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    Barcelona victory ‘could be overturned with LaLiga leaders suspected of fielding an ineligible player’

    BARCELONA are set to be investigated for fielding an ineligible player during their 3-0 win over Osasuna on Thursday.Osasuna have filed an appeal to the Spanish FA on the grounds of ‘improper fielding” of centre-back Inigo Martinez.Barcelona are reportedly being investigated for their win over OsasunaCredit: RexIt’s claimed that defender Inigo Martinez could have been ineligible to play in the fixtureCredit: RexMartinez, 33, played the full 90 minutes in the LaLiga clash despite withdrawing from international duty with Spain the week prior.The former Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad defender withdrew from Luis de la Fuente’s squad after a medical report from Barcelona detailed that he was suffering from a knee injury, as per a statement from the Spanish national team.Martinez was then replaced in the Spain squad by Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen.And Osasuna claim that Martinez’s inclusion in the LaLiga tie breaches Article 5 of Fifa’s rulebook.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA rule within that article effectively stipulates that any player who withdraws from international break with injury cannot play for their club within the five days following their nation’s last international match – unless explicitly agreed by the national federation.That could spell trouble for Martinez, who featured against Osasuna just four days after Spain’s Nations League second leg against Netherlands on Sunday.Now Barcelona could face punishment if found to have breached the regulations.A points deduction or a reversal of the result have both been touted as potential punishments.Most read in FootballBournemouth’s Dean Huijsen replaced Martinez in the Spain squadCredit: RexCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat could have a detrimental impact on Barca’s season after the win over Osasuna sent them three points clear of rivals Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga.Osasuna, meanwhile, are desperate for points as they sit just one point above the relegation zone.Horror moment Barcelona star finds his tooth on the pitch after losing it in battle with Real Betis defender For now, it is unclear if the Spanish FA granted permission for Martinez to withdraw from the camp or not.While the last-minute nature of the match could also be a mitigating factor for the 27-time La Liga champions.Both Barcelona and Osasuna were given less than a week to prepare for the match after the fixture was rescheduled to Thursday night from it’s original date of March 8 last Friday, following the sudden death of Barcelona club doctor Carles Minarro Garcia.What does Article 5 say?Here’s a look at the working of Annex 1 of the regulations on the status and transfer of players…”A player who, due to injury or illness, is unable to attend a call-up of the association of the country of his or her nationality, must, if requested by that association, undergo a medical examination by a doctor designated by the association. “If the player so wishes, such medical examination will be carried out in the territory of the association where he or she is registered.”A player called up by his association for one of its representative teams is not entitled, unless otherwise agreed by the association concerned, to play for the club to which he belongs during the period that his release lasts or should last, in accordance with the provisions of this Annex, plus an additional period of five days.” More

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    Bukayo Saka returns to training with two word-post as Arsenal get major boost ahead of Real Madrid clash

