Looking for Soccer News?

Blog Posts and Articles that give you up to the minute news and information about the world Leagues, Teams, Players and Updates.

Atlanta United "lost control" in 2-1 defeat to FC Cincinnati

The Manchester City forward has admits that he is thankful to be with the squad having been sent home from duty last year

Phil Foden has thanked Gareth Southgate for his handling of a controversy in September last year that saw both him and Mason Greenwood dropped from England duty.

The pair were sent home for breaking Covid guidelines after they made their international debut on a trip to Iceland, amid allegations of inviting girls back to their hotel room.

However, Foden returned to the international set-up amid a run of sensational form for Manchester City. Ahead of the European Championship, the 21-year-old remains grateful to England boss Southgate for giving him a second chance.

What did he say?

"I made a massive mistake," Foden told reporters from St George's Park. "I was young. But Gareth said if I keep just doing well and keep performing I should get another opportunity.

"So I had to work hard for it and there are not many managers who would give you another opportunity, so I have to thank Gareth a lot for giving me another chance."

Foden on England fandom

"I was a massive England fan growing up," Foden added. "I couldn’t really name just one player. I just loved the full team.

"Together there were so many great players. I believe that we should have got more from the team that we had. We just want to focus on what we’re going to do now and create our own history."

Despite being born four years after Euro 96, the playmaker has shown off a bleached hairstyle that has led to comparisons with Three Lions legend Paul Gascoigne.

Foden is also known to enjoy collecting Panini stickers for his albums.

"When I was last with England they gave us the collection to complete," he said when asked about his collection.

"So I had that in my room when I was bored. Just putting them in, something to do and then I started enjoying it even more. I started collecting a few more and I still do that now."

Born in Stockport, it is also well-known that Foden is a boyhood supporter of Manchester City, recently starting his club's first ever Champions League final which they lost 1-0 to Chelsea through a Kai Havertz goal.

Further reading

Original author: Nizaar Kinsella

FKF Premier League is competitive & no team should be underrated - Sofapaka's Amissi

CK Akonnor's men could not find a way pass Vahid Halilhodzic's outfit in their encounter on Tuesday

A Razak Abalora howler was punished by Jawad El-Yamiq as Morocco handed Ghana a 1-0 defeat in a friendly fixture on Tuesday.

The defender’s second half effort proved the difference in the fixture at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

The game was a test match for the two sides ahead of commencement of the second round of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers in September.

Ghana coach CK Akonnor handed a starting spot to Asante Kotoko goalkeeper Abalora in the absence of injured Orlando Pirates shot-stopper Richard Ofori.

Leicester City defender Daniel Amartey completed his return to the Black Stars since 2018 with a starting place at centre-back. Team captain Andre Ayew was relegated to the bench owing to his late arrival in camp, the armband going to younger brother Jordan Ayew who led the attack.

For Morocco, winger Hakim Ziyech, who won the Champions League with Chelsea, was left on the bench after arriving late in camp.

Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri led the Atlast Lions attack as Inter Milan defender Achaf Hakimi started at right-back.

Ghana made the first attempt to open the scoring in the sixth minute when Joel Fameyeh connected to an Andy Yiadom cross into the box but the Russia-based attacker’s half volley flew just over the bar.

In the 13th minute, Jordan found space outside the box to unleash a shot but his effort was no trouble for Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

The hosts had their first opportunity in the 22nd minute, perhaps the best chance of the half, when Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-back Romain Saiss lost Ghanaian marker Iddrisu Baba for a free header on Adel Taarabt’s corner but the glancing effort bounced just over the bar.

A similar situation came again in the 37th minute after Taarabt delivered another corner into the box, but Nayef Aguerd’s connecting half-volley flew over, to the relief of the Ghana defence.

After the break, Morocco coach Vahid Halilhodzic threw on Ziyech in the 68th minute who produced an immediate impact with a free-kick which was fumbled by goalkeeper Abalora. El-Yamiq won a scramble for the air ball to head into an empty net.

In the 71st minute, Kudus called Bounou into action, the Sevilla goalkeeper stretching at full length to push out the goal-bound effort.

Nine minutes later, Kudus found space to shoot once again after a counter attack, but his strike was easily collected by Bounou this time around.

Ghana made a desperate late attempt for an equaliser, including throwing on captain Andre Ayew, but the Atlast Lions held their own to register a home win.

The Black Stars return to action on Saturday when they return to host Cote d'Ivoire in a second friendly in Cape Coast.

Original author: Prince Narkortu Teye

Gareth Southgate's failed attacking experiment shows balance is key to England success

The 29-year-old was on target against the Blue Sharks and is within touching distance of the ex-Wigan star’s mark for the Lions of Teranga

Sadio Mane is closing in a Senegal goalscoring record held by legendary Henri Camara.

The Liverpool star was on target for the Lions of Teranga as they silenced Cape Verde 2-0 in Tuesday’s international friendly.

In the keenly contested affair played at the Stade Lat Dior, Idrissa Gueye put Aliou Cisse’s men ahead in the 56th minute, while Mane sealed the win from the penalty mark with four minutes left on the clock.

Following a foul on Ismaila Sarr in the box, the 2019 Africa Player of the Year rifled the ensuing kick past goalkeeper Sixten Mohlin.

It is his 23rd goal for the West Africans – a feat that saw him overtake Mamadou Diallo.

During his time in the Senegalese national team between 1994–2000, Diallo – who represented Kawkab Marrakech, St. Gallen and Tampa Bay Mutiny scored 22 times for Senegal.

That mark saw him equal Niang’s tally for the two-time Africa Cup of Nations runners-up as they are now joint-second.

The former Strasbourg and Olympique Marseille striker scored 23 times for Senegal during an international career that spanned between 2002-2012.

Only Camara have bettered the tally since the country played their first international game in 1959 with 31 strikes.

With Mane’s latest effort, he also extended his international scoring run to four. 

While he was in action from start to finish alongside Paris Saint-Germain’s Gueye, Watford’s Sarr was substituted for Mame Thiam in the 86th minute.

For goalkeeper Edouard Mendy - who helped Chelsea beat Manchester City to claim the Champions League title in Portugal - he was started in goal ahead of Rennes’ Alfred Gomis.

Thanks to this result, Senegal are now unbeaten in their last six games in all competitions.

Cisse’s side would be hoping this form continues in September when they take on Togo and Congo, respectively, in their World Cup qualifying encounters.

Should Senegal qualify for Qatar 2022, that would be their third appearance at the global football fiesta since their debut in 2002 (South Korea and Japan).

