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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

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

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

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

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

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      World Cup FA creep Luis Rubiales ‘forcefully kissed’ Lionesses star Lucy Bronze & ‘cupped & stroked’ Laura Coombs’s face

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      DISGRACED Luis Rubiales “forcefully” kissed Lionesses star Lucy Bronze and “cupped and stroked” the face of Laura Coombs, the head of the FA said. The Spanish FA chief, 46, was banned from football for three years in October after his “inexcusable” behaviour at the 2023 Women’s World Cup final.
      Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales was banned from football for three years in OctoberCredit: Getty
      England’s Lucy Bronze during the Women’s World Cup final in SydneyCredit: Getty
      Luis Rubiales ‘cupped and stroked’ England’s Laura Coombs’ faceCredit: Getty
      Luis Rubiales embracing FA chair Debbie Hewitt after the finalCredit: Getty
      He kissed Spain’s midfielder Jenni Hermoso without her consent after Spain beat England 1-0 – and was also seen grabbing his crotch while celebrating the win.
      In written evidence to Fifa’s disciplinary committee, FA chair Debbie Hewitt said Rubiales was “unpleasant and unnecessarily aggressive” while waiting in the tunnel for the medal ceremony.
      Hewitt said he initially “shook the hand of every player and touched a few on the arm as they walked past”.
      But he “seemingly forcefully kissed” England defender Lucy Bronze on her face and “cupped and stroked” teammate Laura Coombs’ face, Hewitt said.
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      She told the Fifa committee that she found his behaviour “odd”.
      After he finished greeting the England players, Hewitt said Rubiales “became more boisterous” among the Spanish players.
      “He was tactile with almost all of them, kissing most on the cheek, and giving some multiple kisses in quick succession and holding them very tightly,” she said.
      “He rubbed some on their back, tapped one on her bottom, grabbed some by their arm, lifted several off their feet, and one was hoisted twice.
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      “In most cases, Rubiales initiated the hugs and physical contact. The hugs were reciprocated but the kisses weren’t.
      “It appeared some players moved their heads to avoid the kissing.”
      Hewitt added that there was “no evidence to suggest this kiss was consensual” when Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips.
      Rubiales had “brought the Fifa organisation and the World Cup ceremony into disrepute by behaving in such a way on this global state”, she said.
      “He has taken away the focus on what should have been the positive and joyous celebrations of the Spanish team and he has instead stubbornly and repeatedly tried to blame the player,” she said.
      Rubiales told Fifa’s disciplinary committee that Hewitt portraying him as “some sort of creep” is “absolutely disgusting”.
      He said he read the evidence “with absolute dismay”.
      Rubiales claimed he was trying to “comfort” Coombs after she was injured during the match and was wearing a bandage at the time.
      Coombs did not play for England in the final, having been an unused substitute.
      It also emerged the Fifa committee considered tougher sanctions.
      In the written grounds of its decision, it said Rubiales’ behaviour was “inexcusable and unacceptable, especially considering his high rank within the football ecosystem at the time”.
      Rubiales was banned from football for breaching article 13 of Fifa’s disciplinary code, which relates to “offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play”.
      He began his career as a Spanish football official in 2010 and elected as president of the Association of Spanish Footballers.
      He went on to become president of the Spanish Football Federation, a role which he stepped down from in September 2023.
      Rubiales sparked outrage when he kissed Spain’s Hermoso without her consent.
      Striker Hermoso lodged a sexual assault complaint in person at the State Attorney General’s Office following the incident.
      She described the kiss as ”an impulsive, sexist act, out of place and without any type of consent on my part”.
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      The Sun has contacted the FA for comment.
      Luis Rubiales quit over criticism for kissing Spain forward Jenni HermosoCredit: Getty
      Rubiales carrying Spain’s Athenea del Castillo Beivide on his shoulder as they celebrate winning the World CupCredit: AFP More

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      Andre Onana could be BANNED from playing for Man Utd by little-known Fifa rule as keeper considers Afcon snub

