Benzema could bring Premier League title to Arsenal - Henry

The former Gunners star feels that Arsene Wenger is close to assembling a team who could challenge at home and abroad and is holding out hope for the Real Madrid striker to arrive.Arsenal legend Thierry Henry believes that landing Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema would make his old side into serious title contenders both in the Premier League and Champions League.Gunners remain hopeful of securing the French forward, a long-term target for Arsene Wenger, despite Madrid's protestations that he will not be sold, and are prepared to wait until late in the transfer window.

Chelsea 0-1 Fiorentina: Mourinho's men end pre-season with disappointing home defeat

The Premier League champions head into their season opener against Swansea City off the back of two consecutive defeats after Gonzalo Rodriguez's first-half goal Chelsea squandered the chance to bounce straight back from their Community Shield setback after finishing pre-season with a 1-0 defeat to Fiorentina in the International Champions Cup.Premier League champions Chelsea were beaten 1-0 by Arsenal on Sunday and went into Wednesday's clash seeking a positive response ahead of Saturday's league opener against Swansea City.However, manager Jose Mourinho made 10 changes to the side that started at Wembley - handing loan signing Radamel Falcao a first start - and that played a part in a disjointed showing at Stamford Bridge as the home team failed to register a shot on target in the first half.

Furious Messi head butts Yanga-Mbiwa in Roma friendly

A heated exchange off the ball saw the Argentine lash out at the French defender, grabbing him by the throat and connecting his head with the former Newcastle man.Lionel Messi was lucky not to receive a red card in Barcelona 's friendly against Roma when he head butted Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa.With Barca leading 1-0 through Neymar's strike, the pair began to tangle during the first half in the Joan Gamper Trophy at Camp Nou.The Argentine attacker has a reputation for keeping a cool head in intense situations, but his temper flashed through when he came face-to-face with the France international.

Deadpan Mourinho on latest Chelsea defeat: I prefer to score 10 goals than none

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho gave a deadpan response when asked about his side's defeat to Fiorentina on Wednesday, insisting he would obviously rather win 5-0 or score 10 goals.The result at Stamford Bridge in the International Champions Cup meant that the Blues have failed to win a single game during pre-season, losing three, including the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal, and drawing two.Mourinho, though, is adamant that the game was a useful training exercise, suggesting that he is unconcerned about his side's poor recent form ahead of the big kick-off in the Premier League on Saturday.It was a good training session," he told Sky Sports.

Kane can become one of the world's best at Tottenham - Pochettino

Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino believes Harry Kane has what it takes to become one of the world's top strikers and feels the striker is committed to the north London outfit.In June that Manchester United were planning a bid worth £50 million for the forward after he netted 31 goals in all competitions last term.But Pochettino insists that the player is happy at White Hart Lane and is ready to give his all as Spurs look to break into the Premier League's top four.He’s excited to start the season with us," the Argentine coach told reporters.

Ronaldo, James, Pepe & Perez attend Mendes' wedding

Real Madrid stars Cristiano Ronaldo, James Rodriguez and Pepe were looking sharp as they attended the wedding of Jorge Mendes.The superagent, who also represents Jose Mourinho, got married on Sunday and many of his clients, along with Madrid president Florentino Perez, were there to celebrate the occasion.Just like his team-mates, Ronaldo turned up in a fancy black suit, though the Portugal star was sporting some stylish blue sunglasses to complement his tie.

Messi condemned for 'partying with oppressors' in Gabon

Lionel Messi has been condemned by the Human Rights Foundation, who accuse him of "partying with oppressors" in his recent visit to Gabon.The Barcelona star was photographed with Gabon dictator Ali Bongo after helping lay a foundation stone for a planned new venue for the Africa Cup of Nations finals in 2017, while he also visited a state-run hospital and a restaurant owned by the Bongo family.While the Gabon government has strenuously denied reports that Messi was paid a seven-figure sum to attend the country in July, he has nonetheless been criticised for showing public support for the Bongo regime.