Their last outing at the quadrennial football showpiece was in Russia 2018. There, they crashed out in the preliminary round after failing to scale Colombia, Japan and Poland hurdles in Group H.

Original author: Shina Oludare

We know what will happen if Bafana Bafana don't collect six points from Sao Tome - Ntseki

The Super Eagles handler has explained why the duo played no role in Tuesday’s friendly against the five-time African kings

Injury worries forced Francis Uzoho and Peter Olayinka out of Tuesday’s international friendly with Cameroon, coach Nigeria Gernot Rohr has revealed.

On Monday evening, the Super Eagles handler had told the media that the Apoel FC star would man the goalpost instead of Sparta Rotterdam’s Maduka Okoye.

“Observations are positive because some of the players who arrived from Nigeria were not so fit for the first game. They have now recovered well, and we should be better physically,” Rohr had said.

“There will be some changes in the team, Francis Uzoho will be in goal, [Ahmed] Musa will start because he is fit, we lost Troost-Ekong so Valentine [Ozornwafor] will come in for the first time.”

However, that was not the case as Okoye saw every minute of action in the encounter that ended 0-0 against the Indomitable Lions.

Explaining why the towering stopper was not dressed against the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations hosts as planned, the German claimed a late fitness test ruled him out alongside Slavia Prague’s Peter Olayinka.

“He [Uzoho] came this morning with a painful leg and he told me ‘coach, I cannot make it’,” Rohr said on Super Eagles’ Instagram.

“Like [Peter] Olayinka too, he was injured during yesterday’s training. Although it was not a big injury, I didn’t want to take any risk, neither did I want any player to go back home or their clubs injured.”

With the two friendlies over, the 67-year-old is counting his blessings despite the absence of key players for the five-time African kings.

“The players are really very motivated. What I can say is that I don’t have 30 players, but I now have 45 players now,” he continued.

“From the first team I made, 16 players couldn’t make it. We found twelve players to come in at the last moment from Hungary and from the Czech Republic, So, We have some boys who are really proud to be with us.”

Before taking on Cape Verde and Liberia in September’s 2022 World Cup qualifiers, the West Africans are billed to take on Mexico at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on July 3.

The last meeting between the two countries was in a friendly match en route to the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil.

Original author: Shina Oludare

Barrow scores as nine-man Bologna lose to Bennacer’s AC Milan

The forward appeared to be injured in a clash with Bulgaria defender Ivan Turitsov during the first half at Stade de France.

France striker Karim Benzema limped out of Tuesday's friendly against Bulgaria in a worrying sight for Les Bleus. 

The Real Madrid star has been recalled to the national team after a six-year absence and is poised to play a starring role for his country at Euro 2020.

But that could now be in doubt after the 33-year-old picked up a knock in the first half against Bulgaria.

What happened to Benzema?

Benzema appeared to be injured in a challenge with Bulgaria defender Ivan Turitsov during the first half at Stade de France. 

The Real Madrid striker attempted to continue on following the clash but he went down in the 37th minute and signalled to the sideline that he would require a sub.

Benzema appeared to be favouring his right knee as he went down to the pitch in Paris. 

Olivier Giroud was introduced into the match in the 41st minute, replacing Benzema. 

What was said?

"It's a knock," Didier Deschamps told M6 at halftime. "He took a good hit on the muscle above the left knee, and he felt that it was hardening so we took no risk. The medical staff is currently at his bedside."

Benzema's return to France

The striker was originally exiled from the France squad following his role in the Mathieu Valbuena sex tape scandal.

While it appeared his international career was over, Benzema continued to be prolific at club level and scored 23 La Liga goals for Madrid in the recently completed 2020-21 season.

Benzema's form convinced national team boss Didier Deschamps to offer him a return to the Les Bleus setup as he was named to France's Euro 2020 team.

The striker made his first appearance for France in almost six years last week, as he saw a penalty saved against Wales.

France begin their Euro 2020 campaign next Tuesday when they take on Germany in Munich.

Further reading

Original author: Seth Vertelney

Reece James Expected to Avoid Surgery on Knee Injury

After seeing his men hold the Indomitable Lions to a 0-0 draw, the German tactician is confident the Super Eagles will be ready for the Lone Star

Nigeria will be ready for September’s World Cup qualifier against Liberia, according to coach Gernot Rohr.

The German tactician disclosed this after the Super Eagles played out a 0-0 draw with Cameroon in Tuesday’s international friendly.

Despite relying on makeshift defenders, the three-time African champions ended the encounter at the Wiener Neustadt Stadium on a no winner, no vanquished note.

Although Rohr rued the chances missed by his team – which he attributed to the absence of key players –  he is upbeat that his team would be set when their quest to qualify for Qatar 2022 commences against their West African foes.

“The result is not the most important thing in these friendlies,” he said on Super Eagles’ Instagram handle.

“To most important thing is to test some players, to see some of these new faces. That was the case today, we didn’t want to concede.

“We wanted to score but we could not, but when you are missing players like [Victor] Osimhen, [Samuel] Chukwueze, [Joe] Aribo], [Samuel] Kalu and Henry [Onyekuru], it’s not easy.

“These players came in the middle of their holidays to work hard for ten days with us.

“The fruit of the work will come. I think we will be ready in September for our World Cup qualifier against Liberia.”

Rohr also reserved special accolades for Valentine Ozornwafor who held sway in Nigeria’s backline.

In the absence of William Troost-Ekong, the Galatasaray man provided cover for goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, while Nantes forward Moses Simon was drafted to play the left-back role.

Overall, the 67-year-old scored the former Enyimba centre-back very high, disclosing he has justified his senior national team call-up.

“We had a problem building the defence, so we played for the first time with Valentine and he did very well,” Rohr continued.

“He finished the match with Moses Simon who played in the left-back position and we didn’t concede a goal.

“I am very happy for Valentine. A lot of people did not understand why he was with us and he showed the reasons today. He did very well with his left foot in the central defence.”

Original author: Shina Oludare

Philadelphia Union vs. Birmingham Legion | 2019 Preseason Match Preview

Here's what you need to know about why the Liverpool captain won't be playing for Oranje this summer at the Euros

Virgil van Dijk has been a defensive mainstay for both club and country, but the Netherlands will be missing out on his centre-back prowess during this summer's Euro 2020.

So why isn't Van Dijk playing in the Euros? Goal takes a look.

Why isn't Virgil van Dijk playing in Euro 2020?

Van Dijk will not be playing for the Netherlands in Euro 2020 because he ruled himself out of the tournament due to injury.

