A doctor looking into the links between football and dementia has said that England’s World Cup winning midfielder Nobby Stiles, who passed away aged 78 in October, suffered severe brain damage from repeatedly heading the ball. The latest development has once again raised question marks on whether heading should be banned during training sessions.

Stiles, who played on the World Cup-winning team in 1966, had been diagnosed with dementia, like many of his teammates including Jack and Bobby Charlton.

Stiles’ family said that they had donated his brain to a research study led by neuropathologist Willie Stewart.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hamilton-voted-bbc-sports-personality-of-the-year-351307" hreflang="en">Hamilton voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year</a>

“He told us that the damage to my dad’s brain was very severe and could only be explained by him heading the ball over the sustained period of his career,” Stiles’ son John told the Daily Mail.

“It confirmed what he had believed for a long time.”

According to Stewart, “brain injury and head impacts” were the only risk factors in the type of brain damage Stiles had suffered.

“With Nobby, there is no recorded history of him sustaining a brain injury or concussion,” he told the newspaper. “Hence we propose his risk came from heading the ball.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/three-talking-points-from-the-premier-league-351306" hreflang="en">Three talking points from the Premier League</a>

“While he may have headed the ball a certain number of times in a match, like many others he would have been subject to countless impacts in training sessions. Every single impact could have caused damage.”

The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) has called on clubs and leagues of English football to chalk out a strategy to monitor and adapt training. They have asked the clubs to monitor and adapt training while coming up with techniques to protect the long-term health of players.

A doctor looking into the links between football and dementia has said that England’s World Cup winning midfielder Nobby Stiles, who passed away aged 78 in October, suffered severe brain damage from repeatedly heading the ball.

A doctor looking into the links between football and dementia has said that England’s World Cup winning midfielder Nobby Stiles, who passed away aged 78 in October, suffered severe brain damage from repeatedly heading the ball. The latest development has once again raised question marks on whether heading should be banned during training sessions. Stiles, who played on the World Cup-winning team in 1966, had been diagnosed with dementia, like many of his teammates including Jack and Bobby Charlton. Stiles’ family said that they had donated his brain to a research study led by neuropathologist Willie Stewart. ALSO READ: Hamilton voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year “He told us that the damage to my dad’s brain was very severe and could only be explained by him heading the ball over the sustained period of his career,” Stiles’ son John told the Daily Mail. “It confirmed what he had believed for a long time.” According to Stewart, “brain injury and head impacts” were the only risk factors in the type of brain damage Stiles had suffered. “With Nobby, there is no recorded history of him sustaining a brain injury or concussion,” he told the newspaper. “Hence we propose his risk came from heading the ball. ALSO READ: Three talking points from the Premier League “While he may have headed the ball a certain number of times in a match, like many others he would have been subject to countless impacts in training sessions. Every single impact could have caused damage.” The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) has called on clubs and leagues of English football to chalk out a strategy to monitor and adapt training. They have asked the clubs to monitor and adapt training while coming up with techniques to protect the long-term health of players.

Nobby Stiles' brain injury caused by heading ball, doctor says

You can hear the optimism in midfielder Pedro Obiang`s voice as he considers the task his team face on Sunday -- trying to end AC Milan’s 24-match unbeaten run in Serie A. 
 
"At Sassuolo we love a challenge. If we beat them, we’ll show the world we’re growing up,” he told Reuters. 
 
Not long ago, the suggestion of Sassuolo humbling one of Europe`s most illustrious clubs would have been laughable. 
 
Not anymore. 
 
Since promotion to Serie A in 2013, Sassuolo, representing a town of just 40,000 inhabitants in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, have enjoyed punching above their weight. 
 
They qualified for the Europa League in 2016 and since the arrival of coach Roberto De Zerbi in 2018 have earned a reputation as one of the most attractive teams in Italy, if not Europe. 
 
De Zerbi is widely considered the next big thing in Italian coaching and counts Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola among his admirers. 
 
He led Sassuolo to eighth place last season and a strong start to 2020/21 has raised hopes of a return to European competition. Sassuolo are currently sixth, one point outside the Champions League spots and just five behind leaders Milan. 
 
 
 
SAME ZONE 
 
“We’ve played some important games, but from the perspective of a squad that is normally mid-table,” says Obiang. 
 
“Now we’re looking face-to-face with Milan, because we’re in the same zone. Now we’re different. 
 
“That’s the view De Zerbi is trying to give to us. Don’t think about the small teams, start to think big. When you play the big teams, you have to be like that. 
 
“I don’t know if it’ll be the Champions League, but we want to get to Europe,” added the 28-year-old. 
 
“Since De Zerbi started, every year we’re improving. If we get to Europe this year, we’ll show the world that football isn’t just about numbers.” 
 
Spain-born Equatorial Guinea international Obiang left West Ham United for Sassuolo in 2019 after four years in England and initially expected to return to his former club Sampdoria. 
 
But when the move fell through, a conversation with De Zerbi convinced him of the Sassuolo project. 
 
“He explained to me what he wanted, and it’s the squad we’ve got now,” says Obiang. 
 
“He had a clear idea. Of course, he told me it’s not easy, because at the end of the day we’re Sassuolo. 
 
“Normally when you talk about Sassuolo, nobody cares about us, but we can change that. 
 
"When he told me about that challenge, I thought it was true, so why not?” 
 
 
 
SASSUOLO SWAGGER 
 
De Zerbi has succeeded in making Sassuolo play with the swagger of a more established club. 
 
His team have the fourth-highest average possession in Serie A this season, and aim to break opponents down through passing and pressing rather than route one methods. 
 
Obiang believes Sassuolo’s approach under De Zerbi, as well as the coach’s previous work at Benevento, has changed perspectives in Italy of what smaller clubs can achieve. 
 
“I used to study any player in my position to try and not let them play,” he explained. “Now, for the first time in my career, others have to study me and how I play. 
 
"It’s making me feel like being at a top club despite being at Sassuolo. Every team we play has respect for us. 
 
“For me, De Zerbi has changed the mentality in Italy. At Benevento, he played nice football, from the back, with the ball. He’s doing the same at Sassuolo. Now everyone thinks it’s possible.” 
 
Obiang believes De Zerbi’s attention to detail is to thank for a run of form that has seen Sassuolo lose just five of 25 league games since returning from lockdown and a three-month suspension of football in June. 
 
“Every day (during lockdown) he called us, sent videos,” Obiang said. “He told us before we started training again how we would play in the games to come. 
 
"He started to talk to me about Lazio, a game in two months’ time. I was thinking ‘Why?’ and he told me: ‘Because we have to be ready. If we prepare today, it’ll be easy when we’re playing games every three days’. And he was right."

You can hear the optimism in midfielder Pedro Obiang`s voice as he considers the task his team face on Sunday -- trying to end AC Milan’s 24-match unbeaten run in Serie A.

You can hear the optimism in midfielder Pedro Obiang`s voice as he considers the task his team face on Sunday -- trying to end AC Milan’s 24-match unbeaten run in Serie A. "At Sassuolo we love a challenge. If we beat them, we’ll show the world we’re growing up,” he told Reuters. Not long ago, the suggestion of Sassuolo humbling one of Europe`s most illustrious clubs would have been laughable. Not anymore. Since promotion to Serie A in 2013, Sassuolo, representing a town of just 40,000 inhabitants in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, have enjoyed punching above their weight. They qualified for the Europa League in 2016 and since the arrival of coach Roberto De Zerbi in 2018 have earned a reputation as one of the most attractive teams in Italy, if not Europe. De Zerbi is widely considered the next big thing in Italian coaching and counts Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola among his admirers. He led Sassuolo to eighth place last season and a strong start to 2020/21 has raised hopes of a return to European competition. Sassuolo are currently sixth, one point outside the Champions League spots and just five behind leaders Milan. SAME ZONE “We’ve played some important games, but from the perspective of a squad that is normally mid-table,” says Obiang. “Now we’re looking face-to-face with Milan, because we’re in the same zone. Now we’re different. “That’s the view De Zerbi is trying to give to us. Don’t think about the small teams, start to think big. When you play the big teams, you have to be like that. “I don’t know if it’ll be the Champions League, but we want to get to Europe,” added the 28-year-old. “Since De Zerbi started, every year we’re improving. If we get to Europe this year, we’ll show the world that football isn’t just about numbers.” Spain-born Equatorial Guinea international Obiang left West Ham United for Sassuolo in 2019 after four years in England and initially expected to return to his former club Sampdoria. But when the move fell through, a conversation with De Zerbi convinced him of the Sassuolo project. “He explained to me what he wanted, and it’s the squad we’ve got now,” says Obiang. “He had a clear idea. Of course, he told me it’s not easy, because at the end of the day we’re Sassuolo. “Normally when you talk about Sassuolo, nobody cares about us, but we can change that. "When he told me about that challenge, I thought it was true, so why not?” SASSUOLO SWAGGER De Zerbi has succeeded in making Sassuolo play with the swagger of a more established club. His team have the fourth-highest average possession in Serie A this season, and aim to break opponents down through passing and pressing rather than route one methods. Obiang believes Sassuolo’s approach under De Zerbi, as well as the coach’s previous work at Benevento, has changed perspectives in Italy of what smaller clubs can achieve. “I used to study any player in my position to try and not let them play,” he explained. “Now, for the first time in my career, others have to study me and how I play. "It’s making me feel like being at a top club despite being at Sassuolo. Every team we play has respect for us. “For me, De Zerbi has changed the mentality in Italy. At Benevento, he played nice football, from the back, with the ball. He’s doing the same at Sassuolo. Now everyone thinks it’s possible.” Obiang believes De Zerbi’s attention to detail is to thank for a run of form that has seen Sassuolo lose just five of 25 league games since returning from lockdown and a three-month suspension of football in June. “Every day (during lockdown) he called us, sent videos,” Obiang said. “He told us before we started training again how we would play in the games to come. "He started to talk to me about Lazio, a game in two months’ time. I was thinking ‘Why?’ and he told me: ‘Because we have to be ready. If we prepare today, it’ll be easy when we’re playing games every three days’. And he was right."

Midfielder Obiang says De Zerbi's Sassuolo thinking big

FIFA The Best football awards for the year 2020 were announced on Thursday with Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski outshining the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to bag the coveted award. Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp was named the coach of the year in men’s category pipping Bayern Munich’s Hansi Flick in the race.&nbsp;

Lewandowski was the favourite to win the player of the year award after a sensational season in front of the goal for the Bavarians, in a season where the German giants won five trophies. However, there was a major surprise as Klopp won the coach of the year ahead of Flick, who guided Bayern to five trophies including an unbeaten season in the UEFA Champions League.

In the women’s category, Manchester city’s Lucy Bronze was named the player of the year after winning the Champions League with French side Olympique Lyon for the third season on the trot. Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman was named the best coach in women’s category.

The ceremony was held virtually at FIFA headquarters in Zurich.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/robert-lewandowski-the-body-who-put-messi-and-ronaldo-in-shade-350664" hreflang="en">Robert Lewandowski, 'The Body' who put Messi and Ronaldo in shade</a>

<h2>The Best FIFA Awards 2020 - Complete list of winners:</h2>

<ul>
	<li>The Best FIFA Women's Player: Lucy Bronze (England/Olympique Lyonnais/Manchester City)</li>
	<li>The Best FIFA Men's Coach: Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool)</li>
	<li>The Best FIFA Women's Goalkeeper: Sarah Bouhaddi (France/Olympique Lyonnais)</li>
	<li>The Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer (Germany/Bayern Munich)</li>
	<li>The Best FIFA Men's Player: Robert Lewandowski (Poland/Bayern Munich)</li>
	<li>The Best FIFA Women's Coach: Sarina Wiegman (Netherlands)</li>
	<li>FIFA Fair Play Award: Mattia Agnese (Italy)</li>
	<li>FIFA Puskas Award: Son Heung-min (South Korea/Tottenham)</li>
	<li>FIFA Fan Award: Marivaldo Francisco da Silva (Brazil)</li>
	<li>FIFA FIFPRO Women's World11: Christiane Endler; Lucy Bronze; Wendie Renard; Millie Bright; Delphine Cascarino; Barbara Bonansea; Veronica Boquete; Megan Rapinoe; Pernille Harder; Vivianne Miedema; Tobin Heath</li>
	<li>FIFA FIFPRO Men's World11: Alisson Becker; Trent Alexander-Arnold; Sergio Ramos; Virgil van Dijk; Alphonso Davies; Kevin de Bruyne; Thiago Alcantara; Joshua Kimmich; Lionel Messi; Robert Lewandowski; Cristiano Ronaldo 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

FIFA The Best football awards for the year 2020 were announced on Thursday with Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski outshining the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to bag the coveted award.

FIFA The Best football awards for the year 2020 were announced on Thursday with Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski outshining the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to bag the coveted award. Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp was named the coach of the year in men’s category pipping Bayern Munich’s Hansi Flick in the race. Lewandowski was the favourite to win the player of the year award after a sensational season in front of the goal for the Bavarians, in a season where the German giants won five trophies. However, there was a major surprise as Klopp won the coach of the year ahead of Flick, who guided Bayern to five trophies including an unbeaten season in the UEFA Champions League. In the women’s category, Manchester city’s Lucy Bronze was named the player of the year after winning the Champions League with French side Olympique Lyon for the third season on the trot. Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman was named the best coach in women’s category. The ceremony was held virtually at FIFA headquarters in Zurich. ALSO READ: Robert Lewandowski, 'The Body' who put Messi and Ronaldo in shade The Best FIFA Awards 2020 - Complete list of winners: The Best FIFA Women's Player: Lucy Bronze (England/Olympique Lyonnais/Manchester City) The Best FIFA Men's Coach: Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool) The Best FIFA Women's Goalkeeper: Sarah Bouhaddi (France/Olympique Lyonnais) The Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer (Germany/Bayern Munich) The Best FIFA Men's Player: Robert Lewandowski (Poland/Bayern Munich) The Best FIFA Women's Coach: Sarina Wiegman (Netherlands) FIFA Fair Play Award: Mattia Agnese (Italy) FIFA Puskas Award: Son Heung-min (South Korea/Tottenham) FIFA Fan Award: Marivaldo Francisco da Silva (Brazil) FIFA FIFPRO Women's World11: Christiane Endler; Lucy Bronze; Wendie Renard; Millie Bright; Delphine Cascarino; Barbara Bonansea; Veronica Boquete; Megan Rapinoe; Pernille Harder; Vivianne Miedema; Tobin Heath FIFA FIFPRO Men's World11: Alisson Becker; Trent Alexander-Arnold; Sergio Ramos; Virgil van Dijk; Alphonso Davies; Kevin de Bruyne; Thiago Alcantara; Joshua Kimmich; Lionel Messi; Robert Lewandowski; Cristiano Ronaldo

The BEST FIFA Football Awards 2020: From Lewandowski to Klopp - here's list of all winners

Marcus Rashford scored twice as Manchester United extended their 100 percent record on the road, coming from behind again to win 3-2 at the Premier League’s bottom club Sheffield United on Thursday.

United have now won all six away league games this season -- conceding first on each occasion -- and the latest comeback victory moved them up to sixth place, on 23 points, five behind leaders Liverpool but with a game in hand.

Sheffield United’s solitary point from 13 matches is the worst start by a team in any top-flight campaign and the Blades have now lost eight matches in a row and 15 of their last 16 going back to last season.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opted to play keeper Dean Henderson ahead of David De Gea for the trip to Bramall Lane where the English keeper played and impressed on loan last season.

But Henderson made a nightmare start, getting caught in possession by Oliver Burke who slid the ball to David McGoldrick who fired the Blades into a fifth-minute lead.

John Fleck failed to take a great chance to make it 2-0 for Chris Wilder’s team and that let-off sparked Manchester United into life.

After wasting a good opportunity with a wild shot, Rashford made no mistake in the 26th minute as he collected a long ball from Victor Lindelof with a deft first touch and deadly first-time strike.

Paul Pogba set up the second with a one-touch pass on the turn, over the top of the Sheffield defence to Anthony Martial, who rounded Aaron Ramsdale before slotting home.

<h2>FINE MOVE</h2>

Six minutes after the break, Rashford added his second to make it 3-1, finishing off a fine passing move started by Pogba, with a shot that squeezed under Ramsdale’s body.

McGoldrick pulled one back for the Yorkshire strugglers three minutes from the end, heading in a corner from close range before Henderson made amends for his early mistake with a reflex save to keep out a Lys Mousset drive.

Solskjaer was pleased with most of United’s display after another slow start.

“We played some brilliant football between their first goal and their second goal - the end was a bit too uncomfortable for my liking,” he said.

Asked about his players believing they could yet win the title, the Norwegian was cautious.

“We can’t get our heads too far ahead, but I am happy the players might be thinking that way because that means recovery, focus is better and those little margins mean a lot,” he said.

Wilder took heart from his side’s performance.

“It has given myself and the players a belief that if we do play in the manner we played - especially out of possession - that there is something left in this season for us,” he said.

“I will stick my head on the pillow tonight knowing the team has left everything out there.”

Marcus Rashford scored twice as Manchester United extended their 100 percent record on the road, coming from behind again to win 3-2 at the Premier League’s bottom club Sheffield United on Thursday.

Marcus Rashford scored twice as Manchester United extended their 100 percent record on the road, coming from behind again to win 3-2 at the Premier League’s bottom club Sheffield United on Thursday. United have now won all six away league games this season -- conceding first on each occasion -- and the latest comeback victory moved them up to sixth place, on 23 points, five behind leaders Liverpool but with a game in hand. Sheffield United’s solitary point from 13 matches is the worst start by a team in any top-flight campaign and the Blades have now lost eight matches in a row and 15 of their last 16 going back to last season. Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opted to play keeper Dean Henderson ahead of David De Gea for the trip to Bramall Lane where the English keeper played and impressed on loan last season. But Henderson made a nightmare start, getting caught in possession by Oliver Burke who slid the ball to David McGoldrick who fired the Blades into a fifth-minute lead. John Fleck failed to take a great chance to make it 2-0 for Chris Wilder’s team and that let-off sparked Manchester United into life. After wasting a good opportunity with a wild shot, Rashford made no mistake in the 26th minute as he collected a long ball from Victor Lindelof with a deft first touch and deadly first-time strike. Paul Pogba set up the second with a one-touch pass on the turn, over the top of the Sheffield defence to Anthony Martial, who rounded Aaron Ramsdale before slotting home. FINE MOVE Six minutes after the break, Rashford added his second to make it 3-1, finishing off a fine passing move started by Pogba, with a shot that squeezed under Ramsdale’s body. McGoldrick pulled one back for the Yorkshire strugglers three minutes from the end, heading in a corner from close range before Henderson made amends for his early mistake with a reflex save to keep out a Lys Mousset drive. Solskjaer was pleased with most of United’s display after another slow start. “We played some brilliant football between their first goal and their second goal - the end was a bit too uncomfortable for my liking,” he said. Asked about his players believing they could yet win the title, the Norwegian was cautious. “We can’t get our heads too far ahead, but I am happy the players might be thinking that way because that means recovery, focus is better and those little margins mean a lot,” he said. Wilder took heart from his side’s performance. “It has given myself and the players a belief that if we do play in the manner we played - especially out of possession - that there is something left in this season for us,” he said. “I will stick my head on the pillow tonight knowing the team has left everything out there.”

