Papiss Demba Cisse and Newcastle United colleague Demba Ba

The Senegalese federation had been in talks with Newcastle, who were loathe to release Cisse in pre-season with an Africa Cup of Nations next January.
Everton striker Magaye Gueye and West Ham United midfielder Mohamed Diame have been included in the squad.
Diame, 25, is one of the squad's three over-age players, along with Dame N'Doye, 27, and Ibrahima Balde, 23.
Gueye's inclusion is unexpected since the 21-year-old has previously represented France at youth level and has yet to appear for Senegal.
However, the Senegalese federation has told BBC Sport that clearance has been received from Fifa to allow Gueye's switch of nationality.
Both FC Copenhagen striker N'Doye and Diame played in this year's Africa Cup of Nations, when the Senegalese crashed out in the first round without a win despite being tipped by many to lift the trophy.
If they are to qualify for next January's finals in South Africa, the Teranga Lions must beat Ivory Coast over two legs in the final round of 2013 Nations Cup qualifying.
Senegal open their Olympic campaign against hosts Great Britain in Manchester on 26 July, before moving to London to face Uruguay at Wembley three days later.
The first-time qualifiers conclude their Group A campaign when taking on United Arab Emirates in Coventry on 1 August.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Ousmane Mane (Diambars FC), Papa Demba Camara (Sochaux, France)
Defenders: Abdoulaye Ba (Academica Coimbra, Portugal), Serigne Kara Mbodji, Saliou Ciss (both Tromso, Norway), Papa Gueye (Metallist Kharkiv, Ukraine), Pape Ndiaye Souare (Lille, France), Zargo Toure (Boulogne-sur-Mer, France), Victor Demba Bindia (Sandefjord, Norway), Cheikhou Kouyate (Anderlecht, Belgium)
Midfielders: Stephane Badji (Sogndal, Norway), Idrissa Gana Gueye (Lille, France), Mohamed Diame (West Ham United, England), Moussa Konate (Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel), Sadio Mane (Metz, France)
Forwards: Magaye Gueye (Everton, England), Ibrahima Balde (Osasuna, Spain), Dame N'Doye (Copenhagen, Denmark).
Stand-by: Issa Ndiaye (AS Douanes), Ibrahima Seck (SAS Epinal, France), Abdoulaye Sane (Rennes, France), Kalidou Yero (Gil Vicente, Portugal).

10:23

New Newcastle signing Gael Bigirimana says his latest move 'is a blessing'

The latest recruit to Alan Pardew's side took a somewhat opportunistic route into life as a professional footballer and reveals he is now living a dream in signing for the Toon

23:18

Fifa reports reduction in transfers & fees for first half of 2012

The dramatic downturn in business across the globe has been attributed to the 'economic recession and the impact of the Uefa financial fair play sanctions'

11:09

Gyan completes Al-Ain switch

After first moving to the Middle East on loan last season, the 26-year-old Ghana striker has now signed a full-time contract with the UAE side with wages touted at £150,000 a week

Official: Lille confirm Kalou deal

The French club, who sold Eden Hazard to Chelsea in June, have snapped up the free agent after his contract at Stamford Bridge ended at the end of last season

7 Jul 2012 14:45:00

Former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou has officially signed a four-year deal at Lille, the French side's official website has confirmed.

The Cote d'Ivoire international has been linked with a host of clubs after being released by Chelsea at the end of the season.

However, it soon emerged that he would be moving to Lille, with the deal picking up pace after the news that the 26-year-old arrived in the Flanders city on Friday evening for a medical.

"Lille formalises the arrival of Salomon Kalou who this morning underwent the traditional medical procedure after his arrival at Domaine de Luchin yesterday," a club statement read.

"Released late June, the contract of the 26-year-old European champion is for four seasons. The former Chelsea player and has committed until 2016.

"The arrival of a European champion, Salomon Kalou, to Lille is certainly among the highlights of the 2012-2013 transfer window.

"Ambitious to enter a new stadium, the club and [club president] Michel Seydoux is pleased to have attracted a player of this calibre in their squad."

Kalou spent six seasons in West London, making more than 240 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 60 times, but found playing time increasingly rare this season, turning out only 12 times in the Premier League.

