Soccer Shorts

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

Rummenigge says 'daily corruption' must be stopped

KARL-HEINZ Rummenigge, the chairman of the European Club Association (ECA), has called for a club-led “revolution” against the “corrupt people” who govern football and called for his members to have a say in Fifa’s decision-making process.

The 55-year-old chief executive officer of Bayern Munich said he despaired at the “daily corruption process at Fifa” and asked the footballing authorities “to recognise that it’s time for democracy, transparency and the right balance in the football family”.

“I don’t accept any longer that we [should be] guided by people who are not serious and clean,” he said. “Now is the moment to intervene. Because knowing something is wrong is an obligation to change.” The ECA replaced G14 as the representative body for the leading European clubs and members include Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.

Rummenigge said there was a groundswell of public support for his stance in the wake of recent scandals, the life-ban for Mohamed bin Hammam and “questions about the Qatari World Cup”.

“It’s not just the top clubs, it’s all the clubs,” he said, adding the feeling of discontent was felt strongest in Germany, Switzerland and England.

Fifa itself was unable to change, he said. "Sepp Blatter is saying [that he's cleaning up shop] but the fact that no one believes him tells you everything you need to know." - Guardian Service

Northern Ireland recall for Healy

DAVID Healy has been recalled to the Northern Ireland squad for next month’s Euro 2012 qualifier against the Faroe Islands, with uncapped Derry forward James McClean also in Nigel Worthington’s 23-man group.

Healy, 31, was dropped for the Carling Nations Cup games against the Republic of Ireland and Wales in May due to Worthington’s concerns over his lack of game time at club level.

McClean, 22, could also get the chance to impress in the August 10th encounter at Windsor Park after having caught the eye with some fine displays in the Airtricity League.

SQUAD:Tuffey (Inverness), Camp (Nottingham Forest), Mannus (St Johnstone); J Evans (Manchester United), McGivern (Manchester City), Cathcart (Blackpool), McAuley (West Brom), Hughes (Fulham), Hodson (Watford); Baird (Fulham), McCann (Peterborough), McGinn (Celtic, on loan at Brentford), Gorman (Wolves), C Evans (Hull), Davis (Rangers), Clingan (Coventry), McCourt (Celtic); Feeney (Oldham), McQuoid (Millwall), McClean (Derry), Healy (Rangers), Ward (Derby), Paterson (Burnley).

West Ham up bid for Long

WEST Ham United have made an improved bid for Shane Long. Reading are understood to be seeking a minimum €8 million for the 24-year-old striker, which is more than West Ham are willing to pay for a player with one year left on his contract.

West Ham are, however, determined to sign Long and have gone back to Reading with a new offer under which they would pay a more significant chunk of the money being paid up front.

Argentina coach Batista resigns

ARGENTINA coach Sergio Batista resigned after the host nation failed to make the final of the Copa America, Argentine Football Association Ernesto Cherquis Bialo said.

Batista’s resignation was accepted by the association’s board, Bialo confirmed. “I dont know the reasons,” Cherquis Bialo said. “What I know is that yesterday we saw people play in the Monumental and Argentina wasn’t there.”

Uruguay beat Paraguay 3-0 in the Copa America final at Buenos Aires’s Estadio Monumental to win their record 15th Copa America and move one title ahead of Argentina.

- NIGEL Reo-Coker is set to complete his free transfer to Bolton Wanderers today after agreeing a two-year contract. The midfielder left Aston Villa at the end of last season. Subject to passing a routine medical, he will become Bolton’s second signing of the summer.

Vucinic agent claims United interest

ROMA striker Mirko Vucinics agent claims to have held preliminary discussions with Manchester United over a transfer.

Montenegro international Vucinic, 27, has been strongly linked with a move away from Roma this summer.

Juventus were thought to be favourites to land his signature and Blackburn were also credited with an interest.

United now appear to have emerged as surprise contenders to sign the forward, with his representative Alessandro Lucci saying contact has been made with the Premier League champions.

Lucci admits a deal is a long way off being agreed.

“The meeting with the leaders of Manchester United was yesterday, Lucci said. “It has only been a chat, in which no offers have been made nor was there an agreement sorted.

The English club, however, really like Vucinic, but to see him with the shirt of the Red Devils, there is still work to do.”

Larsson puts Rangers on back foot

RANGERS’ Champions League hopes are in jeopardy after Daniel Larsson’s first-half strike gave Malmo a 1-0 first-leg victory in their third-round qualifier at Ibrox.

The Swedish side’s winner came in the 17th minute when Larsson powered a drive from the edge of the box high past Allan McGregor.

Meanwhile, the BBC has issued an apology to Rangers after the club’s manager, Ally McCoist, vowed not to speak to the broadcaster amid anger over a news report aired on Friday.

McCoist was furious after claiming BBC network news unfairly edited a package in which he was questioned about violence and sectarianism around the Old Firm.

McCoist said: “I was adamant I would not speak to the BBC until the matter was resolved to my satisfaction so I am pleased an apology has been issued.”