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Raissa Feudjio "is close to returning to the pitch" after being ruled out due to a knee injury for nine months, Tenerife has confirmed on Friday.

In December, the Spanish Primera Iberdrola outfit had announced Feudjio will be out for around eight months after she underwent successful knee surgery, forcing her to miss the rest of the season.

The Cameroon international had starred in the nine opening matches of the 2019-20 season for David Amaral's side before she suffered the knee injury in her side's 1-0 win over Real Betis on November 24.

Following her surgery, the 24-year-old was set to return this August but the team's physiotherapist Paula Montero has revealed the following updates on her health situation.

“Raissa's response during her recovery has been great," Montero told the club website. 

"It is an arduous process in which patience and effort are non-negotiable.

"Despite the fact that the confinement due to the Covid-19 pandemic meant almost two months of hiatus in his rehabilitation, we have been pleasantly surprised by the state of his knee. His involvement is exceptional."

On her part, the Cameroonian, who is eager to be fully back on the training, said: "Every time I have less left to train with my teammates. 

"For me, it is already a joy to be with my teammates at La Palmera, even though I can't train with them yet.

“They have been very hard months, but the worst is over. I dream every night of my return to the pitch."

The injury saw her miss the Tokyo 2020 African Olympic Games qualifiers against Zambia in March but is now expected to be available for the playoff against Chile early next year.

Feudjio joined Tenerife in January 2019 after ending her three-year stint with Finnish top-flight side Aland United and she will be hoping to be fully recovered in time for the new 2020-21 season.

King Faisal president Alhaji Karim Grunsah believes appeals to boycott the upcoming Ghana Football Association (GFA) Ordinary Session of Congress are uncalled for.

The national football governing body is set to meet with its major stakeholders on Tuesday to, among other things, review the activity report for the 2019-20 football season ahead of the next campaign tentatively billed to take off in October.

The GFA's choice of date has, however, left some administrators unhappy as on the same day, Ghana is expecting a major Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling which could invalidate the current leadership of the nation's football governing body.

“We are not going to boycott any congress. At this my age and experience in football, no one can put that nonsense document [petition] before to sign and boycott Congress. It’s a nonsense thing that they are doing," Grunsah told Kingdom FM.

“Football is not a political party so if we decide to postpone or boycott Congress, who would take decisions for us?

"If we don’t go for Congress, which other platforms are we going to use to air our views? Congress is the only opportunity available to us."

Tema Youth president Wilfred Kwaku Osei 'Palmer' dragged the GFA to court last year over his "unfair" disqualification from the outfit's presidential election.

He made his way to the global tribunal after failing in a bid to appeal his disqualification at national level.

CAS has said it intends to announce the outcome of the verdict on Tuesday after two earlier postponements.

“Can’t we get any other date apart from 1 September for the congress?” renowned football administrator and former Ghana Division One League Board chairman Ntow Fianko told Happy FM.

“If we are at Congress everybody will be in a panic mood. We should all wait for the CAS ruling so we know our stand before we go to Congress.

“People will be too anxious to know the outcome of the verdict. We cannot be waiting for the CAS verdict on the day of Congress. That date is a serious day because that is the day we will know the fate of Ghana football.

"The clubs should say no to the date set by the GFA for Congress. The Congress can be postponed to a later date and I urge the clubs to say no to the new date."

Should the GFA be found guilty in their battle with Osei, the outfit could be requested to conduct a new FA presidential election. 

Jennifer Cudjoe has signed a new deal with American National Women's Soccer League side Sky Blue.

The Ghana international has been a revelation since joining Sky Blue on a short contract in June, playing a huge part in their 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup semi-final finish for the first time since 2013.

During her initial spell, the ex-Chattanooga Lady Red Wolves star featured in six matches and started four times for Freya Coombe's team and has agreed on terms to extend her stay by a further season.

“I am excited to continue my journey with Sky Blue,” Cudjoe told the club website. 

“This is a dream for me, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity they gave me. I want to thank each of my teammates for welcoming me with open arms and helping me grow as a player. 

"I am going to give my all to the Club and work harder to help achieve our goal.”

The hardworking midfielder completed 128 passes with an 80.5% completion rate during her 368 minutes in the Challenge Cup. 

And head coach Coombe, when asked about Cudjoe's extension, said: "I am really pleased to have Jennifer continue with the team following her successful debut at the Challenge Cup.

“Jennifer eats, sleeps, and breathes football. Her enthusiasm is infectious in the team. 

"She brings a different dimension to the midfield and I look forward to helping her continue on the next step of her incredible journey.”

With her extension, the Northeastern State University graduate will aim to build on her fine outing with Sky Blue in the coming season.

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has offered some positive news ahead of their Scottish Premiership clash with Hamilton Academical on Saturday, stating Leon Balogun is available for selection, but on the negative side, Joe Aribo will miss the tie.

The Nigerian defender is a summer signing at Ibrox having arrived on a free transfer from Wigan Athletic and settled in immediately, playing the Gers' first three league games of the season, against Aberdeen, St. Mirren and St. Johnstone, all ending in victories and clean sheets kept.

