Glenn Hoddle yesterday received the majority backing of the English FA's international committee. At a 90-minute meeting in London, Hoddle formally presented his World Cup report to the Committee which appointed the England coach.

FA chief executive Graham Kelly revealed afterwards that the issue of Hoddle's contract, which could be extended by two years up to the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, will be discussed by a six-man sub-committee within the next few weeks.

The chief executive also revealed that remarkably not one of the 15 committee members present yesterday had questioned Hoddle on either his controversial World Cup diary or his reliance on faith healer Eileen Drewery.

Inter Milan desperately need a good result at home to Piacenza tomorrow night to atone for their 2-0 loss away to Spanish side Real Madrid in the Champions League in midweek.

Inter made a disappointing start to the Serie A when held to a 2-2 draw away to newly-promoted Cagliari. Ronaldo missed that match and will be making his League return against Piacenza. The Brazilian is returning from a six-week break and his performance in the 20 defeat to Real Madrid in midweek showed he is still short of peak form.

In other matches, Lazio host Bari at the Olympic stadium, neighbours AS Roma are away to Napoli and Parma spend the weekend in Venice.

UEFA yesterday received reports from their officials at Wednesday's 3-3 draw between Manchester United and Barcelona - but refused to say whether they mentioned Alex Ferguson's verbal assault on referee Stefano Braschi. The United manager was furious with the Italian official after he gave two penalties and sent off Nicky Butt.