London, United Kingdom | AFP | Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand said Thursday he was “disappointed” after being refused a professional licence by British boxing authorities. Ferdinand, coached by former WBC super-middleweight champion Richie Woodhall, was being backed by betting company Betfair as part of the “Defender …
Read More »Kenya appoints French coach
Nairobi, Kenya | AFP | Frenchman Sebastien Migne has been named Kenya’s new football coach, filling a post left vacant by the February departure of Belgian Paul Put. Migne, 45, signed a three-year deal and arrives from Congo-Brazzaville where he helped guide the national side to its first African Cup …
Read More »On his home turf in Egypt, everyone wants piece of Liverpool’s Salah
Cairo, Egypt | AFP | Patriotic statements, flashy commercials and an anti-drug campaign: Mohamed Salah’s dazzling displays for Liverpool have taken the football world by storm, and on his home turf in Egypt seemingly everyone wants a piece of him. Salah has shot to stardom thanks to his goal-scoring exploits …
Read More »Salah wins writers’ footballer of the year award
London, United Kingdom | AFP | Mohamed Salah was Tuesday named as the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year for 2017/18 after scoring 43 goals so far in an incredible debut season for Liverpool. The Egypt international narrowly topped the poll of the 400-strong FWA membership ahead of Manchester …
Read More »Departing Wenger wants peaceful end to Mourinho rivalry
London, United Kingdom | AFP | Arsene Wenger says he hopes his farewell match at Old Trafford on Sunday passes off “peacefully” but has admitted he is unsure he will ever be friends with Jose Mourinho. Wenger, 68, made the surprise announcement last week that he will end his 21-year …
Read More »Wenger set for for Old Trafford farewell
Manchester, United Kingdom | AFP | Arsene Wenger is unsure of the welcome he will receive on his final visit to Old Trafford as Arsenal boss on Sunday after many “great battles” against Manchester United during his two decades in charge. The 68-year-old Frenchman, leaving the club at the end …
Read More »Neymar recovery on track, will be back for World Cup: doctor
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | AFP | Neymar is working hard to recover from the foot injury that sidelined him in February and will be back in action by this summer’s World Cup, the Brazil team doctor who operated on him promised Friday. “Neymar is recovering the best way possible,” …
Read More »Trump warns countries that might oppose North American World Cup bid
Washington, United States | AFP | US President Donald Trump tweeted support for the North American FIFA World Cup bid Thursday, and hinted nations who oppose it could face political repercussions. “The U.S. has put together a STRONG bid w/ Canada & Mexico for the 2026 World Cup,” Trump tweeted. …
Read More »Iniesta to leave Barcelona at the end of the season
Barcelona, Spain | AFP | Andres Iniesta confirmed on Friday he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season, bringing the curtain down on a phenomenally successful career at the club, but said a move to China is yet to be finalised. In a press conference attended by members …
Read More »Wilshere says Arsenal still believe after Atletico draw
United Kingdom | AFP | Jack Wilshere says Arsenal can take confidence from their Europa League semi-final draw against Atletico Madrid, despite the frustration of conceding a late away goal. With the visitors on the back foot for much of Thursday’s first-leg contest at the Emirates Stadium following Sime Vrsaljko’s …
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