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Fantasy Premier League (FPL) is a ridiculously competitive online tournament where, in order to come out on top, you have to be better than over 7 million other dedicated players across the world.

However, this season, the FPL manager who finished top of the pile at the end of the campaign was not crowned champion and his profile was deleted.

Alexander Antonov's team amassed 2,575 points across the year to finish first out of over seven million players, but his achievement was rendered null and void by Fantasy Premier League organisers.

An official statement explained that Antonov's team was removed from the game "due to a breach of our terms" and the title was instead given to Joshua Bull, whose team 'The Bulldozers' earned 2,557 points.

"The English Premier League and FPL had a right to do what they did," Antonov said in a video broadcast on his YouTube channel in the aftermath. 

"It is their game, it's their rules, their prizes and, frankly, they had a good reason in their eyes to disqualify me that I can't really argue with."

So what exactly was Antonov's FPL disqualification all about?

The Guardian reported that the breach was related to alleged offensive comments made in a private group chat about Manchester City star Raheem Sterling.

Antonov has admitted on his Twitter account that the comment which resulted in his removal from the 2019-20 league was "a mean comment". 

In a series of tweets, he referred to the Bulgarian N-word and said that he was "ashamed and sorry" for his words.

"It may sound stupid, but I actually really don't condone racist behaviour," he wrote. "And this is not just for black people but all other races, from which I have had many friends especially when living in the UK.

"I do have to apologize to anyone that has taken as an offense against them or their friends on racial basis. I understand why this is."

In the video he shared on his YouTube channel, Antonov began by congratulating Bull on winning the the top prize - which includes VIP tickets to two 2020-21 Premier League games along with a number of other items - before trying to describe what had happened. 

"The reason for my disqualification was a moment of frustration with a player put into words between friends," he explained. 

"It was never meant to offend any footballer on any basis. It's not something I posted or said directly towards a footballer in the public eye with the aim to offend them. It wasn't something I shouted at a stadium."

The Bulgarian FPL aficionado added: "I've learnt a life lesson here: don't say bad things about someone in a private chat just because he's not there to read it."

While Antonov's team was removed from the 2019-20 edition of Fantasy Premier League, he says that the organisers will still allow him to enter the 2020-21 game, using the same profile, meaning he will have a chance to redeem himself next season.

Reaching semi-finals is "not good enough" for Manchester United, according to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who is eager for the Red Devils to take the "next step" towards becoming an elite force again.

United booked their place in the last four of this season's Europa League by beating Copenhagen 1-0 after extra time in Cologne on Monday.

The Old Trafford outfit haven't picked up any major silverware since winning the competition under Jose Mourinho in 2017, with Solskjaer the latest man charged with restoring past glories.

A Bruno Fernandes penalty set up a meeting with Sevilla on Sunday, which will mark the first time the two sides have met since a round-of-16 Champions League tie in 2018.

The Spanish outfit triumphed on that occasion, and Julen Lopetegui's current crop will likely provide United with another stern challenge after beating Wolves to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to 19 games.

The Red Devils were dumped out of both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup at the semi-final stage earlier in the season, and Solskjaer is determined to avoid more disappointment this weekend.

The Norwegian believes his players will be extra motivated to finish the campaign with a trophy after falling short domestically, as he told MUTV: "We’ve had two semi-finals before but we want to go to the next step. 

“Reaching semi-finals is a good effort, decent, but it’s not good enough for Man United.

“The team has been developing and getting more and more hungry, and let’s make sure that hurt that we felt in the two other cups we went out of can maybe be the marginal difference, in that we want it more than them.

“When I lose a game or lose at something you don’t want that feeling again so I would think they’re ready for Sunday.”

Solskjaer went on to insist that the fitness levels will not be a problem in the clash with Sevilla after the 120-minute slog against Copenhagen, while stressing the importance of the mental side of preparations.

“Physically we’re fine, all the teams have played many games anyway. Now it’s about who is mentally strongest,” he explained. “You can look at the opponent and know they’re tired but you want them feeling more tired than you.

“You’ve got to be strong mentally, concentrated and focused, and any of these games can be, and will be, decided on a marginal decision or finishing. We’ve just got to keep them [the players] focused with the right attitude.”

Solskjaer added on the revised straight-knockout format the Europa League has taken on amid the coronavirus pandemic: “It’s like a European Championships or a World Cup, you don’t get a second chance and you just know you have to leave everything on that pitch which for me is fine.

