Latest Football News

• AFC boss backs sole Australian bid to host 2015 Asian Cup

  KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 (Reuters) - Australia, the only country offering to host the 2015 Asian Cup, presented its much delayed bid book to tournament organisers on Thursday and immediately won the backing of Asia's soccer chief.

• Argentina bosses betrayed me - Maradon

  BUENOS AIRES, July 28 (Reuters) - Diego Maradona accused Argentine soccer chiefs of betraying him on Wednesday, a day after they voted unanimously to end his tenure as national team coach.

• Asia chief 'deeply concerned' by Iraq election deadlock

  KUALA LUMPUR, July 27 (Reuters) - Asia's soccer chief Mohamed Bin Hammam has expressed his "deep concern" at the failure of Iraq to elect a new president for its soccer federation, which could lead to its suspension from the international game.

• Baggies close to getting Boaz on board

  West Brom are close to signing Hull City goalkeeper Boaz Myhill, who will travel to The Hawthorns on Friday for talks and a medical.

• Baggies end Djemba-Djemba pursuit

  West Brom end their interest in signing Eric Djemba-Djemba from Danish club Odense for medical reasons.

• Ballack hits back at Lahm's Germany captaincy claims

  FRANKFURT, July 15 (Reuters) - Michael Ballack has hit back at Philipp Lahm's wish to stay as German captain after his stint in charge during the World Cup when regular skipper Ballack was ruled out with injury.

• Beckham could return to training in late August - Arena

  HOUSTON, July 28 (Reuters) - David Beckham could be back in training by the end of August, his LA Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said on Wednesday.

• Beckham denies West Ham contact

  David Beckham has 'no interest' in leaving LA Galaxy for West Ham, his spokesman says.

• Bendtner to miss start of season

  Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner will miss the start of the season because of a persistent groin injury, according to Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.

• Bin Hammam backing bolsters Qatar 2022 bid

  SINGAPORE, July 28 (Reuters) - Qatar's bid to host the 2022 World Cup received a huge boost on Wednesday when Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Mohamed Bin Hammam threw his weight behind his country's campaign.

• Blackpool lodge Eaves bid - Report

  Blackpool manager Ian Holloway has reportedly tabled an offer for Oldham's highly-rated young strikerTom Eaves.

• Bosnia coach to quit if national team suspended - media

  SARAJEVO, July 19 (Reuters) - Bosnia's national coach Safet Susic will quit his job if UEFA and FIFA suspend the Balkan country's Football Federation (NSBIH) from international competition, Bosnian media reported on Monday.

• Brazil ring changes for U.S. friendly

  RIO DE JANEIRO, July 26 (Reuters) - New Brazil coach Mano Menezes made wholesale changes with only four survivors from the World Cup when he named his squad on Monday for next month's friendly against the United States.

• Campbell completes Newcastle move

  Newcastle United seal the signing of defender Sol Campbell on a one-year contract.

• Champions League to have two extra assistant referees

  LONDON, July 21 (Reuters) - Matches in this season's Champions League will have two additional assistant referees, world governing body FIFA announced on Wednesday.

• Chinese fan karate kicks ref after double red

  BEIJING, July 26 (Reuters) - A Chinese fan enraged by two quick red cards shown to the Qingdao Chinese Super League club at the weekend registered his annoyance by launching a karate kick at the referee and shoving a linesman.

• Coach says Ribery and Benzema can still play for France

  PARIS, July 27 (Reuters) - Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema could be selected to play for France despite being under police investigation on suspicion of soliciting sex with an under-age prostitute, coach Laurent Blanc said on Tuesday.

• Collina takes on UEFA role, backs extra assistants

  MILAN, July 4 (Reuters) - Former top referee Pierluigi Collina wants to continue an experiment with goalline assistants rather than use technology when he takes control of UEFA officials.

• Corinthians go top to give Menezes dream sendoff

  RIO DE JANEIRO, July 26 (Reuters) - Corinthians gave new Brazil coach Mano Menezes a perfect sendoff by beating Guarani 3-1 to go top of the Brazilian championship.

• Da Silva wants first team role

  Paulo Da Silva is hoping to stay at Sunderland with a view to establishing himself as a regular in the side.

• Delfouneso flying out for Villa action

  Nathan Delfouneso is to link up with Aston Villa for the Guadiana Cup in Portugal just days after playing in the European U19 Championships.

