Briefs 3-Pole vaulter Mesnil opens internet auction for sponsors

March 31 (Reuters) - Sports briefs from around the world on Tuesday:

Athletics - World pole vault silver medallist Romain Mesnil, who jogged naked through Paris in a quest for new sponsors, has now turned to Ebay to find backing.

After the buzz created by the video of his naked jog with his pole through the capital, posted on his personal website (www.romain-mesnil.com), the Frenchman told a news conference he was offering sponsorship deals for companies and individuals on the internet auction site.

"In my mind, it was an opportunity to do something funny," said Mesnil, whose main sponsor withdrew funding last October. "I am not ready to do anything to get a sponsor. We're doing this and we will see what happens."

Soccer - France midfielder Abou Diaby has been ruled out of Wednesday's World Cup Group Seven qualifier at home to Lithuania because of a sore right hip, the French Federation said.

Lille's Rio Mavuda has been called up to replace the Arsenal player in the squad.

Soccer - Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has denied media speculation that Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro, 35, will return to his hometown club in the close season.

"His contract is running out at Real Madrid but I have always said he will not come to Napoli. I think he will go and play elsewhere," De Laurentiis told reporters.

(Editing by Clare Fallon. To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)