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    Plans for quango football regulator should be scrapped immediately, blasts Kemi Badenoch

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    PLANS for a quango football regulator should be scrapped immediately, Kemi Badenoch blasted yesterday.The Tory Leader implored Sir Keir Starmer against creating another body which could be led by a Labour donor.Kemi Badenoch has told Keir Starmer to scrap plans for a quango football regulatorCredit: ReutersIn the coming weeks, ministers are expected to confirm that the football regulator will be headed up by David Kogan.The sports media rights executive donated almost £75,000 to Labour MPs and parliamentary candidates in 2023 and 2024.Ms Badenoch told The Sun: “I don’t and have never really believed in the idea of a football regulator, because it’s about who runs it.“I’ve heard rumours that Labour has picked some Labour person to run the football regulator. read more on Kemi Badenoch”So it’s going to be a quango.”This is a government that doesn’t have serious businesspeople, people who understand these things.“Labour, running football, in my view, is not a good idea.”In February Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe, former chairman of Southampton FC and FA Board member, warned the organisation would destroy the Premier League.Most read in FootballSpeaking to The Sun’s Never Mind The Ballots show, he said: “The Premier League’s an unbelievable success.“It brings huge soft power to Britain, it brings huge amounts of tax revenue to the Exchequer.”Kemi Badenoch pleads for Tories to give her more time just like Margaret Thatcher was givenMs Badenoch said: ‘Labour, running football, in my view, is not a good idea’Credit: Dan Charity More

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      Chelsea set to send promising goalkeeper out on loan again despite horror Sanchez and Jorgensen form

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      CHELSEA plan to send keeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe to the Championship next season.The England Under-21 ace helped Doncaster go up from League Two this term.Enzo Maresca has had issues with his first-choice goalkeeping spotCredit: GettyRobert Sanchez started the season as first choice before a series of mistakesCredit: GettyBut backup Filip Jorgensen has failed to take the opportunities that have come his wayCredit: ReutersTeddy Sharman-Lowe won promotion with DoncasterCredit: GettyNow the Blues want the 22-year-old to be tested at a higher level to raise his game and profile.It comes despite boss Enzo Maresca facing a first-choice headache following dodgy form from Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen.Sanchez was dropped back in February, only for Swedish-born ace Jorgensen to immediately make two blunders against Brighton.Maresca has since gone back to his Spanish 27-year-old.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSAnd he praised Sanchez following Saturday’s 1-0 home Prem win over Everton.Maresca said: “You can see the teammates how they celebrate with him, also at the end of the game. “They know for Robert it has not been a good moment so they support and helped him.”Robert has already had many good moments this season. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”Against Tottenham at home, he made a good save on 90 minutes. “As a human being, you always remember the bad things and not the good things. He has had some very good moments with us.”Cole Palmer spotted running away from Stamford Bridge as baffled Chelsea fans ask ‘where is he going’And although some Chelsea fans have voiced their unease with Sanchez, finding a new keeper is not understood to be one of Maresca’s priorities in the summer transfer market.The West Londoners are not short of goalkeepers, with Djordje Petrovic, who was first choice under Mauricio Pochettino, enjoying a stellar season at Strasbourg.But Kepa, the world’s most expensive goalkeeper, is not expected to come back into Maresca’s thinking despite impressing on loan at Bournemouth. More

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      Leeds could bring back fans’ favourite Kalvin Phillips in cut price transfer three years after £42m Man City move

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      LEEDS’ promotion to the top flight may spark an emotional Elland Road return for Kalvin Phillips.And his home town club could land their former skipper for half the £42million Manchester City paid to sign him three years ago.Kalvin Phillips has had a fruitless loan spell at Ipswich this seasonCredit: RexThe former England star is a legend at Leeds UnitedCredit: GettyPhillips left Leeds in 2022 after 12 years at the club, with fans dubbing him the Yorkshire Pirlo.But his first two seasons at City brought just six starts, while boss Pep Guardiola called him overweight on returning from the 2022 World Cup.Guardiola apologised, but the midfielder remained an Etihad outcast and spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham.He joined newly promoted Ipswich in August, but there have been just 16 starts and one goal in a Portman Road switch that never took off.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt has been a stunning fall from grace for the midfielder, who helped lead Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds into the top flight in 2020, after a 16-year absence.Current Elland Road boss Daniel Farke knows he needs to strengthen for their Prem return.A move for Phillips  — with the added incentive of proving he can still cut it in the top flight  — is a no brainer for both Leeds and the player.SunSport first exclusively suggested Leeds’ interest in Phillips last month.Most read in SportAnd in February he “liked” a post that highlighted the flying form of Elland Road winger Dan James.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKNow momentum for a possible move is building.It comes as Farke shrugged off speculation over his own future.Patrick Bamford leads fans in X-rated chant about Chris Wilder as Leeds celebrate promotionThere’s been talk that Leeds’ US-based owners 49s Enterprises are not convinced he’s the right person to oversee the club at top-flight level.But asked if he felt disrespected, Farke said: “Not at all, it’s not surprising.“I knew for which club I signed, I’m not sure how many managers Leeds had in the last 20 years, but it’s a good effort if you last for three months.“Once you sign a contract, there’s lots of pressure, noise, expectations.“On a weekly basis someone is linked. It’s nothing new.” More

