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      Premier League chief Richard Masters offers huge update on Man City’s 130 financial rule breach charges

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      PREMIER LEAGUE chief executive Richard Masters has issued an update on Manchester City’s 130 Financial Fair Play charges.City were hit with 115 charges over alleged breaches of FFP rules last February.Richard Masters has issued an update on Man City’s chargesCredit: GettyThat number rose to 130 later in the year following an administration issue.The reigning Prem champions vehemently denied the charges in a hearing which took place between September and December and a verdict is now imminent.Pep Guardiola revealed earlier this month that he expects to learn of the club’s fate in March.And the Spaniard has insisted that he will speak out on the situation when the process is over.Read More in FootballBut Prem chief Masters has given a brief update on the process on Thursday – suggesting the panel needs to be “given time”. Asked about the case at the Business of Football Summit, he said: “The disciplinary panel needs to be given time to come to their decision”.Football finance expert Kieran Maguire believes a relegation-inducing points deduction will be the most likely outcome should City lose the case.He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “A points deduction would be the most likely outcome should the club be found guilty.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”As for the quantum of points deduction, if Everton were initially given a 10 points deduction for going around about £10/12million over the limits in one particular season, I think, in order to set an example to the rest of football, it’s got to act as a deterrent.””We’ll probably be looking at somewhere in the region of 60 to 100 points, which would effectively guarantee relegation out of the Premier League and into the lower tiers of football in the EFL.”Micah Richards reveals he supports two Premier League teams but it ‘depends if I’m off air or on air’ Man City recently won a legal battle with the Premier League over “unlawful” financial rules.The bombshell verdict could now trigger a series of compensation claims from clubs and plunge the competition into crisis. More

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      Man City compared to company behind one of biggest financial scandals ever and accused of HIDING losses by LaLiga chief

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      MANCHESTER CITY have been accused of an “Enron-style” financial deception by Spanish LaLiga boss Javier Tebas.Outspoken Tebas stunned an audience in London as he claimed the Etihad outfit had hidden losses that would have impacted their financial fair play status by hiding them in related Abu Dhabi-owned companies. More

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      I experienced the poshest, most exclusive stand in Premier League and it was like no other – just ignore the football

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      IT’S the poshest, most exclusive and expensive stand in the Premier League.Bring your Speedos for a half-time dip in an open-air swimming pool, indulge your taste buds with a spot of lobster in a high-class restaurant, enjoy a drink on a roof-top bar overlooking the Thames.Dave Kidd visited Fulham’s new exclusive standThe Sun’s Chief Sports Writer paid £105 for his ticket with his son’s priced at £85 More

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      ‘As an American I’m ashamed’ – Donald Trump slammed by former Premier League manager over ‘ridiculous’ comments

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      FORMER Leeds boss and current Canada manager Jesse Marsch has blasted US President Donald Trump in an astonishing rant. American-born Marsch is “ashamed” of Trump’s repeated comments about making Canada a 51st state.Jesse Marsch has blasted US President Donald TrumpPresident Trump has repeatedly joked about Canada becoming a 51st stateTensions have been rising between the neighbouring countries following Trump’s 51st state remarks, including proposed trade tariffs between the bordering nations.Marsch took charge of Canada in May 2024 and could face the US in the final of the CONCACAF Nations League next month.But the Wisconsin-born gaffer has hit back at Trump “insulting rhetoric” at the Concacaf Nations League media day in Los Angeles on Wednesday.Marsch, 51, said: “If I have one message to our president, it’s lay off the ridiculous rhetoric about Canada being the 51st state.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”As an American, I’m ashamed of the arrogance and disregard we’ve shown one of our historically oldest, strongest and most loyal allies.”These international tournaments, for Canada, mean something different now.”Canada is a strong, independent nation that is deep-rooted in decency and it’s a place that values high ethics and respect.”Unlike the polarised, disrespectful and often now hateful climate that is in the US.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCanada and the US recently met across two fixtures in the 4 Nations ice hockey competition, with the former winning the final 3-2.The politically-charged nature of the tournament was hard to avoid.Lionel Messi fined after grabbing the neck of a New York City assistant coachTheir first game descended into chaos with three fights breaking out between players in the first nine seconds, while the US national anthem was loudly booed.American supporters also jeered the Canadian anthem, which was sung with different lyrics in protest about Trump’s statements.After Canada won in overtime, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on X: “You can’t take our country – and you can’t take our game.”Marsch added: “When I look forward to a month from now I know this will fuel our team, the mentality and will that we have to play for our country.”The desire to go after this tournament in every way and to show on and off the pitch exactly what Canadian character is.”The politically-charged nature of the 4 Nations hockey tournament was hard to avoidMarsch has won six of his 13 games in charge of Canada, who are seeking their first piece of silverware since 2000 in the Nations League.Canada meet Mexico in the semi-finals on 21 March and the winner will face either the US or Panama in the CONCACAF final two days later.Marsch – who previously coached the US team in 2011, before a successful career in the MLS – has quickly taken to Canadian culture.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe sings the national anthem and has plans to eventually move to Canada ahead of the 2026 World Cup.The US, Canada and Mexico will share hosting duties in two years time. More