The Ivorian is Rudi Garcia's fourth summer signing at the club, joining Marvin Martin, Steeve Elana and Viktor Klonaridis at Les Dogues.

More On : Chelsea FC, Lille OSC, Salomon Kalou

Moses speculation is a good thing, insists Martinez

The Nigerian winger has been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea this summer but the 38-year-old says such rumours are a result of his impressive performances for Wigan

The forward has been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea this summer after turning down a new contract offer from the Latics.

However, his manager says that any interest is a result of his good performances, something he believes is a positive for the club and Moses himself.

"We're not going to be drawn into the media speculation," Martinez told the Wigan Evening Post.

"All I will say is that Victor had a tremendous season last year - particularly after Christmas - and he is still only 21.

"I'm really looking forward to Victor having a very good break and coming back refreshed and ready to go.

"His experience with Nigeria will bring him on even more, and will hopefully take him on to a different level next season.

"As I always say, the speculation is only a good thing - because when you perform well you are going to get attraction from elsewhere."

Martinez has seen his pre-season plans disrupted due to the international commitments of his players, such as Maynor Figueroa's recent call-up to Honduras' Olympics squad.

However, the 38-year-old claimed that the club are happy to work around their players' schedules and expressed his belief that Figueroa's inclusion is fully deserved.

"It's a fitting reward for what Maynor has achieved in his football career," the Spaniard added.

"We will be co-ordinating his work with the Olympic team - whatever it takes to ensure that his training programme fits in with what's required.

17:45

Whelan: Wigan don't need to sell Moses

The Latics chairman says the club will hold onto the Nigerian winger despite his contract having just 12 months left to run at the DW Stadium amid interest from Chelsea

Berekum Chelsea seal dramatic win Berekum Chelsea's Emmanuel Clottey nets a hat-trick to earn a 3-2 win over Zamalek of Egypt in the African Champions League.

England defender John Terry clears from behind the line against Ukraine

Goal-line technology Q&A

Answers to the big questions on goal-line technology as the International Football Association Board approves GoalRef and Hawk-Eye

Ethiopia to boost women's game

The Ethiopian federation insists all the country's top flight football clubs must form a women's team ahead of next season.
Kalaba aiming for historic double

Star midfielder Rainford Kalaba is aiming to become the first Zambian to win two continental titles in a single year.

Thousands of people wait in Cairo Tahrir Square for the announcement of Egyptian presidential election results

Caf rejects TP Mazembe's request to move Al Ahly game

The Confederation of African Football has rejected a request from DR Congo's TP Mazembe for their opening Champions League game against Al Ahly to be moved from Egypt.

The game will now go ahead in Cairo on Saturday as planned but the game will be played behind closed doors.
Last month Mazembe's president Moise Katumbi said they had security concerns about the game, following the recent elections in Egypt.
At the time Katumbi said: "We are going to follow what Caf has to say."

Mazembe, who won the Champions League in 2009 and 2010, were disqualified from the tournament last year for fielding an ineligible player.

This year they have been drawn to play two Egyptian sides - Al Ahly and Zamalek - as well as Ghana's Berekum Chelsea in the group stages of the Champions League.
Katumbi says that he hopes Egypt can recover from its recent problems that have included last year's political revolution and February's Port Said stadium disaster, where at least 72 fans lost their lives.

There has been no domestic football in Egypt since the tragedy while continental club games and international games that have been played in the country have been behind closed doors.
"What's happening in Egypt is not good," Katumbi said.
"Egypt is a very good country, a big country with a big history. I hope it recovers as quickly as possible and to have the old Egypt back."
After their opening game Mazembe are due to host Berekum and Zamalek before another potential game in Cairo on 17-19 August to play Zamalek again.

Barcelona confirm Keita exit

The African midfielder has decided to further his career away from Camp Nou after featuring infrequently in 2011-12, with reports suggesting he will move to China

Tottenham defender Khumalo joins PAOK on loan

The 25-year-old, who has had previously spent unsuccessful temporary spells at Preston North End and Reading, will spend the upcoming season at the Greek side

Ghana's Kwadwo Asamoah and Mauricio Isla

Italian champions Juventus have confirmed the signing of Ghana international Kwadwo Asamoah.

