Sportsday live - rolling sports news

1. Fifa reform process: US attorney general news conference
2. Attorney general on Fifa scandal: "The betrayal of trust set forth here is outrageous"
3. Two Fifa vice-presidents arrested on suspicion of accepting bribes
4. 14 more men indicted in football corruption probe
5. Neville: If I turned down Valencia job, I could have said goodbye to my credibility

Goodbye

And that brings this specially-extended Sportsday to a close. For more details on the Fifa crisis, make sure you read our breaking news story. And there will be more reaction in tomorrow's Sportsday from 08:00 GMT on Friday. Join us then.

Fifa corruption scandal

Here are the key points from the US Department of Justice news conference after more charges were brought in the Fifa corruption scandal:

• 16 more officials have been charged by US officials investigating corruption at football's world governing body Fifa

• Former Concacaf president Jeffrey Webb has pleaded guilty to money laundering, wire fraud and racketeering
• Seven other defendants have also pleaded guilty 
• "Every culpable individual who remains in the shadows...you will not escape our focus" - US Attorney General

Fifa corruption scandal

Fifa corruption scandal

The US Department of Justice: "The new charges unsealed today bring the total number of individuals and entities charged to date to 41. 

"Of those, 12 individuals and two sports marketing companies have already been convicted as a result of the ongoing investigation. 

"The convicted defendants have agreed to pay more than $190 million in forfeiture."

Fifa corruption scandal

Lynch adds this is far from the end of her department's investigations into Fifa.

Fifa corruption scandal

Lynch is then asked about she hopes to bring to justice defendants Ricardo Teixeira and Marco Polo del Nero, with the US having no extradition treaty with their native Brazil.

"We have extradition treaties with number of these countries and some we do not but that does not preclude that we may ultimately obtain those defendants in a US courtroom," she said,

"Other have chosen to come in before and we do not know those individuals' travel plans."

Fifa corruption scandal

We are now on to questions and first up Loretta Lynch is asked about suspended Fifa president Sepp Blatter's view this investigation is motivated by the US missing out on the 2022 World Cup.

"I don't have any direct response to Mr Blatter," she said.

"I think he's well aware of the nature of our charges and he's probably spending a great deal of time reading through the 92 pages of our superseding indictment, which I believe speaks for itself.

"This investigation covers years of conduct by dozens and dozens of people both in the past and literally into the future."

Fifa corruption scandal

Fifa corruption scandal

Eight defendants, including some from a previous indictment in September, have pleaded guilty to corruption, announces US Attorney Robert Capers.

One of the men named is former Fifa vice-president Jeffrey Webb, who has "accepted responsibility for his action and extensive forfeiture" according to Capers.

Fifa corruption scandal

Chief of Investigation Richard Weber of the IRS’s Criminal Investigation Division takes over:

"Today is another good day for soccer fans," he said.

"Unfortunately from the decades-long corruption that has been uncovered by the US investigation, good intent has been replaced by greed and misguided goals.

"This case has been nothing short of one of the most complex, worldwide financial investigations ever conducted.

"The integrity of the US financial system was breached by the defendants to promote and conceal their criminal schemes." 

Fifa corruption scandal

Fifa corruption scandal

US Attorney Robert Capers: "One of the men, Romer Osuna, is alleged to have taken millions of dollars in bribes as treasurer of Conmebol. Amazingly, he is now a member of Fifa's audit and compliance committee - one of Fifa's sub-committees charged with developing reform proposals."

Fifa corruption scandal

FBI assistant director in charge Diego Rodriguez takes the stage.

"This is but one more step forward in our effort to level the playing field of soccer," he said.

"We have found evidence of newly-alleged criminal activity more recently carried out by those whose greedy impulses won out over common sense.

"No one is beyond the reach of the law - even though soccer is a game to many it is merely a business enterprise to those profiting from the athletes and the fans.

"Along with our partners we uphold our promise to root out corruption in its many forms."

Fifa corruption scandal

US Attorney Robert Capers: "These people held a variety of leadership roles and represent countries across the western Hemisphere. Each one was entrusted with specific responsibilities to develop and promote the sport with integrity. 

"They abused their position of authority and trust to enrich themselves. They used the institutions they were supposed to serve, year after year, to satisfy they own greed."

'You will not escape our focus'

Lynch has a stark warning for other corrupt Fifa and football officials yet to be brought to justice.

"The betrayal of trust set forth here is outrageous," she said. "The scale of corruption alleged herein is unconscionable.

"And the message from this announcement should be clear to every culpable individual who remains in the shadows, hoping to evade our investigation: You will not wait us out.  You will not escape our focus.

"Anyone who seeks to live in the past and to return soccer to its old ways is on the wrong side of progress, and does a disservice to the integrity of this beautiful sport."

'They hijacked the world's most popular sport'

Lynch continues...

"Not content to hijack the world’s most popular sport for decades of ill-gotten gains, these defendants, as alleged, sought to institutionalize their corruption to ensure that it lived on, not for the good of the game but for their own personal aggrandizement and gain," she said.

"The roles of several of the defendants in these schemes illustrate the depth as well as the persistence of the alleged corruption.

"The defendant Héctor Trujillo currently serves as a judge on the Constitutional Court of Guatemala, purportedly dispensing justice by day while allegedly soliciting bribes and selling his influence within."

Fifa corruption scandal

Fifa corruption scandal

Lynch addresses Concacaf president Alfredo Hawit and Conmebol president Juan Angel Napout, the two Fifa officials arrested in Switzerland earlier on Thursday.

"We are now working to extradite those defendants to the United States, just as we are working to secure the arrest and extradition of additional defendants residing in other countries," she said.

Fifa corruption scandal

US Attorney General Loretta Lynch: "They solicited and obtained 200m US Dollars through alliances with sports marketing companies and shut out competitors through the systematic payout of bribes and kickbacks."

Fifa corruption scandal

In her opening statement Lynch says the investigation was into "pervasive and long-running consiprances in the world of soccer."

She added the defendants in the 236-page indictment "had corrupted the business of worldwide soccer to enrich themselves".

"We pledge to work with our partners around the world to hold co-conspirators accountable."

Fifa corruption scandal

Here she is. US Attorney General Loretta Lynch has taken to the stand, starting out by telling us that the US Department of Justice has a 92-count indictment against 16 officials for "sustained abuse of their positions for financial gain".

Fifa corruption scandal

While we wait for US Attorney General Loretta Lynch, here is more detail about the roles of the 16 men who have been indicted...

Alfredo Hawit (Concacaf president), Ariel Alvarado (ex-Panamanian football official), Rafael Callejas (former president of Honduras football), Brayan Jimenez (Guatemala FA chief), Rafael Salguero (Guatemalan Fifa executive committee member), Hector Trujillo (general secretary of Guatemala FA), Reynaldo Vasquez (former El Salvador FA president), Juan Angel Napout (Conmebol president), Manuel Burga (former Peru FA president), Carlos Chavez (Bolivia football president), Luis Chiriboga (Ecuador football president), Marco Polo del Nero (Brazil football president), Eduardo Deluca (Conmebol general secretary), Jose Luis Meiszner (former Conmebol secretary general), Romer Osuna (Bolivia football audit and compliance committee chief), Ricardo Teixeira (former Brazil FA chief).

Fifa corruption scandal

"This is a two-minute warning," a US Department of Justice official tells the assembled media. 

That's two minutes before US Attorney General Loretta Lynch addresses them over the latest indictments in the Fifa corruption scandal.

Fifa corruption scandal

BBC

The stage is set. Now we are awaiting the arrival of US Attorney General Loretta Lynch, who is due at any moment to speak about the indictments and arrests as part of the Fifa corruption scandal.

You can watch her news conference by clicking the 'Live Coverage' tab at the top of this page.

Fifa corruption scandal

Fifa corruption scandal

The New York Times provides more details about one of the 16 men named in a US Department of Justice indictment...

Fifa defendants named

The New York Times is reporting the 16 defendants named in the 236-page indictment from the US Department of Justice.

The full list of defendants:

Alfredo Hawit, Ariel Alvarado, Rafael Callejas, Brayan Jiménez, Rafael Salguero, Héctor Trujillo, Reynaldo Vasquez, Juan Ángel Napout, Manuel Burga, Carlos Chávez, Luís Chiriboga, Marco Polo del Nero, Eduardo Deluca, José Luis Meiszner, Romer Osuna and Ricardo Teixeira.

Concacaf president Hawit and Conmebol president Napout were arrested in a dawn raid on a Swiss hotel on Thursday.

Robertson into UK Championship quarter-finals

Crash! Bang! Wallop! The Thunder from Down Under has rumbled into the last eight of the UK Championship.

Neil Robertson, the world number three, crashed out three centuries as he routed Stephen Maguire 6-1 to secure his place in the quarter-finals.

The 2013 winner added two fifty-plus breaks as he won six frames in a row to crush the world number 15 in York.

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DoJ-Fifa news conference

Still no release of the US Department of Justice's indictment yet.

In the meantime, if you're looking for some background reading on the Fifa corruption crisis, your key questions are answered here.

