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    Premier League closing in on EXTRA Champions League spot for next season after English clubs dominate European groups

    THE Premier League has closed in on an extra place in next season’s Champions League after dominating the first phase of the new expanded competition.Six of the Prem’s seven sides earned automatic qualification for the last 16 of their respective competitions, with Liverpool and Chelsea achieving top seeding spots and Arsenal, Manchester United and Spurs in the top four.Prem clubs have excelled in Europe this seasonCredit: ReutersIt means that with the initial league phase of the three revamped competitions now concluded, English sides have picked up an average of 20.892 coefficient points.That puts the Prem more than 3.7 points clear of third-placed Spain, the equivalent of 13 individual match wins, in the fight for an extra place in the elite competition.And it gives Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Newcastle even more encouragement as they seek a place in the most prestigious club competition in football.Across the 54 matches played by Liverpool, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea – who had to play a two-legged Conference League qualifier, Prem sides have won 37 and lost just eight.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBy contrast, Italy’s eight sides amassed 32 wins between them, losing 15, Spain clocked up 31 victories but had 19 defeats and Germany’s 29 triumphs were almost cancelled out by 26 losses.And with Liverpool, Arsenal, Villa, Spurs, United and Chelsea all qualifying automatically for the last 16 of their respective competitions, the English sides have added a further 62.25 bonus points already.England’s aggregate total of 146.25 points is the highest by 7.75pts, with Italy on 138.5 and Spain on 120.25.But the position was strengthened by England having just seven teams in Uefa action, compared to the eight for Italy and Germany who earned an extra Champions League slot last term, as total points are then divided by the number of competing teams each nation has at the start of the season.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile all the English sides have reached the knock-out phase, the other major nations have seen clubs fall at the league hurdle.The Bundesliga lost both Leipzig and Stuttgart in the elite competition, while Bologna and Girona also missed the Champions League cut, meaning they cannot add to their countries’ totals.Ally McCoist explains the new Champions League format Hoffenheim made an early Europa League exit as did French outfit Nice – also part of United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos sporting empire.That means Germany are almost out of contention already.England’s huge advantage – plus the European form of the teams – means it would need a huge meltdown when the teams return to Uefa action for fifth place in the Prem not to earn a place among Europe’s elite.Despite their Prem wobbles, United and Spurs are now on course for a potential Europa League final showdown in Bilbao after finishing third and fourth in the league phase.It means they cannot play each other until the Final, when a sixth Champions League spot would also be on the line.Germany’s debacle leaves the Bundesliga fifth and more than six full coefficient points behind England, with Italy and Spain seemingly fighting for the second extra slotUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Marcus Rashford ‘REJECTS Tottenham transfer as Man Utd outcast has heart set on a different club’

    MARCUS RASHFORD has reportedly rejected a move to Tottenham after setting his heart on a different club.The Manchester United misfit has barely featured since being axed by Ruben Amorim last year.Marcus Rashford has rejected Spurs as he waits for his dream moveCredit: ReutersRashford now faces an anxious wait to see if he can secure a move away from Old Trafford before Monday’s deadline.And he has not been short of offers despite picking up north of £300,000-a-week.The likes of Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain are all thought to have been in contact with Rashford’s representatives this month.However, they have all been brutally snubbed by the England forward.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the Guardian claims Tottenham have become the latest suitor to feel the sting of Rashford’s rejection.Ange Postecoglou has made no secret of his desire to land a new attacker.And following Rashford’s decision to snub him, the Aussie is now hoping to wrap up a stunning £50million deal for Bayern Munich teen Mathys Tel.Rashford’s decision to turn down Tottenham means he is now waiting on the one club he’s wanted to join all along.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBarcelona came forward earlier this month despite their ongoing financial woes.And Rashford is desperate to link up with Lamine Yamal at the Nou Camp as soon as possible.Ruben Amorim says Man Utd are a better team with Marcus Rashford but he has to change But there is a major stumbling block so far preventing the deal from happening.Barcelona have only just been given special permission from the Higher Sports Council to temporarily register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor because of their financial situation.It means they must get rid of two players to free up space for any more signings.Former Chelsea man Andreas Christensen is thought to be one player up for sale, with Brentford interested in taking him back to England.But he is so far refusing to leave the Nou Camp, as is Ansu Fati.The former Brighton loanee has been told he can leave Barca and is a target for Ajax.READ MORE SUN STORIESFati plays in the same position as Rashford but he has so far resisted being pushed out of the club.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Europa League draw LIVE: Knockout play-off ties drawn as Man Utd safely through to Last 16 – latest updates

