Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 213 Shares58 Views

      in Soccer

      Mykhailo Mudryk SUSPENDED from football after failing drugs test as Chelsea star faces up to four-year ban

      by

      CHELSEA star Mykhailo Mudryk has been provisionally suspended from football and could face a FOUR-YEAR ban after failing a drugs test.The winger, who could end up costing the Blues £88.5m, provided a positive result for an A-sample in late October.Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk has failed a drugs test and faces a four-year banCredit: GettyHe has been provisionally suspended by the FA ahead of a second test resultCredit: RexMudryk and Chelsea are now awaiting the result of the B-sample, which will confirm the original test if it also comes back positive.Ukrainian outlet Tribuna claims Mudryk has tested positive for meldonium, a banned metabolic substance similar to insulin.It can apparently allow the body to “use oxygen sparingly and quickly restore energy to prepare for new loads of physical stress.”Meldonium is widely used in Eastern Europe and has been on the banned list of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) since 2016.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTennis star Maria Sharapova was banned for 15 months after testing positive for meldonium at the Australian Open that same year.But if confirmed by the B-sample, Mudryk could face a four-year ban from football – the standard initial punishment set by WADA for the use of performance-enhancing drugs.The 23-year-old has already been provisionally suspended by the FA after they were made aware of his initial A-sample failure.And Mudryk released a statement on Tuesday morning insisting he has never “knowingly used any banned substance.”Most read in FootballHe said: “I can confirm that I have been notified that a sample I provided to The FA contained a banned substance”.“This has come as a complete shock as I have NEVER knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules, and am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened”.’You have to accept the way he is,’ says Enzo Maresca about Mudryk’s potential as Chelsea flop struggles for minutes Mudryk joined Chelsea two years ago in a deal which could reach £88millionCredit: GettyWhat drug did Mudryk take?By SunSport’s Joshua JonesMYKHAILO MUDRYK returned a positive sample for a drugs test in October.The Chelsea winger could face a ban for up to four years – because the drug was a performance-enhancing substance.It is alleged Mudryk had the drug meldonium in his system.Meldonium – aka mildronate – is a metabolic modulator similar to insulin and is widely used in Eastern Europe.It is used in heart disease therapy but is also claimed to enable athletes to withstand greater stress, use oxygen more sparingly and restore energy levels quickly.Meldonium was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency banned list in January 2016 following its high prevalence at the 2015 European Games in Baku.Just months later, former tennis world No1 and Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova was banned for two years by the International Tennis Federation – although this was later cut to 15 months on appeal.Sharapova had been taking the drug for ten years for various health issues and claimed she was unaware it had been added to the banned list.Also in 2016, Russian boxer Alexander Povetkin was found to have traces of meldonium in his system before he was due to fight fellow heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder.“I know that I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon”.“I cannot say any more now due to the confidentiality of the process, but I will as soon as I can”.Chelsea also released a statement insisting they and Mudryk will work with authorities.It read: “Chelsea Football Club can confirm the Football Association recently contacted our player Mykhailo Mudryk concerning an adverse finding in a routine urine test.”Both the Club and Mykhailo fully support The FA’s testing programme and all our players, including Mykhailo, are regularly tested. “Mykhailo has confirmed categorically that he has never knowingly used any banned substances. “Both Mykhailo and the Club will now work with the relevant authorities to establish what has caused the adverse finding. The Club will not be commenting any further.”How long are drugs bans in football?By SunSport’s Joshua JonesMYKHAILO MUDRYK could be banned for up to four years after failing a drugs testBut what are the rules regarding drugs in football?There is a big difference between recreational drugs and performance-enhancing substances.Recreational drugs – such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, LSD and MDMA – carry a six-month suspension.However, this ban can increase to up to two years if a drug is detected when a player is tested after a match.But performance-enhancing drugs carry a far more severe punishment.And crucially the alleged drug Mudryk tested positive for, meldonium, falls under that category.The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code’s standard ban is four years.That is how long Paul Pogba was suspended for following his failed drugs test – although it was later reduced on appeal to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.The FA follows the UK Anti-Doping code under the WADA authority so will follow their lead and procedures.Should Mudryk’s follow-up secondary ‘B’ sample also test positive, he is likely to be hit with at least an 18-month ban but it could be as high as four years.The only person in football currently banned on the UKAD sanctions list for anti-doping rule violations is Craig Campbell.The former Scottish striker was banned for four years in December 2022 after being convicted of dealing cocaine. Mudryk has not played for Chelsea since scoring in the 2-0 Conference League win at Heindenheim on November 28.He has also not been in a match-day squad since the 3-0 win over Aston Villa in the Premier League on December 1.And the official reason given for Mudryk’s absence by his club was that he had been ill.The Athletic claims the player intends to vigorously defend his position, which is that he did not take meldonium intentionally, amid an unverified suspicion of sabotage.Two decades ago, the Blues saw Romanian striker Adrian Mutu banned from football for seven months in September 2004 after he tested positive for cocaine.Mutu’s deal was terminated for breach of contract and Chelsea were eventually awarded £14m in compensation by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.Former Chelsea star Adrian Mutu tested positive for cocaine in 2004Credit: GettyPaul Pogba was banned for 18 months after failing a doping testCredit: AFPRio Ferdinand was banned for eight months in 2003 after missing a drugs testCredit: GettyA year earlier, former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand missed a drugs test and was suspended for eight months.While ex-United midfield Paul Pogba was banned for 18 months in August 2023 after testing positive for performance-enhancing substance DHEA, leading to the eventual termination of his Juventus contract.Mudryk joined Chelsea in a big-money move from Shakhtar Donetsk in January 2023.He struggled to make an impact in his first six months with no goals in 17 games.And last season Mudryk managed to hit the target seven times in 41 outings.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis term he has three goals in 15 matches, all of which have come in Europe.But Mudryk continues to be a key player for Ukraine, winning 12 caps in 2024 to take his total to 28. More