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      Evanilson should never have been sent off against Man Utd, the red card was just like Bruno Fernandes in Spurs clash

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      EVANILSON should never have received a red card against  Manchester United.The Bournemouth striker slipped when he challenged Moroccan  international Noussair Mazraoui in the 70th minute of Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw.Bournemouth frontman Evanilson slipped as he tackled Man Utd defender Noussair Mazraoui and was harshly given a red cardCredit: RexEx-Premier League referee Mark Halsey was astonished that VAR got involvedCredit: AFPUnited’s Bruno Fernandes had his dismissal for this challenge on James Maddison during a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham last September overturnedCredit: GettyRef Peter Bankes gave a yellow card to the Brazilian — and that was the correct call, as Evanilson’s slip turned his tackle into a reckless one. It was not serious foul play.Why on earth did VAR John Brooks get involved?It’s a very poor decision — and Bournemouth can feel aggrieved because it changed the game and dented their European hopes.They would have a good case to appeal the dismissal — and the three-match ban — as the incident was similar to Bruno Fernandes’ foul against Spurs last September.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe United midfielder’s sending-off in United’s 3-0 defeat was rescinded.Referee Chris Kavanagh showed Fernandes a straight red but the appeal commission ruled he had made an “obvious” error.WHAT WAS THE PREM EXPLANATION?HERE’S the statement Prem chiefs issued to explain Evanilson’s red card:Evanilson appeared stunned with his dismissalCredit: RexBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK “VAR recommended an on-field review for a possible red card for the challenge by Evanilson on Mazraoui – with the challenge deemed to be two-footed with both feet off the ground, endangering the safety of the opponent. Most read in Football”Upon review, the referee issued a red card to Evanilson for serious foul play.”Man Utd legend, 61, set to take charge of National League side as he says ‘it wouldn’t be beneath me’BOURNEMOUTH CHIEF’S ANGRY VERDICTCHERRIES’ boss Andoni Iraola appeared astounded by his frontman’s dismissal.Iraola told Sky Sports: “Common sense. Everyone who has played football understands. “He slips. He doesn’t catch him with the leg that goes high and the consequence is a red card. “It is another three games without playing. The repercussions for us are huge. Of course we are going to appeal. It is common sense. “In the first half Evanilson gets a kick in the chest by Casemiro. I don’t think you should have a red card for this. But the VAR cuts the worst angle, the worst frame.” More

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      Phil Foden puts family home up for sale for £3.25m just after we revealed his mum is on move

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      PHIL Foden has put his former family home up for sale for a cool £3.25m – just a week after we revealed his mum is also on the move.The Manchester City midfielder moved out of the sprawling four-bedroom property in Prestbury, Cheshire, last September after neighbours called police to complain about a noisy party being held at the property.Phil Foden has put his former family home up for sale for £3.25mCredit: GettyFoden, who lives with fiancee Rebecca Cooke and their three young children, has now moved into a sprawling mansion in the Cheshire countryside which comes complete with its own lake so he can indulge his love of fishing.The transfer comes as Phil, 25, also put a five bedroom mansion that his parents Claire and Phil Senior live in just a couple of miles away up for sale.They too have been hit with noise complaints from neighbours.A source said: “Phil and his family enjoyed living in Prestbury but they are now settled in their new home so it makes sense to cash in and sell up the other home.”Read More on SportFoden is set to make a profit of £400,000 if the house, which he bought three years ago, sells for its asking price of £3.25m.New footage shows Phil Foden’s reaction to Man Utd fans’ sick chant aimed at his mum More