Terry: Defeat by Arsenal hurts but has no bearing on Premier League

Chelsea captain John Terry says that defeat in the Community Shield by Arsenal hurts but will have no bearing on the new Premier League season.Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's stunning first-half strike was the difference at Wembley on Sunday as Gunners boss Arsene Wenger finally beat Jose Mourinho at the 14th time of asking.But while Terry was frustrated to have to lost the season's traditional curtain-raiser, he insisted that the result will not have any effect on where the Premier League title ends up in May.I thought we were on top, if anything. These games are always a bit slow with players finding their feet and fitness but it's disappointing we didn't win," the former England skipper told the media.Losing is just horrible in all aspects - forgetting the record [Mourinho's unbeaten run against Arsenal], it's a trophy that's gone now. It means a lot because you've earned the right to be here so we're just disappointed.It hurts. It doesn't matter if it's a friendly or the Community Shield - it's a trophy, at the end of the day.When asked if the defeat will have an impact on the campaign ahead, Terry replied: I don't think so. I think it's one of them where [Arsenal will] probably come out and say differently. They do mean something but, win or lose, I don't think you can say that.Diego Costa was absent on Sunday due to his troublesome hamstring and Terry admitted that Chelsea lacked a cutting edge without last season's top scorer.He's a top player so he's going to be missed in all sides," the 34-year-old added. "It was a chance for Loic [Remy] to stamp his authority in the side, and [Radamel] Falcao second half... it's down to them boys to fight for their place. [They are] three great strikers and they'll all be fighting.

Walcott predicts 'something special' at Arsenal this season

Theo Walcott is predicting "something special" to happen at Arsenal this season as the club look to challenge for a first Premier League title in 12 years.The 26-year-old, who signed a new four-year contract on Friday, has just two FA Cup winners medals to his name during nine years at the club but heads into Sunday's Community Shield in confident mood.Arsenal comfortably beat then-champions Manchester City 3-0 in last season's Wembley curtain-raiser only to suffer a worst start to a season in 32 years, but Walcott is excited by the ongoing growth in the squad.It's going to be very tight and I think both squads have improved," he told Arsenal Player.

Enner Valencia injury 'doesn't look good

Enner Valencia will have a scan on his knee on Friday after being stretchered out of West Ham's latest Europa League qualifier.The Ecuador striker opened the scoring in his side's 2-2 first-leg draw with Romanians Astra Giurgiu but was carried off before half-time.And West Ham manager Slaven Bilic admitted Valencia's injury "doesn't look good".

Edin Dzeko agrees terms with Roma but fee not settled

Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko has agreed personal terms with Roma, according to sources.But the two clubs are yet to settle on a fee for the Bosnia and Herzegovina international, who has won two Premier League titles in four seasons with City.Dzeko started just 11 league games last season, and Manuel Pellegrini this month admitted the £27m signing's future could lie away from Manchester.

Miguel Herrera apologises for alleged punch on journalist

The former Mexico boss has released a statement in which he admits he is saddened to have left his post as a result of the airport incident.Former Mexico head coach Miguel Herrera has apologised for his alleged assault of a journalist in Philadelphia airport on Monday.Just hours after Mexico lifted the Gold Cup, Herrera allegedly punched Christian Martinoli of TV Azteca at the Philadelphia airport - an incident which led to the 47-year-old being sacked by the country's football federation.Herrera has since issued an apology for his actions and admits he is saddened to have been forced to leave his post.I want to publicly apologise to the fans, the coaching staff, players, Mexico Football Federation and the media for my behaviour in the regretful incident that I had with a commentator, Herrera said in a statement.

