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Barcelona fans have gone to the Camp Nou to voice their displeasure over the uncertain future of Lionel Messi.

The Argentine informed the club on Tuesday that he does not wish to continue at Barcelona, and it appears the forward is set to exit the only professional club he has ever represented.

The news comes in the wake of Barcelona's embarrassing 8-2 drubbing at the hands of Bayern Munich that sent them out of the Champions League. That loss led to the dismissal of manager Quique Setien, with Ronald Koeman brought in as his replacement, while sporting director Eric Abidal was also sacked in the wake of the defeat. 

President Josep Maria Bartomeu, meanwhile, has decided to stay on through to at least the election in March, stating that he believes Barca's issues are of a sporting nature.

Although his contract is set to expire at the end of the 2020-21 season, Messi and his legal team believe that a clause in his contract will allow him to terminate his deal.

However, he could be in for a fight as Barca will no doubt be desperate to hold on to their star man.

As the news began to emerge that Messi wished to leave, fans marched to the club's home stadium to voice their frustration with the club for their role in his decision.

With an emergency board meeting in progress inside, fans gathered while chanting "Messi stay" and "Bartomeu resign".

Barcelona team-mate Luis Suarez and former team-mate Carles Puyol were among those to tweet their support for Messi, only adding more legitimacy to the fact that he could be leaving the club.  

Former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart, meanwhile, believes that Messi will be unable to leave the club for free this summer, despite the player's wishes, adding that him leaving would be even more embarrassing than the loss to Bayern.

Another former president, Joan Laport, called on Bartomeu to resign as he demanded the club do whatever it takes to keep Messi in Barcelona.

"Bartomeu and his Board must resign immediately," Laport said on Twitter. "They have been undermining the morale of Messi to save themselves from the economic and sporting turmoil they have created. If they resigned there would still be hope that Messi would stay at Barca."

Asisat Oshoala’s Barcelona were eliminated from the Women's Champions League following Tuesday's 1-0 defeat by Wolfsburg at the Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian.
 
The Nigeria captain was aiming to inspire her side to glory this year after she came off the bench last May against Lyon to become the first African to score in the final of the competition last May.

However, a solitary strike from Fridolina Rolfo sent the German outfit through to the semi-finals as Oshoala and her Spanish side were made to pay dearly for their wastefulness.

Lluis Cortes' side went into the semi-final on the back of a 1-0 win over Spanish rivals Atletico Madrid in a quarter-final knockout contest at San Mames Stadium in Bilbao last Friday.

With Oshoala spearheading the head for Barcelona, they made a bright start as Mariona Caldentey set up the Nigerian to score the opener, but her effort went wide in the eighth minute.

Six minutes later, she had her attempt blocked by the Wolfsburg defence before another glorious chance slipped away after she was played through by Caroline Graham Hansen in the 37th minute.

After the break, Rolfo profited from Svenja Huth's botched overhead effort to lash in the winner in the 58th minute.

The four-time African Women's Player of the Year was in action for 65 minutes before being replaced by Aitana Bonmati, but she was unable to rescue the Spanish giants from crashing out.

With the defeat signaling the end of the dream of European glory for Barcelona, the Nigeria international managed one goal in five appearances for the Catalans in this year's competition.

The result means Wolfsburg have maintained their one hundred-percent record over Barcelona, and they advance to face the winner of Wednesday's semi-final between holders Lyon and French rivals Paris Saint Germain.

Gareth Southgate has explained some of his England squad selection decisions, including not picking a left back in the 23-man selection.

Leicester City's Ben Chilwell is suffering from a heel injury and Manchester United's Luke Shaw has an ankle problem. Newcastle United's Danny Rose has been selected in the past but Southgate didn't think his club displays have been up to scratch.

Arsenal's Bukayo Saka played 17 times at full-back for his club but Southgate sees him as more of an attacking option and is looking at a future call up for the breakthrough star in North London.

“He's obviously with the Under-21s this time and I feel he's more of an attacking player," he added. "I know he's played at left-back and he's given good contributions there in an attacking sense certainly.

