Buenos Aires (AFP) – Diego Maradona's eldest daughter claims that the Argentina shirt being auctioned is not the one her late father wore when he scored the infamous "Hand of God" goal against England. Dalma Maradona said the shirt was actually worn by her father during the goalless first half of the 1986 World Cup […]

London (AFP) – Tottenham manager Antonio Conte believes Harry Kane is capable of becoming one of the greatest strikers in history, not merely of his generation. The 28-year-old is in sight of becoming England's all-time leading goalscorer and is 82 goals short of Alan Shearer's Premier League record. "I think he deserves an important position […]

London (AFP) – Andreas Christensen has urged Chelsea to take a "nothing to lose" approach if they are to revive their season following Wednesday's convincing 3-1 loss at home to Real Madrid. Blues centre-back Christensen was given a tough time by Real hat-trick hero Karim Benzema, as well as Vincius Junior, as the title-holders were […]

Berlin (AFP) – Borussia Dortmund coach Marco Rose has demanded an improved performance from his team at Stuttgart on Friday to make amends for their drubbing at home to RB Leipzig. Second-placed Dortmund trail league leaders Bayern Munich by nine points in the Bundesliga with six games remaining, having been hammered 4-1 by Leipzig last […]

Nyon (Switzerland) (AFP) – UEFA on Thursday approved new licensing regulations to replace its existing Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, allowing European clubs to make bigger losses than before but limiting spending on wages and transfers. As expected, European football's governing body decided to overhaul the FFP rules that were introduced in 2010 in order […]

London (AFP) – Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said Allan Saint-Maximin does have a "long-term future" at the Premier League strugglers. The French winger has not scored since January and there have been reports Newcastle could be willing to sell the 25-year-old come the end of the season as the Magpies bid to remain in the […]

Doha (AFP) – The UN labour agency joined Amnesty International Thursday in calling on World Cup hosts Qatar to protect thousands of security guards who a report said were victims of "forced labour". Guards posted at World Cup stadiums, ministries and offices often had to work months, sometimes years, without a day off, Amnesty said […]

Madrid (AFP) – Real Madrid might want both Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland this summer but Karim Benzema's latest Champions League hat-trick shows they already have the world's deadliest number nine. There is an even an argument to say Benzema is the finest player in the world full-stop right now, after he upstaged Mbappe in […]

London (AFP) – Erik ten Hag is the strong favourite to be named Manchester United's next full-time manager, dealing a crushing blow to the dreams of embattled Paris Saint-Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino, according to British media reports on Thursday. Both the BBC and the Daily Mail claim the 52-year-old Ajax manager is seen as fitting […]

Los Angeles (AFP) – The Seattle Sounders took control of their CONCACAF Champions League semi-final against Major League Soccer champions New York City on Wednesday with a convincing 3-1 first-leg victory. Goals from Albert Rusnak, Jordan Morris and captain Nicolas Lodeiro powered the Sounders to a deserved win that leaves the club on the brink […]

London (AFP) – Thomas Tuchel turned on Chelsea's players as the Blues boss let his frustration pour out after their dismal 3-1 defeat against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final first leg. Tuchel's side are facing the end of their reign as Champions League holders following a bitter night at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. […]

London (AFP) – Thomas Tuchel claims Chelsea have no chance of advancing to the Champions League semi-finals after Karim Benzema's hat-trick inspired Real Madrid's stunning 3-1 win on Wednesday. Tuchel's side were rocked by Benzema's brilliant treble at Stamford Bridge and the shell-shocked Blues boss conceded the holders' reign is almost certainly over. With away […]

Villarreal (Spain) (AFP) – Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann said his team "deserved" to lose following their 1-0 loss away to Villarreal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final Wednesday. Arnaut Danjuma scored an early goal and Bayern were fortunate they will return to Germany not trailing by more after Villarreal striker Gerard […]

London (AFP) – Carlo Ancelotti hailed Karim Benzema's "fantastic" hat-trick as he fired Real Madrid to a 3-1 win against Chelsea that put the Champions League holders on the brink of elimination after Wednesday's quarter-final first leg. Benzema produced a masterclass at Stamford Bridge as the France striker netted twice in the first half with […]

Vila-real (Spain) (AFP) – Villarreal inflicted a shock 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich on Wednesday as Arnaut Danjuma's strike boosted the Spanish team's hopes of causing a huge upset in the Champions League quarter-finals. Danjuma diverted in Dani Parejo's shot in the eighth minute at La Ceramica to seal a surprise win, with Bayern perhaps […]