“It’s a different set-up to what we’re used to, we’re used to home and away, but for me, this is the best scenario so that we can finish this tournament.”

Andros Townsend says Wilfried Zaha "should be playing in the Champions League", with it his belief that the Crystal Palace winger is capable of starring for the "very best in the world".

Zaha has carved out a reputation as one of the best homegrown players in the Premier League since rejoining Palace on a permanent basis from Manchester United in 2015.

The Ivory Coast international failed to make the grade during a two-year spell on the books at Old Trafford, but has managed to rebuild his confidence in familiar surroundings.

The 2018-19 campaign marked the best year of his career to date in terms of individual numbers, as he contributed 10 goals and 10 assists to Palace's cause in 34 top-flight outings.

Zaha's dynamic displays in the final third attracted the attention of Arsenal last summer, but he ultimately missed out on a move to Emirates Stadium after the club opted to bring in Nicolas Pepe from Lille instead.

The 27-year-old's performance levels have dipped since then, with Eagles boss Roy Hodgson admitting as much after their final-day draw against Tottenham.

Hodgson also revealed that a prized asset still has his heart set on a transfer away from Selhurst Park, as he told reporters: "It's a dilemma for the club and a dilemma for him if he is so set on leaving.

"If he feels he just does not want to be with us anymore, that would be sad."

Everton were reportedly interested in signing Zaha in the January transfer window, and he appeared to send out a 'come and get me' message to Arsenal when filmed partying in a nightclub over the weekend.

Townsend believes his team-mate belongs on Europe's biggest stage, but is still holding out hope that he will remain with Palace for at least one more year.

“Wilfried Zaha could play for the very best in the world,” the Eagles attacker told talkSPORT.

“He’s the most talented player I’ve ever played with and he should be playing in the Champions League.

“I’m very grateful that we have him at Palace, everyone at the club is grateful, and if we have him beyond this window we’d be even more grateful!

“If that’s the case I’m sure he’ll knuckle down and have another great season.

“He deserves to be playing at the highest level, but as long as he’s a Palace player and I'm hopeful it does continue beyond this window, we’re grateful and delighted to have him.”

Rangers midfielder believes the presence of Steven Gerrard and Gary McAllister in Rangers' backroom could help him become a proven goalscorer from his position.

The 24-year-old helped Rangers to back-to-back victories in their first two matches in the Premiership this term and he is hoping to do more with his contribution in front of goal.

Ahead of the Gers' battle against St. Johnstone on Wednesday, the Super Eagles star disclosed how he's working to improve on his goalscoring abilities.

“That’s the one thing I’ve always wanted to be known as, a goalscoring midfielder,” Aribo was quoted as saying in Rangers matchday programme.

“I’ve sat down with the gaffer and we spoke about it, so I know that is one area I need to improve on.

“I think it’s a case of wanting to be in the right place at the right time and having the willingness and the desire to be there.

“It’s also about being calmer in front of goal as well, not slashing at shots and taking your time with them. Hopefully, that will help me get more goals.

“But I feel I have developed a lot and I’m learning day in day out in games and on the training field as well.

“When you look at the staff, you have the gaffer and Macca, two great players that have played in my position too. So I can just take little things off them every single day and, of course, you learn in matches.”

Rangers have played league matches against Aberdeen and St. Mirren so far this season without fans who have been barred from stadiums due to coronavirus restrictions.

Aribo explained that Steven Gerrard's side misses the atmosphere created by fans in the stadium, but they will continue to make them happy with their results.

“When you get the backing of the fans that gives you that extra 10 per cent, so sometimes I feel like we miss it because if we are not making noises on the pitch it just feels quiet,” he said.

“You don’t have the bounce and energy of the fans to get you going so it is a bit weird, but we just have to deal with what is going on right now.

“I just want to keep scoring goals and keep the fans happy, even if they are not in the stadium cheering.

“I know they’ll be at home smiling, so we need to put on a show and that’s all I really want to do, put on a show every single game and just do all I can do to help the team get the best performances and the best results that we can get.”

Azam FC have continued with their transfer activities after unveiling Emmanuel Charles on Wednesday.

The former Mbao FC left-back was unveiled at Chamazi after passing medical and agreeing to pen a two-year contract.

The ‘Ice Cream Makers’ have confirmed the signing on their social media pages by stating: “We are pleased to add Charles into our playing unit after he passed his medical and agreed personal terms to play for us for the next two seasons.

“The arrival of Charles is aimed at strengthening our defence and his signing was recommended by our technical bench led by head coach Aristica Cioba.