Fifa reforms

Richard Conway

BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent

"Fifa's executive committee have concluded a two-day meeting looking at reforms. They are determined they have the right recipe to reform the governing body.

"They want to be a trusted body by 2018, that's their ambition. They now have to convince the member associations in February they have the right reforms in place to be just that."

Fifa reforms

Talking of Fifa, the governing body earlier outlined their package of reforms:

• The executive committee will be replaced by a new council which will clearly separate political and management tasks.
• Senior officials will now only be allowed to serve a maximum of 12 years.
• There will be stringent integrity checks in place for individuals on standing committees
• A minimum of six women - up from one at present - will be able to be elected to the Fifa council
• The salaries of the Fifa president and senior officials will be made public.

Reuters

Moya Dodd said more women on committees at Fifa will lead to better decisions

DoJ-Fifa news conference

Just when you thought you were out...they pull you back in.

More Fifa to come this evening folks as at 18:30 GMT we will be hearing from the US Department of Justice on the latest developments in their corruption investigation into Fifa's officials.

The indictment is released then with a news conference from Washington DC to follow at about 19:00 GMT.

Stay tuned...

Lewis named president of Commonwealth Games England

Olympic gold medallist Denise Lewis has been appointed president of Commonwealth Games England.

Lewis, 43, succeeds Dame Kelly Holmes, who spent six years in the role.

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The 2000 Olympic heptathlon champion will give "leadership and guidance" before the 2018 Commonwealth Games, to be held on Australia's Gold Coast.

"I am thrilled I have the chance to work with, and support, England's athletes and help them towards becoming a Commonwealth medallist," said Lewis.

Stenson overcomes illness to share lead

Henrik Stenson overcame illness to take a share of the lead on six under after round one of the Nedbank Golf Challenge in Sun City.

The Swede, who has "been in bed with flu for three days" said he had "only a five per cent chance of playing" after pulling out of Tuesday's pro-am.

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Stenson leads with South African Jaco van Zyl after both had bogey-free 66s.

Defending champion Danny Willett of England is third after having five birdies and no bogeys in his 67.

Blackburn transfer ban lifted

Blackburn Rovers can buy players again after their transfer embargo for breaking Financial Fair Play rules was lifted by the Football League.

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The Lancashire side, along with Leeds and Nottingham Forest, were placed under the embargo in December 2014.

It means Rovers will be able to sign players for a fee when the January transfer window opens.

"It's a building block and one little stage in trying to rebuild this club," said boss Paul Lambert.

Launchbury must captain Wasps before England - Dallaglio

As new England head coach Eddie Jones mulls over his captaincy options, World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio says Joe Launchbury must first captain club side Wasps before he leads the national team.

Lock Launchbury was recently singled out by club boss Dai Young as an ideal candidate to replace Chris Robshaw.

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“We don't want to put too much pressure on the lad,” Dallaglio told the Daily Telegraph.

“At the moment he is coming along fantastically well. But he's definitely going to be one of a number of options available to Eddie Jones. For sure.”

“He may well be knocking on the door to captain Wasps next season. He may be putting a bit of pressure on current captain James Haskell at some point. He's a guy who is developing all the time." 

Rosenior and LuaLua out for a month

Brighton & Hove AlbionpairLiam RoseniorandKazenga LuaLuawill both be out for the rest of the month.

Full-back Rosenior, 31, has a medial knee injury, while striker LuaLua, 24, has had minor groin surgery.

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The surgery has set back LuaLua's expected comeback by a month, who has not played since 19 September.

The Seagulls remain unbeaten this season and sit top the Championship table ahead of this weekend's clash with Charlton.  

Appeal court rule Pistorius guilty of murder

Pumza Fihlani

BBC News, Johannesburg

In a packed courtroom with Reeva Steenkamp's family listening to every word, the judge said that when Oscar Pistorius decided to fire four shots through a closed toilet door, he had gambled with a person's life - whoever that was.

Under South African law you cannot just shoot - you first need to determine that the threat to your life is real and that there is no other way to eliminate that threat but to shoot.

Many South Africans have applauded the court's decision on social media, saying justice has now been served for Ms Steenkamp.

This ruling is expected to go some way to show that no-one is above the law, not even South Africa's once beloved "blade runner".

AFP

Reeva Steenkamp's mother June (centre) was in court for the ruling

Appeal court rule Pistorius guilty of murder

Will he return to jail?

Yes. He will be back behind bars, less than two months after he was placed under house arrest.

When will he be sentenced?

We don't have a date yet, but it will be next year. The minimum sentence for murder is 15 years, but the judge does have the discretion to lower it.

Can he appeal?

Yes, but only if his lawyers are convinced that the appeal judges violated his constitutional rights. So it's a high threshold, and hard to meet.

So is this the end of Pistorius' professional athletics career?

Almost certainly. He's 29, and will be past his prime by the time he is freed. It is also unlikely that advertisers would want to sponsor him, as the Pistorius brand is now tainted.

'A step in the right direction'

Swansea suffered a sixth defeat in 10 Premier League matches when they lost 1-0 to Liverpool last time out but Monk says it was a "much-improved performance".  

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"At the start of last week after the Bournemouth game, I sat down with all the players and had good discussions with them on how we go forward and what we need to do to improve," he said.

"We talked about many things. We talked about the situation: 'Let's be open and honest about it'.

"It was definitely the right step to make. It's not an easy process, but it's definitely a step in the right direction."

Monk added Swansea will be without left-back Franck Tabanou for a "few weeks" because of a thigh injury sustained during training.

Garry Monk news conference

The news conferences came thick and fast today in the world of football, with under-pressure Swansea boss Garry Monk talking about his side's game with high-flying Leicester on Saturday.

On record-breaking Foxes striker Jamie Vardy, Monk said: "Our club will appreciate a story like that, but it's our job to maybe put an end to that story."

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He added: "We obviously have experience of coming up through the leagues and we have players that have come through to this level.

"Leicester are in top form so they're certainly not to be underestimated."

Get Involved

How will Gary Neville fare as manager of Valencia?

Dan Evans: As a United fan, I'd love @GNev2 to prove himself at Valencia then take the reigns at Old Trafford in a few years #Nevillencia#bbcsportsday

John McEnerney: He'll tighten Valencia up & each player will know his job. He should do ok given time but you never know in La Liga

Harry Heath: @GNev2 is giving very strong, honest and believable answers to all the journo's questions. Good luck to him and Valencia! #bbcsportsday

Fifa reforms

David Gill, British Fifa vice-president is pleased with the proposed reforms to the organisation:

"The overall package of reforms has been very well thought out and they are very much a step in the right direction.

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"In terms of expanding the World Cup, this is such a major decision that it needs proper analysis. There needs to be full consultation with the stakeholders including the clubs, players and fans, and a proper analysis of all the implications including commercially and in football terms. 

"It is not being proposed to come in until 2026 so I do not see that there is any rush to make a decision."

'The fans can dream, but not us'

Ranieri wrapped up proceedings by urging caution - both in terms of Leicester's league position and the test posed by a beleaguered Swansea side looking to rediscover their best form on Saturday.

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“In this moment things are good but we must keep our feet on the ground. The fans can dream, but not us," he said.

"There are very good players at Swansea. They started very well and sooner or later they will get better.

“It will be very, very difficult for us against Swansea I’m sure, but another opportunity to show how good we are.”  

James back soon

Ranieri kicked off by discussing midfielder Matty James, who made his return from a long-term knee injury for the Under-21s against Villarreal on Wednesday.

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“We need to see how he reacts. He’s a very good midfielder and I hope he’s ready soon," said Ranieri.

"“It’s important for me to have another very good midfielder. Then I can choose. There’s big competition.”

Yet the Italian also confirmed defender Ritchie De Laet picked up an ankle injury in training this week and will miss the Swansea game.

Claudio Ranieri news conference

Amid all the Fifa and Gary Neville excitement we were unable to bring you Leicester City's news conference as it happened earlier this afternoon.

But with the second-placed Foxes and star striker Jamie Vardy thrilling fans and neutrals alike it's only fair we correct that.

Highlights from manager Claudio Ranieri to follow.

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Tigers captain Shenton extends deal

Castleford Tigers captain Michael Shenton has signed a new three-year contract extension to keep him at the club until the end of 2019.

Centre Shenton, 29, scored 14 tries in 27 Super League appearances last season.

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The snooker artist

Snooker player David Grace is through to the UK Championship quarter-finals. But when he's not potting the black, he's painting it black. (Stick with us.)

The snooker player-cum-artist is as good painting on canvas as he is potting on the baize. BBC World Service have caught up with the Englishman and to 

Hear more from his interview with World Service and see some of his amazing portraits: 

David Grace

David Grace's portrait of seven-time World Champion Steve Davis

David Grace

Grace's portrait of former world champion Dennis Teylor

Most skilful?

Despite Chelsea's current plight they've not been short of a tricky player or two over recent years.

So who does current star Eden Hazard rate as the most skilful player he has played with or against?

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Yes that's right, it's Gervinho. Surprised, Arsenal fans?

