Champions League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      How Arsenal and West Ham can guarantee England an extra Champions League place thanks to Uefa rule change

      by

      ARSENAL and West Ham can almost guarantee an extra Champions League place for English clubs in 2024-25 by evicting German teams from Europe.If Gabriel and his Gunners pals KO Bayern Munich and the Hammers win their Europa League tie with Leverkusen, then England take an unbridgeable lead over Germany in the race to finish in Uefa’s top two performing nations.Arsenal and Declan Rice could almost guarantee England a fifth Champions League spotCredit: GettyA West Ham win over Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League would be crucialCredit: RexAnd that would earn an extra spot for the Prem in the Champions League next term.Uefa’s big change to the “coefficient” system for the revamped and extended competition gives Prem clubs a huge advantage.Even Newcastle and Manchester United’s poor campaigns this season would have benefited England’s ranking more.While coefficient points are gained by wins and draws — with a country’s total accumulated points divided by the number of teams it has in Europe — there are also bonus points for progressing through the competitions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnder the new regulations, each of the 36 teams in the top tier will earn a minimum six points.CASHING INJUST getting into the Champions League will mean even MORE next term.While Uefa has reformed its cash distribution method, performances in Europe over the last five AND ten years are still taken into account.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSManchester City will bank £53million from Uefa. Almost certain of top-three finishes, Liverpool are set to earn £51.5m and Arsenal £44.6m.Most read in FootballAston Villa will not fare so well but still grab around £28m, compared to Spurs’ likely £39.4m, with both keen for England to get a fifth spot.Thomas Muller hilariously calls out Kai Havertz as Arsenal draw Bayern Munich in Champions League But Champions League riches are highlighted by Manchester United’s drop from £48m for the elite competition to just £12.85m in the Europa League.PLAY-OFF CONTROVERSYJUDE BELLINGHAM denied Belgium a first away win over England on Tuesday — but there was no chance of a stoppage-time goal in the game that has shocked their country.Fans of Ghent cried “fix” after Genk and Westerlo played out a non- aggression pact in the final minutes of the 1-1 draw on March 17.Despite having an extra man, Westerlo simply let the home team pass the ball around in their own half, with one visiting player actually doing fitness exercises in the centre circle while the game was going on.The result saw Genk get into the end of season play-offs for European slots ahead of Ghent.While Westerlo avoided the relegation play-offs.Belgian FA chiefs slammed a “sham of fairness” and have now issued fines on all 21 players on the pitch and bans for the two captains and both coaches.England fans can still buy hospitality packages for Euro 2024Credit: Getty Images – GettyEURO TRIPENGLAND fans with a few bob to spare can still get their hands on Euro 2024 tickets.Their three group games in Germany are sold out — except for Uefa hospitality packages.They start from £1,070 per match, with some higher-priced deals featuring meals planned by Michelin-starred chefs.Of 110million applications for the tournament’s 2m available tickets, 90m were binned as they came from online bots on behalf of touts.GAME, SET, MATCHWIMBLEDON tennis chiefs have asked SW19 punters if they should change their finals weekend match line-up.READ MORE SUN STORIESVisitors who logged on to the event’s wi-fi last year were emailed a link to a survey about the “scheduling of matches across the finals weekend”.The mixed doubles final was traditionally the  last match but has been  brought forward to be played on the second Thursday in recent years. More

    • 188 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Champions League manager accused of attacking and threatening to kill mayor at children’s football tournament

