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    Eight major law and technology changes being brought in for Club World Cup including ref cams and ‘Arteta rule’

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      Fifa to introduce major change to offside decisions at Club World Cup to avoid repeat of Taiwo Awoniyi injury horror

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      Jude Bellingham in incredible meltdown after England lose to Senegal as he boots water cooler and chases assistant ref

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      Uriah Rennie dead: Premier League’s first black referee passes away aged 65 after rare condition left him paralysed

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      PREMIER League’s first black referee Uriah Rennie has tragically passed away aged 65.Legend Rennie had recently opened up about a rare condition that left him paralysed from the waist down.Rennie had been diagnosed with a rare neurological conditionRennie has died aged 65Credit: GettyKieran Richardson (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United protest to referee Uriah Rennie in 2006Credit: GettyOnce described as the “fittest” referee in England’s top division, Rennie refereed over 300 top flight matches between 1997 and 2008.But after experiencing intense back pain while on holiday in Turkey last year, Rennie was admitted to Northern General Hospital in October.He told the BBC: “I thought I had just slept funny on a sun lounger, I was hoping to go paragliding but because of my backache I couldn’t go.”By the end of the holiday I couldn’t sleep a wink from the pain, and by the time I got home I could barely walk.read more sport”I spent a month laid on my back and another four months sitting in bed.”They kept me in hospital until February, they found a nodule pushing on my spine and it was a rare neurological condition so it’s not something they can operate on.”I have had to learn to move all over again, I’m retraining my legs.”He continued: “It was strange – I went from running around the city to in essence being in traction for such a long time.Most read in Football”I didn’t have any previous back problems but quite suddenly I wasn’t able to move and was in a spinal unit.”Having been a magistrate in Sheffield since 1996 and campaigned for issues such as improving equality and inclusion in sport, Rennie was on the verge of starting a new role as Sheffield Hallam University chancellor when he first went into hospital.West Ham star Michail Antonio shares footage of himself learning to walk again after escaping death in horror crashHe later spent much of his time in physiotherapy and completing movement exercises at his home.Describing his state of movement a few months ago, he said: “I can move my feet and I can stand with a frame attached to my wheelchair but I need to work on my glutes.”I rock around in my chair doing my exercises, I’m a very good, compliant patient.”It has been frustrating but family and friends have been invaluable, the hospital was absolutely superb and the university has been exceptional.”Rennie made history in 1997 when he became the Premier League’s first black referee, officiating a match between Derby County and Wimbledon.An FA statement read: “The FA Refereeing Department is saddened to hear of the passing of former FIFA and Premier League referee, Uriah Rennie.”Uriah will forever be remembered as a true trailblazer of the game. Our thoughts are with Uriah’s family and friends at this time.”Tributes to Rennie have been pouring in, with Sheffield United posting on social media: “Sheffield United are saddened to learn of the passing of popular and trailblazing referee Uriah Rennie. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.”And ex-Premier League striker Stan Collymore said: “Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of referee Uriah Rennie. “A pioneer, trailblazer and a bloody good ref. Rest in peace, Ref.”The Sheffield FA also paid tribute to Rennie, saying: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former Chair and trailblazing referee, Uriah Rennie. “Uriah made history as the Premier League’s first Black referee, officiating over 300 top-flight matches between 1997 and 2008.Read More on The Sun”He broke down barriers, shaped our football community and inspired generations to come. “Our thoughts are with Uriah’s family and friends at this difficult time.”Rennie signals during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool in 2003Credit: Getty More

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      Club World Cup to trial FIVE ‘trailblazing innovations’ as Fifa chief confirms ‘groundbreaking’ new rule changes

