(CNN) -- Premier League side Arsenal have completed the signing of Belgium international defender Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax for an undisclosed fee on a long-term contract.
The 23-year-old joined Ajax in 2004 and made over 100 appearances for the Dutch giants, captaining the side last season.
Speaking on the official Arsenal Web site, Vermaelen said: "Arsenal are a great club with a world class manager, high quality players and a fantastic stadium. Latest transfer gossip and rumors
"Everything is set up for Arsenal to be very successful for years to come and I joined this club because I know Arsenal will be challenging for trophies," he added.
"I have had a good taste of the Champions League during my time with Ajax and this is something I am looking forward to experiencing again with Arsenal.
"I am also looking forward to playing in the English Premier League, which for me, is the best league in the world. I just want to assure the Arsenal fans that I will give everything for this club and I hope we can enjoy winning some trophies together next season."
Prior to joining the London side, Vermaelen told Belgian newspaper Gazet van Antwerpen: "I feel so proud, Arsenal are a fantastic club and one that, as a child, I enjoyed watching play.
"Arsene Wenger stands for nice, attacking football and dares to work with young talents. That appeals to me enormously."
Vermaelen becomes Arsenal's first signing of the summer and will strengthen a defense that was heavily criticized last season.
"Thomas is a solid performer with good experience of Champions League and UEFA Cup football and is also a regular with the Belgium national team," manager Wenger told the official Web site.
"Thomas is primarily a left-footed center-back, but he is multi-functional and can also play at left-back. He is strong technically with a positive winner's attitude and I have no doubt his arrival will strengthen our team."
6/19/2009
Egypt shock Italy in Confederations Cup
(CNN) -- A 40th-minute header from Mohamed Homos gave Egypt a shock 1-0 Confederations Cup victory over Italy at Ellis Park, Johannesburg, to leave the world champions' qualification hopes in the balance.
Homos -- who replaced 35-year-old captain Ahmed Hassan, the country's most capped player, in the only change to the Egyptian side beaten 4-3 by Brazil -- rose powerfully to nod a corner from Mohamed Aboutrika past Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.
Egypt and Italy are now level on three points in Group B, behind Brazil who have won both their matches, with the Pharoahs favorites to go through to the semifinals.
They face the United States on Sunday while Italy must play Brazil, needing at least a point and hoping Egypt are beaten.
Egypt had goalkeeper Essam al-Hadary to thank for their surprise win as he pulled off a string of fine saves.
Juventus striker Vincenzo Iaquinta and Villarreal's Giuseppe Rossi both forced saves from Al-Hadary within the space of a minute midway through the half.
The Italians had also gone 1-0 behind against the United States and fought back to win and -- after Homos' goal -- they began the second half with a sense of real purpose.
They should have levelled when Iaquinta found himself unmarked in the penalty area box but Al-Hadary scrambled the ball clear after the striker's control let hom down.
Al-Hadary continued to make save after save to deny the frustrated Italians, who had one last chance as the seconds ticked down, but AC Milan's Andrea Pirlo sent his free-kick sailing over the crossbar.
Homos -- who replaced 35-year-old captain Ahmed Hassan, the country's most capped player, in the only change to the Egyptian side beaten 4-3 by Brazil -- rose powerfully to nod a corner from Mohamed Aboutrika past Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.
Egypt and Italy are now level on three points in Group B, behind Brazil who have won both their matches, with the Pharoahs favorites to go through to the semifinals.
They face the United States on Sunday while Italy must play Brazil, needing at least a point and hoping Egypt are beaten.
Egypt had goalkeeper Essam al-Hadary to thank for their surprise win as he pulled off a string of fine saves.
Juventus striker Vincenzo Iaquinta and Villarreal's Giuseppe Rossi both forced saves from Al-Hadary within the space of a minute midway through the half.
The Italians had also gone 1-0 behind against the United States and fought back to win and -- after Homos' goal -- they began the second half with a sense of real purpose.
They should have levelled when Iaquinta found himself unmarked in the penalty area box but Al-Hadary scrambled the ball clear after the striker's control let hom down.
Al-Hadary continued to make save after save to deny the frustrated Italians, who had one last chance as the seconds ticked down, but AC Milan's Andrea Pirlo sent his free-kick sailing over the crossbar.
