Football news

German referee Herbert Fandel will be in charge of tomorrow's Champions League final between Milan and Liverpool. The 43-year-old German had been in the running with Slovakia's Lubos Michel.

Italian media have made much of the fact that Liverpool have not won with Fandel as their referee in three matches while Milan have won five matches out of five with the German in charge.

UEFA said in a statement that it will be the first time that he has handled a game in Athens, adding, "he is no stranger to the two finalists."

He has officiated at 69 internationals after becoming an international referee in 1998.

Inter order Adriano back

Troubled Inter striker Adriano, taking a break from the club because of a knee injury, has been ordered to return for Sunday's final league game and title party with Torino or face the consequences.

"I don't know if he will leave. I have given him permission (for time off) because he cannot train but it is right that he returns for Sunday," Inter coach Roberto Mancini said.

"Will I put my hand in fire that he returns? I don't do that for anyone but I have faith in people and the fact they understand when they have done wrong and want to improve."

Roberto Carlos in better shape

Brazilian full-back Roberto Carlos, 34, raced the length of the pitch in the 91st minute to score Real Madrid's breakaway winner away to Recreativo Huelva on Sunday.

The 3-2 victory kept Real on top of the Primera Liga, level on points with Barcelona but first due to their superior head-to-head record, with three games left.

"People say I am old... I run more now than I did when I was 20," he was quoted as saying in Spanish media.

"Mentally and physically we are very strong. We are a team and we don't stop running until the very end."

Ronaldinho to headline Barca trip

Ronaldinho and Barcelona's other top players will feature when the Catalan club play Beijing Guoan in the Chinese capital on August 5, organisers said.

The former World Player of the Year is hugely popular in China and his presence will be a big draw as the Spanish champions aim to bury the memory of their last trip to China.

Their match against Shanghai International three years ago was played the day after China's Asian Cup final clash against Japan and the attendance was disappointing.

The August 5 match will form part of celebration of the one-year countdown to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, which starts on August 8.

Cahill confident of cup return

Australia midfielder Tim Cahill is confident of being fully fit for the Socceroos' Asian Cup campaign in July. The 27-year-old has been sidelined since breaking a bone in his foot playing for English Premier League club Everton in March.

"I'm very confident of being fit for the Asian Cup, if not before," Cahill said. "Everyone knows that if you break a metatarsal bone you are going to be out for a while but my recovery is going really well."

Cahill returned home to Sydney to continue his rehabilitation and has been lifted by a visit from Everton physiotherapist Mick Rathbone.

Wolves sold... for £10

Liverpool businessman Steve Morgan bought all the shares in Wolves for £10 yesterday in return for £30 million of investment into the club.

A statement said owner since 1990, millionaire Jack Hayward, had agreed to the sale after an "exhaustive search to find the right new owner".

"All the £30 million will be used for the benefit of Wolves," the statement said. "Sir Jack is making this gift for the benefit of the club and in order to secure the future of the club on a long-term basis."

The statement added that Morgan, who was close to buying Liverpool in 2004, would retain Mick McCarthy as first team coach and Jez Moxey as chief executive.

Suazo now tempted by Roma

David Suazo said he would welcome a move to Roma despite rumours that he had agreed to join Inter. The Cagliari striker, who scored his 14th goal of the season in Sunday's win over Roma, has been linked with a move after eight years in Sardinia.

Reports last week suggested he had already agreed to a three-year contract with Inter although the Italian champions denied the news.

"I think Luciano Spalletti's technical scheme is perfect for me," said Suazo. "I would be glad to join Roma, being able to play with Francesco Totti would be a dream come true for me."

Figo to honour Al-Ittihad deal

Luis Figo will leave Inter at the end of the season. The Portuguese winger signed a one-year contract with Arabian outfit Al-Ittihad in January, although the fans were hoping that he might change his mind.

"I am still convinced that my decision to go to Arabia is the right one," Figo said. "I had the chance of going to the US, but I would have had to sign a one-year contract."

Shevchenko eyes US switch

Andriy Shevchenko would like to play in the United States before the end of his career. The 30-year-old Chelsea striker enjoyed mixed fortunes during his first season at Stamford Bridge.

Shevchenko said: "Soccer is growing in the US and I would like to be a part of that.

"I played there last summer against the Major League Soccer All-Stars and I saw that it is definitely improving."