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Lionel Messi is an "animal" and will definitely play at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, according to Barcelona legend Xavi.

Argentina great Messi will be 35 by the time the next international global showpiece is held in Qatar across November and December. 

The Barcelona superstar has suffered more than his fair share of heartbreak with La Albiceleste, losing three Copa America finals and the 2014 World Cup final to Germany. 

Despite turning 33 last month, Messi's numbers continue to be phenomenal and he topped La Liga's goalscoring and assists charts with 25 and 21 respectively this term. 

Xavi, who played alongside Messi in Barca's first team from 2004 until his Camp Nou departure in 2015, is currently coaching Qatari side Al Sadd, and fully expects to see his former team-mate involved at the next World Cup. 

"I see Leo playing until he wants to. On a physical level, he is fast, strong, he is a competitive beast, physically an animal," Xavi told Marca .  

"I have no doubt that he will play in Qatar 2022."

Xavi won eight league titles and the Champions League four times during a glittering Barca career. His name was heavily linked with the coaching vacancy at Camp Nou when Ernesto Valverde was sacked and while Quique Setien got the job, there is now speculation over his future too. 

The 40-year-old has made no secret of his desire to one day return to Barca but says respect must be shown to Setien, whom he feels has done some good work despite missing out on the league title to arch-rivals Real Madrid.  

"I do not hide, and I have always said, that my main goal, when it occurs, is Barca. It is my home and it would be a dream," he said. 

"But now I am focused on Al Sadd, looking forward to the new season. When Barca has to come, in the short or long term, it will come. Above all, Quique Setien must be respected and I wish the team all the best. 

"Sometimes Barca plays very well, others well, and others not so well. But I like the idea of Setien, now and with his previous teams - dominate and make an attractive game.  

"Sometimes it is not possible, it is true, but the rival makes it difficult for you. We have seen very nice and very good games of Barca with Setien. Definitely."

It was revealed over the weekend that Xavi had returned a positive test for coronavirus, which meant he was not on the bench for Al Sadd's 2-1 victory over Al Khor. 

The World Cup winner says he is doing well but expects the transfer market to suffer as a result of the global health pandemic. 

"I am fine, although logically isolated, and wanting to train soon," he added. 

"It [coronavirus] will lower the level [of the market], like everything after this pandemic. It will be very damaged. There will be a reorganisation of everything, of clubs and players. It is a shame, but it will be so." 

Philippe Coutinho "wants to come back to the Premier League", according to his agent Kia Joorabchian, who says the Barcelona outcast "adores" English football.

Coutinho completed a £142 million ($183m) move to Barca from Liverpool in January 2018, bringing to an end a hugely impressive five-year spell at Anfield.

The Brazil international picked up a La Liga winners' medal during his first full season at Camp Nou, but failed to reproduce his best form while shrinking in the shadow of star duo Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

Coutinho was ultimately deemed surplus to requirements ahead of the 2019-20 campaign, and Bayern snapped him up on a season-long loan.

The 28-year-old has shown glimpses of the form he produced on a regular basis for Liverpool at Allianz Arena, but the Bundesliga giants are expected to pass up the chance to sign him permanently.

Joorabchian has now revealed that a number of clubs are keeping an eye on his client's situation ahead of the summer transfer window.

The super-agent says that, although Coutinho has not yet given up on his career at Barca, he would welcome the chance to return to the Premier League if he is forced out of Camp Nou at the end of the season.

“Because the Champions League runs until August 23, it's going to be very difficult for players like Coutinho to make any commitments or moves before then,” Joorabchian told talkSPORT.

“For him to make a commitment is very difficult.

“We've not kept it a secret that he wants to come back to the Premier League if he can.

“He adores playing in the Premier League and I think it's one of his priorities, but he's also not against staying in Barcelona so it's very open.

“There's a lot of genuine interest because he's a great player, so there's always interest.”

Joorabchian added on the possibility of another big-money move for Coutinho amid the coronavirus crisis: “I don't envisage too many deals of that nature – 80 to 100 million. There will be a lot of 10 to 30 or 40 million.”

Coutinho's last appearance for Bayern came during a 4-2 DFB Cup final victory over Bayer Leverkusen on July 4, and he could be in line to feature when Hansi Flick's side take on Chelsea in the second leg of their round of 16 Champions League tie next month.

In the wake of his recent move to Mamelodi Sundowns, Lesedi Kapinga’s agent Moses Mudau has explained why they opted against entertaining offers from Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates among other teams that showed interest to sign him.

Mudau says his client had attracted interest from many clubs including National First Division (NFD) log leaders Ajax Cape Town, saying the Mother City-based side had promised to sign him once they gain promotion to the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

Mudau revealed the 25-year-old has the desire to lift the Caf Champions League trophy and he felt Sundowns were the only team that could offer him that chance.

