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There is a clear sense this summer that Italian side Napoli are pursuing a rebuild of the squad.

There are two factors dictating this, ostensibly.

First was the player mutiny back in December, when members of the team rebelled against the request of the club’s management to go into ritiro – the somewhat anachronistic sequestering away of a group of players in order to build focus and course-correct in the wake of a poor run of form.

That episode saw the club resolve to move on some of the more influential players in the dressing room.

This fed into the second factor: there was a sense that the squad had been together too long and had grown stale and/or old. A refreshing was needed.

The job Gennaro Gattuso has done smoothing things over since his appointment has gone some way toward redressing that ill-feeling, but the signings of Eljif Elmas and Victor Osimhen highlight a deliberate move to bring down the average age of the squad anyway.

This brings the conversation around neatly to Kalidou Koulibaly, and what is a peculiar case.

The Senegal international has, for the past couple of years, been acknowledged as one of the best defenders in Europe, and has seemed a no-brainer pick-up for one of the top sides in one of the other major leagues. Despite all of that, he has remained in the south of Italy. Yet this summer, following possibly his weakest season performance-wise, is the likeliest a move away has been for the 29-year-old.

What gives?

Recent reports suggest Napoli would be willing to let him leave, as they seek to stay in the black after breaking their club transfer record. There is no shortage of interest: the two Manchester clubs, as a matter of necessity, are in need of reinforcement at the back – City more than United, granted; as are Chelsea and even Arsenal, skint as they are just now.

That’s four of the big six in the Premier League that could do with a player of his quality. However, if they had been paying attention on Saturday night, they would probably have had cause to pause and re-evaluate.

A trip to the (empty) Camp Nou and the prospect of facing Lionel Messi would be daunting for any defender in world football. There is no shame in coming out second-best to perhaps the best player to ever play the game. However, the manner of Koulibaly’s performance in Catalonia was particularly troubling.

For all three goals on the night, he carried some degree of culpability. The third – his concession of a penalty – can be considered somewhat unfortunate, seeing as it was Messi who essentially interrupted his kicking motion.

Still, only the melting of the polar ice caps could possibly outstrip the sheer amount of time he took to wind up the clearance.

For the first, he was much too easily bowled over by the slight figure of Diego Demme, all 5ft 7in and 60-something odd kilograms of German midfielder. For the second, for all that Messi was at his bewitching best, the situation could have been contained if Koulibaly had displayed even a modicum of assertiveness during the move.

It was not simply the goals either.

An errant, ill-advised and unnecessary cross-field pass to no one put the ball out of play for a Barcelona corner early doors.

In another move, he intercepted a pass and then proceeded to storm up the field into an attacking position, only to then have to race back after a turnover had left his side exposed. Then, in the second half, his passing seemed to completely come a-cropper.

It seemed a slow, painful devolution born, not of physical limitations, but of getting caught up in the emotional weight of the occasion. For some reason, it appeared he was keener to impress than usual, and so executed with a far greater degree of risk than was usual or warranted.

That sense of distraction has been a theme for Koulibaly all season. A late return following the disappointment of defeat at the Africa Cup of Nations final last summer saw him struggle noticeably in the first two matches of the season against Fiorentina and Juventus. Right away, he looked so much less than the impassable Titan he had been previously, but while that could be chalked up to fatigue, to what can his more recent lapses be attributed?

Everyone knows the ability Koulibaly has on his day. His technical quality under pressure, allied to his physical presence and a tenacity that has seen him accrue a highlight reel of goal-line clearances speak eloquently. However, all of that means nothing if, as was evident at the weekend, he plays the occasion rather than the opponent.

To unravel in such a dramatic fashion on the big stage immediately calls into question his big-game temperament. It might not only explain why there has been some reticence in the past, but also why, even now, his continued stay in Italy remains a distinct possibility still.

Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) has set the date for the Ordinary General Assembly Annual General Meeting (AGM).

With the 2020/21 season set to start in October, some vital issues have to be addressed and it is the reason why Fufa has scheduled for the meeting. 

"Notice is hereby given to all Fufa members, delegates and stakeholders that the 96th Fufa Ordinary General Assembly shall be held on Saturday, October 17 at Silver Springs Hotel," Federation's Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson Suubi said as quoted by the Fufa Website.

Kampala region will be hosting this year's edition but it is not clear whether it will be done virtually or physically.

The Ordinary Fufa General Assembly comprises of 34 member associations in Uganda and it is the supreme and legislative body of football in the country. It is made up of 88 delegates.

Some of the issues to be discussed include financial statements, budgets, activity reports, dismissing of members, the permission of entrants among others.

All member associations will now be required to convene independent Annual General Meeting prior to the main one, in order to solve their internal issues and ensure their agenda is well represented. This is in accordance with the Fufa statutes.

