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      Premier League chief breaks silence on Man City case with fines, points hit and EXPULSION possible if club found guilty

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      PREM chief Richard Masters has told Manchester City the legal case against them must be resolved NOW for the good of the league.An independent disciplinary commission will begin ruling on the 115 financial charges facing Pep Guardiola’s City next month, with the verdict expected early next year.Prem chief Richard Masters wants Man City’s legal case to be resolved as soon as possibleCredit: GettyCity face 115 financial chargesCredit: GettyMasters said: “It’s been going on for a number of years and it is time now for the case to resolve itself.”City, who start their bid for a FIFTH straight Prem title at Chelsea on Sunday, have been charged with allegedly breaching the League’s financial rules, with some dating back to 2009.The champions deny all the charges.But asked if this case is a big issue for the League, Masters replied: “It does matter. It creates uncertainty and frustration.Read More on Man City“But there is no alternative to enforcing the rules, which everyone agreed.“They have looked each other in the eye and shaken each other’s hand and said, ‘We will abide by these rules’. So the Premier League has to enforce them.“Whatever difficulty or frustration that creates is part of protecting the Premier League’s competition, its core values.”If found guilty, City face a points deduction, fines and even expulsion from the Prem.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThere are also cases outstanding involving Leicester and Everton, while Chelsea are being investigated over possible rule breaches  under ex-owner Roman Abramovich.Everton were docked eight points and Nottingham Forest four last term for breaching PSR rules.SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesMasters added: “We must let the panel get on with it.” More

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      Man Utd ‘break the internet’ as Matthijs de Ligt transfer announcement goes wrong

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S finally announced the arrival of Matthijs de Ligt and his Bayern Munich team-mate Noussair Mazraoui.The Dutch defender joined the club in a £43million transfer this week.De Ligt was announced as a Man Utd player on Tuesday eveningCredit: GettyNoussair Mazraoui was announced 15 minutes laterCredit: GettyHe was officially unveiled as a United player on Tuesday, much to the delight of fans.But so many people clicked on the announcement that it caused some problems on the website.Fans said they were unable to access the website link and shared screengrabs of the issue on social media.One person said: “Can’t see the De Ligt update in the app.”Read More on Man UtdWhile another joked: “We broke the internet.”De Ligt became the third player to sign for Man Utd this summer following the arrivals of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro.Upon his arrival at Old Trafford, he said: “As soon as I heard that Manchester United wanted me, I felt an excitement about the opportunity for a new challenge at such an historic club.”In the conversations that followed, I was impressed by the vision that the football leadership set out, and the role they saw for me in it.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSome fans struggled to access the Man Utd website following Matthijs de Ligt’s announcementCredit: Manchester United”Erik ten Hag shaped the early stages of my career, so he knows how to get the best out of me and I cannot wait to work with him again.”I know what it takes to succeed at the highest level, and I’m determined to continue that record at this special club.”New Man Utd signings Matthijs de Ligt hits Sexy Fish restaurant on first night out in Manchester Just 25 minutes after unveiling De Ligt, the Red Devils announced the signing of Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich.The Morocco international said: “It’s an incredible feeling to be a Manchester United player, and I cannot wait to walk out at Old Trafford wearing the red shirt.”I know that I’m joining the club at an exciting time; everyone I’ve spoken to has the same ambition for us to win trophies together and I can feel the determination to achieve that.” More

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      Fans say ‘let the chaos begin’ as Premier League confirms huge change to VAR in 2024-25 season

