The decision, contained in a letter dated 17 August 2026 and issued through FIFA’s Legal Portal, prevents Karela United from registering new players at both international and national levels.

According to FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, the ban will remain in place until the club settles the amount owed to Camara.

FIFA said the sanction could remain in force for a maximum of three complete and consecutive registration periods if Karela United fails to comply with the financial obligation.

“In this context, it appears that, despite the Decision, Karela United FC … has not yet complied with its financial obligations towards Sana Camara,” FIFA’s Head of Disciplinary, Américo Espallargas, said in the notice.

The world governing body subsequently activated the registration ban, preventing the club from adding new players both internationally and domestically.

“The registration ban will remain active until the amount due is paid and for a maximum duration of up to three entire and consecutive registration periods,” the FIFA letter stated.

FIFA has also instructed the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to immediately enforce the domestic registration ban against Karela United if the restriction has not already been implemented.

The case dates back to an earlier FIFA ruling ordering Karela United to fulfil its financial obligations to Camara. The latest communication indicates that the club has not fully complied with that decision, leading FIFA to impose the registration restriction.

The sanction could create difficulties for Karela United as they prepare for the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season, particularly in their efforts to strengthen the squad during the transfer window.

The ban covers both international registrations processed through FIFA’s transfer system and domestic registrations administered by the GFA.

Karela United must therefore settle the outstanding debt to Camara if they are to have the ban lifted and regain the unrestricted ability to register new players.

The FIFA communication was copied to Camara, his representatives and the Ghana Football Association.

Karela United is scheduled to open its new football campaign with an away trip to FC Samartex.

GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum said the Executive Council had assessed the 73-year-old Portuguese coach and agreed that he should remain in charge of the national team.

Queiroz was appointed on a four-month contract to replace Otto Addo and took charge of Ghana ahead of the World Cup.

His future has, however, remained uncertain in recent weeks, with reports suggesting that outstanding payments could affect negotiations over a new contract.

However, Asante Twum told Graphic Sports that the GFA’s Executive Council had unanimously decided to recommend Queiroz for a longer-term role.

“The council, which is the highest decision-making body, after assessing the performance of Coach Carlos Queiroz, have agreed that the coach is made to stay,” he said.

Asante Twum said he could not confirm whether the government still owed Queiroz, explaining that he was not involved in the coach’s financial arrangements.

He stressed that the GFA’s recommendation does not automatically guarantee Queiroz’s continuation as Black Stars coach.

Any new contract must be approved by the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, which is expected to finance the coach’s salary.

“The final decision does not rest on the FA. It must go to the ministry for them to look at the contract and approve because they will pay the salary of the coach,” Asante Twum said.

The GFA Communications Director added that Queiroz had been informed of the Executive Council’s decision, although he was unable to confirm the coach’s response.

He also said he was unaware of the details of the GFA’s proposed contract or whether Queiroz had submitted a counteroffer.

“I don’t know what the offer from the FA is to the coach and the counteroffer he is also proposing,” Asante Twum added.

The recommendation is expected to lead to further discussions between the GFA, the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and Queiroz over the Portuguese coach’s proposed long-term contract.

Financial and contractual issues will have to be resolved before his future with the Black Stars can be confirmed.

Meanwhile, former Ghana Under-20 coach Desmond Ofei has been widely tipped to take charge of the team for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which begin in September.

Okraku, who was first elected GFA president in 2019, is currently serving his second term after being re-elected in 2023, unopposed after Afriyie was disqualified.

His potential bid for a third term became possible after the GFA Congress approved an amendment extending the presidential term limit from two four-year terms to three.

Afriyie, a former chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, has strongly opposed the move and says he wants a new person to lead the association.

“Kurt Okraku’s third term as GFA President will never happen,” Afriyie told Sporty FM.

“I want to see a new FA President, and some of us are willing to petition the president of the land [John Mahama].”

Afriyie also questioned the decision to change the term limit, arguing that Ghana’s national Constitution restricts the President of the Republic to two terms.

“Even our constitution governing our country allows the president to only run for two terms, and there was a reason why the Normalisation Committee kept the GFA presidential term at two terms of four,” he added.

The GFA’s Ordinary Congress approved the constitutional amendment extending the term limit to three four-year terms.

At the meeting, 114 of the 124 delegates present voted in favour of the proposal, while six voted against it and three abstained. The proposal therefore received 91.9 per cent approval.

Under the new arrangement, the GFA President and members of the Executive Council can serve a maximum of three four-year terms, allowing them to remain in office for up to 12 years.

Congress also approved a change to the composition of the Executive Council, elevating the Women’s Football Representative to the position of Second Vice-President.

Afriyie, who narrowly lost the 2019 GFA presidential election to Okraku, has previously expressed his interest in influencing the direction of Ghanaian football.

Carlos Queiroz, who took charge of Ghana on a short-term contract following the dismissal of Otto Addo in March, is expected to leave the role after the expiration of his four-month deal signed in April.

The Portuguese coach guided Ghana to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, where the Black Stars reached the last 32.

With Ghana preparing for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, Ofei, who is currently with the Black Meteors preparing for the Olympic Games qualifiers, has emerged as one of the leading candidates to take charge of the senior national team.

However, Afriyie, a former chairman of the Black Stars Management Committee, has expressed reservations about the prospect of handing the job to the former Ghana Under-20 coach.

“If today we are looking for a coach for the Black Stars and Desmond Ofei is the answer, then we have a problem,” he said.

Afriyie also criticised Queiroz’s tactical approach despite the Portuguese coach helping Ghana reach the knockout phase of the World Cup.

“As for Carlos Queiroz, I don’t like his defensive approach. It’s old-fashioned,” he added.

The Ghana Football Association is expected to decide on Queiroz’s future as the Black Stars prepare to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Ghana will reassemble in September for the qualifiers, with the team aiming to return to the continental tournament after failing to qualify for the 2025 edition.

Mr Afriyie believes perceptions that matches and results can be manipulated have undermined confidence in the league and discouraged companies from investing.

“The struggle to attract sponsorship for the Ghana Premier League is because many people see the competition as being manipulated,” Mr Afriyie told Sporty FM.

“When a league lacks credibility, which company would want to invest in it?” he added.

His comments come ahead of the start of the 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season, scheduled to begin on September 5.

The league is one of Ghana’s biggest sporting competitions, but concerns over its commercial appeal and financial sustainability have persisted in recent years.

Clubs depend on sponsorships and other commercial partnerships to supplement income from gate receipts, broadcast rights and other sources.

Questions surrounding match officiating, governance and the integrity of the competition have also generated debate among supporters and football stakeholders.

Mr Afriyie argues that improving the league’s commercial prospects will require more than simply promoting the competition to potential sponsors.

He believes restoring confidence and trust in the Premier League is essential if Ghanaian football is to attract significant long-term investment.

The 2026/27 season will see clubs compete for the league title as well as places in continental competitions, with the campaign set to get underway on September 5.

The annual statutory meeting will take place at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram in accordance with Article 31(2) of the GFA Statutes.

The Congress is one of the most important events on the GFA’s calendar, providing members with an opportunity to review the previous football season and assess the association’s programmes, administration and financial position.

Delegates are expected to discuss a wide range of issues, including competitions, football development, governance and strategic plans for the new season.

The GFA has formally notified its members of the date, while a full convocation is expected to be circulated ahead of the meeting.

The document will include the agenda for the Congress, activity reports, financial statements and the auditors’ report. These will allow delegates to examine the association’s operations and financial performance.

Club representatives, technical officials and other members of the football community are expected to attend the full-day meeting.

The Congress will also give the GFA leadership an opportunity to engage directly with members on ongoing projects and address concerns affecting football at different levels.

Ghanaian football continues to face a number of challenges, including issues around administration, infrastructure, development and finances. The decisions taken at the Congress could therefore have an impact on the direction of the sport in the coming season.

The GFA has urged delegates to prepare adequately for the meeting and participate actively in discussions.

The 32nd Ordinary Congress will ultimately provide a platform for Ghana’s football stakeholders to review the past, consider current challenges and agree on priorities for the future development of the game.

The Porcupine Warriors are stepping up preparations for the new campaign as Tinkler works to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts.

Kotoko have already undergone significant changes during the off-season, with several players leaving the club as part of an extensive restructuring exercise.

The South African coach, who was appointed ahead of the new season, says the club has largely completed the signings it believes are necessary to strengthen the squad but suggested that more arrivals could still be announced.

“We have now completed the signings that we feel we need to strengthen the squad. What you should expect is obviously there is going to be a number of changes in terms of the squad,” he said.

“We’ve moved a number of players out that we just felt… So [there are] a lot of new faces, a lot of foreign-based players that come with a lot of experience as well, which I think is all very important. Well, there are one or two surprises still coming,” Tinkler added.

His comments are likely to fuel further speculation over Kotoko’s recruitment plans as the club seeks to build a stronger team following a disappointing 2025/26 campaign.

The Kumasi-based side will have an opportunity to assess their progress when they face rivals Hearts of Oak in the 2026 Democracy Cup.

The fixture will serve as an important pre-season test for Tinkler and his new-look squad before Kotoko begin their Ghana Premier League campaign away to newly promoted Debibi United.

The 28-year-old centre-back has signed a three-year contract with Girona, committing his future to the club until 2029.

Mumin’s arrival is expected to bolster Girona’s defensive options after the club made several changes to its backline.

The defender brings considerable experience of Spanish football, having spent the past four seasons with fellow La Liga club Rayo Vallecano.

Mumin joined Rayo in 2022 after spells with Danish side FC Nordsjaelland and Portuguese club Vitoria Guimaraes.

During his time at the Madrid-based club, he made more than 60 official appearances and established himself as a regular option in the Spanish top flight.

His experience of La Liga is expected to help him adapt quickly to Girona’s style of play as the Catalan club prepares for the new campaign.

Mumin began his football development at Ghana’s renowned Right to Dream Academy before moving to Europe to pursue his professional career.

He first made his name in Denmark with FC Nordsjaelland before moving to Portugal, where he continued his development at Vitoria Guimaraes.

At international level, Mumin made his senior Ghana debut in June 2024 and has since become part of the Black Stars setup.

He was also included in Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, further strengthening his international experience.

Adjei-Mensah travelled from Prague to meet the Ghana squad in Poland, where she urged the players to represent the country with pride and assured them of continued government support.

The ambassador told the team that President John Dramani Mahama was aware of the challenge facing the young players and had pledged his backing.

“I am so happy to come from Prague to welcome you to Poland. I know you have put in so much work and the time is almost near,” she said.

“I trust your technical team has taken you through great preparation and I believe you will go and make Ghana proud.

“The President of Ghana, H.E John Dramani Mahama, is aware of the task ahead of you and has assured of his continued support to these young girls.”

Adjei-Mensah also promised to mobilise the Ghanaian community in Poland to support the Black Princesses during the tournament.

She said her office would engage Ghanaians living in Poland and encourage them to attend the team’s matches and create a strong home support for the squad.

“We will meet with the Ghanaian community in Poland to inform them of your arrival so they come in their numbers to wave the flag of Ghana at the stadium,” she added.

“I wish you the very best, and you will see my team and me at the stadium every time to offer our support.”

The Black Princesses are currently based in Krakow as they step up preparations for the tournament.

Head coach Charles Sampson is expected to use a series of international friendly matches to assess his squad and fine-tune preparations before Ghana’s opening fixture.

Ghana will begin their Group-stage campaign against Ecuador on 6 September 2026.

The Black Princesses will then face Korea Republic and France in their remaining group matches as they seek to make a strong impression at the global tournament.

The 50‑year‑old replaces Pape Thiaw, who was sacked in the wake of the country’s last‑32 exit at the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

Born in Senegal’s capital Dakar, Vieira will now manage the country of his birth, having moved to France aged eight before later winning over 100 caps for Les Bleus and lifting the World Cup in 1998 and the European Championship in 2000.

Senegal’s football federation (FSF) said the appointment reflects its “desire to strengthen its high-level technical staff” and is “perfectly aligned” with the nation’s sporting ambitions.

Details of Vieira’s contract and his starting date in the role are still being discussed.

His first matches in charge of the Teranga Lions are expected to come next month in qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

Vieira joins the West Africans after he left his role as Genoa head coach by mutual consent last November, with the team bottom of Serie A.

He won eight and drew nine of his 26 games during the 2024-25 season to guide the Italian club to safety and a 13th-place finish.

However, he left the club after managing just two wins in 25-26, with both of those victories coming in the Coppa Italia.

During his playing career, midfielder Vieira won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups at Arsenal, as well as silverware with AC Milan, Inter Milan and Manchester City.

He retired in 2011 and became the manager of New York City in 2016 before returning to Europe with Nice and leading them to seventh in Ligue 1 in his first season.

Vieira was sacked in December 2020 and became Crystal Palace manager the following year, guiding the Eagles to 12th in the Premier League and the FA Cup semi-finals in 2021-22.

He was dismissed in March 2023 after a 12-game winless run, before joining RC Strasbourg as their first appointment following a takeover by BlueCo, the company which owns Chelsea. He left Strasbourg by mutual consent in July 2024.

His predecessor Thiaw was at the centre of controversy in January when he ushered his Senegal team off the field when Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty in the 2025 Afcon final.