"I played with Gervinho at Lille, he had a lot of skill and he was very quick as well," Hazard told the Chelsea website.

Rojo injured

Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo is facing a period on the sidelines after dislocating his shoulder in training.

The incident happened on Wednesday and is the same shoulder Rojo dislocated against Manchester City last season.

On that occasion Rojo did not have surgery but still missed four weeks.

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Rojo, 25, has made 11 appearances for United this season, his latest coming in the Champions League draw with PSV Eindhoven at Old Trafford on 25 November.

The Argentine joins fellow left-back Luke Shaw on the sidelines.

Fin

Strong words from Gary Neville to finish...

"Valencia will get every last ounce of energy, effort and enthusiasm that I can give," he said.

And with that proceedings are finally over as Neville and co make their way to pitch side to take some photos.

What do you make of Neville's appointment? Let us know on #bbcsportsday

Neville in Valencia

A question about a report that Jose Mourinho might take over at the end of the season. Simple one for Gary, this: "I don't appoint the next coach!"

At this point, club president Lay Hoon Chan, sitting next to Neville, steps in. 

"I think it's disrespectful to Gary to talk about appointing the next coach at this time."

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'Everyone has a clean slate'

Hang on, wasn't it two more question three questions ago? Anyway, we're still in the swing of things here as Gary Neville is asked what his first tasks are.

"I've watching a lot of games in La Liga back in the UK and looking at it in the last few weeks it's a confidence and belief that has faltered at Valencia," he said.

"So the first thing to work on is the confidence and belief.

"I'm excited to work with all the players, who all start with a clean slate and I won't single out any individuals I'm particularly looking forward to working with."

Gary Neville in Valencia

Neville is asked whether he's spoken to the club's owner about bringing in new players.

"No I haven't. I always think the idea of a coach or player talking about anyone else than the players at this club disgusts me. 

"I want to work with these players, the ones in this dressing room. They deserve to play for Valencia Football Club. For me, it's not under consideration. I'll work with the players that we have."

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Gary Neville news conference

Two more questions...so naturally a barrage of questions 'disguised' as one follows.

The first part is about the structure in place about Valencia and the role of a sporting director.

"I've seen sporting directors work and not work - it's about the quality of the people involved and I'm very clear about my role and responsibility," said Neville.

"In terms of a new sporting structure that's something chairwoman Layoon Chan needs to speak about."

The second part is about which managers Neville most admires.

"It's dangerous to start talking about individual mangers because you then alienate others and I don't like those comparisons," he replies.

Britain crash out

David McDaid

BBC Sport Olympic sports reporter in Raipur

Great Britain's men's hockey team are out of the World League Final tournament in Raipur at the quarter-final stage.

The head coach Bobby Crutchely's new-look squad had looked so good on the way to this stage - having beaten the world number one team Australia.

But against the hosts India they were undone 2-1 by some fine attacking play and chances squandered.

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They had wanted to get to the semi-finals here but instead will play one last game on Friday against the loser between Argentina and Australia. 

Crutchley still maintained afterwards there were plenty of positives to take from the week - but that they need to execute better when scoring opportunities present themselves.

I believe in myself - Neville

Gary Neville says his next six months as Valencia boss won't determine how good or bad a coach he is. 

"I'm aware of the judgement nature of modern football and completely understand that," he says. "Whatever happens in the next five months, it won't mean that I'm a fantastic coach. 

"If I get difficult results, it won't mean I'm a terrible coach. I believe in myself and I believe I can deliver what I want to as a coach. I like to take things on knowing I've got a fair chance of achieving things."

Neville in Valencia

'Horrible for opposing teams'

Gary Neville elaborates on his desire to recapture the intimidating atmosphere he experienced as a player at the Mestalla.

"When I played here in the late 90s and early 2000s, it was a horrible place to play for an opposing team," he said.

"I've seen how intimidating the stadium can and that's the ultimate thing I want to get the fans excited and be as ferocious as they were all those years ago when it was hard to get a shot on target let alone score."

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Gary Neville news conference

More from Gary Neville: "The absolute intention is to deliver success straight away. From my point of view, we understand in football it's a roller-coaster and that clubs do go through periods which are less good than others but, obviously, the owner is fully committed to long-term success. 

"I can only think in the way of long term and that's important in a sense of why I wanted to come here.

"They have young players. The owners didn't want the club  to be overhauled and, from my point of view, we're on the same page in respect of that."

AFP

Is Salford a distraction?

Gary Neville is a man with plenty of interests to juggle and he is asked how he will balance the Valencia job with his part-ownership of Salford City.

"Well I don't play for them," he joked.

"I have lots of interests in the UK but for the time being they're parked and I'm fully focused and excited about this challenge in front of me.

"Salford City has a 14 person committee and three other owners who live close to the ground - my input is minimal in that sense, the club runs itself well."

Fergie has been supportive - Neville

Gary Neville says he did not seek advice from his former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson over whether to take the Valencia job. 

"But I did speak to him in the last few days and he offered, as you'd expect, words of encouragement and support," says Neville. 

"I'd be stupid not to accept that advice and support moving forward and not just from him, but from Roy Hodgson and other experienced coaches."

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A message to the fans

Gary Neville is invited to send a message to the Valencia fans.

"I understand that the fan of a football club is the most important person," he said.

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"The rest of us are here to guard, serve and deliver the success they believe the club deserves.

"The Valencia fans are known as demanding but they should be - it's a fantastic football club and it's up to us coaches and players to meet their demands."

'We must aim to win every game'

On his minimum expectations at the end of the season, Neville says: "I only ever know one way, and that is to expect to win every single match. We know that's not always the case but that's the minimum expectations people should have in a club the size of Valencia." 

No hablo Espanol

While reiterating his aim to learn Spanish, Gary Neville explains how he will communicate with his players in the short term.

"A lot of the coaching team and back room team speak English but to be clear I expect to turn more Valencia than to turn Valencia more English," he said.

"David who works in video analysis translated for me this morning and I will expect the players to assist me as at Old Trafford the players were always excellent at enabling people to settle in.

"But I'm very aware I have to pick up some key phrases as soon as possible."

AFP

Gary Neville news conference

Gary Neville is asked whether his relationship with Peter Lim, a Singaporean businessman who bought Valencia CF in July 2014 and took a 50% stake in Salford in 2015 - a club which Neville part owns - is a challenge. 

"The relationship with Peter Lim is not a challenge," he says. 

On his managerial inexperience, Neville says: "I think we've all seen inexperienced coaches succeed and we've all seen experienced coaches fail, there's no magic formula. 

"I accept I've got to prove myself. Having worked in the media, I understand completely why you would want to ask these types of questions."

Here and now for Neville

Amid speculation this could be the first step to bigger things, Gary Neville says he is neither concerned with proving English coaches can be a success abroad nor one day taking the Man Utd or England jobs.

"There have been English coaches who've been successful abroad - Bobby Robson, Roy Hodgson and Terry Venables to name three," he said.

AP

"From a long-term perspective I would never look at that or future jobs - I'm focused completely on the next two training sessions and the team to pick for Wednesday. 

"We all have dreams but the only way you get there is focusing on the individual bits one at a time."

'Hodgson understanding & positive'

On his role as England assistant coach, Gary Neville says: "In terns of the FA and the England football team, when I spoke to (manager) Roy Hodgson he was incredibly supportive and positive and enthusiastic. 

"He understood completely the opportunity for myself and was wholly supportive that I should do it. 

"We've got two games in March which are in an international break where Valencia don't play. From my point of view, I wanted to continue to complete my job through to Euro 2016 and everyone's completely understanding that Valencia will be my priority for 95% of the time. 

"But it doesn't stop my having phone conversations with Roy, and other members of the staff."

Gary Neville news conference

Gary Neville explains why he won't be in the dugout for Saturday's La Liga tie against Barcelona. 

"On Sunday evening the first contact was made and by Monday evening I'd accepted," he says, explaining the timeline of events. 

"I needed to discuss with my family overnight. On Tuesday we discussed the logistic, like contracts and coaching team. Wednesday was the announcement and today was the first time I could get over here. 

"We felt the coaching for Barca should be consistent. It wouldn't be fair on them giving them a new voice the day before a big match."

AP

'Football in the traditions of Valencia'

A journalist sneaks in a double question about what style of football Gary Neville's Valencia will play and the influence of Sir Alex Ferguson.

"I'm not going to insult Valencia by saying I'm coming over here and playing football like Manchester United," Neville said.

"I've got to play football in the traditions of Valencia.

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"My experience with Sir Alex Ferguson is invaluable but when you talk about style it will be very different against Barcelona at the weekend to against Lyon next week.

"Every coach wants to play offensive, attacking football to entertain the fan but we've also got to find a way to win."

'Neville the pundit would be sceptical'

Asked what Gary Neville the pundit would think of an inexperienced former Spanish international who did not speak the language getting one of the top managerial jobs in the Premier League, the new Valencia boss admits he would be skeptical. 

"I would question it as a neutral observer, I would be skeptical and would want to be proven otherwise," he says.  

