Champions League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Jurrien Timber wants a ‘beautiful’ impact on Arsenal’s title charge after ending eight-month absence with a SCREAMER

      by

      JURRIEN TIMBER is ready to make a “beautiful” impact on Arsenal’s title run-in after his long-awaited injury return.The Dutch full-back signed for the Gunners from Ajax last summer for £34.2m – but suffered a serious knee rupture on the opening day of the campaign back in August.Jurrien Timber netted at Ewood Park – his first appearance in a match since August 12Credit: GettyTimber suffered an ACL rupture against Nottingham Forest on the Prem’s opening dayCredit: GettyEight months on and the 22-year-old is finally ready for first team selection once more, and is even in contention to be in the squad to face Tottenham on Sunday.Boss Mikel Arteta – who believes Timber can be a transformational figure for the club in future years – wanted the player to get some match experience before a senior comeback.He has done just that, playing the first half of the under-21s’ 2-2 draw with Blackburn at Ewood Park, scoring a screamer inside eight minutes.And with Arsenal chasing a first Premier League title in 20 years in a fierce race with Manchester City and Liverpool, Timber is desperate to make an impact.read more on arsenalHe said: “We’re doing really well. The last couple of weeks have been tough, obviously out of the Champions League, but we’re still in the mix, we’re still there.“I’m glad that I can be a part of it and let’s see what the last couple of weeks can bring. I hope something beautiful. The boys have been texting me. I can’t wait. It will be fun.”On his goal – a right-footed curler into the top corner – Timber added: “I didn’t realise I was even scoring a goal, because I don’t score a lot, maybe that’s changed since my rehab!”Since the injury against Nottingham Forest at the Emirates on August 12, Timber has undergone extensive rehab work in a bid to get back before the end of this term.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERArteta has remarked on several occasions how strong Timber now looks, and has been amazed at the Netherlands international’s recovery speed.Ahead of tonight’s clash against Chelsea, Arteta said: “He’s been training really well. He looks ready. He needs that exposure.’Nothing is authentic about this club’ – Arsenal fans brutally trolled for bizarre ‘Ford Fiesta’ chant in Munich“After that, we’ll assess whether [the Spurs game] comes at the right time or too fast. We’ll try to get him with us for the final games.“At the moment, [the Euros] looks really far because he hasn’t played any football. So, let’s see if he can contribute in an impactful way to our system.”Timber said: “It’s been eight months, you know. I still don’t really know how to feel, but just being out there feels amazing. I feel happy, feel blessed to be out there.”Mikel Arteta’s striker shopping listBy Jordan Davies
      ARSENAL are stepping up plans to sign a world-class striker in the summer after their Champions League heartbreak.
      Mikel Arteta splashed out £204.5m last summer on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
      But the Spanish manager accepts he needs a proven goalscorer to take the club to the next level.
      And here are the players he is looking at to get the Gunners firing:
      BENJAMIN SESKO (RB Leipzig, value £40m-£45m)
      One for the future at 20 years old. Scored 16 goals for RB Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga last season and the Slovenian has carried on that good form in Germany with Leipzig this campaign.
      VIKTOR GYOKERES (Sporting Lisbon, value £60m-£80m)
      Been scouted several times this season. The Swedish striker, 25, is more of a traditional No 9 so may not suit Arsenal’s demand for flexibility but would bring a physicality that boss Mikel Arteta craves.
      ALEXANDER ISAK (Newcastle, value £75m-£85m)
      Impressed in his first two seasons in English football. The Swede, 24, has the pace and finesse to match his finishing ability, and Eddie Howe’s Toon may need to sell to balance the books this summer.
      JOSHUA ZIRKZEE (Bologna, value £45m-£50m)
      Dutch wonder  is attracting the attentions of clubs across Europe. At 6ft 4in the 22-year-old forward would have no trouble adapting to the Premier League and already has an eye for goal.
      XAVI SIMONS (RB Leipzig, value £70m-£80m)
      An incredible talent in the Bukayo Saka mould, currently on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. The future of the Dutch attacker, 20, depends on how much money his parent club want to make from him.

