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      LaLiga chief claims Fifa supremo Gianni Infantino IS behind Super League plans despite public criticism

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      FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been branded the puppet master behind the Super League project which threatens to rip up the fabric of European football.
      Infantino publicly warned players they will be banned from the World Cup and European Championships if their clubs form the proposed closed shop breakaway.

      Gianni Infantino has publicly warned against a Super LeagueCredit: PA:Press Association

      But LaLiga boss Javier Tebas has been handed documents circulating among would-be Super League members that he believes PROVE Infantino has been actively orchestrating the entire plan.
      And the Spaniard says the Swiss leader of the world game has hidden behind a secret code name.
      According to Tebas, the secret documents, which were drafted last year and have been circulating among leading clubs for weeks, point to the controlling interests of ‘W01’.
      That stands, Tebas is convinced, for ‘World Number One’ — Gianni Infantino.

      Tebas said: “It is obvious that Gianni Infantino has been party to meetings and hosted the club organisation to be able to work on the Super League.
      “He has been working on it and has even been encouraging them to set it up.
      “In the documents that we have related to the Super League there is the mention of a code name W01, which clearly refers to Mr Infantino. That is his code name.
      “If I am wrong, I will apologise. But we have information and the facts seem to be there. I think people are telling me the truth.

      Javier Tebas believes that Infantino has been involved in Super League talksCredit: Reuters

      “In the documents there are certain dates that are being held back for the Club World Cup, each January.
      “Twelve European teams, the top five from each of the two groups, with four teams playing off for the other two places.
      “It’s obvious that people who are helping Real Madrid with that were not going to be providing that data unless they knew that Infantino had this information.
      “He is not against it. He thought the project was OK.
      “So he should urgently clarify his personal position, to explain exactly why he was at some of the meetings and encouraged the project at certain points in time.”
      Tebas’ allegations come with the Costa Rica-born Spaniard suggesting Manchester United and Liverpool have made a Devil’s pact with Infantino — along with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez — that will turn football from a dream factory into a one-dimensional TV show.
      He accused United owners in the form of Joel Glazer, Liverpool’s John Henry, plus Ivan Gazidis, who moved from being chief executive at Arsenal to the same role at AC Milan, of colluding with Perez and Infantino.
      Fifa have consistently denied any involvement in the project, put together with the  backing of US financial giant JP Morgan.
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      Man Utd chiefs the Glazers have been accused of ‘colluding’ with InfantinoCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Reds owner John W Henry is also alleged to be involvedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Only last week, Infantino, Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin plus the other five Confederation presidents signed a joint statement warning that any players who were part of a  breakaway would be banned from the World Cup or European  Championships.
      Tebas, though, insists that Infantino’s denials, like those emanating from Old Trafford and Anfield — or should that be Tampa Bay and Boston? — are less than truthful.
      Indeed, not only were the discussions ongoing through the winter, they are about to officially be made public. Tebas, 58, said: “The documents I have say it’s going to be announced in February, next month.
      “It says they are going to sell the broadcasting rights in March and it’s all going to start in 2022.
      “I’m not sure about that. These clubs have been involved in decisions about Champions League broadcasting rights between 2021 and 2024 and will have to break away from that.
      “Some of the other clubs knew about the project, while others didn’t even know about it or that it existed.
      “But a club, even if they could be against it, will say, ‘Well, let’s see what happens and what is going on because if it does come off, we don’t want to be left out’.
      “Of course, it is not clear that the money exists. It’s easy to talk about it and harder to generate.
      “But even if there is more money in the short or medium term for these clubs, in the longer term it is not good for football or for them.

      Of course, if it is a closed league then obviously the values will go up for these clubs
      Javier Tebas

      “It is interesting for the American-owned clubs, for Manchester United, Liverpool or Milan, to have US funds behind them or Inter Milan with their Chinese funds.
      “Of course, if it is a closed league then obviously the values will go up for these clubs — but I do not believe the broadcasting rights will go up as much as they keep saying.
      “And, more importantly, it would destroy the ecosystem and the balance of European football.”
      The self-confessed Real Madrid fan added: “We believe it would cost LaLiga £1.4billion in revenue and the value of our clubs would go down by more.
      “And the Premier League has double the turnover.
      “So the other 14 clubs in England would lose maybe £3bn — because they can’t qualify for European competitions any more.”

      Gianni Infantino believes World Cup has changed ‘perception’ of Russia to the world and thanked Vladimir Putin for making it ‘possible’ More

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      Chelsea outcast Marcos Alonso left in transfer limbo as Real Madrid and Barcelona reject chance to sign defender

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      MARCOS ALONSO faces spending the rest of the season on the Chelsea bench while a move fails to materialise.
      According to reports in Spain, neither Barcelona nor Real Madrid are ready to sign the left-back.

