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      Premier League poised to make revolutionary change to VAR that is set to end huge delays in game

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      PREMIER LEAGUE chiefs are set to reveal a state-of-the-art VAR update to speed up decisions.The top flight will introduce a new version of the system using semi-automatic offside technology.VAR has had plenty of issues in the Premier LeagueCredit: AlamyFans have been subjected to long waitsCredit: GettyBosses claim the system – which uses artificial Intelligence – will lead to the best officiating in the world.Technology company Genius Sports which will install 28 special cameras at every Premier League ground. Fans were left fuming at lengthy VAR checks last season.It took nearly six minutes to disallow a West Ham goal against Aston Villa.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith the average referral taking 64 seconds, games were regularly taking over 100 minutes to complete.Blunders were also an issue last campaign with a Brentford offside missed in the buildup to a goal at Arsenal, and manually drawn lines placed on the wrong Crystal Palace defender leading to a Brighton being disallowed on the SAME DAY.Not to mention the incredible blunder that saw Luis Diaz’s onside goal infamously ruled out against Spurs.Uefa deployed a version of SAOT in the Champions League and it was also in use at the Qatar World Cup.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother huge change to VAR has been announced in the build-up to the season.Fans will now be able to access updates from Stockley Park throughout each match, explaining the decisions made by VAR officials.Man United defender Harry Maguire wants VAR SCRAPPED…except in ONE way and gives Fury vs Usyk predictionThe updates will be provided on Premier League Match Centre, a brand-new X account.An official statement from the Premier League read: “The Premier League has launched a new X account @PLMatchCentre ahead of the start of the 2024/25 season.”For the first time, the social media account will provide near-live explainers and updates on operational and officiating matters for every Premier League match.”The account will post factual explanations of on-pitch refereeing decisions and the involvement of the video assistant referee (VAR) including the role of technology in the decision-making process.”In the absence of live VAR audio being broadcast, as it is not permitted in football, the Premier League Match Centre will be able to relay on social media near-live information from the VAR Hub during a game.”Premier League Match Centre – based at Stockley Park – is the operational hub of the League that helps with the smooth running of matchday operations of the competition.”It is linked into all 20 Premier League stadiums, the VAR Hub and broadcast partners around the world.”Wolves’ VAR complaintsWolves have listed nine negative repercussions from the introduction of VAR in their complaint.Impact on goal celebrations and the spontaneous passion that makes football specialFrustration and confusion inside stadiums due to lengthy VAR checks and poor communicationA more hostile atmosphere with protests, booing of the Premier League anthem and chants against VAROverreach of VAR’s original purpose to correct clear and obvious mistakes, now overanalysing subjective decisions and compromising the game’s fluidity and integrityDiminished accountability of on-field officials, due to the safety net of VAR, leading to an erosion of authority on the pitchContinued errors despite VAR, with supporters unable to accept human error after multiple views and replays, damaging confidence in officiating standardsDisruption of the Premier League’s fast pace with lengthy VAR checks and more added time, causing matches to run excessively longConstant discourse about VAR decisions often overshadowing the match itself, and tarnishing the reputation of the leagueErosion of trust and reputation, with VAR fuelling completely nonsensical allegations of corruption More

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      Liverpool ‘AGREE personal terms with Mamardashvili’ but Georgia keeper could join fellow Prem side on loan first

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      LIVERPOOL have agreed personal terms with goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, according to reports.The Georgian shot-stopper, 23, is keen to leave Valencia after two years out on loan in his home country.Liverpool have agreed personal terms with Giorgi MamardashviliCredit: RexBut if the deal goes through, Mamardashvili will likely head back out on loan to Bournemouth to gain Premier League experience.The Cherries are willing to pay the goalkeeper’s increased salary of £3.4m, which is more than what Valencia can afford at present.And it could spell the end of Caoimhin Kelleher’s time at Anfield, after SunSport reported that Juventus were plotting a bid in the region of £25-30m for the Ireland international.Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano posted: “Liverpool have agreed personal terms with Mamardashvili.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”Bournemouth are open to signing him, then he’d become the Reds’ new goalkeeper after Alisson. Agents now in Valencia for club talks, but no agreement yet.”Liverpool are eyeing up a long-term replacement for current No1 Alisson – who is a hero at Anfield.For now, Alisson is expected to continue in that first-choice role for another year at least, despite interest from Saudi Arabia.The Brazilian’s deal runs until 2027, having put pen-to-paper on a six-year extension in 2021.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMamardashvili was one of the stars of Euro 2024, keeping a clean sheet in a 2-0 win over Portugal, after making 11 saves in a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic.Liverpool are weighing up the chance to sign the talented – and relatively young goalkeeper – for a fee of more than £25.7m.Ten Premier League stars wanted by Saudi Arabian clubsThe Reds are currently the only Premier League team not to add any new players to their squad since the end of the 2023-24 campaign.They were recently snubbed by Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who opted to stay at Real Sociedad.Liverpool and new boss Arne Slot will kick-start their new Premier League season away at Ipswich Town on Saturday. More

