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    New footie regulator’s boss warned against ‘political bias’ after donating to Labour

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    THE new football regulator’s boss has been warned against “political bias” after donating to Labour.A formal complaint over David Kogan’s appointment was also lodged by the Tories.David Kogan’s appointment as the Chair of the Independent Football Regulator sparked immediate complaintsCredit: PAThe sports media exec donated to the leadership campaigns of Sir Keir Starmer and Lisa Nandy, now the PM and Culture Secretary.Shadow Culture Secretary Stuart Andrew claimed that this was not properly declared ahead of his selection hearing.He also raised to the Cabinet Secretary a potential ministerial code breach, with a “perceived conflict of interest”.The Culture, Media and Sport Committee endorsed Mr Kogan as Independent Football Regulator chairman yesterday after a grilling on Wednesday. READ MORE ON POLITICSBut, in a rare caveat, it demanded he “takes concrete steps to reassure the football community he will act impartially and in a politically neutral way”.Tory Chair Dame Caroline Dinenage said: “While Mr Kogan’s background and experience make him well-suited for the role, his past donations to the Labour Party will inevitably leave him open to charges of political bias in a job where independence is paramount.”“We want to see the new Independent Football Regulator succeed, so it’s crucial that nothing undermines the regulator as it gets up and running.“Mr Kogan must give 110 per cent when it comes to reassuring everyone in the game that he is his own man. Most read in Football”The Committee looks forward to working with him constructively and holding him to account.”No 10 has insisted that all declarations were made in the proper way.Biggest shake up to football ownership in years announced in King’s Speech as new regulator’s powers confirmed More

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      Let football fans drink alcohol in the stands again, demands Labour MP

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      FOOTBALL fans should be allowed to enjoy a pint in the stands while cheering on their team, an MP says.Labour’s Luke Charters wants designated drinking zones set aside in stadiums to allow supporters to have alcoholic drinks.Labour’s Luke Charters wants designated drinking zones set aside in stadiumsCredit: SuppliedAnd the Football Supporters’ Association has given its backing to the call by the MP for York Outer.Booze is currently prohibited from being consumed in sight of the pitch in the Premier League, English Football League and National League.But it is permitted further down the football league pyramid — and in other countries, such as Germany.Mr Charters said: “I think it’s time to reconsider the alcohol ban in view of the pitch, and at least try to run some trials of designated drinking zones.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL FANS“You can sit with a beer and watch the Bundesliga — so why can’t you have a pint while watching the Prem?“As a dad, I think it’s right that some parts of the ground should probably stay booze-free.“But let’s have a common-sense conversation about what we can do to make the matchday experience better — and back our great local breweries in the process.”The FSA backed Mr Charters’ call for drinking zone trials and said: “In the past, this is actually something many clubs have called for too.”Most read in FootballAlcohol can be sold on the concourse at games before and during matches but cannot be taken in to the stands.The ban has been in place in the men’s game since 1985.Shock moment ‘drunk’ football fans bellow crass chants at Ryanair hostess mid-flight and tell her to ‘get her t**s out’But trials allowing the consumption of alcohol in view of the pitch have taken place in the women’s game, which is not covered by the ban.Southampton, Birmingham City, Bristol City and Newcastle United took part this season.Mr Charters also tore into ticket prices and wants the £30 cap for away fans in the Premier League extended to the EFL and National League.He said: “Whether it’s clubs canning concessions or FA Cup Final ticket prices flying up, this fleecing of fans is blighting our beautiful game.”Football fans enjoy terrace drinking in 1984, one year before the banCredit: Getty More

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      Plans for quango football regulator should be scrapped immediately, blasts Kemi Badenoch