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      ANDRE ONANA could be banned from playing for Manchester United because of a little-known Fifa rule.The United No1 is expected to travel to the Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon in January.
      Andre Onana could be banned from playing for Manchester United if he refuses to go to AfconCredit: Getty
      He retired from international duty after quitting the team during the World Cup last year, but has since returned to the squad after repairing his relationship with manager Rigobert Song.
      However Onana could decide to sit out of Afcon in a bid to focus on United, as his form has suffered since joining the club.
      He made a blunder against Galatasaray which allowed the Turkish side to mount a comeback in the 3-3 draw.
      But if Cameroon demand he plays and Onana refuses, the goalkeeper could be prohibited from playing for the Red Devils by Fifa.
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      The official Fifa line reads: “A player who has been called up by his association for one of its representative teams is, unless otherwise agreed by the relevant association, not entitled to play for the club with which he is registered during the period for which he has been released or should have been released pursuant to the provisions of this annex, plus an additional period of five days.”
      Liverpool defender Joel Matip avoided a ban after failing to represent Cameroon at Afcon in 2017 and 2020 – though he has not played for his country since 2015.
      Onana could miss six United games with Afcon running from January 13 to February 11.
      The shot-stopper has struggled since his summer move and Premier League legend Ruud Gullit believes Erik ten Hag will have to start asking questions of his keeper.
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      He said: “He knows these are horrible mistakes, he knows that. He’s going to talk in private with his goalkeeper and ask what the hell are you doing, what is going on?
      “Maybe he has to make a decision, you never know. The problem is you want to give your goalkeeper, as much as you can, confidence.
      “Not immediately after a mistake get out. With goalkeepers it is hard. He was in a difficult situation.
      “He saved them once but I feel for him I know he’s a good goalkeeper but he cost them a lot of games.” More

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      Footie bosses WILL press ahead with changes to VAR for corners, free-kicks & yellow cards sparking fan fury

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      FOOTBALL chiefs are ignoring fan fury over VAR by pressing ahead with an expansion of it in the game.Members of the law-making body IFAB agreed at a meeting yesterday to work on plans for interventions on corners, free-kicks and second yellow cards.
      Footie bosses are ignoring fan fury over VAR by pressing ahead with an expansion of it in the gameCredit: Getty
      They have agreed on the moves despite a backlash from supporters on the tech and amid fears games could become two-hour marathons due to delays.
      It comes after we had revealed how football bigwigs from the four Home Nations and Fifa were planning the VAR shake-up — with the summit taking place at a Heathrow hotel yesterday.
      Last night, Fifa referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina confirmed that more VAR calls are on the table.
      Collina, 63, said: “We want to go to a second stage.
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      “It is the right time to consider if something can be changed and VAR used for other things.
      “But there is one important criteria that must be respected: we must have no extra delays.”
      FA chief executive Mark Bullingham is opposed to adding more decisions to the current VAR focus on goals, penalties and red cards.
      But he has just one vote out of the eight IFAB members — with six votes required for any ­measures to be agreed.
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      VAR controversies have plagued the Premier League this season — Chelsea’s recent win at Spurs saw a record nine VAR checks during it.
      IFAB chief executive Lukas Brud said they would look for feedback from Prem officials and the other European leagues.
      However, he added: “If we feel as a group that there’s a need to adjust or improve certain areas of VAR protocol, then we will.”
      Fans groups hit out at the plan.
      Martin Buhagiar, chair of the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust, said: “Rather than going further with VAR, they need to realise it’s not working.”
      And Richard Smith of the Arsenal Independent Supporters Association said: “How do they propose to check corners and yellows?
      “What would define an issue worth checking?
      “It’s none or all — so it’s surely unworkable.”
      The Sun’s front page reported on the new plans for VAR More

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      Brazil ‘face POINTS DEDUCTION with Fifa set to open investigation’ as ‘worst year ever’ hits new low

