Briefs 3-Final touchline cigarette beckons for coach La Volpe

LONDON, April 29 (Reuters) - Sports news in brief from around the world:

Soccer - Former Mexico coach Ricardo La Volpe, one of the few coaches who still smokes on the touchline, will have to curb his habit next season.

The Mexican Football Federation has announced a smoking ban on and around the pitch and "technical areas" in stadiums which will take effect from the 2008/09 season. Argentine La Volpe has inspired a revival at Monterrey since taking charge in January.

Soccer - Espanyol's Spanish international striker Raul Tamudo will be out of action for around two weeks after sustaining a muscle injury in his right leg, the Primera Liga side said on their Website (www.rcdespanyol.com) on Tuesday.

Soccer - Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk have made a 7.5 million euro ($11.68 million) bid for Bolivian striker Marcelo Martins, the Brazilian sports daily Lance said Tuesday.

Martins, who plays for Brazilian club Cruzeiro, is the top scorer in this year's Libertadores Cup with eight goals in as many games.

Soccer - Brazil are to face Canada and Venezuela in friendly internationals in the U.S., the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said on its Web site (www2.uol.com.br).

Dunga's team will face Canada in Seattle on May 31 and Venezuela in Boston on June 6. The matches will be warm-ups for the World Cup qualifiers away to Paraguay and at home to Argentina later in June.

Soccer - Former Spain striker Juanele has been admitted to the intensive care unit of a hospital in Gijon, Spanish media reported on Tuesday.

The 37-year-old, who was in the Spain squad for the 1994 World Cup, began his career at Sporting Gijon and also played for Tenerife and Real Zaragoza. (Editing by Rex Gowar)