Sporting briefs

Euro 2012: UEFA president Michel Platini issued his strongest warning yet to Euro 2012 co-hosts Poland and Ukraine yesterday, saying the tournament would not be staged there if stadiums in their capital cities were not ready. Platini will lead a 12-man delegation to the two countries next week to examine the progress being made. "We will do everything we can to hold it in Poland and Ukraine," Platini said. "The only thing that will make me decide not to go is if there are no stadiums in the capitals of Warsaw and Kiev. If there are no stadiums, there will be no tournament."

Croatian FA fined: Croatia's football federation has been fined €12,500 for the racist behaviour of fans at the team's Euro 2008 quarter-final against Turkey. "Croatian fans were guilty of displaying a racist banner and showing racist conduct at the match," UEFA said in a statement. Turkey won the June 20 game in Vienna 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time.

Laporta: Barcelona president Joan Laporta's former right-hand man Sandro Rosell has said he will stand at the next presidential election, increasing the pressure on Laporta ahead of a confidence vote in his administration next Sunday. Rosell was responsible for bringing Ronaldinho and Deco to the club when he was Laporta's vice-president for sport, before resigning in 2005 saying he was unhappy with his boss's domineering style.

Master Plan: South Korea coach Huh Jung-moo says he has mapped out a "master plan" to get through a fierce qualifying group and ensure his team gets an automatic berth in the World Cup finals. The seven-time World Cup qualifiers have been drawn with North Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Iran. "I have drafted a strategy," Huh told reporters. "We need to be prepared in terms of fitness, skills and fighting spirit. We will play every game like a final."

Costa Rica: Costa Rica fired coach Hernan Medford on Friday as a result of their long winless streak in the run-up to their 2010 World Cup qualifiers, local media reported. "At last I'm free," Medford said after a meeting with the country's soccer federation chiefs, according to Costa Rican newspaper La Nacion.

Dica joins Catania: Romania forward Nicolae Dica has left Steaua Bucharest to join former coach Walter Zenga at Serie A club Catania on a four-year deal. The 28-year-old playmaker won the Romanian Championship under the former Italy goalkeeper in 2005.

Guiza: Spain striker Daniel Guiza's proposed switch from Real Mallorca to Fenerbahce is on hold following interest from a number of clubs. Guiza had been expected to complete his move to the Turkish giants after reports claimed a five-year deal had been agreed. Manchester City, Roma and Barcelona are believed to be pondering bids for Guiza.