Football news

Diego Maradona yesterday apologised to UEFA president Michel Platini over comments he made about the Frenchman.

After his Argentina side effectively booked themselves a place in the knockout phase of the World Cup with a 4-1 demolition of South Korea, Maradona produced a letter, which he claimed had been written by the UEFA chief.

"Mr Platini has sent me a letter and I would like to read it to you," said the 49-year-old. "He says he has never said what you (reporters) told me he said, so through you I would like to apologise to Mr Platini."

Platini had allegedly derided Maradona's ability as a coach, a remark which prompted a furious backlash from the Argentina football legend.

Miccoli not leaving Palermo

Palermo striker Fabrizio Miccoli has turned down the chance to join ambitious Birmingham after admitting his heart was not in the move.

Miccoli, 30, yesterday committed his future to his current Serie A club as he appeared at a press conference arranged to allow him to outline his plans.

He said: "I would like to start by thanking Birmingham for the offer because to receive an offer like this, despite having just had an operation on torn cruciate knee ligaments, was unexpected.

"I waited before talking because I wanted to evaluate it with my family. I have made up my mind to stay."

Portugal ask for Ronaldo review

Portugal have asked FIFA to overturn Cristiano Ronaldo's booking against Ivory Coast.

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) said in a statement that Ronaldo was "pushed and insulted" after being fouled by Guy Demel, and there was a "disparity" in the treatment of the Real Madrid player and the man who brought him down.

Both Ronaldo and Demel were booked in the 21st minute of Tuesday's World Cup Group G game, which finished goalless.

Demel was joined by Didier Zokora in apparently accusing Ronaldo of going to the ground too easily.

Cagliari free Allegri for Milan move

Serie A club Cagliari yesterday paved the way for their coach Massimiliano Allegri to take over at Milan by freeing the Italian from his contract.

Milan, who finished third in Serie A last season and will play in next season's Champions League, have stated recently that Allegri is their top choice to replace Leonardo.

A statement posted on Cagliari's website yesterday said club president Massimo Cellino "has decided to free coach Massimiliano Allegri at the request of the Milan club."

It added: "Cagliari did not request any financial compensation even though Milan offered, since it is impossible to assess how much feelings are worth."

One-game ban for Cahill

Australia were yesterday boosted by the news key man Tim Cahill will only miss one World Cup game following his sending-off against Germany.

The Socceroos were concerned Cahill's red card against the Germans - shown for a poor challenge on Bastian Schweinsteiger - would rule him out for the remainder of the group phase.

But FIFA confirmed yesterday the Everton man will only be unavailable for the clash with Ghana tomorrow.

Fifa also announced that South African goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has been banned for one match following his dismissal in his side's 3-0 defeat to Uruguay.

Cesar urges Maicon to stay

Inter goalkeeper Julio Cesar has pleaded with his team-mate Douglas Maicon to stay at the club amid reports of strong interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid.

The Brazilian right-back has made no secret of his desire to rejoin Jose Mourinho at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer. Quoted in La Gazzetta dello Sport, Cesar apparently turned to Maicon during a press conference on Wednesday and said: "Eh, Maic, no joking around, you must stay in Milan.

"Don't make me tie you to the gates at Pinetina. I want you to write: 'Julio Cesar, next year I am 100 per cent staying at Inter'."

Real Madrid are expected to make an offer of €35m for the 28-year-old but Inter president Massimo Moratti doesn't want to sell Maicon.

Juve step up Martinez chase

Juventus are in talks with Catania for Uruguayan winger Jorge Martinez but both parties have been unable to agree a transfer fee so far.

Il Corriere dello Sport reported that Juventus' general manager Beppe Marotta met Catania's directors on Wednesday evening. Catania immediately stated their demands, asking for a €15m cash payment at which point Marotta asked for 48 hours to think about it.

It is understood that Juventus were looking to negotiate a transfer fee worth between €12.5m and €13m, which would be paid in installments, much like the deal they struck with Udinese for Simone Pepe earlier this month.

A successful move for Martinez would almost certainly signal the end of Juventus's bid to sign CSKA Moscow winger Milos Krasic.