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Liverpool forward Sadio Mane has recovered from coronavirus ahead of Saturday's Merseyside derby against Everton.

The 28-year-old tested negative for the virus, 10 days after he went into self-isolation to treat himself.

Mane missed the Reds' last two matches, a League Cup loss to Arsenal and their 7-2 defeat to Aston Villa on October 4, but he is now back in contention for their trip to Goodison Park to face Carlo Ancelotti's side who sit at the summit of the table.

The 2019 African Footballer of the Year expressed his excitement after linking up with his teammates at Melwood as he hopes to extend his tally of three goals on his fourth league appearance.

"Happy to be back. Alhamdoulilah," he wrote on Instagram.

The coronavirus infection forced Mane out of Aliou Cisse's Senegal squad who conceded a 3-1 loss against Morocco in Rabat last Friday. Their second friendly match against Mauritania in Thies was cancelled on Tuesday after eight members of Mauritania camp tested positive for Covid-19.

Aside Mane, Cameroon defender Joel Matip and new signing Thiago Alcantara have also recovered from their respective medical challenges.

Matip suffered muscle strain after playing a minute of football in Liverpool's 4-3 win over Leeds United on the opening day while Thiago has returned a negative test for coronavirus.

Liverpool are fifth in the Premier League table with nine points after four matches, three points behind their Merseyside neighbours who have maintained their 100 per cent start to the campaign.

Phil Neville hopes that the Manchester City and Everton players in his latest England squad will have no complaints about playing against Germany and then in the FA Cup final in the space of five days.

Thirteen of the 28 players called up for the Lionesses this month will be taking place in the FA Cup final on November 1, after international duty ends with a clash against one of England's biggest rivals on October 27.

Of those 13, a staggering 11 will be in contention to represent City at Wembley, which may be a concern for Gareth Taylor, head coach of the reigning FA Cup champions.

However, Neville is hopeful that there will be a real appetite among those players to take part in both fixtures, particularly with the Covid-19 pandemic having denied players of a lot of these huge games.

Asked if he had spoken to Taylor, the England boss said: "I have not yet had that conversation. I think if we had a double header, a couple of games, it would have been part of my thinking, players playing three big games in a short space of time.

"But ultimately, I put myself in the shoes of a player. We have waited a long time to have games of this magnitude - a game against Germany and one against Everton in an FA Cup final at Wembley.

"I think if you ask Steph Houghton, Lucy Bronze, all those players, they would want to play both.

"I think we have got to the stage now where, physically, they can play both. Mentally, they can play both. We are playing at 4pm, 3pm English time - which helps. We get the players back to the country Tuesday night, maybe 9pm. They’ll be back in their beds by midnight, which means they have got four or five days building to a cup final on the Sunday.

"I think we are at a level now where our players, physically, can do both and that shows how far we have come.

"If I were Gareth or Willie [Kirk, Everton head coach] I would have one eye on the cup final, making sure their players got back to their clubs safely. But I would always want them playing at the top level because that would benefit them and their clubs."

One player Taylor will have well-rested for that FA Cup final is a very unlucky Gemma Bonner, Houghton's centre-back partner at City, who is once again a notable omission from Neville's squad.

It's been almost a year now, going back to when England played the Czech Republic in November 2019, since the 29-year-old was involved with England.

"We look at that [centre-back partnership at City] a lot. You look at the partnership at Manchester United, Millie Turner and Abbie McManus, and you’ve got two lots of centre-backs playing together regularly that have an understanding," Neville said.

"Going back to my career, [Steve] Bruce and [Gary] Pallister were the best partnership that I played with because they played together week in week out, so that is something we are looking at.

"Gemma has been really unfortunate that she is probably just below the four experienced centre-backs that I’ve always selected. We’ve communicated a lot with Gemma, we realise the level of performances she is producing, but ultimately other players are playing well as well.

"I think what we respect is the fact that, in the Women's Super League now, we have a lot of English centre-backs playing to a really good level and Gemma is part of that group that we watch, we review, discuss - but ultimately you can only pick four, or five or six in this one.

"Grace Fisk is one we want to develop for the long term. We probably realise at this moment in time that she is still developing as a player and she has great attributes, but she’s got other attributes that need to be developed.

"In terms of the messaging to Gemma, we’ve got probably four centre-backs that we believe are the best at this moment in time and she has just got to keep maintaining that level she plays for Manchester City and keep improving."

Joaquin Correa came off the bench to score the winner as Argentina came from behind to defeat Bolivia 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

Argentina fell behind in the altitude of La Paz, which is situated at 3,650 metres above sea level, when Marcelo Moreno Martins found the back of the net after 24 minutes.

Parity was restored before half-time as Jose Carrasco's clearance cannoned in off Lautaro Martinez, who became the first Albiceleste player not called Lionel Messi to score in a World Cup qualifier since November 2016.

Correa replaced Lucas Ocampos just before the hour mark and fired home the winner with 11 minutes remaining, with Argentina claiming their first victory in Bolivia for 15 years.

Martins had a chance to put Bolivia ahead in the sixth minute but headed Saul Torres' looping delivery wide with Franco Armani scrambling.

Bolivia threatened regularly and got their reward when Martins was left in space by Lucas Martinez Quarta and nodded Alejandro Chumacero's cross beyond Armani.

