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      Fifa to introduce major change to offside decisions at Club World Cup to avoid repeat of Taiwo Awoniyi injury horror

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      Club World Cup to trial FIVE ‘trailblazing innovations’ as Fifa chief confirms ‘groundbreaking’ new rule changes

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      THE Club World Cup will trial five brand new rule changes when it kicks off later this month.Fifa’s revamped tournament gets underway on June 15 and will see top clubs from around the globe face off for an elaborate trophy and mega prize money. Fifa have announced five rule changes for the upcoming Club World CupCredit: ReutersFifa secretary general Mattias Grafstrom has labelled the changes as ‘trailblazing innovations’Credit: PAThe tournament, which used to feature just six teams, has been expanded to 32 teams, spanning Europe, South America, North America, Africa, Asia and Oceania.But it’s not just the tournament format that is going to look different, but also the way the games are officiated, after Fifa announced five “trailblazing innovations” to be used in the competition.Football’s world governing body, and tournament organisers, have revealed that fans will get to see more of the referee’s decision making than ever before.The first change announced is that referees will wear body cameras during matches, with the footage used during live match broadcasts.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhile footage from referee monitor reviews (VAR) will be aired live inside the stadium – something Premier League fans have been asking to see for some time.Fifa will also trial an “advanced” semi-automated offside technology using sensors inside the balls, in hopes of making further improvement on the tech already used in Uefa competitions like the Champions League.A fourth change will be the use of AI to collect live match data, helping fans see even more stats and figures to dissect the match.While the final innovation is that managers and coaching staff will be able to request their substitutions to the fourth official through a digital tablet, doing away with the old fashioned paper slips used at present.Most read in FootballReferee’s will wear body cameras that will be used during TV broadcastsVAR replays will be shown on screens inside stadiums at the tournamentCredit: ReutersClub World Cup 2025 GuideSOME of the world’s biggest clubs are heading Stateside for a MAMMOTH Club World Cup.Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Man City, and Inter Miami are among the 32 teams taking part in the tournament, which runs from June 14 to July 13.Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Ousmane Dembele, Cole Palmer and Harry Kane will be showing their skills to packed crowds across the US.Los Blancos are favourites to lift the trophy in New York but will face stiff competition from around the globe.Watch EVERY match of the Club World Cup 2025 on DAZNHere’s everything you need to know ahead of the tournament…INFOLATEST NEWS & FEATURESCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFifa’s secretary general Mattias Grafstrom praised the organisation for the new additions.He said: “Fifa has a proud history of breaking new ground at its elite tournaments, and the Fifa Club World Cup will continue that trend. The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will see the World’s best players decide which club is the greatest “With the best clubs competing for the title of world champions, it is fitting that these trailblazing innovations will be on display at such a prestigious tournament.”The tournament will be broadcast for free on streaming service DAZN in the UK.Fans can look forward to rare matchups between teams from different continents with clubs like Real Madrid, Flamengo, Man City, Chelsea and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami all involved.The tournament is taking place across the United States of America, with top NFL and MLS stadiums hosting the matches.The final, which takes place on July 13, will be hosted in New York at the MetLife Stadium – home of the New York Jets and New York Giants.Fifa’s new Club World Cup rulesHere’s a look at the five new ‘trailblazing innovations’ introduced by Fifa for the Club World Cup… Referees will wear body cameras with the footage used on live match broadcasts.Footage from referee monitor reviews will be aired live in stadiums.Advanced semi-automated offside technology will be in use. Balls will have a sensor inside.AI will be used to collect live match data as part of FIFA’s partnership with Hawk-Eye.Substitutions will be requested on a digital tablet rather than via paper slips. More

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      Argentina lined up to play controversial friendly in RUSSIA this year despite Fifa ban

