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      Champions League club forced to change name and adopt new badge by Fifa as announcement made

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      A CHAMPIONS LEAGUE club has been forced to change their name and adopt a new badge by Fifa.The world’s governing football body today announced details for next summer’s first 32-team Club World Cup.A Champions League club has changed their name and adopted a new badgeThe historic tournament sees English duo Chelsea and Manchester City join a host of other top names in Thursday’s draw.Taking place in Miami, Chelsea could be drawn against giants like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain.While City risk landing tricky sides including Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.But Pep Guardiola’s defending champs could end up playing a side boasting a brand new name and badge.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAustrian giants RB Salzburg are now officially being called FC Salzburg by Fifa.The decision mirrors one taken by Uefa earlier this season, allowing them to compete in the Champions League.FC Salzburg are owned by energy drink giants Red Bull, as are German side RB Leipzig.But with both sides competing in the same competition, Salzburg were forced to undergo an official name change to avoid a conflict of interest.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd Fifa have continued in Uefa’s footsteps by also making Salzburg drop their RB tag.Indeed, the Austrian team’s badge has also changed.Fifa confirm 12 stadiums for new-look Club World Cup including TWO £1.2BILLION NFL grounds and 88,500-seat Olympic venueRed Bull Salzburg are now known as FC SalzburgTheir club badge has been tweaked to show just one bullCredit: GettyBefore it used to show two bulls competing under the words ‘Red Bull’.But the wording has now been modified to just ‘FC’, while one of the bulls has been removed completely.All eyes will now be on Thursday’s draw, which takes place in Miami.Next summer’s tournament will be played in the USA and runs between June 15 and July 13.Club World Cup draw potsPOT 1Real MadridBayern MunichRiver PlateFluminensePOT 2Borussia DortmundInter MilanAtletico MadridFC SalzburgPOT 3CF MonterreyBoca JuniorsPOT 4Urawa Red DiamondsEsperance Sportive de TunisieMamelodi SundownsCF PachucaSeattle SoundersAuckland CityInter Miami More

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      Uefa boss sends thinly-veiled threat that stars will see their salaries SLASHED amid row over playing too many games

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      UEFA boss Aleksander Ceferin claims that reducing the number of matches played by top stars will cut the wages of the entire game.Ceferin remains sceptical about Fifa’s new 32-team Club World Cup, which will include Chelsea and Manchester City when it launches in the USA in June.Aleksander Ceferin has warned reducing the number of matches could cost playersCredit: PAMajor European leagues are backing the international players’ union Fifpro in their European Court case against Fifa, seeking to block the new competition and bring in a fixed maximum of matches played by stars each season.But while Ceferin hinted at his unhappiness over Fifa’s latest expansion project – despite being part of the world body’s ruling Council which backed the plan – he warned that the knock-on effects of a court victory for the union might end up hitting their own members in the pocket.Ceferin said: “When we say that footballers are modern gladiators, we are exaggerating a bit.“The better the footballer, the bigger the star, the more protected he is by the referees, who are also constantly in the fans’ teeth.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It is true that the players play a lot and that the match calendar could not be more full.“But I would not agree that only those at the highest level are the most burdened.“The players from my country, Slovenia, play as often as, for example, those from Real Madrid. Except that they are paid 500 times less.“If we were to reduce the number of matches, we would end up with the result that the salaries of football players would also fall, because the clubs would have less income.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“It’s a vicious cycle. The compromise is that no new competitions are introduced.”Fifa are, of course, introducing one, with the draw for the clubs – which also include Harry Kane’s Bayern Munich, Jude Bellingham’s Real, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and major sides from Brazil and Argentina – scheduled for the start of next month.Rodri sensationally claims players are close to STRIKING over schedule after Alisson says ‘our opinion does not matter’Ceferin added: “The rhythm of matches for football players is already at the upper limit.“The problem is that the new Club World Cup will take five weeks after the end of the season every four years.“Meanwhile, we already have the World Cup, the European Championship.“I saw that the union of professional footballers with the European leagues has already filed a lawsuit against FIFA.“The problem is that European clubs want the competition, as it would increase revenue and make it easier to pay footballers.“So, as I said, it’s a vicious cycle. It will be necessary to sit down with the professional footballers’ union and find out what they want.“If we reduce the number of matches, wages will have to be reduced as well. There is no other way.” More

