Mikel: Nigeria have recalled John Obi Mikel for their August 22 friendly against Macedonia barely two months after the Chelsea midfielder was banned from international matches for disciplinary reasons. The 20-year-old was suspended after he skipped Nigeria's African Nations Cup qualifier in Uganda on June 3 and failed to report to camp for an U-23 Olympics qualifier against Ghana later in the month.

Charlton: British soccer club Charlton Athletic said it was up for sale yesterday, joining a growing list of clubs changing ownership. Charlton, relegated from the Premier League last season, said it had retained boutique bank Seymour Pierce to consider a range of strategic options. A sale of Charlton Athletic FC could fetch between 40 and 50 million pounds.

Riquelme: Argentine international midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme has returned to Villarreal, still unsure as to where his future lies. "I've heard that the club has said I'm on the transfer list and if something comes up that's good for me and the club then I will be off," said the 29-year-old, who steered Boca Juniors to the Libertadores Cup while on loan at the Argentine club last season.

Mido: Egypt international striker Mido, 24, completed his move to Middlesbrough from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur yesterday in a six-million-pound deal. Boro said Mido, who signed a four-year contract, was available for tomorrow's away trip to Fulham.

Carvalho: Portugal will be without Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho for their Euro 2008 qualifier away to Armenia on August 22. Carvalho, who injured his right leg on Wednesday, has been replaced in coach Luiz Felipe Scolari's 20-man squad by Porto's Bruno Alves.

Coach cleared: Flamengo coach Joel Santana has been cleared of a charge of publicly inciting foul play after a touchline microphone caught him apparently telling his players to kick the opposition. The incident happened during Flamengo's 3-0 defeat by Santos 11 days ago.

In France: Ligue 1 - Nancy vs Nice 2-1.

League Cup: First Round - Rotherham vs Sheff. Wed. 1-3.

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