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    New football regulator could see teams thrown out of the league and stadiums closed down – the game doesn’t need it

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    FOOTBALL has flourished for a century and a half.It is the world’s biggest sport and certainly one of its greater preoccupations.Stars like Man City hitman Erling Haaland have made the Prem special around the world and we must be careful about any changes we makeCredit: APIt is loved by players, ­spectators, TV viewers and children from an early age.It gives £8billion to the Treasury every year.And it provides livelihoods, dreams and dramas, excitement and disappointments.To some it is a life in itself.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSo, what does it need?It is easier to tell you what it does not need — a regulator as judge and jury of professional clubs.Problems are plentiful — they always have been — and our first occupant is due to take their bow fairly soon.There is no question a revolution is on its way and a heck of a lot of money to go with it.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIt will become law towards the end of the year.The bill passed through the House of Lords this week and they sent it to the Commons.Man City launched probe into Erling Haaland after he ‘left club’s mascot with whiplash’ after hit to back of headI sit in the Lords and the debate convinced me that the introduction of a regulator for professional leagues will bring little reward and a lot of work and expense.Our game has been settling wrangles forever.A regulator hasn’t been required before and isn’t now.He or she will have considerable power in granting each of the 116 clubs a licence to operate — each with separate conditions governed by the law of the land.Breaches of licence conditions could result in teams being thrown out the league, stadiums being closed down or even a stint in jail — although a few nights in the Scrubs do not seem likely.However, a serious offence could result in a named director being fined as much as £75,000 a day.The regulator also has a duty to ensure that each club is sustainable.If it is not, the club may look to sell assets, probably stars players.That’s when the riots could start.Regulators have a patchy record. One of them, Ofwat (the water services regulation authority), has been paddling round the question of dumping waste into many rivers, lakes and the sea.Swimming filthy rivers such as the Wye has become a risk to health. And the post under Ofcom has become slow and indecently expensive.Regulators are seen by many politicians as a cure-all.But, frankly, they would, wouldn’t they?Many fans may also feel this way although I suspect there will be considerable mind-changing when they realise what interference might do to their club.The Premier League’s riches and status have caused envy elsewhere — most obviously within the EFL.Many EFL clubs I speak to hate the idea of being answerable to a regulator with untold powers to tell them what to do and how to run their clubsThis is partly understandable — even if Championship clubs are reasonably well off.That  is, after all, the sixth richest league in the world,  having just signed a new £1billion TV rights deal.But while nine clubs in that division are owned by billionaires, quite a few in the lower divisions are hard up.Accrington Stanley, one of the founding members of the Football League, have not had a home crowd anywhere near 3,000 this season.And for one League Two night game in September their gate was just 791.Of course such poor relations should be propped up — and most Premier League clubs appreciate the fact.That is why we send £1.6BILLION down the pyramid while the PL Stadium Fund has contributed more than £207m towards projects including 577 clubhouses and changing rooms, 832 stands, 682 floodlights and 480 pitch improvements.Further talks on an alternative to politicians’ pet scheme should be held between the FA, the Premier League and the EFL.Many EFL clubs I speak to hate the idea of being answerable to a regulator with untold powers to tell them what to do and how to run their clubs.The initial plan for the new regulator is that a report will be published on the state of the game.This will take 18 months but there is such a lack of detail and clarity in the bill that the bundles of legal challenges will be a nightmare!Neither are the outcomes at all promising.And who would pay for the grandiose schemes?Well, it will be the Premier League of course.READ MORE SUN STORIESEvery penny spent on the regulator is a penny taken away from all the good causes, and all the pyramid funding.And, that’s the real tragedy. More

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      I’m the TENTH member of my family to play for my country – I’ve already beaten England, now I want to cause FA Cup shock

