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EA Sports' FIFA titles are among the most popular video games in the world and certainly the biggest franchise when it comes to football simulation.

Its Ultimate Team mode has developed into the chief attraction for many gamers, but there is so much more that appeals, with cutting edge gameplay, not to mention plenty of official teams and competitions.

The Covid-19 global pandemic impacted the rollout of FIFA 21, but the games development industry has adjusted accordingly and it proved to be one of the most successful titles yet.

However, the season is over and that means fans are wondering about FIFA 22...

Will there be a FIFA 22?

FIFA 22 is expected to materialise in some form in 2021, with EA CEO Andrew Wilson effectively confirming that a new game is on the way

"All of our new EA Sports games are designed for next-gen console platforms including FIFA, Madden, NHL and EA Sports PGA Tour," Wilson said during an EA conference call in May.

The resounding success of FIFA titles was noted by Wilson in the same call and taking that into account it is easy to see why EA would be keen to continue the cultivation of that particular franchise.

Indeed, the games publisher chief explained that they would "build on that strength with a massive year of innovation and expansion".

When will FIFA 22 be announced?

EA Sports announced FIFA 21 at its EA Play event and it is possible that the games behemoth could do the same for FIFA 22. 

This year, EA Play is scheduled for July 22, 2021.

However, there is also a distinct possibility that FIFA 22 could be announced earlier than that, at the E3 event, which is running from June 12, 2021 until June 15.

One potential approach could be for EA to whet appetites with a teaser trailer at E3 before having a proper launch, with all the adornments, at their own EA Play event in July.

That way of handling it has actually been hinted at by EA's CEO Andrew Wilson, who, in May, said: "You’ll hear a lot from our build in June and we'll kind of ramp-up to that July.”

Which consoles will FIFA 22 be available on?

As noted by EA chiefs, FIFA 22 is being built for next-generation consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series-X/S, so it will be interesting to see how graphics and gameplay are affected.

It is expected that the game will also be available to play on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, as well as on PC.

FIFA 21 became available to play on Google Stadia from March 2021, but it is not clear how, if at all, FIFA 22 will be rolled out for the platform.

It also remains to be seen if FIFA 22 will be a playable title on Nintendo Switch, with recent iterations of the game being little more than a legacy game with a lick of paint applied.

Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi believes they could still deliver more than what they did after beating Bloemfontein Celtic 2-0 in Wednesday’s Premier Soccer League match at Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium.

It was a perfect response for the Brazilians who had dropped two points last Saturday when they were held 0-0 by Swallows FC.

A Peter Shalulile brace handed them victory in the Free State as they will now finish the season unbeaten away. 

While praising his charges for a good outing, Mngqithi, however, feels they could offer much more. 

“Haashim [Domingo] had a good game, Peter as well and [Gift] Motupa could have done better in the high press but I still believe he has some very good moments,” Mngqithi told the club’s media. 

“Mosa [Lebusa] at the back was very firm. He had a lot of good moments and AJ [Andile Jali] also played some very good football, creating some good moments even in the attacking third. But I still believe we could do better than what we did. 

“But we are never happy, we always believe we could have scored a little bit more than what we got. But in football, you must accept whatever you get sometimes.” 

Despite Masandawana’s victory appearing to have come easily, Mngqithi says they knew Celtic were going to be a difficult side to crack. 

“I think the first half was a little bit scrappy, we never really took control of the game,” said Mngqithi. 

“But fortunately, we scored a very good goal in the process, a good cross from Lyle. Good finish from Haashim that hit the bar and another very good finish from Peter with the header. But generally, we knew that we’re not going to play an easy team, they move the ball very well.  

“Neo Maema gave us a lot of trouble in the number 10 position together with [Tebogo] Potsane first half, which forced us at times to to have a two versus two at the back and try to add a plus one with a fullback, but from time to time, they would come out because we were never really very organized in our high press. 

“But as soon as we improved our high press and enough, I think we did a little bit better. And we started to gain control of the game. And we were fortunate to get a second goal from a corner that I think made us a little bit more stable.” 

Sundowns now prepare to host Cape Town City for their final game of the season on Saturday. 

Real Madrid have tied Lucas Vazquez to a new contract through to 2024, with a home-grown talent being prevented from slipping into the free agent pool.

A versatile 29-year-old was due to see his previous deal expire this summer, with exit talk being generated as a result.

Vazquez will, however, be sticking around in the Spanish capital and prolonging his association with La Liga giants.

What has been said?

