Vietnam defender Tran Dinh Dong has been handed a record 28-game suspension by the country’s football federation after breaking the leg of an opponent in a domestic league match.
Dong, of Song Lam Nghe An, was also fined 20 million dong ($950) for the foul on Hung Vuong An Giang midfielder Nguyen Anh Hung, who is expected to be sidelined for a year.
Dong, who is not eligible to return to action this year, said he would appeal the verdict which also stipulated he should pay Hung’s medical bills.
Germany’s Jansen suffers ankle injury
Germany full-back Marcell Jansen suffered an ankle ligament injury in Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Chile in an international friendly and was to undergo further checks yesterday, his club Hamburg said.
Jansen limped off in the 24th minute after twisting his left ankle following a challenge by an opponent.
His injury could not have come at a worse time for Hamburg, who are battling to avoid the club’s first ever relegation from the top division.
Hamburg are in 16th place on 19 points, three above bottom-placed Eintracht Braunschweig.
Thohir dismisses De Boer rumours
Inter president Erick Thohir has brushed aside reports linking Ajax manager Frank De Boer with the Nerazzurri hotseat this summer.
Media speculation in Italy has claimed the Dutchman is a target of Thohir with the Indonesian businessman looking at possible candidates to replace current coach Walter Mazzarri.
However, Thohir said on www.inter.it: “He (De Boer) is a good coach but there are no negotiations open with him. I don’t know him and I have never met him.”
Mazzarri is under contract with Inter until June 2015.
Keane extends LA Galaxy deal
Republic of Ireland striker Robbie Keane has signed a multi-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Galaxy, the Major League Soccer club have announced.
The 33-year-old made the move to the United States from Tottenham in August 2011 and has proved a big success, scoring 34 goals in 55 MLS appearances.
Keane’s efforts helped the Galaxy lift the MLS Cup in both 2011 and 2012, while he was also named the club’s MVP last year after notching 16 goals during the season.
Los Angeles Galaxy will kick off their new MLS campaign this weekend against Real Salt Lake.
Ronaldo breaks scoring record
Cristiano Ronaldo made the most of shambolic Cameroon defending by scoring twice to help his team to a 5-1 friendly win on Wednesday night and become Portugal’s all-time leading scorer.
Ronaldo took his international tally to 49, two more than the previous record set by Pauleta, as Portugal ran rings around the Indomitable Lions in a meeting of two World Cup finalists.
“I don’t worry about breaking records, it something that happens naturally, with lots of dedication,” the 29-year-old told RTP television.
Cameroon were level at half-time but fell apart in the second half as they conceded four goals in a disastrous 18-minute spell.
Superb Bale leaves Coleman purring
Gareth Bale was at his devastating best as he inspired Wales to a comfortable 3-1 win over Iceland in their inter-national friendly in Cardiff.
The Real Madrid forward had been the star attraction at the Cardiff City Stadium and he lived up to his billing as he scored a magnificent solo goal and created two others.
Wales manager Chris Cole-man said: “I have just asked him for an autograph!
“He is one of the best I have ever witnessed. He is an unbelievable player, he really is. He is a fantastic weapon for us.
“For the people who came tonight it was worth paying the fee, just for him.”
Milan’s Balotelli desperate to return
Mario Balotelli has stepped up his recovery in a bid to regain his fitness in time for Milan’s trip to Udinese this weekend.
The Italy forward has been out since suffering a shoulder injury during the first leg of Milan’s Champions League last 16 tie with Atletico Madrid.
Milan coach Clarence Seedorf is reportedly eager to get the go-ahead to hand Balotelli a few minutes against Udinese tomorrow and then have him fully fit in time for the return match against Atletico Madrid.
“The impossible! I’m trying with all my strength to recover for Saturday!” Balotelli wrote on his Twitter account.
“I cannot stand any more to not play.”