Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea owners feared punishment from Abramovich era so much they held back £150m of takeover price to pay off fines

      by

      CHELSEA owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali held back a staggering £150m of their purchase price for the club to cover potential fines relating to the Roman Abramovich reign.Premier League chiefs are investigating alleged breaches of financial rules committed during the Russian’s 20-year Stamford Bridge era.BlueCo held back £150million to cover potential fines from the Abramovich regimeCredit: PAAnd in the club’s latest financial accounts, which included losses of more than £90m last season, the scale of the potential costs feared by the new American owners was made clear.Chelsea were fined £8.6m by Uefa after admitting to filing incomplete financial information between 2012 and 2019.That included allegations of offshore payments from Abramovich-related parties surrounding the signings of players including Willian, Samuel Eto’o and Eden Hazard.The payments were flagged up by the club’s new owners last year, with Prem bosses launching their own investigation in November.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut with the investigation still continuing – there are expectations of charges being brought before the end of the season – the extent of the feared potential cost has become clear.In a statement accompanying the latest financial figures, Chelsea’s owners, the investment company Blue Co, confirmed the £150m “holdback” sum.Blue Co said: “The holdback reduction amount is defined as an amount of all losses incurred by any member of the Group resulting from any proceeding in relation to events which took place before the acquisition date, up to the value of £150m.“The Group self-reported to relevant football authorities’ certain legal matters concerning historical football transactions.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL “The directors acknowledge the ongoing review by the football authorities in relation to these matters. “Depending on the outcome, there could be future liabilities that cannot be quantified as at the date of these financial statements.”Chelsea fans convinced Mauricio Pochettino IGNORED Todd Boehly after Carabao Cup final defeat While the Blue Co group – a consortium of a number of Chelsea-related companies – announced pre-tax losses of £678.1m, the club lost £90.1m – down from £121.4m the previous season.But that was despite including the £60m received from Manchester United for Mason Mount, a sum actually agreed on June 30.The figures also confirm Chelsea – currently 11th in the Prem and branded “billion pounds bottle jobs” by Gary Neville after their Carabao Cup Final defeat by Liverpool – have spent a staggering £1.2bn in transfer fees across just the last three windows.In total, according to the figures, Chelsea – whose income rose from £481.3m to £512.5m – had a wage bill of £441.9m and amortisation and depreciation costs of £567.5m.And this season, Chelsea confirmed the club had spent a further £454.8m on adding to Mauricio Pochettino’s squad, while making £48.2m in profit from the sale of 10 players.With no Champions League football this season or next term, that adds up to a minimum £160m black hole in Chelsea’s two year finances.It adds to the need for sales before the May 31 cut-off date for this season in order to try to meet the Profitability and Sustainability Rules limits of £105m in allowable losses over three seasons.Abramovich sold Chelsea after being sanctioned by the British GovernmentCredit: PA More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Premier League star scores hilarious ‘goal of the season’ as fans admire ‘trip over yourself’ technique

      by

      A FORMER Premier League star was hailed by fans for his “trip over yourself” technique as he scored a hilarious “goal of the season”.Ashley Barnes, 34, is currently starring in the Championship for Norwich.Ashley Barnes scored a hilarious goal for Norwich against MiddlesbroughCredit: Sky SportsThe striker tripped up before scrambling along the floor to fire homeCredit: Sky SportsGoal of the season for Ashley Barnes? 👀🟢— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 6, 2024

