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New Libya coach Zoran Filipovic has vowed to ‘change everything’ towards making the Mediterranean Knights ‘a success’.

The Montenegrin was named as handler of the North African side following the resignation of coach Ali El Margini after losing his first three games in charge.

Filipovic becomes the first European tactician to work with the Libyan Football Federation since Spain’s Javier Clemente who led the country to win the 2014 African Nations Championship in South Africa.

While promising to live in Libya to carry out his responsibilities, the former Boavista, Red Star Belgrade and Golden Arrows handler also pledged to do all it takes to help the fortunes of the 1982 Africa Cup of Nations runners-up.

"I will change everything to make the Libyan national team a success," said Filipovic as quoted by BBC Sport Africa.

The 67-year-old’s primary goal will be to help the Mediterranean Knights secure a place at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations billed for Cameroon.

With just a win and three losses, Libya sit at the base of Group J that parades already qualified Tunisia, Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania. They host the Carthage Eagles in their next fixture on March 22, 2021.

El Margini walked away from his job following the nation’s defeat to Equatorial Guinea in Malabo, while expressing his disenchantment with the barrage of criticism levelled at him, his technical crew and players by the Libyan public despite the country’s unfavourable conditions.

"The conditions for Libyan football have greatly affected the level of players and that's what caused these results," he told BBC. "Their absence had a great impact, as they are important pillars of the national team, and if they were there, we would be able to win over Equatorial Guinea.

"The lack of experience of some players who were playing for the first time in the Libyan national team was why we couldn't hold on for the victory.”

Filipovic will lead Libya to 2021 Chan where they will compete with DR Congo, Congo and Niger Republic in Group B. They take on the Menas in their first game at the Japoma Stadium, Douala.

2020 has not been the greatest of years for multiple reasons, with the COVID-19 pandemic bringing the entire world to a standstill for the majority of the year. 

Various sports, including football, have also suffered the brunt of the pandemic. Tournaments have been cancelled, delayed or cut short, with sporting calendars going for a toss. 

Asian football also suffered. The internationals stood postponed, with the World Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers pushed back to 2021 The AFC Cup was scrapped for 2020. The fate of the AFC Champions League, with most of the group stages yet to be played, was unclear. 

However, at a time when the entire continent was seeking a safe return to sport, 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar stepped up. 

Qatar first restarted their domestic competition, Qatar Stars League (QSL), after implementing a bio-secure bubble and social distancing protocols at centralised venues. After proving their capabilities, Qatar extended a helping hand to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and offered to host the AFC Champions League West and East matches, including the final itself.  They also hosted the Amir Cup Final, Qatar’s most prestigious cup competition, on December 18.

What was most striking about the two finals was the fact that Qatar were able to hold the two games in front of a significant number of fans. We’ve seen fans slowly come back into games across the world but in a very small number. Premier League games in England have seen just 2000 fans in a stadium. In such a scenario, the AFC Champions League and the Amir Cup finals saw 12000 and 10000 fans make it to the stadium. 

Also important was the scale at which the AFC Champions League was played. 30 teams featured in a total of 76 matches, held at three 2022 World Cup venues. With more than 900 players taking part, Asia’s premier club competition was easily one of the biggest sporting events to have held inside a bio-secure bubble in 2020. 

And the bubble protocols came in for praise throughout. There were mandatory Covid-19 tests, safe transportation, disinfection, proper medical staff and social distancing protocols were implemented. Significantly, Qatar carried out a total of 48323 Covid-19 tests for these tournaments. 

It has also highlighted Qatar’s venue readiness, tournament operations ability and fan experience offering. And now, it has also shown that the 2022 World Cup hosts can also ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of all stakeholders. 

Kim Do-hoon, coach of South Korean club Ulsan Hyundai who won the AFC Champions League, was also full of praises for Qatar and their measures taken for the safe resumption of sports.

