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Bernard Mensah saw red alongside his teammate Diego Angelo in Monday night’s 1-1 Turkish Super Lig draw between Kayserispor and Gaziantep at the Kadir Has Stadium.

The Anatolian Star were 3-2 losers in their last encounter against Rizespor, their second defeat in the league since it’s resumption.

They started from behind in Monday’s tie with Alexandru Maxim giving the visitors the lead in the 62nd minute having been assisted by Furkan Soyalp.

Mensah started in attack alongside Cenk Sahin, Pedro Henrique and Artem Kravets, but the 25-year old Ghana international got his marching orders with a straight red card with 16 minutes left on the clock for violent conduct.

Brazilian central defender Angelo equally saw red in the 87th minute for a similar offence.

Kayserispor got redemption in the 90th minute thanks to Kravets’ equalising goal.

Mensah had a fine game before his dismissal, producing two total shots, winning three of five dribbles, 65 touches, 34 accurate passes at 94%, the fourth-highest among his teammates and second-highest among the starters, only behind red card partner Angelo.

He had 100% accuracy with his long balls (six from six), won 10 of 15 total duels and made one clearance, interception and three tackles.

Mensah will now receive a three-match suspension for his actions having already been suspended three times this season for yellow card accumulations.

The former Atletico Madrid player has a hand in 13 goals (five goals, eight assists) in 25 Super Lig outings this season. His most recent goal came in a 2-0 win at Sivasspor on June 28.

His other goals have also come in 2020, the Sivasspor clash the only victory while the others ended in two defeats and two draws. Mensah’s assists have also been split in both halves of the campaign (four each).

Monday night’s draw still keeps Kayserispor’s survival hopes alive as they sit second from bottom with 32 points, the same points as 15th place Yeni Malatyaspor.

Robert Prosinecki’s men however have very tricky ties in the remaining two rounds as they tackle first and second-placed Istanbul Basaksehir and Trabzonspor respectively.

Adebayo Akinfenwa joked that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp should contact him so that they can celebrate together after Wycombe Wanderers won promotion to the Championship.

Wycombe beat Oxford United 2-1 in the League One play-off final on Monday to secure their place in the England second tier, with Joe Jacobson sealing the win when he converted a penalty in the 79th minute.

Akinfenwa, 38, joined the club in 2016 after leaving Wimbledon despite helping them earn promotion in his final match when they beat Plymouth in the League Two play-off final.

The striker famously said in a post-match interview that he was "technically unemployed" as his contract with Wimbledon came to an end and pleaded: "any managers hit me up on the WhatsApp and get me a job".

The former Swansea and Millwall attacker's contract with Wycombe is set to expire at the end of this season, too, but he is in no mood to hear from anyone other than the coach of the Premier League winners so they can enjoy their achievements together.

"Look, look, let me calm down. First and foremost, I want to thank God, because today he made the impossible possible," he said in his post-match interview with Sky Sports.

"Four years ago I stood in front of you and I was technically unemployed.

"Let me tell you something, the only person that can hit me up on WhatsApp this time is Klopp, so we can celebrate together. You get me? Oi!"

Akinfenwa came off the bench to play the final 30 minutes of the game, but he has netted 10 goals in 32 appearances in 2019-20 and this season he became the club's top goalscorer in the EFL era.

Last week, the forward said he was the subject of racist abuse during the play-off semi-final clash against Fleetwood Town, sparking an investigation by the Football Association.

But he was in no mood to discuss that incident on such a joyous evening, because Wycombe are in the Championship.

"There's a time for me to speak on that, and I will speak on it," he added. "Life in football is all about opinions. Someone gave their opinion on me, and that was their opinion.

"I hope my story shows that the only opinion that matters is the opinion you have about yourself.

"I was lucky and blessed to find a manager and players who believed in me, so we are here today, and I'll say it for the people in the back: Wycombe's in the Championship.

"Wait, wait, I'll say it one more time: Wycombe is in the Champio- Wait! The people in the back didn't hear me! Wycombe is in the Championship!"

Samuel Chukwueze’s Villarreal have failed to qualify for next season’s Uefa Champions League after suffering a 2-1 defeat against Real Sociedad in a La Liga fixture.

