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    Harry Kane injury fears for Bayern Munich’s Champions League clash at Aston Villa after hobbling off against Leverkusen

    HARRY KANE is a worry for Bayern Munich’s Champions League showdown with Aston Villa next week.The Bavarians travel to Villa Park on Wednesday for the crunch clash.Harry Kane is an injury doubt for Bayern Munich’s Champions League clash with Aston Villa on WednesdayCredit: GettyThe England captain hobbled off in Bayern’s 1-1 draw with Bayer LeverkusenCredit: GettyBut Kane, 31, had to be subbed four minutes before the end of his side’s 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.Amine Adli caught the England skipper on the ankle to leave him writhing on the turf in agony.The injury will be a concern for Bayern boss Vincent Kompany who has already seen Kane register 15 goal involvements in just seven games this season.Kompany told the media after the game of his concern at losing Kane to injury.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe said: “Hopefully it’s nothing serious. I’m not a doctor but I hope he can play against Aston Villa on Wednesday.”While Bayern’s sporting director Max Eberl fuelled the concern when he hinted that it must be a nasty knock if Kane has had to leave the pitch.He added: “If Harry goes off the pitch, then it’s something. Now I hope he’s made of sturdy English wood.”However, Bayern Munich fans may be able to breathe a sigh of relief after Kane gave an upbeat update in the mixed zone after the clash.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe former Tottenham star said: “Sometimes there have been red cards for something like that.”I’m OK, but it’s a bit sore. I’ll check it tomorrow, but I think it’s OK.Harry Kane’s favourite England goals”It doesn’t feel too bad at the moment. We’ll assess that in the next few days, but I don’t think I’ll be out for long.”Bayern’s goalless draw with Leverkusen means they remain top of the Bundesliga table with 13 points.Kompany’s side are yet to lose a game since the Belgian’s arrival from Burnley this summer.Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich side are yet to lose a gameCredit: Getty More

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    Erik ten Hag has got to be WAY better… we know Angeball but Man Utd boss’ system is still a mystery

