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      Harry Kane claims players are being ignored over burnout fears as Thomas Tuchel shares break concerns

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      HARRY KANE claims the world’s top stars are being ignored over burnout fears.England captain Kane faces another summer without a proper break as Fifa’s month-long Club World Cup starts five days after the Three Lions’ friendly with Senegal on June 10.Harry Kane has expressed concerns about player burnoutCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel is also concernedCredit: PAThe Bayern Munich striker, 31, is one of at least a dozen England stars who are due to play in the revamped £600million 32-team tournament in the US — with boss Thomas Tuchel also  concerned.Players’ unions, including the PFA, have filed a legal complaint against Fifa over the tournament amid  welfare worries.But Kane said: “There’s nothing we can really do about it. I don’t think the players are listened to that much, if I’m honest.“We’re getting used to it but it’s another summer where you do not have a break.  There are arguments from the clubs — to generate more money.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“But there’s also a player welfare point where there’s only so much you can do without more injuries. It is a really hard balance.”Kane, who had less than four weeks off after Euro 2024, previously urged Prem chiefs to bring back a winter break to combat the crazy calendar.While Manchester City’s Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, 28, warned stars were close to going on STRIKE before his heartbreak ACL injury in September.He insisted: “Someone has to take care of us. We are the main characters of this sport.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRodri’s City team-mates Manuel Akanji and Bernardo Silva, Liverpool keeper Alisson and Aston Villa boss Unai Emery have also pleaded for a reduction in the number of games.City and Chelsea are England’s representatives in the Club World Cup, while Kane’s Bayern and Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid will also take part.Harry Kane scores from a distance in Bayern Munich training And Kane added: “If we get to the Champions League final on May 31, you’ll go straight into England then straight into the Club World Cup. So there won’t be any time.”England boss Tuchel also expressed his fears about the tournament, which runs from June 15 to July 13.Tuchel’s side face Andorra in a World Cup qualifier on June 7, then Senegal three days later.And the German boss admitted: “I am worried about the players being able to have a break.“I am not so concerned about the amount of games they play, I am more concerned they never have a real break of four weeks. That’s the problem.”PFA chief Maheta Molango wants players limited to a MAXIMUM of 60 games per season.And Tuchel added: “The Fifa June window is not ideal for anyone, especially the players. Maybe Fifa can put this window somewhere else for the benefit of players.”Rodri previously claimed that players could go on strikeCredit: Getty More

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      Liverpool set to rake in millions from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid transfer despite star being out of contract

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      REAL MADRID are ready to land Trent Alexander-Arnold in time for the Club World Cup.The Liverpool right-back, 26, has agreed a £240,000-a-week five-year deal to join on a free transfer this summer.Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real Madrid this summerCredit: GettyReal Madrid could pay the Reds £5m to sign the full-back in time for the Club World CupCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold’s Anfield contract runs until June 30 — but the Club World Cup kicks off on June 15.Real are now willing to stump up a fee, understood to be around £5million, to sign him on June 1 so he can join England team-mate Jude Bellingham on the plane for the US-hosted tournament.They are willing to pay out now having had an approach over a transfer knocked back by Liverpool on New Year’s Eve.The Reds refused as they were determined their vice-captain stayed to help boss Arne Slot end his first season in charge with the Prem title.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDutchman Slot was also wary over releasing the player due to a shortage of defenders in his squad.But with Anfield owners the Fenway Sports Group now resigned to losing the England international, who is sidelined with an ankle injury, they could decide to grab some money from his departure.They would not only get a fee but also save a month’s wages on the Scouser, who is on £140,000-a-week at Anfield.Last September, Alexander-Arnold insisted that discussion on his future “would not be played out in public”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut it is now common knowledge that he is leaving the club he joined as a six-year-old.His last appearance is likely to be in the home clash with Crystal Palace on May 25 — the final day of the Prem season.Moment Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are pulled apart after apparent spat during Liverpool training Liverpool are still sweating on the decisions by Mo Salah and skipper Virgil van Dijk, who both have their contracts ending on June 30.But FSG and boss Slot are understood to be confident Dutch centre-back Van Dijk and Egyptian striker Salah will sign new deals. More

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      Chelsea files: John Terry’s manager job that collapsed at last minute and party-loving keeper tipped to surpass Courtois

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      GOALKEEPERS have been a big talking point at Chelsea this season with boss Enzo Maresca unsure who is his definite number one.Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen have been in and out like the Hokey Cokey.Incoming Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders enjoys a party and a sing-songCredit: RexThe teenager could surpass Thibaut Courtois in West LondonCredit: GettyAnd that’s something that won’t trouble incoming keeper Mike Penders, who just loves a singalong and a party.The teenager is due to join up with the Blues this summer following a £16.7million deal with his current side Genk in the Belgian top flight.Still only 19, colourful Penders loves a party and says it stems from his upbringing in the town of Uikhoven in a region famous for its carnivals.Penders said: “Singalongs are my thing.“It’s simple: if you come from our neighbourhood, you grow up with carnival. Then you learn those songs by heart. “You just have to come and experience it. The last time I went I wore Lederhosen.”England skipper Harry Kane also wears the famous leather trousers when he visits Oktoberfest each year as he plays for Bayern Munich.Penders has all the ingredients to become an even bigger star than Thibaut Courtois at Chelsea – even without his ability to sing a song at his first-team initiation.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeFor a start, the towering keeper is exactly two metres tall – one centimetre more than his famous Belgian predecessor.He is coming through the same famous stable at Genk like Courtois and if the next few weeks go well for him, he could also rock up at Stamford Bridge as a decorated star.Thomas Tuchel always made me feel wanted and England star was destined for greatness, reveals ex-Chelsea wonderkidGenk are top of the table and face the ten-game play-offs bidding for the championship.Penders has every chance to make the biggest move of his career with a league title to his name.He is already a famous name at home. His transfer fee to Chelsea is considered huge back home for a player so young.Some of that money was spread among the clubs of his previous career – right down to sixth-tier Bregel Sport. The 100,000 euros was enough to keep the struggling club afloat – but only temporarily as they went broke just last week.HELD ON BY GAFFER TAPEJOHN TERRY fears his ambition to become a manager is drifting away.Chelsea’s most successful player and captain still hopes his dream of being head coach at the club which is in his heart may still come off one day. But he is caught in a vicious circle.He came painfully close in September 2023 when he was offered a job by Saudi Pro-League side Al-Shabbab… only for the deal to collapse at the last minute.Terry, 44, said: “I got very close with that and things got moved at the last minute, which meant it didn’t go through.“I’ve done my badges. I’m ready. If the right opportunity comes up, and it has to be the right opportunity in terms of squad, location, I’m all ears.“I’m watching every game of football I can possibly watch. I’ve still got my eyes in it. There will come a point for me when I need to say ‘that’s it’.John Terry missed out on becoming a manager in the Saudi Pro LeagueCredit: GettyHe is currently having to make do with testing his management skills in the Baller LeagueCredit: PA“But you have to be obsessed with it and I’m still obsessed with it. I’m analysing games, I’m reviewing stuff, I’m doing online courses and all of that to be a better coach or a better manager that I can be.“So who knows if that opportunity comes along? I’ve got a lot to give. I know that I’ve managed dressing rooms and groups before.”Terry has found work as a coach at Aston Villa and Leicester and is back now working two days a week at his beloved Chelsea.The five-time Premier League winner said: “I led Chelsea for 22 years. So to get thrown at me that I’ve got no experience as a number one is a little bit baffling.“But again I’ll keep trying until that kind of day stops because I have a dream of managing Chelsea one day and that’s the ultimate for me. Would I love to be part of it? Of course I would. Chelsea’s my club.”John Terry was speaking on Chelsea and the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. Watch every game from the FIFA Club World Cup on DAZN for free.TOUT OF ORDERCHELSEA are going digital with ticket buying and going on the offensive against the touts.Illegal sales are a menace and no home game at Stamford Bridge is complete without a gaggle of shady characters loitering outside Fulham Broadway tube station offering seats at premium price.The club is trying to combat this and have highlighted their efforts in an email to fans detailing the work they have undertaken.This season alone it includes:Stopping more than 1,000 people coming into the ground with touted tickets.Cancelling more than 1,500 membership accounts linked to illegal activity.Arresting individuals following police operations on matchdays.The Blues are stamping down on tickets touts outside Stamford BridgeCredit: ReutersThis is all worthwhile stuff but in the meantime, Chelsea’s chairman Todd Boehly has attracted fierce criticism from fans over his stake in American ticket resale site Vivid Seats.The unauthorised website sells tickets for Premier League games at vastly inflated prices.Vividseats.com even appears on a blacklist of outlets issued by the Premier League who add: “We would urge fans to exercise extreme caution when dealing with these websites.”GLOBAL GAMECHELSEA became the first English club to field an entire team of foreign players against Southampton in the Premier League back in 1999.And the Blues will continue to break new ground across the world when they add Kazakhstan’s teenage wonderkid Dastan Satpaev, 16, to their ranks next summer.Satpaev’s arrival – when he turns 18 – will take the Prem’s number of nationalities to a staggering 127 since the league began in the 1992/93 season.Dastan Satpaev will be the Premier League’s first Kazakhstani footballerCredit: GettyEagle-eyed Chelsea fans will have spotted the Kairat Almaty striker, who has agreed a Stamford Bridge move in a £3.3m deal with a five-year contract, was in the UK last Saturday.Satpaev came off the bench for the final 16 minutes of Kazakhstan’s 3-1 World Cup qualifying defeat to Wales in Cardiff.He showed flashes of promise in his brief cameo as a substitute but is already being hailed as the best talent the country has ever produced.No pressure, then.TOP MARCSIT’S A good time to be a Chelsea defender.Club captain Reece James scored a screamer for England on Monday night against Latvia to add to his recent belter at Copenhagen in the Conference League.And his club-mate Marc Cucurella is also in the goals this season with five – four in the Premier League and one in Europe.Part of his increased strike rate has been down to boss Enzo Maresca pushing the Spaniard into a midfield role at times – the new ‘inverted full-back’ fad that is gripping football.Cucurella has responded with two goals in seven games, which is a decent return for a left-back.Marc Cucurella has found his shooting boots this seasonCredit: GettyIt has transformed his standing in the eyes of Chelsea fans who were unsure of his worth to start with but now sing songs about his big mop of curly hair in tribute to his improvement.Cucurella says scoring more goals has been a big priority. He said: “One of the things that I felt that I could improve upon was my ability in the last third – more goals and more assists. I would say this season I have had the opportunity to score a few goals.“I’m very happy because I feel very good and I’ve been able to help the team.“I always try to give the best for my team and I always try to leave everything on the pitch for my team. I always try to win. “I think they are the best things I can have as a player. Now I’m even a goalscorer! Hopefully, I can score a lot more goals and I’m very happy.”LONELY WITHOUT LEONCHELSEA fans eagerly waiting to find out who will be the club’s first opponents in the Club World Cup should not hold their breath.Fifa sources say that it will take some time to find a replacement for Club Leon – the Mexican side booted out of the competition over dual ownership issues.The case is likely to go to appeal and even then if the decision is upheld, a new team will be sought from within the Concacaf football federation.Considering there are 41 member associations throughout the Americas, that will take some sifting. More

