France Ligue 1

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      PSG will LEAVE iconic Parc des Princes as president confirms ‘it’s over’ with three new stadiums lined up

      by

      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN will leave the iconic Parc des Princes stadium for a new home.President Nasser al-Khelaifi confirmed “it’s over for us” after PSG were blocked from buying the stadium by Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo.
      PSG will leave the Parc des Princes after failing to buy it from the City of ParisCredit: Getty
      It’s another headache for the French champs, who are set to lose Kylian Mbappe to Real MadridCredit: Rex
      And it’s another headache for PSG to deal with as they prepare to lose Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid.
      The French champions have resided at the Parc des Princes since 1974, four years after their inception.
      And the lease on their tenancy runs until 2043.
      PSG’s Qatari owners were eager to buy the Parc des Princes, built in 1967, from the City of Paris for a sum of around £85m.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      They had already spent over £70m on maintenance issues and estimated a further £420m would be needed for an expanded upgrade.
      But Mayor Hidalgo refused to bow and quoted an eye-watering figure of £250m.
      She said: “There will be no sale of the Parc des Princes. It is the heritage of the Parisian people. The subject is closed.”
      And PSG chief Al-Khelaifi has now confirmed the end of his side’s run at the iconic 48,000-seater stadium.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Speaking at the Uefa executive committee today, he said: “It is easier for us now.
      “We know what we want. It’s over for us.”
      Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozers
      PSG are looking at options, including the Stade Jean-Bouin to the right of the Parc des Princes (c)Credit: AFP – Getty
      La Defense Arena is another option but plays host to music shows and eventsCredit: AFP
      90Min claims PSG are now scouring the area for a new stadium.
      And there are no less than three options on the table.
      Next door to the Parc des Princes is the 20,000-capacity Stade Jean-Bouin, also owned by the City of Paris.
      It currently holds PSG’s women’s team while playing host to rugby and American football matches too.
      Likewise, the government-owned 20,000 seater Stade Sebastien Charlety could also be an option.
      Minnows Paris FC play there these days, and PSG would look to knock it down before building a new mega venue potentially holding up to 75,000 punters.
      PSG have already turned down the chance to bid for the Parc des PrincesCredit: PA
      One option could be to build a stadium by their Poissy training baseCredit: Getty
      The third site is the 30,000-seater Paris La Defense Arena, home of rugby side Racing 92.
      They are set to return to their renovated Yves-Du-Manoir stadium after the Olympic Games, leaving La Defense free.
      However, its location in the business district, plus its popularity as a music and events venue, could be an issue.
      A fourth option is to build a brand new stadium by the training camp in Poissy.
      But that would pose logistical problems, as it is based 15.5miles from the centre of Paris.
      PSG had also looked at the Stade de France but declined to make an offer in last month’s bidding.
      The decision to move comes as Kylian Mbappe reportedly closes in on a free transfer to Real Madrid.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      The World Cup winner is out of contract this summer.
      But it’s reckoned that Mbappe has agreed to link up with Jude Bellingham and Co on a mega-money deal. More

    • 213 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans hail ‘unbelievable’ Minamino as former Liverpool star plays in two games in less than 24 HOURS

      by

      TAKUMI MINAMINO quickly put his Asian Cup heartache behind him… by playing for Monaco under 24 hours later.The former Liverpool star was in action for Japan on Saturday as they took on Iran in Qatar.
      Takumi Minamino was in action for Japan on SaturdayCredit: Alamy
      Japan were knocked out by Iran in QatarCredit: AP
      Minamino was named on Monaco’s bench under 24 hours laterCredit: TNT Sports
      The 29-year-old was brought on with 20 minutes to goCredit: AFP
      He came on in the 68th minute of the match with the score level at 1-1.
      Disaster struck for Hajime Moriyasu’s side deep into stoppage time when Ko Itakura conceded a penalty, which was dispatched by former Brighton ace Alireza Jahanbakhsh.
      The match had kicked off at 11:30am UK time, with Minamino and Co trudging off defeated shortly after 1:30pm.
      Japan had been aiming to win a record fifth Asian Cup.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Rather than dwell on the disappointment, Minamino jetted straight to Monaco – remarkably playing for the Ligue 1 side earlier today.
      Kicking off at midday on Sunday, Monaco took on Le Havre at Stade Louis II.
      The Principality is around 2,800 miles from Al-Rayyan, Qatar, where Japan had taken on Iran.
      A flight from Qatar to Monaco takes around six-and-a-half hours.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Rather than resting Minamino, boss Adi Hutter named him on the bench.
      With the score level at 1-1, Hutter opted to chuck the 29-year-old on in the hunt for a winner.
      But he was unable to find the net, with the match ending all square.
      Regardless of the results, fans were impressed with the attacking midfielder’s dedication to play in both games.
      Accompanied by a salute emoji, one fan wrote on social media: “He did it for his country.”
      While a second commented: “That’s crazy.”
      A third gushed: “Man’s a machine.”
      And another even claimed to have seen him yawning during his warm-up.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Minamino has been in decent form for Les Monegasques this season.
      He has scored five goals and laid on a further four assists in 16 Ligue 1 outings. More

    • 188 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      PSG ‘plot stunning transfer move for Marcus Rashford’ after Man Utd star’s Belfast nightclub storm

      by

      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN are interested in signing Marcus Rashford, according to reports.The French giants could look to swoop for Rashford after he held showdown talks with boss Erik ten Hag.
      Marcus Rashford has been linked with a transfer away from Man UtdCredit: Getty
      The 26-year-old claimed to be too ill to train on Friday, before it emerged that he had been partying in Belfast the previous night.
      Rashford subsequently missed the Red Devils’ 4-2 win over Newport County in the FA Cup.
      PSG previously showed interest in the forward before he signed a new five-year deal at Man Utd last summer.
      According to the i, The Ligue 1 champions are “tempted” to come back in for Rashford at the end of the season.
      Read More Football Stories
      They add, however, that United do not plan to sell their homegrown star.
      And Rashford is also claimed to not be seeking a move.
      Following his disciplinary breach last week, Rashford was slapped with a two-week fine, worth £650,000.
      In a subsequent statement, the Red Devils said: “Marcus has taken responsibility for his actions.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      “This has been dealt with as an internal disciplinary matter, which is now closed.”
      Rashford flew to Ireland on Wednesday to visit pal Ro-Shaun Williams, who now plays for Larne FC having previously been part of United’s academy.
      Belfast waitress Sarah Adair, 30, told of how she served Rashford lunch before he invited her to party with him.
      She said: “I’m not surprised he missed training the next day given how late he got to bed and how much he’d had to drink. He must’ve known he wasn’t going to be in any fit state to play football.”
      Sarah revealed that she had to put Rashford to bed after he drunkenly dropped huge wads of cash on the floor.
      Following United’s win over Newport, Ten Hag said of his No10: “He reported ill and the rest is an internal matter. As I said, we will deal with it.”
      On Monday, Rashford attended a meeting Sir Dave Brailsford and football director John Murtough at Carrington alongside his brother and agent Dwaine Maynard.
      ACE RASH’S TIPPLES TIMELINE
      WEDNESDAY JAN 24
      9.55am: Rashford arrives for Man United training.4.21pm: Private jet leaves Manchester.5.17pm: Plane lands at Belfast International airport. Rashford checks into the Fitzwilliam Hotel and visits the Dirty Onion and Lavery’s bar.
      THURSDAY JAN 25
      1.06pm: Picture posted online of Rashford at Larne FC.2pm: Arrives at Sarah Adair’s restaurant.4.30pm: Leaves restaurant.9.40pm: Rashford sends a driver to bring Sarah to Villa Italia restaurant.
      FRIDAY JAN 26
      00.30am: Rashford filmed going into Thompson’s Garage nightclub.2am: Rashford leaves and the group go back to his hotel — although a source close to the player insists it was at 1.15am.2.50am: The star passes out fully dressed.5am: Rashford and his minders leave hotel.7am: Private jet leaves Belfast airport.8am: Plane touches down at Manchester airport.
      SUNDAY JAN 28
      Rashford is dropped from FA Cup game against Newport County. United boss Erik ten Hag says Rashford’s behaviour is an “internal matter” and he will “deal” with it.
      MONDAY JAN 298.45am: Rashford arrives for training.

