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Super Eagles stars including Kenneth Omeruo, Henry Onyekuru and Chidozie Awaziem joined Nigerians in celebrating their 2-1 victory over Cape Verde with their social media updates.

The three-time African champions maintained their 100% start to their 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday, thanks to Victor Osimhen’s equaliser and an own goal from Kenny Rocha Santos that sealed a crucial away win for them.

Nigeria now lead Group C with six points after two matches, three points above second-placed Liberia while Cape Verde and Central African Republic have a point each.

In their reactions, Gernot Rohr's men expressed satisfaction with their performance and 'the Naija spirit' they showed at the Estadio Municipal Aderito Sena.

South Africa Sports Minister Nathi Mthethwa has launched the "Return to Play — It’s in your Hands" campaign, saying Premier Soccer League fans will soon return to stadiums with priority given to those vaccinated.

Since March 2020, PSL teams have been playing inside empty stadiums due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But with some European countries opening doors for supporters at sporting events, efforts are now underway in South Africa to have football played before crowds. 

“Over the next few weeks, you [members of the public] will be exposed to creative ways of getting the vaccination message across, which will be premised on examples like: free entry tickets for the vaccinated at sport and entertainment events; games and performances prioritising the vaccinated; [and] taking the vaccine to the people,” said Mthethwa as per IOL.

“The greater the population of the ‘vaccinated’ the sooner the economy can be reopened and in the sport, arts and culture community, the quicker we can get back to watching our sports stars and creatives at the various venues.

“The one quick and trusted ingredient to attain that status is to maximise the population of the ‘vaccinated’. Government alone cannot raise the required numbers of the ‘vaccinated’ needed to reach what is known as herd immunity.

“The 'It's in your Hands’ campaign, which we are launching today, is therefore intended to kick-start the active mobilisation of community members to ‘take the jab’ in ever-increasing numbers. The medical experts have already eloquently extolled the virtues of vaccinating more and more people on a sustained basis.”
 
Mthethwa’s remarks come a week after Orlando Pirates also launched a drive for the return of supporters to football grounds.

Pirates together with other widely followed PSL teams, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns have had to endure playing without enjoying the home advantage created by their multitudes of fans.

Pirates interim co-coach Mandla Ncikazi received his first jab last week as he encouraged fans to get vaccinated and return to stadiums.

“I encourage all South Africans to go vaccinate. Let's save our country, let's get rid of this pandemic,” Ncikazi told Pirates media.

“It would be nice if everybody does this so we can see the spectators back in our fields and enjoy the game.”

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These days you don’t need to score a hat-trick to take home an official match ball as they are easily available to buy. At-home sports equipment is getting better and better and footballs are no exception.

The elite versions of these footballs have all been awarded the FIFA Quality Pro stamp of approval, which means they can be used in professional games. To get that FIFA approval they have to go through rigorous testing in a Swiss lab, meaning that only the best get the nod. So you really would see these exact footballs at the feet of Messi, De Bruyne and Griezmann.

However, if you don't fancy splashing out, the official replicas are a great way of getting that match-ready experience without the price tag.

With that in mind, here are eight of the best official match balls used by Europe's top leagues, clubs and competitions. 

England – Premier League: Nike Flight

The Nike Flight football uses Aerowsculpt technology which took eight whole years to develop. Its hypothesis was that if a ball is completely smooth then it gets lost in the air and goes off course. The patented moulding on the surface of the ball actually changes the ball’s relationship with the air, improving aerodynamics by up to 30 per cent compared to a traditional football. The budget Nike Strike uses a similar groove technology called AerowTrac.

Get it from JD Sports for £125.00 (elite) / £25.00 (budget)

This season, the Championship, League One and Two are using this Puma teamFinal ball. This ball will be seen rolling around grounds up and down the country and will hopefully be responsible for some memorable goals and matches. Both the elite and replica versions use Puma Air Lock technology to keep your ball inflated for longer.

