Kempes: Former Argentina forward Mario Kempes said that he agreed terms to take over as coach of the Panama national team. Kempes, who spearheaded Argentina's attack when they hosted and won the 1978 World Cup, said he would take over in August. He currently works with the Spanish-language commentary team of the US based television network ESPN. Kempes, 51, has had sporadic stints as a coach with clubs in Bolivia, Indonesia, Albania and Venezuela.

Ronaldo: Real Madrid striker Ronaldo will be out of action for up to two weeks after suffering a calf injury. The diagnosis means the player is ruled out of Real King's Cup last 16 match against Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday and is doubtful for the league game at Villarreal five days later.

Di Stefano: Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has expressed optimism that the club's record goal scorer Alfredo Di Stefano will make a full recovery after quadruple heart bypass surgery two days ago. "I think our honorary president is going to stay with us for a long time to come," Perez said. In a statement yesterday, La Fe hospital said Di Stefano's breathing and heart beat were good.

Cicinho: Brazil defender Cicinho said he was confident his new team Real Madrid would get back on the winning trail. Real Madrid signed Cicinho, a 25-year-old attacking right back, on a five-year deal from Sao Paulo. "Real Madrid is the best club in the world and we all want to be part of this team," Cicinho said. "The squad is excellent and although it's going through a difficult period, I am sure this phase will pass."

Troussier: Philippe Troussier was sacked as coach of Morocco yesterday, two months after being appointed. "We have deeply diverging views and unfortunately we cannot continue this way. So we put an to the deal amicably," the Moroccan FA (MRFF) said. Troussier was named coach on October 29 to replace Moroccan Badou Zaki who resigned after Morocco failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany.