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      in Soccer

      Biggest shake up to football ownership in years leaked – what it means for your club

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      DODGY owners will be blocked from getting hold of our footie teams under a huge clean-up.A leaked Government paper seen by The Sun will mean multi-millionaires who cannot prove the source of their wealth won’t be able to complete takeovers.
      The new charter will see dodgy owners blocked from getting hold of our footie teams under a huge clean-up
      Chelsea fans helped sink European Superleague plans in 2021 and the new rules will help stop such schemes in the futureCredit: Getty
      New rules would also see the likes of sanctioned Russian Roman Abramovic kept out of the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      It would mean the likes of sanctioned Russian Roman Abramovich would be kept out of the Premier League.
      Fans will get a say in running clubs and stop bosses radically changing logos and kits.
      Clubs will fund a regulator which will have powers to ban them from breakaway leagues.
      The major shake-up will also:

      BAN greedy clubs from joining a breakaway competition like the European Super League — which triggered huge protests by fans in 2021; 
      TAX teams an annual fee to fund the regulator and expose them to breach sanctions;
      LET the regulator raid money from the Premier League to help prop up lower leagues.

      The charter plans to tackle murky moneymen and stop them from getting their hands on our clubs — to defend teams against financial and cultural ruin.
      A new regulator will enforce four tough terms clubs must meet to gain a legal licence.
      Teams must only take part in tournaments that have been approved by the regulator — meaning a ban on “breakaway” competitions such as the proposed European Super League. 
      Most read in Football
      Wannabe proprietors will face robust checks on their “source of wealth”.
      It means multi-millionaires who cannot prove they amassed their fortune legitimately will not be allowed to complete takeovers.
      The legal regulator will ensure only “fit and proper custodians” are allowed to own clubs.
      This seemingly rules out oligarchs eyeing Premier League sides and grifters who have previously put smaller teams at risk. 
      Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan wants the regulator in place for the 2024/5 season and will formally unveil legislation imminently.

      Under the proposals — expected to be signed off by Cabinet shortly — all clubs in the top five flights of English football would need to gain a fresh licence to play from the regulator.
      They would be charged a yearly levy — with richer clubs paying more and small sides less.

      But getting the permit depends on meeting tough criteria, including a rigorous vetting of prospective owners and directors.
      The regulator would carry out due diligence checks so undesirable investors are prevented from staging a takeover.
      Last year, Chelsea faced collapse when Abramovich was sanctioned for his links to the Kremlin after Russian leader Vladimir Putin sent his troops to invade Ukraine. 
      The club was banned from making a profit and only allowed to run a severely limited amount of activities so that it could carry on playing. Smaller sides like Bury FC have suffered too. They were booted out of their league altogether after owner Steve Dale failed to show proof of funds and a takeover bid imploded.
       More than 60 sides have gone bust since the Premier League was founded in 1992.
      The reforms could set ministers on a collision course with clubs resistant to more regulation.
      The regulator would require clubs to have deep enough pockets to stop themselves going bust — and establish a new code of conduct ensuring financial stability. Ministers hope the regulator will significantly reduce the prospect of clubs going bankrupt.
       But Ms Donelan is clear that it would not guarantee that no club will fold.
       In such a “worst case scenario”, the regulator will prioritise preserving its cultural heritage.
      The Sun can further reveal that the regulator will have Robin Hood-style powers to take money from the mega-rich Premier League to distribute funds across lower leagues. EFL clubs earn a fraction of the cash clawed by the top-flight competition.
       In 2019 Huddersfield, who finished bottom in the Premier League and were relegated, received £97million in funds — dwarfing the £8.5million awarded to promoted Championship winners Norwich.
      Struggling sides in lower leagues will also get a cash boost so they do not have to rely on Hollywood A-listers — like Wrexham-backer Ryan Reynolds — to stump up much-needed funds. While the Government wants to see a “football-led resolution” by the Football Association, it plans to hand the regulator powers of last resort to distribute money if no agreement is reached. 
      As part of the overhaul, supporters will also be given rights in the running of their club to prevent new management from destroying its roots, like changing the logo or kit colours.
      Minimum standards will be enforced so that supporters are consulted on all key legacy decisions surrounding their club.
       However, despite the widespread powers, the regulator will not be able to stop soaring ticket prices or interfere with fixtures or the rules of the sport.
      Plans for the controversial European Super League infuriated fansCredit: Reuters
      Fans will get more say in how clubs are run under the new plansCredit: PA
      Rishi Sunak vowed to press ahead with the watchdog plans when he became PMCredit: Getty
      The Football White Paper, expected to be published as early as next week, follows a Government-commissioned report into the game in November 2021. 
      Tory MP Tracey Crouch made the case for an independent regulator in her fan-led review, which was accepted by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
      It was thrown into doubt last year when Liz Truss briefly entered No10 — with speculation that she deemed it too meddling. 
      But Rishi Sunak later vowed to press ahead with the watchdog plans when he became PM.
      Mr Sunak has said he is a “massive football fan” and supports Premier League club Southampton FC. He was born in the port city.
      However, ministers will say some of the suggestions in the review fall outside the scope of the regulator. Some fans hoping for a pint at a match will be disappointed as ministers have not settled on whether to allow alcohol in lower leagues.
      Read More on The Sun
      The Government is expected to kick the issue into the long grass, — acknowledging the case for alcohol pilots but saying it remains complex and should be consulted upon further.
      A separate review into women’s football is due this year. 
      NEW LEAGUE BARGREEDY clubs will be forbidden from joining breakaway tournaments like the doomed European Super League.
      One of the four iron-clad rules of the new regulator will limit teams to approved competitions, with other moves subject to the approval of fans and the FA.
      Ministers hope this protective lock will prevent a repeat of the 2021 storm that saw six English clubs join an exclusive European league drawn up by Real Madrid’s president Florentino Perez.
      They quickly bailed following uproar from fans and rival clubs. More