England look to remain unbeaten against Slovenia

England's tenth and final game of the 2014/15 season, and it's one where they can take another giant stride towards qualifying for Euro 2016.At the moment Roy Hodgson's side lead Group E with 15 points from five games. Their nearest challengers are Switzerland and Slovenia who are both on nine points.Victory in Ljublijana on Sunday will extend their lead over Slovenia to nine points, leaving only Switzerland with a realistic possibility of overhauling England (those two meet at Wembley on September 8).Speaking to the England players this week it was clear they really wanted to complete the season unbeaten and so far their record is seven wins and two draws.

Wilshere: I'll stay if Arsenal want me

The England international midfielder has been reported as a target for rival clubs but he is keen to remain at the Emirates Stadium and put his injury frustrations behind him.Midfielder Jack Wilshere is adamant that his priority is "to be wanted by Arsenal" rather than any rival clubs.The England international had another season disrupted by injury in 2014-15 but has been linked with a summer move to potentially revitalise his prospects.Wilshere, though, is keen to stay with the Gunners after their back-to-back FA Cup triumphs and remains confident that he can put his injuries behind him.He told the press: I definitely wouldn't go somewhere just because I'm a homegrown player.

Official: Liverpool agree Bogdan deal

The goalkeeper will move to Anfield when his contract with Bolton expires, joining as back-up to Simon Mignolet following Brad Jones's release.Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Bolton goalkeeper Adam Bogdan on a free transfer.The 27-year-old will move to Anfield on July 1 when his contract at the Macron Stadium expires and becomes Brendan Rodgers third signing of the summer after James Milner and Danny Ings.Bogdan, who has over 100 Premier League appearances to his name, will act as back-up to first-choice goalkeeper Simon Mignolet after Brad Jones was released earlier in June.The Hungarian featured against Liverpool as recently as January, when he was named man of the match after a string of impressive saves during a 0-0 draw in the FA Cup fourth round at Anfield.Bolton have already acted to replace Bogdan, signing Ben Amos following the expiry of his Manchester United contract.

TransferTalks

LIVERPOOL: Liverpool have rejected Manchester City  £30 million offer for Raheem Sterling.

MANCHESTER UNITED: Man U have agreed on a deal with Hoffenheim  £13.1 million for Roberto Firmino.And United are planning to make a bid of  £50 million for Tottenham striker Harry Kane.

CHELSEA: Chelsea have completed the signing of right back Cristian Manea from Viitorul Constanta for a fee of  £3 million.The 17 years old signed a five year contract.

Bursaspor excluded from Europa League for one year

The Turkish side have been excluded from the competition after they were found to have flouted FFP laws Bursaspor have lost an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport CAS over a one-year ban administered for breaking the governing body's Financial Fair Play FFP rules.The Turkish club were due to play in the Europa League next term, but CAS' upholding of Uefa's sanction means they will be excluded from the competition.In 2012, Bursaspor were fined and given a one-year ban from UEFA club competition, deferred for a three-year probationary period, for breaching FFP.The club played in the Europa League last season, but were found last December to have breached FFP again.Bursaspor filed an appeal with CAS, pushing for the sanction to be set aside or made less severe, but sport's highest court rejected the appeal.

Carlos Tevez may go but Alvaro Morata is staying, Juventus reveal

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta says Carlos Tevez is likely to leave this summer, but Alvaro Morata will stay.Tevez is under contract with the Italian champions for another year but has been linked with former club Boca Juniors while Atletico Madrid are also keen to sign the Argentina international.When asked about Tevez's future, Marotta told Sport Mediaset: The possibility that he leaves is quite high but I'm not going to give a percentage.It's more likely that he will leave than Andrea Pirlo.

Ozil targets Premier League title with Arsenal next season

The German is "proud" of the Gunners' FA Cup win, in what he describes as the hardest season of his career, but feels improvements can be made on home soil and in Europe.Mesut Ozil has targeted winning the Premier League title with Arsenal next season.After suffering a worst start to a campaign for over 30 years, the Gunners yet again failed to mount a credible challenge for top spot as Chelsea claimed a first league crown in five years in dominant fashion.Ozil, though, feels a number of injuries to first-team players - including the likes of himself, Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere - hampered Arsenal's progress but is now confident of improvement home and abroad We had bad luck with injuries this season, he is quoted as saying by Kicker.

Wilshere accepts FA charge for Tottenham taunts

The midfielder started an expletive-filled chant during Arsenal's FA Cup celebrations in front of a family crowd, and will now face either a fine or match suspension.Jack Wilshere has accepted a Football Association misconduct charge for starting a foul-mouthed chant about rivals Tottenham during Arsenal's FA Cup celebrations.The midfielder caused controversy as the Gunners toured north London in an open-top bus, grabbing a microphone and shouting "What do you think of Tottenham?" with supporters replying "s***".The taunt continued, with Wilshere being informed while on England duty that he faced disciplinary action, despite apologizing for his actions in a post on Twitter, and the 23-year-old admitted surprise at the charge.

The Brazil legend says it is his duty to stand in the upcoming elections following Sepp Blatter's announcement that he will stand down.Former Brazil player Zico has announced that he intends to stand as a candidate for the Fifa presidency.Elections will be held either at the end of 2015 or at the start of 2016 to elect a new leader of world football's governing body after Sepp Blatter announced he would stand down from his post just four days after being re-elected for a fifth term."I would like to confirm the decision to be a candidate," said Zico. "I feel I am capable. For sure, certain rules need to change.It's sad for our sport to see what is happening in football today - the corruption... and the hard work of many other good people wasted."I see it as my duty to use my experience and knowledge to try and stand for the presidency."He admits however that he may struggle to gain enough support.

Swiss police seize more data from FIFA

Swiss authorities have seized computer equipment from Fifa President Sepp Blatter's office as part of an investigation into corruption in football's governing body.The inquiry, which Fifa claims to have requested in November, is looking into possible criminal mismanagement and money laundering related to the next two editions of football's most prestigious tournament.World football's governing body willingly handed over what is hoped to be useful computer data at its Zurich headquarters on Wednesday, according to Swiss police.The latest probe is unconnected to the FBI investigation which saw a number of past and present Fifa officials indicted following raids on Fifa headquarters in May.Police insist that Sepp Blatter, who recently resigned as the organisation's president just days after being re-elected, and his secretary Jerome Valcke are not suspects in the case.

Lionel Messi could stand trial on tax fraud charges

The Barcelona forward is now due to stand trial on accusations he defrauded authoritiesLionel Messi's appeal against allegations of tax evasion has been thrown out by a Barcelona court and the Argentina star will now stand trial.The Blaugrana forward and his father and agent, Jorge Messi, are accused of defrauding authorities over a tax amount totalling €4.1 million between 2006 and 2009.It is alleged that Messi's image rights were sold by Jorge - who assumed full responsibility when the case began - using companies in countries like Belize and Uruguay to avoid Spanish tax obligations.A judge at a court in Gava, near Barcelona, determined in October 2014 that the 27-year-old would have to face trial over the allegations, despite his pleas that he was neither guilty nor fully aware of the suggested impropriety.

Most valuable players in study: Raheem Sterling among

The study of the most valued player has been carried out by a team of statisticians at the Football Observatory, a research group in the International Centre for Sports Studies which was founded in 1995 as a joint-venture between FIFA and the University of Neuchâtel in Switzerland. The Football Observatory itself was established in 2005 and has undertaken research for both FIFA and UEFA.The top 30 most valuable player is as follows.
1.Lionel Messi (Barcelona)£205m
2.Eden Hazard (Chelsea)£109m
3.Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)£92m
4.Neymar (Barcelona)£72m
5.Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)£63m
6.Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)£60m

Bidding process for 2026 World Cup suspended

The announcement of the bidding process for the 2026 World Cup has been delayed by FIFA.The decision was due to be made in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, in May 2017 but amid allegations over corruption into the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids, the process has been puit on hold with no clear date as to when it can be made.The 2018 and 2022 tournaments were awarded to Russia and Qatar respectively, but both are being investigated by Swiss authorities due to allegations of bribery and corruption within their bidding processes.FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke said on Wednesday: "Due to the situation, I think it's nonsense to start any bidding process for the time being. It will be postponed."Among the countries interested in hosting the 2026 World Cup are believed to be USA, Canada, Mexico and Colombia.

