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<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/?service=Rss</link> 
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<item>
	<title>David Beckham left out of final Paris St-Germain match of the season</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/david-beckham-left-out-of-final-paris-stgermain-match-of-the-season-8632141.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/david-beckham-left-out-of-final-paris-stgermain-match-of-the-season-8632141.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8622375.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/Beckham-reuters.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Former England football captain David Beckham has played his last competitive match, having been dropped from the Paris St-Germain team to face Lorient.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Home News</category>


	<pubDate>Sat, 25 May 2013 13:24:49 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Smudger Smith: This evening will be the pits for one German team tonight - and things could get hairy</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/smudger-smith-this-evening-will-be-the-pits-for-one-german-team-tonight--and-things-could-get-hairy-8632066.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/smudger-smith-this-evening-will-be-the-pits-for-one-german-team-tonight--and-things-could-get-hairy-8632066.html</link>
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	&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;In a professional career spanning almost two decades, Simon “Smudger” Smith has played for over 67 clubs and has reinvented himself time and again, from poacher to goalkeeper.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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	<category>News &#38; Comment</category>


	<pubDate>Sat, 25 May 2013 11:13:56 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Championship play-off final: Crystal Palace defender Damien Delaney ready for biggest game of his life</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/championship-playoff-final-crystal-palace-defender-damien-delaney-ready-for-biggest-game-of-his-life-8631909.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/championship-playoff-final-crystal-palace-defender-damien-delaney-ready-for-biggest-game-of-his-life-8631909.html</link>
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	&lt;p&gt;“I didn’t think I would be in this situation,” said Damien Delaney, days before the biggest game of his life, with some understatement. &lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Football League</category>


	<pubDate>Sat, 25 May 2013 00:29:31 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>Championship play-off final: Gianfranco Zola reveals ambitious owners want to take Watford into Europe</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/championship-playoff-final-gianfranco-zola-reveals-ambitious-owners-want-to-take-watford-into-europe-8631907.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/championship-playoff-final-gianfranco-zola-reveals-ambitious-owners-want-to-take-watford-into-europe-8631907.html</link>
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	&lt;p&gt;Gianfranco Zola has revealed that Watford’s ambitious owners want to take the club all the way to European football, ahead of Monday’s Championship play-off final.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Football League</category>


	<pubDate>Sat, 25 May 2013 00:24:11 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>Manchester City coach in waiting Manuel Pellegrini: Inside the mind of anti-Mancini</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/manchester-city-coach-in-waiting-manuel-pellegrini-inside-the-mind-of-antimancini-8631866.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/manchester-city-coach-in-waiting-manuel-pellegrini-inside-the-mind-of-antimancini-8631866.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8631808.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/06-anti-macini-gt.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;There was a famous face in the crowd at Villarreal’s home game last weekend. Manuel Pellegrini had come to watch his old club. It was a promotion six-pointer against Girona and the supporters stood to applaud when their former coach appeared to take his seat next to his one-time President and still close friend Fernando Roig. Villarreal won 4-1.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>European</category>


	<pubDate>Sat, 25 May 2013 00:00:59 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>Manchester United announce assistant Mike Phelan is to leave the club</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-united-announce-assistant-mike-phelan-is-to-leave-the-club-8631403.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-united-announce-assistant-mike-phelan-is-to-leave-the-club-8631403.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8631411.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/Mike-Phelan.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;The David Moyes era at Manchester United may not officially begin until 1 July but Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor took his first major decision with the announcement that long-serving coaches Mike Phelan and Eric Steele are to leave their posts, while outgoing chief executive David Gill also admitted he expects England striker Wayne Rooney to remain at the club next season.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Sat, 25 May 2013 00:00:56 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>Why Manchester City were willing to fork out $500m on stake in MLS</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/why-manchester-city-were-willing-to-fork-out-500m-on-stake-in-mls-8631867.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/why-manchester-city-were-willing-to-fork-out-500m-on-stake-in-mls-8631867.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8631810.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/06-city-mcfc.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;This Abu Dhabi deal to enter the world of Major League Soccer is an eye-watering investment, even by Emirates standards. That’ll be $100m (£66m) to buy a franchise, please.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>News &#38; Comment</category>


	<pubDate>Sat, 25 May 2013 00:00:54 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>Champions League final: Biggest German invasion since the fifth century as  Borussia Dortmund face Bayern Munich</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/champions-league-final-biggest-german-invasion-since-the-fifth-century-as--borussia-dortmund-face-bayern-munich-8631684.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/champions-league-final-biggest-german-invasion-since-the-fifth-century-as--borussia-dortmund-face-bayern-munich-8631684.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8631491.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/20-football1-gtv1.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Regardless of the outcome of Saturday’s European Champions League final at Wembley, no-one will be able to deny that the Germans have finally mounted a second successful invasion of the UK.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>European</category>


	<pubDate>Sat, 25 May 2013 00:00:46 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>Borussia Dortmund v Bayern Munich: Robert Lewandowski hoping to hand Dortmund a glittering parting gift</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/borussia-dortmund-v-bayern-munich-robert-lewandowski-hoping-to-hand-dortmund-a-glittering-parting-gift-8631853.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/borussia-dortmund-v-bayern-munich-robert-lewandowski-hoping-to-hand-dortmund-a-glittering-parting-gift-8631853.html</link>
	<description>

	

		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;There are a few managers who might have signed Robert Lewandowski. But for the Icelandic ash cloud that cancelled his flight, he might have joined Sam Allardyce at Blackburn. He was offered to Roberto Martinez at Wigan, who since Lewandowski had three agents representing him, was unsure what precisely was on the table.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>European</category>


	<pubDate>Sat, 25 May 2013 00:00:41 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>Borussia Dortmund v Bayern Munich: Arjen Robben still splitting opinions</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/borussia-dortmund-v-bayern-munich-arjen-robben-still-splitting-opinions-8631861.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/borussia-dortmund-v-bayern-munich-arjen-robben-still-splitting-opinions-8631861.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8631818.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/04-munich-gt.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;It was the kind of advert to make you look twice. Firstly, because the footballers were wearing leather shorts and drinking beer. Secondly, because among those doing the drinking was Arjen Robben.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>European</category>


	<pubDate>Sat, 25 May 2013 00:00:36 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>James Lawton: Borussia Dortmund manager Jürgen Klopp masters the crying game to forge spirit that can shock Bayern Munich </title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/james-lawton-borussia-dortmund-manager-jrgen-klopp-masters-the-crying-game-to-forge-spirit-that-can-shock-bayern-munich-8631864.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/james-lawton-borussia-dortmund-manager-jrgen-klopp-masters-the-crying-game-to-forge-spirit-that-can-shock-bayern-munich-8631864.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8631817.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/04-klopp-epa.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;There is so much that is admirable about Bayern Munich you could almost feel guilty while rooting for their third Champions League final defeat in four years at Wembley tonight.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>News &#38; Comment</category>


