Sporting briefs

Refs’ Deal: Match officials in England will wear the Expedia logo on their kit during the new season after striking a one-year sponsorship deal. Referees and assistant referees will carry the online travel agency’s branding in more than 2,500 Premier League, Football League and FA Cup and other domestic games during the term of the agreement.

Pompey: Portsmouth will not go into liquidation after Liam Lawrence, the last remaining senior player on the books at Fratton Park, agreed to leave the club, paving the way for former owner Balram Chainrai’s company Portpin to buy back the stricken south-coast club. Administrator Trevor Birch had set a deadline for every senior player to be off the wage bill, otherwise he would have to close Pompey down.

Pizarro: Midfielder David Pizarro, 32, left Roma this week to sign for Fiorentina after passing a medical. The Chilean had spent the last six months on loan at Manchester City but on his return to Italy, Roma informed him that he was no longer in their plans. In Italy, Pizarro also played for Udinese and Inter.

Brechet: Ligue 1 newcomers Troyes have signed former Sochaux defender Jeremie Brechet on a one-year contract. The 32-year-old, who won three France caps in 2001 and 2002 while with Lyon, was a free agent. He has also played for Inter, Real Sociedad and PSV Eindhoven.

Rangers: Rangers will face Falkirk at Ibrox in the second round of the Scottish Communities League Cup. The Ibrox club were paired with First Division Bairns at the Hampden draw. Holders Kilmar-nock begin their title defence with a home game against Stenhousemuir.

Bellamy: Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy has completed an emotional return to his hometown club Cardiff after signing a two-year contract with the Championship outfit yesterday. Bellamy spent 2010-11 on loan at Cardiff and scored 11 goals in 36 appearances to help the Bluebirds reach the Championship play-off semi-finals. The 33-year-old has been keen to rejoin Cardiff on a permanent basis.

Pellegrini: Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini has denied speculation that he might leave the club because of their financial problems. Jose Salomon Rondon and Santi Cazorla have both been sold but Pellegrini said: “I’m staying here to help the club through these tough times. It’s just unfortunate that everything has been left until the last minute.”

Vela: Arsenal have confirmed that striker Carlos Vela has left to join Real Sociedad for an undisclosed fee. The Mexican spent last season on loan with the Spanish side and scored 12 goals in 35 appearances. Vela made 62 appearances for Arsenal since signing from Guadalajara for £550,000 in 2006.

Tivoli Cup: Ħamrun 2 (Scerri, Bozhov) Birkirkara 1 (Haruna).