The Dutch international made the decision to withdraw from the national team in order to focus on making a fitness recovery, in time for the 2021-22 domestic club season.

Van Dijk has been out of action since October after being involved in a clash with Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford during the Merseyside Derby, rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in the process.

The defender has been making steady progress with his rehabilitation, having been photographed at Kirby training ground doing ball work, but has deemed involvement in the Euro 2020 finals too soon of a return from injury.

What's been said?

Van Dijk told the Liverpool official website: "Things have been going well, I’ve not had a real setback or anything, I’ve just progressed nicely. In this latest stage for myself, I have come to a decision that I had to make: would I be involved in the Euros, yes or no?

"With everything that is going on, I feel physically it is the right decision that I’ve decided not to go to the Euros and to go into my last phase of rehab during the off-season. So, the full focus will be on pre-season with the club and that’s a realistic goal, so I am looking forward to that.

"Obviously I am very gutted to miss the Euros, to miss the European Championship and leading out my own country there, but things have been like they have and I have to accept it – we all have to accept it. I think the decision to not go is the right decision in the grand scheme of things.

"It’s tough, but I’m at peace with it."

When will Virgil van Dijk be fit again?

Liverpool have not set a return timeline for Van Dijk, but the hope is that he will use the entire summer to get back to fitness – with the goal of being fit by the start of the new season in August.

The Reds have certainly missed the centre-back, languishing outside of the top four for the majority of the season despite being named Premier League winners the previous campaign.

The Merseyside club were only able to finish inside the top four – and qualify for the Champions League – in the final days of the season, following an inconsistent campaign.

"I am not the youngest anymore; I’m obviously not old, but I am quite mature and I know by now what could be a good decision," Van Dijk continued.

"I knew for a fact before all of this – before this decision and in the beginning of my rehab – there would be pressure on myself in this case. Hopefully, everybody wants me to be back as quick as possible, but for me it is to get back as good as possible and the time is not the most important thing.

"Obviously I want to be back out there, I want to be helping my teammates, helping my country in this case and I obviously want to help the club, but I think it’s the right thing to do to stay a little bit more patient and work even harder during the off-season and get ready."

Original author: Cady Siregar

Copyright

© www.mlssoccer.com

USMNT defender McKenzie targeted by racial abuse after Nations League final

The center back took to social media to reveal that he had been a victim of online attacks after the U.S. topped Mexico in the finale

U.S. men's national team defender Mark McKenzie revealed that he has been subjected to racial abuse following Sunday's CONCACAF Nations League final.

McKenzie misplaced a pass in the opening moments of the USMNT's eventual 3-2 victory, handing Mexico the lead in just the second minute.

And, in the wake of that mistake, McKenzie has been targeted by racial abuse on social media, despite the USMNT's trophy-winning triumph.

What did McKenzie have to say?

"The amount of racial abuse and personal attacks on myself and family from 'supporters' and 'non supporters' just ain't it," McKenzie wrote on his Instagram story.

Nations League finale tainted by fan disturbances

McKenzie's revelation comes after a number of crowd disturbances during the USMNT's win over Mexico.

Sunday's match in Denver was paused for several minutes because of fans using a homophobic chant, while players from both teams were pelted with projectiles from the crowd on two occasions, most notably after Christian Pulisic's game-winning goal.

Winger Gio Reyna was injured by an object thrown from the stands, while USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter was left furious by the fan behavior as he labeled it a 'total lack of respect'.

Further reading

LIVE: France vs Bulgaria

70' Can Deschamps do as a coach what he did as a player? The French boss captained Les Bleus to glory at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. How he would love to follow suit from the touchline and guide the reigning World champions to another double next month.

68' Digne is well-found in space down the left flank. The Everton full-back unleashes a powerful strike, but it is straight at the goalkeeper.

66' Dembele quickly into the action as he demonstrates wonderful vision to pick out Mbappe. The PSG forward goes to give the goalkeeper the eyes, but drags his shot wide of the target.

64' Mbappe tries his luck again from outside the area. However, his attempt is straight down the throat of Naumov, who gathers.

62' Bulgaria finished fourth at the 1994 World Cup in America; beating Argentina and Germany along the way. They will hope it is not too long before those glory days can return, although they seem a world away at the moment.

60' Of course, Bulgaria know what it takes to beat France. They infamously did the double during the 1994 World Cup qualifying campaign; Emil Kostadinov's last-minute strike in Paris sealed a 2-1 win for the Lions and saw them qualify at the expense of the French.

56' Danger for the visitors as Mbappe looks to play a swift one-two with Giroud on the edge of the box. However, they just about manage to scramble the ball away on this occasion.

54' Can Bulgaria turn things around and end their wretched run on the road? The Lions are without a win in their last 13 away games, seven of which have resulted in defeats. You must go back to a 2-1 success against Slovenia in September 2018 for their last victory away from home.

51' A rare lapse in concentration by Naumov, whose attempted punch from a cross goes straight to Mbappe. However, Turitsov is quickly out to block the forward's shot.

49' Good effort! Mbappe looks for the far corner with a curling effort from just inside the box, but Naumov punches it away to safety.

46' Bulgaria get the ball rolling and we're back underway in Paris.

Very much on the back foot during that first half, all hope is not lost for Bulgaria yet. But they know they must take any chances that fall their way upon the resumption of the contest.

Antoine Griezmann's deflected volley separates the sides at half-time. France are thoroughly deserving of their lead following a purposeful start to the contest, and will look to build on that after the break.

45' + 3' HALF-TIME: FRANCE 1-0 BULGARIA

45' + 1' There will be a minimum of two additional minutes at the end of this first half.

44' Good save again! A first opportunity for Giroud to shoot. The Chelsea striker unleashes a powerful effort across goal, but Naumov is equal to it with strong wrists.

43' Mbappe sustained a bloody nose during that collision, but is waved back onto the field after receiving the required treatment.

42' The French medical team are quickly called into action again. This time, after Mbappe takes an accidental whack to the face. He is just being patched up and should soon be back out there.

40' WHAT A SAVE! France break with pace as Mbappe chases a long ball. Griezmann makes up brilliant ground to receive a perfectly timed pass, but he is somehow denied by Naumov.

37' A slight concern for France as Benzema receives strapping around his right knee. The Real Madrid forward picked up a knock earlier, but hopefully it is nothing too serious.

35' The goal was also Griezmann's fourth in France's last five games. Fair to say the Barcelona forward is hitting form at exactly the right time heading into the Euros.

