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Kaizer Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt says fit-again Khama Billiat and Leonardo Castro might not feature for the entire match against Wydad Casablanca in Saturday's Caf Champions League Group C match but they are in contention for selection.

Billiat broke his leg in the 2-0 league defeat against Maritzburg United on January 9 and missed action during the months of February and March, while Castro has not taken part in Chiefs' last five games.

Although Chiefs managed to beat Orlando Pirates in their last match without the duo, Hunt feels that their return will "make a big difference."

"Billiat is training again and Castro certainly came in the reckoning. So they will give us certainly a little bit more. In the derby we had nothing on the bench so it was difficult for us," Hunt told the media.

"They are back and will make a big difference to the team, they will give us a little bit more. Being fit to play for 90 minutes I don't think so but at least we have them available for the game."

If Billiat plays, having previously been a thorn in Wydad's flesh during his days at Mamelodi Sundowns, it would be his first Champions League group stage match in Chiefs colours.

Reports suggest that Wydad Casablanca, who have already qualified for the quarter-finals, have sent a second-string squad and are also without head coach Faouzi Benzarti because of Covid-19 restrictions.

Their travelling party to Johannesburg will have to quarantine for 10 days upon return to Morocco while regular players will do duty in the upcoming matches after the Chiefs game.

Hunt feels that has not weakened Wydad and the players he will come up against will give them a hard time because they want to prove that they deserve regular game time. 

"It doesn't concern me those type of things. I think players who have not been playing would want to prove a point," said Hunt.

"It is sometimes harder to play against those type of players who haven't played much. They have a good squad and they are a big club. We know their history, they have been in the Champions League final a couple of times, they are a top club.

"We looked bad when we played them in the first round. If you look at that game, you would think we were that bad because we lost 4-0 because of their quality. I don't see any drop in their standards, I actually see an increase because the players would want to prove a point."

Chiefs are third in Group C with five points, the same as second-placed Horoya who they visit after the Wydad game for their final match of this round.

Given the calibre of their opponents, Amakhosi's last two group matches appear a huge threat to their ambitions of reaching the quarter-finals.

"Obviously this season hasn't been good but still we can resurrect. We still have a lot to play for. There are some games to play and I still think we can finish well and try to get through to the knockout stage. There is a lot to play for," Hunt said.

"There is not really much you can work on, I think the biggest thing Kaizer Chiefs is the mental thing after what happened last year. Certainly mental strength is what is needed more than physical strength. We have got eight games this month and hopefully we can rest in between so it is going to be tough. But we need more mental than physical strength."

HBO Max is set to release a new documentary focusing on the celebrated U.S. Women's National Team and, most importantly, their efforts to achieve equal pay justice.

The USWNT's road to equality has been long and weary, and this forthcoming film will offer viewers an intimate look at their journey so far.

Goal has what you need to know about 'LFG' and more.

What is the 'LFG' documentary?

'LFG' is an upcoming documentary produced by HBO Max that centres on the USWNT and their ongoing fight for equal pay.

'LFG', short for 'Let's F*cking Go', will be an inside look into the team's battle for equality that started three months before their victorious 2019 World Cup campaign. The players of the squad had sued U.S. Soccer for gender discrimination, campaigning for the same financial pay as their men's team equivalent.

The documentary will be shaped by the perspectives and insights of Megan Rapinoe, Jessica McDonald, Becky Sauerbrunn, Kelley O'Hara and Sam Mewis who have been advocating for equal pay measures for the past several years now.

In 2020, a judge ruled against the team in their pay discrimination claim.

“This fight is so much bigger than ourselves and the Women’s National Team,” Rapinoe had said. “We’re doing it for the next generation of female soccer players and for women throughout the world in all industries and walks of life who are also fighting for equality.”

'LFG' follows the USWNT since filing the lawsuit in March 2019 and promises an inside look about the conversation surrounding the equal pay dispute.

“The film interweaves transcendent athletic performances, including a record-breaking World Cup victory in 2019, with the players’ ongoing pursuit for equal pay,” said the press release.

“LFG grants viewers unprecedented access to these game-changers as they meet the physical demands and pressures of being some of the world’s top athletes, while showcasing their courage, unflinching spirit and resiliency in an effort to create long-lasting social change with the biggest fight for women’s rights since Title IX.”

It will be produced by Andrea Nix Fine and Sean Fine and Abby Greensfelder. Howard T. Owens and Ben Silverman will serve as executive producers for Propagate Content, which will also be in collaboration with CNN Films and HBO Max.

“As a female director, it’s my honour to capture this defining moment in these women’s lives. It’s their story, in their own words, and Sean and I are so excited to give these women the platform they are sorely due,” Nix Fine said.

"These women’s trailblazing ascent is history in the making and exactly the type of groundbreaking stories we love bringing to audiences,” added director Sean Fine.

You can view the trailer below.

