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Bayern Munich&#39;s captain Philipp Lahm will retire at the end of the season and leave the Bundesliga leaders having rejected a role as sports director, according to a report.

German magazine Sport Bild says in its Wednesday edition the 33-year-old, who made his 500th appearance for Bayern last Saturday, will hang up his boots in June -- despite having a year left on his contract.

He has apparently also rejected the vacant sports director role because it would not have included a place on Bayern&#39;s board following recent restructuring at the club.

Lahm has reportedly already told Bayern of his decision.

Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge had hinted last November that the club wanted Lahm to fill the role vacated by Matthias Sammer last year.

Borussia Moenchengladbach&#39;s sports director Max Eberl is now reportedly the favourite to take the job.

Lahm retired from international football after captaining Germany to the 2014 World Cup title in Brazil.

He joined Bayern as an 11-year-old in 1995 and skippered the Bavarian giants to their 2013 Champions League win at Wembley.

That season, they became the first German club to complete the treble of Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup.

He has won the Bundesliga seven times and the German Cup on a further six occasions.

(AFP)

He will leave the Bundesliga leaders having rejected a role as sports director, according to Sport Bild

Bayern Munich's captain Philipp Lahm will retire at the end of the season and leave the Bundesliga leaders having rejected a role as sports director, according to a report. German magazine Sport Bild says in its Wednesday edition the 33-year-old, who made his 500th appearance for Bayern last Saturday, will hang up his boots in June -- despite having a year left on his contract. He has apparently also rejected the vacant sports director role because it would not have included a place on Bayern's board following recent restructuring at the club. Lahm has reportedly already told Bayern of his decision. Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge had hinted last November that the club wanted Lahm to fill the role vacated by Matthias Sammer last year. Borussia Moenchengladbach's sports director Max Eberl is now reportedly the favourite to take the job. Lahm retired from international football after captaining Germany to the 2014 World Cup title in Brazil. He joined Bayern as an 11-year-old in 1995 and skippered the Bavarian giants to their 2013 Champions League win at Wembley. That season, they became the first German club to complete the treble of Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup. He has won the Bundesliga seven times and the German Cup on a further six occasions. (AFP)

Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm to retire in June

Flu-hit RB Leipzig failed to capitalise on Bayern Munich&#39;s draw against Schalke as they lost to Borussia Dortmund 1-0 on Saturday.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang&#39;s 17th goal of the season -- two more than Bayern&#39;s Lewandowski in the top goal-scorer chart in the Bundesliga -- meant Dortmund shot four places to go third in the Bundesliga standings.

Leipzig&#39;s loss mean at Dortmund that Bayern have now stretched their lead to four points, despite the sluggish performance they put on against Schalke.

Bayern started the match brightly, with their captain Philipp Lahm making his 500th appearance for the club. Bayern took the lead in the ninth minute, thanks to Lewandowski, but were then made to work hard to retain their lead.

But Schalke kept their composure and equalised four minutes later when Naldo hammered a free-kick past Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

It completed the scoring, but both sides squandered clear first-half chances as Schalke striker Guido Burgstaller hit the crossbar, just like Lewandowski did at the other end.

Over in the Leipzig-Dortmund match, there was drama in added time as Leipzig sub Federico Palacios Martinez, making his Bundesliga debut, put the ball in Dortmund&#39;s net, but was flagged for a marginal offside.

Leipzig struggled without top-scorer Timo Werner, midfielder Diego Demme and striker Marcel Sabitzer, who all have flu, while playmaker Emil Forsberg was suspended.

&quot;We won the game, that&#39;s what counts,&quot; a relieved Reus told Sky.

&quot;We put up a good fight, it was a very aggressive game and the win is okay.&quot;

Hertha moved up to fifth with a 1-0 win at home to strugglers Ingolstadt as Japan midfielder Genki Haraguchi scored the winner after just a minute at Berlin&#39;s Olympic Stadium.

Cologne are sixth following their 1-0 win at Wolfsburg thanks to Anthony Modeste&#39;s second-half penalty, having been fouled by Wolves goalkeeper Diego Benaglio in the area.

Borussia Moenchengladbach picked up their second straight win with a 3-0 victory at home to Freiburg courtesy of goals from captain Lars Stindl, striker Raffael and winger Patrick Herrmann to go tenth.

(WION with inputs from AFP)

Bayern could only muster a draw against Schalke but Dortmund's 1-0 win over second-placed Leipzig means they are four points clear

Flu-hit RB Leipzig failed to capitalise on Bayern Munich's draw against Schalke as they lost to Borussia Dortmund 1-0 on Saturday. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's 17th goal of the season -- two more than Bayern's Lewandowski in the top goal-scorer chart in the Bundesliga -- meant Dortmund shot four places to go third in the Bundesliga standings. Leipzig's loss mean at Dortmund that Bayern have now stretched their lead to four points, despite the sluggish performance they put on against Schalke. Bayern started the match brightly, with their captain Philipp Lahm making his 500th appearance for the club. Bayern took the lead in the ninth minute, thanks to Lewandowski, but were then made to work hard to retain their lead. But Schalke kept their composure and equalised four minutes later when Naldo hammered a free-kick past Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. It completed the scoring, but both sides squandered clear first-half chances as Schalke striker Guido Burgstaller hit the crossbar, just like Lewandowski did at the other end. Over in the Leipzig-Dortmund match, there was drama in added time as Leipzig sub Federico Palacios Martinez, making his Bundesliga debut, put the ball in Dortmund's net, but was flagged for a marginal offside. Leipzig struggled without top-scorer Timo Werner, midfielder Diego Demme and striker Marcel Sabitzer, who all have flu, while playmaker Emil Forsberg was suspended. "We won the game, that's what counts," a relieved Reus told Sky. "We put up a good fight, it was a very aggressive game and the win is okay." Hertha moved up to fifth with a 1-0 win at home to strugglers Ingolstadt as Japan midfielder Genki Haraguchi scored the winner after just a minute at Berlin's Olympic Stadium. Cologne are sixth following their 1-0 win at Wolfsburg thanks to Anthony Modeste's second-half penalty, having been fouled by Wolves goalkeeper Diego Benaglio in the area. Borussia Moenchengladbach picked up their second straight win with a 3-0 victory at home to Freiburg courtesy of goals from captain Lars Stindl, striker Raffael and winger Patrick Herrmann to go tenth. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Bayern Munich sluggish but stretch lead as Leipzig fall to Dortmund

Eden Hazard scored a sublime solo goal as Premier League leaders&nbsp;Chelsea&nbsp;thrust a dagger into Arsenal&#39;s title aspirations with a 3-1 victory at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

The Belgian winger left a trail of defenders in his wake to double&nbsp;Chelsea&#39;s lead in the 53rd minute, in between a contentious header by Marcos Alonso and a late lob from Arsenal old boy Cesc Fabregas.

It was&nbsp;Chelsea&#39;s 11th home victory in succession and their 16th win in 18 league games, stretching their lead over third-place Arsenal to a huge 12 points with 14 games of the season remaining.

&quot;I think we are showing we deserve to stay on top of the table,&quot; said&nbsp;Chelsea&nbsp;manager Antonio Conte.

&quot;I am very pleased for my players. In every session they show me great attitude and great will to fight and win this league.&quot;

Chelsea&nbsp;have been close to unplayable since Conte changed their system to a 3-4-3 during their 3-0 loss at Arsenal on September 24 and it seems only a matter of time until they are crowned champions.

For Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who watched from the stands as he served the third game of a four-match touchline ban, his side&#39;s season is following a wearily familiar pattern.

Arsenal have lost their last five games at the Bridge and had conceded 13 unanswered goals prior to Olivier Giroud&#39;s stoppage-time consolation.

Beaten for the fourth time in nine league games, they once again face the prospect of a run-in given suspense only by the tussle for Champions League places.

Wenger felt Alonso&#39;s goal was &quot;100 percent a foul&quot; on Hector Bellerin, but conceded: &quot;We were really naive and not clinical in our defending. Then&nbsp;Chelsea&nbsp;looked the better side.&quot;

With a raft of midfielders unavailable, Wenger was obliged to start with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain alongside Francis Coquelin in the middle, while Theo Walcott replaced Giroud in attack.

Bellerin forced off

Arsenal had conceded two goals in the first 13 minutes of Tuesday&#39;s 2-1 loss at home to Watford.

They almost caught&nbsp;Chelsea&nbsp;cold here, Alex Iwobi curling wide after Thibaut Courtois overhit a pass towards David Luiz.

But after Gary Cahill had headed into the ground and over the bar at the other end,&nbsp;Chelsea&nbsp;went ahead in the 13th minute with a goal that left Arsenal&#39;s fans fuming.

Pedro sent a cross into the box from the right that Diego Costa headed against the bar at the near post, sending the ball spinning into the air.

As Bellerin got himself in position to head it away, and with Walcott watching on impassively, Alonso flew in, cleaning his fellow Spaniard out with his forearm and heading the ball home.

Referee Martin Atkinson allowed the goal to stand and Arsenal&#39;s disappointment was compounded by the sight of a dazed Bellerin being led down the tunnel, with Gabriel taking his place.

Chelsea&nbsp;were buoyant, Costa driving a shot into the side-netting and Pedro forcing Petr Cech to push the ball behind from Alonso&#39;s accurate cut-back.

But Arsenal ended the first half strongly, Courtois producing a stunning one-handed save to turn Gabriel&#39;s header over the bar and then dropping onto a tame effort by Mesut Ozil.

It took a last-ditch tackle by Laurent Koscielny to prevent Hazard scampering clear early in the second half, but when the&nbsp;Chelseanumber 10 picked up the ball minutes later there was no getting it back.

After striding onto a loose ball in the centre circle, he beat Koscielny, shrugged off Coquelin, leaving him flat on his back, and then outfoxed Koscielny again before squeezing a shot past Cech.

On the touchline, Conte celebrated with even greater abandon than usual, leaping into the crowd.

There were flickers from Arsenal, Courtois clawing away a deft header from substitute Danny Welbeck, before Fabregas lobbed in from 25 yards after Cech shanked the ball straight to him.

Giroud reduced the arrears, heading in from Nacho Monreal&#39;s cross.

(AFP)

The Blues won 3-1 in the London derby, with Eden Hazard's solo goal the highlight of the match

Eden Hazard scored a sublime solo goal as Premier League leaders Chelsea thrust a dagger into Arsenal's title aspirations with a 3-1 victory at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The Belgian winger left a trail of defenders in his wake to double Chelsea's lead in the 53rd minute, in between a contentious header by Marcos Alonso and a late lob from Arsenal old boy Cesc Fabregas. It was Chelsea's 11th home victory in succession and their 16th win in 18 league games, stretching their lead over third-place Arsenal to a huge 12 points with 14 games of the season remaining. "I think we are showing we deserve to stay on top of the table," said Chelsea manager Antonio Conte. "I am very pleased for my players. In every session they show me great attitude and great will to fight and win this league." Chelsea have been close to unplayable since Conte changed their system to a 3-4-3 during their 3-0 loss at Arsenal on September 24 and it seems only a matter of time until they are crowned champions. For Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who watched from the stands as he served the third game of a four-match touchline ban, his side's season is following a wearily familiar pattern. Arsenal have lost their last five games at the Bridge and had conceded 13 unanswered goals prior to Olivier Giroud's stoppage-time consolation. Beaten for the fourth time in nine league games, they once again face the prospect of a run-in given suspense only by the tussle for Champions League places. Wenger felt Alonso's goal was "100 percent a foul" on Hector Bellerin, but conceded: "We were really naive and not clinical in our defending. Then Chelsea looked the better side." With a raft of midfielders unavailable, Wenger was obliged to start with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain alongside Francis Coquelin in the middle, while Theo Walcott replaced Giroud in attack. Bellerin forced off Arsenal had conceded two goals in the first 13 minutes of Tuesday's 2-1 loss at home to Watford. They almost caught Chelsea cold here, Alex Iwobi curling wide after Thibaut Courtois overhit a pass towards David Luiz. But after Gary Cahill had headed into the ground and over the bar at the other end, Chelsea went ahead in the 13th minute with a goal that left Arsenal's fans fuming. Pedro sent a cross into the box from the right that Diego Costa headed against the bar at the near post, sending the ball spinning into the air. As Bellerin got himself in position to head it away, and with Walcott watching on impassively, Alonso flew in, cleaning his fellow Spaniard out with his forearm and heading the ball home. Referee Martin Atkinson allowed the goal to stand and Arsenal's disappointment was compounded by the sight of a dazed Bellerin being led down the tunnel, with Gabriel taking his place. Chelsea were buoyant, Costa driving a shot into the side-netting and Pedro forcing Petr Cech to push the ball behind from Alonso's accurate cut-back. But Arsenal ended the first half strongly, Courtois producing a stunning one-handed save to turn Gabriel's header over the bar and then dropping onto a tame effort by Mesut Ozil. It took a last-ditch tackle by Laurent Koscielny to prevent Hazard scampering clear early in the second half, but when the Chelseanumber 10 picked up the ball minutes later there was no getting it back. After striding onto a loose ball in the centre circle, he beat Koscielny, shrugged off Coquelin, leaving him flat on his back, and then outfoxed Koscielny again before squeezing a shot past Cech. On the touchline, Conte celebrated with even greater abandon than usual, leaping into the crowd. There were flickers from Arsenal, Courtois clawing away a deft header from substitute Danny Welbeck, before Fabregas lobbed in from 25 yards after Cech shanked the ball straight to him. Giroud reduced the arrears, heading in from Nacho Monreal's cross. (AFP)

Chelsea beat Arsenal to zoom off to 12-point lead

La Liga champions Barcelona stayed on the heels of leaders Real Madrid by coasting to a 3-0 home win over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday as Lionel Messi became the club&#39;s top scorer from free-kicks.

