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      Champions League final could be held in New York as Uefa plan drastic changes including 36 teams

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      THE Champions League final could be held in New York in Uefa’s dramatic revamp.
      European chiefs want to agree the new 36-team model for their biggest prize will run for at least nine seasons from 2024.

      The Champions League final could take place in New York in a major overhaul from Uefa

      And as part of the pitch to potential sponsors, Uefa is suggesting that the showpiece event could take ‘Old Big Ears’ to the Big Apple.
      President Aleksander Ceferin floated the prospect of the Champions League final being taken out of Europe shortly after his election in 2016.
      He said: “I think it might be an idea in the future but we have to speak about it.
      “To go from Portugal to Azerbaijan, for example, is almost the same as if you go to New York. For the fans it’s no problem.”

      Ceferin subsequently rowed back from the idea in the short-term and the upcoming finals will be staged in Istanbul in June, followed by St Petersburg, Munich and then Wembley in 2024.
      But that will signal the end of the Champions League in its current format.
      Despite opposition from European top flight leagues, including the Premier League, Uefa is determined to plough ahead with its revamp concept.
      That will see the 36 teams – with two of the four extra places awarded to clubs based on ‘historical coefficients’, representing a potential backdoor route for the likes of Manchester United or Juventus – put in a single league.

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      All teams will play ten games against seeded opponents to create a final table through the the so-called ‘Swiss system’.
      The top eight clubs will pass to the last-16 knock-out stage by right, joined by the winners of play-off involving those sides ranked from ninth to 24th.
      But Uefa recognises the need to change its marketing strategy to get more high value sponsors on board.
      And appealing to the cash-laden US market could be the key to unlocking extra millions in revenue.
      American fans are desperate to see Europe’s biggest sides play competitive games on their soil and no match means more than the Champions League Final.
      A 3pm Saturday afternoon kick-off on the East Coast would still mean the match beginning in its normal 8pm slot in the UK, 9pm in most of Europe, so it would not impact negatively on the ‘home’ market.
      But turning the final into a truly global event, not every season but on an occasional basis, would be a significant move.
      It could also spark a bidding frenzy from US broadcasters for TV rights to the crown jewel of European club football.
      One US soccer insider told SunSport: “We’ve seen crowds of 100,000 or more for pre-season friendlies involving big European sides over here.
      “Commercially it makes all the sense in the world for Uefa to explore this.”

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      Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich’s stunning new £430million Solaris superyacht pictured for first time

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      ROMAN Abramovich’s new £430million superyacht is pictured in all its glory for the first time.
      The 460ft Solaris, which will have eight decks including a helicopter pad, is nearing completion.

      Roman Abramovich’s new 460ft Solaris worth £430million is captured for the first time in all its gloryCredit: Carl Groll/TheYachtPhoto.com

      The Chelsea boss’ superyacht, who already owns £475 million superyacht Eclipse, will be the most powerful yacht in the worldCredit: AFP or licensors

      No expense has been spared and its two advanced electric engines will make it the most powerful yacht in the world.
      Solaris is almost ready for sea trials and should be handed to the Chelsea owner, 54, by the summer.
      A source said: “This will be the yacht of the year when she is launched later this year.”
      The yacht is being built at the Lloyd Werft shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany.

      The shed it is being constructed in is larger than Buckingham Palace.
      Solaris will have 48 cabins, accommodating up to 36 passengers, and a crew of 60.

      Solaris will boast 48 cabins which can accommodate up to 36 passengers

      The stunning superyacht will have eight decks, including a helicopter padCredit: Carl Groll/TheYachtPhoto.com

      The 460ft Solaris is being constructed in a shed larger than Buckingham PalaceCredit: Rex Features

      But Abramovich, who already has £475million superyacht Eclipse, will not be setting sail for Britain often as he has visa issues over his Russia links.

      The source added: “Details are being kept top secret but she will be a magnificent addition for the owner.
      ‘To give you an idea of the size of Solaris the yacht shed she is being built in is bigger and taller than Buckingham Palace so you have some idea of the dimensions.”

