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Ini Umotong has explained the cancellation of her contract with Swedish Damallsvenskan side Vaxjo, citing academic reasons.

In July, Umotong signed an 18-month deal with Maria Nilsson's team, a few days after she brought to an end her three-year spell with English Women's Super League club Brighton.

During her debut season in Sweden, she was in impressive form to help Vaxjo to a mid-table spot, finishing four points above the dropzone, scoring scored three goals in 16 appearances.

Commenting on the situation, the 26-year-old, who holds a first-class economics degree from 2017, revealed that her decision was due to her plans to continue her studies in England.

"I’ll be starting my MBA which I was awarded on a full scholarship," Umotong told Goal.  "I’ll be studying part-time alongside football. I needed to be based in England. Vaxjo has been a great experience for me. 

"I'm grateful to have a part of a successful season and appreciate the faith shown in me. I wish both players and staff all the best for the future."

After the Nigeria international decided to cancel her contract, that was expected to run through till 2021, her former employers wished her well in her future endeavours.

"Ini Abasi Umotong came to the club during the season and the idea was that she would play for Växjö DFF in 2021," the club announced on its website. "Now it will not be so and both parties agree to break the existing contract.

"An injured shoulder makes up for what needs to be operated on and when it is so uncertain when it can get rid of, Ini chooses to move home to England to be able to resume her studies," the statement continued. "We wish Ini good luck with her future career and say goodbye as usual."

Having since returned to England, Goal understands Umotong is expected to join an English side for the remainder of the season in the coming days while pursuing her academic programme.

She will also be hoping to make a return to the fold of the Super Falcons under Randy Waldrum after narrowly missing out on the Nigeria squad to 2019 Women's World Cup in France.

Atletico Madrid consolidated top spot in LaLiga with a 1-0 home win over Getafe on Wednesday in head coach Diego Simeone's 500th game in charge in all competitions.

Simeone's milestone match came against his favourite opponents, having now won 16 out of 18 matches against neighbours Getafe without conceding - the other two being goalless draws.

Luis Suarez put Atleti in front with his eighth goal in his first 11 league games for the club, equalling Radamel Falcao's record for the most prolific Rojiblancos start this century.

Atleti could not add to their tally but safely held on to move three points clear of Real Madrid, who have played a game more and are in action against Elche later on Wednesday.

The visitors were given a let off after 14 minutes as Thomas Lemar fired an angled shot against the frame of the goal as he attempted to catch out Ruben Yanez.

But Getafe, who ended an 11-match wait for an away league win last time out on their travels, could not hold out for much longer as Suarez glanced in Yannick Carrasco's delivery.

Suarez guided over from 15 yards soon after but a bigger chance went begging for Angel Rodriguez at the other end, the forward heading straight at Jan Oblak from close range.

Oblak was called into action again just before the hour mark to keep out Jaime Mata's header with a routine stop, while Carrasco was thwarted by Yanez down low in a second half of minimal chances.

Cristiano Ronaldo indicated he has no plans to retire by saying he hopes to play on for "many, many years" despite preparing to turn 36 in February.

The Juventus forward has shown no signs of slowing his goal output, finishing the 2019-20 season with 31 goals and a second Serie A title before firing in 12 in 10 league appearances this term.

In 2020 he became the fourth player in the history of Italy's top flight to score 33 goals in a calendar year after Omar Sivori (33 in 1961), Gunnar Nordahl (36 in 1950) and Felice Borel (41 in 1933).

That tally puts him top of the goalscoring charts in Europe's top five leagues this year, ahead of The Best FIFA Men's Player award winner Robert Lewandowski (32).

Portugal captain Ronaldo will be 37 by the time the 2022 World Cup kicks off in Qatar but hinted that he intends to be there.

"It doesn't matter the age. What is important is the mind," Ronaldo told BBC Sport , after being named Player of the Century at the Globe Soccer Awards this week.

"It doesn't matter if Cristiano Ronaldo is good, you don't know tomorrow what is going to happen. I live in the present, in the moment.

"The moment is good, I feel happy, I feel sharp and in a good moment in my life. I hope to play many, many years more but you never know."

Ronaldo scored a brace in Juventus' 3-0 win over Barcelona in the Champions League on December 8 and followed it up with doubles in Serie A victories over Genoa and Parma – either side of missing a penalty in a draw against Atalanta.

Despite his impressive form, the Bianconeri are sixth in the table, 10 points behind league leaders AC Milan, and Ronaldo admitted the absence of fans at the Allianz Stadium frustrated him.

"I don't like to play in the stadiums without fans, it's like going to the circus but you don't see clowns," Ronaldo said.

"The pandemic has made people crazy. I hope soon they can open the gates of the stadiums.

"We have to live with that, we have to try to do a normal life but of course we have to respect the rules. But to play without the fans, I really don't like it."

Asamoah Gyan's decision to return for a last hurrah in the Ghana Premier League has been commended by former Netherlands and Aston Villa midfielder George Boateng.

The 35-year-old erstwhile Sunderland, Stade Rennais and Udinese forward made a comeback after 17 years abroad in October, signing a short-term deal with Legon Cities.

He has so far made three appearances for his new side.

"I think it is a brave move,” Boateng told Joy Sports. "If you are a young footballer and you want to make it in the game and you have a huge star like Gyan playing beside you, you can’t get a better way of motivation than that.

“For those who are playing, not only with him but the others in the league, it is outstanding.

“You see an ex-star who has been the country’s captain for many years, playing in the league you’re playing, you have to go by that as an inspiration.”

Gyan featured for Liberty Professionals in the Ghana Premier League before leaving for Udinese in Italy in 2003.

"Sometimes people forget that the Ghanaian league is also a professional league," Gyan told the BBC about his move back home in November. "I got the offer [from Legon] and everything was right - as a professional you have to evaluate everything. I am very proud to be in the Ghanaian league.

"The most important thing is that they were serious about the contract. I am a very serious guy, despite people seeing me as a funny guy as well, but when it comes to work, it is work. Everything is about seriousness.

"I am in Ghana and I am home. I signed for this club because they have a huge project - they want to change Ghana football. I came here for a reason so while I am enjoying football, we are also doing things behind the scenes to benefit Ghana football."

At international level, Gyan, who won the BBC African Footballer of the Year in 2010, has represented Ghana at three World Cup tournaments - 2006, 2010 and 2014.

He is currently the Black Stars all-time top scorer and most capped player with 51 goals in 109 appearances, and as well Africa's top scorer at the World Cup - with six goals. 

Former Netherlands and Aston Villa midfielder George Boateng wants to manage Ghana's national team in the future, but states "he's not after CK Akonnor's job".

After a playing career which saw him also feature for Hull City, Middlesbrough and Nottingham Forest, the 45-year-old has turned to coaching, acknowledging that one of his dream jobs is the Black Stars coaching position.

He was born in the Ghanaian city of Nkawkaw but moved to the Netherlands as a child, going to to later represent the European nation at international level.

“If the Black Stars need me, I will always be available,” Boateng told Joy News. “I have always said that I will always help. I have a very good relationship with the GFA; [president] Mr. [Kurt] Okraku, the vice-president, Mr. Mark Addo, they are doing a great job now. 

“I have always indicated that if they need my services, I am always able to talk. If we can then come together, put our heads together and agree on something, that is perfect," he added. “There would definitely be an interest to manage the Black Stars.”

For almost a year, the Black Stars have been under the leadership of Akonnor, who replaced James Kwasi Appiah as head coach in January.

Guided by the former Wolfsburg captain, the four-time African champions have won two and lost two of four games played in 2020.

“CK is doing it, let him do it, give him the time that he needs to develop and put a good team together,” Boateng said. “I am not after his job at all! I am now in a very good position.

"I am enjoying my coaching. I love Aston Villa; it is a great club. We are back in the Premier League.”

Boateng, who made about four senior appearances for the Netherlands at senior level, began his coaching career with Malaysian outfit Kelantan in 2014 before joining Blackburn Rovers as U13 head coach in 2018.

In 2019, he headed for Aston Villa as head coach of the U18s before being promoted to the U23 fold this year.

The Black Stars and Akonnor next return to action against South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe in March 2021.

Cape Town City are reportedly set to sign Justin Shonga from Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM).

The Zambia international only joined Vhadau Vha Damani in October 2020 after being released by Orlando Pirates at the end of last season.

Shonga has enjoyed regular game time at Tshakhuma whenever he is fit and available under local coach Joel Masutha. 

However, Far Post are reporting that the 24-year-old marksman will move to the Mother City when the transfer window opens next month.

"Far Post sources confirm that Justin Shonga has joined Cape Town City from Tshakhuma," the website reported on Wednesday.  "The transfer window opens next month and that's when City will register him." 

Shonga has played seven matches across all competitions for Tshakhuma this season and hit the back of the net once in the process. 

The Chipata-born frontman enjoyed his football at Pirates under Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic between 2017 and 2019.

Shonga was one of the Buccaneers' top performers as they finished second in the Premier Soccer League in the 2017/18 season and 2018/19 campaign, while also reaching the 2018 Nedbank Cup final.

However, Shonga fell out of favour following Sredojevic's departure in August 2019 as he struggled for game time under coaches Rhulani Mokwena and Josef Zinnbauer.

The former Nkwazi FC player was released by Pirates alongside his compatriot Augustine Mulenga, who has since moved to AmaZulu FC. 

If Shonga completes his transfer to City he would join up with his countryman Charles Zulu.

Zulu, who is a midfielder-come-striker, was snapped up by the Citizens from seven-time Zambian champions Zanaco two months ago.

Just like Shonga, Zulu is part of the Zambia national team. 

2020 has not been the greatest of years for multiple reasons, with the COVID-19 pandemic bringing the entire world to a standstill for the majority of the year. 

Various sports, including football, have also suffered the brunt of the pandemic. Tournaments have been cancelled, delayed or cut short, with sporting calendars going for a toss. 

Asian football also suffered. The internationals stood postponed, with the World Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers pushed back to 2021 The AFC Cup was scrapped for 2020. The fate of the AFC Champions League, with most of the group stages yet to be played, was unclear. 

However, at a time when the entire continent was seeking a safe return to sport, 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar stepped up. 

Qatar first restarted their domestic competition, Qatar Stars League (QSL), after implementing a bio-secure bubble and social distancing protocols at centralised venues. After proving their capabilities, Qatar extended a helping hand to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and offered to host the AFC Champions League West and East matches, including the final itself.  They also hosted the Amir Cup Final, Qatar’s most prestigious cup competition, on December 18.

What was most striking about the two finals was the fact that Qatar were able to hold the two games in front of a significant number of fans. We’ve seen fans slowly come back into games across the world but in a very small number. Premier League games in England have seen just 2000 fans in a stadium. In such a scenario, the AFC Champions League and the Amir Cup finals saw 12000 and 10000 fans make it to the stadium. 

Also important was the scale at which the AFC Champions League was played. 30 teams featured in a total of 76 matches, held at three 2022 World Cup venues. With more than 900 players taking part, Asia’s premier club competition was easily one of the biggest sporting events to have held inside a bio-secure bubble in 2020. 

And the bubble protocols came in for praise throughout. There were mandatory Covid-19 tests, safe transportation, disinfection, proper medical staff and social distancing protocols were implemented. Significantly, Qatar carried out a total of 48323 Covid-19 tests for these tournaments. 

It has also highlighted Qatar’s venue readiness, tournament operations ability and fan experience offering. And now, it has also shown that the 2022 World Cup hosts can also ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of all stakeholders. 

Kim Do-hoon, coach of South Korean club Ulsan Hyundai who won the AFC Champions League, was also full of praises for Qatar and their measures taken for the safe resumption of sports.

