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      Ex-Chelsea owner Abramovich’s £2.5BILLION for Ukraine tied up in red tape… Government must shame those responsible

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      TWO years after former Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich promised £2.5BILLION to help Ukraine victims, shamefully not a penny has left the UK.Blocked by red-tape, this huge sum from the sale of the club — seven times more than this country has provided — is idle and waiting for the Government to act.The huge sum promised by Roman Abramovich for Ukrainian victims of Russia’s invasion has yet to be dished outCredit: GettyKarren Brady says delays in help must end nowCredit: News Group Newspapers LimitedI’m told that a disagreement has formed between the Trustees running the fund and the Government about how it should be spent.Responsibility has passed from department to department while Ukrainians are slaughtered and buildings are reduced to rubble.Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron stated recently that Russia was “going to have to pay reparations for its illegal invasion, so why not spend some of the money now, rather than wait till the war is over and have all the legal wrangling.” Quite right too.Redress, a charity seeking justice for survivors, are demanding action from the Government in setting up structures here and in Ukraine to compensate victims.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe figures are mortifying — more than 125,000 war crimes including sexual abuse and torture have been reported, ten million people displaced and about 14 million in need of psychological aid.Many need help now. It’s a national disgrace that a charity which could do so much good in a country fighting a vicious, evil enemy is being stood up by Trustees who are the very ones who are meant to distribute the money.If I was the Government I would name and shame each one of these “Trustees” who have yet to apply for a License so the Government can release the money.Then I’d hold them to account by inviting them to a Select Committee to answer this question. Where is the money and why haven’t you released it to Ukraine?Most read in FootballFrank Lampard reveals brutal Roman Abramovich blast after ex-Chelsea owner threatened to axe first team stars More

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      Clubs threatening to BOYCOTT FA Cup in protest after replays axed as Government wades into row

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      CLUBS are threatening to boycott the FA Cup after the FA axed replays.On Thursday, it was announced that replays were being scrapped along with other changes.Clubs are threatening to boycott the FA CupCredit: PAA spokesman for Rishi Sunak has demanded to know why the changes have been madeCredit: AlamyThe FA also confirmed that the mid-season break would be removed and a £33million increase in funding for grassroots football.There has been a huge amount of backlash to the decision to dump replays as it could affect potential revenue for lower league clubs.It now appears that a number of EFL and National League clubs are threatening to boycott the competition next season.A number of EFL sides have issued statements condemning the changes made by the FA and Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTranmere Rovers chairman Mark Palios has suggested he would be willing to back a boycott.He told the Telegraph: “There needs to be further debate.”But if that was the situation that most of the clubs felt that way, I’d support it.”His comments came after Accrington Stanley’s chairman Andy Holt posted on social media.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “I would support a boycott if enough clubs feel the same.”Traditionally replays have taken place until the fourth round if a match ends in a draw.Huge changes being made to English football schedule next seasonHowever, the changes will see all first-round and onward matches go to extra-time and penalties if no winner can be found before the 90th minute.Leading Government figures have also waded in on the controversial matter.A spokesman for the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said: “David and Goliath fixtures are a part of the magic of the Cup.”We know that replays have been a welcome source of income for smaller clubs throughout the years.”These are, however, decisions for the footballing authorities.”But clearly it’s incumbent on the FA and Premier League to explain this decision and why it is in the interests of fans.”Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer slammed the decision as “wrong” and said that replays are “part of the tradition of the FA Cup”.Why FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
      THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
      No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
      Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
      If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
      Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
      And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
      Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here. More

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      Euro 2024 terror warning to England fans after ISIS Moscow attack and kamikaze drones raise ‘dangers to new level’