Marta becomes record Women's World Cup scorer in Brazil win

Brazil star Marta scored a record 15th Women's World Cup goal on Tuesday in a 2-0 win over South Korea.Marta's second-half penalty in the Group E clash in Montreal saw the 29-year-old overtake Germany's Birgit Prinz as the top goalscorer in the history of the tournament.It was a 92nd goal in 93 internationals spanning 13 years for the Sweden-based player.Brazil now lead Group E after rivals Spain and Costa Rica played out a 1-1 draw in Montreal.Vicky Losada's first ever World Cup goal for Spain on 13 minutes was cancelled out by Costa Rica's Raquel Rodriguez Cedeno a minute later.Daniela Montoya's late equaliser for Colombia denied Mexico a first World Cup win with a 1-1 draw which saw goalline technology used to decide Veronica Perez's 36th-minute goal.

Summer 2015 transfer window is open

The 2015 summer transfer window is now officially open in England, Scotland and Wales.Clubs can now conclude deals already made with interested players and work on others as they begin to build and restructure their team ahead for next season.Soccer Talks readers can keep up with all transfer news from all clubs this summer.Already completed signings are as follows,

Alejandro Burzaco hands himself in to police

An Argentine businessman wanted in connection with allegations of corruption at FIFA has handed himself in to police.Alejandro Burzaco surrendered to authorities in Italy, he was among the group of 6 Interpol issued a red notice for on charges including racketeering conspiracy and corruption.This group of 6 comprises of four corporate executives and two former FIFA officials.Ex-FIFA vice president Jack Warner, from Trinidad and Tobago, Paraguayan Nicolás Leoz, who was previously a FIFA executive committee member, Hugo Jinkis and Mariano Jinkis, from Argentina, and José Margulies, also known as José Lazaro, from Brazil, were the others.According to the US Department of Justice indictment filed in a New York court, Burzaco is one of several businessmen alleged to have paid US$110m (£72m) in bribes to secure valuable marketing contacts in Central and South America.

Luis Enrique signs one-year contract extension with Barcelona

Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique has signed a one-year contract extension with the European champions.The former Barca and Real Madrid midfielder agreed terms on a deal which will keep him at the Nou Camp until 2017.

The Portugal star has confirmed that he is to be the subject of a documentary detailing "a year in the life of the world's best footballer"A film documenting a year in the life of Real Madrid  superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is to be released in autumn 2015.The Portugal international will be the subject of what the film makers claim to be a "powerful documentary following a year in the life of the world’s best footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo.The film, when it hits the big screen, should offer a fascinating insight into the life of the former Manchester United star.It is likely to document the highs and lows of Ronaldo's 2014/15 season which saw him awarded the Fifa Ballon d'Or  for the third time in January and the subsequent slump in form which saw him overshadowed by great rival Lionel Messi.

Sepp Blatter: Discussed $10m with Soth Africa's president following a leaked email

The email, seen by Sky Sports News HQ, was sent by FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke to South Africa's then deputy finance minister Jabu Moleketi in December 2007.In it, Valcke is chasing up the $10m payment and writes: I haven't received confirmation yet. More importantly I would like to know when the transfer is going to be done.He reminds Moleketi that the plan was "based on a discussion between FIFA and the South African government and also between our President and HE President M'Beki.The letter was leaked to South Africa's Sunday Times and was sent three months earlier, in September 2007, again by Valcke.

