Football

Last season's treble winners Barca are in their worst run of form in La Liga since coach Luis Enrique took charge in August 2014.

Real Madrid's hopes of an 11th European title were left hanging by a thread as they slumped to a shock 2-0 loss at Germany's Champions League novices VfL Wolfsburg.

Australian foreign minister Julie Bishop on Wednesday announced the grassroots development pilot programme for the Indian state called 'Just Play'.

Gianni Infantino was "dismayed that his integrity was being doubted" in media reports about a contract he signed several years ago, the global soccer body said in a statement.

Bayern Munich will take a slender lead into the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Benfica after Arturo Vidal's early goal earned a 1-0 win.

Toure has been linked by the media with a move to Inter Milan who are coached by former City boss Roberto Mancini.

After having their 39-game unbeaten streak halted by a loss to rival Real Madrid this weekend, Barcelona turn their focus to the European tournament trying to remain upbeat.

The family of Messi denied on Monday that he was involved in tax evasion after the football star emerged as one of many personalities accused of shady offshore dealings in the so-called Panama Papers scandal.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Premier League leaders Leicester City on Sunday rejected claims made by a British newspaper that a doctor who prescribed performance-enhancing drugs treated their players.

He was capped 14 times by Italy. In 1996, he became the coach of Italy - with son Paolo captaining the team - before going on to lead Paraguay in the 2002 World Cup.

The most watched game in world football is Barca's first since Cruyff passed away at the age of 68 after a short battle with cancer last week.

"I think it will always be part of the club's philosophy. It's part of the history, it's what sets us apart from other teams," Giggs told the club's website (www.manutd.com).

Sweden captain Zlatan Ibrahimovic hinted on Sunday at a move to the Premier League and promised big things to come in his career.

Cannavaro considers defending champions Juventus are superior to Napoli due to their strong bench strength.

Substitute Jamie Vardy scored with a stunning flick, his first international goal, and Eric Dier headed a last-gasp winner as England hit back from two goals down to beat old rivals Germany 3-2 in a friendly on Saturday.

Belgium's friendly international with Portugal due in Brussels next Tuesday has been called off following the deadly explosions.