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      Barnsley defender Bambo Diaby banned for two years for doping by FA as he has contract ripped up

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      BARNSLEY defender Bambo Diaby has been banned for two years for doping and has had his contract ripped up by the club.
      The 22-year-old is now prohibited from ‘all forms of football activity’ until 2022.

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      Diaby was hit with the provisional suspension in JanuaryCredit: Rex Features

      He was found guilty by the FA and World Anti-Doping Agency of breaching regulations.
      Diaby showed traces of Higenamine in an ‘in-competition’ urine sample when tested in January 2020.
      Higenamine was added to the list of banned substances in 2017.
      It is found in a variety of plant sources and is on the banned list as it could act as a general stimulant.

      The Spain-born Senegalese centre-back could not explain how the substance got into his system.
      He has now been hit with a two year penalty – and Barnsley made it a double-whammy as they terminated his contract.
      The ban starts on the day of his first provisional suspension on January 17 2020 and will be lifted at 11.59pm on January 16 2022.
      Diaby thanked fans for their support during his suspension in an open letter on the club website.

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      Diaby released an open letter to fans where he maintained his innocenceCredit: PA:Press Association
      He said: “I maintain my innocence, something the FA have acknowledged themselves but I must handle this decision with my family and look forward to a brighter future.
      “I was welcomed with open arms by staff, players and the whole community of Barnsley. I made this place my home and was looking forward to many years playing for the town and its people.”
      Barnsley released a statement explaining their decision to part ways with Diaby was ‘regretful’.
      They said: “The FA Anti-Doping Regulation mandate a two-year ban where an individual is unable to show that they meet the strict requirements to sustain a plea of No Fault or Negligence, or No Significant Fault or Negligence.

      “Despite making sincere efforts to identify the source of the prohibited substance, Bambo Diaby has been unable to do so.
      “Because of this, a two-year mandatory ban has been imposed by World Anti-Doping Agency and the FA. Bambo Diaby was not found guilty of knowingly ingesting a banned substance.
      “Both Bambo Diaby and Barnsley FC have been honest and compliant throughout the process. However, following the outcome, regretfully Bambo Diaby’s contract has been consensually terminated.”

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      Government demands for Premier League to hand EFL £250m bail-out slammed by MPs and two ex-FA chairman

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      GOVERNMENT demands for Premier League clubs to pay the £250million EFL bail-out have been criticised by MPs and two former FA chairmen.
      Lord Triesman and Greg Dyke are among the signatories to the letter, written by Tory MP Damian Collins.

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      The Premier League are being called on by the Government to provide the £250m bail-out the EFL needsCredit: AP:Associated Press

      And in a stinging rebuke of Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, the group says it is the Government, and not Premier League clubs, who must be responsible for keeping the lower tiers of English football alive.
      They say: “We understand that you had hoped that the Premier League clubs might make a significant additional contribution to support the EFL.
      “Whilst this would be welcome, those clubs too face swingeing losses from lost ticketing receipts and falling revenues from broadcasting matches.
      “However, it cannot be the Premier League’s sole responsibility to sort out issues arising from Government policy.

      “The Government itself needs to take responsibility or many already-embattled towns – often in areas of the country which have suffered many hardships in recent decades – will lose their last focal point.”
      Triesman – Wembley head from 2008 to 2010 – and Dyke, who ran the FA between 2013 and 2016, are powerful voices with strong political connections.
      Along with Collins, recently deposed as chairman of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, the other Westminster signatories featured four Tory MPs including former Deputy Prime Minister Damian Green as well as Labour’s Kevin Brennan and Clive Betts.
      Others signing the letter included National League vice-president Lord Faulkner, Malcolm Clarke of the Football Supporters Association and Robbie Savage.

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      Many EFL and non-league clubs are at risk of going out of business as a result of the coronavirus pandemic with no fans in groundsCredit: PA:Press Association

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      Former FA chairman Greg Dyke was among the signatories on a letter criticising the Government’s treatment of the EFL Credit: Getty Images – Getty

