Fifa

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City and Chelsea stars to be asked about BOYCOTTING Club World Cup with players facing ‘tipping point’

      by

      MANCHESTER City and Chelsea stars will be asked if they want to BOYCOTT next summer’s Club World Cup unless Fifa strike a deal with players’ leaders.Less than 24 hours after world chiefs unveiled the new brand logo for the 32-team tournament due to be held in the USA next summer, the international players’ union Fifpro published statistics showing how top stars are ALREADY overplayed.Fifa’s Club World Cup will take place next summer in the USACredit: GettyBut Manchester City and Chelsea will potentially be given the opportunity to boycott the tournamentCredit: RexPFA supremo Maheta Molango will see if the clubs are serious about not playing in the tournamentCredit: PASunSport revealed the potential strike threat, which would be backed by the PFA, earlier this year, despite both Chelsea and City in line for huge shares of a potential £600m prize pot.And with legal action against Fifa having already been launched with the European courts, PFA boss Maheta Molango suggested he may have to go to the Stamford Bridge and Etihad dressing rooms to see if the players are serious about following through.Molango said: “This is not an attack on Fifa or the Club World Cup but we have reached a tipping point.“This will be the defining season for football. The calendar doesn’t make any sense.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“We have been warning for a long time but this season we will have a very telling example of what is happening.“Our legal case questions if there were potential breaches of the right to enjoy a holiday and if Fifa is abusing a dominant position.“The players are conscious, across the pyramid, about the calendar.”When people try to portray this as just about the elite players it’s just not true. It is massive and goes beyond that.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhat will happen to Man City?MAN CITY are favourites to win the Premier League title yet again – but there is one elephant in the room that threatens to put the skids under the Etihad giants.Sunsport’s MARTIN LIPTON discusses what the next few months could hold with Head of Sport SHAUN CUSTIS….Custis: So the big question – will there be a resolution this season?Lipton: Yes…. probably! We know the case will start to be dealt with in October or November.It will take at least a month to go through the evidence. So I suspect around March, April time, we will get a result. But that’s where it starts to get tricky.Custis: Why is that?Lipton: If the result is in City’s favour, that’s the end of the matter. They will be cleared. They will have no punishment to face.But if City are found guilty, these will be the heaviest penalties ever imposed by the Premier League.I suspect if they are found guilty, they will be expelled from the league or given a massive points deduction and a huge fine so that they’re not in the Premier League next season.Check out the full discussion on Man City’s future.“But if Fifa are not prepared to talk, we will go back to the players and say to them ‘we have done our bit; we are going to fight as hard as we can but ultimately this may require more from you’.Former West Ham and Newcastle defender David Terrier, vice-president of the French players’ union, added: “We brought the case to find out what the players want us to do. This is our work.Scott Carson’s glittering trophy cabinet“After that we will come back to them and say, ‘We’ve tried to fight and put on the table a solution for bargaining – but nobody wants to answer us.’“So then the possibility we have is to decide together that we won’t play – do you agree with that or not?“We are not the players. We support them, fight for them and explain the situation to them.”That is the last solution and not the one we want, but we do want to protect football.”The benefit of players having increased rest is no more clear and evident than with City hitman Erling Haaland, who has already hit two hat-tricks and scored seven goals so far this season.And Molango believes City’s striker, along with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, have done more for the future of every player than any lawyer in a suit could.As he helped launch the international players’ union FifPro’s latest “Player Workload Monitoring Report”, Molango was clear in his thinking.Haaland’s brilliant start to the new campaign, along with the blistering form of Liverpool’s Egyptian king, is down to him not being as burned out as many of the Prem’s other biggest names.The subdued force who ended last season as a mere mortal has returned as football’s version of RoboCop, an ice-cold penalty box killer.Molango has not a shadow of a doubt as to why – his pre-season trips around Prem dressing rooms making it abundantly clear.The PFA boss said: “What I found astonishing this summer was the difference in terms of the feedback from the people who had a proper holiday and those who did not.We have reached a tipping pointMaheta Molango, CEO of the PFA“The body language and the words they chose in talking to us was so different.“In England, we have a very clear example, with Haaland.“It’s very nice to go to a dressing room and hear someone say to you, ‘I was missing being back.”I was missing being able to train again. And I’m pumped up, I’m motivated. I’m here’. And that was in the preseason.“Now you see the result. He is back to being the machine that we saw when he first joined us in England.“It’s probably something very similar to Mo Salah. He had a proper rest and you can see it’s the best version of Mo.“That’s what the fans want to see and what we as a union want to see as well.“But the people who have not had that rest, you can see they look shattered. They look tired before even starting the season, which for us is very worrying.”The “workload” on top players is the key finding of FifPro’s document.A survey of 1500 players across Europe, mainly in the leading divisions, found more than half are already playing 50-plus games in a season.Julian Alvarez, who left Manchester City for Atletico Madrid in the summer’s biggest transfer, played in a staggering 75 games for club and country last term, with Phil Foden featuring 72 times, as did Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunes, while club-mate Cody Gakpo, Aston Villa’s John McGinn and Arsenal’s Kai Havertz walked onto the pitch at least 70 times each.And that was before this season’s expansion of the Champions League, potentially adding four more games, the Club World Cup that is due to feature up to seven games for City and Chelsea next summer and the 48-team 2026 World Cup.FifPro previously pointed out that Jude Bellingham has played twice as many senior minutes as David Beckham had at the same age, while Spurs defender Cristian Romero travelled 105,000 miles – two and a half times round the earth – even though Tottenham were not in Europe.Fifa are in FifPro’s sights, the Club World Cup seen as a competition too far – especially as the union accuses world chiefs of “refusing” to even discuss the issue.Legal action that has been launched in the European Court of Justice could end in the likes of Foden, Bellingham and Harry Kane being asked if they are prepared to take strike action rather than fly out to the USA next June.Erling Haaland has benefitted immensely from having the summer offCredit: GETTYAs has Liverpool forward Mohamed SalahCredit: REXFormer Arsenal and Liverpool performance coach Darren Burgess explained: “Young players are still growing into their mid-20s.“We know that putting them through this stress is placing them at increased risks but the levels of games have so startlingly increased over the past 20 years that we don’t know what this might do to our young stars.“That’s the scariest part – that there are no safeguards. The science tells us that they are still growing and putting them under more load generally leads to injury.”Molango, though, believes there is a wider problem that MUST be addressed.He added: “The domestic calendar hasn’t changed over the last 20 years. It is not the issue because it is the bread and butter for players.“A big proportion of their money comes from domestic TV contracts and it is important to protect the domestic pyramid.”That’s something they strongly feel about. We need to protect the players from themselves.”They love playing, they are committed to playing and they don’t want to lose their starting spot.“But the fans are paying 100 per cent prices and not seeing 100 per cent of the show.“We think there should be a maximum number of games, between 50 and 60 per season, which can vary depending on your age.“But players must not play more than five or six games back to back and they must be allowed a minimum three weeks of complete rest in the summer.“In the past, when we talked about this, it was us saying how it ‘feels’.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But this is science talking, a report from people – players and coaches – who have first-hand experience.“Players are at the ‘red limit’. If we want to protect the show, we must protect the players.” More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Jamaica ace hopes new guide for mums in football leads to better support for female players with children

