Latest Football News

• 2014 World Cup to start on June 12, FIFA says

  RIO DE JANEIRO, July 27 (Reuters) - The 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil will start on June 12 with the final on July 13, FIFA's secretary general Jerome Valcke said on Wednesday.

• ADO Den Haag 3-2 Ajax: Derijck late winner

  ADO Den Haag 3-2 Ajax: Derijck late winner

• ANALYSIS-Bin Hammam ban sets up battle for AFC presidency

  SINGAPORE, July 24 (Reuters) - Mohammed Bin Hammam's lifetime ban from soccer is likely to transform Friday's scheduled Asian Football Confederation (AFC) executive committee meeting into a platform for prospective candidates to campaign for votes to fill his presidential role.

• ANALYSIS-Unusual Bojan Krkic 'loan' deal may catch on

  MADRID, July 25 (Reuters) - Barcelona's unusual deal with AS Roma for the transfer of forward Bojan Krkic to the Italian capital, according to which the La Liga club must buy him back in two years, is the kind of innovative loan agreement that could catch on.

• Argentina: Olimpo beat Boca Junior to go top

  Olimpo moved a point clear at the top of the Argentinian Clausura on Sunday with a 2-0 win at Boca Juniors.

• Baird wants Euro glory

  Fulham's Chris Baird admits they face a tough Europa League clash on Thursday against RNK Split.

• Banned Bin Hammam wants FIFA evidence in public domain

  DOHA, July 25 (Reuters) - Former Asia soccer chief Mohamed Bin Hammam wants the evidence presented to FIFA that led to his life ban from football to be placed in the public domain, the Qatari said in a blog post on Monday.

• Benfica sign Spain's Capdevila from Villarreal

  LISBON, July 21 (Reuters) - Spanish defender Joan Capdevila has agreed to join Benfica on a two-year contract for an undisclosed fee from Villarreal, the Portuguese club said on their website on Thursday.

• Benfica take stride towards Champions League playoff spot

  LONDON, July 27 (Reuters) - Twice European champions Benfica earned an important two-goal cushion in the first leg of their Champions League third qualifying round tie against Turkish side Trabzonspor on Wednesday, winning 2-0 in Lisbon.

• Bin Hammam dismisses "flimsy" evidence as hearing starts

  ZURICH, JULY 22 - S uspended Asian soccer president Mohamed Bin Hammam questioned whether he would be fairly treated as a two-day hearing began on Friday into allegations that he tried to buy votes in the run-up to last month's FIFA presidential election.

• Bin Hammam doubts he will be treated fairly

  ZURICH, July 22 (Reuters) - Suspended Asian soccer chief Mohamed Bin Hammam questioned whether he would be fairly treated as a two-day hearing began on Friday into allegations he tried to buy votes ahead of last month's FIFA presidential election.

• Bin Hammam to appeal against FIFA life ban

  ZURICH, July 23 (Reuters) - Mohamed Bin Hammam, the Asian soccer chief who was due to challenge Sepp Blatter for the FIFA presidency last month, was banned for life by football's ruling body on Saturday for his part in a cash-for-votes scandal.

• Blatter denies Bin Hammam's claims he is a dictator

  RIO DE JANEIRO, July 27 (Reuters) - Beleaguered FIFA president Sepp Blatter denied he ran FIFA like a dictatorship on Wednesday but refused to make any comment on his former ally Mohamed bin Hammam, who was banned from soccer for life on Saturday on corruption charges.

• Blatter signals arrival of goalline technology

  RIO DE JANEIRO, July 27 (Reuters) - England's Premier League and any others who want to introduce goalline technology got the go-ahead to do so from FIFA president Sepp Blatter on Wednesday, as long as the law-making International Football Association Board approves it next March.

• Bolton star Holden admits fears over injury

  Bolton Wanderers midfielder Stuart Holden is anticipating bad news when the final prognosis is delivered on the injury he sustained in a challenge on Saturday.

• Brazil name three newcomers for Germany friendly

  RIO DE JANEIRO, July 25 (Reuters) - Brazil coach Mano Menezes named three newcomers on Monday in his squad for a friendly against Germany next month.

