London (AFP) – The English Football Association (FA) has closed an investigation into allegations that employees of Liverpool hacked into Manchester City's scouting system. The incident stretches back to 2013 when Liverpool are alleged to have hacked a player database used by City scouts. Reports last year stated that the case between the two clubs […]

Madrid (AFP) – Lionel Messi admitted in December he could soon retire but Barcelona's frenzied attempts to make the most of his final years appear to be having the opposite effect. As Athletic Bilbao's players celebrated Inaki Williams' 94th-minute winner at San Mames on Thursday night, Messi stood still in the centre circle, hands on […]

Berlin (AFP) – Jordan Torunarigha has lodged a complaint with police after the Germany Under-21 defender was allegedly subjected to racist abuse during a German Cup game at Schalke, his club Hertha Berlin confirmed Friday. The visibly upset Torunarigha was sent off for a second yellow card during extra time in Hertha's 3-2 extra-time defeat […]

Paris (AFP) – While Neymar has been partying with an injured rib, and Kylian Mbappe has been making no attempt to hide his displeasure with his coach, Paris Saint-Germain supporters could be forgiven for having that sinking feeling. This has been the time of year when the French club's season has tended to implode in […]

Berlin (AFP) – After getting a mid-week "wake-up call" in the German Cup, Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich are relishing the chance to prove their might in a top-of-the-table clash at home to RB Leipzig on Sunday. Bayern's sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic insists the defending champions want to show nearest rivals Leipzig "who is the boss" […]

Madrid (AFP) – Barcelona and Real Madrid both crashed out of the Copa del Rey on Thursday night as Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad pulled off a shock Basque double to reach the semi-finals. Barca were beaten 1-0 by Bilbao at San Mames, where Inaki Williams scored a dramatic 93rd-minute winner, after la Real had […]

Madrid (AFP) – Real Madrid were knocked out of the Copa del Rey on Thursday as Martin Odegaard put on a creative masterclass against his parent club to lead Real Sociedad to a thrilling 4-3 victory. Madrid conceded as many goals in 69 minutes as they had in their last 11 matches, torn apart at […]

London (AFP) – Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling will miss Sunday's Premier League clash against West Ham and could face a race to be fit for their Champions League showdown with Real Madrid after suffering a hamstring injury. Sterling limped off during Sunday's defeat at Tottenham and the club have confirmed the injury will sideline […]

New York (AFP) – Major League Soccer and the MLS Players Association announced Thursday that they have agreed a five-year deal that would boost player salaries and free agency rights. The collective bargaining agreement, which must still be ratified by the MLS board of governors and league players, comes just over three weeks before the […]

Berlin (AFP) – Police in Gelsenkirchen are investigating allegations of racist abuse suffered during a German Cup match by Hertha Berlin defender Jordan Torunarigha, who on Thursday slammed the "idiots" responsible on social media. The 22-year-old defender was allegedly the victim of monkey chants and other racist insults during Hertha's 3-2 extra-time loss to Schalke […]

Milan (AFP) – Zlatan Ibrahimovic's return to AC Milan will add spice to the city derby against Inter Milan on Sunday with the Swede looking to thwart Antonio Conte's side from keeping pace with Serie A leaders Juventus. Ibrahimovic played his first Milan derby as an Inter player 13 years ago, while his last was […]

London (AFP) – Premier League clubs voted on Thursday to move the closing date of the summer transfer window to bring it into line with the rest of Europe. At Thursday's shareholders' meeting the clubs voted to revert to the traditional date at the end of August or early September after two seasons when the […]

Paris (AFP) – Former superstar footballer Kaka is looking to "inspiration" Paolo Maldini as he begins what the once elegant midfielder hopes is a new journey to the top of the game, but off the pitch. The 2007 Ballon d'Or winner is aiming to follow in the footsteps of former AC Milan teammate Maldini and […]

Milan (AFP) – Lazio equalled a 21-year club record for staying undefeated but missed the chance to move second in Serie A, being held to a goalless draw by Hellas Verona on Wednesday. The match had been rescheduled from last December, when Lazio beat Juventus to win the Italian Super Cup in Saudi Arabia. Simone […]

Paris (AFP) – Dimitri Payet scored a brilliant goal as second-placed Marseille claimed a 2-0 victory at Saint-Etienne on Wednesday to cut the gap to Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain back to 12 points although hundreds of their diehard fans were stopped from watching the game. Andre Villas-Boas' Marseille opened up a six-point lead over […]