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Fifa's Independent Ethics Committee has handed for vice president of the Confederation of African Football, Constant Omari, a one-year ban from all football-related activities. 

The Congolese football chief was found guilty of receiving aids from Lagardere during discussions between Caf and the French media outfit.

Omar was claimed to have pocketed over 66,000 Euros (US$80,000), Fifa has requested he return as part of his punishment.

The findings of the New York Times in November 2020 had encouraged Fifa to open a formal procedure on January 7.

“The chairperson of the adjudicatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee has ratified the plea bargain concluded between Constant Omari Selemani, former President of the Congo DR Football Association, former first vice-president of Caf and former Fifa Council member, and the chairperson of the Ethics Committee’s investigatory chamber,” wrote Fifa in a statement.

"A formal investigation against Mr Omari was opened on 7 January 2021.

"[It] concerned certain benefits accepted and received from Lagardere Sports, in relation to the negotiations that he conducted for an agreement between Caf and Lagardere Sports in connection with the commercialisation of certain TV rights licenced to the LC2 company and to the collection of the latter's outstanding debt.

"The negotiations, which were led by Mr Omari on behalf of Caf, resulted in contractual provisions that were particularly detrimental to Caf, causing significant financial damage to the confederation."

"In this respect, the receipt of benefits created a conflict of interests that detracted from Mr Omari's ability to perform his duties to Caf with integrity and in an independent and purposeful manner."

Omari recently left his role as DR Congo's football federation president after a 16-year reign, despite having six months remaining in his fourth term.

During a press conference to announce his decision, he stated that he was leaving “with my head held high.”

In 2019, the 63-year-old oversaw an alteration to the billion-dollar deal that Caf had made with Lagardere Sports in 2015.

Early this year, he was prevented from running for re-election to the Fifa Council after he failed an integrity check.

Although he launched an appeal in March, yet it was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. This ban will end on June 18, 2022.

‘Manchester United must swoop for ex-Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos during the transfer window’—this is the view of Usmane Ahmed, who was Goal Africa’s guest on Episode Two of Fan View this week.

Ahmed, speaking to Goal from Ghana, has urged Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to swoop for the out-of-contract centre-back following his release from the Spanish giants.

For this week’s die-hard United supporter, the experienced Ramos could have the kind of impact at Old Trafford that Thiago Silva had for Chelsea during his maiden season at Stamford Bridge.

“Of course, of course [United should sign him],” Ahmed began. “You see our team, we need leaders.

“We [already] have leaders like Paul Pogba, who also has a massive influence in the team, [but if you can bring in Sergio Ramos…that would be a great ambition.

“You saw what Thiago Silva did for Chelsea,” he added. “That’s the influence that Sergio Ramos would bring to Manchester.”

Certainly, there’s no doubt that Ramos would bring considerable experience and authority to a United backline that—with or without Harry Maguire—can look jittery at times.

Now 35, he has amassed 180 caps for Spain—making him the most capped player in the nation’s history—and he was a member of the La Roja squad that won the World Cup in 2010, in between European Championships successes in 2008 and 2012.

He was controversially overlooked for the Spain squad for this summer’s Euros, despite being one of the most decorated players of his generation.

At club level, Ramos has won all there is to win with Real Madrid, clinching five Spanish titles and the Copa del Rey on two occasions.

With four Champions League winner’s medals, he’s one of the most successful players in the tournament’s history—only 11 players have won the European Cup more often.

Ahmed is right to highlight Silva’s immense impact at Stamford Bridge since swapping Paris Saint-Germain for Chelsea—also on a free transfer—during the offseason.

The Brazil centre-back, who has won 94 caps for his national side, proved to be a calming influence for the Blues during a difficult campaign in West London.

He helped to settle the ship following the departure of Frank Lampard, striking up a strong understanding with Edouard Mendy, and was influential as Chelsea won the Champions League—even if injury limited his impact in the final.

While Ramos appears well placed to join PSG—replacing the calm authority that Silva once contributed to the Parisians’ backline—could United enjoy the kind of success Chelsea did last term if they take the plunge on the world-class stopper?

Former Nigeria international Victor Ezeji has described Cristiano Ronaldo’s record as ‘massive’ while attributing his achievement to hard work.

The 36-year-old bagged a brace as Portugal settled for a 2-2 draw against France in Wednesday’s blockbuster Euro 2020 encounter.

