Ferdinand: Chelsea yesterday denied they were seeking to sign Rio Ferdinand after reports emerged that the club's chief executive Peter Kenyon met the Manchester United defender in a London restaurant. The Premier League leaders, aware that the meeting would feature in today's newspapers, made a statement stressing the two had run into each other by chance. "We have made it absolutely clear to Manchester United that we have no interest in signing Rio Ferdinand and there is absolutely no significance in Peter Kenyon seeing Rio in a busy London restaurant," the statement said.
Robinho: Santos have described their forward Robinho, 21, as one of the world's top players and warned him a move abroad could damage his chances of being chosen by Brazil for the 2006 World Cup finals. "A transfer to Europe would need adaptation to new customs," Santos club president Marcelo Teixeira said. "This would need time. Going abroad could hurt his chances of being picked for the qualifying matches and the World Cup itself."
Rioting fans FINED: Rioting fans at last weekend's Bucharest derby between Steaua and Dinamo have been fined by the police while an investigation into forged tickets has also been launched. A statement released by the police said: "Gendarmes retained 153 supporters holding 196 forged tickets and started investigating the issue. Another 21 fans were fined between $35.66 to $249.6 for violent behaviour." Violence in Romanian soccer appears to be on the rise as earlier this month Steaua Bucharest supporters burned dozens of plastic seats and a policeman had to be admitted to hospital after clashes between the crowd and riot police in Alba Iulia.
Saha: France striker Louis Saha will miss holders Manchester United's FA Cup semi-final against Newcastle in Cardiff on Sunday because of a calf problem. "Louis is suffering from a calf injury and is likely to be out for two weeks," a club spokesman told United's website yesterday. Saha, who moved to Old Trafford from Fulham for £12.8 million in January 2004, has struggled with injuries all season, making only seven starts. The 26-year-old returned against Norwich City last Saturday after being out for two months with a knee injury. His comeback lasted only 22 minutes before he had to go off.
In England: The Championship - N. Forest vs Sheffield Utd 1-1. League One - Brentford vs Tranmere 1-0; Stockport vs Blackpool 0-1.
In Scotland: Premier League - Inverness CT vs Motherwell 1-0; Rangers vs Dundee United 0-1.