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.