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      Man Utd fans gush ‘Adidas are absolutely killing it’ as ‘genius’ video showing off 2024-25 third kit is released

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans have fallen in love with the Red Devils’ third kit ahead of the new Premier League season.The strip was launched with a captivating video on social media, featuring the likes of Hollywood’s actor Barry Keoghan – who is a lifelong United fan – and a breadth of talent, young and old.Man Utd and Adidas have launched their third kit for the 24/25 seasonSaltburn actor Barry Keoghan featured in the new Adidas adCredit: X @ManUtdAnd Hojlund, Garnacho and Mainoo created their iconic celebration from last seasonCredit: X @ManUtdWell known United fan on social media Angry Ginge was also brought inCredit: X @ManUtdAdidas have brought back their classic trefoil logo to mark the brand’s 75-year anniversary in 2025.Other changes see a Red Devil emblem coming in to replace the club’s traditional badge.And Adidas Originals released a unique advert – led by BAFTA winning star Keoghan – at United’s old training ground, The Cliff, to launch the kit.The sportwear brand invited a raft of stars from both the present day and decades gone by to grace the sentimental production.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSuch is the wealth of talent in the film, you’d be forgiven for blinking and missing two Treble winners, and even the club’s longest-serving skipper.The first face seen, after Keoghan’s, is long-serving left-back Luke Shaw, who was tasked with getting some pitchside coffees.Eagle-eyed fans then spotted United’s much-loved trio of Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo perched on a wall – recreating their viral celebration against West Ham last season.Denis Irwin, Bryan Robson, Jaap Stam, and two-time FA Cup winner Frank Stapleton, who is the Saltburn actor’s second-cousin, also featured. Most read in FootballThe idea stems from the celebration after Garnacho scored against West HamFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAmad Diallo can be seen shaking his head after one of the players receives a yellow card for taking his shirt off after scoring a goal.This was a clear nod to last season’s last-gasp FA Cup victory over Liverpool, where Amad – who scored in the final seconds of extra-time – was sent off for taking his shirt off in celebration.Man Utd complete stunning £60million Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui transfers as duo arrive from Bayern MunichFans were quick to fall in love with both the kit and the advert, with one person taking to X to write: “Adidas are absolutely killing it!!”A second said: “This is probably my favourite piece of content United have ever produced 🖤.”A third read: “This is such an incredible piece of production. It’s a perfect vibe for this new kit.”A fourth wrote: “Who’s the genius behind this. WOW!”Meanwhile, the officially verified Adidas UK account wrote: “The original Manchester.”While another replied: “This is unbelievably class. I have Goosebumps.”New signing Noussair Mazraoui wearing the new third kitCredit: Instagram @manchesterunitedFormer Man Utd star Rio Ferdinand helped out with the launch of their new third kitThe new look is a hit with supporters More

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      Meet AnneKee Molenaar, the stunning Wag of Man Utd new boy Matthijs de Ligt who is a model and has a footballer brother

