Arsenal: Arsenal launched five youth soccer schools in Israel on Monday in the club's latest attempt to spread its net around the globe. The official launch took place in Kiryat Ono, a middle class suburb of Tel Aviv, but the four other schools are all in less wealthy areas in Israel with predominantly Arab populations. "Football can be used as a small part in conflict resolution and this is why we are so pleased to be here," Alan Sefton, who heads the Arsenal programme, told Reuters.
Kompany: Anderlecht defender Vincent Kompany is hungry for success against Chelsea in their Group G Champions League clash today. The Belgian international has had a back injury and returns to Champions League action for the first time since facing Chelsea over two months ago when Chelsea won 1-0. "I am hungrier than ever, but so are the rest of the team," Kompany said. "It has been a long time since I have played in front of my home crowd. It will be very special for me and I hope I can contribute to a positive result."
Kaiserslautern: Kaiserslautern have appointed Wolfgang Wolf as trainer after Michael Henke was sacked after the 3-1 home defeat by Nuremberg on Saturday which sent the club to the bottom of the German Bundesliga. Wolf, who was himself sacked as coach by Nuremberg last month, signed a contract that will run until 2008 even if the club are relegated at the end of the season, according to a report on the club's website.
Turkey: Assistant Turkey coach Mehmet Ozdilek has resigned following a fracas between Turkish and Swiss players after their World Cup play-off last week, the Turkey Football Federation said yesterday. FIFA has launched an investigation into the violence in Istanbul after Turkey were eliminated. One player was hospitalised. Any punishment could range from a warning to the suspension of any football association found at fault. Televisions pictures showed Ozdilek trying to trip up one of the Swiss players as he ran off the pitch in an incident which was seen as triggering a brawl in the tunnel between players from the two teams.
Athletic Bilbao: Following their worst start to a season, Athletic Bilbao players concede their sole aim for this campaign is to ensure they do not exit the top flight for the first time. The historic Basque club, the only side apart from Barcelona and Real Madrid to have been in the first division since its inception in 1928, are bottom of the table after winning just one game in 12 outings. "Our objective is to make sure we are still in the first division next season," said midfielder Andoni Iraola. Athletic lost 2-0 at home to Alaves on Sunday and are now three points adrift at the foot of the Primera Liga.
Brazil: Brazil will be based at a luxury lakeside hotel in Switzerland in the run-up to next year's World Cup finals in Germany, the Brazilian Football Confederation said yesterday. The world champions will prepare for the defence of their crown in Weggis, on the shores of Lake Lucerne, from May 22 to June 4 and will have exclusive use of the hotel, the CBF said on its official website. The tournament starts on June 9. The CBF did not say whether Brazil had fixed up any friendly internationals during the period.