Women's football is also set to be discussed owing to the recent growth witnessed in the East Africa nation.

"As Fufa, we have always thought that such engagements help us to understand our successes and challenges better," Fufa president Moses Magogo said in an earlier interview.

"We can agree to disagree here but even when Fufa or clubs have different opinions about an issue, when we meet, a solution is always found. 

"We are proud of the journey moved so far since the start of regular club football for women's football in 2015. I can say we have registered a number of successful stories ranging from an increase in the number of girls taking part, the quality of football displayed to our national teams. 

"But at the moment we are saying can we engage another gear?"

Uganda made some structural changes in women's football to help the country grow and for ladies to get more involved in the game.  

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Rudolph Seale believes the Soweto giants will have an advantage heading to the clash against Bidvest Wits because of their hunger to lift the Premier Soccer League (PSL) trophy.

Amakhosi are scheduled to face the Students at FNB Stadium but they will be the visiting side as the iconic venue has been allocated to Wits for the remainder of the current campaign.

Moreover, Seale couldn't say if the Clever Boys are at an advantage after facing Mamelodi Sundowns last weekend in their first match since March but urges the Soweto giants to remain hungry for league glory.

“You know what, it’s an advantage [playing the second match] to Wits but that can also be said about Chiefs because they have studied Wits on the game against [Mamelodi] Sundowns. That [playing the first match] can also be a disadvantage to Chiefs because they have not played and Wits might have an upper hand,” Seale told Goal.

“The advantage or the main point for Chiefs is that they are hungry and I’m sure they have been reminded of the mission, to win the remaining games and complete the job. They haven’t played in months but the hunger should drive them on Wednesday.

“Wits have played last weekend and they will want to continue because they are not starting afresh.”

The retired defender also looks at the fact the Glamour Boys faithful will not be on the stands to cheer coach Ernst Middendorp’s troops, saying the game will demand psychological awareness.

“Honestly, they must forget about thinking they are at home at FNB even though it’s been allocated to Wits now under these circumstances,” he added.

“To me, it’s a home ground on paper but they are both on a neutral venue. The change rooms, the pitch is not familiar to Wits and the fans are not there for Chiefs. So, it’s a new ball game altogether.

“The mission for Chiefs is to focus on getting the points and not relax and bank on the fact that they have always done well at FNB Stadium. There will be no fans and how do you relax and say I’m at home? I think this goes to the old saying that football is the same whether there are fans or not.

“They have trained for many years with no fans and I’m sure playing 11 versus 11 has somewhat adjusted their minds to the new norm of playing behind closed doors.

“Yes, Chiefs have always been driven by the fans and it’s definitely going to have an impact there’s no doubt about that.

“However, the players should be professional enough and focus on the job at hand. Mental strength will be key for them here. I think the absence of fans could be an advantage for Wits but I don’t think Chiefs will be badly affected when talking about empty stands.”

Meanwhile, coach Gavin Hunt’s side will go out to avoid their second loss in all competitions whilst the Soweto giants target maximum points to stretch their lead at the summit.

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Lebogang Manyama has promised “a hell of a game” when they meet Bidvest Wits in a Premier Soccer League (PSL) game at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday, but has also admitted their opponents have become a more difficult side.

Under threat are Chiefs’ league title ambitions as they resume the campaign seeking to maintain their grip at the top of the standings in their remaining eight matches.

On the other hand, Wits are set to exit the PSL after selling their top-flight league status to Limpopo-based GladAfrica Championship side Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila and Manyama appears concerned the Students keenness to bow out on a high could present a difficult evening for Chiefs on Wednesday.

“I think now they are even more difficult to play against and I think they are still motivated to play for the club. There is history to make for them,” said Manyama as per Sowetan Live.

“Unfortunately, they couldn't make it in the Nedbank Cup. But Wits will always be Wits, very tough team to play against... it's going to be a tough game but we are looking forward to it. We have our own plans and we will try to capitalise on their weaknesses but it is going to be a hell of a game that I can promise you.”

Wednesday’s encounter would be Chiefs’ first match since the restart of football in South Africa last weekend.

They come up against a Wits side already been involved in competitive action when they were eliminated from the Nedbank Cup by Mamelodi Sundowns last Saturday.

While Wits have already gained some game time, Chiefs could be counting on their players who were in-form before the season was suspended in March.

Manyama has been one of the standout Chiefs players so far this season, scoring six goals in 21 league games and managing eight assists.

Also instrumental in Chiefs’ title challenge has been their top goalscorer Samir Nurkovic who has 11 league goals to his name, as well as Leonardo Castro who has contributed seven goals.

Defensive midfielder Willard Katsande and centre-back Eric Mathoho have also been outstanding for Amakhosi.

Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka is looking forward to the challenge of taking on Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi after going up against Cristiano Ronaldo.

When he was at Schalke, Goretzka twice faced Ronaldo's Real Madrid, losing 6-1 in February 2014 and winning 4-3 at Santiago Bernabeu a year later, with both matches part of Champions League last-16 exits for the Bundesliga side.

The midfielder will get his first chance to take on Messi in a professional match when Bayern play Barca in the Champions League quarter-finals in Lisbon on Friday.

However, Goretzka knows it will take a team effort to contain Messi, who was pivotal in getting Barca past Napoli in the last-16 second leg last week.

"After having played Cristiano Ronaldo several times, it's nice to be able to play against another leading footballer of our decade," said Goretzka.

"The only way it works [stopping Messi] is collectively. Everyone knows just how gifted he is, he is capable of finding many solutions also in tight situations. We will have to fight back as a team. If one player can actually take away his fun in the game, I don't know. We just have to fight back as a team and try to play our game."

Goretzka left Schalke for Bayern on a free transfer in 2018 despite interest from Barcelona, and he feels resisting the lure of Camp Nou was the correct decision.

"Back then I deliberately took a long time. I had a few options to stay with Schalke. I listened to everything and made a conscious decision in favour of Bayern. I have never regretted making this decision," he said.

The suspension of major football during the coronavirus pandemic means the quarter-finals and semi-finals of the Champions League will be played as single games rather than over two legs, with UEFA squeezing in the closing stages of the tournament ahead of the start of the 2020-21 season.

Goretzka believes Bayer Leverkusen's Europa League exit at the hands of Inter on Monday was a reminder of how that change has altered the dynamics of European competition.

"This is a knockout game. The right mental mix is always required. Yesterday the Leverkusen game annoyed me because they actually played a good game but were eliminated because of 20 minutes. I had the feeling that they would have progressed over two legs," he said.

"I think we can beat any opponent. Nevertheless, we know that a very good team is waiting for us with world-class players. We will play with our chests puffed out, like we have over the past nine months. We are already in a positive mood."

Erling Haaland emerged as a teenage sensation, but has warned the Bundesliga there is an even more prodigious young talent ready to break through at Borussia Dortmund.

Norwegian striker Haaland turned 20 in July and has already established himself among the top marksmen in German football.

His 13 goals in 15 Bundesliga games since arriving in mid-season from Red Bull Salzburg came amid a overall tally of 44 goals in 40 appearances, split between the two clubs.

Haaland will be Dortmund's chief goal threat in the new campaign, but youngster Youssoufa Moukoko could also have a part to play.

Moukoko is 15 and has been a revelation at youth level, while also training with the Dortmund first team in the recently completed 2019-20 campaign.

He is with the Dortmund squad this week at their training camp in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland, and will be eligible to play senior football when he turns 16 on November 20.

Haaland said: "He's a lot better than I was when I was 15. He trains at Borussia Dortmund and keeps up. I was in my home club, Bryne FK, when I was 15. You can't compare that."

Cameroon-born striker Moukoko has played for Germany at under-16 level and has also appeared for Dortmund in the Under-19 Bundesliga and the UEFA Youth League.

Haaland, quoted in the Westfalische Rundschau newspaper, suggested he would rather keep pressure off the prodigy.

"But it's hard when he's that good," Haaland said. "I don't think I've ever seen a 15-year-old that good."

Dortmund have stated their expectation that Jadon Sancho will stay at the club next season, amid strong interest from Manchester United.

They are looking to build a side to challenge Bayern Munich and the emergence of Moukoko in the coming seasons could be important, but it is likely to be Haaland and Sancho who hold the key to the team's success next term, should both remain with Dortmund.

Haaland added: "As a player, I want to win things, of course. If we improve compared to last year, we also have a great chance of holding something in our hands in the end."

Orlando Pirates have announced the suspension of strikers Justin Shonga and Thembinkosi Lorch and that coach Josef Zinnbauer will be without the two attackers against Mamelodi Sundowns on Tuesday night.

The Buccaneers released a statement just before the eagerly anticipated Premier Soccer League (PSL) encounter at Dobsonville Stadium.

In a statement, Pirates explained the duo has been excluded from the squad that will finish the current season in a Biologically Safe Environment (BSE) in Gauteng because of following a breach of the team's protocols.

"Thembinkosi Lorch and Justin Shonga have been excluded from the squad that reported for the BSE bubble on Sunday following a breach of the team's protocols,” read a statement for Pirates.

"All players have been educated and are constantly reminded, or their responsibilities as public servants and role models.

"It is our role and duty to ensure that all members of this organization are fully compliant and aware of the measures that are in place.

"Both players will be afforded the opportunity to return to play once the disciplinary processes have been finalized.

