Football news

Around 400 builders at one of the 2010 South Africa World Cup stadiums have been dismissed for going on strike in a move that could put at risk its July completion deadline, their union and employers said.

About 1,000 workers are involved in the construction of the stadium.

Workers at the 46,000-seat Mbombela stadium have staged earlier strikes, most significantly in February last year to demand a near doubling of their wages.

Ten stadiums in nine cities will play host to the 2010 World Cup, the first time the tournament has been staged in Africa. The FIFA deadline for the completion of all the stadiums is October 15.

S. Korean Cho to sign for Wigan

South Korean international Cho Won-hee, who is out of contract with K-League side Suwon BlueWings, is expected to sign for Premier League Wigan Athletic this weekend following a two-day trial in England, according to his agent.

"Everything is done... we will sign with Wigan on Saturday (tomorrow) or Sunday if Cho gets the permit," Kim Dong-ho told The Korea Times.

Wigan boss Steve Bruce told the club's website: "He's done really well. We have been really impressed with him as a player and a person and we can sign him as he is not under contract with any club."

O'Neill positive despite Villa draw

Martin O'Neill believes Aston Villa can still reach the last 16 of the UEFA Cup despite being held to a 1-1 home draw by CSKA Moscow.

John Carew's second-half equaliser gave Villa something to work with and, although they need a win in Russia, O'Neill is convinced they have nothing to fear.

"We have still got a chance although obviously it will be really hard in Moscow," O'Neill said.

"They have an away goal so we have to score to have a chance but it is not impossible. They showed they are a dangerous counter-attacking side but so are we as our record has shown this season.

"I thought we played really well and deserved to win this game."

Keane's transfer baffles Ramos

Real Madrid boss Juande Ramos is baffled by Rafael Benitez's decision to sell Robbie Keane ahead of the Champions League meeting between Real and Liverpool.

Keane spent only six months at Anfield following his £20 million move before Liverpool agreed to sell him back to Tottenham.

"You can't tell me Robbie will not score goals at a top club," Ramos said.

"He is a top player and I don't think he did badly at Liverpool.

"He scored goals and showed he's a team player.

"He's definitely a match-winner for any club and if he were still at Liverpool, I would be telling my defenders to watch for him."

Real want to renew Cannavaro's contract

Real Madrid coach Juande Ramos is keen to extend Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro's stay in Spain for at least one more year.

Cannavaro moved to the Spanish giants in 2006 in the wake of Juventus's demotion from Serie A for their part in a match-fixing scandal.

The 35-year-old defender, who won the prestigious Ballon d'Or in 2006, has been repeatedly linked with a move back to Napoli, his first club, after suggesting that he'd like to end his career in Italy.

"Fabio is a great player," Ramos told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "He offers security on the pitch and in the dressing room. We'll renew his contract and he'll stay here."

UEFA consider Liverpool request

UEFA are looking into a request from Liverpool to reschedule a Champions League match to avoid a clash with the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.

Liverpool have asked if the second leg of their quarter-final, should they reach it, can be brought forward from its scheduled date of April 15.

That day marks exactly two decades since 96 Liverpool fans died at Hillsborough before and during an FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

Liverpool would like the game to be played on April 14, allowing players and staff to attend a memorial service at Anfield the following day.

UEFA said it will not make a decision until after the last-16 ties are played and the quarter-final draw made.

Hart set for Pompey talks

Portsmouth caretaker manager Paul Hart is likely to remain in charge of the Premier League club until the summer.

Hart steered the team to a crucial 2-0 win over Manchester City in his first match as Portsmouth's stand-in boss following the dismissal of Tony Adams.

Executive chairman Peter Storrie is believed to be keen on Hart staying at the helm for the remainder of the season after his attempts to lure Sven-Goran Eriksson failed.

Hart has revealed that talks with Storrie are in the pipeline.

"I'm enjoying the job," Hart said.

"Peter has not spoken to me yet, but we're due to have a meeting."