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    How Arsenal and West Ham can guarantee England an extra Champions League place thanks to Uefa rule change

    ARSENAL and West Ham can almost guarantee an extra Champions League place for English clubs in 2024-25 by evicting German teams from Europe.If Gabriel and his Gunners pals KO Bayern Munich and the Hammers win their Europa League tie with Leverkusen, then England take an unbridgeable lead over Germany in the race to finish in Uefa’s top two performing nations.Arsenal and Declan Rice could almost guarantee England a fifth Champions League spotCredit: GettyA West Ham win over Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League would be crucialCredit: RexAnd that would earn an extra spot for the Prem in the Champions League next term.Uefa’s big change to the “coefficient” system for the revamped and extended competition gives Prem clubs a huge advantage.Even Newcastle and Manchester United’s poor campaigns this season would have benefited England’s ranking more.While coefficient points are gained by wins and draws — with a country’s total accumulated points divided by the number of teams it has in Europe — there are also bonus points for progressing through the competitions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnder the new regulations, each of the 36 teams in the top tier will earn a minimum six points.CASHING INJUST getting into the Champions League will mean even MORE next term.While Uefa has reformed its cash distribution method, performances in Europe over the last five AND ten years are still taken into account.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSManchester City will bank £53million from Uefa. Almost certain of top-three finishes, Liverpool are set to earn £51.5m and Arsenal £44.6m.Most read in FootballAston Villa will not fare so well but still grab around £28m, compared to Spurs’ likely £39.4m, with both keen for England to get a fifth spot.Thomas Muller hilariously calls out Kai Havertz as Arsenal draw Bayern Munich in Champions League But Champions League riches are highlighted by Manchester United’s drop from £48m for the elite competition to just £12.85m in the Europa League.PLAY-OFF CONTROVERSYJUDE BELLINGHAM denied Belgium a first away win over England on Tuesday — but there was no chance of a stoppage-time goal in the game that has shocked their country.Fans of Ghent cried “fix” after Genk and Westerlo played out a non- aggression pact in the final minutes of the 1-1 draw on March 17.Despite having an extra man, Westerlo simply let the home team pass the ball around in their own half, with one visiting player actually doing fitness exercises in the centre circle while the game was going on.The result saw Genk get into the end of season play-offs for European slots ahead of Ghent.While Westerlo avoided the relegation play-offs.Belgian FA chiefs slammed a “sham of fairness” and have now issued fines on all 21 players on the pitch and bans for the two captains and both coaches.England fans can still buy hospitality packages for Euro 2024Credit: Getty Images – GettyEURO TRIPENGLAND fans with a few bob to spare can still get their hands on Euro 2024 tickets.Their three group games in Germany are sold out — except for Uefa hospitality packages.They start from £1,070 per match, with some higher-priced deals featuring meals planned by Michelin-starred chefs.Of 110million applications for the tournament’s 2m available tickets, 90m were binned as they came from online bots on behalf of touts.GAME, SET, MATCHWIMBLEDON tennis chiefs have asked SW19 punters if they should change their finals weekend match line-up.READ MORE SUN STORIESVisitors who logged on to the event’s wi-fi last year were emailed a link to a survey about the “scheduling of matches across the finals weekend”.The mixed doubles final was traditionally the  last match but has been  brought forward to be played on the second Thursday in recent years. More

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    Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul at risk of being CANCELLED if boxing legend fails unusual test written into fight rules