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      Chelsea handed major fixture change as Club World Cup opponents are kicked OUT of competition by Fifa

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      CHELSEA have been handed a major fixture change in the Club World Cup. some three months out from the competiton.The Blues were set to face Mexican side Leon in their opening match of the summer tournament, but will now take on a different side after Fifa have KICKED OUT the Liga MX side.Chelsea will face new opponents in the Club World CupCredit: GettyClub Leon have been kicked out of the competitionCredit: GettyLeon, who are currently second in Liga MX, have failed multi-club ownership rules relating to the competition – meaning they are now banned from competing.Leon are part of a multi-club ownership group – Grupo Pachuca – that also includes fellow Liga MX side CF Pachuca.Due to Pachuca’s involvement in the Club World Cup too, Fifa have decided that Leon must be ejected from the tournament.A Fifa statement read: “Following disciplinary proceedings opened against CF Pachuca and Club Leon, the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee decided to refer the case directly to the FIFA Appeal Committee in accordance with article 56 paragraph 3 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.READ MORE ON CHELSEA”After having evaluated all evidence on file, the chairman of the FIFA Appeal Committee has decided that CF Pachuca and Club León failed to meet the criteria on multi-club ownership defined under article 10 paragraph 1 of the Regulations for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.”In line with article 10 paragraph 4 of the Regulations for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025M, FIFA has determined that Club León will be removed from the competition, with the club to be admitted as a replacement to be announced in due course.”No replacement has been decided for Leon yet, but is expected soon.Leon have a released a statement of their own outlining their plans to appeal the decision in court if they are prevented from playing.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt read: “Club Leon expresses its disagreement with the decision made by FIFA, which could exclude us from the next Club World Cup.”The decision on which team will not attend the tournament is the responsibility of the organization’s Secretary General, who will notify us in the coming days.’This is a joke’ – Danny Drinkwater reveals moment he was told he had ONE HOUR to leave Chelsea”In recent months, we have presented each piece of evidence and documents confirming that Club Leon operates autonomously in all financial, administrative, and sporting aspects.”Should Club Leon be prevented from participating in the 2025 Club World Cup with the same rights with which it earned a place on the pitch, we will pursue the matter to the fullest extent possible in the highest sporting courts.”CF Pachuca have also released a statement claiming they will be taking action.It added: “In our case, we will defend what was won on the field in a fair, professional manner, and in compliance with the rules of the competition.”The CONCACAF contingent for the Club World Cup now stands at three sides – Monterrey, Seattle Sounders FC and Pachuca.And a replacement for Leon would likely have to come from North America too.Grupo Puchuca owner Jesus Martinez said last year that he would be willing to sell his controlling stake in Leon if it allowed them to compete in the Club World Cup.Martinez said: “We told them [Fifa] that we informed at the last Liga MX owners’ meetings that Leon is the team we are going to sell control of.”We plan to give up the majority stake in the club before 2027. However, I think we’re going to maintain some kind of sports control.”What we want is to contribute to the growth of the Mexican league, and if they see that multi-property can have a negative impact, we’re willing to help in every way”.The other teams remaining in Chelsea’s group are Brazilian side Flamengo and Tunisian outfit ES Tunis.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe revamped tournament, which is taking place across North America, will begin in June.MORE TO FOLLOW…THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      World Cup final is the greatest show on earth – it doesn’t need half-time show or Janet Jackson Nipple-gate to prove it

