Sporting briefs

Iran appeal: Iran said yesterday they would appeal to FIFA over sanctions imposed after six fans were trampled to death following a 2006 World Cup qualifier against Japan in Tehran in March. FIFA's disciplinary committee on Friday ordered Iran to play their next home game against North Korea on June 3 in a stadium with a maximum attendance of 50,000 spectators. The Iran FA was also fined $25,170 over the incidents that followed the March 25 match, attended by 100,000 people.

Tevez: Argentina forward Carlos Tevez was involved in a fist-fight with a team-mate during a training session at their club, Corinthians. Marquinhos lashed out at Tevez after the pair, who were on opposite sides during a practice match, tussled for the ball. Television pictures showed that 21-year-old Tevez elbowed Marquinhos as he attempted to hold off a challenge from the defender. Marquinhos fell to the ground, saw that his nose was bleeding and attacked Tevez with a flurry of punches until the other players rushed in to separate them.

United signing: Manchester United have signed 18-year-old Nigerian-born midfielder John Obi Mikel from Norwegian side FC Lyn Oslo, the Premier League club said on their website.

Barcelona: Barcelona president Joan Laporta says his club plan to sign PSV midfielder Mark van Bommel at the end of the season and offer playmaker Xavi a new contract in the face of interest from Chelsea. Van Bommel's contract at PSV finishes at the end of the season and he has said he will be leaving the club.

Boca job: Diego Maradona was offered the job of youth team coach at Boca Juniors, the club he has supported since he was a child. The post would effectively involve coaching the youth divisions at one of the world's most fanatically supported clubs. Maradona, 44, appears to be making a good recovery after undergoing drug rehabilitation last year.

In Spain: A. Madrid vs A. Bilbao 1-1; Numancia vs Valencia 1-1.

In France: League Cup final - Caen vs Strasbourg 1-2.