“We were tested for COVID-19 every time we played a game on the previous day – this made us feel safe and I need to thank the Local OrganisingCommittee and the AFC. The bubble system was implemented right through and we could not meet anyone from outside, in addition to a good quarantine infrastructure when necessary.”

Qatar, as it gets ready to host the 2022 World Cup, will further prove its capabilities by hosting multiple events in the next couple of years, starting with the 2020 FIFA Club World Cup which will be held in February 2021. They are also set to host an Arab Cup in December 2021. 

Nasser Al Khater, Chief Executive Officer of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC said after the Amir Cup final on December 18, “Tonight was an immensely proud occasion for Qatar and the people of Al Rayyan. It was a culmination of a rigorous effort taken by multiple stakeholders across several months, beginning with the AFC Champions League, until tonight where we saw thousands of fans safely enjoying the spectacle.”

“We are looking forward to hosting more safe and secure events in the coming months, and we sincerely hope that the world will quickly overcome the pandemic and resume life and sports as we’ve always enjoyed them,” he added.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who attended both the Amir Cup and AFC Champions League final, said, “Over the last three months, Qatar has shown the world how football can continue to be played and fans remain engaged despite the Covid-19 pandemic that we are all facing. Qatar has set a benchmark for the safe resumption of football in the COVID-19 world.”

New Libya coach Zoran Filipovic has vowed to ‘change everything’ towards making the Mediterranean Knights ‘a success’.

The Montenegrin was named as handler of the North African side following the resignation of coach Ali El Margini after losing his first three games in charge.

Filipovic becomes the first European tactician to work with the Libyan Football Federation since Spain’s Javier Clemente who led the country to win the 2014 African Nations Championship in South Africa.

While promising to live in Libya to carry out his responsibilities, the former Boavista, Red Star Belgrade and Golden Arrows handler also pledged to do all it takes to help the fortunes of the 1982 Africa Cup of Nations runners-up.

"I will change everything to make the Libyan national team a success," said Filipovic as quoted by BBC Sport Africa.

The 67-year-old’s primary goal will be to help the Mediterranean Knights secure a place at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations billed for Cameroon.

With just a win and three losses, Libya sit at the base of Group J that parades already qualified Tunisia, Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania. They host the Carthage Eagles in their next fixture on March 22, 2021.

El Margini walked away from his job following the nation’s defeat to Equatorial Guinea in Malabo, while expressing his disenchantment with the barrage of criticism levelled at him, his technical crew and players by the Libyan public despite the country’s unfavourable conditions.

"The conditions for Libyan football have greatly affected the level of players and that's what caused these results," he told BBC. "Their absence had a great impact, as they are important pillars of the national team, and if they were there, we would be able to win over Equatorial Guinea.

"The lack of experience of some players who were playing for the first time in the Libyan national team was why we couldn't hold on for the victory.”

Filipovic will lead Libya to 2021 Chan where they will compete with DR Congo, Congo and Niger Republic in Group B. They take on the Menas in their first game at the Japoma Stadium, Douala.

DR Congo striker Idris Mbombo has revealed advanced talks with Young Africans with an aim of joining the Mainland Premier League giants in the December-January transfer window.

Currently at Zambian giants Nkana FC, Mbombo said the ball is now on Yanga’s court after he tabled his demands before putting pen to paper on a deal with Timu ya Wananchi.

The former Kabwe Warriors and Zesco United striker said the urge of joining the record Tanzanian league champions has been made even urgent by the need to venture outside Zambia.

“It is true that I am in talks with Yanga and there is the big boss [Hersi] Said who I am in direct talks with,” Mbombo told Mwananspoti. “For now, I cannot state what amount of money they have offered me, but I have given them my demands and I am waiting for them to reply.

“If they meet my demands, then I will join Yanga as fast as even early January. You know, Said is a man with an ability to sweet talk players, and one can even find he has signed with speed.

"I know what kind of job I will come to carry out at Yanga and the pressure that will be placed on my shoulders," he added, “but let them debate my offer and if they get back and we get into an agreement. 

