Italian league confirms split to form English-style Premier League

October 8th, 2009 League demands clubs reveal owners identitiesLONDON — The English Football League is demanding that all its clubs reveal the identities of their owners. Notts County's takeover by a Middle Eastern business consortium left the League in the dark about who actually was putting up the money for the League Two club.

October 1st, 2009 Bari calls off buyout deal with US businessmanBARI, Italy — American businessman Tim Barton's bid to buy Bari has fallen apart, with the Serie A club rejecting a delay in the takeover process. The Matarrese family, which has controlled Bari for 32 years, issued a statement Thursday saying the deal was off.

August 19th, 2009 US businessman Barton to buy Serie A club AS BariMILAN — AS Bari has signed a preliminary deal for the sale of the Serie A club to American businessman Timothy Barton. The transfer of ownership is to be completed by Oct.

August 14th, 2009 LOS ANGELES - England footballer David Beckham has squashed reports of possible comeback in the English Premier League (EPL). Beckham has said that he might move back to Italy's AC Milan when the Major League Soccer (MLS) season ends in October, The Sun reports.

August 10th, 2009 Jozy Altidore completes loan move to HullHULL, England —United States striker Jozy Altidore completed his loan move to Hull on Monday after being granted a British work permit. The 19-year-old Altidore will play for the Premier League team on a season-long loan from Spanish club Villarreal.

July 28th, 2009 ESPN to show MLS, European soccer in BritainLONDON — ESPN has bought the rights to broadcast Major League Soccer live in Britain and Ireland as well as games from some European leagues. The Disney-owned network is building up its live soccer content in Britain after already securing rights to show some Premier League matches.

July 21st, 2009 UAE businessman becomes chairman of PortsmouthPORTSMOUTH, England — A businessman from the United Arab Emirates became chairman of Portsmouth on Tuesday after his proposed financial takeover of the soccer club was approved by the English Premier League. Sulaiman al-Fahim, who helped broker the takeover of Manchester City last September on behalf of an Abu Dhabi investment group, needed the league to be satisfied he was a fit and proper person to take control of the club from current owner Alexandre Gaydamak, who has decided to sell.

July 18th, 2009 LOS ANGELES - English footballer David Beckham was confronted by angry fans on his return to American Major League Soccer (MLS) club LA Galaxy. Galaxy fans were visibly discontented with Beckham's extended stint with Italian giants AC Milan, as they ended up booing the star every time he touched the ball during a match against the New York Red Bulls, The Sky News reports.

July 12th, 2009 LONDON - English Premier League giants Chelsea confirmed Sunday that they have appointed Frank Arnesen as their sporting director. Since 2005, when he joined the club from Tottenham Hotspur, the Dane had been working as chief scout and director of youth and development at the Barclays Premier League club.

July 8th, 2009 ESPN to show Premier League soccer in IrelandLONDON — ESPN has acquired the rights to televise Premier League soccer in Ireland. The broadcaster, owned by The Walt Disney Co., will show the 46 matches next season that were previously held by Setanta Sports.

June 22nd, 2009 Setanta fails to make payment to Scottish leagueLONDON — Setanta has failed to make a payment to the Scottish Premier League to screen live matches in Britain, casting further doubt on the future of the troubled broadcaster. Monday's announcement that Setanta didn't make a $5 million payment as scheduled could have severe implications for smaller Scottish clubs.

June 5th, 2009 Juventus confirms Ciro Ferrara as coachTURIN, Italy — Juventus has hired Ciro Ferrara as its coach after he guided the Italian league power for the last two games of the season Ferrara signed a two-year contract. He filled in at the end of the Serie A season when Claudio Ranieri was fired.

June 5th, 2009 Howard agrees to 5-year contract with EvertonCHICAGO — Goalkeeper Tim Howard has agreed to a five-year contract with Everton after helping the team to a fifth place in the English Premier League and a berth in next season's Europa League. The 30-year-old player from New Jersey started all 38 league matches last season as Everton went 17-9-12.

June 4th, 2009 Toronto FC confirms exhibition against Real MadridTORONTO — Toronto FC has confirmed it will host Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid in an exhibition match this summer. The Major League Soccer club announced on Thursday that the game will take place Aug.

June 1st, 2009 Chelsea appoints Carlo Ancelotti as new managerLONDON — Carlo Ancelotti was appointed Chelsea's new manager on Monday, a day after quitting as coach of AC Milan. The Italian, who had been widely expected to take over at Chelsea, signed a three-year contract and will start work on July 1.