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      Reading FC reveal that transfer embargo is imminent as club break silence on EFL disqualification threat

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      READING face a fresh transfer embargo amid uncertainty around their potential EFL disqualification.The club have shared an update on the ongoing crisis at the club, which saw owner Dai Yongge disqualified by the EFL due to his debts in China.Reading have provided an update amid their ongoing takeover situationCredit: Reading FCOwner Dai Yongge was disqualified by the EFLCredit: Rex FeaturesYongge failed the owners and directors test and must sell up or Reading will be disqualified from the EFL.The Royals are subject to a takeover and the sale is still ongoing.An exclusivity period is in place that will see the prospective owner buy the club, the stadium and the training ground.However an ongoing litigation case with Rob Couhig is holding up the sale process.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCouhig, who previously owned Wycombe Wanderers, had agreed a £30million deal to buy the Royals.But the deal subsequently collapsed with Couhig claiming he lost more than £12m in potential profits after Reading broke their exclusivity agreement.Reading released a statement providing an update which read: “Exclusivity remains in place with the proposed purchaser, with the sales proposal including the club, Select Car Leasing Stadium, and Bearwood Park Training Facility. “All parties remain positive in the desire to complete a transaction at the earliest possible opportunity.Most read in EFLBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS”Regarding the ongoing litigation case with Mr Couhig and last Friday’s Commercial Court hearing, the club can confirm that a formal proposal for alternative security has been made to Mr Couhig via his legal representatives. “It is hoped that the proposal will be agreed quickly in resolution of the current security impasse, to facilitate the sales process.EFL goalkeeper concedes ‘most embarrassing goal ever seen’ as fans fume ‘get him off that pitch now’ “The club would also like to clarify the current position with the EFL, and Mr Dai’s disqualification as a Director. “Under the terms of the disqualification, Mr Dai must now divest his interests in Reading Football Club and is committed to doing so to meet this requirement.”Reading also confirmed their transfer embargo was lifted after they published their 2022/23 accounts to Companies House.However they face another transfer embargo if they fail to file their accounts for the 2023/24 season before the EFL’s March 31 deadline – the club state it is “highly unlikely” they will meet the requirement. More

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      Top 15 things fans would do it they could own their club for a day revealed including name a stand after themselves

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      FOOTBALL fans are dreaming of becoming chairman for a day – and have revealed their ultimate wishlist. A poll of 2,000 footie enthusiasts revealed the things they would do if they held all the power at their EFL clubs. Football fans have revealed their biggest priorities – and what they would do if chairman for a dayCredit: GettyThe fan poll saw the majority wanted fairer ticketing for supporters across the EFLCredit: GettyNearly 30 per cent of respondents to the poll believe clubs across the English pyramid could do better when it comes to spending their cash. Player transfers, team kits, and marketing were just some areas fans believe their club invests too much in.While reducing ticket prices for fans and pumping money into youth academies topped the wishlist. Supporters also want teams to offer free tickets to those who can’t afford them, while a cap on players’ wages was equally popular. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd some cheekily claimed they would name a stand after themselves or build a statue if given free rein. Chris Houghton, CEO of Egg, which commissioned the research, said: “We’ve loved hearing what fans would do if they were club owners for a day.”Football plays such a big part in many of our lives.”So it’s no wonder there is so much passion and inspiring ideas about what would make the nation’s favourite teams even better.”Most read in FootballEven if being the owner is a far-off dream, the study found 48 per cent would like to have more of a say in how their club is run.A large part of this would be changing how the money is spent, with fans wanting to see bigger investments in local community initiatives (41 per cent).Todd Boehly gives major Chelsea stadium update and vows to leave Stamford BridgeStadium upgrades were also on the agenda, (34 per cent), as well as the addition of mental health and wellbeing services (33 per cent).And a whopping 78 per cent believe sustainability is important in football and should be prioritised by clubs.It also emerged that fan-focused advisory boards would be an avenue for increasing supporter involvement, with 78 per cent believing more clubs would benefit from this.That model is utilised in Germany, where the 50+1 rule ensures that clubs are majority-owned by their members. Supporters are also eager for a shift towards valuing eco-friendly policies, especially in terms of sponsorship. TOP 15 THINGS FOOTBALL FANS WOULD DO IF THEY COULD BE OWNER FOR A DAY1. Reduce ticket prices2. Put more money behind youth academies3. Offer free tickets to those who can’t afford them4. Put a cap on players’ wages5. Arrange fan and player interactions6. Improve toilet facilities7. Better recycling facilities e.g. dedicated bins for paper, food waste, glass, plastic8. Make the club green with improvements like installing solar panels on the roof of the stadium9. Add live music performances at half time10. Install heated seats in the stadium11. Give more vegetarian and vegan options at the stadium12. Name a stand after myself13. Erect a statue of my favourite player14. Change the kit15. Invest in new players47 per cent said they wouldn’t be happy if their clubs partnered with a fossil fuel company – instead of a green alternative.And if clubs are set on investing in fossil fuels, 61 per cent believe these should be offset by doing more for the environment.This was also reflected in the changes fans would like to see by the year 2030, with 22 per cent dreaming of solar-powered stadiums.While 18 per cent hope for better recycling facilities, and 16 per cent expect to see players travelling more sustainably in the next five years.READ MORE SUN STORIESHoughton added: “This data shows that it isn’t just the scores and wins – every aspect of the club is important to fans, including sustainability.”As more and more of us become aware of the issues affecting the environment and take steps to be more eco-conscious, we also want to see this mindset shared by the players and teams we love so much.” More

