The Republic of Ireland's friendly game with Nigeria next May has been brought forward by one day.
Originally scheduled for May 17th at Lansdowne Road, the match now takes place at the same venue on Thursday, May 16th. It also means the Irish squad will depart for the World Cup finals in Japan and Korea a day earlier than had been planned, now leaving on Friday, May 17th.
The FAI have also announced that the proposed friendly game with Argentina in April will not take place. The Argentinian Football Association had approached the FAI with a renewed offer to play a friendly in Dublin in early May or later in the same month in Japan but both suggested dates were unsuitable to the FAI. However, the FAI remain hopeful of fixing a friendly in Lansdowne Road on April 17th.
Fulham are holding talks with Valencia striker John Carew in the hope of completing a £7.5 million sterling transfer which would take Jean Tigana's spending to more than £40 million sterling since the club reached the Premiership.
Chelsea defender John Terry has found himself in serious trouble for the second time in four months. The England under-21 international was arrested in the early hours yesterday following an alleged assault on a nightclub receptionist in London.
Terry was fined two weeks' wages by the club when he was one of four Chelsea players who went on a drinking spree on the day after the September 11th terror attacks.
Aston Villa manager John Gregory has been charged with misconduct by the FA following his bust-up with match officials during the St Stephen's Day clash with Liverpool.
Gregory was ordered from the dugout shortly before half-time by referee Andy D'Urso after being involved in a heated exchange with the referee's assistant Ray Gould.
Everton have tried defuse speculation about Walter Smith's future by insisting they will "support" the Goodison manager. Smith's position has been in doubt following five successive Premiership defeats,
Everton chief executive Michael Dunford has also announced a re-financing package at the club.
Former Germany coach Berti Vogts is set for talks with the Scottish FA with a view to succeeding Craig Brown as national coach.