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      THE Club World Cup will trial five brand new rule changes when it kicks off later this month.Fifa’s revamped tournament gets underway on June 15 and will see top clubs from around the globe face off for an elaborate trophy and mega prize money. Fifa have announced five rule changes for the upcoming Club World CupCredit: ReutersFifa secretary general Mattias Grafstrom has labelled the changes as ‘trailblazing innovations’Credit: PAThe tournament, which used to feature just six teams, has been expanded to 32 teams, spanning Europe, South America, North America, Africa, Asia and Oceania.But it’s not just the tournament format that is going to look different, but also the way the games are officiated, after Fifa announced five “trailblazing innovations” to be used in the competition.Football’s world governing body, and tournament organisers, have revealed that fans will get to see more of the referee’s decision making than ever before.The first change announced is that referees will wear body cameras during matches, with the footage used during live match broadcasts.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhile footage from referee monitor reviews (VAR) will be aired live inside the stadium – something Premier League fans have been asking to see for some time.Fifa will also trial an “advanced” semi-automated offside technology using sensors inside the balls, in hopes of making further improvement on the tech already used in Uefa competitions like the Champions League.A fourth change will be the use of AI to collect live match data, helping fans see even more stats and figures to dissect the match.While the final innovation is that managers and coaching staff will be able to request their substitutions to the fourth official through a digital tablet, doing away with the old fashioned paper slips used at present.Most read in FootballReferee’s will wear body cameras that will be used during TV broadcastsVAR replays will be shown on screens inside stadiums at the tournamentCredit: ReutersClub World Cup 2025 GuideSOME of the world’s biggest clubs are heading Stateside for a MAMMOTH Club World Cup.Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Man City, and Inter Miami are among the 32 teams taking part in the tournament, which runs from June 14 to July 13.Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Ousmane Dembele, Cole Palmer and Harry Kane will be showing their skills to packed crowds across the US.Los Blancos are favourites to lift the trophy in New York but will face stiff competition from around the globe.Watch EVERY match of the Club World Cup 2025 on DAZNHere’s everything you need to know ahead of the tournament…INFOLATEST NEWS & FEATURESCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFifa’s secretary general Mattias Grafstrom praised the organisation for the new additions.He said: “Fifa has a proud history of breaking new ground at its elite tournaments, and the Fifa Club World Cup will continue that trend. The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will see the World’s best players decide which club is the greatest “With the best clubs competing for the title of world champions, it is fitting that these trailblazing innovations will be on display at such a prestigious tournament.”The tournament will be broadcast for free on streaming service DAZN in the UK.Fans can look forward to rare matchups between teams from different continents with clubs like Real Madrid, Flamengo, Man City, Chelsea and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami all involved.The tournament is taking place across the United States of America, with top NFL and MLS stadiums hosting the matches.The final, which takes place on July 13, will be hosted in New York at the MetLife Stadium – home of the New York Jets and New York Giants.Fifa’s new Club World Cup rulesHere’s a look at the five new ‘trailblazing innovations’ introduced by Fifa for the Club World Cup… Referees will wear body cameras with the footage used on live match broadcasts.Footage from referee monitor reviews will be aired live in stadiums.Advanced semi-automated offside technology will be in use. Balls will have a sensor inside.AI will be used to collect live match data as part of FIFA’s partnership with Hawk-Eye.Substitutions will be requested on a digital tablet rather than via paper slips. More

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      Champions League giants could be hit with three-month stadium ban for refusing to let Cristiano Ronaldo play there