Brazil cruise to victory over 10-man USA
(CNN) -- Brazil cruised to a 3-0 win over 10-man United States in Pretoria on Thursday to move closer to a place in the last four of the Confederations Cup.
Goals from Felipe Melo, Robinho and Maicon secured the three points for Dunga's side -- who will definitely reach the semifinals should they draw with Italy in their final Group B encounter.
Brazil opened their tournament with a thrilling 4-3 success over Egypt on Monday and they continued that form by taking the lead after seven minutes.
Inter Milan defender Maicon floated a 35-yard free-kick into the box and Fiorentina midfielder Melo out-jumped the American defense to head home.
Brazil doubled their lead 13 minutes later with a superb counter-attack goal. A United States corner amounted to nothing and, with the American defenders all up field, Brazil broke with devastating effect.
Kaka picked out new Benfica signing Ramires. He then laid the ball across for Robinho, who made no mistake from close range, poking the ball wide of goalkeeper Tim Howard.
On celebrating the goal, the Manchester City striker then ran over to the side of the pitch to give a brief interview to Brazilian TV, which must be a world first.
The second half saw Brazil continue to dominate and Everton goalkeeper Howard pulled off a superb save to deny Real Madrid new boy Kaka in the 53rd minute.
The United States had Ricardo Clark sent off in their first match against Italy -- and they were also reduced to 10 men against Brazil when Sacha Kljestan was dismissed in the 55th minute for a reckless tackle on Ramires.
Maicon completed a man-of-the-match performance seven minutes later when he chipped the ball into the top-left corner of the net after a thrilling move that involved both Kaka and Ramires.
The United States' best chances came late in the game with substitute Benny Feilhaber hitting the underside of Julio Cesar's crossbar and a Conor Casey header going the same way.
Goals from Felipe Melo, Robinho and Maicon secured the three points for Dunga's side -- who will definitely reach the semifinals should they draw with Italy in their final Group B encounter.
Brazil opened their tournament with a thrilling 4-3 success over Egypt on Monday and they continued that form by taking the lead after seven minutes.
Inter Milan defender Maicon floated a 35-yard free-kick into the box and Fiorentina midfielder Melo out-jumped the American defense to head home.
Brazil doubled their lead 13 minutes later with a superb counter-attack goal. A United States corner amounted to nothing and, with the American defenders all up field, Brazil broke with devastating effect.
Kaka picked out new Benfica signing Ramires. He then laid the ball across for Robinho, who made no mistake from close range, poking the ball wide of goalkeeper Tim Howard.
On celebrating the goal, the Manchester City striker then ran over to the side of the pitch to give a brief interview to Brazilian TV, which must be a world first.
The second half saw Brazil continue to dominate and Everton goalkeeper Howard pulled off a superb save to deny Real Madrid new boy Kaka in the 53rd minute.
The United States had Ricardo Clark sent off in their first match against Italy -- and they were also reduced to 10 men against Brazil when Sacha Kljestan was dismissed in the 55th minute for a reckless tackle on Ramires.
Maicon completed a man-of-the-match performance seven minutes later when he chipped the ball into the top-left corner of the net after a thrilling move that involved both Kaka and Ramires.
The United States' best chances came late in the game with substitute Benny Feilhaber hitting the underside of Julio Cesar's crossbar and a Conor Casey header going the same way.
Playmaker Juninho completes Qatar transfer
(CNN) -- Lyon's Brazilian playmaker Juninho has completed his 2.5m euros ($3.47m) transfer to Qatari champions Al-Garrafa -- a record fee for the country.
The 34-year-old scored 100 goals in eight seasons with the French club and was the inspiration behind Lyon's seven titles -- including last year's domestic double -- after joining from Vasco da Gama in 2001.
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Juninho, who has been capped 44-times for his country, also led Lyon to three Champions League quarterfinals and is the club's leading scorer in that competition with 18 goals.
Throughout the years, a number of high-profile players have ended their careers in Qatar including Brazilian Romario, Argentine Gabriel Batistuta and French pair Marcel Desailly and Frank Leboeuf.
The 34-year-old scored 100 goals in eight seasons with the French club and was the inspiration behind Lyon's seven titles -- including last year's domestic double -- after joining from Vasco da Gama in 2001.
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Juninho, who has been capped 44-times for his country, also led Lyon to three Champions League quarterfinals and is the club's leading scorer in that competition with 18 goals.
