Virgil van Dijk returns to his former club Southampton on Friday with a growing reputation as one of the most influential figures in the Premier League title race between his Liverpool side and Manchester City.

The Mexican Football Federation said Wednesday it has opened an investigation into whether Diego Maradona violated its ethics code when he praised Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro after a recent match.

Belgium hold on to top spot in the latest FIFA world football rankings released Thursday while England are on the rise, snatching fourth place from World Cup finalists Croatia.

Forward Mario Mandzukic has extended his contract with Juventus until 2021, the Italian champions confirmed on Wednesday.

"Mario Mandzukic's Bianconero career will continue until 2021. The official notice of his contract renewal was confirmed today and it is news that the Bianconeri fans will warmly welcome," Juve said in a statement.

Juventus starlet Moise Kean has whipped up a storm by taking a stand when targeted by racist chanting during his team's Serie A match against Cagliari on Tuesday, but his actions raised barely a murmur in Italy, where racist abuse has become a recurring problem which football authorities remain reluctant to tackle.

A meeting in which UEFA and Europe's football leagues are expected to discuss controversial reforms to the Champions League will be held on May 8, multiple sources told AFP on Wednesday.

Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez led Barcelona to a stunning comeback against Villarreal on Tuesday and may have ensured there will be no return for Atletico Madrid in La Liga's title race. 

Football legend Pele was taken to a Paris hospital as a precaution on Wednesday after suffering from an "infection" but is "doing well", according to members of his entourage.

Andy Robertson says Liverpool's last-gasp defeat of Tottenham showed the players have the belief to win any match as they go head to head with Manchester City for the Premier League title.

Liverpool scored their third win in a league match in the 90th minute or later this season to snatch a 2-1 victory over Tottenham and return to the top of the table on Sunday.

Real Madrid could sell Thibaut Courtois or Keylor Navas this summer after head coach Zinedine Zidane said on Tuesday the club will have a clear first-choice goalkeeper next season.