Sturm sack Szabics

SK Sturm Graz have announced that they have fired their Hungarian international striker, Imre Szabics, citing a "non-compliance with work regulations".

Debut goals
The 22-year-old, whose contract with the Austrian Bundesliga club was due to end in the summer, scored twice on his international debut for Hungary in the 5-1 victory against Luxembourg last Wednesday. However, Sturm president Hannes Kartnig has subsequently said that the player had not been granted permission to play in the friendly international because of an injury.

Move agreed
"He had no permission to travel and has let down his team-mates," said Kartnig. "The players cannot simply do anything they want to." Szabics had previously fallen foul of the Sturm management after it became known that he had agreed to join German club 1. FC Nürnberg in July on a free transfer after refusing the offer of a new contract at the Arnold Schwarzenegger stadium.

Possible relegation
However, the move is subject to Nürnberg being in the Bundesliga next season, something which is in serious doubt as they are five points adrift of safety with three games remaining and could be relegated at the weekend if they lose at BV Borussia Dortmund. The talented forward is thus facing an uncertain future.