The trio, two men and a woman, took advantage of a security lapse to infiltrate the dinner to protest about UEFA staging next month's European Under-21 Championship in Israel.

Guests at the event - including David Beckham and Sir Alex Ferguson - were stunned as one protester jumped on the stage and started shouting slogans, while another stood behind UEFA president Michel Platini with a flag.

UEFA said in a statement: "Three people caused a minor disturbance at the UEFA Congress dinner last night. They were quickly apprehended and arrested by the police."

The dinner followed UEFA's Congress in London yesterday and was organised with the support of the Football Association.

One guest said: "It was between courses and suddenly this man and woman got on the stage and started shouting things against Israel. Another had a flag and was standing behind Platini.

"Everyone was gobsmacked. It seemed to go on for a few minutes before they were removed.

"It was a bit of a security lapse to say the least. They were smartly dressed in suits but no one could understand how they had got in because we all had to show our invitations."

Protesters from a group called Red Card Israeli Racism had also staged a demonstration outside the UEFA Congress in London's Grosvenor House hotel earlier in the day.

It is the latest in a series of protests against UEFA - in January a group of pro-Palestinian activists occupied UEFA's headquarters near Geneva.

Eight countries, including England, are taking part in the under-21 tournament in Israel next month.

Despite Central Coast accepting an offer for the 21-year-old custodian from the Danes on Monday, Ryan was swayed by a late bid from the 13-time champion of Belgium and now only faces the formality of a medical for the move to be ratified.

It's understood the Mariners have agreed a $180,000 training compensation fee for Ryan, whose change of heart over a move to the Danish Superliga has surprised Randers officials who were convinced they had nabbed their man.

Sources in Belgium have confirmed that Ryan has agreed to a four-year deal and will be given the chance to grab the No.1 spot from Serbian Vladan Kujovic if he impresses during pre-season training.

The out-of-contract Ryan would not confirm his next career destination when contacted by The World Game on Saturday, but did reveal: "Things are very close to being sorted out in terms of my future and it's exciting.

"There are a few finer points to be finalised and it's no secret that it's been a dream of mine to play in Europe, the same as any young boy. Fingers crossed everything will go through now.

"Having the opportunity to play first team football has always been a big priority with me when assessing which step to take next and hopefully I will have that chance."

The twice-capped Socceroo, who has made 78 appearances for Central Coast since his debut in 2010, was first linked with Club Brugge back in January along with Mariners teammate Bernie Ibini, who trialled with the club.

He also had an offer from League One Sheffield United on the table, the same club which continues to be linked with Mariners coach Graham Arnold. And he previously trialled with Tottenham and West Brom.

"It's been a great ride at the Mariners," he added. "And to cap if off by winning the grand final is really the perfect ending to a fantastic period in my life.

"Without the Mariners I'd never have had the chance to achieve things in the game. They are a great club who give young players the chance to shine."

Meanwhile, highly-rated Mariners defender Trent Sainsbury has arrived in Switzerland for his trial with Basel. The club confirmed the departure of right-back Pedj Bojic to Sydney FC during the week, as first revealed by The World Game.

Watford just missed out on automatic promotion before edging out Leicester City in the play-off semi-finals.

Gianfranco Zola's men will be eyeing a spot in the top flight, which would earn the club a $186 million - a windfall that means this game is widely known as the biggest on earth in financial terms.

Palace is without star striker Glenn Murray for the final after he injured his knee in the semi-final win over Brighton.

Aaron Wilbraham will replace him at Wembley, and the 33-year-old needs to improve his record of just one goal since joining from Norwich in the off-season.

The final is Palace manager Ian Holloway's third in four years, with the former Blackpool boss leading his side to one win and a loss in his past two appearances.

While Wilbraham needs to fill the void left by Murray, Manchester United-bound Wilfried Zaha will play a key role if Palace want to return to the top flight for the first time since 2004-05.

Zaha was named the PFA Championship Player of the Year for his displays throughout the campaign, and his pace and trickery could be decisive.

The 20-year-old said Palace welcomed being underdogs in such a big game.

"It helps really because no-one likes having any pressure on their back," Zaha told the club's website.

"We don't mind being underdogs. We've always been underdogs all season really. It just allows us to go into the game thinking we've got nothing to lose.

"Everyone thinks we're going to lose anyway, so we'll just play our best and hopefully prove them wrong."

Matej Vydra, on loan from Udinese, has starred for Watford this season with 22 goals and the Czech forward is sure to be a huge danger to Palace.

Vydra, 21, could lead Zola's men into the Premier League for the first time since 2006-07 if he continues his stunning form.

Watford's goalscoring has been distributed throughout the team this season - Troy Deeney has scored 20 goals and netted the winner against Leicester - and that makes them favourites to beat Palace.

"It would be a nice fairy story," Holloway said of Zaha's last match before he joins Manchester United.

"Wilf will help Manchester United win games. I've never heard anyone talk about one player so much.

"He just needs to be left alone to play because his talent is so fresh and real and exciting.

"He might do enough right to get us what we need and that would be wonderful. We feel like we are losing a family member."

Palace only agreed to sell Zaha to Old Trafford, where he will be Sir Alex Ferguson's final signing for United, if it could loan him back for the rest of the season.

The 20-year-old responded to the challenge of helping the Eagles join him in the Barclays Premier League next season with both goals in its 2-0 semi-final win over Brighton.

And Holloway feels Zaha is ready to repay Palace's faith in him.

"How would he have been feeling if we'd been selfish and denied him that opportunity? What would he have produced for us after that?" added Holloway.

"I think he will pay us back. We need him to play well because he's a huge part of what we do."

Zaha, who has been at Palace since he was eight, came to United's attention when he was named the Championship's player of the year last season.

He has continued to impress this term, scoring eight goals and making his England debut as a substitute against Sweden in November.

"Wilf has got all the plaudits and rightly so, he's had a great season and he had a great game against Brighton," said Palace skipper Mile Jedinak.

"But he knows, as we all do, that we can only achieve what we want to achieve as a team and we're all pushing towards the same goal."

If Palace do secure promotion at least defender Damien Delaney will only have to face Zaha twice, rather than every day in training.

"Sometimes when you're playing against him he drives you a bit mental, he can make you look a little bit foolish," said Delaney.

"But I don't think he knows any other way. He's one of those naturally gifted players - you give him the ball and tell him, 'go and enjoy yourself'.

"Obviously you have to give him a bit of structure in the team shape, but in general he's a one-off, such a good player."

England midfielder Lampard was given a new one-year deal at Stamford Bridge after a season which saw him overtake Bobby Tambling as the club's record goalscorer.

The future of club captain Terry, two years Lampard's junior at 32, has also been the subject of discussion after he struggled with injuries last season and was not a firm fixture in interim boss Rafael Benitez's defence even when fit.

But Lampard told The Sun: "I know JT will want to stay, he's said he'd love to stay at Chelsea. He feels the same as me.

"Why play anywhere else when you love the club you're at? JT's the captain of the club and does a brilliant job.

"At the start of next season, I think that's when the club will take a view on it. I know what my view would be."

Both players are veterans of three Premier League titles, Champions League and Europa League wins and multiple FA Cups and League Cups with the club and Lampard believes having an established spine to the team has been vital to the club's success.

However, he laughs off the suggestion that the senior players in the dressing room are able to influence owner Roman Abramovich's hiring and firing of managers.

"One thing that has helped us remain successful over such a long period is a strong core, strong spine," he said. "I mean that in terms of players - their ability, personality and the leaders.

"You need people like that in the dressing room. But the idea of the dressing room being too strong? Certainly not.

"I've never heard of any players here being able to ask our owner to sack a manager or even discuss anything to do with the structure of the club. If you wanted to take that chance you would probably get sacked yourself."

The Argentine has been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium in recent weeks, with Real Madrid in particular thought to be keen admirers, but he is adamant that he is happy at the club despite a lack of silverware in 2012-13.

"It's simple," Aguero told reporters. "There are always rumours in the summer, all the time, but I am very happy at City. I've got four more years on my contract, I'm going to work hard for City and everything else is just rumours.

"Every player wants to play in big teams that win titles. We didn't win anything last season but we have won trophies in the last few years, so there is no reason to go."

Compatriot Carlos Tevez is another player who has been linked with a move away from City but Aguero does not want the 29-year-oldto leave.

"I want to play with all the big players and Carlos is a big player, so I would like him to stay," he said.

"But part of football means that players move around from one club to another, so I can only talk about myself and Carlos can only talk about himself."

Manuel Pellegrini is widely expected to replace the sacked Roberto Mancini as manager and Aguero says that he has heard good things about the Chilean.

"I don't know Pellegrini personally, but I have heard from other players that he's a very good manager," the forward said.

"We don't know if it's him who is definitely coming yet but, when we do know who is coming, we will have to make sure we adapt to their system and try to do our best.

"All we have to do is look at the present, who is coming next and make sure we build things properly for next season. It's just part of football."

Having missed out on Champions League qualification, Tottenham faces an anxious off-season as it waits to discover whether Bale will sign a new contract or move on to one of Europe's top clubs.

And Zidane's comments are sure to add to fears over a bid from the Bernabeu.

The France legend hailed Bale's consistency and ranked the Welshman in the same bracket as Real's own star player Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona's Lionel Messi.

Zidane told reporters: "I've been watching Tottenham because Gareth Bale has been playing there.

"Aside from Ronaldo and Messi, he is the player who has impressed me the most in the world. He is outstanding.

"What has particularly impressed me is that he is consistent. It's not just been in one or two matches.

"He is consistently scoring spectacular goals and very important goals. He is very quick, skilful and exciting.

"Of course all the talented players like that can come to Real Madrid. Is he good enough for Real Madrid? Of course. He is more than good enough to play for Real Madrid."

The 21-year-old, who spent time on loan at Queens Park Rangers during their relegation campaign, was replaced in Stuart Pearce's party by Birmingham's Nathan Redmond.

It is understood Townsend has not been accused of betting on any matches he played in.

Therefore it is not a match-fixing case, but the FA is taking the alleged breach seriously and has invited Townsend to respond.

The FA said in a statement: "The FA has announced it has charged Andros Townsend in relation to alleged breaches of its rules governing misconduct and betting.

"The Tottenham Hotspur player has been charged with breaches of Rule E8 (b) in relation to a number of betting offences.

"The player has until 3 June to respond to the charges."

The specific rule he is alleged to have broken specifies that players must not bet "either directly or indirectly, or instruct, permit, cause or enable any person to bet on" any "result, progress or conduct of a match or competition" in which they participate or have participated in during a season, or in which they have any influence.

For example, a player who appears in the first round of the FA Cup would not be permitted to wager on the outcome of the final.

The rule also forbids players gambling on any other matter involving a competition in which have have participated in during a season - "including, for example and without limitation, the transfer of players, employment of managers, team selection or disciplinary matters".

Players, and all club employees, are deemed by the FA rules to participate in matches involving a club while they are employed by that club, whether they take to the field or not.

The FA, which has given no details of the exact breach in this case, added: "Townsend will receive the full support of the FA and Tottenham Hotspur FC in seeking rehabilitation whilst responding to the allegations."

Townsend is a product of the Tottenham academy who has had loan spells with a host of clubs, including Ipswich, Millwall, Leeds and Birmingham, while attempting to make his mark at White Hart Lane.

He was among Harry Redknapp's January signings for QPR, giving some impressive performances but ending the season as part of an expensively-assembled side that was condemned to spend next season in the npower Championship.

Having garnered Premier League experience, Townsend will be hoping to have a role to play under Andre Villas-Boas at Tottenham next term.

His representatives have declined to comment on the FA charges.

The FA also announced injured Southampton left-back Luke Shaw had withdrawn from the England Under-21 squad to be replaced by Liverpool's Jack Robinson.

The flamboyant Portuguese boss is expected to take charge at Stamford Bridge for a second time this northern summer after it was confirmed he is to leave Real Madrid at the end of the Spanish season.

Mourinho won two Barclays Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups during his first spell at the club from 2004-07.

Cech, who arrived in the same summer as Mourinho nine years ago, said: "He is a great manager and I think everyone remembers how successful we were with him as a manager.

"If he could reproduce that it would be fantastic."

Yet despite looking forward with optimism, Cech is saddened that the reign of interim manager Rafael Benitez is coming to an end.

The Spaniard takes charge of the Blues for the final time as they face Manchester City in the second of two lucrative post-season friendlies at Yankee Stadium in New York this weekend.

Benitez has overcome huge fan hostility since succeeding Roberto di Matteo to leave on a high after winning the Europa League and securing third in the Barclays Premier League.

Cech, 31, said: "I think he has done a very good job, obviously, having won the Europa League and qualified for the Champions League.

"I think this was the aim, and to try to do as best as we could.

"He worked hard from day one and tried to do the best for the club.

"In the end he is leaving with a European trophy, which is great for him."

Defender David Luiz, who has excelled at times under Benitez, also paid tribute to the Spaniard, whose past associations with Liverpool made him a reviled figure among supporters on arrival.

The Brazil international said: "He has done a great job at Chelsea.

"He has had a lot of pressure. He has shown character and that he is a professional.

"I am so happy we won a title and qualified directly for the Champions League."

Luiz added that he was excited about the prospect of being managed by Mourinho, who has also won the Champions League with Porto and Inter Milan.

Luiz said: "Everyone says positive things about him and everyone knows about his qualities.

"He has done a great job in many clubs in the world, like Chelsea.

"We would be excited to work with an experienced coach like that."

The Easter Road club go into the game not having won the trophy in 111 years and on the back of a demoralising 5-1 thrashing by Edinburgh rival Hearts in last season's final.

The Parkhead side, for its part, is odds-on to win the trophy which would secure the domestic double but former Celtic skipper Lennon said: "The pressure is on both teams, it is a cup final and there is a trophy to play for.

"I suppose we will be heavy favourites going into the game but it is all on the day as we have seen in the past.

"We have had a terrific season and it would be a nice way to finish it off.

"I think there will be a full house and a tremendous atmosphere.

"What the players can't do is get carried away with the crowd, they have to concentrate on the game and blank the crowd out."

Lennon was "delighted" to discover this week that he is free to take his place in the dugout.

He was found guilty by a Scottish Football Association disciplinary tribunal of entering the "playing zone" within 15 minutes of the final whistle of Celtic's 3-1 Clydesdale Bank Premier League defeat by Motherwell last month while serving a three-match touchline ban.

Lennon's ban for breaking the SFA's rule 205, however, has been suspended until the end of next season and he will be on the touchline urging his players on.

"It is very important and I am just looking forward to it now," he said. "I played in plenty of cup finals so to take the team out for another one is pretty special.

"I missed a cup final a couple of years ago and it feels there is a part of you missing. "You are not able to do your job properly, you can't affect the players as much as you want to.

"These opportunities don't come round very often, so to lead the team out on Sunday will mean a lot to me."

The club's decision to part company with their Italian manager cast a shadow over the final week of its season.

A below-par City lost to Norwich in its final competitive game last Sunday and caretaker boss Brian Kidd admitted the players, now on a post-season tour of the United States, were drained by developments.

City's campaign finally reaches its conclusion as they take on Chelsea in a friendly in New York's Yankees Stadium on Sunday morning (AEST).

Lescott said: "It's been difficult for everyone but it is important as a player you understand that no matter what happens you need to keep striving to improve every game. We'll continue to do that.

"The decision has been made by the club and we have to respect that as players.

"We play for Man City. They have seen fit to part ways with Roberto and we have just got to get ourselves right for the new manager."

Manuel Pellegrini, who is to leave Malaga at the end of the Spanish season on June 1, is widely expected to take over.

The Chilean has taken both Malaga and Villarreal to the latter stages of the Champions League and he is also known as a good man-manager.

There have been reports of disharmony within the City camp during Mancini's tenure.

"It's best not to go into that," said Lescott when asked about the rumours while in the US this week.

Lescott's season still has a little way to run having been named in the England squad for upcoming friendlies against the Republic of Ireland and Brazil.

But the intensity has notably dropped this week as the players have undertaken a number of promotional activities on behalf of the club in New York.

They then played out an entertaining first friendly against Chelsea in St Louis, with City emerging 4-3 winners after falling 3-0 behind.

"It was not a competitive game in that sense, but it was entertaining, which is what the fans want to see," said Lescott, who himself was rested.

