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    Chelsea chief Todd Boehly proposes dramatic rule change that would see EFL clubs become Premier League owners

    TODD Boehly has proposed dramatic rule change to help bridge the gap between the Premier League and the Championship.The under-fire Chelsea chief also took the chance to brush off the fan protest outside Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.Todd Boehly proposed dramatic rule change to help bridge the gap in English footballCredit: GettyFans descended before Tuesday’s league game against SouthamptonBoehly drew upon his knowledge as an investor to suggest a ground-breaking rule change for the Prem to boost competitiveness.Speaking at the Financial Times’ Business of Football summit, Boehly explained: “There is a bit of an unorganised landscape in European football.”It reminds me of the Retail Sports Network market in America. There is a handful of things that needs to be sorted.”One of the challenges is relegation in football. It’s hard to price. If everyone was equal, you’d have a 15 per cent chance of relegation.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWS”But everyone isn’t equal, so you have to work out how best to address that valuation challenge.”Relegation is cultural and not going anywhere. So why not every season when a team is in the EPL, you get one share of EPL stock and even if you go down you keep that stock.”The gulf between the Championship and Prem cannot be understated.Last season saw all three promoted sides, Luton, Burnley and Sheffield United, suffer immediate relegation for the first time since 1998.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe same fate currently awaits Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich, with the trio occupying the drop zone with 11 matches remaining.But Boehly also shrugged off the fan protests which preceded Chelsea’s 4-0 win over the Saints on Tuesday.Chelsea fans can’t name their OWN PLAYERS after another wild transfer window under owner Todd BoehlyHe said: “I just think it is par for the course.”The sooner you learn you are not going to keep all the people happy all the time, the freedom shows up.”We are just trying to execute a plan and recognise things aren’t linear, and we are trending in the right direction.”The trend is moving in the right direction and that’s the thing that really matters.”In June, it will be three years in charge. That’s not a lot of time, especially when you get to 50, 60 or 70 years old in life.”Promoted Southampton sit bottom of the Prem with two wins from 27 gamesCredit: PASupporters directed their anger towards Todd Boehly and ownership group BlueCoOn Chelsea’s poor No 9 recruitment, he added: “Strikers are hard to find.”You don’t go into the grocery store and say, ‘I’m going to get a striker’.”It is an amazing skillset and you also have to have a fantastic mentality.”The final question by moderator Arash Massoudi was whether the ownership will change given the talk of disagreements between him and Clearlake. He answered: “Listen, I can’t predict the future. If I could, I wouldn’t be here talking to you.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAs for Chelsea, Enzo Maresca’s side are well in the hunt for a top four finish after beating the Saints this week.The Blues are one point adrift of fourth-placed Manchester City in fifth.Chelsea ratings vs Southampton as Cole Palmer STILL can’t score or assist… and gets a horror grade More

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    Premier League TV games announced with Man Utd vs Man City time revealed and huge Chelsea clash on Thursday night

