Looking for Soccer News?

Ralf Rangnick, one of the rumoured contenders to succeed Joachim Low as Germany boss, has held talks with Schalke over the possibility of returning to the club as sporting director.

Goal and SPOX understand that although discussions have taken place, there has been no formal job offer and Rangnick has yet to fully commit to the move.

The 62-year-old is available having stepped down from his role as head of sport and development at Red Bull last summer.

Schalke respond to Rangnick speculation

Rangnick is highly regarded at Schalke having enjoyed two successful spells as manager at the club that yielded a DFB-Pokal trophy and a German Supercup as well as a run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2011.

The Bundesliga side have moved quickly to deny suggestions an agreement has been reached over a return, though they insist Rangnick will always be well thought of regardless.

“The supervisory board will not give any opinion on possible or traded candidates, which in principle will remain so,” read a statement.

“The committee made it clear, however, that reports that there was a ‘preliminary agreement’ between FC Schalke 04 and Ralf Rangnick or his advisor are not correct.

“Regardless of what happens, Ralf Rangnick is and remains a highly valued expert and a welcome former Schalke coach.”

Bringing someone of Rangnick’s standing back to the club would be a welcome boost for Schalke, who have endured a disastrous 2020-21 season so far.

They are currently eight points adrift at the bottom of Bundesliga with just 10 points from 24 games having already sacked four managers already this season.

Sporting director Jochen Schneider also left the club in December.

Could Rangnick become Germany boss instead?

Rangnick is also believed to be among the contenders for the Germany job following the news that Joachim Low will stand down after this summer’s European Championship.

Rangnick has said would be interested in taking over if the timing was right, while the former RB Leipzig boss says he could also work with the German national team in a different role.

Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick has also been linked with the job, while Jurgen Klopp was an early favourite before he committed his immediate future to Liverpool.

Further reading

Winning the Premier League is a historic feat, but for some teams, the season after their glorious trophy lift has been full of misery and disappointment.

Leicester beat all odds to be crowned English champions in 2016, but failed to live up to the hype the next season - and they're not the only ones.

Goal takes a look at which teams have registered the worst defences of their Premier League crown.

Which team has the worst-ever Premier League title defence?

Leicester currently hold the worst Premier League title defence.

A year after lifting their first-ever Premier League trophy in 2016 in remarkable fashion, the Foxes were in abysmal form, winning just 12 games and losing 18 over the course of the next season.

They languished in 12th place the following season, setting the record for the worst title defence.

The record was previously held by Chelsea, who finished 10th in the Premier League in 2015-16 under Jose Mourinho after winning the title in 2014-15.

The Blues side won 12 games and lost 12, with Mourinho dismissed from his position as manager halfway through the next season.

They are followed by Blackburn Rovers (1995-96), Man Utd (2013-14) and Chelsea again (2017-18).

Liverpool finally lifted their first Premier League title in 2018-19, managing to be crowned English champions for the first time since 1990.

The Reds managed the victory amid severe disruptions to the season caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, which saw European football suspended for three months in the spring.

Liverpool's attempt at a title defence has been a miserable effort, however, with the Reds becoming the first reigning Premier League title holders to lose six home games by March.

Jurgen Klopp has experienced one of his worst runs as Liverpool manager during a campaign where they were supposed to defend their trophy, undergoing a club-record six game losing streak at home in the English top-flight following the loss against Fulham.

The season has also seen Liverpool end their 68-game unbeaten home run - accumulated across the course of four years - following a shock loss to Burnley at Anfield in January.

Worst-ever Premier League title defences

You can view the five worst Premier League title defences below.

Vincent Aboubakar and Rachid Ghezzal provided assists while Demba Ba found the back of the net as Besiktas secured a 3-2 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir in Friday’s Turkish Super Lig game.

Cameroon international Aboubakar has been in scintillating form for the Black Eagles and against Aykut Kocaman’s side, he continued the fine displays.

The forward was handed his 23rd league start and set up one of the goals that ensured the Black Eagles extended their winning streak to seven games.

Algeria international Ghezzal also featured prominently in the encounter while former Senegal international Ba scored for the Gray Owls but his effort was not enough to help his side avoid defeat.

The game started with both sides aiming to get an early goal but not until the 42nd minute did Besiktas opened the scoring.

Aboubakar set up Cyle Larin with a fine pass and the 25-year-old made judicious use of the opportunity, firing his effort beyond the reach of goalkeeper Volkan Babacan.

Deniz Turuc levelled proceedings for Istanbul Basaksehir in the 50th minute after receiving an assist from Danijel Aleksic.

Ghezzal then found Welinton with a fine pass and the Brazilian fired his effort into the back of the net in the 68th minute.

Ba brought Istanbul Basaksehir back into contention in the 76th minute, shortly after his introduction for Danijel Aleksic, after receiving a pass from Mehmet Topal before Souza scored the matchwinning goal for Besiktas with five minutes left to the end of the game.