"At the moment left wing-back, left side higher up the pitch, I know he's played in midfield and on the right as well but that they would be his better positions. He’s a very exciting player.

"It is still early for him but he's a player we like and we monitoring very closely. I think Phil, in particular, has been patient for his opportunity. We've taken our time with that but yeah Saka had a very good season with Arsenal, not in the team at the very end but really good season of progress and he's a player watching very closely."

Europa League finalist Ashley Young was another option, as he plays at left-wing back under Antonio Conte for Inter, and did so for England in the last World Cup.

Southgate went onto say that he is looking to younger options ahead of Euro 2020, which has been moved to 2021.

He said: "Ashley was a fantastic member of our squad in Russia. I'm so pleased for him how he has gone on at Inter and continued to impress – when we didn't select him post-Russia it was about trying to bed in some younger players and a competition like the Nations League is a good time to do it.

"For players like Ashley Young and Jamie Vardy, if you were heading to a major tournament, they are players you would have to think about taking."

Elsewhere in his squad, Southgate opted for Man United's Mason Greenwood and Manchester City's Phil Foden over Aston Villa talisman Jack Grealish.

The teenage duo will make their debuts in the UEFA Nations League against Iceland or Denmark, and are among potential first-timers selected along with Man United stopper Dean Henderson and Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

Southgate has since announced the dropping of Harry Maguire from the England squad following a guilty verdict in Greece after he was charged with aggravated assault.

Leaving out Grealish and Leicester City's James Maddison has proved controversial, but Southgate moved to explain his decision to blood Greenwood and Foden in the senior set up.

“Maddison is actually injured," Southgate began. "With Jack, the simple answer is Mason Greenwood. He’s competing in my view against Greenwood, Rashford, Sancho and Raheem. I know Villa have played him as an eight, I don’t see him in that role for us.

"He could play as a 10 but we haven’t played with a 10. But also some of those other players I’ve talked about would be very good 10s as well. He’s a talent, there’s no doubt about that. But, I think Mason Greenwood’s performances [have been great].

"The others have been with us for a long time and have produced and performed well for us. Mason’s form, his goal-scoring ability and his maturity was impossible to leave him out.

"I think we’re four get-togethers away from a European Championship and we felt now it’s important to involve Mason and Phil with us, let’s see how they adapt, we think they’re good enough.

"They’re going to provide massive competition for places. Jack is unfortunate and I’ll be getting crucified by the Villa fans who’ve still never forgiven me for leaving for Middlesbrough anyway - but c’est la vie, I did pick Tyrone Mings so it’s not a club thing.”

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has deflected questions over the future of defender Kalidou Koulibaly, saying that they should be answered by Manchester United, Manchester City and PSG.

Koulibaly has long been linked with a move to a bigger club, with several of Europe's top sides watching the 29-year-old's performances in Italy closely.

De Laurentiis was asked again about Koulibaly's future on Tuesday and instead directed the question towards a few of the only sides he believes can afford the Senegal star.

“You should ask Manchester United, City or PSG this question,” he said. “In other words, those who can afford to pay certain amounts."

Referring to Koulibaly and in-demand midfielder Allan, De Laurentiis sent out a warning to clubs he called "buzzards", who are looking to Napoli for a bargain.

“I see many buzzards on the transfers market," De Laurentiis continued. "You know who they are, they seem to be waiting to swoop in, but we have impenetrable armour and they won't get what they want or at the prices they want."

Though he issued a warning on Tuesday, De Laurentiis did admit last month that Koulibaly could be sold if his asking price is met.

"Kalidou is a great person, I would be terribly sad to lose him - but there is a time for everything, even to move apart," De Laurentiis told Sky Italia.

As reports over a move to City continue to circulate, the club's former captain Richard Dunne tipped Koulibaly to join Pep Guardiola's side, a club he says still needs a leader to replace Vincent Kompany.

“They have spoken about Koulibaly for a while and they are looking for a leader, they are looking for someone to replace Vincent Kompany. It’s been a problem when Vince was here and he was injured, they missed a centre-back of that style," Dunne told Sky Sports.

