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    Championship play-off final prize money 2025: How much do the winning team receive?

    THE Championship play-off final will take place TODAY with two of the second tier’s biggest sides battling for a spot in the Premier League.Sheffield Utd and Sunderland will go head-to-head in the blockbuster Wembley showpiece this afternoon.Sheffield United are eyeing an immediate Premier League returnCredit: Shutterstock EditorialDan Ballard’s last-minute header sent Sunderland through to the Championship play-off finalCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe Blades booked their place in the play-off final with a comfortable win over Bristol City in the semis.Boyhood Sheffield United fan Chris Wilder is looking to lead his side to an immediate return to the top flight.Sunderland’s route to the final wasn’t quite as plain sailing with Dan Ballard’s dramatic 122nd-minute header securing a narrow 3-2 aggregate win over Frank Lampard’s Coventry.The Black Cats have had four seasons in League One during their 8-year Premier League exile, but today could be the day they end their much-anticipated wait for a top flight return.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhat is the Championship play-off final prize money?Sheffield Utd and Sunderland aren’t just battling it out for the right to play at Old Trafford, Anfield and the Emirates next season, but for the huge financial reward that comes with promotion to the Premier League.The winners of the Championship play-off final will receive a minimum of £200million – that’s £60m more than Southampton got last term.And the money doesn’t stop there, as whoever claims Premier League status will secure a share of the new domestic television deal, which is worth £6.7bn across four seasons.The Wembley winner will also receive centralised commercial fees, facility fees and merit payments.Most read in ChampionshipShould the play-off victor be relegated back down to the Championship, they would be entitled to parachute payments.Sheffield Utd and Sunderland will also take home a share of the gate receipts from the Wembley play-off final, which is an estimated £2m.Past Championship play-off final prize moneyIt’s safe to say the value of winning the Championship play-offs has significantly increased over the years.In 2005, West Ham received £31m for beating Preston in the final – that’s a mammoth £189m less than this year’s prize.Here is a look at how the value of the Championship play-off final has changed in the last two decades:2025 – £200m2024 – £140m2023 – £170m2022 – £170m2021 – £178m2020 – £135m2019 – £170m2018 – £160m2017 – £170m2016 – £170m2015 – £120m2014 – £80m2013 – £120m2012 – £90m2011 – £90m2010 – £90m2009 – £60m2008 – £60m2007 – £60m2006 – £40m2005 – £31mWhat TV channel are the EFL play-off finals and is there a live stream?All three play-off finals will be broadcast on Sky Sports.The matches will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.They can also be live streamed to customers on the Sky Go app and NOW TV.SunSport will have LIVE coverage of all three play-off finals as they happen. More

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    David Beckham enters Gary Neville stadium ban row with brutal dig at Nottingham Forest

    DAVID BECKHAM weighed in on Gary Neville’s stadium ban with a cheeky dig at Nottingham Forest’s expense.Forest sensationally BANNED Neville from commentating at the City Ground on the final day of the season.Gary Neville was banned from covering Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea at the City GroundCredit: GettyNeville slammed Evangelos Marinakis for his public row with Nuno Espirito SantoCredit: Sky SportsDavid Beckham could not resist the cheeky dig at Forest’s expenseCredit: PAThe East Midlands outfit – who could still clinch Champions League football – blocked Sky Sports’ media accreditation request for Neville.The bombshell decision came after the former Manchester United defender criticised Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis.Neville labelled the Greek businessman’s public row on the pitch with manager Nuno Espirito Santo after the 2-2 draw with Leicester as “scandalous”. In a shock response, Forest refused to allow Neville to take to the gantry for the crunch clash with Chelsea in their Premier League finale. READ MORE ON GARY NEVILLENeville, 50, took to Instagram to break his silence and express his “disappointment” at the “unprecedented action”.And his close pal Beckham could not resist piling in on Forest.Becks, who co-owns Salford City with Neville, replied to the Instagram post with a brilliant comment.The ex-England captain, 50, quipped: “Must of been something to do with that 7-1 game back in the day,” followed by a laughing emoji.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe comment undoubtedly referred to United’s thumping win over Forest at the City Ground during the Treble-winning season in February 1999 in which both Beckham and Neville played the full 90 minutes.Incredibly, though, the result was actually 8-1 – as Beckham appeared to lose count of the score. Why these WILD Chris Wood & Morgan Rogers stats could spell disaster for Chelsea & Man Utd | Experts’ best bets – Weekend WagerDwight Yorke and Andy Cole scored two each before a sensational late quadruple from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Beckham’s comment racked up 26,000 likes by Saturday lunchtime.Jamie Carragher also got involved, simply typing a series of laughing emojis on the post while one fan joked: “Gary Neville and Bonnie Blue both banned from the City Ground,” in reference to the controversial adult content creator’s lifetime suspension. Neville added in his social media statement: “I was informed yesterday by Sky Sports that Nottingham Forest would not give me an accreditation or access to the stadium as a co-commentator. I’ve had no choice but to withdraw from the coverage.”I’ve dished out my fair share of criticism and praise in the last 14 years of doing this job and have never come close to this unprecedented action.While Forest have every right to choose who they let into their own stadium, it’s symptomatic of things that have happened over the last 12 monthsGary Neville”Personally, I think it’s disappointing that a great club like Nottingham Forest have been reduced to making such a decision. “Whilst they have every right to choose who they let into their own stadium, it’s symptomatic of things that have happened over the last 12 months with the club.”I wish the coaching staff, players and fans of the club all the best in their quest to achieve Champions League football.”Sky chiefs are furious and are standing with Neville following Forest’s decision, and have totally revised their coverage plans for the final game of the season.A spokesperson told SunSport: “Sky Sports was subsequently informed by Nottingham Forest that Gary Neville would be denied accreditation to the match.Read More on The Sun“This was an unprecedented and unwelcome step.”As a result, Sky Sports has decided to revise its production plans and has taken the decision to present the game from Sky Studios in West London.”Beckham made reference to a thumping Manchester United win in 1999Credit: InstagramBeckham lost track of how many goals United stuck in Forest’s netCredit: GettyOle Gunnar Solskjaer scored four in a late blitz as the Red Devils won 8-1Credit: PA:Empics SportBecks joined in the celebrations during the Treble-winning seasonCredit: Getty More

