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      West Ham 2-0 Man Utd LIVE RESULT: Under-fire Ten Hag loses again as Bowen and Kudus sink underperforming United

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have suffered yet another defeat but this time at the hands of West Ham.Lucas Paqueta’s sublime outside-foot pass put it on a plate for Jarrod Bowen to put his team ahead
      And it didn’t take long for Mohamed Kudus to double West Ham’s lead.
      This now means that the Hammers jump above United in the table and Erik ten Hag’s men have lost 13 matches before Christmas – the most in their history since 1930.

      RESULT: West Ham 0-2 Man Utd
      Live stream: discovery+
      TV channel: TNT Sports 1
      West Ham XI: Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Mavropanos, Emerson; Alvarez, Ward-Prowse; Soucek, Kudus, Paqueta; Bowen
      Man Utd XI: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Evans, Kambwala, Shaw; Mainoo, McTominay; Fernandes, Antony, Garnacho; Hojlund

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      “Stick together, stick to the plan”
      Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: “I think it was a decent 72 minutes where we didn’t take our chances. We should’ve gone in the lead but we didn’t and then it was one moment of switching off.”
      Asked about United’s poor record against top opposition, Ten Hag added: “At this moment we are not top, but we have seen last week against the top of this league we were head-to-head. We didn’t score, we had the best opportunities of the game. There we defended very well for 90 minutes, that has to be always our standard like what we did there. You have to bring that to every game on the pitch.
      “In 2023, we won a Cup, we played the FA Cup final, we were third in the league. There were highlights but we are over-performing, but in this moment we are underperforming. There are reasons for it, we have many injuries, so the team will be better if the injured ones return. We have to be calm, stick together, stick to the plan, we have to do it together.”
      Credit: GETTY
      United have got problems
      Paul Scholes: “I felt United were the better team in the first half without really thinking they were going to score a goal. I always felt, against West Ham, they are the type of team that make you fell comfortable, then all of a sudden a quick spark, and you are tow goals down.
      “But United have got problems. Goalscoring is a big issue. That’s four games without a goal. In the second half, I can’t think of a save their keeper had to make.”
      Joe Cole: “It was fantastic. It shows the importance of staying in the game. West ham for large parts were not at it at all. United looked comfortable. Then all of a sudden a tactical switch ,Paqueta moves into the false nine. It was a stroke of genius that turned the game.”
      Credit: getty
      There’s always room to improve
      Jarrod Bowen: “Today’s game is probably where the first goal is most important, they’re a really good side that caused us problems.
      “We had our chances and one thing about us is that we keep chipping and plugging away to get the goal and we got the first goal and then did really well to get the second one as well and not put the game to bed but give us more comfort going into the last 20 minutes.
      “Last few weeks Lucas [Paqueta] had five assists. All of us want to score goals and be the creative spark. We’re enjoying our football and one we knew how important today was to go into Christmas in the top six-seven and all we can do is keep winning games.
      “Scoring goals comes with confidence, if you score a few goals and feel like you’re playing well. That helps for me. What I wanted to do this season was play at a good level and try and churn out those performances week in week out.
      “There’s been ups and downs and games we’ve been disappointed with. It’s been a good start to the season, there’s always room to improve and the quality in the league this season especially in that top 10 it’s probably the best I’ve played in for a long time. We know it’s difficult but all we can do is win our games. If you want to talk about finishing in the top six then these are the games you have to win.”
      Worrying
      Erik ten Hag’s just completed his interview. Was quite surprising to hear him say that Manchester United were very good for the opening 70 minutes.
      FT: West Ham 2-0 Man UtdThe Red Devils pick up their 13th defeat of the season and that’s their most defeats before Christmas since 1930… 🤯 pic.twitter.com/wyDscgfA4P— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 23, 2023