Dunne also said City should be interested in RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano, who impressed in his side's run to the Champions League semi-final. 

“If they do go for him [Koulibaly], it’s a good signing," Dunne continued. "He’s a bit older than the usual age bracket of signing players and we’ve seen in the Champions League how good Upamecano has been, so maybe he’s a player that might be of interest to them."

Valencia have confirmed that the club has reached a deal with Leeds United over the transfer of star striker Rodrigo.

Reports have linked the Spanish forward with a €30 million (£27m/$35m) move to Elland Road, with Goal learning on Tuesday that officials from Leeds had flown to Spain to figure out terms of a deal.

The forward is one of a number of Valencia stars reportedly told that they will be allowed to leave this summer, with the club already selling Ferran Torres, Dani Parejo and Francis Coquelin in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Now the club has confirmed that Rodrigo will become the latest Valencia regular to depart the Mestalla, with the club announcing that an agreement has been reached with Leeds.

"Valencia have reached a preliminary agreement with Leeds United this Tuesday for the transfer of footballer Rodrigo Moreno, at the expense of completing all the documentation and other formalities and passing the mandatory medical examination," the club said in a statement.

"Valencia want to thank him for his commitment and effort over the last six seasons - in which he has played a total of 220 games, scored 59 goals, and helped to win a cup title. Valencia wish him all the best in this new stage of his sports career."

Rodrigo originally joined Valencia in 2015, having emerged with Benfica after originally coming through Real Madrid's academy. He instantly became a regular for the club, playing both out wide and as a central striker throughout his five years at the Mestalla.

It was during his time with Valencia that Rodrigo also emerged as a regular for Spain, earning 22 caps while earning a place in the 2018 World Cup squad.

In January, the 29-year-old attacker was linked with a big-money move to Barcelona, but Valencia nixed a deal after Barca refused to meet their asking price of €60m (£51m/$66m).

Now, the club will sell for roughly half that price as Rodrigo moves to Elland Road to join the Premier League newcomers.

Leeds have already made several signings ahead of their top-flight return with Helder Costa, Illan Meslier, Joe Gelhardt and Cody Drameh signing permanent deals while Manchester City winger Jack Harrison has returned to the club on loan.

The club will begin their Premier League season against champions Liverpool on September 12.

Barcelona presidential candidate Jordi Farre has announced that he will present a vote of no confidence against current president Josep Maria Bartomeu on Wednesday morning.

Farre's move came on a day when Lionel Messi demanded to leave Barcelona by activating a clause in his contract that would allow him to depart on a free transfer.

All members of Barcelona will be eligible to sign the motion against Bartomeu, which will proceed if it receives enough signatures. In the event of a vote, Bartomeu will be forced out if at least 66 per cent of the total are against him.

Messi's decision took place amid a backdrop of intense turmoil at Barca which was sparked by the club's 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-final earlier this month. 

Following on from that embarrassing loss, head coach Quique Setien and technical director Eric Abidal both left the club with Bartomeu under increasing pressure. 

That pressure was turned up even more on Tuesday, with Barcelona fans descending on Camp Nou to voice their displeasure over the uncertain future of Messi. Many were demanding Bartomeu step down.

Farre took to social media to announce his move as he looks to continue putting pressure on Bartomeu ahead of the club's presidential elections in March.

"Tomorrow at 9am I will present a vote of censure against Bartomeu and his board of directors," Farre tweeted. "For the sake of Barca we cannot allow them to continue for another minute."

On Sunday, Farre made headlines when he said he said he has held talks with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp's representatives over taking the same role at Barca, despite Ronald Koeman just being appointed the club's new head coach.

"Obviously, we have our roadmap and we had already started several conversations with Jurgen Klopp, because it seems to us that Barca need such a coach," Farre told Sport.

Pressed on whether Koeman is the right appointment for Barca at present, Farre responded: "It is an exceptional moment and Koeman is a good solution considering that he is a legend of Barcelona, ​​a benchmark. Because of his character, I think that was what the club needed now. I wish him the best because the challenge is huge."

Ahmed Musa scored a goal as Al Nassr secured an emphatic 6-1 victory against Al Adalah in a Saudi Pro League encounter.