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      STEFAN THORDARSON has a remarkable football heritage.The Preston midfielder is one of TEN internationals in his family tree.Stefan Thordarson is one of Preston North End’s star menCredit: PAThe midfielder comes from Icelandic footballing royaltyCredit: PAHis great-grandfather played in Iceland’s first-ever competitive gameCredit: SUPPLIEDThordur Thordarson with son Stefan pictured in 2020Credit: SUPPLIEDAnd as the Iceland star prepares to take on Premier League giants Aston Villa at Deepdale on Sunday, he said: “As soon as you’re born in my family, a ball is put in front of your feet!“It feels like almost everyone I’m related to has played for Iceland!”Thordarson, 26, has been capped 28 times — including playing in the 1-0 Wembley win over England last June.And his dad Thordur, uncle Stefan who played for Stoke, great-uncles Olafur and Teitur and great-grandad Thordur have also represented their homeland.READ MORE SPORTS NEWSBut it does not stop there.Branching off from his great-great-grandmother, he is related to former Iceland star Petur Petursson, who played for Feyenoord, Anderlecht and Royal Antwerp.And through his great-grandma he is also related to Arni Sveinsson, Sveinn Teitsson and Sigursteinn Gislason — who were all capped by their country too.Finally, although not picked by Iceland, his older brother Thordur Thorsteinn Thordarson has been a professional footballer playing in the top flight back home, while cousin Oliver Stefansson is currently with Swedish team IFK Norrkoping.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSPreston’s secret weaponBy Justin AllenASTON VILLA had better beware — Preston’s secret weapon is gunning for them.Iceland midfielder Stefan Thordarson was brought up learning the art of slaying giants and is bidding to stun the Prem side in the FA Cup.Villa, who travel to the Championship outfit tomorrow in the quarter-finals, only need to ask defender Ezri Konsa how you write off the 26-year-old at your peril. When the England star faced Thordarson last June, the Three Lions lost 1-0 at Wembley in their final warm-up for Euro 2024.And the North End midfielder said: “That was a perfect day to play and win against such a talented England team at the iconic Wembley in front of 81,000 fans.“I’d love to go there again for the semi-finals. We want to take this club to Wembley.“Villa have international players in every position, but we’re going to try to do what we do best — dominate the game in the way we want to.”If North End, who sit 14th in the second tier, pull off a shock, it will be the third consecutive year a Championship side have made a Wembley FA Cup semi-final.Coventry were controversially beaten by eventual winners Manchester United on penalties under the arch last season after VAR ruled out what would have been a 120th-minute Haji Wright winner.While Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom took Sheffield United there in 2023 where they lost to Manchester City, who again went on to lift the famous old trophy.Thordarson was in the side that beat Fulham in the Carabao Cup earlier this season after a thrilling 16-15 shootout win.And he has always believed no team is unbeatable since watching his homeland famously knock England out in the last 16 of Euro 2016 — arguably the Three Lions’ most humiliating defeat at a major finals.Thordarson added: “It was the biggest day in Iceland’s sporting history, so we know all about upsets.“It was a huge moment because we all look up to the Premier League and England.“That Iceland side inspired an entire generation of footballers that anything is possible.“We know Villa are a top European side and you can see that in the Champions League.“But as we’ve seen from FA Cup history — and our Iceland team — nothing is impossible.”Altogether, his family have amassed 299 caps and 42 goals for Iceland – of which Thordarson has scored one.Thordarson said: “I’m fortunate to have a family who know what I’m going through as a footballer and they’ve been a major help.Unai Emery proud as Aston Villa compete victory against Club Brugge “The main one is my dad, who played as a goalkeeper back home but had two years in Sweden too at IFK Norrkoping.“And then there’s my uncle Stefan — who I’m named after. He was a striker with Stoke between 2000-02.“My middle name is Teitur, which I get from my great-uncle. He played for Lens and Cannes in France.“He was a great goalscorer and in the 1981-82 season he got 19 for Lens, which was only three behind Les Bleus legend Michel Platini, who was playing for Saint-Etienne that year.“Teitur was the Estonia national team coach and managed a lot of teams in Norway and Iceland as well as Vancouver Whitecaps in Canada. I look up to him a lot.“Then going further back there’s my great-grandfather Thordur, who was in the Iceland team for their first-ever competitive match, against France, when we were allowed to enter the qualifying stages for the 1958 World Cup.”Thordur also scored against an amateur England side in 1956 — classed as a B international as Iceland were not professionals at the time.Stefan Thordarson’s, great uncle, Teitur, also played football before going into managementCredit: SUPPLIEDThordarson added: “I’m lucky to have all these role models. I’m always talking to dad and my uncle who played for Stoke.“Once or twice a year I meet my great-uncles too. Everyone has always been a huge help in my career.”Thordarson is the THIRD player in Preston history to not only come from Iceland but herald from Akranes on the west coast.The town is a 30-minute drive from the capital Reykjavik and has also produced North End midfielder Bjarki Gunnlaugsson (1999-2002) and striker Thordur Gudjonsson (2002).Akranes, with an official population of 8,452, has also produced the likes of ex-Aston Villa, Wolves, Leicester, Burnley and Huddersfield midfielder Joey Gudjonsson and former Wolves striker Bjorn Bergmann Sigurdarson.And current Iceland head coach Arnar Gunnlaugsson, who played for Bolton, Leicester and Stoke, is also from the town.Thordarson said: “There cannot be many places in the world that have produced so many pro footballers from such a small population.“When you’re brought up, it’s all about football. Our hometown team won everything in the 1980s and early 1990s.”Not surprisingly, his role model growing up was Iceland’s most famous player — former Barcelona, Chelsea and Bolton star Eidur Gudjohnsen.And Thordarson was almost starry-eyed when the great man was his Under-21s coach.He said: “Eidur was a huge inspiration. To come from Iceland and get into that Barcelona team alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, Xavi and Deco was amazing.“It was such a great honour to play for him.”Thordarson is driven to follow in Gudjohnsen’s footsteps by reaching the Premier League and said: “That’s why I moved to England. That has always been my dream.”Stefan Thordarson was inspired by former Chelsea and Iceland star Eidur GudjohnsenCredit: GETTYAs a kid, he grew up watching English football and his favourite team were Arsenal — idolising Thierry Henry, Robert Pires and, in particular, Cesc Fabregas.The Preston star revealed: “I had an English coach back home called Dean Martin.“He still lives in Iceland but is from London and is a big Arsenal fan. He got some of us to be Gooners too.“It was at the time of the Invincibles. The way that team played under Arsene Wenger — and Cesc? Wow.“The way he was and how he moved on the field with his upbringing from Barcelona. It was a joy to watch.”After playing for his local club, Thordarson moved to Denmark and played four seasons for Silkeborg.And in the 2022-23 season, he played against West Ham in the Conference League group stage.Thordarson joined Preston last July and he has quickly established himself as a fans’ favourite.He said: “It’s been an eventful first season. We lost manager Ryan Lowe, who signed me, after just one game.“We had a good Carabao Cup run by beating Fulham 16-15 on penalties and I got the chance to play Arsenal.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Despite the 3-0 loss, that was a great experience.“And now we’re in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. Beating Burnley 3-0 in the last round was one of the best atmospheres I’ve ever played in.”Stefan Thordarson helped Iceland get the better of England last summerCredit: AFP More