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"I understand that I've got to prove to the Valencia fans, to the players that I'm capable of doing this job. 

"Any doubts will only be removed by winning football matches. I'm not going to shy away from the very direct approach I had on television."

Gary Neville news conference

Gary Nevilleresponds to a question about what brotherPhilhas told him about Valencia's players.

"Phil speaks very highly about the squad in terms their application and dedication," he said.

"Obviously confidence has been an issue recently but that happens at all football clubs.

"He spoke about their enthusiasm and that gives me great enthusiasm to work with the players every day."

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Gary Neville news conference

Gary Neville is asked what he told the players when he visited the training ground this morning. 

"I went to the training ground this morning and met with the players and staff, it was very simple, I didn't want to confuse them," he says. 

"They've an incredible important match on Saturday against Barcelona. It was just to say that I'm happy to be here and that I will give them my all for them and I will give my best and I expect the same in return from them."

Brotherly love?

They've played together, bought a football club together but is there any apprehension at working with your brother Phil, Gary is asked.

"I don't see any problems - if Phil wasn't here I'd want him here," he replied.

"Phil is diligent, hard-working, talented and I'm delighted he's here to be a part of the coaching set up

"We don't do niceties but talk about actions - our recent conversations have been about the players and what we're going to do."

Neville makes plea for a Spanish teacher

"I will take lessons every day," says Gary Neville of learning the language.  

"At the moment I have a slight problem in that I can't find a Spanish teacher willing to get up at 6am to give me lessons.

"I was at the training round this morning and Phil's Spanish was fantastic in terms of communicating with the players."

Gary Neville news conference

Why here, why now and how's your Spanish, Gary Neville is asked.  

"I've been offered jobs in football over this last four to five years, the timing has never felt right," he says. 

"I wanted to give myself time to learn, but when I received the call on Sunday evening I thought 'what an opportunity, what a challenge'. 

"From my point of view, sitting on TV, talking about coaches, the time has now come for me to stand up. This is a wonderful football club. I'm precious about what I take on and what I'm associated it, but if I'd turned this down I could have said goodbye to my credibility because this is an unbelievable football club." 

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'It's important I show that commitment'

When asked about how long-term his ambitions are at Valencia given his initial contract is only for six months, Neville insists he will immerse himself in Spanish culture.

"My family will move over here permanently, my girls will finish school in Manchester in two weeks' time and will move to Valencia with my wife," he said.

"When I was at Manchester United I wanted foreign players to show commitment to the city and immerse themselves in the culture.

"It's important that I also show that commitment even though for now it's just a six-month contract."

Gary Neville news conference

After clearing up how his surname is pronounced, Gary Neville is asked whether he is "fighting" for a chance to manage beyond June 2016.

"The only way to approach any football job is to think of it as a permanent job even though we know it's only six months," says the former England defender. 

"We will appoint people from within, I'm not interested in bringing over an army of coaches. I'm interesting in creating stability."

Gary Neville news conference

The first question to Gary Neville is, somewhat surprisingly, about how he can implement Valencia's tradition of strong wing play.

"I wasn't expecting that as a first question," replied Neville.

He added: "I'm aware of the traditions here at Valencia - I've played out here a few times against some fantastic wingers.

"I understand my responsibility is to appraise the players as quickly as possible and pick the right system that gets us winning matches right away, irrespective of style."

Gary Neville news conference

Valencia chairwoman Layhoon Chan: “We need someone with strong leadership, a fresh approach and understand the engagements of our fans. Gary is an excellent coach and has these qualities that Valencia need right now.

“He is a leader, a great motivator and hugely respected in football for his understanding of the game. His personal success at the highest level of the game will inspire our players.

“We see something very special in him. Not about nationality, not about his friendship with Peter Lim, about his qualities to lead Valencia at this time.”

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Valencia president Lay Hoon Chan

Gary Neville news conference

Gary Neville confirms his brother, Phil, will be an assistant coach as well as under-19 coach Miguel Ángel Angulo.

Speaking about former Valencia player Angulo, Neville says: "I'm delighted to announce that he's accepted the invitation to become a coach. I spoke to many people in Valencia, and the respect he's had from everybody is incredibly important."

Gary Neville news conference

Gary Neville has been unveiled as Valencia's new manager.

Neville says: "I'm incredibly excited to be here, I understand and respect the huge responsibility that I've  been given and accepted. 

"I understand that by playing against Valencia, the passion and intimidation of the fans and I want to recreate and harness that." 

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Valencia CF president Lay Hoon Chan and Gary Neville arrive at Paterna Training Centre

Gary Neville news conference

Juve boss plays down Man Utd link

Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri has played down reports linking him to the Manchester United job. 

Allegri won the Serie A title at the end of his first season in Turin and guided the Bianconeri to the Champions League final where they were beaten by Barcelona. 

Recent reports in Italy have suggested the 48-year-old might be approached to replace Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford, but Allegri has insisted he is committed to Juve for at least one more campaign. 

"I have a contract running until 2017," he told the Corriere dello Sport. "I'm happy here and I'm focused on Juventus' objectives."

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Gary Neville Valencia news conference (15:00 GMT)

Fans influential - Newcastle boss

Newcastle boss Steve McClaren has called on fans to back his team when they take on Jurgen Klopp's in-form Liverpool on Sunday. 

Newcastle can turn it around - McClaren

Newcastle boss Steve McClaren is facing the media as he prepares for Sunday's Premier League tie at home to Liverpool. 

The Magpies are second from bottom in the table and McClaren says: "The next game is always an opportunity to build a performance, get a result and the confidence can come back.

"The mood is focussed and determined, and we know that we can turn it around with one result because we have good players."  

GB lose to India in World League quarter-final

Froome data release won't change anything - Wiggins

Sir Bradley Wiggins does not expect critics of fellow Tour de France winner Chris Froome to be persuaded to change their minds by the imminent release of physiological data. 

After winning a second Tour de France title amid scrutiny of his performance in the post-Lance Armstrong era, Froome took it upon himself to undergo independent testing to determine the characteristics which make him such an exceptional athlete. 

The tests will be announced on Friday, but Wiggins told BBC Radio 5 live: "It's what people have called for and Chris has done it, so hats off to him. I'm sure it is not something for them to live and die by, or if it will change anything. It is a small step maybe."

Koeman threatens changes for Villa

Ronald Koeman has revealed Southampton's 6-1 defeat by Liverpool could lead to him changing his system for Saturday's Premier League visit of Aston Villa.

His team is on a run of three consecutive defeats in which 10 goals have been conceded and the Dutchman is considering abandoning his attacking instincts through a fear his team is unbalanced.

 "In the last few weeks - one of our qualities, we know we can play good football, the start was fantastic, we can create, we can score - but the balance at the moment between attacking and defending is poor, is really poor," said the Southampton manager, who against Villa hopes to have captain and central defender Jose Fonte again available.

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Mauricio Pochettino news conference

Rob Nothman

BBC Sport

Mauricio Pochettino was in good spirits as Spurs look to extend their unbeaten run at West Brom on Saturday. 

He texted Gary Neville to congratulate him on his Valencia appointment but said the change of culture and language was difficult. 

He described Neville as a "brilliant man" - a description he also used later when talking about Spurs Chairman Daniel Levy.

On the injury front, Spurs will definitely be without Ryan Mason at West Brom. But the scan on the ankle he injured against Chelsea showed nothing serious.

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'Valencia is not easy to manage'

Geoff Doyle

BBC Three Counties Radio sport

Quique Flores has also been discussing Gary Neville’s appointment as boss at Valencia – the team Flores managed between 2005 and 2007.

“Valencia is a very competitive team. The atmosphere in Valencia is not easy to manage," he said.

AFP

Flores in his Valencia days

"If I had to tell Gary Neville about what he will find in Valencia I would say, ‘Gary concentrate on the team because there are a lot of things you can’t control’.

"It’s impossible to control the passion of the fans and to control how the directors manage the Valencia side of the club.

"The most important thing is to focus on the squad and understand the feelings of the fans. They are very passionate. He will need to adapt to the culture of Spain. I wish everything good for the future and I respect Gary a lot.”

Neville arrives in Valencia

Gary Neville has arrived in Valencia for his unveiling as the club's new manager at 15:00 GMT. Here is a picture to prove it. 

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Watford news conference

Geoff Doyle

BBC Three Counties Radio sport

Watford are hopeful that goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes will be fit for Saturday's Premier League match at home to Norwich.

Gomes was injured and stretchered off in the win over Aston Villa last weekend.

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Head coach Quique Flores said: "He's recuperating. He's better but we need to wait a couple of days more to see if he can compete. We need to wait on the medical staff.

"He wants to play. It's more a problem with his neck than his head. I'm not thinking about him not playing. He is one of our leaders." 

Watford, though, are still likely to be missing Sebastian Prodl and Valon Behrami.

'An age limit is discriminatory'

Moya Dodd gives her thoughts on term limits and the possible expansion of the World Cup.

"Term limits are already in force for the president of the AFC and my own view aligns with that the reform committee put forward," she said.

