Euro 2016: Russia, England threatened with disqualification over violence

BY PEACE NEWS

EURO 2016
PEACE NEWS

(PEACE NEWS)Russia and England could be kicked out of the Euro 2016 championship if their supporters are involved in further acts of violence at the tournament, UEFA has warned.

UEFA's executive committee told the football associations of both countries Sunday that their teams could face further sanctions -- including potential disqualification from the tournament -- if their fans were involved in a repeat of the scenes that marred their fixture in Marseille Saturday.

UEFA, the governing body of football in Europe, has already opened disciplinary proceedings against the Russian Football Union over its supporters' behavior in Marseille.

It faces charges of crowd disturbances, racist behavior and setting off fireworks Saturday in the southern French city's Stade Velodrome.

France braces for intense security around Euro 2016 championship

BY PEACE NEWS

Muhammad Ali: Boxing legend, activist and 'The Greatest' to a world of fans

BY PEACE NEWS

MUHAMMAD ALI (LATE)
PEACE NEWS

(PEACE NEWS)His hands and his mouth were furiously fast. His skill as a boxer made him "The Greatest" in his mind and in the minds of many others.

He antagonized opponents with his taunts, amused reporters with his boasts and angered government officials with his anti-war speeches. At the same time, he goaded a stubborn, hard-nosed society with his stinging jabs against pervasive racism.

Since the mid-1960s, he was one of the most famous faces on Earth, and even though his appearances in recent years were few, the name Muhammad Ali still sparked smiles all around the globe.

His death Friday at age 74 came after a lengthy battle against Parkinson's disease. Ali was diagnosed with the disease in 1984, three years after he retired from a boxing career that began when a skinny 12-year-old Louisville, Kentucky, amateur put on the gloves.He is survived by his nine children, including daughter Laila, who, like her father, became a world champion boxer; and his fourth wife, Lonnie.

Ali was known in the ring for his lightning hand speed -- unusual for a heavyweight -- for his showmanship and for his brashness and braggadocio when a microphone was put before him. He taunted opponents before matches, trash-talked them during and proclaimed his greatness to reporters afterward.

He stayed on his toes, literally, during a bout, sometimes quickly moving his feet forward and backward while his upper body stayed in place. The mesmerizing move became known as the "Ali Shuffle."

Fans on every continent adored him, and at one point he was the probably the most-recognizable man on the planet.

But he also was a controversial figure at home, announcing his conversion to Islam and name-change after an upset title win over Sonny Liston, then refusing to enter the draft for the Vietnam War and publicly speaking about racism in the United States.

Gareth Bale stars as Wales defeats Slovakia to make history

BY PEACE NEWS

GARETH BALE
BY PEACE NEWS

(PEACE NEWS)It has been 58 years since Wales last played in a major tournament -- but it was worth the wait in the end.

Hal Robson Kanu's 80th minute strike ensured Wales prevailed 2-1 over Slovakia in its opening game of the 2016 European Championship finals in France.

Wales, which had taken an early lead through Real Madrid star Gareth Bale, was forced to battle hard with Slovakia drawing level courtesy of Ondrej Duda's solo goal.

But with 10 minutes remaining, Robson-Kanu, on as substitute, reacted quickest to fire the ball home from inside the penalty area and spark wild scenes of celebration in Bordeaux.

BY PEACE NEWS

Why Muhammad Ali was 'the greatest' American Muslim

Why Muhammad Ali was 'the greates

BY PEACE NEWS

MUHAMMAD ALI WAS
A GREAT LEGEND...
PEACE NEWS

(PEACE NEWS)It was a fitting end to this country's most famous Muslim life: Family and friends gathered around the bed of Muhammad Ali, the boxer whose conversion to Islam decades ago sent countless seekers and sportswriters scrambling in search of a Quran.

Whispering good-byes into his ears, the family recited a series of prayers and passages in Arabic from the Muslim holy book, including the well-known invocation in Al-Fatiha, the Quran's first chapter.

"It was a very smooth and somber transition from this world," said Imam Zaid Shakir, a prominent Muslim scholar who ministered to Ali and his family for the past six years, including the boxer's final hours. "It was a moment that united his family and his children."

Before he died at age 74 last Friday, Ali composed a message to be conveyed this week in Louisville, Kentucky, said Shakir, who will lead Islamic funeral prayers there on Thursday. A memorial service will follow on Friday.