"Mr Lorch and Mr Shonga will also be required to undergo two Covid-19 tests, which both must be negative, as per the BSE protocols, before they resume any club activities."

Meanwhile, Pirates are also set to be without defender Bongani Sam for the clash as the former Bloemfontein Celtic defender has sustained a hamstring injury.

The Soweto giants are away from home visiting the Brazilians as they look to register two wins in the current season but Zinnbauer will miss the influential duo.

Pirates currently sit third with SuperSport United on the log table with 40 points from 24 matches so far and a win will take them closer to rivals Kaizer Chiefs who lead the table with 48 points.

In their next fixture, the former African champions will welcome Bidvest Wits at Ellis Park Stadium on Saturday, August 15 at 18:00.

Winning the Champions League trophy the biggest honour in European club football.

Earning the coveted title of continental European champion is one thing, but managing to score the most goals in a single Champions League season is a feat on its own.

So which player has scored the most Champions League goals? Goal takes a look.

Cristiano Ronaldo currently holds the record for scoring the most Champions League goals in a single campaign, netting 17 times playing for Real Madrid during the 2013-14 season.

Real Madrid were eventually crowned champions that campaign, beating local rivals Atletico Madrid 4-1 in the final in Lisbon with the Portugal star converting a penalty deep into extra-time.

The victory was the year of La Decima for the Spanish giants, winning a record 10th European cup trophy.

In fact, the now-Juventus striker currently occupies the top three spots of the Champions League season scoring charts. He netted 16 times in the 2015-16 campaign, and 15 in 2017-18 - both for Real.

His former rival at Barcelona, Lionel Messi, occupies the fourth spot with 14 goals, before sharing a tally of 12 strikes with Ronaldo once again as well as Ruud van Nistelrooy and Robert Lewandowski.

The Bayern striker currently leads the 2019-20 Champions League season with 12 goals to his name.

*Current season

**Last updated August 2020

While Ronaldo holds the record for most goals scored in the European top-flight, Radamel Falcao set the record for most Europa League goals netted in a single campaign (18) for Porto in the 2010-11 season.

Victor Lindelof was critical of Manchester United’s performance against Copenhagen in the Europa League quarter-final but is confident they have what it takes to win the tournament.

The Swede came off the bench in the second half of United’s nervy 1-0 win in Cologne on Monday night, with Bruno Fernandes penalty in extra time proving to be the difference.

And Lindelof knows the Red Devils will have to improve if they are to reach the final of the competition, with Wolves or Sevilla next up for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side in the semi-final.

"I think we could have done a lot of things better but when we had the ball they made it difficult for us," Lindelof said after the game.

"Sometimes they pressed high and when they didn't they dropped deep and defended compact as a unit. It was hard to create chances there but I think we should have scored a few more goals. It is very difficult to say just why [United struggled]. It happens sometimes in football.

"Of course it's been a long season but we played a quarter-final in a European Cup so I think everyone had to be ready for that. Like I said, it happens sometimes in football that you don't perform at the level you want to. But the important thing is that we won and we're through to the semi-finals."

The victory means Solskjaer’s side have reached the semi-final of three competitions this season and they will be hoping it's third time lucky in reaching a final, having missed out in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

And Lindelof is confident they have learned lessons from their previous two semi-final defeats, believing that they have the mentality and ability to go all the way and lift the trophy.

"I think we have a lot of confidence in the team right now. We've been performing to a very high level, especially after the league ended," the 26-year-old added.

"We got the third spot and we've been playing some really, really good football. I think everybody has a lot of confidence and we know we can do some great things.

"Obviously even if we play against Sevilla or Wolves, they are two tough teams but we're going to be ready and hopefully we can go out and perform a really, really good game."

Should United beat Wolves or Sevilla, they will then face either Inter, Shakhtar Donetsk or Basel in the final on August 21.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic took time out of his summer holiday to wind up England fans by recreating his incredible goal for Sweden in their 4-2 win in 2012.

The striker netted all four of his side's goals as they beat the Three Lions at the Friends Arena in an international friendly that November.

Ibrahimovic's most impressive goal of the game was a stunning overhead kick from distance which flew over Joe Hart and in after the goalkeeper's poor clearance.

The former Manchester United, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward won the Puskas Award in 2013 for the goal and he is clearly still revelling in the glory. 

The ex-Sweden international posted a video on social media of him leaping out of the water to send the ball flying in a re-enactment of his goal against England.

He added the caption: "God Save the Queen".

Then England boss Roy Hodgson was shocked to see the veteran forward pull off the feat, telling reporters afterwards that it was a "work of art".

He added: "It's a wonderful goal to see on a football field, though I would rather have seen it against someone else."

