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      I played against England at World Cup then became David Beckham’s team-mate – now I want to be a Premier League referee

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      CHRIS BIRCHALL never made it to the Premier League as a player – but is eager to get there in retirement.The former LA Galaxy midfielder played alongside David Beckham during his MLS days. Former Port Vale and LA Galaxy midfielder Chris Birchall is training to become a refCredit: Paul TongeThe midfielder played alongside England legend David Beckham in LACredit: GettyBirchall also faced England in the 2006 World Cup for Trinidad and TobagoCredit: GettyAnd now he is retraining as a referee, all thanks to a special PGMOL initiative for former pros.Birchall is part of the ‘Player to Match Official’ programme, a joint venture between the PGMOL and the Players Association. The scheme aims to fast-track ex-players into officiating over a three-year period.Birchall, who played most of his club football for Port Vale, hung up his boots in 2017. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLNow 40, he believes the scheme is vital to bring through the next generation of referees. Birchall told Sky Sports: “If you were a professional who finished at 32, 33, there wouldn’t be an opportunity because you’d be 45 before you had the chance.”This is why this programme is so exciting because it opens doors to ex-players to come through into the game and use their experience to not be better referees.”But to try and be as good as they individually can, because there are some exceptional referees coming through who haven’t played the game.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”A lot of people say this is what the game’s been crying out for, but you don’t want to be the person to say ‘ex-players are going to become better refs’. “It’s just another string to the bow of officiating.”Former LA Galaxy star Birchall goes from playing with Beckham to being a refereeEx-pros including Coventry winger Carl Baker and Milwall midfielder Liam Trotter are also enrolled in the course. And Birchall has big ambitions – with a spot in the Premier League within his sights.He continued: “Sometimes, someone will ask you a question like, ‘Where do you want to be in three years?’ “I want to be in the Premier League. I don’t want to come across as arrogant, but the opportunity is there to be in the Premier League. “So, my goal within that three to four years is to be officiating in the Premier League.”What do David Beckham’s tattoos mean?HandsStarting with the hands, and David Beckham has the word “Love” inked across the top of his left hand, with a swallow on either side.This is joined by the numbers 723, a combination of the shirts he famously wore for Manchester United and later Real Madrid.On his little finger, he has the year he was married.Becks also has a small female-stick figure designed by his daughter Harper.The devoted husband has “Posh” tattooed on a finger as a nod to wife Victoria Beckham’s Spice Girls nickname.ArmsBecks has two sleeve tattoos on both his arms with the centrepieces paying tribute to his marriage to Victoria.The most famous of his body art comes in the shape of her name along the inside of his forearm, which is inked in Sanskrit.Both Posh and Becks have Hebrew tattoos, which they got to celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary.The matching tatts translate to, “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine”.Meanwhile, Becks also has a separate rose inking on his left arm to mark the couple’s tenth anniversary.NeckOne of Beckham’s most famous tattoos is on his neck, which is a gothic style cross and wings.It is symbolic of to his religion and acts as a protective guardian of his son Romeo, whose name is tattooed just below the angel wings.Beckham also has the name of his daughter, Harper, on the side of his neck.This was later updated to include the words “Pretty Lady”, to mark her fourth birthday.BackBeckham’s back tattoos serve as tribute to his sons.He has angel wings at the top as a sign of protection for them.Becks has both his eldest on Brooklyn, and his youngest son Cruz’s names inked across his back.BodyBeckham has a large chest tattoo that is an image of himself as Jesus, with three cherubs representing his sons, Brooklyn, Romeo, and Cruz.The footy ace also has a vertical tattoo down his left side in Chinese symbols – this translates as “Death and life have determined appointments”.Paying homage to his father, he has an inking of a ship at full mast – which is identical to the same one his dad has.Birchall spent much of his early career in England’s lower leagues, playing for Vale, Coventry and Brighton.His world was turned upside down in 2009 when he joined the Galaxy in Los Angeles, replacing Beckham on his debut.Speaking to SunSport last year, Birchall said: “David was great with me.”Although I played with him towards the end of his career, wow what a player. “He could pick you out with a pass from 40 yards.”There was banter between us as English guys. “He’d come into training every morning and say to me, ‘Hi, Mr Perfect’ and I was like, ‘If anyone should be called that it’s you!’”Before playing with David Beckham, Birchall played against him on the biggest stage of all.Though born in Stafford, he was called up by Trinidad and Tobago by virtue of his mum being born in the country’s capital Port of Spain.Playing with Man Utd legend Dwight Yorke, Birchall would score one of the most famous goals in the country’s history as he scored a long range equaliser in a home play-off against Bahrain.The Soca Warriors would then win 1-0 in the Middle East to earn a spot at the 2006 World Cup.And there, while playing club football for Port Vale, he took on Becks and England’s Golden Generation.READ MORE SUN STORIESThere, the Caribbean Islanders stubbornly held the Three Lions to a goalless stalemate until the 83rd minute where Peter Crouch netted a controversial opening goal.The England striker was seen pulling on defender Brent Sancho’s dreadlocks to head home before Steven Gerrard netted a second in stoppage time. 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      Man City would have gone into administration if they hadn’t sold me – I didn’t have a choice about leaving

