Brazil hits back, says no divisions

Brazil's top soccer official has hit back at criticism from FIFA boss Sepp Blatter, saying there was harmony between the government and the 2014 World Cup organising committee.

Uruguay edge Ireland in five-goal thriller

Uruguay edged a five-goal thriller at the Aviva Stadium here in Dublin on Wednesday, defeating an inexperienced and experimental Ireland side 3-2.

Italy beat Ukraine 2-0 in friendly

Giuseppe Rossi helped 10-man Italy to a 2-0 victory over Ukraine in a friendly, undermining home coach Kalitvintsev's hopes of keeping the job long-term.

Lionel Messi misses Argentina friendly

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi was a late withdrawal with a leg injury from the Argentina side that lined up against Costa Rica in a friendly.

Frank Ribery gets mixed reception

France were held to a 0-0 draw by Croatia in a friendly and Franck Ribery experienced a mixed reception in his first home game since the World Cup fiasco.

Ribery gives Blanc food for thought

He may have been roundly jeered by the home fans, but Franck Ribery's second-half cameo in France's 0-0 draw with Croatia has given coach Laurent Blanc plenty to think about.

Bagan seek to overcome Odafa hurdle

Just when Mohun Bagan were trying to figure out what was bringing the pressure before the 115th IFA Shield final, opponents Churchill Brothers have queered the pitch for them.

Baichung's side takes on Shillong outfit

The second division I-League kicks off on Thursday but the football fraternity will have its eyes trained on one particular match - clash between United Sikkim FC and Langsning Sports Club.

Italy don't need stars to succed

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli believes that a lack of world-class talent should not preclude the country from achieving impressive results.

Anelka happy with international exile

Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka said that he is happy to be in international exile following France's 2010 World Cup debacle which saw him banned for 18 matches.

Banned Toure hopes to 'be back soon'

Manchester City defender Kolo Toure made an unexpected appearance at a soccer convention and said he hoped to be back soon after being suspended for a positive drug test earlier this month.

Churchill beat Bagan in IFA Shield

Odafa Okolie returned to haunt Mohun Bagan once again as the Nigerian inspired Churchill Brothers to a come-from-behind 2-1 win in the IFA Shield.

Form gives Inter the edge: Stankovic

Inter Milan midfielder Dejan Stankovic believes his side are in a better position coming into Saturday's derby than Serie A leaders AC Milan.

Ukraine vs Italy 0:2 Highlights

International friendly match: Ukraine vs Italy 0:2. Highlights

Germany vs Australia 1:2 Highlights

International friendly match: Germany vs Australia 1:2. Highlights

Chile vs Colombia 2:0 Highlights

International football match: Chile vs Colombia 2:0. Highlights

France vs Croatia 0:0 Highlights

International friendly match: France vs Croatia 0:0. Match highlights

Ireland vs Uruguay 2:3 Highlights

International friendly match: Ireland vs Uruguay 2:3. Match highlights

Slovakia vs Denmark 1:2 Highlights

International friendly match: Slovakia vs Denmark 1:2. Match highlights

Portugal vs Finland 2:0 Highlights

International friendly match: Portugal vs Finland 2:0. Match highlights

England vs Ghana 1:1 Highlights

International friendly match: England vs Ghana 1:1. Match highlights

Mexico vs Venezuela 1:1 Highlights

International friendly match: Mexico vs Venezuela 1:1. Match highlights

Costa Rica vs Argentina 0:0 Highlights

International friendly match: Costa Rica vs Argentina 0:0. Match highlights

USA vs Paraguay 0:1 Highlights

International friendly match: USA vs Paraguay 0:1. Match highlights.

US rally for 1-1 draw with Argentina

Juan Agudelo scored in the 59th minute to give the United States a 1-1 draw against Lionel Messi's Argentina in a friendly international football match.

Hernandez scores twice in Mexico win

Rising star Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez scored two goals to lead Mexico to a 3-1 victory over Paraguay in a friendly international football match.

