UEFA referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina says new concussion rules that come into force in the Champions League this week will clear up any doubts about when players are able to continue after suffering a head impact.

The new rules agreed by UEFA and FIFA will affect all matches and give referees the ability to stop games for up to three minutes to allow the team doctor to carry out an on-pitch assessment of the injured player.

Collina said: “The new procedure gives referees a clear view of who makes the final decision on whether a player can continue or not – it is the team doctor and no-one else. I hope this will lead to improved health and safety of players overall.”

Villa available

Former Spain forward David Villa will arrive in Australia next week and be available to play for Melbourne City’s season-opener in the top-flight, the A-League club said yesterday.

The newly-minted New York City striker will play a three-month stint with the Manchester City-owned Melbourne before linking with former England midfielder Frank Lampard and his US-based team-mates for the Major League Soccer season.

Melbourne City played as Melbourne Heart in the A-League until a name-change in the off-season brought the team in line with Manchester City and sister club New York City.

Santos joins Pires at India’s FC Goa

Former Brazil left-back Andre Santos has signed a deal to take part in the inaugural Indian Super League (ISL) alongside ex-Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires at FC Goa.

Santos, 31, who had spells with Fenerbahce in Turkey as well as Arsenal and Brazilian clubs Corinthians, Gremio and Flamengo, is the latest high-profile name to sign up for the eight-team league that begins in a fortnight and runs for 10 weeks.

Santos will link up with 40-year-old Pires, who came out of retirement to take part in the new league this year.

Iachini apology

Palermo coach Giuseppe Iachini has apologised to fans after seeing his side fall 4-0 at home to Lazio. The Sicilians had gone into Monday’s game looking for their first win but crashed to their biggest loss of the campaign.

“We played a great first half,” Iachini said.

“Unfortunately, we were not able to make the breakthrough, and we conceded a goal with their first shot on target.

“It’s a pity because we had a good performance. We are sorry for our fans and for our club.

“We played really well and our supporters acknowledged the hard work shown by my players by applauding them after the game.”

Tan asks Cardiff fans to back Slade

Controversial Cardiff owner Vincent Tan has urged the club’s fans to give Russell Slade a chance as he prepares to install him as his new manager.

The Malaysian billionaire and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer parted company last month after a difference of opinion between the two over the best way forward. Now he is ready to hand former Orient boss Slade the task of leading the fight for a return to the Premier League.

Asked if the 53-year-old was his choice, Tan said: “Actually, Slade was identified by me.

“Dave Jones wasn’t recruited by me, Malky wasn’t recruited by me and in a way, Ole wasn’t recruited by me. But I said now, the next manager, I must select him. All I can say to the fans is give him a chance, give him a break.”

Negredo recovery

Valencia say Alvaro Negredo’s recovery from a broken metatarsal remains on track despite the striker having to pull out of training on Monday after suffering a blow to his foot.

Negredo joined Valencia from Manchester City on transfer deadline day but has yet to feature for his new club as he battles back from undergoing foot surgery in late July.

The 29-year-old, who was expected to be sidelined for three months, was forced to leave training early on Monday with pain in his foot but tests have confirmed that it is nothing serious.

Negredo joined Man. City from Sevilla in a £20m deal last year but this summer, they allowed him to return to Spain.

De Gea upbeat over Rooney absence

Manchester United keeper David de Gea claims other players are ready to step into the breach to fill the void left by Wayne Rooney’s three-match suspension.

Rooney will miss all his side’s games in October, starting against his former side Everton on Sunday and including Chelsea’s trip to Old Trafford, after being sent off during Man. United’s 2-1 win over West Ham.

De Gea, speaking at the launch of Manchester United’s first global sustainable technology partner Abengoa, said: “Of course he’s a really important player for us and he’s the captain but we have other players ready to play these games.

“Fletch (Darren Fletcher) is the next captain and I think he will be a great leader. Of course, it was a red card but Wayne Rooney is a top player and I think he has to keep going.”

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