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      Carlo Ancelotti ‘to leave Real Madrid for Brazil and won’t even stay in charge for Club World Cup’

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      CARLO ANCELOTTI will leave Real Madrid BEFORE the Club World Cup starts, according to reports.And he is said to have already told senior figures in the dressing room of his decision to leave.Carlo Ancelotti is set to leave Real Madrid and take charge of BrazilCredit: GettyCarlo Ancelotti is under immense pressure after seeing Real Madrid crash out of the Champions League and lose the Copa del Rey final to Barcelona.The Athletic report that the legendary boss will take charge of the Brazilian national team.It is understood he will sign an initial one-year deal to the end of the 2026 World Cup and start his role in June.However, that timeline would mean Ancelotti will leave Los Blancos BEFORE the Club World Cup starts.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 65-year-old has a contract at the Bernabeu running until the summer of 2026.But poor results this season have led to intense pressure on his position.The decision means Real chiefs Florentino Perez and Co may need to appoint an interim manager to take charge of the newly-formatted summer tournament being held in the USA.Director of Football, Santi Solari is said to be best placed for the role, unless they immediately appoint number one target Xabi Alonso.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThere is also speculation that Los Blancos could make a left-field move for Jurgen Klopp.Meanwhile, Ancelotti will not have the support of his son, Davide, when he joins up with the Brazil national team.Carlo Ancelotti shows his disappointment as Real Madrid crashes out of Champions League to Arsenal That is because the report adds that Davide is set to move into his own career of becoming a head coach.He will only reunite with his father as his assistant if he does not receive a suitable offer.Speaking about the rumours linking him to Brazil after the heated Copa del Rey defeat to Barcelona, Ancelotti said: “I might stay, I might leave. “This is an issue to deal with in a few weeks from now. Not today.”Ancelotti joined Real for the second time in 2021, and has won LaLiga twice, the Champions League twice, the Uefa Super Cup twice and the Copa del Rey.Carlo Ancelotti has now won 28 trophies More

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      Ruben Amorim warns Rasmus Hojlund ‘he has to score many more’ goals after dramatic last gasp Man Utd equaliser

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      RUBEN AMORIM has told Rasmus Hojlund he has to score “many more” goals for Manchester United ahead of their Europa League crunch.United rescued a point at ten-man Bournemouth as Hojlund’s 96th-minute leveller cancelled out Antoine Semenyo’s 23rd-minute opener.Ruben Amorim has told Rasmus Hojlund has to score ‘many more goals’Hojlund’s 96th goal secured a point for Man Utd at BournemouthThe Dane was ecstaticto finally scoreHojlund had scored just twice since December and has nine goals all season, including four in the Premier League.The £72million signing posted on Instagram: “We wanted the win, but I needed that.”Boss Amorim will persist with Hojlund, 22, for Thursday’s Europa League semi-final first leg at Athletic Bilbao with Joshua Zirkzee injured.Asked how Hojlund has dealt with his barren run, Amorim said: “I will not say he is relaxed but he could be a little lighter during the week.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS“He now needs to score many more.“I see the training, the way they behave, the way they want to improve.“I see the games also and I try to put out the best 11 to win games. It was a good moment for him but it’s just a goal. Let’s focus on Thursday.”On reports that Hojlund could be sold this summer, Amorim added: “We have a lot of things still to do this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“We like our strikers. We’re improving our strikers. We’ll see what happens next season. Rasmus is scoring, so we’ll see.”Bournemouth’s quest for European football next season was made harder and they stand seven points behind seventh-placed Aston Villa with trips to Arsenal and Manchester City to come.Amorim is officially WORST Man Utd manager of post-Sir Alex Ferguson era as under-fire boss admits- I’m underperformingThe Cherries had Evanilson sent off after a VAR review in the 70th minute — and plan to appeal.Manager Andoni Iraola raged: “Common sense — everyone who has played football understands.“He slips. He doesn’t catch him with the leg that goes high. The referee, who is live, does not think it is a red card.” More

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      Did Jurgen Klopp eerily predict Liverpool’s 2024-25 Premier League title win during final interview as Kop boss?

