Brazil’s unfinished Arena Pantanal stadium in Cuiaba has held its first match since an October blaze raised fears it would not be ready in time to host World Cup games this summer.
The fire in late October caused more damage than was initially thought and prompted prosecutors to open a probe at the arena.
State and federal prosecutors have since said they were satisfied with the stadium’s safety.
The match between Mixto and Santos in the Brazilian Cup on Wednesday was open to only 20,000 fans, about half of the stadium’s planned capacity.
Some 23,000 seats still needed to be installed before the stadium’s official opening game on April 26.
Belgium’s Benteke out of World Cup
Belgium striker Christian Benteke will miss the World Cup after being ruled out for six months having ruptured his Achilles tendon in training yesterday, his club Aston Villa said.
“It’s a terrible blow both for Christian and for the club,” Villa manager Paul Lambert said.
“He will miss the rest of the season, obviously, and also the World Cup. But he’ll work hard because that’s what he does and he’ll come back for us stronger than ever next season.”
The 23-year-old forward will undergo surgery before beginning his rehabilitation.
Anxiety, depression ‘prevalent’ in football
More than one quarter of professional footballers who took part in a survey conducted by the world players’ union said they suffered from depression or anxiety.
The problem was even worse among retired players with 39 per cent saying they were affected.
“Symptoms relating to depression and anxiety are highly prevalent among professional footballers,” said FIFPro.
“Contrary to popular belief, the life of a professional footballer has some dark sides,” said FIFPro’s chief medical officer Vincent Gouttebarge who conducted the research.
Gladbach keeper still on the move
Borussia Monchengladbach goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen will still be leaving the club in the summer, even though a potential move to Barcelona could fall through.
The Germany goalkeeper announced earlier this year that he had reached an agreement with another club to join them in the summer with Barcelona widely expected to be that club.
But after Barcelona were given a transfer ban by FIFA on Wednesday, Ter Stegen’s arrival has been placed in jeopardy.
“I have received FIFA’s decision, but that doesn’t influence the situation with Marc,” said the player’s agent Gerd vom Bruch
“We’re quite relaxed. Marc will still be moving in the summer.”
Pearce handed Nottm Forest reins
Nottingham Forest have confirmed the appointment of Stuart Pearce as their new manager from July 1.
Owner and chairman Fawaz Al Hasawi confirmed the appointment via Twitter ahead of a press conference.
He wrote: “I am absolutely thrilled to confirm Stuart Pearce will become our manager on 1 July. Welcome home . #nffc”
Former Forest favourite Pearce, whose last role was with England’s Under-21 side, initially turned down the job following talks last week, citing family reasons.
Forest have been looking for a new boss since Al Hasawi dismissed Billy Davies on March 24 following a run of eight matches without a win, culminating in a 5-0 loss to bitter rivals Derby.
Berahino ‘should leave Baggies’
Saido Berahino should learn from his experience and leave West Brom following Saturday’s reported dressing-room bust-up, former Baggies striker Peter Odemwingie has suggested.
It has been claimed the England U-21 player was punched by a team-mate after failing to apologise for a mistake that led to Cardiff’s equaliser in the 3-3 draw.
Odemwingie had a high-profile and bitter falling-out with West Brom in January 2013 after failing to push through a move to QPR.
The striker eventually left the Hawthorns last summer for Cardiff before moving on again to Stoke this January.
The Nigeria international wrote on Twitter: “I see a repeat of my situation if he doesn’t leave this summer. Senior pros haha.”
Cellino open to a joint purchase
Prospective Leeds owner Massimo Cellino is close to reaching an agreement with a rival consortium for shared ownership of the club, it has emerged.
Cellino is waiting to learn the outcome of his appeal against the Football League’s decision to block his £25 million takeover.
But in an unexpected twist, the Italian has opted to join forces with Together Leeds, a Yorkshire-based group headed by former Manchester United international director Mike Farnan.
A judge in London has still to decide whether to uphold the League’s decision to disqualify Cellino from becoming club owner after the businessman was convicted of tax evasion in Sardinia.