Barcelona (AFP) – Barcelona boss Luis Enrique claimed Lionel Messi's behaviour towards referees is "impeccable" despite the Argentine racking up suspensions for club and country. Messi is banned for the first time in five seasons for Sunday's La Liga trip to Granada just days after being slapped with a four-game suspension for insulting an assistant […]

Barcelona (AFP) – Gerard Pique will join Lionel Messi on the sidelines for Barcelona's return to La Liga action on Sunday at Granada after being left out Luis Enrique's 18-man squad on Saturday. Pique played in both Spain's wins over Israel and France during the recent international break. However, it was his post-match comments in […]

Bangkok (AFP) – The coach of Thailand's national football team has shocked fans by resigning from his post after leading the War Elephants through a disappointing 2018 World Cup bid. Kiatisak Senamuang, a former star Thai striker who has coached the team since 2014, announced the move on his Instagram account late Friday. "I […]

Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Jose Mourinho has called on his tiring Manchester United stars to show resilience in the face of a daunting fixture list that will define their season. United have nine games in April that will go a long way to deciding whether they qualify for next season's Champions League. They can […]

Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Manchester United's injury problems mounted on Friday as the club revealed Spanish midfielder Juan Mata would be out of action after undergoing a groin operation. The 28-year-old — who appears to have gained United manager Jose Mourinho's trust after failing to do so when they were both at Chelsea — […]

Berlin (AFP) – Andrej Kramaric's double helped Hoffenheim to a 3-1 win at Hertha Berlin on Friday to boost their chances of Champions League football next season. The Croatian's brace and a goal from Niklas Suele pushed Hoffenheim into provisional third on 48 points, two clear of fourth-placed Borussia Dortmund who face Schalke on Saturday. […]

Naples (Italy) (AFP) – "Traitor", "mercenary", "Judas", are some of the kinder words bitter Napoli fans bandied about this week when talking about the reception being prepared for the return of Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuain with arch-rivals Juventus. Higuain was worshipped in the balmy southern port city as the striker banged home a historic 36 […]

Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says it is not too late for Arsene Wenger to save his relationship with Arsenal's fans and remain in charge at the Emirates Stadium. Wenger has endured a miserable campaign and frustrated supporters have turned on the Gunners boss and called for him to resign. […]

London (AFP) – Everton manager Ronald Koeman has blasted Republic of Ireland coach Martin O'Neill for failing to protect James McCarthy from injury. McCarthy has been ruled out of Saturday's vital Merseyside derby against Liverpool after suffering a hamstring problem while on international duty with Ireland. Despite missing Everton's last two games because of a […]

Lausanne (AFP) – FIFA said on Friday that it had sent a 1,300-page internal report to Swiss authorities investigating corruption and that Bern will share the findings with US officials also probing graft in football. Open criminal investigations in both countries targeting former football executives prevented FIFA from disclosing details of its investigation, the body […]

London (AFP) – Antonio Conte insists Eden Hazard will remain loyal to Chelsea despite reports linking Real Madrid with a world record bid for the Belgium star. Hazard has played a key role in Chelsea's charge to the top of the Premier League and the midfielder is said to be Real's top transfer target for […]

London (AFP) – Antonio Conte insists Eden Hazard will remain loyal to Chelsea despite reports linking Real Madrid with a world record bid for the Belgium star. Hazard has played a key role in Chelsea's charge to the top of the Premier League and the midfielder is said to be Real's top transfer target for […]

Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Jose Mourinho has issued a heartfelt apology to Bastian Schweinsteiger for the manner in which he brought about the German star's departure from Manchester United. Schweinsteiger finally left Old Trafford this week, signing a deal with the MLS side Chicago Fire after failing to secure regular first team football under […]

London (AFP) – Manchester United defenders Phil Jones and Chris Smalling have been ruled out with "long-term injuries" suffered on England duty. United manager Jose Mourinho revealed on Friday that Jones and Smalling won't be back in action for a prolonged period. Jones withdrew from the England squad last week due to a toe injury […]

London (AFP) – Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admits he is frustrated Adam Lallana will miss Saturday's crucial Merseyside derby against Everton after suffering a thigh injury on England duty. Lallana sustained the problem during England's World Cup qualifier against Lithuania last weekend, but the Liverpool midfielder still managed to play the full 90 minutes. Klopp […]