Balogun, however, missed the next two matches against Livingston and Kilmarnock, which ended in a goalless draw and 2-0 win, respectively, because of a muscle injury.

The 32-year-old defender was seen training with his teammates on Thursday and went on social media to post a picture.

“Back on the pitch with the lads and went straight back to winning ways,” he captioned on Twitter.

Balogun also trained on Friday and Gerrard said in his pre-match press conference that his fitness status will be assessed before the game.

"Leon Balogun is back and trained fully yesterday, and will train again fully this morning. We'll assess his situation before we make a decision in terms of the squad," Gerrard confirmed.

Gerrard added that Nigeria midfielder Aribo will not be part the squad, alongside Jermain Defoe, but should be ready for the next game against Dundee United.

Aribo, like Balogun, has played in Rangers’ first three games of the season, scoring in the 3-0 victory over St. Johnstone, but missed the following matches with an ankle injury.

"Jermain Defoe and Joe Aribo won't make the Hamilton game. Both should be ready for the game after,” Gerrard said.

"Allan McGregor has had no reaction and has trained fully all week.

"So, two bits of positive news, but unfortunately Jermain and Joe won't make it for the weekend.”

Rangers lead the Premiership log unbeaten after five games (four wins one draw) with 13 points, the same as Hibernian in second place but with a superior goal difference.

They will be hoping to wrestle the title from the grip of fierce Glasgow rivals Celtic, who have lifted the trophy for each of the past nine seasons.

Rangers last tasted league glory during the 2010-2011 campaign.

When you’ve experienced an ascent as great as Liverpool’s in the last 24 months which has seen the historic club win the Champions League, Club World Cup and return to the pinnacle of the English game with 2019/20’s Premier League success, there’s a temptation to rest on your laurels.

That shouldn’t be the case with this Liverpool side under Jurgen Klopp, whose mentality to become the very best has arguably been unrivalled in the last couple of seasons (Manchester City and Bayern Munich may have a thing or two to say about this claim!).

Going into 2020/21, the casual observer may suggest the Reds might not be as impenetrable, dogged and ruthless as they have been in the last two campaigns, an argument certainly set to be put to the test on Saturday. However, other observers would counter that Community Shield success or otherwise gives little or nothing away as to the level of the champions’ motivation for the new season.

From an African persuasion, three individuals immediately stand out when broaching the topic of ambition going into the fresh campaign: Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Naby Keita.

Sadio Mane

Without question, last term was Mane’s best for Liverpool and the finest of his time in English football. Statistically, the forward outdid his overall return from 18/19, when he scored 22 and assisted one, to post three more goal contributions – 18 goals and seven assists.

Midway through an unprecedentedly long season, the Senegal star was named African Footballer of the Year, a deserved success by many observers’ estimation. He could, and probably should, have scored more but for unsatisfactory finishing sometimes, evidenced by his 18 big chances missed in the previous season.

For context, when Mane scored 22 times to end joint-Golden Boot winner, he failed to tuck away 11 clear-cut opportunities. Ideally, with last season’s return, the West African should have missed nine big chances. The fact his eventual figure was double that number was striking.

In some way, it probably explains why the former Southampton forward couldn’t retain the top scorer’s award despite Liverpool’s title success. That honour went to Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy (23 goals), even though the Englishman’s drop off in the second part of the season meant the chasing pack had a chance going into the final weeks of 19/20.

While collective success obviously remains of supreme importance, retaining his African honour and reclaiming the Golden Boot would represent individual success for Mane.

Mohamed Salah

Having had arguably the best individual season in Prem history in 17/18, Salah has been unable to match that outstanding year, although he has remained one of the best players in the league.

Despite a reversion to the mean in subsequent seasons, the brilliant Egypt attacker has still delivered really impressive numbers for Klopp’s side. His goal return of 19 was one more than Mane and he posted three more league assists than his teammate, with whom he shares a friendly rivalry.

Still, knowing how driven the North African star is, there will have been some disappointment at his inability to retain the Golden Boot last term. Success would have been Salah’s third on the spin, a feat managed only by Alan Shearer and Arsenal great Thierry Henry in the league’s history.

After failing to end top scorer in 19/20, claiming a third Golden Boot will probably be the former Chelsea man’s principal target, as will outdoing Mane to indicate he remains Klopp’s most prolific marksman. Success will see him move level with Shearer (three) and one behind Henry (four) as the only players to end top scorer on more than two occasions.

Naby Keita

With Keita, the primary goal will be cementing his place in the Reds midfield after an injury-plagued 24 months on Merseyside.

After missing out on many occasions in the last two years, the ex-RB Leipzig dynamo will hope to carry even more responsibility for Klopp in what will undoubtedly be a draining 20/21. Of course, the Guinea international’s minutes on the pitch have to be managed given his history but there’s a feeling he hasn’t quite shown what he’s all about since moving to Anfield, and the upcoming campaign will be huge for the West African.

