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      West Ham star Lucas Paqueta ‘grants FA access to his phone’ as part of investigation into potential betting breaches

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      WEST HAM star Lucas Paqueta has reportedly “permitted the Football Association access to his phone” amid his alleged betting breaches.The allegations against the Brazilian international are linked to bets back in Brazil that were not directly placed by the winger.
      West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta has granted the FA access to his phone for their investigationCredit: Getty
      Paqueta, 26, has denied all allegations made against him.
      However, the Daily Mail now states that he has agreed to give the FA access to his phone as they continue their investigation into whether he has breached their strict betting rules.
      Paqueta joined West Ham from Lyon for a club record £51.4m including add-ons in the summer of 2022.
      He suffered from injury issues throughout his first campaign but he shone in the Europa Conference League, leading the Hammers to their first piece of major silverware since 1980 with Euro glory.
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      The playmaker was then on the brink of a switch to Manchester City after they submitted a £70m bid only for the deal to collapse amid the betting allegations.
      Meanwhile, this latest development comes as frustration mounts in Brazil over the time being taken by the FA to conclude their investigation.
      The national team voluntarily withdrew Paquetta from the squad when the accusations were made public in August.
      He was then left out of boss Fernardo Diniz’s squad for the recent international break but now the Samba Boys are beginning to grow impatient.
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      This fresh report claims that “Diniz is set to recommend the recall of Paqueta for next month’s games versus Colombia and Argentina” despite the investigation.
      But now the FA have access to his phone activity it seems that a decision on whether to charge him or not may not be far away. More

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      Part-time footballers face fines for failing to bring in cakes or leaving bar early after game

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      PART-time footballers face fines for failing to bring in cakes or leaving the bar early after a game.They also have to fork out for talking back to the boss or speaking to fans online.
      The Havant & Waterlooville FC boss is causing a stir in non-league footballCredit: 2020 Getty Images
      Steve King has implemented the harsh fines on his playersCredit: Havantandwaterloovillefc.co.uk
      The strict rules were brought in by Steve King, the manager at National League South bottom club Havant & Waterlooville FC.
      He took over at the Hampshire side last month.
      Under his regime players face a £50 fine for failing to stay in the bar after a home match until 5.45pm.
      And there is a £25 penalty if they do not bring in cakes when it’s their turn, or supply a “bad selection”.
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      Talking back to the boss is a £150 fine, while being late on matchday is £100.
      Players, who earn around £300 to £400 a week and often have second jobs, can be docked a week’s wages if they “comment on club social media posts” and “respond to fan comments regarding the football club”.
      King’s list appeared online, and one fan said: “Who would want to play for him?”
      The club said it is investigating.
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      King has previously been in charge at Gloucester City, Dartford, Farnborough, Lewes and Whitehawk. More

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      Furious England fans blast ’embarrassing’ and ‘wrong’ FA request for Euro 2028 and say ‘how boring is that?’

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      THREE Lions fans were left fuming as the FA has reportedly requested for Wembley to host ALL of England’s Euro 2028 fixtures.The five-nation British Isles bid – featuring England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland – was accepted by Uefa this week.
      England are to be offered the chance to play all their Euro 2028 games at WembleyCredit: Getty
      The original plans include six venues across England – Wembley, Villa Park, St James’ Park, the Etihad, Everton’s in-construction new home at Bramley Moore Dock and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
      BUT now Gareth Southgate’s side are set to be given the chance to play all their Euro 2028 matches at Wembley.
      The commercial benefits of staging England matches there are likely to see the FA get their way.
      The other home nations will also lobby Uefa to play their own fixtures at their national stadiums, assuming they qualify.
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      With Casement Park in Belfast, Dublin’s Aviva Stadium, Hampden Park in Glasgow and Cardiff’s Principality Stadium the non-English venues to be awarded matches.
      But England fans have blasted the proposition.
      One supporter wrote: “How boring is that!”
      A second added: “That’s totally wrong. I’d prefer it went around the country.”
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      A third fan said: “So they expect England fans to travel to London?”
      A fourth declared: “Absolutely embarrassing.”
      The Three Lions will stage 28 of the 51 matches, including both semi-finals and the final at Wembley.
      With Wembley originally expected to get eight games including both semi-finals and the final.
      Big stadiums to miss out are Manchester United’s Old Trafford, West Ham’s London Stadium and Liverpool’s Anfield.
      A final decision on the match schedule for Euro 2028 will not be discussed until after next summer’s Euros, when the qualification process for the tournament will be decided.
      FA chief executive Mark Bullingham confirmed that all the host nations wanted to go through qualifying, but Uefa will keep two spots open in reserve for any who fail to qualify. More

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      Ex-England Under-21s star charged by FA for ‘racially abusing’ OWN team-mate before Cardiff contract torn up

