Indonesia's football federation insists its surprise interest in hosting the 2022 World Cup finals is a serious bid, not a novelty.
Despite its lack of success on the field, the world's most populous Muslim nation would be an ideal host and a serious rival to world football's heavyweights, said Nugraha Besoes, general secretary of the federation.
"This bid is no joke, we've been planning it for a long time - this is a serious bid," Besoes said.
"Everyone is crazy about football in Indonesia. We have what it takes to host the tournament... this bid will open everyone's eyes to Indonesia."
Indonesia have only reached the World Cup finals on one occasion, as the Dutch East Indies in 1938.
Angelini interested in Roma stake
Pharmaceutical magnate Francesco Angelini is interested in buying "60 or 70 per cent" of Roma. The Serie A side have been the subject of interest for several years, with billionaire financier George Soros walking away from talks last year.
"Rather than take all the club, I would be interested in buying 60 or 70 per cent, perhaps with someone who has already contacted me," Angelini said.
Roma's disappointing season has led to unrest among supporters, who have criticised club president Rosella Sensi and coach Luciano Spalletti.
Sensi has frequently expressed her love for the club and has said she would find it difficult to sell.
Mexico clubs pull out in flu spat
Mexican teams pulled out of all tournaments organized by the South American Football Confederation in a move sparked by rival teams' refusal to play Mexico due to the swine flu outbreak.
The announcement came after players from Uruguay and Brazil refused to travel to Mexico for two scheduled games against Mexican teams San Luis and Guadalajara in the Libertadores Cup, a series of matches played by top clubs in the region.
In addition to the Libertadores Cup, the CSF organises the America's Cup and the South American Cup.
During a tournament game last week in Chile, a Mexican footballer spat at an opponent and then said he had swine flu. He was suspended from the event a few days later.
Henry may miss May 27 final
The knee injury Barcelona forward Thierry Henry sustained in last week's 6-2 win at Real Madrid has made him a major doubt for the Champions League final against Manchester United.
Henry, who skipped the midweek 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, will miss the King's Cup final against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday and the next three Primera Liga fixtures against Villarreal, Real Mallorca and Osasuna, the leaders said.
The French international has damaged a cruciate ligament and is undergoing treatment to try to get fit for the final against United in Rome on May 27, the club added.
Raul not tempted by City interest
Real Madrid captain Raul has not been tempted by a lucrative approach from Manchester City and says he wants to finish his career at Real.
"Manchester City have made contact through my agent Gines Carvajal. But I've not really considered it because I would be mad to leave here," Raul told sports daily Marca yesterday.
"I'm only interested in finishing my career with Real."
Raul's agent Carvajal added: "Yes, it's true that there has been interest and nothing more.
"When I told Raul about the offer he told me he didn't want to waste time on this matter. City have a good project, but Raul is a Real Madrid man."
Sant'Elia unsuitable for UEFA matches
Sardegna team Cagliari will have to play their European matches elsewhere if they qualify for the UEFA Cup next season as their own Sant'Elia stadium is deemed unsuitable by UEFA for international fixtures.
With only four games to go Cagliari are in the hunt for a place in Europe and they have already made contacts to host UEFA Cup matches next season, probably at Udinese's home at the Friuli Stadium.
Cagliari said: "We would like to thank Udinese for the hospitality they have shown and the flexibility they have demonstrated. This is a recognition for the club and shows respect on an organisation, economic and financial level."
UEFA tells Ovrebo to keep mum
UEFA has told Norwegian ref Tom Henning Ovrebo not to speak to the media following the controversy over his performance in the Champions League semi-final between Barcelona and Chelsea.
Overbo is reported to have received death threats after he turned down four strong penalty appeals from Chelsea on Wednesday.
"This matter is still being investigated and UEFA has asked Ovrebo not to comment to the media on his own decisions or on the situation which occurred after the match," a Norway FA statement said.
Ovrebo's situation has worrying echoes of the hounding of Swedish referee Anders Frisk, who retired from the game in 2005 after receiving death threats in the wake of another ill-tempered meeting between Chelsea and Barcelona.