	<pubDate>Sat, 25 May 2013 00:00:33 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>Champions League Final: Can Jürgen Klopp and 
Borussia Dortmund stop the Bayern Munich machine?</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/champions-league-final-can-jrgen-klopp-and-borussia-dortmund-stop-the-bayern-munich-machine-8631748.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/champions-league-final-can-jrgen-klopp-and-borussia-dortmund-stop-the-bayern-munich-machine-8631748.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8631774.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/graphic.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;If you were seeking the distillation of the confidence playing for Bayern Munich breeds in its players, especially this recent gilded generation of Germans, then watching Philipp Lahm and Thomas Müller face questions yesterday at Wembley was an emphatic reminder of how they regard themselves.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>European</category>


	<pubDate>Sat, 25 May 2013 00:00:15 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>Tottenham midfielder Andros Townsend charged with breaching betting regulations</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/tottenham-midfielder-andros-townsend-charged-with-breaching-betting-regulations-8631395.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/tottenham-midfielder-andros-townsend-charged-with-breaching-betting-regulations-8631395.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8527679.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/163403657.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Andros Townsend has pulled out of the England squad for next month’s European Under-21 Championship after being charged by the Football Association with allegedly breaking betting regulations.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>News &#38; Comment</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 22:44:06 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>&#039;Too expensive and too corporate&#039; – ITV presenter Adrian Chiles says of English football as he praises the German Bundesliga ahead of Bayern Munich facing Borussia Dortmund</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/too-expensive-and-too-corporate--itv-presenter-adrian-chiles-says-of-english-football-as-he-praises-the-german-bundesliga-ahead-of-bayern-munich-facing-borussia-dortmund-8631690.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/too-expensive-and-too-corporate--itv-presenter-adrian-chiles-says-of-english-football-as-he-praises-the-german-bundesliga-ahead-of-bayern-munich-facing-borussia-dortmund-8631690.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8631526.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/20-Adrian-Chiles-tp.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;The football presenter Adrian Chiles has expressed his concern at the lack of atmosphere inside big English grounds, and appealed to clubs to consider lowering ticket prices.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>News &#38; Comment</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 21:40:11 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>Champions League final preview: Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/champions-league-final-preview-bayern-munich-v-borussia-dortmund-8631473.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/champions-league-final-preview-bayern-munich-v-borussia-dortmund-8631473.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8631478.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/wembley-final.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;The stage is set for Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich to battle it out for the prestigious Champions League trophy in the competition’s first ever all-German final.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>European</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 20:00:42 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>After troubles at Chelsea, Rafael Benitez faces another testing role at Napoli</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/after-troubles-at-chelsea-rafael-benitez-faces-another-testing-role-at-napoli-8631627.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/after-troubles-at-chelsea-rafael-benitez-faces-another-testing-role-at-napoli-8631627.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8572583.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/P5-EPA.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is a man of the theatre. Ever since the resignation of popular manager Walter Mazzarri at the conclusion of the Serie A season last Sunday, the eccentric boss has teased the club’s faithful supporters and the media with hints about the identity of their new coach.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>News &#38; Comment</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 18:48:21 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Scottish Cup final preview: Hibernian look to overcome hoodoo against Celtic</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/scottish/scottish-cup-final-preview-hibernian-look-to-overcome-hoodoo-against-celtic-8631579.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/scottish/scottish-cup-final-preview-hibernian-look-to-overcome-hoodoo-against-celtic-8631579.html</link>
	<description>

	

		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;There are hoodoos and then there is Hibernian’s hoodoo. Tomorrow afternoon the Edinburgh club and its supporters will cross Scotland to Hampden Park accompanied by enough historical baggage to weigh down even the most optimistic traveller from the country’s capital to its football capital.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Scottish</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 17:54:11 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>FA Women’s Cup Final: Failure drives Arsenal Ladies on ahead of match with Bristol Academy</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/fa-womens-cup-final-failure-drives-arsenal-ladies-on-ahead-of-match-with-bristol-academy-8631576.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/fa-womens-cup-final-failure-drives-arsenal-ladies-on-ahead-of-match-with-bristol-academy-8631576.html</link>
	<description>

	