'LFG' documentary release date

HBO have not specified a release date for the documentary, but it is slated for viewing later in 2021.

How to watch 'LFG'

'LFG' will be available to watch exclusively on HBO Max.

New members can sign up for a free 30-day trial on the website.

An HBO Max subscription is $14.99 per month in the U.S.

Details on how non-U.S. viewers can watch the documentary will be made available in due course.

New Kampala Capital City Authority head coach Morley Byekwaso has said he is sad after he was appointed as Mike Mutebi's successor.

Byekwaso worked as Mutebi's assistant before he was elevated when the veteran tactician was shown the door on Monday. The length of time they worked together and the good relationship is the reason Byekwaso said he sees no reason for being excited seeing Mutebi leave.

"I am not so excited, I am a bit sad having worked with the manager for over four years," Byekwaso told the club's portal.

"So it is not something to celebrate that here I am, I have been given the responsibility due to the hierarchy that we have been following."

The U20 national team coach also promised there would be no major changes that shall be effected under his new dispensation.

"I do not think there will be a lot of changes that are going to happen because of the little time that we are having," he added. "We have to follow what has been going on unless there are things that must be done through the game.

"But right now we shall follow what we have been doing since 75% of them have been good. If need be, we shall make some changes but now I do not think I will change much."

Byekwaso further explained how he would help KCCA chase the league title they surrendered to Vipers SC at the end of last season.

"I will always try and do my best, read my opponent in how they play, then I will give an answer according to what I want from the game," he outlined.

"Winning the league is what we want and I hope the players will understand that. As members of the technical bench, we are trying to raise their levels of commitment so as to try and not lose a game from now."

The coach also explained the importance of each and every player in KCCA's ranks as they hope to fight for points that will see them bridge the gap with URA FC, Vipers, Express FC and Sports Club Villa.

"As a coach, you can disagree with some people but for me, I am willing to work with everyone. Every player is important and those who do not play are the most important ones because they need to be fit to replace the others," Byekwaso concluded.

Mutebi's reign saw the Kasasiro Boys win one Cecafa Club Cup in 2019 in Rwanda, three Uganda Premier League titles, two Uganda Cups, and four Super Cups. He also lifted the Independence Cup, the Super 8 trophy and the Phillip Omondi invitational tournament.  

That means Byekwaso will have to work extra hard to try and achieve it as his predecessor did.

Jurgen Klopp is as warm and funny as he is hot-tempered, according to a former fitness coach of his at Borussia Dortmund.

Andreas Beck – not to be confused with the former Hoffenheim and Germany right-back of the same name – found himself on the wrong end of Klopp’s temper on more than one occasion but says such friction is normal in a working relationship.

Beck recalled one such occasion when a player he had been working with picked up an injury later in the training session.

‘He was just letting off steam’

Beck told Goal and SPOX: “The player felt something muscular at the end of the training session. Kloppo made a connection with my individual warm-up session and he was asking ‘why was the player doing this exercise?’

“He was just letting off steam at that moment. I felt his anger was very unjustified because he only had very general information.

“To put it simply, I did some work with his upper body before the session and he got an injury in his lower body, but I didn’t have a chance to explain it to Kloppo properly. But that might have been unwise anyway!”

What is Klopp like to work with?

“He doesn't pretend and he is what he is,” Beck said. “Just as he can be warm and very funny, he can also be quick-tempered.

“He has a very strong opinion and it depends a little on the situation whether and when you discuss with him - that's probably no different as a journalist.

“In a calm setting, however, there was never a problem to address matters worth discussing. Our arguments were heard and accepted.

“On the training ground in Brackel he definitely put me in my place once or twice. In the course of a productive collaboration, there is always friction.”

Further reading

Sam Allardyce hopes West Brom can keep Conor Gallagher on loan for another season from Chelsea should they avoid relegation from the Premier League.

The midfielder has featured 25 times for the Baggies since joining from Chelsea last September.

Allardyce's men are 19th in the Premier League and eight points from safety, but the manager still believes they can avoid the drop and hopes they can count on Gallagher again next season.

What has been said?

Allardyce said: “If we stay in the Premier League, I'd hope he is here next season, not at Chelsea. He'd be better off having another season with us rather than the competitive size of the Chelsea squad.

“He's learning and his development level at 19 has been improved. I have seen a good player since I have been here. I heard how good he was before I came.

“I think every day and every game he plays in the Premier League he gains more experience. When you lose more than you win, which he is experiencing for the first time, it makes you tougher. More determined.

“At such a young age, to get these disappointments week in week out, it can only stand him in good stead and improve his career. He has been a good asset for us.

“He has kept senior players out and he is only 19. His consistent level of performance has impressed me.”

How has Gallagher performed this season?

The 21-year-old has started 22 of the 23 appearances he has made in the Premier League this season.

