Sporting briefs...

Maracana Stadium: The world famous Maracana stadium, initially ruled out as a venue for the 2014 World Cup that Brazil is bidding to host, is back in the running again. Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) president Ricardo Teixeira, who once suggested the historic but troubled stadium should be demolished, said he had changed his mind. His about-turn on using the stadium if Brazil are chosen to host the tournament followed a meeting with Sergio Cabral, governor of Rio de Janeiro state.

Chelsea: Chelsea defender Ashley Cole called for an end to the club's boardroom problems and linked them with the champions' recent dip in form. Manager Jose Mourinho has vented his frustration over a lack of transfer activity and chief executive Peter Kenyon has admitted a "healthy tension" within the club. Quizzed about recent events, Cole said: "We don't know what has gone on and as players we are trying to stay away from all that and let other people deal with it. But the results haven't gone too well for us of late and maybe it is down to that. It's not down to me it's down to other people to sort it out."

Higuain: France coach Raymond Domenech said on Friday he was glad the issue of Gonzalo Higuain's eligibility was settled this week when the teenage striker chose to play for Argentina. "I'm really relieved the problem with Higuain is sorted out," Domenech said. "The case is closed and we are now going to focus on qualifying for the European championship. There are many players as good as him in France and we won't have to wait for him."

Ronaldinho: Barcelona forward Ronaldinho has admitted that he is struggling for form, but is confident of an improved performance when they host Celta Vigo this weekend. "People are used to seeing me playing at a high level and so they notice it when I'm not," said the Brazilian. "But that only makes me more motivated. I'm confident in my own ability and believe I will play well and help the team win on Sunday (today)."

Death in Italy: Ermanno Licursi, 40, an official with Italian amateur club Sanmartinese, died after the team were attacked by fans at a game in the town of Luzzi, in the southern Calabria region. "There were a few punches and kicks and someone threw some stones. Licursi tried to calm things down but he got hit as well," a member of the Sanmartinese team told La Gazzetta dello Sport.