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    Major broadcasting change with more than 1,000 EFL fixtures moved from streaming service iFollow

    EFL teams have received a big boost after Sky Sports agreed a new blockbuster TV deal.The broadcaster has shown EFL fixtures live on air since 1996.Sky Sports will show 1,059 EFL fixtures from next seasonCredit: GettyBut their coverage is set for a massive expansion over the next five years, beginning from next season.A total of 1,059 EFL matches are set to be broadcast by Sky Sports each year, with some to be shown via a Sky Sports streaming destination available on TV and mobile devices.That is a record number of games in any football TV deal.And it guarantees EFL clubs a package worth £895million, with £40m more in marketing benefits.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat represents a 50 per cent increase in value on the current package, while guaranteeing viewers much more action.It is particularly good news for fans in the Championship, with 328 fixtures to be shown from the division across the season.League One and League Two will each have 248 matches broadcast live, while midweek fixtures in every division will be shown on Sky Sports.Each league weekend fixture round will see 10 live EFL fixtures shown, – five being Championship games.Most read in FootballSky Sports broadcast breakdown

    1,052 EFL matches shown live on air includes:
    328 Sky Bet Championship matches
    248 Sky Bet League One matches
    248 Sky Bet League Two matches
    All 15 Play-Off matches
    All 93 Carabao Cup matches
    All 127 EFL Trophy matches

    BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEREvery Carabao Cup and EFL Trophy clash will also be broadcast.The change means domestic fans will no longer be able to watch their teams on streaming platform iFollow, which came into use during the pandemic-affected season 2020-21.Eight bizarre football rules you may not know More

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    Why Leeds may be forced to pay £40MILLION for flop footballer they never even owned

    LEEDS may have to fork out a staggering £40million for the bungled transfer of a player they never even owned. It comes after it emerged the Whites have withdrawn their appeal against the awarding of £24.5m in compensation to their former striker Jean-Kevin Augustin from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).Leeds have withdrawn their appeal from CAS relating to the case with former player Jean-Kevin AugustinCredit: GettyAugustin appealed to FIFA for £24.5m in compensation from Leeds for lost wagesCredit: GettyWhile a £15.5m settlement fee between Leeds and RB Leipzig may see the full fee come out to £40mCredit: RexIn 2020 Leeds struck an agreement with RB Leipzig to sign the Frenchman on loan with a clause agreeing to an £18m purchase if the club were promoted to the Premier League, which was achieved. Augustin played just 48 minutes across three appearances under Marcelo Bielsa as a hamstring injury sidelined him before the season was wrecked by the Covid-19 pandemic.The Elland Road outfit pulled out of the deal and argued they should not have to pay the transfer fee because Augustin’s loan expired on June 30, while the season ended up finishing on July 17.Leipzig lodged a successful complaint with Fifa and saw their compensation claim upheld by a subsequent CAS appeal from Leeds last November.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe two sides eventually agreed a settlement transfer fee of £15.5m in December 2022.However, Augustin also lodged a separate appeal to Fifa for compensation against Leeds amounting to a sum of £24.5m in lost wages and bonuses. This figure represents Augustin’s full £93,000-a-week wages on a five-year contract plus a signing on bonus worth around £2.5m.Fifa found partially in his favour last year, with Leeds tabling an appeal with CAS. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut according to The Athletic, the Whites are now said to have withdrawn that appeal with the “process ending prematurely without a further ruling”.A statement from CAS given to The Athletic said: “The appeal in the arbitration CAS 2023/A/9616 Leeds United v Jean-Kevin Augustin, against the decision issued on 30 March 2023 by FIFA Football Tribunal Dispute Resolution Chamber (FPSD-6567), was withdrawn.”What is FFP? How Financial Fair Play is affecting Man Utd and Arsenal in January transfer windowIt is unclear whether the withdrawal of the appeal means Leeds will commit to paying Augustin the full amount.If the appeal withdrawal is indicative of a commitment to pay the full sum awarded to Augustin by Fifa, Leeds are looking at a total bill of £40m in transfer fee and wages for a player they never owned fully.After Leeds refused to sign Augustin permanently he signed for FC Nantes that season.He only made 11 appearances in a two-year spell in France before signing for Basel in 2022.The now 26-year-old has made 51 appearances and scored eight goals since joining the Swiss club. Leeds currently sit third in the Championship, one point behind Leicester and Ipswich who occupy the automatic playoff spots. More

