Liverpool's debts have increased by £21.8 million, according to their accounts, published on Monday, as prolonged absence from the money-spinning Champions League takes its toll.

The Premier League side's latest accounts show the club recorded a loss of £40.5

The soft-spoken Anyansi, who was the leader of delegation could barely hide his displeasure as he criticized Coach Keshi for spending too much time ridiculing and damaging the image of the NFF since the triumph of Nigeria at the 2013 AFCON tournament in South Africa.

The victorious Pillars team, however, wasted no time in the central Africa Republic as it returned last night in a chartered flight . Speaking after the tie, club chairman, Alhaji Abba Galadima, stressed that they had gone to Bangui to win, but praised his team 'We went to Bangui to win but all the same, we are contented with the draw since it guaranteed us passage to the next round.

By CHRIS ANUCHA and TONY JOHN, Port Harcourt
President Goodluck Jonathan said the Federal Government will always provide the necessary support required for the development of sports in the country.

Vice-Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation Technical Committee, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu, has hit out at the Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi, over the 'disdainful and dishonest' statements credited to him in recent times.

Real Madrid warmed up for Tuesday's trip to Manchester United with a 2-1 Clasico victory over Barcelona thanks to Sergio Ramos's late header.

Karim Benzema struck early before Lionel Messi equalled the all-time scoring record in the fixture.

Chelsea interim boss Rafael Benitez has told BBC Sport's Dan Walker he has an "excellent" relationship with owner Roman Abramovich and he will be at the club until the end of the season.

The

Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna will miss the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday and midfielder Abou Diaby is rated a 50-50 chance.

"Abou has a calf problem, a minor one.

Real Madrid have the chance to beat Barcelona again after they cruised into the Spanish cup final with a 3-1 win on Tuesday over their historic rivals in front of a stunned Camp Nou, their clearest win there since 1963.

Barca

Real Madrid inflicted a painful 3-1 defeat on rivals Barcelona, completing a 4-2 aggregate win in the Copa del Rey semi-final second-leg in the Nou Camp.

Cristiano Ronaldo picked himself up after Gerard Pique's foul to score from the spot and Barca struggled to reply.

Lionel

Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez has dismissed media reports of a row between himself and some of his senior players in the aftermath of Sunday's 2-0 Premier League loss at Manchester City.

British

Inter Milan have been fined 50,000 euros after their fans were found guilty of racially abusing former Inter striker Mario Balotelli.

Balotelli was playing for his new club AC Milan in Sunday's derby draw.

Inflatable

Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas said Gareth Bale was an inspiration to his team-mates after the Wales winger's brilliant late winner sealed a 3-2 victory over West Ham.

Bale opened the scoring and capped a fightback from 2-1 down with a dipping last-minute shot from outside the area.

"He

Mikel Obi has conceded the EPL crown to Manchester United, while his club Chelsea and Manchester City will battle for second place.

Chelsea star Mikel has admitted Manchester United have their hands around the trophy already and that only a miracle could see them surrender it.

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has said his good physical condition will help him make a difference against real Madrid today.

The Argentine had a below par game by his standards as Barcelona went down 2-0 to Milan at the San Siro in their UEFA Champions League tie.