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      English football could follow Germany’s fan-friendly 50+1 ownership model to avoid another European Super League crisis

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      GOVERNMENT officials are considering mandating English football to adopt the German model of majority fan ownership.Bundesliga teams must ensure at least a 51 per cent stake in the club is held by supporters – although there are exceptions.
      Borussia Dortmund are one example of a successful largely fan-owned clubCredit: Getty
      Premier League owners such as the Glazers have come in for sharp criticismCredit: PA
      The German FA (DFB) does not allow any side where more than 49 per cent is owned by private investors to compete, unless they can meet strict rules.
      For example, 75 per cent of Bayern Munich is owned by the supporters’ club and members vote on its president, with the remaining 25 per cent split between Audi, Adidas and Allianz.
      Any team owned by a single person or company was typically formed by that entity, such as car manufacturer Volkswagen, who founded top-flight club Wolfsburg in 1945.
      Should an investor hope to take majority control of a club, they need to have consistently invested for 20 years such as Hoffenheim chief Dietmar Hopp.
      Software magnate Hopp has nonetheless faced huge criticism from rival clubs for guiding the historically small club to European football.
      Introducing such a system to English football is being mooted following the European Super League debacle.
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      Clubs including Arsenal and Manchester United signed up to the doomed plot having failed to consult supporters or players.
      And UK Government culture secretary Oliver Dowden has refused to rule out implementing a fan ownership model.
      He told talkSPORT: “Naturally we’ve got to learn the lessons from the crisis in football financing during the Covid crisis.
      “We need to put this on a more sustainable footing.

      “For example in the German leagues they have a different governance structure so it’s right we look at those things.
      “The PM was good, I had a meeting with him and fans on Tuesday and he said we had to do whatever it took and that includes legislation and if legislation is required we’ll do that.
      “But the immediate legislation we were preparing to pull together was to deal with this immediate threat from this outrageous proposal.”
      Boris Johnson has stated that a ‘root-and-branch investigation’ will be overseen by former sports minister Tracey Crouch to review English football’s governance and to ‘promote the role of fans in that governance’.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      WHAT IS THE 50+1 OWNERSHIP MODEL?
      German football clubs are mandated to be at least 51 per cent-owned by supporters.
      Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich are both largely fan-owned with minority shares held by private individuals or companies.
      Some clubs are privately owned, if they are founded by a company (Wolfsburg, RB Leipzig) or an individual invests in the team for more than 20 years (Hoffenheim).
      Benefits include a greater say on club affairs, cheaper tickets and more transparency, although there have been challenges to the rules.

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      Cologne’s famous goat mascot Hennes VIII of 11 years is put down due to health reasons aged 14

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      FC COLOGNE have announced their iconic goat mascot has had to be put down.The legendary Hennes had been at every single home match for an 11-year period until 2019.
      FC Cologne have announced their legendary former goat mascot has died aged 14Credit: Getty
      Now he will be laid to rest after the Bundesliga side confirmed the sad news earlier.
      A tweet read: “We are going to miss you, Hennes VIII.
      “Our loveable goat, who was #effzeh mascot from 2008 until 2019, had to be put down due to health reasons.
      “He was 14 years old.
      “Rest in peace, Hennes!”
      Hennes VIII had carried on Cologne’s tradition of having a goat mascot at every home game since 1950.
      His replacement, Hennes IX, hit the headlines last summer.
      Cologne’s famous mascot was BANNED from their stadium for first time in 12 years due to new Bundesliga hygiene rules during the coronavirus pandemic.
      We are going to miss you, Hennes VIII.Our loveable goat, who was #effzeh mascot from 2008 until 2019, had to be put down due to health reasons. He was 14 years old.Rest in peace, Hennes! 😢 ❤ pic.twitter.com/3P77QkujGf— 1. FC Cologne (@fckoeln_en) April 21, 2021

      Hennes the ninth – who was in his first season as club mascot – had eight predecessors since the club introduced goat mascots 70 years ago.
      But owing to new hygiene rules implemented by German Football League (DFL) chiefs, the goat was forced to stay away.
      He was transferred to and kept at Kolner Zoo while waiting for Bundesliga restrictions to be lifted.
      Cologne are nicknamed the Billy Goats and their club crest also includes a goat.
      The club have had a goat mascot ever since 1950, when they were gifted one by the circus.
      It picked up its name, Hennes, after staff decided to name it after then-coach Hennes Weisweller.
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      David Alaba to join Real Madrid on five-year contract for free in summer from Bayern Munich in transfer blow to Chelsea

