Provides the latest RSS feeds for Soccer News. For more headlines on Breaking, National, Business, Finance, Sports and World News, visit our home page London Mercury.com http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/cat/15360451341a5c70/ en-us Fri, 24 May 2013 16:32:38 -0400 Fri, 24 May 2013 16:32:38 -0400 30 India's women's football team will aim to finish the AFC Cup qualifiers on a "good note" when they take on Palestine in their final match here Saturday. India have lost their previous two matches against Myanmar and Chinese Taipei, respectively, but have in no way embarrassed themselves. In the last match India fought bravely only to be thwarted in the final minutes of the game, losing 1-2 ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214739512/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 11:00:02 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214739512/scat/15360451341a5c70 Spanish football club Real Madrid has exercised its option of signing Sao Paulo loanee Casemiro on a permanent deal. The 21-year-old joined the Spanish giants on loan in January and made his Liga debut in a 3-1 victory over Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu April 19, reports Xinhua. A series of impressive performances for Real Madrid Castilla in Spain's second tier convinced club president ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735963/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 06:40:01 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735963/scat/15360451341a5c70 Manchester City chief executive Ferran Sorriano has said the club expects new manager Manuel Pelligrini to help the team win a trophy each year, including the Union of European Football Association (UEFA) Cup, following the sacking of previous coach Roberto Mancini. The embarrassing defeat at the hands of Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup final and poor management skills, saw Mancini lose his job. ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735198/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 06:00:02 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735198/scat/15360451341a5c70 Striker Nils Petersen will remain in Werder Bremen and not return to Bayern Munich after signing a four-year deal with the football club. Petersen, who spent the last season on loan to Werder, scored 11 goals in the German Bundesliga, reports Xinhua. Werder barely escaped relegation and is rebuilding after parting company with long-term coach Thomas Schaaf. The club are looking to sign Robin ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214733128/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:20:01 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214733128/scat/15360451341a5c70 The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has announced new anti-doping initiatives including the launch of a research study retrospectively measuring the steroid profiles of nearly 900 players who have participated in UEFA competitions since 2008. According to UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino, the organisation wants to identify the potential relevance of steroid use across ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214733107/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 04:40:01 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214733107/scat/15360451341a5c70 Lokomotiv Moscow forward Felipe Caicedo has said that he tries to block out racist chants at Russian football stadiums. "I try not to notice these things, not to react in any way," the 24-year-old Ecuadorian told R-Sport Thursday. "It's not easy because you are agitated during the game and the smallest thing can throw you off the balance, but I try so it doesn't bug me." Caicedo is completing ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214732977/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 04:30:01 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214732977/scat/15360451341a5c70 The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) is set to impose a minimum ban of 10 matches for players and officials found guilty of racist offences in European club matches or internationals under tougher disciplinary regulations approved by their executive committee. The committee is set to propose that all their 53 national associations adopt the same sanction, although the English FA ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214732689/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 04:20:02 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214732689/scat/15360451341a5c70 The Indian women's football team's dream of qualifying for the AFC Cup fell by the wayside as they went down fighting 1-2 to Chinese Taipei, who notched their second consecutive win, in a group D encounter at the Faisal Al Huseni Stadium here. Yu Hsiu Chin and Lai Li Chin scored either side of a fine set-piece equaliser from Sasmita Malik in the 53rd minute to secure the win for Taipei Thursday. ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214732687/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 04:20:02 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214732687/scat/15360451341a5c70 Russia is expected to spend no more than $8 billion to fund the 2018 football World Cup, a steep fall from the previously estimated $16.6 billion, Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov said. "All parameters that could have been cut have been cut. The last figure that (Sports Minister Vitaly) Mutko ... came to me with was 250 billion rubles ($7.94 billion)," Xinhua quoted Shuvalov as saying. The ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214733865/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:30:02 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214733865/scat/15360451341a5c70 At the back of the team bus, Fabien Barthez closed his eyes and dropped into unconsciousness. The young Olympique Marseille goalkeeper had struggled to sleep the night before and now, even on the way to the biggest match of his life, tiredness caught up. Around him adrenalin seeped from the pores of older professionals, on their way to Munich's Olympic Stadium, for the European Cup final. ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214743983/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 14:23:44 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214743983/scat/15360451341a5c70 LONDON ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214744303/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:47:49 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214744303/scat/15360451341a5c70 Barca continues lap of honor with derby at Espanyol Barcelona, Spain (Sports Network) - Barcelona will continue its lap of honor in potentially hostile fashion as the champions head to the Estadi Cornella-El Prat for a derby match against Espanyol. With neither side having anything to play for, Sunday's Barcelona derby would seem to be a much more tame affair than the heated battles to which ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214744871/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:47:33 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214744871/scat/15360451341a5c70 Milan finalizes Zapata move Milan, Italy (Sports Network) - AC Milan confirmed the signing of defender Cristian Zapata on a permanent basis on Friday. Zapata spent the past season on loan at the San Siro from Villarreal, and Milan has decided to exercise its option to bring the Colombian into the fold on a permanent basis. The 26-year-old appeared in 23 games for the Rossoneri this term and has ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214744872/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:47:32 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214744872/scat/15360451341a5c70 Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund will take their increasingly acrimonious rivalry to a new level tomorrow in the first all-German Champions League final. Relations between Germany's top two teams were always likely to be fraught ahead of their clash at Wembley Stadium, but a power struggle off the pitch has increased the stakes for the biggest prize in European club ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214744870/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:30:00 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214744870/scat/15360451341a5c70 The UEFA.com Matchday Live show is on air from 19.30CET on Saturday with full build-up, commentary and analysis of the Wembley final. Host Rob Daly previews the special ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214742570/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:11:44 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214742570/scat/15360451341a5c70 FIFA's new anti-racism task force will ask football's governing body next week to approve a mandatory five-match minimum ban for any player found guilty of racist abuse, a person with direct knowledge of the situation said Friday.The anti-racism task force is to report to the FIFA Congress in Mauritius next week, aiming for FIFA to introduce the mandatory ban in all 209 member ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214743469/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:11:31 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214743469/scat/15360451341a5c70 Should the winners of the Europa League be awarded a spot in the following season’s Champions League? That is the question that UEFA, Europe's soccer governing body,will ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214743504/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:05:02 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214743504/scat/15360451341a5c70 Frank Kugler won four Olympics medals in freestyle wrestling, weightlifting and tug of war at St Louis in 1904, making him the only competitor to win a medal in three different sports at the same Games. He claimed a silver medal in the heavyweight category in wrestling, bronze in the two hand lift and all-around dumbbell events in weightlifting and another bronze in the tug of war competition as ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214742872/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:01:39 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214742872/scat/15360451341a5c70 Bastian Schweinsteiger and Javi Martnez will provide all-round excellence in midfield for Bayern Munich against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214743505/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:00:45 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214743505/scat/15360451341a5c70 Your cosmopolitan, football hipster Fiver likes nothing better than a major cup final between two fierce rivals from a foreign country ... [signpost: lame and monotonously predictable joke ahoy!] ... but has sadly had no time to enjoy the build-up to Sunday's Coppa Italia showdown between Roma and Lazio. With the arrival of our humourless, ruthlessly