    THE Europa League knockout play-off draw has concluded as the brackets take shape.Manchester United, Tottenham and Rangers are all safely into the Last 16 already and did not feature in this draw, but have learned more about their four potential opponents.The Last 16 draw – which features United and Spurs – will be taking place on Friday, February 21.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow ALL of the updates below…Europa League round datesKnockout phase play-offs: 13 & 20 February 2025Round of 16: 6 & 13 March 2025Quarter-finals: 10 & 17 April 2025Semi-finals: 1 & 8 May 2025Copy linkCopiedEuropa League’s top earners so farCopy linkCopiedMan Utd secure biggest EL paydayMan Utd have bagged the biggest Europa League prize pot so far – despite finishing only third in the initial league phase.United’s final match win at FCSB means they have landed £19.5million to date and also confirmed their place in the last 16.And Spurs, fourth overall, stand second in the cash rankings at the end of the first phase.The North Londoners have banked £18.4m after recording five wins and two draws out of eight games.Copy linkCopiedRoad to BilbaoEuropa League draw sees Man Utd, Tottenham and Rangers straight through to the last 16Copy linkCopiedA reminder of the EL draw in full…Left side of the bracketFC Twente vs Bodo/GlimtUnion Saint-Gilloise vs AjaxAZ Alkmaar vs GalatasarayFerencvárosi vs Viktoria PlzenRight side of the bracketFenerbahce vs AnderlechtPAOK vs FCSBFC Midtjylland vs Real SociedadPorto vs RomaCopy linkCopiedWho could Man Utd and Tottenham face?Man Utd and Tottenham will each face one of Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, AZ Alkmaar or Midtjylland in the last-16 of the Europa League.Copy linkCopiedWhen is the last-16 draw?The draw for the last 16 is on February 21 – a day after the play-off round finishes.Man Utd and Tottenham will find out their next opponents then.Copy linkCopiedPrem closes in on extra CL spotThe Premier League has closed in on an extra place in next season’s Champions League after dominating the first phase of the new expanded competition.Six of the Prem’s seven sides earned automatic qualification for the last 16 of their respective competitions, with Liverpool and Chelsea achieving top seeding spots and Arsenal, Manchester United and Spurs in the top four.It means that with the initial league phase of the three revamped competitions now concluded, English sides have picked up an average of 20.892 coefficient points.That puts the Prem more than 3.7 points clear of third placed Spain, the equivalent of 13 individual match wins, in the fight for an extra place in the elite competition.And it gives Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Newcastle even more encouragement as they seek a place in the most prestigious club competition in football.Copy linkCopiedPath to the final…Copy linkCopiedEuropa League round datesKnockout phase play-offs: 13 & 20 February 2025Round of 16: 6 & 13 March 2025Quarter-finals: 10 & 17 April 2025Semi-finals: 1 & 8 May 2025Copy linkCopiedPlay-off fixturesThe first leg of the Europa League play-off fixtures will take place on February 13, with the return matches scheduled for the following week on February 20.Credit: AFPCopy linkCopiedDraw in fullLeft side of the bracketFC Twente vs Bodo/GlimtUnion Saint-Gilloise vs AjaxAZ Alkmaar vs GalatasarayFerencvárosi vs Viktoria PlzenRight side of the bracketFenerbahce vs AnderlechtPAOK vs FCSBFC Midtjylland vs Real SociedadPorto vs RomaCopy linkCopiedLeft side of the bracketFC TwenteUnion Saint-GilloiseAZ AlkmaarFerencvárosiRight side of the bracketFenerbahcePAOKFC MidtjyllandPortoCopy linkCopiedHere we go!The Europa League play-off draw is about to begin!Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedChampions League play-off draw in fullThe Champions League draw has just taken place! Here are the play-off fixtures we have to look forward to…Left side:Brest vs PSGJuventus vs PSV EindhovenMan City vs Real MadridClub Brugge vs AtalantaRight side:Monaco vs BenficaFeyenoord vs AC MilanCeltic vs Bayern MunichSporting Lisbon vs Borussia DortmundCopy linkCopiedWhich teams are automatically through?The top eight teams in the Europa League group stage table have earned automatic qualification for the last-16.LazioAthletic ClubMan UtdTottenhamEintracht FrankfurtLyonOlympiacosRangersCopy linkCopiedAre there any changes to the knockouts?No, there are no changes to the original knockout stages.The last 16 stage will continue, with a series of two-legged knockout games culminating in the final on May 21.The removal of away goals – implemented last season – will continue as well.Copy linkCopiedWho is in the draw?Bodo/GlimtAnderlechtFCSBAjaxReal SociedadGalatasarayRomaViktoria PlzenFerencvarosPortoFC AlkmaarMidtjyllandUnion Saint-GilloisePAOKTwenteFenerbahceCopy linkCopiedWelcome to the Europa League drawHello, good morning and welcome to SunSport’s coverage of today’s Europa League draw!Today the 16 teams who qualified for the knockout play-offs will find out who they will be facing next month.The winners of the play-off games will progress through to the last-16.We have some huge potential fixtures in the pipeline, so stay tuned!Copy linkCopied More