    • 213 Shares62 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool eyeing EFL transfer raid for prolific wonderkid with eight goals in just seven games this season

      by

      LIVERPOOL are plotting a raid for Sunderland wonderkid Trey Ogunsunyi, according to reports.The Black Cats have given plenty of game time to youngsters this season.Liverpool are eyeing Trey OgunsunyiCredit: AlamyBut Ogunsunyi has had to remain patient for his chance, despite scoring eight goals in seven games for Sunderland Under-21s.His performances have caught the eye and Liverpool are ready to make a move, according to the Daily Mail.The Reds have looked to poach young talent in recent years, snapping up the likes of Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni and Amara Nallo from Premier League rivals.Ogunsunyi, 17, could also make the switch to Anfield although he is still under contract for another 18 months.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe teenager, who is capable of playing across the front three, is highly regarded at the Stadium of Light with manager Regis Le Bris describing him as a “very interesting player for the future”.Meanwhile Liverpool have hit a major stumbling block in their efforts to keep Trent Alexander-Arnold at the club.Anfield chiefs have offered the England full-back a £70,000 rise on his current £180,000 weekly wage.But Alexander-Arnold is holding out for £350,000 to match another of the Prem leaders’ contract rebels, Mo Salah.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlexander-Arnold’s contract is up in the summer and he knows Real Madrid are waiting to offer him what he wants.Like Salah and skipper Virgil van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold can talk to interested foreign parties next month.Mo Salah drops yet another hint about leaving Liverpool win days after admitting he was ‘more out than in’ Alexander-Arnold’s has told close pals that he would like to stay, especially as he is now settled into a £5million Cheshire mansion. More

