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    Fury over revamped European Super League as it’s revealed four new divisions would be based on EU flag

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    FOUR divisions for a new 96-club European Super League would be inspired by the EU flag — Star, Gold, Blue and Union.Promoter A22 Sports yesterday unveiled its format for a “Unify League” and said it had written to Fifa and Uefa to ask for official endorsement.Footie fans slammed a plot to revive the hated European Super League, above protesters outside Stamford Bridge in 2021Credit: GettyFour divisions would be inspired by the EU flag — Star, Gold, Blue and UnionCredit: AlamyMadrid-based A22 is backed by Real Madrid, its chief Florentio Perez and Barcelona, above Jude Bellingham during a UEFA Champions League matchCredit: GettyThe firm’s previous plan for a closed 20-team league folded in April 2021 amid a fan backlash — as reported by The Sun.But A22 bosses believe Uefa must endorse its proposal following a December 2023 European Court of Justice ruling that previous tactics used to block a Super League were contrary to EU law.An A22 spokesperson confirmed last night: “The names of the leagues are named after the EU Flag/Flag of the Council of Europe.“The Unify proposal is aligned with the principles of the European Union and compliant with its laws.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It is open to all clubs from across the 55 countries.”Teams would earn a place on merit and not be guaranteed entry.Games would be streamed free on a direct-to-fan Unify platform, with viewers likely to pay a ­subscription to go ad-free.But one fan blasted: “They’ve used an EU ruling as the justification, and now the flag seems to have inspired the leagues. It stinks.”Most read in FootballA senior Uefa figure called the plan “bulls***t” and “a Christmas pantomime”.Tim Payton, from the Arsenal Supporters Trust, added: “We utterly condemn these proposals and are against any breakaway or super leagues.”Fans ask ‘how’s Henry spotted that?’ as they are left stunned by Arsenal icon’s analysis of Man Utd star’s goal vs Man City He urged the football regulator currently being set up by the UK government to block the proposal.Top Unify League division Star would involve 16 clubs in two pools of eight.Second league Gold would be the same. The remaining 64 teams would be in Blue and Union divisions.Each of those would be split into four pools of eight.A women’s competition would run alongside.Madrid-based A22 is backed by Real Madrid, its chief Florentino Perez, and Barcelona.A22 CEO Bernd Reichart said the Unify League aimed to address challenges such as increased TV subscription costs, an overloaded calendar, insufficient investment in women’s football, and dissatisfaction with the format and governance of current competitions.We utterly condemn these proposals and are against any breakaway or super leaguesTim Payton, from the Arsenal Supporters TrustHe cited the ECJ 2023 ruling that states “any competition where qualification is inclusive and meritocratic, and which complies with the overall match calendar can be officially established”.Mr Reichart said A22 had consulted with clubs, leagues and other groups.But Arsenal fan Mr Payton said: “I don’t believe they’ve had any meaningful discussions with supporter groups.“We have pushed Arsenal in our meetings with them since the Super League — and they always tell us they are committed to the existing structures and competitive balance.“We would urge the club to ­condemn and ignore moves like this. “It is a breakaway and being proposed by people outside the FA, Premier League and Uefa structure.BOWING TO FAT CATSBy Will Barker, Sun newsman and Villa fanJUST when you thought the greedy clubs had learnt their lesson from the last Super League chaos, here comes another crazy idea.And this time, the EU has laid out the red carpet for fat cat clubs to sponge even more money off fans.My team, Villa, have been battling since the very start of the Champions League to hear the famous anthem played at Villa Park. Previous memories of 1982 when we won the European Cup are all faded now.But now we have been able to experience first hand what a great competition it is rather than jealously watch our Premier League rivals from afar. Incredibly, Villa have had a great run in the tournament so far — even beating giants Bayern Munich, which led to some of the wildest celebrations in the Midlands I’ve seen for years.Football is about the fans. It isn’t about the rich owners and it certainly isn’t about the politicians in Brussels, who need to get their hands off our great game.”They are badging it up as being a bit more competitive but it’s still a breakaway and propagated by Real Madrid and Barcelona.”Manchester United fan and football writer Andy Mitten added: “I don’t think this is a goer and it seems to be being pushed by Real Madrid. “I am not in favour.”The first European Super League plan guaranteed entry to 12 rebel clubs including the Prem Big Six, above Liverpool star Mohamed SalahCredit: GettyManchester City ace Phil Foden copetes in the UEFA Champions LeagueCredit: GettySpurs fan Doug Sanders wrote online: “Just no! “It is clear that player injuries are increasing due to the fixture lists, leaving hardly any free time during the year.“This is solely about making money for A22. “I suppose this would be televised on another obscure channel that fans would need a separate contract for.”One supporter said: “Perez doesn’t take no for an answer, does he?”Another added: “No one wants this. “Stop this nonsense now.”No one wants this. Stop this nonsense nowOne supporterAnd a third wrote: “Massive waste of everyone’s time. “As useless as the new World Club Cup.“Stop trying to please faceless clubs. “Fans want competitive local football.”The new format could involve up to ten Premier League teams compared to four in this year’s Champions League, two in the Europa League and one in the Conference League.The Premier League would have three teams in Star, two in Gold and up to five further teams across the remaining divisions.The first Super League plan guaranteed entry to 12 rebel clubs including the Prem’s Big Six — Liverpool, Man City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs and Man Utd.All positions in the Unify League would be earned by domestic performances in the previous season.A22 envisages 14 league phase games being played between September and April.The top four in each group would then reach a two-legged quarter- final, with the winners progressing to a “final four” week of one-off matches to decide the competition.It means footballers, already ­complaining of burnout, would face playing even more games. No ­formal start date has been set but it is understood A22 hopes to launch in September 2026.The prize fund is yet to be confirmed but A22 promises £330million in “solidarity” payments to smaller clubs and countries.The total pot is expected to exceed the current fund of £2billion for the Champions League, and £700million for the Europa and Conference Leagues combined.Measures to block clubs from joining any breakaway competition are included in the Government’s 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 — as happened when the Premier League was set up more than 30 years ago.The Premier League, Uefa and UK teams have not commented.But clubs are likely to be mindful of angry fan reaction. READ MORE SUN STORIESIn 2021 thousands flocked to demonstrations at Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd.They let off smoke bombs, called for club owners who had backed plans to go and branded the proposed format the “Super Greed”.Plenty to like… but will fans back it?By Martin Lipton, Chief Sports ReporterTHE biggest issue with the first version of Super League was that it was utterly unfair.Football has always been about what you earn on the field — and offering the Prem’s Big Six a place in a breakaway elite for life would have destroyed the fabric of the game.So while many fans reacted in anger at the ­latest proposals unveiled by Madrid-based A22, its new plans do tick more boxes.Qualification by merit, rather than on the basis of what a club did ten, 15 or 20 years ago is a step in the right direction.As are extra “big” games, playing all teams in a mini-league, home and away — it’s hard to keep tabs on a Champions League table of 36 clubs.Then an end-of-season knock-out with real tension, especially with a final four-style week of one-off semis and the final.But it seems unlikely that a new streaming platform, offering both ad-supported “free” games and a bells-and-whistles subscription service, can really earn the billions required to run four competitions every season.The potential autumn 2026 launch means huge obstacles will have to be cleared quickly — and that includes winning over the fans whose determination torpedoed Super League version one in 48 hours in 2021.In the end, it will come down to the clubs.If they feel their bread is being buttered the way they like it, then it could be on — and if that means jettisoning the Carabao Cup, so be it. 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      Thomas Tuchel being kicked OUT of UK after Chelsea sacking due to Brexit rules and needs new job to be allowed to return