Leandro Paredes saw a curling 20-yard strike crash back off the post before Argentina drew level in bizarre circumstances when Carrasco's laboured attempt to clear Martinez's cutback ricocheted in off the Inter attacker.

Argentina sat back after the restart and looked to counter-attack as Bolivia went in search of a second goal.

Chances were at a premium until Messi's delightful throughball fashioned one for Martinez in the 75th minute. However, his cross-goal effort from the right side of the area was turned behind by Carlos Lampe.

There was nothing Lampe could do to keep out Correa, though, with the goal allowed to stand after a VAR check confirmed Martinez was onside from Messi's pass, meaning Argentina left with maximum points from their two qualifiers.

Marcus Rashford has spoken out on his fight against childhood hunger, saying he is shocked every day by what he's seen in the UK.

The Manchester United and England striker was recently awarded an MBE in recognition for his campaign to help vulnerable children during the coronavirus pandemic.

Among Rashford's recent accomplishments was his success in getting the UK government to make a U-turn and continue free school meals for around 1.3 million disadvantaged children.

The 22-year-old has also formed a task force with England's food brand giants to combat child poverty across the country.

Rashford has said that it is "mind-blowing" to see the amount of suffering in the UK, which spurs him on to continue his fight.

"Every single day it shocks me," Rashford said. "It’s not until people see the numbers and I’ve had the chance to visit some of the families I’ve managed to help and hear how it’s affected them and changed their lives.

"It’s just mind-blowing the amount of people who are suffering and the amount of people who don’t know where to get the help.

"There’s a lot of things that would shock a lot of people if they knew the facts about the issue. For me not enough people do know the facts, as I was one of them.

"For me, personally, it's just sad to know it's still going on, and I obviously was in that position when I was younger, and some of the families are in much worse positions than what I was in, so I can only imagine what it feels like for the parents and the children who just want the best for one another, so it's difficult to really say one thing that somebody said to me that sticks out, because for me they're all as important as each other."

Rashford has seen himself thrust into the spotlight over his off-field work as well as his contributions on the pitch for England and Man Utd. Having made his professional debut at 18 for one of the world's best-known clubs, Rashford said he has become comfortable with the limelight.

"I think playing for United and England at a young age, it helped me mature a lot quicker than I would’ve expected to," Rashford said.

"I’m grateful for those opportunities and very happy I was put in those positions. I do feel like I’ve matured a lot. I feel like I’m free to speak on things I feel strongly about. It’s because of those experiences in the past that make me feel so comfortable doing that."

Former Manchester City and Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has revealed he will sign for a new club "in a few weeks".

Balotelli dropped into the free agency pool after being released by Brescia at the end of the 2020-21 campaign.

The 30-year-old forward failed to report for training with the Italian club following the coronavirus lockdown, and was publicly criticised for a lack of discipline by his manager.

Brescia head coach Diego Lopez told Corriere della Sera in June: "There’s only one truth here: the team have followed one path, Mario has followed another. I thought he could give so much, playing in the city of his birthplace.

"He had a lot to give but he had to do more, much more. These are the facts. Therefore, it’s normal that there’s disappointment.

"I spent a lot of time on him. He didn’t even show up on Zoom during quarantine."

Genoa were reportedly prepared to offer Balotelli a one-year contract during the summer transfer window, but a final deal never came to fruition.

The Italian frontman has also been linked with a move to MLS, and he now claims that he has already got his next destination lined up.

During a live conversation with his brother Enock, who is currently taking part in the Italian version of the reality show Big Brother, Balotelli fielded questions on his future.

Asked where he has gone to ply his trade at the start of the 2020-21 campaign, the ex-City star responded: "I still don't play, in a few weeks I'll sign, don't worry."

Balotelli joined Brescia as a free agent in August 2019, and went on to score five goals in 19 appearances for his boyhood club.

He took in a brief spell at Marseille earlier that year after terminating his contract at Nice, where he had initially rebuilt his reputation after a disastrous spell at Liverpool.

Balotelli only managed to score four goals at Anfield between 2014 and 2016, failing to fill the boots of Luis Suarez upfront following the Uruguayan's move to Barcelona.

The ex-Italy international enjoyed a prolific spell at Milan prior to his ill-fated stint on Merseyside, having moved to San Siro from City in 2013.

He also managed to win a Premier League title at Etihad Stadium, but never quite managed to live up to the potential of his early days at Inter, who sold him to the Manchester outfit for €22 million (£20m/$26m). in 2010.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Premier League clubs have welcomed the latest move to set November 20 as the date to kick-off the 2020-21 campaign.

The FKF governing council which met last Friday has agreed to commence the league which was halted in mid-March owing to the coronavirus pandemic with the draft fixtures set to be released on Wednesday.

Kakamega Homeboyz chairman Cleophas Shimanyula has revealed to Goal they are delighted by the move to have the league kick-off after seven months without action after the government moved to ban all sporting activities and social gatherings owing to Covid-19.

“It is the greatest news ever for any football lover,” Shimanyula told Goal on Tuesday. “We are all itching to have action back, seven months in the cold is not an easy thing, the players have really suffered but to have the league back is the best news ever.”

Asked whether they are ready to play their first match, Shimanyua said: “We are always ready to play, we started training in groups a week ago and this week we have increased the intensity of training, we have been gearing up well, we are ready, let the action begin.”

