Sporting briefs

No Permission: The Russian FA has refused permission for FK Moscow and Zenit St Petersburg to play their premier league match in London. FK Moscow had planned to play their opening home game of the 2008 season against champions Zenit at Stamford Bridge in March.

Inter: Inter cancelled boss Roberto Mancini's news conference ahead of today's Italian Cup quarter-final first leg with Juventus. Italian media said the Serie A leaders were upset at press reports saying they had been the beneficiaries of some fortunate refereeing decisions this season. Inter were awarded a controversial late penalty in Sunday's 3-2 win over Parma.

Mutu: Fiorentina striker Adrian Mutu has avoided a suspension. Yesterday, Italian soccer's disciplinary arm said in a statement there was insufficient evidence that he had dived to win a penalty in a 2-1 win over Torino on Saturday.

Sunderland: Sunderland have signed Manchester United defender Phil Bardsley for £2 million. The 22-year-old right back, who spent much of this season on loan at Sheffield United, has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract, Sunderland said.

Finnan: Liverpool defender Steve Finnan has announced his international retirement after playing 50 games for Ireland, including the 2002 World Cup. "I'll be 34 when the next tournament comes around so it's the right time for me to step down," the right-back said.

Lampard: Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has suffered a setback in his recovery from a thigh injury, coach Avram Grant said. "All I can say about Frank's injury is he is not available at the moment," he said. "It is a little bit more complicated than we first thought but I think that he will be back soon, somewhere between days to two weeks."

Frings: Germany and Werder Bremen midfielder Torsten Frings has suffered another knee injury in training and will be out for six weeks. "I can't believe all this bad luck and can't explain it," Frings, who missed much of the first half of the season due to a knee injury, told reporters.

BoV Division One

Playing today (Centenary Stadium): 6 p.m. Marsa vs St Patrick; 8 p.m. Senglea Athletic vs Mellieha.