The FA

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Love this’: Grassroots football set for major rule change which will revolutionise way young English stars play forever

      by

      GRASSROOTS football in England is set for a major revamp after the FA announced its plan to implement sizeable changes from 2026.The new format promises to revolutionise the way football is taught to youngsters, with the FA taking inspiration from the European youth set up.Grassroots football in England is set for a major revampThe first major change is the introduction of a new 3v3 entry format for the youngest players in the pathway at U7s level.Six to seven year old’s go straight into 5v5 at the moment, but will shift to fielding three players on each side from the 2026-2027 season.The smaller set up aims to maximise engagement and provide the best introduction to football that will allow kids more touches on the ball.This means that every increase in playing sides will be pushed back by a year.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFor example, U11s will go from playing 9-a-side matches currently, to 7-a-side matches from 2026-2017.England Football explained: “Each format will be played one year later as players transition through the pathway.”The next biggest change means that 11v11 which will move from U13s to U14s level.The FA will also evolve the Laws of the Game that are age-appropriate and best support the overall development of youth players.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFor example, amendments have already been made to game restarts for U7s-U9s to increase ball in play time.The decision was informed by a two-year study of over 400 grassroots games (U6-U14) and insights from stakeholders.Watch bizarre moment non-league chairman KAYAKS on his club’s pitch as flooding wreaks havoc againThe FA said: “We aim to further improve the experience for young players across the country – giving them more time on the ball, more time on the pitch and increasing their physical activity levels.”A series of workshops and tools will be provided to support all coaches, clubs and leagues across the country to further understand the changes that will be implemented.The Director of Football Development, James Kendall, said: “We’re excited about these new changes which follow a two-year period of consultation with the grassroots game. “Our approach is about evolution, not revolution, helping to increase the levels of engagement, physical activity, skill development and the volume of technical actions for every player.”The announcement has received a mixed response online.One footie fan wrote: “Ive seen 3v3 in Europe. You’re all fretting about nothing. Works great and the kids love it. “Coaches just supervise. No more yelling generic instructions required.”READ MORE SUN STORIESA second added: “I think it’s great, the kids will get more playing time and more time on the ball to work on their own ability.” But another social media user questioned: “But won’t this reduced squad sizes?” More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Thomas Tuchel strikes agreement with FA that sees new England boss working from GERMANY and missing huge games

      by

      NEW England boss Thomas Tuchel has struck a deal with the FA to be based in Germany. The 51-year-old German penned an 18-month contract last October to replace Gareth Southgate.Thomas Tuchel is preparing for his first game as England boss next monthCredit: EPAThe Three Lions head coach has been spotted at games around the country in recent weeksCredit: GettyIt has been revealed Tuchel is being given special permission to return regularly to GermanyCredit: GettyTuchel officially began his new £5million-a-year role as Three Lions chief on January 1. He has since been seen at Premier League grounds around the country ahead of his first squad announcement next month.But according to The Times, Tuchel has already missed three rounds of top-flight fixtures and cup matches.The FA have agreed Tuchel can make regular trips back to Germany to see his family.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe has two children with ex-wife Sissi, who he divorced in 2022. The ex-Chelsea boss attended his first Premier League game on January 4, watching Tottenham take on Newcastle. He has since watched 16 more matches at home and abroad, including Champions League games in France, Spain and Italy.But he has also missed the entire FA Cup third-round weekend and three entire Premier League gameweeks. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAsked by talkSPORT how often he would be at the FA’s base at St George’s Park, Tuchel said: “Very regularly, this our home, this is our base.”I will be there otherwise we cannot create the atmosphere that is needed for the 18 months we have together. England manager Thomas Tuchel reacts to Three Lions’ World Cup 2026 qualifying draw”I’m happy to be there. We have an excellent infrastructure.”Tuchel is preparing for his first game in charge on March 21.The Three Lions host Albania at Wembley in the first of their World Cup 2026 qualifiers. England will then take on Latvia three days later, again at the Home of Football. World Cup qualifying draw in fullGroup A: Winner GER/ITA, Slovakia, Northern Ireland, LuxembourgGroup B: Switzerland, Sweden, Slovenia, KosovoGroup C: Loser POR/DEN, Greece, Scotland, BelarusGroup D: Winner FRA/CRO, Ukraine, Iceland, AzerbaijanGroup E: Winner SPA/NED, Turkey, Georgia, BulgariaGroup F: Winner POR/DEN, Hungary, Ireland, ArmeniaGroup G: Loser SPA/NED, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, MaltaGroup H: Austria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, San MarinoGroup I: Loser GER/ITA, Norway, Israel, Estonia, MoldovaGroup J: Belgium, Wales, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan, LiechensteinGroup K: England, Serbia, Albania, Latvia, AndorraGroup L: Loser FRA/CRO, Czechia, Montenegro, Faroe Islands, GibraltarTuchel will become England’s third foreign manager after Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello.After taking the job in October, he said: “I am very proud to have been given the honour of leading the England team.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I have long felt a personal connection to the game in this country, and it has given me some incredible moments already.”To have the chance to represent England is a huge privilege, and the opportunity to work with this special and talented group of players is very exciting.” More