“We chose Sundowns because Kapinga has a big ambition to win the Caf Champions League. He felt it’s only Sundowns that can give him that at this stage,” Mudau told Isolezwe.

“All in all, there were 16 clubs that wanted him and that includes Ajax Cape Town. They have been telling us they want him if they secure promotion to the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

“Pirates and Chiefs also wanted him so much. [Ernst Middendorp’s] assistant coach Shaun Bartlett likes Kapinga.”

Having joined the reigning PSL champions on a five-year deal, Mudau has no doubts about his client’s abilities, saying he was born to play football.

“I don’t doubt Kapinga’s talent. He was born to play football. I wish he will get an opportunity to impress at Sundowns,” added the representative.

“I know that people think his career will be finished at Sundowns but there are players that are successful there such as Hlompho Kekana, Themba Zwane, Tebogo Langerman and others.

“Pitso likes Kapinga’s style and I have confidence in him. The kind of football that is played at Sundowns suits Kapinga – he likes to keep the ball.”

The former Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) star became Sundowns' second major signing after the arrival of George Maluleka. 

Although he is likely to make his official debut at the start of the 2020/21 campaign after Leopards decided against keeping him until the end of the season, Kapinga continues to train with his new teammates in Rustenburg.

When Ayoze Perez looked ready to be introduced for Leicester City in their hugely important game against Manchester United on Sunday, the casual observer would have predicted a change of shape rather than a like-for-like replacement by Brendan Rodgers.

Having started with a 3-5-2 against the Red Devils, the Foxes were the dominant side at the King Power Stadium in the opening half and it seemed like the Northern Irishman was looking to be more adventurous with his alteration.

Knowing full well Chelsea were 2-0 up in their encounter with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge, the ex-Liverpool boss was aware his team needed to beat Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side to seal a top four berth. Surprisingly, Kelechi Iheanacho’s number went up and the Foxes lost the chance to pile even more pressure on the fatigued Red Devils from a position of strength.

Up until then, Leicester had been the better side and their Nigerian forward was arguably their most threatening attacking player. Even though he couldn’t put the home team in front, the former Manchester City striker was a threat majorly due to the intelligent positions he was taking up between the lines.

In fairness, the hosts weren’t particularly creating chance after chance in the first 45 minutes, still, Iheanacho was getting the ball in positions that could potentially hurt the visitors. Following Harry Maguire’s early ninth-minute yellow card, the West African forward stuck to that position to test the nerve of the Englishman, who wasn’t helped by Nemanja Matic who wasn’t at his dominant best, be it on the ball or in protecting the defence.

Unsurprisingly, Jamie Vardy’s strike partner was involved in the home side’s two best moments in the opening half: the first came in the 24th minute of the game from a counter-attack after James Justin cut out a Paul Pogba pass to Marcus Rashford. Iheanacho had already positioned himself between Pogba and Matic and upon receiving the ball after Justin’s interception, ran beyond the Serb and Frenchman, who oddly opted against fouling the Nigerian to stop the attack, before firing tamely into David de Gea’s arms.

Having driven forward with the ball, and with a backtracking United defence reluctant to close him down, Iheanacho took on the shot with his weaker right foot. Indeed, the better option was playing in Vardy, who’d peeled away into the left channel or Justin to his right. In the end, he did neither and the chance was lost.

The frontman did pass on Leicester’s next best opening, though. Approximately 10 minutes after the aforementioned attempt, the African forward, taking up an even more dangerous position just inside the visitors’ half beyond Matic and away from the United centre-backs, received the ball from Youri Tielemans, drove forward and held on long enough for support to arrive.

He returned the ball to the Belgian midfielder who rolled his effort just wide of the post with De Gea scrambling to get across.

Those two instances highlighted Iheanacho’s influence on Leicester’s attack, so it was beyond bizarre that Rodgers withdrew his side’s best forward and possibly best player for an hour at the King Power.

It’d likely have been disappointing for Iheanacho who often gets the chop early regardless of performance. Indeed, it’s been a recurring trend with the 23-year-old forward, especially in important games after the Premier League’s restart in June. Rodgers made the strange choice to withdraw the Nigerian in their 1-1 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium and also at half-time in their 4-1 defeat by Bournemouth.

The Nigeria international was undoubtedly Leicester’s best-attacking player against the Gunners, while he deserved far more than the ignominy of being replaced at the interval against the Cherries having played relatively well at the Vitality Stadium.

Rodgers’ team, despite the man advantage against Mikel Arteta’s side, looked a bit toothless in North London until Vardy finally levelled but Iheanacho’s showing before his withdrawal on the hour suggested they might have had a better chance of turning the game around had he stayed on longer.

It was apparent there was a reluctance to play the Imo-born striker for the entirety of games but whether this is due to an inability to maintain his level for 90 minutes or his manager having pre-planned substitutions is anyone’s guess.

What isn’t in question, however, is that Iheanacho’s withdrawal on Sunday gave the initiative away to the visitors who scored two goals from mistakes by the Foxes in their third.

Given United mustered only two shots in the second-half – Bruno Fernandes’ penalty and Jesse Lingard’s goal from a Kasper Schmeichel error – fans of the Foxes might wish their manager didn’t replace the team’s best player on the hour in a game they needed to win.

With the stakes so high and with fine margins in play, every decision needed to be spot on for the East Midlands’ side who missed out on Champions League qualification following the defeat.

Iheanacho has since been linked with a move to Newcastle United but, unless Leicester force him out of the club, is expected to fancy his chances of playing European football for the first time since joining from Pep Guardiola’s outfit in 2017.

After a season that promised so much, the Foxes now have to make do with competing in the Europa League in 2020/21 after finishing fifth in the Premier League. This could have been different had Rodgers kept Iheanacho on in Sunday’s decisive clash and also been braver in going for all three points against a flagging United side.

Manchester United will need to have "a serious think" about the future of David de Gea, former Red Devils goalkeeper Mark Bosnich says.

De Gea's place in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side came back under scrutiny following a poor performance in the 3-1 FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea.

The United manager kept faith with the Spain international and he kept a clean sheet in the 2-0 win over Leicester City on the last day of the Premier League season, which secured the Red Devils' top-four finish.

De Gea has been named United's player of the year four times in six seasons but a worrying number of mistakes have crept into his game over the past two years.

Indeed, since the start of 2018-19, he has made seven errors leading to goals in the Premier League – only Martin Dubravka and Jordan Pickford (eight) have committed more.

Bosnich, a league champion with United in 1999-2000, is backing De Gea to recapture some of his best form but thinks United must give serious consideration to the future of Dean Henderson or the prospect of bringing a younger keeper through to compete with their number one.

"I do believe [he will prove himself again], he's been outstanding for such a long time," Bosnich told Sky Sports News.

"Obviously, when you start making mistakes as he has done in the last six to 12 months, people start opening their eyes and because it has happened in certain situations which have cost Manchester United – for example, the FA Cup semi-final – people start asking questions.

"Also, having someone like Dean Henderson playing so well at Sheffield United [on loan], and being on Manchester United's books, it is only natural that people are going to ask if he is up to it.

"The people who truly know that will be Ole and his staff. They see him day in, day out, they made a decision to go with him even after the FA Cup debacle.

"He proved them correct, they qualified for the Champions League but going forward they really need to have a serious think about this.

"Even if they do decide to stay with him, which I believe that they will, and if Dean Henderson wants to stay out on loan, which is understandable to play first-team football, I would seriously consider bringing in a really young up-and-coming goalkeeper.

"When I say young, I would say less than 20 years of age because he [De Gea] is obviously not getting the competition he needs right now at this moment in time."

Bosnich thinks part of De Gea's drop in standards has been born out of a technical flaw in his methods, which has affected him mentally.

"The problem has gone from being a technical problem, which was quite evident when he was diving backwards, which he was doing a lot, and that started to infiltrate into his head," he said.

"He has to make sure in this time off to make sure he gets that right and I believe he will be given that opportunity to reassert his authority in that number one position but it will be up to him to do so."

Player-specific squad numbers have become a normal part of football since the abandonment of a simple one to 11 numbering system and some players are forever associated with certain numbers.

The number 10, for example, is usually associated with the creative heart of a team - think Lionel Messi or Diego Maradona - while number four might be a defensive midfielder or centre-back.

Cristiano Ronaldo followed a long line of famous number sevens at Manchester United - including George Best and David Beckham - subsequently making it a central component of his brand, CR7.

Occasionally, such is the influence of an individual that the number they wore at a club can be retired, thus ensuring that it is exclusively tied to the memory of their achievements.

Goal takes a look at why clubs retire shirt numbers as well as some notable examples of the practice.

Contents

Why do clubs retire shirt numbers?

Clubs can retire shirt numbers for any number of reasons, but it is generally used as a tribute to players who have excelled for the club or as a mark of respect to players who have died prematurely.

It is believed that former Toronto Maple Leafs player Ace Bailey was the first sportsperson to have a shirt number retired in his honour, when the team withdrew the number six from selection in 1934.

The practice is particularly common in the United States and Canada, but it has since spread through other sports across the world.

Clubs who have retired shirt numbers for players

The practice of retiring shirt numbers has caught on across the world, but it appears to be more common in certain countries.

As the lists below will show, Italian clubs seem to be more fond of the tradition, with the likes of Paolo Maldini, Roberto Baggio and Diego Maradona among the notable figures to be honoured.

In England, West Ham have retired the number six in tribute to World Cup winner Bobby Moore, while Manchester City retired the number 23 following the tragic death of Marc-Vivien Foe.

