Sepp Blatter confirms appeal to CAS over ban

Sepp Blatter has confirmed his intention to appeal against his eight-year FIFA ban from all football-related activity at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Blatter, who had already announced that he would step down as FIFA president ahead of February's elections, and UEFA counterpart Michel Platini were both banned for eight years by FIFA's Ethics Committee on Monday.
But the 79-year-old Swiss later announced in a media conference that he is to appeal to CAS.

United fans' belief being tested by poor form - Van Gaal

Louis van Gaal concedes the belief of Manchester United fans is being tested by their current slump.

Saturday's lacklustre 2-1 loss at home to Norwich City extended United's current winless run to six matches across all competitions and left them fifth in the Premier League  - nine points shy of surprise leaders Leicester City.

United's style of play under Van Gaal has come in for growing criticism among a section of the club's fanbase and media reports in the UK have linked them with a move for the recently available Jose Mourinho, who parted company with Chelsea last Thursday amid a dismal title defence.

But following a brief encounter with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward in the aftermath of the Norwich loss, Van Gaal believes he still has backing at boardroom level.

"Ed was very fast out of the dressing room but I feel that support, yes," the Dutchman told reporters.

"The most important support is from the players because the players have to do it on the pitch and the chemistry between the players and the managers, and his staff is very important.

"Of course the belief of the fans in the manager is also very important. Last year we had only 13 [points, after 10 games] and they believed in me.

"Now we are in a bad period, we have lost three matches in a row, and their belief has been tested." 

FIFA President Sepp Blatter and UEFA President Michel Platini handed eight-year bans by FIFA

Fifa president Sepp Blatter and his Uefa counterpart Michel Platini have both been banned from all football-related activity for eight years with immediate effect, the Independent Ethics Committee of world football's governing body has confirmed.

Both men were provisionally suspended in October in relation to a payment of CHF 2,000,000 (£1.34m) from Fifa - and authorised by Blatter - to Platini in February 2011.

Blatter and Platini claimed this related to work carried out by the former France captain for Fifa between 1999 and 2002, citing a "gentleman's agreement".

However, in its ruling published on Monday, the adjudicatory chamber of the Ethics Committee said that the payment had "no legal basis in the written agreement signed between both officials on 25 August 1999". 

Furthermore, Blatter's assertion of an oral agreement was "determined as not convincing and was rejected by the chamber".

The 79-year-old Swiss, who had already announced his intention to stand down before February's FIFA presidential elections, has been fined 50,000 Swiss francs, with Platini fined 80,000 Swiss francs.

Meet the man who gets paid to play FIFA 12 everyday of the week

Wouldn’t it be great if some day you could just sit and play video games all day and earn a living off it? It’s a reality for a select few.

One of those select few is Jamie Bateson who is paid to play FIFA all day.

The former mechanic simply posts his FIFA exploits on his YouTube channel and watches the views, and the money, come rolling in. Continue

Flores-'Ighalo deserves his success'

Watford head coach Quique Sanchez Flores feels Odion Ighalo deserves the success he is enjoying in the Premier League this season.

The Nigeria striker scored twice as Watford recorded an impressive 3-0 home win over out-of-form Liverpool at Vicarage Road on Sunday – their fourth consecutive top-flight victory.

That took Ighalo's tally to 12 Premier League goals from 17 appearances and Flores was delighted with his showing against the Reds.

"Ighalo is the biggest scorer this season," Flores said to BBC Sport. "He is always close to the box, always shooting and creating attempts, he deserves it. 

"But of course it depends on the players, we create like a collective. We are completely happy with the performance. It was an amazing victory against an amazing team."

The win puts Watford, who are seventh in the table, just one point adrift of Tottenham in the fourth Champions League spot.

Flores was eager to remain realistic when asked if a top-four finish was possible, but admitted it is nice for the club to dream.

He said: "I don't want to talk about that. It is the moment to enjoy after this match, I like the happiness and I want to enjoy, the fans to enjoy. 

"We should be humble. This is our one advantage, because the Premier League is very tough. We have a lot of matches to play. We never underestimate the teams we play. Of course we want to dream but we want to remain humble." 

Watford are back in action against champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday in what will be Guus Hiddink's first match back in charge of the Blues.

