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      Chelsea Champions League winner, 38, could be set for emotional clash against Blues in Club World Cup after draw drama

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      FIFA boss Gianni Infantino has confirmed Chelsea’s opening Club World Cup opponents are set to be decided by a single game play-off.And that could bring a reunion with former Blues striker Olivier Giroud at MLS side LAFC.Chelsea could face Olivier Giroud and LAFC in the Club World CupCredit: GettyGiroud previously spent three years with the BluesCredit: APPlans for the 32-team tournament, offering a record £870m prize pot, were thrown in the air last month when Mexican outfit Club Leon were booted out of the event by world chiefs.Fifa’s regulations for the expanded tournament stated that no clubs under the same multi-club ownership umbrella could compete.Leon are part of the same group as fellow Mexican side Pachuca and have ignored demands for the club to be hived off from the overall ownership company.While Leon have lodged a complaint with the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport in a bid to overturn the Fifa decision, it emerged last month that a play-off involving LAFC and another Mexican side, Club America, was being planned.READ MORE ON CHELSEAAnd despite claims from Spain that Barcelona were in the mix to take part, Infantino has now confirmed the play-off plan – as long as CAS rules in Fifa’s favour.Speaking on a visit to Atlanta’s Mercedes Benz Stadium, where Chelsea’s opening game will be played on June 16, the Fifa President said: “In a couple of weeks we will have the final and definitive decision, we will respect any decision.”What we are looking at is that, if CAS confirms the decision of the Appeals Committee, FIFA’s intention is to play a match, a playoff, between the team that lost the final of the Concacaf Champions League, LAFC, and the next team in the ranking, which is Club America.”Infantino’s announcement came despite the tournament regulations stating no country could have more than two participants UNLESS they were all winners of their confederation’s main club competition in the four year qualification cycle.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeThose regulations meant the likes of European giants Liverpool and Barcelona, who would have qualified through their four-year coefficient ranking, missed out in favour of teams including Ajax andSalzburg.Mexico already have Pachuca and Monterrey in the tournament as winners of the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2024 and 2021 respectively – Leon were 2023 winners – while the US is represented by Seattle Sounders, who won in 2022 and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.Inside Chelsea’s Strasbourg talent factory as angry fans fight identity crisis That has brought a separate CAS suit by Costa Rican club Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, who argue that they are the highest-placed side in the Concacaf rankings who are not disqualified by representing either the US or Mexico.Fifa, though, appear to be dismissing that claim, with both potential replacements for Leon able to bring substantial value to the tournament.LAFC, who also include former Spurs skipper Hugo Lloris, are part-owned by US actor and comedian Will Ferrell, while Club America are the most widely supported club in Mexico.Fifa will not announce the date or venue of the play-off until after the CAS ruling but it is expected to be played in Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium next month.Chelsea’s other two opponents in Group D are Brazilians Flamengo, who they meet in Philadelphia on June 20, and Tunisian outfit Esperance, with the final group game in the same venue four days later.The Blues have already been assured of around £30m in appearance money for the inaugural version of the expanded 32-team competition, with a further £67m up for grabs in potential prize money.England’s other representatives, Manchester City, start against Morocco’s Wydad in Philadelphia on June 18.They then meet Abu Dhabi outfit Al Ain in Atlanta before finishing against Juventus in Orlando on June 26.Read More on The SunFifa say there are no multi-club ownership issues despite Al Ain’s President being Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the BROTHER of City President Shaikh Mansour.If they win their respective groups, the two Prem sides cannot meet until the Final in New York on July 13. More

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      Chelsea files: Blues ‘on a knife edge’ with club facing £70m black hole if poor form keeps them out of Champions League

