Soccer

MUNICH (AP) — Bayern Munich is set to welcome back three players to its squad to play at title rival Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga on Saturday, but goalkeeper Manuel Neuer remains an injury doubt.

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — An Asian Cup that began with stars from across Europe's top leagues has delivered an unexpected final.

Pacific FC has signed French midfielder Aly Ndom to a two-year contract. The 27-year-old native of Pontoise played most recently for IFK Mariehamn in the Finnish top flight where he had two assists in 28 appearances.

ZURICH, Switzerland (AP) — Soccer’s rule-making panel will discuss punishing certain fouls by sending players off the field for set periods of time — like in rugby and ice hockey — with referees issuing blue cards.

GLOUCESTER, England (AP) — A soccer fan who shouted racial insults at a player during a game in England's third division was sentenced to nine months in jail on Thursday.

PARIS (AP) — Denmark and Sweden will bid to host the 2029 Women’s European Championship, the two federations said Thursday.

PARIS (AP) — World Cup runner-up France, European champion Italy, Belgium and Israel were drawn together in a tough group Thursday for the men’s UEFA Nations League that starts in September.

PARIS (AP) — Draw made Thursday for the group stage of the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League: League A Group A1: Croatia, Portugal, Poland, Scotland. Group A2: Italy, Belgium, France, Israel. Group A3: Netherlands, Hungary, Germany, Bosnia-Herzegovina.

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Spain was the only European Union member to refuse to sign a joint statement on sports released by France on Thursday because the government in Madrid saw it as a premature attack on the Super League.

CHORLEY, England (AP) — Chorley could be the next soccer club from the English non-leagues to be given a sprinkle of celebrity stardust.