    BUKAYO SAKA is on the verge of an Arsenal return.The Gunners star was pictured for the first time back in full training at London Colney today after undergoing hamstring surgery in December.Arsenal superstar Bukayo Saka has returned to full trainingCredit: Instagram / bukayosaka87The England star is in contention to play in the Gunners’ upcoming games after recovering from surgeryCredit: ReutersSaka teased fans in an Instagram post showing him smiling with his thumbs up alongside the caption: “Hello again.”And SunSport understands he is in contention to be included in the squad to face Fulham on Tuesday night ahead of vital clashes against Everton and Real Madrid.Saka, 23, tore his hamstring in a 5-1 Prem win over Crystal Palace on December 21 before having surgery to fix the issue days later.He has missed 19 games in all competitions since then, a run that saw Arsenal knocked out of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, as well as lose ground in the Prem title race.Read More on ArsenalThe target was always for Saka to make it back for the Champions League quarter final first leg at home to Real Madrid on April 8 – and he looks on course to achieve that.Arteta is keen for Saka to get some minutes under his belt before then, with opportunities to do so at the Emirates against the Cottagers next week before a trip to Goodison Park to face Everton on April 5.Despite his impressive recovery and rehab so far, Arsenal remain wary over pushing Saka too hard too soon. He will likely be given cameo appearances off the bench to prove his fitness and get back up to speed.Saka has stepped up his training load during the international break while his teammates have been away with their countries.Most read in FootballBefore the break, asked how Saka would be progressing, Arteta explained: “Hopefully with more ball at his feet than he has had. “That will mean he is passing the ball and shooting and running and everything. He has done quite a lot already on the pitch working on his own. “Next we need to arrange it with people around him in a more competitive training session and see how he goes with that.”Despite his absence, Saka has been a constant presence in and around the team during his rehab, seen on crutches at the turn of the year supporting from the stands at the Emirates.On the club’s warm-weather retreat to Dubai last month, Saka flew out with the squad to carry on his individualised solo training plan with light gym work.He was also spotted in the Wembley tunnel speaking to Three Lions coach Thomas Tuchel after England’s 3-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Latvia on Monday.Saka’s return has been aided by some much-needed rest, spending time abroad on holiday with his family in late January.Arsenal are in need of some attacking inspiration after Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus were ruled out for the season with hamstring and knee issues respectively, forcing midfielder Mikel Merino to deputise as a centre forward.And manager Mikel Arteta received yet another blow during the international break as Riccardo Calafiori had to withdraw from Italy’s squad after hurting his knee.Saka’s influence cannot be understated. Even after a three-month lay-off, he remains the leading provider of goals and assists in all competitions for Arsenal this term [nine goals and 13 assists].Three points adrift of Prem leaders Liverpool at the time of his injury, Arteta’s men now find themselves 13 points behind with nine games to play.Arteta was desperate to bring in reinforcements during the January window, linked with Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, but could not get a deal over the line.Arsenal could be set for another major boost as Real face being without four stars for the first leg.Superstar strikers Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior as well as former Chelsea ace Antonio Rudiger and ex-Gunner Dani Caballos face an official Uefa probe for allegedly making obscene gestures after their victory over Atletico Madrid in the Last-16.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesVinicius was the most high-profile case as he reportedly took six “shots” at Atletico supporters during and after the clash at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.Rudiger, on the other hand, was accused of making a throat-slitting gesture to Atleti supporters.READ MORE SUN STORIESCeballos, who spent two years at Arsenal before his return to Madrid in 2021, is accused of making an obscene one-armed gesture with a clenched fist.And Mbappe was reported for touching his genitals in a clearly derogatory manner.Saka underwent surgery on his hamstring and has missed the last three monthsCredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal Champions League boost as Mbappe leads FOUR Real Madrid stars under Uefa investigation for ‘indecent conduct’

