FOOTBALL: Fifa rules on Welsh clubs

FOOTBALL

Fifa has ruled that the three Welsh clubs - Newport, Colwyn Bay and Caernarfon - playing in English leagues must return to play in Welsh leagues by June 1997. Fifa has also suspended leading officials of the three clubs for two years, and said that the clubs were being punished because "in defiance of all Football Association rules, these clubs took the case to civil court."

The businessman Paul Scally has agreed to buy the troubled Third Division side, Gillingham, and must now satisfy creditors of the 102-year-old club at a meeting on 15 June.

Bernie Slaven, Darlington's former Republic of Ireland international striker, has been forced to retire from the game with a back injury at the age of 34.

Tosh McKinlay of Celtic has been drafted into Scotland's squad for the European Championship qualifier against the Faroe Islands on 7 June.

Dutch football supporters will have to carry identity cards next season. The cards will be issued by each of the 18 First Division clubs. The Dutch Football Federation will also issue special orange cards that will allow fans to buy tickets for international matches.