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The news that Alex Ferguson would be stepping down as Manchester United manager after 26 trophy-laden seasons will be reverberating far beyond British shores Wednesday, and no more so than in Asia where the club has a huge following.

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Alex Ferguson retires as Manchester United manager updated 1 hours 25 minutes ago

English soccer's most successful manager -- Manchester United's Alex Ferguson -- is retiring at the end of the season, the club announced Wednesday.

Man City victorious, Wigan crestfallen: Mixed fortunes for FA Cup finalists updated 21 hours 59 minutes ago

The biggest occasion in their 81-year history is approaching for minnows Wigan but the FA Cup final might prove an unwelcome distraction in their battle to retain English Premier League status.

Mourinho pulling no punches at Real Madrid as Chelsea link resurfaces updated 1 days ago

If Jose Mourinho's time at Real Madrid is nearing an end then he seems determined not to go quietly.

Juventus offers Italian football way forward updated 1 days ago

Amid all the talk of Germany's new-found domination of European football after the success of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in reaching the Champions League final, Juventus' achievement of winning the Italian title for a record-extending 29th time almost passed by without notice at the weekend.

From Kissinger to the Gruffalo: Footballers' reading habits revealed updated 1 days ago

A heavyweight tome of 536-pages "On China" was described by the New York Times as "fascinating, shrewd and sometimes perverse".

Time for Premier League to give youth a chance, says Hargreaves updated 1 days ago

German football is riding the crest of a triumphant wave with two Bundesliga teams in the Champions League final and the national side one of the favorites for the 2014 World Cup.

FIFA suspends Executive Committee member Chuck Blazer updated 1 days ago

Football's world governing body FIFA has provisionally suspended outgoing Executive Committee member Chuck Blazer for 90 days "based on the fact that various breaches of the Code of Ethics appear to have been committed" by the American.

FIFA Task Force outlines anti-racism fight updated 1 days ago

FIFA's anti-racism Task Force proposed the attendance of officials to specifically "identify potential acts of discrimination" at matches when the newly-created body first met on Monday.

'Bosman' lawyer makes complaint over UEFA's Financial Fair Play updated 2 days ago

The lawyer that helped revolutionize the way football's transfer system works has turned his sights on UEFA's new system of financial regulation.

While Indian football sleeps, its young hopefuls dream of playing abroad updated 2 days ago

"Theatre of Dreams" reads the plaque on the classroom door of Manchester United Soccer School in Mumbai. Nutritional advice and tactics are scribbled on the whiteboard and a Wayne Rooney portrait hangs on the wall.

Soccer violence: Referees under siege updated 2 days ago

In the U.S., a referee is punched and later dies. Meanwhile In Europe, a Dutch volunteer linesman is beaten to death, a teenage Spanish referee is violently assaulted, and in Germany a match official is hospitalized.

Magic Messi returns to push Barcelona closer to title updated 2 days ago

Lionel Messi helped Barcelona bounce back from Champions League heartache as he came off the bench to score twice against Real Betis on Sunday and edge the Catalan club closer to the Spanish title.

29 titles? It's 31, insists defiant Juventus updated 2 days ago

The sea of signs and flags held with defiant pride may have said "31" -- but the history books will note that Juventus clinched a record-extending 29th Italian league title Sunday, with three matches to spare.

Ferguson fury at Luiz's theatrics updated 2 days ago

Manchester United's post-title hangover continued on Sunday after a 1-0 defeat that kept Chelsea in pole position for England's third Champions League place next season.

Bale keeps Tottenham hopes alive as Wigan escape act gathers pace updated 3 days ago

EPL Player of the Year Gareth Bale scored Tottenham late winner against his former club Southampton Saturday.

Champions League final rehearsal ends in feisty stalemate updated 3 days ago

Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich battled to a 1-1 draw Saturday in a feisty rehearsal for their May 25 showdown at Wembley.

Will Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho stay or go? updated 5 days ago

Jose Mourinho likes to keep them guessing.

