Sporting briefs

Matuzalem: Shakhtar Donetsk have filed a compensation claim for 25 million euros to FIFA after Brazilian midfielder Matuzalem walked out on the club to join Spain's Real Zaragoza. The Ukrainians allege that Zaragoza colluded with Matuzalem to terminate his contract without permission after an official approach for the player was turned down.

Ballack: Chelsea have denied that Germany captain Michael Ballack has been left out of their Champions League squad because he has no future with the London club. Playmaker Ballack has failed to produce his top form since joining from Bayern Munich last year and has not played for Chelsea since April because of an ankle injury. Ballack's exclusion from the squad fuelled speculation that he might leave Stamford Bridge.

Torres: Fernando Torres says he will be fit for Spain's Euro 2008 Group F clash in Iceland tomorrow despite picking up a knock on his knee in training. "I received a knock from Albelda and at first I did not really give it a second thought," he said. "I began to notice it more in the afternoon. The doctor told me that it might feel a bit painful but it was nothing serious."

Finnan: Steve Finnan has been ruled out of Ireland's Euro 2008 qualifier against Slovakia on Saturday because of a knee injury, the FAI said. Finnan hurt his knee while playing for Liverpool in last weekend's 6-0 victory over Derby County at Anfield. Ireland coach Steve Staunton hopes Finnan will be fit for Wednesday's match against the Czech Republic.

MFA Div. II/III KO: Zurrieq vs Zejtun 1-1; Xghajra vs Pembroke 2-1.