"It was good. It was a friendly atmosphere and I am sure we kept them entertained.

"You've got to finish the job off. That is what we are trying to do. We are representing Man City at the end of the day.

"There hasn't been much training going on. It's been a commercial trip.

"We've got one more game to go but it's been a productive week."

City's main off-field news this week has seen them launch a Major League Soccer franchise.

Chief executive Ferran Soriano also met with media and while he did not confirm Pellegrini would be the next manager, he said "the boxes are right" concerning the 59-year-old.

Anton, 20, and three team-mates from Brighton & Hove Albion were found not guilty of sexual assault and voyeurism.

The retrial at the Old Bailey followed an earlier trial in which a jury could not agree verdicts.

Brendan Rodgers said: "The last 18 months have been extremely traumatic for us as a family, but we are relieved that Anton's name has been cleared.

"I am also pleased for the other defendants and their families, that they can now get on with living their lives without these hurtful allegations hanging over them."

He thanked Liverpool FC and its fans for their support 'through this distressing process'.

Brendan Rodgers and his wife had sat through the two trials with the families of the other defendants.

Anton Rodgers, Lewis Dunk, 21, and George Barker, 21, and former team-mate Steve Cook, 22, who now plays for AFC Bournemouth, had maintained their innocence.

They broke down and were visibly shaken as they were consoled by their girlfriends and family outside the court.

Anton's solicitor Mark Haslam said: "We are delighted the jury has reached the correct verdict in this case.

"The last 18 months have been very stressful for Anton and his family, so it is a great relief that this long ordeal is finally over."

Barker said: "Since the day of my arrest in January 2011, I have always vigorously protested my innocence.

"Having to live with these allegations over the last two years has been enormously difficult for me, for my family and for my friends.

"Being able to rely on them at all times has been hugely reassuring during what has seemed at times like a nightmare.

"I am now looking forward to spending some time with my family and getting on with my life and my football."

Cook left court with his family without commenting.

Dunk said: "This is the best feeling in the world."

His father Mark added: "I believed 100 per cent that he was innocent and now it has been proved in court.

"I hope he will be able to build up his career again. This sort of thing would have an effect on anybody's career."

Dunk's solicitor Steven Barker said: "Lewis is looking forward to putting the ordeal of being wrongly accused of these matters behind him and regaining his place in the Brighton first team."

The prosecution said the players were celebrating victory in a local cup in July 2011, when they came across the drunken woman at a club.

She woke up at the Jury's Inn hotel to find her strapless dress pulled down and said she saw explicit pictures on Rodgers' mobile phone.

Richard Barton, prosecuting, said these were taken as a 'permanent record of their conquest'.

But despite forensic tests on all the players' phones, only one photograph was found on Barker's phone.

It showed the sleeping woman with shaving foam spelling out GB on her thigh. Barker was next to her doing a thumbs-up sign and smiling.

Another player, Leon Redwood, said he went into the room at night and sprayed the foam.

Barker and Rodgers said the woman had joined in the 'boy's banter'. She climbed into bed with them and started kissing them.

Dunk and Cook said they were sleeping on the floor and did not get involved with the woman.

The 19-year-old woman was said to have 'told a pack of lies' after the incident.

She agreed she lied to police and her employers but said she had been humiliated by the sportsmen.

She complained to police about the players six months later after getting into a volatile relationship with another player, Kazenga LuaLua.

He wound her up about her photographs being shown around the club and kidded her that a video would be put on YouTube.

Police have been unable to find anyone at the club who had seen pictures of the woman.

The woman said she was not drunk but her friend said they had each drunk between 10 and 15 shots of alcohol and shared a bottle of wine.

:: Brighton this week released Rodgers and his team-mate Ben Sampayo, who was a reluctant prosecution witness in the case.

The sanction is being proposed by FIFA's new task force on racism and if agreed by the world governing body's congress next week, all 209 countries will have to adopt the rule.

The proposals have not been published but sources have confirmed they include a five-game ban for on-the-pitch racism.

That is not as stringent as the 10-match sanction for European competitions agreed by UEFA's congress on Friday, but rules punishing racist abuse by fans will be stricter and include points deductions.

FIFA's task force chairman Jeffrey Webb would not confirm the five-match proposal but said there should be minimum sanctions to ensure consistency across the world.

Asked about the five-match ban, he said: "I can't speak about that yet.

"We're looking at making sure that is spread across the 209 member associations and, regardless of what UEFA does or CONCACAF does, from a global standpoint, there must be certain minimum standards.

"It's time to make people accountable. It's points deduction, it's relegation, it's expulsion from competitions.

"Finally, we're having some action on this. This is something that's long overdue.

"FIFA must set the minimum standard and say, 'These are the sanctions', and if you infringe on this, these are the consequences.

"Our resolution will outline to them what we expect there to be from a minimum standpoint."

UEFA's 53 member associations agreed on sanctions for European matches at its congress in London.

As well as a 10-match ban for players and officials, racism by fans will be punished by partial stadium closure for a first offence, with a full stadium closure for a second offence.

UEFA president Michel Platini said: "This is a great moment in our struggle against racism."

Facundo Ferreyra scored both goals, one in each half, to give second-bottom Velez just its second victory of the Clausura campaign.

Quilmes could have gone fourth with a win, but instead sits eight points behind leader Newell's Old Boys with four games to play.

Colon Santa Fe left it late before claiming a 2-0 win over All Boys thanks to a dramatic finish.

Emmanuel Gigliotti opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 77th minute and, after All Boys had Facundo Quiroga sent off four minutes from the end, Facundo Curuchet added a second in the dying moments.

In a statement the Liga champion confirmed agreeing 'the biggest deal in the history of Portuguese football' to release the pair to Claudio Ranieri's Monaco side, which will compete in Ligue 1 next season after winning promotion from the second tier.

Attacking midfielder Moutinho, 26, was a long-term target of Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas, who left the Estadio do Dragao for Chelsea in 2011.

Twenty-one-year-old Colombia winger Rodriguez, meanwhile, had reportedly attracted the interest of Juventus, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich before this announcement.

A statement published on fcporto.pt read: "FC Porto have reached an agreement with Monaco of the French league for the permanent transfer of Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez.

"To secure the players' registrations, Monaco pay 70 million euros (45 for James, 25 for Moutinho) in what happens to be the biggest deal in the history of Portuguese football.

"FC Porto thanks Moutinho and Rodriguez for their dedication and professionalism.

"(They) represented our colours for three successful seasons and in that period helped win three championships, one Portuguese Cup and the Europa League.

"FC Porto wish both of them the best of luck."

The 45 million euros ($60.32 million) paid for Rodriguez makes him the subject of the most expensive deal of the northern summer to date ahead of Borussia Dortmund forward Mario Gotze, who will join Bayern Munich for 37 million euros ($49.6 million) in July.

Porto did not specify the length of either player's contract at the Stade Louis II but French newspaper L'Equipe reported the duo had undergone medicals in the Mediterranean principality.

Monaco, whose majority shareholder is Russian businessman Dmitry Rybolovlev, has also been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid striker Falcao, the former Porto star who has scored 32 goals for the Spanish club so far this season.

Platini said match-fixers were not 'petty criminals' but money launderers and that such a police force could also tackle hooliganism.

In his speech at the UEFA Congress in London, Platini said: "We are protecting our sport from this scourge with all the means at our disposal, but, unfortunately, that is sometimes not enough.

"We are not dealing with petty criminals who are looking to make ends meet.

"It would seem that we are, in some instances, dealing with mafia-type organisations that are using certain matches to launder money, tarnishing our sport in the process.

"We can take reassurance from the fact that this is far from being a widespread phenomenon. However, just one fixed match is one match too many.

"Six years ago now, in response to this problem of betting, corruption and match-fixing, as well as the problems of hooliganism and doping, I called for the establishment of a European sports police force.

"There has been no response to those calls so far. Given the absence of any reaction and the lack of awareness on the part of politicians, I renew that call today.

"And if, by misfortune, this call again falls on deaf ears, I ask that each country, at the very least, adopts specific provisions of national legislation addressing the issue of match-fixing, in order to finally have the legal tools necessary to rigorously punish these cheats."

Platini said only 10 of UEFA's 53 countries had legislation that outlaws match-fixing - Britain is one of those.

"That's not many, and not enough," added the UEFA president.

Platini also praised the Premier League and Football League for bringing in spending controls for clubs similar to UEFA's financial fair play rules.

He said: "In order to prevent the current system from collapsing and stop the bubble from bursting, UEFA had a duty to step in, and it will be up to independent bodies to punish the few clubs that have not realised that football can no longer live above the rules.

"The Premier League and the Football League have themselves grasped the importance of this matter and the need to adopt financial fair play.

"In this respect, I congratulate England's professional clubs, who have decided, of their own accord, to follow UEFA's example.

"The rules adopted are not exactly the same, but the philosophy is identical. And I can assure you that this is the path to follow."

Atletico, which defeated arch-rival Real Madrid to win the Copa del Rey earlier this month, is facing the prospect of losing its talismanic Colombia striker to one of Europe's heavyweight clubs.

According to Marin, the Atletico board is already planning for the forward's departure by setting its sights on Sevilla's Spain international striker Negredo.

"It is my obligation to look at the market," Marin told ABC.

"Falcao leaving the club is an important possibility, therefore I have to advise and ask to speak with different people.

"And yes, I spoke with (Sevilla president) Jose Maria del Nido. I said to him that if we get rid of Falcao, we were thinking about Negredo.

"We will talk about it at the end of the season. There is enough time to assess what is suitable for all parties. Up front Negredo is one of the options presented to us by the market. We all know what level he is at."

Negredo, whose contract runs out in 2016, has netted 26 times in 40 appearances for Sevilla this season.

Hundreds of onlookers flock to the capital's world famous landmark every morning to see the ceremony of the exchange of guard duties.

Seven miles to the north west of the palace, European football will witness another changing of the guard when German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund clash for the UEFA Champions League trophy at Wembley Stadium on Saturday evening (Sunday morning AEST).

England's Premier League and Spain's Primera Division have had a stranglehold on Europe's most important club competition for the best part of the last decade.

However the winds of change that hit the continental game this season have turned into a gale force as the Bundesliga showed in no uncertain terms in two ground-breaking semi-finals that it is ready to rule Europe in the same way as it did in the 1970s.

While the Premier League lost all its representatives before the quarter-final stage and La Liga's Barcelona and Real Madrid were unceremoniously dumped in the semi-finals, Bayern and Dortmund marched on relentlessly and they will show an expected worldwide television audience of 150 million what German football today is all about.

The mood in London - the home of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur who have Euro visions - is one of apathy at worst or at best a realisation that the premiership has missed a great opportunity on the 150th anniversary of its Football Association.

As thousands of well mannered fans from Bayern and Dortmund began pouring into the city and will converge on the Trafalgar Square fan zone if the weather permits, London and its media are not getting too excited about this final.

The windy, wet and freezing conditions that continue to batter London have nothing to do with it.

So far the media is giving the twin powers of Wembley and their stars less treatment than the comings and goings of premiership managers and players or the second cricket Test between England and New Zealand.

There is also next week's eagerly awaited Championship playoff between Crystal Palace and Watford, too.

Which is all perfectly understandable from an English perspective.

The overriding feeling, however, is that football fans in London either could not care less or are grudgingly taking a back seat to let Germany's elite enjoy 'Der Klassiker' at their expense.

Bayern is hot favourite to win its fifth continental crown but it needs only to look back at last season's final to know how easily things can change in the rarefied air of football's highest level.

This will be Bayern's third UCL final in four seasons and it will be desperate to make up for two devastating losses to Inter Milan and Chelsea.

Coach Jupp Heynckes has dismissed suggestions that his side is mentally brittle.

"No, I don't see that at all," he said this week.

"We are very strong mentally and psychologically.

"When you have lost the Champions League (to Chelsea) after being the better team for 120 minutes it takes some guts to recover from that."

Yet striker Thomas Muller also said it was important for Bayern to win the elusive trophy because the club would not take kindly to being labelled as "losers".

If you forget the general lack of English interest in the final fest, the last word should go to a ticket collector at an underground station.

After seeing a few Dortmund fans walk past him, he asked me "why do two German teams have to play each other over here in London? It's stupid."

There are some people even in England who do not understand how football works.

Santos did not name the two clubs involved, but they are widely assumed to be Barca and Real Madrid, with a move to the Catalan club thought by many to be a foregone conclusion.

A statement on the Santos website read: "Santos FC announces that it has received two proposals for the athlete Neymar da Silva Santos Junior.

"Given the offers and conditions of the player's contract, the management committee of the club decided to transfer the player.

"Neymar Jr and his father are expected in Belmiro to choose which proposal the athlete will accept."

The 21-year-old's contract expires at the end of next season and according to some reports, the player agreed a deal with Barcelona as long as a year ago.

But, according to Globosporte, Neymar will now evaluate the two offers with his family before making a decision.

Neymar, who has already played more than 30 games for his country, has spent his whole career at Santos, which has repeatedly turned down offers for the player from a host of European clubs.

According to fresh reports Benitez, whose final match as interim Chelsea manager is this weekend's friendly against Manchester City in New York, will replace Walter Mazzarri in the hotseat at Stadio San Paolo.

However, De Laurentiis wrote on Twitter: "Thanks from the bottom of my heart for all the messages. Regarding a coach, nothing is official yet. A bit more patience needed."

Benitez has emerged this week as the favourite to replace Mazzarri, who resigned from Serie A runner-up Napoli on Sunday night and has been confirmed as the new Inter Milan coach.

Benitez led Chelsea to UEFA Europa League glory and a third-placed finish in the Premier League this season after replacing Roberto Di Matteo in November.

Chelsea defender David Luiz hailed the work the former Inter, Liverpool and Valencia boss has done at Stamford Bridge during his short tenure.

When asked by reporters about Benitez's link to Napoli, Luiz said: "I don't know. I think he will decide the best thing for him. He has experience, he knows a lot about football. He has done a great job at Chelsea.

"He has had a lot of pressure. He has shown character and that he is a professional. I am so happy we won a title and qualified directly for the Champions League."

The Dutch side, which is preparing for the U21 European Championship, got off to the perfect start when AZ midfielder Adam Maher curled his free kick into the top corner.

Young Socceroos coach Paul Okon is keen to assess his extended squad against high-class opposition and the Dutch obliged, going 2-0 up on the half hour mark when Marco van Ginkel played in PSV's Georginio Wijnaldum, who coolly finished.

Kevin Strootman made it 3-0 inside the first half, latching onto a deflected shot.

Netherlands coach Cor Pots made a number of second half changes, allowing Australia to gain some momentum. Blackburn Rovers attacker Jamie McClaren nabbed a late consolation for the Young Socceroos, who take on Germany on Friday 31 May.

Germany U-21 v Young Socceroos
Friday 31 May 2013
Venue TBA
Kick-Off 10:00am (6:00pm AEST)

Australia's FIFA U-20 World Cup 2013 match schedule is:

Sir Alex Ferguson said exactly that a month ago, having felt all along Ferdinand would commit himself to Old Trafford for a further season.

But with Moyes now replacing his fellow Scot as manager, it still required his seal of approval before the deal could be ratified.

"It is clear for everyone to see that Rio has had one of his best seasons with the club," said Moyes.

"Even from the outside you can see what a big character Rio is around the dressing room.

"I am delighted he has signed a new contract and I am looking forward to working with him."

Although there has been no official confirmation, it is anticipated there will be a testimonial for Ferdinand at some stage during the northern summer, although an opponent is yet to be agreed.

Whilst the deal itself is hardly a surprise, it is significant in that it was agreed with Ed Woodward, who will take over as chief executive from David Gill in the northern summer, and had to be ratified by Moyes before finally being completed.

It underlines the vast change taking place at Old Trafford, with both men amongst the rookies in United's tour party when it leaves for Australia and the Far East in July.

Only Javier Hernandez will miss the trip as he is required for FIFA Confederations Cup duty with Mexico.

Shinji Kagawa will also be involved for Japan, although as United is due to play two tour games in the midfielder's homeland it would be a major surprise if he did not make some sort of appearance.

For Ferdinand it will represent a 12th pre-season campaign.

And, after claiming his sixth Premier League title this term, he has already set his sights on number seven.

"Who wouldn't want to play in this fantastic team in front of 75,000 fans every week," he said.

