Didier Drogba has announced his retirement from international football with the Ivory Coast.

Real Madrid have agreed a deal to sign World Cup Golden Boot winner James Rodriguez from Monaco, the European champions have announced.

Police in Iran have arrested two people who appeared in an online video of young people singing and dancing in support of the country’s World Cup football team, the official IRNA news agency said.

Brazilian World Cup winner Ronaldinho has retired from football, his brother and agent has confirmed.

The 23-year-old Barcelona forward, who has scored 46 goals for his country, was given a four-match ban at the Copa America in June.

Delon Armitage’s Rugby World Cup future is in doubt after he was cited for a “dangerous high tackle” on Scotland’s Chris Paterson.

Denis Lynch has sealed Ireland's first win at this weekend's World Cup show in Zurich, in tonight's speed class.

Argentina FA president Julio Grondona says Diego Maradona is the one to decide if he continues as Argentina national team boss.

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has advised Michael Ballack to shelve plans to make a comeback to the Germany national team after the World Cup.

Laurent Blanc is set to succeed Raymond Domenech as France coach after the World Cup, having confirmed his departure from Bordeaux today.

The Republic of Ireland will face World Cup semi-finalists Uruguay in a friendly in March next year, it was confirmed today.

Ireland’s first home game since the World Cup looked set to be undermined by the weather after morning rain in Belfast forced umpires to delay the start of play.

Manager Steve Bruce has admitted that Sunderland must be creative and adventurous in identifying transfer targets this summer, because of the inflated prices for British and European players.

Coach Phil Simmons has implemented an alcohol ban on his Ireland players as they prepare for their one-day international with Bangladesh in Mirpur tomorrow.

Wayne Rooney is “match fit” but Sven-Goran Eriksson has yet to decide if he could play against Trinidad and Tobago tomorrow.

Michael Ballack suffered an injury scare ahead of the World Cup when he twisted his left ankle in Germany´s 12-0 practice match win over the youth side of Geneva-based club Servette.

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw expects to sign a new contract with the New Zealand and Canterbury unions before the end of the World Cup.

Eddie O’Sullivan has reacted to his side’s dire 14-10 victory over Georgia by making three changes for the pivotal World Cup clash with France.

Dermot Weld admitted he is “facing a race against time” to get Grey Swallow to the Dubai World Cup.

English rugby fans will have a chance to welcome home their World Cup heroes in a match at Twickenham before Christmas.