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As music fans were anticipating the release of Kanye West's next studio album Donda, the rapper was instead seen in the stands the Mercedes-Benz Stadium with Atlanta United fans.

West was spotted at the stadium during the MLS game just days after his listening party at the same venue, which left football fans wondering exactly which soccer team he supports – and if it's Atlanta.

Goal has what you need to know about which soccer team West supports and more. 

Which soccer team does Kanye West support?

West's soccer allegiances have not actually been confirmed, with the rapper never truly revealing which team he supports.

He was still, though, photographed amongst gleeful Atlanta United fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium during their game against Columbus Crew.

He had appeared to pledge his loyalties to Manchester United after he was photographed wearing the Red Devils' attire in 2018, but looked very glum doing so.

Though he was born in Atlanta, he was raised in Chicago, so there is a possibility that he is a supporter of local MLS team Chicago Fire.

Does Kanye West support Atlanta United?

Though the rapper was spotted alongside Atlanta United fans, it is not clear whether he actually supports the club – and may have only been there as he is currently residing in the stadium.

Why is Kanye West living at Atlanta United?

West is living at the Atlanta United stadium temporarily, residing in provisional quarters alongside a makeshift studio inside the ground.

He is currently living in in a studio built in the stadium to add the finishing touches to his next album Donda.

The rapper held a listening party in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium at the end of July 2021 as he slowly began to reveal his latest studio effort, and decided to finish work on the album there after the release was pushed back to August 8.

Donda is set to be the rapper's 10th studio album and is named after his mother, Donda West, who died in 2007 at the age of 58 due to plastic surgery complications.

An image that West posted to Instagram about his lodgings confirmed the initial reports about his stay at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Giorgio Chiellini has signed a two-year contract at Juventus.

The centre-back became a free agent this summer when his contract with the Serie A giants expired.

But the Turin club have confirmed that the Italy international will still be part of the team next season, signing a deal that runs until 2023.

What has been said?

“In the end the signing was a formality, because as soon as I knew that my body would allow me to continue playing, there was always the will of both parties to continue together," Chiellini told the club's media channel.

"It was just the timing of various situations that delayed this signing.

“The very close relationship between myself and Juventus goes beyond everything else. I had absolutely no doubts that I would remain here.”

How long has Chiellini been at Juventus?

The Bianconeri captain joined the club friom Fiorentina in 2005.

He has made 535 competitive appearances for the club, winning nine Serie A titles and the Coppa Italia five times along the way.

But Chiellini played a limited role for the team last season as injuries reduced him to just 17 Serie A matches.

However, he recovered in time to take on an integral part in Italy's Euro 2020 campaign.

He played in five matches in the competition as the Azzurri went on to win the trophy.

Further reading

Chelsea hope to convince Inter to sell Romelu Lukaku by making a sizeable bid this summer.

The Premier League side are willing to offer Marcos Alonso to the Serie A side in part-exchange for the striker.

Chelsea believe they can capitalise on Inter's financial difficulties and that a big offer will make them consider letting the Belgium star leave.

What is Lukaku's stance?

Lukaku said last week that he is gearing up for the new season with the Italian champions after he returned to training, suggesting he wants to stay.

Meanwhile, Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta has insisted that the forward will not be allowed to leave any time soon, saying: "Lukaku is not for sale. Lukaku is an important piece on the chessboard available to Simone Inzaghi.”

Why do Chelsea want to sign Lukaku?

The Stamford Bridge side are in the hunt for a new striker, having seen Olivier Giroud leave this summer.

Chelsea already have Erling Haaland and Harry Kane on their list of targets, but Borussia Dortmund are not willing to sell the former during this transfer window and Tottenham are not letting their star man join their London rivals.

Lukaku, 28, has blossomed into one of the world's top strikers in recent years.

He scored 24 goals and registered 11 assists in Serie A last season as the Nerazzurri secured the league title.

Only Cristiano Ronaldo scored more goals in the Italian top-flight in 2020-21.

How did Lukaku perform at Chelsea?

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

He ended up joining West Brom on loan for a year in 2012 and then went to Everton a year later.

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

What else do Chelsea have in store this summer?

The Blues are already trying to sign Jules Kounde from Sevilla ahead of the new season.

They have been offering several players to the Spanish side in exchange for the defender.

