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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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      Ex-Man Utd coach reveals ‘no one knew anything about Sancho’ and admits Chelsea star would ‘sneak off to London a lot’

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      JADON SANCHO’S stint at Manchester United failed because the coaching team knew “literally nothing” about him.That is according to ex-United first-team coach Benni McCarthy, who spent the last two years at Old Trafford working under manager Erik ten Hag.Chelsea star Jadon Sancho failed at Man Utd because of a ‘lack of communication and understanding’Credit: GettyEx-Man Utd first-team coach Benni McCarthy claims no one knew anything about SanchoCredit: GettySancho fell out with Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag before his move to ChelseaCredit: PASancho would also ‘sneak out’ to London during his time at Man UtdCredit: PASancho, 24, joined the Red Devils in 2021 after a staggering £73million move from Borussia Dortmund, where he thrived for four years but never managed to live up to his billing in Manchester.The winger ultimately fell out of favour last year after a public spat with Ten Hag, who claimed he left him out of the squad because of his performances in training.The player responded with a fiery post on social media claiming he was turned into a “scapegoat” amid the team’s turbulent start to the campaign.The England international refused to backtrack and that led to the Dutch tactician axing him from the first team entirely.Read More on Man UtdMcCarthy, 46, claims the main reason behind Sancho’s hapless United stint was down to a “lack of communication and understanding” between the forward and the coaching staff.And that led to Ten Hag as well as his assistants never really getting to know the now Chelsea star as a player.McCarthy said on the On The Whistle podcast: “Just a bit of communication problems, really, because Sanch is a very quiet guy.”No one knows literally nothing about Jadon. Jadon comes in, he does his job, he does his work, and then it’s just like, very quiet.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”[He’s] A great boy, great character, fantastic footballer, unbelievable the things that he can do. “For me, it was a real shame that it didn’t work out for Jadon at United, because I thought he was the type of player that would flourish in a United shirt. Man Utd flop Jadon Sancho makes bizarre claim about Enzo Maresca being reason he joined Chelsea but it doesn’t add up”But unfortunately, I think lack of communication and understanding, I think was was part of the downside that didn’t end up working with Sanch.”Sancho returned to Dortmund on loan in January and showed glimpses of his former self as he helped the Bundesliga giants make it to the Champions League final.The forward returned to United in the summer and reached an uneasy truce with Ten Hag but still couldn’t manage to convince on the pitch and thus joined Chelsea on loan with an obligation to buy.McCarthy believes Sancho may finally reach his full potential with the Blues, especially after an impressive start under new manager Enzo Maresca, as he is now closer to home.The South Africa legend suggested the fact the Camberwell native was far from home also contributed to his troubles at Man Utd as he revealed he would often “sneak out” to London.McCarthy added: “He’s closer to home because he did sneak out to come to London quite a lot.Sancho would ‘sneak out’ to London”So probably the fact that he was missing home, and, just wanted to be a bit closer to family and friends and his culture.”The London culture is quite strong, so I think Jadon maybe wanted more of that. So that’s why he kept on. He was in London quite a lot.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Now he is closer to home, so hopefully he can find that peace, he can find that bit of magic that he found when he went to Dortmund, and he gets the love that he deserves from the coaching staff, the players.”I think he will turn out to be a special player again. Because I think every single one that knows Sancho that would want him to be at that level, because it’s good for world football.” More

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      Chelsea fans fume after Gent supporters throw chairs and rip down banners from stands in ugly scenes during clash

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      GENT supporters caused chaos both inside and outside of Stamford Bridge before Chelsea’s Europa Conference League match. Enzo Maresca’s Blues hammered the travelling Belgian side 4-2. Gent fans threw chair seats at Stamford BridgeCredit: AFPIt caused ugly scenes inside Stamford BridgeCredit: AFPThe Bobby Tambling banner from the upper tier was torn downCredit: GettyScenes turned ugly in the Chelsea away endCredit: GettyA ripped up broken seat is chucked by away fansCredit: GettyBut the visiting Gent fans made their presence known in the hours leading up to the game. They filled the plush streets of West London with flares and loud chants as they made their way into the stadium. Fans waved scarves above their heads and blocked the middle of the road as cyclists tried to weave between the crowd while buses were completely halted.And when inside, the carnage continued when some fans tore up chairs in the stands and THREW them. READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe Chelsea faithful were left further horrified when the Bobby Tambling banner from the upper tier was torn down. One said: “Disgraceful.”Another added: “The Gent fans were absolutely disgraceful.”Both sets of fans engaged in aggressive chanting back and forth as things looked to be on the brink of escalating. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOn the pitch, Chelsea breezed to a comfortable win thanks to goals from Renato Veiga, Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. It was Maresca’s fifth win on the spin and he said: “We are performing not only in attack but defensively very well. We are happy. Enzo Maresca insists identity of Chelsea is starting to take shape “I need to repeat always the same: For sure, we can do many, many things better – we can attack better and defend better. “Tonight probably the most important thing we can learn is even if we are 4-1, even to the final whistle you have to switch on, you cannot switch off.”I think we conceded the second goal just because we saw the game was already finished. “I think if we want to be one step forward, even when you are 4-1 and the game is almost finished, you need to continue and not concede another goal. “We are really happy with the performance. We approached it very well. These games are never easy. “So I am very happy with the performance and the result.”Enzo Maresca celebrates with his playersCredit: Reuters More

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      Chelsea legend cheers on RIVALS Gent from stands during Conference League clash as son, 22, plays against Blues

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      CHELSEA icon Eidur Gudjohnsen was caught in two minds as was spotted at Stamford Bridge, cheering on his son.Gudjohnsen, 46, starred for Chelsea across six seasons from 2000 to 2006.Chelsea icon Eidur Gudjohnsen returned to Stamford Bridge last nightCredit: GettyBut he was there to cheer on their rivals as his son starred for GentCredit: GettyAndri Gudjohnsen chipped in with an assist but was on the losing side as Chelsea won 4-2Credit: GettyGudjohnsen, 46, was joined in the stands by eldest son Sveinn Aron GudjohnsenCredit: RexWhile at Stamford Bridge the Iceland international made 263 appearances, scoring 78 goals and adding 40 assists.His exploits helped the Blues win the Premier League twice under Jose Mourinho and landed the League Cup and Community Shield twice – one of which was pre-Mourinho.Gudjohnsen returned to his old stomping ground during Chelsea’s clash with Gent in the Europa Conference League on Thursday night, but was not simply there to support the home side.Instead, Gudjohnsen was present to cheer on his son, Andri, who was appearing for the visitors. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 22-year-old managed to chip in with an assist as Tsuyoshi Watanabe scored for the Belgian side in the second half.However, it was not enough to overcome Enzo Maresca’s side as they romped to a 4-2 victory thanks to goals from Renato Veiga, Pedro Nero, Christopher Nkunku and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.Gudjohnsen senior was spotted in the stands wearing a black jumper, blue blazer and flat cap while also enjoying a hot beverage.The 88-cap Iceland star has one daughter and three sons, all of whom are footballers at different levels.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAndri is his middle son, while 26-year-old eldest son Sveinn Aron stars for Norwegian outfit Sarpsborg 08 and youngest son Daníel Tristán stars for Swedish club Malmo.Sveinn Aron joined his father on the trip, taking to Instagram to share a video as the stars emerged from the tunnel before the game.Chelsea’s player ratings against GentFollowing his time at Chelsea Gudjohnsen went on to star for Barcelona from 2006, winning the Continental Treble under Pep Guardiola in 2009.After moving to Monaco, Gudjohnsen then returned to England on loan with Tottenham from January 2010 to June 2010.This was followed by a permanent transfer to Stoke that summer, where he stayed until January when he went to Fulham on loan.Stints with Club Brugge, Bolton and Molde would follow before he retired in 2017.Andri called it a “nice moment for me and my family” as he spoke on TNT Sports following the match. More

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      Ex-Chelsea star Alvaro Morata forced to move house just days after moving in after town’s Mayor leaked new home

