McBreen may pull out of match over blocked move
SEBASTIAN HASSETT The Central Coast Mariners have infuriated star striker Daniel McBreen by refusing to allow him to join a Chinese Super League club Shanghai East Asia during the January transfer period.
Top stories
Ribery, Benzema acquitted in sex trial
![Karim Benzema.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/10/4817700/karim-20benzema-20thumbnail_20131010074227911713-90x60.jpg)
1:13am Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery and Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema have been acquitted on charges of soliciting an underage prostitute.
Sydney FC's pieces falling into place for Farina
![Frank Farina](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/11/01/4889377/Frank-20Farina-20131101225412523428-90x60.jpg)
SEBASTIAN HASSETT 6:44pm After months of rotating and rejigging his side like pieces in an impossible puzzle, Sydney FC coach Frank Farina hopes he has found the starting side that will finally deliver consistency.
Mariners look to the East for mystery signing
![Phil Moss](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/18/5088277/Phil-20Moss-20140118232845867188-90x60.jpg)
DOMINIC BOSSI Central Coast Mariners are aiming to bolster their title defence by making up to three signings within a week, beginning with an Asian attacking midfielder who could arrive in the coming days.
Muscat will go on the attack against Perth
![Melbourne coach Kevin Muscat.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/30/5118590/ZAH_muscat_TN-20140130185646460402-90x60.jpg)
MICHAEL LYNCH Kevin Muscat, who is under intense pressure in his coaching career, will resist playing it safe.
The lowdown: Melbourne Heart v Sydney FC
![Alessandro Del Piero](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/18/4840593/Alessandro-20Del-20Piero-20-20131018110112251258-90x60.jpg)
Sebastian Hassett If Alessandro Del Piero is anywhere near his best, it tilts the balance in favour of the Sky Blues.
Latest football news
Golgol Mebrahtu to leave Heart and call Wanderers home
![Heart's Golgol Mebrahtu after the loss to the Wanderers](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/30/5118598/ZAH_golgol_TN-20140130190252897531-90x60.jpg)
MICHAEL LYNCH The exodus at Melbourne Heart has yet to start in earnest as new owner Manchester City audits the club's roster.
Manchester City steamrolls Tottenham 5-1
![Manchester City's Edin Dzeko](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/30/5118615/ZAH_city_TN-20140130192118316656-90x60.jpg)
Paul Hayward The Manchester City goal machine will roll over you without you even feeling it.
McBreen furious after Central Coast refuses to release him to Chinese club
![Daniel McBreen.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/30/5119046/ZAH_mcbreen_TN-20140130212312469477-90x60.jpg)
SEBASTIAN HASSETT The Central Coast Mariners place $250,000 transfer fee on striker Daniel McBreen.
Melbourne Heart has lots to prove to its new Manchester City owners
![Michael Lynch](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/09/13/4746335/Michael-Lynch-90x60.jpg)
MICHAEL LYNCH Manchester City's takeover of the league's struggler holds immense promise for the future.
Sydney FC coach Frank Farina looking for consistency
![Frank Farina.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/30/5118618/ZAH_farina_TN-20140130192451671632-90x60.jpg)
SEBASTIAN HASSETT Sydney FC coach Frank Farina hopes he's found the side that will deliver consistency.
Joel Griffiths cleared to face Wanderers
2:32pm Newcastle striker Joel Griffiths has finally been cleared to play with coach Clayton Zane likely to use him off the bench against the Wanderers.
Allardyce laughs off Mourinho claims
10:51am West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says he was delighted to see Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho upset after his struggling side held the Blues to a 0-0 draw.
Sydney FC close to decision on Bosnar
Angela Habashy 10:26am Sydney FC coach Frank Farina says the club will probably make a decision this weekend on whether they'll sign defender Eddy Bosnar.
Manchester City post $97 million loss
![The club logo on the exterior of the City of Manchester Stadium, the home ground for Manchester City football club, in Manchester, U.K., on Thursday, June 21, 2007. Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Thai Prime Minister who was today charged with corruption in his home country, agreed to buy English soccer team Manchester City for 21.6 million pounds ($43 million). Photographer: Paul Thomas/Bloomberg News](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/30/5116696/mancitythumb-20140130104059365199-90x60.jpg)
11:19am Manchester City lost more than $97 million last year, exceeding the amount allowed under UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules.
Manchester City go top after demolition of Tottenham Hotspur
![Manchester City's Stevan Jovetic celebrates scoring his side's fourth goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City at White Hart Lane stadium in London, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2014. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/30/5116503/MANCITYTHUMB-20140130092003915782-90x60.jpg)
9:24am LONDON: Free-scoring Manchester City swept to the English Premier League summit with a 5-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, but Chelsea lost momentum after being held at home by struggling West Ham United.
