Soccer Shorts

A round-up to today's other stories in brief

Ballack move denied

Michael Ballack's likely next destination remains Italy after speculation linking the Bayern Munich midfielder to Chelsea was dismissed by his agent as "boring and tiring". The Germany captain could go into the World Cup with his future unresolved, but given his contract in Munich expires this summer he has the option to discuss terms with rival clubs.

Unless he makes a dramatic about-turn and signs a new contract with Bayern, Ballack will become hot property, as arguably the most valuable player to have become available on a 'Bosman' free transfer.

The Premiership champions were reported to have sealed a deal which would earn Ballack weekly wages of £121,000. It was claimed Ballack had visited London twice to discuss the deal, but the German Football Association's press officer Harald Stenger said: "One, Michael Ballack was not in London and, two, he has not signed for Chelsea." Bayern have not yet given up the task of persuading him to remain with the club and Ballack's agent Michael Becker admitted all options remained open.

Van Persie in clear

Arsenal striker Robin van Persie will not face criminal charges in his native Holland following an investigation into rape allegations. The public prosecutor in Rotterdam confirmed yesterday that Van Persie, who spent a fortnight in custody last summer after a woman claimed he launched a sex attack on her, would not have to stand trial.

Cole injured again

Arsenal defender Ashley Cole faces up to three more weeks out after picking up an ankle injury on his latest return to action on Monday night. The England left-back limped out of Arsenal's reserve team clash with Tottenham after only seven minutes. Cole (25) has played just over one hour of competitive football since October as he has struggled with a fractured right foot and thigh injuries. His latest injury is described by Arsenal as "a sprained ankle".

Perez takes blame

Florentino Perez insists the pampering of Real Madrid 'galacticos' must cease if the club is to achieve its sporting ambitions. Perez stepped down as Real president on Monday. "We have designed a squad which combines the world's best players. Maybe I have spoiled them and that lies at the root of their confusion. I want them to understand that the only thing that is important is Real Madrid," said Perez, who accepted full responsibility for Real's current predicament.

Quashie charged

West Brom midfielder Nigel Quashie has been charged with misconduct following his red card against Middlesbrough on Sunday. The Scotland international, who joined Albion from Southampton last month, already has to serve an automatic four-game ban for his second sending-off of the season after kicking Boro midfielder George Boateng in the back after he had tumbled to the ground in the 55th minute.

Cork go out

Cork's stranglehold on the Collingwood Cup finally came to an end yesterday as they lost their first game in the competition in four years. Stephen Murphy was the Limerick hero in a fiercely competitive quarter-final at the Coleraine campus of the University of Ulster. Murphy converted a first half penalty to deny Cork the chance of a fifth consecutive title which would have equalled Queen's record from 1962-1966.

City record profit

Manchester City have announced a £16.8 million profit for the six months to November 30th. The figure, before tax, incorporates the £21 million received from Chelsea for Shaun Wright-Phillips during the summer and should go some way to easing the Blues' £57 million debt.

In brief . . .

Charlton midfielder Alexei Smertin claims he has received an offer from a Russian club to return home . . . Fulham have ruled out any permanent move for left-back Wayne Bridge . . . Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has been voted the Czech Republic's player of the year for 2005.