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      ‘Secret’ venue where Man City will learn their Premier League fate revealed as club face threat of relegation

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      THE “secret” location for the Premier League’s hearing which could end with Manchester City being relegated has been revealed.While both sides in the dispute are sworn to secrecy, City’s legal lead, £5,000 per hour Lord Pannick KC, was spotted heading into the International Dispute Resolution Centre in the City of London.Lord Pannick KC is City’s legal headCredit: GettyPannick was spotted arriving at the International Dispute Resolution CentreCredit: Google EarthLord Pannick is part of a high-powered City team, which also included Philip Marshall KC.But his opposite number, heading the Prem’s legal arm, is a member of the SAME chambers at the Inns of Court.Adam Lewis KC, like Lord Pannick, works out of Blackstone Chambers and has previously acted for both the Prem and the FA.He is working alongside Blackstone colleague Andrew Hunter KC with a legal team of seven more behind them for day one of the hearing.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt is now understood that the three-member independent commission, approved by both sides, will conduct the majority of the likely 10-week hearing at the ven, just a stone’s throw from St Paul’s Cathedral.City have consistently denied all of the “115” charges – actually now 130 separate allegations – that were first laid against them, following a six-year probe, in February 2023.While the majority of the hearing will take place in a court-style room, with thousands of pages of documentary evidence expected to be produced by the two feuding legal teams, some witnesses may be quizzed remotely.Under Prem rules, all hearings take place behind closed doors with strict confidentiality requirements on all sides.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhat will happen to Man City?MAN CITY are favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! We know the case will start to be dealt with in October or November.It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future.It means the names of the commission members will not be publicly available until the final ruling and any sentence if the charges are proven.That is not expected to come for at least six months, with experts anticipating the “written reasons”, outlining the arguments, rebuttals and legal points from both sides, could stretch to 400 closely-typed pages.Premier League’s Biggest Spenders: Top 10 SeasonsIt is also now understood that the initial part of the case will see the Premier League lawyers seeking to prove that City were in breach of the regulations.Unlike criminal trials, the burden on proof for the Prem is the civil one of “balance of probabilities” rather than “beyond reasonable doubt”.But should the charges be upheld, there would effectively be a second element of the case, in which the two sides would argue over the sanction that should be applied.Under Prem regulations, all punishments – from a fine, through points deductions and up to expulsion from the League – would be at the discretion of the commission. More

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      Premier League star in neighbour row over basketball court & firepit built without permission WINS battle to keep them

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      A PREMIER League star in an intense row with his neighbour over a basketball court and firepit has won a battle to keep them.Ben Chilwell, 27, became embroiled in the disagreement when he raised the back garden of his £5m Surrey mansion and erected a retaining wall for a new walkway.The £5m mansion is undergoing works which neighbours have complained aboutCredit: Kevin DunnettBen Chilwell has won a battle to keep his basketball court and firepit at his mansionCredit: AlamyBut the Chelsea defender failed to get the go-ahead for the Ground Force-style makeover at his luxury five-bed pad which boasts a swimming pool, gym and two games rooms.He needed consent from the local council for the “engineering operation” and faced a possible red card over the unauthorised development.His next-door neighbour objected, citing loss of privacy and overlooking, but the council have now granted retrospective permission for the landscape alterations.In his ruling, a planning officer said: “Despite the change in levels in this part of the garden, it is considered that the works do not significantly alter the overall land levels of the application site.read more on football”Moreover, the works are located in the rear garden and would not be visible from the street scene and are therefore acceptable.”The proposed development is considered in terms of scale, form, bulk, height, massing, spacing and design, and there would be no adverse impact on the character of the area or the visual amenities of the street scene as a result of the proposals.”Chilwell wants to plant new laurel and yew hedges to provide screening with further soft planting in grey, green and purple – but no blue.He also wants to splash out on a stone-stepped pool seating area with glass balustrade, and new paving at his home near Chelsea’s Cobham training ground.Most read in FootballDocuments submitted as part of the planning application reveal that building work on the sunken fire pit and basketball court started in April but has not yet been completed.Ben Chilwell’s Unauthorized Home Renovations Spark DisputeIn a letter objecting, the neighbour wrote: “This increase in height means someone in this section of the garden or on the firepit walkway now has direct line of sight into our garden, terrace and kitchen area.”This is a loss of amenity and the new levels mean we are now overlooked.”We are keen to retain the privacy and amenity of our home, terrace and garden and whilst we would prefer the new ground levels not to be so high we appreciate that some mitigation through screening foliage has now been proposed.”Ben Chilwell ‘thrown career lifeline’BY Tony RobertsonBEN Chilwell has been thrown a career lifeline after being offered a Chelsea escape route, reports suggest.The 27-year-old has effectively been frozen out of Chelsea’s squad by new boss Enzo Maresca after being told he does not feature in the manager’s plans.Chilwell, who signed for the club for £45million from Leicester in 2020 and was named vice-captain last season, is down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.Marc Cucurella and new signing Renato Veiga are both ahead of him for the left-back slot.Chilwell had been joined in the Blues “bomb squad” by Raheem Sterling and Trevoh Chalobah, who both managed to secure loan deals away from the club on deadline day.However, the 21-cap England international was unable to secure a transfer despite reported interest from Brentford and Manchester United, though the latter are understood to have never initiated talks.Instead, Chilwell, who is earning £200,000-a-week with three years to run on his deal, will have to secure a transfer overseas if he is to earn playing minutes this season.According to GiveMeSport, Chilwell is thought to be content at Stamford Bridge and will not move unless the right move presents itself.The Dutch and Portuguese transfer windows both shut tonight, as well as the transfer window for Saudi Arabia, although it’s understood Chilwell is not keen on a move to the Middle East.One window that will remain open for a while longer is the Turkish Super Lig window, which does not close until September 13. More