Get it from Sports Direct for £80.00 (elite) / JD Sports for £15.00 (budget)

Uhlsport have created the Elysia Ballon match ball for Ligue 1 this season so two-thirds of the MSN trio can be reunited and score some incredible goals whilst in Paris. The elite version has 22 thermobonded panels and the replica has 32. Both versions are typically stylish in a navy blue with silver and orange colourway.

Get it from Pro:Direct Soccer for £84.00 (elite) / Decathlon for £29.99 (budget)

The Nike Flight was engineered for precision and created by four fused panels to create a larger perfect strikezone for Serie A’s top players like Andrea Belotti and Lorenzo Insigne. The Nike Strike Serie A edition is a great replica for those who feel an affinity with Italian football and want to show it off. The textured casing helps create a perfect spin on the ball whether you’re scoring at the San Siro or down the park. 

Get it from Nike for £119.95 (elite) / £24.95 (budget)

The Puma Accelerate has a textured surface to improve grip and aerodynamics. La Liga’s best players like Antoine Griezmann are loving the orange flame design which was inspired by Japanese anime.

Get it from Amazon for £104.49 (elite) / JD Sports for £25.00 (budget)

Puma’s signature ball for the Carabao Cup will be used the whole way through the competition, from the closely contested first round to the coveted final at Wembley Stadium. The durable rubber bladder is tried and tested so it retains its shape for a consistent ball flight.

Get it from Sports Direct for £80.00 (elite) / JD Sports for £15.00 (budget)

Europe – UEFA Champions League Final: Adidas Pro

Recreate your favourite moments from the 2021 Champions League final with these beautiful balls. Both versions feature the aspirational star design pattern, but the elite version takes this one step further and has 3D printed stars all over to improve grip. The colourway will have your head in the sky dreaming of winning the trophy with cloud white and solar red and yellow stars.

Get it from JD Sports £120.00 (elite) / £18.00 (budget)

Adidas’s iconic Uniforia was designed for the delayed Euro 2020 competition and was finally used this summer. Because this tournament was held across 12 culturally different cities the design had to incorporate elements from every place. The beautiful and colourful hashtag style design wraps around the ball which is seamlessly bonded to get a smooth trajectory and strike.

Get it from Lovell Soccer for £85.00 (elite) / £20 (budget)

Most balls will arrive deflated to help save on carbon emissions and packaging, so don’t forget to pick up a football pump.

Get one from Amazon for £3.99

Brazil host Peru at the Itaipava Arena on Thursday with Tite's side aiming to extend their perfect record in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying.

The five-time world champions have won all seven of their matches in the tournament and, despite the surreal circumstances surrounding the abandonment of their weekend match with Argentina, La Canarinha will be confident of claiming another victory against Peru.

Here's how to watch Brazil vs Peru in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers from India.

Contents

What time does Brazil vs Peru start?

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How to watch Brazil vs Peru on TV & live stream in India

In India, the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers will neither be telecasted on TV nor streamed online in the absence of an official broadcaster. Fans in India will have to find alternate means of watching or following the match. 

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Brazil vs Peru: Team news & key stats

Brazil are without any of their Premier League-based players meaning the likes of Alisson, Fabinho, Roberto Firmino, Ederson, Gabriel Jesus, Thiago Silva and Fred are all missing.

Third-choice goalkeeper Weverton is likely to start once more, with Gabriel Barbosa set to be paired with Neymar up front.

Peru have no major absentees and look set to field a similar starting XI to the one which beat Venezuela at the weekend.

Key Stats:

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Argentina host Bolivia on Thursday with Lionel Scaloni's side aiming to claim another win in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying.

The Albiceleste saw their weekend clash with Brazil called off in surreal circumstances with local health officials intervening once the game had kicked off.

Back on home soil and with all their players available against Bolivia, the two-time World Cup winners are clear favourites against one of the continent's poorest sides.

Here's how to watch Argentina vs Bolivia in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers from India.

Contents

What time does Argentina vs Bolivia start?

