Mamelodi Sundowns one point away from CAF semi-finals Johannesburg (AFP) – Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa can continue an amazing four-month transition from flops to tops if they avoid defeat at home to Zamalek of Egypt on Wednesday in the CAF Champions League. A point at Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe Stadium near Pretoria will suffice to seal first place in Group B and take the South African … [Read more...]

Pogba posts 'holiday' photo with agent 7:42 PM GMT Arindam Rej Paul Pogba posted a picture of himself alongside his agent Mino Raiola, with the Juventus midfielder stating he is on his "holidays" still, as speculation continued to grow around Europe that a move for him to Manchester United is close. The pair are expected to discuss Pogba's future imminently, with the Frenchman having … [Read more...]

Rooney still key to England plans, says Allardyce London (AFP) – New England manager Sam Allardyce admitted Wayne Rooney has a significant part to play in his plans but refused to give assurances about the player’s future as captain. Rooney recently expressed a desire to continue as skipper, despite criticism following England’s disastrous campaign at the 2016 European Championship in France. … [Read more...]

Liverpool’s Joe Allen makes Stoke switch London (AFP) – Stoke City have signed Wales international midfielder Joe Allen from Liverpool on a five-year deal, the two Premier League clubs announced on Monday. Stoke paid £13 million (15.5 million euros, $17 million) to make Allen the club’s second signing of the pre-season after tying up a deal for Egyptian teenager Ramadan Sobhi earlier in the day. … [Read more...]

10 things we learned from MLS gameweek 20 of the 2016 season Here are the ten things we learned from Week 20 of the 2016 MLS season. 1. Seattle Hits Rock Bottom It might go down as the week that brought the curtain down on the Seattle Sounders’ remarkable first MLS era. On Wednesday night, the Sounders were 2-1 up in Carson against the LA Galaxy with a spot in the US Open Cup semifinals on the … [Read more...]

FIFA bans ex-German football boss over 2006 World Cup bid Geneva (AFP) – FIFA’s ethics committee on Monday banned Wolfgang Niersbach, former president of the German Football Association, for one year over misconduct surrounding the country’s successful 2006 World Cup bid.  “Mr. Niersbach has been banned for one year from all football-related activities,” a statement from FIFA’s in-house court … [Read more...]

India’s red light youngsters go for football gold Kolkata (AFP) – In a break from training for one of the world’s largest football tournaments, Yakub Ali swells with pride at the idea of putting a smile on the face of his mother back in Asia’s biggest red light district. “We’ve grown used to people sneering about where we come from and telling us that our mothers are worthless,” says 15-year-old … [Read more...]

Manchester derby in China canned over weather Beijing (AFP) – Manchester United said on Monday that its pre-season friendly with Manchester City in Beijing has been cancelled after torrential rains soaked the turf at the Bird’s Nest Stadium venue. “Due to recent weather events, tournament organisers and participating clubs have decided to cancel tonight’s International Champions Cup game,” … [Read more...]

Ronaldo vs. UFC's Conor McGregor 3:06 AM GMT Portugal and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo took time out during his post Euro 2016 holiday to drop by a gym in Las Vegas, to meet UFC fighter Conor McGregor on Sunday. McGregor is a month away from a return to the Octagon at UFC 202, where he will get a chance to avenge his crushing defeat at the hands of Nate Diaz. Great to see you … [Read more...]

Aurier bags brace as PSG down Inter 3-1 in friendly Los Angeles (AFP) – Serge Aurier’s two goals lifted Paris Saint-Germain to a 3-1 victory over Iter Milan on Sunday in an International Champions Cup friendly in Eugene, Oregon. Layvin Kurzawa also scored for the French champions, while Stevan Jovetic converted a penalty for the Italian outfit in first-half injury time. The International … [Read more...]