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      SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS revealed Manchester City would have gone into administration if they hadn’t sold him to Chelsea in 2005.Wright-Phillips, 43, joined City’s academy at the age of 17 and was promoted to the first team only a year later when he rose to prominence.Manchester City icon Shaun Wright-Phillips was sold to Chelsea in 2005Credit: GettyWright-Phillips revealed Man City sold him to avoid going into administrationCredit: AlamyWright-Phillips was happy at Man City befoe his move to ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – GettyAfter six impressive years with Man City, the former winger started to attract interest from his father Ian Wright’s former club Arsenal who were planning a bid in January 2006.However, Chelsea beat their London rivals to the punch in July 2005 following a £21million deal with the Citizens.The ex-England international wanted to stay at the Etihad but his agent insisted he didn’t have a choice, without providing any further details.And a few months later, the former Queens Parks Rangers star found out City had to sell him to the Blues or else the club was going to go into administration.Read More on FootballWright-Phillips told Ladbrokes: “The summer I left, I’d heard that Arsenal were interested, and there was some inquiries into that between the two clubs from what I remember. “I was asked would I go, and I just said no – I was a kid! It wasn’t about leaving City to play for a bigger team.”I was just happy where I was, and I enjoyed playing football from Manchester City. “So I didn’t think about going to Arsenal to have a chance to win the league or be a part of what’s going on there. Basically, I just said that it’s not for me.Most read in Football”I said to my agent that I’m happy where I am, but then he told me I didn’t really have a choice. He didn’t explain all the details behind it. “He just kind of said I don’t really have a choice, but we’re waiting to see what Arsene Wenger’s going to say.Man City announce £12.5m ‘new Messi’ arrival 24 days AFTER transfer window closed following £182m spending spree”And then he said that he would like me but that we’d have to wait until January. “Then Chelsea just bid, Man City accepted it and then I just had to leave. “It was only a few months later I found out that if they didn’t sell me, if they didn’t get that fee, the club was going to go into administration. So that was the reason why I left.”SWP spent three years at Stamford Bridge before returning to City, moving to QPR for four years and spells in the US. More

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      Man Utd quoted stunning £100million price tag for Premier League star, 19, who has scored just two goals this season

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly been quoted £100million for Southampton star Tyler Dibling.The 19-year-old has been one of the few shining lights for Saints this season.Southampton want £100million for Man Utd target Tyler DiblingCredit: GettyThe south coast club sit rock-bottom of the Premier League table with just two wins from 29 games.And their relegation fate could be sealed early next month, less than a year after winning promotion from the Championship.Southampton are on their second manager of the campaign in Ivan Juric, with predecessor Russell Martin sacked before Christmas.And fans are now resigned to at least another term in English football’s second tier.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, hopes remain high for the development of star man Dibling.The teen forward has only scored twice in the Premier League.But his all-action approach and lightning speed down the flanks has provided supporters with some rare excitement.Dibling, who had a brief spell at Chelsea in 2022, has attracted plenty of attention as a result.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMan United are thought to be strongly interested as they look to rebuild their squad for Ruben Amorim.Likewise, rivals Man City, Tottenham and Newcastle are also thought to have Dibling high on their shopping lists this summer.I told Rio Ferdinand to tell Sir Alex Ferguson to f*** off and the Man Utd legend’s reaction was pricelessBut Southampton have no intention of letting him leave for pennies.According to the Telegraph, Saints chiefs have slapped an eye-watering £100m price tag on him.The St Mary’s side are extremely reluctant to let Dibling leave and reckon he can orchestrate the club’s immediate return to the top flight.One Southampton star who looks likely to leave though is goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.The stopper only joined from Arsenal last summer for £25m but knows he needs to be playing regularly in the Premier League to secure his England spot at the World Cup. More

