Football Updates from Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)

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Right-back Paulo Ferreira, capped 62 times by Portugal, has followed in the footsteps of compatriot Simao Sabrosa by retiring from international football.

Ferreira steps down from Portugal duty

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Valencia have signed 29-year-old defender Marius Stankevicius, who had a spell with Sevilla in La Liga, on loan from Sampdoria.

Valencia take Samp's Stankevicius on loan

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Côte d'Ivoire international defender Siaka Tiene has signed for French giants Paris Saint Germain from Ligue 1 rivals Valenciennes.

PSG sign defender Tiene

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Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has withdrawn from the Spain squad for the upcoming matches against Liechtenstein and Argentina because of injury.

Puyol pulls out for Spain

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Maceo Rigters has left Blackburn for a season-long loan in his native Netherlands with Eredivisie side Willem II.

Rigters loaned to Willem II

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Northern Ireland U-21 star Liam Boyce has joined German outfit Werder Bremen on a two-year-deal.

Werder sign Northern Ireland's Boyce

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Michael Ballack will remain as Germany's first-choice captain, despite Philipp Lahm coveting the armband on a permanent basis. Joachim Low has also confirmed that Manuel Neuer will retain the No1 jersey.

Low: Ballack will remain captain

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Bologna have installed Alberto Malesani into their hot-seat after sacking Franco Colomba on the eve of their 2010/11 Serie A bow, which resulted in a goalless draw with Inter Milan.

Malesani assumes Bologna reins

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Peter Crouch will miss England's UEFA EURO 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland due to a back injury.

Crouch out of England double-header

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Alexander Hleb claims he turned down offers from Tottenham, Liverpool and Benfica this summer, saying it was Birmingham City's greater desire to secure his services that sealed his move to St Andrews.

Hleb persuaded by Blues' desire