France midfielder Abou Diaby – who had been troubled by a calf injury has pulled out of the second leg of France’s World Cup play-off against the Republic of Ireland, it was confirmed today.

Ireland hope to discover today whether they will be allowed to replay their World Cup clash with France.

Thierry Henry has sent a tweet to his Twitter page saying simply: "I'm not the referee... but if I hurt someone I'm sorry", in an apparent reference to last night's handball preceding France's winning goal that sent Les Bleus into the World Cup.

Football officials today denied reports that North Korean labourers were working on football stadiums across South Africa in preparation for the World Cup.

Republic of Ireland winger Aiden McGeady has been ruled out of tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier in Italy.

Robin van Persie has pulled out of the Holland squad for tomorrow night’s World Cup qualifier against FYR Macedonia through injury.

Martin Johnson has been appointed England team manager.

France full-back Willy Sagnol has hit back at criticism that World Cup finalists France and Italy have built their success on defensive football.

England striker Wayne Rooney has been carried off on a stretcher during Manchester United’s clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge – just 41 days before the World Cup.

Former New Zealand coach Sir Brian Lochore has stepped down from his role as an All Blacks selector.

Auckland 0 Al Ahly 2

Northern Ireland striker David Healy looks likely to be fit to face England for Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier at Windsor Park – despite sitting out part of a training session.

Discreet Cat is reported to be “fit and ready” for his eagerly-awaited comeback on Thursday.

Manchester United captain Roy Keane has joined up with the Irish squad ahead of this Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Switzerland.

Northern Ireland defenders Chris Baird and Mark Clyde have been ruled out of the World Cup qualifier against Austria tonight at Windsor Park because of ankle injuries.

All Blacks lock Ali Williams has a broken bone in his foot but has not been ruled out of next month's Rugby Union World Cup.

England World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson will miss the forthcoming RBS 6 Nations Championship.

Singapore international airport officials have seized a submachine gun and ammunition from a bodyguard travelling with Colonel Gaddafi's son.

Nico Van Kerckhoven injured his left leg during training and joins fellow defender Glen De Boeck as a doubtful starter for Belgium's World Cup match against Japan.