Looking for Soccer News?

Lyon coach Rudi Garcia has stated the club have not received any offers for striker Moussa Dembele or midfielder Houssem Aouar.

Manchester United have shown an interest in Dembele as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer explores options to strengthen his attack on a more permanent basis after securing a loan extension for Odion Ighalo.

Aouar, meanwhile, has been linked with Manchester City and Juventus, and Lyon’s sporting director Juninho Pernambucano recently acknowledged that both players could leave the club when the transfer window reopens.

However, Garcia says no bids have been received for the pair and is hoping that Aouar, along with former United winger Memphis Depay, will remain with the club.

“I hope that Houssem Aouar will stay,” Garcia told RTL. “Him and Moussa Dembele. I can tell you categorically that we have not received any offers for them.

“I am told that Memphis is also not on the list of possible departures.”

Missing out on the Champions League in the 2020-21 season after a disappointing seventh-placed finish in the controversially truncated Ligue 1 campaign has been a blow to Lyon and is set to shape their actions in the summer.

That led to Juninho suggesting that Aouar and Dembele could be on their way, and he is waiting to see what transpires in the coming weeks.

“Moussa and Houssem are among the best players in the squad but their cases are different,” he said at the unveiling of striker Tino Kadewere last week.

“Houssem came through the academy here and he’s been here a long time. He brings a technical touch in midfield, but we know that most young players trained at the club with the talent of Houssem will leave at one time or another.

“It’s president Jean-Michel Aulas who will decide. If we receive propositions, we’ll analyse them but he’s an important player.”

While much of the transfer speculation has focused on outgoings from Lyon, Garcia confirmed his hope that his defence will be strengthened before next season starts.

Garcia added: “We are looking for a central defender. Numerically, we only have three.

“We need leadership, but we are looking at young defenders, rather than those who are more seasoned. I don’t know if financially it will be possible.”

Kenya might not have a representative in the 2020/21 Caf Confederation Cup after missing out on the provisional list.

Caf had asked its member associations to explain how they intended to finish the season. 

While the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) cancelled the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) season and forwarded Gor Mahia's name for the Caf Champions League - a move that has been protested by league administrators - there was no name presented for the second-tier competition.

Kenya has always produced a participant for the Confederation Cup through the FKF Shield Cup, which was entering the quarter-final phase before it was suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We want to know the final date from Caf and then we will continue with the Shield Cup because we can play on Saturday and Sunday," FKF president Nick Mwendwa told Goal.

"We need two weekends to play Shield Cup and if Covid-19 stops us then we will not enter a team in the Caf Confederation Cup."

Uganda will be represented by 2018/19 Ugandan Premier League champions KCCA FC, who finished as runners-up after the league was annulled by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa).

Another East African side, Rayon Sports, will represent Rwanda in Africa's second-tier club competition. 

South Sudan will be represented by Al-Rabita but the country did not field any team in the Champions League. Horseed of Somalia will also take part in the competition.

Just like in the Caf Champions League, Ethiopia opted against fielding any team in the competition after declaring the 2019/20 season null and void.

For Tanzania, the league resumed on June 13, however, the quarter-finals of the FA Cup will be played on June 30 and July 1.

On the last Tuesday of the month, the first match will be between fourth-placed Namungo and Alliance. The game will be played at Uwanja wa Majaliwa in Lindi.

The second match of the day will be between Young Africans and Kagera Sugar. Timu ya Wananchi will be aiming at avenging the 3-0 loss suffered in the first round of the Tanzania Mainland League. 

The two top tier sides will play at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

On Wednesday, July 1, minnows Sahare All-Stars will be at Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga against Ndanda FC. The latter come into the match as favourites owing to their undoubted quality in the squad as compared to the second-tier side.

The biggest match, arguably, will be played on the same day at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam and will be between Azam FC, who are the defending champions, and league leaders Simba SC.

This is the fifth time the two teams will be meeting in the 2019/20 season - interestingly, the Chamazi based side have not defeated Wekundu wa Msimbazi in the earlier encounters.

The last time the two teams met was in the league when the 20-time league champions won the match 3-2.

Marcus Rashford has won his fight to get the UK government to provide free meals for vulnerable children over the school holidays after they performed a U-turn on their initial decision.

The Manchester United forward wrote an emotional open letter to MPs on Monday asking them to have a change of heart on the decision to stop a national voucher scheme aiming to feed children from low-income families while schools were closed during the coronavirus pandemic.  

At first they dismissed his campaigning but after mounting pressure from politicians, celebrities and the general public, which was led by Rashford, it was confirmed children eligible for free school meals in term time in England will get a six-week voucher.

The £120 million ($152m) extension to the scheme should benefit 1.3 million children and, following the announcement, Rashford tweeted: "I don’t even know what to say. Just look at what we can do when we come together, THIS is England in 2020."

When schools were shut down in March a food-voucher scheme was set up to help ensure vulnerable children did not go hungry. Vouchers worth £15 were sent to families that needed them but were due to come to an end when the term finished, until Rashford stepped up.

In a letter sent to government, the England international recalled his own experiences of having to rely on free school meals and food banks when he was a child growing up in Manchester and, in a series of tweets on Tuesday morning, the 22-year-old urged MPs to put politics to one side and reverse the decision.

He wrote: "1. When you wake up this morning and run your shower, take a second to think about parents who have had their water turned off during lockdown #maketheuturn.

"2. When you turn on your kettle to make a cup of tea or coffee think of those parents who have had to default on electricity bill payments just to make ends meet having lost their jobs during the pandemic #maketheuturn.

"3. And when you head to the fridge to grab the milk, stop and recognise that parents of at least 200,000 children across the country this morning are waking up to empty shelving.

"4. Recognise children around the country are this morning innocently questioning ‘why?’ 9 out of 30 children in any given classroom are today asking ‘why?’ ‘Why does our future not matter?’ #maketheuturn."

And announcing the decision to change tack, the Prime Minister’s official spokesperson said on Tuesday: "Owing to the coronavirus pandemic the Prime Minister fully understands that children and parents face an entirely unprecedented situation over the summer.

"To reflect this we will be providing a Covid summer food fund, this will provide food vouchers over the six-week summer holiday period. This is a specific measure to reflect the unique circumstances of the pandemic. The scheme will not continue beyond the summer."

The United forward has been widely praised by fellow professionals, politicians and celebrities for his campaigning which has also helped to raise £20 million for FareShare, a charity aimed at relieving food poverty, during the pandemic.

Manchester United striker and former Nigeria international Odion Ighalo has been celebrated on his 31st birthday.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Confederation of African Football (Caf), Premier League sides Watford and the Red Devils have sent heartfelt messages to the forward.

The Hornets and the Old Trafford outfit recollected the on-loan Shanghai Shenhua striker’s contribution with videos.

The forward, who was born on June 16, 1989, in Lagos, was raised in Edo State and started his professional football career with Prime of Osogbo.

He also played for Julius Berger before leaving Nigeria to continue his development in Europe, joining Norwegian side Lyn Oslo in 2007.

Ighalo then moved to Italy to team up with Udinese where he spent six years, including loan spells with Granada and Cesena.

The striker signed for Watford, initially on loan before the deal was made permanent in 2014, and made a significant contribution during his time with the club.

Ighalo scored 36 league goals in 90 appearances for the Vicarage Road Stadium outfit and in December 2015, he was named Premier League Player of the Month following his impressive performances in front of goal.

The forward left the Hornets in 2017 for Chinese Super League side Changchun Yatai and delivered fine displays during his one-year stay, scoring 10 goals in 17 league matches.

He left for rivals Shanghai Shenhua after turning down a chance to join Spanish giants Barcelona and in January he sealed a shock loan switch to Manchester United on transfer deadline day.

Since his arrival at the Old Trafford, the former Nigeria international has become the toast of the fans following his eye-catching showings.

The forward has scored four goals and provided one assist in only eight games across all competitions before the coronavirus outbreak which led to the suspension of the Premier League.

On the international scene, the striker bagged 16 goals in 35 appearances for the Super Eagles before his sudden retirement after helping the West Africans finish third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where he scooped the top-scorer award.

Ighalo will hope to continue his fine performances when the Premier League resumes on June 17, having recently extended his loan stay with the Red Devils.

Simba SC midfielder Jonas Mkude has resumed training after missing the opening match of the Mainland Premier League on Sunday.

The Tanzanian giants took the National Stadium without their defensive player, who picked up an injury during their friendly against KMC, as they settled for a 1-1 draw against Ruvu Shooting.

Mkude, who was ruled out for two weeks, has now returned to training but under the care of the team doctor as he works his way to return to action.

Simba have confirmed the return to training of the player, but insisted he will still be out for at least two weeks.

“Mkude trained with team doctor today [Tuesday] and he is recovering well,” Simba said on their official website.

“The doctors are confident he will be able to kick the ball in two weeks’ time.”

On suffering the injury, Simba coach Sven Vandenbroeck named two players who can play for the team in his absence.

The Belgian tactician confirmed Mzamiru Yasin and Brazilian playmaker Gerson Fraga will perfectly fit into the role Mkude was playing for the Mainland giants.

“I just hope [Mkude] will not be out for a long time because we need him for subsequent matches in the league and the domestic competition,” Vandenbroeck told reporters last week.

“In Simba, we have a huge squad, and fans should not be worried because we can easily rotate the starting eleven. I can easily use Yasin or Fraga in the same position and I know they will do a good job and give us the result we need.”

Mkude was not in action as Simba dropped points against Ruvu Shooting, and will miss the next league match against Mbeya City and also sit out the team’s FA Cup quarter-final clash against Azam FC.

Meanwhile, Simba information officer Haji Manara has thanked the club's fans for keeping to the safety measures put in place by the Ministry of Health to help curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Manara said he was impressed with the fans' behaviour during their match against Ruvu Shooting and urged them to keep the spirit in the subsequent matches.

SuperSport United CEO Stanley Matthews has made it clear that the club has no intentions to bring back Gavin Hunt simply because there's no coaching vacancy at the Tshwane giants.  

Hunt is set to leave Bidvest Wits at the end of the season following the management's decision to sell its PSL status to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) owner Masala Mulaudzi.

Mulaudzi is hoping to rename the PSL's oldest football club to TTM and relocate it to Limpopo as soon as the deal is approved by the league's executive. 

"There is no coaching vacancy at SuperSport United. I do think it is disrespectful to Kaitano and any other head coach. I think even Gavin himself will find it disrespectful more than anybody else to have someone linked to his job," Matthews told Sowetan. 

"He [Hunt] is an old school soccer tradition guy and it’s not nice when someone is in a job and their job is linked with somebody else."

Matthews added that Wits' decision to sell their status coupled with Hunt's availability doesn't mean SuperSport should forget about their obligations to current head coach Kaitano Tembo. 

However, the Matsatsantsa boss revealed Hunt would certainly be a candidate if Tembo was to leave the club for any reason but for now, the management doesn't want to disrupt the togetherness by making unnecessary changes to their technical team.  

"Just because Wits decided to sell their franchise doesn’t suddenly mean that SuperSport forgets its obligation to Kaitano‚ the rest of the coaching staff and all the people who have been competing against Gavin," he continued.

"Just because Gavin is now available has no impact on our club. If Kaitano decides that he is not our coach anymore for whatever reason and we are looking for a coach‚ then, of course, Gavin would be a candidate. 

"But we are very happy with Kaitano as our head coach and this is the same answer I gave when people were saying that Stuart Baxter was coming back to the club.

"Why in the world would SuperSport be looking to disrupt our togetherness and what we have because another club down the road decided to sell?

"I was quite shocked and disappointed when I read the speculation in the media and to be honest I really think it is disrespectful."

