Soccer Shorts

A short look at what is happening in the world of soccer this morning.

Kenny rejects deal

Championship leaders Sheffield United are hoping to reach a compromise with Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Paddy Kenny after he turned down the offer of a two-year contract extension. The club are optimistic Kenny will agree to stay beyond the end of his present deal, which expires in summer 2007, but he is seeking better terms.

Manager Neil Warnock told the Yorkshire Post: "Paddy wants to stay and we have offered him a two-year extension - but he thinks he warrants a better deal. I am sure we can reach an agreement that suits both sides."

Boys from Brazil

Fifa yesterday published its shortlist for this year's World Player of the Year award, with Brazilians featuring heavily. The world champions have seven on the list of 30, including Real Madrid trio Robinho, Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo, last year's winner Ronaldinho of Barcelona, Inter Milan's Adriano and Cafu and Kaka of AC Milan. England is the second most represented nation with Real Madrid's David Beckham, Liverpool's Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard of Chelsea and Manchester United's Wayne Rooney all included.

The winner will be announced in Zurich on December 19th.

Tough task for Swiss

Switzerland, who pipped Ireland for a place in the play-offs to reach the World Cup finals in Germany next summer, will face one of the seeded countries - Spain, the Czech Republic or Turkey - in tomorrow's draw. Three European berths for the finals in Germany next summer are left to fill and six runners-up from the qualifying groups will play-off in a two-legged decider. The six countries are seeded on the basis of the Fifa world rankings from last month, and the three top seeds will play one of Norway, Slovakia and Switzerland.

A second draw will be conducted to determine which team will play the first leg at home and the matches will be played on Saturday, November 12th and Wednesday, November 16th.

Uruguay clinch spot

Uruguay clinched a play-off place against Australia when they beat Argentina 1-0 in their final game in the South American World Cup qualifying group. Alvaro Recoba scored the only goal of the game to finish fifth in the group.

Brazil crushed Venezuela 3-0 to finish top of the group. They finished level on 34 points with Argentina but pipped their arch rivals on goal difference after goals from Adriano, Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos.

In the CONCACAF region, Stern John scored twice to earn Trinidad & Tobago a play-off against Bahrain for a place in the finals. The striker - on loan at Derby from Coventry - missed a penalty early on but scored in the 42nd and 61st minutes as Trinidad beat Mexico 2-1 in the final game of the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying group.

Taxing for Maradona

Diego Maradona's troubles with the Italian tax authorities showed no sign of abating when the state broadcaster RAI was ordered to hand over the Argentine's earnings for his participation in a television dance show.

Italy's tax collection agency claims the 44-year-old owes more than €31 million in unpaid taxes dating back to his time as a player with Napoli between 1985 and 1991.

Maradona appeared three times on the Dancing With The Stars programme in September before pulling out abruptly last week. He said he was exhausted by having to travel between his home in Buenos Aires and Rome, where the show is based, especially after undergoing surgery on his stomach earlier this year in an attempt to gain control over his ballooning weight. The director of RAI One, Fabrizio Del Noce, said he had suspected Maradona's decision to quit the programme was due to other reasons.