    MIKE TYSON’S fight with Jake Paul could be cancelled if he fails an unusual test in the fight rules.Iron Mike is set to face the YouTuber turned boxer at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on July 20.Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul could be cancelled if the boxing legend fails an unusual testCredit: instagram/@jakepaulTyson must submit favourable electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocardiogram (EKG) resultsCredit: ReutersBoth fighters are pushing for the bout to be a professional contest.However, the final decision rests with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations (TLDR).The TLDR could also cancel the fight if Tyson fails one of their pre-fight tests.Under their rules, fighters over the age of 38 must submit favourable electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocardiogram (EKG) results.READ MORE IN BOXINGFormer heavyweight world champion Tyson will be 58 by the time he makes his walk in Texas in four months time.The EEG evaluates a fighter for brain disorders, with heart problems detected by the EKG.TDLR communications manager Tela Mange also told USA Today Sports: “We can also request additional testing if we think it’s appropriate.”Even if Tyson passes the tests, though, the bout could still be deemed an exhibition fight.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn this case, both Tyson and Paul would wear 16-ounce gloves instead of the 10-ounce gloves usually seen in pro bouts.The fight would additionally consist of two-minute rounds as opposed to three minutes.Mike Tyson selling edibles shaped like bitten ears in New York in promo push before Jake Paul fightThere would also be no official judges to score the fight, as was the case for Tyson’s exhibition clash with Roy Jones Jr. in 2020.Two-minute rounds were also implemented for that bout, which was Tyson’s last action inside a boxing ring.Meanwhile, his most recent professional bout came all the way back in 2005. More

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    Sir Jim Ratcliffe secures first major appointment of Man Utd revolution as INEOS chief begins Old Trafford overhaul

    MANCHESTER UNITED are set to appoint Matt Johnson as their new head of women’s football.His appointment is the first major arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Old Trafford overhaul.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made his first major appointment at Manchester UnitedCredit: PAMatt Johnson will become the club’s new head of women’s football this summerCredit: XThe British billionaire is now in control of football operations at the Red Devils after buying a 25 per cent stake in the club.According to the Daily Mail, Ratcliffe has now swooped to hire Johnson as head of women’s football.He will replace Polly Bancroft when she departs at the end of the season.She confirmed her exit back in February, after being in the role since October 2022, ahead of joining Grimsby this summer.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe report adds that United hope Johnson’s experience working with youth football will help him connect the academy to the first-team.He is also seen to have excellent communication skills as well as previous working as the technical director for Blackburn’s Girls Centre of Excellence.However, he is currently the director of operations at the Manchester United Foundation.United are also understood to be in contract talks with women’s boss Marc Skinner, who is out of contract at the end of the season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSkinner has come under pressure from fans this term following a down turn in results.The Red Devils finished second in the Women’s Super League last season but are currently fifth in the table.Sir Jim Ratcliffe, 71, needs a PB in London Marathon if he’s to make Man Utd’s FA Cup semi-final after kick-off switchSaturday’s 3-1 loss to rivals Manchester City has left Skinner’s side 15 points adrift of current league leaders Chelsea. More

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    Man Utd and England ace Kobbie Mainoo was wanted by European giants in shock transfer when he was just 11

    KOBBIE MAINOO’S rapid rise to being a stalwart of the Manchester United first-team has been one of the highlights of the Red Devils’ season.But that almost didn’t happen after it was revealed that Juventus were interested in Mainoo when he was just eleven.Juventus were interested in Mainoo when he was just 11Credit: https://twitter.com/P_KlamaHe starred for England against BelgiumCredit: GettyThe Serie A heavyweights reportedly viewed him as “the next Paul Pogba” and wanted to repeat the trick of when they signed Pogba as a youngster for free from United in 2012.TalkSPORT spoke to Polish journalist Pawel Klama about how he had spotted Mainoo at an early age.He watched a United youth team play in the Murapol Cup against against Polish team Akademia Pilkarska Wisly Krakow in 2016.Mainoo played as an attacking midfielder that day, and Klama said his talent was clear to see, revealing: “During the Legia Cup he caught the attention of many people.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”From the tournament observers to the organisers, to the staff of other teams, including Juventus, where the coaches themselves asked if I knew anything more about him.”They were interested in him, but that’s pretty much it.”Most of the teams were impressed by him, how he plays, how mature he is at this stage of learning how to play football.”Whether there was any interest at a later stage, I don’t know.”Most read in FootballThe Italian club viewed Mainoo as ‘the next Paul Pogba’ – having signed him as a youngster from UnitedCredit: EPACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMainoo has only made 23 appearances for United this season after missing the first half with injury but has already won two England caps.He was a standout player during England’s 2-2 draw with Belgium and Klama says that comes as no surprise given how he played as a youngster.Kobbie Mainoo reacts to getting first senior England call-upKlama said: “What distinguished him at this age – at the U11 team level – he was self-confident. He had no fear of playing 1 vs. 2, or even 1 vs. 3.”He played great with the ball at his feet and had a definitely outstanding technique.”However, what attracted attention the most was how he led the team at such a young age. He was, I don’t want to call him a leader, but the other boys listened to him. It was obvious that he had something.”He was definitely one of those young boys who immediately attracted attention, and as I have been observing the Manchester academy for almost 15 years, he is for sure one of the most generational talents in the academy.”We all know about the Class of 92, but honestly I’ve never seen then or now a kiddo like him.” More

