Sportsday - Klopp & Fifa updates

1. Jurgen Klopp agrees to become Liverpool boss
2. Fifa: Blatter, Platini & Valcke given 90-day suspensions
3. Former vice-president Chung Mong-joon banned for six years
4. Northern Ireland v Greece; Scotland v Poland (19:45 BST)

What a day

That's it from sportsday and what a day. High-profile Fifa suspensions, Jurgen Klopp agreeing to become Liverpool's new manager and a court in Spain saying Lionel Messi and his father should stand trial on tax fraud charges.

Now, we've got crucial Euro 2016 qualifiers involving Republic of Ireland playing Germany and Scotland hosting Poland. You can follow them by clicking here or listen on BBC Radio 5 live.

How can Scotland qualify for Euro 2016?

Scotland face Poland in their Group D qualifier at 19:45 BST. It is their penultimate match ahead of Sunday’s final chance against Gibraltar. Lose tonight and it would be over before that, however. So, how exactly can Gordon Strachan’s side progress?

• Currently fourth on 11 points, Scotland can only qualify by securing the third place play-off spot.
• Republic of Ireland, who play group leaders Germany at 19:45 BST, are currently third on 15 points.
• To leap-frog them, Scotland need four points from their final two matches and need Republic of Ireland to lose to Germany and Poland.
• Scotland would progress thanks to their superior head-to-head record.
• However, if Scotland win both matches, even two draws for the Irish would not be enough and Strachan’s side would take third, again on their head-to-head record.

BBC

How can Northern Ireland qualify for Euro 2016?

Northern Ireland play Greece in Group F at 19:45 BST. Michael O’Neill’s side are currently top of the table on 17 points, but automatic qualification is not yet guaranteed.

They face competition from Romania on 16 points and, more crucially, Hungary on 13 points - both teams could push Northern Ireland into third. So, what are the permutations?

• Win against bottom-of-the-table Greece, and Northern Ireland secure automatic qualification.
• Lose both matches and Northern Ireland are relying on Hungary to fail to beat both Faroe Islands and Greece.

BBC

How can Republic of Ireland qualify for Euro 2016?

Republic of Ireland face Group D leaders Germany at 19:45 BST. After that, it’s a final match against second-placed Poland on Sunday before they learn their Euro 2016 fate.

Scotland are champing at the bit behind them, however, and the Irish could still miss out on the third-place play-off spot. So, what exactly do they need to progress?

• Win against Germany and Martin O’Neill’s side are guaranteed the third-place play-off spot.
• Two draws would not be enough if Scotland win both their final matches - Gordon Strachan’s side have a superior head-to-head record.
• Two losses and the Irish would be relying on Scotland to also either lose one or both their matches.

BBC

Lewandowski's in the Highland League

Will the real Robert Lewandowski please stand up? Scotland face Poland at 19:45 BST, and with it the prospect of defending against one of Europe's fiercest strikers in the shape of the Bayern Munich forward.

However, his is a name that strikes fear into teams in the Highland League as well. 

As it happens, Robert Lewandowski is a goalkeeper for Fort William FC, according to the club's website. Just imagine the look on their opponents' faces when they see the team sheet.

Read more about how Scotland can handle the Polish striker here.

Reuters

Chance at immortality for Northern Ireland

Sporting immortality is the reward for a Northern Ireland match-winner against Greece, according to former manager Nigel Worthington.

Victory would clinch qualification for Euro 2016 and a first major tournament appearance since 1986.

Getty Images

"There's a wonderful chance for someone to make themselves a hero - the player who scores the winner will be held in high esteem forever," said Worthington.

Defender Jonny Evans has been ruled out because of a hamstring injury

Lafferty replacement big decision - Taggart

Getty Images

A win for Northern Ireland tonight will book their place at the European Championship next suumer.

Gerry Taggart - who won 51 caps for his country - says manager Michael O'Neill has a big call to make up front with Kyle Lafferty suspended:

"Kyle Lafferty is among the highest goalscorers in this qualification, he's the talisman so he's going to be a big miss tonight, but the plus is Nottingham Forest forward Jamie Ward coming back in," he said. 

"Michael O'Neill's got Liam Boyce of Ross County, Josh Magennis of Kilmarnock and Will Grigg of Wigan, so he's got a few decisions to make, because Kyle's been so prolific the others haven't had as many chances."

Scotland can't afford to lose tonight

Scotland can't afford to lose to Poland tonight if they want to keep alive their hopes of qualification for the European Championship.

Former Scotland defender Willie Miller says they have a tough task trying to stop Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski:

"It's very difficult, he's at the top of his game just now, scoring goals for fun. It will be up to the two centre backs, probably Russell Martin and Grant Hanley, and the team have to try and stop the supply to him. 

"We're at home and always full of optimism. Scotland can't lose tonight and part of that is stopping their main threat."

Getty Images

Get Involved - National Poetry Day

Is poetry what Gordon Strachan and his Scotland team need to inspire them tonight ahead of their match with Poland and their red-hot striker Robert Lewandowski?

If you fancy channeling your inner Wordsworth, send us your efforts using #mysportingpoem

Cipriani still dreams of playing for England

Getty Images

Danny Cipriani still dreams of playing rugby for England again, and has played down reports of a training ground incident with coach Mike Catt.

The Sale Sharks fly-half was omitted from Stuart Lancaster's squad for the World Cup and the RFU confirmed this week there was a misunderstanding between Cipriani and Catt on the training pitch.

In his column in The Sun Cirpriani said  the pair have "a good working relationship".

Cipriani & Catt row a 'non-story'

England coach Stuart Lancaster says there are "two sides" to the pre-World Cup training ground row between fly-half Danny Cipriani and attack coach Mike Catt.

Media reports claim Catt told Cipriani that he would "end his England career" hours after the Sale back had learned that he was not in the 31-man squad.

PA

"Everybody knows Mike Catt pretty well," said Lancaster.