      by

      PORTO manager Sergio Conceicao has been forced to deny attacking and threatening to kill a town mayor during a children’s football tournament.The youth tournament – the Copa Gafanote – was held in the Spanish port city of Huelva and featured Seville and Porto in the final.Sergio Conceicao has been forced to deny attacking and threatening to kill a town mayorCredit: GettyManuel Barroso, mayor of Huelva, claims he was informed that the referee of the final was being attacked on the pitch.Barroso said on radio: “I ran to support him, the man was about to enter the tunnel. Before entering, one of them slapped him.”I stood in the middle, serving as a shield, saying who they were to jump on to the grass, that they couldn’t jump on to the grass like that.”With a grotesque and arrogant attitude, they told me, ‘You don’t know who you are talking to.’ READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I identified myself as the mayor of Cartaya and told him, ‘Sorry, you don’t have to jump here, you don’t have to jump or attack anyone’.”Then they started insulting me, disrespecting me. They push me, they grab me by the neck and I try to resist by pushing them until the authorities, the Civil Guard, arrive.”Borroso then alleged that it was Porto boss Conceicao who was at the centre of the argument.He said: “Later I found out that he was the coach of the FC Porto first team. I told him when I found out.Most read in Football”I told him, ‘Aren’t you ashamed that, as the leader of this club, you disrespect me and even attack me?’. But then he continued disrespecting me and even threatened to kill me.”According to Lisbon paper A Bola, Conceicao denies Barroso’s accusation of assault.Die-hard England fan cuts message into grass for Southgate and Co ahead of Euro 2024 that can be seen from SPACEBut the football manager confirmed he was at the match as his son Moises plays for a Porto youth side.Record also state that Conceicao plans to sue Barroso for “falsely accusing him of assault”.And it is added that Conceicao also accuses mayor Barroso of initiating the row after attacking his son.A statement from his legal team read: “Yesterday, immediately after the events, a criminal complaint was filed against Mayor Manuel Barroso for attempted assault on Sérgio Conceição’s son (Moisés Conceição). We repudiate the accusations made by the mayor himself, which are untrue.”Conceicao, a former winger for the likes of Inter Milan, Lazio and Porto, has been in charge of the Portuguese side since 2017.He has three league titles to his name but is trailing league leaders Sporting Lisbon by seven points this season.And his Porto side were recently knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal in the last 16, which was followed by a row with opposite number Mikel Arteta.READ MORE SUN STORIESConceicao even accused Arteta of insulting his family – something Arsenal as a club denied.The former Portugal player has also had run-ins with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and Thomas Tuchel when the German was in charge of Chelsea.Porto boss Conceicao and Mikel Arteta clashedCredit: TNT Sports More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City only teams facing four consecutive double Gameweeks – Dream Team bosses take note

      by

      THE international break rumbles on but Dream Team managers should already be thinking about the next step in their quest for Mini League glory.Following the European draws and alterations to Gameweek 32 over the weekend, the upcoming schedule has taken on a new look.Gaffers should always be aware of the fixture list so that they can set long-term strategies in motion for maximum returns – at least that’s the hope.PLAY SCORE PREDICTOR AHEAD OF THIS WEEKEND’S ACTION – SOMEBODY MUST WIN £500 AMAZON GIFT CARD!It’s all eyes on the title challengersCredit: Dream TeamWith that in mind, Dream Team bosses intent on squeezing the schedule for all it’s worth in the coming weeks should focus on the Premier League title race.Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City are the only three teams facing FOUR consecutive double Gameweeks.To be clear, this means each of the title contenders will fulfil eight fixtures between now and the end of Gameweek 32.By way of a comparison, Tottenham will play just four games in the same time frame.Gaffers currently stocked up on Spurs assets shouldn’t panic just yet as there’s plenty of time (and transfers) to pivot away from Son Heung-min (£4.8m) and company before they’re left twiddling their thumbs.Spurs assets look good for Gameweek 29 but they’ll need to be replaced fairly soonCredit: GettyEvery single top-flight club has two fixtures to fulfil in Gameweek 29 with a full round of Premier League fixtures in midweek to follow the weekend’s usual allotment.Most read in Dream TeamSpurs host Luton before travelling to West Ham and a home game against Nottingham Forest in Gameweek 30 has to be considered a favourable match-up that is likely to yield plentiful points.However, the North Londoners have just one fixture across Gameweeks 31 and 32 at a time when the aforementioned title challengers will be action four times each.Not accounting for rollovers, gaffers will have six transfers at their disposal between now and the start of Gameweek 31 so those who need to find replacements for their Spurs assets should have more than enough wiggle room.Let’s take a closer look at Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City’s fixture over the next four Gameweeks.ARSENAL: Man City (a), Luton (h), Brighton (a), Bayern Munich (h), Aston Villa (h), Bayern Munich (a), Wolves (a), Chelsea (h)LIVERPOOL: Brighton (h), Sheffield United (h), Man United (a), Atalanta (h), Crystal Palace (h), Atalanta (a), Fulham (a), Everton (a)MAN CITY: Arsenal (h), Aston Villa (h), Crystal Palace (a), Real Madrid (a), Luton (h), Real Madrid (h), Chelsea (n), Brighton (a)City’s busy period contains some tough fixturesCredit: GettyThe first thing to note is that while Pep Guardiola’s troops will have a lot of point-scoring opportunities in the coming weeks, they face some tricky opponents.Straight up after the international break, they take on league-leaders Arsenal and fourth-placed Villa in an ultra competitive double header – albeit with the benefit of both fixtures taking place at the Etihad.Elsewhere, two legs against the La Liga leaders will provide a stern test in the Champions League quarter-finals while Mauricio Pochettino’s side will fancy their chances of an upset in the FA Cup semi-finals given how they performed against City in the league this season.It’s a similar story for the Gunners with City, Bayern (twice), Villa and Chelsea to come across the next four Gameweeks.All things considered, it looks to be an opportune time to stock up on Liverpool assets, despite the Reds’ 4-3 defeat at Old Trafford last time out.Their league fixtures are considerably more friendly on paper and, with all due respect to Atalanta, their Europa League quarter-final is a simple task compared to Arsenal and City’s Champions League draws.Surely an essential asset for Gameweek 29?Credit: GettyThe other teams to mention in regards to the immediate schedule are Aston Villa and West Ham.Both sides face three consecutive double Gameweeks before relatively favourable league match-ups in Gameweek 32, giving each of them seven fixtures in total in the given time frame.ASTON VILLA: Wolves (h), Man City (a), Brentford (h), Lille (h), Arsenal (a), Lille (a), Bournemouth (h)READ MORE SUN STORIESWEST HAM: Newcastle (a), Tottenham (h), Wolves (a), Bayer Leverkusen (a), Fulham (h), Bayer Leverkusen (h), Crystal Palace (a)The most-successful Dream Team bosses are likely to have teams made up almost exclusively of players from Arsenal, Liverpool, Man City, Villa and West Ham across the next few Gameweeks.talkSPORT BET Welcome offer
      Get £30 in free bets when you bet £10 – CLAIM HERE
      18+ New customers only. Opt in & bet £10 on any sports at 2.00+ odds within 7 days. No Cash out. Get 3x £10 Free Bets on selected markets. Free bets expire in 7 days. Card payments only. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org | Please gamble responsibly
      Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal face nightmare North London derby as Tottenham given 15 DAYS off while Gunners play four crucial clashes