Return to top

How to watch Argentina vs Bolivia on TV & live stream in India

In India, the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifiers will neither be telecasted on TV nor streamed online in the absence of an official broadcaster. Fans in India will have to find alternate means of watching or following the match. 

Return to top

Argentina vs Bolivia: Team news & key stats

Emiliano Martinez, Emiliano Buendia, Giovanni Lo Celso and Cristian Romero were the four Premier League players said to have breached coronavirus regulations causing the fiasco in Brazil.

Martinez, Romero and Lo Celso all started the game and would expect to feature from the off once more.

Lionel Messi is also likely to start the game despite having featured for just 24 minutes for new club Paris Saint-Germain this season.

La Verde will welcome striker Carmelo Algaranaz back from suspension, although defender Diego Berjarano remains sidelined through injury.

Key Stats:

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East Bengal have confirmed on Wednesday that the club has agreed to mutually terminate Robbie Fowler's contract as head coach. 

The Red and Golds have appointed former Real Madrid Castilla coach Manuel 'Manolo' Diaz as the new head coach for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season.

More to follow...

Ronald Koeman has hit back at Miralem Pjanic's claims that he disrespected the Bosnia & Herzegovina international at Barcelona, stating that the club had "other players better than him".

The Blaugrana have loaned out the midfielder on a season-long deal to Besiktas, just one year after he made a major move to Camp Nou from Juventus.

Pjanic hit out at his treatment by Koeman earlier this month, indicating that the Dutchman restricted his opportunities - and now the former Netherlands boss has responded in kind.

What has been said?

"I think it's a bit of frustration on the part of the player that I understand," Koeman told Mundo Deportivo.

"But in our way of playing, in our ideas with the ball and without the ball, he has lost the battle with other midfielders, and nothing else.

"I wish him the best. It has been complicated. We have tried, we have tried and we have seen that there are other players better than him."

Pjanic aggrieved after exit

That Pjanic - once regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world game - is now plying his trade outside of Europe's top five leagues speaks to how far his stock has fallen under Koeman.

The 31-year-old played only half of Barcelona's games in La Liga last season, and played no part in their Copa del Rey triumph.

"I always wanted to play for Barca but I didn't expect the situation to get so complicated," Pjanic previously stated. 

Further reading

Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula has claimed Football Kenya Federation Premier League champions Tusker tapped up their player Shami Kibwana.
 
On Tuesday, Kibwana signed with the Brewers to become their newest player, but his move has started to attract controversy after the claims made by his former club.

Shimanyula has threatened he will report the Ruaraka-based club to Fifa for allegedly tapping up the midfielder who has a running contract with Homeboyz.
 
The midfielder is among the players who travelled for a Caf Champions League game against Arta Solar 7 on Sunday.

"They have stolen my player and have taken him to Djibouti. He is a player I have been all along looking for, only to learn that Tusker have him," Shimanyula told Goal.
 
"Shami [Kibwana] has a running contract and was never given a release letter from us. I have contacted Obiny Tusker CEO [Charles Obiny] and he has begged that I should let them finish the Champions League game first. I have categorically told him that if they make the mistake of playing him, they will see the fire from us.
 
"They better fill the position with another player, and not Kibwana. Tusker should not look down upon Kakamega Homeboyz because we are a small team. I am writing a letter to Obiny and copying it to the Football Kenya Federation over the matter.

"This is a player we have been waiting to see at the training pitch only to learn that he is Djibouti-bound.  Tusker must stop this habit of tapping up players [every window], they did it against Vihiga United and they have now done it against us [Homeboyz], and we will not let this pass until justice prevails.

They always want to use shortcuts to sign players, we will follow the law and report to them to Fifa, and I want to warn them against using the player [Kibwana] in Djibouti, if they do they will face more problems.

"I am using my money, not like them who depend on money from alcohol [Tusker are sponsored by East African Breweries Limited]. That is like they have money they get easily, I am not getting my money easily as compared to them. I will show them what they have never seen. 
 