Paco Alcacer scored his first league goal since joining from Valencia last year by turning in a pass from Neymar in the 18th minute while Messi whipped in an angled strike in the 40th, his 27th goal from a free-kick for Barca.

Aleix Vidal scored the most impressive goal of the game by finishing off an audacious solo run in the 67th minute.

Barca stayed second in the standings, moving one point behind Real Madrid having played two games more. The leaders are due to visit Celta Vigo on Sunday although the game is in danger of being postponed due to extreme weather conditions.

Third-placed Sevilla visit Las Palmas on Sunday and Atletico Madrid host Leganes later on Saturday.

Luis Enrique made six changes to the team that beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in Wednesday&#39;s King&#39;s Cup semi-final first leg, resting top scorer Luis Suarez, and it looked a risky move as Athletic made a bold start.

Raul Garcia struck the post early on, after Inaki Williams dispossessed Vidal, while Williams headed just beyond the post not long after as Barca again lacked control without injured midfielders Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta.

But they took the lead when Neymar cut inside from the left and held off four opponents to serve the ball up for Alcacer to finally score a league goal for Barca in his 11th appearance.

Athletic continued to cause problems but the Catalans doubled their advantage before the break when Messi smashed the ball from the right-hand side of the area straight past Athletic goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz. The goal moved him ahead of Ronald Koeman as the club&#39;s top set-piece specialist with 27 goals from free-kicks in all competitions.

Early in the second half, Barca midfielder Rafinha was forced off with a bleeding head after colliding with his goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, while Pique was taken off with a suspected hamstring strain.

Messi was also substituted in the 64th minute but the Argentine maestro was soon all smiles as he watched Vidal race towards goal on the counter, flicking the ball over a defender before arrowing the ball into the far corner for the third.

&quot;Athletic are always difficult opponents and, although at times we were imprecise, it&#39;s been a very positive day for us,&quot; Barca coach Luis Enrique told reporters.

&quot;If we want to win all three competitions this season we have to use the whole squad, and today the players who play less often showed their worth.&quot;

(Reuters)

The defending champions beat Bilbao 3-0, with Lionel Messi becoming the club's top goal-scorer from free-kicks

La Liga champions Barcelona stayed on the heels of leaders Real Madrid by coasting to a 3-0 home win over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday as Lionel Messi became the club's top scorer from free-kicks. Paco Alcacer scored his first league goal since joining from Valencia last year by turning in a pass from Neymar in the 18th minute while Messi whipped in an angled strike in the 40th, his 27th goal from a free-kick for Barca. Aleix Vidal scored the most impressive goal of the game by finishing off an audacious solo run in the 67th minute. Barca stayed second in the standings, moving one point behind Real Madrid having played two games more. The leaders are due to visit Celta Vigo on Sunday although the game is in danger of being postponed due to extreme weather conditions. Third-placed Sevilla visit Las Palmas on Sunday and Atletico Madrid host Leganes later on Saturday. Luis Enrique made six changes to the team that beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in Wednesday's King's Cup semi-final first leg, resting top scorer Luis Suarez, and it looked a risky move as Athletic made a bold start. Raul Garcia struck the post early on, after Inaki Williams dispossessed Vidal, while Williams headed just beyond the post not long after as Barca again lacked control without injured midfielders Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta. But they took the lead when Neymar cut inside from the left and held off four opponents to serve the ball up for Alcacer to finally score a league goal for Barca in his 11th appearance. Athletic continued to cause problems but the Catalans doubled their advantage before the break when Messi smashed the ball from the right-hand side of the area straight past Athletic goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz. The goal moved him ahead of Ronald Koeman as the club's top set-piece specialist with 27 goals from free-kicks in all competitions. Early in the second half, Barca midfielder Rafinha was forced off with a bleeding head after colliding with his goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, while Pique was taken off with a suspected hamstring strain. Messi was also substituted in the 64th minute but the Argentine maestro was soon all smiles as he watched Vidal race towards goal on the counter, flicking the ball over a defender before arrowing the ball into the far corner for the third. "Athletic are always difficult opponents and, although at times we were imprecise, it's been a very positive day for us," Barca coach Luis Enrique told reporters. "If we want to win all three competitions this season we have to use the whole squad, and today the players who play less often showed their worth." (Reuters)

Barcelona beat Athletic Bilbao to keep in touch with Real Madrid

Hull&#39;s resurgence under new manager Marco Silva continued as goals from Alfred N&#39;Diaye and Oumar Niasse secured a 2-0 victory which leaves Liverpool still waiting for their first league win of 2017.

Whatever the future holds for N&#39;Diaye on Humberside, he is unlikely to have many easier goalscoring opportunities than the one goalkeeper Simon Mignolet gifted him in the 44th minute at the KCOM Stadium on Saturday.

Mignolet dropped Harry Maguire&#39;s header from Kamil Grosicki&#39;s right-wing corner, and although he was pressured by Abel Hernandez, it should have been a routine save.

Instead, the ball fell at the feet of N&#39;Diaye who added to the growing concerns facing Reds boss Jurgen Klopp as he still awaits his first league victory of the calendar year.

There was nothing the goalkeeper could do with the second goal, on 84 minutes, however as Andrea Ranocchia eased a spell of pressure by punting the ball forward and substitute Niasse shrugged of Joel Matip before finishing from a dozen or so yards.

Fourth placed Liverpool have won only once in their last 10 games in all competitions, while Hull move up to 18th place in their battle to avoid relegation.&nbsp;

Hull had actually faced problems even before kick-off, when defender Michael Dawson was injured warming-up and Italian Ranocchia stepped up from the bench to make his first start.&nbsp;

But Liverpool, boasting a talented forward line that featured Sadio Mane for the first time since the start of last month, toiled to test home goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic.

Frustrations

On one of the rare occasions they were able to do so, from a 22nd minute cross from Roberto Firmino, the Swiss international fumbled his attempted clearance, presenting Philippe Coutinho with the best chance of the game so far.

However, the Brazilian struck a downwards shot which bounced high, enabling Jakupovic to turn it around for a corner.

Matip summed up Liverpool frustrations when he rose unmarked to meet a Coutinho corner but failed to find the target with his 15-yard header and the visitors were soon trailing at the interval.

Liverpool&#39;s players were sent out before the start of the second half a good two minutes before their opponents and their early play looked more lively as won a series of corners.

One of those, from James Milner on the left, was snatched at by Mane at the far post, with Matip also trying to make contact before Hull cleared.

Milner spied the Hull goal a few minutes later, after a right-wing attack had broken down, but succeeded only in lofting a tame shot towards the top corner for Jakupovic to catch.

The Hull keeper faced a far stiffer test just before the hour when Coutinho&#39;s far-post cross was met by Mane, out jumping Andy Robertson for an excellent header which Jakupovic did well to tip over.

Lucas and Matip had shots blocked in the same attack, from yet another corner, but there were warning signs at the other end that Liverpool&#39;s defence would be susceptible to the counter.

First, Tom Huddlestone neatly played through Hernandez although the forward could do little more than flick an attempt into the side-netting under pressure.

Hernandez was guilty of a more glaring miss moments later, allowing Mignolet to block at his feet, after a superb pass from Grosicki.&nbsp;

Coutinho produced an equally bad miss, flashing a shot wide with the goal beckoning, after Milner&#39;s effort had been cleared off the line by Maguire.

(AFP)

Goals from Alfred N'Diaye and Oumar Niasse secured Hull a 2-0 victory, leaving Liverpool waiting for their first league win of 2017

Hull's resurgence under new manager Marco Silva continued as goals from Alfred N'Diaye and Oumar Niasse secured a 2-0 victory which leaves Liverpool still waiting for their first league win of 2017. Whatever the future holds for N'Diaye on Humberside, he is unlikely to have many easier goalscoring opportunities than the one goalkeeper Simon Mignolet gifted him in the 44th minute at the KCOM Stadium on Saturday. Mignolet dropped Harry Maguire's header from Kamil Grosicki's right-wing corner, and although he was pressured by Abel Hernandez, it should have been a routine save. Instead, the ball fell at the feet of N'Diaye who added to the growing concerns facing Reds boss Jurgen Klopp as he still awaits his first league victory of the calendar year. There was nothing the goalkeeper could do with the second goal, on 84 minutes, however as Andrea Ranocchia eased a spell of pressure by punting the ball forward and substitute Niasse shrugged of Joel Matip before finishing from a dozen or so yards. Fourth placed Liverpool have won only once in their last 10 games in all competitions, while Hull move up to 18th place in their battle to avoid relegation. Hull had actually faced problems even before kick-off, when defender Michael Dawson was injured warming-up and Italian Ranocchia stepped up from the bench to make his first start. But Liverpool, boasting a talented forward line that featured Sadio Mane for the first time since the start of last month, toiled to test home goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic. Frustrations On one of the rare occasions they were able to do so, from a 22nd minute cross from Roberto Firmino, the Swiss international fumbled his attempted clearance, presenting Philippe Coutinho with the best chance of the game so far. However, the Brazilian struck a downwards shot which bounced high, enabling Jakupovic to turn it around for a corner. Matip summed up Liverpool frustrations when he rose unmarked to meet a Coutinho corner but failed to find the target with his 15-yard header and the visitors were soon trailing at the interval. Liverpool's players were sent out before the start of the second half a good two minutes before their opponents and their early play looked more lively as won a series of corners. One of those, from James Milner on the left, was snatched at by Mane at the far post, with Matip also trying to make contact before Hull cleared. Milner spied the Hull goal a few minutes later, after a right-wing attack had broken down, but succeeded only in lofting a tame shot towards the top corner for Jakupovic to catch. The Hull keeper faced a far stiffer test just before the hour when Coutinho's far-post cross was met by Mane, out jumping Andy Robertson for an excellent header which Jakupovic did well to tip over. Lucas and Matip had shots blocked in the same attack, from yet another corner, but there were warning signs at the other end that Liverpool's defence would be susceptible to the counter. First, Tom Huddlestone neatly played through Hernandez although the forward could do little more than flick an attempt into the side-netting under pressure. Hernandez was guilty of a more glaring miss moments later, allowing Mignolet to block at his feet, after a superb pass from Grosicki. Coutinho produced an equally bad miss, flashing a shot wide with the goal beckoning, after Milner's effort had been cleared off the line by Maguire. (AFP)

Liverpool stumble at Hull as title bid appears near collapse

Manchester United`s push for the Champions League places was frustrated by Hull City as Jose Mourinho`s men were held to a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

With Manchester City winning handsomely at West Ham United, their cross-city rivals lost ground in the race for a top-four finish as Hull`s stubborn defending kept them at bay.

The visitors, who showed further signs of improvement under new manager Marco Silva, restricted Mourinho`s side to few clear chances.

And when United did get a sight of goal they were thwarted by Hull goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic, who made some smart saves either side of half-time.

Two dropped points left United four points adrift of fifth-place Manchester City and fourth-place Liverpool.

There was more bad news for Mourinho when defender Phil Jones limped off injured in the second half.

It might have got even worse, but Lazar Markovic struck the United woodwork late on with the best chance of the game.

United sniffed a chance early on when David Meyler presented possession to Paul Pogba and the midfielder angled a clever pass into the path of Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

But the winger`s chances of finding a shot were halted by full-back Andrew Robertson, who covered around to make an important challenge.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic almost put United ahead in the 15th minute with a moment of characteristic confidence, brushing off Tom Huddlestone and hitting a curling shot that was tipped around the post by Jakupovic.

But despite dominating possession, United were finding it difficult to break down the stubborn resistance of Hull, with Mkhitaryan in particular having little success in running at defenders.