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      MAN UTD have added to their squad with two new signings.The Red Devils snapped up Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt for an initial £38.5million – with a further £4.2m in add ons.Meet AnneKee De Ligt, the newest Wag who will shine at Old TraffordStunning AnneKee is a model from the NetherlandsBlonde beauty AnneKee is the wife of Man Utd’s latest big money signingHe was followed by Noussair Mazraoui in a separate move for £17million.Joining de Ligt on the ride will be his stunning wife, AnneKee Molenaar.The blonde beauty, 23, boasts nearly over 400,000 followers on Instagram.She is a model and fashionista who has become an influencer because of her online presence.Read more Man Utd newsBetter still, she might just help United land a huge transfer target because she’s mates with his missus!Getting marriedThe couple began dating as teenagers in 2018 in Amsterdam.De Ligt was coming through the ranks at Ajax at the time, while AnneKee was an aspiring model.After five years together, taking in Turin and Bavaria on route, he popped the question in 2023 and the couple set the date around when the Champions League final.Most read in FootballHowever, they altered plans when it looked like de Ligt might have made the Wembley showpiece.Instead, they planned their nuptials right before Euro 2024.Man Utd release 2024-25 third kit with bold colour scheme as thrilled fans say ‘we never miss with alternate strips’ Amusingly, De Ligt had to return to the Netherlands camp on his wedding day for a warm-up match against Iceland.The ceremony was featured in the Dutch version of fashion bible Vogue.She said in an interview with magazine: “It’s actually funny because the way the planning for our civil wedding went is a reflection of our relationship in general.”At first, we planned to get married at the end of May, on our anniversary, but then it looked like Matthijs would make it to the Champions League final with Bayern Munich.”So, we had to reschedule everything at the last moment.”De Ligt and AnneKee have been together since 2018 and married before the EurosAnneKee comes from footballing stock with her dad a former playerBrother Jip currently plays at amateur levelAnneKee is a total fashionista who has appeared in Dutch VogueWhy De Ligt is the perfect Man Utd signing By Lee Scott One of Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag’s biggest headaches has been fixing their leaky defence.Despite still not being anywhere near his peak years De Ligt has built considerable experience so far in his career with Ajax, Juventus and Bayern Munich and he has 45 caps at senior level for the Dutch national team.While he is not necessarily a highly modern ball playing type of defensive player he is a player with the defensive strengths and instincts to help shore up a United defence that was, at best, leaky last season.He has a great ability to read the game which was one of the biggest issues that we saw from the United defensive unit last season.De Ligt is also a master in one-on-one situations, who shows strength and intensity in his duels.The Dutch star does a good job in keeping things simple and tends to make good decisions in possession.The pursuit of Matthijs de Ligt makes perfect sense for United and for Ten Hag as a young defender who is still to reach his peak.He has considerable experience at a high level and he understands the game model and system of play of the manager.Click here to read our full analysis on De Ligt joining Manchester United.She understands the gameThe love of football is in AnneKee’s blood.Not only is she a famous Wag, she has family ties to the beautiful game.Her dad Keje Molenaar was a footballer in their homeland, playing for Ajax, Feyenoord and the Dutch national team.While brother Jip Molenaar is currently a player for Dutch amateur club DVVA.He spent his youth career at Eintracht Frankfurt and also appeared for second tier sides Volendam and Telstar.Best friend hintThe Dutch had their Wags out in force at the recent Euros.AnneKee was in Germany in the stands cheering on de Ligt, although he didn’t play a single minute of tournament football.Another player missing in action was Frenkie de Jong who got injured before his country’s campaign.His Wag, Mikky Kiemeney most certainly would have been there had he been fit.AnneKee is firm friends with Mikky KiemeneyMikky Kiemeney, right, is Frenkie de Jong’s wifeDe Ligt and de Jong, who has been linked with Man Ud, played together at AjaxMikky is close mates with AnneKee, after de Ligt and de Jong starred at Ajax together.READ MORE SUN STORIESDe Jong has also been a long-term transfer target for the Red Devils over the years.Maybe AnneKee can put in a good word with Mikky to convince de Jong his future belongs in Manchester. More

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      Five Premier League stars ‘targeted by match-fixers’, claims whistleblower former footballer

