Keegan's £150,000 for bets libel

Keegan and wife, Jean, said the article had caused "misery"

LONDON, England -- Former England soccer coach Kevin Keegan has accepted £150,000 ($220,000) libel damages against the News of the World newspaper.

Speaking outside the High Court in London on Friday, an emotional Keegan said he was "delighted" with the result.

The article published in the British Sunday newspaper last November suggested he had masterminded betting nights on the eve of England matches.

News of the World managing editor Stuart Kuttner said: "We are very glad to have settled the dispute with Kevin Keegan quickly and in a civilised fashion."

Keegan, who was accompanied at court by his wife Jean, was England coach from March 1999 until his shock resignation in October 2000.

"Today has been a great day for us. It should never have happened. They published it. They paid the price." He said the claims had caused "misery" to himself, the England players and the Football Association. "The article contained things that weren't right."

"The article made me look like somebody who did not care. I think that everybody who works with me knows that is not true."

Keegan's Solicitor Alasdair Pepper told the court that the true position was that England players had for many years, well before Keegan's time as coach, played cards, taken part in race nights and bet amongst themselves as a perfectly normal and well-accepted means of passing their free time on journeys, between training sessions and matches.

"Nothing out of the ordinary or improper happened under Mr Keegan's stewardship, let alone at his direct instigation and for his profit as the News of the World alleged."

Keegan paid tribute to the FA's chief executive Adam Crozier for standing by him.

"The new manager will feel a lot of confidence that he's got someone like that behind him."

Keegan resigned as England coach following a damaging World Cup qualifying defeat by Germany at Wembley.

But he did not rule out a return to football.

"We've waited three months to put this right. I can get back on with my job now," he said.

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England Football Association
Kevin Keegan factfile
News of the World

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