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      Iconic Estadio Azteca stadium where Diego Maradona scored The Hand of God goal to be renamed as part of £80MILLION deal

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      THE iconic Estadio Azteca is set to be renamed the Estadio Banorte as part of an £80million sponsorship deal.Mexico’s national stadium – where Diego Maradona scored his Hand of God goal against England in 1986 – has undergone several renovations since it opened in 1966.Estadio Azteca has been renamedCredit: AFPThe iconic stadium is currently being renovatedCredit: AFPThe stadium is set to host the opening game of 2026 World CupCredit: AlamyIt is undergoing changes in order to be fully modernised in time for next year’s World Cup.To help finance the redevelopments, a sponsorship deal has been reached with Mexican bank Banorte that will see the 81,000-capacity ground’s name change.A statement read: “Banorte and Grupo Ollamani proudly announce a partnership that includes financing, advertising, and sponsorship elements to modernize and transform this historic stadium, a symbol of Mexican football and culture.”From today, the Cathedral of World Football will be known as Estadio Banorte.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe arrangement will see the stadium receive £80million in financing.Strict Fifa sponsorship rules, however, will dictate that the stadium will still be referred to as Estadio Azteca throughout next year’s World Cup.Renovations will see improved LED screens introduced, new interior spaces built, moved media seats and improved changing rooms – in addition to an increased capacity of 90,000.Mexican side Club America also play their home games at the Estadio Azteca.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKLast year they temporarily moved to Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, however, due to the Azteca’s revelopment works.It’s hoped that the Azteca will be ready for Club America to return by December.Saudi Arabia release new pictures of 92,000-capacity ‘germinating seed’ King Salman Stadium ahead of 2034 World CupThe Azteca will be the biggest stadium used for the 2026 World Cup and is scheduled to host two of Mexico’s three group matches, including the tournament’s opening game on June 11 next year.This will make the Azteca the first stadium to ever host three World Cup openers, having also done so in 1970 and 1986.Despite the stadium’s prestige, only five of the tournament’s 104 matches will take place in Mexico City.Its last will be a round of 16 clash on July 5.In comparison, the Estadio Azteca hosted ten games at the 1970 World Cup and nine in 1986.One of the matches it hosted during the latter was England’s quarter-final exit to Argentina.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe match remains legendary for Diego Maradona’s double – one a sensational weaving run and finish, the other the infamous Hand of God.With the Azteca still possessing terracing in those days, the match was watched by 114,580 people.Diego Maradona’s Hand of God goal took place at Mexico City’s iconic stadiumCredit: Getty – ContributorPele won the 1970 World Cup at the Estadio AztecaCredit: Getty More

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      World Cup scandal as major La Liga stadium is left out of hosting tournament after report ‘manipulated’

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      THE Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has been embroiled in a bizarre scandal over its stadiums for the 2030 World Cup. Spain, Morocco and Portugal have been selected as hosts for the tournament in five years time. The Estadio Balaidos has reportedly been overlooked for the 2030 World CupCredit: GettyReal Sociedad’s Anoeta Stadium has instead been chosenCredit: AlamyEleven venues were announced last week by the RFEF, including Real Madrid’s Bernabeu and Barcelona’s Nou Camp.In the original list, Celta Vigo’s Balaidos Stadium was ranked No. 11 ahead of Anoeta Stadium, home to Real Sociedad.But Spanish outlet El Mundo alleges “the RFEF manipulated the scores to exclude Vigo and include San Sebastian.”According to the report, a team “evaluated the Spanish stadiums in a meeting held on June 25, 2024.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe stadiums were selected using a ranking system, which scored the “technical project, operational capacity, financial structure and facilities of the host cities.” The outlet claims “just 48 hours later, the evaluation team tweaked the Excel spreadsheet.”In the revised document, Sociedad’s San Sebastian stadium was given a score of 10.6026, up from 10.1226.That moved it past Vigo on the list, leaving the Balaidos Stadium eliminated from World Cup hosting contention. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA Spanish Football Federation source told Footboom the adjustment was made “in accordance with Fifa’s directives.”But Abel Caballero, the Mayor of Vigo, has publicly urged the RFEF to disclose the criteria used to exclude their stadium.Barcelona forced into major stadium decision as Nou Camp reopening delayed AGAINHe said: “All I am asking for is transparency. “Let the public know what data was used to remove Vigo from the running.”He added, directly addressing RFEF president Rafael Louzan: “I demand that Louzan explain all of this immediately.”[He must] explain who made the decisions, how they were made, why they were made, with electronically signed minutes. “I don’t trust anything. This is extremely serious. “The fact that selection criteria have been changed is of the utmost seriousness.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 2030 World Cup will be the first with three countries from two continents hosting the competition. Spain last hosted the tournament way back in 1982. More