Chelsea to face Benfica in Europa League final updated 5 days ago

Three goals in just 10 second half minutes sank Basel and set Chelsea on their way to the Europa League final Thursday against Portuguese giants Benfica.

Manchester United earnings bouyed by sponsorship deals updated 6 days ago

English Premier League champions Manchester United posted record third-quarter revenue of £91.7 million [$142 million] on the back of new sponsorship deals in Asia and Europe.

Bayern into Champions League final with 7-0 rout of Barcelona updated 6 days ago

Bayern Munich joined fellow German side Borussia Dortmund in the final of the Champions League by completing a crushing 7-0 aggregate win over Barcelona.

Desert heat: World Cup hosts Qatar face scrutiny over 'slavery' accusations updated 7 days ago

Zahir Belounis has spent the best part of the last two years without wages, a club or any prospect of returning home but the French Algerian footballer now faces his immediate future without the most basic of commodities.

Dortmund defeat leaves Mourinho needing the love updated 7 days ago

Jose Mourinho, the self-appointed "Special One", was the man charged with winning the European Champions League and finally recognizing the dream of "La Decima."

In search of a gay soccer hero: The Secret Footballer on homophobia updated 8 days ago

Childhood is confusing. It's difficult to fully understand things at the best of times and, occasionally, you'll experience something that is unlike anything that you've experienced thus far.

FIFA 'bribe' officials escape punishment updated 8 days ago

FIFA president Sepp Blatter is cleared of any misconduct by an Ethics Committee investigation into bribery but Joao Havelange resigns as honorary president.

Aston Villa bursts Di Canio bubble as Sunderland are hit for six updated 8 days ago

Controversial Italian Paolo Di Canio had enjoyed a soaring start to his career as manager of English Premier League side Sunderland -- until Monday night.

Juve on brink of 29th Scudetto after late derby win over Torino updated 8 days ago

Juventus need just a single point to clinch their 29th Scudetto title after a pair of late goals gave them a 2-0 derby win over Torino Sunday.

Award-winner Bale destined for greatness? updated 9 days ago

it is common knowledge that Gareth Bale is a gifted footballer. But just how good is he?

Something in the water? Beckham off as four see red in Evian updated 9 days ago

David Beckham was sent off just six minutes after coming onto the pitch as three further dismissals and a mass brawl overshadowed Paris Saint-Germain's 1-0 win over Evian.

Brazil unveils shaky answer to the vuvuzela for World Cup updated 9 days ago

Friends, Brazilians and soccer fans lend me your ears -- the shimmy and shake of the caxirola is coming to a football match near you soon.

Van Persie scores on return to the Emirates to frustrate Arsenal updated 10 days ago

Manchester United's Robin van Persie scored the equalizer in a 1-1 draw against his former club Arsenal.

Bayern set new Bundesliga points record updated 10 days ago

Bayern Munich's momentous season continued on Saturday as they beat Freiburg 1-0 at the Allianz Arena to secure a new points record in the Bundesliga.

Spurs drop points at Wigan to dent Champions League bid updated 10 days ago

With Manchester United having secured a 20th league title on Monday, attentions in the English Premier League have turned to the battle for Champions League places and the scramble to avoid the drop.

Barcelona title celebrations on hold after draw with Bilbao updated 10 days ago

Barcelona will have to wait at least one more week to wrap up a fourth La Liga title in five seasons after they could only draw 2-2 against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.

Inter hit with UEFA racism fine updated 11 days ago

Inter Milan has been hit with a $58,600 by UEFA after being found guilty of "improper conduct" following allegations its fans racially abused Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

Suarez accepts ban as Cameron calls for action updated 11 days ago

As British Prime Minister David Cameron called on footballers to act as role models, Liverpool's Luis Suarez chose not to appeal his 10-match "biting" ban handed to him by the English Football Association for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic.

Luis Suarez: Public Enemy No. 1? updated 12 days ago

Hated by the English Premier League champions, chastised by the UK's Prime Minister and even lampooned by a pizza company -- is Luis Suarez the number one enemy to English football?