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    Ring girl and ex-Playboy model Amber Fields wears see-through Easter bunny lingerie as fans say ‘doesn’t get any better’

    AMBER FIELDS has stunned her fans with a set of see-through lingerie in her latest racy snaps.The ring girl left little to the imagination as she left her followers saying it “doesn’t get any better”.Amber Fields wowed her fans by posing in see-through Easter bunny lingerieCredit: Instagram @missamberfieldsThe ring girl left her fans saying ‘it doesn’t get any better’Credit: Instagram @missamberfieldsAmber posed alongside pal Alyssa Grassie in a series of Instagram snaps.The pair celebrated Spring Break at South Beach, Miami in their skimpy festive outfits.They smiled for the camera and flaunted their physiques in their see-through Easter bunny lingerie.As well as posing on a balcony, Amber also included a behind-the-scenes mirror selfie of herself and Alyssa.READ MORE SPORT NEWSShe captioned the post: “Have your baskets ready, because these Bunnies brought you gifts!!”The snaps had Amber’s fan swooning in the comments section, with one writing: “This is how Easter should be celebrated.”Another added: “It doesn’t get any better than you two.”A third follower also commented: “Looks like heaven to me.”Most read in BoxingAmber posed alongside her pal Alyssa GrassieCredit: Instagram @missamberfieldsThe duo rocked their skimpy outfits as they headed out in Miami for Spring BreakCredit: Instagram @missamberfieldsMeanwhile, one more said: “Simply beautiful.”The model, who has previously appeared in Playboy, has amassed a million followers on Instagram.Ring girl and Playboy model stuns in daring swimsuit and risks Jake Paul wrath with prediction for Andre August fightShe has also caught the eye as a ring girl for the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.Amber’s fans are regularly treated to racy uploads from inside the ring and at various photoshoots.Another recent post saw her show off her sideboob as she stunned in a separate skimpy outfit.Amber has caught the eye as a ring girl for the Bare Knuckle Fighting ChampionshipCredit: Instagram @missamberfieldsThe model has also appeared in Playboy in the pastCredit: @missamberfields More

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    Lionel Messi speaks out on retirement plan as Barcelona legend opens up on ‘rebuilding life’ after ‘difficult change’

