Stefan Ishizaki set Elfsborg on their way with a goal in the sixth minute and Lasse Nilsson's 81st-minute penalty made the points secure.

Hacken then had Dominic Chatto sent off in the last minute.

Malmo was forced to come from behind against GIF after Johan Eklund gave the home side a 16th-minute lead. Alexander Nilsson, a first-half substitute for Math Ranegie, equalised in the 58th minute.

AIK moved within a point of Malmo with a 1-0 home win over GAIS thanks to Viktor Lundberg's last-minute goal.

IFK Gothenburg drew 1-1 with Kalmar, Joel Allansson giving the host side the lead early in the second half before Jonathan McDonald equalised.

The Spaniard is currently on a family holiday in the Caribbean but took a short flight to Miami where he was expected to meet Fenway Sports Group's top executives.

Martinez's current employer Whelan revealed details of the trip after speaking to his manager earlier.

"I got a phone call this morning and Roberto was on his way to America, he's flying down to Miami and is meeting Liverpool now," he told ESPN.

"I didn't ask him what he has decided to do but I told him I wanted it sorted out sooner rather than later."

Whelan added on Sky Sports News: "He has to listen to what they are offering. He is just doing what I gave him permission to do.

"This visit to America is a brief intrusion into his holiday but it is something he has to do."

Martinez has emerged as a front-runner after reports suggested former Porto and Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas had fallen out of the reckoning.

FSG has spent the last week since sacking manager Kenny Dalglish scouring the globe for a replacement.

Although its widespread trawl has attracted some criticism after a couple of knock-backs, it is part of the strategy it has chosen to implement as part of a re-organisation of the structure at Anfield which will see the appointment of a technical director above the new manager.

That approach has been criticised by Whelan, who added on ESPN: "My understanding is that Liverpool are seeking a final shortlist of six managers whom the owners would like to interview.

"I am amazed that they think they can do that, it sounds very much an American way of dealing with these issues in sport, but I would wonder how those six managers might feel."

The Wigan chairman also doubts Martinez's willingness to work under a technical director, although with a job the size of Liverpool the Spaniard may need some help addressing the scale of the workload.

"A little bit will have to do with the attitude of the owners because I don't think they fully understand the game of football in England," he told Sky Sports.

"Roberto likes total control, from the youngsters at 16 to the first team.

"If he doesn't get that I don't think he will take the job."

He added on ESPN: "My information is that the new Liverpool manager will not be given full responsibility of the football department.

"The set-up on the football side goes well beyond the norm even with a director of football.

"There will be somebody else signing players and they might not necessarily be the choice of the manager.

"My advice to Roberto is to think very carefully about this, but Liverpool are a big club and I hope that they remain one of the big clubs.

"I've asked Roberto to make his mind up as soon as possible. If we have to lose him I will move very quickly to appoint a successor as I have ideas.

"Hopefully he will stay with us but we will wait and see."

If the job is offered to him - and FSG is expected to interview other candidates - Whelan expects to be fully compensated.

"He signed an extension to his contract so Liverpool would have to buy out his contract," he said.

"Whatever the contract is worth I am sure Liverpool would honour that and buy it out."

The 60-year-old has been heavily linked with the new technical director role introduced by owners Fenway Sports Group, although reports in the Netherlands suggest he would be more interested in the vacant manager's job.

Kuyt, currently on international duty preparing for Euro 2012, gave his backing to the former Ajax and Bayern Munich boss.

"It is not usual for players to speak about candidates, but he is a Dutchman, has a great track record and has the experience that the club could put to good use," the 31-year-old was reported as saying by Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

"At the moment, Liverpool have no coach or technical director."

"Each club benefits from structure. You look at the Dutch national team and see that consistency and clarity are important."

Kuyt seemed destined to be leaving Anfield at the end of the domestic season after his starting opportunities were reduced significantly last season, but has hinted he may be open to staying with a new manager coming in to replace Kenny Dalglish.

"The focus is entirely with the Dutch team, but before our training camp I spoke with my agent and discussed what I wanted and I am not thinking about it until I can decide," he said.

"I think it's important there is someone who has confidence in me."

"And there must be genuine chance that I'm going to play as many matches as in the first five years."

It was claimed on various Twitter accounts that Glazer had been reported as dead by a reputable media source in the United States.

However, club sources have verified this is not true and the actual source of the story was also incorrect.

Glazer has not been a particularly popular figure among United fans since his takeover of the club in 2005, which lodged a huge amount of debt next to the Red Devils.

The day-to-day running of the Old Trafford outfit has been overseen by his sons Joel, Avi and Bryan since the owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL side suffered a stroke in April 2006.

Liverpool's defender missed training at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium earlier but was in the group that arrived at the stadium.

However, Johnson lasted only a matter of minutes before he headed down the tunnel for further treatment on what was described as "a minor injury" by the FA.

Reportedly unhappy in China at struggling newly promoted Super League outfit Dalian Aerbin, the 32-year-old, who switched to Asia in February after making 63 appearances for 2011-2012 grand finalist Perth Glory, is a close friend of new coach Tony Popovic.

And it's believed that tentative contact has been made with Sterjovski, who has played 10 of 11 games this season for his new club which sits just a point off the relegation places.

Sterjovski is barely four months into a 10-month deal in China, where the season concludes in November, and it's understood his family is unsettled there.

Also high on the wish list of Popovic is veteran keeper Clint Bolton who is out of contract at Melbourne Heart and is keen to return to the city where he spent five seasons with Sydney FC, before being surprisingly cut loose.

Bolton's likely Melbourne exit looks set to open to the door to fellow veteran Ante Covic at Heart, after he was released by Melbourne Victory. Covic, 36, has also been closely watched by Popovic.

Defender Shannon Cole, who has just been released by Sydney FC, is also close to agreeing terms with Western Sydney.

Italy's FIFA World Cup winning left-back Fabio Grosso is also interested in coming to the A-League and after pricing himself out of a possible move to Melbourne Victory has indicated that Western Sydney would also interest him.

However, the 34-year-old, is unlikely to figure in the plans of a club whose executive chairman Lyall Gorman has already indicated he will not be splashing significant amounts of cash on overseas marquees.

Grosso, said of his collision with Lucas Neill in a 2006 FIFA World Cup round of 16 clash with the Socceroos, which sealed Australia's fate in a 1-0 loss as Francesco Totti dispatched the spot-kick: "Maybe I accentuated it a little bit."

"However you must remember it was the last minute of an extremely difficult game and everyone was tired."

Gross, 34, was released by Juventus last year. His other career stops include Palermo, Perugia, Inter Milan and French powerhouse Lyon.

It's believed the second Sydney club may only use 85 per cent of its stipulated $2.6 million salary cap in its debut A-League season.

Meanwhile, Ian Crook is set to make his third signing since taking charge at Sydney FC with the likely arrival of journeyman Adam Griffiths.

Most recently with Chinese Super League Hangzhou Greentown, utility Griffiths, 32, has already featured in the A-League for Newcastle Jets, Gold Coast United and Adelaide United.

He won the 2007-2008 championship with the Jets and has also had spells in England with Brentford, Bournemouth and Watford and in Saudi Arabia with Al-Shabab.

The Brazil international has been linked with a move away from the San Siro, with top European clubs, including Manchester City, who is keen to acquire the 27-year-old's services.

"We will do all that is possible and impossible to resist temptation," Galliani said to Gazzetta dello Sport. "Thiago Silva is happy to remain in Milan."

"He has a contract until 2016."

Silva is also a reported target of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

"There is a true siege for him," Galliani said. "It seems every club wants him, rich clubs and their owners."

Silva will be in action in London this northern summer, with the central defender set to play at the Olympics with Brazil.

"Thiago asked and obtained the authorisation from us to go to the Olympics," Galliani said.

"We evaluated that it's better for us to have a player who is happy rather than unhappy."

Silva joined Milan in 2009 from Fluminense, after previous unsuccessful spells in Europe with Porto and Dynamo Moscow.

He made 27 league appearances for Milan this season.

Match officials now have to pass stringent fitness tests and the world governing body's medical experts say they should also be tested to make sure they are not taking performance-enhancing substances.

FIFA's chief medical officer Jiri Dvorak told a conference in Budapest: "We have to consider referees as part of the game."

"We have started to discuss this and this is something for the future which will be discussed to include possibly an anti-doping programme for referees."

"We do not have an indication that this is a problem but this is something we have to look at. The referees are a neglected population."

Michel D'Hooghe, the chairman of FIFA's medical committee, added: "The referee is an athlete on the field so I think he should be subjected to the same rules."

Meanwhile, the World Anti-Doping Agency's director general David Howman told the FIFA medical conference that it may change rules to allow players from team sports who are banned for doping offences to return to training - though not playing - earlier.

He said: "We are looking for ideas on how reductions for an early return to training can be done."

D'Hooghe said players in team sports were hit harder by drugs bans than individual athletes such as runners, who are still able to train and therefore return to competition as soon as their ban ends.

The 31-year-old will captain England in Poland and Ukraine with some suggesting it could be his last major tournament for the side.

Gerrard, though, would like to continue until the next FIFA World Cup in Brazil after denying that he was set to focus on leading Liverpool after an injury-plagued season.

"I can understand that at my age people are going to start questioning me and asking me if I'm going to quit England and focus on Liverpool, but I don't see it like that," he told the Daily Mirror.

"I don't think I have a decision to make. I love playing for England, I love playing for Liverpool."

The midfielder admits that new England boss Roy Hodgson will have the final say in whether he stays on, but after claiming he is fit and strong again, he is determined to prove his worth.

"I think it's going to be a case of let's see how I perform in this tournament," he said.

"Let's see if first and foremost I have a future with this manager if he's keen for me to stay about."

"If the manager says to me at the start of next season that he thinks I did well in the tournament, that he wants me to stick about, that he can protect me, not overuse me and that I have a big part to play, I'm sure I will carry on."

"If the England manager says to me that he wants me to stay around for Brazil, that would be a nice carrot on the end of the string for me."

"That would be a good tournament for me to bow out at, but there are a lot of things to consider."

"The way I look at it at the moment is my body is in the best shape it's been in for many years. My groin problems are all behind me and I feel strong."

The 50-year-old has been out of work since being sacked by Olympique Lyonnais in July 2011. He has also had spells in charge of Monaco and Lille.

A short statement on Nice's official website said: "Nice and Claude Puel have reached an agreement in principle on a contract for three years as head coach."

Puel, who will be officially presented to the media tomorrow, will replace Rene Marsiglia, who left the club earlier this week after Nice decided not to renew his contract.

Nice avoided the drop on the final day of the season with victory over Lyon.

The 45-year-old took charge of Vitesse last year, leading it to a seventh-placed finish in the Eredivisie and a place in the UEFA Europa League via the end-of-season play-offs.

That success turned heads at Anderlecht, who is without a coach following the resignation of Ariel Jacobs.

However, Van den Brom has decided to stay with his current employers.

"It is flattering a club the size of Anderlecht have shown interest," he said in a statement on www.vitesse.nl.

"At the same time there were stories circulating that (club president) Merab Jordania was not happy with my work."

"We have talked about it and he has denied it. So for me it's sorted - I'm sticking with Vitesse. My heart lies there."

Villa owner Randy Lerner remains a big fan of Martinez even though herejected the chance to take charge of the club 12 months ago.

Lerner is searching for a hungry and emerging figure to revive Villa's fortunes and maintains that Martinez fits the bill.

Martinez's desire to play an attractive style of football has also impressed Lerner after fans were critical of the approach of the sacked Alex McLeish.

Lerner is aware of the interest of Liverpool in Martinez and knows he runs the risk of being delivered a knockback by the 38-year-old for a second successive northern summer.

But it is understood Lerner has received sufficient encouragement to believe Martinez would at least discuss his proposals and hopes he can offer an attractive package and picture of Villa's future.

Paul Lambert (Norwich City), Brendan Rodgers (Swansea City) and Gus Poyet (Brighton and Hove Albion) are other potential candidates on Villa's radar as it searches for a fourth manager in two years.

Lerner flew back to England two days ago from the United States to step up the managerial search.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had been the bookmakers' favourite to replace McLeish but he has opted to stay in Norway with Molde for family reasons.

Villa insists the former Manchester United striker was never offered the job after he was interviewed last weekend by Lerner.

Papas was delighted to accept the opportunity to continue his development as a coach overseas and to be involved in Indian football at a time of great change.

"I'm only 32, and it's a very exciting time to be involved in Indian football. I think it is very important for my coaching education to coach across Asia," Papas said.

"With a huge population, FIFA is very keen to grow the game there... I'm very keen to show what I can offer."

It will be a whirlwind couple of weeks for Papas as he goes into camp with the Indian side on 1 June in Dubai.

The squad has organised a 10-day training camp at the quarters of UAE club Al-Wasl, coached by Diego Maradona, and hopes to organise a friendly match against the Argentine's team as preparation for the AFC under-22 Asian Cup qualifying campaign beginning next month.

After the tournament in Oman, Papas will continue coaching the side in the domestic I-League where it plays as Pailan Arrows.

"The fact that the players play together in the national domestic league is a positive for Indian football," Papas said.

Papas who has a track record of developing young talent is under no illusions about the challenge that awaits him on the sub-continent.

"India is not the strongest in world football right now, but there is a lot of talent in the players over there and coaching them technically is a work in progress.

"Indian football is undergoing a change of philosophy about how they play the game.

"In a way, they're in a very similar position to where Australia was a few years ago when we were trying to implement a national system.

"Down the track, if we do well in the (Asian Cup) qualifying matches, I may even get the chance to coach against Australia."

Hector Jimenez gave defending MLS champion Galaxy the lead after three minutes but he was then sent off on the hour.

Despite being reduced to 10 men the home side extended its lead through Mike Magee (73).

But goals from Steven Lenhart (76), a Khari Stephenson penalty (82) and Alan Gordon (90) secured all three points for the visitor.

New York Red Bulls came from behind to extend its Eastern Conference lead to two points with a 1-1 draw against Chivas USA.

The visitor took the lead through Juan Pablo Angel but Dan Richards earned the home side a point.

Justin Meram and Emilio Renteria scored for Columbus Crew in the 2-0 away at Seattle Sounders.

FC Dallas led through a goal from Matt Hedges (41) but Sebastian Grazzini (45) and Marco Pappa (63) scored to seal a 2-1 win for Chicago Fire.

Lampard and teammates John Terry, Ashley Cole and Gary Cahill, as well as Daniel Sturridge have been given extra time off by Roy Hodgson after the side's dramatic win over Bayern Munich.

The players were not present when the bulk of England's squad trained under Hodgson for the first time in Manchester.

Lampard said: "It's nice for the Chelsea boys because we'll go with confidence with England when we join up next week."

"England have got a strong squad and we'll go and join up with a spring in our step."

"If we can bring some of the play, the spirit, the determination - whatever it is that's won us the Champions League - into the England team then hopefully that can help this summer."

Cahill echoed Lampard's sentiments and said: "I think it sets us up with confidence because we'll be on a high."

"With three of the Chelsea boys being defenders, knowing each other's game and personality, it hopefully bodes well for us and we'd like to all play a huge part."

"The lads have been to tournaments before. I haven't, so I'm looking very much forward to going, and hopefully we can play a huge part with England."

Scott Parker took part in the opening training session of the Hodgson era.

Tottenham Hotspur's midfielder was troubled by an Achilles problem during the latter part of the domestic season.

But he was able to participate after the squad met up to launch preparations for its Euro 2012 campaign, although the extent of his involvement was not being revealed.

Hodgson has to decide by May 29 whether he thinks Parker is fit enough to play a full part in Poland and Ukraine - the final UEFA deadline for squads to be announced.

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson and Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck sat out the 90-minute closed session in what was described as a precautionary measure.

Hodgson had the chance to address the players at the city centre base before training for the first time since he was appointed as head coach three weeks ago.

The former West Bromwich Albion boss has 19 days and friendly internationals against Norway in Oslo and Belgium at Wembley to hone his plans for the finals.

Barton had requested a personal hearing and an independent regulatory commission found the 29-year-old guilty of two counts of violent conduct.

The controversial midfielder was shown a red card at the Etihad Stadium for elbowing Carlos Tevez, and he then kicked Sergio Aguero before attempting to headbutt Vincent Kompany.

The FA announced Barton received an automatic four-game suspension, with the additional eight matches a consequence of the manner of his dismissal. He was also fined over $120000.

QPR will now begin its own internal inquiry into what transpired on a dramatic final day of an extraordinary English Premier League campaign.

Club spokesman Ian Taylor said on Twitter: "QPR will be making no comment in regard to the Joey Barton case. Internal investigation will begin in due course."

Barton denied the charge of violent conduct against Kompany, but the FA said the case against the player was found to be proved.

The acts were condemned by the chairman of the regulatory commission, who stated: "There are rules of conduct that should be adhered to, and such behaviour tarnishes the image of football in this country, particularly as this match was the pinnacle of the domestic season and watched by millions around the globe."