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      ENGLAND fans have been warned of a new terror threat for Euro 2024.The Islamist attack in Moscow has raised “dangers to a new level”, said German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, just 75 days before kick-off.England fans travelling to Germany to watch Gareth Southgate’s team have been warned of a new terror threat for Euro 2024Credit: GettyThe warning comes just 75 days before kick-offCredit: AdidasThe Islamist attack in Moscow has raised ‘dangers to a new level’, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser saidCredit: APMs Faeser added: “We are pooling the forces of the security authorities even more strongly for the Euros and are preparing for all possible dangers.“This is necessary to protect this major international event in the best possible way.“The security of the tournament is paramount.”Her chilling alert came just days after the ISIS-K terrorist atrocity at a concert hall in Moscow killed 143.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmong the drastic steps taken to protect Three Lions fans at the tournament in June will be a plan to temporarily close borders and ramp up frontier checks. British police will also be in Germany.A ring of steel will be thrown around every team base, including the home for Gareth Southgate’s England stars, such as skipper Harry Kane and young sensation Jude Bellingham.They will stay at the swish five-star Weimarer Land Golf Resort and Spa in Blankenhain – with Wags and families also protected.Most read in FootballIt comes amid fears of a menacing reaction from Russia after they were banned from taking part in the Euros – and enemy nation Ukraine qualified last week.Author and terrorism expert Neil Doyle said: “Euro 2024 represents a major target for groups looking to mount mass casualty attacks for revenge and global headlines.Inside England’s stunning Euro 2024 hotel with golf course, spa and robot “The use of drones will be a major concern as they have become a new feature of modern warfare, as seen in Ukraine.“Germany as a location in itself is also attractive as it has backed Ukraine with arms and equipment.”Security expert Colonel Richard Kemp, who has worked for the Joint Intelligence Committee and national crisis group Cobra, said: “Russia would like to disrupt this event in some way, such as a cyber attack, and they would hope to embarrass the German government.”As more than half a million UK nationals prepare to be in Germany for the tournament starting in 75 days, Ms Faeser said: “One thing can be said for sure – the dangers have reached a new level.”She added: “The state is arming itself even more strongly against all current threats.“This ranges from protection against Islamists and other ­potential violent criminals to the security of our networks against cyber attacks.”The state is arming itself even more strongly against all current threatsGerman Interior Minister Nancy FaeserAleksander Ceferin, president of tournament organisers Uefa, has spoken of the “world going crazy” and warned: “The biggest concern is security.” Germany will host 23 other nations – including England and Scotland – during the month-long 51-game football showpiece kicking off on June 14.Experts warn both the Russians and Islamists have access to high-tech kamikaze dronesCredit: AFPVladimir Putin runs an army of web warriorsCredit: GettyFar-right Alternative for ­Germany (AfD) is also gaining popularityCredit: RexAfD politician Rene SpringerCredit: Getty’Vital to be safe’Last night, fans were urged to be on high alert for the dangers, with British police being deployed to Germany.A UK government spokesman said: “Football fans all over the country will be looking forward to a summer of football. “We are working with the German police to support a safe and trouble-free tournament. “A UK police delegation will be deployed to Germany during the event and we will also be offering support and advice on how to engage with fans attending from the UK.”Caroline Dinenage, Tory MP and chairwoman of the sports select committee, said:  “Given the safety concerns, it’s vital to be safe, follow the rules, stay vigilant and most of all, have fun.”Referring to Ms Faeser’s warning, Damian Green, Tory MP and former deputy PM, who sits on the sports select committee, said: “This is a disturbing and sobering ­comment for all of us who love ­visiting Germany. “It is always important to listen to local advice about how to stay safe.”Tim Loughton, Tory MP and a member of the Home Affairs select committee, said: “With terrorist threat levels heightened across the world it is a sad reality of modern life that popular international sporting occasions have routinely become targets for attacks by ­fanatical groups who would undermine everything we stand for.”Safety fears centre on gun-carrying Islamists sneaking into Germany among migrants from the Middle East, and Russian agents entering among Ukrainians fleeing the war.Given the safety concerns, it’s vital to be safe, follow the rules, stay vigilant and most of all, have funCaroline Dinenage, Tory MP and chairwoman of the sports select committeeGerman intelligence experts say the biggest threat is an attack from the same ISIS-K group’s gun gangs which slaughtered 143 rock fans in Moscow last weekend.Both the Russians and Islamists have access to high-tech kamikaze drones which could cause mayhem if smuggled into Germany.Unmanned flying drones have added a new dimension to the ­terrorist threat after being used by both sides in the Ukraine war and Islamists of Gaza, Yemen, Iran, Syria and Lebanon.  ‘Danger increases’One of the greatest fears at Euro 2024 is a potentially devastating drone attack on a stadium or large gathering of fans.Drone expert Professor Nicolas Stockhammer warned: “Isis in particular has repeatedly used drones in attacks over the past ten years.“But technology is more readily available today for both kamikaze drones and as drones equipped with explosive charges.“And the danger increases if the attackers succeed in capturing modern military drones such as those being used in the current war zones.”Authorities suspect Russia’s army of cyber hackers are gearing up to cause computer chaos with attacks on stadium lights, transport, ticketing and security systems.The Kremlin’s industrial scale hacking operations look certain to ramp up as Vladimir Putin seethes over Russia’s exclusion from the tournament.Ms Faeser also spoke of her ­concern about the threat posed by far-right groups feared to be graduating from hate crime to terrorism.Neo-Nazi thugs have fired up ­bigotry since Germany absorbed more than two million migrants followed by a million refugees from the war in neighbouring Ukraine.Ms Faeser said: “We thwarted right-wing extremist acts and uncovered a large terrorist network of German citizens.”Far-right Alternative for ­Germany (AfD) is gaining popularity, with politicians such as Rene Springer sitting in the German parliament.Yesterday, the FA said security was a matter for the Foreign Office.We approached Uefa for comment.German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser says: ‘The state is arming itself even more strongly against all current threats’Credit: GettyA ring of steel will be thrown around every team base, including the home for Gareth Southgate’s England stars, such as Jude BellinghamCredit: Alamy More

