Spanish judge drops Neymar case Madrid (AFP) – A Spanish judge on Friday dropped a fraud and corruption case against Brazilian superstar Neymar and his father in relation to the player’s 2013 transfer to Barcelona. The case had been brought by the Brazilian investment fund DIS, former owners of the rights of the player, now 24 and who moved to the Camp Nou from Santos in his homeland. DIS, which … [Read more...]

Marseille sign Dynamo Moscow defender Marseille (AFP) – Slovakian international defender Tomas Hubocan has joined Marseille from Dynamo Moscow, the French League 1 outfit said on Friday. The 30-year-old played twice for Slovakia at Euro 2016 and spent six years at Zenit St Petersburg before his move to Dynamo two seasons ago. Marseille have already snapped up over the summer Cameroon defender … [Read more...]

Skrtel set to join Fenerbahce from Liverpool Istanbul (AFP) – Fenerbahce are set to sign the fiery Slovakian international defender Martin Skrtel on a free transfer from Liverpool, the Istanbul giants said on Friday. Last season’s Turkish runners-up said in a brief statement they were in advanced talks with Liverpool and the player, who made a strong showing in helping Slovakia to the last-16 at … [Read more...]

Liverpool confirm new Klopp contract 9:00 AM GMT Glenn Price Liverpool have confirmed that Jurgen Klopp has signed a new long-term contract at Anfield. Former Borussia Dortmund head coach Klopp has signed a six-year deal, taking him to 2022, a club source has told ESPN FC. Klopp's senior assistants -- Zeljko Buvac and Peter Krawietz -- have also signed extensions. Klopp only took charge at … [Read more...]

Fernando Santos the power behind ‘King’ Ronaldo Paris (AFP) – Cristiano Ronaldo reigns over the football pitch but Fernando Santos calls the shots behind the scenes. The dynamic goalscorer and coach duo have taken Portugal to the Euro 2016 final and given it a chance to become the latest little nation to upset the continent’s giants. After Denmark beat Germany in 1992 and Greece beat Portugal in … [Read more...]

Independiente stun Boca in Copa Libertadores semi-final Quito (AFP) – Ecuadoran minnows Independiente del Valle upset Argentinian giants Boca Juniors 2-1 in the first leg of their Copa Libertadores semi-final clash. Independiente, playing in the semi-finals of South America’s most prestigious club competition for the first time, on Thursday came from a goal down to give themselves a fighting … [Read more...]

Griezmann is France’s new ‘Mr Extra’ Marseille (AFP) – He rejected comparisons with Michel Platini but Antoine Griezmann is fast becoming a France legend after a two-goal haul against Germany fired the hosts into Sunday’s Euro 2016 final against Portugal. Amid the controversial absence of Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, France have found a new hero in the diminutive striker. With six goals … [Read more...]

Griezmann double sends determined France to Euro 2016 final Marseille (AFP) – Antoine Griezmann took up the mantle as challenger-in-chief to Cristiano Ronaldo with two goals that crushed world champions Germany and saw France into Sunday’s Euro 2016 final against Portugal. A penalty awarded seconds before half-time caused turmoil in the German camp. Griezmann took his chance and added a second … [Read more...]

Gareth Bale and Wales eager to build on Euro 2016 legacy Lyon (AFP) – As Gareth Bale and his Wales team-mates bade farewell to Euro 2016, a commonly expressed hope was that their achievements in France would represent a beginning and not an end. Having waited 58 years to play at a major tournament, Wales made up for lost time in style, topping their group above England and sinking Belgium in the … [Read more...]

France, Germany set for Euro 2016 semi-final blockbuster Marseille (AFP) – Captain Bastian Schweinsteiger will make his first start of Euro 2016 as Germany take on France in a semi-final battle of European superpowers on Thursday. The two fancied teams will be playing for the right to play Portugal in Sunday’s final at the Stade de France after Cristiano Ronaldo’s men beat Wales 2-0. More than … [Read more...]