"I saw it and I had a good chat with both of them. Everybody shook hands and it was all done in a short space of time and we all moved on. It's no problem. 

"Things like that happen occasionally with so many players in the camp, but it's a non-story for me."

Fifa scandal

Fifa has provisionally suspended its president Sepp Blatter, secretary general Jerome Valcke and vice-president Michel Platini for 90 days.

The British government's Sports Minister Tracey Crouch said: "The only way forward for Fifa is full-scale reform. It has to be much more accountable, transparent and restore the faith of football fans across the world. 

"Blatter has hung on to his position for too long and a new President must drive through widespread change."

Fifa scandal

Uefa has called an emergency meeting in Nyon on Thursday, 15 October following its president Michel Platini being provisionally suspended by Fifa.

Getty Images

In a statement, Uefa said: "The Uefa executive committee saw no need, at this moment in time, to invoke Article 29(5) of the Uefa statutes, pursuant to which the highest-ranking vice-president of Uefa may step in to assume the powers and duties of the president in his absence. 

"This is because the Uefa executive committee is aware that the Uefa president will immediately take all necessary steps to appeal the decision of the Fifa ethics committee to clear his name. 

"Furthermore, the Uefa executive committee stated that there must be a very rapid final decision on this matter before the relevant bodies, in the interests of both justice and football.

"Finally, the Uefa executive committee expressed its full confidence in Uefa president, Michel Platini, and stands fully behind him."

McAllister agrees to new Reds role

Gary McAllister had been removed as first-team coach pending Jurgen Klopp's arrival as manager at Liverpool.

PA

The Scot was offered a new role at the club and he has accepted a position on the Reds' backroom team but it does not involve first-team duties.

"Gary McAllsiter has  accepted an ambassadorial position, which will allow the club to benefit from his strong connection and affinity with the supporters," said a club statement.

However, the Anfield club confirmed "Sean O'Driscoll,Glen Driscoll and Chris Davies have left their respective first-team roles at the club".

Fifa scandal

Football Association chairman Greg Dyke has said for the first time that the governing body will drop its backing for Michel Platini as a candidate for the Fifa presidential election if Fifa's ethics committee finds he behaved improperly.

Uefa president Platini and Fifa president Sepp Blatter have been handed 90-day provisional bans by the committee while investigations take place into a £1.35m payment to the Frenchman.

"I can see why people are saying we should stop supporting him now, but we will follow what the ethics committee decides," said Dyke.

"Platini claims it's a fix, but if they decide he has behaved improperly we will not support him and I'm sure I would have the backing of the FA board on that."

Dyke to answer to MPs

Getty Images

Football Association chairman Greg Dyke will give evidence to MPs at a parliamentary hearing in two weeks' time on the FA's backing for Michel Platini in his bid to become Fifa president. 

Fifa sponsors, the Serious Fraud Office and Domenico Scala, the head of Fifa's governing body independent audit and compliance committee are also due to appear at a two-day meeting of the Culture, Media and Sport select committee.

The FA's board has not dropped its backing for Platini as the next Fifa president despite the Uefa president being provisionally banned by the ethics committee of world football's governing body.

The select committee is due to sit on 27 and 28 October.

Cahill on Chelsea struggles

Reuters

Right, let's give the last word from the England news conference to Gary Cahill as he talks about the situation at his club Chelsea: "We have had a very tough start but I have never been as determined to turn things around.

"I am sure the other players are the same. When I get back to club football we will tackle the problems head on."

Fifa scandal

Reuters

Roy Hodgson on the current situation with Fifa: "Everything to do with Fifa and the FA is a subject and a matter for the board of the FA headed up by Greg Dyke, whatever they are saying is fine by me. 

"I don't want to add my voice on the subject because that is not my realm of the FA. My realm is coaching the England football team."

Hodgson on Rooney role

"Wayne Rooney is a player capable of playing different positions," said England boss Roy Hodgson on where he see Rooney in his side.

"At the moment, we regard him as a forward player, either as a centre-forward or someone who plays just behind the out-and-out centre-forward."

'A strong team'

"It is a very strong team but it would be foolish of me to give away clues," said England manager on his team selection before the Estonia game.

"We are waiting on Michael Carrick but apart from that we have been fortunate that we have not come across injuries in training. I have a strong squad to choose from."

Roy Hodgson news conference

More from Roy Hodgson: “I don’t understand the seeds. I find it hard to understand how the Fifa rankings work. I don’t understand how we can win 10 and draw three of 13 games, be top of our group and teams above us in the rankings have six points fewer.

“However, you play against who you play against and when you cross that white line it is your performance that counts."

Roy Hodgson news conference

More from Roy Hodgson: "There have been a nucleus of players who have been with me and the group for quite a long time. 

"Are we going to have the body of players we have worked with going forward? Are we consistently going to have to find other people who can come in because they are injured? 

"We have done enough experimenting, we know what we want to do and the players we need to do what we want to do and now it is about getting practice."

PA

Klopp for the Kop

Let's break off for a moment just to let you know Jurgen Klopp has landed at John Lennon Airport. The German is set to sign a three-year contract with Liverpool and succeed the sacked Brendan Rodgers.

Football

Reuters

Now to Gary Cahill, who takes the captain's armband from the injured Wayne Rooney: "I'm extremely proud to be leading England out tomorrow. It's a great honour and a dream come true. A career high.  

"I've spoken to Wayne Rooney a lot and I'm looking forward to the feeling of leading England out at Wembley."

Roy Hodgson news conference

England manager Roy Hodgson has provided an injury update on Liverpool striker Danny Ings and Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick fit to face Estonia.

"Danny Ings has not trained since joining us because he picked up an ankle injury against Everton but that has responded to treatment better than we thought it would. We are hopeful that by Monday he will be fit," said Hodgson.

