Sportsday Live - Wednesday 4 July as it happened

Andy Murray is through to the semi-finals at Wimbledon beating David Ferrer 6-7 7-6 6-4 7-6. He will face Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the last four on Friday.

Coach Mick Potter, one of 16 Bradford Bulls staff made redundant on Monday, agrees to return to the club with his assistant coaches on a voluntary basis and prepare the side for their Super League match against London Broncos on Sunday.

The fourth set between Andy Murray and David Ferrer has gone to a tie-break, after both players held their serve after the rain delay.

England coach Gary Neville on Twitter: "So where is RVP off. The purist in me was hoping he'd stay. However Arsenal need to put this to bed quickly now! Don't let it rumble on! Only a passenger on a ship remember! The ship will always be there!!

The Met office were right and it was just a shower at Wimbledon. The players are back out on court and play will resume shortly with Andy Murray leading David Ferrer by two sets to one but things all level at 5-5 in the fourth set. You can follow all the action online with BBC Sport.

Arsenal release a statement in the wake on Robin van Persie's decision not sign a new contract with the club. It says: "We have to respect Robin's decision not to renew his contract. Robin has one year to run on his current contract and we are confident that he will fulfil his commitments to the Club. We are planning with ambition and confidence for next season with Arsenal's best interests in mind."

Play is suspended at Wimbledon due to rain. The fourth set is tied at 5-5 with Andy Murray leading by two sets to one against David Ferrer. The roof will be left open as the met office report this is just a shower, instead the covers are on at Centre Court.

Five-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave backs Team GB to meet their 48-medal target. He said "My gut feeling has been that it would be nice to get 50-plus so that's pretty close to it, so I would hope that we're just into the 50s. "I think we will get into the 50s but it's a tough ask. We did so well in Beijing and to try and move up on that will be very difficult, especially on the gold medal tally."

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is through to the semi-finals at Wimbledon after beating Philipp Kohlschreiber 7-6 4-6 7-6 6-2. He will play the winner of the match between David Ferrer and Andy Murray.

Andy Murray takes the third set against Spaniard David Ferrer 6-4. He now leads by two sets to one. You can follow all the action online on the BBC Sport website.

The third one-day international between England and Australia at Edgbaston has been abandoned, without any play, due to rain.

England women lose to India by 14 runs to take a 2-0 lead in the five-game one-day international series. Pace bowler Katherine Brunt took 4-20 to reduce India to 34-6, but from 71-9, India's last pair Amita Sharma (42 not out) and Gouher Sultana (22) added 58 as the tourists were all out for 129.

Van Persie added: "I personally have had a great season but my goal has been to win trophies with the team and to bring the club back to its glory days. Out of my huge respect for Mr. Wenger, the players and the fans I don't want to go into any details, but unfortunately in this meeting it has again become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward."

More from Robin van Persie on his decision not to extend his contract at Arsenal: "Earlier this year I had a meeting with the Boss and Mr. Gazidis after the season. This was a meeting about the club's future strategy and their policy. Financial terms or a contract have not been discussed, since that is not my priority at all."

Former double world champion Tyson Gay believes the main contenders for the 100 metres gold at the London Games all have a chance of winning now after Olympic champion Usain Bolt's defeat at the Jamaican trials. He said: "Everyone is running almost the same time. Yohan has slightly separated himself from the rest of the field but besides that I think everyone is pretty even."

The Dutchman who has one year remaining on his contract at the Emirates added: "I love the club and the fans, no matter what happens. I have grown up and became a man during my time with Arsenal FC. Everybody at the club and the fans have always supported me over the years and I have always given my all (and more) on and off the pitch.

"I am very proud of being part of this fantastic club for the last 8 years. As soon as Mr. Gazidis is back from his 2-week holiday in America further meetings will follow and I will update you if and when there are more developments."

London Welsh are to sound out Gavin Henson about joining the Aviva Premiership newcomers. Director of rugby Lyn Jones said: "I'm not ruling anyone out and I'll get on to the phone to Gavin to see if he's interested, that's for certain. He used to be a very good rugby player and I'm sure that if he has the appetite he could be a very good one again."

