London (AFP) – Liverpool are on the brink of clinching the Premier League title after the leaders powered to a 4-0 win against Crystal Palace, while Anthony Martial hit a hat-trick in Manchester United's 3-0 victory over Sheffield United on Wednesday. Jurgen Klopp's side took control thanks to first-half goals from Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed […]

Milan (AFP) – Romelu Lukaku struck his 25th goal of the season but Inter Milan's title hopes stalled on Wednesday with a 3-3 draw against Sassuolo. Inter, in third, are eight points behind leaders Juventus and four adrift of second-placed Lazio who travel to Atalanta later Wednesday. "The draw hurts us," said Inter boss Antonio […]

London (AFP) – Liverpool have spent more than any other Premier League club on fees paid to players' agents for the third successive year, according to figures released by the Football Association on Wednesday. The FA's latest list covers the summer window in 2019 and the January 2020 transfer period. Over those two windows, Premier […]

London (AFP) – Manchester United closed to within two points of the top four thanks to Anthony Martial's hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Sheffield United on Wednesday before Liverpool hope to move to the brink of a first title in 30 years. Victory for Jurgen Klopp's men over Crystal Palace at Anfield will mean […]

Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Anthony Martial's hat-trick fired Manchester United to a 3-0 win over Sheffield United on Wednesday that boosted their bid to qualify for the Champions League. Martial struck twice in the first half and completed his first senior treble after the interval at Old Trafford. The France forward is the first […]

Johannesburg (AFP) – South African football was given government approval Wednesday to resume the Absa Premiership — the richest league in the continent — although the coronavirus pandemic has not peaked. The most industrialised African country recorded 106,108 COVID-19 infections and 2,102 fatalities by Wednesday, with health minister Zweli Mkhize warning the worst is yet […]

Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Paul Pogba will make his first Manchester United start since September after being named in the team to face Sheffield United in Wednesday's Premier League clash. France midfielder Pogba has made only nine appearances in all competitions this season after an injury-ravaged campaign. He had been sidelined since Boxing Day […]

London (AFP) – The Premier League has launched a new system for players to report racist abuse on social media. Just two days after Burnley fans organised a plane to fly over their team's match at Manchester City towing a banner reading 'White Lives Matter', the Premier League has stepped up its attempts to stamp […]

Berlin (AFP) – Mario Goetze will miss out on making a final appearance for Borussia Dortmund this weekend due to coronavirus regulations, the Bundesliga club said Wednesday. The 28-year-old, whose contract expires this month, has been regularly visiting hospital following the premature birth of his son in June. Bundesliga rules stipulate that players must limit […]

Lausanne (AFP) – Helped by the withdrawal of rival candidates, a joint bid by Australia and New Zealand is expected to be awarded the hosting rights for the 2023 women's World Cup by FIFA on Thursday. With Japan pulling out earlier this week to follow Brazil, Argentina, South Africa and a joint Korean bid in […]

London (AFP) – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said his priority is Sunday's FA Cup quarter-final at Newcastle rather than postponing Liverpool's coronation as Premier League champions. Should Liverpool beat Crystal Palace on Wednesday, City will need to beat Chelsea when they travel to Stamford Bridge 24 hours later to keep the title race alive. […]

London (AFP) – Chelsea manager Frank Lampard will happily play a part in crowning Liverpool champions for the first time in 30 years, but only because it would mean his side have taken points from Manchester City on Thursday. Should Liverpool beat Crystal Palace on Wednesday, City will need to win at Stamford Bridge to […]

Berlin (AFP) – Thomas Mueller says Bayern Munich welcome the challenge issued by Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels, who insists they want to break the Bavarian giants' eight-year domination of the Bundesliga. Last week, Bayern were crowned German champions for the eighth season in a row with Dortmund confirmed as Bundesliga runners-up for the second […]

Berlin (AFP) – Thiago Alcantara is reportedly stalling on extending his Bayern Munich contract with the Spain midfielder, who has been linked to Liverpool, said to be considering leaving the German champions after seven years. Alcantara, 29, has won the Bundesliga every season with Bayern, making 230 appearances for the German giants who were last […]

Madrid (AFP) – Barcelona limped to a 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday that sends them back to the top of La Liga, for 24 hours at least, three points ahead of Real Madrid. Only a goal from substitute Ivan Rakitic in the 71st minute prevented Barca from another stalemate after a draw at […]