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East Bengal, on Wednesday, confirmed the news of the arrival of Kolkata-based firm Shree Cement Limited as their new investors.

The arrival of the new investors at the club has kindled the hopes East Bengal fans had of playing in the Indian Super League (ISL) which is the current top tier of Indian football.

But in reality, new investors at East Bengal do not necessarily mean that the club’s ISL spot is confirmed. Now that the deal has been sealed, the club and their investors have already informed Football Sports Development  Limited (FSDL), the organisers of ISL about the club’s intention of playing the league.

Now the ball is in the FSDL's court as they have to open a bidding process through a Request for Proposal (RFP) document.

Once the RFP document is opened, FSDL will then keep a window where the Red and Golds will have to pick the bid and formally submit it. Once the process is over from East Bengal’s side, the organisers will then evaluate the bid document with the help of a third party and then take the final call regarding East Bengal’s participation in the league this season.

Every club coming into ISL needs to submit an RFP document after the tender process is opened.

A similar process was followed back in 2017 when the league had expanded from eight to 10 teams with the arrival of JSW-owned Bengaluru FC and Tata Group’s Jamshedpur FC. At that time a 13-day window was kept and the two clubs’ bid documents were evaluated by Ernst & Young (EY) after which the green signal was given to the two clubs.

Shree Cements is one of the largest cement manufacturing companies in India founded in Beawar in the Ajmer district of Rajasthan in 1979 by chairman B.G Bangur. Its headquarters is located in Kolkata.

It also produces and sells power under the name Shree Power (Captive Power Plant) and Shree Mega Power (Independent Power Plant).

Luka Modric believes Barcelona can succeed without Lionel Messi, citing Real Madrid's ultimate ability to cope with the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. 

Zinedine Zidane's side claimed the La Liga title last season as Real claimed their biggest piece silverware in the aftermath of Ronaldo's move to Juventus in 2018. 

Though Los Blancos have struggled in the Champions League since they lost their Portuguese star, they have eventually adapted to his absence. 

With Lionel Messi now himself pushing for an exit from Barcelona, Modric sees parallels between the two situations and is backing other players to fill the void that the Argentine would leave behind.

"It would be a huge loss. Like when Cristiano left. But you can't think about the past. It's football and that's it," Modric told AFP.

"If it happens it will be a huge loss for the prestige of the league. But we need to go forward. Other players will become stars.

"When Ronaldo left, the same thing happened, the life of Real Madrid went on without him and it will be the same for Barcelona and La Liga without Messi."

After coming up short in La Liga two seasons running, Real finally reclaimed the title in their most recent campaign as they finished five points clear of Barcelona. 

Modric, who himself turns 35 this month, believes age is on Madrid's side as they look to claim more silverware across the 2020-21 season. 

"We don't have a young team but we have an experienced team. We have young players, who will get better. I don't know if we will buy players but even if it stays like this, we have enough quality," Modric said. 

"We showed it in La Liga and we know we can do it again. After the suspension, we came back so motivated. We missed football, we missed winning games.

"We had worked so hard, I think physically we were the best team in the league and that's why we won it. It was my second La Liga title and I want to win more."

Zidane's side begin the new La Liga season away against Real Sociedad on September 20 with the first El Clasico scheduled for October 25 at Camp Nou. 

Competition for minutes has both plagued and benefited Phil Foden during his career at Manchester City and now England.

Indeed, at 20 years old, many would've expected him to already have senior caps due to his clear talents, but earning starts at club level hasn't come easily.

City boss Pep Guardiola has often opted for the experienced option but Foden has begun to earn regular starts and has been picked in some of his boyhood club's biggest matches in the last year.

After earning the trust of Guardiola, England have come calling and Foden could make his debut against either Iceland or Denmark in the UEFA Nations League.

At club level, Foden isn't shy to admit that he wants to take the place of his mentor David Silva next season.

"I am hoping so but there are a lot of midfielders still and a lot of quality in the team," Foden said about being given Silva's spot in the squad. "[Guardiola] is not going to just give me that position easily.

"Everyone has to train well and play well so it depends on me playing well enough to get that shirt. So yes, it is down to me. I am only 20 years old; A lot of people have been pushing it for me to play in the senior team much earlier but I haven’t played a lot of games at Man City.

"Recently, I have played a lot more and I have been doing well so I have had to work hard for the opportunity. Now I have got it, I am just trying to give it my best I can do and just enjoy it really. That’s what I am trying to do.

"I played in some massive games last year in cup finals and big Champions League games. They are the games that everyone wants to play in. Sometimes it is difficult for a young player to play in those games but I think he has been patient with me and played me at the right times. I am learning a lot and I feel ready to go."

From Stockport in Manchester, Foden has proved that English talent can make it in arguably the most competitive squad in English football. His breakthrough is important for the Citizens, who have faced criticism for losing talented youngsters like Jadon Sancho to Borussia Dortmund in the past.

