ck out the sports promises of both NPP and NDCNPP flagbearer Nana Akufo-Addo and NDC flagbearer John MahamaListen to the ArticleThe stage is set. The race for the rulership of the country from January 1, 2020, is on after the two leading contenders made public their policy documents.Saturday, August 22, 2020, saw the launch of the manifesto of the leading party NPP in the Central Regional capital of Cape Coast amid pomp and pageantry.The NDC, the largest opposition party in the country launched its manifesto on Monday, September 7, 2020, and tongues have been sent wagging with arguments for and against the various promises written in the 143-page booklet.Four AFCON cups, one world youth cup, eight world boxing titles, four Olympic medals, countless number of stars and a significant contribution to the country’s GDP, sports has definitely earned the right feature in the plans of any party or person who intend to be president of the country.It is therefore not an aberration to see the sector feature prominently in the manifestoes of Akufo-Addo’s NPP and Mahama’s NDC.NPP manifestoThe NPP manifesto which preceded the NDC had just four new promises for the sporting industry with the government focusing on completing projects it started in the course of their mandate.The first and perhaps most immediate of the promises is the staging of the 2023 African Games in the country.Ghana won the right to hold the competition in the 2018 and preparations have been underway since.The NPP hopes to execute a flawless competition that will etch in the minds of sports lovers across the continent.The staging of the African Games will see the NPP construct an Olympic size stadium.The NPP will also build Youth Resource Centres in six new regions and introduce Zongo Youth Football Talent Hunt.NDC ManifestoUnlike the manifesto of their opponents, the NDC has quite a number of projects some of which are a rehash of old promises made.Grouped under sports infrastructure and sports development and promotion, the NDC’s list is quite longer than the NPP.Under sports development and promotion, the party has promised to set up a sports fund for the promotion of sports.With the NPP government on course to establish a sports fund as part of the sports bill, it is unclear how the NDC will achieve theirs.Like the NPP they also want to ensure a successful hosting of the 2023 African Games.Football will also be transformed from a recreational activity to a profit-making venture.Below are the promises under sports development and promotiona. Establish a Sports Development Fund to promote sports in Ghana.b. Develop a comprehensive National Sports Policy to outline the vision and strategies for sports development in Ghana with an emphasis on female sports and remuneration of sportspersons.c. Provide opportunities for training in sports medicine, sports science and management/ administration in sports through the proposed Sports University.d. Revive and invest in the inter-schools and colleges gamese. Support sports persons to win trophies in international competitions.f. Facilitate tax exemption/relief regimes tomotivate private sponsorship and promotion of sports in the country.g. Promote and provide funding and invest in the development of lesser-known and indigenous sports.h. Promote and develop Beach Socceri. Develop a framework with the various Sports Associations for promoting and marketing our domestic sports.j. Ensure the successful hosting and organization of the 13th Africa Games to be hosted in Ghana in September 2023.k. Develop a sustainable framework for sports financing in Ghana including the facilitation of financing reliefs to motivate public and private sector sponsorship and sports promotion in the country.l. Transform football from a large social entertainment enterprise to a strategic business with both Government and private sector investment.m. Encourage and support youth (colts) football and, by extension, youth sports as a cornerstone of Ghana’s sporting regime.Sports infrastructure developmentThe upgrade of the Winneba Sports College into a university and the completion of the New Edubiase Sports Stadium headline the sports infrastructure promises made by the John Mahama-led NDC.They also will set up recreational facilities across all districts in the country.Below are the promises under sports infrastructure developmenta. Develop specific Sports Centres of Excellence in the three geographical zones of Ghana.b. Develop a strategic framework for the construction of stadia in all districts acrossthe country to scout for sports talents.c. Upgrade the Winneba Sports College into a state-of-the-art Sports University with campuses in selected regions to enhance the human.d. Resource base and development of sports in the West African sub-region to provide opportunities for training and capacity building in sports management and administration as well as sports management and science.e. Continue and complete the New Edubiase Stadium started by the NDC Government.f. Establish sports recreational facilities in communities in every district.g. Ese the Sports Development Fund to assist the Sports Associations to provide and improve remuneration and welfare of local sportsmen and women.

The PFA Team of the Year has been announced and unsurprisingly it has been dominated by Liverpool who have five inclusions in the squad.

Captain Jordan Henderson makes the team for the first time, along with team-mates Sadio Mane, Andrew Robertson, Virgil Van Dijk and PFA Young Player of the Year Trent Alexander Arnold.

Manchester City have two inclusions in the team with PFA Player of the Year Kevin De Bruyne and David Silva who has left the club after ten years with the club.

Also making the team is Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope, Leicester pair Caglar Soyuncu and Golden Boot winner Jamie Vardy, and Arsenal’s prolific striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Nick Pope (Burnley), Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil Van Dijk (both Liverpool), Caglar Soyuncu (Leicester), Andrew Robertson (Liverpool), David Silva (Manchester City), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Jamie Vardy (Leicester), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal), Sadio Mane (Liverpool).

A third-place Premier League finish was a solid return from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first full season in charge. But after suffering three semi-final defeats in 2020 can the Norwegian bring silverware back to Old Trafford?

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer led Manchester United to third place in the Premier League in his first full season in charge. But after suffering three semi-final defeats in 2020 can the Norwegian bring silverware back to Old Trafford?

First five games: Brighton and Hove Albion (A), Tottenham Hotspur (H), Newcastle United (A), Chelsea (H), Arsenal (H)

Final five games: Liverpool (H), Aston Villa (A), Leicester City (H), Fulham (H), Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)

Manchester United’s 19/20 season

The 2019/20 campaign was a tale of two halves for Manchester United that ended in relative success for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team. A poor start to the season saw United down in 14th place in late October with pressure mounting on the manager after spending big on defensive reinforcements the previous summer. Champions League football was a must for United but they were still down in 7th at the end of January.

The mid-season arrival of Bruno Fernandes was the catalyst for a sharp upturn in both results and performances as United went unbeaten in their final 14 league games, a run that started in the playmaker’s first appearance for the club. He contributed 12 goals and eight assists in just 22 games in all competitions and ended the season with a better goals-per-game scoring record than Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial. But more crucial than those numbers was the effect he had on the team’s play. His intelligence and precise passing helped to unlock the deep defences that had previously thwarted United and he brought the best out of their pacey forwards.

However it would be wrong to credit the Portuguese midfielder as the sole contributor. United’s defence also improved markedly in the second half of the season as Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka settled into the side. Those final 14 matches saw United concede exactly 0.5 goals per league game, less than half of their average from the first 24 fixtures. Although Fernandes’ ability to dictate a game helped to take the pressure off the defenders, United’s resurgent backline also deserves some credit.

United boasted the best record in the Premier League over those final 14 games and they finished the season in a very respectable 3rd position. However their total of 66 points was exactly the same as they managed in 2018/19 and they only pipped Leicester City to a Champions League spot on the final day. A decent campaign, particularly given their poor start, but can they maintain their late-season form for a whole year?

What’s changed?

In the seven years since United lifted their last Premier League title under Sir Alex Ferguson, only one player has remained a fixture of the side throughout. David De Gea established himself as one of the best goalkeepers on the planet but for the first time his spot looks to be under serious threat. A dip in performance in recent seasons has coincided with the emergence of Dean Henderson as a top goalkeeper. The 23-year-old was persuaded to sign a new six-year deal with the club to fend off interest from rivals but he will be expecting some game time in return.

In midfield, United are streets ahead of where they were 12 months ago. Last year Paul Pogba’s agent was speaking publically about his client’s wish to leave and Nemanja Matic and Fred were seen as surplus to requirements by many. But 2019/20 brought fresh impetus for the trio and they performed well when in the team, with 32-year-old Matic rewarded with a three-year contract extension. Fernandes brought extra creativity and the recent signing of Donny van de Beek will provide the quality back-up that United have missed in recent seasons. That squad depth will be invaluable if they are to go far in the cup competitions again.

But most importantly, for the first time since Sir Alex’s retirement United appear to have a fairly settled team with a cohesive style. Hungry young players allowed to express themselves in an effective, modern system. If Solskjaer can maintain the momentum from last season it should give the team’s many young stars the opportunity to build on their promising starts to senior football, from Brandon Williams to Mason Greenwood. After years of constant upheaval, a bit of stability may suit United well.

