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      Hated European Super League is back on the table after shock court ruling in HUGE blow to Uefa and fans

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      FOOTBALL fans fear the hated European Super League is on the way back following a sensational ruling by the European Court of Justice.The court has determined Fifa and Uefa acted against competition law when they blocked the formation of a European Super League in 2021.
      Real Madrid President Florentino Perez is one of the advocates of the European Super LeagueCredit: AP
      Football fans around the country protested the Super League when it was proposed two years agoCredit: Getty
      “Football is not for sale” ❌UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin on the European Super League ruling and the new format proposal from A22 Sports ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/k3evJhy2Mp— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 21, 2023

      Twelve of Europe’s biggest clubs proposed the formation of a European Super League two years ago.
      The proposal was met with significant backlash as fans across the continent protested the idea.
      Premier League clubs pulled out one by one following the visceral reaction from fans, who now fear the Super League could be introduced after all.
      Now the Super League has announced a new open format consisting of 64 teams and three divisions – Star, Gold and Blue – with promotion and relegation included.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Teams will play 14 games a season with seven at home and seven away, with the top teams battling it out in play-offs at the end of the season.
      One supporter reacted to the court ruling saying: “RIP football as we know it 😭”
      Another added: “Football is about to be ruined then…”
      A third wrote: “We the fans still don’t want that shoddy league.”
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      And another commented: “Super league here we go.”
      Spanish giants Barcelona have instantly voiced their “satisfaction” with the court ruling.
      In a statement published on their website, the Catalans wrote: “As one of the clubs driving the Super League project, FC Barcelona feels that the sentence paves the way for a new elite level football competition in Europe by opposing the monopoly over the football world, and wishes to initiate new discussions as to the path that European competitions should take in the future.”
      Club president Joan Laporta also released a video voicing his support for the hated Super League.
      And their fellow LaLiga rivals Real Madrid and their president Florentino Perez did likewise with a statement on their website.
      However, English football fans may not need to be concerned as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his government have promised to stop clubs from joining new competitions that would kill off the domestic game.
      And United released a statement confirming their anti-Super League stance.
      It reads: “Our position has NOT changed”.
      “We remain fully committed to participation in UEFA competitions, and to positive cooperation with UEFA, the Premier League, and fellow clubs through the ECA on the continued development of the European game.”
      Bayern Munich followed suit saying: “It’s very clear: the door for the Super League at FC Bayern remains closed.
      “Such a competition would represent an attack on the importance of domestic leagues and the statics of European football.”
      And Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin: “I hope they start that competition as soon as possible with two clubs.
      “I hope they know what they are doing which I am not so sure about. Football is not for sale.”
      But conspirators Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus are refusing to give up on their breakaway project despite it crashing and burning inside 48 hours two years ago.
      The latest idea put forward was for up to 80 clubs to leave Uefa to form a new competition.
      But that would NOT include any Premier League clubs, with Madrid-based sports marketing firm A22 using the success of English football as a justification for the new tournament.
      And in a boost to that trio of clubs the European Court of Justice ruled that Fifa and Uefa rules giving them the power to approve club competitions “are contrary to EU Law”.
      The Court said: “The Fifa and Uefa rules making any new interclub football project subject to their prior approval, such as the Super League, and prohibiting clubs and players from playing in those competitions are unlawful.
      “There is no framework for the Fifa and Uefa rules ensuring that they are transparent, objective, non-discriminatory and proportionate.
      “Similarly the rules giving Fifa and Uefa exclusive control over the commercial exploitation of the rights related to those competitions are such as to restrict competition, given their importance for the media, consumers and television viewers in the European Union.
      “The Court observes that the organisation of interclub football competitions and the exploitation of the media rights are quite evidently economic activities.
      “They must therefore comply with the competition rules and respect the freedoms of movement, even though the economic pursuit of sport has certain specific characteristics, such as the existence of associations having certain regulatory and control powers and the power to impose sanctions.”
      The only consolation was the Court not giving specific approval for Super League.
      It said: “That does not mean that a competition such as the Super League project must necessarily be approved.
      “The Court, having been asked generally about the FIFA and UEFA rules, does not rule on that specific project in its judgement.”
      Real Madrid and Barca have responded positively to the court’s judgement, while Super League CEO Bernd Reichart has voiced his approval.
      A statement read: “UEFA-monopoly is over. Football is FREE. Clubs are now free from the threat of sanction AND free to determine their own futures!”

      “For fans: We propose free viewing of all Super League matches.”
      “For clubs: Revenues and solidarity spending will be guaranteed.”
      Real Madrid released a statment that read: “At Real Madrid we welcome with enormous satisfaction the decision adopted by the Court of Justice of the European Union, which is responsible for guaranteeing our principles, values ​​and freedoms.
      “In the coming days we will carefully study the scope of this resolution, but I do anticipate two conclusions of great historical significance. Firstly, that European club football is not and will never again be a monopoly. And secondly, that from today the clubs will be the masters of their destiny.
      Read more on The Sun
      “The clubs see our right to propose and promote European competitions that modernize our sport and attract fans from all over the world fully recognized. In short, today the Europe of freedoms has triumphed again and today football and its fans have also triumphed.
      “In the face of the pressures that we have received for more than two years, law, reason and freedom prevail today. And for this reason, Real Madrid will continue working for the good of football.” More

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      Roofer in court charged with murder after Sunday league footballer Sam Wilson, 26, killed when van ploughed into crowd

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      A ROOFER has appeared in court charged with murder after a Sunday league footballer was killed by a van that ploughed into a crowd.Sam Wilson, 26, had just left a pub in Ilkeston, Derbyshire with his teammates at around 2am on Saturday when a van collided with them.
      Sam Wilson was killed in a horror crash on SaturdayCredit: BPM
      Roofer Zac Newman today appeared in court
      Police cordoned off a van involved in the incidentCredit: BPM
      Zac Newman, 27, was charged with murder following the horror smash.
      The defendant, who looked visibly shaken, today spoke only to confirm his name, age and address at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court in Derby.
      Newman, whose girlfriend and two friends attended the brief hearing, was not required to enter a plea.
      The burly roofer from Stapleford, Nottinghamshire, was remanded in custody to appear at the city’s Crown Court tomorrow.
      Read More Sport
      In addition to murder, he has also been charged with wounding with intent and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm.
      Sam’s sister said there are “no words” to describe the family’s loss, on a JustGiving page which has raised more than £7,000.
      She said: “Our hearts will forever be broken, and there are no words to describe the huge hole it has left in all of our hearts.”
      Euro Soccer Long Eaton Sunday League said: “The league would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family, friends and teammates of Sam Wilson of AFC Curzon.
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      “Sam lost his life in an incident in Ilkeston last night.
      “Our thoughts are with him and those that he leaves behind.”
      Curzon AFC coach Wayne Riley said: “It’s taken me all day to process what happened in the early hours of this morning.
      “But it’s with a broken heart that I am writing this.
      “I first met Sam at Long Eaton Utd and I knew when I first saw him play that he was good.
      “Two days after he turned 16 he made his debut for me in Long Eaton Utd Reserves and proved he was good enough to play at that level by scoring.
      “He always played with a smile on his face was never greedy always wanting to set others up instead of having a go himself.
      “I have lost a very good footballer, a great lad and a good mate.
      “Until I can be your football manager again Sam and we meet again on the heavenly pitch R.I.P you will be truly missed.”
      Two other men were taken to hospital for treatment for injuries and are now recovering at home.
      COP PROBE
      Detective Chief Inspector Matt Croome, who is the senior officer leading the investigation, said: “We have a team of officers working to establish the events of that night, which has included viewing CCTV footage from around the Market Place that night.
      “I would like to thank all those who have come forward and spoken to us as part of our enquiries so far.”
      DCI Croome added: “We would particularly like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed or have any information about reports of an altercation at The Market Inn shortly before the incident.
      “Any information you have could be vital to our investigation.”
      Read more on The Sun
      Anyone with information can contact police with the reference number 23*771155.
      Sam, 26, was on a night out with team-matesCredit: Facebook More