Charged-up Bagan face Southern test

With their sights set firmly on the only trophy they can take home this season, Mohun Bagan go into Monday's IFA Shield semifinal high on motivation.

Beckham and Galaxy get Real beating

David Beckham and the Los Angeles Galaxy suffered a humbling 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer on Saturday.

Goalkeeper Rogerio scores 100th goal

Goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni scored the 100th goal of his career to give Sao Paulo a 2-1 win over arch-rivals Corinthians in a pulsating Paulista championship derby.

Boateng ruled out of Australia friendly

Germany defender Jerome Boateng will miss the friendly international against Australia on Tuesday after picking up a knee injury during a warm-up match.

Marseille set to launch women's team

French football giants Marseille announced they will create a women's football team next season for which they will recruit 22 players in the coming month.

Bagan face Churchill in IFA Shield final

Mohun Bagan scripted a superb comeback to defeat Southern Samity 2-1 and set up a summit clash against Churchill Brothers in the 115th IFA Shield tourney.

Sepp Blatter tells Brazil to speed up

Retired Brazilian soccer legend Pele claimed last month that Brazil was "running the risk of being red-faced in the way it is managing the World Cup."

Ecuador vs Colombia 0:2 Highlights

International friendly match: Ecuador vs Colombia 0:2. Highlights.

Estonia vs Uruguay 2:0 Highlights

International friendly match: Estonia vs Uruguay 2:0. Match highlights.

USA vs Argentina 1:1 Highlights

International friendly match: USA vs Argentina 1:1. Match highlights.

Mexico vs Paraguay 3:1 Highlights

International friendly match: Mexico vs Paraguay 3:1. Highlights.

Brazil vs Scotland 2:0 Highlights

International friendly match: Brazil vs Scotland 2:0. Match highlights.

Costa Rica vs China 2:2 Highlights

International friendly match: Costa Rica vs China 2:2. Match highlights.

Liberia striker found dead in hotel room

Liberian international Patrick Doeplah has been found dead in his hotel room in Monrovia after returning home from Israel to play for his country's Olympic team.

Frankfurt appoint Daum as interim coach

Struggling Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt have appointed Christophe Daum as interim coach after Michael Skibbe was fired Tuesday following a poor run of form.

UEFA to sell TV rights for qualifiers

UEFA says it's taking control of selling broadcast rights for qualifying matches to major tournaments to help national federations raise more money.

Abidal in 'high spirits' following surgery

Barcelona defender Eric Abidal is "in high spirits" following surgery to remove a liver tumour last week, the club's sporting director, Andoni Zubizarreta, said.

Buffon wary of emerging Slovenia

Italy captain and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has warned his team-mates that Friday's Euro 2012 Group C qualifier against Slovenia won't be easy.

Alves renews Barca contract: Club

Barcelona's Brazilian defender Dani Alves has extended his contract with the Spanish champions until 2015, the club announced on Tuesday.

Cancer-hit Robson set for Asian tour

Manchester United and England legend Bryan Robson will take part in a three-city Asian charity tour despite recent surgery for throat cancer, organisers said.

Indian women out of Olympic qualifiers

Indian women's football team failed to advance to the second round of 2012 Olympics qualifiers after suffering a 1-5 thrashing at the hands of Uzbekistan.

Pato 'pictured with Berlusconi's daughter'

Alexandre Pato seems to have taken matters into his own hands to try to cement a place in the first team, by dating club owner Silvio Berlusconi's daughter.

Bhutia launches United Sikkim club

Co-owned by Baichung Bhutia, Shankar Mahadevan and FidelisWorld, the club's aim is to make it to the I-League next season by qualifying from 2nd division.

Churchill Brothers beat East Bengal 1-0

A pathetic East Bengal crashed out of the IFA Shield, losing 0-1 to Churchill Brothers at the Salt Lake Stadium on Wednesday.