Brazil icon Pele has been honoured by American club New York Cosmos, while Major League Soccer Side New York Red Bulls have indicated that no other player will wear 99 after Bradley Wright-Phillips.

Dutch giants Ajax retired the number 14, which was famously worn by Johan Cruyff.

Notable retired shirt numbers in England

*Former Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino retired the number 17 in 2014 because he considered it to be an unlucky number.

Notable retired shirt numbers in Spain

Notable retired shirt numbers in France

Notable retired shirt numbers in Germany

Notable retired shirt numbers in Italy

*Paolo Maldini has given his consent for the number 3 to be worn by his sons if either of them play for AC Milan.

Notable retired shirt numbers in North America

Numbers reserved for supporters & mascots

As well as current and former players, many clubs have honoured their supporters by retiring the number 12, based on the idea that the fans are often considered to be the "12th man" on the team.

However, there are also deviations from that tradition across the world. For example, United Soccer League team Indy Eleven have retired the number 11, Turkish outfit Bursaspor have retired the number 16, while Swedish sides AIK and Djurgarden have reserved the number one for their fans.

Premier League side Bournemouth have dedicated the number 50 to their fans and the number 99 is reserved for the club mascot, Cherry Bear, while Leicester City's mascot Filbert Fox wears the number 50.

Major League Soccer side Atlanta United have reserved the number 17 for their supporters and also as a nod towards their first ever season in the competition.

Real Madrid have confirmed that Mariano Diaz has tested positive for Covid-19 and is now self-isolating at home.

The Blancos are in the process of finalising their plans for the second leg of a Champions League last-16 encounter with Real Madrid.

Zinedine Zidane’s side trail that contest 2-1 on aggregate and have it all to do at the Etihad Stadium on August 7.

Quarantine protocols have been put in place for those arriving in Britain from Spanish shores as the coronavirus pandemic continues to pose a serious threat to public health around the world.

Real had been granted exemption from those regulations, with there no need for them to isolate for 14 days once entering the UK.

There has been no suggestion as yet that a review of that situation will be carried out.

Mariano has, however, tested positive in the Spanish capital and been forced out of Zidane’s plans.

The 26-year-old is said to have had no contact with other players and staff, with his being the only positive test recorded after an initial round of screening.

Real announced via a statement on the club’s official website: "After the Covid-19 tests carried out individually on our first team yesterday by the Real Madrid medical services, our player Mariano has given a positive result.

"The player is in perfect health and complying with the sanitary isolation protocol at home."

Mariano is set play no part against City, but Madrid will be hoping that a fixture in England goes ahead as planned.

UEFA has, however, stated that all games currently lined up in Europe’s premier club competition will be reviewed on a regular basis.

It is intending to hold the latter stages of the Champions League, from the quarter-finals through to the final, on Portuguese soil between August 12 and 23.

A statement was, however, released on July 9 which read: “UEFA will continue to monitor the situation and reserves the right to reassign any such matches to the venues of the final tournament of the relevant competition should new events occur that would make it impossible to play one or more matches at the original venues.”

Mariano has taken in just seven appearances for Madrid this season, registering one goal, and saw just three outings off the bench once La Liga action resumed in mid-June and the Blancos wrapped up an impressive title triumph.

Willian will make a final decision on his future when the season ends, according to his agent Kia Joorabchian, who says the Chelsea star "has two concrete offers from Premier League clubs on the table".

Chelsea have reportedly offered Willian the chance to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge through to 2022, with his current deal set to expire in August.

However, the Brazil international is holding out for an extra year, and has made it clear that he will move onto pastures new unless his demands are met.

Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United have all been linked with the 31-year-old in recent weeks, as the opportunity to snap up a seasoned Premier League performer on a free transfer looks set to present itself ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.

Joorabchian has now confirmed that a whole host of potential suitors are interested in Willian's services, including an unnamed club from MLS.

When asked to discuss the midfielder's current stance on his position at Chelsea, the super-agent told talkSPORT: “I don’t think he’s done a U-turn or any kind of turn. He’s always been very much the same mode.

“We had big offers – one from MLS which required him to move on July 1 – but he’s always wanted to finish the season at Chelsea and the day after the season has finished he would decide.

“He has two concrete offers from Premier League clubs on the table, an offer from an MLS club, and two other offers from Europe.

“He is going to make his decision after the last game of the season.”

Chelsea legend Dennis Wise admitted that Willian would be the ideal addition to Arsenal's ranks during an interview with Stadium Astro at the start of the month, as he stated: "I think he’d be a good fit for anyone; Arsenal, I think he’d be a wonderful fit for them.

"That’s the sad thing about it, we’ll let him go to an opponent who wants to compete."

Willian has taken in 339 appearances for Chelsea since joining the club from Anzhi Makhachkala in 2013, scoring 63 goals and laying on 62 assists.

