London (AFP) – Chelsea look set to put the disappointment of losing out on Romelu Lukaku by signing French midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, according to the British media on Thursday. The 22-year-old — who played a pivotal role in Monaco winning the French title and reaching the Champions League semi-finals last season — will cost the […]

London (AFP) – Iceland midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson's future must be sorted out as soon as possible to avoid harming Swansea's preparations for the upcoming Premier League season, says manager Paul Clement. The 27-year-old played a pivotal role in keeping the Swans in the top flight last season, scoring nine goals and creating 13 others, and […]

London (AFP) – Austrian international full-back Markus Suttner became Premier League debutants Brighton's third signing of the close season on Thursday after joining from German outfit Ingolstadt. The 30-year-old spent the majority of his career at Austria Vienna before moving to Germany and has signed a three-year contract with Brighton for an undisclosed fee. Brighton […]

Johannesburg (AFP) – Zimbabwe have rewarded COSAFA Cup-winning coach Sunday Chidzambwa by retaining him for the 2018 African Nations Championship qualifying campaign, which begins Sunday away to Namibia. The former national team captain and centre-back was due to step aside after Zimbabwe overcame Zambia 3-1 last Sunday to win the southern Africa championship a record […]

Shanghai (AFP) – Chinese coaches hope the magic of Mourinho and the guile of Guardiola will rub off on them as they attempt to dramatically improve football in the world's most populous country. A group of 57 Chinese coaches is in Manchester on an intensive 12-week training and management course, part of a drive by […]

Los Angeles (AFP) – Corrupt football official-turned-whistleblower Chuck Blazer, whose evidence helped trigger the FIFA bribery scandal, died Wednesday, his lawyers said. Blazer, who was banned for life from all football activities for corruption in 2015, had been battling cancer up to his death. He was 72. "We are truly saddened by the passing of […]

Shanghai (AFP) – French striker Anthony Modeste made the first major move of the Chinese transfer window when he joined Tianjin Quanjian from Cologne in a deal that could be worth 35 million euros. The forward, third-highest scorer in the German Bundesliga last season with 25 goals, moved on a reported loan with an option […]

Washington (AFP) – Two goals from Jordan Morris helped a revamped United States hold off Martinique 3-2 on Wednesday in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in Tampa, Florida. Bruce Arena's men, held to a 1-1 draw by Panama in their opening match, were again less than convincing, surrendering a 2-0 lead to minnows Martinique before Morris's […]

Washington (AFP) – Panama hit back with two goals in seven minutes Wednesday to beat Nicaragua in CONCACAF Gold Cup Group B action in Tampa, Florida. Nicaragua scored first, but Panama answered quickly to seize three points in Group B, which saw the United States and Martinique playing later Wednesday at the same venue. After […]

Belfast (AFP) – Scottish champions Celtic should not have too many problems on the pitch with Northern Irish title holders Linfield in their Champions League second qualifying round first leg on Friday, but they can expect a hostile reception. The first ever meeting of the two teams will also be the first Champions League game […]

Rome (AFP) – Juventus have signed Brazil international winger Douglas Costa on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich with an option to make the move permanent, the Italian champions said on Wednesday. Juve can purchase Costa outright for 40 million euros ($45.7 million) if they trigger the option before July 2018 and will pay Bayern […]

Berlin (AFP) – French striker Anthony Modeste has finally completed a move to Chinese outfit Tianjin Quanjian from Cologne, the German Bundesliga side announced on Wednesday. In a statement on their website, Cologne said: "The 29-year-old will continue his career in the Chinese Super League with Tianjin Quanjian. "All relevant parties have reached an agreement. […]

Paris (AFP) – Brazil international Dani Alves admitted the prospect of "making history" by winning the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain factored into his decision to join the French heavyweights. Alves was unveiled as the club's second signing of the close season on Wednesday after joining PSG in a two-year deal on a free transfer […]

Bastia (France) (AFP) – Bastia failed in their appeal against their demotion to the French third division on Wednesday, having been relegated a second time on financial grounds after finishing bottom of Ligue 1. "The club is going to immediately appeal this decision to the CNOSF (French Olympic Committee)," Bastia said in a brief statement […]

The Hague (AFP) – Dutch counterterrorism officials said Wednesday that they were investigating a reported threat by so-called Islamic State jihadists against the UEFA Women's Euro 2017 football championships. The Islamic group has called on "lone wolves to attack Stadion Galgenwaard in Utrecht" on Wednesday, July 19, the day of the England versus Scotland match, […]