Unlike his former youth team-mate, Foden stayed and he credits Silva, who left for Real Sociedad this summer, as his mentor.

"It is just what he sees [that makes him so great], he sees the game so different from other players," Foden said of Silva. "How he moves into space in tight areas and how he receives the ball, never losing the ball, all these things, I have learned so much from him."

In linking up with England, Foden can have a reunion with Sancho who has become a regular for Gareth Southgate's Three Lions. Alongside Sancho, there is an exciting group of young players emerging with Manchester United's Mason Greenwood set to make his debut at just 18. 

Foden is excited about linking up with stars from the England youth setup on a bigger stage in the next week.

"It will be great to link up with all the players because everyone has so much quality," he added. "It will be nice to play with Jadon again because I used to play with him in the Man City youth team.

"I first spoke to Mason [Greenwood] in the U-21s when he first came and ever since we have been close friends. For him to get that first call-up, I am really happy for him and it just shows that Gareth isn’t scared to throw him in even though he is 18. 

"We have got a great coach in Gareth," Foden continued. "He gives young kids a chance if they are playing well enough and he is not scared to throw you in.

"The U-21s are full of quality, any one of those players can step up to the first team and I know that for sure but sometimes you have to keep being patient and working hard. I believe that some of the U-21s will step up one day, they just have to keep working hard, the step is there and it is not far off.

"Everyone wants the shirt in the England team; there are a lot of players that haven’t been picked this time that maybe will next time so it just shows that everyone is fighting for a place, it is healthy competition that can only make England better. It is a good thing for England and it can only be a good thing.

"It used to be me playing for England when I visualised myself in the team. To be here now is a real moment, I just hope I can get my chance to play and the dream will come true."

Luka Modric has told Eden Hazard he has to be 100 per cent next season after an injury-riddled debut campaign with Real Madrid. 

After joining Zinedine Zidane's side from Chelsea in 2019, the Belgium international struggled to make his mark at the Santiago Bernabeu with injuries and fitness issues restricting him to just 22 appearances in all competitions with a single goal to his name. 

Hazard's last season at Stamford Bridge meanwhile saw the attacker score 21 goals across 52 games as he earned his dream move to Real Madrid. 

Modric knows what Hazard is capable of and encouraged the Belgian to fully recover last season to ensure he could live up to his full potential in the 2020-21 campaign - warning things could get difficult if injuries continue to hold him back. 

"Eden is a great guy and a special player, but he was playing with pain and when you're on the pitch, people always expect the best. They don't care if you have little problems," Modric told AFP. 

"I spoke to him and said, 'Eden maybe you need not to play now and recover because next season we need you at your best. This is a season where you're getting to know everything but next season you need to be 100 per cent because if not, it's going to be difficult'.

"Hopefully he comes back without any problems and then I'm sure he'll show his potential and why the club bought him because we will need him a lot."

Another player that struggled last season in Madrid is Gareth Bale with Modric sympathising with the Wales star's situation. 

"Gareth is a great, great player but his situation is not easy. He always has my support but he needs to decide what is best for him and what he wants to do now with his career," Modric said. 

"It was not an easy season for him but it is what it is. Maybe now he needs to get back to his best...We'll see what happens with him."

Currently on duty with Wales, Bale recently addressed his future and suggested Real have made it difficult for him to secure a move away. 

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane told Luka Modric he was a player capable of winning the Ballon d'Or, giving the Croatian confidence to go on and win the award.

Zidane provided the inspiration to Modric when he was appointed Los Blancos coach in 2016 and the midfield star went on to lift the famous individual award at the end of 2018.

In that year, Modric was part of the Madrid team to win a third successive Champions League, while also spearheading Croatia to a first-ever World Cup final in Russia.

The 34-year-old recalled the conversation he had with Zidane, shortly after the French legend transitioned from the Castilla role into the main gig.

Modric says Zidane's words had a strong effect on his belief in his own ability and it has helped build a strong connection between the duo.

"I remember it word for word," Modric said to AFP . "He said, 'I see you as a player who can one day win the Ballon d'Or'.

"I'd never even thought about the Ballon d'Or before but when someone like Zizou tells you that, you feel so much confidence.

"It's why we've always had such a great relationship and I hope he stays at Madrid for a long, long time."

Zidane recently won his second La Liga title as a manager in his second spell with Madrid, having already collected three Champions League crowns and two Supercopa de Espana's with the club during his first period in charge.

Modric believes it's unfair to take the gloss of Zidane's achievements, insisting that his record is evidence of his standings as a manager.

"He [Zidane] just perfectly understands players," he said. "He is one of the best coaches, definitely.

"What we have achieved is unimaginable and still people say it's because of luck or this or that, and they don't give him the recognition he deserves - but he doesn't need it. His results speak for themselves."

