Gaddafi in Champions League

Gaddifi is set to join Birkirkara FC from Malta

The son of Colonel Gaddafi is set to play in the Champions League next season.

Moammer Gaddafi, a left-sided midfielder, has signed for Maltese champions Birkirkara.

Gaddafi had been playing for the Lebanese capital Tripoli side Al-Ahli and is trained by banned sprinter Ben Johnson.

The deal was done as Al-Ahli toured Malta although Gaddafi has had a long association with the Maltese football club.

Journalist Kevin Asu-parvee from the Maltese Times said Gaddafi was friends with a number of current players.

Colonel Gaddafi's son is joining Birkirkara

He told BBC Radio Five Live: "He has been coming here for a long time.

"It is not a surprise that he has signed for Birkirkara."

Birkirkara won their first ever championship this season, finishing seven points clear of second place Sliema.

It means they now qualify for the first round of the Champions League.

National coach

The draw for the first round will be made in Geneva on 23 June.

Gaddafi's move comes days after reports that former England boss Terry Venables could be given the task of guiding Libya to the World Cup 2002.

Venables, 57, has been offered the job of national coach by Colonel Gadaffi, says the Sunday Times, following a personal recommendation by the Inter Milan owner Massimo Moratti.

The newspaper says Venables has met with President Gadaffi's sons on two occasions and is considering the job after being promised an annual salary of £1.3m.