      by

      CHEYNA MATTHEWS hopes new guidelines for mums in football will make it “less taboo” for female players to bring their children to sports events.The former Jamaica player, 30, shared her thoughts as part of ‘The Postpartum Return to Play’ guide published by global players’ union Fifpro.Sara Bjork Gunnarsdottir, who won a landmark maternity pay case last year, is among the players who fed into Fifpro’s new guideCredit: ReutersCheyna Matthews (left) hopes Fifpro’s guide will help make it less taboo for players who are mums to bring children into football environmentsCredit: APThe 48-page guide, published today, was produced with input from current and former elite players who are parents, including Matthews, who is a mother-of-three.Other players who are mums and shared their experiences include ex-Iceland midfielder Sara Bjork Gunnarsdottir, who won a maternity pay claim case against French giants Lyon last January.The guide provides information on topics such as sleep hygiene, breastfeeding and pelvic health. It also provides advice on nutrition for players for during and after pregnancy, as well as management of mental wellbeing, and returning to exercise post-pregnancy.Read More Football StoriesThe guide includes insights from experts on pregnancy and reproductive health, women’s football and Fifa maternity regulations.And Matthews, who played for Jamaica at the 2019 and 2023 World Cups, hopes it will lead to better support for female footballers wanting to blend their roles as mothers and elites athletes.The former forward, said: “For me, I tried to keep my children away from the club environment because I didn’t want to be looked at as the mum, I wanted to be looked at as a professional.”I think that was probably my biggest challenge – finding that balance of how often do I have my children around, do they travel with me?Most read in Football”It’s those kinds of things and I just worked with my family and the support and resources that I had outside of the team to make it fit what I felt like I should do in my professional environment.”These guidelines will really help, in terms of having the professional life and the family life intersect, where it’s not as taboo to have your child travel with you on a trip. “And it’s not considered a distraction and there’s a space for it.”Last month in Paris retired United States sprint star Allyson Felix opened the first nursery to be set up in an Olympic village.The seven-time Olympic gold-medallist told NBC the idea for this at the Paris games “was top of mind to support athletes are mothers”.Felix, who won an election to represent athletes on the IOC, said: “It’s here so that mothers and families feel supported.”Having some normalcy is great, just to have an actual space dedicated for this.”Last month Allyson Felix opened the first nursery to provided in an Olympic Games villageCredit: ReutersMatthews, who has 18 senior Jamaica caps, hopes Fifpro’s new guidelines will open doors for similar spaces at football tournaments.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe forward, whose former clubs include Washington Spirit, Racing Louisville and Chicago RedStars, adds: “Having the childcare centre for the Olympians is huge.”I can just see with the (Fifpro) guideline how it will open doors for maybe sponsors and different supporters to have these experiences for players in the football environment as well.” More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch Kobbie Mainoo’s ‘1000 IQ’ goal as fans say Man Utd star ‘playing Fifa Street in real life’