      The England star enjoyed a superb season last term, scoring 30 goals and laying on 11 assists.
      He has had a more difficult campaign this time around, however, netting just four goals in 26 outings in all competitions.
      Ten Hag, 53, warned Rashford over his conduct earlier this season after he was seen out celebrating his birthday in Manchester’s China White nightclub just hours after United’s 3-0 derby defeat to City.
      The Dutchman said at the time: “Yes, I am aware of it. I spoke with him about it.
      “It’s unacceptable. I told him, he apologised and that is it. For us, it’s an internal matter.”
      Speaking about Rashford’s situation, former Man Utd captain Gary Neville told BBC Breakfast: “To me, going out for a drink or going out for a night out is something that every football player will do and should do, so I’ve got no problem with that whatsoever. They need to enjoy themselves.
      “It’s just all about choices and timing. Manchester United have just had a winter break.
      I would say, go out and have your moment where you relax with your friends, but your timing has to be rightGary Neville
      “They’ve had a couple of weeks off so there was a better moment for him to choose to go out.
      “I would say, go out and have your moment where you relax with your friends, but your timing has to be right.
      “Marcus himself knows – he’s an experienced player now, we’re not talking about a young lad – but he’s done it a couple of times in the last few months.
      “I’ve always seen Marcus as being really responsible, a good professional and someone who works hard every single day.
      “I know he’s going through a dip in form at this moment in time but it’s happened twice and it can sometimes become your personality if you’re not careful.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “If you do it too many times people can start saying, ‘what’s happening in his life?’
      “He just needs to relax, calm down, choose when to go out and get back to playing football at the levels we know he can.” More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Police raid French Ministry of Finance offices as Neymar’s £198m PSG transfer is investigated for fraud

      by

      POLICE raided the French Ministry of Finance on Monday as they continue to investigate Neymar’s 2017 transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, according to reports.The Brazilian moved to PSG from Barcelona in a world-record £198million deal six-and-a-half years ago.
      Neymar signed for Paris Saint-Germain in 2017Credit: AFP or licensors
      Neymar, 31, left France to move to Saudi Arabia last summer.
      But his previous transfer to Ligue 1 continues to be put under the microscope.
      According to French outlet Mediapart, cops from the Central Office for the Fight against Corruption and Tax Fraud raided the General Directorate of Public Finances on Monday.
      Mediapart’s investigation alleges that PSG were helped to not pay taxes on their record swoop for Neymar.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      They claim that Minister of the Interior Gerald Darmanin, his chief of staff at the time Jerome Fournel and then vice-president of the National Assembly Hugues Renso were all involved in helping PSG dodge paying taxes on the transfer.
      Fournel, 56, is accused of coming up with ideas to help PSG avoid taxes in the deal.
      He, along with Darmanin and Renso, is claimed to have been in contact with PSG’s then-general director Jean-Claude Blanc and former director of communications Jean-Martial Ribes.
      The raid is said to have taken place as cops investigate alleged “acts of active corruption and influence peddling” and “passive acts”.
      Most read in Football
      French Minister of National Education and Young People Amelie Oudea-Castera recently claimed that nothing “illegal” took place.
      While Darmanin himself said on Monday: “I am very happy that football or rugby players come to our territory and pay a lot of taxes and charge a lot of revenue taxes.
      “If Neymar had not come, no taxes would have been paid, no football shirts would have been sold in his name and no social security contributions would have come in.”
      Neymar left PSG for Al-Hilal in a deal reportedly worth an initial £77.6million last summer.
      He subsequently played just five times for the Saudi Pro League side before suffering a serious knee injury in October.
      The Brazilian international appeared 173 times during his time at PSG, scoring 118 goals and laying on 77 assists.
      Neymar, 31, joined Al-Hilal last yearCredit: Reuters More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid ‘considering making transfer move for Erling Haaland’ as fresh doubts emerge over Kylian Mbappe switch