Rashford double as Man United fight back again to sink Blades

Nicknamed 'The Body' and dubbed a 'machine' by his wife, Robert Lewandowski has done what many thought impossible -- relegating superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to supporting roles at a football awards show.

On Thursday, Bayern Munich's Polish striker claimed FIFA's 'The Best' prize for the year's top footballer, a season crowned by a European Champions League medal.

"He deserved it more than anyone else. He played the season of his life," said Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge after Lewandowski's 55 goals in 2019/20 were a key factor in Bayern winning the treble.

The Poland forward has already scored 18 goals in 17 games this season, hitting the net twice against Wolfsburg on Wednesday to pass the milestone of 250 Bundesliga goals.

The fact Lewandowski has had to wait until he is 32 to be crowned at FIFA's 'The Best' awards is down to the way he proved himself in the knock-out stages of the Champions League last season.

Despite having been the Bundesliga's top-scorer for five of the last seven seasons, Lewandowski was getting a reputation for struggling to find the net in key Champions League games.

Up until February, he had failed to score in his previous seven matches in the knock-out stages.

<h2>- Chelsea slayer -</h2>

His four goals for ex-club Dortmund in the 2013 semi-final, first-leg, against Real Madrid seemed a faded memory.&nbsp;

All that changed in February's last 16 win over Chelsea, when Lewandowski scored at Stamford Bridge, then set up Serge Gnarby's two goals in a 3-0 away win.

When the return leg was played nearly six month later, Lewandowski had a hand in all four goals -- scoring twice and creating two more -- in the 4-1 win at the Allianz Arena.

Lewandowski followed that up by scoring in the historic 8-2 quarter-final rout of Messi's Barcelona and netted again in the 3-0 semi-final win over Lyon.

He finished as the Champions League's top-scorer with 15 goals, two short of Ronaldo's record for a single season and was dubbed 'LewanGOALski' by Bayern team-mate Thomas Mueller.

His three goals in this season's group stages puts him level with Real Madrid legend Raul on 71 Champions League goals, short of Messi's 118 and Ronaldo, who has scored 134 times.

In October, Lewandowski was named UEFA's Player of the Year after Bayern added the UEFA Super Cup to their Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League titles.

He could complete the set in February if Bayern win the Club World Cup in Qatar.

Lewandowski was spotted as a raw 21-year-old playing Polish league club for Lech Poznan, where he scored 41 goals in 82 games and joined Dortmund in 2010.

<h2>- 'The Body' -</h2>

He made his breakthrough under Jurgen Klopp, helping Dortmund win back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2010/11 and 2011/12.

He hit a hat-trick in the 5-2 drubbing of Bayern in the 2012 German Cup final, joining the Munich giants two years later having scored 103 goals in 187 games for Dortmund.

His goals on Wednesday mean Lewandowski has now scored 264 times in 306 games for the European champions.

Nicknamed 'The Body' by his team-mates, Lewandowski is known for his disciplined approach to nutrition and training, resulting in his honed physique.

"My husband is a machine," admits wife Anna, a former Polish karate international who serves as his personal trainer.

Lewandowski is rarely injured and former Bayern captain Oliver Kahn sees the striker as "an absolute model of professionalism, a condition for staying at the highest level for a very long time."

Nicknamed 'The Body' and dubbed a 'machine' by his wife, Robert Lewandowski has done what many thought impossible -- relegating superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to supporting roles at a football awards show.

Nicknamed 'The Body' and dubbed a 'machine' by his wife, Robert Lewandowski has done what many thought impossible -- relegating superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to supporting roles at a football awards show. On Thursday, Bayern Munich's Polish striker claimed FIFA's 'The Best' prize for the year's top footballer, a season crowned by a European Champions League medal. "He deserved it more than anyone else. He played the season of his life," said Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge after Lewandowski's 55 goals in 2019/20 were a key factor in Bayern winning the treble. The Poland forward has already scored 18 goals in 17 games this season, hitting the net twice against Wolfsburg on Wednesday to pass the milestone of 250 Bundesliga goals. The fact Lewandowski has had to wait until he is 32 to be crowned at FIFA's 'The Best' awards is down to the way he proved himself in the knock-out stages of the Champions League last season. Despite having been the Bundesliga's top-scorer for five of the last seven seasons, Lewandowski was getting a reputation for struggling to find the net in key Champions League games. Up until February, he had failed to score in his previous seven matches in the knock-out stages. - Chelsea slayer - His four goals for ex-club Dortmund in the 2013 semi-final, first-leg, against Real Madrid seemed a faded memory. All that changed in February's last 16 win over Chelsea, when Lewandowski scored at Stamford Bridge, then set up Serge Gnarby's two goals in a 3-0 away win. When the return leg was played nearly six month later, Lewandowski had a hand in all four goals -- scoring twice and creating two more -- in the 4-1 win at the Allianz Arena. Lewandowski followed that up by scoring in the historic 8-2 quarter-final rout of Messi's Barcelona and netted again in the 3-0 semi-final win over Lyon. He finished as the Champions League's top-scorer with 15 goals, two short of Ronaldo's record for a single season and was dubbed 'LewanGOALski' by Bayern team-mate Thomas Mueller. His three goals in this season's group stages puts him level with Real Madrid legend Raul on 71 Champions League goals, short of Messi's 118 and Ronaldo, who has scored 134 times. In October, Lewandowski was named UEFA's Player of the Year after Bayern added the UEFA Super Cup to their Bundesliga, German Cup and Champions League titles. He could complete the set in February if Bayern win the Club World Cup in Qatar. Lewandowski was spotted as a raw 21-year-old playing Polish league club for Lech Poznan, where he scored 41 goals in 82 games and joined Dortmund in 2010. - 'The Body' - He made his breakthrough under Jurgen Klopp, helping Dortmund win back-to-back Bundesliga titles in 2010/11 and 2011/12. He hit a hat-trick in the 5-2 drubbing of Bayern in the 2012 German Cup final, joining the Munich giants two years later having scored 103 goals in 187 games for Dortmund. His goals on Wednesday mean Lewandowski has now scored 264 times in 306 games for the European champions. Nicknamed 'The Body' by his team-mates, Lewandowski is known for his disciplined approach to nutrition and training, resulting in his honed physique. "My husband is a machine," admits wife Anna, a former Polish karate international who serves as his personal trainer. Lewandowski is rarely injured and former Bayern captain Oliver Kahn sees the striker as "an absolute model of professionalism, a condition for staying at the highest level for a very long time."

Robert Lewandowski, 'The Body' who put Messi and Ronaldo in shade

Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski was named men's player of the year on Thursday at FIFA's 'The Best' awards ceremony in Zurich.&nbsp;

The 32-year-old Lewandowski, top scorer in Europe and winner of the Champions League with Bayern, came out ahead of the other two nominees, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

England defender Lucy Bronze took the women's award, seeing off the challenge of Wendie Renard and Pernille Harder.

It is the first occassion for both Lewandowski and Bronze to win the award, with the Pole only the second player after Luka Modric in 2018 to break a&nbsp;13-year Messi-Ronaldo hegemony.

"I am very proud and very happy," said Lewandowski.&nbsp;

"I have to honestly say that it is a great day for me and for my club.

"It is an unbelievable feeling. Winning an award ahead of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo means a lot to me."&nbsp;

Lewandowski's stellar season for all-conquering Bayern has already been recognised by UEFA who awarded the Polish striker European player of the year in October.&nbsp;

While he has won the Bundesliga in each of his first six seasons at Bayern, finishing as the league's top scorer in four of the last five seasons, his international profile has been hurt in the past by Poland's mediocre form and his previous failure, at Dortmund and Bayern, to win the Champions League.

Last season, however, he was spectacular as Bayern won every game in Europe including the Champions League final against Paris St-Germain.&nbsp;

Lewandowski finished with 15 goals in the competition, five more than the next best striker, Erling Braut Haaland.

"It has not been an easy year, as it has been for the whole world, but we won everything we could win," said the Pole.

"The highlight was the victory in the Champions League final against PSG, it was a special day."

His Bayern teammate Manuel Neuer was chosen as 'The Best' FIFA men’s goalkeeper.

Bronze, 29, who succeeds last year's winner Megan Rapinoe, won the Champions League with Lyon in August before moving back to England to play for Manchester City.

She was a suprise winner ahead of her former Lyon teammate Renard, and striker Harder, who moved from Wolfsburg to Chelsea in early September.

"What a surprise, to even be nominated alongside the two other players, they are both incredible players and outstanding human beings well," said Bronze during the ceremony.

"I don't think I have the words right now to explain how I am feeling. If there is anything 2020 has taught us it is to appreciate every moment you have, never look too far ahead and live in the here and now.

"I will appreciate winning this award now more than ever and I will remember this moment for the rest of my life."

France and Lyon's Sarah Bouhaddi capped her fine career with The Best FIFA women's goalkeeper award.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was named men's coach of the year while current Dutch women’s national team boss Sarina Wiegman took the women's award for the second time in her career following her 2017 success.&nbsp;

The Puskas Award for best goal went to Tottenham's South Korean striker Son Heung-min for a mazy, individual goal he scored against Burnley in the Premier League in December 2019.

The Best awards began in 2017 after a brief merger with the Ballon D'Or, which was cancelled this year because of coronavirus, and the FIFA Player of the Year award, which was created in 1991.

Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski was named men's player of the year on Thursday at FIFA's 'The Best' awards ceremony in Zurich. The 32-year-old Lewandowski, top scorer in Europe and winner of the Champions League with Bayern, came out ahead of the other two nominees, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski was named men's player of the year on Thursday at FIFA's 'The Best' awards ceremony in Zurich. The 32-year-old Lewandowski, top scorer in Europe and winner of the Champions League with Bayern, came out ahead of the other two nominees, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. England defender Lucy Bronze took the women's award, seeing off the challenge of Wendie Renard and Pernille Harder. It is the first occassion for both Lewandowski and Bronze to win the award, with the Pole only the second player after Luka Modric in 2018 to break a 13-year Messi-Ronaldo hegemony. "I am very proud and very happy," said Lewandowski. "I have to honestly say that it is a great day for me and for my club. "It is an unbelievable feeling. Winning an award ahead of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo means a lot to me." Lewandowski's stellar season for all-conquering Bayern has already been recognised by UEFA who awarded the Polish striker European player of the year in October. While he has won the Bundesliga in each of his first six seasons at Bayern, finishing as the league's top scorer in four of the last five seasons, his international profile has been hurt in the past by Poland's mediocre form and his previous failure, at Dortmund and Bayern, to win the Champions League. Last season, however, he was spectacular as Bayern won every game in Europe including the Champions League final against Paris St-Germain. Lewandowski finished with 15 goals in the competition, five more than the next best striker, Erling Braut Haaland. "It has not been an easy year, as it has been for the whole world, but we won everything we could win," said the Pole. "The highlight was the victory in the Champions League final against PSG, it was a special day." His Bayern teammate Manuel Neuer was chosen as 'The Best' FIFA men’s goalkeeper. Bronze, 29, who succeeds last year's winner Megan Rapinoe, won the Champions League with Lyon in August before moving back to England to play for Manchester City. She was a suprise winner ahead of her former Lyon teammate Renard, and striker Harder, who moved from Wolfsburg to Chelsea in early September. "What a surprise, to even be nominated alongside the two other players, they are both incredible players and outstanding human beings well," said Bronze during the ceremony. "I don't think I have the words right now to explain how I am feeling. If there is anything 2020 has taught us it is to appreciate every moment you have, never look too far ahead and live in the here and now. "I will appreciate winning this award now more than ever and I will remember this moment for the rest of my life." France and Lyon's Sarah Bouhaddi capped her fine career with The Best FIFA women's goalkeeper award. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was named men's coach of the year while current Dutch women’s national team boss Sarina Wiegman took the women's award for the second time in her career following her 2017 success. The Puskas Award for best goal went to Tottenham's South Korean striker Son Heung-min for a mazy, individual goal he scored against Burnley in the Premier League in December 2019. The Best awards began in 2017 after a brief merger with the Ballon D'Or, which was cancelled this year because of coronavirus, and the FIFA Player of the Year award, which was created in 1991.

Lewandowski and Bronze win FIFA player of the year awards

The body of late soccer great Diego Maradona “must be conserved” in case his DNA is needed in a paternity case, an Argentine court ruled on Wednesday.

Maradona died of a heart attack last month and was buried on Nov. 26 in a cemetery just outside Buenos Aires.

While Maradona’s lawyer had previously told Reuters that DNA samples already exist, the court said the former Boca Juniors and Napoli player’s body must not be cremated at some later date.

Five recognised children and six with filiation requests are part of a complex inheritance process in Argentina.

One of the six, Magalí Gil, 25, says she found out two years ago that the soccer icon was her biological father.

The ruling from the National Court of First Instance in Civil Matters No. 56 also said: “Ms. Gil requests that a study be carried out ... and that for this purpose the acting prosecutor’s office send a DNA sample.”

Maradona recognised four children in Argentina and one in Italy, which he had during his time as a player in the country.

The body of late soccer great Diego Maradona “must be conserved” in case his DNA is needed in a paternity case, an Argentine court ruled on Wednesday. Maradona died of a heart attack last month and was buried on Nov.

The body of late soccer great Diego Maradona “must be conserved” in case his DNA is needed in a paternity case, an Argentine court ruled on Wednesday. Maradona died of a heart attack last month and was buried on Nov. 26 in a cemetery just outside Buenos Aires. While Maradona’s lawyer had previously told Reuters that DNA samples already exist, the court said the former Boca Juniors and Napoli player’s body must not be cremated at some later date. Five recognised children and six with filiation requests are part of a complex inheritance process in Argentina. One of the six, Magalí Gil, 25, says she found out two years ago that the soccer icon was her biological father. The ruling from the National Court of First Instance in Civil Matters No. 56 also said: “Ms. Gil requests that a study be carried out ... and that for this purpose the acting prosecutor’s office send a DNA sample.” Maradona recognised four children in Argentina and one in Italy, which he had during his time as a player in the country.

Court rules Maradona's body 'must be conserved'

Romelu Lukaku scored from the penalty spot as Inter Milan battled past title rivals Napoli 1-0 on Wednesday to move one point behind Serie A leaders and city rivals AC Milan who were held at Genoa.

Defending champions Juventus sit three points behind Inter after Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty in a 1-1 home draw with Atalanta.

Napoli -- who played the final quarter of an hour a man down after captain Lorenzo Insigne was sent off -- drop to fourth, a further point adrift.

Insigne saw red for arguing with the referee after goalkeeper David Ospina fouled Inter's Matteo Darmian to concede the crucial spot-kick.

"Only in Italy players are thrown out for this stuff," fumed Napoli coach Gennaro Gattuso, blasting "a dubious penalty".

Napoli also saw club record scorer Dries Mertens limp off with an ankle injury in the first half.

Lukaku stepped up to slot in on 73 minutes for his 10th league goal this season, joining Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic at the top of the Serie A goalscoring chart.

Inter could also thank goalkeeper Samir Handanovic&nbsp;for their clean sheet, denying Insigne and Giovanni Di Lorenzo late on.

For Antonio Conte's Inter it was a fifth consecutive league win as they target a first Scudetto since 2010, with their European hopes now over.

"It was a painful victory that can do us good," said Conte.&nbsp;"These are three important points because against a rival and a great team like Napoli they are worth double."

AC Milan, playing a fourth consecutive league game without the injured Ibrahimovic, came from behind twice to secure a 2-2 draw as Mattia Destro scored a double for Genoa.

The Italian striker tapped in a rebound after Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma denied Eldor Shomurodov just after the break.

Five minutes later, Davide Calabria's long-range effort pulled Milan level before Destro headed in a second on the hour.

But French defender Pierre Kalulu nodded in from close range to rescue a second consecutive draw for Milan, who stay unbeaten in Serie A since March and are looking to deny Juventus a 10th straight league triumph this season.

"We had six players out and had to grit our teeth but those who played proved to be up to par," said coach Stefano Pioli.&nbsp;

"Our club has not been in the Champions League for many years and that is our goal."

&nbsp;

<h2>- Sixth Juventus stalemate -</h2>

&nbsp;

In Turin, unbeaten Juventus were held for the sixth time in Serie A this term.

Federico Chiesa curled in a powerful shot to put Juventus ahead before the half-hour mark.

But Atalanta hit back with Remo Freuler grabbing the equaliser 12 minutes into the second half, shortly after captain Papu Gomez came off the bench.

The build-up to the game had been overshadowed by tensions between coach Gian Piero Gasperini and Gomez, left out of their last two league games amid speculation he could leave the Bergamo club in January.

Ronaldo, who had fired over the target in the fifth minute, had a rare penalty miss after an hour following a Hans Hateboer foul on Chiesa.

The Portuguese striker's weak effort was easily saved by Atalanta keeper Pierluigi Gollini.

Spaniard Alvaro Morata had missed a golden chance after 12 minutes, sending a weak back-heel flick wide in front of an open goal.

At the other end of the pitch, Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny saved a Cristian Romero header with a quarter of an hour to go.

"You have to take these games home," said Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo.

"We had many opportunities and we weren't able to close it. When you leave the game in the balance anything can happen."

Atalanta, who also held Juventus the last time they played in Turin last July, are eighth, 10 points behind AC Milan, after a slow start to the campaign.

"It's a great result," said Gasperini. "We were very good, at one point we were convinced of winning it.&nbsp;

"We played with personality against a team that are one of the favourites for the Scudetto."

Fifth-placed Sassuolo drew 1-1 at Fiorentina, whose winless run stretched to seven games.

