Larsson says goodbye to Celtic

Celtic FC

Rising star
Talented Romanian striker Cristian Tudor is leaving FC Alania Vladikavkaz to sign for Russian Premier-Liga rivals FC Moskva. The 21-year-old has been on loan at Alania from Moldovan side FC Sheriff, scoring five goals in eight games, but will join Moskva in July. "We've been following Tudor for a very long time," said Moskva general manager Yuri Belous. "I'm sure he will form a powerful attacking duo with [Héctor] Bracamonte."

Russian suspensions
Elsewhere in Russia, FC Torpedo Moskva defender Aleksei Bugaev and FC Dinamo Moskva forward Baffur Gjan have been handed lengthy domestic suspensions by the Football Union of Russia. Bugaev, who may feature in Russia's UEFA EURO 2004™ squad, received a five-match ban for hitting an opponent in an off-the-ball incident during Sunday's 1-0 win against SC Rotor Volgograd. Meanwhile, Gjan has been suspended for ten games for assaulting and injuring an opponent in the 1-0 defeat by FC Rostov at the weekend.

Nine points deducted
The Danish Football Association (DBU) has deducted nine points from relegated Akademisk Boldklub after the club fielded a player with a false identity. Nigerian forward Emmanuel Ake Richard Muttendango appeared for AB under the name Ali Akida. The DBU decided it was the club's responsibility to verify whether the player was who he claimed to be, and has removed the nine points AB won with him in the side.

New beginning
In England, relegated Leeds United AFC have appointed Kevin Blackwell as their new manager. The 45-year-old has agreed a two-year deal to replace Eddie Gray, who is staying with the club in an advisory capacity. Blackwell said: "I am enthusiastic and confident the future will be better for this club." Meanwhile, Everton FC have named Trevor Birch as their new chief executive. Birch, who previously filled the same role at Chelsea FC and Leeds, replaces Michael Dunford. He will start work at the Goodison Park club on 1 June.

Griffin switch
Portsmouth FC have signed defender Andy Griffin from Premiership rivals Newcastle United FC on a four-year deal. The 25-year-old, a free agent after his contract ended, played 90 games for Newcastle after joining from Stoke City FC in January 1998. Finally, Málaga CF right-back Roberto Rojas has announced his decision to leave the club. The 29-year-old former Real Madrid CF youth-team player waves goodbye on a free transfer after five seasons at La Rosaleda.