33' That was Griezmann's 37th international goal in 91 appearances. Currently fourth on his country's all-time list, only Michel Platini, Olivier Giroud and Thierry Henry boast more strikes for Les Bleus.

31' The hosts go in search of a second in quick succession. Pavard hangs a cross towards the far post, where Benzema arrives late but is unable to steer his header on target.

27' BRILLIANT SAVE! Mbappe bursts into life inside the Bulgaria box as he races onto Benzema's reverse pass. However, he is somehow denied by wonderful reflexes from Naumov.

25' A chance for Bulgaria? They are fortunate to be awarded a free-kick as Varane is harshly penalised for a foul on Despodov. The subsequent free-kick is deflected behind for a corner.

23' France still seeking the breakthrough as we pass the midway point in this first half. However, it is more a case of when they get that first goal rather than if.

21' It may have been almost six years since Benzema's last apperances for France, but you would not know given the way he has seamlessly settled back into the side. Mind, it would be difficult not to with the bundles of talent in this French team.

19' Unlucky! A delightful lofted ball from Pogba picks out Benzema in the box. Although, the angle is tight and the Real Madrid forward is unable to keep his volley down.

18' You can probably count on one hand the number of times that Bulgaria have progressed beyond the halfway line in this game. That just demonstrates the authorative start that France have made.

16' Having lifted the Henri Delauney trophy in 1984 and 2000, Les Bleus are targeting a third European crown this year. That would move them level with Spain and Germany at the top of the list.

14' The confidence of the French is evident. After all, they have won each of their last three games, keeping a clean sheet on each occasion.

12' Good save! France continue to apply the pressure and Naumov is called into action. The Bulgaria stopper gets down well to block Mbappe's low strike on goal.

11' A sight on goal for Benzema. Seeking his first international strike in nearly six years, the Real Madrid forward works the ball onto his left foot. However, he drags his effort wide.

10' Bulgaria will be very aware that their chances of taking anything from this game are very slim. After all, the Lions have won just two of their last 27 matches.

8' A slight break in play after Iliev takes an accidental arm to the back of the head from Varane. The Bulgaria midfielder is soon back on his feet, but the brief pause enables the visitors to regroup and get their feet on the ball.

6' Nothing came of the free-kick but the hosts do not take their feet off the gas. A neat one-two inside the box almost presents Kante with an opportunity, but the Chelsea midfielder is quickly charged down.

4' France continue to threaten with a neat exchange around the Bulgaria box. The visitors clear but the danger is not over as Mbappe is brought down and the hosts have a free-kick in a dangerous position.

2' Mbappe quickly involved as he is found in the penalty area. Although he is shown onto his left foot, the Paris Saint-Germain forward gets a shot away, but the ball flashes across the face of goal and out for a throw-in.

1' The referee blows his whistle and France kick things off.

The teams are coming out onto the field and will now observe the national anthems.

With just one defeat in their last 19 games, France will be red-hot favourites against a Bulgaria side that are without a win in seven.

As for Bulgaria, Yasen Petrov makes six changes to the side that were beaten by Russia on Saturday. Among them, Daniel Naumov replaces Ivan Karadzhov in goal, while there are also recalls for the likes of Vasil Bozhikov, Ilian Iliev and Bozhidar Kraev.

Didier Deschamps makes just a single change to the side that began France's 3-0 win over Wales last week. Following his Champions League final exploits with Chelsea, N'Golo Kante returns to the side and replaces Adrien Rabiot in midfield. Once again, Karim Benzema partners Kylian Mbappe up front with Antoine Griezmann pulling the strings just behind.

SUBS: Nikolay Mihaylov, Antonio Vutov, Petar Vitanov, Lachezar Kotev, Andrej Galabinov, Yanis Karabelyov, Birsent Karagaren, Andrea Hristov, Georgi Minchev, Dimitar Iliev, Momchil Tsvetanov, Ivan Karadzhov.

BULGARIA (4-4-2): Daniel Naumov; Ivan Turitsov, Petko Hristov, Valentin Antov, Vasil Bozhikov; Ilian Iliev, Ivaylo Chochev, Bozhidar Kraev, Dominik Yankov; Atanas Iliev, Kiril Despodov.

SUBS: Steve Mandanda, Lucas Digne, Wissam Ben Yedder, Clement Lenglet, Ousmane Dembele, Kurt Zouma, Thomas Lemar, Moussa Sissoko, Leo Dubois, Jules Kounde, Olivier Giroud, Mike Maignan.

FRANCE (4-3-1-2): Hugo Lloris; Benjamin Pavard, Raphael Varane, Presnel Kimpembe, Lucas Hernandez; Corentin Tolisso, N'Golo Kante, Paul Pogba; Antoine Griezmann; Karim Benzema, Kylian Mbappe.

This is France's final warm-up game before Euro 2020 and Les Bleus will be eager to build some momentum ahead of their opening group match against Germany next week.

Hello and a warm welcome to everyone joining us for today's international friendly between France and Bulgaria at Stade de France.

LIVE: Spain vs Lithuania

Second-half goals for Juan Miranda and Javier Puado puts a fitting capstone on a coming-of-age performance for Spain's young guns, as their youth side deliver a senior-style demolition of Lithuania in this international friendly. The nation's under-21 cohort has done them proud in victory; full-time at Leganes, it finishes Spain 4-0 Lithuania.

90' + 2' FULL-TIME: SPAIN 4-0 LITHUANIA

90' There will be two added minutes in this game.

89' Ruiz pulls up with a late issue here, overstretched as he goes for the ball and going down untouched. He's able to get back on his feet; it may well just be cramp at this stage.

87' Both sides look to have made their changes for good now. Dusk has long since faded into the night above Leganes, but it's still a warm evening as this one winds down with a spell of Lithuania pressure.

85' Megelaitis comes again for Lithuania and skies a right-footed effort well over the crossbar. It's a flurry that is far too little and far too late.

83' Even in these late stages, Spain's youngsters are still playing with such verve and tenacity. It's been a buoyant, joyful occasion for them.

81' Tautvydas Eliosius finally notches another shot for his nation, but this one is saved comfortably in the top-right corner.

80' Lithuania - who will not be winning the Baltic Cup after those two losses - will be left looking down the gun of what could be a miserable qualification campaign for Qatar 2022 after this. As a solo nation, they have never made a major tournament.

78' As this game closes in on its final act, to confirm; Spain have four goals from 16 shots, and a missed penalty. Lithuania have managed just the three efforts on goal.

