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Former Gil Vincente and Rayo Vallecano striker Henry Makinwa has hinted at what Chelsea must do before signing Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku.

Having scored 24 goals in 36 games for the Nerazzurri as they picked up the Serie A title last season, the striker has been linked with a move to some of Europe’s biggest clubs – including his former team.

Although Inter claimed they would not be keen on selling their prized asset, they could let the 28-year-old return to Stamford Bridge if they make an offer in the region of €120m (£102m/$142m) after rejecting the Blues' bid of €100m (£85m/$118m).

As the 2021-22 season inches closer, the reigning European kings are in the hunt for a new striker, following the departure of Olivier Giroud to AC Milan.

Weighing in on this transfer news, the former striker would prefer Lukaku to remain in Italy where he is "a demi-god".

However, he has offered the English side some useful tips if they are set on signing him.

“At the moment, he is a demi-god at Inter Milan and he is doing perfectly well. I would prefer him to stay back,” the former Abia Warriors and Katsina United boss told Goal.

“However, all depends on the [Thomas] Tuchel. He knows Lukaku so well and if he can solve their goalscoring problems, he should go for him.

“Even at this, it does not always depend on the player’s qualities but the tactical approach of a coach always determines the kind of players he would want in his team

“Top clubs in Europe have contrasting style of play and if Lukaku would be bought [for that high amount], Chelsea must consider so many factors.

“Is he a team player? Can he interpret all tactical concepts perfectly well? Can he play and adapt quickly to the style of the manager?

“All these dictates if he should return to Stamford Bridge or not. Remember, he was in that same team under [Jose] Mourinho, however, he was not fantastic while at Inter became a strong attacking force.”

Lukaku joined Chelsea from Anderlecht in 2011 but was unable to secure a place in the first team.

He was loaned to West Bromwich Albion for a year in 2012 and then went to Everton thereafter.

Lukaku then joined the Toffees on a permanent deal, leaving Chelsea with just 15 competitive appearances to his name and no goals.

Fifa has handed former Caf president Issa Hayatou a one-year ban from all football-related activities. 

Hayatou, 74, was found guilty for getting involved in the Lagardere Sports deal over the media and marketing rights of competitions organised by Caf while he was president of the African football ruling body.

Aside from the ban, the Cameroonian was hit with a fine of thirty thousand Swiss Franc (CHF 30,000).

According to the adjudicatory chamber of the independent Ethics Committee, the former interim Fifa boss breached article 15 (Duty of Loyalty) of the Fifa Code of Ethics.

“The investigation into Mr Hayatou’s conduct in his position as Caf president concerned his involvement in the negotiation, conclusion and signature of the memorandum of understanding and contractual agreement for the commercialisation of media and marketing rights of competitions organised by Caf with the company Lagardere Sports between 2014 and 2017,” a statement from Fifa website read.

“Based on information gathered by the investigatory chamber, Mr Hayatou had breached his duty of loyalty in his position as Caf president, by entering, in the name and on behalf of the confederation, into an anti-competitive agreement with Lagardere Sport which was detrimental and caused significant damage to Caf (both financially, in the amount of EGP 200 million, as well as to its reputation).

“Consequently, the adjudicatory chamber found that Mr Hayatou had breached article 15 of the current edition of the Fifa Code of Ethics and sanctioned him with a ban from taking part in any kind of football-related activity at both national and international level (administrative, sports or any other) for one year.”

This sanction takes effect from August 3 and that means that he will not be involved in January's Africa Cup of Nations that will be held in his homeland.

In June, Fifa also handed the former vice-president of the Caf, Constant Omari, a one-year ban from all football-related activities. 

He was found guilty of receiving aid from Lagardere during discussions between Caf and the French media outfit.

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

Nigeria prospect Bobby Adekanye and Algeria international Mohamed Fares have been cut from the Lazio squad for the 2021-22 campaign by manager Maurizio Sarri

Sarri was named as the White and Sky Blues boss in June following the exit of Simone Inzaghi, who was recently hired by Inter Milan.

Under his watch, the former Chelsea boss would be aiming to lead the Stadio Olimpico giants to a satisfactory outing when the season commences. However, he will do that without the Africans.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport per Goal, Adekanye and Fares did not impress the veteran tactician during the ongoing pre-season campaign.

Consequently, they were axed from the squad of players that will head to Germany to continue preparations for their Italian elite division challenge.

