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    Five-time World Cup winners Brazil could be BANNED from football as Fifa make chilling threat

    FIFA have threatened to suspend Brazil following the removal of CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues earlier this month.Rodrigues, 69, was removed from office on December 7 following a ruling by a Rio De Janeiro court.
    Ednaldo Rodrigues was removed from power by the Rio court on December 7Credit: AFP
    Fifa rules forbid member associations from being influenced by government or third parties.
    With the Rio court considered a third party, Rodrigues’ removal could land Brazil into hot water.
    A suspension would see Brazil’s national team banned from all international competitions.
    This would include next year’s Copa America and the 2026 World Cup, should the Samba Boys still be under a potential suspension.
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    Fifa have made Brazil’s federation (CBF) aware that they believe Rodrigues’ removal to be “undue”.
    At the time of Rodrigues’ departure the Rio court ordered a new presidential election take place within 30 days.
    Fifa have moved to try to block a potential election until after they have met with South American football governing body Conmebol to discuss the matter.
    According to AP News they plan to meet on January 8.
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    In a letter signed by Fifa’s Kenny Jean-Marie and Conmebol’s Monserrat Jimenez Garcia, Brazil were threatened with suspension.
    The letter read: “Fifa and Conmebol would like to strongly emphasise that, until such mission takes place, no decision affecting CBF, including any elections or call for elections, shall be taken.
    “Should this not be respected, Fifa will have no other option but to submit the matter to its relevant decision-making body for consideration and decision, which might also include a suspension.
    “For the sake of good order, we would also like to underline that should CBF be eventually suspended by the relevant Fifa body, it would lose all of its membership rights with immediate effect and until the suspension is lifted by Fifa.
    “This would also mean that CBF representative and clubs teams would no longer be entitled to take part in any international competition while it is suspended.”
    Rodrigues became CBF president, initially on an interim basis, in 2021.
    His term had been due to run until 2026.
    Under his leadership Brazil were strongly linked with Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti as their next manager.
    They have also been planning to bid for the 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup.
    Brazil could be banned from international competitionsCredit: Getty More

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    Man City WILL wear gold 2023 Fifa World Champions badge on shirts despite Liverpool being banned after 2019 victory

    MANCHESTER CITY will be allowed to wear the 2023 FIFA World Champions badge on all three kits this season following their Club World Cup victory.Pep Guardiola’s side cruised to a 4-0 win over Fluminense in the Club World Cup final on Friday.
    Man City won the Club World Cup on FridayCredit: Getty
    They will now be allowed to wear the Club World Cup badge on their shirtsCredit: Getty
    As a result they added a fifth trophy to this year’s impressive haul, having already won the treble and UEFA Super Cup.
    And the Cityzens will now be able to show off their latest achievement with a special badge.
    Club World Cup champions are allowed to wear a gold badge on their shirts until the next winner is crowned.
    Man City will be doing so with immediate effect, meaning they will complete a small kit change ahead of next Wednesday’s Premier League clash with Everton.
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    However, Liverpool were banned from making the change after they won the Club World Cup back in 2019.
    The Reds defeated Flamengo 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Roberto Firmino.
    But they had to wait until the following season to wear the badge.
    Premier League rules at the time stated that kit changes could not be made during the season.
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    However, the ruling was later changed and Chelsea were given permission to wear the badge immediately after winning the competition in 2021.
    Following City’s 4-0 win over Fluminense, Guardiola admitted that it was time to “close the chapter”.
    He said: “We had the feeling we would close the chapter, we won all the titles, there’s nothing else to win.
    “I had a feeling the job was done, it was over.
    “Enzo [Maresca] helped us to win the treble, Mikel [Arteta] in my staff, all the players from day one. Vincent [Kompany] to Kyle [Walker] as captains, all the players helped us to achieve something incredible to be here and to play this tournament.
    “Now it’s Christmas time, buy another book and start to write it again. The last eight years, it’s over.” More

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    European Super League chief vows to make every single match FREE as Barcelona and Real Madrid release shock statements

