Soccer Digest: AC Milan have been admitted to this season's Champions League by Uefa but only because the governing body lacked the legal powers to refuse the club's entry despite "the damage caused to European football" with their behaviour, writes Paolo Menicucci.
The six-time European champions, who finished second in Serie A behind Juventus last season, had been found guilty of match-fixing in Italy and will start the season with an eight-point deduction.
"The Uefa Emergency Panel made a clear statement to the club that this admission is far from being given with the utmost conviction," said a Uefa statement. "AC Milan takes advantage of the fact that Uefa lacks the legal grounds to refuse the club's admission. In this respect, AC Milan is herewith informed that the necessary adaptations will be made to the regulations concerned.
"The Uefa Emergency Panel is deeply concerned that AC Milan has created the impression of being involved in the improper influencing of the regular course of matches in the Italian football championship."
Chelsea saying nothing
Chelsea insist they will not be making any comment on the move by Ken Bates to report his former club to football's authorities over the Premiership outfit's approaches to three Leeds players.
The Stamford Bridge club have always denied breaking any rules by signing teenagers Michael Woods and Tom Taiwo from the Yorkshire club.
Leeds chairman Bates, who sold Chelsea to Roman Abramovich three years ago, thinks differently.
He has lodged complaints with the English FA, the Premier League and Fifa about losing Woods and Taiwo and also claims the Stamford Bridge club made an unsuccessful bid to sign another player, Danny Rose.
Israeli FA go to court
The Israeli FA petitioned the Court for Arbitration in Sport yesterday in a final effort to reinstate two Uefa Cup ties to Israel after Uefa ruled that they should be played at neutral venues for security reasons.
Earlier this week Uefa told the Israeli FA that Israel would not be allowed to host Uefa Cup second qualifying round first-leg matches which must instead be staged in a neutral country due to the security situation in the region.
Uefa said it would make a decision next Monday on Maccabi Haifa's Champions League third qualifying round home leg with Liverpool set for August 22th or 23th.
Scannell sparks Ireland The Republic of Ireland under-17 team began their season well by beating Serbia & Montenegro 2-0 in the opening game of the Hungary Invitational tournament in Kalocsa this evening.
Crystal Palace striker Sean Scannell was the match-winner, netting a second-half double to round off a terrific individual display on his international debut for Ireland.
Ireland play Poland in Miske this afternoon and play their final game on the tour on Saturday against opponents still to be decided.
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Thorp (Charlton Athletic), Matthews (Cherry Orchard), Joyce (Birmingham City), Honohan (Wilton), Moyles (QPR), Marshall (Shelbourne), O'Brien (Birmingham City), O'Connor (Liverpool), Collins (Liverpool), Scannell (Crystal Palace), O'Neill (Burnley). Subs: Duggan (Kilreen) for Collins (66 mins), Tuffy (Blackburn) for O'Neill (76 mins).
In brief . . .
Inter Milan have declared an interest in signing Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo . . . Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello has warned Danish midfielder Thomas Gravesen about his behaviour after Tuesday's bust-up with Brazilian team-mate Robinho in training . . . Real have said Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos will stay until his contract finishes, ending speculation about a possible move . . . Middlesbrough's attempts to take Robert Huth on a season-long loan from Chelsea could be hijacked by Blackburn Rovers
. . . Reading manager Steve Coppell has confirmed they have made a club record £3.5 million bid for Rennes centre back John Mensah
. . . Barnsley will complete the signing of former Republic of Ireland midfielder Colin Healy (26) today . . . Birmingham's Republic of Ireland defender Alex Bruce is on the verge of joining Ipswich on a free transfer . . . Sunderland have made an inquiry for West Ham's Irish defender Clive Clarke (26) . . . New Poland coach Leo Beenhakker has handed Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek - a controversial omission from the World Cup - a recall for the forthcoming friendly against Denmark.