The 23-year-old faces punishment after leading Arsenal supporters in a series of explicit songs directed at the club's bitter north London rival.Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is surprised by his FA charge for swearing and says his anti-Tottenhamjibes were "a bit of fun".Wilshere is considering contesting the misconduct charge, which came after he sang offensive songs during the Gunners' FA Cup victory parade in London.The 23-year-old was told of the charge by a member of the FA's media department when he joined up with the England squad ahead of Sunday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Slovenia.Wilshere, at Arsenal since 2001, insists he has learned his lesson - but feels the threat of FA disciplinary action is too harsh.

Transfer News

Arsenal will make a £25 bid for Porto,s Colombia striker Jackson Martinez, but only if they can offload Lukas Podolski, Yaya Sango and Joel Campbell.

Maradona says "I will be Fifa vice-president if Prince Ali wins election"

Prince Ali stood against Blatter in the recent Fifa presidential election, but failed to prevent the Swiss from winning a fifth term. However, after a series of arrests in relation to corruption charges across world football's governing body, Blatter announced four days after the election that he will be standing down.Diego Maradona says he has a chance of becoming Fifa vice president if Prince Ali bin al-Hussien wins the election to succeed Sepp Blatter,He said on Show del Futbol.Prince Ali and I got 73 votes, which has not happened at Fifa for many years."The 54-year-old added that he feels Blatter decided to resign quickly after the election because he was scared of being named in the corruption charges.

Cristiano Ronaldo's mother detained for carrying 55,000

Cristiano Ronaldo's mother was held at the Barajas airport for carrying over five times the maximum amount of cash allowed on an aeroplane.According to reports the mother of the Real Madrid star got herself into trouble with the law, for travelling with €55,000.The maximum amount of cash a person is allowed to carry on a plane while flying out of Spain is €10,000 but Dolores Aveiro was detained for carrying over five times of that.The press agency reports that she could not justify the amount of money she was carrying, so the police confiscated €45,000 and allowed her to travel to Portugal with the remaining money.In carrying so much, Aveiro committed an administrative offence and now must pay a fine to the tax authorities in order to free up the remainder of her money.

Luis Enrique will continue as Barcelona boss says Bartomeu

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has revealed that Luis Enrique will continue to be the clubs coach next season.His future at Barcelona has been in doubt despite his historical success, He was admitting after Saturdays Champions League final win overJuventus that his future at Barcelona remains uncertain.Now Bartomeu has said Luis Enrique will be staying as the club coach, and he continued by saying "There is no reason to break our contract with Luis Enrique after he earned a
full mark for this season".Bartomeu had called for summer presidential elections following the debacle and on Monday promised "renewal" if he was re-elected, while also rejecting rumours he has approached Juventus with a view to acquiring Paul Pogba.Pogba is an iconic player at Juventus and has a contract there," Bartomeu continued. "We have not tried to sign him, but we are closely monitoring his progress".

Jack Warner should hand himself over to US authorities, says Trinidad & Tobago minister

The Trinidad and Tobago Justice Minister has urged Jack Warner to fly to New York to stand trial.Ramadhar says Warner, who is one of 14 people wanted on suspicion of multiple offences connected to his FIFA dealings, can still ‘do the right thing’ by handing himself over to US authorities and end a process which he feels is damaging the sport in the country.When asked if he felt Warner should voluntarily fly to New York to face trial, Ramadhar added: That is what we are asking for.This is a problem for all of Trinidad and Tobago and the solution rests in the heart, conscience and in the hands of Mr Warner.