Indeed, 'Naby Lad'’s strong finish to the end of the just-concluded campaign indicated that the dynamic midfielder could play an even more crucial role for Liverpool in the new season, provided he stays fit.

The rumoured arrival of the world class Bayern Munich maestro Thiago Alcantara would suggest minutes may be harder to come by next season, but it’ll be up to 'Deco' to thrive regardless of a potentially classy midfield operator challenging him for a place in the side.

There’s also a tendency to forget the gigantic Joel Matip, who lost his place in the team to Joe Gomez due to the latter’s greater mobility and persistent injury problems. Without question, the Cameroon centre-back will hope to become Virgil van Dijk’s partner at the heart of the defence, but supplanting the established English defender will be no mean feat.

Collectively, retaining the Premier League title ought to be Liverpool’s major goal for next season. While critics would argue that Champions League success ought to take precedence, especially given last term’s disappointing defeat by Atletico Madrid in the first knockout round, back-to-back Prem wins would cement the Reds’ domestic dominance.

Only three teams – Manchester United, Chelsea and, until recently, Manchester City – have retained their league crown in 28 years, and Klopp will want his side to join that illustrious group. Aiming higher, the Merseyside club could push for both titles, becoming only the second English side after Sir Alex Ferguson’s United to achieve Prem and UCL success.

If anyone thought Liverpool had little to play for in 20/21, they surely need to rethink that standpoint. The Reds may have reached the acme in England and Europe in the last two seasons, but the current group can still achieve a lot more.

Boosted by the goals of their African triumvirate, Klopp’s troops could aim for untouchable status next term, with many of their rivals putting a target on their backs this time around.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted that the upcoming 2020-21 season will be "one of the most intense we have ever experienced."

Klopp's side will take on Arsenal in the Community Shield on Saturday at Wembley, a little more than a month after the 2019-20 Premier League season ended. 

After the previous campaign was halted for three months due to the coronavirus pandemic, the off-season was shortened leading up to a campaign that will see extreme fixture congestion, particularly for teams like Liverpool who will be competing in Europe. 

With Euro 2021 beginning on June 11, the Premier League will be forced to fit in a full season that begins on the weekend of September 12, a month later than usual. 

Klopp's defending champions will see their squad depth tested in 2020-21, and the manager admitted that having a shortened period to prepare for the Gunners on Saturday was far from ideal.

"Would I want to play a proper game after two weeks’ preparation? No, but we knew [about] it for a while," Klopp said on Friday.

“It took a while until we got any schedule but since we’ve known it we’ve accepted it 100 per cent. We have had two weeks’ training and worked really hard.

“For us, like Arsenal, we prepare for a whole season — one of the most intense, probably, we have ever experienced in our lives because of the amount of games and the time we have for that. It’s as perfect as we can be and we will try everything to win the game and Arsenal will do the same.”

Liverpool's depth could be tested even further should Georginio Wijnaldum complete a rumoured move to Barcelona, where he would link up with his former national team boss Ronald Koeman. Klopp, though, insisted he was not concerned about the Dutchman potentially leaving Anfield.

"It's all between us and the player, these kind of things. It's all good at the moment, all fine. Gini played very well in pre-season and has obviously had a couple of good seasons for us. That's all I can say about that," he said.

Express FC have unveiled young winger Baker Sakah ahead of the new Ugandan Premier League (UPL) season.

The 19-year-old has arrived at the Red Eagles after agreeing to pen a four-year deal.

“Express, in a bid to create a vibrant and exciting well-balanced squad, has on Friday, August 29, announced the capture of young exciting winger Baker Sakah,” the club confirmed on their official website.

“The 19-year-old who joins the Red Eagles from Zana High School on a four-year deal has described signing for Express as the biggest achievement in his career.

“Baker Sakah who plays on both flanks using either foot has speed and will be expected to add pace in attack in Wasswa Bbosa’s side."

On signing for the team, Sakah explained: “Firstly, I’d like to thank the club for giving me this opportunity, for me, it’s a dream come true and my biggest achievement in my career so far.

“I know what’s at stake and I can’t wait to get dirty, the fans should expect hard work and consistency when the league starts.”

Salah becomes the club’s seventh new signing after Cryspus Kusiima and Denis Otim both goalkeepers, centre-back Richard Bbosa, creative midfield gem Abel Eturude and forward Kiragga Mustafa.

His arrival comes just a day after club legend Hassan Mubiru welcomed Mustafa Kiragga to the team.

The former striker, who captained the Red Eagles and managed to emerge as the top scorer in the 2003-2004 season, also revealed enough research was done before the club settled on the 19-year-old.

"We have done enough scouting to zero down on [Kiragga]," Mubiru told reporters.

"He can use both feet and also can play slightly behind a forward if the coach chooses it that way. His positioning is also good so we are covered."

Mubiru, however, warned the fans not to expect an instant impact from the new players who have been brought on board.

"Players react differently when the league starts so the fans will have to be patient with all new players; that is all we ask of them," Mubiru added.

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) has already declared October 17 as the date when the new season will begin but this is dependent on the government’s next announcement concerning the ban on sports and public gatherings.

