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      Arsenal and Chelsea to be dragged into Man City vs Premier League legal battle as landmark case leads to bitter war

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      MANCHESTER CITY’S legal brawl with the Prem is set to drag rivals, including Arsenal and Chelsea, into the fight.In what was hailed a landmark ruling, the Prem champs claimed victory as an element of the rules on commercial deals involving companies linked to clubs’ owners was judged “unlawful”.Manchester City claimed victory in a dispute with the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyMan City’s legal battle with the Prem is set to drag Arsenal and Chelsea inCredit: GettyArsenal and Chelsea are believed to have ploughed hundreds of millions into the club in loansCredit: AlamyIt related to shareholder loans not being included in the “Associated Party Transaction” calculation.Arsenal owners the Kroenkes are believed to have ploughed nearly £260million into the club in loans. Chelsea received £146m in the first year of their new ownership model.Brighton’s Tony Bloom has put £373m into the Seagulls, while Everton, who are subject to a takeover from The Friedkin Group, have the highest shareholder loans at £451m.That has been loaned at low or even zero interest and will almost certainly now need recalculating.Read More on FootballFormer Master of the Rolls — the country’s second most senior lawyer — Lord Dyson and two fellow judges agreed the rule preventing City from responding to the Prem over “Fair Market Value” of two proposed deals was “procedurally unfair”.But a number of City’s other claims against Prem rules “failed”, including that the League wrongly applied its regulations.Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Brentford, West Ham, Fulham, Wolves and Bournemouth gave evidence on behalf of the Prem.It has all left battle lines drawn even deeper — with the case into City’s alleged 115 financial breaches still being heard.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCity launched the case after tighter rules were voted in by Prem clubs at a meeting in February.The club said yesterday: “The Tribunal found both the original APT rules and the current (amended) APT Rules violate UK competition law and procedural fairness . . . ”Man City vs Fulham: Player Ratings Breakdown“The Premier League was specifically unfair in how it applied those rules to the Club in practice.“They deliberately excluded shareholder loans while the Premier League reached decisions in a procedurally unfair manner.”City’s case centred on two sponsorship proposals, with First Abu Dhabi Bank and Etihad Aviation Group.But while the Arbitration Tribunal — which heard evidence in June — did side with City on some matters, League bosses claimed THEY had won.A Prem spokesman said: “Manchester City brought a wholesale challenge to the APT Rules.“The club was unsuccessful in the majority of its challenge.“Significantly, the Tribunal determined the APT Rules are necessary.“It rejected Manchester City’s argument that APT Rules were to discriminate against clubs with ownership from the ‘Gulf region’.“Except in two respects, it found that Manchester City’s arguments were unfounded.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBut League chiefs believe they need only make minor changes — and new rules will be tabled for club chiefs to vote on as soon as next week.The spokesman added: “In the meantime, the Premier League will operate the existing APT system, taking into account the findings made by the Tribunal.”Man City vs the Premier League: Q&ABy Martin LiptonBOTH Manchester City and the Premier League were claiming a win after their legal scrap over Associated Party Transactions.SunSport sifts the claims to try to explain the latest issues.What was the case about?City were furious that Prem bosses brought in new tougher regulations – by the smallest possible majority under League rules – in February. They were aimed at blocking clubs bypassing financial controls by earning “unfair” amounts via sponsorship from a company with the same owners, or selling players on the cheap to teams under the same ownership umbrella.Why were City so upset?The Etihad club argued that the rules were illegal and had been deliberately aimed at them by rivals and were both flawed and politically driven. They also branded the “two thirds support” rule that has been part of Prem regulations since its inception as a “tyranny of the majority”This was an Arbitration Tribunal – explain that?Under Prem rules, any club has the right to ask for Arbitration if they are unhappy about the regulations or due process. The three retired judges heard evidence in June and their full ruling was distributed to the 20 Prem clubs on Monday afternoon.And what did they say?Depending on who you listen to, they either totally vindicated one side or the other. The actual answer is that there were “wins” for both City and the Prem. But it’s your choice which ones meant more.OK, what were City’s wins?Maybe the most important one in terms of the repercussions. That both the new rules and the previous version – brought  in after Saudi Arabia’s PIF bought Newcastle in 2021 –  were “unlawful” as they exclude shareholder loans to clubs in any APT calculations.  City also won over their claims that the rulebook prevented them from responding to Prem decisions over whether two proposed deals with Abu Dhabi companies represented “Fair Market Value”, access to the “databank” of comparable deals and the time it took for decisions to be reached.That sounds pretty big. So what about the Prem’s side?The key finding as far as the League is concerned is that the Tribunal backed the concept of APT rules as well as the Fair Market Value tests. Additionally, City’s challenges to the actual decisions on the two proposed deals “failed”. Prem bosses insist the “rulebook has been found to comply with competition and public law standards and is an effective and necessary system”.Is that it, then?Of course not. That shareholder loan issue is a big deal, given that it is believed owners have loaned around £1.5bn at low or preferential rates across the Prem. Those loans will almost certainly have to be calculated at commercial rates now, unless the owners convert them into shares. But the League is convinced the main thrust of the rules remains valid.And what will be the impact on the “115 charges” case?Probably nothing. That is an allegation of breaking the rules, while this matter was City questioning whether one small element of the current rulebook was legitimate. But City are using the same legal team, headed by £10,000 per hour Lord Pannick KC. And the stakes on the bigger case are a great deal higher. More