      A source said ‘Details are being kept top secret but she will be a magnificent addition for the owner’Credit: PA:Press Association

      A 282ft superyacht built for billionaire Roman Abramovich filmed crashing into St Maarten bridge
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      Britain’s greenest football club Forest Green Rovers create eco-friendly kit made from coffee beans

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      BRITAIN’S greenest football club have grounds to celebrate — their new eco-friendly kit is made from coffee beans.
      Forest Green Rovers, who went climate neutral in 2017, have partnered with PlayerLayer to create a prototype strip which also contains recycled plastic.

      Forest Green Rovers’ new eco-friendly kit is made from coffee beans

      The League Two club have been named by Fifa as the greenest in the world

      The football club partnered with PlayerLayer to create the green strip

      The League Two club, named by Fifa as the greenest in the world, will play their first game in the new lime and black tiger-striped kit on Saturday when they take on Colchester United.
      The coffee-based fabric has been a top performer in initial tests and has been found to be lighter, breathable and more durable than the club’s current kit — which is also made of eco-friendly bamboo.
      Forest Green’s environmental credentials include having a vegan menu at their ground in Nailsworth, Gloucs, and solar panels with electric charging points.
      Proceeds from kit sales will be split between Gloucestershire NHS and charity One Tree Planted.

      Club chairman Dale Vince said: “It’s time football wakes up and smells the coffee about the planet’s future.
      “This prototype kit will bring new flavour to that old cliché of grinding out a result.”

      The new prototype strip also contains recycled plastic

      Forest Green Rovers will play their first game in the new lime and black tiger-striped kit on Saturday

      We want to know what your kids think about the environment, climate change and the future of the planet.
      What are their concerns, and what would they like to change?

      Add your child’s comments here. We will print the best.  

      From vegan pies to bamboo kits, Forest Green Rovers are the greenest football club in the world
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      Man Utd playmaker Juan Mata wanted by Juventus, Inter and Roma on free transfer with Old Trafford contract expiring

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      JUAN MATA is being tracked by at least three top clubs in Italy as his Manchester United future hangs in the balance.
      Juventus, Roma and Inter Milan have all shown interest in the Spanish midfielder with his current deal at Old Trafford due to expire in the summer.

      Mata has featured sparingly for Man Utd so far this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      United have the option to trigger a 12 month extension for the 32-year-old – but he has started only eight matches in all competitions this year.
      He remains happy with the Red Devils and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer values him as a key man around the club he has served for more than seven years.
      But the former Chelsea man is also keen to play more regular football in the final years of his career.
      Inter – who have recently signed Romelu Lukaku and Ashley Young from United – have been showing the most interest so far.

      The other two clubs are more likely to make a move if he is a free agent in June.
      Mata would also have the option of a lucrative move to the Middle East while he hopes there would be clubs from his homeland also keen.
      The former Chelsea man signed for Man Utd from Stamford Bridge for £37.1million in January 2014.
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      Since then, he has scored 50 goals and provided 47 assists in 267 games for the club.
      During his seven years with the Red Devils he has won the FA Cup, EFL Cup, Community Shield and UEFA Europa League.
      And at international level he has won everything there is to win with Spain, most prominently the 2010 World Cup and 2012 European Championships.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Manchester City ace Benjamin Mendy fined £1k after driving £475k Lamborghini without insurance or licence

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      BENJAMIN Mendy has been fined £1,000 after driving without insurance or a licence when cops pulled him over in his £475,000 Lamborghini.
      The £52m Manchester City defender and France international had the flash white car seized as he was unable to provide the correct paperwork.

      Man City ace Benjamin Mendy has been fined £1,000 after driving without insurance or a licenceCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Mendy had his £475,000 supercar seized as he was unable to provide the correct paperwork when police stopped him

      The SVJ supercar — which can do 0-60mph in under three seconds — was later impounded.
      Mendy was stopped at 5am on November 15 in Prestbury, Cheshire.
      Cheshire Police said: “A 26-year-old man from Prestbury submitted a guilty plea online to driving without insurance and driving without a licence.
      “The man was subsequently fined £880, ordered to pay £88 victims surcharge, £90 costs, and endorsed with six penalty points on his licence.”

