Berlin (AFP) – Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness says the German giants expect to name Niko Kovac's replacement as head coach within three weeks, while a report Tuesday said Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel has already turned them down. Kovac was sacked on Sunday after 16 months in charge in the wake of Bayern's 5-1 […]

London (AFP) – Gareth Bale, who is struggling with a calf problem, has been included by Ryan Giggs in the Wales squad for their must-win final two Euro 2020 qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Hungary. The 30-year-old Real Madrid star — who has not played since scoring for Wales in their 1-1 draw with World Cup […]

Milan (AFP) – Gian Piero Gasperini warned that psychology will be key as Italian newcomers Atalanta look to avoid another huge defeat at the hands of Champions League rivals Manchester City in Milan on Wednesday. The Premier League champions can seal their ticket to the knockout rounds with a win over Atalanta, who have lost […]

Madrid (AFP) – Eden Hazard is beginning to show glimpses of his best form and it cannot come soon enough for Real Madrid. They play at home to Galatasaray in the Champions League on Wednesday, when victory would put them within touching distance of qualification from Group A. Hazard has endured a disjointed and disappointing […]

Munich (Germany) (AFP) – Bayern Munich's stars have been told to knuckle down under interim coach Hansi Flick ahead of their Champions League clash with Olympiakos following Niko Kovac's sacking. Former Bayern and West Germany defender Andreas Brehme says the Bayern squad "let Kovac down" with a series of lacklustre recent performances that led to […]

Milan (AFP) – Claudio Ranieri got his first win as Sampdoria coach on Monday after a last-gasp Gianluca Caprari header sealed a 1-0 victory over fellow Serie A strugglers SPAL. Manolo Gabbiadini had a goal ruled out for offside early in the second half, but substitute Caprari finally connected with a Fabio Depaoli cross in […]

Bobigny (France) (AFP) – Neymar will escape prosecution for an altercation with an opposition supporter after Paris Saint-Germain's surprise defeat in the French Cup final in April, sources told AFP on Monday. Prosecutors have decided the Brazilian star will receive a written warning and no further action will be taken. A 29-year-old Rennes fan who […]

London (AFP) – Ajax coach Erik ten Hag on Monday ruled himself out of the running to take over as Bayern Munich coach for the time being, saying he would be staying at the Dutch champions until at least the end of the current season. Bayern sacked Niko Kovac on Sunday, sparking heated speculation as […]

London (AFP) – Liverpool chief executive Peter Moore says the Premier League leaders have been given assurances that LGBT fans will be welcomed in Qatar for next month's Club World Cup. Homosexual acts are banned in Qatar but the European champions have undertaken extensive research and engaged in dialogue with the organisers and various groups […]

London (AFP) – Leeds goalkeeper Kiko Casilla has been charged with racially abusing Charlton forward Jonathan Leko during a Championship fixture. The Spaniard, 33, is alleged to have made discriminatory comments towards Leko during the match on September 28. The Football Association said Casilla, who joined Leeds in January, has until November 12 to provide a […]

London (AFP) – Cardiff City face a three-window transfer ban unless they pay the first instalment of the 17 million euros ($19M) transfer fee for Emiliano Sala to Nantes. The Argentine, 28, died when the light aircraft he was travelling in from France to Britain crashed into the English Channel in January. Cardiff and Nantes […]

Strasbourg (France) (AFP) – Metz defender Manuel Cabit is in hospital after he was "seriously injured" in a car crash involving team-mate Kevin N'Doram, the Ligue 1 club said Monday. The 26-year-old Cabit was transported to a hospital in Reims after a motorway accident on Sunday although his condition is not said to be life […]

London (AFP) – Everton midfielder Andre Gomes is expected to make a "full recovery" after undergoing surgery to repair a fracture dislocation of his ankle, the Premier League club said on Monday. The Portugal international suffered the shocking injury when he fell awkwardly following a challenge from Tottenham's Son Heung-min in Sunday's 1-1 draw at […]

London (AFP) – Everton midfielder Andre Gomes on Monday underwent ankle surgery, with the club saying the procedure to repair a fracture dislocation went "extremely well". The Portugal international suffered the shocking injury when he fell awkwardly following a challenge from Tottenham's Son Heung-min in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Goodison Park. "Everton Football Club can […]

Kuala Lumpur (AFP) – Lebanon's Al Ahed clinched the AFC Cup Monday with a dominant 1-0 win over 10-man 4.25 SC from North Korea, a game shifted to Malaysia from Pyongyang following a blacked-out World Cup qualifier. The final of Asia's second-tier club tournament was moved following last month's surreal showdown between North and South […]