"An age limit is discriminatory but a term limit allows members to focus on what they do in office rather than on their reelection campaigns.

"With the expansion of the World Cup I'm not in a position to have an informed view on that yet."

BBC Sport

Fifa news conference

Asked for an update on Fifa's finances - where a first deficit for 13/14 years has been reported, acting secretary general Markus Kattner says it's too early to predict before the end of the financial year in March. 

"It's clear it's not an easy year," he says. "We had unforeseen additional costs."

Fifa news conference

69 year old Issa Hayatou, who is recovering from major surgery, is asked by the BBC's Richard Conway about his health - it appeared he nodded off earlier during one of the presentations.

"I'm not completely recovered. It will take 3-4 months. I hope I can fully recover my health to help the new president with his reform."

Fifa news conference

Fifa reform committee chairman Francois Carrard is asked about his salary.

"It's simple - I'm paid by the hourly rate of the local Lausanne attorney."

That clears that up.

Fifa news conference

Acting Fifa president Issa Hayatou is asked about the overnight arrests of two vice-presidents. He says that he cannot comment on what happened, and then adds that he doesn't know what happened. 

Fifa news conference

It is put to Hayatou that he is perhaps not the best person to reform Fifa given that he has been there throughout the 'dark days'.

"I've never been implicated in any scandal. The fact that I've been here a long time has nothing to do with it," he replies.

"There have been people who have been here a long time who haven't been involved in the scandal. Yes, there have been a few people who were, but also many who weren't."

BBC Sport

A 'divisive' briefing?

Markus Kattner is asked about a briefing held last with select members of the media and whether such actions are 'divisive.'

Yet Nicholas Maingot responds: "It's in no way that, it's related to communication activities and we can answer that offline later."

World Cup expansion proposals

The question: "Last May it was decided to do nothing about changing the format of the World Cup, why did you throw in this surprise move to propose an expansion to 40 teams?

Francois Carrard answers: "The executive committee took up the discussion of a possible increase for the 2026 World Cup within the framework of its approach to enlarging the participation  of teams.

"After quite deep discussion it was felt this recommendation should be brought up. It's not up to the reform committee to make any decision, that is why this was proposed and the executive committee was receptive to that proposal."

Fifa news conference

Issa Hayatou is asked directly: "Are you corrupt?"

He responds "I've never received a franc, a dollar, to make me vote in the organisation of the World Cup."

Reuters

'Fifa doesn't control justice'

The panel are now taking questions from the floor, with the first about whether Fifa are concerned that the arrests of members may overshadow their attempts at reform.

Issa Hayatou responds: "Fifa doesn't control justice. The police are leading their enquiries, we are leading our reform. We have no authority over the police, either Swiss or American."

Fifa to appoint compliance officer

Carrard adds the reform committee are proposing 'more liaison' between Fifa's top brass and its base, including the appointment of a chief compliance officer.

"Within the general secretariat we will introduce the new office of a chief compliance officer to monitor and check the governance," he said.

The reform committee chairman also appears to lend  his support to the idea of expanding the World Cup to 40 teams.

"This is not within our remit but the executive committee has been extremely receptive to the idea and will take later decisions," he added.

"But it will help enlarge participation."

"We decided to play a compact block to protect the goal"

FIFA Executive Committee member Moya Dodd is speaking now about women in Fifa. 

She starts off appealing to the social media generation: "Women in Fifa. Yes, that's a hashtag, been seen by millions online.

"There has been a chorus of voices. We've seen a deluge of support from people in football and beyond. From Billie Jean King to UN women. Voices have been raised calling for gender balance. Why? Because it's 2015, it's fair, and diversity leads to better decisions."

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She then expands upon what changes are set to be made, including the mandatory minimum of six women on the Fifa council, and that the promotion and development of women's football should be on Fifa's statues.

She finishes off by saying "In football terms, we had a team meeting, and decided to play a compact block to protect the goal."

Fifa news conference

Difficult road ahead - Carrard

Francois Carrard, chairman of the 2015 Fifa reform committee, says an independent advisory group will be set up during the reform process.  

Carrard says that the group will "accompany, for a time, the reform process itself and come with improvement and further suggestion."

"I expect that group to be active in January," he adds

In closing, Carrard says that the changes shows that Fifa is "totally committed to this reform process."

"I'm aware that the road will be difficult, the challenge is there and the task is by far not finished," he says. "It's only the beginning, but Fifa is showing today its determination by sanctioning the proposals and showing clear will for reform."

'Some people are completely dull aged 50'

Carrard also explains the reasoning behind the decision to limit the terms of office to 12 years.

"We've had lengthy discussions and debates to come out with the proposal of a maximum of three terms of four years," he said.

"We've not put in an age limit because an age limit is by definition arbitrary.

"Some people are completely dumb and dull by 50 years old, some are brilliant aged 85.

"The key thing is to seek the renewal of the offices so we've reached an absolute consensus that is realistic and fair - 12 years for the terms of office."

Explaining Fifa finances...

We now move on to finances. Key financial decisions are to be made by the finance, development and governance committees, which will have a minimum number of independent members and whose activities will be audited by the fully independent Audit and Compliance Committee

Congress will set the general framework with regards to outgoings, says chairman Francois Carrard, while the council will define policies. A development committee will allocate funds to individual projects. 

You can watch the Fifa news conference live by clicking on the link above.

Fifa reform proposals

For those of you who are keen to know the key issues of Francois Carrard's proposed reforms, you can see the slides from his PowerPoint presentation here.

Fifa

Fifa

Women in Fifa

Carrard outlines the changes aimed at increasing the representation of women throughout the structure of Fifa.

"Everyone says you must reduce and have a smaller board but that's not what we want," he said.

"If we want to enlarge participation at all levels we must increase participation in the board so the universal prinicples of Fifa can be enacted throughout

"Under the Fifa statutes there is only one woman who can be elected which is something out of the time. 

"We propose each continent must have at least one woman in the future council so instead of one we shall have six women.

"Six is a minimum and nothing prevents the election of further women."

Fifa's separation of powers

This news conference can only be likened to a lecture fronted by an amusing grandfather. 

Francois Carrard, chairman of the 2015 Fifa reform committee, explains there will be a separation of political and management functions. 

The Fifa Council (replacing the FIFA Executive Committee) will be responsible for setting the organisation’s overall strategic direction, while the general secretariat will oversee the operational and commercial actions required to effectively execute that strategy.

BBC Sport

Three principles of reform

Written on the screen behind Francois Carrard, chairman of the 2015 reform committee, are the words: Leadership, governance and participation - the three principles of Fifa's governance reform. 

"Greater participation at all levels, and greater participation of women at all stages," says Carrard.

'Reform must come from within'

Carrard also highlighted the "impressive unanimity" of the Fifa executive committee in approving the entire packing of reforms.

"It was impressive this morning to see all members without exception supporting and showing their determination to carry out this reform process," he added.

"This unanimous consensus is not such a simple fact because when this committee was appointed, it was challenged and criticised as not indenepdent.

"But I accepted the challenge because reform must be made from within and not just from without."

BBC Sport

Reforms far from finished - Carrard

Francois Carrard continues: "We are far from finished, this is only the beginning of a new era, a new process, but it's a very important step today."

Looking up at the screen behind him, he says that there will be a slideshow - adding that he's allergic to slides. Even in crisis, there's time for jokes. 

'The train is leaving the station'

Carrard has delivered an, er, interesting train metaphor to explain the next step in the reform process.

"We've been working very hard since our appointment in August to deliver this report today and what I consider the beginning of a full reform process," he said.

"This status can be compared to a train which is leaving the station with the main engine starting and the train is on the track.

"The next first station will be an important one, which is the congress in February and there will be further stations along the course of the train."

Got that? Great.

Crisis an opportunity to change - Fifa chair

Francois Carrard, chairman of 2015 Fifa reform committee, says this is an opportunity for Fifa to change.  

"We've had a very important step this morning," he says. "I think it is also the beginning of a very important process so that Fifa can renew itself.

"We wall know that Fifa is going through a major crisis, as we also all know a crisis is a unique opportunity for a change, for renewal and for commencing a new period of its very rich history."

BBC Sport

Fifa news conference

You can watch the Fifa news conference live by clicking 'live coverage' above.

Presidential candidates keen to reform - Hayatou

More from Fifa acting president Issa Hayatou: "I have spoken to the candidates for the presidency of Fifa, and I am encouraged that they are aware of the need for reform and to implement all necessary measures for Fifa."

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'Arrests strengthens need for reform'

Acting Fifa president Issa Hayatou has stepped up to the stage. He says: "From our point of view, this morning's events only strengthens the need for reform from Fifa."

Two Fifa vice-presidents have been arrested in a dawn raid at a Swiss hotel on suspicion of accepting millions of dollars of bribes. 

Fifa news conference

Fifa's new conference is about to begin, where members of the executive committee will explain the proposals approved this morning. We will update you with all the latest, and there's also live coverage at the top of this page. 

More signings for Watford?