    • 213 Shares62 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool hit MAJOR stumbling block in Trent Alexander-Arnold contract extension in huge transfer boost for Real Madrid

      by

      LIVERPOOL are £100,000-a-week short on persuading Trent Alexander-Arnold to sign a new five-year deal.Anfield chiefs have offered the England full-back a £70,000 rise on his current £180,000 weekly wage.Liverpool are £100,000-a-week short on persuading Trent Alexander-Arnold to extendCredit: AlamyLiverpool boss Arne Slot could lose Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van DijkCredit: GettyBut Alexander-Arnold is holding out for £350,000 to match another of the Prem leaders’ contract rebels, Mohamed Salah.TAA’s conract is up in the summer and he knows Real Madrid are waiting to offer him what he wants.Like Salah and skipper Virgil van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold can talk to interested foreign parties next month.TAA has told close pals that he would like to stay, especially as he is now settled into a £5million Cheshire mansion.Read More on FootballThe Liverpool vice-skipper also has a new girlfriend in Estelle Behnke. Yet SunSport understands he is determined to get what he believes he is worth – and what Spanish giants Real are prepared to pay him.He said last week: “I have been at the club 20 years and I have signed four or five contract extensions.“None of those have been played out in public. This one won’t be either.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeanwhile, Van Dijk, 33, has been offered a new contract in the club’s bid to hold on to their star defender beyond June when his current deal runs out.However, the Merseysiders’ proposal reportedly fell short of the centre-back’s expectations and so far there has been no breakthrough on the value or length of an extension.Moment blunt Liverpool boss Arne Slot embarrasses reporter with very obvious fact after Ryan Gravenberch questionThe Reds have also taken “concrete steps” in contract negotiations with Salah, 32.The winger’s future has taken precedence among fans and media but he has dropped multiple hints that his eight-year stint at Anfield might be coming to an end.Last month, the Egypt international told Sky Sports that “no offer” had been made to extend his stay.So far the club’s owners FSG have refused to bow to Salah’s wage demands and he knows there would be mega money on offer in Saudi Arabia. More

    • 200 Shares62 Views

      in Soccer

      Bournemouth 1-1 West Ham LIVE RESULT: Unal’s incredible free-kick rescues point for Cherries after Paqueta’s pen

      by

      BOURNEMOUTH and West Ham were forced to share the spoils in what turned out to be a Monday Night Football clash.The Hammers took the lead through an 87th-minute Lucas Paqueta penalty.However, Enes Unal hit back just three minutes later with a spectacular long-range free-kick. RESULT: Bournemouth 1-1 West HamFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow our live blog below… More

    • 300 Shares87 Views

      in Soccer

      How Chelsea & Forest are ripping up the script of how to run a football club… just don’t try to make sense of it