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      England shirt slammed by Rishi Sunak as he says St George’s Cross ‘should not be messed with’

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      England’s new football shirt has been slammed by Rishi Sunak.The PM has today spoken out on the kit, which has been showcased for Euro 2024, and said St George’s Cross “should not be messed with”.
      The new England kit has been slammed by the PMCredit: PA
      Mr Sunak has said he “prefers the original” England shirt, as he waded in on the row over Nike’s decision to change the colour of the cross on its new jersey.The symbol has been altered so it now has purple and blue horizontal stripes in what the sports brand called a “playful update”.The US firm said the colours were inspired by the training kit worn by England’s 1966 World Cup winners.Mr Sunak said: “Obviously I prefer the original, and my general view is that when it comes to our national flags, we shouldn’t mess with them.read more on uk news”Because they are a source of pride, identity, who we are, and they’re perfect as they are.”Some football pundits and fans criticised the design and price of the shirt since it was launched earlier this week.Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also blasted the new design, calling on Nike to change the colour back to the traditional red on the Sun’s brilliant new politics show Never Mind the Ballots.And now footie legends like Harry Redknapp, Peter Shilton and David Seaman have had their say on the saga.Most read in FootballRedknapp this morning blasted the decision as “an absolute disgrace”.He slammed: “I’ve seen plenty of own goals in my time, but this has to be the worst ever.”Who on earth thought this was a good idea? It’s the cross of St George, red and white…would Nike do this with another country’s national flag?England’s Best and Worst Kits”It’s something that should be respected, not changed for a bit of playful fun, as they put it.”In my book it’s an absolute disgrace – I hope they see sense and have a rethink.”Former England goalkeeper Shilton also slammed the change.He told GB News: “I am totally against it, which I don’t think is a surprise. I mean I am a traditionalist, really.”I think we have seen a lot of design changes on shirts and that’s to get the fans to buy the new shirt every time it changes.”But now they are messing with the colours on a national flag and you know, where would it stop once it starts?”Is the next shirt going to have more changes in the colour? So I am against it, I think it is wrong.”It is only a small change, but I think it could be the start of more changes.”That’s the way I look on it, once you start changing the colour. I mean the Three Lions is obviously traditional and the fans love that.”I am very surprised to be fair that the FA agreed to this but it’s all about money and making money and if the shirt sponsor says look ‘we’d like to do this’ then sometimes you get maybe members at the FA who think, ‘Oh well, we are getting paid well for it. You know, we won’t bother’.”But I think it is a precedent that we don’t want, you know, other things to suddenly change on the next England shirt, and you know maybe, you know a pink band going round the middle of the shirt – I mean you don’t know do you what they are going to change.”England shirt change controversyTHE latest Three Lions strip came under heavy fire after a sudden change.
      The Three Lions’ strips were unveiled on Monday with the traditional red cross altered to one with navy, light blue and purple.
      But Nike and the FA have “no plans” to recall the new England home kit amid a row over its altered St George’s flag.
      Both the home and away kits were released earlier this week, with England set to debut them during the upcoming March internationals.
      It is thought to be a nod to the 1966 World Cup winners’ training kit – which contained blue, red and purple.
      The change led to some labelling the shirt “woke” as they called on the manufacturer to revert back to the usual colours.
      But according to The Mail, Nike will not succumb to pressure from some England fans.
      It is thought to be a nod to the 1966 World Cup winners’ training kit – which contained blue, red and purple.
      The change led to some labelling the shirt “woke” as they called on the manufacturer to revert back to the usual colours.
      But according to The Mail, Nike will not succumb to pressure from some England fans.
      It is understood the flag alteration was the work of a Nike designer, but was also signed off by the FA.
      And the FA insist the decision was made to “honour the classic colour regime of 1966 training gear”.
      New kit releases are one of the highlights in the build-up to a summer tournament, but England fans have also been left frustrated by the cost of the Three Lions’ new jerseys.
      England’s “authentic” home and away shirts for the European Championships have been priced at £124.99 for adults and a whopping £119.99 for children.