Aboubakar featured for the duration of the game, struck four shots, made two key passes, completed three dribbles and had a 79 percent successful pass rate.

Ghezzal played for 90 minutes before he was replaced by Dorukhan Tokoz while the Democratic Republic of the Congo international Fabrice N'Sakala was on parade for the entirety of the game.

With the result, Besiktas opened a five-point gap at the top of the table while Istanbul Basaksehir are 16th with 29 points from 29 games.

Aboubakar has now scored 15 goals and provided five assists in 26 appearances across all competitions this season.

The Cameroon forward and Algeria winger Ghezzal will hope to help Besiktas continue their winning run when they face Istanbul Basaksehir in a Cup tie on March 16.

Nigeria's Asisat Oshoala will lead Barcelona's line when they face off with Machester City in a 2020-21 Uefa Women's Champions League quarter-final encounter.

In Friday's event held at Uefa headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland,  the draws for the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the competition saw Oshoala's Spanish side drawn against the English giants.

On Wednesday, the Nigeria international had led the Spanish champions past Danish giants Fortuna Hjorring, following a 5-0 away triumph, where she ended her six-match goal drought. 

Her latest goal saw the Super Falcons star take her Champions League goal tally to two in four appearances in the current campaign.

On the other hand, Manchester City defeated Abigail Kim's Fiorentina 5-0 in the second leg to advance 8-0 on aggregate on Thursday.

With the exit of Nigeria's Rasheedat Ajibade, Cameroon's Ajara Nchout, Zambia duo Prisca Chilufya and Racheal Kundananji Liberia's Kim, Oshoala is the only African left in the competition.

A triumph against City over two legs will see Barcelona square up against holders and favourites Lyon in the sem-final of the European championship.  

The quarter-final first leg will be played on March 23-24 and second leg on March 31- April 1, while the semifinals first leg are scheduled for April 24/25 and May 1/2 for the reserve fixture.

And Oshoala will be hoping to power her Spanish side all the way to the final billed for May 16 at the Gamla Ullevi stadium in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Everton head coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed key midfield duo James Rodriguez and Abdoulaye Doucoure are both set for spells on the sidelines. 

Doucoure could be out the rest of the season, with Ancelotti saying the Frenchman could miss up to 10 weeks with a fractured bone in his foot.

Rodriguez, meanwhile, has been sidelined the past three matches and will now be out until April as he continues to battle a calf problem.

What has been said?

"Doucoure had a small fracture on his foot. I don't know how long, maybe eight weeks or 10 weeks. I hope he can recover before the end of the season," said Ancelotti.

On the Colombian, Ancelotti added: "James played well, really well, against Man Utd and against Liverpool but he was not 100 per cent fit.

"We decided to give him a proper recovery and don't let him play at 70 or 80 per cent. We have taken this decision together. The player agrees.

"It's better for him to solve his problem and to be ready for the end of the season. That can be, I think, after the [international] break."

What games will both players miss?

Rodriguez will miss Saturday's Premier League match against Burnley and next weekend's FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City, which leads up to the international break.

Should Doucoure be out for 10 weeks, Everton would have just one league match remaining when he returns.

How big of a blow are the injuries?

Doucoure and Rodriguez have both been key for Everton this season, with the club currently in sixth place in the league table. 

Doucoure, a £20 million ($28m) summer signing from Watford, has missed just two Premier League matches for the Toffees this term. 

Rodriguez, who joined on a free transfer from Real Madrid last summer, has been a key attacking spark, scoring five goals and adding eight assists in all competitions.

Further reading

Yetunde Adeboyejo was on target for Bnot Netanya as they defeated Hapoel Be'er Sheva 5-3 in an Israeli Ligat Al game on Friday.

Prior to the game, the Nigerian had not found the back of the net in three games since her brace in a 4-0 win over Hapoel Petach Tikva.

On Friday, the 24-year-old was handed her ninth start of the current campaign for the Israeli outfit and she added to her tally, ending her drought.

Following a 3-0 defeat at Maccabi Emek Hefer, Bnot Netanya were seeking to bounce back against struggling Be'er Sheva, who suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Maccabi Kishronot Hadera last week.

In search for a return to winning ways, Hanna Medison Adler gave the visitors the early lead with her effort in the 21st minute.

However, the lead was shortlived as Kathleen Eduarda Souza Cruz da Silva levelled matters for the hosts four minutes later. 

Seconds later, Rachel Shteinshnaider recovered the visitors' lead but Arava Shahaf responded for the hosts as she netted the equaliser in the 33rd minute.

Hannah Massagki, however, reopened the one-goal lead when she struck two minutes later to hand the visitors a 3-2 lead at the half-time break.