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      PLANS for a quango football regulator should be scrapped immediately, Kemi Badenoch blasted yesterday.The Tory Leader implored Sir Keir Starmer against creating another body which could be led by a Labour donor.Kemi Badenoch has told Keir Starmer to scrap plans for a quango football regulatorCredit: ReutersIn the coming weeks, ministers are expected to confirm that the football regulator will be headed up by David Kogan.The sports media rights executive donated almost £75,000 to Labour MPs and parliamentary candidates in 2023 and 2024.Ms Badenoch told The Sun: “I don’t and have never really believed in the idea of a football regulator, because it’s about who runs it.“I’ve heard rumours that Labour has picked some Labour person to run the football regulator. read more on Kemi Badenoch”So it’s going to be a quango.”This is a government that doesn’t have serious businesspeople, people who understand these things.“Labour, running football, in my view, is not a good idea.”In February Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe, former chairman of Southampton FC and FA Board member, warned the organisation would destroy the Premier League.Most read in FootballSpeaking 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.”Kemi Badenoch pleads for Tories to give her more time just like Margaret Thatcher was givenMs Badenoch said: ‘Labour, running football, in my view, is not a good idea’Credit: Dan Charity More

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      Man Utd rejected offer for FREE 80,000-seater stadium before Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £2billion plan, MP claims

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      MANCHESTER UNITED turned down the chance to move into a new 80,000-seater stadium for FREE, according to an MP.The club announced two weeks ago that they plan to build a new state-of-the-art venue at a cost of £2billion.Man Utd unveiled plans to build a new £2bn stadiumCredit: AFPThe new ground will be able to hold 100,000 fansCredit: APSir Jim Ratcliffe wants a ground to rival WembleyCredit: GettyLabour MP Graham Stringer slammed the new plans and said it was ‘ironic’ after they rejected a new home for freeCredit: FreeSir Jim Ratcliffe wants a “Wembley of the North” with a bold umbrella-style design to replace Old Trafford, which has been in decay for several years.It comes after a Manchester MP claimed United missed the opportunity to move out their deteriorating spiritual home free of charge.The area hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2002 and the council decided to build a new venue for the event.When Manchester was announced as the host city in 1995, United were supposedly spoken to about moving into the brand new stadium.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe club would not have had to pay a penny as the council were desperate for the Games to have a legacy – but United still declined.Their bitter rivals City grasped the chance and moved into the City of Manchester Stadium, now the Etihad, in 2003.Labour politician Graham Stringer, who represents Blackley and Middleton South, claims the decision helped the blue side of city get mega-rich new owners and subsequently rise to success. He wrote in the Manchester Confidential: “I find deep irony in the current situation. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”It could have been avoided if United had accepted an offer from Manchester City Council when we were planning the 2002 Commonwealth Games.”We were determined that the Games’ stadium would not become a white elephant. Our plan was to be able to convert the Games’ venue into an 80,000+ replacement or competitor for Wembley. Man Utd reveal first pics of redeveloped 100,000-capacity Old Trafford in ‘biggest regeneration scheme ever seen'”United were the only club with sufficient support to make this viable. “I had meetings with Roland Smith, who then chaired United’s board. He rejected the offer.”There were then meetings with Manchester City, who bit our hand off. “Given City’s smaller fan base, the size of the ground had to be reduced but City’s new home in a state-of-the-art stadium made them attractive to the Abu Dhabi United Group, effectively the Abu Dhabi state. “This and the subsequent investment in the team has led to City’s recent spectacular success and then improvements in the ground. Irony or what?!”Stringer, who is a Man Utd fan, went on to slam the idea of building a “New Trafford”.He criticised Ratcliffe’s grand plans as an “ill-thought-out concept and wrong in principle”.READ MORE SUN STORIESAn umbrella design has been proposedCredit: PAThe new stadium is part of a regeneration of the entire areaCredit: PAStringer wrote: “Am I the only person to think there is a distinctly fishy smell when the part owner of United predicts imminent bankruptcy while simultaneously launching an ill-defined scheme costing £2billion.”He blamed the glory days disappearing on the poor recruitment of players and a focus on “commercial deals” rather than football.Man City took the chance to move into the stadium for free and made it the EtihadCredit: Getty More

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

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      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

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      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

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      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’

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      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

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      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