Madrid hit TEN past brave Rayo Vallecano

 Real Madrid saw off nine men Rayo Vallecano 10-2 at the Bernabeu in a game that saw the visitors reduced to nine before the end of the first half,
Madrid got off to a good start via Danilo on 3 mins but were pegged back 2-1 courtesy of two goals in quick succession from Rayo who were soon after reduced to nine after which a rout followed.
Gareth Bale hit four while Benzema netted a hattrick and Cristiano Ronaldo only managed two much to his frustration.

It was a really incredible and brave performance from Rayo who despite being nine did not give up and gave it everything, ending the match with 50% of the total ball possession.

Guus Hiddink wants Didier Drogba on Chelsea staff

Newly appointed Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink has confirmed he wants Didier Drogba to be part of his backroom staff.

Hiddink was named as the new man in charge at Stamford Bridge until the end of the season on Saturday and is now looking to compile a team of staff to help him get Chelsea back on track.

The Dutchman was accompanied by Drogba in the stands during Saturday's 3-1 win over Sunderland and he has now made it clear that he is keen to bring the former Chelsea striker back to London.

"We would like to get him involved," Hiddink told Fox Sports when asked about whether Drogba is an option as his assistant.

"But he still has a contract with Montreal in the MLS, even though it is the close season for them now.

"But we definitely intend to get him involved.

"We want to get important players involved with the club they care about. Drogba's heart is with Chelsea."

Drogba enjoyed a successful first spell with Chelsea between 2004 and 2012, winning three Premier League titles, two League Cups, four FA Cups and the Champions League before returning to the club in 2014.

The 37-year-old won a fourth Premier League title and third League Cup last term but left for Montreal Impact after the 2014-15 campaign.

He has a contract with the MLS side until December 2016.

PSV duo arrested

PSV have confirmed Maxime Lestienne and Jeroen Zoet were arrested by Eindhoven police on Sunday morning after an incident outside a local party venue.

Both players went out to celebrate their hard-fought 3-2 Eredivisie win over Zwolle on Saturday, but got involved in an incident early in the morning.

Lestienne was arrested for his involvement in a fight, while Zoet was brought in for trying to prevent police from arresting his team-mate.

"Jeroen Zoet and Maxime Lestienne were involved in an incident at the Stratumseind in Eindhoven on Saturday night," a statement on the club's official website reads.

"Both players were brought in for questioning by police.

"PSV will discuss the matter with both players on Sunday and deal with it internally because it concerns a private matter."

Lestienne made his comeback versus Zwolle after a 10-week spell on the sidelines due to tragic personal circumstances, losing both his parents due to illness within the space of six weeks, and set up Luuk de Jong's winner with a fine cross from the left.

Jose Mourinho to attend Frank Lampard's wedding today

 It takes a lot to outshine the bride on her wedding day, but Jose Mourinho might do just that when he attends Frank Lampard and Christine Bleakley's nuptials in London on Sunday.

The former Chelsea manager is still the subject of huge interest, three days on from his Stamford Bridge sacking, and will spend the latest of his days without work at his former player's wedding. Continue

Where next for Guardiola?

The confirmation that Pep Guardiola is to leave Bayern Munich at the end of this season will heighten intrigue over the sought-after former Barcelona coach's next move. He's obviously going to have a lot of offers on the table, but where would he fit in most? FourFourTwo investigates...Continue

Barcelona are World Champions for the third time!

Luis Suarez concluded his mastery of the Club World Cup as Barcelona collected their third global crown with a 3-0 final victory over River Plate.

Suarez scored a semi-final hat-trick as Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao were brushed aside and – joined once more by his forward allies Lionel Messi and Neymar – the Uruguayan star netted a second-half brace in the showpiece.

Messi, who missed the semi through illness, opened the scoring as Luis Enrique's team recovered from an uncertain opening to establish the control and dominance that has already secured the La Liga, Copa del Rey Champions League and Uefa Super Cup titles during 2015.

Neymar had to settle for a pair of assists on his return from a groin problem as Barcelona's formidable array of attacking talents made them the first club to win three Club World Cups, following successful 2009 and 2011 campaigns.

Video: Watch David Beckham in Light-saber duel with Star Wars actor John Boyega

David Beckham has everything a man could want: fame, money, looks, a beautiful family, his own underwear line AND his own scotch. But is he strong with the Force?

We all found out when the retired soccer star appeared on the BBC’s The Graham Norton Showalongside Star Wars actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley and Carrie Fisher. 

