FIFA’s new ethics monitor has told candidates hoping to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups not to criticize rival bids. FIFA said Tuesday that its ethics committee chaired by Claudio Sulser will write to 10 bid teams reminding them to respect fair play rules or face sanctions. Sulser, a former Switzerland international forward, succeeds Sebastian Coe.

Veteran midfielder Braulio Luna said a change of mentality is necessary for Mexico ahead of the World Cup.

Levski Sofia have rejected coach
Georgi Ivanov’s resignation after he offered to quit following
the 3-0 defeat at Bulgarian league leaders Litex Lovech at the
weekend, he said on Tuesday.

Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson’s hopes of making England’s World Cup squad have been hit by a calf injury that will sideline him for up to a month. Robinson has failed to impress England coach Fabio Capello, with the former first-choice keeper yet to feature in an international match since the 2-1 loss in Russia in October 2007 under Steve McLaren.

Goal.com UK analyse the probable line-ups one by one.

Former Newcastle midfielder can play equally well on the right flank, says Villa boss.

‘Er Pupone’ is showing encouraging signs.

Barcelona will be relying on Lionel Messi’s impressive scoring form against Stuttgart on Wednesday in the second leg of the Champions League knockout round. Barcelona earned a 1-1 draw in the first leg three weeks ago. But the European champions have sputtered lately and have had to rely on Messi, who has scored their last six league goals to keep the team at the top of the standings with Real…

Barcelona will be relying on Lionel Messi’s impressive scoring form against Stuttgart on Wednesday in the second leg of the Champions League knockout round. Barcelona earned a 1-1 draw in the first leg three weeks ago. But the European champions have sputtered lately and have had to rely on Messi, who has scored their last six league goals to keep the team at the top of the standings with Real…

Bundesliga fixtures (times GMT).