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      Arsenal set to appoint new sporting director in days with five names in frame including Dan Ashworth after Man Utd axe

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      ARSENAL are planning to hire a new sporting director to replace Edu Gaspar next month.Edu, 46, resigned in November after five years with the Gunners who appointed their former player as the club’s first ever technical director in 2019 before his promotion as sporting director in 2022.Dan Ashworth is among the names Arsenal are considering for a new sporting directorCredit: PAArsenal are looking for a replacement for Edu GasparCredit: GettyThe Brazilian executive is now expected to link up with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ new group, which also includes reigning Conference League winners Olympiacos and Rio Ave.According to The Athletic, the North Londoners are rigorously searching for Edu’s successor and are in the process of whittling down candidates before reaching a final decision.The likes of Dan Ashworth, Andrea Berta, Roberto Olabe and Thiago Scuro are among the names that have been discussed internally.The same goes for Arsenal interim sporting director Jason Ayto, who was promoted after Edu’s departure.Read More on ArsenalParis Saint-Germain strategic advisor Luis Campos was also linked but is not actually in the frame.The Premier League giants’ owners KSE are heavily involved and a final call will not be made without their approval.Ashworth has been a free agent since his sudden departure from Manchester United in December after just five months in the job despite his previous employers splashing £3million to Newcastle for his services.The ex-Man Utd chief enjoyed tremendous success at Brighton, whom he turned into a competitive Premier League side, and Newcastle, where he signed Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAyto has been with Arsenal for a decade and worked under Edu as his assistant for two years.He was heavily involved with talks that led to the signing of Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori last summer.Nuno thanks the fans after solid defensive performance against ArsenalBerta is one of the main figures that turned Atletico Madrid into LaLiga and Champions League challengers thanks to his stunning 12-year stint working with manager Diego Simeone until his exit last month.The Italian signed the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Jan Oblak as well as Rodri and recently spent time in London learning English as he is targeting a job in the Prem.Olabe is set to step down from his role as sporting director at Real Sociedad this summer.The Spaniard signed the likes of Merino, Isak, Martin Odegaard and David Silva during his seven-year spell at Sociedad – he also worked out deals with Arsenal involving Kieran Tierney and Nacho Monreal.Scuro has been with Monaco since 2023 where he was promoted as CEO after helping the club finish second last season for the first time since 2018.Arsenal ratings vs Forest as NOBODY looks like scoring for Gunners but Saliba’s a Rolls Royce againMIKEL ARTETA may not have anyone to put the ball in the back of the net but in William Saliba he has one of the best defenders in the Prem.The Arsenal boss watched his side’s faint title hopes go well and truly up in smoke in the goalless draw with Nottingham Forest.But his brilliant backline emerged, once again, with credit from this tricky clash at the City Ground.Together with Gabriel, Saliba kept a tight lid on Forest dangerman Chris Wood, who scored a hat-trick in his last appearance on this ground.But the fact the Gunners’ biggest threat at the other end of the pitch came from left-back Riccardo Calafiori – who was subbed off at half-time – says it all about the dire situation Arsenal somehow find themselves in.Here is how SunSport’s Graeme Bryce rated the Gunners stars’ displays… More

