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

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    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

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      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

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      Keir Starmer hints at a bank holiday if England win Euros final against Spain on Sunday

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      HOPES of an extra Bank Holiday to celebrate an England Euros win rose today as Sir Keir Starmer vowed to mark any victory. Fans dared to dream of a day off as calls for a national celebration grew should the Three Lions romp home in the final on Sunday.England fans could get a Bank Holiday if we win the EurosCredit: PAFans were in full voice last night at the Netherlands triumphCredit: GettyThe new PM said he did not want to “jinx” the historic clash but would not rule out let giving millions have time off work to revel in a glory.He was speaking after the “fantastic” win last night while he was in America for a NATO summit.And the football-mad premier was asked about comments he made about granting a Bank Holiday if the Lionesses won the World Cup last year.He said: “We should certainly mark the occasion, I don’t want to jinx it. I went to the last Euros final, I don’t want to go through that again.”I don’t want to jinx anything but we must mark it in some way. But the most important thing is getting it over the line on Sunday.”He spoke about how he watched some of the game despite being at the defence and security summit in Washington DC.He added:  “It was fantastic. I managed to pop out from one of my sessions for just five minutes which is when I saw Harry Kane get the first goal.  I missed the second one but it was brilliant.”So on we go now, great chance. I’ve always said this team were going to go all the way so I’m really, really pleased and just good luck for Sunday.”Most read in Euro 2024The prospect of Sir Keir granting a Bank Holiday are quite slim as they come at great cost to the economy.The campaign for a Bank Holiday roared into life following last night’s nerve-shredding 2-1 win over the Netherlands.Adele fans spot her celebrating England’s Euros win in Rio Ferdinand’s video Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey was first out of the blocks today to throw his weight behind the Bank Holiday bonanza.He said: “The Three Lions are playing their first ever final on foreign soil, and if they bring it home, the government should bring home a bank holiday to celebrate.”England deserves the chance to celebrate a once in a generation event.”Who knows we might even get decent weather.”Sir Keir previously called for a Bank Holiday should the Lionesses have won the last women’s World Cup.He said: “It’s almost 60 years since England won the World Cup. “I’m never complacent about anything… but there should be a celebratory bank holiday if the Lionesses bring it home.”Roar them onIf you want to help the England team to Euro 2024 glory… here’s your chance.On Sunday they will face Spain in the biggest game of their lives and we are giving YOU and your children the opportunity to send messages of support.Tell us who your favourite player is, tell us how you plan to watch them and send us pictures of your little ones in their England kit helping the Three Lions get to glory.To send our boys – including manager Gareth Southgate, captain Harry Kane, goalie Jordan Pickford and our goal-scoring genius Ollie Watkins – a message and photo simply sundayfeatures@the-sun.co.uk.  Please send us your phone number too so we can get in touch.    More

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      I’m a former Premier League chairman and FA board member… now I’ve just been elected to Parliament as a Reform MP

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      FORMER Premier League chairman Rupert Lowe has been elected as an MP for Reform UK.The ex-Southampton chairman won the vote in Great Yarmouth in the General Election.Rupert Lowe has been elected as a member of ParliamentCredit: GettyHe won one of the four Reform UK seatsCredit: GettyLowe, 66, was initially in charge of the Saints between 1996 and 2006.He had a second spell at the club from 2008 to 2009 and left with he club being relegated to League One and in administration.He was at the club during the move to St Mary’s from The Dell in 2001 and for the FA Cup final in 2003, which they lost to Arsenal.While working in football, he also had a role as a board member for the Premier League.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIt was not his first time working in politics, as he previously represented the Referendum Party and the Brexit Party.In the 1997 General Election, he stood in Cotswold as the Referendum candidate and lost by over 20,000 votes to the Conservatives.During his time with the Brexit Party, he was lined up to be the candidate for the Dudley North constituency.However, he withdrew just before the deadline on November 14 2019 for unknown reasons.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe returned to politics by joining Reform UK in March 2023 and won the seat in Great Yarmouth with 35.2 per cent of the vote.He claimed the seat with a majority of 1,426 over the Labour Party candidate Kier Cozens.Adam Lallana seals emotional free transfer after leaving BrightonAfter his success, he said: “This is a huge, seismic event in British political history, to break into the two-party state as the people’s army is massive.”It shows that people have had enough, they want change, they want better government and they want freedom.”My job is to reform Westminster with other members of the Reform Party.”Reform UK won four more seats in its debut election, with leader Nigel Farage finally getting a place in Westminster at his eighth attempt.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Premier League clubs WON’T face up to 10% tax on transfers under Labour, Starmer says in breakneck U-turn after backlash

