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    Powers of new football regulator could be scaled back amid concerns it will ruin Premier League

    DOWNING Street may clip the wings of the new Independent Football Regulator amid concerns that it will ruin the ­Premier League.The powers of the planned watchdog could be scaled back to avoid hampering investment, Bloomberg reported.Keir Starmer may clip the wings of the new Independent Football Regulator amid concerns that it will ruin the ­Premier LeagueCredit: GettyThat followed The Sun’s revelation that there are growing fears the project is duff, amid PM Sir Keir Starmer’s clampdown on red tape.On Monday a top ­minister refused three times to confirm if the regulator will go ahead.Legislation to set it up is currently working through Parliament.Officials are said to fear it could dissuade foreign investors from buying football clubs, which in turn would restrict growth in the footy sector.read more on Premier LeagueThe Prem is the most watched football league in the world, broadcast into 900 million homes in 189 countries.In February Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe, former chairman of Southampton FC and FA Board member, warned the organisation would destroy the Premier League.Speaking to The Sun’s Never Mind The Ballots show, he said: “The Premier League’s an unbelievable success.“It brings huge soft power to Britain, it brings huge amounts of tax revenue to the Exchequer.”Most read in FootballHe then warned that London’s once world-beating financial centre was “destroyed by regulation”.He asked: ““Will the Government take responsibility if football goes the same way as our financial markets after they introduce a regulator?“Light touch self-regulation built the Premier League. Regulation will destroy it.”Officials are said to fear it could dissuade foreign investors from buying football clubsCredit: GettyUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Plans to install new football regulator would destroy the Premier League, warns Reform MP Rupert Lowe

    A NEW football regulator would destroy the Premier League, ministers have been warned.Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe said a quango would strangle the competitiveness of one of Britain’s best assets.Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe, former chairman of Southampton FC and FA Board member, said setting up a regulator could see the Premier League destroyedCredit: PAHe insisted the league had built itself up without “interference from government or the state” and did not need it now. Mr Lowe — former chairman of Southampton FC and FA Board member — said setting up any regulator would be an own goal.Speaking to The Sun’s Never Mind The Ballots show, he said: “The Premier League’s an unbelievable success.“It brings huge soft power to Britain, it brings huge amounts of tax revenue to the Exchequer.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe then warned that London’s once world-beating financial centre was “destroyed by regulation”.He asked: ““Will the Government take responsibility if football goes the same way as our financial markets after they introduce a regulator?“Light touch self-regulation built the Premier League. Regulation will destroy it.”Mr Lowe also called for the lifting of the 3pm blackout, which forbids matches being shown live on UK television at the traditional kick-off time on Saturdays. Most read in FootballThe regulator would have powers to force Premier League sides to bail out cash-strapped lower-tier teams, clamp down on dodgy owners and ban clubs joining breakaway “super leagues”.The Tories introduced the Football Governance Bill but have since pulled their support.Unify League explained after European Super League launches again in new format Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is battling to get the legislation through the Lords where a cabal of peers is trying to sink it.Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is fighting to push the legislation through the Lords, where a group of peers is trying to block itCredit: GettyA new football regulator planned by Labour would destroy the Premier League, ministers have been warnedCredit: AFP More

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    British Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies begs Keir Starmer to follow Donald Trump & ban trans athletes from women’s sport

