FIFA DEMAND GOAL LINE

Drogba snubs Europe's big guns to sign mega-money deal in China... but he'll lock horns with Manchester United again soon

Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has signed with Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua on a two-and-a-half year deal.

It means Drogba will come up against Manchester United in the Barclays Premier League side's tour match on July 25.

Drogba had offers from a string of top clubs - believed to include Real Madrid - after leaving Chelsea on a free transfer last month.

Done and dusted: Didier Drogba is his new Shanghai strip

 But he has decided to head to the Far East to see out his career at the same club as former team-mate Nicolas Anelka.

The 34-year-old is expected to earn around £200,000 per week at his new club.

He said: 'Today I can inform you that I have signed with Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua for a two and a half year deal. I will fly out to join up with the squad in July.

'I have considered all the offers I have received in the past few weeks, but I feel that Shanghai Shenhua is the right move for me at this time.

'I am looking forward to a new challenge and to experiencing a new culture, and I am excited about the new developments in the Chinese Super League. 

'When Chelsea went to China last year, we had a great time and I met some amazing fans. I hope to help promote Chinese football around the world and further improve the links between China and Africa.'

Goal-line technology  demands Blatter after Ukraine's cruel blow against England

Football's most powerful man Sepp Blatter has demanded goal-line technology is introduced after Ukraine's heartache against England.

The co-hosts were denied an equaliser in Tuesday's crunch Group D decider that ultimately saw them crash out of Euro 2012.

John Terry hooked clear a shot from Marko Devic in the 62nd minute but replays showed the ball was clearly over the line.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter: 'After last night’s match #GLT is no longer an alternative but a necessity.'

Ghost goal: John Terry's defending was magnificent, but Marko Devic's shot crossed the line in Donetsk

Ghost goal: John Terry's defending was magnificent, but the ball crossed the line in Donetsk

We all saw it: TV pictures show the ball crossing the line

Goalline technology: A computer-generated image shows the ball over the line

Blatter hopes to convince the game's rule-makers - the International Football Association Board - to give technology the green light.

Blatter became a convert to goal-line technology after Frank Lampard was denied a legitimate goal in England's 2010 World Cup defeat to Germany.

That failed to convince UEFA president Michel Platini - the favourite to succeed Blatter as the most powerful man in world football - who remained wedded to his belief additional assistant referees behind each goal was the best way forward.

That left Platini red-faced after he made bold claims on the eve of the game about the effectiveness of five officials.

He said: 'With five, officials see everything. They don't take decisions without being fully aware. There's also a uniformity of refereeing. For example, they don't call unintentional handballs. That uniformity has led to more flowing football.'

I haven’t given Italy much thought,’ said Hodgson. ‘Most people didn’t think we’d get out of the group. Luckily we’ve proved that wrong. I’m pleased about that.’