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      POST-BREXIT visa laws means ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel will be kicked OUT of the UK because he is out of employment.The German, 49, was sacked by Chelsea in September despite spending just shy of £250million on new players.
      Tuchel will leave the UK next month and head to MunichCredit: Alamy
      According to the Telegraph, the Blues’ Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital ownership put two members of Tuchel’s staff on gardening leave, allowing them to remain in England with their families.
      Being placed on gardening leave means they are technically still contracted to Chelsea.
      However, Tuchel was not made a similar offer to Zslot Low and Benjamin Webber, and due to post-Brexit visa laws, the Champions League-winning manager will be kicked OUT of the UK next month.
      Tuchel was happy in Surrey, where his daughters have attended school, the report says.
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      But he has been left with no choice but to find a new permanent home, and it is understood he will move to Munich in his native country.
      Tuchel arrived at Chelsea in 2021 on a post-Brexit Governing Body Endorsement visa and attempts to get clarity on different options or get help to apply for an alternative visa have proved unsuccessful.
      Despite not being allowed to permanently stay in England, Tuchel intends to travel back to London regularly and split his time between the capital and Munich.
      Tuchel is said to be waiting for the right opportunity to return to coaching.
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      He has already rejected proposals from English and overseas clubs.
      A previous report in the Telegraph claimed Tuchel would be interested in succeeding Gareth Southgate as England manager IF the post becomes available after November-December’s World Cup.
      Working with Tuchel could be tempting for the FA.
      Chelsea reached the final of every club competition available under Tuchel during his 20-month reign. More