What should we expect this season?

Solskjaer has been eager to impress a message of gradual improvement during his 21 months in the Old Trafford hot seat but that may be slightly tougher this season. Finishing third was a great achievement after their poor start but the gap to the top two is currently more of a chasm. Manchester City will almost certainly be a tougher prospect in 2020/21 and Liverpool accrued 50% points more than United last season. Chelsea have been the most active Premier League side in the transfer market this summer and after finishing behind United on goal different they will be eager to overhaul the Red Devils this time.

Champions League football will remain an imperative but focus should now shift to picking up some silverware for the first time under Solskjaer. United have now had three consecutive trophy-less seasons and have not gone four without silverware since the 1980s. Solskjaer admitted at the end of last season that lifting a trophy should be their new priority: “The team has developed all through the season, we’re delighted with finishing third, but the next step is winning a trophy.”

United reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and the Europa League last season but were defeated in all of them. That record probably sums up where their young side is at the moment; good enough to overpower the lesser teams but likely to come up short when they face top-level opposition. The emergence of a recognisable style was probably Solskjaer’s greatest success from the last campaign but they will need to improve on their ability to grind out results if they are to take the next step and pick up some silverware.

What does Solskjaer think?

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: “We have a young team – some spells showed that this group of players will have to learn and get some consistency in their play.

“Since February we’ve been fantastic… We’ve come quite a distance. Exciting to work with the boys but you could see at the end – tired legs and tired minds. We definitely need to improve to move up the table and take steps in the cups. I’ve never had three semi-finals in one season.”

What do the fans think?

Harry Robinson, host of United Through Time podcast and contributor for United We Stand fanzine:

“After a defeat to Burnley at home, Solskjaer’s future looked bleak, or non-existent for some. Bruno Fernandes’ arrival turned things around and we managed a third-place finish. That was the aim at the start of the season, although it remains embarrassing to admit that for most United fans who are used to title ambitions.

“Success next season means another third-place finish and at least one trophy. No season is successful without a trophy and United should have won at least one last season but failed at the semi-final stage on three occasions. That can’t happen again. I think Solskjaer will steer United to fourth and a trophy which would be acceptable as long as the signs of a team building are there.”Related： Manchester UnitedManchester

The people behind the vote of no confidence against Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu and his board — ‘Mes que una Mocio’ — say the website has been the subject of a cyberattack, making it impossible to access.

After revealing they have so far received 7,500 signatures (just over 16,000 are needed to take the motion to the next stage), they revealed their site had been targetted, saying it was forced offline for four hours.

In a statement, they said that the website “has had over 200,000 unique visits and is a very important tool for socios to be able to know where they can go to sign the motion.”

They added: “This attack is not just an act of aggression against the organization, but also against the rights of the socios to express their opposition against a board that has tainted the club’s name.”

Of the 16,250 signatures needed, spokesman Marc Duch has revealed there have so far been 7,500 collected. If they hit the target, the club’s 150,000 socios will vote on Bartomeu’s future. Two thirds would need to vote against him to bring forward elections, currently scheduled for March.

The platform ‘Mes que una Mocio’, which has the backing of presidential candidates Víctor Font, Jordi Farré and Lluís Fernández-Alá as well as eight opinion groups, now has 9-10 days to reach its target. Barça insist the cut-off date is the 17th of September.

The group behind the motion remain optimistic but accept that it is complicated to validate every signature is genuine.

‘Més que una Moció’ are upset the club wouldn’t accept any other form of signature due to the current COVID-19 situation. At the moment, people are required to sign in person.

The motion of no confidence against Josep Maria Bartomeu’s board of directors has already accumulated 7,500 signatures.

The number of signatures required to take the motion to the next level is 16,520, which amounts to 15 percent of the electoral register, and the deadline for this is September 17.

The movement ‘Mes que una Mocio’ is supported by various prospective candidates for the presidential role at Barcelona, such as Victor Font, Jordi Farre and Lluis Fernandez-Ala.

They believe that Barcelona have been experiencing an institutional, economic and sporting crisis, that came to a head following the 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League and the transfer request submitted by Lionel Messi.