Born in Ibadan to Nigerian parents, Adekanye migrated to the European country at the age of four.

Although he has represented the Netherlands at U16, U17 and U20 level, the 22-year-old forward remains eligible to represent three-time Africa Cup of Nations winners at the senior level.

After his youth career at Ajax, Barcelona, PSV Eindhoven and Liverpool, he moved to Lazio on July 3, 2019, where he was handed his first professional contract.

On September 19, 2019, he made his debut during the club’s Uefa Europa League fixture versus CFR Cluj. Ten days later, he made his Italian top-flight bow against Genoa.

Adekanye’s inability to tie down a regular place in the two-time Italian champions’ squad saw him loaned to Spanish elite division side Cadiz CF.

At the Nuevo Mirandilla, he made 33 La Liga appearances for the Yellow Submarine.

In the second half of the 2020-21 season, he was loaned to Dutch Eredivisie side ADO Den Haag. At the Cars Jeans Stadium, he featured in 14 league games with two goals to his credit.

On the other side, Algeria international Fares joined Lazio on a five-year deal after impressing at SPAL.

He did not impose himself in Inzaghi’s squad last season despite playing 29 games between Serie A, Coppa Italia and the Champions League.

Lazio finished sixth in Serie A last season and will play in the Europa League next season.

As the 2020 Olympic tournament in Tokyo begins to wind down, the Men's and Women's football finals have taken shape.

With the Olympic football semi-final matches now over, the gold and bronze medals are left to be played for.

Goal has what you need to know about which teams are playing, when the matches are, how to watch them and more.

On this page

When is the Olympic Men's Gold medal match: Spain vs Brazil?

The Olympic Men's Gold medal match between Spain vs Brazil will take place on Saturday August 7 at 12:30pm BST (7:30am ET).

Spain booked their spot in the Olympic football final at the International Yokohama Stadium after Marco Asensio scored the only goal of the game in extra-time against Japan, ending in a 1-0 victory.

Brazil, meanwhile, secured their place through penalties in a 4-1 shootout victory over Mexico after the game ended 0-0 after extra-time.

When is the Olympic Men's Bronze medal match: Japan vs Mexico?

The Olympic Bronze Gold medal match between Japan vs Mexico will take place on Friday August 6 at 12pm BST (7am ET).

Japan will face off against Mexico after failing to beat Spain in the semi-finals, with Mexico having lost to Brazil.

When is the Olympic Women's Gold medal match: Sweden vs Canada?

The Olympic Women's Gold medal match between Sweden vs Canada will take place on Friday August 6 at 3am BST (10pm ET on Thursday August 5).

Fridolina Rolfo's goal for Sweden sent them through to the Women's Olympic football final as they defeated Australia 1-0.

Canada pulled a major upset over rivals U.S. Women's National Team in a shock 1-0 victory, Jessie Fleming's second-half penalty breaking the hearts of Carli Lloyd, Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan and co.

The two will face off for the gold medal prize at Tokyo National Stadium.

When is the Olympic Women's Bronze medal match: USWNT vs Australia?

The Olympic Men's Gold medal match between USWNT and Australia will take place on Thursday August 5 at 9am BST (4am ET).

The USWNT may have been gunning for gold, but the best they can attempt for this Olympic tournament is a bronze medal against Australia.

The USWNT will take on Australia in Kashima Soccer Stadium. 

SuperSport United coach Kaitano says reports linking midfielders Teboho Mokoena and Sipho Mbule with Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns are affecting their focus.

The agents of Mokoena and Mbule have both confirmed Chiefs and Sundowns’ interest in the players but nothing has materialised so far.

For some time now, the duo has been a subject of transfer rumours and their coach says it has become "annoying" as he feels it distracts his midfielders.

“Sometimes these links can be annoying especially when it comes to the focus of the players,” Tembo told Phakaaathi.

“Players are also human beings and at some point it can frustrate them but it is our job to make sure that we keep them focused because they are still SuperSport players until something happens then we can start talking about that.

“The players know that they have to continue committing themselves to being SuperSport players and they have been doing that and they have been doing well all these years. 

“These talks have been going on for quite some time but the players have remained focused and there’s always been progress in terms of their development. Their attitude at training is still the same and it makes it a lot better.”

If the two leave, it would further deplete SuperSport who have already lost Grant Kekana to Mamelodi Sundowns.

They have also released Zimbabwean striker Evans Rusike and Lucky Mohomi but are yet to sign any players.