The Blancos have said in a statement on the club's official website: "Real Madrid C. F. and Lucas Vazquez have reached an agreement to extend the player’s contract and he will remain at the club for the next three seasons, until 30 June 2024."

Vazquez's record at Real

Vazquez stepped out of Real's famed academy system to figure for their reserve sides.

A loan spell was then taken in at Espanyol, with a purchase option taken up.

Real were, however, to counter that by triggering a buy-back clause and the Spain international has been a regular for them since 2015.

He has taken in 240 appearances for the Blancos, registering 26 goals along the way.

Two La Liga title triumphs have been savoured down the years, along with three Champions League successes.

The bigger picture

Vazquez was always adamant that he saw himself remaining in Madrid, telling reporters amid the transfer talk he sparked: "I'm really enjoying myself this season because I'm playing and that's what makes me happy.

"A contract extension? I was and will always be a Real Madrid man."

His wish has now been granted, with speculation regarding supposed interest from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United brought to a close.

Further reading

Tanzania Football Federation President Wallace Karia has dismissed allegations he has been favouring Simba SC over their archrivals Yanga SC.

Karia said he only has an affiliation with Coastal Union - now 16th with 33 points - and that there is nothing he can help them with to salvage the situation despite his TFF position. 

"If it is about loving a team, maybe Coastal Union but it is something that you can openly say 'Yes, this is the team I support'. But the allegations that I always stand with Simba or that I hate Yanga are just baseless," Karia told Mwanaspoti.

"If I wanted to support Coastal Union in any way, for example, it would not be in the current position with 29 games played. 

"I have no reason to hate Yanga, this is just cheap talk from people but when one is in a leadership position, it is always very hard to please everyone. It is also known that my work will not please everyone because I will hurt some in the course of duty.

"Where have I shown favour towards Simba and when did I show that I hate Yanga? I love Coastal Union but you can see they are likely going down. Since I was young, I have supported Coastal Union but the rest of the clubs I found them there and I have never been attached to them.

"If I had the behaviour of trying to help teams, don't you think it would have been easier to help the team that I am a registered member for?"

TFF has recently come under fire, particularly from Yanga fans who believe the current administration is favouring the Tanzania Mainland Premier League champions. The most prominent case that pitted TFF against Yanga is the case that involved Bernard Morrison's move to Simba in 2020.

The Ghanaian joined Wekundu wa Msimbazi even though Yanga claimed he had signed a contract extension before TFF's Players' Status Committee ruled the winger was a free agent and was allowed to make the move.

Recently, controversy ensued when the Premier League Board rescheduled the May 8 Kariakoo Derby, Yanga protested and did not take part citing regulations that govern such instances. The new date for the match has been given as June 3 but Timu ya Wananchi have indicated they will not avail themselves for the game.

There's been a lot of frenzy on social media as Chelsea and England winger Callum Hudson-Odoi touched down in Accra on Wednesday night, spotted in the company of renowned Ghanaian musician King Promise.

Although the winger’s mission is unclear, it is believed that he has arrived in the West African nation, where his parents come from, for holiday.

He touched Ghanaian soil only four days after helping The Blues win the Champions League in a fiercely contested final against Manchester City.

Owing to his Ghanaian parentage, the 20-year-old, who has been snubbed for the upcoming Uefa European Championship, is eligible to play for the Ghana national team despite making three senior appearances for England where he was born.

His availability for a possible switch to Ghana despite being capped by The Three Lions is due to Fifa's revised eligibility rules which came into force last year.

As per the new rules, the attacker is allowed to make a switch to the CK Akonnor-led Black Stars because he has not played more than three senior matches for England and all the games had come before he turned 21.

Below are the best reactions to his arrival in Ghana:

Alex Telles has vowed to be "better" for Manchester United in 2021-22 after enduring a testing debut campaign at Old Trafford.

The Brazilian left-back has found himself stuck behind Luke Shaw in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plans, with just 24 appearances - including only eight Premier League starts - taken in on the back of a £15 million ($20m) move from Porto.

Competition for his place is not going away, with Shaw now a key man for the Red Devils, but Telles is convinced that he can play a more prominent role.

What has been said?

The 28-year-old defender has told United's official website on his experiences in the recent past and hopes for the immediate future: "Yes, I believe I've made the most of this season.

"I've learnt a great deal, I learnt a lot of things, I've developed as a player and a person as well.

"I'm really happy with my first season at United and I'm sure that next season will be even better.

