Chelsea thrash Wolves, Arsenal lose
Chelsea trounced struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-0 to surge eight points clear in the English Premier League on Saturday after closest rivals Arsenal slumped to a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland. Beckham wants to play for England after WC
David Beckham wants to continue playing for England even after next year's World Cup finals in South Africa, he was quoted as saying on Saturday. Iraq appeals FIFA ban
Iraqi authorities were not surprised that soccer's world governing body decided to suspend the country from international competition and already have lawyers working on an appeal, officials said. FIFA bans Iraq after government interference
Football's governing body FIFA has suspended the Iraqi Football Association (IFA) 'because of government interference'. 'In accordance with FIFA statutes, the clubs and representative teams of Iraq are no longer permitted to take part in international matches, whether friendly or competitive,' read a statement on the FIFA website. Europe's biggest match-fixing ring exposed
A match-fixing ring with more than 200 suspected members fixed or tried to fix around 200 matches across Europe, including three in the Champions League, in what UEFA called the biggest betting scandal in Europe. A replay would be fairest solution: Henry
Thierry Henry said a replay between France and Ireland would be the "fairest solution" to the controversy surrounding the World Cup playoff. India 135 in FIFA rankings
India jumped three places to 135th in the latest FIFA rankings. In global rankings, Spain dethroned Brazil from number one spot. The Netherlands, Italy and Portugal complete the top five. Upcoming English Premier League matches
Manchester United take on Everton at home in the last match of Saturday's programme. FIFA reject Ireland's request for France replay
Football's world governing body FIFA has confirmed that the controversial France v Ireland World Cup playoff will not be replayed. Bayern Munich bosses lash out at coach van Gaal
Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal came under stinging attack from club bosses on Thursday ahead of their clash against Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen. Beckham says he never considered quitting MLS
David Beckham, one win away from claiming the MLS title with L.A Galaxy, said on Thursday that despite the troubles that have accompanied his time in the United States he had never considered abandoning the team. Irish FA calls on FIFA to replay France play-off
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) called on FIFA on Thursday to order a replay of the controversial World Cup playoff against France. France booked their place in next year's finals in South Africa with a 1-1 draw in Paris on Wednesday after striker Thierry Henry handled the ball in the build-up to their goal. Henry admits handball in build-up to goal
France captain Thierry Henry admitted he had handled the ball in the build-up to a controversial goal that sent France to the World Cup at the expense of Ireland on Wednesday. Failed Barry bid haunts Benitez as Man City loom
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will get a close-up of the missing piece of his jigsaw puzzle on Saturday when Gareth Barry runs out for Manchester City at Anfield for a match with huge implications for both clubs. Wenger reveals Arsenal's secret
Arsenal's manager Arsene Wenger has revealed the secrets of Gunners' beautiful game that is universally regarded as the best football in England. Padolski late goal rescues Germany
An injury time goal from Lukas Podolski rescued a 2-2 friendly draw for Germany against Ivory Coast on Wednesday, the home team's first game since last week's suicide of keeper Robert Enke. Eduardo seals new deal with Arsenal
Croatia striker Eduardo has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal, the Premier League club said on Wednesday. Gerrard fit and raring to go against Man City
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard, who recently recovered from a groin injury, said that he is fully fit to take on Manchester City in the Premier League this weekend. Controversial Gallas goal sees France through
A controversial goal in extra time by defender William Gallas sent France to next year's World Cup with a 2-1 aggregate playoff win over Ireland on Wednesday. Van Persie's special crackpot treatment
Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie, who injured his ankle during a game against Italy last Saturday, has dashed off to Serbia for a special crackpot treatment, which involves rubbing horse placenta on the damaged ankle. Brazil fail to shine in 2-0 win over Oman
Brazil rounded off a very good pre-World Cup year with a lacklustre 2-0 win over Oman in a friendly on Tuesday to take their tally to 14 victories in 17 matches. Beckham has silenced critics: Arena
David Beckham, booed on his return to the United States, has silenced his critics by helping the LA Galaxy to the MLS Cup final, his coach Bruce Arena said on Tuesday. If Torres goes then I go: Benitez
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez would quit the club if he was ever forced to sell Spain striker Fernando Torres, but he remains confident of keeping his prize forward. France, Portugal face final battle for WC spot
A 1-0 victory in Dublin put France on the verge of qualification for the 2010 World Cup but the final step towards South Africa could still be a treacherous one in Paris on Wednesday. Berbatov eyes goal-scoring record
Bulgaria striker Dimitar Berbatov hopes to break his country's goal-scoring record in Wednesday's friendly against Malta after recovering from a knee injury.