      by

      KOBBIE MAINOOO has dazzled kids on Venice Beach with his “Fifa Street” skills during an impromptu Los Angeles kickabout on Monday.The England star was granted an extended break after the Euros, but still travelled to California as part of Manchester United’s pre-season tour.The Man Utd star surprised local youngsters in a street matchMainoo scored an unbelievable goal during his LA kickaboutCredit: X/bethTmuAnd fans have been left stunned with his ‘1000 IQ’ notchCredit: X/bethTmuThe 19-year-old didn’t feature in the Red Devils’ 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at the weekend as he enjoys a well-earned rest.But Mainoo kept his eye in as he surprised some young fans with a small-sided game by the Pacific Ocean.The Three Lions sensation joined in with local youngsters as they enjoyed a football contest on a concrete pitch.The midfielder’s dancing feet left his young opponents chasing shadows, as he weaved his way through challenges, and drove towards goal to finish in rabona style. READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe talented teenager is certainly looking sharp ahead of a return to action, and was caught nutmegging Joe Gomez during Euros training last month.Mainoo is not expected to be back until the Community Shield against Manchester City on August 10 as he recuperates from this summer’s run to the Euro 2024 final.But it was no surprise to see the Man Utd star catch the eyes of footie fans with an outrageous goal.Reacting to the clip, one X user replied: “Bro plays Fifa street in real life!”Most read in FootballOLYMPICS FREE BETS – SIGN UP OFFERS AND DEAL FOR PARIS 2024While second noted: “This 1000 IQ goal by Mainoo is insane.”A third said: “He’s generational. A proper street player 🥶.”Watch Kobbie Mainoo’s incredible skill as Man Utd star enjoys kickabout with Love Island star brother and kids in LA And another replied: “How can this dude be this smooth at 19 💥.”Both he and Luke Shaw are entitled to three weeks’ mandatory holiday following the Euros final on July 14 – where England fell agonisingly short in a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Spain.Mainoo became a first-team regular at United last season, starting 21 Premier League games in a row from December until the end of the campaign.He’s surely looking to have a better time in America this time round, after suffering a nasty ankle injury during last year’s pre-season tour defeat to Real Madrid – which United lost 2-0.The midfielder was out for four months until late November before playing 32 games in all competitions, scoring five goals and providing three assists. More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Why England were the Spurs of Euro 2024 with results equivalent to 1-0 win over Preston and 0-0 with Exeter

