Sunderland have sacked Emmanuel Eboue after he was banned from football for one year for failing to settle a debt with his former agent. FIFA announced on Thursday morning that the 32-year-old former Arsenal star will be barred from all football activity until he pays the outstanding amount to Sebastien Boisseau.
You're not fit to race: F1 star Alonso banned from Bahrain GP after his horror crash in season opener in Melbourne
Fernando Alonso has been declared medically unfit to compete at this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix, a fortnight after walking out of Formula One's most spectacular crash. The Spaniard was examined by doctors at the Bahrain International Circuit on Thursday morning and failed the test. He was limping as he turned up for his 11am appointment local time. He spent an hour-and-a-half in the medical centre.
Terry being considered for shock recall from England exile as Hodgson admits having defensive issues
What's your England XI for the Euros? Jamie Redknapp, Martin Keown and Bryan Robson pick their teams
MARTIN SAMUEL: Sacked Neville is no longer the smartest man in the room
MARTIN SAMUEL: It will have come as a great surprise to Gary Neville to be sacked by Valencia. Sadly, it won't have come as a great surprise to anybody else. Valencia always looked an uneasy fit as a first managerial job, and Neville's task now is ensuring it is not his last. There is obviously reputational damage, even if there will also be much sympathy.
Valencia's 'salvation' is Benitez's old pal as Spanish papers react to Neville exit
Pako Ayestaran's appointment at Valencia has come with the club hoping he can provide 'salvation' to their season of turmoil. Ayerstaran was promoted as the Spanish giants' manager on Wednesday, following the announced dismissal of Gary Neville - much to the delight of the local press. Super Deporte leads with the headline 'For the salvation', about the managerial change as the Mestalla outfit sit just six points above the relegation zone.
He was supposed to follow in the footsteps of Ronaldo and Figo... but now wonderkid Gauld admits he is stalling at Sporting
As Sporting Lisbon unveiled their latest kid for fame in July 2014, images of future Ballon d'Or winners Luis Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo decorated the background walls of the Portuguese giants' training campus in Alcochete. The plan was that Ryan Gauld, a £3million signing from Dundee United, would be next off a remarkable conveyor belt that has also previously produced or polished the gifts of Paulo Futre, Joao Moutinho, Nani, Simao Sabrosa, Ricardo Quaresma, William Carvalho, Carlos Mane and Eric Dier, England's goalscoring hero in Berlin last week. So confident were Sporting in the abilities of their teenage Scottish recruit that they made a £48m release clause a condition of his whopping six-year contract.
Pacquiao gears up for career-closing fight against Bradley... but veteran star is open to competing in Rio
Manny Pacquiao was put through his paces at his Los Angeles gym ahead of his career-closing fight with Timothy Bradley next week. The Filipino boxing legend is expected to hang up his gloves after he takes to the ring to fight Bradley for the third time on April 9. And with the highly-anticipated fight edging closer, the 37-year-old took part in a media workout at the Wild Card Boxing Club, run by Pacquiao's esteemed trainer Freddie Roach.
Messi in hot water after Barcelona star's charity boot gesture during Egyptian TV interview backfires
Barcelona star Lionel Messi has caused controversy in Egypt after a politician and football official reacted angrily to his donating a pair of boots to raise money for charity. Television channel MBC Masr broadcast an interview with Messi during the programme 'Yes I am Famous' last Saturday, in which the Argentina captain announced that he would put a pair of boots up for auction.
It's on! Diaz vs McGregor II confirmed for July 9 at UFC 200 in Las Vegas... and it will be at welterweight again
Conor McGregor's rematch with Nate Diaz has been confirmed as the top billing for the landmark UFC 200 event in Las Vegas on July 9. Diaz defeated the Irishman in the second round of their clash earlier in March and the pair have been heavily rumoured to be returning to the Octagon since. UFC Tonight confirmed the rematch on Twitter on Wednesday night, with the pair battling once again at the 170 lbs welterweight limit at the new T-Mobile Arena.
Roy pulverises Kiwi bowlers as England storm into T20 final against India or West Indies
LAWRENCE BOOTH IN DELHI: England, the laughing stock of the international game as recently as a year ago, are in the final of the World Twenty20 after pulverising New Zealand on a heady night in Delhi. A superb all-round display with the ball was followed by an effortlessly brilliant 78 from 44 deliveries by Jason Roy, who transformed England's pursuit of 154 from a potential slip-up into a stroll around the Feroz Shah Kotla. By the time Jos Buttler was finishing things off with his third six in four balls, England were celebrating victory by seven wickets, with 17 deliveries to spare. This was less of a win, more of a walloping.
