Cardiff (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Spain might not have to face Gareth Bale in Thursday's glamour friendly, but Wales striker Sam Vokes insists the Real Madrid star's absence won't give the visitors an easy ride in Cardiff. Bale is struggling with a groin injury after aggravating the problem during Real's defeat at Alaves on Saturday. […]

San José (AFP) – Former Uruguay international Gustavo Matosas has been appointed as the new coach of Costa Rica, the country's football federation said on Tuesday. The 51-year-old Matosas takes over from Oscar Ramirez, whose contract was not renewed after Costa Rica finished bottom of their group at the World Cup. Matosas twice won the […]

Milan (AFP) – Genoa and Chievo on Tuesday became the first Serie A clubs this season to sack their coaches. Mid-table Genoa fired Davide Ballardini and brought back Croatian coach Ivan Juric, while bottom side Chievo sacked Lorenzo D'Anna with his replacement yet to be named. Genoa are 11th in Serie A with a game […]

Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines (France) (AFP) – France and Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has told AFP in an interview that his international teammates give him the freedom to express himself and be the team's leader. Pogba has faced criticism for failing to repeat his impressive performances at the World Cup for United, who have slumped early in […]

Burton-on-Trent (United Kingdom) (AFP) – England do have the ability to compete with Croatia's recently crowned FIFA player of the year Luka Modric, insists Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley, who believes he can add a new dimension to the Three Lions on his international return. Barkley had to watch from afar as Real Madrid's Modric and […]

Freetown (AFP) – Sierra Leone on Tuesday faced a race against the clock to appeal against its suspension by FIFA so that it can play in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. After a crisis meeting with the government, the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) asked FIFA to lift the suspension so that the […]

London (AFP) – The Football Association has confirmed they are investigating allegations of "systemic corruption" surrounding the controversial proposed sale of Wembley to Fulham owner Shahid Khan. Craig Kline, Fulham's former assistant director of football operations, used a series of Twitter posts to demand the FA stop the planned sale. Kline, a university friend of […]

Las Rozas de Madrid (Spain) (AFP) – Red-hot Borussia Dortmund striker Paco Alcacer said he is ready to seize the chance to grab Spain's number nine shirt after returning to the national team following a two-year absence. With Atletico Madrid star Diego Costa still out injured, Spain coach Luis Enrique has added Alcacer to an […]

Moscow (AFP) – Disgraced Russian football players Pavel Mamaev and Alexander Kokorin could face up to five years in prison for assaulting a government official at a Moscow cafe, in a case that sparked outrage in Russia on Tuesday. The assault by the players — both former Russian internationals who have courted controversy in the […]

Madrid (AFP) – Former Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli said the 'Albiceleste' were saddled with excessive expectations at the World Cup, stifling the performances of his players, including Lionel Messi. Argentina were tipped as possible winners of the tournament in Russia but were eliminated at the knockout phase following a tense 4-3 defeat to eventual champions […]

London (AFP) – Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic has withdrawn from Serbia's squad for their forthcoming internationals due to injury. United confirmed Matic had returned to the club "to complete his rehabilitation", ruling him out of the Nations League fixtures in Montenegro and Romania this week. The 30-year-old could also be sidelined for United's Premier […]

London (AFP) – Former Manchester United manager David Moyes believes Jose Mourinho retains the full backing of the club and their supporters despite a poor start to the Premier League season. Mourinho reportedly faced the sack regardless of the outcome of Saturday's fixture with Newcastle but is still in position after the team roared back […]

Moscow (AFP) – The Russian Premier League on Tuesday condemned disgraced players Pavel Mamaev and Alexander Kokorin for assaulting a government official in a cafe brawl and said they should face "severe" punishment. On Monday Krasnodar midfielder Mamayev and Zenit Saint Petersburg forward Alexander Kokorin attacked a Russian trade ministry official in a Moscow cafe […]

London (AFP) – Wayne Rooney has called on Manchester United's players to stand up and be counted, saying that manager Jose Mourinho is an easy target for the club's troubles. United battled back from two goals down to beat Newcastle 3-2 at the weekend but are languishing in eighth place in the Premier League, seven […]

Shanghai (AFP) – Fabio Cannavaro expects the Chinese Super League (CSL) title race between his side Guangzhou Evergrande and leaders Shanghai SIPG to go to "the last minute of the last game". A four-horse race a couple of months ago has been reduced to a straight fight between the two sides after Shandong Luneng and […]