Geoff Doyle

BBC Three Counties Radio sport

Watford head coach Quique Flores has been discussing possible transfer targets in January and he’s made it clear those that come in need to be ready to go straight into his first team.

The Hornets made 15 summer signings but interestingly the majority of those have barely featured in the Premier League this season.

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“If some players come it’s because they are close to playing or are ready to play at the first moment," he said.

"We have one list with three or four players. We are very clear what are the areas we need and it's very important to be right because if not it's better to keep like we are in this moment.”

Spurs feeling festive

It's only 3 December, but Tottenham are getting into the Christmas spirit, putting up the Christmas tree nice and early... Will Father Christmas reward their festive enthusiasm with a prolonged winning run? (We have been unable to confirm whether or not Mr Claus is a Spurs fan.)

Rob Nothman

'The English Iniesta'

Who does former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen think is the English equivalent of Andres Iniesta? That's right - it's Jesse Lingard!

The winger has impressed after breaking into Louis van Gaal's first team in recent weeks.

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"I see Jesse as the English version of Iniesta. He has a long way to go, but that is the sort of player I see in him," said Meulensteen.

"People say he's small because of the perception of how the Premier League is. Look at players like Andreas Iniesta, Xavi, Lionel Messi, David Silva, Juan Mata... they're all tiny, but it doesn't make a difference if you have a quick brain, quick feet and a big heart, and Jesse has all of those."

Lulic could lose finger

Lazio midfielder Senad Lulic could lose a finger following an accident during a weight session, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

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The Bosnian underwent emergency surgery after losing the top part of his ring finger in his right hand when a weight he was using slipped and crushed his hand.

Yet Lulic, 29, is still in danger of losing his entire finger as doctors wait 72 hours to assess the extent of the damage.

Stumps - India 231-7

India reached 231-7 at the close of play in the first day of the fourth Test against South Africa in Delhi.

AP

Ajinkya Rahane's unbeaten 89 guided the hosts to the highest total of the series so far, despite spinner Dane Piedt claiming 4-101 and Kyle Abbott taking 3-23.

India have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the four-match series.

Standards in Prem dropping - Hitzlsperger

Former Aston Villa, West Ham United and Everton midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger says the standard of football in the Premier League is dropping, despite a lucrative new television deal which is set to make English clubs the richest on the continent.

The Premier League risks losing a starting berth in the Champions League from the 2017-18 season if it suffers a repeat of last season, when no side made it to the quarter-final stages in either the Champions League or the Europa League.

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"The level of the league has dropped in recent years," he told Germany's Kicker magazine. "Their lack of success in Europe shows it. "Many people are talking about all the money they Premier League clubs have at their disposal, but you are seeing what happens when they don't use it properly."

Tottenham news conference (12:30 GMT)

Rob Nothman

BBC Sport

Spurs' unbeaten run in the League stretches back nearly four months - on Saturday, they're at West Brom.  

Worth noting that in their next 11 Premier League matches, only one (at home to Leicester) is against sides in the top six.  

Genuine title contenders?  Mauricio Pochettino will be talking to the media at lunchtime, and standby for a question about Gary Neville's chances of success at Valencia in La Liga. The Argentine of course used to manage Espanyol.

Leeds fans plan walk-out

Members of fans' group South Stand SS5 have organised a walk-out from the stadium in the 17th minute for a 17-minute period in protest at the price hike, dubbed the 'pie-tax' by fans, and at Cellino's "outrageous" running of the club. 

Cellino has previously stated his superstitious dislike of the number 17. 

"We all know he hates the number 17," John Bond, who is organising the protest, told Press Association Sport. 

"We want to make it very clear to Cellino that he is not wanted. The way he runs the club is outrageous and we want our club back."

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Leeds fans plan walk-out

Leeds fans plan to stage a mass walk-out at Elland Road during Saturday's home game against Hull in protest at owner Massimo Cellino. 

The Italian businessman, who recently reneged on a deal to sell his majority stake in the club to supporters' group Leeds Fans United, has infuriated supporters further still by increasing ticket prices in the South Stand at Elland Road without prior warning. 

Supporters in the stand have been forced to pay for food and drink whether they want it or not due to a £5 increase on their matchday ticket, which can be redeemed at the catering kiosks.

Real players sign Barca merchandise

Real Madrid haven't enjoyed the best 24 hours. Admittedly, they beat Cadiz 3-1 in the Copa del Rey but face expulsion from the Spanish Cup after fielding an ineligible player. To add to their woes, Real's players have been caught signing Barcelona merchandise. 

The culprit was Pepe, who added his signature to a Barcelona bag a Cadiz fan asked him to sign. Cheeky. 

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Early start for Hamilton

If you were wondering what Lewis Hamilton had been up to this morning (we know you were), well the F1 world champion was on Nick Grimshaw's BBC Radio 1 breakfast show. 

Hamilton posted on Instagram: "Hanging with@nicholasgrimshaw at @bbcradio1!!!#ShutDown!"

We just thought you'd like to know...

Lewis Hamilton

Rosberg complains a lot - Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton says his Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg "complains a lot", following a tense season.

Relations between the two title rivals have cooled following a number of incidents in which Rosberg claimed Hamilton had driven too aggressively.

The world champion said: "You've seen he complains about a lot of things. But you kind of let it go over your head because that's just the way he is. It's kind of the different background we come from, I guess."

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Adebayor's in the money

Emmanuel Adebayor is still earning a remarkable £175,000 a week despite not playing football, according to the Daily Mail.

The striker was released by Tottenham in September after not being included in their Premier League and Europa League squads but the club are still paying his £100,000 a week wages with his contract not ending until June.

Manchester City are also still 'chipping in' with £75,000 on top due to the 2012 deal that took him to Spurs.

Probably explains the gold laptop then...

Emmanuel Adebayor

Latest on Fifa arrests

Wiggins on the hour record

Sir Bradley Wiggins has been on BBC Breakfast talking about breaking cycling's iconic hour record.

The bearded Wiggins said: "You train for seven months for it and we covered every possible detail, where we were staying leading up to it, what we were eating. We were obnly going to do it once. You either did it, or failed. 

"You try to switch off from the clock as much as possible, it's quite demoralising seeing that there's 55 minutes to go... The first 10-12 minutes is quite easy, so you've got to hold back, if anything. It's a real test of pace judgement."

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LATEST GOSSIP

There's plenty of transfer title-tattle in today's gossip column. Here's a selection: 

Barcelona could sell some of their biggest stars to Premier League clubs to balance the books. Forwards Lionel Messi, 28, Neymar, 23, and Luis Suarez, 28, could all be made available. (Sun) 

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender, 26, is on the shortlist of players Arsenal want to sign in January. (Evening Standard) 

Liverpool and Spain left-back Alberto Moreno, 23, has played down reports linking him with Real Madrid. (Radio station Cadena Cope via Liverpool Echo) 

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Question of Sport teaser

It's that time of day, the best time of day, the time we receive the day's Question of Sport teaser. 

Ferdinand - Man Utd will be watching Neville

Rio Ferdinand believes former team Manchester United will be keenly watching how Gary Neville fares in his new job at Valencia, with a view to Neville taking over his boyhood club one day.

Wonder what fellow Salford City owner and current Man Utd assistant boss Ryan Giggs would make of that competition for the top job...

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"What you can be sure of is that the people at the top at Manchester United will be looking at what Gary does now and be interested to see how he gets on," wrote Ferdinand in his column for the Sun.

"If he does well, there is a very big chance that he will be wanted back at Old Trafford as manager at some point — and that he would be keen on going back as well, a local lad taking over his boyhood club."

BBC Sport advent calendar

There are no chocolates, no sweet treats, behind BBC Sport's advent calendar - but there are plenty of the year's sporting highlights, which is better for your teeth.

Day three of BBC Sport's advent calendar features China's Ding Junhui missing out on a 147 break at the World Snooker Championship as he appears to forget he is on for a maximum. Easily done. 

Trailing Mark Davis 5-3, Ding was at the table with a break of 96 when he played for the blue ball instead of the black. Take a peek, it's worth a look. 

BBC Sport

Lewis named president of Team England

Commonwealth Games England (CGE) has appointed former Olympic, European and Commonwealth heptathlete champion Denise Lewis as its new President.

The 43-year-old says: "I have devoted my life to track and field athletics and while that particular sport will always be my passion, it is great to have the opportunity to pass on some of my experience to athletes from a wider range of sports."

Cadiz report Real

Cadiz have announced they will report Real Madrid to the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) over their selection of the ineligible Denis Cheryshev.

The winger was withdrawn from the action moments after half-time, when Real had realised their error, with head coach Rafael Benitez saying they wanted to "show good faith". 

But Cadiz president Manuel Vizcaino has said: "This situation required a speedy decision because there was no time to speculate. The board has met and decided to report Real Madrid for fielding an ineligible player, out of respect for our fans and the club. 

"We decided to do this with a heavy heart, but it is our firm decision. We do this not without a sense of pain, because we are friendly with the club (Real)."

