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■ ENGLAND

Adebayor required to train

Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger said on Saturday he expected to see striker Emmanuel Adebayor, subject of transfer speculation over the summer break, report for training today. The Togo striker has been the subject of persistent rumors of a move to AC Milan, but the Serie A giants have baulked at a 28 million euro (US$44.3 million) fee when the Italians are not in the lucrative Champions League in the coming season. Adebayor was top scorer for the Gunners last season with 30 goals, but wants an improved wage deal. But Wenger told Sky Sports News: “Adebayor is under contract and we expect him to turn up on Monday and practice with us.”

■ SPAIN

Eto’o allowed to leave Barca

Unsettled Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o has been given the green light to negotiate his exit from the club, Spanish media reported on Saturday. Cameroon international Eto’o, deemed surplus along with Ronaldinho and Deco last month by new coach Pep Guardiola, underwent medical tests on his first day back at Barcelona after his vacation, the club said in a statement. Spanish media reported that Eto’o, a three-times African Player of the Year, had a meeting with Barcelona officials on Saturday where he was authorized to negotiate with other teams.



■ FRANCE

Quarter-finalists decided

Portugal, Italy and Uruguay won on Saturday to reach the quarter-finals of the Beach World Cup. In Group B, Portugal routed the Solomon Islands 13-4, with five goals from Madjer, four from Alan, two from Belchior and own-goals from Eddie Ngaitin and Omo. Paolo Palmacci scored twice in the second period to lead Italy to a 4-1 victory over El Salvador. Roberto Pasquali opened the scoring for Italy. Simone Feudi converted a free-kick to put the result beyond doubt in the third period. In Group A, Uruguay edged Senegal 8-7 in extra time, despite four goals from Pape Koukpaki for the African side. Ricar and Martin scored twice for Uruguay. Parrillo, Miguel, Matias and Pampero added the other goals. France beat Iran 2-1 in a penalty shootout as both teams were still tied 6-6 after extra time.



■ GERMANY

Bundesliga faces cash crisis

The chairman of the Bundesliga is worried that a battle with German antitrust authorities could cause financial difficulties for the league. Christian Seifert told the Bild newspaper a six-year, 3 billion euro (US$4.7 billion) deal with pay-TV channel Premiere for the Bundesliga broadcasting rights — which starts next year — could be canceled if antitrust investigators conclude it is stifling competition. “Then we will be forced to find new ways of doing things. Some decision-makers in Germany apparently believe a healthy and functioning Bundesliga is the natural state of things,” Seifert said on Saturday. “I can only warn, we are well on the way to massively damaging professional football in the country.”



■ ITALY

Lippi asks for ‘Rooney’ style

Italy coach Marcello Lippi says he wants his players to copy the selfless style of Manchester United’s England forward Wayne Rooney. “What counts more than the formation is the philosophy, the desire of great players to put themselves at the service of the team when the opposition have the ball. Like Rooney does at Manchester,” Lippi told yesterday’s Gazzetta dello Sport. The 2006 World Cup-winning coach said self-belief will be crucial if his side are to triumph again in South Africa.


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