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      Barcelona face starting Champions League 2025/26 with POINTS DEDUCTION with Chelsea and Villa also set to be punished

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      BARCELONA are facing the threat of Uefa sanctions after breaching financial rules for a second year running, reports claim.It comes after the Spanish giants lost an appeal in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) over a £420,000 fine imposed by Uefa for wrongly reporting profits in October. Barcelona are facing severe sanctions from Uefa after breaching financial rulesCredit: APA CAS ruling in October said a second breach would lead to ‘harsher’ finesCredit: GettyThe CAS ruling at the time warned the club would face “harsher” punishments if they failed to comply with rules again.And according to The Times, they have been found wanting again under Uefa rules, and the La Liga champions are now due to be hit with severe sanctions.These could include a reduced limit on the number of players they can register for next season’s Champions League or even a points deduction in the league phase. English sides Chelsea and Aston Villa are also understood to have breached Uefa rules.However, because they are first-time offenders, they will be slapped with financial penalties only.Both have been in talks with the Uefa’s Club Financial Control Board (CFCB) over a financial settlement.The governing body of European football are due to confirm the sanctions imposed on each team later this month.Barcelona have tried a number of unorthodox ways to help them climb free of financial ruin. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIn 2022, they sold 10 per cent of their broadcasting revenue over the next 25 years for £225million (€267million).They wanted to claim this as “other operating income” on the books, which would have counted towards their FFP calculations.Barcelona win LaLiga at Espanyol as fierce rivals turn sprinklers on to dampen celebration before Hansi Flick intervenesHowever, Uefa insisted it must come under “profits on disposal of intangible assets” which do not count towards FFP.Barcelona then sold another 15 per cent of their broadcast rights for £337m (€400m).But the CAS ruling means it cannot be classed as operating income, which is said to have been the ultimate cause of their latest breach.Barca made the Champions League semi-finals this year, losing to beaten finalists Inter Milan.Chelsea’s breach comes down to Uefa not counting the club’s world record £220m sale of the women’s team to a sister company on their books.This is in contrast to Premier League financial rules which do allow it.Uefa financial rules state clubs can make a maximum loss of £170m (€200million) over three years.Read More on The SunClubs also cannot spend more than 80 per cent of their UEFA-allowed revenue. But this will reduce further to 70 per cent next season. More

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      Man Utd miss out on their Coutinho moment as Bruno Fernandes snubs Al-Hilal – so where does he fit into their plans?