He has featured 47 times this season, and has helped Frank Lampard's side secure a top-four Premier League finish while also reaching the FA Cup final.

The Brazilian will likely be in contention for a place in Chelsea's squad once again for the Wembley date on August 1, before focus shifts back to the Champions League.

The Blues are due to come up against Bayern Munich in a last-16 second-leg tie at the Allianz Arena seven days after their clash with Arsenal, where they will be aiming to overturn a 3-0 deficit.

Manchester United are “the next team to go and challenge” for the Premier League title, claims Michael Owen, with the Red Devils needing only “a little bit more” in order to become serious contenders.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have finished as the best of the rest in 2019-20, with a timely run of form since the turn of the year seeing them wrap up third spot and Champions League qualification.

Liverpool and Manchester City have once again pulled well clear of the chasing pack, but they are there to be shot at and have an ambitious group of rivals looking to rein them in.

Chelsea have already spent bid this summer in a bid to push themselves back into contention, with the promise of more to come at Stamford Bridge.

United are also looking to add in the transfer window and have shown that they are starting to get the right pieces of the puzzle in place.

Owen feels the Red Devils are the most likely to give Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola cause for concern, with Solskjaer requiring a few minor tweaks before the 13-time Premier League champions can set their sights on the ultimate prize once more.

The former United and Liverpool striker told Premier League Productions: “The players now, they do look as if they are the next team to go and challenge the Liverpools and the Manchester Citys of this world.

“You’re looking at it for a long time now and they have been miles clear of anyone but on form in the last 20-odd games, United are right up there.

“I think another tell-tale sign was when they won it there (at Leicester on the final day to wrap up a top-four finish)- yes there was celebrating, yes there were handshakes and all the rest of it, but there was no crazy celebrations, there was a steely determination look from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as if to say ‘this is the bare minimum, hang on a minute we’re Manchester United’.

“Top four is bare minimum. They are not going to rest on their laurels now. They are playing particularly well but they still need to add a little bit more before they can go and challenge for top honours.”

Fulham midfielder Neeskens Kebano has shifted his focus to their Championship second leg semi-final playoff with Cardiff City on Thursday.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo international delivered an impressive performance in Monday’s 2-0 first-leg win over the Bluebirds. 

After Anglo-Nigeria Josh Onomah put the Craven Cottage outfit in front with his wonder strike, the 28-year-old then sealed the victory in the encounter.

The effort is the midfielder’s fourth goal in 17 games across all competitions this season and has taken to the social media to reflect on the showing while also appreciating the club's fans for their supports.

“Thank you all for your messages. Great team spirit and [I am] very happy to have scored one more time. See you Thursday,” Kebano tweeted.

Kebano has been with the Craven Cottage outfit since the summer of 2016 when he joined from Belgian side Genk.

The midfielder, who scored his first goal for Fulham against Wigan Athletic in February 2017, has now found the back of the net 12 times in 75 league games.

Kebano started his career with ASA Montereau youth team before teaming up with French giants Paris Saint-Germain youth setup in 2006.

The 28-year-old was promoted to the Parisians’ first team in 2011 and featured in three Ligue 1 games for the side before joining Caen on loan.

The former France youth international later departed PSG permanently for life in Belgium with Sporting Charleroi, where he shone, scoring 18 goals in 68 league games during his two-year stay with the side.

His eye-catching performances caught the attention of Genk, who secured his signature in 2015 and featured 37 times for the Blue and White before he moved to Fulham.

Kebano previously played for France U17, U18, U19 and U20 teams before pledging his allegiance to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2014.

The midfielder made his debut against Ivory Coast and has now played 19 times for the country, scoring five goals.

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has slammed UEFA over its handling of Manchester City's Financial Fair Play (FFP) case.

City were banned from the Champions League for two seasons in February after being found guilty of breaching FFP rules between 2012 and 2016.

The Premier League outfit swiftly launched an appeal against the ruling, and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) looked at all the evidence in the case before making a final decision on July 13.

City's ban was ultimately overturned, and their €30 million (£27m/$35m) fine was reduced to €10m, which prompted several Premier League managers to question the way FFP operates, including Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho.

Rummenigge has now pointed the finger of blame at UEFA, insisting the organisation failed to provide proof of City's financial violations in the necessary time-frame.

“I believe the final decision made by CAS was an outcome because the UEFA panel responsible for Champions League matters didn’t do a great job, it’s looking like,” the Bayern chief told a press conference on Monday.

“What I heard from different sources is that it was not well organised in advance.”

Rummenigge went onto express his belief that changes must be made to FFP in order for future controversies to be avoided.

He said: "We have to modify Financial Fair Play because in the past 10 years, football has changed dramatically in [terms of] the financial behaviour and so we have to find different tools.”