Veteran Ghanaian coach JE Sarpong is incensed by calls to apologise for perceived derogatory remarks about footballers on the domestic scene.

The former Asante Kotoko and Liberty Professionals man generated controversy in an audacious claim in which he labelled 60 per cent of Ghanaian players as smokers of marijuana.

The allegation attracted the attention of Ghana and Aduana Stars striker Yahaya Mohammed, the second top scorer in the Ghana Premier League (GPL) this season, who lashed out at the tactician and called for an apology.

"When I say about 60 per cent of Ghanaian players smoke weed [marijuana], you [Yahaya] are telling me 'what am I talking about?' Where were you when I started coaching?" Sarpong told SportsworldGhana.

“As someone who has coached on the local scene for close to four decades from the grassroots to the top level, I have dealt with footballers at all levels and I know what I am saying.

“Some even smoke weed and come to play. And after games, some go and smoke it.

“Former Black Stars goalkeeper Robert Mensah those times if you don’t buy him weed, he won’t play and this was even confirmed by the late Ghana FA chairman Ben Koufie who said at one time he had to buy marijuana for Robert Mensah before he kept the post.

“Odame, Oppong - all in Kotoko were smoking marijuana back then so who doesn’t know some Ghanaian players smoke weed?

“There is a weed smoker in every team in the country."

Sarpong, who has also had stints with Premier League sides Ebusua Dwarfs, Great Olympics and Yahaya's present club Aduana, went ahead to reveal personally helping obtain marijuana for a player ahead of a league clash with Hearts of Oak during his time with Olympics.

He was also once assistant coach of the national U23 set-up.

Yahaya, who played for French side Nice in 2007-08, was named in Ghana's 23-man squad for a 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Sudan, which was later postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The 32-year-old has also played for Mexican fold Murcielagos and Azam in Tanzania. 

Karim Benzema has secured his place in call of Duty: Wazone ultimate team, which features a combo of COD's operators and football players who have similar characteristics.

Goal.com has teamed up with Call of Duty to make the "Coalition vs Allegiance" ultimate team. The concept consists on choosing 11 characters from both the Coalition and Allegiance who are featuring in Warzone.

We then analyze the specific traits of each character and potential Footballers who fit the mould and resemble well with the character. The audience is involved by voting for their favorite Operator-Footballer combo to make it feature in the Ultimate team.

For the new poll, we had a duel between Karim Benzema and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who were representing Wyatt from the coalition team and Mace from the Allegiance team respectively.

Real Madrid's striker led the poll with 56% of the votes (10131) beating out Arsenla's player who ended up with 44% of the votes (8036).

Stay tuned for our next poll...

Chelsea youngster Billy Gilmour has the potential to become a "world-class" player, according to former Rangers boss Mark Warburton.

Gilmour was enjoying a breakthrough season at Stamford Bridge before the coronavirus pandemic stopped play in March, having been promoted into a first-team role by Blues boss Frank Lampard.

The 19-year-old has featured in seven games in all competitions, with his standout display coming in Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Liverpool in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

The Scotland U21 international was named man of the match after running the show from the middle of the park, getting the better of Reds talisman Fabinho while linking up with Ross Barkley, Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount to great effect.

He repeated the trick in a 4-0 win over Everton on March 8, and impressed once again as Chelsea warmed up for the Premier League restart with a 7-1 friendly victory against QPR on Sunday.

Gilmour was on Rangers' books before he joined Chelsea in 2017, and Warburton recalls being wowed by his performances in the academy.

"David Weir and I went to his house to try and keep him for Rangers," the ex-Gers head coach told the Daily Mail. "We spent time with his mum and dad, but when the big boys come calling, it’s tough.

"His talent was unquestioned. I remember he played against what was a Dundee reserve side with a number of first-team players in it.

"I’m looking at Billy who was 15 and thinking there is a health-and-safety issue here because he was so slight. But he went out and absolutely ran the show.

"He had trained with us a couple of times in the first team and I am really pleased to see how he is doing now. What a talent. I think Scotland have a future world-class midfield player, I really do.

"I think he is going to keep on improving because he is in a great environment with Frank and Jody (Morris, assistant manager) and the players at Chelsea.

"I very much hope he can continue that progress because, if so, Scotland truly will have a world-class midfield player there."

Warburton went on to compare Gilmour to former Arsenal playmaker Jack Wilshere, who was tipped to reach the very highest level of the game after a bright start to his career at Emirates Stadium.

The 57-year-old added: "I remember one of my first academy games with Watford was against Arsenal. We had a good team and we got beaten 9-0.

"I think it was Under-12 level and I saw this kid just run the show. It was Jack Wilshere. Whichever side he was on would have won the game 9-0. He was so far ahead of his time and so talented.

"Billy Gilmour is right up there with him. Jack has been unlucky in terms of being hit by injuries, but Billy is in a great environment.

"If you love the game of football, his development is great to see. It really is."

James Milner believes Virgil van Dijk ranks alongside the best defenders ever to have played in the Premier League.

And the Liverpool vice-captain has revealed the moment his team-mate left him “wanting to stand and applaud” in the middle of a game.

Van Dijk’s impact at Anfield has been immense. Since joining the Reds in January 2018, the Dutchman has helped Jurgen Klopp’s side become European and world champions, and they will soon add the Premier League title to their collection too. 

He was the PFA Player of the Year last season, and finished a narrow second to Lionel Messi in the Ballon d’Or award. 

Speaking at a virtual media session hosted by Stadium Astro in Malaysia, Milner paid tribute to Van Dijk’s excellence, comparing the 28-year-old to some of the world-class centre-backs he played with earlier in his career.

He said: “He’s right up there. I’ve been very fortunate to have played with some amazing centre-halves. You look at Rio [Ferdinand], Jonathan Woodgate, Vinny Kompany, and Virg is right in there with all those guys.