He has scored two goals, having fired in the winner in a 1-0 win against Sheffield United in November before netting his side's only goal in a 5-1 loss to Crystal Palace the following week.

Gallagher then set up West Brom's goal as they drew 1-1 with Manchester United in February and registered another assist as they beat Brighton 1-0.

Gallagher has not made a senior appearance for Chelsea but is contracted to the club until 2025.

What next for West Brom?

Gallagher will not be able to play for West Brom on Saturday when they travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea.

But he will likely be available for the next game at home against Southampton on April 12.

Further reading

SC Villa have defeated their hosts Malaba Youth Development Association (Myda) FC 2-1 in the Ugandan Premier League at the King George IV Memorial Stadium in Tororo on Thursday.

Muhammad Kagawa Ssenoga and Derrick Ndahiro scored for the Jogoo to send them fourth in the log while Amos Kirya struck the only goal for the debutants.

The Malaba-based charges had collected just six points in the first round and came into the match aiming at getting maximum points to stand a chance of getting off the relegation zone. For the 16-time champions, a win was important for them to underline their intentions of fighting for the title this season.

The visitors needed just five minutes to get their first goal when Ssenoga capitalised on defensive lapses to find the back of the net and put their visitors under pressure.

Five minutes later, Myda had a chance to get an equalizer when Dickson Outta brought in a great cross into the danger zone but Ibrahim Nsimbe lacked the composure to finish it.

In the 22nd minute, the hosts, once again, had a chance to get the ball in the back of the net when Nsimbe teed up Derrick Basoga, but with the goal at his mercy, he shot the ball wide.

The best opportunity for the promoted side came in the 38th minute. Kirya was brought down in the danger zone and the referee awarded them a penalty. Nsimbe stepped up but he skyrocketed the ball from 12-yards out. 

The missed opportunity came back to haunt the team because in the stroke of halftime, Ndahiro doubled the advantage in favour of the visitors to ensure they go to the break leading 2-0.

Myda came back stronger after the break hoping to get the two goals and salvage at least a point. But they had to wait until the 56th minute to get a real chance to test the opponent's custodian. 

A good counter-attack ended with Villa's defender blocking Paul Musamali's fierce shot just outside the danger zone. However, the resulting freekick bore no fruits.

With 15 minutes to go, the hosts halved the deficit when Kirya connected an Erick Mutebi freekick. Despite late pressure in the remaining minutes, they did not manage to get an equalizer.

The 2020-21 campaign has been a testing one for reigning Premier League champions Liverpool, but the performances of Fabinho have been one plus point for the Reds.

Amid a string of untimely injury setbacks in defence, the versatile Brazil international has stepped up at Anfield in a collective hour of need.

The 27-year-old has picked up knocks of his own, but the vast majority of his 31 appearances this season have come as a makeshift centre-half when Jurgen Klopp has been crying out for inspiration in that area of the field.

What has been said?

John Barnes believes Fabinho can be considered the Reds’ Player of the Year, so impressive has he been, with the Liverpool legend – speaking in association with BonusCodeBets – telling Goal: “The one player who has impressed me the most for Liverpool this season is Fabinho.

“Due to injuries, he’s been put into defence and played quite well throughout the season.

“You can see the influence he has on the team when he’s put back in the midfield. Fabinho’s been Liverpool’s most consistent performer.”

Who has failed to live up to expectations?

Fitness setbacks, rather than struggles for form, have been the biggest problem for Liverpool.

That said, many of those who put in consistently excellent performances during Champions League and Premier League title triumphs have endured the odd dip this time around.

Barnes is reluctant to point fingers at individuals when it comes to slipping standards, with it up to everyone on the red half of Merseyside to raise their game.

He added: “The way Liverpool play as a team affects every individual's performance.

“The reason individual players aren’t performing well is because the team isn’t performing cohesively. They are all part of the same machine. 

“For example, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson are affected by the performance of the midfield players playing at the back. They’re not playing as well as they should, but it’s not their fault that Liverpool haven’t got the players there to supplement and complement them in defence.

“I don’t look at any individual and say they’re the ones that have fallen short - the entire team has fallen short. The problem with Liverpool’s centre-backs means that the performance of the whole team has changed.” 

The bigger picture

Liverpool have slipped to seventh in the Premier League table and a top-four finish, which remains five points out of reach at present, appears to be the best that they can hope for.

More major silverware can, however, be secured in Europe, with Klopp’s men readying themselves for a heavyweight Champions League quarter-final clash with Real Madrid.

Prior to the first leg of that contest taking place, the Reds will return to action after the latest international break with a trip to Arsenal on April 3.

Further reading

International football may have lost some of its allure for some, but playing for one's country remains the pinnacle for many footballers and the World Cup is still the most popular sporting event in the world.

One of the major talking points within the international game in the 21st century has been the practice of switching teams, which has been facilitated by FIFA. Indeed, there are now plenty of examples where footballers have represented a country, even up to senior level, before later declaring for another country.