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    Premier League club announces 23,000-seater new stadium plan to fulfil Champions League ambition

    BOURNEMOUTH have announced their plan to build a 23,000-seater stadium to fulfil their Champions League ambitions.The Cherries have gone from strength to strength since appointing Andoni Iraola as their manager 18 months ago.Bournemouth are ready to build a new 23,000 seater stadium to replace the VitalityCredit: RexThe Cherries’ current ground holds just over 11,000Credit: AlamyBournemouth lie 7th in the table with 11 wins and five defeats from 23 matches this season.Iraola’s men blasted five past Nottingham Forest’s mean defence last weekend.And seven days earlier they secured an impressive 4-1 win away at high-flying Newcastle.The Cherries have done all this with a severely depleted squad full of injuries.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut fans are starting to dream of a shock push for Champions League football.And club chiefs are already setting out plans to take Bournemouth to the next level.American businessman Bill Foley took over the south-coast club in 2022 as part of his Black Knight group’s multi-team ownership strategy.As well as reversing Bournemouth’s fortunes on the field while landing a top coach in Iraola, Foley and Co are now close to finishing an elite new training ground.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBut the biggest change is set to come with a brand new stadium, with plans at an advanced stage to double the capacity of Bournemouth’s current ground.The Cherries have been playing at the Vitality Stadium, otherwise known as Dean Court, since 1910.Premier League club announces major stadium changes with new capacity and away fans moved A new ground would help Bournemouth realise their Champions League ambitionsCredit: MicrosoftThe historic ground packs in over 11,000 fans for each game.But plans are now afoot to knock it down and build a new stadium over the same space while boosting capacity to over 23,000.The surge in tickets sold will give Bournemouth a huge financial boost, thereby helping them attract better players and eventually crack the Premier League’s top four.Foley told Men in Blazers via the Athletic: “We have a waiting list of 15 or 16,000 people that want tickets, so we’re not going to have trouble filling the stadium.“We’re a little ahead of schedule. I thought we’d be in Europe next year. We may have a chance this year if we can keep going and keep on playing well.“If we just get lucky on injuries and get these guys healthy the second half of the season, we should be very successful.READ MORE SUN STORIES“If we’re successful, we will play in Europe. The Champions League? That’s my dream.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Man City handed nightmare Real Madrid clash as Arsenal edge towards last 16 tie with former Champions League winners