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      Frank Lampard tipped for England job as former Premier League manager says ‘it just shines through’

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      CHRIS WILDER believes Frank Lampard should be in the running to be the next England boss.The two managers go head-to-head in a bumper Championship promotion clash when Sheffield United host Coventry on Friday night.Chris Wilder believes Frank Lampard should be in the running to be next England bossCredit: GettyLampard has taken Coventry from 15th to fifth since joining in NovemberCredit: GettyChelsea legend Lampard took over the Sky Blues in November, his fifth job in management, when they were just two points above the relegation zone.Now he takes them to the Blades sitting fifth and among the favourites to clinch a play-off spot.Wilder said: “I’ve got an enormous amount of respect for Frank Lampard, I honestly have.“His playing career is there for everybody to see but I just love the fact that he loves football and it just shines through.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“He took a tough job at Derby and got through to a play-off final and we had a couple of great games with them in that season and he had an outstanding run at it.“Tough gig at Chelsea when they didn’t sign any players and he had to play a lot of young players. Tough gig at Everton.“I don’t think he gets the credit that he deserves, I honestly don’t.“People talk about England managers and people are critical of him, I just don’t get it. He can quite easily manage England.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“The job he’s doing at Coventry, he didn’t have to do it, but he wants to get his hands dirty. “He loves football, he loves the changing room, he loves everything about football. So I’m a big fan.”Harry Redknapp rings me on the M40 after every game whether we win or lose – he’s the best uncle everMeanwhile, Wilder’s Blades are locked in a three-horse race for automatic promotion with Leeds and Burnley.A victory against Coventry would take them three points clear of Leeds, who host Swansea, and five ahead of Burnley, and he insists he is relishing every second of the run-in.Wilder said: “We have to embrace and enjoy this, and that’s everybody from staff to players to supporters.“We really have to enjoy it because there’s plenty of times where you have dark days in football and these clubs have had a few dark days over the years and even recently. So when the sun shines, you’ve got to enjoy it.“The full focus now is on to the last eight games and taking the next one in our stride.”With a sold-out crowd set to cheer them on, Wilder also called for fans to help his players “get over the line” in the promotion race.He added: “The team really deserves and needs a massive push from, from the punters.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I know I’ve always said it’s up to the players to set the tone, but the players need the help now to get over the line and I know they’ll do everything they can to help us.“I’m sure they’ll be as loud as they’ll ever have been at Bramall Lane on Friday to make that a tough place to come.” More