"Player tapping is very wrong. I was looking for my player only to read on Goal.com he has left for Djibouti. I am shocked that one can tap a player and travel with him, a star who still has a running contract until the end of this year with us.
 
"Had Kibwana's contract been within two months or three months of expiring, they would have negotiated with him."
 
Other players who have been signed by Tusker include, Brian Bwire, Dan Sakari, Teddy Osok, goalkeeper Patrick Matasi, Charles Momanyi, Kalos Kirenge, and Joshua Ibrahim.

Ghanaian champions Hearts of Oak have been handed a major advantage in the Caf Champions League preliminary round following adjustment of their originally scheduled two-legged clash with Guinean side Club Industriel de Kamsar to a one-off decider in Accra.

The big first round showdown is now set for the Accra Sports Stadium on September 19.

The change, announced on the official website of the Ghana Football Association, has been necessitated by political instability in Guinea where the originally scheduled first leg fixture was due to be held.

“Accra Hearts of Oak SC will play CL Kamsar of Guinea in a single match on September 19, 2021 at the Accra Sports Stadium with the winner of the tie set to advance to the next stage of the 2021-22 Total Energies CAF Champions League,” the GFA announced published on Wednesday.

“The Organising Committee of the Competition has decided that the match which was scheduled to be played in Guinea this weekend will not take place in view of the political unrest in the country.

“The winner of this single match will qualify to the 2nd preliminary round of the competition. In case of a draw at the end of the regulatory time, the winner shall be determined by penalty kicks in accordance to the Laws of the Game."

Kamsar were due to host the first leg fixture on Sunday, a week before the return leg.

A coup d'etat last weekend, which saw the overthrow of Guinea's President Alpha Conde by soldiers, has momentarily rendered the country unsafe for football.

The situation also saw a late postponement of a 2022 World Cup qualifier between Guinea and Morocco in Conakry on Monday.

The GFA publication added: “In a letter sent to the General Secretary of the GFA, Prosper Harrison Addo (Esq) on the situation, CAF quoted the provisions of Articles 1 & 2.1 of Chapter XIII of the Regulations governing the competition which stipulate that the following shall applied: "1. In case of troubles, wars, forces majeure or internal situations in a country that may affect the security conditions during planning of a match, the Organizing Committee may take the following measures: 2. In two leg matches (home and away): 2.1 If the case concerns only one country, the federation will play its home match on a ground in another country, or a single game will be played on the opponent's field. Where appropriate, the Organizing Committee will determine the match venue.”

The winners between Hearts and Kamsar will face Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca in the next round of the competition.

Ahmed Musa has revelled in Nigeria’s defeat of Cape Verde in Tuesday’s Fifa World Cup qualifier as well as bagging his 100th international cap.

Gernot Rohr’s men brightened their chances of qualifying for Qatar 2022 by securing a 2-1 comeback win over the Blue Sharks at the Estadio Municipal Aderito Sena.

Gunning for their first win following an impressive 1-1 draw against the Central African Republic, Dylan Dos Santos put Bubista’s men ahead in the 19th minute after unleashing a left-footed strike past Maduka Okoye.

Nevertheless, the lead lasted for just ten minutes as Napoli star Victor Osimhen levelled matters having benefitted from a defensive error by the hosts.

The three-time African champions sealed maximum points in the closing stages of the keenly contested fixture after Kenny Rocha Santos played the ball into his team's net after goalkeeper Vozinha had left his position.

For his participation in Mindelo, Musa became an international centurion to join the likes of Joseph Yobo and Vincent Enyeama in Nigeria's 100-cap club.

Buoyed by this double joy, the 28-year-old went to social media to express his happiness while showing appreciation to all who made it possible.

“I can't keep calm as we keep winning. Thanks to my family, my teammates, fans and not forgetting the NFF,” Musa wrote on Instagram.

“I want to specially mention it's my 100th cap for the team as well. It's an absolute honour & privilege to serve in this capacity.

