Beckham: Real Madrid midfielder David Beckham will miss tomorrow's Primera Liga game at Valencia after straining his groin before the Champions League match at Arsenal. "I won't be able to be with the team for the next five or six days," the England captain said. "I felt something in the warm-up (for Wednesday's match against Arsenal) but I carried on as best I could." Beckham played the whole game against Arsenal, his first for Real in England, but failed to exert his normal influence as his side drew the first knockout round second leg tie 0-0 to go out 1-0 on aggregate. Medical staff have told the player he should rest for a week before resuming full training.
Hooligans: The British government will give its full support to German police to arrest any England soccer fan caught making a Nazi salute at this year's World Cup, Home Secretary Charles Clarke said yesterday. Clarke, in unveiling England's plans to combat hooliganism during the tournament which starts on June 9, said England fans had to respect the German law. In Germany, it is illegal to give the stiff-armed Nazi salute, to deny the Holocaust or wear Nazi symbols. Those found guilty of violating the strict laws can be fined or even jailed.
Red Bull: Having bought a Formula One team and an Austrian soccer club, energy drink firm Red Bull has expanded its sports empire by acquiring US Major League Soccer club, the MetroStars, the company said yesterday. The team will change its name and compete in the 2006 season as Red Bull New York. "Our goal is to further strengthen the team and position the New York Red Bulls as the soccer metropolis of the East Coast," Red Bull chief executive Dietrich Mateschitz said.
Nigeria: The fate of Nigeria coach Austin Eguavoen was thrown into doubt yesterday by a row between the head of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) and his deputy. NFA's acting secretary-general Fanny Amun announced on Wednesday that Eguavoen had retained his job after leading his side to the bronze medal at the African Nations Cup in Egypt last month. But yesterday NFA chairman Ibrahim Galadima, Amun's boss, said he did not accept the reappointment because "proper procedure" had not been followed.
Eleventh hour deal: There was finally some good news for Chinese football yesterday when local media reported that a UK company had agreed to sponsor the struggling Super League just two days before the start of the new season. The internet media company have agreed a multi-million euro deal which will be formally announced at a news conference in Beijing today, according to a report on the Sina website. The league, China's top flight, struggled through last season without a title sponsor after Siemens pulled the plug on its deal following a scandal-plagued first year.
Merson: Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has retired from football, a matter of days after joining Conference strugglers Tamworth. The ex-England international, who won 21 caps for his country, had looked to prolong his playing career after being sacked as Walsall manager. Merson had a tough baptism of fire at management with Walsall but was prepared to play for friend Mark Cooper at Tamworth until the end of the season. However, he has now decided to retire from the game.
Zambrotta: Juventus player Gianluca Zambrotta will miss Serie A's big match against Milan on Sunday after yesterday he was ruled out of action for 10 days. The Italian international left back underwent tests yesterday which highlighted a slight thigh muscle strain in his right leg. Zambrotta picked up the injury during Wednesday's Champions League win over Werder Bremen - in only his second game back following a similar muscle problem.
Scottish FA Cup: Fifth round replay - Dundee vs Hamilton 3-2 (aet).