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      ‘You’re the worst f***ing signing I’ve ever made’, said ruthless manager to new player and wanted to ‘give him back’

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      STEVE CLARIDGE has revealed how “merciless” Barry Fry begged to send a Birmingham star back to his former club – after just one game. Journeyman forward Claridge, 57, played for over 25 clubs over his long and illustrious career.Steve Claridge has revealed Barry Fry’s epic rant about Birmingham striker Kevin FrancisCredit: X @UndrTheCoshThe former Posh chairman managed Birmingham between 1993 and 1996Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdFrancis was the target of a Fry meltdown after a poor display early in his Brum careerCredit: GettyHe joined Birmingham in 1994 after impressing for Cambridge United. The Blues were managed by the outspoken Fry, who would later become Peterborough United’s chairman-manager. Birmingham had been relegated to Division Two under Fry the previous season. And Claridge arrived alongside a host of new faces, including 6ft 7in striker Kevin Francis.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut in an early season away game, Francis had a stinker – and Fry let rip in the dressing room.Speaking to the UndrTheCosh podcast, Claridge said: “With Baz, if you weren’t strong, you were done.”[After the loss] he said to Francis ‘You are the f*cking worst signing, I have ever made.'”Bearing in mind, we signed 54 players that season.”Most read in FootballClaridge continued: “We paid £800,000 for Kev. [Fry] was raging ‘Is there anything left on this transfer? What do we have to pay?'”‘Give this f***er back. I can’t have him here, he’s the worst f***ing player I’ve ever seen.”EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex Claridge went on to reveal what he said to Francis when Fry’s rant was finally over.He laughed: “I told him ‘I think he quite likes you, mate! I’ve heard far worse’.”Francis – who for a time was the tallest player in the EFL – found his shooting boots after Fry’s meltdown. The striker went on to net 21 goals in 94 games for the Blues, helping them win the Division Two title. He would later go on to play for Hull City, Exeter and Stockport County.Fry also helped Blues lift the Football League Trophy alongside promotion back to Division One, now the Championship. The 79-year-old guided Birmingham to the semi-finals of the League Cup a year later, but was sacked after finishing 15th. More

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      From Arsenal & Man City to Leicester & Leeds Utd – do you fit into AI’s idea of how a stereotypical football fan looks?