Another chance arrived for United 10 minutes before half-time when Pogba helped a pass by Daley Blind into the feet of Ibrahimovic.

However, the Swede was closed down quickly and he snatched at a left-foot shot that flew harmlessly wide.

After lacking the magic to change the game for much of the first half, the home side nearly opened the scoring with a goal of real inspiration three minutes before half-time.Michael Carrick`s pass was flicked on superbly by Ibrahimovic for Pogba, whose powerful effort was saved well by Jakupovic.

Pogba and Ibrahimovic combined again nine minutes into the second half when the former lofted a clever pass into the latter`s path inside the 18-yard box.

But it was a difficult ball for Ibrahimovic to control and his attempted shot was easy for Jakupovic to claim.

Another raking, diagonal ball by Pogba released Marcus Rashford moments later and this time it was brought under control. 
The young forward managed to get a shot away but it went just wide of the target.

Then a cross from the right by Antonio Valencia was helped back across goal by Rashford, but substitute Wayne Rooney failed to connect with a shot on the turn and when Ibrahimovic did make contact, he fired wide.

Hull striker Oumar Niasse was fortunate to stay on the field with 25 minutes remaining when, having already been booked, he committed a high challenge on Blind but escaped without another caution.

The home side ought to have led with 13 minutes remaining, but Jakupovic again came to Hull`s rescue.

He made a superb block on the line to deny substitute Juan Mata from close range after Chris Smalling had headed Ander&nbsp; 
Herrera`s cross into the Spaniard`s feet.

With 10 minutes remaining Hull`s players were furious with Ibrahimovic when he hung out a leg in the penalty area and waited for contact from Huddlestone before going to ground.

Referee Mike Jones was unimpressed and awarded a free-kick to the visitors.

With three minutes to go, Markovic sidestepped Smalling and saw his cheeky shot strike David De Gea`s right-hand post and rebound to safety.

United were frustrated again in stoppage time when Jakupovic saved a header by Marcos Rojo and then turned away a curling shot from Pogba.

(AFP)

Hull City, which showed further signs of improvement under new manager Marco Silva, restricted Mourinho's side to few clear chances

Manchester United`s push for the Champions League places was frustrated by Hull City as Jose Mourinho`s men were held to a 0-0 draw at Old Trafford on Wednesday. With Manchester City winning handsomely at West Ham United, their cross-city rivals lost ground in the race for a top-four finish as Hull`s stubborn defending kept them at bay. The visitors, who showed further signs of improvement under new manager Marco Silva, restricted Mourinho`s side to few clear chances. And when United did get a sight of goal they were thwarted by Hull goalkeeper Eldin Jakupovic, who made some smart saves either side of half-time. Two dropped points left United four points adrift of fifth-place Manchester City and fourth-place Liverpool. There was more bad news for Mourinho when defender Phil Jones limped off injured in the second half. It might have got even worse, but Lazar Markovic struck the United woodwork late on with the best chance of the game. United sniffed a chance early on when David Meyler presented possession to Paul Pogba and the midfielder angled a clever pass into the path of Henrikh Mkhitaryan. But the winger`s chances of finding a shot were halted by full-back Andrew Robertson, who covered around to make an important challenge. Zlatan Ibrahimovic almost put United ahead in the 15th minute with a moment of characteristic confidence, brushing off Tom Huddlestone and hitting a curling shot that was tipped around the post by Jakupovic. But despite dominating possession, United were finding it difficult to break down the stubborn resistance of Hull, with Mkhitaryan in particular having little success in running at defenders. Another chance arrived for United 10 minutes before half-time when Pogba helped a pass by Daley Blind into the feet of Ibrahimovic. However, the Swede was closed down quickly and he snatched at a left-foot shot that flew harmlessly wide. After lacking the magic to change the game for much of the first half, the home side nearly opened the scoring with a goal of real inspiration three minutes before half-time.Michael Carrick`s pass was flicked on superbly by Ibrahimovic for Pogba, whose powerful effort was saved well by Jakupovic. Pogba and Ibrahimovic combined again nine minutes into the second half when the former lofted a clever pass into the latter`s path inside the 18-yard box. But it was a difficult ball for Ibrahimovic to control and his attempted shot was easy for Jakupovic to claim. Another raking, diagonal ball by Pogba released Marcus Rashford moments later and this time it was brought under control. The young forward managed to get a shot away but it went just wide of the target. Then a cross from the right by Antonio Valencia was helped back across goal by Rashford, but substitute Wayne Rooney failed to connect with a shot on the turn and when Ibrahimovic did make contact, he fired wide. Hull striker Oumar Niasse was fortunate to stay on the field with 25 minutes remaining when, having already been booked, he committed a high challenge on Blind but escaped without another caution. The home side ought to have led with 13 minutes remaining, but Jakupovic again came to Hull`s rescue. He made a superb block on the line to deny substitute Juan Mata from close range after Chris Smalling had headed Ander Herrera`s cross into the Spaniard`s feet. With 10 minutes remaining Hull`s players were furious with Ibrahimovic when he hung out a leg in the penalty area and waited for contact from Huddlestone before going to ground. Referee Mike Jones was unimpressed and awarded a free-kick to the visitors. With three minutes to go, Markovic sidestepped Smalling and saw his cheeky shot strike David De Gea`s right-hand post and rebound to safety. United were frustrated again in stoppage time when Jakupovic saved a header by Marcos Rojo and then turned away a curling shot from Pogba. (AFP)

Manchester United fails to notch win against Hull as match ends in 0-0 draw

Arsene Wenger was given a four-game touchline ban with &quot;immediate effect&quot; by the Football Association on Friday after accepting a misconduct charge following an incident that saw the veteran Arsenal manager sent off in Sunday&#39;s dramatic win over Burnley.

Wenger will now be forced to sit in the stands for Arsenal&#39;s FA Cup trip to top-flight rivals Southampton on Saturday, as well as Premier League games against Watford, leaders Chelsea and Hull City.&nbsp;

Wenger was sent off by referee Jon Moss after allegedly using abusive or insulting language towards fourth official Anthony Taylor after Burnley were given a stoppage-time penalty at the Emirates Stadium.

The French coach, 67, tried to watch the final moments of the match from the entrance to the tunnel and was shown pushing Taylor when the official asked him to leave the area.

Arsenal went on to win the game 2-1 after being awarded a penalty of their own in the final minute, with victory taking them second in the Premier League table, eight points behind Chelsea.

Wenger&#39;s post-match apology for his behaviour couldn&#39;t stop the FA, English football&#39;s governing body, charging him.

The FA said Friday that it was alleged that Wenger, Arsenal&#39;s manager since 1996, had &quot;in or around the 92nd minute, used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official&quot;.

The FA statement added: &quot;It was further alleged that following his dismissal from the technical area, his behaviour in remaining in the tunnel area and making physical contact with the fourth official amounted to improper conduct.&quot;

Wenger was also fined &pound;25,000 ($31,000, 29,000 euros) after formally admitting the charge at a personal hearing before an independent regulatory commission.

(AFP)

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was punished for being sent off in Sunday's dramatic win over Burnley

Arsene Wenger was given a four-game touchline ban with "immediate effect" by the Football Association on Friday after accepting a misconduct charge following an incident that saw the veteran Arsenal manager sent off in Sunday's dramatic win over Burnley. Wenger will now be forced to sit in the stands for Arsenal's FA Cup trip to top-flight rivals Southampton on Saturday, as well as Premier League games against Watford, leaders Chelsea and Hull City. Wenger was sent off by referee Jon Moss after allegedly using abusive or insulting language towards fourth official Anthony Taylor after Burnley were given a stoppage-time penalty at the Emirates Stadium. The French coach, 67, tried to watch the final moments of the match from the entrance to the tunnel and was shown pushing Taylor when the official asked him to leave the area. Arsenal went on to win the game 2-1 after being awarded a penalty of their own in the final minute, with victory taking them second in the Premier League table, eight points behind Chelsea. Wenger's post-match apology for his behaviour couldn't stop the FA, English football's governing body, charging him. The FA said Friday that it was alleged that Wenger, Arsenal's manager since 1996, had "in or around the 92nd minute, used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official". The FA statement added: "It was further alleged that following his dismissal from the technical area, his behaviour in remaining in the tunnel area and making physical contact with the fourth official amounted to improper conduct." Wenger was also fined £25,000 ($31,000, 29,000 euros) after formally admitting the charge at a personal hearing before an independent regulatory commission. (AFP)

Arsenal's Wenger slapped with four-match ban for misconduct

Barcelona eased into the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey for a seventh consecutive season 6-2 on aggregate as Denis Suarez scored twice in a 5-2 win over Real Sociedad on Thursday.

Already leading 1-0 from the first leg, Barca gave Sociedad a mountain to climb as Denis Suarez finished off a great team move with the only real chance of the first-half before Lionel Messi converted from the penalty spot.

Juanmi and Willian Jose grabbed a pair of consolation goals for the visitors either side of Luis Suarez&#39;s third for Barca before Arda Turan and Denis Suarez rounded off the rout.

&quot;After the first goal the space opened up. They had a high line, and if you give the three we have up front space, then they kill you,&quot; Denis Suarez told BeIN Sports Spain.

The 28-time winners join Atletico Madrid, Alaves and Celta Vigo, who dumped out Real Madrid on Wednesday, in Friday&#39;s semi-final draw.

Barca boss Luis Enrique took no risks with his team selection as all of Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez started, whilst Gerard Pique returned at the back after being rested for the 4-0 win at Eibar on Sunday.

One moment of magic lit up a first-half otherwise devoid of goalmouth action as after registering his first Barca goal at the weekend, Denis Suarez&#39;s purple patch continued.

Samuel Umtiti robbed Xabi Prieto deep inside the Sociedad half and from there Neymar, Messi and Luis Suarez combined to tee up his namesake for a first time finish into the far corner.

&quot;We found it difficult to play out from the back in the first-half,&quot; added Enrique.

&quot;In the second-half we took better decisions and we took our chances.

&quot;When the players we have are given space, not just for their quality, but their physical ability, they normally take advantage.&quot;

Sociedad had a huge chance to get back into the tie nine minutes into the second period when Jose fired too close to Jasper Cillessen with just the Dutch international to beat from 10 yards out.

And within seconds any lasting hope Sociedad had was gone as Neymar accelerated in behind the visitors&#39; defence and was cynically hacked down by Inigo Martinez with the defender lucky to escape with just a yellow card.

Messi had handed responsibility from the spot to Neymar in each of Barca&#39;s last two Cup outings, but stepped up himself to register his 29th goal in just 27 games this season.

Sociedad were briefly given a glimmer of hope when substitute Juanmi took advantage of a glaring gap in the centre of the Barca defence to lob Cillessen.

Barca immediately responded, though, as Messi shrugged off three Sociedad challenges to release Luis Suarez to slot his 20th goal of the season under Geronimo Rulli.

The Basques once again responded as Jose bulleted home a header 17 minutes from time.

Yet, that once again just kicked Barca back up a gear as Turan tapped home Aleix Vidal&#39;s cross minutes after replacing Neymar before Messi teed up Denis Suarez for his second of the night.

(AFP)

The blaugrana team entered their seventh consecutive Cup semi-final by winning 6-2 on aggregate

Barcelona eased into the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey for a seventh consecutive season 6-2 on aggregate as Denis Suarez scored twice in a 5-2 win over Real Sociedad on Thursday. Already leading 1-0 from the first leg, Barca gave Sociedad a mountain to climb as Denis Suarez finished off a great team move with the only real chance of the first-half before Lionel Messi converted from the penalty spot. Juanmi and Willian Jose grabbed a pair of consolation goals for the visitors either side of Luis Suarez's third for Barca before Arda Turan and Denis Suarez rounded off the rout. "After the first goal the space opened up. They had a high line, and if you give the three we have up front space, then they kill you," Denis Suarez told BeIN Sports Spain. The 28-time winners join Atletico Madrid, Alaves and Celta Vigo, who dumped out Real Madrid on Wednesday, in Friday's semi-final draw. Barca boss Luis Enrique took no risks with his team selection as all of Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez started, whilst Gerard Pique returned at the back after being rested for the 4-0 win at Eibar on Sunday. One moment of magic lit up a first-half otherwise devoid of goalmouth action as after registering his first Barca goal at the weekend, Denis Suarez's purple patch continued. Samuel Umtiti robbed Xabi Prieto deep inside the Sociedad half and from there Neymar, Messi and Luis Suarez combined to tee up his namesake for a first time finish into the far corner. "We found it difficult to play out from the back in the first-half," added Enrique. "In the second-half we took better decisions and we took our chances. "When the players we have are given space, not just for their quality, but their physical ability, they normally take advantage." Sociedad had a huge chance to get back into the tie nine minutes into the second period when Jose fired too close to Jasper Cillessen with just the Dutch international to beat from 10 yards out. And within seconds any lasting hope Sociedad had was gone as Neymar accelerated in behind the visitors' defence and was cynically hacked down by Inigo Martinez with the defender lucky to escape with just a yellow card. Messi had handed responsibility from the spot to Neymar in each of Barca's last two Cup outings, but stepped up himself to register his 29th goal in just 27 games this season. Sociedad were briefly given a glimmer of hope when substitute Juanmi took advantage of a glaring gap in the centre of the Barca defence to lob Cillessen. Barca immediately responded, though, as Messi shrugged off three Sociedad challenges to release Luis Suarez to slot his 20th goal of the season under Geronimo Rulli. The Basques once again responded as Jose bulleted home a header 17 minutes from time. Yet, that once again just kicked Barca back up a gear as Turan tapped home Aleix Vidal's cross minutes after replacing Neymar before Messi teed up Denis Suarez for his second of the night. (AFP)

Copa del Rey: Barcelona pump in five to ease past Sociedad into semis

Manchester United survived a scare to reach the League Cup final after Oumar Niasse&#39;s late goal earned Hull City a 2-1 victory in Thursday&#39;s semi-final second leg.

