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    Ligue 1 chaos with no broadcaster agreed for next season after Mbappe exit sparking transfer market headache

    LIGUE 1 are yet to find a broadcaster for next season following Kylian Mbappe’s departure.The French top flight lost its biggest name last week as Mbappe’s transfer to Real Madrid was confirmed.Kylian Mbappe has left Paris Saint-Germain for Real MadridCredit: AFPIt comes amid a turbulent time for France’s premier competition as they desperately search for a broadcaster.According to Sport Business, a back-up plan is being prepared that will see the league create its own channel – which would operate as a subscription service.A solution is urgently required, particularly for promoted clubs Auxerre, Angers and Saint-Etienne.As reported by RMC Sport, the trio are unable to sign players while Ligue 1’s broadcast situation remains up in the air.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis is because there is currently no money being paid to clubs from a broadcaster – which is responsible for a huge percentage of the financial boost teams receive when they earn promotion.Mbappe has become the latest superstar name to leave French football in recent years, contributing to the decline of the league.Other household players to depart include Lionel Messi, Neymar, Aurelien Tchouameni, Victor Osimhen, Jeremy Doku, Mauro Icardi and Lucas Paqueta.PSG strolled to the league title this season, finishing nine points clear of second-place Monaco.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLigue 1 departures over the last 10 yearsHere are some of the high-profile players to leave Ligue 1 since 2014

    Kylian Mbappe
    Lionel Messi
    Neymar
    Aurelien Tchouameni
    Victor Osimhen
    Jeremy Doku
    Mauro Icardi
    Lucas Paqueta
    James Rodriguez
    Thomas Lemar
    Anthony Martial
    Bernardo Silva
    Rafael Leao
    Ferland Mendy
    Marco Verratti
    Axel Disasi
    Youri Tielemans
    Fabinho
    Bruno Guimaraes
    Benoit Badiashile

    They have won 10 of the last 12 Ligue 1 titles – the only other champions since 2012 being Monaco in 2017 and Lille in 2021.But PSG are still yet to triumph in the Champions League – their best run coming in 2020 when Bayern Munich beat them 1-0 in the final.Kylian Mbappe’s crazy Real Madrid contractThis season they lost 2-0 to Borussia Dortmund over a two-legged semi-final in Mbappe’s final European tie for the club.He leaves as PSG’s all-time top scorer with 256 goals in 308 games.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

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    Unemployed ex-Premier League star eyed by Championship side Watford with newly-promoted Derby also keen on transfer

    WATFORD are keen on Ben Osborn after Sheffield United let him go.Osborn was released alongside nine other stars last month as the Yorkshire club announced their retained list.Watford and Derby are interested in signing Ben OsbornCredit: GettyThe Hornets like the midfielder’s experience and want him to sign in case the Blades come back for him when their takeover bid is settled.Osborn, 29, made 24 Premier League appearances for Sheffield United last season, registering two assists in the process.He left Bramall Lane having represented the club some 230 times over the course of five years.Watford aren’t the only club interested in swooping in for Osborn though.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNewly promoted Championship outfit Derby are also keen on Osborn who was born in Derby himself.However the Rams also have other midfield targets on their list.Another ex-Blade is also looking to earn themselves a spot in the Championship next term too.Midfielder John Fleck is training through the summer in a bid to win a new deal at Blackburn.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSThe 32-year-old joined Rovers on a short-term contract in February and picked up a shin injury on his debut. He now hopes to prove he is fit enough for a longer stay after playing just 17 minutes of football for the side last season.Dream Team’s Nick Elliott previews this summer’s Euros fantasy gamePLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

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    Max Allegri ‘holding out for Premier League job’ as ex-Juventus manager ‘offered three-year Saudi contract’

    MAX ALLEGRI has his eye on a job in the Premier League despite being offered a three-year deal in Saudi Arabia, according to reports.The Italian coach, 56, was sacked by Juventus last month after he exploded during his side’s 1-0 Coppa Italia win over Atalanta.Max Allegri is holding out for Premier League interest after being sacked by JuventusCredit: GettyHe was sent off, fumed at the officials, threatened a journalist, and was waved off by sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli during the post-match celebrations in a remarkable scene.Now, after his second stint at Juventus came to a fiery end, he is keen to return to management immediately.According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, he has been offered a three-year contract by an unnamed Saudi Pro League club.However, it is understood Allegri has no interest in a switch to the Middle East.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInstead, he is eyeing up a job in the Premier League should one become available.Manchester United and Tottenham were both name-checked as potential destinations in the future.However, “nothing concrete” is said to be available at this time.He was previously linked with becoming Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s replacement at Old Trafford in 2020.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMeanwhile, Allegri reportedly has no interest in the vacant Lazio job.He is also set to miss out on a return to AC Milan as they close in on a deal for Paulo Fonseca.Europe facing huge managerial merry-go-round as Juventus sack Max Allegri after touchline meltdownAllegri won five Serie A titles in a row during his first stint at Juventus.He also claimed four Coppa Italia trophies during that spell, before he returned to win a fifth last month.Allegri, who reached two Champions League finals with Juventus, also won the Serie A title with AC Milan back in 2011.PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

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    I turned down the ‘Tom Huddlestone role’ at Tottenham to join League One team – it’s given me a new lease of life

    TOM CARROLL has revealed he rejected a “Tom Huddlestone role” at Tottenham to join League One side Exeter.The former Spurs midfielder, 32, left North London in 2017 after injuries saw him play just 56 games across five seasons.Former Tottenham man Tom Carroll is thriving with Exeter in League OneCredit: RexCarroll left Tottenham in 2017 but returned to train with them during the 2022/23 seasonCredit: –He was part of an influx of Tottenham academy players that included Harry Kane, but Carroll’s career took a very different path to England’s No9.He signed for Swansea and went on to feature 67 times in the Premier League for the Welsh outfit, before he joined QPR in the Championship for one year.That was followed by a season with Ipswich, but Carroll’s body was still not right and in the summer of 2022 he opted to take a year out of the game.He returned to Spurs to train with their U21s and was offered a player-coach role with the team – the same position Tom Huddlestone held at Manchester United for two years until last month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNow he has revealed to The Athletic he rejected it because he did not feel his playing career was over.Shortly after that he was approached by Exeter – who he has gone on to thrive with in the third tier this season.Impressing on his debut in a 3-0 win over Wycombe, he featured in 42 of the club’s 46 League One matches.Carroll, now 32, said: “After the game [his Exeter debut], I was like, ‘I’ve missed this feeling’.Most read in EFLEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSCarroll played 42 of Exeter’s 46 League One games in the 2023/24 campaign”Winning games, you can’t really replicate it. It’s just a buzz with the boys after, going over to clap the fans. I think that’s special.”After that game, it made me realise, ‘I can still do this. I still feel good’. So I just wanted to enjoy it and get that buzz back.”Tottenham launch bizarre ad to reveal new kit with Gavin and Stacey star, Maddison playing darts and Peter CrouchCarroll is pleased he took the year off to re-charge his batteries and is now excited to see what awaits Exeter next season following their 13th place in his opening campaign at the club.He added: “Having a year out has made me realise that I should try to enjoy it.”In football, everything goes so quickly that you can get caught up in it. You win a game, you feel great for maybe that evening, and then it’s on to the next one.”But I wanted to come back in and try and enjoy it as much as I can, and I’ve done that.”We have got a pretty good squad now, so it’s just about building on that.”PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

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    How Leicester could line up under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with Man Utd’s past, present and future all making transfers

    OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER could be ready to make a shock comeback to a Premier League dugout.As exclusively revealed by SunSport, Leicester City have been in contact with the Norwegian about appointing him as their new boss.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in contention to be the new Leicester managerCredit: GettyChampionship-winning gaffer Enzo Maresca left the King Power earlier this week to succeed Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea.And that has left the hierarchy at Leicester drawing up a shortlist of candidates to take over from the Italian.Ruud van Nistelrooy, West Brom’s Carlos Corberan, ex-West Ham boss David Moyes, free agent Graham Potter and former Nottingham Forest chief Steve Cooper are all in contention with the bookmakers.But Solskjaer emerged as a surprise candidate – and SunSport understands the former Manchester United boss is keen to take over.READ MORE ON LEICESTERThe Foxes are likely to be hit with a points deduction and any transfers will need to be kept within a strict budget. But how could Leicester line up if Solskjaer does take over? GK: MADS HERMANSEN The Danish goalkeeper was super-reliable for the Foxes in their title-winning campaign.Comfortable with his feet and an excellent shot-stopper, he may get snapped up by a bigger club next summer.Most read in FootballPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.