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      Chelsea boss ‘disappointed’ by postponement of Blues’ Women Super League duel with Manchester United

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      SONIA BOMPASTOR says Chelsea were “disappointed” to have their top-flight clash with Manchester United postponed.The Blues boss also reckons the move to put their Women’s Super League duel on hold, was not good.Sonia Bompastor hopes authorities in charge of the WSL will help English clubs competing in the Women’s Champions LeagueCredit: GettyChelsea will face Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge in their opening group stage game in this term’s tournamentCredit: AlamyBompastor, whose team hosts Real Madrid in the Champions League tomorrow, was reflecting on the decision that resulted in Chelsea missing out on WSL action at the weekend.Their duel with the Red Devils was scheduled to take place on Sunday – just two days before their group stage opener against Madrid at Stamford Bridge.  The Chelsea chief, 44, said: “Of course, we were disappointed, players and staff. “I think everyone has to understand we were supposed to play.Read More Football Stories “We were in a very, very good team dynamic, and not having the opportunity to play this weekend changed everything in preparation for the game against Real Madrid.”When you have the opportunity to play one game a week, and with this decision being made and postponing the game, now we have been out of competition for 10 days, which is completely different.”If you look at the situation, the decision is not good. “It’s not good for all the English clubs who are in the Champions League competition.”Most read in FootballChelsea’s title win last term saw them automatically reach the tournament’s group stages this season. And last month Arsenal and Manchester City joined them after battling through competition’s qualifiers.On September 29 the Women’s Professional League Limited, who this term took over the running of the WSL, announced the postponement of the Blues’ clash with United.They cited player welfare as the reason given the tight turnaround between domestic and European games for the WSL title-holders.The organisation has come in for criticism concerning its decision, with Uefa having published its Champions League match calendar more than a year ago.And Gunners boss Jonas Eidevall described the handling of the situation as “amateurish”.On if better communication is needed between Uefa and federations and authorities like the WPLL, Bompastor added: “The league is a professional league. “They need to know about the rules. I just said to the league my thoughts on the situation, I think that’s good enough for me. “I don’t want to share more here in a press conference.”For them, it’s good to have our feedback and as I always said to the league, we should be proud to have three English clubs in the Champions League this year.”All the decisions in this league through the season have to be made in order to help the English clubs to compete in the Champions League.”Tomorrow night at Stamford Bridge Chelsea will begin their quest to win a Women’s Champions League for the first time in their history.Their game against Madrid, who are second in Spain’s top-flight and currently level on points with leaders Barcelona, will be Bompastor’s first in Europe as the Blues’ gaffer.The last time Bompastor oversaw side competing in contest at the stadium was when her old club Lyon faced Chelsea in a second-leg semi-final game In March last year they were beaten by the Blues, then managed Emma Hayes, via a dramatic penalty shootout. Bompastor, who has won the tournament as a player and coach, also played for a Lyon team that reached the contest final at Stamford Bridge in 2013. Back then they fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat to German giants Wolfsburg.The last time Bompastor managed a team in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge was when Lyon played Chelsea in the 2023 semisCredit: GettyThe Blues manager adds: “I played in a Champions League final at Stamford Bridge in 2013 and I’ve been here as a manager of Lyon.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Now I’m really excited because now I’m in the dugout for Chelsea and I’m the Chelsea manager.”I can’t wait to be in that position, enjoy the game and enjoy to be out there with the players and the fans.” More