Chukwueze came off the bench immediately after the restart to replace Fernando Nino but his assist in the closing stages of the game was not enough to save the hosts from falling at Estadio de la Ceramica on Monday.

Cameroon midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa who is on a season-long loan from Fulham, played the entire duration for the Yellow Submarine.

After goals from Willian Jose and Llorente had put Real Sociedad ahead within 30 minutes of the second half, the Super Eagles attacker turned provider for Santi Cazorla’s 85th minute effort which reduced the deficit for Villarreal.

The assist was Chukwueze's second in La Liga this season after 35 outings and he has also scored three goals so far.

The defeat left Villarreal nine points adrift of the top-four with two matches remaining but in turn, guaranteed Sevilla's qualification for the Champions League next season.

Javi Calleja's side are fifth in the league standings with 57 points after 36 games and they are still in contention for Europa League qualification.

They sit three points clear of Getafe and Real Sociedad in sixth and seventh respectively.

Following Monday's disappointing loss, Chukwueze and Villarreal will be aiming to bounce back to winning ways when they visit league leaders Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday before concluding their 2019-20 La Liga campaign against Eibar at home on July 19.

Real Madrid moved one win away from LaLiga glory with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Granada at Los Carmenes on Monday. 

Goals from Ferland Mendy – his first for the club – and Karim Benzema restored Madrid's four-point advantage over Barcelona with two games remaining. 

Mendy slammed home a brilliant finish from a tight angle to become the 21st Madrid player to score in LaLiga this season, while Benzema increased his top-flight tally this term to 19 as he made it 2-0.

Although Darwin Machis pulled one back five minutes into the second half, Madrid survived a couple of late scares to make it nine straight victories and edge closer to a 34th LaLiga title. 

Mendy won the penalty that put Madrid on their way to a 2-0 victory over Deportivo Alaves last time out and he got them off to a great start again, beating Victor Diaz for pace and smashing into the roof of the net from an acute angle in the 10th minute. 

Benzema doubled the advantage following a swift counter-attacking move six minutes later, the Frenchman allowed time and space by Diaz to shift the ball onto his right foot and pick out the far corner.

Granada switched to a back four and quickly tested Thibaut Courtois, but Domingos Duarte's header was kept out of the bottom-right corner. 

Benzema had a powerful shot tipped over by Rui Silva before half-time and Granada reduced the deficit shortly after the restart, Machis firing under Courtois after Yangel Herrera caught Casemiro in possession. 

Zinedine Zidane responded to Granada's improvement by sending Rodrygo and Marco Asensio on for Federico Valverde and Isco just after the hour mark, with Madrid sitting back and consolidating. 

Substitute Antonin had an acrobatic volley kept out by Courtois before Ramon Azeez saw his 85th-minute effort blocked on the line by returning captain Sergio Ramos, ensuring the visitors secured three valuable points. 
 

What does it mean? Zidane shows adaptability 

Madrid moved away from their traditional 4-3-3, with Valverde, Luka Modric and Isco in a narrow line behind Benzema. Having five midfielders in the starting line-up enabled them to quickly take control of possession and evade Granada's press and counter-attacking threat. 

The hosts got more joy after coach Diego Martinez moved away from his back five, but Zidane introduced Rodrygo and Asensio to retain an attacking threat as Madrid focused on stifling their opponents. 

Brilliant Benzema 

The captain's armband may have returned to Ramos but Benzema led by example from the off, chasing back early on despite Madrid's wealth of midfielders. He took his goal sublimely and went close to a second before half-time. 

Double Diaz faults 

Diaz was slow to close Mendy down and was then beaten far too easily on the opener, while he was punished for giving Benzema ample time and space to pick his spot. He was replaced by Antonio Puertas at half-time. 

What's next? 

Madrid will be looking to clinch just a second title in eight seasons at home to Villarreal on Thursday, when Granada travel to relegation-threatened Real Mallorca. 

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer refused to criticise his side for a 2-2 draw with Southampton, stating that the late goal they conceded was part of their learning process.

Although Stuart Armstrong gave the visitors a shock lead, quickfire goals from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial seemed to have set United up to move third in the table.

However, they remain fifth and outside of the Champions League spots after Michael Obafemi stole in to score from a late corner.

Solskjaer took the setback on the chin and says it is all part of his young side’s education.

