AFP News

Former UEFA president Michel Platini told AFP on Saturday he hoped FIFA would have "the decency" to lift his ban over a 1.8-million-euro payment from the world footballing body.

Given his remarkable success in 17 years as the world`s most fascinating and polarising manager, it`s understandable Mourinho labels the League Cup as only a "little detail" on a glittering CV

Mauricio Pochettino`s side have seen their Premier League title hopes fade in recent weeks and were hit by another blow on Thursday when their failure to beat Gent at Wembley ended their hopes of success in the Europa League.

Europe will send a tiny lander on a scorching, supersonic tumble to Mars on Wednesday and place a gas-sniffing probe in orbit around the Red Planet in a daring quest with Russia for extraterrestrial life.

US President Barack Obama extended condolences Thursday to Thailand for the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, calling him a "close friend" and partner of the United States.

The UN General Assembly on Thursday formally appointed Antonio Guterres as the new secretary-general of the United Nations, replacing Ban Ki-moon. The 193 member states adopted by acclamation a resolution appointing the former prime minister of Portugal for a five-year term beginning January 1.

 Thailand`s King Bhumibol Adulyadej has died at the age of 88 after a long illness, the palace announced Thursday, ending a remarkable seven-decade reign and leaving a divided people bereft of a towering and rare figure of unity.

Some 15 migrants were feared drowned Thursday after a high-seas rescue off the coast of Libya in which several ships pulled 100 people to safety from a sinking dinghy.

China`s President Xi Jinping arrived in Cambodia Thursday for a state visit to one of its staunchest regional allies, with ties flourishing after the kingdom supported Beijing in a maritime dispute.

Novak Djokovic downed Gael Monfils 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 to reach a seventh US Open final Friday after a semi-final which featured booing, ripped shirts, cans of cola and thrilling shifts of momentum.

Louis Armstrong`s moving `What a Wonderful World` serenaded fans Tuesday as the US Open bid farewell to the stadium named after the legendary jazz trumpeter before it confronts the wrecking ball next week.

Javier Mascherano has joined the queue to the Camp Nou treatment room with champions Barcelona hit by a spate of injuries before they begin the new season in La Liga against Betis on Saturday.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte will pit his wits against a familiar face on Saturday as his side travel to face a Watford side coached by fellow Italian Walter Mazzarri.

Following opening-day defeats, champions Leicester City and Arsenal, last season`s Premier League top two, will be desperate to get their campaigns in gear at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.

Stand-in South Africa Test captain Faf du Plessis admitted Thursday that his team had been "scarred" by their mauling on spin-friendly pitches in India last year.Du Plessis, who has replaced injured AB de Villiers, said South Africa would be looking to make a fresh start in the first of two Tests against New Zealand, starting at Kingsmead Friday.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho confirmed on Thursday that record signing Paul Pogba will make his second debut for the club in Friday`s Premier League home game with Southampton.

Five things you didn`t know about Joseph Schooling, who pulled off one of the biggest surprises in Olympic swimming history by beating Michael Phelps in his final individual race, winning 100m butterfly gold at Rio on Friday:

Katie Ledecky obliterated the field and her own world record in winning the 800m freestyle at the Rio Olympics on Friday, uniting the 200m, 400m and 800m titles for the first time since 1968.

Australian teen sensation Kyle Chalmers may have won a swimming gold medal in Rio, but his dad, a former Aussie Rules player, still sees a future for his son on the pitch.

Spanish Champions League hopefuls Villarreal have been rocked ahead of the start of the new season by the departure of coach Marcelino.