efficient sausage-munching, ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214743506/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 13:00:43 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214743506/scat/15360451341a5c70 Liverpool FC footballers and their sons were in Zurich at the Home of FIFA, as part of a visit by the group 'Lads and Dads'. Phil Neal, Alan Kennedy and Howard Gayle spoke ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214743507/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 12:59:58 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214743507/scat/15360451341a5c70 Porto will make a massive profit on both, with Moutinho costing €11m when he signed from Sporting in July 2010. Rodriguez signed the same month from Argentine club Banfield for ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214742188/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 12:59:58 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214742188/scat/15360451341a5c70 Football Association president Prince William speaks to Uefa representatives and predicts a Bayern Munich 2-0 win in the Champions League at Wembley on Saturday. Meanwhile, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund players look forward to the final, with Bayern especially keen to win after losing in the final twice in the last three ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214742677/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 12:43:22 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214742677/scat/15360451341a5c70 LONDON ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214742871/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 12:38:59 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214742871/scat/15360451341a5c70 Osman extends Everton stay Liverpool, England (Sports Network) - Everton midfielder Leon Osman has signed a one-year contract extension that keeps him at the club until 2015, it was confirmed on Friday. The 32-year-old Osman has spent the past 10 seasons at Goodison Park with the Toffees, and his current deal was set to expire at the end of next season. "I am delighted to have put my ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214743508/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 12:34:23 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214743508/scat/15360451341a5c70 Winger Andros Townsend and left-back Luke Shaw have been replaced in the England squad for next month's finals by uncapped Nathan Redmond and Jack ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214740554/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 11:56:56 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214740554/scat/15360451341a5c70 The Gibraltar Football Association has been granted full UEFA membership, with a resolution on combating racism among other key outcomes of the XXXVII Ordinary UEFA ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214740556/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 11:56:55 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214740556/scat/15360451341a5c70 The UEFA member associations unanimously approved a resolution to fight racism at the XXXVII Ordinary UEFA Congress which was held on Friday 24 May 2013 in London. The 11-point resolution calls on all UEFA member associations to take strict measures to stamp racism out of football (the full resolution can be accessed here: http://uefa.to/18nzkwr).In addition, the Gibraltar Football Association ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214740555/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 11:56:55 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214740555/scat/15360451341a5c70 The XXXVII Ordinary UEFA Congress will take place on Friday 24 May 2013 at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane in London,The main items on the agenda are:o The annual reports of the UEFA President and the UEFA Executive Committee, and the annual report of the UEFA administration for 2011/12;o Reports on the activities of UEFA's committees;o Financial matters including the annual UEFA ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214740557/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 11:56:54 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214740557/scat/15360451341a5c70 From 2015/16, UEFA Europa League winners will be rewarded with a place in the next season's UEFA Champions League play-offs and could even go straight into the group ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214740558/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 11:56:53 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214740558/scat/15360451341a5c70 The UEFA Executive Committee has approved changes to the access list of the UEFA club competitions for the 2015-18 cycle at its meeting in London this week.The UEFA Europa League winners will be granted access to the play-offs of the subsequent UEFA Champions League season. The UEFA Europa League winners could even gain direct access to the group stage, should the UEFA Champions League ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214740559/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 11:56:53 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214740559/scat/15360451341a5c70 The qualifying round, played in autumn, is made up of 12 groups of four teams playing in one-venue mini-tournaments. The top two from each progress alongside the third-placed team with the best record against the top pair in their ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214741913/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 11:56:53 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214741913/scat/15360451341a5c70 UEFA and its member national associations have issued a resolution underlining European football's commitment to combat racism at the XXXVII Ordinary UEFA Congress in ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214740561/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 11:56:52 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214740561/scat/15360451341a5c70 UEFA EURO 2012 was a positive advert for football, UEFA President Michel Platini and the UEFA Executive Committee said in their report to the XXXVII Ordinary UEFA ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214740075/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 11:56:51 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214740075/scat/15360451341a5c70 FA marks 150 years In his address to the XXXVII Ordinary UEFA Congress in London, Mr Platini also praised Europe's national associations for their crucial contribution in nurturing the European game. "I think we can say that we are a confederation which is moving forwards at a good pace, and which is moving in the right direction," he said.Mr Platini expressed his pleasure at ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214741914/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 11:56:51 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214741914/scat/15360451341a5c70 Chris Loschetter of Avon, Ohio, averaged 250 over 10 games of qualifying Thursday at AMF West to lead the field of 24 players who advanced to ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214741406/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 11:53:50 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214741406/scat/15360451341a5c70 Bayern Munich favorite Champions League German Final 2013 at London however Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Kloop’s stil got a tricks for mighty Bayern in ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214740786/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 11:49:40 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214740786/scat/15360451341a5c70 Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, commending UEFA for introducing stricter sanctions for racist behavior, stressed that it was 2013 and prevalence of racism and discrimination ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214741801/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 11:49:29 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214741801/scat/15360451341a5c70 David Moyes waves goodbye to Everton and hello to the 'colossal job' of managing Manchester United's expectations. Photograph: Jed Leicester/Action ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214741915/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 11:44:53 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214741915/scat/15360451341a5c70 Manchester United by letting go the assistant manager, Mike Phelan, and goalkeeping coach, Eric Steele, with the incoming manager stating he would like to appoint his own coaching staff "sometime in the future".While Everton's Steve Round and Chris Woods are the frame to replace Phelan and Steele in their respective positions, the Merseyside club has not been approached by United ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214741916/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 11:44:51 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214741916/scat/15360451341a5c70 Andros Townsend, right, tussles with his England Under-21s team-mate Jordan Henderson of Liverpool during QPR's season finale. Photograph: Peter ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214741917/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 11:44:50 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214741917/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri May 24, 2013 11:44am EDT By Victoria Bryan and Keith Weir FRANKFURT/LONDON May 24 (Reuters) - German sportswear makers Adidas and Puma renew their own decades-old rivalry when soccer teams Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund meet in Europe's Champions League Final at Wembley on Saturday. Adidas is the long-standing kit supplier to Bayern and owns a stake of around nine percent in the ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214742584/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 11:44:34 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214742584/scat/15360451341a5c70 Monaco, who will be back in Ligue 1 next season after winning the second-tier title, say that 26-year-old Portuguese international midfielder Moutinho and 21-year-old Colombian international forward Rodriguez have both agreed five-year deals with the principality ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214741263/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 11:44:07 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214741263/scat/15360451341a5c70 Mankweng - A man accused of killing four soccer players when his bakkie crashed into their minibus taxi appeared in the Mankweng Magistrate's Court on ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214741918/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 11:32:21 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214741918/scat/15360451341a5c70 Tim Cahill walks free from court* after