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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

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      The FA’s NINE rule changes in clampdown on players, managers and fans that could see bookings and stadium bans soar

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      PLAYERS, managers AND fans have all been targeted in a major disciplinary clampdown for the new season.The new measures, agreed by the FA, Prem, EFL and refs’ chiefs, will see officials better able to punish “unacceptable conduct on the pitch, on the side-lines and in the stands”.
      Aleksandar Mitrovic received an eight-game ban after his red card at Old TraffordCredit: AFP
      Players are being reminded over their conductCredit: Getty
      Managers are also being urged to behave responsiblyCredit: AFP
      Wembley bosses have been working on the updated proposals since mid-way through last season as on field and touchline anarchy exploded.
      And the hardline measures, to come into effect from the start of the season, are aimed at ensuring referees are no longer pursued and intimidated by players and benches.
      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.
      That will mandate them to attend pre-match briefings with the match officials, behave in a “responsible manner”, stay within the technical area at all times and not use tablets or or electronic devices to try to show refs that have made errors.
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      In addition, any boss entering the pitch to confront an official at either half-time OR full-time will be in direct breach of the code and face punishment.
      Breaches will bring heavier fines and other punishments including potential bans.
      The crackdown for players, drawn up with the help of the PFA, will put the onus on team captains to “take responsibility for the behaviour of their team-mates”.
      Crucially, players have been explicitly warned they “must not confront, invade the personal space of, or make physical contact with the match officials”.
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      Yellow cards is the minimum punishment and WILL follow if “two or more players surround a match official in a confrontational manner”.
      And players will be punished if they are adjudged to have “instigated or escalated a mass confrontation with opposing players and/or technical area occupants”.
      In addition, and in response to so-called “tragedy chanting” by some fans, the game’s rulers promised “tough new measures” resulting in “stadium bans and potential criminal prosecution”.
      Police and stewards will be expected to identify those guilty of “offensive chanting, gesturing and displaying offensive messages based on football-related tragedies”.

      In a statement the governing body and leagues said: “The game will also continue its efforts to combat dangerous, illegal and unwelcome behaviour off the pitch, be it in the stands or online. 
      “Last season a host of new measures were introduced by authorities which saw enhanced sanctions applied for people identified entering the pitch, using pyros, taking drugs to games, throwing objects or for discriminatory abuse.”
      Explaining the new stance, FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “Football has the unique power to unite, inspire and improve the lives of all those that play and watch the game at any level. 
      “However, in recent years we have seen how this can be negatively impacted by a small minority of players, coaches and fans.
      “This season, English football is coming together with a commitment to address this unacceptable behaviour within our game, on the pitch and on the side-lines. 
      “We understand that it will take time to adapt to these new measures – but we are confident that they will have a positive impact at all levels.
      “We are also determined to address the rise in unacceptable behaviour from the stands. Incidents such as dangerous conduct, discrimination, and chanting about football-related tragedies have no place in our game – and can lead to football bans and potential criminal action. 
      “Passion, emotion and excitement are fundamental to football, however this must be shown in the right way. 
      “Everyone can play their part, so that together we can create a safe and enjoyable environment for all.”
      Prem counterpart Richard Masters added: “We want players, managers and fans to continue showing their passion, but these new measures have been introduced to ensure that the line is not crossed when it comes to on-field and technical area behaviour.
      “We also strongly believe there is no room for abhorrent tragedy abuse in football. 
      “Along with our clubs and the authorities, we are committed to sanctioning those found guilty and will also focus on educating fans of all ages so they understand why this abuse is so hurtful and unacceptable.”
      Read More on The Sun
      The new measures for the professional game will be allied to a clampdown at grass roots level as well, including the introduction of point deductions for teams whose players or coaches commit repeated offences of serious misconduct.
      Additionally, the trial of bodycams for referees will continue into the 2023/24 season.
      The new measures could lead to more bansCredit: Reuters
      Fans are also being reminded not to chant abhorrent songsCredit: AFP More

