Stefanidis to take Malmo step

Helsingborgs IF midfielder Babis Stefanidis could face a miserable five months after agreeing to leave the UEFA Cup challengers for arch-rivals Malmö FF.

Key player
The 26-year-old joined Helsingborg from Brøndby IF in 2005 and has become an integral part of Stuart Baxter's side. However, Stefanidis has incurred the wrath of the club faithful by signing a three-year deal with Malmö, a move which will happen on 1 January 2008 unless a loan deal is struck first. "It's a shame the fans can't see it from my point of view," said Stefanidis, who required a police escort to Monday's visit of AIK Solna and was booed throughout. "In their eyes I'm Judas and they are perfect." Helsingborg have one foot in the UEFA Cup second qualifying round following a 6-0 win against JK Trans Narva in the first qualifying round first leg.