Nigeria await FIFA clearance for Moses

Nigeria officials have dispelled fears that Wigan Athletic winger Victor Moses will play against Ethiopia in a Nations Cup qualifier without clearance from FIFA.

India snatch dramatic win against Pak

India snatched a dramatic 3-1 win against arch-rivals Pakistan, scoring two goals in injury time, to storm into the main round of the AFC Challenge Cup.

Abidal returns home after liver surgery

Barcelona's Eric Abidal is recovering at home after surgery last week on a liver tumour and should be able to begin exercising again in four weeks.

Bagan draw 1-1 with Chirag in IFA shield

Mohun Bagan dished out a sloppy display to settle for a 1-1 draw against Chirag United in their Group B clash of the 115th IFA Shield tournament in Kolkata.

Bayer cut Borussia Dortmund's lead

Michael Ballack-inspired Bayer Leverkusen beat Schalke 04 2-0 on Sunday to cut Borussia Dortmund's lead at the top of the Bundesliga to just seven points.

Former Czech captain Novak dies at 79

Defender Ladislav Novak, who captained Czechoslovakia to the final of the 1962 World Cup in Chile, has died.

Pepe agrees to stay at Real: Report

Real Madrid's Portuguese international Pepe has agreed a contract extension until June 2015, sports daily Marca reported on Monday.

Deadline nears as Bosnia face ban

UEFA secretary general reiterated governing body's threat to suspend Bosnia-Hercegovina if required changes are not made to the country's football federation statute.

Buffon dubious over Balotelli omission

Italy captain Buffon has expressed his disappointment at coach's decision to omit Balotelli and De Rossi from his squad because of club suspensions.

Barcelona vs Getafe 2:1 Highlights

Spain, Liga BBVA: FC Barcelona vs Getafe CF 2:1. Match highlights.

Rangers vs Celtic 2:1 Highlights (CIS Cup Final)

CIS Cup Final: Rangers FC vs Celtic FC 2:1. Goal highlights.

Napoli vs Cagliari 2:1 Highlights

Italian Serie A: SSC Napoli vs Cagliari Calcio 2:1. Match highlights.

Valencia vs Sevilla 0:1 Highlights

Spain, Liga BBVA: Valencia CF vs Sevilla FC 0:1. Match highlights.

Chelsea vs Manchester City 2:0 MOTD

English Premier League: Chelsea FC vs Manchester City FC 2:0. Match of the Day (MOTD) highlights.

Sunderland vs Liverpool 0:2 MOTD

English Premier League: Sunderland AFC vs Liverpool FC 0:2. Match of the Day (MOTD) highlights.

Evans red card vs Bolton

English Premier League: Manchester United vs Bolton Wanderers. Johny Evans tackle on Stuart Holden that gets hin sent off.

Freiburg vs Bayern 1:2 Highlights

German Bundesliga: SC Freiburg vs Bayern Munich 1:2. Match highlights."

Tottenham vs West Ham 0:0 Highlights

English Premier League: Tottenham Hotspur vs West Ham United 0:0. Match highlights.

Minister against Ribery, Evra recalls

French sports minister Chantal Jouanno said that she hopes coach Laurent Blanc does not recall Franck Ribery and Patrice Evra for the forthcoming matches.

Rebels Evra, Ribery get France recalls

Two of France's World Cup rebels Patrice Evra and Franck Ribery were called up for international duty for the first time since a troubled 2010 World Cup saw them hit with sanctions.

IFA Shield: Bagan edge past Aryan

Mohun Bagan registered their first victory of the 115th IFA Shield on Thursday, scraping past Aryan Club by a solitary goal in their second match of Group B at the Salt Lake Stadium.

Ballack to miss out on Germany call-up

Ex-Germany captain Michael Ballack will again miss out on selection for the Euro 2012 qualifier against Kazakhstan and the friendly with Australia.