• Donovan says evaluating transfer options

  HOUSTON, July 29 (Reuters) - United States forward Landon Donovan is considering possible moves to Europe away from his Major League Soccer club the Los Angeles Galaxy.

• Doyle joins Argyle on trial

  Birmingham keeper Colin Doyle has linked up with League One side Plymouth Argyle on a week's trial.

• Dutch rest World Cup players for Ukraine friendly

  AMSTERDAM, July 28 (Reuters) - Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk has named only one member of his World Cup squad for next month's friendly against Ukraine.

• Eduardo joins Ukrainian champions Shakhtar

  KIEV, July 21 (Reuters) - Croatia striker Eduardo has joined Shakhtar Donetsk from Arsenal on a four-year deal, the Ukrainian champions said on Wednesday.

• Europa League review - Thurs 29th July

  A review of Thursday's Europa League action involving Barclays Premier League clubs.

• Fantasy Premier League 10/11 opens

  Fantasy Premier League is back and it is bigger and better than ever.

• Ferguson backs Bradley to make mark in Europe

  HOUSTON, July 26 (Reuters) - Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has backed United States coach Bob Bradley to make his mark in European soccer and expressed surprise that the American has not been offered a new deal by his country.

• Ferguson defends Man Utd owners

  Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson gives his backing to the under-fire Glazer family, who own the club.

• France striker Govou joins Panathinaikos

  ATHENS, July 3 (Reuters) - Greek champions Panathinaikos have signed France forward Sidney Govou on a free transfer subject to a medical.

• France suspend their World Cup mutineers

  PARIS, July 23 (Reuters) - France's 23-member World Cup squad have been suspended for the country's next game after their first-round exit from this year's tournament, the French Football Federation (FFF) said on Friday.

• France's Ribery faces uncertain months over sex case

  PARIS, July 21 (Reuters) - French soccer star Franck Ribery faces month of uncertainty, threatening his mental stability, after being placed under judicial investigation on suspicion of soliciting sex with an under-age prostitute, his lawyer said on Wednesday.

• French soccer stars probed in under-age sex case

  PARIS, July 20 (Reuters) - French soccer internationals Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema were placed under judicial investigation on Tuesday on suspicion of soliciting sex with an under-age prostitute, the Paris public prosecutor's office said.

• Friendly in Sardinia abandoned after players' fights

  MILAN, July 28 (Reuters) - A pre-season friendly between Sardinia's Cagliari and Corsica's Bastia was abandoned after 75 minutes on Wednesday after players repeatedly fought each other, the Italian side said in a statement.

• Friendly round-up - Thurs 29th July

  A review of Thursday's pre-season friendly action involving Barclays Premier League sides.

• Giuliano strikes again to give Inter edge in Libertadores

  RIO DE JANEIRO, July 28 (Reuters) - Internacional's Giuliano came on as a second-half substitute and scored within three minutes to give his side a 1-0 home win over fellow Brazilians Sao Paulo in the first leg of their Libertadores Cup semi-final.

• Given returns to Republic squad

  Shay Given returns to the Republic of Ireland squad for the friendly international against Argentina at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

• Grant stands firm over Parker

  West Ham United manager Avram Grant says sought-after midfielder Scott Parker will remain his Hammers' heartbeat.

• Hernandez impresses Ferguson

  Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes Javier Hernandez's pace could be a crucial weapon.

• Hughes confirmed as Fulham boss

  Fulham confirm the appointment of Mark Hughes as their new manager, replacing Roy Hodgson.

• Hughes handed Fulham job

  Mark Hughes has been confirmed as Fulham's new manager after agreeing a two-year deal.

• Hughes steps into Fulham hot-seat

  Former Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has been confirmed as Fulham's new manager after agreeing a two-year deal at Craven Cottage.

• Hull consider Baggies Myhill bid

  Hull City consider West Brom's bid for Wales international keeper Boaz Myhill.

• Hungary sack Koeman, name Egervari head coach

  BUDAPEST, July 23 (Reuters) - The Hungarian Football Association (HFA) has terminated Erwin Koeman's contract as coach of the national team and named Sandor Egervari as his replacement, new HFA President Sandor Csanyi said on Friday.