Messi and Co come face-to-face with their own animations as Barcelona prepare for El Clasico showdown with Real Madrid
As Barcelona's stars prep themselves for a battle on Saturday, some of their stars spent time meeting their very-own animated characters. The La Liga leaders are preparing to face arch-rivals Real Madrid in the El Clasico on Saturday, where they can strengthen their grip on the title. In the build-up to the game, Barcelona have paired up with Beko, who created animations of some of the club's biggest stars as part of the 'Official Partner of Play campaign'.
I didn't play anywhere near my potential last season, admits Bale
The Wales forward enjoyed a dream first season at the Bernabeu after a world record £85.3million move from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013, scoring in the finals of the Champions League and Copa del Rey as Real won the double. But the 26-year-old struggled to kick on during a difficult second term, attracting boos from some supporters and criticism from the media as his club failed to win a major trophy and speculation grew that he was seeking a return to the Premier League.
England are winning football, cricket and rugby games with style. What is going on?
JOE RIDGE: What a time to be an England fan. The cricket team are in a World Cup final, the rugby team have just won their first Grand Slam for 13 years and the football team aren't useless. England's 2-1 defeat by Holland at Wembley on Tuesday night has left a bit of a sour taste in the mouth but it doesn't spoil the bigger picture.
Sportsmail takes a swing with world's most famous golf coach Harmon.... where lessons can cost up to £4,500
CHRIS CUTMORE: Tiger Woods and I have won 14 major championships between us. OK, so his contribution to that total is a little higher than mine. But we also now share another distinction: we have both been coached by the legendary Butch Harmon.
THE PICK OF MAILONLINE'S SPORTS WRITING
Broner says he has 'tunnel vision' ahead of fight against Brit Theophane in Washington DC as he puts aside alleged robbery drama
Adrien Broner insists the growing list of controversies outside the ring won't affect him when he puts his WBA super-lightweight title on the line against Britain's Ashley Theophane on Friday, April 1. The brash American faces London-born Theophane, 35, in Washington DC just days after reports alleged that he faces robbery and assault charges in his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Joshua enjoys 'perfect evening' in the gym as he prepares for Martin
Anthony Joshua is back in action in just over a week and he's certainly putting the hard yards in now in a bid to maintain his unbeaten record. Watford-born boxer Joshua welcomes American Charles Martin, who bids to defend the title he won against Vyacheslav Glazkov, to The 02 Arena in a bid to make it win number six at that venue. Joshua gave fans a glimpse of his pre-fight preparations on Wednesday night when he took to Instagram to show off his bulging muscles which were being enhanced by a leg press.
BUTCH HARMON: I've shown the US videos of Poulter. He's not great but he thinks he is... and Rory is looking good for Augusta
CHRIS CUTMORE INTERVIEW IN LAS VEGAS: Rory McIlroy is the man to beat at the Masters next week, but the Northern Irishman will not be able to dominate golf in the way Tiger Woods once did. That is the view of Butch Harmon, who coached Woods to eight majors. Harmon also says it is impossible for Jordan Spieth to keep up the standard of putting that helped him to two majors last year but believes England's Danny Willett could win his first major this year.
Euro 2016
STARS OF SPORT
- Gauld reveals Sporting career has stalled Ryan Gauld is stuck in the B-Team, having made just five first-team appearances for Sporting Lisbon proper
- Bale claims Real are still in the title race Ahead of El Clasico Gareth Bale believes Real Madrid can still wrestle the La Liga title from Barcelona's grasp
- NASSER HUSSAIN: Hell for leather cricket can take England all the way It just goes to show what can happen when you pick the right players with the right attitude
- Joshua enjoys 'perfect evening' in the gym as he prepares for Martin Anthony Joshua is back in action in just over a week and he's certainly putting the hard yards in
- Broner vows to stop Theophane next month Adrien Broner says his controversies won't affect him when he puts his WBA super-lightweight title on the line
UEFA Champions League
MORE STARS OF SPORT
- Broner vows to stop Theophane next month Adrien Broner says his controversies won't affect him when he puts his WBA super-lightweight title on the line
- They're called the Young Lions but this is ridiculous! England U19s celebrate Euro qualification Was using a Subbuteo table key to success?
