Brussels (AFP) – AZ Alkmaar will be able to play this weekend's top-of-the-table clash with Ajax at their home ground after the Eredivisie club revealed on Tuesday that it was safe to hold matches four months after part of its roof collapsed. In a statement, Alkmaar, who are second in the Dutch top flight, just […]

Paris (AFP) – Didier Deschamps' contract as coach of world champions France has been extended through to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the French football federation announced on Tuesday. Deschamps, a former France skipper who led the team to 1998 World Cup glory, has been at the coaching helm of Les Bleus since summer […]

Munich (Germany) (AFP) – Bayern Munich are already through to the Champions League last 16 as group winners, but interim coach Hansi Flick wants his side to beat Tottenham on Wednesday to boost their confidence after back-to-back defeats. "We need a win in front of our fans and we want to show them a good […]

Berlin (AFP) – Amazon confirmed Tuesday that they have acquired the rights to broadcast a selection of Champions League games in Germany from the 2021-22 season, as the company continues its offensive into the football TV rights market. The company has secured a package which includes the top picks of the Tuesday night games in […]

Barcelona (AFP) – Catalan separatists from Democratic Tsunami on Tuesday called for a "massive" protest around Camp Nou stadium on December 18 where Barcelona and Real Madrid are set to play their rearranged Clasico. Spain's most prestigious fixture had been due to take place at the Barcelona stadium on October 26 but was postponed following […]

Kuala Lumpur (AFP) – Defending champions Al Hilal were Tuesday drawn against UAE's Al Ahli and Uzbekistan's Pakhtakor for the start of their campaign for a record fourth Asian club title in the AFC Champions League. The Saudi giants beat Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds last month, ending a 19-year wait for their third continental trophy […]

London (AFP) – Arsenal caretaker manager Freddie Ljungberg believes a weight has been lifted off his players' shoulders after a three-goal blitz in nine second-half minutes beat West Ham 3-1 on Monday to end the Gunners' worst winless run in 42 years. Another miserable night for the Swede seemed in store when the visitors trailed […]

Lausanne (AFP) – The World Anti-Doping Agency on Monday banned Russia for four years from major global sporting events including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar over manipulated doping data, prompting an angry response from President Vladimir Putin. WADA's executive committee, meeting in Lausanne, handed Russia the "robust" four-year suspension […]

London (AFP) – Arsenal caretaker manager Freddie Ljungberg believes a weight has been lifted off his players' shoulders after a three-goal blitz in nine second-half minutes beat West Ham 3-1 on Monday to end the Gunners' worst winless run in 42 years. Another miserable night for the Swede seemed in store when the visitors trailed […]

London (AFP) – Tammy Abraham has emerged as Chelsea's talisman thanks to a breakthrough season that has taken his side to the brink of the Champions League last 16. Just 18 months ago, Abraham was one of a host of Chelsea players packed off for yet another loan spell that seemed to indicate his chances […]

London (AFP) – Arsenal ended their worst run without a win in 42 years by coming from behind to beat West Ham 3-1 on Monday thanks to a three-goal blitz in nine minutes after the hour mark. Another miserable night for caretaker Gunners boss Freddie Ljungberg seemed in store when the visitors trailed at half-time […]

London (AFP) – Rafael Benitez insisted on Monday there is "no chance" he will fill the managerial vacancies at either Arsenal or Everton, but he refused to completely rule out a return to the Premier League. Former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss Benitez is currently in charge of Chinese side Dalian Yifang after leaving Newcastle […]

Milan (AFP) – Lionel Messi's absence for already-qualified Barcelona will not make them less able to stop Inter Milan gaining their spot in the Champions League last 16, coach Ernesto Valverde insisted Monday. Barcelona are already through to the knockout stages as Group F winners after Messi scored and set up two more in a […]

Salzburg (Austria) (AFP) – Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has urged his side to enjoy the "most intense period of our lives" as a tough schedule continues with a key Champions League match away to Salzburg. Reigning European champions Liverpool need to avoid defeat in Austria on Tuesday to secure a place in the last 16. […]

Paris (AFP) – Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema may be facing a criminal trial after France's highest court of appeal on Monday dismissed his appeal challenging the legality of a blackmail investigation over a sextape featuring fellow footballer Mathieu Valbuena. The court found that the investigative methods used in the case, in which Benzema is […]