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      OH, to be a fly on the wall of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s office when news broke that Bruno Fernandes had snubbed a mega £100million bid from Saudi Arabia.Manchester United’s part-owner could not have believed his luck when Al-Hilal offered to take captain Fernandes, who turns 31 in September, off their hands and give the Red Devils a much-needed cash injection.Bruno Fernandes snubbed a mega £100million bid from Saudi ArabiaMan Utd missed their chance of a major sale like Liverpool with Philippe CoutinhoRatcliffe, who claimed the “bloated” club was set to go “bust at Christmas”, has led a ruthless cost-cutting drive at Old Trafford — culling 450 staff including the much-loved receptionists and also withdrew free canteen food for workers at the ground.So to have the potential of receiving a nine-figure sum for a player whose legs are only going to get wearier was almost too good to be true.And it turned out to be . . . but only because Fernandes rejected Al-Hilal’s advances.Even the offer of tax-free £700,000-a-week wages was not enough to lure the Portuguese star to the Middle East.Read More on Man Utd Yet Fernandes’ admirable resistance has thrown United’s chaotic transfer plans up in the air once again.It is back to the drawing board for Ratcliffe and manager Ruben Amorim, who are under pressure to juggle the books with Profit and Sustainability Rules after their failure to qualify for Europe.Despite Fernandes turning down the Saudi riches, the midfielder could still be a target for European clubs this summer — although the offers are unlikely to be even half the astonishing transfer fee on offer from Al-Hilal.And even if he stays, Red Devils fans will now be debating where  Fernandes fits into Amorim’s rebuild next season? Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordAmorim is wedded to his 3-4-3 formation and his early transfer activity seems to match up.Wolves’ Matheus Cunha has signed in a £62.5m deal and Bryan Mbeumo is now a £50m target from Brentford, with the duo  expected to play in the attacking positions behind the lone striker.Bruno Fernandes enjoys dinner with Al-Hilal ‘secret agent’ Joao Cancelo as he faces Man Utd exit decisionAmad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho, linked with Chelsea and Napoli, are other options for the wide forward roles.That quartet is likely to see Fernandes move further back to one of the two central midfield berths which he fulfilled in the Europa League final loss to Tottenham.Amorim has other options in the centre of the park, including Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount.Casemiro is on big wages, Amorim knows Ugarte well from their time together at Sporting Lisbon and the United boss lavished praise on Mount following his return to fitness towards the end of the season.While homegrown talent Mainoo, 20, is an intriguing prospect.Star signings Liverpool made after Philippe Coutinho saleLIVERPOOL sold Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona for an eye-watering £142million back in 2018.Here how the Reds rejuvenated their team into title winners after that massive windfall:1. VIRGIL VAN DIJK – £75m2. FABINHO – £40m3. ALISSON – £56mSo where will Fernandes play on a regular basis? In last season’s disastrous campaign, Amorim relied heavily on  talismanic Fernandes to dig his woeful 15th-placed Prem side out of the mire, netting 19 times in all competitions.Fernandes’ quality and consistency led to the eye-watering bid from Saudi and the  £100m fee will play on Ratcliffe’s mind in their ‘Mission 21’ operation to  knock Liverpool “off their perch” once again.The Reds went through a similar scenario over seven years ago when they sold star man Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona for a staggering £142m.The transfer fee gave Jurgen Klopp the chance to rebuild as the German used that money to bring in Virgil van Dijk and Alisson, and his new spine delivered the Champions League and Premier League titles.If Fernandes remains at United then club legend Gary Neville believes Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho must all leave.Even if he stays, Red Devils fans will now be debating where Fernandes fits into Amorim’s rebuild next season?Garnacho clashed with Amorim after the Bilbao loss to Tottenham, while the other three have all been out on loan this season.Neville said: “If players are taking on and questioning the manager in public through social media, the manager has to win.“If the manager doesn’t win, the manager has to leave and I don’t think that’s going to happen this time. That’s happened far too many times before. I think Garnacho will leave purely because of that, I think they’ve had enough.“Marcus has to leave for him and the club. I think that ship has sailed and he needs to find himself another club.“It  sounds to me like Villa aren’t going to keep him. I would say for Marcus’ and United’s sake that it feels like that path has come to an end.“I feel a little bit similarly with Jadon as I do with Marcus. I’d be a bit concerned that Chelsea haven’t made the noises that they’re going to keep him.  United have to make sure they part ways with him.Read More on The Sun“Antony has gone to Spain and having seen a couple of players that I played with not do it Old Trafford but do it in Spain . . . I think he’s suited down to the ground and it’s been proven.”Ratcliffe may have canned hundreds of local staff but he will soon discover it’s much harder to get rid of superstar players who are tied down to huge contracts. More

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      ‘Don’t believe everything that’s written’ – Florian Wirtz hits out at Liverpool transfer rumours in 14-word statement