Recently, the former champions sealed two sponsors, Mineral Services Limited (MLS) Logistics and Spesho ahead of the new campaign.

The Wankulukuku-based side has been busy both on and off the pitch as they work towards competing with the top teams.

However, they will face tough times from defending champions Vipers SC and former champions KCCA FC as the clubs battle for honours.

Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal has named Neymar as the toughest opponent he's ever faced, and also revealed what he believes to be Zinedine Zidane's "greatest virtue".

Carvajal has come up against a number of Europe's most talented players throughout his seven-year spell at Santiago Bernabeu.

More often than not, the Spain international has been able to come out on top, having won four European Cups and two La Liga titles during his time with Madrid, but there is one man he has never quite been able to get to grips with.

Carvajal has been tasked with keeping Neymar at bay on several occasions, most recently in the 2019-20 Champions League group stages.

The two men featured during a 2-2 draw between Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain last November, and also went toe-to-toe in several Clasico encounters while Neymar was on Barcelona's books between 2013 and 2017.

Carvajal has  admitted that he finds it "difficult" to keep the Brazilian superstar quiet due to a combination of his skill and intelligence in possession.

"Neymar is the striker who has been the hardest to defend," the Madrid right-back told Esquire. "He is a very elusive player, technically very good. He attacks space, he is going to ask for it, he can score. It is difficult to defend him."

Carvajal went on to praise Madrid's current head coach Zidane, who has guided the club to 11 major trophies during two separate stints in the Bernabeu dugout.

"His greatest virtue is the tranquillity that he transmits to us," said the 28-year-old. "He never alters and, whether things go right or wrong, he keeps his composure.

"That is something that gives the players a lot of peace of mind. In addition, his strong point is that he trusts the squad a lot. He makes us feel that we can all contribute, and that makes his team a winning team. I have won many titles with him, and I learn from his experience daily."

Zidane's men wrestled the Liga title away from Barcelona last term, which marked their first domestic triumph since 2017.

Madrid have enjoyed unprecedented success at home and abroad in the modern era, but Carvajal has conceded that the constant pressure of expectations makes it difficult for lasting relationships to be formed behind the scenes.

"It's not easy [to make friends at Real Madrid]," he said. "When I went to Bayer Leverkusen, where the average age was 23, it was easier.

"We all shared hobbies, we had no wives or children. At Real Madrid, everyone has their lives made and it is such an established club, in which everyone fights so much that there is no time for more. So, private life is kept on the sidelines."

Despite the weight of responsibility that comes with playing for Madrid, Carvajal can't see himself playing anywhere else before hanging up his boots.

The Spaniard is also eager to get his hands on more major silver, as he added: "I would love to win many titles. I would like to retire in white. I have won everything with the club and, at the title level, it is difficult to ask for more - but I would like to win a fifth Champions League with Real Madrid.

"This era will be remembered as one of the club's top three."

Aduana Stars striker Yahaya Mohammed has revealed he is on the verge of sealing a transfer to Ashanti Gold.

The veteran striker is set to boost the Miners' attacking department as preparations continue for their 2020-21 Caf Confederation Cup campaign.

With 11 goals, he was the second top scorer in last season's Ghana Premier League (GPL) before its premature termination at matchweek 15 due to outbreak of the coronavirus.

“I will say my move to Ashantigold is almost done, once I have not signed on the paper for the club, I will take it as 99 per cent, " Yahaya told Television CK.

"I am based in Dormaa but Ashanti Gold is in Obuasi so what is left is for me to move there and sign.

"I would have signed for them a long time but I had one or two things to do in Tema. So from here, I will move to straight to Obuasi and put pen to paper

“I said the deal is 99% done because Ashantigold has completed talks with me and Aduana. So what I have to do now is to travel to Obuasi and just sign. It’s a year loan and I will be playing in the Africa campaign for the club.

“When a club is going to Africa, one key thing is experience and looking at the players on the local scene, I’m one of them so I think that is the reason Ashantigold are signing me. I have not signed officially for the club [yet]."

Yahaya has previously played for Asante Kotoko, Tema Youth, Amidaus Professionals, Real Tamale United and Wa All Stars (now rechristened Legon Cities) in the Premier League.

The 32-year-old has also had spells abroad with French side OGC Nice (2007-2008), Mexican club Murcielagos (2016-17) and most recently Tanzanian outfit Azam (2017-18).

A full Ghana international, he earned a recall to the Black Stars for a 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Sudan in March, after a long absence which dates back to 2007.

The games were later postponed due to the Covid-19 situation, denying him a possible first national outing in 13 years.

AshGold are set for a second successive campaign in the Confederation Cup next season, having participated in the 2019-20 edition. 

Gor Mahia new signing Tito Okello has revealed he would like to be assigned jersey number nine at his new team.

The Ugandan signed for the Kenyan champions as a free agent from Ugandan Premier League (UPL) champions Vipers SC after agreeing to pen a two-year contract.

The attacker's contract with the Venoms expired, and the player jumped at the chance to play for the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions.