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      CHELSEA’S stuttering bid to qualify for the Champions League may not impact Enzo Maresca’s role but it could wipe £70million off his summer budget.The Blues remain in the hunt for a top five finish but are convincing few that they will be able to get over the line.Chelsea could risk losing £70m if they fail to qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyEnzo Maresca’s job could also be at riskCredit: AlamyAnd another year away from Europe’s top table will come at quite the cost – with one financial expert saying they are on a “knife edge”.A run into the knockouts would – thanks to their coefficient ranking and gate receipts – net at least £90m for the west Londoners.But a year in the Europa League – which they are expected to qualify for via the league or winning the Conference League – would land them just £20m.And after having to sell hotels and the women’s team to the club’s holding company, BlueCo, in order to dance around the Premier League’s financial rules – things could get tricky.Chelsea’s latest financial results showed a profit of £129.6m, but Professor Rob Wilson, an academic lead at University Campus of Football Business, is concerned.He told SunSport: “Their reported profits are suggesting financial health, but the underlying losses basically indicate a reliance on accounting strategies.”You can’t trade on accounting strategies forever.”What you’re doing is essentially just putting off the inevitable, which is at some point you’re going to post a pretty significant loss or you’re going to have to have a big asset sale.”They are kind of protecting that with the longevity of the player contracts that they’ve been including.”They are properly on a knife edge in my view.”They are backing themselves or have already backed themselves into a pretty unmanageable corner.”Chelsea’s £115m ace Moises Caicedo has £160k Audi seized by cops after driving without valid licence near training groundKEEP KEPA?GOALKEEPING has been a hot topic at Chelsea this season and it’s not just restricted to those currently at the club.The future of Kepa Arrizabalaga is also of interest as his loan at Premier League side Bournemouth nears its end.The world’s most expensive keeper is desperate to stay on the South Coast to the extent that he would be willing to take a pay cut on his present wages of around £170,000 a week.Kepa, 30, has a year left on his contract at Chelsea but he knows there is no future for him at Stamford Bridge.Kepa Arrizabalaga is willing to accept a pay cut to stay at BournemouthCredit: AlamyEven though there are serious questions about the suitability of Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen, there are other keepers further up the pecking order.Even untried teenager Mike Penders seems to be more popular with Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca than Spaniard Kepa, who cost a whopping £71.6 million in 2018.Bournemouth are keen on a permanent deal and it’s believed one could be struck for around £25 million.Kepa has played the last 14 games in all competitions for Bournemouth and is close to manager and fellow Spaniard Andoni Iraola.There has been speculation that Bournemouth fancy Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher but Kepa is more likely to be the club’s number one next season.BLUECO NO-GODROPPING into the Europa League would not only pose financial problems, but a mammoth headache for Chelsea’s American owners.Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali will be forced to place their shares in Ligue 1 side Strasbourg into a “blind trust” if both qualify for the Europa League.Strasbourg’s involvement in the Europa League could be a huge issue for Chelsea if they fail to qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: AFPStrasbourg, managed by Englishman Liam Rosenior, have been a BlueCo success story and are just a point off of the Europa League places in Ligue 1.While their qualification would be celebrated, it would cause an awful lot of admin for the owners.Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe faced a similar problem.His company INEOS also owns Nice and Swiss side Lausanne-Sport.Their ownership of both has been placed into a blind trust, with Nice in the Europa League alongside Manchester United.Their both being in the same competition also saw UEFA block any transfers between the two – which put a stop to United’s move for defender Jean-Clair Todibo.Chelsea have sent a number of youth prospects on loan to Strasbourg since the two clubs were brought under the BlueCo umbrella.Kendry Paez, the Ecuadorian who will complete his move to Chelsea this summer, has been training with Rosenior’s side ahead of a possible loan move next season – which could be barred under these rules.SECURITY CONCERNSLEGIA WARSAW’S infamous ultras are on their way to London and the police are on high alert.Extra cops will be on duty for Thursday’s Conference League quarter-final second leg at Stamford Bridge.Legia Warsaw’s ultras caused chaos outside Villa Park in 2023Credit: GettyJust 1,000 fans of the Polish club are being allocated official tickets into the away section of the away end.Although with a sizeable Polish population in London already, there could be more in the home sections of the ground.Chelsea though are confident that their robust ticket policies will be enough to stop large scale infiltration by visiting supporters.Legia Warsaw have been dogged by controversy involving their fiery fans. They have been hit with travel bans.There was trouble in 2023 when the club played Aston Villa in the Conference League – several police officers were hurt in disturbances outside Villa Park.The Met won’t disclose details of their anti-hooligan policies but issued a statement to Sun Sport which read: “The Met works closely with partners to ensure the safety and security of those attending football matches in London. We want everyone to come and enjoy themselves but we will act decisively to deal with anyone intent on causing trouble.“We have increased the policing presence for Chelsea’s home match against Legia Warsaw this Thursday to ensure it takes place in a safe and secure environment. This decision was taken following a careful assessment of information and intelligence.”Warsaw have had their ticket allocation reduced on advice from the Safety Advisory Group and Chelsea.The statement continued: “We will continue to work with the club and our local partners to ensure the safety of those attending the match and those in the wider community.”NO PROBE FOR TODDDespite outraged Chelsea fans firing off a letter of complaint to the Premier League demanding a probe into the club chairman’s links to an unauthorised ticket resale site, the police won’t be knocking on Boehly’s door anytime soon.Supporters have openly protested about the fact the leading figure in the Stamford Bridge boardroom is cashing in with a 40 percent stake in Vivid Seats – a US-based outfit that passes on match tickets, often at vastly inflated prices.Todd Boehly has infuriated fans by earning money from Vivid Seats, a ticket resale siteCredit: ReutersThe Premier League is currently considering options on what to do about the tricky situation – after all on their own website they advise customers to exercise ‘extreme caution’ when dealing with companies like Vivid Seats.But any investigation is a long way off as so far, English football’s governing body will only confirm receipt of the letter from the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust.However, it is still a delicate state of affairs with the Premier League under pressure to investigate the business dealings of one of the game’s most high profile players.LEAGUE OF THEIR OWNCHELSEA Women’s final away game of the WSL season has been selected for live broadcast by the BBC.And a kick off time has now been finalised with The Blues heading to Tottenham on Sunday, May 4 and it gets underway at 2.15pm.NEW INITIATIVEANYONE attending Sunday’s home game against Ipswich will have noticed the large number of brightly coloured flags fluttering in The Shed End before kick off.The plan to liven up Stamford Bridge comes from fans’ group We Are The Shed, who are also masterminding the creation of a singing section in the famous stand.While it’s not exactly keeping the blue flag flying high, it’s good to see that some supporters are not just giving up on the fading atmospheres at Premier League grounds.Where English stadiums were once revered for their noise and sway, they are now silent tourist attractions. Keep up the good work.Chelsea Women vs Tottenham will be broadcast on the BBCCredit: Reuters More

