Nigeria: Nigeria’s suspension from international football was lifted yesterday, world governing body FIFA said. The African country was banned earlier this month due to government interference in the national federation’s affairs.

Fofana: Lyon could be forced back into the transfer market after learning that midfielder Gueida Fofana faces another six months on the sidelines after ankle surgery. The 23-year-old was injured last season and had further surgery on the problem this week. Lyon boss Hubert Fournier confirmed the news during a press conference to introduce 22-year-old defender Lindsay Rose from Valenciennes yesterday.

Fowler: Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler has returned to the club as an ambassador. The 39-year-old scored 183 goals in 369 appearances across two spells with the Anfield club. He will now fill a variety of ambassadorial roles with the Reds, including work at their academy. “I’m looking forward to representing this great club and will do all I can to support success both on and off the pitch,” he said.

QPR: Giacomo Bonaventura’s agent says he is unaware of interest from QPR in the Atalanta winger. The Italy international scored five times to help Atalanta finish 11th in Serie A. “I have read of a possible interest from QPR on Bonaventura,” agent Giocondo Martorelli said. “However, I have spoken to (Atalanta general manager Pierpaolo) Marino and he has not mentioned to me this option.”

Sandro: Brazilian midfielder Sandro has been withdrawn from Tottenham’s squad for the pre-season tour of the United States and Canada because of a virus. Spurs have headed across the Atlantic for matches against MLS sides Seattle Sounders, Toronto FC, where they should face former striker Jermain Defoe, and Chicago Fire as new manager Mauricio Pochettino looks to assess the squad ahead of his first season at White Hart Lane.

Hull: Hull’s plans to rebrand as the Tigers may have come to nothing but they have still managed to attract the largest commercial deal in their 110-year history after bookmakers 12Bet agreed a two-year contract as shirt sponsors. The seven-figure deal represents a 60 per cent increase on their previous deal with Cash Converters, a reward for last season’s impressive return to the Premier League and run to the FA Cup final.

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