BY ADAM SERRANO

Liverpool FC may not be in the Champions League, but the club is still looking for success in Europe. The Reds defeated Turkish side Trabzonspor in the opening leg of the Europa league at Anfield after Dutch winger Ryan Babel scored a goal late in stoppage time of the first half. 

Liverpool missed a chance to double their lead early in the second half when winger Joe Cole missed a penalty earned after Lucas was brought down in the box. Manager Roy Hodgson sat a number of his key starters like captain Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt and Glen Johnson in a match that saw Liverpool dominate throughout. 

Elsewhere in Europa league play, Manchester City defeated FC Timisoara of Romania due to a 72nd minute goal by new addition, Mario Balotelli. Villarreal defeated FC Dnepr Transmash-Mogilev 5-0, Jozy Altidore played 15 minutes in the first-leg victory. 

More news after the jump:

QUIEROZ SUSPENDED BY PORTUGAL FOR INSULTS AT ANTI-DOPING OFFICIALS

The Portuguese federation has suspended Portugal head coach Carlos Quieroz, 30 days for comments  to the head of Portugual's anti-doping agency prior to the World Cup.The former head coach of the New York/New Jersey MetroStars will miss two European Qualifiers against Cyprus and Norway in addition to being issued a 1000 Euro fine for the comments made at the anti-doping team during the nation's pre-World Cup camp. 

FIFA THREATENS RUSSIAN WORLD CUP BID

FIFA has put the Russian bid for World Cups in 2018 and 2022 in doubt unless the nation begins construction on stadiums and surrounding infrastructure. After a recent four day tour of the nation and its stadiums,which was largely positive, FIFA concluded that Russia must begin construction soon to be meet a time table for the tournament. 

Russia is a serious competitor for the 2018 World Cup, which is largely believed that will be awarded to a UEFA nation. The winning bids for both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups will be announced in December. 

GALLAS SET FOR SPURS MEDICAL

Former Arsenal captain William Gallas is set to join Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer and will be undergoing a medical on Friday. The French International has been available on a free transfer since being released from his Arsenal contract in June. Spurs are in need of defensive reinforcements after a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Swiss club Young Boys in the Champions League playoff earlier in the week. Should Gallas join Tottenham, he will be only the sixth player to move between the clubs. 

BUNBURY SUSPENDED AND FINED FOR INCIDENT 

Kansas City Wizards forward Teal Bunbury has been suspended for a game and fined by MLS for actions against San Jose Earthquakes defender Tim Ward in the 47th minute of Saturday's match.  No foul was called on the play, but after reviewing the video, the league's disciplinary committee ruled that Bunbury's actions warranted suspension. The rookie will miss this weekend's match against the New England Revolution and will be fined 250 dollars.