      by

      REAL MADRID could turn their attention to Erling Haaland if they fail to sign Kylian Mbappe, according to reports.The Paris Saint-Germain star has just six months left on his deal in the French capital, meaning he is allowed to negotiate with other clubs ahead of a summer move.
      Real Madrid are concerned they won’t be able to agree a deal with Kylian MbappeCredit: Getty
      Erling Haaland is an alternative for Real MadridCredit: Getty
      Real Madrid are in talks with the superstar but no agreement has been struck.
      Reports suggest that Mbappe will have to take a pay cut to secure a move to Los Blancos.
      And Real Madrid have put an end of January deadline on discussions to force him to pen a pre-contract.
      This has reportedly left Mbappe “unimpressed” with their approach as he planned to make a decision later this year.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Real Madrid are desperate to sign a marquee forward this summer.
      Should Mbappe reject them, the club could instead go for Haaland.
      Outlet AS claim the release clause in his Manchester City deal is closer to £100m than £200m.
      City have never confirmed a figure.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Haaland’s agent Rafaela Pimenta revealed in November that the striker is open to a transfer in the future.
      She said: “Erling is the master of own destiny, always.
      “He will always do what’s good for him and for Man City.
      “When they all are open to make a change, it will happen.
      “Erling will always be respectful. For sure respect has to be on both club and player side. I’ve no doubts, Man City will respect him.
      “If something has to happen one day, we will agree on every step together with the club. It’s always about respect.”
      His dad Alf-Inge previously suggested his son wants to play all over Europe, saying: “I think Erling wants to test out his capabilities in every league.
      “Then he can stay in every league for three to four years maximum.
      “He could have two-and-a-half years in Germany, two-and-a-half in England, and then in Spain, Italy, France, right?” More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Man Utd and Chelsea star ‘eyeing return to Premier League’ after telling French side Rennes he wants to quit

      by

      NEMANJA MATIC reportedly wants to return to the Premier League – after telling Rennes he is ready to quit the club.But he has allegedly considered RETIRING if an immediate transfer exit gets blocked.
      Nemanja Matic is fed up at Rennes and wants to quit immediatelyCredit: Getty
      The former Chelsea and Manchester United star, 35, joined the Ligue 1 outfit in the summer after one season with Roma following his Old Trafford exit in 2022.
      The holding midfielder is yet to score for his new side but did get three assists in six Europa League group games – and has already served two suspensions for picking up seven Ligue 1 yellow cards.
      However, just six months and 13 league appearances into his spell with Rennes, it is said he has had enough.
      Matic has reportedly struggled to gel with his team-mates and there are complications regarding his children’s schooling.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      According to L’Equipe, Matic skipped training on Tuesday and has emptied his locker in the hope of finding a new club to enable an early exit from his two-year contract until 2025.
      The report adds that the Serbian is “unhappy at Rennes and pushing for an immediate departure” with it growing increasingly unlikely he will play for Rennes ever again.
      And it is thought the central midfielder is keen to sign for French rivals Lyon or head back to England, with several clubs apparently interested.
      L’Equipe add that successful talks have already taken place between Matic’s representatives and Lyon – but if Rennes did their heels in and refuse to let him leave then he may hang up his boots and quit football for good.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Matic first joined Chelsea in 2009 but made just three first-team appearances then headed to Benfica before returning to Stamford Bridge in January 2014.
      In three-and-a-half seasons with the Blues he appeared 151 times and lifted two Premier League titles.
      The 48-cap international made the switch to United in 2017 but despite playing 189 times and the club reaching both the FA Cup and Europa League finals during his five seasons at Old Trafford, he could not add to his trophy cabinet.
      In December he launched a frank and stinging attack on the Red Devils – and singled out Paul Pogba and Jadon Sancho for particular criticism.
      Matic said: “At Chelsea, players acted professionally.
      “They were punctual and were never late for training but at United it happened almost every day.
      “Among the players who would always be late were Paul Pogba and Jadon Sancho and a couple of other players.
      “The rest of us who were always on time were angry so we decided to form a kind of an internal disciplinary committee with me serving as its president.
      Read more on The Sun
      “During one particular season, we collected around £75,000 in fines.”
      There was more European heartbreak for Matic last season, too, as Jose Mourinho’s Roma lost to Sevilla in the Europa League final before his wretched Rennes move.
      Matic won the Premier League twice with ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The Serbian spent five years at Old TraffordCredit: PA More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Unemployed Jesse Lingard ‘offered free transfer to top Ligue 1 side’ – where he would link up with ex-Man Utd team-mate