Drawing on Beckham’s recent role in the upcoming King Arthur movie, moderator Graham Norton challenged Beckham to a lightsaber duel against Boyego, who stars as Finn in “Episode VII: The Force Awakens.“ Take a look:

Juan Iturbe fuels transfer speculations with goodbye message

Roma forward Juan Iturbe has paid tribute to the Serie A club's supporters as speculation grows he is set to join Premier League club Watford in the January transfer window.

Widespread reports have suggested a deal has been agreed for the 22-year-old forward to join Quique Sanchez Flores' side on loan next month, with an option for them to buy him on a permanent basis.

Roma have included Iturbe in their squad to face Genoa on Sunday in what is almost certain to be his final appearance for the club prior to leaving and the player appeared to confirm his exit with a message on Instagram. Continue 

Breaking News: Pep Guardiola to leave Bayern at the end of the season

 Pep Guardiola is to leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season and will be replaced by Carlo Ancelotti.

Guardiola, 44, has been linked with Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

The former Barcelona coach has won two league titles and the German Cup since joining Bayern in summer 2013.

Former Chelsea manager Ancelotti, 56, has been on a break from the game since being sacked by Real Madrid in May 2015.

"We are thankful to Guardiola for all he gave our club and hope to celebrate more success in the current season," Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told German newspaper Bild.

"With Ancelotti we have another very successful coach coming to Bayern. We are looking forward to working together."

CWC: Sanfrecce Hiroshima 2 Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao 1

Luiz Felipe Scolari's men fell victim to a dramatic comeback as Sanfrecce Hiroshima sealed third place in the Club World Cup.

Douglas scored twice in the final 20 minutes as Sanfrecce Hiroshima came from behind to defeat Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao 2-1 in Yokohama, sealing third place in the Club World Cup. Continue

Bolton boss Neil Lennon in relationship scandal

Exclusive story from Mirror, very interesting and long

The Bolton Wanderers boss and BBC pundit had a romance with a woman 20 years his junior behind his partner's back

 Soccer boss Neil Lennon’s mistress has told of their ­relationship – and how he made a knife threat to her when she told him she would tell his partner.

It is a story the Bolton boss and BBC pundit tried to ban after he claimed he was the victim.

But today we can reveal how he had a year-long romance with the woman – 20 years his junior – behind his long- term partner’s back.

He began dating the girl after meeting her in a pub. But she claims their affair soured when she found Lennon had started seeing a third woman.

It was then that she threatened to go to his partner – only for Lennon to turn nasty, telling her someone “could” put a knife to her throat if she spoke out. Continue

Chelsea's Diego Costa Could be in some trouble

 While Chelsea enjoyed a long overdue convincing Premier League victory today (albeit against an abject Sunderland team), Diego Costa was in no mood to celebrate. Continue

Mr Wenger at it again,'Arsenal should have signed teen Sterling'

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said Raheem Sterling was never on his radar in the off-season, but admits he regrets not signing the Manchester City winger from QPR.

Sterling, 21, moved to Liverpool from QPR for £600,000 in 2010 before he broke through at Anfield and sealed a £49million transfer to Manchester City ahead of this season.

Wenger said Sterling was never a realistic transfer target for Arsenal in the off-season because of an abundance of talent in wide areas.

"We had many players on the flanks, but when Sterling was at QPR - that's where we should take the players," Wenger said.

"We watched him but you miss obvious players. The history of every club is full of top players that you missed.

"At the time Liverpool were quicker."

Wenger will be watching Sterling at a much closer range come Monday, when the England international will turn out against his injury-hit Arsenal side.

Both teams are at the forefront of the Premier League title race, but sit behind surprise leaders Leicester City.

Lol

Villa defender Amavi out for rest of season

Aston Villa defender Jordan Amavi has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee ligament injury.

The defender ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee on Thursday while playing for France in a European Under-21 Championship qualifier against Northern Ireland

And he will now have to watch from the sidelines as Villa and new manager Remi Garde aim to turn around what has been a dismal Premier League season so far.

Amavi joined Villa from Ligue 1 side Nice in July and has become a regular for the Midlands club, making 12 appearances in all competitions.

Villa are bottom of the Premier League with five points from 12 games, although they did hold league leaders Manchester City to a 0-0 draw in Garde's first game in charge last Sunday.

Video: Douglas Costa embarrasses Brazil goalkeeper in training

Lmao

Video: Watch Ronaldinho's incredible no look pass

The goal was disallowed but Dinho still got it.

Cesc Fabregas Teases John Terry After Spain Beat England

The Chelsea captain shared on Instagram tonight that he was watching the action in Alicante from his home.