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      DAVID ALABA is set to sign a five-year contract at Real Madrid ahead of a summer free transfer, according to reports.The news will come as a blow to Chelsea who have been heavily linked with the Austrian for months.
      Real Madrid have agreed a five-year deal with Chelsea target David AlabaCredit: EPA
      Alaba, 28, revealed he will leave Bayern Munich after 13 years this summer when his contract expires.
      Blues boss Thomas Tuchel is determined to bring in another defender this summer and the experienced, versatile Alaba certainly fits the bill.
      The West Londoners have been heavily linked with a move for the Austria international, where he is looking to pocket £400,000-a-week in wages.
      But according to Sky, Alaba has rejected the chance to join the Blues and has put pen to paper on a Bernabeu contract until 2026.
      He is also said to have turned down an approach from Paris Saint-Germain, where the Ligue 1 giants were willing to meet his demands.
      It has been stated that Alaba – who can play as a centre-back, left-back or in midfield – has his heart set on a move to Spain.
      Real Madrid and Barcelona were both vying to secure his services, where it was reported in February that a verbal agreement had been reached with Los Blancos.
      Spanish media declared that Real offered Alaba a £17million bonus with Zinedine Zidane desperate to bring him to the Bernabeu.
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      Commenting on his future, Alaba declared he is leaving Bayern to seek a new challenge having been at the club since 2008.
      He said: “I have decided to do something new. It wasn’t an easy decision. I have not yet made the decision where to go.
      “I have personally decided to see something new, to look for a new challenge. That certainly took its time.”
      And he added: “It’s no secret that my agent is negotiating with other clubs.
      “I am looking for a new challenge to develop myself as a person on and off the pitch.
      “Where can I continue to play football successfully? That will certainly be important in my decision.”
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      Fuming Schalke fans attack players including Arsenal’s Kolasinac with eggs and fireworks after Bundesliga relegation

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      ARSENAL flops Sead Kolasinac and Shkodran Mustafi were among the Schalke stars attacked by a mob of their own fans on Tuesday night.Kolasinac returned to his former club on loan in January, while centre-back Mustafi joined the Germans on a permanent deal.
      Sead Kolasinac captained Schalke to their season-ending defeat on TuesdayCredit: AFP
      Shkodran Mustafi was another January signing unable to arrest the declineCredit: EPA
      The pair played in Schalke’s 1-0 loss at Arminia Bielefeld, which sealed their relegation from the Bundesliga.
      It marked an almighty fall from grace for the club which ranked 16th in Europe for revenue in 2020, having made the Champions League knockouts only two years ago.
      A 600-strong mob of Schalke fans reportedly waited for the team bus to return to their Veltins-Arena home in Gelsenkirchen at 1am.
      Several players were left bloodied after being struck, while eggs and fireworks were thrown and abuse hurled as the terrified squad ran a gauntlet of rage.
      Police and club officials have opened enquiries into the mayhem.
      Local police chief Matthias Buscher said: “We were expecting a group of fans to speak their minds to the Schalke players when their bus returned to the stadium.
      “We’d been tipped off about it beforehand, so police were present in numbers.
      “Suddenly however there were massive attacks. Two players were struck, and eggs and fireworks flew through the air.

      “The players ran off, and hundreds of officers had to intervene.
      “No arrests were made. But we are investigating whether there are criminal complaints against those involved in the attack.”
      Fireworks were also seen over the city during the night, reportedly set off by celebrating fans of bitter rivals Borussia Dortmund.
      Sources close to several Schalke squad members told German media that the players had been pelted with objects.
      Schalke said in a statement: “A number of unidentified people overstepped the boundaries, and this is unacceptable for us.
      “We understand the frustration and anger at our relegation to the second division.
      A 1-0 defeat to Bielefeld sent Schalke into the second-tierCredit: Reuters
      The club last played in the 2.Bundesliga in 1991Credit: EPA