“We have to stay positive as a team regardless of who left. For us, it is to focus on the players that we have and we plan properly so that they are ready for the season,” added Tembo.

“As coaches, we do have players who we want to sign and beef up the squad here and there but at the same time, what is important is to try and work within our means and get the best of what we have.

“We have players who are part of the team and we believe in them. Our energy should also reflect that as management and coaching staff so we can get the best out of them.”

SuperSport have been promoting development players to the senior team to make up for being inactive on the transfer market so far.

The LA Galaxy announced on Tuesday that Landon Donovan is set to become the second club legend to be honored with a statue outside of their home stadium, Dignity Health Sports Park.

Donovan, who currently coaches San Diego Loyal in the USL, will join David Beckham in being immortalized outside of the stadium, with the Inter Miami owner seeing his statue unveiled back in 2019.

The former U.S. men's national team star's unveiling will be held on October 3, when he will also be inducted into the club's Ring of Honor.

What was said?

“Growing up, I never would have imagined being honored with a statue. It’s a very special feeling of which I’m incredibly proud,” said Donovan. “I spent some of the most formative years of my life with the Galaxy and the club’s fans are a part of my family. I’m proud to share a moment like this with them.”

Added Galaxy president Chris Klein: “We look forward to honoring one of the most impactful players in LA Galaxy, Major League Soccer and U.S. Men’s National Team history. Landon helped our club claim four MLS Cup titles and set numerous records for both club and country. He has played a pivotal role in establishing the LA Galaxy as the league’s most iconic and successful club. We are excited to welcome him back home for this special occasion.”

Donovan's Galaxy career

Donovan is one of the all-time greats in American soccer, with many seeing him as the greatest player in USMNT history.

He's also arguably the best to ever play in MLS, as he won four MLS Cup titles (2005, 2011, 2012, 2014), two Supporters’ Shields (2010, 2011) and a U.S Open Cup (2005) during his time with the Galaxy.

Donovan also provided a team-record 113 goals and 107 assists in 253 regular-season games played for the Galaxy while becoming the club's all-time playoff leader in games played, starts, goals and assists.

Prior to his time with the Galaxy, Donovan also won two MLS Cup titles with the San Jose Earthquakes, while his career ended with him as the league's leader in regular-season assists with 136, regular-season goals with 145, playoff goals with 25 and playoff assists with 15.

A two-time Most Valuable Player honoree, the award was renamed the Landon Donovan MVP in 2015.

Who else is in the Galaxy's Ring of Honor?

By being named to the Galaxy's Ring of Honor, Donovan joins the likes of Beckham, Mauricio Cienfuegos, Doug Hamilton and Cobi Jones in achieving legendary status with the club.

Further reading

Inhulets Petrove are still in contention for a place in Europe next season despite their stuttering start to the 2021-2 season, says Stephen Gopey.

After two games in the ongoing campaign, Inhulets have failed to garner any points, which have put manager Serhiy Lavrynenko under pressure.

Despite a brave performance against Shakhtar Donetsk, the Ukrainian top-flight outfit bowed 2-1 in Kyiv last week.

They suffered an embarrassing 5-1 loss at home to Zorya Luhansk on Monday evening – with Vladyslav Kochergin finding the net on three occasions.

Although they languish in the 15th position on the long, the former Wikki Tourist star expects his team to push on and re-establish themselves as contenders for a place in either the Champions League or Europa League.

“We went into the game hoping to record our first win of the season, but after full time the was not the case,” Gopey told Goal.

“Only our coaches can point out where we got things wrong and hopefully, they would be corrected in our next outing.

“It is still too early to write us off because the Ukrainian Premier League is just two weeks old and the two teams, we have played so far will be playing in Europe this season.

“Shakhtar Donetsk will be playing in the Champions League while Zorya Luhansk are playing in the Europa League.

“Going by this, you will realise that they are a bigger and stronger team than ours.

“Besides, 80 percent of players in my teams are new signings and once we gel very well, we will be a team no team would want to face.

"That would help us push harder to achieve our dreams of either playing in the Champions League or Europa League next season.”

Due to his impressive displays in the Nigeria Professional Football League, the youngster was signed by the Ukrainian elite division side on a three-year contract.

He opened up on what he intends to achieve with the Kirovohrad Oblast-based outfit at the end of the season.

