Semi-finals refs: Turkey’s Cuneyt Cakir will referee the Euro 2012 semi-final between holders Spain and Portugal in Donetsk tomorrow. French-man Stephane Lannoy will be in charge of the other semi-final, Germany against Italy in Warsaw on Thursday.

Murphy: Blackburn have made their first signing of the summer by bringing in Fulham captain Danny Murphy on a two-year contract. The 35-year-old returns to the north-west, where he previously played for Liverpool and Crewe, having also spent time at Charlton and Tottenham.

Roque dies: Former Liverpool defender Miki Roque has died at the age of 23 after losing his battle with cancer. The Spanish player was on Liverpool’s books between 2005 and 2009. He made just one substitute appearance in a Champions League clash with Galatasaray in 2006. After being released by Liverpool in 2009, he joined Real Betis but was diagnosed with pelvic cancer in 2011.

Royer: Hanover have loaned Austria international Daniel Royer out to second division side Cologne for the whole of next season. The 22-year-old forward only made three appearances for the Reds after joining them from SV Ried last summer.

Fined: UEFA said yesterday that it had fined the German Federation (DFB) €25,000 over the behaviour of its fans during the country’s final group stage match with Denmark. The DFB had been charged with “the setting-off of fireworks and the improper conduct of supporters” during the game in Lviv, Ukraine, on June 17.

Sunderland: Sunderland said they had reached an agreement for Invest in Africa to become their official partner and shirt sponsor. The Black Cats will wear the name of the not-for-profit organisation on their shirts for at least the next two seasons.

Barton: Joey Barton was stripped of the QPR captaincy and fined six-weeks wages by the club yesterday following his sending-off at Manchester City on the final day of last season. The internal punishment follows the imposition last month by an FA-appointed regulatory commission of a 12-match ban and a £75,000 fine.