Ghana have handed their coach Claude Le Roy a two-year contract extension, despite his own prediction he would be fired for not winning the African Nations Cup earlier this month.
Le Roy will lead the team's bid to qualify for the World Cup finals and Nations Cup tournament in 2010, the Ghana FA said.
"The governing body has decided to keep faith with the coach until 2010, after having guided Ghana to bronze at the African Cup," a statement said.
Bastia in trouble over racist fans
French second division club Bastia face sanctions after their fans displayed a racist banner before a match on Friday.
The banner was targeted at visiting Libourne-St Seurin's Burkina Faso-born striker Boubacar Kebe, who had previously complained about racial slurs in a Ligue 2 match against Bastia last year.
Friday's match, won 2-1 by Corsican club Bastia, kicked off three minutes late after the referee asked for the banner to be removed.
Newcastle want to help Gascoigne
Newcastle United will do what they can to help Paul Gascoigne after the former England midfielder was detained under the Mental Health Act, manager Kevin Keegan said.
"We will do everything we can to help," Keegan said. "I have talked with his dad and one of his sisters and I know it looks negative but I think it is a massive positive for Paul Gascoigne, from all the information I've had."
PFA boss answers criticism
Professional Footballers Association boss Gordon Taylor has defended the support offered to players with mental health problems.
The PFA chief executive was responding to criticism from ex-striker Stan Collymore following Paul Gascoigne's sectioning under the Mental Health Act. Collymore, who has suffered severe depression, claimed many troubled players were "getting absolutely no support".
But Taylor countered: "There's a big support system for people like Paul, but it needs will from the person involved."
Benitez satisfied with backing
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is happy with the backing he has been receiving from the club's co-owner Tom Hicks.
Benitez has been under increasing pressure recently over Liverpool's disappointing Premier League campaign but the midweek success over Inter in the Champions League eased the pressure on the former Valencia coach.
"After the meeting we had then, everything was clarified and I have had the support of Tom Hicks," said Benitez. "He sends e-mails saying: 'Come on', 'Well done' and 'You can do it'. My relationship with Tom is good."
No more showboating says Nani
Manchester United winger Nani has promised that he will not repeat his on-field juggling antics. The 21-year-old irked several Arsenal players when he indulged in some 'kick-ups' towards the end of last weekend's 4-0 FA Cup thrashing of the Gunners.
"In Portugal I have done this many times but only because it is an entertaining spectacle and not because I disrespect my rivals," he said.
"After the match Alex Ferguson spoke to me and demanded that I do not repeat it in order to avoid problems. Obviously, I agreed."
Toldo ponders Italy comeback
Francesco Toldo is hoping for an international recall for Euro 2008 despite his failure to command a regular place with his club Inter.
Italy's first-choice goalkeeper Gianlugi Buffon is currently struggling with a recurring back problem and with precious few alternatives behind him, there are calls for Toldo to make a shock comeback.
"I have great respect for my colleagues and of course do not wish injury upon them," said the 36-year-old Toldo. "Having said that, if Roberto Donadoni decided to call me up, then I would be very happy."
Milan linked with Lippi
Reports in Italy claim that Milan are prepared to appoint Marcello Lippi as their coach if Carlo Ancelotti fails to lead the team to the Champions League semi-finals.
According to the Gazzetta dello Sport Ancelotti's place on the bench for next season is not secure due to Milan's inconsistent form in the Serie A.
Lippi has been inactive since winning the 2006 World Cup with Italy and is said to have turned down offers to coach England and Ireland.
Azzurri need Del Piero - Schillaci
Former Juventus and Italy striker Salvatore Schillaci has tipped Alessandro Del Piero for a prominent role at this summer's Euro 2008.
There has been much debate in Italy over whether Del Piero or Sampdoria's Antonio Cassano should be included in Donadoni's squad.
"Del Piero is a great player," Schillaci said. "It is right that the Nazionale calls those who are in good shape and at the moment that is Del Piero."