London (AFP) – Brazilian international midfielder Oscar is to become the latest big name to move to China in a £60 million transfer ($76mn, 71.5mn euros) from Chelsea to Shanghai SIPG, British media reported on Wednesday. The 25-year-old — who would be the second Brazilian star from the Premier League leaders to leave for China […]

Liverpool (AFP) – Ronald Koeman reacted sarcastically to opposite number Arsene Wenger after Everton ended Arsenal's nine-month unbeaten away run in the Premier League in an eventful 2-1 victory at Goodison Park. Arsenal manager Wenger, defeated for just the second time this season, blamed referee Mark Clattenburg for awarding the first of a series of corners […]

Glasgow (AFP) – Brendan Rodgers hailed his side's desire and determination as they secured a 1-0 over Hamilton that extends their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to 11 points. The Hoops are now unbeaten in 19 games domestically – the best ever start to a season by a Celtic manager in their […]

With 2016 winding down, it’s time to take a look at the most-attended soccer games in the United States. Looking back at 2016, there were 43 games that were attended by 40,000 people or more. That's a slight decrease from the 45 games that achieved that mark in 2015, but an increase from 2014 when there were 35 […]

New York (AFP) – Argentine sports marketing company Torneos y Competencias S.A. agreed Tuesday to pay $112.8 million to settle charges in the United States stemming from a massive FIFA corruption scandal, authorities said. Torneos "admitted to its role in the 15-year scheme, including its role in paying tens of millions of dollars in bribes […]

Glasgow (AFP) – Runaway leaders Celtic further extended their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership with a 1-0 defeat of Hamilton at Celtic Park on Tuesday. A first-half strike from Leigh Griffiths was enough to claim Celtic's 10th consecutive victory and condemn Hamilton to their first defeat in six games. The Hoops now […]

Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho says he will listen to offers for unhappy players like Memphis Depay and Morgan Schneiderlin in next month's transfer window. Dutch winger Depay and French midfielder Schneiderlin, both signed in 2015 by Louis van Gaal, have been the biggest losers of Mourinho's first half-season in […]

Bournemouth (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Premier League champions Leicester City crashed to earth with a bump as Marc Pugh's 34th-minute goal earned Bournemouth a 1-0 win at the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday. Leicester overwhelmed Pep Guardiola's Manchester City 4-2 on Saturday in a thrilling return to the form that carried them to last season's fairytale […]

Paris (AFP) – Marseille crashed out of the French League Cup on Tuesday after losing 4-3 on penalties to second-tier Sochaux following a 1-1 draw in their last-16 tie. Bouna Sarr fired the three-time champions ahead at the Stade Bonal but Moussa Sao swiftly responded to level for hosts Sochaux. Goalkeeper Christopher Dilo then saved […]

Liverpool (AFP) – Ashley Williams's 86th-minute header saw Everton return to form in spectacular fashion as they hit back to dent Arsenal's Premier League title hopes in a 2-1 victory on Tuesday. Wales defender Williams rose unmarked to head home Ross Barkley's corner in a major disappointment for the visitors, who had taken the lead […]

London (AFP) – Ashley Williams's 86th-minute header ended Arsenal's 14-game unbeaten run and kept Arsene Wenger's side from the Premier League summit as Everton claimed a much-needed 2-1 win on Tuesday. Arsenal would have provisionally supplanted leaders Chelsea on goal difference with victory and took a 20th-minute lead when Alexis Sanchez's free-kick deflected in off […]

Paris (AFP) – Former Portugal international Sergio Conceicao made a winning start as Nantes manager with a 3-1 victory over Montpellier in the last 16 of the French League Cup on Tuesday. Argentine striker Emiliano Sala struck either side of a Kevin Berigaud goal at the Stade de la Beaujoire as Nantes became the first […]

Doha (AFP) – Goals from Luiz Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar helped Barcelona beat Saudi champions Al-Ahli 5-3 in a thrilling friendly in Doha on Tuesday. The superstar trio all scored by the 17th minute, helping the Spanish giants to stroll into an early three-goal lead. And perhaps more importantly for Barcelona, it also ensured […]

Marseille (AFP) – The mother of Manchester United star Paul Pogba and Saint-Etienne defender Florentin Pogba told AFP she wants the teams to draw both games when they meet in the Europa League. Premier League giants United were paired with French side Saint-Etienne in the last 32 of Europe's second-tier competition on Monday, pitting the […]

London (AFP) – Premier League leaders Chelsea and Manchester City have been fined over the touchline brawl that erupted at the end of their recent league game, the Football Association announced on Tuesday. Chelsea were fined £100,000 ($126,760, 119,290 euros) and City £35,000 for "failing to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion […]