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    Peterborough release damning statement after ‘bitterly disappointing’ decision for huge FA Cup tie at Everton

    PETERBOROUGH UNITED have slammed the “incredibly disappointing” decision to hold their FA Cup clash at Everton on a week day and called for it to be rescheduled.Peterborough were drawn with the Toffees in the third round of the competition and are currently penned to play at Goodison Park on the evening of Thursday, January 9.Peterborough were left furious with the date of their FA Cup clash with EvertonCredit: GettyPeterborough and Everton are scheduled to face off on a week day at Goodison ParkCredit: GettyThe decision appears to have been made by the FA due to a scheduling conflict that also sees Everton’s archrivals Liverpool playing in the city on the Saturday of that weekend against Accrington Stanley.However, the Posh insist their supporters’ needs were not “taken into consideration” by the football chiefs as the current date would make it impossible for them to attend the FA Cup game.The League One side understand the need to avoid having both Merseyside rivals playing on the same day but are strongly asking for a solution.In an appeal for the FA to reverse the decision, Peterborough listed four major concerns.Read More on FootballThey stated: “There are no viable trains from Liverpool to Peterborough scheduled on the evening of the match meaning supporters must travel by car or coach.”Supporters will be required to take two days off work to attend this incredibly important fixture and our younger fans will not be able to attend due to school commitments.”We have never played a competitive game at Goodison Park and interest in the game is very high.”An expected reduced home attendance would reduce the potential revenue for both Peterborough United and Everton.”Most read in FA CupPeterborough chief executive Dawn Gore added that the FA’s decision will cost the EFL club in terms of important revenue.Gore said: “Like our supporters, when the draw was made on Monday night, we were all very excited about travelling to Goodison Park. “We were inundated with supporters requesting details for ticketing within hours of the draw being concluded.FA Cup clash DELAYED as referee is substituted after injury… with PA appealing for new official over tannoy“To learn that the game has been arranged for a Thursday night is bitterly disappointing. “Whilst we understand there are logistical challenges, we do not feel the supporters have been considered in this approach.“We have made our feelings very clear to the decision-makers at the top of the game and want to assure our supporters that we are just as disappointed as they are about when this game will take place and from a financial standpoint, the Club are set to lose out on revenue that would have been greatly appreciated as a club in Sky Bet League One.”Peterborough fans were left fuming, with some of taking to social media to say they can no longer attend the big game.One supporter tweeted: “Can’t even go as I have no holiday entitlement left.”Another commented: “Yet again it’s the fans that suffer.”A third wrote: “Most fans have a few more choice words. Devastated and a total disregard for match day fans.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThis fan said: “Appalling.”And that one stated: “Thursday night is scandalous.” More

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    National League club to build history-making 5,000-seater stadium made almost totally of WOOD as council approves plan

    FIFA already call them the “greenest team in the world”.Now they have got the go-ahead to make history with the ultimate “environmentally friendly” development.The club have got the all-clear to build Eco ParkCredit: Forest Green/SDCThe stadium will be on a site landscaped by 500 treesCredit: Forest Green/SDCCouncil planners have approved Eco Park – a unique new 5,000-seat stadium made almost entirely of wood.And it comes from a National League side who are bidding for an instant return to the EFL.The venue will be in landscaped parkland, with space for 1,700 cars.And along with two extra football pitches, around 500 trees and 1.8km of hedgerows will be planted – to promote biodiversity.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMany fans will have quickly guessed the identity of the club – thanks to its high-profile owner and the innovations he has brought in.Fifa dished out its “greenest team” accolade after the club began wearing kits made of recycled plastic and coffee grounds.Football’s world rulers also pointed to the team’s vegan-only menu.Meanwhile, shinpads and some kits have been made from bamboo.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe United Nations chipped in with a huge compliment too – describing the whole set-up as the world’s first carbon-neutral football club.Green energy businessman Dale Vince has been the man with the vision and Forest Green Rovers has been his sporting outlet – since his take-over there 14 years ago.Britain’s greenest football club Forest Green Rovers create eco-friendly kit made from coffee beansRovers’ current ground, the New Lawn, will be replaced by 95 homes.That’s because Stroud Council have now approved the layout, scale and external look of a replacement stadium.Councillors heard the site will be extra resilient against extreme weather – as it will be built to tackle climate change and be energy efficient.Vince said the “ground-breaking” stadium will be “the first made almost entirely from wood which is beautiful, natural, durable and sustainable”.He added: “We’ve taken a step closer towards the world’s greenest sports complex and a fabulous facility for the local community.”Forest Green currently play at The New LawnCredit: RexRovers’ owner Dale Vince has turned the club greenCredit: Reuters More

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    EFL could have managers’ ‘challenge’ system introduced in low-cost alternative to VAR

    LOWER division clubs could see a “challenge” system in operation to overturn refereeing bloopers.Lawmakers on the International FA Board have agreed to extend the trials of their new “Football Video Support” system on a global basis.Lower league matches could get an alternative to VAR with a new ‘challenge’ systemCredit: PAIn a variation of VAR, the VS system is designed for competitions with only a handful of cameras.Coaches are allowed to call a challenge, with the referee then reviewing the incident on a pitch-side monitor, with the footage supplied by a video technician.As in cricket and tennis, successful challenges are retained with each team allowed two unsuccessful challenges per match.The system was trialled at the recent under-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, where England finished fourth.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEngland coach Natalie Henderson successfully challenged a goal awarded to Mexico in their second group match, with the referee agreeing the ball had not crossed the line after a video review.And now Ifab bosses want to roll out what they view as a “low cost alternative to VAR” to both smaller countries and lower tier competitions in wealthier nations.Ifab technical director and former Premier League ref David Elleray said: “It is mainly designed for competitions where you’ve only got one, two, three or maximum four cameras.“So Leagues One and Two could be in that, or the National League, or whatever.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“And what it does emphasise – and away from VAR – is the clear and obvious concept.“Because when you’ve only got one camera it’s got to be pretty clear and obvious for the decision to be changed.Fans left stunned at worst VAR offside line in history as they joke ‘absolutely NOT rigged’ – but all is not as it seems“So it’ll either be at the top end of smaller countries or lower down in bigger countries.“FIFA have tested it, it’s working very well and therefore we will now explore where else it could be trialled, probably for next season.”EFL clubs have so far been resistant to bringing in VAR, with cost one issue.Many fans, though, have compared the EFL match-day experience favourably to the situation in the Prem when supporters frequently complained of feeling “in the dark” over VAR reviews.But Patrick Nelson, chief executive of the Irish FA who will host Ifab’s formal AGM in March that will confirm the policy, said: “We need to emphasise that it’s not VAR.“It’s different from VAR but it’s an alternative to it. And it relies upon the challenge system being promoted by the coaches.“In countries who have got VAR, three or four levels down the pyramid you might again have leagues with only one or two cameras.“We’re talking about two challenges per coach per game and it’s up to the coaches to determine when they want the referee to come over to the side and to take a look at something.“So we’re extending the trials on it and we’re trying to learn more about it. And as the price will come down, it will get democratised and hopefully it will get rolled out further.”But Ifab pushed back at the idea that the introduction of the system could eventually see a “hybrid” version of VAR, with video refs determining offside and line calls and subjective decisions open to challengeElleray added: “There’s no reason to have challenges with VAR because the video match officials check every single incident.READ MORE SUN STORIES“So there’s no need for the coach to say ‘please will you check if that was a penalty?’ because that happens automatically.“But with Video Support, because there’s no VAR checking, then  nothing is looked at until somebody asks you to look at it – so it’s completely different.” More

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    Ex-Man Utd star Ashley Young could face his SON in FA Cup third round as Everton ace says ‘dreams might come true’

