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      World Cup final in line for unprecedented change with Fifa under pressure to ensure a faster paced game

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      FIFA chiefs are under pressure to confirm the venue for the 2026 World Cup final.And there are signs that the biggest game in football could be played indoors for the first time.
      There are signs the World Cup 2026 final will be held for the first time in an indoor stadiumCredit: Getty
      New York’s MetLife Stadium had long been considered the front-runner.
      An East Coast venue would allow a mid-afternoon kick-off, prime time in Europe.
      But temperatures in the Big Apple in mid-July regularly hit 90F-plus, likely to mean stifling conditions and a slow-paced game.
      So expectations are increasing that Dallas could be the chosen option.
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      The Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium in Arlington, 19 miles from the city, is called the world’s largest air-conditioned room,   with the retract- able roof helping set a temperature of 70F.
      It would mean a kick-off at 2pm local time to fit the demands of European audiences and likely lead to a faster game.
      Dallas and Miami — home of the North and Central American and Caribbean confederation Concacaf — are alternatives for Fifa bigwigs’ main tournament base away from New York.
      Argentina won the last World Cup in Qatar in December 2022 in an epic final against France.
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      This was the first-ever World Cup held in the winter and bang in the middle of the European football season.
      Victory gave Argentina their third World Cup win, and provided a fitting finale for captain and talisman Lionel Messi.
      La Albiceleste secured the title after winning 4-2 on penalties at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.
      Like the other stadiums planned for the 2022 World Cup, the 88,000-capacity stadium was air-conditioned to keep players cool using solar power. More

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      Fifa’s Club World Cup new format is crazy – elite players are being asked to perform too much already

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      NOT so much flogging a dead horse, but we are definitely flogging our finest footballers.The Club World Cup, you may have noticed, was won by Manchester City in Saudi Arabia this month.
      Manchester City won the Club World Cup in Saudi Arabia this monthCredit: Rex
      But while it involved only seven sides, including mighty Auckland City and Urawa Red Diamonds, next time it will be 32. This is crazy.
      There is almost universal agreement that  elite players are being asked to perform too much already and yet Fifa wants to expand the Club World Cup to 32 teams in summer 2025.
      The expansion has been criticised by Fifpro, the global union for professional players, as well as the World Leagues Forum, which represents pro leagues.
      Both have raised concerns about player welfare.
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      La Liga, the Spanish top flight, has come down hard on this latest wheeze and we should do the same.
      And the 2026 World Cup is expanding from 32 to 48 nations.
      It’s the same elsewhere, as the Champions League is getting ever bigger. From next season it will involve 36 clubs, all playing in a single league with eight group games.
      The top eight will qualify for the last-16 knockout stage, while those ranked 9th to 24th can still make it through a play-off.
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      The Champions League is expanding next yearCredit: AP
      In a nutshell, you can finish 24th in a league and still win the goodies at the end of the season.
      Maybe increasing the Champions League from 32 to 36 teams isn’t too much, but then you have the European Championships as well for national teams. Euro 2024 will involve 24 teams.
      There is also the 2024-25 Nations League, with games being played next autumn and the finals in June 2025.
      Hang on, I hear you ask, isn’t that when the Club World Cup will be held as well? Erm, yes…
      Confused? You should be.
      Uefa say the expanded Nations League is there to “minimise meaningless friendlies”, but how many of you could recall who won it in 2019, 2021 and 2023?
      Most of us understand you need top players performing at the biggest and best competitions but where does all this end? The Premier League is very clear. There are 38 games spread over ten months.
      The old First Division was over 42 games and I would argue the reduction has led to improved  quality levels.
      By the start of January, West Ham will have played 28 games across all competitions (joint third-highest in the Prem).
      I haven’t even begun to think how many games on top of this our international stars have played.
      So, what Uefa and Fifa are suggesting is squeezing the pips until they squeal.
      Top footballers already have to spread themselves too thinly and the danger is that injuries will multiply.
      I hear some of you say “fair enough, they are very highly paid”. But we want to see the best football, played by the best players on the best occasions?
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      The Club World Cup, Champions League, World Cup, Euros, Nations League — it’s too much.
      Precious diamonds are priceless because of their rarity. This ever-expanding land-grab suggests football’s governing bodies know the price of everything and the value of nothing. More

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

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      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

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      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

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      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

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      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

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      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

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      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