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The Simba SC and Yanga SC players missed out on millions of shillings promised after the Kariakoo Derby was postponed on May 8.

According to Mwanaspoti, Wekundu wa Msimbazi - who were the hosts - failed to pocket TSh240 million while Timu ya Wananchi did not go home with Tsh540 million as the match was not played in the end.

The match was called off when Yanga opposed the move to have the game be played at 19:00 EAT.

The Tanzania Football Federation and the Premier League board had scheduled the kick-off time at 17:00 EAT before it was pushed forward, a move that saw Yanga object to the new time.

Simba's board vice-chairman, Said Abdallah, said they have now set their focus on their next games, but the promise made to the players remains.

"The eyes are now on the next games and when we will know the date to face Yanga, we will then see if to maintain the promise or add some more money," Abdallah told Mwanaspoti.

Yanga, who have given their players a one-day break, had promised them Tsh540 million shillings - Tsh231 million more than what Simba's stars were promised - had they picked up a win against the traditional rivals.

"We hoped to win and get more confidence before we proceed with our Caf Champions League pursuit," a player from the Simba camp who spoke anonymously told the same publication.

After the postponement of the highly-anticipated game, Tanzania's Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said he has ordered clarification on the situation.

“After the disappointment, we have ordered the Ministry of Sports to make an announcement on when the game will be played and also give direction how the fans who had paid for tickets would claim their money," Majaliwa said on Monday.

"The act to postpone the game angered Tanzanians and even people from across the world. These teams carry the image of Tanzanian football and thus there is a need to know the fate of the Kariakoo Derby.

"I would like to urge the Tanzanians, especially the soccer fans, who had made arrangements to watch the game either at the stadium or through the television, to be patient. 

"They need to be patient as the ministry of sports and TFF look into the matter with an aim of coming up with a solution."

Manchester City already have the Carabao Cup trophy under their belt, but they still have their sights on winning the treble, with the Premier League and Champions League titles still on the horizon.

Pep Guardiola's side have been frontrunners for the Premier League title for a good chunk of the season, and it is only a matter of time before they are officially named champions.

There's still a bit left to do before they are declared winners, though, so when could they win the title? Goal takes a look.

The Citizens only need three points to lift the title.

Manchester City could be crowned Premier League champions before their next game against Newcastle on Friday - and it all rests on the shoulders of their crosstown rivals.

Since second-placed Manchester United can only finish the season on a maximum of 82 points should they win their remaining games, City will win the league should Man Utd lose to Leicester on Tuesday.

Man City can also win the league should Man Utd fail to beat both Leicester and Liverpool on Thursday.

But if the Red Devils beat both Leicester and Liverpool, Guardiola's side will need to wait until they play Newcastle on Friday, in a game they must win.

Man City can only accumulate a maximum of 89 points this season, so there will be no Centurion record this campaign.

The Sky Blues had the opportunity to wrap up the Premier League against Chelsea on Saturday at the Etihad, who they will also be facing in the highly-anticipated Champions League final.

They needed a victory against the Londoners to win the league, but Thomas Tuchel's side managed to overcome a 1-0 deficit to win the game 2-1.

Raheem Sterling scored the opener for the hosts, but goals from Hakim Ziyech and Marcos Alonso meant that City's celebrations were put off for an additional week.

Sergio Aguero had the opportunity to double City's lead to make it 2-0, but fumbled his Panenka spot-kick.

“It is his decision,” Guardiola told Sky Sports about the missed penalty. “The taker has to take decisions. 

“I say to him, take one decision and take it full commitment. He decided to do it this way.

“In 21 days we are going to face them again in the final of the Champions League,” Guardiola added on facing Chelsea.

“We will learn from that and try and win the three points we need to be [Premier League] champions.”

Juventus have no plans to make a decision on coach Andrea Pirlo’s future before the end of the season.

The former Italy international has presided over Juve’s worst season since 2011, as they have come up well short in their bid to win a 10th Serie A title in a row.

Defeat to AC Milan on Sunday has cast doubt on their ability to secure a place in the top four, and with it Champions League qualification, but Pirlo’s position is safe for now.

Pirlo has faith of Juve

Goal sources can confirm that Juventus retain faith in their coach, and he will be in charge for the game with Sassuolo on Wednesday.

