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The high court in France has blocked the relegation of Amiens and Toulouse from Ligue 1 after the 2019-20 season was cancelled.

The Professional Football League (LFP) named Paris Saint-Germain as Ligue 1 champions and relegated the bottom two following prime minister Edouard Philippe's April 28 announcement that all sporting events were banned until September amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The decision proved controversial as Toulouse and Amiens appealed against their relegation, while Lyon pursued legal action after they were denied a place in European competition next season because of their seventh-place finish.

The case was initially dismissed, but the clubs turned to the country's highest administrative court, which ruled that the call to end the season early was legal but suspended the relegatation of Amiens and Toulouse. Lyon's appeal, however, was rejected.

Regarding the season being ended early, the court ruled: "There is no serious doubt on the legality of this decision, which weighed the advantages and the disadvantages of an immediate stop of the championship, whereas a very great uncertainty affected the hypothesis of a possible restart of competitions in good time."

As a result of the judge's decision, the French top flight could be expanded to 22 teams, as Lorient and Lens will be promoted from Ligue 2.

The ruling continued: "The judge in summary proceedings considers that the board of directors of the LFP could not legally rely, in deciding to relegate the last two teams in Ligue 1, on the fact that the current agreement concluded with the French Football Federation (FFF) provides for a limit of 20 clubs, while this agreement ends on June 30 and a new agreement will have to be signed.

"The judge therefore orders the LFP, in conjunction with the competent bodies of the FFF, to re-examine the question of the format of Ligue 1 for the 2020-2021 season, in view of all the elements relating to the conditions under which this season is likely to take place, and to draw the consequences as to the principle of relegation before June 30."

After the French government admitted that cup final matches may take place in July and August, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin this week said the league could resume with play-offs before August 2.

PSL chairman Dr Irvin Khoza has revealed the league will only try and find a replacement for Absa once there's a surety on what's going to happen to the current season. 

As things stand, the season has been suspended for over two months due to the coronavirus pandemic.

And this was met by Absa's decision to end their relationship which will come into effect once the 2019/20 campaign is complete. 

Absa decided against renewing their contract with the PSL after entering a three-year deal with the league in 2017.  

"The contract was for three years. So, it was not pulling out. It was the expiry of the contract which again is a question of deciding whether they continue or not continue," Khoza told eNCA. 

"But the decision to end the relationship was not an acrimonious one; it was a situation that we understand because, with Covid-19, anything is possible."  

Asked if the process to find Absa's replacement has begun, Khoza made it clear that it's impossible to begin that process at this stage. 

He cited the current situation that sees football suspended in the country as the stumbling block in opening negotiations with any company. 

"It's important that we finish the league first. Finishing the league means you know what you are selling because if you get a sponsor, [they'd ask] 'when are you starting?' - you can't provide an answer," said Khoza.    

A few high-profile companies such as Telkom, Nedbank, Bidvest and Betway have all been reported to be interested in taking over from Absa from next season. 

The league together with the South African Football Association (Safa) are working around the clock to ensure the season resumes. 

And there are indications that this could happen soon following Safa CEO Tebogo Motlanthe's statement that with teams having already fumigated their training facilities, the process of allowing teams to train may be sped up. 

There are eight to six rounds of matches left before the completion of the 2019/20 season - and the football fraternity is eagerly waiting to find out if the government will give the go-ahead to the league to play their remaining matches behind closed doors. 

Golden Arrows coach Steve Komphela says it will "be a strange phenomenon" for Premier Soccer League (PSL) clubs that command a huge following if the current season resumes with no fan attendance inside Stadiums.

Traditional giants Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns are the most supported teams in South Africa and enjoy big and passionate crowds even during away games.

Bloemfontein Celtic and Black Leopards also play in front of capacity crowds at home.

With the PSL advocating for the return of football behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic, Komphela said teams with a huge fan base could feel the effects of not having the backing of their supporters.

“It’s going to be a big challenge to the teams who carry bigger reputations and are used to playing in front of a full capacity or large crowds," said Komphela as per Sowetan Live.

"They might find this very strange‚ it’s going to benefit the other teams in the league. Playing football behind closed doors is another dynamic because there are advantages and disadvantages and I want to look at it from both sides. It will be very unfair of me to look at it from one side.

"You go to play at Loftus and you come across 40,000 yellow and green supporters and when you are Golden Arrows you have few supporters in the corner even though you have similar colours. You will be under pressure because Sundowns is going to enjoy the support because energy is everything in life. Supporters ignite their clubs and on matchday they become the 12th player.