BY PEACE NEWS

Was FA Cup final triumph Louis van Gaal's Man Utd farewell???

BY PEACE NEWS

LOUIS VAN
BY PEACE NEWS
REPORTER

(PEACE NEWS)Louis van Gaal may have guided Manchester United to its first trophy in three years but his future at Old Trafford is in considerable doubt.

Scarcely had his team secured a battling 2-1 extra time victory over Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final at Wembley before reports by BBC Sport and Sky Sports said he would be replaced as manager by Jose Mourinho later this week.

The Dutchman was in defiant mood when immediately questioned by the media, placing the famed trophy on the desk in front of him before reacting to the reports.

BY PEACE NEWS REPORTER

LA LIGA

La Liga: Luis Suarez hat-trick seals second straight title for Barcelona.

BY PEACE NEWS

LUIS SUAREZ
BY PEACE NEWS
REPORTER

(PEACE NEWS)Luis Suarez set the seal on the La Liga season with a hat-trick as Barcelona retained the title Saturday with a 3-0 win at Granada.

With Cristiano Ronaldo striking twice against Deportivo La Coruna in the first half for arch-rival Real Madrid, the Uruguayan steadied Catalan nerves with two sharp finishes to match him.

His hat-trick, taking his tally to a league-leading 40 and 59 overall, came in the closing moments of a feisty encounter at Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes.

BY PEACE NEWS REPORTER

LA LIGA

La Liga: Barcelona and Real Madrid take Spanish title race down to wire.

BY PEACE NEWS 

REPORTER;

BARCA AND
MADRID TAKE DOWN THE TITLE
BY PEACE NEWS
REPORTER

(PEACE NEWS)Once again it comes down to Barcelona and arch-nemesis Real Madrid, as two of the most storied teams in club football fight it out to determine who will wear the La Liga crown by the end of Saturday.

Both Barcelona and Real face opponents they should each comfortably beat at 5pm local time, with destiny in the hands of one-point leaders Barca.

The Catalan side needs a win against Granada to secure its 24th La Liga title. But a draw, combined with a win by Real against Deportivo la Coruna, would hand the Madrid team a record 33rd domestic crown.

The latter scenario is unlikely, however, as Granada have lost nearly half of their matches this season, and are on a -20 goal difference -- a stark contrast to Barca's +80. (Real Madrid are on a goal difference of +74.)

This will be the tenth time that Barca have glided into the final day of the season with destiny in its hands -- and it's sealed the deal in all nine of its previous attempts. A win would also ensure Barca's sixth title in its last 10 seasons.

Real have been on a hot streak themselves, winning 11 league matches in a row under manager Zinedine Zidane, who was appointed mid-season. The streak includes a 2-1 win at Barca on April 2 and a 7-1 home win against Celtavigo on March 5.

They have also qualified for the Champions League final, to be played at the end of the month against city rivals Atletico.

"We do still have faith, why not?" Zidane said at a news conference on Friday. "We are just one point behind. We will believe in our chances until the final second.

"This is the game of our lives tomorrow, as we are playing for something very important. Then after this game we will have another to prepare for and win."

"We must start the game strongly," he added, referring to the matchup against Deportivo.

"It will be difficult as it is away from home. Depor are a good team, they know how to play football and their fans will want to end the season the best way possible. We must focus on what we have to do ourselves, from the first minute."

BY PEACE NEWS REPORTER

BAYERN MUNICH

Bayern Munich signs Mats Hummels and Renato Sanches

BY PEACE NEWS REPORTER

MATS HUMMELS
RENATO SANCHES
BY PEACE NEWS
REPORTER

(PEACE NEWS)Bayern Munich has completed the signings of Borussia Dortmund captain Mats Hummels and Benfica teenager Renato Sanches on five-year contracts in a double swoop which could cost in excess of $100 million.

Hummels, who started his career at Bayern, has opted to rejoin his boyhood team one year before the end of his Dortmund contract for an undisclosed fee.

The 27-year-old German World Cup winner, who announced his desire to leave Dortmund last month, will have to play against his future employers in the German Cup final on May 21.

Portugal's Sanches, 18, is widely regarded as one of Europe's brightest prospects and has reportedly drawn interest from several English Premier League clubs, including Manchester United.