Sofapaka President Elly Kalekwa told Goal: “We have really waited for the day FKF will give us direction on when the season will start and now that they have confirmed, everyone is very happy at the club.

“It is the best news ever for us, we have been training for the last two weeks, we have also finished our transfer business, and are good to go.”

Nairobi City Stars CEO Patrick Korir told Goal: “Good news indeed, we hope we get good fixtures to welcome us back to the top-flight. I know it will be a tough season but we are good to go.”

According to the FKF governing council, the decision to resume the league on November 20, was informed by the need to ensure the completion of the 2020-21 season in good time and in line with the global football calendar.

“The progress of the pre-season training sessions by the league clubs that are currently ongoing and with the successful international friendly between Kenya and Zambia while observing the Ministry of Health protocols has laid a positive ground for the safe resumption of the league,” read a statement from FKF obtained by Goal.

The statement continued: “The general council remains cognizant of the Covid-19 situation in the country and has put in measures that will ensure the league will be conducted within the existing health regulations in the country to ensure the wellbeing and safety of all those involved.

The Kenyan league was ended prematurely in mid-March after the country registered their first case of the coronavirus pandemic with FKF moving to declare Gor Mahia as champions and also promoting Nairobi City Stars and Bidco United.

Already teams have started training anticipating the government will lift the ban on football and social gatherings, which was effected last month until further notice.

Gor Mahia were the first team to resume training as they will also take in the Caf Champions League after being declared champions for the fourth season in a row.

Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) has warned clubs in the Mainland Premier League they will face stern action for using matchday venues for weekly training sessions.

In a terse statement issued by TPLB and obtained by Goal, the league managers have asked clubs to get alternative venues for training and use their venues for league matches only.

“We wish to remind clubs that are still using venues meant for league matches for training purposes to stop doing so with immediate effect,” revealed the signed statement from the board.

“Such clubs are doing so by breaking the law which does not allow teams to train on matchday venues ahead of league matches, and each club is supposed to have an alternative venue for training and another for league matches in accordance with the Fifa club licensing regulations.

“The board wishes to emphasise this is a serious directive and any club which will be found to have broken the rules will face tough action which includes being banned from using the venue for any serious matches planned by TFF.”

Meanwhile, Mwadui FC have warned Azam FC they will end their unbeaten run in the league when the two sides clash on October 15, 2020, at Azam Complex in Chamazi.

Azam are currently leading the league after collecting 15 points, having won all their five matches so far this season and they only conceded their first goal in the 4-2 win against Kagera Sugar before the league took a break for international fixtures.

Mwadui coach Khalid Adam who saw his team win their last league match 1-0 against Namungo FC has now said they are ready to deal with Azam.

“My players are ready and looking ahead to face Azam, we know they are unbeaten and that is what we want to bring to an end,” Adam is quoted by Sokaletu.

“We all know they [Azam] have been doing well, winning five straight matches is not an easy thing but what you need we are all competing for one reason, so we will not fear them, we are ready to take them head-on.”

On Monday, Azam beat Fountain FC 4-0 in a friendly.

Nigeria lock horns against Tunisia for their second international friendly match in Austria on Tuesday night.

Both countries will use the encounter to intensify preparations for their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures in November as they currently sit at the top of their groups.

Tunisia have a date with Tanzania next month for their next Group J outing while the Super Eagles are scheduled to battle Sierra Leone in Group L.

TV Channel, Live Stream & How To Watch

In Nigeria, the game will be shown live on TV. 

Squads & Team News

Gernot Rohr's squad was further depleted with the departures of Watford's William Troost-Ekong and Bordeaux's Samuel Kalu to their respective clubs after the 1-0 loss to Algeria on Friday.

Before Friday's match, the Super Eagles missed the presence of Victor Osimhen who was not allowed to leave Napoli while Leicester City's Wilfried Ndidi was ruled out due to injury.

The team's media officer Toyin Ibitoye said there are opportunities for new faces to make a statement at the Jacques Leman Arena.

"Kalu was allowed to leave the camp and return to his club because of the knock he got in the game against Algeria,” Ibitoye said.

“For Troost-Ekong he was permitted to go because he just joined a new club and they have a game on Friday so they want him to train with his team ahead of the game. So with these two players out we will have the chance to see new players for the game.”

Probable XI for Nigeria: Okoye, Balogun, Ajayi, Sanusi, Akpoguma, Agu, Etebo, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Simon, Dessers.

Mondher Kebaier's men produced a stellar first-team performance in their 3-0 win over Sudan on Friday, where all three goals came in the first 45 minutes.

Sassi is expected to miss Tuesday's match as the Zamalek midfielder continues his self-quarantine after having direct contact with a Covid-19 patient.

Probable XI for Tunisia: Ben Cherifia, Maaloul, Meriah, Bronn, Kechrida, Ben Mohamed, Slimane, Msakni, Rafia, Khaoui, Khazri.

Match Preview

Tunisia head into Tuesday's friendly match against Nigeria with a six-game unbeaten run across all competitions and their last defeat dates back to an encounter against Ivory Coast in September 2019.

Nigeria, on the other hand, will hope to return to winning ways after their underwhelming 1-0 loss to Algeria on Friday which was their first loss since they bowed to the same nation at the semi-final stage of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria and Tunisia recently played against each other at the 2019 Afcon in Egypt but the former came out victorious, thanks to Odion Ighalo's early goal which secured their bronze medals at the Al Salam Stadium.

