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      When is the Carabao Cup semi-final draw? Date, live stream FREE, TV channel, ball numbers and results

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      CARABAO CUP draws are often known for throwing up some blockbuster ties – and the semi-final encounters will be no different!Goals from Gabriel Jesus, Ethan Nwaneri and Kai Havertz fired Arsenal comfortably into the quarter-final stage, while Liverpool booked their spot with a marginal victory against Brighton.Tottenham sent Manchester City home in the tie of the fourth roundCredit: GettyManchester United thumped Leicester 5-2 at Old Trafford with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes both bagging a double.As for Chelsea, the Blues went crashing out at the hands of Eddie Howe’s Newcastle.But the tie of the fourth round saw Tottenham hand Manchester City a defeat in what arguably started their downfall this season.And all the fans of the above teams are now eager to know when the Carabao Cup semi-final draw will be IF their team makes it there.Read more on Carabao CupWhen is Carabao Cup semi-final draw?The Carabao Cup semi-final draw will take place on Thursday, December 19.It will begin shortly after the conclusion of Tottenham’s blockbuster quarter-final match against Manchester United which kicks-off at 8pm GMT.Meaning the draw is likely to start from around 10:30pm GMT depending on stoppage time and penalties if it goes that far.What TV channel is the Carabao Cup semi-final draw on and can it be live streamed for FREE?The Carabao Cup semi-final draw will be shown LIVE on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.Subscribers of NOW TV can watch the draw via the NOW TV or Sky Sports app,However, the Carabao Cup semi-final draw will be broadcast for FREE on the official Sky Sports Football YouTube channel.Alternatively, SunSport’s live blog is set to have the entire coverage of the draw.When will the Carabao Cup semi-final matches take place?Carabao Cup semi-final first leg matches are set to take place on Wednesday, January 8While the second leg encounters are set to get underway on Wednesday, February 5.Most read in FootballCarabao Cup quarter-final schedule and resultsWednesday, December 18Arsenal vs Crystal Palace – 7:30pm GMT (Sky Sports Main Event)Newcastle vs Brentford – 7:45pm GMT (Sky Sports +)Southampton vs Liverpool – 8pm GMT (Sky Sports Football)Thursday, December 19Tottenham vs Manchester United – 8pm GMT (Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football) More

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      Cole Palmer goes incognito in massive hood and balaclava with girlfriend Connie Grace at Winter Wonderland

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      COLE PALMER went incognito in a massive hood and balaclava while out with girlfriend Connie Grace at Winter Wonderland.The Chelsea superstar, 22, kept a low profile for the festive fun as he and Connie, also 22, enjoyed a night out in central London.Cole Palmer went incognito at Winter Wonderland with girlfriend Connie GraceThe Chelsea star attempted to keep a low profile in a balaclava and hoodThe lovebirds looked to be enjoying their time togetherPalmer and Connie were all smiles as they enjoyed the thrilling ridesThey held hands as the adventure came to an endAnother scary ride had Palmer keeping his head down lowThe pair looked loved-up as they enjoyed several of the thrilling rides on offer.One rollercoaster was so scary that Palmer ducked his head down low, while another speedy adventure had him lifting his balaclava in delight.Palmer was also seen getting to grips with a toy gun as he had a go at an arcade game.It’s unclear whether he managed to land a prize for partner Connie as he was shown how to use the plastic pistol.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut they both appeared smitten as Palmer protected himself from the cold with a balaclava leaving just his eyes exposed.Palmer, who also covered his head with a hood, completed the frosty look with a toasty puffer jacket.While Connie went for a different look in a fluffy coat and no hat.The lovebirds were first spotted together on holiday in Ibiza over the summer.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA source told The Sun at the time: “They are both young and just going with the flow and enjoying the summer together.”Connie is a beautician who works at a salon based in Stockport.’I’m getting emotional’ – England manager Thomas Tuchel’s comments on Cole Palmer leave Chelsea fans close to tearsPalmer attempted to win Connie a prize at a games arcadeThe ace appeared to struggle with the toy gunHe was then shown how to use the plastic pistol correctlyThe pair stopped off for a rest as they soaked up the atmospherePalmer played in Chelsea’s 2-1 win at Brentford the night beforeConnie protected herself from the cold with a fluffy coatAnd like Palmer, she is also a Manchester native.The pair also stepped out together at the PFA Young Player of the Year award.While they posed on the red carpet for the GQ Men of the Year event last month.Palmer has become a fan favourite at Chelsea following his £40million move from Manchester City 18 months ago.Last season saw him score 22 goals and bag 11 assists in 33 matches.His fine form has continued this term too, with 13 goals and eight assists in 22 games so far.Palmer played all 90 minutes as Chelsea beat Brentford 2-1 on Monday to move two points off Premier League leaders Liverpool.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe will not be involved in Thursday’s Conference League game against Shamrock Rovers after being left off the registration list.But Palmer will be hoping for a goal or two in the trip to Everton on Sunday.The pair were first seen together in July and have since stepped out together officiallyCredit: SplashPalmer is enjoying another fine season for ChelseaCredit: RexConnie is a beautician who also hails from ManchesterCredit: instagram @conniegrace_Like Palmer, she is also 22 years oldCredit: instagram @conniegrace_Connie is another native of ManchesterCredit: InstagramPalmer and Connie are enjoying their time togetherCredit: instagram @conniegrace_ More

