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      Barcelona could be BANNED from the Champions League even if they win La Liga

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      BARCELONA could face a Champions League ban – but only if they are found guilty of the ref-fixing charges against them.Spanish prosecutors have opened a legal case against the Catalan side, who are accused of paying the country’s referees’ chief Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira more than £6million over a 17-YEAR period.
      Spanish giants Barcelona are sweating on the legal caseCredit: Getty
      Xavi has led Barcelona to a 12-point lead in LaLigaCredit: Reuters
      Barca are said to have made the payments between 2001 and 2018, including the four-year spell they were coached by Pep Guardiola – although there are no suggestions the Manchester City boss was aware of the agreement.
      The club and former Presidents Josep Maria Bartomeu and Sandro Rosell, as well as Negreira, have all been hit with official corruption charges.
      Rival clubs, including Real Madrid, have demanded massive sanctions against the Nou Camp outfit.
      And while Spanish FA rules, which have a three-year statute of limitations on “serious” offences, mean that La Liga and the national association cannot impose a punishment, Uefa regulations open the door to a ban from European competition if the charges are proved.
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      Sun Sport understands that Euro chiefs – who may see the situation as a wedge to drive between Barca and Real over their Super League involvement – will not consider any action until the end of the legal proceedings in Spain.
      That is despite Uefa’s legal department asking the Spanish FA for a full report on what the investigation has uncovered.
      Uefa regulations say clubs must “refrain from any conduct that damages or is likely to damage the integrity of matches and competitions”.
      That includes anybody using a “third party” to act “in a manner that is likely to exert an illegal or undue influence on the course and/or outcome of a match or competition”.
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      Any club breaching that rule is liable to a one season ban from playing in European competition.
      Real have already joined a private prosecution, adding to the pressure on Barca, which has also been told it has a budget of MINUS £200m this summer. More

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      Jose Mourinho lined up for shock return to Real Madrid ten years after sacking with Ancelotti set for international job

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      JOSE MOURINHO is being lined up with a shock return to Real Madrid if Carlo Ancelotti departs, reports claim. The legendary Portuguese boss is currently into his second season as boss of Roma, the latest job in his two decade long managerial career.
      Jose Mourinho would make his impact felt at Real Madrid – and managed to make the rivalry with Barcelona even more intenseCredit: Getty
      He left Real Madrid in 2013 after a largely successful but controversial reign at the helm of one of Spain’s biggest clubs.
      And 10 years on he is being tipped as a potential option to take over at the Bernabeu.
      Ancelotti’s future is uncertain with the Italian manager repeatedly linked with the Brazil international job.
      And Mundo Deportivo report that Madrid club president Florentino Perez is already drawing up options in case they need a replacement.
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      Along with Mourinho, the likes of former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel and ex-Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino are believed to be in contention.
      Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso and highly-rated Eintracht Frankfurt head coach Oliver Glasner are also reportedly among the names being considered, as well as another potential returnee in Zinedine Zidane.
      Mourinho joined Real Madrid in 2010 after leaving Inter Milan.
      He would win only the Copa del Rey during his first season as he crossed swords with Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola for the first time.
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      But in his second year at Madrid he would not only win the league but break records for most points, most goals, best goal difference, most away wins and most overall wins.
      The Champions League would elude him during his three years at Madrid and the club have gone on to win Europe’s grandest competition a staggering five times since his departure.
      Ancelotti, the mastermind of the most recent Champions League victory, appears increasingly likely to leave the club at the end of the season.
      Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson even spoke confidently about the Italian taking over his country of Brazil in recent days.
      After reporting for international duty, the 29-year-old said: “I spoke to Casemiro, Vinicius and Militao… there’s a big possibility that Carlo Ancelotti is gonna become the new coach of Brazil.” More

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      Ex-Chelsea star Kenedy reveals shock new look after getting huge tattoo on top of his head

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      FORMER Chelsea ace Kenedy has revealed a bold new look after getting a tattoo of Jesus on his HEAD.The Brazilian winger, 27, had been on the Blues’ books for seven years after arriving for a fee of £6.3million from Fluminense.
      Ex-Chelsea ace Kenedy has revealed a new tattoo of Jesus on his headCredit: Instagram

      But he made just 30 appearances for Chelsea during that period and scored just three goals.
      He has spent most of his time away on loan having spells at Watford and Newcastle.
      In total he went out on loan five times – including last season when he was back in his homeland playing for Flamengo.
      However, the Samba star is hoping to finally put down firm foundations in one location following last summer’s move to newly-promoted Real Valladolid – who are owned by Brazilian legend Ronaldo.
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      He has suffered a difficult start to life in LaLiga, where he has previous experience following loan stints with Getafe and Granada, due to fitness issues.
      Two groin injuries have limited him to just four cameo appearances so far this season.
      Now it looks like he is hoping for some help from above in order to get back on track with an incredible piece of ink work.
      The club’s Twitter account revealed Kenedy’s latest tattoo, which covers his full head, showing the image of Jesus.
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      That joins the long-list of ink works he already has on both arms and legs.
      And after the image of him back in training was shared, one fan commented: “Mamma Mia, more ink than a squid.”
      Another asked: “Could this guy be any more tattooed?”
      While another tweeted: “I love this head very much, I hope Valladolid is saved.”
      Valladolid are currently sitting 16th in LaLiga, two points and two places above the drop zone with 12 matches to go.
      Kenedy left Chelsea for Real Valladolid last summerCredit: Getty More

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      Barcelona on course to break outrageous 53-year-old European record amid historic charge to LaLiga title

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      BARCELONA are eyeing up a 53-YEAR-OLD European record as they close in on the LaLiga title.Xavi’s men extended their lead at the top of the table to 12 points over the weekend after a dramatic 2-1 victory over rival Real Madrid.
      Barcelona have a remarkable defensive record this seasonCredit: AFP
      It means they are almost certain to reclaim the league title won by Los Blancos last season.
      And they may well break a remarkable record in the process.
      Barcelona have conceded just NINE goals in their 26 league games, an average of 0.346 goals per match.
      If they can continue that ratio up to the end of the campaign, they will go down as the greatest defence of all-time across Europe’s top five leagues.
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      The best defensive records ever across Europe’s top five leagues
      In doing so, they will overhaul the record held by Cagliari’s 1969/70 side who conceded 11 in 30 games – an average of 0.381.
      The Serie A side’s feat came close to being beaten by Liverpool in the 1978/79 season when they shipped just 16 goals in 42 games.
      And Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea also came within a whisker of the record when they conceded just 15 in 38 matches during the 2004/05 term.
      Three AC Milan teams make the 13-side list, along with two Arsenal squads from the 1990s.
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      The most recent team on the list – aside from the current Barcelona side – is Atletico Madrid’s from the 2015/16 season.
      Diego Simeone’s men remarkably finished third in the LaLiga table despite conceding just 18 goals in 38 games.
      Arsenal also missed out on the Premier League title in 1998/99 despite the Gunners letting in just 17 goals in 38 matches. More

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      Real Madrid stars reckon Carlo Ancelotti WILL become Brazil boss as cheeky Man City ace Ederson aims to speed up process

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      REAL MADRID stars believe that Carlo Ancelotti will leave to become Brazil boss, claims Selecao goalkeeper Ederson.The Italian has been linked with the post left vacant by Tite’s exit following their World Cup quarter-final exit to Croatia.
      Carlo Ancelotti could depart Real Madrid at the end of the seasonCredit: Rex
      Ederson will line up against Real Madrid in the Champions LeagueCredit: Alamy
      For now he remains with Real Madrid, where his side are fighting to retain their Champions League crown.
      Having spoken to his Brazilian compatriots that play for Madrid, Manchester City keeper Ederson reckons that Ancelotti will be his new national team boss.
      And the cheeky stopper even raised the stakes ahead of their Champions League quarter-final clash with Madrid.
      After reporting for international duty, the 29-year-old said: “I spoke to Casemiro, Vinicius and Militao… there’s a big possibility that Carlo Ancelotti is gonna become the new coach of Brazil.”
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      He then cheekily added with a grin: “We will try to eliminate Real Madrid so that Ancelotti can come to Brazil as quick as possible!”
      Asked to describe Ancelotti, Ederson said: “An exceptional coach, everyone in his group likes him, a victorious career.”
      He then added: “Just look at his CV. We will know shortly whether he will be here or not.
      “I hope we can have a new coach quickly. I feel the anticipation too because there’s too much speculation.
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      “Is it a Brazilian or a foreign coach?
      “We are also living that phase of anxiety.”
      Brazil will take on World Cup semi-finalists Morocco this weekend, managed by Under-20s coach Ramon Menezes. More

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      I’m a Barcelona legend – I wasn’t bothered when I earned my first million but I bought my dad a heartwarming present