“Michael Carrick had a slight recurrence of a tightening of the groin and we did not want to take any chances in a light training session today on the basis it will help him be fit for tomorrow."

Roy Hodgson news conference

On Wayne Rooney being out with an ankle injury: “It is a disappointment for Wayne of course. He is not the type of player who likes to miss games. He received a knock playing against Arsenal, the ankle is settling down very well but we don’t want to risk him tomorrow.

"He has a lot of Man Utd games ahead and I would be devastated if something happened out there.

“The important thing now is for Wayne to fully recover from this minor injury and be fully fit the next time Manchester United play. Disappointing for us and for Wayne but good for Gary Cahill to have the chance to captain the team.

"Wayne has been very keen to be with us and I'm sure he's looking forward to tomorrow night when Sir Bobby Charlton presents him with a golden boot."

Rooney will be honoured at Wembley after becoming England's record goalscorer.

Getty Images

Fifa scandal

Here's more from Chung Mong-joon: "Fifa is like the sinking Titanic.

"I will mobilise all legal means available to expose the injustice of this decision by the ethics committee while continuing to do my utmost to reform Fifa.

"I call on all the fair-minded colleagues at Fifa and football fans around the world, as well as the court of world public opinion, to join me in my endeavor to bring about a true re-birth of Fifa."

Fifa scandal

Getty Images

Former Fifa vice-president Chung Mong-joon says he is disappointed after the organisation's ethics committee banned him from football for six years, something he described as "a most blatant miscarriage of justice."

In a statement he said: "While this decision does not come as a surprise, I am profoundly disappointed at an act that, once again, demonstrates the profoundly irresponsible and unethical nature of Fifa.

"This decision by the ethics committee has completely undermined the legitimacy and fairness of the next Fifa presidential election," he added.

Next stop Wembley

Finn not feeling the pressure

England fast bowler Steven Finn says he did not feel any extra pressure to try and win a place in the England Test side ahead of Mark Wood, and expects both to feature in the series against Pakistan:

“You don’t want to use them all up in the practice games but nice to go out there – it took a couple of days to get the rust out of my system and then to go out there and take a few wickets and early wickets it felt good," he said.

"We’ve got three back-to-back Tests. I think it’s a bit unrealistic that the same team is going to play in each Test. You just have to make sure when you’re called upon you’re games in order to be able to go out and perform."

Finn takes four against Pakistan 'A'

Fast bowler Steven Finn took four wickets for 16 runs as England put a Pakistan 'A' side into bat in their warm-up match in Sharjah.

The home side made 192 runs for the loss of 12 wickets on the opening day of the two-day match, as England agreed that the hosts should bat on after losing their 10th wicket.

Getty Images

Yorkshire spinner Adil Rashid took three wickets, while Liam Plunkett and Samit Patel managed two apience.

Tomorrow England will bat and Alex Hales and Moeen Ali will hope to impress with as they compete for a place opening the batting, alongside captain Alastair Cook in the first Test next week.

Get Involved - National Poetry Day

We've been asking you to try your hand at poetry with a sporting slant all day...

Short and sweet Martin, but at least it rhymes.

Klopp set for Kop

Wonder what that could be about...

Liverpool to appoint Klopp

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

Liverpool will unveil Jurgen Klopp as their new manager at 10:00 BST tomorrow morning on a three-year contract.

The 48-year-old has left Dortmund on board a private plane to Liverpool's John Lennon airport. He will stay in the city tonight, where he will sign his contract and will be officially unveiled as Brendan Rodgers' replacement tomorrow morning.

Get Involved - National Poetry Day

No fails for Wales, that's the hope of BBC presenter Jason Mohammad in his contribution on the Rugby World Cup.

Roses Are Red,

Violets Are Blue,

I'm Supporting Wales,

Hope You Are Too.

Think you can do better? Use #mysportingpoem

Would you miss a game for your child's birth?

Got any nails left as you count down the hours to tonight's Euro 2016 qualfiiers?

Why not pass the time by listening to the 5 Live Football Daily podcast, as George Riley is joined by Danny Mills, John Hartson and Iain Dowie to discuss the matches for Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

Plus hear from Theo Walcott, Gordon Strachan, Shay Given, Michael O'Neill and Roy Keane. The panel also debate whether a footballer should play in a match and run the risk of missing their child's birth.

Bayern 'have won title'

BBC

Lothar Matthaus says Bayern Munich have already clinched the Bundesliga title after opening up a seven-point gap over Borussia Dortmund after just eight games.

The World Cup-winning captain also says his former club are big favourites to win the Uefa Champions League.

“They are so powerful,” Matthaus told the BBC’s WorldFootball show. “I have never seen them so strong.”

Fifa scandal

Gary Lineker also feels the Football Association will be hoping Michel Platini is cleared of any wrongdoing by the investigation, after backing him to be next Fifa president:

"Well it's not going to help Michel Platini's election bid clearly if he is involved in something that's not correct then he too will be in trouble but I suppose we will have to wait and see on that front."

Getty Images

"A lot of people would've backed the Platini so it won't just be the FA, although they have gone out on a limb for him so I suppose in hindsight when things come out it's easy to be quite damning. 

I'm sure The FA will wait and see what happens with the investigation and enquiries, and will be hoping they don't end up with egg on their face."

Fifa scandal

Gary Lineker believes Fifa has to get their next presidential appointment right: 

"Sepp Blatter is remarkable in the sense that he seems to keep wriggling away from things, but it seems to be catching up with him, the house of cards appears to be collapsing at Fifa, which inevitably leads to the man at the top at some point. He seems to have had more lives than a cat," said the ex-England striker.

"I don't think even Fifa know where it goes from here they're in a mess it couldn't be a bigger mess. Obviously at some point they have to have elect this new leader, whether it's in February or sooner. It needs to be somebody with integrity above suspicion they need to do a total clean sweep and reform Fifa."