      by

      IT’S time to forget everything we thought we knew about how to run a football club.Forget stability, forget continuity, forget financial prudence, forget carefully-targeted player recruitment, forget inspirational managerial appointments.Chelsea chief Todd Boehly has splashed out over £1billion on signingsCredit: RexEvangelos Marinakis has turned Nottingham Forest into top-four contendersCredit: GettyJust tear everything to shreds, sell everyone, then max out the credit card by buying footballers.Dozens and dozens of footballers. Not just one new squad of players but two or three squads’ worth.Buy so many footballers that they can’t all fit into the dressing room at your training ground.Already got seven elite wingers? If another one becomes available, go and buy an eighth. You only live once.Read More on FootballBecause Chelsea and Nottingham Forest are the two great overachievers of this Premier League season — the Blues just two points off the summit and Forest in the Champions League places, above Manchester City.Both clubs have spent like sailors piddling it up on shore leave.If you have previously received the impressions from this column — or pretty much anywhere else in the media — that Chelsea’s Todd Boehly is a clueless American muppet, your mind must be playing tricks on you. Boehly always was a football genius.The nine-year contracts for unproven players. The knifing of more managers than Roman Abramovich. The transfer-window trolley dashes. Genius, all of it.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd any ideas you had that Forest’s Evangelos Marinakis was a panic-buying shopaholic — a wild conspiracy theorist who hired that bloke off Gladiators to rumble referees — must have been the product of your own overactive imagination.Here is a big cuddly Greek Santa, laden with gifts and leading Forest into the promised land.Chelsea player ratings vs BrentfordSince Boehly and his Clearlake crew purchased Chelsea in the summer of 2022, the club has signed 45 players for a total of £1.3billion.Since Forest won promotion to the Premier League that same summer, they have got more than 40 players for a combined total in the region of £300million.And at both clubs, somehow, it’s working.At the age of 33, Forest’s Kiwi striker Chris Wood is the new Erling Haaland. Chelsea star Cole Palmer was Pep Guardiola’s blind spot.Anthony Elanga and Jadon Sancho are more effective than any winger currently on Manchester United’s books.The Premier League is a madhouse. To succeed, join the stark-raving lunatics, as Chelsea and Forest have done.Understated managersWhat both clubs needed, it turns out, was an understated, unheralded manager to sift through the shopping, to settle on a core squad, to play ball with eccentric owners and coach a bloody good football team.Neither Enzo Maresca nor Nuno Espirito Santo were wildly popular appointments.Maresca had led Leicester to the Championship title but was nobody’s first choice to succeed Mauricio Pochettino this summer.Yet the Italian was 20/20 in his vision of Chelsea’s best team, ruthless in his pre-season squad-slashing and he is now presiding over a premature vindication of Boehly’s seemingly-unhinged regime.Nuno, after his car-crash reign at Tottenham, replaced Forest’s promotion-winning Messiah Steve Cooper to a chorus of shrugs, just before the club would be deducted four points for breaching PSR last season. The Portuguese boss with the charisma bypass is the polar opposite of Brian Clough. Yet he is threatening to become the best of Forest’s 29 managers since the exit of Old Big ’Ead.Enzo Maresca is proving his doubters wrong alreadyCredit: GettyDon’t make sense of itSimilarly to Maresca, it’s been a case of clearing dead wood from the Forest, seeing the Chris Wood for the Tricky Trees.Of course, this is a snapshot in time. Nobody expects Forest to play in the Champions League next season and nobody expects Chelsea to win the title this term.There are still PSR concerns at both clubs, still plenty of unwanted players on long, lucrative contracts.For every Palmer at Chelsea, there’s a Mykhailo Mudryk. Boehly’s mob are still paying Raheem Sterling £200,000 a week not to play for Arsenal.And at Forest, for every Morgan Gibbs-White, there’s a Jonjo Shelvey.But, at present, these two clubs — who seemed to be giving us a crash course in how not to run a football club — are doing exactly the bleeding opposite.Whatever you do, just don’t try to make sense of any of it.Andy’s AwfulLIVERPOOL’S exhilarating 2-2 draw with Fulham will be a contender for the Premier League’s match of the season.Which suggests that, to make things more interesting for everyone, the Reds should always be reduced to ten men for no apparent reason inside 20 minutes.One troubling aspect for Arne Slot is that his side were better AFTER Andy Robertson’s harsh early dismissal than they had been with the Scot, 30, on the pitch.Full-backs don’t tend to go over the hill, they fall off cliffs — as Robbo and his fellow stalwart, 34-year-old Kyle Walker at Manchester City, have done.Cottagers’ Antonee Robinson, 27, man of the match on Saturday, has a Scouse accent despite his USA international allegiance, and would be an ideal replacement.Except that Fulham are loath to do business with Liverpool, after the Kop outfit signed academy products Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho on the cheap.Is Andy Robertson coming to the end of his prowess at Liverpool?Credit: EPABrit Of A ChangeTHERE can rarely have been a more predictable sacking than that of Gary O’Neil at Wolves.It wasn’t just two wins from 16 matches, it was his players’ meltdowns in consecutive defeats by West Ham and Ipswich which turned his side into Wolver-tantrum Wanderers.His exit came just before the equally obvious departure of Russell Martin at Southampton.It means there are   only  two  English bosses — Eddie Howe and Sean Dyche — in the top flight, along with just one other Brit, Kieran McKenna at Ipswich.A complete wipeout of homegrown bosses is on the horizon. Unless the Etihad sheikhs decide it’s time to break the glass on the emergency alarm and call up Fireman Sam Allardyce?He’s A Must PickJORDAN PICKFORD’S heroics in Everton’s 0-0 draw at Arsenal on Saturday suggested that, of all the changes Thomas Tuchel might make as England boss, the goalkeeping position will NOT be one of them.He has as many caps as Gordon Banks and more major final appearances than every other goalkeeper ever to play for England put together.And with the Wembley debacle against Greece in October perhaps his only truly bad performance in a Three Lions shirt, it might soon be time to show Pickford some proper appreciation.Jordan Pickford should continue to be England’s No1 for a while yetCredit: ReutersGive Spoty Men A GoIF the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award were for sporting achievement it would go to  Joe Root, who this year confirmed himself as England’s greatest ever batsman.If it were down to force of  personality, it would go to 17-year-old darts phenomenon Luke  Littler, who has made the Ally Pally arrow-slinging jamboree a global must-watch. But it will go to athletics’ Keely Hodgkinson — not unreasonably, as she’s an Olympic 800 metres gold medallist with a sparkling personality.And note that the previous three winners have all been women. Is it time for separate SPOTY awards for either sex — some  positive discrimination just to give the blokes a chance?Not Gund enoughWHILE  focus has fallen on Rodri’s injury, Kyle Walker’s terminal decline, Phil Foden’s form crisis and Erling Haaland’s lack of goals, the  re-signing  of  Ilkay  Gundogan has escaped much criticism.But Manchester City’s decision to bring back their 34-year-old former captain —  a year after he decamped  for Barcelona — was an extremely retrograde step from such a forward-thinking boss as Pep Guardiola.READ MORE SUN STORIESIlkay Gundogan has hardly pulled up trees on his return to Man CityCredit: Getty’Statistical anomaly’   TOTTENHAM have lost as many Premier League games as they have won this  season, yet after a 5-0 win in the “principles derby” at Southampton, they boast a goal difference of plus-17.This wild statistical  anomaly is perfect  testimony to the unique wonders of Angeball. More