“All of these wouldn't have been possible without you guys as there is no 'I' in the team. You guys rock. Thanks so much once again. Here's to more wins.”

Nigeria’s qualification campaign continues in October when they welcome the Central African Republic to the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

Rohr’s side leads Group C with six points from two matches. For the Wild Beasts – who have just one point from two games – they sit at the base of the log.

Anything short of victory in Lagos will see them bow out of the race to reach the global football showpiece in the middle east country.

Musa will become Nigeria’s joint-most capped player alongside Yobo and Enyeama if he features in that encounter.

Manchester City are facing a goalkeeper crisis, with first choice Ederson and understudy Zak Steffen ruled out of Saturday’s game at Leicester City.

The Premier League champions will be forced to select veteran third-choice Scott Carson, who completed a permanent move on a free transfer from Derby County in the summer.

Former England international Carson had been on loan at City for the previous two seasons and made his only appearance for the club against Newcastle at the end of the last campaign - after the title had been secured.

Why will Ederson be missing?

City were among five clubs including Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Leeds United who did not release Brazilian players for an international window.

Goal confirmed that Brazilian football authorities triggered a FIFA rule preventing players appearing five days after the window ends but the Premier League is expected to lobby against the decision and hope to find a resolution.

Striker Gabriel Jesus will also be affected by the ban, although midfielder Fernandinho was not called up for the South American World Cup qualifiers.

Players travelling to red list countries would have missed several games on their return because of a 10-day isolation period in the United Kingdom.

Why is Steffen unavailable?

Steffen confirmed that he has tested positive for Covid-19 while on international duty with the United States national team.

The former Columbus Crew keeper, who said that he had received two vaccinations, is currently self-isolating in the US.

He will also miss the Champions League group opener against RB Leipzig on Tuesday, but Ederson will be available.

What are City's options?

Carson, 34, who is a hugely popular figure in the dressing room, is the next in line, although his start in last season's 4-3 win over Newcastle was his first Premier League appearance since May 2011.

City have three goalkeepers out on loan, with Republic of Ireland International Gavin Bazunu at Portsmouth, Kosovo international Aro Muric at Adana Demirspor and England Under-20 star James Trafford at Accrington Stanley.

Academy players Cieran Slicker, 18, and Mikki van Sas, 17, could be on the bench at the King Power Stadium.

Any good injury news?

Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne have both stepped up their training during the international break after missing the last two matches through injury.

Foden has not featured in pre-season or since the start of the campaign after suffering from a foot injury on international duty with England at Euro 2020 in July.

De Bruyne has also struggled with an ankle injury suffered at the European Championships, although it is too early to say whether they will be fit enough to face Leicester.

Further reading:

Indian Navy's football team overcame Delhi FC 2-1 in the Group C opener of the Durand Cup 2021 football tournament at the Mohun Bagan ground in Kolkata, on Wednesday.

Willis Plaza (21') gave Delhi the lead but goals by Shreyas VG (26') and Dalraj Singh (86') ensured three points for the regimental side.

The Sailormen currently top the group that also includes Indian Super League (ISL) teams Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters.

Plaza was at hand to beat Navy goalkeeper Bhaskar Roy after a good build up by Reinreithan Shaiza and Dawda Ceesay but the lead was shortlived as Shreyas cut through the Delhi defense to slot in Nihal Sudeesh's cross from the right.

Just before the break, Plaza could have put his side back in the lead but failed to beat Roy from close range after being found in the area by Brazilian winger Sergio Barbosa Jr.

Crossing over, it was until late in the match that Dalraj rose highest to nod in the winner from a flagkick to hand Indian Navy all three points.

Swallows FC forward Ruzaigh Gamildien has described failing to sign for Kaizer as “disappointing” but is entertaining the possibility of ending up at Amakhosi’s Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates.

Discussions took place between Chiefs and Swallows to bring the 32-year-old to Naturena but nothing concrete emerged from the talks.

Now with Swallows set to meet Pirates in a Premier Soccer League match at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, Gamildien says he will use the game to market himself.

“It is self-motivation. Everyone is watching when we play against these clubs and it is an opportunity for us to market ourselves to be able to join them in the future,” Gamildien told Sowetan Live.

“We also enjoy playing big teams because it takes the pressure off us. We’ve enjoyed playing against Pirates and we are looking forward to continuing with that this weekend.

“It wasn’t disappointing [failing to move to Chiefs]. It was just that it was not meant for me to go there.

“It was also not a point to prove but just to rub some salt in the wounds saying that I’m still going to be the same Gamildien whether I go there or not.”

Pirates will be facing a team that eliminated them from the MTN8 at the quarter-final stage.

It was Gamildien’s brace which sank the Buccaneers in a 2-1 result in favour of Swallows at Orlando Stadium in August.

The Soweto rivals are back at Orlando Stadium and Gamildien is keen on upsetting Pirates again.

“Good teamwork first of all, that’s what you can expect from us,” added Gamildien.

“They will be doing their homework on us and what didn’t work in the past. We are also trying to fix certain areas we are lacking and we have to continue with the current run that we have.”

Swallows go into this match on the backdrop of four unbeaten games this season.

After knocking Pirates out of the MTN8, the Dube Birds then edged Royal AM 1-0 in a league opener before a 0-0 away draw at AmaZulu.

They then secured another 0-0 draw but this time against Cape Town City in the MTN8 semi-finals, first leg. 

Former Bafana Bafana defender David Kannemeyer has predicted a draw between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, but has identified where Amakhosi could have an edge over their opponents.

The Gauteng giants cross swords at Loftus Versfeld on Sunday after having recorded similar results of a draw and a win in their respective Premier Soccer League games so far this season.

Kannemeyer, who played for both sides, expects a stalemate on Sunday but thinks Sundowns can draw lessons from the last game between the two sides in August.

Chiefs came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw after extra time in the MTN8 quarter-finals against Masandawana but lost via penalties.

Kannemeyer says Amakhosi’s strength on the transition between defence and attack could hurt the Brazilians whom he advises to learn from the last encounter between the two teams.

“Indeed, this is the biggest game of the weekend. I’d go for a draw… I have a strong feeling about that,” Kannemeyer told Sowetan Live.

“Like many, I see Downs and Chiefs as title hopefuls but I won’t just write Pirates off just like that.

“Sundowns are all about going forward but I expect them to be a little bit cautious on Sunday, because they know Chiefs can be a threat in transition.

“You saw how Chiefs turned things around in the MTN8, so for Sundowns that should be a lesson to always tread carefully when they go forward.’’

When Sundowns and Chiefs last met, it was the two giants’ first competitive match of this season.

Since then, Chiefs have gone to draw 0-0 against TS Galaxy and beat Baroka FC 2-1 in league games.

Masandawana on the other hand have edged AmaZulu 1-0 in a league game, were then held 0-0 away at Chippa United before a 1-1 draw against Golden Arrows in an MTN8 semi-final, first-leg clash.

After Sunday’s match, Chiefs will then host Royal AM on September 18 while the Brazilians welcome TS Galaxy on September 19.

Amakhosi are bidding for a first league title since 2015 and Sundowns want a record-extending fifth straight championship crown. 

Premier League teams including Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United will be without a host of star players this weekend after the row between English clubs and the Brazilian Football Association escalated dramatically.

FIFA, Goal can confirm, has informed clubs that the controversial 'five-day rule' will be imposed by the Brazilian FA, who are angry that players were withdrawn from the latest round of World Cup qualifiers.

That would prevent eight players from five clubs from featuring in this round of domestic fixtures, although it has emerged that Everton forward Richarlison will be allowed to play this weekend, due to the Toffees' strong relationship with the Brazilian federation. Richarlison was allowed to play for Brazil in the Olympic Games in Beijing earlier this summer.

Who is set to miss out?

Liverpool trio Alisson Becker, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino are all impacted, and will be ruled out of the Reds' trip to Leeds on Sunday. Leeds winger Raphinha will also miss the game at Elland Road.

Manchester City duo Ederson and Gabriel Jesus will miss the trip to Leicester on Saturday, while Manchester United midfielder Fred is out of his side's home clash with Newcastle the same day. Fred will also, much to the Red Devils' annoyance, sit out their opening Champions League group clash away to Young Boys next Tuesday.

Chelsea are in the same position, missing veteran defender Thiago Silva for the games against Aston Villa and Zenit St Petersburg.

Other teams will also be affected. Tottenham will miss Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso, and Aston Villa will be without Emiliano Martinez and Emiliano Buendia, all of whom were allowed to join up with the Argentina squad for this round of international fixtures - a move that led to the farcical scenes at the qualifier with Brazil in Sao Paulo, in which the players were threatened with arrest for an alleged breach of coronavirus rules.

In addition to the Brazilian FA, Chile, Mexico and Paraguay have also asked FIFA to apply the five-day rule, a move which will impact Wolves' Raul Jimenez, Watford's Francisco Sierralta, Newcastle star Miguel Almiron and the Blackburn striker Ben Brereton Diaz.

What is the five-day rule?

The five-day rule is designed to protect international teams from unnecessary, club-influenced withdrawals.

Players who are not released for international duty can, in accordance with FIFA, be banned from featuring for their clubs for a five-day period following the conclusion of international fixtures. In this instance, that period covers September 10-14.

Premier League clubs had decided unanimously to stop players from appearing for their country in the latest round of international fixtures, if it meant travel to a red-list country, which would require a 10-day period of quarantine upon their return. FIFA, who are understood to be uneasy with the ongoing row, unsuccessfully lobbied the UK government to allow quarantine exemptions for players returning from international duty.

Should clubs refuse to adhere to the five-day rule, then Article 22 of FIFA's disciplinary code states that they will forfeit any game in which an ineligible player has appeared, and face a corresponding fine. Players, too, may be hit with sanctions.

How will the Premier League respond?

The Premier League is likely to take a dim view of the Brazilian FA's stance, and sources have told Goal that the league intends to lobby against the decision, and will strive to find a resolution.

That will be vital, with two further rounds of international fixtures to come before the end of the year, but as it stands their top clubs are set to be without a number of star men this weekend.

Further reading

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Steve Komphela has claimed former Polokwane City head coach Luc Eymael disrespects black people and the truth has eventually come out.

In 2019, Eymael was being linked with a move to AmaZulu and Chippa United but Komphela, then serving at Lamontville Golden Arrows, said the controversial coach should not come to South Africa.

While engaging his followers on Twitter on Wednesday, Komphela maintained his stance on the Belgian, affirming he does not respect black people

At the time, an agitated Komphela felt South Africa would be stupid to allow Eymael to return and work in the Premier Soccer League.

"That one must not come to South Africa‚" Komphela said at the time. "I’m not being disrespectful‚ but Luc must not come to South Africa.

"This guy has disrespected people tremendously and this nation would be naïve‚ if not very close to stupid‚ if they were to allow such a man to come and work here.

"Why give the man the respect and resources that belong to our country when he thinks so little of us."

Eymael was fired by Yanga SC after he disparaged Tanzanian Football Federation officials and went ahead to refer to Yanga fans as monkeys in July 2020.

He, however, later defended himself saying he is not a racist.

FKF Premier League champions Tusker have named 10 of their new players in the travelling squad to face Djibouti side Arta Solar 7 in the preliminary round of the Caf Champions League on Sunday.

The Brewers, led by coach Robert Matano have so far signed 11 new players and out of the number 10 of them, led by goalkeeper Patrick Matasi, who signed for the team from St George of Ethiopia, have been included in the squad of 19 players.

Who are the new faces in the Tusker squad?

Other new faces in the squad are Clyde Senaji signed from AFC Leopards, Teddy Osok, who joined the team after leaving Kitwe United of Zambia, Charles Momanyi formerly of Gor Mahia, Daniel Sakari and goalkeeper Brian Bwire formerly of Kariobangi Sharks, Joshua Ibrahim signed from Ken Gold, Kalos Kalenge from Namungo FC of Tanzania and John Njuguna, who joined from Ulinzi Stars.

According to a statement on the team’s official website, the full travelling party of 19 players, six technical bench members, and four officials will travel in two batches via Addis Ababa to Djibouti for the fixture.

“The first batch of players and officials left Nairobi early Wednesday for Djibouti ahead of Sunday’s Caf Champions League preliminary round tie against Arta Solar 7,” confirmed part of the statement.

“The team is travelling in two groups, with the second batch expected to depart later on Wednesday. The full travelling party includes 19 players, six technical bench members, and four officials.

“Assistant coach George Maina will not travel with the team as he is currently engaged in the CAF B Coaching Course that started on Monday at KISE. The team had its final training session at the Utalii Grounds on Tuesday.

“The match is scheduled for Saturday, September 11 in Arta with the team flying back on Sunday.”

Tusker are making a return to the continental scene for the first since 2016 following their success in the Kenyan top flight after topping the 18-team table with 65 points, three more than second-placed KCB while Bandari finished third on 53 points.

Apart from the Champions League, Kenya will also be represented in the Confederation Cup by Gor Mahia, who earned the ticket after beating rivals AFC Leopards in the final of the FKF Shield Cup.

Tusker travelling squad: Clyde Senaji, Teddy Osok, Humphrey MIeno, Charles Momanyi, Jimmy Mbugua, Patrick Matasi, Jackson Macharia, Shami Mwinyi, Boniface Muchiri, Daniel Sakari, Hillary Wandera, Brian Bwire, Kevin Monyi, Joshua Ibrahim, Apollo Otieno, Kalos Kirenge, Emery Mvuyekure, John Njuguna, and Eugene Asike,

Technical Bench: Robert Matano, Enos Karani, George Opondo, Duncan Ochieng, Charles Waititu, and Wycliffe Makanga.

Further FKF Premier League reading 

Cristiano Ronaldo has arrived for his first full day of training with Manchester United, as the Portuguese star eyes a prospective second debut against Newcastle United this weekend.

The veteran forward was spotted at the Red Devils' Carrington base on Wednesday as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side step up preparations ahead of the end of the September international break.

Ronaldo returned early from Portugal duty, due to suspension, allowing him to bed in with his old club sooner than expected after completing mandatory quarantine to enter the United Kingdom.

Has Ronaldo trained with Man Utd yet?

While this is Ronaldo's first true day of action with the Red Devils, he has already partaken in some light sessions, having first met up with the squad on Tuesday.

The 36-year-old was confirmed to have arrived at Carrington after the club posted an image of him with former teammate-turned-coach Solskjaer.

Later on, they released a gallery of images, showing him partaking in initial drills with members of the Red Devils' senior squad, itself gearing back up for the return of their international faces.

Will Ronaldo make his Man Utd debut against Newcastle?

Against Steve Bruce's Magpies, Ronaldo could well be in line to start from the off - and is very likely to at least make the bench if he does not lead the line at Old Trafford.

Expectations for his return remain sky high - and having been able to skip out on the last two games of his country's international break, match fitness should not be an issue for the veteran.

But until Solskjaer holds his pre-match press conference, there will be no official confirmation on whether Ronaldo will start against the visitors from Tyneside.

How will Man Utd line up against Newcastle?

If Ronaldo is handed his first United start for over a decade, there is a strong chance that he could lead the attack in the number nine position as a standout striker, a role he has since grown familiar to.

That would see him at the spearhead of a wing pair that could consist of Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood, with Portugal team-mate Bruno Fernandes directly behind him.

It seems unlikely that if Ronaldo makes the first-choice XI, he would fill another spot, though there is the possibility that Solskjaer could field a two-man strikeforce and add Edinson Cavani up front too.

Further reading