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      PORTUGUESE giants Benfica could be hit with a three-month stadium ban and a fine.Benfica issued a remarkable statement targeting the standard of officiating across Portuguese club competition last month, risking a backlash from the Portuguese Footballing Federation (FPF).Benfica face a three month stadium banCredit: GettyThe club have threatened to deny Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portuguese national team access to their stadium amid complaints about officiating in PortugalCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe Champions League club lashed out at “serious events” in the late rounds of the Portuguese Cup and Liga Portugal season that saw them miss out on both trophies to Sporting Lisbon.Benfica’s statement requested disciplinary reviews against VAR officials from the Portuguese Cup final and the immediate release of audio recordings from the match.While they also detailed that they would inform the FPF that they will not host the Portugal national team at the Estadio da Luz “until integrity prevails in domestic competitions” – barring Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates from the ground.That vow could prove costly to the two-time Champions League winners, who face a ban and a fine if they follow through with the threat.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat’s because FPF rules state that any club that refuses to make their stadium available to the national team “without justified cause” will be subject to a penalty.That penalty consists of a stadium ban, running from one to three months, and fine.At present no action has been taken against Benfica.Benfica narrowly missed out on the Primeira Liga title by two points following a 1-1 draw with Braga on the final day of the season.Most read in FootballBenfica’s requestsTake a look at the action that Benfica have requested is taken following their complaint about officiating in Portugal…To request disciplinary review against the refereeing and VAR team of the Cup Final.To request disciplinary review against players Matheus Reis and Maxi Araújo for the multiple attacks on player Andrea Belotti.Demand the immediate release of the audio recordings between the Referee and VAR from the Portuguese Cup Final, as well as the scores given to them.Make a statement to FIFA, UEFA and IFAB regarding the illicit application of the VAR protocol in Portugal, which has called into question integrity.Demand that the newly elected Refereeing Council take a public position, presenting concrete measures and solutions to correct its actions, under penalty of not being able to continue in office.Suspend participation in the Centralisation League working groups and request an urgent hearing with the Government, informing it that, at this time, the conditions to move forward with this process are not being met.Inform the Portuguese Football Federation that, until integrity prevails in domestic competitions, Sport Lisboa e Benfica will be unavailable to host matches of the National Team in its stadium. Sport Lisboa e Benfica demands that the next season be decided on the pitch, in a transparent manner, which did not happen in the sports season that is now finished. We always assume our responsibilities. We demand that those who oversee and govern Portuguese football also assume theirs.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile they fell to a controversial 3-1 defeat to Sporting in the Potuguese Cup final too, conceding in the 11th minute of injury time before shipping two more goals in extra-time. Club president Rui Costa slammed the officials after the conclusion of the cup final.Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, 14, given dad’s number and copies iconic pose as he makes Portugal debut with grandma watchingHe said: “Benfica lost, I accept that responsibility, but we have to look at Portuguese football. We definitely have to look at Portuguese football.”Adding: “So, let those in charge of refereeing, let those in charge of the referees analyse this game and see how a VAR that can cancel out two situations for Benfica can’t see two plays like this. “He’s probably going to be rewarded now and become the leader of VAR in Portugal, which is an extraordinary thing. “I repeat: you’ve rarely heard me talk about referees, but there are situations that go beyond that. “I’ve tried, I’ve tried to be a president of an institution the size of Benfica that is responsible and tries to help Portuguese football in this regard.”But there are situations that go beyond all limits, because these aren’t mistakes that we should be discussing here: whether it was a foul, whether it wasn’t a foul, whether it was a penalty, whether it wasn’t a penalty. Read More on The Sun”We’re talking about two clear, obvious assaults, not seen either by the linesman, who was standing next to the play, or by the referee, or by the VAR.”Benfica are currently preparing for the Club World Cup.Club President Rui Costa didn’t hold back in his assessment of the Portuguese officialsCredit: Getty More

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      ‘I hate it, hate it’ – Premier League official rages at VAR as referee says ‘we knew the monster that had been created’

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      REF Bobby Madley let rip at VAR, insisting its usage means football will never see another Sergio Aguero moment.And Madley slammed Prem chiefs for creating a “monster” that is “ruining” the beautiful game.Referee Bobby Madley has not held back when discussing VARCredit: GettyThe Wakefield-born whistler, 39, who takes charge of EFL games and is a fourth official for top-flight matches, raged: “Most fans weren’t clambering to get video technology.“Players weren’t, referees weren’t, but the multi-million pound people running football had issues with refs getting things wrong.“But we knew the monster that had been created — we knew what was coming.“We’ve got to the stage where people go, ‘Sorry, we’re ruining football with this now’.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere have been a string of controversies since the technology was introduced in 2019.VAR Lee Mason was axed for failing to rule out a Brentford equaliser against title-chasing Arsenal in 2023 after “forgetting” to draw the offside lines.Howard Webb’s ref body, the PGMOL, issued an apology to Liverpool when VAR wrongly ruled out a Luis Diaz goal in a 2-1 loss to Spurs the following season.Aguero’s famous final-game, stoppage-time winner clinched Manchester City’s first title in 2012.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut at the Cheltenham Science Festival, Madley added: “That Aguero moment, where the ref was blowing, nobody’s flagging, you are never going to see that again.“Because everyone will panic as they check a potential offside 15 seconds ago. VAR takes that emotion away. I hate it, hate it.”New footage sees raging Jude Bellingham KICK VAR monitor in frustration after Real Madrid’s last-gasp defeatVAR: Imagine the future…Martin 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. More