      Dowden further infuriated League chiefs by his weekend assertion that top-flight clubs should “help poorer clubs rather than spend huge amounts of money hiring a new striker”.
      Now, though, he has been put on the back foot by the letter, which will be welcomed by League bosses.
      The group added that it had previously advised the Government of the issues faced by the EFL as a result of the Covid-19 crisis.
      They added: “Clubs have been able to sustain themselves through advance season ticket sales, solidarity payments from the Premier League, and had agreed to start playing the new season in the belief that fans would be allowed to return to stadiums this autumn.
      “It’s now clear that spectators will not be back in EFL grounds, even in limited numbers, for the foreseeable future.
      “As a consequence clubs will not only lose this budgeted for income, but will also have to refund season tickets to fans who will now be prevented from attending matches.
      “It’s clear that the Government has no current proposals to provide financial support, and nor is it prepared to offer any guarantees for the future.
      “Without any plans being made to rescue football clubs, many in the EFL and others in the National League as well, are now actively preparing to make all but essential staff redundant, cease playing, close down their youth academies and community foundations, and put their business into administration.

      “This could lead not only to the failure of many historic community clubs, but the collapse of the national league structure that we have known for over one hundred years.
      “There is still time to act, but not long left.
      “The Government made £1.5billion available to rescue arts and cultural organisations across the country that faced closure because of the coronavirus.
      “We believe that football, like other well-loved professional sports in this country, is also a cultural activity.
      “We would ask that the government now make clear what financial support it’s prepared to give before it is too late.
      “In order for clubs to sustain themselves over the winter and keep playing, they would need to be compensated for the loss of match ticket sales.
      “The absence of this income is not a result of their actions, but the policies that have been put in place by the government in response to a public health emergency.”

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      FA clear Fleetwood staff for Akinfenwa ‘fat water buffalo’ jibe as PFA say ‘white player wouldn’t be described this way’

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      WYCOMBE and the PFA have slammed FA disciplinary beaks after no charges were brought against the Fleetwood staff member who called Adebayo Akinfenwa a “fat water buffalo”.
      PFA chiefs claimed that the FA had failed in its duty to Akinfenwa, who is understood to be upset and unhappy about the decision.

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      The Fleetwood staff member who described Adebayo Akinfenwa as a ‘fat water buffalo’ has escaped punishment from the FACredit: PA:Press Association

      The PFA said: “It is abundantly clear that a white player with a similar stature to Akinfenwa would never be described in the way he was during this incident.
      “Black people have battled dehumanisation for centuries, and the PFA strongly condemns the use of all disparaging remarks that compare black players to animals.”
      The decision followed a two-month probe into the incident at the League One play-off second leg in July.
      A member of the Fleetwood technical staff made the comment to a match official during the game.

      Wycombe made a formal complaint to the FA in the days after the match and the investigation found: “The witness accounts all confirmed the use of the term “water buffalo” or “buffalo”.”
      Two of the match officials reported “they had not interpreted the words to be discriminatory” and were descriptions of Akinfenwa’s playing style.
      As part of the inquiry, the FA commissioned a report from an independent expert in race relations, who “concluded that the words were not objectively racist”.
      While commending Akinfenwa’s “courage and conviction” and conceding the offence that was caused, the FA stated it was “not satisfied there is sufficient evidence” to lay a charge.

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      The striker played a crucial role in helping Wycombe get promoted to the Championship last seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But the outcome caused fury at Wycombe and PFA headquarters.
      Wycombe blasted: “The failure of the FA to act is disappointing. The investigation confirms that the language was used. There is no place in sport for such comments.
      “The Club believes the FA had the opportunity to take appropriate steps to ensure the conduct was punished appropriately and to make sure that everyone knows that this type of comment will not be tolerated in the future.”
      And the PFA added: “This type of hurtful, derogatory language is unacceptable, regardless of intent.
      “Adebayo showed great courage in coming forward to report this incident, which tarnished what should have been a night of celebration for Wycombe Wanderers.
      “This incident demonstrates that bias extends to problematic language casually used on our pitches and in the dugouts.
      “We share Adebayo’s disappointment that this allegation will not be upheld, especially since he took steps to speak publicly about the incident’s emotional impact.
      “We are in contact with Adebayo, and will continue to offer him our support.”

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      England release damning statement and FA probe over Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden breaking Covid rule to sneak girls in

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      THE FA have issued a damning statement and will launch a “full investigation” after Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood broke England’s coronavirus protocol.
      The pair have been dumped from the Three Lions squad after inviting two girls to the team hotel in Iceland, violating Covid rules.

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      The FA have issued a damning statement after Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood were axed from the England squad
      Footage has since emerged of two giggling Icelandic girls asking the stars how they would sneak them into the hotel.
      And FA chiefs have slammed the pair and confirmed they will launch a probe into the incident.
      In a statement, an FA spokesperson said: “Whilst in Iceland, both Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood spent time outside of our private team area, which was a breach of our COVID-19 rules.

