Richards fears FA Cup woe

Micah Richards fears he may be sidelined for a month with a hamstring injury, a timescale that would rule him out of Manchester City's FA Cup semi-final with Manchester United.

• Young Lions maul Denmark
Richards lasted just five minutes of England Under-21s' 4-0 win in Denmark. He pulled up sharply and after treatment he was taken from the field on a stretcher.
The defender will head back to Eastlands for assessment, but he has already informed U21s' boss Stuart Pearce that he fears a month-long absence.
"Micah's injury was the only downside of the night," Pearce said. "He's got a hamstring problem. We don't know how serious it is yet but he's already diagnosed himself as being out for four weeks. But that's 'Dr Richards' talking though. It could be four days.
"So we'll see. Let's hope for City's sake and our preparations this summer it's not too serious."
City face United at Wembley on April 16, which hands Richards three weeks to shake off his injury.

Redknapp rejects Speed claims

Harry Redknapp has disputed claims by Wales manager Gary Speed, insisting Gareth Bale was fully fit when he reported for international duty.

• Wales lose Gareth Bale
• Ramsey named Wales skipper
• Wales v England preview
Bale has been ruled out of Saturday's Euro 2012 qualifier against England with a hamstring injury, and Speed said on Thursday that Bale had picked up the problem at Spurs.
However, Redknapp is adamant the winger was feeling fine after completing 90 minutes for Tottenham in their goalless draw against West Ham at the weekend.
"I wouldn't have let him go if he had an injury," Redknapp told the Daily Mail. "Gareth played for 90 minutes against West Ham on Saturday and they tell me the figures from that game show he covered more ground than he's ever done before.
"There was no sign of a hamstring injury. He's not come in after the game and said his hamstrings were tight. When he left here on Saturday, off he went and he certainly wasn't injured.
"He hasn't had a hamstring injury. He had a back, then he had a tight thigh and we've been very careful with him. Now he's got a hamstring. He must've done it with Wales. I'm not blaming anyone. It's no one's fault."
With Tottenham's Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid in less than a fortnight, Redknapp is hopeful Bale will be ready after a week's rest, although he admits there is a risk of further aggravating the injury.
"The first I heard of it was at 10 o'clock on Wednesday night when our physio called me," Redknapp said. "I feared the worst but he's seen our physio and it's only tightness. There's no tear but if he plays and it pings, he's had it."

Nani: Fergie limits my freedom

Manchester United winger Nani has revealed he is playing within his abilities because manager Sir Alex Ferguson restricts his "freedom" on the pitch.

Portuguese trickster Nani has been, perhaps unfairly, living in the shadow of former United star Cristiano Ronaldo during his time at Old Trafford, but this season he has gone some way to filling his countryman's boots by translating his undoubted ability into goals and assists.
But Nani said he has sacrificed some of his personal joy for the game and put a limit on the amount of tricks he executes on the pitch in the pursuit of increased effectiveness.
"I try to enjoy playing now, but it is not always possible because I have a responsibility to the team," Nani told Spain's Don Balón.
"But something of the street remains in me. It is not easy to show at United because Sir Alex does not allow very much freedom and I cannot do the tricks and things I did with my friends."
Nani presumably refers to the sort of expressive wing play that could humiliate opponents but risks giving the ball away. He hinted that Ferguson is more relaxed about his star winger trying the spectacular against weaker opposition when United have the lion's share of possession.
"When the game is under control I take a risk and it makes me very happy if things work out."

Redknapp: I wouldn't sell Modric

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp claims no amount of money could tempt him to part with Luka Modric.

PA PhotosLuka Modric appears certain to stay at Tottenham, but Niko Kranjcar's future is less clear

Modric, 25, has been key to Spurs' recent success and has subsequently been linked with many of the top teams in Europe. Juventus and Inter are among the clubs said to have expressed an interest of late, and the player's agent, Mario Mamic, was forced to dismiss speculation in Italy on Thursday.
"These are just rumours," Mamic told Calcio Mercato. "Luka has a contract until 2016 and Tottenham have no plans to sell him. He has an excellent relationship with the coach, Redknapp, and only signed a contract extension with Spurs last summer."
Redknapp, asked about the midfielder in an interview with Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti, reiterated that Spurs would not entertain any offers.
"I wouldn't want to sell him for £100 million," Redknapp said. "Not even for a billion. He's the hub of the team."
It appears the future is less certain for the rest of Tottenham's Croatian contingent.
Niko Kranjcar has expressed a desire for first-team football and, while he rejected a move to Werder Bremen in January and then scored match-winners in successive games against Bolton and Sunderland in February, he has not started a game since.
"Niko's a great player and a great guy, very polite, but the guy just has no luck," Redknapp said. "I don't want him to leave the club - he was fantastic last season - but we've got Gareth Bale out on the left of midfield.
"Believe me, he'll be back in the team. I don't know when, but he will be back."
Asked about suggestions Vedran Corluka could leave White Hart Lane, Redknapp said: "I would be sorry to lose him.
"He's a really upbeat guy, always does what I ask him, but unfortunately he suffered the injury in that stupid challenge from Flamini [at AC Milan] and it ended that great run of form he was in."
Goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa added to the club's Croatian contingent when he joined on loan from Spartak Moscow, but he has made just one appearance for Tottenham.
Redknapp said: "Pletikosa has been really good in training, but what I would say is, 'What would you do in my position if you had Heurelho Gomes? Gomes is in great shape, and you can't play everyone."

From Real Madrid to Manchester City – the teams that Jose Mourinho could be coaching in 2011-12

Despite Real Madrid's current winning mentality under the tutelage of Jose Mourinho, media speculation over his future remains rife, and while 'the Special One' may love the attention, fans are left wondering where the Portuguese coach will end up next season.

A vast array of teams are undergoing managerial reshuffles at the moment, and given his almost immediate success at every team he has worked with, Mourinho's name tends to be associated with Europe's top jobs on a regular basis.

The likes of Roma and Bayern Munich will require major rebuilding jobs, while Manchester City's billions could prove too tempting to turn down.