“We were tested for COVID-19 every time we played a game on the previous day – this made us feel safe and I need to thank the Local OrganisingCommittee and the AFC. The bubble system was implemented right through and we could not meet anyone from outside, in addition to a good quarantine infrastructure when necessary.”

Qatar, as it gets ready to host the 2022 World Cup, will further prove its capabilities by hosting multiple events in the next couple of years, starting with the 2020 FIFA Club World Cup which will be held in February 2021. They are also set to host an Arab Cup in December 2021. 

Nasser Al Khater, Chief Executive Officer of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC said after the Amir Cup final on December 18, “Tonight was an immensely proud occasion for Qatar and the people of Al Rayyan. It was a culmination of a rigorous effort taken by multiple stakeholders across several months, beginning with the AFC Champions League, until tonight where we saw thousands of fans safely enjoying the spectacle.”

“We are looking forward to hosting more safe and secure events in the coming months, and we sincerely hope that the world will quickly overcome the pandemic and resume life and sports as we’ve always enjoyed them,” he added.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who attended both the Amir Cup and AFC Champions League final, said, “Over the last three months, Qatar has shown the world how football can continue to be played and fans remain engaged despite the Covid-19 pandemic that we are all facing. Qatar has set a benchmark for the safe resumption of football in the COVID-19 world.”

Cape Town City are reportedly set to sign Justin Shonga from Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM).

The Zambia international only joined Vhadau Vha Damani in October 2020 after being released by Orlando Pirates at the end of last season.

Shonga has enjoyed regular game time at Tshakhuma whenever he is fit and available under local coach Joel Masutha. 

However, Far Post are reporting that the 24-year-old marksman will move to the Mother City when the transfer window opens next month.

"Far Post sources confirm that Justin Shonga has joined Cape Town City from Tshakhuma," the website reported on Wednesday.  "The transfer window opens next month and that's when City will register him." 

Shonga has played seven matches across all competitions for Tshakhuma this season and hit the back of the net once in the process. 

The Chipata-born frontman enjoyed his football at Pirates under Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic between 2017 and 2019.

Shonga was one of the Buccaneers' top performers as they finished second in the Premier Soccer League in the 2017/18 season and 2018/19 campaign, while also reaching the 2018 Nedbank Cup final.

However, Shonga fell out of favour following Sredojevic's departure in August 2019 as he struggled for game time under coaches Rhulani Mokwena and Josef Zinnbauer.

The former Nkwazi FC player was released by Pirates alongside his compatriot Augustine Mulenga, who has since moved to AmaZulu FC. 

If Shonga completes his transfer to City he would join up with his countryman Charles Zulu.

Zulu, who is a midfielder-come-striker, was snapped up by the Citizens from seven-time Zambian champions Zanaco two months ago.

Just like Shonga, Zulu is part of the Zambia national team. 

Former Netherlands and Aston Villa midfielder George Boateng wants to manage Ghana's national team in the future, but states "he's not after CK Akonnor's job".

After a playing career which saw him also feature for Hull City, Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest, the 45-year-old has turned to coaching, acknowledging that one of his dream jobs is the Black Stars coaching position.

He was born in the Ghanaian city of Nkawkaw but moved to the Netherlands as a child, going to to later represent the European nation at international level.

“If the Black Stars need me, I will always be available,” Boateng told Joy News. “I have always said that I will always help. I have a very good relationship with the GFA; [president] Mr. [Kurt] Okraku, the vice-president, Mr. Mark Addo, they are doing a great job now. 

“I have always indicated that if they need my services, I am always able to talk. If we can then come together, put our heads together and agree on something, that is perfect," he added. “There would definitely be an interest to manage the Black Stars.”

For almost a year, the Black Stars have been under the leadership of Akonnor, who replaced James Kwasi Appiah as head coach in January.

Guided by the former Wolfsburg captain, the four-time African champions have won two and lost two of four games played in 2020.

“CK is doing it, let him do it, give him the time that he needs to develop and put a good team together,” Boateng said. “I am not after his job at all! I am now in a very good position.