"It's the worst time to concede a goal but that happens in football - you've just got to take it because we've won so many games that way ourselves. It's all part of the learning for this team to be sat there, really disappointed, after you think the three points are in the bag,” he told Sky Sports.

The Norwegian admitted that his side had not been at their best, having conceded 52% of possession to their opponents over the course of the game, with a fine save from David de Gea from Nathan Redmond in the closing stages preserving parity.

"Probably we didn't deserve three points today,” he said. “They played well. They're physical, very fit. We never got the rhythm in our passing today, especially when we got to 2-1, but we created chances, played some fantastic football at times.”

Asked if he felt his side might have been tired after he named the same starting XI for five Premier League matches in succession – something United have not done since 1993 - he said: “We've had enough recovery; it was just one of those days where we didn't take our chances.”

Meanwhile, Solskjaer hinted that he felt that Oriol Romeu should have seen red for a challenge on Mason Greenwood in the first half. 

"I know my ankle wouldn't take that challenge. It was a nasty one but we've said enough about VAR," he said.

United will next be in action again on Thursday, when they travel to Crystal Palace, a match that will take place after top-four rivals Chelsea and Leicester have played. 

Frank Lampard has admitted that Chelsea have long had a communication issue on the pitch, having seen Sheffield United out-talk them and ultimately outplay them in a 3-0 defeat at Bramall Lane on Saturday.

The defeat represented just another example to the Chelsea manager of an area he wants to improve upon as his side's Champions League qualification status was thrown into renewed doubt by the loss.

Chelsea are keen to put the defeat in the past, and face relegated Norwich on Tuesday. With a dressing room that contains several introverts, Lampard is hoping to coax better dialogue from his players on the pitch.

“When you talk about players, it is very easy and natural to look at talent, but you also have to look at attitude and character within the team,” Lampard told reporters on Zoom. “I think it’s something we can improve.

“Younger players can be more vocal and can grow as they go along. Older players can take on the responsibility of helping that as well. Moments like this, critical times like this now where there’s a lot on the line, it’s time for people to make that improvement.

“It is much easier to improve opening your mouth than it is to beat three players and put it in the top corner. It’s really one of the basics of football and that’s something that we drum home here and will have to keep drumming because I didn’t hear enough at the weekend.

“The main thing is that you can be as quiet as you want off the pitch - we have some quiet players here who keep themselves to themselves - but they must come out of that on the pitch, they must demand the ball, otherwise the game can pass you by.

“It’s important not to wallow in a pit of ‘Oh my God, we lost 3-0 at Sheffield United.’ The important thing now is how we react and I expect that from the players tomorrow. I’ve got big personalities and there will be big personalities in the team tomorrow.

“They need to stand up. They need to show the quality they’ve shown for big parts of the season. I trust they will do and because we’re at the business end, it’s very important that they do.”

Alongside the communication problem, the Blues' defence has come under scrutiny. The three goals conceded on Saturday to have taken their league total to 49 this season in 35 games, which is the worst total among the top 10 teams.

One cause might be the lack of continuity in defence, with Lampard often switching up his back four, but he denies that he needs to find his best two centre-backs to improve things.

“You want to get settled relationships, but if we are making individual errors, some can be collective, but individual errors or multiple errors into goals which we’ve seen recently against West Ham and Sheffield United, then you have to take that into account,” he added.

“At the same time, I don't want players to think they will be out of the team if they make one mistake so there is a balance to that. But clearly, we haven’t found that partnership in that area that I’ve settled on and that’s something we’re striving for.

“There is a way that I want us to play and it’s not gung-ho, it’s not crazy. A lot of the goals are the balls that come into our box that maybe we don't defend right at that moment and that’s something that has to improve and I feel I know the answers to it.

“I hate conceding goals. I don’t think any team in modern football are going to say: ‘We’ve got that partnership.’ You go back and talk about a John Terry-Ricardo Carvlaho partnership, but in the modern day, I don’t think you will find too many clubs to name the two.

“You want to be able to say to players: ‘you are not doing enough’. I don’t think it’s about just a partnership. Can we be more settled if we improve? Yes, for sure. Will it be just two players who are going to be your centre-backs? I don’t think that’s going to be the case.”

Meanwhile, Lampard confirmed that 19-year-old midfielder Billy Gilmour had a successful operation on the meniscus in his knee on Friday as he is set for four months on the sidelines to recover.

