Nothing to sayChelsea's Claudio Ranieri has insisted there is no rift with owner Roman Abramovich despite an interview in a Spanish newspaper in which he is quoted as saying the Russian "knows nothing about football".
Chelsea's coach was quoted in the Marca sports daily as saying: "I already have Abramovich's sword embedded in me. I'm convinced that even if I win the Champions League I will be sacked. Abramovich knows nothing about football. That's the real shame." However, a statement from his agents First Artist denied Ranieri used any such phrases.
No Villa exit
Aston Villa chairman Doug Ellis has rubbished suggestions that manager David O'Leary could leave the club to take over at Chelsea this summer.
"David has done a fantastic job since he arrived last summer and it's ridiculous to even think that we would just let Chelsea come and take him," Ellis said.
"David is under contract to Aston Villa and has said himself that he has no intention of breaking that contract. We have had no approach from Chelsea and it goes without saying that any such approach would be categorically rejected."
Old Bhoy
Celtic defender Jackie McNamara has signed a one-year contract extension keeping him at the club until the summer of 2005. The Scotland international has enjoyed one of his best seasons at Parkhead since joining the club from Dunfermline in 1995.
"It has been a privilege to be a part of such a great club for so many years and I am delighted to sign this new extension to continue my association with Celtic," the 29-year-old said.
In brief . . . .
Scotland manager Berti Vogts has recalled Leicester striker Paul Dickov for the friendly against Denmark next week. Newcastle United have announced a new deal with the club's main sponsor Northern Rock understood to be worth £25 million. Portuguese police have detained 16 people, including the head of the soccer league, in an investigation into alleged attempts to bribe referees. Cameroon say they will appeal against FIFA's decision to dock the country six World Cup qualifying points as a punishment for wearing a one-piece kit in this year's African Nations Cup. Cameroon were also fined 200,000 Swiss francs 128,450). And Afghanistan has disbanded its national soccer team after nine players disappeared from a training camp in Italy last week.