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      Nottingham Forest star Harry Toffolo charged with 375 alleged breaches of FA betting rules

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST star Harry Toffolo has been charged with 375 alleged breaches of the FA’s betting rules.The charges date from between January 2014 and March 2017.
      Harry Toffolo has been charged with 375 alleged breaches of FA betting rulesCredit: Rex
      A statement from the FA reads: “Nottingham Forest’s Harry Toffolo has been charged with misconduct in relation to our betting rules.
      “It’s alleged that the defender breached FA Rule E1 (b) 375 times between 22 January 2014 and 18 March 2017.
      “Harry Toffolo has until Wednesday 19 July 2023 to provide his response.”
      Toffolo was a Norwich City player at the time of the alleged offences, having come through the club’s academy.
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      He had several loan spells away from the Canaries before signing for Millwall in 2018.
      The 27-year-old later had spells with Lincoln City and Huddersfield Town prior to joining Forest last summer.
      Toffolo made 21 appearances across all competitions for Steve Cooper’s side in his debut campaign at the City Ground.
      His alleged breaches come just months after Ivan Toney received an eight-month ban from the FA for betting.
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      Toney was charged with 262 counts between 2017 and 2021, with the FA subsequently withdrawing 30 of those breaches.
      The Brentford striker had been set for a 15-month suspension before it was reduced after he pleaded guilty to the charges and was diagnosed as a gambling addict.
      Wembley insiders explained that all such incidents are dealt with on a “case by case” basis and that there is not a standard fixed penalty.
      Indeed, just last week, Port Vale’s Mitch Clark was banned for just three months and fined £600 after admitting placing 312 bets in a 13-month spell up to March, when he was on the books of Accrington.
      Clark gained credit for contrition and agreeing at the very start of the process to take part in PFA education policies.
      Toffolo, though, as a Premier League player, could face a heavier penalty, even if the alleged offences took place when he was playing in the lower reaches of the EFL and were between six and NINE years ago.
      Harry Toffolo has until July 19 to respond to the chargesCredit: Getty More

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      England youth footballers chased ‘shaken’ teen sisters around hotel then barged into family’s room with key card

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      ENGLAND youth footballers chased teen sisters around a hotel then got into their family’s room.Two under-15 players barged in after getting hold of a key card.
      England youth footballers chased teen sisters around a Hilton hotel then got into their family’s room
      They saw the girls’ 12-year-old sister naked, as she had just been in the shower, before being chased away by their mum.
      She claims a duty manager told her: “They’re England players, they get what they want.”
      The single mum said a group of players had filmed her girls, 17, 15, and 12, as they collected food then ran up to their floor.
      The family locked the door but the mum said bungling staff gave two players a key card.
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      The mum said: “I dread to think what would have happened had I not been there.”
      Next day the shaken family cancelled a trip to Alton Towers and went home to Essex.
      The mum contacted the FA over October’s incident at Hilton St George’s Park in Burton, Staffs.
      Last week she got an apology and offer of four Wembley tickets, or £300.
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      She said: “That’s the last place I’d take my girls.”
      The FA said it considers the matter closed.
      Hilton apologised. More

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      Watford FC physio Phil Edwards ‘carried out horrifying sex attacks on 29 teen boys at club’, report claims

