Madonna and her husband, Guy Ritchie, have confirmed that they are to divorce after almost eight years together.

Their spokeswoman told the Associated Press news agency that the couple had not yet agreed a settlement.

"They have both requested that the media maintain respect for their family at this difficult time," Liz Rosenberg added.

Speculation about the condition of Madonna and Ritchie's relationship had been mounting over recent months.

In July, widespread reports in the media linked Madonna to the American baseball player Alex Rodriguez, who had recently split from his wife.

But the claims were denied by Madonna's publicist, who insisted that the singer's marriage to Ritchie did not "need saving".

The couple last appeared together in a show of solidarity at the premiere for Ritchie's latest film RocknRolla.

(by Jason Gregory)