Today's other stories in brief

Houllier leaves Lyon

Lyon have confirmed that former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier has resigned as coach of the six-times Ligue 1 champions.

A statement on the club website said Lyon president Michel Aulas had accepted a request from Houllier to be released from the final year of his contract. Houllier had steered Lyon to their last two titles since succeeding Paul Le Guen at the Stade Gerland. However, the former France and Liverpool coach failed to make a serious challenge for the Champions League.

Houllier said he did not have "the time and the energy" to carry on as Lyon coach, and added he wanted to take a break from the game.

Hearts appeal to Fifa Hearts are to appeal Fifa's decision to fine Andy Webster £625,000 for breaking his contract in an effort to push the compensation closer to their £5 million demand.

Scotland international Webster invoked a little-known Fifa regulation to leave Hearts last summer and join Wigan, since when he has moved on loan to Rangers.

The appeal from Hearts arrived at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland before the close of business yesterday, inside the 21-day appeal deadline.

A spokesman for the CAS, whose say in sporting matters is final, said Hearts had appealed.

A lengthy legal battle could now ensue, with the CAS having the final say in the unprecedented case which will determine whether Webster's move has a long-term impact on the transfer market, as Jean-Marc Bosman's wrangle with Belgium club side RFC Liege over a proposed move to Dunkerque has had since 1996.

Fans may sue United

Manchester United are facing the prospect of legal action from their own fans over the controversial "automatic cup scheme" (ACS).

The scheme, which makes it compulsory for fans to buy tickets for all cup games at Old Trafford, had previously been obligatory only for new season-ticket holders.

For the first time this summer, it has been extended to the remaining 25 per cent of existing season-ticket holders who have not previously signed up.

Now the Manchester United Supporters' Trust (MUST) are taking up the argument. MUST have already engaged a leading legal firm to act on their behalf and should their demand for United to withdraw the compulsory ACS for existing season-ticket holders not be met, they intend to go to court.

Mourinho stay likely

Chelsea have confirmed Jose Mourinho will travel to Ghana next week for a charity project with the club, strengthening the view he will remain at Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho's commitment to work in Africa has been seen as an indicator he will be in place as manager next season, particularly as there has been a recent trend of managerial movement straight after the completion of the season. He has a contract until 2010 and wants to stay at Stamford Bridge, with chief executive Peter Kenyon stating earlier in the season that Mourinho would not be sacked despite reports of a tense relationship with owner Roman Abramovich. Mourinho will be in Ghana from next Tuesday to visit projects run by "Right To Play". He will be joined by Ghana international Michael Essien along with coaches and younger players.

Benayoun signs deal

Israel midfielder Yossi Benayoun has signed a new five-year contract at West Ham.

The 27-year-old played a key role in the Hammers escaping relegation from the Premiership and will now remain at Upton Park until 2012 at least after agreeing the new deal.

Eriksson "fishing"

Sven-Goran Eriksson has offered Manchester City an open invitation to make contact over their vacant manager's position.

"Manchester City is an established Premiership club with great potential," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"I know they have ambitions to be challenging higher up the table and, if they indicated they are interested in me becoming coach, of course I would talk to them."

Ashley to meet board

Newcastle United's board of directors - effectively the chairman Freddy Shepherd - has requested a meeting next week with Mike Ashley, the sports retail billionaire who offered £55 million for John Hall's 41 per cent stake in the club on Wednesday.

To gain full control Ashley has to get past the 75 per cent shareholding mark, though he wants 100 per cent ownership in order to take the club off the Stock Exchange.