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Williams driver Wurz retires from Formula One

VIENNA: Williams driver Alex Wurz of Austria announced his immediate retirement from Formula One on Monday and said he would not be taking part in the season's final race in Brazil.

"I would like to announce my retirement from active racing in Formula One," Wurz, 33, said in a statement on his Web site (www.alexwurz.com). He finished 12th on Sunday at the Chinese Grand Prix.

"In such a hard fought environment as Formula One, I have always maintained that if you have a moment's doubt about what you are doing then it is time to stop. Privately I began to have these earlier this year and so have decided that now is the time to make my announcement.

"I'd like to thank to team for accepting my decision and I wish them all the best for the last race of the year."

Team boss Frank Williams said on Friday before the Chinese Grand Prix that Wurz may not retain his drive next year.

Stoichkov leaves Celta for personal reasons

MADRID: Hristo Stoichkov left Spanish second division side Celta Vigo for personal reasons, the former Bulgaria coach said on Monday.

Earlier in the day, a club spokesman and Spanish media reported he had been sacked.

"At a professional and personal level it is very difficult when your family isn't here. My parents aren't here and my wife and children are in Barcelona," Stoichkov told a news conference.

"I was only waiting for a good game after which to make this decision."

Club president Carlos Mourino said Stoichkov had informed them after Saturday's 3-1 home win over Xerez.

"It's a sad day for me because I have to say goodbye to an excellent person and a great friend. Stoichkov told us he wanted to leave for personal reasons and gave us some time to seek a replacement."

UEFA opens disciplinary case against Milan's Dida

BERNE, Switzerland: UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against AC Milan and its goalkeeper Dida following the Brazilian's controversial substitution during last week's Champions League loss to Celtic.

Dida was carried off on a stretcher near the end of the Group D match after a Celtic fan invaded the pitch and appeared to make light contact with the goalkeeper.

In a statement released on UEFA's web site (www.uefa.com), European soccer's governing body said the case would be discussed by its disciplinary body on Thursday.

UEFA said the proceedings had been instigated based on a paragraph of their disciplinary regulations which states that "players, officials and members, shall conduct themselves according to the principles of loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship".

Milan's lawyer Leandro Cantamessa said the club's medical staff had decided the keeper should be substituted as a precautionary measure.

(China Daily 10/10/2007 page23)