Newslines

FIFA, acting to restore harmony after the controversial decision to award the 2006 World Cup finals to Germany, embraced the principle of rotating future finals around the continents yesterday.

FIFA's executive committee unanimously supported a proposal by president Sepp Blatter that, from 2010, the finals would rotate among the world body's six continental confederations.

Blatter's move followed the furore caused when the FIFA executive voted by 12 votes to 11 to award the 2006 event to Germany rather than South Africa. FIFA general secretary Michel Zen Ruffinen said at a news conference that Blatter had also told the executive that the decision to award the World Cup to Germany was final and could not be overturned.

South Africa, after taking legal advice, had called on FIFA to agree to take the matter to arbitration. But Blatter said South Africa's move was "inappropriate" and was not backed by the African confederation.

Chelsea have finally accepted defeat in their bid to get Italian striker Pierluigi Casiraghi back to full fitness.

The 31-year-old played just 10 games last season before suffering a horrific knee injury which has seen him undergo 10 operations.

According to Chelsea chairman Ken Bates: "Casiraghi won't be playing any more. We have been paid £4.05 million (sterling) insurance, which will mean he can't play top-level football again."

Chelsea are also reported to have turned down two big-money offers for Norwegian striker Tore Andre Flo, believed to have been from Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Meanwhile, Real yesterday paraded new signings, Frenchman Claude Makelele and Brazilian Flavio Conceicao, who have arrived from Celta Vigo and Deportivo La Coruna respectively. Both players have signed six-year deals.

Tottenham have offered a full refund to any supporter who wants to return their season ticket following the sale of David Ginola to Aston Villa.

A statement from the club said: "Quotes from fans stating they would not have bought a season ticket if they knew David Ginola was going has highlighted to the board a genuine possibility that this scenario may exist. Any fan wishing to return their season ticket may do so by August 15th whereby a full refund will be given. The club would not like to feel that any of its fans have been misled."