Soccer Shorts

A round-up of other soccer news in brief

Magilton vows to clear name

QPR MANAGER Jim Magilton has vowed to clear his name after being suspended by the club following a high-profile bust-up with midfielder Akos Buzsaky.

Magilton has been suspended by Rangers after allegations he head-butted the Hungarian during the 3-1 defeat at Watford on Monday. The 40-year-old insists he is looking forward to being reinstated following the club’s investigation.

CSKA stay despite positive drug tests

CSKA MOSCOW can begin preparations for the knock-out phase of the Champions League after learning they will not be expelled over two failed drugs tests.

It had been reported the club could be thrown out of the competition after defenders Alexei Berezutsky and Sergei Ignashevich tested positive for a banned stimulant. The substance in question, however, is on a list of “specified” stimulants, meaning the potential disqualification penalties in European governing body Uefa’s regulations will not be invoked.

Such substances, perhaps included in everyday over-the-counter drugs, are regarded to be particularly susceptible to unintentional breaches of anti-doping policy.

The players claim to have taken Sudafed whilst suffering from colds on international duty recently. They returned positive tests after CSKA’s 3-3 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford on November 3rd.

Everton poised to sign US star Donovan on loan deal

EVERTON ARE expected to sign USA international Landon Donovan on a three-month loan deal in January. Donovan, a Los Angeles Galaxy club-mate of David Beckham, needs to play competitive football at the end of the Major League Soccer season to maintain his fitness for the World Cup finals in South Africa in June.

His move is similar to the one Beckham has agreed with AC Milan.

Sources at Everton have confirmed negotiations are at an advanced stage with the 27-year-old, who is the USA’s all-time leading scorer.

If fit he is virtually certain of facing England in the group stages in South Africa. His move to Merseyside would help boost Everton’s injury-ravaged squad, and he will be able to play in the next stage of the Europa League.

Swine flu bug hits Manchester City

MANCHESTER CITY have been hit by a swine flu scare. Vladimir Weiss was ordered to remain at home instead of reporting for Saturday’s Premier League win over Chelsea after it was discovered he had contracted the H1N1 virus.

Now City have also confirmed Craig Bellamy has been suffering from the same problem, while several staff members have also had swabs taken.

“There is a little bit of it creeping into the camp,” City assistant boss Mark Bowen told the Manchester Evening News. “Players come in every day with sniffles, coughs and colds and the doctor has to determine whether it is the onset of something more serious.”