Stockholm (AFP) – Hugo Lloris was left red faced Friday as a dramatic last gasp Ola Toivonen goal from the half-way line gave Sweden a 2-1 win over France in their World Cup qualifier. The France 'keeper will watch replays in horror after he dribbled out of his box and made a dreadful cut back […]

Rosario (Argentina) (AFP) – Soccer superstar Lionel Messi's Argentine hometown is preparing to host footballing and showbiz celebrities when he marries childhood sweetheart Antonella Roccuzzo this month in Latin America's wedding of the decade. Colombian popstar Shakira, wife of Messi's Barcelona teammate Gerard Pique, has said she hopes to attend. Media such as local Rosario […]

Moscow (AFP) – Confederations Cup hosts Russia and Copa America holders Chile played out a 1-1 draw here on Friday in a first ever meeting between the sides in the post-Soviet era. Mauricio Isla of Cagliari was on target for the South Americans, while CSKA Moscow full back Viktor Vasin fired his side level. "We dominated […]

Glasgow (AFP) – Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane will captain England in Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Scotland in Glasgow, manager Gareth Southgate announced on Friday. With Wayne Rooney having again been overlooked, England do not currently have a permanent captain and Southgate said Kane, 23, would wear the armband at Hampden Park. "Harry Kane […]

Glasgow (AFP) – Scotland manager Gordon Strachan has warned his players not to lose their cool in Saturday's 2018 World Cup qualifier at home to old enemies England. Scotland-England encounters have traditionally been blood-and-thunder affairs, but Strachan says the evolution of the sport means players can no longer afford to go clattering into challenges. "We […]

Paris (AFP) – Porto will be limited to 22 players instead of 25 in their Champions League squad next season and fined around 700,000 euros ($784,000) after breaking financial fair play rules, UEFA said on Friday. The ruling comes after operational costs rules were infringed and UEFA may increase the fine by up to a […]

Bordeaux (AFP) – France international and former Roma and AC Milan playmaker Jeremy Menez is set to join Turkish outfit Antalyaspor, the player's current club Bordeaux said on Friday. Antalyaspor came fifth in the Turkish top flight last season and also have Samuel Eto'o on their books. "Bordeaux has agreed terms with Turkish club Antalyaspor […]

Milan (AFP) – Inter Milan on Friday announced the appointment of former Roma coach Luciano Spalletti on a two-year deal as they target a long-awaited return to the Champions League. "F.C. Internazionale is delighted to announce that Luciano Spalletti has been appointed as head coach of the first team," said a statement by the Serie […]

London (AFP) – Potential investors in English Premier League clubs will be subject to greater financial scrutiny, the 20 teams' owners agreed unanimously at their annual meeting, British media reported on Friday. The Press Association and Financial Times explained that measures had been taken so as to prevent suspect foreign buyers gaining control of clubs […]

Berlin (AFP) – After a poor season Bundesliga outfit Schalke 04 fired coach Markus Weinzierl Friday and revealed they had replaced him with a little known rookie. After Schalke failed to qualify for Europe this season the club cast an envious eye at the spectacular relegation escape act carried out by 31-year-old Domenico Tedesco at […]

London (AFP) – Swedish star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic's future at Manchester United is in some doubt after he was listed as being released by the club on an official list published by the Premier League on Friday. The 35-year-old — who starred for United last season scoring 28 goals in 46 matches before a knee […]

London (AFP) – Relegated Hull appointed Leonid Slutsky as their new coach on Friday, the ex-CSKA Moscow boss becoming the first Russian to hold a managerial position in English football. The 46-year-old, who also was in charge of Russia at Euro 2016 whilst still at CSKA, replaces Marco Silva, who left after City were relegated […]

Melbourne (AFP) – Argentina gained a confidence-boosting 1-0 win over Brazil in their Superclasico in Melbourne Friday ahead of their make-or-break World Cup qualifiers later in the year. A goal from Sevilla defender Gabriel Mercado right on half-time proved the eventual winner as Argentina matched the world's number one ranked Brazilians before 95,000 fans at […]

London (AFP) – Ex-Sunderland manager David Moyes was on Friday fined £30,000 ($38,000, 34,000 euros) for suggesting to a female reporter in March she might "get a slap", England's Football Association announced. Moyes, 54, made the remark, for which he apologised, to BBC reporter Vicki Sparks following Sunderland's 0-0 draw with Burnley in the Premier […]

Kuala Lumpur (AFP) – Three Jeju United players were suspended for up to six months on Friday after an AFC Champions League knock-out game against Urawa Red Diamonds descended into violence. Cho Yong-Hyung was banned for six months and fined $20,000 for pushing the referee after he was sent off in the last-16 game on […]