The next few days will be key in terms of whether or not the vote of no confidence will go ahead.

Currently the movement has just under half of the required signatures needed.

Top European clubs already hit hard by coronavirus have been dealt another blow after it was revealed they would have to foot a huge TV rebate.

European Club Association chairman Andrea Agnelli confirmed on Tuesday that the sides who competed in last season’s Champions League and Europa League along with UEFA would have to foot the £518million bill to TV companies.

Agnelli also said talks over changes to the format and structure of Europe’s two premier competitions, which last season saw one-legged ties introduced from the quarter-finals, would ‘need to stall’ while clubs tried to recover following the financial damage caused by Covid-19.

Clubs have suffered heavily over the last six months after being forced to play matches behind closed doors.

Premier League sides who featured in the Champions League and Europa League have been relatively well insulated in comparison with their European counterparts thanks to the staggering sums they get from TV revenue.

But across the continent others have had to significantly cut wage bills and sell players for less than their value to stay afloat.

Of the most high-profile are 2018 Champions League winners Real Madrid who sold James Rodriguez for a cut-price £20m to Everton as they try to balance the books.

Agnelli, who is also chairman of Juventus, said the outlook for many clubs in Europe remained bleak.

He said: ‘We are looking at top revenue decrease of approximately €4billion in the next two years and according to FIFA, 90 per cent of those top-line losses will be borne by clubs.

‘We have seen very important rebates to the principal broadcasters both at domestic level and at international level.

‘We have seen a £330million rebate in the Premier League, we have seen a downturn in the Bundesliga domestic rights of about €200million, we are in the process of finalising the account with UEFA with a reduction of around €575million (£518m) for the international club competitions, and that is all money that is normally distributed.’

Liverpool, City, United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs… EFL Cup draw

The second and third round draws for the EFL Cup were made on Sunday with Arsenal handed a tough away fixture.

Arsenal will travel to Leicester City in the third round of the EFL Cup, while holders Manchester City are to face Bournemouth or Crystal Palace and Liverpool will meet the winners of Bradford City’s clash with Lincoln City.

EFL Cup draw 2020/21

With the competition being squeezed into a tightened schedule due to the late end to last season because of the coronavirus crisis, the draws for the second and third round were both made on Sunday.

The pick of the ties is the Gunners’ trip to the King Power Stadium, while City – who defeated Aston Villa to win the trophy for the third year running in February – will have the comfort of a home game.

Liverpool will hit the road to face lower league opposition and Manchester United are also away at Championship opposition against either Reading or Luton Town.

Everton have to get past Salford City in round two with the victor of that match going on to play either Fleetwood Town or Port Vale.

Leyton Orient or Plymouth will host Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham in the third round, while Chelsea entertain Middlesbrough or Barnsley.

Round two south region draw in full:

West Ham v Charlton Athletic
Ipswich Town v Fulham
Oxford United v Watford
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace
Leyton Orient v Plymouth Argyle
Southampton v Brentford
Bristol City v Northampton Town
Reading v Luton Town
Millwall v Cheltenham Town
Brighton and Hove Albion v Portsmouth
Newport County v Cambridge United
Gillingham v Coventry City

Round two north region draw in full:

Burnley v Sheffield United
Burton Albion v Aston Villa
Bradford City v Lincoln City
Leeds United v Hull City
Everton v Salford City
Wolves v Stoke City
Fleetwood Town v Port Vale
Rochdale v Sheffield Wednesday
West Brom v Harrogate Town
Middlesbrough v Barnsley
Derby County v Preston North End
Newcastle United v Blackburn Rovers
Morecambe v Oldham Athletic

Round three draw in full:

Bradford or Lincoln v Liverpool
Bristol City or Northampton Town v Burton Albion or Aston Villa
Morecambe or Oldham Athletic v Newcastle United or Blackburn Rovers
Reading or Luton Town v Manchester United
Derby County or Preston North End v Brighton and Hove Albion or Portsmouth
Ipswich Town or Fulham v Rochdale or Sheffield Wednesday
Manchester City v Bournemouth or Crystal Palace
Millwall or Cheltenham Town v Burnley or Sheffield United
Chelsea v Middlesbrough or Barnsley
Wolves or Stoke City v Gillingham or Coventry City
Leicester City v Arsenal
West Brom or Harrogate Town v Southampton or Brentford
Newport County or Cambridge United v Oxford United or Watford
Fleetwood Town or Port Vale v Everton or Salford City
Leyton Orient or Plymouth Argyle v Tottenham
West Ham or Charlton Athletic v Leeds United or Hull City

Mason Mount’s father has rubbished reports in Germany that his son is unhappy with the arrival of Kai Havertz at Chelsea.