The 27-year-old attacker scored the hosts' third goal at the King Fahd International Stadium in the 28th minute after strikes from Morocco's Abderrazak Hamdallah and Giuliano in the first 20 minutes.

Musa's second goal of the season came a fortnight after he opened his 2019-20 goal account against Abha on August 10.

Madagascar forward Charles Andriamatsinoro pulled a goal back for bottom-placed Al Adalah but it was not enough to inspire a comeback as Giuliano and Hamdallah compounded their woes with a goal each before the interval.

Musa who made his 22nd appearance in the Saudi top-flight on Tuesday, was on parade for 45 minutes before he was replaced by Khalid Al Ghannam.

Nordin Amrabat was also in action for Al Nassr and he contributed two assists for Rui Vitoria's men who are aiming to catch up with league leaders Al Hilal.

The Riyadh-based club are second in the Saudi Pro League table with 57 points after 27 matches, and they are six points behind Al Hilal with three league fixtures to go.

On Saturday, Al Nassr will be looking to extend their four-game winning streak when they host Al Feiha for their next league outing at the King Fahd International Stadium.

Daley Blind collapsed and was taken from the field during Ajax's pre-season friendly against Hertha Berlin on Tuesday.

The 30-year-old dropped to the ground during the latter stages of the match with concerned teammates rushing to his side.

Blind was diagnosed with inflammation of the heart muscle in December 2019 after suffering dizziness during Ajax's Champions League defeat against Valencia.

The ex-Manchester United star was subsequently fitted with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) after the incident and returned to full training in February.

Ajax coach Erik ten Haag confirmed that there was an alert sent by Blind's ICD as he fell to the pitch during the Hertha match.

"Daley Blind's ICD went off," Ten Haag said to Ziggo Sport. "He got subbed off straight away and he is feeling OK now, he is feeling fine. We will do research about this now."

Having already spent two months out of the game following the initial heart diagnosis in December, Blind faces another spell on the sidelines while doctors ascertain what caused the collapse.

Born in Amsterdam, Blind joined Ajax's youth academy at the age of eight and worked his way up the ranks before making his debut in 2008. He spent six years at the club in a variety of midfield and defensive roles before earning a move to Manchester United in 2014.

Blind returned to Ajax in 2018 and was a part of their famous run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2019, where they fell short against Tottenham courtesy of Lucas Moura's dramatic winning goal.

The initial heart incident last year came as a shock with Blind's senior career featuring more than 350 matches across 12 years including 69 caps for the Netherlands. Across his career, he has won six Eredivisie titles with Ajax while also lifting the KNVB Cup on one occasion.

Blind failed to win the league while at United, but was a part of four trophy triumphs including the Europa League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Community Shield.

Ajax are currently preparing for the start of the 2020-21 Eredivisie season, after the previous campaign was abandoned with no winner due to coronavirus.

Germany manager Joachim Low says that there are no plans to recall Thomas Muller and Jerome Boateng into the national team despite their recent contributions to Bayern Munich's Champions League triumph.

Muller and Boateng both started in Sunday's finale as Bayern took down Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 thanks to Kingsley Coman's second-half goal, although the defender was forced out of the game in the first half due to injury.

Muller made 50 total appearances for Bayern this season, scoring 14 goals, while Boateng returned to the starting XI later in the season, making 39 appearances.

Both 30-year-old Muller and 31-year-old Boateng were left out of Low's latest Germany squad, with the manager previously saying in 2019 that he would no longer call up the two as well as Mats Hummels.

After Tuesday's squad announcement, Low reiterated that commitment as all three were once again left out for upcoming UEFA Nations League games against Spain and Switzerland.

"Both players had very good performances and they showed how important they are for this team," Low said of Muller and Boateng. "However, after the World Cup, we decided to go with other players. We want them to have space and time to develop."

For his most recent squad, Low handed Oliver Baumann, Robin Gosens and Florian Neuhaus their first call-ups to the senior team.

At age 30, Toni Kroos is the oldest outfield player with Ilkay Gundogan the only other non-goalkeeper to be over the age of 26.

