London (AFP) – South Africa is still the preferred bidder to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup after officials said they had "addressed in full "clarification requests" from rivals Ireland and France. Last week, the Rugby World Cup board said South Africa should be chosen after they gave it an overall rating of 78.97, compared […]

Moscow (AFP) – The Russian government said Friday it was shortening the academic year at universities in some cities hosting the 2018 World Cup to make room in dormitories for police. The decision drew protests from the country's largest student union and underscored the concern Russia devotes to security at the marquee June 14-July 15 competition. […]

Berlin (AFP) – Bayern Munich star Jerome Boateng has lifted the lid on Carlo Ancelotti's team selection for what turned out to be the manager's last match in charge, a Champions League thrashing in Paris. Bayern were hammered 3-0 at the end of September as Dani Alves, Edinson Cavani and Neymar netted for Paris Saint-Germain […]

Guangzhou (AFP) – Newcastle United forward Aleksandar Mitrovic was on target as clinical Serbia stepped up their preparations for the World Cup with a hard-earned 2-0 friendly win in China on Friday. Serbia, under caretaker coach Mladen Krstajic after they parted company with Slavoljub Muslin last month even though he had just guided them into […]

Berlin (AFP) – A German-Russian man, accused of carrying out a bomb attack on Borussia Dortmund's team bus, will go on trial on December 21, a German court said Friday. Sergej W., 28, has been charged with 28 counts of attempted murder, setting off explosions and causing serious physical injury in the assault on April […]

Lille (France) (AFP) – Neymar scored a penalty and missed another as Brazil signalled their intent ahead of next year's World Cup by outclassing Japan 3-1 in Friday's international friendly in Lille. The Paris Saint-Germain star rolled in a 10th-minute spot-kick following consultation with the video assistant referee, although Neymar saw a second penalty saved […]

Berlin (AFP) – Ghana midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng has revealed that he dislikes his colourful first name because of a small mistake on the birth certificate which stopped him being called Kelvin-Prince. "I don't like my first name," the Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder told local station HIT Radio FFH while explaining why he only has the name […]

Glasgow (AFP) – The Scottish Football Association is considering leaving the historic Glasgow ground Hampden Park, chief executive Stewart Regan has said. Glasgow is also home to Celtic's Parkhead and Rangers' Ibrox but the sectarian feeling surrounding the Old Firm duo that Hampden means has been the preferred "neutral" venue for cup finals and Scotland […]

Wellington (AFP) – New Zealand believe they can spring a massive upset and down Peru to reach the 2018 World Cup finals, even if no one else shares their faith, coach Anthony Hudson said Friday. The New Zealanders host "Los Incas" in Wellington Saturday for the opening leg of a two-match qualification tie with a […]

Marseille (AFP) – Patrice Evra faces his disciplinary destiny on Friday when he could be sacked by Marseille and heavily sanctioned by UEFA for aiming a karate kick at one of his own supporters. The fiery 36-year-old former Manchester United and Juventus defender was red-carded for his violent reaction to being taunted by Marseille fans […]

New York (AFP) – Twelve jurors and six alternates were selected at the FIFA corruption trial in New York on Thursday, tasked with deciding the guilt or innocence of three fabulously wealthy and once powerful South American soccer officials. The impanelling of the jury clears the way for prosecutors to begin opening statements next Monday, […]

San Pedro Sula (Honduras) (AFP) – Tim Cahill is poised to give Australia a massive World Cup boost after being declared available for the Socceroos crucial 2018 World Cup playoff with Honduras here Friday. Record scorer Cahill has been touch-and-go for the Asia-CONCACAF first leg tie after twisting an ankle a week ago in Melbourne […]

Belfast (AFP) – Northern Ireland coach Michael O'Neill said he was "staggered and bewildered" by a controversial penalty decision which gave Switzerland a 1-0 win in their World Cup play-off first leg on Thursday. Vladimir Petkovic's Switzerland team dominated the match at a rain-swept Belfast but squandered a succession of chances. The key moment came […]

Burton-on-Trent (United Kingdom) (AFP) – England manager Gareth Southgate has muddied the waters regarding Jack Wilshere's international status by saying the Arsenal midfielder is not playing in the right position to be selected. Southgate had previously justified his decision not to pick Wilshere by citing the 25-year-old's problematic injury record. Despite a glut of withdrawals […]

Zagreb (AFP) – Croatia cruised to a 4-1 victory over Greece in their World Cup play-off first leg on Thursday to move to the brink of a spot at next year's finals in Russia. Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric opened the scoring in Zagreb from the penalty spot in the 13th minute, after Greek goalkeeper […]