Soccer Capsules: CONCACAF teams out of Copa Sudamericana

NEW YORK - The turf wars continue between the governing bodies of football in the Americas.

CONCACAF, which runs football in North and Central America and the Caribbean, said on Tuesday its clubs would no longer participate in South America's Copa Sudamericana - the No. 2 club competition on the continent behind the Copa Libertadores.

In a statement, CONCACAF said it would not renew a four-year contract for the teams to participate, which ended in 2008. This means Mexican clubs Monterrey and Puebla, which were to play in the event, will be withdrawn.

CONCACAF's ruling allows its clubs to participate in its own competition - the CONCACAF Champions League - which is in its second year.

The move comes almost two months after two Mexican clubs that are members of CONCACAF - Chivas Guadalajara and San Luis - were forced to withdraw from the Copa Libertadores following the swine flu outbreak in Mexico. South American teams had refused to play in Mexico, citing health risks.

CONMEBOL, the governing body in South America, runs the Copa Libertadores.

The Mexican Football Federation reacted angrily and said it was dropping out of other tournaments organized by the South Americans - the Copa Sudamerica for clubs, and the Copa America, the continental championship for national teams.

The Mexican federation has since backed down and made peace with the South American governing body.

CONCACAF general secretary Chuck Blazer said his teams would play in the 2010 Copa Libertadores, South America's top club tournament. He said the future of CONCACAF's participation would be reviewed in November by the body's executive committee.

Most viewers for U.S. soccer on ESPN outside WCup

BRISTOL, Conn. - The United States' 3-2 loss to Brazil in the Confederations Cup final was seen by 3.9 million people on ESPN, the most-viewed non-World Cup game for the American team on the cable network.

ESPN said Tuesday that Sunday's game received a 2.6 cable rating and was seen in 2.6 million homes. The audience was the third-largest to watch the team on ESPN, trailing the 1-0 quarterfinal loss to Germany at the 2002 World Cup and the 2-1 victory over Colombia in the first round of the 1994 World Cup.

Several U.S. games have drawn more viewers on ABC, which like ESPN is owned by The Walt Disney Co.

Maradona blamed for Argentina's struggles

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - A top official of the Argentine Football Association is warning that the national team may fail to qualify for next year's World Cup in South Africa, and he's blaming coach Diego Maradona.

"Nobody seems to realize that we have one foot in the intensive care unit," said Enrique Merelas, a member of the AFA's executive committee and a close friend of AFA president Julio Grondona.

Merelas has been a consistent critic of Maradona's coaching and management of the team.

"I can't put up with the coaching staff any more, and I never agreed with hiring Maradona," Merelas said in an interview late Monday with the radio station FM Sensitive.

Argentina has lost two of its last three World Cup qualifying matches, prompting questions about Maradona's coaching style and his tactics. The two-time World Cup winners are in fourth place in the qualifying group, the final spot that guarantees a place at next year's World Cup in South Africa.

Merelas and Grondona have both urged Maradona to return Juan Roman Riquelme to the team.

A skilled midfielder and playmaker, Riquelme retired from international football in March saying he and Maradona did not get along. Maradona criticized Riquelme's play and overlooked him for several friendlies after he was named coach in November. He says Riquelme needs to apologize to get back on the team.

"Why does he have to apologize to return?" Merelas asked. "Apologize for what?"

Riquelme is a polemical figure. Some believe his organization and passing are keys to Argentina's attacking play. Others say he's too laid back and doesn't work hard enough for the team.

Brazil leads the South American qualifying group with 27 points followed by Chile (26), Paraguay (24) and Argentina (22). They are followed by Ecuador (20), Uruguay (18), Colombia (17) and Venezuela (17).

The top four advance automatically to South Africa. The fifth-place team faces a playoff with the fourth-place finisher from North and Central America and the Caribbean for another qualifying berth.

Argentina's two remaining home qualifiers are on Sept. 5 vs. Brazil and Oct. 10 vs. Peru. Argentina has away matches on Sept. 8 in Paraguay and Oct. 13 in Uruguay.

Bogota soccer coach quits after death threats

BOGOTA - The newly hired Uruguayan coach of a Bogota soccer team has quit and left Colombia after receiving death threats.

Ruben Israel didn't get the chance to coach the Santa Fe club for even a single league game.

The club's president, Armando Farfan, said Israel flew to Uruguay on Monday after receiving two phone calls the previous day demanding he not bench defender Francisco Najera. Israel coached Libertad of Paraguay for the 2007-08 season and was hired by Santa Fe a month ago.

Farfan said that threats against coaches are not uncommon in Colombian soccer, but normally come after a team has lost.

Germany's Loew criticizes SAfrica training fields

BERLIN - Germany coach Joachim Loew says he isn't impressed with the training facilities being offered in South Africa ahead of the 2010 World Cup.

Loew visited South Africa during the Confederations Cup along with assistant Hansi Flick and national team manager Oliver Bierhoff.

