Lausanne (AFP) – FIFA's The Best awards ceremony is now slated to take place December 17, where the successors to Lionel Messi and Megan Rapinoe will be announced. The winners are voted for by the national team captains and coaches, 200 journalists as well as an online ballot of fans. There are prizes for the […]

London (AFP) – A London judge on Friday gave initial backing to Rebekah Vardy in her libel case against Coleen Rooney, in a legal battle over an Instagram post by the two footballers' wives. The women, both prominent "wives and girlfriends (WAGs)" of the England team, have locked horns over accusations about the leaking of private […]

Miami (AFP) – Inter Miami's preparations for their Major League Soccer play-off debut were thrown into disarray on Friday after three players including star striker Gonzalo Higuain tested positive for Covid-19. The Miami Herald reported that former Real Madrid and Juventus forward Higuain and the Argentinian's brother Federico had been ruled out of Friday's game […]

London (AFP) – Jose Mourinho called on England boss Gareth Southgate to name the managers pressurising their players to pull out of international duty as he suspects Manchester City's Raheem Sterling will be fit to start against Tottenham on Saturday. Southgate hinted several times during the recent international break that some players faced pressure from […]

Berlin (AFP) – Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick hinted Friday that he feels burly centre-back Jerome Boateng should have been offered a contract extension for next season by the European champions. The 32-year-old Boateng helped Bayern win the treble for the second time in his career last season, but has been told his contract will […]

London (AFP) – Manchester City director of football Txiki Begiristain believes more success is "guaranteed" after Pep Guardiola extended his contract at the Etihad until 2023. Guardiola has won six major trophies in his first four seasons in Manchester, including back-to-back Premier League titles in 2017/18 and 2018/19. The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss […]

Madrid (AFP) – Ronald Koeman has admitted he has no idea if Lionel Messi will leave Barcelona next summer and said it is not his job to persuade the Argentinian to stay. Messi made an attempt to leave Barcelona this summer before backing down. He can talk to other clubs in January and leave for […]

Madrid (AFP) – Ronald Koeman has admitted he has no idea if Lionel Messi will leave Barcelona next summer and said it is not his job to persuade the Argentinian to stay. Messi made an attempt to leave Barcelona this summer before backing down. He can talk to other clubs in January and leave for […]

Berlin (AFP) – Borussia Dortmund were keeping under wraps whether Youssoufa Moukoko will make his Bundesliga debut this weekend as the teen goal sensation celebrated his 16th birthday on Friday. Moukoko has sent records tumbling in German youth football and could become the youngest Bundesliga debutant at Hertha Berlin on Saturday. Dortmund put out a […]

London (AFP) – Jurgen Klopp insisted his players have been "incredibly disciplined" with coronavirus restrictions despite Mohamed Salah testing positive after attending his brother's wedding in Egypt. Salah was pictured dancing at the celebration without a mask on while back in his homeland during the international break. Klopp confirmed Liverpool's top scorer this season is […]

Berlin (AFP) – US teen midfielder Giovanni Reyna has extended his Borussia Dortmund contract until June 2025, it was announced Friday, a week after his 18th birthday. "Dortmund are a big club that can challenge for titles and are in all the important competitions. Young players in particular have the chance to develop here," said […]

London (AFP) – England's record goalscorer Wayne Rooney says children should be banned from heading the ball, following the example of the United States, to reduce the chances of getting dementia later in life. Former Barcelona and England star Gary Lineker and 1966 World Cup winner Geoff Hurst are among leading names who have called […]

Abuja (AFP) – Nigeria will resist the temptation to sack under-fire coach Gernot Rohr despite a worrying winless run, national team chiefs insisted Friday. Sports minister Sunday Dare has questioned the competence of the German coach after the Super Eagles failed to win a match this year, drawing three times and losing once. "Nigerian football […]

London (AFP) – Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said he has dealt with winger Willian's unauthorised trip to Dubai, but would not reveal if the Brazilian will be dropped for Sunday's Premier League trip to Leeds. Willian was pictured on Instagram at the Nusr-Et steakhouse in Dubai with celebrity owner Nusret Gokce, more commonly known as […]

Seoul (AFP) – A South Korean promoter was ordered to compensate fans on Friday after Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo failed to play an exhibition match as promised. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner stayed on the bench throughout a 3-3 draw with a K-League all-stars team in July last year, despite the pleas and anger of […]