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      Major upgrade to VAR coming TONIGHT with Semi-Automated Offside Technology installed at Premier League clubs

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      VILLA PARK will tonight see the launch of English football’s VAR upgrade.Premier League chiefs plan to roll out the use of Semi-Automated Offside Technology across the remainder of the season.Villa Park will see the launch of English football’s VAR upgradeCredit: The FAThe new VAR system uses up to 30 specialist high-speed cameras to track 10,000 data points on every playerCredit: The FABut the new system, which uses up to 30 specialist high-speed cameras to track 10,000 data points on every player, will be debuted across all but one of this weekend’s eight FA Cup fifth-round ties.And it starts with Aston Villa’s clash with Cardiff.Unlike the top-flight’s current VAR system, where operators manually determine the ‘kick point’ for offside calls and then draw lines, SAOT will do both automatically.It is expected the system, devised by the Prem’s new tech partner, US-based Genesis Sport, will reduce even tight decision times to an average of 30 seconds.Read More on FootballThe Genesis system will then send a 3D visual replay to broadcasters and the giant screens in stadiums, to ensure fans know why the call was made.A white vertical wall will represent the offside line, with a blue ‘pulse’ on the defender’s relevant body part.And when an attacker is offside, the offending part of their body will appear through the white wall and be outlined in red.The final image in the virtual replay will be on an angle, off-centre.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThat is to provide a clear view of the attacker and defender involved in the offside review.SAOT will only be installed at Prem grounds.Everton boss David Moyes gives his reaction to disallowed penalty against Man Utd That means the tie between Preston and Burnley will only use the current VAR systemVilla and Cardiff’s FA Cup clash kicks off at 8pm. More

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      West Ham 2 Leicester 0: Foxes 5 points off escaping relegation zone as birthday-boy Soucek helps down hopeless visitors

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      LEICESTER gifted Tomas Soucek a birthday to remember as the Foxes fell to a fifth straight loss.The Czech turned 30 and scored in his big day for the second time in his West Ham career.West Ham added to Leicester’s relegation woes at the London StadiumCredit: RexWest Ham added distance between them and the Premier League relegation zoneCredit: ReutersTomas Soucek opened the scoring for West HamCredit: RexLeicester ace Jannik Vestergaard scored an own goalCredit: AFPSoucek will have enjoyed few birthdays as simple as this, given just how poor Leicester were.Some diabolical defending allowed the Hammers midfielder to open the scoring before the hapless Jannick Vestergaard turned the second into his own net.Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side sit five points from safety – but the gap feels a whole lot bigger than that when watching them.It was a much needed home win for Graham Potter.Read More on FootballThe new West Ham manager will have won plenty of credit with their superb victory at Arsenal.But winning over the fickle London Stadium will be vital if he is to succeed here.Keeping the ownership and fans happy is important at all clubs.But when the bosses at West Ham create more noise than most and the stadium can go deathly quiet at times, it is a significant task.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMore nights like this will be a big help.West Ham hardly rolled out the free-flowing football in the first half – but they did not need to.Graham Potter makes five-word comment the moment he entered press conference after West Ham clashA soft attempt from Wilfried Ndidi aside, the Foxes offered nothing up top but everything at the back.The Hammers twice benefited from some ropey defending to take a rare first-half lead at the London Stadium.First Soucek bagged from close range, pouncing after Mohammed Kudus’ effort from Aaron Cresswell’s cross had been palmed into the path of the midfielder.Leicester had already had a number of chances to clear before Cresswell’s ball, which accident addict Vestergaard let slip by him.Potter’s men should have gone for the jugular there and then, but were a touch too passive to quickly run away with it.Though facing Leicester can feel like pushing against an open door at times, and it proved the case before the break.Dodgy defence leads to Hammers’ secondAnother display of dodgy defensive work set up West Ham’s second.Jamie Vardy managed to just win the ball at the near post from a corner, but allowed Jarrod Bowen to pinch it away unchallenged.The Hammers captain was given time to turn and shoot, with his effort striking Vestergaard and finding the back of the net.It may be somewhat of a relief for the Foxes that there is a team as woeful as Southampton in the league this season – taking some of the focus away from just how much of a shambles this bunch are.Almost scored a thirdTheir travelling fans indulged in plenty of gallows humour – many of them must already be looking forward to August and the warm embrace of the Championship.Potter’s night looked to be ending in perfect fashion when Bowen played through January signing Evan Ferguson – on as a sub.The Irishman is still waiting for his first goal since moving from Brighton, but dithered on the ball and allowed his soft shot to be blocked by Wout Faes.West Ham should have made this win more convincing, something to really boost their confidence.READ MORE SUN STORIESInstead they sat tight and allowed Leicester to swing in some harmless crosses.But Potter will know that you cannot have everything at once – and will be pleased enough to see the Hammers heading in the right direction, winning back-to-back games for the first time in nearly a year. More