Providing there is no more rain at Edgbaston play between England and Australia will get underway at 1800 BST. Play will be reduced to 28 overs.

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois's loan deal with Atletico Madrid has been extended for a further 12 months.

The 20-year-old was signed by the Blues from Belgian club Genk on a long-term deal in July 2011.

Match Of The Day live will bring viewers to BBC One Team GB's warm-up football matches from Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough.

Gabby Logan hosts coverage of Great Britain's women playing Sweden at 15:45 BST, followed by the men versus Brazil, 19:30 BST.

British showjumper Nick Skelton wins today's feature class at the World Equestrian Festival in Aachen, Germany.

Skelton triumphed on top of his London 2012 mount Big Star, and will be hoping toscarry his good form into the Olympics later this month.

Coach Lyn Jones confirms his London Welsh side are to approach Gavin Henson about signing the Wales centre.

Henson, who was dismissed by Cardiff Blues in April after getting drunk and misbehaving on a flight from Glasgow to Cardiff, wants to resurrect his career.

"Gav is one of many quality players on the market," said Jones. "We would certainly be interested in speaking to him at some point."

John Booth, team principal of the Marussia F1 team, says of Maria de Villota:

"Maria emerged from theatre at Addenbrooke's Hospital this morning after a lengthy operation to address the serious head and facial injuries she received in the accident.

"We are grateful for the medical attention that Maria has been receiving... However it is with great sadness that I must report that, due to the injuries she sustained, Maria has lost her right eye.

"Maria's care and the wellbeing of her family remain our priority at this time."

The BBC and the ATP agree a two-year extension to the ATP World Tour Finals agreement.

BBC Sport will broadcast one live match every day of the tournament including the opening match, one semi-final and the final.

Birmingham have their transfer embargo lifted by the Football League.

The Blues have been unable to sign players since being placed under embargo in March for not filing their 2010/11 accounts in time.

Former Sunderland club captain Kevin Ball is appointed the club's new senior professional development coach.

Ball, who was previously Academy manager and at one time stood in a caretaker manager in 2006, played over 400 times in the Black Cats's midfield.

The British taekwondo team has been disrupted by the selection row surrounding Aaron Cook.

"The high profile 'noise' generated around this matter has been an unwanted and significant distraction for the team at an important time," UK Sport admitted.

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva says he feared for his career after surgery on his left knee last December.

The 25-year-old missed more than half of last season after an operation, and the Brazil international revealed: "To be honest, in a few moments I thought I couldn't come back any more.

"My main target now is to be OK to play a part next season."

Bradford Bulls' administrator Brendan Guilfoyle says that Sunday's home game against London Broncos will go ahead despite him making 15 staff redundant on Monday.

Among those to lose their jobs were chief executive Ryan Duckett and head coach Mick Potter, and Guilfoyle is hoping to fill both roles with volunteers.

QPR say striker Rob Hulse will be staying at Loftus Road, despite the 32-year-old failing to play a regular part in last season's Premier League campaign.

"He wants to be playing more, but there's been no discussions about leaving," said Hulse's agent Matt Buck.

"We've not had any talks with the manager or anyone else at the club about moving on."

Former England batsman Mark Ramprakash, 42, is expected to announce his retirement from the first-class game tomorrow.

The Surrey veteran scored 114 first-class hundreds and played in 52 Test matches and 18 one-day internationals.

Earlier in the day we learned double amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius will run in London as part of South Africa's 4x400m relay team.

Now it has been revealed that Pistorius will compete in the individual 400m at the Games.

Tubby Reddy, chief executive of South Africa's Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee, told Reuters news agency: "The question arose as to whether he was allowed to run the 400. He can because he is part of the team."

Chris Eubank Jnr, namesake and son of former world champion Chris Eubank, is to face challenger Terry Carruthers from Birmingham in his fifth professional fight.

The Brighton-based boxer fights on the undercard of heavyweight Tyson Fury, who takes on veteran American Vinny Maddalone in north Somerset on Saturday night.

Details of the BBC's comprehensive coverage of this weekend's British Grand Prix have been released.

