A round-up of some of the other soccer stories of the day.
Irish may play in London
Despite yesterday's announcement that the Republic of Ireland would play in a triangular tournament including Nigeria and Jamaica at Charlton's Valley ground next month FAI sources said last night that agreement to commit to the tournament had not yet been agreed. Organisers said yesterday that the Unity Cup would start on Saturday, May 29th when Brian Kerr's men would face Nigeria and then play Jamaica on Wednesday, June 2nd. Nigeria and Jamaica are scheduled to meet on Monday, May 31st.
Gerrard 'staying'
Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier yesterday brushed aside reports linking captain Steven Gerrard with a move to Arsenal and Manchester United by declaring: "You would have to cut off both my arms before I let go of him." The Frenchman has laughed off such talk, as well as claims Michael Owen is also wanted by the new champions.
But just to underline how much Gerrard is off limits to any prospective suitors, Houllier said: "You would have to cut off both my arms before I let go of Steven Gerrard because I would have them both wrapped around him."
Houllier, who escaped unhurt after a minor car crash in Liverpool yesterday, described talk of such transfers out of Anfield as "stupid and laughable."
Taricco charged
Tottenham defender Mauricio Taricco has been charged with violent behaviour and improper conduct relating to Spurs' match against Chelsea on April 3rd. The Argentinian defender appeared to catch Damien Duff in the face with his hand and Scott Parker with his forearm, but neither incident was punished by match referee Steve Bennett. Taricco has until May 12th to respond to the charges.
Rivaldo consults family
Rivaldo flew home to Brazil yesterday with his English-based agent Peter Harrison insisting that his transfer to Bolton Wanderers would still go ahead.
The former world and European player of the year has accepted the club's financial terms but is now consulting family members over his projected switch to England. Harrison was "positive" that the move would go ahead as planned. "Bolton have made him an offer and if he decides to play for Bolton those are the terms he will accept. "It is not about money. He is just making sure of his decision and everything is looking positive. He wants to discuss it at home. There is no hurry because he cannot play for Bolton this season."
In brief . . .
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill is ready to offer Neil Lennon a new contract which will keep him at club for the rest of his career . . . Rory Delap's medial ligament injury is not as serious as was feared and he could be back in action in just 10 days . . . Coventry's prospective new owner, Jojar Dhinsa, is prepared to match or even top the £200 million invested in Chelsea by Roman Abramovich. The 29-year-old is chairman and chief executive of Reading-based Athlone Group . . . Diego Maradona's condition continues to improve and he has spoken his first words since being admitted to intensive care nine days ago with heart and breathing problems. Maradona has also been put on a special diet and he has begun to eat.