Reports in Italy claimed Juve were considering the option of sacking Pirlo this week and placing Igor Tudor in caretaker control, but that suggestion has been denied.

Big two weeks for Pirlo

With three games remaining in the Serie A season, Juventus are sat in fifth in the table - a point adrift of Napoli and three behind Milan and Atalanta.

Following the trip to Sassuolo, Juventus entertain Serie A champions Inter and complete the league season with an away game at Bologna.

While disappointed to have seen their Serie A crown taken by Inter, Juve hope Pirlo can oversee three wins and secure qualification for the Champions League.

At that point, the club’s board would make a decision on whether to give Pirlo a second season at the helm or make a change.

Should they come up short in the race for the top four, Pirlo’s position would in all likelihood become untenable.

Further reading

Former Hearts of Oak managing director Neil Armstrong-Mortagbe believes Ghana boss CK Akonnor is more than capable of leading the nation to Africa Cup of Nations victory despite some skepticism about the coach’s competence.

Since assuming duty as Black Stars head coach later year, Akonnor's ability has been questioned on multiple occasions.

Last month, the president of Ghana Premier League side King Faisal, Alhaji Grunsah, expressed a lack of belief in Akonnor, saying the coach has "nothing better" to offer in the desperate search for an elusive fifth Afcon title.

“I disagree with Alhaji Grusah. Respectfully he is a mentor," Armstrong-Mortagbe told Class FM.

"Having said that, you need to see the context in which he was speaking from. I haven’t monitored fully his justification for saying that we need to replace CK Akonnor.

“In terms of what I know about CK Akonnor, his background, his pedigree, his level of exposure and his application to his tasks, if he gets the support from especially the playing body and the leadership of the playing body and utilises his backroom staff, I don’t see why he cannot go on to lead us to win the Africa Cup of Nations."

Akonnor was appointed Ghana coach in January last year with a mandate to lead the Black Stars to Afcon glory in Cameroon next year, and as well guide the team to secure qualification for the 2022 World Cup.

The West Africans have already booked a ticket for the upcoming continental championship in what will be their 23rd appearance at the tournament.

“I’m a Ghanaian, I can’t support Burkina Faso or any other country than Ghana but this coach has nothing better to lead our team for the trophy," Grunsah, whose King Faisal Ghana Premier League side are led by Turkish coach Kasim Gokyildiz, said last month.

"I believe we can win the trophy but not with this coach, Ghana needs a white coach because football is managed by a critical thinking person and I know you understand me well."

Ghana last won the Afcon tournament in 1982, their earlier titles coming in 1963, 1965 and 1978.

Edinson Cavani has agreed a one-year extension to keep him at Manchester United until June 2022.

The 34-year-old has been in impressive form in recent weeks scoring eight and assisting three in his last seven games so it is no surprise Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been desperate to keep him.

The news he has agreed to stay is a boost to Solskjaer who sees the Uruguayan as a mentor to others in the squad as well as being an asset for his goal contributions.

What has Cavani said?

The 34-year-old said: “Over the season, I have developed a great affection for the club and everything that it represents. I feel a deep bond with my teammates and the staff who work behind the scenes here.

“They give me extra motivation every day and I know that together we can achieve special things. From the very first moment that I arrived I felt the confidence of the manager, as a plyer this belief gives you the prefect opportunity to play your best football and I want to thank him for that.

“I have been touched with how much the supporters have wanted me to stay and I will give everything to bring them happiness and joy with my performances on the field.

“I’ve not yet been able to play in front of the Old Trafford crowd and that is something that I cannot wait to do.”

What has Solskjaer said?

The United manager has made it clear for a long time that he wanted the forward to stay and is understandably delighted he has committed to another year.

He said: “I said when Edinson signed that he would bring energy, power and leadership to this group and I haven’t been proved wrong, he has been everything I thought he would be and more.

“As coaches we knew about his goalscoring record however, it is his personality that has brought so much to this squad, he has a winning mentality and has an unequivocal attitude to everything he does.

“Edinson is one of the last to leave the training ground and sets the tone for the upcoming youngsters with his approach to his profession every single day.

“I have always wanted him to stay and experience the way our fans will respond to him as a player and this means he will hopefully get that opportunity.”