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    ‘The first thing we have to do’ – Adrian Newey breaks silence on Max Verstappen joining Aston Martin rumours

    ADRIAN NEWEY says Aston Martin will have to make a fast car if they are to ever attract Max Verstappen.The design guru, 66, has shut down talk of the Dutchman joining Aston Martin any time soon from Red Bull.Max Verstappen has been linked with a shock future move to Aston MartinCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe Dutchman’s contract with Red Bull expires in 2028Credit: SHUTTERSTOCKAdrian Newey believes Aston Martin would need to make a very fast car to ever land VerstappenCredit: ALAMYNewey sent shockwaves through F1 when he announced he was leaving Red Bull last season before committing his future to Aston in September.At the Monaco Grand Prix, he is making his first appearance in the paddock since his bombshell move.Newey said: “Max is clearly a phenomenal talent and he’s a supreme competitor.”So if we’re to ever attract Max, the first thing we have to do is make a fast car.READ MORE F1″There’s no point in pipe-dreaming about anything else for now.”When pressed further about the timeline for this project, Newey said: “I’ve got absolutely no idea.”There was huge speculation surrounding Verstappen’s future last season after Red Bull’s car struggled and Christian Horner’s ‘sexting scandal’ threw the team into chaos.The Red Bull boss, who denied the accusations, was cleared of the allegations twice after a private, independent investigation.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMercedes were tipped as the favourite destination with Toto Wolff publicly trying to tempt the four-time world champion.The current team is made up of world champion Fernando Alonso, 43, and Lance Stroll, the son of the team’s owner, Lawrence Stroll.10 Years of Max Verstappen documentary trailerNewey added: “Lance, I think has an unfairly bad rap,”Any driver who gets to Formula One is clearly very good, but I think Lance is much better than people give him credit for.”Fernando is such a good character. He’s been an enemy for many years, along with Lewis (Hamilton).””Two drivers I’ve always, from the modern era, felt I would enjoy working with were Lewis and Fernando and I couldn’t work with both so at least I got one of them.”Adrian Newey defected from Red Bull to Aston Martin in SeptemberCredit: SHUTTERSTOCKNewey has been laser-focused since March on designing the 2026 car under new regulations.He said: “My wife says I go into a design trance and I can understand what she means.Read More on The Sun”When I get into this sort of period of intense concentration, I tend to not see left and right.”All my processing power is going into one area which is trying to work with everyone to design a fast racing car.” More

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    Lewis Hamilton crashes in Monaco causing red flag and leaving Ferrari a wreck with race against time before qualifying