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      ARGENTINA are set to play Russia in an international friendly this November, according to reports.The Russian national team has largely been shunned since the country’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.Lionel Messi is currently on international duty with ArgentinaCredit: GettyRussia were kicked out of the 2022 World Cup, and have been banned by Fifa ever since.Argentine football reporter Gaston Edul claimed last month that a meeting could be on the cards.And further reports from Telegram in Russia suggest that a game is in the works for the November international break.Such a deal would see the world champions travel to Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium for a match.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA preliminary agreement has reportedly been agreed, with the Luzhniki having been reserved for dates between November 10 and 18.Should the match go ahead, it is unlikely that big stars such as Lionel Messi will participate.That’s because Western sponsors would likely be uncomfortable with their partners playing in Russia.Russia’s ban has seen them not play in Fifa or Uefa competitions since 2021.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKRussia played Grenada in a friendly back in MarchCredit: GettyRussia’s last competitive game came against Croatia nearly four years agoCredit: GettyTheir last competitive match was a 1-0 defeat at Croatia on November 14, 2021.They have since participated in 16 friendlies, primarily played in Moscow.Donald Trump claims letting Russia qualify for World Cup 2026 could be ‘incentive’ to end Ukraine warRussia’s opponents have included Qatar, Iraq, Cameroon and Serbia.US president Donald Trump recently claimed that participation in the 2026 World Cup could be an incentive for Russia to end their invasion of Ukraine.During a chat with Fifa president Gianni Infantino, Trump, 78, was at first not even aware that Russia were banned.He asked: “I didn’t know that. Is that right?”To which Infantino replied: “That is right.”They are banned for the time being from playing but we hope that something happens and peace will happen so that Russia can be readmitted.”Read More on The SunTrump then said: “That’s possible. Hey, that could be a good incentive, right? We want to get them to stop. We want them to stop.”Five thousand young people a week are being killed – it’s not even believable.”Donald Trump met with Gianni Infantino last monthCredit: Reuters More

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      Dazn unveil brilliant Club World Cup promo video with legendary boxing announcer drafted in to ring bell on tournament

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      ERLING HAALAND, Harry Kane and Luis Suarez are set to square off at the Club World Cup.And Dazn’s latest trailer for the reformatted event brings that beef to life.Dazn revealed a stunning trailer for the Club World CupCredit: DAZNHarry Kane and Haaland were seen in red and sky blue boxing capesCredit: DAZNLuis Suarez was seen in a pink cape and wearing a mouthguardCredit: DAZNFormer Man Utd star Edinson Cavani was stylish in a blue and yellow capeCredit: DAZNIconic boxing announcer Michael Buffer starred in the boxing-themed trailerCredit: DAZNThe advert takes inspiration from Dazn’s other major sporting partnership in boxing by having the stars lace up their gloves ready for battle.Manchester City’s resident “Hitman” Haaland is seen having his gloves taped up at the start of the video.He is followed by former Manchester United forward Edinson Cavani.The Uruguayan is seen with a cape draped over his shoulders in the colours of his current team, Boca Juniors, with “El Matador” on the back.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBayern Munich and England captain Kane, nicknamed the “Hurrikane” for the trailer, is also seen getting his gloves done up ahead of a “ring walk”.The iconic voice of boxing announcer Michael Buffer is then heard echoing over the video, set to the tune of Eric B. & Rakim’s track “Don’t Sweat the Technique”. Inter Miami bad boy Luis Suarez is then seen with a pink hood over his head.The music then kicks into overdrive as Haaland is seen using skipping ropes, Cavani sheds his cape and Suarez shows off a mouth guard protecting his infamous teeth, with Buffer then announcing the World Cup to a stadium of fans.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKKane is seen walking into the raucous ground in a red hoodie, with Haaland seen in a sky blue matching outfit.The trailer also teases Dazn’s lead presenter for the tournament as Diletta Leotta is seen standing in front of an advertising board.The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will see the World’s best players decide which club is the greatest We then cut away to a helicopter hovering over a stadium filled to the brim with fans as the lights on it.Kane and Co then enter the stadium to the roar of an expecting crowd as Haaland is seen signing a ball for a fan.The remarkable Club World Cup trophy is briefly shown, before Suarez is seen roaring and Cavani pointing up to the sky.The video ends with Kane and Haaland facing off in a ring, which then abruptly cuts to the kick-off of a football match.This year the Club World Cup will begin on June 14 and run through to Sunday July 13.The 32-team tournament will be played out across 12 venues in 11 cities across the United States.Pete Oliver, CEO of Growth Markets at DAZN, said: “We’re excited to partner with FIFA for this historical event, where throughout June and July and across the globe, fans will tune in on DAZN for the first time in history to see one club crowned the undisputed champion of the world.”Read More on The SunAll 63 games of the competition will be available to watch on Dazn.Club World Cup 2025 GuideSOME of the world’s biggest clubs are heading Stateside for a MAMMOTH Club World Cup.Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Man City, and Inter Miami are among the 32 teams taking part in the tournament, which runs from June 14 to July 13.Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Ousmane Dembele, Cole Palmer and Harry Kane will be showing their skills to packed crowds across the US.Los Blancos are favourites to lift the trophy in New York but will face stiff competition from around the globe.Watch EVERY match of the Club World Cup 2025 on DAZNHere’s everything you need to know ahead of the tournament…INFOLATEST NEWSDownload the DAZN App here: and watch every game of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 for free.Haaland was dubbed the ‘Hitman’ for the videoCredit: DAZN’El Matador’ looked the business in the videoCredit: DAZNSuarez was seen roaring ahead of the tournamentCredit: DAZN More