      Poor Shaw
      Luke Shaw is speaking now. I’m not sure there’s a player in world football that can look more forlorn and apologetic on camera.
      Quotes coming up.
      He’ll find me
      West Ham goalscorer Mohammed Kudus speaking to TNT Sports: “As an attacker that’s what I’m here to do, to put the ball into the back of the net. Most importantly we got the three points. This is the perfect day for the fans and we wish them a happy Christmas.”
      On Lucas Paqueta: “His vision and passing ability, when he gets the ball I just need to run and he’ll find me. I admire a lot from him.”
      Kudos Kudus
      Mohammed Kudus has just done his post-match interview on the touchline. He’s beaming and thanked fans for their support.
      He was asked about his celebration, in which he sits on the advertising boards and takes a deep breath.
      He’s asked what the meaning behind it was, he responded: “It doesn’t mean anything. I’m sitting down to get a deep breath! I’m tired.”
      Splendid.
      Credit: getty
      Sorry stats
      Manchester United have failed to score in seven of their 18 games. No team has failed to do so more often in the Premier League this season.
      They’ve also lost 13 out of their 26 games this season in all competitions.
      Last goal? That was over six hours ago.
      Credit: GETTY
      The table
      It makes increasingly grim reading for Manchester United fans. They’ve dropped to eight after that defeat, their eight loss of the season.
      The Red Devils are now six points behind arch-rivals Manchester City having played a game extra. A Brighton win would see them relegated to ninth.
      West Ham are now inside the top six with 30 points from 18 matches, two more than today’s opponents.
      Credit: google
      Worries
      As Jermain Defoe has just said, the biggest worry for Erik ten Hag will be that they’ve come up short against a West Ham team who weren’t really at the races. Miles off really.
      What’s next?
      Well, it doesn’t get any easier.
      Manchester United will have to dust themselves down and prepare for the visit of Unai Emery’s Aston Villa on Boxing Day.
      That’s become an increasingly difficult fixture, and will likely see the visitors enter as favourites with the bookmakers.
      West Ham have a London derby against title challengers Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. That’s on the 28th.
      Credit: GETTY
      WEST HAM 2-0 MAN UTD
      FT: And that’s that. West Ham clinch three deserved points against Manchester United in a fairly uninspiring match at the London Stadium.
      United are now of Europe before Christmas. Out of the League Cup. And drifting aimlessly in the Premier League. As for West Ham, they are on the charge and have the Europa League knockout stages to look forward to.
      David Moyes’ side are 15 points better off than at this time last season – and that’s without Declan Rice!
      Credit: getty
      WEST HAM 2-0 MAN UTD
      95: No midweek fixture for Manchester United this week. They’ve had a full week to prepare – what on earth have they been doing?
      WEST HAM 2-0 MAN UTD
      93: So by my count that’s nine goals and one assist in 22 appearances for Mohammed Kudus. Great signing for the Hammers. Don’t want to bring the mood down but losing him to the AFCON will be frustrating for David Moyes and Co.
      WEST HAM 2-0 MAN UTD
      90: The Manchester United fans are leaving the stadium now. There hasn’t been a glimmer of hope since Jarrod Bowen’s opener. They looked a defeated team the second that hit the net.
      Six minutes added time.
      WEST HAM 2-0 MAN UTD
      88: Pablo Fornals replaces the goalscorer Jarrod Bowen. Couple of minutes of rest for the attacker ahead of their next clash against Arsenal on the 28th.
      WEST HAM 2-0 MAN UTD
      85: Double change for Manchester United. Reguilon replaces Kambwala and Eriksen is on for Garnacho. That’ll shift Luke Shaw to centre-back, for what it’s worth.
      Kambwala the bright spot on another difficult day for the Red Devils.
      WEST HAM 2-0 MAN UTD
      83: Marcus Rashford decides to have a crack from distance but it’s nowhere near. There doesn’t look to be a late comeback on the cards, folks. United simply don’t look like scoring – over six hours without a goal now. Their longest run since 1989.
      WEST HAM 2-0 MAN UTD
      81: That’s the FIFTH assist for Lucas Paqueta in a week. It was also West Ham’s second half in six minutes today. The Manchester United players look shell-shocked, despite not mustering a single effort on target in the second half.
      WEST HAM 2-0 MAN UTD – KUDUS
      78: GOAL! Game, set and match. West Ham have wrapped up three points at Christmas courtesy of a gift from young Mainoo.
      Mainoo fails to control a simple pass around the halfway line and Kudus pounces. He plays a one-two with Paqueta before turning Evans and firing the ball across Onana and into the bottom corner.
      Credit: getty
      WEST HAM 1-0 MAN UTD
      75: Manchester United urgently need to end this goal drought, but it’ll be a lot more difficult without Hojlund on the pitch. Erik ten Hag took him off earlier, leaving the visitors with no genuine No.9 on the field.
      WEST HAM 1-0 MAN UTD
      73: It was Jarrod Bowen’s birthday earlier this week. What a nice gift for himself. Elsewhere Paqueta goes into the book for kicking the ball away after Garnacho is fouled.