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      in Soccer

      Hand of God ref who tried to net £3million for match ball faces hefty loss in his second attempt to sell it

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      THE greedy Hand of God ref who tried to net £3million for the match ball faces a hefty loss in his second attempt to sell it.A would-be buyer last month offered £2million for the ball which Ali Bin Nasser, 78, grabbed after the 1986 World Cup quarter-final.
      Hand of God ref Ali Bin Nasser who tried to net £3million for the match ball faces a hefty lossCredit: Darren Fletcher
      Bin Nasser failed to spot Maradona blatantly punch the ball past Peter Shilton for the game’s first goalCredit: Popperfoto
      The bid for the deflated Adidas was £500,000 below the London auction reserve price, so it was not sold.
      Bin Nasser, 78, is now flogging it online with US firm Goldin.
      But he could be kicking himself as, with eight days left on the auction, the highest bid is only £847,276.
      He stashed the ball in a cupboard after Argentina’s controversial 2-1 victory over England in Mexico.
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      Tunisian Bin Nasser failed to spot Diego Maradona blatantly punch the ball past goalie Peter Shilton for the game’s first goal.
      The midfielder, who also netted the second, later said the opener had been scored with “a little with the head of Maradona, and a little with the Hand of God”.
      Bin Nasser, who never refereed at a World Cup again, decided to flog the ball last year.
      Fifa rules stated that he was exclusive owner.
      Most read in Football
      He plans to share the cash with family.
      England’s Steve Hodge, who swapped shirts with Maradona after the game, flogged the star’s No 10 jersey for £7million last year.
      Bin Nasser, who never refereed at a World Cup again, decided to flog the ball last yearCredit: AFP
      Bin Nasser could be kicking himself as, with eight days left on the auction, the highest bid is only £847,276Credit: AFP
      The ref stashed the ball in a cupboard after Argentina’s controversial 2-1 victory over England in MexicoCredit: The Mega Agency
      Maradona shakes hands with Peter Shilton under the watching eye of ref Ali Bin NasserCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea’s new £88m ace Mykhailo Mudryk forced to apologise after racist video emerges