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      A WATFORD FC physio sexually abused 29 teenage boys while working at the club, a report has found.The Championship side investigated allegations against Phil Edwards, who is thought to have killed himself in 2019 while facing claims he had assaulted a boy.
      Watford’s investigation found 29 potential victims of football physio Phil EdwardsCredit: Getty
      Paedophile physio Edwards is believed to have killed himself in June 2019Credit: UPPA/Photoshot
      It has now been revealed that as many as 29 potential victims were contacted by Watford, as well as six members of staff.
      The inquiry heard how Edwards was known to some at the Hertfordshire club as “Paedo Phil” and “Feel me up Phil”.
      Some 18 of the survivors provided signed accounts of their alleged abuse by Edwards when they were aged between 13 and 15.
      Edwards was arrested in June 2019 on suspicion of sexual activity with a child at his Woodside physiotherapy clinic in Watford.
      Read More On Football Abuse Scandal
      A fortnight later the 60-year-old was found dead at the home where he lived alone, with police suggesting he killed himself.
      Another 18 police complaints were filed against him for alleged child sexual offences between 1998 and 2019.
      Edwards is believed to have abused players at Watford’s Vicarage Road ground as well as his private clinic and his home in the 1980s and 1990s.
      The details have been revealed in a newly-published addition to Clive Sheldon KC’s independent report into child sexual abuse in football.
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      Some of the assaults are alleged to have happened at Watford’s Vicarage Road groundCredit: Getty
      The inquiry found English football did not do enough to protect children from predatory coaches from 1970 to 2005, cataloguing failings by eight clubs – including Chelsea and Manchester City – to act on concerns.
      Watford has now apologised to all victims they contacted, today’s addendum to the report says.
      Survivors told of Edwards carrying out unnecessary groin examinations, ordering them to strip naked and squat before he lay alongside them, given boys alcohol and showed them pornography, as well as encouraging them to “perform sexual acts”.
      Some also described how “Edwards appeared to enjoy inflicting pain on them and laughed or shouted at them if they cried”.
      Watford said they could find no payroll record nor personnel file to “show that Edwards was ever employed” by them, though acknowledged he provided physiotherapy services there and held “a position of influence and access within the club”.
      They also said the former members of staff they contacted “all denied any knowledge of the alleged abuse by Edwards”.
      One survivor alleged that club legend and former England manager Graham Taylor was told of the accusations against Edwards while he was Watford boss but “nothing was done”.
      Two members of staff who allegedly witnessed the conversation have denied doing so and Mr Sheldon accepted Watford’s insistence there was “no corroborating evidence to support that any staff member knew that the alleged abuse by Edwards was taking place”.
      He also highlighted the importance of Taylor, who died aged 72 in January 2017, being unable to contribute to the investigation.
      Lawyers representing the club reached out-of-court settlements in January with five former youth team players who said Edwards sexually abused them.
      In a statement, Watford said: “As a club, Watford FC wishes to apologise to all young people who experienced the behaviour perpetrated by the late Phil Edwards, while holding a position of influence and access within the club.
      “We thank the survivors for their courage and dignity in all of their dealings with Watford FC, their patience also which allowed us to both conduct a thorough internal investigation and work with Clive Sheldon KC and his team with regards to their own independent findings.
      “We are doing, and will continue to do, everything we can to ensure that the boys, girls, men and women who play for this club – and indeed anyone who works for or with the club – will not have to endure the experiences these young people did.
      “Watford FC will continue to champion best practice in relation to the safeguarding and welfare of the people in its charge.
      “Further, the input and observations of survivors, based on their experiences, will always be welcome in the future.
      “Support remains available for anyone who believes it would be beneficial to them.”
      Football’s abuse scandal was exposed in 2016 with allegations about former youth coach Barry Bennell, who is now serving a 34-year prison sentence for sex offences against young boys.
      Among the ex-players who came forward to reveal they had been abused by Bennell when youngsters were former Bury and Sheffield United footballer Andy Woodward, the first to speak out, and then ex-England, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool star Paul Stewart.
      Former Chelsea youth player Bennell worked for Crewe Alexandra in the 1980s and 1990s and also had links with Manchester City and Stoke City.
      The FA said in today’s statement: “We continue to offer support to anyone who has been impacted by non-recent child sexual abuse in football.
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      “If anyone is ready to come forward at this time, they can do so without waiving their anonymity and there is support in place if they want to access it.
      “Abuse can be reported via the NSPCC Helpline on 0800 023 2642 or the police.”
      Football’s abuse scandal was exposed in 2016 with accusations against serial offender Barry Bennell, now serving a 34-year jail term for abusing young boysCredit: PA More

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      England football chiefs replace Snickers sponsor in new health drive

