By EWING GRAHAME The economic argument for Motherwell progressing to the play-off round of the Europa League by eliminating FK Aalesunds at Fir Park on Thursday is compelling.

French Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka is suing the sports daily L'Equipe for slander over a story that he insulted France manager Raymond Domenech during the 2010 Soccer World Cup, the website 20minutes.fr reported on Thursday.

Transfer Specials. Click here to bet. Panathinaikos have agreed a fee with Lyon for the sale of defender Jean-Alain Boumsong.

Bordeaux captain Alou Diarra declared himself "100 percent" committed to the club here on Friday, despite speculation linking him with a move to French champions Marseille.

Thierry Henry #14 of the New York Red Bulls reacts against Manchester City on July 25, 2010 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey.

The irony is not lost on Djibril Cisse. The French striker moved to Greek giants Panathinaikos before the 2009-10 season, and he knew he had to have a whale of a season in order to impress French coach Raymond Domenech and be included in the France squad for the World Cup.

Laurent Blanc, the new coach of France, says hea s still baffled by Madjid Bougherraa s decision to reject Bordeaux last summer and claimed yesterday that ita s time for the Rangers defender to move to a bigger a club.

Paris - French Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka is suing the sports daily L'Equipe for slander over a story that he insulted France manager Raymond Domenech during the 2010 World Cup, the website 20minutes.fr reported on Thursday.

Nicolas Anelka says Chelsea need to acquire the winning habit in their pre-season friendlies in order to get off to a good start in the Premier League .

A month after its embarrassing exit from the World Cup, France is on the verge of winning in international trophy.