Lausanne (AFP) – Football's lawmakers are this week set to announce a "temporary" change to the laws of the sport allowing teams to make up to five substitutions in games when the sport resumes after the coronavirus-induced suspension. The proposal to help teams cope with likely fixture congestion in a packed calendar was made by […]

Milan (AFP) – Juventus star Paulo Dybala revealed Wednesday that he has been given the all-clear almost a month-and-a-half after contracting coronavirus. "Many people talked in the past weeks ... but I can finally confirm that I am healed. Thank you once again for your support and my thoughts on all who are still suffering […]

Berlin (AFP) – Germany captain Manuel Neuer says Bundesliga footballers have an "enormous responsibility" after the league was given permission on Wednesday to restart from mid May. German Chancellor Angela Merkel gave the go-ahead for the Bundesliga to resume behind closed doors, amid strict hygiene measures and regular testing of players. The DFL is expected […]

London (AFP) – Aston Villa became the latest Premier League club threatened by relegation to reject proposals to restart the season behind closed doors at neutral venues on Wednesday. Villa's chief executive Christian Purslow said the plan would increase the risk of an economic "catastrophe" for his club should they fall out of the lucrative […]

Milan (AFP) – Italy's sports minister Vincenzo Spadafora warned Wednesday that it was impossible to set a date for a return to Serie A action as the country grapples with the coronavirus pandemic. "We all hope that the championships can resume regularly, at the same time today it is impossible to set a certain date," […]

Berlin (AFP) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel and state leaders on Wednesday gave the Bundesliga the green light to restart behind closed doors from mid-May after weeks of shutdown imposed to control the spread of the coronavirus. The political blessing makes the German top-flight the first of Europe's five major leagues to return to the […]

Brussels (AFP) – The Belgian government announced Wednesday it was suspending all sporting competitions until July 31, effectively putting an end to the country's football season as favoured by most clubs. The decision was acknowledged by the Pro League, the association of Belgian clubs, which will review the "end of season terms and conditions" during […]

London (AFP) – Burnley manager Sean Dyche says his team are willing to finish the Premier League season as long as the return to action can be handled safely. Premier League chiefs are keen to restart the postponed season in June if the government gives the green light amid the coronavirus crisis. Manchester City striker […]

Berlin (AFP) – A video of Hertha Berlin forward Salomon Kalou shaking hands with his team-mates "shocked" key German politicians, who are set to decide Wednesday whether the Bundesliga can resume next month. "The video has done the German league (DFL) and professional football a disservice," Anja Stahmann, chairwoman of Germany's regional sports ministers, told […]

London (AFP) – Aston Villa chief executive Christian Purslow does not support the Premier League's plan to finish the season at neutral venues because it increases the risk of a relegation "catastrophe" for his club. League chiefs are aiming to restart the postponed season in June and hope to complete the remaining 92 fixtures behind closed […]

Madrid (AFP) – Players at Barcelona and Real Madrid started to undergo coronavirus tests on Wednesday as La Liga clubs planned to return to restricted training ahead of the proposed resumption of the season next month. Barca captain Lionel Messi and France international Antoine Griezmann were among players pictured arriving one by one in their […]

London (AFP) – The transfer value of players in 10 of Europe's top leagues could plummet by up to 10 billion euros due to the economic crash caused by coronavirus, a study from accounting firm KPMG said on Wednesday. Transfer spending is expected to fall dramatically, with clubs across the continent facing huge losses as […]

Berlin (AFP) – Reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich have reportedly agreed a transfer with Manchester City winger Leroy Sane on a five-year deal, according to a report. Sport Bild claim the 24-year-old has agreed terms with Bayern, but the fee is still to be negotiated. According to the magazine, Bayern's director of sport Hasan Salihamidzic […]

Frankfurt am Main (AFP) – The German government and state leaders are set Wednesday to give the Bundesliga the green light to restart behind closed doors in May after weeks of shutdown imposed to control the spread of the coronavirus, according to a draft government agreement seen by AFP. Politicians believe resuming matches in the […]

Seoul (AFP) – South Korea's football season kicks off on Friday after a two-month coronavirus delay, leading the way for the global game as other leagues strive to return to action. Goal celebrations, handshakes and even talking are out under stringent new safety guidelines designed to prevent any contagion during games, which will be played […]