The FA's regulatory panel had discretionary powers to further increase the length of the suspension if charges were found to be proven.

Barton's admission on Twitter that his violent actions were a cynical ploy to provoke a City player to be sent off saw those discretionary powers employed.

Barton insisted via Twitter on the day of his sending-off that he had not lost his head, but that a team-mate "suggested I should try to take 1 of theirs with me".

QPR is set for a pre-season tour of Asia in July, but it remains to be seen whether Barton, signed on a free transfer from Newcastle United on a four-year deal in August 2011, will be part of Mark Hughes' squad.

Speaking earlier this month, QPR chairman Tony Fernandes said: "There are experienced people who will come back to me and we'll review the whole situation."

"Joey has been an integral part of the club and has played his part."

"This is football, and I'm new to it. I don't profess to have all the answers."

The talented duo is seen viewed as a key component of the club's Premiership defence, with Rogic producing a series of stand-out performances after his debut last season and Zwaanswijk netting seven goals in 29 A-League games.

“Tommy believed staying at the Mariners was the best thing for his personal development and with a full pre-season we believe he will be a key player for us next season.”

“Patrick wanted to play another season and we wanted Patrick to remain a Mariner. He has proven in his two seasons in Australia so far that he is one of the best foreign players ever to play in the country.

"We know and expect Patrick will give us the same level of performance next season as he has in the past two years at the Club.”

The players expressed their joy at signing on with the club until the end of the Group Stage of the 2013 AFC Champions League.

“A little bit of loyalty can go a long way in football, and hopefully I’ve shown that loyalty,” Rogic said.

“I’m pretty grateful to have the other offers that I received but I guess I was leaning towards the Mariners because Arnie's here and they gave me a chance in the first place.

“I just thought it was the best decision for my football career at this point in time and a decision that will give me the best chance to develop as a player."

Veteran Dutch defender Zwaanswijk, who has settled his family on the Central Coast, said he is ready for another season of professional football.

“I am 37 but my body feels like I am 38 so one more year won’t do any harm,” Zwaanswijk said. “No, my body feels good, and mentally I am really fresh and capable of playing another season at this level.”

“It only took two meetings between myself and the Club to reach an agreement for next season, which shows you the kind of person I am and the way the Club is.

“As soon as I told my wife and kids they were jumping in the air.

“I see myself as not only as a player but as someone who could contribute to the Mariners in other ways in the future as well.

"I love the lifestyle, the sponsors and the fans and there are further things we can look to do together when I am finished as a player."

The club has 21 players under contract for the 2012/13 A-League season.

The 2008 champion defeated 2009 FIWC champion Bruce Grannec of France in a penalty shootout after neither player could break the deadlock.

Ramos wins $20,000 and a trip to the next Ballon d'Or Gala after beating out a field of more than 1.3million participants.

"“When I won in 2008 I think there were maybe 100,000 players and now it's over a million. It’s become so very hard." Ramos told FIFA.com.

The FIWC Grand Final was staged in the Jumeirah Resort in Dubai by FIFA and Presenting Partners EA SPORTS and Sony PlayStation, with FIFA World Cup winners Christian Karembeu and Luca Toni special guests.

The final three-day stage of the competition was streamed live on FIFA.com for the very first time and also on The World Game via the FIFA TV YouTube channel.

The operation is scheduled for Friday, ruling the Santos star out of matches against United States on 30 May, Mexico on 3 June and Argentina on 9 June.

Brazil coach Mano Menezes has already lost Barcelona defender Daniel Alves, who has a broken collarbone.

Ganso and Santos teammates Neymar and Rafael had already been excused from Brazil's exhibition match against Denmark on 26 May because the Brazilian club plays against Velez Sarsfield in the Copa Libertadores the following week.

Six-times champion Boca Juniors advanced after salvaging a 1-1 draw against Fluminense with Santiago Silva's 90th-minute goal.

Boca advanced 2-1 on aggregate, having won the first leg 1-0 last week in Argentina.

Midfielder Carleto opened the scoring for Fluminense with a long-range free kick that deflected off the wall.

The match was headed to a penalty shootout when Silva scored the decisive goal at the packed Engenhao stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

Silva found the net from close range after Diego Rivero's shot struck the far post and came back across the area. Fluminense goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri partially deflected the ball after the rebound but Silva charged in to score.

"It was incredible. Our keeper had a very quiet night, they only attacked one time and it was a goal," Fluminense coach Abel Braga said.

"It was a very even match, very similar to the one we played in La Bombonera. The truth is that Fluminense found a goal with some luck," Boca playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme said.

"In the only time we did three consecutive passes, we scored. It was crucial, because we gave a big step to reach the final."

A late goal also decided the all-Brazil quarter-final tie between Cortinthians and Vasco da Gama.

For Vasco veteran Juninho Pernambucano's free-kick just cleared the bar and then Diego Souza was one-on-one with Cassio but hit his lob too close to the keeper who was able to save.

Paulinho settled the tie with a header from an Alex corner.

"This qualification was the merit of the entire team, and I think it was well deserved," Paulinho said.

"Now, we have to rest and start thinking of our next rivals."

The Manchester United forward, who is currently recovering from a minor toe problem, must watch from the sidelines as Roy Hodgson's men take on France and then Sweden after being punished for a red card when he kicked Miodrag Dzudovic during a 2-2 draw with Montenegro in October.

While the 26-year-old, who netted 27 English Premier League goals, will return for what could be a crunch showdown with host Ukraine in Donetsk on June 19, Keane believes keeping the player focused will be the biggest battle.

"English and Irish players are the same, I don't think we are good at hanging around hotels and training camps in the middle of nowhere," said former Manchester United captain Keane, who will be at Euro 2012 as part of ITV Sport's media panel.

"I have experienced that myself as a player, at club level as well, when you go away pre-season for a couple of weeks.

"I think the big problem Wayne will have is the boredom, mentally trying to build up for a game, but he will be fresh and will give England something a bit different - unless England win their first two matches I imagine he will be straight into the team."

Keane, 40, was sent home from the 2002 FIFA World Cup after a bust-up with then Ireland manager Mick McCarthy over the training facilities in Saipan, and appreciates just what a goldfish bowl foreign base camps can be.

"As you get older you might be married and have kids, you might appreciate the peace and quiet, but Wayne is still young, he's pretty active, mentally," said Keane.

"Roy Hodgson will have to manage that, get the balance right what he does on the training pitch, he has to keep sharp, but without overdoing it or getting irritated.

"There are plusses and minuses, sometimes players come back fresh, but it is not as if Wayne can feel his way into the tournament, it's 'you have to produce today'. As good as a player he is, that is difficult."

Given the off-field issues which have overshadowed what was a largely positive qualification campaign for England, expectations of success this northern summer are somewhat subdued.

Keane said: "You would expect them to get out of the group, I just don't expect them to win it, despite who the manager might be and I would have been saying that if [Fabio] Capello was still there.

"England have good players, but I expect them to come up short again like they have in the past.

"I am not dismissing England, they could be the surprise package, but I am not expecting too much from them."

The rout in Riyadh at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd stadium on Wednesday came 12 months after Baniyas coach Gabriel Calderon had guided Al Hilal to the same stage of the competition.

This time the Argentinian was on the receiving end of a drubbing that was orchestrated by Yoo who opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, the 24-year-old international hot shot following up with goals in the 38th, 52nd and 61st minutes.

Former Bolton midfielder Christian Wilhelmsson contributed with a goal in both halves with Mohammad Salem also getting in on the act near the end.

Baniyas, who played the last minute a man down after Saleh Al Menhali was sent-off, avoided a whitewash when it was awarded a 57th minute penalty converted by Francisco Yeste.

In Wednesday's other game another Saudi side, Al Ittihad, progressed with a 3-0 defeat of Iranian outfit Piroozi Athletic.

Naif Hazazi put the host into a 35th minute lead from the spot with Abdelghani Faouzi doubling up on the stroke of half-time and Abdoh Autef completing the lopsided scoreline two minutes from time.

Adelaide United will bid to extend its dream run from the play-offs as it host's Japan's Nagoya Grampus next Tuesday, while 2010 winner Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma plays Uzbek champion Bunyodkor.

Next week's other match is between South Korea's Ulsan Hyundai and Japanese champion Kashiwa Reysol on Wednesday.

Lambert was reluctant to talk about his future and would only say "I'm delighted at Norwich, I've never said I wanted away."

But he is the favourite to succeed McLeish after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer withdrew from the race because of personal reasons and family commitments.

Villa is adamant it was carrying out due diligence on other potential candidates even after interviewing Molde manager Solskjaer over the weekend.

A Villa source said: "The club is getting on with the process of finding a new manager and this process has been very focused from the outset.

"The timeframe is not as important as getting the best man to be the manager.

"The club feels well positioned right now with a number of candidates under consideration."

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez, who rejected the chance to take charge of Villa last year, is second favourite with former Villa player and current Huddersfield boss Simon Grayson also in the frame.

Meanwhile, striker Emile Heskey and central defender Carlos Cuellar have, as expected, parted company with Villa at the end of their contracts.

Both players had made it clear they would be leaving after three-and-a-half and five years respectively at Villa Park.

Number two keeper Brad Guzan has also departed despite holding contract talks because of his desire for regular first-team football.

Heskey, who joined Villa from Wigan during January 2009, has made it clear he wants to continue playing and has been linked with his first club, Leicester.

He has been dogged by an Achilles problem this season but returned to the side during the latter part of the campaign.

Cuellar moved from Rangers in a £7.8 million deal in 2007 and became a versatile performer in operating at right-back, left-back and centre-back.

American international Guzan had to be content with being understudy to Brad Friedel and then Shay Given during his four years at Villa.

But he impressed the then manager McLeish when an injury to Given led to a six-week spell of first- team action last season.

The Brazilian, whose full name is Fabio Alves Macedo, is coach Ian Crook’s second signing of the week after securing the services of Iraqi international Ali Abbas on Monday.

Fabio impressed during a recent trial and will officially join the club once visa requirements are finalised.

"I am very happy to be signing for Sydney FC," said Fabio.

"It’s a great opportunity for me and I’m going to repay the belief the coach Ian Crook has shown in me.

The 27-year old left-back arrives after a season playing for Melbourne Victory and is excited about playing in front of Sydney FC’s fans.

"I know that Sydney FC have a great fan base, especially the Cove, and I want to show them I am 110% committed to the club.

"I hope to help Sydney FC win the A-League championship and I can see we are building a squad capable of doing that."

Crook believes the signing of the Brazilian will bring a boost to the squad.

"He’s technically very good and good on the ball which fits into our possession based game. He feels as though he has a point to prove, so he has a lot of hunger as well."

But it insists there's no cause for alarm.

Brazil plans to spend $13 billion on 101 projects to build or modernise stadiums, airports, roads and public transport ahead of the World Cup, but work has begun on only 60 of them, the government said on Wednesday.

FIFA has for months complained about delays but Brazilian Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo insists preparations for the first World Cup in the football-mad country since 1950 remain on track.

"We are not working on the possibility or the assumption of a delay. We have an eye on the current state of the projects and another on their completion," said Rebelo.

Six of the 12 stadiums that are to host World Cup matches will be ready in time for the 2013 Confederations Cup, the government said.

"The projects are on schedule," said Rebelo. "We expect the Confederations Cup will take place in the six planned arenas."

The Confederations Cup, seen as a dress rehearsal for the World Cup, will be held from June 15 to 30 next year in four confirmed cities: Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia, Belo Horizonte and Fortaleza.

Recife and Salvador could be added at a later stage depending on how work progresses.

The expansion and renovation of stadiums in the southern cities of Curitiba and Porto Alegre is less advanced than in other host cities.

Of particular concern is the mass transit system, particularly access to the host arenas for the millions of tourists who plan to attend the event, as well as the 2016 Olympics.

As of April, only 28 of the 51 planned transport projects had begun. Bidding for seven others is under way and concessions for nine are in the process of being awarded.

Work has begun on only 13 of the 31 planned projects to upgrade airports.

"The government is optimistic and confident about overcoming all the challenges," Rebelo said.

Though he pulled out at Christmas for family reasons, Tana, whose vision and cash provided Perth Glory with the platform for two championships in the old NSL before he quit the game in 2006, dismissed swipes by former national team heavyweights Rale Rasic and Ray Richards that the franchise is deeply flawed.

Tana is convinced the fledging entity has the potential to catapult itself to the top of the Australian football landscape despite the short lead in time and having, for now, FFA as its sole backer.

"Western Sydney is a strong and lucrative franchise waiting to happen," Perth-based poultry producer Tana told The World Game.

"It’s a matter of how much horse power and resources FFA throws at it. Ideally, it needed a little more time to get it just right but it’s all relative – if FFA throws the money at it, of course it will work. You can move a mountain in no time if you are prepared to chuck everything at it.

"The budgets I had in mind for the operation would have required a longer lead-in time, we were aiming to enter the competition in 2013-2014, but things have changed and it can, and I am sure, will be a huge success.

"It’s important to remember though that while the club will have a huge connection with the people of the region it’s not going to be about profit margins. Anybody who’s been involved in football will tell you; this game is not about making money."

Rasic, who led Australia to the 1974 World Cup, said in The Australian newspaper that the project, yet to reveal its home, name or colours and due to enter the competition in five months, was a "bad business decision by the FFA".

He added: "How can you expect to get a club running in five months ... it's suicidal. I don't know what they are thinking."

Richards, who played in the region and has run businesses in the west for more than 40 years, was also scathing, telling the newspaper: "In my opinion, west Sydney is a knee-jerk reaction. They need a 10th team to shore up their television rights deal.

"How can FFA establish a club in less than five months when just about all of the other club models have failed after seven years?"

Tana, who still attends every Perth Glory home game and owns the club’s nib Stadium home, is convinced the groundswell of backing for the second Sydney team among the people of the west is irresistible.

"In terms of the families out there, it’s just busting and burning and ready to happen," he added.

Though the new club’s executive chairman Lyall Gorman has said that coach Tony Popovic is unlikely to be given the largesse to land a big name marquee, Tana is convinced the lack of an international talisman will not turn off would-be fans.

"Don’t underestimate the value of local players in terms of what the western Sydney passion for the game is," he added.

"The locals want to see home-grown talent flourish. When I first started Perth Glory we had predominantly local players. We had only two outsiders initially and they came from the eastern states, not overseas.

"The crowd will follow their own. But the club has to mature with the crowd and with the game. In time they will need to get results of course. But initially get the thing going and in a marketing sense look after the fans and the sponsors and it’s still a recipe and a formula for success."

Tana insists he came close to funding the project himself, adding: "I had talks with Ben Buckley and the desire was there but with my youngest having a child, the fact I’m building a new home and doing a pile of other things I just didn’t think I could devote the time that was required.

"To do it correctly I needed to be there two weeks in every month and that just wouldn’t have been possible. I wish the team all the luck in the world and the best wishes. A second Sydney team needed to happen."

Tana believes the sooner FFA attracts other backers on board the better, adding: "That has to be a priority going forward.

"At the end of the day, it needs to be a club owned by the people. The pain needs to be felt by the people and so does the enjoyment and the passion. And so ownership by the people is crucial."

He derides Richards's conclusion that the club is being rushed into the league to shore up a looming TV rights deal predicated on a 10-tream competition.

"There’s a lot more to this than just a TV deal," he added.

"It may be a factor. What percentage? I say minimal. I’ve always said that the A-League needs two teams in Melbourne and two in Sydney. Well, now it has that."

Di Matteo was given the job for the remainder of the season after the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas in March and led Chelsea to success in both the FA Cup and Champions League.

Despite the trophies it remains unclear if owner Roman Abramovich will give the former West Bromwich Albion boss the job on a full-time basis but Gourlay is confident of an announcement in the coming weeks, no matter who is appointed.

"(A new manager could be appointed) any time over the next couple of weeks and certainly by the time we go on tour," he said. "The players report back on July 4th or 5th and in an ideal world you want the coach in position by then."

Gourlay, who was appointed Chelsea's chief executive in 2009, believes Di Matteo's successful couple of months in charge mean he remains squarely in the frame, even though no discussions have taken place with Abramovich as to who should take the helm.

"It certainly would have made the discussions a bit different. The fact that he has the Champions League on his CV helps him enormously," he said.

"I know there has been speculation in the press and media about conversations with 'XYZ' - That has not been the case.

"We will sit down as a board of directors with our owner as quickly as we can and take our decision from there. We are going through that process now and then we'll sit down ... it's only been a couple of days (since the season ended)."

Russian oligarch Abramovich has seen nine different men manage the club he purchased in 2003 but Gourlay reckons that the managerial merry-go-round at Stamford Bridge has helped maintain a level of success.

"When you take into account how many managers have been sacked or not, when you look at the success we have had on the field it has been there," he said. "We have demonstrated, whether you like our model or not, and we have delivered.

"Certainly since I have been in the role, we have always done what we believe is right for the football club in the long term."

Villas-Boas was dismissed amid rumours that senior players in the dressing room had angled for him to be removed. Gourlay admitted the players are listened to but stressed they do not have the ultimate say.