    MANCHESTER CITY have drawn Real Madrid in the play-offs for a place in the last 16 of the Champions League.Pep Guardiola’s side narrowly avoided an early exit in the league phase of the competition and have been handed a tough draw against the 15-time champions.Manchester City have been given a nightmare drawCredit: ReutersCity will welcome Real Madrid to the Etihad on February 11 or 12, with the return leg the following week.It will be the fourth time in five seasons that the two sides have met in the Champions League.Because they finished 22nd in the league phase the English champions could only have drawn Real or Bayern Munich.Celtic will face Bayern while the remainder of the draw has had interesting ramifications for the other English clubs.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa all qualified for the quarter-final automatically after finishing in the top eight.But the Gunners’ reward could be a meeting with former winners AC Milan or Juventus – if they beat Feyenoord and PSV respectively in the play-off.The draw gets even more difficult for Arsenal after that stage, with City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid or Bayer Leverkusen a potential opponent in the quarter-final.Liverpool face an easier route to the final on paper but they could meet PSG in the quarter-final, or Brest, Monaco or Benfica.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile Villa could face Club Brugge, Atalanta, Sporting or Borussia Dortmund.English teams have performed very well in Europe this season and are closing in on an extra Champions League spot for next year’s tournament.Ally McCoist explains the new Champions League format Champions League draw in fullClub Brugge vs AtalantaManchester City vs Real MadridCeltic vs Bayern MunichJuventus vs PSVFeyenoord vs AC MilanBrest vs PSGMonaco vs BenficaSporting vs Borussia Dortmund More

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    Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s other club play in front of lowest ever crowd as fuming Man Utd fans protest ticket price hike

    SIR JIM RATCLIFFE’s other club played in front of a record LOW crowd in their final Europa League group match.French outfit Nice welcomed Bodo/Glimt to the Allianz Riviera on Thursday night for what proved to be the final match of their European campaign this season.Nice welcomed Bodo/Glimt to the Allianz Riviera for their final Europa League group matchCredit: AFPThe match was played in front of a record-low crowd at the stadiumCredit: AFPThe French outfit are owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s billion-pound Ineos companyCredit: APLes Aiglons’ hopes of reaching the knockout stages had long gone up in smoke and they went into the match second-bottom of the 36-man table.Scores of fans opted not to attend Thursday’s academic match against Bodo, which led to a record-low attendance.A mere 4,272 supporters were in attendance for the 1-1 draw.And 800 of the fans in attendance were Bodo supporters who had made the long journey from Norway.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSNice boss Franck Haise said: “I think we’ll have fewer people at the stadium than against OM.”That’s all I’ll say. We have to be worthy of the competition.”And then there’s an interest for those who are going to play and prove that they can perform.”The midweek attendance figure was a stark contrast to the number of supporters who packed the Allianz for Nice’s clash with Olympique Marseille last weekend.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJust over 31,000 fans were in attendance to watch Haise’s men record a 2-0 victory over the visitors.Nice fans have largely spoken positively about Ratcliffe since his company, INEOS, took ownership of the club in 2019.Paul Scholes lays into Sir Jim Ratcliffe for ‘having the cheek’ to introduce ‘ridiculous’ Man Utd’s ticket prices But the same can’t be said of Manchester United supporters, who have been irked by a number of the billionaire’s decisions since he became a shareholder in December 2023.Ratcliffe drew the ire of the Old Trafford faithful by laying off 250 staff members last July and then asking club legend Sir Alex Ferguson to step down from his ambassador role the following October.But his decision to raise ticket prices to £66 per game and axe concessionary pricing for children and seniors has really enraged fans.And supporters vocalised their anger during the Red Devils’ 1-0 win over Fulham last weekend.Sections of the travelling fans were heard chanting: “Jim Ratcliffe’s a c**t, Jim Ratcliffe’s a c**t.”Just like the Glazers, Jim Ratcliffe’s a c**t.”READ MORE SUN STORIESUnited will be back in action on Sunday, welcoming Crystal Palace to Old Trafford.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has drawn the ire of Red Devils fans by increasing ticket pricesCredit: PAUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Champions League draw LIVE: Man City to face Real Madrid in blockbuster knockout phase tie, Celtic meet Bayern

