London Colney (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez shook hands with manager Arsene Wenger as he reported for training on Monday following reports of a training-ground bust-up. Sanchez, 28, was reported to have stormed off the training pitch last week before becoming involved in an angry confrontation with his team-mates. He started Saturday's […]

Kuala Lumpur (AFP) – Malaysia has banned its football team from playing an Asian Cup match in Pyongyang citing security threats as diplomatic relations between the two countries soured dramatically after the killing of Kim Jong-Nam, officials said Monday. Kim, the estranged half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, was poisoned with the deadly […]

London (AFP) – BT Sport has paid £1.18 billion ($1.45 billion, 1.36 billion euros) to retain exclusive rights to show Champions League and Europa League games in the United Kingdom, the broadcaster announced on Monday. The new contract, valid from 2018 to 2021, is worth £394 million per year, a significant increase on its current […]

Los Angeles (AFP) – Jonathan Klinsmann, the son of former US national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann, was named the top goaltender as the USA under-20 men's national team won the North American regional championship tournament. The Americans defeated Honduras 5-3 on penalty kicks following a 0-0 draw in Sunday's final of the Confederation of North, […]

Shanghai (AFP) – Carlos Tevez scored on his Chinese Super League debut for Shanghai Shenhua as he started repaying wages that have reportedly made him the world's best-paid player. The former Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus striker struck from the penalty spot and had a hand in two others as Gus Poyet's team beat […]

Miami (AFP) – The New York Red Bulls spoiled Atlanta United's Major League Soccer bow as a Daniel Royer header and Anton Walkes own goal lifted them to a 2-1 win over the expansion club on Sunday. Atlanta were off to a dream start in front of home fans in their first ever match, leading […]

Miami (AFP) – Cyle Larin's header in the 15th minute was enough to let Orlando City SC open their new stadium with a 1-0 victory over New York City FC Sunday on Major League Soccer's opening weekend. It wasn't all good news for Orlando, however, as Larin's header came minutes after Brazilian veteran Kaka limped […]

London (AFP) – Radiating anger and resignation in equal measure, Arsene Wenger wore the exasperated expression that has become all too familiar to Arsenal followers during their club's futile attempts to conquer Europe. Wenger's frustrated demeanour on the touchline at the Allianz Arena last month was provoked by the sight of Arsenal being outclassed by […]

Milan (AFP) – If Napoli goalkeeper Pepe Reina reproduces the kind of form that was key to Saturday's 2-1 win over Roma against Real Madrid in midweek, a Champions League upset could be on the cards. But the former Barcelona and Liverpool shot-stopper would be forgiven for also hoping Cristiano Ronaldo forgets his shooting boots […]

London (AFP) – Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's seemingly extraordinary decision to drop Alexis Sanchez before Saturday's defeat at Liverpool was the result of a training ground row, British media reported Sunday. According to the Daily Telegraph, Sanchez walked out of training and was involved in a bust-up with angry team-mates days before the match. The […]

Sunderland (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Pep Guardiola has told his Manchester City side they are now into "must-win" territory in their three-pronged bid for silverware this season. City top-scorer Sergio Aguero's 23rd goal of the campaign and a third in as many matches from German midfielder Leroy Sane sealed a comfortable 2-0 Premier League win at struggling […]

London (AFP) – Mauricio Pochettino has warned Chelsea that Harry Kane's unquenchable thirst for goals will keep Tottenham hot on the leaders' heels as the title race gathers pace. Kane struck twice as Pochettino's side closed the gap on Premier League leaders Chelsea to seven points with a 3-2 win over Everton at White Hart […]

Glasgow (AFP) – Arch-rivals Celtic and Rangers will meet in the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup next month, with holders Hibernian drawn against Aberdeen. Celtic, the Scottish champions-elect, have already beaten fellow Glasgow giants Rangers three times this season but lost to them in an Old Firm clash at the same stage of the Scottish […]

Lisbon (AFP) – Swedish defender Victor Lindelof, who was strongly linked with a move to Manchester United in January, has signed a new contract with Benfica until 2021, the club revealed on Sunday. The 22-year-old agreed a one-year extension to his previous deal, while Argentine centre-back Lisandro Lopez penned a three-year extension to his contract […]

Berlin (AFP) – Striker Florian Niederlechner netted both of Freiburg's goals in their shock 2-1 comeback win at Bundesliga high-fliers Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday to leave them just outside the top six. Eintracht crashed to only their second defeat at home this season despite taking an early lead when Sweden striker Branimir Hrgota converted their […]