La Liga will recommence on September 11 but Real Madrid won't start their campaign until 10 days later against Real Sociedad, with the Los Blancos being given an extra break because of their European exploits.

The Qatar Football Association (QFA) and the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), the organisation responsible for delivering the infrastructure for the 2022 World Cup, have formed a new strategic partnership with CONCACAF, the governing body for football in North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

The partnership will see the QFA and the SC play an important role in developing the game of football with a long-term vision with dedicated programmes across all levels of football and sport across the CONCACAF region.

More importantly, the partnership will see Qatar take part in the region's top footballing competition - the CONCACAF Gold Cup - as a guest nation in the next two editions in 2021 and 2023.

The reigning Asian Cup champions have already played in the Copa America which is South America's continental championship in 2019 and are set to feature in the same next year as well.

This marks another important milestone as Qatar prepares their team for their first ever World Cup campaign in 2022.

The association also includes long-term involvement in the region’s development initiatives like SC’s human and social legacy programme - Generation Amazing - and the CONCACAF NextPlay programme. They will focus on community coach development, which will benefit thousands of youngsters across the region, and help leave a lasting legacy of the 2022 World Cup.

Generation Amazing is a program that uses football for development initiatives to address social issues in countries with such needs through the construction of community football pitches, football development training and involvement of youngsters.

“The CONCACAF Gold Cup is a prestigious tournament and we’re thrilled Qatar has been invited to compete in the 2021 and 2023 editions,” said QFA President, H.E. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani. “Qatar’s participation in the tournament next year takes place just 17 months before the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 kicks off, so it will be a great opportunity to help further prepare the national team ahead of their opening World Cup match on 21 November 2022.

“Winning the 2019 AFC Asian Cup marked an important milestone in our development plan, and so we head into the Gold Cup confident that we can compete with Concacaf’s best teams. We look forward to the competition.” 

SC Secretary General, H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi, commented on the long-term football for development partnership between the SC’s Generation Amazing Programme and CONCACAF’s NextPlay Programme.

“Generation Amazing uses the power of football to create sustainable social development in communities around the world. Since it was launched as part of Qatar’s bid to host the World Cup, it has positively impacted the lives of more than 500,000 people around the world.

"Looking to the future and the further expansion of this important legacy project, we are excited to announce this strategic partnership with the CONCACAF's own football for development programme, to ensure the growth of both initiatives and deliver a greater impact on the lives of even more people, in even more countries. Most importantly, this partnership will help ensure a sustainable, lasting tournament legacy in North America, Central America and the Caribbean, well after the last ball is kicked in 2022.”

Al Thawadi added, “From a footballing perspective, it will be great to see Qatar’s national team take on some of the world’s best when they meet in the 2021 edition of the Gold Cup, ahead of their historic participation on home turf at the FIFA World Cup 2022.”

The collaboration will also provide multiple knowledge sharing opportunities between the organizing bodies of Qatar 2022 and the World Cup 2026, which will take place in the CONCACAF region. 

CONCACAF President and FIFA Vice President, Victor Montagliani, commented on the Qatar national team’s invitation to play in the 2021 and 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup completions.

“The Qatar National Team will be a guest participant in the Concacaf Gold Cup, the flagship men’s international competition in our region. We look forward to welcoming them and we know that as reigning AFC Asian Cup Champions they will provide stern opposition for our national teams. This innovative partnership with the QFA and the SC includes a significant football development and social responsibility component, offering huge benefits to the game across the Concacaf region."

With East Bengal set to enter the Indian Super League (ISL), following the footsteps of their arch-rivals Mohun Bagan, it certainly is a landmark development in Indian football.

While Mohun Bagan merged with ATK to form ATK Mohun Bagan, East Bengal have roped in new investors Shree Cement Limited who are set to boost their bid to join ISL which is just a matter of formality.

The entry of the two Kolkata giants into the top-tier of Indian football certainly bodes well for the fans but also goes a long way towards fulfilling the objectives laid down in the roadmap for Indian football that the All India Football Federation (AIFF) formulated in 2019 under advice from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

The top brass of the AIFF, led by President Praful Patel and General Secretary Kushal Das, had chalked out the roadmap for the future in the midst of a tiff between I-League clubs and the AIFF. The clubs were pushing for promotion and relegation to be introduced into the ISL.

AIFF first presented a draft roadmap in September 2019 before the AFC approved it at a meeting in Kuala Lumpur a month later. It must be noted that AFC General Secreatary Dato Windsor had even travelled to India and held a meeting with the stakeholders before approving the plan.

It gave the seal of approval to the blueprint which saw Indian Super League (ISL) being recognised as India's top league and was granted a spot in the AFC Champions League, and also awarded an AFC Cup qualifying spot to the I-League winners as a contingency plan till 2022.

The roadmap states that the winner of the I-League in 2022-23 and 2023-24 will stand a chance to be promoted to the ISL with no participation fee involved. From the 2024-25 season, promotion and relegation will be introduced in the ISL and it will no longer be a closed league.