allegedly assaulting a corner flag -- in a week four more such flags were announced for the New York region (*not really: Guardian lawyers) Photograph: Lynne ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214739840/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 10:51:31 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214739840/scat/15360451341a5c70 Colin Kazim-Richards was alleged to have made a homophobic gesture in Blackburn's match at Brighton on 12 February. Photograph: Craig Brough/Action ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214739841/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 10:51:31 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214739841/scat/15360451341a5c70 the best and worst of the 2012-13 season in the Premier League , voting in nine categories from best player to biggest gripe (both of which feature the same Tottenham Hotspur midfielder). Here are the ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214739839/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 10:51:29 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214739839/scat/15360451341a5c70 FIFA.com The saying goes that history only remembers the winners. But when it comes to football, the maxim does not always hold true. Indeed, just as the 1974 FIFA World Cup™ will always be remembered for the dazzling Netherlands side that lost in the final to West Germany, so the story of the FIFA Interactive World Cup 2013 will reserve a special chapter for the exploits of Rafael ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214739842/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 10:50:42 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214739842/scat/15360451341a5c70 A cat getting a hairball is not usually a life-threatening situation, unless the cat in question is a 27-stone Serbian tiger, and this particular hairball is the size of a ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214739835/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 10:39:13 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214739835/scat/15360451341a5c70 transfer window set to re-open, there is plenty of gossip doing the rounds in the newspapers so we’ll keep you up-to-date with the latest transfer rumours. Today, Spurs have missed out on Joao ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214739843/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 10:37:45 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214739843/scat/15360451341a5c70 LONDON - Gibraltar was accepted Friday as a full member by the UEFA Congress, becoming Europe's 54th official football nation.The move had previously been resisted by some politicians in neighboring Spain, who wanted to stop the British territory on Spain's southern tip from joining UEFA.The decision will allow Gibraltar to enter into the qualifying competition for the 2016 European ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214739490/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 10:31:34 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214739490/scat/15360451341a5c70 Micah Richards scores in extra time as Manchester City overhaul a three-goal deficit to beat Chelsea 4-3 on Thursday at Busch Stadium in St Louis, Missouri, in the opener of a two-game US tour. Goals from Demba Ba, Cesar Azpilicueta and Oscar put Chelsea three up, but two goals from Edin Dzeko contributed to a remarkable City ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214738656/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 09:56:52 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214738656/scat/15360451341a5c70 Arsenal expires at the end of the month."He hasn't played much for lately. Why? You would have to ask him that question," their Italian coach Luciano Spalletti said in reference to the former Russia captain, who joined Arsenal from Zenit for 15m in early 2009.Arshavin, who turns 32 next week, rejoined Zenit on a three-month loan from Arsenal in February last year after but failed ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214738992/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 09:56:52 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214738992/scat/15360451341a5c70 The entire outfield of Borussia Dortmund's expected starting line-up for Saturday's Champions League final with Bayern Munich have been linked with moves away this summer to Europe's biggest ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214738993/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 09:56:50 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214738993/scat/15360451341a5c70 the Gibraltar FA won a case at the court of arbitration for sport obliging Uefa to accept the British overseas territory as a member.The Uefa president Michel Platini said that Gibraltar would be kept apart from Spain in qualifying for Euro 2016. "Gibraltar will not play qualifying matches with Spain - we also have this situation with Armenia and Azerbaijan,'' he said."This is ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214738994/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 09:56:50 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214738994/scat/15360451341a5c70 Gibraltar was accepted Friday as a full member by the UEFA Congress, becoming Europe's 54th official football nation. The move had previously been resisted by some politicians in neighbouring Spain, who wanted to stop the British territory on Spain's southern tip from joining UEFA. The decision will allow Gibraltar to enter into the qualifying competition for the 2016 European ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214738579/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 09:46:37 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214738579/scat/15360451341a5c70 FIFA is set to follow England's lead and bring in a mandatory five-match ban for players found guilty of racism plus points deductions for clubs where fans are serial offenders.The sanction is being proposed by FIFA's new task force on racism and if agreed by the world governing body's congress next week, all 209 countries will have to adopt the rule.The proposals have not been ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214738413/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 09:35:33 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214738413/scat/15360451341a5c70 The Europa League winners will qualify for the Champions League from the 2015-16 season, it was confirmed at UEFA's Congress today.UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino announced the rule change which aims to make the second-tier European tournament more attractive to clubs.Infantino did not confirm the full details, but it is understood that Europa League winners and Champions League ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214738416/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 09:35:31 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214738416/scat/15360451341a5c70 Four footballers have been cleared of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman in a hotel room.In a retrial at the Old Bailey in London, jurors also found them not guilty of voyeurism. The Brighton and Hove Albion players Anton Rodgers, 20, Lewis Dunk, and George Barker, both 21, and former team-mate Steve Cook, 22, who now plays for Bournemouth, had maintained their innocence.They were given bail ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214738151/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 09:02:16 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214738151/scat/15360451341a5c70 Stoke City manager.' In fact, as gushing national newspaper tributes go, this is probably as good as it is going to get I'm afraid. Even now, and notwithstanding four years spent amid the carminative over-exposure of the Premier League, Pulis remains a remote kind of figure, reduced in outline to not much more than a baseball cap, a pair of glasses, a certain kind of gesture on the ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214738152/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 09:02:15 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214738152/scat/15360451341a5c70 David Gill, the Manchester United chief executive, pays tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson as both step down from their jobs. Photograph: Martin ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214738153/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 09:02:13 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214738153/scat/15360451341a5c70 Lionel Messi, left, and Andrs Iniesta wear their European Cup winner's medals after Barcelona beat Manchester United in 2011. Photograph: Tom Jenkins for the ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214738154/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 09:02:12 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214738154/scat/15360451341a5c70 The topic of brand protection and rights holders’ work to protect themselves and their sponsors from ambush marketing activities is often a hot topic surrounding major sporting events. It is also a topic which leads to a lot of misunderstanding. For that reason FIFA have been engaging in extensive communication measures to ensure that key issues are addressed long before the 2014 FIFA World ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214738156/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 09:01:21 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214738156/scat/15360451341a5c70 Giovanni van Bronckhorst admits the Dutch club's star players are attracting interest from England - somewhere the former Arsenal defender hopes to one day manage. After retiring following the 2010 FIFA World Cup final against Spain, the 38-year-old moved into coaching at his hometown club under Ronald ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214738155/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 09:01:21 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214738155/scat/15360451341a5c70 Cape Town – "I’m not proud, I was wrong. And the truth is hard to take, I felt sure we had enough. But our love went overboard. Lifeboat lies lost at sea, I’ve been trying to reach your shore. Waves of doubt keep drowning ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214738145/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 08:49:25 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214738145/scat/15360451341a5c70 The Duke of Cambridge, left, is presented with a ball by Uefa's Michel Platini ahead of Saturday's Champions League final. Photograph: Laurence Griffiths/Getty ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214736742/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 08:09:09 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214736742/scat/15360451341a5c70 Steven Nzonzi signed a four-year contract with Stoke City after signing from Blackburn Rovers for 3.5m last summer. Photograph: Richard ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214737355/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 08:09:09 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214737355/scat/15360451341a5c70 keen to leave the club .The 22-year-old old Belgian scored 19 goals in his first season in the Premier League and has been linked with a move away from Villa Park.But Lambert, who said talks had already begun over improving Benteke's existing contract which has three years left to run, insisted the player still has plenty more to prove.Lambert told Talksport: "I don't really 100 ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214737356/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 08:09:07 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214737356/scat/15360451341a5c70 Brendan Rodgers has made "remarkable progress" during his first year in charge.The Northern Irishman succeeded Kenny Dalglish last June and improved one place on Dalglish's final league position of eighth."Brendan has made remarkable progress," Werner told the Liverpool Echo. "He's a great strategist and has shown strong leadership as he has led the team through ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214737358/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 08:09:04 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214737358/scat/15360451341a5c70 Manchester United manager decide to lodge a bid. Moyes, though, is not currently minded to bring Fellaini's team-mate Leighton Baines to United.Moyes is still assessing the United squad and has yet to decide whether to prise Fellaini from Everton, though the Scot is keen to strengthen central midfield. Paul Scholes's retirement, Anderson's unconvincing form and the uncertain future ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214737357/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 08:09:02 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214737357/scat/15360451341a5c70 Sergio Ramos tried everything in his powers to unsettle the Pole . He tugged Lewandowski's shirt, he pushed him, he elbowed him in the face, he jumped in two-footed - but Dortmund's No9 did not react.The Dortmund manager, Jrgen Klopp, said that Ramos should have been booked at least seven times and added that Lewandowski was an bermensch for not responding to the provocation. The former ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214737359/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 08:09:01 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214737359/scat/15360451341a5c70 Newcastle United fail to achieve at least a top-10 finish next season. Derek Llambias, the managing director, has made it clear that Pardew requires a strong start to the new campaign to eliminate doubts about his suitability that emerged during Newcastle's recent relegation skirmish."We are now entirely focused on the forthcoming campaign with the expectation of at least a top-10 ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214737360/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 08:08:45 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214737360/scat/15360451341a5c70 Brazil had suffered their first ever FIFA World Cup(TM) qualifying defeat when going down 2-0 to Bolivia in La Paz and, on 22 August, Parreira's charges were roundly booed at the Morumbi in Sao Paulo, despite a 2-0 win over Ecuador. We are, after all, talking about a nation grown used to footballing success but, at the time, without a FIFA World Cup win since Mexico 1970. "And then, ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214736934/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 08:07:46 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214736934/scat/15360451341a5c70 LONDON ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214739933/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 08:04:09 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214739933/scat/15360451341a5c70 To celebrate Africa day on the anniversary of the birth of the Organisation of African Unity, 25 May 1963, we have put together this quiz. No Googling ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214736832/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 07:49:21 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214736832/scat/15360451341a5c70 Murdoch's Sky Deutschland Scores Big With Bundesliga Rights For the 200 million viewers who will watch the first-ever all-German Champions League final on Saturday, the message is clear: European soccer now speaks with a German ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214736680/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 07:48:35 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214736680/scat/15360451341a5c70 Barney Ronay will be online from 12pm Hello all, Barney Ronay will be online from midday to take part in a Champions League final webchat. In the meantime, why not test your knowledge of the two finalists in our quizzes. If anyone scores 10 in both, we will be very ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214736547/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 07:14:14 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214736547/scat/15360451341a5c70 Milan team and Steaua Bucharest, played in Barcelona at the Camp Nou, was supposed to have been filmed by the Spanish state broadcasters TVE, whose live images would then be shared with international rights holders all across the globe. That plan had to be revised rather swiftly when TVE's technicians called a strike to coincide with the game.Engaged in a long-running contractual dispute, ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214736549/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 07:14:09 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214736549/scat/15360451341a5c70 Champions League final: live webchat with Barney Ronay Barney Ronay will be online from 12pm to answer your questions about Bayern Munich v Borussia ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214736276/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 07:13:55 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214736276/scat/15360451341a5c70 Infantino did not confirm the full details, but it is understood that Europa League winners and Champions League winners will no longer take a place from the domestic leagues if they finish outside of the Champions League qualifying ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214736551/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 07:13:24 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214736551/scat/15360451341a5c70 Manchester City may have beat rival Chelsea 4-3 last night at Busch Stadium, but it appears the city of St. Louis will come out as the big winner. Brian Hall with the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission told KTVI the soccer game last night was the equivalent of a first round playoff game that draws some 46,000 fans downtown. He said those fans spend between $1.5 million to $2 ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214736011/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 06:57:50 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214736011/scat/15360451341a5c70 Cristian Gamboa gladly left such an idyll behind in his homeland to embark on a career on the Old Continent in summer 2010. "My first impression was that everything in Europe and Norway was so organised," the smiling 23-year-old recalled of his arrival in Fredrikstad in an exclusive interview ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735892/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 06:20:51 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735892/scat/15360451341a5c70 Football Association (FA), joked about who he thought would win the eagerly anticipated final.Speaking at central London's Grosvenor House hotel he told delegates: "It is a great honour for us, the English FA, to host not just this prestigious congress, but of course - the real excitement - tomorrow's Champions League final. My money is on Bayern Munich and two-nil. To host these ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735877/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 06:17:07 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735877/scat/15360451341a5c70 Manchester City came from 3-0 down to beat Chelsea 4-3 in a friendly in Saint Louis, USA, on Thursday night. The Blues raced into a commanding lead thanks to goals from Demba Ba, Cesar Azpilicueta and Oscar but with 30 minutes remaining, first choice goalkeeper Petr Cech was replaced byJamal Blackman and it proved to be a difficult half hour for the ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735893/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 06:07:49 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735893/scat/15360451341a5c70 UEFA Champions League final referee Nicola Rizzoli told UEFA.com he feels "very proud" to have been given Saturday's Wembley assignment, saying: "Finals are always special ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214733651/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:18:13 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214733651/scat/15360451341a5c70 Entertaining a full house at Busch Stadium, Manchester City and Chelsea brought some great action to thousands of fans who came out for the ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214734546/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:15:40 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214734546/scat/15360451341a5c70 But while in the past only a sprinkling of hardcore female fans turned up for matches, more women are now taking to the stands. And with them, they have brought more than a touch of colour and glamour to the game. What is more, they have organised themselves in groups whose activities go beyond the stadiums. The Nairobian goes behind the scenes to bring you the stories of the most ardent female ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214734955/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:15:27 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214734955/scat/15360451341a5c70 Chelsea vs. Manchester City The same two teams play in New York Saturday, and while the game here was sold out, that's not the case in New York. However, they have an outdoor Major League Soccer team and 19 other cities do ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214734550/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:09:19 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214734550/scat/15360451341a5c70 , or indeed somewhere else. "If they say I must stay, I won't necessarily accept that. I do not in any way want to feel I didn't get the most out of my career," he WilliamWallaced when asked about his future.The remarks left his agent right narked: "This always happens when he goes away with the national team. I'd prefer he didn't speak to journalists but the ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214734915/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:06:38 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214734915/scat/15360451341a5c70 Wembley Stadium after both got the better of Spanish opposition in the last four, beating Liga heavyweights Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively. Saturday's showpiece will be the fifth meeting this season between the sides, and the two former winners could hardly know each other better. It will also be the fourth time clubs from the same country have disputed the final, and all the ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214733675/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:05:57 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214733675/scat/15360451341a5c70 FIFA.com The FIFA U-20 World Cup has forged a reputation for staging pulsating matches and showcasing future mega-stars. With its latest instalment just around the corner, FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter spoke ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735000/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 05:05:57 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735000/scat/15360451341a5c70 goalkeeper Jan Mucha. The Daily Mail says Mucha, 30, is out of contract this summer and is attracting interest from Belgium and Holland. However, Zagreb are in pole position to sign the ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735005/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 04:58:23 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735005/scat/15360451341a5c70 during the season. "You can't go to the market every year and buy the most expensive players. That's not to say we won't be signing expensive players. We will. "But the objective -- the vision -- is to have a team where at least half of the players will be home grown City players. "What we want is a football concept so that the basic way we play is shared by ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735004/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 04:58:22 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735004/scat/15360451341a5c70 chief Ferran Soriano says he wants to generate a 'family atmosphere' at the club. Soriano is seeking greater unity after a difficult past season under sacked ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735003/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 04:58:22 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735003/scat/15360451341a5c70 operates, that's their problem. But our behaviour and our approach to management has, I think, been appropriate. "Three years in football is a long time. In football, teams have cycles and you can have managers who go through several cycles and managers who go through one cycle. Obviously, we want the next manager to stay for a number of years, but I think it would not be wise to ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735002/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 04:58:21 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735002/scat/15360451341a5c70 ," said Hargreaves. "Well, he's a smart man. If Bayern is not the best-run club in Europe, you would struggle to find a better one. "But if they win the treble, what's he going to do? It's only downhill from there. "You have to say they're No 1. That team is as good as you'll find, with a work ethic. I'd be shocked if they didn't ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735008/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 04:58:20 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735008/scat/15360451341a5c70 in revenue. Soriano says City can reign in United's commercial dominance. "United have been very successful in the past but we are catching up," he argued. "When I started in another club [Barcelona]in 2003 our revenue was 123million and United was 251m. After three years our revenue was higher than United. Our revenues will increase. Certainly it can be done. However, ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735001/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 04:58:20 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735001/scat/15360451341a5c70 midfielder Owen Hargreaves isn't ready to hang up the boots just yet. He will join BT Sport's coverage of the Barclays Premier League and begin his coaching qualifications, but has no desire to rush into management. "Too many managers go in and coach too young," he told the Daily Mail. "The American football way is for a lot of those guys to learn their craft over a ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735007/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 04:58:19 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735007/scat/15360451341a5c70 are keen on him. Benteke is locked in talks with Villa over a contract upgrade. He is quoted by the Daily Express saying: "I hope that if I leave my club a deal can be done more quickly than the one last year. "There is no point in me getting into a tug-of-war with Villa, and I don't think there is any need for one. If the chance comes up for me to join a club ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735006/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 04:58:19 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735006/scat/15360451341a5c70 boss Andre Villas-Boas. De Laurentiis is seeking a new coach with Walter Mazzarri announcing he will be leaving this summer. In quotes attributed to Portuguese newspaper DN, De Laurentiis, when asked whether they had made an approach for the Spurs manager, said: "Yes. There is a very tempting argument to hire a young coach ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735009/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 04:58:18 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735009/scat/15360451341a5c70 chairman Dave Whelan is becoming resigned to losing Roberto Martinez. The Daily Mail says privately, the millionaire businessman is believed to be increasingly resigned to the fact that Martinez will be lured away ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735010/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 04:58:17 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735010/scat/15360451341a5c70 . More than 700 fans donated money to the 'Grazie Mancini Fund', a week after the departed boss put an advert in the Manchester Evening News. City legend Francis Lee helped to publicise the campaign. The advertisement cost £7,000 to run in the Italian sports ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735011/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 04:58:17 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735011/scat/15360451341a5c70 chairman Bill Kenwright this week in London. Pereira's agent Christophe Henrotay said: "There is interest in clubs around Europe for Victor but there is also interest ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735013/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 04:58:16 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735013/scat/15360451341a5c70 . After so long with the same manager, Fellaini has explained how unusual the atmosphere around the club has been. "It has been difficult, a very strange time ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735012/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 04:58:16 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735012/scat/15360451341a5c70 intend to try again for St Etienne striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Daily Mail says the Toon are looking to prise Aubameyang from St Etienne ahead of fierce competition from other European clubs. The Gabon striker is rated at around 12million and Newcastle failed in a bid to sign him in ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735014/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 04:58:14 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735014/scat/15360451341a5c70 is delighted with his progress at Hamburg. The ex-England U21 international has no plans of returning to the Premier League anytime soon. "I thought the football would suit me better and it has - I have improved enormously," he said. "The quality shown by Bayern and Dortmund in the Champions League shows how good the league is. I definitely think the Bundesliga is at least ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735015/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 04:58:13 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735015/scat/15360451341a5c70 boss, who is leaving this summer, received a two-match ban from the Spanish FA after he was sent off as his team lost the Copa del Rey to city rivals Atletico on Friday night. But fears that Mourinho would have to start his comeback in the stands have been dismissed. The Spanish suspension would only have counted for future Copa del Rey matches as the bans in Spain only relate to the ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735016/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 04:58:13 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735016/scat/15360451341a5c70 for midfielder Ryan Mason. The Daily Star says Swindon want to take Mason, 20, on-loan next season. The midfielder spent part of last season in France with ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735017/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 04:58:12 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735017/scat/15360451341a5c70 boss Paolo di Canio is planning for a massive clearout this summer. The Daily Star says Di Canio is planning a major overhaul. The Italian still believes he can bring the best out ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735019/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 04:58:11 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735019/scat/15360451341a5c70 LONDON ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214734964/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 04:53:51 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214734964/scat/15360451341a5c70 transfer window set to re-open, there is plenty of gossip doing the rounds in the newspapers so we’ll keep you up-to-date with the latest transfer rumours. Today, Christian Benteke hints at a move this ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735020/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 04:53:12 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735020/scat/15360451341a5c70 LONDON | Fri May 24, 2013 4:50am EDT LONDON May 24 (Reuters) - English soccer champions Manchester United have trimmed 10 million pounds ($15 million) off the annual interest bill on their debt through a refinancing arranged by Bank of America. The move could free up more cash to help new team manager David Moyes to strengthen his team for next season after taking over from Alex ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735815/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 04:50:40 