What is his goalscoring record?

Cavani has 15 goals for United this season with nine of those coming in the league. While he has had impressive performances throughout the campaign he has really stepped up in the last month where he has managed eight goals and three assists in his last seven appearances.

Goal view

It’s great news for Solskjaer and United that Cavani has decided to stay for another year and even better news for the fans who have yet to see him perform in person.

While his goal contributions have been key it is his experience that is invaluable and he can be seen coaching Mason Greenwood in games advising him on his positions and when to run.

United have been lacking a natural No 9 for a long time and the 34-year-old has filled that void perfectly.

Further reading

The Harambee Starlets have been drawn in Group A of the 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations qualifiers after the draw was conducted at the Caf headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, on Monday.

The first round will see Kenya play against South Sudan as Uganda face off against Ethiopia, Eritrea against Burundi, while Djibouti will confront Rwanda.

Should the Starlets proceed past South Sudan, they are set to face off against either Uganda or Ethiopia in the second round. The winners on aggregate will qualify to join hosts Morocco in the regional showpiece.

The first and second leg fixtures of the first round will be played between June 7 and June 15, while the second round’s first and second leg fixtures will be held between October 18 and October 29.

This will be the first assignment for new Starlets coach Charles Okere, who was appointed on April 13, to replace David Ouma, who left the team on mutual agreement.

Okere, who was serving as an assistant coach with 11-time FKF Premier League champions Tusker, started work immediately and his first task was to lead the team against Zambia in a friendly match in Lusaka, but it was cancelled owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

On his appointment, Okare said: “I really feel honoured and privileged to be given this opportunity to serve the nation. It is always a huge achievement for anyone, be it a player or a coach to be handed a responsibility with the national team and I feel elated.

“This is a big challenge and one that I am ready for. It is an opportunity for me to continue learning and growing as a coach and I am willing to give my best to my country just as I have been doing for my club.”

Meanwhile, the Kenya U20 women's team has also been pooled in Group A alongside Uganda, Burundi, Malawi, Namibia, Angola, Botswana, and Zambia, in the second round of the 2022 Fifa U20 Women's World Cup qualifiers.

Kenya will play against Uganda and before being one of the two African representatives in the 2022 Fifa U20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica, they will have to go through three more rounds

The women’s U20 continental showpiece first leg fixtures will take place between January 13, and January 15, 2022, with the second leg fixtures to be held between January 27, and January 29, 2022.

Kaizer Chiefs defender Yagan Sasman says they know what to expect from Swallows FC when they host the Dube Birds in a Premier Soccer League match at FNB Stadium on Wednesday. 

A difficult patch of form for Chiefs has threatened to derail their ambitions of finishing the season in the top half of the table and their recent outings include losing to some relegation candidates, Tshakhuma Tsha Msadzivhandila and Chippa United. 

They now face a Swallows side fighting for a top-three spot and a team which edged them 1-0 in the reverse fixture last November, when Joseph Mhlongo’s late goal decided the contest at Dobsonville Stadium.  

“We definitely remember the result against Swallows. We always say such games don’t go away from our minds but we play pretty football,” Sasman told Chiefs’ media. 

“That is the name of the game, it is always the best team on the day that will win the game. We are preparing well for the game and yes Swallows have been doing well this season.

"They have been playing some good football so we know what to expect from them and we are preparing well for them. 

“I think the game is going to be difficult for us. Of course it is a Soweto derby and all derbies are difficult. I think the guys will be pumped up because it is an important game for us. 

“Every game is important for us now because we need to win each and every game. Three points are important for us because our goal is to make it into the top-eight so maximum points are vital.” 

After the Swallows match, Chiefs will be left with three games before concluding their PSL season. 

Amakhosi’s top-eight bid reminds Sasman of last season, when they were in the title race and missed the crown on the final day of the campaign.  

“Last season didn’t go our way, going down to the last match and the last 20 minutes of that match so it is difficult for us and we know our games can be thrown away in the last period of the league,” continued Sasman. 

“So we are staying focused and we are working hard throughout the end of the season until the last game. We need to win every single game from now.”:

Sasman has made six appearances in all competitions as coach Gavin Hunt has been preferring Philani Zulu or Reeve Frosler at the left-back position. 