Ibrahimovic explained his thinking after the game: "Hart was a long way out and I was just trying to get it into the goal. I was on the ground when it was on the way in.

"I saw a defender sliding in to try to get rid of it and I wanted to scream 'No' but the ball went in."

The 38-year-old is currently contracted to AC Milan after returning to the San Siro side in January.

His deal with the Rossoneri expires at the end of August, but the club are trying to convince him to extend, and director Paolo Maldini admits it will not be easy to tie him down.

"Zlatan is part of this project," he said earlier this month. "It won't be an easy negotiation, but we fully intend to keep him with us. We have many young players who can grow exponentially with Ibra by their side."

Axel Witsel is convinced that Manchester United-linked Jadon Sancho will remain at Borussia Dortmund after Michael Zorc's insistence that the winger will not be sold this summer.

Sancho has reportedly reached an agreement to sign a five-year contract at Old Trafford worth £220,000 a week, but Dortmund's valuation of the youngster is proving to be a sticking point in negotiations with United.

Goal has learned that Dortmund are holding out for a final fee of €120 million (£108m/$142m) for a prized asset, who recorded 20 goals and 20 assists for the club in 2019-20.

Earlier this month, Dortmund managing director Hans-Joachim Watzke denied having received any offers for the England international, and Zorc moved to squash speculation surrounding his future conclusively on Monday.

Speaking ahead of the club's pre-season training camp, Dortmund's sporting director told reporters: "Jadon Sancho will play with us next season. The decision is final. I think that answers all the questions."

Zorc's comments haven't dissuaded United from finalising a deal for Sancho, who is thought to be eager to join up with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squad,  but Witsel is now certain that he will continue to play alongside the talented attacker for at least one more year.

"He stays and we are all happy," the Dortmund midfielder told Sky Sports . "Last year and the first year when I came he’s been one of the most important players offensively for our team.

"This is really good news for us to keep him – at a minimum – one more season."

Dortmund centre-back Mats Hummels also expressed his delight after hearing Zorc's update on Sancho, as he told the club's official website : "He can be the player who makes the difference. I’m happy that he is staying."

Solskjaer was quizzed on United's interest in the 20-year-old once again after watching his side beat Copenhagen 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

The Norwegian refused to be drawn on his transfer plans as he stated in his post-match interview: "I can't comment on other team's players, I can't do that."

Sancho has scored 34 goals in 99 appearances across all competitions for Dortmund since joining the club from Manchester City in 2017, and is currently tied to remain at Westfalenstadion through to 2023.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidential candidate Sam Nyamweya has hit out at the current office for dishonesty regarding information sharing from world football governing body Fifa.

The Federation opted to share the letter from Fifa to secretary-general Barry Otieno dated August 5 regarding the elections, while the ones dated July 11 and August 2 were not shared.

The administrator believes the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) March 17 ruling should also be exercised as a whole and not a mere part which favours the current regime.

"For the purpose of openness and transparency and for us to be able to have a clear view, the email letters of August 2 and the letter of July 11 should have been made public," Nyamweya said in a statement obtained by Goal. 

"Reading from the contents of this email letter, the author selectively and partially chooses to implement the [SDT] ruling."

The former Federation president states, per the ruling, the whole FKF electoral process was nullified. This included all the processes leading to the purported elections, the voter register and the shortlisted candidates fell on the same premise.  

"It is clear that the ruling by the Sports Disputes tribunal is emphatic on the nullification of the FKF electoral process and therefore the call for a fresh electoral process is not anything new," he continued.

"For a fresh FKF electoral process to commence on the right footing, such a process should include a comprehensive review... by the stakeholders... [and] should generate a new all-inclusive voter register." 

Nyamweya is demanding a new inclusive register which should include all clubs from the grassroots.

He has also pointed out that the content of the letter is not addressed to the Electoral Board.

"[The letter] is not in any way addressed to the FKF Electoral Board nor its action anticipated. It is therefore unethical and erroneous for the Chairperson of the Board to claim that the directives were directed to the board," he maintained.  

"The purported attempt by the FKF Electoral Board to introduce and or amend the eligibility criteria is illegal, ultra vires and void.  

"We reject the road map given by the FKF Electoral Board. We treat it as a well-orchestrated plot hatched by the incumbent, executed by his hirelings masquerading as Board officials, with the ultimate goal of rigging in the incumbent and his cronies."

Nyamweya concludes by stating a consultative meeting with all the stakeholders is the only way forward.

"We the football stakeholders hold the view and right that only an all-inclusive roundtable stakeholders forum as advocated and driven by the Sports Disputes Tribunal can unlock the electoral impasse," he concluded.

"We remain committed to the process of having transparent, free, fair, credible, and verifiable FKF elections."  