"We do listen, but at the end of the day it won't force us to rush into a decision," he said.

"We have to get it right. The players will always have a view, but at the end of the day it will be the owners and the board of directors that will decide the best way forward.

"Of course we speak to the players and we're always listening, but we won't get into the scenario where the players pick the next manager."

Drogba, who scored the winning penalty in Chelsea's UEFA Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich last weekend, is widely expected to move to China after revealing he will leave Stamford Bridge.

The Ivory Coast forward has a prolific record at Chelsea, unlike $80 million man Torres, but Gourlay has backed the 28-year-old Spaniard to get back among the goals regularly next season.

"We've got Fernando Torres. And Fernando Torres is the man that we will go forward with and Fernando Torres will score us the goals," Gourlay said.

"Have no doubt that Fernando Torres is a world-class centre-forward and Fernando Torres will score goals for Chelsea. I'm not worried at all. We've just won the Champions League and Fernando Torres played his part in that.

"It's not all about goals. It's not just about the individual scoring goals, his teamwork - he is a very, very important player."

Torres was critical of the club for not giving him enough chances this season, but if a new striker is signed in the off-season Gourlay revealed it would be to support the former Atletico Madrid and Liverpool player, and not to replace him.

"We may have two big-name centre-forwards scoring 25-30 goals for us next season and maybe then we will improve on our sixth position in the league," he said.

Chelsea has reportedly registered an interest with Lille for its Belgium international midfielder Eden Hazard, joining Manchester United and English Premier League champion Manchester City in the hunt for his signature.

Although Gourlay would not confirm the speculation, he was quick to point out he would not get involved in bidding wars with rival clubs.

He said: "There are a number of targets out there and I'm not going to say whether he is one of not.

"We will identify the targets...and will make every effort possible to make sure they come to Chelsea.

"Hopefully if anyone wants to go to a club and win championships and medals then we have demonstrated we can do that and have done that in the past and we have every intention of continuing along those lines in the future.

"If you remember at the end of last season I said I would not get into player bartering with any other club domestically. And that's still the view because you can't.

"At the end of the day we have financial fair play and other football clubs are in the same situation as us. You have to meet certain criteria and while it differs for some European clubs on the basis of how they generate their revenues, certainly the domestic teams are all audited the same way.

"We know what the challenges are - we will have a valuation on a player and if we can't make that work we will drop out."

Of the young players already on the books at Chelsea, Gourlay confirmed it was likely striker Romelu Lukaku and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois would travel with the squad on the pre-season tour of America before decisions are made on whether they remain at Stamford Bridge or are loaned out to gain first-team experience.

Third-placed Young Boys' win away to champion Basle meant at least a point was required by Lucerne, who was level at 1-1 with eight minutes remaining after Florian Stahel cancelled out keeper David Zibung's own goal.

But Zibung's opposite number Kevin Fickentscher was then sent-off and Burim Kukeli converted the resulting penalty before Nelson Ferreira netted a late third.

Young Boys also left it until the closing stages, substitute Mathias Vitkieviez scoring an 80th-minute winner after Moreno Costanzo's opener was cancelled out by Xherdan Shaqiri.

Thun finished one place ahead of Zurich despite a high-scoring defeat as Josip Drmic grabbed a hat-trick.

After a goalless first half the game exploded into life after the interval. Stjepan Kukuruzovic put Zurich ahead in the 50th minute but Marco Schnuewly quickly equalised, and Drmic's first was then levelled by Ardit Zenuni.

But Drmic notched twice more to earn the visitor a 4-2 success.

Lausanne kept itself ahead of Grasshoppers with a 2-1 home win thanks to Matt Moussilou's 87th-minute goal. Jocelyn Roux had earlier equalised after Joao Pedro Paiva put Grasshoppers ahead.

The 31-year-old spent almost six years at the DW Stadium but for the last two seasons has been a fringe member of manager Roberto Martinez's first-team squad.

He will join up with Wednesday in July, joining a club newly promoted to the Championship, on a two-year contract.

Kirkland, who counts Coventry and Liverpool among his former clubs and won an England cap against Greece in 2006, said on his new club's website: "This is a fantastic move for me and I am delighted to be here.

"There have been stories about injuries but I have been fully fit for the last two seasons at Wigan and really frustrated at being a number two.

"I'm chomping at the bit to start playing again and to join a club like Sheffield Wednesday at this time is a great move, although there is great competition for places, which is great."

Kirkland watched the celebrations as Wednesday earned automatic promotion from League One, as supporters flooded the pitch.

He added: "Everybody saw what happened at Hillsborough on the last day of the season and to think that I will be part of that is really exciting."

Mikkel Beckmann gave Nordsjaelland the lead on the stroke of half-time but the result - and, given Copenhagen's superior goal difference, the destination of the title - remained in question until goals from substitute Andreas Laudrup (81') and Andreas Bjelland (87').

That meant the Wild Tigers finished two points ahead of Copenhagen despite the latter's 2-1 win on home turf.

Mostafa Abdellaoue set them on their way with an 18th-minute goal and Dame N'doye's 61st-minute effort ultimately proved decisive as Marvin Pourie pulled one back for Silkeborg.

Midtjylland won 2-0 at Aarhus, Danny Olsen scoring both goals in the first-half, to leapfrog Horsens into third place. Both teams will compete in next season's Europa League qualifying rounds.

Relegation issues were already resolved, but Lyngby signed off in style with a 1-0 win over Brondby thanks to Emil Larsen's first-half goal.

Rock-bottom Koge will also drop out of the top flight but Lasse Kronborg's late equaliser meant it finished with a 1-1 draw at home to Odense, who had taken a first-half lead through Rasmus Falk Jensen.

Nothing was riding on Sonderjyske's clash with AaB but the home side gave its season a rousing finale with a 5-0 win.

Quincy Antipas scored in the second and 30th minutes, sandwiching an effort from Eyjolfur Hedinsson, and goals in the final quarter-hour from substitutes Bjorn Paulsen and Tommy Bechmann rounded off the rout.

The English Football Association confirmed an independent regulatory commission found Barton guilty of two counts of violent conduct.

The FA announced Barton received an automatic four-game suspension, with the additional eight matches a consequence of the manner of his dismissal. He was also fined £75,000 ($121,000).

Barton was shown a red card at the Etihad Stadium for elbowing Carlos Tevez, and he then kicked Sergio Aguero before attempting to headbutt Vincent Kompany.

The acts were condemned by the chairman of the regulatory commission, who stated: "There are rules of conduct that should be adhered to, and such behaviour tarnishes the image of football in this country, particularly as this match was the pinnacle of the domestic season and watched by millions around the globe."

QPR said it will now begin its own internal investigation.

Club spokesman Ian Taylor wrote on Twitter: "QPR will be making no comment in regard to the Joey Barton case. Internal investigation will begin in due course."

Barton denied the charge of violent conduct against Kompany but the FA said the case against Barton was found to be proved.

An FA statement read: "An independent regulatory commission has today dealt with two charges of violent conduct against Joey Barton, arising from the game against Manchester City, resulting in an eight-match suspension and £75,000 fine for the Queens Park Rangers midfielder.

"This eight-match suspension is to run consecutively to the four-game suspension Barton was already given for his dismissal in the fixture, making a total of 12 matches."

The Football Association's statement outlined the reasons behind Barton's long ban.

The statement also read: "Following Barton's dismissal in the 54th minute of the match, there followed two incidents involving Manchester City's Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany. As Barton had already been dismissed, both of these incidents fell outside the jurisdiction of the referee.

"Barton accepted the charge of violent conduct against Aguero but denied the second breach of violent conduct against Kompany. The independent regulatory commission, however, found this second charge proved.

"Barton is already serving a four-match suspension for his dismissal in the match, which consists of three matches for violent conduct plus one match as this was the player's second dismissal of the season.

"The two further breaches for violent conduct ordered he be suspended for eight matches to run consecutively to the four matches, taking the total suspension to 12 matches."

The FA's regulatory panel had discretionary powers to further increase the length of the suspension if charges were found to be proven.

Barton's admission on Twitter that his violent actions were a cynical ploy to provoke a City player to be sent off saw those discretionary powers employed.

Barton insisted via Twitter on the day of his sending-off that he had not lost his head, but that a team-mate "suggested I should try to take 1 of theirs with me".

Speaking earlier this month, QPR chairman Tony Fernandes said: "There are experienced people who will come back to me and we'll review the whole situation.

"Joey has been an integral part of the club and has played his part.

"This is football, and I'm new to it. I don't profess to have all the answers."

The hooligans stuck a pistol into the Racing Club midfielder's knee on Tuesday and promised to "blow off" his leg unless he played better for the struggling first-division team, regarded as one of the "big five" in the local game.

Fan-related violence is endemic in Argentine football.

It has escalated in recent weeks, with threats against players and heads of several clubs.

The non-profit group, Let's Save Football, says at least six people have died in the past six months in football-related violence.

It says the Argentine Football Association has done little to stem the violence.

Platini told the German Press Agency dpa in an interview at the UEFA headquarters that he is a football official and not a politician and that some of the now critical politicians initially praised UEFA when it awarded the tournament to Poland and Ukraine in 2007.

Several European Union politicians have said that they will not attend games in Ukraine during the event which runs from June 8 until July 1.

Germany captain Philipp Lahm recently called on UEFA to comment on the issue which has made big waves.

But Platini said: "He can say whatever he wants. I don't care. Mr Lahm is not my boss. He has nothing to demand from me. He is captain of the German national team, not the captain of UEFA," Platini said.

"Everyone has to fulfil his duties. I don't do politics, I do football. If I wanted to do politics I would go into politics."

The Frenchman Platini said that he referred concerns over the Tymoshenko issue to the Ukrainian government but that the reaction was predictable.

"The reaction is clear: 'deal with your own matters. This is not your responsibility, this is a matter for the Ukrainian justice authorities,'" Platini said.

Platini reiterated that UEFA will never get directly involved in political and religious issues and said that some politicians were simply implausible.

"Everyone was happy at first with the election of Poland and Ukraine. And what do we do when a government changes? Do we strip them of the tournament for political reasons?" he asked.

"I can show you the reactions when the Euro was given to Poland and Ukraine. Everyone applauded and welcomed the opening towards the east. Those who now want to stay away are the same who said four years ago who great it is that we are opening ourselves towards Poland and Ukraine.

"If they now don't want to come to Ukraine they don't come. If they come they will come. I don't do politics, I do football and organise Euro. It is too late for anything else," the former France captain said.

Platini said he is optimistic that the two nations will organise a good tournament in little over two weeks time after initial setbacks in various areas of the preparations for which they received warnings from UEFA.

"Everything is ready. We no longer see any major problems. The people in Poland and Ukraine want to show that they have organised an outstanding Euro. The tournament is very important for the people in Poland and Ukraine," Platini said.

The young man with the scoring touch says it out loud for everyone to hear: It's a love affair. A love affair with football. A love affair with the ball.

"My dad always taught me that you need to have a special relationship with the ball. He told me that the ball is like the most jealous woman that has ever existed. If you don't treat her well, if you don't give her love, she will hurt you. You have to treat her well for her to help you," the 20-year-old Neymar said. "And I really love her."

Neymar says there is nothing he would rather do than spend time on the football field.

"When I'm playing, it's an incredible joy. It's what I love, it's what I like doing," he said. "That's why I always tweet before matches that I'm about to go do what I like doing the most."

With former stars Ronaldinho and Kaka past their prime, Neymar has become the player carrying Brazil's hopes for success in London at the Olympics and then at the World Cup at home.

He is seen as the future of Brazilian football, and the Olympics will give him a chance to prove that he can be the decisive player the entire country expects him to be.

"I've already told federation president (Jose Maria Marin) that I'll bring the gold back to Brazil," Neymar said.

The Olympic tournament is the only significant football competition Brazil has yet to win. The five-time World Cup champion won Olympic silver in 1984 and 1988, and bronze in 1996 and 2008.

"You have a chance to make history," FIFA President Sepp Blatter wrote to Neymar on Twitter after the Olympic draw last month, earning a quick response from the joyful youngster.

"I've got it, prez," Neymar wrote.

Brazil will open against Egypt on July 26, and it will also play Belarus and New Zealand in Group C.

"I don't know a lot about our opponents, but we have to respect all of them because they all made it to the Olympics," Neymar said. "Hopefully we will be able to play well and advance."

Brazilians have their own love affair with Neymar, and the hype about the youngster has reached unprecedented levels in the South American nation.

Many say he has the potential to become the country's greatest player since Pele, who also starred for Brazilian club Santos. Pele himself is a fan, saying that he thinks Neymar will be better than Lionel Messi and "for sure" will be crowned the best player in the world in a few years.

"I'm obviously happy to be praised by someone like Pele," Neymar said. "But to me Messi is the best player in the world. There is also Cristiano Ronaldo and a few other names ahead of me right now."

Neymar was in the list of 23 players running for FIFA's Ballon d'Or player of the year award last year, and won FIFA's prize for the most beautiful goal in 2011.

"Without a doubt he is the greatest name in Brazilian football," former Brazil striker Romario said. "Neymar will be one of the stars of these Olympics Games."

Always smiling and sporting a Mohawk hairdo imitated by kids across the country, Neymar has become an idol on the field and a celebrity off of it. Everywhere you look and everywhere you go in Brazil there appears to be some sort of reference to him.

It might be in one of the dozens of television commercials or billboards by sponsors that make Neymar the best paid athlete in Brazil. Or in a television show talking about the new yacht he has just bought, or the YouTube clip showing him dancing around women in bikinis with a popular local music star.

On the field, Neymar is certainly making a case for himself with remarkable, record-setting performances.

Since he made his professional debut in 2009, he has led Santos to its greatest run since Pele stopped playing in the 1970s.

Neymar has helped the club win the 2010 Brazilian Cup, the 2011 Copa Libertadores and three straight Sao Paulo state championships. Santos made the final of the traditional Sao Paulo tournament four straight times, winning three in a row for the first time since the late 1960s.

With 108 goals, Neymar has already become Santos' leading scorer since the post-Pele era, and the 16th all-time.

"It's great to be able to be repeating the feats of great players like Pele," Neymar said. "I didn't expect these things to be happening to me so fast."

This year alone, Neymar has scored 27 goals in 25 matches, including four hat tricks.

"This has been the greatest year of my life," Neymar said after Santos routed Bolivar 8-0 in round-of-16 of the Copa Libertadores on May 10. "I'm incredibly happy to be playing in a team like this. I'm proud to be making history with this club."

Many Brazilian fans and local media wanted Neymar to be included in the squad for the 2010 World Cup, but his debut in the senior team came in Brazil's 2-0 win over the United States in a friendly match later that year, a game in which he scored. He has been summoned virtually every time since then and has scored eight goals in 16 matches with Brazil.

He was a starter when Brazil was eliminated by Paraguay in the quarter-finals of the Copa America in 2011, the first official competition in which he got a chance to play.

A lot more will be expected from him in his second significant competition, in London. Brazilian fans are hoping he will live up to all the hype, adding a sparkle to their affair with the youngster.

A gift in gold should do the job.

The Tottenham Hotspur player was troubled by an Achilles problem during the latter part of the domestic season.

But he was able to participate when the squad met up to launch preparations for its Euro 2012 campaign, although the extent of his involvement is not being revealed at this juncture.

Hodgson has to decide whether he thinks Parker is fit enough to play a full part in Poland and Ukraine by May 29 - the final UEFA deadline for squads to be announced.

Liverpool defender Glen Johnson and Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck sat out the 90 minutes closed session in what was described as a precautionary measure.

But both are expected to train later this week before England flies out to Oslo for the friendly international with Norway on Saturday.

Welbeck suffered a bruised leg in United's penultimate English Premier League clash with Swansea two-and-a-half weeks ago.

Hodgson had the chance to address the players at its city centre base before training for the first time since he was appointed as head coach three weeks ago.

The former West Bromwich Albion boss has 19 days and friendly internationals against Norway and Belgium to hone his plans and ideas before the Euro 2012 opener with France on June 11.

The Chelsea contingent of John Terry, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and Gary Cahill - plus stand-by player Daniel Sturridge - have been given extra time off after the club's UEFA Champions League triumph.

They will not report for duty until next Tuesday while Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is working to the same schedule after playing with a minor injury during the latter part of the campaign.

Here, Press Association Sport takes a look back at some of the game's longest suspensions.

LUIS SUAREZ

The Liverpool striker was banned for eight matches and fined £40,000 by the Football Association for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra earlier this season.

ERIC CANTONA

The controversial United forward was handed a nine-month suspension from all football and ordered to complete 120 hours of community service after an infamous kung fu kick on Crystal Palace fan Matthew Simmons at Selhurst Park in 1995.

MARK BOSNICH

Australian goalkeeper Bosnich was suspended for nine months in April 2003 after a positive drugs test for cocaine, with his contract at Stamford Bridge cancelled.