      Mendy was pulled over by police in his Lamborghini in Cheshire last November

      The defender bought the flash motor in France and was pictured last summer driving it in the millionaire’s playground of Cannes

      Cheshire Police said: ‘The man was subsequently fined £880, ordered to pay £88 victims surcharge, £90 costs, and endorsed with six penalty points on his licence’Credit: Dave Thompson Telegraph Media Group

      Mendy, who joined City in 2017, bought the car in France and was pictured last summer driving it in the millionaire’s playground of Cannes.
      The SVJ model is an improved version of the Aventador S – with only 900 made.
      According to the Motor Insurance Bureau, last year 137,410 vehicles were seized for no insurance which equated to one seizure every four minutes.

      Man City ace Benjamin Mendy flouted lockdown again by flying a girl from Greece for four-day romp
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      Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich’s stunning new £430 million superyacht pictured for first time

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      ROMAN Abramovich’s new £430million superyacht is pictured in all its glory for the first time.
      The 460ft Solaris, which will have eight decks including a helicopter pad, is nearing completion.

      Roman Abramovich’s new 460ft Solaris worth £430million is captured for the first time in all its gloryCredit: Carl Groll/TheYachtPhoto.com

      The Chelsea boss’ superyacht, who already owns £475 million superyacht Eclipse, will be the most powerful yacht in the worldCredit: AFP or licensors

      No expense has been spared and its two advanced electric engines will make it the most powerful yacht in the world.
      Solaris is almost ready for sea trials and should be handed to the Chelsea owner, 54, by the summer.
      A source said: “This will be the yacht of the year when she is launched later this year.”
      The yacht is being built at the Lloyd Werft shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany.

      The shed it is being constructed in is larger than Buckingham Palace.
      Solaris will have 48 cabins, accommodating up to 36 passengers, and a crew of 60.

      Solaris will boast 48 cabins which can accommodate up to 36 passengers

      The stunning superyacht will have eight decks, including a helicopter padCredit: Carl Groll/TheYachtPhoto.com

      The 460ft Solaris is being constructed in a shed larger than Buckingham PalaceCredit: Rex Features

      But Abramovich, who already has £475million superyacht Eclipse, will not be setting sail for Britain often as he has visa issues over his Russia links.

      The source added: “Details are being kept top secret but she will be a magnificent addition for the owner.
      ‘To give you an idea of the size of Solaris the yacht shed she is being built in is bigger and taller than Buckingham Palace so you have some idea of the dimensions.”

      A source said ‘Details are being kept top secret but she will be a magnificent addition for the owner’Credit: PA:Press Association

      A 282ft superyacht built for billionaire Roman Abramovich filmed crashing into St Maarten bridge
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      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel reveals he tried to sign Luis Suarez for PSG as he tries to stop Atletico goal machine

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      LUIS SUAREZ is probably the only person happy to see tonight’s Champions League clash with Chelsea moved to Romania.
      The home of Count Dracula is perfect for the bloodthirsty striker with an insatiable hunger for goals.

      Luis Suarez has 16 goals this season for Atletico MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is so bewitched by Atletico Madrid’s controversial star ahead of tonight’s last-16 first leg that he would love his own strikers to be more like him.
      Tuchel tried to sign the Uruguayan for Paris Saint-Germain last year, when the forward became surplus to requirements at Barcelona.
      Suarez is as well-known for biting opponents as he is for scoring goals.
      When playing for Liverpool in 2013 he sunk his teeth into Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic, who is now at West Brom.

      But all that matters to Tuchel is the ruthless streak that makes Suarez feared by rivals for his feet as much as his bite.
      The new Chelsea boss is desperate for his own strikers to add some clinical edge.
      Tuchel complained about the indecision of his forwards in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Southampton, moaning he did not like “the last 20 metres” — meaning his forwards.
      Suarez is now 34 but, with 16 goals this season for Atletico Madrid, boasts four more than Chelsea’s leading scorer Tammy Abraham and six more than new £48million hotshot Timo Werner.