    RB: AARON WAN-BISSAKASolskjaer signed Wan-Bissaka for United from Crystal Palace in 2019 and was his No1 right-back during his Old Trafford tenure. Aged 26, the defender’s contract expires next year so a deal could get done – especially if Leicester cash in on Ricardo Pereira. Premier League sides deducted points and others at riskCB: WOUT FAESThe Belgian defender played most of the 2023-24 season.Though he has a blunder in him and often a rush of blood to the head, the crazy-haired centre-back will likely be a key figure.CB: JANNIK VESTERGAARDThe Danish giant was public enemy No1 around the KP a year ago but a year under Maresca changed everything.He was rewarded with a shock new three-year deal to stay put at Leicester – although Solskjaer may prefer Conor Coady or rising young talent Ben Nelson. LB: JAMES JUSTINThe versatile defender broke into the England squad in 2022 and battled it out with loanee Callum Doyle at left-back last season.He is a solid option – although his big salary could see him moved on to balance the wage bill out, with Brandon Williams now a free agent.Solskjaer was United boss when they signed Aaron Wan-Bissaka in 2019Credit: Getty – ContributorLeicester will want to keep as much of the Championship-winning squad together as possibleCredit: GettyCM: JAMES MCATEELeicester have been long-term admirers of McAtee, who has been loaned out by Manchester City to Sheffield United twice.SunSport revealed Leicester were battling Girona to land him this summer – although Maresca’s departure may make it tricky. CM: JORDAN JAMESThe Foxes also like Birmingham City and ten-cap senior Wales star James a lot – as does Julen Lopetegui at West Ham.The 19-year-old was a rare shining light in a disappointing Blues season – and could be a replacement should Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and/or Harry Winks follow Maresca out the exit door.RW: OMARI FORSONForson joined the United academy in January 2019, a month after Solskjaer replaced Jose Mourinho.The attacker, 19, though, has struggled to break into the first team under Erik ten Hag, making his debut against Wigan in January, and is out of contract this month so could be available on a free transfer. CAM: JESSE LINGARDLingard has been at Leicester before – a short five-match, two-month loan spell in 2012-13 – and is now with FC Seoul following a year at the Foxes’ rivals Forest.He left United under a cloud and had a public spat with Solskjaer – citing “false promises” – but this could be a perfect chance to bury the hatchet and resurrect his Premier League career.Omari Forson could be a free agent optionCredit: AlamySolskjaer and Jesse Lingard may be reunited at the King PowerCredit: PA:Press AssociationLW: STEPHY MAVIDIDIFormer Arsenal and Juventus winger Mavididi lit up the Championship in his first season at Leicester – racking up 13 goals and six assists.Abdul Fatawu caused chaos on the right wing – seven goals and 13 assists – and Foxes fans will be desperate he joins permanently from Sporting following promotion.READ MORE SUN STORIESST: JAMIE VARDYThe veteran striker was Leicester’s top scorer in the second tier, smashing in an impressive 18 goals.And after putting pen to paper for another one-year deal, Premier League defenders will be terrified that a soon-to-be-38 Vardy will be running them ragged once again, especially after Kelechi Iheanacho’s release. James McAtee may be on the move again this summerCredit: GettyJordan James has impressed for Birmingham and WalesCredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal cult hero identifies two current Premier League stars who could fire Gunners to title triumph next season

    THEO WALCOTT has revealed who he thinks Arsenal must sign to beat Manchester City in next season’s title race.For the second season running, the Gunners fell short to City as Pep Guardiola’s side picked up their fourth Premier League crown in a row.Theo Walcott revealed what Arsenal are missing up frontCredit: RexArsenal are reportedly in the market for a striker as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his squad ahead of another title challenge.And ex-Gunner Walcott has singled out two players his former club should sign to add a clinical edge to the attack.He told SunSport: “Arsenal did great, they competed throughout the whole season and learnt a lot from previous mistakes.”I think what Mikel Arteta has done and the atmosphere at Arsenal is incredible.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”What we are missing is a striker, and to have that balance on the bench. “I’d say that’s the one thing, maybe Mikel didn’t trust his bench as much.”I’m looking at someone like an Alexander Isak or an Ollie Watkins who’s been established in the Premier League.”We may look abroad but I’m a big believer in someone who is proven in the Premier League.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIsak, 24, enjoyed an incredible season at Newcastle, scoring 25 goals in all competitions. He is believed to be valued at £100million and the Toon could have to reluctantly cash-in if they find themselves in danger of breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules.Arsenal’s top targets in the summer transfer window (1)Meanwhile, Aston Villa and England star Watkins had even better year in front of goal, finding the back of the net 27 times. The 28-year-old has previously admitted to being a boyhood Arsenal fan.Walcott, who hung up his boots last summer, will pull on an England shirt again on Sunday as he takes part in Soccer Aid.He is confident the Three Lions will beat the World XI and maybe even go all the way at the Euros.He said; It’s coming home on both fronts (England and Soccer Aid).“I look at Germans, with the home support and the way they’ve got a bit of a point to prove because of the disappointment of the previous tournaments.“There’s something about the Germans I’m a bit concerned about.”Alexander Isak is valued at £100m by NewcastleCredit: GettyOllie Watkins should also be on Arsenal’s radar, according to WalcottCredit: Getty More