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      England could be forced to field World Cup qualifying ‘bomb squad’ as new Fifa rule threatens to rule out ELEVEN players

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      THOMAS TUCHEL could be plunged into a club versus country row after Fifa ordered Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich to play their strongest teams in the new Club World Cup.New England boss Tuchel will discover next month if he will have to start the Three Lions World Cup campaign in June.New England boss Thomas TuchelCredit: GettyBut Fifa’s demand that the 32 competing teams field their strongest slides for the £600m new tournament which starts in the USA less than a week after the scheduled international dates may leave Tuchel in the middle of a major dilemma.Skipper Harry Kane will spearhead Munich’s glory push in the States, with Jude Bellingham central to Real Madrid’s chances and Conor Gallagher scheduled to appear for Atletico Madrid.Tuchel will also see Cole Palmer, Reece James and Levi Colwill required by Chelsea, with Kyle Walker, John Stones, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Rico Lewis in City’s ranks.Fifa’s desperate determination to make the inaugural episode of the tournament a major success has now seen world chiefs giving themselves the power to order clubs to release players to Club World Cup sides BEFORE their current contracts end.READ MORE IN football World chiefs have now released regulations that state clubs must field their “strongest teams throughout the tournament”.Fifa said that competing clubs must still release their players for the international window including World Cup qualifiers from June 2 to June 9.But the prospect of top clubs pulling rank and demanding their needs are put ahead of international commitments in the immediate lead-up to the tournament – due to start on June 15 – tees up a serious worry for German Tuchel.That Fifa window will leave little time for the players involved to get back into club groove before the new tournament.Most read in FootballSouthgate vs Tuchel records comparedTHOMAS TUCHELAugsburg II 2007-2008P34 W 20 D8 L6 Win percentage: 58.82%Mainz 05 2009-2014P184 W72 D46 L66 Win percentage: 39.13%Borussia Dortmund 2015-2017P107 W67 D23 L17 Win percentage: 62.62%Honours: DFB Pokal Paris Saint Germain 2018-2020P127 W95 D13 L16 Win percentage: 74.8%Honours: Ligue 1 X2, Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue, Trophee des Champions x2Chelsea 2021-2022P100 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage: 60%Honours: Champions League, Super Cup, Club World CupBayern Munich 2023-2024P61 W37 D8 L16 Win percentage: 60.66%Honours: BundesligaGARETH SOUTHGATEMiddlesbrough 2006-2009P151 W54 D43 Win percentage: 35.76%England U21 2013-2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage: 72.97%Honours: Toulon tournamentEngland 2016-2024P102 W61 D24 L17 Win percentage: 59.8%Honours: Euros runners up, 2020, 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe possible problems come after the international players’ union Fifpro launched a legal challenge against Fifa in the European Court, with the aim of forcing Zurich chiefs to back down on their plan.But Fifa put the screws on the clubs by announcing that any team which pulls out now will be fined “at least” £220,000, while withdrawals after mid-May would see that fine doubled to nearly £450,000.Thomas Tuchel’s first England XI predicted by Jamie Carragher with ultra-attacking team and one-cap international The hardline expectations came as it emerged FIFA chiefs could order clubs to release players due to join Club World Cup sides early.Fifa announced last month that they were creating a special transfer loophole to apply at the tournament that will be played in the USA.Competing clubs will be able to complete some of next term’s transfers early to allow the players to take part in Fifa’s new flagship competition.Under the special regulations, clubs will be able to register new players between June 1 and June 10 – rather than being forced to stick to the usual June 30 cut-off for registration changes.Current contracts for City’s Kevin de Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan will expire on June 30, while Jadon Sancho’s loan spell at Chelsea.Canada left-back Alphonso Davies is one of SEVEN senior players at Kane’s Bayern Munich who are out of contract at the end of the season.Initially it had been suggested that early registration would only be permitted if both clubs and the players involved approve, with nobody will be allowed to play for two teams during the month of action.READ MORE SUN STORIESFifa said the “objective” was to “encourage clubs and players whose contracts are expiring to find an appropriate solution to facilitate the players’ participation”.But it has now emerged that FIFA will decide on any disputes between Club World Cup teams who each want to take the same player to the tournament.Man City won the Club World Cup in 2023Credit: Getty More

