A round-up of today's other stories in brief
Bruce keen to talk to Ferguson
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce intends to hold clear-the-air talks with Alex Ferguson following his comments over Darron Gibson’s proposed transfer. The Manchester United manager was yesterday quoted as saying the Republic of Ireland midfielder’s move to the Stadium of Light broke down because Sunderland “moved the goalposts”.
Sources on Wearside insist the deal for Gibson foundered because the parties could not reach agreement on personal terms.
“Sunderland have always had a great relationship with Manchester United, even prior to my arrival here and long may that continue,” said Bruce. “I know Sir Alex is away at present and with the time difference etc, I haven’t had a chance to catch up with him. But once he’s back, I’m sure we’ll have a chat and clear things up.”
Linfield eliminated by BATE Borisov
IFA Premiership champions Linfield were eliminated at the second qualifying round of the Champions League yesterday after a 2-0 defeat to Belarusian outfit BATE Borisov. Linfield travelled to Borisov having drawn the first leg 1-1, but goals from Pavel Nekhaichik and Aleksandr Pavlov in three second-half minutes set up a third round clash with FK Ekranas of Lithuania.
Welsh side Bangor City faced an uphill challenge to reach the next round after a 3-0 home defeat to HJK Helsinki last week, and their elimination was confirmed after a 10-0 thrashing in Finland.
Northern Ireland defender Stephen Craigan has retired from international football at the age of 34. The Motherwell captain made his senior debut in February 2003 against Finland.
Milner critical of surface
James Milner believes Manchester City will have reason to be thankful if a minor injury for Yaya Toure is the only price to be paid for being forced to play on a pudding of a pitch in Vancouver last night.
Although the surface at the DC Stadium passed an afternoon inspection, it soon became apparent it was not fit for purpose.
“It was probably one of the worst pitches we have played on,” said the England midfielder about a game the visitors won 2-1. “I am not blaming anyone, but it is not ideal in pre-season and probably increased the risk of injury.
“There were big chunks coming out of the pitch, so turning was difficult. You try to put it out of your mind but when it is taking you five steps to turn round, subconsciously you are bound to think about it. Yaya has got injured and maybe we were a bit lucky to get away with it.”
Paraguay face surprise side Venezuela
In tonight’s Copa America semi-final in Mendoza, Paraguay – who have drawn their four matches so far and eliminated Brazil on penalties – meet surprise package Venezuela, who had never before progressed this far before.
The teams shared a thrilling 3-3 draw in their final qualifying match with two goals in the dying minutes leaving Venezuela top of their group.
The match is live on ESPN and Setanta Ireland (kick-off 1.45am) tonight.
In the early hours of this morning, Uruguay – who eliminated Argentina in the last round – meet Peru in another unexpected semi-final at La Plata.
Gudjohnsen joins AEK Athens
Former Chelsea and Barcelona forward Eidur Gudjohnsen has signed for Greek Super League side AEK Athens on a two-year deal. The 32-year-old had been close to a move to Championship club West Ham, but after the deal stalled he quickly decided on a move to AEK.
The Icelandic international has played for Tottenham, Stoke and Fulham in the past 18 months, but says he is now looking forward to the challenge of playing in a new country.
“I’m happy and excited to be here. It is a new step in my career and a challenge for me. I will give it my all,” said Gudjohnsen who won back-to-back Premier League titles during his time at Chelsea.
Goalline technology planned for English league
The new English Premier League season is likely to be the last to feature goalline controversies after chief executive Richard Scudamore said he was hopeful technology could be introduced in time for the 2012-13 campaign.
Writing in the Premier League’s new review of the season, which will be distributed to MPs today, Scudamore vows to use the Premier League’s position “to deliver progress – increasing standards on and off the pitch”.
The International Football Association Board, which governs the laws and is split between representatives from the home nations and Fifa, has said it will continue trials of technology.
“The technology is available, it is the fairness that is important and the Premier League would introduce it tomorrow if it could,” Scudamore said.
Fifa president Sepp Blatter, a long-time opponent of the technology, was forced to reconsider that in the wake of several controversies in the last World Cup, including Frank Lampard’s “ghost goal” against Germany.
GuardianService
Scandal postpones Turkish cup match
The Turkish Super Cup match between league champions Fenerbahce and cup winners Besiktas has been postponed due to a court investigation into match-fixing allegations which have hit some of the country’s major clubs, Turkey’s football federation has said.
Federation chairman Mehmet Ali Aydinlar said it was expecting to start receiving prosecutors’ documents regarding the probe on Wednesday and the federation would then reach a decision on when the new season will start.
A Turkish court has already jailed, pending trial 31 people, including the chairman of champions Fenerbahce and the coach and deputy chairman of Besiktas on charges of match-fixing which have plunged preparations for the new season into chaos.