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      Three-time Man Utd title winner looks unrecognisable with new facial hair as he returns to Old Trafford

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      AN ex-Manchester United star looked unrecognisable on his return to Old Trafford.The three-time Premier League winner, who spent six years at the club, watched the recent goalless derby against City from the stands.The cult hero returned to Old Trafford to watch the Manchester derbyCredit: instagramHe won three Premier League titles at Man UtdCredit: instagram He posted a photo alongside his old team-mate Darren FletcherCredit: instagram He shared photos of his trip down memory lane on Instagram and he even posted a snap alongside his former team-mate and now coach Darren Fletcher.The 43-year-old wrote: “A few years have passed but the sentiment remained the same.”It was nice to stand on the Old Trafford turf again and meet old friends.”The former player lifted ten trophies during his time at United, including the Champions League in 2008.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe made 61 appearances for the club in all competitions before leaving in 2012.The goalkeeper was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson from West Brom and later had spells at Brighton, Wolves and Birmingham.On the international stage, he was capped 11 times by Poland.Have you worked out who the unrecognisable cult hero is?Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIt is, of course, former back-up keeper Tomasz Kuszczak.Kuszczak hung up his gloves in 2019 and returned to his homeland to start a construction business and get a degree in sports journalism.How Ruben Amorim can fix Man United’s Garnacho problemHe also briefly worked as a goalkeeper coach to the Polish national side.Tomasz Kuszczak played 61 times for UnitedCredit: GettyKuszczak won ten trophies in six years at Man UtdCredit: Action Images – ReutersJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford More

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      Arsenal in talks with serial winner Kingsley Coman over stunning transfer but face battle for Bayern Munich star

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      ARSENAL are reportedly in talks with Bayern Munich star Kingsley Coman over a stunning summer transfer.The serial winner, 28, is on course for a 13th career league title of his career after also lifting trophies at Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.Arsenal are in talks with Bayern Munich over a deal for Kingsley ComanCredit: GettyWhile Coman could make his 330th appearance for Bayern Munich in Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Inter Milan.However, the French winger may not be making many more amid reports that he is up for sale.Florian Plettenberg claims Bayern are ready to listen to offers for Coman this summer as he approaches the final two years of his contract.And Arsenal are said to have already made an approach as Mikel Arteta seeks reinforcements in attack.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Spaniard has been forced to deal with injuries to key men this season including Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.Coman’s stellar winning record makes him an ideal candidate to help the Gunners finally secure a Premier League title.And the star could be willing to take a cut on his current £275,000-a-week wages for a go in England’s top flight.However, it’s also reckoned that Saudi teams are lining up for Coman this summer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThey are ready to offer him mind-boggling numbers to snare the star in his prime.But Arsenal are hopeful they can win the race by offering Coman a first-team spot, Champions League football and the chance to participate in another title battle.How Declan Rice can be ‘world class’ AGAIN vs Real Madrid | Tactics Exposed Deano’s DecisionMeanwhile, the Gunners are said to be confident of keeping William Saliba this summer.The defender is a target for Real Madrid but they have reportedly cooled their interest due to the mega fee it will take to sign him. More