      WEST HAM 1-0 MAN UTD – BOWEN
      71: GOAL! There’s the breakthrough! Jarrod Bowen has the opener at the London Stadium!
      He plays a one-two with Lucas Paqueta, who lifts a sumptuous ball over the Manchester United defence. There’s a touch of fortune as Onana’s block ricochets back to him and he bundles it in.
      Credit: GETTY
      WEST HAM 0-0 MAN UTD
      70: We did have another chance, and it was a pretty good one for the visitors. Shaw drives forward down the left and fires in a cross that’s heading straight to Garnacho. He’s got a tap-in but there’s Zouma with a sliding interception. More

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      Luton vs Newcastle LIVE SCORE: Latest Premier League updates as Magpies travel to Hatters for huge clash

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      LUTON TOWN host Newcastle in a Saturday afternoon Premier League ecnounter.The Hatters will be hoping to close the gap on Nottingham Forest.
      While the Magpies are aiming to bounce back from their midweek Carabao Cup heartbreak at Chelsea.

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      Fulham vs Burnley LIVE SCORE: Premier League latest as Cottagers look to build on their midweek success

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      FULHAM return to Premier League action with a home fixture against relegation-battlers Burnley.The Cottagers will be feeling untouchable after beating Everton to book a Carabao Cup semifinal spot for the first time ever on Tuesday.
      And they did what Vincent Kompany’s men couldn’t as Burnley suffered a defeat to the Toffees in their last outing.

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      Man City 4-0 Fluminense LIVE RESULT – Club World Cup final: Pep’s side crowned world champs & bag fifth honour of 2023

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      MANCHESTER CITY have beaten Fluminense 4-0 in Saudi Arabia to claim the Fifa Club World Cup.The Cityzens took the lead after just 40 seconds through Julian Alvarez’s instinctive finish.
      An own goal from Nino doubled City’s lead on 27 minutes after Phil Foden’s effort was deflected past Fabio.
      The academy graduate did get his goal after he tapped in from close range to make it 3-0 in the second half before Pep Guardiola was dealt a huge blow as midfield stalwart Rodri was forced off with an injury.
      Julian Alvarez finished off proceedings with his second and City’s fourth as the English side took home their fifth honour of 2023.

      Match result: Man City 4-0 Fluminense
      Man City team: Ederson, Walker, Stones, Dias, Ake, Rodrigo, Lewis, Bernardo, Foden, Grealish, Alvarez
      Fluminense team: Fabio, Samuel Xavier, Nino, Felipe Melo, Marcelo, Andre, Martinelli, Jhon Arias, Ganso, Keno, Cano