The Black Star, 23, has joined Chile's Mauricio Isla in leaving Udinese for the Turin side.
He will become the second Ghanaian to play for Juventus, following on from former Ghana captain Stephen Appiah, who left the club in 2005.
Asamoah has told BBC Sport that he has signed a five-year deal with the 28-time Italian champions.
Both Asamoah and Isla had medicals last month but the details of the contracts were only announced on Monday.
Both players have joined on co-ownership agreements, with Juve paying 9m Euros for 50 per cent of Asamoah's registration.

11:26

Belhanda confirms Montpellier stay amid Arsenal & Manchester City interest

The 22-year-old has been linked with both Premier League giants in recent months, but has now assured fans that he will not be seeking a move away from his boyhood team

There is a long-standing gentleman's agreement in place between the two Serie A sides that discourages attempts to lure players from one academy to the other.

However, Milan disregarded this agreement by making an approach for the 14-year-old Opoku earlier this week.

Goal.com understands that the Ghanaian, who is considered a mix between Samuel Eto'o and Mario Balotelli, rejected the Rossoneri's advances, but that did not stop Inter from making their displeasure known to Milan.

Consequently, the ball is now back in Milan's court and they must now decide whether to back down or continue their pursuit of the forward and thus risk a complete breakdown of their relatively cordial relationship with the Nerazzurri.

Milan have already signalled their intention to recruit the most exciting young players based in Italy by reportedly paying €500,000 to Reggiana for another 14-year-old, Hachim Mastour.

Egypt coach Bob Bradley has been given the backing of the country's football association (EFA) after they were knocked out of qualifying for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.

There had been suggestions that the coach's position was under threat following their disappointing loss to Central African Republic (CAR).
"The EFA technical committee has decided that Bradley will stay and lead the team for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers," the EFA said on its website.
In contrast to their Nations Cup disappointment, Egypt have won both their World Cup games and sit on top of their group with a maximum six points.
The next round of matches is in March next year, when Egypt will host Zimbabwe.

"The EFA has renewed its confidence in Bob Bradley and there is no need to talk about his future with the team as it is confirmed he's staying," the EFA added.

"Bradley is an efficient coach and we won't find anyone better to lead the team in this period except him. He's the best for us now.
"Bradley is confident of making it to the [World Cup] finals and we need to support him so he can fulfil the dream of every Egyptian.
The EFA media director Azmi Megahed also denied rumours that Bradley's salary was set to be reduced: "We respect our contract with him."
To help the team prepare for the resumption of their campaign, Bradley has made it clear that he would like to see a resumption of domestic football in Egypt.

The league has been suspended since more than 70 people were killed in violence after a match in Port Said.
The national team has been playing home games behind closed doors because of the violence.
And Megahed says the EFA has begun negotiating with both the ministry of interior and the national sports council about resuming football in Egypt.
"We met with the head of sports council who are working hard with the security officials so we can resume our activities soon," he said

CAR move up Fifa rankings

Central African Republic's 4-3 aggregate win over Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying has seen them move up 20 places on the latest Fifa world rankings.

CAR's first-ever World Cup qualifying win over Botswana also helped their rise to number 16 on the continent and 73 globally.
Despite the loss, Egypt moved up six places globally, thanks to their two wins in 2014 World Cup qualifying and are up to seventh in Africa.
Nigeria are back into the top ten in Africa following their opening 2014 qualifiers and the 2-0 win over Rwanda to reach the final round of 2013 Nations Cup qualifying.
There was no change in the top five sides on the continent, with Ivory Coast still ranked at number one and the only African side in the global top 20.
Newly-crowned European champions Spain remain the top side in the world, with Germany moving up to second on the rankings.

