Football news

Germany will play Malta in Aachen in a friendly international shortly before next year's World Cup in South Africa, the German FA (DFB) confirmed.

Two more friendlies are being lined up - one at home and the other away, DFB general secretary Wolfgang Niersbach said.

The Germany squad will go into a training camp in Switzerland or Austria before the World Cup. It has not yet been decided whether to play against Malta before or after the camp, Niersbach said.

Meanwhile Germany coach Joachim Loew yesterday named his squad for friendlies against Chile in Cologne on November 14 and Ivory Coast in Gelsenkirchen four days later.

Aaron Hunt, who this week declared he had no interest in playing for England despite being eligible for both countries, is one of two new faces in the squad.

Gers backed over Bucharest trouble

Rangers' explanation for the crowd disturbances in the Champions League match against Unirea Urziceni has been backed by a top policeman who attended the game.

Superintendent Mike Dean, of Strathclyde Police, who was helping to co-ordinate security at the stadium, said:

"The situation arose because, despite having an agreement in place that four turnstiles would be in operation, there were in fact only two.

"I was there with the UEFA delegate before kick-off when there was a late surge with 400 or 500 fans trying to get in through. At that stage, the riot police went in and sprayed the fans. This caused a lot of tension."

Injury blow for Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand is facing an extended period on the sidelines as Manchester United try to get to the bottom of his latest injury concern.

Alex Ferguson fears the injury may be related to a lower back complaint.

"There has been no improvement," said the United boss.

"We are having to look at something different because usually you are back from a calf injury within two or three weeks. But there is no sign of recovery from this injury."

Raul backs tax hike for foreigners

Real Madrid captain Raul has backed a planned government tax hike for top-earning foreigners that has prompted a threat of strike action by Spain's professional soccer league (LFP).

The measure, which needs parliamentary approval and will take effect at the beginning of next year, will raise taxes for foreigners who earn above €600,000 a year to 43 per cent from 24 per cent.

"I think that we all should be playing by the same rules," Raul said.

"Let's see if (the tax change) is approved."

Totti pens new Roma deal - reports

Reports in Italian newspapers yesterday said Roma talisman Francesco Totti has signed a new contract with the club.

The Roma captain, 33, has extended his contract until June 2014 and now he is expected to end his career in the only club colours he has worn.

The terms of the deal will see Totti earning €5m a season during that time from a club who do have financial issues. As part of the agreement, Totti will also be guaranteed a role at the club once he hangs up his boots.

Totti is back in training after minor knee surgery and is targeting a return to action in the home match against Bari later this month.

S. Africa can reach last eight - Parreira

New coach Carlos Alberto Parreira says struggling 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa can defy the odds and reach the quarter-finals.

"The greatest challenge is getting to the second phase. South Africa must work hard but I'm confident we will get there," he said ahead of a second spell in charge of Bafana Bafana (the Boys).

"I hope that with the backing of home fans we will reach the quarter-finals and after that the sky is the limit," said the 66-year-old, who guided Brazil to the 1994 World Cup title.

Brave words from a man inheriting a national team ranked 85 in the world by FIFA and demoralised after eight losses in nine matches.

Chelsea may consider selling naming rights

Chelsea may consider selling naming rights for their Stamford Bridge stadium, new chief executive Ron Gourlay said.

"Retaining the ground's heritage is paramount to considering such a move but we think it's achievable," Gourlay, who replaced Peter Kenyon, told Chelsea TV.

"On that basis we would enter into discussions over naming rights."

Gourlay said Stamford Bridge would remain part of any new name but adding a sponsor's name would help the club compete with Premier League rivals such as Manchester United and Arsenal who have much bigger capacities.