Josef Hickersberger quit as Austria coach one day before the Austrian football federation was to decide his future.
Hickersberger told federation president Friedrich Stickler on Monday that he resigned with immediate effect. His contract was due to expire in December. “I am empty and tired, I need a time off, must recharge the batteries. Chapter closed,” Hickersberger said.
Turkish PM tells fans to hold fire
Ankara: Turkey Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday called on his citizens to refrain from firing celebratory shots into the air should their side defeat Germany in Wednesday’s Euro 2008 semifinals.
“It is a grave mistake and an unacceptable situation,” Erdogan told a parliamentary group meeting. “Nobody has the right to turn happiness into pain and grief. No victory is more important than human life,” he said.
His appeal came after one person was killed and 20 wounded by celebratory gunshots after Turkey’s win against Croatia.
Saenko misses training
Basel: Russia midfielder Ivan Saenko did not train on Monday because of an ankle problem, the national football union said. Saenko, the only Russia player to play his club football abroad, started in Russia's 3-1 extra-time quarterfinal win over Netherlands but was substituted towards the end of normal time.
Romania captain undergoes surgery
Bucharest: Romania captain Cristian Chivu has undergone shoulder surgery to fix an injury that affected his form at the Euro 2008.
Romania captain undergoes surgery
Bucharest: Romania captain Cristian Chivu has undergone shoulder surgery to fix an injury that affected his form at the Euro 2008.
Chivu will be in plaster for several weeks and will need three months to fully recuperate.