Fifa scandal

Gary Lineker

MOTD presenter since 1999

Former England striker and Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker thinks it's time for football to start again:

"It just goes from bad to worse to desperately bad, it's just really depressing.

"That the very top of the game is so clearly corrupt and in such a pickle but it's hard to know what they can do apart from clean slate and starting again."

Fifa scandal

Richard Conway

BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent

A senior Fifa source has told the BBC the majority of the executive committee is backing calls for an emergency meeting to discuss the ongoing crisis at football's world governing body.

Fifa scandal

PA

Here's a little bit more from former sports minster Gerry Sutcliffe on his frustrations at England's failed bid to host the 2018 World Cup, and if reform of Fifa earlier could have meant a different outcome:

"David Triesman and I were sat in Sepp Blatter’s office where he told us before the bid that he wanted England to win. That’s the level of the individual. But he did everything to ensure England didn’t win the bid," he said.

"We won the London bid for the Olympics, the Rugby World Cup that’s being played at the moment, we had plans to keep sports’ profile high. Football was one of the jewels but clearly that didn’t happen. How Russia and Qatar succeeded we’ll wait to find out in the reports.  I do feel frustrated as I feel it was part of a roll that Britain were on in terms of attracting major sporting events."

Klopp agrees to manage Liverpool

So Jurgen Klopp has agreed to join Liverpool on a three-year deal, and will arrive on Merseyside this afternoon.

You can read more about his impending arrival at Anfield here.

Getty Images

Fifa scandal

Here's more from IOC president Thomas Bach:

"Fifa must realise that this is now about more than just a list of candidates. This is also a structural problem and will not be solved simply by the election of a new President.

"They must do two things immediately: they must accelerate and deepen the reform process in order to comply with accountability, transparency and all the principles of good governance, as expressed in our reform programme, Olympic Agenda 2020. 

"They should also be open for a credible external presidential candidate of high integrity, to accomplish the necessary reforms and bring back stability and credibility to FIFA."

Klopp agrees to be Liverpool boss

Ben Smith

BBC Sport

Jurgen Klopphas agreed a three-year deal to become the new Liverpool manager. 

No contract has yet been signed, but that is viewed as a formality when the former Borussia Dortmund manager arrives in the city this afternoon.

Get Involved - National Poetry Day

Here's Andrew Thompson's timely effort....

BreakingCall to jail Messi in fraud case

Spain's state attorney has called on Barcelona star Lionel Messi to be jailed for 22 months in a tax fraud case, according to court documents.

Messi and his father Jorge have been ordered to appear in court on charges of defrauding the Spanish tax authorities of more than four million euros (£2.95m).  

Fifa scandal

The International Olympic Committee has urged Fifa to be open and consider an external candidate for their next president, after three key figures including Sepp Blatter were suspended today.

The IOC president Thomas Bach said:

"Enough is enough. We hope that now, finally, everyone at FIFA has at last understood that they cannot continue to remain passive," Bach said. 

"They must act swiftly to regain credibility because you cannot forever disassociate the credibility of FIFA from the credibility of football."

Getty Images

Rugby Union

Fly-half Finn Russell and flanker John Hardie, have been passed fit for Scotland's decisive World Cup clash with Samoa.

Hooker Ross Ford and centre Matt Scott are also named for the game where a win win clinch a quarter-final spot.

Getty Images

Get Involved - National Poetry Day

We can't quite vouch for this being an original work, but if it is, we're very impressed @OneJurgenKlopp (not the actual Jurgen Klopp)...

Red is the sound of the fearful roar

Of diehard spectators all baying for more

It's the roar of the Kop - a deafening sound

A wave of emotion that swirls round the ground

Turning boys into men and men into boys

As the stadium shakes with the ear-splitting noise

Of the footballing anthem that chills to the bone

Reminding the team that they don't walk alone

Keep your sporting poems coming to #mysportingpoem

Getty Images

Fifa scandal

Former sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe was part of England's unsuccessful bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

He believes it's now time for radical change at the top of world football:

"It's past time for a sticking plaster, it's time for a new organisation. It can be done, Fifa is constituted by each nation's Football Association, a team of experts could put down new rules about length of presidency, surely that's better than the game being degraded."

Fifa scandal

Former sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe feels it's hard to now see how Michel Platini can become Fifa president.

"I was one of those prepared to support Platini, the problem now is anyone tainted cannot take the organisation forward.

"These are serious allegations and it will make things more difficult for him."

Getty Images

Fifa scandal

Richard Conway

BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent

Fifa secretary general Jerome Vaclke has now released a statement denying any wrong doing:

"Jerome Valcke has unequivocally denied the false allegation made against him. 

"He is confident that when all the facts come out, it will be clear that he did absolutely nothing wrong or improper in carrying out his duties for the good of Fifa and the sport."

Fifa scandal

Getty Images

Britain's Fifa vice-president David Gill has called for an emergency meeting of the world governing body's executive committee, following the suspension of president Sepp Blatter.

The former Manchester United chief executive had threatened to resign from his position at Fifa in protest at Blatter's re-election as president in May this year.

Fifa scandal

The FA has reiterated its backing for Michel Platini in his bid to become the next president of Fifa.  

“The FA committed this summer to supporting Mr Platini in his bid to become the next President of Fifa," it said in a statement.

"At The FA Board meeting last week, we decided that remained our position while inquiries into certain allegations were being investigated."

Getty Images

“We now await the results of both the Ethics Committee inquiry and the investigation of the Swiss Attorney General. 

"We note that Mr Platini has issued a strong statement protesting his innocence.”

Fifa scandal

Dan Roan

BBC Sports editor

The Football Association has released a statement reacting to today's news of suspensions for Fifa president Sepp Blatter, vice-president Michel Platini and secretary general Jerome Valcke.

“We trust the Fifa Ethics Committee will conduct the investigations in an independent, robust and timely manner. There are key questions that have arisen in the past month that must be answered by those concerned. 