Romelu Lukaku scored from the penalty spot as Inter Milan battled past title rivals Napoli 1-0 on Wednesday to move one point behind Serie A leaders and city rivals AC Milan who were held at Genoa.

Romelu Lukaku scored from the penalty spot as Inter Milan battled past title rivals Napoli 1-0 on Wednesday to move one point behind Serie A leaders and city rivals AC Milan who were held at Genoa. Defending champions Juventus sit three points behind Inter after Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty in a 1-1 home draw with Atalanta. Napoli -- who played the final quarter of an hour a man down after captain Lorenzo Insigne was sent off -- drop to fourth, a further point adrift. Insigne saw red for arguing with the referee after goalkeeper David Ospina fouled Inter's Matteo Darmian to concede the crucial spot-kick. "Only in Italy players are thrown out for this stuff," fumed Napoli coach Gennaro Gattuso, blasting "a dubious penalty". Napoli also saw club record scorer Dries Mertens limp off with an ankle injury in the first half. Lukaku stepped up to slot in on 73 minutes for his 10th league goal this season, joining Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic at the top of the Serie A goalscoring chart. Inter could also thank goalkeeper Samir Handanovic for their clean sheet, denying Insigne and Giovanni Di Lorenzo late on. For Antonio Conte's Inter it was a fifth consecutive league win as they target a first Scudetto since 2010, with their European hopes now over. "It was a painful victory that can do us good," said Conte. "These are three important points because against a rival and a great team like Napoli they are worth double." AC Milan, playing a fourth consecutive league game without the injured Ibrahimovic, came from behind twice to secure a 2-2 draw as Mattia Destro scored a double for Genoa. The Italian striker tapped in a rebound after Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma denied Eldor Shomurodov just after the break. Five minutes later, Davide Calabria's long-range effort pulled Milan level before Destro headed in a second on the hour. But French defender Pierre Kalulu nodded in from close range to rescue a second consecutive draw for Milan, who stay unbeaten in Serie A since March and are looking to deny Juventus a 10th straight league triumph this season. "We had six players out and had to grit our teeth but those who played proved to be up to par," said coach Stefano Pioli. "Our club has not been in the Champions League for many years and that is our goal." - Sixth Juventus stalemate - In Turin, unbeaten Juventus were held for the sixth time in Serie A this term. Federico Chiesa curled in a powerful shot to put Juventus ahead before the half-hour mark. But Atalanta hit back with Remo Freuler grabbing the equaliser 12 minutes into the second half, shortly after captain Papu Gomez came off the bench. The build-up to the game had been overshadowed by tensions between coach Gian Piero Gasperini and Gomez, left out of their last two league games amid speculation he could leave the Bergamo club in January. Ronaldo, who had fired over the target in the fifth minute, had a rare penalty miss after an hour following a Hans Hateboer foul on Chiesa. The Portuguese striker's weak effort was easily saved by Atalanta keeper Pierluigi Gollini. Spaniard Alvaro Morata had missed a golden chance after 12 minutes, sending a weak back-heel flick wide in front of an open goal. At the other end of the pitch, Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny saved a Cristian Romero header with a quarter of an hour to go. "You have to take these games home," said Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo. "We had many opportunities and we weren't able to close it. When you leave the game in the balance anything can happen." Atalanta, who also held Juventus the last time they played in Turin last July, are eighth, 10 points behind AC Milan, after a slow start to the campaign. "It's a great result," said Gasperini. "We were very good, at one point we were convinced of winning it. "We played with personality against a team that are one of the favourites for the Scudetto." Fifth-placed Sassuolo drew 1-1 at Fiorentina, whose winless run stretched to seven games.

Inter close gap on leaders AC Milan, Ronaldo penalty miss stalls Juve

Jose Mourinho said Tottenham must learn to kill games off if they are to win a first league title in 60 years after Roberto Firmino's late winner earned Liverpool a 2-1 win over his side on Wednesday.

The Brazilian's towering header ended an 11-game unbeaten league run for Mourinho's men and opened up a three-point lead for the defending champions at the top of the Premier League table.

Liverpool enjoyed 76 percent possession and had 11 shots on target to Tottenham's two, but Mourinho still believed Spurs would have been deserving winners had they taken their chances early in the second half.

Steven Bergwijn hit the post and Harry Kane uncharacteristically headed a huge opportunity over at 1-1.

"We were so close to a win, not so close to a draw," said Mourinho, who had an exchange of words with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp at full-time.

"A draw would be a bad result in relation to the performance, so you can imagine how we feel with the defeat.

"Of course they had more of the ball but when we had it, we knew how to hurt them. We have to score -- the second, third goal, we have to score it to kill the game.

"In matches like these where you don't have 10 chances, just three or four, you have to score three and kill it, which we didn't."

Liverpool are now 66 games unbeaten in the league at Anfield and showed why they remain the favourites in a wide-open title race with their ability to consistently win tight games late on.

"Completely deserved," said Klopp of his side's victory.&nbsp;"A really good game against a top side, a counter-attacking monster.

"You lose one ball and you end up with an 80 percent possibility in your own box so you have to really concentrate."

<h2>- Houllier tributes -</h2>

Before kick-off, the Liverpool support, players and officials paid their respects to former manager Gerard Houllier, who died earlier this week at 73.

Unusually kicking towards 2,000 fans in the Kop in the first half, Liverpool made a storming start as they swarmed over Spurs and could count themselves unfortunate not to have been out of sight by half-time.

Liverpool earned their luck for the opening goal when Mohamed Salah's shot took a huge deflection off Toby Alderweireld and looped beyond the helpless Hugo Lloris in off the far post.

Curtis Jones should have done better with a big chance to double the home side's advantage moments later as Lloris was again well-positioned to make a comfortable save.

But the moment Tottenham had been waiting for to launch the counter-attack that has thrust them into title contention, beating Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal in recent weeks, arrived on 33 minutes.

Giovani Lo Celso's brilliant pass opened up a makeshift Liverpool backline with 19-year-old Rhys Williams partnering midfielder Fabinho in central defence.

Son Heung-min timed his run to perfection to stay onside and coolly slotted past Alisson Becker for his 14th goal of the season.

Having weathered the storm, Spurs went on to enjoy the far better chances early in the second half.

Bergwijn prodded wide from a narrow angle after Williams showed his inexperience by getting caught under a simple ball down the middle.

The Dutch international had an even better sight of goal just after the hour mark when he hit the base of the post when clean through and from the resulting corner, Kane headed a glorious chance over.

Liverpool continued to enjoy more possession and nearly unpicked the lock of the Tottenham defence when Sadio Mane spun Serge Aurier and crashed a rising shot off the bar.

But Mourinho will be bitterly disappointed that his side were eventually undone by a set-piece as from Andy Robertson's corner, Firmino rose highest to silence the critics of his goal record with what could be one of the most important all season.

Jose Mourinho said Tottenham must learn to kill games off if they are to win a first league title in 60 years after Roberto Firmino's late winner earned Liverpool a 2-1 win over his side on Wednesday.

Jose Mourinho said Tottenham must learn to kill games off if they are to win a first league title in 60 years after Roberto Firmino's late winner earned Liverpool a 2-1 win over his side on Wednesday. The Brazilian's towering header ended an 11-game unbeaten league run for Mourinho's men and opened up a three-point lead for the defending champions at the top of the Premier League table. Liverpool enjoyed 76 percent possession and had 11 shots on target to Tottenham's two, but Mourinho still believed Spurs would have been deserving winners had they taken their chances early in the second half. Steven Bergwijn hit the post and Harry Kane uncharacteristically headed a huge opportunity over at 1-1. "We were so close to a win, not so close to a draw," said Mourinho, who had an exchange of words with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp at full-time. "A draw would be a bad result in relation to the performance, so you can imagine how we feel with the defeat. "Of course they had more of the ball but when we had it, we knew how to hurt them. We have to score -- the second, third goal, we have to score it to kill the game. "In matches like these where you don't have 10 chances, just three or four, you have to score three and kill it, which we didn't." Liverpool are now 66 games unbeaten in the league at Anfield and showed why they remain the favourites in a wide-open title race with their ability to consistently win tight games late on. "Completely deserved," said Klopp of his side's victory. "A really good game against a top side, a counter-attacking monster. "You lose one ball and you end up with an 80 percent possibility in your own box so you have to really concentrate." - Houllier tributes - Before kick-off, the Liverpool support, players and officials paid their respects to former manager Gerard Houllier, who died earlier this week at 73. Unusually kicking towards 2,000 fans in the Kop in the first half, Liverpool made a storming start as they swarmed over Spurs and could count themselves unfortunate not to have been out of sight by half-time. Liverpool earned their luck for the opening goal when Mohamed Salah's shot took a huge deflection off Toby Alderweireld and looped beyond the helpless Hugo Lloris in off the far post. Curtis Jones should have done better with a big chance to double the home side's advantage moments later as Lloris was again well-positioned to make a comfortable save. But the moment Tottenham had been waiting for to launch the counter-attack that has thrust them into title contention, beating Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal in recent weeks, arrived on 33 minutes. Giovani Lo Celso's brilliant pass opened up a makeshift Liverpool backline with 19-year-old Rhys Williams partnering midfielder Fabinho in central defence. Son Heung-min timed his run to perfection to stay onside and coolly slotted past Alisson Becker for his 14th goal of the season. Having weathered the storm, Spurs went on to enjoy the far better chances early in the second half. Bergwijn prodded wide from a narrow angle after Williams showed his inexperience by getting caught under a simple ball down the middle. The Dutch international had an even better sight of goal just after the hour mark when he hit the base of the post when clean through and from the resulting corner, Kane headed a glorious chance over. Liverpool continued to enjoy more possession and nearly unpicked the lock of the Tottenham defence when Sadio Mane spun Serge Aurier and crashed a rising shot off the bar. But Mourinho will be bitterly disappointed that his side were eventually undone by a set-piece as from Andy Robertson's corner, Firmino rose highest to silence the critics of his goal record with what could be one of the most important all season.

Mourinho wants killer instinct from Tottenham after Firmino takes Liverpool top

RB Leipzig on Thursday announced the signing of Dominik Szoboszlai, who has put pen to paper on a four-and-a-half-year contract.

"Midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai joins RB Leipzig. The 20-year-old joins from Austrian champions FC Red Bull Salzburg and signs a four-and-a-half-year contract until June 2025," the club said in a statement.

The technical midfielder, who also knows how to find the back of the net, is a versatile player, but operates most commonly in the centre of midfield or on the left-hand side. In addition to his vision and passing ability, the Hungary international is a great striker of the ball. Szoboszlai made his debut for the Hungary national team in March 2019 and has gone on to record 12 international caps (three goals) for his country.

In the current season, the midfielder has made 20 appearances in all competitions, scoring eight goals and registering ten assists. The club said that the player will be available for their home game against Borussia Dortmund on January 9, 2021.&nbsp;

RB Leipzig on Thursday announced the signing of Dominik Szoboszlai, who has put pen to paper on a four-and-a-half-year contract. "Midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai joins RB Leipzig.

RB Leipzig on Thursday announced the signing of Dominik Szoboszlai, who has put pen to paper on a four-and-a-half-year contract. "Midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai joins RB Leipzig. The 20-year-old joins from Austrian champions FC Red Bull Salzburg and signs a four-and-a-half-year contract until June 2025," the club said in a statement. The technical midfielder, who also knows how to find the back of the net, is a versatile player, but operates most commonly in the centre of midfield or on the left-hand side. In addition to his vision and passing ability, the Hungary international is a great striker of the ball. Szoboszlai made his debut for the Hungary national team in March 2019 and has gone on to record 12 international caps (three goals) for his country. In the current season, the midfielder has made 20 appearances in all competitions, scoring eight goals and registering ten assists. The club said that the player will be available for their home game against Borussia Dortmund on January 9, 2021.

RB Leipzig announce signing of Dominik Szoboszlai

Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani has been charged by the Football Association for misconduct over social media activity with the Uruguayan likely to face a ban following a controversial post. Cavani used the word ‘negrito’ while replying to a congratulatory post from a friend following

Manchester United’s 3-2 win against Southampton where the 33-year-old scored a brace. However, Manchester United said that Cavani was unaware of the racist connotations that the word carries in Britain as he wanted to use it as ‘an affectionate greeting’.

Cavani faces a minimum three-match ban under the new guidelines if found guilty of the charge. The Uruguayan emphasizes that there was ‘absolutely no malicious intent’ behind the comment. FA said that post was ‘an aggravated’ breach of FA Rule E3.2 due to the reference of colour, race and/or ethnic origin.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-mahomes-to-giannis-athletes-with-biggest-contracts-in-sporting-history-350214" hreflang="en">From Mahomes to Giannis: Athletes with biggest contracts in sporting history</a>

A club statement read: “Manchester United and all of our players are fully committed to the fight against racism and we will continue to work with the FA — along with other governing bodies and organisations, and through our own campaigns - in that regard.

“We note the FA decision today to charge Edinson Cavani for his social media reply to a friend’s message of congratulations following the Southampton game.

“Edinson and the club were clear that there was absolutely no malicious intent behind the message, which he deleted and apologised for as soon as he was informed that it could have been misconstrued.

“The player and the club will now consider the charge and respond to the FA accordingly.”

Cavani has until Monday (January 4, 2021) to respond to the charge made by FA and will be available to play Manchester United’s festive fixtures before facing any disciplinary action.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/court-rules-maradonas-body-must-be-conserved-350385" hreflang="en">Court rules Maradona's body 'must be conserved'</a>

An FA statement read: “Edinson Cavani has been charged with misconduct for a breach of FA Rule E3 in relation to a social media post on Thursday 29 November 2020.

“It is alleged that, contrary to FA Rule E3.1, a comment posted on the Manchester United FC player’s Instagram page was insulting and/or abusive and/or improper and/or brought the game into disrepute.

“It is further alleged that the comment constitutes an “Aggravated Breach”, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included reference, whether express or implied, to colour and/or race and/or ethnic origin.

“The striker has until Monday 4 January 2021 to provide a response to the charge.”

A day after the post was made, Cavani issued an apology and deleted the comment from his profile once he was made aware of the controversy.&nbsp;

"The message I posted after the game on Sunday was intended as an affectionate greeting to a friend, thanking him for his congratulations after the game. The last thing I wanted to do was cause offence to anyone," he said.

"I am completely opposed to racism and deleted the message as soon as it was explained that it can be interpreted differently.

"I would like to sincerely apologise for this."

Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani has been charged by the Football Association for misconduct over social media activity with the Uruguayan likely to face a ban following a controversial post.

Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani has been charged by the Football Association for misconduct over social media activity with the Uruguayan likely to face a ban following a controversial post. Cavani used the word ‘negrito’ while replying to a congratulatory post from a friend following Manchester United’s 3-2 win against Southampton where the 33-year-old scored a brace. However, Manchester United said that Cavani was unaware of the racist connotations that the word carries in Britain as he wanted to use it as ‘an affectionate greeting’. Cavani faces a minimum three-match ban under the new guidelines if found guilty of the charge. The Uruguayan emphasizes that there was ‘absolutely no malicious intent’ behind the comment. FA said that post was ‘an aggravated’ breach of FA Rule E3.2 due to the reference of colour, race and/or ethnic origin. ALSO READ: From Mahomes to Giannis: Athletes with biggest contracts in sporting history A club statement read: “Manchester United and all of our players are fully committed to the fight against racism and we will continue to work with the FA — along with other governing bodies and organisations, and through our own campaigns - in that regard. “We note the FA decision today to charge Edinson Cavani for his social media reply to a friend’s message of congratulations following the Southampton game. “Edinson and the club were clear that there was absolutely no malicious intent behind the message, which he deleted and apologised for as soon as he was informed that it could have been misconstrued. “The player and the club will now consider the charge and respond to the FA accordingly.” Cavani has until Monday (January 4, 2021) to respond to the charge made by FA and will be available to play Manchester United’s festive fixtures before facing any disciplinary action. ALSO READ: Court rules Maradona's body 'must be conserved' An FA statement read: “Edinson Cavani has been charged with misconduct for a breach of FA Rule E3 in relation to a social media post on Thursday 29 November 2020. “It is alleged that, contrary to FA Rule E3.1, a comment posted on the Manchester United FC player’s Instagram page was insulting and/or abusive and/or improper and/or brought the game into disrepute. “It is further alleged that the comment constitutes an “Aggravated Breach”, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included reference, whether express or implied, to colour and/or race and/or ethnic origin. “The striker has until Monday 4 January 2021 to provide a response to the charge.” A day after the post was made, Cavani issued an apology and deleted the comment from his profile once he was made aware of the controversy. "The message I posted after the game on Sunday was intended as an affectionate greeting to a friend, thanking him for his congratulations after the game. The last thing I wanted to do was cause offence to anyone," he said. "I am completely opposed to racism and deleted the message as soon as it was explained that it can be interpreted differently. "I would like to sincerely apologise for this."

Manchester United's Edinson Cavani charged with misconduct by FA over Instagram post

Jose Mourinho took a swipe at title rivals Liverpool on Tuesday as the Tottenham manager claimed the Premier League champions do not have an injury crisis.

Jurgen Klopp's side will be without a host of injured stars including Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Diego Jota and Thiago Alcantara when leaders Tottenham face second placed Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday.

Xherdan Shaqiri, Kostas Tsimikas and James Milner are also sidelined for Liverpool, while Naby Keita and Joel Matip could miss out due to injury issues.

But Mourinho insisted Liverpool's strongest team has not been affected because Netherlands centre-back Van Dijk is their only significant absentee.

"I think Alisson is not injured. Alexander-Arnold is not injured. Matip, I believe that he's going to play. Fabinho is not injured. Robertson is not injured. Henderson is not injured. Wijnaldum is not injured. Salah is not injured, Firmino is not injured, Mane is not injured," Mourinho told reporters on Tuesday.

"Van Dijk is injured and Van Dijk is a very good player of course. But give me a Liverpool list of injuries and compare that list with what is the best Liverpool team.

"I can give you a list of 10 injuries at Tottenham. We have two kids of the Under-16s with injuries, we have two others in the Under-21s and two in the Under-23s, we have Lamela and Tanganga. And here is a list of 10 players.

"But is Lloris injured? No. Alderweireld injured? No. Dier injured? No. Reguilon injured no? Harry Kane injured? No. Son injured? No. Lucas injured? No. So where are the injuries?

"Injuries are normal. James Milner is injured, Lamela is injured. You know. Every club has injuries now and again. Liverpool has a big injury which is Van Dijk."

<h2>- Results machine -</h2>

Tottenham are unbeaten in 11 Premier Leagues games since losing to Everton on the opening weekend of the season.

Chasing a first top-flight title since 1961, Tottenham sit above Liverpool on goal difference and must avoid defeat on Wednesday to retain pole position.

Klopp praised Mourinho on Tuesday for the work he has done at Tottenham since replacing Mauricio Pochettino last season.

The Liverpool boss said Mourinho had turned Tottenham into a "results machine".

But Mourinho is adamant his side are still behind Liverpool in their development.

"Jurgen says that because if you look to our results this season, we lost one in the Premier League and we lost one in the Europa League so our results are very positive," the Mourinho said.

"But I think it's too early, and the period of good results is about a few months and a results machine of course is much more than that.

"A result machine is what Liverpool has been for the past couple of years, a result machine was what my Chelsea was in the period we won the two consecutive titles.

"We are a good team that works hard but I would say Liverpool is the result of if I'm not wrong 1,894 days of work with Jurgen -- 1,894. If I'm wrong I'm wrong by a few days.

"We are the result of work of 390 days, but these 390 days are fake, because probably lots of these days were not even days of work but days of quarantine, days of being at home unable to work.

"So from almost 2,000 to 300. For us to be able to compete at the level we're doing I can only give credit to the players and be very, very happy with what they're doing."

Tottenham are likely to be without Gareth Bale at Anfield as the Wales forward is suffering from an non-coronavirus related illness.

Jose Mourinho took a swipe at title rivals Liverpool on Tuesday as the Tottenham manager claimed the Premier League champions do not have an injury crisis. Jurgen Klopp's side will be without a host of injured stars including Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Diego Jota and Thiago Alcantara when leaders Tottenham face second placed Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday.

Jose Mourinho took a swipe at title rivals Liverpool on Tuesday as the Tottenham manager claimed the Premier League champions do not have an injury crisis. Jurgen Klopp's side will be without a host of injured stars including Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Diego Jota and Thiago Alcantara when leaders Tottenham face second placed Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday. Xherdan Shaqiri, Kostas Tsimikas and James Milner are also sidelined for Liverpool, while Naby Keita and Joel Matip could miss out due to injury issues. But Mourinho insisted Liverpool's strongest team has not been affected because Netherlands centre-back Van Dijk is their only significant absentee. "I think Alisson is not injured. Alexander-Arnold is not injured. Matip, I believe that he's going to play. Fabinho is not injured. Robertson is not injured. Henderson is not injured. Wijnaldum is not injured. Salah is not injured, Firmino is not injured, Mane is not injured," Mourinho told reporters on Tuesday. "Van Dijk is injured and Van Dijk is a very good player of course. But give me a Liverpool list of injuries and compare that list with what is the best Liverpool team. "I can give you a list of 10 injuries at Tottenham. We have two kids of the Under-16s with injuries, we have two others in the Under-21s and two in the Under-23s, we have Lamela and Tanganga. And here is a list of 10 players. "But is Lloris injured? No. Alderweireld injured? No. Dier injured? No. Reguilon injured no? Harry Kane injured? No. Son injured? No. Lucas injured? No. So where are the injuries? "Injuries are normal. James Milner is injured, Lamela is injured. You know. Every club has injuries now and again. Liverpool has a big injury which is Van Dijk." - Results machine - Tottenham are unbeaten in 11 Premier Leagues games since losing to Everton on the opening weekend of the season. Chasing a first top-flight title since 1961, Tottenham sit above Liverpool on goal difference and must avoid defeat on Wednesday to retain pole position. Klopp praised Mourinho on Tuesday for the work he has done at Tottenham since replacing Mauricio Pochettino last season. The Liverpool boss said Mourinho had turned Tottenham into a "results machine". But Mourinho is adamant his side are still behind Liverpool in their development. "Jurgen says that because if you look to our results this season, we lost one in the Premier League and we lost one in the Europa League so our results are very positive," the Mourinho said. "But I think it's too early, and the period of good results is about a few months and a results machine of course is much more than that. "A result machine is what Liverpool has been for the past couple of years, a result machine was what my Chelsea was in the period we won the two consecutive titles. "We are a good team that works hard but I would say Liverpool is the result of if I'm not wrong 1,894 days of work with Jurgen -- 1,894. If I'm wrong I'm wrong by a few days. "We are the result of work of 390 days, but these 390 days are fake, because probably lots of these days were not even days of work but days of quarantine, days of being at home unable to work. "So from almost 2,000 to 300. For us to be able to compete at the level we're doing I can only give credit to the players and be very, very happy with what they're doing." Tottenham are likely to be without Gareth Bale at Anfield as the Wales forward is suffering from an non-coronavirus related illness.

Mourinho takes swipe at wounded Liverpool ahead of summit meeting

Frank Lampard believes Chelsea have become complacent after the Blues blew a lead to lose 2-1 at Wolves and suffer back-to-back Premier League defeats for the first time during his reign in charge.

Twice in four days Chelsea have wasted the chance to move top of the Premier League after losing for the first time in 18 matches at Everton on Saturday.

Lampard himself called into question his side's title credentials after a 1-0 loss at Goodison Park at the weekend and believes his players may have got carried away with their unbeaten run.

"Performance is what gives you results. We were playing very well, on a long unbeaten run and then maybe the lads think 'we're playing well'. The minute you think you're playing well, things like this can happen," said a visibly irked Lampard after Pedro Neto broke clear to win the game in the 95th minute.

"If you're not playing well which we weren't tonight, hang on to the 1-0. Play, control the game, and don't allow counter attacks like we did."

There was more evidence that Chelsea are still a team in transition after a £220 million ($294 million) transfer spending spree as two of their big money signings, Timo Werner and Kai Havertz, again failed to sparkle.

Lampard's men remain in fifth, three points adrift of Tottenham and Liverpool at the top, ahead of a clash between the top two at Anfield on Wednesday.

Victory was no more than Wolves deserved as they bounced back from two consecutive defeats since losing top scorer Raul Jimenez to a fractured skull.

"We reacted well," said Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo. "I think we were always in the game. We were well organised and second-half we played really well."

<h2>- Chelsea disappoint -</h2>

Other than bursts from Christian Pulisic past the struggling Nelson Semedo, Chelsea created precious little from open play.

Set-pieces caused Wolves more problems as Olivier Giroud headed over when he should have hit the target before Kurt Zouma crashed a header from another corner off the crossbar.

Giroud was razor sharp four minutes into the second-half as he volleyed Ben Chilwell's cross towards goal and the ball slipped through Rui Patricio's grasp and just over the line.

Going behind awakened Wolves and Fabio Silva was denied his first Premier League goal since a 40 million euro ($47 million £36 million) move from Porto by an offside flag.

Wolves had not scored in two games since losing Jimenez to a sickening head knock suffered in a 2-1 win at Arsenal.

But Daniel Podence produced a moment of magic as he twisted and turned inside the Chelsea box to find space for a shot and his effort deflected off Reece James and inside Edouard Mendy's near post.

Chelsea's record signing Havertz had another night to forget. The German international was replaced by Mateo Kovacic, while Tammy Abraham replaced the injured Giroud as Lampard went in search of a winner.

Yet, it was Wolves who looked the more likely winners in the closing stages.

Neto thought he had won a penalty when driving past James, but after a VAR review referee Stuart Attwell overturned his original decision as there was no contact on the Portuguese winger.

However, Neto was not to be denied on the counter-attack deep into stoppage time as he accelerated past Zouma and drove low into the far corner to move Wolves into the top half of the table and within three points of the top four.

Frank Lampard believes Chelsea have become complacent after the Blues blew a lead to lose 2-1 at Wolves and suffer back-to-back Premier League defeats for the first time during his reign in charge.

Frank Lampard believes Chelsea have become complacent after the Blues blew a lead to lose 2-1 at Wolves and suffer back-to-back Premier League defeats for the first time during his reign in charge. Twice in four days Chelsea have wasted the chance to move top of the Premier League after losing for the first time in 18 matches at Everton on Saturday. Lampard himself called into question his side's title credentials after a 1-0 loss at Goodison Park at the weekend and believes his players may have got carried away with their unbeaten run. "Performance is what gives you results. We were playing very well, on a long unbeaten run and then maybe the lads think 'we're playing well'. The minute you think you're playing well, things like this can happen," said a visibly irked Lampard after Pedro Neto broke clear to win the game in the 95th minute. "If you're not playing well which we weren't tonight, hang on to the 1-0. Play, control the game, and don't allow counter attacks like we did." There was more evidence that Chelsea are still a team in transition after a £220 million ($294 million) transfer spending spree as two of their big money signings, Timo Werner and Kai Havertz, again failed to sparkle. Lampard's men remain in fifth, three points adrift of Tottenham and Liverpool at the top, ahead of a clash between the top two at Anfield on Wednesday. Victory was no more than Wolves deserved as they bounced back from two consecutive defeats since losing top scorer Raul Jimenez to a fractured skull. "We reacted well," said Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo. "I think we were always in the game. We were well organised and second-half we played really well." - Chelsea disappoint - Other than bursts from Christian Pulisic past the struggling Nelson Semedo, Chelsea created precious little from open play. Set-pieces caused Wolves more problems as Olivier Giroud headed over when he should have hit the target before Kurt Zouma crashed a header from another corner off the crossbar. Giroud was razor sharp four minutes into the second-half as he volleyed Ben Chilwell's cross towards goal and the ball slipped through Rui Patricio's grasp and just over the line. Going behind awakened Wolves and Fabio Silva was denied his first Premier League goal since a 40 million euro ($47 million £36 million) move from Porto by an offside flag. Wolves had not scored in two games since losing Jimenez to a sickening head knock suffered in a 2-1 win at Arsenal. But Daniel Podence produced a moment of magic as he twisted and turned inside the Chelsea box to find space for a shot and his effort deflected off Reece James and inside Edouard Mendy's near post. Chelsea's record signing Havertz had another night to forget. The German international was replaced by Mateo Kovacic, while Tammy Abraham replaced the injured Giroud as Lampard went in search of a winner. Yet, it was Wolves who looked the more likely winners in the closing stages. Neto thought he had won a penalty when driving past James, but after a VAR review referee Stuart Attwell overturned his original decision as there was no contact on the Portuguese winger. However, Neto was not to be denied on the counter-attack deep into stoppage time as he accelerated past Zouma and drove low into the far corner to move Wolves into the top half of the table and within three points of the top four.

Lampard complains of complacency as Chelsea lose at Wolves

Ilkay Gundogan blamed a congested calendar in a unique season for Manchester City's failure to match the standards they have set under Pep Guardiola after a 1-1 draw with West Brom dealt another blow to their title challenge.

Gundogan appeared to have opened the floodgates on the half hour mark, but Ruben Dias's own goal two minutes before half-time proved costly as City's problems in front of goal continued in a goalless second-half.

City have won just five of their opening 12 league games of the season, a far cry from the combined 198 points they registered in two title-winning campaigns under Guardiola in 2017/18 and 2018/19.

Even last season when finishing distant runners-up to Liverpool, City scored 102 league goals, but the stale domination that has characterised a lacklustre campaign was in evidence all night as they struggled to break through West Brom's deep-lying defence.

"We had great years where we played great football in the past so we set the level high," said Gundogan. "All over Europe all the big teams are struggling with the tight fixtures and it's not going to be easier in the next weeks.

"That's an explanation why it is not always as easy as the expectations people have for us. We are not machines but we also know when we have not played our best game."

City could have moved to within three points of leaders Tottenham and Liverpool, who meet on Wednesday. Instead Guardiola's men edge up to fifth on goal difference, still five points off the top.

"These games you have to win, we know it, so we drop points," admitted Guardiola. "It's not far away the top of the league, but you have to win games. Still we are in early December and there are a lot of games to play."

City enjoyed 77 percent possession and had 26 shots on goal, but not until a late flurry of crosses from Kevin De Bruyne produced two stunning saves from Sam Johnstone to deny Gundogan and Raheem Sterling were West Brom opened up.

"We created enough to win the game. We did everything but in the end you have to score," added Guardiola. "We have to be optimistic that in the end we will score goals."

West Brom had the first big chance of the game when the ball ricocheted off Joao Cancelo into the path of Karlan Grant and he forced Ederson into a fine save low to his left.

City's probing was finally rewarded on the half hour as Sterling got to the by-line and his cut back was fired home from the edge of the area by Gundogan.

But the hosts shot themselves in the foot by conceding for the first time in seven games two minutes before half-time as they failed to clear a free-kick into the box and Semi Ajayi's shot was deflected into his own net by Dias.

It was one-way traffic after the break as City set up camp in the West Brom half but lacked the imagination or pace to open the visitors up.

De Bruyne was the most likely candidate to produce the inspiration his side needed but twice Johnstone in the West Brom goal denied the Belgian with low saves to his left.

Guardiola brought City's all-time record scorer Sergio Aguero off the bench for the final 15 minutes, but the Argentine's lack of match sharpness after a series of injury problems showed as he slashed wide the sort of chance he has so often buried.

Johnstone's heroics in stoppage time to deny Gundogan and Sterling earned his side a valuable draw that moves them to within two points of safety.

Ilkay Gundogan blamed a congested calendar in a unique season for Manchester City's failure to match the standards they have set under Pep Guardiola after a 1-1 draw with West Brom dealt another blow to their title challenge.

Ilkay Gundogan blamed a congested calendar in a unique season for Manchester City's failure to match the standards they have set under Pep Guardiola after a 1-1 draw with West Brom dealt another blow to their title challenge. Gundogan appeared to have opened the floodgates on the half hour mark, but Ruben Dias's own goal two minutes before half-time proved costly as City's problems in front of goal continued in a goalless second-half. City have won just five of their opening 12 league games of the season, a far cry from the combined 198 points they registered in two title-winning campaigns under Guardiola in 2017/18 and 2018/19. Even last season when finishing distant runners-up to Liverpool, City scored 102 league goals, but the stale domination that has characterised a lacklustre campaign was in evidence all night as they struggled to break through West Brom's deep-lying defence. "We had great years where we played great football in the past so we set the level high," said Gundogan. "All over Europe all the big teams are struggling with the tight fixtures and it's not going to be easier in the next weeks. "That's an explanation why it is not always as easy as the expectations people have for us. We are not machines but we also know when we have not played our best game." City could have moved to within three points of leaders Tottenham and Liverpool, who meet on Wednesday. Instead Guardiola's men edge up to fifth on goal difference, still five points off the top. "These games you have to win, we know it, so we drop points," admitted Guardiola. "It's not far away the top of the league, but you have to win games. Still we are in early December and there are a lot of games to play." City enjoyed 77 percent possession and had 26 shots on goal, but not until a late flurry of crosses from Kevin De Bruyne produced two stunning saves from Sam Johnstone to deny Gundogan and Raheem Sterling were West Brom opened up. "We created enough to win the game. We did everything but in the end you have to score," added Guardiola. "We have to be optimistic that in the end we will score goals." West Brom had the first big chance of the game when the ball ricocheted off Joao Cancelo into the path of Karlan Grant and he forced Ederson into a fine save low to his left. City's probing was finally rewarded on the half hour as Sterling got to the by-line and his cut back was fired home from the edge of the area by Gundogan. But the hosts shot themselves in the foot by conceding for the first time in seven games two minutes before half-time as they failed to clear a free-kick into the box and Semi Ajayi's shot was deflected into his own net by Dias. It was one-way traffic after the break as City set up camp in the West Brom half but lacked the imagination or pace to open the visitors up. De Bruyne was the most likely candidate to produce the inspiration his side needed but twice Johnstone in the West Brom goal denied the Belgian with low saves to his left. Guardiola brought City's all-time record scorer Sergio Aguero off the bench for the final 15 minutes, but the Argentine's lack of match sharpness after a series of injury problems showed as he slashed wide the sort of chance he has so often buried. Johnstone's heroics in stoppage time to deny Gundogan and Sterling earned his side a valuable draw that moves them to within two points of safety.

'We are not machines' wasteful Man City slip up again

India on Wednesday joined a five-nation race to host the 2027 Asian Cup, the continent's biggest football tournament, as it steps up efforts to secure international sporting recognition.

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have already officially entered the fray and an All India Football Federation (AIFF) spokesman said the country's documents would be sent to the Asian Football Confederation this week.

Iran and Uzbekistan have also said they will bid.

India, once called a "sleeping giant" of football by former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, has stepped up its interest in hosting international events in recent years.

It put on the 2017 under-17 men's World Cup and will host the 2022 women's Asian Cup and&nbsp;the 2021 under-17 women's World Cup. India is also considering a bid for the 2032 Olympics.

AIFF president Praful Patel said the Asian Cup bid would further the country's reputation as an emerging football nation.

"We look at it positively, we look at it aggressively. I have no doubt in my mind that India as a footballing nation by 2027 should be ready to not only host it but to participate in it meaningfully," Patel told reporters.

Sports minister Kiren Rijiju said hosting the Asian Cup would be "a huge milestone" for the cricket-mad country of 1.3 billion people.

India's men are currently ranked 104th in FIFA's world rankings but the launch of the Indian Super League has brought increased international attention to the country.

India on Wednesday joined a five-nation race to host the 2027 Asian Cup, the continent's biggest football tournament, as it steps up efforts to secure international sporting recognition.

India on Wednesday joined a five-nation race to host the 2027 Asian Cup, the continent's biggest football tournament, as it steps up efforts to secure international sporting recognition. Saudi Arabia and Qatar have already officially entered the fray and an All India Football Federation (AIFF) spokesman said the country's documents would be sent to the Asian Football Confederation this week. Iran and Uzbekistan have also said they will bid. India, once called a "sleeping giant" of football by former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, has stepped up its interest in hosting international events in recent years. It put on the 2017 under-17 men's World Cup and will host the 2022 women's Asian Cup and the 2021 under-17 women's World Cup. India is also considering a bid for the 2032 Olympics. AIFF president Praful Patel said the Asian Cup bid would further the country's reputation as an emerging football nation. "We look at it positively, we look at it aggressively. I have no doubt in my mind that India as a footballing nation by 2027 should be ready to not only host it but to participate in it meaningfully," Patel told reporters. Sports minister Kiren Rijiju said hosting the Asian Cup would be "a huge milestone" for the cricket-mad country of 1.3 billion people. India's men are currently ranked 104th in FIFA's world rankings but the launch of the Indian Super League has brought increased international attention to the country.

