Football news

UEFA is pleased with Ukraine's progress in preparing for Euro 2012, to be co-hosted with neighbouring Poland. Deputy Prime Minister Ivan Vasyunyk said a visiting UEFA delegation, led by secretary-general David Taylor, no longer harboured doubts about Ukraine's preparations.

"David Taylor stated that Ukraine had managed to maintain the pace of Euro 2012 preparations despite the global financial crisis," Vasyunyk said.

"This was an appropriate response to all those pessimists who keep doubting Ukraine will meet all its obligations... Ukraine has moved from promises and plans to concrete action."

Fabregas in line for Roma clash

Cesc Fabregas is likely to return for Arsenal in time for the Champions League clash against Roma on February 24. Spanish doctor Ramon Cugat told reporters the Gunners' captain could be back within three weeks.

Fabregas sustained ligament damage back in December and had been expected to face nearly four months on the sidelines. But Cugat is optimistic.

"I think Cesc will be OK for the Roma match," he said.

"The Arsenal doctors said it normally takes three-and-a-half months to recover because of the way it happened. But I believe he will return quicker. I saw Cesc last week and he passed the tests."

Juve and Barca to battle for Ribery

Barcelona and Juventus are the main contenders to snap the signature of Franck Ribery who earlier this week hinted he is on his way out of Bayern Munich.

Ribery, who joined Bayern two years ago, was voted Footballer of the Year in Germany in 2008 and his price tag is rated at €28 million.

"I cannot be indifferent to the interest of the big clubs," Ribery, 25, said.

Juventus have already expressed their interest in Ribery but Barcelona are also preparing their own offer and are reportedly willing to sell Thierry Henry to help fund the move.

BSkyB secures more TV rights

BSkyB reasserted its grip on televised top-flight sport, securing the right to show the vast majority of Premier League matches from 2010.

In a three-year deal that gives a huge boost to top-flight clubs, the league said the total value of the deal was 1.78 billion pounds or five per cent more than it received last time.

BSkyB, which has drawn over nine milliion customers with its offer of major sports coverage, will pay 1.62 billion pounds as it seeks to lure subscribers who are spending more time at home during the economic downturn.

BSkyB will show 115 matches, up from its current contract of 92 and including top-tier matches on a Sunday afternoon.

Marwijk worried over Real pair

Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk expressed his concern that two of his main players, Rafael van der Vaart and Klaas Jan Huntelaar were not getting enough first-team action at their club Real Madrid.

"I am not pleased that they hardly play as I prefer my players to play every week," Van Marwijk told reporters ahead of Wednesday's friendly against Tunisia.

"At the moment it is no problem but it might be in the near future."

Striker Huntelaar made his first league start for Real on Jan. 4 against Villarreal and came on as a substitute in the other four league matches he has been able to play since joining from Ajax.

Midfielder Van der Vaart made his last start in December.

Keane happy to lead Spurs' fight

Robbie Keane could not be happier after swapping a bit-part role in Liverpool's title challenge to become Tottenham captain in their fight to avoid relegation.

The Ireland striker spent six frustrating months at Anfield but now his only thoughts are on steering the club he scored more than 100 goals for in his first six-year stint up the table, starting against bitter rivals Arsenal today.

"I'm training with a smile on my face again," Keane said.

"I did everything I had to do at Liverpool, did everything possible to play but sometimes the manager just doesn't fancy you, simple as that.

"But I don't regret anything I do in football. Tottenham is a club that's close to my heart and I'm really looking forward to going out there and putting that jersey on."

Tevez's £140,000 Bentley confiscated

Carlos Tevez had his £140,000 Bentley confiscated by police as it was discovered that the Man. United forward does not own a regular UK driving licence after the Argentine was stopped by traffic officers on the M60 to check on the dark tint of his car windows.

Tevez, 25, is now being investigated for driving without a valid licence and could face prosecution, a police source said. The maximum penalty for such an offence carries a £1,000 fine.