Heinrich and Voronin quit Köln

1. FC Köln

Achenbach signs
Former German international full-back Heinrich and Ukraine defender Voronin joined Köln at the start of the season, but their contracts state that they can leave on free transfers if the club are no longer in the top flight. However, Köln have signed German Under-21 international defender Timo Achenbach on a one-year loan from BV Borussia Dortmund.

Wiltord leaves
French international forward Sylvain Wiltord is to leave English champions Arsenal FC on a free transfer. The 30-year-old was unable to agree terms on a new contract, with his current deal expiring next month. SV Werder Bremen have already held talks with Wiltord, and their director of sport Klaus Allofs said: "There is a lot of interest in the move on both sides." Wiltord became Arsenal's record signing when he joined for a club-record €21m from FC Girondins de Bordeaux in 2000.

Bolton exodus
Arsenal's Premiership rivals Bolton Wanderers FC have released a clutch of players. Per Frandsen, Steve Howey, Ibrahim Ba, Javi Moreno, Gerald Forschelet, Lord-Kangana N'Diwa and Dwight Pezzarossi are all leaving the club.

Emotional Irwin
Former Republic of Ireland defender Denis Irwin has retired after playing his last Premiership match for relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers FC against Tottenham Hotspur FC. Irwin, who was substituted a minute from the end of the 902nd game of his 22-year career, said: "I was quite emotional when I came off at the end because I knew that was it but I will have a few drinks and get over it."

Utrecht boost
Dutch Cup finalists FC Utrecht have signed defender Tim Cornelisse on a four-year contract. The 26-year-old will move this summer from SBV Vitesse after opting not to extend his current deal, which had 12 months to run. Utrecht coach Foeke Booy said: "Tim can play at right-back or in the centre of defence. He has the experience we need in this young team."

Waseige joins Algeria
Former Belgium coach Robert Waseige will lead Algeria in their 2006 FIFA World Cup campaign after agreeing a two-year contract. The 65-year-old, most recently in charge of Belgian side R. Charleroi SC, faces qualifying matches against Angola, Gabon, Nigeria, Rwanda and Zimbabwe, starting on 5 June. Talking of qualification, Waseige said: "I will do anything I can do reach that goal."

Petkov injury
PFC Levski Sofia's second-choice goalkeeper Georgi Petkov may miss the start of next season after breaking his ankle. Petkov was filling in for Bulgarian international Dimitar Ivankov in the final game of Levski's season against PFC Botev Plovdiv on Saturday, but suffered the injury in a collision with team-mate Stefan Donchev. He will not resume training for three months. His absence presents a problem for Levski who plan to sell Ivankov to a foreign club in the summer.

Fram delight
Fram Reykjavík, who only just avoided relegation from the Icelandic Premier League last season, secured the biggest win on the first weekend of the 2004 campaign by beating newcomers Víkingur Reykjavík 3-0. Champions KR Reykjavík lost 1-0 to FH Hafnarfjördur, while Icelandic Cup holders ÍA Akranes needed a last-gasp equaliser to draw 1-1 with Fylkir. Last season's first division champions Keflavík beat KA Akureyri 2-1 and Grindavík drew 1-1 with ÍBV Vestmannaeyjar.