The head of the English players' union has expressed concern at the number of matches leading internationals have to play. He made the point in the wake of the death of Cameroon midfielder Marc-Vivien Foe at the Confederations Cup in France.
"There's enough money in the game now to make sure that our players are looked after and I just wonder if this would have happened if Marc-Vivien had been resting on a beach somewhere rather than involved in a tournament," said Gordon Taylor.
"There are five games in 11 days in intense heat (for the finalists in France) and you just wonder if we're putting them (the players) under stress too many times. There's a period when my members need a break." Taylor insisted.
"I don't like moaning about things like that because I'm paid well," Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand said, "but if you want to see the best out of the players they need a little bit more of a rest period.
"The Confederations Cup is a big no-no," added Ferdinand, who has been enjoying a four-week break - the longest rest of his career - but only because of injury. "What's the point in creating another competition? It's not a respected tournament. It's not a World Cup or European championship so why have another tournament?"
A bid to expand the number of countries in the World Cup finals from 32 to 36 appears doomed to end in failure today.
A meeting of FIFA's executive committee in Paris will decide on the proposal by South American members, but what seven weeks ago seemed a very real possibility is now expected to be defeated. FIFA president Sepp Blatter has emerged as a major opponent of any change.
Manchester United look certain to complete the capture of Brazilian World Cup star Ronaldinho next week.
Old Trafford chief executive Peter Kenyon was involved in intensive negotiations with Paris St Germain officials yesterday and is due to fly back to France next week in an effort to conclude the £11 million deal.
Having finally admitted their current cash crisis will force them to sell their star man, PSG are now haggling over the small print of the deal.
Internazionale are persisting in their pursuit of Arsenal's Swedish winger Freddie Ljungberg and will offer the French midfielder Stephane Dalmat in part exchange.
Ljungberg is known to be happy at Highbury, but that will not prevent Inter turning their behind-the-scenes overtures, which began last November, into an official approach.
Arsene Wenger will want to hear what Inter propose beyond their bit-part player Dalmat.
The Arsenal manager is reportedly likely to move for Barcelona's Patrick Kluivert, who has warned he will activate a £1.5 million enforced-sale clause in his contract over his club's threats to cut his wages.
Ljungberg is one of Highbury's highest earners and that, plus a loss of form last season, could sway Arsenal, who are reported also to be ready to off-load Edu to Middlesbrough for £3 million.
Wimbledon's administrators Grant Thornton have assured the 3,500 who have bought season tickets that the move to the National Hockey Stadium in Milton Keynes will be completed.
The stadium had set a deadline of June 30th to come up with a firm commitment date for the club's relocation.
Aston Villa's attempt to sign Paul Robinson has stalled after the Leeds goalkeeper's representatives said talks "have broken down at a very early stage".
The long-term future of Barnsley has been secured after a deal was struck with a consortium from Iceland, which means the former Leeds chairman Peter Ridsdale's Oakwell takeover bid has failed.
And Czech police have recommended that four Northern Ireland players and a coach be tried over an incident in a Prague nightclub two years ago after a World Cup qualifier against the Czech republic.
They are the captain Michael Hughes, strikers David Healy and Glenn Ferguson and midfielder Peter Kennedy, plus the goalkeeping coach Tommy Wright.
Guardian Service