“This important process – along with the investigation by the Swiss Attorney General - should not be allowed to affect the need for urgent change at Fifa.

"Our over-riding concern has always been for full and transparent reform as soon as possible and this remains The FA's priority."

Get Involved - National Poetry Day

PA

Ahead of the Republic of Ireland's crucial Euro 2016 qualifier against Germany, one of their former stalwarts has been getting all poetic. Kevin Kilbane, left-winger turned BBC pundit, sent this contribution to National Poetry Day.

With all of the talk about reaching the Euros

I can't help but think of numero uno

I don't need any more heartache 

Hope we all get there for everyone's sake

Think you can do better? Use #mysportingpoem

Fifa scandal

Getty Images

Issa Hayatou has taken over as Fifa president following Sepp Blatter's suspension but has ruled out running for the job on a permanent basis.  

"Today, amid extraordinary circumstances, I have assumed the office of Fifa president," he said in a statement.

"I will serve only on an interim basis. A new president will be chosen by the extraordinary congress on 26 February, 2016. I myself will not be a candidate for that position.

"Fifa remains committed to the reform process, which is critical to reclaiming public trust. We will also continue to cooperate fully with authorities and follow the internal investigation wherever it leads."  

Rooney out of Estonia game

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

Reuters

Wayne Rooney has been ruled out of England’s Euro 2016 Qualifier against Estonia so vice-captain Gary Cahill will lead the side at Wembley Stadium on Friday night.

Rooney became the country’s all-time top scorer with 50 goals with a penalty against Switzerland last month but will miss the final home Group E game due to injury. He has not trained fully since joining up with Roy Hodgson’s squad on Tuesday after picking up a knock for Manchester United at the weekend.

However, he will remain with the squad as they travel down to their Watford base ahead of the game and will be at the stadium where he will receive a commemorative golden boot from Sir Bobby Charlton, whose record he beat last month.

Cheika wants Aussie improvement

Australia face Wales in a Pool A decider at Twickenham on Saturday.

"Every match in this tournament has required our team to step up to another level and we'll need to do that again against an undefeated Welsh team," said Australia coach Michael Cheika.

"Every player in our squad knows the improvements required, and we still have two days to continue to make them, both individually and as a team.

"Saturday night at Twickenham is another opportunity for us to put in a solid performance and continue to build towards the next stage of the tournament."

Getty Images

Folau fit to face Wales

Australia full-back Israel Folau has been passed fit to face Wales in Saturday's World Cup Pool A decider at Twickenham.

The 26-year-old came through a late fitness test on Thursday after being troubled with an ankle injury.

But Australia have made two enforced changes to the side that beat England, with injured wing Rob Thorne and suspended flanker Michael Hooper out.

Getty Images

Get Involved - National Poetry Day

Ever tried to put your feeling for sport into verse?

As it's National Poetry Day why not give it a try, not sure you'll be able to top this from Chris Ellis though....

Fifa scandal

Here's more from world players' union FIFPro: "In addition, with senior officials, the 2018/2022 World Cup bidding process, and other issues still under investigation, FIFPro considers any decision regarding proposals to reform Fifa during this tumultuous period as lacking any credibility.

"Only a complete governance overhaul involving key stakeholders such as the players and clubs will be sufficient. The new reform task force announced by Fifa recently does not meet this criteria.

"FIFPro insists the players are crucial to add much-needed checks and balances, helping Fifa to rid itself of a culture of impropriety, while elevating football to unprecedented levels of transparency, accountability and ultimately maximising the game’s social role and development as both a sport and business."

Fifa scandal

Getty Images

World players' union FIFPro has been responding to the provisional suspension of Fifa's president Sepp Blatter, secretary general Jerome Valcke and vice-president Michel Platini for 90 days. 

"FIFPro is disappointed to learn that some of world football’s highest-ranking officials are now suspended by FIFA’s Ethics Committee as the game lurches from one crisis to another," said a statement.

"While inappropriate to comment on individuals under investigation, a pattern has emerged that leaves FIFPro with little or no confidence in the ability of Fifa to reform from within.

"It also casts further doubt on the process regarding the proposed Fifa presidential election on 26 February."

Cordina and Kelly progress

Britain's Joe Cordina and Josh Kelly overcame Australian opposition in the first round at the World Amateur Boxing Championships in Doha.

Welshman Cordina, 23, beat Joshua Keirl 3-0 in the 60kg division, while England's Kelly, 21, beat Nathan Webber 3-0 in the 69kg division.

English light-heavyweight (81kg) Joshua Buatsi advanced into the last 16 with a 3-0 points win over South Korea's Hyeongkyu Kim.

Getty Images

Allardyce 'right man for Sunderland'

Getty Images

Sam Allardyce is the right man to take the vacant manager's job at Sunderland, according to former Black Cats boss Gus Poyet.

The 60-year-old former Bolton, Blackburn and Newcastle boss, has been out of work since leaving West Ham at the end of last season.

Dick Advocaat, Poyet's successor, left the club on Sunday with the Wearsiders 19th in the Premier League.  

Fifa scandal

Fifa president Sepp Blatter, vice-president Jerome Valcke and Uefa chief Michel Platini have all been provisionally suspended for 90 days.

Fifa scandal

Following Fifa president Sepp Blatter's provisional suspension, who's in charge of Fifa?

"Issa Hayatou, as the longest-serving vice-president on Fifa's executive committee, will serve as acting president of Fifa," said a statement from world football's governing body."

Hayatou is president of Africa's football confederation (CAF).

In terms of a replacement for general secreatry Jerome Valcke, who has alos been suspended, Fifa added: "All operational business matters will continue to be overseen by Markus Kattner, acting secretary general."

Getty Images

Liverpool shake-up

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer

Reuters

Liverpool assistant manager Sean O'Driscoll and first team backroom staff members Glen Driscoll and Chris Davies will leave the club as they prepare to formally announce the appointment of Jurgen Klopp as manager.

