Football has become a victim of its own popularity as shown by the swathe of match-fixing scandals in the past year, FIFA President Sepp Blatter said on Friday. Speaking after attending the Confederation of African Football's general assembly, the head of world football suggested the problem was becoming an increasingly widespread worry for FIFA.

Harry Redknapp said Friday his focus remains on Tottenham's pursuit of Champions League qualification -- until an approach is made for the vacant England coaching job. With the European Championship only four months away, Redknapp is the leading contender to replace Fabio Capello as England coach.

Harry Redknapp says he is "flattered" to be linked with the vacant England coaching job, though he says he remains focused on Tottenham's pursuit of Champions League qualification. With the European Championship four months away, the Football Association will create a shortlist of candidates on Friday to replace Fabio Capello.

Salomon Kalou was selected in Ivory Coast's starting lineup for Wednesday's African Cup of Nations semifinal against Mali after having struggled with a hamstring injury earlier in the tournament. It is Kalou's first start since Ivory Coast's victory over Burkina Faso in the group stage two weeks ago.