The players eventually returned after a delay of about 17 minutes before Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved and Pape Gueye scored an extra-time winner.

However, Morocco were declared the winners of the tournament in March when the Confederation of African Football appeals board overturned the result of the final following Senegal’s walk-off.

Senegal have lodged an appeal against that decision with the Court of Arbitration for Sport – with the case due to be heard on 8 October.

Mr Deen believes the nationwide initiative will help take organised sport, talent identification and development opportunities beyond Ghana’s major cities and into communities across the country.

Speaking at the inauguration of the NSA Resource Mobilisation and Partnership Committee in Labone, Accra, he said the programme could provide a structured pathway for talented athletes from the community level to regional and national competition.

“The Constituency Games represent a decisive pillar of President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Ghana Sports Agenda,” Mr Deen said.

“It is a truly national programme designed to ensure that Ghanaians in every constituency—not only those in the major cities – benefit from organised sport, talent development and new economic opportunities.”

The proposal has received institutional backing from the Office of the President.

In a letter dated 3 September 2025 and addressed to the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah stated that the Presidency was “in support of the organisation of the Constituency Games”.

The letter also asked the Ministry to coordinate the programme to ensure the Games take off as planned and offered further assistance from the Office of the Chief of Staff where necessary.

Mr Deen said the initiative could support several of the government’s broader sporting priorities, including grassroots talent identification, scholarships, sports academies, centres of excellence and pathways into national teams.

Under the proposed framework, athletes would begin at constituency-level competitions before progressing to regional championships and national finals.

Outstanding performers could then be linked to scholarships, academies, training camps, centres of excellence and national-team development programmes.

Mr Deen said the initiative should also provide opportunities for women and girls, persons with disabilities and athletes competing in sports beyond football.

He proposed the creation of a national digital talent database to track athletes’ performances, sporting disciplines, educational status and development history.

The system, he said, could allow recognised sports federations, coaches and scouts to monitor promising athletes beyond the competition period and ensure that talent identification becomes a continuous process.

Mr Deen also called for former national athletes to be integrated into the programme as coaches, scouts, mentors, technical advisers and administrators.

He said their experience could play an important role in developing the next generation of Ghanaian athletes.

The Constituency Games could also create economic opportunities within communities, with events expected to generate business for transport operators, food vendors, hospitality providers, equipment suppliers, medical personnel, security services and event organisers.

Young people could also be trained as referees, coaches, statisticians, media personnel, photographers, commentators and digital content creators.

Mr Deen further called for stronger media involvement, saying local media teams could document athletes, promote community competitions and help attract sponsorship.

He urged corporate Ghana to see the Games as a potential commercial and social-impact platform rather than simply a request for donations.

He said sponsorship opportunities could include naming rights, broadcast partnerships, community activations and digital engagement, while corporate support could help fund equipment, scholarships, infrastructure, coaching and athlete welfare.

Beyond sport, Mr Deen believes the Games could contribute to national cohesion by giving communities and regions a shared platform for healthy competition.

However, he stressed that transparency and accountability would be essential to the programme’s success.

He called for clear competition regulations, transparent procurement, financial reporting, athlete safeguarding, medical protocols, anti-doping education and accessible complaint mechanisms.

He also proposed measuring the programme through indicators such as participation levels, representation of women and persons with disabilities, athletes identified and developed, scholarships secured, coaches and officials trained, facilities rehabilitated and sponsorship generated.

Mr Deen said successful implementation would require collaboration between the Presidency, Ministry of Sports and Recreation, National Sports Authority, Regional Coordinating Councils, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, the Ghana Education Service and national sports federations.

Traditional authorities, corporate organisations, development partners, educational institutions and the media would also have important roles to play.

“The Constituency Games are more than a sporting competition. They are a national movement to unite communities, create opportunities for young people, stimulate local economic activity and rebuild Ghana’s sporting foundations from the grassroots,” Mr Deen said.

He added that if Ghana was to discover its next generation of sporting talent, opportunities had to be taken directly to the communities where those athletes live.

“The reset of Ghana sports must begin where Ghanaian talent lives—in our schools, neighbourhoods, villages, towns and constituencies,” he said.

Multiple sources say talks have begun within Chelsea’s ownership group after a rift, first apparent in 2024, led both sides to explore buying each other out.

However, it has since emerged that Clearlake – the club’s majority owner with a 61.5% stake and led by co-founders Behdad Eghbali and Jose E. Feliciano – could now buy out their minority partners.

Boehly and Walter each own 12.8% and are reported to value the club at £5bn, meaning they would each receive about £640m from a sale. Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss is also closely aligned with the pair and owns a further 12.8%, although his position remains unclear at this stage.

Walter, the co-owner and chief executive of global finance firm Guggenheim Partners, where Boehly also began his financial career, last week sold the Los Angeles Lakers for a record $12.5bn (£9.23bn) – a year after buying a majority stake in the NBA franchise.

Separately, US federal prosecutors and the Securities and Exchange Commission are investigating companies in Walter’s business empire.

Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season and appointed Xabi Alonso as their new manager in the summer.

Boehly currently serves as Chelsea chairman but is due to be replaced at the end of the season by a Clearlake-appointed representative under a pre-agreed arrangement, made when the consortium bought the club from Roman Abramovich for £2.3bn in 2022.

It would represent a further reduction in Boehly’s influence, having initially been the public face of the takeover before serving as interim sporting director during the first transfer window under the new ownership.

Since 2023, Eghbali has become the most influential figure at Chelsea and has been heavily involved in transfer dealings, while a number of senior executives have left the club within the first two years of the ownership.

Some sources at Chelsea and in the ownership group play down the rift and highlight pictures of the pair together at key matches, notably at Chelsea’s FA Cup final defeat by Manchester City.

But Chelsea’s ongoing plans either to redevelop Stamford Bridge or move to a new stadium have been a source of tension.

Although both Boehly’s camp and Clearlake are understood to favour a move away from the current site, there are differences over the design and scale of the project, which Boehly hinted at in an interview with Bloomberg last March.

“We have to think long term about what we’re trying to accomplish,” he said.

“We have a big stadium development opportunity that we have to flesh out. That’s going to be where we’re either aligned or we ultimately decide to go different ways.”

Chelsea and representatives for Boehly, Walter and Clearlake have declined to comment.

In an emotional scene, the Spanish manager is also shown telling the players, “you cannot behave” the way Walker did.

Former City defender Walker joined AC Milan on loan in January 2025, after asking his manager if he could leave the club for a fresh challenge.

A new Amazon Prime documentary series following Guardiola’s final two years at the club captures the manager addressing his team just days after the defender’s departure.

“So sad, what happened with Kyle,” he says, before a home match with Chelsea.

“It was so easy for him to come to me [and say] ‘I’m tired’. But you cannot behave as a captain the way he has done it. You cannot, in the toughest moments in our lives.

“What did you do, my friends? What did you do with your captain? Tell me, what did you do?”

While it is not clear what specific behaviour from his captain Guardiola is referring to, one scene does capture an argument between the pair following a loss at Anfield in December 2024, during which Walker was at fault for losing the ball to Luis Diaz before the former Liverpool winger won a penalty.

“Kyle has to know that if you lose the ball it’s a goal,” Guardiola tells his dressing room afterwards, which draws an angry reaction from the defender, who says: “Every meeting, it’s my name”.

Guardiola’s response was to say: “Maybe because you’re a captain.”

Walker replies: “OK. You didn’t want me to be your captain”.

The England defender was chosen by City teammates to be captain for the 2024-25 season, with four vice-captains – Kevin de Bruyne, Ruben Dias, Rodri and Bernardo Silva.

Shortly before that defeat to Liverpool, Guardiola signed a new contract at City, after suffering four consecutive defeats for the first time in his career.

Just after the argument with Walker, the documentary shows the Spanish coach in tears as he tells his team: “If I’m a problem, then you have to tell me.

“I won’t stay here just for the money, or just for the fact to stay.

“I extended the contract because I want to be here with you, I want to win a fight in that position. I don’t want to feel that I’m leaving and running away from you. I don’t want to have that feeling that now the pieces fall down.”

He adds: “But if you feel, captains first, then the other ones, for example [feel] that there’s a problem, tell me. It’s not going to change the love I have for all of you – not one second. But I want to fight. That’s all. I’m sorry.”

Before leaving for Milan, Walker made 316 appearances for City and won six Premier League titles under Guardiola after signing from Tottenham in 2017 for £50m.

However, his final season at the Etihad was dogged by poor results as City ended the 2024-25 season trophyless – just the second time that had happened since Guardiola joined the club in July 2016.

Impact of Guardiola’s divorce and coming close to leaving City earlier

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Guardiola’s mental state was questioned after scratches appeared on his nose and head during a draw with Feyenoord in November 2024

Despite signing a contract extension in November 2024, the series reveals how close Guardiola came to not renewing his deal.

In one scene, the manager reveals to director Kevin Macdonald that, after losing four games in a row in 2024, he told the club: “Maybe it’s over.”

In a separate scene, City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak says that he was not sure he was going to be able to convince the legendary manager to stay at the club.

“You know the boy that cried wolf? He is the boy that cried wolf,” the Emirati said.

“I always convince him, but last year, I knew, this time he actually saw the wolf.”

There were various mitigating circumstances for City’s disappointing campaign in 24-25, including the 115 charges for alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules hanging over the club and the long-term injury of 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.

Amid that, Guardiola’s personal life was in turmoil as he went through a divorce and there was media speculation about his mental state when the 55-year-old appeared with multiple scratches on his head and nose following a disappointing 3-3 Champions League draw with Feyenoord in November 2024.

While the coach does not admit to the idea that his personal struggles affected his ability to do his job, Manel Estiarte, a long-time member of Guardiola’s technical staff, speaks about how he had to address players who were worried by their manager’s behaviour.

“They were worried because Pep was anxious,” he says.

“He was sad. He was different. And only I knew the reason.

“And I said to the team, ‘please, you have to understand, you’re not playing with a coach who can be a bit impulsive, who can be a bit intense, who can be sometimes up and down. You’re seeing a human being. He’s getting a divorce’.”

Alongside scenes where Guardiola obsesses over tactics, there are many where he gives candid speeches and berates his team.

Following a defeat by Bayer Leverkusen in November 2025, he tells his squad: “I work for you and I leave my life, my divorce and my family is away and everything for all of you. And what do you give back?

“The performance you have done, all of you. It’s a disgrace guys.

“When I see that, I am exhausted, I’m drained, I want to quit. When you play like this, I feel alone.”

In some scenes, the Spaniard warns his team that they will “get a new manager” if performances do not improve.

In others, he speaks about using a knife to get into their hearts and insists on his squad hugging one another and himself before matches, even blaming poor performances on lukewarm goal celebrations.

Guardiola stepped down as City manager at the end of the 25-26 campaign after 10 years at the Etihad, during which time he won 20 trophies, including both the FA Cup and League Cup in his final season.

Speaking about his next steps, he says: “I don’t know even myself what I am going to do,” adding: “It will be difficult to come back. That’s my feeling today. I need to refresh many things that happened in my personal life.”

Difficult De Bruyne exit and questions about Cherki’s attitude

City embarked on a rebuild during the 2024 winter and summer transfer windows in a bid to refresh an ageing squad.

As part of that, the club brought in exciting French winger Rayan Cherki, 22, while 35-year-old playmaker Kevin de Bruyne, who won 16 trophies in 10 years at the Etihad, left the club.

It is clear in the series that De Bruyne did not want to leave and the Belgian breaks down while speaking about the impact on his family.

Guardiola describes the tough decision he had to make in letting the midfielder go.

“It kills me,” he says. “Without Kevin, that period – forget about it. He was crying here [in the office]. Oh God. I have affection for that player. We lived incredible things together. Then you have to be more cold.”

Meanwhile, sporting director Hugo Viana reveals that there were question marks over Cherki’s attitude before he was signed for £30m in June 2025.

The Frenchman was chosen partly to fill De Bruyne’s role, but Viana says: “The information on Cherki was not so positive, I will be very honest. Everybody knew about his abilities, but there was this idea that he was chaotic.”

Cherki was one of the standout players in City’s squad last season, registering four goals and 12 assists in 33 Premier League matches – the second highest number of assists in the division.

In a statement, a Fifa spokesperson would only confirm that “the working relationship between Fifa and Kevin Lamour as Chief Operating Officer has ended on 17 August 2026.

“Fifa thanks Kevin for his two years of service and wishes him the best of luck for the future.”

Fifa’s staff were informed of the news in an email by its secretary general Mattias Grafstrom on Monday evening, who told them the organisation and Lamour had “agreed to part ways”.

Last month, Lamour described the controversial Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) plans as “the project of one person”, and said, “the time has now come for football political leaders to ask themselves the right questions and make the right decisions”.

He added Fifa’s own administration was “deceived” about the now abandoned project.

“Our mission – the mission of the hundreds of passionate, dedicated, and exemplary Fifa employees – is to serve football”, he added.

“A president must bring people together, unite them, and inspire them. Today, we are experiencing the opposite.”

Lamour acknowledged he had a duty of loyalty to his employer but also to “certain values” and supporting his colleagues.

“If that means I lose my job, then so be it,” he added. “I will understand and respect that decision. At least I’ll sleep well tonight.”

Lamour joined Fifa in November 2024, having previously served as deputy general secretary at Uefa, and was two layers of management below Infantino.

Earlier this month, Infantino received the backing of senior executives in a meeting in Morocco, but BBC Sport was told Lamour was not invited.

Lamour has been approached for comment.

In a letter sent to members of Fifa’s Council, and seen by BBC Sport, Grafstrom wrote: “I would like to provide you with an important update regarding a change within the Fifa Administration.

“Following recent discussions, Fifa and our Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Lamour, have agreed to part ways. This decision was made after careful consideration and with great respect for Kevin, both personally and professionally… I felt it was important that I personally provide you with this update, and I would like to express my gratitude to Kevin for these contributions and for his work and commitment on behalf of Fifa on a daily basis. I wish Kevin all the best for the future.”

How did we get to this point?

Infantino is under increasing pressure following his proposal to create a new company – FFE – to manage the commercial and ticketing rights of all Fifa competitions, including World Cups.

FFE was aborted after Infantino’s plan to sell 21% of the company to private investment companies received widespread criticism.

Uefa, Concacaf – who govern football in North and Central America and the Caribbean – and the Asian Football Confederation publicly opposed the plan, while Uefa threatened to boycott the World Cup if the plan went ahead.

Lamour criticised Infantino, while a senior adviser to Infantino, Carlos Cordeiro, resigned.

After the proposal was aborted, Uefa and Concacaf withdrew their support for Infantino when he stands for a fourth presidential term at the Fifa Congress in March next year.

Several Concacaf members, including Mexico, broke ranks with their confederation to offer their support for Infantino, while the confederations of Africa, South America and Oceania have backed Infantino.

On Monday, the Scottish FA became the latest body to withdraw its support for Infantino, following England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Football governance charity FairSquare said it had written to Fifa demanding Infantino not be allowed to stand for re-election.

The 2026 edition in Morocco can be largely deemed a success – even after it was postponed just 12 days before the finals were initially scheduled to kick off in March.

BBC Sport Africa looks at what we learned from three weeks of competition in Rabat and Casablanca.

Expansion worked

The decision by the Confederation of African Football (Caf) to expand Wafcon to 16 teams was justified although that announcement appeared a bit last-minute, coming as it did midway through a qualifying phase designed to provide 12 sides.

The Indomitable Lionesses, eliminated by Algeria in those qualifiers, were the big beneficiaries of the expansion, advancing to the tournament on the strength of their world ranking before going on to claim the title.

Ivory Coast, who like Cameroon missed the last Wafcon and also reached these finals thanks to their ranking, topped their group before losing to the Algerians in the quarter-finals.

All four semi-finalists booked their places at the 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup, meaning Malawi and the Algerians will make their debut at the global showpiece alongside Cameroon and Morocco.

More high-level matches are required to aid the development of women’s football on the continent and, on first viewing, the 16-team Wafcon format looks like it will help.

A more level playing field

Image source: Caf

Image caption: Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga won the golden boot, scoring five goals and claiming two assists to put her ahead of Cameroon’s Marie Ngah Manga and Zambia’s Barbra Banda

Where the 2024 Wafcon saw few upsets, this tournament provided greater competitiveness and several shock results.

Tanzania bridged a gap of 65 places in the world rankings to upset South Africa in the group stage and the 2022 champions then needed a 99th-minute equaliser to salvage a point against Ivory Coast.

Debutants Malawi were the fairy tale story, upsetting 10-time champions Nigeria with a 3-2 win in their opener before seeing off Ghana and Algeria to reach the final.

Their success was built on the attacking prowess of the Chawinga sisters, but the Scorchers will certainly climb from 153rd in the world – and 32nd in Africa – when Fifa updates its rankings.

Zambia were unfortunate not to reach the knockout stage despite amassing six points in Group C, while Mali were eliminated on goal difference after finishing level with Ghana on four points in Group D.

Cape Verde, Egypt and Kenya were the only sides not to win a game, with the North Africans conceding 15 goals and the Harambee Starlets failing to find the back of the net.

There were 90 goals scored in 32 games (excluding the two Women’s World Cup play-offs) with the average of 2.81 goals per game an increase on the average of 2.54 from the 2024 edition.

Female coach wins the day

Image source: Michel Mvondo/BBC

Image caption: Cameroon were greeted by thousands of joyous supporters on their return to Yaounde on Monday

Cameroon’s Valentine Nguele became the fifth female coach to lead a side to glory in what was the 14th edition of the finals.

She emulates Clementine Toure (Equatorial Guinea, 2008), Eucharia Uche and Florence Omagbemi (Nigeria in 2010 and 2016 respectively) and Desiree Ellis (South Africa, 2022).

Her achievement is all the more impressive given that she only took over in June.

“We worked as crazy since two months [ago], day and night, and this is the result,” Cameroon technical co-ordinator Dimitri Lipoff told the BBC World Service.

“We had no team, nothing was ready. We tried to build a kind of bubble.

“This is an incredible team effort.”

Is dominance of Super Falcons over?

Image source: Caf

Image caption: Chiamaka Nnadozie and her Nigeria team-mates will be absent from next year’s Women’s World Cup

Nigeria came into the tournament targeting a record-extending 11th Wafcon title but the inquest into their worst-ever performance will be long-lasting.

The Super Falcons paid the price for failing to win their group as they were eliminated by Cameroon in the quarter-finals. Worse was to come as they fell to a 2-1 defeat by South Africa in their World Cup play-off, meaning Nigeria will be absent from the tournament for the very first time.

The West Africans have relied on talent developed and based abroad for a number of years which has masked a lack of institutional structure in the country.

With Morocco investing heavily in the women’s game, champions Cameroon benefitting from $2m in prize money and Algeria, Ghana and Malawi among the sides making strides, Nigeria’s place at the summit of the African women’s game is no longer assured.

Former striker Desire Oparanozie has called for “a fresh start – a start that evaluates everything” and the four-time Wafcon winner will get her wish as part of a fact-finding committee established by the country’s football federation to examine the failure.

The negatives

Image source: Caf

Image caption: Largely empty stands were again a common sight at Wafcon

Attendances at matches not involving home nation Morocco were once again an issue, continuing a trend of all-but empty stadiums from the 2022 and 2024 editions.

The late rearrangement of the finals will have played its part, while the cost of travel around the continent and the requirement for visas are long-ingrained obstacles.

The use of video assistant referee checks could certainly be speeded up, with one inspection at the pitch-side monitor during Cameroon’s group win over Mali lasting almost four minutes.

The hosts were the beneficiaries of soft-looking penalty awards late on against both Cameroon in the semi-final and in the third-placed play-off against Algeria.

But the fact that the Atlas Lionesses failed to convert nine of their 13 spot kicks – having three of four in regulation or extra time saved or missed – points to one large improvement Jorge Vilda’s side could make as they hunt an elusive first title.

Questions for the future

Morocco have now held the past three Wafcons, but whether the kingdom has the appetite to host again remains to be seen.

No announcement has been made about where or when the 2028 tournament will be staged, with the finals needing to avoid the Los Angeles Olympics from 14 to 31 July that year.

A similar clash with the Paris Games led to Wafcon 2024 being delayed until July 2025. A regular and viable slot in the Fifa calendar needs to be found.

Attention now switches to the preliminaries for LA 2028, which recommence in October and continue in three international windows next year, with 32 sides competing for two coveted places at the Games.

South Africa and Ghana, meanwhile, will enter an inter-confederation qualifier for next year’s Women’s World Cup.

You only need to look at the England defender’s career to see how the 27-year-old managed to fulfill his dream of playing for Chelsea while also overcoming plenty of setbacks.

He went from crying in the car because he did not feel good enough while playing alongside Mason Mount and Declan Rice during his childhood at the Cobham academy, to being left out of first-team training as a member of the so-called “bomb squad” under former boss Enzo Maresca in 2024, before being made available for transfer and sent out on loan.

Each time, Chalobah bounced back to become a regular starter for Chelsea.

He was recalled from a loan spell at Crystal Palace in January 2025 and ultimately made 151 appearances for the Blues before completing a £31m move to Italy to join Serie A side Como under manager Cesc Fabregas last week.

Chalobah was brought in to provide leadership and demonstrate what he believes is his footballing superpower – being “very, very resilient”.

“That’s one of my attributes and one of my skills that I have, bouncing back from things and not allowing anything to get to me,” Chalobah reflects from Como’s pre-season camp in Teddington in south west London.

“Not just in football, in life, things are going to happen which are sometimes out of your hands and out of your control.”

It was the change in ownership in 2022 from Roman Abramovich to Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital which saw almost every player sold and new ones signed in a chaotic first two years.

There is no sense of bitterness or regret as Chalobah achieved his highest total of appearances for Chelsea in a single season last term with 47 before leaving his boyhood club.

“I always wanted to play for Chelsea no matter what the circumstances were, I always believed that I could do it,” Chalobah continued.

“I’m grateful for every setback, every challenge, every trophy I’ve won. I’ve won a few things there and it’s a club where I’ve improved and I’ve learned a lot.

“Stepping in as a young boy and then leaving as a man, I’m really happy with my career there. I will always keep the blue flag flying. I’ll be supporting them, I’ll be watching them this season and they’ll always be in my heart.”

The Tuchel and Fabregas effect

This is not Chalobah’s first spell with a club overseas, having spent part of the 2020-21 campaign on loan with Lorient in the French top flight.

It was there that he emulated his older brother Nathaniel, who played for Napoli, by taking the less-trodden path of moving to Europe as an English player, a route that has since become more commonplace.

The younger Chalobah says it was “not a coincidence” that Tuchel, whom he had faced while at Lorient after the German joined Paris St-Germain, picked him out and gave him his Chelsea debut.

Five years later, Tuchel promised him that if a defender dropped out of England’s World Cup squad, Chalobah would be first in line for a call-up.

While on holiday in New York, Chalobah received the call to join Tuchel’s squad at his first World Cup in place of the injured Tino Livramento.

“The story’s already written before I was born,” Chalobah said.

“He’s the one that gave me my debut for Chelsea and he’s the same manager that called me up for the World Cup last minute.

“I think certain things are meant to happen and I’m grateful for that. Obviously all thanks to him and I’m really happy.”

The tournament ended in a semi-final defeat by Argentina before the team secured the bronze medal with a 6-4 victory over France in their final match.

“No one wants to come third. You’re just one step away from the final,” he said.

“It was definitely hard for the players. It did hit us for a couple of days. You know how hard the boys worked, how they believed that we could win it.

“And yeah, we were so close. But we learn from this and be proud of what we’ve done and achieved.”

It is now another manager with whom Chalobah’s destiny intertwines.

Fabregas was one of Chelsea’s stars when Chalobah was in the academy and taking part in training sessions with the first-team squad.

“I remember how demanding he was with the younger players. So yeah, I know him really well,” Chalobah explained, recalling those early sessions.

Fabregas has overseen Como’s remarkable rise from Serie B to the Champions League in just two seasons and convinced Chalobah to join amid interest from Inter Milan.

“He was a massive part,” Chalobah added. “He explained what he wanted, the way he sees the club and how he sees me fitting into this club and how I can help – having a lot of experience, physicality as well, the leadership.

“It wasn’t an overnight thing, it was a very thoughtful and hard decision. But I thought, as I said, the trajectory of this club and the direction it’s going in, and speaking to the manager, and wanting to be part of this story.

“I’m really excited for this new chapter in my beautiful story that I’ve had so far.”

BBC Sport was told last week that Turkish club Galatasaray, plus Italian giants Juventus and AC Milan, were considering whether to test United’s resolve to keep their captain.

It is thought Galatasaray had a deal they were intending to put to United, which would reach a final fee of 50m euros (£42.7m).

However, the message from senior sources at Old Trafford is that Galatasaray would be wasting their time.

Although last summer they told Fernandes it was his call whether to accept the mammoth offer put to him by Saudi Pro-League outfit Al-Hilal, with the Portuguese later admitting he felt “hurt” by that stance, this time around United have made their position clear.

Club sources say, as yet, there have been no bids for the 31-year-old, but add that he is not for sale at any price.

Fernandes has one year left on his current deal, with an option for an additional season. It is known he would prefer to stay.

A £57m release clause in the Portugal international’s contract has now expired.

So far, there has been no agreement over an extension.

While United are in a strong negotiating position, the enthusiastic reception for Fernandes in Dublin for last week’s pre-season encounter with Leeds would have left the club in no doubt supporters would react badly if it was not clear they are doing everything possible to keep their talisman.

Fernandes recorded a Premier League record 21 assists last season and is favourite to be crowned PFA Player of the Year for 2025-26 in Manchester next week

The Premier League side want to conclude the transfer this week after agreeing to sell Rodri to Barcelona.

It is understood Lille value the 18-year-old at 100m euros (£85.6m).

City have also not given up hope of signing Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, BBC Sport has been told.

Should they be successful in moves for both Bouaddi and Fernandez, it would complete a trio of costly midfield signings for City following Elliot Anderson’s arrival from Nottingham Forest.

Bouaddi impressed at this summer’s World Cup – starting five of Morocco’s six matches in their run to the quarter-finals – after a starring role in Lille’s Champions League victory over Real Madrid in 2024 announced him on the big stage.