Tuesday's encounter will be the 20th meeting between Tunisia and Nigeria. Both teams have recorded six wins each while seven of their previous games ended in draws.

The last friendly match between both countries ended in a 1-1 draw in Tunisia back in 1992.

Despite the absence of some key players, Rohr is expecting his team to step up against the Carthage Eagles.

“We definitely must put up a greater effort against the Tunisians,” the German coach told the media.

“It is an opportunity for some of the players to rise up to the occasion, stake a claim. They are ready to go and I believe we would see a much better game on Tuesday."

Maritzburg United coach Eric Tinkler says he has made forward Thabiso Kutumela a complete player since taking over the technical reigns at the Team of Choice.

The former Orlando Pirates player has been one of Tinkler’s main men at Maritzburg and featured in 25 matches last season.

The player is expected to continue with his regular role at the KwaZulu-Natal club in the upcoming season and Tinkler is happy with the way he has brought out the best from the 27-year-old.

“When I arrived at the club, the first thing I looked at was trying to get him into a better condition physically,” Tinkler told the media.

“That was the first and most important objective. We put him in for some extra hours to shed that weight. We know his technical ability. Also trying to make sure that his lifestyle off the field is a better lifestyle.

“Credit to him because he is looking after himself not only on the field but off the field as well. Those have been very important components to him making his way back into the Bafana Bafana squad. He is a gifted footballer.

“When I arrived at the club I noticed that Kutumela was carrying some extra weight so I had to shed that weight. He worked extremely hard to get rid of that weight. We know his strengths on the ball. The fact that he was a lot fitter enhanced his game.”

Kutumela’s form saw him being considered for the South Africa national team by coach Molefi Ntseki.

While happy to keep his star player for next season, Tinkler hopes Maritzburg will be consistent next season as he says the missing link to the team’s success are the fans.

“[We miss] the fans of course. Our momentum was extremely good up until obviously and then lockdown happened,” said Tinkler.

“We were on five games without a loss. The passion, the desire were all there. Playing under lockdown and in the bubble, we didn’t get the results we hoped we could have secured.”

The Team of Choice finished seventh on the Premier Soccer League standings last season.

I-League club Punjab are in talks with former Mohun Bagan midfielder Joseba Beitia are close to getting his signature, Goal has learnt. 

Following Mohun Bagan's entry into the Indian Super League (ISL) as ATK Mohun Bagan, several players from I-League-winning squad have entered into negotiations with other clubs and Beitia, who impressed with his stellar midfield displays, have several offers from I-League. 

Beitia, who started every single I-League match for Bagan, was Vicuna's go-to player in midfield. The 29-year-old midfielder spent the majority of his career in Segunda B (Third tier in Spanish football) and at Bagan, he played a crucial role in helping his team dominate games.

Punjab, who were formerly Minerva Punjab and later acquired by the firm RoundGlass, finished third behind Bagan and East Bengal in the I-League last season. Both East Bengal and Punjab were on 23 points before the Coronavirus pandemic halted football in India. With the Kolkata giants entering the Indian Super League (ISL) this season, Punjab will be one of the clubs looking to add to their firepower and stake a claim on the trophy. 

Maritzburg United coach Eric Tinkler has confirmed Orlando Pirates are currently negotiating with goalkeeper Richard Ofori for the possibility of signing the Ghanaian.

The 26-year-0ld has been linked with a move to Pirates since last season as the Soweto giants seek to reinforce their goalkeeping department currently manned by Wayne Sandilands as the first choice.

Frenchman Joris Delle and Siyabonga Mphotshane have struggled to spark, leaving coach Josef Zinnbauer frustrated.

“Richard is in negotiations with Orlando Pirates but as it stands right now he is a Maritzburg United player. Discussions are taking place between Orlando Pirates and Maritzburg United,” Tinkler told the media.

Maritzburg chairman Farook Kadodia also confirmed Pirates have approached them over the Ghanaian as the club retains Tebogo Tlolane on loan from the Buccaneers.

“I can now confirm that we've allowed Orlando Pirates to begin talks with Richard Ofori," Kadodia told the media.

“Once the deal is concluded they will make an announcement. Tlolane will return to us on loan and it's a different deal from what Ofori is currently negotiating with Pirates. Richard still had one year left on his contract with us, so it's not the same.”

If Ofori signs for Pirates, he will join the likes of Thulani Hlatshwayo, Terrence Dzvukamanja, Deon Hotto, Wayde Jooste and Collins Makgaka who have become Zinnbauer’s signings.

While signing new players, Pirates have loaned out Mthokozisi Dube and Gladwin Shitolo to Golden Arrows to create new space.

Napoli's Arkadiusz Milik believes he has “not been treated well” by the Neapolitan outfit after they failed to sanction a move to another club despite the player having accepted offers, and then subsequently leaving the striker out of their squads for Serie A and the Europa League.

Milik appeared to be on the brink of leaving Napoli in the most recent transfer window, as Juventus and Roma were close to a deal while Tottenham also showed interest in the Poland star. 

The 26-year-old, however, would end up staying at Napoli despite admitting he had accepted offers from other teams. Milik has revealed he turned down the chance to stay with Napoli long term, with his current contract set to expire at season's end.