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      ALVARO MORATA has said he had to make an instant house move – after his new town’s mayor revealed where the striker lives.Spain captain Morata, 31, joined AC Milan in July after leaving Atletico Madrid.Alvaro Morata made an instant house move after his new town’s mayor revealed where he livesMorata made the reveal onlineThe ex-Chelsea striker moved into a luxury home in Corbetta, a town of 18,000 people west of Milan.But the former £60million Chelsea record buy felt his family’s security was endangered after Corbetta’s mayor Marco Ballarini posted news of their arrival on social media.The report swiftly went viral among townsfolk, prompting the Moratas to move out.Euro 2024 winner Morata fumed on Instagram: “Dear Mr Mayor, thanks for violating my privacy. Thankfully I don’t have anything of value.READ MORE IN football”The only treasures I have are my children, whose security has been jeopardised by you.”I thought that the town of Corbetta could afford me a certain amount of privacy.”Instead I find myself having to move house straight away, thanks to your inabilities to use social media and to safeguard your citizens.”Mayor Ballarini had previously proudly written: “Alvaro Morata is a Corbetta citizen. Here We Go!Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”The Spanish striker, newly signed by Milan, is finalising the paperwork for the move to his marvellous new home in our town.”I am a huge Inter Milan fan, but it is with pleasure that I offer Alvaro Morata a welcome to our big family in Corbetta.”Morata scored 24 goals in 72 Chelsea appearances following his 2017 arrival from Juventus.However, he spent just 18 months at Stamford Bridge before returning home to join Atletico.Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 Seasons More

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      Chelsea fans fume ‘this guy hates us so much’ after Arsenal star Havertz takes swipe at old club over Champions League

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      KAI HAVERTZ sparked ire from Chelsea fans with his brutal verdict on chasing Champions League glory with Arsenal.The German attacker hit the winner when the Blues lifted the top prize in European club football three years ago.Kai Havertz netted when Chelsea won the 2021 Champions League finalCredit: PAThe attacker seems more settled with Arsenal and is seen here celebrating his breakthrough goal against PSG on TuesdayCredit: GettyBut he failed to fully convince either supporters or the Chelsea management while at Stamford Bridge from 2020-2023.And although he launched his Arsenal career with similarly mixed displays, the 25-year-old has impressed with his consistency this term.Havertz even headed the opener as the Gunners hosted Paris Saint-Germain in Tuesday’s Champions League tie. But before kick-off he angered many fans of his old club with a frank assessment of his bid to lift the crown for a second time.READ MORE ON ARSENALHavertz scored the only goal of the 2021 final against Manchester City in 2021.He said: “It was a good moment for me in my career and something that I’m always going to think about.”It’s a nice feeling but it would be even nicer if I can do it with Arsenal and it would mean a lot more.”    One supporter quickly snapped back: “This guy hates Chelsea so much I really wonder why.”Most read in FootballHavertz notched a rare headed goal against PSGCredit: AFPFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother fan called the former Bayern Leverkusen hero “ungrateful”.A third Chelsea follower told him: “We made you.”‘Get off the phone’ snaps Troy Deeney after his wife called him out live on air over Arsenal commentBut other supporters reckoned Havertz’s feelings are understandable as he never became a fans’ favourite at Stamford Bridge.One said: “Just like (Jadon) Sancho (at Man Utd) he didn’t get the love, coupled with the trolls he sees on X after his move, can’t blame him but we don’t care either cuz we have a better team now.”Enzo Maresca’s Blues sit fourth in the Premier League – a point and a place below Havertz and Co.But Chelsea are only in the Europa Conference League – launching their group bid at home to Gent on Thursday. More

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      Cole Palmer’s Chelsea shirt from four-goal Brighton game put up for auction with fan lodging HUGE bid for sweaty kit