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      ‘Don’t let Man Utd see this’ – EFL club’s team coach spotted as rail replacement bus in Manchester city centre

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      CARLISLE UNITED’S team coach has been spotted acting as a rail replacement service in Manchester city centre.A coach with the League Two outfit’s team name, badge, and colours was snapped at Manchester Victoria station being used as a rail replacement service.Fans joked Sir Jim Ratcliffe would replicate the move for Man UtdCredit: GettyThe EFL’s bottom club played at home to Bromley on Saturday, winning 2-1.This left the coach free to be used elsewhere, which led to it being deployed for transport as engineering works left a number of lines closed over the weekend.The affected lines included between Manchester Victoria and Bolton (calling at all intermediate stations) and Manchester Victoria and Wigan Wallgate via Atherton.Fans on social media spotted it all over the area, with fans reporting sightings in Wigan, Ardwick, Cheadle Hulme, and even taking the Manchester Storm ice hockey team to an away game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, football fans on social media saw the funny side relating to one football club, Manchester United.Following the extensive cuts made at the club following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival, fans have often poked fun at the British billionaire’s perceived stinginess.And fans took the opportunity to highlight this when reacting to the photo of Carlisle’s team bus.One fan said: “Don’t let @ManUtd see this. They will be all over it.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKA second said: “Don’t give Sir Jim ideas.”A third said: “Jim Ratcliffe is going to try steal it for United isn’t he?”Andy Goldstein insists Sir Jim Ratcliffe has got everything wrong at Man Utd after drastic cuts Others were astonished by the photo in general, with one commenting: “Brings a tear to your eye. What a nation.”Another said: “Can’t beat this country sometimes.”Carlisle are playing away at Doncaster next weekend, so despite more engineering works scheduled on lines coming out of Manchester Victoria, the coach may be missing in action.Before that, Mark Hughes’ side play MK Dons at home on Tuesday evening.They are currently seven points adrift of safety, sitting level on points with Morecambe but with an inferior goal difference.Tranmere in 22nd place currently represents the team Carlisle need to overtake to stay in the football league.They have not fallen outside of the EFL since 2005, while they were only relegated from League One last season. More

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      Who is Bruno Andrade? Baller League No 1 pick and QPR youth graduate with a lengthy Football League resume