"Napoli wanted to extend my contract for five years and gave me two choices: to sign or leave," Milik told SportoweFakty. "I decided that I would like to try something else."

"The life of an athlete is beautiful but short. I am 26 years old, I want to grow, to be a better player," the striker continued. 

"I think this is the right time to try a new challenge. There has never been hostility on my part towards Napoli. I wanted to solve everything professionally. I have great respect for the club, I spent four wonderful years in Naples. I respect Napoli, the fans. That's what I decided. Right or wrong, but it's my decision.

"I don’t want to name the teams that have contacted me, but the truth is that I had accepted some of the offers. But the teams in question never reached an agreement with Napoli and I had to stay.”

After his proposed move fell through, Napoli responded by leaving Milik out of their Serie A and Europa League squad. The striker was especially dismayed to find out that news from media reports rather than the club itself.

“I heard it from the press," Milik said. "I expected this decision but the lack of communication from the club is not professional. I believe I haven’t been treated well."

Milik has now been forced to train separately from Napoli with his only likely game action to come on international duty with Poland. All the striker can do now is wait until the transfer window opens again in January and find a new club then. 

"I'm waiting for the next transfer window," Milik said. "I hope the clubs reach an agreement at that point. I feel good physically, I have trained individually. I will play other matches with the national team. In three months my form will not suffer a lot. Where will I go? We'll see. 

“I have no regrets for what I have done and what I have decided. I will suffer a little, but I will resist.”

FA Chairman Greg Clarke has responded to the recent reveal of "Project Big Picture", saying that there is more to football than economics while adding that any sweeping changes must be made with the idea of benefitting all clubs involved.

Reports emerged over the weekend detailing a set of proposals called "Project Big Picture", which would see the Premier League move from 20 to 18 teams while abolishing the competition's one-club, one-vote principle.

As a result, the nine longest-serving teams in the league would be handed greater power in exchange for supporting the wider league system with a series of financial packages, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to damage clubs financially.

EFL chairman Rick Parry has backed the plan, which would see 25 per cent of the Premier League's annual revenue diverted to the EFL while also ending the League Cup and Community Shield.

The Football Supporters’ Association has, however, slammed the plans, saying the proposals have been “stitched up behind our backs by billionaire club owners” who treat football as their “personal fiefdom”.

The UK government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport were also critical of the plans, labelling them “backroom deals” that would create a “closed shop” at the top of English football.

Ahead of Thursday's council meeting, Clarke issued his response to the plan, saying that he wants change to be done in the right way for clubs in both the short and long term.

"Our perspective is that we have a fantastic league structure and pyramid that is the envy of the world," Clarke said in a statement. "While we should always be open to evolve, to move the game forwards, changes have to be done in the right way and with a long-term perspective in mind.

"We are fully aware that there are huge financial pressures throughout the game and collectively we need to work hard so that our clubs survive the pandemic. However, we must separate this need from discussions about the potential long-term structure of our wonderful game.

"Of course, if we can agree changes that are beneficial in the long term and have an immediate positive impact, we will consider that. Equally, we cannot be forced into short-term decisions that would be damaging in the long term.

"We will always have conversations with stakeholders at both a national and international level to understand any changes to the landscape that could impact our structure and listen to ideas that are put forward. However, we would only offer formal support for any proposal when it goes through the proper channels and has a full evaluation."

The Premier League is unable to make certain changes to the league's constitution without the FA’s consent, while the FA is also in charge of sanctioning all competitions in England.

Additionally, the FA is in charge of licensing clubs, through UEFA, to play in Europe.

Clarke says that he participated in discussions last weekend before the proposal was revealed but he had previously removed himself from discussions that he saw as a power-grab by those atop the league.

"With the knowledge of senior Board members and our CEO, I participated in the early stages of discussions which were disclosed last weekend. It is very important stakeholders discuss resolving some of the strategic issues facing our game such as, for example, fixture congestion," he said.

"However, in late spring, when the principal aim of these discussions became the concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few clubs with a breakaway league mooted as a threat, I, of course, discontinued my involvement and counselled a more consensus-based approach involving all Premier League clubs and its Chair and CEO. Our game needs to continually seek to improve but benefits need to be shared.

"We, the FA Board and Council, have to ensure that any changes would be to the long-term benefit of the whole of football and we have substantial controls to help ensure that the best interests of the game are served by any new proposals.

He added: "Let’s continue to work together to determine what is best for English football, with full dialogue between all key stakeholders. However, there is more to our game than economics. Change must benefit clubs, fans and players; not just selective balance sheets. In these difficult times unity, transparency and common purpose must override the interests of the few."

TS Galaxy coach Dan Malesela says Kaizer Chiefs have lost their identity. 

Amakhosi led the league standings for the better part of the campaign, but they lost the PSL trophy to Mamelodi Sundowns on the last day of the season.

Malesela explained Chiefs changed their traditional style of play under coach Ernst Middendorp, who was dismissed by the club at the end of the campaign. 

German tactician Middendorp was often criticized for playing route one football during his time with Amakhosi and he has since been replaced by Gavin Hunt.

“I have followed Chiefs since I was still at school and I have never seen them score a lot of goals through headers and set-pieces, this was the first time last season," Malesela told the South African Football Journalists Association (Safja).

"Maybe somebody said to them [when they hired Gavin Hunt] 'go back to your game of entertaining people'.

