Football news

Valencia president Juan Soler has stepped down for health reasons after four seasons in charge of the Primera Liga club.

"My decision is irrevocable and the reason for it is my health," Soler told a news conference. "I can no longer dedicate the time that Valencia requires."

Although he has decided to step down as president, Soler made it clear that he would remain the club's majority shareholder.

Soler's decision comes at a time when the club is engulfed in crisis both on and off the field. Soler said that vice-president Agustin Morera would take his place as head of the club.

Lampard waiting for Chelsea offer

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has urged the club to sort out a new contract sooner rather than later.

The England player, whose deal ends in 2009, scored four goals in Chelsea's 6-1 rout of bottom club Derby in the Premier League on Wednesday.

"I've been approached a few times by the club saying they are going to come to me with something and they haven't," he told the London Evening Standard.

"They have made contact but it hasn't been with any news. They've been saying that something is going to happen but if we wait until the summer and nothing happens then I've got a year left which is not a position I want to be in."

FA to review Cardiff eligibility

The Football Association are to review the rule that would prevent Cardiff qualifying for Europe were they to win the FA Cup.

Under FA rules Cardiff, who face Barnsley in the semi-finals, would not qualify for the UEFA Cup as Welsh clubs have been deemed ineligible and only able to qualify through their own competitions.

"Historically, the understanding of the FA has been that Welsh clubs were ineligible for the UEFA Cup should they have won the FA Cup," an FA spokesman said.

"The question of eligibility for Welsh clubs has not arisen for many years so it is only now appropriate for us to look at the issue afresh."

Schmeichel joins Coventry

Coventry have signed goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel on loan from Manchester City for the remainder of the season. The 21-year-old, son of Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel, is the first player to be brought in since Chris Coleman took charge at the Ricoh Arena last month.

"Kasper has shown this season that he has all the attributes to be a top class Premier League goalkeeper and I have no doubt he will be a very valuable addition to the squad," said Coleman.

Buffon extends Juve contract

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has extended his contract with Juventus until 2013.

"I will be at Juventus until I'm 35," said Buffon.

"Hence, we will have the time to achieve results and reach the goals everyone expects from us.

"This could be my last contract but it will depend on my form in 2013. If when I'm 35 I had the certainty that I was physically well I could continue."

Adebayor targets golden boot

Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor is desperate to win his battle with Cristiano Ronaldo for this season's Premier League golden boot.

The Togo international has hit 19 top-flight goals this campaign, but United winger Ronaldo is the league's current leading scorer with 21.

"At the moment I am having a good race with Ronaldo," said Adebayor. "I am a striker and cannot let myself be dominated by one midfielder.

"I just want to prove I can score more goals and, if I can win the golden boot, there will be nothing better."

Neville close to first-team return

Manchester United captain Gary Neville made his longest competitive outing since being injured nearly a year ago in a reserve team match on Wednesday. The full-back's 73 minutes in the 1-0 defeat by Sunderland marks his latest stride towards a first-team return.

Neville, 33, now appears to have finally recovered from a combination of ankle and groin problems. The defender suffered ankle ligament damage just 11 minutes into the match against Bolton in March 2007.

Roma enter race for Gomez

Roma are ready to challenge Juventus and Milan for Stuttgart striker Mario Gomez, the player's agent has revealed.

The 22-year-old marksman is seen as one of Europe's most promising young talents and was named German Footballer of the Year in 2007.

"It's true that the Giallorossi are chasing him," Maurizio Gaudino said.

"Mario has a contract with Stuttgart until 2012, but we will make a decision after the European Championships and Italy does have a special charm."

Ronaldo upbeat over recovery

Brazilian striker Ronaldo is looking to the future with optimism after he returned to the Milan camp for the first time since undergoing surgery on his left knee last month in Paris.

Ronaldo ruptured a ligament in his knee during his team's 1-1 draw against Livorno. "I feel better, the worst is over now," he said. "I no longer feel pain and now I am able to walk better. It's not long now before I will be able to stop using the crutches and the fact that I don't feel pain is a positive thing."