Football news

Liverpool and Manchester United have formally declared their opposition to UEFA president Michel Platini's plans for domestic cup winners to be given a berth in the Champions League.

The English clubs were the most outspoken opponents to the proposals among the 102 members of the European Club Forum who met in Nyon, Switzerland, yesterday.

UEFA communications director William Gaillard said: "The most opposed to those proposals were Liverpool and Manchester United - they do not want to see a change to the format at all.

"Across the top seven countries, however, opinion was mixed. The Italians are strongly in favour because they want to revamp their cup competition, the Spanish and the French said it should be up to their FAs to decide, while the Germans were split among themselves."

Abramovich denies bonus reports

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has denied media reports he offered bonuses to Russia's players to defeat England in their Euro 2008 qualifier at Wembley which was played last night.

In a statement issued on the club's official website , the Londoners said Abramovich "has never offered, proposed or promised any bonuses to the Russian team to beat England".

Malouda still adapting at Chelsea

Florent Malouda has insisted that he is still adapting to the Premier League, but is relishing the high expectations that come with being a Chelsea player.

The Frenchman joined the London club in a £13million move from Lyon, and has enjoyed five league starts this season.

"I am fine at Chelsea. I am still in an adaptation period. But that does not surprise me," he told L'Equipe. "It's not all roses - there are some difficulties. Firstly, there is very strong competition. Moreover, it is another culture. I have to swallow that.

"It is really great to be in this situation, with a lot of expectations around you. That gives me responsibilities and I love that."

Ferguson assaulted in London

A man has pleaded guilty to assaulting Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson at a London railway station.

Kevin Reynolds, 43, admitted punching Sir Alex in the groin before head butting a police community support officer at Euston station on Monday.

Reynolds was warned by City of Westminster magistrates that he faces a jail sentence when he appears at Southwark Crown Court at a later date. Sir Alex is not believed to have been badly hurt. He had been in London for a function.

Black Cats lose key players

Sunderland wingers Kieran Richardson and Carlos Edwards are set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering setbacks on their return from injury.

The 22-year-old Richardson has been ruled out for up to three months with a stress fracture of the back.

And winger Edwards, 28, is likely to miss the next four games after aggravating his hamstring injury. Edwards was in line to face Reading on Saturday but broke down in training.

Aurelio returns after long absence

Liverpool defender Fabio Aurelio came through his first match since rupturing an Achilles tendon in April.

Aurelio, 28, played the first 45 minutes for Liverpool reserves in a specially arranged match against Crewe.

The Brazilian suffered the injury in last season's Champions League quarter-final at PSV Eindhoven.

Although his return to first-team action looks imminent, the Brazilian is unlikely to form part of the squad to face Portsmouth on Saturday.

Kallon not joining Blues

Birmingham have decided not to pursue interest in signing striker Mohammed Kallon.

The former Inter player has been training with the Blues for the past 10 days after becoming a free agent when Monaco paid up his contract.

He scored in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Kidderminster but because of paperwork issues. Birmingham have opted against signing the Sierra Leone player.

Montella fancied Napoli move

New Sampdoria striker Vincenzo Montella has admitted that he has his heart belongs to Napoli, his team's opponents in the Serie A on Sunday.

The Italian forward joined Sampdoria this summer after falling out of favour at Roma. Montella revealed that he had set his heart on a move to his hometown club Napoli before agreeing to join Sampdoria.

"I'm very emotional because it will be a unique experience to play against my hometown team in Naples," he said.

"I am really looking forward to it and it is great to see Napoli back in the Serie A. I would have liked to sign for them and it's a shame that never happened."

Hoyte vows to regain place

Arsenal defender Justin Hoyte says he is prepared to stay and fight for his place in Arsene Wenger's first team.

Hoyte finds himself one of several players vying for a starting place, as Wenger has five right-backs in his squad. With the arrival of Lassana Diarra and Bacary Sagna in the summer, Hoyte has only made one appearance for the club, but the 22-year-old is looking to stake his claim.

"That's how football is," he said. "It just makes me more determined to work hard and get my place in the side. I want to be at Arsenal all my life."