"I am saying this because of the respect I have for Chiefs. A lot of people supported them because of the flair, not down the line, over [cross the ball to a] head.”

Malesela played as a defender during his career and he captained Gauteng giants Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. 

The 55-year-old tactician said they used to struggle to cope against Amakhosi's style of play which attracted fans across the country.

“Whenever we played Chiefs, we used to have anxiety and running stomach that’s how we feared them," added Malesela.

"If we lose our style, South African football will lose big time. If Chiefs fans don’t come to the stadium it will be a huge setback."

Malesela is back in the PSL after being re-appointed Galaxy head coach with the club having bought Highlands Park's top-flight league status.

The former Chippa United coach wants to see the big PSL clubs perform well with the new season set to start this weekend with the MTN8 quarter-finals taking place.

"Yes, I want Galaxy to do well, but I want Chiefs up there, so too Pirates and Sundowns," he added. 

"Look, in England, there is no noise about Manchester United and it's hurting English football, so we could lose the Chiefs of SA football.”

Premier League fans will have heard a lot about ‘Project Big Picture’ recently, after plans for a huge revamp of English football were leaked to the press.

The proposals, heavily backed by Liverpool, Manchester United and chairman of the EFL, Rick Parry, were revealed in a report in The Telegraph.

Parry publicly confirmed his backing for the plans but the Premier League and Football Association (FA) are strongly against, warning they could harm English football as a whole.

But exactly what is involved in Project Big Picture? Goal has all you need to know.

What changes are proposed in Project Big Picture?

One of the most eye-catching proposals of Project Big Picture would see the Premier League reduced from 18 teams to 20.

Only two teams would be automatically relegated to the Championship each season, replaced with the top two from the second tier. The team which finishes third from bottom would go into the play-offs with the teams finishing third, fourth and fifth in the Championship.

The Community Shield would be scrapped. Reports vary as to whether the Carabao Cup would be scrapped entirely or revamped to only include clubs not participating in European competition.

The Premier League season would start later in August to allow more pre-season friendlies, while all clubs would have to compete in a summer tournament every five years.

Loan rules would also be overhauled, allowing clubs to send 15 players out on loan to other English sides with a maximum of four per club. Six per cent of the Premier League's gross revenues would go towards paying for stadium improvements across the top four leagues and away tickets would be capped at £20, with subsidies for travelling supporters and a return to safe standing areas.

Critics of Project Big Picture are most worried about aspects of the plan which would see the Premier League’s biggest clubs become even more powerful than they already are.

At the moment, each of the top tier’s 20 clubs has one vote on league-wide decisions such as changes to the rules. A majority of 14 is needed in order for changes to be put into action.

If Project Big Picture goes ahead, the nine longest-serving clubs currently in the league would be given preferential votes, and only six of them would need to agree in order to make a decision. The nine is comprised of the 'big six' of Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham, plus Everton, Southampton and West Ham.

It has been reported that these clubs could even veto potential new owners of other clubs, and there is no guarantee that their powers would not be extended in future.

Critics are concerned that these changes would mean the Premier League was no longer an even, balanced competition, with more control given to the clubs which already command the most power and influence.

However, the proposed changes could be of seismic importance to the 72 clubs in the Championship, League One and League Two.

EFL chairman Parry has publicly backed the plan, which would see an immediate payment of £250 million ($324m) to help EFL clubs during the coronavirus pandemic.

Project Big Picture has reportedly been in the works since 2017 but has been accelerated by the financial impact of Covid-19.

The EFL would sell its broadcast rights alongside the Premier League’s, and take 25 per cent of the proceeds. Given the huge sums of money paid out in the current Premier League TV deal, this would give EFL clubs a massive financial boost and, it is claimed, reduce the financial gap between the top flight and the other three divisions.

EFL clubs across the three divisions have given dire warnings about their futures if no bail-out is agreed during the pandemic, with fans still not allowed to return to stadiums.

The FA would also receive a one-off ‘gift’ of £100m ($130m).

Who backs Project Big Picture?

The biggest backers of Project Big Picture at the moment are Liverpool, Manchester United and the EFL.

It is not yet clear whether all of the EFL’s 72 clubs are behind the plans, but reports suggest they are largely supportive due to the financial bail-out on offer.

Most Premier League clubs were reported to have been taken by surprise by the news, while those involved were annoyed it had been leaked.

Whether the rest of the ‘big six’ clubs will throw their weight behind Project Big Picture remains to be seen. West Ham, one of the clubs who would benefit from the voting reforms, are reported to be strongly against the plans as a whole.

The Premier League and FA are firmly against the proposals. The Premier League warned the plans could have “a damaging impact on the whole game”, and criticised EFL chief Parry for his public support.

FA chairman Greg Clarke had been involved in the discussions but said he pulled out after “the principal aim of these discussions became the concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few clubs with a breakaway league mooted as a threat”.

The UK Government is seemingly against the proposal following criticism from Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden.

A number of fans' groups - the Arsenal Supporters’ Trust, Chelsea Supporters’ Trust, Spirit of Shankly (Liverpool Supporters’ Union), Manchester City FC Supporters Club (The OSC), Manchester United Supporters’ Trust and the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust have co-signed an open letter stating their opposition to the plans.

Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) Players’ Status Committee has postponed its ruling against Bernard Morrison for alleged 'double signing'.