RIO FERDINAND

England defender Ferdinand was handed an eight-month ban in December 2003 after he missed a drugs test, ruling the Manchester United centre-back out of Euro 2004.

PAOLO DI CANIO

Italian striker Di Canio, now manager at Swindon, chalked up an 11-match suspension and a £10,000 fine in September 1998 after he pushed over referee Paul Alcock when at Sheffield Wednesday in a Premier League match against Arsenal.

VINNIE JONES

Self-confessed football hardman Jones courted controversy with a video in which he revelled in over-the-top tackles, which landed him a six-month ban, suspended for three years in November 1992 and also a then-record £20,000 fine by the FA.

ROY KEANE

Keane received a five-match ban and a £150,000 fine in October 2002 for comments made about Manchester City's Alfie Haaland in his autobiography.

DAVID PRUTTON

Southampton midfielder Prutton was punished with a 10-game ban and fined £6,000 by the FA after shoving referee Alan Wiley following his red card against Arsenal in 2005.

PAUL DAVIS

In 1988, Arsenal midfielder Davis was banned for nine games after punching Southampton's Glenn Cockerill.

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY TRIO

Sheffield Wednesday players David Layne, Peter Swan and Tony Kay were banned for life in 1965 - punishments which were lifted after seven years - after it emerged they had bet on their own team to lose. All three were jailed.

Barton kneed Sergio Aguero, sending the striker to the ground, and attempted to headbutt City captain Vincent Kompany before being ushered off the field.

The midfielder accepted the charge relating to Aguero, but denied the one against Kompany and requested a personal hearing, where the verdict went against him.

Here, Press Association Sport details some of the other incidents that have been bad news for Barton.

2004: February - Barton red-carded for the first time in Manchester City's FA Cup fourth-round tie at Tottenham, for two bookable offences.

April - Barton storms out of Eastlands before kick-off after being axed from team to face Southampton.

July - Criticised by City manager Kevin Keegan for causing mass brawl in a pre-season friendly at Doncaster.

December - Stubs lit cigar in the eye of young team-mate Jamie Tandy during City's Christmas party. Fined six weeks' wages by the club. Forced to pay four weeks' salary - approximately £60,000 - immediately, with a further two weeks suspended for a year. Tandy later sued Barton, winning £65,000 in damages.

2005: July - Involved in altercation with a 15-year-old Everton fan at City's team hotel in Bangkok during a pre-season tour. Fined eight weeks' wages by City after being found guilty of gross misconduct.

2006: September - Drops his shorts in the direction of Everton fans after City's 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.

December - Shown the second red card of his career - this time a straight red - for a two-footed lunge on Abdoulaye Faye in City's 2-0 home defeat to Bolton.

2007: May - Suspended by City after training-ground altercation with Ousmane Dabo, which leaves his team-mate needing hospital treatment. Charged with assault, and on July 1 2008 receives a four-month suspended jail sentence. Also punished by FA with a 12-match ban - six matches of which are suspended and a £25,000 fine.

December 27 - Arrested in Liverpool city centre after a late-night incident and later charged with common assault and affray. Remanded in custody and misses Newcastle's New Year fixtures, being released on January 3.

2008: May 20 - Jailed for six months after admitting common assault and affray.

2009: May 3 - Sent off against Liverpool for late challenge on Xabi Alonso. Receives subsequent criticism from Newcastle manager Alan Shearer and is suspended by the club two days later.

2010: November 10 - Punches Blackburn winger Morten Gamst Pedersen during a 2-1 defeat for Newcastle at St James' Park. Accepts an FA charge and is banned for three games.

2011: August 1 - Newcastle transfer-list Barton after a series of Twitter comments criticising the club, making him available on a free transfer. He joins QPR on August 26.

2012: January 2 - Scores but is then sent off as QPR loses 2-1 at home to Norwich in the Premier League.

January 26 - Barton unleashes an online tirade against the Football Association, labelling them an "Orwellian organisation" in need of a "drastic shake-up".

May: In the wake of his dismissal against City, Barton launches an expletive-laden Twitter attack on Shearer, his former manager at Newcastle and current Match of the Day pundit, before turning on the programme's presenter, Gary Lineker, saying: "back under your stone you odious little toad..."

The Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund midfielders used to play together at 1860 Munich, but since their paths separated, they have never since played in the same team.

That could change this weekend in Basel when the twins are likely to benefit from the lack of Bayern Munich players in the Germany squad at this stage of preparations for Euro 2012, by lining up side by side in Joachim Low's midfield.

Switzerland might complain of double vision, but the pair hopes Low keeps his focus to recognise what they can bring to his squad.

"We will try to recommend ourselves so we both travel to the European Championships," said Lars, who has been capped four times for Germany.

"Everybody here has a chance of going to the tournament and we want to take that."

Sven, who made his debut against Australia, is one of the most likely candidates to be scratched from Low's current 27-man squad when the Germany coach must hand in his 23-man selection to UEFA on May 29.

He said at a press conference today that he would not have any issues about being included if it meant his brother missed out.

"There is a battle for places and nobody is doing anybody any favours, for sure," he said.

"Everybody has the motivation to be included, but we are also fair sportsmen and are all pulling in the same direction."

Whether that direction is towards Poland and Ukraine will not be determined exclusively by the weekend's friendly international, though, according to Lars.

"It is a really important game, but it is only an addition (to training)," he said. "The coach will have already considered things in the many training sessions so far."

"We just have to try and use every training session and every game to recommend ourselves."

While the Benders are likely to start, the inclusion of Miroslav Klose remains in doubt after he was once again unable to train due to a back problem.

That leaves only Cacau as a recognised striker in Low's squad with Bayern Munich's Mario Gomez due to link up with the squad on Sunday and Lukas Podolski preferred out wide on the left.

A $25 million centre of excellence in Trinidad funded by development cash secretly ended up in the ownership of disgraced former FIFA vice-president Jack Warner.

The USA-based CONCACAF federation covering 40 countries also faces financial penalties after not making tax returns for a number of years, its legal adviser confirmed to its annual congress taking place in Budapest.

Meanwhile, former CONCACAF general secretary Chuck Blazer, the whistleblower who blew the lid on bribes last year, has himself been accused of overseeing financial irregularities and is suing the confederation for commissions - running into millions of dollars - he says he is owed on TV and sponsorship contracts.

The revelations sparked fury from delegates - many of whom from Caribbean countries ended up being sanctioned by FIFA's ethics committee in the fall-out from the bribery scandal which saw Warner resign and Asian FIFA member Mohamed Bin Hammam banned for life.

CONCACAF's lawyer John Collins told the congress he had instructed lawyers in England and Trinidad to investigate the ownership of the Joao Havelange centre of excellence, built at a cost of $25 million.

Collins said: "I received their report yesterday and it appears the centre of excellence was put in the name of two corporations owned by Mr Warner and his family.

"In 2007 a mortgage was placed on the property in the name of CONCACAF signed by Mr Warner and [ex-CONCACAF vice-president] Mr Lisle Austin without getting our approval."

Collins said CONCACAF should now take legal action to recover the centre from Warner.

In relation to the tax irregularities, Collins said no returns had been filed since at least 2007 and maybe before then. Blazer's contract with CONCACAF saw his paid commissions of 10% on all media and sponsorship deals to be paid to an offshore company of his called Sportvertising, based in the Cayman Islands.

Collins said that Blazer was preparing legal action to claim outstanding commission payments.

Delegates lined up to denounce Blazer and there was overwhelming support from FIFA Congress to remove him as a FIFA executive committee member.

Cuba federation president Luis Hernandez told newly-elected CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb: "You are sitting on a timebomb. In all our countries corruption and shady use of resources has a clear name: robbery and theft.

"There are robbers with guns and there are robbers with white collars - and I don't want us to be represented by a thief with a white collar in FIFA."

Pedro Chaluja, president of the Panama FA, added: "We can't have a person represent us on the executive committee of FIFA when this person has made us part of the shady business. It's unpardonable."

Justino Compean, the head of Mexican football, accused Blazer of "manipulating information" and "obscene irregularities".

Webb described his reaction to the revelations as one of "shock, dismay, upset".

He said the cost of renting CONCACAF's offices in New York's Trump Tower, around US$1 million a year, would be reviewed.

The Portuguese is the front runner to replace Kenny Dalglish but has also been linked with Italian club Roma, whose manager Luis Enrique left the club a week ago after a disappointing eighth-placed finish.

Villas-Boas himself was dismissed at Chelsea just eight months after signing a three-year contract as Europe's hottest managerial property.

The 34-year-old thought the move to Stamford Bridge would be the start of a long-term project but after being unceremoniously dumped by owner Roman Abramovich he is looking for a new opportunity to re-establish his credentials.

"What we are looking for is a strong technical plan, that is solid and durable," his agent Carlos Goncalves told romagiallorossa.com.

"Villas-Boas would like to return to coaching in these conditions, but if these conditions are not available, we would have no problems not working.

"I won't confirm or deny contacts with specific clubs. What we are interested in is a technical project, its outlook and a situation that has longevity.

"Liverpool? Again, we look for a club which is very strong and competitive.

"We will see if there are conditions that will attract us with any club."

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez was one of the first contenders to be revealed and while the Latics boss has now gone on a Caribbean holiday it is thought he is preparing for a meeting with Liverpool's principal owner John Henry and chairman Tom Werner in the coming days.

Reports have linked Louis van Gaal with the sporting director's role at Liverpool after an internal restructuring at the club by Fenway Sports Group divided up the responsibilities previously held by director of football Damien Comolli.

However, suggestions in the Netherlands are that the 60-year-old former Ajax and Netherlands coach, who has been out of work since he was sacked by Bayern Munich 13 months ago, would prefer the manager's job.

Meanwhile fans supporting the claims of former manager Rafael Benitez have set up a website in an attempt to persuade FSG to speak to the UEFA Champions League-winning Spaniard.

So far there has been no contact with Benitez, who is out of work and living in the area, and the suggestion has been that he would not be considered but a campaign has begun to ask FSG to reconsider.

The creators of www.talktorafa.com claim they have Henry's email address and they are asking fans to fill in a form on their website to tell the American reasons why he should 'Talk to Rafa'.

Moura, 19, has grabbed the attention of Europe's biggest clubs after establishing himself as one of Brazil's most promising young players.

The attacking midfielder has already won 11 caps for his country and Juvenico warned only an "enormous offer" will prise him away.

Juvenico claimed a bid of £20 million ($32 million) from Inter Milan had also already been declined while Real Madrid had made contact to underline the interest.

But after Chelsea's big-money offer Juvenico believes the newly-crowned European champion is leading the race for Moura.

"We did not accept the offer but of course Chelsea is the closest to signing Lucas," he told Italian website www.fcinter1908.com.

"Inter made an offer of £20.2 million, but this was not considered sufficient by us.

"Real Madrid is one of these other interested clubs - there has been contact with the president Florentino Perez, who admires the player.

"Lucas is a big player who will triumph in Europe, but Sao Paulo will only sell him for an enormous offer."

Asked what Chelsea's bid was, he added: "40million euros.

"I can not say right now (what price Sao Paulo would sell at) because they are assessments that are made taking into account many factors - you know the market.

"But Lucas is a fantastic player with great qualities who is giving so much to the team."

Chelsea's position could be strengthened after it was in negotiations with Sao Paulo only last year when they competed the signing of young striker Lucas Piazon.

Any fears the teenager would baulk at a move to Europe early in his career could also be aided by walking into a Stamford Bridge dressing room that already boasts Brazil internationals Ramires and David Luiz.

"He is still deciding where he would like his future to be but those clubs that are interested are free to do so," Juvenico added.

"What must be decided at the end though should be decided with all relevant parties.

"He has had a great time here (at Sao Paulo) and will only leave for an important offer."

Former France winger Faubert made the last of his 121 appearances for the club as a substitute in Saturday's play-off final win over Blackpool at Wembley.

The 28-year-old was signed from Bordeaux in 2007 by Alan Curbishley and, despite rarely living up to his £6 million transfer fee, he secured a spell on loan with Real Madrid in 2009.

Norwegian striker Carew scored twice in 21 appearances this season after joining from Aston Villa at the start of the season.

Defender Faye and midfielder Diop also arrived on one-year contracts last year.

Goalkeeper Rob Green is out of contract but the Hammers hope he can be persuaded to sign a new deal after securing promotion back to the English Premier League.

Co-owner David Gold said: "There will be one on the table which should be acceptable and hopefully we will wrap that up in the next five weeks."

As he prepares for life back in the top flight next season, boss Sam Allardyce has also released striker Frank Nouble and young midfielder Olly Lee, the son of former Hammers and England star Rob Lee.

A series of injuries and the excellent form of Gareth Bale meant Kranjcar started just nine English Premier League games last season.

The Croatian, who joined Spurs in 2009, has been linked with a move to Ukrainian side Dynamo Kiev and he concedes that could be an attractive option, providing he receives a handsome wage.

"In Russia and Ukraine playing football you can earn huge money," Kranjcar told Croatian website Index.

"Whether we admit it or not, money is important."

Russia has become a popular destination for players looking for a big payday recently, with teams like Anzhi Makhachkala willing to offer eye-watering wages, reportedly up to $24 million a year.

Clubs like Zenit St Petersburg, Rubin Kazan and CSKA Moscow have shown Russian teams are no pushovers in European competition in recent years and Kranjcar is a big fan of how eastern European teams have developed.

"Football in the east has progressed," the 27-year-old said.

"The teams are always high up in the Champions League or are in the Europa League final. It's not like it was 10 years ago."

Tottenham's activity in the transfer market is likely to have a big impact on its success next season.

Luka Modric and Gareth Bale have been linked with moves away from White Hart Lane, but Daniel Levy insists they will stay.

The Spurs chairman is also keen to tie up a permanent deal for Emmanuel Adebayor and add at least two more signings, with Marseille forward Loic Remy and Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen thought to be high on the club's list of targets.

The north London club is also set for a clear-out of fringe players, chief among them Mexican misfit Giovani Dos Santos.

Spurs had big hopes for Dos Santos when he arrived from Barcelona, but the forward has not started a league game since August 2008 and now faces yet more uncertainty over his future after a proposed move to Spanish side Villarreal fell through after its relegation from the Primera Division.

"We were very advanced in terms of agreeing for Giovani to play for Villarreal, but that has all collapsed now because they have been relegated," Dos Santos' lawyer and representative Vicente Montes was quoted as saying on the website of Mexican Radio station Grupo Formula.

"Villarreal being relegated has affected everything - the transfer, the wages. It would have been different had they stayed in the Primera Division."

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp branded the rule "unfair" after Tottenham finished fourth in the English Premier League but saw its place in the Champions League taken by Chelsea as reigning European champions.

Platini said no rule change to the competition could be brought in for at least three years but that UEFA would be prepared to review the regulation.

Speaking in Budapest before the FIFA Congress, Platini told the Press Association: "We can always change the rules. We can always discuss the rules, but not during the competition."

"We have decided not to change the rules or regulations of the competition for three years. So in three years we can change, that means we will come back if you wish."

"Everything can be discussed, the rules, yellow cards, but not during the competition. Perhaps in the next executive committee we can speak about it. I can put that, but they may say no."

Redknapp claimed that UEFA should allow five clubs from one country into the tournament in the special circumstance of a club winning the Champions League but finishing outside of the top four in their domestic league, as happened with Chelsea. UEFA's current rule was introduced in 2005 when five English teams were allowed in to the Champions League after Liverpool won the tournament but finished fifth in the English Premier League.

Platini said that he personally believed there should be a limit of four per country.

He added: "I think so, but it is the matter of the executive committee, a matter for discussion. If you put more in one part you have to take out more from another part and because we always play with 32 teams, with the winner is 31, so we have to decide."

"Perhaps it could be for discussion in the future about the participation of more than four but for the moment it is not possible because the regulations are for four."

He rejected suggestions that Tottenham was being unfairly punished.

"No, they have not been punished, They know the rules, they should have been third and not fourth," said Platini.

Platini also spoke of his personal pleasure at former club Juventus becoming Italian champion again only six years after being relegated following a match-fixing scandal.

"It was a great team, they had problems, they paid - they went to the second division, they come back and now they are champions," he said.

"Welcome back - it's good for Italian football as they are the most popular team in Italy. Welcome back."

"On the outside I try to be neutral. In my heart you never know."

He also joked that if Juventus had been in Tottenham's position his view might have been different, saying: "If Juventus was the fourth team of Italy perhaps I will change the rule!"

The 36-year-old is to see a doctor he has used before, and while the Football Association of Ireland insists the trip is "purely precautionary", it is a distraction Trapattoni could have done without less than three weeks before the Euro 2012 finals get under way in Poland and Ukraine.

An FAI spokesman said: "Shay Given will travel to London tomorrow to visit a knee specialist that he has seen in the past. He will return to Portmarnock in the evening.

"This is purely precautionary and Shay remains fine for the Euros."

Given suffered the problem in training at Gannon Park in Malahide earlier this week and had been ordered to rest for two to three days.

