Sporting briefs

Robben: Dutch winger Arjen Robben has undergone successful surgery to remedy a troublesome groin problem, his club Bayern Munich said. Robben had been left “frustrated” after the injury flared up recently ruling him out of the Netherlands’ forthcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers. After a long consultation with Bayern medical staff, the club and player decided it was time to undergo surgery.

Capello: Rome prosecutors yesterday dismissed a case brought against England manager Fabio Capello for allegedly giving false evidence in relation to the 2006 calciopoli match-fixing scandal. Capello appeared as a witness in a case brought against the top Italian football agency at the time, GEA World, who were accused of using threats to pressure players into signing with them.

Maicon: Inter full-back Maicon has denied he ever wanted to leave the club despite rumours he was angling for a move during the summer, with Real Madrid and Manchester City touted as possible destinations. “It was said I’d leave Inter but that was said by an agent who isn’t my agent. There’s no truth whatsoever regarding talk of me and a transfer.”

Bailleul: French midfielder Julien Bailleul has died following a “long illness”, Belgian first division club Lokeren announced yesterday. Bailleul was forced to stop playing football last spring due to severe stomach problems. The 23-year-old Frenchman played as a youth at French club Sedan before moving to Cambrai (2007-2009) and Feignies (2009-2010). He then moved to Belgium where he played for Mons then Lokeren.

Hinkel: Former Celtic defender Andreas Hinkel signed for Freiburg until the end of the season as the right-back looks to restart his career after a serious knee injury. Hinkel tore his cruciate ligament while training for Celtic in August 2010 and did not play at all last season.

Refs detained: Three Polish referees have been detained in the latest round of a probe into match-fixing. A spokesman said two referees from the top flight and one from the second division had been detained. According to Polish legal custom, the men’s full names were not released. They are suspected of involvement in match-fixing in the third division in the 2004-2005 season.

UEFA U-19: Denmark vs Malta 4-0.