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214735815/scat/15360451341a5c70 There is a fresh look to the Cork team to face Limerick in tomorrow night's Munster SFC quarter-final at the Gaelic Grounds (throw-in 7pm).Manager Conor Counihan will give Championship debuts to goalkeeper Ken O'Halloran, wing back Toms Clancy and the Under-21 trio of Damien Cahalane, John O'Rourke and Brian Hurley.Bishopstown clubman Ken O'Halloran, who deputised for the ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214733426/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 04:46:53 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214733426/scat/15360451341a5c70 Michael Lewis's book , published in 2003, was a sports-business biography that became a movement. It is now shorthand for the use of detailed statistics in sport, particularly around recruitment - these days, a great many elite sport teams accept that fracking raw data produces insights the human eye, no matter how experienced, will miss. Each year the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics conference, ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214732669/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 04:16:02 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214732669/scat/15360451341a5c70 to a second crown at this level - following in the footsteps of a generation headed by Iker Casillas and Xavi at Nigeria 1999.And, for the moment at least, things are looking positive, with Lopetegui’s charges beating Paraguay 3-1 in their last friendly game prior to their June training camp – during which the team will play two more friendlies. The coach has taken full advantage of ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214733014/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 04:15:27 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214733014/scat/15360451341a5c70 FC Utrecht beat Twente 2-0 on Thursday night in the first leg of their battle for a place in the Europa League preliminary rounds. The second leg takes place on Sunday at home, but Utrecht will be without captain Nana Asare, who was given a second yellow card in last night's match. Meanwhile, Deventer club Go Ahead Eagles are a step nearer moving up to the premier division after beating ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214732235/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 03:21:52 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214732235/scat/15360451341a5c70 /enpproperty--> Chinese soccer is aiming for a goal of greater reform and organization, according to Chinese website Sina.com. The Chinese Football Association and the General Administration of Sport of China submitted 81 documents, covering information on 32 professional clubs, the regulations of the two professional leagues and youth development programs, to the State Council last week. ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214732286/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 03:21:12 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214732286/scat/15360451341a5c70 Australian national team boss Holger Osieck does not believe Marl Schwarzer will be fazed next month. The Socceroos are preparing for ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214731600/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 01:33:45 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214731600/scat/15360451341a5c70 ace to be a crucial performer. "I think to have Tim around is always good for the team. He is a very positive character," Osieck said. "He is always an inspiration to the other players and, of course with his personal situation right now, he is an attacking player who will gain a boost if he scores. "Even in the last game against Oman, he was so positive and he really ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214731601/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 01:33:44 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214731601/scat/15360451341a5c70 KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysian billionaire Vincent Tan is exploring an IPO of U.K football team Cardiff City for as early as this year, people with knowledge of the matter told Reuters, in a deal that would follow the team's recent promotion to the Premier ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214731571/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 01:30:56 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214731571/scat/15360451341a5c70 Malaysia's deputy prime minister said there was no government interference in the case and arrest of three opposition leaders and an activist this ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214731209/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 01:14:20 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214731209/scat/15360451341a5c70 ESPN reportedly laid off nearly 400 employees earlier this week, but on Thursday the World Wide Leader announced a hire that sets the tone for the future.ESPN confirmed the Wall Street Journal's scoop that controversial and popular radio host Paul Finebaum had joined the network.A free agent since his contract with a Birmingham radio station expired in January, Finebaum reportedly signed a ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214731575/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 01:13:57 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214731575/scat/15360451341a5c70 Real Sociedad will have to recover quickly from the news that their coach Philippe Montanier will leave to join Rennes at the end of the season as they face Real Madrid in a crucial match in their quest to claim the fourth and final UEFA Champions League place from La ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730671/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 00:48:18 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730671/scat/15360451341a5c70 David Beckham , but ultimately failed.William is likely to make reference to the 150th anniversary of the formation of the FA, celebrated this year, in his speech.Ebenezer Morley, a solicitor and sportsman living in Barnes in south-west London, was the driving force behind a meeting in London on October 26, 1863 that led to the establishment of a governing body for English football.The lawyer, ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214731074/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 00:44:14 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214731074/scat/15360451341a5c70 Football Federation Australia (FFA) has announced that the Seven Network will broadcast two international friendlies this winter. Seven will broadcast the July 20 meeting between the ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214731092/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 00:40:08 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214731092/scat/15360451341a5c70 manager Gary Locke is eager for David Weir to join him in Edinburgh. The Jambos boss played alongside the former Scotland star at Tynecastle and is keen for him to leave his role ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214731093/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 00:40:07 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214731093/scat/15360451341a5c70 says he would trade in his individual accolades for this season's Scottish Cup. The 22-year old ace, who has netted 28 goals whilst on loan ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214731095/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 00:40:06 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214731095/scat/15360451341a5c70 on Sunday and Stokes hopes the Glasgow giants are given the credit they deserve if they manage to lift the cup at Hampden. "The league is the main aim year after year - it's the big one," he said. "I think we deserve the double this year. "I think we deserve to lift the cup based on the way we have been playing. Maybe I shouldn't say 'deserve' as we ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214731094/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 00:40:06 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214731094/scat/15360451341a5c70 skipper is preparing for Sunday's decider at Hampden Park with the Scottish champions set to meet his old club who have not saluted in the competition since 1902 but have been runners-up recently in 2001 and 2012. Brown, who has also experienced failure with Hibs in the 2004 League Cup, is aware it will be difficult for both sides but he is not about to let sentiment get in the way. ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214731096/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 00:40:05 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214731096/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri May 24, 2013 12:00am EDT (Adds dropped word "Exchange" in paragraph 2) KUALA LUMPUR May 24 (Reuters) - Malaysian billionaire Vincent Tan is exploring an IPO of U.K football team Cardiff City as early as this year, people with knowledge of the matter told Reuters, in a deal that would follow the team's recent promotion to the Premier League. Cardiff City would be the second Premier ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730809/scat/15360451341a5c70 Fri, 24 May 2013 00:00:19 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730809/scat/15360451341a5c70 SANDY — With two second-half goals, the Lehi Pioneers earned their second boys soccer championship in four years Thursday evening at Rio Tinto Stadium. The victory, a 2-0 triumph over Region 4 foe Bingham, gave the Pioneers their first title in Class 5A. ';I was proud of the boys and how they fought,'; said head coach Jerry Preisendorf. ';We didn’t play very well, but ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730568/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 23:51:49 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730568/scat/15360451341a5c70 Players or officials found guilty of racist offenses in European club matches or internationals will face a minimum ban of 10 matches under tougher disciplinary regulations approved by UEFA's executive committee ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730623/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 23:50:43 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730623/scat/15360451341a5c70 Follow @Miller_Dave While Penn State quarterback transfer Steven Bench decided Thursday to continue his career at South Florida, the race to land Wes Lunt has not yet reached its conclusion, ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730609/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 23:44:42 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730609/scat/15360451341a5c70 qualifiers, and is set to again be a central part of proceedings as he continues his captain's role for three upcoming hexagonal group stage fixtures against Jamaica, Panama and Honduras in June. "Clint's role is very crucial to our