After the restart, Adler bagged her second goal and their fourth when she extended the visitors lead in the 57th minute, before Nigeria's Yetunde added their fifth of the encounter 13 minutes later.

Despite Michelle Francini Montero Venegas pulling one back in the 78th minute, the visitors held on to their two-goal lead to claim the victory.

Nigeria's Adeboyejo lasted the duration for Netanya and has now scored twice in nine games, while compatriot Effiom Mabel was in action for 67 minutes.

Zambia goalkeeper Hazel Nali featured for the duration for Be'er Sheba, along with Ghana's Blessing Agbomadzi, but they could not help their side escape another defeat at home.

This result saw Bnot Netanya go third on the log with 18 points from nine matches, while Hapoel Be'er Sheva are eighth with eight points from the same number of matches in the current season.

In their next fixtures, Netanya visit Maccabi Kishronot Hadera on March 18, while Be'er Sheva visit ASA Tel Aviv on the same day.

Cameroon's Genevieve Mbeleck bagged a brace and Nigeria's Uchechi Sunday scored in Maccabi Kiryat Gat's 6-1 victory over Hapoel Petach Tikva in Friday's Israeli Ligat Al encounter.

Following the 2-1 win over Ironi Ramat HaSharon, Kiryat Gat sought to continue their winning run against Netanya, who enjoyed a 3-0 walkover against Maccabi Holon in their last league outing.

The African duo earned starting spots for Kiryat Gat and they both made their mark to ensure the side maintained their good form.

Kiryat Gat made a fantastic start to the encounter when Eden Avital opened the scoring for the hosts, after just 20 minutes of action.

Some 11 minutes later, Shahar Nakav doubled the lead for Eyal Sade's team before Sunday grabbed a third of the match in the 39th minute.

Sade's team continued from where they left as Karin Rahamim got a fourth of the game three minutes after the restart.

However, Hapoel Petach Tikva pulled one back in the encounter when Shakira Duncan scored in the 62nd minute.

Mbeleck netted the fifth in the 70th minute before the Cameroonian grabbed her second four minutes later to wrap up the big win.

With her brace, Mbeleck, who has now scored six goals in nine outings, lasted the duration and Nigeria's Sunday featured for 69 minutes and grabbed her fourth goal.

On the other hand, Ghana's Edem Atovor and Nigeria's Patience Kalu were in action for the duration but could not rescue Petach Tikva from defeat.

The victory keeps Maccabi Kiryat Gat on top of the Ligat Al table, after garnering 23 points from nine matches, while Petach Tikva are ninth with just four points from the same number of games. 

The Cameroonian and Nigerian will aim to improve their form in front of goal when their side face Maccabi Holo, while Hapoel Ra'anana will be a guest to Petach Tikva on March 18.

Former Liverpool winger Mark Gonzalez has suffered a heart attack at the age of just 36.

Gonzalez’s wife Maura Rivera confirmed the news in a post on social media, though she added that he was feeling a "little better".

"Mark suffered an acute myocardial infarction [heart attack] and I'm sharing it here and now so that you know that not everything that comes out on social media is always pretty,” she said.

What else did Rivera say about Gonzalez?

In a lengthy post on Instagram, Rivera added: "The love of my life, my soul mate, what a shock you have given me.

“The past few nights have been terrible. Days filled with uncertainty, it's been really frightening.

“I am writing this as you are still here with us and a little better - and because in many ways, the fact that you are still here with us, makes us cherish every moment we have together, family and above all, life itself.

“It's amazing how everything can change from one moment to the next.

"Life can surprise us and test us, instil fear but with faith, strength and hope, we can come out of all of the bad moments.

"I want you to be with me forever, Mark.”

Liverpool and Real Betis wish Gonzalez well

Liverpool sent a get well soon message to Gonzalez as he continues his recovery.

"We're sending all of our best wishes to former Red, Mark Gonzalez, who is recovering after suffering a heart attack,” read a statement posted on Twitter. “Everyone at the Reds wishes you a quick recovery, Mark”.

Another one of Gonzalez’s former clubs, Real Betis, Tweeted: "We are sending all our love to Mark Gonzalez, who is recovering after suffering a heart attack We are with you! We wish you a speedy recovery!"

Gonzalez's brief Liverpool career

Gonzalez moved to Anfield from Albacete in October 2005 but was immediately loaned out to Real Sociedad as he was initially unable to obtain a work permit in England.

A work permit was eventually granted the following year and he was able to begin his Reds career in the summer of 2006.

He went on to make 36 appearances in all competitions for Rafa Benitez’s side during the 2006-07 season before returning to Spain with Real Betis at the end of the campaign.

The winger also had a spell at Russian side CSKA Moscow before returning to South America where he represented Universidad Catolica, Sport Recife, Colo-Colo and finally Magallanes, where he retired in 2019.

He also made 56 appearances for Chile and was part of the squad that won the Copa America in 2016.