    LIONEL MESSI doesn’t know when he will retire nor what he will do next. The 36-year-old says he will make the decision to end his career when he feels that he is no longer performing, having fun or helping his team-mates. Lionel Messi has opened up on his futureCredit: AFPMessi has revealed he is not ready to hang up his boots just yetCredit: ReutersIn an interview with Big Time Podcast, Messi made it clear that age will not be a decisive factor when deciding to stop playing. The Inter Miami star hasn’t “thought about it yet” and said: “I try to enjoy everyday life, the moments, without thinking about the future.”I don’t have anything defined yet, I hope to continue playing for a while longer, which is what I like. When the time comes I will surely find the way.”Messi’s career was given a major jolt in 2021 when he made his shock move to PSG.READ MORE ON MESSIBarcelona was unable to offer him a new contract due to their financial problems. PSG wasn’t the change Messi was looking for and he now says the hasty change was “difficult”. The Argentine said: “It was a difficult change when I went to PSG, because I was doing very well at Barcelona and I thought about staying. I wasn’t ready to leave, it all happened very quickly.”He added: “I had to rebuild my life from one day to the next at PSG.Most read in Football”I discovered another league, another club, a new locker room. It was difficult at first.” Messi scored 32 goals in 75 appearances during his two years at PSG.While with the Parisians he lifted two French league titles – as well as the 2022 World Cup with Argentina. BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe football legend says he couldn’t ask for more when it comes to the sporting field. Messi said: “I try to take advantage of everything God has given me so far, which is a lot.Lionel Messi ‘hits toddler with wayward free-kick’ in latest MLS clash with Inter Miami but scores twice in 5-0 win”I hope to continue playing for a while longer, which is what I like. When the time comes I will surely find the way.”Messi is currently at Inter Miami and his contract expires at the end of the 2025 MLS season – but that deal includes an extension option for 2026. Since Messi’s arrival in July, Miami embarked on a club-record 12-game unbeaten streak, with Messi scoring 11 goals and claiming five assists. Inter Miami won their first piece of silverware, the Leagues Cup against Nashville SC, in a dramatic penalty shootout shortly after his arrival. More

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    Graeme Souness, 70, reveals he ‘will never retire’ as a pundit despite Sky Sports exit

    LIVERPOOL legend Graeme Souness has vowed to ‘never retire’ from football punditry.The 70-year-old three-time European Cup winner agreed to leave Sky Sports last April.Souness said he does not plan to ever stop offering football analysisCredit: ReutersSouness worked for the Premier League broadcaster for over 15 years and fought back tears during his final appearance.But this week he explained that it is getting harder to be a pundit in modern football. He argued that there’s a balancing act between using the right words while still being honest and critical when it is required.The Scotsman has not retreated in that regard as he continues to offer his famously candid assessments on talkSPORT.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe was on pundit duty for ITV’s FA Cup coverage of Manchester United’s dramatic 4-3 win over rivals Liverpool.And he will be at the Euros for Scotland’s opener against hosts Germany.He told The Telegraph: “I will never retire.“I will be retired when the phone stops ringing. I know we have to be very careful with what words we choose now, but you must be as honest as you possibly can, consistently.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”And just be real. That is becoming more and more difficult for the guys who are doing it now.”He disagreed with the notion that pundits should be required to have achieved it all in order to analyse the top level.He added: “That is like saying Arsene Wenger or Jose Mourinho shouldn’t have been great managers.“There are people I will listen to. There are people I think ‘no, you have nothing I’m going to learn from you at all’. That is only me.”Last month, he told Simon Jordan on their podcast that his radio and charity work has kept him busier than ever.Graeme Souness is swapping being a TV pundit to swim the English Channel More

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    Disgraced Spanish FA chief Luis Rubiales facing 2.5 YEARS in prison and £85,000 payout over World Cup kiss scandal