"We don't need to have worries that the stadiums won't be ready or that the infrastructure will produce problems," Loew was quoted as telling Kicker magazine on its Web site Monday. "The stadiums are in a very good condition."

However, Loew was sharply critical of the training facilities.

"The training opportunities do not match our expectations," he said. "So far, I have not seen a single training field that is even close to European standards.

"Much better conditions must be put in place by FIFA and the local organizers."

If it qualifies, Germany will be based close to Johannesburg during next year's tournament, he said.

Germany hosted the last World Cup in 2006, finishing third.

Barcelona offers Eto'o contract extension

MADRID - Barcelona has offered Samuel Eto'o a two-year contract extension at his current pay level, the player's agent said Tuesday.

Manchester City reportedly wants to sign the Cameroon striker to a five-year deal, but his agent Jose Maria Mesalles denied the English club had made an offer for Eto'o.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta said over the weekend that Eto'o had received a "stratospheric" offer that would make him the highest-paid player in the world. His contract runs out at the end of next season.

"The 'stratospheric' offer the president spoke of is absolutely false because we have not yet sat down with the English club," Mesalles told a news conference.

The agent called the news conference to deny reports he said Barcelona was trying "to pressure the player to leave."

Barcelona sent Eto'o a text message and an email on Monday offering to extend his contract by two seasons, through June 2012, at his current pay level, Mesalles said.

Mesalles said Eto'o is happy with the team and will study the offer if it is sincere.

"But I fear that if they want to extend his contract, it is to be able to sell him later," Mesalles said.

Winger Valencia joins Man United on 4-year deal

MANCHESTER, England - Manchester United signed Antonio Valencia from Wigan on Tuesday as it looks to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo's departure to Real Madrid.

The 23-year-old Ecuador winger has a four-year contract, becoming manager Alex Ferguson's first offseason signing as he targets a fourth straight Premier League title.

Financial details weren't disclosed, but the Red Devils are reported to be spending 17 million pounds ($30 million) of the 80 million pounds Madrid is paying for Ronaldo.

Ferguson will hope Valencia can replicate the pace and dribbling ability of the departing FIFA world player of the year.

"Antonio is a player we have admired for some time now, having spent the last two years in the Premier League with Wigan," Ferguson said. "I am sure his pace and ability will make a significant contribution to the team."

Valencia has played 34 times for his country, scoring four goals.

"Joining Manchester United is a dream come true for me," Valencia said. "I have enjoyed my time at Wigan, but I am thrilled to have the chance to challenge for the biggest honors in club football here.

"Playing in front of 76,000 fans alongside players like Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs will be an amazing experience. I can't wait to get started."

Hull hoping to sign free agent Michael Owen

HULL, England - Hull is hoping to entice Michael Owen to the Premier League club after his Newcastle contract expires Wednesday.

The Tigers are one of the few English clubs to have publicly declared their interest in signing the former Liverpool and Real Madrid forward. The Magpies, meanwhile, are looking to slash their wage bill after being relegated from the Premier League.

Neither manager Phil Brown nor chairman Paul Duffen have had contact with the 29-year-old Owen but they are hoping for a chance to meet him as the player officially becomes a free agent this week.

"Whether we get to speak to Michael tomorrow or not I don't know, there are a lot of people that want to speak to him tomorrow," Duffen said Tuesday. "But we will certainly make sure we have a dialogue. It is a very competitive environment, a lot of people want to sign Michael Owen.

"He has had a fantastic career and I believe he still has a lot to offer to the Premier League. I have heard there are clubs from all over Europe interested and we have to accept we are not a Champions League club -we are who we are."

Hull is currently involved in negotiations to sign two other strikers in Marc-Antoine Fortune of Nancy and Manchester United's Fraizer Campbell.

Terms have been agreed with both players and their respective clubs but neither has yet committed.

Toni: no plans to leave Bayern

BERLIN - Italy striker Luca Toni says he isn't considering leaving Bayern Munich despite the arrival of new rivals in the powerful German club's attack.

Bayern has made several major signings ahead of new coach Louis Van Gaal's first season, including Croatia forward Ivica Olic and Germany striker Mario Gomez.

"I think it was a smart decision to bring them in," Toni was quoted Tuesday as telling the Bild daily.

Asked if he had any thoughts of seeking a transfer, Toni replied: "No. I feel very good in Munich."

"Bayern has everything I want at the moment: excellent prospects for the championship and a real chance to win the Champions League."

"I promise my fans: I will remain faithful to Bayern," Toni said, according to the report.

Toni dismissed a suggestion that he might now be Bayern's third-choice striker, behind Gomez and fellow Germany international Miroslav Klose.

He said he was confident of not being benched, noting that he scored "some decisive goals" last season.

"There is no No.3 and no No. 1 among the strikers," he was quoted as saying. "The trainer alone decides on the lineup. It makes no sense to speculate now about who will be used when."

Kaka passes medical test at Real Madrid

MADRID - Kaka has passed his medical examination at Real Madrid and is set to be presented as Florentino Perez's first big signing since returning as president.