Simy Nwankwo scored twice as Crotone suffered a 3-2 loss against Lazio in Friday’s Serie A game at Stadio Olimpico.

The 28-year-old was handed his 20th league appearance and made the most of the opportunity to continue his fine goalscoring form.

The Nigeria international scored twice in his side’s victory over Torino and bagged another brace at Stadio Olimpico, but his effort was not enough to save his side from their 20th defeat of the campaign.

The Pythagoreans started the game unimpressively, conceding as early as the 14th minute of the encounter when Sergej Milinkovic-Savic found the back of the net.

Simy then levelled proceedings for Serse Cosmi’s men in the 29th minute, firing a long-range effort from outside the box.

Some 10 minutes later, Luis Alberto gave Simone Inzaghi’s men the lead after receiving a timely assist from Ciro Immobile.

Crotone were handed a chance to equalize when they were awarded a penalty after Mohamed Fares brought down Junior Messias in the box and Simy swiftly dispatched his effort into the back of the net to complete his brace in the encounter.

With the game looking to end in a draw, Felipe Caicedo scored the match-winning goal in the 84th minute to ensure Lazio secured all three points at Stadio Olimpico.

Simy featured for the duration of the game along with Algeria international Adam Ounas, who is on loan from Napoli.

The defeat has further condemned Crotone to the bottom of the Serie A table after gathering 15 points from 27 games.

Simy has now scored 12 goals and provided two assists in 27 league games this season for the Stadio Ezio Scida outfit.

The forward will be expected to continue his impressive performances when Crotone take on Bologna in their next league game on March 20.

Simy has been with the Pythagoreans since 2016 and played a key role in their return to Serie A last season, bagging 20 goals to emerge as the top scorer in Serie B.

The forward has not been invited for Nigeria’s 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against the Republic of Benin and Lesotho later this month. 

Co-coach Rhulani Mokwena has congratulated Mamelodi Sundowns owner Dr Patrice Motsepe after he was confirmed as Confederation of African Football president on Friday.

Motsepe emerged as an unopposed presidential candidate at Caf during the organization’s 43rd Ordinary General Assembly in Rabat, Morocco on Friday.

With the backing of Fifa chief Gianni Infantino, Motsepe was named as the replacement for outgoing Ahmad Ahmad and will be in charge for the four next years.

On behalf of the club, Mokwena showered the 59-year-old with praise, saying he is a capable leader who is ascending to his rightful position.

''I think we must be excited for African football to get a leader such as Dr. Motsepe,'' Mokwena told the media on Friday. 

''And first for us is to congratulate him on ascending to power and ascending to his rightful position as the leader of African football.

'' The coronation couldn't have been given to anyone more deserving and more capable of leading us into a new era as Africans involved in this beautiful game.

''So, for us is to congratulate and at the same time wish him all the best.

''The work that he's done for South African football, his hard work, his dedication, his foresight has allowed him to be recognized as one of the best leaders on the continent and therefore we know because we've worked very closely with him.

''We know the amount of hours that he put in and how meticulous he is with regards to his leadership principles.'

''So, it really does excite us, at this point in time it's all about ushering into a new era of African football and hopefully, we get to witness the greatness that is ahead for the Africa continent.''

With his appointment now official, Motsepe is expected to step aside from his position at Sundowns with his eldest child and son, Tlhopie, set to succeed him as the new man in charge at the Brazilians and wife, Dr Rejoice Simelane, set to serve as the club's vice-president.

Mokwena says Motsepe junior is a capable individual and the coach is confident he will succeed in filling his father's shoes.

''And of course, we are excited because it means new leadership comes in at Mamelodi Sundowns. The fortunate part is that the president has always been one to prepare people and also give opportunities to people to lead. And we are excited to welcome in new leadership with his son Tlhopie Motsepe and Dr. Rejoice and the rest of the board,'' added Mokwena. 

''It was never a one-man show at Mamelodi Sundowns, they've always [worked together] - with the president leading of course - but with the support and hard work of the board.

''Although his departure will leave a void, we are fortunate to have people with equal capacity and a lot of potentials to take over and again direct the club into a new space.

''It's exciting times, not just for African football but also for us as Mamelodi Sundowns as we get into the new era. And we are excited and looking forward to it.

''We wish the president all the best.''

Everton have infamously lived under the shadow of their neighbours Liverpool, the red half of Merseyside outperforming them in competitions and silverware.

Goal has what you need to know about when Everton last lifted a title, whether or not they've managed to win the Premier League and more.

When was the last time Everton won a trophy?

The last time Everton won a trophy was in 1995, when they beat Manchester United in the FA Cup final.

The Blues managed a 1-0 victory against the Red Devils, with Paul Rideout scoring the winning goal after Graham Stuart's shot rebounded off the crossbar.