"Teams that play without supporters and are used to playing without supporters are not going to be affected that much. However‚ for Mamelodi Sundowns‚ Orlando Pirates or Kaizer Chiefs‚ it is going to be a strange phenomenon to them because they will be playing in front of empty stadiums.”

“It is going to have a huge impact both emotionally and psychologically to the players and that can affect the technical output. Mind you‚ us who are just below those big three or four teams in the league‚ we are going out there saying that we won’t be beaten by Sundowns‚ Chiefs or Pirates and the motivation is going to be even extra.”

In the remaining league games, Chiefs will have to host Sundowns and the Brazilians will also have to play Pirates in big matches that are traditionally crowd-pullers that usually see tickets being sold out.

If the season continues, the matches behind closed doors will restart at a point where the title race is stiff with Chiefs leading second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns by four points although Amakhosi have played one match more.

Orlando Pirates will also be likely to play in an empty Orlando Stadium as they bid for a top-three finish.

Young Africans (Yanga SC) defender Juma Kipenzi has revealed they want to face rivals Simba SC in the semi-finals of the domestic cup.

The two Tanzanian giants could meet again in the Kariokor derby before the season ends as Yanga have been drawn to face Kagera Sugar while Simba will face Azam FC in the quarters with winners from both matches facing off in the last four.

Makapu has now explained his main dream is for the two giants to meet again and has promised Yanga will once again beat Simba.

“We have been drawn to face Kagera and I have the confidence we will beat them and reach the semi-finals, and it is where I now want Simba to also beat Azam so that we clash again,” Makapu is quoted by Sokaletu.

“I am praying we meet them [Simba] again, we will beat them, we don’t fear them, actually they have nowadays become our customers and if we beat them then our work will be easier in the final.”

In the league this season, Yanga managed to beat Simba 1-0 in the second-round after the two sides had settled for a 2-2 draw in the first match.

The quarter-final matches will be played on June 31 and July 1.

Eight teams have made it to the last eight with the eventual winner getting a slot to represent the nation in the Caf Confederation Cup. The top four teams are all still in the competition hoping to go all the way to the final.

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

The second match of the day will be between Yanga and Kagera 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, who are the defending champions, and league leaders Simba.

Former Mali striker Frederic Kanoute has advised African countries to work on their organisation, dedication and their professionalism if they aspire to go beyond the quarter-final stage at a Fifa World Cup tournament.

No African country has gone past the last-eight in the global competition with Cameroon the first to achieve it in 1990 before Senegal and Ghana followed suit in 2002 and 2010 respectively.

At the most recent edition which took place in Russia two years ago, the five countries who represented the continent - Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal and Tunisia - all failed to make it past the group stage.

When asked about the chances of an African team to go further in the World Cup, Kanoute admitted that it is a matter of time because of the inadequate facilities in the continent.

“Every time there is a World Cup, I hope that an African country can go past the quarter-finals,” Kanoute told Goal with La Liga.

“I'm sure we will get there, this is just a matter of time but we can't just rely on time, we will have to rely on the work we do on the pitch, our organisation, our dedication and professionalism. That was what we were fighting for when I was playing for Mali but we knew we have not progressed in order to qualify first for a World Cup and after that, it's just not enough to go there and just entertain everybody and go back home at an early stage.

“We have to go to the next level but it will take a long way, we have to remember that we don't have the same facilities, we don't have the same organisation right now. Most of the countries have been independent for only a little time and we have to acknowledge these factors, these challenges to overcome them slowly but for sure, we are going to get there.”

The former Sevilla star played for Mali between 2004 and 2010, scoring 23 goals in 39 matches and he was crowned the African Footballer of the Year in 2007.

He recalled how proud he was when South Africa hosted the world for the first time on the African soil in 2010 and the mixed reactions that followed after Spain won it and France, his country of birth, failed to progress from their group.

“I have good memories because I used to play in Spain at the time and obviously, they won it so they were talking a lot about it,” he added.

“I remember it went really wrong for France, I'm from France as well, so they were speaking the other way round. Alot of good and bad comments that come. Obviously, I was really proud for the first World Cup to be in Africa. I hope much more will be hosted there.”

Diego Milito can appreciate why reported interest from Barcelona will be turning the head of Lautaro Martinez, with it easy to see the Inter forward slotting in seamlessly alongside fellow Argentine Lionel Messi at Camp Nou.

A big-money move to Catalunya continues to be mooted for the highly-rated forward.

Barca are said to have a lucrative contract drawn up for the 22-year-old, with efforts set to be stepped up when it comes to agreeing terms with those at San Siro.

Lautaro has given little away when it comes to his future plans, with the South American allowing speculation to rage around him.

Many have called for the opportunity to join Messi in Spain to be snapped up, with the Blaugrana looking to land a long-term replacement for Luis Suarez.

Others, however, have urged caution when it comes to leaving a steep learning curve in Milan and making a step up to one of the most demanding clubs in world football.

Milito, as a former Nerazzurri star, would like to see a compatriot remain with Inter for the foreseeable future, but can understand why exit thoughts may be mulled over.

A man who saw his spot at Racing filled by an emerging Lautaro in 2016 told Infobae: “Lautaro can play for any team in the world, he's a fantastic attacker, an exceptional boy, I appreciate him a lot. I'm especially happy that things are going so well for him.

“I think he's happy at Inter, one of the best teams in the world. But if he has to go to Barca, I wish him the best. It will be great for him, I'm sure.

“How could he not gel with Messi? I'm convinced he can play with Leo. He's done it for Argentina.”

Lautaro has taken in 17 appearances for Argentina to date, recording nine goals for his country.

His potential is clear for all to see, with Barca’s interest coming as no surprise, and Milito believes an precocious talent can follow in the footsteps of Messi by forming part of the next generation of top talent.

He added: “Lautaro will be a top player during the next decade, he's got everything to make that happen.

“He's young but has very clear ideas. He's a boy that always wants to improve and he's got a lot of quality.”

Jamie Carragher has saluted the efforts of Jordan Henderson at Liverpool, with a man who faced plenty of criticism early on at Anfield proving himself to the perfect successor to Steven Gerrard as Reds skipper.

An iconic presence in the middle of the park opted to walk away from his boyhood club in 2016, with Gerrard taking the decision to play out his career in MLS with the LA Galaxy.

A serious void was created by his departure, with Henderson asked to fill it by taking both the armband and a central role in the engine room.

Questions were asked of whether he was ready for such responsibility, but any fears in that department have been calmed by a model of consistency.

Henderson has shown himself to be an inspirational presence on and off the pitch, with his efforts across the last 12 months seeing him held up as potential PFA Player of the Year winner.

He has already got his hands on Champions League and Club World Cup crowns, with the Premier League title set to follow at some point over the coming weeks.

Carragher is delighted to see his former team-mate getting the recognition he deserves, with a hard-working 29-year-old having fended off doubters and big-money signings to remain a key cog in Jurgen Klopp’s well-oiled machine.

"When he first came in, it raised eyebrows in some ways, it was 'where is he going to play', we already had Steven Gerrard at the club, we had bought Charlie Adam as well," Carragher told Sky Sports.

"There were a lot of midfield players as well. It was Damien Comolli who brought him in, young England player, loads of energy. He found it tough early on because he was played out of position in right-midfield.

"The thing I love about Jordan Henderson and it's a little similar to my journey because at times I found it tough and people said I wasn't good enough and they have said that to Jordan Henderson. That just shows the character of who he is.

"You can use words like great professional, great character, and these are just words. What does it mean? It means the way he trains every day, people questioned why he was captain. I used to argue with Jordan all the time and I know the character and personality I want at my club and that is him.

"Who else could be captain after Steven Gerrard? I'm delighted and people like Jordan have something special about them, where you never write them off. At different times of his Liverpool career, someone has come in and you thought he might not play.

"[Alex] Oxlade-Chamberlain, central midfield, Naby Keita, big-money signing, young, lots of qualities but Jordan Henderson still plays. Playing for nine years at a club like Liverpool is testament to his abilities and personality.

"Whether player of the year or footballer of the year gets done this year, I'm not sure. I thought Sadio Mane was Liverpool's best player when the season stopped and I wouldn't change that view.

"In terms of who has been the outstanding footballer of the year, it's about more than what you do on the pitch, I don't think there's a more outstanding character than Jordan Henderson."

Move over Twitter, rest in peace Vine, there's a new king of the social media world.

In 2020, anybody who is anybody is on TikTok - the video-sharing app known for its collaborative videos, dance crazes and non-stop supply of memes.

Wherever a social media craze goes, footballers soon follow, and TikTok is no different.

Plenty have shown their creative side, particularly during lockdown in recent months.

