Football news

The first step for the transfer of the majority stake of Panathinaikos to Saudi Prince Sultan al-Saud has been taken with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the lawyers of current major shareholder Yiannis Vardinoyannis and the prince.

The Saudi prince will be buying 54.7 per cent of the financially-troubled club’s shares which are owned by Vardinoyannis whose family has held the majority stake for the last 32 years.

“We’re now talking about a 100 per cent new period for Panathinaikos,” Vlassis Tsakas, a representative of the prince in Greece, said.

Today, the representatives of the Saudi prince will begin a two-week financial and legal inspection of Panathinaikos.

Greater test to come – De Boer

Ajax coach Frank de Boer claimed the 4-0 thrashing of Dinamo Zagreb was merely a “prelude” to the potentially group defining clash in Lyon in three weeks’ time.

The Amsterdammers were too strong for the Croatian side with Gregory van der Wiel, Miralem Sulejmani, Siem de Jong and substitute Nicolas Lodeiro all scoring in an impressive victory.

“The match in Lyon is now very interesting but that’s what you do it all for. This was just a prelude, the most important match is still to come,” De Boer said.

“The way we played is how I like to see my team play. We were dominant and commanding and scored four goals. Besides that, we hardly gave away a chance.”

Beckham repeats Olympic desire

David Beckham has reiterated his interest in playing for the Great Britain football team at the London Olympics and insists he can still perform at the top level.

The former England skipper has been linked with the team for next year’s Games and of the possibility of being involved, Beckham told BBC Sport: “We all dream about it and we all think about it.

“If it happens, I’ll be honoured.”

“People have been saying (I am too old) for the last 10 or 15 years and I’ve still continued to play for my country,” Beckham added.

“Right now, I feel fit and still love playing, so I’m not finishing yet.”

Germans reject Greek request

Germany has refused a request from Greece to play a friendly against Romania in the country, a statement from the Greek FA said.

“The German football federation has stated it is unable to grant a licence for a friendly match between Greece and Romania on German soil on November 15 due to security reasons,” the Greek FA said.

Greece wanted the match to be held in the German city of Reutlingen where there are many Greek expatriates. The Greek federation said it will now look for an alternative country, possibly Austria.

Greece, the 2004 European champions, qualified for Euro 2012 after finishing first in Group F.

Gerrard progressing well – Dalglish

Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has insisted there is nothing “sinister” in Steven Gerrard’s latest fitness problem and his captain is progressing well.

Pictures of Gerrard leaving hospital on Sunday on crutches with his right leg in a protective cast led to much speculation about the extent of the problem and what procedure he had actually undergone.

However, Dalglish dismissed the conspiracy theories.

“Since they have found the infection he has progressed extremely well and everything is positive for him,” said the Scot.

“We found the infection but I suppose it is a bit like flu – you know you’ve got it but you don’t know where it came from.”

I have board backing – McCarthy

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy insists he retains the support of club hierarchy ahead of Sunday’s bottom-four clash against Wigan at Molineux.

McCarthy came under fire from some fans after the recent home draw against Swansea, to which the Wolves boss responded by labelling his critics “mindless idiots”.

Wolves have picked up only one point from the last seven games, but McCarthy is confident club owner Steve Morgan and chief executive Jez Moxey continue to trust him.

“The support I have from Steve and Jez and everybody has always been at its strongest when it has been tough,” said McCarthy.

“Whenever it has been tough, I’ve had great support.”

Milan consider Quagliarella bid

Milan are considering making a bid for Juventus striker Fabio Quagliarella in January after potentially losing Antonio Cassano for six months.

Cassano is expected to undergo minor heart surgery today after falling ill on the flight home from Milan’s 3-2 Serie A win at Roma on Saturday.

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani suggested that Cassano would be out of action for between four and six months.

According to some reports in Italy, Milan may set their sights on Quagliarella as they seek to sign a replacement for Cassano. The 28-year-old is now fit after missing the first six months of 2011 with a knee injury but has not had many first-team opportunities under Juve boss Antonio Conte so far.