Throughout the years, a number of high-profile players have ended their careers in Qatar including Brazilian Romario, Argentine Gabriel Batistuta and French pair Marcel Desailly and Frank Leboeuf.
Perez claims Villa is set to join Real Madrid
(CNN) -- Real Madrid president Florentino Perez claims it is only "a question of time" before the club sign David Villa.
With the services of playmaker Kaka already secured and an agreement in place with Manchester United for the $130m signing of Cristiano Ronaldo, Madrid now appear to be closing in on Villa.
Madrid are one of a number of clubs being linked to the striker, but talks between them and cash-strapped Valencia broke down last weekend and Los Che president Manuel Llorente revealed on Tuesday that there were no existing bids on the table for the 27-year-old. Latest transfer rumors and gossip
However, Perez was quoted as telling the Canal Nou TV station: "Everything must be done in a friendly and co-operative way and we have very good relations with Valencia. Things need to be done calmly, be explained well and so that everybody is happy. We have the whole of the summer ahead of us."
Perez insists the fee they are willing to pay for Villa will not be in the same bracket as the ones they agreed for Kaka and Ronaldo.
"Players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka, who are Ballon d`Or or FIFA World Player of the Year winners, are players that are called investment players," he added.
"Real Madrid cannot pay these quantities of money for every player. This is not to put down Villa. Players who have won these awards have an international impact. I think Villa is an excellent player, but he is a footballer who we have to accommodate into our project."
Perez`s comments come just a day after Villa confirmed he had made up his mind about where he wants to be playing his club football next season.
Villa revealed, after starring for Spain in the Confederations Cup, that he had already taken a decision about his future and said that his agent was working on achieving that aim.
The striker, who has also reportedly attracted the interest of Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea, did not reveal what his decision was, but Spanish sports newspapers Marca and AS both believe it is Madrid who are his top choice.
Madrid`s summer spending spree could also see them swoop for Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery, with Zinedine Zidane claiming negotiations for his fellow Frenchman are "on the right track".
Ribery has long been linked with a move to Madrid but his departure from Bayern appeared to hit a snag when the Bundesliga club issued a statement insisting the player was not for sale.
But Zidane, who was brought in by Perez as a special advisor at Madrid, has revealed the Spanish giants have not been put off by Bayern's stance.
"The discussions are on the right track," he told Le Parisien newspaper. "Personally, I am for Ribery coming to Madrid and I will do everything to make that happen. It's my wish as much as that of the club's president."
Despite a number of players expected to leave Madrid this summer, the club have denied media reports suggesting they have faxed English clubs a list of players that are available for transfer,
"Real Madrid want to categorically deny said information, which if correct would be completely disrespectful to the members of the squad," the club said in a statement.
With the services of playmaker Kaka already secured and an agreement in place with Manchester United for the $130m signing of Cristiano Ronaldo, Madrid now appear to be closing in on Villa.
Madrid are one of a number of clubs being linked to the striker, but talks between them and cash-strapped Valencia broke down last weekend and Los Che president Manuel Llorente revealed on Tuesday that there were no existing bids on the table for the 27-year-old. Latest transfer rumors and gossip
However, Perez was quoted as telling the Canal Nou TV station: "Everything must be done in a friendly and co-operative way and we have very good relations with Valencia. Things need to be done calmly, be explained well and so that everybody is happy. We have the whole of the summer ahead of us."
Perez insists the fee they are willing to pay for Villa will not be in the same bracket as the ones they agreed for Kaka and Ronaldo.
"Players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka, who are Ballon d`Or or FIFA World Player of the Year winners, are players that are called investment players," he added.
"Real Madrid cannot pay these quantities of money for every player. This is not to put down Villa. Players who have won these awards have an international impact. I think Villa is an excellent player, but he is a footballer who we have to accommodate into our project."
Perez`s comments come just a day after Villa confirmed he had made up his mind about where he wants to be playing his club football next season.
Villa revealed, after starring for Spain in the Confederations Cup, that he had already taken a decision about his future and said that his agent was working on achieving that aim.
The striker, who has also reportedly attracted the interest of Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea, did not reveal what his decision was, but Spanish sports newspapers Marca and AS both believe it is Madrid who are his top choice.
Madrid`s summer spending spree could also see them swoop for Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery, with Zinedine Zidane claiming negotiations for his fellow Frenchman are "on the right track".