With that, he reached 109 career goals in 176 matches for his country, matching Iranian legend Ali Daei at the summit of the list of goalscorers on the international stage.

As this achievement continues to generate plenty of reaction on social media – including from Daei himself, the Nigeria Professional Football League legend is not left out in saluting the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star.

“It is a very feat massive for him. If we start counting records he has set or broken, we won’t stop until the end of the day,” Ezeji told Goal.

“The bottom line is that records are meant to be broken and it is good that this is happening in our generation. He has always been a prolific goalscorer.

“It didn’t come as a shock to me considering his age and the amount of energy he puts into every game he plays.

“He is a serious-minded person and even when playing against old men, he wants to win and score.

“This boils down to the fact that hard work pays. When you have a winning mentality, you’ll always strive for the best.

“Players of his age would definitely get a year contract, but with the way he is going, no club would want to do that to him because he there so many clubs out there that want him.”

When asked if Ronaldo’s latest achievement automatically places him above Lionel Messi as the greatest of all time, the two-time Caf Champions League winner with Enyimba added: “They are two great players.

“We cannot say one is greater than the other. When you look at Messi too, he has broken some records.

“I feel they are two great players in our time for them to have combined for eleven Ballon d'Or shows they are both doing very well.”

Portugal’s result earned them a place in the last 16 as one of the best four third-place finishers, with France winning Group F and Germany finishing as runners-up.

They will take on Belgium in the last 16 on Sunday at La Cartuja, Seville.

South Africa national Under-23 coach David Notoane has revealed that Percy Tau will not be travelling to July’s Tokyo Olympic Games after his club Brighton and Hove Albion declined to release him. 

Tau has been earmarked to be one of the overaged players in Notoane’s squad for the games that run from July 23 to August 8, together with defender Thibang Phete whose Portugiese Primeira club Belenenses SAD also refused to release him. 

Amaglug-glug are in Group A together with hosts Japan, Mexico and France. 

“It is off-season, some of the players were really willing and committed to the process when we started,” Notoane told Marawa Sport Worldwide on Metro FM and Radio 2000. 

“But coming to the end of the season you find out there are a lot of issues the players had to navigate like fatigue. The issue of the foreign-based players like Percy Tau, the club wrote that they are not going to release him. We also have Sphephelo Sithole whose club [Belenenses SAD] has also indicated that they won’t release him.  

“Thibang Phete is also one player we were really looking to bring in and give us stability in defence but his club also relente, saying they won’t release him. We also have Khanya Leshabela [Leicester City]. 

“Remember these clubs are not obliged as per Fifa rules to release these players, hence we are allowed to register 50 players. So clubs are taking advantage of that situation. We tried to engage them, negotiate and navigate.” 

However, the Portugal-based duo of Luther Singh and Lyle Foster have been allowed by their respective clubs to be in Japan. 

After reports that Tau could be loaned out again by Brighton, the attacker is said to be keen to report for pre-season and convince manager Graham Potter that he deserves to stay. 

“The scenario before us and to give a clearer picture, some of the players are entering the final year of their respective contracts. So the clubs are putting pressure on them to prove that they are worth being given new contracts,” said Notoane. 

“When we engage the players, they have put their case forward. In as much as you want to push for them to be available, you also think of the long-term benefits of these players being able to play at the highest level; your Premier League, your Portugal Primeira Liga to benefit Bafana Bafana. 

“Percy is a prime example why we engaged with Brighton and the feedback was that the club was putting pressure on him, saying ‘come for pre-season, be with us during pre-season, prove your worth and earn your place in the core group and then you are good to go.’ 

"So Percy is faced with a situation where he is asking ‘do I go to the Olympics or stay with the club and fight for my place and prove to the coach?’ We had a very long conversation with him and it came to that.” 

Notoane revealed that the overaged players he will travel with are Cape Town City’s Abbubaker Mobara and Maritzburg United forward Thabiso Kutumela who were at the Rio Olympics as well as SuperSport United goalkeeper Ronwen Williams. 

At the last edition, Itumeleng Khune and Erick Mthoho were accommodated into the squad as overaged players. 

Paulinho is leaving the door open for a second move to Barcelona, with the Brazilian midfielder another free agent option for the Liga giants to consider this summer.

Sergio Aguero, Eric Garcia and Memphis Depay have already been snapped up at the end of their contracts at Manchester City and Lyon, with Ronald Koeman bringing in reinforcements that have required no transfer fee.

Paulinho may be another addition to explore, with the 32-year-old severing ties with Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande, and he has already spent one season at Camp Nou after becoming a surprise signing in 2017.

What has been said?

Paulinho, who made 49 appearances as part of the Liga and Copa del Rey-winning Barca squad in 2017-18, told Mundo Deportivo: "Barca are a team I know well.

"I spent an unforgettable year there, both at the club and in the city, and we won the League and the Copa del Rey. If I had another chance, and it was a good thing for both me and my family, I would be delighted [to return]."

Stating finances would play no part in his thinking if another opportunity presented itself, Paulinho added: "For me, the issue of money or the duration of the contract wouldn’t be a problem, it never has been, and less so if Barca is the team that calls you.

"I already demonstrated this when I left Guangzhou [by going] there [and] charging much less than I received in China. 

"I've never put money ahead of my career, so that wouldn't be a problem to go back there. Also, this time the club wouldn't have to pay a transfer [fee] for me."

The bigger picture

Alongside Aguero, Garcia and Depay, Barcelona have also tied up a deal for Emerson Royal. Paulinho believes encouraging business is being done, with all of those drafted in so far "Barca level players".

The South American said: "Kun, for example, is a top striker. I haven't seen Emerson [play] in many matches, but [from] what I've seen of him he seems to me to be a good player, disciplined, with strength, power. I think he has everything to succeed at Barca."

It remains to be seen whether Paulinho is given a chance to join fellow countryman Emerson at Camp Nou, but he has made it clear that he has no intention of heading home just yet.

He added, with a return to Corinthians mooted: "My first option is to return to Europe, because I still see myself wanting and able to continue competing and fight to win titles."

Further reading

Paul Pogba has laughed off suggestions that his new hairstyle could be a hint towards a future transfer, with the Manchester United midfielder having a return to Juventus mooted.

The World Cup winner left Turin when returning to Old Trafford for a second spell in 2016, with an £89 million ($124m) transfer making him the most expensive player on the planet at the time.

Speculation regarding another move is never far away for the 28-year-old and, as he approaches the final year of his contract in England, rumours regarding a retracing of steps to Italy are rife.

What has been said?

Quizzed by Sky Sport Italia on whether his appearance at Euro 2020 is a nod towards a move being made, Pogba said: "Is the black and white hair a signal for the future? I was expecting this question. There is no future now, only the European Championship. The hair changes often."

Pogba's focus

Fresh terms have been mooted for Pogba in Manchester, which would bring renewed exit talk to a close.

For now, though, his full focus is locked on France's bid to add another European Championship crown to the World Cup they collected in 2018.

Didier Deschamps' side have topped the so-called 'Group of Death' to book a last-16 date with Switzerland on Monday, with the threats of Portugal, Germany and Hungary seen off.

Pogba said: "This is a European Championship, it's a very hard competition, the goal is to go all the way.

"The group did not scare us. We were prepared, we knew we were facing these teams and we knew it would be difficult. We finished first in the group, which was the goal, now we have the next round and we are confident."

The Red Devils star added, with Karim Benzema netting his first goals for France since 2015 in a thrilling 2-2 draw with Portugal on Wednesday: "We are happy to have him in the team because he does exceptional things and scores goals.

"We hope [Kylian] Mbappe and [Antoine] Griezmann do too, we know we have strong attackers who can make a difference. Now we are calm, will rest and think about the next match."

Further reading

Caoimhin Kelleher has signed a new long-term contract at Liverpool, with the 22-year-old goalkeeper seeing his impressive progress at senior level rewarded.

The promising shot-stopper has become a full international with the Republic of Ireland, while also gracing Premier League and Champions League fixtures at club level.

His path to regular first-team football at Anfield is blocked by Brazil star Alisson, but the Reds are eager to ensure that they remain the ones to benefit from his long-term potential.

What has been said?

Kelleher has told Liverpool's official website of committing to fresh terms: "I am happy to get it over the line and finally done; it was in the pipeline for a few months with negotiations and stuff, so I am delighted to get it done.

"For me, it was a positive moment to commit my future to the club for the next few years.