    I NEVER know from one week to the next what Manchester United are trying to do, what their system is or how they play.That was the case a few weeks after Erik ten Hag had taken over — I’m really none the wiser now and we’re 18 months on.Erik ten Hag is under more pressure than Ange Postecoglou for SundayCredit: GettyMan Utd face a striker in Dominic Solanke who is adjusting well for SpursCredit: RexAnd that’s one of the reasons why there is far more riding on today’s game for Ten Hag than for Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou.Ten Hag seems to be under pressure all the time. They get one good result, then a bad one. There’s no consistency at all.This week it was the Europa League and a draw against little FC Twente.At the start of the month it was getting smashed up at home by Liverpool.READ MORE TOP STORIESIt is difficult when you are not winning.If you are winning, you can keep a consistent team. In Sir Alex Ferguson’s time, the team pretty much picked itself every week.When you’re losing, it’s very different. You are looking for that formula, so you are chopping and changing players or even altering systems of play.Of course, Man United and Spurs both have  traditions of playing attacking football. But in the end, it’s all about winning.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLet’s not kid ourselves that everyone is so educated and just wants to see this incredible style of football.Winning games and being up near the top of the league is the only thing that will keep  people happy. Tottenham legend Gus Poyet explains why Ange Postecoglou can end trophy hoodoo and win Carabao Cup despite Coventry horror showIt’s no good playing good football and getting beat 3-0 on a Saturday.If you’re not playing good football AND you’re not winning, you’re bang in trouble, of course.Which is where Ten Hag and United are still.We know all about Angeball and when Spurs are playing  well, they are great to watch. It’s a very open, attacking style.They have some excellent forward players. Dominic Solanke seems to be settling in now that he’s got a couple of goals.Postecoglou can’t really play any other way with the players he has. They don’t have a lot of workhorses. The two full-backs can’t defend. You couldn’t turn that squad into something else.If Spurs are winning games and playing like that, the fans will love it.Having said that, a draw at Old Trafford today would be a decent result for Tottenham.But not for United. They have to be winning their home games.Ten Hag keeps making a point about winning a trophy in both his seasons at the club so far.But at United, you expect more. If you’re a Man United fan, you’ve been spoilt. You’re used to winning league titles and European Cups.Incredibly the way Ten Hag wants to play is still unclearHe needs to do more, he needs to be back up there challenging.The cup wins, well done — but still not good enough. They need to improve, big-time.Both sides will be looking to get back into the Champions League as a minimum.You’d put your shirt on the top three being Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal in whatever order. But it’s going to be a real dogfight for that fourth spot.Villa are in the Champions League this year and that could be a distraction.Spurs and United are in Europe but their  fixtures aren’t anything like the same level.Chelsea are starting to come together and they could be a threat.I still think Spurs have the players to just about take that last spot.And Ten Hag has it all to do at United.A lot of people were surprised he survived the summer, really.It was very strange. All the talk was that he would be going. I still think Gareth Southgate could be lurking on the radar.I can see the former England boss being of interest to the people who run the club if United’s form does not improve.Ten Hag needs results — and quickly.Gareth Southgate could still be on United’s radarCredit: RexHold-up even left our Ron in a rageTHE travel nightmare that Qarabag had on the way to their game at Tottenham reminded me of the worst journey I ever had.As a player at West Ham, we had a League Cup semi-final replay against Stoke at  Hillsborough in 1972.We were stuck in  horrendous traffic and going to be really late.I’d never seen Ron Greenwood lose his  temper but he was going crazy at the driver.He was in such a state that he was trying to  get through gaps that weren’t big enough and ended up hitting six cars on the way.They all followed us to the stadium and then the drivers got out and started having a row.It was like the  Keystone Cops.Was it worth it? No. The game ended 0-0 and then we got beat in the second replay.Sam was a write oneEVERYONE’S banging on  about dark arts — or  whatever people want to call them — after Manchester City and Arsenal’s 2-2 draw last weekend.It’s nothing new, all that verbal and physical stuff. But Wimbledon chairman Sam Hammam once found an amazing way to stir up some trouble.Sam Hammam had a cheeky way of inspiring Vinnie Jones and CoCredit: GettyBefore one game against them with West Ham, I got to Upton Park about 12 o’clock and my groundsman said: “Harry, their chairman has been in their dressing room for an hour and he’s got a big bag of pens.”READ MORE SUN STORIESI opened the door and all over the walls he had  written “Fashanu, you t***er”, “Vinnie, you . . . ”, all that kind of thing, in big writing.It was as though we’d done it, so that when  Wimbledon came in, they would get the raving needle and want to kill us.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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    Lille braced for Angel Gomes transfer offers as Premier League clubs circle after impressive England debut