    EVERTON star Ashley Young may face his 18-year-old son Tyler in the FA Cup.The Toffees drew Peterborough United in the third round and will face off on the weekend of January 11 at Goodison Park.Everton star Ashley Young may face his 18-year-old son Tyler in the FA CupCredit: GettyAshley could lock horns against his child, who is currently part of Peterborough UnitedCredit: RexThat means ex-Manchester United ace Ashley, 39, could lock horns against his child, who is currently part of the League One outfit’s Under-21 side.Everton’s versatile full-back is very excited about that prospect as he took to social media and stated a great family dream could soon come true.Ashley tweeted: “WOW………. Dreams Might Come True.#FaCup #GoosebumpsMoment #YoungVsYoung.”Fans are also looking forward to that potential clash between father and son.Read More on FootballOne supporter tweeted: “Hoping you play against him mate! Would be a dream for you! Wish you the best!”Another commented: “The Young Derby.”A third wrote: “Football is really special. What a scene that’d be!”This fan said: “That’s brilliant. Hope it happens for you both.”Most read in FA CupAnd that one issued the following hashtag: “#YoungvsOld.”Tyler joined Peterborough from Queens Park Rangers’ Under-18s last summer.Meet non-league star with longest throw in football who plans to put it to good use in FA Cup giant killingThe midfielder counts only one senior appearance with the Posh, which took place in the EFL Trophy. More

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    Football’s 3pm blackout facing axe after more than 60 YEARS as EFL and Premier League chiefs believe concept is outdated

    FOOTBALL’S Saturday afternoon TV blackout could be facing the axe after more than 60 years.While 3pm games across the Prem and EFL cannot be shown live on TV other than in specific circumstances, the UK is the last country in Europe with that policy in place.The new Premier League TV deal will see up to 270 matches per season shown liveCredit: GettyNo other country still has a 3pm blackout in placeCredit: AlamyAnd Sun Sport has been told of a growing belief among league chiefs that the concept is now out of date – and should be changed within five years.The new four-year Premier League TV deal, with up to 270 of the 380 matches being shown live, begins next term and will run to the end of the 2028-29 season.Sky’s £935m five year EFL deal, with more than 1,000 games per season being shown, will also run out at the same time, making way for a major rethink by the game’s authorities.And while the FA, which has policed the blackout since it was introduced to protect match attendances in the 1960s, had previously started its opposition to the policy being lifted, the wishes of the leagues could see a change of heart.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe existence of the blackout has been a factor in the number of illegal streams with decoder boxes being used to broadcast international TV feeds in the UK.EFL analysis of this season is understood to have demonstrated little significant impact on match-day attendances despite the extra number of Saturday lunchtime games being shown.European football for seven – potentially eight – top flight teams next season will also see even more matches moved from Saturday to Sunday TV slots.Ruben Amorim introduces rarely-seen pre-match training tactic ahead of 4-0 thrashing of Everton Last month Prem club bosses agreed “unanimously” to end its 20-year partnership with media giant IMG and build the League’s own in-house production centre.Most read in FootballThat opens the possibility of a future “Premflix” direct to consumer offer to fans, with the remaining Saturday 3pm matches an obvious option to raise even more cash for clubs. More

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    Inside EFL club’s stadium with police-seized LED lights from cannabis factory helping maintain pitch