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    World’s longest football club scarf include 74 English teams and took more than 500 HOURS to make

    THE world’s longest football club scarf has been created – featuring the crests of 74 teams from across the country.The 100-metre-long scarf features badges from EFL teams from Accrington Stanley and Wycombe Wonderers, to Harrogate Town and Oxford United, as well as Scottish favourites Celtic and Rangers.The world’s longest football club scarf has been madeIt is the result of more than 500 combined hours spent on design, knitting, and sewing with each club element hand-sewn by a team of specialists in Manchester.The impressive accessory was created to mark the launch of Kellogg’s Football Camps [www.kelloggsfc.com] which are being held across the UK in partnership with the EFL, Manchester City, Rangers and Celtic.Ex-pros came together at Birmingham City’s stadium, St. Andrews @ Knighthead Park, with EFL legends of the game including Jermaine Beckford and Michael Dawson, and children from local schools to showcase the football merchandise.Former Hull City and England defender, Michael Dawson, said: “For me, football camps during school breaks were where I had the most fun, kicking the football around with your mates.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“The EFL has such an advantage being part of so many different communities up and down the country.”And to have Kellogg’s on board this summer to give so many kids the same opportunity I had when I was younger, is really exciting.”It comes after research found 59 per cent of parents struggle to entertain their children throughout the school summer holidays.While 86 per cent want their child to experience less screen time during the break.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe same percentage also believe team sport is hugely important to learn valuable life skills.Kellanova, the company that owns Kellogg’s, is giving away 30,000 free places on the camps ahead of this summer’s kick off.Can you work out which sports star lives in this dream countryside mansion?Managing director Chris Silcock said: “Run by FA qualified coaches, the camps aim to be fun and to give girls and boys the opportunity to get onto the pitch and follow in the footsteps of their footballing heroes.” More

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    Watch Stoke star score freak goal after keeper bounces ball off his head – but it is controversially ruled out

    STOKE were left furious after their freak goal against Swansea was ruled out.The bonkers incident saw keeper Carl Rushworth accidentally bounce the ball off Niall Ennis’ head.”He’s very lucky…” Gareth Ainsworth and Ashley Williams analyse Liam Cullen’s goal for Swansea and the controversial DISALLOWED goal for Stoke 🔎 pic.twitter.com/XGmNFoxdjb— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 10, 2024

