IOC president Jacques Rogge united with FIFA on Thursday and called on football clubs to let their players compete in the Olympic Games.

David Moyes has endured many highs during his six-and-a-half-years in charge of Everton, but he is facing his most difficult campaign yet.

Japan's Daisuke Matsui has been relishing the chance to play against Europe's finest since signing for French first division side St Etienne.

Belarus club BATE Borisov held Anderlecht to a draw on Wednesday to secure a 4-3 aggregate win that sent them into the third qualifying round.

Manchester United were held to a 0-0 draw by Juventus on Wednesday night as Sir Alex Ferguson's injury-hit squad struggled to make an impact.

According to reports in the Portuguese media, Cristiano Ronaldo has committed himself to Manchester United for the upcoming season.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hopes to have Tomas Rosicky back from injury by September and is confident Eduardo will be available by November.

Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery has been voted German footballer of the year, according to a poll to be published in sports magazine Kicker on Thursday.

Sweden midfielder Freddie Ljungberg was released from his contract with West Ham on Wednesday, a statement on the club's website confirmed.

The opening day of saw holders USA succumb to Norway, the host nation defeat Sweden and Germany and Brazil cancel each other out.