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      FLORIAN WIRTZ has hit out at reports claiming he wants to snatch a Liverpool star’s shirt number to join the club.The German ace is on the brink of joining the Reds if they can strike a deal with Bayer Leverkusen.Florian Wirtz has hit out at Liverpool transfer rumours in 14-word statementCredit: Instagram @flowirtzIt comes after reports suggested he wanted to take the No10 shirt off of Alexis Mac AllisterCredit: GettyBayer have already rejected an offer worth £109million as they hold out for £126m (€150 million) – which would smash the British transfer record. A report from Sky Sport Germany claimed the 22-year-old wanted to be given Alexis Mac Allister’s No10 shirt if he joins the Anfield outfit – having already agreed personal terms.However, Wirtz has directly addressed that claim on social media.Taking to his Instagram story, he wrote: “Who says I want the 10 [emoji].READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I respect players.”Don’t believe everything that’s written,” followed by a clown emoji.World Cup winner Mac Allister is the current owner of the shirt, having taken it when he joined Liverpool from Brighton in 2023.Wirtz wears the No10 for his club but wears the No17 for the German national team.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKPrevious owners of the No10 shirt at Liverpool include Sadio Mane, Joe Cole, Michael Owen, John Barnes and Billy Liddell, among others. Arne Slot’s promise that Wirtz would be the playmaker of Liverpool’s team was reportedly a decisive factor in convincing him to join them over Bayern Munich or Manchester City.Frimpong jets into UK with Leverkusen star to complete £30m Liverpool moveCity pulled out of the race early after realising the cost of the overall package to land the German could set them back £252m.SunSport have looked at how he could fit in at Liverpool next season, partnering Mohamed Salah and Co.Wirtz will become the biggest English transfer of all time if Liverpool stump up the money Bayer are demanding to sell him.Liverpool have already announced the signing of Jeremie Frimpong from the club in a £29.5m deal. More

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      Chelsea files: Why Blues snubbed Luis Enrique and how Conference League karaoke party was too boring for club icon