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      FOR many young footballers, earning their first million is a massive shock and giddy with excitement they often don’t know what to do with it. But this wasn’t the case with Barcelona legend Jordi Alba, who wasn’t fazed by it at all.
      Jordi Alba has revealed what he did with his first millionCredit: Getty
      Alba has made over 450 appearances for BarcelonaCredit: Rex
      In an interview with Marca, the 34-year-old Spaniard revealed the heartwarming thing he did with the first million he earned.
      He said: “My first million euros I won at Valencia. I didn’t care about it, really, honestly.
      “Yes, I value money, I attach importance to it, but it’s not the most important thing in my life.
      “With my first million euros, I bought a car from my father. Every four days I went down to Valencia.
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      “He would take the car and go to Valencia to see me until one day he had an accident with a truck.
      “The materials fell and destroyed his car. A big scare. I went to the dealership, I wanted to buy him a car.
      “I bought the car (a Mercedes) by surprise because otherwise I wouldn’t have wanted to.
      “He didn’t believe it, he started crying, but mostly because he thought about him, not because of the car itself.”
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      Alba eventually swapped Valencia for Barcelona in 2012.
      Despite reports linking him with the exit door, there is no denying he is a legend at the Nou Camp.
      The explosive left-back has made over 450 appearances for the club.
      His outings have helped the club win a ton of trophies, including the Champions League, five LaLiga titles, five Spanish Cups and the Club World Cup.
      He also enjoyed success on the international stage, winning the European Championships in 2012.
      Alba is one player Barca could look to offload as they look for ways to lower their plumped-up wage bill.
      But with just 12 months left on his deal when the summer window rolls around, Alba has openly said he would help the club by lowering his wages. More

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      Chelsea flop labelled ‘best defender in the world’ by international boss after release on free transfer

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      FORMER Chelsea flop Andreas Christensen has been hailed as one of the best centre-backs in the world.The Danish defender left the Blues at the expiry of his contract last summer.
      Andreas Christensen joined Barcelona on a free transfer last summerCredit: Getty
      Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand has hailed him as ‘one of the best’ centre-backsCredit: EPA
      He went on to sign for Barcelona on a free transfer and has become a regular member of the team.
      The 26-year-old has featured 25 times in all competitions this season for Xavi’s side.
      Christensen is also currently on course to win a LaLiga title in his first season with the club.
      Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand has praised the defender ahead of their Euro 2024 qualifying matches against Finland and Kazakhstan.
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      He said: “Andreas Christensen is one of the best centre-backs in the world, if not the best.
      “If I was at a club and I had to choose a centre-back, I would choose him.”
      The comments echo that of Xavi’s own praise for Christensen back in January when he hit back at critics that suggested Real Madrid had done the better deal by signing Antonio Rudiger, who had also walked away from Chelsea.
      He said: “Surely the signing of Christensen has been the less highlighted, but he has been extraordinary.
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      “I remember when people said that Real Madrid signed Chelsea’s starting centre-back, and we signed the substitute.”
      During his time at the Blues, Christensen featured 161 times but was often not the first-choice defender.
      The Dane was viewed as a backup to either Rudiger or Thiago Silva. More

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      Barcelona LOSE appeal to register wonderkid Gavi as first-team player putting Man Utd and Liverpool on transfer alert

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      BARCELONA’S second attempt to register wonderkid Gavi as a first-team player has been REJECTED in court.The Nou Camp giants had their original effort turned down by LaLiga back in January as the club were also banned from adding to their squad.
      Barcelona have suffered a huge blow in their attempt to keep hold of GaviCredit: Getty
      However, Mundo Deportivo is reporting that the club’s appeal against overturning the first-team registration of Gavi has been rejected.
      Barcelona registered Gavi as a first-team player on January 31 after obtaining a precautionary measure from the court.
      However, LaLiga filed an appeal against the same as they cited the fact that Xavi’s side had missed the deadline.
      The court allegedly ruled in favour of the Spanish league earlier this month but no concrete verdict was reached as Gavi was allowed to continue as a first-team member.
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      But this fresh update states the financially troubled club appealed against the ruling last Wednesday but had their appeal rejected by the 10th Commercial Court of Barcelona.
      That means that Gavi, who is a full Spanish international, will no longer be counted as a first-team member and must revert back to his youth contract until the end of the season.
      And in what could be a huge boost for Manchester United, the attacker will also be deregistered for the next season as Barcelona have exceeded their salary limit.
      As we reported previously, the Nou Camp club had thought the departures of Memphis Depay and Gerard Pique would allow them to register Gavi.
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      Gavi has been a key player for Barcelona this season
      Barca have a negative balance, which is largely due to their Champions League exit in the group stages, and so LaLiga did not validate Gavi’s extension.
      Barca will now have to significantly reduce their wage bill in summer, or find new sponsorships to register contracts.
      We revealed how they could be set to unload some of their biggest stars as the troubled club look to raise £178m.
      The Spanish giants face a summer of no incoming signings after wild spending left the club struggling to reign in their costs.
      Player sales appear the most likely way to get the situation under control and Premier League clubs are among those who could be circling.
      United and Liverpool have been joined by Bayern Munich in the race to sign Gavi.

      But he is not the only one that could be going out the exit door.
      Ex-Leeds star Raphinha, who only arrived at the Nou Camp a year ago, and fellow United target Frenkie de Jong are among 10 players who could also be sold to free up funds. More