76' Puado almost nabs a brace! He tries a lofted effort, one that just skews the wrong side of the top-right corner of the goal-frame.

70' The occasion has undoubtedly been bizarre, but you'll never take this moment away from so many of these Spain players. Plenty may go on to become international mainstays over the next decade, while several may be one and done here. But this cap will mark them out as a full international for their country forever now.

66' We're having a quick water break now, as both sides recharge ahead of the final quarter here.

64' The biggest drawback to this performance of course is out of Spain's hands - it is that they will go into their Euro 2020 opener with Sweden next Monday lacking that crucial second run-out. Their opponents won't be a pushover too.

61' More movement on the Lithuania bench. What can they do to salvage some dignity here?

59' Just think, if Ruiz hadn't fluffed that penalty, this could be 4-0 inside the hour. You've got to go back to 1993 and the pair's first meeting for the biggest scoreline - a 5-0 drubbing from the Spaniards. That is still in reaching distance here.

57' Valdas Urbonas looks like a man who may try to shrink into the hedgerow at any given moment. His side have been outmatched by a fearsome shot of youthful adrenaline and they look a little blindsided by it all.

55' That has taken the wind out of Lithuania's sails, to put it mildly. It's a little bit like watching a bouncy castle deflate suddenly after somebody leapt on it wearing ice skates. Spain have reasserted their control of this game in a swift power move.

52' That is a bloody nose for Manu Garcia and he looks to have played the last minutes of his game now. Spain are already stripping more changes to throw on in response. 

48' There's already a little more bite from the visitors as they look to maintain a slightly higher line in these opening exchanges. It will be interesting to see if they can keep that up.

46' We are back underway for the second half in Leganes.

If there is going to be the need for any last-minute call-ups, it is unlikely that we'll see anyone from this cohort make the cut at Euro 2020 - Luis Enrique already has a pool of players training parallel if required. But no-one here is doing themselves a disservice.

Goals for Hugo Guillamon and Brahim Diaz have made it a senior call-up to remember for Spain's youth stars, as they have proven more than capable deputies to the absent Euro 2020 squad in this friendly against Lithuania in Leganes. The visitors have started to show a little more teeth - but is it too late already? At half-time, it is Spain 2-0 Lithuania.

45' + 2' HALF-TIME: SPAIN 2-0 LITHUANIA

45' There will be two added minutes in this first half.

43' Simkus pushes a subsequent effort wide. At two goals down, hope remains - but they will need to truly impose themselves after the break, which is no easy feat.

42' Simkus wins a free-kick for Lithuania now. Briefly, the clouds part across his team-mate's faces. They've been doing it tough today.

40' Ruiz wrestles a half-volley over the crossbar now, turning on a dime inside the penalty area. Lithuania could be three or four down, easily, if their hosts had their eye in.

39' What a chance that was for Spain! A slippery cut-back is found by Mingueza at close-range, but he can't guide it past the stationary Svedkauskas who, unprepared for the shot, feels the blow of the ball on his chest.

38' Bryan Gil wins his side their fourth corner of the game, with a neat attempted cross, but the visitors do enough this time to see off the immediate danger.

36' Lithuania haven't had less ball than perhaps the scoreline - and the tempo - suggests. They're hovering at the 40 per cent mark - which is still likely too low for what they will have hoped from this game.

34' In a rare bit of action down the other end of the field, Lithuania win themselves a corner. It's cracked in with good power, but Girdvainis sticks his header well wide of the mark.

32' Spain, quite clearly at this stage, can afford a failed spot-kick however. They are absolutely cruising through dreamland. Luis de la Fuente is making a great future audition for wherever he may go after this today.

29' Penalty to Spain! Beneta is deemed to have dragged down Bryan Gil and the referee points to the spot! The Lithuania man is absolutely fuming with that one.

27' Diaz comes again now, prodding an effort at close-range only to see it blocked. He's getting all over the park.

22' Garcia responds with an off-target effort of his own, skimming a low shot wide of the right post. Under the evening sunshine in Spain - it has been a hot day - it looks to be a beautiful summer feel to this contest for those who are present.

20' Chernykh finally cocks a shot for Lithuania, but it is comfortably wayward. Still, it's an effective enough warning sign that they can create things too.

18' Spain fans must be delighted with what they are seeing so far. It's very hard to not be positive about the future when their youth side is ruling the roost here, even if admittedly against a European minnow.

16' Ruiz now rises to meet a wonderful cut-back ball from Oscar Gil off the right wing, and dashes it straight into Svedkauskas' gloves. Spain remain lively with a quarter-hour gone.

14' They are - but not lucky enough to avoid the offside trap. Lithuania are untroubled this time around.

13' Simkus sideswipes Diaz now and Spain will have a free-kick some 35 yards out in midfield. This is strong set-piece territory if they are feeling lucky.

11' Cucurella promptly tees up - and then skies - an effort from just outside the penalty area, before Lithuania are handed a get-out-of-jail card thanks to Oscar Gil felling Vaitkunas. This could be a long one for them.

9' Getafe's Marc Cucurella, hair billowing in the wind, is playing absolute havoc with that left wing so far. The visitors just don't seem to have the answers. They may need to ride their luck here to avoid a second in the first half-hour.

7' Lithuania have struggled to find their feet so far, caught in the crosswind of Spanish energy, and even when they win a free-kick on halfway, they play it back, unwilling to attack hard. Their hosts pick their pockets and swiftly put them under the cosh again.

5' Luis de la Fuente has plenty of reasons to be cheerful. This has been a blistering start from his side. If he was looking for a response from that semi-final loss, he's got it.

3' There's plenty of early spark from the young hosts, in front of a pockmarked stadium, with a few early high presses. Ruiz pounds around after the ball; this is a side who look full of beans. Bryan Gil spears a shot in and sees it deflected out for a corner.

1' We are underway in this international friendly between Spain and Lithuania!

The teams have emerged in Leganes and we are moments away from kick-off.

So, could this be the first time that Lithuania and coach Valdas Urbonas taste victory over their hosts? They've been handed an unexpected challenge, one arguably all the more winnable - but their young opponents are hardly likely to roll over.

It's been a decade since these sides last met, in a pair of qualifiers for Euro 2012. and they've played six prior encounters in all. Spain have won them all - except for a lone 0-0 draw in October 2004 - and Lithuania have scored only two cumulative goals overall.

Subs: Karolis Silkaitis, Sigitas Olberkis, Karolis Laukzemis, Deimantas Petravicius, Titas Krapikas, Justas Lasickas, Vytas Gaspuitis, Edgaras Dubickas, Martynas Dapkus, Donatas Kazlauskas, Deividas Mikelionis, Tautvydas Eliosius.