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      PREMIER League clubs will NOT be taxed millions of pounds when buying star players, Sir Keir Starmer said today in a breakneck u-turn.The Labour leader slapped down his shadow sports secretary who only yesterday opened the door to a transfer levy.Sir Keir Starmer on a visit to Bristol Rovers football ground yesterdayCredit: GettyShadow Sports Secretary Thangam Debbonaire (right) floated a transfer tax yesterdayCredit: GettyIt would see top-flight teams like his beloved Arsenal pay up to 10 per cent tax on each purchase to help fund struggling lower leagues.But just hours after putting the proposal back on the table, Labour pulled the plug following backlash. Asked about the prospect this morning, Sir Keir told LBC: “No, let me just kill that one, we’re not looking at that.”The idea was first proposed in the independent fan-led review carried out in 2021 by Tory MP Tracey Crouch but not taken on by the government. READ MORE ELECTION NEWSYesterday Labour’s sports chief Thangham Debbonaire said the party would revisit the report to see if more bits could be added to legislation.Speaking to reporters at Bristol Rovers’ ground, she said: “I’m going to look at everything again that was in Tracey Crouch’s fan-led review.Watch our daily politics show
      Watch The Sun’s DAILY Never Mind the Ballots Election Countdown show on our YouTube channel here.
      Every weekday Sun Political Editor Harry Cole brings you the latest news and analysis from the election campaign trail.

      “I think it’s important we go back to first principles just to make sure there’s not something that’s been missed that is needed in order to ensure the financial sustainability.”Pressed if the prospect of a transfer levy was back on the table, she added: “I’m obviously going to look at absolutely everything that was in Tracy’s review.”Most read in FootballLabour leader Sir Keir Starmer will set out his party’s plan for government if they win the July 4 electionA transfer levy was one of the few ideas in the fan-led review that was not adopted by the current government in its Football Governance Bill to overhaul the sport’s finances.It could have raised hundreds of millions of pounds to redistribute into cash-starved lower league teams.Report author Ms Crouch said: “This would work in a similar way to stamp duty and distribute revenues across the pyramid and into grassroots.”  The paper added: “If a 10 per cent levy had been applied in the last five seasons, an estimated £160 million per year could have been raised for redistribution.”The move was seen as a step too far after already committing to an independent regulator to oversee the game.Labour backed the Tories’ plan and have committed to taking it on if they win power. More

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      Make Hey Jude England’s new football anthem urge Sunak & Starmer after Jude Bellingham’s Euro 2024 Serbia heroics

