O'Neill wins in courtCeltic manager Martin O'Neill won "substantial" libel damages yesterday for the "great distress" he suffered over media claims he planned to quit and take over the reins at Liverpool.
O'Neill was awarded an undisclosed sum and a public apology from the Scottish Daily Record over the newspaper's reports in February 2003 that O'Neill planned to leave Celtic to replace Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier.
O'Neill's solicitor told London's High Court the allegations which "questioned his loyalty and commitment to Celtic" caused the manager "great distress and anxiety".
Solicitor Paul Hackney said the report, which was "without foundation" followed media speculation about whether O'Neill was to leave Celtic.
He said O'Neill denied the rumours in January 2003 and also announced his agreement of a new contract with Celtic.
But the Daily Record had published a story a month later reporting that he "had signed a legal document to join Liverpool." "It was further alleged that the agreement with Liverpool was concluded before the claimant announced the agreement of his new contract with Celtic," Hackney said.
The story was widely reported and forced O'Neill to issue numerous denials in the following weeks, Hackney added.
The Daily Record's solicitor, Patrick Swaffer, told the court the newspaper acknowledged O'Neill's complaints and apologised to the manager and his family.
Also yesterday, O'Neill conceded that there was no way Henrik Larsson would do an international-style u-turn at Celtic.
The prolific striker announced his return to the Swedish national side ahead of Euro 2004.
But while that did not come as a surprise to his club boss, O'Neill simply cannot envisage another change of heart.
He said: "Returning for the European Championships was Henrik's decision entirely but I must say I wasn't overly surprised when I heard about it.
"It's a great competition, the best international tournament after the World Cup as far as I'm concerned, and there are very few players who wouldn't want to be involved.
"As to whether it's given us any hope I'd have to say it doesn't. But we wish Henrik the best of luck nonetheless."
Jorge may miss Euro 2004
The Portugal and Sporting Lisbon defender Rui Jorge may miss this summer's European Championship after testing positive for a banned substance.
The Portuguese federation suspended the 31-year-old on Sunday when it was informed by the national anti-doping council that the player's B sample was positive, the national news agency Lusa reported.
With Portugal's Euro 2004 squad due to be announced on May 17th, Jorge will be ineligible for selection until a disciplinary committee decides his punishment. The left-back, who has appeared 41 times for his country, could be banned for six months if found guilty.
Jorge was prescribed Pulmicort nasal spray, the use of which is permitted so long as Portugal's anti-doping council is informed before each game. Sporting's club doctor Jose Gomes Pereira admitted at a press conference last month that he had not advised the authorities that Jorge was taking medication for an allergy and he subsequently failed a test on February 13th after a 1-0 win at Moreirense.
Beckham tops rich list
Real Madrid and England midfielder David Beckham is the highest-paid soccer player in the world, according to a survey by France Football magazine.
Beckham, who joined Real from Manchester United in June, has earned 22.4 million in the 2003/04 season, topping a list also featuring fellow "Galacticos" Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Raul and Roberto Carlos.
Brazilian striker Ronaldo comes second with 16.5 million. French midfielder Zidane is third with 14 million.
Beckham earns a 6.4 million salary, the magazine said. The biggest part of his earnings comes from advertising deals which earn 11.4 million a year.
England and Liverpool striker Michael Owen comes eighth with €9.1 million a year. European Footballer of the Year Pavel Nedved of Juventus does not make the top 20.
Dabizas card rescinded
Leicester defender Nikos Dabizas is to escape suspension following his sending-off in the 2-2 draw at Charlton which confirmed the Foxes' relegation from the Premiership on Saturday.
Dabizas was dismissed by referee Rob Styles after conceding a penalty with a foul on striker Jonatan Johansson but the official has now rescinded the red card.
Paolo di Canio converted the resulting penalty to give Charlton a 2-1 lead and although Leicester grabbed a late equaliser through Les Ferdinand they needed a win to keep alive their hopes of playing top-flight football next season.
Maradona heads for Cuba
Diego Maradona has reserved a flight back to Cuba to resume treatment for his cocaine addiction, Argentinian media reported yesterday.
Television footage showed Maradona spying on the press with binoculars on Monday from the grounds of the plush country getaway where he has been recovering from 12 days in hospital with heart and lung trouble - and playing golf.
The 43-year-old World Cup-winner, regarded as one of the greatest players in soccer history, has lived in Cuba for most of the past four years being treated for cocaine addiction.