Apart from the aforementioned developments, one of the key recommendations was the addition of two I-League clubs into ISL by the end of 2020-21 season, subject to the clubs fulfilling the criteria of the league.

With Mohun Bagan and East Bengal set to ply their trade in the upcoming season of ISL, this particular recommendation has now been implemented in advance.

While the long tussle between East Bengal, Mohun Bagan and ISL is set to come to an end, it is a relief for the AIFF after getting the two legacy clubs into the top tier of Indian football amidst all the acrimonious cricumstances they endured in the past couple of years.

There are only winners in this development apart from maybe the I-League, which will suffer a likely loss in viewership and interest.

Bidvest Wits dropped from the top three after losing 1-0 to Black Leopards who brightened their survival hopes at FNB Stadium on Wednesday.

Mwape Musonda scored the only goal of the contest on the hour mark to hand Wits their first defeat of the bubble.

Getting into the match fresh from beating Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 last Sunday, Wits could not replicate that form and they fell two rungs down from position three to five.

For Leopards, they moved one place up from the relegation zone to 14th spot heading into the final match of the season.

Wits were without suspended captain Thulani Hlatshwayo while Bienvenu Eva Nga who was the hero of their victory against Chiefs with a goal, started from the bench and came on for Cole Alexander four minutes after Musonda had scored.

Musonda was always threatening as he called Ricardo Goss into a brilliant save 20 minutes into the match.

Wits’ first real threat came when Terrence Dzvukamanja headed just wide off Keagan Ritchie’s free-kick after 32 minutes of action.

Injury forced Wits coach Gavin Hunt to adjust his team in the 33rd minute when he substituted Lisakhanya Mlonyeni for Keenan Philips.

After a goalless first half, Leopards broke the deadlock when Musonda headed in to separate the two sides and take his season goal tally to eight.

Hunt reacted by making a double substitution, pulling off Alexander and Haashim Domingo for Eva Nga and Mpho Mathebula respectively.

Wits did not do much to hit back while Leopards remained resolute in their defending for the crucial three points.

The final day of the season will see the Clever Boys play basement side Polokwane City needing a win to get into the top three.

But their hopes of attaining a top-three finish now largely rests on Stellenbosch beating fourth-placed Orlando Pirates and SuperSport losing to Cape Town City.

Leopards would be keen to preserve their PSL status with a win over title-chasing Mamelodi Sundowns on the last day of the season.

Ivan Rakitic hopes to help turn Sevilla into La Liga title challengers after securing his return "home" following a six-year spell with Barcelona.

Rakitic, 32, completed his comeback to Sevilla on Tuesday as it was confirmed he had signed a four-year deal, with the Andalusian club paying an initial €1.5million, while another €9m could be due in performance-related variables.

The transfer sees Rakitic return to the club where he established himself as one of Europe's best midfielders in a three-and-a-half-year spell, helping them to Europa League success in 2013-14.

That was just a taste of what was to come at Barca, as Rakitic lifted 13 trophies in Catalonia, and now he is hoping to take Sevilla to the next level.

Having just won a fourth Europa League crown and with Barcelona in disarray, even club president Jose Castro recently suggested Sevilla are letting themselves dream of a first league title since the 1940s.

"With all due respect, the sixth [Europa League title] is already ours and we want it like no one else," Rakitic told reporters during his presentation on Wednesday evening.

"But we want to take the next step, both in La Liga and in the Champions League. We all know what that means, but we don't want to put more pressure on each other either.

"But we do want to know which direction we want to go. I'm really looking forward to it.

"The situation is different from how I arrived nine years ago, especially because of the situation of the team and the environment.

"I'm in a team that's a champion, and luckily I know what that means. I was able to be the first foreign captain since [Diego] Maradona and this season I want to pass on to my team-mates and my family, which is what they are, that this is still the case.

"There is great potential, they work impressively, with a great coach and coaching staff. From me you can expect maximum.

"It's not just getting here, I want to help the club, the team-mates and the fans take the next step. I'm very happy and excited to come home. I'm very grateful also for how it all turned out, which was how we wanted it to be."

A fan favourite during his previous spell at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, Rakitic was known to have a strong affinity with the city through his wife and rarely shied away from displays of passion for Sevilla during his Barca days.

The most recent of which saw Rakitic throw himself into his swimming pool in celebration of Sevilla's latest Europa League triumph, and although some Barca fans criticised him for it at the time, he made no apology.

"When I threw myself into the pool I was only celebrating, like another Sevilla player, the title," he said. "There was no other thought, only the joy of what the team had achieved.

"We like that the fans feel as close as possible to us and I felt like one more fan. They were very exciting games and it was a great joy. The dip in the pool was good for me because I had sweated a lot!"