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      FIFA have never been one to shy away from spectacle but their latest decision to introduce an American-style, star-studded half-time show for the 2026 World Cup final has sparked controversy.For football’s purists, this is a step too far — an unnecessary intrusion into the most sacred match in the sport.The 2026 World Cup final will feature a Super Bowl-style half-time showJanet Jackson was involved in a wardrobe malfunction during the 2004 Super Bowl halftime showColdplay have been asked to choose the artists for next year’s finalFor others, it’s a modern evolution, bringing football in line with the commercial juggernaut that is the Super Bowl.Readers of a certain vintage will recall the FA Cup final was always adorned by a half-time musical break, but it was more the band of the Coldstream Guards than Coldplay.Next year, at the final in New Jersey, the boys from Coldplay have been asked by Fifa president Gianni Infantino to cobble together some ‘artistes’ to entertain the fans during the half-time break, just like they do at the Super Bowl.Let’s hope there isn’t another Janet Jackson boob, or ‘wardrobe malfunction’ as it was called back in 2004, when Justin Timberlake ripped off Ms Jackson’s bodice, revealing rather more than the quarterback’s master-plan.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOn the basis Fifa won’t want a rerun of that infamous Nipple-gate, you can be damned sure Dolly Parton won’t be getting the gig.But the World Cup final has always been about the football, not the half-time show.It is the pinnacle of the sport, watched by billions worldwide, where history is written and legends are made.The idea that Fifa now wants to shoehorn a Hollywood-style entertainment break into what should be an intense, uninterrupted battle for glory feels unnecessary, if not entirely out of place.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe Super Bowl’s famous half-time show regularly attracts more TV viewers than the game itself and previous performers have included pop royalty like Beyonce, Rihanna, Madonna, Prince, Michael Jackson and Lady Gaga.Other than Janet Jackson, they’ve all managed to keep their clothes on.World Cup winner’s Wag dubbed ‘hottest woman in the world’ and ‘from another planet’ after stunning in series of bikinis Traditionally, half-time in football is a 15-minute tactical reset.Players regroup, managers deliver crucial team talks and fans either hold their breath or take a moment to recover from the first-half drama.  Or at least get a quick beer in.How will players feel about potentially waiting longer to restart the biggest game of their careers? Will the spectacle detract from the sporting drama?Do fans, emotionally invested in the match, want a pop concert when they are dissecting their team’s performance?After an eight-minute VAR delay at the Bournemouth vs Wolves FA Cup match last weekend, add a lengthy half-time show at the Vitality Stadium and supporters would have been in danger of missing the last bus home. And who is going to pay for it? A glance at ticket prices for the World Cup final show the cheap seats already start at £3,000 each, so it’s pretty clear who will be forking out for the fun — the supporters.Next year’s World Cup is hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico and Fifa’s decision to introduce a showbiz-style interval seems to be a clear nod to American sports culture.The Super Bowl half-time show is a global event in itself, with A-list performers, jaw-dropping production and millions tuning in just for the spectacle.But football isn’t American football. Kendrick Lamar’s recent Super Bowl performance has gone viral for weeksTennis icon Serena Williams danced at the Super Bowl last monthAnd while Fifa are clearly eyeing new commercial opportunities, the World Cup isn’t in need of a marketing boost.This move is part of a wider trend — football, increasingly, is being shaped by commercial interests.Expanded tournaments, mid-season World Cups, club competitions that stretch calendars to breaking point — decisions are being driven by revenue rather than the rhythm of the game.Fifa will argue this move will “enhance the fan experience” but it feels like an attempt to sell an already premium product to an even bigger audience.Football doesn’t need a headline act at half-time. The real stars are on the pitch, not on a stage.If Fifa get their way, will we see DJs at full-time? Fireworks before penalties? Commercial breaks for VAR decisions?The fear is that once this door is opened, football’s traditions will continue to erode in the name of spectacle.This all feels a far cry from the days when you huddled around your cup of Bovril while reading the club programme at half-time. READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd over the tinny PA would be the crackly sounds of Shakin’ Stevens or Sade.The World Cup final is already the Greatest Show on Earth. It doesn’t need a half-time act to prove it.Gianni Infantino has informed sponsors of the major change More