"I think I always took the opportunity to do my best whenever I was on the pitch. I had good games, with the adaptation process the first season isn't easy, but I believe that when Ole gave me the opportunity and placed his trust in me and put me on the pitch, I did my best.

"I'm sure that I'll continue doing even better to spend more time on the pitch and get a lot more minutes."

Future targets

Telles was snapped up by United after showcasing his talents as a modern day full-back in Portugal.

He registered 26 goals and 57 assists across four years at Porto, but is yet to find the target for United.

The intention is to open that account as soon as possible, with a man who did convert his penalty in a Europa League final shootout defeat to Villarreal adding on his future ambition: "I really want to score my first goal, I can't wait.

"I scored a lot of goals previously at Porto and now I'm really looking forward to playing and scoring my first goal."

Further reading

Harry Kane has admitted that he would see it as a “failure” if he were to come to the end of his footballing career without winning a major trophy with England.

The Tottenham striker is part of another strong Three Lions side heading into the upcoming Euros, with manager Gareth Southgate having had to make some difficult decisions as he finalised his squad for the tournament.

England have struggled to deliver on their promise in the recent past, however, finishing fourth in the 2018 World Cup and third in the 2018-19 Nations League. Kane, though, intends to “put that right”.

What has been said?

“I hope my mum doesn’t mind me revealing her age, but she was born in 1966. My dad was born in 1964, so he was two when England won the World Cup,” Kane told the Evening Standard when discussing the country's ongoing wait to secure more silverware.

“That is how long ago we are talking about, and it’s down to us to put that right. I think if I finish my career as a footballer without winning a major trophy for England, I would see that as a failure. 

“I know we are still progressing, still got room to improve, but that is the goal and I think we can do that.”

On his team-mates, he added: “There is a lot of expectation but there is a lot of belief. I know these players and I feel we are ready for anything. 

“There are some great teams — France, Belgium, Germany, Spain, Italy, Portugal — and to win it we know we have to beat some of those teams, and that is the challenge. 

“But I know for sure, none of those teams will want to face us. A lot of their best players play with us and against us, week in, week out; they know we are a tough opponent for any of them.”

No distractions

With Kane having told Tottenham that he wants to leave the club this summer as he attempts to place himself in a better position to win trophies, he could be forgiven for losing focus as his future remains one of the media's biggest talking points.

The 27-year-old suffers from no such struggles, however, as he rarely reads social media and prefers to spend time with his young family rather than get lost in nights of partying as so many of his peers have fallen prey to.

“[Fame] has changed my life. But it hasn’t changed me as a person,” he says. “I would say the same about money. It means I can look after my wife and my family. But I can promise you if football was still an amateur sport, and we got paid nothing, I would still be a footballer. 

“There is no other job that could give me the satisfaction this one does. I just happen to be playing in an era when the top players earn a lot.

“I want to be with [my wife] and the family. I am not a drinker, I am not someone who wants to be seen out and about. I want to be a top footballer, and that means focus and it means doing everything you need to do to be the best you can be.”

Further reading

Yanga SC Communications Officer Hassan Bumbuli insists the club is not aware of the Tanzania Mainland League Kariakoo Derby against rivals Simba SC scheduled for July 3.

The match had been initially planned for May 8, but late changes made Wananchi walk away citing failure to follow the set rules of the organisers. Tanzania Football Federation ordered the Tanzania Premier League Board to set a new date for the game and the latter settled for the aforementioned date.

However, the 27-time league champions insist they are not aware of the plan and as far as they are concerned, there are four matches remaining.

"The team is back in training and on Sunday we will play a friendly match against African Lyon at the Azam Complex in Chamazi, Dar es Salaam," Bumbuli said on Thursday.

"It will be one of our preparations for the remaining four league matches. We have games against Ruvu Shooting, Mwadui FC, Ihefu FC, and Dodoma Jiji FC.  

"We already played against Simba on May 8 and we are done with that. I am talking about the remaining four league matches that are in the fixture timetable. 

"As far as I am concerned, we also have two Tanzania Cup matches. One will be in the semis against Biashara Mara United and the final since I am confident we will qualify.

"We don't know whether there is a league match against Simba, we have not received any confirmation on the same and I cannot talk about what is not there."

Meanwhile, Azam FC have left their league rivals Simba and Yanga shocked after managing to extend the contract of striker Prince Dube.

The two mainland giants were keen to sign the Zimbabwean striker, who in one season after signing for the ‘Ice-cream Makers’ has managed to score 14 goals in the league.