      The left-back position is now one of serious strength for Arsenal, but one that will give Arteta serious headaches at the end of this season and the start of the next.Oleksandr Zinchenko has had a mixed season, impressive with ball at feet but often vulnerable in defence, while Takehiro Tomiyasu – who signed a contract extension until 2026 last month – has slotted in well when needed. Jakub Kiwior, a central defender by trade, has surprised many with his displays as a makeshift left-back, but was heavily exposed by the pace of Leroy Sane in their Champions League quarter final first leg against Bayern Munich. More

    • 288 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Seven managers who could replace Ten Hag at Man Utd after losing the fans in front of new owners in Wembley horror show

      by

      ERIK TEN HAG’s position as Manchester United manager is under increasing threat after the club’s Wembley horror show.The manager has struggled to improve the team since his arrival in 2022.Erik ten Hag could get the chop at Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyManchester United were millimetres from suffering a humiliating exit in the FA Cup to Coventry City.The Championship side had a late winning goal ruled out for offside before the Red Devils prevailed via a penalty shootout.Ten Hag appeared to be on thin ice ahead of the game as Man United were knocked out of the Champions League after finishing bottom of their group.The club is also on course to finish outside of the top four and miss out on European football altogether next season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMan United currently find themselves in 7th place, with Chelsea just three points behind with a game in hand.Despite progressing to the final, Ten Hag’s stock has fallen even further as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Avram Glazer watched on from the stands.It could prove to be the final nail in the coffin that convinces the club to part ways with the Dutchman at the end of the season.This means the club will be back in the market for a new manager for the seventh time since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013 – Here we take a look at who could come through the door…Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThomas TuchelThomas Tuchel is one option for Man UnitedCredit: EPAThe former Chelsea manager is set to be out of work this summer as he leaves Bayern Munich.Despite a disappointing season in Germany, Tuchel has still got the club into a Champions League semi-final.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer windowHe has won trophies in Germany, France and England during his career.Zinedine ZidaneZinedine Zidane has not managed in three yearsCredit: ReutersThe French manager has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid in 2021.However, Zidane is still very highly regarded for his success with the LaLiga giants.Over two spells at the club, he won two league titles and three Champions League titles.Kieran McKennaKieran McKenna has done an impressive job at Ipswich TownCredit: PAThe Ipswich Town boss has caught the eye over the last couple of seasons for his work in the Football League.He led the Tractor Boys to the CHampionship from League One and is now battling for a promotion spot to the Premier League.The Northern Irishman knows the Red Devils well, having spent two years in charge of the U18s side.Michael CarrickMichael Carrick is doing a fine job at MiddlesbroughCredit: GettyAnother manager who is dazzling in the Championship.Carrick has earned plaudits for his impressive Middlesborough side that has challenged for a playoff spot in the last two seasons.Like McKenna, Carrick knows the necessary culture at Man United, having played at the club for 12 years.Gareth SouthgateGareth Southgate could be available after the EurosCredit: GettyThe England manager will be out of contract later this year and could make the switch after the Euros.Southgate has taken the Three Lions to a World Cup semi-final and Euros final during his tenure as boss.Should Southgate get the job at Old Trafford he would already have relationships with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw.Graham PotterGraham Potter is rated by Sir Jim RatcliffeCredit: PALike Zidane, Potter has been out of work for a while having been sacked by Chelsea last season.Despite the disastrous reign at Stamford Bridge, Sir Jim Ratcliffe still views Potter as an attractive option.The Englishman has proved he can build a team as seen by his success at Brighton and Hove Albion and Swansea City.Julian NagelsmannJulian Nagelsmann is currently managing GermanyCredit: AFPNagelsmann could be an unlikely candidate as he is contracted to Germany until after the 2026 World Cup.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, reports have suggested that his deal could be void should the team fail to get out of the group stage at the Euros.If that is the case, then United could make a move to tempt the former Bayern Munich manager back to club football.Pundits verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

    • 163 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea ace Carney Chukwuemeka ‘lined up for shock transfer to Champions League giants’

