Uefa backs Johansson

MUNICH: Uefa's executive committee has reaffirmed its support for Lennart Johansson's candidacy for the powerful post of Fifa president.

At its meeting in Munich yesterday the committee released a terse statement officially proposing Johansson, Uefa's president, for the vacant post of the head of soccer's world governing body.

Johansson has been one of the leading candidates to fill the position since long-time president Joao Havelange of Brazil announced in December last year that he would step down after the 1998 World Cup.

Blair support

LONDON: Tony Blair's new Labour government has reaffirmed its backing for Britain's World Cup 2006 bid following pressure from German soccer manager Berti Vogts for the Prime Minister to withdraw his support.

Vogts, concerned hat Europe may miss out altogether if it has bids from both Germany and England, has urged Mr Blair to join his European peers and support the German bid. ``If I was the Prime Minister, I would tell the Football Association to withdraw,'' said Vogts. `'If they have any character, they will pull out. All the countries in Europe think that,'' he added.

Deal hits snag

MADRID: Final negotiations to close the deal on super striker Ronaldo's upgraded contract with FC Barcelona hit a snag yesterday when representatives for the 20-year-old Brazilian failed to appear at a midday meeting.

``The talks are technically broken down,'' said Barcelona spokesman Domenec Garcia said, adding that ``they were not completely ruptured and that with some goodwill, they still may resume.'' But he warned that there were still serious differences which could jeopardise the deal.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.