Gary McAllister, who joined sacked manager Brendan Rodgers' backroom team along with O'Driscoll in the summer, has been offered another role not involving first-team duties which he is currently considering. Former Liverpool star McAllister was told the news this morning but still took training afterwards.

McAllister and former England under-19 coach O'Driscoll replaced Colin Pascoe and Mike Marsh, who were both sacked after a summer review of Liverpool's management team.

Liverpool coach Pep Ljinders is currently in charge of first team duties until the appointment of Klopp is confirmed.

Fifa scandal

Fifa president Sepp Blatter's lawyers say their client is "disappointed" following his provisional suspension from his role by the ethics committee of world football's governing body.

"President Blatter was disappointed that the ethics committee did not follow the code of ethics and disciplinary code, both of which provide for an opportunity to be heard," said a statement from Lorenz Erni and Richard Cullen.

Getty Images

"Further, the ethics committee based its decision on a misunderstanding of the actions of the attorney general in Switzerland, which has opened an investigation but brought no charge against the president.

"In fact, the prosecutors will be obliged by law to dismiss the case if their investigation, barely two weeks old, does not establish sufficient evidence.  

"President Blatter looks forward to the opportunity to present evidence that will demonstrate that he did not engage in any misconduct, criminal or otherwise."

Football Daily Podcast

Fancy a bit of funky lunchtime listening? Then why not download the Football Daily Podcast courtesy of BBC Radio 5 live.

George Riley is joined by Danny Mills, John Hartson and Ian Dowie for a Euro 2016 qualifiers preview.

They  discuss all of the forthcoming matches for the home nations including contributions from Theo Walcott, Gordon Strachan, Shay Given, Michael O'Neill and Roy Keane.

The panel also debate whether a footballer should play in a match and run the risk of missing their child's birth.

Get Involved - National Poetry Day

Barnsley FC's poet-in-residence and presenter of BBC Radio 3's The Verb,Ian McMillan, has got involved in #mysportingpoem. See, 140 characters is all you need sometimes...

The wide goalmouth gapes 

Keeper spread his arms so wide 

He just caught the sun

BBC

Fifa scandal

Uefa president Michel Platini's provisional suspension by Fifa from all football-related activities does not automatically invalidate his candidacy for the presidency or world football's governing body.

"That (Platini's candidacy) is not a question for the ethics committee but for Fifa's electoral commission, which will study its validity," committee spokesman Andreas Bantel told AFP.

Fifa scandal

More from Chris Eaton, executive director of the Doha-based International Centre for Sport Security:

"Let’s not forget what Fifa is, Fifa is an event management company and not the whole of the sport of football. 

"The sport of football is a plethora of organisations. This whole thing needs something drawing it altogether like glue and that can only be led by someone with a powerful personality.

"This is nothing more than underlying the extreme disaster that Fifa is in.”

Fifa scandal

Getty Images

Chris Eaton is the executive director of Sport Integrity at the International Centre for Sport Security. He says football needs a rebuild in the wake of Fifa provisionally suspending its president Sepp Blatter, secretary general Jerome Valcke and vice-president Michel Platini for 90 days.

"This is the end of Fifa as we know it. There is no way Fifa can survive this now," he told BBC Radio 5 live. "Up until recently, the governance structure of Fifa was in danger but now it is the business structure too.

“Football needs a new and complete rebuild."

Get Involved - National Poetry Day

While things go from bad to, ahem, verse at Fifa, don't forget it's National Poetry Day - and we want yours via #mysportingpoem.

If you need some inspiration, well who better than the well-versed former England, Chelsea, Blackburn and Southampton defender Graeme le Saux.

BBC

Fifa scandal

Richard Conway

BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent

Klaus Stoehlker, a close friend and advisor to Sepp Blatter, has told the BBC: 

“Sepp Blatter has for 90 days been put on the touchline. He will be back early to hopefully organise the congress in 2016.

“This is not the end. It is a pity that after 40 years in football he should have this happen to him."

“He will have the final word." 

Finn pushes starting claims

PA

England bowler Steve Finn is impressing in the side's match against Pakistan A in the team's final warm-up in Sharjah before the first Test against Pakistan next week. 

BBC Test match Special producer Adam Mountford said: "Finn is having a well deserved rest after taking four wickets for five runs. 

"He is making life difficult for those England selectors who might have pencilled Mark Wood in for the third seamer role against Pakistan next week."

Palios on Fifa suspensions

Fifa has provisionally suspended its president Sepp Blatter, secretary general Jerome Valcke and vice-president Michel Platini for 90 days. Platini had hoped to stand in its presidential election next February, 

Getty Images

Former Football Association chief executive Mark Palios told the BBC News Channel: "In regards to Michel Platini, you have to put in your nomination for the Fifa presidential election and I would imagine that causes some difficulties. 

"There are two aspects for Platini. Firstly, the deadline of 26 October to put your nomination in by, and then the extent to which anybody who has been suspended can stand as president of Fifa.

"Platini's argument would be that nothing has been proven yet. 

"It looks like this is the logical and right thing to do by Fifa to suspend individuals while an investigation into them is under way. I would be disappointed if they pushed the election back."

Rooney to miss Estonia game

England captain Wayne Rooney is set to miss England's Euro 2016 qualifier against Estonia through injury.

For the third day in succession the 29-year-old forward was unable to train with his international team-mates after an ankle complaint sustained in Manchester United's defeat to Arsenal. 

Rooney is set to miss Friday's clash with Estonia as a result and is a major doubt for next week's trip to Lithuania in the Group E finale.

Getty Images

Fifa scandal

Richard Conway

BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent

There have been calls for an independent committee to take over Fifa and then hand it back once problems have been resolved. Statutes don't allow for it, and I don't think there's any appetite for that.

There's no clear front-runner now to come forward and fill that void, maybe other voices may now come froward from inside Fifa.

