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American investor Joe Tacopina has outlined his plan for returning Catania to glory as he hopes to seal a deal to acquire the Italian side.

Tacopina has previously been on the board at Roma, Bologna and, most recently, Venezia, who gained promotion to Serie B under his ownership.

The Italian-American lawyer is now looking to acquire Catania, a club among the most popular in Italian football that has now fallen on hard times.

Catania had been in Serie A as recently as 2014, but now sits in the third division, having been relegated from Serie B in 2015.

The club was recently saved by SIGI, a group made up of a group of local entrepreneurs, and Tacopina is one of several potential new owners looking to get involved with the club.

Currently, SIGI are fielding three offers for the team with an answer expected by the end of the month, and, should his bid prove successful, he hopes to rebuild the outfit by taking inspiration from one of Serie A's brightest clubs.

"When I talk about the Atalanta model I think about their management of the club," Tacopina told Goal.

"I like it a lot and I hope it can be replicated. The key points must be scouting and investments in the youth sector aimed at the growth of the players and we can do all this by making the most of Torre del Grifo. Then we have to develop the culture of the club."

He added: "It is an underestimated, underrated brand. Catania is one of the largest cities in Italy and has the right to aspire to have one of the strongest teams in Italy. 

"The potential is there, because in football the potential of a team is largely due to the passion of the fans. And that is certainly not lacking."

Several top Italian clubs are owned by American investors, with Roma, Parma, Fiorentina and AC Milan all operated by owners in the U.S.

It is a trend that has occurred all over Europe, with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Marseille all being run by American investors.

Tacopina expects that trend to continue and, if he does prove successful in his bid to acquire Catania, he hopes to bring several American players to the club at some point.

"Clearly it is too early to talk about this, but yes, it is one of the possibilities that we will evaluate in a few years," he said. "When Roma signed [Michael] Bradley, many Americans started following Roma. The same could certainly happen for Catania."

"In the United States, there are many people of Sicilian origin," he added. "It would be nice to make them fond of Catania, which they may have heard little about but which could become a passion for them too because of their origins."

Tacopino says the big aim is to get Catania back into Serie A, where he believes the club belongs due to its stature.

He's experienced promotion before, with Venezia and Bologna, and Tacopino believes achieving that with Catania will be vital in waking up a sleeping giant in Italian football.

"I became president of Bologna in 2014 and at the end of the season we went to Serie A," he said.

"Then, the following year, I won the Serie D championship with Venezia. The following year, together with Pippo Inzaghi, we won the Serie C and returned to B. So in three years I made three promotions, in three different leagues. It's a record, isn't it? A record, I believe."

He added: "It is a pity that this is the case, but it is another of our goals. We must make everyone understand that Catania retains its history, its identity, but that now a new chapter has begun and we must ensure that the errors of the past do not weigh us down. 

"Mistakes already weigh heavily on the balance sheets and the debt situation and I think we must immediately make everyone understand that now this club, while retaining its fascinating history, is now starting a new course."

The Federation of International Football Association (Fifa) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have celebrated with Francisca Ordega on her 27th birthday.

The striker was born in Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria and launched her professional football career with Nigeria Women's Premier League side Bayelsa Queens in 2008.

After leaving the Yenegoa outfit, Ordega joined Rivers Angels in 2011 before she sealed her first move abroad to Russian side Rossiyanka a year later, and continued her career at Swedish club Pitea in 2013.

In 2015, she joined Washington Spirit, where she had loan moves to Australia's Sydney and Spain's Atletico Madrid during her four-year campaign with the US' National Women's Soccer League team.

Ordega left Spirit in 2019 for Chinese Women's Super League side Shanghai Shengli, inspiring them to a runners-up position last season.

She represented Nigeria at the U17 Women's World Cup in 2010, U20 side in 2012 and featured for the senior team thrice at the Women's World Cup and won the Africa Women's Cup of Nations four times.

The major highlight of her career was in 2015 when she impressed at the Women's World Cup in Canada, where she inspired Nigeria's incredible comeback in a 3-3 draw with Sweden in Winnipeg.   

The striker made her debut for the Super Falcons in 2010 and has now played 26 times for the West Africans, scoring seven times and emerged an Africa Women's Player of the Year finalist in 2018.

Fifa and the NFF have shared heartfelt messages to the Super Falcons winger as she reaches a new age.

Sevilla coach Julen Lopetegui believes Chelsea are good enough to win the Champions League this season.

The Blues got as far as the round of 16 last term before they were knocked out by eventual winners Bayern Munich, with the German giants thrashing them 7-1 on aggregate.

Frank Lampard's team have taken just eight points from their first five Premier League games this season, having surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 with Southampton on Saturday.

The Chelsea boss put his side's defensive struggles down to their pre-season campaign being cut short as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

But Lopetegui says his own outfit, who face Chelsea in their opening Champions League game on Tuesday, have just as much reason to complain about a lack of time to prepare for the new season. 

"I can't comment on what he said but if anyone has had an atypical pre-season then it is us. We have been saying this since everything started amid this complex situation," he said at a press conference before the meeting at Stamford Bridge.

"I don’t think you can look at these things too much and I think you just need to focus on adapting as best as possible with solutions.

"I think everybody has had a disrupted pre-season. Some had 12 days off. I think we need to adapt to the new reality as quickly as possible.

"Something that can help us is the excitement we feel when we get to compete in a competition like the Champions League, which is extremely demanding and exciting.

"We are against one of the teams that can win the competition in Chelsea. We need to perform well tomorrow, that’s the only thing we can do."

He continued: "Yes, it is going to be a tough ask, every match is difficult, especially when you are talking about the Champions League and playing against a team such as Chelsea.

"But our intention is to win, like we do in every stadium and every match. We have to perform well, I don’t think the start of the season counts for much at the moment.

"They are a great side, with fantastic players and have performed very well this season. Lately they have been playing sensationally and they are going to force us to produce our best performance both defensively and offensively. We need to perform very well tomorrow.

"Chelsea like to dominate the ball, as we do, so I think it is a match between teams who have two different types of players, but who have the same idea – which is to dominate games. That’s what we need to be prepared for."

Wilfried Zaha has reflected on growing up, revealing that becoming a professional footballer was all he craved for.

Born in Abidjan but raised in south London, the 27-year-old said his mindset was to achieve success in the beautiful game, while looking back at the sacrifices he had to make as well as his father’s role to ensure his dream was actualised.

The former England youth international rose to prominence after his promotion to the Crystal Palace’s first-team before joining Manchester United in 2013, after which he returned to Selhurst Park after failing to command regular action at Old Trafford.

"Football was my number one goal. Then just growing up where I was, there weren’t that many opportunities and it made me even more fixated on accomplishing my dream. It pushed me even more,” Zaha told Sky Sports, per the Crystal Palace website.

"When your mindset is always that goal, I don’t think you can fail because I lived, breathed, ate football. There was nothing else. I feel like there’s no way you can fail if that’s all you think about constantly and that’s all you practice. There’s no way.

"When I speak to people, give advice to younger footballers, it’s just like: 'When that’s all you think about - when you go to sleep it’s football, wake up and it’s football - there’s no way you can fail. That’s your number one goal.'

"Are you willing to sacrifice these parties and so many different things? I missed so many parties and I used to think: ‘Oh my God, that’s the party of the year.’”

“As you grow up you realise there’s a party every other day, but these opportunities for you to reach your goal don’t come every day,” he continued.

"I never had a day where I thought I don’t fancy it. No matter what. It’s football - the love I have for football is unbelievable so there was never a time where I’d look outside, even if it’s raining, whatever, it don’t make a difference. I just had to get there and do what I have to do."

Zaha who has scored four goals in five games so far this season, also talked avidly about his father and his contributions to his football dreams.

He added: "The main person who followed me around every single day was my dad.

"He took me to training through snow, through rain. My dad loved football as well but he knew how much I loved football so, even if he had to take me to training in a banger - the cars we used to go to training in is crazy.

"We used to break down, push the cars. My dad’s like 70 - so he was doing it when he was old. But it was: ‘I know how much he loves it, so I’ll do whatever.’"

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted that Edinson Cavani "didn't feel ready" to play in Manchester United's Champions League opener against his former club Paris Saint-Germain.

United are set to take on last season's runners-up at the Parc de Princes on Tuesday, with the Red Devils riding high following a 4-1 win over Newcastle this past weekend.

Former PSG star Cavani made the move to Old Trafford this summer, having left the club following seven seasons in Ligue 1.

However, Cavani did not take part in PSG's return to play after Ligue 1 was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic as he missed out on the club's run to the Champions League finale.

As a result, the Uruguayan star has not played since March as he's now looking to push towards match fitness after recently completing his move to Manchester United.

Cavani has only had a few days of training with his new team-mates due to a mandatory quarantine period upon arriving in the country and he has not yet appeared for his new team.

With that in mind, Solskjaer says that Cavani will postpone his debut a bit as he will continue to train instead of making his first United appearance against his longtime club.

"We wanted him to be there too, but he went without playing for a long time," Solskjaer told RMC Sport.

"We thought it was better for him to continue training. To better prepare. Edi knows what he wants and what he needs. He didn't feel ready enough."

Cavani will be one of several United stars to miss out, as Harry Maguire, Mason Greenwood, Jesse Lingard and Eric Bailly will not feature.

Maguire's absence leaves Bruno Fernandes as captain, and the Portuguese midfielder says he understands why Cavani is not quite ready to jump into the team.

"It’s normal that he isn’t here, with only two days of training he needs to feel better," he said. "He's settled down well. We did only one training session together. He likes to train hard.

"He has qualities to be a leader for us, the way he trains. He's going to be important to us."
 

Gor Mahia head coach Oliveira ‘Robertinho’ Goncalves has revealed his love for attacking football ahead of his maiden Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League season.

The former Rayon Sports tactician said big teams like Raja Casablanca of Morocco and Tunisian giants Esperance de Tunis never sit back but keep attacking and that is why they are successful.

“I like an attacking kind of football. Look at Raja Casablanca and Esperance they never play behind. Why? What is the secret in football?” the Brazilian quipped in a team talk during a training session.

“It is simple, to score goals and get the victory. Possession football is important but again it is good when done in the attacking half.

“That is my style of football and I give support to everyone, to create, dribble, and express their talent. The talent is there that is why you signed for Gor Mahia, a big club.”

The coach, who has over 25 years of experience as a tactician, stated what he expects from his charges as they aim to defend the league title for a record fifth time.

“During the week I want to follow a specific training programme and if you need any help, I am here for you,” he insisted.

“Do not forget that on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, I work for you but on Saturday or Sunday, please work for the club. 

“As a coach, I respect every single player because that is what I expect too from them. If I respect you, respect me.

“Why am I respecting you even before I came to see you, it is because I played football a long time ago. I understand your life, everything, what you need and what you want.”

Gor Mahia will open the new season against one of their big rivals, Tusker FC, on November 20.

The second match for Robertinho's side will be against the 2010 league champions Ulinzi Stars on November 28.

For their third match, Gor Mahia will entertain the 2008 Kenyan Premier League winners Mathare United on December 4.

The Green Army will then host another former league champions Sofapaka in what will be their second home match on December 9.

On December 13, the record league champions will travel to face debutants Bidco United in a game that will be expected to start at 16:15.

Paulo Dybala was "angry" at being left on the bench for Juventus' draw at Crotone but is again available for the Bianconeri's Champions League opener against Dynamo Kiev, says head coach Andrea Pirlo.

Argentina forward Dybala has yet to feature in Serie A this season, although he was named in the XI for the side to face Napoli in a match that never took place when their opponents were unable to fulfil the fixture due to travel issues caused by coronavirus restrictions.

Dybala has been contending with a muscular injury and Pirlo had planned to give him some game time in the 1-1 draw against Crotone only for a sending off for Federico Chiesa on his debut to complicate his plans.

Reports said Dybala had an angry confrontation with Juve's chief football officer Fabio Paratici in the tunnel and Pirlo explained his side of events.

"I talked to him [Dybala] yesterday as I do to everyone else. He was a bit angry for not having played in Crotone but we have to remember that he hasn't played for three months," Pirlo told reporters. 

"He spent 10 days in his room in Argentina taking medicines because he couldn't train. 

"I took him to Crotone to let him do a few minutes but unfortunately there were 10 of us left and I couldn't add him. He is available and we will see what to do."

On Tuesday, rookie coach Pirlo will pit his wits against 75-year-old old Mircea Lucescu, who is set to become the oldest to lead a team in the Champions League.

Lucescu gave a 16-year-old Pirlo his debut at Brescia and later signed him for Inter.

Pirlo spoke fondly of his former boss and revealed he is still in contact with him.

"Lucescu was my first coach, he put me in the first team at the age of 15 and I made my debut at 16," he added. 

"I have a wonderful memory of him as a coach and as a person, sometimes we still talk. I will forever be thankful to him. It will be a good challenge between us."

Asked how he was feeling ahead of his Champions League debut as a coach, Pirlo replied: "I am calm and serene. I'm looking forward to my first match as a coach in the Champions League. 

"In this competition it is essential to start with a win, and we know what we have to do."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has taken a "depleted" squad to Paris for Manchester United’s Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain as captain Harry Maguire and Mason Greenwood have been ruled out due t injury.

The last time United won at Parc des Princes 19 months ago, they had to do so in the midst of an injury crisis with 10 players missing. The situation isn’t as bad this time around but Solskjaer will be without his captain for the opening group stage game as Maguire was left back in Manchester.

Greenwood, Eric Bailly, Jesse Lingard and new signing Edinson Cavani also didn’t make the flight to Paris on Monday afternoon, with the latter only joining his teammates for training for the first time on Sunday due to a two week Covid-19 isolation requirement.

“We've lost a couple so that's Bailly didn't travel or Lingard didn't travel, we're a little bit depleted but have more than enough players,” Solskjaer said. "We hope the players won't be away for too long.

"Edinson needs a few more days training before the weekend. Hopefully Harry, Eric and Mason as well but not sure about that. We hope Harry will be fit for the weekend, we're not sure but we hope so."

There has been mystery surrounding the absence of Greenwood, who also missed the clash against Newcastle at the weekend. Solskjaer said after the 4-1 win that it was a fitness issue and shot down reports the teenager has been omitted due to a disciplinary problem.

“I can't declare medical stuff, can I? We hope it's just a niggle and we don't want to take any chances with him and hopefully at the weekend it'll be fine again," Solskjaer said.

In the absence of Maguire, Solskjaer confirmed that Fernandes, who only joined the club in January, would be captaining the side.

“I was not expecting this, for me it's an honour,” Fernandes said. “I will be captain for my teammates and be captain of Manchester United is an important achievement for me but I think everyone is the captain, everyone needs to help and be a leader in their own way, leadership is different in every player.

"Tomorrow will not be about me but the team but leading is every day in the training ground, every game and everyone is doing their job to lead the team in the way they think is best.”

Simba SC have suffered a huge blow after it emerged five key players will miss the Mainland Premier League match against Tanzania Prisons on Thursday.

The five players who will miss the clash at Mandela Stadium in Sumbawanga are midfielder Clatous Chama, defender Pascal Wawa, striker John Bocco, Ibrahim Ame, and Gerson Fraga.

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi coach Sven Vandenbroeck has revealed the aforementioned players will not play in the fixture because of various reasons.

“We have a group of players who are not in the country and we also have players who are having family issues and will thus miss the league match,” Vandenbroeck is quoted by MwanaSpoti.

“Among the players include Chama and Wawa, who are back in their respective countries to renew travelling documents, then we have Bocco, who is getting back to fitness after injury while Ame and Fraga are out with injuries.”

In an earlier interview, Vandenbroeck revealed how Saturday’s friendly against Mlandege FC gave his charges the kind of test to expect when they take on Tanzania Prisons.

Simba defeated Mlandege 3-1 in a friendly staged at Azam Complex in Chamazi with new signing Chris Mugalu notching a double, and Ibrahim Ame notching one.

The outcome of the match has left coach Vandenbroeck praising his rivals for giving them "the kind of game he wanted" ahead of their league match against Tanzania Prisons at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Sumbawanga.

“It was the kind of the friendly I was looking forward to, they played really well, they pressed us hard, controlled the ball and even tried to deny us space to play, it was a good build-up for my players,” Vandenbroeck is quoted by the club’s official website.

“When you play such a strong friendly, it gives you direction, it tells you where to move to, and now we know our weaknesses and we will make sure that we are ready for Thursday's match.”

Wekundu wa Msimbazi were using the game to continue sharpening up and testing players who have not had a chance to show what they are capable of doing in the Tanzania Mainland League.

On how prepared they are to face Tanzania Prisons, Vandenbroeck said: “I can say we are ready, we had a good preparation with the Mlandege friendly, I know it will not be an easy game, we will have to fight to get maximum points.

“Tanzania Prisons are a very good side, they have always given us hard times when we play against them at Mandela Stadium, but this time around, we want to do our job and get maximum points, we will do it.”

Simba have started their title defence on a high note winning four matches from the five played with one match ending in a 1-1 draw against Mtibwa Sugar.

Liverpool have been dealt a hammer blow in their bid for success this season with the news that Virgil van Dijk will be sidelined for a number of months thanks to a serious knee ligament injury.

The Netherlands international, who was crucial to the Reds' Premier League title-winning campaign last season, came off worse in a collision with Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in October's Merseyside derby.

He was forced off just 11 minutes into the game at Goodison Park after Pickford's tackle resulted in the defender's leg becoming hyper-extended, thus damaging the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee.

The incident understandably prompted an outpouring of anger among Liverpool fans, with club hero Graeme Souness branding the tackle "an assault", while there was also an outpouring of sympathy.

Reds captain Jordan Henderson declared that, "the comeback is always stronger than the setback" and Andy Robertson assured that the players would be with him "every step of the way".

However, there appears to be an acceptance of the harsh reality that the absence of Van Dijk is expected to be keenly felt in the coming months, with Jamie Carragher suggesting that it blows the title race open.

So, how long will Van Dijk be out of action for and which games will he miss? Goal brings you everything you need to know.

How long will Virgil van Dijk be out for?

The duration of Van Dijk's absence due to the ACL injury is unclear and will depend on several factors, but it is understood that he will be out for a number of months.

We know that the lay-off time associated with an ACL injury can be anywhere between six and 12 months, but a better picture will only emerge after the player undergoes surgery.

Initial sounds from Liverpool have remained positive and Van Dijk has taken a sober, yet philosophical, view on his predicament - something that medical staff believe will aid his recovery.

"I'm now fully focused on my recovery and will do everything I can to be back as quickly as possible," the defender wrote in a statement which was shared on social media.

"Despite the obvious disappointment, I'm a firm believer that within difficulty lies opportunity and with God's help I'm going to make sure I return better, fitter and stronger than ever before."

He added: "In football, as in life, I believe everything happens for a reason and it's important to try and keep level-headed whether going through the highs or the lows.

"With the support of my wife, kids, family and everyone at Liverpool, I'm ready for the challenge ahead."

However, given the delicate nature of the knee, sometimes a positive attitude makes little difference.

The Dutchman's Reds team-mate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, for example, endured an unfortunate scenario when he suffered a cruciate ligament injury in 2018, missing just under 10 months - and 39 games.

Which games will Virgil van Dijk miss due to injury?

Van Dijk has not yet been definitively ruled out for the rest of the season, but even in a best-case scenario, he will certainly miss the bulk of the 2020-21 campaign.

Liverpool fans will be hopeful of a return in April or May, with important league games against Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United in that period.

However, that is unlikely and even if Van Dijk recovers early - within a six months timeframe, say - it is unusual for a player to be rushed back from such a devastating injury.

He will definitely miss the entirety of Liverpool's Champions League group stage campaign and, if they progress, it is more than likely that he will miss most of the knockout stage.

In the remainder of 2020 alone, the centre-back will miss massive games against Manchester City and Tottenham, while he will also miss the January 2021 derby clash with Manchester United.

He is set to miss Man City's visit Anfield and the return Merseyside derby, both of which will be played in February.

Indeed, Netherlands fans will not be happy either, as there is a distinct possibility that Van Dijk could also be ruled out of the European Championship, should the injury be worse than feared.

Manchester United begin their Champions League group-stage campaign with an away clash against Paris Saint-Germain, who were defeated finalists in last year’s competition.

Eighteen months ago, these two sides appeared to be going in different directions, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer—in one of his early games in charge of United—masterminded a remarkable comeback against the French giants.

While United finished the 2019-20 strongly during Project Restart, there have been some unconvincing performances so far this term, and they’ll be desperate to assert themselves against the French heavyweights.

PSG, for their part, are on a five-game winning streak, and will hope to begin their Group H campaign with all three points.

With RB Leipzig and Istanbul Basaksehir still to come in the group, both of these two will realise the importance of a strong start.

Paris Saint-Germain vs Manchester United: The form guide

PSG began the season with a disastrous 1-0 home defeat by long-term rivals Olympique de Marseille, in a match overshadowed by a mass brawl and three red cards for Thomas Tuchel’s side.

It’s fair to say that they’ve bounced back strongly since then, however, with five consecutive top flight victories.

Most worryingly for United, perhaps, they’ve scored 16 goals during that period, conceding just once—in a 6-1 rout of Angers.

United have already come unstuck this term, notably falling 3-1 to Crystal Palace in their opener, and later being on the wrong side of a 6-1 scoreline of their own—this time against Tottenham Hotspur.

After falling behind against Newcastle United on Saturday, however, there were concerns that they were set for another poor result, but quality shone through and they ran out 4-1 winners following a late rally.

Paris Saint-Germain vs Manchester United: The team news

Edinson Cavani and Harry Maguire have not been named in the United squad, with the former missing out on the chance to play against his former club on his Red Devils debut.

Mason Greenwood is also understood to be absent, due to injury, while youngster Facundo Pellistri has been included in the travelling party.

Should the £9 million new boy feature, it would be his first appearance in a United shirt.

PSG will be without Leandro Paredes and Marco Verratti for the bout, with both absent due to injury.

However, Julian Draxler and Marquinhos are set to return for PSG, which represents a major boost for Tuchel’s side.

Paris Saint-Germain vs Manchester United: Key facts & stats

The Round of 16 meeting between the two clubs in the 2018-19 season was the only previous showing between these two, and on that occasion, United had the last laugh.

Following a 2-0 victory for Paris in the first leg, Marcus Rashford’s 90th-minute penalty secured a 3-1 triumph for United at the Parc des Princes, sending Solskjaer’s side through to the quarter-finals.

Worryingly for United, PSG have a superb record at home in the Champions League, losing just seven of their 53 UCL games in the French capital.

United must improve their record against French sides in the UCL group stage, having failed to win any but one of their six group stage games played in the Hexagon. That fixture was a meeting with Bordeaux in March 2000.

Paris Saint-Germain vs Manchester United: Prediction

United will be buoyed after the comeback victory over Newcastle United, as the Red Devils ultimately responded strongly after early jitters.

It was a reminder of the quality United possess going forward, and if Solskjaer’s side can turn on this quality again, then PSG may well find themselves in trouble.

However, the French giants will be confident of going the distance in the UCL this term after their experience of reaching the final last time around, and the prospect of taking a major scalp will motivate the reigning Ligue 1 champions.

Prediction: Paris Saint-Germain 1-1 Manchester United

Merseyside Police are investigating a series of offensive tweets aimed at Everton stars Jordan Pickford and Richarlison following Saturday's contentious clash with Liverpool.

The two rivals met at Goodison Park on Sunday with the match finishing as a 2-2 draw with the Toffees seeing goals from Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Michael Keane while the Reds benefitted from strikes from Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.

Sunday's match was filled with controversy, though, with two Liverpool stars going off injured before a questionable VAR ruling saw them denied a late winner.

Everton goalkeeper Pickford was criticised for his part in injuring Liverpool talisman Virgil van Dijk, with the Dutch star now out for several months due to an ACL injury caused by a tackle from the England No. 1.

Richarlison, meanwhile, came under fire for a tackle that earned him a straight red card, injuring Liverpool summer signing Thiago Alcantara in the process.

The Brazilian star has since apologised for the tackle, saying the foul was not meant to be malicious and was instead a case of "sheer over-dedication".

In the hours after the game, both Richarlison and Pickford were targeted on social media, with the Merseyside Police confirming that there would be a full investigation into the abuse.

A  spokesperson for the police told the BBC on Monday: "We are currently investigating a number of offensive Tweets made in relation to two Everton footballers.

"The language used in the Tweets is totally unacceptable and we are taking the reports extremely seriously.

"Those who use the internet to target others, and who commit criminal offences such as making threats or committing a hate crime in doing so, are not beyond the law.

"Detectives are making enquiries to identify the individuals who posted the Tweets and where we identify offences we will take action to bring those responsible to justice."

The FA has confirmed that Pickford would face no retroactive punishment for his role in Van Dijk's injury, while Richarlison will serve a three-match ban against Southampton, Newcastle and Manchester United.

Everton currently sit atop the Premier League, having earned 13 points through the first five Premier League matches of the campaign in Carlo Ancelotti's first full season in charge.

Swansea City attacker Andre Ayew has urged his side to quickly put the disappointment of Saturday's Championship defeat to Huddersfield Town behind them in their search for Premier League promotion.

The Jacky Army suffered their first defeat of the season in a surprising 2-1 home loss to the Terriers at Liberty Stadium.

It was a day of mixed feelings for Ayew, who marked his 100th appearance for Swansea with the club's solitary goal of the day.

“It’s very disappointing to lose. We started the season really well, so this is very painful,” Ayew said, as reported by his club's official website.

"They had chances to score, we had chances and didn't take them. That's the game. We should have been more decisive in both areas.

“We need to put this behind us because we've got a game coming up on Tuesday and we need three points.

“We're all going to go home, rest and prepare for Tuesday. Whenever you lose a game, the next one becomes even more important, so we need to get the three points and try to start another series of wins.

“Before we start thinking about next weekend, we must think about Coventry and make sure we get the three points."

Swansea, who occupy the fourth position on the league table, play away to Coventry City on Tuesday in their next game ahead of a weekend encounter with Bristol City.

Last season, the Jack Army came close to securing a return to the Premier League as they reached the semi-final of the Championship play-off, their hopes dashed by Brentford.

On a personal note, Ayew's lone strike against Huddersfield has taken his season goal tally to two, having featured in all five games played thus far.

Last term, he played a crucial role in the club's exploits as he netted 16 goals to inspire their run to the play-offs. He was the side’s top scorer.

In a second spell with Swansea, Ayew first joined Steve Cooper's outfit in 2015 before transferring to West Ham United after just one season.

He returned to Swansea in 2018 after struggling to make an impact with the Hammers. 

Mtibwa Sugar managed a 1-0 win against Namungo FC in a match that was among four Mainland Premier League Monday fixtures.

The win marks their first one since they sacked head coach Zuberi Katwila – who has since been appointed by the league debutants Ihefu FC – for poor results.

The Sugar Millers – now with eight points – got the winning goal in the 76th minute through a Salum Kihimbwa penalty. The loss will perhaps provide Namungo head coach Thierry Hitimana with more questions especially after managing a better campaign last season.

The fact that Namungo are blowing hot and cold would also attract more questions whether they are ready for their maiden Caf Confederation Cup campaign.

In another match, Coastal Union romped to a huge 3-0 victory against Francis Baraza’s Biashara United. Hamad Rajab scored the opener for the home side in the 32nd minute before the other two goals were added to ensure they picked up all three points.

Raizin Hafidh got a brace as he scored in the 45th minute before finding the back of the net again a minute after the hour mark.

The win saw Coastal Union get their eighth point as they strive to move up away from the congested relegation zone. The loss, on the other hand, is a big blow for Biashara United who were looking to keep pace with the leading pack of Azam FC, Simba SC, and Yanga SC.

Elsewhere, Gwambina FC and Polisi Tanzania shared the points courtesy of a 1-1 draw.

Jimson Mwanuke gave the debutants the lead in the 65th minute but the hosts restored parity in the 86th minute courtesy of a goal from Hamad Ally. Polisi Tanzania saw their points tally move to 11 while Gwambina now have eight points, both from six games.

Finally, JKT Tanzania were held to a 1-1 draw by Tanzania Prisons at Jamhuri Stadium in Dodoma.

Tanzania Prisons took a 21st-minute lead through Jumanne Elifadhili before the hosts fought and got an equaliser five minutes to the final whistle.

Jabir Aziz scored from the spot to ensure the tie ended in a draw in the early kick-off. The point was not enough to lift JKT Tanzania above the relegation zone as they will remain stuck at position 16 after six games.

Tanzania Prisons are 12th with just a point more than their Monday opponents.

Unbeaten Azam are leading with 18 points from six matches whereas second-placed and third-placed Simba SC and Yanga SC have 13 points but have played five games.

Kaizer Chiefs coach Gavin Hunt says he plans to permanently convert right-back Ramahlwe Mphahlele into a central defender because the 30-year-old can no longer effectively rove up and down the flanks due to his age.

Mphahlele lasted the entire match on Sunday as a centre-back during Chiefs’ 2-1 victory over Maritzburg United in an MTN8 quarter-final.

It was a rare start for Mphahlele who had lost his place to Reeve Frosler last season under former coach Ernest Middendorp.

But Hunt appears to have big plans for the former-Mamelodi Sundowns captain.

“I think Ramahlwe Mphahlele will play centre-back most of the time,” Hunt told the Kaizer Chiefs website.

“At his age, I don’t see him going up and down as much on the flanks as he used to.

"We also did not have much in centre with Mulomowandau Mathoho injured. We had Siyabonga Ngezana, who came in the second half. I had a chat with ‘Rama’ and worked with him throughout the week. If nothing happens that will be more of a long-term plan.”

Mphahlele will, however, have to contend for a starting place at the heart of defence against Daniel Cardoso, Mathoho and Ngezana.

Hunt was appointed Chiefs coach In September and the former Bidvest Wits tactician says Amakhosi are still work in progress.

He has demanded some “muscle memory” and "game intelligence” from his charges as they bid for a first piece of major silverware since winning the Premier Soccer League (PSL) title in 2015.

“It is going to take a little bit of time,” said Hunt.

“I don’t like to talk too much, I want to get on the training ground and prepare for the next match. We will work more on the training ground to get some muscle memory.

"There are certain things I saw that we must do better. The most important is the mentality and the game intelligence, that comes from the training ground with practice.”

After edging out Maritzburg on Sunday, Chiefs begin their PSL campaign against Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday.

Thomas Tuchel says Paris Saint-Germain will have to watch out for Manchester United's counter-attacks if they are to come out on top when they meet in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The Ligue 1 champions host Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men at Parc des Princes for the first time since the Red Devils ran out 3-1 winners to seal a place in the quarter-finals of the competition in March 2019.

Despite a recent 6-1 loss at home to Tottenham, United have won four of their last five games in all competitions and are coming off the back of a 4-1 win at Newcastle.

Tuchel feels his side will have to pay close attention to the Red Devils' midfield and work hard to suppress Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes if they are to start their European campaign with a win.

"Pogba remains a key player who, with his talent, is one of the best midfielders in the world," he told reporters. "It is clear that we have to stop him, like Bruno Fernandes who makes a lot of assists.

"Pogba and Bruno Fernandes are key players in the middle. With Nemanja Matic, they're very strong. They play with super-fast attackers, and for me they are one of the strongest teams in Europe in the attacking transitions.

"It will be necessary to stop them before the counterattacks. We want to take the ball, show our style and impose it, but we need to play with a good structure to evolve with a good counter-pressing and to prevent opposing counter-attacks, especially since they are also efficient on set pieces.

"These are key points on which it will be necessary to defend well."

PSG reached the final of the competition last term and are looking to go all the way again this year, but Tuchel says he is not sure if they are even stronger this season.

"Honestly, I don't know [if we're better]. We have to prove and it's difficult because we had a super strong team last season," he added. "But it's sport. A new competition begins and we have to show the same.

"The question is not whether we are more or less strong. Last season's Champions League is over. We have to show what we are worth today, and it is only after the season that we will be able to answer this question."

Major League Soccer has worked with the recently-formed Black Players for Change organization to unveil a series of social justice initiatives designed to increase representation across the sport.

The Black Players for Change organization announced its formation on Juneteenth, which commemorates the day on which Union forces in Texas delivered the news of the Emancipation Proclamation to the region, freeing the last group of slaves in the United States.

It was founded in response to worldwide protests following the death of George Floyd, which prompted an ongoing push for social justice. 

The organization has more than 170 MLS players involved and aims to lobby for bias training, community initiatives, cultural education courses and a more prominent role in league leadership.

Players united to make a statement ahead of the league's return for the MLS is Back tournament in July , with the focus remaining on the issues of racism and police brutality in the months since.

On Monday, MLS announced, after several months of discussions with key stakeholders across the league, including a recent meeting between the MLS Board and the BPC, a series of new initiatives are set to be rolled out to help aid the fight for social justice.

“Major League Soccer is committed to utilizing our wide-ranging platforms to create meaningful programs to address racism and social injustice in society and in the sport of soccer,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. 

“Importantly, alongside key stakeholders, including MLS owners, Black Players For Change, former players, Black members of our technical staff and other employees, we have created a series of initiatives to close the representation gap across soccer in the U.S. and Canada.”

The league, which has contributed $1 million to Black Players For Change to aid in the growth of the organization in the coming years, has announced the foundation of a new Diversity Committee, which will include MLS owners, BPC leadership, club executives, head coaches, academy coaches, former MLS players and members of Pitch Black, a resource group of Black employees from MLS’ league office. That committee will support all of the league's initiatives while helping drive the strategy for outreach.

MLS also announced that the league will increase their efforts to support underserved communities, with the recent MLS Unites to Vote initiative serving as a starting point.

The league will provide access, exposure, and clearly-defined career paths for those that make up under-represented groups, with a focus on helping black candidates into positions of leadership with both clubs and in the league office and collaborating with MLS NEXT to increase representation among players, coaches and referees at the youth level.

Additionally, the league has formed partnerships with 100 Black Men of America and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, having made financial contributions to both organizations while promising to collaborate on developing long-term programs with both.

Ghana international Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu is of the opinion Black Stars coach CK Akonnor stands to reap a lot of benefits from the team's recent friendly matches against Mali and Qatar despite the outcome of the games.

In his first set of assignments since replacing James Kwasi Appiah in January, Akonnor led the Stars into a tie against Mali on October 9, the game ending in a 3-0 loss.

Three days later, Ghana took on Asian champions and 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar, with goals from captain Andre Ayew (two), Samuel Owusu, Caleb Ekuban and Tariqe Fosu ensuring a 5-1 triumph.

“I watched the Mali game and we saw an improved game in the second friendly [against Qatar]," Hellas Verona midfielder Badu told Hello FM.

"He’s a new coach and because it’s a national team, he can’t get much time to assess the players well. It’s not like a club side where coaches train with the team all the time."

The two friendly games were part of Ghana's preparations ahead of the resumption of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in November, where a double-header against Sudan awaits.

“I know he has gotten a fair idea about all the players after playing the two friendlies and will know those he should call for the Sudan game. We should all support him to qualify the country," Badu added.

“The [performance] in the first game [against Mali] was not convincing but the second game [against Qatar] was very convincing.

“But we play the qualifiers with African countries and that’s where our concentration should be.

“Mali has always been tough but I know he has gotten to know the players and those who can help him for the qualifiers. I am 100 per cent positive that he will help the country to break the long trophy drought."

Akonnor has been tasked to help Ghana make a return to the World Cup in 2022 after a disappointing qualification campaign for the 2018 championship.

He has also been asked to guide the Black Stars to success at the 2022 Afcon to be held in Cameroon.

The West Africans have not tasted continental victory since emerging triumphant at the 1982 championship in Libya.

AFC Leopards have completed the signing of former Kariobangi Sharks goalkeeper John Oyemba.

The custodian has been a free agent since parting ways with the Slum Boys a couple of weeks ago. The Kenya shot-stopper has been brought in to offer competition to Ingwe's goalkeeping department.

"AFC Leopards on Monday announced the signing of John Oyemba from Kariobangi Sharks on a two-year contract," the club confirmed via their official portal.

"The Harambee Stars goalkeeper is set to make his debut for Ingwe in Tuesday’s exhibition match against Shabana FC at Gusii Stadium, Kisii.

"The 26-year-old shot-stopper joined Kariobangi Sharks in 2015 from Nairobi Stima, where he was plying his trade soon after completing his secondary school education at Nairobi’s Jamhuri High School."

The experienced shot-stopper has expressed his delight after joining the team and believes they will be successful in the 2020/21 season if everyone involved plays a part.

"I am confident that the technical bench and my teammates will hit the winning formula and bring success to the club," Oyemba said after his unveiling.

"I am excited to join one of the best-supported clubs in the country with a fantastic fanbase." 

Oyemba was part of the Harambee Stars squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations squad held in Egypt.

The custodian joins former teammate Harrison Mwendwa, who was also confirmed at the club on Monday.

Meanwhile, Ingwe officially kicked off their pre-season tour that will last 12 days. They are set to camp in Bomet before taking on Shabana FC on Tuesday. 

"Thereafter, the team will proceed to Iten for a ten-day intensive and specialised pre-season camp ahead of the 2020/21 FKF Premier League kick-off," the club confirmed.

The first game for Ingwe will be on Friday, October 20 at home against Western Stima at Nyayo Stadium.

Goalkeeper: Benjamin Ochan, Ezekiel Owade, Maxwell Mulili, John Oyemba

Defenders: Robinson Kamura, Robert Mudenyu, Collins Shichenje, Washington Munene, Isaac Kipyegon, Lewis Bandi, Collins Shivachi, Yusuf Mainge, Omar Somobwana

Midfielders: Senaji Clyde, Eugene Mukangula, Daniel Musamali, Marvin Nabwire, Austin Otieno, Said Tsuma, Saad Musa

Forwards: Hansel Ochieng', Jeffery Owiti, Elvis Rupia, Harrison Mwendwa