      by

      ARSENAL face a nightmare run up to the North London derby compared to Tottenham.The Gunners are still fighting for silverware in both the Premier League and Champions League.Mikel Arteta faces a nightmare run up to the North London derbyCredit: GettyArsenal will be playing four matches after Tottenham’s final game before the derbyCredit: GettyIt means Arsenal will play at least SIX HOURS more football than Ange Postecoglou’s sideCredit: AlamyMeanwhile, Spurs have 15 days offCredit: GettyApril will prove to be a pivotal month in their hopes of landing either, with crucial fixtures in both competitions.Meanwhile, Spurs only have to focus their energy on the fight for the Prem’s Champions League spots, the last of which they currently occupy with a six-point gap to Manchester United.And this has led to a dramatically different schedule for the two sides ahead of the North London derby on April 28.The last fixture Ange Postecoglou’s side will contend with before the derby is an away clash with Newcastle on April 13, meaning they will have a whopping 15 DAYS to prepare for the match.READ MORE ON ARSENALOn the other hand, Mikel Arteta will be juggling his squad with FOUR games being played in that 15 day period.Following Spurs’ April 13 match, Arsenal have league clashes against Aston Villa on April 14, Wolves on April 20 and Chelsea on April 23, the latter of which is a rescheduled date.And then there is the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final to consider on April 17 which will be played at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena in Germany.And it means Arteta will have his work cut out managing the workload of his squad before the game, with at least SIX HOURS more football set to be played by the Gunners compared to Spurs.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe cause of such scheduling chaos is from FA Cup disruptions and the progress made by clubs such as Arsenal and Manchester City in European competitions.Spurs were due to play Man City on the weekend of April 20-21.What happened to Highbury?But due to City’s progression into the FA Cup semi-final that game was postponed, with the Premier League yet to announce a new date.So the scheduling chaos ahead of the North London derby could prove instrumental in the outcome and therefore have major repercussions in both the title and Champions League race.How Arsenal and Spurs’ outlook is for a crucial time of the season More

    • 250 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd could be BARRED from Europe next season as Uefa refuse to change club ownership rules after Ratcliffe takeover