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      Man City are FIFA Club World Cup champions
      For the first time in their club’s history Pep Guardiola’s side win the Club World Cup.
      The celebrations will continue long into the night in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
      Having won their first ever Champions League title last season, they have now ticked off another first.
      Credit: Getty
      The winner takes it all
      Man City have been crowned FIFA Club World Cup winners.
      Their dominant 4-0 victory of Fluminense tops off a perfect 2023 as they add it to the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup in the trophy cabinet.
      Pep Guardiola wins the competition with his third team, further confirming him as one of the greatest managers in football.
      Credit: AFP
      Walker kicks off at final whistle
      As the players shook hands after Man City’s comprehensive win, something happened between Filipe Melo and Kyle Walker.
      The two players had to be separated as sparks flew.
      Whatever was said, both players saw the red mist and there was certainly no love lost between the pair.
      Credit: Getty
      Credit: Getty
      City will be concerned of Rodri injury
      Despite the celebrations this evening, there will be huge concerns for the fitness of Rodri.
      He seemed to twist his knee in a really unnatural way, with many fearing ligament damage as a result.
      Rodri tried to continue but collapsed to the ground soon after.
      As he came off, the player’s reaction seemed to suggest that he thought it was not good news for him.
      Credit: Getty
      Routine day in the office for Pep
      Guardiola is going around, congratulating every member of Man City staff here at pitch-side.
      It shows the personality of the man as he knows how integral everyone is to the collective cause.
      Despite having won this trophy twice before, he seems to be enjoying this one as he wins it for the first time in the club’s history.
      Credit: Getty
      Get your Phil of trophies
      At 23-years-old, Phil Foden has won his sixteenth trophy as a Man City player, an unbelievable achievement.
      What will mean more to Foden right now is the more game time he getting during these campaigns.
      He has been on form for City this season and integral to a lot of their wins with some big players out injured.
      Credit: Getty
      FT: Man City 4-0 Fluminense
      It is good to see these different continents do battle but the reality is the strength of the Premier League is no contest.
      All too often in this competition, these games are always damage limitation against the European sides.
      Man City won’t care, they have added another trophy to the cabinet in Jeddah this evening.
      Credit: Getty
      FT: Man City 4-0 Fluminense
      The referee puts the South Americans out of their misery.
      Towards the end of the game, they just had nothing in the tank.
      It is a deserved win for Man City, they huge trophy haul of 2023 continues.
      Man City 4-0 Fluminense
      90. As the cross comes in, Alvarez controls it then dummies a shot to sidestep the defender.
      He then gets a right-footed shot away which nestles into the bottom corner of the goal.
      Man City have equalled the highest score in this Club World Cup final, scored by Guardiola’s Barcelona some twelve years ago.
      Goal – Julian Alvarez (Man City)
      Man City 3-0 Fluminense
      88. The Brazilian side have done well to get to this final.
      They were never expected to win their own championship and surprised many last season.
      Getting here was one thing, going toe to toe with Man City was just one step too far for them.
      Man City 3-0 Fluminense
      86. This has been a comfortable win for Man City.
      Despite their huffing and puffing, Fluminense have not really tested Guardiola’s side in the final third.
      This will be the third club Pep Guardiola has won this trophy with.
      Man City 3-0 Fluminense
      84. Kennedy is shown a yellow card for a foul on Nunez.
      As the Man City player goes down he smashes into another defender.
      Seems a painful one for the midfielder as his head strikes the Fluminense player.
      Man City 3-0 Fluminense
      82. Phil Foden comes off for Man City after picking up a knock.
      Nunes and Bobb comes on for Ake and Foden.
      Guardiola looking to rotate his side now in these closing stages.
      Man City 3-0 Fluminense
      80. Kennedy does well outside the box, weaving in between the defenders.
      He lets a shot go from distance which Ederson has to tip over the crossbar.
      Good play by the young Brazilian.
      Man City 3-0 Fluminense
      78. It was always going to be an uphill struggle for the Brazilians.
      Conceding that early Alvarez goal made it so much more so.
      There is a noticeable gulf in class between the sides.
      Credit: AFP
      Man City 3-0 Fluminense
      76. Fluminense come forward once again.
      A cross is swung into the box but Cano cannot get a head on it.
      Man City come forward themselves with Bernardo Silva having a shot at goal but slices across it and sends it into the side netting.
      Man City 3-0 Fluminense
      74. Akanji and Gvardiol come on for Rodri and Stones.
      The Spanish defensive midfielder is shaking his head as he comes off.
      Man City will have to get some tests done on that knee to see if that injury keeps him out at all.
      Man City 3-0 Fluminense
      72. Alvarez does well on the left-hand side of the box.
      He drills a ball across goal, which is met by the slide of Foden.
      Great goal by Man City.
      Meanwhile, Rodri has collapsed to the ground, he does not look in a good way.
      Goal – Phil Foden (Man City)
      Man City 2-0 Fluminense
      70. Rodri seems to be in some severe pain for Man City as the physios treat him.
      He is back to his feet but shaking his head.
      Pep Guardiola will not want to lose the Spaniard for any length of time.
      Credit: Getty
      Man City 2-0 Fluminense
      68. Fluminense break down the right once again.
      Lima crosses into the box but Ederson reads it well to gather.
      Brief glimpse of goal for the South Americans.
      Alexsander is booked for a heavy challenge where he follows through on Rodri.
      Man City 2-0 Fluminense
      66. As the South Americans try to press in the final third, Man City counter attack at pace with Silva.
      Kennedy runs the length of the pitch to chase him down.
      Great energy from the young striker.
      Man City 2-0 Fluminense
      64. Fluminenese are continuing to battle in all fairness to them.
      Grealish is penalised for a push in the back of Samuel Xavier.
      Lima does brilliantly on the byline and finds Kennedy but he cannot work a shooting opportunity.
      Man City 2-0 Fluminense
      62. Kovacic comes on for Rico Lewis.
      Pep Guardiola must be reading these posts.
      Man City swing a corner in and it is met by the head of Stones but he cannot direct it towards goal. More

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      Aston Villa vs Sheffield United LIVE SCORE: Premier League latest as Villans look to snatch top spot

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      ASTON VILLA have a huge chance to climb to the top of the Premier League with three points against Sheffield United.Unai Emery’s men pulled off an incredible comeback win against Brentford to keep the pressure on league leaders Arsenal.
      While Chris Wilder’s side were beaten on the road 2-0 by struggling Chelsea.