"I am enjoying my coaching. I love Aston Villa; it is a great club. We are back in the Premier League.”

Boateng, who made about four senior appearances for the Netherlands at senior level, began his coaching career with Malaysian outfit Kelantan in 2014 before joining Blackburn Rovers as U13 head coach in 2018.

In 2019, he headed for Aston Villa as head coach of the U18s before being promoted to the U23 fold this year.

The Black Stars and Akonnor next return to action against South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe in March 2021.

Asamoah Gyan's decision to return for a last hurrah in the Ghana Premier League has been commended by former Netherlands and Aston Villa midfielder George Boateng.

The 35-year-old erstwhile Sunderland, Stade Rennais and Udinese forward made a comeback after 17 years abroad in October, signing a short-term deal with Legon Cities.

He has so far made three appearances for his new side.

"I think it is a brave move,” Boateng told Joy Sports. "If you are a young footballer and you want to make it in the game and you have a huge star like Gyan playing beside you, you can’t get a better way of motivation than that.

“For those who are playing, not only with him but the others in the league, it is outstanding.

“You see an ex-star who has been the country’s captain for many years, playing in the league you’re playing, you have to go by that as an inspiration.”

Gyan featured for Liberty Professionals in the Ghana Premier League before leaving for Udinese in Italy in 2003.

"Sometimes people forget that the Ghanaian league is also a professional league," Gyan told the BBC about his move back home in November. "I got the offer [from Legon] and everything was right - as a professional you have to evaluate everything. I am very proud to be in the Ghanaian league.

"The most important thing is that they were serious about the contract. I am a very serious guy, despite people seeing me as a funny guy as well, but when it comes to work, it is work. Everything is about seriousness.

"I am in Ghana and I am home. I signed for this club because they have a huge project - they want to change Ghana football. I came here for a reason so while I am enjoying football, we are also doing things behind the scenes to benefit Ghana football."

At international level, Gyan, who won the BBC African Footballer of the Year in 2010, has represented Ghana at three World Cup tournaments - 2006, 2010 and 2014.

He is currently the Black Stars all-time top scorer and most capped player with 51 goals in 109 appearances, and as well Africa's top scorer at the World Cup - with six goals. 

Cristiano Ronaldo indicated he has no plans to retire by saying he hopes to play on for "many, many years" despite preparing to turn 36 in February.

The Juventus forward has shown no signs of slowing his goal output, finishing the 2019-20 season with 31 goals and a second Serie A title before firing in 12 in 10 league appearances this term.

In 2020 he became the fourth player in the history of Italy's top flight to score 33 goals in a calendar year after Omar Sivori (33 in 1961), Gunnar Nordahl (36 in 1950) and Felice Borel (41 in 1933).

That tally puts him top of the goalscoring charts in Europe's top five leagues this year, ahead of The Best FIFA Men's Player award winner Robert Lewandowski (32).

Portugal captain Ronaldo will be 37 by the time the 2022 World Cup kicks off in Qatar but hinted that he intends to be there.

"It doesn't matter the age. What is important is the mind," Ronaldo told BBC Sport , after being named Player of the Century at the Globe Soccer Awards this week.

"It doesn't matter if Cristiano Ronaldo is good, you don't know tomorrow what is going to happen. I live in the present, in the moment.

"The moment is good, I feel happy, I feel sharp and in a good moment in my life. I hope to play many, many years more but you never know."

Ronaldo scored a brace in Juventus' 3-0 win over Barcelona in the Champions League on December 8 and followed it up with doubles in Serie A victories over Genoa and Parma – either side of missing a penalty in a draw against Atalanta.

Despite his impressive form, the Bianconeri are sixth in the table, 10 points behind league leaders AC Milan, and Ronaldo admitted the absence of fans at the Allianz Stadium frustrated him.

"I don't like to play in the stadiums without fans, it's like going to the circus but you don't see clowns," Ronaldo said.

