Ronaldinho is named European Footballer of the Year.

The Barcelona ace wins the coveted Ballon D’Or ahead of three Premiership stars.

Chelsea are fined £30,000 for failing to control their supporters during a Carling Cup tie last season.- Barcelona’s Ronaldinho is named the 2005 European Footballer of the Year. The 25-year-old Brazilian claims the coveted Ballon D’Or having already won the 2004 FIFA World Player of the Year and the first-ever FIFPRO award. The Premiership makes its mark Chelsea’s Frank Lampard coming second, Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard third and Arsenal’s Thierry Henry fourth. The Ballon D’Or, voted for by European football journalists selected by French magazine France Football, celebrated its 50th anniversary in Paris. The first winner was Stanley Matthews, then of Blackpool, in 1956.

- Chelsea are to appeal against the £30,000 fine for failing to control their fans during a Carling Cup tie with West Ham United at Stamford Bridge in October 2004 when police in riot gear clashed with home and away fans. Chelsea’s Mateja Kezman had to have treatment on a head injury after being struck by an object thrown from a section of West Ham fans. The Football Association handed out the fine and reprimanded both clubs who were also warned as to their future conduct.

- Fulham are to re-name their Stevenage Road Stand in honour of the legendary Johnny Haynes, who died in October. The century-old stand with its marvellous red brick frontage was designed by Archibald Leitch, and has Group Two listed status.

- The Italian Football Federation orders all games in the country this week to kick off five minutes late to allow players to demonstrate their opposition to racism. The decision comes after Messina’s Ivory Coast defender Zoro threatened to leave the field in protest against racist jeering from visiting Inter Milan fans in a Serie A match on Sunday. He had been jeered by Inter fans throughout the game and picked up the ball in the 66th minute and headed off the field towards the fourth official before other players urged him to continue.

- Liverpool, Manchester City and Leeds United express their regret of the failure of fans at their games at the weekend to observe a one-minute silence in memory of George Best. The Premier League and Football League called for the silence to honour probably Britain’s greatest-ever player. It was duly observed at virtually every ground. At others, including at West Ham United where Manchester United were the visitors, the silence was replaced by warm, respectful and appropriate applause and cheering.