Ribery has long been linked with a move to Madrid but his departure from Bayern appeared to hit a snag when the Bundesliga club issued a statement insisting the player was not for sale.
But Zidane, who was brought in by Perez as a special advisor at Madrid, has revealed the Spanish giants have not been put off by Bayern's stance.
"The discussions are on the right track," he told Le Parisien newspaper. "Personally, I am for Ribery coming to Madrid and I will do everything to make that happen. It's my wish as much as that of the club's president."
Despite a number of players expected to leave Madrid this summer, the club have denied media reports suggesting they have faxed English clubs a list of players that are available for transfer,
"Real Madrid want to categorically deny said information, which if correct would be completely disrespectful to the members of the squad," the club said in a statement.
North Korea qualifies for 2010 World Cup
(CNN) -- North Korea qualified for the 2010 World Cup finals for the first time since 1966 by battling to a 0-0 draw away to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday night.
The point captured in searing temperatures in Riyadh, saw the Koreans edge into second place in Asian qualifying Group 2 to finish ahead of Saudi Arabia on goal difference and seal their place in the finals.
It means both group winners South Korea, who co-hosted the World Cup with Japan in 2002, and neighbors North Korea will play in the 2010 showpiece in South Africa.
North Korea coach Kim Yong-Jun Kim had nothing but praise for his players after the final whistle.
"We focused on the defending as we had come under a lot of pressure from the Saudis and I think our preparation for the game was one factor that earned the victory tonight," the North Korean boss told FIFA's official Web site.
"We monitored the Saudi team from the beginning of our campaign and I noticed that they have a problem in finding good strikers. We battled to qualify for the World Cup finals and I would like to thank my players for the great performance that they showed during the whole match," added Kim.
"It was so hot in Saudi Arabia and as you know the journey from Korea was long but our belief in the ability of the players snatched the ticket to South Africa," Kim stated.
The booking of North Korea's ticket to the finale will see the reclusive nation compete against the world's best despite growing international political concern regarding Pyongyang's testing of a nuclear bomb recently.
Their form in the tournament is one of upsetting the odds after they Italy 43 years ago en route to the quarter-finals.
The home draw sees Saudi Arabia finish in third place to go into the playoffs where they will face Bahrain. The winners will play New Zealand for a place in the finals, while Iran miss out after finishing fourth in Group 2.
Earlier on Wednesday, they were denied a victory in Seoul as Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-Sung scored a late equalizer to give South Korea a 1-1 draw.
Iran took the lead from an own goal early in the second half against the group winners, but Park popped up to score a brilliant 81st minute goal as he beat several men before firing home.
In Group 1, Tim Cahill scored twice as Australia came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 to clinch top spot in the section.
The result was academic as both teams had already sealed automatic qualification for the World Cup finals in South Africa.
Japan went ahead in front of a big crowd of nearly 70,000 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as Marcus Tulio Tanaka headed home a Kengo Nakamura corner in the 40th minute.
But the Socceroos, who went through qualifying unbeaten, hit back in the second half.
Everton's attacking midfielder Cahill again worked his scoring magic to secure the victory.
He was on target in the 59th and 76th minutes to take his tally to 16 in 33 internationals.
"This is a step forward for us, it's great to finish top of the group," Cahill told FIFA.com after the win, while captain Lucas Neill paid tribute to their opponents.
"They really played the game with intensity and they were running us ragged for a bit and we couldn't get ourselves in the game," Neill said.
Bahrain later clinched third spot in the group and their playoff spot with a 1-0 win over Uzbekistan.
A 74th minute goal from Mahmood Abdulrahman from a free kick gave his side a crucial three points.
The point captured in searing temperatures in Riyadh, saw the Koreans edge into second place in Asian qualifying Group 2 to finish ahead of Saudi Arabia on goal difference and seal their place in the finals.
It means both group winners South Korea, who co-hosted the World Cup with Japan in 2002, and neighbors North Korea will play in the 2010 showpiece in South Africa.
North Korea coach Kim Yong-Jun Kim had nothing but praise for his players after the final whistle.
"We focused on the defending as we had come under a lot of pressure from the Saudis and I think our preparation for the game was one factor that earned the victory tonight," the North Korean boss told FIFA's official Web site.