Kurt Zouma, Emerson Palmieri and Kenedy are among the names the Premier League side have floated by Sevilla.

They are trying to get rid of Zouma first to make room in the squad for Kounde, with West Ham also in talks to sign the former.

Further reading

Former Football Kenya Federation president Sam Nymaweya has revealed a strategy that will advance change against the Nick Mwendwa administration.

This comes after the National Executive Council and Mwendwa announced a combined Ksh10 million fine against Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards chairmen Ambrose Rachier and Dan Shikanda for skipping a Premier League fixture.

"FKF has treated Kenyans and the principal football stakeholders to a comedy of errors and theatrics, courtesy of a sophomaniac leadership suffering from a delusion of "superintelligence"," Nyamweya said in a statement obtained by Goal.

"We the football stakeholders, will constitute a football stakeholders' constituent assembly to advance and effect a regime change at FKF.

"Theatrics and antics peppered with haughty arrogance have been the hallmark of FKF leadership since February 2016 to date. The astronomical levels of incompetence, bias, and ineptitude have beleaguered the Nick Mwendwa lead administration.

"The events of August 1, 2021 and the purported sanctions imposed on Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards and its officials,  have broken the proverbial camelback, and we the football stakeholders are no longer at ease, the centre can no longer hold and things have fallen apart.

"Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards are not just football teams, they are the pillars of Kenyan football and institutions in their own right."

Nyamweya asked the current administration to respect the top-tier sides and stop antagonising their fan bases.

"When a rogue football administration led by a neophyte wannabe attempts to antagonize the two clubs on which Kenyan football gravitates, then we, the principal football stakeholders, must arise and stop him on his tracks," he added.

"We the principal football stakeholders, do hereby put FKF, Nick Mwendwa, and his cronies on notice and demand that.

"Nick Mwendwa and his cronies at FKF cease and desist from antagonizing Gor Mahia Football Club, AFC Leopards SC, and their supporters, fans, and officials.

"Nick Mwendwa and his cronies rescind any purported disciplinary action against Gor Mahia FC and AFC Leopards SC and their leadership within 72 hours from the date of this press conference.

"That the 2020 - 2021 FKF Premier League be forthwith halted and an audit of the results of all the matches played hitherto be undertaken by an independent firm."

The former FA chief also touched on match-fixing after the FKF suspended five referees who were allegedly involved in the vice.

"All accomplices and perpetrators of match-fixing and or match manipulation are suspended forthwith, including FKF officials and staff members involved," he continued.

"Directorate of Criminal Investigations DCI and EACC, arrest and prosecute Mwendwa for fraud and obtaining by false pretence taxpayers' money totalling Ksh 11 Million as per the Auditor General's report for the year 2019-2020.

"Directorate of Criminal Investigations and EACC arrest and prosecute, Mwendwa, FKF NEC members and staff members of FKF for failing to account for Ksh57 million of taxpayers' money as contained in the Auditors General report for the year 2019/2020."

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Dominic Isaacs has explained why he believes the Premier Soccer League side will be the side to beat once the new season begins.

The Glamour Boys struggled in the last season and only finished eighth, but their former star has assessed them positively since their players only recently played in the Caf Champions League final while doing astute business in the transfer window.

Furthermore, they claimed a morale-boosting 4-3 penalty shootout victory over old rivals Orlando Pirates in the Carling Black Label Cup on Sunday.

"Any win is a win against your rivals. You will take any win against Orlando Pirates, be it pre-season, friendlies, behind closed doors. It's always nice to get one over your cross-town rivals," Isaacs told KickOff.com.

"The intensity, fitness levels, everything was there, you know. They're going to be up there fighting for honours.

"Yes, it is still early stages, but from what I've seen, it's a different energy. Chiefs, when it comes to fitness early in the season, I think they will be on top because they didn't have much of a break.

"They just came from the Champions League while everybody else was on the break. They also keep position much more now than before with these kinds of players they've signed."

The retired defender also explained why he has been impressed by Sabelo Radebe, who was promoted to the senior team by the former head coach Gavin Hunt after he did well in the DStv Diski Challenge.

"I was very impressed with that young boy Radebe," Isaacs added.

"I've watched a few games of him in the MDC, and if he has a solid head, I hope that they've learned from the past mistakes of former players that had the potential to become great and fell off along the way."

"Praise must go to Arthur [Zwane] as well, because of the boys that are coming through, such as [Njabulo] Blom, [Nkosingiphile] Ngcobo, and Mashiane. If you look ahead over the next seven or eight years, the club is in very good hands with these players coming through.

"That boy [Radebe] he's got so much energy, confidence, and he's young. He's playing freely, and he always wants the ball. The maturity he is showing beyond his age is very good, very encouraging.

"Chiefs have a star in him."

Dean Henderson will miss Manchester United’s training camp in Scotland as he recovers from the effects of recently contracting Covid-19. 

The goalkeeper had returned to training having recovered from the injury which saw him withdraw from the England squad at this summer’s European Championships but has not felt well since contracting the virus three weeks ago. 

The 24-year-old tested positive a number of weeks ago but is still struggling with fatigue and has not travelled with the squad to St Andrews. 

What has been said? 

United released a short statement before the squad trained in Scotland for the first time on Monday evening. 

It read: “Dean Henderson will miss Manchester United’s Scotland training camp while he continues his recovery from prolonged fatigue after contracting a Covid-19 infection three weeks ago. He is expected to be training soon.” 

Is Henderson fit? 

While he is currently sidelined due to Covid-19 he has fully recovered from the hip injury that forced him to withdraw from Gareth Southgate’s England squad this summer. 

The 24-year-old is in a battle with David de Gea to be first choice goalkeeper this season. The academy graduate started last season as second choice behind the Spaniard but for the last few months of the campaign he established himself as No 1 in the league while De Gea had to settle for the cup competitions. 

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has another difficult decision to make ahead of the new season with both goalkeepers looking to stake their claim. Tom Heaton, who rejoined the club this summer on a free transfer, has played in the pre-season friendlies so far this summer along with Lee Grant who has recently signed a new one year deal. 

What are United doing in Scotland? 

With no pre-season tour abroad this year due to the ongoing travel restrictions, United have settled for friendlies in the United Kingdom instead. They have already played away fixtures against Derby and Queens Park Rangers and hosted Brentford at Old Trafford. 

Their clash against Preston North End last weekend was cancelled after a small group of the first team training squad recorded positive Covid-19 tests, which later turned out to be negative. 

Solskjaer’s side have one more friendly to play against Everton at the weekend before their season opener against Leeds on the first weekend of the new season. 

They are currently on their second training camp of pre-season having completed a week down in Surrey a couple of weeks ago. The group flew to Dundee on Monday afternoon for a three-day camp in St Andrews. 

A number of players who had been on holiday due to their involvement in international fixtures have now joined up with the squad. Harry Maguire, De Gea, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof and Phil Jones are all now with Solskjaer’s squad. 

Marcus Rashford will not be joining his team-mates as he awaits surgery on a shoulder problem which is expected to keep him sidelined until October. 

Further reading

Former U.S. women's national team goalkeeper Hope Solo believes a cultural change resulted in a lack of fight at this summer's Olympic Games, with lots of focus on star profiles, the battle for equal pay and sports science, but not the winning mentality that defines the 2019 world champions.

Speaking to Goal on All of US: The U.S. Women's Soccer Show, the two-time Olympic gold medallist and 2015 Women's World Cup winner dissected the USWNT's semi-final defeat to Canada, which was their first defeat to their North American rivals in 20 years.

She also discussed the future of head coach Vlatko Andonovski, who will hope to salvage a bronze medal on Thursday against Australia in his first major tournament since being appointed by U.S. Soccer.

What has Solo said?

"I think what's going on is it's a cultural change of the team. It's not necessarily about Xs and Os any more. Of course, you need a good game plan, but you need winners on the field," Solo told Goal.

"You need players who will go for every header, who will take players out. Like Abby [Wambach, former USWNT forward], she's not afraid of anything. We had Abby Wambach on the team, and she'll find a way to score or win. She may not be the best soccer player, but she will win it for us.

"I think there's just a cultural shift, right now. The players are becoming more stars and less winners. We're focused a lot on our appearances on commercials, we are focused a lot on fighting for equal pay and the other side of it is we're focused more on the science aspect of being a professional athlete.

"What I'm hearing is there's more rest days, there's more recovery days and sometimes you just need your players to get on the line and run a couple 120s and remind everybody that it's about fighting no matter what. Because that's the culture of the United States Soccer Federation [and] the United States women's team - fighting for everything.