    FERRARI found themselves racing against the clock to get Lewis Hamilton’s car ready for qualifying after he crashed in the final practice session.The seven-time world champion was unhurt and safely left the car after the incident which happened in the dying moments of FP3 and an hour-and-a-half before qualifying.Lewis Hamilton crashed in the final practice sessionThe seven-time champion locked up and collided with the wallCredit: Sky SportsFerrari face a race to repair the car in time for qualifyingCredit: Sky SportsHamilton was unhurt from the collisionCredit: GettyThe Brit has had a difficult week after going airborne on FridayCredit: GettyThe British driver had crunched into the barriers at Massanet at blistering speed with nowhere else to go on the streets of Monte Carlo.He had come up over the crest and faced two cars moving slowly ahead so had to take action and avoid them.Meanwhile his team-mate Charles Leclerc ended the session quickest again on his home turf in a boost to struggling Ferrari.Four-time world champion Max Verstappen was looking strong and came in second fastest while Lando Norris was third, Oscar Piastri fourth and Hamilton fifth before the crash.READ MORE IN F1Qualifying for tomorrow’s grand prix begins at 3:00pm, so Ferrari found themselves in a race against the clock to repair the car in time.They released a statement shortly before qualifying was due to start to say Hamilton could take part.Ferrari said: “On Lewis’ car we changed the nose, front wing and right front suspension. We also replaced the entire rear end, including left and right hand suspension and gearbox as this is a quicker procedure than simply changing the damaged right rear suspension.”Lights out for tomorrow’s grand prix is at 2:00pm.Most read in MotorsportJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHamilton will be hoping the car is all fixed after recording his best ever finish for Ferrari at Imola last week.The seven-time world champion finished fourth, despite starting 12th on grid.Lewis Hamilton fumes ‘have a tea break while you’re at it’ at Ferrari staff and refuses to apologise in Miami GP bust-upHe has not got off to the best start this week either – yesterday he went airborne after driving over a kerb.As Hamilton zoomed into the iconic “piscine” section of the track, he was forced to take evasive action as traffic ahead of him almost caused catastrophe.The 40-year-old was forced to steer to the left to avoid a massive collision.That saw him drive straight over the kerb of the chicane, which sent him flying into the air. More

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    ‘Absolutely disgusting’ – Sunderland fans blasted after footage of how Trafalgar Square was left following party emerges

    SUNDERLAND fans were blasted for the “absolutely disgusting” state they left Trafalgar Square in.Black Cats supporters gathered in central London on Friday night to party ahead of Saturday’s Championship play-off final at Wembley.Sunderland fans left Trafalgar Square in a messCredit: X formerly TwitterBottles, cans, bags and litter were strewn across the floorCredit: X formerly TwitterThere was a major clear-up job left behindCredit: X formerly TwitterRival fans hit out at their Black Cats rivals for their selfishnessCredit: X formerly TwitterSunderland supporters took over Trafalgar Square on FridayCredit: ReutersThe game kicks off at 3.01pm – the one minute later due to an initiative with the Every Minute Matters, encouraging supporters to learn the life-saving skill of CPR.Regis Le Bris’ side face Sheffield United in the £190million match desperate to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2017. And their fans made the most of their trip to the national stadium – by descending on Trafalgar Square the night before the big game.Thousands of Sunderland supporters gathered at the iconic London landmark to get in the mood ahead of the final – with some even getting in the fountain. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut after everyone had gone, video footage of the aftermath emerged – and makes for shocking viewing.The entire square was left littered with cans, bottles, plastic bags and other rubbish.In the video, a man can be heard saying: “Aye we’ve got to do better than this.”And plenty of football fans took to social media to slam the Sunderland fans for their selfish, horrible attitude and antics.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOne labelled it “embarrassing”.Another wrote: “It looks awful.” Wild scenes in Naples as fans celebrate after Scott McTominay wins Serie A for NapoliA third replied: “Absolutely disgusting – @SunderlandAFC you should be ashamed of it, your club should be billed for the cleaning up.”And a final user simply wrote: “Vile.”In 2023, Newcastle fans were praised for helping clear up their mess at Trafalgar Square ahead of the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester United.And Crystal Palace supporters drew similar adulation for the way they played their part to tidy the rubbish after last week’s jubilant FA Cup final.Sunderland saw off Frank Lampard’s Coventry in dramatic fashion to book their spot in the play-off final – with the winning goal in the 122nd minute.Black Cats midfielder Jobe Bellingham is hoping to enjoy his moment in the Wembley spotlight – a year on from his brother Jude lifting the Champions League trophy under the arch.For team-mate Enzo Le Fee, it promises to be an emotional day.He bravely opened up on finding his father dead in bed after he had taken his own life.Read More on The SunOn the other side, Sheffield United striker Kieffer Moore is relishing his chance to finally play on the hallowed turf – and is desperate to secure a hat-trick of promotions to the Premier League.And Premier League clubs will be supporting the Blades because victory for them would ensure a bumper £39m cash bonus windfall due to the parachute payments. Thousands of supporters gathered in central LondonCredit: The Mega AgencySome even got in the fountainCredit: ReutersThis fan held a flare in his mouthCredit: ReutersSunderland fans stayed put until after darkCredit: ReutersThe Black Cats followers will be hoping for more partying after the play-off finalCredit: Reuters More

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    Why are the EFL play-off finals kicking off a minute later?

