Football news

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has cast further doubt on coach Claude Puel’s future at the club.

Les Gones lie fourth in Ligue 1, four points behind leaders Rennes, having failed to win the title since Puel’s arrival at the club in the summer of 2008.

In an interview with monthly magazine Lyon Capital, it was put to Aulas that “Claude Puel does not think you are close to offering him an extension”.

Aulas replied: “He is right to say that. Today, we have a number of difficulties.

“I have been criticised for giving him a four-year contract, too long for the top clubs. In the present circumstances, it is fair to say that.”

Man. United not for sale say Glazers

The Glazer family have confirmed their commitment to Man. United and insist they have no interest in selling the club.

United’s owners made a short statement to accompany the release of second quarter financial results, in response to growing speculation about a massive offer for the club from the Qatar Royal Family.

“The board notes recent press speculation regarding a possible bid for Manchester United,” said the statement.

“The owners remain fully committed to their long-term ownership of the club. Manchester United is not for sale and the owners will not entertain any offers.”

Peres hails Real as ‘symbol of peace’

Israeli President Shimon Peres hailed Real Madrid as a “symbol of peace” during a visit on Thursday to the Spanish club’s training grounds.

“I want you to know the depth of the love of all our boys and girls for Real Madrid. You are their heroes. They would like to be like you,” the Nobel Prize-winning Israeli leader told the squad during his visit.

“They can make a distinction between playing football and playing war. They have not had much peace, for them Real Madrid is a symbol of peace.”

Real captain Iker Casillas gave Peres, 87, a black and white jersey bearing the Israel leader’s name and a large number one.

Murdered PSG fan remembered

The parents of a PSG supporter beaten to death by fans of the same club have used the one-year anniversary of his death to launch a new appeal for witnesses.

Yann Lorence, 37, was beaten up by fans from a rival fan group prior to PSG’s league game against Marseille on February 28, 2010. He died from his injuries a few days later.

Four men were arrested on suspicion of murder but were released on bail.

“On February 28, it will be one year since our son, Yann, fell beneath the blows of a group of so-called supporters,” wrote Lorence’s parents in an open letter.

“We are convinced that there are still witnesses to the attack on our son who have not made themselves known to the police.”

UEFA analysing De Rossi incident

Daniele de Rossi could be handed a ban from European football as UEFA are in possession of video evidence which appears to show the Roma midfielder punching an opponent at last week’s 2-3 upset at home to Shakhtar Donetsk.

Corriere dello Sport reported that officials from the Ukraine club handed the footage over to UEFA’s disciplinary committee.

The newspaper is saying that a ban is almost inevitable for the player who scored in the midweek 1-0 win over Bologna.

De Rossi could be suspended for at least three matches, putting more pressure on new coach Vincenzo Montella who is already without the suspended Marco Cassetti and Jeremy Menez for the second leg.

Terek Grozny eye retired Ronaldo

Terek Grozny, the small but ambitious side from Russia’s war-torn Chechnya, are set to offer Brazil great Ronaldo eight million dollars to reverse his retirement.

The news comes just a week after another club from Russia’s volatile south, Anzhi Makhachkala, signed the veteran Brazilian defender Roberto Carlos on a two-year contract worth a reported two million dollars.

The Tvoi Den daily said direct talks between the Russian Premier League outfit and 34-year-old Ronaldo will take place in Grozny on March 8, when some members of Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning side arrive for an exhibition match.

It is thought Grozny are prepared to offer Ronaldo an 18-month contract.

Larsson future still up in the air

Birmingham midfielder Sebastian Larsson insists he has “not made my mind up one way or another” over his future. Larsson’s current contract runs out in the summer and he could have moved to Newcastle United last month had he agreed personal terms.

But the Swede has an open mind and Birmingham’s gradual progress under boss Alex McLeish and a first major cup final for 10 years is giving him food for thought.

He said: “I have not made up my mind one way or another.

“For myself, what is going to happen after this summer, we will just have to wait and see. I have left that stuff behind and I just want to concentrate on football.”

Larsson moved to Birmingham from Arsenal five years ago after an initial loan spell.