"We lost that fight in 2016 [losing to Sweden in the Olympic quarter-finals] and I didn't see fight in this tournament from the American side either. It goes back to culture."

'I wonder if Andonovski is falling victim to wanting players to like him'

Solo also discussed the future of Andonovski, who was appointed as head coach of the USWNT in late 2019. This was his first major tournament in charge of the team and questions about his role in their failure to win gold has been a hot topic.

"I wonder sometimes if Vlatko is falling victim to wanting his players to like him," Solo said on All of US: The U.S. Women's Soccer Show. "Sometimes the nice guy doesn't win major tournaments.

"Sometimes you need somebody who's cut-throat. Sometimes you're on the bench for 90 minutes, even as a star, if the star isn't playing well, and it's a tough pill to swallow. It doesn't make players really like you as a manager, but I don't think managers should be liked by every single player on the team, honestly, because I think you're doing something wrong at that moment.

"Obviously, [Vlatko] is a young coach in terms of international experience, but I also think a lot of the accountability relies on some of these older players," she added, before referring back to Jill Ellis' tenure. Ellis was in charge of the U.S. between 2014 and 2019, winning two World Cup titles.

"A lot of the players had more international experience than Jill and not every player loved Jill. Her managerial style, it was a lot of fear-based kind of leadership, and many times, we wanted to win in spite of the coach - and that's not necessarily a bad thing.

"We weren't the best team all the time back in 2015 when we won the World Cup, but we still had winners and found a way to win and that ultimately falls on the shoulders of experienced players, and this USA team has plenty of that.

"Before Vlatko took over the job, I think the United States Soccer Federation looked at so many different options for coaches, scanned everywhere, across the seas, and decided Vlatko would be the main person.

"I don't think his job is in jeopardy, which is quite surprising, to be honest, because we've had coaches in the past where we'd had one major loss or one major tournament loss and they were gone the next day or the same bus ride home. We had the president of U.S. Soccer sitting on the front seat of the bus and the moment we walked into the hotel, the coach is gone."

Further reading

Former Belgium midfielder Marc Hendrikx has urged his old club Genk to drop Paul Onuachu for their Uefa Champions League qualifying match against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday.

After playing 62 minutes in their opening league match against Standard Liege on July 23, Onauchu did not make the matchday squad for Genk's league outing against KV Oostende, which ended in a 4-3 loss last Friday.

The 27-year-old is reportedly attracting transfer interest from several European clubs after a brilliant 2020-21 season, in which he scored 33 goals in 38 league matches.

Ahead of the crunch Champions League game at the Luminus Arena on Wednesday, Hendrikx sees Onuachu’s uncertain future as a distraction and he advised manager John van den Brom to stick with his compatriot Cyriel Dessers, who has led their attack in the last two league matches.

"It is positive that I did not miss Onuachu", Hendrikx told HBvL per Voetbal Krant.

"I thought Cyriel Dessers played excellently. So I advise Van den Brom to continue on that path.

"Let Onuachu work on a transfer. I wouldn't put him up against Donetsk either. He will be gone at the end of August - completely normal after such a season. Just continue building with the guys who have to do it this season."

Genk are yet to gather three points after two matches in the First Divison A this season. They opened the 2021-22 campaign with a 1-1 draw against Standard Liege followed by last Friday’s loss.

Dessers, on the other hand, is aware of the challenge he faces to prove himself as a reliable successor to Onuachu after playing two games without scoring a goal.

“Paul had a fantastic season last season, everyone saw that,” the Nigeria striker said.

"Whether he will stay or not is the question for everyone, I also think for himself. All I can do is show in the minutes that I get, that I am ready when he leaves and that I can stand there.

"And I think I better show myself quickly, especially with the Champions League matches coming up. So that Genk also has the feeling that I'm there and they can give me the confidence."

Former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teko Modise says La Liga's young stars with “strong African roots” need to embrace whatever opportunities come their way with both hands.

Currently headlining the wonderkids are Barcelona’s Ansu Fati and Ilaix Moriba, who are both 18 years of age.

Fati, now a full Spain international forward, was born in Guinea-Bissau while Moriba was born in Conakry, Guinea and has represented the Under-17 national team of his adopted country.

“It is exciting to see the new generation of Spanish stars, especially the ones with strong African roots,” Modise told La Liga.

“These are superstars that are still young, but are being given opportunities to play for big teams in Spain, like Ansu Fati and Ilaix Moribi.

"As Africans, we are everywhere and when given opportunities, whether in the country of their birth or adopted countries, you need to embrace it and take it with both hands. 

“I think it is the new era of mixed football cultures that will be accepted and will bring in results, so it will be very interesting to see them justify that faith and really make it in football.”

Just like Fati and Moriba, Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Adama Traore, who has Malian roots, came through Barcelona’s La Masia youth set-up and is a Spain international but he played just one La Liga game.

Athletic Bilbao attacker Inaki Williams has represented Spain and while born in Bilbao, he has Ghanaian and Liberian parentage. 

“In La Liga they put the emphasis on what makes football, football, which is the highly technical and tactically gifted abilities of footballers,” added Modise.

“It is such a special league, with a brand of football you cannot find anywhere else in the world.

"The emphasis is on the football culture and being respectful on the side of the player to play the football on the ground.

"That’s the philosophy Spanish football believes in and why for a footballer LaLiga is the league everybody with especially that level of technical ability wants to play in.”

The likes of Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane and more recently Nabil Fekir, who both have Algerian origins, also thrived in La Liga.

Playing for Manchester City would present Harry Kane a "big chance" to win trophies, according to former Nigeria international Dele Olorundare.

Kane, 28, was expected to return to the Tottenham Hotspur squad ahead of the commencement of the 2021-22 Premier League campaign.

However, the striker failed to show up and that has fueled rumours of him moving to Pep Guardiola’s Citizens.

According to the former TKI Tavsanlı Linyitspor and Sunshine Stars goal merchant, the English international’s no-show could signal the end of his career at Hotspur Way.

Even at that, he is supporting Kane’s bid to represent the Etihad Stadium giants as his Spurs career has failed to yield any trophies.

“I think this could be a strong indication that the England captain is no longer interested in playing for Tottenham Hotspur,” Olorundare told Goal.

“If this is the case, then the club should let him go in peace and should immediately start shopping for a replacement with the Premier League season a few weeks away.

“Well, many would say he is not showing a good example as captain but the reality is that no player wants to play for a club that is not assured of winning titles and I think that is what is playing out here.”

Kane made his senior debut for Spurs in 2011 and has since appeared in 336 games in all competitions for the London club.

“Kane has served the club diligently, however, what would count at the end of his career is how many trophies he won with the London club,” he continued.

“Despite his immense contributions to the club and his attacking prowess, it is disheartening that he is yet to win anything with them.

“To make matters worse, they will not be playing in the Uefa Champions League next season.

“The handwriting is on the wall and his wish is to represent Manchester City – which I believe is a fantastic decision. So, all I expect from Spurs now is to give him a befitting send forth.

“I think his time at Tottenham Hotspur is up and I am convinced that joining the Citizens would present him with a big chance to win trophies.

“For this singular reason, I am backing him to team up with Pep Guardiola’s squad.”

Botswana heavyweights Township Rollers have confirmed Hassan Oktay as their new head coach.

The Blues have been dominating local football but have struggled in continental assignments. It is for this reason they have appointed the Cypriot-Turkish tactician to turn their fortunes around.

What has been said?

"Township Rollers FC have reached an agreement with Mr. Oktay Hassan to be the next Head Coach of Township Rollers," the club confirmed on Monday.

"Oktay is a Turkish-born UK resident. He is an ex-professional player, highly qualified, and ambitious coach with over 25 years experience coaching across the world, with extensive stints in Europe, Asia, and Africa, working closely with squads to improve and progress teams and individual players.

"He is a proactive and tactically intelligent professional who understands the changing landscape of the modern game. Hassan is renowned for exceptional coaching, man-management, and player development skills to build teams capable of progressing to a higher level. We have learned that Hassan incorporates strength; conditioning and fitness into training sessions to make sure optimal status of players are of the standard needed in professional football."

What did he achieve at Gor Mahia?

The tactician was appointed K'Ogalo coach in 2018, taking over from Dylan Kerr, who left the Kenyan heavyweights.

He helped the team retain their league title and managed to take them to the quarter-finals of the Caf Confederation Cup, a feat that had never been achieved before.