Manchester United isn't out of the question, especially if Sir Alex Ferguson achieves his long-held ambition of knocking Liverpool well and truly off their perch by eclipsing their league titles record, and a return to former club Chelsea could even be on the cards.

Weighing up the options, Goal.com looks at the possible destinations for Mourinho, come the start of next season...

Is there a special club for the Special One? | Mourinho mulls over his next move

Real Madrid	Perhaps the most obvious option, Mourinho's current club are having one of the best seasons in their history in terms of results. Despite the incredible success, Barcelona are still touted as "the best team in the world", a title Mourinho will no doubt look to pilfer for the Spanish giants. With so many world-class players at his disposal, why would Mourinho want to leave the Bernabeu? Well, Jorge Valdano's continuing presence as general director could cloud the issue, with the pair seemingly at war behind the scenes and the Bernabeu doesn't appear big enough for both of their egos.
Inter	As Rafael Benitez's tenure at the Italian club began to go south, there was one word on every Nerazzurri fan's lips: Mourinho. 'The Special One' had only been gone a few months, and his treble-winning club had been reduced to mid-table strugglers. However, since former AC Milan boss Leonardo took over, Inter are now two points off the top, meaning the reigning Italian champions will likely stick with the Brazilian.
Roma	Falling apart at the seams domestically and in Europe, 2010-11 has been a truly disastrous year for Roma - but there is light at the end of the tunnel. The fallen Italian giants are now on the cusp of new ownership, from individuals who will have a vision of success for their latest acquisition. The capital club will need a new coach to rebuild - could Mourinho be the man to do it?
Man City	Long has Mourinho claimed that he will return to the Premier League, and with Roberto Mancini looking likely to be on his way out of the exit door in the summer, the Portuguese coach may be enticed to a club with a limitless transfer budget and plenty of top-class talent.
Chelsea	While Mourinho may be a constant source of media gold with his controversial opinions and slick quips, he is not one for burning bridges (no pun intended) with his former clubs. Choosing a Premier League team other than Chelsea would be an affront to Blues fans that he may want to avoid, and with Carlo Ancelotti's performance being 'reviewed' by the Chelsea board at the end of the season, Mourinho may find himself more than welcome at Stamford Bridge.
Man Utd	For long now has Mourinho been endorsed as the natural heir to Sir Alex Ferguson due to his success and adaptability. While the Scot has built an unrivalled legacy at Old Trafford of such renown that he has even put off retiring to preserve it, Red Devils fans and the board members themselves will no doubt be looking at Mourinho as Fergie's possible successor, and the key to sustained success at the club.
Bayern Munich	When you think of successful German clubs, the first name that springs to mind is Bayern Munich, but this season hasn't been a good one for the giants of the Bundesliga. They have failed drastically to dominate the league and have been dumped out of Europe. Add that to a team of players with no inspiration or direction - and one of the most rickety defensive lines in Europe - and you get a team in desperate need of a coach with vision, something that Mourinho could provide.
Portugal	A much less likely destination, Mourinho could find himself at the helm of Portugal to guide them towards Euro 2012 glory. Perhaps not, as Paulo Bento has been performing well since taking over from Carlos Queiroz, but Mourinho has said before that he would love to coach his national side eventually, so the Seleccao may well be graced with his presence at some time in the future.

Manchester United & Real Madrid target Daniele De Rossi will not leave Roma - former striker Ruggiero Rizzitelli

Former Roma striker Ruggiero Rizzitelli insists Daniele De Rossi will not be leaving the club.

Despite reported interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid, Rizzitelli says the incoming owners would not contemplate the sale of a key member of the squad.

De Rossi retains the ambition of becoming the future Roma captain, taking over from Francesco Totti. He would therefore reject any advances from interested clubs in order to become a major power at the club, according to the 43-year-old.

His current contract expires in 2012 but Rizzitelli believes that his future at Roma extends far beyond that.

"The truth is De Rossi won't leave Roma. He is their Bandiera player, the future captain. He is already named as the new captain after Francesco Totti," he told Goal.com.

"De Rossi has already rejected Real Madrid in the past. Two years ago the club had asked for him, but he and [former Roma owners] the Sensi family said no because he is a Roman, a Romanista and he wants to end his career at Roma like Totti.

"His dream is to remain at Roma with the backing of the new owners and the promise of a strong team to challenge."

Rumours suggested that changes in the boardroom and the prospective takeover led by Thomas DiBenedetto's American consortium had destabilised the midfielder, who is concerned over how the move would affect the club and his own standing within the structure.

Aye aye captain | De Rossi to inherit Roma armband from Totti

Rizzitelli sent a powerful reminder to the owners, telling them fans would not stand for a De Rossi sale. Plans are already in place to keep the current group of players together, of which the 27-year-old is considered the future leader.

"I think the problem with De Rossi were the recent events regarding the new ownership," he added.

"But once the new owners come in, they won't be thinking of selling De Rossi to Real Madrid as the Roma fans are expecting a new team, a strong side who can challenge for the league.

"If they sold him, the new owners would be starting off on the wrong foot.

"Plus, the fans at Trigoria would not allow the club to sell De Rossi."

Born and bred in the Italian capital, De Rossi has endured recent tribulations in his life away from the pitch. The death of his father-in-law and divorce from his wife has led to speculation that he has grown weary with life in the city.

Furthermore, he has faced criticism and received a temporary exclusion from Italy boss Cesare Prandelli following his UEFA ban for lashing out at Darijo Srna in a recent Champions League game with Shakhtar Donetsk.

Rizzitelli agrees with the code of ethics practice being adopted by Roma, and he expects the midfielder will benefit from Prandelli's decision.

"I think this is the right thing and it's good for Prandelli to do this. He had something like this at Fiorentina too. The fundamental thing for champion players is to have respect for the opposition," the former Italy international said.

"De Rossi is a champion player, but even he has to be 'punished', so players will understand.

"It's the right thing to do and Prandelli did confirm he would do this when he became coach of the national side."

Mourinho: Real not afraid of history

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho believes he can break Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League jinx and qualify for the quarter-finals by beating Lyon on Wednesday.

