Fifa plans early World Cup tests
Fifa will consider introducing pre-World Cup doping tests to ensure that all teams arrive drug-free for next year’s tournament, Sepp Blatter, the world governing body’s president, said yesterday. Two Mexico players were expelled from the Confederations Cup after traces of nandrolone were found in tests carried out by the Mexican authorities.
Fifa may name a trophy to be awarded to the outstanding player in the Confederations Cup to honour Marc-Vivien Foé, the Cameroon midfield player who collapsed and died during the previous competition in France two years ago.
Kroldrup signs
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Everton made their second significant summer signing yesterday when Per Kroldrup, the Denmark defender, joined from Udinese on a four-year contract for £5 million. Simon Davies, the midfield player, moved to Goodison Park from Tottenham Hotspur for £3.5 million last month. However, negotiations to sign Mikel Arteta from Real Sociedad after his successful loan last season seem to have reached an impasse despite a £2.8 million fee having been agreed with the Spanish club.
Wise choice
Dennis Wise has rejoined Southampton, where he was an apprentice more than two decades ago. “I am looking forward to the challenge of getting this club into the Premiership and would not have signed if I did not think I had a year or two left,” Wise, 38, said. Harry Redknapp, the manager, said: “Dennis is just the sort of player we need. You can’t have enough experience in this division.”
Helguson moves
Fulham have beaten competition from Wigan Athletic and Sunderland to sign Heidar Helguson from Watford for about £1.3 million. The 27-year-old Iceland forward has signed a four-year deal. “The lure of the Premiership has proved too strong to resist,” Helguson, who scored 20 goals last season and cost Watford £1.5 million when he joined from Lillestrom in 2000, said.