Rakitic finished by paying tribute to his late friend and former Sevilla team-mate Jose Antonio Reyes.

"The day it was all closed would have been his birthday," Rakitic said. "These are moments where words aren't needed.

"We all know what Jose means to us and to those who like football. He had a special talent. I know he's watching me and supporting me and that he's happy for me.

"I wish I could see him happy and that much of this is for him, of course."

New Manchester United signing Donny van de Beek has revealed Edwin van der Sar encouraged him to make the move to Old Trafford from Ajax. 

Van de Beek became United's first signing of the summer on Wednesday, joining from Ajax in a deal worth £35 million (€39m/$46m) plus £4m in add-ons.

Van der Sar is currently the chief executive officer at Ajax, and played a major part in brokering the deal between two of his former clubs.

Speaking to Manchester United's official website, Van de Beek recalled watching his countrymen star for United in the past and revealed Van der Sar only had good things to say about the club. 

"Yes, I talked with him [Van der Sar] and he told me a lot of stories about the club and about everything. He told how big the club is and how nice an experience he had with it," Van de Beek said.

“Yes, it’s a really big history. I watched a lot of their matches before and I also had a really good meeting with the coach [Ole Gunnar Solskjaer] and that for me was a really important thing.

"We talked about football things, about the club and I always make decisions about my feelings and my feelings were directly good with everything. That was for me an important thing.”

Van de Beek believes he is primed for success at his new club, as his style of play will fit in with Solskjaer's midfield unit that boasts the likes of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic.

"If you know me and the kind of football player I am, and my style and everything, then I think I can have a good combination with the club and the players also," the Netherlands international said.

"If you look at the players the club has, they are young players, the same age like me and I cannot wait to play with them.

“I’m a midfielder that likes to go into the box – making runs, goals, assists. A lot of the time, I cover a lot of distance in games, this is also a thing that is a strength for me, to get into the box of the opponent.”

The Red Devils were supposed begin their 2020-21 Premier League campaign against Burnley next week but that match has been postponed as Solskjaer's side are given extra time to recover following their efforts in the Europa League last month. 

Declan Rice's West Ham future has drawn the attention of WWE star Triple H, who has sent the young midfielder a message encouraging him to remain at the club. 

Triple H, a 14-time WWE world champion, is a big fan of the Hammers and has taken a strong interest in Rice's next move. 

The 21-year-old joined West Ham in 2014 but has been linked with a return to Chelsea, who released him as a 14-year-old. 

Contracted at London Stadium until 2024, Rice would have to personally approve any transfer in the near future and Triple H has strongly urged the midfielder to remain at West Ham and become a club hero.

"You know it's a new season, a new time, a new launching point for us, NXT UK on BT Sport, but for many others as well including West Ham. So I have a message, I have a message for one Declan Rice," Triple H said in a video posted to Twitter. 

"Declan you've got big decisions ahead of you and I understand that, and far be it for me to tell you what to do, but I'd like to give you a point of view that sometimes in life there are more important things.

"There's an opportunity to be something more. To be a hero. To be a hero to the fans that have supported you. To be a hero to those that have watched you come up through a system and succeed in that system. To be a hero and build something on your own. To not just succeed, but succeed on your terms. 

"Build your franchise, build your legacy, to become something more, to become the one and only, the first Declan Rice. 

"Stay with the people that brought you to the dance, stay with West Ham and become the hero, become the champion, become everything that they all know Declan Rice can be."  

Rice made 39 appearances in all competitions for David Moyes' side last season, scoring once and contributing three assists. 

He played every minute of the Hammers' 2019-20 Premier League campaign and wore the captain's armband four times as the club ultimately secured 16th place after briefly brushing with potential relegation. 

French club Rennes have submitted a €20 million (£17m/$23m) bid plus add-ons for Sassuolo midfielder Jeremie Boga with Chelsea set to reap the rewards of any potential transfer. 

Blues director Marina Granovskaia recently turned a €15m (£13.5m/$18m) buy-back clause on Boga into a shrewd sell-on clause that will see Chelsea claim 10-15 per cent of any agreed fee. 

Sassuolo have set an asking price of €30 million for Boga with Serie A trio Atalanta, Napoli and Roma all circling for the 23-year-old, who has impressed over the past two seasons in Italy's top-flight. 

The former Blues youth product scored 11 league goals across the 2019-20 campaign as he justified his decision to leave Stamford Bridge permanently in 2018. 

Prior to his move to Italy, Boga was sent out on a series of loans by Chelsea and gained precious experience in Ligue 1, La Liga and the Championship. 

A Premier League return could also still be on the cards for the midfielder with Brighton also believed to have shown some interest in securing his services. 

Boga himself is eager to leave Sassuolo this summer and challenge himself elsewhere after a strong two seasons. As it stands, Rennes are looming as his most likely destination with their recent bid likely to make Sassuolo consider sanctioning a transfer. 

