Football

Chelsea demolished the team that succeeded them as Premier League winners when champions Leicester City succumbed tamely 3-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

The rivalry between the clubs is one of the most fiercely contested in world football and matches have been littered with unsavoury incidents in the past.

International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) has approved the final draft of the regulations required for Russia to host the 2018 World Cup, Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko has said.

Barcelona trail leaders Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid by just two points and can go temporarily at least to the top of the table with victory before the sides from the capital kick-off later on Saturday.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said that proposals for a 32, 40 or 48-team World Cup in 2026 were still on the table and that a larger tournament would not mean a drop in quality.

Kerala Blasters secured their first point in the Hero Indian Super League after playing out a goalless draw at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Sunday. Kerala Blasters lost their first two matches with narrow margins.

Southgate, 46, will lead England in the next four matches against Malta on October 8, Slovenia on October 11, Scotland on November 11, and Spain on November 15.

The 22-year-old has dropped down the pecking order behind Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard at Old Trafford.

The World Cup was last staged in the CONCACAF region by the United States in 1994. The Americans are keen on another shot at hosting in 2026, potentially linking up with neighbors Canada and Mexico.

Jose Mourinho insisted Manchester United had played their best football of the season and could have put seven goals past lowly Stoke City after their 1-1 draw on Sunday.

Barca reasserted themselves in the second half when a header from Gerard Pique and Neymar penalty reduced the deficit to one goal before they were floored again by a catastrophic mistake by keeper Marc Andre ter Stegen.

Asked if Sakho had to work hard and keep quiet in order to regain a Liverpool first-team place, Klopp said: "That's not a route for Mamadou Sakho, it’s a route for every player. Work hard and do your best. That's how it is for every player.

Liverpool are fourth in the league standings, having beaten Arsenal, Chelsea and champions Leicester City this season.

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the U-17 football World Cup, to be hosted by India next year, was unveiled here on Tuesday.

The results of scans on Harry Kane's injured ankle were better than expected but there is no time frame on the Tottenham Hotspur striker's return to action, manager Mauricio Pochettino said.

Burnley struck either side of halftime with headers from Jeff Hendrick and Michael Keane to claim a 2-0 Premier League home win over Watford on Monday.