“He reads the game so well, he’s quick, he’s strong, he’s good on the ball, he’s a good communicator and he’s deadly in the air. 

“And his positioning is so good. You can see that after the game when you look at how far players have run. He’s run miles less than everyone else, even the other centre-halves, and you think ‘how is that possible?’ but it’s because he reads the game so well. 

“He’s an incredible player for us, and a big part of what we do. The spine in the team is massive and he is obviously a rock in that defence.”

Milner has often played alongside Van Dijk on the left side of Liverpool’s defence, as well as in front of him when operating in midfield.

And he laughed as he recalled an incident during the Reds’ win over Southampton at the beginning of February, which he says sums up the former Celtic man’s class.

“Liverpool put the clip out recently,” he said. “The ball has come over his shoulder, he’s got a forward sprinting to close him down, hunting him down into the corner and he’s just knocked it over his shoulder, first-time, into my path.

“It was one of those moments in a game where I nearly stopped an applauded before I controlled the ball myself! It was ridiculous defending, but that’s the sort of thing he does.”

Milner added: “Hopefully he’ll keep improving as well. But the players he has around him – Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren – I don’t think their impact on him can be lost either.

“Virgil gets a lot of credit and rightly so, but look at the rest of the back four and the goalkeeper, look at the screening of the midfield, and look at the other centre-halves alongside him.

“The competition is massive in the team, but really Virg is there and it’s about who will partner him.”

Liverpool are set to return to Premier League action on Sunday, making the short trip to face Everton.

The Reds need just two more wins to secure a first league title since 1990 – and could indeed be crowned champions with victory at Goodison Park if Manchester City lose against Arsenal on Wednesday. 

Wherever they win it, they will do so without supporters, with all remaining games to be played behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Milner admits it will be a new experience, but says the impact of ‘ghost games’ will not affect Liverpool’s players. 

He said: “I think any time you play a derby, whether it’s a behind-closed-doors friendly match at the training ground or a Premier League game, with or without fans, both clubs are desperate to win. 

“We’re playing for the fans whether they’re there or not. We know how much it means to them. They’ve got to walk around the city and see each other regularly, so we need to give them those bragging rights. 

“It’s straight into the deep end with a derby first up, but maybe that’s a good thing. There’s no time to ease yourself in, it’ll be flat out from the first minute and that’s what we’ve been preparing for. Hopefully we can start well and get back on the run we were on before we finished.”

He added: “The fans are part of everything we do. The support they give us is amazing.

“But as long as the fans know that they are with us and that we are playing for them, that’s what matters. They’re still a massive part of what we do. We just need to do this small period without them. 

“They’ve had a long wait and we’ll be pushing as hard as we can to secure that league title.” 

Wakiso Giants have confirmed the arrival of Ibrahim ‘Owen’ Kasule ahead of the new Uganda Premier League (UPL) season.

The Purple Sharks have signed the attacking midfielder from the Kampala Junior Team on a three-year contract and with an option to extend it for a further year.

The club have revealed the new signing on their official website by stating: “Wakiso Giants is delighted to confirm the signing of Ibrahim 'Owen' Kasule from Kampala Junior Team [KJT].

“Kasule signs on a three-year contract, with an option to extend for a further year.”

The 22-year-old Kasule had previously turned out for Nansana United and Buddu Ssaza where he emerged as the Most Valuable Player in 2018.

He also won the MVP during the University Football League where he managed to captain Lawrence University in 2019, and also won the Best Midfielder of the season in the same competition.

On signing for Wakiso, Kasule said: “It’s a big step in my career and am looking forward to utilising the opportunity well.

“I have worked hard to get to this moment and I can promise the fans that I will give everything for the badge to help bring us more success to this club.

“I want to thank my previous clubs especially KJT for everything they have done for me. Not so many clubs would show trust to a player who hasn’t tasted top tier football yet but am ready and I can’t wait to start to repay that on the pitch.”

Wakiso will play in the top-flight for another season after they avoided relegation in the 2019-20 campaign when the league was ended owing to the effects caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Wakiso finished the league in position 10 with Federation of Uganda Football Association (Fufa) crowning Vipers SC, who were leading the league table, with former champions KCCA FC coming second.

Maroons FC, Uganda Cup champions Proline FC and Tooro United were all relegated, Myda FC and UPDF earned slots in the top-tier while Kiboga, Kataka, Kitara and Ndejje will face off in the play-offs to produce the third team that will grace the top-tier in the 2020/21 season.

Neco Williams is targeting his Premier League debut ahead of Liverpool's return to action, which he says would be "another massive achievement" in his fledgling career.

Williams had featured in five games for Liverpool's first team in all competitions before the 2019-20 campaign was put on hold due to the coronavirus outbreak in March.

The 19-year-old took his senior bow during the Reds' memorable penalty shootout win over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup back in October, and went on to line up in all four of the club's FA Cup fixtures - including their 2-0 defeat in the fifth round at the hands of Chelsea.

The Welsh right-back is still some way off challenging Trent-Alexander Arnold for a regular spot in Jurgen Klopp's starting XI, but he could see plenty of action in the final weeks of the season should Liverpool sew up the title early.

The Reds only need two wins from their final nine fixtures to win a first top-flight crown in 30-years, having already established a 25-point lead over reigning champions Manchester City at the top of the table.

Klopp will have the option to rotate his squad if maximum points are picked up against Everton and Crystal Palace, and Williams is ready to seize the "opportunity" with both hands if called upon.

“I’d say that from when you’re a little kid you dream of making a Premier League debut so for me to make it this season would be another massive achievement,” the Wales U19 international told the club's official website.

“If I just keep showing the boss what I’m capable of doing and keep showing my ability in training, then hopefully he’ll give me the opportunity.

“I think now it’s a massive opportunity for us young lads to maybe get an opportunity, but obviously the boss knows best and if he thinks it’s the right game for us to play then for sure he’ll play us. He’ll have no hesitation in that.”