"We monitored the Saudi team from the beginning of our campaign and I noticed that they have a problem in finding good strikers. We battled to qualify for the World Cup finals and I would like to thank my players for the great performance that they showed during the whole match," added Kim.
"It was so hot in Saudi Arabia and as you know the journey from Korea was long but our belief in the ability of the players snatched the ticket to South Africa," Kim stated.
The booking of North Korea's ticket to the finale will see the reclusive nation compete against the world's best despite growing international political concern regarding Pyongyang's testing of a nuclear bomb recently.
Their form in the tournament is one of upsetting the odds after they Italy 43 years ago en route to the quarter-finals.
The home draw sees Saudi Arabia finish in third place to go into the playoffs where they will face Bahrain. The winners will play New Zealand for a place in the finals, while Iran miss out after finishing fourth in Group 2.
Earlier on Wednesday, they were denied a victory in Seoul as Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-Sung scored a late equalizer to give South Korea a 1-1 draw.
Iran took the lead from an own goal early in the second half against the group winners, but Park popped up to score a brilliant 81st minute goal as he beat several men before firing home.
In Group 1, Tim Cahill scored twice as Australia came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 to clinch top spot in the section.
The result was academic as both teams had already sealed automatic qualification for the World Cup finals in South Africa.
Japan went ahead in front of a big crowd of nearly 70,000 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as Marcus Tulio Tanaka headed home a Kengo Nakamura corner in the 40th minute.
But the Socceroos, who went through qualifying unbeaten, hit back in the second half.
Everton's attacking midfielder Cahill again worked his scoring magic to secure the victory.
He was on target in the 59th and 76th minutes to take his tally to 16 in 33 internationals.
"This is a step forward for us, it's great to finish top of the group," Cahill told FIFA.com after the win, while captain Lucas Neill paid tribute to their opponents.
"They really played the game with intensity and they were running us ragged for a bit and we couldn't get ourselves in the game," Neill said.
Bahrain later clinched third spot in the group and their playoff spot with a 1-0 win over Uzbekistan.
A 74th minute goal from Mahmood Abdulrahman from a free kick gave his side a crucial three points.
(CNN) -- David Villa scored a second half goal as Spain beat Iraq 1-0 in Bloemfontein on Wednesday to reach the semifinals of the Confederations Cup.
The win gave the European champions a record-tying 14th straight win in internationals and within one game of equaling Brazil's record 35-game unbeaten run.
Victory over hosts South Africa in their final Group A game will see Spain become the first team to win 15 straight.
In truth, it was a scarcely impressive performance by an all-star Spanish team against Asian champions Iraq who were well-organized by legendary coach Bora Milutinovic.
Spain created few chances in the first half as Iraq put nine men back behind the ball and offered little as an attacking threat.
Villa, who is set to leave Valencia with a host of Europe's top clubs in pursuit, came closest with a shot in to the side netting while Fernando Torres sliced wide with another effort.
After the break, Spain were more of an attacking threat and Villa wasted a headed opportunity before made the breakthrough in the 55th minute as he met Joan Capdevilla's cross decisively after slipping between two central defenders.
Spain might have added to their tally as Xabi Alonso saw his shot saved by Mohammed Kassid and Sergio Ramos sent an effort over the bar.
Spain beat New Zealand 5-0 in their opener while Iraq can go through to the semifinals with a win over the Kiwis on Saturday.
But hosts South Africa are also in with a chance after beating the New Zealanders 2-0 in the later Group A match on Wednesday.
Bernard Parker scored a goal in each half for South Africa who move into second in the group on four points having drawn with Iraq in the tournament opener.
Victory over hosts South Africa in their final Group A game will see Spain become the first team to win 15 straight.
In truth, it was a scarcely impressive performance by an all-star Spanish team against Asian champions Iraq who were well-organized by legendary coach Bora Milutinovic.
Spain created few chances in the first half as Iraq put nine men back behind the ball and offered little as an attacking threat.
Villa, who is set to leave Valencia with a host of Europe's top clubs in pursuit, came closest with a shot in to the side netting while Fernando Torres sliced wide with another effort.
After the break, Spain were more of an attacking threat and Villa wasted a headed opportunity before made the breakthrough in the 55th minute as he met Joan Capdevilla's cross decisively after slipping between two central defenders.
Spain might have added to their tally as Xabi Alonso saw his shot saved by Mohammed Kassid and Sergio Ramos sent an effort over the bar.