      “While they did not leave the team hotel, it was an unacceptable breach of our protocol. They have both apologised for their serious lack of judgement.
      “The FA will be launching a full investigation into the circumstances leading up to this breach.
      “We have spoken to the Football Association of Iceland to offer our apologies for this incident and to ensure them that we are taking the appropriate steps.
      “We have also assured the Danish Football Union that all other players and staff members have been isolated within our group throughout this period.

      “Our immediate priority now is preparing the team for the match against Denmark tomorrow.”

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      A video of the phone conversation between two Icelandic girls and Mason Greenwood and Phil Foden has emerged Credit: Twitter

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      The two girls could be heard giggling as they plotted with the stars on how they would get into the team hotel

      The duo both made their international debuts in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Iceland but have now been kicked out of the squad after breaching the coronavirus guidelines yesterday.
      Boss Gareth Southgate confirmed the ‘naive’ duo would be sent home.
      The pair have not yet left the country as they each face a £1,360 fine from Icelandic police for a legal breach of Covid restrictions.

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      The pair will not travel with the England to Denmark and will instead return to ManchesterCredit: PA:Press Association

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      Phil Foden is still in a relationship with long-term girlfriend Rebecca Cooke

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      Gareth Southgate confirmed today both players had been kicked out of his squadCredit: PA:Press Association

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      MP calls for Euro 2021 games at Wembley to be played nationwide to aid Britain’s Covid recovery

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      EURO Championship games due to be played at Wembley should be staged around Britain to boost the coronavirus recovery nationwide, according to a leading MP.
      Next year’s delayed Euro 2020 tournament will see three England games, a last 16 match, both semi finals and the final played at the national stadium, but acting Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey has written to the FA and UEFA to have the games played across the UK.
      ⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

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      An MP believes the Euro Championship games at Wembley should be staged around Britain to boost other regionsCredit: PA:Press Association

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      Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey told The Sun: ‘Let these matches give a kick-start to places hit hard by Covid’Credit: The Mega Agency
      They are calling for games to be played at St James’ Park, in Newcastle, Old Trafford, in Manchester, Anfield, in Liverpool, and Leicester’s King Power stadium instead.
      Sir Ed told The Sun: “We should spread football cheers around our country, and let these matches give a kick-start to places hit hard by Covid.
      “If it is safe, I want Boris Johnson to get his Government to work with UEFA and make use of the fantastic stadiums around the country. Let’s show off our whole country – we’re proud of every town and city, not just London.”

      The letter, to FA Chief Mark Bullingham, UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin and Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “Sport can be a great healer to many and the rescheduled Men’s Euro 2020 fixtures next summer will be a tremendous opportunity to raise both the nation’s spirits and stimulate the economy across the nation.
      “Currently England are scheduled to play all their group games in London. Wembley is also hosting a last 16 game, the semi-finals and final.

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      Next year’s delayed Euro 2020 tournament will see three England games played at the national stadiumCredit: Alamy

      “England has some fantastic stadia across the country and it feels like a missed opportunity not to spread the joy that these games will bring and the inevitable boost to the economy around the regions.
      “If it can be done, in a safe way, I’d urge you to work with UEFA to explore the possibility at spreading both the Euro 2020 fixtures and England’s warm-up games out around the country, in the same way that you have been able to do with the Women’s European Championship in 2022.”

      Yesterday the FA said Euro scheduling was down to UEFA, and the governing body did not reply to comment.

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      Mystery as ‘Liverpool’ is omitted from Community Shield announcement but Chelsea and Arsenal are named

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      MYSTERY surrounds the absence of Liverpool’s name on the official release announcing the Community Shield will be played on August 29.
      The FA confirmed SunSport’s story from Tuesday that the 2020-21 curtain-raiser will be staged at Wembley.

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      Liverpool were left off the FA’s official Community Shield announcement, while Arsenal and Chelsea were namedCredit: AP:Associated Press
      The intention is to use the game as a test event to allow fans back into stadiums.
      The statement only made reference to “the winners of the Premier League” – omitting the name of Jurgen Klopp’s side – but naming both FA Cup finalists Chelsea and Arsenal.
      The release read: “We can now confirm that either Arsenal or Chelsea will return to Wembley for the FA Community Shield supported by McDonald’s next month.
      “The traditional curtain-raiser of the new season will take place at Wembley Stadium connected by EE on Saturday 29 August, with the Premier League champions taking on one of the two London clubs who are competing in the Heads Up FA Cup Final this weekend.