Getty Images

Fifa scandal

Richard Conway

BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent

This all follows the opening of criminal proceedings against Sepp Blatter, so not only Fifa's past in Blatter - but Fifa's potential future - is more uncertain now than it has been in the past few months.

Michel Platini is determind to fight on and wants to continue his bid to become Fifa president.

BreakingFifa suspends Blatter, Platini and Valcke

Fifa has provisionally suspended president Sepp Blatter, Uefa president Michel Platini and Fifa general secretary Jerome Valcke.

"The adjudicatory chamber of the ethics committee chaired by Hans‑Joachim Eckert has provisionally banned Fifa President Joseph S. Blatter, Uefa President and Fifa Vice-President Michel Platini, and Fifa secretary general Jerome Valcke (who has already been put on leave by his employer Fifa) for a duration of 90 days," said a Fifa statement. 

"The duration of the bans may be extended for an additional period not exceeding 45 days. 

"The former Fifa vice-president Chung Mong-joon has been banned for six years and fined 100,000 (Swiss Francs). 

"During this time, the above individuals are banned from all football activities on a national and international level. The bans come into force immediately."

Getty Images

Wales make six changes

Getty Images

Wales wing George North has switched to centre to face Australia in the World Cup on Saturday.

Justin Tipuric is at flanker with Gareth Anscombe at full-back and Paul James takes over from Gethin Jenkins at loose-head.

Liam Williams moves from full-back to wing as North becomes the latest to fill in at outside centre amid injuries.

Jenkins and Dan Lydiate are out of the match squad amid six personnel changes.

'Deliberate insidious leak' from Fifa

Richard Conway

BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent

In his statement Michel Platini said reports he is to be given a 90-day suspension have come from inside Fifa.

"This deliberate leak – which is insidious in nature and has come about in an unacceptable manner – is essentially an attempt to damage my reputation," he said.

"Over the last few weeks, I have stressed my willingness to cooperate fully with the authorities carrying out the various enquiries in compliance with the strictest procedural rules. FIFA, on the other hand, has clearly flouted those rules," he added.

BreakingPlatini to stand for Fifa presidency

Richard Conway

BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent

Michel Platini has issued a statement saying he still intends to stand for the Fifa presidency, despite the possibility of a suspension from football's world governing body following an ethics committee investigation.

In a statement Platini said: "This morning I submitted the letters of support that are required in order to stand as a candidate for the presidency of Fifa. 

"As I have always done since 2007, I will fulfil my obligations after consulting Uefa’s 54 member associations, which I will ask to convene shortly in Nyon. 

"I will also meet with all the other confederations and Fifa’s member associations in the spirit of openness that has always characterised my actions."

Karlovic breaks aces record

Ivo Karlovic has broken Goran Ivansevic's record for the most aces served, notching up the 10,247th of his career during his defeat at the China Open.

The 6ft 11in Croatian served 26 aces during his 7-6 (7-5), 7-6(7-6) loss to Uruguay’s Pablo Cuevas, enough to pass the previous benchmark of 10,237.

AP

Football

Richard Conway

BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent

Reports emerged late last night that Hans Joachim Eckert, the head of Fifa's ethics adjudication committee, has left Zurich suffering from bronchitis.

Eckert will ultimately decide if president Sepp Blatter and Uefa's Michel Platini should be suspended.

Getty Images

In response to questions about Mr Eckert's health and location, a spokesman for the adjudication chamber told the BBC:

"This information is nonsense. The Ethics Committee is fully capable of acting.

"The Ethics Committee is complete with Mr. Eckert on board as chairman."

We are expecting developments later today.

Get Involved - National Poetry Day

Here's some inspiration if you want to get involved with #mysportingpoem - boxer Chris Eubank performing an impromptu recital of Rudyard Kipling's 'If' during an interview about his son, Chris Eubank Jr.

Watch it here.

BBC

British Masters latest

All change early on at Woburn. After a storming start with three birdies on the front three, Norway's Thorbjorn Olesen has notched up two bogeys to drop down to one under.

Ian Poulter has also relinquished a strong opening, dropping two shots to fall to level par. France's Alexander Levy is going steady though and is currently topping the leaderboard on four under after seven.

Click here for the full leaderboard.

European Tour

Pakistan A v England

Steven Finn has now taken four wickets for just five runs in England's final warm-up game.

Pakistan 'A' have been reduced to 73-6 in the 40th over in the United Arab Emirates. Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid have also taken a wicket apiece.

Get Involved - National Poetry Day

It's National Poetry Day and we want your best efforts via#mysportingpoem.

Former England, Blackpool, QPR, West Ham and Manchester City winger Trevor Sinclair, now a BBC pundit, has submitted his contribution.

BBC

Get Involved - National Poetry Day

It's National Poetry Day. You knew that, right? It's trending and everything.

Even England captain Wayne Rooney has owned up to being a poet on the quiet.

Now we want your efforts - use #mysportingpoem - and if you need some inspiration we have two former England players coming up with their own... 

Pacquaio 'to retire after final bout'

Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao says he is likely to retire from the sport after one more fight next year.

Pacquiao, who lost to Floyd Mayweather in his last fight, could face Britain's Amir Khan or American Terence Crawford.

Getty Images

Pacquiao said he "cannot say" whether his last fight would be a rematch against Mayweather, with the American having pledged to retire after his defeat of Andre Berto.  

The six-weight world champion wants to run for a seat in the Philippines senate in 2016, and told ANC: "I think I'm ready [to retire]. I've been in boxing for more than 20 years. If you are a senator, your focus should only be your job and your family."

Klopp will get best out of squad - Hamann

Getty Images

Jurgen Klopp will get better results out of the current Liverpool squad, according to former midfielder Dietmar Hamann. 

"Of course he will want one or two players in key positions but, if you look at his Dortmund team, he brought these players in and he got the best out of them," Hamann told TalkSport.