      by

      ENGLAND’S rocky road to the final saw results equivalent to Tottenham failing to beat Exeter and Portsmouth in 90 minutes.The performances of Gareth Southgate’s side were far from convincing throughout the Euros – with it coming to a devastating end at the last hurdle against Spain.Gareth Southgate’s side stumbled to the finalCredit: PAEngland drew with Slovenia, who are 57th in the world rankingsCredit: RexDomestically, Slovakia have been compared to PortsmouthCredit: APEngland currently sit fifth in the Fifa world rankings and when comparing the list to the football pyramid, that would make the Three Lions the equivalent of Spurs, who finished in the Premier League.England kicked-off their tournament by holding on for a nervy 1-0 win over Serbia.They are 32nd in world rankings and in the English football pyramid, that side is Preston.Next up was a bore 1-1 draw with Denmark and again converting the international positions to domestic, the Danes are the equivalent to Leicester.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Another dull draw followed against Slovenia and they are ranked 57th by Fifa.Exeter, who finished 13th in League One last season, are their EFL equivalents. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane were the saviours as the Three Lions left it late to beat Slovakia 2-1 in extra-time.The Slovakians are 43rd in the world, according to Fifa, which puts them in the position of third tier champions Portsmouth.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEngland’s results in domestic positionsEngland and Tottenham both fifth in Fifa world rankings and Premier League respectively. Converting nations into their domestic positions, England’s results would be:Spurs 1-0 Preston Spurs 1-1 Leicester Spurs 0-0 ExeterSpurs 2-1 Portsmouth (AET)Spurs 1-1 Burnley (5-3 on Penalties)Spurs 2-1 NewcastleSpurs 1-2 Man Utd England beat Switzerland on penalties in the quarter-final as the heroes converted all five spot-kicks.The Swiss are ranked 19th in the world, which would see them in the Premier League relegation zone, taking Burnley’s place.Gareth Southgate drops quit hint on live TV minutes after England’s heartbreaking Euro 2024 final lossOllie Watkins was the hero as England booked their spot in the final by beating Holland 2-1.Newcastle and the Dutch both find themselves in seventh.And finally, it was a 2-1 defeat to Euros winners Spain in what could be Southgate’s last game in charge.La Roja are set to rise up the rankings after clinching glory – but coming into the tournament they were in eighth place.Manchester United were eighth in the Prem last season as Erik ten Hag just about clung onto his job. Fifa world rankings – top tenRankings correct of June 20.ArgentinaFrance BelgiumBrazilEnglandPortugal HollandSpainCroatia Italy More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Major change could be made to Euros as nation faces being STRIPPED of hosting rights by Uefa

      by

      FOOTBALL governing bodies Uefa and Fifa could throw the book at Italy and strip them of hosting rights for Euro 2032, it has been revealed.The Euro 2020 victors are joint hosts with Turkey for the 2032 tournament after being awarded the rights by Uefa’s executive committee last year.Euro 2032 could see its host nation stripped of the rightsCredit: GettyUefa president Aleksander Ceferin sent a joint letter with Fifa to the Italian FACredit: GettyFIGC President Gabriele Gravina was warned a new policy could breach rules on government interference in footballCredit: EPAHowever, a major change could be in the works for the competition in eight years time.A new policy known as the Mulè Amendment is pushing for Serie A, Serie B and Lega Pro to break away from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).This would work in a similar way to how the Premier League broke away from the English Football Association.The amendment had been criticised as a breach of the rules regarding government interference in sports administration. READ MORE IN EURO 2024And as revealed by Repubblica, Uefa and Fifa sent a letter warning Italy they may face severe repercussions as a result of the new amendment.Originally, it had motioned that club’s and players be allowed to bypass the sporting justice system and appeal directly to the TAR tribunal.In their letter to FIGC president Gabriele Gravina, football’s governing bodies said: “We are forced to intervene in the interest of the principles and values of the sports system that we support…”The amendment is in stark contrast with these principles. It has blatantly ignored the central role that federations play in ensuring the balanced and healthy development of sport.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We expect politics to respect the autonomy of football.”The letter added: “It turns out that every single point of the original amendment was incompatible with the obligations of the FIGC.England vs Netherlands Player Ratings”If the amendment were to be approved in its original form or in a new wording that would still support the elements addressed in this letter, we would have no choice but to refer the matter to our decision-making bodies to assess possible measures, including the possible suspension of the FIGC.”One such punishment would be the aforementioned stripping of hosting rights for the 2032 tournament, as well as them being booted out of international tournaments such as the World Cup.However, according to news agency ANSA via Business Day, the amendment was passed with some changes.It turns out that every single point of the original amendment was incompatible with the obligations of the FIGCUefa and Fifa letterRepubblicaThe changes included the removal of the provision allowing clubs to bypass the sporting justice system and appeal directly to the TAR tribunal.It is understood this new version has been sent to Uefa and Fifa for evaluation.Giorgio Mulé, who drafted the ruling, said on the latest draft: “To guarantee an adequate representation in the federal systems, the professional leagues have the right to equal representation in the directive organizations of the sporting federations that take into account the economic contribution given to the system.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “A new era begins for Italian football today with the fair recognition of the weight and role that the Lega Serie A has within the Federation.”A new page finally brings us up to date with modern times.”Euro 2024 final stadium is home to English football’s most shameful episodeGARETH SOUTHGATE and his players will walk in the footsteps of sporting infamy on Sunday.And they also have the chance to wipe out the memories of English football’s most shameful episode by replacing it with glorious triumph.For many, the Olympiastadion will always be the place where Jesse Owens humiliated Adolf Hitler in his own backyard.But the 1936 Olympics WERE used by the Nazis as pure propaganda, as a statement about the supposed supremacy of the “Aryan race”.The ghosts of those Games still flit between the towers and the colosseum-style architecture.Fans walking in on Sunday will see the plinth where the Olympic cauldron was lit by Fritz Schilgen – handpicked by propagandist film-maker Leni Riefenstahl – still there, high in the stands above one goal.And two years later, when the FA disgracefully ordered England’s players to raise their arm in the Nazi salute before beating Germany in a friendly, it seemed that the British state was implicitly accepting Hitler’s authority and power.The Three Lions have the opportunity to right that ancient wrong yet nothing can detract from the stadium’s place in the pantheon of sport’s darkest hours.Read the full story HERE. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      From drugging teammates with sleeping pills to baffling 95-0 scoreline – inside the murky world of football match-fixing

