Forged tickets: Greek police yesterday arrested 97 people for possessing or selling forged tickets for the Champions League final. A group of 91 fans - mostly British - attempted to pass the security perimeters around the Olympic Stadium hours before the start of the match but were found to hold forged tickets and were arrested on the spot. Another six people - four Norwegians, a Pole and a Greek - were caught in central Athens trying to sell some of the 43 tickets stolen from a UEFA hotel room earlier in the week. Police said hotel cameras had also recorded them during the theft.
Hanke: Germany striker Mike Hanke said he will transfer from VfL Wolfsburg to Hanover 96 and sign a long-term deal. "Yes, I'm going to Hanover and will sign a four-year contract," he said. Hanover will reportedly pay a four-million euro transfer fee for Hanke, who has a contract with Wolfsburg until mid-2009.
Ziganda: Osasuna coach Jose Angel Ziganda will remain in charge of the Primera Liga side next season after agreeing a one-year extension to his contract. Osasuna, who reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup, are almost certain of remaining in the top flight next season as they are seven points clear of the relegation zone with three games left to play.
Nasri: Marseille playmaker Samir Nasri says he wants to remain with the Provence side for another season despite growing interest from big European clubs. "I want to discover other leagues but not now. It would be suicidal to leave for abroad now," Nasri told reporters. "I do not know many 19-year-old players who have made an impact abroad. Actually, I don't know any." Nasri won his first cap for France in a 1-0 defeat of Austria in a friendly in March.
Stoichkov: Celta Vigo coach Hristo Stoichkov has accused his players of failing to pull their weight after the team lost five of their six games since he took charge. "We have lacked commitment and a willingness to work hard in recent matches and I want to change that," said the former Bulgaria coach. Celta are second from bottom of the Primera Liga, four points behind Athletic Bilbao who occupy the last place above the relegation zone.
Marquez: Barcelona's Mexican international defender/midfielder Rafael Marquez will be out of action for a further two weeks after suffering a new muscle tear in his right thigh. Marquez will miss this weekend's Primera Liga game at home to Getafe and will face a race against the clock to be ready for Barcelona's next match at home to Espanyol.