		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Arsenal Ladies can add yet another trophy to their collection on Sunday afternoon, as they contest the FA Women’s Cup Final against Bristol Academy at Doncaster Rovers’ Keepmoat Stadium.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>News &#38; Comment</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 17:50:19 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Chelsea interim-manager Rafael Benitez set for return to Italy according to Napoli president</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/chelsea-interimmanager-rafael-benitez-set-for-return-to-italy-according-to-napoli-president-8631558.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/chelsea-interimmanager-rafael-benitez-set-for-return-to-italy-according-to-napoli-president-8631558.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8559139.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/pg-66-benitez-getty.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Rafael Benitez is to join Napoli on a two-year deal according to the Italian club&#039;s president.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>European</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 17:36:40 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>David Gill &#039;confident&#039; Wayne Rooney will stay at Manchester United</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/david-gill-confident-wayne-rooney-will-stay-at-manchester-united-8631542.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/david-gill-confident-wayne-rooney-will-stay-at-manchester-united-8631542.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8615661.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/wayne-rooney-man-united.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;David Gill, the outgoing Manchester United chief executive, says he is “confident” that Wayne Rooney will remain at the club.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Transfers</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 17:22:17 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Scottish Cup Final: Hibernian v Celtic match preview</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/scottish/scottish-cup-final-hibernian-v-celtic-match-preview-8631483.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/scottish/scottish-cup-final-hibernian-v-celtic-match-preview-8631483.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8582513.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/neil-lennon.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Celtic are hoping to secure the first league and cup double of Neil Lennon’s tenure when they take on Hibernian at Hampden Park this weekend. Having won their 44th league title back in April, complacency seems to be the only problem Lennon’s side face when they bid to extend their dominance in Scottish football and win a comprehensive 36th Scottish Cup.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Scottish</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 16:47:08 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Three Brighton footballers, including Liverpool manager Brendan Rogers&#039; son Anton - plus one Bournemouth player - cleared of sexual assault </title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/three-brighton-footballers-including-liverpool-manager-brendan-rogers-son-anton--plus-one-bournemouth-player--cleared-of-sexual-assault-8631244.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/three-brighton-footballers-including-liverpool-manager-brendan-rogers-son-anton--plus-one-bournemouth-player--cleared-of-sexual-assault-8631244.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8462988.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/Brighton-and-Hove-Albion-fo.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Four footballers were cleared today of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman in a hotel room.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Crime</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 16:18:42 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Let the spending begin: Monaco announce arrival on European stage with €70m deal for Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/let-the-spending-begin-monaco-announce-arrival-on-european-stage-with-70m-deal-for-joao-moutinho-and-james-rodriguez-8631362.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/let-the-spending-begin-monaco-announce-arrival-on-european-stage-with-70m-deal-for-joao-moutinho-and-james-rodriguez-8631362.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8631380.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/monaco.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Monaco have announced themselves as the latest player among the mega-rich football clubs in European football by signing two Premier League targets.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Transfers</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 16:15:57 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>You Write the Caption - 24/05/13</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/you-write-the-caption--240513-8631265.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/you-write-the-caption--240513-8631265.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8631269.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/captioncomp_princewilliam.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Go on, make us laugh. What might they be saying? Post your caption to this picture using the comment form below and our favourite will win a bottle of wine.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Sport</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 14:32:49 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Rock on! Gibraltar become Uefa memeber - but will be kept apart from Spain during qualification for Euro 2016</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/rock-on-gibraltar-become-uefa-memeber--but-will-be-kept-apart-from-spain-during-qualification-for-euro-2016-8631242.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/rock-on-gibraltar-become-uefa-memeber--but-will-be-kept-apart-from-spain-during-qualification-for-euro-2016-8631242.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8320174.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/rexfeatures_1581575l.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Gibraltar and Spain will be kept apart when the qualifying draw is made for Euro 2016 after Uefa added the fixture to a shortlist of matches that Europe’s governing body seeks to avoid at  all costs.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>News &#38; Comment</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 14:05:38 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Demba Ba says everyone at Chelsea is excited by the prospect of Jose Mourinho returning</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/demba-ba-says-everyone-at-chelsea-is-excited-by-the-prospect-of-jose-mourinho-returning-8631240.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/demba-ba-says-everyone-at-chelsea-is-excited-by-the-prospect-of-jose-mourinho-returning-8631240.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8626108.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/Mourinho-moment.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Everybody at Chelsea is looking forward to the anticipated return of Jose Mourinho, according to striker Demba Ba. &lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 14:00:40 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Hartlepool appoint Colin Cooper as new manager</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/hartlepool-appoint-colin-cooper-as-new-manager-8631238.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/hartlepool-appoint-colin-cooper-as-new-manager-8631238.html</link>
	<description>

	

