Soccer Shorts:More than 50 disciplinary charges are to be brought against Luton Town, former and current club officials and six agents alleging breach of regulations regarding payments to agents, the Football Association announced last night.
The club have been charged with allegedly making payments to agents through another company rather than the club, as required by FA rules. The club have also been charged with providing misleading information to the FA.
Former chairman Bill Tomlins has been charged with 15 rule breaches, former finance director Derek Peter with nine, and current directors John Mitchell and Richard Bagehot with failing to report the breaches when they became aware of them, the FA said in statement. Six agents - Sky Andrew, Mike Berry, Mark Curtis, Stephen Denos, David Manasseh and Andrew Mills - have each been charged with failing to ensure that payments to them were made and disclosed through the proper channels, said the statement. The charges follow an investigation after former Luton manager Mike Newell claimed that illegal payments in the game were rife.
Cech clarifies position
Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has reaffirmed his commitment to the club in the wake of reports suggesting he was keen on a move to Barcelona. The 25-year-old, who is less than two years into a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge, was quoted by several newspapers admitting it "would be worth considering" a switch to the Catalan giants.
But the Czech international insists his words were taken out of context. "There are a few stories that have appeared today in the press quoting me that I was interested in moving in Barcelona," Cech said.
"These were taken from an interview I gave back in 2003 when I was at Rennes. I am very happy at Chelsea and this is where I see my future."
Wigan waiting
Wigan are still waiting to learn whether Birmingham will grant them permission to speak to manager Steve Bruce.
Wigan hope to get a positive response from City, although Bruce has now gone on a short holiday in Dubai and is not expected back until early next week. In addition Wigan chairman Dave Whelan is currently in Barbados.
Wigan turned to Bruce as the man to succeed Chris Hutchings after Paul Jewell rejected the chance to return to manage the club he left in May, despite admitting Whelan made him a "fabulous" offer to come back to the JJB Stadium.
In brief . . .
Spanish referee Manuel Enrique Mejuto Gonzalezhas been chosen to take charge of Scotland's Euro 2008 qualifier against Italy on Saturday . . . Everton have ruled out Scottish striker James McFaddenmoving in the next transfer window . . . Birmingham midfielder Wilson Palacios'15-year-old brother has been released unharmed by his kidnappers in Honduras, according to the club. Edwin Palacioswas snatched from the family home in La Ceiba, which is north of the capital Tegucigalpa, just over two weeks ago . . . Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillasinsists he is settled and happy at the Bernabeu amid reported interest from Tottenham. A Spanish newspaper has claimed Spurs, who are managed by former Sevilla coach Juande Ramos, are lining up a €39 million bid for the Spanish number one.
TODAY'S FIXTURES
(7.45 unless stated)
International Match:Austria v England (8.00) France v Morocco (8.00).
European Under-21 Championship:Qualifying Group One - Italy v Azerbaijan (8.00), Group Three - England v Bulgaria (at stadium:mk) (6.00), Montenegro v Rep of Ireland (2.30), Group Four - Spain v Poland (7.00), Group Five - Holland v FYR Macedonia (7.00), Group Six - Lithuania v Denmark (12.00), Group Seven - Austria v Belgium (5.00), Cyprus v Slovakia (12.30), Group Eight - Belarus v San Marino (4.30), Group Nine - Northern Ireland v Luxembourg (7.30), Group 10 - Romania v Malta (4.00).
English Football League One: Swanseav Huddersfield.