July's Fifa world rankings for Africa (global positions in brackets)

Ivory Coast (16)
Ghana (33)
Algeria (35)
Libya (39)
Mali (40)
Zambia (41)
Egypt (42)
Tunisia (43)
Gabon (45)
Nigeria (58)
Cameroon (59)
Senegal (61)
Sierra Leone (65)
South Africa (68)
Morocco (71)
Central African Republic (73)
Guinea (75)
Benin (78)
Cape Verde Islands (79)
Uganda (85)
Angola (86)
Burkina Faso (87)
Congo (91)
Malawi (93)
Togo (98)
Zimbabwe (100)
Sudan (105)
Mozambique (107)
Equatorial Guinea (111)
Botswana (113)
DR Congo (114)
Niger (114)
Namibia (117)
Ethiopia (119)
Liberia (120)
Chad (123)
Kenya (125)
Rwanda (125)
Tanzania (127)
Gambia (128)
São Tomé e Príncipe (132)
Burundi (136)
Lesotho (166)
Madagascar (167)
Guinea-Bissau (169)
Swaziland (182)
Comoros (185)
Seychelles (187)
Eritrea (189)
Somalia (191)
Mauritius (193)
Djibouti (196)
Mauritania (202)

Fifa rates Sierra Leone above Nigeria

South Africa were the biggest African risers in the Fifa rankings this month, edging up four places to 67th spot.

Elsewhere, Sierra Leone rose two places to 61st spot, to lie above Nigeria (63) for the first time in their history.
"We are ranked now among elite nations and that is very good news for the country's government, youth and football administrators," said Sierra Leone FA official Abdul Rahman Swarray.
Ivory Coast remain top in Africa at 15th, with Ghana second highest (22nd).

Continue reading the main story

“It is no surprise that we are ranked above Nigeria because we are doing a lot of things in terms of development”

Abdul Rahman Swarray Sierra Leone FA official

Full Fifa rankings

DR Congo were the biggest fallers, dropping five places to 124th position.

The 1974 African champions are now rated below the likes of Benin, Central African Republic and Sao Tome e Principe.
Similarly, Nigeria - who have competed at four World Cups and won two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments - have now dropped below Sierra Leone in the rankings.
Sierra Leone, whose population of six million is dwarfed by Nigeria's total in excess of 160m, have never travelled to a World Cup and have only ever competed at two Nations Cups - in 1994 and 1996.
Swarray, who works for the Sierra Leone FA (SLFA) as Acting General Secretary, believes the Leone Stars' place above Nigeria is a sign that the country's administrative efforts are on track.
"I want to congratulate Sierra Leoneans, the SLFA and all stakeholders as we are moving together as a nation in the development of the game," he told BBC Sport.
"It is no surprise that we are ranked above Nigeria because we are doing a lot of things in terms of development, and we are moving gradually in terms of international success when it comes to the national teams.
"We are putting a lot of structures in place when it comes to the administrative aspect of the game - and we are also putting a lot of effort into the technical aspect.
"We have a technical director, who is currently embarking on the development of grassroots and youth football, as well as in the development and education of the coaches - so it's no surprise we're moving ahead of countries with a huge population like Nigeria."
Swarray also praised the work of Swedish Lars Olof Mattson, who was appointed national coach in January 2011.
The top seven in the African rankings were unchanged, with Tunisia moving up to eight as Egypt dropped down the rankings.
World and European champions Spain still top the rankings.

Esperance boss tips Msakni to use Lekhwiya as PSG step

Esperance coach Nabil Maaloul says that Youssef Msakni should use his upcoming move to Qatari side Lekhwiya as a stepping stone to French giants Paris Saint Germain.

Paris Saint Germain are owned by the Qatar Investment Authority, who also have links with Lekhwiya.
The 21-year-old Msakni will join Lekhwiya on a four-and-a-half year deal in January next year, once Esperance have completed the defence of their African Champions League title.
Maaloul says there has already been contact between the French club and the winger.
"Youssef was contacted by Paris St Germain through me - I think in six months, one year or more Msakni should go to Paris," Maaloul said.
"There are great coaches and great players in Qatar, and the championship there may enable him to improve."
He is said to have cost Lekhwiya around US$14.4 million and reports also say he has a clause allowing him to move if a European club make an offer for him.

Ghana boosted by Nations Cup draw, and other reaction

Ghana will prepare for their 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash with Malawi as if they were playing Brazil, says FA boss Kwesi Nyantakyi.
The teams were paired together for the final round of qualifying for the finals in South Africa on Thursday.
"We are going to play them as if we were playing Brazil, England, Zambia or Egypt or any of Africa's top teams," Nyantakyi told BBC Sport.
"The preparations we will put in place will in no way underrate Malawi."