Japan chief asked to back Hammam

Japan's top soccer official Junji Ogura said on Friday he had been asked to back Qatari Mohamed Bin Hammam's bid for the FIFA presidency, expected to be announced later on Friday.

Churchill begin IFA campaign with a win

Defending champions Churchill Brothers opened their IFA Shield campaign with a 3-1 win over Mohammedan Sporting while Chirag United went down to Shillong Lajong FC.

Barcelona players undergo doping tests

Ten Barcelona players underwent "routine" UEFA doping tests, just days after a Spanish radio station alleged the club had links to disreputable doctors.

Robben's sticking with Bayern: Karl-Heinz

Bayern Munich president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insisted that Arjen Robben will stay with the Bavarian club even if they fail to qualify for the Champions League next season.

Ribery gives Bayern 2-1 win at Freiburg

Franck Ribery netted a late winner to give Bayern Munich a 2-1 win at Freiburg as the Bavarian giants began their recovery from Champions League exit.

Scunthorpe sack boss Baraclough

Scunthorpe United dismiss manager Ian Baraclough following Tuesday's 3-0 defeat by Preston North End.

Ferguson hails Hernandez impact

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits his surprise at the speed of Javier Hernandez's development after he scored both goals in Tuesday's Champions League victory over Marseille.

Beckham plays in Galaxy victory

Midfielder David Beckham's LA Galaxy beat Seattle Sounders 1-0 in their opening Major League Soccer match of the season on Tuesday.

Birmingham admit charge over fans

Birmingham accept a Football Association charge relating to the pitch invasion that followed their 2-1 Carling Cup win over Aston Villa.

SPL to hold change vote in April

The Scottish Premier League will take a vote on league reconstruction on Monday 18 April after the vote date was postponed due to the international football week.

Rangers will contest McCoist ban

Rangers appeal against the two-match touchline ban handed to assistant manager Ally McCoist.

Gerrard on mend after operation

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has started his rehabilitation following surgery on his groin.

Robson faces fight against cancer

Former England and Manchester United captain Bryan Robson is receiving treatment for throat cancer.

Grant charged for FA Cup comments

West Ham manager Avram Grant has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association after criticising referee Mike Jones.

Ferguson hit with five-match ban

The FA gives Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson a five-match touchline ban for his comments about referee Martin Atkinson.

Sevilla vs Barcelona 1:1 Highlights

Spain, Liga BBVA: Sevilla FC vs FC Barcelona 1:1. Goal highlights."

FIFA launches match-fixing probe

FIFA is investigating six match officials over possible match-fixing in two friendly internationals that produced a total of seven penalties in Turkey.

Drogba defends teammate Toure

Didier Drogba spoke out in defence of his Ivory Coast international team-mate Kolo Toure and said his failed drug test was a "stupid mistake".

Germany to play friendly against France

Germany have scheduled a friendly against France early next year as part of their preparations for Euro 2012 which they are on track to qualify for, the country's football federation said.

MLS wants more stars to boost status

In the wake of landing David Beckham and Thierry Henry, Major League Soccer will try and lure more name talent from top European sides to boost its global status.

I want to leave Bayern with pride: Louis

Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal says he wants to leave the club with pride and through "the front door" after the club decided to terminate his contract early.

Cesar rescues point for 10-man Inter

Samuel Eto'o scored his 31st goal of the season to give Inter Milan a first half lead before Andrea Caracciolo equalised 6 minutes from time for Brescia.

HAL look for revenge against Chirag

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will be looking for revenge against Kolkata's Chirag United when they meet in the 19th round I-League at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Sunday.

AFC postpones CL matches in Japan

The Asian Football Confederation has postponed Asian Champions League matches in Japan following the devastating earthquake and tsunami.

Mamic takes charge of Churchill Brothers

The new coach of Churchill Brothers had a forgettable outing as national coach of Myanmar where he got the boot after four months in office and a series of bad results.