The Blues completed a deal for the £89million-rated Bayer Leverkusen forward this week as part of Frank Lampard’s £230million transfer spending spree this summer.

Havertz’s arrival is likely to provide extra competition in attacking midfield for Mount, who played in every single Premier League game bar one for Lampard’s side in his debut season in the top-flight.

And a report in Germany claimed the 21-year-old is not pleased at Chelsea making a new mega-money signing for a player in his position.

Christian Falk, head of sport for BILD, tweeted: ‘Our Story: Havertz is already searching for a house in London. Because of Havertz, his mate Werner can play on the wings. Mason Mount is not happy that he has a expensive rival at his position.’

Underneath, Mount’s father Tony replied with 36 crying with laughter emojis and then ‘bulls***’.

Havertz is capable of playing anywhere in the front three but it is believed the attacking midfield role is where Lampard will place the German international in his new-look Chelsea side.

The Blues have also invested in the striker and wide positions this summer with the arrivals of Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner from Ajax and RB Leipzig respectively.

And Havertz’s arrival means the west Londoners have a new attacking line-up ready to take on defences next season and the former Leverkusen man is currently looking for houses in the London area following his move.

Mount’s end-of-season form for Chelsea, meanwhile, earned him a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the September internationals against Iceland and Denmark, but the 21-year-old is looking to maintain this level with the European Championships taking place next year.

The Chelsea midfielder has also seen the likes of Kalvin Phillips, Phil Foden and Ainsley Maitland-Niles break into the Three Lions squad for the first time this month, meaning there is even more competition in central midfield at international level.

Mount was trusted by Lampard throughout the campaign having impressed the Chelsea legend on a loan spell at Derby during the coach’s first season in management.

He was fast-tracked into the Chelsea first-team and made 53 appearances in all competitions last term.

But the midfielder admitted in November last year that he is ready to fight for his place in the Chelsea squad when new faces arrive.

Mount said: ‘We’ve had to deal with that during our whole time at Chelsea.

‘You come into a team, there’s players from different countries and you’ve got to work and show how good you are.

‘There’s always been that competition within Chelsea. We’re all ready for it. You’ve got to fight for your place. Whatever happens happens.’

The Englishman signed a new five-year contract at Stamford Bridge in July 2019 and is expected to be a regular name on the Chelsea teamsheet in the years to come

Inter are prepared to let Diego Godin go to Stade Rennais for a minimal fee, claims the Corriere della Sera, or even as a free agent.

The defender was brought in from Atletico Madrid last summer as a free agent.

He spent much of the campaign on the bench, but had become a regular in the starting XI by the end of July and throughout the August Europa League Final Eight tournament.

Reports in France stated that Rennes are interested in signing the Uruguayan veteran.

That might be easier than expected, because the Corriere della Sera newspaper claims Inter are eager to get his €7m per season salary off their books.

Godin could therefore be allowed to leave for a minimal fee or even by terminating his contract early by mutual consent.

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No member of Barcelona’s board has responded publicly to the statements made by Lionel Messi on Friday.

The Argentine announced that he will stay at the Blaugrana until next season and the club’s only reaction was to publish a quote from the interview on social media, a part where he expressed his love for the team.

There has been no reaction at all, other than that.

Some of Messi’s statements in the discussion with Goal.com were harsh, hitting out at the board.

Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu has not spoken in public since the interview or at all since Ivan Rakitic’s farewell press conference.

The only Blaugrana figures to express their content at Messi’s decision were members of the opposition, who are collecting signatures to carry out a motion of no confidence and who are preparing for the next presidential elections.

They are aware that Bartomeu’s image has been damaged by the Messi saga and they are willing to take advantage of it.