Mutu hearing today: Adrian Mutu is expected to be suspended for between six and eight months when he appears before a Football Association disciplinary hearing today.
The 25-year-old Romanian striker tested positive for a banned substance - believed to be cocaine - last month and has been sacked by Chelsea after he confessed to using drugs.
Under FIFA rules, the FA must impose a minimum six-month suspension but it is unlikely to be more than eight months as Mutu has admitted his offence and checked in for rehab and cocaine use is not banned by WADA out of competition and therefore the FA is able to resist Government pressure for the world anti-doping body's two-year minimum ban for a first offence to be applied.
It is likely the PFA will argue Mutu's ban should be no longer than six months.
PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said: "The PFA are against drugs at all times but players do not take recreational drugs to cheat or gain an advantage - in fact they are detrimental to the individual.
"We feel there should be a different approach which does not emphasise the punitive sanction but to look at where they have had successful case histories of rehabilitating players."
Pompey target Best
Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric has confirmed he is set to offer George Best a role within the club.
Mandaric believes the Manchester United legend can play a positive role in raising the profile of Pompey's forthcoming £36 million Fratton Park refit. Best is a regular at Portsmouth and has known Mandaric since his days with American club San Jose Earthquake.
Mandaric said: "I have never made any secret of the fact that I would like George on board in some capacity. Who wouldn't? Friendship aside he has a tremendous amount to offer and has contacts worldwide in football.
"We are likely to sit down in the future and discuss the exact role we can both foresee him filling."
Willo opens floodgate
Willo Flood has stoked up rivalry ahead of Sunday's Manchester derby at Old Trafford by revealing he would like nothing more than to beat United.
The 19-year-old Dubliner has burst onto Kevin Keegan's City first team scene in recent weeks and looks certain to retain his place against Alex Ferguson's side following his man-of-the-match display against Norwich on Monday.
And, after marking his first Premiership start with a well-executed goal in the 1-1 draw with the Canaries, Flood is now looking for a repeat performance against United.
"It would mean a lot to play against United," he said. "I have never liked them, never been a fan of theirs, so hopefully we can do well and get the three points against them."
Pires called in by FFF
Robert Pires has been summoned to an official meeting in Paris by French Football Federation (FFF) president Claude Simonet to explain his recent comments about national team coach Raymond Domenech.
A date has yet to be agreed but the international midfielder is likely to face Simonet, league president Frederic Thiriez and Domenech at a meeting following the Arsenal player's outburst to France Football magazine.
Simonet told RMC radio: "I have asked him to appear before the permanent committee of the French team.
"We will listen to what he has to say and we will discuss with him all the things we don't like in his behaviour. He will be heard soon, probably in the next few days."
Krasner ups pressure
Leeds chairman Gerald Krasner attempted to increase the pressure yesterday on the rival consortiums bidding for control of Elland Road.
Krasner said following a board meeting yesterday he had still not received a firm offer from the Anglo-American consortium headed by Sebastian Sainsbury.
In a statement Krasner said: "Following today's board meeting, I wish to confirm that we have still not received proof of funding from Mr Sainsbury's consortium. The board is continuing to review all possible options, including discussions with other interested parties."
Sainsbury said on Tuesday he was convinced he would become Leeds chairman by Friday. Leeds are also courting rival interest from a Yorkshire group believed to be led by the local property developer Norman Stubbs.
No Vogts for hot seat
Berti Vogts insists he will never return to management after his recent experiences as Scotland coach.
The 57-year-old resigned from his position on Monday and the German insists the Scottish Football Association were at fault for the poor displays during his two-and-a-half year tenure.
"Nobody has understood what I wanted to do and my experiences in Scotland have robbed me of my energy," he said. "I am open to anything but I will not return to the dug-out.
"I have had enough of being the scapegoat for mistakes made in Scotland 15 years ago.
"Most journalists and fans live in the past. They have not realised that Scotland is not the footballing nation it used to be."
Walter Smith has emerged as the favourite to succeed Vogts. The Scottish Football Association's 11-man board is set to meet tomorrow and an announcement is expected thereafter.
In brief . . .
Bolton striker Kevin Davies is hoping to agree a new contract with the club before the away match against Middlesbrough on Sunday. . . Aston Villa goalkeeper Stefan Postma is to hand in a transfer request because of his frustration at a lack of first-team football . . . Ian Rush would still consider being a number two to whoever is finally appointed Wales manager. "I could possibly consider combining the two positions at Chester and with Wales," he said . . . England will host the Netherlands in a Villa Park friendly next year before the teams meet again in Amsterdam in 2006, the Dutch FA (KNVB) revealed yesterday.