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      Thomas Tuchel could be DEPORTED before Christmas with German in post-Brexit visa limbo after Chelsea axe

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      THOMAS TUCHEL could be DEPORTED before Christmas with the German stuck in post-Brexit visa limbo following his Chelsea sacking, according to reports.The 2021 Champions League-winning manager was incredibly let go following a poor start domestically and in Europe.
      Thomas Tuchel is unsure on whether he must leave the UK due to post-Brexit visa rulesCredit: Getty
      Chelsea’s new owner Todd Boehly swung the axe after watching his club fall to a 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in Europe.
      The brutal sacking came despite Chelsea splashing £254million on some of Europe’s top talent over the summer.
      Tuchel was replaced by Graham Potter, who left his post at Brighton to fill the vacant managerial role at Stamford Bridge.
      And to make things worse for Tuchel, he may be booted out of the country too due to Brexit rules, The Telegraph reports.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      It is believed the 49-year-old is only able to stay for a maximum of 90 days following his sacking having arrived on a post-Brexit Governing Body Endorsement visa.
      However, there has been no official confirmation from the relevant parties.
      Talks are ongoing and Tuchel is said to be “happy and comfortable” living in the UK, and he is still weighing up his options.
      He was even spotted smiling in London on Wednesday.
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      Tuchel stopped and posed for photos with supporters.
      A representative for Tuchel told the Telegraph: “We will act in accordance with UK rules and adapt all future plans. Final decisions are not made yet.”
      Tuchel took over at Chelsea in January 2021.
      The West London club had to file a special application in order to get Tuchel and his staff access into the country following the UK’s exit from the European Union. More

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      West Ham’s Europa Conference League opponents Viborg without two players due to post-Brexit rules

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      WEST HAM’S Europa Conference League opponents Viborg will be without two players for their first leg clash due to post-Brexit rules.The Danish side have confirmed that Nigerian Ibrahim Said and Gambian Alassana Jatta have been unable to obtain visas in time for the match.
      Viborg will be without Ibrahim Said at the London StadiumCredit: Getty
      Alassana Jatta also misses outCredit: Getty
      Both were likely to feature in the match, with Said in particular a regular starter for Viborg.
      A club statement read: “We are extremely sorry that we have not been able to get visas for the two players.
      “We have tried everything, and have been in close contact with DBU [Danish Football Association], Uefa, the two embassies and another foreign club which has been in a similar situation.
      “But unfortunately this has proved to be impossible, as there is a processing time of several weeks and the match was only finally decided a week ago.”
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      Viborg’s sporting director Esper Fredberg added: “It is very unfortunate purely sportingly, as both players would have had a role in the match, but even more unfortunate purely humanly, that the two miss out on the great experience.”
      Said, 20, and Jatta, 23, will not be able to play in London on Thursday night, but will be available for the second leg in Denmark next week.
      The two sides meet with a place in the Europa Conference League group stage on the line.
      Viborg have already beaten Lithuanian outfit Suduva and Faroese club B36 to reach this stage.
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      Like the Hammers, they finish seventh in their division last term.
      West Ham go into the match having just completed their sixth summer signing.
      David Moyes’ side announced the £10million acquisition of Thilo Kehrer from Paris Saint-Germain this afternoon.
      Kehrer, 25, joins Nayef Aguerd, Alphonse Areola, Gianluca Scamacca, Maxwel Cornet and Flynn Downes in signing for the Hammers this summer. More

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      Gareth Bale will NOT return to Tottenham, confirms Nuno.. and Welshman faces not being registered for Real Madrid season