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      JACK SIMPSON has been charged by the FA for racially abusing a team-mate during pre-season.Simpson had his Cardiff contract ripped up in August with the club issuing a blunt 16-word statement.
      Jack Simpson had his Cardiff contract ripped up only last monthCredit: Getty
      Simpson has been charged by the FA for alleged racial abuse towards a team-mateCredit: Getty
      The Bluebirds announced on their official website: “We can confirm that Jack Simpson has today left Cardiff City Football Club by mutual consent.”
      But the FA has now stated that the centre-back has been charged with an “aggravated breach” of rules relating to misconduct and abusive language towards “race and/or colour”.
      The ex-England Under-21 international was allegedly involved in an incident that took place in July during Cardiff’s pre-season tour in Portugal.
      The 26-year-old is alleged to have used “abusive and/or insulting and/or improper” language towards a team-mate.
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      The ex-Rangers player has until Tuesday, 10 October to issue a response.
      The FA issued the following statement on Twitter: “Jack Simpson, a former Cardiff City player, has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 for misconduct that took place on their pre-season tour to Portugal in July 2023.
      “It’s alleged that the defender’s language towards a teammate was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper contrary to FA Rule E3.1.
      “It’s further alleged that this constitutes an “aggravated breach”, which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference – whether express or implied – to race and/or colour.
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      “Jack Simpson has until Tuesday 10 October 2023 to provide a response.”
      Simpson joined Cardiff last year following a brief spell at Rangers and amassed a total of 23 appearances.
      The defender only played once on international level for England’s Under-21 side in a friendly against Denmark back in 2018. More

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      Injured Chelsea star Reece James facing BAN for ‘abusing match official in tunnel’ after match he didn’t play in

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      CHELSEA captain Reece James has been charged by the FA for abusing a match official after the defeat to Aston Villa.The incident took place in the tunnel after the match and the defender has until Friday to respond to the charge.
      Reece James has been charged by the FA for abusing a match officialCredit: Rex
      James played no part in the match as he is sidelined with a hamstring injury he picked up against Liverpool last month.
      But that did not prevent him from allegedly confronting referee Jarred Gillett after the game to abuse him.
      An FA statement read: “Reece James has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 following Chelsea’s Premier League game against Aston Villa on Sunday, 24 September.
      “It’s alleged that the defender used improper and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards a match official in the tunnel after the game,
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      “Reece James has until Friday, 29 September, to provide a response to this charge.”
      The right-back now faces a possible ban, though he is not expected to be back from injury until late October.
      James was appointed Chelsea captain by Mauricio Pochettino before the start of the new season.
      The England international was delighted with the responsibility given to him but so far his influence has been limited.
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      After being given the armband, James said: “I’m so happy to take on the role and responsibility.
      “I know I’ve got big shoes to fill because we have had huge captains here in the past, but I am excited.
      “I have been at Chelsea pretty much my whole life. I started here when I was six and to come through the Academy is tough.
      “But to go on and become captain, it’s a great feeling for me and my family.” More

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      Nottingham Forest star Harry Toffolo escaped betting ban after FA discovered ‘unsophisticated’ gambling at 25p stakes

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      HARRY TOFFOLO escaped a ban for breaching betting rules as his stakes were small and ‘unsophisticated’.He also ended up losing money and some of his bets were as little as 25p.
      Harry Toffolo escaped a ban for betting rule breachesCredit: PA
      But an FA report reveals his gambling habits were driven by his treatment at Norwich and a desire to ‘fit in’ with senior players.
      He then became ‘depressed’ and suffered from ‘mental health issues’.
      The Nottingham Forest defender, 28, was this week given a suspended five-month ban by the Football Association after admitting 375 breaches of betting rules.
      But he bet a total of £1,323.93, meaning that Toffolo’s average stake was £3.53. 
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      He began placing bets he was 18 years old and when he stopped, he was 21.
      Only once did he ever bet a single stake of £100 and he lost money overall – £367.70 in all – and he has not bet on football since March 2017.
      Toffolo’s ban is suspended until the end of 2024-25 and he has also been fined £20,956.
      He breached FA rules which ban players from placing bets or passing on information that could be used for betting 375 times between January 2014 and March 2017.
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      Toffolo was handed a suspended five-month banCredit: Getty
      Some of Toffolo’s bets were as little as 25pCredit: Getty
      He was a Norwich player at the time, and played on loan for Swindon, Rotherham, Peterborough and Scunthorpe.
      But the FA report says: “He suffered the twin disappointments of being told that he did not feature in the manager’s plans at Norwich, but that he could not go out on loan to gain experience.”
      Some bets were for as little as 25p – but the FA accepted that Toffolo had ‘a number of very difficult times’ between 2014 and 2017 and that he had ‘done an admirable job of moving on from those difficulties’.
      But the FA added: “He perceived that his future at Norwich, in the U23 Development squad looked bleak. It was around that time that he began gambling.
      “He did so partly to alleviate his low mood but principally because he wanted to ‘fit in’ with players who were claiming to be gambling regularly and successfully.
      “In his own words, he naively believed that if he acted like the first team players, he would have more of a chance of ‘making it’ as a footballer. 
      “With hindsight, he believes that he became addicted to gambling during this period.”
      It adds: “He struggled with his mental health for a variety of reasons. Those struggles led him to gamble with increasing frequency.
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      “We accept that there appears to have been a link between the state of mental health and his gambling.
      “By February 2016 the situation had become so bad that he considered his career in football to be over.” More