      Marcos Alonso will reportedly not be moving to Spain this monthCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Alonso has affinity with both clubs, having come through the Madrid academy to play for the team and follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, Marcos Alonso Imaz.
      And his father, Marcos Alonso Pena, starred for Barcelona during his illustrious career.
      But, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, neither club is prepared to rescue the Spaniard from his Chelsea nightmare.
      Real Madrid are not currently in the market for a left-back with Ferland Mendy and Marcelo well embedded, at least until the end of the season.

      Barcelona would be interested in Alonso but it is said they would first need to loan out left-back Junior Firpo.
      Although Serie A clubs and West Ham are reportedly monitoring Firpo, there is a lack of movement in completing a deal.
      Therefore Alonso, 30, will have to try and impress new Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel in a bid to save his season.
      The German opted for £50million summer signing Ben Chilwell at left-back for his first game in charge, versus Wolves in midweek.

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      Both Alonso and Emerson Palmieri were left on the bench and neither man was called up to replace Chilwell, when he was subbed off on 76 minutes.
      But it was the former Bolton defender’s first appearance on the bench since a disastrous performance in the 3-3 draw at West Brom in September.
      Frank Lampard had exiled Alonso but Tuchel may be more open minded, particularly if the player cannot find a new club.
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Alonso must impress new boss Thomas Tuchel to revive his Chelsea careerCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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      Man City star Eric Garcia ‘willing to play for Barcelona for FREE to seal dream return to club this month’

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      MANCHESTER CITY centre-back Eric Garcia is tipped to rejoin Barcelona and play for NOTHING until the summer.
      Nou Camp presidential candidate Victor Font also believes City will accept just £2.65million for the four-cap Spain star, 20.

      Defender Eric Garcia is said to be desperate for a return to BarcelonaCredit: PA:Press Association

      Arsenal also fancy Garcia as Etihad chief Pep Guardiola continues to pick resurgent John Stones and £65m Ruben Dias ahead of him.
      But Garcia reportedly still favours returning to cash-strapped Barca, four years after leaving as a star academy product.
      TalkSPORT quote Font as saying: “Eric Garcia is ready to make an effort [to leave City this month] and not be paid this season
      “The movements we have made lead us to understand that the signing is possible now, the club can manage it financially.

      “Ronald Koeman and our sporting structure consider his signing fundamental to aspire to win titles this season. 
      “So we ask the managing committee to sign Eric this week.

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      “Why not sign him? If he’s ready to not be paid this season… City will accept €3 million plus variables.

      “How do we motivate Koeman if the only request he’s made is denied?”
      Garcia is thought to have rejected an extension to his City contract, which expires in June.

      Eric Garcia looks back at his time at Man City More

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      PSG slammed over Lionel Messi transfer pursuit as Barcelona presidential candidate threatens to go to Fifa

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN’s pursuit of Lionel Messi has been blasted as ‘disrespectful’ by Barcelona presidential hopeful Joan Laporta.
      The Ligue 1 club have been linked with a move for the Argentine when his contract expires in June.

      Lionel Messi is yet to sign a new contract at the Nou CampCredit: EPA

      Joan Laporta has slammed Paris Saint-Germain’s chase of Barcelona’s talismanCredit: EPA

      Manchester City and Inter Miami are also interested following Messi’s attempt to terminate his Barcelona deal last summer.
      But PSG sporting director Leonardo’s recent public comments on chasing the 33-year-old angered Laporta, who is competing to become Barcelona president in March’s elections.
      The Catalan threatened to take the matter to Fifa and criticised Les Parisiens’ links to the Qatari government.
      He told reporters: “[Barcelona] must be capable of making a good proposal that Messi is willing to accept, that depends on the club.

      “I would understand any answer [from Messi], but he needs to know what the proposal is. That requires urgency.
      “It is getting more difficult all the time to make a convincing proposal.
      “He’s free to negotiate with other clubs now and Barcelona are still without a president.
      “It is disrespectful to Barcelona that clubs like PSG publicly say they are going to sign Messi.

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      “This coming from a club-state that have bypassed the rules. We cannot allow clubs and states the luxury of destabilising another club.
      “In that sense, we will have to speak with Uefa and Fifa to avoid such actions.
      “PSG must abstain from [talking about Messi]. It is out of place for another club to speak about him.
      “And, at the moment, there is no president in place to respond to this lack of respect.”
      Messi’s representatives, in a statement to Sport, were this week forced to deny claims that the striker was learning French in anticipation of moving to Paris.
      Canal+ had reported on the supposed language lessons as a sign that he was ready to snub the Blaugrana and Manchester City.

