Blues deny Abramovich bonus bonanza

Chelsea have dismissed reports that owner Roman Abramovich has offered Russia's players a financial incentive to beat England in their key Euro 2008 qualifier at Wembley on Wednesday.

Reports claimed the Russian players would receive 40,000 pounds (81,000 dollars) each if they were to defeat Steve McClaren's men.

And Abramovich was accused of funding the bonus plan through the National Football Academy along with the Russian Football Union.

It was alleged that 15,000-pounds-per-man was being paid for by the Russian Football Union while the remaining sum would be guaranteed by the Abramovich-backed Academy.

But a Chelsea statement said: "Roman Abramovich has never offered, proposed or promised any bonuses to the Russian team to beat England.

"The financial backing Mr Abramovich gives to Russian football, via his National Academy of Football foundation, is for the development of the game as a whole and is not focused on specific matches.

"Mr Abramovich supports grass-roots football initiatives through such efforts as building football pitches, helping to organise youth sports academies and providing training for coaches."

Chelsea are likely to have four of their players lining up against the Russians, with Ashley Cole, John Terry, Joe Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips possible starters.

Chelsea have dismissed reports that owner Roman Abramovich has offered Russia's players a financial incentive to beat England in their key Euro 2008 qualifier at Wembley on Wednesday.

Reports claimed the Russian players would receive 40,000 pounds (81,000 dollars) each if they were to defeat Steve McClaren's men.

And Abramovich was accused of funding the bonus plan through the National Football Academy along with the Russian Football Union.

It was alleged that 15,000-pounds-per-man was being paid for by the Russian Football Union while the remaining sum would be guaranteed by the Abramovich-backed Academy.

But a Chelsea statement said: "Roman Abramovich has never offered, proposed or promised any bonuses to the Russian team to beat England.

"The financial backing Mr Abramovich gives to Russian football, via his National Academy of Football foundation, is for the development of the game as a whole and is not focused on specific matches.

"Mr Abramovich supports grass-roots football initiatives through such efforts as building football pitches, helping to organise youth sports academies and providing training for coaches."

Chelsea are likely to have four of their players lining up against the Russians, with Ashley Cole, John Terry, Joe Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips possible starters.

Bremen wait on Brazilians Diego and Alberto

Werder Bremen are hoping to extend the contract of in-form Brazilian midfielder Diego as they wait on the fitness of his South American compatriot Carlo Alberto, the club announced on Wednesday.

Alberto is struggling with a knee injury and broke down in training on Wednesday to become a major concern ahead of Friday's Bundesliga clash at Borussia Dortmund.

And playmaker Diego is under contract until June 2010 but after some top-class performances this season Bremen are keen to extend the 22-year-old's pay deal prematurely.

"We are pretty happy that Diego is still under contract with us until 2010," said director of sport Klaus Allofs said on Wednesday.

"It's not a burning issue for us, but we want to extend his contract."

But there is still no contract for Croatian striker Ivan Klasnic who has come back from two kidney transplants and is fighting his way back to full fitness.

"There is no time window on that issue and we don't want to avoid any pressure, we have to be patient," said coach Thomas Schaaf with Klasnic suffering from flu.