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      A MAJOR change to VAR has been announced ahead of the 2024-25 Premier League season.Fans will now be able to access updates from Stockley Park throughout each match, explaining the decisions made by VAR officials.A new change to VAR has been announced ahead of the new seasonCredit: EPAFans will be able to access updates from Stockley Park during gamesCredit: AFPThe updates will be provided on Premier League Match Centre, a brand-new X account.An official statement from the Premier League on Tuesday 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.Read More in Football”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.”The new feature aims to give fans more transparency in the VAR decision making process.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThere have been a number of controversial incidents linked with VAR since it was introduced to the Premier League ahead of the 2019-20 season.Last season, Nottingham Forest sparked a storm after criticising officials on social media.Man United defender Harry Maguire wants VAR SCRAPPED…except in ONE way and gives Fury vs Usyk predictionThe Reds claimed three “poor decisions” went against them during a match against Everton.Managers such as Gary O’Neil and Mikel Arteta have also been critical.Many fans are pleased with the new feature, with one person taking to social media to write: “Few years too late. But progress is progress…”Another commented: “Finally! This is a big step forward.”A third joked: “Let the chaos begin. This should be fun.”While another person was torn, writing: “This could end really well or really badly.”The new Premier League season kicks off this weekend with Manchester United vs Fulham on Friday.VAR: The great debateMartin Lipton’s pro VAR viewFAST forward 12 months to May 18, 2025.After 89 minutes at Molineux, Wolves, needing to win their last game of the season to stay up, are beating Manchester United, who require a point for Champions League football.A ball over the top sends Rasmus Hojlund racing away. The flag stays down. Hojlund scores. Wolves are relegated.And on the way home, the dejected Wolves fans see the still image on their phones.Hojlund was 2ft offside. No question. A shocker.It means at least a year in the Championship, £100million income drop, a firesale of the squad. While United bank an extra £50m.But it’s OK. Every  one of those fans, plus smiling boss Gary O’Neil and the  Wolves board, will line up to say: “No worries. It’s what we voted for. Rough with the smooth.”Yes. And I’ve got a bridge to Ireland to sell you.Dan King’s anti VAR viewTHREE cheers and a hearty slap on the back for Wolves chairman Jeff Shi.For mentioning the unmentionable,  for speaking commonsense to deaf ears, for proposing that VAR should be scrapped.Shi is doomed to failure. His suggestion is unlikely to even go to a vote at next month’s Premier League AGM.And if it does get that far, it has a cat in hell’s chance of receiving the two-thirds majority required to carry such a radical proposal.But in one statement on Wednesday, Shi proved that he will be the brightest man in that meeting room.He claimed VAR ‘has led to numerous unintended negative consequences that are damaging the relationship between fans and football, and undermining the value of the Premier League brand’.And he is absolutely spot on.The argument against VAR is wide-ranging and yet completely basic.If you believe that football is a sport, to be enjoyed in all its spontaneous, high-tempo glory, then you are against VAR.If you believe that football is a business, that it is far more important than a mere game, that forensic evidence must be applied, that we must reach the closest point to ultimate justice at all costs — and if you also believe that match-going supporters are irrelevant — then you are in favour of VAR. More

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      Ben Chilwell’s Chelsea future ‘in doubt’ with England star, 28, assessing transfer options just days before new season

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      BEN CHILWELL is assessing his options at Chelsea ahead of the closing weeks of the transfer window.The Blues full-back’s Stamford Bridge future is reportedly in doubt just days before the start of the new season.Ben Chilwell is assessing his options ahead of a potential Chelsea exitCredit: GettyChelsea begin their campaign at home to Premier League champions Manchester City on Sunday.However, Chilwell could be saying goodbye to supporters after four years in West London.According to talkSPORT, the 28-year-old would not be blocked from leaving the club as he assesses his options.Instead, Chelsea are prepared to let him leave if they receive a suitable offer before the window closes on August 30.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLManchester United were previously linked with a move for the defender earlier this summer.Chilwell had to settle for limited game time during pre-season as he struggled to force himself into Enzo Maresca’s plans.The new Chelsea boss has even admitted the former Leicester man does not fit his playing style.He currently faces competition at left-back from Marc Cucurella, who starred for Spain as they won Euro 2024.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChilwell will also be hoping to force his way back into the England squad this season under new interim boss Lee Carsley.Gareth Southgate left the defender out of his side for the Euros after including him for the March friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.Ben Chilwell’s Unauthorized Home Renovations Spark DisputeChilwell had to settle for limited game time during Chelsea’s pre-season campaignCredit: GettyAs a result, he remains with one goal in 21 caps for the Three Lions.Chilwell has also scored nine times for Chelsea in 106 appearances since signing from the Foxes in 2020.He also penned a new deal in April 2023, with three years remaining on the contract.However, he struggled with injuries last season which limited him to just 13 league appearances.Chilwell’s woes included a lengthy hamstring injury and multiple knee issues during the campaign. More

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      Liverpool open to selling one of Jurgen Klopp’s last ever signings after slipping down Anfield pecking order