Leading 2-0 from the first leg, United saw their advantage at an ice-cold KCOM Stadium halved by Tom Huddlestone&#39;s 35th-minute penalty and then restored by Paul Pogba&#39;s second-half strike.

Niasse&#39;s goal set up a nervy finish for Jose Mourinho&#39;s men, but they survived to complete a 3-2 aggregate win that sets up a date with Southampton in the final at Wembley on February 26.

It will be United&#39;s first League Cup final since 2010, when they beat Aston Villa 2-1, and with Southampton having cleared Liverpool from their path, they will go into the game as favourites.

Hull once again showed signs of stiffened resolve under new coach Marco Silva and could console themselves with a first win over United since a 2-0 success at the old Boothferry Park in November 1974.

The club also used the occasion to show their support for Ryan Mason, recovering in hospital after fracturing his skull at Chelsea on Sunday, with T-shirts bearing his name and a minute&#39;s applause.

A paltry home crowd reflected both the significant edge that Marouane Fellaini&#39;s late header had given United in the first leg and ongoing dissent towards Hull&#39;s owner Assem Allam.

Silva&#39;s decision to make seven changes to his starting XI, meanwhile, did not seem to indicate a desperate desire to turn the tie around.

But almost from the off the cohesive football all came from Hull and it was United who looked a team of strangers, with centre-backs Phil Jones and Chris Smalling conspicuously unconvincing.

Hull had the first serious attempt of the match, David de Gea boxing away a free-kick from Sam Clucas, and the United goalkeeper was soon involved again.

Smalling penalty shout

After allowing Huddlestone&#39;s up-and-under to drift over his head, Smalling had to make a last-ditch block to thwart Michael Dawson and Niasse&#39;s follow-up was fisted away by De Gea.

The hosts duly took the lead on the night in the 35th minute, Huddlestone planting his spot-kick low to De Gea&#39;s right after Marcos Rojo was penalised for tugging Harry Maguire&#39;s shirt.

It took United until the 38th minute to register a shot on target, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic&#39;s side-foot effort palmed behind by David Marshall.

United had three penalty appeals early in the second half and while the first and third centred on Pogba and Marcus Rashford going to ground too easily, the second was more compelling.

After seizing on a loose ball inside the Hull box, Smalling appeared to be pushed in the chest by Huddlestone, sending him down, but referee Jon Mess shook his head.

If Huddlestone got away with one there, fortune deserted him in the 66th minute.

Having tracking Rashford&#39;s run towards the byline on the United left, he managed to toe the ball away, but could only send it into the path of Pogba, who stabbed a low shot past Marshall.

Their nerves eased, United threatened to move out of sight, Ibrahimovic seeing a shot blocked by Dawson after dancing past Huddlestone and Rojo clipping the bar with a header.

But Niasse then headed against the bar at the other end and with five minutes remaining he gave Hull victory in the game -- if not the tie -- by tucking away David Meyler&#39;s volleyed cross.

(AFP)

Manchester United beat Hull City 3-2 on aggregate and will meet Southampton in Wembley

Manchester United survived a scare to reach the League Cup final after Oumar Niasse's late goal earned Hull City a 2-1 victory in Thursday's semi-final second leg. Leading 2-0 from the first leg, United saw their advantage at an ice-cold KCOM Stadium halved by Tom Huddlestone's 35th-minute penalty and then restored by Paul Pogba's second-half strike. Niasse's goal set up a nervy finish for Jose Mourinho's men, but they survived to complete a 3-2 aggregate win that sets up a date with Southampton in the final at Wembley on February 26. It will be United's first League Cup final since 2010, when they beat Aston Villa 2-1, and with Southampton having cleared Liverpool from their path, they will go into the game as favourites. Hull once again showed signs of stiffened resolve under new coach Marco Silva and could console themselves with a first win over United since a 2-0 success at the old Boothferry Park in November 1974. The club also used the occasion to show their support for Ryan Mason, recovering in hospital after fracturing his skull at Chelsea on Sunday, with T-shirts bearing his name and a minute's applause. A paltry home crowd reflected both the significant edge that Marouane Fellaini's late header had given United in the first leg and ongoing dissent towards Hull's owner Assem Allam. Silva's decision to make seven changes to his starting XI, meanwhile, did not seem to indicate a desperate desire to turn the tie around. But almost from the off the cohesive football all came from Hull and it was United who looked a team of strangers, with centre-backs Phil Jones and Chris Smalling conspicuously unconvincing. Hull had the first serious attempt of the match, David de Gea boxing away a free-kick from Sam Clucas, and the United goalkeeper was soon involved again. Smalling penalty shout After allowing Huddlestone's up-and-under to drift over his head, Smalling had to make a last-ditch block to thwart Michael Dawson and Niasse's follow-up was fisted away by De Gea. The hosts duly took the lead on the night in the 35th minute, Huddlestone planting his spot-kick low to De Gea's right after Marcos Rojo was penalised for tugging Harry Maguire's shirt. It took United until the 38th minute to register a shot on target, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic's side-foot effort palmed behind by David Marshall. United had three penalty appeals early in the second half and while the first and third centred on Pogba and Marcus Rashford going to ground too easily, the second was more compelling. After seizing on a loose ball inside the Hull box, Smalling appeared to be pushed in the chest by Huddlestone, sending him down, but referee Jon Mess shook his head. If Huddlestone got away with one there, fortune deserted him in the 66th minute. Having tracking Rashford's run towards the byline on the United left, he managed to toe the ball away, but could only send it into the path of Pogba, who stabbed a low shot past Marshall. Their nerves eased, United threatened to move out of sight, Ibrahimovic seeing a shot blocked by Dawson after dancing past Huddlestone and Rojo clipping the bar with a header. But Niasse then headed against the bar at the other end and with five minutes remaining he gave Hull victory in the game -- if not the tie -- by tucking away David Meyler's volleyed cross. (AFP)

League Cup: Manchester United lose at Hull but progress to final

Southampton reached the League Cup final for the first time since 1979 after a 1-0 victory against Liverpool in the semi-final second leg on Wednesday.

Claude Puel&#39;s team secured a 2-0 aggregate triumph thanks to a clinical finish from Shane Long in second-half stoppage-time at Anfield.

Southampton, who lost their only previous League Cup final against Nottingham Forest, will face Manchester United or Hull in this year&#39;s showpiece at Wembley on February 26.

United lead 2-0 from the first leg heading into the return at Hull on Thursday.

(AFP)

Southampton will await the winner of Hull City and Manchester United in their first final since 1979

Southampton reached the League Cup final for the first time since 1979 after a 1-0 victory against Liverpool in the semi-final second leg on Wednesday. Claude Puel's team secured a 2-0 aggregate triumph thanks to a clinical finish from Shane Long in second-half stoppage-time at Anfield. Southampton, who lost their only previous League Cup final against Nottingham Forest, will face Manchester United or Hull in this year's showpiece at Wembley on February 26. United lead 2-0 from the first leg heading into the return at Hull on Thursday. (AFP)

League Cup: Southampton stun Liverpool 2-0 to enter final

Manchester United will reduce its stadium capacity to create 300 seats for the specially-abled supporters.

The club, dubbed by Deloitte as the richest club in the world, will pare down its seating capacity from&nbsp;75,635 to about 73,000.

The accommodation of the specially-abled supporters means 2,600 season-ticket holders will be moved from their current positions over the next three years.

&quot;Old Trafford is a home for all United fans and these changes will help many more of our loyal disabled supporters to attend games to watch their heroes,&quot; said United&#39;s group managing director Richard Arnold.

Arnold added: &quot;We know that many of the affected season-ticket holders have held their seats for decades and it will be a sacrifice to give them up.

&quot;But we also know that the vast majority will understand and support this expansion.&quot;

United hope the change will be completed by August.

The decision has been giving a ringing endorsement by the&nbsp;Premier League club&#39;s disabled fans. &nbsp;

(WION with inputs from AFP)

Old Trafford's seating capacity will be cut from?75,635 to about 73,000

Manchester United will reduce its stadium capacity to create 300 seats for the specially-abled supporters. The club, dubbed by Deloitte as the richest club in the world, will pare down its seating capacity from 75,635 to about 73,000. The accommodation of the specially-abled supporters means 2,600 season-ticket holders will be moved from their current positions over the next three years. "Old Trafford is a home for all United fans and these changes will help many more of our loyal disabled supporters to attend games to watch their heroes," said United's group managing director Richard Arnold. Arnold added: "We know that many of the affected season-ticket holders have held their seats for decades and it will be a sacrifice to give them up. "But we also know that the vast majority will understand and support this expansion." United hope the change will be completed by August. The decision has been giving a ringing endorsement by the Premier League club's disabled fans. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Manchester United to pare down stadium capacity to accommodate more specially-abled fans

Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson believes no one will ever beat Wayne Rooney&#39;s record of 250 goals for the club.

Ferguson, who signed Rooney as an 18-year-old in 2004, said surpassing Bobby Charlton&#39;s 249-goal mark by scoring against Stoke City last Saturday was &quot;an achievement par excellence&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;In the present-day game, it is difficult to see any club having players who can stay with them for 10 years,&quot; he told the BBC on Tuesday.

&quot;Jose (Mourinho) has mentioned Marcus Rashford and there is an opportunity for that young lad, if he stays at United, and develops his potential the way that Wayne has. But it is a very big target to hit.&quot;

Ferguson also saluted the way Mourinho has turned round the club&#39;s season after an uncertain start.

&quot;I think he has done a great job,&quot; said Ferguson of the third manager to be tried by the club since the Scot&#39;s retirement in 2013.

&quot;The first team weren&#39;t doing great and you have to find solutions to correct that. I think Jose is finding solutions now. There was a period earlier in the season when he wasn&#39;t getting the decisions and his emotions boiled over. You see him now -- he is calm and in control.

&quot;You can see he has got to grips with the club. The team is playing really well and he has been very unlucky. He has had six 1-1 draws and in every game he has battered the opposition.

&quot;If they hadn&#39;t had all these draws, they would be there challenging Chelsea. That is the unfortunate part but he is going to have to live with that.&quot;

United, sixth in the Premier League, have the chance to reach Wembley under Mourinho for the first time on Thursday when they take a 2-0 lead into the League Cup semi-final second leg against Hull City.

(Reuters)

Former Manchester United Alex Ferguson also saluted the way Mourinho has turned round the club's season after an uncertain start

Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson believes no one will ever beat Wayne Rooney's record of 250 goals for the club. Ferguson, who signed Rooney as an 18-year-old in 2004, said surpassing Bobby Charlton's 249-goal mark by scoring against Stoke City last Saturday was "an achievement par excellence". "In the present-day game, it is difficult to see any club having players who can stay with them for 10 years," he told the BBC on Tuesday. "Jose (Mourinho) has mentioned Marcus Rashford and there is an opportunity for that young lad, if he stays at United, and develops his potential the way that Wayne has. But it is a very big target to hit." Ferguson also saluted the way Mourinho has turned round the club's season after an uncertain start. "I think he has done a great job," said Ferguson of the third manager to be tried by the club since the Scot's retirement in 2013. "The first team weren't doing great and you have to find solutions to correct that. I think Jose is finding solutions now. There was a period earlier in the season when he wasn't getting the decisions and his emotions boiled over. You see him now -- he is calm and in control. "You can see he has got to grips with the club. The team is playing really well and he has been very unlucky. He has had six 1-1 draws and in every game he has battered the opposition. "If they hadn't had all these draws, they would be there challenging Chelsea. That is the unfortunate part but he is going to have to live with that." United, sixth in the Premier League, have the chance to reach Wembley under Mourinho for the first time on Thursday when they take a 2-0 lead into the League Cup semi-final second leg against Hull City. (Reuters)

No one will beat Rooney's United goals record: Ferguson

Hull City player Ryan Mason sustained a skull fracture during Sunday&#39;s Premier League match at Chelsea and underwent surgery at a London hospital, his club said.