Central African Republic's shock defeat of Egypt in the last qualifying round has made Nyantakyi cautious over the meeting between his side, who are ranked 33rd by Fifa, and Malawi, some 60 places below.

"On paper, Ghana stands streets ahead of Malawi - we have the track record. We've been to the Nations Cup so many times, we've won it four times, we've been to two successive World Cups - Malawi has none of this.

"But we must also lace our optimism with caution that there can be surprises at any time. Who expected CAR to beat seven-time champions Egypt?"
"We know Malawi can qualify, so complacency will not be part of our vocabulary."
Nyantakyi added that the Ghanaian FA are still in talks with Gyan over a possible end to his self-imposed international break.

Meanwhile, Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi welcomed his side's pairing with Liberia for the two-legged ties that begin in September and end in October.
"I think it's a good draw," Keshi told BBC Sport. "We are ready to take on any team - we don't fear anybody."
Nigeria failed to qualify for this year's Africa Cup of Nations but Keshi, who replaced former coach Samson Siasia shortly afterwards, insists this is not a factor for his players.
"Missing the 2012 Nations Cup is not something we are thinking about," he added. "We are thinking about building a team and moving forward."
Elsewhere, a spokesperson for the Angolan federation was delighted that the Palancas Negras will play their first game in Harare after being drawn against Zimbabwe.
"The first leg will be away and in the second leg, we are always very difficult to beat at home so we will prepare ourselves very well," Joao Lusevikueno told BBC Sport.
"In 11 November stadium, the only team that has beaten us so far is Ghana - during the 2010 Nations Cup - so it is always difficult for visitors to come and get a good result.
"We don't have a coach but we will announce the name of a new coach in the next week."
Lusevikueno said the president of the Angolan federation failed to travel to Johannesburg for Thursday's draw as he was working on finding a new coach for the Palancas Negras.

NATIONS CUP QUALIFIERS

Mali v Botswana
Zimbabwe v Angola
Ghana v Malawi
Liberia v Nigeria
Zambia v Uganda
Cape Verde v Cameroon
Mozambique v Morocco
Sierra Leone v Tunisia
Guinea v Niger
Sudan v Ethiopia
Libya v Algeria
Ivory Coast v Senegal
DR Congo v Equatorial Guinea
Gabon v Togo
CAR v Burkina Faso

Tom Saintfiet signs two-year deal to coach Yanga

Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet has signed a two-year deal with Tanzanian giants Young Africans.

The 39-year-old arrived in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday and agreed terms with the reigning east and central Africa club champions.
"I have had my first training at the Yanga training ground and over one thousand fans were watching - it was amazing," said a delighted Saintfiet.
Saintfiet recently lost his position as Nigeria's Technical Director.
He was particularly impressed by the welcome he received at the airport on Wednesday, with hundreds of fans turning out to greet the former Ethiopia coach.
"The club has made a very professional first impression and the fans have welcomed me enormously," he added.
Meanwhile, Young Africans are excited about Saintfiet's appointment.
"He is one of the best coaches in Africa," said Sendeu.
"He is the one who taught Ethiopians their impressive style of play and we believe he is the right person for Yanga.
"We have negotiated and agreed with him. Before coming here, he gave us his conditions and of course we accepted them - that's why he is here and is going to be our coach."
A total of 27 coaches applied for the job, including former Taifa Stars coach Marcio Maximo.
Yanga are in an election period and their financier business tycoon Yusuph Manji is vying for the chairmanship position.
The employment of a high-profile coach is viewed by many as part of Manji's campaign to be elected as chairman of the most popular club in Tanzania.
Saintfiet has previous experience of African football in not only Nigeria and Ethiopia, but Namibia and Zimbabwe as well.

Esperance players congratulate Youssef Msakni (L) on scoring against Brikama United during their African Champions League match in April

Champions League group stage set for kick-off

Egypt's Al Ahly host DR Congo's TP Mazembe behind closed doors in Cairo in the pick of the opening African Champions League group games this weekend.

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) rejected a request from four-time champions Mazembe for their opening game against six-time winners Ahly to be moved from Egypt.
Mazembe's president Moise Katumbi said his club had security concerns about the game, following the recent elections in Egypt.
All continental club and international games in Egypt have been played behind closed doors since February's Port Said stadium disaster, where at least 72 fans lost their lives.

