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      Fears Fifa want to reduce Premier League to 18 TEAMS as row over Club World Cup rages on and stars threaten to strike

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      FOOTBALL chiefs fear Fifa wants to impose 18-team leagues around the world including the Premier League.The war of words between leagues and player representatives and the governing body is exploding over the planned expanded Club World Cup.There are fears the Premier League could be reduced to 18 teamsCredit: PAThat could see teams that survived the drop last season at risk of relegation if the league is streamlinedCredit: RexBut the big worry for the Prem, Spain’s La Liga and other domestic leagues is that Fifa will try to bring in rules restricting the number of club games in any country by limiting top divisions to 18 clubs and 34 games.La Liga boss Javier Tebas outlined the fears when he said: “If we don’t take action the industry is in danger, right now. Fifa’s solution is just to create new competitions.“But for that to happen and for us to be able to fit these competitions in, we would have to lose two clubs from La Liga.“That would mean we’d have to make 70 players unemployed at those clubs and it would lose thousands of jobs related to those clubs.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“We need to fix the current problems before creating new competitions that will destroy the industry, clubs, jobs, the dreams of fans – and football.”Tebas’ comments in London came after Sun Sport reported threats of a boycott over the 32-club tournament due to be played in the USA next summer.PFA chief Maheta Molango then revealed Prem stars had told him they were ready to go on strike rather than play against their will.The Spaniard’s worries are shared by Prem bosses, with a genuine concern that Fifa might wish to mandate a reduction in top flight sizes.Most read in FootballLaLiga boss Javier Tebas has said LaLiga could be forced to reduce to 18 teams and Europe’s top leagues would have to follow suitCredit: AFPAn organisation headed up by Prem Chief Richard Masters are convinced that a decision has been madeCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWorld chiefs have already established a “working group on player welfare” which the World League Association – the umbrella group for major leagues, headed by Prem chief executive Richard Masters – is convinced has already decided on its recommendations.One source said: “We all think that this is the ultimate aim from Fifa, to find a way of making us drop to 18.Premier League sides deducted points and others at riskMichail Antonio’s strike should be the wake up call football chiefs need… frazzled stars need a restBy Andrew Dillon

      WHEN highly paid footballers moan about their workload, most people roll their eyes, mutter about having a ‘real job’ then get on with their day.
      But there is something about Michail Antonio’s concerning revelations about his mental health that strike a different chord.
      Charismatic, engaging, outwardly confident and built like a prize bull, surely nothing can touch such a successful athlete with a life most young men dream of?
      So for West Ham’s 67-goal, all-time leading Premier League scorer, a veteran of more than 16 seasons in the game, to admit he has cracked, is a big deal.
      One of the drivers behind the 34-year-old striker’s reluctant advance into therapy is the now relentless football calendar, coupled with the similarly incessant levels of scrutiny.
      Trying to put the ball in the net for a top-flight team is a minor part of the job.
      Simply wondering where your passport is, or feeling secure enough to turn on your phone without receiving 50 gigabytes of abuse, is taking over from the role you have been hired to do.
      Antonio revealed he is now divorced, and what’s behind it is his business.
      But one of his old team-mates, Robert Snodgrass, once told me how he spent an entire season commuting from Essex to Aston Villa while on loan, forcing him to eat at motorway service stations en route.
      His reward for trying to be a good husband and dad by being at home each night?
      To be singled out for putting on weight by then Hammers manager Manuel Pellegrini.
      It’s ironic that Jamaica international Antonio chose to air his deepest-held secrets on the High Performance podcast, because his struggle to cope with the “constant” of football has significantly harmed his game.Yes, top footballers are paid vast amounts but are we getting to a situation where that is not really the point?
      The latest cry for help from someone who should be enjoying every waking moment could not be better timed.
      Just 24 hours earlier, Fifa’s announcement that the spectre of the dreaded ‘39th game’ is being revived must send a shudder through every Premier League dressing room.
      To read more from Andrew Dillon, click here.