"I will be ready to come and work. Personally, I think it is a good opportunity to get out of Zambia.”

Mbombo said he has been urged to join Yanga by his compatriots Mukoko Tonombe and Tuisila Kisinda. The duo was among the players signed in the last transfer window, and their arrival re-energised Yanga as they remain unbeaten in the season.

“I usually talk with Tonombe and Kisinda, but Kisinda is the man I converse with mostly, and all are asking when I will be joining Yanga,” he added. “If I join Yanga, I would be happy to achieve my dream of playing alongside Kisinda because he is a good winger.

“We talk a lot and have been telling me how things are good at Yanga and I have been also watching their matches, and surely I can say they have a good team. If the team has good wingers and midfielders like Kisinda, I can easily score 17 to 20 goals.

“We are going to bring a lethal player who is going to lead Yanga’s striking department,” Yanga’s official Said confirmed amid Mbombo’s imminent signing.

The 24-year-old striker joined the Red Devils in 2019 from Al-Hilal Club of Sudan where he had scored seven goals in 14 games.

Jordan Henderson has revealed that he nearly missed his Premier League debut, which would have earned him the wrath of his then-manager Roy Keane in the process.

At the time, the now-Liverpool captain was an up-and-comer at Sunderland having spent a decade in the club's academy.

In November 2008, Henderson was handed a Premier League debut with Keane selecting the young midfielder to enter in the second half of a 5-0 loss at Chelsea.

The Liverpool star has revealed that he nearly missed that match due to traffic, with team-mate David Meyler proving the hero that spared Henderson from finding himself on Keane's bad side.

"We used to fly from Newcastle airport, so you were allowed to drive to the airport," Henderson explained on the Premier League's YouTube channel.

"This time, David was driving me, we hit traffic and were running late. Now running late is a no-go in football anyway. but with Roy running late means the plane is taking off and you’re not getting on. That’s it, game over.

"Thanks to him [Meyler] we managed to get there and I managed to make my debut. Otherwise, I might not have got on!

"I can remember being 3-0 down at half-time and the gaffer telling us to get warmed up, that I’m going on in the second half. I just couldn’t wait to get on the pitch."

The midfielder's Premier League debut didn't exactly go to plan as Sunderland were battered by Chelsea - and that wasn't the only low point caused by the Blues during Henderson's spell on Wearside.

Henderson and Sunderland were also beaten 7-2 by Chelsea in 2010, with the Liverpool captain revealing that Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack taught him a real lesson on the day.

"Before the game, the gaffer [Steve Bruce] brought us into the showers and gave us a little pep talk," Henderson said. "You [Meyler] had Frank Lampard and I had Michael Ballack. It didn’t go down as well as we planned but we tried our best. It wasn't our finest moment for sure!"

Henderson has since established himself as a trophy-winning captain at Liverpool, having led the club to a Champions League title and a long-awaited Premier League triumph. The Reds currently sit atop the Premier League as they face off with Newcastle on Wednesday. 

Ghana coach CK Akonnor believes Asante Kotoko realistically have only little chance of beating Sudanese side Al-Hilal to the group stage of the Caf Champions League. 

The Porcupine Warriors face a tall order to make it past the first phase after a disappointing 1-0 home loss to the Omdurman giants in the first leg fixture. 

The return tie is scheduled for Omdurman on January 6.

"If I’m being realistic, I can say that because Kotoko lost the home game, we don’t have a chance," Akonnor, who was in attendance at the Accra Sports Stadium for the first leg, told Kessben FM, "but there are miracles in football, and I strongly believe that once they are determined and prepared very well, they can go there and perform a miracle."

During the first leg fixture, Akonnor found his way to the dressing room at half-time to offer the team a talk.

“I went into the dressing room with one motive, and that was motivate the boys to play with their everything to get a good result before the second leg," the 49-year-old explained.

“You know I’m the national team coach so I thought my presence in the team’s dressing room would be a good thing for the boys to do more, because they know the Black Stars coach is around and a good performance would guarantee a call-up into the senior national team."