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      Fans ask ‘how’s Henry spotted that?’ as they are left stunned by Arsenal icon’s analysis of Man Utd star’s goal vs City

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      THIERRY HENRY left fans stunned as he broke down Amad Diallo’s dramatic winner in the Manchester derby.Manchester United produced an incredible comeback with two goals in three minutes to steal all three points at the Etihad.Thierry Henry spotted Amad turning to look at where the ball would bounceThat helped the winger time his flick past EdersonAmad timed his run to perfectionAmad was the hero as he won the penalty Bruno Fernandes scored from before snatching a winner with an audacious piece of skill.But fans were just as impressed with Henry’s analysis of how he was able to find the back of the next as he appeared on Monday Night Football.Henry, 47, explained Amad was only able to reach Lisandro Martinez’s long pass forward because he stopped looking at the ball as it sailed over his shoulder.That meant the winger could focus on reaching where the ball was going to land, before he instinctively flicked the ball past Ederson as slotted home with a little help from Josko Gvardiol mistiming his attempted block.READ MORE ON MAN UTDHenry said: “I didn’t think United would score. [Amad] goes early but he checks to see if he’s offside, he’s never going to be offside because Ruben Dias is covering.”But he does something very important. When that ball goes over his head, if he carries on looking at the ball he will never get it but he stops looking at it and looks at where the ball is going to bounce that’s the only way he could get the ball.”He knows he will get it only after the bounce. If he looks at it he will lose it.”Henry’s insight is no surprise given he scored 401 career goals, but fans were still impressed that he spotted Amad’s subtle adjustment.Most read in SportBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne fan said: “How’s Henry spotted that on the Amad goal? Wow, incredible.Another added: “Love seeing Henry’s analysis – always insightful.”How Diallo and Amorim exposed City and flipped the derby on its headAnd a third wrote: “There is no better analyst than Henry, could listen to him all day.” More

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      Why has Mykhailo Mudryk been suspended from playing football?