With rumours spreading on social media that he had started negotiations with Simba, Azam have moved with speed to extend his contract for another two years to ensure he will be with the team until 2024.

His stay will be good news for Azam who are currently in the race to win the league and domestic cup title.

Retired Kenyan midfielder Francis Xavier has claimed AFC Leopards are on the right gear to lift the Football Kenya Federation Premer League title.

Ingwe are third with 36 points, just two fewer than Tusker, who are on top and the former midfielder has pointed out why he feels the local giants could end their title drought that has lasted for over 22 years.

"I have a feeling that AFC Leopards will be champions this time around because they have been quite consistent compared to other seasons. It is always not easy when you are on form, then go into a long break and come back again with your consistency quite intact," Xavier told Goal.

"A break is always something that a team does not desire especially when they have been on top form. Look at Gor Mahia for example, before the break, they were not in good form but they seem to have picked up and are on a stronger footing and it is true that the break helped them a great deal to strategize.

"On the other hand, AFC Leopards were consistent before the break and, luckily, they have picked up and are getting some good results. This is good motivation and a very encouraging sight. I believe they are in the right gear towards achieving the title ambition."

The former Vihiga United assistant coach also picked Tusker as the main rivals for Ingwe and not second-placed KCB. "Tusker can be AFC Leopards' bigger challenger, not KCB. KCB have tried yes, and are a good side but they have not yet reached the level one can claim to guarantee them the championship," he concluded.

"I will not even be surprised to see Kariobangi Sharks finish above them. I really see Kariobangi Sharks moving above unless something extraordinary happens."

AFC Leopards would have gone top of the table but lost to Bidco United on Sunday when they went down by a 3-1 margin. They are lined up to face Sofapaka, Wazito and Kariobangi Sharks in the next three ties in the month of June.

Ingwe are also still in the race to win the Shield Cup after seeing off Posta Rangers to book a quarter-final spot.

India are set to go up against Qatar on Wednesday evening in their 2022 World Cup Qualifiers fixture at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha. The Maroons are currently ranked 58 in the FIFA standings and it will be a daunting task for the Men in Blue to face them at their own den. 

Herein, we list down instances in the past 25 years when India have played against a nation that was ranked within top 60. To date, the team has played 12 such matches and has won only once. The win came against Kuwait in a friendly in 2004. 

However, India's worst result against such a top-ranked side was against Japan in the same year when they faced a 7-0 loss away from home. Japan also remain the highest-ranked opponent India has played in a game they lost 0-4 away. Japan were ranked 18 at that time.

What has been India's best performance away? 

India's best performance remains a 3-2 friendly away win over a 60th-ranked Kuwait in 2004. Fahad Al Hama opened the scoring in the 35th minute to put the hosts ahead. However, in the second half coach Stephen Constantine made two changes by bringing on Alvito D'Cunha and Jerry Zirsanga which tilted the match to India's favour. Within three minutes Tomba Singh equalised. 

But a lapse in concentration in defense allowed Bashar Abdullah Abdulaziz to score the second for Kuwait and restore their lead. But Constantine's change paid off and Zirsanga levelled the score in the 64h minute. 11 minutes later Abhishek Yadav netted the winner to seal one of India's historic wins on foreign soil. 

India's best performance at home

India picked up a significant 1-0 win against UAE (United Arab Emirates) in the 2002 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, when their opponent was ranked 64. Jules Alberto scored the solitary goal of the match. 

India's best performance against Asian Champions 

Their recent 0-0 draw against Qatar in September 2019, has been their best result against an Asian Champion. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu had a brilliant outing and made numerous saves to deny the likes of Almoez Ali and Hassan Al-Haydos from scoring. 

When Stephen Constantine took charge of the Indian national team as their head coach in 2015, the Blue Tigers were struggling at the 171st position in the FIFA rankings.

Constantine in the next two years did an impeccable job with the Indian team as they broke into the top 100 for the first time since 1996. In July 2017, India were ranked 96, 75 positions above from where they were when the British coach took charge of the team in 2015.

Apart from the rise in FIFA rankings, India also won several accolades and got the opportunity to play in the Asian Cup after a gap of eight years.

After Igor Stimac took charge of the team, the Blue Tigers managed to hold Qatar to a goalless draw which was arguably one of India's best results against a reigning Asian champion.

But the most astonishing thing that happened in Indian football between 2015 to present is the number of international debuts. 64 Indian players have made their debuts in the last seven years.

Stephen Constantine era

Under Stephen Constantine, India have won three titles. His era began by winning the SAFF Championship in 2015 followed by the Tri-nation cup triumph in India and the winning the Intercontinental Cup in 2018. 