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      CHELSEA’S triumphant squad enjoyed a night of team bonding after their Conference League win over Real Betis last week.But even karaoke until 4AM is tame by comparison to what club hero John Obi Mikel and his old team-mates used to get up to after winning one of their many cups or titles.Chelsea celebrated the Conference League with karaokeChelsea hero John Obi Mikel looked back at legendary celebrations after the Conference League triumphMikel, 38, was part of a formidable Blues squad that won the Champions League, Premier League, three FA Cups and the Europa League.He told SunSport: “We enjoyed good times together. We went out to central London every time we won a trophy. We celebrated quite heavily because we were successful and were given a licence to go out and enjoy ourselves.“That brought that chemistry together because every year, every other year, we had something to celebrate. We were always winning something. So we were always having a massive party come the end of the season. That brought us together.“They have to win trophies in order to be able to bring that chemistry in the squad.”Most of Enzo Maresca’s squad were up and out of the team hotel in Poland to report for international duty before reuniting at the Club World Cup in the US later this month.A singalong is not Mikel’s idea of fun to toast victory.He said: “Well, listen, it is the kind of party they wanted to have. But I know back in our days, it wouldn’t have been that. It would have gone full on.”New Chelsea are becoming a stronger team but they still have a lot to learn off the pitch it seems.DEL OF A BUYLIAM DELAP is the perfect striker signing for Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side and here’s why…When the Blues signed Cole Palmer in what now looks like a cut price deal, not many knew the talent that they had on their hands – but anyone who had watched Manchester City’s EDS sides knew, one of whom of course was Maresca.Chelsea have a history of spending big on star names to fill the number 9 spot, of which the majority have failed to do so.From Alvaro Morata to Gonzalo Higuain to Timo Werner, no one has been able to fill the boots of Diego Costa since he left.Nicolas Jackson has – all things considered – been pretty good so far, but many fans have concerns over his finishing ability and dominance in the box.Liam Delap is set to sign for the BluesDelap is a signing that addresses that issue, a physical penalty box presence with an incredible ball striking ability and a lethal burst of pace – which means at LAST the likes of Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke will have a target to aim those curling crosses at in the middle.However, it’s likely his understanding of Chelsea and Maresca’s style that really secured the deal for a star who was a hot commodity in the transfer market.Having played under his new gaffer at City, he also starred alongside Romeo Lavia and Cole Palmer in the EDS, his understanding with the latter potentially being what will make him such a potent threat next season, but also improve Palmer too.It wasn’t always a Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, or Harry Kane and Son Heung-min partnership, where both would rack up huge direct goal contribution numbers, but one where Delap’s movement and inter play would allow Palmer to be even more dangerous and get into the box with more ease.We’ve seen in games at times this season where because Palmer has been almost a lone threat, he can be doubled up on and nullified, but with Delap in the side that becomes much more difficult.When you add the incoming Estevao Willian to that mix, as well as the ever improving Madueke and Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea can be a real threat next season.OL’ TIMERIT’S OFFICIAL, Chelsea will play LAFC in their first Club World Cup fixture on June 16th.The Blues will be re-united with Champions League and Europa League hero Olivier Giroud, as well as facing off against familiar foe Hugo Lloris.The MLS side secured their spot in the competition with a 2-1 win over Club America in extra time, with Giroud grabbing the game-winning assist.They join Chelsea’s group alongside Flamengo, who will be in action against Enzo Maresca’s men on June 20th, and El Tunis who they will play on June 24.Chelsea fans wonder ‘What if?’LUIS ENRIQUE’S Paris Saint-Germain Champions League win has left many Chelsea fans wondering, “What if?”When Graham Potter was sacked as the Blues’ head coach in April 2023, the now PSG boss was flown into London for talks with the head honchos at Stamford Bridge, only to be DENIED the job.Julian Nagelsmann was the favourite to get it at the time, but it ended up being Mauricio Pochettino who was bought in instead.Chelsea reportedly had doubts over Enrique who “made several demands” during talks, before deciding to go with the former Tottenham manager in his place.Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique almost joined ChelseaFast forward two years, and Enrique is a Champions League winner (again), using a model that admittedly is not too dissimilar to what the the Blues are trying to build – an incredibly young but talented team who can compete with the best.In fact the two teams have shared many transfer targets over the years, including Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola and Khvicha Kvaratshkelia.Enrique himself is now being lauded for his style of play and giving his young talent freedom on the pitch to express themselves, while Maresca is often criticised for the opposite.The Blues may well get to test themselves against the newly-crowned European champions at the Club World Cup, as if the most likely scenario takes place they will play PSG in the quarter-finals.It remains to be seen if Chelsea can build on their strong end to the season and become Champions of Europe for a third time in coming seasons.BLUE RINSESECTIONS of the Chelsea fan base have been left unhappy after the club announced further price increases for tickets ahead of next season.A report published by the Chelsea Supporters Trust has outlined the key details of the plan by those in charge at Stamford Bridge.The cost of tickets for members will increase by 4 per cent, while the total cost of tickets for season ticket holders will increase by 7 per cent.The senior concession age is also being raised from 65 to 66, while the discount for those eligible for those tickets is being reduced from 50 per cent to 25 per cent.A new tiered membership is being introduced, including a “premier membership” which can be purchased for priority access to tickets.In good news for supporters, a youth concession for those aged 20-22 is being introduced with a 25 per cent discount at least.Fans online reacted, and weren’t happy at all, with one fan claiming, “Premium membership LOL like I’m not ripped off enough as it is.” While another fumed: “A perfect lesson on how to undo the feel good factor after Wednesday. Wondered for a while if this ownership felt any loyalty to true fans. Here is the final proof they don’t.”JOE COLE delighted Chelsea fans drinking in Wroclaw ahead of their Conference League triumph.The night before the game, the Chelsea icon joined jubilant Blues fans along with his fellow TNT Sport pundits.Another ex-Chelsea man, Steve Sidwell, and West Ham’s Michail Antonio joined Cole in the bar opposite their hotel.But it was only Cole the Chelsea fans were interested in as they chanted his name over and over again.JT was back at a Chelsea European final – and again not on the pitch!The club’s legendary former skipper famously joined the celebrations in full kit after being suspended for the 2012 Champions League final and sitting in the stands.Last week, it was noted that JT was at the Wroclaw Stadium to see the team beat Real Betis 4-1 – only this time it was Joe Terry, a reporter for UEFA.com covering the game for Europe’s governing body.Surely that’s more than a coincidence? 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      Jadon Sancho breaks silence on Chelsea rejection as £300,000-a-week flop is sent back to Man Utd