      by

      ENGLAND fans are furious after a scandal-hit referee has been chosen for tomorrow’s Euro 2024 semi-final clash.German-born Felix Zwayer, who will oversee the Three Lions game against the Netherlands, was banned for six months for match-fixing back in 2005.Felix Zwayer, who was previously given a ban for match-fixing, will referee England’s semi-final clashCredit: RexThe official previously clashed with Jude Bellingham over decisions made in a 2021 matchCredit: AFPBellingham was fined £34,000 for criticising Zwayer in this post-match interview in 2021The 43-year-old had received a £250 bribe from another referee, Robert Hoyzer, who had links to a £1.7million Croatian gambling syndicate in Berlin.While Zwayer was reinstated as a FIFA-listed ref in 2012, some fear England may be at risk of harsh treatment due to Jude Bellingham criticising him three years ago.The Three Lions ace, then 18, previously fumed at the official in a post-match interview for not giving his side, Borussia Dortmund, a penalty while awarding one to Bayern Munich.Bellingham, whose team lost 3-2 in the 2021 match, was fined £34,000 for raging: “You can look at a lot of decisions in that game.READ MORE FROM FEATURES“You give a referee that has match-fixed before the biggest game in Germany. What do you expect?”Zwayer was one of five refs who helped to expose crooked Hozyer – who was jailed two-and-a-half years and given a lifetime ban from working in the sport. Sadly match-fixing is nothing new in the world of football – here we reveal some of the utterly astounding scandals.Drugging teammatesBack in 2011, a clash between Italian third-division teams Cremonese and Paganese became famous for all the wrong reasons.Most read in FootballObservers noticed Cremonese’s players looked sluggish and reported feeling tired during the match.Some were reported to have struggled to walk and one member of the team crashed his car while driving home from the match.England’s penalty shoot-out secretsMarco Paolini drugged his teammates with sleeping pillsCredit: RAIIt later transpired that Cremonese’s goalkeeper Marco Paolini had been drugging his teammates with sleeping pills in a bid to pay off gambling debts.The footballer, who had placed the drug in their water bottles, was banned for five years after an FA investigation found links to disgraced Singapore businessman Dan Tan.95-0 winMost football fans would be happy with their side winning a match by a couple of goals – but in Sierra Leone eyebrows were raised by two surprisingly flattering score lines in 2022. Gulf FC and Kenama were both investigated by the nation’s football association after the teams managed to score in excess of 90 goals each.It followed Gulf beating Koquima 91-1 – after being ahead 7-1 in the first half – and Kenama thrashing Lumbebu United 95-0 after leading 2-0 before the second half commenced.The two results were annulled due to allegations of match manipulation and the Sierra Leona Football Association launched an investigation.The four teams were initially suspended by organisers. Later they were forced to replay the matches and put investigation.Totenero scandalItaly’s Paolo Rossi was banned for two years as part of the scandalCredit: PA:Press AssociationTotenero remains the world’s most famous match-fixing scandal – and led to a staggering 21 players, club owners and officials being given prison time.It came to light after an Italian newspaper discovered two greengrocers in Rome had masterminded a ring to facilitate teams to throw matches.They had bribed players including some from the football team Lazio, who were regulars in the restaurant, before eventually running out of money. The 1980 scandal, dubbed ‘totenero’ – the Italian word for illegal gambling – led to both Lazio and AC Milan being relegated from Serie A.Of the arrests, the most notable was Perugia forward Paolo Rossi – who was banned for two years before representing Italy at the 1982 World Cup, where he was the tournament’s top goalscorer.Disgrace of GijonWest Germany’s Wolfgang Dremmler scoring in the match against AustriaCredit: PA:Press AssociationAlgeria fans held money up to photographers, alleging there had been a fix between West Germany and AustriaCredit: AP:Associated PressWhile FIFA stated no rules had been broken, many were furious after a match between West Germany and Austria during 1982 World Cup.For both teams to progress through the group stage at the expense of Algeria, Germany needed just a 1-0 victory over the rivals.The