In late 2020, FIFA announced at its 70th annual congress that the eligibility rules had been updated, in what administrators have described as the "first wholesale modernisation" of the rules, with added codification and clarification.

So, in case you are scratching your head about it all, Goal takes a look at why it is that players can change national team, what the new rules say and some of the high-profile examples of switches.

On this page

Why can footballers change international teams?

Footballers can change international team thanks to the FIFA eligibility rules. Article 9 of FIFA's Regulations Governing the Application of the Statutes deals with changing association.

The rules allow a player to change their national team allegiance only once, but the 2020 update also facilitates a reversal of a change request in certain specific circumstances.

FIFA allows footballers to change their international team allegiance in recognition of the complexities of individual identity that accompany the increasingly globalised society in which we live.

It is generally accepted that there are many players who hold more than one nationality and whose attachment to a particular country or countries is inherently nuanced.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has explicitly acknowledged the need to create regulatory space for situations pertaining to players who, for example, may have been born in one country then raised in another or cases where a player has parents from different countries.

Speaking at the FIFA Football Law Annual Review in March 2021, Infantino explained: "We have amended the eligibility rules for national teams because it is important in a globalised world where players maybe have two or three different nationalities that they are given the opportunity to choose their country or to change - if certain strict conditions are met.

"We needed to address situations of particular hardship and that is what made us go in that direction."

While some, including a number of current and ex-professional footballers, may hold the view that once you play for one country, your colours have been nailed to the mast, FIFA is committed to a legal regulatory framework which aims to avoid the experience of "excessive hardship" on the part of players.

The term "excessive hardship" features a number of times in the commentary which was published in tandem with the rule update and it relates to situations where players are effectively denied the chance of an international career.

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What are the new eligibility rules?

The new eligibility rules build on the foundation of the rules that had already been in place prior to September 2020.

So, the basis of the eligibility rules is effectively the same, but there have been a number of clarifications and some additional insertions.

In particular, FIFA has added three additional exceptions whereby a player may change the national team they play for.

First, it is now possible for a player to change national team even if they have played competitively at senior level, provided:

So, a player who is eligible for England and Republic of Ireland could, for the sake of argument, play for England in three World Cup 2022 qualification games, then represent Ireland at the 2026 World Cup. The opposite - playing at a World Cup then switching - is not permitted.

Second, a player can now change to a new national team even if they did not hold that nationality at the time of their first appearance for their old national team, as long as they last played for the old national team before the age of 21.

Finally, a competitive cap will not keep a player tied to a national team in the event that they suddenly become stateless - that is, lose their nationality - against their will.

Nationality is key

Nationality continues to underpin the rules and remains the starting point of the entire concept of national team eligibility. As Article 5.1 states:

"Any person holding a permanent nationality that is not dependent on residence in a certain country is eligible to play for the representative teams of the association of that country."

In some cases, a nationality could potentially entitle you to play for more than one FIFA member association (see below) and Article 6 comes into play.

For example, a total of 11 national teams (including the four 'Home Nations') require a player to possess British nationality in order to be eligible, but Article 6 indicates that they must also satisfy one of the following:

If a player acquires a new nationality in order to play for a national team, Article 7 applies and the above stipulations also apply in such a scenario.

FIFA has published a wonderfully digestible video explainer of the rules which can be watched on the federation's official YouTube channel here. Alternatively, if you are keen to read the rules in their entirety, you can access FIFA's Statutes (2020 edition) here.

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Which footballers have switched national teams?

Declan Rice famously switched allegiance from the Republic of Ireland to England in 2019, despite having played three friendly games for the Irish senior team.

There have been a number of other high profile examples, such as Diego Costa (Brazil to Spain), Kevin-Prince Boateng (Germany to Ghana) and Wilfried Zaha (England to Ivory Coast).

Historically, before FIFA tightened its rules in the past, Alfredo Di Stefano represented Argentina, Colombia and Spain, while Ferenc Puskas played for both Hungary and Spain.

We have included some examples in the table below.

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How many times can footballers switch national teams?

The eligibility rules allow a footballer to change their national team allegiance only once - but the new rules do allow for a reversal of that one switch in certain circumstances.

Confusion has understandably arisen among the football community regarding players who appear to have switched more than once.

Former Bayern Munich youth Ryan Johansson, for example, has played in games for Luxembourg, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland.

However, many of those appearances came in unofficial competition. In other words, they were friendly games, some of which were played at non-FIFA age groups (such as Under-16 or Under-18 schoolboy).

His only official, competitive appearances were for Luxembourg, meaning he could still potentially elect to use his one request to change.

In its commentary of the rules update, FIFA has indicated a desire to combat what it terms 'nationality shopping' - so switching back and forth or playing for a number of different national teams is evidently frowned upon.

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Which nationalities cover more than one FIFA national team?

