UEFA said yesterday it would initiate disciplinary proceedings against Real Madrid after Wednesday's Champions League semi-final against Borussia Dortmund was delayed for 75 minutes when goal posts collapsed.

UEFA said Borussia had withdrawn their own official protest over the delay of the first leg and said the UEFA hearing would take place in Geneva tomorrow. The case would be heard by UEFA's Control and Discipline Committee.

The delay occured when one of the goal frames collapsed shortly before kick-off after it was shaken by Madrid fans. Players were already on the field and had to be led off while another set of posts was found.

UEFA said the goal posts incident was the main part of Borussia's protest, indicating the committee might also investigate a German complaint that the posts were not tall enough.

Borussia still want a replay with Real at the Bernabeu stadium.

Chelsea's coach Graham Rix yesterday ended speculation about his future by signing a new four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.

Rix said: "My contract has been waiting for ages . . . I'm pleased, I'm really happy here. The club is going in the right direction and I'm delighted with the way Luca (Vialli) has taken to the job."

Tim Flowers is likely to miss the rest of Blackburn's season but should be fit for England's World Cup programme. An exploratory operation showed that the Blackburn goalkeeper's shoulder injury is not as serious as first feared.