      Kick-off time: 8pm GMT
      Live stream: NOW TV
      TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League

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      European Super League LIVE: Premier League release statement after ruling as Man Utd amongst clubs to reject tournament

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      THE European Super League is back on the table following a recent ruling by the European Court of Justice.The court has today determined Fifa and Uefa acted against competition law when they blocked the formation of a European Super League in 2021.
      Twelve of Europe’s biggest clubs proposed the formation of a European Super League two years ago, but the proposal was met with a wave of fan backlash and the proposal was shut down.
      Now, the tournament could be revived but English football fans may not need to be concerned as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his government have promised to stop clubs from joining new competitions that would kill off the domestic game.
      Many European footballing giants, including Man Utd, have reaffirmed that they have no interest in joining the Super League.
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      Inter becomes the next European giant to reject new European Super League
      Inter Milan has joined a growing list of European clubs to reject the idea of a new Super League.
      The Italian side reaffirmed its commitment to the current structure of European football today.
      A statement read: “FC Internazionale Milano reiterates its position that European football’s future well-being can only be secured by clubs working together through the ECA, in partnership and collaboration with UEFA and FIFA.
      “As a Club, we remain committed to the values that underpin the European Sports Model and to working through the ECA alongside our fellow clubs to uphold those values”.
      Credit: REUTERS
      Feyenoord denies involvement in new European Super League
      Dutch champions Feyenoord have denied claims they are set to take part in the new European Super League.
      A statement said: “Feyenoord has taken note of the European Court’s ruling that UEFA and FIFA cannot ban clubs from starting a competition such as the Super League. 
      “Feyenoord insists it has made no commitments, nor has it ever spoken to the people behind the possible Super League, as some foreign publications suggest.
      “With what the club knows so far, it has doubts whether this initiative is a good idea for most clubs and for the national leagues. Through the ECA, the club will continue to think about the future, improvements within European football and strengthening the position of Dutch football”.
      AS Monaco joins PSG in rejecting new Super League
      Another French side has expressed full commitment to Uefa’s competitions and rejected the latest attempt to create a European Super League.
      AS Monaco said: “AS Monaco would like to express its full commitment to the principle of sporting merit which governs UEFA competitions and the French championship.
      “AS Monaco will continue to work with the Ligue 1 clubs within the Ligue de Football Professionnel, and with other clubs through the ECA, in order to participate progressively and collectively in the development of football”.
      Uefa president mocks new European Super League
      Uefa’s president has taken the opportunity to make today’s new Super League proposal.
      Aleksander Čeferin said: “I’ve seen the press leads of English supporters calling it like… The Zombie League.
      “It’s close to Christmas, they saw a box under the tree and started to celebrate, but then when they opened the box they realised there was not much inside”.
      Another football giant rejects the Super League
      PSG has become the latest team to turn down A22’s new European Super League proposal.
      The French giant said it “utterly rejects” the new plan.
      A statement read: “Paris Saint-Germain totally and utterly rejects any plans for a so-called Super League, which has been the case from day one and will always remain the case”.
      “As a proud European institution, PSG supports the principles of the European sporting model, the values of open competition and inclusion, and works with all recognised stakeholders in European football – above all with the fans and players, who are at the heart of the game”.
      ‘The European football family does not want the Super League’
      Atletico Madrid has rejected today’s proposal for a New European Super League.
      A statement said: “The European football family does not want the European Super League”. “Germany, France, England, Italy, Spain (except for Real Madrid and Barcelona), etc. do not want the Super League”.
      “We are in favor of protecting the European football family, safeguarding domestic leagues, and ensuring that qualification for European competitions is achieved through on-field performance every season”.
      Premier League slams new Super League proposal
      The Premier League has rejected today’s proposal for a new European Super League.
      A statement read: “The Premier League notes today’s judgment in the European Court of Justice case involving the “European Superleague Company”, FIFA and UEFA.  This is a significant ruling and we will now fully examine its implications for the game.
      “The ruling does not endorse the so-called “European Super League” and the Premier League continues to reject any such concept. Supporters are of vital importance to the game and they have time and again made clear their opposition to a “breakaway” competition that severs the link between domestic and European football.
      “The Premier League reiterates its commitment to the clear principles of open competition that underpin the success of domestic and international club competitions.
      “Football thrives on the competitiveness created by promotion and relegation, the annual merit-based qualification from domestic leagues and cups to international club competitions and the longstanding rivalries and rituals that come with weekends being reserved for domestic football.”
      Are the Premier League teams involved?
      As it stands, no the Premier League top six are not involved in this current iteration of the European Super League.
      During the last ill-advised proposal, six of the Premier League’s biggest teams received huge backlash for attempting to break away from Uefa.
      It seems like this time, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City will not be getting involved.
      How will the new Super League work?
      Bernd Reichart, the chief executive of A22, has confirmed the format of the “new” Super League, following the ECJ’s ruling this morning.
      The new European Super League proposal features 64 teams, each in one of three tiers: Star, Gold and Blue. 
      Annual promotion and relegation will happen between each tier, this seemingly aims to address complaints of a lack of sporting fairness in previous proposals.
      Clubs will play only 14 matches per season, with the star and gold tiers consisting of 16 teams each.
      Each season will end with a knockout-style competition to determine which teams are promoted and relegated.
      Manchester United rejects new Super League
      Manchester United have rejected the latest Super League proposal.
      The club said: “Our position has NOT changed.
      “We remain fully committed to participation in UEFA competitions, and to positive cooperation with UEFA, the Premier League, and fellow clubs through the ECA on the continued development of the European game”.
      Bayern Munich reject the new Super League
      German giants Bayern Munich have rejected A22’s latest bid to launch the European Super League.
      “It’s very clear: the door for the Super League at FC Bayern remains closed.
      “Such a competition would represent an attack on the importance of domestic leagues and the statics of European football”, club CEO Dreesen says, reports Fabrizio Romano.
      🚨🔴 FC Bayern reject the Super League.“It’s very clear: the door for the Super League at FC Bayern remains closed”.“Such a competition would represent an attack on the importance of domestic leagues and the statics of European football”, club CEO Dreesen says. pic.twitter.com/j5ZLzLDVhM— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 21, 2023