		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Hartlepool have appointed Colin Cooper as their new manager following the sacking of John Hughes earlier this month. &lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Football League</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 13:58:28 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Borussia Dortmund v Bayern Munich: 50 things you should know about the Champions League final</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/borussia-dortmund-v-bayern-munich-50-things-you-should-know-about-the-champions-league-final-8631081.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/borussia-dortmund-v-bayern-munich-50-things-you-should-know-about-the-champions-league-final-8631081.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8600746.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/bayern-dortmund.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;This weekend Wembley plays host to the biggest and most hotly anticipated game of the season - the Champions League final.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>European</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 13:26:02 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Uefa confirm Champions League reward for winning the Europa League</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/uefa-confirm-champions-league-reward-for-winning-the-europa-league-8630925.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/uefa-confirm-champions-league-reward-for-winning-the-europa-league-8630925.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8619220.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/Frank-Lampard-europa.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;The Europa League winners will qualify for the Champions League from the 2015-16 season, it was confirmed at UEFA&#039;s Congress today. &lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>European</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 11:49:47 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Christian Benteke needs a &#039;reality check&#039; warns Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/christian-benteke-needs-a-reality-check-warns-aston-villa-manager-paul-lambert-8630816.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/christian-benteke-needs-a-reality-check-warns-aston-villa-manager-paul-lambert-8630816.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8562321.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/benteke-getty.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert has warned Christian Benteke he faces a “reality check” after reports suggesting the striker could be keen to leave the club.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 11:25:14 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Newcastle intend to fight to keep Fabricio Coloccini at the club this summer</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/newcastle-intend-to-fight-to-keep-fabricio-coloccini-at-the-club-this-summer-8630811.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/newcastle-intend-to-fight-to-keep-fabricio-coloccini-at-the-club-this-summer-8630811.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8464199.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/v2Fabricio-Coloccini-newcastle-argentina.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is gearing up for a fight to hold on to skipper Fabricio Coloccini for the second time in five months.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Transfers</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 11:23:25 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Gareth Bale urged to leave Tottenham for a club with &#039;culture of victory&#039; by Marcel Desailly</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/gareth-bale-urged-to-leave-tottenham-for-a-club-with-culture-of-victory-by-marcel-desailly-8630804.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/gareth-bale-urged-to-leave-tottenham-for-a-club-with-culture-of-victory-by-marcel-desailly-8630804.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8623958.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/bale-gareth1.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Gareth Bale should leave Tottenham for a club that has a “culture of victory”, according to Marcel Desailly.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Transfers</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 11:22:08 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Prince William: My money is on Bayern Munich to win 2-0 against Borussia Dortmund in final</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/prince-william-my-money-is-on-bayern-munich-to-win-20-against-borussia-dortmund-in-final-8630774.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/prince-william-my-money-is-on-bayern-munich-to-win-20-against-borussia-dortmund-in-final-8630774.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8630888.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/President-of-The-FA-Prince-.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;The Duke of Cambridge joked his money is on Bayern Munich to win tomorrow&#039;s all-German Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>European</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 11:20:54 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Liverpool chairman Tom Werner happy with &#039;remarkable progress&#039; being made under Brendan Rodgers</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool-chairman-tom-werner-happy-with-remarkable-progress-being-made-under-brendan-rodgers-8630567.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/liverpool-chairman-tom-werner-happy-with-remarkable-progress-being-made-under-brendan-rodgers-8630567.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8604497.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/Rodgers.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Liverpool chairman Tom Werner claims manager Brendan Rodgers has made “remarkable progress” during his first year in charge.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 10:19:16 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Christian Benteke tells Aston Villa not to stand in his way if a &#039;club like Arsenal&#039; come calling</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/christian-benteke-tells-aston-villa-not-to-stand-in-his-way-if-a-club-like-arsenal-come-calling-8630558.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/christian-benteke-tells-aston-villa-not-to-stand-in-his-way-if-a-club-like-arsenal-come-calling-8630558.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8564287.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/Christian-Benteke.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Christian Benteke has told Aston Villa not to stand in his way should “a club like Arsenal” look to sign him this summer.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Transfers</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 10:17:17 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Stoke midfielder Steven Nzonzi hands in transfer request following departure of Tony Pulis</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/stoke-midfielder-steven-nzonzi-hands-in-transfer-request-following-departure-of-tony-pulis-8630542.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/stoke-midfielder-steven-nzonzi-hands-in-transfer-request-following-departure-of-tony-pulis-8630542.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8478309.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/arsenal.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Stoke have confirmed midfielder Steven Nzonzi&#039;s transfer request has been rejected but stress it was not related to the departure of Tony Pulis.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Transfers</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 10:08:54 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Prince William to address Uefa ahead of Champions League final</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/prince-william-to-address-uefa-ahead-of-champions-league-final-8630538.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/prince-william-to-address-uefa-ahead-of-champions-league-final-8630538.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8630888.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/President-of-The-FA-Prince-.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Prince William will address UEFA&#039;s Congress in London today in his role as president of the Football Association.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>European</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 10:06:58 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Brian Kidd heaps praise on Manchester City after comeback against Chelsea in St Louis</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/brian-kidd-heaps-praise-on-manchester-city-after-comeback-against-chelsea-in-st-louis-8630530.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/brian-kidd-heaps-praise-on-manchester-city-after-comeback-against-chelsea-in-st-louis-8630530.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8630828.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/torres-tevez.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Manchester City caretaker boss Brian Kidd lauded his side as they announced themselves to the American market by coming from three goals down to beat Chelsea 4-3 in a friendly in St Louis.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 10:03:21 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Marouane Fellaini warns Manchester United players about &#039;tough&#039; David Moyes</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/marouane-fellaini-warns-manchester-united-players-about-tough-david-moyes-8630508.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/marouane-fellaini-warns-manchester-united-players-about-tough-david-moyes-8630508.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8623651.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/David-Moyes-united.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini has warned the Manchester United players they will not get an easy ride under new boss David Moyes.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 10:00:42 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Leon Osman agrees new Everton contract</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/leon-osman-agrees-new-everton-contract-8630504.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/leon-osman-agrees-new-everton-contract-8630504.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8537292.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/163793326.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Leon Osman has signed a contract extension which will keep him at Everton until 2015.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 09:58:54 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Outgoing Manchester United chief executive David Gill elected to Uefa role</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/outgoing-manchester-united-chief-executive-david-gill-elected-to-uefa-role-8630501.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/outgoing-manchester-united-chief-executive-david-gill-elected-to-uefa-role-8630501.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8104760.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/david-gill.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Manchester United&#039;s outgoing chief executive David Gill has been elected to UEFA&#039;s executive committee.  &lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>News &#38; Comment</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 09:57:30 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Women&#039;s Champions League final: Wolfsburg stun holders Lyons at Stamford Bridge</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/womens-champions-league-final-wolfsburg-stun-holders-lyons-at-stamford-bridge-8630189.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/womens-champions-league-final-wolfsburg-stun-holders-lyons-at-stamford-bridge-8630189.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8630896.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/Wolfsburg-players-celebrate.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Wolfsburg won the Women&#039;s Champions League after beating the holders Lyons 1-0 in the final at Stamford Bridge.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>European</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 01:00:31 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>Major refinancing sees Manchester United slash interest bill by £10m a year</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/major-refinancing-sees-manchester-united-slash-interest-bill-by-10m-a-year-8630190.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/major-refinancing-sees-manchester-united-slash-interest-bill-by-10m-a-year-8630190.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8614549.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/web-man-u-parade-1-getty.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Manchester United have cut their interest bill by £10million a year after a major refinancing through Bank of America.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>News &#38; Comment</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 01:00:25 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>Champions League final: The neutrals&#039; dilemma - which German side to back, Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund? </title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/champions-league-final-the-neutrals-dilemma--which-german-side-to-back-bayern-munich-or-borussia-dortmund-8630152.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/champions-league-final-the-neutrals-dilemma--which-german-side-to-back-bayern-munich-or-borussia-dortmund-8630152.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
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	&lt;p&gt;&#034;Football&#039;s coming home&#034; will ring around Wembley on Saturday night but the accents will be German. The first all-Bundesliga Champions League final is probably not the scenario the Football Association had in mind for its 150th birthday celebrations, and for the neutral, it poses a unique dilemma: which German team to support at Wembley?&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>European</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 01:00:21 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Dave Whelan upbeat on Roberto Martinez&#039;s Wigan future despite persistent Everton talk</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/dave-whelan-upbeat-on-roberto-martinezs-wigan-future-despite-persistent-everton-talk-8630149.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/dave-whelan-upbeat-on-roberto-martinezs-wigan-future-despite-persistent-everton-talk-8630149.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8615115.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/roberto-martinez.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Wigan chairman Dave Whelan insists he and manager Roberto Martinez and not losing any sleep over the future of the Latics&#039; boss.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 01:00:21 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Lift for David Moyes as Rio Ferdinand agrees new deal at Manchester United</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/lift-for-david-moyes-as-rio-ferdinand-agrees-new-deal-at-manchester-united-8630150.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/lift-for-david-moyes-as-rio-ferdinand-agrees-new-deal-at-manchester-united-8630150.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8629420.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/rio-ferdinand-man-united1.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;David Moyes had no hesitation in rubber-stamping Rio Ferdinand&#039;s one-year contract extension because he believes the Manchester United defender has just had one of his best seasons ever.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 01:00:21 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Manuel Pellegrini must deliver five trophies in five years at Manchester City says chief executive Ferran Soriano</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manuel-pellegrini-must-deliver-five-trophies-in-five-years-at-manchester-city-says-chief-executive-ferran-soriano-8630155.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manuel-pellegrini-must-deliver-five-trophies-in-five-years-at-manchester-city-says-chief-executive-ferran-soriano-8630155.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8630876.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/Ferran+SorianoFerran-Soriano.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Manchester City&#039;s chief executive, Ferran Soriano, has declared that he expects at least five trophies in the next five years from the club&#039;s next manager, who will inherit a stronger squad than Manchester United&#039;s – and one which should &#034;absolutely&#034; have retained last season&#039;s Premier League.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 01:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Thomas Muller: Bayern Munich couldn&#039;t handle losing a Champions League final again</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/thomas-muller-bayern-munich-couldnt-handle-losing-a-champions-league-final-again-8630153.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/thomas-muller-bayern-munich-couldnt-handle-losing-a-champions-league-final-again-8630153.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8630912.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/Rafinha%2C-Thomas-Muller-and-.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;He had won the European Cup. That much was certain. The header had been from close range at the far post and was directed powerfully downwards. The ball touched the bottom of the crossbar as it went in. There were seven minutes left. Bayern Munich had lined up to take shots. They had missed a penalty, struck the post, had a goal disallowed. Chelsea had yet to force a corner. Finally, the knockout blow had been delivered.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Profiles</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 01:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Chief executive Ferran Soriano predicts success at Manchester City if &#039;vision&#039; of &#039;City players&#039; is followed</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/chief-executive-ferran-soriano-predicts-success-at-manchester-city-if-vision-of-city-players-is-followed-8630154.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/chief-executive-ferran-soriano-predicts-success-at-manchester-city-if-vision-of-city-players-is-followed-8630154.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8630636.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/sergio-aguero.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Ferran Soriano is sitting at the top of the world – in the vast, airy &#034;SoHi&#034; room at the peak of a New York hotel with views across the place he calls &#034;the greatest city in the world,&#034; having momentarily left Manchester out of the mental equation.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Profiles</category>