only goal of the match came within 10 minutes of the game and after players passed the ball between them unwilling to compete further.Algeria were knocked out of the tournament and angry fans posed in front of photographers with money showing their disapproval of how the game had been fixed.The game – dubbed ‘the disgrace of Gijon’ – led FIFA to introduce a new rule for all final group games to be played simultaneously.Referee outrageJuventus director Luciano Moggi was involved in the ref-fixingCredit: PA:Press AssociationMoggi walking to court in 2010 for his involvement in the 2006 corruption scandalCredit: AFPIn 2006, Italian football suffered yet another scandal when police intercepted phone calls that revealed club officials had arranged for favourable referees. Teams including Juventus, Milan, Fiorentina, Lazio and Reggina were found to have been involved in conversations with the referee organisations. It led to prison sentences and football bans for Fiorentina’s co-owner Andrea Della Valle and Juventus director Luciano Moggi. England’s penalty shootout recordTHE dreaded penalty shootout.England’s nemesis at no fewer than EIGHT major tournaments since 1990, from the West Germany heartache at Italia 90 to Wembley woes on the brink of Euro 2020 final glory.But the perfect shootout win over Switzerland at Euro 2024 gives some reason for optimism…1990 World Cup semi-final vs WEST GERMANY, 04/07/1990 – LOST 4-3Euro 1996 quarter-final vs SPAIN, 22/06/1996 – WON 4-2Euro 1996 semi-final vs WEST GERMANY, 26/06/1996 – LOST 6-5Friendly vs BELGIUM, 29/05/1998 – LOST 4-31998 World Cup last 16 vs ARGENTINA, 30/06/1998 – LOST 4-3Euro 2004 quarter-final vs PORTUGAL, 24/06/2004 – LOST 6-52006 World Cup quarter-final vs PORTUGAL, 01/07/2006 – LOST 3-1Euro 2012 quarter-final vs ITALY, 24/06/2012 – LOST 4-22018 World Cup last 16 vs COLOMBIA, 03/07/2018 – WON 4-3Nations League third-place play-off vs SWITZERLAND, 09/06/2019 – WON 6-5Euro 2020 final vs ITALY, 11/07/2021 – LOST 3-2Euro 2024 quarter-final vs SWITZERLAND, 06/07/24 – WON 5-3OVERALL: Played 12 Won 4, Lost 8Of the teams involved, Juventus received the heftiest punishment with them being stripped of two Serie A titles and relegated to Series B.It led to a number of the team’s star players including Fabio Cannavaro and Zlatan Ibrahimovic leaving the club. Nearly 35 international footballers left the Italian league as a result of the scandal and moved to teams in other European leagues. 146 goals In another scandal involving absurd scorelines, four teams were banned from Nigeria’s lower league after 146 goals were scored in two matches.Both Plateau United Feeders and Police Machine were battling for promotion in 2013 but faced large goal differences so the teams took it into their own hands.Plateau United Feeders were 7-0 up at half-time against Akurba FC but went on to score a staggering 72 more goals.Similarly, Police Machine won 67-0 against Babyaro FC after being 6-0 ahead at halftime.The games saw one player score 11 times, three own goals and new footballs being used instead of retrieving balls from the back of the net. All four teams were banned for 10 years due to the “shameful incident”.Deliberate own goalTwo Brazilian footballers were sacked in an alleged match-fixing scandal in 2022Credit: TwitterIt’s claimed a midfielder deliberately scored an own goal and the keeper did nothing to stop himCredit: TwitterIn Brazil, at least two footballers were sacked after a bizarre own goal one minute before the end of the match. In footage from the game, it appeared that midfielder Julio Campos kick the ball into his own net on purpose and the goalkeeper did nothing to stop it.The game finished with Campos’ team, Atletico Amazonense, losing 4-1 to rivals Sul America in 2022. Two players were fired after the incident and regional prosecutors were asked to launch an investigation into match-fixing. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe loss ruled the team out of the race for promotion to Brazil’s top tier and the club’s president Henrique Barbosa was furious.In a statement, the club branded the actions “serious sabotage” and said Campos had an “unethical attitude” and “was determined to sabotage his own side” from the “beginning of the game”.Former referee Robert Hoyzer was jailed for more than two years and banned from footballCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Train passenger appears to accidentally watch stream of someone playing England vs Slovakia on Fifa instead of real game