Spain beat New Zealand 5-0 in their opener while Iraq can go through to the semifinals with a win over the Kiwis on Saturday.
But hosts South Africa are also in with a chance after beating the New Zealanders 2-0 in the later Group A match on Wednesday.
Bernard Parker scored a goal in each half for South Africa who move into second in the group on four points having drawn with Iraq in the tournament opener.
Drogba handed six-game European ban
(CNN) -- Didier Drogba has been handed a six-game ban from European club competition for his antics after Chelsea's Champions League semifinal defeat to Barcelona last month.
Drogba given four-game ban for ref outburst
(CNN) -- Didier Drogba has been handed a four-game ban from European club competition for his antics after Chelsea's Champions League semifinal defeat to Barcelona last month.
Drogba angrily confronted Danish referee Tom Henning Ovrebo after the May 6 match at Stamford Bridge ended in a 1-1 draw, which put eventual winners Barcelona through to the final against Manchester United on away goals.
The Ivory Coast striker was angered by Ovrebo's failure to award a penalty to the home side despite a series of strong appeals.
UEFA's disciplinary panel also gave him a further two-game ban, suspended for two years, depending on his future behaviour.
Andres Iniesta scored Barcelona's crucial equalizer in the final moments of the match and as soon as Ovrebo blew his whistle he was surrounded by Chelsea players.
Defender Jose Boswinga was also punished with a four-game ban, with one deferred, after he gave a controversial post-match television interview in which he made disparaging comments about Ovrebo, comparing him to a "thief."
Chelsea were also fined $138,400 for the improper conduct of their players.
The club and players have three days in which to appeal the decision by European football's governing body.
There were calls for Drogba, who was seen in the media as the main culprit in the unsavory scenes, to face a longer ban.
Drogba angrily confronted Danish referee Tom Henning Ovrebo after the May 6 match at Stamford Bridge ended in a 1-1 draw, which put eventual winners Barcelona through to the final against Manchester United on away goals.
The Ivory Coast striker was angered by Ovrebo's failure to award a penalty to the home side despite a series of strong appeals.
UEFA's disciplinary panel also gave him a further two-game ban, suspended for two years, depending on his future behaviour.
Andres Iniesta scored Barcelona's crucial equalizer in the final moments of the match and as soon as Ovrebo blew his whistle he was surrounded by Chelsea players.
Defender Jose Boswinga was also punished with a four-game ban, with one deferred, after he gave a controversial post-match television interview in which he made disparaging comments about Ovrebo, comparing him to a "thief."
Chelsea were also fined $138,400 for the improper conduct of their players.
The club and players have three days in which to appeal the decision by European football's governing body.
There were calls for Drogba, who was seen in the media as the main culprit in the unsavory scenes, to face a longer ban.
Manager Mowbray leaves Albion for Celtic
(CNN) -- Celtic have appointed Tony Mowbray as their new manager in succession to Gordon Strachan, the Scottish Premier League giants confirmed on Tuesday.
Mowbray was given permission by West Brom Albion chairman Jeremy Peace to open negotiations with the Parkhead club after Celtic agreed to the Baggies' request for a reported $3million compensation.
"Celtic Football Club is delighted to confirm that Tony Mowbray has been appointed the new Celtic manager," read a Web site statement.
"Tony will be joined at Celtic by Mark Venus, Peter Grant and Neil Lennon in the new Celtic management team."
The appointment finally ends Celtic's drawn-out bid to replace Strachan, who departed following the team's failure to win a fourth consecutive league title.
Mowbray, who played for Celtic between 1991 and 1995, had been one of three managers targeted by Celtic, along with Burnley's Owen Coyle and Swansea's Roberto Martinez.
Coyle decided to remain at Turf Moor after leading the Clarets into the English Premier League, while Martinez opted for the lure of his former club Wigan.
"We did not want to lose Tony because he has been an integral part of a long-term project at the club, which the vast majority of our fans have bought into. But Tony expressed his desire to talk to Celtic," Peace told Albion's Web site.
After Mowbray agreed personal terms and compensation had been negotiated for Venus and Grant, Celtic were able to publicly announce the deal.
Mowbray is no stranger to Scottish football after leading Hibernian to two top-four finishes in 2005 and 2006.