Mourinho brought success to FC Porto in 2004 when he led the side to the trophy, but his new job at Real Madrid brings much more pressure to bring home silverware in Europe, something they have not done since 2002.
Madrid have failed to get past the round-of-16 in the last six seasons and face bogey-team Lyon, who have never lost to them. However, Mourinho claims that he will upset the history books by sealing his side's progress to the next phase.
"My team are not afraid of recent history; statistics exist so that we can go out and contradict them," Mourinho told the UEFA website. ''Sure [Lyon] have quality, but we must eliminate them. "I've already done that [with Porto] on my way to winning the tournament."
Meanwhile, former Chelsea and Real Madrid star Claude Makelele has branded the Portuguese boss 'calculating' and 'cruel' despite his great success.
Makelele told El Confidencial: "Mourinho is a winner. He knows how to use you and how to motivate you to get everything from you. In these terms he is a great coach. The problem is when you drop off. At that point he is calculating, cruel and ambitious."

Ferguson: United still have magic

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has used his programme notes ahead of the Champions League clash with Marseille to hit back at claims from Didier Deschamps that his side lack the "fantasy" of their predecessors.

United certainly did not have any spark in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 clash with Marseille that ended 0-0, but Ferguson is confident that his side have enough "magic" to progress to the next round.
''I hope we can show Didier Deschamps that despite his suggestion that our present side doesn't have as much 'fantasy' compared with our team of a few years ago, we are still capable of producing our fair share of magic,'' he wrote.
''I take his point because the side that captured the unique Treble [in 1999] was something quite special, but don't underestimate the boys of today.''
Marseille last visited Old Trafford in 1999-2000, with the United side still on a high after their historical feat but, despite their dominance in Europe so far, Deschamps is confident that his side can upset the odds.
"If you look at the match purely from a statistical point of view, Manchester United have not been defeated at home for a long time,'' he said. ''They have conceded only one goal in seven Champions League games and are a very strong side, so it is a tough task.
"In addition they are one of four or five teams who have a realistic chance of winning the Champions League. On paper you would fully expect Manchester United to qualify. But we have a chance, a little opportunity. Football is not about statistics alone."

Nani boost for United

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Nani is set to face Marseille on Tuesday after he returned to training on Monday.

• Ferguson: Nani will miss three games
• Rooney thrilled to have Valencia back
• Arrests made in FA Youth Cup tie
Nani suffered a gash in his leg in a high challenge from Jamie Carragher during the 3-1 defeat at Liverpool, and Ferguson had said on Friday that he would not be available for United until after the international break.
However, the Manchester United manager revealed this weekend that Nani had recovered more quickly than expected and could be available for Tuesday's Champions League tie at Old Trafford.
Nani then made a return to training on Monday morning and, afterwards, Ferguson said at a press conference: "There's a good chance he'll be involved. He and Michael Carrick trained on Sunday. Both will be involved tomorrow [against Marseille]."
Michael Owen was also in training along with Antonio Valencia, who made his comeback from a broken ankle during Saturday's FA Cup victory over Arsenal.
"It's great to have [Valencia] back," Ferguson said. "The question is should I play him from the start. It's a fantastic bonus to have him back."
Park Ji-Sung, recovering from a hamstring injury, was taking part in separate fitness work with one of the coaches, while Owen Hargreaves - who sustained a hamstring injury six minutes into his most recent comeback in November - was training with the reserves.
"The key is to have everyone available," Ferguson said. "We're in three competitions. Ji-Sung Park is making good progress - we'll hopefully have him back for Saturday [against Bolton].
"Owen Hargreaves started training. You never know, we may have him available for the end of the season. The important thing is to have players for the run-in. If you do that then it increases our chances [of success]."
Rio Ferdinand was, as expected, absent from Monday's training session, as was Nemanja Vidic after he picked up a minor injury against Arsenal.
"He got a knock in Saturday's game," Ferguson said. "He was getting treatment on it this morning and so couldn't train."
Vidic is expected to be available to face Marseille, though, but Darren Fletcher appears more doubtful after he missed out on the training session due to a virus.
Ferguson was keen to emphasise Marseille's quality as United look to improve on their performance in the 0-0 draw at the Stade Velodrome.
"We have to recognise Marseille are an experienced, powerful side," he said. "They've showed their qualities away from home and that's what we'll be up against on Tuesday."

Birmingham City 2-3 Bolton Wanderers: Dramatic late Lee Chung-Yong winner sends Coyle's men to Wembley for FA Cup semi-finals

Bolton Wanderers secured a place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup with a last-gasp winner from Chung-Yong Lee against Birmingham City.
A gripping cup tie looked like it was heading for a replay after Kevin Phillips’ equaliser in the 80^th minute, but anything less than a victory for Bolton would have been harsh for the team who were never behind in the match.
The match was initially slow to kick into life, with a bobbly pitch not helping either team particularly well, though a strong visiting side looked slightly more comfortable than a much-changed Birmingham team.
In the 18^th minute the Trotters came close to opening the scoring, following a fine passing move involving Ivan Klasnic, Kevin Davies and Stuart Holden, with the latter unable to control the ball properly, as it rolled to Ben Foster.
Birmingham had a fair warning that Bolton were in the mood, and in the 22^nd minute, the Wanderers took the lead through an altogether more direct route.
A long ball from Jussi Jaaskelainen – making his 500^th appearance for Bolton, was partially cleared, but Fabrice Muamba headed on to Klasnic, who produced a fine flick to send Johan Elmander through on goal.
The Swede hadn’t scored for 10 matches, but showed no sign of rustiness, slamming the ball past Foster who had no chance of stopping the shot.
Things went from bad to worse for Birmingham, who had to make two substitutions in the next eight minutes, as first Martin Jiranek, who had been struggling for some time after Holden had accidentally trodden on his ankle, was replaced by Liam Ridgewell.
Captain Barry Ferguson, playing with a broken rib, was then forced to leave the field seemingly with a thigh problem, to be replaced by Nathan Redmond, who celebrated his 17^th birthday only six days before the match.
The encounter was beginning to get bogged down in a battle of long balls, and Birmingham found their way back into the match through one such opportunity.
A long ball flicked on by Cameron Jerome was cleared poorly by David Wheater, straight back to the striker, who took a touch before hitting the ball on the half-volley into the bottom corner of Jaaskelainen’s net.
The'keeper could be disappointed to be beaten by the shot, especially considering it was at his near post. Owen Coyle will certainly be angry that such a simple goal got Birmingham level, with Wheater failing so far to impress when filling in for the injured Zat Knight.
That was the last real action in the first half, and the first flash point of the second came after seven minutes when a long ball was pumped into the box, this time by Bolton, and after the ball was flicked on in the penalty area, the ball hit Curtis Davies on the hand. However, referee Phil Dowd gave a free-kick to Birmingham, after Gary Cahill had pushed Davies in the back.