Despite disagreeing with the outcome of City's case, Rummenigge also congratulated the club on their reinstatement to the Champions League.

"Congrats to the colleagues of Manchester City that they can participate next year in the Champions League and the year after as well," said the 64-year-old.

City and Bayern recently did business outside of the transfer window, with Leroy Sane completing a €60m (£55m/$70m) move to the Allianz Arena from the Etihad Stadium on July 3.

Rummenigge added on a drawn-out saga finally coming to a close: “The transfer market is looking likely to be affected by coronavirus because we had been interested in signing  him a year ago when the transfer amount was totally different than today.

“So we are happy that we have been able to sign him now for Bayern Munich. The only thing it’s looking like is that the agents are trying to keep their salary on a very high level.”

Ghana's special advisor on health at the presidency Nsiah Asare revealed the outcome of three national teams' imminent return to training amid the coronavirus conditions will indicate the way forward for Asante Kotoko and Ashanti Gold ahead of their participation in continental inter-club action next season.

Ghana's women's U20 team as well as the men and women's U17 teams have been granted special permission by national President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to regroup for camping ahead of upcoming international events, despite a lingering ban on all contact sports, including football, due to Covid-19.

The ban has been in effect since March, a situation that resulted in the premature termination of the 2019-20 domestic football season, including the Premier league (GPL).

“The African club competition is a continental competition, how we handle the national teams situation now will be a basis for the government in deciding the fate of Asante Kotoko and Ashanti Gold whether to allow them to train or not," Nsiah told Kumasi FM.

“When the time approaches and the GFA [Ghana Football Association], MOYS [Ministry of Youth and Sports] and NSA [National Sports Authority] present a legitimate proposal, precautions and protocols on the safety mechanisms, we will allow them to play to bring happiness back to the fans.

“The health experts will look into the health risks and if its low, we will allow them. The countries our clubs will go to will also influence our decision [as] some countries do not even conduct Covid-19 test.

“They will have to go through the same process the national teams are going through now.”

Following cancellation of the 2019-20 season and consequent inability to decide Ghana's representatives for 2020-21 continental inter-club football, the GFA Executive Council have given Kotoko and AshGold the nod to represent the nation in the Caf Champions League and Confederation Cup, respectively, next term.

There have, however, been concerns about the standing ban on football as it has a direct impact on when the two clubs can regroup and begin training for their Africa assignments.

There have also been health worries about the safety of team members while training under the current coronavirus situations.

Ghana's U17 and U20 female teams are to commence preparations for upcoming World Cup qualifiers in October and September, respectively, while the male U17 side have a Wafu championship on their time table. 

Gor Mahia coach Steven Polack has maintained released custodian Peter Odhiambo will return to play for the club in the future.

Odhiambo was shown the exit door at the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions on Monday and has already been linked with a transfer to Wazito FC.

Speaking to Goal on the exit of the keeper, the K’Ogalo tactician has admitted they have lost a very good player but they could do nothing to stop his exit because “he wanted to go elsewhere for playing time.”

“Nothing really I could do about Peter [Odhiambo] exit, he decided he wanted to leave and you know you cannot force people to stay if they don’t want to stay,” Polack told Goal on Tuesday.

“He is a good keeper, we all know that but we also had to understand why he wanted to leave, it is because he wanted to get more playing time, you know at his age, he will not be happy always sitting on the bench.

“He has always shown he wants to compete with other top keepers and I spoke to him personally before he made the decision to leave and I told him I understand the situation and if he feels he wants to go somewhere else where he can get playing time, then the better for him, I respect that.

“He is a very young keeper, I guess 26 years now if I remember and who knows maybe, he will come back to Gor Mahia one day, you know, some players stay in a club to get money but some players will always leave a club with money to get playing time, and that is what Odhiambo has done, very rare to find such players in Africa.

“Like I said, I respect his decision and that is the way it and I wish him all the best as he moves on.”

On Monday, Gor Mahia also opted to release forward Dickson Ambundo after his loan deal with the club expired.

The 24-year-old joined K'Ogalo on loan from former Tanzania Mainland League outfit Alliance FC in July 2019. The winger was used in the front three positions owing to the team's struggles to get a consistent striker, especially after the departure of Francis Afriyie and Gnamien Yikpe.

Gor Mahia have also signed keeper Levis Opiyo from Nairobi City Stars.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) presidential candidate Twaha Mbarak has laughed off a letter from the outgoing office signed by CEO Barry Otieno rubbishing the newly formed office which has been given the green light to hold elections in Mombasa County.

According to a letter from the Registrar of Societies signed by Rose Wasike and obtained by Goal, the county became the first one to be cleared after meeting the demands of the registrar.  

The Federation got wind of it and went on to warn its members, saying they will soon communicate the way forward. However, the administrator now believes that is a sign of panic by the incumbent Nick Mwendwa.

