Racism probe: UEFA is investigating allegations of racist abuse by fans at last weekend's UEFA Intertoto Cup first-round match between Luxembourg's FC Differdange 03 and Slovan Bratislava. UEFA said yesterday it was examining reports that Slovan fans began racist chanting at one of the Differdange players during the first leg of the tie in Luxembourg last Saturday. The Slovakian club won 2-0. The return match will be played in Bratislava tomorrow with UEFA due to hear the case at a disciplinary hearing on July 12.

Cuper: Real Betis said yesterday they were trying to convince former Valencia and Inter boss Hector Cuper to be their coach for next season. "Next year will be very tough and I think Cuper will get the players motivated again," Betis president Pepe Leon said. Betis parted company with coach Luis Fernandez earlier this month after a humiliating 5-0 home defeat to Osasuna.

Abidal: France defender Eric Abidal is poised to join Barcelona in the next few days after his Olympique Lyon club reached a deal with the Spanish side. Barca have agreed to pay around 14 million euros for a four-year deal which could be finalised this weekend.

Giuly: New Monaco coach Ricardo said former France winger Ludovic Giuly could leave Barcelona to return to Monaco, the club he left in 2004. "We're talking about Ludo," Brazilian Ricardo told reporters. "He's a great player and everybody at the club wants him back. He could be our surprise signing."

Galletti: Atletico Madrid have reached an agreement with Olympiakos to sell Argentine winger Luciano Galletti, the Primera Liga club said. The 26-year-old international, who joined Atletico from Real Zaragoza in 2005, is reported by Spanish media to be moving for a fee of around 2.3 million euros. He had a contract until 2008.

Ziani: Algeria midfielder Karim Ziani, 24, has left Sochaux for Ligue 1 rivals Olympique Marseille. He signed a four-year contract yesterday.