• Bulgaria midfielder Marquinhos joins Anorthosis

  SOFIA, July 25 (Reuters) - Midfielder Marquinhos has joined Cypriot club Anorthosis Famagusta from CSKA Sofia on a three-year contract, the Bulgarian club said on Monday.

• Bulgarian FA blocks Marquinhos move over unpaid debts

  SOFIA, July 27 (Reuters) - The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) has blocked Brazilian-born midfielder Marquinhos's move from CSKA Sofia to Cypriot club Anorthosis Famagusta over unpaid debts to several clubs.

• Bundesliga: Second-placed Bayer down Schalke

  Bayer Leverkusen moved to within seven points of Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund and strengthened their hold on second place with a comfortable 2-0 win over Schalke.

• Capello hails Jack

  England boss Fabio Capello believes Jack Wilshere is "at the top" among young players in world football.

• Celtic 1-2 Rangers

  Celtic 1-2 Rangers

• Copa America failure costs Batista Argentina job

  BUENOS AIRES, July 25 (Reuters) - Argentina's failure to win the Copa America as hosts and end an 18-year wait for a major title cost coach Sergio Batista his job on Monday.

• Cottagers held in Croatia

  Fulham hold the advantage despite being held to a frustrating goalless draw at RNK Split in their Europa League third qualifying round.

• Delap - Hard work paid off

  Rory Delap feels Stoke's 1-0 win over Hajduk Split is testament to the work everyone has put in this summer.

• Drogba takes malaria fight to native Africa

  BANGKOK, July 23 (Reuters) - After six years braving England's frigid winters, a tropical disease was the last thing Chelsea's injury-prone striker Didier Drogba thought would keep him on the sidelines of the Premier League.

• England call up for Wolves winger Matt Jarvis

  Wolves winger Matt Jarvis has been included in the England squad for the upcoming Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales.

• Eredivisie: PSV Eindhoven hold onto top spot

  PSV Eindhoven maintained their slender lead at the top of the Eredivisie but were made to work hard for a 1-0 victory at home to FC Utrecht.

• Europa League round-up

  Sligo Rovers and St Patrick's Athletic tumbled out of the Europa League, while Palermo, Mainz and ADO Den Haag were also knocked out.

• Europa League round-up

  Irish side Sligo have given themselves a great chance of progressing to the Europa League play-offs after a 0-0 draw against Vorskla.

• Fenerbahce chairman jailed in match fixing probe

  ISTANBUL, July 10 (Reuters) - An Istanbul court jailed the chairman of league champions Fenerbahce on Sunday pending trial on charges of match-fixing, in an investigation which could result in the club being stripped of their title.

• FIFA hands Bin Hammam life ban for bribery

  ZURICH, July 23 (Reuters) - Asian soccer chief Mohamed Bin Hammam was banned for life on Saturday after being found guilty by world football's ruling body of trying to buy votes ahead of last month's FIFA presidential election.

• FIFA to open new probe into Caribbean meeting

  BERNE, July 26 (Reuters) - FIFA are set to open a further investigation into the meeting of Caribbean football officials which resulted in former presidential candidate Mohamed Bin Hammam being banned for life.

• Fiorentina 2-2 AS Roma: Totti saves point

  Fiorentina 2-2 AS Roma: Totti saves point

• Forlan follows in family footsteps with Copa America win

  BUENOS AIRES, July 24 (Reuters) - Diego Forlan completed a remarkable achievement for his family with Uruguay's record 15th Copa America title on Sunday.

• Forlan scores two as Uruguay win Copa America

  BUENOS AIRES, July 24 (Reuters) - Diego Forlan scored twice after Luis Suarez's opening goal as Uruguay beat Paraguay 3-0 to win the Copa America on Sunday and be crowned South American champions for a record 15th time.

• Franck Ribery slams 'rubbish' Europa League

  Franck Ribery has stated in no uncertain terms that Bayern Munich must qualify for the Champions League next season, saying the Europa League is "rubbish".

• Fulham battle past Split

  Fulham advanced to the Europa League play-off stage following a 2-0 home success over RNK Split.