“It did go well for Billy,” he said. “He was in at the training ground yesterday on his crutches so it went as well as it possibly could and now he is going to keep his feet up. I’m confident with Billy he’ll do everything right and let’s hope he comes back as soon as possible.”

Spanish side Badajoz have completed the signing of South Africa striker Amanda Mthandi, for the 2020-21 season.

The Primera National outfit signed the Banyana Banyana star from Sasol Women's League side University of Johannesburg ladies.

She has been a regular feature for Desiree Ellis' team, having helped them to silver at the 2018 Africa Women's Cup of Nations and was part of their maiden Women's World Cup campaign in 2019.

The 24-year-old becomes Bea Galan's team's second signing during this summer transfer window as they gear up for the new season.

With the signing of the South African, Badajoz will hope to improve upon their last outing, having finished third with 42 points to miss promotion to the Spanish Reto Iberdrola division, next season.

"CD Badajoz has reached an agreement with South African international Amanda Mthandi for next season," the club announced via its website. 

"The player signs for a campaign with an option for a second one [extension option]."

Her move will see her become the fourth South African woman to join a Spanish outfit after Ode Fulutudilu, Jermaine Seoposenwe and Nothando Vilakazi, who signed for Logrono last week.

She is also the sixth Banyana star to move this year after Thembi Kgatlana, Linda Motlhalo, Bambanani Mbane, Seoposenwe and Vilakazi, who joined Benfica, Djurgarden, Dinamo Minsk, Braga and Logrono, respectively.  

Mthandi, who is currently in South Africa, is expected to secure her entry visa to Spain in the coming days to unite with her teammate for pre-season ahead of league restart in September.

'Speedy' as she is nicknamed, will aim to shine on her maiden professional move to Europe and inspire her side to promotion next season.

Farouk Miya outshone Demba Ba’s lone strike with his brace as Konyaspor defeated Istanbul Basaksehir 4-3 on Monday.

The result at the Konya Buyuksehir Belediye Stadium delayed Istanbul Basaksehir's title party even though second-placed Trabzonspor bowed to Denizlispor in another league game while Konyaspor stayed clear of the relegation zone, having accrued 33 points from 32 matches.

Miya equalised for Konyaspor in the 20th minute after Edin Visca opened the scoring for the visitors three minutes into the encounter.

Eight minutes after, Omer Sahiner fired the Anatolian Eagle ahead before Miya grabbed his second goal of the night to make it 3-1 in first-half stoppage time.

After the restart, Ba reduced the deficit for Basaksehir in the 70th minute and Eljero Elia drew them level seven minutes later.

It was a nervy finish to the encounter as Nejc Skubic's 85th-minute winning goal ended the visitors' six-game unbeaten run in the Turkish top-flight.

Miya was in action for 74 minutes before he was replaced by Selim Ay while Ba played for the duration for the Owls.

The Uganda midfielder has been impressive in his debut campaign in Turkey, scoring eight goals in 24 league outings. He will shift his focus to Saturday’s league outing against Trabzonspor as his side aim to avoid relegation.

Ba, on the other hand, has played a big role in Istanbul Basaksehir's rise to the summit of the Super Lig table with his contribution of 12 goals in 26 appearances so far - the joint-top scorer in Okan Buruk's team alongside Bosnia midfielder Visca.

The former Chelsea and Newcastle United striker will be aiming to help the Owls return to winning ways and secure the top-flight title against Kayserispor on Saturday before concluding the league campaign at Kasimpasa on July 25.

Manchester United missed the chance to go third in the Premier League as a last-gasp Michael Obafemi equaliser secured Southampton a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford on Monday. 

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men went into the contest in fine form but struggled to control proceedings against the tenacious Saints, who levelled in the sixth minute of additional time. 

A busy start from Southampton led to the visitors taking an early lead through Stuart Armstrong but United hit back, Anthony Martial teeing up Marcus Rashford for the equaliser before scoring his 50th Premier League goal to put the hosts in front. 

United had chances to increase their lead but failed to take them, and Obafemi scored from close range right near the end, leaving the Red Devils fifth in the table. 

Their destiny in the Champions League remains in United's hands - they go to fourth-placed Leicester City on the final day of the season - but this result is a major blow for Solskjaer. 