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      RISHI Sunak and Keir Starmer both urged the nation to sing Hey Jude after Bellingham’s sensational header clinched England’s 1-0 win over Serbia.The PM and Labour leader’s good luck call came as a leap in sales of the Beatles’ 1968 classic was set to send it up the charts.Jude Bellingham’s sensational header clinched England’s 1-0 win over SerbiaCredit: GettyRishi Sunak urged the nation to sing Hey Jude after Bellingham’s goalCredit: AFPSir Keir Starmer’s good luck call came as a leap in sales of the Beatles’ 1968 classic was set to send it up the chartsCredit: AFPSir Paul McCartney wrote Hey Jude – which looks set to race up the chartsCredit: GettyChesney Hawkes led Three Lions fans in a singalong at the Boxpark fanzone in CroydonCredit: LNPRishi said: “We want more goals and more singing Hey Jude.”Bellingham’s goal and stellar performance secured a 1-0 win over Serbia, with thousands belting out the 1968 Beatles anthem in his honour on Sunday night.Music site Spotify said downloads had rocketed 19 per cent overnight, and are set to rise further.Rishi urged England fans to chant that instead of the war-related Ten German Bombers which has upset some of the locals.Read More on SportThe PM said yesterday: “It’s great to see England get our Euros campaign off to a winning start, the whole country is behind them to go all the way. “And when it comes to the chants specifically, I agree with what Gareth Southgate has said about that chant in the past.“What we want is to represent the best of our country at these tournaments – and that means more goals for Jude Bellingham and more singing of Hey Jude.”In a rare show of election unity, Arsenal fan Sir Keir Starmer agreed.Most read in Euro 2024The Labour leader told The Sun: “What better way of celebrating our new wonderkid Bellingham than belting out the classic Hey Jude?”He added: “Our songs should be about backing the players on the pitch rather than anything else.”Jude Bellingham reacts to match winning England display in euro 2024 opener against SerbiaStourbridge-born Jude – who shot to fame with Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid – revealed he feels proud to hear England fans singing his name. He said after his heroics in Gelsenkirchen: “I like the Beatles, I listen to the Beatles a lot. “My style of music is a bit old so that’s right up my street. “I really enjoy playing in front of the England fans, it’s a different experience for me because obviously I play abroad.“They give me a lot of appreciation and a lot of love and I try to give that back with my performances and energy on the pitch.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYAs its writer Sir Paul McCartney celebrates his 82nd birthday today, Hey Jude looks set to race up the charts — and replace Sweet Caroline and Football’s Coming Home as England’s anthem.Pop star Chesney Hawkes led Three Lions fans in a singalong at the Boxpark fanzone in Croydon, South London, on Sunday night. West Ham fan Chesney, England’s lucky mascot at the World Cup in Qatar, said: “Jude was amazing last night. “I knew he would be so Hey Jude was the perfect song to sing. “As soon as I started, the whole crowd joined in. “It was incredible.”How England rated vs Serbia… as Bellingham shines but TWO big names get 5s
      JUDE BELLINGHAM was England’s head boy as Gareth Southgate’s side made a winning start in Germany.
      The Real Madrid superstar oozed class throughout and broke the deadlock with only 13 minutes played thanks to an excellent header, dispatching Bukayo Saka’s deflected cross.
      But, despite the brilliant start, it was a nervy affair here in Gelsenkirchen.
      Serbia exerted significant pressure in the second half, with a few narrow escapes for Southgate’s men.
      Harry Kane barely had a kick and the Premier League’s player of the year Phil Foden struggled to have any influence on the left of the Three Lions’ front three.
      Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated England’s stars… with TWO stars getting just a 5.

      Jude’s social media profile is rocketing, as he gained 1.6million followers on Instagram in the run-up to the Euros. He now has 33.2million, nearly twice the next-highest in the England squad, skipper Harry Kane with 17million.Sir Paul yesterday announced his first UK tour dates in six years — playing Manchester and London in December.READ MORE SUN STORIESViewing figures for Sunday night’s game peaked at 15million, with an average of 10.5million, the BBC said yesterday.Train services were cancelled after drivers and staff refused to work overtime on the day of England’s opening group game.Jude said: ‘I like the Beatles, I listen to the Beatles a lot’Credit: Getty More

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      England footie stars WILL have to complete National Service under Tory plans