    POLICE have gifted LED lights to Crewe Alexandra after seizing them during a raid at a cannabis factory.The Christmas donation will help to maintain the League Two side’s pitch at their formerly named Gresty Road.Christmas lights of a different variety have arrived at Crewe Alexandra courtesy of Cheshire PoliceIt came after a police raid seized equipment at a local cannabis farmsCheshire officers arrived with a special delivery to Crewe’s ground last week, according to The Mail.LED grow lights are an efficient and sustainable option for illuminating stadium grass playing surfaces and reusing heat, according to HortiDaily.And Crewe’s snazzy new lights fit the bill for a fourth-tier side battling for promotion to League One.The sponsored Mornflake Stadium is currently kitted out with a set of modern-looking floodlights.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Crewe welcomed the extra utilities that could even be used on the training ground pitches.Multiple outlets have reported several successful million-pound police raids in the area of Crewe this year.And it seems they’ve run out of places to put the seized cannabis farm equipment.Items, including compost, garden canes, flower pots and fertiliser were donated to local gardening centres over the summer.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAuthorities have also donated some of the cultivation material to primary schools, including electric fans.Lighting was even provided to a pigeon flying club.If I was a painter or a builder I might not be here and now I’m back in EFL after open heart surgery saved my life In June 2021, the club agreed a £500,000 naming rights deal with its long-term shirt sponsor Mornflake.Dating back to 1906, the home of the Railway Men has a current capacity of 10,100 with a complete rebuild of all four stands occurring in the 1990s.Crewe dropped to third in the League Two table after drawing 1-1 away at Carlisle on Saturday. The club, managed by former EFL midfielder Lee Bell, confirmed the LED delivery to SunSport.Crewe have confirmed the delivery to SunSport More

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    ‘How am I going to survive?’ asked non-league star after dream transfer into EFL turned into a nightmare

    A NIGHTMARE summer transfer to Crawley Town left non-league striker Muhammadu Faal asking himself: “How am I going to survive?”From landing his dream move and putting a deposit down on a brand new house for his young family, to being told his contract was INVALID, Faal was left feeling depressed and ashamed.Muhammadu Faal was left worried about finances and work after Crawley let him go following a nightmare three monthsFaal was on top of the world when he was publicly announced as newly promoted League One side Crawley Town’s latest striker on July 22.It came 12 days after his cousin Liverpool star Joe Gomez watched on from the bench as England lost the Euros final to Spain.Faal told The Athletic: “It felt like my second bite of the cherry, my second chance. It seemed like the perfect opportunity.”But less than three months later, Faal’s attitude to football has changed. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe lost the opportunity to play at the highest level in his career so far when the EFL found his contract with Crawley was not valid.The agreement was a six-month contract with an 18-month extension option – which broke EFL rules as an extension period is not allowed to be longer than the initial deal.Faal then says there was told by Crawley’s football leadership that there was no room for renegotiation. A devastated Faal went to the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) for support, but was told that they couldn’t help.Most read in EFLFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “I waited for the PFA, and within those three weeks I wondered, ‘How am I going to pay my bills? How am I going to just… survive? “I’ve got a wife, I’ve got a child, I’ve got rent to pay, bills to pay. How am I going to do this? What am I going to do?’”‘I was a zebra, Shane Duffy was Goldilocks’ – Norwich City star Kellen Fisher on wild Xmas partys, dinner with Delia and team-mates getting eggedMuhammadu Faal was involved in Crawley’s 6-3 preseason defeat to Crystal PalaceHe added: “When Crawley became interested, I thought that this was the chance of a lifetime. I couldn’t miss it. Great playing style, good manager… it doesn’t matter about the terms — I have to take it.”He has since received legal support from Muslim athlete collective Nujum Sport.But what happened before that? Faal signed the contract on July 15 and he completed his medical three days later, with signing pictures taken.The first stumbling block came when club sporting director Tobias Phoenix incorrectly told him he’d failed his medical.Faal recalled to The Athletic: “He told me ‘the deal’s off because you failed’. He said he didn’t want to disclose on what grounds.”But Crawley chiefs seemingly backtracked during a meeting with Faal and his agent just 24 hours later.The move was back on. That day, he was announced as a Crawley player, and appeared on the club’s social media channels.To Faal’s knowledge, at this point he was a Crawley player — though his agent was still pressing the club for a finalised copy of the contract.Setback after setback came again before he was told that he hasn’t been registered yet for a Carabao Cup against Swindon in August.Faal had paid the holding deposit on his dream home less than 48 hours before.He admitted that he was affected by the update — and didn’t perform up to his usual level in training.His senses were correct and he was let go by the club the next day.I felt ashamed, I felt embarrassed. I didn’t feel worthy. Although it wasn’t the case, I felt I’d failed.Muhammadu FaalThe problem was that the contract which Faal had signed was for six months, with an 18-month extension option. Under EFL rules, an extension is not allowed to be longer than the initial contracted period. The issue meant Faal could not be registered.Faal added: “I was in disbelief. My agent and I didn’t know how it could happen. I signed a contract. Surely you can’t just let me go?”At that point, I just wanted to give up football. I didn’t see the point of continuing. My life’s goal was to make it pro and do that to the best of my ability. “But every time I’ve taken the step, I’ve been met by problems outside my control. I love football, but it’s unfair as well.”The Hackney-born ace lost his deposit on the house, but bigger things were also at play.He was now jobless, with his mental health receiving a battering.The 6ft 5in striker explained: “I felt ashamed, I felt embarrassed. I didn’t feel worthy. Although it wasn’t the case, I felt I’d failed.”Faal of Barnet has had spells at Barnet, Enfield and MaidstoneAccording to Faal and his lawyer, his registration was not a key condition of the contract.Faal has since refused to sign the proof of termination document. He feels that he is owed that six-month contract — and is planning to take the club to an employment tribunal, according to The Athletic.In recent weeks, he has joined nearby Worthing to play games — dropping back down three divisions to return to the National League South. He now earns less money than he did before the Crawley move.Faal believes he has contracts with both Crawley and Worthing — but is allowed to play because he is only registered with the latter.When announcing his departure, on September 13, Crawley said Faal had joined Worthing for an “undisclosed fee”.But they would have been unable to receive money for him as an unregistered player — and is instead classed as a free transfer.Faal says Crawley told him that it was done to help the image of all parties involved.READ MORE SUN STORIESFaal began his career in Italy with Serie C side L’Aquila as an 18-year-old, making five senior appearances.He then enjoyed a series of free transfers to non-league sides Dulwich Hamlet, Kingstonian FC and Enfield Town. More