"The purported FKF national officials have shown unnecessary panic by giving themselves powers that they don’t have because their term ended on 10th February 2020," Mbarak said in a signed statement obtained by Goal.

The Mombasa-based candidate says the letter had no clear recipients considering the term of the FKF branch chairmen and secretaries expired on January 20.

He says the chairman of Mombasa County, Juma Goshi, as per the 2013 Sports Act, was the right person to be addressed by the outgoing office.

"It is laughable for Nick to refer to officials who were legitimately elected by clubs as non-members. Does it mean for one to be a legitimate FKF member must be Mwendwa’s sycophant?" Mbarak asked.

[Otieno] must know that he is an employee of the Federation and not Mwendwa’s personal assistance. 

"Some of the letters he writes are irrelevant, uncalled for and cause confusion to the good citizens who are complying with the rule of law which Mwendwa and his sycophants failed, despite being in office for over four years now. 

"This proves his incompetence leading to the confusion we find ourselves in following the two aborted shambolic elections that were cancelled by the [Sports Disputes Tribunal]."

Mbarak has accused the incumbent of bribery and intimidation, saying all he should do is wait to hand powers to the incoming president.

"Last but not least, Mwenda should come to his senses and know that he is not above the law, his only task, for now, is to wait for the incoming president to hand over and go home," Mbarak continued.

"[He should stop] intimidating stakeholders who are complying with the laws of the land, bribing voters, misinforming FIFA officials on the reality of things on the ground to win their sympathy and signing illegal contracts without having the National Executive Council. 

"He should know that FKF is not his personal property and the country has laws that must be followed to the letter."  

Fresh from a three-week Phase 1 centralised training in July, Maloney is gearing up his players for Phase 2 that will even slightly longer, planned for August 3-30 as he ensures no stones is left unturned in Malaysia's preparations for the AFC U19 Championship in Uzbekistan in October.

Nine players were dropped from the first training camp with the biggest inclusion this time around being star forward Luqman Hakim, who were among the Selangor 2 players that stayed back with their club earlier this month in preparations for the return of the Premier League in August.

However his club team mates in Firdaus Irman, Sikh Izhan, Azrin Afiq, Harith Haikal, Mukhairi Ajmal and Ahmad Zikri have not been called up giving rise to the notion that the Malaysia U19 coaching staff intends to have a closer look at Luqman's fitness levels.

Meanwhile the seven players from Johor Darul Ta'zim II has left Maloney suitably impressed after the first phase with the Australian keeping faith with all of them for the second phase, including Arif Aiman who has already featured for the Johor Darul Ta'zim side in the Super League.

Interestingly, of the three players that came from abroad during the first phase, only Zachry Raiff and Wan Kuzri have been kept in the squad with BISP Cruzeiro Academy player Adam Nadzmi not part of this new call-up.

After the contact training that was allowed midway through the first training phase, the August period is likely to be crucial for the head coach to implement his tactics with friendly matches likely to be allowed beginning August 15.

For the tournament in October, Malaysia are in the same group as Tajikistan, Qatar and Yemen with the top four teams in the competition qualifying for the FIFA World Cup U20 in Indonesia next year.

Squad in full:

GK: Syahmi Adib (AMD), Rahadiazli Rahalim (Terengganu FC), Ahmad Irfan Ibrahim (Terengganu FC), Riezman Irfan (Pahang)

DF: Firdaus Ramli (JDT), Fahmi Daniel (Selangor), Aiman Farhan (Kedah), Faiz Amer (AMD), Marwan Rahman (AMD)

MF: Arif Aiman (JDT), Umar Hakeem (JDT), Firdaus Kaironnisam (JDT), Alif Mutalib (JDT), Shafi Azswad (JDT), Azrul Haikal (Selangor), Fakrul Iman (Selangor), Raimi Shamsul (Selangor), Aiman Afif (Kedah), Amirul Akmal (Kedah), Ziad El Basheer (AMD), Yuseril Yusekil (Sabah), Alan Lagang Keryer (Sarawak United), Azam Azmi (Terengganu FC), Muslihuddin Atiq (Terengganu FC), Zachry Raiff (Brooke House College), Wan Kuzri (St Louis Academy)

FW: Nasip Zain (Sabah), Khairi Suffian (AMD), Luqman Hakim (Selangor), Daryl Sham (JDT)
 

Real Madrid have “ended the monopoly that Barcelona had” in La Liga, claims Fabio Capello, with Zinedine Zidane considered to be the man who “best understood what the club needed”.

The Blancos enjoyed a remarkable run on the back of a coronavirus-enforced break to snatch a Spanish top-flight crown from the clutches of their Clasico rivals.

Real entered lockdown sat behind Barca and with questions once again being asked of their ability to deliver on a consistent basis.

