Djalminha: Former Deportivo and Brazil midfielder Djalminha announced his retirement yesterday, saying he had rejected an offer to return to Palmeiras because their team was not good enough. "With this team, Palmeiras are not going to fight for the title. They need two or three top level players," said the player who was famous for his explosive temper and sublime talents. Djalminha, 34, began his career with Flamengo in his native Rio de Janeiro.
CSKA Sofia: Bulgarian champions CSKA Sofia sacked coach Ferario Spasov yesterday and replaced him with Serb Miodrag Jesic. The club gave no reason for Spasov's dismissal. He had been in charge for nearly a year but Bulgarian media had speculated that he would be replaced in the winter break, despite CSKA topping the standings on goal difference from Levski Sofia.
Greek fans jailed: Four Olympiakos Piraeus fans have been jailed for violence at a match last weekend in Crete. Supporters of the Greek league leaders reacted to an unexpected 2-1 defeat by Ergotelis on Sunday by ripping up seats and fighting. Two men, Theodoros Maroulis and Ioannis Foufoulopoulos, were sentenced to 15 months in prison. A third man was sentenced to 12 months and a fourth to six months. They were also fined €3,000 each.
Ronaldinho: Barcelona playmaker Ronaldinho has a simple but big ambition this season - to win everything. The 24-year-old Brazilian said he had set his sights on the Primera Liga, the Champions League, FIFA's player of the year award and France Football's Golden Ball. Asked what Bar-celona's objectives were, he said: "Win the Champions League and the Liga. I'm not saying that to show off. I'm not saying it'll be easy. I'm just saying we're currently on track," he said.
Alert Ref: Referee Alfonso Perez Burrull became the first match official in Spain to halt a game because of racist abuse when he asked spectators to refrain from monkey chanting at a league match in Malaga. Perez Burrull told club officials to make an announcement on the PA system to ask fans to stop their abuse of Espanyol's Camer-oon keeper Carlos Kameni. Perez Burrull has been one of the most active referees in reporting racist behaviour by fans.
Jardel: Striker Mario Jardel has broken his contract with Alaves less than a month after signing a deal with the Spanish second division club. The 31-year-old former Brazil international had signed a private agreement with Alaves until 2007, but could not be registered to play in Spain as he is under contract with Argentine side Newell's Old Boys until June. The player was trying to get the deal with Newell's annulled because of alleged non-payment of salary.
¤ Swiss-based Sauber have sided with major Formula One car manufacturers in the battle for the sport's future. A team spokesman said that at the end of last week Peter Sauber signed a memorandum of understanding presented by the carmakers, who are planning their own series after the current commercial agreement expires in 2007. Sauber's decision leaves only privately-owned Jordan and Red Bull, who had also reserved judgement after a meeting near London last week, still uncommitted. Williams' partners BMW, Renault, McLaren's part-owners Mercedes, Toyota, Honda and Minardi have all signed up to the rival manufacturers' memorandum.