Check out the list below for the best TikToks football has to offer - and make sure to follow Goal (@goalglobal) first of all!

Which football players are on TikTok?

@alphonsodavies

Can’t believe that worked ##fyp ##fypage

@viniciusjunior

@joaofelix79

##woah ##fyp @tiagotiago518 We almost had it�ª��‚�‚

@christianmpulisic

Quarantine vibes�º

@davidluiz_23

@hherrera16

Perdón @shanm165 pero con esta de Román no fallo ��»�Š�š�» ##golazo ##riquelme ##HH ##quedateencasa

Which football clubs are on TikTok?

Gabriel Jesus admits that he had much to learn when arriving at Manchester City, with the Brazilian revealing that he “loved pizza and burgers” before taking on a personal performance coach.

A highly-rated South American striker was taken to the Etihad Stadium during the winter transfer window of 2017.

Jesus was still a teenager at that time and was very much still learning his trade when it came to the demands and expectations placed on elite performers.

He was, however, to quickly learn the error his ways and has made a point of now ensuring that he is in the best possible shape on and off the field.

“Before I came to Manchester City, I worked differently at my old club Palmeiras. I came here and I stayed for the first year and I felt something different,” Jesus told Sky Sports.

“Pizza, bread, I loved all that. I loved burgers. That was all so bad for me and my body. But this was my life before Andre came.”

With his physical condition having been scrutinised by those in and out of Manchester – and with Pep Guardiola the most demanding of managers – Jesus moved to add Andre Cunha to his support team.

“I asked Manchester City if I could try to do something at home with somebody who could come to see me so I found Andre and he is a top guy, a top professional,” he added.

“He knows everything so he has helped me a lot. Now my nutrition is much better than before, for sure. I don't go crazy. I had to think ahead so I stopped with all that.

“Always in my life, I want to learn more, improve more, everything. On the pitch, it is the same. When I feel something is wrong with me, with my body, with my quality, I try to improve. So I found Andre. I think it was a very good decision in my life.”

Jesus has now taken in 138 appearances for City, recording 63 goals, and will be looking to hit the ground running when Premier League action resumes amid the coronavirus pandemic on June 17.

“I am very fit and I am ready to play with my friends,” he said. “We are ready because we are training so, so much. It is hard every day, every single day, every single session. We are training hard.

"Everybody knows this Premier League is done but we don't have to give up because we have the Champions League as well and the FA Cup. We have to do everything to stay fit and play good. I think everyone is ready.”

Bayern Munich head coach Hansi Flick has heaped praise upon in-form full-back Alphonso Davies ahead of Wednesday's DFB-Pokal semi-final.

Signed as a winger from Vancouver Whitecaps in January last year, the Canada star has developed into one of Europe's best left-backs this season and earned a contract extension until 2025.

The 19-year-old's form has helped Bayern to sustain their challenge for the treble in 2019-20, and Flick has no doubt he can get even better.

"Alphonso is doing outstandingly at the moment," Flick said at a press conference on Tuesday. "In addition to his speed on the pitch, he's very adept defensively. 

"Now, he's setting up goals in attack and has scored some himself. He's on a very good path. He's young - he can and wants to learn.

"Despite his young age, he's currently one of the top performers."

Bayern will come up against Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday, against whom they lost the 2018 final, but their 11-game winning run in all competitions places them as firm favourites to progress.

They beat Frankfurt 5-2 last month in the Bundesliga, too, although Flick is not prepared to underestimate their opponents.

"We approach the game like all the others," he said. "We are analysing Frankfurt for the third time in a season.

"We have to be very focused over 90 minutes, or longer in the cup. The team know about Frankfurt's strengths but also know about their own."

Another Bayern player to enjoy a strong run of performances since the return of German football last month is Leon Goretzka, who got a goal and an assist in last Saturday's 4-2 win at Bayer Leverkusen.

Flick thinks the midfielder reflects the positive team spirit within the squad.

"He has a healthy aggression and so wins the ball a lot, and then he can start dangerous attacks," he said.

"But I don't want to single out one man. The whole team is excellent off the ball and also with the ball. Everyone feels a responsibility without the ball, and everyone wants to support each other with it.

"Not having an atmosphere [in behind-closed-doors games] may also help, since we speak a lot with each other. You can tell on the bench how everyone is, too – they also want to support. I like that. It shows the team spirit."

Jadon Sancho's next step is "going to be a challenge", according to Gareth Southgate, who insists the Manchester United target is still "maturing".