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      Chelsea legend Claude Makelele breaks silence on why he walked out of management job after just THREE games in charge

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      CHELSEA legend Claude Makelele walked out as manager of Greek outfit Asteras Tripolis after just three games in charge.Makelele, 51, claims his decision came after initial promises were not upheld and club chiefs began to interfere in team selection.Claude Makelele resigned as Asteras Tripolis manager after just three games in chargeCredit: AFPMakelele claims promises weren’t kept and Asteras club chiefs interfered in team selectionCredit: GettyThe French tactician crossed over to management after ending his 20-year career in 2011 and worked as a coach at the Blues, Swansea and Paris Saint-Germain as well as manager at Bastia and Eupen.The legendary midfielder had been a free agent since September 2023 when he left the West Londoners’ coaching staff but returned to the dugout for Asteras in the Greek Superleague.However, the Real Madrid great’s stint in Greece lasted barely two weeks and he left after just three games, in which he was undefeated.The former France international claimed club chiefs didn’t keep their word.Read More on FootballMakele told London World: “They promised me full control of the team. “It was my decision who played or didn’t play. Transfers were not my responsibility.”If you want to sack me because the results are not good, that’s fine. This is football. But I don’t want people telling me who should or shouldn’t play.”The final straw took place on Sunday when Asteras visited Kallithea at Leoforos.Most read in FootballMakelele picked up his first victory in charge of the Greek minnows, winning 3-1 thanks to a man-of-the-match performance by Darnell Bile, who registered two assists.The Chelsea icon claims club chiefs ordered him to bench a “key player” before the match because of his contract situation, but he disobeyed.Chelsea’s player ratings against GentMakelele added: “In the last game [at Kallithea], they insisted a key player should be benched. The player has a small amateur salary, but he’s the best player in the team. “I brought him on for just 20 minutes – he got two assists, and we won the game. But they didn’t want him [to play]. “They thought they could control whether he plays because he hadn’t signed a [new] contract [with the club]. I used him because of his quality.”Makelele has left Asteras undefeated having won one and drawing his other two games in charge.However, the ex-Premier League star insists the conditions didn’t allow him to focus on his duties.Makelele added: “They were used to long balls, second balls, but I made them understand that whether you win, lose, or draw, you need to learn to play football.”I’m a manager who looks forward. When I take responsibility for the players, I know what I can and cannot do. “I love the job, but I can’t accept when people interfere and tell me what I can or cannot do.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They know the name, but they don’t know the human being. You cannot lie with your principles. I built my career on honesty with players and the club. Always honest.“Football is about human beings, about connection, understanding movement, tactical awareness, technical skill – individually and collectively. We use data, sure, but football is more than that.” More

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      Chelsea face hefty fine after ill-discipline in Nottingham Forest clash as Nicolas Jackson filmed ‘slapping’ rival