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      How Arsenal’s Hale End academy is setting the Gunners up for success AND teeing England up for World Cup glory

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      ARSENAL’S Hale End academy might not just hold the keys to long-term success for the Gunners, but could also be the secret ingredient to England finally ending 60 years of hurt.The Gunners academy has long been one of the best in the country, producing players such as Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott, Tony Adams and Martin Keown for club and country.Arsenal’s Hale End academy has produced talent like Max Dowman, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-SkellyCredit: GettyGoalkeeper Tommy Setford is another future starCredit: GettyWhile more recently Bukayo Saka has become one of the first names on the teamsheet for England, and a regular contender for Premier League player of the season. Now Arsenal are nurturing four new gems that could be the future of both England and Arsenal after shining on international duty over the past two weeks.Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri, Max Dowman and Tommy Setford have the potential to form the spine of an England team that can guide the Three Lions to their first taste of success since 1966.Lewis-Skelly became England’s youngest ever debutant goalscorer last Friday when he got on the end of a cutting Jude Bellingham pass to put England 1-0 up against Albania in the World Cup qualifiers.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe 18-year-old was named Player of the Match for his eye-catching performance, and was given the nod for his second cap without hesitation by Thomas Tuchel on Monday against Latvia.Tuchel has already “fallen in love” with the youngster from watching him in training over the course of a week.He came into camp and showed straight away that it’s so normal to fall in love with him. He’s a top player. Amazing character and well deservedThomas TuchelEngland managerWhile Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has shown his faith in the teenager by handing him 16 starts for the first team this season – including in games against Tottenham, Man City and Man Utd.Many thought that Lewis-Skelly’s best mate Ethan Nwaneri might be called up to the England first team during the international break too, but Tuchel opted against taking a risk on the rising star. Most read in FootballMyles Lewis-Skelly scored on his senior debut for EnglandCredit: GettyLewis-Skelly put in a Player of the Match performance against AlbaniaJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesInstead Nwaneri was given his first call-up to Lee Carsley’s U21s side, having already represented England at U16, U17 and U19 in the past.The attacking midfielder, 18, took that opportunity exactly as you would imagine – netting a goal on his full debut in a win over Portugal.Emotional moment Myles Lewis-Skelly’s family spotted going wild in Wembley crowdIt was a familiar sight, a delightful body feint to shift the ball on to his left peg and a curling effort found the corner.Arsenal fans have seen Nwaneri do that multiple times already this season, in what is becoming something of a trademark move for the teen who has eight first team goals for the Gunners this term.Lee Carsley gushed about the youngster’s debut goal, saying: “Everyone knows exactly what’s going to happen but you cannot stop it.”He took his goal so well, but what we have to keep remembering is he’s 18. It’s unbelievable.”It’s not unreasonable to think that will have been Nwaneri’s first and last goal for the England U21 side.Should he continue his form, Nwaneri could well be a mainstay in the England first team for years to come – especially given Thomas Tuchel’s displeasure at his current wingers.Ethan Nwaneri scored on his full debut for England U21s vs PortugalCredit: AlamyYou would have to either be living under a rock or be a Tottenham fan to have avoided the conversation around how Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri can be the future of England and Arsenal in recent weeks.But there’s a little bit less being said about 15-year-old Max Dowman even though the kid is tipped to be a world beater and has been dubbed “the next Kaka”.Dowman spent the international break with the England U17s, where he played three games and registered a goal contribution in each one – including a spectacular solo run and finish against Northern Ireland.The midfield maestro has already made history by becoming the youngest player to score in the Uefa Youth League at the age of 14 years, 8 months and 19 days this season.He regularly trains with the Arsenal first team and was even taken to Dubai for the Gunners’ mid-season training camp, where he has certainly caught the eye of Declan Rice.Declan Rice has given a glowing review of Max DowmanCredit: GettyDowman scored a stunning solo goal for England U17s during the international breakCredit: GettyRice said this week: “Just wait until he hopefully gets into the team, the lads get to see him, because he is a special talent. “Max is the best 15-year-old in the country. I have had so many texts about Max recently where people have watched him and said: ‘Wow, what a talent’. So he is one to watch out for.”That wait is going to continue, with Dowman unable to play for the Gunners in the Prem due to age restrictions stating that a player must have turned 15 before August 31, 2024 to play in the league.Dowman has already earned a reputation at youth level and, similarly to Jack Wilshere and Jack Grealish, is often on the receiving end of kicks from opposing players struggling to get close to him.It seems almost inevitable that, on his current trajectory, Dowman will be part of the England senior team at some point in his career.Arsenal’s youth ranks don’t stop there either.Goalkeeper Tommy Setford, who is being guided through the ranks with the Gunners since a move from Ajax in the summer, is another name that could make the grade for England.Setford, 19, has been playing with the Young Lions at U16, U17, U18 and now U19 level where he extended a run of three consecutive clean sheets for his country against Portugal on Tuesday.The Netherlands-born shot-stopper even kept a clean sheet for the Arsenal first team earlier this season when he made his debut at just 18 against Preston North End in the Carabao Cup.England could be set for a spine through their team that has come entirely from the Hale End academy.Setford in goal, Lewis-Skelly in defence, Dowman playing ahead of him in midfield and Nwaneri offering the attacking threat up top.READ MORE SUN STORIESOf course, that is an ambitious dream that Arsenal fans and academy coaches themselves will tell you is unlikely to happen any time soon if at all.But with the way the four young stars are performing at present, you certainly can’t rule it out as a possibility.Goalkeeper Tommy Setford has kept three consecutive clean sheets for England U19sCredit: GettyArsenal could make up the spine of an England team of the future More

