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      Disgraced former Fifa and Uefa chiefs Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini charged with fraud over £1.6million payment

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      DISGRACED former Fifa and Uefa chiefs Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini have been charged with fraud over a £1.6million payment to the French football legend.The pair have been charged following a six-year investigation into a payment of 2.19m Swiss francs from Fifa to Platini.
      Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini have been charged with fraud over a £1.6million payment made in 2011Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      It’s alleged Platini, 66, wrote to Fifa in January 2011 demanding a backdated salary, having worked as an adviser to Blatter between 1998 and 2002.
      Both Platini and Blatter – who served as Fifa president between 1998 and 2015 – deny any wrongdoing, claiming a verbal contract was in place for over 20 years.
      However, the pair could now face trial in a court in Bellinoza, Switzerland in a matter of months after federal prosecutors claimed the ‘payment damaged Fifa’s assets and unlawfully enriched Platini’.
      If found guilty, Blatter, 85, and Platini could face sentences of several years in jail or hefty fines.
      An Office of the Attorney General (OAG) of Switzerland statement confirmed the charges.
      The OAG claim the payment – which equates to £1.6m – was unlawfully arranged.

      A statement read: “The OAG accuses Joseph Blatter of fraud, in the alternative of misappropriation, in the further alternative of criminal mismanagement as well as of forgery of a document.
      “Michel Platini is accused of fraud, in the alternative of participating in misappropriation, for in the further alternative of participating in criminal mismanagement, as an accomplice, as well as of forgery of a document.”
      The case has been ongoing since 2015, when Blatter was sacked over the controversial payment.
      Both were banned from all footballing activity at the time.
      Platini had hoped to take over from Blatter as Fifa chief having been in charge of Uefa between 2007 and 2015.
      But the case saw his chances left in tatters and the former France international was forced to resign as Uefa chief a year later after losing an appeal against his ban.
      Platini’s lawyer, Dominic Nellen, told the BBC his client ‘categorically denies the untrue accusations’, adding it was ‘clear the investigation should have been discontinued long ago’.
      Nellen claimed: “There are enough witness reports and documents in the case files that prove my client’s innocence.
      “I am 100 per cent confident we will be able to prove my client’s innocence in court.”
      Blatter claimed he hopes the ‘story will come to an end’, saying ‘all responsible Fifa bodies’ had approved the payment.
      The ex-Fifa chief also claimed Platini had paid tax on the payment ‘at his Swiss residence’. More

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      Football set to make five substitutions rule permanent after widespread support for temporary Covid-induced change

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      FIVE substitutions per team is about become the new normal in football.The rule was initially brought in as a temporary measure in May 2020 as various leagues worldwide scrambled to try and finish their respective seasons in pandemic conditions.
      Sadio Mane replaces Roberto FirminoCredit: Reuters
      The Premier League opted to revert to just three subs last season and for the beginning of this.
      But other competitions including the Champions League have stuck with five – with next year’s World Cup in Qatar to follow suit.
      According to The Times, the International FA Board (Ifab) held a meeting yesterday, after which they recommended a proposal to make five substitutions the new normal.
      The proposal will next be discussed at Ifab’s business meeting next month, with final approval potentially going through at its annual meet in Zurich next March.
      Fifa will have four votes in the matter, in addition to a vote each for the four home nations.
      Should the proposal be passed, the Premier League will not be forced to follow suit.

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      But they will come under increased pressure to conform to what the rest of the world are doing.
      The big clubs tried to force through a change to five subs three times last season.
      But each time they failed to gather the votes of 14 clubs – the amount needed to pass through a rule change in the Prem.
      Aston Villa, Burnley, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Leicester, Leeds, Newcastle, Sheffield United, West Ham and Wolves all voted against the change at the most recent vote last season.
      But global players union Fifpro is set to back the change.
      Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola last month moaned: “That would be the best [five substitutions] I’m not here to change anything for this country.
      “All around the world we have five subs, we have three.”
      During Tottenham’s recent 3-2 victory over Newcastle, boss Nuno Espirito Santo didn’t make a single substitution.
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      England hopes of hosting 2030 World Cup still alive despite Euro final chaos after Uefa assurances