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      Transfer recommendations ahead of Gameweek 26: European specialists and FA Cup wildcards

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      DREAM TEAM managers have until 6:30pm on Friday to confirm their transfers for Gameweek 26.As usual, we’ve trawled the Stats Centre and analysed the schedule to come up with some informed recommendations.Forget Man United’s performances and focus on their skipper’s individual outputCredit: Dream TeamBruno Fernandes (£6.2m)Manchester United’s captain is an excellent option for a number of reasons.Firstly, his rescue jobs against Everton and Ipswich produced more points (27) than any other player managed in Gameweek 25.Secondly, the Red Devils are one of just two teams set to play two fixtures this coming Gameweek: Fulham (h) and Real Sociedad (a).More broadly, Man United will play FIVE times before the March international break – some teams will be in action just twice in the same time frame.And thirdly, Fernandes has risen to third in the overall rankings and first among midfielders!Ollie Watkins (£5.2m)A popular recruit this weekCredit: PAAston Villa are the other club set to pull double duty this coming Gameweek.The Villains will host Cardiff on Friday night before flying to Belgium to take on Club Brugge in the Champions League round of 16.There’s no guarantee Watkins will be unleashed upon Championship opposition as Unai Emery may opt to rotate his squad but the England striker will almost certainly start in Bruges and is therefore a good selection either way.Most read in FootballAlternatively, you might want to target Villa’s FA Cup game and view the European away day as a bonus.Might Marcus Rashford (£3.4m) start against Cardiff and then come off the bench in midweek?Marco Asensio (£3.2m) bagged 17 points in Gameweek 25 and should get his fair share of minutes across the two games.And of course, Morgan Rogers (£3.8m) remains a strong option having recovered from a minor injury and scored against Crystal Palace.Dominik Szoboszlai (£4.3m)Hungary for moreCredit: RexLiverpool have just one fixture in Gameweek 26 and a tricky one at that; PSG in the French capital on Wednesday night.Gone are the days of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe but Luis Enrique’s side are a dangerous prospect at present having won 14 of their last 15 games in all competitions.Ousmane Dembele and company racked up an aggregate score of 10-0 over Brest in the play-offs to reach the Champions League last 16.All that being said, Arne Slot’s side finished top of the league phase in Europe’s premier competition and are cruising towards Premier League glory.Mohamed Salah (£8.3m), Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.7m) and Virgil van Dijk (£4.6m) are the bankers but Dream Team bosses searching for a potential difference-maker among Liverpool’s squad should consider Szoboszlai.The Hungarian No8 has amassed 52 points in his last six games and currently features in just 6.8% of teams.Daniel Munoz (£5.1m) and/or Jean-Philippe Mateta (£4.7m)Firmly back among the goalsCredit: ReutersGaffers hoping to target an FA Cup mismatch should look to Selhurst Park.Oliver Glasner tends to name strong sides in the domestic cups and so it would be no surprise if Munoz and Mateta, two of the game’s most in-form players right now, started at home to Millwall on Saturday.The Lions are currently 12th in the Championship and should be no match for a Palace outfit that have improved immeasurably since the first quarter of the campaign.READ MORE SUN STORIESMunoz ranks joint-third among Dream Team defenders – he took 15 points off Doncaster in the FA Cup fourth round – while only Salah has earned more points than Mateta from his last three outings among forwards.These don’t need to be one-week punts either as the Eagles are due to face relegation-threatened Ipswich in Gameweek 27. More

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      ‘I’m not sure Arsenal wanted him’ – Gary Neville makes bold Mikel Arteta claim

