Nigerian FA Probe: The Nigerian agent of John Obi Mikel, the teenager who signed for Manchester United but wants to join Chelsea, faces an inquiry into his role in the transfer, the Nigeria FA said. "We need to know what's happening so we're going to ask the agent, who got his licence through our association, to appear before us and explain this very disturbing situation," NFA chairman Ibrahim Galadima told Reuters. Last month United said 18-year-old forward Mikel had joined them from Norwegian club Lyn Oslo in a four million pound deal. But Mikel has since been quoted as saying he wants to play for champions Chelsea because he was forced to sign a contract with United under pressure from Lyn manager Morgan Andersen.
Nilton Santos: Brazil's Nilton Santos, regarded as one of the greatest players in World Cup history and often known as the "Football Encyclopedia", celebrated his 80th birthday on Monday. Santos played in Brazil's World Cup winning teams in 1958 and 1962. Santos, who earned his nickname thanks to the intelligence, vision and elegance with which he played the game, is regarded by many as the greatest left-back to have played and the first to have given the position an attacking role.
Eto'o Apology: Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o has begged for forgiveness over his insulting comments about his former club Real Madrid during Barca's title celebrations. The 24-year-old Cameroon international chanted "Madrid, cabron, saluda al campeon" (Madrid, bastards, hail the champions) into the microphone during a speech at the Nou Camp on Sunday. Many of the 100,000 fans at the stadium to celebrate the club's first league title in six years joined in the chorus. "I would like to ask forgiveness for what I said," Eto'o said. "One thing is what you think and another is what you say."
Fully Focused: Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand says US financier Malcolm Glazer's takeover of the club will not deflect the team from their target of winning the FA Cup on Saturday. After a disappointing season on the pitch with United finishing third in the league, Ferdinand said the holders have had no problem focusing on the build-up to the final against fierce rivals Arsenal in Cardiff. "Not at all. It's a massive game for us. It's a one-off cup final, which we want to win," the England international said.
Berger: Czech Republic midfielder Patrik Berger is poised to join Aston Villa from Premier League rivals Portsmouth, the BBC reported yesterday. The 31-year-old former Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and Slavia Prague player has agreed a two-year contract at Villa Park. Berger joined Liverpool for £3.25 million from Dortmund in 1996 and spent seven seasons at Anfield before joining Portsmouth two years ago. He has scored 18 goals in 40 internationals.
Official 'Punch': Steaua Bucharest executive president Mihai Stoica has been fined and banned from soccer activity for a year after punching a supporter during a first division match at the weekend. Stoica punched the fan, who was protesting against Steaua's policy of selling their best players abroad and criticising the team, during a match against CFR Cluj, which Steaua won 1-0. The supporter, Radu Ion, a 35-year-old bus driver and season ticket holder, was slightly injured during the attack.
In England: League One play-off SF (second leg) - Tranmere Rovers vs Hartlepool 2-0 aet - agg. 2-2. (Hartlepool win 6-5 on penalties).