      We are seated at the large table of those clubs who are following the Messi matter closely.
      LeonardoPSG Sporting Director

      PSG are doing little to hide their desire for Messi, with Argentina team-mate Leandro Paredes talking up the chances of a bid.
      He told Corriere dello Sport: “It’s up to Leo to come to the club, because PSG are trying to convince him. I hope it happens.”
      Earlier this month, Leonardo had told France Football: “Great players like Messi will always be on PSG’s list.
      “But this is of course not the time to talk about it, or to dream about it.

      “But we are seated at the large table of those clubs who are following the matter closely.
      “In fact, no, we are not yet seated, but our chair is reserved just in case. Four months in football is an eternity, especially in this period.”
      The recent arrival of Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino at PSG has only ramped up the expectancy the French outfit will push hard to recruit Messi in the summer.
      Messi was in action on Wednesday night, scoring on his return from a two-game ban to help his team beat Rayo Vallecano in the Copa del Rey.

      Lionel Messi sent off for violent conduct as Barcelona and Ronaldo Koeman are denied first silverware against Athletic Bilbao More

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      Rayo Vallecano 1 Barcelona 2: Messi back from ban to spare Barca blushes in comeback win over second-tier opponents

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      LIONEL MESSI returned as Barcelona narrowly avoided becoming the latest big cupset of this year’s crazy Copa del Rey.
      After Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid were knocked out by third-tier opposition, the cup appears to be Ronald Koeman’s best route to silverware.

      Lionel Messi returned as Barcelona beat Rayo VallecanoCredit: AP:Associated Press

      The talisman scored the leveller at Vallecas on Wednesday nightCredit: Reuters

      The Dutchman put out a strong team for the last-16 trip to Rayo Vallecano, featuring Antoine Griezmann, Frenkie de Jong and Messi.
      It was the forward’s first game since a first sending off of his club career, earning a two-game ban for lashing out at an opponent in the Supercopa de Espana defeat to Athletic Club.
      Despite dominating possession, the Catalans fell behind at Estadio de Vallecas on the hour mark.
      Fancy footwork from Alvaro Garcia led to Neto flapping at a cross and Real Madrid loanee Fran Garcia tapped home Rayo’s opener.

      Barcelona were faced with being the ELEVENTH LaLiga side dumped out by lower-tier opposition in this year’s Copa but rallied against their Segunda Division opponents.
      Frenkie de Jong played Griezmann through and the Frenchman crossed for Messi to tap home the leveller.

      Either side of his ban, the 33-year-old now has five goals in his last four games.
      A carbon copy of the equaliser put Barcelona ahead with ten minutes left on the clock.

      This time it was Jordi Alba breaking down the left from Messi’s pass and de Jong steadied himself to net the winner.
      Blaugrana boss Koeman praised his side’s response to a long, tough month ahead of Friday’s quarter-final draw.

      I think it has been a very tough month. The team has shown its mentality.
      Ronald Koeman

      He told reporters: “I think it has been a very tough month, with many away games and many trips.
      “It has been eight games. The team has shown its mentality to face this difficult month.
      “We deserved to win games. We got a lot of points.
      “Too bad about the Supercopa final. In LaLiga we have recovered our best level.”

      Messi’s best hope of silverware may come in the Copa del ReyCredit: Reuters

      Lionel Messi sent off for violent conduct as Barcelona and Ronaldo Koeman are denied first silverware against Athletic Bilbao More

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      Man Utd drop out of Deloitte Money League top three for first time since 2013 as 10 richest clubs are revealed

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      EUROPE’S biggest clubs are facing a whopping £2BILLION price for the Covid-19 pandemic.
      The analysis by football finance experts Deloitte lays bare the impact of the crisis on even the game’s elite giants.

      And one significant victim was Manchester United, who dropped out of the top three of Deloitte’s ‘money league’ for the first time since 2013.
      According to the Deloitte number crunchers, the immediate consequence of the virus outbreak was to knock £1.05bn off income for the leading 20 European clubs last year.
      But Deloitte expects 2021 will see a similar impact on TV revenues and with crowds not expected back in grounds until next season at the earliest – and even then likely to be limited – anticipates the total cost will exceed £2bn.
      Analyst Dan Jones, partner in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte, said: “There is no doubt that this is one of the most testing times the football industry has ever had to endure.

      “While no football club has been immune to the challenges of Covid-19, and other clubs have suffered more in relative terms, those in the Money League have borne the greatest financial impact in absolute value terms.
      “In this year’s edition, the top 20 clubs generated an average of £363m per club, a decline of £49m compared to 2018-19.”
      Barcelona remain top of the money table despite income dropping £111.5m to £627.1m, less than £200,000 ahead of bitter rivals Real Madrid.
      But United’s £119.1m fall, to £509m – a consequence of missing out on the Champions League – saw them drop below Bayern Munich into fourth place, although the Old Trafford club were still English football’s highest earner.

