A round-up of the latest World Cup news

No Goodluck as Nigeria suspended

NIGERIA president Goodluck Jonathan has suspended the national soccer team from international competition for the next two years following their poor performance in the World Cup, a senior adviser said.

A spokesman said: “Mr President has directed that Nigeria will withdraw from all international football competition for the next two years to enable Nigeria to reorganise its football.

“This directive became necessary following Nigeria’s poor performance in the ongoing Fifa World Cup.”

Silva City bound in €30m deal

MANCHESTER City have reached agreement with Valencia to sign Spain star David Silva. The 24-year-old winger, who is currently at the World Cup, has agreed a four-year deal at Eastlands.

Silva will undergo a medical and the transfer will be formally completed once his involvement in South Africa is over. A fee is yet to be confirmed but reports have suggested it could be in the region of €30 million. The fleet-footed Silva is comfortable on either wing and can play as a supporting striker.

Aguirre quits as boss of Mexico

JAVIER AGUIRRE has resigned as coach of Mexico after their World Cup exit at the hands of Argentina.

Mexico came through the first stage by beating France and drawing with hosts South Africa, but could not negotiate a tricky last-16 tie, losing 3-1.

“I have to leave, it’s the most honest thing to do,” said Aguirre, who took charge of Mexico for the second time last April when the side were in danger of not qualifying for South Africa after the unsuccessful tenure of Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Tabarez sets out his Uruguay stall

URUGUAY coach Oscar Tabarez confirmed injured defender Diego Godin would miss tomorrow’s quarter-final match against Ghana as he named his side a full 48 hours before the match.

Mauricio Victorino, who performed well after coming on for Godin at half-time against South Korea, will start in his place.

Tabarez also said he would bring in Alvaro Fernandez for Alvaro Pereira in midfieldwith Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez continuing their partnership up front.

Fifa to look into Australian bid

FIFA have confirmed they are investigating allegations that Australian World Cup bid officials handed out jewellery and paid travel costs for a Trinidad team in order to win votes.

The most damaging allegations concern gifts of pearl necklaces for the wives of Fifa executive committee members and that they funded the travel costs of Trinidad and Tobago’s under-20 team to fly to Cyprus.

Football Federation Australia say the necklaces were given out before formal bidding started.