While the team's performances in 2018 World Cup qualifiers did not go as per plan as India finished last in the group stage, they managed to earn an Asian Cup qualification after a gap of eight years.

But the most incredible part of the Constantine era was the international debuts of 45 players! In his very first match as the Indian coach on March 12, 2015, against Nepal, Constantine handed debuts to seven players which include present-day Indian stars Pritam Kotal and Sandesh Jhingan. In the next four years, 38 other players went to make their international debuts.

Some of the notable players who have made their debuts under Constantine are Pritam Kotal, Sandesh Jhingan, Anirudh Thapa, Rowllin Borges, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Manvir Singh and many more.

Igor Stimac era

It has been a challenging journey for Igor Stimac as the head coach of the Indian team since he took charge at the helm in 2019. 

A challenge that the Croatian faced as India's coach was the 16 months gap where the Indian national team did not play a single game due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. After a busy 2019, where the Blue Tigers played 10 matches under Stimac's tutelage, not a single international match was played in 2020. It was only in March 2021, that Stimac got to reassemble the squad and played two friendly matches against Oman and UAE in Dubai.

Under Igor Stimac, 19 Indian players have made their international debuts out of which 11 debuts were handed during the friendly matches in Dubai in March 2021. Players like Sahald Abdul Samad, Brandon Fernandes, Ashutosh Mehta and Bipin Singh got an opportunity to play their maiden international matches under the former Croatian defender's tutelage.

What next for the Indian team?

The Indian team under the tutelage of coach Igor Stimac is currently in Doha, Qatar to play their remaining three 2022 World Cup qualifiers. They resume their campaign by taking on the hosts on June 3 followed by Bangladesh on June 7 and Afghanistan on June 15.

India started their World Cup qualification run with a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of Oman at home, followed by a historic goalless draw against Asian champions Qatar in Doha. In their third and fourth matches, the Blue Tigers managed 1-1 draws against both Bangladesh and Afghanistan and then they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Oman away from home. They are currently fourth on the points table with three points from five matches.

India's all-time highest goal getter in international football Sunil Chhetri tops the chart highest Indian goalscorers in the World Cup qualifiers scoring seven goals in three different editions so far.

Second to Sunil Chhetri is the legendary Indian striker I.M Vijayan who netted five times in three different editions of the qualifiers. Vijayan is followed by Jo Paul who had scored four goals in the 2002 World Cup qualifiers which is the Blue Tigers' most successful qualification campaign ever.

There are several other illustrious names who feature in this list like Bhaichung Bhutia, Renedy Singh and Jeje Lalpekhlua. 

In 48 World Cup qualifying matches, 23 different players have scored a total of 48 goals in nine editions of the World Cup qualifiers so far.

With three matches remaining in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, can Chhetri increase his tally and take it to double figures?

Top 10 Indian goalscorers in World Cup Qualifiers

How are India doing in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers?

India started their World Cup qualification run with a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of Oman at home, followed by a historic goalless draw against Asian champions Qatar in Doha. In their third and fourth matches, the Blue Tigers managed 1-1 draws against both Bangladesh and Afghanistan and then they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Oman away from home.

They resume their campaign against Qatar on June 3, followed by Bangladesh and Afghanistan on June 7 and June 15 respectively. All the matches of India's group are hosted by Qatar.

Current group standings

What happens if India finish fourth or fifth?

If India finish fourth then also they can qualify for the Asian Cup qualifying third round if they finish amongst the four best fourth-placed teams across all groups. The remaining four fourth-placed teams will advance to the Asian Cup qualifying play-off round.

If India finish fifth in the table, then they will have to participate in the Asian Cup Qualifying play-off round. 

Bukayo Saka has called his goal for England against Austria on Wednesday the biggest moment in his career thus far. 

The Arsenal man opened his senior international account in a friendly at Wembley, scoring the game's only goal in the 56th minute of a 1-0 win. 

Saka was named to England's Euro 2020 squad this week after a breakthrough campaign with the Gunners.

What was said?

"Probably the biggest moment of my career so far, the biggest moment was getting called up for England the first time and now to score the goal it sounds nice, it's an amazing feeling for me," Saka told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"You dream of that as a kid, scoring for your country, coming through the age groups with England so to now do it here and score for the seniors, it's an amazing feeling and I hope I can have this feeling many more times.

"Every game is an opportunity to grow in confidence and chemistry with my team-mates so today is another step in the right direction.