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      Club World Cup winner will be given special shirt design to wear for FOUR YEARS

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      THE winner of the Club World Cup will wear a special badge for the next FOUR YEARS.Manchester City and Chelsea head Stateside for the most-expensive Fifa club competition – which starts on June 14.The winner of the Club World Cup will wear a special badge until 2029Man City were granted special permission to wear a golden Fifa Club World Cup badge for the last two seasonsAnd the inaugural champion of the expanded competition will keep the gold logo until 2029.That’s because the winners will be reigning champs for four years until the second edition in 2029.The exact badge design has not been released yet, but it will likely mimic the golden crest Man City have been wearing since 2023.As well as that, the winner will bank an eye-watering £100million.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPep Guardiola’s side added a gold plate to their blue jerseys after winning the old version half-way through the season in December 2023.But City were then granted unprecedented permission to wear it AGAIN this season as they’re still technically the reigning champions.The Club World Cup was replaced by the Fifa Intercontinental Cup in 2024, with Real Madrid claiming the trophy.This year’s new-look 32-team competition will see Madrid and Atletico Madrid fly the flag for Spain in 10 days’ time.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe other European teams include Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg.Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, Porto, Benfica, and Juventus make up the rest of Europe.Man City drop Jack Grealish transfer hint as they launch stunning new kit for Club World CupLionel Messi’s Inter Miami were awarded the host country spot after winning the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield.Madrid, City and Champions League winners PSG are favourites to win the golden gong on July 14.Meanwhile, Gary Lineker has agreed a deal with a new broadcaster for the Club World Cup after leaving the BBC.He has joined DAZN that will see his The Rest Is Football Podcast broadcast highlights. More

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      England fans face paying THOUSANDS per World Cup 2026 match as Fifa consider controversial Oasis-style ticketing system