    EUROPEAN SUPER LEAGUE matches are set to be made free to watch for all fans.The controversial proposal could make a comeback after a court ruled that Fifa and Uefa acted unlawfully when they blocked its formation in 2021.
    Bernd Reichart wants ESL matches to be free for fans to watchCredit: Getty
    Following the decision from judges, Barcelona and Real Madrid expressed their delight that the plan is back on the table.
    A22 Sports are the group behind the European Super League and their CEO Bernd Reichart promises all games will be broadcast free of charge for supporters.
    He said: “The Uefa monopoly is over. Football is free.
    “Clubs are now free from the threat of sanction and free to determine their own futures.
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    “For fans, we propose free viewing of all Super League matches.
    “For club, revenues and solidarity spending will be guaranteed.”
    English clubs are set to be BANNED from the ESL due to government legislation.
    This is following the fan-led review and soon to begin independent regulator that has put in place to manage the beautiful game in the UK and block sides from breaking away to other divisions.
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    Meanwhile, A22 Sports have released their potential format of the tournament that will replace the Champions, Europa and Conference Leagues.
    It features 64 teams, three tiers, an end of season knockout phase, and no permanent members.
    Real Madrid have backed the idea and their club statement read: “European club football is not and will never again be a monopoly. 
    “From today the clubs will be the masters of their destiny.
    “In the face of the pressures that we have received for more than two years, law, reason and freedom prevail today. And for this reason, Real Madrid will continue working for the good of football.
    “We once again have the duty and responsibility to give European football the new impetus it so badly needs. 
    “And to achieve this, we will continue to defend a modern project, fully compatible with national competitions, open to all, based on sporting merit and that will effectively impose respect for financial fair play.”
    A Barcelona statement added: “Barcelona wishes to express its satisfaction with the sentence of the European Court of Justice assessing the Super League project.
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    “As one of the clubs driving the Super League project, Barcelona feels that the sentence paves the way for a new elite level football competition in Europe.
    “Opposing the monopoly over the football world, and wishes to initiate new discussions as to the path that European competitions should take in the future.” More

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    European Super League LIVE: Premier League release statement after ruling as Man Utd amongst clubs to reject tournament