      “What you can put your money on is the working group saying there is too much domestic football, that we should all go down from 20 clubs to 18 and that the least impact on players comes from international matches.“We wouldn’t be shocked if they have already written their conclusions.”La Liga, the Prem and Italy’s Serie A all have 20 clubs and while Belgium’s Pro League comprises just 16 teams, they all play 10 matches in the end of season play-off stage to add up to 40 games.When the Prem was initially set up as a 22-club division in 1993-94 it was envisaged to go down to 18 eventually but that idea was canned after the reduction to 20 in 1995-96.Fifa declined to respond directly to the claims although senior figures insist the world body has not “directed” leagues to reduce to 18 teams.Sources suggest such a move is not under consideration at the moment and that competitions and national associations have the autonomy to act as they see fit.However, it was pointed out that the majority of major leagues do have fewer than 20 clubs.Premier League sides deducted points and others at risk
      Nottingham Forest
      Deducted four points during the 2023-24 season for breaching Premier League spending limit by £34.563m. Failed in their appeal with decision upheld.
      Everton
      Initial 10-point deduction for 2021-22 Premier League breaches reduced to six points on appeal. Were deducted a further two points later in the 2023-24 season. Appealed, but since withdrawn following Prem survival.
      Sheffield United
      Hit with a two-point deduction for their finances during the 2022-23 EFL season. Will begin the 2024-25 Championship season on -2 points following their relegation from the Prem.
      OTHERS WHO COULD FACE PUNISHMENT…
      Manchester City
      Etihad club emphatically denies the 115 allegations laid against them in February 2023. The lengthy Commission case has been scheduled to start in October or November but a final decision is not expected until March or April 2025.
      Chelsea
      Blues chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era. Fined £8.6m by Uefa but still to be formally charged by the Prem despite an ongoing investigation.
      Leicester
      Foxes breached Prem PSR loss limits last season but did not have to report their 2022-23 accounts until this month because of their relegation. That puts the timetable back and means that they will probably face a Prem points deduction for the 2024-25 season following their return to the top flight.
      Everton (again)
      The Toffees are again at risk of breaking PSR rules and are in a race against time to raise funds and balance the books. Not only could that lead to another charge but also administration. That would lead to an automatic nine-point deduction for the 2024/25 season. More

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      Football could be hit by most radical change to offside law in 30 YEARS as Wenger presses ahead with ‘daylight’ rule

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      ARSENE WENGER is set to press ahead with the most radical rule change football has seen in more than 30 years as he looks to implement his “daylight” offside law. The former Arsenal boss is Fifa’s chief of global football development.Arsene Wenger is set to press ahead with his radical offside proposalCredit: GettyThe player above would NOT be offside using the new ruleCredit: DirectTVSportsHe has been a major advocate for a huge change to the offside rule that will effectively mean there has to be “daylight” between attacker and defender for an offside offence.The new rule dictates if any part of an attacker’s body that can score — head, torso or legs — is still in line with the defender then they should be judged onside.Wenger, 74, has viewed results from trials for the new rule – performed in Sweden, Italy and the Netherlands – as positive, according to The Times.And he is now set to propose this new offside law to football lawmakers at the International FA Board (Ifab).READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe most recent big change to the offside law came in 1990, when Scotland successfully proposed that attackers could be onside if they are level with defenders instead of behind them.Ex-Arsenal vice chairman David Dein backed the proposal when attending the Fifa congress in Bangkok last week, calling it “refreshingly innovative”.However, ex-Portugal star Luis Figo, who is now head of Uefa’s Football Board, is understood to be among those with reservations to the idea.Speaking in 2020, Wenger said: “There is room to change the rule and not say that a part of a player’s nose is offside, so you are offside because you can score with that. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Instead, you will be not offside if any part of the body that can score a goal is in line with the last defender, even if other parts of the attacker’s body are in front.”That will sort it out and you will no longer have decisions about millimetres and a fraction of the attacker being in front of the defensive line.”Rules of football under review after unknown Swedish club find loophole in offside lawWenger also wants to introduce kick-ins in the defensive half if they are taken within five seconds to help speed up play. More

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      Fifa threatened with legal action unless it reschedules club football’s biggest tournament worth £600million

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      FIFA has been threatened with legal action unless it reschedules next year’s Club World Cup.There are fears the expanded 32-team tournament — to be held in the USA —  poses a “significant injury risk” to players if it is staged in June and July 2025 as currently planned.Man City are the reigning Club World Cup holdersCredit: AFPChelsea and Manchester City are England’s representatives in the event, expected to be worth £600million between the competing clubs — which also include Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and  Inter Milan.But now the international players’ union FifPro and the World Leagues Association, led by Prem chief executive Richard Masters, are demanding Fifa U-turns on its new club flagship tournament — or face being SUED.Ahead of next week’s Fifa Congress in Bangkok, a joint letter to Zurich chiefs from the two bodies claims Fifa’s new match calendar is “beyond saturation”, is causing “economic harm” to domestic leagues and poses a “significant injury risk” to players.The letter said: “Fifa has  consistently made decisions that benefit its own commercial interests, while negatively affecting national leagues and players.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Over a significant period, Fifa has ignored repeated attempts by leagues and unions to engage on this issue.“Should Fifa refuse to commit to resolving the issues, we shall be  compelled to advise our members on the options available to them to  proactively safeguard their interests.“These options include legal action against Fifa, on which we have now commissioned external expert advice.“The calendar is beyond saturation, to the point national leagues are unable to properly organise their competitions, resulting in economic harm.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Players are pushed beyond their limits, with significant injury risks and impacts on their fundamental rights.”Man City are the current holders of the Club World Cup.Fifa President Infantino hails Scottish football thrillerPep Guardiola’s side beat Fluminense 4-0 in Jeddah last December.A Julian Alvarez double sandwiched a Nino own goal and Phil Foden strike. More