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      BRAZIL could face a points deduction following the crowd trouble that delayed their match with Argentina this week, according to reports.Violence erupted in the Maracana stands during the national anthems, with heavy-handed police striking supporters with batons.
      Police clashed with fans prior to the matchCredit: AFP
      Violence erupted with police striking fans with batonsCredit: AFP
      The chaotic scenes caused the match to be delayed by 27 minutesCredit: AFP
      Emiliano Martinez tried to defend Argentine fansCredit: Reuters
      The violence could land Brazil in hot waterCredit: Reuters
      Lionel Messi watched on in horror from the pitchCredit: AP
      Amid the chaos fans launched chairs, while parents were forced to protect young kids.
      A supporter caked in blood could be seen in a viral video, while another had to be stretchered away.
      Many Argentina players, including Lionel Messi, approached the stand to try to defend their fans – with Emiliano Martinez even attempting to climb in.
      The match eventually kicked off, with Argentina winning 1-0 to consign Brazil to their first ever home World Cup qualifying defeat.
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      Brazil’s Football Confederation could now face action for the events that took place prior to the match.
      Article 17 of Fifa’s disciplinary code states that “host clubs and associations are responsible for order and security before, during and after matches”.
      It adds that the host confederation are “liable for incidents of any kind” that take place on their watch.
      Fifa are now set to launch an investigation into the violent scenes that took place at the Maracana.
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      And Brazilian outlet Globo claim that Brazil could face a points deduction.
      Other potential punishments include a stadium ban, order to play at a neutral venue or a fine.
      Fifa president Gianni Infantino slammed what happened at the Maracana, writing on social media: “There is absolutely no place for violence in football, on or off the field.
      “Such events, such as those seen during the Fifa World Cup qualifying match between Brazil and Argentina at the Maracana Stadium, have no place in our sport or society.
      A tragedy could have happenedLionel Messi
      “Without exception, all players, fans, staff and officials need to be safe and secure to play and enjoy football, and I urge the relevant authorities to ensure this is respected at all levels.”
      After the game, Messi added: “We went to the locker room because it was the best way to calm everything down, a tragedy could have happened.”
      Brazil have endured a nightmare start to their World Cup qualifying campaign.
      They sit sixth in the team-team group after half a dozen games, already eight points behind leaders Argentina and only five above bottom-placed Peru.
      Six teams qualify automatically from South America, with a further nation going into an inter-confederation play-off.
      The Selecao are currently on a three-game losing streak, having previously fallen to Colombia and Uruguay.
      Prior to this horror run, they had never lost back-to-back qualifiers.
      They have won just three games in 2023, drawing once and losing five times.
      This is the first time in their history that they have lost more than half of their games in a calendar year.
      A fan had to be taken away on a stretcherCredit: Getty
      Brazil are embroiled in a horror run of formCredit: Reuters More

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      England move UP in latest Fifa world rankings despite uninspiring international break as fans say ‘lol what?’

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      ENGLAND will leap back to third in the Fifa world rankings next month – despite only drawing in North Macedonia.Gareth Southgate’s side are now back to equalling the Three Lions’ highest place in the rankings since they were introduced by Fifa in 1992.
      England have moved up to third in the world despite an unconvincing NovemberCredit: Alamy
      Gareth Southgate has challenged his side to reach the No1 spot in the rankingsCredit: Getty
      England were fourth going into this month’s final Euro 2024 qualifier but jumped over Brazil – who dropped to fifth after losing to both Colombia and Argentina in their World Cup qualifying games.
      Lionel Messi’s world champions retain top spot ahead of France but England are now within 45 ranking points of Les Bleus and a further 10 adrift of Argentina.
      Southgate has publicly targeted top spot for the first time as a signal of England’s stature in the game.
      England briefly reached third off the back of the delayed Euro 2020 final in the September 2021 ranking.
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      They also reached that position for two months in 2012 under Roy Hodgson before dropping as low as 20th within two years.
      Southgate inherited a side which stood 12th in 2016 but England have been a permanent presence in the top six since the 2018 World Cup run to the semi-finals.
      However, fans were left baffled by their return to third place after an uninspiring 2-0 win over Malta and a 1-1 draw with North Macedonia.
      One said: “This ranking is literally pointless. Pointless in the sense it makes no sense. At all.”
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      The top 10 teams in the Fifa world rankings have moved around
      While another simply replied: “Lol what?!”
      Brazil and Belgium, who moved above the South Americans into fourth and just two points behind England, will be the next opponents for Southgate’s men in back-to-back Wembley friendlies in March.
      Of the other Home Nations, Wales drop one place to 29th, Scotland are down two to 36th and Northern Ireland up three to 72nd. More