    Keeper Carl Rushworth had the ball in his hands as Niall Ennis got back to his feetCredit: X @SkyFootballIn the motion of trying to throw the ball, Rushworth ended up bouncing it off Ennis’ headCredit: X @SkyFootballEnnis reacted quickly to poked the ball home from seven yards outCredit: X @SkyFootballRushworth protested the goal before it was ruled outCredit: X @SkyFootballSwansea claimed a 3-0 victory over Stoke in a Championship relegation six-pointer in Wales on Wednesday night.But after Liam Cullen had given the hosts the lead, Stoke thought they had equalised in the most unlikely fashion.Swansea keeper Rushworth gathered the ball after Stoke striker Ennis failed to latch onto a pass over the top.But as Rushworth then went to throw the ball, he ended up bouncing it off the head of Ennis – who was just getting back to his feet.The Stoke man reacted first to poke home, but referee Keith Stroud decided to disallow the goal.This was because the law states “a goalkeeper cannot be challenged by an opponent when in control of the ball with the hand”.However, former Swansea captain turned Sky Sports pundit Ashley Williams still questioned the decision after the game.He said: “Carl Rushworth’s very lucky. I understand by the letter of the law it’s the correct decision, but I don’t understand how it can be when he’s kind of just bounced the ball off his head.Most read in ChampionshipCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”He’s a lucky man, a very lucky man.”Former Wycombe and QPR manager Gareth Ainsworth then added: “In the law there’s something about a challenge by the forward, the forward’s not challenging there, he’s just standing up.I snapped Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas with worst tackle of my life – I had to get his number and apologise afterwards”[Referee] Keith Stroud is in a great position and fair play he’s going to have to think quick and think ‘What is the law? What happens there?'”He’s explaining [to the Stoke players] that the keeper had two hands on it. In a challenge situation I understand that but there’s no challenge, the keeper has actually instigated the challenge. The keeper has made the mistake.”I think Stoke can feel very aggrieved there.”And Stoke manager Steven Schumacher was also confused by the outcome of the incident.He said: “I didn’t think it’s a foul. I don’t think Niall Ennis knows [Carl] Rushworth is there. He just stands up. He’s allowed to stand where he stood.”Carl Rushworth has just collided with him trying to throw the ball fast and the ball’s popped out because it’s difficult conditions in the rain and Niall taps it in.”At that moment that would have got us back to 1-1, back into the game. We would have been still alive.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe result sees 15th-place Swansea move seven points clear of the bottom three with just four games remaining.Stoke sit 19th, just three points above the drop zone with crunch games against relegation rivals Sheffield Wednesday and Plymouth coming up. More

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    Fans left horrified at ‘worst decision of the football season’ as Championship club beaten after controversial penalty

    FOOTBALL fans were left aghast after seeing the “worst decision of the season” in the Championship last night.Promotion chasing West Brom were up against already-relegated Rotherham at the Hawthorns, with the hosts running out 2-0 winners.If you haven’t seen it, check this out, from the West Brom game.It hits the player’s head, twenty yards from goal. Decision: handball. Penalty. PL fans moan about VAR and rightly so a lot of the time…but they might even have got this one right.pic.twitter.com/PwxXUObZFn— The Football Tavern (@TavernFootball) April 10, 2024

    West Brom’s Thomas-Asante struck a shot from distance that hit the head of Rotherham’s Lee PeltierCredit: EFLThe referee awarded West Brom a penalty despite the ball hitting Peltier outside of the boxCredit: EFLRotherham stars argued their case with Geoff EltringhamCredit: RexBut he struck to the controversial decisionCredit: RexHowever, they were given a mighty helping hand by a shocking decision from referee Geoff Eltringham to award a penalty when the ball struck a Rotheram defender outside of the box.Carlos Corberan’s side were already leading through a Brandon Thomas-Asante strike after 23 minutes.But just before half-time, Thomas-Asante fired a shot towards goal from distance.His effort was closed down by Lee Peltier who rushed out to the edge of the D to meet the shot, with the ball hitting his face while his arms were raised in the process of making the block.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWest Brom players cheekily appealed for a handball, with ref Eltringham incredibly pointing to the spot – despite it not being a handball AND occurring outside the penalty area. The Millers were left stunned by the call and remonstrated with the referee and officials, leading to assistant coach Rob Kelly being booked for his protests.John Swift made no mistake from 12 yards to double the Baggies’ lead.Rotherham manager Leam Richardson slammed the officials for the decision but stopped short of questioning their integrity.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “It’s three yards outside the box and it hits him in the face. I’ve not seen that before. It was a wrong decision, and a poor one in my opinion.“I never question anyone’s integrity but I can’t explain that decision. You can’t get those decisions wrong. Biggest football kit fails after controversy over new England shirt”The assistant was maybe 10 yards away looking down the line of it.“Then my assistant manager, Rob Kelly, gets booked for telling the ref: ‘The linesman can help’.“It changed the outcome of the game. You should have a consistency of professionalism regardless.“We’ve had a number of similar decisions and apology letters. But I have no interest in that.”Fans were equally disgusted by the decision, with one fan saying: “Worst decision of the football season.”A second said: “How on Earth is that a pen ahahahaha.”A third said: “Wow. If anyone gets the chance to see the award of the West Brom penalty tonight… Rotherham lad handball’s it three yards outside the box and the ref gives a penalty. Unreal.”Another said: “That West Brom penalty decision. Come on Specsavers help out these referees,” with Specsavers also cheekily replying: “Thanks for bringing this to our attention.”A fifth added: “People who moan about VAR are quick to forget the terrible decisions without it.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe win saw West Brom strengthen their position in the playoffs, now holding a nine point gap to seventh place Coventry. Meanwhile, Rotheram racked up their 27th defeat of the league season.John Swift made no mistake from the spotCredit: PARotherham boss Leam Richardson slammed the decisionCredit: PA More