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      ‘Real reason’ Prince William missed England’s World Cup final clash in Australia

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      PRINCE William is facing a huge backlash over his decision not to attend the Lionesses World Cup final match against Spain.The Prince of Wales, 41, who is President of the FA, made the decision not to fly to Australia for the historic game to support England’s women’s team at the Stadium Australia.
      Prince William has said he won’t be at the game to cheer on the LionessesCredit: Instagram
      The heir to the throne apologised in advance for not attending in person in a video message that was released on Saturday.
      William was seen with his daughter Princess Charlotte who was sat next to her dad, holding a football in her lap.
      He said: “Lionesses, we want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow.
      “We are sorry we cannot be there in person but we are so proud of everything you have achieved and the millions you’ve inspired here and around the world.
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      “So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.”
      The prince’s no-show sparked a large amount of speculation as to why William didn’t hop on a flight to support the team with many calling it a “shame”.
      Some reports have indicated that King Charles, who is Australia’s head of state, has not yet visited the country, after the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II.
      That would mean William, who is currently on his summer holiday, cannot constitutionally visit before him.
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      Other reports though say he made the decision not to travel due to environmental concerns.
      The journey would mean flying to the other side of the world for just a short period of time.
      Former England goalkeeper Pauline Cope called the decision a “shame”, adding: “I will not have any bad words against the royal family.
      “However this should have been pencilled in his diary from day dot, after we won the Euros and qualified for the World Cup.”
      She also said she was disappointed that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Gareth Southgate, the coach of the England men’s team, had not travelled to Sydney for the final.
      Cope, who played in the 1995 World Cup and has 60 England caps, told Times Radio: “Let’s be honest, if it was the men’s World Cup, they would all be here.”
      Sun columnist and TV presenter Piers Morgan also hit out at the royal, saying: “With respect, YRH (Your Royal Highness), you should have got on a plane.
      “Ridiculous that the Queen of Spain is attending the World Cup Final to support her nation’s team, and you won’t be there despite being President of the FA.”
      Veteran broadcaster Jon Sopel thought it was “inconceivable” that William and Sunak would not travel if it had been the men’s team playing.
      He said in a message on X, formerly Twitter: “Happy to accept might be impossible for the PM, given other commitments. But Prince William? Why?”
      However, FA chief Mark Bullingham said earlier this week: “We’ve always known he wouldn’t be able to attend, sadly, due to his diary.
      “He has been a brilliant supporter of the team throughout. He came to see the team before we left and he’s been sending messages of support throughout.”
      Despite a valiant effort from the England team, they lost 1-0 to Spain.
      William took to social media to praise the England players.

      He wrote: “Although it’s the result none of us wanted, @Lionesses you have done yourselves and this nation proud.
      “Your spirit & drive have inspired so many people and paved the way for generations to come.
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      “Thank you for the footballing memories.
      “Congratulations to Spain. W.”
      Prince William gives an honorary CBE to England manager Sarina Wiegman in June
      The future monarch and Charlotte sent the team a message of supportCredit: Instagram More

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      Premier League ball-in-play figures revealed after major rule change was introduced to crack down on time-wasting

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      PREMIER LEAGUE games have seen an increase in the amount of ball-in-play time following new rules designed to crack down on timewasting.Ifab have introduced rules which has seen officials add on extra time for goal celebrations, substitutions, injuries, penalties and red cards.
      New rules have seen an increase in added time in the Premier League and EFL this seasonCredit: Rex
      The Premier League has seen the amount of ball in play time increase by almost four minutes
      This has had a significant effect on matches across the EFL and in the top tier, with few games lasting less than 100 minutes as a result of the changes.
      It has also increased the amount of time the ball is in play, with an average rise of almost four minutes so far this season.
      That is a big improvement, particularly as matches have only lasted, on average, three minutes longer than they did last season.
      Last season saw the most average game time [98.27] but the least average ball-in-play time [54.52] of any Prem season in the last 10 years.
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      Now ball-in-play time is at an average of 58.42 and is likely to improve further as fewer players attempt to waste time – as they know it will be added on at the end of the match.
      There has also been an improvement in ball-in-play time in all three EFL divisions, with League Two seeing the highest increase at eight minutes.
      However it remains the division with the least amount of ball-in-play time, though is now only half a minute behind League One, with 56.04 minutes of ball time compared to 56.56.
      New disciplinary rules have also been introduced to clamp down on “unacceptable conduct on the pitch, on the sidelines and in the stands”.
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      There has also been a clamp down on player and manager disciplineCredit: Getty
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      The Premier League and EFL are keen to give match officials greater protection – to prevent managers and players trying to intimidate and influence decisions.
      Under the new regulations, all club technical staff, including managers and assistants, must sign up to a “code of conduct” – which has been approved by the League Managers Association.
      The rules have already seen players in the Championship and League One sent off for dissent.
      While Bolton boss Ian Evatt and Leyton Orient gaffer Richie Wellens were also red-carded in mid-week after confronting the referee. More