Having seen a James Ward-Prowse error go unpunished by Martial a few moments earlier, Southampton took the lead in the 12th minute when Danny Ings robbed Paul Pogba and fed Nathan Redmond, whose cross picked out Armstrong for an emphatic finish.

United eventually clicked into gear with 20 minutes played – Martial bringing down Pogba's pass in the box and finding Rashford, who slotted home.

The excellent Martial then made amends for his earlier miss with a fine solo effort, blasting beyond Alex McCarthy after breezing past Kyle Walker-Peters.

Saints were somewhat fortunate to make it to half-time with 11 men, Oriol Romeu avoiding punishment despite taking Mason Greenwood out off the ball.

The visitors had another let-off in the 68th minute, Ryan Bertrand making a vital block a few yards from goal to deny Rashford after he had linked brilliantly with Martial.

That provided Southampton with the belief to put the pressure on in the final stages and, with United down to 10 men due to a head injury to substitute Brandon Williams, Ralph Hasenhuttl's side sealed a deserved point.

Ward-Prowse's corner was flicked on by Jan Bednarek and Obafemi beat Victor Lindelof to nudge the ball over the line from a yard out.

What does it mean? A missed opportunity for United 

Given United looked like they were heading for third in the table, slumping to a late draw will feel like a defeat to fans, particularly after Manchester City's UEFA competition ban was lifted earlier in the day. 

Nevertheless, a top-four spot is still there for the taking. The trip to Leicester looks set to be crucial, while both the Foxes and Chelsea – who stay third for the time being – have significantly trickier run-ins. 

Martial on fire  

This has certainly been Martial's best season in a United shirt - and not just because of his raw numbers. Monday's performance also highlighted a new-found tenacity in the Frenchman, who has regularly been accused of being too aloof during his time at Old Trafford. Unfortunately for Solskjaer, few others were on his level. 

Pogba off his game 

Since the resumption last month, Pogba has been excellent. However, against Southampton he struggled at times. He failed to cope with the visitors' hassling in the first half, and although he did provide some important passes in the final third, he was sacrificed for Fred in the second period as he was simply not offering enough. 

Key Opta facts

- Manchester United are unbeaten in their last 18 games in all competitions (W13 D5), last having a longer run between April-November 2010 (29 games). 
- The Red Devils fielded the same starting XI for the fifth consecutive Premier League game, the first time they have done so since a run of six in January-February 1993. 
- Bruno Fernandes has been involved in 14 Premier League goals (7 goals, 7 assists). The Portuguese has had a hand in eight of his side's last 12 league goals, too.
- Martial is the 10th player to score 50 Premier League goals for Manchester United – no team has had more different players reach the milestone in the competition (Liverpool also on 10). 
- Armstrong has been involved in five goals in his last six Premier League games (2 goals, 3 assists) – as many as he had been in his previous 40 in the competition. 

What's next? 

United head to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace on Thursday as they look to bounce back from this setback, while Southampton host Brighton and Hove Albion the same day. 

Nigeria international Maduka Okoye has confessed that Sparta Rotterdam’s plans for him prompted his decision to join the Eredivisie side from Fortuna Dusseldorf.

The 20-year-old penned a two-year contract with the Castle Lords with the option for another two years on Monday.

In the just-concluded season as Dusseldorf 2's first-choice goalkeeper, Okoye featured in 14 games, conceded 26 goals, and kept a clean sheet twice in the Regionalliga West.

While defending his decision to move to the Sparta Stadion Het Kasteel, the youngster revealed that he would do all it takes to become the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.

“I’m really happy to be here. It’s the right club for me right now and I feel great to be here,” he told the club's media channel.

“I think this is the right place for me towards preparing for the biggest step in the future. I can’t just wait to get started with the guys.

“They told me their plans for me and everything sounded great, so, that’s why I chose here.

“As I said, this is the right place for me and I feel home already.”

Despite the presence of established stoppers like Tim Coremans, Michael Fabrie and Benjamin van Leer, Okoye recognised the place of hard work to become manager Henk Fraser’s first-choice.

“I expect a lot from myself; I have to work hard and fight for the no. 1 spot and also give my best,” he added.

Born in Germany to a Nigerian father and a German mother, Okoye pledged his international allegiance to Nigeria.

