Football news in brief: Scots U17s start with Italy stalemate

In yesterday's other group the Czech Republic grabbed a 1-0 win over Slovakia with a last minute goal from Dan Fojtasek. The Scots meet Slovakia tomorrow and only the top team in the section qualify.

FA brings charges against QPR

THE Football Association has charged npower Championship leaders QPR with seven breaches of regulations relating to third-party ownership and agents.

The charges relate to Argentine midfielder Alejandro Faurlin, who signed for QPR for a club-record 3.5 million fee in 2009. The club have been charged with agreeing a deal with a third party for the player's economic rights.

McFadden steps up his comeback bid

SCOTLAND striker James McFadden is to return to training at Birmingham City next week after having to put his comeback from cruciate knee ligament surgery temporarily on hold.

Blues manager Alex McLeish explained: "He going to start running again next week. He had a wee setback last week, but he is so eager to play he is pushing himself to the limits."

Robben returns to Netherlands squad

NETHERLANDS winger Arjen Robben has been called up by coach Bert van Marwijk for the first time since last year's World Cup in a provisional 27-man squad for this month's Euro 2012 qualifying matches against Hungary.

The Bayern Munich player's last appearance for his country finished in disappoinetment at the World Cup final in South Africa which they lost 1-0 to Spain after extra-time.

Brandao quizzed by police in France

OLYMPIQUE Marseille striker Brandao has been held for questioning over alleged sexual assault, police sources said yesterday. Brazilian Brandao was arrested on Tuesday morning at his home in Cassis and was being held for questioning in Marseille.

The sources added a young woman had accused Brandao of sexually assaulting her at a motorway rest area after he offered to drive her home from an Aix-en-Provence night club.