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      CHELSEA have triggered their second big fine of the season for ill-discipline in a fiery 1-1 home draw with Nottingham Forest.But it’s not for a mass brawl, nor even for SunSport’s exclusive footage showing Nicolas Jackson appearing to slap  Forest defender Morato.Neco Williams and Levi Colwill were both booked over the brawlCredit: RexNicolas Jackson glared at Morata as the skirmish got worseCredit: RexInstead, the Blues picking up six bookings in a match means an automatic £25,000 penalty.Just three weeks earlier, Chelsea received the same-sized fine – after  helping set the Premier League record for most yellow cards in one game.On that occasion the Blues earned six of the 14 bookings dished out – with substitute Christopher Nkunku nicking a late 1-0 victory at Bournemouth.Four of Chelsea’s half-dozen cautions against Forest came in the closing stages, starting with a huge flare-up on 89 minutes.READ MORE TOP STORIESForest left-back Neco Williams sparked the ugly scenes by shoving counterpart Marc Cucurella into Stamford Bridge chief Enzo Maresca.Our video of the incident captured tempers rising out of control near the dugout.Backroom staff, both managers and subs came on the field, as well as Jackson, who had been replaced by Frenchman Nkunku not long before.The Senegal frontman was caught on camera seemingly reaching towards Morato, before team-mates pulled him away.Most read in FootballTempers flared as players squared upCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Jackson escaped a booking.Rather it was Williams and Cucurella, plus Chelsea defender Levi Colwill, who did get yellow cards for their roles in the brief mayhem.Chelsea fans love Cole Palmer’s reaction to huge brawl – but work out clever reason why he didn’t get involvedAll that came after Chris Wood had stunned the Blues by sliding home a 49th-minute opener for the visitors.Noni Madueke soon cut inside to level – Cole Palmer yet again the provider.However, a physical contest grew more tetchy, especially once Forest’s James-Ward Prowse was sent off on 78 minutes.Having already been booked for fouling Palmer, the midfielder saw red for a second caution when he handled to halt a counter-attack led by Jackson.There was still time for the widespread pile-in – with enough repercussions to earn the Blues a second £25k fine with 22 days.But Maresca insisted: “I like the way the team is fighting – I don’t see any problems with that.”Chelsea player ratings vs Forest: Madueke shines again but hot-head Jackson too busy arguing CHELSEA were held by ten-man Nottingham Forest as frustration filled Stamford Bridge.Noni Madueke cancelled out Chris Wood’s opener but the Blues couldn’t find a winner.And frustrations boiled over with a mass brawl in added time.Here’s how SunSport’s Jack Figg rated the Blues stars.Robert Sanchez – 8Excellent positioning to snuff out Forest counter on hour mark and made two sensational late saves to deny the visitor’s a winner.Malo Gusto – 6Wasn’t able to prevent Nikola Milenkovic’s flick on to set up Wood’s opener but he produced a great block to deny Gibbs-White in the box.Wesley Fofana – 7Forming a good partnership at the back with Colwill. Finally some consistency at centre-half for Chelsea.Levi Colwill – 7Made a huge block to prevent Yates in the first half. John Terry-esque defending.Marc Cucurella – 5Lacked attacking creativity down the left having filled in at centre-back at times. Failed to form much of a threat with Sancho.Moises Caicedo – 6Agonisingly close to getting ahead of Wood to prevent the Forest opener. Took the role as deep-lying midfielder in front of back line.Enzo Fernandez – 5Still looks to be finding his best position under Maresca. Not a natural holding midfielder but denied preferred advanced role by Palmer.Cole Palmer – 6Looked lively when afforded space in the centre but the Chelsea superstar saw a huge chance saved thanks to Matz Sels double save.Noni Madueke – 8Constant threat down the right side with his goal well deserved. But the winger finds himself guilty of making the wrong choice in the final third.Jadon Sancho – 4Largely absent throughout the match with Aina doing a stellar job in keeping the tricky forward quiet. Lacked killer instinct going forward.Nicolas Jackson – 4Apart from pressing, quiet throughout. Slow to react in the box in a frustrating sign of inconsistency after recent goalscoring form. Spent more time arguing with team-mates at points.SubsJoao Felix (for Fernandez 80 mins) – 6Christopher Nkaunku (for Jackson 80 mins) – 6Mykhailo Mudryk (for Sancho 89 mins) -5Pedro Neto (for Madueke 89 mins) – 6Tosin Adarabioyo (for Colwill 90+3 mins) – 5 More

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      James Ward-Prowse sent off in Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest clash as fans say ‘thought he was playing rugby’