The nationalities which cover more than one international team are American, British, Chinese, Danish, French, Dutch and New Zealand.

Political peculiarities and historic links are the reason for the shared nationalities.

In order to play for the United States national team, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa or the U.S. Virgin Islands, a footballer must first have American nationality.

The list is even bigger when it comes to British nationality, which is not only needed to play for England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. The other national teams which require their players to have British nationality include Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, the Turks and Caicos Islands and Montserrat.

You can see the full list in the table above.

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Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has confirmed he met with agent Mino Raiola on Wednesday to discuss the future of Erling Haaland.

Transfer rumours have kicked into overdrive after a report from Spanish newspaper Sport, which revealed Raiola had travelled to Barcelona on Thursday to discuss a move for Haaland.

The report claims Haaland’s father, former Norway international Alf-Inge, went with Raiola to discuss the striker with an advisor to new Barca president Joan Laporta.

What has been said?

Zorc responded briefly to Sky Germany when asked about the rumours. "I spoke to Raiola yesterday,” he said. “We made our intention clear."

Zorc has long maintained Haaland will stay with Dortmund for at least another season. "We plan for the long term with Erling. [Rumours] do not have to be dealt with at all,” he said in November. "I can see him with us for a long time."

Last month, Zorc restated his desire to keep hold of Haaland to Welt am Sonntag: "I have never seen someone like him. We can search Europe-wide. If he ever left us to go somewhere, there would only be a handful of clubs, but we'll try to keep him as long as possible for sporting reasons."

Which clubs are chasing Haaland?

Dortmund are well aware of the widespread interest in Haaland with Manchester City, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United among the clubs said to be in the race.

Haaland has scored 33 goals in 31 games for Dortmund this season, including 10 in six in the Champions League, form which has made him perhaps the most coveted player in world football.

Bayern Munich have made clear they have no intention of signing Haaland this summer, with CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insisting the Bavarians won’t recruit another striker while Robert Lewandowski is leading the line.

Man City have been reported to be favourites to sign Haaland. His father Alf-Inge played for the club from 2000 until 2003, and Erling has been pictured wearing a City shirt as a youngster.

Further reading

Juventus club-mates Weston McKennie, Paulo Dybala and Arthur are set to face sanctions following reports the players attended a party at the USMNT international's villa on Wednesday evening, in violation of local Covid-19 protocols.

The midfielder was reported to have hosted an event allegedly involving between 10 and 20 individuals in total, with fellow Bianconeri stars Dybala and Arthur also in attendance.

Although the club is yet to officially comment on the matter, Juventus are expected to take strict disciplinary action, while all three players have also been subject to fines under government rules.

How did this happen?

The party took place on Wednesday evening at McKennie's villa in Turin, according to regional newspaper La Stampa, with local police alerted to it around 11:30pm local time following reports.

Individuals within the grounds of the property initially refused entry to authorities before relenting, upon which point the involvement of Juve stars McKennie, Dybala and Arthur became apparent.

Further details are still unclear, although all three players were off international duty, having not been selected by their respective nations for games during the March break.

What reprecussions will they face?

All three players were fined by local authorities after the incident, but they are expected to face further action from their club in the coming days.

Juve may choose to also only penalise them financially, but there is the risk that the club may decide to have them short-term suspensions.

That would likely be a major detriment to both players and squad, with the Bianconeri 10 points behind leaders Inter in Serie A as the business end of the season approaches.

Further reading

Former Celtic and Brighton & Hove Albion defender Adam Virgo has praised Rangers manager Steven Gerrard for making Leon Balogun perform at his best.

The 32-year-old has been a key player in the Gers' defensive set-up this season with 28 appearances across all competitions which include 19 games in the Premiership.

Balogun joined Rangers last July following Wigan Athletic's relegation to the League One, and his contributions have helped him secure the first major title of his career with the Gers who have been crowned champions of the Scottish top-flight.

In his assessment of Balogun's impact so far, Virgo highlighted how the Nigeria international has fought for a place in Gerrard's team after struggles in the Premier League with Brighton and how he is helping younger players with his presence.

“I wouldn’t say Rangers took a punt on Leon Balogun because he’s an international who moved to an English Premier League side but he wasn’t a high profile signing,” the 38-year-old told Daily Record.

“That’s where Steven Gerrard and Gary McAllister deserve huge credit because Rangers have been outstanding defensively and it’s testament to them as a coaching staff as that wasn’t their side of the game as players.

“But when you’ve got players like Alfredo Morelos in your side who can score then the defensive side wins you the league and this season, they’ve won some tight games where they’ve had to really stick in and keep those clean sheets and Leon has been a big part of that.

“Credit to him because he must have taken a big knock being released from Brighton to Wigan in League One and now to have a Scottish Premiership winners’ medal.

“And it’s not like he’s been a bit-part player. He had decent run in the Europa League games where Rangers had a strong run and you can clearly see Steven Gerrard has got the best out of him.