"It has been an incredible journey and I am glad it will continue.

"I can now fully concentrate on my club career, which has worked well for me over the past few years.

"This is a great team to be part of and we are now moving into a new era, which is very exciting.

"I have met with David Moyes and I am really looking forward to working with him and winning many more trophies with this great club."

The 32-year-old has extended his stay at Goodison Park until 2015 but accepts the club is undergoing a northern summer of change after the departure of David Moyes to Manchester United.

And although the identity of the Scot's successor has yet to be identified Osman believes everyone will have to raise their games.

"It is a relief to have penned the contract so I can go and enjoy the summer and then work on achieving something next season," he said.

"I am delighted to have secured another year at the club.

"I have been here since I left school, I am a player and a fan, I love coming to work every day and I am delighted that's going to continue.

"It's time to take the family on holiday now, enjoy the break and recharge the batteries for next season.

"We are having a summer of change and we're not quite sure what is going to happen with regards to the manager but I am still delighted to have secured my future here at the club.

"It is going to be a new challenge and someone new to impress, which should raise the bar for everyone.

"Everyone will have to step up their form."

One of Osman's better seasons saw him called up for his England debut.

With the club finishing sixth the midfielder felt it had been a good campaign, the only disappointment coming in the fact that injury will prevent him featuring in England's northern summer friendlies against Republic of Ireland and Brazil.

"I think it has been a pretty good season, the way we've played football and the standards have been raised," he told evertontv

"To finish sixth and miss out on Europe is unfortunate but we've done well over the course of the season.

"It's disappointing to miss out (for England) but if you're injured, you're injured and there's not much you can really do about it.

"The timing of the injury is probably a bit off but it's one of those disappointing things in football you have to live with and learn to get over."

Kompany was sidelined for two months at a crucial stage of the Premier League campaign after suffering a calf injury in an FA Cup tie at Stoke City in January.

The 27-year-old's return took longer than expected and eventually sparked a club-versus-country row between former manager Roberto Mancini and Belgium.

Kompany has also been troubled by similar problems in the past but Kidd played down concerns after the defender played the first half of City's first post-season friendly against Chelsea in St Louis.

Kidd said: "After the FA Cup final he was feeling his calf and he didn't do any training.

"In the Reading game, we were desperate to get a point to finish second - it would have been a travesty if the lads hadn't done that, so that was paramount - but Vinny had the problem with the calf and couldn't make it.

"Vinny was obviously wanting to play the last game of the season but for one game it wasn't worth the risk.

"It's great to have your captain back and here was fantastic but coming up to the Norwich game he had one day on Saturday and it wasn't worth taking the chance."

Mancini had previously suggested Kompany could need an operation if the problem persists but Kidd denied that would be necessary.

Kidd also added that another centre-back, Matija Nastasic, was also still struggling with the problem that kept has kept him out since the FA Cup final loss to Wigan Athletic.

He said: "Matija didn't travel. We left him back in New York to have treatment."

City plays Chelsea again in the second of two matches at Yankees Stadium in New York on Saturday.

The 27-year-old striker has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford after retiring manager Sir Alex Ferguson - who will be replaced by Everton boss David Moyes in July - claimed the player had submitted a second transfer request in nearly three years.

The club later revealed the request had been turned down with talks over a new contract well under way, with new UEFA member Gill insisting 'every bit of work' is being done to prolong the England international's nine-year stint in Manchester.

Speaking to Sky Sports News at UEFA's Congress in London, Gill said: "As Alex said at his last press conference, that's an issue for David Moyes and the new team but I'm confident he'll be there next season.

"I think he's a great, great player at a great, great club and the club doesn't want to lose its star player.

"I'm sure every bit of work is being taken with Wayne and his advisors to ensure that happens. I'm not a betting man but I'm confident I'll sit at Old Trafford next season and see Wayne Rooney running out."

Liverpool-born Rooney agreed a five-year contract running to June 2015 after changing his mind over leaving the club in October 2010.

Fernandes will preside over a major overhaul of the squad at Loftus Road this northern summer, less than two years after buying up the majority shareholding.

The Malaysian entrepreneur has spent millions in a forlorn attempt to keep QPR in the top flight but says he is now ready to accept a period of stability in the second tier rather than aim for an immediate return to the Premier League.

Speaking in Monte Carlo, where his other major sporting investment, Caterham, is competing in this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix, Fernandes said: "With QPR we are right back at the drawing board, and we are going to go back to my principles of life.

"You learn a lot when you are going down. You don't learn a lot when you are doing great.

"I am not predicting we will bounce back up straight away, but I am working hard to make sure we have the right culture and right type of people in the club.

"If that means staying in the Championship for a couple of seasons to get it right, then that is worth it."

The AirAsia boss certainly has a full portfolio to deal with, and though the day-to-day running of his airline must take precedence, he admits things might be different at QPR and F1 back-marker Caterham had he been able to give either more of his time.

"The difference between QPR, Caterham and AirAsia is that AirAsia is something I live and breathe every day," he said.

"With all due respect, if I'd spent every day at Hingham [Caterham's headquarters] and every day at Loftus Road, I dare say it would have been a bit different.

"It's easy to say I've spread myself too thinly, but I don't think that's the case. What I should have done is delegate more.

"I am not that involved in my other businesses as much and I should have been like that, but this is the danger when passion conflicts with common sense.

"You get excited and carried away and you throw away all the things you are good at - planning and analysing."

Asked whether he had taken his eye off the ball, Fernandes replied: "It is an an experience, and I'm just a bit different to everyone else.

"Take Formula One. Everyone in the paddock has made huge errors in their life. They don't stand up and say 'I f***** up'. I have.

"It's the same in the football world. I don't think every single chairman has made a decision that's right all the time.

"But I have decided to step up and say I could have done it better. We did a lot of things wrong and I f***** up.

"With AirAsia, right now we the most profitable airline in the world. Now did I make huge mistakes in the process? Absolutely.

"But I don't think you have to be a b*****d to be successful in sport, you just need experience, which is something you can't buy."

Fernandes has promised a clearout of QPR's playing staff this northern summer, but the same cannot be said of manager Harry Redknapp, who the owner hopes will not be lured away in the coming months.

"You can never say never," said Fernandes. "If a massive club offers Harry a job, you can't stand in the way of it. It's his career, his life. You've got to be reasonable.

"But we get on very well, we know each other, and I long for stability.

"You can't build anything successful unless you have stability. I am an old-fashioned believer in that.

"Harry is someone I trust. He's a great football manager and a great spotter of talent."

The legendary German accuracy from the penalty spot suffered a malfunction 12 months ago when Chelsea emerged victorious to conquer Europe for the first time.

Bayern returns to the final for the third time in four years knowing its mettle might be tested in the most extreme manner again as it does battle with Borussia Dortmund in the first all-German final, but Muller is refusing to lose any sleep over the prospect.

Indeed, if his performance in the pre-match media briefing is anything to go by, he is rather looking forward to it.

"What happened last year has nothing to do with self-confidence," he said.

"You never know who will be on pitch at that point and some players better at penalties than others, but no-one will be wetting their pants over it."

The German invasion of Wembley does appear to mark a shift in the European balance of power.

Lauded as possibly the greatest club side ever for its performances over the previous four seasons, Barcelona was slaughtered by Bayern in the semi-final.

The four-times winner scored seven times without reply in a quite staggering two-legged display, even if Lionel Messi played through injury in the first encounter and sat out the second completely as Bayern romped to a 7-0 aggregate triumph.

"Barcelona were extraordinary in what they have done over the last few years," said Bayern skipper Philipp Lahm.

"They have won the Champions League on a couple of occasions and we felt they were the team we knew we had to beat if we were going to be successful this season.

"But we have developed by working together as a team. We have lots of attacking qualities and we didn't let them through our defence at all.

"It is difficult to know whether we can take the torch away from them, we shall have to see how it develops.

"But things are looking very positive for the future of the team. We have a great team, at the right age and we work well together."

Coach Jupp Heynckes reported a fully fit 21-man squad, which will allow Bayern to start favourite to lift its first European crown since 2001.

With the Bundesliga title already confirmed and a German Cup final against Stuttgart to follow next week, Heynckes' final season as a coach is threatening to leave new boss Pep Guardiola with a difficult act to follow.

The 68-year-old accepts his team is something special.

"We have achieved some extraordinary things," he said "Overall, our season has been the best in the Bundesliga from any team in 50 years.

"But we have the aspiration to carry on. We want to maintain our form tomorrow and in the German Cup Final.

"I am fortunate. I have won the Champions League before when I was at Real Madrid. For the players in our squad who are 28 and over, tomorrow could be the crowning moment of their entire careers."

Though Bayern has not beaten Dortmund in six meetings since February 2010, it starts overwhelming favourite given the manner in which it has transferred its imperious domestic form onto the European stage.

Muller acknowledges the side Bayern wrested the Bundesliga title from has plenty of quality despite the absence of Bayern-bound Mario Gotze.

However, he is adamant his side is the stronger.

"Borussia are a complete team," he said. "That is harder to deal with than a group of individual players, even though their individuals are also very good.

"But I don't have believe we have any weaknesses.

"We have played a lot of games, scored a great deal of goals and not conceded many.

"I have a really good feeling about tomorrow."

Both Dortmund and Bayern Munich experienced difficulty navigating rush hour London traffic to reach the stadium for the final training session.

It was not what they hoped for and in Klopp's case, he was particularly perplexed as Dortmund was supposed to be getting a police escort.

"We had three motorcycles next to us but are they not allowed to use their blue lights?" said Klopp.

"It would be very useful tomorrow.

"We were supposed to be training in the morning but given this awful traffic I am not so sure.

"If someone knows a policeman please ask him if he could put the lights on."

As ever with Klopp it seems, a smile was not far from his face.

The light-hearted approach could be a major advantage for Dortmund given its underdog status.

In fairness to the 45-year-old, he would much prefer to be at Wembley for the first all-German Champions League final than at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium, where Manchester United and Chelsea did battle in the all-English affair five years ago.

"Moscow was good but doesn't have Wembley's tradition," he said.

"This is a special game, the biggest cup in the world between two teams from the same country.

"It is the perfect place against the perfect opponent.

"If this has been my only final and I die in 60 years, it won't have been so bad."

Although Dortmund has an impressive record against Bayern over the last couple of years, Klopp understands why his opponent starts as favourite.

With its four European Cup wins and 23 Bundesliga titles, Munich is one of the game's true giant, with a history that endures no matter what short-term problems are encountered and a wallet that allows it to buy the very best.

In Dortmund's case that means Mario Gotze, who will miss the game with a groin injury and, in all probability, star striker Robert Lewandowski.

"They are not going to get any worse are they?" said key defender Matt Hummels, who has shrugged off a foot injury. "Not if they keep taking our players.

"Tomorrow we need to show those who would like to go to Munich that they will be missing out on something."

There is a reason Dortmund will not break the bank to keep hold of its best players and why it is susceptible to raids from richer rivals, as happened at the end of last season when Shinji Kagawa left for Manchester United.

It is that in 2005, just eight years after its only Champions League success, it almost went bust and Klopp knows such a near-catastrophe will not be allowed to happen again.

"The club could have ended as a fiasco," he said. "The stadium might have been turned into a monument.

"Instead, it has risen from the ashes.

"Football is a religion in Dortmund. Bayern may have won a lot of fans and a lot of trophies because of the incredible number of good decisions they have made. But now there is another story. Along has come another club that is pretty good as well.

"We do have money to get good players. But there are other clubs who can spend more money.

"We have to take a different position."

Such is the impact Klopp has made after back-to-back titles and a surge to the Champions League final - that saw it emerge unbeaten from four encounters with Real Madrid and prove itself superior to Manchester City - he could become a target for Europe's elite as well.

For now though, he is wrapped up in the Dortmund dream.

"What we have grown in the last five years has been amazing," he said, recalling his arrival from Mainz after Dortmund's worst league campaign in two decades.

"It could only have been done at this club.

"That is why things are so emotional for us, compared to other places where success is normal."

The striker's future has been the subject of constant speculation over the last year, with the 21-year-old's stellar performances thrusting him into the spotlight.

He has bagged 107 goals in 176 domestic appearances for Santos and has also impressed for Brazil's national team, scoring 20 times in 32 appearances, attracting reported interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Now Roberto Moreno, the executive director of DIS - the group of investors with a vested financial interest in the player - thinks a deal worth 30 million euros ($40.22 million) will be finalised with a club soon.

"We want to recoup what we invested," Moreno told Radio Transamerica.

"Thirty million euros is a good value for us. My gut says this deal will be finalised within the next 10 days. The player already indicated that he wants to leave."

The Spanish FA had long opposed the move - Spain claims sovereignty over the territory after it was ceded to Britain under the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht - but was forced to accept on Friday that Gibraltar has become UEFA's 54th member.

UEFA president Michel Platini confirmed however that Gibraltar would be kept apart from Spain in qualifying for EURO 2016.

Platini said: "Gibraltar will not play qualifying matches with Spain - we also have this situation with Armenia and Azerbaijan.

"We always try to set things up accordingly and to pre-empt these situations."

UEFA has also kept Russia and Georgia apart in recent competition draws.

Confirmation of membership for Gibraltar marks the end of a 14-year struggle for recognition, with the decisive point being victory in the Court of Arbitration for Sport in 2011.

Although the territory has just one professional, Portsmouth midfielder Liam Walker, it has proved itself a match for other European minnows, recently beating Faroe Islands 3-0 in a friendly.

At youth level there is promise too, with the Under-19 side losing by a single goal to Republic of Ireland.

Gareth Latin, president of the Gibraltar FA, said at the UEFA Congress in London: "This a momentous day for us. It means we can now begin the next chapter of Gibraltar football.

"We have been trying to achieve this for 14 years, and we want to give this to the Gibraltar community and we want to develop our kids so they have a chance to become professionals."

Gibraltar is currently upgrading its stadium to an 8,000 capacity but there is uncertainty over whether it will be ready in time for EURO 2016 qualifying.

Latin confirmed he has held talks with the Portuguese FA over staging 'home' games there. There are also suggestions that the Spanish FA, having now accepted the fight is over, would allow Gibraltar to play just across the border at the home stadium of lower league side Real Balompedica Linense.

Bowyer took caretaker charge of Blackburn in March after Michael Appleton - its third permanent boss of the 2012-2013 season - was sacked after 67 days in charge and steered it away from the Championship relegation zone.

"It is a huge honour and a proud moment for me," said Bowyer.

"I have been at the club for nine years, I know the traditions. The foundation of the club was built on hard work and that is what we need to produce.

"The supporters want to see the players out there playing for the shirt and giving it their all. We need the players to show the same passion that the fans gave us during our last six games where we just lost the once."

The 41-year-old was first placed in charge of Blackburn in December after Henning Berg's ill-fated reign and he remained unbeaten during his four-game spell, winning his first three matches against Barnsley, Nottingham Forest and Bristol City before drawing at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

After Appleton's dismissal, Bowyer took charge for a second time and steered the club away from the bottom three as Blackburn took 12 points from its final nine league games to finish 17th in the standings.

Blackburn's managing director Derek Shaw added: "In the two spells as caretaker manager Gary achieved approaching two points a game.

"He has the respect of the players and we feel his in-depth knowledge of working with the youngsters will be of great benefit to Rovers.

"He is held in high regard in football and we certainly wish him all the best going forward."

The 37-year-old Stramaccioni has paid the price after only guiding Inter to a ninth-placed finish - a worst performance since 1994 - while overseeing 16 league defeats in the 2012-2013 campaign.

Mazzarri, who announced his decision to leave runner-up Napoli last weekend, has been named as Inter's new coach on a two-year deal.

A statement published on inter.it read: "Inter would like to communicate that they have reached an agreement with Walter Mazzarri - the new coach of Inter.

"Inter thank Andrea Stramaccioni for his great efforts and the professionalism he showed in a particularly difficult year.

"The agreement with Walter Mazzarri will last for two years."

Stramaccioni, whose contract ran until 2015, was spared the news until Friday having spent the week absent from Inter's Angelo Moratti training complex due to a bout of flu.

The Roman was a surprise choice to replace Claudio Ranieri in March 2012, with president Massimo Moratti temporarily putting his faith in the man who had guided Inter's youth team to glory in the inaugural NextGen tournament earlier that month.