This is in contrast to last season, when he featured in 18 league games, and the former Cape Town Spurs defender feels not having regular game time has taken a toll on him mentally. 

“Myself being in and out of the team and not always playing this season has been difficult mentally for me but as players we are pushing each other on and off the field,” Sasman said. 

“Even the guys on the bench not playing support the guys on the field. In training you just try to improve and be ready for your next opportunity.”

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi is hoping that “everything goes according to plan” as they are working to have Themba Zwane fit for Saturday’s Caf Champions League quarter-final, first leg tie away at Al Ahly. 

Zwane's fitness has been a major concern for the past few days after injuring his hamstring during a Premier Soccer League match against Maritzburg United last Wednesday, a game in which he featured for just 12 minutes. 

While there was worry he could be out for a long period of time, Sundowns moved in to allay the fears and the player was expected to make a cameo appearance against TS Galaxy on Sunday. 

But after missing that match, Mngqithi says the chances of Zwane featuring against Al Ahly look bright. 

“We are hopeful with the doctors and it looks like he will be able to play in the next match in Egypt …we are hopeful that everything goes according to plan,” said Mngqithi as per Phakaaathi.

“It [the injury] never really looked serious, we had to be a little bit cautious to make sure that we don’t aggravate it and that is why we took him out early against Maritzburg without even giving him a chance.”

Not being played against TS Galaxy has been seen as a precaution to preserve Zwane for the Al Ahly match.

It is yet to be seen if he will start when Sundowns face their former coach Pitso Mosimane, who will be in charge of the defending Champions League champions.

Mngqithi also explained that Zwane’s injury was never as serious as initially thought.

“It was never a tear but it was a strain that could have easily resulted in a tear had he couldn’t continue with the match and that is why the doctors said within a week or 10 days he would he would be able to come back and help and we have enough days now before our next game,” Mngqithi added.

It will be the third consecutive season in which Sundowns have met Ahly in the Champions League last eight.

Juventus have been warned that failure to withdraw from the much-maligned Super League proposal will see them barred from competing in Serie A next season.

A divisive project that had been speculated on for some time proved to be a disastrous failure when plans for its implementation were announced, with 12 European superpowers having to backtrack frantically.

Six heavyweight Premier League sides led the turnaround, which occurred inside 48 hours, but Juve - along with La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid - are yet to officially stand down.

What has been said?

Juve, Barca and Real have collectively hit out at the "intolerable threats" made against them by UEFA and FIFA, but they are running the risk of being excluded from domestic action.

Gabriele Gravina, president of the FIGC, told Radio Kiss Kiss: "The rules are clear. If Juventus is still part of the Super League when it enters next season, it can't participate in Serie A.

"I would be sorry for the fans but rules are rules and they apply to everyone.

"I hope this holdout ends soon."

Further talks planned

Gravina is eager to ensure that Juventus are not locked out of the Italian top flight in 2021-22, with further talks planned between all parties in an effort to reach a compromise.

The FIGC supremo added to Radio Anch'io Sport: "They are simple principles, affirmed by the Olympic Charter and then reported by the statutes of national and international federations.

"They are clear principles, in which the exclusivity of sport management is established. I hope that this dispute can be resolved as soon as possible.

"We are all a bit tired of this tug-of-war between UEFA and these three clubs. I hope to be able to mediate between Juventus and UEFA.

"It’s not good for international football, Italian football, Juventus. We have already said that the football association respects the rules.

"The rules foresee the non-participation in our championship if the principles established by the federation and UEFA are not accepted."

The bigger picture

Juve president Andrea Agnelli figured prominently in Super League discussions and refuses to accept that the concept is flawed.

In efforts to justify the Bianconeri's presence in the plans, he told Corriere dello Sport: "We want to stay close to our fans. Our will is to create a competition that can bring benefits to the entire football pyramid, substantially increasing what is distributed to other clubs.

"A competition, I emphasise, which remains open and provides five places available to the other clubs. The nutrition of the youth sectors is maintained. The biggest problem with the football industry is stability.

"40 per cent of 15-24 year olds have no interest in football. We need a competition capable of opposing what they reproduce on digital platforms, transforming the virtual into real.

