'It's complete nonsense' - Anzhi dismiss Beckham links

Anzhi president Konstantin Remchukov has dismissed reports linking David Beckham with a move to the Russian club - branding the speculaton as "complete nonsense".

The former England captain has been linked with a number of clubs since ending his five-year spell with MLS side Los Angeles Galaxy, one of which has been the Chechnya-based outfit.

However, Remchukov has moved to deny any interest in the veteran midfielder, suggesting the idea has not even been considered by the Russian club.

A note about Anzhis interest in Beckham - its complete nonsense, Remchukov tweeted on Friday.

An idea like this hasnt been floated even once.

Beckham is said to be mulling over his options as he seeks out one last challenge to end his career and has been linked with moves to teams in France, Asia and Australia.

And his management company say he is considering "a number of serious proposals" from a "host of c lubs" but warned it is "early days in the process".

Racism is killing football, says Christopher Samba

Anzhi Makhachkala defender Christopher Samba has claimed that the issue of racism is "killing the game".

The Congolese defender moved to the Dagestan club in January 2012, and found himself the victim of prejudiced chanting from the stands in Russia.

AC Milan star Kevin-Prince Boateng recently walked out on a match after being greeted with monkey chants, and Samba feels the Ghanaian was right to do so.

"Some Zenit St Petersburg fans have made bad statements about not wanting black players in their team, and I was a victim of the racist incident at Lokomotiv Moscow," he told The Guardian.

"I admire [Boateng's] club and team-mates who supported him, but those chants were disgraceful; it is sad to see this it is killing the game.

"It is very difficult for players to know what to do. Playing on shows strength in a way, but it can also se em like we are avoiding the problem."

Anzhi have made the headlines in recent years due to their riches and ambitious transfer policy, and Samba says he believes in the project that the club have been building.

"The owner is doing everything for us to be happy," he continued. "He listens to any problem, he is very kind, he has a big heart.

"The owner is trying to give the people some joy creating this football team."

M'Vila 'moving towards' switch to England or Russia, say Rennes

Rennes general manager Pierre Dreossi has admitted that the club's in-demand midfielder Yann MVila wants to leave the Ligue 1 club.

The France international has attracted interest from Arsenal and Tottenham in the past, while QPR boss Harry Redknapp is said to be very keen to bring him to Loftus Road in January in order to bolster his sides chances of avoiding relegation - though Goal.com exclusively revealed the player is not keen on a move to the Premier League's bottom club.

Dreossi explained that the club will not stand in MVilas way should they receive an acceptable offer, with Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg also said to be monitoring the situation.

"It's possible [he'll leave] if we get some interesting offers," he told radio station RMC.

"He wants to leave, but if it doesn't happen, it will be next summer. It's no catastrophe.

"He missed out on a t ransfer last summer. If there's an interesting opportunity for everyone, we'll find a solution."

"It is all moving towards England or Russia."

M'Vila, himself, also confirmed his desire to seek a new challenge, after growing stale at the Breton club.

He said: "The club have received offers. I want to go but the deal has to be right for everyone. If it isn't, I will stay until the end of the season."

Izmailov leaves Sporting for Porto; Lopes moves in opposite direction

Marat Izmailov has signed for Porto from Sporting for an undisclosed fee.

The midfielder inked a two-and-half-year contract with the Portuguese champions in a deal that sees full-back Miguel Lopes move in the opposite direction.

With Tottenham Hotspur chasing Joao Moutinho, as revealed exclusively by Goal.com, coach Vitor Pereira did not want to leave his side short of numbers in midfield and swooped for the Russian international.

The 30-year-old said that the Dragoes heritage was a big factor behind him deciding to make the move from their Liga rivals, and added that he wants to help the side build on their illustrious history.

I have spent almost six years in this country and Porto have won the title practically every year, he told reporters.

Everybody knows that Porto are a great team with a big, strong structure. Their results are better than those of any other Portuguese club.

I hope to win trophies at Porto and to progress as a player and person.

The Porto president Pinto da Costa added that he feels Izmailov will add some depth to their squad.

Izmailov will strengthen our squad. Luckily, we have a strong team, but it's not just about 11 players. I think Marat will get a feel for our playing style and will appreciate our club spirit.

Meanwhile, right-sided defender Lopes has made the move in the other direction, agreeing a two-year deal at Estadio Jose Alvalade.

Uzbekistan football federation wins 2012 Fifa Fair Play Award

The Uzbekistan football federation have won the 2012 Fifa Fair Play Award.

The award is a result of the good behaviour of the Uzbek national team and the country's club sides participating in AFC competitions during the past year.

In second place was Turkish side Eskisehirspor because of their sporting behaviour in the Europa League qualifying games against St Johnstone.

The Scottish side nominated the side after Dede returned possession to St Johnstone when an opponent was injured, and the welcome reception the Turkish club gave to their opposition during the away game.

