The national team may never sit atop the FIFA world rankings , while most European fans remain blissfully ignorant of the colourful crowds that pack into grounds to witness one of the most evenly contested leagues in the world. But there's no denying that Japanese football is unique. The J. League fixture list does it's part, and during Golden Week - when a string of public holidays serves to give over-worked salarymen the chance to take some time off - the J. League instead has it's stars working over-time.

UEFA´s disciplinary body confirmed Monday that Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher will miss the Champion´s League final on May 27 along with Barcelona defenders Eric Abidal and Daniel Alves.

The German Football Federation (DFB) on Monday opened an inquiry into the behaviour of Werder Bremen goalkeeper Tim Wiese following his side´s 2-0 win over Hamburg on Sunday.

Panathinaikos and AEK Athens were victorious on the first day of the Greek Champions League play-offs, as PAOK Saloniki and AE Larisa were left without points.

CSKA Moscow moved to the top spot of the Russian league, at least for a day, thanks to Sunday's 1-2 victory at local rivals Dinamo Moscow.

Ajax earned a narrow win over FC Twente on the last day of the Dutch regular season, to secure their third place ahead of PSV Eindhoven. FC Volendam are relegated.

Owners of Philadelphia´s Major League Soccer franchise that will begin play in the 2010 season revealed Monday the team will be named Philadelphia Union with blue and gold colors.

Alan Shearer experienced his first victory as Newcastle United´s manager when precious goals from Steven Taylor, Obafemi Martins and Peter Lovenkrands ensured a 3-1 success over Middlesbrough in a St James´ Park relegation battle.

Celtic defender Gary Caldwell was Monday named as Scottish Premier League Player of the Season, just a day after he scooped the Scottish Football Writers´ award.

Wolfsburg midfielder Zvjezdan Misimovic says the Bundesliga leaders must avenge their shock defeat in Stuttgart to get their title push back on track when they welcome Borussia Dortmund.

UEFA said Monday that Chelsea striker Didier Drogba might have to wait weeks for a disciplinary decision following his outburst during the club´s Champions League tie against Barcelona.

Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri has insisted that his team have emerged from their recent crisis despite failing to win for a sixth league match in a row.