Football news

Former Fulham player and Australian international Ahmad Elrich faced a Sydney court yesterday over multiple gun and drugs charges.

The 29-year-old, who played for the English side in the 2005-06 season, was refused bail after appearing at Parramatta Local Court.

Elrich, who made 17 appearances for the Socceroos and also played for Australian A-League clubs Wellington Phoenix and Central Coast Mariners, was stopped by police on his motorbike last Thursday for a faulty light.

Police allege they found two loaded pistols and some Cialis, a drug used for erectile dysfunction, for which they said Elrich did not have a prescription.

Teams suspended over mass brawl

Singapore football officials have suspended indefinitely two teams who were involved in a mass brawl this week, a report said yesterday.

Hougang United and Etoile FC will face a disciplinary hearing on June 3 after a melee involving 30-40 players during a pre-kick off warm-up on Monday, the Straits Times said.

“We have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to violent conduct both on and off the pitch,” FAS president Zainudin Nordin said.

The brawl forced the cancellation of Monday’s game before a ball had been kicked, which is believed to be a first for Singapore’s S-League.

United close to signing De Gea

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed the Premier League champions are close to signing Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David De Gea.

Speaking after Gary Neville’s testimonial match, the manager said: “We’ve been working on it (De Gea transfer) for quite a while. We identified him quite a while back as one we should go for.

“He’s a young goalkeeper, very quick, good composure, presence and an outstanding replacement for (Edwin) van der Sar.

“We were looking for the same type of qualities as Edwin, because the one great quality Edwin always had was his composure and organisational ability. With David De Gea, he is very similar that way.”

Alonso explains Anfield departure

Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has admitted he felt compelled to leave Anfield two years ago after losing the backing of manager Rafael Benitez.

Alonso’s departure to Real Madrid in 2009 came as no real surprise as he had been on the verge of leaving the previous year.

“At the end of that (2008) season, speaking to Rafa, he told me the situation and that he wanted to sign other players and I could be one of the replacements,” he said.

“If an offer would have come, probably I would have been sold. That’s when I told myself that the situation had changed – from being an important player to being one of those who can be sold to get funds.”

Seedorf extends Milan stay

Dutch veteran Clarence Seedorf yesterday signed a one-year contract extension that will keep him at Milan until the end of next season.

A statement from Milan read: “AC Milan announce that Clarence Seedorf has extended his contract until June 30, 2012.”

In so doing the 35-year-old midfielder has joined fellow veterans Filippo Inzaghi, Alessandro Nesta, Mark van Bommel and Flavio Roma in extending his Milan stay for another year.

It is the latest move by Milan to sort out their playing staff for next season.

Seedorf’s deal will take his stay in Milan to 10 years, during which time he has won the Champions League and Serie A title twice each.

Lippi ready to make comeback

Italy World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi says he has recharged his batteries and is ready to make a comeback.

Lippi has been out of work since the disastrous defence of Italy’s world crown in South Africa last year when the reigning champions crashed out in the group stages.

The 63-year-old had come to the end of his contract and decided to take a break from the game, but now he is looking for work again.

“I’m ready to return because my rest is over. This season I had many offers but I preferred to remain inactive,” Lippi told reporters.

“Now I think I’ve rested enough and I’m able to get back into the scrum.”

Bayern expect Klose decision

Bayern Munich expect striker Miroslav Klose to tell them this week whether he will stay on at the club.

The 32-year-old, who has scored 61 goals in 108 caps for Germany, is out of contract this summer and appeared to be on his way out of Bayern after only being offered a one-year deal.

Bayern’s executive board chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is now more hopeful that a “creative solution” can be reached with Klose, who scored just once in the Bundesliga last season having started just nine games.

Klose has been linked with Serie A champions Milan and Spanish side Valencia if new terms with Bayern cannot be agreed.