India bids to host 2027 Asian Cup

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been selected as best right winger and left winger of all-time, by France Football magazine’s Ballon d’Or panel. The legendary duo of Diego Maradona and Pele were also picked in the Ballon d’Or Dream Team as right and left wide midfielders respectively in a team that boasts the greatest players of all-time.&nbsp;

Former Barcelona and Spain international Xavi was given the nod as best defensive midfielder ever alongside Lothar Matthaus. Eleven players were selected to complete the “Dream Team” with the panel of 140 experts going for an attacking 3-4-3 formation.

Brazilian great Ronaldo Nazario was picked as the greatest striker of all-time as he beat the tight competition to grab the spot in the Dream Team.&nbsp;

Cafú, Franz Beckenbauer, and Paolo Maldini complete a solid-looking defence line with Lev Yashin taking the charge of the goalkeeping gloves.&nbsp;

Following the cancellation of Ballon d’Or award for world’s best footballer due to the COVID-19 pandemic, France Football announced its best XI in the history of football, as voted by journalists from 170 countries and regions.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-taking-the-knee-to-joining-protests-athletes-who-contributed-to-black-lives-matter-movement-349554" hreflang="en">From taking the knee to joining protests: Athletes who contributed to 'Black Lives Matter' movement</a>

"For me, it is an honour to have been included in the eleven of the Ballon d'Or Dream Team. I want to thank you for choosing me and also congratulate all the players who were selected ... and all the nominees, there are real phenomena on that list," Messi, who has won the Ballon d'Or a record six times, said in an Instagram post.

Ronaldo Nazario, a two-time World Cup winner and dual Ballon d'Or recipient, also expressed pride at being named in the No. 9 position.

"It's such an honour to be elected the best centre forward of all time in the Dream Team by France Football," Ronaldo said on Instagram.

"I gave my life for football and followed my dreams. No matter the obstacle I faced and the pain I had to overcome I was always focused to get where I wanted," he added.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/postponements-and-resumption-a-turbulent-year-of-2020-for-sports-world-346992" hreflang="en">Postponements and resumption: A turbulent year of 2020 for sports world</a>

Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won the Ballon d'Or five times, said: "I'm very honoured to be part of France Football's all-time 11. What an amazing Dream Team. They all deserve my respect and admiration and I'm obviously proud to be amongst such extraordinary players. Thank you!"

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⭐After the votes of 140 journalists from all around the world, here is the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BOdreamteam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BOdreamteam</a> with 11 best players of all time ! ⭐ <a href="https://t.co/FsKAoSyGZL">pic.twitter.com/FsKAoSyGZL</a>
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&nbsp;

<h2>Ballon d'Or Dream Team</h2>

Goalkeeper: Lev Yashin.

Defenders: Cafú, Franz Beckenbauer, and Paolo Maldini.

Midfielders: Lothar Matthäus, Xavi, Pelé, and Maradona.

Forwards: Lionel Messi, Ronaldo Nazário, and Cristiano Ronaldo. 
&nbsp;

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been selected as best right winger and left winger of all-time, by France Football magazine’s Ballon d’Or panel. The legendary duo of Diego Maradona and Pele were also picked in the Ballon d’Or Dream Team as right and left wide midfielders respectively in a team that boasts the greatest players of all-time.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been selected as best right winger and left winger of all-time, by France Football magazine’s Ballon d’Or panel. The legendary duo of Diego Maradona and Pele were also picked in the Ballon d’Or Dream Team as right and left wide midfielders respectively in a team that boasts the greatest players of all-time. Former Barcelona and Spain international Xavi was given the nod as best defensive midfielder ever alongside Lothar Matthaus. Eleven players were selected to complete the “Dream Team” with the panel of 140 experts going for an attacking 3-4-3 formation. Brazilian great Ronaldo Nazario was picked as the greatest striker of all-time as he beat the tight competition to grab the spot in the Dream Team. Cafú, Franz Beckenbauer, and Paolo Maldini complete a solid-looking defence line with Lev Yashin taking the charge of the goalkeeping gloves. Following the cancellation of Ballon d’Or award for world’s best footballer due to the COVID-19 pandemic, France Football announced its best XI in the history of football, as voted by journalists from 170 countries and regions. ALSO READ: From taking the knee to joining protests: Athletes who contributed to 'Black Lives Matter' movement "For me, it is an honour to have been included in the eleven of the Ballon d'Or Dream Team. I want to thank you for choosing me and also congratulate all the players who were selected ... and all the nominees, there are real phenomena on that list," Messi, who has won the Ballon d'Or a record six times, said in an Instagram post. Ronaldo Nazario, a two-time World Cup winner and dual Ballon d'Or recipient, also expressed pride at being named in the No. 9 position. "It's such an honour to be elected the best centre forward of all time in the Dream Team by France Football," Ronaldo said on Instagram. "I gave my life for football and followed my dreams. No matter the obstacle I faced and the pain I had to overcome I was always focused to get where I wanted," he added. IN PICS | Postponements and resumption: A turbulent year of 2020 for sports world Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won the Ballon d'Or five times, said: "I'm very honoured to be part of France Football's all-time 11. What an amazing Dream Team. They all deserve my respect and admiration and I'm obviously proud to be amongst such extraordinary players. Thank you!" ⭐After the votes of 140 journalists from all around the world, here is the #BOdreamteam with 11 best players of all time ! ⭐ pic.twitter.com/FsKAoSyGZL — France Football (@francefootball) December 14, 2020 × Ballon d'Or Dream Team Goalkeeper: Lev Yashin. Defenders: Cafú, Franz Beckenbauer, and Paolo Maldini. Midfielders: Lothar Matthäus, Xavi, Pelé, and Maradona. Forwards: Lionel Messi, Ronaldo Nazário, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi, Ronaldo, Maradona, Pele all feature in Ballon d'Or Dream Team - Check full XI

Barcelona will hold presidential elections on January 24 after the managerial committee which has run the club since Josep Maria Bartomeu's October resignation agreed on the date.

"The Management Committee has agreed to call elections for the club's presidency and Board of Directors. Voting will be held on January 24, 2021," the body said in a statement.

The final approval comes after Barca reached an agreement with the Catalan regional government two weeks ago.

Coronavirus concerns have made this the first time the club's elections have been decentralised, with 10 voting locations for Barca's 110,000 members dotted around Spain.

They can cast their vote at Barca's Camp Nou as well as in the cities of Girona, Tarragona, Tortosa, Lleida, Madrid, Valencia, Seville, Palma and Andorran capital Andorra la Vella.

Among the seven candidates for election is former president Joan Laporta, who made his candidacy official two weeks ago.

Laporta was at the helm from 2003-2010, a period which included four La Liga titles and two Champions League triumphs.

Barcelona will hold presidential elections on January 24 after the managerial committee which has run the club since Josep Maria Bartomeu's October resignation agreed on the date.

Barcelona will hold presidential elections on January 24 after the managerial committee which has run the club since Josep Maria Bartomeu's October resignation agreed on the date. "The Management Committee has agreed to call elections for the club's presidency and Board of Directors. Voting will be held on January 24, 2021," the body said in a statement. The final approval comes after Barca reached an agreement with the Catalan regional government two weeks ago. Coronavirus concerns have made this the first time the club's elections have been decentralised, with 10 voting locations for Barca's 110,000 members dotted around Spain. They can cast their vote at Barca's Camp Nou as well as in the cities of Girona, Tarragona, Tortosa, Lleida, Madrid, Valencia, Seville, Palma and Andorran capital Andorra la Vella. Among the seven candidates for election is former president Joan Laporta, who made his candidacy official two weeks ago. Laporta was at the helm from 2003-2010, a period which included four La Liga titles and two Champions League triumphs.

Barca confirm presidential elections on January 24

Juventus president Andrea Agnelli said Monday the Italian champions were awaiting an answer from Argentina forward Paulo Dybala on a contract offer which would make him "among the 20 highest paid footballers in Europe".

Dybala scored his first Serie A goal in five months on Sunday during a 3-1 win over Genoa, telling journalists afterwards he had received no news on an extension to his current deal which expires in June 2022.

"So many things that aren't true have been said in relation to my contract," he said.

Agnelli insisted on Monday the 27-year-old, who suffered with coronavirus for six weeks earlier this year, "has already received an offer that places him among the 20 highest paid in Europe".

"We are calmly awaiting an answer," Agnelli said during an awards ceremony in Turin.

"The positive news is the return to scoring. Paulo had a tough time after the coronavirus, with a slow recovery.

"I was delighted to hear his declaration of love for Juve, it's reciprocated. We see Paulo as a future captain of the team. Already now he often wears the armband.

"He knows he has the offer, we are waiting serenely for an answer."

Dybala joined Juventus from Palermo in 2015 and has scored 97 goals for the club, winning eight major trophies, including five Serie A titles.

He has often been linked with a move away in recent months and was reportedly close to signing for Premier League sides Manchester United and Tottenham last year.

"We are also waiting for one (response) on the pitch, his ambition is to be among the top five (players) in the world, and we want to support him. He is still not there and he knows this," added Agnelli.

Juventus president Andrea Agnelli said Monday the Italian champions were awaiting an answer from Argentina forward Paulo Dybala on a contract offer which would make him "among the 20 highest paid footballers in Europe".

Juventus president Andrea Agnelli said Monday the Italian champions were awaiting an answer from Argentina forward Paulo Dybala on a contract offer which would make him "among the 20 highest paid footballers in Europe". Dybala scored his first Serie A goal in five months on Sunday during a 3-1 win over Genoa, telling journalists afterwards he had received no news on an extension to his current deal which expires in June 2022. "So many things that aren't true have been said in relation to my contract," he said. Agnelli insisted on Monday the 27-year-old, who suffered with coronavirus for six weeks earlier this year, "has already received an offer that places him among the 20 highest paid in Europe". "We are calmly awaiting an answer," Agnelli said during an awards ceremony in Turin. "The positive news is the return to scoring. Paulo had a tough time after the coronavirus, with a slow recovery. "I was delighted to hear his declaration of love for Juve, it's reciprocated. We see Paulo as a future captain of the team. Already now he often wears the armband. "He knows he has the offer, we are waiting serenely for an answer." Dybala joined Juventus from Palermo in 2015 and has scored 97 goals for the club, winning eight major trophies, including five Serie A titles. He has often been linked with a move away in recent months and was reportedly close to signing for Premier League sides Manchester United and Tottenham last year. "We are also waiting for one (response) on the pitch, his ambition is to be among the top five (players) in the world, and we want to support him. He is still not there and he knows this," added Agnelli.

Juve awaiting Dybala response on contract offer, says Agnelli

French giants Paris Saint-Germain have told their stores around the French capital to gear up for a growth in business around shirt sales as PSG grow confident of signing Lionel Messi from Barcelona on a free transfer in the summer transfer window of 2021, according to Football Transfers.

Messi, in 2020, publicly cleared that he is unhappy at Barcelona after staying at Camp Nou for two decades. He was on the verge of leaving Barcelona in summer before legal obligations made him to stay at the Catalan club.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner is out of contract at the end of 2020-21 season and is likely to not pen a new deal.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/under-fire-arteta-vows-to-stop-arsenal-blip-349985" hreflang="en">Under-fire Arteta vows to stop Arsenal 'blip'</a>

Barcelona officials have admitted that Messi will require to take a pay cut if he wants to remain at the club with their poor run of form on the pitch pushing Messi away from the Blaugrana.

PSG, along with Manchester City are one of the two clubs ready to pounce on Messi if he decides to move next summer.&nbsp;

PSG have told their partner stores to get ready for a flood of interest ahead of the once in a lifetime deal.

However, it would be interesting to see whether Neymar leaves his no. 10 jersey for Messi if PSG manage to sign the Argentine.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-taking-the-knee-to-joining-protests-athletes-who-contributed-to-black-lives-matter-movement-349554" hreflang="en">From taking the knee to joining protests: Athletes who contributed to 'Black Lives Matter' movement</a>

PSG signing Messi would mean that the French club would be able to field the blockbuster troika of Neymar, Mbappe and Messi and fight more for their dream of lifting the UEFA Champions League.&nbsp;

Before that, PSG will have to face Messi in Barcelona jersey after the two teams were pitted against each other in the Round of 16 of UEFA Champions League 2020-21 season.

French giants Paris Saint-Germain have told their stores around the French capital to gear up for a growth in business around shirt sales as PSG grow confident of signing Lionel Messi from Barcelona on a free transfer in the summer transfer window of 2021, according to Football Transfers.

French giants Paris Saint-Germain have told their stores around the French capital to gear up for a growth in business around shirt sales as PSG grow confident of signing Lionel Messi from Barcelona on a free transfer in the summer transfer window of 2021, according to Football Transfers. Messi, in 2020, publicly cleared that he is unhappy at Barcelona after staying at Camp Nou for two decades. He was on the verge of leaving Barcelona in summer before legal obligations made him to stay at the Catalan club. The six-time Ballon d’Or winner is out of contract at the end of 2020-21 season and is likely to not pen a new deal. ALSO READ: Under-fire Arteta vows to stop Arsenal 'blip' Barcelona officials have admitted that Messi will require to take a pay cut if he wants to remain at the club with their poor run of form on the pitch pushing Messi away from the Blaugrana. PSG, along with Manchester City are one of the two clubs ready to pounce on Messi if he decides to move next summer. PSG have told their partner stores to get ready for a flood of interest ahead of the once in a lifetime deal. However, it would be interesting to see whether Neymar leaves his no. 10 jersey for Messi if PSG manage to sign the Argentine. ALSO READ: From taking the knee to joining protests: Athletes who contributed to 'Black Lives Matter' movement PSG signing Messi would mean that the French club would be able to field the blockbuster troika of Neymar, Mbappe and Messi and fight more for their dream of lifting the UEFA Champions League. Before that, PSG will have to face Messi in Barcelona jersey after the two teams were pitted against each other in the Round of 16 of UEFA Champions League 2020-21 season.

Lionel Messi to PSG? French club tell stores to be ready for blockbuster announcement

Mikel Arteta insists he is strong enough to cope with the pressure of Arsenal's dismal run as the Gunners boss dismissed their recent struggles as merely a "blip".

Arteta has faced calls for his sacking after Sunday's 1-0 home defeat against Burnley condemned Arsenal to their worst start to a season since 1974.

Arsenal have lost their last four home league games -- their worst sequence since 1959 -- and another defeat at the Emirates Stadium against in-form Southampton on Wednesday would pile further pressure on Arteta.

The Spaniard was given a vote of confidence by Arsenal technical director Edu on Monday, but Arteta admitted he had to shoulder the responsiblity for the team's five-match winless run in the league.

Adamant he still retains the backing of his players, Arteta told reporters on Tuesday: "My feeling is yes but this is a question for them obviously.

"When I see the reaction and the way they try, there's not one bit that worries me that they're not trying their best, that's for sure.

"And in terms of Edu and (Manchester City manager) Pep (Guardiola), they obviously showed their appreciation, because in good moments it's very easy.&nbsp;

"In difficult moments when you have people like them giving you support and two people that know very, very well what we've been through here, obviously it's much appreciated."

<h2>- 'Take the bullets' -</h2>

Languishing in 15th place after seven defeats in their first 12 league games, Arsenal are closer to the relegation zone than the top four.

Arteta is not concerned that Arsenal now face an unthinkable relegation battle and is confident that results will turn soon.

"I want to think that we are in a blip, losing football matches makes me believe that but we need to start to win," he said.

"Because just dropping and dropping down the table is not the situation we want to be in.

"But this is our reality right now and we have to face it and we have to face it being brave, fighting and no one giving up or anything.

"It's not time to hide, it's time to put your face and your body on the line and at the moment, I'm sorry, but we have to take the bullets.

Arteta said he accepted that he bore "maximum responsibility" for the bad results.

"At the end of the day you have to win football matches and this club is too big to accept this many losses in the last weeks. So my chest is here and hit me, guys."

Granit Xhaka's needless red card for grabbing Burnley's Ashley Westwood around the neck played a key role in Arsenal's latest flop.

Angry Arsenal fans have called for the volatile Swiss midfielder to be sold, but he retains Arteta's support for now.

Asked if Xhaka had apologised to Arteta and his team-mates, the Arsenal boss said the matter had been resolved "internally".

"He has had tough times here and he's not the only one, there's a lot of players that have had rocky moments.

"But what I can say about Granit is that his professionalism and his commitment with the club and with his team-mates is maximal.

"He knows and we all know that he had a moment where he's lost it and I know the reason why. But what I cannot do is just throw everything that he has done away because he's made a mistake."

Mikel Arteta insists he is strong enough to cope with the pressure of Arsenal's dismal run as the Gunners boss dismissed their recent struggles as merely a "blip".

Mikel Arteta insists he is strong enough to cope with the pressure of Arsenal's dismal run as the Gunners boss dismissed their recent struggles as merely a "blip". Arteta has faced calls for his sacking after Sunday's 1-0 home defeat against Burnley condemned Arsenal to their worst start to a season since 1974. Arsenal have lost their last four home league games -- their worst sequence since 1959 -- and another defeat at the Emirates Stadium against in-form Southampton on Wednesday would pile further pressure on Arteta. The Spaniard was given a vote of confidence by Arsenal technical director Edu on Monday, but Arteta admitted he had to shoulder the responsiblity for the team's five-match winless run in the league. Adamant he still retains the backing of his players, Arteta told reporters on Tuesday: "My feeling is yes but this is a question for them obviously. "When I see the reaction and the way they try, there's not one bit that worries me that they're not trying their best, that's for sure. "And in terms of Edu and (Manchester City manager) Pep (Guardiola), they obviously showed their appreciation, because in good moments it's very easy. "In difficult moments when you have people like them giving you support and two people that know very, very well what we've been through here, obviously it's much appreciated." - 'Take the bullets' - Languishing in 15th place after seven defeats in their first 12 league games, Arsenal are closer to the relegation zone than the top four. Arteta is not concerned that Arsenal now face an unthinkable relegation battle and is confident that results will turn soon. "I want to think that we are in a blip, losing football matches makes me believe that but we need to start to win," he said. "Because just dropping and dropping down the table is not the situation we want to be in. "But this is our reality right now and we have to face it and we have to face it being brave, fighting and no one giving up or anything. "It's not time to hide, it's time to put your face and your body on the line and at the moment, I'm sorry, but we have to take the bullets. Arteta said he accepted that he bore "maximum responsibility" for the bad results. "At the end of the day you have to win football matches and this club is too big to accept this many losses in the last weeks. So my chest is here and hit me, guys." Granit Xhaka's needless red card for grabbing Burnley's Ashley Westwood around the neck played a key role in Arsenal's latest flop. Angry Arsenal fans have called for the volatile Swiss midfielder to be sold, but he retains Arteta's support for now. Asked if Xhaka had apologised to Arteta and his team-mates, the Arsenal boss said the matter had been resolved "internally". "He has had tough times here and he's not the only one, there's a lot of players that have had rocky moments. "But what I can say about Granit is that his professionalism and his commitment with the club and with his team-mates is maximal. "He knows and we all know that he had a moment where he's lost it and I know the reason why. But what I cannot do is just throw everything that he has done away because he's made a mistake."

