Swedish newspapers were scathing in their criticism of the national side and coach Lars Lagerback yesterday after a 2-0 defeat by Russia in their final group game sent them out of Euro 2008.
"What the hell? Too old, too yellow, too tired," ran the banner headline of tabloid Aftonbladet, which topped every page of its sports section with the word "Shame!".
Newspapers contained calls for the resignation of Lagerback who, according to Expressen, was sailing the squad into "international soccer's Bermuda triangle with eyes wide open".
Even normally sober daily Dagens Nyheter was damning in its criticism, likening the Swedish players to a "gang of stuffed, tired, beached seals".
CSKA chief faces legal proceedings
The Sofia prosecutor's office has started legal proceedings against CSKA Sofia president Alexandar Tomov and chief executive Alexandar Garibov for allegedly misappropriating about €5 million from Bulgaria's biggest steel maker Kremikovtzi.
Tomov, 54, a former Bulgarian vice-president, was named as CSKA president after Indian steel tycoon Pramod Mittal was confirmed as the club's owner in 2006.
CSKA, the most successful Bulgarian club, lost their place in next season's UEFA Champions League after failing to meet the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) licensing criteria.
Aquilani to stay at Roma, agent says
Alberto Aquilani is not leaving Roma in the close season, his agent has claimed.
Aquilani's contract runs out in 2010 and Roma are determined to hold on to the 23-year-old Italy midfielder, reportedly rejecting a €30 million bid from Juventus recently while Inter and Arsenal are one of several clubs thought to be mulling a move.
"After the European Championship I believe Aquilani will renew his deal with Roma," agent Franco Zavaglia said.
"He grew up there and he really wants to stay there."
Barcelona start Hleb talks
Barcelona vice-president Marc Ingla has revealed the club have begun talks to sign Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb.
The Belarus international is a reported target for the Catalans and also Inter but it appears the La Liga side are heading the chase for Hleb.
However, Ingla said it would not be a relentless pursuit and if the Gunners refuse to sell, Barcelona would move on to other options.
"The negotiation with Hleb is still in progress and despite him being a player with special qualities, if his club are not ready (to sell him), we have other options in mind," Ingla said.
Real await Ronaldo move
Real Madrid say they are waiting for Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo to make the first move that would allow them to start negotiations with Manchester United over a possible transfer.
"We are waiting for Ronaldo to say something, and as soon as he says he wants to play for Real Madrid there will be conversations between the two clubs," Real's director general of the presidency Miguel Angel Arroyo was quoted as saying in Marca.
"We would willingly reach an agreement with Manchester United if it is possible, that is to say, if they want to sell and if the price was affordable."
Ronaldo has said he will not speak about his future until after Euro 2008.
Bayern step up Gomez chase
Bayern Munich have moved a step closer to signing Mario Gomez by inviting Stuttgart club officials to a meeting today.
The Bundesliga champions are reported to have already agreed terms with the Germany international, who is at Euro 2008, and are now set to open negotiations with his club.
"Bayern have invited us and we have accepted," said Stuttgart chairman Dieter Hundt on ARD television.
Stuttgart value the striker at €25 million, but Bayern are believed to be considering using his Germany team-mate Lukas Podolski as a makeweight for the deal.
Boulahrouz hit by family tragedy
Netherlands defender Khalid Boulahrouz left Dutch Euro 2008 training on Wednesday after his wife was transported to a hospital with pregnancy complications, the Dutch FA (KNVB) said yesterday.
In a statement, the KNVB said the prematurely born daughter later died.
Coach Marco van Basten later told a news conference that Boulahrouz would remain a part of the squad for the rest of the finals.
Boulahrouz has started all three of the Netherlands' group victories so far in the tournament. The Dutch play Russia in tomorrow's quarter-final in Basel.