      “But we will never accept our players and staff being put at risk of injury. We have begun an enquiry.”
      Bosnia & Herzegovina international Kolasinac is currently due to rejoin Arsenal this summer.
      The Gunners paid Valencia £35million for Germany defender Mustafi in 2016, but let him leave for Schalke in February.
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      Juventus interested in outgoing Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick but could face competition from Premier League clubs

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      JUVENTUS are considering a move for departing Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick, according to reports.The Old Lady are said to be in the market for a new manager after a disappointing campaign under Andrea Pirlo but could face competition for Flick from Premier League clubs.
      Juventus are interested in Bayern Munich boss Hansi FlickCredit: Reuters
      Flick announced he wants to leave the Bavarian giants at the end of the campaign.
      The 56-year-old won the treble last season and is well set to deliver another Bundesliga crown this term.
      But rumours of discontent behind the scenes have persisted and Juve are ready to pounce, according to Sport Bild.
      Having won Serie A nine years in a row, the Old Lady sit fourth – 13 points behind league leaders Inter.
      Club legend Pirlo was said to have one game to save his job before they beat Champions League rivals Napoli on April 7.
      They have since beat Genoa 3-1 but lost to third-placed Atalanta last time out.
      And the pressure is mounting – with the club said to have drawn up a three-man shortlist of replacements.
      Flick’s name was not included but recent developments in his situation mean Juve are keeping tabs.
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      Manager Andrea Pirlo only pockets £1.6million-per-year after taking charge of the club

      However they could face competition from Premier League sides with Arsenal and Tottenham the most likely to be on the lookout for a new boss.
      Spurs have already sacked Jose Mourinho and put Ryan Mason in temporary charge until the end of the season.
      And Mikel Arteta has struggled to deliver on his early promise with his team floundering in ninth.
      German Flick has also been heavily linked with the Germany national team job with Joachim Low leaving after this summer’s Euros.
      Flick told Sky Sports in Germany: “I would like to exit my contract at the end of the season – that is a fact.
      “It was just important to me that the team found out about this from me. I’m absolutely thrilled with them.”
      The decision was taken after ‘careful consideration’, Flick added, with the reasons for his exit remaining ‘internal’ for now.
      Despite Bayern’s domestic dominance, the coach’s relationship with sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has soured throughout the season, coming to a head with the holders’ exit from the Champions League to Paris Saint-Germain.

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      Flick was appointed assistant to former boss Niko Kovac before taking over on an initial interim basis in November 2019.
      The club handed him the reins full-time the following month and the Uefa Men’s Coach of the Year is under contract to 2023.
      His comments came after their recent 3-2 win over Wolfsburg, which kept Munich seven points clear at the top the table.
      And Flick confirmed a return to the German FA (DFB) was ‘an option’ ahead of Low’s departure.
      He continued: “The future is not at all clear.
      “There has been no discussion about [the Germany role]. Of course, the DFB is an option that every coach has to consider.
      “But I have to digest everything now, the last few weeks have not been easy for me either.
      “That’s why the process of telling the club and team was extremely important today.”
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      Dortmund’s strict squad rules and fines revealed with Arsenal star Aubameyang branded ‘punishment king’ during spell

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND’S strict squad rules and list of fines has been revealed.And Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be glad to be out of the club after being dubbed the ‘punishment king’.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was the ‘punishment king’ and constantly getting fined during his Borussia Dortmund daysCredit: PA:Empics SportDORTMUND FINES

      £4,315 – unauthorised absence
      £863 – late onto team bus
      £863 – phone goes off on team bus
      £431 – late for training
      £215 – not parking in designated spot
      £86 – Wrong outfit
      (Source: Bild)