“He’s 32 and helps with the younger players as well so I’m sure Nathan Patterson will be learning from him even though Leon isn’t a natural right back.”

Real Madrid have confirmed that club president Florentino Perez has issued the call for candidates for the club's upcoming leadership election - although the current supremo is the only candidate at present.

Los Blancos have announced that the process that will lead to elections for the next four-year cycle - running from mid-2021 through to mid-2025 - has now officially begun, as the club look to ensure they do not finish the current campaign empty-handed.

Perez, whose two separate tenures as the 15th and 18th president of Madrid combine make him the second-longest serving figure in the role, after Santiago Bernabeu, is currently expected to seal re-election unless another candidate emerges.

What has happened exactly?

"Following on from today's board meeting and in accordance with article 38, section b of the Real Madrid social statutes, the President has requested that the electoral board issue the call for elections for the President and board of directors," the club confirmed in an official statement.

In layman's terms, it means that Perez has ordered the formal start of campaigns for both his own position and those on the board at La Liga's current champions.

There is no date set for when these elections may be held, but the likelihood is that they will take place close to the middle of the year, in between the 2020-21 and 2021-22 campaigns.

Perez's reign to date

The civil engineer first took charge of Madrid in 2000, succeeding Lorenzo Sanz in the position and leading the club for six years.

In his first spell, Los Blancos grew their brand internationally but Perez stepped down in 2006, resigning after criticism that he was not focused enough on the team's on-field success.

He was succeeded by Ramon Calderon, only for him to step down in 2009 amid allegations of vote-rigging, and Perez returned, unopposed, to replace the stop-gap option of Vicente Boluda in mid-2009.

Since then, he has led Madrid to near-unmatched success across the continent, and brought in players such as Cristiano Ronaldo.

It had appeared that he would face challenges from Boluda and Enrique Riquelme as he pursues a fourth consecutive term this year, but both appear to have cooled their interest in recent weeks.

Further reading

Kelechi Iheanacho has four goals nominated for Leicester City's Goal of the Month award for March.

The 24-year-old dominates the 10-goal shortlist as his efforts against Burnley, Brighton & Hove Albion and two strikes against Sheffield United are up for the monthly accolade.

Iheanacho who scored a total of seven goals in March, battles his teammates Ayoze Perez, Youri Tielemans, U23 star Kasey McAteer and Leicester City Women's Shannon O'Brien, Esmee De Graaf and Sam Tierney for the prize.

It was indeed a remarkable March for the Nigeria international as he is also in contention for two Premier League awards - the Player of the Month and Goal of the Month.

Iheanacho started the month under review with a goal that salvaged a 1-1 draw for Leicester City against Burnley on March 3 and he followed it up with another equaliser as the Foxes completed a 2-1 comeback win over Brighton, three days later.

On March 14, he powered Brendan Rodgers' men to a 5-0 victory against Sheffield United with his maiden Premier League hat-trick. It did not stop there as the Nigerian attacker scored two goals that helped Leicester City beat Manchester United 3-1 and advanced to the FA Cup semi-final.

Although he could not find the back of the net while on international duty, Iheanacho replicated his club form with fine performances for the Super Eagles against Benin and Lesotho during the last two matches of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The former Manchester City forward provided an assist in Nigeria’s 3-0 thrashing of Lesotho at the Teslim Balogun Stadium on Tuesday.

Iheanacho will be expected to continue his impressive form when Leicester City resume to Premier League action on Saturday with a home match against Manchester City at the King Power Stadium.

The Foxes are currently third in the league table with 56 points after 29 matches - a point adrift of second-placed Manchester United.

Nigeria international and Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, has become the joint-highest goalscorer in the 2022 Africa Cup of Nation qualification.

Profiting from an assist from Kelechi Iheanacho, the 22-year-old opened the scoring for Gernot Rohr’ men as the Super Eagles silenced Lesotho 3-0 in their last Group L fixture at the Teslim Balogun Stadium on Tuesday.

It was the former Lille star’s fifth goal in the campaign in five matches and that places him top of the scoring charts alongside RB Salzburg and Zambia international Patson Daka.

Osimhen opened his account in the three-time African champions’ 2-1 defeat of Benin Republic inside Godswill Akpabio International Stadium via the penalty spot, while Samuel Kalu sealed the comeback win in the 62nd minute.

In the second game against Lesotho at the Setsoto Stadium in Maseru, he found the net on two occasions as Gernot Rohr’s men sealed a 4-2 away triumph over the Crocodiles in the six-goal thriller

His fourth goal came in Nigeria’s 4-4 draw with Sierra Leone at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City. Unfortunately, he was stretched off injured owing to a severe shoulder injury.

That knock side-lined him from featuring for his Italian Serie A outfit for several weeks and ultimately the reverse fixture against John Keister’s Leone Stars in the National Stadium Freetown – an encounter which ended in a 0-0 draw.