However, he left before the start of the 2019/20 season citing family issues, only to resign later on.

He has a Uefa A license and Township Rollers will be hoping he can help them perform well on the continent. 

Popa-Popa have won the league 16 times, with the latest triumph coming in the 2018/19 season.

Jwaneng Galaxy dislodged them from the top last season, ending their four-season dominance.

A leading researcher into the link between dementia and sport has called for football to consider abandoning headers after a new study highlighted the risk of players developing neurodegenerative diseases due to repeated heading.

Dr Willie Stewart of the University of Glasgow has said the sport should now come with a warning regarding the dangers of heading in the sport over the course of a player's career.

Previous studies had shown that footballers are more at risk of dying with dementia or other neurodegenerative diseases than the general population and Stewart says a new study published in the journal JAMA Neurology provides the "missing link".

What has been said?

"With the current data we’re now at the point to suggest that football should be sold with a health warning saying repeated heading in football may lead to an increased risk of dementia. That’s where we are now, that cannot be ignored," Stewart is quoted as saying by The Guardian.

"In the previous study we didn’t have sufficient data to be able to look at the important factor: exposure to football. What we could say last time was that being a footballer meant your risk of dying with a degenerative brain disease was higher, but we couldn’t say what in football was doing it.

"Now, through using our surrogates for exposure to heading and brain injury, which are field position and length of playing the game, we can see that if you’re in a position where you’re exposed to a high level of head impacts or you play the game longer, your risk is higher."

He added: "The data from this paper is the missing link in trying to understand this connection between sport and dementia. We put that together with what we know about the mortality risk... and there really isn’t anything else. There is no other proposed risk factor and this is one we could really address and eliminate this disease.

"I think football has to ask the difficult questions: is heading absolutely necessary to the game of football? Is potential exposure to degenerative brain disease absolutely necessary? Or can some other form of the game be considered?"

What did the study find?

Of the 7676 former football players in the study, five per cent (386) were diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease, compared to just 1.6% (366) of the 23,028 in the control group.

The study concluded that the danger varies between positions and length of career.

Defenders are five times more at risk of catching neurodegenerative diseases than the general population, while goalkeepers are the least susceptible. 

English football's new policy

The Football Association (FA) and Premier League recently issued new guidance to clubs regarding headers in training.

The new policy recommends teams limit the number of "higher-force" headers to 10 per week.

The guidance applies to teams at all level of the game.

"It will be recommended that a maximum of 10 higher-force headers are carried out in any training week," a statement read.

"This recommendation is provided to protect player welfare and will be reviewed regularly as further research is undertaken to understand more regarding the impact of heading in football."

Further reading

The Community Shield is traditionally the match that acts as the curtain-raiser for domestic games in England, pitting the most recent Premier League winners against the FA Cup holders.

This year, Leicester will face off against Manchester City as both sides seek to clinch their first piece of silverware ahead of the new league season.

Ahead of the Wembley showdown, Goal brings you all the details, including how to watch on TV.

On this page

When is the 2021 Community Shield?

The 2021 Community Shield will be played on Saturday August 7, 2021. Kick-off time has been set at 5:15 pm BST (12:15pm ET) .

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How to watch 2021 Community Shield on TV & stream live online

In the United Kingdom (UK),  ITV will broadcast the 2021 Community Shield live on TV. The game will also be available to watch live on the  ITV Player .

The game will only be streamed in the United States (U.S.) on ESPN+.

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Which teams are in the the 2021 Community Shield?

The 2021 Community Shield will see Leicester face off against Manchester City .

The Community Shield sees the defending FA Cup winners face off against the newly-crowned Premier League champions.

The Foxes appear in this year's Community Shield after lifting their first FA Cup trophy, having beaten Chelsea 1-0 in the final.

Meanwhile, Manchester City will be making their first appearance in the Community Shield since the 2019 edition, where they defeated Liverpool via penalty shootout.

Arsenal are the most recent Community Shield winners, after also beating Liverpool in the 2020 iteration, but will be unable to defend their title as they failed to win either the FA Cup or Premier League.

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Where is the the 2021 Community Shield being played?

Wembley Stadium in London will be the stage for the 2021 Community Shield, as is tradition.