“This is my first season in Europe and hopefully if I am able to get at least 10 goals in all competitions, then I will be the happiest man on earth,” he continued.

“The Ukrainian league is a tough one but if I keep working hard, that is a realistic goal to achieve.”

Inhulets would be hoping to return to winning ways when they face Desna Chernihiv in their next league outing on August 9.

Chippa United coach Gavin Hunt appears to have moved on from a frustrating stint at Kaizer Chiefs, but argues “football has no style of play” after remarks suggesting he might not establish a defined game identity at his new club.

Hunt spent nine largely disappointing months at Chiefs and left the club while facing the threat of Premier Soccer League relegation but in the semi-finals of the Caf Champions League.

He is now at a club with a reputation of frequently changing coaches but has so far enjoyed life in Port Elizabeth.

“We are still looking at a few players, obviously we need to get a squad you know. There are a couple of trialists at the moment‚” said Hunt as per Sowetan Live.

“We will be ready for the start of the season but we need players. We will have to take it one game at a time when the season starts and see what happens. For me personally, it has been fine since I arrived at Chippa, no problems at all. This is one of those things that happen in football.”

In an interview with Chippa's media department, the championship-winning coach argues that “football is football” with no distinctive style of play. 

While under Hunt, Chiefs struggled to have a unique playing identity.

The decorated coach is sometimes known for his radical approaches like not being a fan of video analysis and GPS vests.

“We are trying to make the fitness levels up obviously. It’s pre-season and we are also trying to look for a few combinations so it’s a bit of a mixture,” Hunt said.

“It’s not about the style [of play]. Football has no style of play. Football is football. Once we nail down the core of the players, we can certainly work on certain things we are trying to do and implement. 

“Game intelligence is something we certainly need to work on. Game intelligence is quite wide, we need to get a little bit clever in how we play the game and we have to have one or two ways of doing things. We also need some diversity when game situations give you different scenarios.

“We have to understand that. That takes working with players who are going to play. We have a few trialists here which is quite unique but something I am used to and expected.”

Liverpool star Fabinho has committed his future to Anfield by signing a fresh five-year contract extension, the club confirmed on Tuesday. 

The Brazilian, 27, joined Liverpool in 2018 and has proved a valuable utility player for the Reds, filling in at centre-back or right-back as well as his favoured midfield role. 

And after helping Jurgen Klopp ease the injury crisis suffered in defence last season he has been rewarded with a new deal that will run until 2026.

What was said? 

"Fabinho has signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool FC," the club signalled on its official website. 

"The midfielder put pen to paper on fresh terms at the Reds' pre-season training camp in Evian on Tuesday."

Fabinho added: "I'm delighted to have signed a new contract with the club. Since the beginning of the conversation, I was really positive about it because it's what I wanted – staying in this club, keep playing for Liverpool. Now this is official and I'm really happy.

"These last three seasons I've been really happy here. I learned a lot with the manager, with all the staff, with the boys as well.

"We achieved things together and for me I think it's the best place to be, the best place to keep growing, to keep learning from the staff, from the boys. Hopefully we will keep achieving good things.

 "The manager and the staff are pushing us for this because they know our capacity, they know our quality.

"Personally, as I say, I want to be the best for the team, I want to be an important piece in this team – not just as a player but as a leader as well. Keep learning from the boys and the staff and be the best I can.

"We know with these players we can go really far in all the competitions. In the last year we didn't win any trophies, so I think everyone is hungry to win more trophies, win more things, to keep our fans happy. Hopefully we will do this this season."

Who's next? 

Having closed a deal with Fabinho, Liverpool are now looking to tie a handful of fellow senior first-teamers to extension in order to keep together Klopp's famed Reds. 

Alisson, Virgil van Dijk - who is on the mend after missing almost the entire 2020-21 season through injury - Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson are the club's priorities for renewal.

It has otherwise been a quiet summer for Liverpool, with ex-RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate their sole signing to date. 

On the departure front, Georginio Wijnaldum left for Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer while the club has also looked to raise funds with the sale of various fringe players, including young striker Harry Wilson who moved to Fulham. 

Further reading 

UEFA has confirmed that it will pursue disciplinary action against the English Football Association (FA) due to the incidents that marred the Euro 2020 final at Wembley. 

The clash in July, won by Italy against the hosts on penalties following a 1-1 draw at extra time, was overshadowed by violent disturbances in and outside the stadium as well as at several gathering points for supporters across central London. 

