Qatar will host in 2022, claims defiant Blatter

A defiant FIFA president Sepp Blatter said there would be no moving the 2022 World Cup from Qatar, despite widespread concerns about the bidding process that took the tournament to the Middle East for the first time.

Platini denies sunday times' picasso claims

UEFA president Michel Platini told AFP on Sunday that rumors he was given a Picasso painting in return for voting for Russia to host the 2018 World Cup were "totally fictitious".

Fan clash leaves 1 dead, 11 injured

One man died and 11 others suffered minor injuries after a fight broke out outside Atletico Madrid's stadium between its fans and those of visiting team Deportivo La Coruna, officials said on Sunday.

Kidney treatment suspended as Pele improves

Pele's condition is continuing to improve and doctors have suspended kidney treatment for the soccer great, a Brazilian hospital said on Sunday.

Murray deflects critique of coach Mauresmo

Andy Murray has defended coach Amelie Mauresmo after former British No 1 Tim Henman said the Scot had not been "playing the right way" recently, questioning the partnership.

Win over Aussies leaves England primed for Cup

England coach Stuart Lancaster can enjoy Christmas knowing his side is growing in confidence and depth ahead of next year's World Cup and, though there are issues to address, it should be a formidable force on home soil.

Test postponed as Hughes' teammates cope with loss

The first Test between Australia and India has been postponed to allow teammates to mourn the death of PhillipHughes at his funeral on Wednesday, Cricket Australia said on Saturday.

Score board

Madrid on record roll

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti hailed Cristiano Ronaldo's impact despite failing to score for the first time in La Liga this season as the European champion recorded a club record 16th consecutive victorywitha 2-1 win at Malaga on Saturday.

Van Gaal wants Robin to fly

Louis van Gaal wants to seemore improvement from Robin van Persie even though the Dutch striker responded superbly to recent criticism in Manchester United's 3-0 victory over Hull.

Pele is feeling better

Pele is likely to be discharged from hospital within a week as he continues to recover from a kidney problem, the soccer legend's son, Edinho, said on Saturday.

Mourinho laments Chelsea hangover

Jose Mourinho said Chelsea suffered from a Champions League hangover as it was forced to settle for a point at Sunderland.