Sporting briefs

Rivaldo: Brazilian World Cup winner Rivaldo has quit Greek champions Olympiakos over a contract dispute. In an emotionally-charged news conference yesterday, the 35-year-old playmaker announced his decision to leave with immediate effect. Rivaldo will not play in the final match of the season against Ionikos today or take part in subsequent celebrations at their Karaiskakis Stadium. The Brazilian said he would donate the €390,000 he was owed by the club to charities in Greece and Brazil.

Real friendly: Real Madrid have accepted an invitation to play a friendly in Israel. The match, on June 19, will be against a combined Israeli-Palestinian team, the club said.

James: Former England goalkeeper David James has agreed a contract extension that will keep him at Portsmouth until 2009. "I have enjoyed my football here and with the plans for the new stadium, the future for Pompey is looking very good on and off the field," James said. The 36-year-old joined Portsmouth from Manchester City last August.

Real Murcia promoted: Real Murcia won promotion to the Primera Liga after a 1-1 draw at Ponferradina yesterday. The result was enough to ensure the Mediterranean side would join second division leaders Valladolid in the top flight next season. Murcia last won promotion in 2003 but were relegated the following season after finishing bottom. The remaining berth is likely to go to neighbours Almeria who travel to Lorca today.

Morais: Reigning Cypriot champions APOEL Nicosia have signed Portuguese defender Nuno Morais from Chelsea. According to the club, the 23-year-old, who has also played for Penafiel and Maritimo, signed a two-year contract with APOEL for an undisclosed fee.

Tennis: Rome Masters semi-finals - Nadal bt Davydenko 7-6 6-7 6-4; Gonzalez bt Volandri 6-1 6-2.

Kazuyoshi Miura: Former Japan striker Kazuyoshi Miura became the first Japanese 40-something to score a goal in the J-League first division yesterday. Miura's goal was a scorching left-foot volley in Yokohama FC's 2-0 win at Sanfrecce Hiroshima and was his first in Japan's top flight in more than two years. Miura, at 40 years and two months, beat the record that former Japan team-mate Masashi Nakayama set just nine days ago at 39 years and seven months.