He functions as a deep-lying conductor and would complement Anderson, who is comfortable as a box-to-box midfielder as well as the number six role he plays for England.

Bouaddi has played 88 times for Lille since making his debut in October 2023, three days after his 16th birthday, and helped them finish third in Ligue 1 last season.

Spain captain Rodri is set to complete a £65m move to Barcelona in the coming days, signing a four-year contract.

The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has made 298 appearances across seven trophy-laden seasons at City after joining from Atletico Madrid in 2019 for a then club record £62.8m.

The 30-year-old missed much of the 2024-25 campaign with a serious knee injury, and parts of last season were disrupted by a hamstring issue.

However, he was back to his best at the World Cup in the summer, leading Spain to their second global title and being named player of the tournament.

Meanwhile, City are still targeting Fernandez, though Chelsea expect the Argentina midfielder to stay for the rest of the season after their self-imposed deadline for bids passed.

It will be a transfer story to watch before the 1 September transfer deadline, with well-placed sources maintaining City boss Enzo Maresca retains a strong interest.

The approved list, released on 17 August 2026, includes some of the country’s major football stadiums as clubs prepare for the start of the new league campaign.

Among the venues cleared to host Premier League matches are the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium in Tamale, Accra Sports Stadium, University of Ghana Sports Stadium, Duns Park in Bibiani, Nsenkyire Sports Arena in Sambreboi and the TnA Stadium in Tarkwa.

The list also includes Nana Fosu Gyeabour Park in Bechem, AAK II Sports Arena, Tuba Astro Turf, Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, Golden City Park in Berekum, Nana Boamah Darko II Park in Kukurantumi and Len Clay Stadium in Obuasi.

However, several clubs are still waiting for their proposed home grounds to receive clearance.

Aduana FC’s Nana Agyemang Badu Park in Dormaa is not among the approved venues, leaving the club needing further clearance or an alternative home ground if approval is not secured before the season begins.

Young Apostles face a similar situation, with the Wenchi Sports Stadium absent from the approved list.

Newly promoted All Blacks are also awaiting approval for their proposed venue in Swedru, while Vision FC’s Nii Adjei Kraku II venue has yet to be cleared.

The 2026/27 Ghana Premier League is scheduled to begin between 4 and 7 September, with 18 clubs set to compete in a 30-week campaign.

The season is expected to conclude between 28 and 31 May 2027.

The GFA has also confirmed that midweek matchdays will be used exclusively to accommodate outstanding fixtures, a measure aimed at maintaining an organised and balanced league calendar.

Clubs whose home venues remain unapproved will therefore be under pressure to secure clearance or make alternative arrangements before the opening weekend.

Venues approved below:

Ghana are currently without a substantive head coach following the reported departure of Carlos Queiroz after the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation failed to reach an agreement over his demands.

The Black Stars are expected to regroup in September as they begin preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Assistant coach Desmond Ofei has been linked with the vacant position, while Tanko has also emerged as a potential candidate after impressing with Medeama.

The former Black Stars assistant coach, who previously worked under Kwesi Appiah, says he would not hesitate to accept the national team job if the authorities consider him the right person for the position.

“If the Black Stars coaching opportunity comes and the authorities believe I’m the right man for the job, why not?” Tanko told Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.

Tanko has considerable experience within Ghana’s national team set-up, having previously served as head coach of the Black Meteors, the country’s U-23 side.

However, his tenure with the Black Meteors ended without qualification for the Olympic Games.

A potential appointment would make Tanko the seventh head coach under GFA President Kurt Okraku’s administration, highlighting the continued search for stability in the Black Stars’ technical set-up.

Ghana missed out on the 2025 AFCON in Morocco and will be determined to secure a place at the 2027 tournament, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Tanko’s comments are likely to fuel further discussion over who should lead the Black Stars as preparations for the next AFCON qualifying campaign draw closer.

The South African was confirmed as Kotoko’s new manager as the club seeks to rebuild following a disappointing campaign in which they failed to finish in the top four.

Tinkler, a former coach of Orlando Pirates and Cape Town City, arrives at the Kumasi-based club with the task of restoring Kotoko to the upper reaches of Ghanaian football.

Menzo said he was convinced the club had appointed the best available candidate.

“We appointed the best coach we could have. He has built clubs to a high standard,” Menzo told the club’s official media.

Tinkler is expected to oversee a new chapter for the Porcupine Warriors as they prepare for the new league campaign.

Kotoko are currently in Accra as part of their pre-season preparations, with the club using the period to build fitness and assess the squad ahead of the competitive season.

Their preparations will include a high-profile meeting with arch-rivals Hearts of Oak in the 2026 Democracy Cup.

The fixture will provide Tinkler with an early opportunity to assess his players in a competitive setting while giving supporters a first glimpse of the new-look Kotoko under the South African coach.

Meanwhile, Asante Kotoko will open their 2026/27 Ghana Premier League season with an away game against Debibi United.

His comments come amid concerns over Ghana’s preparations and management of its athletes at the Games in Glasgow. 

Ghana returned from the Games with two medals – one bronze in boxing and one silver in women’s shot put. 

Black Bombers head coach, Ofori Asare, blamed inadequate logistical support, revealing that some boxers were forced to share competition equipment.

Speaking to Luv FM, Yaw Ampofo said “we let the boxers down” and more importantly, “let our athletes down.”

According to him, the feedback from athletes and coaches pointed to several areas that could have been handled better.

“Did we give them a 100% chance, opportunity to win? If we did, then you can say, ‘Look, we did everything we could. They couldn’t win it. It was bad luck’,” he said.

The NSA boss said authorities must move away from imposing decisions on athletes and coaches without sufficiently listening to them.

“In this case, listening to them, there were a lot of things that they felt could have been done better, and we need to also engage more and listen to the athletes and the coaches more, rather than imposing certain things on them,” Ampofo said.

“I think in camp, you know, there were opportunities for conversations to be had. Those opportunities were missed until the team arrived in Glasgow,” he said.

For Ampofo, the experience should serve as a wake-up call for Ghana’s sporting authorities rather than another occasion to shift blame onto athletes.

“These are lessons that we must learn from, so that we do not repeat them at the next games that Ghana represents,” he added. “We need to be honest, especially with the young athletes that we assembled at the Commonwealth, one of the youngest teams.”

He called for preparations to begin early for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, as well as upcoming junior and senior competitions, including the junior games in Senegal.

Cape Verde emerged as one of the tournament’s biggest surprise packages, advancing beyond the group stage as part of a historic campaign for African football.

Nine of the 10 African nations at the World Cup progressed to the knockout stages, while Morocco went a step further by reaching the quarter-finals.

However, Semenyo believes Cape Verde’s strong showing was simply a continuation of the quality the team had already demonstrated on the African continent.

The 26-year-old recalled facing Cape Verde at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations and said the experience immediately convinced him that they were among Africa’s top sides.

“We played against them in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2022. I remember coming off that game thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, this is one of the best African teams I’ve played.’ They were so, so good. So this wasn’t any news to us, but obviously to the world it was,” Semenyo told CNN Sports during Manchester City’s pre-season tour at the Hong Kong Football Festival.

Cape Verde’s progress in 2026 formed part of a record-breaking World Cup campaign for Africa, with the continent’s leading teams showing they can compete against some of the strongest nations in world football.

Semenyo believes the performances in the tournament are further evidence of the rapid growth of African football and could help reshape perceptions of the continent’s teams.

“It shows African football is evolving. It shows the world we’re competing at the highest levels. Long may it continue,” he said.

Cape Verde will now turn their attention to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which gets underway in September. They will come up against Mali, Rwanda and Liberia in Group K.

The 26-year-old enjoyed a remarkable 2026 campaign in England’s top flight, scoring 17 league goals to become the Ghanaian player with the most goals in a single Premier League season.

Semenyo’s record-breaking achievement came during a memorable year in which he also played every minute of Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.

The Black Stars reached the Round of 32 at the expanded tournament, with their group-stage campaign highlighted by a goalless draw against England.

For Semenyo, however, breaking Yeboah’s record carries special significance given the influence the former Ghana striker had on him while growing up.

“Tony Yeboah is a player I always looked up to. Asamoah Gyan too, (former Ivory Coast star) Didier Drogba, the names are endless,” he told CNN.

The Ghana international explained that watching African stars excel in the Premier League inspired him to dream of one day following in their footsteps.

“When they were playing in the Premier League, scoring every week, you wanted to do the same thing as a young kid. To think I’m doing it now, I’m grateful to God.”

Semenyo’s 17-goal campaign saw him move beyond Yeboah’s previous benchmark and further establish himself as an important figure for both club and country.

The forward also hopes his own success can inspire the next generation in the same way Yeboah, Gyan and Drogba inspired him.

“It’s a dream of mine to have kids looking up to me, following in my footsteps. It gives me more motivation to keep going,” he added.

Semenyo’s rise represents another significant chapter in Ghana’s long association with the Premier League, following in the footsteps of Yeboah, Gyan and other Black Stars stars who have made their mark in England.

The 26-year-old featured in Manchester City’s Community Shield loss to Arsenal on Sunday. Despite the disappointing result, Semenyo is expected to play a key role under new manager Enzo Maresca as the new Premier League season gets underway this weekend.

The request comes as several African countries face challenges securing approved venues following the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) stringent stadium inspection and licensing requirements.

Ampofo Ankrah said Ghana is currently assessing its stadium commitments ahead of the next international window, with a number of national teams and youth sides expected to require facilities for competitive matches.

Niger’s request comes at a time when Ghana is preparing to host the U-20 AFCON tournament next year, while the Black Meteors are also expected to begin their qualifiers for the Olympic Games.

“The Under-20, the Olympic team, the Black Meteors would also want to have their matches in Ghana. Obviously, that schedule is yet to be released by CAF. And then we’ve had a request from Niger wanting to use Accra as their home venue,” Ampofo Ankrah said.

The potential hosting arrangement would place additional demands on the Accra Sports Stadium, particularly its playing surface, with the NSA expected to accelerate maintenance and rehabilitation work to ensure the facility meets CAF’s requirements.

Ampofo Ankrah acknowledged the tight schedule facing the stadium authorities but said preparations would be stepped up to accommodate the various international fixtures.

“We need to look at all of this and work quickly to ensure that we’re ready to do the necessary,” he added.

The Yellow and Mauve will represent Ghana in Africa’s premier club competition after winning the 2025/26 Ghana Premier League title.

Medeama have been drawn against DR Congo giants TP Mazembe in the first round of the preliminary stage, setting up a difficult test for Tanko’s side.

Despite the challenge, Tanko says Medeama will approach the competition one match at a time while keeping their sights firmly set on reaching the group stage.

“We’ll take it game by game, but our target this time is to go beyond the group stage of the CAF Champions League,” he told Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show.

Medeama will host Mazembe in the first leg at the TNA Stadium on September 5, with the return leg scheduled for September 13 in the DR Congo.

Both matches are scheduled to kick off at 15:00 GMT.

Medeama will be hoping to build on their domestic success and make a strong return to the CAF Champions League, with Tanko keen for the club to progress beyond the preliminary rounds.

A successful tie against Mazembe would move the Ghanaian champions closer to their ambition of reaching and progressing from the group stage.

This landmark appointment makes Niharika Handa the first woman to lead the Board in the club’s more than four-decade history, marking a new chapter for King Faisal built around inclusive leadership, ambition and a renewed commitment to the future of Ghanaian football.

With more than 30 years of experience in leadership, international business, sports administration and finance, Niharika Handa brings a strong background in organisational growth, strategic development and transformational leadership.

She is the founder of Gold Crest Refinery and Rika Holdings and has built her career around creating organisations with long-term vision, strong structures and sustainable growth.

In a letter announcing the appointment, Founder and President of King Faisal, Alhaji Karim Grunsah, expressed his confidence in Ms Niharika’s leadership and vision.

“Ms Niharika’s exceptional leadership qualities, extensive management background and dedication to sports development were critical factors in making her the right choice to lead the Board. We believe her vision will open a new chapter for King Faisal and create new opportunities for the club and its players.”

Speaking following her appointment, Ms Niharika said she was deeply honoured to take on the responsibility at such an important moment in the club’s history.

“I am deeply honoured to serve King Faisal at this pivotal time. Football is much more than a game. It brings people together, creates dreams and gives young talent an opportunity to believe in what is possible.

“I want to see King Faisal players recognised not only in Ghana, but on the global stage. That means investing in their development, their wellbeing and their future.

“We will place greater emphasis on quality nutrition, modern training equipment and technology, improved playing and training conditions, and an environment where our players can grow with confidence and pride.

“When our players are stronger, healthier and better supported, the entire club becomes stronger.

“And this journey is not just about me. It is about building something together with the Board, Management, coaches, players and our loyal supporters. It is about creating a club that people are proud to belong to and a platform from which our players can reach the world.

“Most importantly, I hope this appointment opens doors for more women to take their rightful place in football leadership.”

As Board Chair, Ms Niharika will provide strategic oversight of the club’s governance, long-term development, commercial growth and organisational structure, while working closely with Management and the technical team to strengthen the club both on and off the pitch.

The 41-year-old married his partner, Georgina Rodriguez, on Tuesday and is contemplating a future oriented around his family.

A five-time Ballon d’Or and five-time Champions League winner, Ronaldo has won league titles in England, Spain, Italy and Saudi Arabia and is the all-time top goalscorer in men’s international football.

The Portugal captain has spent almost four years at Saudi Pro League champions Al-Nassr, where he has one year remaining on his contract.

“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo told Vogue in an interview about his wedding.

“I have my future all mapped out. I have so many things to keep me busy that to tell you just one thing is hard. Because football could leave a big hole, you have to fill your time in various ways, not just one.

“Have more fun, travel more, watch and play padel, which I really like, and continue to enjoy what I’ve earned – what we’ve earned.

“Because after all it’s been 25 years with a lot of sacrifice.”

Ronaldo is 24 goals away from scoring 1,000 senior career goals.

His long-time rival Lionel Messi, who has won the Ballon d’Or accolade a record eight times, recently also said he was unsure how much longer he would continue playing football.

The players’ respective World Cup campaigns could hardly have looked more different as Messi scored eight goals and led Argentina all the way to the final, while Ronaldo’s Portugal bowed out in the round of 16.

Asked in July whether his sixth World Cup would be his last, Ronaldo said he would decide “with a calm head” in a conversation with his family.

Al-Nassr opened their Saudi Pro League title defence against Al Fateh on Saturday and Ronaldo did not play, but he watched the champions win from the stands with his family.

The 30-year-old, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2024, is set to sign a four-year deal with the Spanish champions.

The transfer is expected to be completed in the coming days.

Rodri made 298 appearances across seven trophy-laden seasons at City after joining them from Atletico Madrid in 2019 for a then club record £62.8m.

He missed much of the 2024-25 campaign after sustaining a serious knee injury, and parts of last season were disrupted by a hamstring issue.

However, he was back to his best at the World Cup in the summer, leading Spain to their second title and being named player of the tournament.

Rodri leaves City having won 12 major honours, including four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups and the Champions League in 2022-23.

Last week City rejected Barca’s opening offer of £38.5m for Rodri, who was set to enter the final year of his contract at Etihad Stadium.

It had looked like Real Madrid would be his next destination but La Liga rivals Barcelona stepped up their efforts to complete the signing in recent days.

Speaking after City’s defeat by Arsenal in the Community Shield on Sunday, new boss Enzo Maresca said: “Rodri is a player who just won the World Cup and Ballon d’Or.

“He’s a top player; all the teams need a Rodri, so it’s not about if we miss Rodri or not.”

Will Bouaddi be Rodri’s replacement?

Talk of City signing 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi has been rumbling all summer, and the club have reportedly held talks with the Moroccan, who would cost an estimated £85m.

Bouaddi is said to be keen on the move.

The teenager impressed at this summer’s World Cup after a starring role in Lille’s Champions League victory over Real Madrid in 2024 announced him on the big stage.

Bouaddi functions as a deep-lying conductor – much in the same vein as Rodri – and would complement summer signing Anderson, who is more of a box-to-box midfielder.

Taking into account the loss of Bernardo Silva, it is not just Rodri that City are trying to replace and, with 30 Ligue 1 appearances last season, Bouaddi possesses a level of experience beyond his age.

Who else is on Man City’s radar?

Manchester City’s interest in Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez has been no secret, despite not submitting a bid for the Argentine before the Blues’ Friday deadline.

Chelsea told interested parties they had until 17:00 BST on Friday to make an offer for the 25-year-old – with them wanting £120m for his signature.

But they are not thought to have received any bids and Xabi Alonso’s side now hope to keep their vice-captain.

However, it is understood City do not see the potential transfer as being over and still think Chelsea want to do a deal.

Manchester City boss Maresca is clearly a fan of Fernandez, having made him Chelsea captain when Reece James was injured, and he played him in 79 of his 92 games in charge at Stamford Bridge.

Fernandez is, by nature, a defensive midfielder but Maresca played him further forward many times last season when Cole Palmer was injured, leading to him scoring a career-best 15 goals.

That means there are several places Fernandez could fit into Maresca’s City team – if a deal does happen.

The Abu Dhabi-owned club also signed England midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest this summer.

So that would give Maresca some flexibility when naming a team – and means Anderson and Fernandez would be capable of playing together.

Whether a deal can be agreed or if Chelsea will stick to their guns remains to be seen.

Another potential midfield signing is Bournemouth’s Alex Scott.

City have explored a potential move for England international Scott this summer.

The 22-year-old has rejected contract offers from the Cherries amid interest from other Premier League clubs, though his current deal does not expire until 2028 and Bournemouth have expressed their desire to keep him.

Bournemouth rejected a £64m bid from Chelsea for the midfielder last month and made it clear any further approaches would not be welcomed. Advances from Arsenal have also been knocked back.

Scott’s energy and ball-carrying ability suit Maresca’s preferred style of play – with a heavy emphasis on possession – while his passes into the box and ability to win duels make him an appealing option.

Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister also interests Maresca.

The Argentine is into the final two years of his contract at Anfield and has been a consistent presence in the Reds’ midfield during his time there, though he struggled for form during a troublesome 2025-26 season.

As a Premier League winner, Mac Allister would bring top-flight experience and be a ready-made candidate to slot into City’s midfield.

Japan international Suzuki has been one of Villa’s top targets should Martinez leave this summer, and the deal, reportedly for around £30m, is progressing.

Suzuki was born in America but qualifies for Japan through his mother and played all four of their matches at the World Cup this summer.

The 23-year-old has made 59 appearances for Parma since joining from J-League side Urawa Red Diamonds in 2024.

His impending arrival means Martinez could now move to Juventus, with the Old Lady having held an interest in the 33-year-old this summer.

Director of football operations Damian Vidagany had previously confirmed Martinez would stay at Villa Park, but he is now more likely to depart before the transfer deadline.

The Argentina international, who was a World Cup winner in 2022 and runner-up to Spain this year, joined Villa from Arsenal for £17m in 2020.

He has made 256 appearances and helped the club end their 30-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League in May.

Martinez missed Wednesday’s Super Cup defeat to Paris St-Germain with Unai Emery giving him, along with Ezri Konsa and Ollie Watkins, a month off after the World Cup.

He was due to return to full training this week in preparation for Villa’s Premier League opener at Brighton on Sunday (14:00 BST).

Marie Ngah Manga’s close-range header put the Indomitable Lionesses ahead in the 20th minute, and Naomi Eto doubled the lead with a stunning volley on the half-hour mark in the Moroccan capital, Rabat.

The Central Africans made it 3-0 in the third minute of first-half added time as Eto rounded Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo and put the ball on a plate for striker Ngah Manga to score her fifth goal at the finals.

Malawi, the lowest-ranked side at Wafcon 2026 at 153rd in the world, reached the final on the back of the attacking prowess of the Chawinga sisters Tabitha and Temwa.

However, the two Scorchers stars were well marshalled by the Cameroon defence, who ensured that the Southern Africans were unable to secure a fairy tale ending to their unexpected run at the tournament.

Ngah Manga missed a glorious chance to complete her hat-trick – and secure the golden boot outright – three minutes into the second half when she went past Sikelo but fired wide from six yards with the goal gaping.

The Scorchers had their best opening just after the hour mark as Cameroon keeper Michaely Bihina saved a low effort from Tabitha Chawinga before her younger sibling turned and fired the rebound wide.

Cameroon’s triumph is all the more remarkable given the Indomitable Lionesses missed the 2024 edition of Wafcon and failed to qualify for these finals, losing 3-1 on aggregate to Algeria in their second-round tie.

However, the Central Africans advanced to the tournament on the strength of their world ranking after the Confederation of African Football (Caf) expanded the finals from 12 to 16 teams.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino was on hand to present the trophy alongside CAF counterpart Patrice Motsepe, and Cameroon, who previously lost three Wafcon finals, also picked up $2m (£1.48m) in prize money as they become just the fourth side to win the title after Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa.

Both sides will feature at the 2027 Women’s Fifa World Cup in Brazil alongside fellow Wafcon semi-finalists Algeria and Morocco.

“We are very happy,” Ngah Manga said on E4.

“We have been working so hard over all these years to get here. To finally be champions, we are very proud.”

• Indomitable Lionesses capitalise on errors

Both sides looked nervy in the opening stages, with the Southern Africans repeatedly trying to play in Temwa Chawinga with early balls forward – a tactic that worked well in their semi-final victory over Algeria.

The opener came after Sikelo misjudged an Eto cross from the right and Grace Mendoua’s header back across goal was tipped onto the bar by the Malawi keeper.

Ngah Manga was on hand to pounce on the rebound from two yards out and Cameroon, ranked 82 places above their opponents, never looked back.

The Indomitable Lionesses doubled their lead when Malawi failed to clear a corner, and Eto pivoted before sending her first-time effort into the bottom right-hand corner.

Sikelo was arguably at fault for the third as she decided to come off her line in an attempt to cut out Genevieve Ngo Mbeleck’s through ball, but Eto beat her there, got to the byline and crossed for Ngah Manga to head into an empty net from two yards.

Valentine Nguele only took charge as Cameroon coach in June but has built a well-drilled side which upset Nigeria 1-0 in the quarter-finals and then beat host nation Morocco on penalties in the last four.

Bihina was the star in both of those matches, pulling off nine saves against the Super Falcons and then keeping out an extra-time penalty and three more spot-kicks in the shootout against the North Africans.

The 22-year-old Benfica goalkeeper was rarely called upon in the final as Malawi’s challenge faded.

Cameroon came close to adding a fourth late on, but an Eto strike from a narrow angle was well saved by Sikele before Mendoua’s headed a corner across goal and wide.

In injury time, Indomitable Lionesses substitute Gabrielle Onguene tapped in, but the 37-year-old was to be denied by the offside flag and booked for taking off her shirt in celebration.

Cameroon football federation president Samuel Eto’o celebrated each goal wildly in the stands at the Moulay Hassan Stadium and on the Cameroon bench, and officials ran onto the pitch on the final whistle to mark their first Wafcon crown after final defeats in 2004, 2014 and 2016 – which all came at the hands of Nigeria.

Head coach Charles Sampson and his technical team travelled with 17 players on Sunday, 16 August, while the remaining members of the squad are expected to join the team in camp in Poland.

The West African side will use the training camp to fine-tune their preparations for the global tournament, with a series of international friendly matches lined up.

The games will give Sampson an opportunity to assess his squad, test different tactical approaches and finalise his plans ahead of Ghana’s opening fixture.

The Black Princesses will begin their World Cup campaign against Ecuador on 6 September before taking on Korea Republic and France in their remaining Group Stage matches.

Ghana will be aiming to make the most of their time in Poland by building match fitness, improving cohesion and gaining valuable experience against international opposition.

With the tournament fast approaching, the Black Princesses will hope the final phase of their preparations provides the momentum needed for a strong World Cup campaign.

The two sides headed into the match with most observers seeing the game as a battle between the two sides expected to battle it out for the Premier League title again this season. But in Sunday afternoon’s head-to-head clash at the Principality Stadium, there was only one team in it.

Arsenal stamped their authority on the game in the very first minute, when a great pass from Myles Lewis-Skelly found the late-arriving Riccardo Calafiori, who fired Arsenal into the lead after just 24 seconds.

That strike gave Arsenal increased confidence, while City struggled to find cohesion in a match where they looked a little under-prepared for such a high-intensity Arsenal performance.

The Gunners doubled their lead on 28 minutes when a deep cross from Player of the Match Martin Odegaard found new signing Christos Tzolis at the back post. The Greek winger then smartly headed the ball back across goal, where Kai Havertz was on hand to nod home and double Arsenal’s lead.

From that point on, Arsenal had a grip on the game, and never let go as they dominated the rest of the game. City tried in vain to find their way back into the game, but when their chances came, they found Arsenal keeper David Raya in the right place at the right time to deny them. There was also one superb block by Ben White to deny Jeremy Doku.

The second half saw both managers make mass changes over the course of the action, meaning the action became a little more stop-start. But by the time those changes came, Arsenal were away and clear at 3-0.

A brilliant move, and an outstanding piece of play from Odegaard, gave Arsenal their third goal as he latched onto a Tzolis pass and superbly sat down City keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma before finishing with ease just two minutes into the second period.

From that moment on, the game started to get fragmented with multiple changes by both managers, and while both sides had chances, neither were able to add to the scoreline as Arsenal ran out comfortable winners.

The tiny island nation’s success encapsulated Africa’s record-breaking outing in the tournament – nine out of the 10 competing African nations advanced to the knockout stages with Morocco making the quarterfinals – catapulting the continent right among the best in world soccer.

“We played against them in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2022. I remember coming off that game thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, this is one of the best African teams I’ve played.’ They were so, so good. So this wasn’t any news to us, but obviously to the world it was,” Semenyo said in a sit-down with CNN Sports during his club’s preseason tour at the Hong Kong Football Festival.

“It shows African football is evolving. It shows the world we’re competing at the highest levels. Long may it continue.”

The 26-year-old played every minute of Ghana’s 2026 World Cup campaign, which saw the Black Stars reach the Round of 32, highlighted by a 0-0 draw against England in the group stages.

Semenyo had already completed a prolific season in England’s Premier League, scoring 17 league goals to take over boyhood idol Tony Yeboah’s long-standing record for most goals scored by a Ghanaian in a single season.

