Kiev (AFP) – Ukraine's security service said Monday it had arrested a Frenchman who was allegedly planning to stage 15 terror attacks before and during the Euro 2016 football championship that starts in France later this week. SBU security service chief Vasyl Grytsak said the man intended to blow up "a Muslim mosque, a Jewish […]

Orlando (AFP) – Under-pressure Bolivia coach Julio Cesar Baldivieso says he will take "full responsibility" for his team's results at the Copa America Centenario after receiving a thinly veiled ultimatum from his federation's president. Bolivia, who face Panama on Monday, have lost five of their six South American World Cup qualifying games so far and […]

Melbourne (AFP) – Talisman Tim Cahill will take over the captain's armband in the absence of Mile Jedinak as Australia seek to sweep their two-match series against Greece in Melbourne on Tuesday. Cahill, 36, the former Everton star now playing for Hangzhou Greentown in China, is lining up for his 91st international appearance and has […]

Oakland (United States) (AFP) – NBA Most Valuable Player Stephen Curry swapped jerseys with Brazilian football star Neymar after Curry helped the Golden State Warriors rout Cleveland 110-77 in the NBA Finals. NBA scoring champion Curry made the exchange shortly after the defending NBA champions seized a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven championship series, which […]

Glendale (United States) (AFP) – Mexico defeated Uruguay 3-1 in a stormy Copa America Centenario that saw both teams finish with 10 men after a pre-match furore over a bungled national anthem. A pulsating clash at the University of Phoenix stadium in Arizona saw Mexico take all three points in the crucial Group C battle […]

Cardiff (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Gareth Bale is the key to Wales' Euro 2016 hopes, says Welsh legend Ian Rush, as Chris Coleman's dragons prepare for a first appearance at a major tournament for 58 years. Wales have many talented footballers. But legends such as John Charles, John Toshack, Ian Rush, Mark Hughes and Ryan […]

Cardiff (United Kingdom) (AFP) – There is one figure Wales manager Chris Coleman wishes could accompany his squad to France — former boss Gary Speed whose absence is still sorely felt. November 27, 2011 will go down in Welsh football history for all the wrong reasons. That was the day it was announced that Speed, […]

Glendale (United States) (AFP) – Copa America Centenario organizers were left red-faced after an embarrassing blunder which saw Chile's national anthem played instead of Uruguay's ahead of their Group C clash with Mexico in Arizona. The incident happened as the teams lined up for kick-off at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. After […]

Malmö (Sweden) (AFP) – Zlatan Ibrahimovic makes no secret of his lofty opinion of himself and according to his childhood club it is a longstanding trait of the Swedish superstar. Ibrahimovic pulled on his boots for the first time at the age of six at Fotbollsklubb (FBK) Balkan, a club created by Yugoslav immigrants in […]

Herzogenaurach (Germany) (AFP) – Helmut Fischer will not be cheering for Germany during the European Championship finals. He comes from the Bavarian town of Herzogenaurach where sport is a family affair that gets bitter and personal. Fischer, 67, said he has always hated the jerseys worn by Die Mannschaft, which are made by Adidas. "I […]

Washington (AFP) – Goals from Julie Johnston and Alex Morgan had the US women's team up 2-0 on Japan Sunday when lightning brought their international friendly match in Cleveland, Ohio, to a halt in the 76th minute. After a tense 3-3 draw last Thursday in the teams’ first meeting since the US victory in the […]

Chicago (AFP) – Venezuela defeated Jamaica 1-0 in a physical Copa America Centenario clash here Sunday that saw the Reggae Boyz reduced to 10 men while coach Winfried Schaefer was expelled from the dugout. Jamaica, riding high after a shock friendly victory over Copa America champions Chile in a warm-up last week, were left ruing […]

Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Jose Mourinho enjoyed a raucous reception as he watched a charity match from the stands on Sunday in his first appearance at Old Trafford since being named Manchester United manager. Just nine days after the official confirmation of Mourinho's appointment, the 53-year-old was in Manchester to give his support to […]

Santa Clara (United States) (AFP) – Argentina coach Gerardo Martino said Sunday no decision has been taken on Lionel Messi's fitness for his team's Copa America Centenario opener against Chile. Messi, who arrived in California on Friday after giving evidence at his tax fraud trial last week, is struggling with a back injury sustained during […]

Paris (AFP) – President Francois Hollande on Sunday sought to dispel the threat of strikes and dread of terrorism hanging over France as the country readies to host the Euro 2016 football championship. Five days before Paris showcases one of the world's top sporting events, Hollande tried to lift a grim national mood that has been […]