"The pandemic has made people crazy. I hope soon they can open the gates of the stadiums.

"We have to live with that, we have to try to do a normal life but of course we have to respect the rules. But to play without the fans, I really don't like it."

Atletico Madrid consolidated top spot in LaLiga with a 1-0 home win over Getafe on Wednesday in head coach Diego Simeone's 500th game in charge in all competitions.

Simeone's milestone match came against his favourite opponents, having now won 16 out of 18 matches against neighbours Getafe without conceding - the other two being goalless draws.

Luis Suarez put Atleti in front with his eighth goal in his first 11 league games for the club, equalling Radamel Falcao's record for the most prolific Rojiblancos start this century.

Atleti could not add to their tally but safely held on to move three points clear of Real Madrid, who have played a game more and are in action against Elche later on Wednesday.

The visitors were given a let off after 14 minutes as Thomas Lemar fired an angled shot against the frame of the goal as he attempted to catch out Ruben Yanez.

But Getafe, who ended an 11-match wait for an away league win last time out on their travels, could not hold out for much longer as Suarez glanced in Yannick Carrasco's delivery.

Suarez guided over from 15 yards soon after but a bigger chance went begging for Angel Rodriguez at the other end, the forward heading straight at Jan Oblak from close range.

Oblak was called into action again just before the hour mark to keep out Jaime Mata's header with a routine stop, while Carrasco was thwarted by Yanez down low in a second half of minimal chances.

Ini Umotong has explained the cancellation of her contract with Swedish Damallsvenskan side Vaxjo, citing academic reasons.

In July, Umotong signed an 18-month deal with Maria Nilsson's team, a few days after she brought to an end her three-year spell with English Women's Super League club Brighton.

During her debut season in Sweden, she was in impressive form to help Vaxjo to a mid-table spot, finishing four points above the dropzone, scoring scored three goals in 16 appearances.

Commenting on the situation, the 26-year-old, who holds a first-class economics degree from 2017, revealed that her decision was due to her plans to continue her studies in England.

"I’ll be starting my MBA which I was awarded on a full scholarship," Umotong told Goal.  "I’ll be studying part-time alongside football. I needed to be based in England. Vaxjo has been a great experience for me. 

"I'm grateful to have a part of a successful season and appreciate the faith shown in me. I wish both players and staff all the best for the future."

After the Nigeria international decided to cancel her contract, that was expected to run through till 2021, her former employers wished her well in her future endeavours.

"Ini Abasi Umotong came to the club during the season and the idea was that she would play for Växjö DFF in 2021," the club announced on its website. "Now it will not be so and both parties agree to break the existing contract.

"An injured shoulder makes up for what needs to be operated on and when it is so uncertain when it can get rid of, Ini chooses to move home to England to be able to resume her studies," the statement continued. "We wish Ini good luck with her future career and say goodbye as usual."

Having since returned to England, Goal understands Umotong is expected to join an English side for the remainder of the season in the coming days while pursuing her academic programme.

She will also be hoping to make a return to the fold of the Super Falcons under Randy Waldrum after narrowly missing out on the Nigeria squad to 2019 Women's World Cup in France.

Bruno Fernandes would fit in at Real Madrid, Barcelona or Juventus, according to his former mentor Cristiano Giaretta, who says the Manchester United star's statistics for goals and assists make him a potential contender for the Ballon d'Or.

Fernandes began his professional career in Italy with Novara in 2012, where he spent one year before joining Sampdoria.

The Portugal international also took in a spell at Udinese before returning to his homeland, with Sporting CP snapping him up in the summer of 2017.

He quickly became a talismanic figure at Jose Alvalade Stadium due to his all-action style of play, while learning to supply the kind of end product that matches his mercurial talent on a consistent basis.

Fernandes soon began attracting attention from top clubs across Europe, and United eventually won the race for his signature in January.

The Red Devils forked out €55 million (£50m/$68m) to bring the 26-year-old to Old Trafford, which he has already repaid ten-fold, scoring 26 goals in his first 45 appearances across all competitions.