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      Fifa confirm biggest cash pot in football history at Club World Cup with Man City and Chelsea getting share of $1BILLION

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      CHELSEA and Manchester City will take shares of the biggest cash pot in football history when they play in this summer’s inaugural expanded Club World Cup.Fifa chiefs confirmed a stunning £776million cash pool for the 32-team tournament to be played in the USA in June and July.Fifa have confirmed the prize money for the Club World CupCredit: GettyA global TV deal with streamer DAZN will pay for the competition.It will see the 12 European teams getting the biggest up front payments.Prize money will be top loaded for progress to the latter stages with full details due to be confirmed next week.But getting to the last eight is expected to be worth £60m for the two Prem sides.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile there is a potential £100m reward if they win the tournament.Fifa will also give a large “solidarity” payment to clubs and nations not involved.Fifa President Gianni Infantino said: “The Fifa Club World Cup will not only be the pinnacle of club football.”But also a vivid demonstration of solidarity that will benefit clubs at large to a scale that no other competition has ever done.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“All revenue generated by the tournament will be distributed to the participating clubs and via club solidarity across the world as Fifa will not keep a single dollar.“Fifa’s reserves, which are there for global football development, will remain untouched.”Fans baffled as Donald Trump sends bizarre video message to pal ‘Jonny’ Infantino before Fifa Club World Cup draw More

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      ITV ‘made £0 bid to broadcast major football tournament’ but was beaten by £800million offer

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      ITV made a stunning £0 bid to try and land the broadcast rights for the Club World Cup, it’s been claimed.The rights for the revamped tournament – which was first contested in 2000 – were recently acquired by streaming powerhouse DAZN.The 2025 Club World Cup takes place in the summerCredit: GETTYITV reportedly tabled a £0 bid to acquire the broadcast rights for the competitionCredit: AFPFIFA snubbed the proposal and accepted an £800million offer from DAZNCredit: GETTYBut The Telegraph claim that ITV tried to get their hands on them for absolutely zilch in an audacious bid.The British broadcaster is said to have been confident of landing the rights due to its ability to reach a wide audience.They were hoping to reach that wide audience by putting the games on its main terrestrial channels.FIFA, however, weren’t sold on the idea and opted to accept DAZN’s lucrative offer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAn ITV spokesperson said: “We would never comment on speculative contractual matters.”DAZN ended up paying a whopping £800million ($1billion) to acquire the rights for the 32-team tournament.ITV could, however, still end up broadcasting some Club World Cup games if DAZN sublicenses them the rights.DAZN, however, are said to be “undecided” about doing so as they hope airing the games free of charge will get footie fans to subscribe to its service.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Club World Cup gets underway in mid-June and will culminate on July 13.The MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the home NFL teams the New York Jets and the New York Giants, will host the final.Fans baffled as Donald Trump sends bizarre video message to pal ‘Jonny’ Infantino before Fifa Club World Cup drawThe 2025 Club World Cup will be a showcase of some of the finest teams across the globe.Chelsea and Manchester City will be the Premier League’s representatives, while Atletico and Real Madrid will represent LaLiga. More

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      It may be too late for protesters concerned about World Cup 2034 in Saudi thanks to Fifa ‘emperor’ Gianni Infantino

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      THE magical effect of Gulf State money has transformed the Premier League.It will take a while to discover whether these riches will continue.Gianni Infantino operates like an emperor in footballCredit: EPANeither of the two clubs which have hugely benefited, Manchester City and Newcastle, are blowing our socks off so far this season.Pep Guardiola’s City, it is fair to say, have disappointed their fans so far — but not for long, I am sure.Toon lie close to City in mid-table which must be no more than acceptable to Eddie Howe, his players and the masses on the Tyne.There is further heat for the pair over whether any football club should be financed by a state.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA Parliamentary Bill is in the pipeline.At a debate I attended at the House of Lords last week, Lord Scriven made his view clear: “There is a specific issue with the Gulf states.“If people are potentially put to death for being gay in a state, would that debar a state entity or an individual in that government from owning an English club? It is a clear question.”One which like so many others, was not answered. Apparently, a letter answering the question will be put in the “library”.Most read in FootballI hope it doesn’t have to wait as long to get his letter as it has taken the Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy to reply to the Prem clubs she invited in to discuss the Bill.We’ve been waiting five months and counting…Fans baffled as Donald Trump sends bizarre video message to pal ‘Jonny’ Infantino before Fifa Club World Cup drawSimilar funding will be responsible for the 2034 Saudi World Cup, having dodged inspection by the 211 national federations. Or anyone else bar the press and campaigners.Critics point out that hundreds, possibly thousands, of workers died building stadiums for the 2022 World Cup in fellow oil state Qatar.The deaths were barely reported at the time.It may be too late for protestors concerned at this return to a Middle East autocracy because Fifa president Gianni Infantino wrapped up the process before they could make a full case.Infantino bizarrely said he felt “gay, African and disabled” before Qatar and also told women to “pick the right battles”, so he was hardly going to think about the treatment of the fairer sex when awarding the World Cup.Amnesty International reports women “continue to face discrimination in law, inheritance, marriage, divorce and child custody”.But women have been battling for decades against this sort of nonsense, so we won’t be relying on Infantino to fight any corners for us.I’m sure neither City nor Newcastle regard Fifa’s practices as their affair.The Prem already have strict rules about spending on transfers and soon new directives will cover what can be spent on players’ wages.Ownership is, rightly, open to investment from companies all over the world.Nearly half of top-flight teams are ultimately controlled by American investors, as well as by Chinese, Pakistan, Thai, Greek and even English!All of these owners are multi-millionaires and have boardrooms.The oil states have only Arab royalty.Infantino’s behaviour is open to question.Clearly, he likes to operate as an emperor, altering the fixture list in open warfare with Uefa.His Club World Cup intrudes on the close season and relegates the Champions League to a runner-up in importance.Plus, any possibility of an open competition for the 2034 enlarged World Cup has been shut tight.Infantino, a lawyer by trade, knows just how to get his own way and pay.When he was elected Fifa president unopposed in 2023, his annual salary with bonuses was raised by 33 per cent to more than £5million a year.And, as a Swiss-Italian, he now lives in Florida and pays no taxes there.Although some countries, notably Germany, asked questions, he will remain president until 2027 when he is likely to stand again for a further four years.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe new Club World Cup will take place in 11 stadiums for a month next summer in the US.Chelsea and City are our entrants on the basis of Champions League success. Good luck to them. And readers for the coming year. More