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      Tributes to Sunday league footballer Sam Wilson, 26, killed after van ploughed into crowd as driver arrested on ‘murder’

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      TEAMMATES have paid tribute to a Sunday league footballer who was killed after a van ploughed into a crowd – with its driver arrested on suspicion of murder.Sam Wilson, 26, had just left a pub in Ilkeston, Derbyshire with his teammates at around 2am on Saturday when a van collided with them.
      Sam Wilson was just 26 when he was killed in the van crash in IlkestonCredit: Facebook
      He was remembered for his ‘infectious smile’Credit: Facebook
      The van’s driver was arrested on suspicion of murder following the horror smash. The 27-year-old remains in custody tonight.
      Euro Soccer Long Eaton Sunday League said: “The league would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family, friends and teammates of Sam Wilson of AFC Curzon.
      “Sam lost his life in an incident in Ilkeston last night.
      “Our thoughts are with him and those that he leaves behind.”
      Read More Sport
      Curzon AFC coach Wayne Riley said: “It’s taken me all day to process what happened in the early hours of this morning.
      “But it’s with a broken heart that I am writing this.
      “I first met Sam at Long Eaton Utd and I knew when I first saw him play that he was good.
      “Two days after he turned 16 he made his debut for me in Long Eaton Utd Reserves and proved he was good enough to play at that level by scoring.
      Most read in Football
      “He always played with a smile on his face was never greedy always wanting to set others up instead of having a go himself.
      “I have lost a very good footballer, a great lad and a good mate.
      “Until I can be your football manager again Sam and we meet again on the heavenly pitch R.I.P you will be truly missed.”
      Two other men were taken to hospital for treatment for injuries and are now recovering at home.
      COP PROBE
      Detective Chief Inspector Matt Croome, who is the senior officer leading the investigation, said: “We have a team of officers working to establish the events of that night, which has included viewing CCTV footage from around the Market Place that night.
      “I would like to thank all those who have come forward and spoken to us as part of our enquiries so far.”
      DCI Croome added: “We would particularly like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed or have any information about reports of an altercation at The Market Inn shortly before the incident.
      “Any information you have could be vital to our investigation.”
      Anyone with information can contact police with the reference number 23*771155.
      A man has been arrested on suspicion of murderCredit: Ashley Kirk
      Cops responded to calls just before 2.10am on Saturday morningCredit: Ashley Kirk More

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      Millionaire ex-Billericay Town owner who splashed cash on Premier League stars & made himself manager on run from cops

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      A MILLIONAIRE ex-Billericay Town owner who splashed cash on Premier League stars is on the run from the cops. Glenn Tamplin, 57, owns an £18million mansion and flaunts an expensive collection of cars.
      Glenn Tamplin, 57, is on the run from the cops
      Police today released his mug shotCredit: SWNS
      The millionaire used to own Billericay Town – and brought Jamie O’Hara
      But the former Essex football club owner is currently wanted by Hertfordshire Police.
      Tamplin, who had previously been at the helm of Billericay Town, is being hunted by cops as he failed to show up for court.
      Police today released his mugshot as he was set to appear before a magistrate for a breach of court order.
      But as he was a no-show, cops have asked for the public’s help.
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      Tamplin – who once urged players to call him ‘Daddy Pig’ – had been at the helm of Billericay Town.
      During his time as owner there, he brought former Premier League stars Jamie O’Hara, Jermaine Pennant and Paul Konchesky to the club.
      At Billericay, Tamplin poured £2m into the club, including a new pitch, stadium improvements and a giant mural… of himself receiving a message from God.
      Tamplin made himself manager in 2017, before sacking himself in February 2018, reappointing himself two days later and then resigning for good in April.
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      In 2019, he quit Billericay citing fan abuse, before announcing his return to football with Romford in September the same year.
      Earlier this year he showed off his 69 acres of stunning land in Abridge, Essex.
      Tamplin’s property boasts his own nine-hole golf course and dune buggy racing track, the steel entrepreneur lives a life of splendid luxury.
      But sitting in the garage of his 18,500 square-foot mega-pad are a fleet of eye-popping super cars the dad-of-six has spent millions on.
      Among the extraordinary collection is a £2 million white Ferrari LaFerrari.
      The businessman once raised eyebrows by releasing a video of the squad singing along to R-Kelly’s hit ‘World’s Greatest’ and appointed himself as manager.
      When Tamplin eventually quit Billericay he spent 16 months in charge of eighth-tier Romford before resigning and reportedly moving abroad.
      Cops today said he was wanted as he’d failed to show up in court twice – adding that his last known addresses were in Watford and Essex.
      Hertfordshire Police said:  “Glenn Tamplin is still wanted.
      Read more on The Sun
      “A warrant was issued by St Albans Magistrates’ Court on July 12 for failing to comply with the requirements of a community order between October 19 2022 and November 4 2022.
      “A warrant was also issued by St Albans Magistrates’ Court on October 3 for possession of a controlled Class A drug (cocaine) on May 9.”
      Tamplin also owns a massive mansion and car collection More

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      Tyson Fury hearing today as dad John arrives at court over £82,000 council tax row at their £1million mansion

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      TYSON Fury faces a court hearing today alongside his dad and brother after being accused of dodging a whopping £82,000 council tax bill for a car park at their £1million mansion. The two-time heavyweight boxing champion, 35, bought the property with his father John, 59, and sibling Shane, 32, which is just a stone’s throw from where they grew up. 
      John Fury has arrived at Chester Magistrates Court
      Cheshire East Council claims Tyson Fury, his dad John and brother Shane owe an £82,000 council tax billCredit: AP
      The trio allegedly owe the sum for property adjoining their £1million mansion in Styal
      Tyson Fury (L) and his brother Shane Fury walk after Tyson Fury’s WBC heavyweight title fight against Deontay Wilder in 2021Credit: Getty
      John has arrived at Chester magistrates court for the hearing – but Tyson, who is worth £130million, is not currently in the country after jetting out to Saudi Arabia last week on a private jet. 
      Shane is also absent for the hearing.
      John currently lives at the house in Styal, Cheshire, and the trio – worth jointly over £134million – have failed to cough up £82,166.85 to Cheshire East Council for the adjoining car park, court documents claim. 
      Multiple caravans and motorhomes are parked on the land behind impressive big black gates at the entrance to the home. 
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      The hearing could see the Furys be hit with a liability order if found guilty, or in extreme cases even face up to three months in jail. 
      If granted, they could face “enforcement action”, meaning an unlucky bailiff will be given the unenviable task of reclaiming assets from the boxing family. 
      Married dad-of-seven Tyson dubbed The Gypsy King, is 6ft 9in.
      John is a 6ft 3in ex-pro boxer and bare-knuckle fighter, who once went to jail for gouging a man’s eye out.
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      Shane is a former superheavyweight amateur boxer.
      Tyson also has other boxing brothers, including Love Island star Tommy, 24.
      Barrister Sarah Robson, a fixed costs specialist at Alpha Court Chambers, said: “Often, the first time people realise a liability order has been granted is when bailiffs are sent round.
      “Cases are often sent to magistrates in batches of hundreds and sometimes thousands, and they are rubber stamped without real scrutiny.” More

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      Tyson Fury’s next big fight is against the tax man – after the champ & his dad John are accused of dodging massive bill