Rampant Manchester City go top with 5-1 win
![Manchester City celebrates.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/30/5116499/th-wbSOCcity-90x60.jpg)
9:19am Free-scoring City sweep to the EPL summit at the expense of Tottenham.
Cabaye seals PSG move from Newcastle
8:02am Paris St Germain have completed the signing of Yohan Cabaye from Newcastle in a deal reportedly worth over $30m.
Manchester City posts $A97 million loss
![Vincent Kompany.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2012/05/15/3298901/manchester-city-90x60.jpg)
12:25am Manchester City's $US85 million loss exceeds amount allowed under UEFA rules.
Man City posts loss of more than $97m
Rob Harris 7:52am Big-spending EPL side Manchester City have posted losses of more than $97 million in a year, exceeding the amount under UEFA's financial rules.
Nikola Petkovic set for upgrade as Sydney FC cut Tiago Calvano free
![Petkovic](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/29/5115545/thumb-20Petkovic-20140129203506464333-90x60.jpg)
DOMINIC BOSSI Nikola Petkovic is on the cusp of signing a new contract with Sydney FC while Tiago Calvano became the fourth player released by the club since the start of the season after his contract was terminated by mutual consent on Wednesday.
Nikolai Topor-Stanley tips Jets to take Gary van Egmond's sacking in their stride
![Gary van Egmond](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/29/5115694/thumb-20Van-20egmond-20140129205553175057-90x60.jpg)
James Gardiner Nikolai Topor-Stanley tagged the sacking of Jets coach Gary van Egmond as normal practice in the cut-throat world of the A-League but does not expect his departure to have a major impact on his former club.
Youssouf Hersi and Jerome Polenz race for a place as Western Sydney Wanderers decide on squad for AFC Champions League
![Youssouf Hersi](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/29/5115549/thumb-20Hersi-20140129204437349305-90x60.jpg)
SEBASTIAN HASSETT Western Sydney Wanderers look set to make their Asian Champions League debut without either Youssouf Hersi or Jerome Polenz after leaving the pair out of their preliminary squad listing.
Liverpool scores huge win over arch-rivals Everton
![Class above: Liverpool players celebrate their third goal during the 4-0 flogging of a hapless Everton.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/29/5115687/th-svTHIRDGOAL-90x60.jpg)
HENRY WINTER Reds cut Everton to pieces with pace and precision during a 4-0 romp.
Winning start for Manchester United's $70m man Juan Mata
![Juan Mata](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/29/5115480/th-svJUANMATA-90x60.jpg)
London Juan Mata's new club records a 2-0 victory at home to Cardiff City in the English Premier League.
W-League: Canberra United hands Sydney FC first loss of season
![Canberra United v Sydney FC at McKellar Park, Canberra.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/29/5115780/rm-th-soccer-20140129212248298533-90x60.jpg)
CHRIS DUTTON Canberra United fired a warning shot to its W-League rivals and staked its claim for the title on Wednesday.
Tiago Calvano leaves Sydney FC
Defender Tiago Calvano has left A-League side Sydney FC to take up a contract in America.
Tiago Calvano granted immediate release from Sydney FC
![SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 09: Tiago Calvano of Sydney FC celebrates with team mates during the round five A-League match between Sydney FC and the Melbourne Victory at Allianz Stadium on November 9, 2013 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/29/5115069/---jesper-20140129171544337456-90x60.jpg)
DOMINIC BOSSI Tiago Calvano has been granted an immediate release from Sydney FC by mutual consent in order to pursue a move to the United States.
Glory sweat ahead of Victory A-League game
Justin Chadwick Lithuanian international Davydas Sernas is in line to make his Perth Glory A-League debut in the home clash with Melbourne Victory.
Roar bring back striker Solorzano
Brisbane Roar have added more firepower to their already impressive arsenal by signing Costa Rican striker Jean Carlos Solorzano for the rest of the season.
Injury threatens Williams' World Cup dream
Roje Adaimy Socceroo Rhys Williams has suffered an achilles injury while playing for English club Middlesbrough which could threaten his World Cup campaign.
Liverpool thump Everton as Arsenal drop points
![Liverpool routs Everton.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/29/5113638/th-wbSOCliver1-90x60.jpg)
Liverpool tightened their grip on fourth place with a superb 4-0 defeat of derby rivals Everton.
Winning start for Mata at United
Tom Williams Record signing Juan Mata enjoyed a winning start to his Manchester United career with a 2-0 victory over Cardiff at Old Trafford.