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      GARY NEVILLE has made a bold claim over Mikel Arteta following the flop signing of Raheem Sterling.The Arsenal manager brought in the forward on deadline day last summer to bolster his frontline.Gary Neville has made a bold claim over Arsenal’s Mikel ArtetaCredit: AFPNeville claims that Arteta was the main voice behind signing Raheem SterlingCredit: PAHe has only played 307 minutes in the Premier League this seasonCredit: GettyArsenal are without a striker following injury to Kai HavertzCredit: PASterling, 30, joined the club on loan from Chelsea but has failed to make a notable impression in North London.It was hoped that he would provide quality support and competition to stars such as Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz.However, Sterling has failed to score in all 12 of his Premier League outings for the club.He has only provided one assist in the league and has netted just once, which came in the 5-1 win over Bolton in the EFL Cup.READ MORE ON ARSENALHis struggles on the pitch have seen him get just 844 minutes of playing time this season.Former Manchester United defender Neville has suggested that Sterling was wanted by Arteta.And the eight-time Premier League winner believes that the Spaniard’s failed signing has damaged the board’s trust in him.Neville even claimed that it may have “put off” the club making a move for a striker in January – which they desperately needed.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSpeaking on The Overlap with Sky Bet, he said: “Do you know what I think they’ve done? In the last part of the summer transfer window, I’m not sure Arsenal wanted to sign Raheem Sterling.”I’m not sure Arsenal, as a club, wanted him.Nuno thanks the fans after solid defensive performance against ArsenalBenjamin Sesko was heavily linked a move to with North LondonCredit: ReutersAlexander Isak was also a top target for ArsenalCredit: Getty”I think Arteta’s thought Sterling can play in all the positions up top and has basically told the club to get him in as cover.”I think that’s what he said.”He can play across the frontline so Arteta has looked at him as his second or third striker.”They’ve ended up backing him and I think that’s put them off doing another deal in January of the same ilk because they’re thinking ‘we brought Sterling in and Arteta hasn’t really used him’.”Arsenal were heavily linked with the likes of Ollie Watkins, Benjamin Sesko and Alexander Isak.However, the club opted not to seal a deal for any of the options and put their title hopes in Havertz.The support for the German backfired immediately as he suffered a season-ending injury during Arsenal’s warm-weather training camp.This paired with Gabriel Jesus’ ACL injury has left Arteta without a senior striker in his squad.In recent games, the manager has had to rely on playing midfielder Mikel Merino upfront.He made an instant positive impact with two goals in the role against Leicester City.But since then he and the rest of the team have drawn blanks in the defeat to West Ham and goalless draw with Nottingham Forest.Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo picked up on Arsenal’s lack of firepower.Nuno admitted that he did not feel the need to play a back five against the Gunners due to their lack of a striker.Arteta admitted after the draw to Forest that he is trying to adapt the team to have more threat.He said: “We tried and adapted the quality that we have, how we can help the team to create different things.”To have threats from different qualities, probably they are not about arriving in the box and creating some magic moments, they are other kind of players.”Try to adapt to that and do the best that we can.”Sterling was called upon against Forest as he replaced Ethan Nwaneri in the closing stages.The former Manchester City and Liverpool star only managed six touches and did not muster a single shot.READ MORE SUN STORIESTitle rivals Liverpool have taken full advantage of the misfiring Gunners with back-to-back wins.The Reds beat Manchester City and Newcastle United to extend their lead at the top of the table to 13 points.Arsenal ratings vs Forest as NOBODY looks like scoring for Gunners but Saliba’s a Rolls Royce againMIKEL ARTETA may not have anyone to put the ball in the back of the net but in William Saliba he has one of the best defenders in the Prem.The Arsenal boss watched his side’s faint title hopes go well and truly up in smoke in the goalless draw with Nottingham Forest.But his brilliant backline emerged, once again, with credit from this tricky clash at the City Ground.Together with Gabriel, Saliba kept a tight lid on Forest dangerman Chris Wood, who scored a hat-trick in his last appearance on this ground.But the fact the Gunners’ biggest threat at the other end of the pitch came from left-back Riccardo Calafiori – who was subbed off at half-time – says it all about the dire situation Arsenal somehow find themselves in.Here is how SunSport’s Graeme Bryce rated the Gunners stars’ displays… More

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      ‘F***ing imposters’ – Roy Keane slams Man Utd in angriest ever rant and has bust-up with Ian Wright over Bruno Fernandes