It has a capacity of 90,000 and also hosted the Euro 2020 final in July, where Italy won the penalty shootout after extra-time to break the hearts of the England team.

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How many fans can attend the 2021 Community Shield?

The FA have confirmed that Wembley will be "partially full" for the 2021 Community Shield, less than a month after the venue hosted roughly 60,000 fans for the Euro 2020 final.

The stadium capacity will be slightly less for the 2021 Community Shield, the combined number of supporters totaling around 53,000 .

Manchester City have received a ticket allocation of 26,602 at the East end of Wembley Stadium, while Leicester's allocation is 26,639 .

To enter the stadium, both sets of supporters are required to submit a negative Lateral Flow Test (LFT), within 48 hours of kick-off, or proof of vaccination,.

FA Referees’ Committee chairman David Elleray stated as part of the referee appointment: “We’re delighted at the prospect of the 2021 FA Community Shield being played in a partially-full Wembley Stadium and, with this return to ‘normality’ match, we have returned to the usual precedent of appointing a team of match officials who have not officiated in the FA Community Shield before."

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Kano Pillars’ drive for a ticket to next year’s Caf Champions League received a massive boost as they silenced Wikki Tourist 1-0 on Monday evening.

With Akwa United already confirmed as Nigerian champions – which guaranteed them one of the two tickets to the African club competition – five Nigerian clubs stay in contention for the last berth.

Having lost 1-0 to Kwara United in their last time out, Sai Masu Gida returned to winning ways with a last-gasp triumph over the Bauchi-based visitors.

The keenly contested affair at the Sani Abacha Stadium was heading for a 0-0 draw, but super-sub Auwalu Ali Malam had the final say with his goal in the closing stages at the Sani Abacha Stadium proving decisive.

Following this result, the four-time Nigerian kings climbed to third on the table having garnered 64 points from 37 games, one point behind Nasarawa United, who are second.

Should Ibrahim Musa’s men defeat Heartland in their last match of the 2020-21 campaign on August 8, they will be Nigeria’s second representatives in the Champions League provided Nasarawa United fail to win at Abia Warriors.

Elsewhere, Enyimba’s ambition of earning the ticket ahead of Pillars was dealt a major blow following their 1-1 draw at home to Sunshine Stars.

Heading into the encounter, Fatai Osho’s men had gone on a run of four games without defeat as a victory over the Owena Whales would put them in control of their own destiny.

Despite dominating ball possession before their scanty home supporters, they were unable to peg back the Akure-based visitors, who needed to avoid defeat to boost their chances of avoiding demotion to the Nationwide league.

Their persistence paid off on the hour mark as Emmanuel Ampiah put the ball beyond goalkeeper Uche Okafor.

Knowing the danger ahead, Deji Ayeni’s side bounced back from their slumber to level matters through former Nigeria international Ejike Uzoenyi in the 77th minute.

The People’s Elephants’ have now dropped to fifth after amassing 63 points with one game left. A place in the Caf Confederation Cup remains a realistic chance for the two-time African kings as they take on Dakkada FC on Sunday.

NPFL RESULTS IN FULL

Jigawa Golden Stars 3-0 Ifeanyi Ubah United
Adamawa United 0-2 Kwara United
Nasarawa United 3-0 Enugu Rangers
Rivers United 3-1 Lobi Stars
Kano Pillars 1-0 Wikki Tourist
Enyimba 1-1 Sunshine Stars

West Ham United defender Aaron Cresswell is confident Said Benrahma will score more stunning goals for the club in the 2021-22 season after his eye-catching strike against Brentford.

During Saturday’s pre-season friendly match, the Algeria international curled a shot from outside the penalty area into the top of the net to give the Hammers a 1-0 win over their hosts.

The goal was Benrahma’s third goal for West Ham since he left Brentford on an initial loan deal last October, before it was made permanent in January.

Creswell was not surprised by the ‘fantastic’ goal because it was not the first time he saw Benrahma show off his long-range shooting skills.  

"The goal was fantastic and that’s Said all over. To get in that position, on his right foot, is exactly where you want him,” Cresswell told the club’s website.

"He’s done in plenty of times in training and I’m sure he’ll do it again.

"There’s still two weeks to go and It was a tough game against a good team, who got promoted last season. So it was a good workout for us.”