      England’s most capped men’s player, 74, also criticised the price of the new shirt.An “authentic” version costs £124.99 for adults and £119.99 for children while a “stadium” version is £84.99 and £64.99 for children.READ MORE SUN STORIESShilton continued: “I do think also the cost of the shirts now is getting extortionate. I think the fans are getting ripped off in a way.”I think it is going to be very difficult for parents if they have got a couple of kids to buy them each a new shirt, that’s why they make these changes.” More

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      Premier League clubs face Government fines of over £50m as tough new rules are introduced

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      PREM giants face fines of £50m-plus if they fail to engage with the Government’s new Independent Football Regulator.The long-awaited measure will be introduced in the Commons on Tuesday and is expected to get all-party support.The Government are on the verge of appointing an Independent Football RegulatorCredit: GettyClubs face potentially huge fines if they don’t engage with the regulatorCredit: RexAmong its powers, the Regulator will be able to impose a funding deal between the Prem and the EFL after the process stalled again last week, stop and boot out rogue owners and block clubs from joining any breakaway Super LeagueBut the Regulator will also “have the ability to fine clubs up to 10 per cent their of turnover for non-compliance”Meaning potentially HUGE penalties, with the Big Six grossing £500m-plus every year.Tory MPs said the Regulator would prevent repeats of the financial chaos that overtook Bury, Derby, Wigan, Bolton and non-league Rhyl in recent seasons.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMid-Derbyshire MP Pauline Latham said: “The Regulator is a new dawn for fans of the beautiful game.“I am so proud that we managed to save Derby County but many other clubs aren’t as lucky.”And I don’t want any other fans to face what we did.“The Government has listened and is taking strong action to give football fans a voice.”Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTory MP Pauline Latham is a “is a new dawn” for footie fansCredit: RICHARD TOWNSHED PHOTOGRAPHYIn a short response, Prem chiefs said they agreed it is “vital that football clubs are sustainable, remain at the heart of their communities and that fans are fundamental to the game”.However, the Prem warned of the “unintended consequences of legislation that could weaken the competitiveness and appeal of English football”.FA Cup semi-final draw CONFIRMED as Man Utd, Chelsea, Coventry and Man City find out their fateBy contrast, EFL chief executive Rick Parry hailed an “important milestone to help us secure the long-term financial sustainability” of the pyramid.Parry added: “If delivered on the right terms, this landmark legislation can help fix the game’s broken financial model to help ensure that all clubs can survive and thrive in a fair and competitive environment.” More

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      Football hooligans must face criminal charges and match bans, Rishi Sunak says after weekend of violence

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      FOOTBALL hooligans must face the full force of the law, Rishi Sunak has warned after a weekend of chaos. The PM blasted yobs who ran riot at FA cup games – demanding match bans and even criminal charges for those involved.
      Violence broke out at the West Brom vs Wolves derby yesterday
      One fan was led away with blood pouring from his head
      A “day of disgrace” saw violence erupt between fans at the West Brom vs Wolves clash on Sunday. 
      The derby even had to be halted while police tried to break up fighting in the stands and stop thugs storming the pitch.
      Mr Sunak’s spokesman said this morning: “Those scenes are extremely concerning. There’s no place for that kind of behaviour in football. 
      “The PM believes everyone should be able to watch their team without any threats of violence or antisocial behaviour.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      “And he firmly expects anyone involved to face criminal charges and to be banned from future games.”
      Downing Street praised the “bravery” of cops and confirmed talks about clubs contributing to the cost of policing games.
      West Midlands Police have said six people were arrested following the outbreak of violence.
      The force said in a statement: “We have extra officers at this local derby and they responded immediately as disorder in the stands caused fans to spill onto the pitch.
      Most read in Football
      “Five people have now been arrested for public order offences relating to the disorder in the ground.
      “Another man was arrested for possession of an offensive weapon prior to the match outside of the ground.
      “We worked with officials to get the game restarted as soon as possible. A man has been taken to hospital with head injuries.”
      The FA also condemned the violence at The Hawthorns and are investigating.
      Away fans infiltrating the Home end has become a growing problem in football.
      Police had to intervene as chaos broke out in one corner of The Hawthorns, moments after Matheus Cunha had put Wolves 2-0 up against West Brom in the 78th minute. More

