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Sunderland: Black Cats set for Portugal tour

Sunderland will face Portuguese sides Benfica and Vitoria Setubal as part of their pre-season campaign.

Sunderland to face Benfica

Sunderland will face Portuguese sides Benfica and Vitoria Setubal as part of their pre-season campaign.

Russia sanctions: little bark, less bite | Editorial

The EU and US have been talking tough and producing lists of high-profile Russians they have identified for asset freezes The international community does not like it, but Ukraine has lost Crimea to Russia. The question now is how to persuade President Vladimir Putin against taking another pound of…

In praise of … Betley Reserves

The Staffordshire County League football team have just guaranteed themselves a place in the record books They may not boast a Messi, a Ronaldo or even a Rooney, but Betley Reserves of the Staffordshire County League have just guaranteed themselves a place in the record books. In a Staffordshire…

In praise of … saner football | Editorial

The mega-mouth, mega-money, mega-ego world of big British football is a far cry from what it was in Tom Finney's day Chelsea's manager José Mourinho dubs Arsène Wenger of Arsenal "a specialist in failure" , though claiming that's only retaliation for what Mr Wenger says about him. He has…

The death toll in Qatar brings international shame on Fifa | Observer editorial

It is in the best interests of Qatar and Fifa to improve the appalling working and living conditions of labourers That at least 400 labourers have died on Qatar's World Cup building sites is a source of global concern and a tragic reminder of the human cost associated with its urgent desire to…