      “Kick-off time, broadcast details and more details will be announced in due course.”
      SunSport understands an initial draft press release was drawn up yesterday containing Liverpool.
      But for some reason it was requested the club be removed from the final version.
      That change delayed the announcement from being made as FA officials sought to get sign-off from all parties involved.

      Why Liverpool, as confirmed and indisputable Premier League champions, are not named remains unclear.
      There has been some concern raised over whether staging the Community Shield gives the clubs involved enough of a break between the end of last season and the beginning of the next campaign.
      It is understood the Premier League clubs have reached a consensus that each side would have a minimum gap of 30 days between competitive matches.

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      FA Cup finalists Arsenal and Chelsea were both named, while Liverpool were notCredit: EPA

      That informal agreement means there is a chance the new league campaign will see a staggered start.
      Teams involved in the latter stages of the 2019-20 Champions League and Europa League could kick-off as much as three weeks late next season.
      The FA have been contacted for comment.

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      Port Vale striker Tom Pope hit with SIX-game ban and £3500 fine by FA for anti-Semitic Twitter post

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      PORT VALE striker Tom Pope has been hit with a SIX-game ban and a £3,500 fine for an anti-Semitic Twitter post.
      The FA dished out the punishment after Pope, 34, made comments in the early hours of January 5 following his goal in the 4-1 FA Cup defeat at Manchester City.

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      Tom Pope has been banned for SIX games after an anti-Semitic Twitter post
      In a series of posts, he promoted anti-Semitic myths about the Rothschild family “owning the banking system”.
      The Board of Deputies of British Jews condemned Pope for subscribing to “the notorious antisemitic conspiracy theory” and urged the FA “to send a clear message that the promotion of antisemitism will not be tolerated at any level of the game”.
      FA disciplinary beaks began a probe within 24 hours, demanding information from the striker.
      And an FA statement today read: “Tom Pope has been suspended for six matches, fined £3,500 and must complete a face-to-face education course for an “Aggravated Breach” of FA Rule E3 in relation to a social media post on 5 January 2020.

      “The Port Vale FC player denied that comments he made were abusive and/or insulting and/or improper and/or brought the game into disrepute, contrary to FA Rule E3(1), and constituted an “Aggravated Breach”, which is defined in Rule E3(2), as they included, whether express or implied, reference to race and/or religion and/or ethnic origin.
      “An independent Regulatory Commission subsequently found the charge to be proven during a personal hearing.
      “Written reasons for both a preliminary application ruling and the decision and sanction are available below.”
      While a ban for social media comments is not automatic in normal situations, Pope is facing the sanction as was his FOURTH offence in less than 12 months.

      In June 2019, he was fined £2,000 and warned for Twitter comments about Mansfield chief executive Carolyn Radford.
      Five months later, he was banned for one game for posts about the allegations of historic sexual abuse at Crewe following a win over the Railwaymen.
      And in January, Pope was handed another one-game ban for a post in which he compared a fan to the character Sloth from the 80s film “The Goonies”.

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      FA hoping to give go-ahead for grassroots football to restart NEXT WEEKEND after four-month delay due to coronavirus

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      THE Football Association are hoping to give the clearance for grassroots football to be played as early as NEXT weekend.
      FA bosses are signing off on their proposals submitted to the government for all 11-a-side matches to return.

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      Grassroots could return as early as NEXT weekendCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      No grassroots action has been played since March because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
      And SunSport understands they want the first games to be played on the weekend of July 25-26.
      That would provide a huge boost to hundreds of thousands of amateur players across England.
      The Department for Culture, Media and Sport have indicated they are happy with the plans put in place by the FA to safeguard against the spread of the virus.

      A formal announcement is yet to be made as final details are worked on.
      And it could be the FA wait until next week to go public in order to prevent some breaking the current restrictions banning full-scale games.
      But it is believed the last weekend of this month is the date they are working towards for the matches to be played should all go well.

      Participants would still have to respect strict guidelines to reduce the risk of any contamination.

      That will likely involve players being unable to share cramped dressing rooms or shower after matches.
      Individual leagues would then have to work with the FA and clubs to ensure all regulations are being met before giving the go-ahead for the competitive season to begin.

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