Asante Kotoko, who accounted for Mauritania club Nouadhibou in the last round, are looking to go all the way to the group stage of the competition for the first time since 2006.

"Asante Kotoko are disappointing. They lack quality and no creativity," former Ghana goalkeeper Abukari Damba told GTV Sports Plus on Kotoko's performance after the game. "I was surprised with the statistics at the end of the game but it is difficult to say but this Kotoko team has a long way to go.

"They are disappointing and if they continue like this, it will be a disaster," he continued. "They can go away and win there also but it's very difficult at the moment. They will have to play with more hunger and commitment in Omdurman.

"It's not an impossible task for Kotoko but they will have to work hard."

Last season, Kotoko were eliminated in the first round of the Champions League at the hands of Tunisian outfit Etoile du Sahel.

The club are looking to add on two previous titles won in 1970 and 1983.

The Ghana Football Association are currently in discussion with the national government over the possible return of fans at various Ghana Premier League match centres.

On orders of the Government of Ghana, all matches of the the 2020-21 top flight are being played behind closed doors since the league's commencement last month.

The directive has been part of safety protocols against the coronavirus disease.

"We have engaged the sector ministry and still we are speaking with the government to allow fans into the various stadia and we hope government will accept our proposal," GFA communications director Henry Asante Twum told Kessben FM.

“I have been to various venues this year and the number of people I see behind the gates is overwhelming, knowing very well there’s a ban by the government.

“What I’m saying is, nobody is happy playing the games behind closed doors, even economically and financially, it’s taking a lot from these clubs.

“Our industry is not so strong to do without gate revenues, our clubs rely heavily on the gate proceeds so playing behind closed doors is hectic for the clubs."

Some club officials recently criticised the Ghana Ministry for Sports on the continuous insistence on matches behind closed doors despite a drop in coronavirus case numbers in the country and recent active political campaigns despite Covid-19 restrictions on public gatherings.

“The Ghana Health Service is saying the rising cases are not only caused by political activities only but other factors are included," Ghana Ministry for Youth and Sports communication consultant Ahmed Osumanu Halid said, responding to the accusations, last month.

“When people go to the stadia to watch football games, they walk in groups, and we don't want that to happen and spread the Covid-19," he continued. "Remember what the President said 'we have what it takes to bring the economy back but we don't have what it takes to bring lives back'.

“The name of the Ministry is the Ministry of Youth and Sports, we are in charge of all football and sporting activities in Ghana. We do not have power over the political parties’ rallies and other activities."

The GPL is currently at the matchday seven stage. 

Mario Balotelli made a flying start to life in Serie B with a debut strike after just four minutes for Monza against Salernitana.

Former AC Milan and Manchester City forward Balotelli signed for Monza - owned by ex-Rossoneri chief Silvio Berlusconi - earlier this month on a contract until the end of the season.

The 30-year-old made his second-tier bow on Wednesday, lining up alongside Kevin-Prince Boateng - another former Milan man - from the start at home to the league leaders.

Balotelli needed just three minutes and 53 seconds to get on the scoresheet, as he turned in Carlos Augusto's cross with the first shot of the match and his first touch for his new team.

Monza would go on to add two more goals as they won the match 3-0 at the Brianteo Stadium.

Balotelli has played in the top-flight in Italy, England and France but only in Ligue 1, with Nice in 2016, had he previously netted on his debut in a new league.

After Balotelli made the move to Monza, his agent Mino Raiola said that the veteran forward could be a major factor as the club aim to reach the top flight for the first time in their history. 

Raiola highlighted the influence of former AC Milan chairman Adriano Galliani, who is now at the helm at Monza. 

"[Balotelli] can be fundamental for Monza," Raiola said, speaking at this year's Golden Boy awards. "His potential is undisputed but he is behind in his preparations and we will do everything we can to get him in top condition.

"Having Balotelli sends out a signal that Monza do not want to play in Serie B for long. Galliani is a person I respect very much. Our friendship goes back to his time with Milan."