    SHARRON Davies is begging Sir Keir Starmer to follow Donald Trump in banning trans athletes from women’s sports.The British Oylmpic swimmer said the decision was “in the USA not the UK unfortunately”.Sharron Davies has been vocal about her support for banning trans athletes from female competitionsCredit: GettyDavies wants Sir Keir Starmer to follow Trump’s leadCredit: PADonald Trump has pledged to go after rules for the 2028 OlympicsCredit: ReutersIn a post on X, the 62-year-old said: “Please Keir Starmer can you now do as you said you would & protect all female athletes here in the UK in sport & stop males from stealing their places, awards & increasing their risk of injury? Sex in sport really matters…”It comes after returning US President Trump signed a controversial new executive order barring transgender women and girls from competing in female sports.In doing so, he fulfilled an election campaign promise to “keep men out of women’s sports”.Davies last year claimed “mediocre male athletes are stealing women’s medals”.In her foreword to a report by Policy Exchange on the impact trans ideology is having on women’s sport last year, the former athlete urged Brit policy makers to bar biological men from female amateur sports.She wrote: “There is a sense within sports policy that while we should protect the female category within elite sports, women and girls participating and competing at amateur levels should budge over. “They must ‘be kind’ and ‘inclusive’ while having to pretend that it is not grossly unfair, demotivating and possibly unsafe to accommodate biological males within their races, teams and sports days.”She added: “For too long, those responsible for setting policy within sports have prioritised transgender inclusion over the rights of female athletes.”Most read in AthleticsDavies said “we risk alienating a generation of future female athletes if we pretend that biology does not matter within sport”.In January, England Hockey announced it is banning transgender women from participating in the female category from next season, which begins on September 1.Imane Khelif wins Olympic gold in women’s welterweight final after huge gender row that has grabbed worldwide attentionTwo years ago, UK Athletics banned transgender women from competing in this country – while World Athletics announced an international ban.Lord Sebastian Coe – who is one of seven candidates for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) – said he will explore a complete Olympic ban if he’s elected next month.He told Sky News in December: “We’ve taken the lead at World Athletics, as you know, and I think for me the principle is very clear.”But if you have a vacuum around this policy position, then you end up with some of the things that we witnessed in Paris.”DONALD TRUMPThe president signed the order, for the Department of Education, in a White House ceremony surrounded by young girls.Trump’s order largely covers high school, university, and grassroot sports.He said: “From now on women’s sports will be only for women.”With this executive order the war on women’s sports is over.”If you let men take over women’s sports teams or invade your locker rooms, you will be investigated… and risk your federal funding.”Trump’s directive provides guidance, regulations, and legal interpretations to high schools and it orders the Education Department to investigate those that don’t comply.In a post on X, Trump said schools would be investigated for violations of Title IX be at risk of losing federal funding.Trump is now set to push the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to change its rules on transgender athletes before the 2028 Los Angeles games.He said he had ordered Secretary of State Marco Rubio to “make it clear” to the IOC that “we want them to change everything having to do with the Olympics and having to do with this absolutely ridiculous subject.”Trump’s Olympics demand comes after the Paris games saw a row erupt over Alergerian boxer Imane Khelif.At his inauguration speech Trump announced that US government policy would only recognize two genders, male and female – ending the practice of providing a third gender option in some settings.Trump described “a society that is colour-blind and merit based” as he set out his vision of a United States “respected again and admired again”.Days later he signed an order to rid the military of what he called “transgender ideology” and effectively ban transgender troops.He also issued an order to restrict gender transition procedures for people under age 19.Trump also used transgender rights as a cleavage during the 2024 election campaign.One of Trump’s most successful attack lines against his election rival targeted her support for trans rights.He said: “Kamala Harris is for they/them. President Trump his for you”.Less than one per cent of the US population over the age of 13 are transgender, according to a UCLA study.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn a statement, Human Rights Campaign president Kelley Robinson said that the order “exposes young people to harassment and discrimination, emboldening people to question the gender of kids who don’t fit a narrow view of how they’re supposed to dress or look”.”For so many students, sports are about finding somewhere to belong… not partisan policies that make life harder for them.”Who is Imane Khelif?Algerian boxer Imane Khelife fought her way to welterweight gold at Paris 2024, although her participation at the Games was shrouded in controversy.Khelif competed 13 months after allegedly failing gender eligibility tests administered by the Russian-backed International Boxing Association.Unsubstantiated claims she was born a male spread like wildfire on social media after Italy’s Angela Carini quit their tournament opener after 46 seconds.Khelif has previously insisted she is a biological female, stating: “As for whether I qualify or not, whether I am a woman or not, I have made many statements in the media.”I am fully qualified to take part in this competition. I’m a woman like any other woman. I was born a woman, I lived as a woman, I competed as a woman, there’s no doubt about that.”Officials found tests showed Khelif had ‘XY chromosomes’ — which indicates a person is biologically male.Rare ‘intersex’ medical conditions, medically known as differences in sexual development (DSDs), can also mean outwardly female individuals can have ‘male’ chromosomes, or vice versa.The IOC said this was fine for Khelif to compete saying that she cleared the rules that had been set. A year prior to the Olympics, Khelif was disqualified from the Women’s World Championships for failing the International Boxing Association’s (IBA) gender eligibility rules.But the Russian-led body was stripped of its governance by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) over integrity and governance issues. More

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    Rachel Reeves backs Man Utd’s plans for new 100,000 seat mega-stadium to help ‘generate growth’

