A round up of the other soccer stories of the day in brief
Inquiry into betting on red card
MOTHERWELL have fully backed Steve Jennings amid an investigation by bookmakers into the red card he received during Tuesday night's defeat by Hearts.
The Association of British Bookmakers acted after some of their members became suspicious about betting activity surrounding the Premier League clash.
It is understood several bets were placed on a red card being handed out during Motherwell's 2-1 loss, including one of €590 from a new account in Liverpool. Jennings has been told not to speak publicly by his employers but he is understood to have categorically denied any wrongdoing. The 26-year-old was shown a straight red card in the 83rd minute by referee Stevie O'Reilly after complaining about a rejected penalty claim.
O'Reilly turned around angrily after Jennings touched him on the shoulder, but the referee's report stated that the red card was for his comments.
'World Soccer' award for Xavi
SPANISH midfielder Xavi, who orchestrated Spain's World Cup triumph, was named as World Soccer's Player of the Year yesterday. The world champions completed a Spanish double by being named team of the year.
In a vote of the magazine's international readers, Portuguese Jose Mourinho was named as world manager of the year and Germany's Thomas Muller as the young player of the year. Xavi (29) who plays for Barcelona, won 25.8 per cent of the votes cast to finish ahead of last year's winner and club team mate Lionel Messi of Argentina, who polled 24.1 per cent. Wesley Sneijder of European champions Inter Milan was third with 17.3 per cent. Xavi (29) is the first Spaniard to win the world player award, now in its 29th year. Spain won the team of the year with 63.3 per cent of the vote, ahead of Inter Milan (16.5) and Barcelona (5.3).
Qatar will not farm out games
QATAR will stage the 2022 World Cup finals alone without seeking help from neighbouring countries, the president of the United Arab Emirates Football Association Mohamed Khalfan al-Rumaithi said yesterday.
"Nobody came out from Qatar and said 'would you do that?' We are happy for Qatar, they delivered the goods. I think they will go solo," al-Rumaithi said.
Fifa president Sepp Blatter said recently that Qatar, a minor soccer nation who were awarded the 2022 finals earlier this month, might farm out some matches to other countries in the Gulf.
Speaking at a news conference at the Club World Cup, al-Rumaithi had minutes earlier said: "We have not been approached.
"Qatar won a fair competition and today I read in the news that Mr Blatter said only the Qataris can decide if they want the region to participate in this. We know that at that moment when Mr Blatter opened the envelope (during the Zurich vote) it was only Qatar."
Evra defends comments on Arsenal's title threat
MANCHESTER United defender Patrice Evra claims he was right in his assumption that Arsenal are not seen as a title threat. The France international mocked the Gunners for failing to win a trophy since 2005 despite playing attractive football.
Evra produced an impressive display in United's 1-0 victory against Arsene Wenger's side at Old Trafford on Monday night. And now the 29-year-old left-back claims he was proved right for his attack as his team prepare to face rivals Chelsea on Sunday.
Evra said: "I think we confirmed what I'd said before the match. I think Arsenal played really well, you shouldn't neglect that, but we were better. I really say that without any arrogance. I heard people saying that what I said was below the belt, but that wasn't my intention. I just wanted to show how much I believe in my team, in their potential and strength.
"I think our victory was really deserved, it didn't boil down to small details. But people will have a go at me again for saying what I think."
'Significant water damage' at Ibrox
THE Scottish Premier League have been forced to postpone Saturday's scheduled game between Rangers and St Mirren amid "significant water damage" at Ibrox Stadium.
Numerous SPL matches have been postponed in recent weeks due to snow and ice but the subsequent thaw has put paid to the game.
An SPL statement read: "The thaw following the recent extreme cold has led to significant water damage in various parts of the stadium including interruption to the water supply in some spectator areas."
The SPL statement continued: "The extent of the damage is such, there is no prospect of the necessary repairs being completed before the weekend.
"In consultation with Strathclyde Police and on the basis of safety advice received, the SPL decided to postpone the fixture."
Barcelona braced for bid
BARCELONA are reportedly concerned that Manchester City will try to lure midfield star Andres Iniesta with a huge bid.
The level of debt at Barcelona - believed to stand at €436 million - may lead them to think carefully about any offers that come in for their top star players.
Bids of around €70 million may tempt Barcelona to part with Iniesta but it remains to be seen if 26-year-old would want to leave.
Bellamy told to 'stop the nonsense'
FEYENOORD technical director Leo Beenhakker has told Craig Bellamy to "stop the nonsense" as the Wales striker continues to talk about a move to Rotterdam.
Bellamy, on loan at Cardiff from Manchester City, has said he wants to join Feyenoord if Cardiff are promoted, but Beenhakker is not ready to consider a deal for the 31-year-old. "I got him on the phone, I sent him a detailed text message, to ask him if he will stop the nonsense," Beenhakker said. "I said to him, 'Friend, you can say anything you want, but while you are still owned by Manchester City, I cannot.
"It is as simple as that. As soon as he is free from his club, he knows where he can find me. Until then, these are cowboy stories."
Meanwhile, Beenhakker revealed Feyenoord may seek compensation from the Danish Football Association as Jon Dahl Tomasson remains sidelined with a tendon injury suffered at the World Cup this summer.