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      David Coote produced an admirable act of humility as picture of shamed ref working as Evri delivery driver went viral

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      BIZARRELY, David Coote’s former career as a Premier League referee will stand him in good stead as a delivery driver.He’ll be dealing with two yellows every working day, just as before.Former Premier League referee David Coote has taken on a new career as an Evri delivery driverCoote fell from grace after a video leaked showing him ranting against Jurgen KloppCredit: PAOnly instead of cards, it’s those two thick, emulsioned lines by the roadside where he swings his Evri van in front of a school entrance and slaps on the hazard lights before dumping a poly-wrapped, fake Nike top from China on the wrong doorstep.What a come-down for the man who took charge of a Wembley final involving Manchester United and Newcastle only two years ago.Equally, what an admirable act of humility and courage by someone who brought shame upon himself and his profession but, as he says so himself, “is trying to move forwards and regain a sense of purpose and responsibility”.When one of football’s most promising officials was captured on video, slurring his way through a foul-mouthed rant at Jurgen Klopp, it was easy to dismiss him as another pompous and pumped-up symbol of the Premier League era.Read More on FootballBut as this fascinating story unfolds, Coote more and more is morphing into its victim as opposed to its perpetrator.By labelling Klopp a German c*** and snorting cocaine to earn a 16-month ban, he let himself down.But maybe he did so as a release from the relentless pressure heaped upon him as a referee at the top level of our national game.At first Coote appears as a p****d-up prima donna, showing off in what he believed was the assured privacy of intimate surroundings with friends, having a pop at Liverpool’s manager because he could.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt’s some fall from officiating the 2023 Carabao Cup final to haring around his home county of Nottinghamshire dropping off parcels part-time for minimum or living wage.But having been sacked by his paymasters at the PGMOL, the fact he is not too proud to take any job to get back on his feet suggests a person ready to pay their penance.Shamed Ref David Coote EXCLUSIVE on death threats, coke battle & coming out | The SunIt’s not just the animated reaction of Klopp that is to blame.There are 20 unexploded bombs like him managing in the Premier League because they are under enormous  pressure, too.Klopp’s heated exchange at Coote after Liverpool did not get a penalty in a 1-1 draw with Burnley is just one example of the dozens that litter every season.Every decision referees make is under more scrutiny than ever before.Whether that’s the fault of TV’s ever intrusive coverage or that there is silly money involved in men’s football today is irrelevant. It’s how life is.I imagine Thomas Bramall, the latest referee to be walking around with a target on his back for blowing his whistle too quickly in Aston Villa’s final-day defeat at Man Utd is starting to understand the reality of life as a top-class ref.Reality of life as a top-class refThe intricacies of his mistake are too complicated to explain in one column but it’s fair to say he cocked up.In their defence, Villa were largely restrained in their vocal reaction despite lodging a formal complaint, as is their right.The wider criticism has been astonishing and whether justified or not, young referee Bramall is being painted a pretty grim picture of what’s in store if he stays in his job.It’s patently obvious by what’s happened to Coote that it’s an alarmingly quick process to plummet from the heights of running a showpiece final in front of 90,000 fans to becoming a delivery boy.But while it’s tempting to feel sorry for him, we should not.We should instead give credit to a bloke who made a mistake and is now trying to put it behind him without crying out for pity.And perhaps reflect on the foundations of fury that can make referees crumble so spectacularly as he did.Besides, dealing with frothing managers day in, day out who feel totally wronged by even the slightest thing that goes against them is actually the perfect training for becoming a white van man.Try pulling out on him at a T-junction.************MILLIE BRIGHT’S shock withdrawal from the Euro 2025 squad reminds of one thing.Women look after themselves better than men, physically and mentally.They tend to be braver than men too when it comes to knowing their limits.It takes courage to pull out of an international tournament — especially when England are defending their European crown.The 31-year-old Chelsea defender admits she had to fight off her ego to make the call.That is something men rarely do enough of, overcome primeval urges and make a decision in favour of their own well-being at the top level of sport.Too many would lose that battle with their own psyche. Pull out and you are still considered a loser among the boys.Bright is a winner for thinking of things more important than football.****************INGESTING biometric tablets to record things like stress levels from the inside is both fascinating and horrifying.England’s players have been doing this under boss Thomas Tuchel’s instruction as they prepare for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Andorra.Now, I have no idea if these tablets are single-use, and I don’t really want to ask anyone at the Football Association for the details either.But if not, just picture the scene 24 hours after swallowing — when what goes in must come out.Lots of Premier League stars peering down between hairy legs on the loo.And who on earth has the job of washing them?Or maybe each player has his own, complete with initials — like ‘HK’ for Harry Kane — to avoid unpleasant mix-ups. Yuk.********IN the final scene of The Empire Strikes Back, the rebel fleet disperses as Luke Skywalker and pals head for different galaxies at the speed of light.The break-up of Bournemouth’s over-achieving squad this summer has a similar ring to it.Read More on The SunFirst Dean Huijsen heads to Real Madrid, now Milos Kerkez looks bound for Liverpool. Newcastle are eyeing Dango Ouattara.Pretty soon the gallant band of brothers — which beat  Arsenal (twice) and Nottingham Forest, also coming close to European qualification  — will be splintered across the football cosmos, leaving Cherries manager Andoni Iraola standing alone like Obi-Wan Kenobi. More