• Galatasaray sign Uruguay goalkeeper Muslera

  ISTANBUL, July 20 (Reuters) - Galatasaray have signed Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera from Lazio in a five-year deal, the Turkish club said on Wednesday.

• Galaxy 1-1 New England: Juninho nets again

  Galaxy 1-1 New England: Juninho nets again

• Guerrero hat-trick gives Peru 3rd-place win

  LA PLATA, July 23 (Reuters) - Striker Paolo Guerrero scored a hat-trick as Peru crushed 10-man Venezuela 4-1 to take third place at the Copa America on Saturday.

• Harry - Europa a 'killer'

  Harry Redknapp has labelled the Europa League a Premier League 'killer' due to the amount of matches and travelling.

• Hearts face Spurs in Europa

  There is an all British clash in the Europa League final qualifying round after Hearts were paired with Tottenham.

• Hearts take advantage

  Jamie Hamill notched a crucial away goal from the spot as Hearts drew with Paksi in Hungary.

• Helsinki enjoy record 13-0 aggregate win over Bangor

  ZURICH, July 19 - HJK Helsinki swept to a 10-0 win over Bangor City of Wales to complete a record 13-0 aggregate victory in the Champions League era on Tuesday while former European Cup runners-up Malmo advanced after scraping a last-gasp draw at HB Torshavn.

• Hercules dismiss Vigo after heavy defeat

  Hercules have sacked coach Esteban Vigo following Sunday evening's 4-0 home defeat to Osasuna.

• Houllier vows to steer Aston Villa to safety

  Gerard Houllier says his Aston Villa players are "worried" about the team's current form but insists he will get the points he needs to steer the club to safety.

• Italy World Cup winner Cannavaro retires

  DUBAI, July 9 (Reuters) - Former World Player of the Year Fabio Cannavaro retired on Saturday five years to the day since captaining Italy to World Cup glory.

• Japan coach takes rap for Twitter criticism gaffe

  TOKYO, July 22 (Reuters) - Japan's World Cup-winning women's soccer team coach apologised on Friday after inappropriate comments one of his players made about him were published on the social networking site Twitter.

• Japan's World Cup winners in line for rare award

  TOKYO, July 25 (Reuters) - Japan's trail-blazing women's soccer players could become the first team to receive the prestigious People's Honour Award for their astonishing World Cup triumph earlier this month.

• Jol disappointment

  Martin Jol admits he was disappointed Fulham could not get the better of RNK Split in the first leg of the Europa League clash.

• Jol praises Johnson show

  Martin Jol praised reported West Ham target Andrew Johnson after his goal against RNK Split.

• Jubilant Uruguayans celebrate Copa America win

  MONTEVIDEO, July 24 (Reuters) - Thousands of Uruguayan soccer fans, many with faces painted sky blue, flooded into the streets of the capital on Sunday to celebrate their team's record-breaking Copa America triumph.

• Krulak: Lerner aware of Villa fans' frustration

  Aston Villa fans have been told that owner Randy Lerner is aware of their grievances towards manager Gerard Houllier after some supporters openly called for his removal.

• La Liga: Malaga win, Hercules thrashed

  Salomon Rondon hit both goals as Malaga boosted their chances of Primera Division survival with a precious 2-0 win at home to Espanyol.

• La Liga: Sevilla beat Valencia, Malaga win

  Sevilla kept their chances of achieving top-four finish alive with a fine win at Valencia.

• Ligue 1: Marseille see off PSG, Monaco beaten

  Marseille climbed into second place in the Ligue 1 table with a 2-1 victory over title rivals Paris St Germain at the Stade Velodrome.

• Ligue 1: Nancy add to Monaco relegation woes

  Nancy eased their Ligue 1 relegation fears as Andre Luiz's early goal gave them a 1-0 win over a Monaco side who proved to be their own worst enemies.

• Liverpool owner Henry impressed with Dalglish

  Liverpool owner John W Henry has praised Kenny Dalglish's work at Anfield but reiterated that he was not prepared to discuss his long-term future at the club.