	<pubDate>Fri, 24 May 2013 01:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>David Moyes delighted after Rio Ferdinand agrees to stay at Manchester United with new one-year contract</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/david-moyes-delighted-after-rio-ferdinand-agrees-to-stay-at-manchester-united-with-new-oneyear-contract-8629418.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/david-moyes-delighted-after-rio-ferdinand-agrees-to-stay-at-manchester-united-with-new-oneyear-contract-8629418.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8629420.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/rio-ferdinand-man-united1.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Rio Ferdinand has ended speculation that he could leave Old Trafford this summer by signing a new contract at Manchester United.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 16:51:34 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Champions League final: Departing Jupp Heynckes continues to show optimism even as his light fades at Bayern Munich</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/champions-league-final-departing-jupp-heynckes-continues-to-show-optimism-even-as-his-light-fades-at-bayern-munich-8629764.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/champions-league-final-departing-jupp-heynckes-continues-to-show-optimism-even-as-his-light-fades-at-bayern-munich-8629764.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8629767.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/Jupp-Heynckes-fan.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;As the Champions League final draws nearer, one man is beginning to take centre stage. A man who, as a player, never made it above the second division, and was largely unheard of five years ago. As a coach, though, Juergen Klopp has refined the art of making an impression. The unprecedented success of his Dortmund side has, in the last few years, been matched only by his mastery of the German media. And now he is turning his charms on the international press. The Cult of Kloppo is spreading its wings.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>European</category>


	<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 16:18:49 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>The absence of Mario Gotze is a loss to the Champions League final - but Borussia Dortmund can cope without him</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/the-absence-of-mario-gotze-is-a-loss-to-the-champions-league-final--but-borussia-dortmund-can-cope-without-him-8629734.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/the-absence-of-mario-gotze-is-a-loss-to-the-champions-league-final--but-borussia-dortmund-can-cope-without-him-8629734.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8629732.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/gotze-2.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;In Dortmund the talk is of fairytales. For the last three years, they have constantly understated their successes, insisting ever more fiercely that they remain underdogs when compared to FC Bayern. &lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>European</category>


	<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 16:05:54 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Wayne Rooney transfer speculation: Manchester United striker in talks with PSG according to reports in France</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/wayne-rooney-transfer-speculation-manchester-united-striker-in-talks-with-psg-according-to-reports-in-france-8629712.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/wayne-rooney-transfer-speculation-manchester-united-striker-in-talks-with-psg-according-to-reports-in-france-8629712.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8615661.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/wayne-rooney-man-united.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Wayne Rooney is in talks with Paris Saint-Germain, according to a report in French newspaper &lt;em&gt;L&#039;Equipe&lt;/em&gt; yesterday.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Transfers</category>


	<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 15:56:41 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Europa League winners to qualify for Champions League from 2015 - and it won&#039;t affect the top four</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/europa-league-winners-to-qualify-for-champions-league-from-2015--and-it-wont-affect-the-top-four-8629668.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/europa-league-winners-to-qualify-for-champions-league-from-2015--and-it-wont-affect-the-top-four-8629668.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8618044.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/web-live-blog-3-getty.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;The winner of Europa League will be rewarded with a place in the following season’s Champions League from 2015 onwards as part of an attempt by Uefa to make its secondary competition more attractive.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>European</category>


	<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 15:43:38 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Jack Wilshere demands better start from Arsenal next season</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/jack-wilshere-demands-better-start-from-arsenal-next-season-8629608.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/jack-wilshere-demands-better-start-from-arsenal-next-season-8629608.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8553054.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/jack-wilshere-arsenal.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Jack Wilshere has warned Arsenal cannot afford another slow start next season if they are to mount a sustained challenge for the Barclays Premier League title. &lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 15:14:46 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Video: Why Wembley health and safety rules mean we won&#039;t be seeing this at the Champions League final...</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/video-why-wembley-health-and-safety-rules-mean-we-wont-be-seeing-this-at-the-champions-league-final-8629394.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/video-why-wembley-health-and-safety-rules-mean-we-wont-be-seeing-this-at-the-champions-league-final-8629394.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8629566.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/Westfalenstadion.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;In recent years, German football fans have been lauded for their displays of support in the Champions League. They are consistently loud, imaginative and incredibly organised - leading to spectacular displays like those seen in the quarter-final first leg against Malaga at the Westfalenstadion (watch below)...&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>European</category>


	<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 15:05:45 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata calls Jose Mourinho &#039;one of the best&#039;</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/chelsea-midfielder-juan-mata-calls-jose-mourinho-one-of-the-best-8629431.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/chelsea-midfielder-juan-mata-calls-jose-mourinho-one-of-the-best-8629431.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8624303.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/mourinho-real-madrid.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Spanish playmaker Juan Mata would be thrilled to see Jose Mourinho return to Chelsea. &lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 14:21:42 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>England fans warned against singing anti-IRA songs at Wembley by Roy Hodgson</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/england-fans-warned-against-singing-antiira-songs-at-wembley-by-roy-hodgson-8629406.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/england-fans-warned-against-singing-antiira-songs-at-wembley-by-roy-hodgson-8629406.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8629407.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/england-fans.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;England fans have been warned about singing anti-IRA songs when the Three Lions take on the Republic of Ireland at Wembley next week.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>International</category>