The Ghanaian was accused by Yanga SC of the aforementioned misconduct after signing for bitter rivals Simba SC in the recent transfer window. 

Recently. Simba SC conceded there could be discrepancies in the forward's contract. Despite Wekundu wa Msimbazi insisting the deal was legitimate, the move was and remains contested by Wananchi who claim the player had signed a contract extension with them. 

In a recent revelation, Yanga claimed the Simba-Morrison contract had irregularities and thus should not be allowed to stand. In their argument, the 27-time champions claim the contract, as it is currently in the TFF Transfer Matching System, has been only signed by the player and none of the Simba officials appended their respective signatures.  

On Tuesday, October 13, the TFF Players’ Status Committee was to make a ruling on the same but the player was not present owing to what he termed as club engagements. 

The forward, however, sent his representatives but there were issues that needed his presence.

"The Committee had no option but to suspend the ruling since there were some questions which the player was needed to answer in person," said the Committee's chairman Kichere Mwita Waissaka as quoted by Azam TV. 

When the TFF Players’ Status Committee declaring Morrison a free agent on August, it cited irregularities in the contract that Yanga presented and it is on the same grounds that Yanga want the deal to be nullified. 

In a letter addressed to TFF a couple of days ago, Yanga wanted the contract cancelled and Simba's points deducted in matches that Morrison played.  

"Reference is made on the heading above [improperly registered player in the TMS system] and the precedent made by the legal and the players' status committee," Yanga’s letter obtained by Goal read. 

"We have it on good record that the uploaded contract between Mr Bernard Morrison and Simba Sports Club dated 14th August 2020 seems to be signed by only one party i.e Mr Bernard Morrison alone. 

"In law, that contract cannot be enforceable and, therefore, it is invalid ab initio. The same contract was used to register Morrison as a contracted player for the 20.07.2021 Vodacom Premier League.  

"In the same vein, we kindly request this committee using the same jurisprudence declare the contract between Bernard Morrison and Simba Sports Club void for bearing the only one signature and lacking the consent of the missing signatures."  

Thomas Partey says he is ready to be thrown straight in against Manchester City this weekend and insists he has joined Arsenal to win the Premier League.

The Gunners last lifted the league title in 2004 when Arsene Wenger’s iconic Invincibles side went through the entire league season without losing a single game.

It’s been 16 long years since that championship triumph and last season the Gunners endured their worst league campaign in a quarter of a century, finishing eighth - a massive 43 points behind champions Liverpool.

But Partey - who joined from Atletico Madrid in a £45 million ($58m) deadline day deal - insists he has moved to London to help end that barren run.

“This is our new objective,” he said. “That's the objective of the club, of myself and I think that we have to get back to where we belong.

“[Winning trophies] is something that is difficult and we all know that it’s difficult, but we’re working towards it and I think we are ready. We have to go all out and try to achieve all of that ourselves.

Partey will have his first training session with his new team-mates on Wednesday, having just returned from international duty with Ghana.

Mikel Arteta’s side return to Premier League action on Saturday with a trip to Manchester City, with the club’s latest signing expected to make his debut at the Etihad.

It is not yet clear whether Arteta will throw him in from the start, but Partey says he will be ready to play should he get the nod from his new manager.

“I like to play in the big matches,” he said. “But it all depends on the coach and whether he wants me to play or not. It depends on him.

“I need to get used to the squad and then train before we can see what will happen.

“It’s the decision of Mikel. I just arrived. I'm prepared but I need to get used to the style of play.

“I think I have to be quick, make sure that I learn everything as fast as I can. I have make sure I do everything on the training ground and make sure Mikel sees that I'm ready to play for him.”

At 27, Partey has arrived at Arsenal with a wealth of experience behind him.

He has matured into one of the Europe’s elite midfielders under the watch of Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid in recent years, turning in excellent performances on a consistent basis both in La Liga and in the Champions League.

But the Ghana international believes he still has scope to improve and feels he can do that under Arteta at Arsenal.

“I still have much to develop,” he said. “I have more to learn with this new family. I will have to learn more things to achieve all my goals, and achieve the goals of the club as well.

“I think it’s a great challenge, I want to experience new challenges and also in a great family like Arsenal. I am ready to give it my all and try to help this great club come back to where they belong.

“I have been watching the Premier League since I was in Ghana, and I think most of my Ghanaian friends and most of the people in Ghana watch the Premier League.

“It’s a new challenge for me. I've always wanted to play in the top leagues and the Premier League is one of the top leagues, so I'm happy to be here.”

Partey added: “I think there is no pressure on me. I like to challenge myself, I like new challenges as I said and it's all about learning fast, learning quickly how it goes.

“Mikel has seen me play and he knows what I can give to the team. My previous team have done a lot and he’s seen me play and feels that I can do the same for him.

“He was very important, him and Edu told me about their plans and it was so exciting. Everyone is willing to win something and all the trophies that come their way. I think that’s the goal and objective for everyone here and that’s my goal also.”

Hugo Lloris has defended Antoine Griezmann from critics and insists the Barcelona forward remains a crucial player for France.

Griezmann has been scrutinised for his form for much of the past 15 months since he completed a €120 million move from Atletico Madrid to Barca.

The 29-year-old has not looked fully at ease in the Catalans' forward line, with his last goal in La Liga – one of only nine he scored last season – coming in the 4-1 win at Villarreal on July 5.