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      ENGLAND’S footie wonderkids will have to complete their National Service under Tory plans – despite claims it could wreck our chances in tournaments like the Euros.Rishi Sunak’s election campaign confirmed this morning the “highly paid 18-year-olds” will still be compelled to participate.Luke Shaw has been part of a senior England squad at an international competition when aged 18Credit: ReutersShadow Paymaster General Jonathan AshworthCredit: PA:Press AssociationIt came after Labour warned the Conservative pledge would mean young Three Lions stars would have to skip training during international competitions.An attack dossier says: “Jude Bellingham, Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney, Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw have all been part of a senior England squad at an international competition when aged 18.“Would they have been required to complete their one weekend of National Service during those tournaments?”Under Mr Sunak’s plan all 18-year-olds will be forced to do at least 25 days of voluntary community work – while some can choose a full-time military placement.READ MORE ABOUT POLITICSLabour’s Jonathan Ashworth added: “Would they be taken out of playing during the inevitable shootout in the semi-finals?”But he was dismissed by the Conservatives who claimed he was wilfilly twisting their flagship plan.A Conservative source said: “Of course extremely highly paid 18 year olds will be required to do their national service.“The 25 days can be completed at any point in the year and if Jon Ashworth could be bothered to engage in policy detail he would know that.”Most read in FootballThe PM’s National Service plan has become a major rift of the general election campaign, getting both praise and criticism.Mr Sunak insists it would help stir a sense of pride in young people while helping them give back to their communities.[embedded content]Senior Conservatives accused Sir Keir Starmer of “sneering” yesterday after he branded the plan a “teenager’s Dads’ Army”.And they pointed out that England legend Sir Bobby Charlton completed mandatory National Service.What is the National Service pledged by Rishi Sunak?EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLDS would be forced to carry out a form of national service if the Tories win the General Election.
      The most recent form of compulsory national service, which required all physically fit male British citizens aged between 18 and 26 to serve in the armed forces, was abolished in 1960.
      However, national service in various forms still exists in countries around the world including in some European countries and South Korea.
      Under the Conservatives’ new proposal, young people would be given a choice between a full-time placement in the armed forces for 12 months or spending one weekend a month for a year “volunteering” in their community, the Tories said.
      The Prime Minister said the policy would help unite society in an “increasingly uncertain world” and give young people a “shared sense of purpose”.
      He said volunteering could include helping local fire, police and NHS services as well as charities tackling loneliness and supporting elderly, isolated people.

      Brilliant way for young to gather skillsBy Jerome Starkey
      NATIONAL Service is a great idea. It exalts the idea of giving something back.
      It gives people a chance to be part of something bigger.
      Covid showed there was no shortage of those ready to help a crisis.
      But opportunities are scarce, especially for youngsters who are not qualified for teaching or health roles.
      It will train youngsters in skills our predecessors took for granted.
      It’s not about stripping a rifle or polishing boots. It’s about self-reliance, camaraderie and teamwork.
      Those that choose the military route will learn how to cope when the power is out and the wi-fi is down.
      The skills and confidence they learn will help them get better jobs and lead better lives.
      National Service lets the country build the structures it would need for mass conscription if the flag went up for all-out war.
      Ukraine has shown us — and our generals have warned us — that if Britain fought a state-on-state war of survival, the professional Army would wear out fast.
      Our best chance of victory would be calling up reserves and using professionals to train the volunteers.
      It would also solve the Forces’ recruitment crisis.
      The Army, Navy and RAF have struggled to fill their vacancies.
      National service would return the Armed Forces to the heart of British life, where they rightfully belong. More

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      ‘I brought Declan Rice to Arsenal,’ says Keir Starmer after using his son to ‘trick England star into signing contract’

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      SIR Keir Starmer has claimed responsibility for Arsenal’s signing of Declan Rice after using his son to trick him into signing a contract.The Labour leader, 61, joked that he was able to con the England ace when the midfielder signed an autograph for his son last year.Sir Keir Starmer is an Arsenal season-ticket holderCredit: GettyRice has been a revelation for Arsenal this seasonCredit: ReutersRice pictured following the Premier League match between West Ham and Arsenal at London Stadium on April 16, 2023Credit: GettyRice, 25, has been a standout performer in an Arsenal side chasing a first Premier League title for 20 years.The midfielder moved to Arsenal from West Ham for a whopping £105million in July 2023.And Sir Keir, an Arsenal season-ticket holder, has quipped that he played a pivotal role in the high-profile transfer.The politician was in attendance with his son to watch his side play against West Ham at The London Stadium last year, when Rice was captaining The Hammers.Read more sportHe told The Telegraph: “Mark Noble, Mr West Ham, took us down to meet Declan. “And so my boy had his programme open ready for signing and obviously we put the contract [for Arsenal] in underneath. “Declan signed it and thought he was signing the programme, but actually he was signing for Arsenal.”Sir Keir also revealed how he “religiously” pens the dates of Arsenal’s games into his diary when the fixture list is announced each year.Most read in FootballAnd he said watching his club is a “release” from the daily stress of being a politician.Sir Keir, who says he still plays regularly, also said he will continue travelling to the Emirates even if he were to become Prime Minister.Mikel Arteta picks a fight with Premier League supercomputer after he is told Arsenal’s chances of titleArsenal and Premier League legend Thierry Henry is his favourite player of all time, but he also mentions Dennis Bergkamp along with current stars Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Rice.But the Labour leader was muted on Arsenal’s title chances. While acknowledging this season has been “the best title race for ages”, he insisted “it depends on City” and praised stars Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland.Sir Keir was last year pictured taking part in a kickabout in North London, though he ended up on the losing side – captaining Homerton Academicals in a 9-6 defeat.But he’s not always been full of praise for Arsenal, and joined many in taking a pop at The Gunners for sacking mascot Gunnersaurus during the Covid pandemic in October 2020.Speaking at the time, Sir Keir said he “takes a dim view” of football clubs spending millions on transfers while making staff redundant.Politicians and their football clubsDAVID Cameron drew nationwide laughs when he appeared to forget which team he supported.
      The then PM seemed to be confused over whether he followed West Ham United or Aston Villa.
      The current Tory leader Rishi Sunak has been open about the team he supports stating he’s a “massive football fan”.
      He supports Championship side Southampton, who were relegated from the Premier League last year.
      His choice of club is not surprising as, like many, Rishi supports the club at the heart of his home town – he was born in Southampton in 1980.
      When Sunak was 18, his father Yashvir owned a season ticket to watch the Saints, and Sunak said that he was given a card signed by the whole team for his 18th birthday celebrations.
      His predecessor Liz Truss revealed in September 2022 that she is a Norwich City fan
      Boris Johnson, meanwhile, is a well-known rugby fan and appears to have less of a liking for football.
      Boris has never stated he supports one particular football team.
      When he was London mayor in 2015, he was asked about his football allegiance but gave a non-committal answer.
      He told reporters he supported “all of the London teams”, refusing to name one.