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      JADON SANCHO has broken his silence after Chelsea paid £5million to send him back to Manchester United.The winger spent the season on loan at Stamford Bridge, scoring five goals.Jadon Sancho is set to return to Manchester UnitedCredit: RexBut he could not reach an agreement with Blues over terms of a permanent deal, so has left the club and returned to United.He said following the announcement: “Grateful for the experience.”Big love to everyone at Chelsea who made me feel at home — teammates, staff and the fans.”Wishing the club all the best moving forward. Truly grateful, Thank you Blues 💙🙏🏼”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChelsea will have to pay a £5m fee to cancel their agreement to sign Sancho on a permanent basis.United will now seek a buyer for the winger, who could have joined Chelsea for £25m.He has been made available by the club for a move awayAnd United are in desperate need for funds to reinvest in Ruben Amorim’s overhaul.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSSancho, 25, has attracted interest from former club Borussia Dortmund.While he could also join old united boss Erik ten Hag at fellow Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen, even though the pair had a frosty relationship at Old Trafford.Jadon Sancho throws corner flag during Chelsea’s celebration at Tottenham Sancho could also move to the Saudi Pro League with Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad and Al Nassr all keen.But, for now, United are stuck with his £300,000-a-week wages, until he leaves. More

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      in Boxing

      Imane Khelif breaks silence after leaked medical report ‘proves Olympic gender-row boxer is a biological male’

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      IMANE KHELIF has issued a response after a leaked medical report claimed the gold medal-winning Olympian was a “biological male”.Khelif, 26, won Algeria’s first-ever female gold medal in boxing during the Paris Games in 2024.Imane Khelif won Algeria’s first-ever gold medal in women’s boxing at the Paris OlympicsCredit: ReutersBut the gender row which plagued Khelif then has now resurfaced from a leaked medical reportCredit: APHowever, during Khelif’s run to the final, she was embroiled in a bitter gender row, having been banned from International Boxing Association competition in 2023.The IBA suspended Khelif after tests taken in New Delhi allegedly produced the DNA of a “male”.The IOC – who replaced the Russia-led IBA as the Olympic’s boxing governing body – were warned about the tests and urged to remove Khelif from the competition.But Khelif was allowed to box in Paris because of her female passport status.READ MORE IN BOXINGNow, the alleged sex-test results from the 2023 World Championships have been published for the first time by 3 Wire Sports, and suggest the boxer is biologically male.American journalist Alan Abrahamson has produced the result of a test said to have been carried out on the boxer in India in March 2023 – which triggered the boxer’s disqualification.The document published summarises the findings on Khelif as “abnormal”, stating: “Chromosome analysis reveals male karyotype.”A karyotype refers to an individual’s complete set of chromosomes, which in Khelif’s case has been reported by IBA as being XY, the male pattern.Most read in BoxingKhelif refused to respond directly to the claims in a social media post on Monday, instead focusing on her work as a Unicef ambassador – a role she has held since January 2024.The post featured a photo of Khelif wearing a blue polo bearing the organisation’s logo as she made a heart symbol with her hands to celebrate the “Global Day of Parents”.Imane Khelif wins Olympic gold in women’s welterweight final after huge gender row that has grabbed worldwide attentionShe paid tribute to her own parents in the caption, saying: “Today, I became a champion, but it all started long ago. When my parents believed in me, even when the dream felt too big. “When they supported me, listened to me, and stood by me. Being a parent isn’t easy. There’s no manual. But the love, patience, and trust you give your child can change everything.”On this #GlobalDayOfParents, I just want to say thank you. Thank you to every parent who chooses, every single day, to be there for their children.”Together with @unicefalgerie, I’m celebrating these everyday heroes. Because when parents are supported, children can dream and succeed.”The alleged test results disputing Khelif’s gender carry the letterhead of Dr Lal PathLabs in New Delhi, accredited by the American College of Pathologists and certified by the Swiss-based International Organisation for Standardisation.This directly challenges what IOC spokesman Mark Adams said in a tense news conference at the Paris Olympics.He described the results that saw Khelif banned as “ad hoc” and “not legitimate”.IOC president Thomas Bach even claimed that the results are the product of a Russian-led misinformation campaign.It followed after the IBA – headed by Russia’s Umar Kremlev – had been stripped of IOC recognition in a row over ethics and financial management.Khelif has always denied being a biological male and even named JK Rowling and Elon Musk in a cyberbullying lawsuit.And the 26-year-old has vowed to fight on, even eyeing another gold at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.But World Boxing has ruled that Khelif is ineligible to enter future events as a woman without first submitting to the same chromosome testing that has already triggered the boxer’s disqualification at global level.The governing body – provisionally approved to run Olympic boxing in LA – announced that all athletes in its competitions over 18 years old must undergo a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) genetic test to determine their sex.The test detects chromosomal material through a mouth swab, saliva or blood.Khelif has failed to provide any evidence of having female chromosomes in the nine months since the gender scandal erupted.In February, Khelif spoke out in her defence and wrote: “For two years, I have taken the high road while my name and image have been used, unauthorised, to further personal and political agendas through the spreading and dissemination of baseless lies and misinformation. But silence is no longer an option.“The IBA, an organisation that I am no longer associated with and which is no longer recognised by the IOC, have again made baseless accusations that are false and offensive, using them to further their agenda…“My team is carefully reviewing the situation and will take all necessary legal steps to ensure that my rights and the principles of fair competition are upheld.”An IOC spokesperson told Sun Sport: “The IOC has always made it clear that eligibility criteria are the responsibility of the respective International Federation.Read More on The Sun”The factors that matter to sports performance are unique to each sport, discipline, and/or event.”We await the full details how sex testing will be implemented in a safe, fair and legally enforceable way.” More