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      ‘First points, then pints’ – Premier League manager starts new tradition of joining fans at local pubs if club wins

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      WOLVES boss Vitor Pereira has a new tradition of joining fans in the pub after winning games.The Portuguese was appointed in December and he has brought a winning feeling back to Molineux.Vítor Pereira has begun to visit pubs after winsCredit: XWolves’ 4-2 victory over Tottenham on Sunday was their fourth in a row – their longest top-flight winning streak in 53 years.Pereira, 56, celebrated by joining fans in a local pub where patrons sang his name and posed for photos.The Wolves manager embraced fans and reportedly said: “First points, then pints.”Pereira is now a frequent visitor to the local Wetherspoons, sparking a tradition of visiting The Moon Under Water after picking up three points at home.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAfter beating Southampton at Molineux, he said of his connection with the fans: “Since the first game, we have this chemistry.”I think I am one of them. I am the guy to finish the game and go to the pub to drink two or three pints with them.”To stay home alone, I don’t like. What is the problem? Nothing.”For me it is very normal, we don’t have a lot of restaurants here, at the pub I can eat a pie with a pint.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSPereira in’t the first football figure to make a trip to the pub.Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have regularly been spotted in local Welsh boozers mixing with fans.Birmingham part-owner Tom Brady was spotted in a Midlands drinking spot surrounded by supporters.And for one manager things went even further, with much-loved ex-Burnley boss Sean Dyche having a pub named after him in recognition of his achievements at Turf Moor. Pereira has overseen a resurgence at Wolves since succeeding Gary O’Neil.He has steered the club away from relegation trouble with eight wins and two draws from 16 Premier League matches.Premier League clash descends into farce as VAR counts number of players More

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      Newcastle’s St James’ Park stadium deemed to be ‘at risk’ amid fears over ‘unusual and historic’ stand

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      NEWCASTLE’S St James’ Park stadium has been deemed to be “at risk” amid fears over an “unusual and historic” stand.The Magpies have been playing at their 52,000-seater home for the last 133 years.Newcastle’s East Stand at St James’ Park has been deemed ‘at risk’Credit: AFPIt remains unclear whether Toon will develop St James’ or move to a new arenaCredit: GettyBut it’s understood the club are eyeing up leaving St James’ for a new 65,000-seater arena worth £3billion.There remains the option that Newcastle instead redevelop their current home instead as they look to boost their income levels.And now, part of St James’ Park has made its way onto a list of buildings deemed to be “at risk.”The East Stand was listed by The 20th Century Society as a vulnerable piece of architecture which could eventually be the subject of “neglect, dereliction or demolition.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe famous rise is described as a “finely-detailed stand” featuring “brutalist credentials.”And it was also deemed a “striking urban set-piece” of architecture from the past two centuries.The 20th Century Society decided to include the East Stand on its list due to question marks over the future of St James’ Park.Campaign director Oli Marshall told the BBC: “This is an exciting new era for Newcastle and the club have to look to the future.Most read in FootballThe East Stand, the smallest of the four sides, is flanked by Georgian townhousesCredit: AlamyNewcastle are desperate to boost the stadium capacity and hospitality offeringsCredit: GettyBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“But we included the East Stand on this year’s Risk List to highlight what an unusual and historic brutalist structure this is.“If the plan is to stay put, we hope it will be retained and made a feature of.”Newcastle United take possession of brand new touring coach with tailor-made interior Should Newcastle end up leaving St James’ Park, it’s reckoned they will move into nearby Leazes Park.It will apparently boast a “parkland-style approach” similar to Wembley Way.While the new stadium could also have a stylish “bubble-wrap” design like Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena.Newcastle’s proposed new stadium could be built at Leazes parkSunSport imagined how the new arena could look More

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      Newcastle complete Antonio Cordero transfer as Spain wonderkid, 18, picks Toon over Real Madrid and Barcelona