    ANGEL GOMES has sparked transfer interest from clubs in the Premier League and Europe, according to reports.Gomes, 24, made his England debut last month after being called up by Lee Carsley.Lille are set for transfer offers for Angel GomesCredit: GettyGomes’ impressive England debut has sparked transfer interest from Champions League clubsCredit: GettyThe Lille star impressed in a deep-lying playmaker role in matches against Ireland and Finland in the Uefa Nations League.He dictated play as he starred for the full 90 minutes of the Three Lions game against Finland which ended in a 2-0 win.And the former Manchester United star could find himself on the move within the next two transfer windows with his contract with his Ligue 1 club expiring at the end of the season.According to The Telegraph, Champions League clubs have been alerted to his contract situation.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe will be free to discuss a pre-contract with clubs for the 2025/26 season if no new deal with Lille is agreed in the next three months.Clubs in England are also willing to bring the diminutive 5ft 6ins midfielder back to England for a crack at the Premier League.Gomes, who has an estimated transfer value of £21million, has played four Ligue 1 games this season and chipped in with one assist.He also starred in two of Lille’s Champions League qualifiers before featuring in their Champions League opener against Sporting Lisbon.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, Gomes was sent off after picking up two yellow cards after just 40 minutes of play, with the French side going on to lose 2-0.Speaking on Gomes after handing him his England bow, Carsley – who won the Under-21 European Championship’s with Gomes at the heart of his team – said: “He absolutely loves football. Inside Angel Gomes’ rise from Man Utd wonderkid to England star”He watches football, he’s interested in tactics, he knows all the player in any league.”If you ask him for any feedback you need to be prepared that he is going to give you some feedback on the session or how we’re going to build up, or the positions.”He’ll help in terms of he will often say about some build-ups that he’s done at other clubs or what he’s played against, because obviously he’s playing in France so he sees different things.”He fully deserves it (his call-up).”England ratings vs Finland: Kane bags double on his big day… but he’s not the Three Lions’ star manTRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD showed his brilliance as Harry Kane’s brace saw England beat Finland.Interim boss Lee Carsley maintained his 100 per cent win record in charge of England.SunSports Tom Barclay has given their ratings of the England players…Jordan Pickford – 6Had nothing to do.Trent Alexander-Arnold – STAR MAN 9England’s best player as he supplied some beautiful balls from deep that on another day would have led to a glut of assists.He did get one in the end, although that was more thanks to Harry Kane’s lethal finishing.Ezri Konsa – 6Showed his ability on the ball with a super ball through for Bukayo Saka on the half hour.Twisted his ankle early in the second half, surprisingly played on before being replaced on the hour.John Stones – 6Played at left-sided centre-back before shifting when Levi Colwill came on.Solid though not much to deal with. Now 19 short of 100 caps.Rico Lewis – 7In the right place to snuff out early danger from ex-Norwich man Teemu Pukki.Came close to a goal on his second England cap when prodding wide after the break.Declan Rice – 5Lost possession to give Finland their one and only big chance which Topi Kesinen should have squared to Pukki, but instead fired wildly over.Angel Gomes – 7Wanted the ball from the off, just like Lee Carsley thought he would. Deliciously drilled cross-field ball to Alexander-Arnold early doors showed his range.Bukayo Saka – 7Almost scored and almost assisted in a lively display.Unlucky that Kane was millimetres offside after the centurion had headed home the Arsenal man’s wicked delivery.Jack Grealish – 7Enjoyed being in the heart of the action at No10 again, as he did on Saturday against the Republic of Ireland.Carsley clearly likes him – it will be fascinating to see what happens when Mssrs Bellingham, Foden and Palmer all return.Anthony Gordon – 7Caused problems down the left with his rapid pace – how we needed some of that in the Euros.But did not have on his shooting boots as he fluffed a decent chance early in the second half.Harry Kane – 8Two blistering finishes took the centurion to an astonishing 68 goals in 100 caps.Was denied the chance of a hat-trick in front of his family when subbed off to a standing ovation for the final ten.Kane said he fancies his chances of reaching a ton of international goals – and it does not seem fanciful.SUBSLevi Colwill (on for Konsa, 61) – 6Next to no threat from Finland by the time he came on.Eberechi Eze (on for Gordon, 66) – 6Raced on to yet another special Trent pass but could not loop it over the keeper.Noni Madueke (on for Saka, 66) – 7Looked to make an impact every time he got the ball on debut. Excellent one-two with Trent saw the Chelsea man tee up Kane’s second.Marc Guehi (on for Stones, 80) – 6As with Colwill, little to do.Jarrod Bowen (on for Kane, 81) – 6Played up top after Kane went off for the final minutes, as he has done for West Ham. More

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    Barcelona slapped with Uefa ban after fans show Nazi banner in Champions League clash against Monaco

