Bosnia captain Emir Spahic retired from international football following the Balkan nation’s group stage exit at the World Cup finals.
“I gave it a lot of thought and decided to hang up my national team boots after consultation with my friends and family,” the 33-year old defender said.
“I am proud to have played in the World Cup with this group and the time has come for younger lads to take over.
“I wish the team all the best in Euro 2016 qualifiers.”
Vergini returns to Sunderland
Argentinian defender Santiago Vergini has rejoined Sunderland on loan. The 26-year old made 14 appearances for the Black Cats following a loan move from Estudiantes in January.
Vergini told the club’s official website: “I’m very thankful to the club for giving me this opportunity. I am happy to be here once again. I’m also very happy to see so many recognisable faces.”
Vergini becomes Sunderland’s sixth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon, defenders Billy Jones and Patrick van Aanholt and midfielders Jordi Gomez and Jack Rodwell.
Rafati to officiate friendly game
The former referee who tried to take his own life prior to a Bundesliga match three years ago is to return to the field tomorrow.
Babak Rafati was found in a hotel on the morning of the Bundesliga tie between Cologne and Mainz in November 2011 with lacerations to his arms as he had attempted suicide.
He had been suffering from depression for many years and quit refereeing immediately.
However, he is going to pick up his whistle once again this weekend to take charge of Steven Cherundolo’s testimonial.
Former US and Hanover captain Cherundolo will retire and he will make a final appearance tomorrow.
Tavecchio backing
Controversial FIGC presidential candidate Carlo Tavecchio got more wind in his sails yesterday when the head of the Serie B clubs, Andrea Abodi, announced his group will be backing Tavecchio in next week’s election.
Abodi was speaking during the draw of the 2014-15 Serie B calendar. He said clubs in the second tier of the Italian game want a change and they would be better with Tavecchio in charge.
“The most important thing is to see the four leagues find a unity of purpose,” Abodi said.
“This shows the desire to work on the modernisation of the system. We can work with Tavecchio and move forward. From August 12, therefore, we will be happy to collaborate.”
The other candidate for the FIGC post is Demetrio Albertini.
Giggs, Scholes and Co. show their age
Manchester United’s famed Class of ‘92 including Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Gary Neville donned their boots for possibly one last time on Thursday and immediately wished they had left them in the loft.
The retired trio, along with Nicky Butt and Phil Neville, bought semi-professional team Salford City earlier this year and agreed to play the eighth-tier side in a fund-raising friendly – only to lose 5-1.
United assistant manager Giggs, who retired in the close season, scored the Class of 92’s only goal with a cheeky chipped penalty.
Salford City play close to Old Trafford and so many fans wanted to see the game at the Eccles ground that kick-off had to be delayed to let the full 12,000 in.
Hammers seek cover for Carroll
West Ham joint chairman David Sullivan has revealed the club have made a number of offers for strikers as they target cover for the injury-enforced absence of Andy Carroll.
Stoke’s Peter Crouch is the Hammers’ main target, but reports state that interest has also been shown in Hugo Almeida, of Besiktas, while Samuel Eto’o has also been linked with a move to Upton Park.
Carroll has been ruled out until November after sustaining an ankle injury during the pre-season tour to New Zealand.
“We’ve got offers in for three or four strikers – one in England, three abroad – and we just hope to land one of them,” Sullivan told the club’s website.
Milan stunned by Armero’s demands
Pablo Armero’s move from Udinese to Milan is in the balance amid reports that the Rossoneri are unwilling to meet the player’s wage demands.
Milan had reportedly reached an agreement with Udinese for Armero’s initial transfer on a season-long loan deal.
The 27-year-old was expected to have a medical at the start of next week but La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the deal has not been completed yet.
The newspaper claimed that Armero’s wage proposals have been deemed excessive by Milan.