Overath: Former West German international midfielder Wolfgang Overath suggested Iran should be banned from the 2006 World Cup finals because of a call by Iran's president to move Israel to Europe. Overath, the president of Cologne and a member of West Germany's 1974 World Cup winning team, said FIFA should consider banning Iran due to the remarks from President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that have sparked widespread condemnation. "Such comments from a head of state are really grounds enough to exclude a country," Overath said. Iran is one 32 countries that have qualified for the tournament.
Kalou: Salomon Kalou's bid to be fast-tracked for Dutch citizenship, ruled out earlier this year by immigration minister Rita Verdonk, must be reconsidered, a Rotterdam court said. The Ivory Coast-born striker, who plays for Feyenoord, has been assured of a place in the Netherlands World Cup squad by coach Marco van Basten if he is given Dutch citizenship. The minister now has six weeks to reconsider her decision. "He is an exceptional talent with special qualities. He could make the difference," van Basten told the court in a hearing two weeks ago.
Eriksson: Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson is urging England fans to drop their song about aerial combat in World War II when they follow the team at next year's World Cup in Germany. The song, known as '10 German bombers', was sung by a minority of England fans during World Cup qualifying and FA officials are keen to avoid any embarrassment at the tournament.
Giovanella: Celta Vigo's Everton Giovanella has criticised the Spanish authorities of double standards after his latest bid to have a two-year ban suspended was rejected. The 35-year-old Brazilian was given the ban in September after testing positive for nandrolone. He had hoped to be allowed to continue to play while he took the case to the courts, as had happened with Athletic Bilbao midfielder Carlos Gurpegi. Gurpegi, 25, who tested positive for norandrosterone in 2002, has not yet received a definitive sanction since his case went to court, and continues to play in the Primera Liga. "I think Gurpegi should be playing, as he is doing, but in my case things have turned out differently," Giovanella said.
In Spain: Weekend results - A. Madrid vs Alaves 1-1; Barcelona vs Sevilla 2-1; Deportivo vs Cadiz 1-0; Getafe vs R. Santander 1-2; Malaga vs Real Madrid 0-2; Osasuna vs Real Mallorca 1-0; Real Betis vs Espanyol 0-0; Real Zaragoza vs Celta Vigo 1-0; Real Sociedad vs Villarreal 1-3; Valencia vs A. Bilbao 1-1. Leading standings - Osasuna, Barcelona 34; Real Madrid 28; Villarreal, Deportivo, Valencia, Celta Vigo 26; Sevilla 23; Getafe 21.
In France: Nantes vs Monaco 0-0; St Etienne vs Lyon 0-0.