It was a disappointing night for Roy Hodgson’s men, as Mario Gaspar and Santi Cazorla hit the goals to give the Spanish champions an ideal start to their European Championship defence.

And, in the aftermath of Spain's 2-0 victory, Fabregas couldn't resist indulging in a spot of post-match trolling of his club captain:

Aston Villa's Jores Okore subjected to vile racial discrimination from Danish politician

Aston Villa defender Jores Okore has been subjected to racial discrimination on social media by a politician in his home country of Denmark.

Daniel Carlsen, leader of far-right 'The Danish Party', took to Twitter to make vile comments after Okore was snapped showing off the national team's new shirts.

Okore, who is battling back from a knee operation which has kept him sidelined for the whole of this season so far, was absent as Denmark lost 2-1 in Stockholm last night in the first leg of their Euro 2016 playoff against Sweden.

He has eight international caps, but Carlsen doesn't think Africans should be representing the country. Continue

PSG players David Luiz and Edinson Cavani 'don't want to go back to Paris'

 Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani has thrown his future into doubt, after reportedly saying he would rather not return to the French capital.

A series of coordinated attacks in the city on Friday evening took the lives of 129 people, seriously injuring many more. Terror organisation ISIS have formally claimed responsibility for the events.

Cavani is currently on international duty with Uruguay, with French newspaperL'Equipe saying he doesn't want to go back to PSG.

Ahead of Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Chile, Cavani's international teammate Alvaro Gonzales also confirmed Cavani is unsure what the near future holds. Continue

Lassana Diarra confirms cousin was killed in Paris terror attacks

France midfielder Lassana Diarra has confirmed his cousin Asta Diakite was a victim of the Paris terror attacks.

Lassana Diarra's cousin was among the victims of Friday's terror attacks in Paris, the France midfielder has confirmed. Diarra played 80 minutes of France's 2-0 friendly win over Germany at the Stade de France and it later emerged that three people were killed following a bomb blast at the Gate J part of the stadium. Continue

Video: The moment bomb went off at Stade De France

The game continued because players were not aware of the situation. After the game fans were told to stay back until it was safe to go outside.

What a world we live in...

Three people confirmed dead as bomb explodes outside the Stade de France

An attack outside the Stade de France has killed three people.

Multiple attacks have taken place in the French capital, with 153 people thought to be dead.Continue

Victor Valdes' Latest Humiliation Is Very Harsh

 We all know Louis van Gaal's managerial methods are slightly 'different' but the way he has treated former Barcelona star Victor Valdes this season has been criticised by many fans and neutrals. 

The latest news surrounding the Valdes/van Gaal saga has certainly surprised us at TheSPORTBible, as the Manchester United manager has threatened to fine the Spanish goalkeeper if he arrives at the club's Carrington training base before the first team has left. Yes, you heard that correctly.

Valdes previously refused to play in the Manchester United Under-21 side at the end of last season and it seems van Gaal has yet to forgive the 33-year-old, with Sergio Romero and David de Gea ahead of Valdes.

This revelation with further spark the transfer rumours surrounding Valdes, who will surely look for a way out of Old Trafford in the near future. A move to Liverpool has been published but we will have to wait and see if the move materialises. 

FA asks Wenger to explain doping remarks

The Football Association has asked Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to explain his recent comments on doping in football, Omnisport understands.

In a wide-ranging interview with L'Equipe, Wenger said his values meant he could never tell one of his players to take a performance-enhancing substance – but he was unsure over whether all opponents during his football career were operating with similar levels of integrity.

He said: "I try to be faithful to the values that I find important in life and to transmit them to others.

"In 30 years of my coaching career, I never got one of my players injected to be more efficient. I never gave them a product that can improve performance.

"It is about pride. I've played against a lot of teams that were not in this state of mind."

The FA does not wish to punish Wenger over the comments, but they will seek talks with the 66-year-old to determine whether he has any further information on the subject that could be of use.

Dinamo Zagreb player Arijan Ademi is having his B sample investigated after failing a drug test when the Croatian side beat Arsenal 2-0 in the Champions League in September.

The issue of drugs in sport has come into sharp focus this week after the World Anti-Doping Agency published a report accusing Russia's national athletics federation of operating a systematic doping programme.

Cristiano Ronaldo pays tribute to Raul ahead of his final professional game

Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafa Benitez are among the stars to have paid tribute to Raul ahead of his retirement.