Last-gasp Luiz goal puts Chelsea on course for Europa League final updated 12 days ago

Chelsea scored a dramatic 2-1 win over FC Basel in their Europa League semifinal first leg match in Switzerland.

Dortmund deliver fatal sting to Real's Champions League dream updated 13 days ago

It was Muhammad Ali who warned his opponents he would "float like a butterfly and sting like a bee".

Suarez hit with 10-game ban for Ivanovic bite updated 14 days ago

Luis Suarez has been hit with a 10-game ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.

Brilliant Bayern batters Barcelona updated 14 days ago

Bayern Munich has one foot in the final of the European Champions League Final following a crushing 4-0 win over Barcelona in the first leg of its semifinal tie Tuesday.

Goetze set to join Bayern Munich updated 15 days ago

When it comes to getting their G-men, Bayern Munich are arguably giving their European rivals a masterclass in acquiring the very best.

FIFA chief Blatter's Twitter account hacked updated 15 days ago

The head of world soccer Sepp Blatter has again been caught up in controversy -- but this time it was all the fault of a fake FIFA president.

Van Persie treble fires Manchester United to 20th title updated 15 days ago

All the talk this season has been that Robin van Persie is the difference between winning the English Premier League title, or not.

Suarez facing big ban for biting opponent updated 16 days ago

Controversial soccer star Luis Suarez will not be sacked by Liverpool despite his latest biting incident, but he faces a lengthy suspension.

Liverpool star Suarez bites opponent updated 16 days ago

Luis Suarez illustrated why he is one of the world's most controversial soccer players on Sunday as he bit an opponent before going on to save his club from defeat with a last-gasp goal.

Juventus, PSG march towards titles updated 16 days ago

Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain may have suffered Champions League heartache this season, but both clubs are poised to return to Europe's top competition as winners of their domestic leagues.

Bayern brimming with confidence ahead of Barcelona clash updated 17 days ago

"Bring on Barca!" trumpeted Bayern Munich's website on Saturday.

British 'rich list' mirrors EPL clubs' fortunes updated 17 days ago

On the day Alisher Usmanov was named as Britain's wealthiest man, his soccer club Arsenal overtook that of one of his "rich list" rivals in the race for a European Champions League place next season.

Van Persie rescues Manchester United at West Ham; Tevez fires City updated 20 days ago

Manchester United edged closer to a record 20th English Premier League title despite having to rely on a late equalizer from Robin van Persie to rescue a draw at West Ham.

At $3.3bn Real Madrid usurp Man Utd as world's most valuable club updated 21 days ago

Spanish soccer giants Real Madrid increased the value of their club by 76% over the past year to usurp Manchester United as the world's most valuable football team.

Bayern continue domestic domination; Arsenal held by Everton updated 21 days ago

German giants Bayern Munich's march towards domestic domination continues unabated.

Juventus win at Lazio to extend Serie A lead updated 22 days ago

Juventus rebounded from last week's Champions League quarterfinal exit by winning 2-0 at Lazio to extend their lead at the top of Serie A to eleven points.

Two stadiums miss Brazil's Confederations Cup deadline updated 23 days ago

Brazil has delivered only four of the six stadiums that will be used in June's Confederations Cup, considered a dress rehearsal for next year's World cup, on time.

England on course for goal-line history updated 23 days ago

The English Premier League will become the first domestic championship in the world to use goal-line technology (GLT), it was confirmed on Thursday.

Latecomer wins FIFA goal-line tech deal updated 23 days ago

German company GoalControl GmbH has won the race to be the first provider of goal-line technology (GLT) to the FIFA World Cup -- for now.

City comes out on top in semifinal showdown updated 23 days ago

Manchester City capped off a memorable week by booking its place in the FA Cup final for the second time in three seasons.

Arsenal climb to third in EPL after late show against Norwich updated 24 days ago

Arsenal scored three late goals to beat Norwich City 3-1 at the Emirates on Saturday and move up to third in the English Premier League.

Bayern Munich near Bundesliga points record updated 25 days ago

Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund recorded thumping wins in the Bundesliga on Saturday as both teams returned to domestic action following Champions League triumphs in midweek.