    CHANCELLOR Rachel Reeves will set out her goals for growth today — backing the construction of Britain’s biggest football ground.The Sun can reveal Manchester United’s plans for a 100,000-seater mega-stadium will “generate growth” to the tune of £7billion every year.Rachel Reeves has backed the construction of Britain’s biggest football groundCredit: Story Picture AgencyManchester United’s plans for a new 100,000-seater mega-stadium will ‘generate growth’ to the tune of more than £7billion every yearCredit: GettyMs Reeves is expected to give the residential, transport and entertainment development at Old Trafford the green light — and back a new runway at Heathrow and possibly Gatwick airport too.She has warned “low growth is not our destiny but growth will not come without a fight”.All the decisions risk a major backlash from other parts of Britain desperate for similar investment.Newcastle United and Aston Villa are also keen for government support for stadium developments and scores of Labour MPs may attempt to block any airport expansions.READ MORE ON THE ECONOMYBut the Chancellor will insist she is “on the side of working people . . . willing to take the right decisions now to change our country’s course for the better”.In a speech in Oxfordshire, she will say: “Britain’s potential has been held back for too long. We have accepted low expectations, stagnation and the risk of decline. We can do so much better.“We are at the forefront of some of the most exciting developments in the world like artificial intelligence and life sciences. We have great companies, delivering jobs and investment in Britain.“And we have fundamental strengths — in our history, our language, and our legal system — to compete in a global economy.”Most read in FootballMs Reeves will also back a new rail link from Oxford to Cambridge, which will add an estimated £78billion to the economy over the next decade.PM Sir Keir Starmer yesterday threw down the gauntlet to his ministers yesterday, saying growth must be “hard-wired into all Cabinet decisions”.Rachel Reeves wants to follow Trump’s lead & stop talking UK down… but will her ‘Make Britain Great Again’ mantra work?Last night, Tory Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffiths hit out, saying: “Words are cheap but a growth strategy cannot just be infrastructure projects for the 2030s.” More

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    Keir Starmer vows to BLOCK English clubs joining new European Super League as he slams hated plot to revive it