Trapattoni had hinted he would not risk him in Saturday's friendly against Bosnia-Herzegovina at the Aviva Stadium with Keiren Westwood and David Forde ready to step in, but the 73-year-old will keep his fingers crossed that what his medical staff believe is a minor problem does not develop into something more sinister.

It proved a busy day for the Italian, who less than an hour earlier called up Paul McShane as defensive cover after seeing Sean St Ledger join Richard Dunne and John O'Shea on the sidelines.

A Football Association of Ireland spokesman said: "Paul McShane has been called in as an additional player to the squad to provide extra cover in defence.

"All other players remain in the squad. Paul will join up with the squad in Portmarnock this evening."

McShane, who has 26 senior caps for his country, one of them as captain in the 2-0 friendly victory over Italy last year, was one of five men placed on stand-by when the squad was named earlier this month.

The 26-year-old could well go straight into the team for Saturday's friendly, with three-quarters of Trapattoni's first-choice back four likely to be unavailable and potential full-back cover Kevin Foley battling a hamstring problem.

Asked for an injury update after training in Malahide, assistant manager Marco Tardelli said: "We need one year to speak because we have a problem with John O'Shea, with Dunne, with St Ledger, Foley."

At the time, Tardelli revealed Trapattoni was considering calling up another defender, and the news of McShane's impending arrival was confirmed hours later.

Aston Villa's Dunne reported to the team on Sunday with a lower abdominal micro-tear, while O'Shea has been nursing the ankle injury he aggravated in Sunderland's final game of the season against former club Manchester United.

St Ledger is the latest to join the casualty list with a groin problem, while Foley has been working his way back to fitness since he joined up with the squad.

Tardelli said: "St Ledger has a little soreness in the groin. I think it's possible after Saturday or Sunday that he can play, but it's better we don't take a risk and he rests.

"Richard Dunne has a little problem also in the groin, but I think after two or three days, he will be good.

"Neither John O'Shea nor Richard Dunne will play [against Bosnia] - I think. I am not very sure, but it's possible."

However, the World Cup winner is hopeful that none of the walking wounded are genuine doubts for the finals.

He said: "No. no, I don't think so. After three or four days, they will be ready."

The Republic leaves for its pre-tournament training camp in Montecatini, Italy, on Sunday, and there is a possibility McShane could be added to the travelling party for training purposes.

Tardelli said: "We can't go to the Euros with 24 players, the most is 23. We will decide for this match and maybe for Montecatini, but after we will decide.

"It's possible we could have injuries and it is possible to stay with us."

Despite the injury problems, Trapattoni was once again throwing himself into his job.

His assistant knows the 73-year-old as well as anyone, and he admits he never relaxes.

Tardelli said: "Never, never. He likes football and always watches DVDs, he always speaks with us about football.

"That's normal, that's his life."

Asked if he is the same, Tardelli said with a smile: "Yes, because I stay with Giovanni."

The host opened the scoring two minutes before the interval with a curling shot from Shinji Kagawa.

Shinji Okazaki then added another after 57 minutes, poking home a headed assist from Keisuke Honda.

Japan will face Oman, Jordan and Australia in World Cup qualifiers next month.

The 28-year-old was playing for Netherlands in a friendly match against his club side, and was booed each time he touched the ball after his 75th-minute arrival on the pitch.

Oranje was beaten 3-2 by Bayern just three days after the Bundesliga club lost out to Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League final.

Robben missed an extra-time penalty in that match, which was also held at the Allianz Arena, and in a statement his club condemned the jeers.

"Some fans were clearly disappointed that Arjen Robben was playing in the Holland team and not in a Bayern Munich shirt just three days after the lost Champions League final," said chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

"This, however, does not give anybody the right to boo one of our players.

"Arjen Robben is, like all of the players, fans and friends of Bayern Munich, disappointed and deeply hurt by the unlucky and undeserved defeat in a penalty shoot-out in the Champions League final against Chelsea.

"But the style of FC Bayern and our fans is to reach out and help those who are lying on the ground, like the majority of the 33,000 fans did by chanting Arjen Robben's name.

"We have received lots of reaction from our fans today, who want to apologise to Arjen Robben on behalf of those who whistled."

The incident also drew condemnation from Netherlands captain Mark van Bommel, who urged Robben to reconsider his Bayern future despite recently signing a contract extension until 2015.

"It's absolutely outrageous how the fans treated Arjen Robben," Van Bommel told Voetbal International.

"You only have to look at what he has accomplished there. He scored a penalty against Real Madrid in the (Champions League) semi-finals.

"People seem to have forgotten that. They should be pleased to have such a player.

"A large part of the German crowd booed their own player. That cannot happen.

"If I was Arjen, I would start thinking about whether I still want to play football there, even if my contract has just been renewed.

"Arjen is very strong mentally, and comes back stronger each time after every setback. I don't know what Arjen is going to do but this is a disgrace."

Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk also said he would understand if Robben wants to leave Bayern after being booed by their fans.

"It is a disgrace the way they treated Arjen," said Van Marwijk. "I can understand when a player considers whether he should leave or not in such a situation.

"That is not funny anymore, that is serious."

The game was arranged by means of compensation to the Bundesliga club after the Dutch forward returned from the 2010 World Cup with an injury.

Recent reports in Italy claim Balotelli could be included in a swap deal that would see AC Milan defender Thiago Silva move to City.

"I play at Manchester City," Balotelli said in Gazzetta dello Sport. "I am happy at City and I will remain there."

Balotelli joined City from Inter Milan in August 2010 and is under contract with the Blues outfit until June 2015.

The 21-year-old, a self-confessed AC Milan fan, insists there is no truth in reports linking him with a move to the San Siro outfit.

"I don't know anything," he said. "I haven't had any contact with them (AC Milan) in the past few years."

Balotelli would welcome the arrival of Brazil international Silva.

"If Thiago Silva was to arrive to City then for sure we would be stronger," he said.

Balotelli, who came off the bench in City's last-day win over Queens Park Rangers to set up Sergio Aguero's last-gasp winner to clinch the English Premier League title, believes he has a lot of room for improvement.

"This year we were the strongest team and we deserved to win," he said ."As for my season, I give myself a pass mark.

"I am young and it is normal that I make mistakes.

"But with regards to the psychological aspect, I don't pay attention because I am fed up with what everyone says.

"I just have to improve tactically, mature and score always.

"In England they tend to exaggerate regarding what I do off the pitch.

"But those that love me know what I am really like.

"I'm just sorry for my mother because certain (media) stories might upset her."

Balotelli is currently training in Coverciano with Italy's national team in preparation for Euro 2012.

He was included in Cesare Prandelli's preliminary squad despite reports earlier this year claiming Balotelli could be left out after his off-the-field antics throughout this season.

"I never thought I would lose my place in the national team," he said. "I have always been in contact with the national coach.

"This tournament could be the opportunity of my life.

"But I don't feel an added responsibility.

"Prandelli just like (City coach Roberto) Mancini has given me a lot of confidence and waited for me and I cannot wait to repay that trust.

"I don't think I will ever leave him down to 10 men.

"I want to be a winner and give the fans some joy.

"I am really enthusiastic, the European Championship is very important for me."

Benfica midfielder Martins, who spent last season on loan at Granada, was last week included in coach Paulo Bento's 23-man for Poland and Ukraine but a leg injury means he will not be available for the tournament.

Taking his place is 29-year-old Braga playmaker Viana, who won the most recent of his 26 caps in 2007.

Portugal is in Group B at the European championships alongside Netherlands, Denmark and Germany, whom it faces in its opening match on 10 June (AEST).

Mark Hughes' side, which secured its top-flight status on the final day of the season despite a dramatic late defeat at champion Manchester City, will play two friendly fixtures in Thailand and Malaysia during July.

QPR chairman Tony Fernandes, who is also boss of AirAsia, told the club's official website: "We are very excited and honoured to be heading to Asia for our pre-season tour.

"The fans in Asia have embraced QPR since we became involved with the club and it's great that we can give so many of them a chance to come and watch the team play for the first time.

"It is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our brand in this part of the world.

"This brings QPR to the global stage which is critical to our commercial efforts."

The Hoops will play a Thai All Star XI at the 60,000 capacity Ramajangala National Stadium in Bangkok on 14 July before heading to Malaysia and a game against a Football Association of Sabah Select team in Kota Kinabalu.

It remains to be seen whether captain Joey Barton will be part of Hughes' pre-season plans.

The controversial midfielder was set for a personal hearing after the Football Association charged him with two acts of violent conduct since his sending-off at Manchester City.

Barton was shown a red card for elbowing Carlos Tevez and then kicked Sergio Aguero before attempting to headbutt Vincent Kompany.

He will receive an automatic four-match ban as it was his second dismissal of the season, and could receive three-match suspensions for each of the violent conduct charges.

On top of that, the FA's regulatory panel will have discretionary powers to further increase the length of the suspension if charges are found to be proven.

The Brazilian's current deal with Lyon expires next month and he is set to join the Serie A outfit this northern summer on a free transfer.

"All that is missing is the signature but Ederson will be a Lazio player," Ederson's agent Antonio Caliendo said to Italian radio station Mana Nana Sport.

"Lazio president (Claudio) Lotito has been interested in him for five years.

"His future will be at Lazio even though he has received offers from Brazil.

"I will soon meet up again with Lazio and I hope the signatures will then follow."

The 26-year-old joined Lyon from Nice in 2008 and scored two goals in 14 league appearances for the Ligue 1 side this season.

Lazio finished fourth in Serie A and will compete in next season's UEFA Europa League.

The northern Germany side has brought in Raphael Wolf from Kapfenberg to challenge Sebastian Mielitz for the number one jersey.

Strebinger has now signed a two-year deal after joining the club for an undisclosed fee from Hertha Berlin and he is likely to become the club's third-choice goalkeeper.

"Richard Strebinger is a talented player with a lot of potential," said Bremen's director of sport Klaus Allofs.

"We believe he can take the next step in his career with us and we hope he can perform well in our reserve team and recommend himself for a place in our Bundesliga team."

Heskey had already indicated he would be leaving after the final home game of the campaign against Tottenham Hotspur and he has not been offered a new contract.

Defender Carlos Cuellar has also parted company with Villa but the Spaniard is looking to remain in England.

Number two keeper Brad Guzan is the third first-team squad member to be leaving Villa Park at the end of his contract.

Heskey, who joined Villa from Wigan Athletic during January 2009, has made it clear he wants to continue playing and has been linked with his first club Leicester City.

He has been dogged by an achilles problem this season but returned to the side during the latter part of the campaign.

Speculation about the Rovers boss has increased after the club's relegation from the Barclays Premier League, but despite the Scot travelling to India to meet executives of club owners Venky's, his situation remains unclear.

Kean was back at the club's Brockhall training ground on Tuesday and Rao said a decision on his future may not come for a while.

"Still everything is in confusion so I would say in the next month we will have a proper situation to talk about," he told Sky Sports News.

"In the next month let us see what happens. We are talking about various things, so many, about the manager, about the players, about staff, about the club.

"Nothing will be said right away so I would say kindly bear with us for some time and then the whole picture will be clear.

"Getting relegated is not good news for anybody and we have to come back very strongly, and I hope that by taking the right decisions we have to come back at any cost.

"Right now we are totally in shock so let us take it step by step.

"We are still rectifying the whole thing as a club and we are in the middle of the process."

The 21-year-old Lille playmaker is one of Europe's hottest properties and he has been closely linked with a northern summer transfer to Premier League rivals Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea.

Lille managing director Frederic Paquet said he believed there were four clubs leading the chase for Hazard but said he did not know where the player would be moving to.

Hazard's agent John Bico says terms have already been agreed with all suitors, saying in the Daily Telegraph: "We are no longer in the negotiations stage. We have reached agreement with all parties. There will be no higher bid.

"Eden has already said he wants it to be fixed before 2 June. He will decide after the games against Montenegro and England, then go on holiday with peace of mind."

Belgium plays Montenegro in Brussels on Friday and then takes on England at Wembley on 2 June.

The Oranje were beaten 3-2 by Bayern just three days after the Bundesliga club lost out to Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League final.

Robben, who missed a penalty against the Blues, came on as a 75th-minute substitute for Netherlands against his club side but was jeered by sections of the crowd.

And Van Bommel was furious at the treatment he received.

"It's absolutely outrageous how the fans treated Arjen Robben," the midfielder told Voetbal International.

"You only have to look at what he has accomplished there. He scored a penalty against Real Madrid in the (Champions League) semi-finals.

"People seem to have forgotten that. They should be pleased to have such a player.

"A large part of the German crowd booed their own player. That cannot happen.

"If I was Arjen, I would start thinking about whether I still want to play football there, even if my contract has just been renewed.

"Arjen is very strong mentally, and comes back stronger each time after every setback. I don't know what Arjen is going to do but this is a disgrace."

Robben recently signed an extended deal with Bayern until 2015, but Wesley Sneijder says he would be welcome at his current employers, Inter Milan.

"The reaction from the fans was scandalous," said Netherlands midfielder Sneijder.

"Not only that, but over the last few days no-one at Bayern has defended him. By doing that, they're shutting him out.

"Arjen has had a very disappointing evening. If it was my decision, he'll come to Inter this summer."

Keane used his newspaper column to question the 26-year-old Spartak Moscow midfielder's form for his country as he prepares for the EURO 2012 finals in Poland and Ukraine.

But McGeady said: "Roy Keane? He says enough anyway. I played with him at Celtic and that was bad enough.

"He is just one of those guys who has something to say about everything. I got on with him as a guy, but he is just one of those guys who has an opinion on everything.

"I never saw it, but they [former players] are entitled to their opinion.

"Over the qualifying campaign, I was probably not great in every game, but I know - not being big headed - that I was probably one of the main players.

"When other people talk about the 'final ball', that is their opinion, but who set up more goals than me in the qualifiers?

"Possibly because I don't get one [cross] in every time, I get criticised."

Shenhua, bankrolled by colourful video-game mogul Zhu Jun, signed Drogba's ex-Chelsea teammate Nicolas Anelka in December and it has been in talks with the Ivory Coast international since at least January.

"As of now, Shenhua's negotiations with Drogba are continuing just as planned," Zhu told the Oriental Sports Daily.

Drogba, 34, revealed on Tuesday he was quitting English Premier League giant Chelsea, just days after his match-winning performance in the UEFA Champions League final against Bayern Munich.

Drogba scored a late equaliser as well as the decisive spot-kick in the penalty shoot-out.

Since joining Chelsea from Marseille in 2004, he has tallied 157 goals in 341 appearances, helping the club win 10 trophies.

"It has been a very difficult decision for me to make and I am very proud of what we have achieved, but the time is right for a new challenge for me," he told Chelsea's website.

Drogba would be the latest star signing for China's increasingly big-spending Super League, after World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi joined Guangzhou Evergrande last week.

But Anelka's move has not been without its problems. Last week, he threatened to quit Shenhua over the club's plans to hire a new head coach, according to local media.

"If there is still no one to support me and (they) continue to play little tricks behind my back ... then I will quickly decide whether or not to retire," the Frenchman told Xinmin Evening News.

Club owner Zhu has written to Anelka's agent and lawyer asking for an explanation, the Oriental Sports Daily said.

In April, Shenhua sacked French coach Jean Tigana, then the highest-profile manager to work in China, after just a handful of games and replaced him with a makeshift set-up including Anelka as player-coach.

It is now tipped to be targeting Sergio Daniel Batista, who led Argentina to Olympic gold in 2008, as the new manager.

Drogba is one of the Premier League's most successful strikers and he departs Chelsea as its fourth all-time highest scorer.

His 34 goals in European competition is a club record by 10 goals.

During his eight seasons at Stamford Bridge, he won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups and the Champions League title.

The Uruguay international is a reported target of several top European clubs, including Manchester City, after another excellent campaign with the Serie A outfit.

Cavani was instrumental in Napoli's fifth-placed finish this season, scoring 23 goals in 35 league appearances.

"If we receive a mega offer for Cavani then I will not be able to hold back," De Laurentiis said to Gazzetta dello Sport.

"For now, no club has offered me the money I'm asking for."

Napoli slapped a 100 million euros ($130 million) price tag on Cavani last year and the 25-year-old was strongly linked to Inter Milan, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.

The South American player is under contract with Napoli until June 2015.

The Argentine forward is set to join the Nerazzurri in a reported 11 million euros ($14.2 million) transfer deal.

"Palacio was one of the players that asked us at the end of the season to be transferred," Preziosi said to Sky Italia. "We have already reached an agreement with Inter.

"Inter tried to acquire him in the past two years.

"This deal has been a good transaction for both clubs as well as for the player, whose wages have doubled."

Palacio, 30, came close to joining Inter last summer but Genoa turned down all bids for the former Boca Juniors player.

The South American, who scored 19 goals in 32 league games this season, is under contract with the Grifoni for a further two years.

The 39-year-old Garcia has penned a two-year contract with the Israeli side having this week left his position as coach of Barcelona's youth team.