Wednesday's win was a major step forward in Monza's quest to secure Serie A football for the 2021-22 season. The club are now up to third in the Serie B table, moving to within two points of league leaders Salernitana.

Balotelli will hope to continue his strong start to life with Monza when his club take on Lecce in another league match on Monday.

Former Al Ahly honourary president Turki Al-Sheikh says he did not interfere in Mamelodi Sundowns playmaker Gaston Sirino’s failed transfer to the Egyptian champions. 

Sundowns issued a statement on Monday stating that they have terminated discussions with Al Ahly over the potential sale of the Uruguayan player, who is known to be keen to join the Red Devils.

There have been reports coming out of the North African country indicating that Al-Sheikh offered to help the Red Devils reach an agreement which would see Sirino join the African champions. 

However, Al-Sheikh, who used to be the owner of Egyptian Premier League outfit Pyramids FC from 2018 to 2019, has dismissed the rumours. 

"I support and love the Egyptian Al Ahly and I did not interfere in the Sirino deal. There are some people, who are fishing for trouble," Turki said on Cairo 24. "I am far from the sports scene in Egypt and refuse to interfere in anything related to football inside Egypt."

Al Ahly revoked Al-Sheikh's honorary president title in June 2020 after he was involved in a spat with the club's board member Mohamed Serag El-Din on social media.

The Saudi Arabian billionaire, who now owns Spanish Segunda Division club UD Almeria, indicated that he remains a fan of the Red Devils.

"If they ask me for something in the interest of Al Ahly, I will contribute to it, and I hope that the team will achieve good results in the Club World Cup," he added, "and if they ask me to intervene in any deal I will do so, but I will not intervene if they don't." 

Al Ahly qualified for the 2020 Fifa Club World Cup finals in Qatar after they clinched the 2019/20 Caf Champions League title under South African coach Pitso Mosimane. 

However, the global tournament was postponed to 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, and it will be played between 1 and 11 February 2021 in Qatar.

Al Ahly intensified their efforts to land Sirino after his former coach at Sundowns, Mosimane, joined the Cairo-based giants as the new head coach in October 2020.

Sundowns tied down Sirino to a new long-term deal in July 2020 as he signed a five-year contract extension which will expire in 2025.

Erling Haaland will become a Barcelona player if Emili Rousaud wins the club's presidential elections, according to the candidate's advisor.

Borussia Dortmund striker Haaland is among the world's top talents and has been linked with a move to top clubs in Spain, England and Italy.

The 20-year-old joined Dortmund from Salzburg in January 2020 and has three and a half years left on his contract with the Bundesliga club.

Norway international Haaland has scored an impressive 33 times in 32 games in all competitions for Dortmund.

Since his Bundesliga debut on January 18, Robert Lewandowski (32 goals in 26 games) is the only player to have scored more than Haaland's 23 in as many outings. It ranks him fourth across the top five European leagues, with only Ciro Immobile (25 in 29) and Cristiano Ronaldo (29 in 27) netting more in the same time frame.

Rousaud's aide Josep Maria Minguella suggested that an agreement with Haaland's agent Mino Raiola is already in place for a Camp Nou switch in the future.

"We know all the conditions and if we win, the following day I will call Mino Raiola and we will accept those conditions. I have already advised him of that," Minguella is quoted as saying by AS . "We have a world-class sports project that is not showing just now, but Emili Rousaud has a plan that will turn this unfortunate situation [at Barcelona] around."

Minguella also said former Barca vice-president Rousaud would ensure the Blaugrana are at the front of the queue to sign Kylian Mbappe should the Paris Saint-Germain striker become available.

Mbappe has been involved in 16 goals in Ligue 1 this season (12 scored, four assisted), which is more than any other player in the competition.

"It is a little more complicated because his [Mbappe's] contract ends the next year," Minguella added. "We are on top of the issue and movements have already been made. We are there."

The 2021 Barcelona presidential elections will take place on January 24 having been brought forward from June next year.