- Spain goalkeeper Casillas marries sports reporter Carbonero in secret wedding without guests and just two witnesses Expecting second child
- Butland smiling after undergoing successful ankle operation Even invited fellow injured goalkeeper Rob Elliot to watch Euro 2016 at his house
- As Aston Villa's season goes up in smoke, club stalwart Agbonlahor is pictured smoking shisha pipe during trip to Dubai Enjoying his break
- Poulter sends beloved Ferrari F40 for some 'TLC' after kick-starting season with solid showing in the Puerto Rico Open Big Ferrari fan
- Former Chelsea doctor Carneiro returns home to watch Gibraltar lose to Latvia 5-0 Gibraltar-born Eva Carneiro was a guest of her home FA
- It's ANOTHER magic Payet free-kick hit Dimitri Payet had only been on the pitch a matter of moments when he stepped up to a dead ball in the 63rd minute...
- Lukaku: It's my dream to play with brother Jordan at club level Jordan assisted Romelu as Belgium lost in Portugal, but the striker looked on the bright side
- Eubank Jnr asked to choose between Blackwell's health and his British title Channel 4 reporter has been criticised for his line of questioning
- Gym bunnies Hart and Kompany are on the comeback trail The Manchester City duo have been going the extra mile as they aim to make fast recoveries
- Hamilton ready to fly as F1 champion tries skydiving ahead of Bahrain Grand Prix Lewis Hamilton was trying out an indoor skydiving simulator
- Lingard ready to roar back into action after meeting 'new friend' on holiday in Dubai Jesse Lingard took the opportunity to catch some sun
- Mayweather shows off his £3.4m 'diamond on wheels' after watching the LA Clippers Floyd Mayweather continues to live up to his 'Money' nickname
- Maradona showing off his magic for Tottenham Hotspur and Gazza in an Arsenal kit Legends as you've never seen them before in testimonials
- Sterling forced to slash £300,000 off his former pad... which is now yours for £1.2m Raheem Sterling has been forced to slash the price of his mansion
- Heavyweight Joshua works on hand-eye co-ordination as he sharpens reflexes for IBF title showdown Anthony Joshua faces Charles Martin on April 9
- Jones brands police officer 'a f****** liar' Jon Jones was pulled over last week and accused of drag racing his Corvette and had a heated argument
- Mass brawl breaks out at rugby league match The incident occurred at a match between the Salford Red Devils and Huddersfield Giants in West Yorkshire
- Ready to get back in the swing of things, Brendan? Former Liverpool boss Rodgers enjoys golf with Denise Van Outen On course for a new job?
- Blind admits Holland are struggling to deal with Euro 2016 failure as Depay and Co train ahead of England clash The Dutch have little to play for at Wembley
- Murray frustrated by Miami Open defeat Andy Murray toiled in the Florida heat as he was sent crashing out of the Miami Open in the third round by Grigor Dimitrov
- Rio returns, Di Canio gets up to his usual antics, and Ashton stuns with an overhead kick... Noble's testimonial is a Hammers hit All-star occasion
- Richards, Agbonlahor, Gayle and Campbell party on Dubai break EXCLUSIVE: Palace and Villa stars put relegation battle to one side to enjoy night in Dubai club
- Now you see him, now you don't! Vardy dons camouflage boots in England training Defenders thought Jamie Vardy was hard to keep track of before!
- Johan Cruyff Stadium? Nou Camp could be renamed as Barcelona mull over how to mark Dutch icon's passing The Barca legend died last week
- Eddie the Eagle may not stick to hard facts but film gets to heart and soul of a man who wouldn't take no for an answer... Our greatest ski jumper
- Just look at them now! Old picture shows how far England stars Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy have come after sharing the Leicester bench at Watford three years ago
- McGregor takes ride with girlfriend as UFC star toasts 'to freedom' Irishman Conor McGregor will reveal the opponent for comeback fight in the next week
- What a Day! Jason clinches the WGC-Dell Match Play title with emphatic victory The Australian celebrated his triumph in Texas with his family
- Cobh Ramblers deny offering manager's job to Pellegrini after Manchester City boss is pictured in the Irish town Manuel Pellegrini will leave City this summer
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Stoke pair Joselu and Muniesa celebrate shared birthday dressed up as the Easter Bunny
The duo were surprised with a party organised by team-mate Bojan
- Costa goes from Chelsea villain to hero's welcome back in Brazil Diego Costa, one of the Premier League's most controversial men, was in Lagarto City in Brazil
- 'One, two, three...' Ross Barkley and Kyle Walker played 'rock, paper, scissors' to decide who had to be ball boy at England's win in Germany
- United midfielder Schweinsteiger wears knee brace to watch girlfriend Ivanovic Germany captain out with his second knee injury this season
- Fury treats Wembley crowd to karaoke love song before Eubank Jnr bout with Blackwell Tyson Fury worked as a 'ring girl' during his cousin's fight on the bill
- Valencia fans burn effigy of Neville during festival of fire in the city Valencia supporters continue to taunt the former Manchester United defender
- Broner's boxing achievements could be overshadowed by drama outside the ring Police issued an arrest warrant over alleged assault and robbery
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Can Holly give Sky that Friday feeling?
CHARLES SALE: Sky Sports are planning major changes for their 12 Premier League matches on Friday
- Amsterdam ArenA to be renamed Johan Cruyff Arena as Holland pays tribute to hero The nation rose to commemorate the late, great Johan Cruyff
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'Tis but a flesh wound! **WARNING, NOT FOR THE SQUEAMISH**
Which player took to social media to reassure fans that his nasty gash is not as bad as it looks? - Ronaldo pays the penalty again as Portugal lose to Bulgaria Ronaldo spurned the chance from the spot - his fourth miss from 12 yards this season
- People thank me for the 5-1 all the time! IAN LADYMAN: Emile Heskey's career is not destined to end in glory. He is no stranger to glory, though
- Hodgson tips Alli to be the new Robson Roy Hodgson has branded Dele Alli as the new Bryan Robson while urging England to emulate Germany
- VanZant is a 'lover not a fighter' as UFC star arrives for Dancing with the Stars rehearsal Paige VanZant appeared on the first show which aired on Monday
- Terry future up in the air... and so is he! John Terry has indicated he is not about to let his career make a crash-landing as he skydived during a break in Dubai
- Mayweather enjoys courtside view as LA Clippers sink Portland Floyd Mayweather sat with actor Mehcad Brooks and girlfriend Doralie Medina
- Redknapp gets roped into awkward interview afterJordan wallop Bangladesh 8-0 Harry Redknapp was caught unaware by a mumbling reporter...
- Del Bosque hits the deck in Italy draw Vicente del Bosque was left red-faced after a collision with a linesman saw him take a tumble on the touchline
- Ribery shows off skills in Bayern training Franck Ribery may be retired from international football but the Bayern man showed France what they're missing
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O'Neill: Only 'good-looking' WAGs will be allowed into team hotelMartin O'Neill came under fire when he was accused of making a 'sexist comment'
- Never skip leg day! Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has an enviable pair of pins, which he gladly flaunted on social media ahead of Portugal's friendly
- Man United midfielder Herrera shows his charitable side as he helps re-home retired racing greyhounds They say a dog is a man's best friend...
LATEST MATCH REPORTS
- England 1-2 Holland: Vincent Janssen and Luciano Narsingh hand Roy Hodgson a reality check after Jamie Vardy had scored opener
- Germany 4-1 Italy: Toni Kroos, Mario Gotze, Jonas Hector and Mesut Ozil ease world champions to victory as Azzurri's Leonardo Bonucci suffers knee injury
- France 4-2 Russia: N'Golo Kante and Dimitri Payet among the scorers as Didier Deschamps' side seal victory in first home tie since Paris attacks
- Portugal 2-1 Belgium: Romelu Lukaku heads home cross from brother Jordan after Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani strike for hosts
- Republic of Ireland 2-2 Slovakia: Shane Long and James McClean hit the spot but Newcastle No 1 Rob Elliot is carried off in friendly
- Scotland 1-0 Denmark: Matt Ritchie takes advantage of Daniel Agger howler as early strike ensures narrow win at Hampden Park
- Sweden 1-1 Czech Republic: Zlatan Ibrahimovic returns to captain Swedes
- Switzerland 0-2 Bosnia: Edin Dzeko and Miralem Pjanic expose frailities of Swiss
- Austria 1-2 Turkey: Barcelona star Arda Turan lobs long-range winner to send statement of intent to Euro 2016 rivals
- Ukraine 1-0 Wales: Andriy Yarmolenko punishes sloppy marking as Chris Coleman's side suffer defeat against Euro 2016 rivals in Kiev
- Northern Ireland 1-0 Slovenia: QPR forward Conor Washington strikes in Euro 2016 warm-up clash as Green and White Army go 10 games unbeaten for the first time
FOOTBALL
She's a keeper! Spain hero Casillas marries sports reporter in secret ceremony
World Cup winning goalkeeper Iker Casillas has secretly married his sports reporter girlfriend Sara Carbonero. The TV reporter and the former Real Madrid goalkeeper are currently expecting their second child and apparently tied the knot on March 20. The ceremony which was a simple civil affair using a notary took place in the Madrid suburban town of Boadilla del Monte.
Free-kick master Payet was excellent for France, so the big question is will he lead the hosts to glory at Euro 2016?
After nine months and six matches away from the France squad, Payet was clearly determined to make up for lost time and two outstanding performances against Holland and Russia this week have propelled him back into the reckoning. Payet was given two auditions by Deschamps for France's squad for their home European Championship this summer - and he passed with flying colours.
Better than dad? David Hirst's son signs professional deal at Sheffield Wednesday in bid to follow in footsteps
The 17-year-old son of David Hirst, George, has made the first move in following in his father's footsteps by signing professional terms with Sheffield Wednesday. The highly-rated attacker has put pen-to-paper on a two-and-a-half-year deal, which will keep him at Hillsborough until 2018. And the youngster could hardly hide his delight as he took to Twitter to share his news.
As Aston Villa's season goes up in smoke, club stalwart Agbonlahor is pictured puffing on a shisha pipe during trip to Dubai
Gabby Agbonlahor has been accused of smoking from a shisha pipe during a trip to Dubai. Pictures have emerged of the 29-year-old smoking water-cooled tobacco on Saturday, just hours before he was spotted in a Dubai nightclub alongside club team-mate Micah Richards and Crystal Palace duo Dwight Gayle and Fraizer Campbell. Agbonlahor was allowed to travel to the United Arab Emirates during the international break along with Richards as the duo are no longer in the England national team's plans.
Butland's operation a success as he invites Elliot to watch Euro 2016 at his house
CRAIG HOPE: Stricken England goalkeeper Jack Butland says he and Rob Elliot can watch Euro 2016 together after his Republic of Ireland counterpart was ruled out for six months.
Eva's back: former Chelsea doctor Carneiro returns home to watch Gibraltar play Latvia
Eva Carneiro was back in a football stadium on Tuesday night as the former Chelsea doctor took in Gibraltar's 5-0 defeat by Latvia. Gibraltar-born Carneiro was a guest of her hometown's Football Association for the international friendly at the 5,000-seat Victoria Stadium. She remains locked in an employment tribunal with Chelsea and their former manager Jose Mourinho having failed to reach an agreement over personal damages following her departure from the club last year.
OTHER SPORTS NEWS
Konta left to rue missed opportunities as British No 1 bows out of Miami Open after quarter-final defeat by Azarenka
MIKE DICKSON IN MIAMI: A place in the top twenty beckons for Jo Konta sometime this spring, but she will regret the missed chances that ruined her hopes of reaching the Miami Open semi-finals. Faced with Victoria Azarenka, arguably the world's most consistent player this season, she came close to taking the first set but was beaten back to lose their quarter final 6-4, 6-2 on a windswept Key Biscayne.
England Women crash out of World T20 after five-run defeat by Australia
LAWRENCE BOOTH IN DELHI: England's women threw away a glorious chance to reach the World Twenty20 final, stuttering in sight of victory as Australia completed a five-run victory at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium. Charlotte Edwards' team had reduced the equation to a highly achievable 45 off seven overs with nine wickets in hand. It ought to have been straightforward. But they contrived to score only eight runs from the next three overs, while losing the wickets of Tammy Beaumont for a spritely 32 and Natalie Sciver, bowled round her legs by Elysse Perry for a duck.
Hubba Bubba! Watch the moment golf star tries half-court shot at Orlando Magic... and gets the ball wedged in hoop
Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson, who is gearing up for another bid to win the green jacket, would usually be delighted if a long shot of his stopped an inch from the hole. But not this time.
RACING
THE BEST WRITING IN SPORT
Kane, Vardy, Rooney (and the rest): How do England's striker options compare against the Euro 2016 heavyweights?
It wasn't so long ago that Jay Bothroyd, Fraizer Campbell and Rickie Lambert were playing up front for England, now Roy Hodgson is spoilt for choice with a group of strikers that are the envy of the rest of Europe. And if it will be a major headache choosing between Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy, Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck, it's one that the rest of his Euro 2016 rivals would love to have. Compared to England, the cupboard is relatively bare for Europe's major nations up front.