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      LIVERPOOL are still open minded to selling Wataru Endo – and Celtic are now monitoring the player.The Scottish champions are believed to be huge admirers of the midfielder who is thought to have slipped massively down the pecking order at Anfield.Wataru Endo could be set to leave Anfield after just one seasonCredit: APEndo was one of Jurgen Klopp’s final signingsCredit: PANew manager Arne Slot is believed to regard Ryan Gravenberch and Stefan Bajcetic as better options in the midfield holding role.And that’s put the future of Endo – who is thought to want to play first team football this season – in doubt.Marseille have already had a bid rejected for the player this summer.But they could go back in with a new offer before the window closes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey are likely to face competition from Brendan Rogers who thinks securing Endo could help boost his side both domestically and in Europe.But the transfer fee – thought to be around £15m – may put the player out of Celtic’s reach.Earlier this month it was reported that Liverpool would be willing to sell Endo if they are able to replace him with Martin Zubimendi.But even after missing out on the Spain international they could still let Endo go.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEndo played in 29 of Liverpool’s 38 Premier League games last seasonLiverpool have seemingly entered the market for a new midfielder and are ready to pounce on a target, something that was very much needed according to Jamie Carragher.Speaking on The Overlap, the former defender discussed limitations in the squad, saying: “Liverpool definitely lack legs and energy in midfield.The Sun’s Neil Custis gives his verdict as Man United blown away by Liverpool in final pre-season friendly”If you think of how they finished last season, it was Mac Allister, Endo and Harvey Elliott as the midfield three.”All got great strengths but none of them can run and when I look at that position – I say it’s a fear.”Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      What Premier League laws and rules have changed for the 2024/25 season?

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      THE Premier League returns THIS WEEK as fans gear up for another season of thrilling action.But you will notice some tweaks to the way the game is officiated this term – SunSport details all the changes below.Premier League referees will apply certain rules differently this seasonCredit: ALAMYPremier League rule changes for 2024/25 seasonSubs warming upThis season, Premier League clubs will be allowed to have as many as five players warm up on the perimeter of the pitch during a match at any one time.Last term, teams were only allowed three players warming up on the side of the pitch at once.The change for the coming campaign corresponds with teams being able to make five substitutions at any period.READ MORE IN PREMIER LEAGUEMore players will be allowed to warm up on the side of the pitch this seasonCredit: GETTYMultiballThe Premier League will continue to practice the multiball system in 2024/25, with 15 balls in use to speed up the pace of the game.When the ball goes out of play and it is not quickly retrievable, players must go to the nearest cone to collect a replacement ball and restart play.Previously, ball assistants were not permitted to return a ball directly to a player but return to a vacant cone.Most read in FootballFrom this season, ball assistants that are positioned behind the goals at the end where the ball goes out are allowed to return a ball to the goalkeeper, who will take the restart.If a club’s technical area staff deliberately delay the restart of play by holding on to the ball or kicking the ball away, they will be sent off.Any players in the technical area who do the same will be shown a yellow card.15 balls will be in use during every Premier League matchCredit: REXMore accurate calculation of added timeFrom the 2024/25 campaign, when a goal is scored, match officials will only start adding time on to the end of the match when the delay between the goal and subsequent kick-off exceeds 30 seconds.This change aims to significantly reduce the amount of stoppage time in each game.The Premier League are aiming to reduce the amount of added time at the end of every match this seasonCredit: GETTYWhat football laws have changed ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season?The International Football Association Board (IFAB) have made some changes to the laws of the game ahead of the new Premier League season.Here are all the key law changes that will affect the Premier League:Law 12 – Fouls and MisconductClarification that non-deliberate handball offences for which penalties are awarded are to be sanctioned in the same way as fouls which are an attempt to play the ball or a challenge for the ballLaw 14 – The Penalty KickClarification that part of the ball must touch or overhang the centre of the penalty markEncroachment by players will be penalised only if it has an impact (same philosophy as goalkeeper encroachment)Will semi-automated offsides be in use during the 2024/25 Premier League season?In April, 2024, Premier League clubs approved unanimously the use of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) for the 2024/25 campaign.The Premier League have stated the plan is to introduce the system after one of the international breaks in September or October – meaning the technology will not be in use for the start of the season.Semi-automated offsides should reduce errors and speed up decisionsCredit: BBCAccording to FIFA, semi-automated offside technology helps them make ‘’faster, more reproducible, and more accurate offside decisions’’.The tech uses 12 tracking cameras mounted underneath the roof of the stadium to track the ball and up to 29 data points of each individual player – calculating their exact position on the pitch, plus a chip in the ball to determine if it was played by a defender or attacker.So, in the case of an offside situation, the video operations room will receive an automated alert alongside an automatically selected point and instant drawn lines within seconds of the incident.Match officials will then have to validate the proposed selected kick point and the drawn offside line before VAR communicates the final decision on the pitch.Extra VAR officials will be in charge of calling offsides, with the algorithm providing a 3D animation to explain a call in an average of 25 seconds.That illustration is then available on the giant screens within the stadium for TV viewers to take a look at in the next stoppage of play.However, complex incidents or multiple incidents that occur at the same time can require a more thorough review of the situation.And in the event that semi-automated offside technology does not work correctly, the video match officials can still use other well-known offside support tools.A change to Premier League team newsIn years gone by, fans of Premier League clubs have expected team news to come exactly one hour before kick off on a matchday.However, for the coming season, the rules have changed to allow all 20 clubs to release their line-ups 75 minutes before the match begins.This change means that top-flight clubs kicking off at 3pm on a Saturday can now release their team sheets at 1.45pm.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis adjustment is a bid to align with rules in Uefa competitions.It is also an attempt to stop leaks in the 15 minutes between the teams being given to the referee and being announced publicly. 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      Jamie Vardy snubbed lucrative transfer to reunite with former manager after Leicester won Premier League promotion