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      ENGLAND fans heading to next summer’s World Cup could be fleeced for THOUSANDS per match under Fifa plans to use a “dynamic pricing” strategy.Average costs of around £305 per match had previously been reported.Fifa are set to use dynamic ticket pricing at the World CupCredit: APPrices could sky-rocket for the biggest games like the final at the MetLife StadiumCredit: GettyBut now Fifa chiefs are looking at the same demand-based pricing arrangements that saw this summer’s Oasis reunion concerts plunged into controversy.And that could see ticket prices for the biggest games sky-rocketing with supply not being able to keep up with demand despite stadiums having capacities of 70,000-plus.A similar system being used in this summer’s Club World Cup – which includes Chelsea and Manchester City – saw prices fall to as low as £29 for games in the group stage.But that is unlikely to be the situation at the World Cup, despite the expansion to a 48-team tournament which will see a record 104 games played.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Fifa model will NOT apply to fans supporting the three host countries – the USA, Canada and Mexico.But visiting supporters will be exposed to the system, which could see top price tickets for knockout games going for £5,000 or more.Official fan groups supplied with tickets by their home associations are also likely to pay a lower price, although allocations are unlikely to exceed 6,000 for any matches.The measure, if confirmed, is likely to see Fifa accused of exploiting supporters and seeking to maximise their own income.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSUnlike previous World Cups, which have been overseen by a Fifa-delegated local organising committee, 2026 will be run by the Zurich-based body.The greater the revenue from the estimated 6.5m tickets available, the more Fifa will make from the tournament.Fifa confirm 12 stadiums for new-look Club World Cup including TWO £1.2BILLION NFL grounds and 88,500-seat Olympic venueFifa’s argument is that dynamic pricing is a standard practice for major events in the USA – although that is not the case in the other co-host nations.The successful three-country bid, which won the right in 2018 to stage next year’s World Cup, suggested that a projected £1.35bn in ticket sales would be a “conservative” estimate.That appears to be an understatement, although a Fifa spokesman declined to confirm the plans.The spokesman said: “Ticket sales for the Fifa World Cup 2026 are expected to begin in Q3 of 2025 via the Fifa website. Further details will follow in due course.”Fifa are projected to make £1.35bn in ticket salesCredit: AFP More

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      Gary Lineker has already told BBC how to avoid fan fury in World Cup 2026 final coverage

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      GARY LINEKER has already told the BBC how to avoid fan fury during coverage of the World Cup 2026 final.Lineker, 64, was due to bow out from his role as presenter for the broadcaster at the conclusion of next summer’s tournament. Gary Lineker warned the BBC how to avoid fan fury over the half-time show during the World Cup 2026 finalCredit: ReutersA Super Bowl-style half-time show will be introduced next yearCredit: GettyBut on Monday, he confirmed he is going to quit the BBC for good after Sunday’s Match of the Day episode covering the final day of the Premier League season. The ex-Leicester striker previously announced he was stepping back from weekly MOTD duties but was due to continue hosting live FA Cup matches next season before working the World Cup.However, following an anti-Semitism row, Lineker apologised and went public with his decision to step away from his £1.35million-a-year job with the Beeb. Lineker agreed to leave the BBC after meeting bosses last week – with a source saying he realised his position was untenable.READ MORE ON GARY LINEKERBut before his exit, the presenter gave his bosses a piece of advice on covering the 2026 showpiece at the end of the expanded 48-country competition.The World Cup final will be played at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19. But midway through the biggest match in football, there will be a Super Bowl-style half-time show.Fifa are working with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin on the plans – which may well mean Coldplay are one of the “multiple artists” set to perform. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Lineker is aware the controversial addition will not go down with fans.And it also gives TV bosses a dilemma about what to do at half-time – show the performances on the pitch or stick to the traditional analysis from pundits.Gary Lineker apologises for antisemitic post and confirms he’s quitting BBC next weekLineker, though, reckons he has the solution.Speaking on his Rest Is Football podcast in March – part of his Goalhanger podcast empire – he said: “I don’t like this, I have to say, before we start. “I hope it’s not going completely down the road of NFL half-time shows because that’s 25 minutes, half an hour, and I’m not sure we could quite cope with that.“I’m bowing out soon anyway, but I’ve got one World Cup left in me. “It’d be interesting to see, if they did have some big, massive half-time show, how TV deals with that because the analysis has always been part of television coverage. “Does TV suddenly go, ‘No, we’re going to show the half-time show?’“For someone like BBC, I would say, ‘Stick the show on the red button’, or they might (decide to) stick the analysis on the red button.”’SORRY’Lineker’s Instagram post to confirm his BBC exit came after The Sun revealed he was planning to step down following the scandal which saw him face backlash for re-posting a video which criticised Zionism and included an illustration of a rat.He said in a statement released at midday on Monday: “Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember – both on the pitch and in the studio.”I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years. “As I’ve said, I would never consciously repost anything anti-Semitic – it goes against everything I stand for.Read More on The Sun”However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. “Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.”Chris Martin has been involved in the talks with FifaCredit: GettyLineker announced he will leave the BBC after Sunday’s Match of the DayCredit: iNSTAGRAMHe was spotted outside his home on the day of the major newsCredit: PA More