    ENGLISH clubs will be BLOCKED from joining the newly-proposed European Super League, Sir Keir Starmer vowed today. The footie-mad PM went studs up on the latest threat of a breakaway tournament and said Premier League sides would not participate “on his watch”. Sir Keir Starmer has attacked plans for a European Super LeagueCredit: ReutersA22 have written to Fifa and Uefa to ask for permission to form a new league of 96 teamsHe is currently passing laws for a new football regulator with powers to ban teams from joining adjacent competitions. Downing Street hit out after promoter A22 Sports announced proposals for a 96-team series.The bizarre “Unify League” worships the EU – with its four divisions named Star, Gold, Blue and Union after the bloc’s flag. Arsenal-fan Sir Keir’s spokesman said: “Clearly this is not something the Prime Minister supports.Read more on politics“You’ve heard him previously say that on his watch, there’ll be no Super League-style breakaway from English football. “And as part of the strength in the Football Governance Bill, the regulator will be able to prevent English clubs from joining future breakaway competitions by taking into account factors such as sustainability, heritage and fairness should be at the heart of our game.They added they hope to pass the legislation – currently going through the Lords before coming to the Commons – “as quickly as possible”.Ex-Sports Minister Tracey Crouch – who first proposed the regulator in her Fan Led Review – slammed this “latest wheeze”.Most read in FootballShe told The Sun: “While this is a matter for UEFA, after the huge fan reaction to the breakaway super league that ultimately led to the Bill now going through Parliament to protect the long term future of English football, it will be a brave move for any Premier League club to support this latest wheeze without the approval of its fans.”Niall Couper, chief executive of football campaign group Fair Game, added: “The spectre of a new Super League needs to be killed immediately. And that is exactly why football needs a regulator with real teeth and why it needs one now.”The owners of elite clubs cannot be allowed to run roughshod over football.”But it is not just about urgency, it is also about ensuring the regulator has real power.”Without the ability to stand up to the top clubs, then it will betray not just the fans but the entire football pyramid that the success of our national game has been built on.”What’s the ‘Unify League’ and which Prem teams would play in new version of European Super League?Revived Super LeaguePromoter of the new league, A22 Sports, unveiled plans for a radical revamped format named the “Unify League” on Tuesday.The Madrid-based firm, backed by Real Madrid chairman Florentino Perez, said it had written to Fifa and Uefa to ask for official endorsement for the league.The previous attempt by the firm to form a breakaway league announced in April 2021 was met by huge fan backlash.But the new refined league will see 96 teams spread across four divisions – Star, Gold, Blue and Union – and crucially include promotion and relegation, meaning inclusion will be based on merit.As many as TEN Premier League teams will be offered the chance to take part in the new competition.Participation in the league would NOT affect membership of the Premier League, but the tournament would effectively spell the end of the Champions League.SunSport understands a significant number of Prem clubs have privately said they would be willing to take part in the new league.A22 bosses believe Uefa must endorse its latest proposal following a December 2023 European Court of Justice ruling that previous tactics used to block a Super League were contrary to EU law.And the league’s bosses are confident the latest iteration of their “Super League” will receive authorisation from Uefa, according to The Guardian.The report adds that Uefa is unlikely to respond in haste and that authorising the league, in essence calling A22’s bluff, will be an option under consideration.The prize fund for the tournament is yet to be confirmed, but A22 has promised £330million in “solidarity” payments for smaller clubs and countries.The total pot is expected to exceed the current £2billion Uefa fund for the Champions League and the £700m for the Europa and Conference Leagues combined.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeasures to block clubs from joining any breakaway competition are included in the Government’s Independent Football Regulator, currently going through Parliament and backed by all major parties.But the new competition seeks to supplant Uefa and be club-run — as happened when the Premier League was set up more than 30 years ago.Plenty to like… but will fans back it?By Martin Lipton, Chief Sports ReporterTHE biggest issue with the first version of Super League was that it was utterly unfair.Football has always been about what you earn on the field — and offering the Prem’s Big Six a place in a breakaway elite for life would have destroyed the fabric of the game.So while many fans reacted in anger at the ­latest proposals unveiled by Madrid-based A22, its new plans do tick more boxes.Qualification by merit, rather than on the basis of what a club did ten, 15 or 20 years ago is a step in the right direction.As are extra “big” games, playing all teams in a mini-league, home and away — it’s hard to keep tabs on a Champions League table of 36 clubs.Then an end-of-season knock-out with real tension, especially with a final four-style week of one-off semis and the final.But it seems unlikely that a new streaming platform, offering both ad-supported “free” games and a bells-and-whistles subscription service, can really earn the billions required to run four competitions every season.The potential autumn 2026 launch means huge obstacles will have to be cleared quickly — and that includes winning over the fans whose determination torpedoed Super League version one in 48 hours in 2021.In the end, it will come down to the clubs.If they feel their bread is being buttered the way they like it, then it could be on — and if that means jettisoning the Carabao Cup, so be it More

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    Major change to airport rules for pampered Premier League stars after government closes ‘special’ loophole

    PAMPERED Premier League stars must go through airport security despite arguing for special treatment.Footie chiefs had argued they should be excused from anti-terrorism security laws on UK private charter flights for fear of an increased risk of injury.Premier League stars must go through airport security despite arguing for special treatment (stock picture)Credit: GettyPlayers such as Harry Maguire got a reprieve last seasonCredit: GettyPremier League boss Richard Masters said security probes could spark long queues before and after internal flights — meaning stars were in danger of being accosted by fans.Players such as Harry Maguire got a reprieve last season.But the government has now insisted they should be scanned like everyone else.A source said: “This is not a good look for the Premier League. Read More on Sport“The government clamped down on potential security loopholes, with small planes included in checks.“Richard Masters’ lobbying raised eyebrows within the government. “It beggars belief he thinks footballers should be treated differently from the rest.“He even threatened to go to No 10. Most read in Football“It was an ill-conceived point to pick a fight on.“He was initially successful, but the footballers are now having to toe the line.”Shock new footage appears to show Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson slapping Nottingham Forest rival in faceThe rules were brought in last year. After the year’s exemption, players are now subject to the same additional screening as anyone else — even on short flights from regional airfields.Government sources confirmed to The Sun that special security arrangements were in place for some private charter flights used by football teams in the past — but this is no longer the case.The Department for Transport said: “Aviation security is of paramount importance to keep passengers safe. “That is why all aircraft passengers are fully screened before they travel.”The Premier League was approached for comment. More

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    England could be BANNED from playing in Euro 2028 despite hosting tournament due to Keir Starmer proposal