Spanish giants kept apart in Champions League semifinals updated 26 days ago

The prospect of arguably the two best club sides in the world contesting the European Champions League final remains a possibility after Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid were kept apart in the semifinal draw in Nyon, Switzerland.

Silence of the fans: Why has sport shunned Thatcher? updated 26 days ago

A minute before three o'clock on Saturday, Peter Rebak will be scouring the stands of the Harry Abrahams Stadium looking for dissent.

Benitez leads Chelsea to third semifinal updated 26 days ago

Chelsea reached their third semifinal under Rafa Benitez, and their 18th in the Roman Abramovich era, despite losing the second leg of their Europa League quarterfinal to Rubin Kazan 3-2.

Messi emerges to rescue Barcelona updated 27 days ago

Lionel Messi emerged from the sidelines to inspire Barcelona's passage into the semifinals of the European Champions League following a 1-1 draw with Paris Saint-Germain Wednesday.

Beckham's PSG arrival gives me peace, says Ibrahimovic updated 28 days ago

A-list celebrities and big pay packets are overflowing in the Paris Saint-Germain dressing room, but you won't find Zlatan Ibrahimovic complaining.

UEFA wants 10-match bans for racist abuse updated 28 days ago

Accused of being too soft on racism in the past, European football's governing body UEFA has vowed to crack down hard on offenders -- with 10-match bans for players and officials found guilty.

Dortmund drama keeps Champions League hope alive updated 28 days ago

Borussia Dortmund scores twice in stoppage time to claim a dramatic 3-2 win over Malaga and qualify for the semifinals of the European Champions League.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic rejects 'bad boy' tag updated 29 days ago

Paris Saint-Germain's Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has insisted he is not a 'bad boy' on the eve of his return to Barcelona, where he lasted just a season.

Meet football's answer to Tintin: Barcelona and PSG's comic hero updated 29 days ago

Meet football's answer to Tintin.

Manchester United pen new multi-million dollar Aon deal updated 29 days ago

The world's most valuable club Manchester United has penned a new multi-million dollar deal with U.S. insurance giant Aon as part of an aggressive marketing strategy aimed at driving revenue through sponsorship.

City stall United's title bid with successive Old Trafford win updated 29 days ago

Defending champions Manchester City salvaged a large chunk of pride when beating runaway Premier League leaders -- and city rivals -- Manchester United 2-1 to register consecutive wins at Old Trafford for the first time in 41 years.

Balotelli earns ban as Milan slip up updated 30 days ago

Sometimes it's hard to know what to believe about Mario Balotelli.

Di Canio 'fascism' debate overshadows Chelsea's crucial win updated 31 days ago

For once it wasn't Rafael Benitez facing the hard questions. The Chelsea manager has faced a barrage of criticism from fans and media this season, but this week he has led the English club to vital victories in the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League.

Who needs Messi? Barcelona's big win sends warning to PSG updated 31 days ago

While Zlatan Ibrahimovic showed more evidence of his importance to Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, Barcelona responded with an ominous warning of the club's powers even without Lionel Messi.

Record-breaking Bayern Munich clinch Bundesliga crown updated 31 days ago

It was a day of records for Bayern Munich, but the German football club's mission is only one-third complete.

Arsenal's 'fighting spirit' gives Wenger hope of 'Great Escape' updated 32 days ago

For most European clubs, qualifying for the Champions League is a reason for great celebration.

FIFA chief Blatter must quit, says anti-racism campaigner updated 33 days ago

As the head of world soccer, Sepp Blatter has been trying hard to address the problem of racism in football since infamously telling CNN in 2011 that instances of it on the pitch could with solved "with a handshake."

Tottenham frets over Bale blow updated 33 days ago

Gareth Bale must wait before finding out just how long he will be sidelined for after suffering an ankle injury during Tottenham's Europa League tie with Basel Thursday.

Marseille apologizes for Barton's Twitter rant updated 34 days ago

Not for the first time Joey Barton is in trouble.