Joe Royal was manager of the Blues, playing against a Sir Alex Ferguson-managed Man Utd team that consisted of the likes of Gary Neville, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes, who would go on to have tremendous success with the side.

Three crucial Man Utd players were injured for the game: Eric Cantona was suspended, Andrei Kanchelskis was injured and Andy Cole was cup-tied.

Man Utd had been crowned double winners the previous season - victors of the Premier League and FA Cup - but failed to defend their Cup title.

“It wasn’t an easy header,” Rideout said of his match-winning goal.

“When it came off the crossbar and bounced I had to challenge and I had to generate power and I had one side only to head. I got it perfectly right.”

Have Everton ever won the Premier League?

Everton have never won the Premier League.

They have won nine First Division titles, their last trophy coming during the 1986-87 season.

When was the last time Everton qualified for the Champions League?

Everton last qualified for the Champions League in 2005 under David Moyes, for the 2005-06 edition of the competition.

When was the last time Everton qualified for the Europa League?

Everton last qualified for the Europa League in 2017 under the leadership of former manager Ronald Koeman.

Their finish in seventh-placed Premier League provided them a spot in the Europa League third qualifying round.

They were unable to progress past the group stages into the knockout stages, however, finishing third in Group E below Atalanta and Lyon and were subsequently eliminated.

The President of the Sierra Leonean Football Association (SLFA) Isha Johansen has been elected into the Fifa Council following a wide-margin triumph.

Johansen defeated Burundian Lydia Nsekera, who had held the position since 2013, by 28 votes to four during the Caf General Assembly held in Rabat on Friday.

She becomes the first West African woman elected into the council and the first Sierra Leonean to join the 37-person team.

With her victory, the 56-year-old will join Nigeria's Amaju Pinnick, Egypt's Hany Abou Rida, Morocco's Fouzi Lekjaa, Mali's Mamoutou Toure and Benin's Mathurin De Chacus as African representatives in the leadership of the world football governing body.

Before the polls, Johansen, who also doubled as Caf Executive Committee member, had shared her ambition for the Fifa council seat.

“I am truly humbled and excited about what the future may have in store for me and my continent in terms of global football governance," she told the media.

"My desire is to play a role in ensuring that our womenfolk are empowered as a force for good governance and football development."

Following Johansen's election into the Fifa council, she has been immediately replaced as a women's representative on the Caf executive committee by Comorian Kanizat Ibrahim.

Ibrahim, who is the Comoros Football Federation normalisation committee president, won by a landslide victory at the Caf elective congress.

The Comorian collected 35 votes to defeat Togo's Lawson Hogban Edzona and Madagascar's Patricia Rajeriarison, with nine and eight, respectively.

With her election as a female representative, Ibrahim will team up with new Caf executive committee headed by South Africa's Patrice Motsepe.

Others are Tunisia's Wadie Jary, Liberia's Mustapha Raji, Niger's Djibrilla Hamidou, Cameroon's Seidou Njoya, Djibouti's Suleiman Waberi, Seychelles' Elvis Chetty, Botswana's and Maclean Letshwithi.

Mathare United head coach Salim Ali has conceded it is frustrating to lose games on a regular basis as his charges have been doing recently in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League.

The 2008 league champions suffered their eighth defeat on Thursday when they fell 2-1 to Kariobangi Sharks in the Slum Derby.

A double from Peter Lwasa was enough to hand Sharks the victory as Khalid Juma, who came on in the second half, struck to deny them a clean sheet.

"I am not happy and I know that no one is happy, at least no one who is affiliated to the club," Salim said as quoted by the club's social media outlet.

"It is frustrating to be losing games like this. For me, it is the first time that I have had so many negative results in the first-leg at all the teams I have been to. We are down on our luck and it is tough but either way, we have to keep at it and believe in what we are trying to do.

“Going forward I see us improving as we have now had our share of losses for the season."

The soft-speaking tactician further insisted this is not the right time to point fingers to anyone since it will not rectify anything. He has urged everyone involved to act together in unison and try to change their fortune.

"The easy thing to do at this time is to point fingers, blame me or the players or even the management," Salim continued.

"We can all point fingers, but it won’t do any good. What we need to do is remain united and trust that these players can salvage the season."

Coincidentally, the Slum Boys will be playing Posta Rangers in their next league assignment which is led by their former coach Stanley Okumbi.

The former Harambee Stars coach was appointed to replace Sammy Omollo who, according to the management, failed to get satisfying results.

Okumbi won his first game on Wednesday against reigning champions Gor Mahia by a solitary goal after going three matches without a win. 

Kampala Capital City Authority fought back to pick up a point from a 1-1 draw against Police FC in a Premier League game at Omondi Stadium in Lugogo on Friday.

Muwadda Mawejje had put Police ahead early in the first half before Sadat Anaku struck midway through the second-half to ensure the match ended in a draw.