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      Chelsea flop on shortlist to become next Brazil boss if Ancelotti does not join and trigger managerial merry-go-round

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      A FORMER Chelsea flop is being lined up as the next Brazil boss if Carlo Ancelotti snubs a Samba summons.Current national team chief Dorival Junior is under huge pressure after a 4-1 thrashing by Argentina last night.A Chelsea flop could be the next Brazil boss if Carlo Ancelotti snubs an approachCredit: RexCurrent Samba boss Dorival Junior is on borrowed timeCredit: GettyThe result means Brazil are a whopping TEN POINTS behind their bitter rivals in the South American World Cup qualifying group – and facing a battle to even make the tournament.And fans are still fuming over several other dismal qualifying results, including a draw with Venezuela and a defeat to Paraguay.Brazilian outlet Globo claims Dorival is now on borrowed time.But questions remain as to who will take charge of the record five-time winners.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReal Madrid boss Ancelotti is Brazil’s top choice.The Italian has been linked with an exit this summer, especially if Real fail to defend their LaLiga and Champions League titles.It would trigger an almighty managerial merry-go-round, with Los Blancos expected to move for Xabi Alonso as Bayer Leverkusen target Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner.But it is unclear whether Ancelotti fancies giving up club management for internationals.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd should he stay put at the Bernabeu, former Chelsea defender Filipe Luis could take the reins.The 39-year-old spent one year at Stamford Bridge in the 2014/15 campaign, making just 15 league appearances under Jose Mourinho.’Reminded me of Gerrard at Liverpool’ – Cole Palmer told he needs to LEAVE Chelsea and has outgrown the club alreadyFilipe Luis won a title during his sole season at ChelseaCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe ace is now managing Flamengo and is on a 24-game winning streakCredit: GettyLuis won a Premier League title and Carabao Cup before immediately returning to Atletico Madrid, where he had already been a LaLiga winner and Champions League finalist.The former left-back then ended his career in 2023 with Brazilian giants Flamengo, where he became a legend with two titles and two Copa Libertadores.Luis, capped 44 times by his country, is now their manager after replacing ex-Brazil boss Tite in September.He’s already picked up three trophies as boss.And Luis is already on an incredible 24-game winning streak after losing just once in the dugout.However, his brilliant form has now caught the attention of the Brazilian FA.They reportedly have Luis as one of the top alternatives to Ancelotti.And an approach could be made after the Club World Cup, where Flamengo will play Luis’ former side Chelsea in the group stages.But under-fire Brazil boss Dorival does not currently fear being chopped.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter losing to Argentina, he said: “It’s a situation that is beyond my control.“The pressure is always great, I am aware of everything it represents, of everything that has been developed.”Filipe Luis’ amazing career statsFigueirense, 2003-2004: 54 games, 5 goalsReal Madrid B (loan), 2005-2006: 37 games, 0 goalsDeportivo, 2006-2010: 135 games, 8 goalsAtletico Madrid, 2010-2014: 180 games, 5 goalsChelsea, 2014-2015: 26 games, 1 goalAtletico Madrid, 2015-2019: 153 games, 7 goalsFlamengo, 2019-2023: 175 games, 4 goalsBrazil, 2009-2019: 44 games, 2 goalsTrophiesFigueirense: Campeonato Catarinense x2Atletico Madrid: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Europa League x2, Uefa Super Cup x2Chelsea: Premier League, Carabao CupFlamengo: Brazil Serie A x2, Brazilian Cup, Brazilian Super Cup x2, Copa Libertadores x2, Recopa, Campeonato CariocaBrazil: Copa America, Confederations Cup More

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      Chelsea and Man City’s Club World Cup prize money confirmed with Premier League giants raking in millions

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      CHELSEA and Manchester City have been dangled a near £100million carrot for taking part in this summer’s controversial expanded Club World Cup.City aces including Rodri and Kevin de Bruyne, as well as England skipper Harry Kane, have been among the global stars accusing football chiefs of piling even more games on a congested calendar, without thinking about player welfare.Manchester City or Chelsea could claim almost £100million in prize money if they win this summer’s Club World CupChelsea qualified as 2021 Champions League winnersAnd Man City are part of it after winning Europe’s elite competition in 2023But Fifa President Gianni Infantino believes his latest pet project will become a huge event.And Zurich officials have now outlined exactly how the £775m prize fund – with Fifa insisting every penny will go to clubs around the world – will be split.Fifa say the winners will earn up to $125m – which is a fraction over £97m – under a heavily performance-related prize structure.Clubs can earn a maximum £68m if they win all three group games and go all the way to lift the trophy in New York’s MetLife Stadium on July 13, with the final itself worth £31m to the winners and £23m to the runners up.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThat adds up to a total £368m in performance-related cash, with the remaining £407m split between the 32 competing teams as entrance money.However, to prevent the enormous sum warping the competitive balance in smaller countries, there will not be an even split – which would have seen each club earn around £13m.Instead, the majority of the pool will go to the 12 European qualifiers, with Real Madrid understood to have taken the biggest individual fee of around £30m and Austrian outfit Salzburg taking £10m.Chelsea and City, who qualified as Champions League winners between 2021 and 2024 and who are both also high in the Uefa coefficient table, are each understood to be taking slightly less than Madrid.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeBut New Zealand’s Auckland City, representing Oceania, will be handed just £2.8m while the six South American qualifiers – four from Brazil and Boca Juniors and River Plate from Argentina – will get £11.8m each.The tournament, which has been publicly backed by US President Donald Trump, will kick off on June 14 with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami playing Egypt’s Al-Ahly in the Hard Rock Stadium home of the Miami Dolphins.Argentina humiliate Brazil 4-1 with Emi Martinez even doing keepy ups in his own box in fiery World Cup qualifier Chelsea’s opening opponents remain unclear after Mexican side Leon were bored out of the tournament by Fifa because they are part of the same Multi Club Ownership group as Pachuca.Leon have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to be readmitted but Fifa will not confirm a replacement team for the match in Atlanta on June 16 until the resolution of the legal issues.Chelsea’s other opponents for the group stage are Brazilians Flamengo and Tunisian side Esperance.City will open against Morocco’s Wydad in Philadelphia on June 18 before matches against Al Ain of Abu Dhabi and Juventus.If both Prem clubs win their groups they cannot meet in the competition before the final. More