Brazil violence: Brazil, picked to stage the 2014 World Cup, is playing down the criminal violence that stalks its cities but the problem is sure to cast a shadow over preparations for the event. According to the Organization of Ibero-American States, Brazil has the world's fourth-highest murder rate with about 45,000 people killed each year, following Colombia, Russia and Venezuela. Some cities have homicide rates of around 80 per 100,000 people - twice as high as the most violent cities in the US. Older Brazilians say that when their country last hosted the tournament in 1950, they could sleep with doors and windows open.

Balakov: Former Bulgarian international Krasimir Balakov says he almost accepted an offer to coach Bulgaria before opting to take the reigns at struggling Swiss club St Gallen earlier this week. "I've talked to Bulgarian Football Union about the possibility to coach the national team but we didn't reach an agreement and I didn't sign a contract," Balakov said.

Alex keen on Japan: Japan midfielder Alex could be poised to return to J-League champions Urawa Reds after failing to establish himself at Austrian club Salzburg. The Brazilian-born Alex joined international team-mate Tsuneyasu Miyamoto at Salzburg in January on a 12-month loan but has failed to impress the team's manager Giovanni Trapattoni. "It wouldn't be accurate to say I don't want to return (to Japan)," Alex said. "It's as though Japan's best team is waiting for me." Alex obtained Japanese citizenship in 2001.

Azerbaijan: Former Macedonia coach Gjoko Hadzievski has been named to succeed Shakhin Diniyev as coach of Azerbaijan's national team, the country's soccer federation said. Diniyev resigned following a 6-1 home thrashing by Serbia in a Euro 2008 qualifier on October 17 that left Azerbaijan bottom of Group A with just one win from 10 matches.

Dragan Stojkovic: Japan's Nagoya Grampus Eight have abandoned plans to hire Serbian Dragan Stojkovic as manager after a mix-up over his coaching qualifications. "We found out his coaching licence does not meet the required Japanese standards," a spokesman said. Stojkovic, who played for Nagoya for eight years, resigned as president of Red Star Belgrade earlier this month and was set to return to Japan.