Jorginho: Former Bayern Munich full-back Jorginho has been named coach of Flamengo, one of Brazil’s most popular teams, after club directors said he suited their new policy of “financial respon-sibility”. The 1994 World Cup winner, who also worked as an assistant to Brazil coach Dunga from 2006-10, replaces Dorival Junior who was sacked at the weekend for refusing a wage cut proposed by the club.
Friendly: Wales are to play Ireland in a friendly international this summer. The match will take place at Cardiff City Stadium on August 14 as both sides prepare for the closing stages of their respective World Cup qualifying campaigns. The sides have met on 12 previous occasions, with Giovanni Trapat-toni’s men winning the last contest 3-0 in February 2011.
Watford: Watford have avoided a points deduction or a fine but former owner Laurence Bassini has been banned from any football involvement for three years after both parties were found to have breached Football League regulations. An independent Football Disciplinary Commission has been investigating events concerning the Championship club, with the alleged misconduct charges arising from the handling of two financial transactions in 2011 which occurred during Bassini’s tenure as owner and director.
Ward: Derby forward Jamie Ward has been ruled out of Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifying double header next week, with Josh Magennis replacing him. Ward, who has four caps and was in line to feature in home clashes against Russia and Israel, started on Saturday against Leicester but lasted just 63 minutes. The 26-year-old has suffered a string of injuries and managed only 20 appearances for the Rams this term.
Romania: Romania coach Victor Piturca has added nine Steaua Bucharest players to complete his 24-man squad for World Cup qualifiers in Hungary on March 22 and in the Netherlands four days later. Piturca named 12 home-based players, including striker Raul Rusescu, the domestic league’s top scorer with 18 goals, goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu, two defenders and five midfielders from leaders Steaua.