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      THE No1 pick in the newly-formed UK Baller League comes with pedigree.Bruno Andrade is set to garner a lot of attention when he suits up for SDS FC, managed by YouTuber and Sky Sports regular Sharky.Bruno Andrade (right) was part of the Lincoln side that got promoted to the Sky Bet League One.Andrade was in the same academy as Raheem SterlingCredit: QPRThe Football League journeyman was the first pick in the newly-formed UK version Baller LeagueCredit: X: @SDSFootballClub
      Not only because he was the league’s first pick in a draft selection sprinkled with former Premier League players but also because of the numerous teams he has played for in the past.Andrade, 31, has a lengthy resume in various leagues across the English football league pyramid.So, who is the newest Baller League recruit?Former Queens Park Rangers player Born and raised in Viseu, a small city located in the heart of Portugal, Andrade joined the Queens Park Rangers’ development teams upon arriving in the UK. READ MORE IN BALLER LEAGUEThe Portuguese forward was attempting to establish himself at Loftus Road during a time when the team was investing heavily in an effort to succeed in the Premier League.He would proceed to play in the club’s first team four times during his nine-year association with the West London side.”I’m not trying to sound big-headed but I 100 per cent think I would be playing there if I was coming through now,” he said in a sit-down interview with Sky Sports in 2019. “But at the time it was hectic because QPR were signing players left, right and centre and it made it really hard for youngsters like myself trying to come through. Most read in Football”I had players like Park Ji-Sung, Adel Taarabt, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Junior Hoilett in front of me so it was hard to make an impact.”One local Portugese paper at the time earmarked Andrade as someone to watch in regards to the national team during the time.”The year after I left things starting changing and there has been a bit more stability with youngsters getting a chance. For me the timing was all wrong, but everything happens for a reason.”Football League journeyman During his time with the R’s, Andrade went on a series of loans that would make him known in the lower league circles. In 2015, eager for first-team experience, Andrade joined Woking in the National League. A year later, he moved to Boreham Wood in the same tier.He had a breakthrough season in 2017–18, scoring 22 goals, which earned him a return to the Football League with Lincoln in the summer of 2018. Lincoln City and the Cowley brothers gave him an opportunity following Danny and Nick’s promotion from the National League in the season prior. However, upon the Cowley brother’s departure in 2019, Andrade would be on the move again in January 2020 as he joined the Class of ’92-owned Salford City.An underwhelming stint at the Manchester-based club would see the former teammate of Raheem Sterling tumble down the leagues with Bedford Town in level 7 of the national football pyramid, providing a new hunting ground for the 17-club man at the start of the year.Personal life José, Andrade’s father, played football professionally as well. He was a particularly prodigious striker in the 90s for local side Académico de Viseu and earned a move to English football with Stoke City in 1997.The career climax was followed by a move to various clubs across Europe before retiring in 2010 as a two-capped man for Cape Verde. Baller League managersLuis Figo – Trebol FCTBJZL – VZN FCAlan Shearer, Gary Lineker, Micah Richards – DeportrioSharky – SDS FCJohn Terry – 26ersAngry Ginge – YanitedJens Lehmann, Robert Pires, Freddie Ljungberg – N5 FCMiniminter – M7 FCDave – Santan FCClint 419 – FC Rules the WorldIan Wright and Chloe Kelly – Wembley Rangers AFCMaya Jama and Alisha Lehmann – MVPs UnitedWhat is the Baller League?Youtube sensation and boxer KSI will be the president of the Baller League.Games will consist of two 15 minute halves.After 11 games, the top four placed teams will meet in the play-offs to determine the winner of the competition.Games will be played weekly every Monday from March 24, and will stream live on YouTube and Twitch, as well as be shown on Sky Sports in the UK.READ MORE SUN STORIESFootball icon Luis Figo is one of the star-studded names involved in the event.Credit: Getty
      Celebrities, futsal players, and former players will compete in the indoor football tournament. Premier League legends such as John Terry, Alan Shearer, Robert Pires and Ian Wright are all managers in the Baller League with the likes of Luis Figo, Alisha Lehmann, Chloe Kelly, r More

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      Reading FC could become one of the most tragic stories in football history if EFL lose game of chicken with Dai Yongge