Garcia, who as a player also represented Valencia and Espanyol, said on www.maccabi-tlv.co.il: "I am honoured to be joining a club with such a great history. I am looking forward to all the challenges that lay ahead and I am committed to do my best for the club."

Maccabi sports director Jordi Cruyff added: "I'm delighted that we have been able to attract to Maccabi Tel Aviv a coach of Oscar's calibre especially as he had several other options."

The 27-year-old Silva is under contract with the Rossoneri until June 2016 and is also a reported target of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

"Neither I nor Thiago have had contacts with Manchester City or Barcelona," Silva's agent Paulo Tonietto said to www.calciomercato.it. "His preference is certainly Milan.

"Only the club executives of Milan can decide whether to sell the player.

"Right now the rumours circulating regarding his future are simply media speculation."

Silva joined Milan in 2009 from Fluminense after previous unsuccessful spells in Europe with Porto and Dynamo Moscow.

He made 27 league appearances for Milan this season.

Montella has been strongly linked with a return to Roma this nortehrn summer to replace Luis Enrique after the Spaniard announced he would not continue in charge despite having one year left on his contract.

Reports in Rome claim the Eternal City giant is willing to offer Montella a two-year deal with an optional third year.

"Montella is our coach and he is under contract until next year," Pulvirenti said to Gazzetta dello Sport. "I hope I have been very clear."

Montella guided Roma to sixth spot in Serie A in 2010-2011, having taken over as caretaker boss in the February, but was not offered a contract extension to remain at the Stadio Olimpico.

He joined Catania last summer and led them to a respectable 11th-placed finish this season, while Roma ended the campaign outside of the European places in seventh.

Hughton is believed to be the leading contender to replace new England manager Roy Hodgson at the Hawthorns.

He was interviewed for the job 15 months ago before losing out to Hodgson.

But at that time Hughton was a free agent after being sacked by Newcastle United two months earlier, and Birmingham is keen to retain his services.

A source close to City said: "Chris is very highly rated at Birmingham and has done a great job since taking over.

"The Blues are planning for next season, want Chris to be part of those plans and any approach would not be welcome."

Birmingham is anxious to avoid a repeat of last summer when manager Alex McLeish resigned and joined Aston Villa.

That resulted in a lengthy compensation battle and, if City does lose Hughton, it will expect to be fully recompensed in a similar manner.

Hughton signed a 12-month rolling contract when succeeding McLeish.

He led Birmingham to the npower Championship play-off semi-final in a season spanning more than 60 games, despite losing most of the squad which won the Carling Cup.

Bent suffered EURO 2012 heartbreak when he failed to recover from ankle ligament problems in time for when Hodgson announced his squad a week ago.

But the Aston Villa player, who was also not selected for the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, has been reassured about his international future during a phone call from Hodgson.

Bent said: "Roy rang me and told me he couldn't pick me for the Euros because I hadn't played any games and so he couldn't take the chance of taking me to a tournament.

"I've had three phone calls now to tell me I wouldn't be going to various tournaments but Roy's was the best and he was understanding and really good with me on the phone.

"He said to me that I would be part of the qualifiers (for the World Cup).

"My aim now is to perform well for Villa next season and then hopefully I will be picked by England as well."

Bent is determined to put his disappointment at not being part of the squad for Poland and Ukraine behind him.

He said: "Training the next day after I found out was hard. The fitness guy at Villa even told me I looked a bit demotivated.

"It was hard to take initially but now it's about bouncing back and moving on."

The 30-year-old Lopez, who has spent the last five seasons at Villarreal after joining from Real Madrid, has penned a five-year contract with the Andalusian club.

The once-capped Spain international said on his new club's website: "It's all been very quick. I'm very happy and looking forward to wearing the Sevilla shirt and trying to help them continue being a big club.

"It's a big club for lots of things, for their fans, for what you feel when you go to play there. You always feel a little bit of envy when you experience that from outside, and now I'm very excited to be able to live it from the inside."

Sevilla, the 2006 and 2007 UEFA Cup winner, finished ninth in La Liga last season while Villarreal, having finished fourth in 2011, was surprisingly relegated after losing at home to Atletico Madrid on the final day.

The 27-year-old has broken off negotiations over a new contract and will leave the Bundesliga club as a free agent this northern summer.

"Tranquillo has turned down our offer and he will leave us on June 30," said Bayer's general manager Wolfgang Holzhauser on his club's website.

"This is very regrettable because we wanted to extend his contract, but we could not reach an agreement financially."

A serious knee injury has kept the former Hannover midfielder on the sidelines for much of the last campaign but he was a regular in the previous five seasons in which he made a total of 183 Bundesliga appearances.

It is not clear whether the 59-time Switzerland international has found a new club.

The 34-year-old has announced he was leaving the club which he helped win the Champions League in Munich to bring the curtain down on a trophy-laden spell in west London.

Drogba is now expected to join up with former Chelsea team-mate Nicolas Anelka at Chinese club Shanghai Shenhua in a lucrative free transfer.

It remains to be seen who will take over the team, with Chelsea set to wait until Roberto Di Matteo's contract expires at the end of June before deciding on the Italian's future after the interim manager delivered an FA Cup and European Cup double.

Spain striker Torres may feel he has had to play second fiddle to Drogba since his move from Liverpool 18 months ago, but the departing star is in no doubt who will be the new goal king of Stamford Bridge.

"It has been difficult for him, but he has showed he is the man. Next season is going to be his season and I will try to speak to him," said Drogba.

"We have a good relationship. We don't understand why we didn't play together more, but that's the past. Torres is the future."

Drogba admitted had Chelsea not won the Champions League, delivered with his decisive penalty in the shoot-out, then he might have been tempted to stay for one more crack at Roman Abramovich's 'Holy Grail'.

Speaking to Radio Five Live, he said: "I think winning the game was the key. Not me scoring the penalty. Winning the game was the turning point, that's why I have decided to say goodbye.

"We made the story together and I want people to remember that. This is the best time to move on.

"Yes, there's a chance that if the result was different, maybe I would be here.

"We were talking for many weeks, but the turning point was based on the fact I won everything I could and scored in most of the finals we have played, trying to make a difference.

"I hope everyone will understand. Everything I did was for the fans and I hope they understand."

Drogba added: "Leaving Chelsea in any case would be difficult, but now even more. It is impossible, Chelsea is in my heart. My blood is blue and my heart even more so."

Farina was in charge of the Socceroos in their failed bid to qualify for the 2002 tournament and was dismissed by Frank Lowy in the latter stages of the campaign for 2006.

Today Farina is plying his trade as national coach of Papua New Guinea.

After being relieved of his last job in Australia with Brisbane Roar for driving under the influence of alcohol in 2009, Farina has adapted beautifully to his new job.

"Look, I do get annoyed and frustrated sometimes and working here showed me another side of coaching," Farina said, after a training session on the Gold Coast where he is putting the finishing touches to his squad's preparations for the forthcoming 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign.

"But the best thing about it is that I went there with an understanding of what to expect and what I was getting into.

"So it was not like I went to PNG completely cold. I grew up there, after all."

It is a far cry though from the days when Farina was in charge of high-profile stars like Mark Schwarzer, Craig Moore, Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka as they strutted their stuff on some of the world's big stages.

"Obviously things are a lot different to what I was used to with the Socceroos," he said.

"I knew I would not have the same set-up, facilities, funding and backing and I saw it as real challenge to be honest.

"However regarding the work ethic and professionalism from the players I could not ask for more.

"It has been a pleasure working with them. I find the whole experience refreshing, actually.

"They are not very big in stature but technically very good players and, I tell you, a couple of them could play in the A-League.

"Their major problem is that they do not play too many games of a certain level on a regular basis."

Next week the unfancied island nation will take on New Zealand, Fiji and Solomon Islands in a round-robin in Honiara in the first step of its qualifying campaign.

"Hopefully we can achieve success in this World Cup campaign," he said.

"It's going to be very hard. New Zealand should win the group easily and the way I see it is that it will be a three-way battle for second spot between us, Fiji and the Solomons to go into the next phase."

So would success with the unheralded PNG team give him more satisfaction than his previous feats at a higher level?

"Not really," he said. "I'm a greedy bugger and I want to win every time because winning is always satisfying, whoever you get it with.

"I've just got a different mountain to climb now. Having said that, success here would be fantastic, just like any other, mind you."

Farina, who lives in Brisbane but commutes to Port Moresby every month, is the latest recipient of the Alex Tobin Medal, the annual Professional Footballers Australia award given to past or current players for their services to the game.

"I was shocked and honoured by the award," the 47-year-old said.

"I even asked Brendan Schwab when he rang to tell me of the award: 'how the hell did I get that?' and you can quote me on that."

Farina's latest recognition for his achievements on and off the field will go a long way towards restoring his reputation among the football family that was sullied by the DUI affair.

Although he would not bring up old grudges it is no secret Farina felt terribly let down by governing body Football Federation Australia when his contract with Roar was terminated.

"Some individuals were behind what happened but it not worth going into it again," he said.

"It's all in the past now and I'm not going to blame anyone else because at the end of the day it was myself who got into trouble.

"And how they dealt with it was their choice.

"Winning the Tobin Medal might restore my reputation although I still believe I don't have a bad name in Australia.

"Without trying to sound big-headed, at the time I had a high profile so the incident gave some people an opportunity to attack me from every angle.

"People might say that is what comes with the territory but it was not nice, put it that way."

In a statement, the club thanked the versatile player who joined from Adelaide United in April 2007. Kemp made 79 appearances for Victory, his last being against Greek giant Olympiacos. During his time, Kemp won the Premiership/Championship double in 2008/09 as well as an international cap against Kuwait, during the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers in 2010.

“I’d like to thank the club for those opportunities and wish them all the best in the future,” Kemp said.

Kemp also wanted to be clear that injuries weren’t a factor in his decision. “I could have continued playing, but my decision was more based on the future. I felt it was time to look ahead, re-train in areas that will provide future professional opportunities and most importantly, give me a chance to spend more time with my family,” he added.

Managing Director, Richard Wilson said: “We thank Kempy for what he has brought to our club and wish him and his family all the very best for the next phase of their lives.”

Kemp is the latest player to leave the club under recently installed coach Ange Postecoglou. Fellow veterans Carlos Hernandez, Grant Brebner and Ante Covic have already been released.

Portugal forward Ronaldo spent six years at Old Trafford and would like to have seen Ferdinand in Ukraine and Poland.

Ronaldo said: "Rio is the best centre-back in England and still one of the best in the world. I don't understand why he is not in the national team.

"Maybe the coach has justifications and we have to respect those. But I have to be honest, I love Rio.

"He's a great player, great man and he should be in the national team because he would help England do well... maybe to win the tournament," Ronaldo told The Sun.

Despite the absence of Ferdinand there is still a good chance of success for England at the tournament, according to Ronaldo.

"I always expect England to win a big tournament," he added.

"England have some of the best players in the world and are always tough opponents for any team.

"I hope England do well in the Euros because I have a lot of friends there. It is a country I like a lot. I expect big things for England, the new coach and the country."

The Queensland native will be presented at the annual PFA Awards in Brisbane on 13 June. Farina joins an illustrious list with Mark Viduka, Joe Marston, Craig Johnston and Johnny Warren (posthumously) named as previous winners.

Since earning a scholarship to the Australian Institute of Sport in 1982, Farina has enjoyed a successful career as both a player and coach.

He played with the Canberra Arrows, Sydney City and Marconi in the former national soccer league (NSL) for six years before a seven-year career in Belgium, Italy and France. On his transfer from Club Brugge in Belgium to Bari in Italy in 1991, he attracted a then record transfer fee for an Australian player of $3.2 million.

He also played for Australia in the 1983 World Youth Cup, the 1986, 1990 and 1994 World Cup campaigns, the 1988 Bicentennial Gold Cup and Seoul Olympics. In total, he played 86 times in an Australian shirt, including 37 ‘A’ internationals for 10 goals.

At the Brisbane Strikers Farina took on a player-coach role, winning the 1997 NSL championship before a capacity home crowd. In 1999 and at just 34, he was appointed national coach of the Socceroos before being replaced by Guus Hiddink in 2005.

“Frank Farina rose to the top of Australian football at a time and in an environment where it was difficult to do so – let alone for a self-described skinny kid from regional Queensland via New Guinea,” said PFA Chief Executive, Brendan Schwab.

“He was in the second intake of players to the football program at the AIS 30 years ago and he has been an important contributor to the football narrative in Australia ever since.[Frank] was appointed to coaching positions at a very young age, without the benefit of the professional coach education now available.

“He has helped advance Australian football both here and overseas, and he is a worthy recipient of the Alex Tobin Medal.”

The final phase of Australia's World Cup qualifying journey starts with travel to Muscat - and the peak of the region's summer - on June 8.

While Kennedy, a standout with Japanese club Nagoya Grampus since 2009, is looking forward to taking on his J.League counterparts on Australian soil on June 12, the challenge of playing Oman is foremost in his mind.

Oman, buoyed by its first phase 1-0 triumph over Australia in November, will host the Socceroos in conditions that, at their worst, could reach 40C.

Kennedy warns that match will be a big challenge for several reasons.

"I think we've seen that we can't underestimate anyone," said Kennedy.

"They (Oman) will think they can do the same thing (beat Australia) obviously, they did it last time.

"It's going to be tough conditions as well with the weather, and a lot of the boys now, from Europe, are in an off-season.

"All these little things that we really need to concentrate on, we need to come together as a team and do it."

Domestically, Kennedy has been making the most of a stop-start campaign in the J.League, where he has missed the odd game due to a back injury.

Now recovering from his early season ailment, Kennedy has been in sound goal-scoring touch for his club - netting three times this season - after slotting eight goals in green and gold throughout 2011.

One of the more prolific marksmen chosen by coach Holger Osieck in the 30-man squad for next month's matches, Kennedy will share goal-scoring responsibilities with experienced trio Tim Cahill, Brett Holman and Harry Kewell, along with emerging stars Robbie Kruse and Nikita Rukavytsya.

"I guess it gets down to the serious end of it all, every game counts and you can't slip up," said Kennedy.

"I definitely want to be a part of things and just like in the last round of qualification, help the team win games, score goals and get us through to Brazil.

"Obviously there is still a few old faces from when I was first involved. I also think there's enough talent coming through to carry us on past this World Cup and the next one.

"It's an exciting time."

Since missing the 2011 Asian Cup through injury, Kennedy has regained his standing as one of the team's cornerstone members under Osieck.

After nine years playing in Germany, bilingual Kennedy has evidently struck up a good working relationship with German Osieck.

"I like it (working with Osieck) very much, to be honest," said Kennedy, who has found the back of the net eight times from as many appearances under Osieck.

"I think I understand him maybe a little bit more than the others with his German but he's enjoyable to work under.

"He's honest and he gets down to business and doesn't muck around."

Hodgson has had to wait three weeks since becoming manager to link up with new skipper Steven Gerrard and the majority of the players chosen to play at Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine this northern summer.

The conclusion of the Barclays Premier League season and the need for players to take a short break before preparations begin has delayed Hodgson's involvement with the squad.

It leaves the former West Brom boss just 19 days and two friendly internationals against Norway and Belgium to hone his plans before the Euro 2012 opener with France on June 11.

The players will undergo their first training sessions with Hodgson over coming days before flying out to Oslo for a match with Norway.

It is the first time the squad has been together since the 3-2 defeat by the Netherlands at Wembley in late February - and it will be next week before a full compliment of players is at Hodgson's disposal.

The Chelsea contingent of John Terry, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and Gary Cahill - plus stand-by player Daniel Sturridge - have been given extra time off after the club's Champions League heroics.

They will not report for duty until next Tuesday ahead of the home clash with Belgium at Wembley on June 2.

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is also working to the same schedule after playing with a minor injury during the latter part of the campaign.

But in any case Rooney is suspended for England's opening two Euro games and his first chance to be involved in the tournament will be against Ukraine on June 19.

Hodgson has still to decide whether Rooney will play against Belgium given that he has to make alternative plans against France and then Sweden. Andy Carroll, Jermain Defoe and Danny Welbeck are the other striking options in the squad.

The main injury concern of the players reporting tomorrow continues to be Tottenham midfielder Scott Parker.

Parker, who skippered his country against the Netherlands, was troubled by an Achilles injury during the latter part of the domestic campaign and he will be assessed by the England medical team.

Hodgson was optimistic about his chances when he announced his squad a week ago but will not make a final decision until May 29 - the date the final Euro squad needs to be submitted.

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson is on stand-by should Parker be ruled out.

Arjen Robben has been booed by many of his home Bayern Munich fans during an appearance for Netherlands in a friendly three days after he missed a penalty in the Champions League final against Chelsea.

Bayern won 3-2 in a match that was part of the settlement to a long dispute between the club and the Dutch football federation after Robben returned injured from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and could not play for months. Bayern demanded and won compensation as a result.

Robben came on for Netherlands with 15 minutes remaining. While a large section of the crowd booed the winger every time he touched the ball, others chanted his name.