      by

      CARNEY CHUKWUEMEKA is reportedly being lined up for a shock summer transfer.The Chelsea star has barely featured this season having picked up a knee injury in the 3-1 defeat to West Ham back in August.Carney Chukwuemeka is reportedly wanted at BarcelonaCredit: RexChukwuemeka, 20, joined the Blues from Aston Villa in a £20million deal in 2022.He has only gone on to make 27 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring two goals.However, he appears to have done enough to attract the gaze of one of Europe’s biggest clubs.Barcelona are lining up a move to reignite their interest in the midfielder, according to talkSPORT.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSThe report claims that the LaLiga giants were keen on signing Chukwuemeka before his move to Stamford Bridge.It is said that the club believes that they can take advantage of his lack of game time in England and “uncertainty” at Chelsea.It could be difficult to prise the England U21 from London as he is a childhood Blues supporter.He insisted that when Chelsea came knocking while he was at Villa he did not want to “waste any time”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe told The Telegraph: “Chelsea was the team I grew up supporting and I said to my dad [Charles] ‘let’s get it done’.””I didn’t want to waste any time. I just came from winning the under-19s Euros with England that summer and a week after they were calling and there was only one place I was going.”7 times Arsenal vs Chelsea games EXPLODEDA move to Barcelona could also have another stumbling block as playing time could be limited at the Nou Camp.The club currently have a heap of talented midfielders at their disposal.The list includes the likes of Gavi, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Fermin Lopez, Ilkay Gundogan and Oriol Romeu.Chelsea’s penalty chaosMAURICIO POCHETTINO has been tearing his hair out watching Chelsea’s stars fight over penalties again and again. Here are all their spot kick lowlights

      CHELSEA 2-2 ARSENAL (23rd October, 2023)GOAL Raheem Sterling immediately picks up the ball to take Chelsea’s spot kick before Cole Palmer approaches. Enzo Fernandez intervenes to give the ball to Palmer, who sends David Raya the wrong way to score.
      CHELSEA 4 LEICESTER CITY 2 (17th March, 2024)MISS Raheem Sterling wins a penalty and this time is handed the ball by Palmer. However, he fires it down the middle and sees his kick comfortably saved. Leicester later recover to 2-2 from 2-0 down and Sterling is booed every time he touches the ball by a section of the home crowd.
      CHELSEA 4 MANCHESTER UNITED 3 (4th April, 2024)GOAL Noni Madueke makes an audacious attempt to take the ball off Palmer after winning a 98th minute penalty with the Blues 3-2 down but is pulled away by Trevoh Chalobah. Palmer sends Andre Onana the wrong way before scoring a winner two minutes later.
      CHELSEA 6 EVERTON 0 (15th April, 2024)GOAL Madueke picks up the ball immediately after Chelsea are awarded a penalty at 4-0 up, but a furious Nicolas Jackson rushes in wanting to take the kick and shoves the winger. Captain Conor Gallagher has to intervene to give the ball to Palmer, who scores. Pochettino blasts his team’s behaviour as “like being at school”. More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      My dad’s a Chelsea legend who won their first Champions League, now I’m making my own way in a very different sport

      by

      THE son of Chelsea legend Roberto Di Matteo is taking a swing at his own career in sport.Demi Di Matteo may not have the footballing genes that his superstar dad had, but he is still impressing in his own field.Demi Di Matteo is a college golfer in the USCredit: instagram @demidimatteoHe is the son of former Chelsea Manager Roberto Di MatteoCredit: Getty Images – GettyDemi and Roberto pose for a photo with their familyCredit: instagram @demidimatteoThe 22-year-old is a college golf star in the US where he is putting birdies and smashing it on the academic side of things.Demi is enrolled at Furman University in South Carolina where he represents the Furman Paladins golf team.He plays off a +1 handicap and has been a part of the college’s golf team since he arrived in the US back in 2020.Alongside his impressive golfing abilities he has also found himself names on the SoCon Academic honour roll, an achievement for college athletes with exceptional grades, every year since enrolling.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe fairways are a long way from Stamford Bridge where his dad Roberto, who is the spitting image of him, made a name for himself.Roberto Di Matteo made over 100 appearances as a player for Chelsea between 1996 and 2002 before managing the club for just 42 games in 2012.But he didn’t need long to leave his mark and etch his name in Chelsea history as he led the Blues to a first ever Champions League trophy as the caretaker boss in the 2011/12 season.In fact he also helped the side win the FA Cup in the same year as they got the better of Liverpool in a 2-1 win at Wembley.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSRoberto is no stranger to golf himself though with the 53-year-old, who is now an adviser for Korean team Jeonbuk Hyundai, recently catching up with some other Chelsea stars on the golf course.The Italian tactician reunited with John Terry, Gianfranco Zola and Carlo Cudicini as the quartet swapped their football boots for the fairways.Thiago Silva breaks down in tears on Wembley pitch after Blues crumble against Man CityRoberto Di Matteo won the Champions League as Chelsea’s interim bossCredit: GettyDemi and Roberto posing with the Champions League trophy in 2012Credit: instagram @demidimatteoRoberto Di Matteo reunited with his Chelsea pals for some golf recentlyCredit: instagram @johnterry.26Demi has always excelled at golfCredit: instagram @demidimatteo More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea Champions League winner to leave on free transfer after four years as fans hail ‘one of the best ever’