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      THE Euro 2020 Final chaos has not wrecked hopes of an England-led bid for the 2030 World Cup, MPs were told.Wembley chiefs are weighing up the humiliation of the stadium fan ban and £84,000 fine imposed by Uefa for the disgraceful scenes before the match against Italy in July.
      UK Sport believes an England-led bid to host the 2030 World Cup is still alive despite chaotic scenes ahead of the Euros 2020 final at WembleyCredit: Reuters
      But Simon Morton, chief operating officer of UK Sport which is working with the five British Isles nations and the Government on the £2.8m bid feasibility study, dismissed claims the concept is now dead in the water.
      Morton told the DCMS committee members in Westminster: “What happened was unacceptable.
      “I was at the match and pleased my daughter wasn’t with me as it was shocking and horrific and the opposite of what we want major sporting events to feel like. 
      “But the Uefa President, who is an important person in respect of the process, has gone on the record to say it will have no bearing whatsoever on our bid. 
      “The FA has commissioned a review. It is very serious but I do not think it’s our bid up in smoke.”
      Morton faced strong questioning from MPs including Tory committee chairman Julian Knight, who had earlier told talkSPORT we believed the Wembley scenes had “put a kibosh on the entire World Cup bid”.

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      He accused the FA of overseeing a potential “disaster”, suggested the feasibility study was now a “waste of money” and told fellow MPs the FA was a “basket-case” of an organisation.
      But Morton said the changes in Fifa’s processes – the final venue will be decided by the 211 member associations rather than the 22 eligible members of the ruling executive committee who embarrassed the FA’s failed 2018 bid – and the upside of hosting the tournament meant it was worth pressing ahead.
      He added: “We are talking about four to five million spectators, a global audience of three to four billion people, up to 40,000 volunteering jobs and billions in economic impact.
      “It would also be a tournament model which could be revolutionary and unprecedented in dispersing benefits across the five nations.
      “The things that have changed give us a level of confidence we might be able to close the gap from the last vote.”
      Influential figures within English and European football are privately urging the FA to junk the 2030 bid and instead focus n attempting to land the 2028 European Championships.
      And Morton said the key decision now would have to be made by the Government by the second quarter of next year after Fifa have finally published the bid requirements.
      Football chiefs feared Euro 2020 fan chaos at Wembley had undermined a bid to host the 2030 World CupCredit: Sportsphoto
      He explained: “We are assessing the benefits and impact, both social and economic, of hosting. 
      “Finally, we are looking at winnability and the bid process, given the history and the chances of success of a five-nation bid.
      “The five FAs and their Governments will have to size this up and take a view on whether they want to bid.”

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      Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger calls for referees to be able to publicly explain decisions after games

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      REFEREES should be given the green light to explain their decisions after games, according to Arsene Wenger.The former Arsenal boss, who is now Fifa’s head of global football development, suggested the change would bring clarity and openness to controversial calls during matches.
      Arsene Wenger wants referees, like Michael Oliver, to explain their decisions after gamesCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Wenger believes one of the biggest issues for fans is not always knowing why decisions which affected their team were reached.
      And giving refs the option to address those criticisms would make a positive change, the Frenchman believes.
      Wenger often criticised Prem match officials during his 22-year spell in charge of the Gunners and in 2017 labelled ref Michael Oliver’s display “absolutely atrocious” after a defeat to Manchester City.
      On his idea for chance to publicly explain decisions, he said: “It would be a good way to avoid controversy and shut them down before they become a public debate.
      “We would have to get the support of referees to make it work.
      “And I don’t know what kind of state of mind they’re in after games to be able to give an opinion.”

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      Wenger has also been busy this month pushing his proposal to stage the World Cup every two years.
      That plan is backed by Fifa President Gianni Infantino but has drawn criticism from several quarters.
      Former Germany star Philipp Lahm is the latest to take issue with it, explaining: “Shortening the World Cup cycle would make football seem like all about money.
      “Sporting events require patience and time. This is crucial for their sustainability.”
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      Shocking moment Hungarian thugs chase cops and force them back as they riot at Wembley

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      THIS is the shocking moment Hungarian football thugs attacked cops at Wembley on Tuesday.Police made six arrests as crowd trouble marred England’s World Cup qualifying draw – including one for voyeurism. 
      Police clashed with Hungary fans at Wembley during the World Cup qualifier with EnglandCredit: Rex
      Police were forced back by Hungarian supporters at Wembley after arresting a visiting fan for racist abuseCredit: Twitter
      Police had to use batons to regain control during the World Cup qualifierCredit: Rex
      A clip of the disgusting scenes has now been sharedCredit: Rex
      Officers were attacked after going into the crowd to take care of a Hungarian accused of racially abusing a steward. 
      A video clip emerged showing hooligans waded in on the police and forcing cops backwards before having to use batons in an attempt to regain control.
      Riot police eventually calmed the situation having been forced back under the stands, where around 1,000 visiting fans were in place. 
      The fan who racially abused the steward was arrested – with two more collared for affray and attacking an emergency worker. 
      Now the Metropolitan Police say a further three arrests were made at Wembley – one more for affray, another for drunk and disorderly and the last on suspicion of voyeurism. 
      Fifa will now wait on reports from the match, with the FA promising to pass on all information they have. 