“Football is no longer a game but an industrial sector and stability is needed. Even at home. In Europe, the game that is worth the most is not the Champions League final but the play-offs of the English first division to access the Premier League: 150 million. This is not stability.

"We need strict economic and financial rules such as those established in the Super League."

Juve have surrendered a domestic title to arch-rivals Inter this season and, with questions being asked of whether Andrea Pirlo and Cristiano Ronaldo will be back next season, have much to iron out on and off the field in order to bounce back stronger.

Further reading

Marcus Rashford has admitted that it was difficult for him to play his best football under former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho.

Rashford burst onto the senior stage at United when Louis van Gaal was in charge at Old Trafford in 2016, before having to adjust to life under a new boss after the Dutchman's sacking at the end of that season.

Mourinho handed the England international a prominent role in his set-up after moving into the dugout, but he wasn't able to deliver the goods in the final third on a consistent basis during the Portuguese's two-and-a-half-year reign, which he puts down to being stifled from a creative standpoint.

What's been said?

Quizzed on whether Mourinho allowed his players to express themselves freely going forward, Rashford told BT Sport: "I think that's when we play our best football (when we can be flexible).

"Under Jose I would say everything was a bit (points) 'you play there, you play there, you play there'.

"And yeah, you can do a job, but it was difficult for me to play my best football."

Rashford's old team-mate Wayne Rooney also weighed in on Mourinho's rigid matchday planning, recalling the time he was benched in favour of his fellow countryman for United's 2-0 win over Chelsea in 2017-18.

"I remember a Chelsea game, I was on the bench. Marcus kept me out the team!" the Red Devils legend added on Rio Ferdinand's Between the Lines show. "I remember he (Jose) played a back SIX.

"And I remember thinking, 'Jose's put Marcus up top on his own. Unless he runs in behind, Chelsea and David Luiz, with all that experience, if he comes to feet we're in trouble.'"

What did Rashford achieve under Mourinho?

Rashford won three trophies with United during his time working with Mourinho, including the Europa League and Carabao Cup.

However, he came in for some criticism for a lack of cutting edge in front of goal, scoring just 15 times in 81 Premier League outings under Mourinho, who was dismissed midway through his third season at the helm.

How has Rashford performed for Solskjaer in 2020-21?

Rashford has added end product to his game under the stewardship of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who was named Mourinho's permanent successor at Old Trafford in March 2019.

The 23-year-old broke the 20-goal mark for the first time in his career last season, and has done so again in 2020-21 after 53 appearances in all competitions.

Rashford also has 15 assists to his name this term, including a beautifully-flighted cross for Edinson Cavani's goal in United's 3-1 win at Aston Villa on Sunday.

Further reading

Newcastle manager Steve Bruce says a permanent deal for Joe Willock will be discussed this summer, while suitors of Allan Saint-Maximin have been warned that the winger is not for sale.

The Magpies are in a position where they can start planning for next season after hitting form at the right time and dragging themselves clear of the relegation zone.

Willock, who has hit five goals through 11 appearances during a productive loan spell at St James' Park, is among those to have sparked a resurgence and Bruce is eager to see the 21-year-old midfielder remain on Tyneside.

What has been said?

Asked about Newcastle's plans for Arsenal-owned Willock, Bruce told talkSPORT: "All of us would love to [make it permanent].

"He’s 21, a midfield player and he’s got five goals since the turn of the year, so of course we want him – but we have to respect that he’s Arsenal’s player.

"I’m sure Arsenal will have big discussions this summer, but if there’s a possibility that we can bring him back we’d love to do it."

What about Saint-Maximin?

While Newcastle are eager to see Willock move through arrivals this summer, efforts are being made to ensure that key men do not head for the departure lounge.

French winger Saint-Maximin is attracting plenty of interest, with his direct running and quick feet earning plenty of praise, but the 24-year-old is considered to be a key part of long-term planning at St James' Park.

Bruce added on a prized asset: "I said when we signed him he was going to be someone who gets you off the edge of your seat and how often do you feel like that about an individual player?

"He has wonderful natural ability and it wouldn't surprise me if other teams are looking because his ability is there for everybody to see.

"He is right. Nobody wants Newcastle to be in a relegation fight.

