Briefs

Gold quits: David Gold is to stand down as chairman of Birmingham after 12 years and end his association with the midlands club. Gold was willing to continue in the role under new owner Carson Yeung after the departure of fellow co-owner David Sullivan, managing director Karren Brady and his brother Ralph Gold. But Yeung wants Vico Hui, chief executive of his company Grandtop International Holdings, to fill the role.

Milito: Diego Milito, the Inter striker, is making a good recovery and could make a quick comeback following a muscle strain . The 30-year-old limped off during Inter's 2-1 victory over Udinese last weekend. Milito has already returned to training and is now expected to be fit again for Dynamo Kiev's visit to San Siro on October 20.

Celtic: Celtic's friendly against Derry City today has been postponed. The League of Ireland club gave no explanation for the decision, amid reports they were unhappy with the strength of squad the Hoops were sending. The match had been arranged as part of Paddy McCourt's transfer from Derry to Celtic last year.

New Chief: The Iraqi Football Federation is to finally elect a new president on October 30, after several delays. "It is not acceptable that the election should be postponed four times," a government spokesman said at a meeting with representatives of Iraq's 22 professional clubs. In May 2008, FIFA temporarily suspended Iraq from its competitions, in a move to curb political interference in Iraqi football.

Snooker: Grand Prix semi-finals - Robertson vs Higgins 6-5; Williams vs Ding 1-6.