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      READING and their fans are being held hostage by a Chinese owner  edging them closer to what would be one of the most tragic stories in English football history.Supporters are genuinely scared they could become Bury The Sequel after the EFL told owner Dai Yongge to sell up by April 4 or else.Reading vs Port Vale was abandoned after home fans invaded the pitchCredit: AlamySupporters vented their fury over club owner Dai YonggeCredit: PAThe Chinese businessman has rightly been disqualified from owning a club in the Football League and ordered to sell his shares by next month.And if he fails to do so the EFL management board will meet in late April to consider the options — which include suspending the club or booting them out altogether.It has worrying echoes of the spring and summer months of 2019 when the EFL were trying to force Bury owner Steve Dale to sell the League One club that he paid only a pound for.Dale was unable to provide proof of funds to finance the club then failed to sell up and the Shakers were expelled from the League after 125 years of continuous membership.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSNow they’re plying their trade in the North West Counties League Premier Division, the ninth tier of English football.Such an Armageddon scenario doesn’t bear thinking about for a club believed to be the  seventh oldest in England.The EFL are clearly trying to force his hand — with league chiefs, Reading fans plus  club players and staff fed up after more than 500 days of Yongge failing to enact a sale.A clear choice is on the table for Yongge: sell up today for somewhere around £25million as a League One club which has potential to climb to the Premier League or get booted out of the EFL and then  pocket only a fraction of that amount.Most read in EFLThe message from Reading fans is clear as they demand actionCredit: RexBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMost sensible people would at this point know the game is up.But on evidence so far,  applying the law of common sense — or even showing an ounce of business acumen — is something that deserts Yongge.Alan Pardew calls out the EFL amid controversial situation at Reading football clubThe Chinese businessmen — and his sister Dai Xiu Li — incredibly allowed 99-year-old Belgian team KSV Roeselare to go bankrupt with debts of only £17,000!Beijing Chengfeng, another club he owned, tumbled from the Chinese Super League to their third tier before they were dissolved in 2021.Then you only have to look at how he signed players like Liam Moore on wages believed to be around £40,000-£50,000 a week — then failed to sell him to Brighton for a fee of £9MILLION with only a year left on his deal.The defender then got crocked and walked away on a free.Yongge is known to be stubborn, which leads to all common sense going out of the window.And there are genuine fears he could dig his heels in.He has already stripped the club of its main assets — their stadium and training ground.So he could be minded to not give a hoot what happens to the club in the safe knowledge he has a couple of decent chunks of land to sell.Yongge is pictured with former Royals manager Jaap StamCredit: RexA big problem as things stand is the gaping hole between corporate law and competition rules.The EFL regulations say they can disqualify an owner and order him to sell — but cannot take the shares off him like a compulsory purchase order.Yongge could just ignore them — and, in the meantime, hold Reading FC as hostages. You take me down, you take down the club.It has become a dangerous game of chicken.And it brings into sharp focus why there must be changes in the law to protect community assets such as football clubs.So a compulsory purchase can be enacted if an owner is behaving recklessly.The good news is Yongge’s excuse that any progress on selling the club is being held up by a legal dispute with American Rob Couhig has now been  officially rejected by a court.New laws must be passed so teams like Reading cannot be held hostage by an unruly owner.The former Wycombe owner — whose takeover bid fell through last summer — wants the  £5million back he lent the club, with the training ground and stadium being put up as  securities by Yongge.Couhig’s Redwood Holdings is currently suing Yongge’s Renhe Sports Management for allegedly breaking exclusivity rules while negotiating the sale of the club last year.That is now a side issue and Yongge cannot blame that  dispute in holding up any sale.The Royals owner was finally disqualified by the EFL after it was found he had been added to a bad creditors list by the Chinese government.It is something Caroline Parker from fan group Sell Before We Dai has been lobbying the EFL over for some time.Let’s hope that Yongge finally sees sense and releases the  hostage that is Reading FC.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd for crying out loud can Parliament and the football authorities work together to close every single loophole that allows such a person to treat one of our oldest clubs in such a reckless way.New laws must be passed so teams like Reading cannot be held hostage by an unruly owner. 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      Who is Ciaran Clark? Ex Aston Villa and Newcastle star with over 200 Premier League games now in playing Baller League

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      CIARAN Clark is one of several former EFL players who have joined the Baller League. For the former Republic of Ireland international, who last played at Stoke City, it’s definitely a change of scenery. Clark has 36 caps for the Ireland national teamCredit: Sportsfile – SubscriptionClark made just three appearances in the Championship last season despite being hailed as a “valuable addition” to the Potters’ team at the time.With Clark now without a professional club, he signed up for the Baller League draft and was picked up by Trebol FC – who will be managed by Real Madrid and Portugal legend Luis Figo.Clark’s impressive Premier League record is probably what helped him gain interest from Luis Figo. The 35-year-old made 214 Premier League appearances with the likes of Aston Villa and Newcastle across his career. READ MORE IN BALLER LEAGUE Clark made his first appearance for Aston Villa when he was just 19 years old and stayed at the club till 2016 when he moved to the Geordies and was there till 2023. What is the Baller League?Youtube sensation and boxer KSI will be the president of the Baller League. Games will consist of two 15-minute halves.After 11 games, the top four placed teams will meet in the play-offs to determine the winner of the competition.Most read in FootballThe Baller League has been a success in GermanyCredit: GettyGames will be played weekly every Monday from March 24, and will stream live on YouTube and Twitch, as well as be shown on Sky Sports in the UK.Celebrities, futsal players, and former players will compete in the indoor football tournament. Premier League legends such as John Terry, Alan Shearer, Robert Pires and Ian Wright are all managers in the Baller League with the likes of Luis Figo, Alisha Lehmann, Chloe Kelly, rapper Dave and content creators Angryginge and Tobi Brown.Baller League managersLuis Figo – Trebol FCTBJZL – VZN FCAlan Shearer, Gary Lineker, Micah Richards – DeportrioSharky – SDS FCJohn Terry – 26ersAngry Ginge – YanitedJens Lehmann, Robert Pires, Freddie Ljungberg – N5 FCMiniminter – M7 FCDave – Santan FCClint 419 – FC Rules the WorldIan Wright and Chloe Kelly – Wembley Rangers AFCMaya Jama and Alisha Lehmann – MVPs United More