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'Real face expulsion from Spanish Cup' - Reports

Real Madrid could face disqualification from the Copa del Rey after fielding an ineligible player in their fourth-round win over Cadiz, report Spanish media.  

Denis Cheryshev, 24, gave Real the lead but the Russian should have been serving a one-game ban, say reports.

Newspaper AS has published a document showing he received three bookings in the domestic cup competition while on loan at Villarreal last season.

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Remi Garde news conference

Mark Regan

BBC WM Sport

Remi Garde on Jack Grealish and his continued exile from the first team: "It's clear between Jack and me that for a time that he knows. He might return to the team on a date that he knows and I know as well."

Villa could be without skipper Micah Richards for the trip to Southampton on Saturday. Richards hasn't trained all week and is a doubt, striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has returned to training.

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No move for Townsend

Allardyce says he will not be moving for out-of-favour Tottenham winger Andros Townsend in the January transfer window because his side already have Spurs player DeAndre Yedlin on their books.

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Pistorius guilty of murder

The full text of this morning's judgement, which upgraded Oscar Pistorius' conviction from manslaughter to murder has now been made available online.

It's quite long and technical, but here's a snippet from close to the end, explaining one of the legal arguments for the decision taken by the panel of judges in the appeal court:

"In the result, on count 1 in the indictment the accused ought to have been found guilty of murder on the basis that he had fired the fatal shots with criminal intent in the form of dolus eventualis.

"As a result of the errors of law referred to, and on a proper appraisal of the facts, he ought to have been convicted not of culpable homicide on that count but of murder.

"In the interests of justice the conviction and the sentence imposed in respect thereof must be set aside and the conviction substituted with a conviction of the correct offence."

What is dolus eventualis?

It's a South African legal term which refers to unintended but foreseeable murder, a lesser charge than "dolus directus", which refers to deliberate murder.

Defoe and Larsson ruled out

Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce confirms his side will be without Jermain Defoe and former Gunner Seb Larsson for the trip to Arsenal on Saturday.

The Sunderland Echo's Chris Young reports Jack Rodwell is also still injured.

Liverpool can achieve anything - Redknapp

Being as we're talking about Liverpool (still), we might as well tell you that former Reds captain Jamie Redknapp says his old club can achieve anything under 'magic' Jurgen Klopp.

"At the moment there's no limit to what Liverpool can do. I have been blown away by what he has achieved so far. They have been absolutely brilliant to watch," Redknapp says in his Sky Sports column. 

"The whole club is buzzing, he seems to have a magic wand, and he's come in and seems to have sprinkled magic dust on everyone, because they all look like completely different players." 

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Liverpool boss 'now gets' Sturridge hype

Speaking of Liverpool, their manager Jurgen Klopp said he now understands the expectation surrounding Daniel Sturridge after the striker scored twice in the 6-1 League Cup win over Southampton.

The 26-year-old was given his first start by Klopp after injury problems.

"I said to Sturridge after the game 'now I know what everybody is talking about so thank you'," said Klopp. "Of course I knew all about his quality, this was not a problem, but I had not seen it live in a stadium in such an important game."

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Southampton 1-6 Liverpool

'Carroll needs to show it from the start'

Slaven Bilic concludes his conference by hinting at a start for striker Andy Carroll against Manchester United this Saturday as the Hammers look for a first win in five games.

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"Andy has lifted our game when he's come in for the last 20 or 30 minutes and now he needs to show that from the start," he said.

"Man Utd are different to the Ferguson era, but they are winning. They are not conceding goals and they are having the ball.

"We haven't won in the last four games so we want to kill the pressure in a positive way on Saturday."

Slaven Bilic news conference

West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has elaborated on the injury that will keep Diafra Sakho out for four to eight weeks.

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"We are waiting for the opinion of a couple of specialists. He has a bit of history with that thigh. It's not a light one unfortunately," he said.

"Of course it's a big blow. We are not bad in terms of quantity of injuries, but unfortunately they have happened to key players.

"Enner Valencia is having a good recovery so hopefully we will have him in a couple of weeks time. It's a good chance for the guys to step in."

Belgium top Fifa rankings

Belgium will end the year as the world's top-ranked team in Fifa's world rankings. Argentina are second, with Spain third. 

England are the highest ranked of the home nations in ninth, with Wales 17th. Scotland have dropped out of the top 50 and will end the year in 52nd place - their  lowest Fifa ranking for three years. 

Republic of Ireland have moved up to 31st following their Euro 2016 play-off win against Bosnia, while Northern Ireland are just ahead in 30th.

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Pistorius family: Legal team will study the judgement

The family of Oscar Pistorius have reacted to the ruling with a brief statement.

"We have taken note of the judgement that has just been handed down by the Supreme Court of Appeal," family spokesperson Anneliese Burgess said.

"The legal team will study the finding and we will be guided by them in terms of options going forward.

"We will not be commenting any further at this stage."

Reuters

Judge Eric Leach said the athlete must have foreseen the consequences of his action when he shot four shots through the door

'The games is the only thing that matters'

Bolton's woes are not just off-field and with his side bottom of the Championship,Neil Lennonis striving to focus his players' attention on Saturday's crucial game againstCardiff.

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"As footballers, once you get out there on the pitch, the game is the only thing that matters," he said.

"A win would be massive for us this weekend and I know we can get it. We really are due a victory sooner rather than later.

"The main thing for us is to stay within touching distance of those teams above us and a win on Saturday would ensure just that."

Neil Lennon news conference

Bolton Wanderers' financial situation is 'increasingly perilous' according to the club's recently-appointed advisor Trevor Birch but manager Neil Lennon has been striking a more positive tone in his news conference.

PA

"I've spoken with Trevor Birch and I'm hearing positive things. Regardless, we'll keep going and focusing on what we can do," he said.

"I'm like everyone else. I want what's best for the club. Yes, it's a difficult time, but we have to trust the process.

"The fans have been fantastic, they really have. We need them to keep giving us that, especially in the current situation.

Tick fog in Zurich...

From the European sports correspondent for The New York Times...

Fifa's planned World Cup expansion

Agbonlahor back in training

Aston Villa manager Remi Garde confirms striker Gabby Agbonlahor is back in training after he came off with a calf injury in Villa's 3-1 defeat by Tottenham on 2 November.

Tiago Ilori and Jose Angel Crespo are still unavailable but Garde says team morale is high.

“The commitment, the way the want to save this club, the way they are training to get the best out of themselves," he said.

"We miss some confidence at the moment but I speak to the players and their hard work gives us the possibility to get some good results in a row and then our confidence will be stronger.”  

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BreakingFifa want World Cup expanded to 40 teams

Richard Conway

BBC Radio 5 live sports news correspondent

Fifa’s executive committee will today debate a proposal to expand the World Cup from 32 to 40 teams.

The proposal to expand the tournament comes as executives deliberate over a package of reforms designed to change the culture of the organisation.

The measure to increase the number of participating teams can be enacted by the executive committee alone and would not require the consent of Fifa’s 209 member associations.

If agreed, something which is by no means a certainty, it would not be enacted until 2026. The host nation for that tournament is still to be decided.

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'Mondays won't be the same'

Gary Neville's fellow Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher tweeted his thoughts on the former England defender's move to Valencia, likening it to when one-time Liverpool goalkeeper Pegguy Arphexad moved to Coventry. 

I think that's referred to as banter. And there's more of it.  

"Mondays will not be the same now Gary Neville has left for Valencia job... and we had only just started getting along," says the former Liverpool defender in the Daily Mail. He is, of course, referring to the pair's role on Sky's Monday Night Football. 

'Neville has the right profile'

Aston Villa boss Remi Garde has also offered his thoughts on Valencia's appointment of Gary Neville as head coach until the end of the season.

“It is a very good opportunity and a first one for him," said Garde.

"One day you have to jump into a job. Valencia is a good club who are in the Champions League.

"I don’t know him personally but I remember him as a player. He is a strong character and he has the right profile to do the job.”

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Diafra Sakho out for 4-8 weeks

Slaven Bilic has confirmed that West Ham striker Diafra Sakho will be out for 4-8 weeks. 

Manager Slaven Bilic has said "We are still waiting for the results of his scan, but it will definitely not be a couple of weeks - 4 to 8, maybe longer."

Sakho was injured in the 1-1 draw with West Brom on Sunday. 

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'They will be looking for revenge'

Remi Garde is also looking for more impact from winger Adama Traore as his side prepare to face a Southampton side smarting from their 6-1 defeat to Liverpool.

"Adama is very young. He needs to learn. He needs to improve his understanding of the game. He can be very strong in one-versus-ones as he is very fast. He is a nice person - I have the feeling he wants to improve," he said.

“For the last two seasons Southampton have played good football. They have been in trouble in the past but now they are strong Premier League team with a good manager. 

"The defeat yesterday was hard for them and they will probably be looking for revenge on Saturday and we will be prepared for that.” 

Pistorius guilty of murder

South African legal journalist tweets

Pistorius 'unlikely to have grounds to appeal'

Pumza Fihlani

BBC News, Johannesburg

Legal expert Mannie Witz has told the BBC that there do not appear to be any grounds to appeal the murder conviction of Oscar Pistorius.