In his interview with the club's media team, the lanky striker explained why he prefers to wear the number nine jersey.

"When I wear number nine, I form an inexplicable friendship with the net. Things just work out for me on the pitch," the striker said as quoted by the Gor Mahia website.

"I know as a footballer, you wear the shirt you are assigned and I will be comfortable in whatever number I will be given but number nine ticks all boxes for me."

The former Venom has further revealed how he fell in love with the number.

"I was lucky to participate in the Fufa Drum tournament [a tournament promoting cultural heritage in Uganda] and whenever I wore number nine, I found myself scoring goals that ordinarily I would not score," the striker added.

Former striker Jacques Tuyisenge was the last player to wear number nine jersey at Gor Mahia and ended up scoring 50 goals over the three seasons he was with the KPL giants.  

Despite playing a vital role in helping Vipers win the Ugandan Premier League, there have been internal struggles in the team which has led to a mass exodus.  

Goalkeeper Derrick Ochan also left the Premier League champions despite the fact he had two years remaining on his contract and went on to join Police FC.

For Gor Mahia, they have already lost Boniface Omondi to Wazito FC. The established forward has been consistent for K'Ogalo, but opted out owing to financial struggles in the team.

The Kenyan champions have been hit hard in this transfer window as they have already lost a number of top players among them defender Joash Onyango, who signed for Simba of Tanzania, goalkeeper David Mapigano who joined Azam FC, and Dickson Ambundo, who joined Dodoma Jiji.

On top of that, the club is on the verge of losing more players, among them striker Nicholas Kipkirui, captain Kenneth Muguna, defenders Philemon Otieno and Charles Momanyi, and Jackson Owusu, who left to his native Ghana a week ago.

All this is happening as the club prepares for the new season where, apart from aiming to retain the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title, they will also represent the country in the Caf Champions League.    

Bayer Leverkusen are lining up Roma forward Patrik Schick and Sassuolo winger Jeremie Boga in a double deal as they await a £90 million ($118m) windfall from the sale of Kai Havertz to Chelsea.

Chelsea are close to sealing a deal for the 21-year-old having reached Leverkusen's asking price in the latest round of talks, albeit with only £72m ($95m) coming up front and a further £18m ($24m) in instalments.

Schick looks destined for the BayArena as a direct replacement for Havertz, with Roma asking £26m ($34m) for the Czech forward. Leverkusen have so far only offered £22m ($29m) for the frontman who was on loan at RB Leipzig last season, but the Champions League semi-finalists appear unwilling to match Leverkusen's bid.

Leverkusen have also opened talks to bring in Boga from Sassuolo after he won plaudits for an impressive end to the season in Serie A.

However, the 23-year-old is also being courted by some of Italy's top clubs with Napoli most willing to pay a fee to release him from the Neroverdi, while Atalanta and Roma are also tracking him closely.

Having signed in Serie A from Chelsea, Boga would earn the Blues a sell-on fee understood to be worth between 10 and 15 per cent with Sassuolo having successfully negotiated the clause instead of a buyback option for the Stamford Bridge club.

The slow progress of the Havertz deal isn't thought to be hugely concerning for either party with the Blues having completed three signings this week and the German club chasing replacements.

Chelsea added three defenders this week with Ben Chilwell joining from Leicester City in a £50m ($66m) deal, while Thiago Silva and Malang Sarr signed contracts in west London having left Paris Saint-Germain and Nice respectively.

Sarr will go on loan after signing for the Blues on a five-year deal and has already told Chelsea about his preference to play in Germany to continue his development.

The defensive arrivals have led to clubs registering interest in Fikayo Tomori, with both English clubs and Ligue 1 outfit Rennes enquiring over his availability.

The Blues have still not put Tomori up for loan despite having signed Silva, with doubts remaining around all of the futures of Andreas Christensen, Kurt Zouma and Antonio Rudiger.

Chelsea are locked in negotiations still with AC Milan about the sale of Tiemoue Bakayoko, who will likely go on loan. The discussions centre around whether Milan will have an option to buy or whether it will be an obligatory purchase at the end of the one-year loan. Chelsea prefer the latter option with just two years left to run on Bakayoko's current contract.

Inter have expressed an interest in Emerson Palmieri but are uncomfortable about paying the Blues' £26m ($34m) asking price. Michy Batshuayi has also been made available, while several stars are in talks over loan moves away.

When teams take to the pitch to battle it out for the Community Shield, it is a signal that the English football season is officially under way.

While the prestige of winning the trophy may have worn off slightly in recent years, it remains one of the most important dates in the calendar and is a chance for players to play at 'The Home of Football'.

Goal brings you everything you need to know about the Community Shield, including which teams qualify for it, where the game is played and the most successful clubs.

Contents

What is the Community Shield?

The Community Shield is a 'super cup' competition which serves as a traditional curtain-raiser for the English football season.

It is a single-game, winner-takes-all affair and it is usually played around a week before the beginning of the Premier League and English Football League seasons.

The first Community Shield was played in 1908, meaning it has been in existence for over a century.

