Conte's future hanging by a thread

LONDON - Antonio Conte won't be fired as Chelsea manager any time soon, after being granted a stay of execution by owner Roman Abramovich on Tuesday.

Conte's future with the stuttering Premier League champions was cast into doubt on Monday after a dismal 4-1 loss at Watford.

Fourth-place Chelsea is languishing 19 points behind leader Manchester City after a turbulent campaign marred by Conte's squabble with the club's hierarchy over their transfer policy.