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      Lionesses star Fran Kirby follows Mary Earps in retiring from England just weeks before Euro 2025

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      LIONESSES Euros hero Fran Kirby has announced her retirement from international football ahead of this summer’s European Championships. Kirby, 31, has decided to end her international career after being informed that she wouldn’t be part of Sarina Weigman’s squad for the Euros.Fran Kirby has retired from International footballCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunThe European champion – who was a crucial part of the Lionesses Euro 2022 success – announced her decision on Instagram. A statement read: “After being in the England team since I was 21, it’s time to close that chapter of my life. “I didn’t ever want this day to come, but I cannot tell you how proud I am it happened.”It’s been the biggest honour to represent my country, one that I had only dreamt about as a young girl.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’ve played with some incredible players, worked with some incredible managers, played in some amazing tournaments and have some irreplaceable memories.”She added: “Starting in every game and winning the Euros in 2022 was a dream come true, to be a part of change in women’s football was one of the best experiences I could ever have imagined.”Thank you to you all, for embracing me as a young girl from Reading who had a dream. I hope you all know, wearing that badge was the greatest honour.”To every young girl that suffers setbacks, just remember you can. You can.”Most read in FootballKirby made her final England appearance as a substitute in Friday’s Nations League clash with PortugalCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKirby, who plays her club football for Brighton, had been selected for England’s Uefa Nations League matches against Portugal and Spain.However, after finding out she wouldn’t be kept on for the Euros starting next month, Kirby told her England team-mates of the decision after Tuesday’s clash against Spain.Speaking to the BBC following her announcement, Kirby revealed that she was planning on hanging up her boots after the Euros.She said: “It is something I have been thinking about for over a year. I knew this was going to be my last major tournament.”The plan was to retire after the Euros but after speaking to Sarina I’m not going to make the squad.”It was like a dagger to my heart but also a weight off my shoulders all at the same time. It was emotional for both of us but we both respected what each person was saying.”Fran Kirby’s full retirement statementRead Kirby’s announcement in full…After being in the England team since I was 21, it’s time to close that chapter of my life. I didn’t ever want this day to come, but I cannot tell you how proud I am it happened.It’s been the biggest honour to represent my country, one that I had only dreamt about as a young girl.I’ve played with some incredible players, worked with some incredible managers, played in some amazing tournaments and have irreplaceable memories.My journey has been full of ups and downs, setbacks and achievements. Enough has been said and written about those, but regardless of whatever was thrown at me, I want you all to know that every time I put on that England badge I gave it 100%.Every single call-up, I accepted my role and did whatever was needed for the team. I wanted England to win. I’ve always been there to help England win.My mum had a dream of me representing my country and I’m so proud I was able to do that and play in front of you all.I will never, ever forget the noise when my name is read out at a stadium. I was first selected when I was playing in WSL 2, I played a part in the game-changing World Cup, winning bronze in 2015, creating memories of a lifetime.Starting in every game and winning the Euros in 2022 was a dream come true, to be part of change in women’s football was one of the best experiences I could ever have imagined.Thank you to all of you for embracing me as a young girl from Reading who had a dream. I hope you all know that wearing that badge was the greatest honour.To every young girl that suffers setbacks, just remember you can. You can. Forever a Lioness, Fran.While also revealing that the decision has been influenced by her trying to protect her body.She added: “Everyone knows the injuries that I’ve had and I’ve been protecting my body.”This is part of that. But I feel like I’ve got so much to give in football. I’m already looking forward to the domestic season.”Kirby was part of England’s Euro 2022 winning side and leaves the national set up having represented the Lionesses 77 times.The two-time PFA Women’s Footballer of the Year winner isn’t the first England superstar to retire from international duty before next months tournament.EARPS’ SHOCK DECISIONGoalkeeper Mary Earps shocked the nation – and her manager – when she announced her international retirement last week.Earps reportedly decided to leave the national team after being informed she would be playing backup to Chelsea shot-stopper Hannah Hampton going forward.Mary Earps also announced her retirement from international duty last weekCredit: GettyShe said: “I have taken the difficult decision to retire internationally. It has been the greatest honour and privilege of my life, to wear this badge, represent my country and play alongside such an incredible group of players.”I’ve spent a long time making this decision and it’s not one I’ve made lightly.”For me, ultimately this is the right time for me to step aside and give the younger generation an opportunity to thrive.”Winning the Euros in 2022 was the best day of my life, and I’m rooting for the girls to do it again this summer.”Head coach Wiegman was left frustrated at the surprise announcement.She said: “I’m really disappointed and sad that she’s not part of the team because I want her in my team.”That (retirement decision) must have been a really hard decision for her and so it is for us.”There have been a couple of conversations which I don’t want to share publicly because that’s between us and it’s hard for her at the same time.”Earps, who has 53 senior international caps, started in all six games during England’s run to becoming European Champions three years ago.Read More on The SunIn Australia in 2023, she played a significant role in England reaching the Women’s World Cup final for the first time in their history,Her performance in all seven games would see her win the tournament’s Golden Glove before later being voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year.Sarina Wiegman said she was ‘disappointed and sad’ to learn of Earps’ decisionCredit: Alamy More