Proceeds from the game, such as ticket revenue and so forth are distributed among community initiatives related to football across England.

Which teams qualify for the Community Shield?

The Community Shield is contested by the champions of the Premier League and the winners of the FA Cup.

In the event that the Premier League champions also win the FA Cup, the other place in the Community Shield goes to the league runner-up, rather than the cup's losing finallists.

The Community Shield is similar to other 'super cup' competitions in Europe, such as the Supercoppa Italiana (Serie A winners versus Coppa Italia winners) and the German Supercup (Bundesliga champions versus DFB Pokal winners).

In Spain, the Supercopa de Espana is now contested by four teams instead of two. The winners of La Liga and the Copa del Rey are joined in the tournament by the runners up in those competitions.

Where is the Community Shield played?

Since 1974 the Community Shield has traditionally been played at the neutral venue of Wembley Stadium in London.

The Millennium Stadium in Cardiff served as a temporary venue during the construction of 'New Wembley'.

Prior to 1974, the game had been played at a number of different venues, such as Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge and White Hart Lane among others.

Which team is the most successful in Community Shield history?

Manchester United are the most successful club in the history of the Community Shield, with a total of 21 trophies in their silverware cabinet.

The Red Devils are well ahead of Arsenal and Liverpool, who follow in terms of Community Shield triumphs.

United also won the first Community Shield, beating Queens Park Rangers 4-0 in a replay after the first game finished 1-1.

Is the Community Shield different to the Charity Shield?

The Community Shield is the same competition as the Charity Shield, just under a different name.

A name-change occurred in 2002 when the competition was rebranded due to a legal technicality regarding compliance with UK charity law.

The name 'Charity Shield' was intended to reflect the fact that revenue from the game was distributed among charitable causes.

That fundamental goal is still central to the competition and the new name 'Community Shield' encapsulates the fact that money is distributed to the English football community.

Liverpool legend Bruce Grobbelaar has disclosed that he was once shortlisted for the Kaizer Chiefs head coaching job.

The Zimbabwean tactician is keen to return to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) having coached SuperSport United between 1999 and 2001.

“South Africa, I would love to come back there,” Grobbelaar told On The Whistle podcast host Zayn Nabbi according to Daily Sun.

The 62-year-old, who is currently serving as the goalkeeping coach at Norwegian club Oygarden FK, explained that his return to the PSL “depends if these owners have got balls.

“I’m talking about big cajones to get Bruce Grobbelaar back for their team.”

Grobbelaar revealed that Amakhosi showed interest in him before the Soweto giants appointed their current coach Ernst Middendorp in December 2018. 

“I’ve been in touch with Kaizer Motaung at Kaizer Chiefs," the Uefa Champions League-winning goalkeeper said before indicating that there are PSL clubs interested in his services.

"But I couldn’t get that one because Bobby [Motaung] was the one who was picking the coaches. So, there’s a lot of teams that have been in touch."

The former Zimbabwe international recently claimed that some people are not comfortable with his return to the PSL since his dismissal at SuperSport.

Grobbelaar alleged that he was framed by some people including his then-assistant coach Pitso Mosimane, who is now in charge of Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Durban-born legend also opened up signing a pre-contract with Sundowns where he was set to take over as the new head coach. 

“This is something that South Africans don’t know. I was asked to take over Sundowns with the Tsichlas family and I signed a pre-contract agreement [in 2000],” he said.

Grobbelaar explained that the then-Sundowns club owners, the Tsichlas family, changed their mind and opted to give Dutch tactician Clemens Westerhof the job.

“And so, it was breaking the agreement that I had with them. I took them to court. And I got paid three years of a three-year contract without coaching the team once,” he concluded.

Grobbelaar worked for Canadian club Ottawa Fury FC as the goalkeeper coach between 2014 and 2018.

Asante Kotoko goalkeeper and captain Felix Annan believes he has been let down by the club through their decision to relegate him to the second choice position.

The 25-year-old fell down the pecking order, losing his place to Kwame Baah, after taking time off during last season to tie the knot with his girlfriend.

The lack of game time has seen him lose his spot in Ghana's national set-up as well.

“The reason sometimes I get hurt is that I didn’t take a day or two to establish myself [at the club]," Annan told Topical Radio.

“With no help, hard work, and help from God, I was able to succeed on the local scene and get call-ups to the national team.

“This was the time the club should have been pushing me ahead. If I have even lost form, they should have tried to help in bringing me up. For me, I won’t talk too much.

“The respect I have for the fans and the love they’ve always shown me is enough.

“I have my time. I will tell my story. If we’re doing things right, we should always do it right.

“If it gets to some time, try to protect the people who are at the top, but for here we try to bring down the people who have found their way up.”

Annan held Kotoko's No.1 spot until after matchweek four of the 2019-20 Ghana Premier League (GPL) when he took some time off for his wedding.

On his return, he had to make do with the reserve position, despite his status as captain, as Baah held on to the starting spot until matchweek 15 when the championship was prematurely terminated due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"It is a technical decision-taking from all the coaches in the team a night before a game,” Kotoko coach Maxwell Konadu told StarTimes on the goalkeeping situation.