    UEFA have threatened England with a ban from playing and hosting Euro 2028.Prime Minister and Arsenal fan Sir Keir Starmer is set to push forward with plans to implement a football regulator.Keir Starmer is ready go ahead with plans to implement a football regulatorCredit: APUefa are unhappy about the regulator and could ban England from the EurosCredit: GettyThe new legislation is set to prevent clubs forming a breakaway-style Super League and “protect clubs” by “ensuring their financial sustainability”.Britain will be the first country to have a football watchdog in place and Uefa are said to be unhappy about it.The European governing body has slammed the proposed “interference in the running of football”.And in a leaked letter sent to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, Uefa general secretary Theodore Theodoridis has threatened to strip England from competing in tournaments.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTheodoridis wrote: “We do have concerns remaining… as normally football regulation should be managed by the national federation.”One particular area of concern stems from one of Uefa’s fundamental requirements, which is that there should be no government interference in the running of football.”We have specific rules that guard against this in order to guarantee the autonomy of sport and fairness of sporting competition.”The ultimate sanction for which would be excluding the federation from Uefa and teams from competition.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis would mean that English clubs could be banned from European tournaments like the Champions League.Uefa also hit out at the football regulator’s proposed “backstop powers”.England fans SLAM Lee Carsley for not singing the national anthem at Wembley The move could see the watchdog be allowed to intervene in talks between the Premier League and EFL over funding.On this, Theodoridis said: “Mandating redistribution which effects the competitive balance in the game and wider European competition would be of concern to us. “We also fear that having a third party intervene in redistribution would likely prevent amicable solutions being found.”As we see it, the ‘backstop’ power, while intended as a safety net, should be carefully reconsidered to avoid undermining these fundamental principles.” More

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    Laura Woods bonds with Sir Keir Starmer over Arsenal at Euro 2024 final before cheering on England

    LAURA WOODS bonded with fellow Arsenal fan Sir Keir Starmer ahead of England’s Euro 2024 final with Spain.The Three Lions are on the brink of history as they look to win their first-ever European Championship.Laura Woods bonded with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer alongside Gary NevilleCredit: Instagram / @laurawoodsyBritain’s new PM revealed his support for England… and also opened up over ArsenalStarmer lifted the lid on potential plans for a Bank HolidayAnd Gareth Southgate will go to war under the watchful eye of Britain’s new Prime Minister.Starmer and the Labour Party were voted into power earlier this month with a landslide majority.The PM is a major football fan and is often spotted watching his beloved Arsenal.And Starmer found common cause with fellow Gooner Woods as they bonded on the touchline ahead of kick-off.READ MORE ON EURO 2024The PM and ITV’s glamorous host shared a laugh and a smile as they talked up England’s chances of winning tonight alongside pundit Karen Carney.The pair were also likely to be talking about Arsenal’s upcoming season after seeing Mikel Arteta’s side narrowly miss out on the title for a second consecutive time.And Starmer wished England the best of luck as he enjoyed a pre-match interview with ITV pundit and Labour backer Gary Neville.The Prime Minister said:  “I can totally relate (to Southgate), when I started as Labour leader people said you’re not going to get it over the line. Most read in Euro 2024EURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERS“You’re not going quick enough in five years. You’ll never turn it around in five years and get a Labour government.”Gareth obviously started here and people said it wasn’t good enough. I always said, by the way, that this is a fantastic squad.Sea of chanting England fans descend on Berlin’s Olympiastadion ahead of Euro 2024 final vs Spain Woods also posed with fellow ITV star Karen CarneyCredit: Instagram / @laurawoodsy”He’s a great manager who’ll get the best out of them. They should all be so proud, we’re all proud. The whole squad’s been brilliant if I’m honest.”But to see Declan and Saka – Saka down that right-hand side creating stuff. Even at left-back for a little while. He’s made a lot there.”I’m very proud of them, but I’m proud of the whole squad, they have been phenomenal.”Starmer also revealed he may have to give up watching Arsenal religiously after getting into No10.He explained: “I don’t know (if I’ll be going as much), it’s going to be a lot harder.“I have already got the Arsenal fixtures in my diary, whether I make them or not is another matter.”We start on the 17th of August so that’s in, hoping to be there but we’ll see.”Finally, Starmer hinted he could yet announce a new Bank Holiday should England secure victory tonight.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added with a smile: “(Bank holiday?) I don’t know about that. Let’s get through the next few hours and get their hands on that trophy.”We need to mark it somehow but we’ll have to see what that is.”THE TIME IS NOWENGLAND face their destiny against Spain TONIGHT – hoping to end 58 years of hurt in the Euro 2024 final. More