    THE axed Spanish FA chief who planted an unwanted kiss on a Women’s World Cup winner’s lips should be jailed for two-and-a-half years, prosecutors say.Disgraced Luis Rubiales should also pay £85,000 compensation to victim Jenni Hermoso if convicted of sexual assault and covering up the infamous “Kissgate” scandal.Luis Rubiales could face two and a half years in prisonCredit: APThe axed Spanish FA chief planted an unwanted kiss on a Women’s World Cup winner’s lipsCredit: GettyThe moment where Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales kisses Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso on the lipsCredit: EnterpriseLuis Rubiales and Piers Morgan on Talk TVCredit: Talk TVThe demands were laid out in a six-page indictment made public yesterday amid continuing fall-out 46-year-old Rubiales’s behaviour at the World Cup Final in Australia last year.Prosecutors say his unseemly conduct – beamed worldwide on TV – warrants a one-year jail term for a sexual assault.But they are also demanding a separate one-year and six month prison sentence for “coercion” linked to his alleged attempts to get Jenni, 33, to speak out in his defence.Madrid-based judge Francisco de Jorge paved the way for Rubiales to face criminal action earlier this year after recommending he be put in the dock.Read more on Luis RubialesHe said his long-running probe had uncovered “solid evidence” pointing to the potential illegality of the kiss.Mr de Jorge has already quizzed the former football boss and his alleged victim separately in closed sessions at Spain’s national court.He said: “The investigation has revealed the existence of solid evidence the kiss was not consensual and was a unilateral and surprise initiative on his part.“Whether there was not any erotic intention or it was a result of the state of euphoria … is something that should be valued in a public trial.”Most read in FootballHe said he had concluded Hermoso had been left “bewildered and surprised” by the “unexpected” kiss and “didn’t have time to react”.Rubiales grabbed her by the head with both hands and locked lips with her at the awards ceremony in front of millions of TV viewers watching live last August.Spain FA chief Rubiales enters women’s dressing room and vows to MARRY Hermoso and take stars to Ibiza after kiss stormRubiales’ home was raided earlier this month as part of a separate corruption probe into a deal to move the Super Cup to Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyA Europol agent and several agents from the Guardia Civil’s Central Operational Unit leave the Royal Spanish Football Federation last week in MadridCredit: GettyHe also proposed former Spain’s women’s team manager Jorge Vilda, men’s team director Albert Luque and former FA marketing director Ruben Rivera should face trial.Mr de Jorge said in his written ruling he believed there was enough evidence to proceed with a formal accusation against all three for their “concerted action” to nobble Jenni.He said Rubiales and the rio tried to “break Jennifer Hermoso’s will and get her to agree to record a video saying the kiss had been consensual”.The judge concluded in his bombshell ruling: “The pressure the player was submitted to created in Jennifer Hermoso a situation of anxiety and intense stress.”Public prosecutors said yesterday they were seeking prison sentences of one year and six months for Vilda, Luque and Rivera if convicted of coercion.Hermoso, 33, who now plays for Mexican side Tigres, sparked the Audiencia Nacional investigation by filing a complaint against Rubiales last September.She his unsolicited smacker as a sexist act which left her feeling vulnerable – after Rubiales insisted it was consensual and “a peck”.Mr de Jorge banned him from going within 200 metres of Hermoso or making any contact with her.Defiant Rubiales pledged “I will defend my honourability. I will defend my innocence.“I have faith in the future. I have faith in the truth. Thanks to everybody.”Rubiales is at the centre of a separate corruption probe over to a multi-million euro deal to relocate the Spanish Super Cup to Saudi Arabia.He is currently in the Dominican Republic but has promised to return to Spain to defend himself.An apartment belonging to the former Spanish FA chief was searched earlier this month.And today, six suspects have been arrested after state prosecutors raided 11 premises around Spain as part of the Saudi Arabia cup probe, Sky News reported.The offices of the Spanish Football Federation on the outskirts of Madrid were searched, along with Rubiales’ residence in the southern city of Granada.However, Spain’s Guardia Civil stated that the former president was not one of the six arrested and was out of the country when authorities raided his property.READ MORE SUN STORIESRubiales is one of five persons formally under investigation, according to authorities.The office of Spain’s state prosecutors stated that police and Europol detectives were looking for papers and that the operation is expected to result in seven arrests and the identification of five additional persons as under investigation.Luis Rubiales resigned as president of the Spanish Football Federation following criticism over the ‘Kissgate’ scandalCredit: Getty More