The Football Association will “plan strategically” in organising England’s friendlies between now and next summer’s World Cup, according to chief executive Brian Barwick.

FIFA have ordered Turkey to play their next six competitive matches behind closed doors and on neutral ground as punishment for the violence which marred their World Cup play-off against Switzerland.

Former Real Madrid midfielder Zinedine Zidane has been approached to play in the Sydney FC side which will take on the Los Angeles Galaxy, according to reports.

Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez has been hit by a raft of withdrawals ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan in Baku on Saturday.

Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez recalled Damien Johnson and Stuart Elliott for the World Cup qualifier against England at Old Trafford.

Milan Baros’ agent has revealed the Czech striker has a clause in his contract which allows him to leave the club this summer.

There have been more calls for Marcelo Loffreda to resign after Argentina failed to reach the quarter-finals of the rugby World Cup.

Scotland international Gregor Townsend is set for an anxious wait on his fitness after suffering a knee injury in training on Tuesday.

Scotland international Gregor Townsend is set for an anxious wait on his fitness after suffering a knee injury in training on Tuesday.

Irish Ferries have amended their published sailing schedule in order to satisfy demand from thousands of Irish soccer supporters planning to attend Ireland's World Cup qualifying game against France which takes place in Paris on Saturday, October 9 next.

The All Blacks entered their second World Cup match reeling from the news that full-back Ben Blair's tournament could be over.

Scotland flanker Martin Leslie has been banned for the remainder of the World Cup after being found guilty of kneeing Jason Keyter in the head during Monday’s 39-15 win over the United States in Brisbane.

Irish referee Alan Lewis will take charge of the World Cup Pool B clash between France and Japan in Townsville after Australian official Scott Young suffered a hamstring injury.

England captain Martin Johnson felt his side were given a good workout by Georgia in their World Cup opener today but admitted improvement would be needed.

Wallaby and Reds midfielder Daniel Herbert has become the latest big-name player from the southern hemisphere linked with a possible move abroad, after the World Cup.

Arsenal midfielder Junichi Inamoto has told his Japan team-mates that the first goal will be decisive in their World Cup kick-off against Belgium.

Arsenal midfielder Junichi Inamoto has told his Japan team-mates that the first goal will be decisive in their World Cup kick-off against Belgium.

Oliver Kahn insists Germany will not make the mistake of underestimating Group E minnows Saudi Arabia.

Mick McCarthy believes Ireland's final group game against Saudi Arabia could be the toughest match for his team to date in this World Cup.

Real Madrid's Iker Casillas is set to take over as Spain's first-choice keeper after a freak accident ruled Santiago Canizares out of the World Cup.