Germany coach Joachim Loew will have to go six months without driving after he had his licence suspended following a string of violations.
The 54-year-old racked up 18 points on the violation system that results in a suspended licence for driving too fast and using the phone.
“Of course, I admit that I sometimes did drive too fast,” he said in a German Football Federation (DFB) statement.
“I have learned my lesson and will change my driving behaviour.
“I have to live with the consequences and now I am using the train more often.”
Pizarro extends Bayern deal
Bayern Munich forward Claudio Pizarro has extended his contract with the domestic double winners by one season to 2015, the Bavarians said yesterday.
The 35-year-old Peru international, who joined Bayern in 2012 for a second spell after three years at Werder Bremen, scored 10 league goals in 17 matches last season, utilised mostly as a late substitute.
“Claudio proved again this season how dangerous he is in front of goal and how important he is for the team,” Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said in a statement.
“We are happy to be able to continue counting on his abilities.”
Emery to pen new Sevilla contract
Sevilla coach Unai Emery has announced he will sign a contract extension with the Spanish outfit today, ending speculation of a possible move to Milan.
The Spanish tactician enjoyed a fantastic campaign with Sevilla, leading the Andalusian side to lift the Europa League title and finish fifth in La Liga.
“We were waiting until the end of our post-season tour to complete the final negotiations,” Emery said to www.sevillacf.es.
“We will meet on Wednesday (today) to sit down, talk and sign the deal. I’ve always stated that I’m very happy at Sevilla. The Sevilla fans can be calm.”
Anya: No regrets over Scots choice
Ikechi Anya has no regrets about choosing to play for Scotland even though he could have been preparing for a World Cup with Nigeria, who the Tartan Army face tonight at Craven Cottage.
Anya has a Nigerian father and a Romanian mother but opted for his country of birth before earning his first Scotland cap against Belgium in September.
“My love of football developed when I was in Scotland so I was always going for that – for me it was always going to be Scotland,” Anya said.
“That was where I started playing football at school and where I learned everything. That was one of the main reasons I chose Scotland when I knew they were interested.”
Bale to miss Wales friendly vs Holland
Newly-crowned Champions League winner Gareth Bale has pulled out of the Wales squad for next week’s friendly against Holland.
The winger scored Real Madrid’s crucial second goal in extra-time which allowed his side to go on to win 4-1 against city rivals Atletico and secure the club’s 10th European Cup on Saturday.
However, he has withdrawn from the group Chris Coleman is taking to Amsterdam because of a leg muscle injury.
His place in the squad will be taken by Fulham’s George Williams.
Romario criticism for Ronaldo
Former World Cup winner Romario launched another attack on Brazil’s organisation of the World Cup and accused former team-mate Ronaldo of inconsistency.
The once deadly striker said comments by Ronaldo, who works on the tournament’s organising committee but professed himself embarrassed at Brazil’s shortcomings in an interview with Reuters last week, were opportunism.
“Everyone knows what I stand for,” the outspoken federal deputy was quoted as saying by UOL, a leading Brazilian news website.
“I don’t change sides depending on how the game is going.”
Inter declare Elkeson interest
The agent of Elkeson has confirmed that Inter have declared their interest in the Brazilian striker.
The Guangzhou Evergrande forward has been strongly linked with the Nerazzurri after impressing in the Chinese Super League.
While Davide Lippi, who is one of Elkeson’s representatives, had told reporters that the Brazilian would not be leaving for San Siro, Gustavo Antonio, who also acts on behalf of Elkeson, has revealed that the Serie A club have been in contact.
“There was an approach from Inter,” Antonio told CalcioNews24.
“But there was no official offer.”