And following an investigation, the European governing body plans to sanction the FA for its fans' behaviour. 

What was said? 

"Following an investigation conducted by a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector into the events involving supporters which occurred inside and around the stadium during the UEFA EURO 2020 final match between the national teams of Italy and England played on 11 July at Wembley Stadium, London, disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the English Football Association for a potential violation of Article 16(2)(h) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations for a lack of order or discipline by its supporters," UEFA signalled in a statement released on Tuesday. 

The bigger picture

As well as this latest charge, England were also charged with four other infractions revealed by UEFA in the aftermath of the Euro 2020 final in July. 

The offences under investigation are: 

• Invasion of the field of play by its supporters - Article 16(2)(a) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (DR)

• Throwing of objects by its supporters - Article 16(2)(b) DR

• Disturbance caused by its supporters during the national anthem - Article 16(2)(g) DR

• Lighting of a firework by its supporters - Article 16(2)(c) DR

The FA has additionally begun its own independent review of the incidents, stating at the time: "A key emphasis of the findings will be to ensure that lessons are learned and such disgraceful scenes are never able to be repeated. We continue to work with the relevant authorities in support of their efforts to identify those responsible and hold them to account."

Further reading

The 2021/22 South African football season is about to officially start with the MTN8 setting it off as fans anticipate what the new term will offer them.

All four quarter-finals are scheduled to take place on August 14, 2021 headlined by the Kaizer Chiefs vs Mamelodi Sundowns fixture. 

What is the MTN8?

The MTN8 is a knockout competition featuring eight teams that finished in the top half of the Premier Soccer League table the previous season.

It marks the start of the South African football calendar before league games commence.

This cup competition has been around since 1972 under different sponsorship titles but since 2008, mobile telecommunications company MTN has been the sponsor.

Previously, it was referred to as the BP Top 8 and then SAA Supa 8. 

An R8 million prize money will be pocketed by the winner. 

Who are the previous MTN 8 winners? 

Kaizer Chiefs are the most successful team in this competition with 15 titles but have not won it since 2014 after clinching their first crown in 1974.

Amakhosi are followed by their Soweto rivals Orlando Pirates who are the second most successful team with 10 titles.

Pirates are the defending champions, interestingly, having also been the tournament’s inaugural champions in 1972.

Mamelodi Sundowns, SuperSport United, Swallows FC and Bidvest Wits share three titles each.

Bloemfontein Celtic, Golden Arrows and Cape Town City are some other current PSL teams to have previously been crowned MTN8 champions, each winning it once.

How can I watch the games?

TV channels to broadcast MTN8 matches have not yet been officially confirmed.

But some SuperSport TV channels and SABC are likely to air the games.

Who makes up this season's tournament? 

Eight teams that finished in the PSL top-eight last season will tussle it out for honours.

Mamelodi Sundowns, AmaZulu, Orlando Pirates, Golden Arrows, Swallows FC, SuperSport United, Cape Town City and Kaizer Chiefs will participate in this season’s competition.

Here are the quarter-finals fixtures:

Mamelodi Sundowns vs Kaizer Chiefs (Lucas Moripe Stadium)

Orlando Pirates vs Swallows FC (Orlando Stadium)

AmaZulu vs Cape Town City (King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium)

Golden Arrows vs SuperSport United (Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium)

Kick-off time for all games is currently set at 13.00 South African time.

AFC Leopards' woes in the FKF Premier League took continued as they fell 2-1 to Nairobi City Stars on Tuesday.

Goals from Ezekiel Odera and Nicholas Kipkirui were enough to down the visitors, who scored their goal through Washington Munene.

Ingwe came into the match hoping to get a win to replace the three points deducted by the League and Competitions Committee owing to their failure to turn up for last weekend's Mashemeji Derby against rivals Gor Mahia.

Having won the reverse clash by a solitary goal, the 13-time champions came into the match as favourites.

However, the hosts had other ideas, and it showed from the way they started the game - they tried to attack Ingwe with every opportunity that came their way.

But the first chance of the game came in the 22nd minute when Ingwe won a free-kick just outside the danger zone.

The returning Marvin Nabwire was fouled, Elvis Rupia stepped up but his free-kick was deflected out for an unfruitful corner. 

Stars broke the deadlock in the 35th minute. A good cross in the danger zone fell to former Leopards striker Odera who had no problem beating Benjamin Ochan in goal.

