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

French politician calls for debate on salary cap

A FRENCH member of parliament called for debate on a proposed law to cap the salaries of soccer players after reports David Beckham is set to earn €800,000 a month from Paris Saint-Germain.

Jacques Remiller, a deputy from the French Alps for the ruling Union for a Popular Movement party, presented a bill to limit player salaries in June 2010. In a statement yesterday, Remiller asked that that the bill finally be put to a debate and vote in parliament.

“Shocked . . . by the salary David Beckham will receive, I’ve asked today that the president of the National Assembly inscribe my bill into the calendar,” Remiller said in a statement.

Le Parisienreported yesterday Beckham had agreed to a gross monthly salary of €800,000. His management agency XIX said the former England captain had "yet to make a final decision" on his future.

Arsenal put back Wolves match

ARSENAL’S PLANNED St Stephen’s Day home match against Wolves has been put back 24 hours to December 27th because of proposed industrial action by London Underground drivers.

Although a strike could still be averted, the north London club said the Premier League game would have to be moved “due to the preparation period needed to safely operate Emirates Stadium by all the relevant agencies”.

Chelsea announced yesterday their London derby with Fulham would go ahead despite the possible disruption. A British High Court judge was expected to decide whether to halt the planned strike by drivers embroiled in a pay row.

A statement regarding the match postponement from Arsenal read: “This decision has had to be made now, before the result of the legal challenge to the proposed industrial action is finally known, due to the preparation period needed to safely operate Emirates Stadium.”

United hopeful of early Jones return

MANCHESTER UNITED are hopeful that Phil Jones can make a rapid return to their pursuit of Manchester City despite sending him for an x-ray amid concerns he broke a cheekbone in their 5-0 win at Fulham.

Jones’s early departure at Craven Cottage, after taking an elbow in the face in an aerial challenge with Clint Dempsey, had led to fears he might face a six-week lay-off but the club’s initial diagnosis is that he suffered only bruising and minor concussion. That position remained the same yesterday morning and unless the scan shows it is more serious the England international will be free to resume training once United’s medical staff are satisfied he has overcome the effects of concussion.

Guardian Service

Kicking - keeper has red card rescinded

AZ ALKMAAR goalkeeper Esteban Alvarado, sent off for kicking a fan who ran on to the pitch to confront him, had his red card rescinded by the Dutch FA (KNVB) yesterday. Alkmaar’s Dutch Cup tie at Ajax Amsterdam was abandoned after 38 minutes on Wednesday after Alkmaar coach Gert Jan Verbeek ordered his players off the pitch following the incident.

“The ’keeper was attacked unexpectedly and therefore the prosecutor judged that his mood caused his response against his attacker,” the KNVB said in a statement on their website.

Costa Rican Esteban retaliated against the fan after being kicked himself. He was then sent off by Bas Nijhuis. The 19-year-old fan was arrested and has been handed a lifetime ban by Ajax.

Lennon does not rule out Boyd bid

CELTIC MANAGER Neil Lennon got Old Firm fans talking yesterday when he refused to rule out a bid for former Rangers striker Kris Boyd. The Scottish Premier League’s all-time top scorer this week terminated his contract with Turkish club Eskisehirspor after a dispute over unpaid wages. “As regards to that question (would it be a problem Boyd had played for Rangers?) no, I can’t see it being a problem,” said Lennon.

Rovers begin against Drogheda

SHAMROCK ROVERS will open the defence of their Airtricity League title at Drogheda United on Friday March 2nd. Rovers, who are expected to appoint Stephen Kenny in the coming days after Michael O’Neill announced his departure having guided to club to back-to-back titles, travel to Hunky Dorys Park on the opening day of the season.

If Kenny’s appointment goes ahead, the Dubliner will welcome former club Derry City to Tallaght at the end of April before travelling north to the Brandywell in July.

Shelbourne and Cork City, who won promotion, begin their campaigns against Sligo Rovers and UCD. Monaghan United, the third side to come up as the Premier Division was expanded to 12 teams, will meet Dundalk at Gortakeegan.

The season will run until October 26th. There will be a mid-season break to coincide with the Euro 2012 championships. For a full list log on to irishtimes.com/sports/soccer.