The former Sporting playmaker has also provided 17 assists, with his outstanding performances in the middle of the park helping to transform Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side from also-rans into Premier League title contenders.

Watford sporting director Giaretta, who handed Fernandes his first professional contract at Novara, has heaped praise upon the Portuguese for rising to the very highest level of the game, while claiming he now has unlimited options when it comes to his future.

Asked where he feels Fernandes could end up, Giaretta told Calcio Mercato: “Good question. It almost goes without saying that he would be fine with Real Madrid, Barcelona or Juventus.

“The truth is he could go anywhere, but in my opinion, he’s already at the top.

“Personally, I believe that Manchester United and the Premier League are the pinnacle of a career, a point of arrival, not of passage: I thought that as a player and I am still convinced of it, as a sporting director who aims to bring Watford back to the top as soon as possible.

“Then he will make his choices, he is an intelligent boy and will know what is best for him."

The ex-Novara chief added on his relationship with Fernandes and the United midfielder being destined to become a frontrunner in the race for football's top individual prize: "I hear from him often, even a couple of times a week.

"I can say that he is the same guy I met at Boavista, with a great personality, with the same desire to work to become the best: he is one who is never satisfied, who aspires to a lot, even in his humility.

“He will never say it, but someone with his stats can dream of important goals such as the Ballon d’Or.

“Since joining Manchester United, he has made 44 appearances and scored 26 goals, without mentioning the assists and he plays for his team-mates. He has always been decisive."

Giaretta also expressed his belief that Fernandes is now the main leader in the Red Devils starting line-up, with current club captain Harry Maguire among those considered to be playing a less vital role in the team's recent success.

"It is undeniable that Bruno Fernandes is the real captain of the team,” he said. “If others are important, he is essential. If I have to tell the truth it didn’t even surprise me too much from this point of view: at 18 he was already an adult in his head. The hard work did the rest.”

Chelsea have stopped discussions on loan moves for academy players until mid-January to allow Frank Lampard to select as many Under-23s stars as possible for the FA Cup third-round clash with Morecambe.

Tino Anjorin, Henry Lawrence and Lewis Bate are among the youngsters who will likely start against the League Two side at Stamford Bridge on January 10.

However, the match remains in doubt after several Morecambe players tested positive for Covid-19, leading to the cancellation of league clashes with Bolton and Bradford.

The Blues' next opponents, Manchester City, also called off their recent match with Everton for the same reason, but Chelsea are operating on a business-as-usual approach until told otherwise by the Premier League.

"I think it is a key time and a tough time," Lampard said after his side's 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on Monday. "I think we felt that coming as tier-4 came in with the surge [in Covid-19 cases]. We have to get safety as paramount.

"I believe that’s why the game has been called off, because of the spread in the squad for Man City. From our point of view, I will find out in the next day or two because it has to be safe for the two teams. If not, the game won’t go ahead.

"I think the Premier League will direct us on that, but yes, it is a tough time. I am not surprised because how Covid is in the UK is difficult for everybody. Football isn’t different all the time, so we will have to see what the Premier League come up with. But safety is paramount."

There are now discussions ongoing about a possible two-week stoppage of English football to overcome the large spike in Covid-19 cases that has hit the United Kingdom.

Behind the scenes, Chelsea are working in the transfer market.

Fikayo Tomori is seeking a loan exit having not played for Chelsea since September and has interest from Newcastle as well as clubs from overseas.

However, Tomori's future is linked to that of Antonio Rudiger, who is also considering leaving the club to ensure that he is selected for Euro 2020.

Emerson Palmieri and Marcos Alonso are both attracting interest after struggling for game time since Ben Chilwell's arrival.

Atletico Madrid are reportedly interested in Alonso after Inter attempted a loan swoop in the summer. Emerson is happy to stay at Chelsea, having had assurances over his status with the Italy national team, but he would also consider offers to return to Serie A.