    • 213 Shares106 Views

      in Soccer

      Sky Sports legend Chris Kamara announces shock commentary comeback to reunite with icon after three-year health battle

      by

      CHRIS KAMARA will make his return to commentary on Boxing Day after a health battle.The former Swindon and Brentford midfielder, 66, left his role on Sky Sports in 2022 after being diagnosed with an underactive thyroid the year before.Chris Kamara will make his return to commentary on Boxing Day after a health battleKamara will reunite with Sky colleague Jeff StellingCredit: TwitterHe developed speech apraxia and the impact on his mental health was so great that he revealed he had even considered taking his own life.Now Kammy has revealed he’ll return pitchside for Prime Video on December 26 alongside his old Sky colleague Jeff Stelling.The beloved TV personality will be covering the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Tottenham at City Ground.He shared on X: “Best phone call ever this afternoon inviting me to do the Forest v Spurs game on Boxing Day – reporting back to the Unbelievable @JeffStelling in the studio.Read More on Football“I thought I was done, so it’s a big thank you Amazon – I’m back.”Chris worked as a presenter and football analyst at Sky Sports from 1992 to 2022 before being forced to quit.His voice is improving thanks to treatment in Mexico.And while he is not yet back to full health, he is on the road to recovery.Most read in FootballKamara said in an interview this summer: “I’ve been there twice now [Mexico]. I’m going back for a third time.”I’ve got the fluency in my speech. The only thing I haven’t got is the speed of old, I know I talk 300 miles an hour before, but I’d like that back if I can. ‘My life was over two years ago,’ says Chris Kamara as he fights back tears on Britain Get Singing”So I’m going back for more treatment.”What is apraxia of speech?CHRIS Kamara has been diagnosed with apraxia of speech – but what is it?Apraxia of speech is a condition which makes talking difficult, with sufferers knowing what they’d like to say, but having trouble communicating their words.The NHS says that the condition can be extremely frustrating for people.They explained: “Frequently the person with apraxia will have difficulties with conversational speech. However they may be good at ‘automatic’ speech tasks such as counting, swearing, repeating rhymes, greetings and farewell.It’s usually caused by damage to the left side of the brain, such as a stroke.The condition does not affect a person’s understanding and the symptoms of the condition can vary occurring to the severity of the disorder. More

