SAINT-ETIENNE: Aime Jacquet, who coached France to World Cup glory, said he will retire from soccer when he leaves his current post as technical director of the French Football Federation.

In an interview with regional newspaper La Tribune-Le Progres yesterday, Jacquet said that he received offers to take over several top European clubs before his World Cup success ``and even more afterwards.''But he said his coaching days were behind him.

``I turned them down without entering into discussions,'' Jacquet was quoted as saying.

Barada wins marathon squash final

CAIRO: Ahmed Barada of Egypt won his first title in a Super Series tournament last night when he beat the surprise finalist from Scotland, Martin Heath, in a 98-minute final of the Al-Ahram International squash.

For a player ranked 21st in the world, Heath put up a tremendous struggle and Barada had to quell a tremendous late recovery by the Scot -- from 5-10 to 13-allin the final game -- to win 15-7, 15-17, 15-11, 13-15, 15-13.

Michelle Martin, the Australian Commonwealth champion, scored her sixth successive major victory when she defeated England's Cassie Jackman 9-5, 9-3, 9-2 in the women's final.

Harassed referee to get protection

LONDON: Paul Alcock, the referee assaulted by disgraced Sheffield striker Paolo Di Canio last week, is to get special protection when he takes charge of Wimbledon's special Premiership match against Everton today.

Mike Reed, one of country's top officials, is to act as fourth official for a match that has been nominated ``difficult to handle''.

The Premier League referees department have given Alcock their full backing since the events at Hillsborough last Saturday, but the sensitive nature of the game has persuaded referee's officer Philip Don to give Alcock a ``minder''.

Gullit braces for Arsenal challenge

LONDON: Ruud Gullit faces his toughest challenge since taking over at Newcastle when his resurgent sidetake on English Premiership champions Arsenal at Highbury tomorrow.

Newcastle have shot up the league since Gullit took over from Kenny Dalglish last month and are determined to avenge their 3-1 defeat in the corresponding fixture last season.

Captain Alan Shearer, named Premiership Player of the Month for September recently, said the players are relishing the challenge of facing last season's double winners.

`Facilities for Asiad almost ready'

BANGKOK: Organisers of December's Asian Games have dismissed press reports that a sports complex would not be completed on time, saying preparations are well in hand, a local newspaper said on Friday.

Santiparb Tejavanija, deputy secretary of the Bangkok Asian Games Organising Committee, said yesterday construction of the sports complex at the Muang Thong Thani housing estate is 95 percent complete and will be finished this month, the Bangkok Post reported.