Two minutes later, the visitors came close but Nabwire's effort hit the woodwork and the ball bounced out to safety.

Despite increased attacks, it was the former champions who went to the half-time break a goal down. 

Leopards increased their tempo after the break and they were rewarded in the 63rd minute. Stars conceded a free-kick and Munene stepped up, expertly beat the wall and watched as the ball sailed into the back of the net.

But five minutes later, Ingwe were trailing again, this time around it was former Gor Mahia winger Kipkirui who made a good run and wrong-footed Ochan.

The goal set up a tense finale but Stars held on to avenge the first-round loss.

Nairobi City Stars XI: Steve Njunge, Bolton Omwenga, Kennedy Onyango, Wycliffe Otieno, Kevin Okumu, Elvis Noor, Anthony Kimani, Timothy Ouma, Nicholas Kipkirui, Davis Agesa, Ezekiel Odera 

Subs: Jacob Osano, Calvins Opollo, Edwin Buliba, Herit Atariza, Sven Yidah, Charles Otieno, Erick Ombija, John Kamau, Vincent Otieno.  

AFC Leopards XI: Benjamin Ochan, Collins Shivachi, Washington Munene, Mudenyu Robert, Isaac Kipyegon, Said Tsuma, Harrison Mwendwa, Marvin Omondi, Elvis Rupia, Brian Wanyama, Peter Thiong'o 

Subs: John Oyemba, Yusuf Mainge, Dan Sunguti, Austin Odhiambo, Hansel Ochieng, Caleb Olilo, Shaka Bienvenue, Omar Somoebwana, Bonface Mukhekhe

Spain will face Brazil in the Olympics Men's football final after penalty and extra-time drama in the semi-finals.

La Roja booked their spot in the showpiece event by beating tournament hosts Japan 1-0 on Tuesday.

Marco Asensio scored the only goal of the game in extra time to set up a final meeting with Brazil at the International Yokohama Stadium, with the Selecao having defeated Mexico on penalties.

Spain edge past hosts

Japan took Spain all the way to extra time in their last-four clash, sticking to a disciplined defensive shape while looking for opportunities to hit their opponents on the break.

La Roja were denied a penalty after a VAR review, but neither side really looked like breaking the deadlock in the first 90 minutes, and extra time was needed to find a winner.

Asensio ultimately proved to be the matchwinner in the 116th minute, receiving the ball just inside the box before curling a beautiful strike into the far corner of the net.

How did Brazil reach the final?

Brazil's route to the final was even tougher, as they were taken to penalties by Mexico following a 0-0 draw after 120 minutes.

The Selecao ended up winning the shootout 4-1 thanks to successful spot-kicks from Dani Alves , Gabriel Martinelli , Bruno Guimares and Reinier , advancing to their second successive Olympics final in the process.

When will the final be played?

The final will take place at 11.30am (BST) on Saturday, August 7, at the International Stadium in Yokohama.

Both Brazil and Spain will be out to win gold medals for the second time in their respective histories, with La Roja having won the 1992 tournament, while the Selecao were triumphant in 2016.

When will the Bronze Medal match take place?

Japan and Mexico, meanwhile, both still have the chance to pick up the consolation prize of a bronze medal.

The two teams will meet at the Saitama Stadium at 11.00am (BST) on August 6 in a repeat of their group-stage meeting earlier in the tournament, which ended 2-1 to Japan.

Further reading

Frank Leboeuf has backed Chelsea's proposed move for Jules Kounde, describing the Sevilla star as a "warrior" who "has everything".

Goal has confirmed the Blues have entered into transfer talks with Kounde, who has emerged as one of the most talented young defenders in Europe since breaking into the senior squad at Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium in 2019.

Leboeuf thinks the 22-year-old would be a valuable addition to Thomas Tuchel's ranks at Stamford Bridge, but has also suggested that he won't just walk straight into the Blues' starting XI if he joins the club this summer.

What's been said?

“He’s (Kounde) a fantastic player,” the former Chelsea centre-back has told ESPN. “He has everything. He is a warrior. He never gives up. He has everything. He is the future for sure.

“Maybe it’s an opportunity for Chelsea to get him maybe not this season, but next season.

“I don’t know what Kounde wants to do in his life, if he’s ready to be on the bench more than he thinks he will be. It’s up to him. It would be a good signing for Chelsea.”

Will Chelsea get a deal over the line?