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    Arsenal fans stunned after realising who record sale is and say ‘we scammed Liverpool pretty hard with that one’

    ARSENAL fans claimed they “scammed Liverpool” after realising Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is still their club record sale.The former Gunners man, 30, arrived at Anfield in 2017 for £32million.Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is Arsenal’s biggest ever saleCredit: GettyNicolas Anelka’s transfer to Real Madrid in 1999 remains one of the Gunners’ most lucrative departuresCredit: EPATo this day, it remains the highest fee Arsenal have ever received for a player – and their only one above £30m in the 21st Century.Oxlade-Chamberlain struggled at Liverpool as he scored just 18 goals and provided 15 assists in 146 games across a six-year spell – though he did win a host of trophies including the Premier League and Champions League.Reacting on social media, one person said: “We scammed Liverpool pretty hard with that one.”Meanwhile, second on the list of Arsenal’s biggest sales remains Nicolas Anelka.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe former French striker, 45, joined Real Madrid for £30m back in 1999 – a fee which remains one of Arsenal’s largest sales despite being 25 years ago.Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie are next on the list for their respective £29m and £26m switches to Barcelona and Manchester United.Then comes Alex Iwobi after he made a £25m move to Everton in 2019.He is one of five players Arsenal have received £25m fees for.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe top 10 biggest sales in Arsenal’s historyThe others are Folarin Balogun’s switch to Monaco, Joe Willock joining Newcastle, Marc Overmars’ transfer to Barcelona in 2000 and Emmanuel Adebayor’s exit to Man City.Rounding off the top 10 is another man who moved to the Etihad in the form of Samir Nasri.Arsenal’s top targets in the summer transfer window (1)The Frenchman left the Gunners for £24m in 2011.Alexis Sanchez is also considered one of Arsenal’s most valuable sales, but does not make it onto the list as his move to Man Utd was a swap deal for Henrikh Mkhitaryan.SunSport’s verdict on Arsenal starsMikel Arteta is looking to get Arsenal ready to beat Man City to the title after another near miss, but he may need to be brutal with his squad in order to do so. Here’s SunSport’s verdict on who should stay and who should go.
    David Raya – STAY: Initial doubts arose when he replaced Aaron Ramsdale, but he has since proven himself to be a world-class keeper with all the attributes needed for Arteta’s way of playing.
    Aaron Ramsdale – GO: Unfortunate to be cast aside for Raya, but is now looking for a move to become a regular No.1 elsewhere, especially with his aspirations of one day starting in goal for England.
    Karl Hein – STAY: Unlikely to take Ramsdale’s spot as No.2 should the Englishman depart – but the club cannot afford to lose two keepers in one window.
    William Saliba – STAY: Saliba is of the best young defenders in the world right now, Arteta should be building his team around him. A vital part of the side’s spine that conceded just 29 Prem goals this term.
    Ben White – STAY: Another solid member of Arteta’s impressive back four. Has the flexibility to play on the right or as a central defender, but has made right-back his own this term.
    Gabriel – STAY: Was on the outskirts at the start of the campaign but forced his way back in and has forged an almighty partnership with Saliba in the middle of the defence. One of Arteta’s most important signings.
    Jurrien Timber – STAY: Yet to see the best of the Dutchman after an injury-hit season, but Arteta views him as a game-changing full-back.
    Jakub Kiwior – STAY: The Polish international has struggled to break up the duo of Saliba and Gabriel but has impressed when called upon, especially in a stint at left-back.
    Cedric – GO: Leaving the club with his contract expiring. Never really convinced Arteta he could be relied upon and spent most of the season warming the bench.
    Takehiro Tomiyasu – STAY: Another flexible and reliable figure that Arteta adores. Can play centre-back or right-back and is a real presence at set-pieces.
    Oleksandr Zinchenko – GO: With Timber in line to be Arteta’s first choice at left-back, it is hard to see the Ukrainian starting many games for Arsenal next season. A good signing at £35m but has shown himself to be limited defensively.
    Thomas Partey – GO: Injury prone and has looked leggy when finally back from his thigh issues that kept him out from October until March. Contract is up next summer.
    Martin Odegaard – STAY: Captain fantastic. A real leader amongst men at such a young age. The 25-year-old is on course to lift the Prem at Arsenal sooner rather than later.
    Emile Smith Rowe – STAY: Sidelined for most of the term and struggled to make an impact when called upon, but Arteta still sees something in him. A decent squad option but you get the feeling he is running out of time to prove to the club he is a player worth sticking with.
    Jorginho – STAY: Arteta’s experienced general who, more often than not, has Arsenal playing better with him in the team.
    Fabio Vieira – GO: Perhaps harsh to judge him based on just 16 appearances in all competitions this season but still looks out of place in English football. A loan move could help.
    Mohamed Elneny – GO: Another player departing with his contract expiring. The right call by both parties. A good servant from the Arsene Wenger days.
    Kai Havertz – STAY: Seems a bargain now at £65m from Chelsea following his barnstorming end to the season. Arteta bought him as a midfielder, yet now leads the line as a first-choice No.9.
    Declan Rice – STAY: Arsenal’s most important and influential signing in years. Enough said.
    Bukayo Saka – STAY: An undroppable superstar for club and country right now. Will undoubtedly get even better in seasons to come.
    Gabriel Jesus – STAY: Fighting for a starting spot but right now but would be foolish to let him go given how much he can impact games and his winning mentality inside the group.
    Gabriel Martinelli – STAY: A dip in form this term but Arteta has huge faith in him. The added competition with Leandro Trossard will only make him better.
    Eddie Nketiah – GO: Career is at a crossroads right now and he needs to leave to turn that around. His six-figure wages could put Premier League suitors off.
    Leandro Trossard – STAY: Can bring his qualities as a starter or from the bench – a brilliant option to have when you are going for a title.
    Reiss Nelson – GO: Arteta has often spoken of Nelson’s potential and likes having him around the squad, but his impact has withered over the past 12 months. More

