Today's other stories in brief
Red card appeals fail
Joey Barton and Paul Konchesky will both sit out this weekend's action after having their appeals against the red cards they received last weekend rejected by the English FA yesterday.
At a hearing in London, it was decided referee Mike Riley had not acted incorrectly in dismissing Barton for serious foul play when he launched himself towards Abdoulaye Faye near the end of Manchester City's home defeat to Bolton.
And it was also ruled Konchesky rightly received his marching orders for a second bookable offence when he chopped down Wayne Routledge during West Ham's goalless draw with Fulham.
Lehmann will play on
Jens Lehmann may turn 38 next year but the Arsenal goalkeeper has no intention of hanging up his gloves just yet. The German international is set to hold further talks with the Gunners early in 2007 over the possibility of extending his current contract, which runs out at the end of the season. Reports have linked the veteran goalkeeper with a return to the Bundesliga and with Seville.
Sorry, it was only a joke
Fifa were yesterday forced to issue a statement making it clear Zinedine Zidane had not been awarded the World Player of the Year award following a recount. Leading Spanish sports daily newspaper Marca published a story on their website claiming former France and Real Madrid midfielder Zidane had been given the award instead of the actual winner, Italy defender Fabio Cannavaro, due to an administrative error.
However, December 28th is known as "Dia de Inocentes" in Spain - the equivalent of April Fools' Day - and the story was a prank and that Cannavaro was indeed the legitimate winner after Fifa revealed they had been inundated with calls from confused journalists.
Charlton want Pressley
Charlton's new manager Alan Pardew is ready to strengthen his squad by convincing former Hearts central defender Steven Pressley to help them stay in the Premiership. Pardew will hold talks with the Scottish international in the next 24 hours and is hopeful of adding some much-needed leadership before the transfer window opens on January 1st.
Figo moves on
Luis Figo is set to join Al Ittihad after the Saudi Arabian club's team manager Hamad Al Sanie confirmed a deal had been agreed. The former Fifa World Player of the Year will put pen to paper over the next couple of days on a 17-month contract, according to Al Sanie, after deciding to leave Serie A leaders Inter Milan.
Joy for Ronaldinho
Brazil and Barcelona forward Ronaldinho wept with emotion as he unveiled his foundation in his home town of Porto Alegre yesterday.
"This is the most emotional moment of my life," he said in a speech to a 400-strong audience which included local politicians and Brazil coach Dunga, who is also from the region.
"I've always dreamed of something like this and today I'm seeing it finally happen." The Ronaldinho Instituto is designed to cater for up to 3,500 children and will offer sporting activities and courses in computing, theatre, music and languages.
In brief . . .
Chester will continue in the English FA Cup after Bury's appeal against their expulsion from the competition was rejected by the FA yesterday. Bury were thrown out of the tournament after fielding an ineligible player. Chester will now face Ipswich in the third round.
Sweden defender Andreas Granqvist has joined Wigan from Helsingborgs on loan until the end of the season.
Teenage midfielder Isaiah Osbourne has agreed terms with Aston Villa on a new three-and-a-half-year contract. The deal will keep Osbourne at Villa Park until the summer of 2010.
Full back Phil Bardsley has cut short his loan spell at Rangers and is set for a brief return to Manchester United. The 21-year-old, who has made 17 first-team appearances for United, was originally loaned to Rangers at the start of the season. Bardsley was due to stay until the end of December, with the possibility of extending that deal incorporated in the original terms of the deal, but he is now poised to join Roy Keane's Sunderland.
Hibernian have confirmed they will appeal against the red card issued to Dean Shiels during the St Stephen's Day derby with Hearts. The Northern Irishman was sent off for clashing with Hearts' goalkeeper Craig Gordon as he tried to retrieve the ball from the net after scoring a penalty.