    THE European Super League is back on the table following a recent ruling by the European Court of Justice.The court has today determined Fifa and Uefa acted against competition law when they blocked the formation of a European Super League in 2021.
    Twelve of Europe’s biggest clubs proposed the formation of a European Super League two years ago, but the proposal was met with a wave of fan backlash and the proposal was shut down.
    Now, the tournament could be revived but English football fans may not need to be concerned as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his government have promised to stop clubs from joining new competitions that would kill off the domestic game.
    Many European footballing giants, including Man Utd, have reaffirmed that they have no interest in joining the Super League.
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    Follow our live blog below…
    Inter becomes the next European giant to reject new European Super League
    Inter Milan has joined a growing list of European clubs to reject the idea of a new Super League.
    The Italian side reaffirmed its commitment to the current structure of European football today.
    A statement read: “FC Internazionale Milano reiterates its position that European football’s future well-being can only be secured by clubs working together through the ECA, in partnership and collaboration with UEFA and FIFA.
    “As a Club, we remain committed to the values that underpin the European Sports Model and to working through the ECA alongside our fellow clubs to uphold those values”.
    Credit: REUTERS
    Feyenoord denies involvement in new European Super League
    Dutch champions Feyenoord have denied claims they are set to take part in the new European Super League.
    A statement said: “Feyenoord has taken note of the European Court’s ruling that UEFA and FIFA cannot ban clubs from starting a competition such as the Super League. 
    “Feyenoord insists it has made no commitments, nor has it ever spoken to the people behind the possible Super League, as some foreign publications suggest.
    “With what the club knows so far, it has doubts whether this initiative is a good idea for most clubs and for the national leagues. Through the ECA, the club will continue to think about the future, improvements within European football and strengthening the position of Dutch football”.
    AS Monaco joins PSG in rejecting new Super League
    Another French side has expressed full commitment to Uefa’s competitions and rejected the latest attempt to create a European Super League.
    AS Monaco said: “AS Monaco would like to express its full commitment to the principle of sporting merit which governs UEFA competitions and the French championship.
    “AS Monaco will continue to work with the Ligue 1 clubs within the Ligue de Football Professionnel, and with other clubs through the ECA, in order to participate progressively and collectively in the development of football”.
    Uefa president mocks new European Super League
    Uefa’s president has taken the opportunity to make today’s new Super League proposal.
    Aleksander Čeferin said: “I’ve seen the press leads of English supporters calling it like… The Zombie League.
    “It’s close to Christmas, they saw a box under the tree and started to celebrate, but then when they opened the box they realised there was not much inside”.
    Another football giant rejects the Super League
    PSG has become the latest team to turn down A22’s new European Super League proposal.
    The French giant said it “utterly rejects” the new plan.
    A statement read: “Paris Saint-Germain totally and utterly rejects any plans for a so-called Super League, which has been the case from day one and will always remain the case”.
    “As a proud European institution, PSG supports the principles of the European sporting model, the values of open competition and inclusion, and works with all recognised stakeholders in European football – above all with the fans and players, who are at the heart of the game”.
    ‘The European football family does not want the Super League’
    Atletico Madrid has rejected today’s proposal for a New European Super League.
    A statement said: “The European football family does not want the European Super League”. “Germany, France, England, Italy, Spain (except for Real Madrid and Barcelona), etc. do not want the Super League”.
    “We are in favor of protecting the European football family, safeguarding domestic leagues, and ensuring that qualification for European competitions is achieved through on-field performance every season”.
    Premier League slams new Super League proposal
    The Premier League has rejected today’s proposal for a new European Super League.
    A statement read: “The Premier League notes today’s judgment in the European Court of Justice case involving the “European Superleague Company”, FIFA and UEFA.  This is a significant ruling and we will now fully examine its implications for the game.
    “The ruling does not endorse the so-called “European Super League” and the Premier League continues to reject any such concept. Supporters are of vital importance to the game and they have time and again made clear their opposition to a “breakaway” competition that severs the link between domestic and European football.
    “The Premier League reiterates its commitment to the clear principles of open competition that underpin the success of domestic and international club competitions.
    “Football thrives on the competitiveness created by promotion and relegation, the annual merit-based qualification from domestic leagues and cups to international club competitions and the longstanding rivalries and rituals that come with weekends being reserved for domestic football.”
    Are the Premier League teams involved?
    As it stands, no the Premier League top six are not involved in this current iteration of the European Super League.
    During the last ill-advised proposal, six of the Premier League’s biggest teams received huge backlash for attempting to break away from Uefa.
    It seems like this time, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City will not be getting involved.
    How will the new Super League work?
    Bernd Reichart, the chief executive of A22, has confirmed the format of the “new” Super League, following the ECJ’s ruling this morning.
    The new European Super League proposal features 64 teams, each in one of three tiers: Star, Gold and Blue. 
    Annual promotion and relegation will happen between each tier, this seemingly aims to address complaints of a lack of sporting fairness in previous proposals.
    Clubs will play only 14 matches per season, with the star and gold tiers consisting of 16 teams each.
    Each season will end with a knockout-style competition to determine which teams are promoted and relegated.
    Manchester United rejects new Super League
    Manchester United have rejected the latest Super League proposal.
    The club said: “Our position has NOT changed.
    “We remain fully committed to participation in UEFA competitions, and to positive cooperation with UEFA, the Premier League, and fellow clubs through the ECA on the continued development of the European game”.
    Bayern Munich reject the new Super League
    German giants Bayern Munich have rejected A22’s latest bid to launch the European Super League.
    “It’s very clear: the door for the Super League at FC Bayern remains closed.
    “Such a competition would represent an attack on the importance of domestic leagues and the statics of European football”, club CEO Dreesen says, reports Fabrizio Romano.
    🚨🔴 FC Bayern reject the Super League.“It’s very clear: the door for the Super League at FC Bayern remains closed”.“Such a competition would represent an attack on the importance of domestic leagues and the statics of European football”, club CEO Dreesen says. pic.twitter.com/j5ZLzLDVhM— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 21, 2023