“Charles enjoyed a good spell of action while turning for Mbao last season and was able to create three goals and score two goals, and we believe he arrives with the experience to help this great team achieve their targets for the new season.

“We will conclude our signings after we had two more foreign players.”

The arrivial of Charles brings to six the number of players already signed by Azam including former Gor Mahia keeper David Kissu Mapigano, Awesu Awesu, Ally Niyonzima, Ismail Aziz and Ayoub Lyanga.

On Tuesday, Azam were also boosted with news speedy winger Salum ‘Sure Boy’ Abubakar had committed to the club despite interest from Young Africans (Yanga SC).

“I am back now, I had an injury but am feeling better now, and I want to tell my fans, I have decided to stay at Azam, and will not leave so the fans should know, I have made the decision to stay,” Abubakar told reporters on Tuesday.

“I will maintain my style of play, I don’t have any problems because I have made the decision to stay, so I am committed to Azam and the fans should be ready to support us as we get ready to win trophies for them in the new campaign.”

The Chamazi-based club will be keen to make a good mark in the coming season after they ended the 2019-20 campaign without silverware.

The ‘Ice-Cream Makers’ did not enjoy as good a season as they had anticipated at the beginning of the campaign, as they managed to finish third in the league with 70 points, 18 fewer than winners Simba SC, and two behind second-placed Yanga SC. They managed to get 20 wins, 10 draws and eight defeats.

The team also failed to retain their FA Cup title to stand a chance of representing the country in the Caf Confederation Cup.

Former Hearts of Oak captain Yaw Amankwah Mireku believes management need to up their game in handling contract negotiations with players.

Last week, the Phobians announced five first-team players had exited the club over their refusal to extend their expired deals.

Benjamin Agyare, Christopher Bonney, Bernard Arthur and Abubakar Troare were among the departed men but it is the exit of star forward Joseph Esso that has generated the most controversy.

''[Hearts] management can't be solely blamed for free players' exit," former Ghana international Mireku, who won the Caf Champions League with Hearts in 2000, the Caf Super Cup in 2001 and the Caf Confederation Cup in 2004, told Nkunim FM.

"Sometimes the players decide against extensions but professionally I think management should always start early negotiations with the players if they need them.

''Some of the players are ungrateful because players like [Vincent] Atinga, [Kwame] Kizito, [Patrick] Razak and co. [who similarly left the club under similar situations] were all from nowhere but Hearts of Oak gave them the platform but later they stood against extensions and left for free.

''But sometimes too when players from nowhere join a team, they are sometimes treated badly and when it's time for extension, the player also considers how he was received or treated to decide his future.

''So it's better for Hearts of Oak to check how they treat players, especially those from nowhere.''

Latest media speculations say Esso could be making a sensational return to the Accra-based side as some bigwigs at the club are unhappy by his departure.

Meanwhile, Razak, who left Hearts for Guinean outfit Horoya in 2018, has also been linked with an imminent return after a largely unsuccessful spell away.

He revealed he is open to re-joining the Phobians.

“I have not talk to Hearts of Oak but I don’t know whether they have contacted my management," the winger has told Bryt FM.

"For now, everything is up to my management because I am a player and can’t go into any negotiation. What I heard is that they are now going to sit down with me.

“I don’t have any problem with the club so if things go right I will happily join them."

Hearts have won the Ghana Premier League (GPL) on 19 occasions. 

Atletico Madrid attacker Joao Felix has been backed to star in the Champions League knockouts in his home country of Portugal, with the club's president, Enrique Cerezo, throwing his support behind the youngster despite an up and down season in La Liga.

Following a stellar breakout season with Benfica, Felix was snapped up by the Spanish side for €126 million (£113m/$148m) and big things were expected of the 20-year-old in his first campaign under Diego Simeone.

He has, however, struggled to make the same impact for Atletico, scoring only eight goals and laying on three assists across all competitions – a big difference from his previous tally of 20 strikes and 11 assists at his former side.

Cerezo is unperturbed by the versatile forward's dip in numbers, though, asserting that Felix has been far from poor throughout a campaign that is largely about acclimatising to new surroundings and feels he could be the one to star for his club on familiar soil.

“We have a great squad and a great coach, although I think the star could be Joao Felix,” the Atleti supremo told AS. “He is in his environment, in his home, in his land and he will give everything in these games. 