Griezmann, who got a goal in the 7-1 friendly thrashing of Ukraine, also scored in the 4-2 Nations League win over Croatia but, ahead of Wednesday's rematch in Zagreb, he again finds himself facing accusations of poor form for the national team.

In the 0-0 draw with Portugal on Sunday, Griezmann, playing as a No.10 behind Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappe, managed just two shots and created one chance for team-mates.

However, he did attempt 55 passes in the opposition half – the most of any player on the pitch – and highlighted his importance without the ball, winning back possession a game-high 11 times.

It is that kind of quality that Lloris believes will always be important, even if Griezmann's goal output is presently reduced.

"You can't question a player like Antoine Griezmann because of all he has done and all he has brought to France in recent years," the Tottenham goalkeeper told reporters on Tuesday.

"All players have ups and downs. There are times when you succeed more than others. He is currently going through a slightly complicated period in attack, but above all, I see a player who is ready to defend and make the effort for his team-mates. There is no question about that.

"We have to keep our backs to the wall and help him, too. He has our full confidence. We know he has the ability to make the difference in truly important moments for France.

"Let's be patient but, in any case, France can only be strong if we are all united and not pointing the finger at any individual player."

Lloris is looking forward to Wednesday's game at Stadion Maksimir, at which a number of fans will be permitted.

"The presence of supporters is of course good news," he added. "There will inevitably be a bit of hostility but, for the French players, it's a good thing to be able to overcome adversity to win this match.

"That's our goal, in any case. We'll give everything to give the right performance to win."

Premier League giants Asante Kotoko have announced the signing of Ghana goalkeeper Razak Abalora.

The shot-stopper has put pen to paper on a three-year deal with the Porcupine Warriors, becoming their fourth signing ahead of the domestic football season in November.

He was acquired as a free agent, having terminated his contract with Tanzanian club Azam FC earlier this year.

"Welcome Razak Abalora. The former Azam FC goalkeeper joins us on a 3-year contract," the Kumasi-based side published on social media on Tuesday.

Abalora's move to Kotoko comes just a day after he played the full game for Ghana in their international friendly fixture against Asian champions and 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar.

He conceded once in the day as the Black Stars ran away with a 5-1 triumph at the Titanic Stadium in the Turkish city of Antalya.

Earlier, the goalkeeper, who played for Wafa during his former days in the Ghana Premier League (GPL), was linked to Dreams FC who were reportedly on the verge of announcing a deal.

His presence at Kotoko increases the high competition for a starting place in the Porcupine Warriors goalkeeping department where Black Stars shot-stopper and club captain Felix Annan and Ghana U23 goalkeeper Kwame Baah have been going head-to-head.

Ghana U20 goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim, who spent the 2019-20 campaign on loan at Berekum Chelsea, is also pushing to take over the No.1 role.

Annan was the first-choice goalkeeper until early last season when he lost his spot to Baah, having taken time off to tie the knot with his girlfriend.

On his return, he failed to recapture the position as his replacement impressed in his absence.

The development has led to a reported volatile situation in the Kotoko camp, amid speculation of a bad blood between the two goalkeepers as well as between Annan and the technical team, especially head coach Maxwell Konadu.

Kotoko are currently in pre-season camp in Koforidua ahead of their 2020-21 Premier League opener against Eleven Wonders at the Accra Sports Stadium next month.

The clubs have already signed former Atalanta of Italy man Patrick Asmah, ex-Karela United ace Emmanuel Keyekeh and Yusif Mubarik from Ashanti Gold. 

Gareth Southgate says he "does not understand" the fuss surrounding Harry Kane's fitness as he insists that the striker is "fully fit" following a public exchange with Spurs boss Jose Mourinho.

Prior to the international break, Mourinho stated his hopes that Southgate would not overuse Kane, with the England boss saying that Mourinho should back that up by resting Kane ahead of the Euros next summer.

The 27-year-old striker has been dealing with muscle fatigue and was not involved in a friendly match against Wales last Thursday.

He then started on the bench against Belgium on Sunday before replacing Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the 66th minute.

Southgate has stated that Kane is due to start against Denmark despite Mourinho's concerns, which the England boss doesn't necessarily understand.

“I don't really understand the story because he has been fully fit since the end of last week, just before the last game,” Southgate said. 

“He would have started the last game but he hadn't had enough training time really. He was fine during the game so he is fit and I didn't understand the story.

“So where that is coming from is not to do with the conversations that we have been having with Spurs medically and it is not affecting us in the camp. He is fit, he hasn't had an injury. 

“He had delayed muscle soreness [that stopped him training initially] but there hasn't been an injury at any point.

“We don't risk players, I said this before the camp. My priority is always the welfare of players, we never risk the player and we have ended up having on very rare occasions injuries during matches. 

“That happens. But we have never lost a player through injury because of training loading and we pride ourselves on looking after the players.

“We want them fit and sharp as possible for the games. Our issue with Harry before Sunday's game was just to be able to perform at the highest level. Now he has trained for a few days, it is not an issue.”

England are set to face Denmark on Wednesday before Kane returns to Spurs ahead of Sunday's clash with West Ham.

After that, Tottenham will look ahead to the start of the Europa League as Kane, Mourinho and Co. play host to LASK in London on October 22.