Adebayor gives mixed signals

VIENNA, Austria (AP):

Emmanuel Adebayor's future at Arsenal remains uncertain after the striker sent out conflicting signals yesterday.

"I am a footballer, I have a three-year contract at Arsenal but, as you know, a lot of clubs are interested in me," Adebayor told Sky Sports News. "At the moment, we are just going to sit down and talk and decide what to do. Nothing has been decided yet. We will see next week."

That appeared to contradict earlier statements by the Togo international when asked if he might move to AC Milan.

"No matter what, I have to stay (at Arsenal)," the 24-year-old forward said. "I have a good contract, we have a good team there and I'm playing for one of the biggest teams in the world."

Bulgaria withdraw weightlifters

SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP):

Bulgaria's weightlifting federation will withdraw its team from the Beijing Olympics after 11 lifters tested positive for a banned steroid.

Eight members of the men's team and three women tested positive during out-of-competition tests conducted June 8-9, a federation statement said yesterday.

No more trophies for England's Under-8s

LONDON (AP):

England has banned young children from playing for league and cup trophies in football in a bid to remove pressure from parents and coaches. The ruling issued yesterday by the Football Association is also intended to develop young players' skills on the field.

"It's widely accepted that we need to improve the skills and technique of players in this country," said Trevor Brooking, the former England and West Ham midfielder who is now the FA's director of football development. "At the moment we are not at the same level as other countries.

"In the youngest age groups, there's too much emphasis on winning leagues, often to satisfy parents and coaches. That's what we're looking to change. We need better, more skilful players coming through."