Sporting briefs

Defoe: The half-brother of Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has died after being attacked on a London street. A murder investigation was launched after Jade Defoe, 26, died in hospital on Friday from head injuries sustained earlier in the week.

Zola: Gianfranco Zola has agreed terms on a new contract with West Ham for the next four years. Chief executive Scott Duxbury told reporters the contract should be signed within the next 48 hours. The news will be a huge boost and relief to the Hammers.

Etuhu: Nigeria have recalled Fulham midfielder Dickson Etuhu for World Cup qualifiers against Kenya and Tunisia in June. Etuhu is part of a 29-man squad that will also play two friendlies against Ireland (May 27) in London and France (June 2) in Saint Etienne. Etuhu last played for Nigeria at the 2008 Africa Cup in Ghana.

Mexico flu: Two football matches in Mexico City will be played behind closed doors due to a deadly outbreak of a previously unknown strain of flu in the country. Guadalajara and America, Mexico's most popular teams, will play Pumas and Tecos respectively today but normally packed spectator stands will be empty.

Pepe ban: The 10-match ban for Real Madrid defender Pepe is an over-reaction, the club's interim president Vicente Boluda said. "It's an atrocious decision. The punishment does not correspond with what happened on the pitch," Boluda said. Pepe was punished for kicking one Getafe player and punching another after being sent off during Real's 3-2 league win last Tuesday.

Primera Liga: Malaga vs Deportivo 1-1; Almeria vs Numancia 2-1.

In France: League Cup final - Bordeaux vs Vannes 4-0.