LONDON (AFP) - The English Premier League has announced that this weekend's football matches will be preceded by a minute's applause in memory of former South Africa president Nelson Mandela, who died on Thursday.

Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal are among the clubs where tributes will be observed, while there will also be a minute's applause at games in Scotland, the English lower leagues and the FA Cup.

"The matches will be preceded by a minute's applause to mark the life and achievements of Nelson Mandela," said a Premier League spokesman.

There are plans for similar tributes at rugby union European Cup and European Challenge Cup matches.