Nedved: The Czech Republic lost 3-1 to Serbia on Wednesday as midfielder Pavel Nedved ended his international career. With tears in his eyes, the 2003 European Footballer of the Year was substituted near the end of the first half to a standing ovation. Nedved made 91 appearances for the Czech Republic, scoring 18 goals. "My whole soccer life kind of passed before my eyes. I don't even know how I played, it was very emotional," Nedved, who handed the captain's armband to Jan Koller, said.
Chelsea Complaint: Chelsea have filed a complaint with the FA against former owner Ken Bates, accusing him of bringing the game into disrepute. The club said Bates, now chairman of Leeds United, had made "rude, insulting and inappropriate comments" when he accused Chelsea two weeks ago of making illegal approaches to players. Bates said he was reporting the London club to the FA for making illegal approaches to sign Tom Taiwo and Michael Wood and when attempting to sign Daniel Rose from second division Leeds.
Joaquin: Spain winger Joaquin has reiterated his desire to leave Real Betis and has pleaded with the Primera Liga club to listen to offers from other teams. "I've achieved everything possible at Betis and now I want to continue my career at another club," he said. Joaquin graduated to the Betis first team from the reserves in 2000 when the club was in the second division and has been a leading member ever since.
Ref kit lost: Belgian soccer authorities had to kit out Northern Ireland referee Mark Courtney for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Kazakhstan on Wednesday after the official's luggage went missing in the disruption at Britain's airports. Airport security was stepped up last week after British authorities said they had foiled a suspected plot to blow up planes bound for the United States. Airlines have been clearing a backlog of stacks of luggage that missed flights because of the increased security checks.
Corinthians: Champions Corinthians gave Emerson Leao, their fourth coach this year, a winning start with a 2-1 victory over Fluminense on Wednesday that moved them off the bottom of the Brazilian championship table. Former Brazil goalkeeper and coach Leao took charge of his first game less than 36 hours after being appointed by the crisis-hit club, who have gone from champions to relegation contenders in just over six months.
Maccabi Haifa: Maccabi Haifa's chairman slammed UEFA for refusing to heed an Israeli appeal to return matches to Israel following a ceasefire which ended hostilities with Hizbollah. "I think that UEFA's decisions have no relation to sport... This decision is political, there is no other reason why in the same way that they took the home games away from Israel they should now return them," Haifa boss Jacob Shahar said. Haifa are set to host Liverpool in their Champions League third qualifying round second leg match in Kiev on Tuesday.
George Best: The Manchester United shirt worn by George Best when he scored six goals against Northampton Town in 1970 will go on auction next month and is expected to fetch £20-30,000. The red-and-white shirt is part of a soccer memorabilia sale at auction house Christie's on September 13. Best's performance during the match is widely considered as one of his finest.
Snooker: Northern Ireland Trophy (last 16) - Dott bt Selby 5-4; Dale bt Greene 5-4; O'Sullivan bt Stevens 5-2; Day bt Williams 5-2.