Rio de Janeiro  - Robinho will remain among the Brazilian players called for national duty in February despite the scandal he is immersed in, Brazil national coach Carlos Dunga confirmed Wednesday.

The Manchester City striker, 25, was arrested and questioned by police on Tuesday into allegations of a sexual assault at a Leeds nightclub on January 14.

Robinho was released on bail and, through his official website, has staunchly denied any involvement.

Rome  - AC Milan have confirmed they are interested in turning David Beckham's brief loan contract from Los Angeles Galaxy to full ownership.

Milan vice president Adriano Galliani made the news Wednesday saying that "If Beckham will decide to free himself from the contract (with Galaxy, which expires in 2011) our doors are open. But he belongs to another club and we must thank them because they were very kind to us."

Zurich - South Africans are confident like never before about the nation staging the 2010 football World Cup, but concerns in the areas of crime and pricing remain.

The ruling football body FIFA said in a statement issued on Wednesday that a poll conducted by the Sport+Markt company revealed that three out of four residents say that South Africa will be ready on time for the event.

More important, 77 per cent of those polled said they were more confident about the tournament success than they were in 2004 when the nation was elected host by FIFA.

London, Jan. 28: England football star David Beckham has just six days to sort out his AC Milan future.

If Milan wants to permanently sign the England midfielder from LA Galaxy, they must do so in this transfer window, reports The Sun.

The Americans had a clause in the initial agreement that prevents the loan being extended beyond March 9.

Milan yesterday opened negotiations with the MLS club about a possible 4.5 million pound transfer fee. But any deal will have to be tied up before the window closes at 5 p. m. next Monday.

London, Jan 28 : A Croatian footballer has become an instant hit with German fans without kicking a single ball-all thanks to a video showing him romping with wife on his club's centre.

Dino Dripc was put on the transfer list at his old club for his raunchy antics on their pitch, and he has now signed up for the German Bundesliga side Karlsruher SC.

The steamy video, which was posted on the net, shows his Playboy model wife Nives Celsius having sex on a special bed to promote her singing career.

London, Jan. 28 : Brazilian soccer ace Robinho was arrested for rape on Tuesday soon after flying back from his own country.

A Yorkshire University female student made the rape charge. The rape is alleged to have happened in the early hours of January 14, in the VIP area of the Space nightclub. It was reported to police that afternoon.

According to The Sun, Robinho had gone to Leeds with his teammates for a night out.