Williams says the Liverpool squad has settled back into a "rhythm" in training, and that everyone is champing at the bit to finish the job after a three-month hiatus, starting with Sunday's Merseyside derby.

“The lads are looking fit and sharp now, it just feels amazing to get back into it,” he added.

“I think the main aim now is obviously to win the league and try to dominate every team that we play and try to get as many points as we can. 

“For sure, all the boys are very excited for the first game and hopefully we’ll get the win. Training-wise, the boys have all been looking very sharp, we’ve got the rhythm back and we’re all looking very fit again. 

“I think for all of us now this is the longest that we haven’t had any footy, so it just feels good to get back into it.”

Posta Rangers captain Joseph Mbugi has urged the Sports Cabinet Secretary Ambassador Amina Mohamed to come to their aid during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Mailmen were excluded from the stimulus fund which was given to clubs despite being in a poor financial state. The Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side have not been paid since February and the midfielder said times are tough for the players.

"I am requesting CS Amina to consider us, it is not too late," Mbugi told Goal on Tuesday.

"Some players are currently locked out of their homes, food is a struggle; getting even one meal is not easy. It was not right to omit us from the list of clubs to benefit from the Sports Fund kitty.

"How do you exclude a team that has not been paid for months? She was ill-advised, it is hurting."

The 33-year-old has now turned to fans and asked them to offer any support they can.

"Fans, not necessarily our fans but football loving fans and anyone who is touched, can give me a call and offer any help to players," Mbugi added.

"It is not necessarily financial support, it can be food or anything useful during these tough periods. We need help, it is not easy for us out here when everything is in a stand-still."

Earlier on Tuesday, Posta Rangers begged Amina to help their players, who have suffered because they have not received salaries for the last three months.

"We wish to inform you that Posta Rangers players and officials are also struggling financially and they are not stable as it was deemed," Posta Rangers said in a statement dated June 11, signed by club chairman John Tanui, sent to Amina, and obtained by Goal.

"The players and officials owe rent arrears for at least two to three months.

"In addition to facing imminent eviction, as their June rent is due, they and their families now face an increasingly desperate housing, food, and health crisis. We look forward to your positive consideration and appreciate your continued support for the growth and development of sports in Kenya."

During the first release, AFC Leopards pocketed the largest amount (Sh350,000) after submitting 35 names which included players and members of the technical bench. 

Kisumu based All-Stars received Sh340,000 for 34 names with Sofapaka and Zoo FC getting Sh300,000 each for 30 individuals. 

Women's footballers were not left behind. Gatundu-based Gaspo FC, who are taking part in the Kenyan Women Premier League (KWPL), also received their fair share. The technical bench and players numbering 28, received Sh280,000.

Gor Mahia have also received financial support though most of the players feel the Sh10, 000 is not enough to help them pay their accrued debt.

Galatasaray forward Henry Onyekuru has wished his teammates Fernando Muslera and Florin Andone quick recoveries after they suffered severe injuries at the weekend.

The players were forced off in the Yellow-Reds’ 2-0 defeat to Caykur Rizespor in Sunday’s Turkish Super Lig game at Caykur Didi Stadium.

The Turkish top-flight only recently returned, having been put on hold since March due to the coronavirus outbreak in Turkey and across the world.  

 Muslera could only play for 24 minutes in the encounter before he was replaced by Okan Kocuk after he suffered a double leg fracture following a collision with a Rizespor player in his area.

The Uruguayan goalkeeper is set to have surgery after Galatasaray confirmed he damaged his tibia and fibula.

Andone, meanwhile, only lasted for 24 minutes after replacing Ahmet Calik before he was stretchered off when he damaged his knee ligament.

Onyekuru returned to the Turk Telekom Stadi in January for a second spell on loan with the Turkish side from French outfit Monaco.

The forward made his eighth league appearance for the Yellow-Reds this campaign in the encounter as a second-half substitute, replacing Adem Buyuk in the 77th minute.

The Nigeria international has taken to social media to send a message of encouragement to his injured teammates.  

“I am praying for a fast recovery for two of our soldiers Muslera and And one,” Onyekuru posted on Instagram.

“Horrible injuries to you both but I know you will be back stronger and better than ever my brothers.”

Onyekuru enjoyed success in his first loan stint with Galatasaray from Everton, scoring 14 goals in 31 league games to help them clinch the Super Lig title.

The winger left Goodison Park permanently last summer to join Monaco due to his failure to secure a work permit in England.

He will hope to play a prominent role and help third-placed Galatasaray return to winning ways when they face Gaziantep on Sunday.

The Premier League is back! After over three months without a ball being kicked due to the coronavirus pandemic, England's top flight returns with a bumper 12 fixtures due to take place for Gameweek 30.

With unlimited transfers available for Fantasy Premier League managers, there's the opportunity to completely revamp your squad ahead of the final matches of the 2019-20 campaign.

From team selection advice to possible captain picks and the latest FPL stats - Goal gives you all the tools you need to turn those arrows green and climb your league tables ahead of the big restart.

Contents

Team selection advice

After what will be 100 days without Premier League football, England's top flight, and FPL, is back with a bang on Wednesday. A bumper Gameweek 30 offers up 12 matches and the added bonus of unlimited transfers as managers get the opportunity to hit the restart button on their squads. 

That sees double fixtures for Arsenal, Manchester City, Sheffield United and Aston Villa, and a quick look at the list of players that have been transferred in most ahead of the next round of games shows managers are approaching their changes with that mindset.

Indeed, Kevin De Bruyne (£10.6m) looks a sound investment, not only for the next two fixtures (with City facing Arsenal and Burnley at home) but also the remainder of the season, with it being unclear exactly when the Champions League will resume to prompt heavy squad rotation.

Sergio Aguero (£11.8m) is another City player that's proving a popular choice although be mindful of Pep Guardiola's penchant for changes, with the potential for Gabriel Jesus (£9.6m) to start at least one of the matches of his side's double gameweek.