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      GARETH BALE will NOT be returning to Tottenham this summer – and faces fight to be registered in Real Madrid’s squad next season thanks to Brexit. The Welshman won’t be returning to Spurs despite a fruitful return in front of goal during his loan spell last season.
      Gareth Bale scored a brace on the final day of last season to sink Leicester’s top four hopes and secure Spurs Europa Conference League footballCredit: PA
      Nuno is taking on his biggest job yet at Tottenham – but says Bale is NOT coming backCredit: PA
      Bale chipped in with 16 goals and three assists across all competitions for Spurs last season, helping them secure a 7th-placed finish.
      However, Bale’s goalscoring exploits won’t earn himself a move back to Tottenham.
      Nuno Espirito Santo has squashed any murmurs of a move for the winger.
      The new Spurs boss said: “Gareth Bale will not be part of our squad.”
      And according to Spanish outlet AS, Bale also faces a dilemma when he returns to Real Madrid.
      The Welshman counts as a non-EU player, and LaLiga clubs are only allowed three non-EU players in their squad – thanks to Brexit.
      Pressure has been put on both Real and Atletico Madrid, who have a host of South American talent.
      Real, in particular, will have a tough decision to make.
      One of Bale, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo or Militao will not be able to be registered as a result of the rule.
      Spanish newspaper AS have revealed one way in which Real could compensate for the returning Bale.
      Rodrygo could be sent to Real’s reserve team Castilla, who play in the Spanish third division.
      However, it would be incredibly harsh on the Brazilian winger who made 22 appearances for Real last season.
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      Nuno’s record as a manager

      Rodrygo could, however, play for Real in the Champions League despite playing in the third tier for Castilla.
      Kieran Trippier is also in the same boat as Bale, but at LaLiga champions Atletico.
      Should Atletico hold on to Trippier – despite strong interest from Manchester United – Colombian right-back Santiago Arias could be forced out to compensate for the Englishman in the clubs’ non-EU player quota.
      Watch Gareth Bale ‘do a Piers Morgan’ and STORM OFF mid-interview after Wales’ 4-0 Euro 2020 thrashing against Denmark More

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      Arsenal legend Robert Pires blames Brexit for changing ‘British mentality’ as he leaves London for Ibiza

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      ARSENAL icon Robert Pires has blamed Brexit for his decision to quit London for Ibiza while his wife revels in their new sunshine setting.
      The 47-year-old ex-Gunner has enrolled their three children at a British language school on the island after joining the coaching staff at second division B side Pena Deportiva Santa Eulalia.

      Robert Pires and his wife Jessica Lemarie Pires have left London for IbizaCredit: Getty – Contributor

      And the Arsenal icon has blamed Brexit for a ‘change in British mentality’Credit: AFP or licensors

      The former footballer, born in France to a Portuguese father and Spanish mother, returned to Arsenal to assist players recovering from injury after a successful career with the Premier League side.
      He quit the UK last August to move to a rented home in Ibiza with stunning ex-model wife Jessica Lemarie Pires and their children Naia, 15, Theo, 13, and Alessio, nine.
      Pires, who scored 62 goals in his 189 appearances with Arsenal and enjoyed a second Premier League spell with Aston Villa, told local paper Periodico de Ibiza: “I’ve enjoyed a lot of time in London but what’s happened with Brexit is that the mentality of the British and the atmosphere has changed.
      “In the family, we spoke about changing and did it.

      “Finding a new place to live is not easy but I think Ibiza has it all, quality, sun.
      “Now what I’m feeling is that people are very affectionate with me.
      “I’m also Spanish because my mum is Spanish, from Oviedo in the north, so I’ve got this in my blood.
      “Being in Ibiza is a dream.”

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      Explaining a friend called Luca was also instrumental in helping him choose his new destination, he added: “Ibiza has a French school and a British one but we chose the British one so the children can keep on learning in the language.
      “They’re also learning Spanish now.
      “Why Pena Deportivo? I have a friend who lives here and works at the club. He’s called Luca.
      “I called Luca and told him ‘I’ve got two boys who want to play football. Where can I register them?’
      “He told me the best club in Ibiza is Pena Deportivo. We had a meeting and that’s where the connection began.”
      The retired midfielder married Jessica, who gave up modelling to raise their three children after splitting from first wife Nathalie.
      ‘EROTICALLY BEAUTIFUL’
      They were married for six years and divorced in 2003, with Pires admitting afterwards it had affected him professionally and interfered with his concentration and sleep.
      The mum of his three children has been showing off their new life in the sun with morning yoga routines she posts on her Instagram.
      Two days ago she wowed fans by uploading a photo of her in a green wraparound dress which left one admirer declaring: “So erotically beautiful.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Arsenal legend Martin Keown admits he has ‘reservations’ over Martin Odegaard taking No10 role from Emile Smith Rowe More

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      Pierre van Hooijdonk’s son Sydney’s dreams of starring in British football like famous dad dashed by Brexit

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      SYDNEY VAN HOOIJDONK has seen his dreams of copying his dad and starring in British football dashed by Brexit.
      The Breda striker, 20, son of ex-Nottingham Forest and Celtic striker Pierre, had a January move to the Championship lined up.

