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Brazilian Denilson signs for FC Dallas
MIAMI: Former Brazil midfielder Denilson has signed for Major League Soccer's FC Dallas.
Once the world's most expensive player when he joined Spanish club Real Betis for $35 million in 1998, Denilson was a member of the Brazil team that won the World Cup in 2002.
After leaving Betis in 2005, the midfielder, who turns 30 on Friday, played for Bordeaux in France and then switched to Saudi team Al-Nasr.
Denilson joins Dallas under the 'Designated Player' ruling, which allows for flexibility from salary restrictions. It is the same ruling that enabled LA Galaxy to sign England international David Beckham.
The Brazilian will have to wait for his work visa before he is able to make his debut in MLS.
Dallas is currently in second place in MLS's Western Conference, a point behind leader Houston.
Ronaldinho granted dual nationality by Spain
MADRID: Barcelona's Brazil forward Ronaldinho was granted dual nationality by Spain on Monday, the Primera Liga club said.
The move frees up a place for another non-European Union player in Frank Rijkaard's squad.
Mexican forward Giovani dos Santos is set to take up the vacant slot alongside Cameroon international Samuel Eto'o and Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure in the non-EU berths permitted under Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) rules.
However, Dos Santos is also expected to be granted dual nationality this week.
Barcelona opened its league campaign with a goalless draw away to Racing Santander on Sunday.
Winger Kunitz signs contact extension with the Ducks
LOS ANGELES: Stanley Cup champions the Anaheim Ducks have signed left wing Chris Kunitz to a four-year contract extension, starting from the 2008-2009 season.
Although financial terms were not disclosed in a statement issued by the Ducks Monday, Kunitz is expected to earn $4 million in the final year of his new deal.
Kunitz, 27, scored 25 goals and produced 35 assists in 81 games for the Ducks last season. The Regina, Saskatchewan native added a goal and five assists in 13 playoff games, missing eight because of injury.
Catania coach faces fine after kicking rival
MILAN: Catania coach Silvio Baldini will be fined by his club after kicking Parma boss Domenico Di Carlo in the backside during Sunday's 2-2 Serie A draw.
Baldini, in his first game in charge of the team, gave Di Carlo the boot during a touchline row and was sent to the stands by the referee.
The Sicilian team was banned from playing matches at home last season following the death of a policeman during riots at a game with rivals Palermo in February.
Baldini partially apologised at a news conference.
"I apologize to the president, the players and to the city especially after what happened on February 2," he said. "I say sorry to the fans of Parma. I am not apologising to him because he deserved it, he provoked me."
(China Daily 08/29/2007 page23)
