Sporting briefs

Visa Issues: Sevilla's Ivory Coast trio Didier Zokora, Arouna Kone and Ndri Romaric missed Thursday's training session because they had to travel to Madrid to sort out visa issues related to the club's Champions League campaign.

Chelsea deal: Croatian club Inter Zapresic have saved themselves from bankruptcy by agreeing an option-to-buy deal with Chelsea for teenage goalkeeper Matej Delac.No financial details were given but Inter said that under the agreement Chelsea would have the option to buy the 17-year-old for the next three years and the keeper would attend training sessions in London during the off-season.

Mijatovic: Former Real Madrid sporting director Predrag Mijatovic has been called to testify in an investigation into irregularities at the club's assembly last year which led to the resignation of president Ramon Calderon. Mijatovic, who stepped down in May shortly before Florentino Perez returned to the presidency, will appear on Oct. 14, the Madrid court leading the investigation said in a statement.

Reo-coker: Aston Villa have dropped midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker for today's home Premier League game against Portsmouth after a row with manager Martin O'Neill in training. O'Neill rejected reports that the two had to be separated by other players after grappling each other to the ground but said there had been a "verbal confrontation".

Gourlay: Chelsea have appointed Ron Gourlay as chief executive to succeed Peter Kenyon. Gourlay, 46, has been with the west London club for five years in a variety of roles and was previously chief operating officer.

Ferdinand: Manchester United's only injury concern, Rio Ferdinand (groin) will undergo a fitness test ahead of tomorrow's derby at home to rivals Manchester City. "We hope he's there because you want all your big players available," manager Alex Ferguson said.

MFA Div. II/III KO: Mdina Knights vs Luqa St Andrews 1-1.

The Championships: Sheffield Utd vs Sheffield Wed 3-2.