For the race itself, F1 fans will be able to customise their viewing experience through the BBC's multi-platform offering. Options include a split-screen; a live leaderboard; in-car cameras; choice of commentary; live online streaming; live text; interactive forums; circuit guides; and blogs.

Scottish F1 driver Paul di Resta announces he is to split with manager Anthony Hamilton, father of McLaren racer Lewis Hamilton.

The Force India driver joined the sport in 2010 under the guidance of Hamilton, but after two years' collaboration they have ended the working relationship.

Keep up-to-date with the very latest Rangers developments with BBC Sport's live text reporting.

The fixtures for the opening weekend of Aviva Premiership have been revealed, and new boys London Welsh start life in the top flight at home to nine-time English champions Leicester Tigers.

The other fixtures across the last weekend of August/first weekend of September are: Exeter Chiefs v Sale Sharks, Gloucester v Northampton Saints, Worcester Warriors v Bath, London Wasps v Harlequins and Saracens v London Irish.

British sprinter Adam Gemili says he is "privileged" to have the opportunity to race against the world's best 100m sprinters at London 2012.

"I feel privileged that I've earned a place and I will be lining up against the likes of Usain Bolt and Asafa Powell, potentially anything can happen in that race and it feels really good," he says. "I will be running against the best guys in the world and hopefully I'll run the times they run, and maybe even better it. Just to be there on the day will be amazing."

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva admits he feared his career was over after an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament.

"As soon as you get the injury you know you will be out for many months and you start to think about other things," he says. "The most difficult period for me was when I was on crutches for two months, especially the first four weeks after the surgery when the knee was swollen."

BBC Sport's Stephan Shemilt on Twitter: "Inspection at Edgbaston due at 2, so we'll know more then."

England are currently 2-0 up in the one-day series against Australia.

Newcastle target Mathieu Debuchy is set to meet Lille at the end of the week in a bid to push through his switch to Tyneside, reports The Journal.

The Magpies have missed out on FC Twente striker Luuk de Jong, but may still sign Brazilian defender Douglas.

Constantine Louloudis is confirmed in Britain's rowing men's eight ahead of the Olympics, overcoming a back injury to be included in the team.

"I'm delighted to have been selected after such a long period of doubt," says Louloudis, who rowed for Oxford in its victory in the University Boat Race in 2011.

Sri Lanka and Pakistan share a draw in the rain-affected second Test in Colombo, with a victory target of 261 proving beyond the hosts on the final day.

Oscar Pistorius tweets that it is "one of the happiest days of my life" after being included in South Africa's Olympic 4x400m relay squad.

"Will be in London 2012 for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games!" he says. "Thank you to everyone that has made me the athlete I am! God, family and friends, my competitors and supporters! You have all had a hand!"

Radcliffe continues: "I've got time for it to get sorted out. Everybody has these niggles coming in, it's just hopefully jumping on it as soon as I can.

"I've been getting treatment all the time on it and I am going straight away from here to get more treatment on it now."

After admitting injury concerns ahead of London 2012, Paula Radcliffe insists she has time to recover.

"Training has gone really well through May and June. Up until now, I've been really pleased with how things are going," she says. "My old osteoarthritic foot has just decided to flare up this week which has given me a bit of a panic, but I'm trying to stay calm and stay on top of that."

British racing has agreed a landmark funding deal with betting exchange Betfair which will be worth at least £40m to the sport over five years. The agreement will replace the company's current voluntary payments.

Watford's new owners, the Pozzo family, outline their plans for the Championship club in a statement released on the club's official website.

Their statement reads: "Our aim is clear: we wish to establish Watford as a Premier League club, which has revenue to help it become self-sufficient over time."

Both Roger Federer on Centre Court and defending champion Novak Djokovic on Court One start their quarter-finals.

All the action is available on BBC Sport's live text updates.

As Scottish Premier League chairmen gather at Hampden to discuss whether a "newco" Rangers should be in the top flight, you can follow the discussions on the BBC website's live text commentary.

Queensland win the 2012 State of Origin series 2-1 after a 21-20 victory over New South Wales.

Bolton defender Matt Mills, 25, moves from Leicester City to Bolton Wanderers for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal.

