More sports

AC Milan accused of picking refs

By TIMES STAFF WRITER
Published May 26, 2006

ROME - AC Milan reportedly tried to arrange which referees would officiate its matches in the 2004-05 season, just as Juventus is accused of doing, according to new wiretaps published Thursday by Corriere della Sera.

Milan issued a statement by its lawyer denying wrongdoing and saying the phone taps were "poorly interpreted."

According to the transcripts, Milan chairman Adriano Galliani, who is also president of the Italian league, apparently had club management member Leonardo Meani make arrangements with referees commission secretary Manfredi Martino.

Meani was reportedly told by Martino two days before a game against Chievo Verona that Gianluca Paparesta would officiate the match. Martino also informed Meani that the team's linesman of choice, Claudio Puglisi, was assigned to the game.

Paparesta has reportedly acknowledged being locked up in a locker room by former Juventus general manager Luciano Moggi for failing to assure the club a victory last season. Moggi is under investigation for reportedly trying to manipulate assignments of referees for Juventus games.

After a match between Siena and Milan in 2005, which Milan lost, Meani talked on the phone with the official who assigns linesmen, Gennaro Mazzei, and complained about a linesman.

"I don't want him! I never asked for him and I never wanted him!" Meani said, according to Corriere. "Now you be careful, be careful," Meani said, adding that "Galliani is furious."

England's Wayne Rooney had an MRI scan on his broken foot, hoping to learn he will be able to play in the World Cup.

Test results are expected to be announced today.

Rooney broke a bone in his right foot against Chelsea on April 29, putting him in doubt for the entire monthlong tournament, which begins June 9 in Germany. England's only World Cup title came 40 years ago.

England's first game is against Paraguay in Frankfurt on June 10. England's coach, Sven-Goran Eriksson, said he is confident Rooney will be fit for the quarterfinals June 30.

Meanwhile, Michael Owen, played his first game since breaking his foot Dec. 31. He didn't score, but was involved in England's 35th-minute goal in the unofficial "B" international, a 2-1 loss to Belarus.

About 3,500 known English hooligans, identified on a list of people compiled by British authorities who could pose a threat to the tournament, will be stopped from going to the World Cup, an official said. Police will be at airports, seaports and train stations.

Striker Jan Koller will miss a practice game because of a leg injury. It was not clear whether Koller - the country's record scorer - would play in today's exhibition with Saudi Arabia because of a muscle problem in his right leg, team spokesman Lukas Tucek said. The Czechs' first game is June 12 against the United States.

Team captain Michael Ballack appeared to injure his left ankle during a practice game in Geneva. The midfielder, who signed last week with English champion Chelsea, left 26 minutes into a game against the junior team of local club Servette.

Chelsea defender Asier Del Horno may miss the World Cup after suffering a tendon injury but Real Madrid defender Michel Salgado should be back training for the tournament next week, the team said.

The team's defense took a hit when Cory Gibbs was removed from the roster because of a knee injury sustained in this week's exhibition game against Morocco. He was replaced by Gregg Berhalter.

[Last modified May 26, 2006, 00:51:15]