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST ace James Ward-Prowse was sent off against Chelsea following a bizarre challenge.Ward-Prowse, 29, started for Forest in their Premier League clash against the Blues at Stamford Bridge, where the visitors picked up a 1-1 draw.Nottingham Forest ace James Ward-Prowse was sent off after lunging to the ball with his handsWard-Prowse was shown a second yellow card against ChelseaCredit: RexBut the midfielder was shown a second yellow card in the second half as he chased Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson down the halfway line for a loose ball.The England international lunged for the ball but lost his balance and fell on it with his torso.And he ultimately fell on the ball, grabbing it with both hands.The referee had no option but to give the West Ham loanee his marching orders in the 78th minute after booking him in the first half.Read More on FootballFans were left baffled by the ex-Southampton star’s reaction as it looked like he was playing rugby or cricket, rather than football.One fan tweeted: “Ward-Prowse thought they were playing rugby.”Another commented: “Bro, James Ward-Prowse just jumped on the ball like it was a fumble.”A third wrote: “Ward-Prowse just did one of the most comical actions in a football pitch ever.”Most read in FootballThis fan said: “That’s the dumbest red card I’ve seen all season, what is James Ward-Prowse thinking.”And that one posted: “Ward-Prowse. Red card. Cricket level fielding. This is the funniest thing of the day.”Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest: Player Ratings and Team PerformanceWard-Prowse joined Forest on loan from West Ham on transfer deadline day last summer.The central midfielder has since amassed five appearances across all competitions with the Tricky Trees.Chelsea player ratings vs Forest: Madueke shines again but hot-head Jackson too busy arguing CHELSEA were held by ten-man Nottingham Forest as frustration filled Stamford Bridge.Noni Madueke cancelled out Chris Wood’s opener but the Blues couldn’t find a winner.And frustrations boiled over with a mass brawl in added time.Here’s how SunSport’s Jack Figg rated the Blues stars.Robert Sanchez – 8Excellent positioning to snuff out Forest counter on hour mark and made two sensational late saves to deny the visitor’s a winner.Malo Gusto – 6Wasn’t able to prevent Nikola Milenkovic’s flick on to set up Wood’s opener but he produced a great block to deny Gibbs-White in the box.Wesley Fofana – 7Forming a good partnership at the back with Colwill. Finally some consistency at centre-half for Chelsea.Levi Colwill – 7Made a huge block to prevent Yates in the first half. John Terry-esque defending.Marc Cucurella – 5Lacked attacking creativity down the left having filled in at centre-back at times. Failed to form much of a threat with Sancho.Moises Caicedo – 6Agonisingly close to getting ahead of Wood to prevent the Forest opener. Took the role as deep-lying midfielder in front of back line.Enzo Fernandez – 5Still looks to be finding his best position under Maresca. Not a natural holding midfielder but denied preferred advanced role by Palmer.Cole Palmer – 6Looked lively when afforded space in the centre but the Chelsea superstar saw a huge chance saved thanks to Matz Sels double save.Noni Madueke – 8Constant threat down the right side with his goal well deserved. But the winger finds himself guilty of making the wrong choice in the final third.Jadon Sancho – 4Largely absent throughout the match with Aina doing a stellar job in keeping the tricky forward quiet. Lacked killer instinct going forward.Nicolas Jackson – 4Apart from pressing, quiet throughout. Slow to react in the box in a frustrating sign of inconsistency after recent goalscoring form. Spent more time arguing with team-mates at points.SubsJoao Felix (for Fernandez 80 mins) – 6Christopher Nkaunku (for Jackson 80 mins) – 6Mykhailo Mudryk (for Sancho 89 mins) -5Pedro Neto (for Madueke 89 mins) – 6Tosin Adarabioyo (for Colwill 90+3 mins) – 5 More

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      Former Chelsea star swaps national teams and vows to fight for England spot despite playing twice for Jamaica

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      FORMER Chelsea midfielder Omari Hutchinson has confirmed his allegiance to England and will battle for a place in the Three Lions squad.The 20-year-old earned two full caps with Jamaica before being called up to England’s U21s in August after a breakthrough season with Ipswich.Omari Hutchinson has committed to England, according to reportsCredit: RexThe former Chelsea midfielder previously earned two caps for Jamaica through his dadCredit: GettySeveral meetings have been held at various intervals over the last 12 months with Jamaica asking him to fully commit to them.While people close with the England U21s camp have been trying to convince him to return to the Three Lions fold.According to The Athletic, Hutchinson enjoyed playing for Jamaica with his dad Leon born on the Caribbean island.But Hutchinson has decided to fully commit to England – despite the vast difference in talent pools and competition for places.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Ipswich star was forced into a final decision because if he’d earned one more cap for Jamaica he wouldn’t be able to switch allegiance.A football player becomes cap-tied to a nation after playing more than three matches for that team – or one competitive appearance.But Hutchinson has played two friendlies with Jamaica against Catalonia in May 2022 and Trinidad and Tobago last year.He had previously represented England at U17 and U19 level.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSJamaica boss Steve McClaren, who was appointed in July, was involved in trying to convince Hutchinson to earn more caps there.Hutchinson decided to opt out of international football last year to focus on securing Ipswich promotion to the Prem.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsIn March, he told the Athletic: “I got called up for both England and Jamaica, but I said, ‘Look, I want to leave internationals out for this season and focus on Ipswich’.“There are a lot of games and my body is quite sore as it’s my first season in men’s football.”Hutchinson has been called up to the England U21 squad for their upcoming European Championship qualifiers.His fine form on loan with The Tractor Boys last term saw him score 10 Championship goals and provide five assists, as Ipswich finished second to earn automatic promotion.Ipswich earned promotion to the Prem last season and currently sit 17thCredit: ReutersHutchinson then permanently joined Ipswich in a club-record deal from Chelsea for an initial fee of £18m plus performance related add-ons in July.Arsenal pocketed a tidy near £4m windfall after Chelsea sold Hutchinson, after the forward signed for the Gunners aged 12.He will have to compete with a strong senior England side once he makes the jump from the U21s – who have been given more chances of late.READ MORE SUN STORIESAngel Gomes and Morgan Gibbs-White have been called up under interim boss Lee Carsley – but they’ll have to fight Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo, Declan Rice and Cole Palmer for minutes.Meanwhile, Mason Greenwood has chosen to go the other way by turning his back on England to play for Jamaica pending Fifa approval. More