“When you join a team it's never easy in the first year. Joao Felix has had to adapt to Atletico, Simeone, his team-mates, La Liga... And he hasn't had a bad season. It's been a year to get situated. It is rare to see a player come from another country and have a very good first season.

“Acclimatising takes time, but the boy has a great desire to succeed and he's eager to show that he's an important player. Playing in his home country will be different for him – the Champions League is a great chance to end the season in the best way.”

While Atletico boast three Europa League triumphs, a Champions League title continues to evade them.

Having been runners-up on three occasions, Cerezo feels that that fact alone is enough to claim that football “owes” the Wanda Metropolitano outfit a UCL crown after so many “cruel” losses in the past.

“We have played three finals and due to various circumstances we could not win them,” he said. “Football owes us a Champions League and I hope this is our year. Football is like that – we had the Champions League in our grasp three times and we lost it at the last moment.

“Each [loss] was more cruel than the last. We must be patient, calm and play well. If we do that, we can win.”

Gareth Bale must wish he was back at Tottenham, according to Andros Townsend, who says the exiled Real Madrid star will be wanting his "freedom" back after another frustrating year in Spain.

Bale has been heavily linked with a move away from Madrid after falling out of favour with head coach Zinedine Zidane in 2019-20.

Zidane left the Welshman out of his 22-man squad for last week's Champions League clash with Manchester City, claiming that the winger had asked not to be included.

Bale only scored three goals in 20 appearances for the Blancos in total last term, and was an unused substitute in eight of the club's final 10 La Liga fixtures.

Much was made of his antics on the bench during that period, and how he appeared out of sync with the rest of the group as they celebrated a 34th league title triumph at the end of July.

While on international duty earlier in the campaign, Bale was pictured holding up a 'Wales. Golf. Madrid' banner after helping his country qualify for the European Championships, and he subsequently became an unpopular figure among the Madrid faithful.

The 31-year-old's agent has insisted that his client will remain at Santiago Bernabeu despite ongoing speculation over his future, but reports of a potential return to the Premier League have surfaced in recent months.

Manchester United have been credited with an interest in Bale, while Spurs have been tipped to re-sign a former talisman on loan.

Townsend has dismissed the suggestion that his old team-mate is happy to remain on the sidelines and pick up his weekly pay cheque at the Bernabeu, while insisting he would welcome a move back to north London to escape the scrutiny he finds himself under in Madrid.

"I think if anything the Bale situation, he'd want to go back to Spurs," the ex-Tottenham star told talkSPORT. "The memories of Spurs. His happiness.

"He was the main man. He was loved. He was at the top of his game. So, if anything I think it would work the other way.

"He would be like, 'I wish I was at Spurs now and had the freedom to do whatever I want, to express myself and not worry about where I am now... where I get scrutinised for playing golf.'"

Sudeva FC are all set to take part in the 2020-21 I-League after winning a bid for direct entry into the competition.

The decision to induct Sudeva was taken by the All India Football Federation's (AIFF) Bid Evaluation Committee who met via video conferencing on Wednesday.

Sudeva's inclusion means the number of participating teams go back to 11 after defending champions Mohun Bagan merged with Indian Super League (ISL) champions ATK to form a new entity ATK Mohun Bagan which will play in the ISL.

Sudeva FC will also bring back top-level football back to the national capital after a brief hiatus. ISL outfit Delhi Dynamos had shifted bases to Odisha before the start of the 2019-20 season while the Indian FA's developmental side Indian Arrows, who used to play from New Delhi, moved to Goa last season.

Here's all you need to know about bid process:

Table of contents

1. When were the bids invited?
2. Which teams submitted bids?
3. AIFF's Bid Evaluation Committee
4. Who analyses the bids?
5. Immunity for Sudeva?
6. Notable clubs to have come in through direct entry?

When did AIFF invite bids for a new team?

The AIFF decided to invite bids for a new team in the I-League after the exit of Mohun Bagan who merged with ISL outfit ATK. The Indian FA were looking to expand the league's footprint and sought bids from teams based in New Delhi, Ranchi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bhopal, Lucknow, Ahmedabad and a few other similar smaller cities.

The invitation to bid was open from 10th June 2020 till 20th June 2020.

Which teams submitted a bid for a spot in the I-League?

The New Delhi-based Sudeva, along with Shillong's Ryntih SC and Visakhapatnam-based Sreenidhi FC picked up the bid document and submitted the same.

Sudeva FC were the front-runners to win the bid from the outset and have landed a spot in the competition after their bid satisfied the AIFF's Bid Evaluation Committee.