	<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 14:07:02 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Tony Pulis urges Stoke fans to get behind successor</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/tony-pulis-urges-stoke-fans-to-get-behind-successor-8629331.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/tony-pulis-urges-stoke-fans-to-get-behind-successor-8629331.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8625655.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/Pulis2.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Tony Pulis has urged Stoke fans to get behind whoever succeeds him as the club&#039;s manager. &lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 13:17:06 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Berlin to host 2015 Champions League final</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/berlin-to-host-2015-champions-league-final-8629258.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/berlin-to-host-2015-champions-league-final-8629258.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8629263.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/berlin-olympic-stadium.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;UEFA has announced that the Champions League final in 2015 will take place in Berlin&#039;s Olympic Stadium. &lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>European</category>


	<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 12:43:35 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Neil Lennon free to sit on bench during Celtic&#039;s Scottish Cup final appearance against Hibernian </title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/scottish/neil-lennon-free-to-sit-on-bench-during-celtics-scottish-cup-final-appearance-against-hibernian-8629252.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/scottish/neil-lennon-free-to-sit-on-bench-during-celtics-scottish-cup-final-appearance-against-hibernian-8629252.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8559140.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/pg-66-lennon-getty.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Neil Lennon has been given a one-game suspended touchline ban and will be free to be in the dugout for Celtic&#039;s William Hill Scottish Cup final against Hibernian at Hampden Park on Sunday. &lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Scottish</category>


	<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 12:40:53 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone will back Radamel Falcao if he chooses to leave</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/atletico-madrid-manager-diego-simeone-will-back-radamel-falcao-if-he-chooses-to-leave-8629248.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/atletico-madrid-manager-diego-simeone-will-back-radamel-falcao-if-he-chooses-to-leave-8629248.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8369151.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/atletico-ap.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone says he will not bear any grudge if star striker Radamel Falcao decides to seek a new challenge. &lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Transfers</category>


	<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 12:38:57 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Former Liverpool defender Markus Babbel on verge of Millwall appointment</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/former-liverpool-defender-markus-babbel-on-verge-of-millwall-appointment-8629113.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/former-liverpool-defender-markus-babbel-on-verge-of-millwall-appointment-8629113.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8629121.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/Markus-Babbel-liverpool-2001.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Former Liverpool defender Markus Babbel is the new favourite to be the new manager of Millwall.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Football League</category>


	<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 12:01:17 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Alan Pardew free to focus on summer plans following meeting with Newcastle hierarchy</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/alan-pardew-free-to-focus-on-summer-plans-following-meeting-with-newcastle-hierarchy-8628930.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/alan-pardew-free-to-focus-on-summer-plans-following-meeting-with-newcastle-hierarchy-8628930.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8623018.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/Arsenal7.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Alan Pardew was today contemplating his preparations for the new season after holding talks with Newcastle owner Mike Ashley.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 11:25:44 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Manchester City face competition from Real Madrid for Isco, according to reports in Spain</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/manchester-city-face-competition-from-real-madrid-for-isco-according-to-reports-in-spain-8628925.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/manchester-city-face-competition-from-real-madrid-for-isco-according-to-reports-in-spain-8628925.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8617288.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/Isco.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Real Madrid are interested in signing Malaga attacking midfielder Isco, according to reports in Spain.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Transfers</category>


	<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 11:23:43 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>Jose Mourinho hit with two game ban following touchline antics</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/jose-mourinho-hit-with-two-game-ban-following-touchline-antics-8628734.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/jose-mourinho-hit-with-two-game-ban-following-touchline-antics-8628734.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8623091.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/14-Clos-Gomez-Getty.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Outgoing Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has been handed a two-game ban for domestic cup matches following his dismissal in the Copa del Rey final on Friday night.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>European</category>


	<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 10:33:41 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Gareth Bale switch to Real Madrid would suit the Tottenham forward, declares Sergio Ramos</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/gareth-bale-switch-to-real-madrid-would-suit-the-tottenham-forward-declares-sergio-ramos-8628666.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/gareth-bale-switch-to-real-madrid-would-suit-the-tottenham-forward-declares-sergio-ramos-8628666.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8622372.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/12-bitesizechunks1-afpgt.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos believes Gareth Bale would be right at home at the Bernabeu.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Transfers</category>


	<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 10:12:54 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>Pablo Zabaleta says the Manuel Pellegrini style of football is &#039;great&#039;</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/pablo-zabaleta-says-the-manuel-pellegrini-style-of-football-is-great-8628646.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/pablo-zabaleta-says-the-manuel-pellegrini-style-of-football-is-great-8628646.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8565155.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/city-zabaleta.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Pablo Zabaleta believes Manuel Pellegrini could be a great manager for Manchester City.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 10:08:29 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>Decision on Roberto Martinez&#039;s Wigan future will not be made until next week</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/decision-on-roberto-martinezs-wigan-future-will-not-be-made-until-next-week-8628640.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/decision-on-roberto-martinezs-wigan-future-will-not-be-made-until-next-week-8628640.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8615115.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/roberto-martinez.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;The future of Wigan manager Roberto Martinez will not be decided until next week but chairman Dave Whelan is positive about holding on to the Spaniard. &lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 10:06:06 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>Roy Hodgson shuts the England door on Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/roy-hodgson-shuts-the-england-door-on-manchester-city-midfielder-gareth-barry-8628244.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/roy-hodgson-shuts-the-england-door-on-manchester-city-midfielder-gareth-barry-8628244.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8628122.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/v2pg-72-barry-getty.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;The Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry is facing the end of his international career, with Roy Hodgson preferring to go with younger players for the remaining World Cup qualifiers and the build-up to next year&#039;s finals in Brazil.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>International</category>


	<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 01:00:27 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>Champions League final: Borussia Dortmund confirm Bayern Munich bound Mario Gotze will miss Wembley final</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/champions-league-final-borussia-dortmund-confirm-bayern-munich-bound-mario-gotze-will-miss-wembley-final-8628245.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/champions-league-final-borussia-dortmund-confirm-bayern-munich-bound-mario-gotze-will-miss-wembley-final-8628245.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8627528.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/Gotze.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Borussia Dortmund have confirmed Mario Götze will miss the Champions League final against Bayern Munich at Wembley on Saturday.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>European</category>


	<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 01:00:27 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>Tony Pulis &#039;understands&#039; end of Stoke City reign as owner seeks change of direction</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/tony-pulis-understands-end-of-stoke-city-reign-as-owner-seeks-change-of-direction-8628243.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/tony-pulis-understands-end-of-stoke-city-reign-as-owner-seeks-change-of-direction-8628243.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8626276.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/web-pulis-getty.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;The speed of former Stoke manager Tony Pulis&#039;s departure may have taken some at the club by surprise but the 55-year-old admits he knew the writing was on the wall before the end of the season.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 01:00:27 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>Liverpool striker Andy Carroll delays over West Ham move</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/liverpool-striker-andy-carroll-delays-over-west-ham-move-8628251.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/liverpool-striker-andy-carroll-delays-over-west-ham-move-8628251.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8488527.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/16-lambert-epa.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Andy Carroll has postponed making a decision on which club he will play for next season because of the heel injury that will rule him out until the end of July.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Transfers</category>