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      Tuchel is spellbound and hopes his players can learn a bit from the flawed genius this evening in Bucharest.
      The Blues boss said: “He is a natural striker, a born striker, and has the certain mentality that only strikers have.
      “This mentality is to show his will, intensity and anger to score, score and score. He is never satisfied.
      “So what a mentality, what a player. I’m not involved in his history with Chelsea and to me it’s never good to look too far in the past.
      “We only look forward. We play him with Atletico and we know of his qualities. We’re aware of them and will try to stop him from scoring.
      “It was a possibility to sign him in Paris.
      “We heard the rumours he was about to leave Barcelona — and who can not be interested in signing one of the best strikers in world football, past and present?

      Thomas Tuchal revealed he tried to sign Luis Suarez for PSGCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “We tried our luck, we did not make it. He decided to stay in Spain, move to Atletico and has proven his quality.
      “He maybe would’ve been a fit to our squad in Paris. Now things are different.
      “He is under contract now at Atletico Madrid and it’s not worth thinking about it. I haven’t and the possibility is high we won’t think about it.”
      Chelsea’s most experienced defender, 36-year-old Thiago Silva, is staying back in the UK despite recovering from injury, though he would be ideal to keep a close eye on Suarez.
      Chelsea skipper Cesar Azpilicueta has the experience to shackle Atletico Madrid’s most dangerous star.
      He said: “The best way to defend him is to keep him as far as possible from the goal and that is a collective job.
      “As defender, personally I faced him when he was at Liverpool and at Barcelona in the Champions League.

      Cesar Azpilicueta before Chelsea’s tie with Atletico MadridCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      “He is a great striker and we know his numbers, wherever he has played he scores a lot of goals.
      “We will try to control the game and get the attacking players as far as possible from our goal.”
      Atletico boss Diego ­Simeone is full of praise for the hitman who has helped his outfit to the top of LaLiga.
      He said: “It is very important the presence of Luis Suarez in every competition, not just in the Champions League because he gives energy, he gives trust.
      “All opponents are really paying a lot of attention to him because this is a man who is scoring. Of course, he is important every day.”
      This game was moved from Atletico’s formidable Wanda Metropolitano Stadium because of Covid restrictions.
      Azpilicueta added: “It would have been nice to play in Madrid with the fans but that’s the situation we have to deal with. It has been nearly a year of playing without fans.
      “We just have to adapt really. I don’t really know whether it’s better or worse but that’s the situation and you have to adapt.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Brighton want Alexis Mac Allister to stay as they open talks over new contract for Argentine revelation

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      BRIGHTON have opened talks to extend Alexis Mac Allister’s contract.
      The Argentine, 22, has been a revelation since the turn of the year and one of the key factors behind the Seagulls’ upturn in form.

      Brighton want to tie Alexis Mac Allister down to a new long-term contractCredit: AFP or licensors

      Albion are keen to reward their playmaker with improved terms.
      Mac Allister, who has two years left on present deal, joined the club in January 2019.
      He was initially loaned out to Argentinos Juniors and Boca Juniors back in his home country.
      The Argentina international returned to Brighton last January.

      But he saw his adaptation period to a new country and league hampered by the pandemic.
      Yet Mac Allister has become one of the first names on the team sheet for boss Graham Potter in the last few months.
      Mac Allister created Neal Maupay’s winner at Leeds in January.
      The midfielder was also impressive in the recent eye-catching wins over Tottenham and Liverpool.

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      Mac Allister has been in scintillating form for Brighton in recent monthsCredit: Reuters

      Brighton last month rewarded fellow whizkid Tariq Lamptey with a new deal, as first revealed by SunSport.
      Meanwhile, Seagulls star Percy Tau is hoping to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Lucas Radebe, Benni McCarthy and Steven Pienaar after finally making his debut for the club 908 after arriving.
      The 26-year-old became the most expensive player ever to be sold by a South African club when he joined Brighton for £2.5million in July 2018.
      But he could not secure a work permit for another two-and-a-half years, so was shipped out on loan to Belgian sides Union SG, Club Bruges and Vincent Kompany’s Anderlecht.
      In January he finally secured his papers and made his bow in the top flight at Kompany’s old side Manchester City.
      Yet far from being frustrated by his interminable wait, the beaming Bafana Bafana star is just grateful to have got here in the end.
      Tau told SunSport: “I was just hoping any day that it would come.
      “I would have loved it to have happened in 2018 but that doesn’t take away the pride I feel that it is now.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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