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED face being BARRED from Europe next season after Uefa stuck to their ban on clubs under the same ownership competing against each other.Uefa have finally published their new regulations about ‘multi-club ownership’ issues.Manchester United could be barred from Europe as a result of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s takeoverCredit: GettyThe Red Devils could face a season without any European competitionCredit: APWhile clubs under the same ownership umbrella CAN play in Europe if they are in different competitions, the ban on clubs taking part in the SAME one remains in place.And that is where Nice’s recent slump in France’s Ligue 1 could end up preventing United from playing in ANY competition next season.Nice are fully owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group, while the petrochemicals billionaire confirmed he would be “delegated responsibility for the management of United’s football operations” as part of his minority buy-out of shares from the Glazers.Only last month, Ratcliffe claimed he had been told by Uefa there were “no circumstances” in which his ownership of Nice would prevent Man Utd from playing in Europe.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut Uefa have now confirmed there IS a blanket ban on clubs under the same ownership taking part in the same competition despite a revision of its rulebook.Asked to confirm the situation, a Uefa insider told SunSport: “It is correct that Manchester United and Nice cannot play in the same competition.“They could play in different competitions, as there is no ‘feeding’ between competitions any more.”Sixth-placed United appear destined for a Europa League place next season, even if English clubs earn an extra Champions League spot through their performances in Europe this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNice have dropped out of the Champions League qualification places which could present a problem for Man UtdCredit: AlamyBut Nice’s shocking form in 2024 could massively complicate that.They seemed certain of a Champions League spot at the end of January before a horror run of just one win in seven which has dropped them to fifth.Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s amazing lifestyleIf United and Nice finished in their current positions, both clubs would qualify for the Europa League.However, according to the rules, Nice would take precedence as the club “ranked highest in the domestic championship”.That would change if United won the FA Cup, which would give them precedence and send Nice to the Conference League instead.Similarly, should United and Nice both qualify for the Champions League, whoever finish higher in their domestic competition would get the spot, with the other dropping in the Europa.That’s unless Nice finish fourth, which is only good enough for a Champions League play-off, in which United would get the spot.Inside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United…
      If both clubs finish in the same position domestically, and qualify for the same competition, then United would get precedence because of England’s position at the top of Uefa’s five-year “access list”.But, depending on the winners of each country’s domestic cup, there remains a scenario in which United and Nice each qualify for the Conference League but the French side take the spot due to a higher league position – leaving United with nothing.READ MORE SUN STORIESUefa are scrapping the traditional group stage of the three competitions from next season, replacing it with three single leagues, with clubs eliminated from any of them out of Europe altogether.It is understood that any issues if both Manchester City and Girona – currently third in LaLiga – qualify for the Champions League would be ended if the Catalan club lost its representation on the City Football Club board.Ratcliffe could propose a new venue on the land next to the current ground More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City to bank a guaranteed £53million in next year’s revamped Champions League before they kick a single ball

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY will earn a guaranteed £53million in next year’s Champions League – without kicking a ball.The Etihad side will be able to land £133.5m if they win every game – up from the £117m they earned for last season’s triumph.Manchester City will earn a guaranteed £53m in next year’s Champions LeagueCredit: PAMan City pose as a certainty to compete in next season’s revamped Champions LeagueCredit: AFPAnd England’s other representatives can all gross huge sums, with Liverpool just fractionally behind City in the new money table.Pep Guardiola’s side can add an extra £3.67m if they retain their title at Wembley in June and then win the Uefa Super Cup for the second year running – taking their potential European earnings to £137.21m.But French giants Paris Saint-Germain will be Europe’s top pre-season earners under a new calculation system agreed by Uefa’s top brass.The revamped competition, with 36 teams in the expanded Champions League, will be worth a total of £372m more to participating clubs from next season.Read More on FootballThat sees the round by round prize fund increase from maximum earnings of £72.9m per club to £94.9m.The new system will see all teams play eight opponents – with four games at home and four away – to create a “final” table.The team top of that table will collect £8.6m, in addition to their starting bonus of £15.9m and £1.8m for every league stage win.Further bonuses for each stage reached in the competition – with the top eight teams in the table going straight through to the last 16 and the clubs ranked ninth to 24th playing off to join them – boost the performance prize fund by 43.4 per cent to a total £1.35billion.Most read in FootballBut City will also benefit from a new calculation for the remaining £730m available to the clubs, which sees the previous “TV market pool” and controversial “coefficient” calculations merged together.It sees around 80 per cent of the remaining cash distributed by a calculation of performances in European football over the past five seasons and the size of the individual TV pot paid by broadcasters in each nation.Martin Lipton reacts to the Champions League draw as Arsenal face old foesTNT Sport are paying £305m per season for live coverage of all but 17 of the 189 matches, with Amazon Prime screening the others – the first pick of Tuesday games – and highlights on BBC for the first time.But the total of those deals are thought to be slightly under the £411m per year cable outfit Canal+ are paying for rights in France.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERIt means PSG will take the biggest share of that pot – £30.9m – followed by City on £30.1m and Liverpool, assuming they finish in the Prem top four, on £29.2m.If Arsenal, Tottenham or Manchester United qualify, they will all take in excess of £23m from that pot.The remaining approximate 20 per cent will be determined by a 10-year ranking of European performances, although no longer including bonus points for past title wins.City are certain to be third in that list – behind Real Madrid and Bayern Munich – earning a further £7.3m.READ MORE SUN STORIESLiverpool are set to pick up £6.23m from that pot for a total “value pillar” share of £35.43 compared to City’s £37.28m.The new prize fund, though, means clubs will earn LESS money per game than under the current system even if the gross figure is higher. More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd flop reveals he’s turned to DNA TESTING to get his career back on track after injury hell