Rhys Williams suffers World-Cup threatening Achilles injury
![Rhys Williams](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/29/5113430/Rhys-20Williams-20140129085608168580-90x60.jpg)
SEBASTIAN HASSETT Socceroo midfielder Rhys Williams will face a nervous wait to find out his fate after suffering what appeared to be a serious Achilles injury on Wednesday morning.
Neymar's father reveals Barcelona deal details
![Barcelona's Brazilian forward Neymar da Silva Santos.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/29/5113365/th-wbSOCneymar-90x60.jpg)
Brazil star admit to receiving 10 million euros ($A15.73 million) in 2011.
'Happy' Samuel Eto'o may stay at Chelsea
![Samuel Eto'o celebrates scoring his third goal.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/20/5089708/th-etoo-90x60.jpg)
Striker may return to Spain when his contract expires in June.
Neymar's father reveals Barcelona deal details
![Neymar](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/29/5113351/Neymar-20-20140129075304985010-90x60.jpg)
The father of Brazil star Neymar on Tuesday denied signing a pre-contract with Barcelona until his son had left Santos for the Liga giants - but did admit to receiving 10 million euros ($A15.73 million) in 2011 to guarantee a move by 2014.
Melbourne Heart boosted by Manchester City link in A-League push
![Harry Kewell](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/28/5112625/thumb-20heart-20140128192959286600-90x60.jpg)
Ben McKay Manchester City revolution under way at Melbourne Heart inspires and liberates players.
Arsenal locks up new three-year deal with manager Arsene Wenger
![Arsene Wenger](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/28/5112588/th-svWENGER-90x60.jpg)
London Announcement comes as Arsenal locks up £150 million five-year kit deal with Puma.
Melbourne Victory's Kevin Muscat faces first real test of credentials
![Kevin Muscat.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/28/5112885/th-svMUSCAT-90x60.jpg)
MICHAEL LYNCH Coach's biggest problem is that he hasn't got a player like himself in his squad.
![](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/01/4793188/fball-live.jpg)
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Features
Heart has lots to prove to new owners
Manchester City's takeover of the league's struggler holds immense promise for the future.
Change of Heart
What are the implications of Man City's move on Melbourne Heart?
Anyone for a game of McFootball?
Manchester City's takeover of Melbourne Heart, while welcome, is another step in the inexorable march of globalisation in world football. For globalisation, read Europeanisation and homogenisation.
Biggest Merseyside derby in decades
It would not be overstating the magnitude of the Merseyside derby by suggesting it is the biggest league encounter between Liverpool and Everton for almost 30 years.
Melbourne Heart on an upward curve
It might be a trifle early to say Melbourne Heart has turned the corner but results for the cellar dweller have certainly been on an upward curve.
Chelsea fans mourn loss of humble Mata
For the many inconsolable Chelsea supporters, Juan Mata was not just an employee of their football club.
Revolving door is holding Sydney back
When Milos Dimitrijevic made his debut for Sydney FC last week, many thought the experienced midfielder would add some much needed distribution to their play.
City the Trojan horse to break open an insular culture
The purchase of an A-League club by the Abu Dhabi owners of Manchester City has come at a brilliant time.
Sydney FC's marquee men: past, present and future?
Looking back over Sydney FC's marquee signings - and the ones they'd love to have on their books next year.
City's arrival is a game changer
With the single stroke of a pen on Thursday morning, Melbourne Heart went from being the A-League's bastard child to the richest club in the land.
Are marquee signings over?
The Hairdryer team discuss the pros and cons of signing great players in their twilight years.
Brisbane Roar to miss unique striker
Brisbane had never seen anyone like Besart Berisha. Brilliant, bold, controversial, dramatic, divisive, engaging and enigmatic; he's given the thesaurus a workout during his time at Suncorp Stadium.
Battle for last European spot could change everything
It is five years since Liverpool last qualified for the Champions League and their prolonged absence has shown that the longer you are out, the tougher it is to get back in.
Our writers
![Michael Lynch](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.theage.com.au/2013/09/12/4741695/Michael%20Lynch%20dinkus-180x120.jpg)
![Seb Hassett](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.theage.com.au/2013/09/17/4754881/Sebastian%20Hassett%20dinkus-180x120.jpg)
![Dom Bossi](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.theage.com.au/2013/09/12/4741652/Dominic%20Bossi%20dinkus-180x120.jpg)
![Craig Foster](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.theage.com.au/2013/09/12/4741645/Craig%20Foster%20dinkus-180x120.jpg)
![Alan Hansen](http://web.archive.org./web/20140130144419im_/http://images.theage.com.au/2013/09/12/4741584/Alan%20Hansen%20dinkus-180x120.jpg)