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      CHELSEA footie star Mykhailo Mudryk was slammed after using the N-word in a video clip for fans.The new £88million signing, 22, repeated the toxic racial term in TikTok footage which has been viewed nearly 214,000 times.
      Mykhailo Mudryk was slammed after using the N-word in a video clip for fans viewed nearly 214,000 timesCredit: Getty
      Chelsea’s new £88million signing, 22, repeated the toxic racial term in the footageCredit: Getty
      The Premier League ace appeared alongside a pal in front of an Audi sports car for the 40-second TikTok clip
      Sources close to the Ukrainian winger, insist he was just trying to recite lyrics from US rapper Lil Baby’s 2017 hit Freestyle.
      Premier League new boy Mykhailo Mudryk has made a grovelling apology for the video.
      But fans and campaigners blasted the Ukrainian winger, 22, for using the language in the TikTok clip “irrespective of context”.
      Mudryk’s representative told The Sun: “Mykhailo is deeply sorry for any offence caused by the video posted on his TikTok account last July.
      READ MORE ON Mykhailo Mudryk
      “Whilst his intention was solely to recite lyrics of a song, Mykhailo regrets his decision and wholeheartedly accepts it was not appropriate. The video has since been removed.”
      “The video has since been removed.”
      Leading football anti-racism group Kick It Out blasted: “Kick It Out condemns the use of all racial slurs, including the N-word irrespective of context.
      “The N-word is deeply offensive and the use of this term by high-profile figures in football can only serve to alienate people from the game.
      Most read in Football
      “It is important that footballers use their significant platform in a positive way, and we’re encouraged to see that Mykhailo Mudryk has acknowledged the hurt caused by his use of this offensive slur.”
      Mudryk made his mega-money move to the Blues this month from Shakhtar Donetsk in his war-torn homeland.
      But last July, he appeared alongside a pal in front of an Audi sports car for the 40-second TikTok clip.
      With hands on their chests, the pair are seen repeating a line from Lil Baby’s 2017 hit Freestyle.
      The full track, lasting two minutes and 43 seconds, features the N-word 16 times.
      Black artists have blasted people of white heritage for using the term in the past.
      Sources close to the Ukrainian winger, insist he was just trying to recite lyrics from US rapper Lil Baby’s 2017 hit FreestyleCredit: Getty
      Mudryk’s representative told The Sun: ‘Mykhailo is deeply sorry for any offence caused by the video posted on his TikTok account last July’Credit: Getty
      Singer Kendrick Lamar declared in 2018: “I’ve been on this earth for 30 years and there’ve been so many things a Caucasian person said I couldn’t do.”
      He added: “So if I say this is my word, let me have this one word, please let me have that word.”
      Grime artist Yizzy has said: “If you use the word . . . and you’re not of any black heritage, in this modern day world, be prepared to face a backlash.”
      And Public Enemy rapper Chuck D has called for all artists to stop using the N-word in their music, highlighting “double standards” in the industry.
      Read More on The Sun
      Labour MP David Lammy said it was “probably the most offensive word” in the English language.
      Kick It Out said it works closely with clubs and players to “educate those involved in the game about the importance of being inclusive”.
      Grime artist Yizzy said: ‘If you use the word… and you’re not of any black heritage, in this modern day world, be prepared to face a backlash’ More

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      in Soccer

      London Sunday league footballer enjoys taste of the professional game….in Kazakhstan

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      A SUNDAY league footballer has enjoyed a taste of the professional game — in Kazakhstan.Isima Musa, 24, was once on Wycombe Wanderers’ books but was released at 18 and feared his dreams were over.
      Isima Musa was once on Wycombe Wanderer’s books but was released at 18Credit: SWNS
      Now Isima has gone from parks football to the elite level — turning out for FC Kyzylzhar.
      He was invited to play for the Kazakhstan Premier League side in a pre-season game after impressing in training.
      Isima, from Farringdon, Central London, said: “I played the second half and got an assist.
      “We lost 4-1. But I was just happy to be on a professional pitch getting minutes.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      “I’m excited for the opportunities now.”
      Isima, who also got a surprise call-up to the Rwanda under-23 squad in 2021, is looking for a team back in the UK.
      Isima trained for a month-and-a-half before being given 45 minutes in a game earlier this month.
      He said: “I was out there for pre-season.
      Most read in Football
      “I played one game, against a Romanian team.
      “My agent’s connections sorted it out.
      “The club was looking for a forward.
      “I was out there for a month and everything was all paid for – travel, food and accommodation.
      “I couldn’t stay as there was an issue with the visa.
      “But, for my own journey, just being on the pitch – it was a blessing.
      “I’m excited for the opportunities now.”
      Kazakhstan, the home country of the fictional Borat Sagdiyev, adopted Sacha Baron Cohen’s brash, moustachioed character’s catchphrase – “Very nice!” – for a new tourism campaign.
      But Isima, now back in the UK and on the hunt for another team, loves the country. More

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      in Boxing

      Former world boxing champion Kell Brook filmed snorting line of white powder at party in his home

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      BOXER Kell Brook has been filmed snorting a line of white powder at a party in his home.Footage shows the former world champion bending over a glass-topped coffee table.
      Boxer Kell Brook has been filmed snorting a line of white powder in a party at his home
      Footage shows him snorting the substance through a roll-up from a glass coffee table
      Kell then appears worse for wears as he shadow boxes in front of a framed picture of him on the wall
      More white powder is heaped next to a plastic “wrap” and the star — nicknamed Special K — mumbles “nice”.
      The 36-year-old appears the worse for wear as he shadow boxes in front of a framed portrait of him having won the IBF welterweight title in 2014.
      Last night his manager Terry Thompson insisted it was “a joke”.
      Brook wore a T-shirt featuring boxing legend Joe Louis at the Sheffield party.
      Read More on Kell Brook
      A source said: “He had a bit of a gathering at his house where people were drinking spirits and smoking.
      “He was snorting white powder.”
      Wife Lindsey, 35, who was often seen in the ring after his fights, and their three children were believed to be away.
      Brook’s last bout was almost a year ago when he beat bitter rival Amir Khan — who in 2012 wrote on Twitter: “I’ve heard things about Kell Brook.
      Most read in Boxing
      “He’s been seen taking cocaine.
      “Boxing is a professional sport for those who have discipline and respect.”
      Brook announced his retirement in May after winning 40 of 43 professional fights.
      But he said recently he would return to the ring for the right offer.
      He has been touted as an opponent for light-middleweight Liam Smith who beat Chris Eubank Junior last weekend.
      Our source added: “Kell seems a bit lost without boxing, and it seems like it would be better for him if he made a comeback.
      “He seems to be surrounded by the wrong people, who are not a good influence on him.”
      Brook, who is pals with England and Manchester City footballer Kyle Walker, was brought up in a council house in Sheffield.
      He began boxing aged 12 and turned professional at 18 — quickly winning title belts.
      But he had problems outside the ring.
      In 2007 he was stabbed in the buttocks outside a nightclub in Sheffield.
      In 2014 he beat Shawn Porter in California to become IBF World Welterweight champion.
      But two weeks later he was slashed three times with a machete in Tenerife and needed 32 metal staples.
      In 2016 he lost a fight while suffering a broken eye socket.
      In 2020 he admitted suffering depression afterwards, recalling: “It ruined me.
      “It was a very dark time.
      “I needed counsellors, the lot.
      “Words can’t describe how low I’ve been.”
      Manager Mr Thompson said of the party clip: “This is a thing that has sort of got out of hand.
      “They were at his house, they were having a laugh.
      “They were joking about things.
      Read More on The Sun
      “He said to them, ‘Film me having a laugh’.”
      Asked if the powder was cocaine, he replied: “No.”
      Kell became the IBF World Welterweight champion in 2009Credit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd ace Marcus Rashford set to become even richer with clever business move

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      MAN United star Marcus Rashford is using his head and trying to trademark his goal celebration.The striker, 25, has been pointing to his bonce each time he scores.
      Marcus Rashford has kicked off a footballing trend which has since gone global with fans and fellow professionalsCredit: Alamy
      Rashford has coined a celebration where he points to his head each time he scoresCredit: Getty
      His finger salute is a nod to boss Erik ten Hag, who has instilled a positive mental attitude in Rashford — who has nine
      Premier League goals so far this season.
      Other stars including Brighton’s Danny Welbeck, Newcastle United’s Joelinton and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka have all imitated the celebration.
      Now Rashford has applied to the UK’s Intellectual Property Office to trademark a silhouette design.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      If passed, the patent would protect against bootlegs for ten years on everything from computer games and digital images to sports gear, clothing, shoes, phone cases, books educational and motivational services.
      An intellectual property lawyer said: “This will give Marcus and his advisors the ability to take action against third parties who may be using the relevant image in the course of trade without consent.”
      Explaining the motivation behind the new celebration, England ace Rashford said: “It’s a completely different energy around the club. That puts me in a better headspace and I just feel really motivated now. That’s the area I was struggling in.”
      Marcus has applied to the UK’s Intellectual Property Office to trademark a silhouette design of his celebration More

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      in Soccer

      Bury back from the dead as Shakers formally apply to play in non-league next season and plot EFL return