LITHUANIA (4-2-3-1): Tomas Svedkauskas; Saulius Mikoliunas, Markas Beneta, Edvinas Girdvainis, Egidijus Vaitkunas; Linas Megelaitis, Domantas Simkus; Arvydas Novikovas, Paulius Golubickas, Ovidijus Verbickas; Fedor Chernykh.

Subs: Juan Miranda, Fran Beltran, Jorge Cuenca, Josep Martínez, Inaki Pena, Antonio Blanco, Yeremi Pino, Javier Puado.

SPAIN (4-1-4-1): Alvaro Fernandez; Oscar Gil, Oscar Mingueza, Hugo Guillamon, Marc Cucurella; Martin Zubimendi; Brahim Diaz, Gonzalo Villar, Manu Garcia, Bryan Gil; Abel Ruiz.

With no Luis Enrique comes Spain's under-21 boss Luis de la Fuente into the fold - and he has made only two changes to his last fielded side. Hugo Guillamon and Abel Ruiz get the nod. Lithuania make a pair of swaps too from the side beat by Latvia in the Baltic Cup: Linas Megelaitis and Paulius Golubickas both start.

Lithuania, who are not headed to Euro 2020 after taking just one point from Group B in qualification, will hope to capitalise though on their hosts' disarray and take what would still be considered a famous result. They have lost all five games this year, having last won against Kazakhstan in November.

But opportunity now knocks - and how! - for several of their players. Effectively, this is Spain's under-21 squad, the same that lost their own semi-final to Portugal last week - and now, the majority of them will earn their maiden senior cap just five days later.

A positive Covid-19 test for captain Sergio Busquets threw their camp into disarray - and though the rest of their squad has since come back negative, the short turnaround over the weekend means that their senior squad entirely sits out their final warm-up.

Talk about the worst possible build-up. Though reigning Euro 2016 champs Portugal couldn't get the better of them in their first warm-up friendly, Luis Enrique's side have had the preparations from hell since then.

Hello and welcome to this pre-Euro 2020 international friendly, as tournament hopefuls Spain - or, rather, sort-of Spain - face off with Lithuania in their final warm-up game at Estadio Municipal de Butarque in Leganes.

Yes, Pep Guardiola, Phil Foden is brilliant - so play him every game

Here's what you need to know about why the Sweden and AC Milan veteran will not be playing in the European Championships this summer

Zlatan Ibrahimovic continues to break any and all boundaries in sport at 39 years old, and enjoyed a fruitful scoring season at AC Milan.

What the Sweden international won't be doing, however, is going to the Euros this summer with Sweden - and Goal looks into why.

Why isn't Zlatan Ibrahimovic playing in Euro 2020?

Ibrahimovic will not be representing Sweden at Euro 2020 because he has been ruled out of the tournament due to injury.

The striker picked up a knee injury in May, during the second half of the Rossoneri's 3-0 victory over Juventus in Serie A.

He was involved in a tussle for the ball before going down to the ground in a non-contact injury, and eventually had to be taken off the pitch and replaced by Ante Rebic.

As a result, Ibrahimovic was ruled out for the remainder of the season – and is aiming to return to fitness before the 2021-22 club campaign.

After the match, AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli said: “Ibra wasn't fit before the game, now he feels pain in his knee and we hope it's nothing too serious.”

Ibrahimovic was ruled out of AC Milan's next fixture against Torino, after Pioli stated that the forward was merely suffering from a "slight sprain", but the injury turned out to be more serious than initially thought.

What's been said?

The Swedish FA said on their Twitter account: “Today, Zlatan has informed [head coach] Janne Andersson that his injury will stop him from participating in the European Championships this summer.

“Get well, Zlatan, we hope to see you on the football field again soon!”

When will he retire from playing?

Ibrahimovic has always been famously coy about his retirement plans, and even as he approaches 40, he is showing no signs of slowing down.

The Swede did retire from international football in 2016, but was then called up for his national team for World Cup qualifiers in March.

Ibrahimovic hung up his boots for Sweden following a disappointing and lacklustre Euro 2016 showing, mustering a single shot on target in three games and not scoring any goals.

This past season, however, Ibrahimovic has been in great form for AC Milan, scoring 15 goals in 19 Serie A appearances.

Ibrahimovic also recently signed a one-year contract extension with AC Milan.

Sweden will face Poland, Slovakia and Spain in Group E of the European Championship.

Original author: Cady Siregar

Motlanthe announced as new permanent Safa CEO

Several youngsters made their mark in the recent campaign with some outstanding performances
Original author: Austin Ditlhobolo

Leicester striker Vardy ruled out for a 'few weeks' due to hernia problem

The Glamour Boys were under a Fifa transfer ban this season but could still afford to send some players out on loan at PSL and NFD clubs
Original author: Michael Madyira

Chelsea vs Man Utd: TV channel, live stream, team news & prediction

The Manchester United defender has reflected on his rocky journey ahead of the European Championships with the Three Lions
Original author: Nizaar Kinsella

The best goals of MLS matchday 10 - ranked

The Brewers have honoured two of their players as they motivate the squad for remaining matches in the league and domestic cup

Tusker have intensified their push to have a successful season after rewarding defenders Eugene Asike and Sammy Meja as the club’s May Players of the Month for their exemplary performances.

The Brewers are currently chasing a double as they are topping the 18-team FKF Premier League table and are also in the quarter-finals of the Shield Cup.

And in a move to further motivate the players, the club has rewarded the two players and promised to do so until the season comes to an end on August 22.

Meja, who started the season playing much of the campaign on the sidelines but was handed a starting chance when the season resumed, was honoured for scoring the solo goal in the 1-1 draw against Wazito FC.

What has been said?

Speaking after receiving the award, Asike told the club’s official website: “I feel very delighted about it, but I believe it is a team effort, I believe we are all winners. It is a good gesture and this makes me feel motivated going forward. Seeing the executive office come here to appreciate the work we are doing and appreciate the team brings good energy into the camp.”

Meja acknowledged the award by saying: “I am thankful to be awarded. The coach believed in me and gave me the chance and I took it with both hands and gave 100pc. The coach believed in me and I am glad that belief has paid off.”

What did the chairman say?

Speaking after presenting the awards to the players’ club chairman Dan Aduda said. “As the management, we will always be in support of you as players and we will motivate you to bring in good results. This month, we decided to award two players and we will look to do the same moving forward.”