The Brazil playmaker arrived in Madrid Tuesday from South Africa, where his country won the Confederations Cup and he was named the tournament's best player.

Madrid says Kaka's test results showed "his condition is perfect for playing football at the highest level."

Kaka will don Madrid's jersey at a ceremony Tuesday evening at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Madrid acquired him this month from AC Milan for €65 millions ($92 million). The 2007 world player of the year has agreed to a six-year contract with Madrid and will team up with Cristiano Ronaldo, the current world player of the year.

Grafite agrees to extend Wolfsburg deal until 2012

WOLFSBURG, Germany - Brazilian striker Grafite has agreed to extend his contract with German champion Wolfsburg until 2012.

Grafite scored 28 goals to be the leading scorer in the Bundesliga last season. His contract has been due to expire in 2011.

Wolfsburg coach Armin Veh said Tuesday: "Grafite is a striker with class. He is enormously important for the team."

Wolfsburg did not give financial details of the agreement. Grafite joined from Le Mans of France in 2007.

Grafite said: "I want to contribute my part to us remaining successful."

Grafite's strike partner, Bosnia forward Edin Dzeko, scored 26 goals last season. Their combined total of 54 made them the most prolific partnership in Bundesliga's history.

Lyon coach: Benzema could leave if money is right

PARIS - Lyon coach Claude Puel says Karim Benzema could leave if a big offer is made and the France striker wants to move.

The 21-year-old Benzema is among Europe's most highly rated young players, with Real Madrid, Manchester United and Arsenal being linked with him.

"He's an exceptional player, but we also know the finances of a club. We will evaluate the situation when he resumes training on July 2," Lyon coach Claude Puel said Tuesday. "They say you can't hold back a player against his will but, faced with a huge transfer and the wishes of a player to leave, you have to consider everything."

Lyon would likely want about €35 million ($49 million) for Benzema, who shot to fame when he scored a brilliant individual goal against Man United in the Champions League two seasons ago.

He has since broken into the French team, scoring six goals in 24 games. Puel hopes Benzema will stay for at least one more season, but accepts the a big offer could precipitate a quick move.

"He has said he wants to stay with us, a year ahead of the World Cup," Puel said. "If he has any wishes to leave, we will discuss this with him ... if there are any concrete offers, which is not the case for the time being."

Lyon has been linked with several strikers, including FC Porto's Lisandro Lopez and Toulouse's Andre-Pierre Gignac - the French league's top scorer last season with 24 goals - fueling speculation they could replace Benzema.

"It would be out of the question to lose him if one or two players of his caliber were not coming in," Puel said.

Landreau signs 3-year deal with Lille

LILLE, France - Lille has signed goalkeeper Mickael Landreau on a three-year contract from Paris Saint-Germain.

The French club announced the transfer on Tuesday on its Web site.

The 29-year-old Landreau had one year remaining on his PSG contract.

Landreau said: "Even though I received numerous offers from clubs in France or abroad, Lille was my priority from the start. It's the challenge that best suits me now."

He has played 11 matches for France, but has not figured in coach Raymond Domenech's team for more than a year.

Landreau will be replaced at PSG by former Lyon and France goalkeeper Gregory Coupet, who joined the club Monday on a two-year deal. The 36-year-old Coupet has played 34 games for France.

Erding joins PSG on 4-year deal from Sochaux

PARIS - Paris Saint-Germain has signed Turkey striker Mevlut Erding on a four-year contract from Sochaux.

The 22-year-old Erding will play in attack alongside Guillaume Hoarau next season.

Erding said Tuesday: "I've been hoping for it for a month. The negotiations were long and today I am happy to be here."

He scored 24 league goals in 79 games for Sochaux after making his debut four years ago.

Goalkeeper Carrasso joins Bordeaux on 4-year deal

BORDEAUX, France - French champion Bordeaux has signed goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso on a four-year contract from Toulouse.

The 27-year-old Carrasso's impressive displays helped Toulouse finish fourth last season, and he was called up to the French squad by coach Raymond Domenech.

Carrasso said: "I had the chance to come to a big club. At my age, it's important to take the next step."

He will replace the 36-year-old veteran Ulrich Rame, who won two French titles with Bordeaux.

Bordeaux plays in the Champions League next season.

Frantisek Straka let go as Czech Republic coach

PRAGUE - Frantisek Straka's career as Czech Republic coach is over despite winning his only match in charge.

Czech football federation spokesman Vaclav Tichy said Straka's contract ended Tuesday and won't be renewed.

Straka, who replaced Petr Rada in May because of poor World Cup qualifying results, led the team to a 1-0 win over Malta in a June 5 friendly.

Federation chairman Ivan Hasek said he wants Slavia Prague coach Karel Jarolim to take over the national team.

Tichy said the new coach is expected to be announced next week.

The Czechs face Belgium in an Aug. 12 friendly before they resume qualifying at Slovakia on Sept 5.

The Czechs are fourth in their qualifying group with eight points from six games, seven behind leader Slovakia.