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      £60m Prem star sued by ‘underpaid’ ex-assistant who was ‘treated like dogsbody, verbally abused & unfairly sacked’

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      PREM star Richarlison is facing legal action from a personal assistant who says he worked around the clock for him before being sacked without warning.The £60million Spurs and Brazil striker is being taken to a tribunal by Reginaldo Pereira, who says he was axed without notice in the cinema room of the player’s mansion.Prem star Richarlison is facing legal action from personal assistant Reginaldo PereiraMr Pereira says he was left physically and emotionally broken by his dismissal. He found himself unemployed and he split from his wife.A source said: “He feels like he was used as a dogsbody, who worked around the clock, and then was unfairly dumped.”Brazilian Mr Pereira, 60, was at Richarlison’s side as he moved from his home country to Watford, then Everton and when he joined Tottenham in 2022.Read More on SportBut he claims the £130,000-a-week star — currently injured and unlikely to play in tomorrow’s North London derby — did not register him, paid his £500-a-week wages straight into his account and did not grant him holidaysIn papers seen by The Sun, Mr Pereira, who is claiming £95,000 for unfair dismissal, says: “I faced long working hours, excessive demands and verbal abuse — especially from Antonio Marcos de Andrade, Richarlison’s father.”He says he was loaded with extra responsibilities including looking after the player’s pets.His sacking in the cinema of the star’s lavish home in Barnet reportedly came after he changed agents.Most read in FootballMr Pereira said: “After being dismissed I had to seek medical treatment to deal with the negative impacts of this toxic environment. “My wife filed for divorce. I’m emotionally shaken and unemployed.”Richarlison in tears on Brazil bench after missing a sitter and getting subbed off in 5-1 win over BoliviaA preliminary hearing is set to take place in Watford next month.Richarlison’s spokesman said: “The claims are denied but we will be making no further comment in respect of these proceedings.”The Brazilian international, pictured with Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou, denies the claims More

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      Spanish footie crisis as ‘sexual consent contract’ with ‘accidental rape’ clause exposed after string of controversies