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      ARTIFICIAL intelligence is ­everywhere – even taking on the ­terraces of our top football clubs.  That’s because these images are all computer-generated ­likenesses of terrace stereotypes – based on the fans of a string of top clubs. It’s all the work of social media site Reimagine UK.  Do you and your club’s fans match up to how AI sees you? Find out hereCredit: GettyTheir tech wizards get ’bots to scour thousands of fan pictures and descriptions of supporters to analyse the defining traits of each. Then the site, which has tens of thousands of followers online, uploads the results, and no, they’re not real people – before you think you recognise that bloke from down the pub.  The Newcastle entry is a nod to Toon legend Paul Gascoigne’s pal Jimmy “Five Bellies” Gardner, the Brighton bloke gets a seagull, and the West Ham man has an, er, food-stained shirt.  Here, Mike Ridley reveals the full line-up so you can compare them to your footie-loving pals.  READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWest Ham  With spilt gravy and beer belly, AI gives West Ham fans a hammeringCredit: ReimagineUKHAMMERS fans eat all the pies and spill gravy down their shirts, the bots would have you believe – and this gent looks like he’s had his fill of steak-and-kidneys.  This Blades fan is all smiles as Sheffield United eye Premier League promotionCredit: ReimagineUKTHIS Blades bloke comes across as a cheerful chappie – and maybe rightly so, as they are looking like contenders for promotion to the Premier League.  Tottenham fan keeps snapping selfies to distract from his team’s tough season, perhaps?Credit: ReimagineUKWHAT’S with the constant selfies, lad? Maybe it’s to take his mind off the latest disappointing results, as his side languish downtable in the top flight.  This Chelsea fan loves the bling, but can he really afford it with those ticket prices at the Bridge?Credit: ReimagineUKLOVING the bling as much as the Blues’ megabucks players, is this fella. Most read in FootballBut you have to wonder how he can afford it, given the price of tickets nowadays.  This trendy Arsenal fan’s too cool for a red and white scarf, according to AICredit: ReimagineUKTHIS one’s been to a hipster North London hair salon – and maybe that’s why AI reckons he’s too trendy to team his shirt with a red and white scarf.  Five bellies and two chins in tribute to Gazza’s pal – but he’s still smiling. Could Europe be calling next season for this Toon fan?Credit: ReimagineUKNewcastle fans take over Covent Garden ahead of Carabao Cup final against Liverpool and bid to end 70-year trophy waitOF course, it had to be – five bellies and two chins, in tribute to Gazza’s portly pal. But he looks pretty pleased. Maybe he fancies boozing in Europe next season?  The topknot hunk with shades and a hipster beard is a Seagulls fan – and he’s got the bird to prove itCredit: ReimagineUKTHE topknot hunk with the shades and hipster beard is a big fan of the Seagulls and can often be seen with one perched on his shoulder. Like you do.  This surfer dude really Leeds the way as his team pushes for promotion to the Premier LeagueCredit: ReimagineUKA SURFER dude beard, headband and neckerchief suggests someone feels like the cock of the north, merrily eyeing up promotion to the Prem.  After analysing thousands of Reds fans, AI couldn’t find a smile – no surprise after this season’s disastersCredit: TikTok/@reimagineukAFTER crunching thousands of pictures of Reds fans, AI couldn’t come up with anything more upbeat than this – little surprise given this season’s calamities.  They may be struggling at the bottom of the Premier League, but the bling and thoughtful look show they’ll always remember their 2016 gloryCredit: ReimagineUKTHEY may be at the wrong end of the Premier League but the proud bling, and philosophical face, suggest topping it way back in 2016 will never be forgotten.  Sporting a bit of a 1970s Paul McCartney lookCredit: ReimagineUKKOP a load of this! There’s maybe a bit of a 1970s Paul McCartney hair thing going on here, in tribute to the Beatles legend. Love, love yourself, fella.  Man City may not be on top right now, but AI says their fans are still smiling from years of successCredit: ReimagineUKCITY are, for once, not bossing things – but AI has seen so many of their happy fans in recent years it reckons they are still smiling from ear to ear.  More

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      Millwall launch their own MOBILE NETWORK in British first but confused fans say ‘this isn’t real surely’

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      MILLWALL have become the first club in Britain to launch their own mobile network.The unusual move has caught fans by surprise, with many poking fun in response.Millwall have launched their own mobile networkThe club will offer three packages starting at £10 a monthCredit: GettyMillwall have partnered with shaka to deliver network coverage on Three.Millwall Mobile will have 99.9 per cent coverage and is available from just £10 a month.There are three packages to choose from with normal sims and e-sims available, as well as the option to cancel at any time.The club revealed supporters will be able to receive special discounts and offers with exclusive rewards, but the unique product has left fans confused.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne reacted saying: “This isn’t real. Surely.”Another added: “Is this a simulation?”And another commented: “April Fools is next Tuesday.”Millwall’s Chief Commercial Officer, Luke Wilson, said: “With the advent of eSIMs there are now a number of virtual networks in the UK run by a variety of brands including Supermarkets and Satellite TV providers.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”There are also several football clubs in Europe who have taken advantage of the technology to deliver affordable and rewarding mobile plans to their fans, backed up by the reliability and scale of a main network provider.”We’re delighted to be the first club in the country to bring this model to the UK and to our fans. Fans call for Jose Mourinho to stick to his word with Millwall hunting for new manager “Ahead of the proposed Three/Vodafone merger, we believe our tie up with shaka, a pioneering connectivity provider, will not only mean our fans will have great value, flexible plans that reward their loyalty via the club benefits on offer – but also access to the best network in London. “Not only that, but every plan will be directly supporting their club. Our delivery partner shaka have a wealth of experience in the Telco industry, so we’re excited to now launch the service to our fans alongside them.”Fans will be hoping the new link-up will give them a direct line to the play-offs, with the Lions currently 11th in the Championship, six points behind sixth place West Brom, with six games left. More

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      Who is Bruno Andrade? Baller League No 1 pick and QPR youth graduate with a lengthy Football League resume