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      ‘I am heartbroken’ – Man Utd’s pre-eminent writer reveals he’s victim of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cuts in emotional post

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S most esteemed writer has been let go by the club amid Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s second round of brutal cuts.Ratcliffe, 72, completed a minority takeover in 2023 and has since gained control over sporting operations at United, which in turn led to some severe downsizing.Manchester United’s ‘pre-eminent writer’ has been let go amid Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s second round of cutsCredit: AlamyLast summer saw 250 staff members made redundant in a heavy first wave to save costs under Sir Jim.But the list of casualties is set to increase by between 150 and 200 job cuts amid the club’s transformation plan, which includes axing free lunches.That also led to the dismissal of some of the Red Devils’ most esteemed figures, such as legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson whose ambassador role was ended.And now best-selling author Wayne Barton has become “one of the statistics” of Ratcliffe’s latest cuts.Read More on Man UtdBarton worked as an editorial consultant for the club since January 2023 and has been very close with the club for many years.His incredible work, which has seen him publishing 20 books, led to immense praise from key figures, such as Tony Whelan and Martin Edwards who dubbed him the club’s “pre-eminent writer”.The writer was left “heartbroken ” as he announced the news on social media where he sang the praises of other members of staff who were made redundant and expressed his desire to return one day.Barton tweeted: “So just over two years in my dream job came to an end today as I became one of the statistics you’ve been reading about in the press associated with United.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”For those two years I loved every day of being able to work at Old Trafford, I loved the immense privilege despite it being such a difficult time in our history, hoping that I could help from within to contribute something positive.”I’m beyond proud of my work outside of United, the kind reviews of my books and perception of me as a writer. Ruben Amorim makes blunt admission as Man Utd face cash crisis “Obviously, I am heartbroken that my contribution is no longer of value to the club I love.”I understand that difficult decisions have to be made. I have seen very talented people leave their roles, and I have seen legendary figures who are drenched in the history of our club been told they too are now part of the past; a past which is, for me, the richest history in football, a past which these people remain a significant part of the tapestry and educational process for the future. “They are indispensable; the cost of losing them far greater than financial.’I am heartbroken’He continued: “It’s the biggest club in the country, possibly the world, and every loss I’ve seen and experienced has been significant to the operations. Every loss has been felt.”These are real people, real lives, being affected – not because of the quality of their performance or contribution. They work incredibly hard and feel, like I have done, a sense of gratitude and privilege and a dream coming true. “There are people having to deliver terrible news which wasn’t their decision to make. A football club is not a normal business. It is a community asset, serving different needs. It is it’s history.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Anyway. So today I leave the club I love, hoping that one day, they will need me again, and that I’ll be back, my tiny little cog in the big machine, my sense of grandoise not lost on me with the self-importance of this post.”I’m by no means an important loss, but it’s an important loss to me.” More

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      Premier League chief Richard Masters offers huge update on Man City’s 130 financial rule breach charges

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      PREMIER LEAGUE chief executive Richard Masters has issued an update on Manchester City’s 130 Financial Fair Play charges.City were hit with 115 charges over alleged breaches of FFP rules last February.Richard Masters has issued an update on Man City’s chargesCredit: GettyThat number rose to 130 later in the year following an administration issue.The reigning Prem champions vehemently denied the charges in a hearing which took place between September and December and a verdict is now imminent.Pep Guardiola revealed earlier this month that he expects to learn of the club’s fate in March.And the Spaniard has insisted that he will speak out on the situation when the process is over.Read More in FootballBut Prem chief Masters has given a brief update on the process on Thursday – suggesting the panel needs to be “given time”. Asked about the case at the Business of Football Summit, he said: “The disciplinary panel needs to be given time to come to their decision”.Football finance expert Kieran Maguire believes a relegation-inducing points deduction will be the most likely outcome should City lose the case.He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “A points deduction would be the most likely outcome should the club be found guilty.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”As for the quantum of points deduction, if Everton were initially given a 10 points deduction for going around about £10/12million over the limits in one particular season, I think, in order to set an example to the rest of football, it’s got to act as a deterrent.””We’ll probably be looking at somewhere in the region of 60 to 100 points, which would effectively guarantee relegation out of the Premier League and into the lower tiers of football in the EFL.”Micah Richards reveals he supports two Premier League teams but it ‘depends if I’m off air or on air’ Man City recently won a legal battle with the Premier League over “unlawful” financial rules.The bombshell verdict could now trigger a series of compensation claims from clubs and plunge the competition into crisis. More

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      I experienced the poshest, most exclusive stand in Premier League and it was like no other – just ignore the football

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      IT’S the poshest, most exclusive and expensive stand in the Premier League.Bring your Speedos for a half-time dip in an open-air swimming pool, indulge your taste buds with a spot of lobster in a high-class restaurant, enjoy a drink on a roof-top bar overlooking the Thames.Dave Kidd visited Fulham’s new exclusive standThe Sun’s Chief Sports Writer paid £105 for his ticket with his son’s priced at £85 More

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      Arsenal set to appoint new sporting director in days with five names in frame including Dan Ashworth after Man Utd axe

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      ARSENAL are planning to hire a new sporting director to replace Edu Gaspar next month.Edu, 46, resigned in November after five years with the Gunners who appointed their former player as the club’s first ever technical director in 2019 before his promotion as sporting director in 2022.Dan Ashworth is among the names Arsenal are considering for a new sporting directorCredit: PAArsenal are looking for a replacement for Edu GasparCredit: GettyThe Brazilian executive is now expected to link up with Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’ new group, which also includes reigning Conference League winners Olympiacos and Rio Ave.According to The Athletic, the North Londoners are rigorously searching for Edu’s successor and are in the process of whittling down candidates before reaching a final decision.The likes of Dan Ashworth, Andrea Berta, Roberto Olabe and Thiago Scuro are among the names that have been discussed internally.The same goes for Arsenal interim sporting director Jason Ayto, who was promoted after Edu’s departure.Read More on ArsenalParis Saint-Germain strategic advisor Luis Campos was also linked but is not actually in the frame.The Premier League giants’ owners KSE are heavily involved and a final call will not be made without their approval.Ashworth has been a free agent since his sudden departure from Manchester United in December after just five months in the job despite his previous employers splashing £3million to Newcastle for his services.The ex-Man Utd chief enjoyed tremendous success at Brighton, whom he turned into a competitive Premier League side, and Newcastle, where he signed Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAyto has been with Arsenal for a decade and worked under Edu as his assistant for two years.He was heavily involved with talks that led to the signing of Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori last summer.Nuno thanks the fans after solid defensive performance against ArsenalBerta is one of the main figures that turned Atletico Madrid into LaLiga and Champions League challengers thanks to his stunning 12-year stint working with manager Diego Simeone until his exit last month.The Italian signed the likes of Antoine Griezmann, Jan Oblak as well as Rodri and recently spent time in London learning English as he is targeting a job in the Prem.Olabe is set to step down from his role as sporting director at Real Sociedad this summer.The Spaniard signed the likes of Merino, Isak, Martin Odegaard and David Silva during his seven-year spell at Sociedad – he also worked out deals with Arsenal involving Kieran Tierney and Nacho Monreal.Scuro has been with Monaco since 2023 where he was promoted as CEO after helping the club finish second last season for the first time since 2018.Arsenal ratings vs Forest as NOBODY looks like scoring for Gunners but Saliba’s a Rolls Royce againMIKEL ARTETA may not have anyone to put the ball in the back of the net but in William Saliba he has one of the best defenders in the Prem.The Arsenal boss watched his side’s faint title hopes go well and truly up in smoke in the goalless draw with Nottingham Forest.But his brilliant backline emerged, once again, with credit from this tricky clash at the City Ground.Together with Gabriel, Saliba kept a tight lid on Forest dangerman Chris Wood, who scored a hat-trick in his last appearance on this ground.But the fact the Gunners’ biggest threat at the other end of the pitch came from left-back Riccardo Calafiori – who was subbed off at half-time – says it all about the dire situation Arsenal somehow find themselves in.Here is how SunSport’s Graeme Bryce rated the Gunners stars’ displays… More