Edmilson brace floors EB in IFA Shield

Edmilson came back to haunt his former club East Bengal in a big way as rookie Southern Samity rallied to stun the tournament-favourites 2-1 in their IFA Shield opener.

Bayern Munich crush Hamburg 6-0

Arjen Robben scored a quick-fire hat-trick to help Bayern Munich demolish Hamburg SV 6-0 as leaders Borussia Dortmund stumbled to a 1-0 defeat.

Invisible yellow card by Peter Walton

Peter Walton forgot his working requisites in dressing room so he had to book a player with nothing in Premier League match between Everton FC and Birmingham…

Birmingham vs Bolton 2:3 Highlights

English FA Cup: Birmingham City vs Bolton Wanderers 2:3. Highlights."

Bayern vs HSV 6:0 Highlights

German Bundesliga: Bayern Munich vs Hamburger SV 6:0. Highlights."

Real Madrid vs Hercules 2:0 Highlights

Spain, Liga BBVA: Real Madrid vs Hercules Alicante 2:0. Highlights."

Cesena vs Juventus 2:2 Highlights

Italian Serie A: AC Cesena vs Juventus FC 2:2. Match highlights."

Werder Bremen vs M'gladbach 1:1 Highlights

German Bundesliga: Werder Bremen vs Borussia Monchengladbach 1:1. Match highlights.

Sochaux vs Lyon 0:2 Highlights

French Ligue 1: FC Sochaux Montbelliard vs Olympique Lyon 0:2. Match highlights.

Higuain returns to pitch after surgery

Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain returned to the pitch on Wednesday for the first time since he underwent back surgery in January to fix a slipped disc, the Spanish club said.

Platini may seek FIFA presidency: Pele

Brazilian soccer great Pele says UEFA President Michel Platini may run against Sepp Blatter for the FIFA presidency.

Becks returns to Galaxy in losing effort

David Beckham gave Los Angeles Galaxy fans plenty of reason to cheer in his return match, despite Mexico's Club Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente defeating in a shootout.

Ronaldo to play farewell Brazil match

Ronaldo will play a farewell match with Brazil in June to mark the end of a career in which he won two World Cups, the Brazilian Football Confederation said.

Canada to host 2015 women's WC: FIFA

Canada will host women's football World Cup in 2015, world football's governing body, FIFA, said on Thursday.

FIFA reports $631M profit on 2010 WC

FIFA says it made a $631 million (euro452 million) profit in the four years leading up to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

'No men' in Guinea women's team: FIFA

FIFA confirmed that there were no men in the Equatorial Guinea women's team that qualified for World Cup, despite allegations from rival countries.

FIFA, UEFA and clubs to discuss row

Representatives of top European clubs and world and European football chiefs will meet next week to discuss a growing row about the saturated fixtures list, FIFA president said.

FIFA pledges action on match-fixing

FIFA president Sepp Blatter pledged tighter monitoring of referees' assignments as investigations continue into two suspect friendlies played in Turkey last month.

Toure suspended for failing drug test

Manchester City defender Kolo Toure has been suspended after failing a drug test, the Premier League club said on their website on Thursday.

Villarreal vs Hercules 1:0 Highlights

Spain, Liga BBVA: Villarreal CF vs Hercules Alicante 1:0. Match highlights.

Man City vs Aston Villa 3:0 Highlights

English FA Cup: Manchester City vs Aston Villa 3:0. Goal highlights.

Sevilla vs Sporting Gijon 3:0 Highlights

Spain, Liga BBVA: Sevilla FC vs Sporting Gijon 3:0. Match highlights.

Valencia vs Barcelona 0:1 Highlights

Spain, Liga BBVA: Valencia CF vs FC Barcelona 0:1. Match highlights.

Bayern vs Schalke 0:1 Highlights

German DFB Pokal Semifinal: Bayern Munich vs FC Schalke 04 - 0:1. Match highlights.