Under-fire Arteta vows to stop Arsenal 'blip'

Tottenham and Liverpool remain tied at the top of the Premier League after both were held to 1-1 draws at Crystal Palace and Fulham respectively, while Pierre-Emerick Aubamyeng's own goal condemned Arsenal to another shocking home defeat, going down 1-0 to Burnley on Sunday.

Leicester took advantage of slip ups by the top two to close to within one point of the leaders as James Maddison scored twice in a 3-0 rout over Brighton and Southampton are up to fourth as they also comfortably saw off Sheffield United 3-0.

Liverpool and Tottenham face each other at Anfield on Wednesday and, after Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United failed to win on Saturday, they both missed the chance to open up a gap at the top in the title race.

The champions needed a Mohamed Salah penalty 11 minutes from time to avoid an embarrassing defeat at Fulham after a dreadful first-half performance left Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp seething on the touchline.

"We needed half an hour to get our feet in the game, that's why I shouted a bit at them," said Klopp.&nbsp;

"I think in the first half an hour we could have lost the game, in the last 60 minutes we should have won it. In the end we get a point and that's it."

Bobby DeCordova-Reid's thunderous finish into the far corner to take the lead was no more than Scott Parker's side deserved as the returning Alisson Becker kept Liverpool in the game before the break.

Liverpool dominated the second-half to pin Fulham back, but needed a penalty to salvage a point when Aboubakar Kamara was penalised for handling Georginio Wijnaldum's free-kick.

Salah slammed the penalty low and just beyond the grasp of Alphonse Areola, but Fulham comfortably saw out the final 10 minutes to the delight of 2,000 fans at Craven Cottage.

<h2>- Tottenham pegged back -</h2>

Palace could also count on the return of fans to Selhurst Park for the first time in nine months to inspire a second-half fightback against Tottenham.

Harry Kane opened the scoring thanks to a goalkeeping howler from Vicente Guaita as he misjudged the England captain's long-range effort.

Spurs then sat on their lead and failed to hold out for a sixth consecutive Premier League clean sheet when Hugo Lloris failed to hold Eberechi Eze's free-kick and Jeffrey Schlupp swept home the rebound.

"We lost two points," said Spurs coach Jose Mourinho. "From 45 to 75 minutes we couldn't play or build from the back and we made lots of mistakes."

Guaita then redeemed himself with a pair of outstanding saves to deny Kane and Eric Dier as Spurs suddenly found their attacking thrust again after the equaliser.

At the other end of the table, Arsenal are now just five points above the relegation zone after a self-inflicted defeat to Burnley.

Granit Xhaka's needless red card for grabbing Ashley Westwood by the throat turned the game in Burnley's favour before Aubameyang flicked Westwood's corner into his own net 17 minutes from time.

"Again we throw the game away with a silly red card," said Arteta, who described Nicolas Pepe's sending-off against Leeds last month as "unacceptable."

"It's the same word (unacceptable) and in these conditions, where we are not winning football matches, even worse."

The Gunners failed to score from open play for the seventh time in eight games as Burnley held on for their first ever win over Arsenal in the Premier League to move out of the relegation zone.

<h2>- Leicester, Southampton impress</h2>

Leicester edged out Southampton for the performance of the weekend as the Foxes blew Brighton away inside 45 minutes at the King Power.

Maddison was back to his best after a series of injury problems with two brilliant finishes either side of Jamie Vardy's 12th goal of the season.

Southampton are just two points off the top and face troubled Arsenal next as goals from Che Adams, Stuart Armstrong and Nathan Redmond wrapped up their fifth victory in the last seven games.

"I don't see any reason why we shouldn't continue what we're doing at this moment," said Southampton manager Ralph Hassenhuttl."

Bottom of the table United remain without a win this season, having lost 11 of their 12 games to leave them staring relegation in the face.

Tottenham and Liverpool remain tied at the top of the Premier League after both were held to 1-1 draws at Crystal Palace and Fulham respectively, while Pierre-Emerick Aubamyeng's own goal condemned Arsenal to another shocking home defeat, going down 1-0 to Burnley on Sunday.

Tottenham and Liverpool remain tied at the top of the Premier League after both were held to 1-1 draws at Crystal Palace and Fulham respectively, while Pierre-Emerick Aubamyeng's own goal condemned Arsenal to another shocking home defeat, going down 1-0 to Burnley on Sunday. Leicester took advantage of slip ups by the top two to close to within one point of the leaders as James Maddison scored twice in a 3-0 rout over Brighton and Southampton are up to fourth as they also comfortably saw off Sheffield United 3-0. Liverpool and Tottenham face each other at Anfield on Wednesday and, after Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United failed to win on Saturday, they both missed the chance to open up a gap at the top in the title race. The champions needed a Mohamed Salah penalty 11 minutes from time to avoid an embarrassing defeat at Fulham after a dreadful first-half performance left Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp seething on the touchline. "We needed half an hour to get our feet in the game, that's why I shouted a bit at them," said Klopp. "I think in the first half an hour we could have lost the game, in the last 60 minutes we should have won it. In the end we get a point and that's it." Bobby DeCordova-Reid's thunderous finish into the far corner to take the lead was no more than Scott Parker's side deserved as the returning Alisson Becker kept Liverpool in the game before the break. Liverpool dominated the second-half to pin Fulham back, but needed a penalty to salvage a point when Aboubakar Kamara was penalised for handling Georginio Wijnaldum's free-kick. Salah slammed the penalty low and just beyond the grasp of Alphonse Areola, but Fulham comfortably saw out the final 10 minutes to the delight of 2,000 fans at Craven Cottage. - Tottenham pegged back - Palace could also count on the return of fans to Selhurst Park for the first time in nine months to inspire a second-half fightback against Tottenham. Harry Kane opened the scoring thanks to a goalkeeping howler from Vicente Guaita as he misjudged the England captain's long-range effort. Spurs then sat on their lead and failed to hold out for a sixth consecutive Premier League clean sheet when Hugo Lloris failed to hold Eberechi Eze's free-kick and Jeffrey Schlupp swept home the rebound. "We lost two points," said Spurs coach Jose Mourinho. "From 45 to 75 minutes we couldn't play or build from the back and we made lots of mistakes." Guaita then redeemed himself with a pair of outstanding saves to deny Kane and Eric Dier as Spurs suddenly found their attacking thrust again after the equaliser. At the other end of the table, Arsenal are now just five points above the relegation zone after a self-inflicted defeat to Burnley. Granit Xhaka's needless red card for grabbing Ashley Westwood by the throat turned the game in Burnley's favour before Aubameyang flicked Westwood's corner into his own net 17 minutes from time. "Again we throw the game away with a silly red card," said Arteta, who described Nicolas Pepe's sending-off against Leeds last month as "unacceptable." "It's the same word (unacceptable) and in these conditions, where we are not winning football matches, even worse." The Gunners failed to score from open play for the seventh time in eight games as Burnley held on for their first ever win over Arsenal in the Premier League to move out of the relegation zone. - Leicester, Southampton impress Leicester edged out Southampton for the performance of the weekend as the Foxes blew Brighton away inside 45 minutes at the King Power. Maddison was back to his best after a series of injury problems with two brilliant finishes either side of Jamie Vardy's 12th goal of the season. Southampton are just two points off the top and face troubled Arsenal next as goals from Che Adams, Stuart Armstrong and Nathan Redmond wrapped up their fifth victory in the last seven games. "I don't see any reason why we shouldn't continue what we're doing at this moment," said Southampton manager Ralph Hassenhuttl." Bottom of the table United remain without a win this season, having lost 11 of their 12 games to leave them staring relegation in the face.

Leaders Tottenham, Liverpool held, Arsenal beaten by Burnley

Lionel Messi saved Barcelona from another embarrassing result by scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 win over lowly Levante, while Real Sociedad returned top of La Liga on Sunday.

Messi struck with 14 minutes remaining of a lacklustre display from Barca at the Camp Nou which will do little to ease fan fears following their 3-0 hammering at the hands of Juventus midweek.

Ronald Koeman's side are still way off the pace in the title race, nine points behind Sociedad who reclaimed first place despite only drawing 1-1 with Eibar.

Barcelona do however have two games in hand on the Basque outfit.

Atletico are level on 26 points with Sociedad and also have two games in hand while Real Madrid are now just three points behind the leaders having played one less after beating their local rivals 2-0 on Saturday.

Villarreal are four points off the lead in fourth after drawing 1-1 at Real Betis, who are one point behind Barca in ninth.

"The team is working well, they gave the maximum," said Koeman.

"We still lack a little confidence in ourselves, in our game, but we had a lot of chances, and I have nothing to say about the attitude of the players in this match."

Barca managed to force several saves from Aitor Fernandez, with the Levante goalkeeper doing particularly well to push away a stinging shot from Martin Braithwaite in the 16th minute and Antoine Griezmann's header five minutes later.

However the best chance of the opening period fell to Jorge de Frutos in the 12th minute, the Spaniard somehow shooting straight at Marc-Andre ter Stegen after the ball broke kindly for him right in front of goal.

<h2>- Messi saves day -</h2>

Barca continued to dominate possession in the second half but if anything looked less threatening, with Fernandez being called into action largely for shots that were hit straight at him.

However with Levante looking more comfortable than a side of their level should at the Camp Nou, Messi saved his team with a clinical finish off the post after collecting Frenkie de Jong's pass.

It was hardly the sort of display to honour Sergio Busquets' 593rd appearance for the club, which takes him level at fourth of all time for matches played for Barca alongside Carles Puyol.

However the three points are a boost ahead of the visit of Sociedad on Wednesday, which is then followed up by another home clash with Valencia on Saturday.

Earlier Ander Barrenetxea gave Real Sociedad the lead in San Sebastian with a thumping strike in the 20th minute, but Sergi Enrich turned home with 25 minutes remaining to send his team 10th on 15 points.

Sociedad would have had a bigger gap between them and Atletico had Igor Zubeldia's 80th-minute tap-in not been ruled out by VAR for an extremely tight offside.

Sunday's draw was Sociedad's sixth in as many games in all competitions, and came after another 1-1 draw at Napoli on Thursday which saw them squeeze into the last 32 of the Europa League.

Granada won 1-0 at Elche in Sunday's other match, a win that keeps them one point ahead of Barcelona.

Lionel Messi saved Barcelona from another embarrassing result by scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 win over lowly Levante, while Real Sociedad returned top of La Liga on Sunday.

Lionel Messi saved Barcelona from another embarrassing result by scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 win over lowly Levante, while Real Sociedad returned top of La Liga on Sunday. Messi struck with 14 minutes remaining of a lacklustre display from Barca at the Camp Nou which will do little to ease fan fears following their 3-0 hammering at the hands of Juventus midweek. Ronald Koeman's side are still way off the pace in the title race, nine points behind Sociedad who reclaimed first place despite only drawing 1-1 with Eibar. Barcelona do however have two games in hand on the Basque outfit. Atletico are level on 26 points with Sociedad and also have two games in hand while Real Madrid are now just three points behind the leaders having played one less after beating their local rivals 2-0 on Saturday. Villarreal are four points off the lead in fourth after drawing 1-1 at Real Betis, who are one point behind Barca in ninth. "The team is working well, they gave the maximum," said Koeman. "We still lack a little confidence in ourselves, in our game, but we had a lot of chances, and I have nothing to say about the attitude of the players in this match." Barca managed to force several saves from Aitor Fernandez, with the Levante goalkeeper doing particularly well to push away a stinging shot from Martin Braithwaite in the 16th minute and Antoine Griezmann's header five minutes later. However the best chance of the opening period fell to Jorge de Frutos in the 12th minute, the Spaniard somehow shooting straight at Marc-Andre ter Stegen after the ball broke kindly for him right in front of goal. - Messi saves day - Barca continued to dominate possession in the second half but if anything looked less threatening, with Fernandez being called into action largely for shots that were hit straight at him. However with Levante looking more comfortable than a side of their level should at the Camp Nou, Messi saved his team with a clinical finish off the post after collecting Frenkie de Jong's pass. It was hardly the sort of display to honour Sergio Busquets' 593rd appearance for the club, which takes him level at fourth of all time for matches played for Barca alongside Carles Puyol. However the three points are a boost ahead of the visit of Sociedad on Wednesday, which is then followed up by another home clash with Valencia on Saturday. Earlier Ander Barrenetxea gave Real Sociedad the lead in San Sebastian with a thumping strike in the 20th minute, but Sergi Enrich turned home with 25 minutes remaining to send his team 10th on 15 points. Sociedad would have had a bigger gap between them and Atletico had Igor Zubeldia's 80th-minute tap-in not been ruled out by VAR for an extremely tight offside. Sunday's draw was Sociedad's sixth in as many games in all competitions, and came after another 1-1 draw at Napoli on Thursday which saw them squeeze into the last 32 of the Europa League. Granada won 1-0 at Elche in Sunday's other match, a win that keeps them one point ahead of Barcelona.

Messi saves lacklustre Barca, Sociedad reclaim top spot

Cristiano Ronaldo marked his 100th game for Juventus with a pair of penalties in a 3-1 success over Genoa on Sunday, as the champions closed the gap on Serie A leaders AC Milan who were held at home against Parma.

French defender Theo Hernandez's brace rescued a point at the death for AC Milan who came from two goals down to draw 2-2 in the San Siro.

Milan's lead on second-placed Inter was cut to three points after Antonio Conte's side staged a 3-1 comeback win at Cagliari.

Napoli, in third, are a further point adrift after beating Sampdoria 2-1, equal on points with nine-time reigning champions Juventus.

Playing without injured top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Milan had looked set for their first league defeat this season.

Hakan Calhanoglu rattled the woodwork three times with Brahim Diaz also hitting the post for the hosts before Hernani put Parma ahead after quarter of an hour.

The Brazilian midfielder then set up Jasmin Kurtic for the second after 56 minutes.

But two minutes later Hernandez headed in off a Calhanoglu corner with the French defender adding a second in injury time off a rebound.

"It wasn't the best night but we had the quality to bring home an important draw which boosts our self-esteem," said coach Stefano Pioli.

"While Ibra gives us a lot of presence, we did well even without him. We have shown strength, especially psychologically, it's a step forward."

Chasing a first league title since 2011, Milan are unbeaten in the first 11 matches of a Serie A season since the 2003/2004, when they also won the 'Scudetto'.&nbsp;

In Genoa, Juventus were boosted after their 3-0 Champions League win in Barcelona, with Paulo Dybala getting his first goal this season.

Stefano Sturaro levelled for the hosts after an hour.&nbsp;

But Nicolo Rovella's foul on Juan Cuadrado allowed Ronaldo to slot in his first penalty after 78 minutes with the second coming a minute from time after goalkeeper Mattia Perin brought down Alvaro Morata.

Genoa sink to second from bottom of the league.

<h2>- Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic lead way -</h2>

Ronaldo, 35, joins 39-year-old Ibrahimovic as leading scorer in Serie A with 10 goals this season, for a total of 79 since joining Juventus in 2018.

"What better way to celebrate my 100th game for Juventus, than scoring two more goals for the team?" Ronaldo said on Twitter before vowing to reach 100 goals for the reigning champions.

Inter Milan's Romelu Lukaku, 27, is just behind with nine goals after scoring the third against Cagliari in injury time.

Conte's side are out of Europe with their focus now on a first Serie A title since 2010.&nbsp;

They fought back after trailing with a quarter of an hour to go in Sardinia.

Former Cagliari player Nicolo Barella volleyed in the equaliser after 77 minutes with Danilo D'Ambrosio coming off the bench to immediately nod in a second with six minutes to go.

Napoli got their first win in their newly named Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, renamed after the Argentina legend who led the club to their only league titles in 1987 and 1990 and the UEFA Cup in 1989.

Jakub Jankto put Sampdoria ahead in the 20th minute, but Hirving Lozano came off the bench in the second half to spark a Napoli revival.

Lozano got his head to a Dries Mertens cross seven minutes after the break with the Mexican international then crossing for Andrea Petagna to nod in the winner with 22 minutes remaining.

Roma got back to winning ways with an emphatic 5-1 victory at Bologna.

All six goals came in the first half at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara.

Bologna's Andrea Poli turned into his own net after five minutes before Edin Dzeko added a second to give the hosts a two-goal advantage after 10 minutes.

Lorenzo Pellegrini, Jordan Veretout and Henrikh Mkhitaryan added three more before the break, with a Bryan Cristante own goal putting Bologna on the scoresheet.

In Bergamo, Atalanta eased past Fiorentina 3-0, with goals from Robin Gosens, Ruslan Malinovskyi and Rafael Toloi.

Cristiano Ronaldo marked his 100th game for Juventus with a pair of penalties in a 3-1 success over Genoa on Sunday, as the champions closed the gap on Serie A leaders AC Milan who were held at home against Parma.