    BARCELONA have been slapped with a Uefa ban and fine after fans displayed a Nazi-inspired banner during their Champions League opener against Monaco.Barca suffered a 2-1 defeat during their their first European match of the season last week at Stade Louis II.Barcelona were slapped with a fine and ban due to fans displaying a Nazi bannerThe racist banner appeared to be addressing Barcelona boss Hansi FlickCredit: RexThe Blaugrana sustained an even bigger blow as some of their travelling supporters unfurled a racist sign that read: “Flick Heil (Hail Flick)”.That was of course a play on words referring to the infamous “Sieg Heil (Hail victory)” statement used by the Nazis during Adolf Hitler’s dictatorship in Germany.And those yobs seemed to be addressing that sickening banner towards Barcelona’s German manager Hansi Flick.The sign managed to get through security but was swiftly removed after being spotted and reported to Uefa.Read More on FootballThe incident caught the attention of Uefa’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) who who issued swift penalties.As a result, the Catalan giants have been fined €10,000 (£8,332) and prevented from selling tickets for their away game against Red Star Belgrade on November 6.UEFA has also issued the LaLiga outfit a one-year suspended ban, which will be triggered in the event of any further breaches within the next 12 months.This comes after Barcelona were handed a suspended ban following racist behaviour by their fans during a Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain in April.Most read in Champions LeagueBarca fans caused damage and let off fireworks inside the Parc des Princes five months ago, which led to a €32,000 fine (£26,673) and a suspended ban on selling away tickets.The CEDB cited Article 14 of the UEFA disciplinary regulations reads: “Any entity or person subject to these regulations who insults the human dignity of a person or group of persons on whatever grounds, including skin colour, race, religion, ethnic origin, gender or sexual orientation, incurs a suspension lasting at least ten matches or a specified period of time, or any other appropriate sanction.”Barcelona had even more problems on the pitch against Monaco as they lost Eric Garcia to a straight red card just ten minutes after kick-off.Maghnes Akliouche opened the scoring for the hosts just six minutes later before Lamine Yamal’s equaliser on 28 minutes.But Adi Hutter’s side completed a famous victory against Barcelona in the 71st minute with George Ilenikhena’s winner. More

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    Furious Jordan Henderson pulled apart from Ajax team-mate as ex-England star loses it during Europa League clash

    A FURIOUS Jordan Henderson had to be pulled apart from his own team-mate during a Europa League clash.The former Liverpool star was embroiled in a clash with fellow Ajax ace Bertrand Traoré.ScreenshotThe Dutch giants were in a comfortable position against Besiktas when the argument happened.Kian Fitz-Jim had opened the scoring before Mika Godts and Kenneth Taylor made it 3-0.But Henderson, 34, was still not thrilled as he went at team-mate Traore and was pulled away by other Ajax stars.It appears that the midfielder was not happy with the winger’s foul on Besiktas midfielder Gedson Fernandes.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEven after he had walked away, Henderson could be seen yelling to himself in frustration.Ajax continued to impress after the incident as Godts fired in his second in the 73rd minute to make sure of the result.They won the game and earned a vital three points in the new format of the Europa League.The result leaves Ajax top of the table with a superior goal difference thanks to the 4-0 win.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHenderson joined Ajax in January after cutting his time in Saudi Arabia short.The Englishman left Liverpool for the Middle East as he joined Al-Ettifaq in the summer of 2023.Dream Team Transfer Recommendations for Gameweek 5However the midfielder did not stay long before returning to Europe in the following transfer window.Henderson was linked with a move away from Amsterdam in the summer.However, he stayed put and is currently captaining the club.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Tottenham’s Europa League clash with Qarabag DELAYED as fans face frantic rush to get to stadium amid travel chaos

    TOTTENHAM’S Europa League opener against Qarabag was severely delayed due to travel chaos.The Azerbaijani side were staying in Stratford but did not turn up to Spurs’ stadium until 7.45pm due to serious traffic.Spurs’ Europa League clash against Qarabag FK has been delayedCredit: PAThat was only 15 minutes before the planned kick-off – which was then pushed back to 8.35pm.Qarabag’s coach ended up having a police escort for the last mile of their 12-mile journey.While their late arrival could land them in hot water with Uefa, whose regulations state that both teams must be at the stadium at least 75 minutes before kick-off, as per article 54.01.But because this is their first offence this season, the club and their coach Gurban Gurbanov will likely only get a warning from European football’s governing body.READ MORE IN football Travel to Spurs was a nightmare due to a multitude of reasons.Part of the A10, the major road in the area, was closed, while for supporters coming from the south there were major delays on the M25.A person hit by train at Tottenham Hale train station meant many Greater Anglia trains were cancelled between there and Broxbourne.And there were severely limited trains coming in from the Hertfordshire direction.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGurbanov’s reigning Azerbaijani champions were not the only ones to get caught out by the issues.TNT Sports pundits Peter Crouch and Glenn Hoddle abandoned their car and legged it down the street to make it in time for the start of their coverage.Ex-Spurs striker Crouch, 43, said: “Hopefully (the Qarabag team) ran down the High Road like me and Glenn! We gave up wit the car.”Tottenham legend Hoddle, 66, added: “Peter and I limped.”Qarabag are not the first to be caught out by the congested roads in N17.Spurs’ last European fixture – the last-16 Champions League tie against AC Milan in March 2022 – kicked off ten minutes later than planned due to both sides being held up in traffic.It made Spurs’ fans wait an extra 35 minutes for their first European game in 18 months, who named a strong line-up.Captain Son Heung-min, Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson all started up top, the latter two having netted in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Brentford.There were still six changes though, which saw 18-year-old pair Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall make their first European starts of their respective careers.Boss Ange Postecoglou, managing his first Spurs game in Europe, said: “It is going to be a great experience for our young players. It is different to domestic competition and they will learn a lot.”Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall have shown great energy. They want to make a career for themselves and my responsibility is to give them opportunity.READ MORE SUN STORIES”For a club like us, all these competitions are important. We have not had success for a very long time.“For a club our size, not winning becomes a millstone around your neck and you have to win something to release that.”SunSport’s Jordan Davies reacts to Europa League draw as Man Utd face Mourinho More

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    Which post-Sir Alex Ferguson Man Utd manager has best European record as Erik ten Hag’s horror stats revealed

    ERIK TEN HAG’S Manchester United have won just one of their last nine matches in Europe.The Dutchman may have won two domestic cups since arriving at Old Trafford.Erik ten Hag has endured a miserable run in EuropeCredit: AlamyHow does his record compare to compatriot Louis van Gaal?Credit: GettyHowever, last season’s eighth-placed finish was the club’s worst in the Premier League era.And he has struggled to make his mark on the continent, too.On Wednesday, Ten Hag saw his Red Devils take the lead against former club FC Twente.But goalscorer Christian Eriksen had his pocket picked before the Eredivisie outfit grabbed an equaliser. READ MORE ON MAN UTDFrom his 19 matches across the Champions League and Europa League since 2022-23, Ten Hag has now collected nine wins, four draws and six defeats.Of those nine wins, five came in the Europa League group stage in his first season – two against Sheriff Tiraspol and Omonia apiece with another three points against Real Sociedad. United did beat Barcelona at home in the knockout play-off round then saw off Real Betis home and away but then fell to Sevilla. In last season’s chaotic Champions League campaign, Ten Hag’s side managed one win against Copenhagen, a draw at Galatasaray and four defeats in Group A which also featured Bayern Munich. Most read in Europa LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSUnited finished bottom of the group to be knocked out of Europe.This term, they began with that disappointing draw against Twente – to extend the miserable recent run ahead of facing Porto, Fenerbahce, PAOK, Bodo/Glimt, Viktoria Plzen, Rangers and Steaua Bucuresti in the new Europa League format. Erik ten Hag ‘couldn’t wait to drop’ Man Utd starter for player who ‘isn’t much of an upgrade’, says Paul Scholes Ten Hag fumed: “We kept them alive when 1-0 up controlling the game and then you have to be consistent and keep going in the second half, we dropped the level and gave a goal away.”We didn’t finish it off, we had to go for the second goal and they stayed alive and we got punished with a mistake from ourselves. “It was the game of their life, they fought for every yard and we didn’t – 99 per cent is not enough, you have to give 100 per cent, you have to kill the game, finish it off, we are leading 1-0, but you have to go for the second goal, then you kill the game.”Especially as we are very ambitious and when you have ambition you have to perform, prove the point and especially today in the second half we were too complacent, we didn’t bring it over the line and, as a team, you have to bring this.”Today I have some criticism. It is not only the team that has to look in the mirror, I am part of it.”Wednesday’s result bumped Ten Hag’s Manchester United win rate in European football below 50 per cent to 47 per cent. But that record is not the worst of recent United bosses.Since Sir Alex Ferguson, seven managers have led United in Europe.Nine managers Man Utd considered before keeping Erik ten HagERIK TEN HAG appears to be safe as Man Utd manager, but the Dutchman edged dangerously close to the sack.Here are nine managers Red Devils chiefs are reported to have considered for the job and what allegedly happened with each.Gareth SouthgateEnjoys plenty of support among Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos chiefs but made clear he wouldn’t talk to any clubs until after Euro 2024. There is yet to be any suggestion that contact was made with the England boss.Kieran McKennaTalks were opened with McKenna’s representatives before the FA Cup final, but the former Man Utd coach opted to sign a new deal with Ipswich after Ten Hag’s Wembley win.Roberto De ZerbiAllegedly sounded out before the FA Cup final with salary expectations discussed. But Ineos chiefs concluded ex-Brighton boss was not the right fit for the project.Thomas FrankBrentford boss met Man Utd representatives the day before the FA Cup final. The Dane also dined with Ratcliffe, Roy Hodgson and Frank Lampard at the launch of a new Ineos car in February.Marco SilvaFulham boss reportedly met Man Utd representatives face-to-face two days before the FA Cup final, around the same time as Ten Hag was conducting his press conference.Mauricio PochettinoFell out of Man Utd’s thinking in the first week of June, despite being a favourite of Sir Alex Ferguson.Thomas TuchelMade a very strong impression and came across well during a Monaco meeting. Personal terms were discussed before the ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss decided to step back from the process.Ruben AmorimSporting boss was discussed by the Man Utd hierarchy but did not make the final reckoning.Roberto MartinezPortugal manager was considered in the early stages.The two interim bosses top and tail the list with Ralf Rangnick’s win rate zero per cent with two draws and a defeat while Michael Carrick secured victory in his one match.That was a 2-0 win at Villarreal in the Champions League with goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho. Ten Hag is only ahead of Louis van Gaal of the permanent bosses with the fellow Dutchman picking up three wins from his ten matches. David Moyes managed victory in five of his ten games to return a 50 per cent win rate.That is marginally behind Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on 54 per cent.The Norwegian took charge of 35 European matches for United – more than anyone since Ferguson – and won 19, drew six and lost ten.But of the permanent bosses, Jose Mourinho leads the way.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe secured 18 victories, five draws and six defeats from 29 games to rack up an impressive 62 per cent win rate.The Special One even lifted the Europa League trophy in 2017, beating Ajax in Stockholm to secure United’s sixth European trophy in their history. Jose Mourinho led the Red Devils to Europa League glory in 2017Credit: Getty – ContributorRalf Rangnick failed to win any of his three matches in EuropeCredit: ReutersDavid Moyes earned a 50 per cent win rateCredit: AFPOle Gunnar Solskjaer has taken charge of the most United matches in Europe since Sir Alex FergusonCredit: Getty More

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    Why Wembley could host 4th Champions League final in 17 years as Uefa reopens bidding for 2027 after San Siro stripped

    THE 2027 Champions League Final could be awarded to Wembley after Milan’s San Siro Stadium was stripped of hosting rights.Uefa had indicated the San Siro would stage the biggest game in European club football for the fifth time and first since 2016.Wembley could host the Champions League final for the fourth time in 17 yearsCredit: ReutersThe San Siro has been stripped of the 2027 finalCredit: GettyBut Uefa chiefs put confirmation of the venue on hold when they met in Dublin in May because of the uncertainty over the ground’s future.And now Euro bosses agreed at a meeting in Prague that Italian authorities could not give them sufficient guarantees.In a statement following the meeting of Uefa’s ruling executive committee, the organisation said a new host would now be sought – opening the way for Wembley or another English ground to go into the mix.Uefa said: “As the Municipality of Milano could not guarantee that the San Siro stadium and its surroundings would not be affected by refurbishment works in the period of the 2027 UEFA Champions League final, it was decided not to assign the final to Milan and to re-open the bidding process to appoint a suitable venue, with a decision expected in May/June 2025.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe decision is a major embarrassment for Milan and the San Siro but comes with current co-tenants Inter and AC Milan both considering alternative new home grounds.This season’s final will be played at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena while the 2026 game has been confirmed for Budapest.Wembley played host for Real Madrid’s win over Borussia Dortmund only in June but Uefa know playing their biggest match at a venue with outstanding corporate facilities would make it an even bigger money-spinner for their finances.Uefa bosses also confirmed that the “Big Five” leagues, including the Prem, will only receive £8.3m in “solidarity” cash for the clubs not competing in European competitions this season, worth around £640,000 to each of the 13 top flight outfits.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChampions League final venues2005: Istanbul – Atatürk Olympic Stadium – Liverpool 3 AC Milan 3 (3-2 on pens)2006: Paris – Stade de France – Barcelona 2 Arsenal 12007: Athens – Olympic Stadium – AC Milan 2 Liverpool 12008: Moscow – Luzhniki Stadium – Man Utd 1 Chelsea 1 (6-5 on pens)2009: Rome – Stadio Olimpico – Barcelona 2 Man Utd 02010: Madrid – Santiago Bernabéu – Inter Milan 2 Bayern Munich 02011: London – Wembley – Barcelona 3 Man Utd 12012: Munich – Allianz Arena – Chelsea 1 Bayern Munich 1 (4-3 on pens)2013: London – Wembley – Bayern Munich 2 Borussia Dortmund 12014: Lisbon – Estádio da Luz – Real Madrid 4 Atletico Madrid 1 (AET)2015: Berlin – Olympiastadion – Barcelona 3 Juventus 12016: Milan – San Siro – Real Madrid 1 Atletico Madrid 1 (5-3 on pens)2017: Cardiff – Millenium Stadium – Real Madrid 4 Juventus 12018: Kyiv – NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium – Real Madrid 3 Liverpool 12019: Madrid – Metropolitano Stadium – Liverpool 2 Tottenham 02020: Lisbon – Estádio da Luz – Bayern Munich 1 PSG 02021: Porto – Estádio do Dragão – Chelsea 1 Man City 02022: Paris – Stade de France – Real Madrid 1 Liverpool 02023: Istanbul – Atatürk Olympic Stadium – Man City 1 Inter Milan 02024: London – Wembley – Real Madrid 2 Borussia Dortmund 0The remaining 50 smaller leagues will share £215m with Uefa believing the new split – no clubs in any of the three European competitions will benefit from the larger fund – will “support the competitive balance across Europe”.Wembley has hosted the Champions League final three times since being rebuilt, with Barcelona winning 3-1 against Man Utd there in 2011 and Bayern beating Dortmund 2-1 in 2013 before last season’s showpiece.Serie A clash involving Champions League club POSTPONED after torrential rain as 19-word statement released More