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      THE No1 pick in the newly-formed UK Baller League comes with pedigree.Bruno Andrade is set to garner a lot of attention when he suits up for SDS FC, managed by YouTuber and Sky Sports regular Sharky.Bruno Andrade (right) was part of the Lincoln side that got promoted to the Sky Bet League One.Andrade was in the same academy as Raheem SterlingCredit: QPRThe Football League journeyman was the first pick in the newly-formed UK version Baller LeagueCredit: X: @SDSFootballClub
      Not only because he was the league’s first pick in a draft selection sprinkled with former Premier League players but also because of the numerous teams he has played for in the past.Andrade, 31, has a lengthy resume in various leagues across the English football league pyramid.So, who is the newest Baller League recruit?Former Queens Park Rangers player Born and raised in Viseu, a small city located in the heart of Portugal, Andrade joined the Queens Park Rangers’ development teams upon arriving in the UK. READ MORE IN BALLER LEAGUEThe Portuguese forward was attempting to establish himself at Loftus Road during a time when the team was investing heavily in an effort to succeed in the Premier League.He would proceed to play in the club’s first team four times during his nine-year association with the West London side.”I’m not trying to sound big-headed but I 100 per cent think I would be playing there if I was coming through now,” he said in a sit-down interview with Sky Sports in 2019. “But at the time it was hectic because QPR were signing players left, right and centre and it made it really hard for youngsters like myself trying to come through. Most read in Football”I had players like Park Ji-Sung, Adel Taarabt, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Junior Hoilett in front of me so it was hard to make an impact.”One local Portugese paper at the time earmarked Andrade as someone to watch in regards to the national team during the time.”The year after I left things starting changing and there has been a bit more stability with youngsters getting a chance. For me the timing was all wrong, but everything happens for a reason.”Football League journeyman During his time with the R’s, Andrade went on a series of loans that would make him known in the lower league circles. In 2015, eager for first-team experience, Andrade joined Woking in the National League. A year later, he moved to Boreham Wood in the same tier.He had a breakthrough season in 2017–18, scoring 22 goals, which earned him a return to the Football League with Lincoln in the summer of 2018. Lincoln City and the Cowley brothers gave him an opportunity following Danny and Nick’s promotion from the National League in the season prior. However, upon the Cowley brother’s departure in 2019, Andrade would be on the move again in January 2020 as he joined the Class of ’92-owned Salford City.An underwhelming stint at the Manchester-based club would see the former teammate of Raheem Sterling tumble down the leagues with Bedford Town in level 7 of the national football pyramid, providing a new hunting ground for the 17-club man at the start of the year.Personal life José, Andrade’s father, played football professionally as well. He was a particularly prodigious striker in the 90s for local side Académico de Viseu and earned a move to English football with Stoke City in 1997.The career climax was followed by a move to various clubs across Europe before retiring in 2010 as a two-capped man for Cape Verde. Baller League managersLuis Figo – Trebol FCTBJZL – VZN FCAlan Shearer, Gary Lineker, Micah Richards – DeportrioSharky – SDS FCJohn Terry – 26ersAngry Ginge – YanitedJens Lehmann, Robert Pires, Freddie Ljungberg – N5 FCMiniminter – M7 FCDave – Santan FCClint 419 – FC Rules the WorldIan Wright and Chloe Kelly – Wembley Rangers AFCMaya Jama and Alisha Lehmann – MVPs UnitedWhat is the Baller League?Youtube sensation and boxer KSI will be the president of the Baller League.Games will consist of two 15 minute halves.After 11 games, the top four placed teams will meet in the play-offs to determine the winner of the competition.Games will be played weekly every Monday from March 24, and will stream live on YouTube and Twitch, as well as be shown on Sky Sports in the UK.READ MORE SUN STORIESFootball icon Luis Figo is one of the star-studded names involved in the event.Credit: Getty
      Celebrities, futsal players, and former players will compete in the indoor football tournament. Premier League legends such as John Terry, Alan Shearer, Robert Pires and Ian Wright are all managers in the Baller League with the likes of Luis Figo, Alisha Lehmann, Chloe Kelly, r More

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      Reading FC could become one of the most tragic stories in football history if EFL lose game of chicken with Dai Yongge

