Sporting briefs

Rapid punished: Rapid Bucharest were punished with a 3-0 defeat by the Romanian Soccer Federation after their match against Steaua Bucharest was abandoned when the home side's fans threw stones and objects on to the pitch. Referee Alexandru Deaconu, hit by a cigarette lighter on the head, abandoned the derby game in the 73rd minute with Rapid leading 1-0. The decision cut to three points the gap between leaders CFR Cluj, on 56 points, and Steaua Bucharest on 53.

Safety at stadium: The Democratic Republic of Congo may have to play home World Cup qualifiers away from Kinshasa after being given an ultimatum to fix security infrastructure at the capital's Martyrs stadium. The Congolese federation have been asked to name an alternative venue because FIFA are not satisfied that changes to improve the safety at the stadium had been implemented. FIFA have twice inspected the giant Chinese-built 80,000 capacity stadium. Visiting teams traditionally find the venue intimidating and the Congolese rarely lose competitive matches at home.

Levante: Pedro Villaroel has sold his majority shareholding in Levante to Juliop Romero for the symbolic price of one euro, the club said yesterday. Levante have had serious financial difficulties this season, with players and staff protesting about not getting paid.

Ranieri: Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri has told Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon that his request for a rest may have to wait, even if the third-placed club secure a Champions League berth. "We will (let him rest) at the end of the season, we have other objectives to reach first," Ranieri told a news conference.

Ancelotti: Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said he was not worried about losing his job if the fifth-placed Serie A club failed to reach the Champions League next season. "The club has spoken very clearly. My future is not linked to reaching fourth place," Ancelotti told a news conference.