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      NEWCASTLE have beaten Real Madrid and Barcelona to the signing of Antonio Cordero, according to reports.The 18-year-old prodigy has caught the eye with his performances for Malaga this season.Newcastle have agreed a deal to sign Malaga winger Antonio CorderoCredit: GettyReal Madrid and Barcelona were believed to be monitoring the winger.But according to Fabrizio Romano he picked Newcastle over the Spanish giants and has agreed a move to St James’ Park.The deal will be announced by the club in the coming weeks and will be completed once the transfer window opens this summer.Cordero is out of contract at the end of the season so has been free to talk to other clubs since the start of the year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd he visited Newcastle with his family in January ahead of the switch.Cordero has featured regularly for Malaga since breaking into the side last season.He helped his side win promotion in his debut campaign, with Malaga now 17th in LaLiga 2.Cordero has made 32 appearances this season, scoring five goals and assisting six.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSHe has also created six big chances and made 22 key passes in 1690 minutes of football.Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell has prioritised signing young players, with Cordero fitting into the club’s transfer criteria.Eddie Howe ‘hungry for more’ silverware as he celebrates Newcastle’s success He said of their transfer strategy: “Scouting and recruiting emerging talent is an essential part of building a sustainable future, particularly within the current PSR framework, so the market is fiercely competitive.”We continue to scout extensively, both domestically and overseas, with a view to securing players who can come through our talent pathway and, ideally, become part of the first team in future.” More

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      ‘I’ve never seen that before’ – Thierry Henry baffled by what Leny Yoro did after Man Utd conceded against Newcastle

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      A BAFFLED Thierry Henry admitted he has “never seen” what Leny Yoro did against Newcastle.The teenage French defender played the full 90 minutes at St James’ Park on Sunday.Harvey Barnes scored for Newcastle despite pressure from Leny YoroCredit: AFPThierry Henry mocked the French defender’s reactionCredit: Sky SportsThe Magpies ran riot with a thumping 4-1 victory over Ruben Amorim’s sorry Red Devils.But it was what Yoro, 19, did after the third Newcastle goal – Harvey Barnes’ second – that dumbfounded Henry.Barnes pounced on Noussair Mazraoui’s slip before bursting through three United defenders and firing into the top corner. United trio Manuel Ugarte, Victor Lindelof and Christian Eriksen all slumped their heads in dejection.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut for some reason, Yoro looked across to the assistant referee – seemingly wanting a flag.There was no suggestion of a foul for the slip and it could not be offside, so Yoro’s hopeful stare was purely in vain.But compatriot Henry was not impressed.Speaking on Monday Night Football, the ex-Arsenal striker said: “Look at Yoro and what he is asking for.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I don’t know why… I don’t know what he is looking at.”You’re looking at the linesman trying to see if he is going to bail you out… on what I don’t know. ‘That should have been me’ – Micah Richards reveals Kate Abdo is up for prestigious award as Thierry Henry is impressed”I don’t know if he thought there was an offside, I don’t know if he thought that someone – I – we – I don’t know.”We all know it’s a goal. What are you looking at?”I actually don’t know. I’ve never seen that before.”We all know it’s a goal.”Jamie Carragher suggested Henry’s exaggerated facial expression would become a viral meme.’PATHETIC STUFF’But fans were unhappy with the piece of punditry from the legendary forward and felt it was mocking Yoro.One said: “I like Henry but this is nonsense. Frozen a clip just to make a cheap joke on a young centre half. If Yoro plays for Fulham or Palace they wouldn’t dream of using this ‘analysis’.”Another wrote: “What kind of analysis is this? I rate Henry’s punditry but this ain’t it!”A third replied: “Dragging a youngster and being performative just because he’s got the taste for being a viral meme now. Pathetic stuff.”Read More on The SunA fourth commented: “This is proper weird from Henry, going after a young lad in this way is just odd, especially when you see defenders do this after every goal I’ve ever seen. Probably scripted to get the clicks which has obviously worked.”And a final user typed: “Defenders often instinctively look to linesmen. Henry knows this. Just pandering to the crowd for the sake of tearing apart a teenager over a freeze frame.”Fans jumped to Yoro’s defence on social mediaCredit: ReutersMan Utd ratings vs Newcastle as Zirkzee does well before injury but dropped Onana’s stand-in has a shockerMANCHESTER UNITED’S worst ever Premier League season was confirmed with a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle.The Red Devils are now guaranteed to finish on less than 56 points, which is their lowest ever Prem total.And they can only get that high if they win ALL of their last six games.If they’re not careful, they could even finish 17th – just one spot above the marooned bottom three.It was another dark day that reflects a poor campaign for United as Newcastle carved them open with ease in the second-half.Ruben Amorim dropped keeper Andre Onana after his horror show against Lyon midweek.But stand-in Altay Bayindir had a game to forget too.Sandro Tonali’s volley, a double by Harvey Barnes and a Bruno Guimaraes finish cancelled out Alejandro Garnacho’s goal.Here is how SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse rated the United performances… More