Spurs suffer Palacios injury blow

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Wilson Palacios has been ruled out of action for three weeks after undergoing surgery on a knee injury.

• Harry fears for King
• Gomes: Sandro like Dunga
Palacios reported the complaint to Spurs' medical staff during a training session on Thursday, the day after the club's 0-0 draw with AC Milan.
The Honduras international underwent an arthroscopy during a minor operation on Saturday.
Palacios, 26, has played 30 times for the club this season, his most recent appearance being Tottenham's 3-1 defeat at Blackpool two and a half weeks ago.
He was a regular in the Spurs XI last season but has found himself used more sparingly this term, with manager Harry Redknapp preferring to use Tom Huddlestone, Luka Modric, Jermaine Jenas and Brazil midfielder Sandro in central midfield.
Palacios will miss Tottenham's Premier League matches against West Ham and his former club Wigan, but should have recovered in time to be available for the first leg of the club's Champions League quarter final - the draw for which is made next Friday.

FA: Capello has final captain call

The Football Association insist Fabio Capello will have the final say on who should captain England in this month's Euro 2012 qualifier with Wales amid growing speculation John Terry could get the armband back.

Current skipper Rio Ferdinand is virtually certain to miss the encounter at the Millennium Stadium on March 26 as he is only just ready to return to training following a calf injury that has kept the Manchester United defender out for six weeks.
Ferdinand's deputy, Liverpool's Steven Gerrard, is already sidelined after undergoing a groin operation.
On the basis of what happened in Denmark last month, Terry's Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard will get the armband, with either Wayne Rooney or Gareth Barry being appointed vice-captain for a double-header that also includes a friendly against Ghana at Wembley on March 29.
However, the Daily Mail suggests Capello is considering whether to re-appoint Terry less than 14 months after stripping him of the honour in the wake of a well-publicised personal scandal.
There has been no official comment from the FA on the matter. Privately though, they insist the matter is one for Capello to determine and will back the Italian in his choice.
It is a delicate decision for a number of reasons, not least because Lampard in particular has plenty of experience of doing the captain's job at Chelsea when Terry has been missing.
Yet it cannot have escaped Capello's attention that Terry has featured in eight of the 13 games England have played since he lost the captaincy, compared to Ferdinand, who has only managed four appearances.
His leadership qualities are beyond question, even if he was publicly slapped down by Capello when he spoke of concerns about life in England's Rustenburg training camp during the ill-fated World Cup campaign.
A final decision is yet to be made, with Capello not due to name his squad until March 20.

Fergie: Carragher tackle "disgraceful"

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has branded Jamie Carragher's tackle on Nani during last week's 3-1 defeat at Liverpool "disgraceful".

• Nani to miss key games
• Ferguson breaks silence
• Nani angry over injury
• Carrick not looking past Arsenal
Nani left the pitch on a stretcher and could be sidelined for up to three weeks after requiring stitches to repair a deep leg wound.
Ferguson did not immediately comment on the first-half incident at Anfield, for which Carragher was only booked, due to a self-imposed media blackout, but has now broken his silence.
"It was a disgraceful tackle, we know that, but you move on," said Ferguson. "It is difficult to say exactly when he will be ready to return but we won't get him back for Bolton next Saturday."
He is definitely out of Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final against Arsenal, as well as Tuesday's match with Marseille.
"We've managed to stitch it, which is great news. What we're guarding against, of course, is infection," Ferguson added.
"The swelling has gone down a great deal, which is good news - but to give you a date for when he is coming back is very difficult to say.
"On the plus side, we've got a two-week international break from next Saturday, so he'll be ready for the return after that obviously, that's for sure."
Many observers felt Carragher's challenge warranted a straight red card and the Liverpool defender made a personal apology to Nani immediately after the game.
The 24-year-old winger will be one of ten senior players missing for United's FA Cup quarter-final clash with Arsenal on Saturday afternoon.

Crouch: Spurs can go all the way

Tottenham striker Peter Crouch believes his side can win this season's Champions League and insists he would welcome the opportunity to face tournament favourites Barcelona.

GettyImagesPeter Crouch is determined to reach his second Champions League final

Crouch scored the only goal of the tie - in a 1-0 win at the San Siro - as Spurs beat AC Milan over two legs to reach the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in their history.
And after disposing of the Serie A leaders, Crouch says Tottenham are supremely confident of getting all the way to the final at nearby Wembley Stadum on May 28.
Shakhtar Donetsk, Schalke and Barca have already joined Spurs in the last eight, while Manchester United, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are favourites to join them next week. But Crouch believes Harry Redknapp's side have what it takes to beat any of those teams.
"Why can't we go all the way? Wembley is just up the road, there is not far to go now and we are starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel," Crouch said.
"Barcelona are fantastic and a joy to watch but we have match-winners too and have shown that, when needs be, we can be resilient too. I can't give you one reason why we can't get to the final.
"Barcelona would be difficult - they are the team to beat, without a doubt. They gave a display the other night of what they can do. But here, on our day at White Hart Lane and with the crowd behind us, anything is possible.
"We can achieve anything now. We have good enough players to achieve big things and this result has gone a long way to proving that. If you look at the attacking talent AC have, it's great credit to our whole team for two clean sheets and defending so well over two legs."
Crouch is the only player in the Spurs squad who can boast previous Champions League final experience, having come on as a substitute for Liverpool when they lost the 2007 showpiece to Milan in Athens.
But the England striker believes Spurs' current crop possess more quality than the Reds side that finished runners-up in four years ago.
"Individually we are a better team," he said. "When we reached the final we were extremely well organised, knew our jobs inside out. But Tottenham have better individuals and better attacking flair going forward."