A subsequent sixth-placed finish in Serie A - and a Milan derby victory that ultimately helped Juventus beat the Rossoneri to the title - saw Stramaccioni confirmed as head coach for the 2012-2013 season.

A run of seven consecutive league wins through the autumn then culminated in a famous 3-1 victory at Juventus, which was denied the chance to go 50 games unbeaten, but Inter's campaign soon took a turn for the worse.

The departure of influential attacking midfielders Wesley Sneijder and Philippe Coutinho in the January transfer window preceded a serious injury crisis and a flurry of defeats that saw the Nerazzurri tumble out of the race for Europe.

Indeed, eight losses from 11 at the end of the season saw Inter finish ninth and miss out on continental competition for the first time since the 1999-2000 campaign.

Moratti had consistently backed his young coach but an unenviable record of 16 defeats in a single season and the sudden availability of Mazzarri seems to have forced his hand.

Adams, who was linked with the Aberdeen job before Derek McInnes replaced Craig Brown, led the Dingwall club to a fifth-placed finish in its first season in the top flight.

The former Motherwell and Aberdeen player, who began his playing career at County, also guided it to the Scottish Cup final in 2010, where it lost to Dundee United.

Adams told the club's official website: "I am delighted to extend my stay at Ross County Football Club."

The 37-year-old is in his second spell at County after a short stint as assistant manager to Colin Calderwood at Hibernian.

He added: "We are one of the few clubs in Scotland with access to quality training facilities right here at the stadium, and having started my tenure in the Second Division we have been able to build not only a team and a squad but also a culture at the football club.

"Our successes have been built on this ethos, and I think this shows what can be achieved by building a team spirit and putting the players at the heart of the football club.

"I am under no illusions as to the challenges that lie ahead in the coming seasons, but both I and my players relish them and I am delighted to be preparing for them with the added stability this extension to my contract gives us."

County chairman Roy MacGregor gave his manager a ringing endorsement.

"Derek's CV is an amazing read - he's brought this club not only the greatest period in it's long history, but I think probably greater success than many could ever have imagined for us," he said.

"Of course it is right that I highlight the First and Second Division titles and two Challenge Cups that he has brought to Dingwall, as well as a top-six finish in our debut season in the SPL and a Scottish Cup Final appearance, but even these amazing achievements don't tell the full story.

"What Derek has brought to this club more than anything is an ethos and a sense of belief and indeed purpose.

"He is one of the most focused and driven people I have ever met, and his vision of what this football club could and should achieve has been at the very centre of everything that Ross County have achieved during his tenure as manager.

"His dedication and attention to detail is what has enabled Derek to lead this club forwards on and off the park.

"I have spoken many times of the value of the inspirational leadership Derek has provided at the club and this extended contract now gives us a period of stability as we look to build on the success he has brought to the club."

The new deal comes after 10 players extended their contracts this week - Michael Fraser, Mihael Kovacevic, Grant Munro, Branislav Micic, Stuart Kettlewell, Rocco Quinn, Alex Cooper, Gary Glen, Steven Ross and Scott Boyd.

The decision has been made as part of a shake-up instigated by David Moyes after his arrival from Everton as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor.

A former United player, Phelan came back to Old Trafford as a youth team coach in 1999, and was promoted to Sir Alex Ferguson's backroom team two years later, replacing Carlos Queiroz as assistant in 2008.

Steele was installed as goalkeeping coach in 2008 as replacement for Tony Coton, who was forced to retire due to injury.

A statement from the club on behalf of Moyes read: "I would like to put on record the club's thanks for everything Mike and Eric have done.

"I will be looking to appoint my own members of coaching staff at some point in the future, however, I'd like to take this opportunity to give them both our best wishes for their future careers."

Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said: "I'd like to thank Eric and Mick for the enormous contributions they have made to the success of Manchester United in their time here. Their professionalism, ability and diligence have been a credit to them.

"They are top class football men and everyone here wishes them well for long and successful careers in the game."

The move, announced at the UEFA Congress on Friday, is an attempt to increase interest in Europe's secondary club competition.

There have been several initiatives in the past to boost the prestige of the tournament, including changing the name to its current guise from the UEFA Cup in 2009.

Teams that finish third in their UEFA Champions Leaguegroup also drop into the competition.

The decision follows months of discussions between the governing body and the European Club Association.

The competition generates less income and media focus than the UEFA Champions League, but it is hoped that Friday's announcement will raise the profile of the contest.

This season's competition was won by Premier League side Chelsea, which defeated Portuguese outfit Benfica 2-1 in the final.

The Congress also announced that the 2015 UEFA Champions League final would be held at Berlin's Olympic Stadium, while Warsaw's National Stadium will host that season's UEFA Europa League final.

Next Monday's (12.00am Tuesday AEST) Championship play-off final has been given even more importance this year due to the improved Premier League TV deal, which will see top-flight clubs pick up £55 million ($86 million) a year.

The new deal also increases parachute payments to relegated clubs, meaning even if the Hornets or Eagles last just one term in the league, they will still earn a sum of around £120 million.

As a result, Deloitte said the Eagles and Hornets will be playing for "the biggest financial prize in world football" at Wembley next week.

Adam Bull, senior consultant in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte, added: "The winners can expect a revenue increase of more than £60 million ($94 million) in 2013-14.

"The vast majority of this uplift, approximately £55million, will be from broadcast income as the Premier League enters the first year of its greatly enhanced three year TV deals.

"Based on existing distribution methods, even if a club is relegated after one season in the Premier League, it will be entitled to parachute payments over the following four seasons of around £60 million."

Over the past decade 17 of the 30 promoted teams retained their top-flight status in the first year.

Bull added: "The continued increase in the value of promotion to the Premier League provides newly promoted clubs the opportunity to make strategic investment on and off the pitch.

"Inevitably, the short-term priority is usually investment in the playing side of the business, but clubs need to also look to the medium and long-term."

A sell-out crowd of 90,000 will watch the two teams face off at the national stadium on Monday afternoon.

The 22-year-old old Belgian scored 19 goals in his first season in the English Premier League and has been linked with a move away from Villa Park.

But Lambert, who said talks had already begun over improving Benteke's existing contract which has three years left to run, insisted the player still has plenty more to prove.

Lambert told talkSPORT: "I don't really 100 per cent know what's happened but he's got three years here at Aston Villa and the club have always come first.

"He's had one of those seasons where he's never really been injured and he's never been suspended except the last day.

"It's a unique thing, and he's got to remember that he's only 22 years of age - he's got so much to learn.

"He's only a kid starting out and he's going to have ups and downs like everybody else. Once he starts to play 400 or 500 games you might think, 'yeah, he's right good player'.

"I think sometimes we've got to have a reality check here. This lad's only been in Britain for 10 months. He's got the status at Aston Villa and everybody loves him."

Benteke was quoted in the Sun saying he would jump at the chance to join a bigger club to help his ambitions of reaching the 2014 World Cup.

Quoted in the newspaper, Benteke said: "If Aston Villa say I must stay, I won't necessarily accept that.

"I do not in any way want to feel I didn't get the most out of my career. I try to get everything.

"Of course playing the World Cup in Rio is in my head. But I have no fear of falling out of the team. There is no point in me getting into a tug-of-war with Villa.

"If the chance comes up for me to join a club like Arsenal, I'm convinced we can reach a compromise where everyone comes out a winner."

The Spurs forward has just had the best season of his career, scoring a remarkable 31 goals for club and country.

Tottenham's failure to qualify for the Champions League has led to increased speculation that the 23-year-old could leave White Hart Lane, although the player himself has dropped hints over the last few days that he will stay.

Desailly thinks Bale cannot fulfill his ambitions at the north London club, however, and believes the time is right for the Wales international to move on.

"He should go, he should just go. Tottenham will not give him the opportunity to play at a very high level," Desailly told the BBC.

"There's no price for experience. I think it's the time for him to go."

Desailly played in France, Italy and England during a glittering career that saw him collect two Champions League winner's medals.

Bale has claimed several times throughout his career that he would have no problem playing abroad and Desailly thinks experiencing football in a foreign country is vital to a player's development.

"He needs to discover, as [David] Beckham has done, that an English guy or a Welsh guy has the capacity to export himself," the Frenchman said.

"It's not a matter of money because he has [money] where he is at Tottenham - it's just the experience.

"Experience to play at a very high level at a club that has the culture of victory, a club that has trophies in the cupboard - not one or two, but plenty.

"To experience playing with other big players, to be maybe a second choice.

"To face difficulty, a new language for his family.

"It's a real change of life and an approach to life as a human being and as a soccer player."

Bale last night came off the bench to play the final 30 minutes of Tottenham's end-of-season friendly against Jamaica in the Bahamas, which ended 0-0.

ends

The Northern Irishman succeeded Kenny Dalglish last June after the club icon was dismissed by owners Fenway Sports Group who did not feel he was the man to take the club forward.

In English Premier League terms, Rodgers improved one place on Dalglish's final league position of eighth and cut the deficit to the top four from 17 to 12 points.

Liverpool scored 71 goals in the league, 24 more than last season, but results were not consistent enough, with many of those goals coming in one-sided hammerings of teams below it.

However, it managed just one victory - at home to Tottenham in March - in the 12 matches against the top six.

Nevertheless, Werner believes Rodgers' changes to the team and set-up behind the scenes suggest a positive future and they are prepared to back him in the summer transfer market.

"I think Brendan has made remarkable progress," he told the Liverpool Echo.

"He's a great strategist and has shown strong leadership as he has led the team through this season.

"Obviously there is disappointment that we didn't finish higher in the table but the team has certainly improved as the season has gone on.

"To see the new additions in January, Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho, perform so well has been very positive to see.

"We scored a lot more goals than last season. The 38 away league goals was the club's highest number in a league season since 1990.

"The club is definitely moving in the right direction under Brendan.

"Our intention is to strengthen the squad further this summer and as owners we're very optimistic and excited about the future."

Watch it all unfold LIVE on Monday 27 May on SBS ONE and in HD and streamed online from 1:45am AEST.

Both the Rome clubs had disappointing Serie A campaigns, with Roma finishing sixth and Lazio a point behind in seventh.

The two clubs missed out on a spot in the UEFA Europa League with their league positions but can seal a berth in the competition with a win in the cup final.

Vladimir Petkovic's Lazio has won three of the past four encounters between the sides but there was not much between them in their two league meetings this season.

Lazio took a 3-2 win back in November before a 1-1 draw in April - and both matches had their fair share of flashpoints.

Lazio's Stefano Mauri was sent off in the November encounter, along with Roma's Daniele De Rossi, while Lazio defender Giuseppe Biava was given his marching orders when the sides clashed last month.

Roma will be boosted by the return of veteran Francesco Totti, with the 36-year-old - who has scored 12 Serie A goals this term - suspended for its last league game of the season, a 2-1 win over Napoli.

By contrast Lazio went down 1-0 to Cagliari, and will face an anxious wait for news on the fitness of Brazilian playmaker Hernanes, who missed that match with a muscle injury.

Stefan Radu and Bruno Pereirinha are also both under injury clouds ahead of the final.

While Totti's inclusion will be a bonus for Aurelio Andreazzoli, he will be sweating on the fitness of De Rossi, Federico Balzaretti, Marquinhos and Maarten Stekelenburg - who all missed out against Napoli.

Klopp's men scored two goals in stoppage time to defeat the Spanish side and reach the semi-finals, where it beat Real Madrid.

It now faces familiar foes Bayern Munich at Wembley in Saturday's (Sunday AEST) showpiece and Klopp says the last-eight win inspired his side.

"It was after this quarter-final win and particularly the way it came about, that we thought it could work out, that we had a chance to go to Wembley," he told the club's official website.

"It may be a surprise that we are in the final, but it's not a sensation."

Klopp said his tactics are based on teamwork and the willingness to help your fellow players.

"Football is a team sport. The whole point of this game is to help each other improve," he said.

"With the exception of your family members, your team-mates should be the people you feel most comfortable around. That's my idea of football."

Meanwhile, club CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke believes that BVB is the only team capable of overcoming Bayern Munich, who stormed to the Bundesliga title and beat Barcelona 7-0 over two legs this season.

"I think there is only team at the moment that can beat Bayern - and that's us," he said.

"Of course everything has to fall into place and we have to play at the top of our game. But, yes, we have a chance. In any case, we will stretch Bayern to the limit."

Watzke also hailed the group-stage campaign as the making of the team, with BVB having finished first in a group containing Ajax, Manchester City and Madrid.

"When the draw was made, I wasn't as disappointed as some other people who don't know us very well," he added.

"Back then I said: 'this is the kind of group in which heroes are born.'

"I guess I've been proven right, but of course we never expected to make it this far when the season began."

The host, who finished fifth - three places below its opponent - in the table, scored the only goal of the game through Christian Gimenez in the 19th minute.

America will attempt to overturn the deficit at the Azteca on Sunday.

Chelsea made a flying start to Thursday's (Friday AEST) match, and led 3-0 early in the second half before Brian Kidd's team came storming home to pull off an unlikely victory.

Highlights - Manchester City 4-3 Chelsea:

Chelsea took an early lead in the friendly when Demba Ba headed home from close range.

That was followed by a succession of chances for City, but it was Chelsea that struck again before the interval.

Juan Mata was clumsily brought down in the box by Karim Rekik, allowing Cesar Azpilicueta to clinically dispatch the resulting penalty and double the Blues' lead.

It soon got even better for Chelsea as Oscar rounded Joe Hart and remained composed to finish from a tight angle early in the second half to make it 3-0.

Dzeko's introduction proved to be the turning point.

The Bosnian was cheered on by a large contingent of his compatriots at the Busch Stadium and he was instantly involved in the corner which led to Javi Garcia pulling one back.

Minutes later the former Wolfsburg man, linked with a move to Napoli, raced up the field from a Chelsea corner to meet a James Milner pass and calmly slot past substitute goalkeeper Jamal Blackman to cut the deficit to one.

Blackman then made a succession of impressive stops, most noticably from Milner and Dzeko, before he was finally beaten again with five minutes remaining.

Carlos Tevez persistently plugged away throughout the match and earned some reward by claiming a fine assist for Dzeko's equaliser.

City had all the momentum and Richards found a dramatic late winner to cap off a remarkable match.

Netherlands finished runners-up at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, losing 1-0 to Spain after extra-time, and Van Gaal expects competition to win the tournament will be even greater next year.

"That would be a surprise, but I don't think so," he told ANP when asked of his country's chances of lifting the trophy.

"I can count eight teams who have a better chance of becoming world champions than Netherlands.

"I'm always real. I dream of becoming world champions. That's what I live for. That's why I'm the coach."

Van Gaal took over from Bert van Maarwijk in July 2012 after Netherlands crashed out of EURO 2012 in the group stage and has led it to six wins from as many competitive matches in his second spell in charge.

Its next game is a friendly clash with Indonesia on June 7.

Club director Barbara Berlusconi, the president's daughter, insisted that her father and his second-in-command remain "on the same path".

Reports had suggested Galliani and Silvio Berlusconi have fallen out over key issues relating to the running of the club, but the chief executive has dismissed those rumours.

"My personal and professional relationship with Silvio Berlusconi dates back 33 years," Galliani wrote on Thursday in a press release on Milan's website.

"The reciprocal affection and respect has never been cracked by the normal dialectics that characterise every human and professional relationship, neither in the past nor today, contrary to what I have read.

"Only yesterday Barbara Berlusconi commented on this theme. What she said, and only what she said, is the truth."

Milan scored two late goals against Siena in its final Serie A game of the season to finish third and secure a spot in the UEFA Champions League play-offs next campaign.

Playing at the Mexican club's Estadio Caliente home, the hosts took the lead just after the half-hour mark on Thursday thanks to a goal from Colombian striker Dubier Riascos.

HIGHLIGHTS - Tijuana 2-2 Atletico Mineiro:

The lead was 2-0 eight minutes into the second half when playmaker Fidel Martinez beat Mineiro goalkeeper Victor, but the Brazilians refused to lie down and hit back on the 66-minute mark through Diego Tardelli.

The Mexican club thought they had done enough to secure the advantage heading into next week's second leg in Brazil, but there was one more late twist in the tale.

Luan was the man who levelled in the 92nd minute, after Tardelli had turned provider, and the Brazilians will be delighted to have scored two vital away goals.

