Alan Ball, Winner of Soccer World Cup in 1966, Dies at Age 61 (Bloomberg.com)
April 25 (Bloomberg) — Alan Ball, the youngest member of England’s 1966 World Cup-winning soccer team, died last night. He was 61.

Soccer: World Cup winner Ball dies (The New Zealand Herald)
LONDON - Alan Ball, one of England’s 1966 soccer World Cup winners, has died of a heart attack at the age of 61, the UK media reported yesterday. The former Everton, Arsenal and Southampton player won 72 caps for his country, scoring eight goals before moving into management.

Blatter backs World Cup in Asia in 2018 (Fox Sports)
FIFA president Sepp Blatter wants the 2018 World Cup to go to Asia instead of the United States or Europe. FIFA will decide later this year whether to continue its policy of rotating continents for the soccer showcase. The 2014 World Cup will be held in South America, with Brazil the only candidate. While North America would be next in line, Blatter said he considers North and South America as …

Soccer-Owen set for Newcastle comeback at Reading (Sports Illustrated)
Newcastle United striker Michael Owen could play for the first time since the 2006 World Cup in Monday’s Premier League game at Reading.