Blades to appeal over Cup quarter-final limit

Sheffield United are to appeal against the decision to close parts of their Bramall Lane ground for next month's FA Cup quarter-final tie with Leeds.

The Blades have been told to close the lower tier of the Gordon Lamb Stand and also blocks G and H of the Laver Stand for the game on Sunday 9 March. The decision to prevent 4,400 seats being made available for use was taken by the safety advisory committee which comprises police and the local authorities. It is understood that Leeds will still seek their full allocation from Sheffield United.

Unlike Leeds, Blackburn yesterday ruled out entering the Intertoto Cup next season in order to concentrate on their performance in the League.

Manchester City's injury-prone Costa Rican striker, Paulo Wanchope, is out for the remainder of the season after dislocating his shoulder last Sunday in a freak accident during training.

The Labour MPs, Andy Burnham and James Purnell, are to lobby the European Commission to drop their threat to stop English football selling television rights collectively. The EC have issued the Premier League with a statement of objection to their current TV deal with Sky

The Chelsea chairman, Ken Bates, has ruled out a Stamford Bridge ground-share with Fulham next season. "The pitch we are laying down now is not suitable for 50 games [per season]," Bates said. "It is only suitable for 25."