Soccer Shorts

Marco Materazzi yesterday gave Fifa his version of the incident that saw French captain Zinedine Zidane sent off for a headbutt on the Italy defender in the World Cup final last weekend.

Materazzi attended a hastily rearranged morning hearing of Fifa's disciplinary committee at the soccer world body's Zurich headquarters.

The hearing was hastily convened so Materazzi, who left near midday without speaking to the large crowd of journalists and photographers, did not have to interrupt a holiday next week.

Fifa spokesman Andreas Herren said Fifa were, however, sticking with their original date of July 20th for an announcement of the committee's findings. Herren did not comment on the hearing or what sanction, if any, Materazzi might face.

Armband for Parker

Newcastle have appointed midfielder Scott Parker as their new captain following the retirement of Alan Shearer.

Manager Glenn Roeder also revealed Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given will be vice-captain.

Parker, the 25-year-old former Chelsea player, will lead his side out for their opening fixture of the new campaign in the Intertoto Cup clash with Norwegians Lillestrom at St James' Park this evening.

Petrov losing heart

Stilian Petrov has warned Celtic that blocking a move to the English Premiership is damaging both him and the club.

Portsmouth are leading the chase for the wantaway Bulgaria international but Celtic have so far knocked them back.

But the 27-year-old admits the situation is making him increasingly unhappy and his form is suffering. Petrov said: "Of course it is affecting me. This has been dragging on for months. Everybody knows my situation but it's up to Celtic."

Moves at Hawthorns

Switzerland's World Cup goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbuehler (35) signed for West Brom yesterday from FC Basel on a free transfer.

The transfer will allow Tomasz Kuszczak leave the Hawthorns. The Polish international goalkeeper is expected to move to Manchester United next week.

The Championship side said they had refused a transfer request from their Hungarian forward Zoltan Gera.

The club have taken disciplinary action against Jason Koumas after the midfielder failed to turn up for pre-season training.

Walcott staying put

Neither Theo Walcott nor Arsenal want the 17-year-old to join another club on loan, according to his agent.

The England World Cup squad member has been linked with a move from north London - with speculation about a stint at West Brom as part of a deal for Arsenal to sign Curtis Davies - to gain first-team experience having failed to make a Premiership appearance so far.

But Walcott's agent Warwick Horton said: "I am in regular touch with Arsenal and there has never once been a suggestion of Theo going out on loan."

Meanwhile, Cesc Fabregas's agent has confirmed the Arsenal teenager would prefer to stay in London rather than move to Real Madrid.

Joseba Diaz, who appeared to court a move to Spain for his 19-year-old client recently, now insists the former Barcelona trainee could spend "a lot of seasons in London".

China in for Wilkinson

China has set its sights on former England manager Howard Wilkinson to lead the national team at the 2008 Olympics and through the 2010 World Cup, a Hong Kong newspaper reported yesterday.

Speculation in Chinese media suggest Frenchman Philippe Troussier and Dutchman Wim van Hanegem are the other two names on the list.

Meite joins Bolton

Bolton have signed Ivory Coast defender Abdoulaye Meite from Marseille, subject to a medical and international clearance.

The 25-year-old centre-half, who played for his country in the World Cup finals, has agreed a four-year deal and will join Wanderers for an undisclosed fee.

Bolton hope to sign former Manchester United midfielder Quinton Fortune if the South African can prove his fitness.

In Brief . . .

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has turned down an offer to take over Brazil's national squad and has signed a deal that see him remain with Portugal until 2008

. . . Bruce Arena will not be retained as coach of the US national team . . . . . . Zlatko Kranjcar was sacked as Croatia's coach yesterday . . . Former Yugoslavia coach Ivica Osim will replace Zico as Japan's national team coach . . . Australia's local governments said yesterday they would support a bid to host the 2018 World Cup . . . Premiership newcomers Reading have completed the transfer of Brentford defender Sam Sodje (27) in a deal worth up to £500,000 . . . Wigan's bid for Dutch international midfielder Denny Landzaat (30) has been accepted by his club AZ Alkmaar . . . Former Celtic and West Ham striker Paolo di Canio (37) has signed for Italian fourth division side Cisco Roma.