He made his bow in the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw against Brazil on October 13, 2019 – coming in for Francis Uzoho in the 63rd minute as Gernot Rohr looks to solve the goalkeeping crisis that has rocked the three-time African champions since Carl Ikeme’s premature retirement.

The German-Nigerian looked back at his international debut, describing it as a significant moment.

“Crazy, big moment, an important moment for myself,” he continued.

“The more I play here; it's easier for me to get the number one spot in Nigeria. So, I’ll put everything into it.”

Okoye joins the likes of Dele Adeleye and Sani Kaita in the list of Nigeria internationals to have featured for the 2015–16 Dutch champions.  

Hearts of Oak defender Nuru Sulley is determined to lead the club back to glory on his second stint with the club.

The centre-back, who first played for the Phobians between 2011 to 2014, was welcomed back to Accra in May as he penned a two-year deal.

He returned after spells in Libya, Egypt, Turkey, and Iraq.

“During my first spell at Hearts, the club failed to win a major trophy and, this is not something that I was happy about," Sulley told his club's official website.

“I am here to leave a mark and, I will work tirelessly with the rest of my teammates to ensure that we win on the pitch and win trophies when football returns.

“Hearts of Oak means so much to me and, I want to repay the trust the board and management has shown to me by bringing me back to the club.

“That will be great joy and together with my colleagues, we will strive to go the extra mile to make the fans very happy by bringing successes again to the club."

Sulley left Hearts for Libyan side Al-Nasr Benghazi, from where he later joined Tala'ea El Gaish in Egypt.

The 28-year-old made a switch to Libyan fold Al-Ittihad Tripoli before joining Turkish side Alanyaspor for a two-year spell between 2015 and 2017.

While with Alanyaspor, he made Ghana's provisional squad for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations but failed to make the final squad.

In 2019, he was snapped up by Iraqi fold Al-Mina'a for a short spell and subsequently joined Naft Al-Junoob.

Hearts are enduring a long trophy drought, having last clinched a major title in 2009 when they won the Ghana Premier League.

The side have the second-highest number of league titles with 19, four behind arch-rivals Asante Kotoko.

The Phobians also won the last of their 10 Ghana FA Cup titles 20 years ago.

At continental level, Hearts ruled Africa in 2000 as they beat Esperance of Tunisia to win the Champions League. They then moved on to lift the Super Cup.

In 2004, the Phobians beat country rivals Kotoko to win the maiden Caf Confederation Cup title. 

Ahmed Elmohamady has charged his Aston Villa teammates to repeat Sunday’s winning mentality when they take on Everton in their next Premier League outing on Thursday.

The Claret and Blue Army ended their 10-match winless run in the English top-flight against Crystal Palace on Sunday, thanks to Mahmoud 'Trezeguet' Hassan's brace.

They are unmoved from the 19th spot on the league table after the win, and are four points adrift of safety after gathering 30 points from 35 games.

Ahead of their final three games in the Premier League season, Elmohamady, who has made 16 league appearances so far, urged his teammates to keep fighting and aim for maximum points against Everton, Arsenal and West Ham United in the coming days.

“There’s always pressure when you’re in the relegation zone, but you have to keep fighting,” Elmohamady told the club website.

“We have three games left and we have to try and win them all to stay in the Premier League.

“In the final three games, we have to win. There is no other option. We have to go to Everton with a mentality like today, keep a clean sheet and get the three points.”

Sunday's brace was Trezeguet's first goals in the Premier League since December, bringing an end to his 18-game goal drought.

In congratulating his Egyptian teammate, Elmohamady thinks the strikes would give 25-year-old winger confidence to score more and help Aston Villa’s fight against relegation.

“Goals are always good for confidence,” he said.

“He’s worked hard on the training ground and in games, and now that he’s got his goals he’ll play with more confidence and freedom. Hopefully he can score two or three more goals over the next few games.

“In the last few games we’ve created a few chances but just lacked that final touch, the final ball, which we found today.”

UEFA could come under public pressure to review its Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations and procedures after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) quashed Manchester City's two-year European ban, according to sports lawyer Rob Jones.

The initial sanction, including a €30 million (£27m/$34m) fine, was announced by UEFA in February after it found City guilty of breaching FFP rules between 2012 and 2016. 

