Sporting briefs

Sochaux: Frederic Hantz has signed a two-year contract to coach Sochaux, the French club said yesterday. Hantz, who joins from Ligue 1 rivals Le Mans, replaces Alain Perrin who has left for champions Lyon.

Real Sociedad: Miguel Fuentes has resigned as president of relegation-threatened Real Sociedad, the Spanish club said. Fuentes, who quit for personal reasons, will be replaced by Maria de la Pena who will be one of only two female presidents in the Primera Liga.

Scottish FA: Former Rangers striker Gordon Smith, 52, has been appointed chief executive of the Scottish FA. "I felt very privileged to be approached. I am delighted and honoured," Smith told reporters after becoming the first former player to take the role.

Hertha Berlin: Bundesliga club Hertha Berlin appointed Swiss coach Lucien Favre. Favre, who guided FC Zurich to league titles in each of the last two seasons, has signed a three-year contract. Hertha sacked coach Falko Goetz in April as the club flirted with relegation towards the end of last season. Under caretaker coach Karsten Heine they improved to finish 10th.

Almiron: The list of clubs seeking Sergio Almiron's signature has grown, as Palermo could pip Juventus and Inter to the post. Empoli have confirmed they will sell the Argentine midfielder this summer after his exploits helped take the club to an historic first UEFA Cup qualification. "Almiron is on the wish list of many clubs," noted his agent Claudio Vagheggi. "At the moment Juve and Inter are on his trail, but also Palermo."

Friendlies: South Korea vs Holland 0-2; Australia vs Uruguay 1-2, Austria vs Paraguay 0-0.

UEFA U-21 Qualifiers: Greece vs Azerbaijan 4-1, Croatia vs F. Islands 2-0, Serbia vs Latvia 1-1, Belarus vs Hungary 1-0.