• I am not the bogeyman, says France coach Blanc

  PARIS,July 6 (Reuters) - New France coach Laurent Blanc said it was not his responsibility to take disciplinary action against the players who led a mutiny during the team's dismal World Cup campaign.

• Italian coach Beretta lasts 23 days at PAOK Salonika

  ATHENS, July 22 (Reuters) - PAOK Salonika have parted company with coach Mario Beretta just 23 days into his reign, the Greek club said on Thursday.

• Kewell extends Galatasaray stay for one more year

  ISTANBUL, July 20 (Reuters) - Australian international Harry Kewell has ended speculation linking him with a move home to the A-League by agreeing a one-year contract extension with Turkish side Galatasaray.

• Krul pens new Magpies deal

  Newcastle United goalkeeper Tim Krul has signed a new four-year contract with the club.

• Lack of chances frustrates Bostock

  Tottenham starlet John Bostock believes the heavy influx of foreign signings is stifling and hindering youngster's opportunities.

• Latics fail to break down Turkish side

  Wigan concluded their Austrian tour with a 0-0 draw against Turkish side Genclerbirligi in Klagenfurt at lunchtime on Thursday.

• Lindegaard linked with United switch

  Norwegian side Aalesund have confirmed that Manchester United are interested in goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard.

• Loew extends Germany contract for two years

  BERLIN, July 20 (Reuters) - Germany coach Joachim Loew's contract has been extended for another two years keeping him in charge of the team until the end of Euro 2012.

• Macheda, Hernandez on target as Manchester Utd crush MLS

  HOUSTON, July 28 (Reuters) - Italian striker Federico Macheda struck twice and Mexican Javier Hernandez scored on his debut as Manchester United crushed the Major League Soccer All Stars 5-2 on Wednesday.

• Malouda blames system for French flop

  PARIS, July 3 (Reuters) - France's World Cup fiasco was the fault of the system, a poor environment and the coach's refusal to listen to players, according to Florent Malouda.

• Manchester United stunned by 10-man Kansas City

  NEW YORK, July 25 (Reuters) - English Premier League club Manchester United suffered the first defeat on their pre-season North America tour when they were upset 2-1 by the 10-man Kansas City Wizards in Kansas City on Sunday.

• Maradona dropped as Argentina coach

  BUENOS AIRES, July 27 (Reuters) - Diego Maradona's stormy spell as Argentina coach came to an end on Tuesday when the Argentine Football Association (AFA) voted unanimously not to renew his contract.

• Maradona fans lament end of his coaching reign

  BUENOS AIRES, July 29 (Reuters) - The end of Maradona's tenure at the helm of Argentina's national team has dealt a hard blow to his fans, even though his performance as coach was a far cry from his genius as a player.

• Maradona's future to be decided on Tuesday

  BUENOS AIRES, July 26 (Reuters) - Diego Maradona's future as coach of Argentina will be decided at a meeting of football association bosses on Tuesday, a spokesman for the organisation has said.

• Marlon King released from prison

  Former Wigan Athletic footballer Marlon King is looking for a new club to join after being released from jail.

• Mexico name two interim coaches for friendlies

  MEXICO CITY, July 27 (Reuters) - Mexico have named two interim coaches for their upcoming friendlies, with former coach Enrique Meza returning for next month's match against world champions Spain and Efrain Flores taking charge for two games in September.

• MLS chief hopes Marquez will join Henry at NY Red Bulls

  HOUSTON, July 28 (Reuters) - Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber hopes to see Mexico's World Cup captain Rafael Marquez in a New York Red Bulls shirt and said the league is looking to bring in more top-class talent.

• MLS's 'other Frenchman' winning plenty of admirers

  HOUSTON, July 28 (Reuters) - French striker Thierry Henry's recent move to Major League Soccer generated publicity for the North American league, but it is a lesser-known Frenchman who has been winning the plaudits in MLS this season.

• New JFA boss Ogura to head 2022 World Cup bid

  TOKYO, July 26 (Reuters) - Japan's new soccer supremo Junji Ogura will head the country's bid to host the 2022 World Cup, the Japan Football Association (JFA) said on Monday.

• New PAOK boss Dermitzakis asks for patience

  SALONIKA, July 23 (Reuters) - New PAOK Salonika coach Pavlos Dermitzakis has pleaded for patience after taking over from Mario Beretta at the Greek soccer club.