At West Brom he won the Championship title and promotion to the Premier League in 2008, but the club were relegated after just a season in the top flight despite receiving praise for their entertaining football.
Mowbray's first job will be to assess his squad ahead of the first of possibly two tricky Champions League qualifiers at the end of July.
With the Scottish Premier League fixtures being announced Wednesday, Mowbray will discover who will be his first opponents in the league campaign.
Davide Ballardini has been named as the new coach at Serie A Lazio after signing a two-year contract.
The 46-year-old, who guided Palermo to an eighth-placed finish in Serie A last season, succeeds Delio Rossi who left the Roman outfit this month after four years in charge.
Laziol play in the UEFA Europa League after beating Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia final and Ballardini relishes the challenge.
"It's going to be an exciting adventure," he said. "Lazio has great potential and the players will have to prove it on a daily basis. Lazio must have one clear aim, to always be competitive.
"It's a duty in all of the tournaments it will compete in. To say how Lazio will play under me would not be fair right now but I do have clear ideas of how to bring out the best in the players."
Portuguese side Benfica have appointed Jorge Jesus as their new coach on a two-year deal following their third place finish in the 2009 league campaign.
Benfica said Tuesday they had "agreed terms with the coach Jorge Jesus on a two-year contract". Jesus arrives from Sporting Braga, who on Monday agreed to accept 700,000 euros in compensation from Benfica.
Jesus replaces Spaniard Quique Flores, who coached Benfica to League Cup triumph but paid the price for a mediocre finish in the league by being sacked last week.
Benfica, European champions in 1961 and 1962, have won a record 31 league titles but last did so in 2004.
Mowbray was given permission by West Brom Albion chairman Jeremy Peace to open negotiations with the Parkhead club after Celtic agreed to the Baggies' request for a reported $3million compensation.
"Celtic Football Club is delighted to confirm that Tony Mowbray has been appointed the new Celtic manager," read a Web site statement.
"Tony will be joined at Celtic by Mark Venus, Peter Grant and Neil Lennon in the new Celtic management team."
The appointment finally ends Celtic's drawn-out bid to replace Strachan, who departed following the team's failure to win a fourth consecutive league title.
Mowbray, who played for Celtic between 1991 and 1995, had been one of three managers targeted by Celtic, along with Burnley's Owen Coyle and Swansea's Roberto Martinez.
Coyle decided to remain at Turf Moor after leading the Clarets into the English Premier League, while Martinez opted for the lure of his former club Wigan.
"We did not want to lose Tony because he has been an integral part of a long-term project at the club, which the vast majority of our fans have bought into. But Tony expressed his desire to talk to Celtic," Peace told Albion's Web site.
After Mowbray agreed personal terms and compensation had been negotiated for Venus and Grant, Celtic were able to publicly announce the deal.
Mowbray is no stranger to Scottish football after leading Hibernian to two top-four finishes in 2005 and 2006.
At West Brom he won the Championship title and promotion to the Premier League in 2008, but the club were relegated after just a season in the top flight despite receiving praise for their entertaining football.
Mowbray's first job will be to assess his squad ahead of the first of possibly two tricky Champions League qualifiers at the end of July.
With the Scottish Premier League fixtures being announced Wednesday, Mowbray will discover who will be his first opponents in the league campaign.
Davide Ballardini has been named as the new coach at Serie A Lazio after signing a two-year contract.
The 46-year-old, who guided Palermo to an eighth-placed finish in Serie A last season, succeeds Delio Rossi who left the Roman outfit this month after four years in charge.
Laziol play in the UEFA Europa League after beating Sampdoria in the Coppa Italia final and Ballardini relishes the challenge.
"It's going to be an exciting adventure," he said. "Lazio has great potential and the players will have to prove it on a daily basis. Lazio must have one clear aim, to always be competitive.
"It's a duty in all of the tournaments it will compete in. To say how Lazio will play under me would not be fair right now but I do have clear ideas of how to bring out the best in the players."
Portuguese side Benfica have appointed Jorge Jesus as their new coach on a two-year deal following their third place finish in the 2009 league campaign.
Benfica said Tuesday they had "agreed terms with the coach Jorge Jesus on a two-year contract". Jesus arrives from Sporting Braga, who on Monday agreed to accept 700,000 euros in compensation from Benfica.
Jesus replaces Spaniard Quique Flores, who coached Benfica to League Cup triumph but paid the price for a mediocre finish in the league by being sacked last week.