The start of England v Australia in the third one-day international at Edgbaston will be delayed due to rain. The word, according to BBC Sport's Stephan Shemilt, is no play for three hours.

Aberdeen sign former Celtic forward Niall McGinn on a two-year deal.

Aberdeen manager Craig Brown intends to use McGinn, who featured last season for Brentford on loan, as a striker.

In the State of Origin fixture, Queensland lead New South Wales 18-14 with 20 minutes remaining.

Both sides have one win each in the best-of-three series.

Partick Thistle are opposed to a newco Rangers entering Division One

Partick also call for the Scottish Football Association to "take ownership" of the Rangers crisis.

Tottenham Hotspur confirm the signing of Gylfi Sigurdsson from Hoffenheim on their official website.

The Iceland international scored seven times in 19 appearances for Swansea on loan last season, as well as picking up the Barclays Player of the Month award for March.

Oscar Pistorius is selected for South Africa's Olympic 4x400m relay team.

Pistorius missed the qualifying time needed for him to become the first amputee sprinter to compete individually at an Olympics last week.

Rafael Nadal is confident he will be fully fit in time to defend his Olympic tennis title at London 2012.

Nadal, who was knocked out of Wimbledon 2012 in the second round by Lukas Rosol, has cancelled a charity exhibition match against Novak Djokovic, scheduled to take place at Real Madrid's Bernabeu on 14 July.

"I was with my doctors on Monday and started already my treatment with the goal to be ready for the Olympic Games and represent Spain once again," says Nadal, who is struggling with tendinitis in his knee.

BBC Sport learns Jemma Simpson will appeal her omission from the women's 800m Olympic squad.

The decision to take just one athlete in the women's 800m - Lynsey Sharp - has been one of the major talking points since the squad announcement yesterday.

Sharp, who ran a 'B' standard qualification time, was chosen ahead of four athletes who possess the 'A' standard qualification - including Simpson, who ran it twice in 2011.

It is men's quarter-final day at SW19, with Roger Federer taking on Mikhail Youzhny first on Centre Court.

They will be followed by Britain's Andy Murray, who faces Spaniard David Ferrer for a spot in the semi-finals. Action is expected to start at 1300 BST and you can follow it all with BBC Sport's live text commentary.

Roberto Di Matteo concedes there is pressure on him as he embarks on his first full season as Chelsea manager at Stamford Bridge.

"The pressure will always be there to bring results. That's what you're judged on and we're still going to have a lot of games but starting a season is a little bit different to taking over during a season," he says. "Again I look at our first week, one game has already been rescheduled so we're going to start with three games in seven days and the pressure is always there."

FIFA threatens Oman with suspension from playing World Cup 2014 qualifying matches for breaching football rules on taking disputes to ordinary courts.

Three clubs in Oman sought a ruling to invalidate allegedly flawed elections for the Oman Football Association ruling board.

Oman, managed by former Rangers manager Paul Le Guen, are scheduled to play their next World Cup qualifier at home to Jordan on 16 October.

Roberto Di Matteo claims there is no such thing as the shadow of Pep Guardiola as he begins his first season as full-time Chelsea manager.

''There is no shadow, I feel no shadow. I have been in football all my life and you'll be judged by results," he says. "There has always been speculation I just do the job as best I can. People can say or write what they want.''

Daniel Sturridge, who has been treated for viral meningitis, releases a statement over his illness.

The statement reads: "The Chelsea medical team have been closely monitoring everything and they and the doctors and nurses at St Mary's Hospital have been outstanding throughout. Thankfully, I am starting to feel a lot better and I am optimistic about being able to make the Olympics. I am fortunate to have received many wishes of support and I want to thank everybody who has sent messages. It is much appreciated."

Paula Radcliffe says she has been left in "a bit of a panic" after another injury setback, but says there is hopefully time to get it sorted out.

Professor Hans Muller-Wohlfahrt, who will help Radcliffe recover, is a world leader in treatment of sports injuries. He has treated Radcliffe in the past, as well as Usain Bolt, Jurgen Klinsmann and Steven Gerrard.

North Korea will send 51 athletes to compete in 11 sports at London 2012.

