Blatter: FIFA president Sepp Blatter confirmed that he had submitted his bid to run for re-election yesterday, the deadline day for nominations to be handed in. “Today is a key date in the electoral calendar. I’ve made my submission, now the electoral committee follow a process,” the 78-year-old said on Twitter. Blatter, who has been in charge of soccer’s governing body since 1998, is running for a fifth mandate and is overwhelming favourite to win the election in Zurich on May 29.

Sinclair: Manchester City flop Scott Sinclair is set to complete his loan switch to Aston Villa within the next 24 hours. The winger will sign until the end of the season with a view to a permanent move. The deal looked off last week when Villa boss Paul Lambert claimed it was dead but the clubs revived talks earlier this week. Sinclair could also be included in Villa’s squad for tomorrow’s trip to Arsenal, should the move be completed in time.

Strootman: Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman will undergo knee surgery today. Tests carried out this week revealed Strootman is suffering from Cyclops Syndrome, a condition which can cause pain and swelling and is associated with individuals who have undergone cruciate ligament surgery. The 24-year-old Dutch international underwent surgery last March to reconstruct a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and was sidelined for nine months.

OFI Crete: Crisis club OFI Crete have been banned from playing in the Greek Super League until they are able to clear mounting debts with their staff. The league said yesterday that OFI would not fulfil their fixtures until outstanding wages are paid to Spanish midfielders Jorge Lopez and Jordi Lopez Pelpeto who are owed “large sums of money”. The club, who were due to play Atromitos Athinon on Sunday, have also been docked four points.

Kayal: Brighton have completed the transfer of Israeli midfielder Beram Kayal from Celtic following a work permit hearing. Kayal, 26, has joined the Championship club on a two-and-a-half year deal after making 131 appearances for the Scottish champions. The 26-year-old is hoping to kickstart his career in England having fallen down the pecking order at Celtic.

Basketball: Men’s League – Virtus vs Siġġiewi 77-53.

King’s Cup: Quarter-final, second leg – Getafe vs Villarreal 0-1 (Villarreal win 2-0 on aggregate).

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