Thursday's other match saw the all-Argentine clash between Boca Juniors and Newell's Old Boys finish in a 0-0 stalemate.

Neither side could break the deadlock in a tight affair at Boca's Estadio Alberto Jacinto Armando, and the home side received a blow for the second leg in stoppage time, with centre back Guillermo Burdisso sent off for a second caution.

San Lorenzo was reportedly close to bringing the 31-year-old back to his homeland in January but was unable to agree a fee with the English Premier League side.

Newcastle's captain remained on Tyneside and helped the team steer clear of relegation but Lammens wants to secure the homesick centre-back's signature at the second attempt.

"I have the intention of having a meeting with Fabricio and talking about the conditions of his arrival to San Lorenzo," he told La Cicloneta.

"We understand that Newcastle don't have too much interest in the summer other than keeping Coloccini in their squad.

"They have managed to escape from the relegation zone, so they will now think about what is best for the player; that he needs to go back home."

Coloccini previously spent six months on loan at San Lorenzo while an AC Milan player, helping the Buenos Aires outfit to win the 2001 Clausura championship.

The likes of Shinji Kagawa, Keisuke Honda and Yuto Nagatomo all play their club football at the highest level, and Zaccheroni wants his team to perform to the same standard as it prepares for the decisive run of games in Asian qualifying.

"I'll remind my players we are a team that needs to play with intensity in order to perform. Intensity requires high concentration," Zaccheroni said.

"This is the method used by teams in the most important leagues; Bayern, PSG, Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus are all teams playing high-intensity football.

"This is the football style I'd like my team to play."

Japan leads Group B in the fourth round of Asian qualifying by six points and has two matches remaining in early June, against third-placed Australia and bottom side Iraq.

If it avoids defeat to the Socceroos or if Iraq fails to beat Oman on the same match day, Japan will qualify for the tournament in Brazil 2014.

"The idea is that we should control our own qualification and not worry about other results," Zaccheroni said.

"I expect the team to do well and we will rely on our technical skills, balance and intensity."

If Japan qualifies for next year's finals, Manchester United star Kagawa is likely to play a big role in determining how far it advances in Brazil.

Zaccheroni will be hoping his prized attacking midfielder brings his best form which has seen him enjoy plenty of success throughout his young career.

"I think Kagawa is used to being a winner," he said.

"He won two consecutive leagues with Borussia Dotmund, he won the DFB Pokal, he won the Asian Cup, in the last few years he has won several titles.

"I hope he's still hungry and wants to win more trophies."

The 22-year-old Belgium international scored 19 English Premier League goals this season and has been linked to with a move away from Villa Park, with Arsenal among the teams mentioned as a possible destination.

Quoted by the Sun, Benteke said: "If Aston Villa say I must stay, I won't necessarily accept that. I do not in any way want to feel I didn't get the most out of my career. I try to get everything.

"Of course playing the World Cup in Rio is in my head. But I have no fear of falling out of the team. There is no point in me getting into a tug-of-war with Villa.

"If the chance comes up for me to join a club like Arsenal, I'm convinced we can reach a compromise where everyone comes out a winner."

The 40-year-old is one of a larger-than-average squad of 26 selected for their trip to Japan on June 4, followed by home games against Jordan and Iraq.

It is a vital series of games for the Socceroos, who lie third in Asian qualifying group B, with only the top two teams progressing automatically.

Although Schwarzer faces an uncertain future at Fulham, Osieck believes the goalkeeper's experience means he will not let his contract status affect his performances.

"As far as I have known Mark, he will be OK for us, despite any negotiations regarding contracts or whatever," Osieck said.

"I think he will be our true number one. So not our starting number one, with the number on his shirt, but true number one in terms of guidance and in terms of aura to the team and being the backbone of the team.

"I think that he definitely will play his regular role for us."

Schwarzer is one of a number of experienced players in the squad, which also sees captain Lucas Neill return from suspension.

There is also a place for midfielder Tim Cahill, who has scored four goals this season for MLS side the New York Red Bulls.

"I think to have Tim around is always good for the team. He is a very positive character," Osieck said.

"He is always an inspiration to the other players and, of course with his personal situation right now, he is an attacking player who will gain a boost if he scores.

"Even in the last game against Oman, he was so positive and he really tried to have a great impact on the atmosphere within the group and I'm pretty sure that he's going to do the same in the upcoming games."

Messi has not played since picking up the knock against Atletico Madrid earlier this month but has been named in a 23-man list by Sabella, alongside fellow forwards Angel Di Maria, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain.

Roma and Anderlecht midfielders Erik Lamela and Lucas Biglia were also named in a squad made up entirely of overseas-based players, with a handful those playing in Argentina expected to be added on Monday.

Argentina will play Colombia on June 7 and Ecuador four days later, before visiting Guatemala for a friendly international on the 14th.

Argentina squad: Sergio Romero (Sampdoria), Mariano Andujar (Catania); Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica), Federico Fernandez (Getafe), Hugo Campagnaro (Napoli), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Jose Basanta (Monterrey); Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid), Ever Banega (Valencia), Augusto Fernandez (Celta), Jose Sosa (Metallist), Lucas Biglia (Anderlecht), Pablo Guinazu (Libertad), Walter Montillo (Santos), Erik Lamela (Roma); Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Rodrigo Palacio (Inter Milan), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris St Germain).

Chief Prosecutor Imre Keresztes said in a statement on Thursday that 32 local and international matches are thought to have been manipulated by the suspects, including former and current players, referees, team owners, an agent and a coach.

The list of suspicious matches includes some played in the top Hungarian, Italian and Finnish leagues, the Hungarian lower divisions and several international matches at both the national team and club team levels.

According to the indictment, a Hungarian suspect and his associates joined an Asian-based match-fixing organisation in 2010. The scam is believed to have been masterminded by Tan Seet Eng of Singapore, also known as Dan Tan, the world's most wanted and elusive match-fixing suspect.

Hungarian authorities said they have issued international and European arrest warrants for Tan, whom they identified only as T.S. Eng, so far without success.

More than a dozen of the suspects questioned by prosecutors have confessed their involvement in the scam and three of the suspects are under house arrest.

Hungarian authorities launched their match-fixing investigation in December 2009 and joined an international investigative force, formed by officials from Finland, Germany, and Europol, the European Union's law enforcement agency, in August 2011. Slovenia and Austria also joined the group later.

The suspects' aim was to place bets, mostly at Asian betting agencies, on matches whose outcome they could influence by bribing players and referees. The amount wagered by the organisers of the scam totalled hundreds of thousands of euros on each match.

With fifth position – which comes with a place in the UEFA Europa League – on the line over two legs, Utrecht made the perfect start with its win on Thursday (Friday AEST) .

Oar provided a pin-point corner in the ninth-minute for Cedric van der Gun to bury into the Twente net.

Twente, which had won its past four home matches, was shocked by Utrecht's early strike but slowly worked itself into the game.

The club dominated possession, having 68 percent of the ball, and also had 15 shots on goal, which was more than double Utrecht's total of seven.

But it was unable to convert that dominance and Utrecht made it pay, as Frenchman Edouard Duplan netted in the 59th minute.

Twente continued to attack, but a double substitution from manager Michel Jansen failed to pay dividends, as Utrecht held on for a terrific victory.

Ghana's Nana Asare was sent off in stoppage time for the winner, for a second yellow card, but Jan Wouters' side will have headed home far happier as it prepares to host the second leg on Sunday.

Fresh from winning a 20th English title and undergoing an apparently smooth managerial succession, United confirmed it had secured a new loan from Bank of America with far lower interest rates.

United has refinanced £177.78 million ($276 million) of outstanding 8.75 per cent interest sterling bonds and £22.09 million ($34 million) of 8.375 per cent dollar bonds.

The new loan from June 24 will have an estimated starting interest rate of about 2.78 per cent. Interest payments should come down from about £31 million ($48.3 million) to £21 million ($32.8 million) per year, United said in a statement.

United, which is owned by the American Glazer family and listed on the New York Stock Exchange, has approximately halved its total debts to £370 million ($577 million) in three years.

The refinancing package appears to indicate investor confidence in both the business and the first managerial change at Old Trafford since 1986, with David Moyes replacing Alex Ferguson.

"It shows that the infrastructure is in place and the decision they made on the managerial front is viewed as, not negative, but positive," Majid Ishaq, managing director of financial advisory group Rothschild, told The Associated Press.

"They are in a position today where they have gone back to the market to refinance that particular part of the financing on very attractive terms because they have really delivered, and grown the underlying revenue and profitability."

United said earlier this month it is on course to generate more than £350 million ($546 million) this season after earning a record £91.7 million ($143 million) in the three months to March 31. Net profit more than trebled year-on-year to £3.6 million ($5.6 million) in the third quarter.

"United is unique in that they have a great historic brand, and they have managed to derive value from that history and heritage in a very commercial way," said Ishaq, a football finance expert. "That's a big positive for investors."

Mourinho was sent to the stands for remonstrating with the officials during Real's defeat to rivals Atletico, while Ronaldo was dismissed for aiming a kick at Atletico captain Gabi late in the game.

With Mourinho reported to be making the switch to Chelsea in the close season, his suspension could be honoured in England, should the FA deem this necessary.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo - who has also been linked with a move away from the Bernabeu - stands to miss the first two games of next season's La Liga campaign.

Mourinho's departure from Madrid was confirmed on Monday after the club finished the season without a trophy.

Standard finished fourth in the championship play-off bracket, but will have to come from behind if it is to see off Gent, which came through a thrilling play-off with OH Leuven to reach this stage.

Ilombe M'boyo scored the only goal in the 83rd minute, turning home Herve Kage's cross at the near post.

The second leg will be played in Liege on Sunday.

Hoffenheim – which only qualified for the play-off after a remarkable 2-1 win at Bundesliga runners-up Borussia Dortmund on the last day of the regular season – started superbly in front of its home fans at the Wirsol Rhein-Neckar Arena.

Brazilian Roberto Firmino fired Hoffenheim in front after just 11 minutes, converting Bosnian Sejad Salihovic's assist.

And Firmino doubled his account just before the half-hour mark as Hoffenheim carried a two-goal advantage into the half-time break.

Kaiserslautern – which were relegated from the Bundesliga in 2012 – claimed a lifeline through Cameroon forward Mohammadou Idrissou.

Idrissou's 18th goal of the league season was scored 13 minutes into the second half and energised the visitor.

But a substitution from Hoffenheim coach Markus Gisdol changed the course of the match, as Sven Schipplock bagged the sealer in the 67th minute.

Schipplock had been on the pitch for just two minutes but his strike restored Hoffenheim's two-goal cushion, a lead it will carry into the second leg at the Fritz-Walter Stadion in Kaiserslautern on Monday (Tuesday AEST).

Lyon, which has appeared in the past four Champions League finals, had won 35 of their 36 matches in all competitions this season, securing a seventh consecutive French league title in the process.

But the German champion sprang a major surprise thanks to Martina Muller's second-half penalty.

Muller drove her spot-kick past Sarah Bouhaddi in the 73rd minute after Laura Georges handled in the area.

Ralf Kellermann's team, which beat Arsenal in the semi-finals, held on through the nervous final minutes to secure a first continental crown and shatter Lyon's hopes of a record third Champions League title.

Japan international striker Ami Otaki, who had scored one goal in three appearances in the tournament this season, was named on the Lyon bench but never got on the pitch.

The Deventer club has already denied Volendam promotion once this season, beating it 3-1 on the final day of the regular season and allowing Cambuur Leeuwarden to snatch the Eerste Divisie title.

And it was in the mood to inflict further punishment as Xander Houtkoop put it ahead in the eighth minute.

It had to wait until the final 20 minutes to add to its lead, Jarchinio Antonia doing the honours.

And after Volendam had Paul de Lange sent off, Marnix Kolder made it three to all but seal Go Ahead's promotion ahead of Sunday's return leg.

Sparta Rotterdam earned a 0-0 draw at home to Roda JC, denying the top-flight side an important away goal.

Donovan Deekman could even have snatched an advantage for the second-tier side in injury time but was denied by a good save from Filip Kurto.

Closest rival Red Star Belgrade slumped to a 2-1 home loss to Sloboda Sevojno, a result which left it eight points behind Partizan with just one match to play.

Bayern can complete part two of a possible treble with victory and goes into the clash with Bundesliga rival Borussia Dortmund as a clear favourite.

Jupp Heynckes' side finished 25 points ahead of Dortmund in winning the league title and have the DFB-Pokal final to come at the start of June.

"We've taken a massive stride towards perfection and we're aiming for a perfect performance in the final," Schweinsteiger said.

"For me, the decisive factor will be everyone working hard and running for the others when we don't have the ball.

"If we play to our potential, it's very hard for anyone to win against us."

Dortmund is the underdog for Saturday's (Sunday AEST) meeting with Bayern Munich at Wembley, just as it was when Ottmar Hitzfeld's side beat defending champion Juventus 3-1 to win the title 16 years ago.

The 32-year-old, dubbed the "best non-international goalkeeper" by the German media, said in an interview with Kicker magazine: "Everyone still speaks today with unbelievable admiration about the '97 team.

"Should we now also succeed in lifting the trophy in London, we would probably achieve a similar status.

"Champions League winners - that would be the best for the club and for us."

Weidenfeller, who was in brilliant form in the semi-final second leg against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu, is expected to be in for a busy night at Wembley but claims he is ready for anything Bayern throws at him.

"We have extensive video material," he added. "And moreover we know Bayern. No matter what happens in the final, nothing can surprise us."

Dortmund will be without Bayern-bound playmaker Mario Gotze through injury, but Weidenfeller knows the team can cope without him.

"It goes without saying that with him we have a different quality," he said.

"(But) everything shouldn't rest on him. In the DFB-Pokal final in 2012 Mario also didn't play."

On that occasion, Dortmund ran out 5-2 a winner against Bayern, with the help of a Robert Lewandowski hat-trick.

The Colombia international, 26, moved to San Siro on a season-long loan last summer and his performances for the Rossoneri - which finished third in Serie A - have earned him a three-year contract in northern Italy.

A statement published on acmilan.com read: "AC Milan wishes to communicate they have made the signing of Cristian Zapata from Villarreal permanent.

"The defender's contract will run to June 30, 2016."

Zapata, who previously spent five years in Italy with Udinese, has made 28 appearances in all competitions for Milan.

From 2015, the Europa League winner, as well as the European champion, will qualify automatically for the next season's Champions League, UEFA sources have confirmed.

But if the Europa League is won by an English club, they will no longer take the qualification place of a team finishing fourth in the English Premier League - as happened controversially with Tottenham Hotspur last season when Chelsea won the Champions League, but finished fifth.

The principle was agreed by UEFA's executive committee on Thursday (Friday AEST) today and will be formally announced at the European governing body's Congress in London on Friday.

The move is designed to make the Europa League more attractive and to persuade clubs to take the competition more seriously.

The change to allow a maximum of five clubs also answers concerns from the European Clubs' Association, which felt that the chances of the Europa League winner taking a place away from clubs qualifying via the domestic league was unacceptably high.

In the unlikely event of two clubs from the same country winning the Champions League and Europa League and both finishing outside of the domestic qualifying places, then those teams would still qualify for the Champions League but the side finishing fourth would miss out.

Racism by fans will be punished by partial stadium closure for a first offence, with a full stadium closure for a second offence.

The new sanctions were agreed by UEFA's executive committee meeting in London but moves to oblige national associations to follow suit have been watered down.

England's Football Association announced its own five-match minimum ban last week, but UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino said individual associations could still decide on their own sanctions.

Infantino told a news conference: "An association should adopt the same or similar measures. UEFA has always acted in a way to try to convince people rather than impose.

"I don't think you measure the way of fighting against racism in one simple measure and sanction.

"The way I read the FA's decision is that it could be five matches and it could also be 15. The FA are sure their way of regulating is more correct for England.

"It's their decision but it doesn't mean they do more or less than us. Everyone has to do what they can do in this field.

"The FA is autonomous and know best what is best for England to do in the fight against racism. It is probably one of the countries where the most has been done."

UEFA also announced tougher sanctions for insulting and assaulting match officials. The ban for insulting officials has been raised from two to three matches and for assaulting match officials from 10 to 15 matches.

In other decisions, UEFA has announced that the Champions League final in 2015 will take place in Berlin's Olympic Stadium and the Europa League final in Warsaw.