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      READING and their fans are being held hostage by a Chinese owner  edging them closer to what would be one of the most tragic stories in English football history.Supporters are genuinely scared they could become Bury The Sequel after the EFL told owner Dai Yongge to sell up by April 4 or else.Reading vs Port Vale was abandoned after home fans invaded the pitchCredit: AlamySupporters vented their fury over club owner Dai YonggeCredit: PAThe Chinese businessman has rightly been disqualified from owning a club in the Football League and ordered to sell his shares by next month.And if he fails to do so the EFL management board will meet in late April to consider the options — which include suspending the club or booting them out altogether.It has worrying echoes of the spring and summer months of 2019 when the EFL were trying to force Bury owner Steve Dale to sell the League One club that he paid only a pound for.Dale was unable to provide proof of funds to finance the club then failed to sell up and the Shakers were expelled from the League after 125 years of continuous membership.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSNow they’re plying their trade in the North West Counties League Premier Division, the ninth tier of English football.Such an Armageddon scenario doesn’t bear thinking about for a club believed to be the  seventh oldest in England.The EFL are clearly trying to force his hand — with league chiefs, Reading fans plus  club players and staff fed up after more than 500 days of Yongge failing to enact a sale.A clear choice is on the table for Yongge: sell up today for somewhere around £25million as a League One club which has potential to climb to the Premier League or get booted out of the EFL and then  pocket only a fraction of that amount.Most read in EFLThe message from Reading fans is clear as they demand actionCredit: RexBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMost sensible people would at this point know the game is up.But on evidence so far,  applying the law of common sense — or even showing an ounce of business acumen — is something that deserts Yongge.Alan Pardew calls out the EFL amid controversial situation at Reading football clubThe Chinese businessmen — and his sister Dai Xiu Li — incredibly allowed 99-year-old Belgian team KSV Roeselare to go bankrupt with debts of only £17,000!Beijing Chengfeng, another club he owned, tumbled from the Chinese Super League to their third tier before they were dissolved in 2021.Then you only have to look at how he signed players like Liam Moore on wages believed to be around £40,000-£50,000 a week — then failed to sell him to Brighton for a fee of £9MILLION with only a year left on his deal.The defender then got crocked and walked away on a free.Yongge is known to be stubborn, which leads to all common sense going out of the window.And there are genuine fears he could dig his heels in.He has already stripped the club of its main assets — their stadium and training ground.So he could be minded to not give a hoot what happens to the club in the safe knowledge he has a couple of decent chunks of land to sell.Yongge is pictured with former Royals manager Jaap StamCredit: RexA big problem as things stand is the gaping hole between corporate law and competition rules.The EFL regulations say they can disqualify an owner and order him to sell — but cannot take the shares off him like a compulsory purchase order.Yongge could just ignore them — and, in the meantime, hold Reading FC as hostages. You take me down, you take down the club.It has become a dangerous game of chicken.And it brings into sharp focus why there must be changes in the law to protect community assets such as football clubs.So a compulsory purchase can be enacted if an owner is behaving recklessly.The good news is Yongge’s excuse that any progress on selling the club is being held up by a legal dispute with American Rob Couhig has now been  officially rejected by a court.New laws must be passed so teams like Reading cannot be held hostage by an unruly owner.The former Wycombe owner — whose takeover bid fell through last summer — wants the  £5million back he lent the club, with the training ground and stadium being put up as  securities by Yongge.Couhig’s Redwood Holdings is currently suing Yongge’s Renhe Sports Management for allegedly breaking exclusivity rules while negotiating the sale of the club last year.That is now a side issue and Yongge cannot blame that  dispute in holding up any sale.The Royals owner was finally disqualified by the EFL after it was found he had been added to a bad creditors list by the Chinese government.It is something Caroline Parker from fan group Sell Before We Dai has been lobbying the EFL over for some time.Let’s hope that Yongge finally sees sense and releases the  hostage that is Reading FC.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd for crying out loud can Parliament and the football authorities work together to close every single loophole that allows such a person to treat one of our oldest clubs in such a reckless way.New laws must be passed so teams like Reading cannot be held hostage by an unruly owner. 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      Liverpool’s secret weapon to sign Semenyo or Kerkez as Prem wonderkid eyed by Inter – latest exclusives from Alan Nixon