      by

      WE’VE all had to put up with England’s rather dire performances at Euro 2024 – but one train passenger tried to tune in on his journey.But the footie fan hoping to watch England’s 2-1 victory over Slovakia couldn’t tell the difference between gameplay from Fifa and the real thing.A train passenger was streaming a FIFA game opposed to the real England matchThe passenger tried to tune into the match via stream and appeared to find exactly what they were after.However, upon closer inspection, it turned out the footage was actually low-resolution tape from the popular computer game Fifa.The England fan’s hilarious blunder was caught by another passenger who was sitting directly behind.The video has already racked up more than five million views.READ MORE EURO 2024 NEWSThe fake videos can generate huge revenue for the channel owner.Vietnamese outlet VNExpress previously revealed such tricks had been common since the Qatar World Cup in 2022.The train passenger was one unfortunate victim of the scam when he or she found the YouTube video that seemingly showed the England vs Slovakia game.But the real game was hardly any more exciting.Most read in FootbalBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe real England team offered 95 minutes of shambolic football and looked to be heading home from Germany in embarrassment.But Gareth Southgate’s men somehow muddled through to a quarter-final tie against a solid Switzerland side.Watch fuming England fans storm out of Slovakia game early and launch X-rated rant at Southgate BEFORE epic comebackJude Bellingham’s brilliant bicycle kick equaliser in the final minute of injury time forced extra time.And Harry Kane’s header – assisted by Ivan Toney – then put the Three Lions in front just 53 seconds after the restart.England ratings: Bellingham rescues woeful Three Lions as big names, and manager, have a shockerJUDE BELLINGHAM’S majestic overhead kick deep into stoppage time saved England from a humiliating Euros exit.Gareth Southgate’s side had been utterly woeful and looked to be heading home thanks to Ivan Schranz’s clever finish.But Bellingham came to the rescue in the 96th minute, brilliantly firing into the corner after Marc Guehi had flicked on Kyle Walker’s long throw.Remarkably, it was England’s first shot on target, summing how poor they had been.But another one came soon after, as 53 seconds into extra-time, Harry Kane headed home from close range to set up a quarter-final with Switzerland.It was as close a shave as it comes, and if they play like this against the Swiss, then they will be toast.Here’s how Tom Barclay rated England’s stars… and manager Southgate.Jordan Pickford: 5Appeared to hurt his left hand when taking a big whack in the warm-up, but still played. Fired a lot of long balls and was lucky not to be lobbed by David Strelec’s 45-yard strike.Kyle Walker: 4England’s second-most experienced player had a shocker. He looked uncharacteristically slow, his touch was heavy and his crossing was nowhere near good enough. But it was his long throw that led to Bellingham’s magic.John Stones: 4Said it was time for the senior pros to step up in the build-up to the game, but there was little sign of that until Bellingham did his thing, and he is only 21. Stones fired aimless long balls, gave it away and it was his mistake that almost led to Strelec’s trying his luck from range.Marc Guehi: 5Booked early after Kieran Trippier’s underhit pass meant he had to take out the excellent David Strelec, meaning he is out of the quarter-final. Ivan Schranz bamboozled him for Slovakia’s opener but his flick-on to Bellingham brought the leveller.Kieran Trippier: 4When Jude Bellingham’s good ball found Trippier on the edge of the box early doors, on his favoured right foot, you thought, ‘Here we go’. He smashed it into Row Z.Declan Rice: 5An old-school reducer on Juraj Kucka was a fair tackle, even if it left the 37-year-old hobbling. His curling effort with ten minutes to go cracked against the post.Kobbie Mainoo: 6FIRST start at a major tournament and our only decent performer in an horrendous first half from England. Blasted a volley over but was also booked for a late tackle.Bukayo Saka: 5We all know what a fantastic player Saka is for Arsenal, and for England in games gone by, but he rarely threatened here. Did go the distance though, and in a number of positions.Jude Bellingham: 7 and STAR MANCometh the hour, cometh the man. He had underwhelmed again until the 96th minute, but who cares when you step up like that.Phil Foden: 4Thought he had levelled early in the second half but his tap-in was ruled out by VAR after he was caught being, inexplicably, offside. Just off it all night, in danger of being dropped.Harry Kane: 6Still way off his best – he was nowhere to be seen in the first half and missed a free header after the break – but got it right when it counted in extra time.SUBSTITUTIONSCole Palmer (on for Kieran Trippier, 66): 7FANS were on their feet applauding when Southgate finally made a change and brought him on. So lively and with a lovely delivery, must be in with a chance of starting against the Swiss.Eberechi Eze (on for Kobbie Mainoo, 84): 6Did enough to put off Slovak full-back Peter Pekarik from turning home at close range in extra-time. Looked like he had been hit by a train when Denis Vavro walloped into him.Ivan Toney (on for Phil Foden, 90): 7GRABBED the assist for Kane’s winner by flicking on after a free-kick – which he had won with his strength – had been cleared.Conor Gallagher (on for Harry Kane, 105): 6Southgate rolled the dice in extra-time by trying to shut the game out, taking his captain off for the Chelsea midfielder.Ezri Konsa (on for Jude Bellingham, 105): 6Ditto to Gallagher as Konsa got his first minutes of the tournament in place of the hero Bellingham, which felt a risky strategy.MANAGERGareth Southgate: 3.A lucky, lucky man. Tactically, his team were all long ball, lacked any movement, and did not conjure up a shot on target until Bellingham’s wonder strike – and that came from Walker chucking it in the mixer. Subs took ages in the 90 and then felt risky as he sought to see the game out in extra-time. More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch Antonio Rudiger turn into ‘Fifa glitch’ with bizarre tackle during Germany’s Euro 2024 draw with Switzerland