He returned against the Squirrels, albeit, he could not find the net as super-sub Paul Onuachu’s last-gasp strike settling the low-scoring fixture at the Stade Charles de Gaulle, Porto-Novo.

For Daka, his first goal came in the 2-1 home defeat to Zimbabwe – with Khama Billiat’s brace helping the Warriors to a remarkable win at the National Heroes Stadium, Lusaka.

The Austria based star got a double in his side’s penultimate encounter versus Algeria, scoring a goal in each half as Chipolopolo played a 3-3 home draw.

In Zambia’s last Group H encounter, he was on target twice again as his team secured a 2-0 away win against Milutin Sredojevic’s Zimbabwe. Even with that, the 2012 African champions failed to qualify for Cameroon 2022.

Osimhen and Daka have returned to their respective teams as European leagues resume over the weekend. Unbeaten in their last six games, Napoli welcome Crotone to Rome while Salzburg host Sturm Graz on Sunday, April 4.

The disciplinary committee of the UAE Football Association has imposed a heavy fine on Bani Yas FC for violating match operation protocol. The league leaders have been sanctioned 10,000 dirhams for not sending regular updates on injuries to the FA. 

The committee is headed by Counselor Saeed Al Houti along with Hamdan Al Zeyoudi, Vice Chairman of the Committee. The other members are Hassan Al Shaibani, Abdullah Al Hammadi, Salman Al Taweel, and Shadi Medhat. 

The body has also decided to impose punishment on Al Arabi for taking the pitch five minutes later in the second half of the game against Masafi club in the first division competition. 

Moreover, the committee took up for consideration the referral from the competition committee related to the statement made by the supervisor of Dibba FC, Hamdan Ahmed Al-Dhanhani to the media. The statements were made against the competition committee and the Football Association. Hence the disciplinary committee by a majority of opinion decided to sanction a penalty of 10,000 dirhams on Al Dhanhani. 

On the other hand, the UAE Arabian Gulf League is set to commence once again after the international break where the national team demolished India 6-0. 

On Friday, Al Ain will lock horns against Al Nasr, whereas Shabab Al-Ahli will take on Al Fujairah at home in their bid to climb to the third spot. The next day, Al Jazira will take the field against Al Wasl with an aim to bounce back from their shock defeat to Al Wahda in their previous match. 

Whereas, later on Saturday, Bani Yas will face Sharjah which is set to be a mouthwatering clash given the fact that the former will look to win to consolidate their position on the top, whereas Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Anberi's men have a task to hold on to their continental spot. 

AFC Leopards head coach Patrick Aussems has left for Belgium promising to come back once the sport returns.

The Football Kenya Federation Premier League, and sports at large, was suspended by President Uhuru Kenyatta owing to rising Covid-19 cases. With no definite return date set, some teams have opted to take some time off until the government announces otherwise.

The Belgian has now opted to visit his family 'for a few days' and is optimistic things will normalise soon.

"Due to the suspension of sports competitions I am going back home for a few days to visit family," Aussems said on Thursday.

"Obviously I will be back when the league resumes. Let us hope it will be as soon as possible. Take care and happy Easter to all football fans."

Recently, FKF President Nick Mwendwa confirmed the government has promised to make sure league action returns soon.

"We have already talked to the Sports Ministry, and they are keen to implement a few things, they have asked us to write to them on what we intend to do to make sure Covid-19 does not spread and we will respond to them by the latest on Wednesday,” Mwendwa told Goal.

"We have also explained to the Cabinet Secretary of Sports the effects that will come with the league not being played especially when it comes to the national team since we have the World Cup qualifying matches starting in June and we want the team to be ready.

"What I can say, CS Amina [Mohamed] is very willing to allow us to resume the league if we follow the laid down Covid-19 regulations, and in my opinion, we must have our league going at the shortest time possible, we will write to her, and we hope she will give us a positive response.

"I am sure it will not take time, the league will return soon, all they want us to do is what we have been doing before, we are ready to improve where we failed and our intentions are to have action back."

Mwendwa has further confirmed all players in the Premier League will be vaccinated before the league resumes.

"The Sports Ministry is also keen to have all the players and officials vaccinated with the Covid-19 vaccine, and after we finish the exercise, then the league will resume with all the laid down procedures."

Coach Mike Mutebi has claimed certain people at Kampala Capital City Authority FC 'know zero' about football.

Mutebi left the Kampala club on Monday and he has now come out to criticise individuals for trying to influence his decisions as the coach of the club.

"If they feel like good riddance then I wish them the same," Mutebi said as per Football256.

"There are people who always want to act smart because every time there is success, everyone wants to own it and we have had those individuals who want to attract all the attention which is not right.

"And I cannot allow someone to overstep boundaries and try to influence my technical decisions, that’s impossible."

"Because some of those people know zero football and do not understand the technical bit of affairs."

