Football in Brief: Ba 'happy' with Upton Park loan

The Hoffenheim striker Demba Ba has joined West Ham United on loan for six months. The Senegalese player had been pursuing a move since falling out with the Bundesliga club earlier this month when he refused to attend a training camp. "I'm really happy that the clubs have reached an agreement," the 25-year-old wrote on his website. West Ham last night agreed a deal for Gary O'Neil, the Middlesbrough midfielder, for an undisclosed sum.

Muscat punishment delayed for red card

Kevin Muscat, widely condemned for the tackle that saw him sent off while playing for Australian side Melbourne Victory on Saturday, will have to wait at least until Thursday to learn his fate. The former Millwall defender yesterday had his case referred to the A-League's disciplinary committee, which is expected to impose a ban of at least six weeks. That would rule the 37-year-old out for the rest of the season and might also end his A-League career.

Blatter should go, says Bin Hammam

The Asian football president Mohamed Bin Hammam has called for Sepp Blatter to be replaced as Fifa president, arguing that Blatter's long reign has helped to foster a corrupt image of the governing body. "I believe change is the best thing for the organisation," said the Qatari. While Bin Hammam refused to confirm whether he would run against Blatter in the Fifa presidential election in June, he said that competition for the post would be good for the organisation.

Injured Nesta could miss Spurs games

Alessandro Nesta is a doubt for the Champions League last 16 first leg between Milan and Tottenham Hotspur next month.

The veteran centre-back dislocated his left shoulder during Milan's 2-0 defeat of Cesena on Sunday and will be out for the next three weeks. Milan's vice-president, Adriano Galliani, confirmed Nesta would miss "six to seven games". Milan host Spurs on 15 February and travel to White Hart Lane on 9 March.