Low says that he plans to continue the trend of calling in Germany's younger stars, adding that he has no current plan to reverse course and call in the more experienced players any time soon.

"These young players have developed very well and we managed the changes very quickly," he said. "So there is no reason for me to change anything in this direction."

He added: "Should the situation be different, I would be the very first person to revise a decision. Currently, however, I don't see any reason. This path is good."

Germany are set to face Spain on September 3 in Stuttgart before taking on Switzerland three days later in Stuttgart. It will be the team's first matches since last November's Euro 2020 qualifiers when Germany picked up victories over Belarus and Northern Ireland. 

Inter manager Antonio Conte will not depart San Siro this summer, the club have confirmed. 

In a brief statement, Inter said the two sides had a "constructive meeting" on Tuesday, which resulted in Conte agreeing to stay on for a second season at the helm.

"The club and Antonio Conte had a constructive meeting today focused on continuity and strategy, in which the two parties laid the foundations to continue working together on the club's project," the statement read.

Conte enjoyed a successful debut season in 2019-20 with Inter, finishing second in Serie A and taking his side to the Europa League final. 

After that final against Sevilla on Friday, which ended in a 3-2 defeat, Conte cast doubt on his future with the club when he said that he may not be at San Siro next term.

“We're going to meet next week with the club and we'll decide about my future. I'm not sure that I'll be the Inter manager next season, we'll decide together,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “Inter will plan the future with or without me."

Though he experienced success on the pitch, the former Chelsea and Juventus manager feuded with Inter hierarchy off the pitch in 2019-20, particularly when he launched a scathing attack on the club's directors following the conclusion of the Serie A season.

“I don’t think the work of the players has been recognised and I don’t think my work has been recognised,” he said. “We all received very little protection from the club, absolutely zero.

“I don’t like it when people jump on the bandwagon – they have to be there in the good times as well as the bad and here at Inter it wasn’t like that, I’m sorry to say.

“We have to grow and improve in all areas, including off the field, and a big club should protect its players more.”

Conte has reportedly been unhappy with several developments at San Siro, including leaks to the media and some of the club's decisions in the transfer market. The 51-year-old was frustrated by the arrival of Christian Eriksen during the January transfer window, given he had requested Barcelona midfielder Arturo Vidal.

Under Conte, Eriksen became a bit-part player and struggled to see the same amount of playing time he enjoyed during his spell at Tottenham.

Tanzania Mainland League giants Yanga SC have confirmed the arrival of Angolan midfielder Carlinhos.

The midfielder has been the subject of discussion in the country especially when the Yanga management confirmed contact has been made. After a long wait, the player has finally landed, less than three weeks before the 2020/21 season starts.

"Welcome to Yanga, this is your new home," chairman Mshindo Msolla said during the player's unveiling.

"We hope you are going to add real value to the team, once again, you are welcome."

The 25-year-old started developing at Petro Atletico in the youth team from 2009 and was eventually promoted to the senior team in 2013 but was loaned to Porcelana Cazengo.

He eventually made a return to his parent team stronger and went on to make 87 league appearances, scoring 11 goals in the process. He later joined Interclube which also played in the Girabola.

Carlinhos is a full international for the Angola national team, which is commonly referred to as Palancas Negras and has made 10 appearances. He also has continental experience having played eight times with Petro Atletico in the Caf Confederation Cup.

He was part of the team that won the Angola Cup in the 2017 season.

Msolla had urged members to come through and help them sign two more players to reach the foreign quota as allowed by the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF).

The 27-time champions have now acquired the services of six foreigners including Mukoko Tonombe, Carlinhos, Michael Sarpong, and Tuisila Kisinda. Farouk Shikhalo, Lamine Moro, and Haruna Niyonzima have been with the team.

"We have two spaces for foreign players which will take the total to 10," Msolla said in an earlier interview.

"Our sponsor has played a huge role in helping us to get other foreign players, and now it is up to the members to help the team sign the remaining two.

"The two are not yet in negotiations with the club; however, if we will not bring them in the current window, then we can do it in the short transfer window."