Rennes manager Julien Stephan recently spoke out about his admiration for Boga as the Ligue 1 side look to secure a deal. 

“I can’t speak about numbers. He is quite simply a player who is coming out of a very good spell with Sassuolo,” Stephan told Telefoot.

“He has very interesting characteristics in terms of his penetration, his pace and his ability to finish off moves. We know him well at the club as he was on loan here a few seasons ago. At the time, I was in charge of the reserves, we got to know each other in certain instances, we know each other.

“He is a player who is one of our potential targets, there is enormous competition with very big clubs – we will see what happens in the coming weeks and months."

Boga's brother and agent has previously admitted to interest from Napoli with a number of Serie A sides eager to strike a deal for the Ivory Coast international. 

Any potential transfer for Boga this summer will prove beneficial for Chelsea, who have spent big money in recent months on the likes of Timo Werner and Ben Chilwell. 

Niger men’s senior national team has announced friendly matches with Cote d’Ivoire and Tunisia.

Gernot Rohr’s team will take on the Elephants on October 9 in Austria and will then face the Carthage Eagles at the same venue four days later.

Since defeating Lesotho 4-2 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Maseru's Setsoto Stadium on November 17, 2019, the Super Eagles are yet to play any match in 2020 owing to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

In a series of tweets by the Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick, the choice of European country was picked for ‘a few obvious reasons’.

“On the 9th of October, the Super Eagles will play former African champions, Cote d’Ivoire in a friendly game, then face another African giant and former champions Tunisia, four days later, on the 13th,” Pinnick tweeted.

“Both games will be held in Austria for a few obvious reasons. Due to the Covid-19 protocols presently in place and the proximity of the bulk of our team as well, Austria was seen as an ideal venue. 

“I’ll have to stress as well, that all costs will be borne by the football federations of both Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire, as well as Tunisia.”

Nigeria’s last meeting with Tunisia was at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations’ third-place match, where Odion Ighalo’s third-minute strike separated both teams at the Al Salam Stadium, Cairo.

Parading the Toure brothers, Serge Aurier, Eric Bailly and Serey Die, Herve Renard's Elephants caged the a home-based Eagles 1-0 thanks to Salomon Kalou's 84th minute effort in an international friendly staged in Abu Dhabi on January 11, 2015 - that was the last meeting between both countries.

Pinnick also talked about the unfilled position of the technical director, appointment of coaches for the countries’ cadet teams as well as Africa’s most successful female team, Super Falcons.

“With regards to a coach for the Super Falcons, Africa’s biggest female football team, Phillips Consulting, in charge of the recruitment process, are putting finishing touches to it and a coach will be announced soon. This also applies to coaches for the different cadres of our national teams.”

Eleven Wonders chief executive officer (CEO) Takyi Arhin is the latest to advise Asante Kotoko and Ashanti Gold against competing in the upcoming 2020-21 Caf inter-club competitions.

Kotoko are set to fly Ghana's flag in the Champions League as AshGold take a seat in the Confederation Cup.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) Executive Council announced the two clubs as the nation's flag-bearers for the 2020-21 campaign in June following premature termination of the 2019-20 domestic football season due to the coronavirus disturbances.

Had the term not been cut short, the winners of the Premier League (GPL) would have been awarded Ghana's ticket for the Champions League while the FA Cup champions would have earned the spot in the Confederation Cup.

“Looking at our current situation, I will humbly advise Asante Kotoko and Ashanti Gold not to participate in the 2020-2021 Caf inter-club competitions," Arhin told Alpha Radio.

“I want Asante Kotoko to focus more on the Adako Jachie [training facility] project and the upgrade of its secretariat than playing in Africa.

“If the stakeholders of the club decide to partake in Africa, who am I to ask them to stop? But my only advice to them is to avoid it for now and prepare well in the subsequent season."

Ashanti Gold have already confirmed their decision to compete in the Confederation Cup next season but Kotoko are yet to make a final decision about the offer.

"Nana Yaw will start work on Monday at the club secretariat to assess things and advise the board on Africa," Kotoko board member Alhaji Abu Lamin told Atinka FM in August following the appointment of Nana Yaw Amponsah as new chief executive officer of the club.

"He has not met with the technical team yet and he needs to know the kind of players we have if they are quality enough [and] the club financial status before anything."

Last season, Kotoko played in the Champions League but their campaign ended early by a first-round elimination at the hands of Tunisian club Etoile du Sahel.

The Porcupine Warriors are eyeing a third title after successes in 1970 and 1983.

Kotoko legend Ibrahim Sunday, ex-club forward Eric Bekoe, Aduana Stars striker Yahaya Mohammed and King Faisal president Alhaji Karim Grunsah are among a host of personalities to have advised the Porcupine Warriors and Ashanti Gold against competing in Africa next season.