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      BOXER Tyson Fury faces a new fight — over an £82,000 council tax bill.Cheshire East Council claims the heavyweight champ, 35, his dad John, 59, and brother Shane, 32, owe the sum for property adjoining their £1million mansion in Styal.
      Cheshire East Council claims Tyson Fury, his dad John and brother Shane owe an £82,000 council tax bill
      The trio allegedly owe the sum for property adjoining their £1million mansion in StyalCredit: CHRIS NEILL
      Tyson, dubbed The Gypsy King, is 6ft 9inCredit: The Times
      Magistrates are today set to issue a legal order demanding they pay up.
      If the three still fail to cough up, they could face “enforcement action” — meaning an unlucky bailiff could have the unenviable task of reclaiming assets from the boxing family.
      Married dad-of-seven Tyson dubbed The Gypsy King, is 6ft 9in.
      John is a 6ft 3in ex-pro boxer and bare-knuckle fighter, who once went to jail for gouging a man’s eye out.
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      Shane is a former superheavyweight amateur boxer.
      Tyson also has other boxing brothers, including Love Island star Tommy, 24.
      The council tax demand relates to land used for caravans and motorhomes adjoining the family’s £1million mansion in Styal, Cheshire.
      Court documents claim the Furys — jointly worth more than £134million — have failed to cough up £82,166.85 to Cheshire East Council.
      Most read in Boxing
      Land Registry papers show Tyson, Shane and John as the owners of the home and the land.
      John lives at the gated property, while Tyson is in Morecambe, Lancs.
      Barrister Sarah Robson, a fixed costs specialist at Alpha Court Chambers, said: “Often, the first time people realise a liability order has been granted is when bailiffs are sent round.
      “Cases are often sent to magistrates in batches of hundreds and sometimes thousands, and they are rubber stamped without real scrutiny.”
      It is not thought that the Furys will attend court today. Tyson’s representative declined to comment.
      From left, Shane, Tyson, brother Young and dad JohnCredit: Instagram
      If the three fail to cough up, they could face ‘enforcement action’Credit: Instagram/@parisfury1 More

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      Forgotten ex-Man Utd star ‘told he’s CURSED as furious agent launches sickening campaign of threats and violence’

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      FORMER Manchester United player Eric Bailly has said he has fallen victim of sickening threats by an agent claiming he has put a curse on him.Bailly spent seven years at United, one of which was on loan at Marseille, and amassed 113 appearances until his departure in September when he joined Besiktas.
      Eric Bailly has said he has fallen victim of sickening threats by an agentCredit: The Times
      Bailly spent seven years at Manchester United before moving to BesiktasCredit: Getty
      According to The Mirror, however, his time in Turkey kicked off on a sour note as an agent claiming he helped complete the centre-back’s move to Istanbul has accused him of owing him money.
      The Ivory Coast international’s camp said that the unnamed abuser has sent him dozens of disturbing messages on WhatsApp.
      Some of them include threats of legal action as well as physical violence as he warned him he will “send people” round to him.
      The agent has also told the 29-year-old he has successfully cursed him after Besiktas’ recent 3-1 loss to Fenerbahce, which saw the defender being penalised for handball and conceding a penalty.
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      One of the abusive messages read: “I am happy to see what my curse is doing to you. You are not a man. You are a big Mickey Mouse.”
      Another said: “I will not let you f*** me in my own country. You will see what happens after I open a fraud case against you.”
      The issue has been reported to Besiktas who promised to report it to the police and Fifa could also get involved as they oversee agents.
      Bailly is officially represented by his uncle Severin Bohui, who is a fully licensed agent, and is adamant the person abusing his nephew was in no way involved in the deal with the Turkish giants.
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      Bohui told The Mirror: “He’s not stopped sending him threats, messages and blackmails.
      “He is insinuating Eric owes him some money, because he was part of the people who brokered his move to Besiktas. Therefore Eric should pay him some money.
      “I asked Eric if he signed any intermediation contract with this guy, he said no.
      “I also asked the club if they knew this guy or if they asked him to speak to Eric on their behalf, they also said no. Same old story of agents trying to barge in deals.
      “One thing is for sure this guy has not stopped harassing Eric. He even sent him a message today after their defeat to Fenerbahce.
      “He’s threatening to send people out to him so I don’t think blocking him will solve the problem. This is more of a security issue than a Fifa one.” More