President suspended over Messi bid

The president of a French village team has been suspended by the French Football Federation (FFF) after he launched a transfer bid for Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.

GettyImagesArgentina's Lionel Messi is a two-time FIFA World Player of the Year.

Cedric Enjolras, president of FC Borne, has been hit with a six-month ban, three of which are suspended, after he attempted to lodge the joke bid with the Catalan giants.
Borne, a village of 400 people, play in the second division of the Haute-Loire league and their transfer offer was blocked by the player registration office of the FFF.
"To submit bids among small clubs, you need to fill out forms on the internet," Enjolras is reported as saying by The Guardian. "I decided to register a bid so I typed the name Lionel Messi, his date of birth and his parent club into the system. Then the league transmitted the request to the federation.
"They were shocked by it and refused to send it to their Spanish counterparts. I have been suspended for six months, of which three are suspended. It was just a joke, to amuse friends."
The FFF failed to see the funny side of the audacious bid and described the club's behaviour as unacceptable.
"One cannot accept such behaviour," said Yves Begon of the player registration office. "It is perhaps a joke but we are here to judge the facts."

Drogba defends Toure

Chelsea's Didier Drogba has defended Ivory Coast team-mate Kolo Toure and said his failed drugs test was "a stupid mistake" rather than an act of cheating.

GettyImagesKolo Toure and Didier Drogba are international teammates for the Ivory Coast.

It was revealed on March 3 the 29-year-old Manchester City defender Toure had tested positive for "a specified substance'' and he was hit with an immediate suspension.
He has received the backing of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, his former boss, who also claimed that Toure believes the failed test happened after he took one of his wife's slimming tablet.
His brother and Manchester City team-mate Yaya has also defended his sibling and now Chelsea striker Drogba has stood in his friend's corner.
"It would be a difficult situation for us if he is banned because he is one of the most important players, one of the oldest, most experienced players," Drogba said.
"It would be very difficult for us if something like this happens. I think we all know how stupid it was, the mistake, and I don't think he did it to improve his performance. I think it was just a mistake and we feel sorry for him and he has all our support, and that's the maximum we can do.
"I spoke to him and he was down, but that is normal. He said it was just a mistake. There's not a big difference between what is said by Arsene Wenger and what he said (to me)."

Alan on the spot

Liverpool failed in their attempts to equal a club record 14-match unbeaten run in Europe with a 1-0 defeat against Braga in their last-16 first-leg Europa League tie in Portugal.
• Dalglish: We were sloppy
The location of the AXA Stadium is no stranger to displays of hard labour, having been carved into the face of the former Monte Castro quarry.
But Kenny Dalglish's side were so devoid of movement at times they appeared to be taking inspiration from the huge chunks of rock still visible at one end of the unique ground.
They lacked pace and creativity without injured captain Steven Gerrard and the ineligible livewire forward Luis Suarez, who was instrumental in terrorising Manchester United in Sunday's 3-1 victory.
Even a European debut for £35million record signing Andy Carroll after half-time could not turn things around after Brazilian Alan had converted a 17th-minute penalty.
The omens were there from the start with a side featuring three defensive midfielders - albeit with Jay Spearing patrolling the right side of a 4-2-3-1 - which still never looked comfortable or particularly solid.
They spent much of the opening quarter of an hour chasing possession, although the hosts never came close to threatening Jose Reina's goal.
They were just getting into their stride, however, and in the 17th minute when Mossoro raced onto a through-ball to the right of the penalty area he was brought down by Sotirios Krygiakos' mis-timed tackle.
The spot-kick was expertly slotted away by the Brazilian, who must have one of the least exotically-sounding names of all his countrymen.
Raul Meireles was given a hard time by Braga fans on his return to his homeland, having moved to Anfield from nearby Porto.
He had a rare shooting opportunity from a 25-yard free-kick but drilled his effort into the wall.
Pressure was growing on Liverpool though and centre-back Kaka, almost lived up to the reputation of his more illustrious namesake when he attempted a cheeky shot from a narrow angle after taking a corner but drilled the ball into the side-netting.
Left-back Silvio went even closer with a thunderous 35-yard volley which beat Reina but rattled back off the crossbar.
The visitors were crying out for some creativity and pace to be injected and to that end all seven substitutes were sent out to warm-up during the interval.
Ten minutes after the restart Carroll was sent on for Christian Poulsen, with Spearing dropping back into central midfield and Meireles moving to the right.
His early involvement saw him head over Meireles' corner, although he was adjudged to have committed a foul in the act, and then had a shot deflected for a corner.
Carroll's arrival certainly livened things up, with Braga unable to handle his aerial power; Liverpool's problem was they were not proving him with decent enough crosses to threaten the hosts' goal.
When Meireles did whip one in from the right it was Dirk Kuyt who controlled it and volleyed over the crossbar.
The closing stages became increasingly scrappy as the Reds pushed for an equaliser.
Carroll continued to win headers with confident regularity but they were mostly in non-threatening positions from Reina's long punts up field, with absolutely no service coming from either flank with Cole cutting a particularly inconsequential figure.
Braga by no means look like a side who will pose a significant danger at Anfield in a week's time but Liverpool's greatest problems are of their own making.
They have scored once in five away matches in Europe this season. Their home record is much better, and they need it to be if they are to turn things around.