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    English football competition rebranded and given new name midway through season

    THE EFL Trophy has been rebranded and given a name change yet again.It was known as the Bristol Street Motors Trophy for just over a year, with the company taking over as the rights holders for the start of the 2023-24 season.The EFL Trophy has undergone a rebranding and has a new nameCredit: RexNow the competition will be known as the Vertu Trophy – with Vertu a parent company of Bristol Street Motors.It is the latest sponsorship deal for the company, who are already the front of shirt sponsors for Yorkshire County Cricket.Vertu also have a deal with basketball team Newcastle Eagles, with their ground named Vertu Motors Arena.Their sponsorship of the EFL Trophy was part of a deal which saw Vertu become the official car dealer of the EFL.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe rebranding will come into immediate effect, starting with Friday’s Round of 32 draw.Chief Executive Officer at Vertu, Robert Forrester said: “Our partnership with the EFL has been a huge success over the past twelve months, allowing us to engage with community groups across the country and including one of the most dramatic finals in competition history at Wembley Stadium back in April.“As our business evolves to operate under one brand, we look forward to continuing to work alongside the EFL to drive the Vertu Trophy forwards, and are interested to see what fixtures emerge from Friday’s draw for the Round of 32.”The EFL Trophy has had 11 different sponsors since 1984 with the competition formerly known as the Papa John’s Trophy and the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEFL Chief Commercial Officer, Ben Wright said of the change: “Vertu have contributed significantly to the ongoing success of the competition and have made a lasting impact in communities by supporting accessible football with ticket initiatives.“Trophy attendances contributed strongly to the EFL’s status as the highest attended league body in Europe last season, and with every Vertu Trophy match live on Sky Sports this season, the exposure for the competition will continue on an upward trajectory.”Roy Keane reduces Ian Wright and Gary Neville to tears with crude comments about Premier League icon More