    THE Premier League have confirmed April’s TV fixtures.Several high-profile matches have been moved in order to be shown on the box.The Manchester derby is set to be shown live on TVCredit: PAThe Manchester derby is now set to take place on Sunday, 6 April – kicking off at 4:30pm live on Sky Sports.This will be one of four Manchester United matches to be shown on TV next month.Their trip to Nottingham Forest will be broadcast on TNT Sports on April 1.While their trip to Newcastle will now take place on Sunday, 13 April at 4:30pm to be shown on Sky Sports.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBournemouth vs Man Utd will also be shown on Sky Sports, kicking off at 2pm on Sunday, 27 April.Chelsea’s feisty London clash with Tottenham Hotspur, meanwhile, has been moved back 24 hours to take place on Thursday, 3 April and will also be shown on Sky.Both sides will be well accustomed to playing on Thursday nights by now, having both reached the latter stages of the Europa Conference League and Europa League, respectively.Among the other standouts is Liverpool’s Anfield derby with Everton.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe game will feature Arne Slot back in the dugout following his ban, and will be shown live on Sky Sports at 8pm on Wednesday, 2 April.League leaders Liverpool will have their West London clash with Fulham televised by Sky, kicking off at 2pm on Sunday, 6 April ahead of the Manchester derby.I experienced the poshest, most exclusive stand in the Premier League and it was like no otherEvery single one of the Reds’ matches in April will be shown on TV – with games against West Ham, Leicester and Tottenham all to be shown on Sky Sports.There will be four Monday Night Football offerings on Sky in April.Leicester vs Newcastle, Bournemouth vs Fulham, Tottenham vs Nottingham Forest and Manchester City vs Aston Villa are the matches that have been selected.April Prem TV fixtures in fullTuesday 1 April20:00 Nottingham Forest v Man Utd (TNT Sports)Wednesday 2 April20:00 Liverpool v Everton (Sky Sports)Thursday 3 April20:00 Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur (Sky Sports)Saturday 5 April12:30 Everton v Arsenal (TNT Sports)17:30 Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest (Sky Sports)Sunday 6 April14:00 Fulham v Liverpool (Sky Sports)16:30 Man Utd v Man City (Sky Sports)Monday 7 April20:00 Leicester City v Newcastle United (Sky Sports)Saturday 12 April12:30 Man City v Crystal Palace (TNT Sports)17:30 Arsenal v Brentford (Sky Sports)Sunday 13 April14:00 Liverpool v West Ham (Sky Sports)16:30 Newcastle United v Man Utd (Sky Sports)Monday 14 April20:00 AFC Bournemouth v Fulham (Sky Sports)Saturday 19 April17:30 Aston Villa v Newcastle United (Sky Sports)Sunday 20 April 14:00 Ipswich Town v Arsenal (Sky Sports)16:30 Leicester City v Liverpool (Sky Sports)Monday 21 April20:00 Tottenham Hotspur v Nottingham Forest (Sky Sports)Saturday 26 April12:30 Chelsea v Everton (TNT Sports)17:30 Arsenal v Crystal Palace (Sky Sports)Sunday 27 April14:00 AFC Bournemouth v Man Utd (Sky Sports)16:30 Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur (Sky Sports)Monday 28 April 20:00 Man City v Aston Villa (Sky Sports) More

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    David Coote slapped with lengthy Uefa ban for bringing the sport of football into disrepute

    DAVID COOTE has been banned from officiating by Uefa until 2026.Coote, 42, had already been sacked by the PGMOL in December following a “thorough investigation” into his conduct.David Coote has been banned by UefaCredit: GettyNow Uefa have hit him with a ban of their own, effective immediately and running until June 30, 2026.Uefa revealed that Coote has been banned for “bringing the sport of football, and Uefa in particular, into disrepute”, as well as “violating the basic rules of decent conduct”.The European football governing body opened an investigation into Coote following The Sun’s exclusive video of Coote snorting a white power while on duty at Euro 2024.Coote’s ban means he can no longer officiate in the Nations League, Champions League, Europa League or Uefa Conference League.READ MORE ON DAVID COOTEWhile, despite him already being sacked, Uefa’s jurisdiction over the English leagues means he won’t be able to officiate in the Premier League either. Coote was initially suspended by the PGMOL following a video emerging online of the referee calling then-Liverpool manager a “German c***”.Paul Field, chairman of the ­Referees’ Association, had said he hoped Coote is able to remain in English football.He said: “The work he does with young people is exemplary. He’s an unbelievable tutor. He puts so much time and effort into the up-and-coming grassroots officials.Most read in FootballVideo emerged showing Coote snorting a white powder“I’d love him to be part of the FA, training, mentoring, out of the public light to look after himself. He has so much to offer.”While Coote himself had said he would like to return to officiating in some form.Scandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote SACKED after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powderHe added: “Whether it would be with a whistle in my hand would be another matter. Certainly not for me to judge. “But in terms of utilising my experience I hope there is an opportunity to do so in some way.”In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Coote revealed that he is gay – suggesting that hiding his sexuality is one of the contributing factors to his actions.He said : “My sexuality isn’t the only reason that led me to be in that position.”But I’m not telling an authentic story if I don’t say that I’m gay, and that I’ve had real struggles dealing with hiding that.”Coote was also subject to an investigation over allegations related to bookings given to Leeds United’s Ezgjan Alioski in the 2019/20 Championship campaign.It was claimed that Coote has discussed the possibility of showing Alioski a yellow card with a third party before the game.However, it is understood that Coote accepts a discussion took place, but claims it was only “banter” and nothing improper took place.Coote maintained his innocence on the matter in a statement and claimed he has always held the “integrity of the game in the highest regard”.A statement read: “Whatever issues I may have had in my personal life they have never affected my decision-making on the field.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I have always held the integrity of the game in the highest regard, refereeing matches impartially and to the best of my ability.”Coote told The Sun he is gay in an exclusive interviewCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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    Chelsea’s leadership group revealed with no Cole Palmer and forgotten star who hasn’t played for FOUR YEARS