UEFA had launched an investigation after a series of articles published by Der Spiegel in November 2018 alleged the Premier League club had artificially inflated sponsorship revenues. 

City took the case to CAS, which found in their favour on Monday.  While fined a reduced €10m for failing to co-operate with the investigation, the suspension from European competitions was overturned. 

CAS is yet to publish the full written reasons for its decision but stated most of the alleged breaches were "either not established or time-barred" due to a five-year limit in UEFA's regulations.

While there may be public calls for reform, Jones says any potential review of UEFA's FFP rules and procedures, and their implementation, will depend on the reasons CAS outlines for its decision.

Asked by Stats Perform News how significant the decision is, Jones said: "If it's detailed in the final award that there were procedural irregularities and conduct that UEFA were responsible for that has had a meaningful impact on the decision that has been made by CAS, then UEFA will be under a lot of pressure to make reforms of its procedures.

"I don't think, looking at the media release, that there are ground-breaking, fundamental principles that have been decided as unlawful and affect other sports disputes procedures.

"But the final award may reflect on some procedural issues that UEFA may need to address. And if that is the case then they will be under a lot of pressure - and not that they're not under a lot of pressure anyway at the moment - to reform the FFP regulations. 

"It seems to the general public like the rules don't have teeth … surely the current FFP is not fit for purpose and they'll be under a lot of pressure for a review of it. 

"I know the president of UEFA has been talking about a luxury tax and other sorts of reforms generally. I think they are slightly delayed at the moment because of the pandemic. 

"But certainly there will be a lot of pressure to at least review, if not conduct some minor or more material reforms on their policies and procedures." 

Logrono defender Nothando Vilakazi has shared her excitement about her move to Spain, describing the switch as a "dream come true".

The Primera Iberdrola outfit secured the services of the Banyana Banyana star last week from the South African Sasol Women's League side TUT ladies, who she helped to the title in 2019.

Having signed, the South African became the sixth signing as Gerardo Leon's team gear up for the 2020-21 season, having ended in seventh and with a Women's Cup semi-final the last term.

On her return to European football, having played for Lithuanian side Gintra Universitetas before - Vilakazi is looking forward to playing for the Spanish Primera Iberdrola outfit.

“I can’t wait to get that side, I am itching to get back on the field after the whole world was sidelined by Covid-19," Vilakazi told Safa.net.

"I am so happy and excited that I have been able to secure this move to Spain, which is one of the top leagues when it comes to women’s football.

"To be honest, I am excited and nervous at the same time excited about the move, but also nervous that I am going to a new country, which means new beginnings. This is really a dream come true."

The 31-year-old becomes the third South African woman to join a Spanish top-flight outfit after the stints of Ode Fulutudilu and Jermaine Seoposenwe, with Malaga and Real Betis, respectively.

She is the third Banyana player to move in 2020 after Thembi Kgatlana, Linda Motlhalo, Bambanani Mbane and Seoposenwe joined Benfica, Djurgarden, Dinamo Minsk and Sporting Braga respectively.  

And the TUT Ladies product has promised to be a good football ambassador of her country on her second adventure in Europe.

“I am confident this new venture will, without doubt, improve my football, which in return will benefit the national team immensely," she continued.

"All the players who are based abroad are ambassadors and we need to set good examples and standards for those that are back home or those that will follow in our footsteps, so yes there is a lot of pressure on all of us – but it is the kind that motivates us to well and represent our country most outstandingly.

“I am confident this will help Banyana Banyana to be stronger as we now have several players moving abroad.

"I believe that more players should join overseas teams for the benefit of women’s football in South Africa. Let’s just hope that what we are doing will open more doors for the talent we have in our country.”

Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett was left "gobsmacked" to see Leicester star Jamie Vardy avoid a red card for kicking Shkodran Mustafi during the 1-1 draw with Arsenal last week.

The England striker's boot caught the side of the Gunners centre-back's head as the pair tumbled to the ground following a challenge for the ball in the first half of the Premier League clash.

Referee Chris Kavanagh appeared not to spot the incident, however, as Vardy went unpunished and eventually netted the equaliser for the Foxes in the 84th minute of the clash.

While VAR did not intervene to punish Vardy, it was called upon later in the game, leading to Arsenal attacker Eddie Nketiah being dismissed in the second period, just four minutes after he came off the bench.