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      World Cup stadium lies half demolished next to rubble as it hosts second-tier matches with no away end

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      A WORLD CUP stadium currently lies half demolished and surrounded by rubble.But the hope is that it will all be ready to be opened within four years.La Romareda is currently being revampedCredit: RexThere is a building site at one end of the groundCredit: RexReal Zaragoza are still hosting matches despite the renovationCredit: AlamyLa Romareda in Zaragoza is one of the stadiums set to be used by Spain as they join Portugal and Morocco to host the 2030 World Cup.However, it seems a long way off being ready just yet.Recent images of the ground show three sides of the stadium intact – not dissimilar to Oxford’s Kassam Stadium.However, one end has already been destroyed and instead a pile of dirt lies behind the goal. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDiggers and workers are hard at work renovating the stadium to increase its capacity from 33,608 to approximately 43,000 once the expansion is complete.Fifa require all stadiums to have a minimum capacity of 40,000 to be used at World Cups. The Nueva Romareda – the New Romareda – is set to be completed in 2028 at an estimated cost of £117million. That should in theory give Real Zaragoza two years to play in their refurbished new home before fans from all over the globe arrive to catch a glimpse of their country in action in 2030. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, despite the ongoing construction and views that resemble a building site, La Romareda is still being used this season.Real Zaragoza – six-time Copa del Rey winners – currently play their league football in the Segunda Division, the second tier in Spain below LaLiga. But currently there are no tickets available for away fans while the refurbishment takes place. Instead, a banner has been erected in front of the rubble bank to block the eyesore view for players, fans and TV cameras alike. A total of 11 stadiums in nine Spanish cities are set to be used for the 2030 World Cup. The new Nou Camp, the redeveloped Bernabeu and the modern Metropolitano are the three flagship grounds. The home grounds of Espanyol, Athletic Bilbao and Sevilla are also on the initial list.And the Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian, Malaga’s Estadio La Rosaleda, Estadio Gran Canaria of Las Palmas and the Estadio Riazor where Deportivo de La Coruna play are all in line – but each of their capacities are currently less than 40,000 so will need expanding to meet the criteria. READ MORE SUN STORIESBut the iconic Mestalla was stripped of its right to host matches after the shocking debacle surrounding Valencia’s proposed new ground. However, the biggest stadium used in six years’ time will be the brand new Grand Stade de Casablanca in Morocco – which will be purpose-built for the tournament and have space for a staggering 115,000 spectators. The diggers have been in to get to workCredit: RexThe Nueva Romareda will have around 43,000 seats and is set to be done by 2028Credit: AlamyThis is how the ground used to look before the end was knocked downCredit: GettyZaragoza is one of nine Spanish cities set to host 2030 World Cup matchesCredit: GettyWhat we know about the ‘new’ Old TraffordMANCHESTER UNITED plan to build a new stadium rather than redevelop Old Trafford.The decision was made after a number of fact-finding missions to other stadiums including the Bernabeu and Nou Camp.The cost of the project is expected to be a staggering £2billion.A capacity of 100,000 is expected.It is felt that a club of United’s standing should have a new state-of-the-art facility.The new stadium will be built on land adjacent to the Red Devils’ current home.United are looking to not only build a stadium but regenerate the area of Trafford where the ground will stand.There had been plans to KEEP Old Trafford rather than demolish it, and use it as a scaled down second venue.However, it’s looking increasing likely that it will in fact be entirely demolished.The club consulted with 30,000 fans about what to do and believe there is roughly a 50-50 split on staying or moving.The club have appointed the architects Foster + Partners to come up with a “masterplan”. The company were behind Wembley Stadium.Old Trafford has been United’s home since 1910.The target is for completion by 2030. More

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      David Beckham’s Inter Miami at centre of MLS scandal with rivals furious at spot in controversial tournament