    CHELSEA’S leadership group has reportedly been revealed amid their torrid run.The West Londoners have lost four of their last six matches in all competitions, in which they’ve conceded eleven goals.Several Chelsea players were reportedly frustrated by a lack of leadership from senior players in recent weeksCredit: REUTERSSkipper Reece James is said to have reacted by arranging a team meal to boost moraleCredit: REXEnzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo are said to be part of Chelsea’s leadership groupCredit: GETTYThe downturn in form has seen Enzo Maresca’s troops surrender fourth place to struggling Prem champions Manchester City.And the leadership shown by senior players in recent weeks has reportedly prompted “concerns” from several squad members.The Athletic claims the concerned players made their thoughts known to skipper Reece James and other figures in the leadership group.James is said to have promptly arranged a team meal in a bid to boost morale.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSThe Blues’ leadership group is said to consist of defenders Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo, as well as midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo.Goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli is also reportedly part of the group – despite having not played in nearly four years and having only made one appearance for the club.Chelsea stopped a three-game losing streak on Tuesday with a 4-0 thrashing of Championship-bound Southampton.Maresca told the BBC: “[I’m] very happy [with the result]. We said already that from now on every game is important.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSForgotten stopper Marcus Bettinelli is also said to be part of the leadership groupCredit: GETTY”And if we get three points, it’s even better. First of all, every game is tricky and anything can happen.”We have to embrace that and we started the game in the right way.Cole Palmer left bemused as Chelsea star is asked about fighting giant chicken wing “This is the worst game because everyone takes it for granted. It’s dangerous.”I think the performance was there. Even the last game against Aston Villa the performance was there.The Blues will be back in action next Thursday, travelling to Denmark to take on FC Copenhagen in the first leg of their Europa Conference League last 16 tie. More

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    Humble Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claims he will NEVER agree to replace a sacked manager after turning down 40 jobs

    OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER has revealed why he snubbed former club Molde.The Norwegian, 52, was out of work for three years following his Manchester United exit.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took charge of Besiktas last monthCredit: RexHe returned to the dugout last month, replacing Giovanni van Bronckhorst after he was let go Besiktas.Speaking to The Athletic, Solskjaer revealed that he turned down “at least 40″ jobs as he waited for the right opportunity.Among them were Molde, where he worked between 2011 and 2014, and 2015 to 2018.Solskjaer could have replaced Erling Moe, who worked as his No2 at Molde, as boss.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSBut that did not sit right with him.”It’s a big thing for me,” he admitted. “I’d never take a job which someone had been released from without their agreement.”Moe, 54, has since reunited with Solskjaer as his assistant in Turkey.When it was raised that he was in the fortunate financial position to be able to say no, Solskjaer added: “I get that, but that’s me. I’ve just had three years out of management.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSErling Moe was Solskjaer’s assistant at MoldeCredit: AFP”I didn’t waste that time: I studied, worked for Uefa where I studied tactical trends, went to games, coached my son’s under-16s team.”I really enjoyed it and being with family. I’ve spent nights with Man Utd supporters and I’ve loved that connection.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer blasts Besiktas for having ‘no scouting department’ after suffering humiliating Europa League exit “I had so much positive feedback that I started to think ‘Yeah, I did alright actually as a manager’.”Solskjaer has had a promising start to life at Besiktas.The Turkish giants won their country’s domestic cup last season, but had been languishing in seventh when Solskjaer arrived.He has since taken charge of eight games in all competitions; winning six, drawing one and losing just once.Quizzed if he has spoken to Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho since moving to Turkey, Solskjaer said: “No, but we’ll play them soon. I have huge respect for Jose and what he’s done in football.”We’ve never really sat down and spoken for a long time because it was Covid time when I was at United and he was at Spurs. But I’ll see him soon when we meet.”Besiktas are scheduled to face Fenerbahce away from home on May 4.Solskjaer and Jose Mourinho are set to reunite in TurkeyCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group More