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      ‘It’s time’ – England could host World Cup after seven decades as Fifa chief tells FA to ‘seriously think’ about it

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      ENGLAND could host the World Cup after a SEVEN-DECADE wait following a top Fifa figure’s encouragement to bid for the tournament.The nation hasn’t bid for the tournament since the controversial 2010 vote for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in Russia and Qatar, in which it was alleged that Fifa members were bribed to vote for the host countries.England hasn’t hosted the World Cup since lifting the Jules Rimet Trophy in 1966Credit: GETTYThe FA failed to land the 2018 or 2022 World CupsCredit: GETTYFifa Vice-President Victor Montagliani believes it’s time the tournament returns to Old BlightyCredit: GETTYEngland hasn’t staged a World Cup since the historic 1966 tournament, which saw Sir Alf Ramsey’s troops win the competition on home soil.And Fifa vice-president Victor Montagliani believes it’s high time the tournament returns to these shores.During an interview with The Times, he said: “I can’t see why, not just England but the United Kingdom shouldn’t be hosting the World Cup.”I think it would be a fantastic World Cup and I think they should seriously think of putting their foot forward to host.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”We all know what the game means in the UK and I think it’s time.”The 2026 World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, while the 2030 tournament set to be split across Spain, Portugal, Morocco and South America.Saudi Arabia will stage the 2034 tournament having run unopposed for the hosting rights.The Women’s World Cup will take place in the UK in 2035 and could be a potential catalyst for the men’s tournament to return to these shores in 2038 or 2042.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSEngland could bid to host the 2038 or 2042 World CupsCredit: GettySpeaking on Fifa’s rotation model, Montagliani said: “I support what we have done in recent history, I think it’s the only way.”Now it shouldn’t be the Fifa president’s decision alone, he has a board, he has a council.Major change to World Cup final confirmed by Fifa chief Gianni Infantino with Coldplay to perform half-time show “But I think the old way we used to do it where people just waste their money and then all these shenanigans happen.That’s ridiculous. Let’s get away from that.“Let’s become a proper business. Let’s have an event management strategy so that we’re properly rotating it, everybody gets a crack at it.“The reality is that the World Cup generates 80 to 90 per cent of Fifa’s income, which then sends 80 per cent of that back to its members for the development of football.”And if Fifa doesn’t generate that money there is a significant number of the 211 countries that do not have the funds to develop football.”Next year’s North American World Cup will be the first tournament to include 48 teams.But South American footie chiefs have called for future tournaments to be expanded to an incredible 64 TEAMS, a total Montagliani believes would devalue the prestige which comes with qualifying for the competitionHe said: “Sixty-four teams is just too much in my opinion. We still haven’t kicked the ball for 48 teams, although I think we’ll be fine.Read More on The Sun“We’re OK where we are and I’m not comfortable with any more — scarcity is still important.”It still needs to be difficult to get to a World Cup and I think at 48 you’re still going to have some nations you may think should be at a World Cup but fail to qualify.” More