“We gave Kwame Baah a chance after Felix Annan had excused himself for his wedding and he didn’t disgrace himself and it was okay with us.”

There has since been rumours about a fall-out between the two goalkeepers, amid reports of a possible Annan exit in search for regular game time.

"It's all about hard work," Baah told Nhyira FM on his rise to the No.1 position.

"Felix is my senior and the first choice goalkeeper but I couldn't disappoint [when I had the chance].

"The challenge to keep manning the post came after I featured in the win against Hearts of Oak.

"Some fans said a whole lot of things but they have come to the understanding that it's all about hard work and determination."

Annan joined Kotoko from Wafa in 2015 and was handed the captain's armband last year.  

Lionel Messi remains determined to leave Barcelona, however the Argentine player wants to meet with the board and leave the club on good terms, Goal understands.

On Tuesday, Messi told the club he wants to leave after nearly 20 years at Camp Nou, having come through their La Masia academy and emerged as one of the world's best players.

The situation between Messi and the club has deteriorated massively in recent months, with the player angry over the decisions made under president Josep Maria Bartomeu, such as the sale of Neymar and their refusal to buy him back, and the sacking of manager Ernesto Valverde earlier this season.

The 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinals earlier this month has proved to be the final straw, and Messi submitted written notice to Bartomeu on Tuesday via burofax that he wants to go.

It initially appeared Messi would look to activate a clause in his contract that would allow him to terminate his deal with Barcelona and walk away for free. That clause expired earlier this year, but it was rumoured the player's legal team would argue it was valid until the end of the 2019-20 season, which was extended because of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, Goal understands Messi wants to have a meeting with the board to negotiate his departure from Barcelona, rather than doing so unilaterally.

Messi does not want an extended public war with the club, with the shock of his declaration of wanting to depart already causing controversy, with fans protesting outside Camp Nou and demanding the resignation of Bartomeu, while the club's socios - board members and official fan groups - have brought a vote of no confidence against the president.

Instead, Goal has learned, the Argentine star wants to have a meeting with representatives of the club to try to get his exit back on track in a civilised manner and to not abruptly end his contract, amid rising tension in recent days.

Messi recently indicated he plans to break his silence and explain the reasons for his decision to leave Barcelona, but there is no exact date for that to happen and it will not be imminent.

Goal, however, does understand the intention of the Argentine is to give his version of events when his entire situation clears up, and to send a message to the fans of Barcelona before he goes.

Jurgen Klopp showed the potential for coaching greatness early in his career, according to former Mainz forward Benjamin Auer.

Auer, who was coming off a starring role with Germany at the U-20 World Cup in 2001, moved to Mainz the following year. 

Mainz were helmed at the time by Klopp, who secured his first head coaching job in 2001 when he was appointed manager of the 2. Bundesliga outfit. 

Even in his maiden role in the dugout, Auer recalls that Klopp showed some of the coaching potential that would eventually lead him to massive success with Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool.

"First of all, I was warmly welcomed by him and the whole club. Jurgen was still in the early stages of his career but even then [he was] an absolute motivator. Moreover, he always had new ideas," Auer told Goal.

Klopp wasn't the only high-profile German coach Auer worked with during his playing career, as the forward also played under current Germany boss Joachim Low at Karlsruher during the 1999-00 season.

That campaign did not treat Low or Auer kindly, as Karlsruher were relegated from the 2. Bundesliga and Low was sacked before completing the season. 

Still, Auer remembers Low as an innovator, calling his training sessions a "quantum leap" forward from what he knew previously.

"He had a special way of talking," Auer said of the 2014 World Cup winner. "The way he stressed sentences, that stuck with me and that is how he still talks today.

"I have found him to be very innovative professionally. The training methodology we had under him at the Karlsruher was a quantum leap from what I knew from my youth.

"I also have very positive memories of him in human terms. He always showed us young players what we could improve and how. Unfortunately, we were not successful under him. In the end, we were relegated, but that was not due to Jogi Low, but to the composition of the squad."

After leaving Karlsruher, Low would go on to manage in Turkey and Austria before becoming an assistant manager under Jurgen Klinsmann with Germany in 2004. Low was promoted to head coach in 2006.

Football is a truly global sport, with passionate fans all over the world. Understandably, Liverpool, one of the most followed football clubs in the world, has fans across the globe, especially in Southeast Asia.

When the Reds won the Premier League last month, it sparked unbridled joy among their vast fanbase, for it was the first time in 30 years that the club were crowned the champions of England.

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic that has spread across the world, fans of the club resorted to innovative means to celebrate the momentous occasion. At a time when spectators aren't allowed into football stadiums, Liverpool fans in Malaysia have teamed up with Carlsberg to create a virtual stadium experience unlike any other.

In a bid to bring the spirit of Liverpool fans together at a time when it is not feasible to do so physically, Carlsberg stepped up. This video, a brainchild of Liverpool fans in Malaysia, was made even more memorable as hundreds of Liverpool fans recorded their own video with great passion and submitted the video to Carlsberg, who’ve made it possible!