Women World Cup 2015: Germany 10-0 Ivory Coast

Celia Sasic and Anja Mittag scored hat-tricks as Germany opened their Women's World Cup campaign with a 10-0 rout of the Ivory Coast in Ottawa.The Germans, one of the tournament favourites, scored five goals in either half and coach Silvia Neid was able to take off star striker Sasic at half-time after she had completed her treble.Mittag scored the other two first-half goals and made it 6-0 as the Ivory Coast's decision to try and play a version of the offside trap consistently failed. Simone Laudehr, Sara Daebritz, Melanie Behringer and Alexandra Popp were also on target for Germany, who came close to beating their tournament record for the biggest winning margin - they beat Argentina 11-0 at the 2007 World Cup.

Marouane Fellaini and Eden Hazard on target as Belgium beat France

Belgium lived up to their billing as second only to world champions Germany in the FIFA rankings with a 4-3 friendly win over France at the Stade de France in Paris.The last two meetings of the neighbours ended in goalless draws, with Belgium last beating France in May 2002, when Marc Wilmots scored in stoppage time to seal a 2-1 win against the then world champions.But there was no shortage of goals on Sunday night as Manchester United's Marouane Fellaini gave Wilmots' side a 2-0 half-time lead, before second-half strikes from Radja Nainggolan and Eden Hazard appeared to put the result beyond doubt.

Messi enjoys breakfast with Champions League trophy

The 27-year-old helped his side to victory on Saturday night and then ate croissants and drank coffee with the silverware by his side.Lionel Messi celebrated winning the Champions League by having a special breakfast with the trophy by his side.He posted the picture on Instagram eating croissants and a cup of coffee.The 27-year-old didn't get on the scoresheet, but still played a starring role as Barcelona beat Juventus 3-1 in Berlin to clinch the second treble in the club's history.Despite the celebrations, Messi was up bright an early for croissants and coffee with a special companion.

Sepp Blatter: Why I quit Fifa

Sepp Blatter has revealed the reasons why he quit his position as Fifa president, stating that he did it for the good of football and the organisation.The 79-year-old beat Prince Ali of Jordan in the presidential election to win a fifth term in power on June 29, but was urged to quit following a host of serious allegations.US authorities arrested seven Fifa executives on suspicion of corruption and bribery, while Swiss officials have opened a separate case looking into the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

Dani Alves: it would be a pleasure to play for AC Milan

Following the victory of Barcelona 3-1 over Juventus, Dani Alves revealed "he has an offer from Italy" and that he is open to the idea of moving to San Siro.Barcelona defender Dani Alves says it would be a pleasure to join AC Milan after revealing he has a proposal from Italy.Dani Alves will be out of contract later this month and his seven years playing at Camp Nou is coming to an end with the full back having been linked to PSG and Man-U.He told Sky sport Italia that "it would be a pleasure to join AC Milan". The 32 year old has won 5 La Liga titles, 3 Copa del Rey medals and 3 Champions League title during his stay at Camp Nou. 

Juventus will spend big this summer - Marotta

The club has refuse to back down following the defeat they faced on Saturday at the hands of the Catalans, they are already preparing to have another great impact on Champions League next season. Juve have already completed the signing of Palermo worth  €32 million and Marotta says there could still be more signings.Beppe Marotta says Juventus will spend whatever it takes to launch another assault on the Champions League next season.The club had a time of struggle in Europe under Antonio Conte but have re-emerged as a force in the competition under Massimilano Allergi this term, while winning Serie A and the Copa Italia.Juve CEO says "We are ready to do whatever it takes to improve a team that's already important". He also added that it's a great satisfaction to have come this far, but defeat wont stop us.

Barcelona treble winners again

Barcelona has proven again to be the best team in the world by wining the most prized trophy in a 3-1 win against Juventus. Barca is the only team that has won a treble twice, their first treble was won 2009 against Manchester United in Rome in a 2-0 win.

