Belletti: Juliano Belletti was forced to pull out of Brazil's Confederations Cup squad yesterday because of an Achilles tendon injury. The Barcelona full-back complained of a pain in his right foot on Sunday and was unable to join the squad in training at their Leverkusen camp.

Australia: FIFA president Sepp Blatter expects Australia's proposed move from the Oceania Football Confederation to the Asian Football Confederation to go through later this year. Blatter said there was nothing in the FIFA statutes to prevent such a shift. "The final decision on this matter will be made at FIFA Congress in Marrakech on September 12," Blatter said.

Xavi: Barcelona midfielder Xavi has agreed to extend his contract with the Spanish champions until 2010. The 25-year-old, whose original contract was due to expire in 2007, made his first-team debut in the 1998-99 season.

Alaves: Alaves clinched promotion to the Primera Liga on Sunday after two seasons out of the top flight. A 2-1 win at Elche ensures that, with just one game left, the second division leaders cannot finish lower than third.

Zaragoza: Real Zaragoza have signed the former Real Madrid keeper Cesar on a free transfer. The 33-year-old joined Real from Valladolid in 2000 but had to live in the shadow of Iker Casillas for most of his time in the capital.

Valencia: Former Levante goalkeeper Juan Luis Mora has agreed a three-year contract with Valencia. Mora, 31, who will arrive on a free transfer, will compete with Santiago Canizares for a place in the starting lineup.

In China: A Chinese footballer underwent an operation on his skull after being attacked outside a restaurant. Chen Yongqiang, of Shenzhen Jianlibao, was attacked in Shenzhen. After the operation his condition was no longer critical.

Sevilla: Juande Ramos has agreed a one-year contract to coach Sevilla next season, the Primera Liga club said. Ramos, who has an option to extend his contract by a further 12 months, replaces Joaquin Caparros who took over at Deportivo La Coruna last week.