Bayern Munich released a statement criticizing the way captain Philipp Lahm has treated the club over his announcement that he will retire in the summer. A statement from club Chair Karl-Heinz Rummenigge explained that Bayern was "surprised" at the decision and added that the team "hoped he would stay on as sporting director." The statement said, "FC Bayern München is surprised by the approach of Philipp Lahm and his adviser. [Club president] Uli Hoeness and I have held open, intensive and constructive talks with Philipp in recent months about a possible position as sporting director of our club" (London INDEPENDENT, 2/8).
League Two side Morecambe confirmed that "player and staff wages have now been paid," amid continuing takeover discussions. It is the second time the team has paid its players late this season. Italian businessman Joseph Cala's purchase of the club has been delayed by a court order from Brazilian Diego Lemos, who said that he still owns the club through holding company G50 Holdings (BBC, 2/8).
Officials at a hospital that offers views of the pitch at Serie A side Crotone's Ezio Scida stadium from its upper floors operated a "patients only policy" for Wednesday's match against Juventus. It is Juventus' first game at Crotone since Sept. '06. On that occasion, several supporters "were found to have invited relatives or friends in the hospital in order to watch the match from its windows." Now, Giuseppe Frisenda, the district councilor responsible for sport, "agreed with the hospital management" that no visits would be allowed in the "hours immediately preceding the match" (ESPN.com, 2/8).