UEFA is also expected to announce at its Congress on Friday that the winner of the Europa League will qualify automatically for the Champions League.

The move would be aimed to boost interest in Europe's second tier tournament.

A new anti-doping initiative will see UEFA conduct a retrospective study of 900 doping samples given since 2008 to see if there has been any steroid use, and possibly to implement biological passports for players in future.

Although Ferdinand has been linked with a lucrative move abroad, it has been obvious for some time that his future lay at Old Trafford.

He has spoken openly about his future hopes for the club and last week called time on his England career in a clear attempt to extend his availability for United.

And despite the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, Ferdinand had no hesitation in signing another deal for next term, when he hopes to land a seventh Premier League title.

"Who wouldn't want to play in this fantastic team in front of 75,000 fans every week?" said the 34-year-old defender.

"It has been an incredible journey and I am glad it will continue.

"I can now fully concentrate on my club career, which has worked well for me over the past few years.

"This is a great team to be part of and we are now moving into a new era, which is very exciting.

"I have met with David Moyes and I am really looking forward to working with him and winning many more trophies with this great club."

Although there has been no official confirmation, it is anticipated there will be a testimonial for Ferdinand at some stage during the summer, although an opponent is yet to be agreed.

Whilst the deal itself is hardly a surprise, it is significant in that it was agreed with Ed Woodward, who will take over as chief executive from David Gill in the summer, and had to be ratified by Moyes before finally being completed.

It underlines the vast change taking place at Old Trafford, with both men amongst the rookies in United's tour party when it leaves for Australia and the Far East in July.

Only Javier Hernandez will miss the trip as he is required for Confederations Cup duty with Mexico in the summer.

Shinji Kagawa will also be involved for Japan, although as United is due to play two tour games in the midfielder's homeland it would be a major surprise if he did not make some sort of appearance.

"It is clear for everyone to see that Rio has had one of his best seasons with the club," said Moyes.

"Even from the outside you can see what a big character Rio is around the dressing room.

"I am delighted he has signed a new contract and I am looking forward to working with him."

The 28-year-old, who joined Milan from Inter last summer, could be out of action for up to six months.

A statement on acmilan.com read: "AC Milan wish to communicate that Giampaolo Pazzini has today undergone surgery on his right knee.

"The operation took place in Namur, Belgium and was successfully completed by Professor Martens' team.

"The recovery time is an estimated four to six months, barring any complications."

The former Sampdoria striker scored 15 goals in 30 Serie A appearances as Milan finished this season in third place.

Martinez had asked for 24 hours to consider his next move, but after meeting Whelan again, it is the chairman who has now gone away to consider whether he can match his manager's ambitions.

And he stressed the discussions were solely focused on taking Wigan forward and had not touched on Martinez's personal situation.

"We have had a good, constructive talk – nothing about wages it is all about the club and can we move it forward in terms of the training facilities and youth development," Whelan told Press Association Sport.

"It is all tied up in that. He wants to do certain things and I'm hoping I can assist in that but I want a day or two to look at it.

"I don't want to say yes until I've had time to think about it. It will be Monday before I can promise anything."

The Portuguese boss will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season and is widely expected to return to Stamford Bridge for a second spell as Chelsea boss.

"Jose is one of the best," World Cup and EURO 2012 winner Mata told reporters on Chelsea's United States post-season tour.

"He won everything in every country he was – in Portugal, in Italy, in Chelsea in London.

"We don't know really what is going to happen but if he comes he is welcome because he is one of the best and Chelsea always want to be a top side.

"If he comes we are going to be happy to have him."

Mourinho led Chelsea to two Premier League titles during his first spell in charge, from July 2004 to September 2007, including the Blues' first championship in 50 years.

Mata has won the Champions League, FA Cup and Europa League with Chelsea, but is keen to win the domestic title.

Mata added: "If he comes we will try and do our best with him, or whoever, to win the title, because one challenge for me will be to win the Premier League."

Mallorca currently sits second bottom of the overall standings, three points from safety with only two games remaining, and is preparing itself to play Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

However, the lower part of the table is very congested and five teams – Celta Vigo, Real Zaragoza, Deportivo La Coruna, Osasuna and Granada – can still be relegated, along with Mallorca, come the final day of the season.

Luna, who is on loan at Mallorca from Sevilla, believes Monday's 1-0 win over Real Betis gave it the confidence needed to claim wins against Atletico and Real Valladolid and secure safety.

He told his club's official website: "I think the team needed it [the win against Betis], because it is true that in recent games, especially in Bilbao where the team made a great effort against a tough opponent with a man down, [we did not get anything].

"I think the win against Betis has given us quite a lot of strength.

"We cling to our own hope and desire and that of our people, the fans of RCD Mallorca – it is true that we have never done it [got nine points from three successive games], but hey, all spells can be broken."

Rock bottom Celta Vigo is four points adrift of safety and travels to Real Valladolid to play a must-win match.

Valladolid has moved clear of the battle for survival in 13th place but Celta has everything to play for as only a win would keep its hopes of staying in the Primera Division alive.

Celta winger Augusto Fernandez knows his side is in the last-chance saloon.

"We need to seize this last chance. We would be making a grave error if we win at Espanyol on the last day of the season, without having done so previously in Valladolid," Fernandez told Marca.

"Therefore, our attention must be only on the game this weekend. Nothing else."

Fellow strugglers Zaragoza must bounce back from its demoralising 2-1 defeat at home to Athletic Bilbao, where Ibai Gomez's stoppage-time winner saw it miss out on a valuable point.

It faces Betis in their penultimate game and Zaragoza right-back Jose Fernandez knows there is now little room for error.

"We have to recover," he told Marca.

"The match against Betis is key and you have to earn it and not think of anything else.

"I understand that the fans are angry because things are not working out."

Elsewhere, Osasuna will look to move closer to safety with a win over Sevilla while Barcelona travels to Espanyol and Real Sociedad looks to keep its hopes of playing in next season's Champions League alive as it goes in search of a win over Real Madrid.

Valencia, which is level on points with Sociedad but fifth on goal difference, will hope it fails to claim anything from Jose Mourinho's side while it aims to beat Granada, while in the other game, Getafe faces Rayo Vallecano.

Carlisle made his debut for Blackpool in 1997 and went on to make over 500 appearances, also representing QPR, Leeds, Watford, Luton, Burnley, Preston and York.

The 33-year-old's final game was last Saturday as the Cobblers were beaten 3-0 by Bradford in the League Two play-off final at Wembley.

The Europa League final in 2015 will take place in Warsaw, UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino told a press conference in London.

Falcao has scored 32 goals in 36 appearances in all competitions so far this season and has been linked with a move to Monaco, Manchester City and Chelsea.

The 27-year-old Colombian forward is under contract with Atletico until 2016 and this week played down talk of a move, but hinted it could happen if the Copa del Rey champion decides to cash in.

Simeone denied a deal has been made with Monaco after Atletico's 2-0 win over a Singapore Selection side in a charity friendly and said he would give Falcao his blessing if he decides to move on.

"I don't know anything official yet," Simeone told Marca.

"I have known him since he was a child and I wish him all the best. If he feels that he needs to make a move, I'll be happy for him. If he stays with us, I'll be happy, too."

Falcao claimed he has not given any thought to a potential move at the end of the season but said he may end up leaving the Spanish capital if Atletico decides it is the right time to sell.

"I haven't thought about a move too much," he told Sky Sports News.

"The reality is that I have three years left on my contract with Atletico.

"It's true that last season during the summer there was a lot of speculation with clubs being named as a possible destination, but the truth is that I've not thought about it.

"Of course, it depends on what the financial needs of my club are and what sort of efforts Atletico make to keep me."

Monaco is the current favourite to sign the Colombia international, but Premier League side Chelsea is also being tipped to secure his services.

However, Falcao says he is not focusing on any speculation.

"I've been trying not to think too much about the rumours of clubs being linked with me," he said.

"Instead, I've been focusing on my objectives as a player and as a team member of Atletico Madrid."

Simeone was also asked about the future of Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who is on loan at Atletico from Chelsea, and said: "We are working on keeping him for another year."

The striker, who had been on loan from Bayern Munich, scored 11 goals in the Bundesliga last season and was delighted to secure a long-term deal with the side.

"This is the news I've been waiting for, now I am very happy that everything turned out the way I liked it," he told the club's website.

"I am highly motivated for the new season. I want to help so we again make a big step forward."

Petersen first caught the eye after scoring 35 goals in 56 league games for Energie Cottbus before Bayern came calling.

The German found opportunities limited with the Bavarians, making just nine Bundesliga appearances in 2011.

This led to a loan spell with Werder, which has been impressed with his contribution since his arrival.

"We are very pleased that Nils will spend the coming years with Werder, hunting for goals," said club chief executive Thomas Gauge.

"He has shown in the past season he fits perfectly here. We are sure he still has huge potential and will develop, and will continue to be a strong pillar of the team."

CSKA Moscow midfielder Honda and Inter-Milan defender Nagatomo were among 14 Europe-based players in a 26-strong squad the Italian tactician announced for the Australia match on June 4 at Saitama, north of Tokyo.

Both Honda and Nagatomo were sidelined due to injuries when Japan lost 2-1 away to Jordan in their last qualifier two months ago.

The Blue Samurai, starring Shinji Kagawa of English Premier League champions Manchester United, will also take on Bulgaria in a warm-up friendly at home on Thursday next week.

Japan, leading Asia's Group B with a six-point cushion after six games, only need a draw with the Socceroos to secure a fifth-straight berth to the World Cup finals.

"The moment of truth is at hand. We are just a step away from qualifying for the World Cup finals," said Zaccheroni, the former AC Milan coach.

"There may be a feeling among people that we have already qualified for the World Cup. But it is not right. I want to get the team more focused when we gather together.

"We want to win, no matter what. We want to show our trademark skills and balance."

Kashiwa Reysol striker Masato Kudo, who has scored eight J-League goals so far this season, was called up for international duty for the first time. He has helped Kashiwa's march to the quarter-finals in the Asian Champions League.

Japan, four-time Asian Cup champions, top the Group B table on 13 points, with Jordan trailing on seven. Australia have six points from five matches. Oman have six points from six matches, with Iraq at the bottom with five points from five matches.

Japan's squad
Goalkeepers: Eiji Kawashima (Standard Liege), Shusaku Nishikawa (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Shuichi Gonda (FC Tokyo).
Defenders: Yuichi Komano (Jubilo Iwata), Yasuyuki Konno (Gamba Osaka), Yuzo Kurihara (Yokohama Marinos), Masahiko Inoha (Jubilo Iwata), Yuto Nagatomo (Inter Milan), Atsuto Uchida (Schalke), Maya Yoshida (Southampton), Hiroki Sakai (Hannover), Gotoku Sakai (Stuttgart).
Midfielders: Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka), Kengo Nakamura (Kawasaki Frontale), Makoto Hasebe (Wolfsburg), Hajime Hosogai (Bayer Leverkusen), Keisuke Honda (CSKA Moscow), Hideto Takahashi (FC Tokyo).
Forwards: Ryoichi Maeda (Jubilo Iwata), Shinji Okazaki (Stuttgart), Mike Havenaar (Vitesse Arnhem), Takashi Inui (Eintracht Frankfurt), Shinji Kagawa (Manchester Utd), Hiroshi Kiyotake (Nuremberg), Masato Kudo (Kashiwa Reysol), Keigo Higashi (FC Tokyo).

The Paris Saint-Germain winger was called into the squad to face Uruguay and Brazil last week but has not featured for PSG since its match against Lyon on May 12.

And, after discussions between France manager Didier Deschamps and the medical team at the newly crowned French champion, it has been decided the 26-year-old will not feature in the upcoming matches.

A statement from the FFF said: "Didier Deschamps endorsed this package after an exchange between the medical staff of the Paris club and the team doctor of France, Franck Le Gall."

Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette will take Menez's place after an impressive season for Remi Garde's men.

The 21-year-old, who has scored four goals for Lyon this season, has featured at every age group from Under-16 to Under-21 for France and could be in line for a senior debut.

Deschamps' men take on Uruguay in Montevideo on June 5 and Brazil in Porto Alegre four days later.

The pair, along with managing director Derek Llambias, met up this week to talk through the failings of the last campaign and to discuss the way forward.

But insiders insist the nature of the talks was far from "showdown or "clear the air" amid rumours that Pardew could be shown the door after a season of under-achievement by his side.

Despite the increasing disquiet among fans as a difficult campaign drew to a close, there has been no appetite to dispense with the services of the 51-year-old manager, who signed an eight-year contract in September last year, even though the terms of the deal mean it would not have to be paid up in full should the signatories part company prematurely.

In the event, Pardew emerged from the meeting still in post and charged with the task of masterminding a significant improvement for a club that scaled improbable heights under his charge in 2011-12, but misfired alarmingly 12 months later.

There is an acceptance by all parties that the squad with which Newcastle went into battle at the start of the last campaign was inadequate for purpose with the demands of the Europa League – something with which it will not have to contend this time around – and injuries cruelly exposing its lack of depth.

It will be depleted further at the end of the next month when veteran keeper Steve Harper and full-back Danny Simpson leave the club when their contracts expire, and while Pardew is desperate to retain the services of skipper Fabricio Coloccini, his continued presence is by no means certain four months after he asked to be allowed to return to his native Argentina for personal reasons.

In addition, the club's failure to replace frontman Demba Ba in either a pre-emptive strike or following his January departure for Chelsea is yet to be addressed.

It emerged after yesterday's meeting that Andy Carroll will not be a long-term solution to that particular problem despite Pardew's repeated admissions that he would like to bring him back to St James' Park given the opportunity.

However, given the club's hard and fast recruitment policy, that news should perhaps come as little surprise.

While at 24, Carroll fits the age profile perfectly, the fee – West Ham has reportedly agreed a £15 million ($23 million) deal with Liverpool – is in excess of anything Ashley has sanctioned during his reign to date and even a significant reduction on his current wage packet would smash the club's pay structure.

There is an understandable attraction to re-signing a man the Magpies sold to the Reds for £35 million ($54.5 million) two and a half years ago, but unless something changes radically, that is now unlikely to happen.

Instead, chief scout Graham Carr will concentrate his efforts on identifying the best young talent on the continent with Belgium and Holland, as well as France, understood to be among his hunting grounds this summer.

Pardew will also be on his guard once again amid speculation that some of his bigger names could be vulnerable to attack from clubs who could offer them Champions League football, lucrative deals or both.

The 21-year-old Spain international has scored eight goals in 35 Primera Division appearances so far this season, and is also believed to have attracted interest from Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.

Isco signed a new contract with Malaga in January to keep him at the club until 2016 but has a buy-out clause of 35 million euros ($46.5 million).

Malaga director Francisco Aguilar told Spanish newspaper Marca that Real is keen on Isco, but a deal is still a long way from being confirmed.

"Real Madrid are interested in signing Isco, but nothing is official yet," Aguilar said.

"It fills us with pride that a lad who has come through at Malaga has become the player that he is now.

"If he leaves Malaga it will be to a big club and it will be to the benefit of the coffers at Malaga. Clubs that want him will have to meet his buy-out clause."

The Portuguese, who will leave the club at the end of the season, was sent to the stands midway through the second half of the 2-1 defeat to city rival Atletico for protesting with the referee after a series of fouls were given against his team.

The suspension only applies to domestic cup games meaning Mourinho, who has been heavily linked with a summer return to Chelsea, can sit on the bench for Madrid's final two Primera Division games of the season.

Cristiano Ronaldo was handed a one-match ban for his sending-off after lashing out at Gabi in extra-time and he will miss Real's first Copa del Rey match next season.

After being left out of the squad for March’s forgettable 2-2 draw with Oman, Ognenovski – who turned 34 in April – wondered whether he had played his last game for the national team.

But the 2010 Asian Player of Year and AFC Champions League winner is back in vogue with coach Holger Osieck and is certain his ability to handle high-pressure situations is the reason for his return for June’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Japan, Jordan and Iraq.

Qatar-based Ognenovski, a part of the Socceroos side beaten by Japan in the 2011 Asian Cup final, explained: "I probably don’t have that many caps under my belt [16 as a late bloomer] but I have played big games in Asia for both Australia and also in my time with [K-League club] Seongnam and I think that experience counts for something.

