Football news

English clubs Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday will be holding separate training camps in Malta this summer, the Malta Tourism Authority has announced.

Both teams will be unveiling their respective programmes in the coming days. It is also expected that a number of supporters will be joining their teams when they visit Malta.

Commenting on this news, MTA CEO Josef Formosa Gauci said: "This initiative cements the excellent relationship that has developed between the MTA and Sheffield United, which is now being extended towards the city of Sheffield as a whole.

"In this respect, we are delighted to welcome Sheffield Wednesday to the island of Malta for the first time."

The possibility of a friendly match between the two Sheffield rivals has been looked into but for logistical reasons it can't be held this summer, the MTA said in a statement.

Man. United lodge Fletcher appeal

Manchester United have filed an appeal with UEFA to have Darren Fletcher's red card overturned on compassionate grounds. The Scottish international is set to miss the Champions League final against Barcelona after he was sent off in the 3-1 defeat of Arsenal in Tuesday's semi-final second leg.

Fletcher was dismissed in the second half for what was deemed to be a professional foul by referee Roberto Rosetti, despite clearly nicking the ball from Cesc Fabregras in his challenge.

UEFA rules state that they will not consider any appeals over red cards unless it is a case of mistaken identity, but United were encouraged by UEFA general secretary David Taylor's comments yesterday. Taylor said UEFA would perhaps be willing to look at the incident.

Bendtner apology for nightclub photos

Arsenal forward Nicklas Bendtner apologised yesterday to the club and their fans after being photographed outside a nightclub following the Champions League semi-final defeat by Manchester United.

"I love this club and was so disappointed to lose against Manchester United last (Tuesday) night," he said.

"However, no matter how disappointed I was, it does not excuse my behaviour later in the evening.

"I may be young but my actions were a poor error of judgment and something I deeply regret. I want to apologise to the club and the fans for letting them and myself down."

Diego close to Juventus move

Werder Bremen's Brazilian playmaker Diego is close to signing for Juventus, club president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli said yesterday.

Media reports, which have also linked Bayern Munich and Inter with the 24-year-old, said Juve had agreed a fee of €25 million ($33.3 million) with the Bundesliga club.

"We think talks are going well. We hope to conclude the deal but it is still not sealed," Cobolli Gigli said.

He also denied Juve were considering selling Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Maldini turns down Italy farewell

Milan defender Paolo Maldini has rejected the chance to make a one-off comeback for Italy in their friendly with Northern Ireland next month.

The 40-year-old, who retires at the end of the season, had previously expressed interest in adding to his Italian record of 126 caps having quit the Azzurri in 2002 but told yesterday's La Gazzetta dello Sport he would not play the June 6 match.

"No, I won't play a farewell game with the national team but I thank the federation for showing willingness," Maldini said.

"I prefer to leave football in an official game."

Voeller, Rolfes to stay at Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen have extended the contracts of sports director Rudi Voeller and captain Simon Rolfes until 2012 and 2013 respectively, the Bundesliga club said.

Rolfes joined the club in 2005 and is part of a core of players, along with Stefan Kiessling and Patrick Helmes, expected to grow into a title-challenging outfit. The 27-year-old has established himself as a credible option in midfield for the national team.

Former Germany coach Voeller has also been with the club since 2005.

"We have great potential," Voeller said. "I was there when we sowed the seeds and I want to be there when we harvest them."

Leverkusen are eighth in the Bundesliga, seven points behind a possible European berth with four matches to play.

Arsenal to offer Wenger new contract

Arsenal are preparing to offer Arsene Wenger a new contract despite another season without silverware.

The Gunners saw their Champions League dreams shattered by Manchester United in deadly fashion on Tuesday night as Sir Alex Ferguson's side ran out 3-1 winners at the Emirates Stadium to progress 4-1 on aggregate.

Wenger has another year left on his contract and club chairman Peter Hill-Wood insisted the Frenchman's position is not in jeopardy.

"Arsene's future is not in question, although I am sure there will be people who have nothing better to do trying to suggest it is," Hill-Wood said.

"He has another season left on his contract and if he was to ask for an extension we would be delighted."