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      ‘Stolen’ trophy won by football legend Diego Maradona at ‘Hand of God’ World Cup to ‘sell for millions’ at auction

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      A “STOLEN” trophy won by footballing icon Diego Maradona at the infamous “Hand of God” World Cup is set to go under the hammer.The Argentine star, who died in 2020, was awarded the Golden Ball trophy in 1986 for being the best player at the tournament in Mexico.Diego Maradona was awarded the Golden Ball trophy for being the best player in the 1986 World Cup in MexicoCredit: AFPMaradona holds up his team’s trophy after Argentina’s 3-2 victory over West Germany in the finalCredit: APMaradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal still angers England fansCredit: PopperfotoThe award is expected to sell “for millions” after it resurfaced and will goes up for auction on June 6 with the French company Aguttes.The auction house said it was difficult to give an estimate on just what it would sell for due to its uniqueness, adding that it was a world-first as there has never been any other comparable item.Aguttes house sport expert Francois Thierry said there are lots of stories and legends swirling about the trophy but they had undertaken the necessary checks and even contacted the police.Mr Thierry said: “Used far too often wrongly, the word ‘legend’ fits Diego Maradona perfectly.Read More on Maradona“He is to football what Mohamed Ali is to boxing or Michael Jordan to basketball, an iconic icon who goes far beyond the boundaries of his sport.“He is certainly one of the most human athletes we have ever known, with his strengths and weaknesses.“The golden kid ‘El Pibe de Oro’ also nicknamed ‘the God of football’, is a special case in the history of world football, a raw and instinctive talent, in a career punctuated by strokes of brilliance with both success and excess.“The history of football with a capital H is closely linked to that of Maradona.”Most read in FootballSince the 1982 FIFA World Cup, the Golden Ball has rewarded the best player of the tournament, making it one of the most prestigious individual distinctions in the game.Maradona received the Golden Ball trophy at Lido in Paris on November 13, 1986, as the best player of the World Cup.Match ball from Maradona’s Hand of God goal ‘sells’ for £2MILLION at auction by shameless refWhen it does go up for sale it will be the first time a Golden Ball trophy has been presented at auction.While the Golden Ball changes design at each World Cup, the 1986 trophy uses the designs of the official Adidas ‘Azteca’ ball used for the tournament in Mexico.While many football fans will view the 1986 tournament as a standout, many England fans will remember it for Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goalMr Thierry said: “To say this World Cup had it all would be an understatement: phenomenal goals were scored, and countless world-class talents were on display.“It is also, above all, at this tournament that Diego Maradona really showed the whole world what he could do with his feet, and even with his hands…”On June 22 of that year England took on Argentina in the quarter finals, just four years after the Falklands War.At this tournament Diego Maradona really showed the whole world what he could do with his feet, and even with his handsAguttes sport expert Francois Thierry Maradona infamously outjumped England keeper Peter Shilton to punch his first goal into the net using his raised fist, which he later described as being scored by the “Hand of God”.Just four minutes later though he scored again in a goal which was voted as the “Goal of the Century” in a Fifa poll.Picking the ball up in his own half he then beat five England players before scoring his second goal.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe trophy is made from a gold copper alloy and is 28 cm tall and weighs approximately 4 kilos.The match ball Maradona punched during his notorious “Hand of God” goal sold for £2million in November 2022.Maradona holds up his trophy alongside West German goalkeeper Harald Schumacher at the awards ceremony in ParisCredit: APMaradona is widely seen as one of the world’s footballing greatsCredit: Getty More

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      England rivals ‘face being THROWN OUT of Euro 2024 as Uefa and Fifa set deadline’