Kepa Arrizabalaga could also leave in January but it is highly unlikely that any club will pay a transfer fee or the full wage of the £72 million ($95m) club-record signing. Olivier Giroud had been open to leaving Chelsea in January but he has softened his stance after getting a run of games.

Danny Drinkwater and Baba Rahman are seeking loan moves, having been stuck with the Under-23s after failing to earn moves over the summer.

For Rahman, there are clubs lining up to take him on a six-month loan. Two unnamed clubs in Spain and France are at the front of the queue with his future set to be decided in the next fortnight. The Ghana international has had an injury-hit two years but he is back to full fitness and playing with Chelsea's development squad.

Chelsea also recently rejected a £3m offer from Rostov for in-form Ike Ugbo, who has scored 10 goals in 16 games on loan at Cercle Brugge. The 22-year-old striker will be allowed to leave if an offer of £5m arrives.

Charly Musonda is back in training after a 15-month injury nightmare, but he will have to prove his fitness at Cobham before considering a loan deal.

West Ham's Declan Rice remains Chelsea's primary transfer target, but the Hammers will resist his sale and competition is expected to emerge from the rest of the top six for the England international.

Held virtually for the first time because of the current situation in the country, the shortened 2020 National Football Awards (ABK) was held on Wednesday night with Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) becoming the major winners on the night.

The 7-time Super League champions were the only trophy winner in a truncated 2020 season blighted by the Covid-19 pandemic that engulfed the country, with the league suspended for a long six months, as well as seeing the FA Cup and Malaysia Cup competitions cancelled.

JDT all but one of the major awards decided by a voting system. Farizal Marlias, Aidil Zafuan, Safawi Rasid, Benjamin Mora and the team itself picked up the honours in their respective categories. The Southern Tigers romped to another impressive title win in 2020, finishing the shortened season unbeaten for the second time in their short history.

Unlike the other years, the Most Valuable Player award this time was awarded to the fans of the M-League, not to any specific player. The '12th player' as they are normally referred to, Malaysia Football League (MFL) decided to hand the award to the fans in honour of their continuous support to the professional game. 

Local Premier League Top Scorer: Danial Asri (Selangor 2) - 7 goals

Best Goalkeeper: Farizal Marlias (JDT)

Premier League Top Scorer: Casagrande (Pulau Pinang) - 9 goals

Best Defender: Aidil Zafuan (JDT)

Local Super League Top Scorer: Shahrel Fikir (Perak) - 10 goals

Best Midfielder: Safawi Rasid (JDT)

Super League Top Scorer: Ifedayo Olusegun (Selangor) - 12 goals

Best Striker: Shahrel Fikri (Perak)

Best Coach: Benjamin Mora (JDT)

Golden Boot: Ifedayo Olusegun (Selangor) - 12 goals

Best Team: Johor Darul Ta'zim

Most Valuable Player: M-League fans

David de Gea said he is feeling confident with his form amid increased competition from Dean Henderson.

Henderson’s arrival back at Old Trafford, after a successful loan spell at Sheffield United, has led to questions over who should be the club’s number one, with De Gea having held the spot for the last nine years.

But the competition appears to have pushed the Spaniard on and he has been in good form for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side of late.

The 30-year-old pulled off a couple of good saves to deny Romain Saiss in United’s 1-0 win against Wolves at Old Trafford on Tuesday and is happy with his displays.

"I feel very confident to be honest. I feel well," De Gea said. "I am happy every time I can help the team like today, make some big saves to keep the clean sheets.

"The whole team, I think we played a good game so, yeah, I'm really happy."

The win pushed United up to second in the table, just two points off Liverpool in top spot, and the team are showing a belief and mentality that they can compete at the top.

"I think we have now a winning mentality and this is very important for the team. All of us want to win, we keep trying until the end," the goalkeeper explained.

"The manager wants us to try until the end. It was great to see the team trying to score until the last minute and then we scored a goal, so it's perfect for us.