      Meanwhile Albania’s clash with Poland in Tirana was suspended after home fans pelted Robert Lewandowski and Co with bottles.
      The away side were celebrating as Karol Swidersky gave them a priceless 77th minute 1-0 lead.
      But celebrations were soured as objects including bottles were hurled onto the pitch.
      Kamil Glik reacted furiously to the dangerous actions of some home fans, while a bemused Lewandowski waved his hands in disgust.
      Poland left the field following the disgraceful incident.
      The match was then suspended for around 20 minutes, before play finally resumed with 13 minutes left on the clock.
      World football’s governing body is currently analysing reports of last night’s qualifier matches in order to determine the most appropriate action.
      A statement from Fifa said: “Fifa strongly condemns the incidents at England v. Hungary and Albania v. Poland and would like to state that its position remains firm and resolute in rejecting any form of violence as well as any form of discrimination or abuse.
      “Fifa has a very clear zero-tolerance stance against such abhorrent behaviour in football.”
      Poland’s players were forced to duck for cover as they were pelted with missiles by Albanian fansCredit: AP
      Fans began hurling things at the Polish side after the visitors had scoredCredit: Reuters
      Fifa are now investigating the angry scenes at Wembley and in AlbaniaCredit: Twitter
      The bad-tempered scenes marred England’s 1-1 draw with HungaryCredit: Rex
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      Hungary slapped with two-match stadium ban and massive fine after fans racially abused England stars

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      HUNGARY have been handed a two-match stadium ban and a massive fine after fans racially abused England’s stars.Fifa have dished out the punishment – which includes a £160,000 fine – due to the trouble in the stadium during England’s 4-0 win in Budapest on September 2.
      Hungary have been handed a two-game stadium ban after fans racially abused England players earlier this monthCredit: Reuters
      Manchester City ace Raheem Sterling and Jude Bellingham were targeted with vile abuseCredit: Reuters
      Raheem Sterling and Jude Bellingham were among the players racially abused while fans also threw objects onto the pitch during the match.
      Supporters will be banned from the World Cup qualifier against Albania on October 9 while the second match ban will be suspended for a period of two years.
      In a statement, FIFA said :“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed a ban and a substantial fine on the Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ) in relation to the racist behaviour of numerous supporters during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifying match between Hungary and England on 2 September 2021.
      “After analysing and taking into consideration all the circumstances of the case, specifically the seriousness of the incidents (racist words and actions, throwing of objects, lighting of fireworks, blocked stairways), the Committee decided that the MLSZ would play its next two home matches in FIFA competitions without spectators, the second match being suspended for a probationary period of two years.
      “In addition, the Committee imposed a fine of CHF 200,000 (£160,000).”
      The size of the fine is particularly large considering Hungary’s previous Fifa fines for issues in 2016 were £10,000 and £20,000.
      Hungary have also been slapped with a £160,000 fine after supporters launched objects onto the pitchCredit: Getty

      Fifa have reacted after accusations they are not punishing clubs enough.
      In the statement, Fifa added: “FIFA’s position remains firm and resolute in rejecting any form of racism and violence as well as any other form of discrimination or abuse.
      “FIFA takes a clear zero tolerance stance against such abhorrent behaviour in football.”
      Commenting on the abuse immediately after the clash, Borussia Dortmund midfielder Bellingham demanded authorities to crack down on racism in football.
      He tweeted: “Thank you for all the messages of support from last night.
      “Part of the game and always will be until proper punishments are put in place by those with the power. We can’t let hate win, keep smiling!”
      And Welsh winger Gareth Bale stated that countries with racist fans should be kicked out of competitions.
      Speaking of the abuse England players receives, he said: “It is frustrating. I don’t know why they launch these investigations that take so long. It is clear to see.

      “It has been picked up on camera, by journalists, I really don’t get why there needs to be such a big investigation. It is clear that it happened.
      “It does not matter if it happened a little or a lot. The action needs to be taken to stop it.
      “Whether you ban the fans from the stadium or if they keep repeatedly doing it, which seems to be what is happening, then you ban the country from the competition.
      “I think it kicks it out straight away. If that country keeps making these horrible gestures, then maybe the best thing to do is to get rid of them, give them a suspension and hopefully they will learn their lesson that way.”
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