    SUNDERLAND and Sheffield United will meet in one of the biggest games on the English football calendar.A place in the Premier League awaits either the Blades or the Black Cats, with Chris Wilder’s side eyeing an immediate return to the top flight.Daniel Ballard headed Sunderland to Wembley with a last minute winner vs CoventryCredit: Scott Llewellyn | MI NewsChris Wilder is looking to guide Sheffield United straight back to the Premier LeagueCredit: Nick Potts/PA Wire.Charlton and London rivals Leyton Orient will meet in the League One play-off finalCredit: GettyWimbledon will take on Walsall in the League Two play-off finalCredit: Tom West | MI NewsRegis Le Bris is hoping to guide Sunderland back to the Premier League for the first time since 2016/17. The Championship play-off final is just one of three promotion deciders happening at Wembley over Bank Holiday weekend, with the League One and League Two play-off finals also occurring.League One sees an all-London affair, as Charlton and Leyton Orient both look to book their place alongside Wrexham and Birmingham in the Championship next season.In League Two, either Walsall or Wimbledon will be joining Doncaster, Port Vale and Bradford in League One next season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport can reveal why these games are starting one minute later than usual. Why are the EFL play-off finals starting a minute later?The kick-off times have been moved back one minute to promote the Every Minute Matters campaign.The campaign is a collaboration between EFL sponsors Sky Bet and the British Heart Foundation, which aims to get supporters to learn CPR.More than 270,000 people have already learned the life-saving skill thanks to the campaign, which launched during last season’s play-offs.Most read in EFLAs a result, the three play-off finals will now have amended kick-off times:Sat, May 24: Sheffield United vs Sunderland – 3:01pm BSTSun, May 25: Charlton vs Leyton Orient – 1:01pm BST Mon, May 26: Wimbledon vs Walsall – 3:01pm BSTWhat TV channel are the EFL play-off finals and is there a live stream?All three play-off finals will be aired by Sky Sports.The matches will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.They can also be live streamed to customers on the Sky Go app and NOW TV.SunSport will have live coverage of all three matches. More

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    ‘Only thing not erupting is Mount Vesuvius’ – Fans can’t believe how Napoli have been celebrating Serie A title

    THOUSANDS partied in the streets and fireworks were let off across the city as Napoli clinched Serie A glory.Antonio Conte’s side beat Cagliari 2-0 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona last night to pip Inter Milan to the title.Naples erupted as the club won their fourth ScudettoCredit: SplashThousands lined the streets as the city partied all nightCredit: Shutterstock EditorialFans watched on big screens and celebrated in Piazza del PlebiscitoCredit: Shutterstock EditorialFireworks and flares lit up the skyCredit: Shutterstock EditorialAntonio Conte was thrown into the air by his playersCredit: GettyScott McTominay is a fans’ favouriteCredit: GettyNapoli celebrated the club’s fourth Scudetto in style as wild festivities carried on until the following morning.The stunning atmosphere began hours before kick-off as supporters without a match ticket rushed to the city’s main square Piazza del Plebiscito to watch the game on big screens.Incredible videos showed thousands filling the huge square within minutes of it opening as others gathered outside the stadium.Fireworks were lit across Naples when Scott McTominay scored an outrageous bicycle kick to put them 1-0 up.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSmoke from flares engulfed the Maradona Stadium and the pitch could barely be seen on TV.Romelu Lukaku then sealed the title with a wonderful solo goal as the party truly started.Even more fireworks and flares were let off, as amazing footage taken from the mountains overlooking Naples showed the place erupting.As far as the eye could see there were lights vibrantly flashing as the football-obsessed city rejoiced. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSFireworks were set off for Napoli in MilanCredit: Shutterstock EditorialHundreds partied in other cities across ItalyCredit: Shutterstock EditorialFans were left stunned by the footage, with one saying: “Only thing not erupting is Mount Vesuvius.”Another added: “Best fans in Italy and home of the most iconic football player in history. Diego would be proud.”Wild scenes in Naples as fans celebrate after Scott McTominay wins Serie A for NapoliA third marvelled: “Scenes. They know how to celebrate.”The joy stretched as far as Milan as hundreds of Neapolitans emerged in front of the Duomo Cathedral late last night.At the final whistle, Napoli players threw Conte into the air as he and club president Aurelio De Laurentiis then shared an emotional hug and were close to tears.Fans were left in anticipation though as the manager was forced to do his post-match press conference before the trophy lift.But the Napoli squad gatecrashed the interview and soaked him in champagne.Every member of the team then dyed their hair blue and a guard of honour from the tunnel to the podium was formed by members of the backroom staff.Players re-appeared from the dressing room one-by-one when their name was called and all were serenaded by the crowd.Serie A player of the season McTominay got one of the biggest receptions, completing a remarkable turnaround since leaving Manchester United last summer.The Neapolitan party carried on long into the night as hundreds of banners with the number four were hung above the iconic narrow streets in the Quartieri Spagnoli neighbourhood. Read More on The SunMcTominay has been called the “darling of Napoli” after being one of the team’s main men en route to Serie A glory.There are Maradona-style shrines, flags and kits everywhere you look in the city based around the Scottish midfielder signed for just £25million a year ago.Conte’s press conference was ambushed by the jubilant playersIncredible footage showed the whole of the city letting off fireworksCredit: X formerly Twitter / @AzatAzadi3444Everything but Mount Vesuvius was lit upCredit: X formerly Twitter / @AzatAzadi3444Napoli won it with a last day victory over CagliariCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThousands rejoiced across NaplesCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More