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      JURGEN KLOPP got it spookily spot-on when he departed Liverpool last summer with an enticing prediction.The German bowed out of Anfield after nine iconic years with a hot take that has aged perfectly.Arne Slot has completed a title achievement few would have predictedCredit: RexBut Jurgen Klopp had a mystic microphone when he looed to the futureKlopp won the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup as he restored the Reds to the top table at home and abroad.But few believed his replacement Arne Slot could achieve instant success in his first season at Liverpool.However, Sunday’s 5-1 victory over Tottenham sealed title glory with four games to spare.And many more might have backed Slot if they’d listened closely to a ‘Klopp-timistic’ clairvoyant last year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLKlopp said then: “I will be fine. And more importantly the club as well, because you saw the team now, that’s a bunch of really good people, and they will be fine, or even more.“Somebody will come in, full of dreams, full of energy, full of excitement and full of new ideas, rightly so, and lead the club into that future. It’s great.”Yet even Slot might have struggled to imagine how magical his first campaign in England would be.Liverpool are 15 points clear of Arsenal, 20 above Newcastle and 21 ahead of deposed champions Manchester City.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd when asked about the apparent ease of his achievement, the Dutchman referenced Klopp.Slot told Sky Sports: “That’s not only my job, it’s the job of the players and the staff members standing over there and the work Jurgen (Klopp) and Pepijn (Lijnders) left behind over here.HOW LIVERPOOL WON THE TITLE”The culture of the team, the work rate, the quality was outstanding. “We all knew that. We started off really well and it maybe helped a bit that (Manchester) City had a difficult spell, which they hadn’t had in five years.”When the season started everyone would have been happy if we were in the top four for Champions League again but I don’t think that was fair to our players.”They are much better than that and that’s what they have showed this season.”Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk told the same broadcaster: “It’s special and it’s something that we don’t take for granted. It’s amazing.”We got the job done and we (are) truly deserved champions of England.” More

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      Man Utd legend, 61, set to take charge of National League side as he says ‘it wouldn’t be beneath me’

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      MARK HUGHES is preparing to take another step down to help Carlisle back up into the Football League.The Manchester United legend racked up 569 games as a Premier League boss after five years in charge of Wales.Mark Hughes was unable to steer Carlisle United away from relegation to the National LeagueHughes did everything he could to save the Cumbrians after being hired in FebruaryCredit: PANow he looks certain to remain in charge of the Cumbrians in next season’s National League after they were relegated with defeat at Cheltenham.Hughes, who also spent 20 months as Bradford City chief, sees no problem in finding himself in the fifth tier of English football, declaring: “I have no ego.“Just because I played for United and managed clubs like Manchester City, or led my country, doesn’t mean being in charge of a National League team would somehow be beneath me.“Maybe other people might feel that but not me, even if I recognise  it would be pretty unique for someone with some of the high spots I’ve had in my career.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS“I showed how much I still love being a manager by going to Bradford — when you’ve been a manager as long as I have you just miss that buzz of standing on the touchline at three o’clock on  a Saturday afternoon.”The 61-year-old — who won two Prem titles and enjoyed a clutch of cup  successes at Old Trafford — also bossed Blackburn Rovers, Stoke, Fulham, QPR and Southampton.After being sacked by the Saints in 2018, he spent more than three years out of the game before shocking the football world by turning up at the Bantams.Hughes then replaced Mike Williamson in February with Carlisle five points adrift at the bottom of League Two and had won five and drawn five of 16 games before the near–inevitable happened on Saturday.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordRelegation or not, the indications are that he will stay after signing a rolling contract three months ago.Hughes added: “The owners are good people and they still have some big plans.Danny Devito celebrates Wrexham’s last-gasp win over Barnsley as he watches from virtual stadium in LA“Discussions have taken place about me staying and plans for the future. This has been a tough challenge but one I’d still be up for, so we’ll see.“We have around 18 players under contract for next season. “The core of the side is already there and we’ve seen how well they’ve responded over the last couple of months against all the odds.”Americans Tom and Patty Piatak bought Carlisle 17 months ago, announcing ambitious plans to reach the Championship. Instead, the logistics millionaires from Florida have overseen successive relegations.And the owners said they were “deeply sorry for putting the fans through so much pain”.But there was also a huge hint that Hughes will be staying on, with their statement declaring: “Planning for next season is already in motion. “Discussions with Mark Hughes are ongoing and positive.“In recent weeks, Mark has helped rebuild the connection between the team and supporters.Read More on The Sun“It’s a small but important step.“It shows what this football club can still become — and underlines how far we still have to go.” More