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League boss facing FA punishment after claiming ‘smaller’ clubs are being targeted by referees

      by

      IPSWICH manager Kieran McKenna faces an FA rap after claiming “smaller” Premier League clubs are targeted by referees.McKenna was furious at the first of two yellow cards ref Rob Jones gave defender Axel Tuanzebe in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Aston Villa.Kieran McKenna slated what he reckons was a harsh initial bookingCredit: PAAxel Tuanzebe earned a yellow card McKenna reckons was never a foulCredit: RexTuanzebe then saw red for this challenge on Jacob RamseyCredit: GettyHe blasted: “I didn’t think it was a foul. Even if it was a foul, I think it was a decision given against a smaller team against a bigger team away from home.”It (the yellow card) was out of the pocket before the ball even stopped rolling. “I thought that was a really poor yellow. The second one, there’s not too many complaints.”FA bosses want to clamp down on criticism of refs.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd ex-Prem whistler Dermot Gallagher told Sky Sports: “As a referee, you are so focused on what you have to do.“You do not have time to think, ‘This club is bigger than this club’. It would not cross your mind.”Tuanzebe saw red as early in just the 40th minute for his second booking.The defender brought down Jacob Ramsey on the edge of the area.Most read in SportDefender Tuanzebe was gutted to see red at Villa ParkCredit: AlamyLiam Delap then stunned Villa by turning home Omari Hutchinson’s cross 11 minutes into the second period.But with the home fans growing in frustration, Unai Emery’s men finally nicked a point midway through the period.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSLoanee striker Marcus Rashford, who came on at the break, hit the bar with a free-kick and Ollie Watkins gobbled up the rebound.The point lifted Ipswich to third bottom – above Leicester.Liam Delap talks about joining Ipswich Town But victory would have put them level on points with Wolves. McKenna said: “A really good solid first 40 minutes, pretty much Even Stevens, then down to 10 men.”And of Tuanzebe’s initial booking, he added: “Anyone can make a mistake but I think it’s more how quickly the yellow came out. “Even if it was a foul, so many times this season I’ve not seen a yellow on the first foul at all. And I don’t think it was a foul. I think he got the ball.”If you’re booking a full-back for something like that away from home, you have to be right on the first foul, because you know it’s going to be a real hard game from then on.” More

    • 213 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      The ‘middle-ground’ that could save VAR, as FA Cup proved football can do just fine without it

      by

      FOOTBALL life without VAR is bearable.More than that – by all the evidence from the FA Cup so far, it is a reasonable proposition.VAR continues to cause controversy week after week in the Premier LeagueCredit: AlamyNewcastle’s FA Cup win at League One Birmingham showed we don’t need total VARCredit: GettyOne incident in particular provides support for this view. It occurred when Birmingham goalkeeper Bailey Peacock- Farrell beat away a shot from Newcastle’s Joe Willock on or beyond the goal-line.Blues supporters thought the man with the fanciest name in football had just kept out the shot until the linesman flagged and referee Matt Donohue waved play to the centre spot.Willock had equalised and his side went on to win the fourth-round tie 3-2.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWith no goal-line technology in play because the match was held at a League One ground, imagine VAR trying to pick that apart.Referee Donahue would have asked for a ruling on a very tight decision. Cue a delay while set-squares and microscopes were (imaginatively) brought into play and a verdict finally reached.Not exactly the magic of technology.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSI prefer the speed of the ref’s reaction, his assistant’s verdict here was swift and almost certainly correct. No VAR no cry. What a shame that we’ll now see VAR used for the rest of the competition.Moment Nottingham Forest fans ‘try to bribe Anthony Taylor’ during VAR check as hilarious footage goes viralIt used to be carry-on regardless in the Premier League, too, but in the endless squabble between perfectionists and realists, the seekers of absolute truth won.It may be less than an invention to suggest a referee be able to press a button and an AI verdict will come back instantly with an answer.Until that slightly worrying day, let us be pleased that necessity led the FA for a while to abide by the whistle and leave VAR to gather dust.People fortunate enough to support a Premier League club are less lucky and have total VAR complete with constant interruptions. EFL have it in play-off finals and promise it elsewhere very soon.There are, it is true, several plusses to technology, such as quick and correct answers on whether a goal-line has been crossed.MARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off… here’s what SHOULD have happenedBy Mark HalseyVAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.An official has to decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless — careless is a free-kick only, reckless is a yellow card — or worthy of a red card.When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, the side or from the back which endangers the player’s safety with excess force or/and brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red.I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.If Michael had the opportunity to view the challenge again, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, cancelled the red card and issued a yellow.As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one.The major success of VAR, however, is the speed and precision of offside verdicts.Linesmen are good judges but inevitably do not always find it possible to decide on the basis of the length of a foot or elbow. On VAR it is a doddle and quick.Not so with free-kicks or yellow or red cards. These decisions are sometimes a good deal longer and often dubious.VAR itself does not make corrections, it is a helpmate for refs to make theirs.The methodology is sound but perfection is no easier to find than the holy grail. Never-before-seen moment in English football as referee speaks to crowd to confirm why Spurs goal ruled out vs LiverpoolStill, because VAR gives referees a second look, it soon became the Japanese knotweed of our game – once present, nothing short of a bomb will stop it.Various methods are being tried to speed up the process and waiting times have been cut to average 64 seconds. Yet the solution is easy to see. Bin total VAR. Trust the ref.Football was successful for well over a century before VAR. Referees in those days might have protested at being held responsible for United or City losing but the truth is they still are.They are the focus of the blame game and although do-gooders thought VAR would rectify all errors and cut down offensive and obscene shouting among fans, it hasn’t.READ MORE SUN STORIESOverall, I would compromise. Tech works on line decisions but is very slow and almost as faulty for fouls given by refs who take only a fraction of the time.And it’s easier to forgive a wrong decision made by genuine human error, than one made by a machine. More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool boss Arne Slot charged by FA following Everton chaos – but WILL be in dugout against Wolves after ban blunder