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    Floyd Mayweather splashes astonishing £1.4MILLION on 145-carat diamond-encrusted watch to celebrate 48th birthday

    FLOYD MAYWEATHER treated himself to a 145-carat diamond-encrusted watch worth £1.4MILLION to celebrate his 48th birthday.The boxing legend – who made close to £1BILLION in his career – is known to collect expensive jewellery. Floyd Mayweather treated himself to a 145-carat diamond-encrusted watch worth £1.4mCredit: Pristine JewelersThe watch was made by the Pristine JewelersCredit: Pristine JewelersThe watch is a one-of-oneCredit: Pristine JewelersAnd he lived up to his Money monicker after splashing out the $1.8m (£1.4m) on a custom timepiece. He visited New York’s opulent diamond district and the Pristine Jewelers to collect his newest addition. Mayweather’s friends Avi Davidov and Ofir Ben Shimon handed him the “One of One” watch to commemorate the launch of his new workout supplement brand Youare101.Avi and Ofir are celebrity jewellers and masterminded Cardi B’s £400,000 diamond engagement ring.READ MORE IN boxing Daily Mail footage reveals Ofir showing off the watch and saying: “This watch was made specifically for the champ Floyd Money Mayweather, a one of one piece.” And Mayweather said: “Avi and Ofir have been my close friends for over a decade. “This watch was crafted by them personally and is very special. And cost a pretty penny.” Mayweather’s most expensive piece was the $18m (£14.2m) he paid for the Billionaire Watch – embedded with 239 diamonds – made by Jacob & Co. Most read in BoxingMayweather’s £14m Jacob & Co watchCredit: INSTAGRAMThe boxing legend made close to £1bn in boxingCredit: InstagramCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe American retired from boxing in 2017 after beating UFC superstar Conor McGregor. But he has continued to box in exhibition bouts against stars from the boxing, MMA and social media world. And he took aim at 11-1 YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, 28, when probed on a potential fight by Jimmy Fallon. Mayweather said: “Easy. Easy. Too easy. At 48, too easy.”Floyd Mayweather took aim at Jake Paul amid talk of a fightCredit: AFP More

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    Gary Lineker moves to ITV with Match of the Day host to hold ‘most honest interview yet’

    GARY LINEKER is set for a move to ITV – but he won’t be heading up their footie coverage.SunSport exclusively revealed last year that Lineker’s incredible run as Match of the Day host will come to an end this summer.Gary Lineker will leave Match of the Day at the end of the season and the Beeb next summerCredit: PALineker has been presenting MOTD since 1999Credit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDThe former Everton and England star is set to appear on a brand new ITV showCredit: RexLineker is set to leave the Beeb in the summer of 2026.And he’s already bagged himself a temporary gig on a new ITV show.The former Everton and England hitman has been confirmed as the first star on the broadcaster’s new show, Assembly, where guests will face their “most honest interview yet”.In the show, Lineker will field questions from people who are neurodivergent, autistic and/or learning disabled.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAn ITV statement read: “After a long and illustrious career as both a Golden Boot-winning footballer and top sports broadcaster, and with his tenure as the longest-serving presenter of Match of the Day drawing to a close this summer, there’s no end to the stories that Lineker might share.”Carefully considered PR fluff won’t cut it on this show.”And the celebrities can expect plenty of mischief and surprises once they get in the hotseat.”JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSGary Lineker will officially leave the BBC after the 2026 World Cup finalCredit: PALineker will appear on the show with other celebs, including former Doctor Who, David Tennant, Little Mix star Jade Thirwall and actor Danny Dyer.Most read in FootballITV have previously tried to acquire Lineker’s services, offering him a chance to appear on Celebrity Big Brother.Gary Lineker ‘turns into Barry White’ as BBC viewers left stunned by sound of MOTD host’s voiceDuring a recent episode of The Rest is Football podcast, he revealed: “Do you know, last week I got requests to go on Celebrity Big Brother.”He added: “My agent sent it through, and then jokingly he replied, ‘Oh, yes. Gary’s fee will be £50 million!'”He did it completely as a joke, obviously. And they came back said, ‘Oh, that’s a little bit…that’s not within our budget.'”Lineker’s 25-year stint presenting Match of the Day will end at the culmination of the 2024-25 season.He will, however, head up the Beeb’s coverage of the 2025/26 FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in Canada, Mexico and the USA.The final of the tournament, which will take place at the MetLife Stadium in New York on July 19, will be his farewell appearance for the broadcaster.It was announced in December that Lineker will be replaced by veteran footie presenters Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan. More

