Ligue 1 promo: France's traditional pre-season event between the League and Cup champions will be played in China this year, the French Professional League (LFP) said. Ligue 1 champions Lyon will face cup holders Sochaux in the 2007 Trophy of Champions on July 24 in Tianjin. The LFP took the decision because both clubs will be holding training camps in Asia and also to promote French soccer there.

Pele Jr: Dede Ayew, the teenage son of former African Footballer of the Year Abedi Pele, has signed a three-year deal at Marseille. The 17-year-old midfielder joined Marseille as a trainee two years ago.

Marcelino to go: Recreativo Huelva coach Marcelino said he will leave the club at the end of the season. The 41-year-old said he did not have another job lined up. He led Recre to promotion last season and against most predictions steered them to the verge of the UEFA Cup places with an eye-catching brand of attacking football.

McCarthy: Blackburn Rovers striker Benni McCarthy continued his long boycott of the South African team when he failed to heed a call-up for Saturday's African Nations Cup qualifier against Chad. McCarthy, who finished the season as the second highest scorer in the English Premier League, was a surprise call-up by South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira last week for the Group 11 match in Durban.

Joaquin: Valencia winger Joaquin said he was determined to make the most of the second chance given him by Spain coach Luis Aragones in the June Euro 2008 qualifiers. The 25-year-old was axed eight months ago and took a swipe at the national team saying they were in disarray under Aragones. Joaquin said: "It's a second chance... I am pleased to be back, it is important."