As for Arsenal, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.1m) , who remains in the running for the Premier League Golden Boot, is the most obvious selection while Bukayo Saka (£4.7m) is a cheap midfield option who could well have a big role to play for Mikel Arteta in the run-in.

Despite their incredible 2019-20 campaign that sees them in with a chance of finishing in the European spots, Sheffield United defenders remain well-priced for FPL bosses to take advantage of.

The likes of John Lundstram (£4.9m), John Egan (£4.6m), Jack O'Connell (£4.7m) and Chris Basham (£4.6m) are all available for less than £5m as the Blades look to preserve the second-best defensive record in the Premier League.

You would, of course, be foolish to let go any of your Liverpool players, with the Reds closing in on the title and Jurgen Klopp unlikely to deviate too much from the starting XI that has performed so consistently well over the course of the season.

Elsewhere, with Marcus Rashford (£8.8m) having been afforded the chance to shake off his injury problems during the coronavirus-enforced lockdown, the Manchester United striker should be a solid investment heading into the final gameweeks of the season.

Paul Pogba (£8.3m) is another who may have dipped under many FPL managers' radars, given his lengthy absence over the course of the 2019-20 season, but he's another who is now available to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and should be desperate to sign off the campaign in style.

Return to top

Who is the best captain pick for Gameweek 30?

The carrot of a double gameweek for the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal is too tempting to ignore and De Bruyne (£10.6m) would be the column's recommendation for the most sensible pick.

The Belgian is an assist machine who stands a good chance of featuring in both matches (against Arsenal and Burnley respectively) and he will undoubtedly be raring to go after such an extended period without match action.

Jack Grealish (£6.4m) , the most transferred-in player ahead of Gameweek 30, would appear to be another excellent choice, with Aston Villa facing Sheffield United and Chelsea at Villa Park, and the 24-year-old almost certain to start both games.

Arsenal captain  Aubameyang (£11.1m) is also likely to start his side's next two matches although his chances of a big point-scoring fixture in the first game are reduced as the Gunners face a tricky test against Manchester City away.

Return to top

What was the highest-scoring team from Gameweek 29?

Total points scored: 130

Line-up: McCarthy (12); Lundstram (12), Lindelof (9), Dann (8); Pedro (12), Barkley (12), Barnes (19), Willian (13), Mane (13); Vardy (11), Sharp (9).

Return to top

Listen to Goal's Fantasy Football show!

Goal Fantasy Football podcast hosts Sam Brown, Miles Chambers and David Milner discuss Gameweek 30 picks as football gets back underway in England.

Listen below and be sure to subscribe!

Return to top

Rasheedat Ajibade was on target for Avaldsness as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Ngozi Ebere's Arna-Bjornar in an all-Toppserien friendly on Monday.

As life gradually returns to normal across countries in Europe, teams in Norway are not only back in training but also resumed friendly matches ahead of the new season which commences on July 4.

Ajibade's Avaldsnes finished fifth while Ebere's Arna ended their campaign in ninth last season and both Nigerians will be keen to help their Norwegian sides improved on their outings this term.

The visitors made a fine start to the duel at Arna Idrettspark as Olaug Tvedten beat an offside trap after receiving a pass from the defence and finished to open the scoring after just eight minutes.

Ajibade, who bagged five goals in 17 starts on her debut season with the Vikings, dribbling past a defender and goalkeeper to net the second of the match for the visitors in the 38th minute.

After the restart, the hosts rallied early for a comeback and Meryll Abrahamsen struck from the penalty spot to ensure Remi Natvik's side pulled one back inside the opening minute of the second half.

Hopes of the visitors claiming the victory were dashed when Thea Bjelde scored to ensure the teams shared the spoils.

Despite the draw, Ajibade and Ebere were in action for their respective teams and they continue the build-up to the new season.

For Ajibade's Avaldsnes, they will welcome top-flight rivals Klepp in another friendly on Saturday, June 20 before hosting Sandviken a week later for their final practise match before the league kicks off.

Arna are scheduled to open their new Toppserien campaign at Roa on July 4, while Avaldsnes will play host to Lyn on the same day.

Manchester United have a "good chance of challenging Liverpool and Manchester City" if Paul Pogba is "playing well", according to Phil Neville.

Pogba returned to full training with United last month after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury, which has restricted him to just eight appearances for the club this season.

The World Cup winner worked his way back to full fitness during the coronavirus-enforced break in the campaign, and now looks set to help the Red Devils fight for Champions League qualification.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men were unbeaten in 11 matches prior to the three-month hiatus, with January signing Bruno Fernandes credited for being the catalyst for an improved run of results which saw the team close the gap between themselves and fourth-placed Chelsea to just three points.

Pogba, a reported summer transfer target for Real Madrid, has been tipped to strike up a formidable midfield partnership with Fernandes when United pick up from where they left off against Tottenham on Friday.

Neville hopes the Portuguese's presence can also help to ease some of the pressure on Pogba's shoulders, freeing him up to lead the Red Devils into a new era of success in the process.

The ex-United midfielder told Premier League Productions: "I think they can play together. I think Pogba has got the ability to play a little bit deeper or a little bit higher, and he can go box-to-box.

"I think they've got the players now where Pogba can fit in. It's easy for people to say 'get rid of Pogba', but actually, have they built a team around him yet that enables him to perform?

"The criticism he gets... United lose and it's Pogba's fault, United win but Pogba doesn't play well and it's Pogba's fault.

"Maybe now with Fernandes, it takes a bit of that pressure away, and you might see [an improvement].

"Pogba playing well will give Man Utd a better chance of winning the Premier League. When I see United playing well with Pogba in the team I think he's world class.

"He's won the World Cup, he knows how to win. With Pogba in the team playing well, it gives United a good chance of challenging Liverpool and Man City."

Marcus Rashford has vowed to continue his fight for free school meals, stating combating child poverty is "something much bigger than football".

