SHAY GIVEN jetted in from Newcastle to begin the search for a team to represent Ireland in the Danone Nations Cup World finals in September.

Ireland remain in 15th place in the latest FIFA World Rankings while Northern Ireland edge up two places to 112th.

Fatboy Slim and Paul Oakenfold are planning club tours to coincide with the World Cup.

Former Chelsea manager Ruud Gullit has said he would consider taking up the role as Australia coach when Pim Verbeek leaves the post after the World Cup finals in South Africa.

FIFA will not pursue any further investigations into the Lord Triesman scandal, the world governing body announced today.

Gerard Houllier is expected to turn down the chance to become involved with Australia’s 2006 World Cup campaign when he meets with the country’s soccer chiefs in Athens.

Six teenagers were struck by lightning and killed as they listened to radio commentary of a World Cup soccer match, officials in India said today.

Rangers midfielder Hamed Namouchi will be fit to play for Tunisia in the World Cup finals next month.

Mark Kennedy has withdrawn from the Ireland squad for the World Cup finals.

WorldCup.ie, the online World Cup 2002 news website, was the number one website for Irish football fans during the World Cup.

Italy coach Pierre Berbizier has issued a scathing attack on France counterpart Bernard Laporte just days before the two meet in the opening match of the RBS 6 Nations Championship in Rome on Saturday.

ENGLAND’S hopes of hosting the 2018 World Cup were dealt a blow yesterday after chairman for their bid David Triesman stood down from his post following allegations he accused the Spanish and Russian football federations of bribery.

A brand-new athletics World Cup will be held in London this summer.

Brazil captain Cafu’s record-breaking exploits may not have had the same publicity as Ronaldo’s but the 36-year-old skipper admits that collective success for the world champions is more important than individual landmarks.

An Irish bid to stage the 2023 Rugby World Cup is set to be officially unveiled.

Wales captain Sam Warburton has been banned for three weeks after he was sent off in yesterday’s World Cup semi-final defeat against France.

Former Australia captain Michael Lynagh believes Ireland are potential dark horses for next year’s World Cup.

Brazil is setting aside about $856m (€627m) and preparing 157,000 soldiers and police officers for the massive World Cup security operation.

Shinji Ono has been given the all clear to resume training for Japan's World Cup campaign.

Argentine striker Claudio Caniggia is expected to recover from a knee injury within days, ending fears that he could miss the World Cup finals in Japan and South Korea.