New FIFA Members: East Timor and the island nation of Comoros were accepted as full members of FIFA yesterday, taking the number of national associations who comprise world football's governing body to 207. East Timor, whose FA was founded in 2001 and affiliated to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in 2002, was voted in by delegates at the FIFA Congress with 198 in favour and one against. Comoros was also voted in as new FIFA members as part of the African confederation with 198 votes for and three against.

Messi: Argentina's Lionel Messi was included in the Barcelona squad yesterday for their Champions League opener against Werder Bremen despite being unable to play for the club in the Primera Liga so far this season. The 18-year-old international forward has not made a league appearance because of doubts over his status as a so-called "assimilated" player and concerns that if he did play the club would exceed the limit of three non-EU players permitted by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

Saviola: Sevilla's striker Javier Saviola is likely to be out for about a month after tests yesterday confirmed he has strained a ligament in his left knee. The 23-year-old international, who joined Sevilla on loan from Barcelona last month, sustained the injury when he collided with Villarreal keeper Sebastian Viera during his side's 1-1 draw at the Madrigal on Sunday.

In England: Premier League - West Ham vs Aston Villa 4-0 (Harewood 25, 29, 50; Benayoun 89) .

In Italy: Serie B - Ternana vs Pescara 2-2.

MFA Div. II/III K.O. - Dingli vs Ta' Xbiex 6-0, Qormi vs Sta Lucia 4-0.

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