"It’s such a big club and it’s an honour to be a part of it, so when I got the chance to sign for a few more years I was obviously delighted.

"I just want to keep my progress going at the club, really."

What does the future hold?

Kelleher has seen a loan move mooted for 2021-22, as experienced back-up keeper Adrian has also committed to a new 12-month deal, but it is more likely he will be the club's main deputy for Alisson.

He spent more time on the treatment table last season than he would have liked, but Champions League and Premier League debuts were taken in - with clean sheets picked up on both of those outings.

"It was a big year for me in terms of playing the first-team games this year and more important games; being thrown into the Champions League and Premier League games was big for my development and being able to handle that," he added.

"It gave me a lot of confidence to try to push on, to try to keep pushing Ali because I can play at that kind of level as well and do well. 

"I am looking forward, try to keep pushing him and we’ll see what happens."

Further reading

It was another historic moment for Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo as he scored to equal the record for the all-time top scorer in international men's football history in Portugal's 2-2 draw with France at Euro 2020 on Wednesday.

In the Group F final matchday showdown at Hungary's Budapest Ferenc Puskas Stadium, the former Real Madrid and Manchester United attacker found the back of the net twice to help the Selecao salvage a point.

The goals did not just propel Portugal to the Round of 16 as one of the best third-placed sides but also moved the 36-year-old level on 109 international goals with former Iran striker Ali Daei.

Curiously, in relation to Africa, Ronaldo's haul includes two goals each against Egypt and Cameroon, and one strike each against Ghana and Morocco.

His latest achievement, having earlier equaled Ghana's Asamoah Gyan's record as the only other player to score in nine consecutive major tournaments, has triggered another round of frenzy on social media.

While a section finds it a privilege to have been scored against by arguably the best men's footballer ever, others from the likes of South Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Uganda and Zambia have questioned his Greatest of All-Time claim, considering he is yet to do it against their national teams.

Below are the best reactions:

For England, there is no greater rival in football than Germany.

Other historical animosities exist with their neighbours to the north, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland to the west, while relations with Argentina have been soured thanks to the two Diegos - Maradona and Simeone.

Nevertheless, getting one over on Germany remains one of the sweetest victories in football for England fans and players. The Three Lions have experienced the highest of highs against the Germans and they've also endured plenty of suffering at their hands. Goal looks at England's record against Germany in football.

Contents

What is England's overall record against Germany?

As of their last meeting on November 10, 2017, England have played Germany 32 times in official matches. They have won 13 games and lost on 15 occasions, drawing four.

The first official game between the teams was played on May 10, 1930 in Berlin, which ended a 3-3 draw.

England's record vs Germany in competitive games

While the overall record taking into account friendly matches is fairly even, it is an altogether different story when it comes exclusively to competitive encounters between England and Germany.

They have met competitively - that is, in a major tournament, either qualifiers or finals - 11 times. Of those 11 matches, England have won just three, with the Germans coming out on top six times.

The first competitive meeting between the teams was the 1966 World Cup final at Wembley, which England won by a scoreline of 4-2 in extra time. Prior to that point there had been seven friendly games between England and Germany, with the Three Lions winning six and drawing one.

English dominance against the Germans began to weaken in the 1970s, as the all-conquering West Germany team of Franz Beckenbauer and Co. began to assert themselves as the leading force in world football.

Indeed, the Germans held the upper hand against England for the next three decades and it was perhaps no surprise, considering they also won two World Cups and three European Championships in those years.

After beating Germany in the 1966 World Cup final, England did not win any of their next six competitive encounters - famously enduring penalty heart-ache in the semi-finals of 1990 World Cup and Euro 96.

The early 2000s were a time of great hope for English football, with Sven-Goran Eriksson presiding over what was believed to be an emergent 'Golden Generation', and they managed to beat Germany at Euro 2000 before inflicting a devastating 5-1 defeat on their arch rivals in Munich in the 2002 World Cup qualification campaign.

However, the hope didn't last long and normal service was resumed when the sides met at the end of the decade at the 2010 World Cup, with Germany trouncing England 4-1 in the last-16 stage of the competition.

There has been no competitive meeting since then, but the four friendly games that have subsquently been played have been keenly contested affairs, with both sets of players fully aware of the bragging rights at stake.

England record vs Germany: Game-by-game breakdown

*Bold signifies competitive matches

England vs Germany: Which team has won more trophies?