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      INTER MIAMI’S addition to the Club World Cup has left Major League Soccer rivals furious with Fifa.Gianni Infantino, the Fifa president, announced this week that David Beckham’s MLS franchise will take the America host nation spot for next summer’s controversial tournament.Inter Miami’s Club World Cup qualification has seen Fifa criticisedCredit: APFifa chef Gianni Infantino gave a speech as Inter Miami lifted the Supporters ShieldCredit: ReutersInfantino pointed to Inter Miami winning the Supporters Shield, awarded to the club who perform the best over the regular season, as the reason for their qualification.The actual MLS champion is decided through the play-offs.But with the reason for Miami’s inclusion not given before they lifted the trophy, their rivals have accused Fifa of having no clear qualification criteria.And they claim they have jumped the gun simply to ensure that Lionel Messi is involved in the revamped 32-team tournament.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSeattle Sounders are the other team from the US involved and they booked their spot having won the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2022.Fifa had been in discussions with MLS over criteria this season, before deciding on the Supporters Shield winner at their Council meeting on October 3 – the day after Miami sealed the title.MLS insist all decision-making around the final slot was dealt with by the world governing body.Not only have Beckham’s boys been given the host nation spot, but they will also play in the curtain raiser in Miami on June 15.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOther clubs have always felt that Miami have had special treatment from the league due to their high profile stars – something which has always been denied.Four ex-Barcelona legends are in the squad – Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets.Inside David and Victoria Beckham’s stunning new £60m Miami mansion with spa, pool, rooftop bar overlooking Biscayne BayTheir success on the pitch this season, setting a points record for the regular season, gives officials a simple answer when questions are asked.Elite European sides like Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea, PSG, Inter Milan, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are all in the Club World Cup. More

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      Roy Keane’s stunned reaction as he discovers Fifa are trialling bold rule change he suggested

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      ROY KEANE provided a brilliant response when Howard Webb revealed that Fifa are trialling a bold rule change that he suggested.Former Premier League referee Webb, 53, joined Keane and Co for a wide-ranging conversation on officiating.Roy Keane provided a brilliant responseCredit: Stick to FootballHoward Webb discussed a potential rule changeCredit: Stick to FootballKeane’s response had the panel in stitchesCredit: Stick to FootballHaving hung up his whistle in 2014, Webb became the chief refereeing officer for the PGMOL in 2022.In his job, the Yorkshireman has had a hands on role in the implementation of VAR in the Premier League.This week he joined Keane, Gary Neville, Jill Scott, Ian Wright and Wayne Rooney on Stick to Football, brought to you by Sky Bet.During the conversation, Neville brought up that Keane had recently suggested changing the implementation of technology in officiating to a system in which coaches would receive one challenge per match.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAsked if this was something that could be feasible, Webb revealed: “We’ll only really know by seeing it in practice.”Interestingly enough, at the moment is the Under-17 Women’s World Cup, England are playing there, we talked about it earlier Jill, and we’ve just finished the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, the 17s is in Dominican Republic.”They’re using this on trial, so each coach has two challenges a game, it’s called…”At this point, Webb was interrupted as Wright slapped Keane on the arm and joked: “You’re wasted here!”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKeane, 53, then joked: “I’m wasted here! I should be working for Fifa or something.”Through laughter, Scott quipped: “Can you imagine Roy, head of Fifa?”Roy Keane reveals he has ‘given up’ with Man Utd as he, Rooney and Neville lay into Ten Hag’s ‘disgusting’ flops The former Man Utd skipper then put on a pretend stern face as he replied: “What’s wrong with that Jill? What’s wrong with that?”As Neville howled with laughter, Keane continued: “I’ve worked at the highest level, I’ve played at the highest level… I’m sitting here eating chocolate.”Webb went on to boldly claim that there have only been two VAR errors so far this season, a significant reduction on the number recorded at this time a year ago.He said: “I don’t think we managed expectations well in terms of VAR. We knew it was always going to be a situation where it was going to do well on those clear situations, the ones where you think, ‘That’s clearly wrong on first view’.”We have this independent panel which has got ex-players on it, and they judge each decision each week, and according to the panel there has only been two VAR errors this season compared to 10 at the same time last year.”We’ve been better at hitting the mark but that can change and we’re not going to get complacent, but it’s been better. For me, the biggest thing of all is that it’s been quicker.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The average delay last season through VAR was 70 seconds per game and this year it’s 25 seconds.”I said to the guys, ‘Don’t ponder for too long, if you see a situation that jumps off the screen then get involved, but if you’re having to think about it too much then just say check complete because we’ll leave it with the referee on the field’. That’s why the term, ‘Referee’s call’ is useful.”Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here. More