As a gesture of good will, St Johnstone arranged complimentary transport to the stadium from a sports bar that had been opened especially for the visiting fans.

The games were the first time either club had reached that stage of European competition for over a decade.

Time for football to follow AC Milan and Boateng's lead in the fight against racism

COMMENT
By Kris Voakes Italian Football Writer

It is not the first time it has happened on an Italian football field, and no betting man would suggest it will be the last. On Thursday, a group of Pro Patria supporters bellowed racist gestures towards three black AC Milan players. The Rossoneris decision to walk off and bring an early end to the winter friendly was a no-brainer, but it was refreshing nonetheless to see them do it.

It took just 26 minutes before it had become too much for Kevin-Prince Boateng, who halted a run down the left flank, picked the ball up and volleyed it in the direction of those ignorant souls who had mercilessly heckled him and his colleagues. After a quick consultation between the irate Boateng, his Milan team-mates and the match referee, the Ghanaian stripped off his shirt and headed for the tunnel, with everyone else following.

The incident begs a series of questions, with the mos t pertinent being as to why, in 2013, we still have racists blighting our societies and our football experiences. Another is how on earth it has taken so long for a game to be stopped as a result. Milans gesture was a magnificent one, but now it must be used as a precedent.

This correspondent has been present at football matches, in Italy and elsewhere, and there have been, at times, incidents of monkey chants or similar being directed at black players. As recently as November, I was present as Panathinaikos Quincy Owusu-Abeyie was subjected to such treatment every time he touched the ball against Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico in the Europa League. Samuel Etoo was targeted away to Juventus in 2011 when playing for Inter, with songs likening the striker to oft-victimised African beggars on the local transport network.

The incidents are far too numerous to mention all of them, but what is most concerning is the complete lack of attention given to each one. At grounds where such disgraceful scenes occur, fellow supporters simply turn the other cheek, players of all races and backgrounds just get on with the game, TV commentators continue to report the events on the field and give no mention to the bad news emanating from the stands. What Milan did on Thursday needs to be taken as an example of a future vision.

The Rossoneri coach Massimiliano Allegri could not have been more right in his summing up of the situation after the abandonment. Italy has to improve in this regard, and become a more civil, educated and intelligent country, he said, but the bel paese is not the only land that needs to be cleaned up when it comes to racism.

England, Spain, Russia and many other countries have seen such regrettable occurrences on their shores too, but not since Messinas Marc Zoro stormed off against Inter in 2005 have we observed actions such as those seen from Milans players in Busto Arsizio.

With a small four-figure crowd present on Thursday, the news became big enough. Now the reactions need to be the same in competitive fixtures. Imagine the pressure that would build up on clubs, authorities and fan groups if a title decider or a cup final was halted early and the results awarded on the strength of disorder in the crowd.

Some have argued that it is unfair on the well-behaved majority if they dont get their moneys worth, but continued walk-offs would surely help to encourage people to report and turf out the racist troublemakers. The protagonists will continue to believe they can get away with it until they finally become suitably ostracised for their unbearable behaviour.

Piara Powar, executive director of the FARE (Football Against Racism in Europe) network, has called for the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) to take strong action.

"We salute Kevin-Prince Boateng for his act ions and his team-mates for their support," said Powar.

"Italy, as much as any country in Europe, has a serious problem of racism. Football infrastructure is in need of renewal and at serious odds with the changing nature of Italian society.

"We look forward to strong action by the FIGC."

Boateng and Milan need to be celebrated for their actions, but now we all have to take their lead. More players need to refuse to continue, more authorities need to tackle the problem, and more fans need to seek out stewards and police as soon as they hear even the slightest of racist slurs. Enough pointing of fingers, enough asking others to sort it out. Lets sort it out together.

Milan have made the first step down the road, now the rest of the football fraternity must follow.

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Valdez: I gave my word to stay at Valencia

Valenciastriker Nelson Valdez says he wants to stay at the club despite only being at the Spanish outfit on a temporary basis.

The forward joined Los Cheon loan this season from Russian side Rubin Kazan and has stated he wishes to continue next term at the Mestalla but the decision lies with the club's sporting director.

I have the desire to continue here but we must talk about it and there are topics that we must speak with Braulio Vazquez about, he told reporters.

Valdez netted three goals in 20 appearances for Rubin but is enjoying a return to Spanish football having found himself more involved in the first team.

On my part there is no problem. I have already given my word to stay and the rest Braulio should sort it with my representatives, said Valdez.

The attacker is confident Valencia's indifferent start to the season will not prevent them from reaching their target of European football next term.

He added: "We are better than many teams but we have to prove it on the field and not on paper. We have to correct the mistakes of the first round and reach the Champions League."

Los Che have an option to purchase the Paraguay international when his loan spell runs out in the summer.