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      SPAIN could be THROWN OUT of Euro 2024 for government interference in the Spanish FA, according to reports.Spanish clubs including Real Madrid and Barcelona could also be axed from next season’s Champions League, while the country’s hosting of the 2030 World Cup may also be in jeopardy.Spain could be banned from the Euros this summerCredit: APJose Manuel Rodríguez-Uribes, president of Spain’s Supreme Sports Council, sent a letter to Uefa and Fifa explaining why government involvement was required as the Spanish FA battles allegations of corruption.The latest scandal comes just months after former Uefa vice-president Luis Rubiales resigned as Spanish FA chief after he kissed Jenni Hermoso following the country’s Women’s World Cup final victory over England.But AS understand Uefa and Fifa have not responded well to Rodriguez-Uribes’ letter, believing a “line has been crossed” as a result of government interference.A joint letter sent by the two governing bodies to Rodriguez-Uribes last week, signed by general secretaries Mattias Grafstrom and Theodore Theodoridis, questioned why the interference had taken place.READ MORE ON EURO 2024The letter also insisted neither organisation would accept any form of government meddling.The Supreme Sports Council now have until Friday to give answers to the following questions:
      On what legal and/or factual basis was the Commission appointed?
      Who makes up the Commission and who appointed its members?
      What is the Commission’s exact mandate?
      What power does the Commission have?
      What relationship does the Commission have with the statutory decision-making bodies in the RFEF?
      By Friday, it is understood the council’s response will lead to one of two outcomes.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIf deemed a satisfactory response, Uefa and Fifa will likely refrain from taking action against the Spanish FA.But if it is decided that the Spanish FA has in effect been taken over by the government then they would likely be immediately suspended by both Uefa and Fifa.Huge changes being made to English football schedule next seasonThis would mean being kicked out of this summer’s Euros in Germany, while Spanish clubs would be unable to compete in the Champions League, Europa League, Europa Conference League and Club World Cup next season.They would also be ruled out of hosting the 2030 World Cup – which they are due to stage alongside Portugal and Morocco – with three games also in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.Their hosting of the tournament has not yet been ratified and Fifa bosses are confident Portugal and Morocco are capable of putting the tournament on without Spain.Fifa and Uefa have precedent for responding to political controversies having banned Russian clubs from European competition after the invasion of Ukraine.Russia also missed out on the opportunity to host Euro 2028.In recent years, the football associations of Zimbabwe, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya and Pakistan have also been temporarily suspended due to outside interference.Meanwhile, England are risking their own Euro ban after it was revealed last week MPs are demanding the decision to get rid of FA Cup replays be reversed. More

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      Fifa close to agreeing major new broadcasting deal for Club World Cup – but fans might not be able to watch for free

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      FIFA are close to agreeing a broadcast deal for the Club World Cup, according to reports.The expanded tournament is set to take place in the US in the summer of 2025.Apple TV+ are in talks to broadcast the Club World CupCredit: GettyThe Club World Cup traditionally pitted four clubs from around the globe against one another.But the new format will see 32 clubs participate including 12 from Europe, with Manchester City and Chelsea representing England.Fifa were believed to want around £3.2million for the broadcast package but the actual fee could be closer to £800,000, according to the New York Times.Apple TV+ are in talks about buying the rights and could make the tournament subscriber-only, which means fans might not be able to watch any games for free.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSenior executives at Fifa have concerns about that fact, with normal World Cup games being made free-to-air in the UK.Apple TV+ show MLS games after agreeing a ten-year deal worth £2billion.They will also show Jake Paul’s boxing dust-up with Mike Tyson in July.There is plenty of money involved in the revamped tournament with each club set to bank at least £43m.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe winner will pocket an additional £80m, meaning there is plenty on the line for the likes of Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.Four teams from England have won the competition previously – Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and City.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fan More

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      I cried after conceding 31 goals in heaviest ever Fifa defeat but now I’ve had film made about me by Rita Ora’s husband

