Referees in French football's top division are set to be backed up by video technology from next season, it was announced today.

What it says online and in the papers.

Karim Benzema has won a partial victory in his fight against a charge of conspiracy to blackmail former France team-mate Mathieu Valbuena.

Two England football fans are reportedly in a critical condition in hospital after a third day of violent bloody clashes on the streets of Marseille.

Coach Didier Deschamps has not ruled out handing Thierry Henry one last taste of international football with France.

Marseille president Jean-Claude Dassier has revealed Liverpool have contacted him about Didier Deschamps, but he has told them they have no chance of tempting the Ligue 1 winning coach away from Stade Velodrome.

Uncertainty still surrounds Togo's plans for the African Nations Cup following Friday's armed attack on the team bus, but opening opponents Ghana have confirmed they plan to remain at the competition.

Robin van Persie's surgery on his right ankle was successful, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed.

Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has ridiculed calls for the second leg of France’s World Cup play-off against the Republic of Ireland to be replayed by offering a rematch on his Playstation.

Franck Ribery has confirmed he wants to leave Bayern Munich and join Real Madrid.

Patrice Clerc, president of the Dakar Rally organising body Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), has confirmed the 2009 race will take place in South America.

Alexandre Vinokourov has protested his innocence over claims he received a blood transfusion, although he will not attempt to regain his place in the Tour de France.

France striker Nicolas Anelka claims he has no plans to leave Bolton, but admits he "could not say no" to an offer from Manchester United.

Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier is close to leaving six-times French champions Lyon, according to reports.

THE French press have unanimously endorsed Munster’s Heineken Cup credentials following their crushing semi-final victory over Leinster at Lansdowne Road on Sunday.

CYCLING’S world ruling body has appointed an independent expert to investigate damaging allegations of doping against seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong.

Scott Dougal

Munster and Ireland outhalf Ronan O’Gara has been named in an international team of the year as selected by French sports newspaper, L’Equipe.

DAVID MILLAR’S troubled season took a turn for the worse just days before the start of the Tour de France when it emerged that the British cycling world champion had been detained by the French police as part of a drugs investigation.

According to French publication, L'Equipe, the draw for the pools in the 2007 Rugby World Cup will be done in Dublin on May 12, 2004.

Sylvain Wiltord is still locked in contract talks with Arsenal but now admits he is considering a move in the summer.

Sylvain Wiltord claims he will extend his stay at Arsenal if the club come up with the right offer.

THE US Postal team are confident they will deliver a gift-wrapped fifth victory for their leader Lance Armstrong in the centenary-year running of the Tour de France which gets underway today.

COMPARISONS with greatness are second nature to Stade Toulousain. After all, they have been winning since their formation as a club in 1907 with great teams forged from each generation.

AN African tribal tattoo on Mike Tyson's face may have put an end to his boxing career and that of world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis.