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Arsenal forward Vivianne Miedema has broken Nikita Parris’ record to become the all-time top scorer in Women’s Super League history.

Miedema found the back of the net for the Gunners in Sunday’s north London derby against arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur, marking her 50th WSL appearance with her 50th goal to make history as Arsenal emerged 6-1 winners.

The 24-year-old then added two more before half time, her achievement made all the more impressive by the fact that she has averaged over a goal per game.

Former record holder Parris, the Lyon forward formerly of Manchester City and Everton, netted 49 goals in 110 games.

Miedema put Arsenal 2-0 up against Tottenham to reach half a century, after Katie McCabe had broken the deadlock with a stunning free kick in just the fourth minute of the first north London derby of the season.

She completed her hat-trick before half time, continuing her fine individual form to hit 10 goals for the WSL season in just five games.

The Dutch international, who was crowned a European champion with her country back in 2017 and reached the Women’s World Cup final last summer, started the campaign with a brace against Reading on the opening weekend, as part of a 6-1 Arsenal win.

She then netted twice more the following week, as the Gunners demolished 10-player West Ham United in a 9-1 victory.

Miedema added another goal in a 3-1 win over Bristol City and bagged her third brace of the season last weekend in a 5-0 win against Brighton.

Since arriving in England back in 2017, Miedema has helped Arsenal win the WSL title and the Continental Cup, finishing as top scorer at the end of both the 2018-19 and 2019-20 campaigns. During that time, she has also racked up an impressive number of assists, with 21 in her 50 appearances in the league.

Last year, the Gunners finished third in the standings after the season was suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic and decided on points per game.

However, they currently sit top of the table this season, boasting a 100 per cent record from the first five games and a goal difference of plus 20, which places them in first, above an Everton side who dropped points today for the first time in a draw with Brighton.

East Bengal officially announced the signing of German midfielder Ville Matti Steinmann ahead of the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season.

Steinmann becomes the fifth foreign signing of the club after Scott Neville, Anthony Pilkington, Aaron Joshua Amadi-Holloway and Daniel Fox.

The 25-year-old midfielder was delighted to sign for the Kolkata club as he said, “I am really looking forward to adding to the strength of SC East Bengal, which is already a top side in India. I have been doing a lot of reading on the club and football in India, and the project under Robbie excites me. I cannot wait to get going, for us and the millions of fans we have across the world.”

A youth product of Hamburger SV, Steinmann made his Bundesliga debut in 2014 against giants Bayern Munich where he had come as a substitute.

Other than Hamburger SV, the German footballer has also played for FSV Mainz 05 and Danish Superliga side Vendsyssel FF. He last played for A-League club Wellington Phoenix in the 2019-20 season where he appeared in 24 matches.

The Hamburg-born footballer has represented Germany at various youth level and was also part of the German U20 team at the U20 World Cup in 2015.

Earlier today, the Red and Golds had confirmed the signing of India international forward Jeje Lalpekhlua and former Scotland international defender Daniel Fox.

Alex Morgan will have to wait to make her Tottenham debut as the forward revealed a setback has prevented her from featuring in the north London derby against Arsenal on Sunday.

The two-time World Cup winner joined the Women's Super League side on a one-year deal in September  from Orlando Pride after the National Women's Soccer League in the United States was postponed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Morgan has not played a competitive game since 2019 and is looking to regain match fitness to stay in contention for a place in the United States women's national team for the Olympics next year.  

But the 31-year-old will have to wait for her first taste of action in the English league after being ruled out of the clash with the Gunners at Meadow Park.

“Here we go!! A small setback keeping me from doing what I love,” she wrote on Twitter ahead of Sunday’s match.

“Can't wait to get on the field with this team in the next few weeks. Literally can't wait.”

Morgan, who gave birth to her daughter Charlie Elena Carrasco in May this year, admitted this month that her game has suffered because of a lack of match practice. 

“Last week was my first introduction to team training and I felt really sharp, really fit and really fast in individual training,” the USWNT star said .

“Then I get into team training and my touch is all over the place, I’m the slowest on the pitch, my quick to twitch muscles are non-existent.

“In my second week of training it has got a lot better. My speed has increased a lot, still not to a point that I’m super happy with, so I think that I just need to be really patient with myself. Overall, I feel really good, just very sore.”

After the match against Arsenal, Tottenham are next in action on November 3 when they visit Chelsea in the Continental League Cup.

Valenciennes goalkeeper Jerome Prior claimed he was bitten in the face during a scuffle at the end of Saturday's Ligue 2 match with Sochaux.

Players from both sides clashed after the final whistle of the 0-0 draw at Stade du Hainaut, with Prior seen recoiling after a coming-together with Sochaux's Ousseynou Thioune.

The 25-year-old shot-stopper left the pitch bleeding from his cheek, but his manager was unable to shed light on the incident post-match.

"Jerome has a bite on his cheek," said Valenciennes head coach Olivier Guegan after the match. "I was in the dressing room; I didn't see anything.

"It's a shame the post-match will tarnish the game, but that's not the most important thing. We put in a coherent and strong performance against a team that is unbeaten and in a really good dynamic.

"I really liked the spirit of the group."

Prior, who is currently on loan at Valenciennes from Bordeaux, told French publication So Foot: "There are pictures. The league and justice will do their job. I have no comment to make."

When asked to address the biting accusations by the AFP Agency, Valenciennes president Eddy Zdziech also confirmed Prior has a bite mark on his face, before stating: "This kind of behaviour is serious."

However, Sochaux boss Omar Daf suggested his players had been provoked, saying: "A player doesn't go crazy without something happening first.

"I heard insults at the end of the match. There was a lot of provocation, but you have to have more control."

Sochaux are third in the Ligue 2 standings after seven fixtures, three points behind leaders Paris FC, while Valenciennes are eighth.

Valenciennes will be back in action next Saturday when they take in a trip to Stade de l'Aube to face Troyes, with Sochaux set to play host to Amiens two days later as both clubs continue to chase promotion to the French top flight.

Asisat Oshoala scored her first goal in the 2020-21 Spanish Primera Iberdrola campaign as Barcelona thrashed Sporting Huelva 6-0 on Sunday.

Having failed to find the back of the net in two matches, the Super Falcons striker's opener inspired her team's extension of their winning streak in the Spanish top-flight as they claimed their third straight victory.

The defending champions made a brilliant start to the contest as Mariona Caldentey's perfect pass allowed Oshoala to score her first league goal of the season for her side after just five minutes.

Three minutes later, Kheira Hamraoui doubled the lead for Barcelona before Alexia Putellas netted a third six minutes from half-time.

After the restart, Caldentey got on the scoresheet with a fourth of the match 10 minutes into the second half before Caroline Graham Hansen made it five for the visitors in the 76th minute.

Two minutes later, Caldentey bagged her second assist of the match as she teed up substitute Bruna Vilamala to wrap up the big victory.

Oshoala, who was in action for 68 minutes before she was taken off for Vilamala has now scored one goal in three matches this term.

On the other hand, Spanish-born Gambian Fatoumata Kanteh featured in the opening 45 minutes for Sporting Huelva before she was replaced by Cinta Del Mar.

The victory took Barcelona two points clear at the top of the Spanish Iberdrola table with nine points after three games while Sporting Huelva languish at the bottom with no points after two outings.

After the international break, Sporting will visit Sevilla in their next league outings on November 1, while Barcelona welcome Real Betis on the same day.

Frank Leboeuf has questioned Chelsea's chances of finishing in the top four while admitting he's "not convinced" by £70 million ($90m) summer signing Kai Havertz.

Chelsea's inconsistent start to the 2020-21 season continued on Saturday as they were held to a 3-3 draw by Southampton at Stamford Bridge .

Timo Werner opened the scoring 15 minutes in with a superb individual effort which marked his first Premier League goal since joining the Blues from RB Leipzig in June.

The Germany international doubled his account after latching onto a searching Jorginho through ball 13 minutes later, but Southampton pulled a goal back just before the interval when Danny Ings struck after Havertz was dispossessed in midfield.

Che Adams capitalised on an erratic piece of goalkeeping from Kepa Arrizabalaga to level the scores in the 57th minute, before Werner teed up Havertz to put the home side back in front on the hour mark.

Southampton weren't to be denied, though, with Jannik Vestergaard diverting a Theo Walcott shot into the net in stoppage time to ensure that both sides took a point after an enthralling 90 minutes of action.

The final result leaves Chelsea trailing league leaders Everton by five points after five fixtures, with a huge clash against Manchester United up next on October 24.

Leboeuf hasn't been impressed by Havertz's contribution since his big-money move from Bayer Leverkusen, and although he has been encouraged by Werner's start, he is concerned that the Blues are far too vulnerable at the back to compete with the elite.

"I’m not convinced about Havertz, I’m not that optimistic," the former Chelsea defender ESPN. "I’m very pleased with Werner, he’s a real satisfaction.

"Thiago Silva should have been back because it’s crucial for Chelsea to have a real leader at the back and that’s the main problem.

"They all have to work hard physically to make sure they can play together and be stronger together."

Leboeuf went on to express his belief that the Blues will struggle to qualify for the Champions League if they continue on their current path, adding: "I'm not convinced at all about Chelsea right now. It’s like they don’t know each other, they’re not fit enough, I’m very worried.

"I’m going to give them the benefit of the doubt because I don’t know what they’re worth, but, really, if they keep on performing like that, for sure they’re not going to finish in the top four."

Zambia head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has named a 23-man squad that is expected to face Ethiopia and South Sudan in friendlies.

After facing Malawi, Kenya, South Africa and Orlando Pirates during the Fifa break, Chipolopolo have again announced plans to face the two Cecafa nations.

Micho has retained a huge number of players that featured in the aforementioned friendlies as he named a squad that is purely made up of local-based stars.

Nkwazi goalkeeper Charles Muntanga, Zanaco defender Kebson Kamanga, Luka Ng’uni and Paul Katena are among the players summoned for the upcoming duties.

“The team enters camp on Tuesday 20 October and will jet-off to Ethiopia the following day in readiness for the match against that country’s national team on Thursday,” Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) announced on Sunday.

“Zambia’s second match will be against South Sudan on Saturday before facing Ethiopia again on Sunday. The local assemblage will wrap up the Addis Ababa engagement with another match against South Sudan on Monday, October, 26.”

Zambia are trying to get their players ready for the back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying matches against Botswana in November as well as for the African Nations Championship (Chan) tournament that will be played in Cameroon in January 2021.

“Micho has drafted an intense programme for local players that will see them flow into the Botswana encounter on November 12 at National Heroes Stadium in match-fit condition,” the federation added.

Before playing the last three matches, headlines revolved around Obrey Chirwa of Azam FC and Clatous Chama of Simba SC who were called up but ended up not showing up. Kabaso Chongo was also suspended after he had captained the team against Harambee Stars on October 9.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Lameck Siame (Kabwe Warriors), Jackson Kakunta (Power Dynamos), Charles Muntanga (Nkwazi)

Defenders: Kondwani Chiboni, Zachariah Chilongoshi (both Power Dynamos), Luka Banda, Luka Ng’uni (both Napsa Stars), Dominic Chanda (Kabwe Warriors), Benedict Chepeshi (Red Arrows), Kebson Kamanga (Zanaco)

Midfielders: Benson Sakala (Power Dynamos), Albert Kangwanda, Kelvin Kapumbu (both Zanaco), Amity Shamende (Green Eagles), Leonard Mulenga (Green Buffaloes), Bruce Musakanya, Kelvin Mubanga Kampamba (both Zesco United), Collins Sikombe (Napsa Stars), Chaniza Zulu (Lumwana Radiants), Paul Katema (Red Arrows), Thomas Zulu (Nkwazi)

Strikers: Friday Samu (Green Buffaloes), Emmanuel Chabula (Nkwazi)

India’s honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Indian football and Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan on winning the 2019-20 I-League title on Sunday.

Modi took Twitter to convey his wishes for the Mariners who were presented the I-League trophy on Sunday in Kolkata. The Prime Minister’s Tweet read, “Congratulations to the players, staff and fans of the illustrious Mohun Bagan for emerging as I-League Champions! Indeed, a joyful occasion."

Other than the Prime Minister, West Bengal’s honourable Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee too congratulated the Kolkata giants on winning the league title.

Banerjee’s Tweet read, “Heartiest congratulations to Mohun Bagan for becoming I-League Champions. Wonderful achievement for the Green & Maroon Brigade & best wishes as you step into upcoming Indian Super League season as ATK Mohun Bagan FC.

Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA FC) have unveiled their new home kit and squad numbers for the upcoming 2020-21 campaign.

The former Ugandan Premier League (UPL) champions have unveiled the new yellow and blue jersey in a video featuring defender John Revita and three members of the squad.

According to the video, the new replica jersey for the fans will hit the market on Monday and will go for 35,000ugx (adults) and 40,000ugx for kids.

The unveiling of the new jersey comes just two days after the club confirmed new squad numbers ahead of the new campaign set to kick-off on November 20.

With 10 new signings, one promoted from the junior side, and one player returning from loan, changes in shirt numbers had to be rung in the squad.

Italian signing Mazengo Loro has been handed shirt six while midfield gem Bright Anukani will don shirt 20. Shirt number 10 has been handed to Juma Balinya who signed for the club from Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions Gor Mahia while Samson Kigozi will wear shirt 11.

Teenager Andrew Kawooya will take over shirt 12 formerly donned by Kizza Mustafa while Ashraf Mugume will don the famous shirt 15 once donned by club legend Philip Omondi

Striker Charles Lwanga will don shirt 18 while Moses Kalanzi will wear shirt 27, Brian Aheebwa will have shirt 9 as his, and Denis Iguma will don shirt 25 formerly donned by Allan Okello.

In other shirt number changes. Musana Hassan has been moved from shirt 23 to shirt three formerly donned by Moses Aliro who will now don shirt 26, Keziron Kizito will don shirt 17 and his former shirt number 20 will be donned by Bright Anukani.

KCCA will be seeking to wrestle the UPL title from Vipers SC and will also take part in the Caf Confederation Cup.

Official Squad Numbers: MWIRUSI Ali Ramadhan (1), KATO Samuel Nemeyimana (2), MUSANA Hassan (3), MUSA Ramathan (4), REVITA John (5), MAZENGO Loro Stefano (6), GIFT ALI Abubakar (7), AYELLA Dominic (8), AHEEBWA Brian (9), BALINYA Juma (10), KIGOZI Samson Andrew (11), KAWOOYA Andrew (12), MAGAMBO Peter (13), ANAKU Sadat Happy (14), MUGUME Ashraf (15), ACHAI Herbert (16), KEZIRON Kizito (17), LWANGA Charles (18), SSERWADDA Steven (19), ANUKANI Bright (20), SSENYONJO Samuel (21), POLOTO Julius (22), BUKENYA Joseph Kizza (23), LUKWAGO Charles (24), IGUMA Denis (25), ALIRO Moses Okabo (26), KALANZI Moses (27), OBENCHAN Fillbert (28), MATOVU Hassan Muyomba (29) and KAFUMBE Joseph (30).

Wayne Rooney is "angry and disappointed" after he was put in danger of contracting Covid-19 when he was visited by a friend who was infected with coronavirus.

The Derby player-coach was given a luxury watch at his home on Thursday by Josh Bardsley, who should have been in isolation after being tested for the virus and turned out to be positive for Covid-19.

Rooney was not aware that Bardsley was violating government and NHS protocol and went on to play the full 90 minutes as Derby lost to Watford in Friday's Championship match.

The player-coach had to have an emergency test on Saturday night and a spokesman told The Sun he would not have allowed the visit had he known Bardsley had been contacted by Test and Trace.

“Wayne met Josh Bardsley briefly when he visited Wayne’s house on Thursday," he said.

“Wayne was not told by Josh or anyone else before or during that visit that Josh had been told to take a coronavirus test.

“Had he known Josh had been contacted by Track and Trace or had tested positive he would have refused to have seen him.

“Wayne is angry and disappointed that he, his family and his club have been put in this position by someone acting secretly and in breach of government and NHS guidelines. He is now taking a coronavirus test as a result of his contact with Josh.”

Derby reacted to the news by assuring that they are following government advice in the face of the pandemic.

"Derby County Football Club is aware of a report in a national newspaper relating to a member of the club’s playing squad being in contact with an individual which has tested positive for Covid-19," a statement on the Rams' website read.

"On being made aware of this news the club has ensured that the appropriate measures were taken in line with strict EFL Covid-19 protocols and UK Government guidelines, which the club is operating under.

"The club will continue to adhere to the Covid-19 rules and protocols to ensure that the safest possible environment is provided for its players and staff."

Former Southampton and Nottingham Forest defender Daniel Fox joins East Bengal ahead of the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) 2020-21 season.

Fox, a youth product of Everton, had started his professional career with the Toffees but did not play a single match. During the 2009-10 season, he had joined Scottish giants Celtic.

Other than Celtic, Fox has also played for Burnley and Southampton in the Premier League. Last season, he played for Wigan Athletic in the Championship.

On joining the Red and Golds, the experienced defender opined, “I am thrilled to be a part of SC East Bengal, a club rich in history. I’ve rubbed shoulders with the very best in the Premier League and would love to share the benefit of my experience with the squad. The challenge of representing the Red and Gold motivates me to reach for new heights.”

Fox made his international debut for Scotland in 2009 against Wales. He has played a total of four international matches for the Scots.

The 34-year-old defender, who has a vast experience of playing in Scotland and England, becomes the fourth foreign signing of the club this season after Scott Neville, Anthony Pilkington and Aaron Joshua Amadi-Holloway.

East Bengal are currently in Goa and the players and the coaching staff will undergo a 14-day quarantine period before they can start their pre-season training.

Manager Robbie Fowler and his coaching staff are already in India along with Fox, Pilkington and Amadi-Holloway. The rest of the foreign contingent is expected to arrive in Goa soon.

Harry Redknapp has expressed his belief that with the addition of Bale, Tottenham's front three are now as good as Liverpool's.

Bale returned to Spurs on a season-long loan from Real Madrid in September, having left the club for a world-record fee back in 2013.

The Welshman has picked up two La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns during his time at Santiago Bernabeu, while firing over 100 goals in all competitions, but he is no longer an important part of Zinedine Zidane's plans.

The 31-year-old has been given the chance to reignite his career at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and could line up for Jose Mourinho's side for the first time when they play host to West Ham on Sunday.

Spurs have made a strong start to the 2019-20 campaign, with a 6-1 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford before the international break underlining their top-four credentials, and will be expected to close the gap on league leaders Everton by picking up another three points against the Hammers.

Reining champions Liverpool failed to gain ground on their Merseyside neighbours after drawing 2-2 at Goodison Park on Saturday, despite goals from Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, who have been a part of arguably the most dangerous attacking trio in Europe alongside Roberto Firmino in recent years.

Redknapp thinks Spurs will boast a forward line that is every bit as potent as the Reds' when Bale lines up next to Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, and has backed the Madrid loanee to prove he can still deliver the goods at the highest level.

“All being well, Gareth Bale will today play his first game in a season-long loan back in N17. And we should all be rubbing our hands at the prospect... I know I certainly am,” the ex-Spurs boss told The Sun.

“What a forward line Jose Mourinho has got now - Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Bale. In my book that stands in comparison alongside Liverpool’s - and any around, in fact.

“Imagine if you’re a defender and you see those three names on the teamsheet. It’s mouth-watering for most but knee-trembling for anyone trying to stop them.

“I’ve heard people saying that the Bale we see now won’t be a patch on the one who left Spurs for Real Madrid seven years ago, but I’m not having that.

“Gareth is a naturally fit lad and looks after himself. And even if he has lost half a yard of pace, possibly even a yard, so what?

“He was that quick he’ll still be faster than 90 per cent of those he comes up against.”

Redknapp went on to compare Bale with his former Madrid team-mate Ronaldo, who now plies his trade in Italy with Juventus, while insisting there is far more to his game than just speed in the final third.

“There is so much of Gareth’s game that reminds me of Ronaldo. It’s scary how good he is,” he added. “Bale can pick the ball up on the edge of his own box and before you know it, he’s beaten half-a-dozen players and is in the opposition one.

“But it’s not all about pace, so forget any idea that he won’t be half the player if he’s not as fast as before. His left foot is like a sledgehammer and he’ll smash a few in from 30 yards, for sure.

“And, like Ronaldo, the rest of his game is so good that you forget how dangerous he is in the air, too.

“Oh, and one more thing for anyone who thinks that at 31 Bale is over the hill: He’s four years younger than Ronaldo, so he’s hardly drawing his pension.”

Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has hinted Manchester United's move for Jadon Sancho was "misjudged", but stopped short of ruling out a future sale.

United spent the entire summer trying to bring Sancho to Old Trafford, but were never able to reach a final agreement with BVB over a fee.

The England international reportedly agreed personal terms with the Red Devils, who were forced to negotiate via the player's agent rather his club.

However, Dortmund ultimately refused to sanction a prized asset's departure for less than €120 million (£109m/$141m), which the Manchester outfit were not prepared to pay upfront in the current financial climate.

After the October 5 transfer deadline had passed, the Bundesliga giants' sporting director Michael Zorc revealed Sancho would have been allowed to leave had their demands been met.

"We had clear agreements with him that he could make a transfer under certain circumstances, up to a certain point in time. And then the door closed," Zorc told Sky Germany.

Watzke says BVB made their position on Sancho very clear, and that their stance will not change at the end of the season, but didn't mention United directly when discussing the ongoing transfer saga.

He told ZDF Sports: "[They] misjudged the situation. We would be more willing to compromise. We had a clear line and will continue to do so next summer.

"In this industry, you can never say that a player is completely unsellable."

Asked if he ever doubted that Sancho would remain at Westfalenstadion for at least one more season, Watzke responded: "I heard and read everywhere in the spring that Sancho was gone. But he's here.

"We had an agreement with him and it didn't look like that."

The Red Devils are already being tipped to revive their interest in the 20-year-old in January, but Dortmund have no plans to allow him to leave midway through the current campaign - according to reports in Germany.

Sancho still has three years left to run on his current contract, and has featured prominently for Lucien Favre's side at the start of the new season.

The talented winger has a goal and two assists to his name from four outings, the latest of which saw him help Dortmund record a 1-0 victory away at Hoffenheim on Saturday.

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) has formed two key committees ahead of the new season.

Fufa members passed the motions that recommended the formation of those committees during their 96th Ordinary Assembly.

The bodies formed include the Fed Committee, Competitions Disciplinary Panel, Investigations Chamber, Dispute Resolution Chamber and Appeals Committee.

The motion to approve members of those committees was moved by the eastern region delegate Amin Bbosa. Bbosa was seconded by Buganda region’s delegates Steven Ssemutono and Joseph Mwanje.

The Fufa assembly also approved the formation of the Electoral Committee. During the meeting, the federation also honoured special servants who have served the football fraternity before.

“The three personalities recognised were former Fufa President John Baptist Ssemanobe, Katamba Ojuku Eugene [First Chairman Fufa Women Football Standing Committee] and Kabugo Charles Kakunta [former member of Makindye DFA],” Fufa statement read.

“A minute of silence was also observed for all the deceased.”

The State Minister of Sports was represented in the event by the chairman of the Board at National Council of Sports, Donald Rukare, and who was also the chief guest.

Uganda Olympic Committee Chair president Fredrick William Blick, former Fufa leaders, former footballers, sponsors and partners as well as various delegates were also present during the event.

The Fufa Judicial bodies approved including their members are:

Fed Committee: Dr Azar Taib (Chairperson), Yusuf Kaggwa (Vice-Chairperson)

Fufa Competitions Disciplinary Panel: Deo Mutabazi (Chairperson), Robert Serunjogi (Vice-Chairperson), George Kabwimukya (Member)

Fufa Investigations Chamber: Musa Kabega (Chairperson), Husdon Katumba (Vice-Chairperson), Hussein Lwebambawo (Member), Dirisa Kasalirwe (Member)

Fufa Dispute Resolution Chamber: Peter Emojong (Chairperson), Andrew Lule (Vice-Chairperson), Dan Obote (Member), Norbert Kazibwe (Member), Harriet Nattabi (Member)

Fufa Appeals Committee: Diana Nabuuso (Chairperson), Mohammed Nuru (Vice-Chairperson), Sabiti Muwanga (Member), Livingstone Lajan (Member), Mark Namanya (Member)

FUFA Electoral Committee: (for 2020-2024 period):

Mathias Bwiire (Chairperson), Rita Aliguma (Member), Joram Katende (Member), Dennis Ojwee (Member), Richard Mpaaka (Member)

Substitutes: Moses Odong, Oscar Ngobi, Richard Barigye.

Fufa Appeals Electoral Committee: Yusuf Sulaiman Awuye (Chairperson), Stanely Kinene (Member), Favour Naima Anguko (Member)

Substitutes: Canon Edward Nsamba (Member), Mike Okwi (Member)

The Uganda FA is yet to give the calendar of the new season for the Premier League and the Big League but has confirmed when and where the play-offs will be conducted.

When Qatar was declared as the host by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for the East Zone matches of the 2020 AFC Champions League and the final as well, not many would have been left surprised. 

Qatar's meticulous planning and execution while hosting the West Asian matches of the elite continental club competition from 14 September to 3rd October meant there was a certain inevitability about the East Zone matches being held in Doha too. 

Amid a global pandemic that had virtually stalled the sport, AFC were finding it tough to complete their club and national team competitions. As a result, the 2020 AFC Cup (the secondary club competition) was scrapped altogether while the international window had to be postponed beyond 2020.

However, the 2020 AFC Champions League was its flagship club competition and the AFC wanted it completed within the year in order to ensure the 2021 calendar is not affected. It was also necessary for the financial health of the game in Asia to complete the continent’s premier club competition.

Around 40 matches had to be staged in the West Zone leg of the AFC Champions League with most of the group stage matches yet to take place when the pandemic halted the competition. The AFC had a challenge on their hands. And it was Qatar who rose to meet it.

In line with what the top European competitions including the UEFA Champions League had done, Qatar established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and protocols to implement a bio-secure bubble for the players and officials alike. 

The measures were strict and included mandatory Covid-19 testing, safe transportation, regular sanitisation of all venues, training and media facilities, as well as the presence of medical staff throughout the competition.

Movement outside the bubble was restricted for players and staff and social distancing procedures like wearing masks, utilising sanitisers and limited capacity transportation were all strictly enforced.

It was not all smooth sailing though, as there was the odd instance where the dreaded virus managed to sneak in. Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal were deemed to have withdrawn from the competition under Article 4.3 of Special Rules Applicable to AFC Competitions after the club failed to name the required 13 players for their Group B match against Shabab Al Ahli Dubai.

It must be noted that during the West Zone tournament, Qatar carried out more than 7900 Covid-19 tests, with the positive rate being only 1.7 per cent. 

However fool-proof the safety precautions are, one must also recognise the difficulty in containing Covid-19 that has seeped into every corner of the world. Recently, Cristiano Ronaldo also tested positive for the virus in Europe despite being in a secure bio-bubble for the UEFA Nations League.

Apart from the safety aspect, the infrastructure was a cut above the rest, and in many ways, gave the world a glimpse of the facilities that will be on offer during the 2022 World Cup. Three of the four venues used for the tournament were built for the 2022 World Cup - the Khalifa International (refurbished), Al Janoub and Education City stadiums. 
 
The cutting-edge technology including the Advanced Cooling Tech utilised in these venues wowed the players and coaches alike. 
 
At one point during the tournament, eventual West Zone champions Persepolis' players were spotted wrapping themselves with blankets to deal with the cool weather inside the stadium while the September mercury levels soared outside. 

"It has been an amazing experience to play in all three completed World Cup stadiums. Especially the pitches and the air-conditioning were very good," South Korean midfielder Nam Tae-Hee, who plays for Qatar's Al Sadd SC, told Goal as he prepared for the West Zone matches.

During the West Zone matches of the 2020 AFC Champions League, Walid Abbas, UAE-based Shabab Al-Ahli's defensive mainstay, was also effusive in his praise for the facilities in Qatar. 
 
"The stadiums are modern and unlike any we've seen elsewhere (especially the cooling technology). The infrastructure is well developed and I believe the country is ready to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022," he said at a press conference after Shabab Al Ahli's 0-0 draw against Pakhtakor at the Al Janoub stadium.
 
All this brings back to the AFC Champions League. Now while Persepolis wait to find out who would win the East Zone tournament and meet them in the grand final, also to be hosted in Doha, the East Zone matches had not taken place after March. 
 
The AFC had to act quickly and this is where Qatar happily stepped up to the plate again.

As QFA General Secretary Mansoor Al Ansari noted, “Qatar knows how important football is for Asia and so is pleased to be able to offer the world-class sporting infrastructure and operational health and safety expertise that exists in the country to allow for the resumption of competitive continental football once again.”  

“I would like to thank Qatar Football Association for hosting the matches in tough times,” Avazbek Berdikulov, Deputy Director of Competitions and Footballs Events Division, AFC, had said in the run-up to the West Zone tournament.

"We understand that Qatar put in a lot of efforts to organise this. We thank them for their professional role. After postponing the matches, the AFC agreed on new dates. Once we agreed on the dates, we opened the process to reschedule matches and decide on host venues. Qatar came up with a nice proposal."

No doubt the AFC had the easy choice of organising the East Zone matches in Qatar too, to be held from 18 November to 13 December 2020. The 2022 World Cup hosts have turned into a premier footballing destination in the continent.

Orlando Pirates attacker Terrence Dzvukamanja has had a good start to life at the Soweto giants, but admits that it is not easy making it into the team due to “a lot of competition.”

The 26-year-old, who recently joined Pirates, was handed his first start by coach Josef Zinnbauer in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Cape Town City in an MTN8 quarter-final match.

He responded by finding the back of the net in the first half, before being substituted in the 65th minute.

After grabbing the all-important goal, Dzvukamanja concedes that it all did not come easy because of some stiff battles within the squad to crack the selection nod.

“It is not easy to play here, because there is a lot of competition. So for me I just said to myself ‘Terry, use the time you have got’ and I must give thanks to the coaches and my teammates. Without them, I was not going to score. So I give credit to them,” Dzvukamanja told the Pirates media team.

While Dzvukamanja's goal separated the two sides, it was Siphesihle Ndlovu who was named Man-of-the-Match.

Subsequently, the midfielder spoke about how his team managed to limit themselves from making blunders, something he attributes the victory to.

“Obviously that was the expectation [to win]. I just knew that everyone was watching and looking for the best. They are all thinking that it was a fluke or something,” said Ndlovu.

“So I am very happy we had victory as a team and I personally receive this reward. Playing against Cape Town City it is very difficult. They always push high and always wait for the moment for us to make mistake mistakes.

“I think we managed to recover the ball after making some mistakes, which was very positive. I am happy we got the victory.”

Having reached the MTN8 semi-final, Pirates are searching for their first piece of silverware under Zinnbauer who arrived at the club last December.

The Soweto giants last won a trophy in 2014 when they claimed the Nedbank Cup.

Morgan Schneiderlin has blamed "strict" Louis van Gaal for his failed spell at Manchester United, while revealing his former manager used to dictate the squad's meal times.

Schneiderlin completed a £25 million ($32m) move to Old Trafford from Southampton in the summer of 2015, having established himself as one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League at St Mary's.

The Frenchman was ultimately unable to build on that reputation United, taking in just 47 appearances in all competitions before being sold to Everton in January 2017.

A total of 38 of those outings came during his first season at the club under Van Gaal, who was replaced by Jose Mourinho following the Red Devils' run to FA Cup glory.

Schneiderlin was left on the bench during a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Wembley, having failed to convince in midfield as United slumped to a disappointing fifth-place finish in the Premier League.

Mourinho was the man who eventually deemed the 30-year-old surplus to requirements in Manchester, but the midfielder insists Van Gaal had a far more detrimental impact on his career.

Schneiderlin told The Athletic of his initial decision to join United: “A couple of other teams called my agent, but when Man Utd were interested there was no other choice. Man Utd and Real Madrid are the two biggest clubs in the world.

“You can’t refuse Man Utd but if I was to listen to my heart, I would have signed for Spurs. I knew the manager and what he would want from me, his training style.

“He called me to ask me to go to Spurs. He wanted me 100 per cent. He [Van Gaal] wanted me too but we had less connection on the phone.

“So I signed more for the football club, Manchester United, than the manager.”

The former Everton star, who now plies his trade in Ligue 1 with Nice, added on Van Gaal's rigid approach to management and his struggles for confidence at Old Trafford: “[He had] a style which was too strict.

“We were told: ‘When you have the ball you have to do this’ instead of playing with my gut like I had done with Pochettino and Koeman.

“The worst thing for a football player is when you think too much. I started to think: ‘Ah, the manager wants me to do this’. You lose your instinct, you start to force things, you miss passes, you arrive too late for a challenge. Your confidence goes down.

“I would play a very good game and then a very bad game. I wasn’t confident enough. I started to complain to my wife. It hurts me even now that I couldn’t play freely at United.

“The pressure of the club was no problem to me. I like pressure, I need pressure and adrenaline. The fans were good to me in the street.

“The problem was me because I knew I had so much to give but I couldn’t give it because I felt restricted. Looking back, I shouldn’t have been so upset, but at the time that’s how it was.

“You had to wait until the manager told you that you could eat. These things work when the players are 19 and 20, but not when you have older players. 

“Van Gaal had proved that he was a top manager, but I don’t think we needed those ideas at the time.” 

The rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi was at its peak when both players were duking it out in La Liga with Real Madrid and Barcelona.

However, things have simmered down somewhat since Ronaldo made the decision to sign for Juventus in 2018, reducing the number of direct showdowns between the pair.

In fact, despite their heated competitive relationship as athletes, Ronaldo showed that there was no genuine animosity in 2019, suggesting at a Champions League event that they should have dinner together.

Messi said that he would "obviously" accept Ronaldo's dinner offer, stressing that he has "no issue" with the iconic Portugal star.

"We might not be friends because we’ve never shared a dressing room together but I always see him at award shows and there’s no problem," the Argentine told Sport.

“We actually spoke with each other for quite a long time at the most recent show.

“I don’t know if there will be a dinner because I don’t know if our paths will cross for obvious reasons, each one of us has our own life and our own commitments. But obviously I would accept the invitation.”

So, if there is no rift between Messi and Ronaldo, why do some fans still insist on feverishly chanting "Messi! Messi!" at Ronaldo?

Simply put, fans chant "Messi! Messi!" at Ronaldo in an attempt to rile him, either to put him off his game through distraction or to rub salt in his wounds when things don't go his way.

The choice of using Messi's name is, of course, blatantly obvious: the two have dominated the football landscape for the guts of two decades, spurring each other on in search of goals and prizes.

Indeed, in 10 years from 2008 to 2017, Ronaldo and Messi won five Ballons d'Or each, with Messi inching ahead of Ronaldo after winning a sixth in 2019.

While he may have mellowed in his veteran years, when he was younger Ronaldo was reportedly driven by a desire to better Messi to an extreme degree.

Therefore, football fans who chant Messi's name at Ronaldo are trying to tap in to that complex.

The chants of 'Messi! Messi!' are frequently directed at Ronaldo when he is on international duty with Portugal, with fans of smaller nations in particular seeking to get under his skin.

Notable examples include Portugal games against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Euro 2012 qualifying, Denmark at Euro 2012, Albania in Euro 2016 qualifying and Luxembourg in Euro 2020 qualifying.

He was also subjected to Messi chants at the 2017 Club World Cup against Al-Jazira during his time at Real Madrid.

The Messi chants have even followed Ronaldo to Italy, with Lazio fans prompting a reaction from him after they defeated Juventus in the Supercoppa Italiana in 2019.

The forward often responds to the chants and usually his approach is to encourage them, but he is quick to make reference to them when he scores, by ironically cupping his ear or telling his detractors to be quiet.