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      Champions League and World Cup star who sparked manhunt after retiring loses fight over £6million loss in housing empire

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      EX-LIVERPOOL right-back Steve Finnan who once triggered a bizarre manhunt has lost a legal battle to claim £6 million in compensation.The 47-year-old – briefly untraceable in 2015 – blamed lawyers for the collapse of the housing empire he built with brother, Sean.
      Ex-Liverpool right-back Steve Finnan has lost a legal battle to claim £6 million in compensationCredit: PA:Press Association
      It turned out to be a disaster and the pair fell out leaving Mr Finnan, who is Irish, alleging to be more than £6 million out of pocket.
      Representing himself in court he sued former lawyers Charles Russell Speechlys LLP.
      But this week the case was kicked out by High Court judge Master Katherine McQuail.
      She said the ex-footballer couldn’t prove he was any worse off after seeking legal advice than he would have been otherwise.
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      The Irishman was in the Reds lineup which clawed back the legendary 2005 Champions League final win against AC Milan in Istanbul.
      Finnan is the only footballer to play in the World Cup, Champions League, UEFA Cup, Intertoto Cup, all four levels of English league football and the conference.
      But in June 2005 he was arrested after running over an 81-year-old man from Liverpool who later died from his injuries.
      After retiring in 2010, his decision to keep a low profile saw fans launch a bizarre campaign to find him.
      Most read in Football
      It came as organisers failed to track him down for a 2015 reunion of the Champions League winning team – he was found “safe and well” a short time later.
      Unlike former teammates such as Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, Finnan had gone into property not punditry.
      He bankrolled a south west London-based property business, run through two companies which he owned with Sean, who managed the firm.
      Among the portfolio was a massive house near Wimbledon Common, properties in nearby Ridgeway Place, and several flats elsewhere.
      Master McQuail said the “first expression of the claimant’s concerns” about the business had come in an email from Mr Finnan to the companies’ solicitor in 2016.
      She said he complained that despite “significant funding from the claimant by way of loans, the companies appeared to have no money, at least in part because Sean had spent it personally.”
      He said money had been wasted on legal issues which were “down to Sean”, that his brother’s dealings with a contractor had been “needlessly expensive” and that there was a risk the companies would default on loans.
      Mr Finnan instructed Charles Russell Speechlys to file “unfair prejudice” petitions against Sean who denied misconduct but admitted their relationship had broken down.
      He changed lawyers but the case did not go to trial and the brothers settled outside court, with Sean agreeing to transfer his shares to Mr Finnan and to pay him £4 million.
      That sum was not paid and in 2019 Mr Finnan had his brother made bankrupt claiming he only got £187,570 from the sale of the company and £89,345 following the sale of another property.
      Amid the ordeal he auctioned off his Champions League winners’ medal.
      Mr Finnan went on to sue his former solicitors, claiming that he should have been advised to request repayment of director’s loans rather than file the “unfair prejudice” petitions.
      He claimed he lost £3.3m in loans to the companies, £2.6m in shares, about £400,000 in lawyers’ bills, as well as other money, totalling more than £6m.
      But the solicitors said Mr Finnan was determined to pursue legal proceedings against his brother.
      And they said Mr Finnan failed to show how he could have got out from the ordeal in any better position than he in fact did because companies had no money to repay the loans anyway.
      Master McQuail said Mr Finnan had in fact made demands for repayment of the directors’ loans – and got nothing.
      She added: “Neither Sean nor the companies responded by meeting the demands with payment at any stage after Charles Russell Speechlys were instructed.”
      She said Mr Finnan’s claims were “contradicted” by his own evidence and his correspondence showed this.
      Master McQuail added how there was “no reasonable ground” for bringing the claim and struck it out.
      Read more on The Sun
      Limerick-born Mr Finnan began his career with non-league Welling United, rising through the football pyramid to play for Liverpool between 2003 and 2008.
      He played for Ireland 52 times. More