Mourinho on course for date with destiny updated 34 days ago

Jose Mourinho's quest to win the Champions League with three different clubs remains alive after his Real Madrid side crushed Galatasaray in the first leg of its Champions League quarter final tie.

'Fascist' Di Canio polarizes opinion updated 35 days ago

He sports a "Dux" tattoo and has expressed a fascination with Benito Mussolini. Meet Paolo Di Canio -- the new Sunderland manager who is proving a polarizing figure after his appointment by the struggling English Premier League club.

Di Canio hits back: 'I am not a fascist' updated 35 days ago

The man who once indignantly remarked, "I'm a fascist, not a racist," has publicly disavowed his past far-right statements after the storm of controversy that has followed his appointment as manager of an English Premier League soccer team.

QPR edge closer to financial freefall updated 35 days ago

Queens Park Rangers edged ever closer to relegation from the English Premier League -- and to a financial precipice -- after losing 3-2 at Fulham on Monday night.

Beckham reveals 'sacrifice' of PSG stay updated 35 days ago

He may be one of the most famous faces on the planet and earning in excess of $46 million a year, according to France Football magazine, but David Beckham admits he does not have it all.

Reprieved Ibrahimovic the key man as PSG hold Barca updated 35 days ago

He shouldn't even have been playing but Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic played a vital role in ensuring his side held Barcelona to a 2-2 draw in an engrossing Champions League quarterfinal in the French capital on Tuesday.

Paolo Di Canio faces scrutiny over 'Fascist' views updated 35 days ago

Condemned for his self-confessed belief in fascist ideals, yet congratulated for acts of admirable sportsmanship.

'Fascist' Di Canio's appointment prompts MP to quit soccer club updated 36 days ago

It was announced a few hours before April Fool's Day, but the appointment of one of the most controversial characters in European football is no laughing matter for one English Premier League soccer club.

Benitez's Chelsea delivers sucker punch to Manchester United's Double hopes updated 37 days ago

He might be counting the days until his departure from Stamford Bridge, but Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez continues to quietly polish his curriculum vitae for future employers.

Mourinho rues Real Madrid's lack of goals updated 37 days ago

As Lionel Messi set yet another record, scoring in his 19th successive league match for Barcelona, Jose Mourinho was left reflecting on the reasons why his Real Madrid team have been also-rans in La Liga this season.

Gerrard penalty keeps Liverpool's European hopes alive updated 37 days ago

It's been a weekend of contrasting fortunes for American club owners in the English Premier League.

More history for Messi as Barca draw at Celta updated 38 days ago

Lionel Messi scored his 19th consecutive league goal on Saturday setting another La Liga record as Barcelona drew 2-2 at relegation-threatened Celta Vigo.

Martin O'Neill sacked by Sunderland updated 38 days ago

English Premier League side Sunderland have sacked manager Martin O'Neill.

Bayern humiliate Hamburg in 9-goal rout updated 38 days ago

Bayern Munich will have to wait another week to wrap up the Bundesliga title, but they put in a champion's performance on Saturday thrashing Hamburg 9-2 at the Allianz Arena.

Man United edge closer to 20th league title updated 39 days ago

Manchester United extended their winning streak in the English Premier League to seven matches on Saturday beating Sunderland 1-0 at the Stadium of Light.

Robbie Rogers' retirement reasons could bring change updated 39 days ago

The body that represents England's professional footballers says it still has work to do to enable gay footballers to come out while still playing the game.

Nelson Mandela's legacy: How soccer club fell for Africa updated 40 days ago

While all eyes are on Nelson Mandela's health, the former South African leader's legacy is gaining ground in an unlikely place.

FIFA grants Palestinian soccer $4.5m updated 41 days ago

Against a background of conflict, strife and economic hardship, the Palestinian territories hope a $4.5 million football grant can help reshape the world's view of this troubled region.

Human traffic: Africa's lost boys updated 41 days ago

It has been a starting point for some of the world's top soccer players.

Spain win in Paris to leapfrog France updated 41 days ago

Defending champions Spain regained control of their qualifying destiny for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil when beating France 1-0 in a crucial encounter in Paris.

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