      by

      ARNE SLOT has been slapped with an FA charge following Wednesday’s Merseyside madness.The final clash between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park ended in chaos sparked by James Tarkowski’s 98th minute equaliser.Arne Slot spoke to Michael Oliver after the final whistleCredit: GettyThe Dutchman appeared to be unhappy with referee OliverCredit: ReutersCurtis Jones, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Slot and his assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, were all sent off after full-time.Both the coaches and the two clubs have been charged following the incident.Liverpool and Everton face charges for failing to control the behaviour of their players.Slot erupted at referee Michael Oliver, for which he was shown a red card, but has also been charged for comments made after his dismissal.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe Reds boss will be in the dugout at Wolves this weekend before learning his fate – which could be a two-match ban.In a statement, The FA said: “The Liverpool manager allegedly acted in an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards both the match referee and an assistant referee after the match had finished.”It is further alleged that he acted in an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards a match official after being sent off.”Slot, 46, spoke earlier today ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Wolves this weekend.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSSlot looked perplexed as he was shown a red cardCredit: GettyOn the incident that saw him sent off in mid-week, he said: “There’s an ongoing process now and I think I have to respect that we have to respect that so can’t go into details.”What happened was that the extra time, five minutes that ended up being eight, happens a lot.New footage of Arne Slot’s interaction with Michael Oliver emerges as mystery surrounds Liverpool manager’s red card “The emotions go the better of me. I would love to do it differently and am looking to do it differently next time as well, but I don’t want to disturb the ongoing process.”On Jones’ suspension, Slot added: “The good thing is we have played so many games. He got a second yellow I assume so that’s only one game.”Next Wednesday there is a game, he comes back from an injury so he already missed a few games.”I liked him a lot when he came on. It was our best part of the game, the only part of the game where I felt a bit of comfort and where it felt like a bit of control. That is maybe because we went 2-1 up.”I like a lot that he stands up for the team but I think there are also other ways to do that for the team and the fans.”I will talk with him about that.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But it is the same for me, I should have acted differently after the game as well.”But it is an emotional game and sometimes people make the wrong decisions in an emotional moment and that’s what I did.”Slot also discussed Curtis Jones’ red cardCredit: Rex More

    • 238 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      FA Cup could see most unlikely winner in years as remaining teams’ staggering waits for a major trophy revealed