South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal ruled that the lower court judge did not correctly apply the rule of dolus eventualis - whether Pistorius knew that a death would be a likely result of his actions.

The only place to make an appeal would be at the Constitutional Court.

It would only hear the matter if:

• The defence can show that Pistorius' rights have been infringed in the way justice was carried out
• Or if the defence can show that hearing the case would be in the public's interest and of national importance.

Mr Witz says as it stands, there are no grounds for either.

Remi Garde news conference

Remi Garde continues by discussing his side's perilous league position, with Villa five points adrift at the bottom of the Premier League Table after their 3-2 defeat to Watford last week.

“We know that we have to win games," he said. "We didn’t win the last one. It was a disappointment.

"We should have got a better result. We made too many mistakes and conceded too many goals.

“We are in a big competition and have a tough job to do. To achieve what we want to do we have to be 100% focused.”

Pistorius sentence likely to be 10-12 years

Pumza Fihlani

BBC News, Johannesburg

South African law does not make provision for someone to be placed under house arrest for more than five years - soOscar Pistoriuswill definitely go back to prison.

What needs to be established now is for how long.

The minimum sentence for murder is 15 years.

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But the defence can argue that there are compelling circumstances that should be considered, for example his disability - and the fact that the double amputee has already served a year in prison.

Experts think anywhere between 10 and 12 years would be a fair sentence for murder in his case.

BreakingGrealish out of Southampton game

Aston Villa manager Remi Garde confirms Jack Grealish will not return for his side's game against Southampton on Saturday.

Grealish was dropped from the first team after reports the 20-year-old visited a Manchester nightclub after Villa's 4-0 defeat to Everton.

Next coach in wonderful position - Meyer

Heyneke Meyer says his successor will be in a "wonderful position" because of the country's young talent. 

In a statement, he said: "I have greatly enjoyed my time as Springbok coach – although it has been highly pressured at times and especially tough on my family.

“I have put my heart and soul into the job and did my very best. I believe that, overall, I leave the team with much to look forward to in 2016, with new structures in place to ensure the Springboks will remain competitive on the world stage.

“The number of young players that have been blooded over the past four seasons, who chose to remain in South Africa, leave the team in a great position to move on in the next few years."

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Meyer steps down as SA coach

Heyneke Meyer took the Springbok helm after the 2011 World Cup and guided South Africa to the semi-finals of this year's World Cup, overcoming the hiccup of the shock loss to Japan in the group stages. 

Eventual champions New Zealand ended South Africa's participation in this year's World Cup, but Meyer's record as Springboks coach is a fine one. 

He coached the team to 34 victories and two draws in 50 matches. During his tenure, the Springboks recorded a 66.7% winning record in Tests and scored 143 Test tries – second only to New Zealand in that time.

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BreakingHeyneke Meyer steps down as SA coach

Heyneke Meyer has stepped down as coach of the South African Rugby Union team. 

In a statement, he said “My integrity has always been very important and I feel I can leave with my head held high."

“Thank you to the countless faithful, positive and passionate supporters that have made my job as coach a joy."

You can see the full statement on the SARU website. 

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New Valencia head coach 'faces big challenges'

Andy West

Spanish football writer

In his latest BBC Sport column, Spanish football writer Andy West believes Gary Neville "faces big challenges".

In examining the obstacles facing Neville, West writes: "Valencia fans are renowned as the most volatile and fickle in Spain, and their immediate reaction to the news Neville will be their manager was positive, but not without dissent.

"At the time of this article's publication, a majority of fans - 71% - had voted in favour of his appointment in a website poll held by local newspaper Superdeporte.  But that still leaves plenty of supporters who are opposed to his arrival."

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Neville can succeed at Valencia - Ferguson

As we know from the back pages, one of the other sport stories dominating the day is Gary Neville's appointment as Valencia manager, and Sir Alex Ferguson believes his former Manchester United defender can be a success.

Ferguson said: "His leadership skills are strong, he's honest and he's hard working.

"He is the type of character who is not afraid of making big decisions, which is a vital skill when leading. I think he'll do well and I wish him, and his brother Phil, good luck."

For those wondering what's happened to brother Phil, who joined the La Liga club as assistant manager in July, he will stay on the coaching staff.  

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Pistorius guilty of murder

You can follow live coverage of the latest on Oscar Pistorius by clicking here. 

Pistorius guilty of murder

Judge Lorimer Leach at the Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein has said that in the interest of justice, the manslaughter conviction ofOscar Pistoriusfor killing his girlfriendReeva Steenkampmust be set aside and replaced with the correct conviction - murder.

Under South African law,murder has a minimum sentence of 15 years. However, experts say that a judge can exercise discretion if there are compelling reasons to do so.

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Pistorius is currently under house arrest, staying at his uncle's home in Pretoria.

He was transferred there in October after serving one year of his five-year sentence for manslaughter, also known as culpable homicide.

He is likely to be re-sentenced in the New Year by his original trial judge Thokozile Masipa.

'Suspected of accepting bribes'

Here's a bit more for you on the Fifa arrests story. 

The Swiss Federal Office of Justice (FoJ) has said the two people arrested overnight are alleged to have taken money for selling marketing rights in connection with football tournaments in Latin America, as well as World Cup qualifying matches.

"They are being held in custody pending their extradition [to the US]," the Swiss FoJ said on Thursday. "According to the US arrest requests, they are suspected of accepting bribes of millions of dollars."

Latest from Zurich

Pistorius guilty of murder

More on the Oscar Pistorius verdict: 

Judge Leach says Pistorius ought to have been found guilty of murder in his original trial, and should not have been found guilty of culpable homicide. 

Reading from the judgement, he says that the original verdict should be set aside, and that the Paralympian should be referred back to the original trial judge for sentencing.  

BreakingPistorius guilty of murder

South Africa's Supreme Court have found Oscar Pistorius guilty of murder, and have overturned the previous culpable homicide conviction. 

You can find more detail on our live text page on the hearing. 

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Fifa will 'continue to co-operate fully'

Fifa, football's world governing body, has issued a statement, saying: "Fifa became aware of the actions taken today by the US Department of Justice.

"Fifa will continue to co-operate fully with the US investigation as permitted by Swiss law, as well as with the investigation being led by the Swiss Office of the Attorney General.

"Fifa will have no further comment on today's developments."

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High-ranking officials detained at Zurich hotel

The main news this morning is that two "high-ranking" Fifa officials have been arrested in dawn raids at a Swiss hotel on suspicion of accepting millions of dollars of bribes.

Police swooped on the luxury Baur au Lac hotel in Zurich, where several Fifa officials were arrested in May.

A two-day meeting of Fifa's executive committee is taking place in the city to vote on reforms.

To read more about the story, click here. 

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What the papers say

It was back in 1872 that Daniel Sturridge was last seen playing football so it is perhaps no surprise that a picture of the Liverpool striker celebrating scoring against Southampton adorns the back page of the Independent. 

"Sturridge hands out the pain as Liverpool hit Southampton for six," is their headline. (I see what they've done there...)

Independent

What the papers say

A picture of celebratory Liverpool players is what will greet you if you pick up the Daily Telegraph today. 

"Klopp's six of the best," the paper hails and their football journalist Jeremy Wilson believes that Jurgen Klopp's men "have the real look of title contenders". 

Daily Telegraph

What the papers say

This is getting predictable now. 

If you're the sort of person who enjoys cutting out pictures of Gary Neville whenever he appears in the national papers and sticking them in a scrapbook then this is a day made for you. 

As well as focusing on Gary Neville's move to Valencia, The Guardian also has space on its back page to quote Lord Coe who says that athletics is "at a crossroads and I must restore trust".

Guardian

What the papers say

Whose picture adorns the back page of the Daily Mirror? Yep, it's that man again. Gary Neville. 

"One El Of A Boss," is the paper's headline, with comments from Sir Alex Ferguson who says his former player has "all the qualities required to be a success". 

Daily Mirror

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Gary Neville 'reminds me of Pep Guardiola'

Find out why Spanish football expert Graham Hunter has made that comparison, plus full reaction to Liverpool's 6-1 thrashing of Southampton in the League Cup quarter finals, by downloading the 5 live Football Daily podcast. 

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What the papers say

The Daily Express also leads with Gary Neville's move to Spain. 

"Gary Neville has put himself in the frame to become the next England coach after sensationally stepping into management with Spanish side Valencia," says the paper. 

Daily Express

What the papers say

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of what's happening in the world of sport, let's first glance at the back pages of the national papers. 

The Sun leads with Gary Neville's appointment as Valencia boss. 

But the paper says the former Manchester United defender "may only be keeping the Valencia hotseat warm for Jose Mourinho" with the Chelsea boss the Spanish club's top target in the summer.

The Sun

Hello and welcome to today's edition of Sportsday, your one-stop shop for all the latest sports news. 

There's plenty to talk about: Liverpool's rout of Southampton, Gary Neville's appointment at Valencia and more arrests in the Fifa inquiry. Let's get straight to it.