• Olympiakos expect to sign Riera by end of week

  ATHENS, July 21 (Reuters) - Olympiakos Pireaus expect to sign winger Albert Riera from Liverpool by the end of this week, the Greek club's coach Ewald Lienen said on Wednesday.

• Porto seal deal for Sporting captain Moutinho

  LISBON, July 5 (Reuters) - Porto have signed midfielder Joao Moutinho from rivals Sporting on a five-year deal for a fee of 11 million euros ($14.76 million), the club said in a statement.

• Portugal federation probes Queiroz on alleged insults

  LISBON, July 24 (Reuters) - The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) is investigating allegations that coach Carlos Queiroz insulted members of Portugal's anti-doping authority during the World Cup training camp in May, Secretary of State for Sports Laurentino Dias said.

• Premier League signs Magic Bus deal

  The Premier League will be a primary funding partner for the children's charity Magic Bus for the next three years.

• Rommedahl completes Olympiakos switch

  ATHENS, July 14 (Reuters) - Olympiakos Piraeus have completed the signing of Denmark winger Dennis Rommedahl on a free transfer, the Greek club confirmed on Wednesday.

• Rueda quits as Honduras coach

  TEGUCIGALPA, July 28 (Reuters) - A tearful Reinaldo Rueda has stepped down as Honduras coach, saying his position had been weakened since the World Cup.

• Russia striker Bukharov joins big-spenders Zenit

  MOSCOW, July 19 (Reuters) - Russia striker Alexander Bukharov has joined big-spenders Zenit St Petersburg from Russian champions Rubin Kazan, Zenit said on Monday.

• Senegal midfielder Bouba Diop joins AEK Athens

  ATHENS, July 13 (Reuters) - Senegal midfielder Papa Bouba Diop will continue his career in Greece after completing a transfer to AEK Athens from English club Portsmouth on Tuesday.

• South Korea's Lee joins Qatar's Al Sadd

  SINGAPORE, July 24 (Reuters) - South Korean World Cup goalscorer Lee Jung-soo has signed a three-year contract to play for Qatar's Al Sadd, the club said on its website (www.al-saddclub.com).

• Suarez strike not enough for Ajax

  BERNE, July 28 (Reuters) - Uruguay striker Luis Suarez, in the headlines at the World Cup for the handball incident against Ghana, was on target for Ajax Amsterdam in the Champions League on Wednesday but they were held 1-1 at home by PAOK Salonika.

• Taylor injury blow

  Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor is expected to be sidelined for the first three months of the new season.

• Taylor injury blow for Newcastle

  Newcastle defender Steven Taylor is set to miss the first three months of the Premier League season through injury.

• Universidad de Chile hold Guadalajara in Mexico

  MEXICO CITY, July 28 (Reuters) - Universidad de Chile moved a step closer to a first Libertadores Cup final appearance when they held Guadalajara to a 1-1 away draw in first leg of their semi-final on Tuesday.

• Villa & City in Milner stalemate

  Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill says Manchester City are not prepared to meet the Midlands club's valuation for midfielder James Milner.

• Wenger confident of 'improvement'

  Arsene Wenger insists Arsenal can mount a Premier League title challenge despite the millions being spent by the likes of Manchester City.

• Wenger ends Fabregas speculation

  Manager Arsene Wenger seeks to definitively reinforce Arsenal's stance that captain Cesc Fabregas will not be leaving the club this summer.

• West Ham reject Spurs Parker bid

  West Ham say they have rejected a bid from Tottenham for Scott Parker, insisting the midfielder is not for sale "at any price".

• Whelan softens stance on King

  Dave Whelan has backed down on his claim that Marlon King should never play football again, and insists he has forgiven the errant striker.

• Wilson pleased with Anfield move

  Liverpool defender Danny Wilson says his move to Liverpool has capped off a "crazy" 12 months for him.

• Young poised for Liverpool switch

  Aston Villa defender Luke Young is on the verge of joining Liverpool, according to the player's agent.

• Zimbabwe suspends chief executive on match-fixing charges

  HARARE, July 29 (Reuters) - Zimbabwe's football federation has suspended its chief executive Henrietta Rushwaya on suspicion of fixing the national team's matches during a tour of Asia last year, the federation said on Thursday.

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