Henry Meja and Jackson Macharia are the other two previous winners of the award.

In the last eight of the Shield Cup, Tusker, who beat Luanda Villa 1-0, will face AFC Leopards, who reached the quarter-finals after a hard-fought 4-2 win against Bungoma SuperStars in a Round of 16 fixture played on Sunday.

Defending champions Bandari, who qualified after a 5-0 win against Sigalagala, will come up against Equity, Nairobi City Stars, who beat Ulinzi Stars 2-0 will tackle Bidco United and Gor Mahia will face Kariobangi Sharks, who eliminated KCB on penalties.

Original author: Dennis Mabuka

How to watch Croatia vs Canada on TV & live stream

The Gunners are looking at replacements for the Switzerland international, who could soon be a Roma player

Arsenal and Roma are stepping up talks over a deal for Granit Xhaka, with the Gunners eyeing Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves as a possible replacement.

Discussions have been going on between the clubs for the past fortnight but have yet to reach a successful conclusion for the Switzerland international.

There is a hope between all sides, however, that a deal is a close - with Arsenal open to letting their former captain leave as part of their planned summer overhaul of Mikel Arteta’s squad.

What’s the latest?

Arsenal have yet to accept an offer from Roma for Xhaka, but sources at the north London club are confident that discussions are now heading in the right direction.

The Gunners want around £20 million ($28m) for the 28-year-old midfielder, who has two years remaining on his contract.

Roma were hoping to land him for closer to £15m ($21m), however, a figure Arsenal were unwilling to accept.

Talks are continuing over an acceptable solution and there is a growing feeling at Arsenal that a deal to take the midfielder to Rome could now be close.

One source told Goal that there is a willingness on all sides to reach an agreement as soon as possible, with discussions progressing very amicably between all parties.

Xhaka is keen for a new challenge after five years at Arsenal and would like for things to be sorted ahead of the start of the European Championship, so he can focus purely on international matters with Switzerland.

Neves to replace Xhaka?

Arsenal want to finalise Xhaka’s future quickly so they can concentrate on finding his replacement.

They are interested in Neves at Wolves, with talks having taken place about the Portugal international, however, he is not Arsenal’s only target, with his £35m ($49m) price tag a potential sticking point.

Wolves are open to selling Neves, who has two years left on his contract, and talks between the two clubs over a potential deal will accelerate once Xhaka’s exit is finalised.

Further reading

Original author: Charles Watts

Richarlison spares Tottenham & Antonio Conte from Champions League backlash

Simba SC head coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa has left Tanzania for his native France for a holiday.

The tactician took advantage of the Tanzania Mainland League break to dash home as confirmed by Wekundu wa Msimbazi assistant coach Patrick Rweyemamu.

"The coach has left the country but is expected back on Friday, June 11," Rweyemamu told Goal on Tuesday.

"He is on holiday; it is the same for the whole team. The only difference is that the team is expected back today [Tuesday] while the coach will have a few more days. We have to prepare for the league and ensure we achieve our targets."

The Frenchman led the team to the quarter-finals of the Caf Champions League where they fell 4-3 to South African heavyweights Kaizer Chiefs. He has also led the team to the quarter-finals of the ongoing Tanzania Cup.

The 21-time league champions are currently top of the table with 67 points from 27 matches played.

Meanwhile, midfielder Jonas Mkude will be undergoing a medical examination to ascertain his health before possible action is taken against him for skipping training.

The Taifa Star was suspended as a result and recently, he was summoned by the disciplinary committee. 

"After two reported accounts of indiscipline against Jonas Mkude regarding his absence from training on May 18, the disciplinary committee met over the same," read a statement from the club obtained by Goal.

"It heard the evidence presented by the club led by Michael Mhina while Mkude's side was led by Tumaini Mfinanga. 

"After extensive consultation, it was realized the accusations against Mkude have been recurring, and in initial situations, he had been found guilty of the offenses leveled against him.

"The disciplinary committee decided to deal with the issue differently to ensure an amicable solution is reached. As a result, a ruling has been postponed until a medical examination is done. After the examination, the committee will submit its ruling."

In January, Mkude was fined by the Wekundu wa Msimbazi Tsh200, 000 after he pleaded for forgiveness, when he was found culpable for three offenses.

The first offense was his decision to skip the club’s seminar which was held to discuss the team’s targets for the season, his second mistake was reporting late to training ahead of their Mainland Premier League match against Coastal Union. His third mistake being failure to report to camp on December 26, 2020, without permission.

Original author: Seth Willis

Why LaLiga goal-leader Lewandowski has suddenly stopped scoring for Barcelona

The England international has jumped to the defence of his club manager amid question marks over his selection choices against Chelsea

Pep Guardiola is not to blame for Manchester City's Champions League final defeat, insists Kyle Walker, who says the Premier League champions "needed to do more" to win the European prize.

City suffered heartbreak in their first Champions League final appearance at Estadio Do Drago on May 29, losing 1-0 to Chelsea courtesy of a first-half strike from Kai Havertz.

Guardiola has faced criticism in the aftermath of the result for his decision to start the game without Fernandinho or Rodri in a holding midfield role, but Walker has now jumped to the defence of his manager.

What's been said?

"Listen, people can talk. I’ve seen a few things or my mates have text me about tactics, personnel, this, that and the other," the City full-back told The Daily Mail.

"It’s a game of football, it’s 95 minutes and anything can happen. Obviously, we wanted the result to go our way but the manager, or whoever, he picks who he feels can go and get the result and what’s best for the club.

"When he gets it right nobody says anything and when he gets it wrong – or when they think he’s got it wrong – people are questioning things."

Walker went on to admit that the City players could feel the game slipping away from them as the Blues successfully executed Thomas Tuchel's high-pressing game plan.

"I think it’s a little bit unfair sometimes when as soon as Manchester City don’t win then it’s tactics or maybe players on the pitch, but we needed to do more and it’s as simple as that," he added.

"I don’t think we created enough in the game and I don’t think I’m speaking out of turn by saying that, I think everyone could tell on the pitch."

City's main goal for 2021-22

Guardiola was able to deliver an impressive Premier League and Carabao Cup double last season, taking his overall tally of trophies at the Etihad Stadium to 10 since his arrival in 2016.

Walker acknowledges the fact that winning three top-flight crowns out of the last four is an impressive achievement, but he does not feel City can claim to be a great team until they conquer Europe.

"I think with the squad we’ve got, with the manager we’ve got, with the club that we’re playing for, we should be going and winning the Champions League, we all know that," the England international said of the team's main ambition for next season. "We all know that the players, at least since I’ve been there, have been signed to go and get it.