Police took the lead in the 13th minute when Mawejje managed to fire past Charles Lukwago. 

The Kasasiro Boys trailed until the half-time break despite a number of clear chances that came their way after conceding the opener.

Notably, Charles Lwanga, who is turning out to be a key player in the KCCA team, made his way into Police's penalty area but his final shot was cleared by the opponents to deny the visitors a chance to equalise in the 37th minute.

The Cops were forced to make a change in the 44th minute as Henry Kiseka came on in the place of Brian Mululi.

Another change for the Abdalla Mubiru side came in the early moments of the second half as Mawejje was replaced by Ben Ocen, who recently returned from an injury.

Anaku scored in the 72nd minute, with an assist from Samuel Kato, to ensure KCCA avoided a defeat and forced the two Kampala sides to share the points in the end.

Mubiru made a late change as he brought on Frank Tumwesigye in place of Johnson Odongo.

In an attempt to sharpen his frontline, coach Mike Mutebi replaced Lwanga in the 76th minute with Brian Aheebwa but the Cops remained firm to the end.

The game turned into a more physical showdown and Tonny Kiwalazi of Police was yellow-carded, as was, Derrick Ochan before three minutes were added. 

The draw means the two Premier League sides have drawn for the seventh time as Police's search for the first win over KCCA in a decade continues.

The 13-time Premier League champions have now moved to the fourth position with 27 points while Mubiru's boys are fifth with 25 points.

KCCA will be up for a rather tough outing given that they will play Vipers SC on Wednesday while Police, on the other hand, will face Express FC on Tuesday.

KCCA FC Starting XI: Charles Lukwago, Samuel Kato, Peter Magambo, Herbert Achai, Ashraf Mugume, Moses Aliro, Gift Ali, Bright Anukani, Samson Kigozi, Charles Lwanga, Sadat Anaku.

Police FC Starting XI: Derrick Ochan, Hassan Muhamud, Henry Katongole, Yusuf Ssozi, Johnson Odongo, Duncan Ssenindex Muwadda Mawejje, Brian Muruli, Tony Mawejje, Tony Kiwalaze, Ruben Kimera.

FIFA Ultimate Team is a remarkably lucrative aspect of EA Sports' FIFA franchise, with the game mode bringing in billions in revenue for the gaming industry giant.

As well as being able to earn coins by playing matches, FUT gamers can also spend real money on the game to buy packs containing a selection of player cards.

It is now the most popular mode in FIFA games, showing incredible growth since it was first introduced in FIFA 09, but FIFA Ultimate Team has been rocked by the 'EA Gate' scandal in 2021.

So, what exactly is 'EA Gate'? Goal takes a look at the details and the reaction in the FIFA community.

What is #EAGate?

'EA Gate' describes a series of allegations that individuals have been selling rare FIFA Ultimate Team items, such as rare Icon cards, on the black market to anyone who is willing to pay for them.

The allegations surfaced online at the beginning of March, with a number of screenshots and videos appearing to show the practice being shared widely on social media platforms such as Twitter.

Essentially, the pictures and commentary circulating online suggest that cards which were otherwise 'extinct' (i.e. unavailable for FUT players to buy or get) are being sold for significant fees.

Prices being quoted for cards ranges from €750 to €1,000 (£640 - £855 / $890 - $1,190), with other screenshots showing the cost going up to €1,700 (£1455 / $2,000).

With the FIFA community ablaze with speculation regarding the allegations and the hashtag #EAGate trending, EA Sports promptly sought to reassure, promising an investigation into the apparent scandal.

What has EA Sports said?

EA released a statement on the matter of 'EA Gate' on March 10 and the company indicated that a "thorough investigation" had been initiated and that "swift action" would be taken if the allegations were true.

The EA statement said: "We are aware of the allegations currently circulating within our community related to FIFA 21 Ultimate Team items. 

"A thorough investigation is underway, and if we identify improper conduct, we will take swift action.

"We want to be clear - this type of behaviour is unacceptable, and we in no way condone what is alleged to have happened here.

"We understand how this creates concern about unfair balance in the game and competition. We will update the community as we get more clarity on the situation."

What have streamers & gamers said about 'EA Gate'?

Reaction from Twitch streamers, content creators and professional FIFA players has largely been one of disappointment, with many expressing sympathies with players who have invested time and money into FUT.

"I truly feel bad for people who have put thousands of dollars into FIFA points or thousands of hours into grinding the game," Twitch streamer 'Nick28T' said on his YouTube channel. 

"To not be able to get a single one of these players when someone who has a bit of money or just has the knowledge that this is even possible can basically go over to a WhatsApp group or rogue."

YouTuber Matt Craig, who plays under the name 'MattHDGamer', said that it was "shocking" and that it "looked terrible".

"It's a slap in the face to anyone who grinds FIFA," Craig said in a video posted on his YouTube channel, which has over two million subscribers.