Josh Onomah and Neeskens Kebano have been nominated for Fulham Player and Goal of the Season awards.  

Onomah teamed up with the Craven Cottage outfit last summer from Tottenham Hotspur as part of the £25 million transfer that saw Ryan Sessegnon join Spurs.

The Anglo-Nigerian immediately became a key component of the Cottagers side and featured in 37 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing three assists.

The midfielder played 31 Championship games and made three appearances in the playoffs to help Scott Parker’s men secure promotion to the Premier League.

His performances in the campaign have seen him nominated for the best player of the season, while his well-struck effort in their playoff semi-final victory over Cardiff City has been shortlisted for the best goal in the campaign.

The 23-year-old will compete for the awards with his other teammates including the Democratic Republic of the Congo international Kebano.

Kebano has been with Fulham since the summer of 2016 when he arrived from Belgian First Division A side Genk.

The 28-year-old winger scored five goals in 19 appearances, including two in the promotion playoffs as his contribution for the Cottagers in the campaign.

Kobano is shortlisted for the best player award while his strikes against Wigan Athletic and Cardiff have also been nominated for the Goal of the Season.

While the winger has represented the Democratic Republic of the Congo 19 times, Onomah is yet to make his international debut.

The 23-year-old has featured for England U16, U17, U18, U19, U20 and U21 but he still eligible to play for Nigeria.

Onomah will join the likes of Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi, Shola Ameobi and Ola Aina who previously starred for the European country before representing the Super Eagles, should he end up switching his allegiance.

The African stars will be expected to play a key role for Fulham in the 2020-21 Premier League season, which begins on September 12.

Alphonse Areola has returned to Paris Saint-Germain from Real Madrid amid reports he is set for a Premier League move.

The goalkeeper joined Los Blancos on a season-long loan last September to provide cover for number one Thibaut Courtois, with Keylor Navas having moved in the opposite direction in a permanent deal.

Areola made just nine appearances for La Liga's champions, though, and the Frenchman has been tipped to move on again with game time unlikely at PSG.

"Real Madrid confirmed they have brought Alphonse Areola's loan spell to an end," a team statement read.

"The club would like to thank Areola for his dedication, professionalism and exemplary conduct this season and wishes him the best of luck in this new chapter.

"Real Madrid also thanks PSG for the chance to have had Alphonse Areola as part of our squad."

Reports in the English media said 27-year-old Areola has bought a house in London ahead of a potential move to the Premier League.

Last month Areola's wife, Marrion, posted a picture on social media of the pair standing outside their new house in the English capital with the caption: "A few years ago our dream was to have our home in London. Our dream came true."

Chelsea have been credited with an interest as the Blues appear keen to find a buyer for Kepa Arrizabalaga, who was dropped for the final Premier League game of the season against Wolves as well as the Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich last week.

Arsenal were also touted as a potential destination to provide extra cover after Emiliano Martinez deputised when Bernd Leno sustained a knee injury in June, although the Argentinian's brilliant performances mean such a scenario may be unlikely.

France international Areola joined PSG's youth academy at the age of 16 and made his first-team debut in 2013 before being sent on loan to Lens followed by temporary spells at Bastia and Villarreal.

He returned to the French capital to compete with Kevin Trapp for a place in the starting XI and went on to feature 107 times for the club before the switch to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Legon Cities are looking to become a regular top three outfit in Ghana and to join the elite league of clubs in Africa.

Formerly known as Wa All Stars, the Ghana Premier League club rechristened to Legon Cities ahead of comments of the 2019-20 football season last December and moved their base from Northern Ghana to national capital Accra.

The new management has invested heavily into the club's development, one which has earned them applause for a successful re-branding exercise and saw them gain a significant rise in social media following.

"We have a mission to be one of the top three teams after each league [season] in Ghana and also become one of the top five teams in Africa. This is part of our five-year development plan," management member John Paintsil, a former Ghana international, told Graphic Sports Online.

"There is a projected action plan to construct our own stadium to add value to the club. We are also establishing our own training facilities, and hostels to accommodate our players to motivate them to excel.

"We also want to groom many of our young players to play actively for the various national teams in Ghana and at the international level.

"We have now started a football academy to develop our young and talented footballers to enable them to play prominently locally as well as for clubs in Europe and beyond.

"Within the five-year period, we should be able to complete all these laudable projects to transform Legon Cities to be one of the most attractive and successful football clubs in Africa."

As part of their new ambition, Legon Cities made a big signing by bringing in Ghana's 2014 World Cup goalkeeper Fatau Dauda ahead of the commencement of the 2019-20 season.

The club also brought in Bosnian-German coach Goran Barjaktarevic to lead their technical team.

Despite strides off the pitch, Cities struggled to perform in matches as they sat just one place above the relegation zone when the Premier League was cancelled at matchweek 15 due to the coronavirus pandemic in March.