"Yeah, okay, we can go and win the Premier League and I think we’re so fortunate to win three in four years, but we do need a Champions League as a club because I hear a lot of people saying it’s probably one of the greatest Premier League teams ever.

"Okay, yeah, that’s great, fantastic for me to even be involved in a team like that, but to be classed as one of the best teams ever I think you need the Champions League and that’s something that we are missing."

Further reading

Mourinho mocks PSG links: 'They didn't find me'

The Super Eagles stars have spoken of their preparation for their encounter against the Indomitable Lions

Francis Uzoho and Chidozie Awaziem have revealed their readiness to give their best when Nigeria take on Cameroon in an international friendly on Tuesday.

Uzoho will be expected to return in goal for the Super Eagles after he was an unused substitute in the first outing against the Indomitable Lions on Friday.

The APOEL goalkeeper has only featured once in Nigeria’s last eight games due to a knee injury and hopes to deliver in Austria.

"If I get the opportunity to start I'm prepared like always, I have been training with the team and I have been training well as well," Uzoho told the Super Eagles media team.

"They should expect my best like I always give whenever I get the opportunity to play, so that's the same thing they should expect from me, nothing else, just my best."

Boavista centre-back Awaziem is also eagerly looking forward to the game and promised to give his all in the encounter.

"It has been a wonderful atmosphere, the camp, everyone is happy together, and we are ready for the second game against Cameroon," Awaziem said.

"Everyone is prepared, everyone is working hard to make sure we get a victory in the next game. Definitely I am well prepared, I'm hoping to have a good game as well to help the team get a victory.

"We also want to win the game because it will help our confidence and it will help the team, it will the help the coach also to build his team and all the players are well prepared for the game."

Awaziem also reflected on his side’s defeat to Cameroon in the first outing and insisted the game served its purpose which to prepare them for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.  

"It was a good test for us because we have a bigger test ahead of us, so the game was a good test for us but the problem was that we lost the game which we don't like, and which everyone is not happy about,” he added.

"We know we had a good game, everyone gave his best to make sure we could get a victory or a draw but at the end we lost.

"I think it was a good test, we could see the ability of everyone and know how to prepare for the World Cup."

The defender played a key role when Nigeria qualified for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Original author: Gbenga Adewoye

The ridiculous goal-line clearance Ben Tozer pulled off against Manchester City

East Bengal situation is more complex compared to that of Kerala Blasters due to the ongoing club vs investor deadlock...

Indian Super League (ISL) club East Bengal has received a letter from the global football body FIFA stating that the club has been banned from signing players in the upcoming transfer window. 

Other than East Bengal, fellow ISL side Kerala Blasters also have received a transfer ban for the non-payment of salary of their former player Matej Poplatnik.

The Red and Golds' transfer ban comes at a time when the club is already marred with the controversy surrounding the ongoing tussle between the club officials and investor Shree Cement. 

The correspondence from the FIFA player status committee was made on June 1 and the AIFF has sent a letter to the current Shree Cement East Bengal management on June 7.

Why did East Bengal get a transfer ban? 

The Kolkata-based club has been served a ban by FIFA who has acted upon a complaint about unpaid salary by former player Johny Acosta.

Players can approach FIFA if they aren't paid their wages on time and the global body is expected to intervene to get the issue resolved. 

How can East Bengal proceed after the transfer ban? 

East Bengal can solve the transfer ban issue by paying the dues to the player. The ban will be lifted immediately once the payment has been made and FIFA has confirmed the same. 

What next for East Bengal? 

Unlike Kerala Blasters, who just need to initiate the payment for Poplatnik, East Bengal's problems are deep-rooted. With the ongoing controversy of investor vs club at East Bengal, investor Shree Cement has already taken the decision to not shell out any more money until the final agreement of the joint-venture between the club and the investor is signed by the club officials.

A source close to the Shree Cement team management has informed Goal, that as per the term sheet signed in September 2020, the new management is not legally bound to incur any liability of the club before September 1 so there is no question of paying off Acosta's salary at the moment.

Costa Rican World Cupper Johny Acosta was signed during the former investor Quess Corp's era in March 2020. The defender could play just one match in the I-League 2019/20 season against Real Kashmir as after that the league had to paused and then called off due to the outburst of the ongoing COVID-19 in the country and resulting nationwide lockdown.

The then Quess East Bengal management had unilaterally activated the force majeure clause on the contracts and the players were asked to sign a letter of termination in April. However, the players refused to accept the move and their salaries remained unpaid. Later the salaries for the month of April were cleared.

Goal has also learnt that liabilities that were incurred during the Quess era were transferred to the club during the separation of East Bengal and Quess Corp and thus Acosta's salary dues will now have to be cleared by the club officials. The Shree Cement has accordingly forwarded the letter from FIFA to the club officials regarding Acosta's salary dues.

Will Shree Cement pay Johny Acosta's salary dues if the final agreement is signed?

The Shree Cement management is not legally bound to pay the Costa Rican's salary as it was a matter before September 1 2020. But a senior official of the Shree Cement team management has informed Goal that if the club officials sign the final agreement then the management may consider paying off the dues temporarily so that the transfer ban can be lifted and the team-building process for the upcoming 2020/21 season can finally start.

But the club officials need to repay the amount to Shree Cement within one month of them clearing Acosta's dues beyond which interest will accrue till a year and after that also if they don't pay then the instrument will follow as per law.

What is going on in East Bengal?

After Quess Corp parted ways with East Bengal in June 2020 after being the club's investor for two seasons, Shree Cement came on board as their new investors which facilitated the club's move to the Indian Super League (ISL).

They then proceeded to establish a joint venture named Shree Cement East Bengal Foundation, in which the cement giants held 76 per cent stakes while the club had 24.

After Shree Cement's arrival, a term sheet was signed by both parties in September 2020 in the presence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee who had played an important role in bringing the company on board as the club's new investor.

Based on the term sheet, the club’s sporting rights as well all its assets and properties (including intellectual) were reportedly transferred to the newly formed joint venture between the two parties.

Even though the term sheet has been signed, a final binding agreement of the deal is yet to signed by the officials despite multiple reminders.

The club officials have remained firm on the claim that certain points in the final agreement are different from the term sheet that the parties had signed. The new management, on the other hand, claims otherwise. 

Shree Cement managing Hari Mohan Bangur also mentioned in the past that no meeting with the officials will take until they put pen to paper.

Original author: Ritabrata Banerjee

FutPost.com