"He did that at Dortmund and I'm pretty sure he will do it at Liverpool," he added.

Happy Birthday Dracula!

If it's your birthday today you share it with Dracula. No, not the Bram Stoker character, but six-time world snooker champion Ray Reardon, who turns 83 today. He was nicknamed Dracula because of his sharp-toothed grin and widow's peak hairstyle.

Gett

Other notable celebrations today are for Olympic swimming champion Matt Biondi (50), former AC Milan midfielder Zvonimir Boban (47) and former England and Lions flanker Mike Teague who is 56 today.  

British Masters latest

Play is under way at the British Masters at Woburn, and Norway's Thorbjorn Olesen has taken three birdies on the first three holes to take the lead.

England's Ian Poulter has also picked up an early birdie to go two under after three, tied with compatriot Andy Sullivan and France's Alexander Levy.

Full leaderboard here.

European Tour

Pakistan A v England

Having won the toss and elected to field in their final warm-up match before the Test series against Pakistan, England have reduced a Pakistan A side to 42-3 after 29 overs.

Fast bowler Steven Finn has taken two wickets, with Moeen Ali grabbing the other.

Watch a day through Dettori's eyes

Great British Racing

If you've ever wondered what a day in the life of a jockey is like, wonder no more. 

Frankie Dettori has strapped a camera to his head to give us a glimpse of his life on and off the saddle, from a 6.20am frosty wake-up call to the winner's enclosure.

Can you spot the famous Dettori flying dismount? Watch the footage, courtesy of Great British Racing, here.

On this day

2005: David Beckham may be on his way back to Old Trafford for a charity match, but on this day 10 years ago at the 'Theatre of Dreams' he made history he would probably rather forget.

He became the first player in history to be sent off twice for the national team, as Sven Goran-Eriksson's England beat Austria 1-0 to qualify for the 2006 World Cup.

Getty Images

Hales chance to shine

Getty Images

England batsman Alex Hales has been given a chance to prove his ability as an opener before next week's first Test against Pakistan.

The Nottinghamshire opener has been selected alongside Moeen Ali for the final warm-up match against Pakistan A in Sharjah, as the pair compete to be captain Alastair Cook's partner in Abu Dhabi.

James Taylor will also have an opportunity at number four in a line-up also including Samit Patel, Liam Plunkett and Steven Finn - and have elected to field first.

Dinamo player fails drug test

Getty Images

Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Arijan Ademi failed a drug test after their recent Champions League win over Arsenal, the club has announced.

Ademi played the full 90 minutes during the Croatian side's 2-1 victory in Zagreb last month.

If the player's B sample is also positive he could face a ban, but there are no rules to disqualify teams from the competition unless two or more players fail drug tests.

Klopp promises Kop top (four)

A lot of today's football gossip centres around Jurgen Klopp's proposed move to Liverpool.

Getty Images

The Mirror say the German has told the club's owners he can deliver a top four finish in the Premier League this season, with only minor additions to the squad in January, while The Express report the current squad will be given a chance to prove themselves to the former Borussia Dortmund boss.

You can find those and many other stories from the papers here.

Doncaster plan new training complex

One of the most famous names in women's football, Doncaster Rovers Belles, are set to offer a number of their players full-time contracts after securing promotion to Women's Super League 1.

They will also build a new multi-million pound training complex.

DRBFC

The complex will be based near Bawtry and feature five grass or artificial pitches.

Commercial director Carl Lygo said: "We are building a long-term legacy for women's football in South Yorkshire at the highest level."

Liverpool Ladies lose in Italy

Liverpool Ladies were narrowly beaten at Brescia in the first leg of their Women's Champions League last 32 game on Wednesday.  

Sara Gama's goal proved the difference in Italy, as goalkeeper Danielle Gibbons could only punch the long-range shot into her own net. 

Reds captain Gemma Bonner was forced off midway through the second-half after the defender suffered a serious-looking ankle injury. The second leg takes place next Wednesday.

FA

Huge night ahead

It's a big day for the home nations, with Northern Ireland so close to qualifying for the European Championship for the very first time.

A win will see them in France next summer, but Scotland and the Republic of Ireland don't have it anywhere near as straightforward, so will be going all out for victories tonight.

Here's who is facing who.....

BBC

Blatter facing Fifa suspension

AFP

Fifa president Sepp Blatter is facing a 90-day provisional suspension.

Members of Fifa's ethics committee have recommended the sanction after the Swiss attorney general opened criminal proceedings against the 79-year-old.

He is accused of signing a contract "unfavourable" to football's governing body and making a "disloyal payment" to Uefa president Michel Platini.

Blatter denies any wrongdoing and his lawyers said he had "not been notified of any action".

Klopp on Merseyside

So the big news from Merseyside is that Jurgen Klopp is expected in Liverpool today to conclude talks and sign a three-year deal to take over as manager at Anfield.

According to the BBC's Ben Smith, Klopp is set to complete negotiations, with the Reds naming the 48-year-old German as Brendan Rodgers' successor later today.

PA

Rodgers was sacked on Sunday following the 1-1 Premier League draw at Everton.

Klopp wants former assistants Zeljko Buvac and Peter Krawietz to join him on the coaching staff.

Thursday's papers

The Guardian

Thursday's papers

Independent

Thursday's papers

The Times

Thursday's papers

Sun

Thursday's papers

Daily Telegraph

Thursday's papers

Daily Express

Thursday's papers

Mirror

Morning

How are your nerves? Today could be the decisive day for both Northern Ireland and Scotland in qualifying for Euro 2016. 

Press Eye

As well as looking ahead to those games we will bring you the very latest on Jurgen Klopp, as his expected appointment as Liverpool manager moves closer. 

We'll also hear from England manager Roy Hodgson too ahead of their games with Lithuania and Estonia, and it's National Poetry Day - more on that later.

Welcome to Sportsday, let's start with a look at what's making the news....