The Borussia Dortmund attacker has emerged as one of the most sought-after young talents in European football since moving to Germany from Manchester City in 2017.

He is currently enjoying his best season yet at Westfalenstadion, having contributed 20 goals and 20 assists to BVB's cause in 40 outings across all competitions, and has also established himself as a regular in the England squad.

Sancho has been tipped for a return to his homeland this summer, with United reportedly ready to fork out a fee in excess of £100 million ($127m) to lure the winger to Old Trafford when the transfer window reopens.

Southgate has been keeping a close eye on the 20-year-old's progress in the Bundesliga, and says that although the ex-City starlet is "developing really well", he is still "learning the game".

The England manager also believes that the German top-flight pales in comparison to the Premier League, and that Sancho should look to follow the example of his international colleagues as he embarks on the next chapter of fledgling career.

"He's a very talented young player - that's clear. The Bundesliga is getting a lot of profile at the moment but it's no surprise to us," Southgate told Sky Sports .

"I think the interesting challenge is that Bayern [Munich] are the best team in the Bundesliga; RB Leipzig and Dortmund are performing well but the gap when you then work down the league is an interesting one when you compare it to the Premier League.

"The top teams have certainly been a challenge for English teams in the Champions League but the level I don't think is quite the same in Germany in terms of the depth because the finances aren't quite the same.

"Any step for Sancho is going to be a challenge but he's developing really well.

"If I look at his age and his contribution, he's learning the game, he's slowly maturing - there are bits he's still got to learn - and he has some fantastic role models in Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford, not only in terms of how they play but also their professionalism, their desire and hunger."

Football has slowly started resuming with the Bundesliga's return from May 16 and now with the LaLiga Santander set for a restart on Friday after the Coronavirus pandemic put a pause to action world over.

After France have ended the 2019-20 Ligue 1 season early, the Premier League and Serie A are still aiming for a June restarts. 

*All times are IST.

Friday, June 12

LaLiga returns after three months with the matchday 28 clash between Sevilla and Real Betis - the El Gran Derbi - and 109 of the remaining fixtures to compete this season's campaign.

Saturday, June 13

Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich continue with their Bundesliga title race wherein the later hold a seven-point advantage while more LaLiga encounters await.

*All Bundesliga matches can be streamed online on Disney+ Hotstar VIP

Sunday, June 14

FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are separated by just two points at the summit going into their weekend fixtures as Atletico Madrid hope to recover their standing.

*All Bundesliga matches can be streamed online on Disney+ Hotstar VIP

Monday, June 15

More action in the LaLiga!

More to follow...

You can also download the Goal Live Score App , available for both Android and iOS, to get real-time updates of all the matches.

Fiorentina star Federico Chiesa should ignore links with Manchester United and remain in Italy, according to Nuno Gomes.

United, Chelsea, Juventus and Inter have been among the European heavyweights credited with an interest in Chiesa ahead of the summer transfer window.

Gomes represented Fiorentina between 2000 and 2002, during which time he won the Coppa Italia, and thinks the Italy international would be best served by further development before leaving Serie A. 

However, the ex-Portugal forward also acknowledged that the 22-year-old has impressive experience for his age, and says he has the ability to play in the Premier League or La Liga should he wish to do so.

"In my opinion, a young player like him should stay in Italy," Gomes said to Stats Perform News.

"It would be his best choice. He is still 22 so another couple of seasons will make him improve before leaving to another country. 

"But for sure he would be ready for LaLiga or the Premier League. He has already been an international many times and has much experience under his belt in Serie A, a very tough league. 

"He will be ready for an adventure abroad but the choice must be his and Fiorentina's."

Chiesa has contributed six goals and three assists to Fiorentina's Serie A cause this season, the highest totals in both categories across the entire squad for 2019-20.

Gomes played alongside Chiesa's father, Enrico, during his time with La Viola, and sees plenty of similarities with his former team-mate.

"When I watch Federico, I see his father Enrico who was such a great striker," added Gomes.

"I have almost never seen anybody shooting like him. His eyes were always set on the target to strike, he was amazing at set pieces. Left or right foot, the shot was so easy for him. 

"When I watch Federico I see a bit of his father, the style, the speed, the easy way at shooting without any preparation and a powerful kick like his father. A lot in Federico resembles his dad Enrico."

Chiesa will be back in action with Fiorentina when Serie A resumes later this month, as Giuseppe Lachini's look ahead to a meeting with Brescia on June 22.