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    ‘Who choke slammed him?’ – Fans left baffed at Leicester star’s ‘incredible reaction’ to goalline clearance

    FOOTBALL fans were left baffled by Abdul Fatawu’s incredible reaction to a match-winning goalline clearance.The Leicester winger, 20, came off the bench for Enzo Maresca’s side during Tuesday night’s trip to Millwall.Kelechi Iheanacho looked to have rescued a point for Leicester at Millwall before Billy Mitchell’s incredible clearanceCredit: RexAbdul Fatawu could not believe his cross did not lead to a goalCredit: RexFatawu launched himself into the air in a bizarre reactionCredit: Sky SportsThe once-runaway Championship leaders fell behind just before the hour mark thanks to Ryan Longman’s stunning strike from outside the area – although there were strong claims of a foul on Foxes defender Wout Faes in the build-up to the goal.Maresca sent on exciting loanee Fatawu straight after the goal to try and create something for Leicester, who have gone off the boil in recent weeks after a surging start to the campaign.And the substitution nearly proved a masterstroke when Fatawu thought he had set up an equaliser deep into injury time at The Den.The Ghanaian breezed past flailing full-back Danny McNamara and then Jake Cooper as he got to the byline and scooped up an unconventional but superbly-effective close cross.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt was the perfect delivery for fellow sub Kelechi Iheanacho who jumped up and headed goalwards from the five yards out.However, Millwall midfielder Billy Mitchell somehow made an extraordinary covering header to flick the ball over the bar as he fell into the net.The incredible defending prompted wild celebrations from the relegation-battling Lions – and a bizarre response from Fatawu.The 17-cap Black Stars international could not believe what he had witnessed and waved his arms in frustration before inexplicably launching himself into the air and falling down on his back – with no one around him.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAfter lying prone on the pitch inside the penalty area for a couple of moments, he then sat up and slammed his body down again.The clip of the incident was shared on social media – and led to a wave of hilarious replies from fans.Five EFL Championship stars destined for the Premier LeagueOne said: “Who choke-slammed the player who crossed it in? Incredible reaction.”Another wrote: “I’m expecting to see a Randy Orton edit by morning,” in reference to the WWE star famous for the RKO move. A third added: “Leicester’s Abdul Fatawu LOST HIS HEAD after losing to Millwall.”A fourth commented: “Can someone please check in on matey boy? That’s quite an overreaction there!!!”A fifth asked: “Billy Mitchell’s goalline clearance was as good as Longman’s goal, but what on earth is Fatawu doing here?”A sixth typed: “Fatawu man, he just knew it had to be that one.”And a final user observed: “Mitchell has robbed Fatawu of an all-time assist here.”Millwall clung on for the 1-0 win – a crucial result at both ends of the Championship table.READ MORE SUN STORIESLeicester stayed top because Leeds could only manage a 0-0 draw at home to Sunderland on Sky, although Ipswich can overtake the Foxes with a win against Watford at Portman Road tonight.Millwall’s win saw them leap up to 17th – level on 47 points with Swansea and QPR and four clear of the drop zone with four games remaining. Mitchell did incredibly to turn the ball over the barCredit: RexFans flooded social media with reaction to the GhanaianCredit: Sky SportsThe result had huge ramifications at both ends of the ChampionshipCredit: Sky Sports More