"He is a very gifted individual and young, of course. The last thing we want to be doing is selling our better players that is for sure."

Will Bruce be staying put?

Bruce is hoping to work with Willock and Saint-Maximin in 2021-22, but questions have been asked of his ongoing presence in the Newcastle dugout.

He has a contract through to the end of next season, but discussions will be held this summer about whether he remains the right man to guide the Magpies forward.

The 60-year-old said of his own future: "It is for others to decide.

"Most clubs will have big discussions and review the season. I am a football person and it is still too early to retire yet. But those conversations will happen over the next couple of weeks, I am sure."

Further reading

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Manchester United’s hectic schedule makes it "impossible" for his side to keep the pressure on Manchester City in the final weeks of the season.

It is still mathematically possible for United to beat City to the league title after Pep Guardiola’s side lost against Chelsea at the weekend, and Solskjaer’s side could close the gap to four points before City play again.

United to would need to win all of their remaining games and hope that City don't win in their last three against Newcastle, Brighton and Everton, but Solskjaer does not believe they will be able to keep the pressure up on the leaders due to this week’s schedule of two games in three days.

What was said?

Solskjaer said: “I wish I could have said let’s go full out in all the games, but it’s impossible. That’s the hard bit for me, knowing if I do play this XI [that played against Villa] on Tuesday and then again on Thursday, it’s impossible, I run too much of a risk in injuring them.

“Talking about integrity in the league and stuff, don’t blame me when I have to make changes because I have to. It’s not safe for them to play all four so I have to prioritise.”

Why do United have two games in three days?

The reason behind United’s hectic schedule is down to the rearranged Liverpool game, which had to be postponed after protesting fans made their way into Old Trafford.

The rearranged game is scheduled for Thursday, meaning United's game against Leicester, which should have been played on Wednesday, has been pushed to Tuesday despite the team playing on Sunday away to Aston Villa.

After the game against Liverpool, United have two league games left this season - a home clash against Fulham before the final match of the campaign against Wolves.

What else was said?

Solskjaer did not give team news as he said it would be a late decision on Tuesday, but Harry Maguire looks unlikely to be available having gone off in the win against Villa with an ankle injury.

“We can have a theoretical team now but we’ll have to see how they react when they come in tomorrow and on Tuesday morning, and then pick a team Tuesday afternoon,” Solskjaer explained.

“Amad and Shola Shoretire are in contention, yeah definitely,” he added. “They’re in the first team squad they’re training with us every day so I would think that some of the young boys will get an appearance definitely.

“If it’s coming on towards the end or it’s starting I don’t know because I don’t know how the players will be on Tuesday when we see them.”

Futher reading

Milan Skriniar is aware of the speculation that has linked him with Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea, but the Inter defender claims to be paying no attention to rumours.

The commanding centre-half has seen a switch to the Premier League mooted for some time, with his talents said to be registering on recruitment radars heading towards the summer.

The 26-year-old is, however, happy at San Siro - with a Serie A title triumph taken in this season - and claims to be in no rush to explore options that are supposedly open to him.

What has been said?

Skriniar has told Sport Aktuality on the interest he is said to be attracting from afar: "There have been rumours, there are and there will be.

"However, I have never listened to or commented them.

"Of course, it will be no different after this season."

What does the future hold for Skriniar?

The Slovakia international is tied to a contract with Inter through to the summer of 2023.

He has no intention of breaking that agreement any time soon, with no change of scenery expected to be taken in during the next window.

Instead, Skriniar is looking to make a positive impression with his country at this summer's Euros before returning to aid a quest for more silverware in Milan next season.

He has added on his ambitions for the immediate future: "I want to enjoy this great feeling now, then I want to finish the season and prepare for the European Championship.

"Will I defend the title with the Inter shirt next year? Yes, of course."

Further reading

A fascinating dilemma emerged for UEFA just a number of weeks before the 2021 Champions League final.

The confirmation on May 5 of an all-Premier League final between Manchester City and Chelsea, coupled with the fact that Turkey was added the England's Covid-19 travel 'red list' on May 7 prompted calls for the game to be moved.

With two English teams competing for the trophy, fan groups and government officials have made a case for the decider to be moved to a venue in England instead.

Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul was chosen by UEFA to stage the Champions League final in 2020, but public health circumstances related to the worldwide pandemic saw hosting duty pushed back to 2021.

Is it possible that the Turkish venue's hosting duty will once again be delayed?

Will the Champions League final be moved to Wembley?

It is not clear whether the Champions League final will be moved from Istanbul to Wembley, but a clear decision is expected to be made by May 12.

A meeting between UEFA and the UK authorities was scheduled for May 10 over the possibility of moving the game to England. Ultimately, UEFA will have the final say on the matter.

Before that meeting, UK government minister Michael Gove explained that "delicate negotiations" were ongoing with the European football governing body.

"My son is a Chelsea fan and he would dearly love to see the game played in the UK," Gove told Sky News. "But there are delicate negotiations that are going on at the moment.

"My friend, my colleague the Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, is talking to people about this at the moment and so I don't want to cut across that, but I'm sure that fans in the UK would dearly love to see the final played here in the UK."

Chelsea supporters were quick to call for the game to be moved to the UK in order to allow fans of both teams to attend the game.

Wembley has already hosted games with a limited number of supporters permitted, including the Carabao Cup final, which was played in front of over 7,000 fans in April.

The 90,000-seater stadium is also set to host the FA Cup final on May 15, with up to 20,000 supporters being permitted as part of a pilot event.

However, Wembley is the traditional venue for the EFL play-off finals, the dates of which clash with the Champions League final. Nevertheless, the EFL has indicated an openness to the idea of moving the venue for the play-off finals.

When will the Champions League final be played?

Saturday, May 29 is the scheduled date for the 2021 Champions League final. The game is scheduled to kick off at 8pm BST (3pm ET).

The trouble for UEFA and UK authorities is that the 2021 Championship play-off final, where two teams face off for the right to play in the Premier League, also falls on that date.

It seems unlikely that UEFA will move the date of their flagship curtain-call, so if the continental decider is to be played in England one of two things must happen.

Either the EFL agrees to rearranging the venue of the Championship play-off final or UEFA could find another suitable venue in England for the Champions League final.

If Wembley is out of reach, then another UEFA Category 4 stadium, such as Old Trafford or Anfield, could arguably be used.

What happens if the game is not moved to Wembley?

If UEFA decides not to move the Champions League final to Wembley, then it will logically go ahead at Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul.

The issue with the game being played in Turkey is that UK citizens returning from 'red list' countries are required to quarantine in a government approved hotel for 10 days.

That is seen as a barrier for fans wishing to travel to the game, as well any player who has been selected to represent their country at Euro 2020, which kicks off on June 11.

It is possible that special exemptions could be made in order to facilitate travel to the final, but it may be difficult to justify in the case of fans, who would be travelling for leisure.

Neymar's "best years are behind him" according to David Ginola, who says the Brazilian's new deal will be meaningless unless Paris Saint-Germain can also tie Kylian Mbappe down to fresh terms.

Neymar put an end to speculation over his future at Parc des Princes by signing a new four-season contract last week, which includes the option of an extra year.

Ginola was pleased to see the 29-year-old commit to a long-term stay but thinks it's far more important for PSG to sort out an extension for Mbappe, who he believes still has a lot more potential to unlock.

What's been said?

"The important thing to win trophies is stability in a group. To gain Neymar's loyalty even more, I think that's a very good thing,' the former PSG playmaker told France Info. "Winning matches with one player today like back then, you could do with [Michel] Platini and [Diego] Maradona, I think those days are over.

"We cannot sign Neymar again without securing the signature of Kylian Mbappe. Neymar is 29 years old, his best years are behind him. 

"Mbappe is more about youth, talent in its raw state, he is a boy who has enormous potential, but we are only at 60% of his capacities. Except that today, all these players will have to realise that they can not win anything if they do not put themselves at the service of a group."

Neymar and Mbappe compared in 2020-21

Neymar's form has been up and down this season as he has continued to struggle for fitness, with the Brazil international having missed 19 games due to injuries.

The attacker has managed to contribute 16 goals and 10 assists to PSG's cause in 29 outings across all competitions, but Mbappe has made a far greater impact in the final third.

The World Cup winner is enjoying his most prolific season in Paris yet, with 37 goals in 43 games including 25 in Ligue 1 and eight in the Champions League.