Another pick of the weekend's ties sees debutants Berekum Chelsea host the other Cairo giants Zamalek.

The Ghanaian side have been drawn in a tough Group B, which includes Ahly and Zamalek, who have won the competition 11 times between them, and 2010 Club World Cup runners-up Mazembe.
"They are all former champions and we have a lot of respect for them, but we all got to this stage on merit and so we will see how it goes from now on," Berekum Chelsea's Dutch coach Hans van der Pluijm said.

"My boys must believe in themselves. They must believe that nothing is impossible no matter how strong the opposition appears to be, and they must not let anyone push them around.
"Big names do not win football matches, big hearts do. And we will give it our best shot.
"Many people wrote us off after being held at home by Coton Sport and look what happened in Cameroon [when Berekum Chelsea won 2-1 away to progress ]."
Zamalek have recently seen striker Ahmed 'Mido' Hossam depart for English second-tier side Barnsley, while Benin striker Razak Omotoyossi says he will not return to the club until outstanding salaries are paid.
Meanwhile, defending champions Esperance of Tunisia have fired Swiss coach Michel Decastel and recalled 2011 Champions League-winning coach Nabil Maaloul ahead of their Group A visit to combative Nigerian side Sunshine Stars .
Esperance forward Youssef Msakni will remain with the Tunisian club until the end of their Champions League campaign, before moving to Qatari side Lekhwiya on a four-and-a-half year deal next January.
Fellow Tunisians and 2007 Champions League winners Etoile du Sahel tackle AS Chlef of Algeria under the guidance of Mondher Kebaier, their third coach of the campaign, after German Bernd Krauss was fired and Faouzi Benzarti resigned.
The top two clubs in each group after a six-round mini-league schedule will advance to the semi-finals and the champions will earn $1.5m in prize money, plus an invitation to the Club World Cup.

Champions League opening group fixtures

07/07/12: AS Chlef v Etoile du Sahel; Berekum Chelsea v Zamalek
08/07/12: Sunshine Stars v Esperance; Al Ahly v TP Mazembe

Brazil name strong Olympic squad for London 2012

Brazil have included forwards Hulk, Neymar and Alexandre Pato in a strong squad for this summer's Olympic Games.

Santos' Neymar has nine goals in 18 games for the senior team, while AC Milan's Pato and Porto's Hulk have also impressed for the full side.
Hulk is one of three over-aged players along with defenders Marcelo (Real Madrid) and Thiago Silva (AC Milan).
Coach Mano Menezes has also picked Manchester United defender Rafael and Tottenham midfielder Sandro.
Hulk, 25, has scored three goals for the senior side since making his full debut in 2009 and the coach said he hoped the Porto player's experience would help his side.
"He brings a lot of strength to the team," said Menezes. "His experience will be important in big matches, as well as his great ability to be decisive."
Menezes has also selected several promising young stars such as Santos midfielder Paulo Henrique Ganso, striker Leandro Damiao and midfielder Oscar (both Internacional) and Sao Paulo midfielder Lucas, all of whom have senior caps to their name.
Brazil, who are aiming to win their first Olympic football title, have been drawn in Group C along with Egypt, Belarus and New Zealand.
But before that they will play a warm-up friendly against Stuart Pearce's Team GB side at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium on 20 July.
Goalkeepers: Rafael Cabral (Santos), Neto (Fiorentina)
Defenders: Marcelo (Real Madrid), Rafael (Manchester United), Danilo (Porto), Alex Sandro (Porto), Thiago Silva (AC Milan), Juan (Inter Milan), Bruno Uvini (Sao Paulo)
Midfielders: Romulo (Vasco da Gama), Ganso (Santos), Oscar (Internacional), Sandro (Tottenham Hotspur), Lucas (Sao Paulo)
Forwards: Neymar (Santos), Alexandre Pato (AC Milan), Leandro Damiao (Internacional), Hulk (Porto).
Replacements: Marquinhos (Corinthians), Giuliano (Dniepr/UKR), Cassemiro (Sao Paulo), Gabriel (AC Milan/ITA)