Who comprises the AIFF's Bid Evaluation Committee?

AIFF's Bid Evaluation Committee comprises general secretary Kushal Das, senior vice-president Subrata Mukherjee and I-League CEO Sunando Dhar. The committee makes use of independent auditors to evaluate the bids and then takes a final call after considering numerous factors.

Who reviews the bids for the AIFF's Bid Evaluation Committee?

Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC), a multinational professional services network of firms headquartered in London, are the independent auditors who go through the bid documents of each interested party and place their thoughts in front of the Bid Evaluation Committee.

Are Sudeva FC immune from relegation?

Sudeva FC, as a result of winning the direct entry, will be exempt from relegation for the upcoming season, ie the 2020-21 campaign. However, the exemption is for one season only.

Who are the notable clubs to have played in the I-League through direct entry bids?

Two-time I-League winners Bengaluru FC were the first club to enter the league directly in 2013. However, they moved to the ISL at the start of the 2017-18 season.

Two other clubs to have entered the league via corporate entry and have won the league are Minerva Punjab (Punjab FC) and Chennai City FC. Both outfits are still in the I-League.

Bharat FC were handed a spot in 2014 but the club winded up operations after just one season. DSK Shivajians came into the I-League in 2015 but halted operations in 2017.

Gokulam Kerala FC were the last team to enter the I-League through a direct berth, back in 2017.

Yanga SC have completed the signing of Club Deportivo Tenerife B forward Farid Mussa Shaha.

The Taifa Stars winger has been a long-term target for the Jangwani-based side and they have finally landed their man in preparations for the 2020/21 season. The news has been confirmed by the 27-time league champions on their official social media accounts.

"Official, Farid Mussa is a Mwananchi," Yanga confirmed on their official Facebook page on Wednesday.

"In a bid to strengthen the attacking department for the new season, [Yanga SC] have completed the signing of Tanzania international winger Faridi Mussa Shaha."

The winger joins from the Spanish lower-tier side, a club he joined in 2016 from 2014 Mainland League champions Azam FC. The move is meant to fill the void left by Rwandan winger Patrick Sibomana who was released at the end of the recent campaign.

This is the eighth signing for Wananchi this season. Others who have already joined the team are Zawadi Mauya, Bakari Mwamnyeto, Yassin Mustapha, Sacoub Songne, Kibwana Shomari, Abdallah Shaibu, and Waziri Junior. 

The Morogoro-born Mussa made his Taifa Stars debut in November 2013 when he came in as a substitute in a friendly match against Zimbabwe, a match that ended in a goalless draw.

In a separate interview, the new Yanga signing Waziri has set a target of 30 goals in the new season.  

The forward was playing for the now relegated Mbao FC and managed to get 13 goals, eventually finishing second behind top scorer Meddie Kagere of champions Simba SC.

"My target is to get 30 goals or more for Yanga in the new campaign," Waziri told the club's online TV channel.

"I have a very big chance of hitting my target because scoring opportunities here will definitely come. It will be up to me to ensure I become clinical in front of the goal and take my chances."

Timu ya Wananchi are currently without a coach after the sacking of Belgian Luc Eymael.

Waziri revealed how he intends to woo the new tactician, who is yet to be appointed, to ensure he features on a regular basis.

"Yes, we are currently without a coach but the situation will definitely be solved soon," he concluded.

"I want to give my best on training and prove I am good to convince the incoming tactician that I have what it takes to be given the first priority."

Ligue 2 club Toulouse have confirmed the signing of Ivory Coast youth international Vakoun Bayo on a season-long loan from Celtic.

Bayo will be hoping to secure regular first-team action in France after struggling for opportunities in Neil Lennon's team since he moved to Scotland from Dunajska Streda on a four-year contract in 2019.

Since his arrival from Slovakia in January 2019, the 23-year-old played just nine games in the Scottish Premiership for the Bhoys.

He joins Patrice Garande's side as their fourth summer signing, and he will be aiming to help them stage an immediate return to Ligue 1 following their relegation last season.

The transfer connects Bayo with compatriots Max Gradel, Ibrahima Sangare, DR Congo's Ndombe Mubele, Cameroon's Stephane Zobo and Guinea's Issiaga Sylla at Stadium de Toulouse.

Toulouse have the option to make the loan deal permanent should the Ivorian striker impress in the 2020-21 season.

“Toulouse Football Club is strengthening its offensive sector. Ivorian U23 international, striker Vakoun Bayo committed this Wednesday with the club of the Pink City, where he is on loan for a season with an option to buy,” the club statement read.

