St Etienne: St Etienne have been fined €50,000 by UEFA’s disciplinary body following the behaviour of their fans at last month’s Europa League clash with Manchester United. The charges were related to the setting off of a firework, throwing of objects and improper conduct of supporters at Old Trafford. United won the match 3-0 thanks to a hat-trick from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Portsmouth: Portsmouth have confirmed they have entered a 70-day exclusivity agreement with American businessman Michael Eisner and his Tornante Group as the Sky Bet League Two promotion hopefuls look set to be sold. Reports circulated earlier this week suggesting former Walt Disney chairman Eisner – a billionaire – had entered negotiations to buy the south coast club. Talks have now been confirmed by Pompey, who have been fan-owned since 2013, and a period of due diligence will begin.
Rangers: Glasgow Rangers have announced an operating profit of almost £300,000 for the last six months of 2016. The unaudited results for the Rangers International Football Club PLC showed an increase in revenue of £5.3 million compared with the same period in 2015, when the team were competing in the Ladbrokes Championship. Operating profit was listed as £294,000, compared to a loss of £532,000 in the second half of 2015.
Sakho: West Ham striker Diafra Sakho appears unlikely to play again this season. The Senegalese has been sidelined since he suffered a back injury in November which required surgery. Sakho is now back in light training but West Ham medics say he will need a lengthy period of building up his fitness.
Werner: Germany striker Timo Werner, who earned his first cap against England on Wednesday, has been ruled out of Sunday’s World Cup qualifier at Azerbaijan with a muscle injury, the team said yesterday. The 21-year-old Werner had to be taken off in the 77th minute of their 1-0 friendly win over England and further checks showed he had torn muscle fibre in his left thigh.
Everton: Everton have taken a significant step towards their goal of building a new stadium on the banks of the River Mersey after securing a deal to acquire land at Bramley Moore Dock. The club have agreed Heads of Terms to acquire the site, two miles from Goodison Park, from Peel Land and Property subject to planning consent.