The club has also seen a significant increase in their social media following, their official Twitter account, for example, increasing from 19 300 before the start of the season to 53 300 at the end of the term - all within just three months.

Ghana U17 women's coach Yusif Basigi has explained reasons for the the team's inability to commence camp as originally scheduled. 

After receiving special clearance from the national government to regroup amid a ban on all contact sports, including football, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Black Princesses were unable to kick off preparations for an upcoming 2021 Fifa U17 Women's World Cup showdown with arch-rivals Nigeria on August 1 as planned. 

The U17 women's side joined the U20 women's team and the U17 male team to receive special dispensation to regroup ahead of various national assignments.

“We have not been able to go to start camping yet due to the safety measure being put in place by the Ghana Football Association as instructed by the government," Basigi told Happy FM. 

“I cannot tell when we will be given the go-ahead to be at camp but I am hopeful by the close of this week, something positive will come up. The players are all going to be tested before we begin preparations.

“For now, we have asked all the players to train on their own even before we resume camping."

Ghana's U17 women's clash with Nigeria is scheduled for October/November.

"Our female Under-20 and Under-17 national football teams have been given the clearance to go into their respective training camps to begin preparations towards their Fifa and Caf-sanctioned international matches, which begin in September," Akufo-Addo said in an address to the nation in June.

"Whilst in training, the playing, technical and management teams must observe strictly all the protocols issued by Government, Caf and Fifa against Covid-19. All other team and contact sports, and competitive sporting events remain suspended till further notice."

The first leg of the World Cup qualifier takes place in Ghana in October while the return fixture is set for Nigeria in November.

The matches were originally scheduled to take place in May but the coronavirus situation forced their postponement.

The Black Princesses are hoping to continue with their fine record as the only African nation to have secured qualification for all editions of the U17 Women's World Cup since its inception.

Gwambina FC have appointed Mwinyi Zahera ahead of the new Tanzanian Mainland Premier League season.

The Congolese tactician is returning to handle a team in the top-flight after his stint with Young Africans (Yanga SC) in the 2018-19 season ended when he was fired for poor results, with Belgian Luc Eymael taking over.

The promoted side have now unveiled the tactician after he agreed to pen a two-year contract with options of extending the deal if the team keeps their status in the top-flight.

“We have reached an agreement with Zahera to coach our side in the coming season, he arrives with experience having coach Yanga previously and we wish him well as he takes up the challenge of making sure that we remain in the league,” the club said in a statement seen by Goal.

Zahera has promised to do his best and help the club achieve its targets.

“I know what it means handling a promoted side in the top tier, the expectations are very high because their main target is to make sure they keep their status first and then start building from there,” Zahera told reporters after being unveiled.

“I will do my best and I know with the support of the management, we will do well and hit the targets they have already set.”

Gwambina were promoted to the Tanzanian Mainland Premier League from the First Division League (FDL) after they beat Pamba FC 1-0 in their final match of the season.

The club, which was only founded a year ago, earned promotion with two matches to spare as they had accumulated 44 points from 20 matches.

Gwambina won 13 games, drew in five and lost in two other matches. 

Gwambina were promoted alongside Ihefu and Dodoma Jiji while Mbao FC were relegated alongside Alliance FC, Lipuli FC, Ndanda FC, and Singida United. 

Sheffield United defender George Baldock has named Liverpool forward Sadio Mane as the toughest and best opponent he faced has in the Premier League.

Baldock played every minute of the Blades’ games in the English top-flight, and he featured against the 2019 African Footballer of the Year twice during the 2019-20 campaign.

Mane sealed the Reds' 2-0 victory against Sheffield United at Anfield earlier in January and the England-born defender recalled how daunting the challenge was against the 28-year-old.

“I always say the toughest opponent by far was Sadio Mane,” Baldock told the Telegraph via Liverpool Echo.

“If he’s not running at you with the ball then he’s running in behind you without it.

"He’s coming short, going long, making diagonal runs. He’s always looking to get behind you and that’s a nightmare for you."

Mane ended the 2019-20 season with 18 goals and seven assists as Jurgen Klopp's men clinched the league crown, ending the Liverpool’s 30-year wait for a top-flight title.

Baldock, meanwhile, helped Sheffield United finished ninth in the Premier League and revealed his eagerness to play against Mane next season.

“Sometimes when wingers want the ball to feet, it can be slightly easier, but he’s just a world-class player and by far the best I’ve played against," he continued.

"I want to play against him again, 100 per cent, and have another go, I relish playing against the best players and I want to play at this level for the rest of my career.”

Thanks to his outstanding displays in the Premier League this season, the Senegal international is in the running for the Premier League Player of the Season award.