Dalglish: We were sloppyLiverpool manager Kenny Dalglish was unhappy with his side's poor first-half performance in the 1-0 Europa League last-16 first-leg defeat in Braga.''It was a very poor first-half performance from ourselves and I have no complaints about the penalty,'' said the Scot. ''We picked it up in the second half and we looked a lot more threatening when Andy came on. It was easier to be happier with the second half than the first.''Considering the way we played in the first half we are fortunate to come away with a 1-0 because when you play as badly as that you are grateful you lose 1-0.''You don't know if it is a good or bad result until the second leg is over but there is no-one in there who is pleased with the performance or the result.''But until next Thursday I won't be able to assess whether we have been fortunate or contributed to our own downfall by selection of passes, no movement - we were just a bit sloppy, really.''Dalglish was pleased to be able to give Carroll more time on the pitch, with the striker impressing with his aerial ability, winning every header he contested.''We played better once he came on and he was a good option for us,'' he added. ''We have to give him as many minutes as we can to make sure he makes a contribution. That is a bit longer than he got on Sunday and we will continue to make a contribution towards his fitness.''Carroll appeared to be caught in the face by centre-back Kaka's elbow late in the game but Dalglish claimed he had not seen the incident clearly.''I saw the two of them collide but I didn't see where he connected with Andy,'' added the Reds boss.Braga coach Domingos Paciencia was pleased with the victory but knows they face a tough task at Anfield.''We knew that it would not be easy and it was good we didn't concede because at this stage of the competition it is not easy,'' he said. ''I am optimistic but I know Liverpool are a big team, one of the teams who can win the competition so we have to be very careful.''

Nani out of key games

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed Nani will be out of action for Manchester United's next three games.

PA PhotosNani protests to referee Phil Dowd as Jamie Carragher escapes a red card for his tackle

• Nani angry over injury
Nani had to be substituted during the 3-1 defeat at Liverpool on Sunday after he suffered a deep gash in a challenge from Jamie Carragher.
Ferguson was relatively upbeat about the injury but said he will be sidelined for Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final clash with Arsenal, Tuesday's Champions League tie with Marseille and the Premier League game against Bolton next weekend.
"We have managed to stitch the injury, which is good news," Ferguson said. "We need to guard against infection and swelling.
"It is difficult to say exactly when he will be ready to return but we won't get him back for the Bolton match next Saturday."
However, he added: "We do have a two-week break after next Saturday. He will be ready for the return of that, that's for sure."
Reports had suggested Antonio Valencia and Park Ji-Sung could be back in the squad to face Arsenal after lengthy spells on the sidelines, but Ferguson ruled out the prospect that they could be involved.
"Antonio is difficult to assess because he has been out for such a long time," Ferguson said. "He has been training very well and is taking part in a few practice matches between the players.
"It is deciding when we can put him into the cut and thrust of a game. There is a question mark over the timing but at some point, we are going to have to try it.
"It won't be tomorrow. Hopefully it will be quite soon."
With Rio Ferdinand also ruled out, United will be without ten first-team players, but Ferguson has vowed to select his strongest team.
"A quarter-final tie against Arsenal is always an exciting game," he said. "It is an opportunity to get to the semi-final, so we will be doing our best and we will play our best available team."
United have been on a disappointing run of form of late, losing their last two Premier League games and putting in subpar performances away at Marseille and in the FA Cup against Crawley, but Ferguson is happy that his team are still in contention for three trophies.
"You have to look forward," he said. "We have big opportunities at the club and there are a lot of challenges ahead for the rest of the season.
"It is terrific to be involved in the middle of March. Every game you play is of importance. We have Tuesday's game against Marseille and Bolton in a league game next weekend. It goes on and on.
"That is why you get to March and hope you are involved in all these things. We are."

Mancini: Balotelli deaf to my advice

Roberto Mancini has admitted that he is struggling to get through to hot-headed Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli.

• Kolo Toure fails drugs test
• Manchester City v Wigan preview
• Live on ESPN UK's Free Weekend
Italian international Balotelli has scored six goals in ten Premier League games this season but has struggled to maintain his discipline on the pitch and was substituted during City's FA Cup clash against Aston Villa this week to prevent him picking up a second red card for the season.
As his former boss at Inter Milan, Mancini should have known what to expect when he spent £24 million on the 20-year-old. However, any thoughts the pair have a special relationship can quickly be dismissed.
"He is not listening to me,'' Mancini said. "I speak but I don't think he listens.''
However, as long as Balotelli continues to score and work hard for the team Mancini will be happy and the striker should be handed another chance to shine against Wigan this weekend.
"It is not important that he doesn't listen to me,'' he said. "What is important is that he does well, that he scores.
"But I know he can do better because I know his quality. He can change every game if he wants. He could score in every game. I hope, for him and us, he can understand this very quickly.''
Defender Kolo Toure will not face Wigan after being suspended for failing a drugs test and Mancini is likely to offer an instant recall to Vincent Kompany, providing the Belgium international reports for duty without pain after a recent hip complaint.
Mancini is also ready to welcome back midfield enforcer Nigel de Jong after a six-match absence with an ankle injury, although the combative Dutchman will have to be content with a place on the bench.
"Nigel has been out for a month so it is difficult for him to be 100%,'' Mancini said. "Maybe he could be on the bench to play for 20 minutes or half an hour. Then he can be ready for Dynamo Kiev next Thursday.''

Fletcher signs new United deal

Scotland international Darren Fletcher has signed a new four-year contract with Manchester United.

• Carrick signs extension
• Evra signs new United deal
• Anderson signs until 2015
• Giggs plays for another year
Fletcher, who is now committed to the Premier League leaders until the summer of 2015, joins Ryan Giggs, Patrice Evra, Anderson and Michael Carrick in penning an extended deal with United.
The 27-year-old has made 288 appearances, scoring 21 goals, for the Old Trafford club since making his debut in a Champions League tie aganst FC Basel in March 2003.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said: "Darren has been at the club since he was 15. I am extremely proud that he came through the ranks of our youth academy and am delighted Darren has signed a new contract. He has developed into a top-class midfielder.''
Fletcher added: "I take great pride in playing for Manchester United. I have won many trophies in my years playing here and I am looking forward to winning many more in the seasons to come. I would like to thank everyone at the club.''

Kolo took wife's diet pill - Wenger

Manchester City's Kolo Toure failed a drugs test after taking a diet pill belonging to his wife, according to the defender's former manager Arsene Wenger.