Over 500 clips were submitted! The virtual stadium string together the clips of Liverpool fans, taken from various social media channels and through the Liverpool fan club in Malaysia. The 'stadium' features Reds fans from all walks of life singing the famous anthem - 'You will never walk alone' - Their own rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.

At a time when fans yearned to paint their town red but could not due to the pandemic restrictions, Carlsberg has helped their innovative idea come to fruition.

The video was featured on Carlsberg Malaysia's YouTube and IGTV platforms.

The image of Jordan Henderson lifting the much-coveted title after Liverpool's 5-3 win over Chelsea was a watershed moment for Liverpool fans everywhere. As the celebrations spread, Carlsberg Malaysia also created limited-edition Liverpool cans and bottles featuring the "Champions" packaging, switching its iconic green colour to Liverpool's red. The packaging also featured personal signatures from Jürgen Klopp and other key players from the Liverpool squad.

Now, having organised the virtual stadium experience for the Liverpool fans, Carlsberg is kicking the celebrations up a notch.

Former Liverpool man Jamie Carragher has said that he can't see his old club going “anywhere near” wantaway Barcelona captain Lionel Messi, adding that the only Premier League team he can see the Argentine joining is Manchester City.

Messi sent shockwaves through the football world with the recent revelation that he wants to leave Barcelona, the six-time Ballon d'Or winner having become frustrated with life at Camp Nou under the stewardship of Josep Maria Bartomeu.

The under-fire Barca president and his board members saw a vote of no confidence lodged against them on Friday, with the Catalan entrepreneur's time at the top of the club's food chain largely regarded as a disaster both on and off the pitch.

Few clubs can boast the financial might required to sign Messi, however, and an excited Carragher feels there is only one club in England that can pull it off.

“I hope so, I would love to see Messi in the Premier League,” the former defender told Sky Sports when quizzed on whether the attacker could indeed swap Spain for the UK.

“I want to watch him, I want to analyse him. The obvious place, the only place he can really go [in England] is Manchester City.

“With the history he’s got with the manager [Pep Guardiola] and the financial clout the club have got. 

“I don’t think Liverpool will go anywhere near that situation. Financially, number one, but also because of the way Liverpool play. They're a lot more energetic maybe than City. City are more technical and that would suit Messi a bit more. 

“But how you get that deal across the line with the figures involved, I’m not too sure. It’s mind-boggling.”

While Messi does have an incredible €700m release clause, it is understood that the Argentine's legal team believe there is another clause that could see him terminate his contract unilaterally, meaning he could leave on a free transfer.

However, even covering Messi's wages would require deep pockets, with Paris Saint-Germain and Inter also among the few clubs thought to be financially strong enough to pay the 33-year-old's salary.

Jude Bellingham has been reflecting on how he became an award-winning £25 million ($33m) asset on Borussia Dortmund’s books at just 17 years of age.

A meteoric rise to prominence has been enjoyed by the promising midfielder over the course of the last 12 months.

A senior debut was handed to him by Birmingham at the age of 16 years and 38 days, with Bellingham not looking back from that point.

It did not take long for his potential to be noted by leading sides across Europe, with Premier League heavyweights quick to join the hunt for his signature.

In the end, German giants Dortmund emerged victorious in that transfer scramble, with Bellingham lured away from St Andrew’s in July.

“What Birmingham City did for me, I can’t thank them enough, I’d thank them a million times because they’ve given me the platform to go on and achieve the things that I have,” Bellingham told the EFL’s official website.

“I got so much support from them, all the way through from the age of seven. I must give thanks to Pep Clotet, it’s never easy for any manager of a team to throw in a 16 year old, especially in the Championship, but for him to stick by me was huge.”

Bellingham’s rapid progress has now been recognised with the EFL Young Player of the Season award for 2019-20 and the LFE Championship Apprentice of the Year prize.

Quizzed on how he got to this point, the teenager added: “It’s not all about quality where us young players are concerned.

“It’s about having that fire in your belly, the hunger to stand out and change a game regardless of your age. It’s easy to be given your debut and then coast a little bit, but to go and make an impact like many young players have done is a credit to young players in this league, the clubs that they’re at and the league itself.

“For me personally, it just took a lot of hard work. I wanted this more than anything in the world; to get into the first team and perform for Birmingham City was the only goal I had and that was my determination.

“There are some fantastic opportunities within the EFL with the cup competitions especially, it gives youngsters like me a chance and a platform to shine, especially when we’re coming up against experienced first-team professionals.”

Bellingham is now lining up alongside the likes of Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland at Dortmund, with the plan being for further potential to be unlocked in his game as he continues to take giants steps up the football ladder.

 “I’m very grateful to get the opportunity to play for this club,” said a youngster who has also earned a first call-up to the England U-21 squad.

“I really appreciate the trust they’ve put in me by signing me. We’ve had a lot of training sessions, a few pre-season games and I just can’t wait to get started. It’s been so far, so good for me and I just want to carry that into the main season.”