He battles teammates Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson, Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne, Southampton's Danny Ings, Leicester City's Jamie Vardy and Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope for the honour.

Since he moved to Merseyside in 2016, Mane has established himself as a key player in the Liverpool side and he completes the formidable attacking trio of Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.

He played a crucial role in helping the Reds win the Uefa Champions League title last season, and he was also involved in their Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup triumphs last year.

Former Ghana League Clubs Association (Ghalca) president Alhaji Ali Raji believes poor handling of the dispute between 2019 Ghana Football Association (GFA) presidential aspirant Wilfred Kwaku Osei 'Palmer' and the football's governing body has left the nation's sport in jeopardy.

Seemingly on a new lease of life and calm after almost two years of impasse, Ghana football risks being thrown off balance once again as an imminent Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) judgement could land the nation's sport leadership in fresh trouble.

Palmer, president of former Ghana Premier League (GPL) club Tema Youth, was disqualified from contesting the October election which was ultimately won by Kurt Edwin Simeon Okraku.

Displeased, the former is seeking redress from the global tribunal.

A verdict in his favour could see the new football administration terminated after just 10 months at the helm of affairs.

"Palmer was not treated well. Kurt didn’t manage it well; there was a lot of ego at play on the part of the GFA and now we are at the mercy of CAS," Raji told Graphic Sports.

"If things were handled well by this current FA and the aggrieved parties were given a hearing and brought on board, we would not have to contend with CAS."

Ghana football landed in chaos in June 2018 when an Anas Aremeyaw Anas-inspired bribery and corruption scandal crashed the Kwesi Nyantakyi-led GFA administration.

The Government of Ghana, Fifa and Caf then jointly set up a Normalisation Committee (NC) to run the nation's sport in the interim and oversee a new presidential election to restore normalcy.

Ahead of the polls, the NC disqualified Palmer from contesting the election on the recommendation of a Vetting Committee for breaching financial regulations following a transfer of a Tema Youth player abroad.

After an unsuccessful internal appeal, Palmer hauled the GFA to CAS, seeking a new election altogether and for clearance to compete in the polls.

The global tribunal initially set July for the announcement of its verdict before first postponing to August 5 and now to September 1.

In Palmer's disqualification, six contenders went head-to-head for the FA presidency. 

Celtic have blasted Boli Bolingoli's "stupidity" and apologised to the SPFL for his "irresponsible action" after the player breached quarantine restrictions. 

Bolingoli travelled to Spain without the club's knowledge and did not follow quarantine rules when returning from the country. 

He then featured in Celtic's 1-1 draw against Kilmarnock on Sunday, with his indiscretion coming after two Aberdeen players had tested positive for coronavirus. 

Eight Aberdeen players issued an apology for breaking guidelines by visiting a bar in the aftermath of their opening-weekend defeat to Rangers. 

The Scottish government threatened to pause the Scottish Premiership season and Celtic did not hold back in their condemnation of Bolingoli, who the club said has tested negative for Covid-19. 

"Celtic Football Club unreservedly condemns and apologises for the behaviour of the player Boli Bolingoli in travelling to Spain without informing the club and in failing to observe quarantine restrictions," a statement from the club read. 

"It is difficult to imagine a more irresponsible action in current circumstances and we find it beyond explanation. The club will take immediate action through our own disciplinary procedures. 

"Celtic are in touch with every SPFL club, and with all relevant authorities, to apologise for the fact that one of our employees has created so much additional difficulty through his actions. 

"All of our playing and backroom staff have been tested twice for Covid-19 since this incident and all, including the player in question, have tested negative. While this comes as a relief to all concerned, it in no way diminishes the seriousness or stupidity of the player's actions. 

"Since the Covid-19 crisis began, we have had a safe and healthy squad of players, recording not one positive test. As a club, we have worked tirelessly to ensure a sustained, safe environment for all.    

"We have led the way in working with the football authorities and Scottish Government to establish the most rigorous, effective protocols and working practices, which ultimately led to the resumption of football. We could have done no more in this area. 

"It is a matter of the deepest regret to us that the behaviour of one individual has jeopardised that reputation and reflected discredit on football more generally." 

Bolingoli apologised for his error, saying: "I have made a huge mistake. I want to apologise to my manager, my team-mates, the supporters, everyone at Celtic and so many others for letting them down so badly. 

"I am guilty of a major error of judgement. I know what I did was wrong and I know that I must now deal with the consequences." 

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said Celtic and Aberdeen's upcoming matches will likely be postponed as a result of their players' conduct, telling reporters: "I regret that some football players seem incapable of living up to their responsibilities. We can't have privileged players just deciding they won't bother.

"Don't expect Aberdeen or Celtic to play over the coming week. This is a yellow card. Next time will be red."