In the UEFA Champions League final, Robben's spot-kick in extra time was saved by Petr Cech and Chelsea won a penalty shootout to lift the title.

Former Bayern captain Mark van Bommel called it "scandalous" how the Bayern fans whistled at Robben.

"After all he's done for this club it's a scandal," Van Bommel said.

Late substitutes Franck Ribery and Mario Gomez combined to give Bayern the victory.

Ribery provided the perfect pass after good work on the wing and Gomez tapped the ball into an empty net in the 87th.

Toni Kroos and Nils Petersen scored for Bayern in the first half, while Netherlands replied through Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Luciano Narsingh.

The match also served as farewell for five players leaving Bayern - Ivica Olic, Danijel Pranjic, Takashi Usami, Rouven Sattelmaier and Breno - and goalkeeper Hans-Joerg Butt, who is retiring.

The 29-year-old netted 11 goals for the London side in 23 appearances last season, which was enough to earn himself a call up into Roy Hodgson's Euro 2012 squad.

Nevertheless, Defoe has slipped down the pecking order at White Hart Lane, with on-loan Emmanuel Adebayor deployed as a lone frontman supported by Rafael van der Vaart.

Defoe believes he is in a dilemma.

"It is a difficult one. I have never said I want to leave the club, all I have just said is I want to play," Defoe told talkSPORT:

"As a forward you just want to get some sort of rhythm and a run in the team. That wasn't the case towards the end of the season.

"I am going to concentrate on England and go to the Euros, then see what happens.

"The most important thing for me is scoring goals and that is when I am at my happiest."

Tottenham finished fourth in the Barclays Premier League, having eventually been overhauled by rival Arsenal.

However, after Chelsea won the Champions League in dramatic fashion in Munich on Saturday night, it meant Harry Redknapp's men will now head into the Europa League instead.

It is scant reward for a campaign which for so long had promised so much.

"The main aim of the season was to finish in the top four, and we have done that. What happened with Chelsea was out of our hands and was just unfortunate," said Defoe, who is in his second spell at the club having been signed by Redknapp at Portsmouth in January 2008.

"There have been lots of ups and downs, but we all stuck together and still performed."

The loss of Champions League football for another campaign has again cast doubt over the future of some of his team mates.

Wales winger Gareth Bale is said to be on the wanted list of a string of top European clubs, while Croatia playmaker Luka Modric has previously been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea, with Manchester United also a potential suitor for the 26-year-old.

Tottenham is also understood to be in talks with Adebayor over making his loan move from Manchester City permanent, although the transfer fee and wages of the former Arsenal frontman could well prove a stumbling block.

Defoe believes the White Hart Lane hierarchy must look to take the squad forwards with the current group.

He added: "In football you never know what is going to happen, but it is always important to keep hold of your top players.

"Some players like Luka Modric and Gareth Bale are players you cannot replace, so it is important to keep them."

Ex-Manchester United defender Neville has become part of Hodgson's backroom staff ahead of Euro 2012, penning a four-year deal.

The 37-year-old, capped 85 times for England, became the Manchester United skipper after Keane's departure from Old Trafford in 2005, going on to lift the Premier League twice.

Neville has divided opinion in his role as media pundit for Sky Sports, drawing criticism for some forthright views - including claiming Chelsea defender David Luiz had played like he was controlled by "a 10-year-old on a PlayStation".

Keane, 40, feels his old team-mate will take to a coaching role, but on very much of a steep learning curve.

"It is important you are yourself. Gary can talk, but don't think for one minute he was as influential in the dressing room as people might think he was," said former Republic of Ireland midfielder Keane, who will be part of ITV Sport's media team at Euro 2012.

"Gary would say his piece, but he wasn't running the show far, from it so don't think for one minute he will be going into England and calling the shots.

"He will be learning his trade and being a link between the manager and the players and I think he will be good at that."

Keane added: "It is a good appointment, but let's see how it pans out.

"Just like with anyone who is appointed to any job, only time will tell.

"He has not done any coaching before, I know he has done his coaching qualifications, but sitting in a studio talking about teams is very different. "There is no point building them up too much and there is no point knocking them either. Give the man a chance."

Keane believes Neville could find it difficult juggling roles on and off the pitch.

"I am surprised he has kept his role with doing TV, that can be difficult," said the former Sunderland and Ipswich manager.

"You can get your way around criticising players by saying: 'I would expect the player to do better'.

"He probably won't be as critical as me and speak in the terms I do. I know Gareth does it, but he's not on the dressing room, he's not on the training pitch, he's not working with the players.

"Hopefully he will do well. Gary is a decent guy and he has played at a decent level, but that doesn't guarantee you success."

Former England midfielder Gareth Southgate will also be on the ITV panel at Euro 2012.

The 41-year-old is currently the Football Association's head of elite development, working alongside Sir Trevor Brooking at the new St George's Park hub.

Southgate, who had a spell as Middlesbrough manager from 2006 to 2009, believes a delicate balance between criticism and analysis is needed when working in the media.

He said: "You are conscious that people would like to see you fall over so you've got a responsibility whenever you talk on television. It is easy to have an opinion without responsibility.

"It is similar to coaching. When mistakes happen you'd call your players in talk through it and highlight what went wrong. You wouldn't necessarily crucify them for doing that.

"You are trying to explain what has happened and how you could improve and what they could do differently and try to keep their confidence at the same time."

Southgate - who famously missed a penalty in the Euro '96 shoot-out defeat to Germany at Wembley - added: "I don't find it a problem, if ITV wanted someone to come on and did a hatchet job on people then fine, but there is no point in bringing in me.

"I know how hard it is to play and especially how hard it is to manage."

The 30-year-old - scorer of 51 goals in 82 internationals - had been a major doubt since breaking his tibia at last December's World Club Championship.

However, the Barcelona star was given time by national coach Vicente del Bosque to prove his fitness but time finally ran out on Tuesday as the defending European champion arrived at its training camp in Austria.

"David Villa cannot definitely be on the list for Euro 2012," read a statement on the Spanish Football Federation's website.

"Villa spoke with the national team doctor this afternoon after the arrival of the team in the Austrian town of Schruns.

"After not getting in the final practice and development desired, David Villa spoke with del Bosque, who relayed that although it was Villa's wish to be with the team in Poland and Ukraine, that his physical state was 'not as good' as would be desirable."

The 26-year-old Republic of Ireland international joined up with his Euro 2012-bound team-mates having been voted as one of the best 33 players in Russia following his second season at Spartak Moscow.

McGeady has two years of his existing contract remaining, and, while he admits he does not see himself staying beyond the confines of that deal, he is not agitating for a move.

Asked if he thought the chance to play in England would come his way one day, the Glasgow-born winger said: "I am not too sure.

"Eventually, if I stay at Spartak for the next two years and my contract runs out, I would think so, but I am not really thinking about that at the minute.

"I am not thinking about leaving or thinking about upping sticks and getting myself to England or wherever.

"I am quite happy where I am - that's all there is to it.

"I am obviously settled there. I had a few issues a couple of months back, but we had a great end to the season, so I am happy there just now.

"I have still got two years left on my contract. Of course, I still have ambitions to play in England or wherever. I wouldn't want to stay there past my contract."

Speculation mounted over McGeady's future after a temporary loss of form earlier in the season which saw him fall out of favour at Spartak.

Former Celtic boss Martin O'Neill, now at Sunderland, among others has been linked with a move for him, but the midfielder remains relaxed about the situation.

He said: "There's nothing really to deal with. It's just speculation, that's all.

"Until Spartak say to me I am up for sale and a team comes in and puts in a concrete bid for me, there's nothing really to think about.

"Of course, when you get linked with teams, it can be flattering and give you a little boost.

"Obviously, everyone gets excited whenever they see their name linked with some teams, but that's all it is, just speculation.

"Every footballer is the same, I suppose."

McGeady's return to form helped to inspire a strong finish by Spartak, which claimed second place behind champion Zenit St Petersburg and a Champions League berth in the process.

He said: "Basically, I was out of the team for about three or four games round about the start of March, and then I got back in the team and there were no issues with me and the management.

"I ended up playing probably some of the best stuff that I have played at Spartak since I have been there and ended up helping the team to finish in second place ahead of the likes of CSKA [Moscow] and Dinamo Moscow as well, and we got the second Champions League place.

"Everyone was delighted at the end of the season, so there were no problems there at all."

McGeady, of course, enjoyed a trophy-laden spell with Celtic and before heading for eastern Europe, but the one gap in his curriculum vitae is a trip to the finals of a major international competition.

That will be addressed as the Republic heads for Poland and Ukraine with high hopes of upsetting the odds once again.

McGeady said: "When you are a young boy growing up, you want to play at a major finals, a World Cup or a European Championships, and to almost be there, it's a fantastic feeling.

"To be part of the team that qualified and to hopefully be in any team that's going to be playing is something I am really looking forward to.

"We have to have the belief. We don't want to be going there just to make up the numbers.

"It's an absolutely colossal task to qualify, but it's not without our means, I don't think.

"We definitely have the squad and the players that could come second [in the group].

"I am not going to say we are going to finish first and absolutely wipe the floor with every team, but anything can happen in football.

"We are going there and we are going to give ourselves every chance we can to qualify."

The former Manchester United striker, currently manager of Norwegian side Molde, was interviewed by Villa owner Randy Lerner over the weekend.

But Solskjaer has opted not to be considered as Alex McLeish's successor for personal reasons.

Skipper Robbie Keane trained fully at Gannon Park in Malahide 24 hours after his arrival from Los Angeles to confirm his recovery from a hamstring strain.

He was joined by Shane Long, Jon Walters and Keith Andrews, who did not complete the morning session with minor niggles.

Keith Fahey, who has been nursing a groin problem, is progressing and is expected to be fit for the weekend, while a decision on Kevin Foley (hamstring) will be taken later in the week.

Goalkeeper Shay Given, who had a scan on a knee injury, will not take part in the side's next session, nor will defender Richard Dunne, who has a micro-tear in his lower abdominal wall.

John O'Shea, who has been all but ruled out of the Bosnia game, is also unlikely to train, but like Dunne, is expected to be fit for the finals.

Given was sent for a scan on a knee injury he picked up in training, and a Football Association of Ireland spokesman confirmed: "After undergoing a scan, it was concluded that Shay should sit out training for the next two to three days for precautionary measures.''

Trapattoni later suggested the 36-year-old Aston Villa keeper is his biggest concern ahead of Euro 2012 - which for the Republic kicks off against Croatia on June 10 - and hinted that either Sunderland's Keiren Westwood or David Forde of Millwall could play in Saturday's friendly against Bosnia.

He said: "There is only Shay Given, who has a little bit of a problem. We have to decide run the risk or stay. We have another two [keepers].

"For this game, we will decide with the doctor because at this moment, we don't need to run the risk.''

Of Sunderland defender O'Shea, the FAI spokesman added: "Giovanni Trapattoni has also decided that John O'Shea may not partake in Saturday's game against Bosnia for precautionary measures, but has confirmed that John will be fit in time for Euro 2012.

"John is undergoing rehabilitative treatment this week on his ankle.''

The game had finished 2-2 after regulation time after Brazilian Ricardo Oliveira and Matias Emilio Delgado's goals had been cancelled out by Marcelo Camacho and Amad al-Hosani.

The game went into overtime and was equally as dramatic, as former Brazil and AC Milan marksman Oliveira's second goal in the 114th minute was nullified by compatriot Victor Simoes four minutes later.

And so came the penalty shoot-out. Camacho, Abdullah al-Muaiouf and Esmaeel Khamis Zayed all scored for Al-Ahli, while Oliveira's opening attempt was saved before teammate Sultan Jarallah al-Menhali netted his effort.

Jairo Palomino added some extra drama in missing his penalty for Al-Ahli, with Neill next up to haul Al-Jazira back into the game.

But the Socceroo captain missed and it was left to journeyman Simoes to seal a 4-2 victory on penalties for Al-Ahli over the team of billionaire Sheikh Mansour, who also owns newly crowned English champion Manchester City.

In Tuesday's other match, Iranian champion Foolad Sepahan beat domestic rival Esteghlal 2-0.

On Wednesday, Saudi Arabian clubs Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal entertain Iran's Piroozi Athletic in Jeddah and the UAE's Baniyas in Riyadh respectively.

Principal owner John Henry and Tom Werner head Fenway Sports Group's quest to find a successor to Kenny Dalglish, sacked as manager last week.

However, the pair is also undertaking a re-structuring at Anfield which will see a technical director, among others, put in place to ensure a long-term strategy is developed and adhered to.

One fans' group the Spirit of Shankly, which led the protests against the despised former regime of Tom Hicks and George Gillett, has written to Henry and Werner asking for clear direction and communication to dispel a growing perception the club is "in disarray".

Barnes insists if FSG's decision-making is to set up Liverpool for its next chapter in history it must get it right.

"If the club believes in a new philosophy then they need to stick with it, regardless of how well or badly we do in the short-term," he said.

"If it takes two, three or four years to fulfil the plan then we need to give the club time to realise it and make it happen.

"But it won't take as long as Liverpool fans have been waiting to see the team win the Premier League.

"Maybe if a system was put in place 20 years ago we wouldn't still be waiting to win our first title since 1990.

"If we keep changing the manager, the players or the system every one, two, three or four years, we could be waiting another 20 years to win the title too."

Liverpool is continuing to narrow down a list of potential candidates with a view to short-listing the key group for next week.

While this has always been FSG's plan, its approach is causing consternation and continued media speculation.

Spirit of Shankly tried to address the matter in its letter, which read: "From the outside it looks like a football club in disarray.

"Confusion and chaos seems to reign and no one is coming out of this with much credit, particularly the football club's image and brand.

"We need clear and pro-active communication, a confident message about the club's plans that breeds confidence amongst supporters that we are moving in the right direction.

"Instead, we have silence and a lack of information or understanding on decisions being made.

"As supporters we have seen all too clearly what a lack of communication from absentee owners leads to.

"We find ourselves experiencing deja vu, where boardroom decisions lead to more questions than they answer."

Barnes, however, urged fans to give FSG time to put together a coherent strategy.

"It's time to support the owners because they want to return Liverpool to a team that competes for the biggest trophies," he told liverpoolfc.tv.

"It's not necessary for fans to know the inner workings of any football club because we don't know the inner workings of any business.

"I'm sure in the next week or two or three, it will become more apparent how we intend to move forward when a new manager is unveiled.

"I understand fans frustrations but if everyone is giving 100% then you need to be patient."

Barnes believes a new far-reaching strategy is the key to Liverpool competing against vastly-richer and more successful clubs in the future.

"I don't think Liverpool have had a philosophy of how we want to play," he added.

"They've seen which players have done well at other clubs and then gone out and bought them and hoped that it works and a lot of the time it hasn't.

"With your own philosophy you don't need to necessarily look at the best players in the world - players Liverpool might not be able to afford.

"Rather you can go out and buy a player who will do a better job in your team than they do in their current side but it may not cost you a lot of money.

"Now Liverpool are at a stage where they can't get all the best players in the world so what do you do?

"You come up with a system and a vision of how you want your team to play.

"They may not be able to get [Lionel] Messi but they can get very good players and with a proper system, which I'm sure the new manager will introduce, they can be successful."

Russia has inked in a handful of friendlies as it hones its skills for the European championship, which kicks off in Poland on June 8.

The Lithuania match comes four days after a game with Uruguay in Moscow and three before a meeting with fellow-qualifier Italy in Zurich.

Lithuania failed to make it to Euro 2012, finishing second from bottom in Group I, ahead of minnow Liechtenstein but behind Scotland and qualifiers the Czech Republic and Spain.

Tuesday's call-up also applies to the June 1-3 Baltic Cup between Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Finland, in Estonia, and to a friendly against Belarus on June 7 in Minsk.

Mancini met with Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani at the Italian club's headquarters on Monday, but the former Inter Milan coach said it was simply a courtesy visit.

In an interview with Italian news agency ANSA on Tuesday, Mancini said Galliani had asked to see him and added: "It lasted 10 minutes and I certainly didn't make an offer for Thiago Silva. Even less did I offer Balotelli or Tevez to Milan."

Milan has long been linked with Tevez and a deal for the Argentine fell through in the winter transfer market during the controversial striker's long-running feud with City.

Balotelli played for Inter Milan for three years.

City unexpectedly gave the former England international a short-term deal last August after he was released by Manchester United, where he failed to complete a game in three years.

A Champions League winner with Bayern Munich and United, Hargreaves joined City after resorting to posting videos on YouTube showing himself working in a gym and running to prove his fitness.

The 31-year-old has played 42 times for England, but has been dogged by knee, hamstring and shoulder injuries.

His last appearance was in City's 3-2 loss to United in the FA Cup on January 8 when he played the last eight minutes.

Mourinho, who joined the club in May 2010 on a four-year deal, said early in May he had no ambition to coach in new countries.

But media reports had continued to speculate on him returning to England, with some linking him to a move back to Chelsea.

"Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho have reached an agreement to extend the latter's contract with the club until June 30, 2016," the club said in a statement published online.

The self-appointed "Special One" took Real Madrid to its 32nd league title last month, ending a run of three successive league crowns for bitter rival Barcelona.

That made him only the fourth coach to have won four different league titles after taking the English, Italian and Portuguese crowns, along with Austria's Ernst Happel, the late Croat Tomislav Ivic and Italian veteran Giovanni Trapattoni.

During his first season at the club, critics said the star coach's approach was too aggressive both on the field and in comments at press conferences about rivals and referees.

In one infamous incident in August last year when Barcelona won the domestic Super Cup against Real, a brawl broke out after Marcelo was red carded for a reckless challenge on Cesc Fabregas.

During the melee, Mourinho was shown on public television poking his finger into the eye of Barca assistant coach Tito Vilanova - who has since been promoted to the top to replace departing Pep Guardiola.

Guardiola, 41, announced last month that he was leaving at the end of the season after a four-year rein at Barcelona, saying he felt "drained".

Asked about the incident at the time, which earned him a two-match ban, Mourinho famously asked journalists at a post-match news conference: "Pito Vilanova? I don't know who this Pito is."

Mourinho has been supported through thick and thin by Real president Florentino Perez.

Former Real director general Jorge Valdano had unsuccessfully argued against Mourinho's appointment, but then found himself out of a job.

In May 2011 Perez terminated the position of director general occupied by Valdano to give Mourinho more autonomy.

Spanish media reported at the time that Mourinho had demanded that Valdano, a former Argentine international, be dismissed as a condition for his staying on at the club.

Real striker Cristiano Ronaldo praised Mourinho in an interview published Tuesday in Spanish sports daily AS, calling him "the best coach in the world".

"To continue my career with Mourinho now is just great because it helps me improve and learn more," he said.

"I don't wish for anything different than that. It's great to work with him because, right now, he is the number one manager."

Mourinho began his hugely successful coaching career with Portuguese side Benfica in 2000.

The foundations of his coaching career were set when he took a job as an interpreter and assistant for the late Sir Bobby Robson in Spain and Portugal.

The 31-year-old arrived last northern summer from French side Grenoble but played just three Ligue 1 matches this season.

Dijon was relegated after finishing second from bottom of Ligue 1 with 36 points after 38 games.

Matsui's contract would have been automatically renewed if the Burgundy side had remained in the top flight.

Drogba has been at the London club since 2004, joining from French side Marseille.

The 34-year-old scored a late equaliser against Bayern Munich in the Champions League final on Saturday and then converted the decisive penalty in a dramatic shoot-out after extra-time.

"I wanted to put an end to the speculation and confirm that I am leaving Chelsea," he told Chelsea's website.

"It has been a very difficult decision for me to make and I am very proud of what we have achieved, but the time is right for a new challenge for me."

English media has linked the target man - scorer of 55 goals in his 84 international appearances - with Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua, where his former Chelsea teammate Nicolas Anelka is player-coach.

Critics of football's world governing body want these officials to probe past allegations of wrongdoing in their roles leading prosecution and judging chambers of a revamped ethics court.

However, FIFA said one candidate to chair the judging division declined on Monday for health reasons.

"In view of this, the executive committee decided to hold an extraordinary meeting to designate both chairmen together," FIFA said in a statement.

A promise by FIFA President Sepp Blatter to identify officials who took million-dollar kickbacks from World Cup marketing deals in the 1990s has stalled since October.

FIFA's ruling panel did manage to propose Swiss industrialist Domenico Scala to chair a new audit committee, which will monitor the organisation's billion-dollar annual spending.

Lydia Nsekera of Burundi was suggested by the 24-man FIFA executive as the first female delegate to join its ranks. She would accept an initial one-year tenure before an open election for the dedicated women's post next year.

FIFA's 208 member countries must complete these appointments at their annual Congress on Friday.

The congress, however, will not be approving leaders of a modernised ethics investigation team, which was hailed by Blatter as a "historic" move in March.

FIFA's existing ethics committee, composed of officials from inside the "football family," suspended seven serving and former members of FIFA's high command in the past 20 months.

Still, it struggled to cope with a spate of allegations of wrongdoing during bidding contests for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

The two-chamber court was requested by an expert panel led by former United Nations investigator Mark Pieth, who was picked by FIFA to advise it on improving transparency and anti-corruption measures.

Pieth's 13-member group then submitted its list of candidates for lead roles that Blatter's executive committee was scheduled to present to Congress delegates.

They are expected to be leading figures from politics and civil society.

Lydia Nsekera, president of the Burundi Football Association, has been co-opted onto the executive committee and will be formally installed at the FIFA Congress in Budapest on Friday, FIFA announced in a statement.

Nsekera is already a member of FIFA committees for women's football, the women's World Cup and the organising committee for the Olympic football tournaments.

As part of the effort to tackle corruption in football, Domenico Scala has also been appointed as the independent chairman of the Audit and Compliance Committee.

The appointment of Scala, who is a Swiss and Italian citizen, will be also submitted to the Congress for ratification.

Meanwhile, six cities were also approved to host the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil - Brasilia, Belo Horizonte, Fortaleza, Rio de Janeiro, Recife and Salvador - although concerns remain about building work to revamp stadium venues.

FIFA indicated that it had a contingency plan should host cities not be ready in time.

"Several match schedules including four, five and six cities have been worked out in order to adapt smoothly to the actual situation in due time at the latest in mid-November," the statement read.

Now Lippi, one of the world's most successful managers, is facing one of his trickiest tests in the trigger-happy Chinese Super League (CSL) with his new club, Guangzhou Evergrande.

On Sunday, the white-haired Lippi, 64, whose last assignment was leading defending champion Italy at the 2010 World Cup, started his new life with a narrow 1-0 home win over basement club Qingdao Joonon.

Around 40,000 fans flocked to Guangzhou's Tianhe stadium to see Lippi, the most famous coach to join a Chinese team, with many wearing the shirts of Juventus, his former team, and one banner reading "Forza Li Pi".

Supporters chanted Lippi's name constantly in a hero's welcome for the man who won the 2006 World Cup with Italy - and who is now expected to deliver the Asian club title for the vastly ambitious Guangzhou.

"I'm not interested in the score, no matter if it's three or four nil, my task is to take this club to a higher level," Lippi said after the game, won by a goal from Chinese international Gao Lin.

With the reigning Chinese champion already top of the league, Lippi's task begins in earnest next Wednesday, when he will attempt to steer Guangzhou past FC Tokyo and into the AFC Champions League quarter-finals.

It's a daunting challenge: a one-off game, just two weeks into the job, with an unfamiliar group of players. And in China, as other coaches have learned, the price of failure can be high.

Last month Jean Tigana, then the Super League's highest profile coach, departed Shanghai Shenhua after just a handful of games, and was replaced by a makeshift coaching line-up including French striker Nicolas Anelka.

And Guangzhou showed no emotion with Lippi's predecessor Lee Jang-Soo, who won promotion and then the Chinese title in consecutive seasons, and was sacked with the club leading the league and qualified for the continental knock-outs.

Lee had squabbled with star player Dario Conca, who received a nine-match ban for publicly criticising the coach - a ban that was quietly shelved as he played in last week's Champions League game, and again on Sunday.

Lippi has experience in dealing with assertive players at Juventus, with whom he won five Serie A titles and the European Champions League, as well as expectant team bosses.

But a cautionary tale comes from Australian Lawrie McKinna, who left China's Chengdu Blades last year over boardroom interference and quickly found a similar situation at his next club, Chongqing Lifan.

"I got called into the boss's room and he started to tell me a few of the older players I had not been playing had to come back in to the team," McKinna wrote in al blog.

"I could not agree with what he was saying and so decided to hand in my resignation as I had been through this at Chengdu last year and was not going to go through it again."

Lippi's last job ended badly, when reigning champion Italy was knocked out of the 2010 World Cup at the group stage, and it was nearly a year before he said he was ready to coach again. He will hope for happier times in China.

There was no immediate comment from Shenhua about British reports that Anelka's former team-mate Didier Drogba, fresh from his Champion's League triumph with Chelsea, is set to join the side.

Former Argentina manager Sergio Daniel Batista has been tipped for the coach's job, and Shenhua's star player Anelka is said to be threatening to quit the club in response, according to reports.

"The club has actively sought a head coach candidate, and is looking for him to take up the post and assume command soon," the club said in a statement.

The impending arrival of a new head coach has sparked a public outburst by the striker, who told local media that he was considering leaving.

Anelka is serving dual roles for Shenhua, although the club also named former DR Congo national manager Jean-Florent Ikwange Ibenge as acting head coach after sacking Frenchman Jean Tigana last month.

The Shenhua statement added the club "hopes he (Anelka) will help the new coaching group to quickly become acquainted with the state of the team without delay".

The Shanghai Daily newspaper reported Shenhua was close to signing Batista, who led Argentina to the gold medal at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

Speaking in an interview with the Xinmin Evening News published on Monday, Anelka criticised a lack of support from the club and said he would find it difficult to accept someone taking over his coaching duties.

"If there is still no one to support me and (they) continue to play little tricks behind my back... then I will quickly decide whether or not to retire," he said, in comments published in Chinese.

Anelka, the most high-profile foreign footballer to sign for the Chinese league, joined Shenhua in January on a two-year contract for a reported salary of 234,000 euros ($A307,000) a week.

Shenhua could not be reached for comment.

Drogba has been widely rumoured to be quitting Chelsea for Shenhua to join Anelka, his former team-mate at the London club.

Van Persie still has a year left on his current deal, but talks over an extension have so far not been concluded.

The star attacker, who netted 30 English Premier League goals to help fire Arsenal to third place, is now likely to delay any formal decision until after the European Championships, with several top clubs across Europe said to be prepared to offer lucrative terms to tempt him away from the London club.

Lehmann, who won the Premier League title as part of the 'invincibles' Gunners side of 2003/2004, accepts his former team-mate has plenty to think about, but feels Wenger will help make the right choice for all involved.

"Robin is now 28 and this will be his last big contract. He has to consider everything," said Lehmann, who had a brief spell back at his old club in 2011, making his 200th appearance in a Premier League game at Blackpool.

"Arsene Wenger was always a master at buying and selling players at the right time. He still has the quality to evaluate the real value of Robin van Persie.

"He always considers the past value of the player and the future value of the player.

"Of course it would be a good sign for the supporters if Robin stayed, but when you consider his next contract could be four years, he would be 32."

Arsenal secured third place, and with it automatic qualification into next season's Champions League, on the final day to end what had been a testing campaign on a high.

A top four finish had seemed unlikely at the start of the season as Wenger's injury-depleted side struggled for consistency.

Lehmann believes if his old club can hit the ground running, then 2013 could be a vintage year.

"At the end it was a great effort from the whole team," he said, who was in Munich to watch Chelsea beat Bayern and claim the Champions League trophy.

"I remember Arsene Wenger said he was quite optimistic Arsenal would get this place and finish ahead of Spurs, which didn't seem to be the case eight weeks before the end of the season.

"On their day, Arsenal can always perform, but the consistency in the league was missing.

"You never know with them. They are very skilled and talented players.

"Sometimes it just needs to click and all of a sudden they are back there again."

Arsenal has already added German striker Lukas Podolski to its squad for next season, which is set to be trimmed as several fringe players leave.

Midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong is, though, determined to force his way back into the Arsenal first-team, having been sidelined by another serious knee injury after a temporary switch to Wolverhampton last season.

"When I had the first one people were telling me it takes ages to get back playing at the level I was playing at before and when I came back with Arsenal I think I showed everyone I was still the same player," Frimpong said.

"Hopefully I can come back this time and show everyone I am still the same player again."

The side kicks off against Columbus Crew on July 24, plays Orlando City - which is led by former Stoke favourite Adrian Heath and has manager Tony Pulis' son Anthony on the playing staff - four days later before rounding off its trip against Sporting Kansas City on August 1.

"This is an exciting opportunity for the club, not only in terms of the quality of the pre-season test it will provide for the squad, but also in raising our profile even higher on a global scale," chief executive Tony Scholes told stokecityfc.com.

"It will give the squad the chance to work in excellent surroundings and we know that the opposition will provide a stern test.

"It was only natural that any trip to the States should feature a game against Orlando because of our strong affiliation with the club and this will undoubtedly enhance what is a close association with them."

Administration-hit Rangers is not in a position to offer the Northern Ireland Under-21 international a new contract with a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) proposal still to go out to creditors.

Hegarty, who turns 20 in August, has spent two years at Ibrox after being released by Millwall and tasted first-team action in a friendly against Linfield earlier this month.

And, with Rangers facing a 12-month transfer embargo, the teenager is keen to bide his time and make his mark in Ally McCoist's team.

Hegarty said: "I'm not in an ideal situation, I'm about a week away from my contract running out.

"But I think I owe it to the club just to wait and see what's happening.

"I sat down with my agent and we both agreed that the club has got bigger things to think about than me at the minute.

"So I'm just going to wait about and see what happens but I'm positive I'll be here next season.

"They will hopefully offer me a contract in June and backpay me or whatever. I don't know what happens."

With McCoist's top players able to leave for cut-price fees from June 1 and all players potentially free to go if Rangers re-emerge as a new company, Hegarty could find himself thrust into first-team action next season.

He lined up at centre-back alongside Ross Perry and Kirk Broadfoot in the win over Linfield.

"Running out at Windsor Park is something you want to do as a kid from Northern Ireland but doing it in a Rangers shirt is living the dream," he said.

"I'm really positive going forward to next season.

"I've been in and around the team. I've got half a sniff and I want more next year.

"If you're good enough, you are old enough. All the lads have shown what they can do.

"For me and the likes of Andy Mitchell and Lewis MacLeod coming through, we are all positive about getting a run-out next season. There are four or five of us ready to go in.

"The coaching staff keep us all level-headed and get us up for the games.

"You can't sit about and hope for your chance, you have just got to take it. They get you ready for the game.

"I don't think any of the lads will freeze. All the guys who have gone in, the likes of Rhys (McCabe), Jamie Ness, Andy Little, they have all done their job on the pitch."

However, Hegarty does not expect a mass exodus of experienced players despite the uncertainty over the club's future.

"Everyone is together," he said. "We have been together for the last six months, it was probably the hardest time any player could imagine.

"I think all of them will want to stay but it's not for me to say, it's up to them."

The split of UEFA television money based on where each qualifying club finished in the Premier League will now be changed to reflect the fact Chelsea is in the group stage as champion.

Normally, as domestic champion Manchester City would get 40% of UEFA's 'market pool' pot of TV money totalling around £12million, second-placed Manchester United 30% (£9m) third-placed Arsenal 20% (£6m) and the fourth-placed club 10% (£3m).

Instead, City and Chelsea will each receive 30% (£9m), United 25% (£7.5m) and Arsenal 15% (£4.5m.)

UEFA said the figures would be confirmed by its executive meeting in July.

The goalkeeper is on the lookout for a new team after being released by Sunderland, where a number of injury problems saw him lose his place in the team.

For now, though, Gordon hopes to take the first steps in resurrecting his international career with some game-time in Saturday's friendly against the USA.

His last appearance came in a 3-0 win against the Faroe Islands in November 2010 but he is now ready to battle Allan McGregor for the number one jersey.

Gordon said: "There is a friendly rivalry, there is no animosity between us. We both want to play in the team.

"I've been unfortunate with injuries and missed quite a lot of international games which I didn't expect to do.

"Allan has come in and done pretty well and that's football. I need to get back playing first-team football.

"If I do that and I'm playing well, then I'm confident in my ability to get me back into the team if I get that chance."

McGregor has endured a difficult few months at administration-hit Rangers but Gordon has not been keeping tabs on his rival's form.

He added: "I can't really say I've watched an awful lot of his games.

"He probably did well, knowing Allan. I know how good a goalkeeper he is."

Gordon, 29, believes this weekend's clash in Jacksonville could be crucial to his hopes of finding a new club.

He said: "I'm looking forward to it. Having not played a great deal of football this season, it's a chance to finish the season by showing people that I'm ready to play and hopefully I'll get some time on the park out here.

"I think everyone is aware of my contract situation with Sunderland so it's quite an important trip for me to show anybody who is watching that I'm ready to play."

Gordon became the most expensive goalkeeper in British history when he moved from Hearts to Sunderland for £9million in 2007.

He has been linked with a return north of the border with Celtic but has yet to make any decisions over his future.

Gordon said: "I'm not sure what will happen or what will pan out over the next few weeks.

"People are starting to look at their options for next season. I'll just wait and see what options I get over the summer and take it from there.

"I'm keeping my options open to absolutely everything at the moment, be it Scotland, England or anywhere else in Europe.

"I don't mind. I'm looking for the best option for me and to get the best deal possible.

"It's important to get back playing football and to get a run of games in a first team.

"That's what I'll be looking to do and hopefully I can get a good club that will allow me to do that.

"Then I can start looking towards trying to get back into this team on a more regular basis."