Benfica vs Sporting 2:1 Highlights

Portuguese Cup: Benfica Lisbon vs Sporting Lisbon 2:1. Match highlights.

Real Madrid vs Malaga 7:0 Highlights

Spain, Liga BBVA: Real Madrid vs Malaga CF 7:0. Match highlights.

Ronaldinho amazing free-kick ,Final da Taça Guanabara 2011

Ronaldinho amazing free-kick/ Final da Taça Guanabara 2011

Fury dumped from A-League

Cash-strapped North Queensland Fury were kicked out of Australia's A-League Tuesday as officials said the club was putting a financial strain on the competition.

Beto, Rant spur Dempo past Al Tilal

Dempo Sports Club wasted a golden opportunity to finish off their lung-opener in the AFC Cup league clash against Yemen's Al Tilal before settling for a 2-1 win.

La Liga: Sevilla blank 10-man Gijon

Sevilla boosted their European hopes with a comfortable 3-0 home victory over 10-man Sporting Gijon to move level on points with sixth-placed Athletic Bilbao.

Everton's Fellaini out for rest of season

Everton's disappointing season suffered another blow after it was confirmed midfielder Marouane Fellaini would miss the rest of the campaign with an injury.

Churchill Brothers beat Indian Arrows

Indian Arrows suffered their first home defeat in the I-League with a 1-2 loss against Churchill Brothers in a Round XVII match on Wednesday.

Arsenal suffer van Persie injury blow

Arsenal's hopes for next week's Champions League second leg with Barcelona have suffered a blow after striker Robin van Persie was ruled out, the club said.

Mancini vs Hughes handshake incident

Mark Hughes gets rightfully angry on Roberto Mancini's disrespecting handshake after Manchester City vs Fulham match (1:1).

Birmingham Carling Cup trophy celebration

Birmingham City players lift silverware after beating Arsenal in Wembley's 2011 Carling Cup final

Athletic Bilbao vs Valencia 1:2 Highlights

Spain, Liga BBVA: Athletic Bilbao vs Valencia CF 1:2. Match highlights.

Chelsea vs Manchester United 2:1 Highlights

English Premier League: Chelsea FC vs Manchester United 2.1. Highlights.

West Ham vs Liverpool 3:1

English Premier League: West Ham United vs Liverpool FC 3:1. Match of the Day (MOTD) highlights.

Milan vs Napoli 3:0 Highlights

Italian Serie A: AC Milan vs SSC Napoli 3:0. Match highlights.

Smith hopes for centenary victory

Kelly Smith hopes to mark her 100th international cap with victory as England prepare to face Italy in the Cyprus Cup.

Everton's Saha in Ferrari crash

Everton striker Louis Saha crashes into a fence while driving his Ferrari on a country road in Cheshire.

Fewer player sales hits Arsenal

Premier League club Arsenal makes a loss for the six months to December, after making less money on player sales.

Bantams make Jackson interim boss

Bradford City will continue to consider managerial applications from "very good candidates" while former player Peter Jackson takes interim charge.

Hughes sorry after Mancini spat

Fulham manager Mark Hughes apologises after his side's 1-1 draw at Manchester City was marred by a spat with City boss Roberto Mancini.

Oldham fail to pay players' wages

Oldham Athletic confirm their players have not received their wages for February because of a "cash-flow issue".

Drug test resulted in Mensing ban

Hamilton midfielder Simon Mensing serves a month-long suspension after testing positive for the banned substance methylhexaneamine.

SPL opts for earliest ever start

The 2011/12 Scottish Premier League season will kick off on 23 July, with clubs allowed to postpone one early game to appear in friendlies.

Rooney escapes FA ban over clash

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will face no action from the Football Association after appearing to elbow Wigan midfielder James McCarthy on Saturday.

Scottish footballer banned for doping

A Scottish Premier League player has served a month long ban after testing positive for a stimulant found in dietary supplements.