	<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 01:00:27 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>Manchester City face long haul to win over NYC citizens</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-city-face-long-haul-to-win-over-nyc-citizens-8628252.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-city-face-long-haul-to-win-over-nyc-citizens-8628252.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8628131.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/pg-74-nyc-ap.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;There is an abundance of evidence already that Manchester City&#039;s new little brother club in New York City – &#034;NYCFC&#034;, as they are already being called here – will be a mini-City in every way, using the access to the American market place to drive up the kind of awareness that Manchester United command and the Abu Dhabi-owned side do not. The marketing materials for the new club are identikit Manchester City. There was sky blue everywhere at the official launch of the club in east Harlem.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 01:00:27 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>On-loan goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois still believes in Chelsea youth policy</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/onloan-goalkeeper-thibaut-courtois-still-believes-in-chelsea-youth-policy-8627933.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/onloan-goalkeeper-thibaut-courtois-still-believes-in-chelsea-youth-policy-8627933.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8628159.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/web-atletico-keeper-getty.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;In the bowels of the Bernabeu in the early hours of last Saturday morning, Atletico Madrid players were filing on to the team bus that would take them to their post-Spanish Cup victory celebrations.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 01:00:21 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>Manuel Pellegrini must decide on futures of Carlos Tevez, Gareth Barry and Joleon Lescott as Manchester City name starting date for new manager</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manuel-pellegrini-must-decide-on-futures-of-carlos-tevez-gareth-barry-and-joleon-lescott-as-manchester-city-name-starting-date-for-new-manager-8628253.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manuel-pellegrini-must-decide-on-futures-of-carlos-tevez-gareth-barry-and-joleon-lescott-as-manchester-city-name-starting-date-for-new-manager-8628253.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8628817.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/tevez-pellegrini.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Manuel Pellegrini is expected to meet his new Manchester City players a week on Monday, seven days after the club&#039;s anticipated confirmation that he is to succeed Roberto Mancini and become first-team coach.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 01:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>British football scores an own goal</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/british-football-scores-an-own-goal-8628338.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/british-football-scores-an-own-goal-8628338.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8628233.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/pg-60-football-business-pa.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;&#034;Football… bloody hell!&#034; Sir Alex Ferguson, famously wrestled to the ground by the English language and Manchester United&#039;s astonishing comeback against Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League Final, produced a quote so inarticulate it has achieved a kind of gnomic eloquence.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Business News</category>


	<pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Roberto Martinez&#039;s Wigan decision looms</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/roberto-martinezs-wigan-decision-looms-8628254.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/roberto-martinezs-wigan-decision-looms-8628254.html</link>
	<description>

	

		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;The Wigan manager, Roberto Martinez, is to decide his future tomorrow, according to the chairman Dave Whelan.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2013 22:48:27 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>Women&#039;s Champions League: Wolfsburg aim for the treble</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/womens-champions-league-wolfsburg-aim-for-the-treble-8628247.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/womens-champions-league-wolfsburg-aim-for-the-treble-8628247.html</link>
	<description>

	

		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;The Wolfsburg coach, Ralf Kellerman, hopes his side can cap a historic treble in what he calls &#034;the birthplace of football&#034;.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>European</category>


	<pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2013 22:48:27 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>Former Manchester United and England defender Brian Greenhoff has died aged 60</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/former-manchester-united-and-england-defender-brian-greenhoff-has-died-aged-60-8627878.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/former-manchester-united-and-england-defender-brian-greenhoff-has-died-aged-60-8627878.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8627870.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/Brian-Greenhoff2.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Former Manchester United and England defender Brian Greenhoff has died, aged 60.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>News &#38; Comment</category>


	<pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2013 18:34:15 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>Arsenal forward Theo Walcott makes his golfing debut at Wentworth</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/arsenal-forward-theo-walcott-makes-his-golfing-debut-at-wentworth-8627831.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/arsenal-forward-theo-walcott-makes-his-golfing-debut-at-wentworth-8627831.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8627474.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/Walcott-trees.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Theo Walcott traded his boots for his spikes today as he competed in the Pro-Am golf day at Wentworth in the build up to this weekend&#039;s BMW PGA Championship&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>News &#38; Comment</category>


	<pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2013 17:41:31 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Stiliyan Petrov to take up academy role with Aston Villa following retirement</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/stiliyan-petrov-to-take-up-academy-role-with-aston-villa-following-retirement-8627748.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/stiliyan-petrov-to-take-up-academy-role-with-aston-villa-following-retirement-8627748.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8627752.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/Petrov.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Aston Villa have confirmed recently retired Stiliyan Petrov will take up a new role as assistant to development coach Gordon Cowans at the club&#039;s academy.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2013 17:26:23 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Tony Pulis: &#039;Although I&#039;m disappointed, I do understand&#039;</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/tony-pulis-although-im-disappointed-i-do-understand-8627728.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/tony-pulis-although-im-disappointed-i-do-understand-8627728.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8627730.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/Pulis-goodbye.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Former Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has admitted that although he is disappointed that his time with the club has come to an end, he does understand that the board feel the need to take the team in a different direction.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2013 17:11:53 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>Manuel Pellegrini confirms his exit from Malaga to open door to Manchester City job</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/manuel-pellegrini-confirms-his-exit-from-malaga-to-open-door-to-manchester-city-job-8627540.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/manuel-pellegrini-confirms-his-exit-from-malaga-to-open-door-to-manchester-city-job-8627540.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8627544.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/Pellegrini.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed he will be leaving Malaga at the end of the season, clearing the way for him to join Manchester City.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>European</category>


	<pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2013 15:35:58 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>Mario Gotze ruled out of Champions League final</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/mario-gotze-ruled-out-of-champions-league-final-8627526.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/mario-gotze-ruled-out-of-champions-league-final-8627526.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8627528.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/Gotze.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Borussia Dortmund have confirmed Mario Gotze will miss the Champions League final against Bayern Munich at Wembley on Saturday.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>European</category>