The athletes will take part in women's football, marathon, table tennis, judo, wrestling, weightlifting, shooting, archery, diving, boxing and synchronized swimming, according to South Korea's Yonhap news agency.

There are concerns over the fitness of Paula Radcliffe with less than a month to go until the Olympics after a reecurrence of an injury to her left foot.

Despite still being able to run, she is set to fly to Germany later today to see Professor Hans Muller-Wohlfahrt for further treatment.

St. Johnstone striker Nigel Hasselbaink says he is not daunted by the prospect of being the club's main striker.

Francisco Sandaza and Cillian Sheridan have both left the club, but Hasselbaink is not fazed by the challenge.

"There's no task there, they are Sheridan and Sandaza, I'm Nigel Hasselbaink so I'm a different player and I'll do what I can do," he says. "I don't live life with pressure. I'm going to try to do what I always do, get one against one and give defenders a hard time."

The Luxembourg Boxing Federation statement reads: "The Luxembourg Boxing Federation and a number of licence holders have today issued legal proceedings against the British Boxing Board of Control in relation to its behaviour over the Haye v Chisora fight on 14 July 2012.

"This is not something anyone wanted to do and neither is it a step we took lightly, but we felt we were left with no option.

"We have issued proceedings to prevent the Board from intimidating its own members into not participating in the fight."

More news about the Luxembourg Boxing Federation (LBF) issuing legal proceedings against the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) after the LBF release a statement accusing the BBBoC of "intimidating".

On Daniel Sturridge's illness, Di Matteo adds: "He felt unwell over the weekend and was taken to hospital afterwards."

However, Di Matteo is confident Sturridge will still be able to represent Team GB at London 2012.

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo confirms striker Daniel Sturridge has been diagnosed with viral meningitis.

"I spoke to him and he feels better now. Hopefully he gets well ASAP," he says. "He felt unwell over the weekend and was taken to hospital afterwards."

Kumar Sangakkara misses out on a double century in Sri Lanka's test match against Pakistan after being dismissed by Abdur Rehman for 192.

Gillingham are ordered to leave their training ground after failing to pay bills.

Medway Council claim the League Two side owe more than £34,000 in unpaid utility bills and charges for using Beechings Cross.

Alan Jarratt, deputy leader of Medway Council, said: "The money owed is not a small figure, and it is public money provided by the taxpayer."

Steven Croft blames the weather for Lancashire's eight-wicket defeat to Nottinghamshire in the FL t20.

Roberto Di Matteo adds: "He felt unwell over the weekend and was taken to hospital afterwards."

The Italian refuses to rule Sturridge out of representing Team GB at London 2012, saying he hopes to recover in time.

MotoGP riders create their perfect circuit by picking their favourite corners from this year's tracks. You can have a look in our MotoGP section.

BBC Scotland's senior football reporter Chris McLaughlin on Twitter: "Most club reps entered meeting via back door to avoid media. Would fans rather they walked up the stairs and faced the questions?"

Stoke will round off their pre-season preparations with a friendly against Bundesliga newcomers Greuther Furth next month. The Potters will play at the German side's Trolli Arena on 10 August, after warm-up matches in Switzerland and the United States.

Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani's agent wants the club to make a swift decision on whether he has a future at Anfield.

Franco Zavaglia told Tutto Mercato Web: "At the moment Aquilani is a Liverpool player and will certainly start pre-season training with them, then we'll see what happens. The new manager will decide whether to keep him or not.

"I don't think he's coming back to Italy and he hasn't expressed any particular preference, but this time I hope Liverpool can tell us in time if he's not part of their plans so we can find him the right club."

Scottish Premier League chairmen are expected to delay an anticipated vote on where Rangers should play their football next season.

The new owners of Watford say they will be at the club "for the long-term" as fans await the appointment of Gianfranco Zola as manager.

Brazil centre-back Lucio, 34, is set to join Juventus having been released by Inter Milan.

BBC sports news correspondent Gordon Farquhar on Twitter: "UK Sport unveil medal target range for London 2012. More medals in more sports their mantra, 48 medals from 12 sports the minimum."

Lord Alan Sugar discusses Tottenham's appointment on Andre Villas-Boas on BBC Radio 5 live: "The Spurs management obviously know that he was deemed not to be successful at Chelsea, but we have to give him a chance.