      The now-Arsenal captain, 31, spent five years with the German giants before his transfer to the Emirates in 2018.
      And he forged a reputation for breaching the code of conduct on a regular basis.
      As revealed by Bild, the Gabon star was slapped with a £3,450 fine for wearing green boots customised with Swarovski crystals all over.
      Off the back of that particularly bold choice of footwear, former Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp introduced a stricter dress code, ensuring ‘appropriate sports clothing’ is worn.
      The Liverpool manager also introduced an Italian chef at his old club – with three now full-time in the kitchen serving up everything from salads and fish to rice pudding.
      Another ex-head coach, Lucien Favre, even brought in fist-bumping to cut down on handshakes and hugging – even before coronavirus – after a flu outbreak in the camp.
      There is an £86 fine for wearing the wrong outfit.
      And players need to be extra careful this season as the club has different sponsorships – and therefore different training kit – for the Bundesliga and Champions League.
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      Sticking with clothing and players are allowed to give away just ONE matchday shirt per season across all competitions.
      They must reimburse any additional jerseys given to opposition players or fans by buying a replacement from the club shop.
      A big thing at many clubs is punctuality – as Aubameyang knows only too well after his snubbing for the North London derby for his tardiness.
      Dortmund players are fined £863 if they do not get on the team bus ready for the time of departure and a further £431 if late for training – significantly less than the £20,000 when Frank Lampard was at Chelsea.
      Jadon Sancho was slapped with an £86,300 punishment for returning to the club late after heading back to England for international duty.
      On top of that, part of the retribution saw the winger walks across the training ground alone in the rain for 60 minutes.
      Furthermore, players must live within 20km of the club’s Signal Iduna Park home – many opt for the Lake Phoenix area – must pay £215 if they do not park in their designated spot and are charged £4,315 for any unauthorised absences.
      On the technology front, if a phone goes off on the bus to the stadium the guilty party can expect a £863 bill.

      The same amount goes for missing a sponsorship or advertising appointment.
      Goalkeeper Marwin Hitz is the current treasurer looking after all the fines – whereas Manchester United have a committee of Harry Maguire and Nemanja Matic.
      Hitz took over from left-back Marcel Schmelzer, who in turn replaced ‘Iron Man’ Sven Bender who was as brutal off the pitch spotting misdemeanours and collecting fines as he was on it collecting the ball.
      Borussia Dortmund have a three-rule policy for social media.
      Stars are reminded they are role models to many young people so must post with that in mind, they must also think three times before uploading a post because ‘the internet never forgets’ and they must be authentic, not boring to keep fans entertained and engaged.
      The fines list at Chelsea was pretty hefty under Frank Lampard
      Players can only give away one shirt per season before they need to start paying for themCredit: AFP
      Lastly, it appears there are some freedoms given to the players – they have free reign to play music inside before and after training, with Sancho often DJ.
      And they can choose to drive whichever cars they like – unlike at rivals Bayern Munich where they must roll up in their ‘company car’ Audis.
      Kingsley Coman has twice risked the wrath of the Allianz Arena chiefs and a £43,000 fine in the last year by driving in with his McLaren and, more recently, his Mercedes AMG.
      Philippe Coutinho and Niklas Sule had previously stirred the pot, by being spotted in their Mercedes and Ferrari motors respectively.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho are given free reign to pick whichever car they wantCredit: Getty
      Jurgen Klopp brought in the dress code and chefs while Lucien Favre tried to prevent diseases from spreading with fist-bumpingCredit: Getty – Contributor
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      European Super League dealt huge blow as PSG join Bayern Munich in refusing to enter breakaway competition

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      BAYERN MUNICH and Paris Saint-Germain have turned down the opportunity to join the European Super League.The duo were the two most notable absentees, when 12 of Europe’s biggest clubs enraged supporters, players, managers and pundits alike by announcing the formation of a new European Super League.
      Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has confirmed that Bayern will NOT take part in the ESLCredit: AP

      And while both have been invited, neither appear likely to join up any time soon.
      Bayern, who are partially fan-owned, have instead backed Uefa’s proposed reforms to the Champions League.
      Club CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: “FC Bayern did not participate in the planning of a Super League.
      “We are convinced that the current structure in football guarantees a reliable foundation.
      “FC Bayern welcomes the reforms of the Champions League because we believe that they are the right step for the development of European football.
      “The modified preliminary round will contribute to more excitement and emotion in the competition.
      “I do not believe the Super League will solve the financial problems of European clubs that were caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

