Cuper: Real Mallorca coach Hector Cuper says he is likely to stay with the club next season even if they are relegated out of the Primera Liga. "There is a strong possibility of me staying here if we go down to the second division. Something would have to happen at the last minute for me not to continue," Cuper said. Mallorca are 19th in the league, 10 points adrift of 17th-placed Osasuna, with seven games left to play.

Robinho: Santos forward Robinho has again refused to be drawn on how long he will stay with the Brazilian champions and says his future belongs to God. The 21-year-old, the subject of constant speculation over a move to a major European club, said he was concentrating on helping Santos progress in the South American Libertadores Cup. "I don't want to rush into any decisions," he said. "My thoughts are on helping Santos qualify for the next stage of the Libertadores. I can't forget about the start of the Brazilian championship, either... my future belongs to God."

Ecuador: Ecuador have pulled out of a friendly away match to world champions Brazil later this month, leaving the world champions two weeks to find new opponents. The teams were due to meet in Sao Paulo's Pacaembu stadium on April 27 in a match to celebrate the 40th anniversary of a Brazilian television network. The Brazilian FA said on its website that Ecuador, who beat Brazil 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier in Quito last November, had blamed club commitments and injuries for the withdrawal.

Bates: Leeds United chairman Ken Bates has agreed to settle his breach of contract claim with former club Chelsea. The case was due to be heard in the High Court in June. Media reports last year said Bates had issued a two-million-pound writ against the club. Bates resigned as Chelsea chairman in March 2004.

In Scotland: Premier League - Hearts vs Hibernian 1-2; Livingston vs Celtic 0-4. Leading standings - Celtic 80; Rangers 78; Hibernian 56.

In England: League One - Swindon vs Bristol City 0-0.