Sports

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.

India are still searching for their first win in the tournament, having finished last in Pool B with a draw and two losses.

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.

In a fast-paced game, India paid dearly for poor finishing to end up without a win in the pool stage. Thanks to the format, the hosts will still play the QF, which will be against Pool A toppers.

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

"Yesterday, we didn't look like a team and I told them that in the team meeting. But today we were one team and that displayed in our game," Oltmans said.

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.

India have improved by leaps and bounds recently but the hosts have to be on their toes when they face Argentina in the lung-opener of the Hockey World League (HWL) Finals.

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.

Cleverley is confident that Everton will qualify for a return to European competition this season and hopes that strong form can end his two year absence from the England set up in time for Euro 2016.