Suarez, Rakitic & Neymar deliver Champions League glory

The Champions League final ends with Barcelona 3-1 Juventus.The spanish side opened the scoring with a goal from Rakitic within the first four minutes,while Alvaro Morata equalised in the second half.Luis Suarez the Uruguayan restored Barcelona leads 22 minutes after Alvaro Morata has just given hope back to Juventus.Neymar had a header disallowed, via a handball, as Barca sought to put the game out of sight late on.But it proved inconsequential in the end, as the Brazilian added a third with the last touch of the match to ensure that Luis Enrique's side repeated the treble-winning achievement of Pep Guardiola's Barca in his debut season of 2008-09.The victory also provided Xavi with a successful send off to his career with the Catalan giants. While the been the European Champions ontinues to elude Juve since thier last won in 1996.

Zidane: I hope Morata does something special against Barcelona

The Real Madrid Castilla coach is hoping a familiar face can inspire his old club Juventus to victory over Barcelona in Berlin on Saturday.Real Madrid Castilla coach Zinedine Zidane wants to see former Blancos star Alvaro Morata star in the Champions League final for Juventus.Morata, who left the Spanish capital to join the Italian champions at the start of the season, helped his new side earn a place in Saturday’s showdown with Barcelona in Berlin after scoring in both legs of Juve’s semi-final over his old club.Zidane is now hoping the Spain international will repeat his heroics against Real's great rivals.Alvaro Morata has had a fantastic year.

Evra: I will shake hands with Luis Suarez

The Juventus defender says he expects no repeat of the moment the Uruguay international snubbed him during their racial abuse feud.Juventus defender Patrice Evra says he will shake hands with Barcelona’s Luis Suarez in Saturday’s Champions League final.The two were embroiled in a race row during their time in England when Suarez was found guilty of racially abusing the then Manchester United defender during a clash with Liverpool at Anfield.Suarez was handed a ban but, upon his return, caused more controversy by snubbing Evra in the pre-match handshakes.I will shake his hand – I am a professional,” the Frenchman told Sky Sports.Like I’ve said many times, I’m proud of my colour and it doesn’t matter.

Low: Juventus know how to deal with MSN

Germany coach Joachim Low believes that Juventus are up to the challenge of stopping Barcelona’s prolific triumvirate of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.The two sides are both hoping to secure famous trebles in Saturday’s Champions League final in Berlin, with both already having claimed domestic league-and-cup doubles.Barca arrive in Germany as favourites but Low is expecting a tight affair.

Busquets: I play only for the team

The five-time Liga winner says he has no interest in personal praise, explainingn that he is solely motivated by helping others shine.Barcelona ace Sergio Busquets says that he is unconcerned by his lack of individual accolades and interested only in the success of his team.The defensive midfielder doesn’t enjoy the individual fame and stardom bestowed upon some his more illustrious colleagues and rarely features in the media spotlight.However, the 26-year-old says that he is more than comfortable with his low profile.The only thing that interests me is my team, Busquets told L’Equipe.Among players, coaches, people who know football, yes I feel I get recognition. In the media, I do not feel recognised, but that’s because I don’t put myself in the media.

Messi: Friendship the key to MSN

The Argentina international believes the success of his partnership with Luis Suarez and Neymar owes a lot to the relationship they enjoy off the field.Lionel Messi says the friendship Luis Suarez and Neymar enjoy off the pitch has been key to their success on it.The Barcelona trio have hit a record-breaking 120 goals between them season, eclipsing the 118 scored by Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain in the 2011/12 season to become the most devastating front three in football history.Messi puts their down success down to the wonderful rapport that he and his fellow South Americans have built up since Suarez's arrival from Liverpool last summer and says that his two team-mates have played a key role in him rediscovering his very best form.

Berlusconi set to sell 48 per cent Milan stake

Thai investor Bee Taechaubol is ready to acquire nearly half of the Rossoneri in a deal reportedly worth up to €470 million to the club.AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has revealed he is close to agreeing a deal that will see him sell a 48 per cent stake in the club to Thai investor Bee Taechaubol.The Rossoneri have been forced to sell off some of their biggest names in recent years and have subsequently struggled in Serie A with minimal investment in the playing squad.