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      SPANISH footballers are said to be using sexual consent contracts after a wave of rape and assault allegations.The consent forms that purportedly include an “accidental rape” clause are now a common occurrence following a string of controversies involving players.The alleged consent form was exposed by the National Centre for Training of Football Coaches of Spain Miguel GalanCredit: TwitterThe Wolves striker was arrested over an alleged sex assaultCredit: EPAConvicted rapist Dani Alves served a few weeks of his four-year sentenceCredit: ReutersRubiales faced backlash for his interaction with Jenni Hermoso last yearCredit: APThe revelation came from the head of the head of National Centre for Training of Football Coaches of Spain Miguel Galan who said a number of players are now using the contract.He shared a photo of the alleged consent form on X and said the four-page letter is circulating among LaLiga players.Galan told a Spanish TV show that the form was passed to him by a foreign football player.The contract, written in English includes several sections including a controversial clause called “accidental rape.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt states that both parties need to identify themselves using their full names and confirm they are both “sexually attracted to each other”.The document adds: “Therefore, the consenter and the proposer put their bodies at the mutual disposal for the aforementioned purpose from the time and date indicated for a period of hours.”Speaking on the Spanish TV show “En boca de todos”, Galan said: “I received this type of contract from a foreign footballer, so I suspect that they are used in other countries, under another law. I think that a contract like this has no place.”He added he is aware that two players in LaLiga and one in the third division are using the forms and said he has questions about other methods of consent such as through a mobile phone.Most read in FootballIt comes days after striker Rafa Mir was arrested over an alleged sex assault.The 27-year-old, currently on loan at LaLiga team Valencia from top-flight rivals Sevilla, was released on bail but will continue to be probed as part of an ongoing criminal investigation.While a few months ago 41-year-old Dani Alves served a few weeks of his four-and-a-half-year sentence for a rape conviction before being released on bail from a prison in March.He was accused of raping a woman in a nightclub in Barcelona on December 30, 2022.And last year Luis Rubiales stepped down from his role as Spanish FA chief following a public backlash to his interaction with player Jenni Hermoso.If convicted of sexual assault and covering up the infamous “Kissgate” scandal he will also pay £85,000 compensation to victim Hermoso. More

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      Ex-Premier League star on trial accused of smuggling TWO TONS of cocaine as he’s called ‘major player in drugs world’

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      FORMER Premier League star Ronnie Stam has gone on trial – accused of smuggling TWO TONS of cocaine.And the former Wigan defender is also being investigated for alleged money laundering, together with four family members.Ronnie Stam is on trial accused of smuggling two tons of cocaineCredit: GettyStam was part of Wigan’s FA Cup-winning run in 2013Credit: Action Images – ReutersStam, 40, spent three top-flight seasons with the Latics.  He took part in their FA Cup-winning run in 2013, although missed their 1-0 final win over Manchester City.But Dutch police arrested him in June on suspicion of drug offences in 2021 and 2022.  He has been on remand since then.And a court in Breda on Thursday heard that Stam had been involved in trafficking 2,217 kilos of cocaine.A prosecutor told the hearing: “This case concerns hundreds of kilos of cocaine each time.Read More on Football”I contend that Stam was a major player in the drugs world.”Stam was not in court to hear the accusations.  He must appear before a judge on November 28.The player’s parents, brother and girlfriend were arrested alongside him in June under suspicion of the same offences after police reportedly cracked an encrypted messaging service.Cops later raided six homes and a camper van, finding €100,000 (£85,000) in cash.Most read in FootballThey seized the money, three properties, a yacht, three cars, six luxury watches and jewellery.Stam is the only family member still in custody.  His lawyer asked the court to provisionally release the ex-player.Dream Team Transfer Suggestions for Gameweek 4However the judge refused, voicing fears that Stam will flee to join his brother in Dubai.The footballer won the Dutch Eredivisie title with Twente under ex-England boss Steve McClaren in 2010.That helped him land a £2million move to the Premier League, where he made 73 appearances before leaving Wigan for Belgian side Standard Liege in 2013. More

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      Ex-Liverpool ace Djibril Cisse facing PRISON after being accused of tax evasion with Champions League winner owing £660k

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      FORMER Liverpool star Djibril Cisse is facing a prison sentence after being accused of tax evasion in France.The France striker spent two seasons at Anfield, scoring 24 goals in 82 games and winning the Champions League before leaving for Marseille in 2006.Djibril Cisse is facing a prison sentence after being accused of tax evasionCredit: ReutersCisse won the Champions League and FA Cup with LiverpoolCredit: AP:Associated PressCisse will find out the verdict on his case on November 13Credit: AP:Associated PressCisse won 41 caps for France and scored a total of nine goalsCredit: AFP – GettyCisse. 43, later played for Sunderland and Queens Park Rangers.  He now works as a DJ and a pundit.But prosecutors told a court on Wednesday that they want the ex-international to receive a one-year suspended jail term and £85,000 fine.The hearing at Bastia criminal court went ahead in Cisse’s absence.  It is due to give its verdict on November 13.The trial heard an account set up to handle Cisse’s tax affairs was £465,000 in debt.Read More on FootballProsecutors claimed the ex-player was guilty of tax evasion for not having declared this sum to France’s equivalent of HMRC.Meanwhile Cisse was said to owe a further £195,000 from failing to declare VAT revenue on his income from image rights.Cisse’s lawyer Malcolm Mouldaia told the court: “He has been going through this case for years.  He owes huge sums to the tax authorities.”There can be no case of money laundering, as there is no tax fraud on his part.Most read in Football”He has had problems with his accountancy firm, as they have not handled his case well – and they have not kept him informed.”Liverpool paid Auxerre £14million for Cisse in 2004, and he helped them win the Champions League and FA Cup.Djibril Cisse shows off new bizarre bright blue and polka-dot haircut He left for Marseille, initially on loan, and went on to play in Greece, Italy, Qatar, Russia, Reunion and Switzerland as well as Sunderland and QPR.Cisse won 41 caps for France, scoring nine goals.Cisse allso played for Sunderland before moving to Greece, Italy, Qatar, Russia, Reunion and SwitzerlandCredit: AP:Associated Press More