Midfielder Mason suffered the head injury in a collision during Hull&#39;s 2-0 defeat and was rushed to hospital after being treated for 10 minutes on the field.

The 25-year-old collided with Chelsea&#39;s Gary Cahill in Hull&#39;s box after 14 minutes with both clubs&#39; medical teams called to the scene after referee Neil Swarbrick stopped play.

&quot;The club can confirm that Ryan Mason sustained a skull fracture in our fixture at Chelsea this afternoon,&quot; Hull City said in a statement.

&quot;He was taken to St Mary&#39;s Hospital where he has undergone surgery.&quot;

&quot;Ryan is in a stable condition and is expected to remain in hospital for the next few days.&quot;

&quot;Everyone at the club would like to express their sincere thanks for the excellent and swift care given to Ryan by both the Accident and Emergency department and Neurosurgery Unit at St Mary&#39;s Hospital.&quot;

The club said they would issue a further update about Mason&#39;s condition on Monday.

(AFP)

He collided with Chelsea's Gary Cahill in Hull's box

Hull City player Ryan Mason sustained a skull fracture during Sunday's Premier League match at Chelsea and underwent surgery at a London hospital, his club said. Midfielder Mason suffered the head injury in a collision during Hull's 2-0 defeat and was rushed to hospital after being treated for 10 minutes on the field. The 25-year-old collided with Chelsea's Gary Cahill in Hull's box after 14 minutes with both clubs' medical teams called to the scene after referee Neil Swarbrick stopped play. "The club can confirm that Ryan Mason sustained a skull fracture in our fixture at Chelsea this afternoon," Hull City said in a statement. "He was taken to St Mary's Hospital where he has undergone surgery." "Ryan is in a stable condition and is expected to remain in hospital for the next few days." "Everyone at the club would like to express their sincere thanks for the excellent and swift care given to Ryan by both the Accident and Emergency department and Neurosurgery Unit at St Mary's Hospital." The club said they would issue a further update about Mason's condition on Monday. (AFP)

Hull's Mason has surgery after fracturing skull

Chapecoense, the up and coming Brazilian football club decimated by a plane crash, proudly strode back on the field Saturday in a new line-up for their first match since the tragedy.

The team took the field amid intense public and media attention focusing on the 20,000-place Arena Conda stadium in Chapeco decked out in the home side&#39;s green color.&nbsp;

Although supporters had wildly snapped up club jerseys online, and 241 journalists from around the world were accredited for the game, the stadium was not full. Tickets priced expensively at $25 each at a time of dire unemployment in Brazil likely kept some away.

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<h5>n the 71st minute of the game, the stadium&#39;s crowd was asked to stand and clap in homage of the victims -- the beginning of a tradition for all home games played by Chapecoense</h5>
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In the end, the game was a draw: 2-2 against Palmeiras.

Before the 4:30 pm (1830 GMT) kickoff, the three survivors of the crash that wiped out their teammates received the Copa Sudamericana trophy -- the honour the team had been vying for when it was wiped out in the crash -- to sustained applause.

Widows of the players killed then filed onto the grass to receive medals on behalf of their husbands in an emotionally powerful ceremony.

&quot;I&#39;m sure that those who have left us, if they are watching, would feel happy,&quot; one of the survivors, left-back Alan Ruschel, told a news conference ahead of the game.

The team&#39;s plane went down on November 28 in mountains near Colombia&#39;s city of Medellin as the team were flying in to play Atletico Nacional in the final of the Copa Sudamericana tournament. Of the 77 people on board, 71 lost their lives, including 19 players and 24 other club members.

In the 71st minute of the game, the stadium&#39;s crowd was asked to stand and clap in homage of the victims -- the beginning of a tradition for all home games played by Chapecoense.

Raphael Veiga opened with a point for Palmeiras, before Douglas Grolli put Chapecoense on the board with a goal that drew emotional cheers from the crowd. The rebuilt team rose to 2-1 when Amaral added a second goal before an equalizer came from Vitinho to make the final score 2-2.

Rebuilt side

The plane accident cut short the fairytale run of the unheralded team who had risen in five years from the fourth division and were playing in their first major final.

To rebuild the side, sporting director Rui Costa has recruited 22 players, most of them on loan.

He told AFP on Friday that the game was &quot;the strongest argument... that this club refused to die.&quot;

The club&#39;s new coach, Vagner Mancini, called the match &quot;a pivotal moment&quot;.

Ruschel and another surviving players, defender Helio Neto, are on the path to recovery and hope to play this season.

Goalkeeper Jackson Follman had his foot amputated, ending his career.

The others who survived the crash were two of the plane&#39;s Bolivian crew and a radio reporter, Rafael Henzel, who said Saturday&#39;s game &quot;is the first match of my new life&quot;.

The new-look Chapecoense has no big names, but include experienced players such as former Lille striker Tulio de Melo and ex-Benfica goalkeeper Artur Moraes.

Half the match proceeds were go to the families of those killed, while the rest will be used to rebuild the club.

&quot;Small community&quot;

The survivors met with management on Friday to discuss compensation from the Bolivian airline, Lamia, which owned the plane that crashed. The airline&#39;s director was arrested in December.

The tragedy was a blow to Chapeco, a town of 200,000 inhabitants where nearly everyone was one or two degrees connected with the team.

&quot;We are a small community. We are not used to such a high profile,&quot; the mayor, Luciano Buligon, told AFP.

&quot;But this global attention has comforted us. This big wave of solidarity is helping us to raise our head and to look ahead.&quot;

The popularity of Chapecoense has gone well beyond Brazil&#39;s borders.

Miguel Alvarez said he and friends had traveled from Argentina &quot;for the inaugural match of this club that had a tragedy that affected everybody.&quot;

He added: &quot;Football matters, yes, but mostly there has to be solidarity with the human side of it all.&quot;&nbsp;

(AFP)

The team took the field amid intense public and media attention focusing on the 20,000-place Arena Conda stadium in Chapeco

Chapecoense, the up and coming Brazilian football club decimated by a plane crash, proudly strode back on the field Saturday in a new line-up for their first match since the tragedy. The team took the field amid intense public and media attention focusing on the 20,000-place Arena Conda stadium in Chapeco decked out in the home side's green color. Although supporters had wildly snapped up club jerseys online, and 241 journalists from around the world were accredited for the game, the stadium was not full. Tickets priced expensively at $25 each at a time of dire unemployment in Brazil likely kept some away. n the 71st minute of the game, the stadium's crowd was asked to stand and clap in homage of the victims -- the beginning of a tradition for all home games played by Chapecoense × In the end, the game was a draw: 2-2 against Palmeiras. Before the 4:30 pm (1830 GMT) kickoff, the three survivors of the crash that wiped out their teammates received the Copa Sudamericana trophy -- the honour the team had been vying for when it was wiped out in the crash -- to sustained applause. Widows of the players killed then filed onto the grass to receive medals on behalf of their husbands in an emotionally powerful ceremony. "I'm sure that those who have left us, if they are watching, would feel happy," one of the survivors, left-back Alan Ruschel, told a news conference ahead of the game. The team's plane went down on November 28 in mountains near Colombia's city of Medellin as the team were flying in to play Atletico Nacional in the final of the Copa Sudamericana tournament. Of the 77 people on board, 71 lost their lives, including 19 players and 24 other club members. In the 71st minute of the game, the stadium's crowd was asked to stand and clap in homage of the victims -- the beginning of a tradition for all home games played by Chapecoense. Raphael Veiga opened with a point for Palmeiras, before Douglas Grolli put Chapecoense on the board with a goal that drew emotional cheers from the crowd. The rebuilt team rose to 2-1 when Amaral added a second goal before an equalizer came from Vitinho to make the final score 2-2. Rebuilt side The plane accident cut short the fairytale run of the unheralded team who had risen in five years from the fourth division and were playing in their first major final. To rebuild the side, sporting director Rui Costa has recruited 22 players, most of them on loan. He told AFP on Friday that the game was "the strongest argument... that this club refused to die." The club's new coach, Vagner Mancini, called the match "a pivotal moment". Ruschel and another surviving players, defender Helio Neto, are on the path to recovery and hope to play this season. Goalkeeper Jackson Follman had his foot amputated, ending his career. The others who survived the crash were two of the plane's Bolivian crew and a radio reporter, Rafael Henzel, who said Saturday's game "is the first match of my new life". The new-look Chapecoense has no big names, but include experienced players such as former Lille striker Tulio de Melo and ex-Benfica goalkeeper Artur Moraes. Half the match proceeds were go to the families of those killed, while the rest will be used to rebuild the club. "Small community" The survivors met with management on Friday to discuss compensation from the Bolivian airline, Lamia, which owned the plane that crashed. The airline's director was arrested in December. The tragedy was a blow to Chapeco, a town of 200,000 inhabitants where nearly everyone was one or two degrees connected with the team. "We are a small community. We are not used to such a high profile," the mayor, Luciano Buligon, told AFP. "But this global attention has comforted us. This big wave of solidarity is helping us to raise our head and to look ahead." The popularity of Chapecoense has gone well beyond Brazil's borders. Miguel Alvarez said he and friends had traveled from Argentina "for the inaugural match of this club that had a tragedy that affected everybody." He added: "Football matters, yes, but mostly there has to be solidarity with the human side of it all." (AFP)

Chapecoense draw in first match after plane crash

Pep Guardiola&#39;s Manchester City were denied a morale-boosting Premier League victory as Tottenham Hotspur came from two goals down to earn a contentious 2-2 draw on Saturday.

Blunders by Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris allowed Leroy Sane and Kevin De Bruyne to give City a deserved 2-0 lead, only for Dele Alli and substitute Son Heung-Min to grab a point for the visitors.

The game&#39;s main talking point occurred shortly before Son&#39;s 77th-minute leveller when Kyle Walker got away with a push on City forward Raheem Sterling inside the Spurs box as he took aim at Lloris.

Guardiola reacted furiously and having seen his team humiliated 4-0 at Everton on their previous outing he will know this was a huge missed opportunity for his misfiring team.

City, for whom &pound;27 million ($33 million, 31 million euros) new signing Gabriel Jesus made his debut, remain fifth and will fall 12 points off the pace if leaders Chelsea beat Hull City on Sunday.

While Spurs remain second, the point earned at the Etihad Stadium came at a cost for Mauricio Pochettino&#39;s side, who had been chasing a seventh successive league win.

Toby Alderweireld was forced off by injury in the second half, meaning he will potentially join fellow Belgian centre-back Jan Vertonghen on the sidelines.

City&#39;s defeat at Everton was the heaviest league reverse of Guardiola&#39;s stellar coaching career, but his response was to go on the attack.

Centre-back John Stones was dropped again, while De Bruyne and David Silva joined Yaya Toure in an attacking midfield trio that enabled City to pierce holes in Spurs&#39; rearguard right from kick-off.

After sights of goal for Pablo Zabaleta and Sergio Aguero, Lloris turned a low Silva shot behind and then stood motionless as Zabaleta&#39;s drive from De Bruyne&#39;s corner skidded inches wide.

With Spurs incapable of playing through City&#39;s high press, Kevin Wimmer and Eric Dier were both booked inside the first 13 minutes.

Turning point

By the time De Bruyne rolled a cross-shot across goal and wide after Aguero had robbed Dier, Pochettino had seen enough, moving Dier into midfield and swapping his 3-4-2-1 for a more stable 4-3-2-1.

Still City came, with Sane heading wide and Lloris twice thwarting Aguero, springing to his right to catch a header and then getting down at his near post to parry a left-foot drive.

Pochettino made another change at the interval, sending on Son for Wimmer, but within nine minutes of kick-off his side were 2-0 down as Lloris unwittingly took centre stage.

Flying out to meet De Bruyne&#39;s 50-yard pass on the edge of his box, Lloris contrived to head the ball against Sane, who had the simple task of tapping into an empty net.

If fortune deserted Lloris on that occasion, he only had himself to blame five minutes later as his failure to gather Sterling&#39;s cross from the right allowed De Bruyne to bundle in City&#39;s second.

It was no more than the hosts deserved, but just four minutes later Spurs hit back, Alli heading in Walker&#39;s superb right-wing cross for his eighth goal in seven games.

Danny Rose had to produce a brilliant last-gasp tackle to prevent Sterling restoring City&#39;s two-goal cushion before Alderweireld limped off holding the back of his right thigh.