"You guys know me, I sometimes talk too long... even I am lost for words at this. This is insane. [It is] the most shocking thing I have seen on Ultimate Team in the last few years."

While there is understandable anger and shock among the community, some have suggested that the Ultimate Team model, whereby certain cards are practically unattainable, is to blame.

"Ultimately this is a really sad day for FUT," content creator NepentheZ said in a message posted to his 940,000 followers on Twitter. "I hope this sparks change for a better, more fair, more rewarding game."

EA Game Changer partner Karasuno Mav, whose handle is 'MavricPlays', was particularly critical of EA in a video posted on Twitter.

"EA, I know you're not going to want to hear this and I'm a Game Changer, but this is your fault," he said. "This is all on you, because you've made Icons and the cards that people want completely unobtainable."

Which FIFA Ultimate Team cards are being sold?

The cards that are allegedly being sold are those that are considered the rarest and most difficult - or, as the case may be, impossible - to get in a pack.

For example, Prime Icon Moment (PIM) cards, which are invariably the highest-rated version of an Icon, are apparently being advertised by the black market sellers.

The PIM card for Brazil hero Ronaldo - affectionately known as R9 in the FIFA community - as well as other legendary figures such as Ruud Gullit, Pele and Ronaldinho have featured in screenshots.

These cards have ratings in the high 90s, which means that they are very strong players to have in a team.

Is this the first FIFA Ultimate Team scandal?

FIFA Ultimate Team has come under scrutiny on a number of occasions since its inception and EA Sports has been criticised for the 'loot box' element of the game mode.

Packs can be bought using FIFA coins - currency earned through in-game actions, such as playing matches - or using EA Points, which can be purchased with real money.

Pack odds are now available for players to see, so that they can understand the chances of them landing a certain player, but the fact is, the more packs you buy, the greater the likelihood of getting a rare card.

Authorities in Belgium have declared that 'loot boxes' - i.e. paying money for a set of random in-game items - constituted a form of unregulated gambling.

While EA Sports disagreed with the Belgian authorities' interpretation of the law, it altered its policy so that players in Belgium could only buy packs and so forth using coins earned in the game itself.

The nature of FUT packs and the so-called 'pay-to-win' culture has also been debated in the UK parliament, with some politicians calling on companies such as EA Sports to do more to protect players.

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has disclosed that Moussa Djenepo is a doubt for their Premier League encounter Against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.

Djenepo suffered a groin injury after a challenge in the Saints' 5-2 loss against Manchester City on Thursday.

He was subsequently replaced by Nathan Tella at half-time and he has undergone some medical scans.

Ahead of Sunday's clash at St Mary's Stadium, Hasenhuttl said he is cautious of Djenepo's body reaction to treatment which makes him uncertain of the Mali international's availability.

“Moussa was out after 30 minutes in the last game,” Hasenhuttl was quoted by Daily Echo.

“It doesn’t look that bad, so hopefully he can start training by the end of the week so he can be an alternative for the weekend, but we don’t know it yet.

“Sometimes with Moussa his body reacts in a strange way.

“Sometimes it feels worse than it is in the end, but when you scan him he immediately shows a lot of blood in muscles when he has odd injuries, so we have to pay attention to how tough the injury definitely is.

“This is not so easy for our physios to see clearly, because sometimes he reacts better than they think and when he takes the test it looks better than it should be normally, so it is always tough to decide whether he is available or not.”

Djenepo has scored a goal in 21 Premier League matches for Southampton who sit 14th in the league table with 33 points after 28 matches.

Ahead of their final Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures, Mali will be concerned about the fitness of the 22-year-old who scored a goal in their 2-0 defeat of Chad in November.

The Eagles lead Group A qualifying group and they have already secured their spot for the 2022 continental tournament billed for Cameroon after gathering 10 points from four matches.

They play Naby Keita's Guinea and already eliminated Chad in their final group matches on March 24 and 28 respectively.

The North London derby is a massive fixture in any circumstances, but this season it will carry particular weight as both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur look to end a testing season in style.

Both have failed to live up to expectations this season; Spurs have failed to build on their promising performances during Project Restart and still lack an identity under Jose Mourinho, while Mikel Arteta has wholly failed to find a measure of consistency with Arsenal.

Did you know you can stream live football matches using the Showmax Pro app?

Watch Premier League, Serie A and La Liga and more at www.showmax.com. Sign up!

Tottenham are in better form heading into this one—they’re the only team in the Prem to have won their last three matches—but can they extend that run into the derby?

Arsenal vs Tottenham: Team news

Emile Smith Rowe was the only player in the Gunners’ treatment room, but he made his return in the midweek fixture over Olympiakos, having made his recovery from injury.

However, it would be a surprise if Mikel Arteta threw him straight back into the starting XI for the derby.