Cristiano Ronaldo has improved a lot at Juventus after initially struggling to adapt to the demands of Serie A football, according to Nuno Gomes.

Ronaldo has scored 21 goals in 22 league games this season, the same tally he reached in 31 appearances in 2018-19 - his first term in Italy following his €112 million (£100m/$127m) move from Real Madrid.

Although only Ciro Immobile can match Ronaldo on 42 goals in the past two Serie A seasons, it has been suggested the 35-year-old's spectacular scoring prowess is on the wane, as he never failed to score fewer than 26 league goals per season during his nine years with Real Madrid.

Gomes, though, believes Ronaldo is actually getting better as he has become more used to the strong defences in Italy's top flight.

The former Fiorentina and Portugal striker, who spent two years in Italy after leaving Benfica in 2000, told Stats Perform News: "For a while, Serie A has not been at its usual level.

"Before 2000 and until 2005, all the best players were in Italy. Italian clubs were so strong and, in the nineties, they almost won every year [in Europe], the managers were of the highest level.

"I experienced a lot of difficulties at the beginning because there was a lot less space to attack than in Portugal.

"Italian defenders were tactically so good and were able to do everything the manager requested.

"The defensive system is a united block, they all move together and even Cristiano struggled a bit when he arrived.

"He was used to drawing the ball to him, having space and time to think, while in Italy you have to be quicker in your mind, you have to think football.

"Cristiano understood that and adapted and in so doing he improved. He saw he had to change his ways with less space than in Spain.

"So, he got closer to the box to maybe think more about scoring. He improved a lot."

Juve's season is set to resume on Friday when they face Milan in the second leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final, with the aggregate score at 1-1.

The Serie A leaders will then face Bologna on June 22 in their first league game since the competition was suspended due to the coronavirus crisis in March.

Lautaro Martinez and Lionel Messi teaming up at Barcelona would have a positive impact on Argentina, according to the national team's assistant coach Roberto Ayala.

Having scored 16 goals in 31 appearances for Inter in 2019-20, Lautaro is a target for La Liga champions Barca and it was last week reported he had agreed a five-year deal at Camp Nou.

Former Napoli, Milan and Valencia centre-back Ayala has been impressed by the 22-year-old's development under Antonio Conte this season and the partnership he has struck up with Romelu Lukaku.

With the coronavirus pandemic meaning the Copa America has been postponed until 2021, Ayala thinks Lautaro potentially playing with six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi at club level next term would be of huge benefit to Argentina.

The South American heavyweights have not won a senior international trophy since 1993, with Messi on the losing side in four finals during his career.

"The more matches they play together, the more they can get to know each other, it can be an advantage [for Argentina]," Ayala told Ole.

"But we will have to see if Lautaro plays for Barcelona or not because we can't forget [Luis] Suarez is there. We will see.

"It's an important decision Lautaro will have to make. Whatever he decides you have to respect because he's managing his career.

"The more chances of them playing together, the more they're going to understand each other.

"Lautaro is in a very important club at the moment and scoring goals in Italy is not easy.

"At Inter he's grown a lot and learned to earn his place. Inter trust in him a lot, his coach is empowering him, he found a partnership that complements him very well."

Inter are set to play their first game in over three months with a Coppa Italia semi-final against Napoli on Saturday, having lost the first leg 1-0 before football was suspended amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Lautaro and company will be back in Serie A action eight days later, with Sampdoria set to arrive at San Siro in a must-win clash for Conte's side.

Inter are currently third in the Italian top flight, nine points behind leaders Juventus with a game in hand, and cannot afford any slip-ups in their final 13 games.

Former Mumbai City FC defender Anwar Ali has labelled Uruguayan football legend Diego Forlan as the most inspiring leader he has played with.

The 35-year-old Indian defender, who has 33 caps with the national team, and has represented the likes of JCT, Dempo, Delhi Dynamos, Mohun Bagan, Mumbai FC, East Bengal, ATK and Punjab FC during his illustrious career, interacted with Twitter users and answered their questions on Tuesday. 

He was part of the Mumbai City side that topped the Indian Super League (ISL) league table in 2016, with Forlan playing a key role in making it happen.

“During both my season at Mumbai City, we had so many leaders in the dressing room. But I think the one that stands out the most is Diego Forlan. Being on the same team and learning so much from him was the best experience in my career so far,” he said.

The centre-back reminisced arguably one of the best campaigns in the team's history and called it his best memory in a Mumbai City shirt. He also named his then-teammate Matias Defederico the best player he has played alongside.

“(The best moment) has to be topping the table and making the semifinals in 2016. It was the first semifinal in Mumbai City's history too and that made it even more special for me.

“There were so many (great players) but if I have to pick one, it will be Matias Defederico from our 2016 side,” Anwar responded when asked about the best player he has played with.

A compliment for a striker carries an added weight of credibility when it arrives from a centre-back. Anwar showered ace goal-scorer Odafa Okolie with praise when he named him the toughest player he has played against.

The Nigerian forward was the top-scorer of the I-League for three consecutive seasons between 2007-2010.

“As a defender, we've had a tough time facing strikers. I think the toughest one I have played against in my life was Odafa Okolie,” he said.

The veteran had words of praise for Sandesh Jhingan and expressed his desire to partner the India international defence. Portuguese and former Chennaiyin FC defender Henrique Sereno was another name that popped up.

Among the youngsters, it was Sarthak Golui and Sumit Rathi who were recipients of encouraging words from the Punjab defender.

“Among the Indians, Sandesh Jhingan. And Lucian Goian from the foreigners,” he replied when asked about his favourite defender in the ISL.

“(I would like to play with) Sandesh Jhingan - we played together at United Sikkim, it was when he was very young. It would be nice to play with him now. (Also) Henrique Sereno - he's a top-class defender, very experienced & well-respected world over and I would've liked to play alongside him too.

“Sarthak (Golui) is definitely one (player who has impressed). If I have to pick outside of Mumbai, Sumit Rathi from ATK,” he concluded.

Manchester United have been warned off moves for Saul Niguez and Jack Grealish, with Dimitar Berbatov baffled as to why the Red Devils are considering investing more funds in a midfield unit that has Paul Pogba back fit and Bruno Fernandes starring.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is said to be in the market for more ball-playing talent when the next transfer window swings open.

Aston Villa playmaker Grealish has been a long-standing target for the Red Devils, with an official approach expected once the 2019-20 campaign comes to a close.

Spain international Saul has emerged as another potential option to fill a deeper role in United’s engine room, with assistance being sought for January addition Fernandes.

He will get that from World Cup winner Pogba when competitive action resumes, with the Frenchman having shaking off the niggling knocks which have been holding him back.

If an £89 million ($113m) asset is able to prove his worth alongside Fernandes – who has hit the ground running in English football – then Berbatov sees no reason why United would want to splash out on reinforcing a department in which they are already well stocked.

The former Red Devils striker told Betfair: “Manchester United have been linked with Saul Niguez from Atletico Madrid again, and for me looking at the situation, Pogba is back, Fernandes is there, they have [Scott] McTominay who needs to play regularly because he's young and is doing so well, [Juan] Mata is there, [Nemanja] Matic is there who is great at what he does, and to put one more in the mix is only okay if you are going to use them and have them playing regularly because that transfer will probably cost a lot of money.

“In my opinion, I think they have enough quality in the team anyway, especially with Pogba coming back, but maybe Solskjaer has a different decision and he has decided that they need someone to strengthen there.

“There have also been reports about United being interested in Jack Grealish, last week [Jadon] Sancho was their top target, this week it's Grealish, next week it will be somebody else.

“There are so many players associated with a move to United at the moment, it is a good thing I suppose and for the players it boosts their reputation.

“I can see Grealish being a better fit at United than someone else, he is used to the Premier League and he is producing great goals and assists. But, he is similar to Fernandes, Pogba and Mata in a way and you don't want too much similarity in your team.

“With all these names mentioned it is going to be interesting to see if they actually sign any of them or maybe nobody will go because for me they have enough midfield players.

“Once they have finished this season, and players are out of contract or leave, then they may need someone. But if all of them stay, and they buy two more, then they will have to let a couple go, or if players aren't happy then they need to go to the manager and tell them they aren't happy with all other players in the same position.”

Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns will have to wait for a new date for their Shell Helix Ultra Cup match.  

According to Stadium Management South Africa, the one-day tournament has been postponed until further notice. 

This is due to the coronavirus pandemic as well as the delay by the South African Football Association (Safa), the PSL as well as the government to find solutions on the immediate future of football in the country. 

The government has allowed contact sport to resume training but the season remains suspended as the league awaits the go-ahead to open doors for players to return to the training grounds. 

The annual event was launched two seasons ago and both Chiefs and Sundowns came on board to play part in the initiative. 

While it was played in the off-season in 2018 when Sundowns beat Chiefs 2-1 at the FNB Stadium, the organisers moved the match to October in 2019 due to the Africa Cup of Nations tournament which took place in Egypt. 

Sundowns failed to defend their title as they were thumped 4-2 by a rather ruthless Chiefs team last year.  

The Shell Helix Cup is a pre-season friendly between the two high-profile clubs - and it has given certain players an opportunity to impress their coaches. 

Leonardo Castro, in particular, used last year's match against his former club to win the hearts of Amakhosi and force his way into Ernst Middendorp's starting line-up after being sidelined for the first few games of the 2019/20 season.

On the other hand, Sundowns gave as many of their fringe players a chance to stake a claim in Pitso Mosimane, including Aubrey Ngoma and Oupa Manyisa - but the majority of them didn't come to the party. 

Unfortunately for Manyisa, that was the match where he suffered a long-term injury - and his lack of game time this season could cost him a place in the Sundowns squad for next season, especially with his contract set to expire

NorthEast United FC assistant coach Khalid Jamil suggested that the club is trying to sign as many local players as possible for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) 2020-21 season.

The Highlanders have not been as busy as other ISL clubs in the transfer window this time but Jamil suggested that the club is in no hurry to sign players as they still have a lot of time left in the transfer window that only ends on August 31, 2020.

During an online chat with the club, Jamil spoke about their plans for the upcoming season. He said, “We have signed some Indian players. We have taken some local boys. Our target is to get as many local boys as possible. We are also looking at some foreign players. But we are not in a hurry. We still have a lot of time.”

The Mumbai-based coach who is also the head of youth development at NorthEast suggested that they had started scouting for the youth teams as well as their reserves side but due to the nationwide lockdown amidst the Coronavirus pandemic, their activities got halted.

“Before the lockdown, we had started scouting for the U-13, U-15, U-18 and also the reserve team. After the lockdown, we will resume the process again.”

Jamil had taken charge of the club as their interim head coach for the final three matches of the ISL last season after Robert Jarni parted ways with the club. The Highlanders ended the season at the ninth position on the league table.

Speaking about the team’s poor performance last year, the former East Bengal coach said, “Last year the circumstances were different. Unfortunately due to injuries to key players we suffered. But this year we will work hard and aim for a play-offs spot.”

NorthEast United have signed midfielder Rochharzela from Aizawl FC this season and coach Khalid Jamil heaped praise on the 21-year-old midfielder. He even suggested that the youngster is worthy enough to replace Redeem Tlang who left the club to join FC Goa.

“Rochharzela is a very good player. He was with me at Aizawl FC. I think he can be a good replacement for Redeem (Tlang).”

Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has aired his regret at pushing so hard for the introduction of current Financial Fair Play regulations and is not convinced that a move towards MLS-style salary caps would work in Europe.

Restrictions on how much any given side can spend over the course of any given three-year window were implemented in a bid to stop teams from living beyond their means.

Loopholes have been found, though, with action – such as the two-year European ban Manchester City are currently contesting – often doing little to counter the problems which still exist.

Wenger concedes that the rich are getting richer and rivals who are forced to abide by the rules being left further and further behind – with the financial implications of the Covid-19 pandemic doing nobody any favours.

“I did fight a lot for Financial Fair Play,” Wenger, who was famed for his frugal approach to recruitment across 22 years at Arsenal, told The Athletic on the current state of football.

“What I regret is that when I did fight, teams were allowed to do what they wanted and these teams are in charge now in strong positions in the league.

“They are, of course, now supportive of financial fair play because it suits them. But they do not want anybody new to come in and be a threat. 

“Maybe we should open the door by being very cautious ethically. To create more flexibility in results, maybe we have to open the door or make sure everyone has the same resources.

“It is too predictable now. For example, in France, before the championship starts, everybody asks, ‘Who will be second?’”

Wenger believes solutions can be found which will help to level the playing field, but the Frenchman is not convinced that an American model can be followed – with salary caps used across major sports in the United States such as MLS, NBA and NFL.

 “Yes, I’m convinced UEFA is conscious of that,” Wenger added on what can be done.

“Although I am not completely convinced a salary cap works.

“People speak of salary caps in America but you have, in the same team, someone who makes $5 million and another who makes $50,000. That also doesn’t work.”

Wenger is FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, with the 70-year-old – who appears to have brought a distinguished coaching career to a close – in a position where he can impact the direction in which football heads from this point.