Madrid (AFP) – Portuguese football is due to resume at the end of the month as the country's relatively low number of coronavirus infections may allow Primeira Liga to make a swifter return than some of its European neighbours. But the urgency to restart is also a reflection of the structural and financial problems confronting […]

Berlin (AFP) – Miroslav Klose, who holds the record for the most goals scored at men's World Cups, has joined Bayern Munich as assistant coach, it was announced Thursday. "It feels very good, I'm really looking forward to the task," said the 41-year-old, who scored 16 goals at four World Cups and won the 2014 […]

Berlin (AFP) – The head of the German football League (DFL) on Thursday warned clubs they are "on probation" and must implement strict hygiene measures when the Bundesliga restarts in nine days' time. Professional football in Germany had been suspended since mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic. "Everyone must be clear: we are playing on […]

London (AFP) – Rangers said they would "not be bullied into silence" as they released a dossier Thursday to support their case for an independent investigation into the handling of a controversial vote on ending the Scottish season. But the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) said the Glasgow giants were yet to provide a "single […]

Paris (AFP) – With the German Bundesliga resuming next week and other leagues around Europe making preparations to restart after the coronavirus-induced suspension, could France end up regretting the decision to call an early end to its football season? That is the fear of Jean-Michel Aulas, the outspoken president of Lyon who had hoped Ligue […]

Berlin (AFP) – Bundesliga clubs were racing Thursday to get ready for the restart of the season in nine days' time, amid concerns about whether the players will stick to the strict hygiene guidelines implemented to ensure the campaign is completed. Twenty-four hours after Chancellor Angela Merkel's government gave the German Football League the green […]

Paris (AFP) – Veteran Brazilian international Formiga signed a one-year contract extension with Paris Saint-Germain's women's side on Thursday at the age of 42. The midfielder, who has made a record 198 appearances for Brazil, penned a new deal which will keep her in the French capital until 2021. Formiga is hoping to end her […]

Rome (AFP) – The fate of the Serie A championship hung in the balance Thursday as state scientists huddled with football bosses in a desperate effort to save the pandemic-interrupted season. The high stakes talks come with pressure mounting from sports-deprived fans and cash-starved sponsors for Italy to follow the German Bundesliga's lead and return […]

Marseille (AFP) – The decision to end the French Ligue 1 season early brought celebrations in Marseille, who are looking forward to a return to the Champions League thanks to the fine work done by coach Andre Villas-Boas, but it remains to be seen if he will stay at a club with major financial problems. […]

London (AFP) – The Premier League is adamant that it can overcome huge logistical challenges to get players back on the pitch during the coronavirus crisis but has long since accepted there will be no fans in the stadiums. English Football Association chairman Greg Clarke became the latest senior figure to admit this week that […]

Miami (AFP) – David Beckham's Major League Soccer team made a welcome return to training on Wednesday even if a raft of coronavirus protocols brutally laid bare the problems of battling a global pandemic and resuming normal service. Inter Miami were one of four MLS franchises to have players working out at their training facilities […]

Los Angeles (AFP) – CONCACAF chief Victor Montagliani said Wednesday the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic would likely force changes to the structure of the region's qualifying competition for the 2022 World Cup. In an interview with Canada's Onesoccer.com website, Montagliani said he expected CONCACAF's traditional "Hexagonal" final round of qualifying would have to […]

Milan (AFP) – Juventus star Paulo Dybala revealed Wednesday that he has been given the all-clear six weeks after contracting coronavirus, but Serie A rivals Torino confirmed that one of their players had tested positive. "Many people talked in the past weeks ... but I can finally confirm that I am healed. Thank you once […]

Berlin (AFP) – Germany captain Manuel Neuer says Bundesliga footballers have an "enormous responsibility" after the league announced Wednesday it will restart from May 15, having been granted permission to resume from Angela Merkel's government. The German Football League (DFL) confirmed the restart date for the top two divisions, with the clubs to finalise details […]

Berlin (AFP) – The Bundesliga will resume on May 15, the German league confirmed Wednesday, after Chancellor Angela Merkel and state leaders gave the green light to restart behind closed doors following weeks of shutdown imposed to control the spread of the coronavirus. The German Football League (DFL) confirmed the restart date to AFP susidiary […]