      He joined the Canaries last summer after 10 seasons with Burnley — seven of which were in England’s top flight.Barnes has since gone on to score five goals in all competitions for his new side.And the striker’s latest came in last night’s 3-1 defeat at Middlesbrough.Barnes fired the visitors ahead in the 17th minute as he latched onto a pass from deep in the Boro box.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHaving already beaten the defenders, Barnes swung a leg at the ball in the hope of connecting with a volley.But he missed the ball and instead tumbled to the floor in comical style.Barnes showed his doggedness though as he began scrambling along the pitch while the ball rolled towards Middlesbrough’s goalie.And just before the opposition’s defence closed him down, Barnes — still on the floor at this point — swung his leg again.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThis time, it made contact with the ball, and sent it flying into the Boro net.Fans were certainly loving Barnes’ hearty effort, with many jokingly declaring it the “goal of the season.”Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersBarnes’ goal wasn’t enough as Norwich went on to lose 3-1Credit: PAOne said: “Nice, the trip over yourself technique is up there with the scorpion, scissors, banana and bicycle kick.”Another declared: “Ashley Barnes has just won goal of the season.”One noted: “The most Ashley Barnes goal to ever exist.”Another added: “Seen him score better but they all count!”Unfortunately for Norwich, Barnes’ goal did not seal victory at the Riverside.Teammate Borja Sainz was sent off for the Canaries in the 30th minute.And Boro stormed back moments later through Marcus Forss before Emmanuel Latte Lath made it 2-1 before the break.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe game was then put to bed in the 62nd minute by Lukas Engel.The result leaves Norwich seventh in the Championship table, while Boro are up to 12th. More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Thomas Tuchel ‘would consider shock Chelsea return’ after Bayern Munich sacking as fans say ‘bring him back home’

      by

      THOMAS TUCHEL is ready to consider a return to Chelsea this summer, according to reports.The German, 50, was sacked by Todd Boehly in September 2022 just a few months after the American’s takeover.Thomas Tuchel is set to leave Bayern at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyTodd Boehly concedes that he may have made a ‘mistake’ sacking TuchelCredit: GettyTuchel subsequently took over at Bayern Munich last March, but it has already been confirmed that he will be leaving at the end of this season.With the former Blues boss set to be out of work, he is said to be targeting a return to the Premier League.According to German outlet Bild, Tuchel would be open to returning to Stamford Bridge, should he and Boehly be able to settle their previous differences.Prior to Tuchel’s departure, he and his boss endured a strained relationship.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBoehly, 50, even frustrated the former Chelsea manager by trying to show a group of guests the home dressing room… while Tuchel was attempting to deliver a half-time team talk.At the end of last season, reports claimed that Blues chiefs privately acknowledged that sacking Tuchel may have been a mistake.According to the Mail at the time, Tuchel was owed a £13million severance pay.Chelsea replaced the Champions League winner with Brighton’s Graham Potter, who only lasted seven month before being axed himself.Most read in FootballFrank Lampard subsequently returned as caretaker boss, before Mauricio Pochettino eventually succeeded Potter full-time.The Argentine has failed to restore the Blues’ fortunes, with his side currently sitting 11th in the Premier League.Thomas Tuchel suffers broken toe in bizarre dressing room incident as he tried to motivate Bayern stars before Lazio winPochettino, 52, has come under pressure in recent weeks, with fans singing “f*** off Mauricio” at Brentford last Saturday.Chelsea have made a habit of bringing back former managers in recent years.Prior to Lampard’s return last year, they also re-hired Jose Mourinho and Guus Hiddink.Commenting on a potential Tuchel comeback, one Chelsea fan wrote: “Bring him back home.”While a second gushed: “I’d cherish this opportunity so much.”A third reasoned: “I still think he will give us the results we want.”And another added: “Wow! Bring him home nowww.”While Tuchel would consider Chelsea, Manchester United is claimed to be his “dream destination”.READ MORE SUN STORIESSince Ineos’ arrival as partial owners, doubts have lingered over whether Erik ten Hag will remain at Old Trafford next season.Elsewhere Liverpool are hunting a replacement for Jurgen Klopp, while West Ham and Brighton could also have vacancies – with David Moyes set to be out of contract and Roberto De Zerbi being targeted by the likes of Barcelona.Tuchel, 50, is craving a Premier League returnCredit: AFPFans turned on Mauricio Pochettino during the recent clash with BrentfordCredit: Alamy More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      I’m a former Premier League star now presenting completely different sport, I hadn’t seen it before I was offered job