      by

      AN UNLIKELY winner could get their hands on the FA Cup this year after many of the Premier League’s top clubs crashed out.Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool are all out by the fifth round with only Manchester United and Man City from the so-called “Big Six” remaining in the competition. Newcastle’s 1995 FA Cup final winCredit: GettyAston Villa celebrate their 1996 League Cup winCredit: RexNottingham Forest won the League Cup in 1990Credit: RexCardiff City, Doncaster, Burnley, Plymouth, Exeter, Milwall and Preston make up the lower league underdogs in the next round. Meanwhile Brighton, Nottingham Forest, Ipswich, Wolves, Fulham, Newcastle, Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are also still in the mix. Amazingly, five of the remaining Premier League teams – Fulham, Brighton, Bournemouth, Brentford, and Crystal Palace – have NEVER won a major trophy.And Newcastle have been waiting 70 YEARS for silverware – last winning the FA Cup in 1955. READ MORE IN football Forest are two-time European Cup winners but their last piece of silverware was the League Cup in 1990.Southampton have been waiting nearly 50 years to lift a major trophy – winning the FA Cup in 1976. Everton are also former winners but not since 1995 while Wolves lifted the League Cup in 1980. Cardiff won the Championship in 2013 but it was in 1927 that they last won the FA Cup while Ipswich were Uefa Cup winners in 1981.Most read in FootballThe wait for major trophies Manchester United: One year Manchester City: One year Aston Villa: 29 years Nottingham Forest: 35 years Preston: 35 years Ipswich: 44 years Wolves: 45 years Burnley: 65 years Newcastle: 70 years Cardiff City: 98 years Millwall: N/ABrighton: N/AExeter: N/AFulham: N/APlymouth: N/ABournemouth: N/ADoncaster: N/ACrystal Palace: N/ACASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBurnley won the Championship as recently as 2023 but had not had major silverware since their top-flight title win in 1960. Doncaster, Plymouth, Exeter and Milwall are also without major trophies in their cabinets. Preston, however, won the top-flight in 1990 and FA Cup in 1889. The FA Cup fifth round draw will take place TONIGHT on BBC’s The One Show.Miron Muslic ‘very emotional’ after Plymouth knock Liverpool out of FA Cup More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      When is the FA Cup 5th round draw? FREE live stream, TV channel and start time as Man Utd discover opponents TONIGHT

      by

      THE FA Cup fourth round has produced some huge upsets over the weekend.Most notably, Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle beat Premier League leaders Liverpool 1-0 on Sunday.Ryan Hardie was the hero for Plymouth against LiverpoolCredit: GettyRyan Hardie’s 53rd-minute penalty was enough for the Pilgrims to pull off a huge giant-killing at Home Park.Just two fourth round ties remain to be decided, with Doncaster Rovers taking on Crystal Palace on Monday, February 10, and Nottingham Forest travelling to Exeter City on Tuesday, February 11.But fans don’t need to wait long until the FA Cup fifth round draw!When is the FA Cup fifth round draw?The FA Cup fifth round draw will take place on Monday, February 10.It will be broadcast live on BBC One and available for free live streaming on iPlayer and the FA Cup’s official YouTube channel.It will be conducted at 7.10pm GMT during The One Show.SunSport will also live blog the draw with all the build-up and reaction.When are FA Cup fifth round fixtures?Fixtures are set for the weekend of March 1 & 2.However, like with this weekend, fixtures are expected to be placed in various time slots from Friday to Monday.Both BBC and ITV have broadcasting rights to the competition.FA Cup fifth round ball numbersHere are the all-important ball numbers ahead of the FA Cup fifth round draw:Manchester UnitedMillwallBrightonPreston North EndExeter or Nottingham ForestIpswichWolvesFulhamNewcastlePlymouthBournemouthAston VillaBurnleyManchester CityDoncaster or Crystal PalaceCardiff City More

    • 188 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      FA Cup 5th round draw ball numbers: Who is in the hat for huge draw?

      by

      THE FA CUP is rolling on at pace as we head towards the fifth round draw.The shock of the round Plymouth Argyle will be ball number 10, after the Championship’s bottom side knocked out the Premier League’s top side Liverpool on Sunday night.The FA Cup fifth round draw takes place on MondayCredit: GettyPlymouth pulled off an all time cupset against LiverpoolCredit: AFPManchester United left it late to beat Leicester on Friday night, Harry Maguire scored late, and they are ball number one.Cardiff had to battle their way into the fifth round, going from leading, to losing, and then drawing at Stoke, before winning on penalties. They are ball number 16.FA Cup fifth round draw numbersManchester UnitedMillwallBrightonPreston North EndExeter or Nottingham Forest IpswichWolvesFulhamNewcastlePlymouthBournemouthAston VillaBurnleyManchester CityDoncaster or Crystal PalaceCardiff CityHow can I watch the FA Cup fifth round?The FA Cup fifth round draw will take place TONIGHT on BBC’s The One Show.The fifth round draw takes place at 7:10pm GMT.The full draw will also be available for streaming on FA social media channels X, Instagram and Facebook.The draw will be hosted by Kelly Somers, with Alex Scott and Theo Walcott drawing the balls alongside Somers.Are there any more FA Cup games in the fourth round?Yes, there are two more games to go before we know all 16 teams in the next round of the FA Cup.On Monday, February 10 – tonight – Crystal Palace will travel to Doncaster, with kick-off ay 7:45pm GMT.On Tuesday, February 11 – tomorrow – in-form Nottingham Forest travel to Exeter to take on the League One side, that game gets underway at 8pm GMT. More