West Ham United boss David Moyes also commended the 25-year-old for Saturday's strike and he hopes it builds his confidence before they open their Premier League campaign with a trip to Newcastle United on August 15.

"It was a good goal. He has been waiting on that one for a year, hasn't he?" Moyes said.

"He practices it a lot and today he hit the target. Maybe it's fitting that he did it here. He also scored at Celtic last week and it is good to build his confidence in that way.

"We have got a lot of hope that he will get in and find his goalscoring touch, and assists and all those bits to do with his game. We want good competition and hopefully, we'll have lots of people threatening to score goals this season."

Coach Kennedy Boboye has shifted focus to Akwa United’s Caf Champions League campaign after leading the Promise Keepers to Nigeria Professional League glory.

Inspired by a Charles Atshimene hat-trick, the Uyo-based outfit mauled MFM 5-2 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium to end their NPFL title wait with a game to spare.

Following winning their maiden top-flight crown, the former Nigeria international now boasts of two winners medals after leading Plateau United to the country’s elite division diadem in 2017 after leaving Abia Warriors.

While revelling in Akwa’s historic feat, Boboye claims his next goal is to lead the team to a successful outing when the African club tournament commences.

“It feels good winning the Nigeria Professional Football League title with Akwa United. That is a great reward for our hard work and consistency,” Boboye told Goal.

“This trophy is for the Akwa Ibom state governor Mr. Udom Emmanuel, the commissioner for youths and sports Monday Uko and our amiable chairman Paul Bassey for their supports since I was appointed as head coach of this great team.

“I will not forget to appreciate the contributions of my technical crew and players because, without them, this feat would have not been possible.

“I’m the happiest man in the world at the moment because, at the start of the season, no one gave us a chance, but with a game left, we have emerged as champions of one of the biggest leagues in Africa.

“All celebrations are on hold for now because we have commenced preparations for our game against Lobi Stars.

“Although the result is inconsequential, we are hoping to end the 2020-21 campaign on a winning note.

“Having won the NPFL title for the very first time, our next target is to represent Nigeria well in next year’s Caf Champions League.

“Aiming for the African crown is a tall dream, but we are hoping to give a good account of ourselves and also to show everyone that we are worthy champions of Nigeria.

“Shortly after the end of this campaign, we will have a brief rest before commencing preparations for the Caf Champions League with full force.”

Nasarawa United, Rivers United, Enyimba, Kwara United and Kano Pillars will battle for the last slot in Africa's elite club competition allocated to Nigeria

Former Football Kenya Federation presidential contestant Twaha Mubarak has called for the forceful eviction of Nick Mwendwa from office.
 
Mubarak has cited a number of issues that have happened under Mwendwa's reign as reasons enough to have him kicked out as FKF president.

The FA chief found himself on the receiving end of criticism after AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia were fined and docked points for skipping a Premier League fixture.

"Since last week, the country has witnessed a lot of uncalled drama in the local football scene, with the main actor, once again, being Nick Mwendwa," Mbarak said in a statement obtained by Goal.
 
"In his signature fashion, the man illegally occupying office and who should be hounded out of Kenyan football for good was treating Kenyans to his malfeasance. He started by unveiling the so-called golden trophy at a cost of more than Ksh5.4 million. Anybody knows that this was a lie.
 
"How can Kenya have a trophy that is more costly than the English Premier League, the Uefa Champions League, and even the European Championship trophy, among other coveted pieces of silverware? What's the justification for having a trophy whose value is bigger than the prize money?
 
"The lie has been deconstructed as it is now confirmed that Mwendwa had inflated the cost of the trophy as he has always done. A trophy that cost not more than KSh1 million being inflated by more than Ksh4 million is unacceptable conduct by an official of a body like FKF.
 
"He has further failed to remit to clubs even after sponsors have paid the money to FKF and goes on to purport to sanction teams when they demand what's rightfully theirs, which is evidence of his high-handedness and dictatorship to the detriment of football development in the country.
 
"I, on behalf of football stakeholders, call for his immediate resignation together with his purported NEC members because they have outlived their usefulness at the federation."

When addressing the media on Sunday, Mwendwa was categorical that he will not be bothered by noise from any quarters as he is obliged to work and apply the laws as they are.
 
Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards were slapped with a combined Ksh10 million fine and each suffered a three-point deduction after skipping the Mashemeji derby on Saturday.