      by

      JERMAINE JENAS revealed he accepted his latest presenting job in a new sport without ever watching it.The former Premier League midfielder, 41, retired in 2014 after a spate of injuries aged just 31.Jermaine Jenas is the new presenter of Formula ECredit: X/FIAFormulaEHe revealed all on That Peter Crouch PodcastCredit: YouTube He has since embarked on a wide-ranging career in the media, initially as a pundit before developing into a presenter. And Jenas is now fronting the coverage of the Formula E World Championship.However, he admitted on That Peter Crouch Podcast he was doing the new gig despite being completely new to Formula E.Jenas said: “I always loved Formula One and this particular job came about because FE is a brand-new sport, it’s only nine or ten years old.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”It’s a sport that revolves around sustainability and the excitement as well.”When they asked me to do it, I was like, ‘Look I’ve never seen this racing before. As much as I love F1, I’m going to have to do a lot of research and work into FE.'”They were like, ‘That’s what we want. It’s a brand-new sport, no one knows enough about it to enjoy it so you can take them on that journey.'”Once that pressure was off and they were telling me some of the venues I would be going to… Mexico, Sao Paulo, Monaco, Tokyo, these sounded like decent places to go.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSJenas, who burst through at Nottingham Forest and was made captain at 17, joined Newcastle under Sir Bobby Robson where he was crowned PFA Young Player of the Year before eight seasons with Tottenham.The 21-cap England star finished his career with loans at Aston Villa and Forest then one final season at QPR.Jermaine Jenas threatens to WALK OFF TNT Sports set live on TV after Laura Woods’ brutal comment-He is still a football pundit for TNT and Match of the Day – with many tipping him to eventually replace Gary Lineker as the main presenter.That is especially because the former midfielder is now a permanent co-host of The One Show alongside Alex Jones.But he is still getting to grips with the unusual format of the Formula E presenting. Jenas added: “I love my football and it will always be my bread and butter but because I have started to drift into more of the presenting world as well, I’m testing myself.”The first one in Mexico, if you have ever seen a child thrown in at the deep end just trying to get to the other side, that’s what the whole hour felt like. It was so hard.”We’re doing it for three different channels – TNT, CBS and Roku – and TNT might go to an advert but Roku aren’t so they call it a soft break.READ MORE SUN STORIES”There’s none of that saying goodbye and welcome back to the show, it’s all really awkward joining it together.”It’s been a good start, I’ve done Mexico, done a doubleheader in Saudi then I go to Sao Paulo and Tokyo in March.”Jenas works as a pundit for TNT and Match of the DayCredit: PAHe earned 21 caps for England but retired aged 31Credit: GettyThe midfielder helped Tottenham win the FA Cup in 2008Credit: Action Images – ReutersJenas is one of the main permanent presenters of The One ShowCredit: BBC More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Bukayo Saka reveals his footballing ‘idol’ as Arsenal star names Man Utd legend over ex-Gunners heroes

      by

      BUKAYO Saka has risked upsetting Arsenal fans by revealing his footballing “idol” is Cristiano Ronaldo.The Gunners homegrown star, 22, said that as a child he looked up to the former Manchester United and Real Madrid legend.Ronaldo became a legend at Manchester UnitedSaka’s love for Ronaldo has grownSpeaking with the Men in Blazers podcast via the Daily Mail, Saka even said he has more respect for the 39-year-old Portuguese legend now that he is a player himself.He admitted: ”Personally I can’t (imagine playing for as long as Ronaldo), and that’s why I have so much respect for him.”Obviously, when I was younger, he was my idol.”But now that I’m playing football professionally, I have even more respect for him, how he’s managed to stay this disciplined and this focused and achieve everything.”Ronaldo won three Premier League titles, a Champions League, two League Cups and an FA Cup with Manchester United.He then secured a then world-record £80million move to Real Madrid in 2009 when Saka was just eight years old.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAfter leaving United to play for Madrid and Juventus, Ronaldo made a fairy-tale comeback to the Premier League which saw him go up against Saka in 2021/22.The forward’s return to United only lasted just over a year because of a fallout with manager Erik Ten Hag which saw him move to Al Nassr in January 2023.Most read in FootballTop 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top fiveHe is now the top scorer in the Saudi league as he chases another title.Saka is aiming to lead Arsenal to their first Premier League since 2004 as they battle Liverpool and Manchester City in a three-way title race.He recently overtook the Al Nassr star for goals and assists after the same number of matches at his age. After Arsenal’s 6-0 thumping of Sheffield United on Monday night, the Gunners closed the gap on league leaders Liverpool to two points and trail defending champions City by just one. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham spark fan fury after hiking season-ticket prices by SIX per cent as Supporters Trust release statement

      by

      TOTTENHAM have been blasted by their official supporters’ trust for raising season-ticket prices for next term by six per cent.The North Londoners cite “a significant increase in matchday costs outside of our control” as well as a “need to continue to operate on a sustainable basis” as the reasoning.The Supporters’ Trust are unhappy about more than just rising pricesCredit: RexFans are delighted with progress under manager Ange Postecoglou as Spurs sit fifth in the Prem, but less happy with a new off-field developmentCredit: GettyBut the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust (THST) said they were “hugely disappointed” for its members.Spurs have some of the priciest season tickets in England.There has only been one season-ticket price increase of 1.5 per cent since their plush new stadium was opened in April 2019 – until now.Though the THST says the club using the lack of previous hikes and the increased matchday costs as justification “holds no water”.READ MORE TOP STORIESThe supporters’ trust also branded the removal of new senior concessions from the 2025-26 season by the club as “unacceptable”.Their statement added: “The club says the number of senior concession season tickets has risen to almost four times the number at White Hart Lane and says the increase is not sustainable.“We say these changes pull the rug out from under the feet of pensioners after years of loyal support.”Existing season-ticket holders have until May 20 to retain their seat for next season.Most read in FootballSpurs copped flak earlier this season for increasing matchday ticket prices this term, which saw the THST protest outside the stadium ahead of the first home game of the campaign against Manchester United.Tottenham were revealed to be the richest club in London in January following the results of the latest Football Money League from number-crunchers Deloitte.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanTheir revenues for the 2022-23 campaign of £549million were higher than Chelsea and Arsenal – making them the eighth wealthiest in Europe for that season.They are understood to make around £4.8m per Premier League fixture they host. More

    • 275 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Pep Guardiola cut the WiFi out in the changing room at Man City – players became like children, but now I understand

      by

      FORMER Manchester City star Bacary Sagna revealed Pep Guardiola cut the WiFi from the dressing room upon his arrival in 2016.Sagna spent only one year playing under Guardiola but it was more than enough to make him understand what a great manager he truly is.Pep Guardiola cut the WiFi in the dressing room when he joined Manchester CityCredit: PABacary Sagna agrees with Guardiola’s strict rules at Man CityCredit: PA:Empics SportThe Catalan tactician laid down the law from day one at the Etihad as he personally handled every last detail relating to his new team.The Barcelona legend imposed severe repercussions for those who didn’t adhere to his fitness regimen, as anyone who was found to be even slightly overweight would be immediately axed from his squad.The ex-Bayern Munich boss wouldn’t stop there as he also wanted to make sure his players were always completely focused at the task at hand.Therefore, the 53-year-old knew he had to get rid of any potential distraction – and that is why he cut the WiFi in the dressing rooms.Read More on FootballAt first Sagna was not really on board with that initiative as he felt he was being treated like a “child”.However, the ex-Arsenal defender quickly understood how important that sort of discipline was as it led to all of his players adopting the “right mindset”.And that is why the former full-back is not surprised City won the treble under Guardiola last season.Sagna told Chris Wheatley at the Web Summit in Qatar: “Pep Guardiola, to me, is the reference as a coach, because you need to be very disciplined.Most read in Football”You need to understand it’s not only on the pitch, it’s a whole life you need to adopt. It’s not only today.”It’s about the nutrition you’re going to have all week – as an example, if you’re 1kg ahead of your weight you’re out of the team! You don’t train.Incredible Phil Foden stat puts Man Utd to shame as Pep Guardiola calls City hero ‘best player in the Premier League’”He came to Man City and he cut the WiFi in the dressing room, so you become like a child. “At first, it’s upsetting because you’re thinking I’m not a child… I’m 30 years old, I don’t need to go through all these routes.”But then you understand why they won the treble last year, because everyone is kind of disciplined and everyone has the right mindset.”And if you don’t have the right mindset in sports you might shine [for] one year [or] two years. But after a while you’ll be gone because to stay at a high level is very difficult for a long time.” More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Jordan Henderson says Liverpool exit ‘hurt me’ and responds after Southgate watches him for Ajax ahead of Euro 2024

      by

      JORDAN HENDERSON has confessed leaving Anfield was in his and Liverpool’s best interests – even though it broke his heart.However seeing the Reds on top of the Premier League has proved to the Anfield legend it was the right time for him to go.Jordan Henderson left Liverpool last summer after 12 years at AnfieldCredit: GettyHenderson signed for Al-Ettifaq but left after six monthsCredit: ReutersNow the 33-year-old admits he hopes there is a fairytale ending at the end of Jurgen Klopp’s farewell season.The Anfield legend, now at Ajax, admits he found it difficult at first when Klopp broke the bombshell news that he was bringing down the curtain on his extraordinary nine-year reign.But the former Liverpool skipper now believes the timing is right and hopes the German’s departure inspires his old club to lift the title as they chase an unprecedented Quadruple.Speaking ahead of Ajax’s game with Aston Villa tomorrow night, Henderson admitted: “It was a tough one when you first see it because Jurgen’s had an amazing time at Liverpool.Read More on Football”Everything we achieved was because of him.”He changed everything when he came in and I just hope the end of the story is a fairytale for him and the boys and the club because they all deserve it.”They all work so hard. Last season was so tough for so many aspects, off the field and on it. So for this season to be going as well as it has – I’m so proud of them.”I was the captain for so long there and all of the team still feel like my best friends, my brothers really for life.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I just want to see them end the season like they’ve been playing the whole year really with the young players coming in.”I hope they can end the season on a high and win as many trophies as possible.”Jordan Henderson’s difficult season for Ajax continues as he’s dropped to benchHenderson was asked if he had any regrets about moving to Al-Ettifaq last summer to end 12 years at Anfield and head for his ill-fated spell in the Saudi pro league, after leading Liverpool to eight trophies, including the Champions League and Premier League title.”Not really,” he said.”Looking back it was the right time for me as a player – but also for them as a team and as a club – as much as that hurt at the time.”I was very emotional but looking back now it’s easy to see it was the right decision made by the manager and the club.”It was the best decision to freshen things up.”If you look at Virgil becoming captain, Trent becoming vice-captain, and how they have stepped up again this season, I think it’s given them another lift.”They’ve been two huge players for the team so I think it was the best thing for the club and you can see that with the performances this season.”As much as that hurts me I can understand that’s football and you move on.”I’m just so happy it’s worked out for them so far and I’ve just got my fingers crossed that hopefully there can be a fairytale end for Jurgen because he deserves it.”Henderson revealed he is still in touch with Klopp and hopes his announcement spurs the Reds on to further glory.He said: “Yes, I’ve spoken to Jurgen a little bit.”Obviously when I found out it was quite shocking news for everyone. But I wasn’t as surprised as everyone else was because he has been there for a long time.”The passion and emotion that he gives the team and the club – to do that for a long time must in the end wear you out.”I think that coming out like it has in the last few weeks will give them an extra energy boost for the remainder of the season.”I can see that already in him and the players as well.”Hopefully that gets them over the line and they win a few trophies over the next few months.”Gareth Southgate turned up to watch Henderson make his Ajax debut and the veteran midfielder believes that’s an encouraging sign as he targets a place in England’s Euro ’24 squad.”It was good for him to come and watch to see that he’s keeping an eye on me,” he said.”I definitely feel I can offer something to the national team, but I have got to be playing and doing my job here, that is my main focus.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But I feel I can help the squad and the team going forward in the next camp and hopefully in the summer.”Playing for my country is a huge thing and always has been.”Henderson joined Ajax in JanuaryCredit: Getty More