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      JAMIE VARDY was offered the chance to reunite with Dean Smith this summer.The Leicester legend, 37, scored 18 league goals last season as the Foxes secured promotion back to the top flight at the first time of asking.Club legend Jamie Vardy has now spent 12 years at LeicesterCredit: AlamyDean Smith offered Vardy the chance to join him at MLS side CharlotteCredit: ReutersShortly after winning the Championship, Leicester lost manager Enzo Maresca and star playmaker Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to Chelsea.They could have seen Vardy walk out of the exit door too had he accepted Smith’s offer to join him at MLS side Charlotte.Speaking to GiveMeSport, Smith revealed: “I did text him [Vardy] and see if he wanted to come over to America.”I knew that it was going to be hard once he took Leicester back to the Premier League. [I love] his enthusiasm for the game.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He doesn’t train as much as he used to, and he won’t get as many minutes as he used to, but if he’s used right he’ll be really, really good [this season].”You saw the goals he scored in the Championship last year.”Smith coached Leicester for eight games at the end of the 2022/23 season as they were relegated from the Premier League.He won just two matches in charge and left in June 2023, two months after taking the job.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe scored 18 goals in the Championship last seasonAfter six months unemployed, he joined Charlotte in December last year and has won 10 of 27 games, with the club sixth in the Eastern Conference.Meanwhile, Vardy is set to begin his 13TH season with Leicester when they host Tottenham in their Premier League opener on Monday.Fans tell Jamie Vardy ‘never change’ as footage emerges of Leicester star slide tackling a KID during title celebrationsHe has scored 136 goals in 307 Premier League games for the 2016 champions. More

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      Chelsea’s outrageous transfer spending spree put into context as they are compared to Premier League rivals