“The Toulouse Football Club and all of its supporters welcome Vakoun Bayo on the banks of the Garonne!”

Born in Daloa - a city in the western part of Ivory Coast, Bayo started his football career at a local club Stade d'Abidjan before switching to Tunisia.

He joined Etoile du Sahel in 2015 and spent two years at the club where he won the Tunisian Ligue 1 title in his debut campaign before departing in 2017.

A year later, Bayo completed his first move to Europe to team up with Slovak side Dunajska Streda on a free transfer.

The 23-year-old spent less than a year in Slovakia and he returned 14 goals in 25 Super Liga outings across two seasons.

Bayo has two made appearances for Ivory Coast and he was also part of the country’s U23 set-up that finished second at the 2019 Africa U23 Cup of Nations in Egypt.

In October 2019, he came off the bench in an African Cup of Nations qualifier against the Central African Republic to make his debut for the Elephants.

Puma have today launched their stunning new football boot, the ULTRA 1.1.

Engineered to deliver the game’s fastest football boot, it combines a dynamic silhouette that utilizes a fully engineered and technologically advanced, lightweight MATRYXEVO® upper with an instinctive running spike outsole to create the ultimate weapon for speed.

[Video Embed]

The new design follows years of testing and player feedback from some of the world’s best attacking players, including Antoine Griezmann, Sergio Aguero and Nikita Parris.

Speed is in PUMA’s DNA, continuing this legacy PUMA introduce the next generation of speed. The ULTRA 1.1 features PUMA exclusive MATRYXEVO® technology, providing elite-level stability, durability and traction, bringing groundbreaking innovation and uncatchable speed to the world of football.

“A key feature of the new MATRYXEVO® material is that it is one layer. We wanted to embed all the functionality into one upper material to make it as foot-friendly as possible,” said Romain Girard, Senior Head of Innovation, PUMA.

“This helps to create a superior fit without perforating the material to keep it lightweight, strong and durable. The feedback from our professional players and our consumer testing has been exceptional.”

The MATRYXEVO® upper enables PUMA to utilize a single layer of material that is closer to the foot, whilst providing outstanding support at an extraordinary light weight. This signals the first time this material has ever been utilized in a football boot.

A GripControl Pro skin has been applied to key areas of the upper to provide complete and decisive control of the ball when moving at uncatchable speeds. Bonded to the upper is a lightweight PEBA SpeedUnit outsole, featuring a split sole design inspired by PUMA running spike DNA for dynamic acceleration. The sole plate combines subtle ‘spikes’ in the forefoot and V-shaped blades for added aerodynamics, configured for explosive speed.

The PUMA ULTRA 1.1 launches in the Chasing Adrenaline color combination of shocking orange, black and white and is available on pre-sale from August 12th at PUMA.com and key football accounts, with global release on August 24th at PUMA.com, PUMA stores and at leading football retailers worldwide.

Former Uganda captain David Obua has called on the government to lift the ban slapped on sporting activities in the country.

Like many East African nations and across the world, Uganda moved to ban all its social gatherings and sporting activities immediately after the coronavirus pandemic struck the country.

Football was not spared either as the Ugandan Premier League (UPL) was halted for some weeks before it was prematurely ended, and the Federation of Uganda Football Association (Fufa) moved to award the league title to Vipers SC, who were sitting top at the time the league was suspended.

Since Uganda has only registered 1,000 cases since the virus struck the East African nation, Obua now feels it is high time the government moved to lift the ban on sporting activities.

“In spite of the unfortunate realities of Covid-19, I’d wish for African countries to find a way through consultations, naturally through the ministries of health, to have our football leagues getting back gradually. I hope it’s not done [too] late which can affect team preparations,” Obua, who captained the Cranes, is quoted by Daily Monitor.

Obua’s sentiments have also been supported by Cranes keeper Denis Onyango, who plays in South Africa for Mamelodi Sundowns, where football returned at the weekend, who called on the government to relax the rules and allow football to return in Uganda.

“But at the same time, my humble appeal goes to the government to look at measures that will enable sports activities to resume soon,” Onyango also told Daily Monitor.

“In Uganda’s case, I think the deaths have been few and the infection has not been so high. Sports employs a lot of people and a lot of youths play football. Sports in general has not been mentioned anywhere in the President’s speeches.”

Seven days ago, Uganda President Yoweri Museveni sent a strong indication that sporting activities could resume in the country soon.