Cristiano Ronaldo marked his 100th game for Juventus with a pair of penalties in a 3-1 success over Genoa on Sunday, as the champions closed the gap on Serie A leaders AC Milan who were held at home against Parma. French defender Theo Hernandez's brace rescued a point at the death for AC Milan who came from two goals down to draw 2-2 in the San Siro. Milan's lead on second-placed Inter was cut to three points after Antonio Conte's side staged a 3-1 comeback win at Cagliari. Napoli, in third, are a further point adrift after beating Sampdoria 2-1, equal on points with nine-time reigning champions Juventus. Playing without injured top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Milan had looked set for their first league defeat this season. Hakan Calhanoglu rattled the woodwork three times with Brahim Diaz also hitting the post for the hosts before Hernani put Parma ahead after quarter of an hour. The Brazilian midfielder then set up Jasmin Kurtic for the second after 56 minutes. But two minutes later Hernandez headed in off a Calhanoglu corner with the French defender adding a second in injury time off a rebound. "It wasn't the best night but we had the quality to bring home an important draw which boosts our self-esteem," said coach Stefano Pioli. "While Ibra gives us a lot of presence, we did well even without him. We have shown strength, especially psychologically, it's a step forward." Chasing a first league title since 2011, Milan are unbeaten in the first 11 matches of a Serie A season since the 2003/2004, when they also won the 'Scudetto'. In Genoa, Juventus were boosted after their 3-0 Champions League win in Barcelona, with Paulo Dybala getting his first goal this season. Stefano Sturaro levelled for the hosts after an hour. But Nicolo Rovella's foul on Juan Cuadrado allowed Ronaldo to slot in his first penalty after 78 minutes with the second coming a minute from time after goalkeeper Mattia Perin brought down Alvaro Morata. Genoa sink to second from bottom of the league. - Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic lead way - Ronaldo, 35, joins 39-year-old Ibrahimovic as leading scorer in Serie A with 10 goals this season, for a total of 79 since joining Juventus in 2018. "What better way to celebrate my 100th game for Juventus, than scoring two more goals for the team?" Ronaldo said on Twitter before vowing to reach 100 goals for the reigning champions. Inter Milan's Romelu Lukaku, 27, is just behind with nine goals after scoring the third against Cagliari in injury time. Conte's side are out of Europe with their focus now on a first Serie A title since 2010. They fought back after trailing with a quarter of an hour to go in Sardinia. Former Cagliari player Nicolo Barella volleyed in the equaliser after 77 minutes with Danilo D'Ambrosio coming off the bench to immediately nod in a second with six minutes to go. Napoli got their first win in their newly named Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, renamed after the Argentina legend who led the club to their only league titles in 1987 and 1990 and the UEFA Cup in 1989. Jakub Jankto put Sampdoria ahead in the 20th minute, but Hirving Lozano came off the bench in the second half to spark a Napoli revival. Lozano got his head to a Dries Mertens cross seven minutes after the break with the Mexican international then crossing for Andrea Petagna to nod in the winner with 22 minutes remaining. Roma got back to winning ways with an emphatic 5-1 victory at Bologna. All six goals came in the first half at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara. Bologna's Andrea Poli turned into his own net after five minutes before Edin Dzeko added a second to give the hosts a two-goal advantage after 10 minutes. Lorenzo Pellegrini, Jordan Veretout and Henrikh Mkhitaryan added three more before the break, with a Bryan Cristante own goal putting Bologna on the scoresheet. In Bergamo, Atalanta eased past Fiorentina 3-0, with goals from Robin Gosens, Ruslan Malinovskyi and Rafael Toloi.

Ronaldo marks Juve century as late Hernandez brace rescues AC Milan

The draw for the UEFA Europa League 2020-21 Round of 32 took place at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland as teams came to know about their fate for the knockout stage of the competition.

While top two teams from the respective groups qualified for the Europa League Round of 32, teams finishing third in their respective UEFA Champions League 2020-21 group stage also joined them for the draw.&nbsp;

In-form Spanish club Real Sociedad will take on English giants Manchester United in what promises to be a thrilling contest on card whereas Tottenham Hotspur will face Wolfsberg from Austria. Portuguese side Benfica will lock horns with Arsenal. Salzburg will take on Villareal while Leicester face Slavia Praha from the Czech Republic.

The mouth-watering fixture of UEFA Europa League also pipped Roma against Braga. LOSC Lille also face AFC Ajax in a blockbuster clash.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-champions-league-round-of-16-draw-barcelona-to-face-psg-check-full-fixtures-349714" hreflang="en">UEFA Champions League Round of 16 draw: Barcelona to face PSG - Check full fixtures</a>

<h2>UEFA Europa League 2020-21 Round of 32 draw in full:</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Wolfsberg (AUT) vs Tottenham (ENG)</li>
	<li>Dynamo Kyiv (UKR)* vs Club Brugge (BEL)*</li>
	<li>Real Sociedad (ESP) vs Manchester United (ENG)*</li>
	<li>Benfica (POR) vs Arsenal (ENG)</li>
	<li>Crvena zvezda (SRB) vs AC Milan (ITA)</li>
	<li>Antwerp (BEL) vs Rangers (SCO)</li>
	<li>Slavia Praha (CZE) vs Leicester (ENG)</li>
	<li>Salzburg (AUT)* vs Villarreal (ESP)</li>
	<li>Braga (POR) vs Roma (ITA)</li>
	<li>Krasnodar (RUS)* vs Dinamo Zagreb (CRO)</li>
	<li>Young Boys (SUI) vs Leverkusen (GER)</li>
	<li>Molde (NOR) vs Hoffenheim (GER)</li>
	<li>Granada (ESP) vs Napoli (ITA)</li>
	<li>Maccabi Tel-Aviv (ISR) vs Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR)*</li>
	<li>LOSC Lille (FRA) vs Ajax (NED)*</li>
	<li>Olympiacos (GRE)* vs PSV Eindhoven (NED)</li>
</ul>

The first legs are scheduled for Thursday 18 February, with the second legs on 25 February. Seeded teams are at home in the second legs. Each club can register a maximum of three new players for the remaining matches by midnight CET on 2 February 2021.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The draw for the UEFA Europa League 2020-21 Round of 32 took place at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland as teams came to know about their fate for the knockout stage of the competition.

The draw for the UEFA Europa League 2020-21 Round of 32 took place at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland as teams came to know about their fate for the knockout stage of the competition. While top two teams from the respective groups qualified for the Europa League Round of 32, teams finishing third in their respective UEFA Champions League 2020-21 group stage also joined them for the draw. In-form Spanish club Real Sociedad will take on English giants Manchester United in what promises to be a thrilling contest on card whereas Tottenham Hotspur will face Wolfsberg from Austria. Portuguese side Benfica will lock horns with Arsenal. Salzburg will take on Villareal while Leicester face Slavia Praha from the Czech Republic. The mouth-watering fixture of UEFA Europa League also pipped Roma against Braga. LOSC Lille also face AFC Ajax in a blockbuster clash. ALSO READ: UEFA Champions League Round of 16 draw: Barcelona to face PSG - Check full fixtures UEFA Europa League 2020-21 Round of 32 draw in full: Wolfsberg (AUT) vs Tottenham (ENG) Dynamo Kyiv (UKR)* vs Club Brugge (BEL)* Real Sociedad (ESP) vs Manchester United (ENG)* Benfica (POR) vs Arsenal (ENG) Crvena zvezda (SRB) vs AC Milan (ITA) Antwerp (BEL) vs Rangers (SCO) Slavia Praha (CZE) vs Leicester (ENG) Salzburg (AUT)* vs Villarreal (ESP) Braga (POR) vs Roma (ITA) Krasnodar (RUS)* vs Dinamo Zagreb (CRO) Young Boys (SUI) vs Leverkusen (GER) Molde (NOR) vs Hoffenheim (GER) Granada (ESP) vs Napoli (ITA) Maccabi Tel-Aviv (ISR) vs Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR)* LOSC Lille (FRA) vs Ajax (NED)* Olympiacos (GRE)* vs PSV Eindhoven (NED) The first legs are scheduled for Thursday 18 February, with the second legs on 25 February. Seeded teams are at home in the second legs. Each club can register a maximum of three new players for the remaining matches by midnight CET on 2 February 2021.

Europa League Round of 32 draw: Manchester United get Real Sociedad - Check full fixtures

The draw for the UEFA Champions League 2020-21 Round of 16 took place on Monday at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. Defending UEFA Champions League winners Bayern Munich will take on Lazio whereas FC Liverpool are set to take on RB Leipzig in what promises to be a thrilling contest.&nbsp;

Barcelona are set to take on Paris Saint-Germain in a blocbuster clash while Manchester City will face Borussia Monchengladbach.

The UEFA Champions League 2020-21 Round of 16 draw featured the eight group winners (seeded) and eight runners-up (unseeded). The seeded teams will play at home in the second legs with no teams playing a club from their UEFA Champions League group or a club from the same national association

Seeded teams

Bayern (GER, Group A) 
Real Madrid (ESP, Group B) 
Manchester City (ENG, C) 
Liverpool (ENG, D) 
Chelsea (ENG, E) 
Borussia Dortmund (GER, F) 
Juventus (ITA, G) 
Paris (FRA, H)

Unseeded teams

Atlético (ESP, A) 
Borussia Mönchengladbach (GER, B) 
Porto (POR, C) 
Atalanta (ITA, D) 
Sevilla (ESP, E) 
Lazio (ITA, F) 
Barcelona (ESP, G) 
Leipzig (GER, H)

<h2>UEFA Champions League 2020-21 Round of 16 draw in full:</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Borussia Monchengladbach vs Manchester City</li>
	<li>Lazio vs FC Bayern Munich</li>
	<li>Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea</li>
	<li>RB Leipzig vs FC Liverpool</li>
	<li>FC Porto vs Juventus</li>
	<li>FC Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain</li>
	<li>Sevilla FC vs Borussia Dortmund</li>
	<li>Atalanta vs Real Madrid</li>
</ul>

The round of 16 first legs are scheduled for 16/17/23/24 February, with the second legs on 9/10/16/17 March. Kick-offs are at 21:00 CET. The draw for the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final is on 19 March.

The draw for the UEFA Champions League 2020-21 Round of 16 took place on Monday at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. Defending UEFA Champions League winners Bayern Munich will take on Lazio whereas FC Liverpool are set to take on RB Leipzig in what promises to be a thrilling contest.

The draw for the UEFA Champions League 2020-21 Round of 16 took place on Monday at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. Defending UEFA Champions League winners Bayern Munich will take on Lazio whereas FC Liverpool are set to take on RB Leipzig in what promises to be a thrilling contest. Barcelona are set to take on Paris Saint-Germain in a blocbuster clash while Manchester City will face Borussia Monchengladbach. The UEFA Champions League 2020-21 Round of 16 draw featured the eight group winners (seeded) and eight runners-up (unseeded). The seeded teams will play at home in the second legs with no teams playing a club from their UEFA Champions League group or a club from the same national association Seeded teams Bayern (GER, Group A) Real Madrid (ESP, Group B) Manchester City (ENG, C) Liverpool (ENG, D) Chelsea (ENG, E) Borussia Dortmund (GER, F) Juventus (ITA, G) Paris (FRA, H) Unseeded teams Atlético (ESP, A) Borussia Mönchengladbach (GER, B) Porto (POR, C) Atalanta (ITA, D) Sevilla (ESP, E) Lazio (ITA, F) Barcelona (ESP, G) Leipzig (GER, H) UEFA Champions League 2020-21 Round of 16 draw in full: Borussia Monchengladbach vs Manchester City Lazio vs FC Bayern Munich Atletico Madrid vs Chelsea RB Leipzig vs FC Liverpool FC Porto vs Juventus FC Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain Sevilla FC vs Borussia Dortmund Atalanta vs Real Madrid The round of 16 first legs are scheduled for 16/17/23/24 February, with the second legs on 9/10/16/17 March. Kick-offs are at 21:00 CET. The draw for the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final is on 19 March.

UEFA Champions League Round of 16 draw: Barcelona to face PSG - Check full fixtures

Former head coach of the France football team and manager of Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, Gerard Houllier on Monday passed away at the age of 73. Houllier’s stint with Liverpool is still regarded as one of the best as he won the FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup in 2001 with the Merseyside club before guiding Olympique Lyonnais to two French titles before switching clubs to Aston Villa in 2010.&nbsp;

According to RMC, Houllier breathed his last on Monday after enjoying successful stints with some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

Houllier had also assisted&nbsp;Aime Jacquet in the FIFA World Cup 1998 and was part of UEFA and FIFA’s Technical Committee in 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cup.&nbsp;

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In 2011, Houllier quit club coaching and left his managerial role at Aston Villa after constant hospitalization over heart problems. Aston Villa finished ninth in Houllier’s only season in charge and have not finished higher than 15th since his departure from the club.

Earlier in his managerial career, Houllier guided French club Lens to promotion and qualification for the UEFA Cup before switching base to Paris Saint-Germain in 1985.

He took Lens to promotion and qualification for the UEFA Cup before moving to Paris Saint-Germain in 1985, where PSG lifted the league title the next season.

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Houllier was appointed technical director and assistant to the France football team, under manager Michel Platini. Houllier became manager in 1992. However, he resigned in November 1993 after France failed to qualify for the 1994 FIFA World Cup finals.

Houllier has been awarded the Légion d'honneur for his services to French football, and an honorary OBE for services to British football, along with the fellow manager, compatriot and friend Arsène Wenger.

Former head coach of the France football team and manager of Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, Gerard Houllier on Monday passed away at the age of 73. Houllier’s stint with Liverpool is still regarded as one of the best as he won the FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup in 2001 with the Merseyside club before guiding Olympique Lyonnais to two French titles before switching clubs to Aston Villa in 2010.

Former head coach of the France football team and manager of Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, Gerard Houllier on Monday passed away at the age of 73. Houllier’s stint with Liverpool is still regarded as one of the best as he won the FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup in 2001 with the Merseyside club before guiding Olympique Lyonnais to two French titles before switching clubs to Aston Villa in 2010. According to RMC, Houllier breathed his last on Monday after enjoying successful stints with some of the biggest clubs in Europe. Houllier had also assisted Aime Jacquet in the FIFA World Cup 1998 and was part of UEFA and FIFA’s Technical Committee in 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cup. ALSO READ: #ThisHappened2020: Kohli, Dhoni most mentioned athletes on Twitter, IPL 2020 most tweeted sports hashtags In 2011, Houllier quit club coaching and left his managerial role at Aston Villa after constant hospitalization over heart problems. Aston Villa finished ninth in Houllier’s only season in charge and have not finished higher than 15th since his departure from the club. Earlier in his managerial career, Houllier guided French club Lens to promotion and qualification for the UEFA Cup before switching base to Paris Saint-Germain in 1985. He took Lens to promotion and qualification for the UEFA Cup before moving to Paris Saint-Germain in 1985, where PSG lifted the league title the next season. ALSO READ: From taking the knee to joining protests: Athletes who contributed to 'Black Lives Matter' movement Houllier was appointed technical director and assistant to the France football team, under manager Michel Platini. Houllier became manager in 1992. However, he resigned in November 1993 after France failed to qualify for the 1994 FIFA World Cup finals. Houllier has been awarded the Légion d'honneur for his services to French football, and an honorary OBE for services to British football, along with the fellow manager, compatriot and friend Arsène Wenger.

Former Liverpool, PSG manager Gerard Houllier dies at age of 73

Paolo Rossi, the hero of Italy’s 1982 World Cup-winning campaign, has died at the age of 64.

The news was announced on Thursday by Italian TV channel RAI Sport, for whom Rossi had been working as a pundit.

“Such terribly sad news: Paolo Rossi has left us,” said RAI Sport presenter Enrico Varriale, who did not disclose the cause of death.

“Unforgettable Pablito, who made all of us fall in love in that summer of 1982 and who was a precious and competent work colleague in RAI over recent years.”

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Shortly after the announcement, Rossi's wife, Federica Cappelletti, posted a photo of herself and her husband on Instagram&nbsp;along with the words "per sempre" - "forever".

Rossi won two Italian Serie A titles, a European Cup and a Coppa Italia during his four years with Juventus but it was his time with the national team that is most fondly remembered as his six goals led Italy to World Cup victory.

Rossi scored a hat-trick against Brazil in the second stage, both goals against Poland in a 2-0 semi-final victory, and then scored another in the final as Italy beat West Germany 3-1 to lift the trophy for the third time.

Paolo Rossi, the hero of Italy’s 1982 World Cup-winning campaign, has died at the age of 64. The news was announced on Thursday by Italian TV channel RAI Sport, for whom Rossi had been working as a pundit.

Paolo Rossi, the hero of Italy’s 1982 World Cup-winning campaign, has died at the age of 64. The news was announced on Thursday by Italian TV channel RAI Sport, for whom Rossi had been working as a pundit. “Such terribly sad news: Paolo Rossi has left us,” said RAI Sport presenter Enrico Varriale, who did not disclose the cause of death. “Unforgettable Pablito, who made all of us fall in love in that summer of 1982 and who was a precious and competent work colleague in RAI over recent years.” ALSO READ: 'Spray' experiment in Netherlands' biggest football stadium could bring back crowds Shortly after the announcement, Rossi's wife, Federica Cappelletti, posted a photo of herself and her husband on Instagram along with the words "per sempre" - "forever". Rossi won two Italian Serie A titles, a European Cup and a Coppa Italia during his four years with Juventus but it was his time with the national team that is most fondly remembered as his six goals led Italy to World Cup victory. Rossi scored a hat-trick against Brazil in the second stage, both goals against Poland in a 2-0 semi-final victory, and then scored another in the final as Italy beat West Germany 3-1 to lift the trophy for the third time.

World Cup winner Paolo Rossi dies aged 64

Borussia Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko, aged 16 years and 18 days, became the youngest player in Champions League history on Tuesday when he came off the bench in a 2-1 victory away to Zenit Saint Petersburg.

Cameroon-born Moukoko, who made his European debut as a 58th-minute substitute in Russia, broke the previous record of Celestine Babayaro, who was 16 years and 87 days when he played for Anderlecht in November 1994.

Dortmund, who had already qualified for the last 16, equalised within minutes of Moukoko's introduction, with Lukasz Piszczek cancelling out Sebastian Driussi's first-half goal.

Axel Witsel's low shot from the edge of the area on 78 minutes won the game for Dortmund as they secured top spot ahead of Lazio in Group F.

"It was an ugly win that was more about our mentality than our quality, but you have to win games like this too," Dortmund captain Marco Reus told DAZN.

"With all the injuries on top of that too, a win like tonight and finishing top of the group feels good."

Moukoko, who has already played for Germany Under-20s, broke a record for the second time in three weeks, having become the Bundesliga's youngest player on November 21, the day after his 16th birthday.

He has been promoted to Dortmund's senior squad after smashing scoring records in German youth football, having initially moved to Hamburg, his father's home city, from Cameroon in 2014.

Borussia Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko, aged 16 years and 18 days, became the youngest player in Champions League history on Tuesday when he came off the bench in a 2-1 victory away to Zenit Saint Petersburg.