      by

      THIAGO SILVA will leave Chelsea at the end of this season, according to reports.The 39-year-old defender will become a free agent when his contract expires in June.Thiago Silva is set to leave ChelseaCredit: AlamyTransfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims Silva has received interest from Fluminense but is keeping his options open.The Brazilian joined Chelsea on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020 and has since made 149 appearances.He won the Champions League with the Blues at the end of his first season at Stamford Bridge.Chelsea fans have been left devastated by the news of Silva’s departure.Read More on ChelseaOne person took to X to write: “One of the best centre-backs to ever play for us 💙 Wish he joined earlier in his career.”Another commented: “One of the best free agents ever in football. Thanks for everything, Thiago Silva.”A third said: “On behalf of all Chelsea fans worldwide we celebrate you, legend. We are very proud to have you and your family, such a passionate family. Wish you best in your future.”A fourth wrote: “This is a very sad news to all Chelsea fans.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChelsea’s penalty chaosMAURICIO POCHETTINO has been tearing his hair out watching Chelsea’s stars fight over penalties again and again. Here are all their spot kick lowlights

      CHELSEA 2-2 ARSENAL (23rd October, 2023)GOAL Raheem Sterling immediately picks up the ball to take Chelsea’s spot kick before Cole Palmer approaches. Enzo Fernandez intervenes to give the ball to Palmer, who sends David Raya the wrong way to score.
      CHELSEA 4 LEICESTER CITY 2 (17th March, 2024)MISS Raheem Sterling wins a penalty and this time is handed the ball by Palmer. However, he fires it down the middle and sees his kick comfortably saved. Leicester later recover to 2-2 from 2-0 down and Sterling is booed every time he touches the ball by a section of the home crowd.
      CHELSEA 4 MANCHESTER UNITED 3 (4th April, 2024)GOAL Noni Madueke makes an audacious attempt to take the ball off Palmer after winning a 98th minute penalty with the Blues 3-2 down but is pulled away by Trevoh Chalobah. Palmer sends Andre Onana the wrong way before scoring a winner two minutes later.
      CHELSEA 6 EVERTON 0 (15th April, 2024)GOAL Madueke picks up the ball immediately after Chelsea are awarded a penalty at 4-0 up, but a furious Nicolas Jackson rushes in wanting to take the kick and shoves the winger. Captain Conor Gallagher has to intervene to give the ball to Palmer, who scores. Pochettino blasts his team’s behaviour as “like being at school”.

      While a fifth added: “He deserves a big farewell, a football legend and we had the privilege to see him at Chels for many years. Wish him all the best.”Silva was left devastated on Saturday after Chelsea missed out on a spot in the FA Cup final.Thiago Silva drops huge hint he will quit Chelsea as Blues defender reveals what is making him ‘a bit sad’-The Blues suffered a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the semi-final at Wembley Stadium.Silva was spotted crying at the full-time whistle, with some fans claiming his team-mates had “let him down”. More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd transfer boost with Barcelona ‘open to offers for superstar with defender open to big move’