• Kolo Toure suspended over drug test
• Manchester City v Wigan preview
• Live on ESPN UK's Free Weekend
Wenger, who brought Toure to Arsenal in 2002, claimed that the Ivory Coast international had taken the pill after struggling with weight problems.
Toure was suspended by City on Thursday after testing positive for a "specified substance", and faces a range of punishments from a warning to a two-year ban.
Wenger said: "He wants to control his weight a little bit because that's where he has some problems and he took the product of his wife.
"It is a complete surprise because I had Kolo here for years. Very honest living, clean life, always at home - a family man. I do not suspect him at all to have taken drugs to enhance his performances.
"He was not cautious enough. I do not think there was a desire there to do something wrong and then hide it."
A "specified substance" is, as the World Anti-Doping Agency defines it, one that is "more susceptible to a credible, non-doping explanation".
Earlier this week, UK Anti-Doping revealed that Hamilton midfielder Simon Mensing had served a month-long suspension after failing a drugs test in seemingly similar circumstances. The 28-year-old tested positive for the stimulant methylhexaneamine, which was present in a dietary supplement.
Toure joined City in a £14 million deal from Arsenal in 2009 and served as the club's captain until Carlos Tevez took over last summer.

Cathcart: We can shock Chelsea

Blackpool defender Craig Cathcart believes that his side can upset the odds and beat Chelsea on Monday evening.

Blackpool have won just one of the last six games and face a Blues side rejuvenated by their 2-1 win over Manchester United, but they have already picked up some surprise results this season.
Beating Liverpool both home and away, the Tangerines have also put pressure on Manchester City and Manchester United in high scoring affairs, although Chelsea won 4-0 at Stamford Bridge earlier this season.
However, Cathcart believes Ian Holloway's men can stop the Blues' momentum and boost their own chances of staying in the Premier League.
"Chelsea have lost a few games this season and I think we can produce a shock result," said Cathcart. "Chelsea will come here expecting to beat us and there will be no pressure on us.
"We have showed against the big teams this season that we can go toe-to-toe with them and get a result and hopefully we can do that again.
"If the fans get behind us like that have done all season then I think we have a great chance of staying in the division."

Prognosis not good on Van Persie

Arsene Wenger has conceded that his initial prognosis that Arsenal forward Robin van Persie will be out for three weeks could be optimistic.

• Fabregas: I'm on course for Barca
Van Persie limped off during the Carling Cup final defeat to Birmingham City on Sunday, after injuring himself while scoring the Gunners' equaliser. Speaking after Arsenal's 5-0 FA Cup victory over Leyton Orient on Wednesday, Wenger admitted he is now targeting a return for the striker in the game against Blackburn Rovers at the start of next month.
"I am not a specialist but he overstretched his knee at the back when he made the volley [to score on Sunday]," said Wenger. "He got kicked or blocked by the defender and overstretched when he hit the ball. In fact we lost Van Persie after 30 minutes, we tried to keep him going in the second half but he was injured.
"It is a ligament at the back of the knee, a tear in the ligament. It is three to four weeks, I take the short delay because I am an optimist but it could be four. As well it is the international break during that period so whether it is three or four [weeks], for us it is the same.
"We have two weeks to play now and then there is a two-week break because of international games. We have to hope it is only four; he cannot play before the international break, that is for sure. Let's hope he can play after the international break."
The Frenchman concedes even that could be optimistic, however, with Van Persie's recovery difficult to predict.
"I listen to what the medical people say to me and you never know, he can have a setback," he said. "You can never guarantee."
Van Persie will therefore definitely miss forthcoming Premier League games against Sunderland and West Brom, as well as the crucial Champions League clash with Barcelona and an FA Cup meeting with Manchester United.

Ancelotti: I don't expect Torres to score

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has attempted to take some of the heat off £50 million signing Fernando Torres by insisting he is "not asking him to score".

• Torres: I need time to settle
Torres has yet to find the back of the net in four appearances since moving from Liverpool on transfer deadline day in January. That is in stark contrast to fellow new defender David Luiz, who has quickly slotted in to Premier League football and opened his account on his first Stamford Bridge start against Manchester United on Tuesday.
Torres has struggled for form all season, netting only nine goals in 25 Premier League starts. But Ancelotti is more concerned with the team's play than his new striker's scoring record.
When asked about the different impacts made by Torres and Luiz, Ancelotti told Chelsea magazine: "We don't have to compare them. Torres didn't score but I don't ask my strikers to score.
"I ask them to play for the team. Torres did a very good job with that. People judge him on the goals he scored but I have to look at different things about his performance. He worked for the team, put pressure on the defenders, moved well in front and worked hard.
"That's enough for me. Ask him, not me, if it will affect him but I don't think it will. I'm not asking him to score."
Torres, 26, insists he will adapt to the new style of play at Chelsea. He added: "If you want to be a top player, you have to be able to play in all these situations and I'm sure here at Chelsea I will play in different positions sometimes.
"I'm ready for this because I want to play where the manager asks me to - I know the competition is high here. My movement often depends on the game and on the other team, if they are deep or if they leave space behind. Normally the striker has to be on the shoulder of the centre-backs to leave a space for the midfielders coming forward.
"That's what I have been doing at Liverpool for the last 3½ years and it's one of the things I like to do."

Hernandez happy to make way

Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez insists he is happy to step aside to make way for team-mate Wayne Rooney.

GettyImagesJavier Hernandez has made an impressive start to his career at Manchester United

• Chelsea v United preview
Despite scoring twice in United's 4-0 win over Wigan on Saturday, Hernandez is expected to start on the bench against Chelsea after Rooney avoided a ban for his elbow on James McCarthy.
But the Mexico international claims he is just a part of Sir Alex Ferguson's 'jigsaw puzzle' and he is happy to play his part, whether from the starting line-up or the bench.
"I have no problems being on the bench," Hernandez said in The Sun. "I understand that football is a team sport, not like golf or tennis, so you have to help your team when you play from the beginning but also when you come on from the bench.
"We are like pieces of a jigsaw and the boss decides how to use us. If Ferguson picks me for the starting line-up, that would be great but, if not, that's fine, too."
Meanwhile Chris Smalling insists he is not fazed by the prospect of taking on Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres at Stamford Bridge.
The former Fulham defender will line up alongside Nemanja Vidic in place of the injured Rio Ferdinand, and he is confident United will come away from London with three points.
"We know they have world-class strikers like we have but, whoever we face, we'll be ready," he said. "Off the back of a couple of clean sheets, we'll be confident to let our boys at the front pull them apart."

