UEFA have expressed their disappointment at viewing figures for Champions League matches on ITV's new digital sport channel, but will not be pressing the television station for any immediate action.
But the figures may worry broadcasters - notably ITV and Sky who are now rivals - that coverage of the sport has gone past the saturation point.
Viewing figures from the official BARB body show that 15,000 people tuned into Panathinaikos v Arsenal on ITV Sport, and 52,000 watched Manchester United v Deportivo La Coruna. Its Nationwide League coverage of Nottingham Forest v Bradford City last month attracted 1,000 viewers. If the situation continues, then Champions League sponsors could start to wonder if their products are reaching enough people in Britain.
UEFA communications director Mike Lee said: "ITV do a very good job on the Champions League but the figures from its digital channel are disappointing. We would like the games to be made available to a wider audience."
GEORGE GRAHAM has ruled himself out of the running for the Scotland manager's job - for the time being.
The former Tottenham boss is still hoping to return to club management, and therefore does not wish to be considered as a successor to Scotland boss Craig Brown.
Graham's agent Steve Kutner said: "I have spoken to George and at this time he still feels he would like to be involved in club management." Graham has also been linked with the vacant post at Leicester.
ARSENAL legend Frank McLintock is selling his collection of football memorabilia, including his 1971 league championship and FA Cup double medals.
McLintock explained: "I am not struggling for money but I think it is time to cash in and put the proceeds to good use. Hopefully they will go to someone who can put them on display." The auction will take place at the beginning of December at the Sports Cafe in London.
UEFA expect Chelsea's game in Israel next week to go ahead but will keep an eye on the military situation in Afghanistan.
Chelsea are due to play UEFA Cup opponents Hapoel Tel Aviv in the Israeli capital on October 18th, but there are fears that Israel could be a target of reprisals after the US and British raids on Afghanistan.
CROATIAN international Robert Jarni is jetting into England for a trial with West Ham, according to his current club Las Palmas.
The 32-year-old wing-back has not been in coach Fernando Vasquez's plans this season and the Spanish side confirmed on their website they are keen to off-load the former Real Madrid man.
Swede Roland Nilsson is set to be appointed as full-time boss of English First Division side Coventry City, according to club chairman Bryan Richardson.
Since Gordon Strachan stepped down following a poor start to the season, Coventry have won four and drawn three of their seven games under Neilson.