Timu ya Wananchi have held talks with Burkina Faso forward Yacouba Songne and the two parties have reached an agreement on working together. 

Asamoah Gyan's business manager Samuel Anim Addo has stated the Ghana striker is open to joining Premier League (GPL) giants Asante Kotoko ahead of the new season.

The former Sunderland and Udinese forward is currently on the search for a new club following a short-term deal with Indian outfit NorthEast United which ended in January.

He has previously expressed hopes of playing for the 23-time Ghanaian champions before hanging up his boots.

“Kotoko have said they like him because he once stated that he’ll one day play for Kotoko, but for now, no club has approached him with any offer,” Anim Addo told Graphic Sports.

“Gyan has had offers from Europe and Asia but if Kotoko can meet our terms, then why not?”

Kotoko defender Habib Mohammed will welcome a move for the 34-year-old veteran who is Africa's highest scorer at the Fifa World Cup, with six goals.

“I will be very happy if I see Asamoah Gyan join Kotoko because he will help the team in terms of experience," said the centre-back, reports FootballGhana.

“The players will also be proud of playing with the [former] Black Stars captain."

In 2013, Gyan, who played for Liberty Professionals during his time in the domestic league, told Angel FM: "I will definitely return one day to the Ghana Premier League where I will play for no other club than Asante Kotoko.

''I have and always been a big fan of Kotoko and always wish the club win games and trophies."

The striker reiterated his desire in 2018, saying, “I have said it over and over again. I am definitely going to play for Kotoko.

“It’s official and confirmed - people know and I always say it. I am going to play for Kumasi Asante Kotoko before I retire," he was reported by Ghana Sports Online as saying.

Gyan left Liberty for Italian Serie A side Udinese in 2003. He has gone on to represent Modena, Stade Rennes, Sunderland, Al Ain, Shanghai SIPG, Al Ahli Dubai and Kayserispor.

He last played for Ghana at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Egypt where the Black Stars suffered a Round of 16 elimination.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp insists the injury sustained by Virgil van Dijk in Tuesday's friendly with Red Bull Salzburg is nothing to be concerned about. 

The Netherlands international was forced off in the 55th minute of the Reds' 2-2 draw in Austria after suffering a cut to his head. 

Klopp, though, confirmed after the game that the 29-year-old is not expected to suffer any lasting effects. 

"Virg only looks like he has a piercing now and has a plaster on it," he told Liverpool's official website. "It should not be, and is, no problem. In the moment it is, of course, not cool but there will not be a problem."

Liverpool face Arsenal in the Community Shield on Saturday before kicking off their Premier League title defence against Leeds United on September 12. 

Rhian Brewster scored a double off the bench as Liverpool came from two goals down to salvage a draw against Salzburg in their final pre-season friendly.

Klopp again named a strong line-up and granted Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, Georginio Wijnaldum, Joe Gomez, Neco Williams and Alisson an hour of game time each.

The Premier League champions fell behind inside three minutes when Patson Daka caught Fabinho in possession and raced through to slot a cool finish past Alisson.

Daka doubled his and Salzburg's tally 10 minutes later when he darted away from Van Dijk and steered Mergim Berisha's square pass home.

A goal-line block from Albert Vallci kept Mane at bay before half-time, while Van Dijk was forced off after suffering a cut to his head following the restart. He was replaced after 55 minutes by Nat Phillips.

Brewster scored in the 3-0 win over Stuttgart on Saturday and went on as one of seven changes after the hour mark. He fired into the roof of the net at the end of an intricate move to halve the deficit in the 72nd minute.

The 20-year-old striker, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Championship side Swansea City, looped an equaliser into an empty net from 20 yards after Alexander Walke raced off his line to deal with Oumar Solet's poor header and kicked a clearance straight at Curtis Jones.

State Minister for Sports Denis Obua has confirmed the land issues that Mandela National Stadium, Namboole faced have been finally been resolved.

The country’s biggest sporting facility has been dealing with various issues revolving around its title deeds and encroachments but going by the minister’s assertions, the problem looks to have been completely dealt with.