"It's a big honour to be named in the final squad, grateful to Gareth [Southgate, England manager], happy that I get the opportunity to represent my country in a major tournament so I'm looking forward to it a lot."

What's next for England?

England will close out their Euro 2020 preparations on Sunday when they take on Romania in a friendly.

The Three Lions will play their first game of the Euros on June 13 when they face Croatia at Wembley. They will then take on Scotland five days later before finishing the group stage with a clash against Czech Republic.

Further reading

Roy Keane has heaped praise on Jack Grealish, comparing the Aston Villa and England star to Cristiano Ronaldo. 

Grealish produced a strong performance for the Three Lions on Wednesday as they defeated Austria 1-0 in a friendly. 

The display eased fears over the playmaker's fitness after he played just four games for Aston Villa since mid-February, having spent three months sidelined with injury.

What was said?

Speaking on ITV, Keane said of Grealish: "He is the star man, he makes things happen. He has courage and always wants the ball in tight areas. Like Cristiano Ronaldo at Portugal, you need players like that in your team. It is brave."

Grealish spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live about icing his leg after he was taken off in the second half as well as his visual disappointment at being removed from the game.

"Since I've come back that's what I've been doing [putting ice on leg]," Grealish said. "I'm still a bit aware of the injury so after these games I have to try and recover as much and as good as I can, so that's why I put the ice on straight away.

"It's difficult, I've been out for three months, only started three games since I've been back. It takes time, I'm ready when called upon. I still train as hard as I can, as if I am back in the swing fully."

On being subbed off, he added: "I love playing football, I didn't want to come off. That's the manager's decision and I respect that."

What's next for England?

England will close out their Euro 2020 preparations on Sunday when they take on Romania in a friendly.

The Three Lions will play their first game of the Euros on June 13 when they face Croatia at Wembley. They will then take on Scotland five days later before finishing the group stage with a clash against Czech Republic.

Further reading

Barcelona are examining several internal complaints over contracts involving former president Josep Maria Bartomeu and his deputies.

Goal can confirm the existence of the complaints, which deal with payments made to some suppliers who failed to carry out any work or left their tasks unfinished.

Bartomeu was ousted as Barca president in October 2020 and was eventually replaced by Joan Laporta.

What are the allegations?

Goal has learned that several companies were hired and paid by the Blaugrana but there is no record that their tasks were completed. 

In fact, Barcelona employees, including those from the club's communications and marketing departments, were allegedly forced to finish some of the suppliers' work.

Some of that work includes work for the club's Espai Barca project, which is set to remodel and upgrade Camp Nou and other related facilities.

In addition, sources suggested to Goal that multiple companies were hired and paid by Barca to carry out the exact same tasks.

Previous executives of the Espai Barca project have maintained that everything was done with the utmost transparency and professionalism.

Barcelona declined to comment when contacted by Goal about these allegations.

What was said?

Upon taking over at Barca, Laporta hinted at some potentially troublesome business that had been conducted under his predecessor.

"Things are emerging that we will have to solve, some worrying, others surprising and others complicated but that have a solution," Laporta said at his introductory press conference. "We will be transparent to the maximum, because what we are finding has to be explained."

Trouble grows for Bartomeu

Bartomeu's involvement in the "Barcagate" scandal has already seen him arrested earlier this year. "Barcagate" is an ongoing investigation in which Bartomeu's administration was accused of secretly paying PR company I3 Ventures to do online work for the club.

Further reading

Trent Alexander-Arnold received an outpouring of support from fans on social media after limping off the pitch with an apparent thigh problem on Wednesday in England's friendly win against Austria.

The injury, which Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate described as "not good" in his initial response, is particularly heartbreaking for the right-back considering he had just been named in the final Euro 2020 squad after his selection was the subject of much debate.

Alexander-Arnold has returned to top form in recent months at Liverpool and had hoped to transfer that performance to the international stage.

How have people reacted to Alexander-Arnold's injury?

What has Southgate said about the injury severity?

"We're going to have a look," Southgate told ITV. "It's not good to see him come off in the way he did. We'll have to assess him over the next 24 hours. I think thigh but the medical team are assessing him. We'll have to see. It's not a good sign to see him have to walk off as he did. We'll know more in 24 to 48 hours."

The manager didn't want to discuss possible replacements at Euro 2020, maintaining that speculation was pointless at this stage.

"Let's see how Trent is and then we'll go from there," he said. "We don't know the full extent. The last thing you want is to see him come off in the way he did."

Further reading