Paris (AFP) – Football's world governing body FIFA has called on the game's authorities around the world to implement a "zero-tolerance" policy against racism. In a letter seen by AFP, FIFA secretary general Fatma Samoura pressed for everyone associated with the game to adopt the organisation's three-point procedure. "FIFA now urges all member associations, leagues, […]

London (AFP) – Arsenal footballers Sead Kolasinac and Mesut Ozil fought off knife-wielding car-jackers in a terrifying ordeal in London captured on video circulating Friday on social media. In the footage, Kolasinac is seen outside the vehicle confronting two masked aggressors, who had pulled up alongside the car on mopeds. Former Germany midfielder Ozil, who […]

Brussels (AFP) – Belgian international defender Thomas Vermaelen has become the latest high profile player to move to Japanese team Vissel Kobe, according to a report in the Belgian daily Het Laatste Nieuws. The 33-year-old, whose contract with Barcelona has now expired, will team up with David Silva, Lucas Podolski and his former Barca captain […]

Madrid (AFP) – Newly-promoted Granada have signed midfielder Yangel Herrera on loan from Manchester City for a season, the Spanish club said Friday. "Granada and Manchester City have reached agreement for the loan of midfielder Yangel Herrera for one season, with an option to buy at the end of the period" when his City contract expires, Granada […]

London (AFP) – Arsenal footballers Sead Kolasinac and Mesut Ozil fought off knife-wielding car-jackers in a terrifying ordeal in London captured on video circulated on social media. In the footage, the Premier League club's Bosnian defender Kolasinac is seen leaping from the vehicle to confront the masked aggressors, who had pulled up alongside the car […]

Washington (AFP) – Trying to bounce back from a humbling CONCACAF Gold Cup finals loss to arch-rival Mexico, the United States will host Uruguay on September 10, the US Soccer Federation announced Thursday. The friendly against La Celeste (the Sky Blue) at St. Louis comes four days after the Americans entertain Mexico, a 1-0 final […]

London (AFP) – Arsenal announced the signing of William Saliba from Saint-Etienne on Thursday for a reported fee of £27 million ($34 million), shortly after revealing Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos had joined the club on loan. Eighteen-year-old defender Saliba will spend next season on loan at the Ligue 1 club before linking up with […]

Shanghai (AFP) – Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was left "hoping for the best" after defender Eric Bailly was stretchered off in a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday. The 25-year-old Ivorian appeared to get his foot stuck in the turf at Hongkou Stadium in Shanghai and a concerned Solskjaer said the player […]

London (AFP) – Arsenal announced the season-long loan signing of Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos on Thursday. The 22-year-old Spain international, who made 23 La Liga appearances in the 2018/19 campaign, helped Spain's Under-21s to European glory last month. "We're excited to see Dani join us," Emery said. "He is a talented player with big […]

Barcelona (AFP) – Former Netherlands international Patrick Kluivert rejoined Barcelona on Thursday as director of their youth system. Kluivert, 43, signed a two-year contract, the club announced in a statement. Kluivert had been assistant coach of Cameroon under fellow Dutchman Clarence Seedorf, but the pair were fired earlier this month after the defending champions were […]

Stockholm (AFP) – Two-time Olympic winning coach Pia Sundhage has been appointed the new coach of the Brazil women's football team, the Swedish federation announced on Thursday. "It is a wonderful opportunity, you can't turn this kind of offer down," said Sundhage in a statement. "Brazil is a fantastic football country, rich in players and […]

London (AFP) – Tottenham announced on Thursday they had signed a new shirt sponsorship deal with AIA worth a reported £320 million ($400 million) over eight years. The Premier League club's deal with the life insurance company is understood to match the reported £40-million-a-year deal that Chelsea signed in 2015 with Yokohama tyres. Under the […]

Moscow (AFP) – Cameroon international Clinton Njie has completed his transfer from Marseille to Dynamo Moscow, the Russian Premier League side announced on Thursday. "Clinton Njie to Dynamo!!! Today, the Cameroon forward signed a contract with our club for four years," Dynamo Moscow wrote on their Twitter account, adding that he will wear the number […]

Moscow (AFP) – French international midfielder Remy Cabella has left Saint-Etienne to join FK Krasnodar, the Russian Premier League side announced on Thursday. "The Bulls have completed an agreement with Saint-Etienne for the transfer of the midfielder," Krasnodar announced in a statement on its website. "Every detail is approved. Caballa is going to come to […]

Berlin (AFP) – Everton forward Ademola Lookman has joined RB Leipzig on a five-year contract, the two clubs announced on Thursday, in a deal worth a reported £22.5 million ($28 million). Lookman, 21, spent the second half of the 2017/18 campaign on loan at the Bundesliga club, registering five goals and four assists in 11 […]