Other soccer news in brief

Portsmouth sign veteran Niemi

PORTSMOUTH have confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Antti Niemi with the 37-year-old coming out of retirement to join the Premier League club. Former Finland international Niemi left Fulham in September 2008 and had announced he was calling time on his career, which included spells at Rangers, Hearts and Southampton.

Pompey boss Paul Hart, who earlier this week signed French striker Frederic Piquionne on loan from Lyon, believes the experienced stopper, set to provide cover for England number one David James, still has plenty to offer.

“Antti has got vast experience and will be a welcome addition to the squad,” Hart said.

“Our goalkeeping coach David Coles worked with him in the past and told me all about his character and his quality. He has a massive appetite to succeed and he relishes a challenge.”

Lafferty banned for two games for feigning injury

RANGERS striker Kyle Lafferty was yesterday hit with a two-match ban by the Scottish FA for feigning injury during last May’s Premier League victory over Aberdeen.

The game saw the 22-year-old collapse to the turf clutching his face as if he had been headbutted by Dons defender Charlie Mulgrew, who appeared to make no contact with the Northern Ireland international.

Lafferty, who later apologised for his behaviour, had already been fined by Rangers, while the red card Mulgrew received was rescinded.

But the SFA’s disciplinary committee wanted to examine the May 16th incident further and yesterday used the precedent set by Uefa when they suspended Saulius Mikoliunas for diving against Scotland two years ago.

Celtic defender Glenn Loovens was banned for one match for his challenge on Maurice Edu during the May 9th Old Firm derby. Loovens appeared to rake his studs down the leg of Rangers midfielder Edu. Lafferty and Loovens both have seven days to appeal.

Sullivan and Brady exonerated

BIRMINGHAM co-owner David Sullivan and managing director Karren Brady are not to be prosecuted after a two-year police probe into the midlands club over alleged tax irregularities.

The duo have released a joint statement confirming City of London Police and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs are not to proceed with any action.

Sullivan, who took charge of Blues along with chairman David Gold 15 years ago, and Brady have always been confident they would not face charges and now want to concentrate on the new season.

A statement issued on behalf of the duo read: “David Sullivan and Karren Brady are pleased to confirm that following a two-year investigation by City of London Police and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs into Birmingham City Football Club, they have today received written confirmation that a decision has been taken that no proceedings will be instituted.”

Ballack fit for German call-up

GERMANY captain Michael Ballack is in the squad for the 2010 World Cup qualifier in Azerbaijan on August 12th after overcoming a toe injury but fellow midfielder Torsten Frings has been dropped.

Ballack left his club Chelsea’s pre-season tour in the United States last month after fracturing his toe but appears to have fully recovered. Germany coach Joachim Loew dropped Frings in favour of VfB Stuttgart captain Thomas Hitzlsperger.