      Labour Party leader Sir Keir in the stands during Arsenal’s match at Wolves last monthCredit: PA More

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      Clubs threatening to BOYCOTT FA Cup in protest after replays axed as Government wades into row

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      CLUBS are threatening to boycott the FA Cup after the FA axed replays.On Thursday, it was announced that replays were being scrapped along with other changes.Clubs are threatening to boycott the FA CupCredit: PAA spokesman for Rishi Sunak has demanded to know why the changes have been madeCredit: AlamyThe FA also confirmed that the mid-season break would be removed and a £33million increase in funding for grassroots football.There has been a huge amount of backlash to the decision to dump replays as it could affect potential revenue for lower league clubs.It now appears that a number of EFL and National League clubs are threatening to boycott the competition next season.A number of EFL sides have issued statements condemning the changes made by the FA and Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTranmere Rovers chairman Mark Palios has suggested he would be willing to back a boycott.He told the Telegraph: “There needs to be further debate.”But if that was the situation that most of the clubs felt that way, I’d support it.”His comments came after Accrington Stanley’s chairman Andy Holt posted on social media.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe said: “I would support a boycott if enough clubs feel the same.”Traditionally replays have taken place until the fourth round if a match ends in a draw.Huge changes being made to English football schedule next seasonHowever, the changes will see all first-round and onward matches go to extra-time and penalties if no winner can be found before the 90th minute.Leading Government figures have also waded in on the controversial matter.A spokesman for the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said: “David and Goliath fixtures are a part of the magic of the Cup.”We know that replays have been a welcome source of income for smaller clubs throughout the years.”These are, however, decisions for the footballing authorities.”But clearly it’s incumbent on the FA and Premier League to explain this decision and why it is in the interests of fans.”Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer slammed the decision as “wrong” and said that replays are “part of the tradition of the FA Cup”.Why FA Cup changes are GOOD NEWSBy Martin Lipton
      THE FA and Premier League should have done the deal to scrap FA Cup replays years ago.
      No doubt traditionalists will moan but it is right that the competition has finally been brought into the 21st century.
      Ending replays will bring extra sharpness and excitement to the ties, with the knowledge that there will be a winner, whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or penalties.
      If big guns have a bad day, they are more likely to pay the price. Replays after draws give them a fall-back they do not deserve.
      Giving the FA Cup total and absolute priority over four weekends – and ensuring there is no competing match on the day of the Final – will enhance the profile of a competition that was in danger of falling out of the spotlight.
      And as long as the FA ensures a better split of the prize money fund, weighting it more towards the earlier rounds, and potentially a similar move with  TV match money, there should be few losers.
      Read more on the FA Cup by clicking here. More