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      A WHISTLEBLOWER claims at least five Premier League players have revealed they were targeted by match-fixers.Former footballer Moses Swaibu, 35, was jailed for conspiracy to commit bribery in 2015 and served four months of a 16-month sentence.Moses Swaibu has been helping to educate footballers about gamblingCredit: EyevineThe former Lincoln star turned his life around after spending four months in prisonCredit: GettyHe has since worked with The FA and Premier league and told The Telegraph the approaches were made between 2015 and 2019.He insists that illegal betting syndicates have targeted the top tier of English football.Swaibu said stars were “approached by match fixers outside [their] training ground” or at London casinos, per The Telegraph’s report.He added that many players confessed to having gambling problems and were confused about being banned from placing wagers while their clubs were sponsored by betting companies.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFootballers in the top six tiers of the men’s game and top two in the women’s are banned from placing any bets on any game of football across the world.Brentford and England striker Ivan Toney and Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali are among those who have been handed lengthy bans.Swaibu is set to take part in a BBC 5 Live podcast called Confessions of a Match Fixer discussing how he became involved in betting syndicates.He was convicted in 2015 following an undercover investigation alongside another former pro Delroy Facey.Most read in FootballSwaibu – best known for his time at Lincoln and Bromley – claimed he was aware of players who had been sent bullets after not going through with fixes.After his release, Swaibu worked with the Premier League and Football Association to help educate players.Moses Swaibu is set to discuss his experiences on a podcastCredit: GettyHe told The Telegraph: “The players told me they gamble. “They say, ‘I gamble because we’re sponsored by a gambling company, so why can’t I do it?’“Players, actually turning me around on a few a few occasions and said, ‘I’ve been approached by match fixers outside my training ground’, or ‘I’ve gone out where players do in London…go to the casinos and they’re like, yeah, this Asian person’s approached me'”The FA said via The Telegraph: “The integrity of English football, across all levels of the game, is of paramount importance. “Gambling on football by professional players is strictly prohibited, and each season we deliver bespoke education to all professional clubs and players with key information and advice on the risks of betting and match fixing in football. “We also encourage all football participants to report any potential breaches of our rules and regulations to us directly.” More

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      Bookies slash odds on Man City to be RELEGATED from Premier League as legal case over 115 alleged charges looms

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      MANCHESTER CITY’S odds to be relegated from the Premier League THIS SEASON have been slashed as they await the outcome of the legal case into the 115 charges against them.An independent disciplinary commission will begin ruling on the financial charges facing the club next month, with the verdict expected early next year.Pep Guardiola’s side are ninth favourites to be relegated this seasonCredit: GettyManchester City are also favourites to win the Premier League titleCredit: GettyPremier League chief executive Richard Masters stated on Tuesday it was “time for the case to resolve itself”.And while Man City deny all charges, bookies BoyleSports now have them as short as 6/1 to be relegated come May.That means they are ninth favourites to face the drop behind Leicester, Ipswich, Southampton, Nottingham Forest, Everton, Wolves, Brentford and Fulham.It puts them as more likely than Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Brighton and West Ham.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBy comparison, Man City’s main title rivals Arsenal are as long as 2000/1 with some bookmakers and 1000/1 with BoyleSports.Yet quite incredibly, while BoyleSports have the defending champions among the top 10 most likely to be relegated, they also have them as favourites to lift the title for a fifth successive year.Pep Guardiola’s side are 11/8 to be crowned league winners yet again, while Arsenal are marginally adrift at 13/8.If found guilty, Man City face a points deduction, fines and even expulsion from the Premier League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPremier League relegation oddsAs per BoyleSportsLeicester – 2/5Ipswich – 8/11Southampton – 21/20Nottingham Forest – 12/5Everton – 11/5Wolves – 10/3Brentford – 5/1Fulham – 11/2Manchester City – 6/1Bournemouth – 17/2Crystal Palace – 17/2Brighton – 18/1West Ham – 18/1Chelsea – 20/1Aston Villa – 100/1Newcastle – 150/1Manchester United – 150/1Tottenham – 250/1Liverpool – 1000/1Arsenal – 1000/1There are also cases outstanding involving Leicester and Everton.Chelsea are also being investigated over possible rule breaches under ex-owner Roman Abramovich.SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesEverton were docked eight points and Nottingham Forest four last term for breaching PSR rules.Champions Man City kick off their campaign at Chelsea on Sunday.They are unbeaten in 23 Premier League matches, a run that stretches back to their 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa in December last year. More

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      Man Utd hold shock transfer talks over Marcos Alonso with former Chelsea and Barcelona star now a free agent