United Kingdom prime minister Boris Johnson on Monday rejected a plea from England international Rashford for children who qualified for the food voucher scheme during the coronavirus lockdown to carry on receiving them after the academic year ends.

The Manchester United forward responded by tweeting: "We aren't beaten yet, stand strong for the 200,000 children who haven't had a meal to eat today and keep retweeting #maketheUturn."

In an article for The Times, Rashford called on the government to "do the right thing" and "give our vulnerable families just one less thing to worry about".

Rashford wrote: "People often ask me how it felt to score the deciding penalty against PSG to knock them out of the Champions League last season, my answer is always the same: did we go on to win the tournament?

"I have been overwhelmed by the support I've received over the last 24 hours, from MPs and members of the public, but the feeling I have is exactly the same as when we got knocked out of the Champions League against Barcelona in the next round: what did we achieve if we didn't get the result we needed? If we didn't lift the Champions League?

"Today I focus on a trophy that stands for something much bigger than football.

"A U-turn on the decision to stop the free food voucher scheme continuing over the summer holidays could help us reach the next round but we still have a very long way to go as a country to eventually lift the trophy.

"In this case, the trophy is combating child poverty.

"I don't claim to have the education of an MP in parliament, but I do have a social education. I am clued up on the difference a U-turn decision would make on the 1.3 million vulnerable children across the UK who are registered for free school meals because 10 years ago I was one of them."

In a Twitter thread on Tuesday, he added: "When you wake up this morning and run your shower, take a second to think about the parents who have had their water turned off during lockdown.

"When you turn on your kettle to make a cup of tea or coffee think of those parents who have had to default on electricity bill payments just to make ends meet having lost their jobs during the pandemic.

"And when you head to the fridge to grab the milk, stop and recognise that parents of at least 200,000 children across the country this morning are waking up to empty shelving.

"Recognise children around the country are this morning innocently questioning 'why?' 9 out of 30 children in any given classroom are today asking 'why?' 'Why does our future not matter?'"

Labour leader Keir Starmer backed Rashford's call for the government to make a U-turn on free school meals, with the subject to be debated as part of an opposition day in parliament.

Shadow education secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey told the BBC: "Any government that is willing to let the poorest children in the country go hungry needs to take a long hard look at its priorities.

"Shamefully, children go hungry every year, but this summer will be especially difficult for many families as job losses and reduced incomes hit household budgets.

"There will be many Conservative MPs today watching this and having read Marcus' letter who will be agonising about whether they support the government or not in this because they will want what's best for children.

"So, I'm asking all politicians, whatever party they're in, this is not about party politics, this is about making sure children don't go hungry over the summer holidays."

Timo Werner has indicated that he is unwilling to return to RB Leipzig in August in order to complete his side's Champions League run after Chelsea agreed to meet his buyout clause of £54 million ($68m) ahead of a move to Stamford Bridge next season.

The 24-year-old is due to complete the Bundesliga season in just 11 days' time, but he is not willing to come back and play in Europe despite Leipzig having reached the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time after their last-16 win over Tottenham.

UEFA wants to complete both the Champions League and Europa League in August once league seasons have been finished across the continent.

But with the German top flight set to be completed on June 27, that leaves over a month between games for those clubs still in European competition.

Goal can confirm that Werner wants to move to west London as soon as possible after the Bundesliga is finished so as to acclimatise to life in England ahead of the 2020-21 campaign.

It is hoped that the announcement of the transfer will come by the end of the week as the two clubs attempt to overcome challenges in completing the deal presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Both teams have been completing the necessary paperwork while working out a payment plan, though Werner still needs to undergo a medical for the deal to go through officially.

Chelsea will then turn their attentions to Leicester City's Ben Chilwell after Werner's signing is wrapped up having already secured Ajax's Hakim Ziyech in a £37m ($43m) deal for next season.

Leicester, however, are reluctant to sell the England left-back and will command a huge fee for the 23-year-old who is admired by Frank Lampard.

Chelsea may also move for another attacking player this summer with Willian and Pedro's futures uncertain. There is a June 23 deadline for the duo to sign extended terms in order to complete the 2019-20 season, but it is increasingly likely that in one way or another they will depart on free transfers this summer.

Bayer Leverkusen's Kai Havertz heads up the list of players Chelsea are interested in, which also includes the likes of Brentford's Said Benrahma and Villarreal's Samuel Chukwueze.

The Blues may also seek further defensive reinforcements, with Bournemouth's Nathan Ake still of interest. Alternative left-back options include Porto's Alex Telles and Ajax's Nicolas Tagliafico.

Education City Stadium is the third World Cup Qatar 2022 tournament venue to be completed by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC).

Here, SC Secretary General, H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi, discusses the stadium, the power of Qatar 2022 and ongoing preparations for the first World Cup in the Middle East and Arab world.

Q: How proud are you to have completed the third tournament venue for the World Cup Qatar 2022?

We are very proud to have completed our latest stadium. Our plans remain on track – despite the pandemic. Education City Stadium is our third tournament venue, after Khalifa International and Al Janoub, and we expect to unveil two more stadiums by the end of the year.

In many ways, I believe Qatar 2022 has become even more important due to recent events. Sport – and particularly football – has the potential to bring people together in a post-COVID-19 world. And as the next World Cup hosts, the completion of another stadium helps to lift spirits and give us all something to look forward to.

As for the stadium itself, it is an incredibly striking venue. Fans and players will love it. It’s a true football arena. The seats are very close to the pitch, so the atmosphere will be incredible. I can’t wait for the stadium to host a match with 40,000 fans present.

Q: Once the battle against COVID-19 is over, how important will major sporting events such as the World Cup be in bringing people together?

As it stands, our World Cup looks set to be one of the biggest global gatherings in the post-COVID-19 era. That will no doubt bring challenges – but at the same time it is an incredible opportunity to unite the world through our common passion for football.

