Football

Having begun with a flourish, the disappointing loss to Salgaocar FC turned out to be set-back for Pune's title-defence.

Though Ronaldo didn't celebrate his goal as a mark of respect to his former club Manchester United, he said that he's happy to win the match for Real Madrid.

Brazil's coach Luiz Felipe Scolari named his squad for this month's friendlies against Italy and Russia.

"Stan Kroenke is committed to Arsenal for the long term and has no intention of selling his stake," Arsenal communications director Mark Gonnella said.

Earlier there were reports that Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to sign new contract with Real Madrid.

Demba Ba gave under-fire Chelsea manager Benitez some much-needed respite by scoring the winner in a 1-0 victory.

It is no coincidence Napoli's loss of form has come at the same time as a six-match sequence without a goal for Uruguay forward Cavani.

The Catalans are appealing a FIFA directive not to select French teenager Theo Chendri to play in one of their youth teams.

FIFA is investigating Zambian officials over allegations they allowed eight players banned for match-fixing in a notorious case in Finland to return to football without permission.

Michael Laudrup will not be drawn on his future as Swansea City manager ahead of Capital One Cup final at Wembley, with speculation linking him to Real Madrid.

Del Bosque left the club under controversial circumstances in 2003 when club president, Florentino Perez failed to renew his contract.

Terry has endured a difficult season, missing two months with a knee injury, and then struggling to regain match fitness.

Madrid's win kept them in third place, four points behind Atletico Madrid after it won 3-0 at Valladolid.

PSG's 2-1 Champions League win at Valencia is proof that the club have become a force in Europe, said director of football Leonardo.

Wenger thinks doping could be as bigger problem in soccer as match-fixing following European police revelations this week of hundreds of rigged games.

Beckham has not played since his last appearance for the Los Angeles Galaxy on December 1 and is working his way back into shape.