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      BURY could finally be back up and running next season after the expelled EFL club yesterday formally submitted an application to play non-league.The Shakers — who were formed in 1885 — have submitted a business plan to the FA setting a target of returning to the EFL by 2031 and are likely to be placed in the North West Counties League.
      SunSport can reveal Bury have applied to rejoin the football pyramidCredit: PA
      The club were booted out of the Football League in 2019Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      SunSport’s Justin Allen visited Gigg Lane and is pictured with the club’s applicationCredit: The Sun
      A friendly against a Premier League or EFL club has been pencilled in for July 1Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      Bury’s last season in football saw them clinch promotion to League One at Tranmere
      Club sources have revealed to SunSport that they already have experienced and successful non-league managers who have applied to build a team with a friendly at Gigg Lane against either a Premier League or EFL club pencilled in for July 1.
      Bury have not kicked a ball at their spiritual home since 2019 when the then League One team were controversially booted out after previous owner Steve Dale failed to show proof of funds and a subsequent takeover bid collapsed — ending their proud 125-year EFL membership.
      But in October 2021 the Bury Football Club Supporters Society successfully purchased the Bury FC name, intellectual property, history, memorabilia and, crucially, their Gigg Lane stadium from the club’s administrators.
      In that time since, the stadium, which suffered vandalism and decay while it sat dormant, has been slowly but surely spruced up, mostly thanks to the help of volunteers and local businesses offering their services, hardware and equipment for free. As well as benefactors donating funds to the project.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      SunSport has seen the impressive 230-page application that has left virtually no stone unturned as the club detail how they plan to grow steadily from a non-league team to eventually restoring their EFL status.
      The North West Counties League are tiers nine and 10 of English football’s pyramid so the club would need to win a minimum of five promotions to return to the EFL.
      Already the club are renting space inside the stadium with plans in place to install more office space to hire out.
      The ground has been opened up for community use and already 39,000 people have passed through the doors — whether it be playing football, using the community hub, watching legends games, local league cup finals and women’s football. The ground has also hosted kids’ soccer camps in the summer.
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      Bury will be installing a new pitch in March and April before hoping to host local cup finals before final preparations are made for the new season.
      The club is making its application under the name Bury Community United Football Club but are hopeful the FA will ratify its bid to be called Bury FC from the onset.
      The club, however, will be able to rebrand itself to Bury FC in 18 months anyway.
      Bury Football Club Supporters Society were handed a £1million government grant from its levelling-up fund to purchase Gigg Lane and develop the stadium for community use.
      So far, despite no first-team fixtures, they have turned over £133,000 with £50,000 in the bank.The community club will use the German model of being 51 per cent fan owned with 49 per cent made up of investors. This is to safeguard it from being taken over by rogue owners. More

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      in Soccer

      Tottenham willing to pay Pedro Porro’s £39.9m transfer release clause after weeks of talks with Sporting Lisbon

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      TOTTENHAM are willing to match Pedro Porro’s release clause – but Sporting Lisbon are currently dragging their heels over the deal.Right wing-back Porro, 23, has been Spurs’ main transfer target this window.
      Pedro Porro’s move to Tottenham is being delayed by SportingCredit: Getty
      Porro impressed in the Champions League this season, and featured twice against Spurs in the group stage
      The North Londoners have been in negotiations all month and are willing to pay the £39.9million release clause.
      It is understood though that Sporting want to keep Porro until at least after Saturday, when they play Porto in the Taca da Liga final – Portugal’s equivalent of the League Cup.
      There remains a confidence the transfer will eventually go through but the delay is no doubt frustrating Spurs fans.
      Tottenham signed winger Arnaut Danjuma on loan on Wednesday after pinching him from Everton in the 11th hour.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Danjuma netted six goals in 11 appearances in Europe while also scoring a further 10 goals in 23 LaLiga matches for Villarreal.
      Elsewhere, SunSport understands a potential loan move for Djed Spence is being delayed due to the club’s refusal to include an option-to-buy in a deal.
      A host of clubs, including Leicester, Brentford, Crystal Palace and Ligue 1 side Lyon are all keen on a short-term deal this month.
      However, with the club not entertaining any permanent buy offers, negotiations are dragging.
      Most read in Football
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      Prior to their victory over Fulham on Monday, which came courtesy of Manchester United-linked ace Harry Kane, Spurs had won just one of their five Premier League games since the World Cup.
      But victory over the Cottagers allowed Antonio Conte’s side to close the gap to the top four to just three points. More