      by

      UNEMPLOYED Jesse Lingard has reportedly been offered a career lifeline in France.And he would link up with a former Manchester United team-mate at the Ligue 1 giants.
      Jesse Lingard could be on his way to France to join LilleCredit: Reuters
      But the deal could collapse over new Brexit regulations.
      Lingard, 31, has been without a club since leaving Nottingham Forest in the summer.
      The free agent spent one season at the City Ground – despite four-year contract offers elsewhere – following his release from Old Trafford in 2022 after 22 years with his boyhood club.
      He trained with West Ham then underwent a one-month trial with Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq but did not get offered a contract as the Saudi club had already maxed out their overseas players quota with Jordan Henderson, Demarai Gray and Georginio Wijnaldum.
      READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS
      Now, though, the Mirror claim Lille are interested in snapping up midfielder Lingard who continues to keep himself sharp by training at local pitches.
      Lille, champions in 2020-21, sit fifth in Ligue 1 – 12 points adrift of leaders PSG.
      Paulo Fonseca’s side includes stars Nabil Bentaleb, Jonathan David and Samuel Umtiti, while former Red Devils youngster Angel Gomes is on the books at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
      Like Lingard, Gomes came through the youth academy at Manchester United and made ten first-team appearances.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      But because the former Young Lions star, 23, is English, he counts as one of the four permitted non-EU stars following Brexit.
      And the limits imposed on countries not in the EU or without a cooperation agreement may mean Lingard’s move is scuppered.
      The report adds two other French clubs are also weighing up a move for the 32-cap England man.
      Meanwhile, a free transfer to North America is another option ahead of the new MLS season which starts in February.
      Lingard spent the 2022-23 season with Nottingham ForestCredit: EPA
      Angel Gomes, right, came through at Man Utd and is now at LilleCredit: AFP More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Ethan Mbappe, 16, makes PSG debut with older brother as Kylian nets twice on 25th birthday to secure big Ligue 1 win

      by

      THERE was a heartwarming tale in Paris last night as Ethan Mbappe made it onto the pitch to make his Paris Saint-Germain debut. The 16-year-old, the younger brother of superstar Kylian, entered the pitch in the final moments of the 3-1 win over Metz.
      Kylian Mbappe netted as brace as younger brother Ethan made his PSG debutCredit: Getty

      And Ethan’s introduction meant there was a hat-trick of sorts for Kylian as he celebrated his 25th birthday.
      Kylian scored an expert brace against the Ligue 1 relegation battlers to put PSG five points clear at the top of the table going into Christmas.
      His first saw him score from outside the box with a stunning curling effort that crashed in off the bar.
      That made meant Mbappe was the first PSG player to score on his birthday for six years – after he also netted on his 19th birthday.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      He nabbed his second of the evening when he rushed onto a poor back pass and poked the ball around the goalkeeper who had come rushing off his line before passing the ball into an empty net.
      Just nine minutes later, younger brother Ethan was introduced to share the pitch with his older brother for a brief spell.
      The 16-year-old has made 18 appearances for PSG’ Youth side this season.
      Playing from centre-midfield, he has scored three goals and added two assists in the National U19 Group A.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      He has also made six appearances in the Uefa Youth League.
      The Mbappe brothers are not the only big brother-little brother duo who have rising stock in football.
      Jude and Jobe Bellingham, who star for Real Madrid and Sunderland have had a meteoric rise in the last 12 months.
      There are also Chelsea brother and sister Reece and Lauren James, as well as Serbian national team duo Sergej and Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.
      Kylian Mbappé gifts a goal on his birthday 🎁A 𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 strike from the birthday boy doubles Paris Saint-Germain’s lead! pic.twitter.com/Sg2IqSQxnw— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 20, 2023 More