Munteanu: Veteran Romania midfielder Dorinel Munteanu has rejected a call-up for this week's Euro Group G qualifier against Belarus citing the pressure of his domestic player-coaching role. Last month the 38-year-old said he would end his international activity when he reached 40 but changed his mind after his CFR Cluj side drew twice at home and lost at UTA Arad to slip to fourth in Romanian top division.

Ghali: Tottenham winger Hossam Ghali is set for a return to Egypt's national team for the first time in a year after being included in a 23-man squad for the African Nations Cup qualifier against Botswana in Gaborone on Saturday. Ghali has not played for Egypt for the last 12 months, making his last appearance in a World Cup qualifier in Cameroon last October.

Boss killed: A Serbian soccer club owner who was a witness in the 2000 attempted murder of then Serbian opposition leader Vuk Draskovic was killed by a remote-controlled bomb yesterday. Goran Mijatovic, 35, owner of first-division FK Bezanija, died along with his bodyguard when a bomb exploded in a stolen car that had been parked next to his.

Dida: Brazil goalkeeper Dida has effectively called time on his international career, coach Dunga said. "He has called us saying that it is not in his plans to play for Brazil any more," Dunga said. The new coach implied that he was unlikely to be sympathetic to any future change of heart on the part of the softly-spoken goalkeeper. "We don't want any player who doesn't want to represent Brazil, who doesn't have any pleasure in being here," said Dunga.

In England: Premier league - Watford 3 (King 23, Young 46, 90) Fulham 3 (McBride 71, Helguson 83, Francis 87 o.g.).

In Italy: Serie B - Triestina vs Mantova 0-0. Serie C1 - Pistoiese vs Grosseto 1-1.

Division Two: Melita vs Gozo 3-0; Lija vs St Andrew's 3-1.