When it comes to trophy cabinets, Germany have enjoyed greater success in football than England on the international stage, having overtaken their rivals as a superior force in world football from the 1970s onward.

Germany have won four World Cups and three European Championships, as well as winning the Confederations Cup once. Indeed, they have appeared in a total of eight World Cup finals, finishing runners-up on four occasions, and played in six European Championship finals, losing on three occasions.

In contrast, England have just one major honour to their name: the World Cup, which they won in 1966 by beating Germany in the final.

Since their 1996 triumph, England's best performance at the World Cup has been to reach the semi-finals in 1990 and 2018.

England have never been crowned European champions either, with their best performances coming in 1968 (third place) and 1996 (semi-final).

Wazito FC head coach Francis Kimanzi insists his team is not in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League to compete with Gor Mahia, but all teams.

The Nairobi-based side held the reigning champions to a goalless draw on Wednesday at the Ruaraka Grounds. 

K'Ogalo went into the fixture looking to cut KCB’s lead at the top of the 18-team table to two points but they could not break down a resilient Wazito side who missed several scoring opportunities.

Having won the first meeting by a solitary goal, Gor came into the match hoping to complete the double over their opponents but it was not the case.

What did Kimanzi say after the game?

"I thank the players for the game they have played," Kimanzi, the immediate former Harambee Stars coach, told Goal.

"We are not in the league to train on how to defeat only Gor Mahia, we are here to train to become more competitive.

"Like on Wednesday, we managed to have better stats in terms of possession and chances created which shows we are doing well in terms of development. The players are positively taking what we are coaching them and their confidence in the technical team.

"We are not far from where we want to be."

What did Gor Mahia's Carlos Manuel Vaz Pinto say?

"It was a tough game, Wazito played very well, they are fresh because they did not play last weekend and we played. For that reason, they started the game better," the Portuguese said.

"The first 20 minutes were difficult for us, but after that, we improved, not the way we would have liked but we created some scoring chances. I laud our goalkeeper Gad [Mathews] who did a great job and the point collected can make a difference. 

"The commitment from the players is good, all players worked a lot to make sure we do not concede and we collected a point."  

After Wednesday's draw, Gor Mahia are now third on the table with 38 points from the 20 matches they have played, while Wazito are ninth with 27.

Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brian Baloyi believes complacency could be the biggest threat to Amakhosi's hopes of advancing past Wydad Casablanca and into the Caf Champions League final.

A first-half goal from Samir Nurkovic - awarded by VAR after initially having been given off-side, as well as some brilliant goalkeeping from Bruce Bvuma were two critical factors in the victory in Morocco last weekend.

With long-time club servant and number one keeper Itumeleng Khune having struggled for form this season, and backup keeper Daniel Akpeyi also inconsistent at times, Bvuma's fine performance on Saturday as well as a number of assured displays over the past couple of months, have seen him staking a claim to make the goalie position his own.

"It was a brilliant performance in Casablanca from the young man," said Baloyi, as quoted on the official Chiefs website.

"He just needs to pick up where he left off. His time will come, or his time is now, it’s up to him to solidify his position. Getting the team to the Caf Champions League final will pave his future in a big way.

"The biggest mistake Bruce and the team can make is to think the job is done," the former Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns custodian continued.

"He needs to keep his cool and approach the match as if he’s never played Wydad before and forget about the last game. When you have a good game, you must strive to be even better in the next one."

Baloyi also spoke of the challenges Bvuma, 26, must overcome in terms of his mental approach.

“When you have two experienced international goalkeepers ahead of you, you are always thinking ‘I will probably only play when they get injured’.

"As a young man, you sometimes get to a point where you don’t believe in yourself as much. But the coaches have rewarded Bruce and shown faith in him and he has come through and played a big part in the most important games,” said Baloyi, who was known as Spiderman in his playing days.

Tanzania Football Federation presidential aspirant Ally Salehe has claimed incumbent Wallace Karia has committed an election offense by starting his campaign too early.

Salehe, who was not cleared in the preliminary round to challenge Karia, has moved to a local court to stop the election process, claiming there are numerous things that were not done according to the law, especially in the nomination exercise.
 
During the Premier League U20 final game between Yanga and Mtibwa Sugar - which the latter won - some people were seen at the Azam Sports Complex wearing T-shirts bearing Karia's campaign banner and images. To Salehe, that can be construed as early campaigning and he now needs the election disciplinary board to investigate the matter and take the necessary action.
 
"The chair and his assistant must investigate the matter of Karia. Or is the act not a campaign move?" asked Salehe. "Were it not an electioneering period, there could have been no issue with those people wearing such T-shirts, but now we are campaigning for seats and, thus, it was a wrong move.
 
"How can one run a campaign when the time for it has not been declared open? If the disciplinary committee is keen on serving justice, then action must be taken against Karia."
 
The committee's vice-chairman, Benjamin Karume, said he could not comment on the matter because they have not been served with images of people wearing T-shirts with Karia's campaign image and slogans.
 
"We have not seen those photos and thus I can not speak of something that is not on our table," Karume said. " Although I understand it could be problematic for Karia, or it may not be because he is still the president."
 
Campaigns for the TFF's top seat have been scheduled to be conducted between August 1 to August 6 before the election is conducted on August 7.  
 
Salehe, Oscar Oscar, and Ally Mayay Tembele were barred from running for president because they lacked the support of five stakeholders. Rahim Kagenzi, Deogratias Mutungi, Abbas Tarimba and Zahoro Haji came with nomination papers but did not return them for verification and clearance.

Takumi Minamino faces an uncertain future at Liverpool but the Japan international is hoping to prove his worth at Anfield.

The 26-year-old spent the second half of the 2020-21 campaign on loan at Southampton, with two goals in 10 appearances for the Saints.

He is now due back on Merseyside for pre-season training but, after finding the target only four times in 31 games for the Reds, questions have been asked of whether another transfer could happen this summer.

What has been said?

Minamino admits he can offer no guarantees on what the immediate future holds for him, telling Atsuto Uchida: "I don't know what will happen, but for now, for the preseason, I'd like to go back to Liverpool and do my best there."

The bigger picture

Minamino is tied to a contract at Liverpool to 2024. He was snapped up in January 2020 and helped the Reds to Premier League title glory in his debut campaign, as a 30-year wait for a top-flight crown came to a close.

His goal account was opened in the Community Shield before registering a first league effort in the 7-0 mauling of Crystal Palace, but regular starts proved hard to come by.

That situation led Minamino to St Mary's, but consistency also proved elusive on the south coast.

Jurgen Klopp has, however, been quick to point out that a player of considerable promise has always been one for the future at Anfield.

The Liverpool boss said in February, after sanctioning his loan move: "Takumi is a long-term project, always was.

"We see a lot of potential in Takumi and it makes absolute sense for him to play maybe 17 games in the Premier League, and then he comes back in a different mindset, confidence level all these kind of things so I hope it is a win-win situation.

"He just has to enjoy football again there. He’s an outstanding professional, a top talent and a really, really good player so it’s all good."

Further reading

Mathare United head coach Frank Ouna has welcomed the win against AFC Leopards in the Football Kenya Federation Premier League on Wednesday stating his players had forgotten how to win.

Eugene Wethuli scored the only goal of the meeting, at the Ruaraka Grounds, which could end up being a hammer blow to Ingwe's dream of lifting the league. As Leopards rue the missed opportunity, Mathare United will welcome the three points given they are undergoing difficulties this season.

It was the first win for the 2008 champions since February 8 when they defeated Nzoia Sugar by a similar margin. The win was also sweet revenge over Ingwe who had won the initial meeting by a solitary goal as well.

What did the Slum Boys' tactician say after the victory?

"I was told that it is 135 days since Mathare's last win," Ouna, who replaced Salim Ali at the club, told Goal. 

"It is a big win as you can imagine. I think my players had forgotten how to win matches. It is a massive win for us.  

"We have been playing well, we have been creating chances but we have not been taking them. Again, we have been making school-boy mistakes in the defense. The last two matches we lost courtesy of basic football errors.

"Against Leopards, we limited our mistakes and took the chance we created and won the game."

What did the Leopards coach say after the loss?

"Football is a matter of efficiency; they got one opportunity and they scored while we had many especially in the second half but we were not able to score," Patrick Aussems said.

"Their goalkeeper also had a very good game but it is football. You [either] win, draw or lose, unfortunately, we lost. It is not the result we needed.  