    THE draw for the Champions League knockout play-offs has concluded.And Manchester City have found out they will face Real Madrid in their blockbuster knockout play-off tie, while Celtic will meet Bayern Munich.The draw for the Last 16 – which features Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa – will take place on Friday, February 21 after the knockout ties.Draw start time: 11am GMTTV channel: TNT Sports 2FREE live stream: TNT Sports YouTube/ Uefa.comCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…That’s all from us!Thanks for joining us for today’s Champions League draw!Have a great weekend!Copy linkCopiedAre there any changes to the knockouts?No, there are no changes to the original knockout stages.The last 16 stage will continue, with a series of two-legged knockout games culminating in the final on Saturday, 31 May, at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena.The removal of away goals – implemented last season – will continue as well.Copy linkCopiedArsenal could be handed ‘nightmare’ path to finalCopy linkCopiedREVEALED: Champions League earnings so farCopy linkCopiedRoad to Munich Champions League draw sees Man City to face Real Madrid in blockbuster knockout phase Copy linkCopiedExtra CL spot up for grabsCopy linkCopiedWhen is the next Champions League draw?The Champions League round of 16, quarter-final and semi-final draws will take place on February 21 – the week of the play-off second legs.Copy linkCopiedA reminder of the Champions League play-off draw in full…Left side:Brest vs PSGJuventus vs PSV EindhovenMan City vs Real MadridClub Brugge vs AtalantaRight side:Monaco vs BenficaFeyenoord vs AC MilanCeltic vs Bayern MunichSporting Lisbon vs Borussia DortmundCopy linkCopiedCeltic fans receive warningCeltic have warned their travelling fans that they are risking being DENIED access should they buy tickets and travel for their play-off round clash.Copy linkCopiedPrem closes in on extra CL spotThe Premier League has closed in on an extra place in next season’s Champions League after dominating the first phase of the new expanded competition.Six of the Prem’s seven sides earned automatic qualification for the last 16 of their respective competitions, with Liverpool and Chelsea achieving top seeding spots and Arsenal, Manchester United and Spurs in the top four.It means that with the initial league phase of the three revamped competitions now concluded, English sides have picked up an average of 20.892 coefficient points.That puts the Prem more than 3.7 points clear of third placed Spain, the equivalent of 13 individual match wins, in the fight for an extra place in the elite competition.And it gives Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and Newcastle even more encouragement as they seek a place in the most prestigious club competition in football.Copy linkCopiedCity’s Rodri boostMan City plan to name Rodri in their squad for the knock-out stages of the Champions League.The Spain international was ruled out for the season after suffering a cruciate ligament injury against Arsenal in September.But Rodri has made excellent progress in his recovery and still believes he can be back in contention before the end of the current campaign.Boss Pep Guardiola wants to keep the door open for him to do that – even though City would have to go deep in the competition for him to be even in the frame.Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedMan City land horror drawCopy linkCopiedEuropa League draw in fullHere are the fixtures we’ve got to look forward to in the Europa League…Left side of the bracketFC Twente vs Bodo/GlimtUnion Saint-Gilloise vs AjaxAZ Alkmaar vs GalatasarayFerencvárosi vs Viktoria PlzenRight side of the bracketFenerbahce vs AnderlechtPAOK vs FCSBFC Midtjylland vs Real SociedadPorto vs RomaCopy linkCopiedPlay-off fixtures revealedChampions League draw sees Man City to face Real Madrid in blockbuster knockout phase Copy linkCopiedWhat does the path to the final look like?Copy linkCopiedChampions League play-off draw in fullLeft side:Brest vs PSGJuventus vs PSV EindhovenMan City vs Real MadridClub Brugge vs AtalantaRight side:Monaco vs BenficaFeyenoord vs AC MilanCeltic vs Bayern MunichSporting Lisbon vs Borussia DortmundCopy linkCopiedPlay-off fixturesThe first leg of the play-off matches will take place on the 11th & 12th February, with the return fixtures taking place one week later on the 18th & 19th February.Credit: GettyCopy linkCopiedLeft side of the bracketBrest vs PSGJuventus vs PSV EindhovenMan City vs Real MadridClub Brugge vs AtalantaRight side of the bracketMonaco vs BenficaFeyenoord vs AC MilanCeltic vs Bayern MunichSporting Lisbon vs Borussia DortmundCopy linkCopiedLeft side of the bracketClub BruggeMan CityJuventusBrestRight side of the bracketSporting LisbonCelticFeyenoordMonacoCopy linkCopiedSpecial guest announcedFormer Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara will assist with the draw.Copy linkCopiedHere we go!The draw is about to begin!Copy linkCopiedREVEALED: Champions League earnings so farCopy linkCopiedAre there any changes to the knockouts?No, there are no changes to the original knockout stages.The last 16 stage will continue, with a series of two-legged knockout games culminating in the final on Saturday, 31 May, at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena.The removal of away goals – implemented last season – will continue as well.Copy linkCopiedWhy Arsenal had TOUGHEST run to Champions League knockouts…It’s official – Arsenal had the toughest run of the four Premier League teams in this year’s Champions League.Copy linkCopiedWhich teams are automatically through?The top eight teams in the Champions League group stage table have earned automatic qualification for the last-16.LiverpoolBarcelonaArsenalInter MilanAtletico MadridBayer LeverkusenLilleAston VillaCopy linkCopied More

