Dybala double as five-star Juve rout Sampdoria Rome (AFP) – Paulo Dybala hit a brace and provided an assist as Italian champions Juventus capped their sterling Serie A season with a 5-0 rout of 10-man Sampdoria on Saturday. Juventus secured a record-equalling fifth successive title without kicking a ball last month thanks to Roma’s late 1-0 win at home to Napoli. In their final home match of the … [Read more...]

FIFA audit chief Scala quits over threat to reforms Mexico City (AFP) – The head of FIFA’s independent audit committee, Domenico Scala quit on Saturday in protest at what he called attacks on reforms of the scandal-tainted world football governing body by its leadership. Scala is angry at a FIFA Council move to control the nomination of members of independent oversight bodies such as its ethics … [Read more...]

Benitez says ‘good chance’ he’ll stay at Newcastle London (AFP) – Rafael Benitez said Saturday there was a “good chance” he would remain as manager of Newcastle United despite the club’s relegation from the Premier League. The Spaniard added he had started talks with the north-east club’s management, with a final decision expected within the next two weeks. Former Liverpool manager Benitez is … [Read more...]

Arsenal struggles leave Wenger in spotlight London (AFP) – Arsene Wenger again found his future was the focus of attention ahead of Arsenal’s final game of the season against Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. At the Gunners’ last home game, some supporters staged a protest urging Wenger to quit and two weeks on, the Arsenal manager’s contract was again at issue, with the Frenchman … [Read more...]

Qatar to play three European friendlies in 2016 Doha (AFP) – Qatar will play three European friendlies this year, the first against Albania, ahead of crucial 2018 World Cup qualifiers, coach Jose Daniel Carreno announced Saturday.  The match against Albania will take place in Austria on May 29. That is just 13 days before Albania play their first game at the European Championship in France.  … [Read more...]

New FIFA secretary general vows to improve game’s ‘tarnished image’ Paris (AFP) – FIFA’s new secretary general Fatma Samoura on Saturday vowed “to help football restore its tarnished image” following a spate of scandals within the game’s world governing body. “My goal is to support the programme of president Gianni (Infantino) and to help football restore its tarnished image,” the Senegalese UN … [Read more...]

Ranieri relishes triumphant return to Chelsea London (AFP) – Claudio Ranieri’s Premier League story comes full circle on Sunday as he returns in triumph to Chelsea for the final fixture of title-winners Leicester City’s momentous and historic season. Ranieri’s sacking by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich in May 2004 set in motion a succession of managerial posts — at Valencia, Parma, Juventus, … [Read more...]

Departing Pellegrini eyes Euro berth Swansea (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Manuel Pellegrini ends his reign as Manchester City manager on Sunday with a final opportunity to leave a legacy of Champions League football. Pellegrini takes charge of City for the last time at Swansea before being replaced during the close-season by Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola. Despite reaching the semi-finals of this … [Read more...]

Van Gaal admits future uncertain after title flop Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Louis van Gaal claims it was unrealistic to expect Manchester United to win the Premier League and admits his job security is uncertain heading into the final game of the season. United can still qualify for the Champions League with a top four finish, but only if fourth placed Manchester City fail to collect a … [Read more...]

Benitez’s future up for grabs as Pochettino sticks with Spurs Newcastle (United Kingdom) (AFP) – While Rafael Benitez’s future at Newcastle United remains uncertain, Mauricio Pochettino confirmed his commitment to Tottenham Hotspur this week by agreeing a new deal that will keep him at the club until 2021. The two managers meet at St James’ Park this weekend when Pochettino will attempt to cap a … [Read more...]