Then came the game&#39;s turning point.

Walker pushed Sterling as he raced through, meaning the England forward could only dink a tame shot straight at Lloris, and moments later Harry Kane&#39;s flicked lay-off was swept home by Son.

Nineteen-year-old Brazil starlet Jesus made his entrance with seven minutes to go, but there would be no late miracle as he headed narrowly over and saw a tap-in ruled out for offside.

(AFP)

Tottenham Hotspur came from two goals down to earn a contentious 2-2 draw on Saturday

Pep Guardiola's Manchester City were denied a morale-boosting Premier League victory as Tottenham Hotspur came from two goals down to earn a contentious 2-2 draw on Saturday. Blunders by Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris allowed Leroy Sane and Kevin De Bruyne to give City a deserved 2-0 lead, only for Dele Alli and substitute Son Heung-Min to grab a point for the visitors. The game's main talking point occurred shortly before Son's 77th-minute leveller when Kyle Walker got away with a push on City forward Raheem Sterling inside the Spurs box as he took aim at Lloris. Guardiola reacted furiously and having seen his team humiliated 4-0 at Everton on their previous outing he will know this was a huge missed opportunity for his misfiring team. City, for whom £27 million ($33 million, 31 million euros) new signing Gabriel Jesus made his debut, remain fifth and will fall 12 points off the pace if leaders Chelsea beat Hull City on Sunday. While Spurs remain second, the point earned at the Etihad Stadium came at a cost for Mauricio Pochettino's side, who had been chasing a seventh successive league win. Toby Alderweireld was forced off by injury in the second half, meaning he will potentially join fellow Belgian centre-back Jan Vertonghen on the sidelines. City's defeat at Everton was the heaviest league reverse of Guardiola's stellar coaching career, but his response was to go on the attack. Centre-back John Stones was dropped again, while De Bruyne and David Silva joined Yaya Toure in an attacking midfield trio that enabled City to pierce holes in Spurs' rearguard right from kick-off. After sights of goal for Pablo Zabaleta and Sergio Aguero, Lloris turned a low Silva shot behind and then stood motionless as Zabaleta's drive from De Bruyne's corner skidded inches wide. With Spurs incapable of playing through City's high press, Kevin Wimmer and Eric Dier were both booked inside the first 13 minutes. Turning point By the time De Bruyne rolled a cross-shot across goal and wide after Aguero had robbed Dier, Pochettino had seen enough, moving Dier into midfield and swapping his 3-4-2-1 for a more stable 4-3-2-1. Still City came, with Sane heading wide and Lloris twice thwarting Aguero, springing to his right to catch a header and then getting down at his near post to parry a left-foot drive. Pochettino made another change at the interval, sending on Son for Wimmer, but within nine minutes of kick-off his side were 2-0 down as Lloris unwittingly took centre stage. Flying out to meet De Bruyne's 50-yard pass on the edge of his box, Lloris contrived to head the ball against Sane, who had the simple task of tapping into an empty net. If fortune deserted Lloris on that occasion, he only had himself to blame five minutes later as his failure to gather Sterling's cross from the right allowed De Bruyne to bundle in City's second. It was no more than the hosts deserved, but just four minutes later Spurs hit back, Alli heading in Walker's superb right-wing cross for his eighth goal in seven games. Danny Rose had to produce a brilliant last-gasp tackle to prevent Sterling restoring City's two-goal cushion before Alderweireld limped off holding the back of his right thigh. Then came the game's turning point. Walker pushed Sterling as he raced through, meaning the England forward could only dink a tame shot straight at Lloris, and moments later Harry Kane's flicked lay-off was swept home by Son. Nineteen-year-old Brazil starlet Jesus made his entrance with seven minutes to go, but there would be no late miracle as he headed narrowly over and saw a tap-in ruled out for offside. (AFP)

Tottenham hit back to deny Manchester City 3 points

Liverpool&#39;s title bid suffered a serious after they lost to bottom-placed Swansea City 3-2 at Anfield on Saturday.

But Swansea&#39;s stunning win means they have leapt out of the relegation places, thanks to Spanish international&nbsp;Fernando Llorente two goals and a dramatic winner by&nbsp;Gylfi Sigurdsson in the 74th minute of the match.

The first half was a tepid affair but the match came alive in the second half when Swansea took the lead and soon doubled their advantage.

The double blow woke up Jurgen Klopp&#39;s side as Roberto Firmino scored two delicious goals to drag his team back into the match.

And when Liverpool were the odds-on favourite to cap off a remarkable comeback, Swansea unexpectedly struck a third goal before they saw off a nervy 15 minutes to emerge victors.

(WION)&nbsp;

The victory helps Swansea City move out of the relegation spots

Liverpool's title bid suffered a serious after they lost to bottom-placed Swansea City 3-2 at Anfield on Saturday. But Swansea's stunning win means they have leapt out of the relegation places, thanks to Spanish international Fernando Llorente two goals and a dramatic winner by Gylfi Sigurdsson in the 74th minute of the match. The first half was a tepid affair but the match came alive in the second half when Swansea took the lead and soon doubled their advantage. The double blow woke up Jurgen Klopp's side as Roberto Firmino scored two delicious goals to drag his team back into the match. And when Liverpool were the odds-on favourite to cap off a remarkable comeback, Swansea unexpectedly struck a third goal before they saw off a nervy 15 minutes to emerge victors. (WION)

Liverpool's title bid suffers after Swansea record stunning victory

The 20th edition of the Deloitte Football Money League in which Deloitte profiled the highest revenue generating clubs in world football. Manchester United replaced Real Madrid at Money League summit with the most revenue in 2016

The top 5 richest football clubs in the world

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho played down the touchline confrontation that flared up between him and Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp near the end of Sunday&#39;s Premier League draw. As both teams looked for a late winner in an increasingly tense match at Old Trafford, the rival managers squared up to each other but Mourinho reckoned after shaking Klopp&#39;s hand at the end of the game that there was no problem between them.

The incident occurred when United midfielder Ander Herrera pulled the shirt of Liverpool&#39;s Roberto Firmino, then fell to the floor holding his face after actually being pushed by the Brazilian in the chest. Klopp seemed to feel Mourinho was calling for Firmino to be sent off and the German evidently felt Herrera was feigning injury. The two managers then had a heated argument, Klopp getting particularly animated, as the fourth official separated them.

Asked if there had been a problem with Klopp, Mourinho told reporters: &quot;No. He thought I was asking for his player to be sent off. I wasn&#39;t. No problem at all. I think the game was correct, I think the players gave everything in an emotional way, professional way. I think the referee Michael Oliver managed very well that part of the game,&quot; Mourinho felt. &quot;I think the game was great publicity for the Premier League all around the world,&quot; he gushed.

The game ended in a tense 1-1 draw.

(Reuters)

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho had a heated touchline row with Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp during the premier league clash

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho played down the touchline confrontation that flared up between him and Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp near the end of Sunday's Premier League draw. As both teams looked for a late winner in an increasingly tense match at Old Trafford, the rival managers squared up to each other but Mourinho reckoned after shaking Klopp's hand at the end of the game that there was no problem between them. The incident occurred when United midfielder Ander Herrera pulled the shirt of Liverpool's Roberto Firmino, then fell to the floor holding his face after actually being pushed by the Brazilian in the chest. Klopp seemed to feel Mourinho was calling for Firmino to be sent off and the German evidently felt Herrera was feigning injury. The two managers then had a heated argument, Klopp getting particularly animated, as the fourth official separated them. Asked if there had been a problem with Klopp, Mourinho told reporters: "No. He thought I was asking for his player to be sent off. I wasn't. No problem at all. I think the game was correct, I think the players gave everything in an emotional way, professional way. I think the referee Michael Oliver managed very well that part of the game," Mourinho felt. "I think the game was great publicity for the Premier League all around the world," he gushed. The game ended in a tense 1-1 draw. (Reuters)

Mourinho downplays Klopp confrontation

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu sought to clarify the club&#39;s position on Lionel Messi&#39;s future on Saturday following a week of institutional upheaval by declaring that renewing the Argentine maestro&#39;s contract was &quot;indispensable&quot;.

&quot;We want Leo to stay here, we want him to renew with us and he&#39;s very important for the club and for Barca. We&#39;re working hard on it and when two people want the same thing there&#39;s always a happy ending,&quot; Bartomeu told Catalan network TV3.

Messi scored for the seventh game in a row as the champions thrashed Las Palmas 5-0 in La Liga on Saturday, barely 24 hours after the club demoted director Pere Gratacos for saying Messi would not be the player he is without his Barcelona teammates.

Earlier in the week, the club&#39;s CEO Oscar Grau had also generated intrigue about Messi&#39;s future by declaring Barca needed to use &quot;common sense&quot; when discussing a new contract for their all-time top scorer, whose current deal runs out in 2018.

&quot;I want to ease everyone&#39;s nerves,&quot; added Bartomeu. &quot;We&#39;ve been having conversations (with Messi) and it&#39;s only a matter of time. When there&#39;s any news we&#39;ll announce it, but we always conduct these matters with discretion.

&quot;I can&#39;t explain the details but we&#39;re speaking with his people. He&#39;s the best player in the world, we want him to stay here and so does he. He&#39;s very happy at Barcelona. It&#39;s an indispensable matter for us.&quot;

Bartomeu also explained that Gratacos had been removed from his role as Director of Institutional Relations but remained at the club, and said Grau&#39;s comments had been misinterpreted.

&quot;His words were taken out of context but we&#39;re used to that. Common sense says we have to renew Messi&#39;s (deal). He is the best player in the history of football, a leader and the best in the world. His importance cannot be questioned,&quot; he added.

Messi&#39;s strike partner and close friend Luis Suarez said there was no problem with the five-time World Player of the Year.

&quot;The media always make things into a soap opera and everything gets misinterpreted,&quot; noted the Uruguayan, who is the joint top scorer in La Liga along with Messi.

&quot;He wants to stay and the club knows what it has to do.&quot;

(Reuters)

'We want Leo to stay here, we want him to renew with us and he's very important for the club and for Barca,' Josep Maria Bartomeu said

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu sought to clarify the club's position on Lionel Messi's future on Saturday following a week of institutional upheaval by declaring that renewing the Argentine maestro's contract was "indispensable". "We want Leo to stay here, we want him to renew with us and he's very important for the club and for Barca. We're working hard on it and when two people want the same thing there's always a happy ending," Bartomeu told Catalan network TV3. Messi scored for the seventh game in a row as the champions thrashed Las Palmas 5-0 in La Liga on Saturday, barely 24 hours after the club demoted director Pere Gratacos for saying Messi would not be the player he is without his Barcelona teammates. Earlier in the week, the club's CEO Oscar Grau had also generated intrigue about Messi's future by declaring Barca needed to use "common sense" when discussing a new contract for their all-time top scorer, whose current deal runs out in 2018. "I want to ease everyone's nerves," added Bartomeu. "We've been having conversations (with Messi) and it's only a matter of time. When there's any news we'll announce it, but we always conduct these matters with discretion. "I can't explain the details but we're speaking with his people. He's the best player in the world, we want him to stay here and so does he. He's very happy at Barcelona. It's an indispensable matter for us." Bartomeu also explained that Gratacos had been removed from his role as Director of Institutional Relations but remained at the club, and said Grau's comments had been misinterpreted. "His words were taken out of context but we're used to that. Common sense says we have to renew Messi's (deal). He is the best player in the history of football, a leader and the best in the world. His importance cannot be questioned," he added. Messi's strike partner and close friend Luis Suarez said there was no problem with the five-time World Player of the Year. "The media always make things into a soap opera and everything gets misinterpreted," noted the Uruguayan, who is the joint top scorer in La Liga along with Messi. "He wants to stay and the club knows what it has to do." (Reuters)

Messi indispensable to Barcelona: Club president

Chelsea made light of Diego Costa&#39;s controversial absence as the Premier League leaders cruised to a 3-0 win at reigning champions Leicester City on Saturday.

Wing-back Marcos Alonso was their unlikely goal hero with a brace -- just his second and third goals for the club -- either side of half-time before fellow Spaniard Pedro Rodriguez completed the scoring.

That gave Antonio Conte&#39;s men a comfortable win despite the absence of leading scorer Costa amid widespread reports of a training-ground row with fitness coach Julio Tous.

The Brazil-born Spain striker is also thought to be the subject of interest from China, although Conte claimed before kick-off that his omission from the squad was down to a back injury.

Victory was Chelsea&#39;s 14th in 15 Premier League games and was the perfect response to their 2-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur, while for Leicester it was the 10th defeat of a sorry title defence.

Chelsea remain strong favourites to replace Claudio Ranieri&#39;s side as champions after extending their lead over second-placed Tottenham to seven points.