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are considering a swoop for former Chelsea left-back Marcos Alonso, according to reports.Erik ten Hag’s defensive injury woes have continued into the new season, with Luke Shaw ruled out until the international break with a fresh calf problem.United have considered a move for free agent Marcos AlonsoCredit: GettyAlonso was out injured for most of last season as Barcelona finished second in La LigaUnited remain short on left-back options with Tyrell Malacia still out after his knee surgery caused him to miss the whole of last season.And according to The Athletic, ex-Chelsea star Alonso has been discussed as a potential option by Old Trafford chiefs.The 33-year-old is a free agent after his contract with Barcelona expired at the end of last season and he would be open to returning to the Premier League.The former Champions League winner with Chelsea was limited to eight appearances last season owing to a back injury.READ MORE ON MAN UTDAlonso joined Stamford Bridge in 2016 in a deal worth £24m from Fiorentina and made 212 appearances for the Blues, scoring 29 goals.Ten Hag was forced to rely on centre-back Victor Lindelof and defensive midfielder Sofyan Amrabat to fill the void at left-back last term.Meanwhile, star centre-half Lisandro Martinez was forced to play on the left-side of defence during the Community Shield on Sunday.The Red Devils suffered a 7-6 defeat on penalties to Manchester City following a 1-1 draw at Wembley.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Man Utd have had a welcome boost with the signing of right-back Noussair Mazraoui, 26, from Bayern Munich.The Dutchman’s ability to play on the left was a factor in United picking him to replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka who joined West Ham for an undisclosed fee this week.Paul Scholes says ‘that is a massive concern for me’ as Man Utd legend opens up on ‘second-rate’ De Ligt transfer Meanwhile Matthijs de Ligt, 25, also joined United in a combined deal with Mazaroui worth £60m, including add-ons.The Red Devils have been heavily linked with a move for PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte, whose agent Jorge Mendes arrived in England to broker a deal on Tuesday. More

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      Premier League clubs ‘may have to sue Man City for compensation over 115 alleged breaches BEFORE case closes’

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs wishing to sue Manchester City may reportedly have to do soon – and without knowing the outcome of the legal case against the champions. Etihad chiefs are defending 115 separate alleged breaches of financial fair play rules, with their 10-week hearing set to begin next month. Man City face 115 financial chargesThe champions deny all allegations called against themCredit: ReutersLegal experts have told The Times that clubs have a six-year deadline to sue for breach of contract.That deadline is in November after German outlet Der Spiegel published the Football Leaks documents in 2018.This means that clubs interested in suing Man City for compensation on loss of earnings will have to launch their suit before November and without knowing the outcome of the case.Man City’s 10-week hearing starts next month and the verdict will not be known until as early as March next year.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe champs deny wrongdoing and are confident their case will be cleared at the independent inquiry. The club have been accused of financial impropriety spanning nine years from 2009 and the strongest punishment if found guilty is relegation, while a fine and huge points deduction is also possible.The Premier League charged City with a failure to provide accurate financial information and accurate details for player and manager payments. It is believed some clubs have taken legal advice over possible compensation claims, which could total hundreds of millions of pounds.Most read in FootballIf the serious charges against City are proved, clubs could claim for loss of income for missing out on league titles or European competitions over the course of several campaigns.When Everton were docked points last season for a breach of Profitability and Sustainability Rules, the same independent commission was also given the power to rule on compensation claims from rival clubs. Erling Haaland ‘never beating the robot allegations’ as Man City ace joins in on bizarre ‘raw dogging’ flight trendBut clubs have been given no assurances that the same arrangement will be set up for City’s case and may have to lodge direct claims.Man City, like Everton, will have the right to appeal any decision, which means the saga could go on for another year. A lawyer told The Times: “There is a six-year limitation period under the Limitation Act.”In which case you must bring the claim within six years of when you could have discovered the breach acting reasonably.”It could be argued therefore that the six years might begin from Der Spiegel’s first publication.”Pep Guardiola set for final Man City seasonBy Martin BlackburnAFTER eight glorious years of stability, Manchester City now head into an uncertain 12 months.The FA Cup final defeat to neighbours United was a reminder that this glittering and unforgettable era will not go on for ever.Around this time in 2025, City will be preparing for the highly-lucrative Fifa Club World Cup in the US.Yet in all likelihood they will also be getting ready to say their goodbyes to manager Pep Guardiola, who has brought so much success to the east side of Manchester.Meanwhile, there could be a verdict on 115 charges of financial irregularity which have been levelled at the club by Premier League chiefs.City continue to deny any wrongdoing and are confident they will be cleared by the independent commission.Read Martin Blackburn’s full column here. More