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      Infamous Jabulani could return with ball that caused mayhem at 2010 World Cup recently seen selling for £415

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      ADIDAS could re-release the infamous Jabulani football, according to reports.The Jabulani was memorably used in the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa.The Jabulani was unveiled ahead of the 2010 World CupCredit: AP:Associated PressThe Jabulani famously gave goalkeepers nightmaresCredit: AP:Associated PressDiego Forlan was the forward who truly mastered the JabulaniCredit: AFPIt is best remembered for violently swerving and dipping, with many players struggling to master it.According to Footy Headlines, the Jabulani could go back on sale in the coming years.They point to the fact that Adidas have been re-releasing iconic footballs from the 2000s.The Roteiro used at Euro 2004 was re-released back in March.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWhile the Teamgeist used at the 2006 World Cup in Germany is set to return in March 2025.Footy Headlines reckon that if this trend continues, the Jabulani could make its return in 2026 or 2027.The original version can sometimes be found on various resale sites for as much as £415 – more than four times its price upon release.Its unusual design is what made it so difficult for players to predict.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Teamgeist used at the previous World Cup, for example, was built with a 14-panel structure – while the Jabulani consisted of just eight panels.One player who did master it was Uruguay’s former Manchester United star Diego Forlan.World Cup winner and 137-cap legend Antoine Griezmann shockingly retires from international duty The forward, who has dabbled with a career in tennis since retirement, lit up the tournament, scoring several brilliant goals as his country reached the semi-finals.They went on to lose 3-2 to the Netherlands in the semis, however, with the Dutch then falling 1-0 in the final courtesy of Andres Iniesta’s winner for Spain.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Football could change forever as England’s Euro 2024 final loss to Spain puts Arsene Wenger plan back on agenda

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      IF you have the ear of one of football’s most powerful men, you can make things happen.And David Dein’s relationship with Arsene Wenger could lead to the biggest change the game has EVER seen.Former Arsenal chief David Dein wants match time to be reducedCredit: GettyDein’s friend Arsene Wenger is likely to consider the proposalCredit: GettyFormer Arsenal vice-chairman Dein is convinced the end of football being a 90-minute game is the way forward.Dein and Wenger were Gunners colleagues for more than a decade and have been friends for nearly 30 years.So when Dein asks Wenger, Fifa’s head of global football development and a key member of law-making body the International FA Board, to consider making football a 60-minute game, it will be taken seriously.Dein’s argument is a simple one.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is unfair to expect referees to also allocate the precise amount of additional time to make up for delays, time-wasting and ‘dark arts’.Dein said: “I’ve asked all the refs in the Premier League, when the fourth official puts up the board for two, three or, four minutes, is that accurate to the last ten seconds?“The answer is ‘No, no chance’.“We should be able to know how long a game of football lasts — so my campaign is very simple.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“The average length of time a ball is in play in the Premier League and most western European games is around about 55 to 57 minutes.“I would like to see a real-time two halves of 30 minutes, where the ball is in play for 30 minutes each half.How Chelsea can shock Liverpool in ultimate ‘game of chicken’ with high-risk ‘tension-ball’ tactic“Let’s have a clock where we can all see how much time is left.”Dein says analysis of the second half of England’s Euro 2024 final loss to Spain makes his points.In total, the three goal celebrations, substitutions and stoppages after fouls meant more than nine minutes of playing time were lost, in addition to time for throw-ins and goal-kicks. But French referee Francois Letexier added just FOUR minutes after the 90.Dein added: “A goal celebration is normally two minutes, a VAR check could be two minutes, injuries could be a minute or two, plus subs. Over a game, that’s at least ten minutes.“That is ALWAYS more than the time that is actually added on.“So I’d like to see time stopping when there is time being lost.“The fans will get value for money, they would get an extra ten minutes of football.”Dein is one of the game’s movers and shakers and is on first-name terms with Fifa and Uefa figures.That allowed him to lobby Wenger and Ifab to give his idea a go.Dein continued: “I’ve spoken to Howard Webb and Anthony Taylor, who said they were in favour.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The next thing is for Ifab to agree to trial it.“That could be anywhere but I’ve already talked to the Dutch league.”Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More