      What have the courts said?
      The European Court of Justice today ruled Uefa and Fifa’s action regarding the European Super League “unlawful.”
      The Court said: “The Fifa and Uefa rules making any new interclub football project subject to their prior approval, such as the Super League, and prohibiting clubs and players from playing in those competitions are unlawful.
      “There is no framework for the Fifa and Uefa rules ensuring that they are transparent, objective, non-discriminatory and proportionate.
      “Similarly the rules giving Fifa and Uefa exclusive control over the commercial exploitation of the rights related to those competitions are such as to restrict competition, given their importance for the media, consumers and television viewers in the European Union.
      “The Court observes that the organisation of interclub football competitions and the exploitation of the media rights are quite evidently economic activities.
      “They must therefore comply with the competition rules and respect the freedoms of movement, even though the economic pursuit of sport has certain specific characteristics, such as the existence of associations having certain regulatory and control powers and the power to impose sanctions.”
      Real Madrid chief responds to new European Super League
      Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has welcomed today’s decision and the return of the European Super League.
      He said: “From Real Madrid we welcome with great satisfaction the decision taken by the Court of Justice of the European Union, which is responsible for guaranteeing our principles, values and freedoms. In the coming days we will carefully study the scope of this resolution, but I do anticipate two conclusions of great historical significance.
      “First of all, that European club football is not and will never be a monopoly again. And secondly, that from today the clubs will be the owners of their destiny. Clubs see fully recognized our right to propose and promote European competitions that modernize our sport and attract fans from all over the world. In short, today the Europe of freedoms has triumphed again and today soccer and its fans have also triumphed.
      “Faced with the pressures we have received for more than two years, law, reason and freedom are imposed today. And for this reason, Real Madrid will continue to work for the sake of football.
      “Just as almost seventy years ago we took a fundamental step in the history of soccer with the creation of the European Cup, today we again have the duty and responsibility to give European football the new impetus it needs so much. And for this, we will continue to defend a modern project, fully compatible with national competitions, open to all, based on sporting merit and that will effectively impose respect for financial fair play. A project that will bring economic sustainability for all clubs and that above all will protect the players and excite fans around the world.
      “We will do it despite the campaigns we have suffered and that, without a doubt, will intensify from today. But no one said that ending a monopoly after so many decades was simple.
      “We are facing the great opportunity to improve European club football. A football at the height of the 21st century, with a transparent governance, that knows how to live with new technologies and that once again provokes the passion and emotion that fans really need.
      “Let me tell the European clubs that we are facing the beginning of a new time in which we can work in freedom from constructive dialogue, without threats, without acting against anything or anyone and with the aim of innovating and modernizing football to continue nurturing the passion of the fans.
      “From today, the present and future of European football are finally in the hands of clubs, players and their fans. Our destiny belongs to us and we have a great responsibility before us.
      “This day will mark a before and after. It is a great day for the history of football and for the history of sport”.
      New ESL will be free to watch
      According to A22, the new European Super League would be free for fans to watch.
      A22 said: “The proposal also includes innovative plans to launch the world’s leading direct-to-fan sports streaming platform [called Unify], where billions of fans would be able to watch live all Super League matches for free”.
      No clubs confirmed to be taking part
      When asked which clubs are interested in the proposal, Bernd Reichart, the chief executive of A22, refused to comment.
      Outside of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, no clubs have indicated they would be willing to join A22’s proposed Super League.
      This could imply that, unlike last time, the Premier League top six could stay well clear of the new European Super League.
      Fans slam new proposal
      Fans have taken to X/Twitter to express their anger at today’s ruling.
      One supporter reacted to the court ruling saying: “RIP football as we know it 😭”
      Another added: “Football is about to be ruined then…”
      A third wrote: “We the fans still don’t want that shoddy league.”
      What is the difference between the new European Super League and the Champions League?
      A22 has been keen to differentiate its new European Super League from the updated Champions League set to launch in 2024.
      The organisation has released an image of the differences between the two tournaments:
      Credit: A22
      Football Supporters Association slams new Super League proposal
      The FSA has slammed today’s news that the European Super League will be making a return.
      You can read its full statement below:

      Barcelona release statement
      FC Barcelona have welcomed today’s decision to deem Uefa and Fifa’s actions “unlawful”.
      A statement from the club said: “FC Barcelona wishes to express its satisfaction with the sentence of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) assessing the Super League project as proposed by A22 Sports.
      “As one of the clubs driving the Super League project, FC Barcelona feels that the sentence paves the way for a new elite level football competition in Europe by opposing the monopoly over the football world, and wishes to initiate new discussions as to the path that European competitions should take in the future.
      “Since it was founded in 1899, FC Barcelona has always been a pioneering club in the world of sport, leading the drive towards more professionalised structures both on a domestic and international scale, with regard to both men’s and women’s competitions, in a variety of sports and from different social concerns.
      “Hence, as it has been maintaining in recent years, the club feels that the medium-term sustainability of European football entails the need create a concept along the lines of the Super League proposed by A22. A system of competition that will address such issues as fixture overload and the excessive number of games between national teams, that will work towards regulation of financial fair play among participating teams, and that will put local and international players and supporters at the centre.
      “This system must respect the functions and sustainability of domestic competitions and should be a meritocracy that is primarily based on results on the pitch.
      “In a year when the club is celebrating its 125th anniversary, Barça wishes to continue to offer its experience and knowledge of different sports to propose solutions for current issues in elite sport.
      “That is why it is declaring its support for the Super League promoted by A22 and encourages constructive debate among both domestic and international football bodies, which have now been endorsed by today’s sentence by the Court of Justice of the European Union. The foregoing is all subject to a complete reading of the sentence.”
      New Super League format confirmed
      Bernd Reichart, the chief executive of A22, has confirmed the format of the “new” Super League, following the ECJ’s ruling this morning.
      The new European Super League proposal features 64 teams, each in one of three tiers: Star, Gold and Blue. 
      Annual promotion and relegation will happen between each tier, this seemingly aims to address complaints of a lack of sporting fairness in previous proposals.
      Clubs will play only 14 matches per season, with the star and gold tiers consisting of 16 teams each.
      Each season will end with a knockout-style competition to determine which teams are promoted and relegated.
      UEFA and Fifa lose Super League ruling
      Following a landmark European Court of Justice ruling, the so-called European Super League could be back.
      It was ruled that Uefa and Fifa acted “unlawfully” when they blocked the tournament in 2021.
      Following the decision, new plans for an updated Super League were released. More

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      Crystal Palace vs Brighton LIVE SCORE: Premier League latest as Seagulls look to bounce back against Eagles

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      BRIGHTON face their second London outing in a week as they face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park – and they’ll be hoping for better result this time round.The Seagulls were comfortably beaten 2-0 by Arsenal last weekend but it could have easily been more.
      While Michael Olise’s last-gasp penalty saw Manchester City drop two more points in the title race.

      Kick-off time: 8pm GMT
      Live stream: NOW TV
      TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League

      PADDY POWER WELCOME OFFER – Get £40 in free bet builder bets
      Follow ALL the action from Selhurst Park with our live blog below… More

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      Carabao Cup semi-final draw LIVE: Chelsea and Liverpool separated as huge draw made – latest reaction

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      LIVERPOOL and Chelsea could meet in a mouthwatering Carabao Cup final after the big semi-final draw was made.The Blues take on Championship Middlesbrough while Liverpool face Fulham in the two-legged ties.
      Then all eyes will be on Wembley for the February 25 final.
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Follow ALL of the latest updates below..
      Previous winners
      Who will join the list of previous League Cup winners when the final takes place in February?

      22/23 – Manchester United
      21/22 – Liverpool
      20/21 – Manchester City
      19/20 – Manchester City
      18/19 – Manchester City
      17/18 – Manchester City
      16/17 – Manchester United
      15/16 – Manchester City
      14/15 – Chelsea
      13/14 – Manchester City

      Read more on the draw
      Read our article for some more information on the draw and how everyone earned their place in the semi-finals.