"I have played against a lot of the players we’re going to be up against in these qualifiers and I know how to handle demanding situations and can offer something to the team."

Out of favour since last September – when he was forced off injured in the early minutes of the shock 2-1 loss to unheralded Jordan – Ognenovski said, after being ignored against Oman, that if the team flourished in his absence he didn’t expect to be picked again.

But neither Michael Thwaite nor Robbie Cornthwhaite excelled as a centre-back combo in that match in the absence of Ognenovski and suspended skipper Lucas Neill.

Ognenovski added: "Probably what has been missing at times in recent games has been experience at this level and hopefully that’s what I bring.

"It’s obviously not ideal when you have players coming in and out because at club or county level continuity and stability is usually a good thing.

"I am just pleased to be back again and will do everything I can to help the team qualify for the World Cup. I certainly believe we can get there."

With his ability to read attacks, time tackles with unerring accuracy and his aerial domination, Umm Salal’s Ognenovski got the nod in Osieck’s 26-man squad ahead of fellow Stars League Australian Matthew Spiranovic – who has only played three games this year due to an ankle injury – and out-of-sorts Middlesbrough centre-back Rhys Williams.

He will compete with Cornthwaite, Ryan McGowan, Jade North and Michael Thwaite for a starting spot alongside Neill against Japan in Saitama on June 4.

The understanding he fostered alongside Neill could make him favourite to start, so long as he brings his "A game" into camp in Tokyo on May 28.

After announcing the squad on Thursday for June’s trio of qualifiers, Osieck said: “Lucas and Sasa have played together for a number of games. We need that kind of strength.”

Even if Australia leaves pointless from Saitama it could still secure a top-two finish in Group B if it beats Jordan (Melbourne, June 11) and Iraq (Sydney, June 18) and secures automatic qualification to avoid the perils of a series of play-offs – or the ignominy of missing out altogether on a third successive World Cup.

"Regardless of what happens in Japan, we have to win both those two home games. That’s pretty vital," added Ognenovski. “Japan are a top team who have really good young players playing in top leagues. At the moment we don’t have too many of our younger boys playing at that level.

“But we have shown in the past we can perform against them and get results. I don’t see why this should be any different.”

Match fitness will not be an issue for Ognenovski who played his last game for Umm Salal in the quarter-finals of the Emir Cup two weeks ago and has racked up 22 games this season for his club.

"The body is feeling fine and my recovery time between matches has been good. I’ve had no injury issues any sort since that game for Australia against Jordan," he added.

Bayern is widely considered the favourite for this weekend's all-German showdown at Wembley Stadium, especially since the Bavarian club destroyed Barcelona 7-0 in the sides' two-legged semi-final.

Up against Barcelona's vaunted midfield of Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets, Bayern's central-midfield duo, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Javi Martinez, were far too strong and provided a solid foundation for the German club's impressive triumph.

Dortmund and Bayern are expected to play similar 4-2-3-1 formations at London's showpiece stadium, which will make the midfield battle crucial as neither side will have an obvious advantage tactically.

Up against Schweinsteiger and Martinez, who combine impressive physical capabilities with accurate passing, Dortmund will need Gundogan to be at the top of his game if it is to ensure Bayern loses its third UEFA Champions League final in four seasons.

Gundogan, who will most-likely start alongside Sven Bender at the base of Dortmund's midfield, is rated by Borussia's head coach Juergen Klopp as one of the best passers in his team.

"We got him [in May 2011] and he has turned into a real strategist," Klopp told UEFA.com.

"It is extraordinary. Not many players can do that.

"Many players can play in a small space, play fast and do a lot of great things but to have such vision, such a passing game, such an eye for the situation, is extraordinary and makes him an extraordinary player."

Bayern head coach Jupp Heynckes should be confident his team can overcome Dortmund in the English capital as it has had the better of Klopp's men throughout the season.

Since last season's German Cup final, when Dortmund beat Bayern 5-2, Heynckes' side has won two of four meetings with the Westfalenstadion club, with the other two matches ending in a stalemate as the Bavarians clinched the Bundesliga title by 25 points.

Dortmund hosted Bayern earlier this month in the Bundesliga with Kevin Grosskreutz and Mario Gomez scoring in a 1-1 draw as both coaches gave some of their key players a rest.

In a huge blow for Dortmund, attacking midfielder Mario Goetze, who will join Bayern next season, has been ruled out of the final with a hamstring injury he suffered in the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid.

Performance director Wotte made his comments on Twitter after 29-year-old midfielder Commons announced he had quit Scotland on the same day national team boss Gordon Strachan left him out of his squad for next month's World Cup qualifier in Croatia.

Wotte said: "Retiring at 29 after only 10 caps honestly still puzzles me. Where does pride, desire and ambition come into this picture? Agree?"

Scotland midfielder Brown, however, supported his Parkhead colleague, who won two more caps than Wotte gave him credit for.

Brown told a number of newspapers: "There is nothing wrong with Kris' desire. He has come to a club such as Celtic and shown what he can do.

"Kris trains hard, he's always in the gym.

"He is one of the first ones into training in the morning and one of the last ones to leave, so there is nothing wrong with his desire whatsoever."

Commons who has a wife and three children, cited family reasons as one of the major motivations behind his decision.

"Every man to his own," said Brown. "We stay away in a lot of hotels on European trips and it is hard to see your family so I understand where he is coming from.

"We're also in a hotel for every match and you can sometimes be there three times a week.

"Then you have the three matches so you could be having just a night or two a week in your own house. It can be hard."

Almost a year after quitting A-League side Melbourne Victory for family reasons, Kewell finally returned to competitive soccer with Qatar club Al-Gharafa in April.

The short stint, which is now over, wasn't enough to sway Osieck.

"I had a chat with him and I told him why I didn't select him and he accepted it. That's a fact," Osieck said of the former Liverpool star, who was absent from the 26-man squad named on Thursday for the Socceroos' final three World Cup qualifiers.

"But the door is definitely not closed, that's a fact as well."

Kewell indicated to Fox Sports on Wednesday that he wasn't entirely happy with the conversation.

"He told me that I was not going to be right for these World Cup games. But I am fit – 100 per cent fit – I've passed every fitness test and every medical. I have the records to show them, and I just played three games for Al-Gharafa," the 34-year-old was quoted as saying.

Kewell suggested he was disappointed to be overlooked for Osieck's recent training camp, which was made up of 11 A-League players and out-of-contract Socceroos captain Lucas Neill.

"He could have had a look at me first hand for two weeks," Kewell said.

"If he did that then he could say, okay, Harry, you are not going to be right or, actually, you are going to be right and I have a job for you to do.

"I could still do a job for Australia. The only thing I am missing is some match fitness."

Osieck was unwilling to respond to Kewell's critique.

"It's beyond my knowledge, I'm not aware of any comments that he said [publicly]," Osieck said.

"I can just refer to the talk I had to him. I made my position clear and he accepted it."

Osieck on Thursday named a 26-man squad for the three remaining World Cup qualifiers in Group B of qualifying.

The Socceroos, currently third in their qualifying pool, face Japan away on Tuesday week before crunch home fixtures against Jordan and Iraq, on June 11 and 18 respectively.

Captain Lucas Neill, Mark Bresciano and Brett Holman all feature prominently in Osieck's plans, but none have had an ideal preparation for the test ahead.

Neill, still without a club, has not played a competitive fixture since Sydney FC's A-League derby against Western Sydney on 23 March when he left the field with a hamstring injury.

Attacking weapon Bresciano managed to play the full 90 minutes in Al Gharafa's ACL loss on Wednesday but has featured only sparingly for the Qatari side since he injured his knee in Australia's last-start World Cup qualifier against Oman on 26 March.

Holman, who scored a cracking equaliser to rescue a draw against Oman, has been on the outer at Aston Villa and was not even on the bench for the English Premier League side in its final match of the season.

"It's always a concern when a player doesn't play regularly," Osieck said.

"He has great standing within the group. He's always very committed and I think we'll still get some good stuff from him.

"... The positive thing is I now have them together in camp for a long period."

The German mentor noted Neill worked "very hard" during a recent training camp for A-League players, of which there are seven in the Socceroos squad.

"He is still the captain of the team and I think to have him around is of certain value," Osieck said.

Of Bresciano, Osieck was in no doubt about his fitness.

"(Playing) 90 minutes in a (Asian) Champions League game indicates to me that he is fully fit," he said.

Osieck was similarly buoyant when it came to Holman, Australia's player of the year in 2012.

"Although he didn't have a lot of playing time recently, he's always a very, very great asset to our team.

"I think we'll still get some good stuff from him."

The return of central defensive pairing Neill and Sasa Ognenovski, both missing against Oman, headlined a major injection of experience for the Socceroos.

The duo are expected to waltz into the starting XI in place of Michael Thwaite and Robbie Cornthwaite, who struggled against Oman but were retained in Osieck's squad.

"Experience is a very valuable factor in our present situation," Osieck said.

"We have to go with a couple of boys, who have already been there and know what is demanded.

"It would be unfair to young talented boys to put the entire burden on their shoulders."

Striker Josh Kennedy, beset by back injuries that kept him out of the national side since Australia hosted Japan last year, is also back after finally finding fitness.

But there is no guarantee of Kennedy starting in the same team as Tim Cahill, who has been in hot form for New York Red Bulls.

"I had them together in (the same XI) on previous occasion and I wasn't too pleased with that," Osieck said.

Youngsters like Tomas Rogic, Tommy Oar, James Holland and Robbie Kruse are also there with Cahill and Mark Schwarzer still among the first chosen.

There is no place for club-less attacker Harry Kewell or Central Coast Mariners defender Trent Sainsbury, who Osieck explained was close to a berth.

Socceroos squad is:

Mark BRESCIANO, Al Gharafa, QATAR - 66 caps (12 goals)
Alex BROSQUE, Al-Ain Club, UAE - 21 (5)
Tim CAHILL, New York Red Bulls, USA - 61 (27)
Robert CORNTHWAITE, Chunnam Dragons, KOREA REPUBLIC - 7 (3)
Ivan FRANJIC, Brisbane Roar FC, AUSTRALIA - 3 (0)
Eugene GALEKOVIC, Adelaide United FC, AUSTRALIA - 6 (0)
James HOLLAND, FK Austria Vienna, AUSTRIA - 10 (0)
Brett HOLMAN, Aston Villa FC, ENGLAND - 59 (9)
Mile JEDINAK, Crystal Palace FC, ENGLAND - 38 (3)
Josh KENNEDY, Nagoya Grampus, JAPAN - 30 (15)
Robbie KRUSE, Fortuna Dusseldorf, GERMANY - 23 (2)
Mitchell LANGERAK (gk), Borussia Dortmund, GERMANY
Ryan McGOWAN, Shandong Luneng, CHINA PR - 3 (0)
Matthew McKAY, Changchun Yatai FC, CHINA PR - 35 (1)
Mark MILLIGAN, Melbourne Victory FC, AUSTRALIA - 19 (2)
Lucas NEILL, uncontracted - 89 (0)
Jade NORTH, Brisbane Roar FC, AUSTRALIA - 39 (0)
Tommy OAR, FC Utrecht, NETHERLANDS - 7 (0)
Sasa OGNENOVSKI, Umm Salal SC, QATAR - 18 (1)
Tom ROGIC, Celtic FC, SCOTLAND - 4 (0)
Mark SCHWARZER (gk), Fulham FC, ENGLAND - 105 (0)
Archie THOMPSON, Melbourne Victory FC, AUSTRALIA - 47 (28)
Michael THWAITE, Perth Glory FC, AUSTRALIA - 11 (0)
Dario VIDOSIC, Adelaide United FC, AUSTRALIA - 14 (1)
Luke WILKSHIRE, FK Dinamo Moscow, RUSSIA - 75 (8)
Michael ZULLO, FC Utrecht, NETHERLANDS - 10 (0)

The Socceroos, six points, are third in Group B and trailing Japan, 13 points, and Jordan, seven points, in the AFC zone qualifying group and needing a top two finish to secure a place at Brazil 2014.

Socceroos match details in June

Japan v Socceroos
Saitama Stadium, Saitama, Japan
Tuesday 4 June 2013
Kick-Off 7.30pm (local time) (8.30pm AEST)

Socceroos v Jordan
Docklands, Melbourne, Victoria
Tuesday, 11 June 2013
Kick-Off 7.00pm (local time)

Socceroos v Iraq
Stadium Australia, Sydney
Tuesday 18 June, 2013
Kick off 7.30pm (local time)

Santa Fe showed no ill effects from playing at 3,600 metres above sea level in Cusco as Francisco Meza put it ahead in the 21st minute with a left-foot volley and Wilder Medina doubled the advantage three minutes later.

Garcilaso midfielder Fabio Ramos missed a penalty in the 26th and Jefferson Cuero made him pay by making it 3-0 eight minutes after the interval.

Garcilaso forward Alfredo Ramua reduced the deficit with a long-distance strike in the 63rd minute to at least give a glimmer of hope for next Tuesday's second leg in Colombia.

Meanwhile in Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian champion Fluminense played out a goalless draw with Paraguayan side Olimpia.

Fluminense had some decent opportunities but Olimpia keeper Martin Silva was on form.

Olimpia midfielder Eduardo Aranda saw red eight minutes from time but Fluminense failed to take advantage.

Fluminense striker Fred said: "This is not what we expected, but we have an advantage having not conceded.

"Unfortunately, we failed to score the necessary goals to win tonight. We failed on finishing."

The two teams meet in Asuncion next Wednesday (Thursday AEST) for the second leg.

Uncontracted Lucas Neill is back after serving a suspension in the 2-2 draw with Oman in March to captain the Socceroos who face Japan (4 June in Saitama), Jordan (11 June in Melbourne) and Iraq (18 June in Sydney) next month.

"It's experience in a certain way, but on the other hand, there are a number of players with only a little international experience in terms of caps," Osieck said of his selection.

The German responded to calls from the media for him to select younger players but believes he has balanced that blend with players that have been there before and performed.

"I've given a lot of young players the opportunity, (but) I have to clearly say that experience is a very valuable factor to have in our present situation," he said.

Striker Kennedy returns for the first time since June 2012 after recovering from a long-standing back problem while defender Ognenovski and goalkeeper Langerak are included after missing out last time around.

Harry Kewell is a notable but unsurprising absentee, after the 34-year-old's short-term deal with Qatari club Al Gharafa expired last week.

"I had a one-on-one chat with Harry and told him why I didn't select him and he accepted it," Osieck said.

Osieck included seven A-League players in goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic (Adelaide United), defenders Ivan Franjic (Brisbane Roar), Mark Milligan (Melbourne Victory), Jade North (Brisbane Roar) and Michael Thwaite (Perth Glory), striker Archie Thompson (Melbourne Victory) and midfielder Dario Vidosic (Adelaide United) - who receives his first call-up under Osieck.

Socceroos squad is:

Mark BRESCIANO, Al Gharafa, QATAR - 66 caps (12 goals)
Alex BROSQUE, Al-Ain Club, UAE - 21 (5)
Tim CAHILL, New York Red Bulls, USA - 61 (27)
Robert CORNTHWAITE, Chunnam Dragons, KOREA REPUBLIC - 7 (3)
Ivan FRANJIC, Brisbane Roar FC, AUSTRALIA - 3 (0)
Eugene GALEKOVIC, Adelaide United FC, AUSTRALIA - 6 (0)
James HOLLAND, FK Austria Vienna, AUSTRIA - 10 (0)
Brett HOLMAN, Aston Villa FC, ENGLAND - 59 (9)
Mile JEDINAK, Crystal Palace FC, ENGLAND - 38 (3)
Josh KENNEDY, Nagoya Grampus, JAPAN - 30 (15)
Robbie KRUSE, Fortuna Dusseldorf, GERMANY - 23 (2)
Mitchell LANGERAK (gk), Borussia Dortmund, GERMANY
Ryan McGOWAN, Shandong Luneng, CHINA PR - 3 (0)
Matthew McKAY, Changchun Yatai FC, CHINA PR - 35 (1)
Mark MILLIGAN, Melbourne Victory FC, AUSTRALIA - 19 (2)
Lucas NEILL, uncontracted - 89 (0)
Jade NORTH, Brisbane Roar FC, AUSTRALIA - 39 (0)
Tommy OAR, FC Utrecht, NETHERLANDS - 7 (0)
Sasa OGNENOVSKI, Umm Salal SC, QATAR - 18 (1)
Tom ROGIC, Celtic FC, SCOTLAND - 4 (0)
Mark SCHWARZER (gk), Fulham FC, ENGLAND - 105 (0)
Archie THOMPSON, Melbourne Victory FC, AUSTRALIA - 47 (28)
Michael THWAITE, Perth Glory FC, AUSTRALIA - 11 (0)
Dario VIDOSIC, Adelaide United FC, AUSTRALIA - 14 (1)
Luke WILKSHIRE, FK Dinamo Moscow, RUSSIA - 75 (8)
Michael ZULLO, FC Utrecht, NETHERLANDS - 10 (0)

The Socceroos, six points, are third in Group B and trailing Japan, 13 points, and Jordan, seven points, in the AFC zone qualifying group and needing a top two finish to secure a place at Brazil 2014.