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      Iconic BBC presenter leaves job at Premier League after nine years and posts emotional message

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      FAN favourite football presenter Manish Bhasin has announced he is leaving his job at the Premier League after nine years.Bhasin, 49, has been on fans’ screens for over two decades and is known by many as the face of the BBC’s defunct Football League Show. Manish Bhasin has announced his next career moveCredit: Getty Images – GettyBhasin, pictured with Premier League CEO Richard Masters, has been working at Premier League productions for nine yearsCredit: GettyBut for the last nine years he has fronted up matchday coverage of Premier League action for Premier League Productions – the league’s official broadcast outlet.Bhasin was the host of their official global match coverage, popping up on televisions across the world as he chatted about the Prem’s biggest fixtures.But the Leicester-born presenter and journalist has now revealed he is ready for a new chapter in an emotional statement announcing his exit.He wrote on X: “After 9 years of hosting for the Premier League official global match coverage, sadly the time has come to move on.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’ve loved every second. A big thanks to the production team and the on-screen pundits who made the job so enjoyable. “Time now to write the next chapter…”Bhasin is one of many familiar faces that are leaving their roles this summer as the landscape of football coverage is set for a shakeup ahead of the new season.Sky Sports announced last week that seven of their stars are leaving the the company as part of a major redundancy programme.Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIncluded in that mass change is the likes of Melissa Reddy, Jeremy Langdon and the experienced Rob Wotton.Meanwhile Gary Lineker presented his final Match of the Day after 26 years in the hot-seat after revealing his exit from the BBC last month.Gary Lineker tears up as he bids emotional farewell to iconic Match of the Day after controversial BBC axeHowever, Lineker won’t be stepping away from football highlights completely.It was announced today that his podcast The Rest Is Football, which he co-hosts alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, will be showing highlights of the upcoming Fifa Club World Cup.Gary Lineker has left the BBCCredit: PA More