• Match-fixers in Bulgaria face up to six years in jail

  SOFIA, July 21 (Reuters) - Bulgaria's parliament has approved legal amendments under which anyone convicted of attempting to fix sports events will face up to six years in jail.

• Mourinho hails 'tired' players

  Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho heaped praise on his exhausted team after seeing them edge past local rivals Atletico Madrid to keep within touching distance of Primera Division leaders Barcelona.

• Myanmar fans' fury halts World Cup qualifier with Oman

  YANGON, July 28 (Reuters) - A World Cup qualifier between Myanmar and Oman was abandoned on Thursday after angry fans hurled rocks and glass bottles at the referee, the visiting coach Paul Le Guen and one of his players, witnesses said.

• No reason to ban Turkish clubs from Europe, say UEFA

  - BERNE, July 12 (Reuters) - UEFA has no reason on current evidence to ban any of the Turkish clubs involved in match-fixing investigations from European competition at this stage, European soccer's governing body said on Tuesday.

• Norwegian FA cancels matches after shooting, bomb attack

  OSLO, July 23 (Reuters) - All top-flight Norwegian soccer matches this weekend have been cancelled after gun and bomb attacks that killed at least 91 people, the Norwegian FA (NFF) said in a statement on Saturday.

• Olympiakos Volos and Kavala relegated in Greece

  ATHENS, July 28 (Reuters) - Olympiakos Volos and Kavala have been relegated from the Greek Super League, the disciplinary committee announced on Thursday.

• One dead, 14 injured in Dutch stadium roof collapse

  AMSTERDAM, July 7 (Reuters) - One construction worker was killed and 14 others injured by falling steel and rubble when part of a Dutch soccer stadium's roof in the city of Enschede collapsed during renovation work on Thursday.

• Paksi v Hearts preview

  Hearts will be looking to get their Euro campaign off to a positive start when they face Hungarian side Paksi.

• Paraguay coach banned for final, teams fined after brawl

  ASUNCION, July 21 (Reuters) - Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino will watch the Copa America final from the stands after he was suspended for two games following a brawl at the end of their semi-final win over Venezuela.

• Paulo's Hearts smash Hungarians

  Paulo Sergio steered Hearts into the Europa League play-off round with a comprehensive and stylish 4-1 defeat of Hungary's Paks at Tynecastle.

• Peru crush Venezuela 4-1, finish third at Copa America

  LA PLATA, July 23 (Reuters) - Striker Paolo Guerrero scored a hat-trick as Peru crushed 10-man Venezuela 4-1 to take third place at the Copa America on Saturday.

• Porto striker Falcao extends contract until 2015

  LISBON, July 14 (Reuters) - Porto's prolific Colombian striker Radamel Falcao has agreed to extend his contract until 2015 and now has a release clause of 45 million euros, the Portuguese club said on Thursday.

• Potters march on in Europe

  Ryan Shotton's late away goal against Hajduk Split put Stoke in the next round of the Europa League.

• PREVIEW-Uruguay chase record 15th Copa America title

  BUENOS AIRES, July 22 (Reuters) - Uruguay will bid to claim a record 15th Copa America, eclipsing the 14 titles won by host nation Argentina, by beating Paraguay in Sunday's final at the Monumental (1900 GMT).

• Prosecutor seeks jail for Fenerbahce chairman

  ISTANBUL, July 8 (Reuters) - A Turkish prosecutor requested a court jail the chairman of league champions Fenerbahce pending trial on charges of match-fixing on Friday, TV reports said, in an investigation which could result in the club being stripped of its title.

• Pulis allays Etherington fears

  Tony Pulis has revealed Matthew Etherington has a cracked rib but expects him to line up against Hajduk Split.

• Pulis beams with pride

  Tony Pulis praised Stoke after they beat Hajduk Split to claim a place in the next round of the Europa League.

• Pulis rues missed chances

  Tony Pulis was disappointed Stoke could only manage a 1-0 win after dominating Hajduk Split on Thursday night.

• Redknapp moves to silence critics at Tottenham

  Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp believes he can win the Premier League during his tenure - and criticised outspoken fans who believe the club should be doing better this season.