In the opening moments Leicester gave the visitors a scare when Ahmed Musa, fresh from two FA Cup goals at Everton last week, got the better of Cesar Azpilicueta in the Chelsea penalty area.

His cross-shot was parried by Thibaut Courtois in the Chelsea goal and Jamie Vardy could not bring the rebound under control.

Chelsea were furious moments later when Robert Huth escaped any punishment beyond a free-kick for grappling with Willian, who appeared to be caught in the face by the German&#39;s hand.

But the visitors were celebrating moments later when Alonso put them ahead.

Azpilicueta&#39;s cross was miscontrolled by a sliding Pedro, but Eden Hazard helped the ricochet on to Alonso, who beat goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel with a composed finish.

Despairing Schmeichel

Leicester deployed wing-backs in an effort to counteract Chelsea&#39;s successful 3-4-3 system and they combined in the 18th minute when Marc Albrighton crossed from the right for Ben Chilwell to head over.

Leicester struggled for the cohesion to break down a well-organised Chelsea side and the hosts resorted to a desperate long-range effort from league debutant Wilfred Ndidi, which flew well wide on 29 minutes.

Nine minutes before half-time, a curling cross-shot from Vardy for Leicester forced Courtois into a scrambling save

Chelsea preserved their lead comfortably to half-time and doubled it six minutes into the second half.

Leicester only half-cleared a free-kick from the right and Alonso collected the loose ball, set himself and let fly with a firm shot.

His effort deflected off first Wes Morgan and then Danny Drinkwater to wrong-foot Schmeichel, who got a despairing right hand to the ball but could not keep it out.

Alonso tried for an unlikely hat-trick on 65 minutes when he met a right-wing cross by Victor Moses with a fantastic volley that flew a couple of inches wide of Schmeichel&#39;s goal.

Leicester abandoned their experimental 3-5-2 system and reverted to their more usual back four, but their hopes of a comeback were killed off with 19 minutes remaining when Pedro added their third.

The goal owed much to the Spaniard&#39;s delightful flick to release Willian and a little to good fortune after Schmeichel&#39;s save at Willian&#39;s feet only diverted the ball back onto Pedro&#39;s head.

The winger made no mistake with a simple finish.

(AFP)

Victory was Chelsea's 14th in 15 Premier League games and was the perfect response to their 2-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur

Chelsea made light of Diego Costa's controversial absence as the Premier League leaders cruised to a 3-0 win at reigning champions Leicester City on Saturday. Wing-back Marcos Alonso was their unlikely goal hero with a brace -- just his second and third goals for the club -- either side of half-time before fellow Spaniard Pedro Rodriguez completed the scoring. That gave Antonio Conte's men a comfortable win despite the absence of leading scorer Costa amid widespread reports of a training-ground row with fitness coach Julio Tous. The Brazil-born Spain striker is also thought to be the subject of interest from China, although Conte claimed before kick-off that his omission from the squad was down to a back injury. Victory was Chelsea's 14th in 15 Premier League games and was the perfect response to their 2-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur, while for Leicester it was the 10th defeat of a sorry title defence. Chelsea remain strong favourites to replace Claudio Ranieri's side as champions after extending their lead over second-placed Tottenham to seven points. In the opening moments Leicester gave the visitors a scare when Ahmed Musa, fresh from two FA Cup goals at Everton last week, got the better of Cesar Azpilicueta in the Chelsea penalty area. His cross-shot was parried by Thibaut Courtois in the Chelsea goal and Jamie Vardy could not bring the rebound under control. Chelsea were furious moments later when Robert Huth escaped any punishment beyond a free-kick for grappling with Willian, who appeared to be caught in the face by the German's hand. But the visitors were celebrating moments later when Alonso put them ahead. Azpilicueta's cross was miscontrolled by a sliding Pedro, but Eden Hazard helped the ricochet on to Alonso, who beat goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel with a composed finish. Despairing Schmeichel Leicester deployed wing-backs in an effort to counteract Chelsea's successful 3-4-3 system and they combined in the 18th minute when Marc Albrighton crossed from the right for Ben Chilwell to head over. Leicester struggled for the cohesion to break down a well-organised Chelsea side and the hosts resorted to a desperate long-range effort from league debutant Wilfred Ndidi, which flew well wide on 29 minutes. Nine minutes before half-time, a curling cross-shot from Vardy for Leicester forced Courtois into a scrambling save Chelsea preserved their lead comfortably to half-time and doubled it six minutes into the second half. Leicester only half-cleared a free-kick from the right and Alonso collected the loose ball, set himself and let fly with a firm shot. His effort deflected off first Wes Morgan and then Danny Drinkwater to wrong-foot Schmeichel, who got a despairing right hand to the ball but could not keep it out. Alonso tried for an unlikely hat-trick on 65 minutes when he met a right-wing cross by Victor Moses with a fantastic volley that flew a couple of inches wide of Schmeichel's goal. Leicester abandoned their experimental 3-5-2 system and reverted to their more usual back four, but their hopes of a comeback were killed off with 19 minutes remaining when Pedro added their third. The goal owed much to the Spaniard's delightful flick to release Willian and a little to good fortune after Schmeichel's save at Willian's feet only diverted the ball back onto Pedro's head. The winger made no mistake with a simple finish. (AFP)

Football: Chelsea win 3-0 against reigning Leicester City

If you follow the English Premier League, there comes a time every two years when top&nbsp;African players of every football&nbsp;club go missing for a few weeks in January.

That time has come again with players such as Liverpool&#39;s Sadio Mane and Arsenal&#39;s Mohamed Elneny leaving their clubs to play in Africa&#39;s biggest football tournament, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The 31st edition of the AFCON is being held from January&nbsp;14, 2017 to February&nbsp;5, 2017 in Gabon in equatorial Africa.

The tournament is held every two years and apart from the prize money on offer&mdash;<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37929355">$4 million</a> for the winner&mdash;and bragging rights, the winner also gets to compete in the <a href="http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/">FIFA Confederations Cup</a>.

The FIFA Confederations Cup is a tournament between the winners of&nbsp;continental football tournaments and will be held in Russia this year from June 17 to July 2.

This year&#39;s AFCON will be held across four cities in Gabon with the opening match to be held on January 14, 2017 between the hosts Gabon and Guinea-Bissau in the Stade de l&rsquo;Amiti&eacute; Sino in Libreville, Gabon&#39;s capital. The final will be held in the same stadium on February&nbsp;5, 2017.

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The 2017 Africa Cup of Nations will be held in four cities across Gabon. (WION)
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The tournament consists of 16 teams split into groups of four, with each team playing the other&nbsp;once. The top two from each group progress&nbsp;into the quarterfinals after which&nbsp;the AFCON becomes a knock-out tournament.

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Group B is seen as the &#39;Group of Death&#39; at AFCON 2017. (WION)
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Every football tournament usually has a &quot;Group of death&quot; from which teams find it extremely difficult to get out of. In this tournament, Group B gets the dreaded moniker as&nbsp;three of Africa&#39;s top five countries in the <a href="http://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/ranking-table/men/caf.html">FIFA world rankings</a>&mdash;Senegal, Tunisia and Algeria&mdash;have been thrown together.

Group D with <a href="http://rsssf.com/tablesa/afrchamp.html">seven-time</a> AFCON winner Egypt,&nbsp;four-time AFCON winner Ghana and&nbsp;potential spoilsport&nbsp;Mali is likely to be another tough group.

So, who are the favourites? The British bookmakers <a href="http://sports.williamhill.com/bet/en-gb/betting/e/10431613/Africa%20Cup%20of%20Nations%20-%20Winner.html">William Hill</a> have defending champions Ivory Coast as favourites with&nbsp;decimal odds of 4.5 and&nbsp;Senegal 2nd-favourite at 5.5.

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Bookmakers have Ivory Coast as the odds-on favourite to win AFCON 2017. (WION)
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The tournament won&#39;t be short of superstars either. The host country Gabon has probably the best player&nbsp;at the tournament in 27-year-old Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (top). He is in&nbsp;top form for his club Borussia Dortmund in the German Bundesliga this season with 16 goals already in 16 matches!

Another player to look forward to is Riyad Mahrez from Algeria, who was the star player for Leicester City as it won the 2015-16 English Premier League. In fact, his interplay with fellow club-mate Islam Slimani and Yacine Brahimi of Portugese club Porto should make Algeria the most attractive team to watch at the tournament, and the neutral&#39;s favourite.

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Islam Slimani (left) and Riyad Mahrez (right) could make Algeria one of the most exciting teams to watch at the tournament. (AFP)
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Graphics designed by Sunitha Shekhar.

Africa's biggest football tournament begins this Saturday

If you follow the English Premier League, there comes a time every two years when top African players of every football club go missing for a few weeks in January. That time has come again with players such as Liverpool's Sadio Mane and Arsenal's Mohamed Elneny leaving their clubs to play in Africa's biggest football tournament, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The 31st edition of the AFCON is being held from January 14, 2017 to February 5, 2017 in Gabon in equatorial Africa. The tournament is held every two years and apart from the prize money on offer—$4 million for the winner—and bragging rights, the winner also gets to compete in the FIFA Confederations Cup. The FIFA Confederations Cup is a tournament between the winners of continental football tournaments and will be held in Russia this year from June 17 to July 2. This year's AFCON will be held across four cities in Gabon with the opening match to be held on January 14, 2017 between the hosts Gabon and Guinea-Bissau in the Stade de l’Amitié Sino in Libreville, Gabon's capital. The final will be held in the same stadium on February 5, 2017. The 2017 Africa Cup of Nations will be held in four cities across Gabon. (WION) × The tournament consists of 16 teams split into groups of four, with each team playing the other once. The top two from each group progress into the quarterfinals after which the AFCON becomes a knock-out tournament. Group B is seen as the 'Group of Death' at AFCON 2017. (WION) × Every football tournament usually has a "Group of death" from which teams find it extremely difficult to get out of. In this tournament, Group B gets the dreaded moniker as three of Africa's top five countries in the FIFA world rankings—Senegal, Tunisia and Algeria—have been thrown together. Group D with seven-time AFCON winner Egypt, four-time AFCON winner Ghana and potential spoilsport Mali is likely to be another tough group. So, who are the favourites? The British bookmakers William Hill have defending champions Ivory Coast as favourites with decimal odds of 4.5 and Senegal 2nd-favourite at 5.5. Bookmakers have Ivory Coast as the odds-on favourite to win AFCON 2017. (WION) × The tournament won't be short of superstars either. The host country Gabon has probably the best player at the tournament in 27-year-old Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (top). He is in top form for his club Borussia Dortmund in the German Bundesliga this season with 16 goals already in 16 matches! Another player to look forward to is Riyad Mahrez from Algeria, who was the star player for Leicester City as it won the 2015-16 English Premier League. In fact, his interplay with fellow club-mate Islam Slimani and Yacine Brahimi of Portugese club Porto should make Algeria the most attractive team to watch at the tournament, and the neutral's favourite. Islam Slimani (left) and Riyad Mahrez (right) could make Algeria one of the most exciting teams to watch at the tournament. (AFP) × Graphics designed by Sunitha Shekhar.

Africa Cup of Nations set to kick off in Gabon

Argentina finished 2016 out in front of arch rivals Brazil to inherit the &#39;team of the year&#39; title from Belgium, displaced from the FIFA summit by the Edgardo Bauza-coached Albiceleste in April.

Meanwhile, India jumped 42 places in less than two years to record their best ever ranking -- 129 -- in the last decade.

2016 was a productive year for the Indian football team as they won nine of their last 11 international matches.

A win against Peurto Rico, a side ranked 114th, in a friendly international in Mumbai in September was the highlight of the year.

National coach Stephen Constantine said it was a &quot;total team effort&quot; that India achieved their best ever ranking since December 2005, which was 127.

&quot;I think we have had a really good couple of years during my time and while results have been mixed, we have achieved what we said we would. Our ranking is at its highest since 2005 which is obviously great for Indian football. There is, however, a very long way to go where I intend to take Indian football to, but I can say that we have begun our journey,&quot; said Constantine.

India were ranked 171 when Constantine took over as national coach for the second time in February 2015 and slipped further to 173 in March 2015 in the FIFA ladder even before Constantine could have his first game in-charge against Nepal, which India eventually won 2-0 on aggregate.

The year-end of 2016 saw the Indian team jump to 135 in the world making it their six-year highest annual ranking since 2009.