The coach also denied the rumours that he had walked out of a meeting with the club's board after some of his technical decisions were questioned.

"My relationship with my bosses has always been about respect of duties and person. It has been a good and healthy relationship because everyone knew what their duties were," explained the Premier League winner.

"I have worked well with former club chairmen like [Julius] Kabugo and [Aggrey] Ashaba because they know where their influence stops.

"I never walked out of a meeting during my time at the club. Every discussion we held with my bosses was always open and honest.

"I was called into various meetings and I presented and backed my technical knowledge and understanding to my bosses.”

"We have disagreed a number of times but we have always had functional conflicts and at the end of the day we have exchanged ideas and found common ground."

Mutebi is one of the most experienced coaches who has also been in charge of SC Villa, Miracle FC, Maroons FC and UPDF (now Simba FC). Since he was appointed the KCCA coach in mid-2015, Mutebi went on to oversee a total of 247 games where he won 152 matches, drew on 56 occasions and lost 39 games.

His reign also saw that Kasasiro Boys win one Cecafa Clubs' Cup in 2019 in Rwanda, three Uganda Premier League titles, two Uganda Cups, and four Super Cups. He also lifted the Independence Cup, the Super 8 trophy and the Phillip Omondi invitational tournament.

Although KCCA had a shaky period in the middle of the first Premier League round, Mutebi had stabilised the KCCA boat and they became a free-scoring side just before the mid-season break began.

Mutebi left Kasasiro Boys sitting fourth with 27 points and enjoys the highest number of goals scored as the tally stands at 38 while they have conceded just 12.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation on Wednesday announced that the country will be the hosts for the inaugural Caf Women's Champions League. 

The Confederation of Africa Football had opened the hosting rights bid on Thursday, March 4, for the maiden edition of the continental women's club competition to be held in or before December.

In September, South Africa expressed an interest to stage the competition, while Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea were also expected to join the race after their botched Awcon 2022 bids.

According to Caf last month, the winning bid will be revealed by Caf's Executive Committee following the closure of the bidding deadline set for Wednesday, March 31.

The continent's football body also stated: "The Total Caf Women's Champions League 2021 competition will be organized during the period of October, November or December each year as per the resolution of the Caf Executive Committee.

"Seven teams will qualify for the final tournament through qualifiers organized by the zonal unions in addition to the champion club from the host country who gains automatic qualification."

Morocco, who were earlier named the host of the expanded 12-nation 2022 Africa Women's Cup of Nations in January, has now won the hosting rights for the first-ever women's club championship on the continent.

The development was confirmed in the speech of Moroccan FA president Faouzi Lakjaa, following its Ordinary General Assembly meeting held at its headquarters in Rabat on Wednesday.

"Morocco will continue to host international and continental matches, noting that the Royal Moroccan Football Federation team will represent Morocco in the first African Women's Champions League as the champion of the Moroccan League, which our country will host next November," Lakjaa told FRMF website.  

He continued by saying: "All those interested in Moroccan football to pay attention to women's football and smaller groups, and to open the way for young players to participate with their clubs."

This means Morocco will now be the first country to host the women's club tournament on the continent, just three months after emerging as the first Awcon host in the North African region.

Simba SC goalkeeper Aishi Manula has warned his teammates from underrating AS Vita during a Champions League Group A game on Saturday.

Wekundu wa Msimbazi won the initial game 1-0 in Kinshasa and Manula has stated that should not give Simbas more confidence to the point of underrating the rivals.

"AS Vita are a big club and are known in the continent for what they have achieved. At this stage, there is never a small team or a big opponent one must always prepare hard for any upcoming match," Manula told the club's portal.

"We cannot say that we defeated them last time out, we will easily win at home. That should not be the case at all.

"We must fight hard to pick another win because if they fall on their own turf it means we can also be defeated at home. We must come up with a proper strategy that will give us a win and book a slot in the quarter-finals."

The Premier League winner further explained why the continental competition will always require top-notch preparations despite the kind of opponent to face.

"Champions League is a competition that deserves different preparations and approaches which one must get right every time. That will help a team compete with any rival regardless of their stature," the Taifa Stars custodian added.

"Champions League is also a competition that does not rely on home or away advantage at all. One has to get his things right regardless of whether he is at home or away."

Caf has not communicated whether Simba will be allowed to have fans during the match but during the Al Ahly game, the Wekundu wa Msimbazi supporters were not allowed in the stadium.

"We still need our fans although, we played without them in the last game we felt their support since they were outside the stadium where they keenly followed the proceedings," Manula said in regards to the importance of having supporters.

"We are happy that Tanzanians and Simba fans are keeping their support for the team even though they are physically away. As players, we have to appreciate the effort the fans are putting."

Simba, who are leading the group with 10 points, will book a quarter-final slot should they defeat the DR Congo side in Dar es Salaam on Saturday at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.