Soccer Round-up: Fifa have cleared Arsenal of any breach of ownership rules over their investment in Belgian club Beveren. The BBC's Newsnight programme revealed at the start of the month that the Belgian police were investigating a £1 million payment to the club, which they concluded had come from the north London side.

Arsenal, though, maintained the arrangement was purely on a football level, although confirmed that during 2001 funds were provided "by way of loan . . . to assist in stabilising the finances of Beveren." Fifa have now looked into the matter and will not be investigating further.

A statement from football's world governing body read: "After carefully analysing the documents and statements provided by the Football Association in relation to an alleged breach of club ownership rules by English club Arsenal FC and Belgian club VZW KSK Beveren, Fifa confirmed today that there is no evidence or indication of any infringement of the relevant regulations."

It continued: "The FA had already reached the same conclusion, having been requested by Fifa to investigate the case. Under the Fifa Statutes, it is the responsibility of the member associations to ensure that neither a natural nor a legal person exercises control over more than one club whenever the integrity of any match or competition could be jeopardised.

"In view of these findings, Fifa does not see any reason for further investigation or for any additional measures to be taken in this connection."

Sunderland chairman Bob Murray will stand down from his post today after almost 20 years as Niall Quinn prepares to formally launch his takeover bid.

Murray revealed earlier this month he would vacate his position at the Stadium of Light on June 30th regardless of who owned the club. He did so in an effort to clear the way for Quinn and his Irish consortium to complete their £10 million takeover.

However, their formal offer - which would hand Murray £5.7million for his 56.8 per cent stake in the club - is not expected to be tabled today.

It is expected to be made within the next couple of days, and perhaps as late as Monday, with the two parties having agreed a price earlier this week.

Scottish champions Celtic will begin the defence of their title without defender Bobo Balde. The Guinean centre half has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in his lower abdomen which, it is anticipated, will require surgery.

Celtic, meanwhile, confirmed they will play Yokohama F Marinos in Japan on August 3rd. They have already lined up games at Celtic Park next month against Everton and Manchester United, as well as a game against Premiership champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on August 9th.

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has confirmed that striker Mark Viduka is not for sale.

The 30-year-old Australian has hinted that he may consider his international future following the Socceroos' elimination from the World Cup finals.

However, Southgate has insisted he remains a key part of his plans.

He told the club's official website: "The reports about Mark being available are utter rubbish. He is a big part of my plans for next season and beyond.

"I don't need to tell anyone how important he is to our team. He is enjoying a well-deserved rest now following the World Cup, but I look forward to welcoming Mark back to Rockliffe Park in July."

Middlesbrough have already had to warn Portsmouth off making any bid for Aiyegbeni Yakubu, who left Fratton Park for the Riverside Stadium just 12 months ago.

With Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink out of contract and unlikely to remain at Middlesbrough, Southgate knows the remaining pair represent his main goal threat for next season with record signing Massimo Maccarone and Danny Graham in reserve.

Meanwhile, Everton have announced that the club's final pre-season fixture of the summer will be a testimonial match for former manager Howard Kendall.

They will face Spanish outfit Athletic Bilbao at Goodison on Saturday, August 12th. Kendall spent two seasons with the Spanish club following his departure from Everton in 1987, having led the Blues to league title success in the 1986/'87 campaign.

Kendall spent three spells at Goodison as manager

He also guided the club to FA Cup glory in 1984 and the double of league title and European Cup Winners Cup successes in 1985.

He guided Everton to three consecutive FA Cup finals between '84 and '86 and is the most successful manager in Everton history.

Veteran defender David Weir has signed a new one-year contract at Everton.