■ Hong Kong
Star has second thoughts
Midfield star Cheung Sai-ho could delay his retirement to play in an Asian Cup qualifier next month, with the team eyeing a place in next year's finals, a report said yesterday. Cheung said there was a "big chance" he would play in Hong Kong's home match against Uzbekistan on Sept. 6, the South China Morning Post reported. The 31-year-old had earlier said he was to retire after Hong Kong's away match against Uzbekistan last week because he was fed up with the lack of support and respect for the team, the paper said. But the team captain had second thoughts after the thrilling match in Tashkent, in which Hong Kong recovered from two goals down to earn a draw, the paper added. "If I do stay with the Hong Kong team for another game, I am doing it out of respect for my coach, Lai Sun-cheung," Cheung was quoted as saying.
■ Spain
Real move for Diarra
Real Madrid are set to sign Lyon's highly rated Malian international midfielder Mahamadou Diarra after successful talks, the French champions said on Friday. Diarra is set to move to the Spanish giants this week for what some press reports say will be a fee of 28 million euros (US$36 million). The 25-year-old is expected to sign for Real in the coming days, if he agrees personal terms. Diarra lashed out at Lyon in the French press this week saying the club were blocking his potential "dream move" and declaring that he would not play for Lyon again. His outburst seems to have payed dividends. The clubs held talks on Friday after which Lyon agreed to allow Diarra to depart for the Spanish capital.
■ Italy
Juve appeal fails
Juventus has failed in its bid to convince Italian soccer federation bosses that their demotion to Serie B, Italy's second tier soccer league, should be overturned. Juventus, one of several clubs sanctioned for their involvement in a match-fixing scandal which rocked the country shortly before Italy's World Cup triumph, met with bosses from the Italian football federation (FIGC) in Rome. However, this latest appeal has led to nothing, and a statement by the Turin club said they would now hold an internal meeting tomorrow to study which future direction to take.
■ England
Chelsea signs `Cannibal'
English champions Chelsea bolstered their defense on the eve of the Premiership season on Friday when they bought Dutch international Khalid Boulahrouz from Hamburg. Boulahrouz, who can play center back or left back, was known as "Khalid the Cannibal" by Hamburg fans in honor of his aggressive tackling style. The 25-year-old, for whom coach Jose Mourinho has paid an undisclosed fee, was due in London this weekend to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms.
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