HIGUAIN HAPPY THAT ISRAEL CLASH IS OFF

ARGENTINA striker Gonzalo Higuain has backed the decision to call off his side’s game in Israel on Saturday following political pressure. He said: ‘They’ve finally done the right thing.’ Palestine’s FA chief had urged fans to burn pictures of Lionel Messi and replicas of his shirt if he played in Jerusalem.

TOTTENHAM plan to move for Manchester United winger Anthony Martial next week. The 22-year-old is not in France’s World Cup squad so a deal can be concluded swiftly if the clubs can agree a fee, with United pushing for more than £50million. Brazil midfielder Fred has joined United from Shakhtar Donetsk for £52m.

HOSTS Russia go into the World Cup without a win in seven games after a 1-1 home draw with Turkey. Aleksandr Samedov put Russia ahead but Yunus Malli equalised.

WINNING the Champions League next season could be worth more than £100million. Clubs reaching the group stage get £13.35m, plus £2.36m for a win and nearly £800,000 for a draw. Bonuses increase in the knockout stages, with a further £44.65m going to the winner.