Rosa, the mother of Kaizer Chiefs forward Khama Billiat believes there is nothing unusual about her son’s loss of form, saying he once rose after experiencing a bad patch during his time at Mamelodi Sundowns.

Rosa also reacted to veteran coach Mlungisi Ngubane’s allegations that Billiat might have altered his age.

Although he stood where it mattered most with a goal against Chippa United on Wednesday to keep Chiefs’ title hopes alive, Billiat has largely struggled for form this season, managing just two goals and as many assists in 22 games across all competitions.

During his first season at Sundowns, the Zimbabwean attacker managed just 16 league appearances and four goals as he struggled with injuries.

“I remember at one time, at Sundowns, there was talk from fans that ‘Khama must go and Pitso [Mosimane] must go’ but, after that, he fully recovered from an injury,’’ Rosa told The Herald.

“He went on to win awards, together with his coach. So, I have seen this before, and know that it happens in football and it shall pass. I am not really worried. What I know is Khama is passionate about football, he loves football.”

At his peak in 2016, Billiat was named the Premier Soccer League Player of the Season, Midfielder of the Season as well as PSL Players’ Player of the Season while turning out for Sundowns.

He also came close to being crowned the best local-based footballer in Africa by Caf.

Billiat’s mother also dismissed Ngubane’s assertion that Billiat might have tampered with his age.

Ngubane was quoted in the media saying the 30-year-old is be struggling to get back to his best because he might have reduced the years he is known to be old and age is talking its toll on him.

“My child never cheated, when it comes his age, at any stage in his career,’’ said Rosa.

“I kept all my baby cards so that my children, when they grow up, they will show their kids. But, what I don’t understand is how a professional coach [Ngubane], who players look up to, can say such about my son.

“Maybe, he needs to look himself in the mirror and see what he has achieved, as a coach, because I don’t believe any good coach would really say such things about a player. How will he expect players to respect him, as a mentor and a gaffer?’’

Billiat’s crucial goal on Wednesday appeared to have been apt response to Ngubane’s remarks.

Home Grown Player rules will be brought into the Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship from the 2021-22 season, the Football Association has confirmed.

The WSL has this summer seen a mass influx of foreign signings, particularly from the United States and Australia, with America’s National Women’s Soccer League having been significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Some have raised concerns over whether these players will prevent young English talent from getting valuable game time, but the FA has already made agreements that there will be rule changes next season to ensure this isn’t the case.

The Home Grown Player (HGP) quota will be the same as it is in the men’s game, with eight players in each WSL club’s 25-player squad needing to be HGPs.

In the Championship, the FA has proposed that clubs will be required to have a squad which consists of 60 per cent HGPs. For a squad of 18 players, that means 11 players must be home grown, while a squad of 25 players would need 15, for example. Every Championship club currently meets the potential 60% criteria.

The rules will come into place in the season that leads into England hosting the Euros, the 2021 tournament now pushed back to the summer of 2022 due to the pandemic.

The FA has also changed the rules around loan players as of this season, which begins on Saturday afternoon when Manchester City visit newly-promoted Aston Villa.

Previously, the rule was that clubs could only bring in two players on loan at once. However, this season, clubs will be allowed to sign up to six players on loan, with a maximum of three simultaneously from the same club and a limit of two outfield players over the age of 23.

“[That is] to make sure that young talent who are maybe not getting on [the pitch] can go out on loan and get key game time, which is so important for their development,” Kelly Simmons, director of the women's professional game at the FA, explained.

“We’ve got four pilot clubs where we are reviewing our player pathway too. Alongside rules, we’ve got to make sure we’re producing top, top talent so we get this blend of English and [foreign] world-class talent.

“I think it’s been well-documented that we want to make the pathway more diverse and more inclusive as well. There’s a lot of working going on in the pathway.

“A number of work is coming together really to say, how do we get this right blend of world-class and English talent. One of our goals in the new strategy is to attract and develop world-class talent. We’ve got to get that blend right together.”

There are plans to expand that HGP rule for the 2022-23 season, with the quota to remain under annual review.

As with the men’s game, a HGP is defined as a player who: “irrespective of their nationality or age, has been registered with a club and/or any other football club affiliated to the Football Association or an Affiliated Association, for a period, continuous or not of three seasons or 36 months prior to their 21st birthday (or the end of the season during which they turn 21)”.

With the United Kingdom set to leave the European Union, there will be a significant impact further down the line on the amount of foreign talent able to come to England, both in the WSL and in the Premier League.

Simmons confirmed that the FA’s endorsement criteria post-Brexit, which determines whether or not a foreign player can come to the league based on international caps and other criteria, is under review in anticipation of that change.

The league’s salary cap remains unchanged for the moment, staying at 40% of a club’s turnover. Simmons did confirm, however, that it will be reviewed in the coming months.

Sandro Tonali turned down the chance to join Barcelona and Manchester United in favour of a move to AC Milan, according to Brescia president Massimo Cellino.