      by

      DUTCH hotshot Memphis Depay has revealed how he got his career back on track thanks to DNA testing.The Atletico Madrid striker – whose goal saw his side through to a penalty shoot-out Champions League Round of 16 win against Inter Milan – was dogged by injuries since his move from Barcelona last year.Memphis Depay has revealed how he got his career back on track thanks to DNA testingCredit: GettyDepay has dogged injuries since his move from Barcelona last yearCredit: Kenny RamsayDepay is best known to British fans for his disappointing spell at Manchester United from 2015-2017.While his debut season went well during the 2016-17 season Memphis made only four appearances all of them as a substitute and had a total playing time of just 20 minutes in the Premier League.The 30-year-old who is set to face Scotland tonight, said: “We looked at my physical strength. Maybe sometimes so much force is released that my muscles can’t hold it for a while.”Then you have to see whether something needs to change in the way of training and playing matches.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”So we started looking into everything, including via DNA tests, so see what exactly my body needs in terms of nutrition and hydration.”Luckily I have stayed away from injuries for a while now, so confidence in your body increases.”I am in that phase now. That confidence translates into goals and assists.”I have come a long way in life so I’m not going to give up anything in my career due to injuries.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERFollowing his United hell, he reinvigorated himself at Lyon, becoming their star player and helping them reach the Champions League semi-finals in 2020, beating Manchester City on the way.That earned him his move to Barcelona, and then to Atletico.His record for the Netherlands is superb – he has 44 goals in 88 internationals.Man Utd hero Lee Sharpe opened up about the most unforgettable hairdryer treatment he ever received from legendary manager Sir Alex FergusonThe Atlético Madrid player will play two friendly matches with the Dutch national team during the international break.He will hope to feature against Scotland later, and on March 26, the national team will face Germany. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid plot shock raid on Newcastle for £100million star who has ‘burning desire’ to play in Champions League

      by

      REAL MADRID are reportedly readying a swoop for Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes.The 26-year-old Brazilian midfielder moved to St. James’ Park in January 2022 for £35m and has become one of Europe’s most sought-after players.Real Madrid reportedly scouted Bruno Guimaraes against Man City last weekendCredit: AlamyThe former Lyon ace has scored 13 goals and assisted another 13 in 96 appearances for the Magpies.And we revealed earlier this month how Guimaraes is now attracting interest from a host of teams across the continent.He remains under contract with Newcastle until 2028 after signing an extension earlier this season.However, that deal reportedly includes a £100m release clause on the star’s own insistence.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLNow talkSPORT claims that Eddie Howe and the Toon “are bracing themselves for Real Madrid to step up interest” this summer.They claim that the LaLiga giants had scouts watching him in last week’s 2-0 FA Cup quarter final loss to Manchester City.Guimaraes also allegedly has a “burning desire” to be playing regularly in the Champions League.He did achieve that on Tyneside before theory group stage exit this term, but Newcastle will need a miraculous turn of results to qualify for it again next season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe Magpies are also looking at the prospect of having to offload a star name in order to help them remain on the right side of Premier League spending rules.And any figure they receive close to his release clause would result in a huge profit on the Samba ace.Lee Clarke wants son Bobby to make ‘dream’ move to NewcastleNewcastle are currently 10th in the Premier League and out of all cup competitions, something Guimaraes has admitted has left him “disappointed” when quizzed about the campaign this week.Ahead of Brazil’s clash with England at Wembley, he said: “This season we have been struggling.“I think we’ve had many problems with injuries and suspensions but this is part of the process. When I signed for the club I knew that this would happen.“Things have happened too quickly. During my two years at the club, we reached a final, unfortunately, we didn’t win but we got there after 20 years which was massive for the club.”When he was asked about Newcastle having to sell in order to meet PSR rules, Guimaraes said: “I don’t know. I am not involved in that.“We never know what is going to happen but I’m happy at the club. Of course, I’m disappointed about our season but I think we still have a chance to finish at least seventh, Europa League or Conference League.“But about the club staff, I cannot speak too much. I don’t know what is going to happen in the future but what I can say is I am so grateful for Newcastle.” More