German stars like Manuel Neuer and Philipp Lahm each stand to make up to 180,000 euros (255,000 US dollars) after the Germans became the first team to qualify for Euro 2012.

German international Per Mertesacker was given a day off German team training on Tuesday by coach Joachim Loew so he could travel to England and sign for Arsenal for a fee believed to be up to 11million euros.

Philipp Lahm will remain Germany captain after he apologised for criticising several ex-national coaches including current boss Joachim Loew, the German Football Federation (DFB) said Thursday.

Veteran Greek international central defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos returned to Bundesliga football on Monday after signing for VfL Wolfsburg on a two year contract from English Premier League giants Liverpool.

Regardless of his team's performance at Euro 2012, Germany coach Joachim Loew is set to coach the national side to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, DFB president Theo Zwanziger said Wednesday.

Villarreal midfielder Santi Cazorla is on the move to rival Spanish outfit Malaga, the buying club announced on Wednesday.

Spain defender Joan Capdevila has left Villarreal for Benfica on a two-year deal, the Portuguese club announced on their website on Thursday.

Scott Carson has moved from West Bromwich Albion to Turkish club Bursaspor for an undisclosed fee, the English Premier League club announced Friday.

Former Czech international defender Tomas Ujfalusi has joined Turkish giants Galatasaray on a two-year deal from Atletico Madrid for 2million euros, the buying club confirmed on Monday.

GENEVA (Reuters) - The winners of next year's Euro 2012 championships in Poland and Ukraine could earn 23.5 million euros ($33.76 million) if they lift the trophy by winning all six matches in the group stage and knockout rounds.

Former England head coach Steve McClaren was unveiled as the new Nottingham Forest manager on Thursday.

Michael Ballack, a towering figure in German football for the past decade, is no longer part of the national squad after 98 appearances for his country, the national federation (DFB) said on Thursday.

Former England boss Steve McClaren was on Monday named as the new manager of Championship side Nottingham Forest, the former European champions announced.

Former England boss Steve McClaren was left with a potential way back into English football after a day of managerial upheaval in the Midlands.

Nottingham Forest sacked manager Billy Davies on Sunday, the English Championship club announced, with former England boss Steve McClaren being considered as a replacement.

A friendly match between Italy and Spain, the last two countries to win the World Cup, will take place in Bari on August 10, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced on Thursday.

The Polish government on Thursday announced plans to offer fast-track visas to smooth movement across its borders when it hosts football's 2012 European Championship along with neighbouring Ukraine.

With just a year to go to Euro 2012, co-host nation Poland is under mounting pressure to get ready and is under the microscope on a daily basis, as organisers insist all is on track.

England goalkeeper Joe Hart has warned his team-mates not to underestimate struggling Switzerland in Saturday's Euro 2012 qualifier at Wembley.

England goalkeeper Joe Hart has warned his team-mates not to underestimate struggling Switzerland in Saturday's Euro 2012 qualifier at Wembley.