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    Why every Premier League club will be supporting Sheff Utd over Sunderland in the Championship play-off final

    THE Championship play-off final is already the richest game in football. Either Sheffield United or Sunderland will be £190million richer as a result of winning at Wembley today.Sheffield United winning promotion would lead to a bumper cash windfall for Premier League clubsCredit: GettyThe game kicks off at 3.01pm – the one minute later due to an initiative with the Every Minute Matters, encouraging supporters to learn the life-saving skill of CPR.But come 5pm, it will not just be the Blades fans hoping Chris Wilder’s side have secured victory and snatching the 20th spot in the 2025-26 Premier League season. That is because every remaining Premier League club will also be supporting United against Sunderland. As explained by football finance expert Kieran Maguire, Sheffield United returning to the Premier League will see the rest of the Premier League entitled to a £39million windfall.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThat is because Premier League rules state clubs are entitled to three years of parachute payments upon relegation from the top flight – two years if they were relegated immediately after promotion. The parachute payments are 55 per cent, 45 per cent and 20 per cent of the equal share elements of the Premier League distribution to its member clubs.Maguire confirmed this is £48m, £39m and £17m respectively across the three years of payments. However, if a Championship club due to receive parachute payments are promoted back to the Premier League within those three years, they do not get given the outstanding money. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSInstead, the cash is kept by the Premier League who then distribute it to their own clubs. After being relegated in 2023-24, Sheffield United received £45m this season and were due to pocket another £39m next season.’Absolutely disgusting’ – Sunderland fans blasted after footage of how Trafalgar Square was left following party emergesHowever, the Premier League will not have to shell out that money should the Blades return to the top table for 2025-26. Leeds and Burnley’s promotions also saved the Premier League £17m and £39m respectively in parachute payments not needing to be paid. That means a total saving of £95m in parachute payments through promotion. Meanwhile, Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton were all relegated immediately after being promoted.That ensures all three clubs are ineligible for the £17m third-year parachute payments, slashing a further £51m from the Premier League’s expenditure.It all means the Premier League could save a whopping £146m overall – which will be shared among the top 20 clubs, who would each receive a bumper bonus. Sheffield United booked their spot in the final having fallen away from Burnley and Leeds in the automatic spots – but breezed past Bristol City 6-0 on aggregate in the play-off semi-finals.Sunderland saw off Frank Lampard’s Coventry in dramatic fashion – with the winning goal in the 122nd minute. Black Cats midfielder Jobe Bellingham is hoping to enjoy his moment in the Wembley spotlight – a year on from his brother Jude lifting the Champions League trophy under the arch. For team-mate Enzo Le Fee, it promises to be an emotional day. Read More on The SunHe bravely opened up on finding his father dead in bed after he took his own life.On the other side, Blades striker Kieffer Moore is relishing his chance to finally play on the hallowed turf – and is desperate to secure a hat-trick of promotions to the Premier League. More