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    Six Premier League clubs facing transfer firesale and have just 24 days to urgently raise funds

    SIX Premier League clubs have to sell players before the end of June to comply with profit and sustainability rules, according to reports.The league enforced the financial regulations this season by handing out points deductions to Everton and Nottingham Forest.New Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is set to be forced to sell players this summerCredit: PAAston Villa’s Unai Emery will also have to offload some of his squadCredit: RexNow, according to Sky Sports, the same two clubs need to raise funds to avoid further punishment, while Chelsea, Aston Villa, Newcastle, and Leicester are under the same pressure.It comes as the end of the financial year fast-approaches.It is not known how much each club needs to raise in order to comply with the regulations.But with the transfer window opening on June 14, the situation those six clubs find themselves in means a “mini Deadline Day” could be on the horizon at the end of the month.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChampionship winners Leicester were charged with breaching FFP rules back in March and could be slapped with a two-point penalty.However, the case is “likely to rumble on” beyond the start of the new season.The 2024/25 Premier League campaign gets underway on the weekend of August 17.The summer transfer window will remain open until August 30.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChelsea, who have only just brought in new manager Enzo Maresca, are expected to sell Conor Gallagher.Everton are lining up the sale of defender Ben Godfrey, while Jacob Ramsey and Douglas Luiz have been linked with Villa exits.Manchester City challenging the Premier League and its entire rulebook in a court case with millions of pounds of damages on the lineNewcastle may have to get rid of Alexander Isak or Bruno Guimaraes.Morgan Gibbs-White would be Forest’s most valuable asset if they are willing to use him to raise funds.And Leicester midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall could leave the King Power Stadium this summer following interest from Brighton and Brentford in the January window. Premier League sides deducted points and others at risk
    Nottingham Forest
    Deducted four points during the 2023-24 season for breaching Premier League spending limit by £34.563m. Failed in their appeal with decision upheld.
    Everton
    Initial 10-point deduction for 2021-22 Premier League breaches reduced to six points on appeal. Were deducted a further two points later in the 2023-24 season. Appealed, but since withdrawn following Prem survival.
    Sheffield United
    Hit with a two-point deduction for their finances during the 2022-23 EFL season. Will begin the 2024-25 Championship season on -2 points following their relegation from the Prem.
    OTHERS WHO COULD FACE PUNISHMENT…
    Manchester City
    Etihad club emphatically denies the 115 allegations laid against them in February 2023. The lengthy Commission case has been scheduled to start in October or November but a final decision is not expected until March or April 2025.
    Chelsea
    Blues chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era. Fined £8.6m by Uefa but still to be formally charged by the Prem despite an ongoing investigation.
    Leicester
    Foxes breached Prem PSR loss limits last season but did not have to report their 2022-23 accounts until this month because of their relegation. That puts the timetable back and means that they will probably face a Prem points deduction for the 2024-25 season following their return to the top flight.
    Everton (again)
    The Toffees are again at risk of breaking PSR rules and are in a race against time to raise funds and balance the books. Not only could that lead to another charge but also administration. That would lead to an automatic nine-point deduction for the 2024/25 season. More