Football news

Red Star Belgrade players are struggling to pay for food and rent because of the financial crisis at the former European Cup winners, midfielder Mirnes Sisic said. The Slovenian said he faced eviction from his flat as the club had failed to pay him any wages since he arrived.

"The landlord came over this week and told me to pay three months' rent I owe him or pack my stuff and leave," Sisic said.

"If Red Star can't at least give me money for a roof over my head, never mind what the club owes me in wages, I will have no choice but to go back to Slovenia.

"I can't believe a club of Red Star's stature has allowed this to happen.

"Young players are in an even more humiliating position, as we give them daily handouts so that they can buy themselves some lunch and coffee."

Kaka denies talks with Real Madrid

Milan's Kaka has denied holding talks with Real Madrid and said he wants to stay with the Serie A club.

Spanish media said prospective Real Madrid president Florentino Perez had agreed with Milan to sign Kaka in the off-season, having failed to attain the Brazilian when he was in charge at the Bernabeu.

"I think in recent days too many people have talked, now I'll speak," Kaka said.

"I have not had contact with Real, no one has tried to contact me and I think I have already made myself clear... my wish is to stay at Milan."

Asked whether that would mean he would stay at the San Siro for life, Kaka said: "For the fifth time, it seems so to me."

Police drop Mourinho case

Inter coach Jose Mourinho will not face charges over an alleged assault following a Champions League match in England last month, Manchester police said.

Police had been investigating allegations that Mourinho had punched a fan in the face outside Old Trafford stadium after his team lost 2-0 to Manchester United.

"Greater Manchester Police is aware of the Crown Prosecution Service's decision not to bring charges after an allegation of assault was made following the Manchester United-Inter game in March," police said.

"A full investigation was carried out and the victim has been kept apprised of all developments and is supportive of this decision."

Gallas out

Arsenal defender William Gallas will be out for the rest of the season after being injured against Villarreal in Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final, second leg.

Manager Arsene Wenger confirmed to reporters that the knee ligament damage Gallas suffered during his side's 1-1 draw at Villarreal meant he would play no further part in Arsenal's assault on the Champions League and FA Cup trophies.

Gallas was injured when he collided with Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi shortly before half-time.

Kinnear to return

Newcastle United manager Joe Kinnear will return to the club after his recent illness in time for training ahead of next season, Newcastle's managing director Derek Llambias was quoted as saying.

The club are currently being coached by former player Alan Shearer. Kinnear has been recovering from triple heart bypass surgery in February.

"Joe had his tests this week and the doctors were pleased with him," Llambias said.

"He's lost two stone in weight and has passed all his tests with flying colours. He's on the mend - in two months' time he should be fully fit."

Saints interest

The administrators running ailing English Championship Southampton said 31 parties had expressed an interest in buying the club. The Saints' parent company Southampton Leisure Holdings went into administration last week with debts of £27.5 million.

The Football League is considering whether to penalise the club 10 points which would result in their almost certain relegation to the third tier of English football.

However, co-administrator Mark Fry told reporters that a number of potential buyers have come forward in an attempt to save the club.

QPR coach sacked

Championship club QPR sacked Portuguese manager Paulo Sousa with immediate effect. QPR said that Sousa's contract was terminated because "it came to the club's attention that Mr De Sousa had divulged highly confidential and sensitive information.

"The club responded in this way to protect its position."

It said player-coach Gareth Ainsworth will take over running the team on a temporary basis until the end of the season.

SFA upholds bans

Rangers players Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor had their life ban on playing for Scotland confirmed by the Scottish FA. The pair indulged in a drinking session at the team's hotel in Scotland after a 3-0 defeat by the Netherlands two weeks ago and were dropped to the bench for the next game against Iceland.

Midfielder Ferguson and goalkeeper McGregor then reacted by making insulting signs during the 2-1 win at Hampden Park.

The FA said a new code of conduct would be introduced in future.