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    F1 testing farce as random BUS drives on track forcing Lewis Hamilton and Co to abruptly stop

    FORMULA One testing in Bahrain descended into chaos after a random BUS drove on the track and caused a sudden red flag.A coach was spotted driving the wrong way in the run-off area at Turn 10 when F1 cars were on the track this afternoon.F1 testing in Bahrain descended into chaos after a random bus drove on the trackA coach was spotted driving the wrong way in the run-off areaIt comes after the morning session was abruptly stopped for a bizarre reasonShattered glass on the pit straight brought out a red flagCredit: Sky SportsTrack marshals were ushered in with broomsCredit: Sky SportsLewis Hamilton was on the track during the bus incidentCredit: APThe incident happened at the start of the final four-hour session of 2025 pre-season testing.After an hour-long break following the end of the first session of the day, the track was closed to all vehicles except for F1 cars.But one bus driver clearly didn’t get the memo and caused the FOURTH red flag of the day.The session was only a few minutes old when the red flags began to fly and the cars on track were ordered to return to the garage.READ MORE IN F1Lewis Hamilton hadn’t had the chance to record a time in the final session after enjoying a great driving day on Thursday.TV cameras showed that a bus had managed to find its way on to the circuit, presenting a huge hazard if cars were to come around the corner.So until it had left the circuit, all driving was temporarily suspended – leading to a stoppage that was fortunately only a few minutes long.It comes after shattered glass on the pit-straight brought out the first red flag this morning.Most read in MotorsportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt later emerged that one of the panels from the start-finish box, where the chequered flag is normally waved, had broken and sprayed shards across the track.That stoppage was a more lengthy one while marshals got to work on sweeping all the debris away. Martin Brundle’s most-awkward Formula 1 grid moments from Cara Delevingne to Ozzy OsbourneA commentator said: “This is a real pain. I’m sorry, but this is not something that should happen. It’s ridiculous.”After the glass was cleared, testing commenced under a green flag again before it was suddenly suspended again.According to Sky Sports, the second red flag was thrown in after a quad bike was spotted on the track.After those two strange delays, eight of the 10 drivers in the morning session had little over half an hour left of their pre-season.But in comical scenes, a vertical safety car and another red flag was thrown in for the third time this morning.However on this occasion, it was a planned and precautionary flag procedure test from race control.Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc topped the morning session timesheet with 1:30.811 in 52 laps.F1 2025 gridHere are the confirmed driver line ups for the F1 2025 season:Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Liam LawsonFerrari: Charles Leclerc and Lewis HamiltonMercedes: George Russell and Kimi AntonelliMcLaren: Lando Norris and Oscar PiastriAston Martin: Fernando Alonso and Lance StrollWilliams: Alex Albon and Carlos SainzSauber: Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel BortoletoAlpine: Pierre Gasly and Jack DoohanRB: Yuki Tsunoda and Isack HadjarHaas: Ollie Bearman and Esteban OconThis all comes after the first day of testing was hit with two shock incidents.Sauber driver Nico Hulkenberg suffered a freak eye injury after a speck of dust or sand got stuck in his eye.The unfortunate accident occurred as mechanics performed grinding work on Hulkenberg’s car in the garage, according to Sky.Thankfully, Hulkenberg’s issue was not deemed to be serious and he was back in for Day 2.Meanwhile, a shock power cut saw Hamilton’s first day at Ferrari halted on Wednesday.A blackout hit the world’s most technically advanced sport.Screens containing telemetry, and lights across the circuit, went out at 5.03pm local time (2.03pm GMT).READ MORE SUN STORIESMechanics worked with the help of torches in dark garages as the 10 drivers out on the track returned to the pits.The new season kicks off in Melbourne at the Australian Grand Prix on March 16. More