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      MYKHAILO MUDRYK has been struggling for premier league minutes this season – now he’s potentially looking at a lengthy ban from football.Reports suggest the winger has tested positive for an illegal substance and will be facing a strong punishment preventing him from playing football.Reports claim Claim Mykhailo Mudryk failed a drugs test in late OctoberCredit: APMudryk has now been provisionally suspended by the FA after they were made aware of his initial A-sample failure.Chelsea and the player are now waiting the result of the B-sample, which if it comes back positive, will confirm the original test.Why has Mykhailo Mudryk been banned from football and how long is the ban?Mudryk could be facing a potential ban from football for FOUR YEARS after testing positive back in late October.The Ukrainian, 23, is said to have tested positive for Meldonium, which is a metabolic substance that is similar to insulin.Read more on Mykhailo MudrykThis substance is said to help the body quickly restore energy so it can prepare for new loads of physical stress.Meldonium has been on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of banned substances since 2016.What is Meldonium? Meldonium, also known as Mildronate is a performance enhancing drug that is a banned substance with similar properties to insulin.It is used in heart disease therapy but is also claimed to enable athletes to withstand greater stress, use oxygen more sparingly and restore energy levels quickly.Most read in FootballThis substance was most notably used by former Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova, who tested positive back in 2016.It saw Sharapova receive a two-year doping ban, which was then cut to 15 months following an appeal.How long are drugs bans in football?By SunSport’s Joshua JonesMYKHAILO MUDRYK could be banned for up to four years after failing a drugs testBut what are the rules regarding drugs in football?There is a big difference between recreational drugs and performance-enhancing substances.Recreational drugs – such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, LSD and MDMA – carry a six-month suspension.However, this ban can increase to up to two years if a drug is detected when a player is tested after a match.But performance-enhancing drugs carry a far more severe punishment.And crucially the alleged drug Mudryk tested positive for, meldonium, falls under that category.The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code’s standard ban is four years.That is how long Paul Pogba was suspended for following his failed drugs test – although it was later reduced on appeal to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.The FA follows the UK Anti-Doping code under the WADA authority so will follow their lead and procedures.Should Mudryk’s follow-up secondary ‘B’ sample also test positive, he is likely to be hit with at least an 18-month ban but it could be as high as four years.The only person in football currently banned on the UKAD sanctions list for anti-doping rule violations is Craig Campbell.The former Scottish striker was banned for four years in December 2022 after being convicted of dealing cocaine. What did Mykhailo Mudryk’s statement say?The Chelsea winger, who was bought for £88million back in January 2023, released a statement on Instagram this morning detailing that he did not purposely break any rules.He wrote “I can confirm that I have been notified that a sample I provided to The FA contained a banned substance.“This has come as a complete shock as I have NEVER knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules, and am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened.“I know that I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon.“I cannot say any more now due to the confidentiality of the process, but I will as soon as I can.” More

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      Unify League latest reaction LIVE: Fallout as European Super League RELAUNCHED and set to rival Champions League

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      THE European Super League is set to be RELAUNCHED with a whole new format as organisers battle for it to rival the Champions League once again.Unlike the first and widely criticised Super League concept, which saw the 12 breakaway rebels – including the Prem Big Six – guaranteed entry, all positions will be earned by domestic performances in the previous campaign.The Unify League would consist of 96 teams from across Europe taking part each year.Qualification would be similar to the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League.There would be four leagues – Star League, Gold League, Blue League and Union League.The top two divisions, Star and Gold, would each have 16 teams in them, split into two groups of eight.The groups of eight would play each other home and away, a total of 14 matches per club each season.The bottom two divisions, Blue and Union, would have 32 teams each, split into four groups of eight -they would also play each other home and away.In the Star and Gold leagues, the top four of each group would play a two-legged quarter-final.In the Blue and Union, it would be the top two teams from each group making up the quarter-finals.Most read in FootballThe winners of those matches would then progress to a “final four” week of one-off matches to provide the champions of the four different leagues. Those games would be played on a neutral ground.The Premier League would have three guaranteed entrants in the Star League – and two English teams would go into the Gold League.Up to five further slots for Prem teams would be spread across the remaining pair.No formal start date has been set, SunSport understands that there is a provisional target of competition launch in September 2026.Follow ALL the latest reaction from our live blog belowThe Unify League would need to pass FOUR Uefa tests The Unify League would need to pass four tests — administrative and financial, sporting and technical, ethical, and sporting merit — to be approved. Having sporting merit approved would mean securing the agreement of European Leagues and the European Club Association (ECA), both of which have been strongly opposed to the concept.A22 said it has been involved in consultation with clubs across Europe, including in the Premier League, and that teams would qualify via their domestic competitions.Copy linkCopiedUefa say the Unify League won’t replace Champions LeagueUefa insiders insist there is almost no chance of the Unify League replacing the Champions League, which was this season revamped with a 36-team, single-league format replacing the old group stage. According to The Times, one senior figure described the latest plan as “bulls***” and a “Christmas pantomime”.Copy linkCopiedHow many English teams will take part?The Premier League would have three guaranteed entrants in the Star League.Two English teams would go into the Gold League.Up to five further slots for Prem teams would be spread across the remaining pair.Copy linkCopiedHow does the Unify League work and who plays in it?The proposed competition would see 96 teams from across Europe taking part each year.All positions will be earned by performances in domestic competitions the previous campaign – just as it currently is with the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.The top two leagues would be called the Star League and the Gold League, with 16 teams in both divisions, divided into two groups of eight.The third and fourth divisions would be named the Blue League and Union League.In the final eight, made up of two teams from each of the four groups in the top two leagues, would consist of two-legged quarter finals, followed by one-legged semi finals at a neutral venue in the same week as the final. It is reported that there would then be 14 group stage fixtures, with the winners playing 18 games in total.The Blue and Union Leagues would work in the same way. Copy linkCopiedPremier League silent on European Super League relaunchUnlike three years ago, when the so-called Big Six, agreed to join the ESL before backing out almost immediately after backlash, this time no Prem club has offered a comment on the relaunch.Only Real Madrid and Barcelona are thought to have confirmed their entry if Uefa accept A22’s proposal.We’ll be keeping our eyes and ears open…Click here for everything you need to know about the Unify League.Copy linkCopiedHow will A22 Sports Management Company fund the Unify League?In terms of how A22 intends to fund the Unify League, its big idea remains the creation of a global streaming platform, called Unify.The service would offer fans the chance to watch these games for free, with adverts, or without adverts for a fee.Many industry experts question whether this is economically feasible, although UK-based sports streamer DAZN and Fifa have just announced that this is the business model they are trying for next summer’s Club World Cup.Coincidence? Manchester United fans protested against the idea of a European Super League in 2021Copy linkCopiedWhy many believe the new Unify League will be acceptedMadrid-based A22 Sports believes that the governing bodies will have no choice but to grant it permission to try to establish this league.It comes after last December’s landmark ruling by the European Court of Justice ruled that the response by Uefa and Fifa to the original European Super League proposal in 2021 breached European Union law.A22 believe neither body can impose any preemptive punishments on clubs interested in the idea.Its 2021 plan of creating a 20-team league, with 15 permanent members has been erased.And replaced with a four-league format of 64 clubs.A22 is confident its new proposal addresses the biggest criticism it received in 2021 from fans across Europe, but particularly in the UK.Fans fumed over the 2021 plans radical departure from decades of tradition, where European football is something clubs earn via their performances in domestic leagues.It also believes that many clubs are unhappy with the so-called Swiss model that Uefa has introduced to all three of its club competitions this season and they want complete control.Copy linkCopiedHow will the top two leagues (Star and Gold) work?Copy linkCopiedBack to basics of the Unify League (as per promoters A22)Copy linkCopiedFans mock Unify League’s marketingOne supporter wrote on X: “The Unify League is arguably the worst named product I’ve ever seen. “You went back to the drawing board after you was shut down by fans and clubs and came up with this??”A second said: “This has got to be the worst name 😂😂😂.”A third chimed in: “Regardless of thoughts about the tournament, whoever came up with the re-branding should be fired.”Never going to take a league called the unify league seriously. Sounds worse than Carabao Cup 🤣🤣.”Another added: “It remains a very stupid idea purely driven by greed.”Copy linkCopiedHow will each group work?Rankings and number of teams per domestic league are best on a European competition co-efficient.Swiss Football DataCopy linkCopiedFootball lovers say Unify League is a ‘waste of time’One fan wrote on X: “Massive waste of everyone’s time. As useless as the new World Club Cup. Stop trying to please faceless clubs.”A second added: “How do people expect all these games to be played seriously??”While another said: “Good riddance