Football news

Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o has denied threatening to leave Barcelona if they do not win a trophy before the end of next season.

"There was no threat behind my words only the reality that players have responsibilities.

"Barca bought me to score goals and win cups, and if I don't do that I've got to go," Eto'o told radio station Cadena Ser.

United prepared says Ferguson

Manchester United are better-equipped to face Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals than they were at this stage last year against Milan, manager Alex Ferguson said yesterday.

"Most times we've not been successful in semi-finals but I think we are in a much stronger position this year in terms of the energy of the team," Ferguson told reporters.

"Last year we played the same team all the time and this time we haven't. I hope that makes a difference. But the important thing about any semi-final is to enjoy it."

Hleb faces violent conduct charge

Alexander Hleb has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association. The FA has taken action after reviewing video evidence of an incident involving Hleb and Reading's Graeme Murty in a game Arsenal won 2-0 last Saturday.

"The incident was not seen by referee Peter Walton," the FA said.

"Having now watched video footage, Walton has informed the FA that, had he seen it, he would have shown Hleb a red card for violent conduct."

Hleb now faces the prospect of a three-game ban, which would bring his season to a premature end.

Thieves raid Rijkaard's home

Robbers raided the house of Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard on Sunday night while he was there with the rest of his family, local police confirmed to Spanish daily El Mundo.

The former Dutch international had cash, jewellery and other valuables stolen before his son raised the alarm, the paper said.

Everton seal Pienaar deal

Everton have completed a £2m permanent transfer for on-loan midfielder Steven Pienaar. The 26-year-old South African has agreed a three-year contract.

Pienaar had earlier expressed fears that the deal had stalled, but Everton manager David Moyes said: "Steven is one of the reasons our football has improved."

Pienaar had been linked with Arsenal, Newcastle and Valencia.

Juve to make Flamini offer

Juventus are showing keen interest to sign Arsenal midfielder Mathieu Flamini, according to Juve director Jean-Claude Blanc. The 24-year-old France international is out of contract at the end of the season.

Speculation has been rife that a number of clubs want to sign Flamini, with Juventus linked with a move.

"This is an important player who we have been chasing for some time," Blanc said. "And it will have to be good to take him because many teams are interested."

Flamini signed for Arsenal from Marseille in 2004.

Scots to extend Premier League

The Scottish Premier League has decided to extend its season by four days - until May 22 - if Rangers reach the UEFA Cup final.

Rangers' title rivals, Celtic, had already warned of their opposition to any extension to the season. But the SPL said that there was no alternative because of the number of postponed fixtures this season.

St Mirren had also stated that they had booked a team holiday and would therefore oppose any change. But, should Rangers beat Fiorentina to reach the UEFA Cup final, St Mirren will have to host the Gers on May 20.

Del Piero still in the reckoning

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni said he has not closed the door on Juve's in-form veteran Alessandro Del Piero. Having been dropped last year after some under-par performances in the qualifiers, the 33-year-old admitted on Monday he would love to earn a recall for Euro 2008.

Donadoni said: "I have never said that Del Piero had lost his place in the squad. I don't think anyone can accuse me of that because from here until the European Championship there is still time."

EU warns Blatter on player quota

The European Commission has warned FIFA not to seek "gentleman's agreements" to limit foreign players at soccer clubs, which risk costly court cases like the Bosman ruling.

"EU laws are superior to any such gentleman's agreements," an official at the EU executive familiar with the matter told Reuters yesterday.

"I would advise FIFA to think carefully about such a move."

The official was responding to reports in which FIFA officials said president Sepp Blatter will try to bypass EU labour laws by reaching a deal with national associations to limit teams to five foreign nationals on the pitch.