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    Celtic announce Uefa disciplinary notice that could see fans BANNED from Bayern Munich away game

    CELTIC have warned their travlling fans that they are risking being DENIED access should they buy tickets and travel for their play-off round clash.The Hoops have been learned this morning that they will face Bayern Munich in the next round of Europe’s glamour club competition.A green flare has to be removed from the pitch at Villa ParkBut the bad news for Celtic fans is that their club has now seen fit to warn them that they have RECEIVED a disciplinary notice from UEFA in the wake of their defeat to Aston Villa, a match which saw away fans throw a smoke bomb onto the Villa Park pitch.And that could well trigger an away fan ban for the next match, an outcome which Uefa indicated was on the cards when they offered the club a suspended sentence for the action of their fans earlier in the campaign.In a statement today, the Hoops appeared to be laying the groundwork for precisely such a ban.It read: “As a result of the use of pyrotechnics during our match against Borussia Dortmund last year, Celtic Football Club was sanctioned by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body.”The decision meant that, not only did the Club receive a fine of €20,000, but also that, if such behaviour was repeated at a match in the next two years, the Club would be prevented from selling tickets to supporters for one away match in UEFA club competitions.”Unfortunately, the club has received a further disciplinary notice from UEFA following the match against Aston Villa FC on Wednesday evening.  “The Club will obviously make robust representations to UEFA and will make every effort to ensure that our fans can attend our next UEFA Champions League match. “However, clearly there is a risk that supporters may not be able to attend. Most read in Football”In light of this situation, it is incumbent on the club to make supporters aware of this risk, when considering making arrangements for travel, until further information is provided by UEFA.”Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More