The inconsistency infuriated manager Mikel Arteta, who told reporters after the match: "If [Nketiah] can be a red card then Leicester has to play with 10 men after 42 minutes – that has to be a red card as well."

And the Spaniard was not the only one perplexed by the decision to let Vardy stay in the game, as Hackett said it proves there is a crisis of leadership in the Professional Game Match Officials Board, which is responsible for setting and improving refereeing standards across English football.

“Let me make it quite clear Jamie Vardy should have been sent off," the 76-year-old said to Football Insider.

“That was a very clear and deliberate act, in my opinion he knew what he was doing.

“I was absolutely gobsmacked that VAR didn’t intervene, my phone started buzzing after that. I had Mark Halsey on the phone saying: ‘How can that not be a red card?’.

“I just couldn’t believe it, he’s had a look at where the player is and he’s whacked him with his boot!

“I’m getting inundated with emails asking why is the standard of refereeing in England declining so badly, let me tell you this: it’s through lack of leadership and lack of firm management.

“You can quote me on this, the PGMOL is being run like Butlin’s holiday camp!”

Former Atletico Madrid star Diego Forlan wants Sergio Aguero to return to La Liga before he brings an end to his playing career.

The Argentine attacker spent five years in the Spanish top-flight with Atletico, scoring 100 goals in 230 appearances for the capital club as they won the Europa League and UEFA Super Cup.

The striker moved to Manchester City in 2011 and has enjoyed a successful nine years in England.

Aguero has scored an impressive 254 goals in 370 appearances in all competitions, lifting four Premier League titles as well as the League Cup five times and the FA Cup on one occasion.

The 32-year-old has a year left on his contract with Pep Guardiola's team, though the club are reportedly set to offer him an extension.

Forlan, however, would rather see his former team-mate return to Spain in the near future.

"It would be great to see Aguero again in La Liga, he arrived in Spain very young but played good football," the former Uruguay star said.

"It would be spectacular for La Liga."

Forlan and Aguero's former side are currently fourth in La Liga, level on points with Sevilla and 14 points behind leaders Real Madrid with two matches left to play.

Diego Simeone's team are unbeaten in their last 15 matches in all competitions and will face RB Leipzig in the quarter-finals of the Champions League after eliminating title holders Liverpool in the last round.

And Forlan has been impressed by Atleti's current form since La Liga returned from the three-month coronavirus-enforced suspension.

"Everybody demands Atletico get to the top of the table, but their return since the pandemic has been very good," he added. "And in August they will have the chance to play in the Champions League."

The 41-year-old also endorsed Barcelona's pursuit of Inter star Lautaro Martinez, as he believes the 22-year-old Argentina international could take over as the Camp Nou side's star forward.

"He would be a good option to replace Luis Suarez or Lionel Messi when the moment will come and he can start adapting to Barcelona," he said.

Blackburn Rovers defender Darragh Lenihan has heaped praise on Tosin Adarabioyo for his exceptional performances at the club and he hopes Rovers can retain him for the 2020-21 season.

Adarabioyo has been in excellent form for the Championship outfit since his arrival on a season-long loan from Manchester City last summer.

The 22-year-old is a regular figure in Blackburn’s defence this term and he has made 33 league appearances so far with three goals to his name.

Lenihan, who has partnered the Nigerian descent in the defence on several occasions this season, praised Adarabioyo’s personality and the quality he has added to Mowbray’s team.

The Irish right-back hopes Blackburn can devise a transfer plan to retain his services.

"As a player and a person, he has just been exceptional. Extremely professional in the way he goes about and does the right things,” Lenihan told Lancs Live.

"Jeez, it would be really good to get him back but I fully believe that he could potentially be playing in Man City's team next season. That's how good I think he is.

"He's been brilliant since he's come in, gone about the business and when he has played he's done ever so well. He's brought us that quality that you can see throughout the game.

"It will be a miss if we don't get him back but fingers crossed we can potentially work something for the new season."

Adarabioyo has been at Man City from the age of five and his current deal with the Citizens will expire in June 2021.

Although he has played across all levels of England's youth set-up, the 22-year-old is still eligible to play for Nigeria at senior level.

He will be looking to help Blackburn secure maximum points when they travel to Millwall for their next Championship outing on Tuesday.