    What have the courts said?
    The European Court of Justice today ruled Uefa and Fifa’s action regarding the European Super League “unlawful.”
    The Court said: “The Fifa and Uefa rules making any new interclub football project subject to their prior approval, such as the Super League, and prohibiting clubs and players from playing in those competitions are unlawful.
    “There is no framework for the Fifa and Uefa rules ensuring that they are transparent, objective, non-discriminatory and proportionate.
    “Similarly the rules giving Fifa and Uefa exclusive control over the commercial exploitation of the rights related to those competitions are such as to restrict competition, given their importance for the media, consumers and television viewers in the European Union.
    “The Court observes that the organisation of interclub football competitions and the exploitation of the media rights are quite evidently economic activities.
    “They must therefore comply with the competition rules and respect the freedoms of movement, even though the economic pursuit of sport has certain specific characteristics, such as the existence of associations having certain regulatory and control powers and the power to impose sanctions.”
    Real Madrid chief responds to new European Super League
    Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has welcomed today’s decision and the return of the European Super League.
    He said: “From Real Madrid we welcome with great satisfaction the decision taken by the Court of Justice of the European Union, which is responsible for guaranteeing our principles, values and freedoms. In the coming days we will carefully study the scope of this resolution, but I do anticipate two conclusions of great historical significance.
    “First of all, that European club football is not and will never be a monopoly again. And secondly, that from today the clubs will be the owners of their destiny. Clubs see fully recognized our right to propose and promote European competitions that modernize our sport and attract fans from all over the world. In short, today the Europe of freedoms has triumphed again and today soccer and its fans have also triumphed.
    “Faced with the pressures we have received for more than two years, law, reason and freedom are imposed today. And for this reason, Real Madrid will continue to work for the sake of football.
    “Just as almost seventy years ago we took a fundamental step in the history of soccer with the creation of the European Cup, today we again have the duty and responsibility to give European football the new impetus it needs so much. And for this, we will continue to defend a modern project, fully compatible with national competitions, open to all, based on sporting merit and that will effectively impose respect for financial fair play. A project that will bring economic sustainability for all clubs and that above all will protect the players and excite fans around the world.
    “We will do it despite the campaigns we have suffered and that, without a doubt, will intensify from today. But no one said that ending a monopoly after so many decades was simple.
    “We are facing the great opportunity to improve European club football. A football at the height of the 21st century, with a transparent governance, that knows how to live with new technologies and that once again provokes the passion and emotion that fans really need.
    “Let me tell the European clubs that we are facing the beginning of a new time in which we can work in freedom from constructive dialogue, without threats, without acting against anything or anyone and with the aim of innovating and modernizing football to continue nurturing the passion of the fans.
    “From today, the present and future of European football are finally in the hands of clubs, players and their fans. Our destiny belongs to us and we have a great responsibility before us.
    “This day will mark a before and after. It is a great day for the history of football and for the history of sport”.
    New ESL will be free to watch
    According to A22, the new European Super League would be free for fans to watch.
    A22 said: “The proposal also includes innovative plans to launch the world’s leading direct-to-fan sports streaming platform [called Unify], where billions of fans would be able to watch live all Super League matches for free”.
    No clubs confirmed to be taking part
    When asked which clubs are interested in the proposal, Bernd Reichart, the chief executive of A22, refused to comment.
    Outside of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, no clubs have indicated they would be willing to join A22’s proposed Super League.
    This could imply that, unlike last time, the Premier League top six could stay well clear of the new European Super League.
    Fans slam new proposal
    Fans have taken to X/Twitter to express their anger at today’s ruling.
    One supporter reacted to the court ruling saying: “RIP football as we know it 😭”
    Another added: “Football is about to be ruined then…”
    A third wrote: “We the fans still don’t want that shoddy league.”
    What is the difference between the new European Super League and the Champions League?
    A22 has been keen to differentiate its new European Super League from the updated Champions League set to launch in 2024.
    The organisation has released an image of the differences between the two tournaments:
    Credit: A22
    Football Supporters Association slams new Super League proposal
    The FSA has slammed today’s news that the European Super League will be making a return.
    You can read its full statement below:

    Barcelona release statement
    FC Barcelona have welcomed today’s decision to deem Uefa and Fifa’s actions “unlawful”.
    A statement from the club said: “FC Barcelona wishes to express its satisfaction with the sentence of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) assessing the Super League project as proposed by A22 Sports.
    “As one of the clubs driving the Super League project, FC Barcelona feels that the sentence paves the way for a new elite level football competition in Europe by opposing the monopoly over the football world, and wishes to initiate new discussions as to the path that European competitions should take in the future.
    “Since it was founded in 1899, FC Barcelona has always been a pioneering club in the world of sport, leading the drive towards more professionalised structures both on a domestic and international scale, with regard to both men’s and women’s competitions, in a variety of sports and from different social concerns.
    “Hence, as it has been maintaining in recent years, the club feels that the medium-term sustainability of European football entails the need create a concept along the lines of the Super League proposed by A22. A system of competition that will address such issues as fixture overload and the excessive number of games between national teams, that will work towards regulation of financial fair play among participating teams, and that will put local and international players and supporters at the centre.
    “This system must respect the functions and sustainability of domestic competitions and should be a meritocracy that is primarily based on results on the pitch.
    “In a year when the club is celebrating its 125th anniversary, Barça wishes to continue to offer its experience and knowledge of different sports to propose solutions for current issues in elite sport.
    “That is why it is declaring its support for the Super League promoted by A22 and encourages constructive debate among both domestic and international football bodies, which have now been endorsed by today’s sentence by the Court of Justice of the European Union. The foregoing is all subject to a complete reading of the sentence.”
    New Super League format confirmed
    Bernd Reichart, the chief executive of A22, has confirmed the format of the “new” Super League, following the ECJ’s ruling this morning.
    The new European Super League proposal features 64 teams, each in one of three tiers: Star, Gold and Blue. 
    Annual promotion and relegation will happen between each tier, this seemingly aims to address complaints of a lack of sporting fairness in previous proposals.
    Clubs will play only 14 matches per season, with the star and gold tiers consisting of 16 teams each.
    Each season will end with a knockout-style competition to determine which teams are promoted and relegated.
    UEFA and Fifa lose Super League ruling
    Following a landmark European Court of Justice ruling, the so-called European Super League could be back.
    It was ruled that Uefa and Fifa acted “unlawfully” when they blocked the tournament in 2021.
    Following the decision, new plans for an updated Super League were released. More

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    Premier League teams will be BANNED from European Super League thanks to legislation introduced by Rishi Sunak

    ENGLISH teams are set to be BANNED from the European Super League.The controversial proposal could come back into the limelight after a court determined Fifa and Uefa acted against law when they blocked its formation in 2021.
    English sides could be banned from any ESL comebackCredit: Getty
    Twelve clubs tried to form a breakaway division but after much backlash the sides pulled out one by one.
    But following the court’s new ruling, the European Super League is back in the fold with Barcelona already revealing they are “satisfied” with the decision.
    However, the British government could prevent Premier League teams from being involved in its possible comeback.
    After the debacle two years ago, an independent football regulator has been put in place by the government from 2024.
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    They promise to stop clubs from joining “breakaway or unlicensed leagues.”
    After this morning’s court decision a government spokesperson said: “We note the decision by the European Court of Justice’s judgement with regard to the European Super League.
    “The attempt to create a breakaway competition was a defining moment in English football and was universally condemned by fans, clubs and the Government.
    “We took decisive action at the time by triggering the fan-led review of football governance, which called for the creation of a new independent regulator for English football. 
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    “We will shortly be bringing forward legislation that makes this a reality, and will stop clubs from joining any similar breakaway competitions in the future.”
    Tory MP Tracy Crouch previously said: “I am pleased that the Rishi Sunak, a passionate football fan himself, recognises that fans throughout the pyramid want to see the long-term financial sustainability of their clubs and have a greater say in how they are run.
    “On the pitch, English football is admired the world over, but it is important that measures are put in place to ensure our national game is fit for the future.
    “This is exactly what an Independent Regulator will do.”
    The latest idea put forward by European Super League chiefs is that up to 64 clubs should leave Uefa to form a new competition.
    That would be without any Prem clubs and Madrid-based sports marketing firm A22 is using the success of English football as a justification for a rival tournament. More

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    Erling Haaland and two other key Man City stars to MISS Club World Cup final due to bizarre Fifa rule

    ERLING HAALAND and team-mates Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku are set to miss the Club World Cup final.The trio watched City’s 3-0 semi-final win over Urawa Reds from the stands due to injury.
    Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne missed the semi-final through injuryCredit: AFP
    And Fifa rules forbid any player who did not feature in the semi-final matchday squad from playing in the final.
    It is a blow for Pep Guardiola who would have hoped for the trio to be fit enough for the final.
    City take on Fluminense at the King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
    And Guardiola could play without a recognised striker once again after Julian Alvarez started on the bench in the semi-final.
    Haaland, 23, has missed the last three City games after suffering a stress fracture in his foot.
    He flew to Spain last week to visit biomechanics expert John Haddad to assess the foot problem he picked up in the defeat at Aston Villa.
    has worked closely with the Lebanon-based former jeweller since 2020 and trusts him to speed up his recovery from injuries.
    Two years ago while at Borussia Dortmund, he had a hip injury which improved much quicker than expected after sessions with Haddad who calls himself ‘Mr Fix’.
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    Meanwhile De Bruyne returned to training for the first time since August in Saudi Arabia.
    And Doku will be hoping to be fit in time for City’s next domestic clash – which comes in the Premier League against Everton on December 27. More

