Football news

Sven-Goran Eriksson refused to comment on his future in football as he prepared for what looks likely to be his final game in charge of Manchester City.

Portuguese club Benfica confirmed in midweek that they had held talks about a possible return to the Stadium of Light for the former England coach, who according to widespread media reports is expected to be sacked by City after their game at Middlesbrough today.

Eriksson told reporters: "I have no comment about that. I don't deny it and I don't confirm it. I refuse to answer questions about my future."

City could find themselves in the UEFA Cup next season after England were awarded an extra place for topping Europe's Fair Play rankings.

Gerrard wants to challenge for title

Steven Gerrard told reporters he wants to finish his career at Liverpool but is looking for the club to launch a serious bid for the Premier League title next season.

The midfielder has repeatedly been linked with a move, and the club have dismissed as "fantasy" last week's reports of a bid from Inter.

Gerrard said: "I cannot see myself ever leaving Liverpool now. But I do not want to look back and say I have never been in a title race."

Gerrard has played in two Champions League finals with Liverpool, lifting the trophy in 2005, but the side have again failed to keep pace with Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal in the Premier League.

Porto lose points in corruption case

Porto will keep the Portuguese title after being stripped of six points for the alleged bribery of referees in the 2003/4 season while former champions Boavista have been relegated for similar offences.

Porto were 20 points clear of Sporting Lisbon before the punishment with a game left in the season. Boavista, who won the championship in 2001, were relegated after being involved in coercing referees in three matches in the 2003/4 season.

The league did not say how Boavista's relegation would affect clubs already in the drop zone. Uniao Leiria have been relegated while one of Pacos de Ferreira and Leixoes SC would join them in the second division depending on results in today's final round of matches.

Trial almost costly for Aussie captain

Australia's Olympic captain Mark Milligan has been cleared to join his team-mates on their upcoming tour of Malaysia after having a lengthy suspension reduced.

Milligan had been ruled out of the tournament after he was banned for five matches for failing to attend a training session in Queensland so he could go for a trial with Arsenal.

But the 22-year-old lodged an appeal with the Football Federation, saying he had informed them of his plans before the training camp.

Villa boss furious over Rafa comment

Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has reacted angrily to newspaper comments from Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez in which the Spaniard said the pair had spoken about the "idea" of Villa captain Gareth Barry moving to Anfield.

"What idea did I have? I've got absolutely no idea," O'Neill told Villa's website ( www.avfc.premiumtv.co.uk ).

"I think Rafa is being very clever here. He gives the impression that there's been constant dialogue. That's simply and utterly untrue."

Grant says Chelsea are form side

Chelsea manager Avram Grant believes his side are playing the best football in England as they prepare for the title-deciding final day in the Premier League.

"We've been playing the best football in England in the last month, playing it at the right time against really big teams and big managers," Grant told a news conference. "Let's see what happens."

After beating both Manchester United and Arsenal in the final weeks of the season and scoring 14 goals in their last eight games, Grant feels his side are the form team.

"Whatever happens on Sunday (today), I'm very proud of what we've done this season at Chelsea," he said.

Wenger to check on youngsters

Arsene Wenger said he will not consider sending the likes of Arsenal youngsters Kieran Gibbs and Mark Randall out on loan again if they fail to be given enough first-team experience. The duo have just returned from spells in the Championship, Gibbs at Norwich and Randall with Burnley.

However, both players were only used sparingly.

Wenger said: "Now they need to show they are good enough. They have, like everybody, to fight to play, and if they are good enough they play. It's as simple as that.

"They didn't play a lot and that's why it's sometimes disappointing you give them up to Championship teams and they don't play."