Football news

The Lithuanian owner of Hearts, Vladimir Romanov, has been barred from standing for president in his Baltic homeland because he was not born there.

Romanov, who bought the Edinburgh side in 2005, had filed his registration for the May 17 presidential election. But on Friday the national electoral commission said Russian-born Romanov fell foul of a constitutional requirement that only a Lithuanian "citizen by origin" can become head of state.

"Not only the candidate but also his parents should be Lithuanian citizens," said electoral commission member Pavelas Kujalis.

Romanov, 61, was born in Tver in western Russia.

Terlizzi fined for Totti comment

Christian Terlizzi has been fined 15,000 euros for saying Roma captain Francesco Totti "needs to get thumped" to be stopped during a match.

The Disciplinary Commission acted after Catania's 3-2 victory on December 21 when Terlizzi over-stepped the mark. When asked in the aftermatch comments how Totti could be stopped, Terlizzi, a defender, did not mince his words.

"How to stop Totti?," he said.

"He needs to get thumped on the pitch a little more."

Terlizzi's comment was particularly unfortunate as Totti limped off with a thigh injury during that match.

English teams more physical - Capello

English teams have again dominated Italian sides in the Champions League because their players are more physical and their domestic matches flow better, according to England coach Fabio Capello.

"They (English teams) are used to a more physical game," Italian Capello said. "Our teams in this respect are lacking compared to the English.

"There is another problem, there are so many interruptions in the Italian league and very often tricks like throwing yourself to the floor get rewarded.

"The referees in this sense should let the game flow more."

Maradona back to drawing board

Argentina had been forced to go back to the drawing board following Juan Roman Riquelme's decision to quit the side earlier this week, coach Diego Maradona said.

Maradona said that all his tactical plans had to be scrapped after the enigmatic playmaker, upset at comments the coach made about his playing style, said the two could not work together.

"We had to change everything after losing Riquelme," Maradona said ahead of this month's World Cup qualifiers at home to Venezuela and away to Bolivia.

There were no surprises in Maradona's squad although Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain was again left out.

Lazio's Mauro Zarate was also ignored but Juan Sebastian Veron was included.

Benzema staying at Olympique Lyon

France forward Karim Benzema has ended months of media speculation by pledging his immediate future to Olympique Lyon.

"I'm going to stay until 2010 even if Lyon are not (Ligue 1) champions this season and do not qualify for the Champions League," the 21-year-old told reporters.

Benzema has been linked with several top clubs including Real Madrid and Barcelona. His Lyon contract runs until 2013.

Hiddink insists on short-term job

Guus Hiddink has reiterated his commitment to leading Russia to next year's World Cup finals in South Africa and insisted he will not be staying at Chelsea beyond the end of this season.

Petr Cech and Michael Ballack, two of the stars said to have grown disillusioned under Hiddink's predecessor Luiz Felipe Scolari, both said that they would be delighted to see the Dutchman installed on a permanent basis.

But Hiddink insists he will not be swayed by them.

"They might change their minds about me when I put them on the bench or not even in the squad," he quipped.

"But I made it very clear a few weeks ago what the future will be after May 30. I don't have to do that again."

Wenger backs Rome as final host

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger condemned the attacks that left a Gunners fan in Rome with a stab wound, but stopped short of calling for May's Champions League final to be removed from the Italian capital.

Asked if the location should be changed, Wenger replied: "No, even if I am conscious that what happened is not acceptable. It has, of course, to be investigated, but I believe that is purely down to Roma's supporters.

"I have been to many Champions League finals, and it is always a much more neutral atmosphere in the final."

The fan was attacked just before Wednesday's tie at the Stadio Olimpico where Arsenal ousted Roma on penalties.