      by

      BARCELONA are open to “listening to offers” for Ronald Araujo with Manchester United setting their eyes on the defender.Araujo has become a key player for Barcelona since breaking into their first team in the 2019/20 campaign, having now made almost 150 appearances for the club.Man Utd received transfer boost for Barcelona target Ronald Araujo as club are ‘open to offers’Credit: AFPBut, amid the fallout from his red card in the crushing Champions League quarter-final defeat against Paris Saint-Germain, the La Liga are reportedly considering cutting Araujo loose.The 25-year-old received a straight red card for fouling Bradley Barcola in the first half of the second leg.Barca were looking set for a semi-final spot at the time, leading 1-0 on the night and 4-2 on aggregate.But the red shifted momentum in PSG’s favour, with the Parisians netting four times to go through.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIlkay Gundogan publicly called out Araujo in the aftermath, with the Barca dressing room said to now be ‘divided into four clans’.And Spanish outlet Sport are now reporting Xavi’s side “will listen to offers” for the Uruguayan centre-back.It is known that perennially cash-strapped Barcelona need to sell a player this summer to balance accounts.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe report claims Araujo is one of the players whose sales would generate more profit.Most read in FootballBarca are convinced that they could get an offer of up to £86million, given the interest from United.’I don’t like what I see’ – Disgusted Roy Keane blasts Man Utd and says they ‘looked like the Championship team’The Red Devils are long-term admirers of Araujo, and it is understood the club would be at the front of the queue to sign him if he became available for transfer.Barca are confident they have enough defensive cover should he depart following the emergence of 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi.Considering Araujo signed with the Blaugrana in 2018 for £1.4million the Catalan giants can expect a hefty profit.Victory his never been less glorious than this for Man Utd, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      PROBABLY only Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United could book a place in an FA Cup final while hanging their heads in shame.
      Minutes after the final whistle of this ridiculous semi-final, Coventry’s magnificent underdogs were performing a lap of honour to their cheering fans — while most of United’s players and supporters had disappeared.
      Then the Wembley PA system started blaring out ‘Glory, Glory Man United!’ and everybody started laughing out loud.
      Victory has never been less glorious.
      As a party-starter it, fell flat. As a stab at dark humour, it was sensational.
      Even by United’s standards of low farce this was ridiculous.
      Now even the unlikely scenario of a final victory over City is unlikely to save Ten Hag’s job.
      After all, Louis van Gaal was axed days after United last won this competition in 2016 and his side were never as bad as this current lot.
      Read Dave Kidd’s thoughts on the game in full here.
      Or click here to check out all of Dave Kidd’s articles. More

    • 225 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea icons reunite on the golf course as fans say ‘this is about as legendary as it gets’

      by

      A GANG of Chelsea legends went viral after a surprise reunion for a friendly game of golf.John Terry, Roberto Di Matteo, Gianfranco Zola and Carlo Cudicini swapped their football boots for a set of clubs as they took to the fairways.John Terry, Roberto Di Matteo, Carlo Cudicini and Gianfranco Zola went for a game of golfCredit: Instagram @johnterry.26Terry shared a picture of him and his fellow Chelsea legends playing golfCredit: PA:Press AssociationCudicini teamed up with Terry and they beat Di Matteo as well as CudiciniCredit: Getty Images – GettyZola played with all of the other three legends during his Chelsea careerCredit: GettyTerry linked up with former team-mate Cudicini and together they beat Italian pair Di Matteo and Zola.And after their game, the Blues’ quartet took a photo which legendary captain JT shared on social media.Terry posted on Instagram: “Great to see these @chelseafc [Chelsea] LEGENDS. “Well played partner @ccudicini [Cudicini]. Unlucky @gianfranco_zola25[Zola and] @roberto_di_m [Di Matteo].”Read More on ChelseaThe ex-England international’s post attracted over 7,000 likes from Chelsea fans who were left in awe as they stormed the comments’ section.One fan posted: “About as legendary Chelsea as it gets.”Another commented: “Too many legends in this pic..”A third wrote: “I absolutely love this.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThis fan said: “This is class!!”And that one stated: “Things you love to see!”Micah Richards apologises to Frank Lampard on live TV but Chelsea legend has perfect responseAll four Chelsea legends used to be team-mates at some point during the late 1990s and early 2000s.That was when Di Matteo and Zola’s stars started to dwindle while Cudicini and Terry were on the rise.Di Matteo returned to Stamford Bridge as manager and won the West Londoners’ first ever Champions League trophy in 2012 with JT as his captain.Chelsea’s penalty chaosMAURICIO POCHETTINO has been tearing his hair out watching Chelsea’s stars fight over penalties again and again. Here are all their spot kick lowlights

      CHELSEA 2-2 ARSENAL (23rd October, 2023)GOAL Raheem Sterling immediately picks up the ball to take Chelsea’s spot kick before Cole Palmer approaches. Enzo Fernandez intervenes to give the ball to Palmer, who sends David Raya the wrong way to score.
      CHELSEA 4 LEICESTER CITY 2 (17th March, 2024)MISS Raheem Sterling wins a penalty and this time is handed the ball by Palmer. However, he fires it down the middle and sees his kick comfortably saved. Leicester later recover to 2-2 from 2-0 down and Sterling is booed every time he touches the ball by a section of the home crowd.
      CHELSEA 4 MANCHESTER UNITED 3 (4th April, 2024)GOAL Noni Madueke makes an audacious attempt to take the ball off Palmer after winning a 98th minute penalty with the Blues 3-2 down but is pulled away by Trevoh Chalobah. Palmer sends Andre Onana the wrong way before scoring a winner two minutes later.
      CHELSEA 6 EVERTON 0 (15th April, 2024)GOAL Madueke picks up the ball immediately after Chelsea are awarded a penalty at 4-0 up, but a furious Nicolas Jackson rushes in wanting to take the kick and shoves the winger. Captain Conor Gallagher has to intervene to give the ball to Palmer, who scores. Pochettino blasts his team’s behaviour as “like being at school”. More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      The FA have long been a disgrace to the game, but scrapping cup replays should be final nail in the coffin