"As you saw in the game, fatigue is also creeping in; it is a disappointment because we lost against a team placed at the bottom of the table. I told my players before the game that it will not be easy because this team has had tight games, and today they capitalised on the one opportunity they got.

"Congrats to them."

Ingwe are now fourth on the table with 37 points while Mathare remain bottom with 11.   

Romelu Lukaku has played down any talk of him returning to Manchester, amid rumours of Premier League champions City being keen, but the former United striker has hinted that he could head for MLS once his time at Inter comes to a close.

The Belgium international left Old Trafford for Italy in the summer of 2019 and has been a revelation at San Siro, netting 64 goals in 90 appearances.

That impressive haul, along with his prior experience of life in English football, has sparked reports of interest from Etihad Stadium, as Pep Guardiola seeks to find a replacement for Sergio Aguero, but no move is being planned.

What has been said?

During a Q&A session on Twitter, former City star Trevor Sinclair asked Lukaku whether a return to Manchester, but in blue rather than red, could be made.

The 28-year-old frontman, who is currently starring for his country at Euro 2020, responded by saying: "I am happy at Inter".

What about America?

While a retracing of steps to England appears to be off the table, Lukaku admits that he is open to the idea of heading to the United States.

The Belgian star is part of Jay Z's Roc Nation family and could spend time in MLS before hanging up his boots.

Quizzed on where such a switch could take him, Lukaku said: "One of the NYC teams or LA teams. Miami I didn't forget about you."

Manchester United and Real Madrid legend David Beckham is one of the co-owners at Inter Miami, while New York has two teams - Red Bulls and NYCFC - while LA Galaxy and Los Angeles FC are rivals in California.

Lukaku may be leaving a door open, but he is tied to a contract at Inter through to 2024.

Further reading

Atletico Madrid will be unable to make any new signings unless they start selling some of their players, with a lack of interest from rival clubs meaning that the champions of Spain's summer plans are at a standstill.

Diego Simeone's side claimed a thrilling league title win in 2020-21, finishing ahead of Real Madrid and Barcelona but are currently unable to build on that success as they do not have the necessary funds.

Atletico have been badly hit financially by the coronavirus crisis, as have other leading European clubs, meaning Rojiblancos players who were previously attracting plenty of attention now have no suitors at all.

What is the situation?

Goal has learned that there are no bids on the table for either Saul Niguez,   Vitolo or Sime Vrsaljko, despite the trio of Atletico players having previously been linked with clubs around Europe.

While midfield playmaker Saul, previously eyed by Manchester United  and others, is key for Atletico and they want to keep him, winger Vitolo has stated his desire to leave the club, with the club happy to be free of his €6 million per year wages.

However, there have been no offers for Vitolo, nor for full-back Vrsaljko - another linked with Old Trafford previously - although Atletico expect interest will be renewed later in the summer.

Another player who could eventually be on the move is defender Renan Lodi. Atletico are having to be patient regarding interest in his services, as they do not want to be forced into a quick sale just to free up funds, when they could hold out for a higher asking price later in the window.

They are also seeking interest in fringe full-backs Manu Sanchez and Santiago Arias, who spent last season on loan at Osasuna and Bayer Leverkusen respectively.

Who do Atletico want to sign?

Atletico are clear in the positions they want to strengthen: goalkeeper, winger, central midfielder and forward. They are also considering moves for a left-back, with Valencia's Jose Luis Gaya and Alex Grimaldo of Benfica considered, but this is not a priority.

While they are very happy with Jan Oblak as their No 1, they are seeking a new back-up goalkeeper, to allow last season's No.2, Ivo Grbic, to go out on loan.

In midfield, they are working on the signing of Rodrigo de Paul from Udinese , although the finances of the deal mean it has not been confirmed yet. Up front, they are expecting to sign  Marcos Paulo from Fluminense, although the 20-year-old Portuguese attacker will likely be sent out on loan to get experience.

Why can't Atletico sign anyone?

Because of La Liga's strict salary limit rules, Atletico cannot spend more than €217m (£185m/$259m) a year on their wage budget. They are currently exceeding this level, despite allowing Alvaro Morata to join Juventus on loan for another season.

This means Atletico's plans are currently on hold while their title rivals strengthen. Barcelona have brought in Sergio Aguero, Eric Garcia and Memphis Depay, while Real Madrid have acquired David Alaba from Bayern Munich.

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