Sheikh Mohammed ban on steroids in UAE shows Godolphin have finally turned away from denial

Paul Hayward: decision to outlaw use of steroids in UAE is a sign Godolphin have moved in direction of image repair .

Champions League final 2013: tension grows as Germany prepares for Borussia Dortmund against Bayern Munich

Ian Chadband finds a nation desperate for Dortmund to humble mighty Bayern Munich at Wembley.

Manchester City reveal how they plan to eclipse United and become the best in the world

Chief exec Ferran Soriano demands five trophies in five years as Manchester City unveil blueprint to conquer in style.

Chelsea 3 Manchester City 4: match report

Nothing American sports fans love more than Comeback Kid, so City laid perfect foundation for move into US sporting landscape.

Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow give high hopes of Yorkshire dominance of England for years to come

England will field two Yorkshire cricketers at Headingley for the first time in a Test for nine years.

Celtic reached the heights in Seville as the SPL began its slide towards the abyss

Roddy Forsyth: the multitude of problems in the Scottish game today became apparent in 2003, the year of Hoop dreams.

England v New Zealand, second Test: captain Alastair Cook gives under-fire partner Nick Compton seal of approval

Skipper Alastair Cook wants England to forget the Ashes and focus on the key second Test against New Zealand

Stoke City step up search for new manager with Roberto Di Matteo and Gus Poyet in the frame

Stoke City are compiling a shortlist of targets as they intensify the search for a new manager, following the departure of Tony Pulis.

Players face retrospective bans in Premier League trial by video next season

Exclusive: players insufficiently punished for reckless tackles in the Premier League could be judged retrospectively by former refs

Stoke City midfielder Steven Nzonzi submits transfer request

Stoke City have suffered further turmoil after it emerged midfielder Steven Nzonzi has submitted transfer request.

SFL merger talks end with First Division clubs plan to split from league and join SPL

First Division clubs intend to leave SFL and join SPL after failed reconstruction talks but Annan chairman says planned merger was an 'aggressive takeover'.

Leicester Tigers v Northampton Saints: Mathew Tait hopes to play his way into England contention

Mick Cleary: Leicester full-back no longer the callow youth who was humiliated by Gavin Henson.

Marcus Trescothick describes Somerset's performance against Sussex as 'embarrassing'

Sussex (300) bt Somerset (76 & 108) by an innings and 116 runs Marcus Trescothick at a loss to explain Somerset's defeat to Sussex inside two days.

Bedford Blues 9 Newcastle Falcons 18: match report

First blood to Newcastle in the battle to reach the Premiership as the Falcons beat Bedford 18-9 in the Championship play-off final 1st leg.

BMW Championship 2013: Rory McIlroy fails to be the ringleader at Wentworth 'circus'

Rory McIlroy struggles to hit his consistent best in the opening round of the BMW Championship at Wentworth on Thursday

Darren Stevens and Ben Harmison give disgruntled Kent fans something to cheer

Under-fire Kent take a first-innings lead for the first time this season in their match against in-form Essex on Thursday.

Giro d'Italia 2013, stage 18: maglia rose in sight for Vincenzo Nibali who storms to victory in mountain time-trial

Vincenzo Nibali storms his way up to Polsa to win the mountain time trial and close in on overall victory in the Giro d'Italia.

Giro d'Italia 2013, stage 18: maglia rosa in sight for Vincenzo Nibali who storms to victory in mountain time-trial

Vincenzo Nibali storms his way up to Polsa to win the mountain time trial and close in on overall victory in the Giro d'Italia.

Giro d'Italia 2013: organisers forced to cut Gavia and Stelvio from stage 19 after threat of bad weather

Race organisers confirm major modifications to Friday's stage to avoid the riders racing in dangerous conditions on the descents.

Frankie Dettori now almost certain to ride in the Derby

Frankie Dettori made a secret trip to France to solve the test irregularities that have prevented him regaining his licence.

Graham Onions makes England take note after claiming five wickets for Durham against Middlesex

Durham (259 & 37-0) lead Middx (196) by 100 runs Graham Onions pushes England claims by taking five wickets in an innings for 18th time in his career.

Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley backs manager Alan Pardew to take club forward

Alan Pardew handed task of dragging Newcastle back into the Premier League top-half after Mike Ashley talks.

First Division clubs set to break away from the SFL to create SPL2 after reconstruction impasse

Irn-Bru First Division clubs are set to break away from the SFL to create a second tier of the SPL after the SFL clubs were split on merger plans at their AGM.

Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini target of another bid by Argentine club San Lorenzo

San Lorenzo have re-launched their mission to take Newcastle United captain Fabricio Coloccini back to Argentina.

Sussex seamer Steve Magoffin takes 12 wickets as Somerset slump to defeat inside a day and half

Horsham: Sussex (300) beat Somerset (76 and 108) by an innings and 116 runs.

Boxer Craig Windsor banned from the sport for three years after admitting to steroid use

Supermiddleweight banned on information provided by fellow disgraced boxer Larry Olubamiwu.

Roberto Martinez 'swinging towards' staying as Wigan Athletic manager, says chairman Dave Whelan

Chairman Dave Whelan feels Roberto Martinez will commit to the club although he will not confirm his decision until Monday.

Monaco Grand Prix 2013: Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg favourite for pole after twice heading practice

Nico Rosberg gives Lewis Hamilton food for thought as Briton again trailed his Mercedes team-mate.

Umpire Asad Rauf withdrawn from Champions Trophy after police investigation

ICC pulls Pakistani umpire Asad Rauf out of competition after he is investigated by Mumbai Police.

England could be awarded five spots in the Champions League from 2015

Uefa hands Europa League winners a spot in the elite competition and scraps the rule that denied Tottenham qualification.