Borussia Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko, aged 16 years and 18 days, became the youngest player in Champions League history on Tuesday when he came off the bench in a 2-1 victory away to Zenit Saint Petersburg. Cameroon-born Moukoko, who made his European debut as a 58th-minute substitute in Russia, broke the previous record of Celestine Babayaro, who was 16 years and 87 days when he played for Anderlecht in November 1994. Dortmund, who had already qualified for the last 16, equalised within minutes of Moukoko's introduction, with Lukasz Piszczek cancelling out Sebastian Driussi's first-half goal. Axel Witsel's low shot from the edge of the area on 78 minutes won the game for Dortmund as they secured top spot ahead of Lazio in Group F. "It was an ugly win that was more about our mentality than our quality, but you have to win games like this too," Dortmund captain Marco Reus told DAZN. "With all the injuries on top of that too, a win like tonight and finishing top of the group feels good." Moukoko, who has already played for Germany Under-20s, broke a record for the second time in three weeks, having become the Bundesliga's youngest player on November 21, the day after his 16th birthday. He has been promoted to Dortmund's senior squad after smashing scoring records in German youth football, having initially moved to Hamburg, his father's home city, from Cameroon in 2014.

Moukoko, 16, becomes youngest Champions League player in Dortmund win

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted his side struggled to cope with conceding two early goals as they crashed out of the Champions League on Tuesday with a 3-2 defeat at RB Leipzig who reached the last 16.

Leipzig were 3-0 up mid-way through the second half thanks to goals by Manchester City loanee Angelino, Amadou Haidara and Justin Kluivert at the Red Bull Arena.

United pulled back goals in the final ten minutes as Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty and replacement Paul Pogba scored with a deflected header, but Leipzig held on.

"We didn't front up until they scored the second goal," said Man Utd manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

"We knew they would come at us and put crosses into the box, but we conceded two early goals and never got going."

The German club's victory avenged their 5-0 drubbing by United at Old Trafford in October.

"The boys fought hard, they are machines," said delighted Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann.

Leipzig needed just two minutes to take the lead after Angelino's stunning opener.

"It feels very good. We made it difficult until the last minute, but at the end of the day we stayed strong," the Spanish fullback said.

"I'm so happy that we got the win."

Solskjaer made five changes from the side which won 3-1 at West Ham at the weekend, including Luke Shaw at left-back for his 150th appearance after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Pogba, whose agent has said the midfielder is "unhappy" at Old Trafford, started on the bench, but his late header gave United hope in Germany.

The hosts took the lead with just two minutes gone as Marcel Sabitzer's cross-field pass was met by left-back Angelino and his left-foot strike flew past David de Gea.

The United goalkeeper was beaten again on 13 minutes when Haidara finished a move he started by volleying home.

It could have been 3-0 moments later when Emil Forsberg ahot wide from close range with the goal at his mercy.

A speculative Mason Greenwood header and a half-chance by Marcus Rushford were all United produced in the opening half hour.

Leipzig had a goal disallowed when Ibrahima Konate headed onto the post and Willi Orban tapped home only to ruled offside by VAR.

United tightened their defence in the second half with Donny van de Beek replacing left winger Alex Telles, while Pogba came on for the final half hour.

United threatened as Fernandes fired wide and then hit the post, just before more poor defending allowed the hosts to grab their third goal.

Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann boosted his attack by bringing on forwards Yussuf Poulsen and Kluivert, who snapped up a Sabitzer cross and chipped De Gea with 69 minutes gone.&nbsp;

There was drama in the closing stages after Konate brought Greenwood down and Fernandes converted the penalty on 80 minutes.

Pogba then met a Fernandes deep corner unmarked at the far post and his header deflected off Konate to make it 3-2 on 82 minutes, but Leipzig held on in the tense closing exchanges.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted his side struggled to cope with conceding two early goals as they crashed out of the Champions League on Tuesday with a 3-2 defeat at RB Leipzig who reached the last 16.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted his side struggled to cope with conceding two early goals as they crashed out of the Champions League on Tuesday with a 3-2 defeat at RB Leipzig who reached the last 16. Leipzig were 3-0 up mid-way through the second half thanks to goals by Manchester City loanee Angelino, Amadou Haidara and Justin Kluivert at the Red Bull Arena. United pulled back goals in the final ten minutes as Bruno Fernandes converted a penalty and replacement Paul Pogba scored with a deflected header, but Leipzig held on. "We didn't front up until they scored the second goal," said Man Utd manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. "We knew they would come at us and put crosses into the box, but we conceded two early goals and never got going." The German club's victory avenged their 5-0 drubbing by United at Old Trafford in October. "The boys fought hard, they are machines," said delighted Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann. Leipzig needed just two minutes to take the lead after Angelino's stunning opener. "It feels very good. We made it difficult until the last minute, but at the end of the day we stayed strong," the Spanish fullback said. "I'm so happy that we got the win." Solskjaer made five changes from the side which won 3-1 at West Ham at the weekend, including Luke Shaw at left-back for his 150th appearance after recovering from a hamstring injury. Pogba, whose agent has said the midfielder is "unhappy" at Old Trafford, started on the bench, but his late header gave United hope in Germany. The hosts took the lead with just two minutes gone as Marcel Sabitzer's cross-field pass was met by left-back Angelino and his left-foot strike flew past David de Gea. The United goalkeeper was beaten again on 13 minutes when Haidara finished a move he started by volleying home. It could have been 3-0 moments later when Emil Forsberg ahot wide from close range with the goal at his mercy. A speculative Mason Greenwood header and a half-chance by Marcus Rushford were all United produced in the opening half hour. Leipzig had a goal disallowed when Ibrahima Konate headed onto the post and Willi Orban tapped home only to ruled offside by VAR. United tightened their defence in the second half with Donny van de Beek replacing left winger Alex Telles, while Pogba came on for the final half hour. United threatened as Fernandes fired wide and then hit the post, just before more poor defending allowed the hosts to grab their third goal. Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann boosted his attack by bringing on forwards Yussuf Poulsen and Kluivert, who snapped up a Sabitzer cross and chipped De Gea with 69 minutes gone. There was drama in the closing stages after Konate brought Greenwood down and Fernandes converted the penalty on 80 minutes. Pogba then met a Fernandes deep corner unmarked at the far post and his header deflected off Konate to make it 3-2 on 82 minutes, but Leipzig held on in the tense closing exchanges.

Man Utd stumble out of Champions League with loss in Leipzig

Cristiano Ronaldo struck twice from the penalty spot to win his battle with rival Lionel Messi and guide Juventus to a 3-0 win over Barcelona on Tuesday, earning the Italians top spot in Champions League Group G.

The former Real Madrid striker and his Argentina counterpart traded Ballon d'Or wins for a decade between 2008-2017 and were figureheads for the duelling Spanish giants, but there was only one winner at the Camp Nou as they met for the first time since Ronaldo's departure for Juve in 2018.

Andrea Pirlo's Juventus lost 2-0 at home against Barcelona in October without Ronaldo, sidelined with Covid-19, but were greatly improved and earned the first Champions League away win against Barcelona since Bayern Munich triumphed in 2013.

Both sides, tied on 15 points, were assured of qualification before kick-off, but Juve's three-goal victory handed them a superior head-to-head record.

"When you have this desire to sacrifice yourself and an infallible sniper, like Ronaldo, you are sure you can win these matches," Bonucci told Sky Sport Italia.

"As we showed in the derby (win over Torino), if we play with this desire, we bring home the results we want. The next step is to do this in all our games."

Ronald Koeman, reeling from Barcelona's 2-1 defeat by promoted minnows Cadiz on Saturday in La Liga, reacted by making four changes but the hosts started badly.

It only took 13 minutes for Ronaldo to break the deadlock, slotting home from the penalty spot after the referee deemed Ronald Araujo's challenge on him a foul.

Juventus did not relent and their pressure led to a second goal, US midfielder Weston McKennie volleying home Juan Cuadrado's sweetly clipped cross in the 20th minute.

The Catalans and their captain Messi finally woke from their slumber, as the attacker had one effort blocked by Matthijs de Ligt and another saved by veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, while Pjanic lashed over the bar.

Ronaldo notched his second from the penalty spot in the 52nd minute after Clement Lenglet handled clumsily in the area, as the hosts imploded.

Antoine Griezmann, who was invisible in the first half, grazed the crossbar with a looping header from a Messi free kick, and Buffon beat out another effort, with De Ligt's pressure enough to stop Martin Braithwaite converting the rebound.

Leonardo Bonucci had a fourth goal ruled out for offside after he tapped in Ronaldo's effort from close range, with Messi trying in vain at the other end to answer Ronaldo, but he found the 42-year-old Buffon in his way time and time again.

Griezmann was critical of his own side after they fell to their first home Champions League group stage defeat since 2009.

"We were not good enough, they over-ran us in the first half, we lacked everything," he told Movistar.&nbsp;

"A lack of attitude, desire, wanting to run, defending, attacking, everything was bad."

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was also unhappy.

"There are two things, one thing is individual mistakes, and the other is how the team defends, these are different things," he said.

"Right now teams can score against us in any given moment. This is very tough, we need to come out of this, and work very hard."

Cristiano Ronaldo struck twice from the penalty spot to win his battle with rival Lionel Messi and guide Juventus to a 3-0 win over Barcelona on Tuesday, earning the Italians top spot in Champions League Group G.

Cristiano Ronaldo struck twice from the penalty spot to win his battle with rival Lionel Messi and guide Juventus to a 3-0 win over Barcelona on Tuesday, earning the Italians top spot in Champions League Group G. The former Real Madrid striker and his Argentina counterpart traded Ballon d'Or wins for a decade between 2008-2017 and were figureheads for the duelling Spanish giants, but there was only one winner at the Camp Nou as they met for the first time since Ronaldo's departure for Juve in 2018. Andrea Pirlo's Juventus lost 2-0 at home against Barcelona in October without Ronaldo, sidelined with Covid-19, but were greatly improved and earned the first Champions League away win against Barcelona since Bayern Munich triumphed in 2013. Both sides, tied on 15 points, were assured of qualification before kick-off, but Juve's three-goal victory handed them a superior head-to-head record. "When you have this desire to sacrifice yourself and an infallible sniper, like Ronaldo, you are sure you can win these matches," Bonucci told Sky Sport Italia. "As we showed in the derby (win over Torino), if we play with this desire, we bring home the results we want. The next step is to do this in all our games." Ronald Koeman, reeling from Barcelona's 2-1 defeat by promoted minnows Cadiz on Saturday in La Liga, reacted by making four changes but the hosts started badly. It only took 13 minutes for Ronaldo to break the deadlock, slotting home from the penalty spot after the referee deemed Ronald Araujo's challenge on him a foul. Juventus did not relent and their pressure led to a second goal, US midfielder Weston McKennie volleying home Juan Cuadrado's sweetly clipped cross in the 20th minute. The Catalans and their captain Messi finally woke from their slumber, as the attacker had one effort blocked by Matthijs de Ligt and another saved by veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, while Pjanic lashed over the bar. Ronaldo notched his second from the penalty spot in the 52nd minute after Clement Lenglet handled clumsily in the area, as the hosts imploded. Antoine Griezmann, who was invisible in the first half, grazed the crossbar with a looping header from a Messi free kick, and Buffon beat out another effort, with De Ligt's pressure enough to stop Martin Braithwaite converting the rebound. Leonardo Bonucci had a fourth goal ruled out for offside after he tapped in Ronaldo's effort from close range, with Messi trying in vain at the other end to answer Ronaldo, but he found the 42-year-old Buffon in his way time and time again. Griezmann was critical of his own side after they fell to their first home Champions League group stage defeat since 2009. "We were not good enough, they over-ran us in the first half, we lacked everything," he told Movistar. "A lack of attitude, desire, wanting to run, defending, attacking, everything was bad." Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was also unhappy. "There are two things, one thing is individual mistakes, and the other is how the team defends, these are different things," he said. "Right now teams can score against us in any given moment. This is very tough, we need to come out of this, and work very hard."

Ronaldo scores twice as Juve crush Messi's troubled Barcelona

Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir staged an unprecedented joint walk-out over alleged racism by a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/uefa-champions-league">Champions League</a> match official on Tuesday, prompting UEFA to suspend the game and launch an investigation.

Both teams left the pitch after a lengthy touchline row which erupted when the Romanian fourth official, Sebastian Coltescu, appeared to describe Basaksehir assistant coach Pierre Webo, the former Cameroon international, as "black", or "negru" in Romanian.

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Demba Ba responding to what was said by the fourth official in PSG vs Basaksehir <a href="https://t.co/mFGJgSW1X4">pic.twitter.com/mFGJgSW1X4</a>
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&nbsp;

The group game in Paris, which was goalless at the time, was suspended and will resume where it left off, in the 14th minute, on Wednesday, with a different set of match officials.

Many athletes have taken a strong stand against racism since Black Lives Matter protests flared around the world over the death of George Floyd during his arrest in Minneapolis in May.

PSG striker Kylian Mbappe tweeted, "Say no to racism", while team-mate Neymar posted, "Black Lives Matter". Both players were prominent in the heated discussions on the touchline.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is understood to be close to Basaksehir's owners, tweeted that he "strongly condemn(s) the racist remarks", while Romanian-born French sports minister Roxanna Maracineanu praised the players' "historic decision".

Basaksehir midfielder Giuliano told Brazilian media: "(The comment) was very clear, many people heard, including our coach. It was disgraceful.

"As a team and a group, we decided to protest because that is unacceptable. Racism has to end."

The row blew up after Webo was shown a red card. Television microphones in the empty Parc des Princes stadium then picked up a furious Webo repeatedly asking why a racist term had been used to describe him.

In the exchange in question between the all-Romanian officiating team, Coltescu said: "The black one over there. This is not possible. Go and identify him. That guy, the black one."

Basaksehir's Senegal international striker Demba Ba, among the substitutes for the away side, could be heard remonstrating with the official, saying in English: "When you mention a white guy, you never say 'this white guy', you just say 'this guy', so why when you mention a black guy do you say 'this black guy?'"

<h2>- 'No to racism' -&nbsp;</h2>

UEFA promised a "thorough investigation" into the incident and confirmed the match would restart at 1755 GMT on Wednesday.

European football's governing body said it had "decided on an exceptional basis to have the remaining minutes of the match played (Wednesday) with a new team of match officials".

UEFA's regulations for the Champions League stipulate that, normally, any team refusing to play must forfeit the game and also faces a fine of 250,000 euros ($303,000).

Danny Makkelie of the Netherlands was named as the referee for the remainder of the game, with the other officials from the Netherlands and Poland. They replace Romanian referee Ovidiu Hategan, his two assistants and Coltescu.

The president of the Turkish champions said his side refused to restart the game as long as the fourth official was still involved.

"The fourth official used the word 'negro' in front of everybody. If the fourth official is removed from the pitch, then we will restart," Goksel Gumusdag told Turkish television channel TRT Spor.

Basaksehir responded to the incidents by tweeting "NO TO RACISM #Respect", along with a photo of UEFA's anti-racism logo.

The message was retweeted by PSG, who later tweeted their support on their English-language feed.

"All forms of racism go against the values held by Paris Saint-Germain, the club's Chairman, staff and players," the French champions said.

Despite the interruption of the match, played behind closed doors because of the coronavirus pandemic, PSG qualified for the last 16 from Group H after RB Leipzig beat Manchester United 3-2 in Germany.

However, PSG will need to win the game in order to finish on top of the group above Leipzig.

Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir staged an unprecedented joint walk-out over alleged racism by a Champions League match official on Tuesday, prompting UEFA to suspend the game and launch an investigation.

Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir staged an unprecedented joint walk-out over alleged racism by a Champions League match official on Tuesday, prompting UEFA to suspend the game and launch an investigation. Both teams left the pitch after a lengthy touchline row which erupted when the Romanian fourth official, Sebastian Coltescu, appeared to describe Basaksehir assistant coach Pierre Webo, the former Cameroon international, as "black", or "negru" in Romanian. Demba Ba responding to what was said by the fourth official in PSG vs Basaksehir pic.twitter.com/mFGJgSW1X4 — FIFA 21 News (@FUT21News) December 8, 2020 × The group game in Paris, which was goalless at the time, was suspended and will resume where it left off, in the 14th minute, on Wednesday, with a different set of match officials. Many athletes have taken a strong stand against racism since Black Lives Matter protests flared around the world over the death of George Floyd during his arrest in Minneapolis in May. PSG striker Kylian Mbappe tweeted, "Say no to racism", while team-mate Neymar posted, "Black Lives Matter". Both players were prominent in the heated discussions on the touchline. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is understood to be close to Basaksehir's owners, tweeted that he "strongly condemn(s) the racist remarks", while Romanian-born French sports minister Roxanna Maracineanu praised the players' "historic decision". Basaksehir midfielder Giuliano told Brazilian media: "(The comment) was very clear, many people heard, including our coach. It was disgraceful. "As a team and a group, we decided to protest because that is unacceptable. Racism has to end." The row blew up after Webo was shown a red card. Television microphones in the empty Parc des Princes stadium then picked up a furious Webo repeatedly asking why a racist term had been used to describe him. In the exchange in question between the all-Romanian officiating team, Coltescu said: "The black one over there. This is not possible. Go and identify him. That guy, the black one." Basaksehir's Senegal international striker Demba Ba, among the substitutes for the away side, could be heard remonstrating with the official, saying in English: "When you mention a white guy, you never say 'this white guy', you just say 'this guy', so why when you mention a black guy do you say 'this black guy?'" - 'No to racism' - UEFA promised a "thorough investigation" into the incident and confirmed the match would restart at 1755 GMT on Wednesday. European football's governing body said it had "decided on an exceptional basis to have the remaining minutes of the match played (Wednesday) with a new team of match officials". UEFA's regulations for the Champions League stipulate that, normally, any team refusing to play must forfeit the game and also faces a fine of 250,000 euros ($303,000). Danny Makkelie of the Netherlands was named as the referee for the remainder of the game, with the other officials from the Netherlands and Poland. They replace Romanian referee Ovidiu Hategan, his two assistants and Coltescu. The president of the Turkish champions said his side refused to restart the game as long as the fourth official was still involved. "The fourth official used the word 'negro' in front of everybody. If the fourth official is removed from the pitch, then we will restart," Goksel Gumusdag told Turkish television channel TRT Spor. Basaksehir responded to the incidents by tweeting "NO TO RACISM #Respect", along with a photo of UEFA's anti-racism logo. The message was retweeted by PSG, who later tweeted their support on their English-language feed. "All forms of racism go against the values held by Paris Saint-Germain, the club's Chairman, staff and players," the French champions said. Despite the interruption of the match, played behind closed doors because of the coronavirus pandemic, PSG qualified for the last 16 from Group H after RB Leipzig beat Manchester United 3-2 in Germany. However, PSG will need to win the game in order to finish on top of the group above Leipzig.

PSG, Basaksehir stage Champions League walk-out over official's alleged racism

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