BY PEACE NEWS REPORTER

TENNIS

Madrid Open: Andy Murray defeats Rafael Nadal to reach final.

BY PEACE NEWS

MADRID OPEN
TENNIS
BY PEACE NEWS
REPORTER

(PEACE NEWS)Andy Murray defeated Rafael Nadal on clay for only the second time in his career to reach the final of the Madrid Open Saturday.

The Scot overcame the home favorite in straight sets 7-5 6-4 in just over two hours and 11 minutes.

Murray's only other victory over "King of Clay" Nadal came in the final of the same event in 2015.

"It's big, obviously it's not easy," Murray said in quotes carried by the official ATP website after the match. "Not loads of players have won against Rafa on clay throughout his career,"

Murray has made adjustments to his game, particularly his second-serve, in recent weeks as well as practicing with Nadal in Mallorca in anticipation of the clay court season.

And that preparation looked to have paid off as he got the better of the Spaniard in large part due to an array of finely-timed drop-shots and intelligent ground strokes.

BY PEACE NEWS REPORTER

LEICESTER CITY

Leicester City;outclasses Everton before lifting EPL trophy.

BY PEACE NEWS 

LEICESTER CITY
BY PEACE NEWS
REPORTER

(PEACE NEWS)The city of Leicester seems to have barely slept since it's unlikely football heroes secured the English Premier League title earlier this week.

Yet the festivities are certain to continue after the Foxes outclassed a poor Everton side 3-1 before being presented with the EPL trophy Saturday.

A noisy and emotionally charged King Power stadium was serenaded by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, who was invited to perform by Leicester's inspirational manager Claudio Ranieri, before the players took to the field.

But it was the newly installed champions hitting the right notes straight from the kick-off.

Read: Leicester City set net $220 million windfall

Star-striker Jamie Vardy opened the scoring after five minutes, pouncing on Andy King's center to flick beyond Joel Robles in the Everton goal.King then placed the ball coolly beyond Robles to double Leicester's advantage just after the half hour mark.Vardy made it three from the penalty spot on 65 minutes after he was felled by Matthew Pennington.

BY PEACE NEWS REPORTER 

REAL MADRID

REAL MADRID ; BALE MADE THE FIRST GOAL FOR HIS TEAM AGAINST RSO.

BY PEACE NEWS REPORTER

REAL MADRID
FIRST GOAL FOR BALE

(PEACE NEWS)REAL MADRID won the match against RSO.In the absence of Ronaldo CR7.Bale made a goal for his team.Best of luck for Real Madrid 

BY PEACE NEWS REPORTER 

RONALDO OUT DUE TO INJURY

Real Madrid: Ronaldo out as Manchester City ends 0-0

BY PEACE NEWS REPORTER

RONALDO CR7
OUT DUE TO INJURY
BY PEACE NEWS
REPORTER

(PEACE NEWS)It was supposed to be the meeting of two European super powers -- in the end it was one of the most turgid and uninspiring Champions League semifinal contests in recent memory.

Real Madrid, the 10-time winner, played out a goalless draw at Manchester City, a team making its debut in the last four of Europe's top club competition.

The result suits Real, which was deprived of its star player Cristiano Ronaldo, who failed to recover from the thigh problem which had troubled him over the past week.

The second leg in Madrid which takes place next Wednesday should allow Madrid to progress to the final with Ronaldo expected to return for a club which remains the most successful in the history of the competition.

Real, which also lost Karim Benzema to injury at halftime, created the better chances and only a series of fine saves by Joe Hart, the Manchester City goalkeeper, denied the visitor.

In Champions League games without Ronaldo, Real has a win ratio of just 43% -- down from 71% in the contests where he's been involved.

BY PEACE NEWS REPORTER

DREAM FOR EVERYONE

Sven-Göran Eriksson: Leicester City's season is a 'dream for everyone'.

BY PEACE NEWS REPORTER

LEICESTER CITY
BY PEACE NEWS
REPORTER
(PEACE NEWS)Over the course of a long and decorated career, Sven-Göran Eriksson has seen it all.

From the Swedish lower leagues to the riches of Shanghai, he has managed everywhere from Lazio to Manchester City, comprising stints as far afield as the Ivory Coast and Mexico.

But even the former England coach is struggling to comprehend the incredible achievements of Leicester City, which is on the cusp of winning the English Premier League just a year after narrowly avoiding relegation.

Claudio Ranieri's team can clinch the top-flight title for the first time in the Foxes' 132-year history by beating Manchester United on Sunday.

"It's fantastic," Eriksson tells CNN. "It's like a dream for everyone that loves football.

"Suddenly Leicester who struggled last season to stay in the Premier League will win it. And I am quite sure they will win it."

BY PEACE NEWS REPORTER

JUVENTUS

Juventus: Italy's 'Old Lady' claims fifth straight Serie A title

BY PEACE NEWS REPORTER

JUVENTUS
BY PEACE NEWS
REPORTER

(PEACE NEWS)Juventus claimed its fifth consecutive Serie A title Monday without kicking a ball, after nearest rival Napoli was beaten 1-0 by Roma in the Italian capital.

"The Old Lady" -- as the Turin club is known -- took control of the title race after embarking on a remarkable 25-game unbeaten run, winning 24 of them and accruing 73 points from a possible 75.

During that purple patch, Juve scored 56 goals, conceded just nine and kept 17 clean sheets -- thanks in no small part to veteran 38-year-old goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon's fine form.

BY PEACE NEWS 

Pele: Biopic brings Brazilian great to tears.

BY PEACE NEWS

PELE;BRAZILIAN GREAT
BY PEACE NEWS
(PEACE NEWS)To any fan of the beautiful game, Pele is much more than just a retired footballer: He's a global icon.

Emerging from the slums of Brazil, Pele led his country to three World Cup titles -- more than any player in history -- and experienced a career of dizzying heights that even he could not have imagined.

"I don't know why God gave me this experience, I never expected to be Pele or to be known all over the world," the legendary striker told CNN's Don Riddell before the recent premiere of his biopic "Pele: Birth of a Legend" in New York. "I wanted to be a footballer. I wanted to be like my father."

The inspirational rags-to-riches feature, written and directed by American brothers Jeff and Michael Zimbalist, was showcased at the Tribeca Film Festival last weekend and goes on general release next month.

Known for their football documentary "The Two Escobars," the brothers couldn't believe their luck when Pele agreed to the project.

"There is a certain magical presence that enters with Pele," said Jeff Zimblast. "We can have all of the big swells of emotion and riveting play action of a classic sports narrative, but we can also have this deeply personal and psychological journey."

BY PEACE NEWS

KENYA DOMINATES FIJI IN FINALS

Singapore Sevens: Kenya dominates Fiji in finals

BY PEACE NEWS REPORTER

KENYA WINS RUGBY FINALS
BY PEACE NEWS REPORTER

(PEACE NEWS)The Kenyans will want to savor this moment for a long time. The Singapore Sevens victors capped an impressive weekend performance with a dominating 30-7 victory over series-leaders Fiji in the finals Sunday -- the team's first win in 114 tournaments.

Kenya got off to a blistering 20-0 start in the final with superstar Collins Injera recording two tries in the process. The 29-year-old Injera took his all-time tally to 225, just five short of the record set by Argentinian Santiago Gomez Cora.

BY PEACE NEWS REPORTER

LEWIS HAMILTON

Lewis Hamilton: Formula One star says he doesn't owe the sport anything

BY PEACE NEWS REPORTER

(PEACE NEWS)Formula One has given Lewis Hamilton plenty over the years -- fame, fortune, not to mention three world championships.

Yet the 31-year-old global superstar insists he doesn't owe the sport anything.

His reasoning?

Since making his bow at the Australian Grand Prix nine years ago, nobody, Hamilton argues, has done more to promote F1 across the globe than him.

BY PEACE NEWS REPORTER

NOVAK DJOKOVIC

Novak Djokovic stunned by Jiri Vesely at Monte Carlo Masters

BY PEACE NEWS REPORTER

Now PlayingNovak Djokovic: The

(PEACE NEWS)Novak Djokovic crashed out of the Monte Carlo Masters Wednesday after suffering a shock defeat by world No. 55 Jiri Vesely.

The world No. 1 failed to cope in his opening match of the clay-court tournament against a man who had never beaten a top-10 player.

The Serb star lost 6-4 2-6 6-4 to the Czech, his first defeat to a player outside of the top 50 since being beaten by then world No. 74 Xavier Malisse in 2010.