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      Chelsea wonderkid Kendry Paez, 17, warned about his off-the-field antics by his national team head coach

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      CHELSEA wonderkid Kendry Paez has been WARNED about his conduct off-the-pitch after the teenager was caught partying AGAIN.Paez, who will officially sign for Chelsea in a £17.2m move in May 2025, made headlines in March after his Ecuador team-mates reportedly took him to a strip joint.Chelsea wonderkid Kendry Paez has been warned about his conduct off the field after being caught partying for the second time this yearEcuador manager Sebastian Beccacece said the 17-year-old must learn to handle the pressures of life in the spotlightPaez made headlines in March when he was allegedly taken to a New York strip club by Ecuador team-mates despite being underageEcuador’s national federation threatened to axe several senior stars after videos allegedly showed a then 16-year-old Paez in a New York strip club.His presence raised alarm due to the teenager being a minor, with US law banning anyone under the age of 21 from being present. And now the attacking midfielder, 17, has raised eyebrows again after being caught partying in a nightclub for the second time this year, according to the Daily Mail.The fresh incident has caused Ecuador’s head coach Sebastian Beccacece to offer some timely advice to the teenager.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBeccacece said Paez must learn how to handle his new-found fame as he prepares for a life-changing move to Stamford Bridge.He told Ecuadorian outlet Studio Futbol: “I have experience with him. I rely on that, but I don’t ignore what happens on social networks or at his club.”It’s my responsibility to be aware. But my experience with him has made me empathetic. “He is very talented, and he knows he must learn to handle this, especially now that he is sold to a club and is part of the national team.”Most read in FootballPaez appeared to be alongside those in the New York strip club in MarchVideos showed a number of players visiting the club before their defeat to ItalyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe manager added: “He has been important in day-to-day practices.”He was significant when he came on against Brazil and stood out against Peru, hitting from outside and connecting well with Pervis. Chelsea fans fume after Gent supporters throw chairs and rip down banners from stands in ugly scenes during clash “I would like him to play outside, but he can’t because of age restrictions. But I’m attentive to him, and he has been respectful to us.”Paez will join Chelsea once he turns 18 in May 2025, with many fans believing he is a “Ballon d’Or level player”.Chelsea agreed a deal for the talented youngster from Independiente del Valle in the summer of 2023 when he was only 16. In October last year he became the youngest-ever South American to score in a World Cup qualifier – a goal assisted by future Chelsea team-mate Moises Caicedo. Since being called up to the senior squad in June 2023, Paez has made 15 appearances for the Ecuador national team, scoring twice.Real Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Manchester United, Manchester City and several other European clubs scouted him before Chelsea secured his signature, with Paez continuing to learn English before his arrival.Midfielder Paez is a raising star in Ecuador More

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      Football could be forced to adopt US-style transfer system with game becoming Wild West after Lassana Diarra ruling