Goal understands the Blues are willing to include Kurt Zouma in any final deal for Kounde, but Sevilla are still refusing to let him go for less than his €80 million (£68m/$95m) release clause.

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will be prepared to fork out such a large fee, especially as they continue to be linked with another big-money swoop for Inter striker Romelu Lukaku.

The west London outfit are not the only club interested in Kounde either, with the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United also reportedly weighing up an approach.

Kounde's Sevilla record

Kounde has racked up 89 appearances across all competitions for Sevilla over the past two years, earning a Europe League winners' medal and a place in the France national team in the process.

The talented centre-half has also contributed six goals and two assists to Sevilla's cause, and helped them finish fourth in the La Liga standings last term.

Further reading

Bayern Munich's first-round DFB Pokal clash with Bremer SV has been postponed due to a coronavirus outbreak, the German Football Association (DFB) have confirmed.

Fifth-tier outfit Bremer were due to play host to the current Bundesliga champions on Friday in a curtain-raiser for the 2021-22 domestic season.

However, the fixture has now been pushed back after the home side announced the second positive Covid-19 case at the club in the space of two days, with the whole squad now set for a period in quarantine.

What's been said?

The DFB have confirmed the news in an official statement, while also revealing that the draw for the second round of the competition will now also be moved.

"The management for the DFB-Pokal has cancelled the game scheduled for Friday between Bremer SV and Bayern Munich," the statement read. "The background to this is the officially ordered quarantine measures for Bremer SV.

"The DFB will decide on the rescheduling of the game as soon as possible in coordination with both clubs. 

"In addition, the draw for the second round has to be postponed due to the allocation of both clubs to different pots."

The bigger picture

Bayern will now have to wait until August 13 for their first game of the new season, when they are due to open their latest Bundesliga defence against Borussia Monchengladbach.

New head coach Julian Nagelsmann may be glad for the extra preparation time after a four-match losing streak in pre-season, with several key players still absent following their exploits at Euro 2020.

Nagelsmann will be expected to deliver the club's 10th successive Bundesliga crown in 2021-22 and oversee a strong run in both the DFB-Pokal and Champions League, having been appointed to replace Hansi Flick earlier this summer.

Further reading

French outfit Troyes have sealed the signing of defender Youssouf Kone on loan from Lyon.

The Mali international has joined the French side after penning a one-year contract with no option to buy.

“Left-back Youssouf Kone (26) has been loaned to Troyes without a purchase option, from Olympique Lyonnais, for a period of one year (June 2022),” Troyes announced on their official website.

“Born July 5, 1995, in Bamako (Mali), Kone trained there from an early age, playing as a left-back, the Malian defender is known for his physical impact, his ability to win duels, and his quality as a centre.”

The statement continued: “In July 2013, Kone was recruited by Lille and played his first two seasons with LOSC B before he signed his first professional contract in January 2015.

“Looking for more playing time, the defender joined Reims in 2017, in the form of a one-season loan. In Reims, he made a superb start to the championship in Domino's Ligue 2 and is recognised as one of the great architects of their rise in Ligue 1 Conforama, during the 17/18 financial year.

“Back at the Mastiffs in 2018, Lille extended his contract for three more seasons, a symbol of the confidence given to the Malian side. The departure of Fode Ballo-Toure from AS Monaco allowed Kone to get a starting place at LOSC.

“During the 2018-19 season, he took part in 23 matches and restored the trust placed in the club's leaders.”

Kone began his international career with Mali U20 in 2015, he also played in the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup (both at U20 level) in the same year.

In one year, he took part in 17 matches and even scored three goals, and in 2015, he made his first-team debut against Benin.

Kone has already started training with the promoted side under Laurent Batlles and will most likely be in contention to play their first league match against Paris Saint-Germain next weekend.

It has been a sad day for Ghana football fans after news of the death of former Black Stars and Asante Kotoko defender Godfred Yeboah emerged. 

The ex-left-back was confirmed dead in a social media post by Kotoko on Tuesday, the loss having occurred in the Brong Ahafo regional capital of Sunyani. 

Although he made appearances for Ghana at international level, he is widely remembered for his exploits with the Kumasi-based club, whom he helped to three league titles. 

He was also a prominent figure as the club reached the final of the 2004 Caf Confederation Cup. 

Thousands of people have taken to social media to mourn the loss of the man popularly called 'TV3'. 

Below are the best reactions: