Football news

Atletico Madrid winger Jose Antonio Reyes has apologised for his behaviour after being substituted during last Sunday's 3-0 defeat at Barcelona.

The former Arsenal and Real Madrid player was seen to swear as he walked off the pitch past coach Javier Aguirre.

"I wasn't insulting the coach," Reyes told a news conference.

"When you are subbed you always get angry, but it was with myself... I just have a habit of swearing when things go wrong and I didn't mean to show any disrespect to anyone."

Bellamy recovers in time

West Ham United striker Craig Bellamy is travelling with the Wales squad for their Euro 2008 qualifiers against Cyprus and San Marino after recovering from groin surgery.

Bellamy trained on Tuesday and has been cleared to play.

Wales are fifth in Group D with 10 points and have virtually no chance of qualifying for next year's finals.

Livorno appoint Camolese coach

Livorno have appointed 46-year-old Giancarlo Camolese as their new coach. The former Torino, Reggina and Vicenza coach replaces Fernando Orsi, who was sacked on Tuesday after the Tuscan club took just two points from their first seven league games.

"Livorno Calcio announces that we have reached an agreement with Giancarlo Camolese to be the first team coach," the club said.

Orsi had only been in charge since March but his task was made harder by the close season sale of Italy striker Cristiano Lucarelli to Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk.

De Biasi to take charge at Levante

Italian coach Giovanni De Biasi will take charge of Primera Liga basement side Levante until the end of the season if he can reach an agreement to release himself from his contract with Torino.

Levante said they expected De Biasi, who coached Torino last season, to confirm his departure from the Serie A club "in the next few hours".

De Biasi replaces Abel Resino who was sacked after the side's 3-0 defeat away to Real Zaragoza on Sunday, leaving the side anchored at the bottom of the Primera Liga with just one point from seven games.

De Biasi has Italian players Damiano Tommasi, Bruno Cirillo, Marco Storari and Christian Rigano in the squad at Levante.

Cordoba won't play for Colombia

Defender Ivan Ramiro Cordoba has written to Colombia's soccer federation saying he will not play for the national side as long as Jorge Luis Pinto is coach.

The letter, made public by the federation just days before the World Cup qualifier at home to Brazil, brought an angry reaction from Pinto, who criticised Cordoba's performances at the Copa America.

Cordoba, who plays for Inter, has been a stalwart at the heart of the Colombia defence for several years.

He was heavily criticised for his performances in the Copa America, when Colombia were eliminated at the first hurdle after losing 5-0 to Paraguay and 4-2 to Argentina.

Kaka welcomes England move

Kaka told reporters he would welcome a move to the English Premier League if the occasion comes in future.

With Milan enduring some tough times, there has been increasing speculation that Kaka may seek a fresh challenge. But the Brazilia denied he is eyeing an exit... he is willing to talk about potential future destinations.

"I'm very happy at Milan and I don't expect that situation to change," he said.

"But if I were to leave it would have to be for a club in England or Spain. Manchester United are a wonderful side and I like Arsenal too.

"As for Chelsea and Liverpool, they are more tactically oriented and base themselves on solidarity and organisation."

Warnock linked with Palace job

Crystal Palace are likely to unveil Neil Warnock as their new manager today. The Eagles sacked Peter Taylor on Monday after 15 months in charge with Palace 19th in the Championship table.

Warnock has been out of work since resigning from Sheffield United at the end of last season and has targeted a return to management by Christmas.

Warnock, 58, has enjoyed six promotions during his 21-year managerial career, during which he has managed eight clubs including Plymouth, Notts County and Oldham.

He resigned from his post at Sheffield United three days after relegation from the Premier League last season.

Footballer admits cocaine charge

A Scottish Premier League player has been convicted of having cocaine at a music festival in the Highlands.

Inverness CT player Richie Hart, 29, has also been suspended from playing or training by his club until further notice.

Police officers thought Hart was acting suspiciously in his car and found cocaine placed on a CD at the Rock Ness Festival in June. He admitted a charge of possessing cocaine and was fined £300.

Premiership stars 'slow to pay'

Premier League players who agreed to donate a day's wages to a nurses' fund have coughed up less than a third of the money.

Five months ago, 255 players promised to make donations to the May Day for Nurses appeal. Big names, including Steven Gerrard and Thierry Henry, agreed to participate. More than £750,000 was pledged but just £200,000 has so far been collected.

Organisers have refused to name those who have yet to pay their contribution.