      by

      THE FA have long been a disgrace to our national game.And their announcement last week about scrapping FA Cup replays from the first round should be the final nail in their coffin of integrity.The decision to scrap FA Cup replays only profits Premier League clubs playing in EuropeCredit: ReutersThe FA are letting the prestigious competition downCredit: PAThe football regulator cannot come soon enough to take control away from these hapless men in grey blazers.How the hell can this organisation make such a sweeping change to the oldest domestic cup competition in the world without consulting 712 of the 732 clubs that entered it this season?They did not discuss it with the EFL, they didn’t mention it to the National League or any of the grassroots divisions.They simply dictated to them: Our entire game must revolve around the Premier League.Read More on FootballAnd let’s face it, this decision is only about pleasing the SEVEN clubs who play in Europe.It’s ironic when you think that the glory that Sir Alex Ferguson delivered to Manchester United might well never have happened had it not been for cup replays.Coventry boss Mark Robins scored a winner in a semi-final replay against Oldham in 1990 that saved him from being sacked.And Fergie’s first trophy was also won after they beat Crystal Palace following a replay in the final that year.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe FA Cup is a crown jewel of our football heritage and the blazers at Wembley are happy to further damage this wonderful competition.Let’s not forget it wasn’t long ago that these same idiots wanted to sell our national stadium to Fulham owner Shahid Khan. They actually were going to do that had it not been for a huge stink-up.Thiago Silva breaks down in tears on Wembley pitch after Blues crumble against Man CiyuTimes have changed in terms of the amount of games the elite clubs play in Europe – but that doesn’t mean we should be watering down our flagship competition to accommodate that.When the FA scrapped replays from the fifth round, it was a fair compromise. It allowed the smaller clubs the chance to force a replay and generate much-needed revenue.Given that the FA don’t allow these clubs to switch home ties to their opponents’ bigger stadiums anymore, it’s a massive deal for a Sutton United or Boreham Wood snatching a draw at home against someone like Man Utd or Arsenal.When Cambridge United earned a replay against the Red Devils in 2015, it saved the club from financial meltdownThe FA blame the expanding European tournaments that are adding to the fixtures.But it always amazes me when I hear people like Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola whinge about the schedule.FIXTURE CONGESTION MYTHCity will finish this season having played 59 games in all competition – and we all have to get the violins out.But what about League One club Peterborough United who could end their campaign having played SIXTY-FOUR? I never hear Posh boss Darren Ferguson complaining about that.Nor did I ever once hear George Elokobi complain about his FA Cup giantkillers Maidstone United having to play SIXTY games so far. If the National League South side reach their division’s play-off final, they will have ended up playing SIXTY-THREE matches!And most of their players have to do a five-day week of work on top of their football too!This contrasts hugely with say the Premier League’s bottom club Sheffield United, who will finish their miserable season having played only 41 games in all competitions.It is a huge myth that the FA Cup adds a huge burden to clubs’ fixtures.ALL ABOUT THE MONEYThe real reason why the top seven in particular don’t want to play the extra games is purely finance. Don’t let them fool you otherwise.West Ham for example won more money for topping their group in the Europa Conference League last season than what Manchester City won for lifting the FA Cup.If the cup paid out more than European football, they would instead be complaining about the expanding UEFA competitions.It is bad enough that most of these clubs don’t bother playing pre-season friendlies anymore against the lower-league teams, preferring instead to push their brands across other continents so they can get richer and richer.Personally, I’d love it if a football regulator had the power to kick the likes of United, City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal out of English football completely.And I’d enjoy it even more if they force them to play ALL their games outside the country in their much-wanted breakaway European Super League.Never in the long and proud history of English football have our top clubs been so out of touch with the heartbeat of the game in our country.READ MORE SUN STORIESEnough is enough. Football must be regulated because the whole way the game is run here is rotten to its core.And those in power at the FA should be booted into row Z once and for all. More