    ARSENAL could be handed a massive Champions League boost with FOUR Real Madrid stars potentially BANNED from next month’s quarter final clash.Superstar strikers Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, former Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger and midfielder Dani Caballos all face an official Uefa probe for their antics against Atletico Madrid in the last-16.Kylian Mbappe is one of four Real Madrid stars under investigationCredit: AlamyAntonio Rudiger began a jubilant high-knee run after scoring the winning penalty against Atletico MadridCredit: ReutersRudigerappeared to aim a throat-cutting gesture at Atleti supportersCredit: GettyUEFA said it appointed a disciplinary inspector to study the unspecified allegationsCredit: GettyA Uefa Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of “indecent conduct” by all four players.The unspecified incidents occurred during Real’s second leg last-16 victory against city rivals Atletico on March 12.Their punishment, if found guilty, is not yet known.But IF they are banned, it could be a huge advantage for Arsenal, who are missing several key players through injury.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSThe Gunners host the 15-time European champions on Tuesday 8, with the return leg at the Bernabeu the following Wednesday.And Vinicius and Mbappe are joint-highest in club goals in the Champions League this season, with seven goals apiece.Madrid advanced to the quarter-finals in a controversial 4-2 shootout after Atletico won the second leg 1-0 to tie the aggregate score at 2-2.Tensions were high at the Metropolitano before, and after, Julian Alvarez’ spot-kick was disqualified by VAR.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAtletico are understood to have filed a formal complaint to Uefa, which then began its investigation.Vinicius was the most high-profile case, as he reportedly took six “shots” at Atleti supporters during and after the clash.Trent Alexander-Arnold has agreed terms on a move to Real Madrid this summer, according to reports The Brazilian, long targeted by rival fans and who has been a regular victim of racist abuse, was involved in two separate confrontations with home fans before and after the shoot-out.The 24-year-old skied a penalty in normal time and had been substituted in extra-time but taunted them by pointing to the Real crest on his coat.Rudiger was accused of making a throat-slitting gesture to home supporters.Ceballos is accused of making an obscene one-armed gesture with a clenched fist before joining Jude Bellingham in a victory dance at the very end of the match.German centre-back Rudiger – who won his first Champions League with Chelsea in 2021 – began a jubilant high-knee dance after scoring the winning penalty on the night.Most of the team followed, with subs imitating it. Mbappe was reported for touching his genitals in a clearly derogatory manner.Diego Simeone was banned for grabbing his bits during a Champions League match against Juventus.READ MORE SUN STORIESReal are likely to point out that their players were hit by bottles and other objects thrown by home supporters but the investigation could end up with serious repercussions.It remains to be seen whether Rudiger, Ceballos, Vinicius or Mbappe are charged by Uefa over these incidents.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    World Cup scandal as major La Liga stadium is left out of hosting tournament after report ‘manipulated’

    THE Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has been embroiled in a bizarre scandal over its stadiums for the 2030 World Cup. Spain, Morocco and Portugal have been selected as hosts for the tournament in five years time. The Estadio Balaidos has reportedly been overlooked for the 2030 World CupCredit: GettyReal Sociedad’s Anoeta Stadium has instead been chosenCredit: AlamyEleven venues were announced last week by the RFEF, including Real Madrid’s Bernabeu and Barcelona’s Nou Camp.In the original list, Celta Vigo’s Balaidos Stadium was ranked No. 11 ahead of Anoeta Stadium, home to Real Sociedad.But Spanish outlet El Mundo alleges “the RFEF manipulated the scores to exclude Vigo and include San Sebastian.”According to the report, a team “evaluated the Spanish stadiums in a meeting held on June 25, 2024.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe stadiums were selected using a ranking system, which scored the “technical project, operational capacity, financial structure and facilities of the host cities.” The outlet claims “just 48 hours later, the evaluation team tweaked the Excel spreadsheet.”In the revised document, Sociedad’s San Sebastian stadium was given a score of 10.6026, up from 10.1226.That moved it past Vigo on the list, leaving the Balaidos Stadium eliminated from World Cup hosting contention. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA Spanish Football Federation source told Footboom the adjustment was made “in accordance with Fifa’s directives.”But Abel Caballero, the Mayor of Vigo, has publicly urged the RFEF to disclose the criteria used to exclude their stadium.Barcelona forced into major stadium decision as Nou Camp reopening delayed AGAINHe said: “All I am asking for is transparency. “Let the public know what data was used to remove Vigo from the running.”He added, directly addressing RFEF president Rafael Louzan: “I demand that Louzan explain all of this immediately.”[He must] explain who made the decisions, how they were made, why they were made, with electronically signed minutes. “I don’t trust anything. This is extremely serious. “The fact that selection criteria have been changed is of the utmost seriousness.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe 2030 World Cup will be the first with three countries from two continents hosting the competition. Spain last hosted the tournament way back in 1982. More

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    Trent Alexander-Arnold will be forced to break from nine-year tradition at Real Madrid thanks to little-known rule

    TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD will not be able to wear his No66 shirt at Real Madrid due to a little-known rule.The Liverpool star’s contract expires this summer and he is ready to leave Anfield for free.Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to leave Liverpool for Real Madrid this summerCredit: GettyHe will be forced to ditch his No66 shirt due to a LaLiga ruleCredit: AlamyAlexander-Arnold will reportedly sign a five-year deal at Real Madrid and pocket £240,000-a-week.His move to Spain sees his spell at boyhood club Liverpool come to an end and his nine years wearing the No66 is also over.That is because a LaLiga rule prevents players having kit numbers above No25, corresponding to the size of a team’s squad.Only youngsters who are not registered in the senior squad, but can still play, are allowed to wear a higher digit on their back.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis future Real Madrid team-mate Raul Asencio is an exception to the rule amid a breakthrough season in the No35 shirt.The No66 has become synonymous with Alexander-Arnold after he was given it when he first started training with the first-team in 2016.It was handed to him as it was a free number and not low enough to think he was an established part of the Liverpool side.But Alexander-Arnold quickly broke into the starting XI in the unique number and has decided to keep it ever since.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKWhile playing for England, he has donned the No2, No7, No8 and No10 shirts.Despite him seemingly leaving Liverpool on a free, the club are still set to rake in cash from Real Madrid.’He’s going to Tranmere after this’ – Roy Keane rips into Trent Alexander-Arnold after ‘school boy’ defending vs Man UtdThe Champions League holders want to complete the signing in time for the revamped Club World Cup, which starts on June 15.Alexander-Arnold’s deal does not expire until June 30 and Real Madrid are therefore willing to pay around £5million to break the contract early so he can join his new team in the US for the tournament. More

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    Arsenal’s Martin Zubimendi deal ‘faces being hijacked by Real Madrid with £50m transfer plotted’

    ARSENAL’S bid for Martin Zubimendi is at risk of being hijacked by Real Madrid.The Gunners have been keeping tabs on Real Sociedad star Zubimendi, 26, ever since last year when they tried to lure him away from Spain.Arsenal’s bid for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi could be hijacked by Real MadridCredit: GettySociedad star Zubimendi has also been linked with LiverpoolCredit: RexThe North Londoners are going toe to toe with Premier League rivals Liverpool for the midfielder’s signature – with the midfielder having dramatically snubbed the champions-elect last summer.Now, according to El Partidazo de COPE, Arsenal – and the Reds for that matter – are now facing serious competition from Real who are pushing hard for the Spain international’s signature.As per the same source, Zubimendi’s agent is listening to offers ahead of the summer transfer window.And Real president Florentino Perez is making his move as he understands his team’s advantage.Read More on ArsenalThe reigning European champions can guarantee the talented Spaniard Champions League football next season as well as silverware in the near future.Sociedad, on the other hand, are 12th in Laliga with 17 points separating them from the top four.This comes after Imanol Alguacil’s side were eliminated from the Europa League in the Last 16 by Manchester United.Real are more than willing to meet Zubimendi’s €60million (£50m) release clause and the potential arrival of Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso in the dugout will have no affect regarding their plans.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesThe same report claims the final decision now lies on the defensive midfielder.Zubimendi is highly rated and has been compared to Chelsea and Real legend Claude Makelele, Barcelona hero Sergio Busquets and Manchester City star Rodri.Myles Lewis-Skelly lost for words after finding out he has broken England recordArsenal and Liverpool were very keen to sign him last summer but he was persuaded to remain at his beloved Sociedad by manager Alguacil and sporting director Roberto Olabe.The pair prepared a presentation and pulled on the player’s San Sebastian heartstrings with pictures of his favourite local tapas restaurants and mountain hikes he enjoys in the Basque Country.The talented No6 has amassed a total of two goals and two assists in 38 appearances this season. More

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    Liverpool set to rake in millions from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Real Madrid transfer despite star being out of contract