"He's obviously a very well-qualified manager in Portugal, and perhaps it was the culture of Chelsea, perhaps it was the interfering chairman, maybe, that caused a bit of friction, and I think that we've got a different chairman at Tottenham who lets people get on with things. So let's give him a good chance, and let's welcome him to the club."

Millar, 35, served a two-year ban in 2004 after he admitted taking performance-enhancing drug agent EPO. He is eligible to take part after the British Olympic Association (BOA) officially rescinded its lifetime ban for athletes convicted of doping.

Mark Cavendish, Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome and Ian Stannard complete Britain's five-man team for London.

David Millar is named in Team GB's Olympic road cycling team for the Olympic Games in London.

Brad Guzan is close to re-signing for Aston Villa, according to the Press Association. The goalkeeper, 27, parted company with the club at the end of last season after failing to agree a contract extension.

Rafael Nadal postpones a charity exhibition match against Novak Djokovic scheduled for 14 July at Real Madrid's Bernabeu stadium because of tendinitis.

The Spaniard says he needs 15 days' rest and his "objective is to arrive in good condition at the Olympics in London".

England move up to fourth in the FIFA world rankings after reaching the quarter-finals of Euro 2012. Spain stay first and Italy are up to sixth - a jump of six places.

Agassi adds: "For Andy it's just not easy to go through two of those guys to win a Grand Slam. If Andy was playing in my generation I would have less Slams and he would have more.

"I like the match-up, I really do [of Murray v Ferrer]. It's an entirely different proposition on grass than on clay. Ferrer has a hard time driving a back-hand across court, which is going to give Andy a lot of chances to dictate play."

Andre Agassi discusses Andy Murray's quarter-final with David Ferrer on BBC Radio 5 live: "I think Andy is a better player at Wimbledon than at any place else, because the negativity seems to be in check.

"That's the one fault you can find over the years is that he tends to get pretty down on himself. But at Wimbledon, with his regard for the environment, he seems to be keeping himself in check, which obviously helps his performance.

"The biggest crime he's committed is being born in the golden age of tennis."

Rangers also confirm that they have agreed John Fleck's move to Coventry City.

After joining Everton on a four-year deal, Naismith said: "It is a great honour to be joining a club of Everton's wonderful history and to have the chance to play with such a talented group of players in the world's best league: the Barclays Premier League, in front of such a passionate group of fans.

"I look forward greatly to working with the manager David Moyes and all the staff at Everton and working hard to deliver on the pitch to repay their, and the chairman Mr Kenwright's, faith and belief in me."

Everton manager David Moyes told the club's website that Naismith's versatility makes him an attractive addition.

Moyes said: "We are delighted that Steven has agreed to join us. He will be an excellent addition to the players we already have and we look forward to him being fit and ready to play at the start of the season.

"He is an established international who can play in a number of positions. He has a flexibility we always like in our players and which will hopefully prove to be very useful for us."

Everton have signed former Rangers forward Steven Naismith on a four-year deal.

Just to re-cap, the SPL clubs will vote today to decide on the application from Charles Green's newco Rangers to be admitted to the top flight.

After they were liquidated, their registrations with the Scottish FA and Scottish Premier League were terminated. The 'newco' will not get the required votes for re-admittance to the SPL and at least 10 SFL have confirmed their opposition to Rangers joining the First Division.

Lynsey Sharp discusses her selection in the 800m for Team GB's athletics squad for London 2012 on BBC Radio 5 live: "I didn't pick the team, all I did was put myself in a position to be in contention. I've run against all three of the other girls and I've beaten every single one of them this season, and I won the trials that they were in as well.

"Charles [van Commenee] with his selection policy has shown confidence in me that I can perform, and I have shown I can perform when it matters, which is really important in any sport.

"I'm trying to still enjoy this even though there's so much controversy surrounding it. It's important the public back the team. It wasn't me who made the decision and I'm in the team."

Coming up later on this morning, Roberto Di Matteo gives his first news conference since being made permanent Chelsea manager.

Doncaster adds: "The SFL clubs met yesterday and they'll be meeting again next Thursday and they will then decide whether they wish to provide a berth for Rangers in the First Division.