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      FOOTBALL has always believed it did not have to follow the American model.But if the ramifications of the latest European Court ruling on the game are as claimed by the man who broke the system in the 1990s, we could be entering the Wild West.Lassana Diarra’s beef with Fifa’s rules could lead to the end of the current transfer systemCredit: GettyFootball could be entering a US-styled Wild West after the latest European Court rulingCredit: GettyFor players, it will be like walking into the casinos in Las Vegas with a massive pile of chips but knowing they have already been dealt a winning hand on a loaded table.Jean-Louis Dupont was the lawyer who beat Uefa over the treatment of Belgian player Jean-Marc Bosman.That landmark judgement meant clubs could no longer demand a fee for a player who was out of contract.But the secondary repercussions was the end of the “three plus two” rule demanding that clubs fielded a minimum quota of homegrown stars, turning European club football into a continent without borders.Read More on FootballAnd even if former Chelsea ace Lassana Diarra’s beef with Fifa’s rules was about his right to walk away from Lokomotiv Moscow when they stopped paying him in 2014, the final outcome could well be the end of the current transfer system.The ruling of the five senior Judges in the Luxembourg-based Court said: “The rules in question impede the free movement of footballers wishing to develop their activity by going to work for a new club.“Those rules impose considerable legal risks, potentially very high financial risks as well as major sporting risks on those players and clubs wishing to employ them.”No wonder a crowing Dupont claimed a “total victory”, adding that the Court had “severely censured the structurally illegal actions of the current regulations”.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMore critically, he predicted: “This paves the way for a modernisation of governance, in particular through the use of collective bargaining between employees and employers.”And that was always Dupont’s end-game as he allied himself with the international players’ union Fifpro to take on Fifa.Transfer fees could be scrapped in biggest change to football in 30 years after landmark court case brought against Fifa If clubs cannot demand transfer fees for players who are under contract, then it is all about the package they are offered.Either their current club puts so much on the table, with US-style ten-year contracts including massive £100million-plus loyalty bonuses for seeing out the deal, that the player wants to stay.Or they simply jump when a higher bidder knocks on the door. And whichever is the outcome, the players and their agents win. Of course, Dupont would say that. He is not averse to exaggeration.On the other side, Fifa attempted to downplay its significance, claiming this was a very narrow ruling with no wider implications.Transfer fees scrapped Q&A: How landmark ruling could mean NFL-style trades and stars suing for millionsFORMER Chelsea, Arsenal and Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra has won his landmark case at the European Court of Justice.SunSport’s Martin Lipton explains what it was all about – and what it might mean for the future of football…What was the case about?Diarra argued Fifa’s transfer rules were illegal after the world body backed Lokomotiv Moscow’s claim that he had broken his contract by refusing to train with them.Is that it?No. Belgian club Charleroi wanted to sign Diarra but were told they would have to pay the money he was fined by Moscow, while Fifa refused to issue an International Transfer Certificate unless they coughed up.Okay, so what does the ruling mean?Theoretically players will have the right to break their contracts and switch clubs without a fee changing hands – just like any employee in any other industry.Hang on – does that mean the END of transfer fees?Potentially, yes. Although players would have to want to move.We would basically end up with a US-style “collective bargaining” model where players would be free to move within transfer windows without impunity.Clubs might be able to “trade” players – swap deals – but with no extra cash changing hands.Is everybody agreed about this?Absolutely not. Fifa claimed the ruling “only puts in question two paragraphs of two articles” of its transfer regulations.Yet the Judges said the current rules were “prohibited” under EU law and “anti-competitive” as they “limit the freedom of action” of players to change employer.Read SunSport’s full Q&A with football on the brink of the biggest shake-up in 30 years…A spokesman said: “Fifa is satisfied that the legality of key principles of the transfer system have been re-confirmed.“The ruling only puts in question two paragraphs of two articles of the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players.” Transfers could changeFifa insiders are pointing fingers at Fifpro, asking what the union hopes to gain.They do, though, concede the world body should have intervened to grant the International Transfer Certificate which would have allowed Diarra to join Belgian side Charleroi after his fall-out with Moscow and must now rewrite that aspect of its rulebook.Likewise, the rules that meant Charleroi would have been liable to pay Diarra’s fine from Moscow will also have to go.Yet many fear this could be a case of shutting the stable door after the entire herd has bolted.There are also concerns that the consequences will go way beyond the initial scope of the case.The judges did rule, specifically, that a “certain degree of stability in the squads of all professional football clubs” was a good thing during a season.They implicitly backed the current transfer registration windows that mean players can only move in the summer and in January.Likewise, if a club can be found, unquestionably, to have “incited” a player to walk out on a rival, then a sanction might be appropriate.Good luck in getting hold of those WhatsApp messages.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut with the current regulations now deemed to have breached EU law, the very fabric of the transfer rulebook will be in question.And nobody can be sure where it will end up. 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