Tottenham to hold ceremony for club's World Cup footballers at Wembley

English Premier League (EPL) side Tottenham Hotspur will hold a special ceremony to welcome their footballers who played at the FIFA World Cup at the season's first home game at the Wembley Stadium this Saturday.

The North London club, which had been expected to play their first home match at their new ground, have delayed the opening of their new stadium because of "issues with the critical safety systems", reports Xinhua news agency.

Their following home game against Cardiff on October 6 has also been moved to Wembley. They are most hopeful of moving to their new ground against Manchester City on October 28.

"Our first home Premier League match of the season against Fulham at Wembley Stadium will be your chance to show your appreciation for our World Cup heroes," Tottenham said in a statement.

In total, the club had 12 players at the World Cup in Russia -- Toby Alderweireld, Dele Alli, Mousa Dembele, Eric Dier, Christian Eriksen, Harry Kane, Hugo Lloris, Danny Rose, Davinson Sanchez, Heung-min Son, Kieran Trippier, Jan Vertonghen -- with nine of those still involved at the semifinal stage -- more than any other club.

First choice goalkeeper Hugo Lloris led France to their second World Cup championship in 20 years and has become the club's first World Cup-winning captain. Harry Kane, the club's top scorer in the past two seasons, won the tournament's Golden Boot award by scoring six goals.

Lloris and Kane will be receiving "special recognition" ahead of kick-off with a pitchside presentation from former World Cup winner and club legend Ossie Ardiles, the statement said.

--IANS

pur/ sed