A warning has been issued for soccer fans intending to travel to the World Cup to avoid unscrupulous outlets parading themselves as authorised travel agents.

Frankfurt: Adidas, the world’s second largest sporting goods maker, jumped in Frankfurt trading after reporting a surge in profit on soccer’s World Cup.

A Women’s World Cup on Irish soil in 2017 has every chance of success and boosting the bid for the men’s 2023 event, IRFU chief executive Philip Browne has said, after submitting a bid to host the tournament in two years.

Japan have confirmed they will rival England, South Africa and Italy for the right to host the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

The 2003 World Cup will not be moved to the United Kingdom after the International Rugby Board confirmed Australia are still set to co-host the tournament along with New Zealand.

WHILE the Euro 2012 trail is looking decidedly warm at the moment, the World Cup qualifier path just took a turn for the worse.

France will have to get past Ukraine if they are to make it to the World Cup finals in Brazil next year.

Ulster could have to face up to losing Springbok tight-head BJ Botha to the lure of the 2011 World Cup at the end of this season.

Wayne Rooney has been handed a two-match ban by FIFA for stamping on Ricardo Carvalho in England’s World Cup quarter-final defeat by Portugal.

Police in South Korea have launched an investigation after a man posing as a British journalist was given World Cup press accreditation.

The Football Association of Ireland has announced that it will commission an independent review of its preparations for the World Cup once the competition is over.

The silver gilt cup was made in 1906, a copy of an 18th century original, and was stored in a vault at London jewellers Garrard’s until it was chosen as the trophy for the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987.

South Africa have beaten Namibia in an 87-0 Rugby World Cup win.

England have confirmed a World Cup quarter-final place with a 35-22 Pool C win over Samoa.

Italy and Mexico have finished their World Cup Group G qualifier 1-1 today.

Ecuador have beaten Croatia 1-0 in the World Cup Group G match at Yokohama.

Germany and Paraguay have kicked off the second half of their World Cup Second Round match.

Germany and Paraguay are still scoreless at half-time in their second round World Cup match.

Ireland have scored in the opening 10 minutes of their World Cup Qualifier against Estonia.

Fifa’s controversial choice of Qatar for the 2022 World Cup has sparked further uproar after a task force recommended playing the tournament in winter with the final being played close to Christmas.