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      ROY KEANE has savaged Manchester United’s flops in an extraordinary rant – with skipper Bruno Fernandes singled out for extra criticism. The Red Devils legend, 53, savaged “imposters” in the team during a wild argument with ex-England striker Ian Wright. Roy Keane has unleashed a furious tirade in the direction of Man Utd playersCredit: YouTube/The OverlapThe ex-Utd midfielder argued with Ian Wright about who was to blame for the Red Devils’ issuesCredit: YouTube/The OverlapUnited skipper Bruno Fernandes was singled out by KeaneCredit: GettyKeane joined Wright, Gary Neville and Jill Scott to discuss United’s recent form. The 53-year-old went off on an explosive monologue, hitting out at United’s flops following a dreadful season.And he singled out captain Bruno Fernandes – much to Wrighty’s displeasure. Ruben Amorim’s men are languishing 14th in the Premier League, with just 9 wins from 27 games.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLKeane fumed on Stick To Football, brought to you by Sky Bet: “You go back to the recruitment and the team.”Show a bit of fight, a bit of speed, a bit of quality in your play. “They draw at Everton and it’s like they’ve won the cup. It’s f***ing bizarre.”Even the fans. I see fans at matches, and they sing for Bruno [Fernandes]. I see these boys, I think they’re f***ing imposters.”Most read in FootballWright interjected: “No bro, not Bruno.”Keane flopped back in his chair and snarled: “You know what Wrighty? I’ve had enough of that rubbish man.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”You watch Arsenal every week, I’m focusing on United.”Sit and watch a game. Sit and watch a game with him [playing]. New footage emerges of Alejandro Garnacho that ‘explains why Man Utd star marched down tunnel’ after being hauled off “We watched [Fernandes] in the cup at Leicester. Watched him at Everton last Saturday. “People [including him] are pretending to be closing people down.”Wright continued to push his point, claiming Fernandes had the talent to “save” United from their slump. A staggered Keane hit back: “They’re 15th in the league. And he’s saving them?! Praise the Lord.”Talent is not enough. You keep coming back to talent. Bruno is a talented player, but talent is not enough.”Still Wright continued to back Bruno, claiming United would be in the relegation zone if Fernandes wasn’t involved. A now shouting Keane continued: “Leadership is about action.”Man Utd ratings vs Ipswich as Maguire saves the day after Onana makes case to be WORST ever signingMANCHESTER UNITED eased their fears of the drop in a topsy-turvy relegation six-pointer with Ipswich.The Red Devils triumphed 3-2 despite playing the second half with ten men.A major cock-up from Patrick Dorgu and Andre Onana saw Ipswich take a third-minute lead through Jaden Philogene.Then, after United had recovered to lead 2-1, Dorgu saw a straight red card for a poor challenge on Omari Hutchinson.Philogene scored again to level it before the break only for Harry Maguire to nod in to be United’s saviour.But who was United’s best player on the night?Here, SunSport’s Phil Thomas reveals his Manchester United player ratings…But Wright countered: “Bruno does action. Maybe you don’t like his petulance. I’m not having Bruno being dug out.”Former Lioness Scott attempted to get involved, but Keane fired one final rant in Fernandes’ direction, slamming him for failing to be an enforcer in the United midfield. He fumed to Wright: “I’ve asked you a question, who [else] would you start going ‘He’s got to do a bit more’? “When [all United players] go out on that pitch, show some courage, want the ball. “When you close somebody down, close them down properly!”Let me tell you something, when you close somebody down, this is what I call a bluffer, I’m closing you down, but I’m not really closing you down and you pass it. They will say ‘I’ve done my bit!'”F*** off! Excuse my language.”Keane’s passionate rant quickly went viral, racking up over 1.5 million views in less than six hours.One fan gasped on X: “Who wouldn’t have that rant as an alarm call. You wouldn’t want to press snooze.”Another said: “Spot on by Roy.. leadership by example. You can’t be showing exasperation and despair on the pitch almost all the time when things are not working.”While a third laughed: “Roy Keane wants a starting XI of Conor Gallaghers.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBut a fourth countered: “Roy has no right to go after Bruno like that, he is a great captain.”Roy Keane was speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet. More