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      PEDRO NETO became Chelsea’s 35th signing of the Todd Boehly era last week.The winger completed a £54million transfer to Stamford Bridge last week.Pedro Neto became Chelsea’s 35th signing of the Todd Boehly eraCredit: GettyRaheem Strerling was Boehly’s first signingCredit: GettyHe joins the likes of Cole Palmer, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku and Moises Caicedo in joining the Blues within the last year.Chelsea now boast a squad of 48 players – 35 of whom signed after Boehly took over in May 2022.Raheem Sterling was the American’s first addition just two years ago.Now SunSport have looked at every Premier League club and who they purchased 35 signings ago…Read More in FootballArsenal – Matteo GuendouziGuendouzi joined the Gunners from FC Lorient all the way back in 2017.He spent four years at the club, making 82 appearances, and went on two loan spells before moving to Marseille in 2022.The 25-year-old left the French side this summer to sign for Lazio.Matteo Guendouzi joined Arsenal in 2017Credit: Getty Images – GettyAston Villa – Tyrone MingsThe centre-back joined from Bournemouth in 2017 after an initial loan spell.Most read in FootballEvery Premier League team’s transfers 35 signings agoMings has since made 166 appearances but missed the majority of the 2023-24 campaign with a knee injury.Bournemouth – Jack StaceyThe 28-year-old signed for Bournemouth in a £4m transfer from Luton in 2019.He went on to make 98 first team appearances before leaving for Norwich last summer.Brentford – Mads RoerslavRoerslav joined Brentford when they were still in the Championship back in 2019.He is still at the club and has since made 123 appearances across all competitions.Brighton – Adam LallanaA move that many fans might remember, Lallana joined Brighton from Liverpool in a free transfer in 2020.Following Graham Potter’s move to Chelsea in 2022 he stepped in as assistant interim manager to Andrew Crofts.Lallana left Brighton this summer to join Southampton in a free transfer.Adam Lallana joined Brighton in a free transfer from LiverpoolCredit: GettyCrystal Palace – Vicente GuaitaGoalkeeper Guaita joined Palace from Getafe in 2018 and spent five years at Selhurst Park, making 154 appearances.The 37-year-old left last summer to return to Spain and now plays for Celta Vigo.Everton – Lucas DigneDigne was a big signing for Everton when he first joined from Barcelona in 2018.He signed for the Toffees in an £18m move and quickly established himself as first-choice right-back.He played 127 times for Everton but left in January 2022 to join Aston Villa.Fulham – Frank AnguissaAnguissa joined Fulham in 2018 but was sent on loan to Villarreal the following year when the Cottagers were relegated from the Premier League.He then spent a year on loan at Napoli before joining the Italian giants in a permanent transfer in 2022.Ipswich – Tete YengiAustralian striker Tete Yengi joined Ipswich from A-League side Newcastle Jets.Having signed for the Tractor Boys in 2021, he failed to make a single first team appearance before leaving for Livingston earlier this summer.During his time at Ipswich he was loaned out three times, to Vaasan Palloseura, Northampton Town and Kuopion Palloseura.Leicester City – Harry MaguireAnother high-profile transfer, Maguire joined Leicester from Hull in 2017 for just £12m.After two years at the King Power Stadium he then signed for Manchester United in a huge £80m transfer, making him the most expensive defender in Premier League history.Maguire has since made 207 appearances for the Red Devils and has 63 England caps and counting.Leicester made over £60m in profit from the sale of Harry Maguire, who joined from HullCredit: PA:Empics SportLiverpool – Roberto FirminoA fan-favourite among the Reds, Firmino spent eight years at Anfield after signing from Hoffenheim all the way back in 2015.He won the Premier League and Champions League during his time at Liverpool and made 362 appearances.He now plays for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia.Roberto Firmino was a fan favourite at LiverpoolCredit: GettyManchester City – Aymeric LaporteLaporte signed for City in a £57m transfer from Athletic Bilbao in 2018.He won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League during his time at the Etihad before leaving for Saudi Arabia last summer.Aymeric Laporte joined Man City in 2018Credit: GettyManchester United – Eric BaillyBailly completed a £30m switch from Villarreal to Man Utd back in 2016.He made 113 appearances but fell out of favour when Erik ten Hag took over two years ago.The defender is now a free agent having left United upon the expiry of his contract in July.Eric Bailly spent eight years at Man UtdCredit: GettyNewcastle – Federico FernandezThe 35-year-old joined Newcastle from Swansea in 2018 and went on to spend four years at St James’ Park.After leaving he joined Spanish side Elche and has since played for Al-Duhail and Estudiantes.Nottingham Forest – Brandon AguileraCosta Rican midfielder Aguilera joined Forest in 2022 following the club’s promotion to the Premier League.He was loaned out twice by the club, to Estoril and Bristol Rovers, and made just three appearances for Forest before joining Rio Ave this year.Southampton – Theo WalcottWalcott became a Premier League icon during his time with Arsenal between 2006 and 2018.He eventually left the Gunners after falling down the pecking order and joined Everton.However, he returned to Southampton – his first club – in 2021.Walcott spent two years with the Saints before retiring from professional football last year.Theo Walcott retired after leaving SouthamptonCredit: APTottenham – Ryan SessegnonSessegnon was viewed as one of the most promising talents in England when Tottenham signed him from Fulham in 2019.However, he never quite established his spot in Spurs’ starting line-up.He suffered several injuries during his time at Spurs which hindered his time in the first team.Sessegnon rejoined Fulham this summer in a free transfer, signing a two-year deal.West Ham – Felipe AndersonThe winger spent three years with West Ham after joining from Lazio in a £36m transfer in 2018.He made 73 appearances for the Hammers and returned to Lazio three years later.Anderson now plays for Palmeiras in Brazil. Wolves – Matija SarkicSarkic joined Wolves from Aston Villa’s U23s in 2020 and spent three years at Molineux.He signed for Millwall last summer and became the club’s first-choice goalkeeper in the Championship.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, Sarkic tragically and unexpectedly passed away in June.The club paid tribute to him on the opening day of the Championship season at the weekend.Matija Sarkic joined Wolves from Aston Villa’s U23sCredit: Getty More