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      Man City announce £12.5m ‘new Messi’ arrival 24 days AFTER transfer window closed following £182m spending spree

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      MANCHESTER CITY have announced the signing of wonderkid Claudio Echeverri.The 19-year-old joined the club from River Plate last January in a £12.5million deal but remained on loan in his homeland of Argentina until last month.Claudio Echeverri has joined up with the City squad after his spell at River Plate endedCredit: AFPEcheverri, who has been dubbed as the “new Lionel Messi”, has now finally been unveiled after arriving in Manchester to join up with the City squad for the rest of the season.The attacking midfielder is eligible to make his debut in the FA Cup fifth round tie against Plymouth on Saturday.Echeverri revealed he spoke to former City stars and compatriots Sergio Aguero and Martin Demichelis ahead of his move to England.He said: “They told me it was a great club with amazing players and a beautiful history.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I knew about it [the relationship between Argentina and City]. Aguero, in particular, stands out.”He’s a legend here at City because of everything he achieved and the incredible player he was.”I used to watch him play and, honestly, it’s an amazing feeling to be here.”City chief Txiki Begiristain added: “Claudio is one of the finest talents to emerge from South America in recent years.  Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS“We knew as soon as we watched him play we wanted him to become a Manchester City player.  “All the natural elements are there – his touch, technique, eye for goal and dribbling ability. Our job now is to take those attributes and shape Claudio into a world-class player.”Fans plead with Pep Guardiola as they spot secret Mo Salah charm offensive after Liverpool loss Echeverri captained and scored six goals for Argentina at the Under-20 South American Championship after finding the back of the net four times for River Plate last season.He is the latest youngster through the door at the Etihad following a £182m splurge in January to freshen Pep Guardiola’s squad.City spent a reported £60m on Omar Marmoush, £50m on Nico Gonzalez, £33m on Abdukodir Khusanon and £30m on Vitor Reis. More

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      Former Man Utd chief Ed Woodward lined up for new job on board of company that owns stake in Premier League club

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      FORMER Manchester United chief Ed Woodward has been approached about joining a company with links to the Premier League.Woodward left Old Trafford in 2022 following a nine-year stint with the Red Devils.Ed Woodward has been approached for a job with Eagle Football HoldingsCredit: ReutersHe returned to football last year by joining the Board of Trustees for Bloomsbury Football Foundation, a charity that works with young people from diverse backgrounds.But now he could be in line for a huge new job with a company that part-owns a Premier League club.According to Sky News, Woodward has been approached about joining Eagle Football Holdings as an independent director.The company, which is controlled by American businessman John Textor, is currently preparing to list in the US.Read More in FootballIt is is expected to file confidentially with US regulators for an initial public offering in the next fortnight.Eagle Football currently owns a 45 per cent stake in Premier League side Crystal Palace.The company has been attempting to sell the stake for months but could now decide to retain it given Palace’s impressive form in the top flight.It also owns part of Ligue 1 outfit Olympique Lyonnais.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWoodward joined Man Utd back in 2005 after playing a key role in the Glazer family’s takeover.And he took on the role as executive vice-chairman when David Gill stepped down as CEO in 2013.In that time, he trebled the value of the Red Devils.Andy Goldstein insists Sir Jim Ratcliffe has got everything wrong at Man Utd after drastic cuts More