SoccerDigest

Pitches for review: The International Football Association Board will consider a proposal to standardise the size of international pitches.

The IFAB, which rules on any changes to the laws of the game, has received a proposal that would set down a standard pitch size of 105 x 68 metres for all international games.

According to an agenda for the March 8th meeting released by Fifa yesterday, the Welsh FA will argue that the current ability to vary the size of pitches can be used to disadvantage visiting teams.

The laws of the game state that pitches used for internationals must have a length of between 100 and 110 metres and a width of 64 to 75 metres.

Rangers draw blank Rangers' hopes of progressing to the last 16 of the Uefa Cup were dented last night after they were held to a goalless draw by Panathinaikos at Ibrox.

Even the late introduction of new signing from Fulham Daniel Cousin failed to break down the stubborn resistance of the Greek side's defence.

Rangers now face a daunting trip to Athens for the second leg next week.

Ronaldo out again

European champions AC Milan missed the chance to go fourth in Serie A when they were held 1-1 at home by Livorno last night and their disappointment was compounded by a serious-looking injury to Ronaldo.

The Brazilian was carried off in tears after going down with a knee problem during the incident that led to Andrea Pirlo's equalising penalty after an hour.

Robson faces wait

Bryan Robson's future as the manager of Sheffield United was last night left hanging in the balance after talks with the club's plc chairman, Kevin McCabe, were scheduled to continue for a second day.

McCabe claimed that "it's not my intention" to change the manager before Sunday's FA Cup fifth-round tie against Middlesbrough but he also did little to dispel suggestions that he is looking to reshuffle the coaching staff, with Robson possibly moving upstairs.

Scudamore upbeat

English Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said he still has the backing of all 20 clubs to investigate the idea of playing 10 matches overseas from 2010 and stressed fans would be consulted on the controversial proposal.

However, anyone who believes localised opposition from supporters in England could kill the "39th game" idea should think again as Scudamore included the league's "worldwide fanbase" in his overall consultation agenda.

"It is important we have the support of the 20 clubs and we still have the support of the 20 clubs to investigate and look at the proposal," Scudamore said.

In brief . . .

Sunderland midfielder Dwight Yorke admits he is playing for his future at the Stadium of Light, the 36-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and does not know whether he will be offered a new deal . . . Manchester City's former Germany midfielder Dietmar Hamann (34) signed a one-year extension to his contract, which was set to expire at the end of this season

. . . Portsmouth striker Kanu (31) could join Australian club Gold Coast Galaxy according to the Nigerian's agent.

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times