1918: Italian racing driver Alberto Ascari was born. The first man to win successive world titles in 1952 and 1953, he lost his life while testing a new Ferrari at Monza in 1955.

1930: The first World Cup football match was contested when France met Mexico in Montevideo. A crowd of about 1,000 witnessed the historic match, which France won 4-1.

1995: Former Arsenal manager George Graham was banned from football for a year by the Football Association after being found guilty of misconduct charges relating to transfer 'bungs'.

1998: Arsenal favourite Ian Wright signed a two-year contract to join West Ham.

2004: Manchester City signed full-back Danny Mills from Leeds on a five-year contract.