Jakobsson: Southampton defender Andreas Jakobsson has signed a two-year contract with his former Swedish first division team Helsingborg. Jakobsson, 32, made 29 appearances and scored two goals for Southampton last season, which ended with the club being relegated from the Premier League. He joined Southampton in 2004, having spent the previous season with Danish Superleague club Brondby. He played for Germany's Hansa Rostock during 2000-2003 and for Helsingborg from 1995-2000.
Ardiles: Argentine Osvaldo Ardiles has been fired as coach of Tokyo Verdy following a string of humiliating results. The 52-year-old took charge in June 2003 and led the club to the 2004 Emperor's Cup title, but the once-mighty Verdy have failed to mount a serious challenge for the J-League championship. The two-times champions were crushed 6-0 at Jubilo Iwata at the weekend, extending their winless streak to nine games. Verdy have conceded 23 goals in their last five games.
France Friendly: France have confirmed they will play Ivory Coast in a friendly in Montpellier on August 17 following the postponement of their match against Senegal. The original friendly against Senegal was due to be played at the Stade de France but French officials agreed to postpone that game after a request from the Senegalese soccer federation who cited the "the current situation of the national team". The French federation said on its website the Ivory Coast match would take place on the same date.
Tigana: Fulham lost their bitter legal battle with ex-manager Jean Tigana at London's Court of Appeal yesterday. The court dismissed the Premier League club's appeal against a landmark High Court ruling that left them facing a damages payout of at least two million pounds to Frenchman Tigana. Last November Fulham, whose chairman is Mohamed Al Fayed, lost a High Court claim for damages against Tigana, whom they had accused of overpaying millions of pounds for two signings. Tigana won a counter-claim that he was contractually entitled to payments and share options worth over £2.1 million.
Cole: Striker Andy Cole, 33, is poised to leave Fulham for Premier League rivals Manchester City. The former Manchester United, Arsenal, Newcastle and Blackburn Rovers player has flown to Thailand to join the squad on tour in anticipation of the completion of his transfer, City said on their website yesterday. Cole, 33, the second highest goalscorer in Premier League history, has already passed a medical at City. No fee has been disclosed.