“Tony Yeboah is a player I always looked up to. Asamoah Gyan too, (former Ivory Coast star) Didier Drogba, the names are endless,” Semenyo said.

“When they were playing in the Premier League, scoring every week, you wanted to do the same thing as a young kid. To think I’m doing it now, I’m grateful to God. It’s a dream of mine to have kids looking up to me, following in my footsteps. It gives me more motivation to keep going.”

Rise to the top

Born in England to Ghanaian parents, Semenyo’s rise to soccer’s elite is unconventional. He faced countless early rejections, journeying through the country’s non-league system, before finally earning a move to then manager Pep Guardiola’s City from AFC Bournemouth in January. Semenyo often referred to himself as a “late bloomer” in the sport.

“When you don’t go through the normal (youth) academy route, playing through teams all the way to (Under) 18s, it’s very, very different,” he said.

“When you go through the Sunday League route, it’s very unorthodox. Not many tactics, and you just have to learn on the go. When you join a professional environment, you just have to learn everything all at once.”

This coming season sees City with a new manager in Enzo Maresca, who has big shoes to fill given Guardiola’s immensely successful 10-season reign before stepping away in late May.

Maresca is known for his attention to detail and will be hoping Semenyo’s skillset on the pitch brings the club back to lifting domestic and European trophies.

“He’s been great so far,” Semenyo said of his new coach. “He’s joined with us very, very quickly, tactically. You can see it’s very similar with our last manager. It’s going to take some time to get used to, but everyone’s buying into it.

“You can see he’s driven and wants to win everything, like how we do as a team. He’s going to implement what he needs to, and we’ve still got experienced players from the seasons before. That will help lead us to hopefully victory in all the trophies this year.”

Love at the heart of it all

When asked about which parts of his Ghanaian heritage help him shine in top competitions for club and country, Semenyo said: “Strength, for sure. Pace. Excitement is another thing.

“All the Ghanaian fans are so excited when we play. All the tricks, flicks and goals. That’s what I like to think my traits are.

“And love. Love is all I get from Ghana. My mom and dad grew up there, so it’s a dream come true to say that I represent the nation.”

After a disappointing loss to Malawi in the semi-finals, Algeria bowed out of the competition with their heads held high and a bronze medal to their name. 

This was the second meeting between the two North African sides after Morocco’s narrow victory in the group stages of the competition. 

The hosts started brightly and came close to opening the scoring in the 17th minute when Ibtissam Jraidi’s first-time effort struck the crossbar.

Morocco eventually found the breakthrough nine minutes later. Kautar Azraf showed impressive technique to eliminate her marker before using her left foot to find the far corner and put the hosts ahead.

Azraf almost doubled Morocco’s advantage soon afterwards with a volley, but the effort bounced awkwardly and lost direction before being cleared to safety.

Jraidi had another opportunity in the 63rd minute when she was sent through on goal, but failed to make a clean connection with her effort.

Algeria returned from the break better organised, probing the Moroccan defence and creating a series of opportunities.

In the 77th minute, a perfectly weighted ball found captain Marine Dafeur in a promising position, but she was unable to direct her effort towards goal.

Three minutes later, Lina Boussaha came close with a well-struck volley that sailed narrowly over the crossbar.

The pressure finally paid off in the 83rd minute after Melissa Bethi produced a brilliant through ball for Boussaha, who showed composure to tuck the ball past the goalkeeper and level the contest at 1-1.

Neither side could find a winner before the final whistle, sending the match to a penalty shootout.

After an intense exchange from the spot, Algeria held their nerve to prevail 3-2, with Ines Belloumou converting the decisive penalty to seal a memorable victory.

The result earns Algeria a bronze medal and a podium finish at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026, while hosts Morocco finish fourth after an impressive run on home soil.

Issah joined Barcelona’s B-team, Barça Atlètic, in January 2024 and has since made 20 appearances, scoring 4 goals and providing one assist while impressing Catalan scouts with his performances. The clubs have agreed to terms with the winger, who will now remain at the club until June 20th28; Barcelona also have the option to extend his contract by another year.

Dreams Graduate Stars In Spain

Abdul Issah moved to Spain from Ghana side Dreams FC during the January transfer window back in 2024. After beginning his career with Dreams FC some years back, he sealed a winter move to Barcelona, where he joined their youth side.

It didn’t take long for him to catch the eye of Issah, die-hard Ghanaian football fans, and experts like the Ghanaian betting comparison platform Bettingtop10 Ghana, after making 20 appearances and providing four goals and one assist for Barcelona B last season. Abdul Aziz Issah has since graduated from the youth ranks and joined Barcelona’s first-team squad permanently.

A Rapid Rise To Prominence

After working his way through the Dreams FC youth system, Abdul Issah quickly became one of the standout young talents in the Ghanaian Premier League. He helped Dreams FC win the Ghana FA Cup and later helped them reach the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup.

During the tournament, Dreams FC’s South African striker, Aubrey King, was unfortunate to suffer an injury, which saw Abdul Issah take his spot in the starting eleven. Issah impressed throughout the competition, finishing joint third in the scoring charts, helping him earn a move to Catalan giants Barcelona.

A Player Built for Modern Football

Abdul Issah is known for his versatility and ability to play on either wing. His dribbling skills and acceleration make him difficult to handle, and he’s not shy about beating his man. He’s also great at linking up play and creating chances for teammates, whilst also having an eye for goal himself.

He’s also lethal from set pieces thanks to his powerful left foot. Players who display similar traits are often compared to the likes of Brazil and PSG playmaker Neymar Jr, who excels for Barcelona under manager Erick Thorpe.

Another Success Story For Ghana

Issah has enjoyed a successful career with Ghana so far. In 2023, he helped the Black Satellites win gold at the African Games before earning a call-up to the senior Black Stars side. With his move now official, fans can expect to see him feature more regularly for Ghana as he looks to help his country at future AFCON tournaments and maybe one day reach the World Cup. Either way, Abdul Issah will look to use his time at Barcelona to further improve as a player and help solidify Ghana’s spot as a producer of world-class talent.

Barcelona Set For The Future

Signing homegrown talent and developing them into world-class players has been a big part of Barcelona’s philosophy over the years. They’ve pulled this move off with numerous players in the past; most notably Argentine forward Lionel Messi.

Signing Abdul Issah shows promise that the club is looking to invest in his long-term future rather than just let him peak while at the youth side of the club. This again shows that Barcelona trust him and his ability to one day make an impact at the first-team level.

For most kids around the world, playing for the likes of Barcelona is the dream. For Abdul Aziz Issah, that dream has come true, but he still has a lot to prove if he is to make an impact at the first-team level. He has already proved he can cut it at a high level after his impressive campaign with Barça Atlètic last season. Now he looks to continue his development with Barcelona and climb even closer to the first team.

Yirenkyi made an immediate impression on his Coventry debut, registering an assist in their 2-0 pre-season victory over AS Monaco.

The 20-year-old joined Coventry City from Danish club FC Nordsjaelland in a club-record deal reportedly worth $30 million after attracting significant interest from several clubs across Europe.

Yirenkyi’s stock rose further after an impressive showing for Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which helped strengthen his reputation as one of the country’s emerging talents.

Lampard was particularly pleased with the midfielder’s debut and believes he has the potential to develop into an important player for Coventry.

“We’ve got a belief in Caleb here. He’s a player that we’re happy to have brought to the club because he was well wanted by many clubs probably around Europe. We sold the project to him,” Lampard said to the club media.

“He’s a good, talented player; he’s young. This boy, we believe, is going to really build his career so [he’s] a big addition to the club. I think we saw signs of that; hopefully we see a lot more,” he added.

Yirenkyi is expected to be involved when Coventry City begin their Premier League campaign against Arsenal on Friday night, with Lampard likely to rely on the Ghanaian’s creativity and energy in midfield.

Osman joined Brighton from Danish club FC Nordsjaelland but has so far found it difficult to establish himself as a regular member of the Seagulls’ senior squad.

The 21-year-old spent the previous campaign gaining experience through loan spells in France, the Netherlands and England as he continued his development at senior level.

He started the season with French side AJ Auxerre before moving to Dutch giants Feyenoord.

Osman later returned to England, joining Championship side Birmingham City for the second half of the campaign.

During his time at Birmingham, the Ghanaian made 18 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals and providing two assists.

The spell offered Osman valuable experience of English football and allowed him to further develop his game against the physical and competitive demands of the Championship.

He returned to Brighton for pre-season ahead of the 2026/27 campaign and appears to have made a positive impression on Hurzeler.

Osman was involved in Brighton’s impressive 3-0 pre-season victory over Italian giants AS Roma, providing another opportunity for the Ghanaian to demonstrate that he is ready to compete for a place in the first-team squad.

Hurzeler acknowledged Osman’s progress and revealed that he has been impressed with the youngster so far.

However, the Brighton boss stressed that the club will assess the situation carefully before deciding whether Osman should remain with the first team or pursue another opportunity.

“I’m also impressed by him (Osman) so far, so let’s wait how this continues, and then we make the best decision for him and for the club,” Hurzeler told The Argus.

The Ghana international is expected to feature again when Brighton face Italian Serie A side Bologna in another pre-season fixture on Saturday at 14:00 GMT.

The 26-year-old has signed a deal with the French champions until 2031 for a reported fee of about 50m euros (£42.7m).

He scored the extra-time winner against Argentina to help Spain claim their second men’s World Cup last month, while his stock had already risen considerably after a strong season with Barcelona.

The forward scored 21 goals in 49 appearances in all competitions, providing three assists, and helped Barcelona win the La Liga title.

PSG, managed by former Barcelona coach and player Luis Enrique, have won the Champions League in the past two seasons.

Torres is the second high-profile forward PSG have signed this summer after the arrival of Maghnes Akliouche from Monaco.

PSG added to their silverware collection on Wednesday by beating Aston Villa 2-1 to win the Uefa Super Cup.

Torres has been at Barcelona since 2022 having previously spent two years at Manchester City.

He has scored 25 goals in 65 appearances for Spain and made his debut for the national team under Enrique.

PSG could lose Bradley Barcola this summer, with the forward wanted by Liverpool.

These rules were all initially rolled out at the World Cup, but still caused confusion in the first round of the Carabao Cup last weekend.

These changes will be deployed right through English football, from the EFL kick off this weekend, Sunday’s Community Shield between Arsenal and Manchester City, to the Premier League and right down to Sunday league – apart from the video assistant referee (VAR), of course.

The idea is to cut out those moments which cause supporters real frustration, and get more football played without adding on loads of stoppage time.

It worked at the World Cup. In Qatar in 2022, the ball was in play for an average of 58 minutes three seconds, or 56.86% of the total match time. This summer, it was 58 minutes 16 seconds but there was far less added time, meaning the ball was in play for 60.43%.

The changes are intended to change player behaviour, rather than be applied as a strict punishment.

However, they could be seen as a negative for teams who were used to using the dark arts to run down the clock and hold on to a result.

Here is what you need to look out for and how the new laws will work.

Countdowns for goal-kicks and throw-ins

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Most of the new laws brought in for the 2026-27 season are aimed at reducing timewasting

This is about players who deliberately delay the restart of play, so a countdown does not begin as soon as the ball goes out.

Any tactic which can be judged as disrupting play – including leaving the ball on a cone and dropping the ball for a team-mate – could trigger a countdown.

The referee will blow the whistle to tell the player to hurry up, and to signal the start of the five seconds, while they will visibly make a count by moving an arm up and down.

If the time runs out, the referee will blow the whistle again and give the throw to the other team.

The new rule will not cover setting up for long throws, as these are considered to be set-piece routines. But the countdown may start once players are in position.

And as a deterrent to goalkeepers who take a long time over goal-kicks towards the end of games, he can now give the opposition a corner instead if the keeper takes too long.

Time-limited substitutions

Substituted players have 10 seconds to leave the field at the nearest point.

If they fail to do so, the substitute cannot enter the field for at least one minute and the team must play with 10 players.

Middlesbrough’s Will Lankshear was the first to be punished in the Carabao Cup tie against Wrexham.

With Boro leading 1-0 in the 80th minute through a Lankshear goal, the striker slowly jogged off the pitch while clapping the fans.

Boro boss Kim Hellberg urged Lankshear to hurry up, but he took too long and substitute Fin Cartwright was told he could not come on immediately.

“I didn’t know!” the former Tottenham player said after the game.

The substitute has to stay off until the next break in play, so a team could potentially be left with 10 players for several minutes.

There are a few exemptions – such as if a player is injured or there are security concerns about where they can go off.

New laws seen at the World Cup

From 104 games played

Injured players must now go off for one minute

Fans have been used to players staying off the field for 30 seconds after the physio has been on the pitch.

Now the time has been upped to one minute. And it is more strict, too.

A player must go off if they cause the referee to stop the game even if they do not request treatment. This is to prevent players trying to break up the opposition’s momentum.

It will not apply if a player is down and the ball naturally goes out of play, for instance for a throw or goal-kick.

There are some concerns that one minute is too long, as it could penalise players who are genuinely injured.

There are a handful of exceptions when it will not apply.

If the player who has committed the foul gets a yellow or red card, the injured player now does not have to stay off in all circumstances.

This reduces the potential for tactical bad challenges to get a team reduced to 10 men.

No more goalkeeper tactical timeouts?