Tonali has emerged as one of Italy's top prospects, with the midfielder often seeing himself compared to Azzurri legend Andrea Pirlo. 

For his part, Pirlo did not play down the hype and instead said the 20-year-old is "much more complete" than he was as a player.

After starring for Brescia in Serie A in 2019-20, Tonali was subject to interest from some of Europe's top clubs.

In addition to Barca and Man Utd, Cellino said that Inter were also keen on the Italy international. However, Tonali had his head turned when the Rossoneri, a club he grew up supporting, came calling.

“I know that [Inter CEO] Beppe Marotta really wanted Tonali, and that [Inter head coach] Antonio Conte appreciated him, so I think his agent had agreed terms with Inter,” Cellino told Top Calcio 24.

“He was determined and convinced that he was going to Inter, but all this time dragged on and it was practically the start of the new season with still nothing happening.

“As soon as Milan showed real interest, he did not want to listen to any other options. I also have a historically good rapport with Milan and we reached an agreement with [Milan technical director] Paolo Maldini quite quickly.

“We also had interest from Barcelona and Manchester United, but the lad is in love with Milan and went crazy once he heard of their offer, because he supports them.”

Cellino said that he expects Tonali's move to AC Milan to be wrapped up in the coming days, with the midfielder joining on an initial loan for €10m (£9m/$12m) with an option to buy for €15m (£13m/$18m) and another €10m in potential add-ons.

Though Brescia will receive a major windfall from Tonali's exit, Cellino revealed they could have netted more had Tonali opted for a move to Barca or United.

“Those figures are correct, but we turned down €65m (£58m/$77m) from Barcelona in January and about a dozen days ago Manchester United had offered €10m more than Milan,” Cellino said.

Dean Henderson has fired a warning to fellow Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea, saying he does not intend to sit on the bench next season.

After starring on loan for Sheffield United, Henderson has returned to Old Trafford after signing a new five-year contract at Manchester United.

With De Gea's form having dropped off in recent seasons, the formerly untouchable No.1 appears in serious danger of losing his job to the 23-year-old. 

And the England international has underlined that threat by telling his club team-mate that he returned to Old Trafford with every intention to play regularly.

“The aim is for me to play football next season and I don’t want to be not playing after last season. Coming off a good season with momentum, it wouldn’t be clever for me to sit around and not play football. I don’t think that would help any parties at all," the England international said.

"David de Gea has obviously been a great goalkeeper first and foremost for many years and he's been phenomenal.

“That’s something I aspire to be, to have a career like him at the club so I'll be going back in first day of the pre-season working my socks off to get in that starting line-up."

Henderson went on a series of five loans over five years, picking up valuable minutes as he's developed into a full senior international.

As he pushes for a starting role with both Man Utd and England, Henderson insists that there is only so much he can learn from training.

“You can get many things from training, and obviously learn off someone like David and the other goalkeepers and goalkeeper coaches, but I don’t think there’s any substitute for game time.

"I went out from Man Utd five years ago. I started at Stockport, Grimsby, Shrewsbury and then Sheffield, which shows how much I’ve learned out on my own.

"I’ve picked up experiences that happen in games because they’re situations you don’t really get in training. I’m under no illusions that I’m not going to improve just sat on the bench. I need that game time.”

Kaizer Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp says the most important thing at this stage of the season is positive results and nothing else. 

Amakhosi registered a 1-0 win over Chippa United to maintain their spot at the top of the table, thanks to Khama Billiat's ninth minute strike. 

The 61-year-old mentor admits the Chilli Boys were more energetic than his charges simply because they had a few extra days of rest. 

"It’s about the points now. It’s about winning. I’m fully aware of that. It’s what represents Kaizer Chiefs, there’s no doubt about it. You could see today there were two days less recovery time. They played on Friday and we played on Sunday and this makes a huge, huge difference," Middendorp told SuperSportTV. 

"We had a lot of players before the game already I was aware of how far it is possible to bring them through."

Middendorp further stated that the win against Chippa United was a collective effort, appreciating the fighting spirit among the players and he hopes the players can replicate this come Saturday against Baroka FC. 

"I'm very happy with the entire team, technical team and the players that we had and what they have gone through and successfully. It was a win with a lot of fighting spirit and that’s something we needed today and need on Saturday," he added.

Chiefs could have added more goals to their name after Chippa United were reduced to nine men, and Middendorp said it was down to game management. 

"The management of the game; there’s no doubt about it. We have simply seen the ball possession, giving away in a situation where we could have played four against two. I’m all aware of it but let’s not let everybody know from the outside. Nobody knows what is going on here with the players in the bubble, more or less you are a little bit inside the prison. You are fighting for your life, expectations are there." 

"You want it. You want each and everything. It’s a fantastic team on what we have seen here and that is what it is about at this stage, nothing else," added Middendorp.