The long-serving head of state has left Ugandan sportsmen and women in joy after he tweeted he was considering lifting the ban of sporting activities so that sports can be played without fans.

"On the Covid-19 pandemic, I welcome the positive suggestions like the idea of sports without audiences that have been tried in other countries of Europe,” Museveni tweeted.

Initially, the UPL was set to return on April 19 after the elapsing of the initial 32 days of lockdown, only for time to be extended after the situation failed to normalise. Already, teams in the top-flight are currently busy in the transfer window as they wait for the date to resume the league.

Vipers, who will carry the country’s flag in the Champions League, have already signed three players, among them midfielders Ibrahim Orit from Mbarara City, Jamil Kalisa from Bright Stars, and defender David Galiwango from Express FC.

KCCA have also signed midfielder Bright Anukani from Proline, midfielders Denis Iguma from Kazma FC, Stefano Mazengo Loro from Sheffield FC (Futsal), Charles Lwanga from SC Villa, Ashraf ‘Fadiga’ Mugume from Police FC and Brian Aheebwa from Mbarara City.

Leading betting firm Betika has extended its sponsorship of Sofapaka FC by a further two years.

The deal, worth Ksh 77 million, is a massive upgrade from the initial Ksh 15 million given in the 2017/18 season, and the Ksh 35 million in 2019.

Batoto ba Mungu president Elly Kalekwa has welcomed the deal, stating it will go a long way in motivating his charges.

"We are glad to see the partnership with Betika growing from strength to strength," Kalekwa told reporters during the signing of the contract on Wednesday. 

"The firm has come again to our rescue at a time when we as a club are facing difficult times with the [Covid-19] pandemic.  

"Our players were feeling demotivated from the league but through Betika’s input, our performance on the pitch will improve and we hope to do more.

"Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, our target has always been to fight for the title and this financial help that has been extended to us will go a long way in motivating the players and giving them the support they need to do better."

Betika's head of business John Mbatiah assured all that the firm will continue investing in Kenyan football to ensure it develops.

"Investing in Sofapaka is one of the nationwide activities that we have focused on," Mbatiah said during the unveiling. 

"Apart from Sofapaka, we commit to continue investing in the National Super League, through a partnership with FKF and grass-root football through the ‘Betika Na Community’ initiative." 

The firm has already contributed Ksh 50 million in cash and much more in the form of training gear and equipment.

However, more teams are also benefiting across the country.

"Betika remains committed to the growth of football in Kenya and to date, we have kitted over 3,000 football teams across the country and we commit to doing more as the country continues to open up after the pandemic," Mbatiah continued.

"Our plan is to continue holding Sofapaka’s hand as they identify and nurture football talents and acquire peak performance from all the players, consequently achieving the best possible results."  

Villarreal have completed the signing of Francis Coquelin from rivals Valencia, with Dani Parejo seemingly set to follow.

Former Arsenal midfielder Coquelin has signed a four-year deal with Villarreal, having spent the last two-and-a-half seasons of his career with Valencia.

The 29-year-old expressed his delight after being unveiled at his new club on Wednesday, saying: "I am very happy to sign for Villarreal today, we hope it will be a great season. Endavant!"

Coquelin joined Valencia from Arsenal in 2018, bringing to an end his 10-year stay in north London.

The Frenchman never quite managed to establish himself as a key member of the first team at Emirates Stadium, but he quickly became a mainstay in the starting XI at Mestalla.

Coquelin took in 89 appearances across all competitions for Valencia, and helped the club win the Copa del Rey during his debut season.

It is anticipated that Spain international Parejo, the current Valencia skipper, will join his team-mate in making the short trip to El Madrigal.

Parejo had previously spoken of retiring at Valencia but was subsequently criticised by new Manchester City signing Ferran Torres, who completed a £21 million ($27m) move to Etihad Stadium earlier this month.

Goal reported on Monday that both Coquelin and Parejo were set to join up with the Yellow Submarine for a combined fee of €13 million (£12m/$15m) after being deemed surplus to requirements at Mestalla.

New Villarreal boss Unai Emery has been busy in the transfer market since replacing Javier Calleja in the managerial hot seat at El Madrigal, with Real Madrid winger Takefusa Kubo also signing for the club on loan at the start of the week.

After a fifth-place La Liga finish in 2019-20, Emery will be expected to guide Villarreal back into the Champions League next term, with a view to repairing his damaged reputation after being sacked by Arsenal in November 2019.