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      Chelsea ace Enzo Fernandez fails to turn up in court as he’s banned from driving for six months

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      CHELSEA’S Enzo Fernandez failed to turn up in court yesterday as he was banned from driving for six months.The £106million midfielder had been convicted of failing to identify the driver of his Porsche Cayenne when it was clocked at 37mph in a 30mph zone in Swansea. Chelsea ace Enzo Fernandez has been banned from driving for six monthsCredit: GettyThe 23-year-old was due to appear before Llanelli JPs for sentence but was in South America on Tuesday night playing for Argentina.He already had nine points on his licence and was given 12 more to earn the ban. Fernandez, who was not represented in court, was also ordered to pay £3,020 in fines and charges.Magistrates chair Wyn Edwards said: “We’re dealing with two matters of failing to give information of the driver’s identity which have been proved in Mr Fernandez’s absence.”read more on chealseaFor each charge Fernandez, whose address was listed as Chelsea’s training ground, was handed a £1,000 fine and £110 costs. He was also ordered to pay an £800 surcharge.He was given six penalty points for each of the offences resulting in a six month driving ban from today.Mr Edwards said: “We make a collection order for the £3020 payable by the 9th October.Most read in Football”With the 12 points imposed today and the existing nine points on his license makes a total of 21 penalty points. “We therefore disqualify him for a total of six months under the totting up procedure.”France vs Argentina football clash ends in HUGE BRAWL at Olympics 2024 following boos after Enzo Fernandez racism stormFernandez played 84 minutes of Argentina’s world cup qualification match last night where his team lost 2-1 to Colombia. More

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      Law student who hurled vile racial slur at England ace Bukayo Saka in online rant is facing jail

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      A LAW student who branded England star Bukayo Saka a “monkey” in an online rant is facing jail.Arsenal fan Suhel Ali, 20, uploaded an audio message on X, calling his club’s winger a “f***ing black piece of s**t”. A law student who branded England star Bukayo Saka a ‘monkey’ in an online rant is facing jailCredit: GettyIn the voicenote post, played in court, he was also heard describing him as “the s***test winger I’ve ever seen at my club.” He also called Saka, 23, the N-word and said: “You’re a monkey – you’re a f***ing monkey.”Ali, who studies at London’s City University, admitted sending an offensive message.District Judge Briony Clarke bailed him until October 8, saying: “I’m not going to sentence you today — but I’m not ruling anything out.”Read More on SportAli’s outburst came after Arsenal’s 0-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest on May 20, 2023. The result secured Forest’s Premier League survival while Arsenal’s title rivals, Man City, were crowned champions.Police tracked down Ali via his IP address with the help of his mother, who spoke to officers on the phone and gave them his email address.In a police interview, Ali said he sent the note out of frustration and it was not intended to be racist, Westminster magistrates’ court heard.Most read in FootballHis lawyer, Robert Moxon, pointed out that Ali, like Saka, was of Nigerian heritage, saying he acted on the spur of the moment. He claimed: “He used the N-word in that tweet but he’s using that not in a racial context but in an offensive context.”Arsenal ratings vs Aston VillaThe judge responded: “What about ‘monkey’, though?’”After taking instruction from his client, Mr Moxon told the judge that Ali, from Wembley, North West London, used the word to “suggest that Bukayo Saka is dumb”.He added: “He was just firing off some really stupid, offensive remarks about how a footballer played.” More