This World Cup is already special – the first in the Middle East and Arab world, and the second in Asia. Now, there is an extra layer of expectation and an opportunity to provide billions of people with an unforgettable, feel-good moment.

We know that sport is unique in its power to unite and truly transcends borders. It’s one of the reasons we wanted to bring the World Cup to Qatar. We want to showcase our love for football while giving people the chance to experience a new culture. It is something we hope can contribute to dismantling stereotypes and misconceptions about our country and region. 

Q: What is unique about Education City Stadium?

It’s a beautiful stadium, first and foremost, and one we call the ‘Diamond in the Desert’. The façade features diamond-like patterns which change colour according to the sun’s position – hence the nickname.

I think it’s a stadium that football fans will love. It dominates its location, which is right next to Education City Golf Club. It really stands out on the horizon and, like I said earlier, I think the atmosphere, when it’s full to capacity, will be something really special. It will be a cauldron of noise and passion during the World Cup.

The stadium’s location is also significant. It’s situated in Education City – which is home to schools and universities, along with a host of research and development organisations, among other entities. Education City is the home of Qatar Foundation, which is playing a huge role in helping our country deliver its National Vision – namely to develop a knowledge economy and shift our reliance away from hydrocarbons. This stadium is the next step in the story of Education City as it will provide facilities for this vast community both in the lead-up to the World Cup and beyond.

Q: Qatar Foundation (QF) is a key stakeholder in the World Cup project – what more can you tell us about the collaboration between the SC and QF?

I would like to pay tribute to the work of QF since its establishment and development under the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. Over the years, her vision and the development of QF and its impact within our society and on a global level has been pivotal in putting Qatar on the international map in the educational sphere. Education City itself is a shining light in our country’s development. It offers our citizens and residents access to some of the best universities in the world. It also houses a vast range of research and development projects and organisations. Education City already has a proud legacy and under the leadership of Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, is one of the most important driving forces behind developing the knowledge economy that will benefit our country for decades to come.

Those who followed the journey of our bid to host the FIFA World Cup will remember the final presentation, in which Her Highness Sheikha Moza delivered a speech to the voters asking when the right time was for the World Cup to come to the Middle East. Her Highness told them that the time was now. Her Highness’s speech was an iconic moment for our bid.  It’s fitting that almost ten years later we are launching the stadium located within QF – an entity that has blossomed into a global centre for education under the leadership of Her Highness.

QF is a valued stakeholder and will play a key role in helping us to deliver the World Cup and – importantly – support us in ensuring this tournament leaves a lasting legacy for years to come. QF will take ownership of Education City Stadium after the tournament for the benefit of its entire community – which numbers many thousands of people.

We have obviously worked very closely together throughout this project – and will continue to do so both in the lead-up to the tournament and beyond. We are very proud that a World Cup stadium will sit in the heart of Education City.

Q: What can you tell us about the sustainable features of the stadium and what will happen to it after the World Cup?

This is the only Qatar 2022 stadium so far to receive a five-star rating from the Global Sustainability Assessment System, a FIFA-approved compliance scheme which is administered by the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development.

A number of features helped it to receive this rating, including the fact that 85% of materials were regionally sourced and 29% were from recycled content. In addition, 35.5% of the building elements can be disassembled and reused – including the seats in the modular upper tier, which will be removed and donated to a country which needs sporting infrastructure after the tournament. We are very proud of this innovation – which will be replicated across several Qatar 2022 venues. It will ensure no stadium becomes a ‘white elephant’ after the tournament and ensure the legacy of our tournament is felt far and wide.

After the tournament, Education City Stadium will be a sporting facility for the QF community, including the students and faculty from the various universities based there. In addition to providing sporting facilities, some parts of the stadium will be turned into lecture halls and event spaces for QF schools and universities.

Q: How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected construction at the other sites?

Despite COVID-19, we remain ahead of schedule when it comes to delivering all the infrastructure required for the World Cup. We have actually completed 85% of construction across our portfolio and are well on course to delivering everything well in advance of the tournament.

Naturally, we have had to adapt in recent months. Strict social distancing measures have been implemented at all our sites, including construction sites and our head office in Doha.  We took measures to assess our sites and ensure that any individuals at a higher risk of contracting the virus were demobilised – with pay – until COVID-19 specific health and safety measures were in place. A large number of employees have been working from home since the middle of March. The health and wellbeing of our workers remains our number one priority.

Q: How has COVID-19 affected the Supreme Committee generally? Has it been possible for legacy programmes to remain active over recent months?

I’m proud of the way all our staff have adapted in recent months. It’s been a testing time for everyone but through excellent collaboration and communication we have found a way to carry on preparing for this huge tournament.

Our legacy programmes are just one example of business continuity. Generation Amazing – our football for development programme – has been broadcasting live sessions on social media, helping to connect its vast community and inspiring them with health and fitness drills to do at home. Meanwhile, the Josoor Institute moved quickly to deliver all its professional diploma programmes online – meaning their delegates kept learning despite being stuck at home.

We’ve also worked closely with our ambassadors, including the likes of Xavi Hernandez, Cafu, Samuel Eto’o and Tim Cahill, to share key messages about social distancing and details on how to stay active, both mentally and physically, during this testing time.

We have spent significant time engaging with counterparts from within the sporting world on their challenges as they try to plan for similar-sized events, or work to restart their leagues. We’re doing everything we can to gather as much information as possible and exchange knowledge on new protocols concerning health and safety as football and sport restarts, in order to be as ready as possible for hosting the world in 2022.

We have faced challenges since the day we won the right to host the World Cup – no doubt about that – but we’ve always managed to rise to the occasion. Innovation is embedded in everything we do – whether it’s in relation to cooling technology, modular stadiums or developing the perfect grade of grass for our stadiums and training sites. Innovation and hard work have led us through the previous months and we will forge ahead with that same ethos and commitment as our journey towards 2022 and beyond continues.