to the Super League. European clubs are just jealous of the money in the Premier League.”A fourth fumed: “When in the current 11 month calendar is this debacle going to be played? “It’s not worth the paper the proposal is printed on.”One more wrote: “Are traditional rivalries now ready for prime time bonding events?”Copy linkCopiedA22: “Disputes are counterproductive”A detailed letter from A22, promoters of the Unify League, to Uefa General Secretary Theodore Theodoridis, asks to “move forward collaboratively”. Critics of the new format remain, with one club calling the relaunch “a Perez pantomime”.Copy linkCopiedWhat clubs have agreed to be in European Super League?Spanish titans Real Madrid and Barcelona have committed themselves to the European Super League.And they are the driving force behind A22 – the group behind the controversial league.Madrid President Florentino Perez rubber-stamped his clubs backing of the competition.Copy linkCopiedHere’s what’s different this time:Open Access: No automatic spots for big clubs. All 96 teams must qualify annually.Four-Tier Format: The top two tiers, “Star League” and “Gold League,” each have 16 teams in two groups of 8. Teams play 14 group matches, with the top 8 advancing to the knockout stages.Streaming-First Approach: Matches will stream on a “Unified” app. Fans can watch for free (with ads) or pay for an ad-free experience – similar to Spotify’s model.Legal Backing: Organisers @A22Sports, linked to Real Madrid’s president, believe Uefa is legally obliged to permit the competition after a December 2023 EU court ruling.Copy linkCopiedWill the Unify League be accepted by Uefa?The European Super League company and A22 will now seek permission from Uefa to move forward with plans.They anticipate that the plans will be PASSED THROUGH.This is thanks to the December 2023 ruling from the European Courts that stated that Uefa went against EU law with their attempts to stop a breakaway tournament.Copy linkCopiedThe original Super League vs this new idea: The differenceFollowing a huge backlash, A22 Sports, the Madrid-based company behind the original idea in 2021, was made to drop the initial project.It initially involved a 20-team league with 15 permanent members including Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham.Now, following 12 months of consultation, they are proposing a four-league format – divisions known as Star, Gold, Blue and Union.96 clubs who would qualify via performance in their domestic league. There would be 16 teams in the top two tiers and 32 each in the other two.Copy linkCopiedWill the Unify League get off the ground?SunSport’s Martin Lipton assesses whether the Unify League will actually happen…The biggest complaint about the original European Super League was it was a closed shop.But the Unify League proposal would see teams qualify on merit, just as they do for the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.But whether people accept it is another matter.Many people will still think this is just another version of the same old thing, the rich wanting to get richer.Maybe that’s right, but I can see the appeal for the clubs here – one of which will be a prize fund much bigger than what is currently offered for competing in Europe.I think there’s a genuine chance that this could be the first thing that brings down the UEFA dominance of club competitions.But there’s a lot of obstacles in the way.It’s proposed that it could start in September 2026.I don’t believe it can be as quick as 18 months, but money talks.We are into uncharted territory.This is very different from April 2021 when the whole thing crashed and burned so quickly.This could be real.This could happen and if it did, would change the face of footballCopy linkCopiedWhat’s the format of the relaunched European Super League?There would be FOUR leagues: Star League, Gold League, Blue League and Union League.The top two divisions, Star and Gold, would each have 16 teams in them, split into two groups of eight.The groups of eight would play each other home and away, a total of 14 matches per club each season.The bottom two divisions, Blue and Union, would have 32 teams each, split into four groups of eight.They would also play each other home and away.In the Star and Gold leagues, the top four of each group would play a two-legged quarter-final.In the Blue and Union, it would be the top two teams from each group making up the quarter-finals.The winners of those matches would then progress to a “final four” week of one off matches to provide the champions of the four different leagues. Those games would be played on a neutral ground.Copy linkCopiedWho will play in the Unify League?The proposed competition would see 96 teams from across Europe taking part each year.All positions will be earned by performances in domestic competitions the previous campaign – just as it currently is with the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.Copy linkCopiedWhat is the Unify League in basic terms?22 Sports have rebranded the European Super League and called it the ‘Unify League’.This new format will have an annual qualification and there will be FOUR groups.They have redesigned the proposal to address the criticisms of its predecessor.Teams will play between September – April, alongside domestic football competitions and leagues.Copy linkCopiedFans slam “toxic” Real Madrid owner One raging footie lover wrote on X: “Florentino Perez is a mad man. He’s a cancer on modern day football.”A second said: “Y’all just creating a whole lot of nonsense for fun at this point.”A third added: “At this point you have to question Real Madrid’s influence in all of this. Why is the owner so toxic?”A fourth fumed: “Just f*** off. I thought we were done with this s***!”Copy linkCopiedWhat is A22 Sports Management?The Madrid-based company was specifically created in September 2022 with the aim of pushing through legislation for the European Super League in the aftermath of the failed attempt in 2021.The firm was created in tandem by Euro powerhouses Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus who were the loudest proponents of the breakaway league.Juventus left the project after they were threatened with expulsion from the Champions League, although are still believed to be supportive of it.Copy linkCopiedNew ESL will be free to watchAccording to A22, the new European Super League would be free for fans to watch.It will be streamed on new platform called “Unify”.Unify is the proposal for a state-of-the-art digital streaming platform.A22 Sports’ official website wrote: “We will democratise football by allowing fans everywhere to watch new European Super League games for free.”A22 Sports also suggest subscription tiers would also be offered for those who prefer to view matches with minimal advertising while enjoying advanced features such as favourite camera angles, live match data and other interactive options.They add: “Distribution partnerships with broadcasters, streaming services, clubs and content providers will also be an important component of the Unify experience to ensure ease of access for fans.”Copy linkCopiedIf accepted by Uefa and Fifa, when will the Unify League launch?While no formal start date has been set, Sun Sport understands that there is a provisional target of competition launch in September 2026.Copy linkCopied More