"Rangers does need somewhere to play next season and they've already taken a 10-point penalty and they have a player transfer embargo from the SFA. They've also got, effectively, a three-year ban from European competition and they've been fined a six-figure sum. Those are the sanctions that have already taken place.

"You've got to reflect on the reality of the damage that is inflicted on the game. With Rangers in either of the top two tiers, that damage is minimised. With Rangers in the bottom tier of Scottish football, the damage that would be inflicted on 41 innocent clubs is very, very difficult to defend."

Doncaster continues on BBC Radio 5 live: "[Going into the bottom tier] could happen but it's not viable, because it would wreak so much damage on 41 innocent clubs who have done nothing wrong.

"The meeting yesterday for the 30 Scottish Football League clubs pretty positive and hopefully we'll get a good steer coming out of that in the next 24 hours, that it is viable to put Rangers into the second tier. Then our clubs have options available to them.

"That may be why a firm decision is not taken today - it's important that as many options as possible are kept alive so that the right decision can be taken."

Neil Doncaster, SPL chief executive, on BBC Radio 5 live: "There is a lot of passion and emotion flying around the game up here at the moment.

"There are two viable options. The option that is being talked about, of Rangers going into Division Three, the fourth tier of Scottish football, would wreak huge financial damage on the whole of the game up here. It's simply not right 41 clubs to pay the price for the misdeeds of one.

"There are effectively two viable options. One is for Rangers to come back into the SPL with a range of appropriate sanctions. The other would be Rangers going into the second tier of Scottish football."

The Luxembourg Boxing Federation has issued legal proceedings against the British Boxing Board of Control in the latest twist in the row over the decision to stage a controversial bout between British heavyweights David Haye and Dereck Chisora.

Former England bowler Jones adds: "If England can really beat them badly, it will be in the thoughts of the youngsters when they come over (for next year's Ashes), and the older guys as well.

"They want to have belief in that squad, the Australians, and if they don't have that, they're going to go into the Test series with a negative mindset. It's key that England to beat them well, to give them a chance in the Test series as well."

Simon Jones discusses today's third ODI between England and Australia at Edgbaston on BBC Radio 5 live: "The Aussies have brought over a decent strength squad.

"But they were never going to be able to do it with England, because of the strength in depth that England have, and the way they're playing.

Ahead of his quarter-final showdown with David Ferrer at Wimbledon this afternoon, you can also read Andy Murray's latest BBC column in our tennis section. Great Britain's number one discusses his football career, as well as which superhero he would be.

Kumar Sangakkara and Angelo Mathews put on an unbroken 89-run stand as Sri Lanka avoided the follow-on and progressed to 367-5 at lunch on the final day of the second Test against Pakistan.

UK Athletics' head coach Charles van Commenee is in the dark about the fitness of Phillips Idowu, who has a foot problem and is one of Great Britain's biggest medal hopes at London 2012.

"I am told he is aiming to compete at Crystal Palace and that's all I know," said Van Commenee. "There are no guarantees. The athlete is injured. How can I possibly be confident?"

Late last night it was revealed that Manchester United have applied to list on the US stock market in a share sale aimed at raising £64m. "We intend to use all of our net proceeds from this offering to reduce our indebtedness," United's prospectus said.

On the subject of Rangers' fate, Kelly continues: "You can't have half your principles.

"I think if Rangers went into the third division, Celtic wouldn't have to pay for decent players, the whole standard of Scottish football would fall away, people wouldn't watch it on the television without Celtic and Rangers competing for the title; it's simply the first step to destruction and I would avoid that at all costs."

Former Celtic director Michael Kelly speaking to BBC Radio 5 live about the Rangers vote: "It's bad enough that David Murray stole Rangers' inheritance - I don't want them to destroy part of Celtic and Scottish football's inheritance.

"It's very simple to keep the sporting integrity. The wrongdoings relate to the past - they should have all the trophies they won under David Murray taken away from them."

Later today SPL clubs will vote on whether to allow newco Rangers into the top flight of Scottish football.

Today's meeting at Chepstow has been abandoned due to a waterlogged track.