    REAL MADRID are ready to land Trent Alexander-Arnold in time for the Club World Cup.The Liverpool right-back, 26, has agreed a £240,000-a-week five-year deal to join on a free transfer this summer.Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to join Real Madrid this summerCredit: GettyReal Madrid could pay the Reds £5m to sign the full-back in time for the Club World CupCredit: GettyAlexander-Arnold’s Anfield contract runs until June 30 — but the Club World Cup kicks off on June 15.Real are now willing to stump up a fee, understood to be around £5million, to sign him on June 1 so he can join England team-mate Jude Bellingham on the plane for the US-hosted tournament.They are willing to pay out now having had an approach over a transfer knocked back by Liverpool on New Year’s Eve.The Reds refused as they were determined their vice-captain stayed to help boss Arne Slot end his first season in charge with the Prem title.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDutchman Slot was also wary over releasing the player due to a shortage of defenders in his squad.But with Anfield owners the Fenway Sports Group now resigned to losing the England international, who is sidelined with an ankle injury, they could decide to grab some money from his departure.They would not only get a fee but also save a month’s wages on the Scouser, who is on £140,000-a-week at Anfield.Last September, Alexander-Arnold insisted that discussion on his future “would not be played out in public”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut it is now common knowledge that he is leaving the club he joined as a six-year-old.His last appearance is likely to be in the home clash with Crystal Palace on May 25 — the final day of the Prem season.Moment Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold are pulled apart after apparent spat during Liverpool training Liverpool are still sweating on the decisions by Mo Salah and skipper Virgil van Dijk, who both have their contracts ending on June 30.But FSG and boss Slot are understood to be confident Dutch centre-back Van Dijk and Egyptian striker Salah will sign new deals. More

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    ‘I couldn’t believe it’ – Ronaldo still stunned by how Brazil team-mate drank his £8,000 bottle of wine

    RONALDO has a vintage reason for remembering a jaw-dropping incident with a team-mate.The former Barcelona and Real Madrid striker played alongside Vampeta for both Brazil and Inter Milan.Ronaldo has told of his shock when his pal opened some special wineCredit: GettyVampeta had an unusual reaction to spotting the bottleCredit: AP:Associated PressAnd even though the midfielder played only eight games for the Italians, he still made a special mark on Ronaldo – or at least his wine collection.The 98-cap legend had spent 10,000 euros – about £8,000 – on a bottle of Petrus wine.Arguably the most famous ‘plonk’ in the world, the brand from Bordeaux originated in the 18th century.Petrus wine takes three or four decades to reach its best – but Vampeta needed just a few seconds to do his worst!READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRonaldo, 48, told Brazilian podcast Charla what unfolded when the 51-year old saw the bottle.He said: “I bought a bottle of Petrus wine. I brought it home more for its symbolic value, being the most famous wine in the world. “I had no intention of opening it because the bottle dated back to the year of his birth – 1500.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”They had told me it hadn’t even been a good year! Most read in Football”Well, Vampeta opened it, took some plastic glasses, poured it, drank it and made a disgusted face saying, ‘It’s damn hot, is there ice in it?'”Erling Haaland’s salary is only ninth biggest in football with Chelsea flop Koulibaly earning more than Man City starIf that wasn’t enough for poor Ronaldo to deal with, he explained that Vampeta wasn’t quite finished.The ex-PSV Eindhoven hero added: “Then he started putting an ice cube in each glass.”And I couldn’t believe it because, as I said, it was just a wine for display.”There was no suggestion Vampeta was aware of the wine being so special.And it’s also unclear what Ronaldo meant by the date “1500”.That’s because the earliest trace of the Petrus vineyards in Pomerol, Bordeaux, appears to be the 1750s.Interestingly, however, the 19 years of especially fine vintages for the elite brand include 2000… the year Vampeta was making his own unique contribution to its history! Wine connoisseur Ronaldo twice won the World Cup with BrazilCredit: AFP More