Sports

Arsene Wenger dissuaded Jack Wilshere from rushing his comeback from injury to ensure he would be fit and ready for the World Cup campaign.

He raised his profile in 2005 with an aggressive debt-driven takeover of Manchester United that was widely opposed by many of the club's fans.

The AIFF has to submit the bid for hosting the Club World Cup by Aug 25 and the FIFA executive committee will select the host in September 2014.

A doctor treating Costa said the striker has a muscle tear that needs to be reassessed in 15 days, raising doubts about his chances of making Spain's World Cup squad.

"Racism in football has unfortunately been around for a long time, and football hasn't found the right solution to rid itself of it," Lilian Thuram said.

Prandelli signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him in charge of the Azzurri through the 2016 European Championship.

Robin Van Persie said he was relishing the prospect of linking up with Netherlands coach Louis Van Gaal when the Dutchman takes over as Manchester United manager after the World Cup.

Colombia will wait until the last minute to decide whether to pick recuperating striker Radamel Falcao in their final World Cup squad.

Brazil great Ronaldo believes the hosts will get it right on the pitch and win the football World Cup 2014 for a record sixth time.

Brazilian officials believe the protests will be smaller than the massive demonstrations that unexpectedly erupted in June last year during a warm-up event for the World Cup.

French champions Paris St Germain have agreed terms with Chelsea to sign Brazil defender David Luiz, the clubs said on Friday.

Costa, Atletico's top scorer, and playmaker Arda limped out of last weekend's La Liga title decider at Barcelona with hamstring and hip injuries respectively.

Lars Bender who has scored four times in 17 international appearances, picked up a combined muscle and tendon injury in his right thigh during training on Thursday.

"I think it is going to be tight because I think all the teams are more or less on the same level," said Zola.

Churchill were thrown out of the I-League along with three other teams for failing to fulfill the AIFF's club licensing criteria.

The federation said it filed a lawsuit asking FIFA to change kickoff times of all 24 matches that are scheduled for 1 p.m. local time.