If Neymar is worth £200 million ($260m), then Ronaldinho would be priceless in today’s transfer market, according to former Germany international Roberto Hilbert, who lists the former Barcelona No.10 as the greatest player he ever faced in his career.

Hilbert’s Stuttgart side faced the Blaugrana on two occasions during the group stage of the 2007-08 Champions League but lost both matches, 3-1 and 2-0.

Barca also had Thierry Henry, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and a young Lionel Messi in their squad that season, but one player stood above all others, as far as Hilbert was concerned.

"The best player I ever faced was Ronaldinho," Hilbert told Goal. "For me, he is possibly the best player ever still.

“He was quick, strong and always happy. [It was] Stuttgart versus Barcelona and it didn’t go so well for us but I say it was an experience! I just tried to hit him but it wasn’t easy to hit him.

"Him and Franck Ribery, who was the best I faced in Germany, they play football for fun and not work. They are happy to be on the pitch and play with the ball at their feet, they love it, feel it in their hearts and they play for fun.

"They have that talent that God gives them and no one else has it. They are difference-makers because no one else can do what they do.

“Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar all do it too. They love it and have fun at the top level.

“They are never insecure or thinking they are not good enough. They think they are the best player in the world when they enter the pitch which is why they are so good.

“I think Ronaldinho or Ronaldo would be too expensive to buy in the market the way it has gone.

"If Neymar was £200m ($260m) and with his salary, then I think Ronaldinho and Ronaldo Fenomeno would cost even more to the point that they would be impossible to afford."

Hilbert now coaches the second team at Greuther Furth, where his playing career began, in the fourth tier of German football.

Manchester City-linked Houssem Aouar could leave Lyon this summer, the club's sporting director Juninho has admitted.

Aouar has established himself as one of the most consistent performers in Ligue 1 since breaking into the Lyon first team in 2017.

The 22-year-old has contributed 24 goals and 25 assists to the French outfit's cause in 135 appearances across all competitions, and has played a key role in their run to the Champions League quarter-finals this season.

His performances have not gone unnoticed among Europe's elite clubs, as City and Juventus have both been credited with an interest in his services in recent months.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas insisted in April that the club will do everything possible to keep hold of a prized asset who still has three years left to run on his current contract.

“Houssem has not said he wants to leave," Aulas said. "We want to try to keep him even though the interest is considerable. There are no negotiations ongoing.”

However, Juninho has now opened the door to a potential sale, hinting that Lyon will have to consider any substantial offers for their best players, with Aouar reportedly valued in the region of €50 million (£44m/$54m).

Quizzed on the French midfielder's future by RMC Sport, the Lyon chief responded: “Houssem Aouar? When you have great players in the squad, it is quite logical that other bigger teams with greater economic power come to seek the players.

“There is a risk of losing important players. If we lose important players, I have already spoken with the president, we will have the right to balance the workforce.”

Aouar is in line to feature against his potential suitors on Saturday, with Lyon scheduled to face City in a last-eight Champions League showdown in Lisbon.

The talented young playmaker got 90 minutes under his belt in last week's 2-1 round of 16 second-leg loss to Juventus at the Allianz Stadium, which ensured that Rudi Garcia's side progressed on away goals.

City, meanwhile, knocked out 13-time winners Real Madrid 4-2 on aggregate, and will be favourites to advance against a Lyon outfit that must win the trophy to qualify for the competition again in 2020-21.

For the first time, the quarters, semis and final of the UEFA Champions league will be played in a tantalising two-week competition.

And Mastercard are setting out to capture fans’ joy at the return of word football’s most prestigious club competition with a #PricelessWave, creating a new and unforgettable experience that connects football fans and players as they support their teams while watching the games from home.

The target is to create the world’s largest wave and help fans everywhere celebrate their love of the game and their love of the competition.

It will be amplified through a partnership with the world’s fastest-growing social media platform, TikTok and be further leveraged across all social platforms including Instagram and Facebook.

Kick-starting the #PricelessWave challenge are football legends Fernando Torres and Marcel Desailly, encouraging their fans to start the wave.

Fans can then take part in the #PricelessWave by accessing the challenge on TikTok and recording themselves. By raising their arms from the bottom of the screen to the top they will instantly be rewarded with the Mastercard football sonic as well as a ‘confetti of football’ to encourage further celebration.

Get involved and join Mastercard’s #PricelessWave challenge by filming your own celebratory virtual wave on TikTok to show support for your team. https://www.tiktok.com/tag/pricelesswave.