The Ministry of Land processed the facility’s title deeds after receiving directions from the Uganda Land Commissioner.

“Mandela National Stadium, Namboole finally got its land titles after years of protracted pursuit,” Obua confirmed according to Kawowo Sports.

“The land around the stadium was facing encroachment from various people. We have resolved one of the major challenges that the stadium has been facing over the years.

“With these land titles available, we believe the governance and management of the stadium will have to move in a more proactive manner to ensure that land earmarked for the national sports facility is protected against encroaches.”

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands Dorcus Akalany explained how they managed to solve an otherwise intricate issue.

“The board of directors, Ministry of Land, Housing and Urban Development and the Uganda Land Commission having received the legal opinion of the attorney general regarding advising the registration of Mandela National stadium Limited on the company land titles, the Ministry of Land was requested to transfer the land title to Mandela National Stadium Limited,” Akalany said.

“This means that Mandela National Stadium is secure now and what remains of the management of the stadium is to ensure the land is protected from encroachers since it’s strategically located and many people are eyeing it.

“I wish to thank all stakeholders in this matter for patience and understanding while we were handling the transfer process.”

After a recent tour of the facility, Caf had advised there was the need for the playing surface, dressing rooms, media area and the stadium lighting system to be improved.

The governing body stated it can only certify the Mandela Stadium as fit for international games only when its recommendations on improvements were acted on.

Uganda Cranes will host their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers at the stadium.

SuperSport United secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Black Leopards in a Premier Soccer League (PSL) match which was played on Tuesday evening.

Lidoda Duvha were looking to boost their hopes of surviving relegation having recorded two successive wins over Maritzburg United and Lamontville Golden Arrows.

Mwape Musonda, who had scored against Maritzburg and Arrows, spearheaded Leopards' attack, while former SuperSport hardman Edwin Gyimah started in central defence.

On the other hand, Matsatsantsa were keen to move back into the top three on the league standings after defeating Polokwane City in their previous match.

Coach Kaitano Tembo named three central midfielders Sipho Mbule, Teboho Mokoena and Jamie Webber in order to dominate positions in central areas of the pitch.

This enabled SuperSport to create goalscoring opportunities for their leading marksman Bradley Grobler, who was on the scoresheet against Polokwane.

The Bafana Bafana international should have handed the visitors an early lead when he connected with Kudakwashe Mahachi's delightful cross, but the striker placed his header wide of the target.

King Ndlovu then became a very busy man in the Leopards goal-posts as he produced a fine save to deny Grobler, before finger-tipping Mahachi's powerful free-kick over the crossbar.

The hosts did threaten following a rare attack which saw Musonda force SuperSport goalkeeper Ronwen Williams into a brilliant diving save and Tumelo Khutlang fired over the crossbar from the rebound. 

However, SuperSport maintained their dominance as Grobler's goal was disallowed for a foul on Gyimah and Ndlovu produced a magnificent save to deny Mahachi - ensuring that the first half ended with the two teams locked at 0-0.

Matsatsantsa continued to control the match after the restart, but the Lidoda Duvha defence looked solid and compact and there was no supply for Grobler, who was left isolated.

Tembo decided to make changes as he introduced attack-minded duo Aubrey Modiba and Thamsanqa Gabuza with the visitors looking to break the deadlock.

SuperSport upped the tempo and they were awarded a penalty after hard-tackling midfielder Mumuni Abubakar was adjudged to have fouled Modiba in the box.

Grobler, who had an opportunity to net his 14th league goal of the season, then stepped up and he was denied by Ndlovu, who produced a fantastic low save, from the spot-kick.

The three-time PSL champions continued to attack in the closing stages of the match as Ghampani Lungu's effort was well saved by a well-positioned Ndlovu, before Luke Fleurs missed the target from close range.

However, Lungu was not to be denied in the last minute as he fired home to seal SuperSport's 1-0 victory over Leopards after pouncing on a loose ball in the box. 

The win took Matsatsantsa to third spot on the league standings - three points behind second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, while Lidoda Duvha remained 13th on the log - a point above the relegation zone.