• Redknapp slams critics his critics at Tottenham

  Tottenham Hotspur boss Harry Redknapp believes he can win the Premier League during his tenure - and criticised outspoken fans who believe the club should be doing better this season.

• Ronaldo facing three weeks out of action

  Cristiano Ronaldo faces a race to be fit for Real Madrid's Champions League quarter-final against Tottenham after suffering a hamstring injury in Saturday's victory over Atletico Madrid.

• Rubin score shock win at Shevchenko-less Dynamo

  LONDON, July 26 (Reuters) - Dynamo Kiev, who left out former European footballer of the year Andriy Shevchenko, slumped to a 2-0 home defeat against Rubin Kazan in a Champions League third qualifying round first-leg tie on Tuesday.

• Sergio in Jefferies tribute

  New Hearts boss Paulo Sergio dedicated victory over Paks in his first game to predecessor Jim Jefferies.

• Serie A: Inter close gap on Milan to two points

  Inter Milan took full advantage of AC Milan's defeat on Saturday as they defeated Lecce to move two points behind the leaders.

• Singapore win derby, Bin Hammam claims headlines

  SINGAPORE, July 23 (Reuters) - Singapore beat arch-rivals Malaysia 5-3 in a thrilling, error-strewn match that was the pick of World Cup Asian qualifiers on Saturday, but events on the field were overshadowed by the lifetime ban handed to AFC president Mohamed Bin Hammam.

• Spain still riding high a year on from World Cup glory

  MADRID, July 11 (Reuters) - Spain have stuttered in a couple of friendlies since their first World Cup triumph a year ago but Vicente del Bosque's side are cruising through Euro 2012 qualifying and will be firm favourites to retain their title.

• Spartak Moscow fine Argentine duo over late arrival

  MOSCOW, July 27 (Reuters) - Spartak Moscow have fined Argentina internationals Marcos Rojo and Nicolas Pareja half their monthly wages after the duo arrived late back from the Copa America, the Russian Premier League side said on Wednesday.

• Stoke seal Hajduk win

  Stoke City made their return to European competition on Thursday and claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Croatian outfit Hajduk Split.

• Sunderland 0-2 Liverpool

  Sunderland 0-2 Liverpool

• Switzerland's Neuchatel fire keeper after one match

  ZURICH, July 22 (Reuters) - Swiss club Neuchatel Xamax's turbulent start under new Chechen owner Bulat Chagaev continued on Friday when goalkeeper Rodrigo Galatto was fired after one game and one week at the club.

• Top Besiktas figures jailed in match-fixing probe

  ISTANBUL, July 13 - A Turkish court jailed the coach and deputy chairman of Istanbul club Besiktas pending trial on Wednesday in a match-fixing investigation which has overshadowed preparations for the new soccer season, media reports said.

• Trabzonspor chairman held in match-fixing probe

  ISTANBUL, July 11 (Reuters) - Turkish police detained 22 people including the chairman of Trabzonspor on Monday in a widening match-fixing investigation which has already put 26 people in jail pending trial, broadcasters said.

• Turkey federation defers match-fixing probe move

  ISTANBUL, July 12 - Turkish police questioned more footballers and officials in a major match-fixing investigation on Tuesday while the soccer federation said last season's results would stand because it lacked evidence to launch its own inquiry.

• Turkish Federation delays soccer season due to scandal

  ISTANBUL, July 25 (Reuters) - Turkey's soccer federation decided on Monday to delay the start of the new season until Sept. 9 from Aug. 5 amid an investigation into match-fixing allegations involving some of the country's major clubs, CNN-Turk news channel reported.

• Turkish football federation postpone Super Cup

  ISTANBUL, July 19 (Reuters) - The Turkish Super Cup match between league champions Fenerbahce and cup winners Besiktas has been postponed due to a court investigation into match-fixing allegations which have hit some of the country's major clubs, Turkey's football federation said on Tuesday.

• Two Indonesian players left behind after passport gaffe

  JAKARTA, July 22 (Reuters) - Two Indonesian players could not travel to Turkmenistan for Saturday's World Cup qualifier after the country's soccer body misplaced their passports, local media said.

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