Drogba stresses Blues commitmentDidier Drogba insists he no longer has any interest in leaving Chelsea. Didier Drogba GettyImagesDidier Drogba has been relegated to the bench in recent matches • Preview: Chelsea v Man Utd • Chelsea easing Drogba back • Ancelotti dismisses Drogba swap talk Drogba, who joined Chelsea from Marseille in 2004, indicated on numerous occasions during his early career at Stamford Bridge that he would consider moving on. In 2007, on a DVD released in France, Drogba claimed he had not wanted to leave Marseille for the Blues. "I was disgusted," he said. "I realised that signing for Chelsea was disgusting." He also announced his desire to leave the club in the wake of Jose Mourinho's departure. However, he has more recently spoken of his happiness in West London and, although the arrival of Fernando Torres has led to speculation Drogba will return to Marseille in the summer, he has made clear he has no intention of moving on. "I have everything I could dream of at Chelsea," he told French TV channel Orange Sport. "I am at a great club, with amazing team-mates, with a perfect living environment for my family. "Some years ago I could have said, 'I dream to play at AC Milan, Real, or Manchester United', but nowadays I don't feel such desire anymore. I am at one of the best clubs in the world. Those desires have been gone for a while." Drogba, who turns 33 this month, is under contract with Chelsea until June 2012.

Ashley Cole & 10 Footballers Involved In Shooting Incidents

Andres Escobar

Former defender Andres Escobar was shot and killed in his hometown of Medellin, Colombia upon returning from the 1994 World Cup.

Escobar's own goal against host nation USA may have contributed to his national side being dumped out of the competition, but the 12-bullet 'punishment' handed out by the Colombian drug lords who lost money on Los Cafeteros' group stage exit was far from fitting for the happily engaged 27-year-old. Escobar is still fondly remembered and mourned by fans of former club Atletico Nacional.

Still Loved | Escobar's killer heartlessly exclaimed 'GOL!' with each shot fired...

Rene Osei Kofi

Not long after signing a contract with Dutch giants Ajax, Rene Osei Kofi was sent on loan to Almere City – a club that would eventually have the Ghanaian player sacked as a professional footballer.

During a spat with team-mate Christian Ghandu in the Almere dressing room in 2010, Kofi left in a rage before returning from his car with a loaded handgun. The 18-year-old was reportedly talked out of firing upon Ghandu by his fellow players, but he had already done enough damage to effectively end his footballing career.

Salvador Cabanas

Shot in the head from point blank range in Mexico City in January 2010, Paraguayan forward Salvador Cabanas miraculously survived to tell the tale.

The cause of the shooting is not fully clear, as the player's wife claims he was reacting to a robbery while other reports claim the 30-year-old may have been fired upon after taunting drug lord Jose 'JJ' Balderas Garza in the bathroom of a club. Cabanas' short-term memory loss sees him still shy of a full recovery, but the once-prolific goalscorer still strives to play again in the future.

Giving Thanks | Cabanas held a press conference to thank those who prayed for him...

Luciano Re Cecconi

Scudetto-winning midfielder Luciano Re Cecconi, joined by Lazio team-mate Piero Ghedin, pretended to rob a friend's jewellery store just outside of Rome in 1977.

After exclaiming to the shopkeeper that he was being robbed, the proprietor pulled his own gun from behind the counter. While Ghedin put his hands in the air, Re Cecconi kept his in his pocket to keep up the pretence of a weapon, ultimately sealing his fate as the shop owner Bruno Tabocchini opened fire. Re Cecconi's last words were "It's a joke" as he died on the shop floor.

Luis Bolanos

In a more recent incident, LDU Quito midfielder Luis Bolanos was attacked by two assailants outside a shopping centre in Quicentro.

The Ecuadorian was shot twice, once in the arm and once in the shoulder, but was hospitalised quickly enough after the ordeal to avoid any serious danger befalling the Copa Libertadores winner.

Fernando Caceres

In November 2009, former Argentina international Fernando Caceres was shot in the right eye during an attempted car-jacking in Buenos Aires.

Another colossally strong-willed South American that managed to survive the ordeal, Caceres' rehabilitation was stalled by an eight-week drug-induced coma to keep the former defender alive. On December 29, 2009, Caceres awoke to begin his recovery.

Diego Maradona

Generally El Diego's antics are heartily welcomed by the hungry press, but in 1994 the Argentine controversy magnet grew tired of the media haranguing him and his personal life, deciding to take matters into his own hands in the form of a compressed-air rifle.

Maradona received a suspended jail sentence of two years and 10 months for crouching behind a Mercedes and firing upon the journalists who had irritated him so.

Leave Me Alone | El Diego just wanted some peace and quiet...

Joaquin Bilbao

Former Xerez president Joaquin Bilbao was with his driver when the latter shot at the door of a brothel in Jerez for reasons that never quite became clear.

The affair culminated with Bilbao's resignation as the club president in 2009 with the statement: “I have a completely clear conscience. If I didn't, I wouldn't be speaking to the media now. This is best for the club and for my family.”

Heidar Kazem

While fans would often like to wipe the smile off the face of a player who has just scored against their team, shooting and killing the man in question would seem unimaginable.

Unfortunately this was not so for one fan, who fired upon former Sinjar player Heidar Kazem after scoring against Buhayra. The Iraqi had just begun his celebration before the enraged fan pulled out a gun and shot him in the head. Kazem died from his wounds on the way to hospital.

Togo National Football Team

While driving through the province of Cabinda on the way to the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, the Togo national team bus was fired upon by a group of separatist terrorists in an unforgettable tragedy that shook the continent.

The team bus driver, along with assistant manager Abalo Amelete and media officer Stanislas Ocloo were all killed in the attack which left many more injured, including goalkeeper Kodjovi Obilale whose career was ended by two bullets to the lower back.