      by

      ANTONIO RUDIGER has found himself going viral after his “Fifa glitch” against Switzerland.The Real Madrid defender, 31, has just helped his team reach the knockout stages of Euro 2024.Antonio Rudiger went viral during Germany’s draw with GermanyCredit: GettyThe defender produced a great tackle to stop Fabian RiederCredit: BBCThe star then fell on top of his rival as his hip started to thrustCredit: BBCNiclas Fullkrug came off the bench on Sunday to earn the host nation Germany a 1-1 draw with Switzerland.That maintained their unbeaten start to the tournament and ensured they claimed top spot in Group A.However, as they chased a leveller against the Swiss, Germany could have been caught out again at the back but for Rudiger’s intervention.Midfielder Fabian Rieder was flying into the box with the ball when the ex-Chelsea man produced a brilliant tackle in the 53rd minute.READ MORE ON EURO 2024But as Rudiger went to go after the loose ball, he somehow ended up on top of his rival as his midriff appeared to bounce up and down.He then toppled straight over Rieder before turning round and grabbing his opponent and dragging him to his feet.BBC Sport’s X account shared footage of the incident and asked: “What is Antonio Rudiger doing here?! At least he helped him up!”And that led to an influx of hilarious comments in the responses.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne said that the scene resembled a “Fifa glitch” as another wrote: “Swimming on the land.”A third claimed: “Never ask what Rudiger is doing, even he doesn’t know.”Euro 2024’s sexiest players revealedWhile a fourth said tongue in cheek: “He’s gotta at least buy him dinner after that!!”By winning Group A, Germany will now face the team that finishes second in England’s group on Saturday.The Swiss have gone through to the last 16 as runners-up.Meanwhile, Scotland were dumped out of the tournament as they conceded a late goal to Hungary, who are now hanging on and hoping to qualify as one of the best-placed third-placed sides.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYAs for Rudiger, who has played every minute of all three matches so far, he could be a doubt for the last 16 showdown.His manager Julian Nagelsmann admitted last night: “He has a bit of a problem with his thigh.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’ll have to see. I hope it’s nothing serious. We’ll see.“That could be quite problematic.” More