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      GOALKEEPER Nicky Salapu has swapped the pain of a 31-0 defeat for the fame of a cult movie – 23 years later.The American Samoa player, 43, was in tears when Australia racked up a record international win in 2001.Nicky Salapu shows the agony as yet another goal flies past the keeper in American Samoa’s record 31-0 loss vs Australia in 2001Credit: AP:Associated PressMovie director Taika Waititi, seen with wife Rita Ora, made Next Goal Wins, a fictional film about the American Samoa teamCredit: GettySalapu looks back on his career with dignity now, having also made the American Samoa squad for the 2023 Pacific Games last DecemberCredit: GettyBut he cried with redemption a decade later when the “world’s worst team” finally registered a victory.Now he’s one of the central figures portrayed in Next Goal Wins – a fictional film from Hollywood A-list director Michael Fassbender, the husband of singer Rita Ora.Looking trim and fit, Salapu still gets stopped in the streets and asked about a loss that was unique for much more than just the scoreline.His international team were forced into a frenzied search for players ahead of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers when Fifa ruled that squad members must have an American passport.READ MORE TOP STORIESThree 15-year-olds were among the youngsters hastily called up, meaning an average age of 18 and Salapu being a wise old head at 20.He told the BBC’S Sporting Witness podcast: “We had to find anyone in two weeks. We ended up selecting kids from high school.”And after his side opened with three heavy defeats – 13-0 to Fifi, 8-0 vs Samoa and 5-0 to Tonga – Salapu was upset Australia went full out.He even claimed, had he been the Socceroos’ coach, he would have told his players to score 20 times then “keep possession until the game is over”.Most read in FootballYet that miserable mauling is no longer the main reason the story of American Samoa football is now so well-known.Dutchman Thomas Rongen became coach in 2011, sparking incredible progress that was shared to a wider audience in a 2014 documentary, Next Goal Wins, and retold in a movie of the same name last year.Rita Ora ditches her underwear in racy see-through Met Gala dress with husband Taika WaititiThe peak arrived when American Samoa followed 38 loses in a row by launching their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-1 triumph over Tonga.Salapu said: “That was the first time I ever cried in soccer since 2001 against Australia.” But his footballing story is not yet over – as he made the American Samoa squad for the Pacific Games last DecemberAnd son Dylan plays for their Under-17s team in midfield.A far cry from 2001 when such a pedigree would have made him a veteran of their senior side…Team-mate Young Im Min consoles Salapu during the 31-0 maulingCredit: GettySalapu suffered the low point of his playing career vs AustraliaCredit: GettyWaititi and Ora are a well-known glam couple in the entertainment worldCredit: Getty More

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      Why Leeds may be forced to pay £40MILLION for flop footballer they never even owned

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      LEEDS may have to fork out a staggering £40million for the bungled transfer of a player they never even owned. It comes after it emerged the Whites have withdrawn their appeal against the awarding of £24.5m in compensation to their former striker Jean-Kevin Augustin from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).Leeds have withdrawn their appeal from CAS relating to the case with former player Jean-Kevin AugustinCredit: GettyAugustin appealed to FIFA for £24.5m in compensation from Leeds for lost wagesCredit: GettyWhile a £15.5m settlement fee between Leeds and RB Leipzig may see the full fee come out to £40mCredit: RexIn 2020 Leeds struck an agreement with RB Leipzig to sign the Frenchman on loan with a clause agreeing to an £18m purchase if the club were promoted to the Premier League, which was achieved. Augustin played just 48 minutes across three appearances under Marcelo Bielsa as a hamstring injury sidelined him before the season was wrecked by the Covid-19 pandemic.The Elland Road outfit pulled out of the deal and argued they should not have to pay the transfer fee because Augustin’s loan expired on June 30, while the season ended up finishing on July 17.Leipzig lodged a successful complaint with Fifa and saw their compensation claim upheld by a subsequent CAS appeal from Leeds last November.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe two sides eventually agreed a settlement transfer fee of £15.5m in December 2022.However, Augustin also lodged a separate appeal to Fifa for compensation against Leeds amounting to a sum of £24.5m in lost wages and bonuses. This figure represents Augustin’s full £93,000-a-week wages on a five-year contract plus a signing on bonus worth around £2.5m.Fifa found partially in his favour last year, with Leeds tabling an appeal with CAS. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut according to The Athletic, the Whites are now said to have withdrawn that appeal with the “process ending prematurely without a further ruling”.A statement from CAS given to The Athletic said: “The appeal in the arbitration CAS 2023/A/9616 Leeds United v Jean-Kevin Augustin, against the decision issued on 30 March 2023 by FIFA Football Tribunal Dispute Resolution Chamber (FPSD-6567), was withdrawn.”What is FFP? How Financial Fair Play is affecting Man Utd and Arsenal in January transfer windowIt is unclear whether the withdrawal of the appeal means Leeds will commit to paying Augustin the full amount.If the appeal withdrawal is indicative of a commitment to pay the full sum awarded to Augustin by Fifa, Leeds are looking at a total bill of £40m in transfer fee and wages for a player they never owned fully.After Leeds refused to sign Augustin permanently he signed for FC Nantes that season.He only made 11 appearances in a two-year spell in France before signing for Basel in 2022.The now 26-year-old has made 51 appearances and scored eight goals since joining the Swiss club. Leeds currently sit third in the Championship, one point behind Leicester and Ipswich who occupy the automatic playoff spots. More