They were, however, to string together 10 successive wins from the middle of June, only tarnishing that record in a 2-2 draw with Leganes on the final day, and ended the campaign five points clear at the summit.

Zidane was returned to the club in 2019 with the intention of overseeing further success – having previously delivered the Liga title and a hat-trick of Champions League triumphs.

He has shown once again that he has the winning formula, with Barca having been prevented from wrapping up a third title in as many seasons and a fifth in the last six years.

"They won it on merit," former Madrid boss Capello told Marca of the Blancos’ achievement. "They played the best championship. They scored goals and others didn't score many against them.

"Real Madrid have ended the monopoly that Barcelona had."

He added, with the Blaugrana having stumbled their way towards the finishing post: "Real Madrid have taken advantage of Barcelona's dip, but let it be clear that Real Madrid won thanks to their own merit, not because of others' mistakes."

Capello knows what it takes to deliver title success at Santiago Bernabeu.

He delivered on that remit in each of his one-season spells with the club and believes that Zidane – who was a fan favourite in his playing days – is the perfect coach to fill one of the most demanding roles on the planet.

Capello said of the iconic Frenchman: "Great. My most cordial congratulations.

"He has done really well. It was very difficult to win this title and he achieved it. With 10 wins and a draw, impressive. He has understood more than anybody what the club needed.

"He's discreet, with personality and confidence. He's the coach who has best understood the need for rotation and making changes."

Bruno Fernandes has given Manchester United “another dimension”, says Wes Brown, with the Portuguese playmaker considered to be “the first piece of the puzzle” for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The Red Devils are hoping that a talismanic figure will also prove to be one of the last pieces as they endeavour to force their way back into contention for major honours.

Few could have predicted that Fernandes would make such a big impact at Old Trafford when he was picked up from Sporting CP in the winter transfer window.

He was, however, to hit the ground running in English football and has recorded 10 goals through 20 appearances in all competitions.

His willingness to take risks and demand more from those around him has seen the collective standard raised in Manchester.

United have benefitted from that with a third-place finish in the Premier League and qualification for the Champions League.

They are also still in the hunt for Europa League glory, with everyone connected with the club determined to deliver tangible success in 2020.

Fernandes appears set to lead that charge, alongside the likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, with Brown seeing cause for optimism from a rejuvenated Red Devils outfit.

The former United defender told MUTV when asked about who has rekindled a spark at Old Trafford: "For me I'd have to say Bruno, I know he only came in January but like we've talked about he's lifted the whole squad, brought a little bit of another dimension to the squad.

"Off that Mason [Greenwood], Rashy, Martial - they all took advantage of that.

"I think that's all down to - not just all down to him - but he started it off. He was the first piece of the puzzle."

Fernandes has vowed to continue leading by example for United, with the plan being for Champions League qualification to represent the first step on a charge back to the top of domestic and continental games.

He has said: “We trained hard and we worked hard for this moment. We know the only thing we could achieve this season was getting into the Champions League, so we fought hard for that, but we are not happy enough because we know this club and these players, they can bring much more for the club.

“I think we have qualities enough to fight for some titles - more than one title, you know? I think we need to win some trophies and then we'll be really happy.”

Express FC goalkeeper Mathias Muwanga is hoping to become the first choice stopper in his team once the new season starts.

The custodian was not involved in the first round of the abandoned 2019/20 Ugandan Premier League season owing to a back injury but made several appearances in the second leg. The custodian feels he is ready to oust his colleagues from the post.

"It has been tough on all the players but toughest for me, because I was nursing my back injury," Muwanga told the club's official website.

"But now I am ready and I can't wait for the season to start."

In the 2015/16 season, the 22-year-old impressed while with Sadolin Paints and went on to keep 16 clean sheets in the 25 matches played.

It was during the same season he was named the Ugandan Premier League (UPL) goalkeeper of the season.

The custodian revealed what helped him reach that level.

"For me, it is all about hard work and I guarantee you, I am well prepared and I will reclaim the number one jersey," the youngster concluded.  

The former URA shot-stopper managed to keep three clean sheets for Express in a handful matches he played.

The Wankulukuku-based side finished in the ninth position having managed to collect 31 points in the 25 matches played.

The Red Eagles managed to collect nine wins, four draws and 12 losses in the process. 

They have managed to win the league six times, the most recent coming in the 2011/12 season. They have also won the Uganda Cup 10 times.

The team conceded 37 goals last season and were the second-worst team in the league in terms of goals conceded as relegated Tooro United shipped in 39.

It is an area that goalkeeper trainer Sam Kawalya had promised to work on as the team prepares for the coming season.

"Everyone knows the strength of any team starts from the back [goalkeeper], that said, it’s key to learn from our mistakes last season so we shall have to work more on concentrating in games but also work extra hard to have as many clean sheets," Kawalya said in an earlier interview.