FIFA top 10 rankings on Thursday:

1. Argentina

2. Brazil

3. Germany

4. Chile

5. Belgium

6. Colombia

7. France

8. Portugal

9. Uruguay

10. Spain

Selected:

13. England

16. Italy

(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

South America had five representatives in the top 10, while Euro champions Portugal were placed eighth

Argentina finished 2016 out in front of arch rivals Brazil to inherit the 'team of the year' title from Belgium, displaced from the FIFA summit by the Edgardo Bauza-coached Albiceleste in April. Meanwhile, India jumped 42 places in less than two years to record their best ever ranking -- 129 -- in the last decade. 2016 was a productive year for the Indian football team as they won nine of their last 11 international matches. A win against Peurto Rico, a side ranked 114th, in a friendly international in Mumbai in September was the highlight of the year. National coach Stephen Constantine said it was a "total team effort" that India achieved their best ever ranking since December 2005, which was 127. "I think we have had a really good couple of years during my time and while results have been mixed, we have achieved what we said we would. Our ranking is at its highest since 2005 which is obviously great for Indian football. There is, however, a very long way to go where I intend to take Indian football to, but I can say that we have begun our journey," said Constantine. India were ranked 171 when Constantine took over as national coach for the second time in February 2015 and slipped further to 173 in March 2015 in the FIFA ladder even before Constantine could have his first game in-charge against Nepal, which India eventually won 2-0 on aggregate. The year-end of 2016 saw the Indian team jump to 135 in the world making it their six-year highest annual ranking since 2009. FIFA top 10 rankings on Thursday: 1. Argentina 2. Brazil 3. Germany 4. Chile 5. Belgium 6. Colombia 7. France 8. Portugal 9. Uruguay 10. Spain Selected: 13. England 16. Italy (WION with inputs from agencies)

FIFA rankings: Argentina retain top spot, India's rank highest in a decade

Former England captain Sol Campbell, football analyst Novy Kapadia and Indian football skipper Sunil Chhetri join WION to discuss FIFA's move to expand World Cup 2026 to 48 teams

WION Sports: FIFA World Cup expansion divides world football

FIFA&#39;s ruling council on Tuesday unanimously approved an expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams in 2026, with a format of 16 groups of three nations.&nbsp;

&quot;The FIFA Council unanimously decided on a 48-team #WorldCup as of 2026: 16 groups of 3 teams,&quot; a tweet from FIFA&#39;s official account said.

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The FIFA Council unanimously decided on a 48-team <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash">#WorldCup</a> as of 2026: 
16 groups of 3 teams. Details to follow after the meeting.
&mdash; FIFA Media (@fifamedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/fifamedia/status/818753191449948160">January 10, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The decision marks a major coup for the body&#39;s president Gianni Infantino who has made enlarging football&#39;s showcase event the centrepiece of his young administration.&nbsp;

The controversial proposal has faced criticism from some of the sport&#39;s most powerful voices, including warnings that it would dilute the quality of play and overburden already exhausted players. &nbsp;

But Infantino had in recent weeks voiced confidence that his flagship project would be approved.

While noting that a bigger tournament would bring in more money, the FIFA chief has also argued that more World Cup berths would help drive football&#39;s global growth.&nbsp;

Africa and Asia could be the big winners in a larger format with a rise in their number of places, currently at 5 and 4.5 respectively.&nbsp;

But in order to smooth over scepticism about World Cup reform within UEFA, it is likely that Europe will also see its allotments rise above the current 13 places.&nbsp;

(AFP)

The controversial proposal has faced warnings that it would dilute the quality of play and overburn already exhausted players

FIFA's ruling council on Tuesday unanimously approved an expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams in 2026, with a format of 16 groups of three nations. "The FIFA Council unanimously decided on a 48-team #WorldCup as of 2026: 16 groups of 3 teams," a tweet from FIFA's official account said. The FIFA Council unanimously decided on a 48-team #WorldCup as of 2026: 16 groups of 3 teams. Details to follow after the meeting. — FIFA Media (@fifamedia) January 10, 2017 × The decision marks a major coup for the body's president Gianni Infantino who has made enlarging football's showcase event the centrepiece of his young administration. The controversial proposal has faced criticism from some of the sport's most powerful voices, including warnings that it would dilute the quality of play and overburden already exhausted players. But Infantino had in recent weeks voiced confidence that his flagship project would be approved. While noting that a bigger tournament would bring in more money, the FIFA chief has also argued that more World Cup berths would help drive football's global growth. Africa and Asia could be the big winners in a larger format with a rise in their number of places, currently at 5 and 4.5 respectively. But in order to smooth over scepticism about World Cup reform within UEFA, it is likely that Europe will also see its allotments rise above the current 13 places. (AFP)

Football: FIFA approves 48 teams for World Cup 2026

&nbsp;

Portugal&#39;s star player Cristiano Ronaldo won FIFA&#39;s player of the year award for the fourth time, beating his old rival Argentinia&#39;s Lionel Messi. Italian Claudio Ranieri won the coach of the year award for leading rank outsiders Leicester City to the English Premier League title.

Ronaldo was rewarded for his performance in 2016 when he won the Champions League with his club Real Madrid and then Euro 2016 with Portugal. Five-times winner and four-times runner-up Messi was second and Frenchman Antoine Griezmann third.

&quot;I don`t have much more to say, I think the awards speak for themselves,&quot; he added. &quot;I&#39;m very happy and I can say that 2016 was the best year of my career, the trophy shows that people aren&#39;t blind and watch the games.&quot;

FIFA, which organised the award jointly with France Football magazine from 2010 to 2015 when it was named the Ballon d&#39;Or, rebranded it as &quot;The Best&quot; this year after splitting with the French publication. France Football continued with its own award which was also won by Ronaldo last month.

The ceremony, previously held at the Kongresshaus theatre in central Zurich, this year took place in the much more modest setting of a television studio on an industrial estate near the airport. Ronaldo previously won in 2008, 2013, 2014 with Messi second on each occasion. Messi won from 2009-12 and then again in 2015 with Ronaldo second on every occasion except in 2010 when Andres Iniesta was runner-up. Ranieri said he was &quot;crazy&quot; after winning the coach`s award ahead of Fernando Santos, who led Portugal to the Euro 2016 title.

&quot;I am crazy now,&quot; he said. &quot;What happened last season in England was something strange. The football gods said Leicester must win.&quot; Colombian side Atletico Nacional were given the Fair Play Award for conceding to Copa Sudamericana title to Brazilian side Chapecoense, whose team was decimated when a plane taking to the final crashed, killing 71 people.

&quot;We did nothing more than what we had to do....handing them this trophy as a gesture of hope,&quot; said club president Juan Carlos de La Cuesta.

American Carli Lloyd won the women&#39;s player of the year award for the second year in a row.&nbsp; Mohd Faiz Subri, of Malaysian Super League side Penang, won the goal of the year award for a 35-metre free kick in which the ball dipped and swung in a bewildering fashion to leave the goalkeeper stranded.

(Reuters)

Cristiano Ronaldo won the award for the fourth time, beating his old rival Lionel Messi

Portugal's star player Cristiano Ronaldo won FIFA's player of the year award for the fourth time, beating his old rival Argentinia's Lionel Messi. Italian Claudio Ranieri won the coach of the year award for leading rank outsiders Leicester City to the English Premier League title. Ronaldo was rewarded for his performance in 2016 when he won the Champions League with his club Real Madrid and then Euro 2016 with Portugal. Five-times winner and four-times runner-up Messi was second and Frenchman Antoine Griezmann third. "I don`t have much more to say, I think the awards speak for themselves," he added. "I'm very happy and I can say that 2016 was the best year of my career, the trophy shows that people aren't blind and watch the games." FIFA, which organised the award jointly with France Football magazine from 2010 to 2015 when it was named the Ballon d'Or, rebranded it as "The Best" this year after splitting with the French publication. France Football continued with its own award which was also won by Ronaldo last month. The ceremony, previously held at the Kongresshaus theatre in central Zurich, this year took place in the much more modest setting of a television studio on an industrial estate near the airport. Ronaldo previously won in 2008, 2013, 2014 with Messi second on each occasion. Messi won from 2009-12 and then again in 2015 with Ronaldo second on every occasion except in 2010 when Andres Iniesta was runner-up. Ranieri said he was "crazy" after winning the coach`s award ahead of Fernando Santos, who led Portugal to the Euro 2016 title. "I am crazy now," he said. "What happened last season in England was something strange. The football gods said Leicester must win." Colombian side Atletico Nacional were given the Fair Play Award for conceding to Copa Sudamericana title to Brazilian side Chapecoense, whose team was decimated when a plane taking to the final crashed, killing 71 people. "We did nothing more than what we had to do....handing them this trophy as a gesture of hope," said club president Juan Carlos de La Cuesta. American Carli Lloyd won the women's player of the year award for the second year in a row. Mohd Faiz Subri, of Malaysian Super League side Penang, won the goal of the year award for a 35-metre free kick in which the ball dipped and swung in a bewildering fashion to leave the goalkeeper stranded. (Reuters)

Ronaldo wins FIFA's player of the year award

FIFA&#39;s ruling council today unanimously approved an expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams in 2026, in a major coup for the body&#39;s president Gianni Infantino.

In a bid to widen the game&#39;s global appeal and enrich its coffers, the FIFA panel endorsed a format with 16 groups of three nations, a tweet from FIFA&#39;s official account said.

The move represents the first major change to the World Cup format since the tournament was boosted from 24 to 32 teams for the 1998 tournament in France.

Infantino took charge of scandal-tainted FIFA 11 months ago with a vow to repair the damage done at the end of Sepp Blatter&#39;s tenure by growing football across the globe.

Enlarging the World Cup, the planet&#39;s top sporting competition, was the centrepiece of that plan.

The controversial proposal faced tough criticism in some of football&#39;s key camps, including warnings that it would dilute the quality of play and overburden already exhausted players.

But Infantino had in recent weeks voiced confidence that his flagship project would be approved.

The FIFA chief has noted that a bigger tournament would beef up FIFA&#39;s coffers.

And a confidential FIFA report seen by AFP projects a 48-team tournament would bring a cash boost of $640 million (605 million euros) above projected revenues for next year&#39;s finals in Russia.

But Infantino has also argued that more World Cup berths would help serve football&#39;s interest by boosting &quot;inclusion&quot; in the &quot;biggest social and sporting event&quot;. 
Among those who seemed convinced by that argument was Argentine football legend Diego Maradona, who on Monday said a 48-team format &quot;will give more possibilities to countries that have never reached that level of competition&quot;.

Africa and Asia could be the big winners with a rise in their number of places &mdash; currently at five for Africa and between four and five for Asia. 
 
But in order to smooth over scepticism about World Cup reform within UEFA, it is likely that Europe will also see its allotments rise above the current 13 places. 
A source close to FIFA told AFP that under the new format Europe could get 16 places, with Africa earning nine.

But that information remained unconfirmed and world football&#39;s governing body was not expected to immediately announce its final decision on allotments, which may fuel a tough debate in the months ahead.&nbsp;

(AFP)

The move represents the first major change to the World Cup format since the tournament was boosted from 24 to 32 teams in 1998

FIFA's ruling council today unanimously approved an expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams in 2026, in a major coup for the body's president Gianni Infantino. In a bid to widen the game's global appeal and enrich its coffers, the FIFA panel endorsed a format with 16 groups of three nations, a tweet from FIFA's official account said. The move represents the first major change to the World Cup format since the tournament was boosted from 24 to 32 teams for the 1998 tournament in France. Infantino took charge of scandal-tainted FIFA 11 months ago with a vow to repair the damage done at the end of Sepp Blatter's tenure by growing football across the globe. Enlarging the World Cup, the planet's top sporting competition, was the centrepiece of that plan. The controversial proposal faced tough criticism in some of football's key camps, including warnings that it would dilute the quality of play and overburden already exhausted players. But Infantino had in recent weeks voiced confidence that his flagship project would be approved. The FIFA chief has noted that a bigger tournament would beef up FIFA's coffers. And a confidential FIFA report seen by AFP projects a 48-team tournament would bring a cash boost of $640 million (605 million euros) above projected revenues for next year's finals in Russia. But Infantino has also argued that more World Cup berths would help serve football's interest by boosting "inclusion" in the "biggest social and sporting event". Among those who seemed convinced by that argument was Argentine football legend Diego Maradona, who on Monday said a 48-team format "will give more possibilities to countries that have never reached that level of competition". Africa and Asia could be the big winners with a rise in their number of places — currently at five for Africa and between four and five for Asia. But in order to smooth over scepticism about World Cup reform within UEFA, it is likely that Europe will also see its allotments rise above the current 13 places. A source close to FIFA told AFP that under the new format Europe could get 16 places, with Africa earning nine. But that information remained unconfirmed and world football's governing body was not expected to immediately announce its final decision on allotments, which may fuel a tough debate in the months ahead. (AFP)

FIFA approves 48-team World Cup for 2026

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