"We won a massive three points and now we'll try to recover as soon as possible and be ready for the next game."

Next up for Solskjaer’s side is the visit of Aston Villa on New Year’s Day and De Gea expects to be fit for that clash despite colliding with Adama Traore in the second half of Tuesday night’s win.

"Woof! I was lying on the pitch," De Gea laughed. "He's one of the strongest players in the Premier League, so it was very painful in my arm, in my stomach, but it was fine. We won the game, so everything's fine."

The Premier League encounter between Tottenham and Fulham has been postponed, it has been confirmed.

The game was put in doubt after a number of players and staff at Fulham turned out to be positive for Covid-19 in the latest round of tests. 

In a statement on Wednesday, the Premier League confirmed the decision will adding that the league has "full confidence" that the season can go on.

"The match between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham, due to be played at 18:00 GMT this evening, has been postponed following a Premier League Board meeting this afternoon," the league said in a statement.

"Fulham lodged a request with the Premier League Board to rearrange the fixture following a significant rise in positive Covid-19 cases, as well as a number of players showing symptoms today.

"The Premier League Board has consulted its medical advisors and the decision to postpone the game has been taken as a precaution and with the health of players and staff as the priority. The group will now be retested immediately.

"With low numbers of positive tests across the overwhelming majority of clubs, the Premier League continues to have full confidence in its Covid-19 protocols and being able to continue to play our fixtures as scheduled.

"The League wishes those with Covid-19 a safe and speedy recovery and will rearrange the postponed fixture between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham in due course."

The decision to call off the clash in London was made just hours before the match was scheduled to kick-off, with Spurs manager Jose Mourinho mocking the Premier League for the lack of clarity regarding whether or not it would go ahead.

Spurs had already arrived at the stadium to prepare for kick-off and Mourinho posted a video on Instagram with the caption: "Match at 6 pm. We still don’t know if we play. Best league in the world."

Fulham coach Scott Parker was absent for his side's match at home against Southampton on Saturday because he had to isolate for 10 days after a member of his household tested positive for Covid-19, despite the former midfielder returning a negative test. Parker was set to return to the dugout for Wednesday's game.

The encounter at is the third to be postponed this month because of an increase in Covid-19 cases.

The clash between Aston Villa and Newcastle at the start of December was the first to be called off, while this week saw Everton's match against Manchester City postponed just hours before the game was set to start.

The cancellation of Monday's match at Goodison Park upset Everton, who announced later that they had requested full disclosure from the Premier League regarding how the decision was made.

Spurs sit seventh in the English top-flight heading into the match and six points behind leaders Liverpool, who are playing Newcastle on Wednesday night. After a strong start to the season, Mourinho's team have won just one of their last seven matches.

Fulham, meanwhile, are 18th in the league with 11 points from 15 matches. While the Craven Cottage side have won once in their last eight matches, they are on a run of four draws in a row, having taken a point each from Liverpool, Brighton, Newcastle and Southampton.

Jose Mourinho took to Instagram to mock the Premier League as Tottenham remained uncertain over the potential postponement of their upcoming clash with Fulham.

Spurs were set to play host to Fulham on Wednesday, having earned a 1-1 draw with Wolves on Sunday as they continue on through the festive period.

However, the match's status was up in the air after Fulham was hit with a number of positive coronavirus tests before the league ultimately postponed it just hours before kickoff.

The game is the second one in a matter of days to be postponed due to coronavirus, with Manchester City's meeting with Everton called off on Monday after the former confirmed a series of positive tests.

The news comes after Fulham manager Scott Parker missed the team's goalless draw with Southampton on Boxing Day after a member of his household tested positive for Covid-19.

Fulham were set to travel across London for the match on Wednesday but that journey was ultimately cancelled.

With the match still up in the air just a few hours before kick-off, Mourinho took to social media to voice his frustration with all of the uncertainty surrounding the game and the decision whether or not to play.