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      European Super League plotters try to woo minsters – and snubbed as their plan poses an ‘existential threat’

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      PLOTTERS behind a new European Super League in football launched a shameless bid to convince UK ministers to back the scheme – and were rebuffed.Culture and Sport Secretary Lucy Frazer told those behind the plan it would pose an “existential threat” to the game.
      Footie fans protestingCredit: Getty
      Proposals for an international breakaway league for Europe’s star clubs were rejected two years ago after an outcry from fans.
      But a Madrid-based group has resurrected the idea after euro judges issued a bombshell ruling giving them the green light
      In a shameless attempt to make No10 carry out a Super League U-turn, the company wrote to Ms Frazer offering to walk her through the plans.
      Ms Frazer snubbed the request by A22 CEO Bernd Reichart and warned him the UK government is dead set against his unpopular scheme.
      In a letter seen by The Sun on Sunday, she wrote: “The UK Government’s position has not changed: we do not support a breakaway competition that does not have the support of the fans and that threatens the heritage and financial position of English football.
      “The European Super League proposal poses an existential threat to our national game.
      “English football has, for centuries, thrived on its inherent drama, the underdog triumphs, the passionate rivalries, and the shared community it fosters.
      “These qualities are not incidental; they are fundamental to its success. The sport is nothing without its fans, and the UK Government takes their views extremely seriously.
      Most read in Sport
      “I trust that this explains the UK Government’s position.”
      Backers of the European Super League claim 20 clubs across the continent have agreed to sign up to the project.
      They are thought to include Barcelona and Real Madrid.
      But UK footie fans loathe the idea, as they fear it would suck money, attention and footballers away from British top flight football.
      While it would shatter the dream that any club – no matter how small – could rise up the leagues and play against the best. More

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      Premier League teams will be BANNED from European Super League thanks to legislation introduced by Rishi Sunak

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      ENGLISH teams are set to be BANNED from the European Super League.The controversial proposal could come back into the limelight after a court determined Fifa and Uefa acted against law when they blocked its formation in 2021.
      English sides could be banned from any ESL comebackCredit: Getty
      Twelve clubs tried to form a breakaway division but after much backlash the sides pulled out one by one.
      But following the court’s new ruling, the European Super League is back in the fold with Barcelona already revealing they are “satisfied” with the decision.
      However, the British government could prevent Premier League teams from being involved in its possible comeback.
      After the debacle two years ago, an independent football regulator has been put in place by the government from 2024.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      They promise to stop clubs from joining “breakaway or unlicensed leagues.”
      After this morning’s court decision a government spokesperson said: “We note the decision by the European Court of Justice’s judgement with regard to the European Super League.
      “The attempt to create a breakaway competition was a defining moment in English football and was universally condemned by fans, clubs and the Government.
      “We took decisive action at the time by triggering the fan-led review of football governance, which called for the creation of a new independent regulator for English football. 
      Most read in Football
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      “We will shortly be bringing forward legislation that makes this a reality, and will stop clubs from joining any similar breakaway competitions in the future.”
      Tory MP Tracy Crouch previously said: “I am pleased that the Rishi Sunak, a passionate football fan himself, recognises that fans throughout the pyramid want to see the long-term financial sustainability of their clubs and have a greater say in how they are run.
      “On the pitch, English football is admired the world over, but it is important that measures are put in place to ensure our national game is fit for the future.
      “This is exactly what an Independent Regulator will do.”
      The latest idea put forward by European Super League chiefs is that up to 64 clubs should leave Uefa to form a new competition.
      That would be without any Prem clubs and Madrid-based sports marketing firm A22 is using the success of English football as a justification for a rival tournament. More