Football

Four-time European Cup winner Ajax failed to advance to the Europa League last-32 after drawing 1-1 at home to Norwegian side Molde, as the nine remaining qualifying places for the knockout stage were decided on Thursday .

Coaches like Zico, Habas and Marco Materazzi, who have steered their respective teams in the semi-finals for the second consecutive year, feel continuity is a good way of finding success in the intense, unpredictable and one-of-its-kind league.

Manchester United's 3-2 Champions League defeat at VfL Wolfsburg on Tuesday was difficult to understand, said manager Louis van Gaal after they crashed out in the group stage for the first time since 2011.

"We have only been working with him a short time, barely two months, and we have already had some good results with him," Lovren said.

The Spaniard injured his knee during Arsenal's 1-1 draw with Norwich City on November 29 but stayed on the pitch as Wenger had already used up his substitutions.

Manuel Pellegrini blamed injuries and a hectic fixture schedule for Manchester City's feeble 2-0 defeat at Stoke City but goalkeeper Joe Hart called it straight when he said their performance had been unacceptable.

Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce has said he has huge respect for his Arsenal counterpart Arsene Wenger and was keen to end his long-running feud with the Frenchman.

FIFA's executive committee approved a package of planned reforms on Thursday aimed at cleaning up soccer's scandal-plagued world governing body, proposing term limits for senior officials and increased representation for women.

It was a decisive week in the cash riched Indian Super League (ISL) as three of the semi-final spots were sealed with defending champions Atletico de Kolkata, Delhi Dynamos and FC Goa ensuring their places in the play-offs.

Liverpool topped the list at 14.3 million pounds, ahead of Manchester United's 13.9 million pounds, as the Premier League clubs spent ($195.65 million) on agents fees last year, an increase of 15 million pounds in a year.

Veteran Atletico Madrid midfielder Tiago broke his right leg during Saturday's 1-0 home win over Espanyol in La Liga.

Niang scored a brace while Bonaventura and Adriano scored a goal each as Milan registered a rousing 4-1 victory over Sampdoria in Serie A

Already facing charges of conspiracy to blackmail relating to an extortion scam, Benzema's international career is under increasing strain after teammate Mathieu Valbuena spoke out for the first time against him.

NorthEast United, placed fourth with 17 points from 12 matches, did well to take a point from FC Goa and Delhi Dynamos coach Roberto Carlos noticed just how dangerous the team can be.

The All India Football Federation on Friday decided to bring Federation Cup back into the calendar next year, saying the top-eight I-League teams would compete in the tournament.

Manchester United endured a frustrating night when they were held to a goalless draw by PSV Eindhoven at Old Trafford on Wednesday, squandering the opportunity to seal their place in the last 16 of the Champions League.