Serge Aurier bounced back from injury to play the entirety of Spurs’ midweek Europa League bout with Dinamo Zagreb, suggesting that Matt Doherty will come in at right-back.

Sergio Reguilon, unused against Slavia, will replace Ben Davies at left-back, although Giovani Lo Celso’s recovery from a back injury has been delayed due to complications.

Arsenal vs Tottenham: Key facts & stats

As well as their positive recent record in the Premier League, Spurs will be boosted by their excellent performances against the Gunners.

While the red half of North London is without a win in their last five meetings against the Lilywhites, Tottenham have won three and drawn two of those meetings.

Not since 1974 have Spurs won three consecutive league games against Arsenal, and Mourinho will surely recognise the value of completing this rare feat for the club.

Encouragingly for Arteta, however, the Gunners are unbeaten in their last seven at home, having won three and drawn three during that period.

Should they fall to defeat this weekend, they will have lost six times at home in the top flight this term—more than in any other season since 1994-95.

Expect goals in this one, with Harry Kane—the all-time top scorer in this fixture—and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang both in strong form recently.

Arsenal vs Tottenham: Prediction

Draws in the North London derby are a common occurrence, with 23 draws between the pair in Premier League history. For context, only Everton and Liverpool (24) have played out more draws during the PL era.

A draw looks likely again, with neither side likely to be willing to risk too much as they look to avoid defeat.

However, if either side is likely to have the edge, Spurs’ form and Mourinho’s big-game expertise could be enough to ensure Tottenham take all three points from the home of their eternal rivals.

Prediction: Arsenal 1-2 Tottenham

South Africa under-23 international Siyabonga Ngezana has signed a new deal with Kaizer Chiefs.

The 23-year-old player has been rewarded with a new contract after becoming a regular in Amakhosi's starting line-up in the current campaign. 

Chiefs made the announcement on their official website on Friday evening: 

"Kaizer Chiefs have extended the contract of defender Siyabonga Ngezana for three years with an option to extend with a further two years," a club statement read. 

"This potentially means he will be with Amakhosi for another five years."

Ngezana, who is a central defender by trade, has featured in the right-back position under coach Gavin Hunt. 

The towering player is pleased to have extended his stay at the Naturena-based giants having been nurtured in the club's academy. 

“The feeling is great. It always feels like I’m joining the club for the first time when I sign a new contract," Ngezana told the site. 

"I am looking forward to repaying the club by working hard and hopefully winning trophies.”

The former Orlando Pirates academy player also thanked the club's chairman Kaizer Motaung for showing faith and trust in him. 

“I’d really like to thank the chairman, Mr Kaizer Motaung and the management for the faith and trust they’ve shown in me,” he added. 

“I’d also like to give thanks to my family for all the support. We will have a small celebration at home today. But what I know is that real work starts now!”

Ngezana, who represented South Africa at the 2019 Caf Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals in Egypt, scored on his debut for Chiefs against Mamelodi Sundowns in a PSL match in October 2017.

The former Senaone Gunners player has made 23 appearances across all competitions for Amakhosi thus far this season.

He is expected to travel with Chiefs to Angola for the Group C game in the Caf Champions League against Petro de Luanda.

The President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) Amaju Pinnick has been elected into the Fifa Council after a landslide victory.

Pinnick defated Malawian FA president Walter Nyamilandu by 43 votes to eight during the Caf General Assembly held in Rabat on Friday.

He becomes the third Nigerian elected into the prestigious council after Oyo Orok Oyo (1980-1988) and Amos Adamu (2006-2010).

Pinnick will be joined by Egypt's Hany Abou Rida, Morocco's Fouzi Lekjaa, Mali's Mamoutou Toure, Benin's Mathurin De Chacus and Sierra Leone's Aisha Johansen in the main decision-making organisation of the world football governing body.

Prior to his success at the polls, Pinnick's ambition was backed by the Federal Government of Nigeria in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, Nebolisa Anako.

“On behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, and all Nigerians, we hereby pledge our unflinching support to Mr Pinnick because his victory would be our collective victory," a part of the statement read.

“[Sports Minister] Mr Dare believes Amaju can use his position and connections in Caf and Fifa to help promote and develop Nigeria and African football in all ramifications.

“Let us be resolute and firm in our support…This is no time to stand on the fence, but to be partakers in the scheme of things.”

The 50-year-old was re-elected as the NFF boss in 2018 and he is currently serving his second term after his first triumph in 2014.

Pinnick previously served as Caf Vice-president in Ahmad Ahmad's administration between September 2018 and July 2019, before he was removed and succeeded by Constant Omari.

Also in addition to his role as a member of Caf Executive Committee, the Delta-born administrator is also a member of the Organising Committee for FIFA competitions.

Pinnick started his football administration sojourn as the chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission in 2010 before his appointment as chairman of Delta State Football Association a year later.