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      BARS of Snickers chocolate have been subbed by England footie chiefs in a new health drive.The treat, a partner of the England and Scotland teams, has been replaced by healthier Kind cereal bars.
      Snickers will no longer be sponsoring the England football teamCredit:
      FA officials did not want stars including Harry Kane and Beth Mead to be associated with Snickers after last year launching The Greater Game scheme to inspire youngsters to be healthier.
      Instead they will now be ­promoting Kind bars, which have a lower sugar and calorie count, and Extra chewing gum.
      The move is part of a new sponsorship deal with Kind owners Mars ­covering this year’s women’s World Cup and 2025 Euros, and the men’s Euros in 2024 and the World Cup in 2026.
      Kerry Cavanaugh, UK marketing boss of Mars Wrigley, said: “For this latest chapter of our FA partnership it felt right to focus on a new healthier product.
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      “Our Kind bars and Extra gum are a better fit for that than Snickers.”
      Navin Singh, FA commercial director, said: “This evolving partnership aligns perfectly with our passion to encourage ­balanced lifestyles.”
      Mars, which bought the Kind brand in 2020, has been an FA sponsor since 2009.
      Last year the FA ended a 20-year sponsorship tie-up with fast food giant McDonald’s, the longest in the FA’s history.
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      I was youngest ever Premier League owner – I got £10,000 out in pound coins to pay an FA fine then they suspended it

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      SIMON JORDAN was once the youngest-ever owner of a Premier League club.But that didn’t stop him from attempting to pay a mammoth £10,000 FA fine with a WHEELBARROW of one-pound coins.
      Simon Jordan admits trying to pay a £10,000 FA fine with a wheelbarrow of one-pound coinsCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPER LTD
      Jordan was once the youngest owner of a Premier League after leading Crystal PalaceCredit: PA:Press Association
      Jordan, 55, is currently one of the leading voices on talkSPORT radio.
      Earlier in his career, he took charge of Crystal Palace despite only being 32 years old at the time.
      It made him the youngest-ever owner and chairman of a Premier League club.
      And Jordan recounted the moment he was handed a hefty fine by FA chiefs during his time at the Eagles’ helm.
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      He was slapped with a £10k punishment in 2005 over comments made in a newspaper.
      Jordan’s penalty was eventually suspended by the FA.
      And he admits being left disappointed as he’d already scraped the £10k together with a wheelbarrow full of one-pound coins.
      Jordan told talkSPORT: “When the FA fined me £10,000, I promised to deliver it in a wheelbarrow of pound coins.
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      “They then suspended the penalty, so I had this £10,000 in pound coins and didn’t know what to do with it, so years later [I finally got to do it].”
      Jordan’s admission came as he paid a £1,000 wager to pundit pal Jim White in 20p coins.
      That’s after initially attempting to hand over the dosh in pennies.
      Handing a huge sack to White, Jordan said: “The moment has come Jimbo. 
      “You said the man doesn’t pay his bets, here’s your £1000 for your lucky bet, here it is, the lowest common denominator I could get, it’s all yours, spend it in slot machines.
      “They’re not pound coins but I tried to get pennies, the bank manager said ‘I can’t get you 100,000 pennies, it’s 20ps Jimbo.
      “50 kilos that was. I gave my driver a day off then I suddenly realised how am I going to get this in, I’ve been lugging it in on a trolley. Jim will probably count it and say ‘there’s 999,980p, what have you done with the other 20?’”
      White explained to listeners: “So I had a bet with Simon that Newcastle would finish top six and it was a £1000 charity bet. 
      “I’ve been on at him to bring it in, and he’s brought it in 20 pences, I do not believe it.
      “We’ll get in touch with Newcastle and get their advice on which charity we give the money to.”
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      Jordan then refused to take the sack back, adding: “No mate it’s yours, I’ve paid my bet, it’s nothing to do with me anymore, get some exercise. Enjoy.
      “I phoned my bank and said I want 1ps, they said ‘can’t get you 1ps, what about 20ps’ I said ‘how much is that going to weigh?’ and they said 46 kilos.” More