      When will the semi-finals be held?
      The first leg of the semi-final ties will be played week commencing 8 January, 2024, with second leg fixtures taking place week commencing 22 January, 2024.
      The final will then take place at Wembley on February 25, 2024.
      Chelsea fans delighted
      Chelsea fans will be pleased to hear they have been handed a draw against Middlesbrough.
      Boro have done superb to get to the semi-finals, but as the only team from outside the Premier League, the Blues will be seen as clear favourites for a slot a Wembley.
      Draw in full
      Middlesbrough vs Chelsea
      Liverpool vs Fulham
      Draw complete
      And just like that the draw is complete.
      Middlesbrough and Liverpool will play host in the first leg of the fixtures before Fulham and Chelsea return the favour for the second leg.
      SEMI-FINAL NUMBER TWO
      LIVERPOOL vs FULHAM
      SEMI-FINAL NUMBER ONE
      MIDDLESBROUGH vs CHELSEA
      Here we go!
      We’re finally about to get underway for the short but important draw for the Carabao Cup semi-finals after a delay.
      Father and son duo Harry and Jamie Redknapp are present to pull the names out of the pot!
      One last reminder
      Before the teams are pulled from the hat here is one last reminder of the four sides that have made it in to the the semi-finals and their ball numbers.

      Chelsea
      Fulham
      Middlesbrough
      Liverpool

      Middlesbrough’s run
      Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough side are the only team left in the tournament from outside of the Premier League.
      The Championship outfit have put together a splendid run to earn themselves a spot in the semi-finals.
      Boro have beaten Huddersfield, Bolton, Bradford City, Exeter and Port Vale so far.
      Who will they take on next?
      Credit: Alamy
      Not far off now
      The draw is set to take place at around 10:15pm.
      Follow all of the action and reaction here.
      LIVERPOOL ENTER THE DRAW
      Liverpool have beaten West Ham 5-1 to secure their place in the semi-final draw.
      The final list of teams in the pot are as follows:

      Fulham
      Chelsea
      Middlesbrough
      Liverpool

      Moments away
      We’re now just moments away from the draw with the Liverpool vs West Ham game heading into injury time.
      It looks as if Liverpool are in the hat, but who will they face?
      All but over
      Just when West Ham looked to have a glimmer of hope of making a comeback, Liverpool have punished them.
      The Merseyside outfit have added another two goals to make the score 5-1 and look like they will inevitably be joining the others in the semi-final draw this evening.
      Ball numbers
      The ball numbers for tonight’s draw are as follows…

      Chelsea
      Fulham
      Middlesbrough
      Liverpool or West Ham

      Credit: Getty
      Hope for the Hammers
      It could be too little too late, but West Ham have pulled one back at Anfield.
      Jarrod Bowen has made it 3-1 to try and force his team through to the next round, but there’s not long left for David Moyes’ side.
      GOAL – Liverpool cruising to the semi-finals
      It looks like Liverpool will almost certainly be joining Fulham, Middlesbrough and Chelsea in the Semi’s now.
      The Red have bagged a third through Cody Gakpo and now lead West Ham 3-0.
      It’s heartbreak for the Hammers with just over 15 minutes left to play at Anfield.
      How did the teams earn their spot in the semi’s?
      Fulham, Middlesbrough and Chelsea all booked their places in the semi finals last night.
      The two Premier League clubs needed penalties to secure their way in to the next round while Boro comfortably saw off Port Vale.

      Everton 1-1 Fulham (PEN 6-7 )
      Port Vale 0-3 Middlesbrough
      Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle (PEN 4-2)
      Liverpool vs West Ham (ongoing)

      Credit: Getty
      LIVERPOOL BAG ANOTHER
      Liverpool are now 2-0 up and edging closer to securing their spot in the draw!
      It’s Curtis Jones who has netted this time and the Reds look to be brushing aside West Ham at Anfield.
      Credit: Reuters
      Liverpool on track for the semi-finals
      As things stand it will be Liverpool that join the other three teams in the pot for the semi-final draw.
      The Reds currently lead West Ham 1-0 at Anfield thanks to a Dominik Szoboszlai goal.
      Who’s in the pot?
      All but one of the teams has been decided with just four sides heading in to the semi-final pot.
      The last team will be decided when we have a winner between Liverpool and West Ham tonight.

      Fulham
      Middlesbrough
      Chelsea
      Liverpool/West Ham

      CARABAO CUP SEMI-FINAL DRAW
      We are right round the corner from this year’s Carabao Cup semi-final draw as we eagerly await to see who will face who.
      The draw will take place after Liverpool’s clash with West Ham with the pair fighting it out for a place in the pot. More