    • 213 Shares62 Views

      in Soccer

      Sky Sports identify Kelly Cates’ replacement with ex-BBC presenter already working with Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher

      by

      SKY bosses are lining up a move for Rebecca Lowe as they plan for life after Kelly Cates.Cates is set to make a switch to the BBC as part of a new presenting team on Match of the Day.Kelly Cates is leaving from Sky Sports to join a team hosting Match of the Day on BBCCredit: GettyRebecca Lowe is expected to replace Cates after working with Gary Neville and Jamie CarragherCredit: GettyExecs at Sky are said to be gutted at losing the presenter, who will leave her role at the end of the season.But SunSport understands producers are already making plans for what comes next.And they’ve identified Lowe, who is currently a star presenter on US channel NBC, as a replacement for Cates.Lowe, a former BBC journalist, is one of the most highly regarded broadcasters in the business and Sky believe she’d be attracted by the idea of a move to help anchor Sky’s football coverage.Read More on FootballShe’s also good pals with Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher, with the trio launching a podcast last year. The podcast titled “It’s Called Soccer” sees Lowe debate topics from the world of football with Neville and Carragher.In one epic recent rant she showed exactly what she thought of Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr’s decision to snub the Ballon D’ Or ceremony as she called him “unbelievably classless”.Her co-host Neville agreed with Lowe and put more of the blame on Real and the club’s feeling of entitlement and attitude.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPrior to her role with NBC, the 43-year-old worked for the BBC, Setanta Sports and ESPN in the UK.Cates is expected to link up with Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman, with whom she will share hosting duties of Match of the Day and MOTD 2 next season.Kelly Cates on Super Sunday amid reports she’s leaving for BBCThat is after legendary presenter Gary Lineker steps down following 26 years hosting the popular show.Lowe has presented FA Cup coverage in the pastCredit: Action Images – ReutersShe is hugely experienced having worked at the BBC, Setanta Sports and ESPNCredit: AlamyShe has appeared on a podcast alongside Gary Neville and Jamie CarragherCredit: Alamy More

    • 188 Shares100 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City fan dies after medical emergency during Man Utd derby as tributes pour in

      by

      MANCHESTER CITY have confirmed that one of their supporters died during yesterday’s match against Manchester United.City confirmed the tragic news on social media, while sending wishes to the supporter’s friends and family.Manchester City have confirmed the tragic newsCredit: RexA short statement posted on X read: “Manchester City are aware of the tragic news that one of our supporters passed away following a medical incident at yesterday’s match.”The thoughts of everyone at the Club are with their family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”Several supporters responded to the post with well wishes of their own.One wrote: “I’m sending my condolences to the supporter’s family.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhile a second commented: “Rest in peace… God’s comfort to his family and friends.”A third added: “My thought and prayers are with the family.”City lost the match 2-1 despite leading for much of it.Josko Gvardiol’s 36th minute header had looked like being the winner.Most read in FootballBruno Fernandes equalised for United from the penalty spot on 88 minutes, after Amad Diallo had been brought down in the box by Matheus Nunes.Diallo then scored a 90th minute winner. More