Football news

Adriano is facing a long-term ban in Brazil after head-butting an opponent while playing for Sao Paulo. The Inter marksman ran into trouble after lightly head-butting Domingos during a game against Santos.

If a tribunal decides that Adriano has only broken Article 255 - an act of hostility - he will receive a three-game ban, but if his actions are deemed to be a violation of Article 253 - serious physical aggression - he will be banned between 120 and 540 days.

Since January, Adriano has played seven games for Sao Paulo in all competitions and found the net four times.

Lyon duo in Ferguson's plans

Jean-Michel Aulas, the Lyon supremo, said Alex Ferguson has enquired about Karim Benzema and Hatem Ben Arfa. The highly-rated attacking duo, estimated at around £40 million, have been repeatedly linked with a move to Manchester United.

Back in the autumn, Aulas warned any interested clubs that Benzema and Ben Arfa would not be sold until Lyon had won the Champions League.

The French champions meet Ferguson's United next week in the last 16 of Europe's elite club competition.

Ronaldo to retire?

Milan's injury-prone striker Ronaldo may quit football according to reports in Brazil. The 31-year-old missed the start of the season due to a thigh problem and it seems he is still not 100 per cent fit.

Ronaldo is rated as doubtful for tonight's game against Livorno and could also be forced to sit out the weekend's fixture against Parma and the Champions League encounter with Arsenal in London.

While there are suggestions that Ronaldo will hang up his boots, other sources in Brazil insist that he could opt to join Flamengo in the summer to play out the rest of his career in his homeland.

Bowyer red card rescinded

The Fa have quashed the red card issued to West Ham's Lee Bowyer last weekend. Bowyer was dismissed for an alleged two-footed tackle on Birmingham's Damien Johnson in the league clash at Upton Park.

But the three-match ban that would have followed the red card has been withdrawn after the FA decided no punishment was necessary.

The London club lodged an official appeal before Monday's noon deadline and the case was heard by the FA yesterday. Officials overturned Bowyer's dismissal, meaning a three-match ban will no longer apply.

Farina admits mistake

Referee Stefano Farina said he was wrong to allow Esteban Cambiasso's goal for Inter last weekend. Inter's first goal in a 2-0 win over Catania was allowed to stand even though Cambiasso was in an offside position.

"I have seen the Cambiasso goal on TV and I have no problem saying that I made a mistake," the referee said.

After the game, Farina left the field without waiting for the 'terzo tempo' ceremony that sees players and officials shake hands.

"With hindsight, I don't think that it was the wisest decision," he said.

Drogba interested in Barca move

Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure said Ivory Coast team-mate Didier Drogba has told him he would like to move to the Nou Camp.

Drogba has previously indicated he could leave Chelsea at the end of the season, and Toure said he spoke to Drogba about a potential move to Barcelona while they were at the African Nations Cup.

"Of course, we talked about Barcelona," Toure said. "He would really like to play for Barca because we have a great team."

United for South Africa tourney

Manchester United are to visit South Africa to take part in a three-way club tournament from July 19-26. United will face South African teams Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in their third visit to the country.

The Red Devils last took part in the Vodacom Challenge in 2006 when they lost to the Chiefs on penalties.

News of United's trip comes days after the Premier League said it is looking at a proposal to play games around the world from 2011.

Kaka trip to China in doubt

Milan hinted yesterday that they may not release Kaka to play for Brazil at the Olympics.

There is a good chance that the Ballon d'Or winner will be selected as one of Brazil's over-age player for the Beijing Olympics but that would see him miss out on the Champions League preliminary round.

"If Kaka is named in the Olympic squad then he would not be able to play two very important games if we finish the current Serie A season in third or fourth place," Milan said.

Dowie - old fashioned

Coventry chairman Ray Ranson has revealed his lack of faith in Iain Dowie's 'old-fashioned' methods led to the former manager's sacking.

"I spoke with Iain Dowie on a regular basis on all aspects relating to football matters," Ranson said.

"As is sometimes the case, we did not share the same ideals for the club and I felt that to move Coventry City forward towards a more progressive and modern way of operating, I would need a different style of first-team management here."