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      Manchester clubs have the worst net spend in the past decade by some distance

      Other Premier League sides in the top ten were Liverpool, whose £489.9m took them into the top five for the first time since 2001-02, with Manchester City sixth on £481.6m, Chelsea eighth on £411.9m and Spurs ninth with £390.9m.
      Yet the figures are unlikely to recover over the next 12 months as Jones added: “The safe return of fans to stadia in significant numbers is one of the highest priorities across global football.
      “Matchday operations are a cornerstone of a club’s business model and help drive other revenue-generating activity.
      “The final size of the financial impact of the pandemic on football will depend, in no small part, on the timing and scale of fans’ return.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

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      Martin Odegaard passes Arsenal medical with loan transfer from Real Madrid set to be announced today

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      MARTIN ODEGAARD has reportedly completed his medical at Arsenal and will be announced as a Gunner imminently.
      The Real Madrid playmaker, 22, successfully completed his examination ahead of his loan move to the Emirates.

      Martin Odegaard is understood to have passed his medical at ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      As reported by the Evening Standard, the Norwegian’s move is expected to be confirmed today.
      Arsenal are expected to pay around £1.8million in a loan fee and pick up his £38,000-a-week wages.
      That will place him 23rd in the squad for highest-paid players at Arsenal – below calamity goalkeeper Runar Alex Runarsson.
      But former Highbury hero Alan Smith is worried he may turn out to be another flop in the same way Denis Suarez was in 2019.

      The Spaniard arrived at the Emirates from Barcelona two years ago but made just six substitute appearances, failing to register any goals or assists before getting injured.
      Speaking about Odegaard, Smith told Stadium Astro: “He’s had his problems developing at Real Madrid and the last thing Arsenal want is to get somebody in who can’t offer anything.
      “You think back to Denis Suarez who came to the club and physically he just wasn’t ready and then he picked up injuries.
      “It was a bit of an embarrassment in the end, so hopefully they will do their homework on Odegaard.

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      “He’s a young player that went to Real Madrid, and so much is expected of him, and as so often happens it doesn’t quite materialise like that.”
      Despite passing his medical already, Odegaard will not join in time to be registered to face Southampton tonight.
      The Gunners head back to St Mary’s three days after their FA Cup exit there.
      And Mikel Arteta will be without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang once again due to family reasons.
      Dani Ceballos and Pablo Mari are both out while left-back Kieran Tierney is a doubt because of a right calf strain.
      However, once Odegaard is available for selection, Mikel Arteta will be desperate he hits the ground running.
      The Spaniard is likely to use him in his favoured No10 role as he battles with in-form Emile Smith Rowe for a spot in the side.
      However, as he demonstrated last season, Odegaard is perfectly capable operating on the right and drifting in on to his left foot to spray passes and unlock defences.

      Martin Odegaard shows off his skills at Real Madrid training More

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      Man Utd drop out of Deloitte Money League top three for first time since 2013 as 10 richest clubs revealed

      by

      EUROPE’S biggest clubs are facing a £2BILLION price for the Covid-19 pandemic.
      The analysis by football finance experts Deloitte lays bare the impact of the crisis on even the game’s elite giants.

      And one significant victim was Manchester United, who dropped out of the top three of Deloitte’s ‘money league’ for the first time since 2013.
      According to the Deloitte number crunchers, the immediate consequence of the virus outbreak was to knock £1.05bn off income for the leading 20 European clubs last year.
      But Deloitte expects 2021 will see a similar impact on TV revenues and with crowds not expected back in grounds until next season at the earliest – and even then likely to be limited – anticipates the total cost will exceed £2bn.
      Analyst Dan Jones, partner in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte, said: “There is no doubt that this is one of the most testing times the football industry has ever had to endure.

      “While no football club has been immune to the challenges of Covid-19, and other clubs have suffered more in relative terms, those in the Money League have borne the greatest financial impact in absolute value terms.
      “In this year’s edition, the top 20 clubs generated an average of £363m per club, a decline of £49m compared to 2018-19.”
      Barcelona remain top of the money table despite income dropping £111.5m to £627.1m, less than £200,000 ahead of bitter rivals Real Madrid.
      But United’s £119.1m fall, to £509m – a consequence of missing out on the Champions League – saw them drop below Bayern Munich into fourth place, although the Old Trafford club were still English football’s highest earner.

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      Manchester clubs have the worst net spend in the past decade by some distance

      Other Premier League sides in the top ten were Liverpool, whose £489.9m took them into the top five for the first time since 2001-02, with Manchester City sixth on £481.6m, Chelsea eighth on £411.9m and Spurs ninth with £390.9m.
      Yet the figures are unlikely to recover over the next 12 months as Jones added: “The safe return of fans to stadia in significant numbers is one of the highest priorities across global football.
      “Matchday operations are a cornerstone of a club’s business model and help drive other revenue-generating activity.
      “The final size of the financial impact of the pandemic on football will depend, in no small part, on the timing and scale of fans’ return.”
      ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

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