Mbappe's future up in the air

Mbappe is fast approaching the final year of his contract at PSG, and it has been reported that he is stalling on signing a renewal amid interest from Real Madrid.

Liverpool have also been linked with the France international, but Mauricio Pochettino has said that the French champions are working hard behind the scenes to make sure Mbappe stays put.

"He has one more year of contract," the PSG boss said last month. "I said it before but the club and I are doing our best to ensure that he stays for many years. The club is working on it and Kylian Mbappe is happy with us."

Further reading

Mason Greenwood has ripped a notable record away from Wayne Rooney at Manchester United and is now looking to ensure that his entry in the history books cannot be erased.

A highly-rated product of the Old Trafford academy system has become the top-scoring teenager in the club's history in the Premier League, with a 16th strike recorded in a 3-1 win over Aston Villa.

The Red Devils' all-time leading marksman, Rooney, now sits second on that list, with Greenwood determined to ensure that a notable bar is raised out of reach of others before he celebrates his 20th birthday on October 1.

What has been said?

Greenwood told MUTV of a record-setting strike and topping a legend: "I just knew that he [Tyrone Mings] was coming tight to you in the box, so if you get a little movement then you can get half a yard. I finished it well, I'm happy with my goal.

"Hopefully there are many more to come. I'll try and keep scoring goals so no one else can come and break the record in the future! I’m happy scoring goals."

Perfect mentors

Greenwood hit 17 goals across all competitions last season - in what was a breakthrough campaign for him - with 10 of those efforts coming in the top flight.

He is up to 11 in the current campaign and believes there is more to come as important lessons are taken from those around him, including 34-year-old frontman Edinson Cavani - who could be sticking around on a new contract.

"You always know what he’s going to do but you still can’t seem to stop him," Greenwood said of his vastly-experienced team-mate.

"It’s nice to watch him off the bench. It’s the movement, everyone knows he can do it but it still seems they’re not able to stop him. 

"We’re all learning off him, me, Rashy [Marcus Rashford], Amad [Diallo]... we’re all looking up to him."

The bigger picture

The efforts of Greenwood and Cavani are helping to put United in contention for a top-four finish and Europa League glory.

An impressive record on the road, which has delivered no Premier League defeats this season, is aiding that cause, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be keen to see his side buck a trend that has left them having to stage stirring fightbacks on a regular basis.

Greenwood added, with the Red Devils conceding first again at Villa: "We’ve got a little bit of a bad habit. It’s not so bad if we come and get the three points; it’s just a wake-up call when they score.

"We know we can come back second half and get the three points. We need to work on it and not give little goals away in the first half so we don’t have to come back from behind."

Further reading

Javi Martinez has insisted that he will be "open to all directions" after his Bayern Munich departure at the end of the season.

Martinez will officially leave Allianz Arena when his contract expires in June, having spent the last nine years of his career with the German champions.

The 32-year-old has won all the top honours in the game during his time with Bayern, but has yet to decide on his next move, with his focus currently locked on wrapping up the 2020-21 campaign in strong fashion.

What's been said?

"I'm open to all directions and am looking for the best option for myself," Martinez told Kicker of his future plans. "I don't know yet, I will make this decision at home in Ayegui this summer.

"First I will concentrate on the last two games and my farewell."

Asked how long he wants to continue playing at the highest level, the Spaniard added: "My legs decide. One year, three, 10? Take a look. But I also want to be physically well after my career is over."

Martinez's career at Bayern

Martinez became the most expensive signing in Bayern's history when he joined from Athletic Club for €40 million (£35m/$49m) back in 2012.

The World Cup winner has since racked up 266 appearances across all competitions for the Bundesliga giants, while also contributing 14 goals and 11 assists.

Martinez has picked up 22 trophies in total with Bayern, including nine league titles and two Champions League crowns.

Who else is leaving Bayern this summer?

Martinez is not the only influential figure set to walk through the Allianz Arena exits this summer, with Bayern having also decided against handing veteran defender Jerome Boateng a contract extension.

David Alaba will also be departing as he seeks to undertake a new challenge away from Germany, while head coach Hansi Flick is due to be replaced by RB Leipzig's Julian Nagelsmann.

Further reading