"Match at 6pm... We still don’t know if we play," he posted on Instagram alongside a video of his staff glued to their phones and the television. "Best league in the world."

In recent days, there have been calls for the Premier League to go on hiatus as the league deals with a surge in coronavirus numbers.

The Premier League announced on Tuesday the highest number of Covid-19 cases since weekly testing began, with 18 people testing positive.

In response to that uptick in positive cases, Sam Allardyce and Nuno Espirito Santo said that they believe the league should take a break until testing numbers dip back down.

The league has been mowing through the festive period, with teams playing three matches in a week during the typical holiday fixture crunch.

Following Wednesday's postponed match against Fulham, Tottenham are set to face Leeds on Saturday before taking on Brentford in the Carabao Cup three days later.

Fulham, meanwhile, are scheduled to visit Burnley on Sunday before a six-day break ahead of an FA Cup visit to Queens Park Rangers.

Liverpool need to sign a centre-back or else they can kiss goodbye to their Premier League crown, according to John Aldridge.

The Reds stormed to their first league title in three decades in 2019-20, becoming the first team in history to secure the trophy with seven games to spare.

Jurgen Klopp's are leading the pack once again heading into the new year, but their rise to the top of the table has not been nearly as smooth this time around.

Liverpool are two points clear of second-placed Manchester United after 15 fixtures, with a trip to Newcastle up next on Wednesday night, where they will be aiming to bounce back from a disappointing 1-1 draw with West Brom.

Valuable points have also been dropped against Fulham and Brighton this season, while their 7-2 defeat away at Aston Villa on October 10 sent shockwaves through the entire division.

Klopp's cause has not been helped by a defensive injury crisis which has seen Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez both miss two months of action, with neither man expected to return until after January.

Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold also spent time on the sidelines with respective knocks, while Joel Matip's fitness struggles continued as he limped off during the clash with West Brom at the weekend.

It has been suggested that Liverpool will soldier on with their current squad rather than dip into the winter transfer window for reinforcements, but Aldridge says his old club cannot afford to rest on their laurels.

"Word has been coming out of Anfield suggesting Liverpool are not looking to sign anyone next month, but it has to be a smokescreen because they simply have to sign a centre-half if they are serious about retaining the Premier League title," The Reds legend told Sunday World.

"Joel Matip's injury in Sunday's 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion confirmed what we have all appreciated for some time now - Liverpool have to spend money on a good quality defender.

"I like Matip, and if he could be relied upon to play the majority of games in the second-half of the season, manager Jurgen Klopp might be able to get through to next summer with the current squad.

"Yet, the reality facing Liverpool heading into Wednesday's game at Newcastle is pretty stark - they have one senior centre-back to call upon and he is a midfielder, Fabinho.

"The injuries to Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez have ripped a hole in Liverpool's defensive line and with Matip clearly struggling with his fitness, Liverpool are horribly short at the centre of their defence.

Aldridge added on Klopp putting faith in the club's academy stars to see them through a testing period being a risky tactic: "Fabinho has been brilliant filling in at centre-back, but the suggestion that captain Jordan Henderson or Gini Wijnaldum can play in there is nonsense.

"Liverpool need three of their best midfielders to play in the position they are meant to be in, and while Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips have done well at centre-back, playing youngsters in such a vital position is a recipe for disaster.

"Against the top sides in the Champions League, youngsters are liable to found out - and that could also be the case in the Premier League."

Asked how much Liverpool should invest in reinforcements when the market reopens, the former Reds striker responded: "Liverpool's transfer committee, and especially recruiter-in-chief Michael Edwards, has done a magnificent job of identifying the right players in recent years and now they need to pull another rabbit out of the hat.

"It's not easy to sign top players in January, but Liverpool pulled off major coups when they got Luis Suarez and Virgil van Dijk mid-way through previous seasons and it shows what is possible.

"I don't know what players may be available in this transfer window, but the Premier League title is on the line here and Liverpool have to do all they can to back Klopp and give him the best chance to clinch it."