Benfica, European champions in 1961 and 1962, have won a record 31 league titles but last did so in 2004.
Egypt lodge protest over Brazil penalty winner
(CNN) -- Egypt filed a protest to FIFA on Tuesday after Brazi'ls controversial injury time winner in their Confederations Cup opener in Bloemfontein.
Egypt had come back from 3-1 down to be tied at 3-3 as the match headed into injury time, but were beaten by Kaka's last-gasp penalty.
English referee Howard Webb had initially appeared to award a corner after Lucio's goalbound effort was blocked by Ahmed al-Muhamadi on the line.
While Al Muhamadi rolled around on the ground apparently injured, fourth official Matthew Breeze spoke with Webb, reportedly after seeing television replays.
Webb then signaled to the penalty spot and showed Al Muhamadi the red card.
"Since when do the regulations say it is a penalty based on the monitors or on the television?" asked Egypt's deputy coach Shawki Gharib.
"Egypt is going to file a complaint against the penalty."
FIFA spokesperson Delia Fischer confirmed to CNN that they had received a protest about the basis of the penalty award.
"We will make a statement on this later today," she added.
Brazil coach Dunga saw nothing wrong with the decision. "It was a clear case of a penalty," he said, adding that his team let a two-goal lead slip because they were tired.
"We had two tough (World Cup) qualifiers, 23 hours of travel and the time difference. The players have not been sleeping well so obviously we are quite happy with the win."
It was a sour end to a superb match between the African Nations winners and reigning Confederations Cup champions Brazil.
Brazil were leading 3-1 at halftime with first-half strikes from Real's Madrid's new $92 million signing Kaka on five minutes with Luis Fabiano (12) and Juan (37).
Mohamed Zidan had initially equalized by heading home Wael Gomaa's cross on nine minutes.
But two goals inside two minutes in the second half saw Egypt draw level again.
The first came when Sayed Moawad pulled the ball back from the left to Mohamed Shawky, who blasted a superb strike beyond Julio Cesar, with the dangerous Zidan adding the third seconds later.
Dunga took off Manchester City pair Robinho and Elano soon after and replaced them with Benfica midfielder Ramires and Milan striker Alexandre Pato.
The changes did the trick as Kaka scored his second from the spot, but FIFA will now await an official Egypt protest.
Egypt had come back from 3-1 down to be tied at 3-3 as the match headed into injury time, but were beaten by Kaka's last-gasp penalty.
English referee Howard Webb had initially appeared to award a corner after Lucio's goalbound effort was blocked by Ahmed al-Muhamadi on the line.
While Al Muhamadi rolled around on the ground apparently injured, fourth official Matthew Breeze spoke with Webb, reportedly after seeing television replays.
Webb then signaled to the penalty spot and showed Al Muhamadi the red card.
"Since when do the regulations say it is a penalty based on the monitors or on the television?" asked Egypt's deputy coach Shawki Gharib.
"Egypt is going to file a complaint against the penalty."
FIFA spokesperson Delia Fischer confirmed to CNN that they had received a protest about the basis of the penalty award.
"We will make a statement on this later today," she added.
Brazil coach Dunga saw nothing wrong with the decision. "It was a clear case of a penalty," he said, adding that his team let a two-goal lead slip because they were tired.
"We had two tough (World Cup) qualifiers, 23 hours of travel and the time difference. The players have not been sleeping well so obviously we are quite happy with the win."
It was a sour end to a superb match between the African Nations winners and reigning Confederations Cup champions Brazil.
Brazil were leading 3-1 at halftime with first-half strikes from Real's Madrid's new $92 million signing Kaka on five minutes with Luis Fabiano (12) and Juan (37).
Mohamed Zidan had initially equalized by heading home Wael Gomaa's cross on nine minutes.
But two goals inside two minutes in the second half saw Egypt draw level again.
The first came when Sayed Moawad pulled the ball back from the left to Mohamed Shawky, who blasted a superb strike beyond Julio Cesar, with the dangerous Zidan adding the third seconds later.
Dunga took off Manchester City pair Robinho and Elano soon after and replaced them with Benfica midfielder Ramires and Milan striker Alexandre Pato.
The changes did the trick as Kaka scored his second from the spot, but FIFA will now await an official Egypt protest.
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