group," Klinsmann said. "The qualities he has automatically give him so much respect from everybody around him because he's an ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730058/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 22:51:44 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730058/scat/15360451341a5c70 midfielder has been appointed as the brand new clubs director of football and will being with the task of finding the inaugural head coach. However, former USA skipper Reyna made it clear that he will not rush in his hunt especially seeing as NYCFC do not ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730057/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 22:51:43 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730057/scat/15360451341a5c70 but insists that he is planning to see out of his contract with the Canadian club. "I'm contracted to Vancouver until the end of the season," Miller told reporters. "It's as simple as that. "My focus in the last six weeks has been to get fit and get back on that field and help us produce results, firstly hopefully [next] Wednesday night by winning the [Canadian ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730056/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 22:51:43 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730056/scat/15360451341a5c70 career with Chicago in 2007 and the club were thrilled to have him back after stints in Europe with Boulogne and Karlsruhe. "We're excited to have Bakary rejoin ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730059/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 22:51:41 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730059/scat/15360451341a5c70 defender Corey Ashe has been called into Juergen Klinsmann's USA squad. The 27-year old left-back, who is yet to make his international debut, will join the other US players ahead of the May 29 friendly with Belgium in Cleveland. Ashe, who has previously represented the US at U17 and U23 level, joins fellow Dynamo stars Brad Davis and Tally Hall on the US senior roster but will return ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730060/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 22:51:40 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730060/scat/15360451341a5c70 . The Sun says Cardiff are set to launch a shock 3.5million bid for Graham. The former Swansea striker, 27, has failed to score in 13 games ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730064/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 22:51:38 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730064/scat/15360451341a5c70 . The Sun says Newcastle boss Alan Pardew still hopes to keep hold of his captain. But San Lorenzo president Matias Lammens said: "I aim to meet Fabricio and talk about the conditions of his ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730062/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 22:51:38 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730062/scat/15360451341a5c70 goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg about a move. The goalkeeper, 30, has been left out of Roma's squad for Sunday's Coppa Italia final amid reports his 4million switch to London is nearly complete. But agent Rob Jansen said: "Maarten's still happy ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730063/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 22:51:37 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730063/scat/15360451341a5c70 also keen on the Bosnian. But now he looks set to be the long-term replacement for the Kop's Spanish keeper Pepe Reina. He said: "I want to start preparing on July 10, with all the players ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730065/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 22:51:36 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730065/scat/15360451341a5c70 are tracking Peru international winger Paolo Hurtado. Lisbon media sources say the Baggies have been scouting the Pacos de Ferreira midfielder. West Brom ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730066/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 22:51:35 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730066/scat/15360451341a5c70 say I must stay, I won't necessarily accept that. I do not in any way want to feel I didn't get the most out of my career. With my family I will decide where my future lies," Benteke told ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730068/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 22:51:34 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730068/scat/15360451341a5c70 's human qualities are on a par with his managerial skills and it is clear he will miss the long-serving boss. "It was a real pleasure to play for the manager," he stated. "It's always difficult to talk about him as he was my manager! "Now I can express myself and have to say he's a great person who always cares about his players and he's always ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730069/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 22:51:34 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730069/scat/15360451341a5c70 midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong has undergone fresh knee surgery. Frimpong underwent surgery to his right knee on Wednesday night following an injury sustained in Fulham's Premier League match ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730067/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 22:51:33 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730067/scat/15360451341a5c70 this summer after fulfilling a six month deal. He told fulhamfc.com: "It can be difficult for a player to move to a new country, during my career it's something that I have done a few times," he said. "There's nothing better for a new player to feel accepted and I had that with both the fans and my teammates from the very start. It's something that made me feel ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730070/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 22:51:31 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730070/scat/15360451341a5c70 are his last club. The former Shakhtar Donetsk fullback signed for the Hammers this week. "Yes. I plan to end my career here, but not so soon - I hope it will be in something like five or six years. I plan to be here for a long time and I will give my best for my team and to give good performances here," Rat told ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730074/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 22:51:30 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730074/scat/15360451341a5c70 . Demel has come back from adversity, battling his way through an injury-plagued first season in east London to make 32 appearances in 2012/13. "Every player had a part to play this season," he told West Ham TV. "You saw on Sunday ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730073/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 22:51:30 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730073/scat/15360451341a5c70 star Leighton Baines says the club will push forward without David Moyes. Baines was signed by the former Preston chief in 2007 and developed under his tutelage to become one of the leading left-backs in Europe. "It's a massive loss to lose the manager," the England international told evertonfc.com. "It was a sad day after the last game at Goodison particularly because ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730072/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 22:51:29 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730072/scat/15360451341a5c70 boss Brendan Rodgers says they'll be careful about who they bring into his squad this summer. He has revealed he will target players he believes to be 'winners' when it comes to conducting business in the transfer market. Rodgers told the media: "A lot of great learning has taken place throughout the year both on and off the field. Now we want to build on the positive ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730075/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 22:51:28 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730075/scat/15360451341a5c70 is a modern day great. Gerrard is well place to pass judgement on just exactly where Carragher ranks among the greats. Speaking to LFC TV for the forthcoming 'Carragher: The Documentary' show, he said: "I think from 2004 onwards, certainly for three or four years, he was one of the best defenders in Europe, for sure. "You name all of the best ones - your Terrys, ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730071/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 22:51:28 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730071/scat/15360451341a5c70 can look forward to next season with excitement. The midfielder believes this past season was one of transition for the club. Lucas told liverpoolfc.com: "It's been another difficult season because a new manager came in again and there were more players coming and going. Next season is our first season for a while where we have a manager going into a second full season. ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730076/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 22:51:27 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214730076/scat/15360451341a5c70 Lionel Messi into his squad for the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil(TM) qualifiers despite the Barcelona forward's hamstring injury. Messi has not played since picking up the knock against Atletico Madrid earlier this month but has been named in a 23-man list by Sabella alongside fellow forwards Angel Di Maria, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain. Roma and Anderlecht midfielders Erik ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214729185/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 22:03:07 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214729185/scat/15360451341a5c70 chairman Dave Whelan says he's confident of the club's future, whether Roberto Martinez remains as manager or not. Martinez, whose stay at the club would signal his confidence they can make a swift return, wants Premier League standards applied throughout regardless. "He is just bothered about the future of the club. It is absolutely for the benefit of the club," said ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214729502/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 21:54:03 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214729502/scat/15360451341a5c70 . Materazzi won the Treble at Inter under Mourinho. "Anyone who speaks ill of Mourinho just does it because of envy. I really liked his style of management, as he made us work a lot with the ball because he knows this sport is football. "He always seeks success, as well as being an honest man. Honesty is one of the principle values in life, so why shouldn't it be in ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214729504/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 21:54:02 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214729504/scat/15360451341a5c70 , but personally I know nothing about it. He has a contract with Inter and intends to respect it. "Talking about Alvaro's future is premature. We'll see what happens over the summer and I'll speak with both the player and the club to evaluate the ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214729503/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 21:54:02 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214729503/scat/15360451341a5c70 Christian Benteke, right, with Marouane Fellaini, has flown to the USA with Belgium after casting doubt on his future with Aston Villa. Photograph: Photonews/Photonews via Getty ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728903/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 21:06:24 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728903/scat/15360451341a5c70 last season and the negative start to this campaign probably caused the split," former defender Costacurta told Radio Mana Mana Sport. "I imagine that Allegri did not reply to Berlusconi's criticism over the phone the same way that Ancelotti did. "The President would ask Carlo to ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728904/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 20:56:49 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728904/scat/15360451341a5c70 we won two Liga titles, a UEFA Cup and European Super Cup," Ortiz told Radio Crc. "He is among the top tacticians in the world in terms of trophies and has everything it takes to be in charge of any top club. "I'd advise Benitez to ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728905/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 20:56:48 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728905/scat/15360451341a5c70 junior will be a star. "Pogba has been a real surprise, as when he arrived nobody thought he could be this good," Buffon told RMC. "He is an extraordinary player who maintains great humility. I think he will make history ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728906/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 20:56:47 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728906/scat/15360451341a5c70 . Falcao says he is not focusing on any speculation. "I've been trying not to think too much about the rumours of clubs being linked with me," he said. "Instead, I've been focusing on my objectives as a player and as a team member ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728907/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 20:56:47 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728907/scat/15360451341a5c70 goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for another season on-loan. Courtois is keen to stay at the Vicente Calderon. And Simeone said: "We are working on keeping him for another ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728908/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 20:56:46 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728908/scat/15360451341a5c70 are interested in signing Isco, but nothing is official yet," Aguilar said. "It fills us with pride that a lad who has come through at Malaga has become the player that he is now. "If he leaves Malaga it will be to a big club and it will be to the benefit of the coffers at Malaga. Clubs that want him will have to meet his buy-out ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728909/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 20:56:44 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728909/scat/15360451341a5c70 about signing Neymar this summer. "It would be a relief if Neymar signed because it would help Messi a lot," Alves told Marca. "When two players are good, they understand each other better. They can play in different positions. I don't think compatibility would be a problem because Neymar is a very humble guy. "The team would certainly be more ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728910/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 20:56:44 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728910/scat/15360451341a5c70 is hoping to force his way into Roy Hodgson's England squad. The 25-year old, who was a regular performer at all levels of England youth teams, has enjoyed a fairly successful season in Germany and would love to get his chance to prove himself on the international scene. "I feel I do offer a different option because it is a more international kind of football in the Bundesliga ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728911/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 20:56:43 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728911/scat/15360451341a5c70 right-back Mathieu Debuchy does not regret his move to the Premier League. The 27-year old Frenchman arrived at St James' Park from Lille in January only to see the Magpies finish 16th on England's top flight table. However, the France international is loving his time in the Northeast and is looking to improve next season after getting a taste of life in the Premier League. ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728912/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 20:56:42 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728912/scat/15360451341a5c70 manager Vincenzo Montella is acutely aware that Stevan Jovetic may depart the club this summer. The 23-year old Montenegrin striker is being linked with ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728913/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 20:56:41 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728913/scat/15360451341a5c70 View Photo FILE - In this Jan. 25, 2013 file photo Dortmund's Mario Goetze challenges for the ball during the German first division Bundesliga soccer match between ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728608/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 20:52:51 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728608/scat/15360451341a5c70 FENTON, Mo. (KSDK) - St. Louis soccer fans come in all shapes and sizes. But it's up to a tiny group of the littlest ones to help keep the ball in play at Busch Stadium Thursday night. "It's been a dream come true for me," explained Lucas Hummel, 11, a rising sixth grader at Rockwood South Middle School. He's been playing soccer since he was just ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214727242/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 19:56:25 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214727242/scat/15360451341a5c70 On a blustery day in London, James Richardson returns for a final time this season to bring you the best of the continental press, including rumours abound on the managerial merry-go-round, speculation over Wayne Rooney's Parisian future and a preview of the Champions League final - including a warning that Wembley hot dogs are the ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214727287/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 19:54:03 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214727287/scat/15360451341a5c70 European advertising campaign this weekend tied to the "Super Bowl" of the continent's favorite sport, soccer. Ford of Europe is leveraging the hugely popular 2013 UEFA Champions League Final football match on Saturday to begin ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214727052/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 19:53:29 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214727052/scat/15360451341a5c70 and is being linked with a summer shift to his former club. Les Girondins president Jean-Louis Triaud says he would like to hear from Chamakh if the player is keen to head back to the Stade Chaban Delmas but according to sudouest.fr only wants the 29-year old on a ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728032/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 19:44:57 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728032/scat/15360451341a5c70 announced he would be leaving this summer and Spanish striker Torres admits he would love to work with the self-claimed 'Special One'. "Obviously the top managers in the world are linked with the top clubs in the world," Torres told reporters. "This is the situation ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728033/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 19:44:56 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728033/scat/15360451341a5c70 were being heavily linked with the Argentine striker but it is now believed that Juve have reached an agreement with Madrid to bring him to Turin for around 22million. The Spanish club are keen to offload Higuain this summer and it appears as though the Old Lady will win the race prompting the Gunners to focus their attentions on Fiorentina's Stevan ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728034/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 19:44:55 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728034/scat/15360451341a5c70 this summer. The 22-year old Belgian striker had a stunning debut season in England, scoring 23 goals in all competitions following his 7millionm move from Genk last summer, but he suggests he may be open to offers if they happen to come his way. ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728036/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 19:44:53 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728036/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thibaut Courtois admits he would love to become Chelsea's number one but will remain patient as the club searches for a new manager. The talented Belgian has again impressed during his second season on loan ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728035/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 19:44:52 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728035/scat/15360451341a5c70 are believed to be ready to send Denis Suarez out on loan suggests the Daily Mail. The 19-year Spanish attacking midfielder arrived at the Etihad Stadium from Celta Vigo in 2011 before starring for the clubs reserves. Now City want him to further his development in a first team environment and could send him to ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728038/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 19:44:50 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728038/scat/15360451341a5c70 chairman Dave Whelan believes Roberto Martinez will stay on as manager of the club. The Spaniard is contemplating his future at the DW Stadium after the Latics were relegated from the Premier League as he is attracting interest from manager-less ... http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728040/scat/15360451341a5c70 Thu, 23 May 2013 19:44:49 -0400 http://www.londonmercury.com/index.php/sid/214728040/scat/15360451341a5c70