They are taking place following the resignation of the previous incumbent, Josep Maria Bartomeu.

Evelyn Ijeh's Goteborg have been disbanded, just a few months after they won their first ever Swedish Damallsvenskan title.

Ijeh was part of her side's success story despite being an unused substitute when they defeated Linkopings 7-0 at home to celebrate the league title for the first time in their 50-year history in November.

However, the officials of the Gothenburg-based club announced the closure of the team on Tuesday, weeks after a Round of 32 elimination to Manchester City in the Women's Champions League.

Explaining the stunning development, the club revealed that the move was owed to its lack of resources to cope with 'large investments' to compete against top women's teams in Europe.

“Internationally, women's football has developed enormously in Europe in recent years," the club wrote on its website.

“Large men's clubs, such as Lyon, PSG, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Manchester United, Barcelona and Juventus, among others, have realised the value of women's football, make large investments and have given women's football resources that it is not possible for us to match.

“We have created a great interest in women's football in Gothenburg and shown that it is possible to establish oneself at the top and even win a Swedish Championship gold, as long as one has a clear goal that creates challenges and motivation. 

“The elite clubs in Gothenburg must now spin on this. If you do that, we are convinced that women's football in Gothenburg will quickly take new steps forward.

“Because the tradition-laden and reputable clubs, with their organizations and many supporters, create conditions for women's football in Gothenburg, we believe that our project is complete and therefore Kopparbergs / Göteborg FC will close down its elite team for the Allsvenskan season 2021.”

The 19-year-old had joined Mats Gren's team in January 2018 and featured 10 times for Goteborg in her opening two years, celebrating Swedish Cup title and Damallsvenskan runners-up twice.

In her third season, she made seven appearances for Gren's side, including in the Champions League, coming on from the bench on all occasions as her side claimed the maiden Swedish crown.

The development means Goteborg will not be competing in the Damallsvenskan next season and also currently leaves the Nigerian-born Swedish youth international without a club. 

Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer has hinted at starting forward Frank Mhango for Saturday’s 'special game' against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld as the Buccaneers seek to close in on the Premier Soccer League leaders.

Last season’s PSL joint top goalscorer Mhango started the first two league games of the current campaign before injury struck, and his comeback has been marked by some cameo appearances.

However, after lasting 90 minutes in Pirates’ last game of 2020 - a Caf Confederation Cup match away at Sagrada Esperanca which was the first time for him to complete a match this season - he appears in line to start against Downs.

“Gaba [Mhango] is close to 100 percent and now needs the time and games. We have seven games in January and we need all the players,” said Zinnbauer as per Sowetan Live. “Gaba is not the only player important to us but all the players are.

"We have so many attacking players. We have [Terrence] Dzvukamanja who can also play as a striker. We have a good squad but the point is we need a good player for each and every position.”

Heightening Mhango’s chances to start are doubts over the availability of Zakhele Lepasa, who was injured in a league match against Chippa United on December 16.

If he returns to full fitness, it would be good news to Zinnbauer, whose Pirates team have not been prolific upfront.

The Buccaneers have managed nine goals in seven league outings, with their top scorers being Vincent Pule and Tshegofatso Mabasa, who have two goals each.

Considering the magnitude of Saturday's game, and Pirates' struggle for goals, Mhango, who ended last season with 16 league strikes, could be the solution as Zinnbauer's men seek to reduce the six-point gap between them and Sundowns.

“We know Sundowns possibly have some of the best players in their squad," Zinnbauer continued. "They have a big‚ big squad and we know it, and we also have a good squad and it’s a special game for us.

“Sundowns are on top and we are behind and‚ ja‚ we have a chance to come closer to Sundowns and come closer to the top of the table. This is important to us, but we must have a good game first and a good performance.

"If we have a good performance we’ll have possibilities of winning the game.”

Pirates and Sundowns last met in the PSL bio-bubble in August and played to a 0-0 draw, but the Soweto giants won the reverse fixture 1-0 in January with Mhango’s goal deciding the contest.