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      Rodrigo Bentancur punishment decision confirmed after Tottenham star’s appeal against seven-game ban

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      RODRIGO BENTANCUR’S appeal against his seven-game ban for racism has failed.The Tottenham midfielder had hoped to cut the lengthy suspension by one match, meaning he would be available for Sunday’s hosting of league-leaders Liverpool.Rodrigo Bentancur’s seven-game ban was upheldCredit: GettyBut an independent appeal board has dismissed his claim so will be unavailable for the clash with Arne Slot’s Reds, as well as Thursday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Manchester United.He has already missed Premier League games against Manchester City, Fulham, Bournemouth, Chelsea and Southampton.The ex-Juventus man, though, has been allowed to play in the Europa League.Bentancur, 27, was slapped with a seven-game suspension for bigoted comments aimed towards Spurs team-mate Son Heung-min.Read more in footballThe Uruguayan used the racial slur while appearing in a TV interview in his homeland in June.He was asked by the interviewer to provide a shirt belonging to a Spurs player.And Bentancur replied: “Sonny’s? I could be Sonny’s cousin too as they all look the same.”Bentancur was also hit with a £100,000 fine and ordered to take part in a mandatory face-to-face education programme.Most read in FootballSpurs accepted the charge but felt seven games was “severe” and so appealed.But the original ban was upheld. Ruthless Postecoglou tells Werrner ‘I’m not worried about bruised egos’ after slamming ‘unacceptable’ Tottenham star The FA said in a statement on Tuesday: “An independent Appeal Board has dismissed an appeal by Rodrigo Bentancur in relation to his recent suspension.“An independent Regulatory Commission imposed a seven-match suspension on the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder for an aggravated breach of FA Rule E3 in relation to a media interview.“This appeal was dismissed following a hearing, and the seven-match suspension remains as ordered by the Regulatory Commission.”The Uruguayan was punished following his comments about team-mate Son Heung-minCredit: PA More

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      Drug that Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk allegedly took is same one Maria Sharapova was banned for

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      THE drug Chelsea’s Mykhailo Mudryk is alleged to have taken is the same one that saw Maria Sharapova slapped with a lengthy ban from tennis.Mudryk, 23, has been provisionally suspended from football after failing a drugs test.Mykhailo Mudryk has failed a drugs testCredit: GettyThe Chelsea star is alleged to have taken the same drug that saw Maria Sharapova banned in 2016Credit: AFPThe winger returned a positive result for an A-sample in late October and now awaits the answer from a decisive B-sample.Reports in his homeland of Ukraine say meldonium has been found in Mudryk’s system.The performance-enhancing drug makes the body “use oxygen sparingly and restore energy quickly”.It has been described as a “metabolic modulator” that “modifies how some hormones accelerate or slow down to different enzymatic reactions in the body”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeldonium was banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency in 2016.Tennis legend Sharapova was initially banned for two years after testing positive for it soon after it was added to the prohibited list.An an appeal saw her suspension reduced to 15 months.Sharapova revealed she had been taking meldonium for ten years due to health issues and did not realise it had become a banned substance.Most read in FootballIn another high-profile case, Russian boxer Alexander Povetkin also tested positive in 2016 and it led to his bout against Deontay Wilder being called off.He was later cleared following a second test.Chelsea player ratings vs BrentfordIn recent years, four-year bans for it have been dished out to wrestler Tamerlan Tagziev, Olympic curling bronze medallist Alexander Krushelnitskiy, canoeing star Oleksandr Senkevych and gaelic football ace Ray Walker.Kazakh footballer Aybol Abiken was banned for three years in 2022 after he took meldonium.Mudryk insists he is innocent, writing on Instagram: “This has come as a complete shock as I have NEVER knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules.”I am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened.“I know that I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon.“I cannot say any more now due to the confidentiality of the process, but I will as soon as I can.”How long are drugs bans in football?By SunSport’s Joshua JonesMYKHAILO MUDRYK could be banned for up to four years after failing a drugs testBut what are the rules regarding drugs in football?There is a big difference between recreational drugs and performance-enhancing substances.Recreational drugs – such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, LSD and MDMA – carry a six-month suspension.However, this ban can increase to up to two years if a drug is detected when a player is tested after a match.But performance-enhancing drugs carry a far more severe punishment.And crucially the alleged drug Mudryk tested positive for, meldonium, falls under that category.The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code’s standard ban is four years.That is how long Paul Pogba was suspended for following his failed drugs test – although it was later reduced on appeal to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.The FA follows the UK Anti-Doping code under the WADA authority so will follow their lead and procedures.Should Mudryk’s follow-up secondary ‘B’ sample also test positive, he is likely to be hit with at least an 18-month ban but it could be as high as four years.The only person in football currently banned on the UKAD sanctions list for anti-doping rule violations is Craig Campbell.The former Scottish striker was banned for four years in December 2022 after being convicted of dealing cocaine. Maria Sharapova claims she took the drug for years due to health issues and did not realise it became bannedCredit: Splash More

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      European Super League is BACK in new £2.7BILLION ‘Unify League’ format… and it could replace Champions League

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      A NEW version of the breakaway Super League has been launched.More than three years after the original idea crashed and burned in the space of 48 hours after a fan-led backlash, scheme promoters A22 have returned with a concept that answers many of the initial problems.Fans protested the previous Super League proposalCredit: APThe protests were successful in stopping the plans coming to fruitionCredit: GettyUnder the new model, named “The Unify League”, 96 teams in total would take part.There would be 16 teams, split into two groups of eight and playing each opponent home and away, in both the top tier Star League and the secondary Gold League.Follow the LATEST REACTION to the Unify LeagueThen two further competitions – Blue and Union – would each have FOUR leagues of eight clubs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Premier League would have three guaranteed entrants in the elite competition, with two places in the second one and up to five further slots across the remaining pair.Unlike the first and widely criticised Super League concept, which saw the 12 breakaway rebels – including the Prem Big Six – guaranteed entry, all positions will be earned by domestic performances in the previous campaign.Two places in the Star League, and seven in Gold, will be earned through a series of play-off rounds, with the winners of the two competitions earning automatic places in the top tier for the following season.A22 envisages the 14 league phase games being played between September and April.Most read in FootballThe top four in each group would then reach a two-legged quarter-final stage, with the winners progressing to a “final four” week of one-off matches to provide the winners.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHow does the Unify League work?A NEW version of the European Super League has been proposed – now branded as the Unify League. Here’s all you need to know about how it works…Who plays in it?The proposed competition would see 96 teams from across Europe taking part each year.All positions will be earned by performances in domestic competitions the previous campaign – just as it currently is with the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.What’s the format?There would be FOUR leagues: Star League, Gold League, Blue League and Union League.The top two divisions, Star and Gold, would each have 16 teams in them, split into two groups of eight.The groups of eight would play each other home and away, a total of 14 matches per club each season.The bottom two divisions, Blue and Union, would have 32 teams each, split into four groups of eight.They would also play each other home and away.In the Star and Gold leagues, the top four of each group would play a two-legged quarter-final.In the Blue and Union, it would be the top two teams from each group making up the quarter-finals.The winners of those matches would then progress to a “final four” week of one off matches to provide the champions of the four different leagues. Those games would be played on a neutral ground.How many English teams will take part?The Premier League would have three guaranteed entrants in the Star League.Two English teams would go into the Gold League.Up to five further slots for Prem teams would be spread across the remaining pair.While no formal start date has been set, SunSport understands that there is a provisional target of competition launch in September 2026.The prize fund is also yet to be confirmed but A22 – which is firmly linked to the ambitions of Real Madrid President Florentino Perez – promise £330m in “solidarity” payments to smaller clubs and countries while the total prize pot is expected to exceed the current fund of £2bn for the Champions League and £700m for the Europa and Conference Leagues combined.SunSport’s Jordan Davies reacts to first Champions League draw under radical new formatThe new overall title of the four competitions is a nod to the plan to show matches on a direct-to-fan streaming service called the Unify platform.While fans will have to sign up, there will be two versions available – an advertisement-supported free portal to watch games plus a subscription service with extra features.A22 said it will “dramatically improve the viewing experience at home by eliminating the need for multiple subscriptions while offering fans the advanced features they have come to expect and directly connect clubs with their global fanbase”.The launch comes as A22 said it had made a formal submission to Uefa and Fifa to “obtain official recognition for its new cross-border European club football competitions”.The Madrid-based company cited the December 2023 ruling of the European Court of Justice which stated that “any competition where qualification is inclusive and meritocratic, and which complies with the overall match calendar can be officially established”.A22 representatives have criss-crossed Europe to talk to clubs in the aftermath of the failure of the first project – which saw then-PM Boris Johnson promise a “legislative bombshell” to prevent English clubs from joining.Measures to block clubs from joining any breakaway competition are included as part of the Government’s new Independent Football Regulator, currently going through Parliament and backed by all major parties.But the new competition seeks to supplant Uefa and be club-run – in much the same way as the Premier League was set up more than 30 years ago.A22 chief executive Bernd Reichart said: “A22 is focused on ensuring the sustainable growth and development of football.“Our extensive engagement with key stakeholders revealed a number of pressing challenges facing the sport including increasing subscription costs for fans, an overloaded player calendar, insufficient investment in women’s football, and dissatisfaction with the format and governance of the current pan-European competitions.“Our proposal is designed to directly address these challenges.”Will the Unify League get off the ground?By Martin LiptonThe biggest complaint about the original European Super League was it was a closed shop.But the Unify League proposal would see teams qualify on merit, just as they do for the current Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.But whether people accept it is another matter.Many people will still think this is just another version of the same old thing, the rich wanting to get richer.Maybe that’s right, but I can see the appeal for the clubs here – one of which will be a prize fund much bigger than what is currently offered for competing in Europe.I think there’s a genuine chance that this could be the first thing that brings down the UEFA dominance of club competitions.But there are a lot of obstacles in the way.It’s proposed that it could start in September 2026.I don’t believe it can be as quick as 18 months, but money talks.We are into uncharted territory.This is very different from April 2021 when the whole thing crashed and burned so quickly.This could be real.This could happen and if it did, would change the face of football.Fans remain sceptical of the idea and have voiced their concerns.One said: “Perez doesn’t take no for an answer, does he???”Another added: “Rubbish, no-one wants this. Stop this nonsense now.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA third wrote: “Massive waste of everyone’s time. As useless as the new World Club Cup. Stop trying to please faceless clubs. Fans wants competitive local football.”And another commented: “At least the Super League sounded good. This is awful marketing.” More