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    Premier League season could start a MONTH late to make way for controversial new competition

    THE PREMIER LEAGUE may have to start a month later in 2025 due to the rebranded Club World Cup competition.According to Sky News, the new tournament will be spread across 29 days by Fifa in two years, which means it will finish around a month before the new Prem season.
    Manchester City will be in the rebranded Club World Cup in 2025Credit: AP
    Chelsea will also be in the competition that may force the Premier League to start a month laterCredit: Rex
    The football world governing body has discussed June 15 to July 13, 2025 for the inaugural edition of a 32-club men’s tournament in the United States.
    Under those dates, the Premier League could be starting just four weeks after the Club World Cup Final.
    However, the global players’ union FIFPRO has told Fifa that footballers need a mandatory 28-day off-season break.
    That means the new competition would pose challenges for the Premier League over what to do regarding teams reaching the Club World Cup Final.
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    That is because those teams would need to start the new domestic season about 28 days later when pre-season training usually takes place.
    But there would be a further headache as two teams will also required to play in the 2025 Community Shield, which takes place a week before the Premier League starts.
    Therefore, Prem chiefs may have no other choice but to push the start of the campaign, which usually kicks off in August, a month later due to the players’ welfare.
    But there would still be issues due to the 2026 World Cup, which is scheduled to start in June and players will be jetting off to the US, Canada as well as Mexico.
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    Players will be required to join their respective national teams on May 25, 2026, which is just a few days after the Premier League is scheduled to end in the 2025-2026 season.
    The Club World Cup dates will be presented in a meeting of the Fifa Council on Sunday in Saudi Arabia where all the details could be finalised.
    The new competition will have 12 representatives from Europe, with Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester City already added as recent Champions League winners. More

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    Man City head off to Jeddah as Fifa Club World Cup set for major revamp next year – and it could be on a new TV channel

    THE FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP is set for a major revamp after this year’s tournament.Manchester City will head to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia aiming to become the fourth English club to lift the trophy.
    The Fifa Club World Cup is set for a major revamp in 2025Credit: Getty
    Rivals Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea have previously followed up their own Champions League triumphs by winning the Club World Cup.
    The tournament gets underway on Tuesday before running for 10 days through to the final on December 22.
    Saudi champions Al-Ittihad join the six continental champions in competing for the trophy.
    City are due to head to the Middle East after Saturday’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace and will enter at the semi-final stage.
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    Pep Guardiola’s side will face either Mexican side Club Leon or Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds in the semi-finals on December 19.
    They will then conclude their campaign three days later in either the third place match or final.
    Fluminense, Al Ahly and Auckland City complete the line-up of sides in Saudi Arabia.
    TNT Sports will broadcast all seven matches, including those not involving City, after agreeing a deal to show this year’s tournament.
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    Manchester City begin their Club World Cup campaign on December 19Credit: Rex
    The broadcaster could remain in possession of the rights for 2025, although it is not yet known where fans in the UK can watch the next edition of the competition.
    However, it will be all change for the next Club World Cup in two years time.
    Fifa plan to expand the tournament to 32 teams after the pandemic stalled their previous increase to 24 in 2021.
    The new format will see the Club World Cup take place every four years, with the September and October international breaks merged to make space on the football calendar.
    Clubs will be divided into eight groups of four for the first round, before the top two advance to the knockout stage.
    12 European teams are set to qualify, including the Champions League winners from 2021 to 2024.
    As a result, City have already booked their place, alongside Real Madrid and Chelsea.
    Fifa plan to expand the Club World Cup from seven to 32 teamsCredit: AFP
    The remaining eight European berths will currently be allocated to the best eligible clubs in Uefa’s four-year coefficient rankings.
    Although no host cities have been named yet, the 2025 edition is set to be hosted by the USA. More