Football Talk

Daniel Levy's company, Enic, stand to scoop £2 million from Tottenham's first dividend to shareholders for nine years. The decision to pay out 4 pence per ordinary share is highly unusual for the football industry and is in stark contrast to rivals Arsenal, who don't pay dividends despite being Europe's second richest club. Spurs sources say the move, which follows record profits of £27.7m, is designed to help give the club a better financial track record to help with future fundraising for a new ground. But City experts point out that, with Spurs the subject of takeover speculation, it also makes the business more attractive to potential buyers.

Porter drops baggage on Bates

Friction in the Elland Road directors' suite after Leyton Orient were deprived a famous win. Adam Boyd's late strike appeared to have crossed the line but was not given by referee Nigel Miller and the match ended 1-1. The decision, coupled with midfielder Sean Thornton's red card, clearly riled Orient. But Leeds chairman Ken Bates had little sympathy, pointing out his club had more reason to feel aggrieved because of the 15 points they were "owed" by rivals after the penalty imposed at the start of the season. "Well, it is now only 13 from us," replied Orient chief executive Matthew Porter.

England hand bookies a big bill

England's collective decision to brave the elements before being frozen out in Moscow left bookmakers Skybet facing a £10,000 payout. The firm priced up a market on how many players would wear gloves with all 11 initially offered at a generous 20-1 on Monday. Armed with an unseasonly mild weather forecast, punters piled in and the price was hammered down to 3-1 before the market was withdrawn. After Steve McClaren's side went hand commando, a spokesperson for Skybet said: "We were sold a red herring by a Sky Sports News reporter in Moscow who appeared on TV earlier in the week dressed for snow."

China brawler still plays dirty

One of the players involved in the 'Great Brawl of China' kung-fu fight with Queens Park Rangers has run into more disciplinary trouble. Dai Lin, of the Chinese Olympic team, has been suspended for posing a "lewd question" to an army officer during a military-style boot camp. The 19-year-old and team-mate Jiang Chen asked the officer whether he had ever slept with a prostitute and the pair have now been suspended. The boot camp was ordered by Chinese football officials to "educate the players on thoughts and behaviour".

Clubs in a jam over travel row

The capital's football clubs are expected to get a kicking from the London Assembly over travel chaos at home matches. More than 100 fans and residents have complained to the Assembly's transport committee, who are due to publish a report on stadium access on Monday. Post-match traffic congestion and excessive queues at Tube stations are two of the biggest concerns. The report is expected to criticise clubs over their view that responsibility for the welfare of fans stops at the gates. Members may also call on them to foot part of the bill for new measures to combat the problems.

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