The Real Madrid legend and New York Cosmos striker will play his final professional match this weekend when his NASL side take on Ottawa Fury.

And in a video message, recorded by the Cosmos, Ronaldo said: "Raul, I wanted to congratulate you on the noble career you have had.

"For me, you've been an example as a player and as a person.

"I wish we could have played together for a longer period of time because, to me, you were the best.

"Thank you. I wish you nothing but the best. Enjoy yourself, your family and your kids."

Raul scored 323 times in 741 games for Real Madrid and was until, Ronaldo overtook him this season, the club's record goal scorer.

Crystal Palace close to agreeing deal with billionaire American investors

 Crystal Palace have nearly sealed an agreement for a cash injection from billionaire American investors, with the two sides close to agreeing a deal in principle.

Mirror Football revealed this week that private equity investors were back at the negotiating table with the Eagles as chairman Steve Parish looks to fund stadium redevelopment at Selhurst Park. Continue

Jose Mourinho admits similarities with legendary Nottingham Forest boss Brian Clough

Under-pressure Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has revealed his admiration for legendary Nottingham Forest manager Brian Clough - and believes there are similarities between them.

Writing in the foreword for a new book on Clough called I Believe in Miracles,Mourinho says that he sees a lot of similarities in himself and Clough.

He also revealed that during his time with Barcelona in 1996, he took a trip to Nottingham to see the place where Clough became a success - and was surprised about the small size of the location.

Mourinho said: "I walked all the way (around the city) and when I saw the stadium I thought: 'Are you kidding me - this club won the European Cup? Twice?'

"It was a nice stadium and a nice city, but it was a small place. It was the size of the stadium that really took me aback. Continue

Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly acquires new private jet

As we all know, Cristiano Ronaldo is a very, very rich man. As well as his earnings from Real Madrid, the Portuguese international has numerous brands sponsor him, including the likes of sportswear giants Nike.

According to TheRichest.com, Ronaldo has a net worth of £205 million and while the forward is on over £300,000-per-week in wages from his club alone, we doubt he’ll be worrying about his bank balance any time soon.

And while the money is rolling in, Ronaldo, according to reports from Correio da Manha, has spent €19 million on a brand new private jet. The Portuguese tabloid claim he has purchased the Gulfstream G2000 twin-engine business jet, which is designed to carry between 8 and 10 people. Continue 

Ex-Sunderland and Ipswich keeper Marton Fulop dies aged 32

 Former Sunderland goalkeeper Marton Fulop has died at the age of 32 after a battle with cancer. 

Fulop played for nine English clubs after joining Tottenham from MTK Budapest in 2004 and also represented Hungary on 24 occasions.

He had a tumour removed from his arm in 2013 but never played professional football again. Continue

Diego Costa abuse gets Ryan Shawcross a year's supply of free deodorant

Even by the aggressive, provocative standards of Diego Costa , the Chelsea striker's on-pitch behaviour against Stoke City was particularly bizarre.

The Premier League's most popular man (*sarcasm*) had little impact on the actual game, barely threatening the Stoke goal during his side's 1-0 defeat. That was largely because he spent most of the match having one of his trademark running battles with a big centre-back - this time with Ryan Shawcross.

The Stoke captain isn't exactly shy about physical confrontation with opponents, so gave as good as got.

Even so, Costa reached new levels of childishness when he was caught on camera pointing at his armpit, making a funny face - and clearly suggesting that Shawcross has something of a body odour problem.

Very sensibly, the Stoke man simply smiled and walked away. In fact, it was left to his wife Kath to make an "official" response to Costa's bizarre accusation. Continue

Sergio Aguero fulfills his promise to Manchester City fans

Sergio Aguero may be stuck on the sidelines nursing an injury but it doesn't seem to have affected his mood as the Argentine beamed for the cameras while he signed Manchester City shirts for fans.

The 27-year-old, who has not featured for the Premier League leaders since sticking five past Newcastle at the start of October, was putting his signature on No 16 replica tops bought by supporters before Aguero changed his number at the start of the season.

The former Atletico Madrid forward was due to wear No 16 again this season before the club loaned striker Edin Dzeko to Roma in August and Aguero opted to take No 10, previously worn by the Bosnian.

In an incredible gesture Aguero said he would personally sign any shirts purchased before the swap with No 10 on the back, and true to their word their star striker followed through with the promise on Tuesday.