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      Bruno Fernandes’ ex-referee wife went from paying for dates when he was broke to convincing him to snub £200m Saudi move

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      BRUNO FERNANDES revealed wife Ana had a huge say on his decision to snub the Saudi Pro League.The Portuguese star turned down a £200million package from Al-Hilal to stay at Manchester United.Bruno Fernandes’ wife Ana has helped convince him to stay at UnitedCredit: GettyThe pair are childhood sweethearts and have been together since they were teenagersCredit: Instagram @anaapinho_Ana is a former futsal referee and had to pay for their early datesCredit: Instagram/anaapinho_Fernandes and Ana married in 2015 and have two childrenCredit: Instagram/anaapinho_Fernandes was a rare shining light in a dismal Old Trafford season last term.And the skipper has now turned down a fortune to stay in the North West.Reports suggest Al Hilal offered to TRIPLE Fernandes’ £250,000-a-week wages. But with two years remaining on his United deal, the 30-year-old has decided to remain in Manchester.READ MORE ON SPORTFernandes said: “There was that possibility [I could leave], the president of Al Hilal called me a month ago to ask. “There was a waiting period on my part to think about what the future would hold. I would be open to it, if Manchester United felt it was my time.”I spoke with [manager] Ruben Amorim, who really tried to talk me out of it. “I spoke with the club, which wasn’t willing to sell, only if I truly wanted to leave.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”We never talked about money – that was all handled by my agent, not me.”Fernandes and Ana are childhood sweethearts and met in their teens. Gary Neville names four Man Utd stars who must leave this summer They married in 2015 and have two children together – Matilde, 8, and Goncalo, 4.And he leaned on his rock for advice on whether to leave the Theatre of Dreams this summer. Fernandes continued: “I spoke with my family to understand if that was what I wanted for my future.”It was actually my wife who asked me – I never said yes or no.Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford”She put my professional priorities ahead of everything else.”During Fernandes’ early days as a struggling player, he did not have the money to take his beau out on dates.Ana funded their relationship by refereeing futsal matches on weekends.And the United star credits her with getting them through the “tough times”.Fernandes said: “Ana has been with me on this ride since we were 16, 17, 18 years old.”We met as teenagers, and when we first started dating, I wasn’t making any money as a footballer.”She had a nice job working as a futsal referee on the weekends.“She used to do three or four matches in a row on a Saturday, and then we would always go to the cinema on Sundays.“I personally didn’t have much money at the time so Ana was the one who had to pay for our movie tickets.”Same with going out to dinner. Even at the pizza shop, she had to pay.”Despite Fernandes bringing in the big bucks, Ana continues to be her own boss.She is the owner and CEO of architecture and interior design company Studio Otto.Read More on The SunAna boasts over 120,000 followers on social media.Her presence is mostly dedicated to her family and Bruno’s success at United, earning her the moniker “Queen of Old Trafford.” More