	<pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2013 15:25:48 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Chelsea trio due back early as England calls</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/chelsea-trio-due-back-early-as-england-calls-8627510.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/chelsea-trio-due-back-early-as-england-calls-8627510.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8627512.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/Chelsea-trio.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Gary Cahill has confirmed that Chelsea’s England trio will leave their post-season tour of the United States after tomorrow’s friendly with Manchester City to join up with the National team.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2013 15:13:03 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Crunch talks for Newcastle clouds Alan Pardew&#039;s future at club</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/crunch-talks-for-newcastle-clouds-alan-pardews-future-at-club-8627495.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/crunch-talks-for-newcastle-clouds-alan-pardews-future-at-club-8627495.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8627501.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/Pardew.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Speculation surrounding the position of Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has been turned up a notch after it was revealed the boss was due to have crunch talks about the club&#039;s future with Mike Ashley today.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2013 15:06:05 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>Stats reveal just how multi-national the Premier League has become</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/stats-reveal-just-how-multinational-the-premier-league-has-become-8626945.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/stats-reveal-just-how-multinational-the-premier-league-has-become-8626945.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8626953.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/Ferguson-players.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;When Manchester United were awarded the Barclays Premier League trophy following their victory against Swansea earlier this month, all eyes were on Sir Alex Ferguson and his title-winning side. But for those who looked round the stadium that day, on display were an assortment of flags that would have looked more at home at a United Nations conference.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2013 11:36:11 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Phil Neville &#039;flattered&#039; to be linked with Everton job</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/phil-neville-flattered-to-be-linked-with-everton-job-8626810.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/phil-neville-flattered-to-be-linked-with-everton-job-8626810.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8626823.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/Phil-Neville.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Retiring Everton defender Phil Neville has confirmed his interest in succeeding David Moyes as the club&#039;s manager.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2013 10:55:44 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Carlton Cole to leave West Ham in the summer after club confirm contract will not be renewed</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/carlton-cole-to-leave-west-ham-in-the-summer-after-club-confirm-contract-will-not-be-renewed-8626691.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/carlton-cole-to-leave-west-ham-in-the-summer-after-club-confirm-contract-will-not-be-renewed-8626691.html</link>
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		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8626698.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/Carlton-Cole.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;West Ham have confirmed that striker Carlton Cole will leave the club this summer after he was informed that his contract would not be renewed.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Wed, 22 May 2013 10:16:24 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Exclusive: Championship clubs set to push for safe-standing trials</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/exclusive-championship-clubs-set-to-push-for-safestanding-trials-8626274.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/exclusive-championship-clubs-set-to-push-for-safestanding-trials-8626274.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8626243.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/pg-72-standing-trial.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;The Football League is facing mounting pressure to back trials for safe standing after an overwhelming majority of Championship clubs went against the League&#039;s stance and voted in favour of permitting trials at a meeting earlier this season.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Football League</category>


	<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 22:41:50 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Manchester City strike gold in New York as MLS deal extends their empire</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-city-strike-gold-in-new-york-as-mls-deal-extends-their-empire-8626268.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/manchester-city-strike-gold-in-new-york-as-mls-deal-extends-their-empire-8626268.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8626238.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/pg-66-city-mls-ap.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Manchester City&#039;s chief executive, Ferran Soriano, raised the prospect of a &#034;brand City&#034; spanning Manchester and New York, as his club announced that they are to become the majority owner of a new Major League Soccer club, who may play in sky blue and create a proving ground for future City stars.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 22:41:49 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Gaël Clichy: Roberto Mancini must take share of blame for dismissal</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/gal-clichy-roberto-mancini-must-take-share-of-blame-for-dismissal-8626269.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/gal-clichy-roberto-mancini-must-take-share-of-blame-for-dismissal-8626269.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8626239.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/pg-66-clichy-getty.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Manchester City&#039;s Gaël Clichy has said that Roberto Mancini must take responsibility for events that led to the Italian&#039;s dismissal as manager last week, though admitted that there were games last season during which the players &#034;didn&#039;t give anything&#034;.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 22:41:49 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>Andy Carroll stalls on £15m move to West Ham in hope Newcastle step in</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/andy-carroll-stalls-on-15m-move-to-west-ham-in-hope-newcastle-step-in-8626270.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/andy-carroll-stalls-on-15m-move-to-west-ham-in-hope-newcastle-step-in-8626270.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8626240.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/pg-68-carroll-ap.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;Andy Carroll was tonight stalling on a move to West Ham after a £15m fee was agreed with Liverpool, in the hope that Newcastle United enter the race for his signature.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Transfers</category>


	<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 22:41:49 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>In the end the fans decided Tony Pulis had made a pig&#039;s ear of the job at Stoke City</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/in-the-end-the-fans-decided-tony-pulis-had-made-a-pigs-ear-of-the-job-at-stoke-city-8626271.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/in-the-end-the-fans-decided-tony-pulis-had-made-a-pigs-ear-of-the-job-at-stoke-city-8626271.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8626276.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/web-pulis-getty.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;The Stoke City players had their end-of-season bash a week early on the penultimate Sunday of the season, and rather than Stoke-on-Trent it was 55 miles north up the M6 at a restaurant in the upmarket new Spinningfields district of Manchester city centre that they toasted another year in the Premier League.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 22:41:49 +0100</pubDate>
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	<title>Phil Neville in frame for role at Stoke City</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/phil-neville-in-frame-for-role-at-stoke-city-8626272.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/phil-neville-in-frame-for-role-at-stoke-city-8626272.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8626241.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/v2pg-68-neville-pa.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;The former England international and Everton captain Phil Neville is in the frame for a senior coaching role at Stoke City following the departure of manager Tony Pulis after seven years in charge at the club.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>Premier League</category>


	<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 22:41:49 +0100</pubDate>
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<item>
	<title>Why clubs are keen to take a stand</title>
	<guid>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/why-clubs-are-keen-to-take-a-stand-8626273.html</guid>
	<link>http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/why-clubs-are-keen-to-take-a-stand-8626273.html</link>
	<description>

	

	
     	
		<![CDATA[<img src="http://www.independent.co.uk/incoming/article8626242.ece/ALTERNATES/w100/pg-70-standing-1-getty.jpg" style="padding-right:5px;margin-right:5px" align="left" /> ]]>
 		

	
	
	&lt;p&gt;It was on Valentine&#039;s Day that representatives of 22 Championship clubs gathered in the Lineker Suite within Leicester City&#039;s King Power Stadium for one of their regular get-togethers. At item six on the agenda was a motion that read: &#034;The Football League would encourage and support the instigation of a rail seat/safe-standing trial period at any League club wishing to run such a trial. This permission would only apply during a new build or stadium redevelopment.&#034; It was passed by 21 votes to one.&lt;/p&gt;
</description>
	<category>News &#38; Comment</category>


	<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 22:41:49 +0100</pubDate>
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