At the time Aguero told the club's website: 'The No. 10 shirt means a lot to me. When I arrived at City, Edin had it - he wore it very well, and of course, I respected it.   Continue

Beautiful bride! Eva Carneiro gets married in London but no Chelsea player present

Chelsea's beautiful former team doctor Eva Carneiro has married her partner Jason De Carteret in London on Wednesday.

Ms Carneiro, who is suing Chelsea and team manager Jose Mourinho for constructive dismissal, looked radiant in a sleeveless wedding dress with lace detailing and a train.

The 42-year-old Gibraltar-born sports physician carried a bouquet of white roses and wore her hair in a classic bridal up-do with a long veil. 

As the couple left the church, Mr De Carteret, whose mint-green waistcoat matched the dresses of Ms Carneiro's bridesmaids, could not keep his eyes off his stunning bride.

Both Mr and Mrs beamed as they exited the St Patrick’s Church, in London’s Soho after the private service, and kissed for the cameras. Continue

Boateng urges Guardiola to stay at Bayern

All of the Bayern Munich squad want Pep Guardiola to put pen to paper and extend his stay with the Bundesliga champions, according to defender Jerome Boateng.

Guardiola's contract is up at the end of the season with talks over an extension due to take place in December amid continued rumours of interest from Premier League sides Chelsea and Manchester City.

And Germany international Boateng reiterated his desire, along with his Bayern team-mates, to see the former Barcelona coach continue at the Allianz Arena. Continue

Zidane unveils 'Beau Jeu': Official Adidas EURO 2016 match ball

Adidas have unveiled their official match ball for Euro 2016 – the Beau Jeu.

Zinedine Zidane was the first to show Europe what they’ll be playing with when the competition kicks off in France next summer.

The French legend posted a picture of the ball to Instagram and wrote:

I am proud to unveil ‘Beau Jeu’, the official match ball of Euro 2016 from @adidasfootball. #BeTheDifference ZZ.

 Beau Jeu translates to “the beautiful game” in English and the design incorporates the blue, white and red of the France national flag.

As can be seen with the pictures of the ball, the letters E U R O and the figures 2 0 1 6 are also evident through the blocking design of the ball.

 Glorious!

Argentina and Brazil set to face-off in enticing fixture

Gerardo Martino is under pressure. Dunga is under pressure. Argentina and Brazil are both under pressure. The Pacific half of Conmebol, the South American confederation, is rising, and the result is that both Argentina and Brazil suddenly find themselves in a battle to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. When they meet on Thursday at el Monumental in Buenos Aires, it's likely to be grim, nervous and fascinating. Continue

Monk hits out at international break

Swansea City manager Garry Monk has blasted the upcoming international break, labelling the fixtures as "farcical".

The under pressure boss has won just one of his last nine matches, resulting in his job security being put under the spotlight with Swansea dropping to 14th in the Premier League.

Swansea host struggling AFC Bournemouth when domestic football resumes next week and Monk is furious he will be without 10 key players due to international commitments. Continue

Gerard Pique names his World XI

 Gerard Pique has named his current perfect World XI and, although many of the choices are predictable, with the team being dominated by his Barcelona teammates, there's one selection that immediately jumps off the team sheet. Continue

Eva Carneiro Could Use Chelsea Star As Witness In Her Case Against The Club

In yet another dramatic twist in the Eva Carneiro vs Chelsea saga, it is being reported that the former Blues physio could ask Eden Hazard to come forward as a witness when her claim against the Premier League champions goes to court, next year.

Carneiro left her position at Stamford Bridge after being publicly chastised, alongside colleague Jon Fearn, by Jose Mourinho for being "impulsive and naive" during Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Swansea on the opening day of the season. Continue

Ex-England And Premier League Player Charged For Raiding Betting Shop

He may not be a household name, but Nathan Ashton not only represented at every level from U16 to U19, he also turned out in the Premier League for Fulham in 2007 after moving to Craven Cottage from Crystal Palace. Eight years later, though, and things have taken a sour turn for the 28 year old.

Ashton, who's last appearance in the Football League came for Wycombe Wanderers in the 2008/2009 season, before moving onto AFC Wimbledon and several non-league clubs, is now being charged following a raid on the Coral bookmaker in Cressex Road, High Wycombe, Bucks., on October 30, a spokesman for Thames Valley Police said.

The former England youth international was remanded in custody by magistrates and is due to appear before a crown court judge next month.

The former Fulham man is currently the assistant manager of Marlow and is due to appear at Aylesbury Crown Court after being charged with one count of robbery.