A classical music composer with tattoos on 90% of his body is a shock contender to be president of the Czech Republic.

He’s been nicknamed the flying piano man.

German airline Lufthansa said today that profits jumped 30% in the third quarter despite a strike and higher fuel prices.

Franz Beckenbauer has explained why he has decided to step down from FIFA’s Executive Committee next year, saying he does not want to miss out on seeing his children grow up.

FRANZ BECKENBAUER has predicted a place in the semi-finals for Germany at the World Cup, but warned them at the same time not to underestimate their opening opponents Australia.

WAYNE ROONEY’S brilliant form this season could lead England all the way to victory in the World Cup final in July, according to Franz Beckenbauer.

A FORTY-YEAR-OLD South African man who was yesterday given a seven-year jail sentence for having more than €134,000 worth of cannabis for sale or supply, still protested his innocence, the Circuit Criminal Court was told in Tralee, Co Kerry.

Scott Speed has ripped into his bosses at Toro Rosso, claiming they “are pushing like hell” to get rid of him and team-mate Vitantonio Liuzzi.

British bands Oasis and Franz Ferdinand are set to join Ian Brown at the Bangkok 100 Festival in the Thai capital next year.

Red Bull have confirmed that Franz Tost will become the new team principal of Squadra Toro Rosso.

Germany’s highest administrative court has upheld claims to real estate in Berlin by heirs of a Jewish family who lost their department store fortune under the Nazis.

Scottish rockers Franz Ferdinand have set their sights on landing the coveted Christmas number one spot on the UK singles chart later this year.

Franz Ferdinand frontman Alex Kapranos dodged death after eating a dessert containing traces of peanut as he has a dangerous allergy to nuts.

Rapper Snoop Dogg has said he’d like to collaborate with Franz Ferdinand - and the Scottish band’s singer Alex Kapranos has accepted the invitation to join him in the studio.

NYPD Blue ended its 12-year run on US TV last night with Detective Andy Sipowicz making a tough but morally correct decision that put his new job as commander in jeopardy.

Franz Ferdinand, Jamelia, and Robbie Williams were among a clutch of British stars nominated for the MTV Europe Music Awards today.

Scottish art-rockers Franz Ferdinand tonight scooped the prestigious Mercury music prize with their debut album.

A NINE-YEAR-OLD girl was orphaned yesterday when her father was killed in a traffic accident just 18 months after her mother died in a crash.

CRH may bid for French building supplies firm Franz Bonhomme, following yesterday's disclosure the group had walked away from a bid for Egyptian-based Misr Beni Suef Cement (MBSC), a cement manufacturer.

LAVISH off-season spending will not automatically bring Bayern Munich the Bundesliga title this year, says coach Ottmar Hitzfeld.

Rudi Voller knows his Germany team must win the World Cup if he is to silence Franz Beckenbauer's constant criticism of the current squad.