Three cleared over murder of Russian journalist

A jury in Moscow on Thursday acquitted three men charged with involvement on the murder of independent journalist Anna Politkovskaya. The not guilty verdicts followed a two month trial that was hampered from the start by the man accused of masterminding the shooting, Rustam Makhmudov

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Chelsea count cost of managerial sackings

Chelsea posted losses of £65.7 million ($93.91m) as they were left to count the cost of managerial departures. The results for the financial year ending on June 30, 2008 revealed that £23.1 million ($33.02m) had been paid in compensation to former Blues managers Jose Mourinho and Avram Grant and five coaching staff. They do not include the payout that Luiz Felipe Scolari is set to receive, reported to be in the region £8 million ($11.44m), following his sacking this week.

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Hiddink takes charge at Chelsea

English Premier League side Chelsea confirmed Thursday that Guus Hiddink will take charge until the end of the season following the dismissal of Luis Felipe Scolari. The veteran Dutchman currently coaches the Russian national team, which he led to the semifinals of last year’s European Championship. Chelsea said it thanked the Russian Football Union for its “understanding and cooperation.” It was unclear whether Hiddink would continue as Russian coach.

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Chelsea begin search for new manager

Chelsea began their hunt for a successor to Luiz Felipe Scolari on Tuesday with Guus Hiddink and former boss Avram Grant the early favorites to replace the sacked Brazilian. Russia coach Hiddink was odds-on with most English bookmakers with Grant also reported to be in the running, just eight months after departing Stamford Bridge following Chelsea’s defeat to Manchester United in the Champions League final. Dutchman Hiddink has an impeccable record in club and international football and his agent Cees van Nieuwenhuizen told BBC Radio Tuesday that he would be open to an offer from Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich

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Obama: U.S. looking for dialogue with Iran

The United States is looking for opportunities for "face-to-face" dialogue with Iran after nearly three decades without diplomatic ties, President Barack Obama said Monday, but still has "deep concerns" about Tehran’s actions. “There’s been a lot of mistrust built up over the years, so it’s not going to happen overnight,” Obama said during his first prime-time news conference Monday night.

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Debate: Who should replace Scolari?

The sudden exit of Luiz Felipe Scolari at Chelsea has left Ray Wilkins temporarily in charge, and the door is wide open for a new manager at the London club. But who should take Scolari’s place Early media reports have suggested former Chelsea manager Avram Grant is the subject of interest from the Blues, in a possible combination with current Russia manager Guus Hiddink. Who do you think should replace Scolari at Stamford Bridge And what do you think of his sacking Tell us in the Sound Off box below

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