      Sydney van Hooijdonk’s hopes of a move have been scupperedCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Forest and Sheffield Wednesday were ready to make an offer with Van Hooijdonk available on a free plus a sell on fee.
      But the chance of following his father has been scuppered following new Brexit rules this month with a stricter points system to bring in players from the European Union introduced. 
      Dutchman Van Hooijdonk is one of the first high-profile footballers to be affected by the restriction in movement.
      Instead, Van Hooijdonk is set to make the switch to Germany with several Bundesliga clubs interested.

      The highly rated forward has scored 12 goals this season with Breda fourth in the Dutch second tier.
      European players are now treated in the UK like non-EU players of the past and require governing body endorsement (GBE). Via a points-based system agreed by the FA, Premier League and EFL and approved by the Home Office, a score of 15 points is needed to grant the transfer.
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      Points are awarded on a criteria including the number of international caps, the Fifa ranking of the player’s country, the strength of the league the player is arriving from and how many club appearances they have already made.

      A score between 10 and 14 points is referred to an exceptions panel who will rule over the suitability and quality of the player.
      With Van Hooijdonk yet to play for his country and playing in the Netherlands’ second division he would not have met the criteria under the new Brexit rules.

      Frank Lampard’s next club – West Ham lead England and Newcastle as ex-Chelsea boss’ next role, bookies say More

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      How will Brexit change transfers into Premier League? Britain’s departure from EU’s impact on football explained

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      BREXIT has finally happened after nearly four years of negotiations between Brussels and Westminster.
      And that means transfers are going to be affected, with the number of lower-quality EU players likely to be restricted as the transfer window opens on January 1 and shuts on February 1 at 11pm.

      Would Bruno Fernandes’ transfer to Manchester United have been scuppered by Brexit?Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Virgil van Dijk’s career in Scottish and then English football could have been very different with BrexitCredit: Reuters

      Here, SunSport’s CHARLIE WYETT explains what happens next…
      WILL BREXIT AFFECT PREMIER LEAGUE TRANSFERS?
      Yes, it will have a massive impact on English football.
      There is now a strict points system to bring in players from the EU, like the rest of the world, meaning only experienced stars are likely to be allowed.
      Because of restricted movement, teams will no longer be able to sign 16-year-olds from the EU — and must wait until they are 18.

      ANY POSITIVES FROM BREXIT?
      Potentially for home-grown players.
      Academies become even more important as clubs are forced to focus on kids from this country.
      Brexit could also see prices for younger British players increase, while the overall standard of academy graduates looks certain to worsen with top EU talent missing.
      WILL IT BE A BUSY WINDOW?
      No chance. It will be the quietest month ever.

      Clubs have been increasingly keen to avoid doing much business in January and the Covid crisis will ensure there is even less activity.
      Income has reduced massively so clubs are not interested in adding to their wage bills.
      So big-money swoops for stars such as Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski will be off the table.
      SO WILL THERE BE ANY DEALS?
      Loan deals for experienced players are the most likely to happen.
      If a Premier League club loans a player on £40,000 a week and brings in another one on the same wages, they can freshen up the side without it costing anything.
      WHICH CLUBS ARE THE MOST LIKELY TO DO BUSINESS?
      Liverpool are in the market for a central defender — because Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk have long-term injuries and Joel Matip is incapable of staying fit.
      However, boss Jurgen Klopp is not certain he will get the player he wants.
      At Spurs, midfielder Dele Alli could be leaving on loan — while rivals Arsenal want to offload some high-earners but have not had many takers.
      Manchester United are chasing defenders, yet they are more likely to do their business in the summer.
      Players in the last year of their contracts are now free to talk to overseas clubs, such as Liverpool’s Gini Wijnaldum.

      WILL WE SEE YOUNG PLAYERS LOANED OUT BY PREM CLUBS?
      January usually sees youngsters who are nowhere near the first team given the second half of the season at an EFL side.
      However, the increase to nine subs is meaning that some Prem clubs intend to keep hold of them.

      Top 10 biggest transfer value rises of 2020 including Man Utd star Bruno Fernandes and Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka More

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      Brexit will help the Premier League attract world’s top talent and promote British kids, insists Rupert Lowe

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      RUPERT LOWE walks out of the European Parliament after waving a Union Flag  in the chamber with Nigel Farage. Former Southampton chairman Lowe last night also became a former Brexit Party MEP as the UK left the EU. Read our Brexit day live blog for all the latest news and updates Justin Allen with Rupert Lowe, […] More