WALES coach Warren Gatland is unlikely to face an International Rugby Board (IRB) investigation following his controversial comments about faking injury.

Zinedine Zidane has claimed a “mysterious voice” persuaded him to come out of international retirement and join up with the France team for the remainder of their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Sven-Goran Eriksson’s right hand man Tord Grip is hoping the England coach’s reported affair with TV star Ulrika Jonsson will be ‘‘forgotten’’ by the time the World Cup starts.

England’s World Cup-winning captain Martin Johnson has agreed to extend his playing career by another year, according to Leicester Tigers chairman Peter Tom.

Brazil brought typical colour to an unorthodox trophy-giving ceremony after beating Germany 2-0 in the World Cup final in Yokohama.

Brazil’s day has finally arrived as the World Cup kicks off.

The 2002 World Cup in Korea and Japan burst into life with a stunning opening extravaganza encompassing the old and the new, as befits a traditional nation which has helped inspire a technological revolution across the globe.

Here’s a briefing on some of the stories and issues highlighted on irishexaminer.com today.

Ireland's hopes of qualifying for the World Cup Sevens Plate competition were dashed when they were beaten 28-5 by Russia in their final match to finish fifth in Group A.

DIEGO MARADONA rose from the slums of Buenos Aires to find fame on the football pitch — reaching meteoric heights with his “Hand of God” goal against England in the summer of 1986.

Referees in Premier League matches next season will use the vanishing spray that came to prominence in the recent World Cup in Brazil, it has been announced.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has said England captain Steven Gerrard will ponder his international future after this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

New Zealand will have a new captain for the World Cup after Benji Marshall was sensationally axed from the role by coach Stephen Kearney today.

Wales have suffered another major pre-World Cup injury blow with prop Rhodri Jones set to miss the tournament.

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque is hoping Fernando Torres can have a run-out during Tuesday’s final World Cup warm-up match against Poland.

FIFA’s ethics committee will today announce their decision on two executive members accused of asking for money in exchange for World Cup votes.

FIFA have rejected a request from France to call up a new goalkeeper after Cedric Carrasso suffered a thigh muscle injury in training on Monday.

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres says he wants to know what is really happening at the club before committing his future to the Reds.