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      Nasser Al-Khelaifi’s hands are tied by his relationship with Fifa and UefaCredit: Getty
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      “Rather, all clubs in Europe should work in solidarity to ensure that the cost structure, especially players’ salaries and agents’ fees, are brought in line with revenues in order to make all of European football more rational.”
      PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who was today re-elected to the Uefa Executive Committee as representative of the European Club Association, echoed Bayern’s stance.
      He said: “Paris Saint-Germain has the firm conviction that football is a sport for all. I have been constant on this point from the very beginning.
      “It must be remembered that as a football club, we are a family and a community, whose heart is our supporters, we must remember that.
      “There is a clear need to change Uefa’s existing competition model, and the proposal presented yesterday by Uefa, which concludes 24 months of in-depth consultation of the entire European football landscape, is a step in this direction.
      “We believe that any proposal without the support of Uefa – an organization which has strived to advance the interests of European football for almost 70 years – does not solve the problems the football community is currently facing, but is otherwise motivated by personal interests.
      “Paris Saint-Germain will continue to work with Uefa, the European Club Association and all stakeholders in European football on the basis of the principles of good faith, dignity and respect for each”.
      Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig have also confirmed their disdain for the new European Super League, all-but confirming that there will be no German participation.
      PSG are quite happy with their current situation, with Champions League qualification each season virtually locked in due to the financial disparity between themselves and the rest of Ligue 1.
      And while determined to dine at Europe’s top table, club president Al-Khelaifi has a very strong relationship with Fifa and Uefa – and with Ceferin in particular.
      The club’s owners, the Qatar Sports Investments group, also hold rights to broadcast Champions League football on BeINSports.
      And Qatar itself is to host the World Cup next year, making conflict with either Uefa or Fifa counter productive.
      Bayern and PSG played each other in last season’s Champions League finalCredit: Getty
      The two sides also battled in this season’s most entertaining Champions League tieCredit: Getty
      These developments mean that, as it stands, the ESL would be without Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Erling Haaland and Robert Lewandowski – four of the world’s most popular and brand-friendly footballers on the planet – undermining their product as a whole.
      The ESL’s formation has been met by anger and derision from all quarters, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson having written in The Sun that he will do whatever he can to stop it.
      Prince William has also spoken of the ‘damage’ it will do to the game, while Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville launched a rallying cry to fans on Monday Night Football, attempting to mobilise disgruntled supporters into action.
      The likes of James Milner and Ander Herrera have spoken up against the hideous plans – while Jurgen Klopp was also less than impressed – having admitted his unease with the idea of an ESL two years ago.

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      Chelsea step up Niklas Sule transfer chase with £30m-rated defender’s Bayern Munich future up in the air

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      CHELSEA have stepped up their interest in Bayern Munich defender Niklas Sule, according to reports.Blues boss Thomas Tuchel is said to have prioritised a centre-back this summer and the £30million man is top of the club’s wanted list with his future up in the air.
      Chelsea are plotting a move for Bayern Munich defender Niklas SuleCredit: Getty
      Sule, 25, has less than 18 months remaining on his Bayern contract.
      And due to financial restraints brought about by the pandemic, the burly German centre-back could be sacrificed at the end of the season.
      Sule has been heavily linked with a move to the Blues for months.
      Interest seemed to cool when Thomas Tuchel took over from Frank Lampard but conversations have been revived behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge, according to the Athletic.
      Bayern boss Hansi Flick is ‘reluctant’ to sell Sule but other people within the club are ‘not satisfied’ with his ‘attitude’.
      Chairman and club legend Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, however, isn’t one of them – and recently opened the door to handing Sule a new deal.
      He said: “We want the good German national players at FC Bayern. Niklas still has one year of contract.
      “We will hold talks and see where they lead. We will look at it seriously and calmly until the summer.
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      “Corona [coronavirus] has also caused financial damage to FC Bayern.
      “If we find a solution, we are generally happy to extend the contract, but that will only be possible under certain conditions.”
      The 29-cap defender has impressed since joining Bayern in 2017, but has seen his career already blighted by two cruciate ligament ruptures.
      Sustained in the 2014-15 season, the first saw him miss half of the campaign as he was making his name at Hoffenheim.
      And the second, suffered in October 2019, ruled him out of 35 games last season, only returning to action in August for the delayed Champions League run-in.
      Things have been brighter this time around, with Sule so far managing 32 appearances in all competitions for Flick’s side this season.
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