The ‘goalkeeper tactical timeout’ has become a hot topic in recent seasons.

It is used by a manager to get new instructions to his players, or to impact the momentum of the opposition.

The goalkeeper sits on the turf and signals for the physio, the other players rush to the technical area for a team talk. As soon as the coach has got his message across, the keeper stands up to play on.

All leagues and competitions in English professional football will adopt a new trial to try to eradicate it.

If a goalkeeper asks for treatment, an outfield player, as chosen by the coach, must leave the field for one minute. There is a 10-second time limit to tell the fourth official who is coming off, otherwise the captain must do so.

Simply banning players from going to the touchline would not stop coaches from using the goalkeeper tactical timeout to break up the momentum of the opposition.

Other countries are carrying out a slightly different trial in which the captain of the keeper’s team must always leave the field.

There are exemptions similar to outfield players, which include if a goalkeeper has been fouled or is bleeding.

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Teams must now play with 10 players if a goalkeeper goes down off the ball without being challenged

One to watch – handling the ball in the area

In the modern era, the trend is to take a short goal-kick inside the box, rather than punt it long.

This usually involves one or two defenders inside the penalty area, along with the goalkeeper.

There have been a few confusing situations where it has not been clear if the goal-kick has been taken, and a defender then handles the ball.

Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings came unstuck in a Champions League game against Club Brugge in November 2024, conceding a penalty for handball after Emiliano Martinez kicked the ball to him.

But Arsenal’s Gabriel was not penalised when touching the ball with his hand against Bayern Munich earlier that year, after David Raya kicked it to him.

From this season, there will be a consistent approach across all competitions.

Now if the ball is kicked by the goalkeeper or a defender, the goal-kick will be viewed as having been taken.

Any touch of the ball with the hand or arm by a defender will be a penalty, or an indirect free-kick for a backpass if it is the goalkeeper.

More VAR!

There are a couple of new VAR areas for fans to look out for – but not as many as at the World Cup.

Players sent off for two yellow cards: The VAR will be able to look at the second caution for players shown a red card.

There cannot be a review for potential second bookings for players on a yellow.

It has to be a clear error to give the foul and not just a subjective difference of opinion about the card.

Attacking foul before the ball is in play: As part of a trial, there can be a VAR review if there is a foul before a set-piece and it directly leads to a goal, penalty or disciplinary sanction.

The restart would be a retake of the corner. The logic remains that a free-kick cannot be awarded if the ball is not in play.

The VAR will not be able to review defensive fouls before the ball is in play because it is not possible to give a penalty.

Mistaken identity: At the World Cup, the VAR was intervening on simulation. But the Ifab football laws board has since underlined that this is not the correct interpretation of the law change. It should only apply when the referee has, for instance, penalised Team A for handball, but the handball was by Team B.

What won’t be changing: Unlike at the World Cup, there will be no VAR interventions on incorrect corners or red cards for players who cover their mouth in a confrontational situation.

The awards ceremony took place at the company’s offices in Accra, where outstanding performers were recognised for meeting and exceeding their sales targets between May and July 2026.

The competition was designed to engage and motivate MultiChoice Ghana’s trade partners while building momentum towards the achievement of sales targets during the World Cup period.

Cadmus Electronics Limited emerged as the Best Mega Dealer of the World Cup Season, while Maysat Enterprise finished second and Ebenezer Unique Ventures placed third in the category.

Monthly awards were also presented to the top three performers in various categories, with winners required to achieve or exceed 100 per cent of their set targets during the promotional period.

The ultimate winners in each category were rewarded with a 65-inch television, while certificates signed by MultiChoice Ghana Managing Director, Alex Okyere, were presented to the overall winners.

Among the individual award recipients, Acheampong was named Outstanding Regional Sales Manager of the World Cup Season, while Godfred Boakye received the award for Best Territory Sales Manager. Solomon Okorley was named the second-best Territory Sales Manager.

Bright Essang was recognised as the Outstanding Team Leader of the World Cup Season, with Hope Nornyikpo taking the Outstanding Distributor Executive award.

Kwame Asante emerged as the Best Direct Sales Force Agent, followed by Angelina Akakpoa and Cecilia Abena in second and third positions respectively.

In the MNP category, Demuphy Ventures was named Best MNP of the World Cup Season, while Abdul Malik Services and Courage Mensah finished second and third respectively.

Speaking to the winners, the Head of Sales and Distribution at MultiChoice Ghana, Michael Lartey, congratulated them for their strong performances and commitment throughout the campaign.

“To our winners sitting here tonight: you are absolute legends! You played the game, you made the right calls, you stayed glued to the trade, and you delivered the sales to claim the ultimate bragging rights in the Group,” he said.

“You had the strategy, you had the grit, and today, you get the trophies, the prizes, and the glory. You earned every bit of this.”

He also commended the wider MultiChoice Ghana team, Mega Dealers and media partners for their contribution to the success of the campaign.

“I want to say a massive thank you to our phenomenal MultiChoice team, our Mega Dealers, and our media partners who worked around the clock to make this tournament an absolute masterpiece,” he added.

The promotional campaign ran from May 1 to July 31, 2026, coinciding with the World Cup period and forming part of MultiChoice Ghana’s efforts to strengthen relationships with its trade partners while driving sales.

As part of its World Cup offering, MultiChoice Ghana also reduced access to DStv Padi to GH¢58, allowing more households to enjoy the tournament.

With the new football season approaching, MultiChoice Ghana is expected to roll out more promotions and initiatives aimed at rewarding customers and trade partners while enhancing the viewing experience for football fans across the country.

The Black Queens missed out on automatic qualification after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Malawi in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Ghana, however, kept their World Cup hopes alive by defeating Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 in the subsequent play-in fixture, securing a place in the FIFA playoff tournament.

The Black Queens have been placed in Pot Three alongside Ecuador for the draw. Pot One contains Chinese Taipei and Uzbekistan, while South Africa and Papua New Guinea make up Pot Two.

The tournament will begin with a preliminary phase in which each participating team will play three matches.

At the end of the preliminary stage, the top two teams in the standings will advance to the final phase, joining four nations that have already qualified directly for that stage.

Those four teams comprise two representatives from CONCACAF, Venezuela from CONMEBOL and one team from UEFA.

The final phase will be contested through single-match ties, with the three winners securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

For Ghana, that means the Black Queens will have to negotiate four more matches if they are to secure a place at the tournament.

The Black Queens are aiming to end a long absence from the Women’s World Cup, having last featured at the global tournament in 2007.

Their qualification campaign now enters a crucial stage, with the August 20 draw set to determine the route Ghana must take to reach Brazil.

The committee, chaired by African Paralympic Committee President Samson Deen, was inaugurated in Accra on Friday and has been tasked with exploring new approaches to resource mobilisation while deepening collaboration between the NSA and potential partners.

Speaking at the inauguration, Deen said the committee’s mandate must extend beyond the traditional practice of seeking financial assistance, arguing that Ghana needs a more structured approach to investing in its sporting talent.

“Resource mobilisation must not mean simply asking for money,” Deen said.

He stressed that Ghana possesses abundant sporting talent but lacks the systems required to identify, finance, develop and promote athletes to the highest level.

“Ghana does not lack sporting talent. What we must build is the system that finds the talent, finances the talent, develops the talent, projects the talent — and takes that talent to the podium,” he said.

Sports federations and athletes have regularly faced financial challenges, particularly in the build-up to major international competitions. Deen believes the country must move away from last-minute fundraising and adopt a long-term investment strategy.

“We must move from emergency funding to strategic investment,” he said.

The committee is expected to engage a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies, corporate institutions, development partners, sports federations, the media and organisations involved in sports development.

Deen also identified the proposed Constituency Games as a potentially important vehicle for grassroots talent identification and development.

He said the initiative should not be treated simply as another competition on Ghana’s sporting calendar but should instead serve as part of a broader national talent-development strategy.

“The Constituency Games must not become just another competition on the calendar. They must become a national talent-discovery movement,” he said.

Under the proposed model, athletes identified through community and constituency competitions would be given a pathway through regional and national competitions before progressing into elite development programmes.

Deen further highlighted the role of the media in supporting athletes at the early stages of their careers. He urged media organisations to focus not only on established stars and medal winners but also on emerging talent.

“We do not want the media to arrive only when the medal has been won. We want you there when the journey begins,” he said.

The committee chairman said its performance should ultimately be assessed based on the tangible benefits delivered to athletes and sporting communities rather than the number of meetings held or documents produced.

“We should be judged not by the number of meetings we hold, but by the partnerships we build; not by the documents we produce, but by the resources we unlock,” Deen said.

The five-member committee will now begin its work as the NSA seeks to identify new funding opportunities, attract strategic partners and establish more sustainable mechanisms for financing the growth of sport in Ghana.

Manchester City have been interested in the Argentina international, who previously played under new City boss Enzo Maresca at Chelsea.

The Blues told interested parties they had until 17:00 BST on Friday to make an offer for the 25-year-old.

But they are not thought to have received any bids, and Xabi Alonso’s side now hope to keep their vice-captain.

However, it is understood City do not see the potential transfer as being over and still think Chelsea want to do a deal.

A £120m move would be the fourth-biggest football transfer ever.

City have already made a big-money midfield signing this summer in Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson for £116m.

A potential deal for Fernandez was thought to rely on City selling Spain midfielder Rodri, officially the best player at the 2026 World Cup among numerous other accolades, to Barcelona.

How strict was this deadline?

The deadline was an unofficial one Chelsea had set City – or any other team – to make an offer for Fernandez.

The actual transfer deadline is on Tuesday, 1 September at 23:00 BST.

But Chelsea insiders insisted the chance would be gone come 17:00 on 14 August and that Fernandez would stay if an offer was not made.

It was seen as a win-win for Chelsea, who would either keep their player or bank £120m.

But City think Chelsea are the ones who need to do a deal, and if it happens, it will be at a timing of their choosing, not the Blues.

Whether Chelsea would actually turn down one of the biggest offers in history – if it comes a few days later – remains to be seen.

But clubs do often stick to their deadlines – as Manchester United learned in 2020.

They felt Borussia Dortmund were all talk when they set a deadline of 10 August to sign Jadon Sancho.

But when the Red Devils increased their bid after that date, Dortmund rejected it – and they had to wait another year to sign him.

Would a Fernandez deal rely on Rodri exit?

The answer to the question is yes. City are not planning to sign Fernandez if Spanish World Cup-winner Rodri stays.

Defensive midfielder Rodri has been a crucial part of City’s success in recent years, helping them win the 2022-23 Treble – including scoring the winner in the Champions League final against Inter Milan.

The 30-year-old has played 298 times, lifting a total of four league titles, plus several cups – and winning the Ballon d’Or.

Rodri wants to return to his native Spain and join Barcelona – with Real Madrid having dropped out of the chase – and City are asking for 80m euros (£68.4m).

Barca’s opening bid for a player out of contract next summer was only £38.5m but the situation remains fluid.

City are adamant their valuation has to be met and have indicated they are prepared to keep Rodri and risk losing him for nothing when his contract expires in 2027 if they do not get the right fee.

The Rodri and Fernandez deals happening are dependent on each other – but do not need to go through at the same time.

If City knew Rodri was going it would enable them to make a bid for Fernandez.

And it is possible he could even sign before Rodri is ready to play again after a minor back procedure.

Why would City want Fernandez?

How Fernandez, Anderson and Rodri compared last season (per 90 minutes)

Source: Opta

Maresca is clearly a huge fan of Fernandez, having made him Chelsea captain when Reece James was injured, and he played the Argentine in 79 of his 92 games in charge at Stamford Bridge.

Fernandez is by nature a defensive midfielder, but Maresca played him further forward many times last season when Cole Palmer was injured, leading to him scoring a career-best 15 goals.

That means there are several places Fernandez could fit into Maresca’s City team – if a deal does happen.

The Abu Dhabi-owned club also signed England midfielder Anderson from Forest this summer.

Anderson, like Fernandez, has played in various midfield positions – defensive and further forward.

So that would give Maresca some flexibility when naming a team – and means Anderson and Fernandez would be perfectly capable of playing together.

Fernandez’s relationship with Chelsea worsened after the exit of Maresca in January.

In March he criticised the club after a heavy defeat by Paris St-Germain in the Champions League – and then said his dream was to move to Madrid.

Those Madrid comments led to Chelsea dropping him for two games.

Last month Real Madrid released a statement saying they would not be signing Fernandez – which left City as the only real contenders.

City are interested in other players too for that role, if the Fernandez deal does not pan out.

They include Lille’s 18-year-old Ayyoub Bouaddi, a breakout star of the World Cup for Morocco.

City have also explored a potential move for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, a target for Chelsea as well this summer, and Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister.

Man City spending big again

If Fernandez did join City for £120m, it would make it the fourth-biggest transfer in football history.

And it would also mean City had made two of the biggest six signings ever this summer.

Only Alexander Isak from Newcastle to Liverpool last summer for £125m, plus Paris St-Germain’s deals for Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in 2017, cost more.

Anderson currently ranks fifth on the list – and Fernandez himself squeezes into the top 10 for his £107m move to Chelsea from Benfica in February 2023.

A deal would take City’s spending this summer past £250m following the recruitment of youngsters Pierce Charles, Jeremy Monga and Mathys Detourbet, and back-up keeper Geronimo Rulli.