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      ALAN NIXON is SunSport’s Boss of Goss.Check out this week’s red-hot transfer whispers from our man in the know…If Liverpool sell Ben Doak, it could be the trigger for some major arrivalsCredit: GettyBEN & CHERRYBOURNEMOUTH saw their hopes of signing Liverpool teenager Ben Doak soar after Dougie Freedman quit Crystal Palace.Cherries are chasing the 19-year-old Scotland international forward but face a real battle to beat the Eagles.Freedman’s exit as sporting director — revealed on Monday — has given them a massive lift, though, as Doak’s fellow Scot was driving the deal for Palace and is also close to his agent.Kop chiefs are due to decide on Doak’s future this summer after his successful loan spell at Middlesbrough was cut short by a thigh injury in January, but insiders believe he will be sold.Liverpool’s asking price will be close to £25million but Doak would be an ideal bargaining chip in a move for Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo or left-back Milos Kerkez.Freedman has left a list of targets with Selhurst Park boss Oliver Glasner ahead of his departure.They include Liverpool’s Lewis Koumas, Burnley centre-half Maxime Esteve and Middlesbrough’s Rav van den Berg.IRONS EYE RIGGThere could be conflict over Chris Rigg’s valuationCredit: GettyWEST HAM are ready to move for midfield starlet Chris Rigg if he does not make it to the Premier League with Sunderland.Rigg, 17, is keen to play in the top flight and hopes that will be with his local team through promotion.However, the Irons are showing growing interest in the playmaker, who would be an ideal domestic addition to their squad.Rigg was shocked to be left out of the starting line-up for England Under-19s last week, with two young Premier League stars in front of him.Newcastle’s Lewis Miley and Fulham prospect Joshua King took up the roles that Rigg had been holding down.Sunderland will want about £20million, though Hammers see Rigg more in the £10m category.INT-EREST IN DUOJosh Acheampong recently featured for England Under-19sCredit: GettyINTER MILAN sent a spy to watch Southampton midfielder Tyler Dibling and Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong.The Serie A giants put a man on a mission to Bangor for an England Under-19 game with Wales to see the duo.Acheampong, 18, who is under contract to 2029, can play centre-half or right-back.Dibling, 19, may go to the top bidders if Saints  go  down.OWLS’ NOD TO HENDANE Henrik Pedersen is top of the list to be the next manager of Sheffield Wednesday.Pedersen is currently No 2 to Owls boss Danny Rohl, who is tipped to move on to Southampton in the summer.Rohl can quit Owls for a reduced compensation fee once Saints are officially relegated.The German, 47, missed out on the move previously because Southampton would not pay the approximate £4million top-flight exit fee.Pedersen is popular with the Wednesday heirarchy and has a lot of experience in several countries, from youth level to first-team boss.MOORE TO FORK OUTBramley-Moore Dock will open next seasonCredit: GettyEVERTON are looking for staggering sums to hire the special executive boxes in their new home.The club have offered wealthy fans and local businesses boxes for more than £200,000 a season at the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium.Many have snapped up smaller deals but some of the most expensive are yet to be filled — at an outfit known as the ‘People’s Club’.GAV ANOTHER GOSOUTHAMPTON will welcome back keeper Gavin Bazunu in the Championship following their relegation — as they expect Aaron Ramsdale to leave.Bazunu, 23, was exiled to Belgium with Standard Liege on loan after a serious injury but is seen as first choice next season.The Republic of Ireland cap lost his place to Ramsdale when he arrived from Arsenal.BIG AL’S WICKED WHISPERWHICH Premier League club are worried they will not be able to sell a RESERVE — who they hoped to move on for £30million?The loyal servant can leave in the next window after waiting in the wings for long enough and only playing a few games.But the anticipated rush for the respected player has not happened and his bosses fear a cheap sale or even a loan to get him out of the door.DAN’S GERMAN PLANLEEDS boss Daniel Farke has sent his top scout to his German homeland to look for Premier League talent.The club’s spies were at Bundesliga matches and second-tier games over the last weekend to check out potential recruits.Farke always thinks there are bargains to be found at that level and Leeds will need new blood if they return to the Prem.ALL IN FOR OLUOluwaseun Adewumi has impressed on loan at DundeeCredit: PABURNLEY face a fight to hold on to Oluwaseun Adewumi when he returns to them from a spell in Scotland.The Austrian Under-21 midfielder has caught the eye with Dundee in a loan spell at Dens Park.The Clarets have already fielded interest in Adewumi, 20.The one consolation is he has already played for two sides this season — for Austrian club Floridsdorfer and Dundee — so cannot move again until the summer. More