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      Reading face being thrown out of EFL in 44 days as hated owner Dai Yongge is handed deadline to sell club

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      READING face being expelled from the EFL if Dai Yongge does not sell in the next 44 days.The Royals owner, 56, has failed the EFL’s owners and directors test.Dai Yongge has failed the EFL’s owners and directors testCredit: Rex FeaturesDai’s company, Renhe Sports management, has been in a court battle with former prospective Reading buyer Rob Couhig’s Redwood Holding Ltd.Couhig, who previously owned Wycombe Wanderers, had agreed a £30million deal to buy the Royals.But the deal subsequently collapsed.Couhig, 75, is claiming more than £12m in lost potential profits after claiming that Reading’s current owners broke exclusivity rules.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAs the case unfolded, the court was told that, due to debts in China, Dai had failed the EFL’s owners and directors test.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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      Roy Keane tried putting me in a high chair when he approached me to sign for Sunderland, says EFL cult hero

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      ROY KEANE may be known for being a straight-laced professional who never mucks about, but he certainly has a funny side too.Now, one of his former team-mates and players has opened up about the hilarious prank he played on him during his days a manager – giving an insight into Keane’s lighthearted side.Roy Keane took the opportunity to tease a former team-mate in a hilarious prank during his days in managementCredit: GettyRoss Wallace has revealed the prank Keane played on him when he signed for SunderlandCredit: Youtube/Undr the COshEFL cult hero Ross Wallace, 39, played alongside Keane during his stint in Scotland with Celtic – before playing under the iconic midfielder at Sunderland too.The pair shared the pitch just three times as team-mates for The Hoops, but it was Keane who signed Wallace for Sunderland after taking charge at the Stadium of Light.Manchester United icon Keane couldn’t help but take a cheeky swipe at his former teammate when heading into contract negotiations too, seemingly poking fun at Wallace’s 5ft 6in stature.Speaking to Undr the Cosh, Wallace recalled: “We went and met – Roy was staying at the Ramside hotel – but I think he had a farmhouse right at the back of it.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”So you’ve got me, my agent and obviously Roy and Tony Loughlan, the first team coach.”He’s got like three chairs and I’m like (arms outstretched). So my agent has sat down, Roy and Tony.”So he’s like ‘ah, sorry Ross, I’ll get you a chair.'”He goes through to the kitchen and brings through a highchair.Most read in FootballWallace played under Keane at SunderlandCredit: RexCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It was just pure straight face, he just carries it through and then he tries to lift me into it.”He picks me up and he’s trying to put me in it!”Roy Keane makes heartfelt gesture to hometown Cork club as he teaches Sky Sports pals about anniversary Wallace never let his height impact his playing career, going on to make over 500 career appearances across the EFL, Premier League and Champions League – as well as earning a cap for Scotland.The retired midfielder hung up his boots in 2020 at St Mirren, having played for the likes of Sunderland, Burnley, Preston and Sheffield Wednesday.Roy Keane’s angriest momentsWhat really ticks off Roy Keane?The Irishman is known for his no-nonsense approach to football.And some particular things really do get on Keane’s wick.It all makes for great entertainment for fans, who love the Man United legend’s take on the beautiful game.But is Keane being a bit too sensitive himself?From smiling players to ABBA, nothing is sacred.And we all know about his dislike for a prawn sarnie…Here are the things that really make Roy Keane angry. More