And for 2026 it would be approaching £350m after they spent £82.5m on Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi in January.

But players on big contracts have left on free transfers this summer, including Bernardo Silva and John Stones – plus the sale of James Trafford to Leeds for up to £45m.

City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders is set to join Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Qadsiah in a £52m deal.

End of an era?

This was already guaranteed to be a summer of huge upheaval at City with legendary boss Pep Guardiola leaving after 10 years in charge.

He led City to 17 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, and changed the way many English teams play football.

Maresca, once his assistant manager at Etihad Stadium, has taken his place.

But on the pitch it marks a real end of an era too.

If Rodri goes, it means only three players who started the 2023 Champions League final would still be at City – Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish, whose future is uncertain.

Defenders Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji have both been sold this summer, and Silva and Stones left at their end of their contracts.

What will Chelsea do if they sell Fernandez?

Chelsea would clearly look to replace Fernandez if he does eventually leave – although the longer it goes past this deadline the less time they have to get a deal done.

Three weeks ago they had a £64m offer for Bournemouth midfielder Scott rejected.

The Blues have also been very busy this summer, breaking their club record to sign attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers for £117m from Aston Villa.

Their spending has already gone past £300m, including £52m for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix and £47m for Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra.

Selling Fernandez would take their sales total beyond £250m.

In a statement, Fenway Sports Group (FSG) confirmed it had entered into a “definitive agreement” for the sale of a “strategic minority investment” to 1892 Holdings.

The group is led by British-Indian millionaire businessman Amit Bhatia and also includes billionaire Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin.

Bhatia is set to become Liverpool’s vice-chairman, and will join an expanded board pending regulatory approval.

The son-in-law of Indian billionaire businessman Lakshmi Mittal, he had been a director and co-owner of Queens Park Rangers for 18 years before relinquishing his stake in the club last month.

American businessman Bezos, founder of e-commerce giant Amazon, is the fourth-richest person in the world, with an estimated net worth of $256bn (£192bn). This marks his first foray into sports ownership, although he will not join Liverpool’s board.

However, Bryan Baum, founder of venture capital firm K5 Sports – through which Bezos is investing – will join the Anfield board, alongside Saverin’s wife Elaine.

BBC Sport has been told that the transaction will have no impact on the club’s approach to the transfer window, and that there is no new or separate transfer budget associated with the investment.

The deal is said to value the club between £5bn and £6bn.

Reaction to the deal from those involved

FSG says the deal “supports Liverpool’s long-term growth ambitions by bringing together experts from across global business, technology, and investment”.

“The consortium partners will work with FSG and the club’s leadership team to evaluate opportunities that enhance the club’s objectives on and off the pitch,” it added.

“FSG continues to retain majority ownership and operational control of Liverpool.”

FSG, which bought Liverpool in a £300m deal in 2010, previously sold a minority stake in the Anfield side to global sports investment firm Dynasty Equity.

Mike Gordon, FSG president, said: “Liverpool has always been built by thinking beyond one season and making decisions with the club’s long-term interests in mind. That approach continues to attract interest from respected investors and business leaders around the world.

“As we considered this opportunity, it became clear that Amit and the consortium shared our long-term philosophy and appreciation for what makes Liverpool special.

“Their experience and perspective will complement the strong foundation already in place, and we look forward to working together.”

Bhatia said the consortium was “proud to be investing in Liverpool”.

“We have the utmost respect and admiration for FSG as owners and for everything they have achieved at Anfield,” he said.

“To be welcomed as a partner in a club of this stature is a huge privilege. We are making this investment because we believe deeply in Liverpool and its leadership, and we look forward to supporting the club’s continued success for years to come.”

In January, Liverpool became the top-earning Premier League club for the first time, according to analysis from financial firm Deloitte.

The following month the club announced record revenues of £703m for the 2024-25 financial year.

BBC Sport has been told that while FSG was not seeking investment out of financial need, its leadership was attracted by the consortium’s reach across global business, technology and investment, including in India, and across Asia.

The Minister made the remarks when he received Asare at the Ministry, where he praised the goalkeeper’s self-belief, discipline and consistency.

According to him, Asare’s journey demonstrates the importance of patience and confidence in one’s abilities, particularly when opportunities arise.

He said Asare remained patient, trusted his ability and seized the opportunity to represent Ghana with confidence and composure.

The Minister also welcomed Asare’s acknowledgement of the support and belief Ghanaians have shown him throughout his journey, stressing the importance of the connection between athletes and the people they represent.

He encouraged the Hearts of Oak captain to remain humble, disciplined and focused on his continued development.

“There is still much ahead of him, and with the same commitment, he can continue to make himself, his club and Ghana proud,” the Minister said.

He urged Asare to keep working hard as he continues his football journey.

“Keep working, Benjamin. The journey continues,” he added.

The team has intensified preparations after concluding a training camp at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram, where they have been based since July 5.

Sampson said he was encouraged by the team’s progress and the intense competition for places as he prepares to name his final squad.

“Training has been very good. All the girls in camp are responding to training very well, and it’s been competitive,” he said.

However, injuries have affected preparations, with several players, including goalkeepers, ruled out.

The Black Princesses are scheduled to play friendly matches in Poland before the tournament to acclimatise and test themselves against international opposition.

Sampson expressed gratitude to the Ghana Football Association for arranging the games, describing them as crucial to the team’s preparations.

Ghana have never progressed beyond the group stage of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, but Sampson is determined to change that record.

“We want to assure Ghanaians we are going to give our best and progress from the group stage and take it game after game. The main focus is to make it past the group stage for the first time,” he said.

The Black Princesses will open their Group B campaign against Ecuador on September 6 before facing Korea Republic and France.

The 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup will be held in Poland from September 5 to 27.

Queiroz, who was appointed in April on a short-term deal, guided Ghana to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America after replacing Otto Addo.

The 73-year-old Portuguese coach, who has previously managed Iran and Egypt, was reportedly earning $80,000 per month, according to Minister of Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams.

However, talks over extending his stay have reportedly stalled after Queiroz demanded an increased monthly salary of $150,000.

The veteran coach is also believed to have requested additional foreign members for his technical team as part of his plans for continuity with the Black Stars.

The demands have reportedly prompted the GFA and other stakeholders to explore alternative options ahead of Ghana’s next competitive assignment.

Multiple reports have identified first-team assistant coach Desmond Ofei as one of the leading candidates to take over as head coach should the GFA decide against retaining Queiroz.

If appointed, Ofei would become the seventh head coach under Kurt Okraku’s administration as GFA president.

The coaching situation comes at a crucial time for Ghana, with the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers fast approaching.

The Black Stars are scheduled to return to competitive action in September when they begin their qualification campaign for the 2027 AFCON, having failed to qualify for the previous edition of the tournament in Morocco.

Ghana have been drawn in Group C alongside West African rivals Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia and Somalia.

The GFA is therefore under growing pressure to resolve the uncertainty surrounding the Black Stars’ technical leadership and appoint a coach capable of guiding the team through the upcoming qualification campaign.

The result gives Ghana an important advantage in the race for a place in the inter-confederation play-offs after the Black Queens missed out on automatic qualification.

Côte d’Ivoire took an early lead in the third minute after a VAR review resulted in a penalty. Inès Konan stepped up and converted from the spot to put the Lady Elephants ahead.

Ghana struggled to settle into the game during the opening half, with Côte d’Ivoire creating the more dangerous opportunities. Princess Marfo came closest to restoring parity for the Black Queens, but her effort went wide as the Ivorians went into the break with a 1-0 lead.

The Black Queens thought they had equalised shortly after the restart when Stella Nyamekye found the back of the net. However, VAR ruled that Côte d’Ivoire goalkeeper Océane Lamfir had been fouled in the build-up, and the goal was disallowed.

Ghana continued to push forward and were eventually rewarded for their persistence in the 58th minute.

Marfo rose highest to meet a corner and powered a header past the Ivorian goalkeeper to bring the Black Queens level.

The comeback was completed after another lengthy VAR review, which resulted in Ghana being awarded a penalty for handball.

Josephine Bonsu took responsibility from the spot and calmly converted to give Ghana a 2-1 lead.

Côte d’Ivoire responded with sustained pressure in search of an equaliser, but Ghana’s defence held firm to protect the advantage and secure a valuable victory.

The Black Queens had to endure a difficult evening physically, with Doris Boaduwaa and Evelyn Badu forced off with injuries before Susan Ama Duah was stretchered off late in the match.

Despite the setbacks, Ghana held on for a significant win that keeps their World Cup ambitions alive.

The Black Queens will now aim to build on the victory as they seek to secure progression to the next stage of the qualification process.

The first phase of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup inter-confederation play-off tournament is scheduled for November and December 2026, with the second phase set to take place in February 2027.

The continent’s top-ranked team went into the tournament in Morocco as favourites to retain their title but were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Cameroon, having already lost to Malawi in the group stage.

With the four semi-finalists guaranteed a spot at next year’s World Cup, Justin Madugu’s side had one more chance to keep alive their hopes of reaching Brazil, with the winner of their one-off tie in Casablanca entering an inter-confederation qualifier.

But second-half goals from Thembi Kgatlana and Refiloe Jane were enough to give Banyana Banyana victory, despite unexpected late drama when Jane was sent off after picking up a second yellow card for handling the ball inside her own six-yard box.

Christy Ucheibe slotted home the penalty in the 93rd minute to set up a grandstand finish, and there was even time for goalkeeper Kaylin Swart, South Africa’s hero, to save brilliantly with her feet to deny Michelle Alozie with almost the last kick of the game.

The 2022 Wafcon champions join Ghana in Fifa’s inter-confederation qualifier after the Black Queens came from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 earlier on Thursday.

End of the road for Oshoala?

Nigeria have appeared at all nine Women’s World Cups since the first was held in China in 1991.

Missing out is unlikely to go down well in a country where football fans are used to their team dominating, with the Super Falcons having won Wafcon a record 10 times.

But seeing off Desiree Ellis’ well-drilled Banyana team was never likely to be easy.

While the first half in Casablanca was a non-event, the second period was anything but, with chances aplenty.

Asisat Oshoala should have done better when she bundled her way through several challenges and poked goalwards from inside the six-yard box, failing to get the requisite power on her strike to trouble Swart.

The six-time African footballer of the year was subbed soon after and there will no doubt be questions about whether the 31-year-old might have appeared at her final Wafcon.

The breakthrough came on the counter in the 56th minute, with striker Ronnel Donnelly playing an exquisite through ball from midway inside her own half to set Hildah Magaia free.

Magaia’s cross from the left was met by the onrushing Kgatlana, whose shot had enough power to sneak over the line despite keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie getting a strong hand to it.

Nnadozie did keep out another Kgatlana effort five minutes later, while Swart pulled off a stunning save from Uchenna Kanu’s header, diving acrobatically to her left to palm the ball away one-handed.

Jane’s goal came courtesy of a deflection off Ucheibe’s outstretched foot in the 77th minute and Magaia should also have scored when clean through less than a minute after the restart.

It looked as if Nigeria would be unable to create a way back into the game until Jane’s unnecessary handball was spotted by the video assistant referee (VAR).

The captain did not need to stretch out her arm, with Swart well placed to save on the goalline.

With the numerical advantage, Nigeria piled on the pressure and almost found salvation in the 97th minute when Alozie drilled the ball back across goal, only to see Swart’s left boot shoot out to stop it flying into the bottom corner.

Swart and South Africa celebrated their victory with glee, but a place at the World Cup is far from certain.

They must first negotiate a six-team league alongside Ghana in November and December, with Asian sides Uzbekistan and Chinese Taipei, Papua New Guinea from Oceania and Ecuador from South America also involved.

The top two sides from that mini-league will advance to a final inter-continental qualifier in February, with three sides from that booking their spot in Brazil.

Black Queens through despite pay dispute

In the earlier game in Casablanca, Ivory Coast were awarded a penalty after just 44 seconds when Bernadette Kakounan was clipped by Princess Marfo.

After a VAR check, Ines Konan converted to give the Lady Elephants a fourth-minute lead despite Ghana keeper Cynthia Konlan getting a hand to the ball.

The Black Queens thought they had equalised early in the second half when Stella Nyamekye stabbed in, but South African referee Akhona Makalima adjudged that Evelyn Badu had kicked the ball out of the hands of Ivorian keeper Oceane Konan moments before.

Ghana did level in the 59th minute, with Marfo heading in from a corner to make amends for her earlier challenge, and the turnaround was complete when Josephine Bonsu scored from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute after VAR had again intervened.

Grace Asantewaa’s fierce strike clearly hit the right arm of Ivory Coast defender Aboa Yapo just inside the area, but it took some deliberation and a trip to the pitch-side monitor before Makalima awarded the foul.

Ghana’s victory came a day after the Black Queens squad had issued a statement claiming players and officials were awaiting several payments including Wafcon qualification bonuses, group-stage bonuses and per diem allowances.

Ghana’s Ministry of Sports and Recreation challenged aspects of the allegations, with sports minister Kofi Adams insisting that per diem payments had already been settled.

A statement from a Ministry official added that the squad’s win bonus from their group stage victory over Cape Verde was being processed, and said that the Black Queens qualifying for Wafcon “does not attract a separate bonus”.