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    Furious EFL star has to be held back from his OWN FANS by stewards as he demands ‘respect’ in angry post-match clash

    HUDDERSFIELD TOWN winger Delano Burgzorg was seen arguing with fans following the club’s 4-1 defeat to Preston North End on Tuesday.The Terriers took the lead through Josh Koroma just before half-time.Delano Burgzorg got into a heated discussion with Huddersfield fansCredit: X/georgiacook_xHowever, a Will Keane penalty and a late seven-minute hat-trick from Milutin Osmajic saw Preston claim all three points.The defeat left Huddersfield on the brink of the relegation zone, only above Sheffield Wednesday on goal difference.Terriers winger Burgzorg approached the travelling fans at full-time to give away his shirt.However, he quickly got into a heated discussion with a small group of supporters.Read More on FootballThe Dutchman was filmed urging fans to show the team more respect.However, he was met by a furious response.One supporter took to social media to share the clip, writing: “So disappointed in Della wow. #htafc.”But some were quick to defend Burgzorg, with one person commenting: “At least he comes over to hear fans out, not like rest of them.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnother added: “‘Fans’ these days are a f*****g disgrace, meant to support, encourage and be together through absolutely everything.”While a third wrote: “Is one of our best players. Why are you disappointed all he’s asking is to show some respect?”Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersHuddersfield are next in action on Saturday when they face Bristol City at Ashton Gate. More

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    Championship club slapped with parking ticket before clash as fans joke ‘well there goes their summer transfer budget’

    SUNDERLAND’S team coach was slapped with a PARKING TICKET hours before their clash against Leeds.The Black Cats, who drew 0-0 against Leeds were gearing up for Tuesday evening’s showdown at Elland Road, found themselves in a spot of bother outside a hotel in Yorkshire.A Leeds fan account revealed Sunderland team coach received a parking ticket this afternoonCredit: X@lufcfanzoneThe Blacks Cats faced a financial blunder just hours before the Championship clashCredit: X@lufcfanzoneMike Dodds’ side booked a night in the Clayton Hotel in Leeds for their Championship game against Daniel Farke’s squad.But the Sunderland coach that the senior team were travelling on to Yorkshire was unfortunately parked on a double yellow line outside.And it was not long until a vigilant ticket warden slapped a bright yellow penalty notice on the windshield. Fans couldn’t help but quip about the incident, with one saying: “There goes the summer transfer budget!”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlongside not having a manager as Dodds is currently caretaker after Beale was sacked in February – the Blacks Cats have been in financial worry.Sunderland were not very active in the January transfer with only two low-wage transfers – Leo Hjelde and Romaine Mundle – due to Financial Fair Play regulations.The club have chosen an approach to rely on their academy rather than take a risk in recruiting new talent so they do not commit to high fees and wages for players unlikely to provide a return on investment.Meanwhile Leeds, under the guidance of Daniel Farke, are looking to bounce back from a recent setback—a 2-1 defeat at Coventry City that nudged them out of the Championship’s automatic promotion spots.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERNow in third place, Leeds trail second-placed Ipswich Town by a single point and leaders Leicester City by two, with the latter having a game in hand.While Ipswich sits out tonight, preparing for their encounter with Watford, Leeds has the chance to reclaim a top-two position.Sunderland have managed only one win in their last ten outings.The relegation of Southampton, Leicester City, and Leeds United last season has left them eager for a swift return to the top tier.Meanwhile the Black Cats harbour their own aspirations for promotion. More