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      COLE PALMER’S shirt from his four-goal thriller against Brighton is set to land a sizeable sum after it was put up for auction.The Chelsea star became the first player in Premier League history to score four goals in the first half of a single game.Cole Palmer’s shirt from his four goal showing over Brighton has been put up for saleBids for Palmer’s shirt are already flying inPalmer’s jersey has been listed on MatchWornShirt, with the club promising to make a donation to the Chelsea FC Foundation.It has been provisionally authenticated by Fabricks – the most advanced technology in memorabilia.The description reads: “We will replace these images with photographs as soon as the product arrives for authentication. “It is important to note that there may be minor differences between the actual product and our digital representation of it.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”First player to score four goals in the first half of a Premier League game.”One user has already bid £16,000 for the 22 year old’s shirt at the time of writing.That same person, who appears to be from Hong Kong, had initially offered £9,000 and £12,000 for Blue shirt earlier this week.The talented England forward is maintaining the form that saw him register 25 goals for Chelsea last season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSChelsea fans and collectors are scrambling to get their hands on this piece of football history.Palmer’s shirt is expected to fetch a healthy sum, possibly even breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of £36,000 for a Manchester United jersey worn during his second spell at Old Trafford.Chelsea Player vs Brighton RatingsFans have just four days left to submit their offers, according to the website.Other shirts worn by Chelsea players at Stamford Bridge on Saturday are also listed – but the bids are significantly less than Palmer’s.One eager fan has offered £1,008 for Enzo Fernandez’s shirt.But that’s despite the fact that the Chelsea captain didn’t do anything of note during the club’s 4-2 win over Brighton.The least popular shirt is the kit worn by goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, with the highest bid £159.You can have the shirts framed for further cash, with basic prices starting at £207.Selling match worn shirts can be lucrative, with someone once paying £600 for one of Jude Bellingham’s Birmingham City shirts in 2019 – despite the club losing 1-0 to Fulham in the fixture. More

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      Graham Potter hilariously breaks silence on Man Utd talks and ‘being linked with Napoli and Stoke in the same week’

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      GRAHAM POTTER addressed speculation linking him with the top job at Manchester United with a hilarious quip.Potter, 49, has been a free agent since his dismissal by Chelsea 18 months ago but continues to be touted as a potential successor to under-fire United boss Erik ten Hag.Graham Potter addressed speculation linking him with Manchester United with a jokeCredit: ReutersMan Utd boss Erik ten Hag’s position at Old Trafford is becoming increasingly untenableCredit: PATen Hag’s position at Old Trafford is under threat after Sunday’s 3-0 thumping by Tottenham in another hapless display by the Red Devils.And the ex-Brighton manager broke his silence amid all the continuous talk linking him with the job.Potter, who was appearing on MNF on Sky Sports, said when asked if he’d enjoy the challenge of managing United: “I am sitting here enjoying the challenge of answering your questions.”The ex-Chelsea boss was less coy when asked about reports suggesting he was approached by Man Utd chiefs during the summer before they decided to hold on to Ten Hag.Read More on Man UtdThe former Swansea manager added: “I take what the media say with a pinch of salt.”I am the only coach in world football to be linked with Stoke City and Napoli in the same week. “I have had lots of conversations with lots of people and I think out of respect to those people it’s best those are kept private.”BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPotter also joked about taking the England job ahead of Bournemouth’s 3-1 win over Southampton. He said: “I think it’s time for a commercial break, isn’t it?!Most read in Football”As an Englishman, of course it’s a fantastic job and I’m supportive of FA and what they decide to do and whoever the next coach is.”Gareth did a fantastic job and I’m sure Lee will in his time, however long that is.”Potter, though, doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to return to the dugout after 12 years of non-stop work for the likes of Ostersunds, Swansea, Brighton and Chelsea.The Solihull tactician admitted he deliberately decided to step away from the limelight and focus on his family.Watch Graham Potter’s reaction as he is asked about England manager job moments after earning uni degreePotter recently admitted: “I spent some time with the family, [to] connect with them after a 12-year journey which has started in the fourth tier of Swedish football and ends in the last eight of the Champions League.”Graham Potter’s managerial careerA brief look at Graham Potter’s managerial career to date…2008 – 2011: Leeds Beckett University Carnegie2011 – 2018: Ostersund 2018 – 2019: Swansea City2019 – 2022: Brighton and Hove Albion2022 – 2023: Chelsea More