Socceroos match details in June

Japan v Socceroos
Saitama Stadium, Saitama, Japan
Tuesday 4 June 2013
Kick-Off 7.30pm (local time) (8.30pm AEST)

Socceroos v Jordan
Docklands, Melbourne, Victoria
Tuesday, 11 June 2013
Kick-Off 7.00pm (local time)

Socceroos v Iraq
Stadium Australia, Sydney
Tuesday 18 June, 2013
Kick off 7.30pm (local time)

In one corner stands Bayern; German football royalty, and the Bundesliga's dominant force of the past 40 years.

In the other corner stands Dortmund, which has captured neutral hearts with its humble, wise-cracking coach, Jurgen Klopp, and a team committed to smothering opponents with breathless attacking football.

Dortmund upset the balance of power in Germany by winning back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012 - a run that included five straight wins over Bayern - only for the Bavarians to storm back and win the league in record-breaking style this season.

Although Dortmund finished a 25 points behind Bayern in the Bundesliga, the club has demonstrated its pedigree in the Champions League - topping a group that contained Real Madrid, Manchester City and Ajax, and then routing Madrid again for good measure in the semi-finals.

But while the final at Wembley should represent a tussle for total supremacy in German football, Bayern's recent acquisition of Dortmund's star playmaker Mario Goetze - with a €37 million ($49.5 million) release clause - suggests the odds remain stacked in its favour.

Bayern is also expected to win the race to sign Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski, who scored all four goals in his side's 4-1 blitz of Madrid in the semi-finals.

Klopp said the news of Goetze's imminent departure hit him "like a heart attack", but he takes solace in his club's more organic approach to transfer dealings.

"We are not a supermarket, but they want our players because they know we cannot pay them the same money," he told British newspaper The Guardian.

"It could not be our way to do things like Real and Bayern and not think about taxes - and let the next generation pick up our problems."

Klopp has also accused Bayern of imitating Dortmund's high-octane tactics, having likened it to a Chinese industrialist shamelessly copying the techniques of his rivals. His comments prompted a stiff rebuke from Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes.

"When Jurgen one day gets the pleasure of coaching Bayern Munich or Real Madrid, he will realise what it means and how much it is a completely different world," he said.

"Bayern have existed for longer than Jurgen Klopp has been a coach and have always had their own style of playing."

Barbs have been exchanged between the teams with mounting regularity.

Given the current animosity, it now seems extraordinary that Bayern gave Dortmund an interest-free loan of €2 million ($2.7 million) in 2004 to help it stave off the threat of insolvency.

It was a gesture of pure solidarity, but from grateful beneficiaries, Dortmund has grown into feared a rival, and Klopp says his club is no longer content to exist in Bayern's shadow.

"Maybe when other teams play Bayern, they are shown a bit too much respect," he said.

"We have caused them problems with our counter-attacking game in the past and have developed over the years into a major competitor and a real rival.

"Which is exactly what we want to be in the final."

Out-of-contract Ryan is pondering personal terms with Europa League bound Danish Superliga outfit Randers.

Bojic has already agreed terms with Sydney FC after being granted a release by the Mariners from the final year of his contract - which the club confirmed on Wednesday afternoon.

Bozanic, who signed a new deal in March until the end of the 2013-2014 season, is on the threshold of joining the growing list of Aussies in Korea.

Central Coast’s board met on Monday and agreed to accept a training compensation fee of $180,000 for 21-year-old fringe Socceroos custodian Ryan, who has made 78 appearances since his debut in 2010.

Crucially, the deal will also net the Mariners about 20 per cent any future on-sale fee for the shot-stopper if he heads to Denmark.

Ryan, whose mooted trial with Ligue 1 outfit Lille appears to be off the agenda, was also wanted by League One side Sheffield United - with both Randers and the Blades pledging to make him No.1 next season.

But it seems Randers - managed by former England international defender Colin Todd – has won out, assuming Ryan agrees to the wage package on offer.

Bojic, 29, another of coach Graham Arnold’s mainstays over the past five years will join the Sky Blues after seeking and being granted a release.

The Sydney-based right-back made 123 appearances since his debut in 2008 but was an unused substitute in the 3-0 ACL Round of 16 second leg defeat to Guangzhou Evergrande.

Bojic's departure will pave the way Young Socceroos defender Hayden Morton – who has made two A-League appearances to date - to fill the void left by one of Arnold’s most experienced and reliable performers.

Former Young Socceroos midfielder Bozanic, 24, could join the duo in heading out of Gosford with an unnamed K-League side offering a fee that has triggered a release clause in his contract.

Bozanic, who is highly rated by Arnold, was hampered by injuries this season and only started 10 A-League games – including the grand final.

He came off the bench in both leg of the ACL tie with Guangzhou - which the Mariners lost 5-1 on aggregate.

Meanwhile, highly-rated centre-back Trent Sainsbury will trial with perennial Swiss UEFA Champions League representative FC Basel this month – assuming he is not named in the Socceroos squad for June's World Cup qualifiers – and could also be on his way abroad.

Attacking threat Bernie Ibini was due to trial with Ryan at Lille, but may now be staying put – for the time being.

There has been considerable speculation about the future of the Wales international after Tottenham Hotspur failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, with Madrid the most likely destination.

Quoted in the Sun, Ramos said: "Gareth Bale is a Real Madrid-quality signing. He has had an exceptional season. He can punish any team in the world and has the footballing qualities we look for in Madrid.

"I am sure Madrid will not be the only team that want to sign him - but he is the right mould for us."

Bale rounded off a remarkable year on Sunday (Monday AEST) by scoring his 26th goal of the season, but his wonder winner against Sunderland was not enough to earn the club Champions League qualification.

The club is understandably keen to hold on to its star and manager Andre Villas-Boas recently called on the forward to end speculation about his future by signing a new deal at White Hart Lane.

For now, the signs look promising for Tottenham fans. From his comments in the immediate aftermath of the victory over Sunderland, he seemed in no mood to abandon ship and head to Madrid.

"We fought hard this season, the team and the manager have been great," he said.

"We have got the record points for the club in the Premier League.

"That would normally be enough to qualify for the Champions League, but it's not meant to be again.

"It's disappointing, but we will pick ourselves up again.

"We will just have to regroup this season and give it another go."

L'Equipe reported that PSG is willing to match Rooney's sizeable Old Traffiord wage deal - believed to be in the vicinity of $350,000 a week.

Rooney has been increasingly mentioned as a potential PSG recruit after Alex Ferguson confirmed the 27-year-old had made an official transfer request, after nine years at United.

With Ferguson now retired from management and moving to a role upstairs, new Red Devils manager David Moyes is left to try and convince his former Everton charge Rooney his future remains at the club.

PSG, which looks set to lose title-winning coach Carlo Ancelotti to Real Madrid, is hopeful of adding to its an impressive playing roster with Rooney to complement the talents of Sweden ace Zlatan Ibrahimovic in attack.

With the cashed up Qatar Investment Authority at the helm, PSG's coffers seem to have no limits.

With few other clubs able to match PSG's financial clout, Rooney - who has two years left on his Manchester United deal - would have limited options were to exit Old Trafford.

German champion Bayern Munich dispelled speculation that it was interested in signing Rooney while Chelsea has been mooted as a destination with Jose Mourinho almost certain to return to Stamford Bridge.

Rooney previously asked to leave United before signing a new five-year contract in 2010 but has grown impatient after playing second fiddle to Robin van Persie, increasingly being used out of position and being dropped by Ferguson for the UEFA Champions League last-16 second leg tie against Real Madrid.

Greenacre assisted former coach Ricki Herbert last season and took over the coaching reins for the final six games of 2012-2013 campaign when Herbert resigned in February.

Merrick, who was confirmed as coach early this week, said the decision to appoint Greenacre was an easy one.

“(Chris) has the attributes and character to be a coach,” he said.

“He helps people, has an honest and open personality and good communication skills.

“His experience as a professional player also stands him in good stead, and he has been working hard towards his A-coaching licence, which he will complete in July.

Greenacre didn't apply for the vacant head role but has got his wish to remain as an assistant and to continue learning the coaching trade.

The 35-year-old said he is pleased the board has faith in him and that Merrick wants to work alongside him.

“Ernie said he wanted me at the club and I feel I can help with the transition,” Greenacre said.

“I had a little taste of the head coaching role at the end of the season and enjoyed it, but I know I am not yet ready for that position.

“I’ve had a couple of talks with him and like what I heard. He asked my opinion on some things and I really believe he is the right man to take us forward.

“I look forward to working with him and want him to help me become a better coach.”

Wellington begins its A-League campaign on 13 October at home against Brisbane Roar.

Maldonado, a regular in the Chilean national team during the past decade, has been undergoing treatment at the Brazilian club to recover from a serious left knee injury.

The 33 year-old defensive midfielder was with Flamengo until the end of 2012 but didn't play regularly because of the injury.

Corinthians is the defending FIFA Club World Cup champion.

Meanwhile, Sao Paulo state club Portuguesa says it has signed 23 year-old Argentine midfielder Marcelo Canete on loan from Sao Paulo until the end of the year.

Canete was signed by Sao Paulo in 2011 but didn't play often.

With just one game to play, the Violets boast an unassailable eight-point lead over second-placed Red Bull Salzburg, last year's champion.

The Viennese outfit, which last won the title in 2006, is on course to win the double, with the Cup final to come against third-tier side Pasching on May 30.

Only Austria's capital rival Rapid, with 32, has won more titles than the new champion.

The Bundesliga club announced both parties agreed to end their partnership after a majority of the club's board failed to back the Dane for a contract extension.

Hamburg said on its website that the decision was based on financial considerations and differing views for the club over the long term, adding that the "sporting performance of our team this season is a success of his work".

Hamburg finished seventh in the Bundesliga, just missing out on European qualification.

Ex-Hannover sporting director Joerg Schmadtke and former Wolfsburg, Bayern and Schalke coach Felix Magath are possible candidates to replace Arnesen.

The 56-year-old Arnesen joined Hamburg in 2011, signing a three-year deal after fulfilling a similar role at Chelsea, which he joined from London rival Tottenham Hotspur in 2005.

Hamburg, the only side to have played every season in the top division since the Bundesliga was formed in 1963, was close to relegation in Arnesen's first season when he was forced to coach the side briefly after Michael Oenning was fired.

The most recent season was better for Hamburg but frustrating nonetheless, with home and away wins over Borussia Dortmund offset by a humiliating 9-2 loss at Bayern Munich.

Arnesen is a former Danish international who played for Ajax, Valencia, Anderlecht and PSV Eindhoven.

He won the European Cup in 1988 with PSV.

His managerial career began in 1991 as assistant coach to Bobby Robson at Eindhoven.

He rose to sporting director of the club in 1994, staying for 10 years before beginning his career in England.

And it's only a matter of time before Europe gets a taste of the Brazilian youngster.

There have been rumours of Neymar moving to a top European team since he started playing regularly for Santos in 2009, but negotiations involving the 21-year-old forward have picked up steam in recent weeks and his transfer appears imminent.

Media in Spain and Brazil say he has already reached a deal to join Barcelona after the Confederations Cup in June, but Santos directors said on Wednesday they have rejected a second offer from the Spanish powerhouse.

Santos officials say they are talking to other clubs, too, and coach Muricy Ramalho acknowledged it will be hard to keep the player in Brazil when the transfer window opens in July.

"There were rumours before and nothing happened," Ramalho said.

"But this time they really seem more serious. The rumours have picked up steam. When the market opens, we know there is this possibility. It will be a huge loss, the club will miss him."

Neymar could become the most talked-about transfer prospect in July.

This week he topped the list of most marketable athletes in the world in a report published by SporsPro magazine, finishing ahead of Barcelona forward Lionel Messi and golfer Rory McIlroy.

The list, produced in association with Eurosport, ranks athletes from across the world according to their marketing potential over the next three years.

Few dispute Neymar's potential.

Messi was quoted as saying this week that he would be "a wonderful signing" for Barcelona.

But the Brazilian has also been heavily criticised in Europe, where he's known for his dives and alleged attempts to fake injuries.

Do an internet search for Neymar and you'll find loads of videos of the player's mesmerising skills and moves.

The Brazilian won FIFA's award for the Best Goal of the Year in 2011 and was a finalist last year.

But you will also find lots of videos of the player's dives and supposed attempts to influence referees.

Pele has repeatedly said that Neymar has the potential to be the best player in the world, even better than Messi, but he is one of the critics who recently said Neymar should try to stop diving so much.

Neymar is also criticised for his disappointing performances in decisive moments, both with Santos and Brazil.

His recent lackluster performances with the national team attracted loud jeers from home fans.

"Nobody likes to be booed, but I don't really care," Neymar said recently.

"I know what I can do."

Jeonbuk - who lost 2-0 in last week's home leg - took the lead thanks to Tatsuya Masushima's own goal in the 22nd minute but the Japanese side levelled with a Hirofumi Watanabe diving header two minutes before the break.

Jorge Wagner then found the target in the 51st minute with Masato Kudo scoring 20 minutes before full-time.

Jeonbuk's Belgian forward Kevin Oris, however, did add some respectability to the scoreline on the night with a goal in the 87th minute.

The versatile Brazilian - whose new buy-out clause is €90 million ($119 million) - joined the Primera Division champion in 2010 and has made 105 appearances, scoring 10 goals, in his three seasons at Camp Nou.

Adriano joined for an estimated €9.5 million ($12.6 million) from Sevilla but has struggled to hold down a regular spot in the starting XI under both Tito Vilanova and his predecessor Pep Guardiola, thanks to the form of Eric Abidal and then Jordi Alba.

The 28-year-old has earned 17 caps for his country and has already won two Primera Division titles, the UEFA Champions League and the Copa del Rey during his time in Catalonia.

Reyna, the former United states and City captain, has been appointed as the director of football for the club's Major League Soccer venture, New York City FC.

City, in partnership with baseball giant New York Yankees, this week bought the 20th MLS franchise, which will enter the American competition in 2015.

Reyna, who hails from the area, is effectively the organisation's first employee and will be responsible for building a coaching staff and playing squad.

The 39-year-old said: "It is really a dream.

"There are so many soccer fans here and being able to be responsible for the building of a club, not just a team, with the support of Man City and the Yankees - I can't wait to get started.

"Today is a great day but I can't wait to get to work.

"Being so close to home and to be part of the professional game is fantastic. MLS has grown so much, even since I finished.

"Just to be a part of that growth and representing New York city is a privilege and an honour."

Reyna is to stand down from his role as youth technical director with US Soccer to take up the position.

He said: "At the beginning of this year they made me aware they were in negotiations and were interested in doing this.

"I had a meal with them and an introduction to their organisation.

"It's changed quite a bit since I was over there. They are really nice people and it was an easy sell to me."

Reyna made 87 appearances for City between 2003 and 2007 after previous spells with Rangers and Sunderland. He finished his career in MLS with New York Red Bulls.

The new club will allow City to grow its brand in America, increase its revenue streams and possibly find new players.

Reyna said: "There's going to be clear opportunities where we can work together and bring players across."

Reyna was unexpectedly unveiled by City as it held a media event to formally announce the MLS venture at Lexington Academy - a school it has supported during the past three years - in Harlem.

City is to be the majority partner in the new MLS club, with the Yankees bringing their considerable commercial clout and knowledge of New York.

The team will begin competition at a temporary home as it makes plans to build its own stadium, with the borough of Queens to be the favoured location.