonio Cassano to France star Franck Ribery during Italy's pre-Euro 2008 training camp near Florence on Monday. . . . more . . .

Poland's Michal Pazdan (R) vies for the ball with Macedonia's Stevica Ristic

Poles fail to impress against Macedonians (May 26, 2008)

Poland's dreams of making an impression at their first ever appearance at a European championship finals looked anything but likely after a 1-1 draw with Macedonia in a warm-up match on Monday. . . . more . . .

Sweden's Tobias Linderoth (L) scores in front of Slovenia's goalkeeper Samir Handanovic

Swedes edge win over Slovenia as Ibrahimovic sits match out (May 26, 2008)

Tobias Linderoth's first goal in more than seven years for Sweden saw the Euro 2008 finalists beat Slovenia 1-0 in a warm-up match for the finals on Monday, though, worryingly star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic sat out the match with his knee bandaged. . . . more . . .

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