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    Arsenal Champions League boost as Mbappe leads FOUR Real Madrid stars under Uefa investigation for ‘indecent conduct’

    ARSENAL could be handed a massive Champions League boost with FOUR Real Madrid stars potentially BANNED from next month’s quarter final clash.Superstar strikers Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, former Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger and midfielder Dani Caballos all face an official Uefa probe for their antics against Atletico Madrid in the last-16.Kylian Mbappe is one of four Real Madrid stars under investigationCredit: AlamyAntonio Rudiger began a jubilant high-knee run after scoring the winning penalty against Atletico MadridCredit: ReutersRudigerappeared to aim a throat-cutting gesture at Atleti supportersCredit: GettyUEFA said it appointed a disciplinary inspector to study the unspecified allegationsCredit: GettyA Uefa Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of “indecent conduct” by all four players.The unspecified incidents occurred during Real’s second leg last-16 victory against city rivals Atletico on March 12.Their punishment, if found guilty, is not yet known.But IF they are banned, it could be a huge advantage for Arsenal, who are missing several key players through injury.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSThe Gunners host the 15-time European champions on Tuesday 8, with the return leg at the Bernabeu the following Wednesday.And Vinicius and Mbappe are joint-highest in club goals in the Champions League this season, with seven goals apiece.Madrid advanced to the quarter-finals in a controversial 4-2 shootout after Atletico won the second leg 1-0 to tie the aggregate score at 2-2.Tensions were high at the Metropolitano before, and after, Julian Alvarez’ spot-kick was disqualified by VAR.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAtletico are understood to have filed a formal complaint to Uefa, which then began its investigation.Vinicius was the most high-profile case, as he reportedly took six “shots” at Atleti supporters during and after the clash.Trent Alexander-Arnold has agreed terms on a move to Real Madrid this summer, according to reports The Brazilian, long targeted by rival fans and who has been a regular victim of racist abuse, was involved in two separate confrontations with home fans before and after the shoot-out.The 24-year-old skied a penalty in normal time and had been substituted in extra-time but taunted them by pointing to the Real crest on his coat.Rudiger was accused of making a throat-slitting gesture to home supporters.Ceballos is accused of making an obscene one-armed gesture with a clenched fist before joining Jude Bellingham in a victory dance at the very end of the match.German centre-back Rudiger – who won his first Champions League with Chelsea in 2021 – began a jubilant high-knee dance after scoring the winning penalty on the night.Most of the team followed, with subs imitating it. Mbappe was reported for touching his genitals in a clearly derogatory manner.Diego Simeone was banned for grabbing his bits during a Champions League match against Juventus.READ MORE SUN STORIESReal are likely to point out that their players were hit by bottles and other objects thrown by home supporters but the investigation could end up with serious repercussions.It remains to be seen whether Rudiger, Ceballos, Vinicius or Mbappe are charged by Uefa over these incidents.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    Rangers hit with suspended stadium CLOSURE over racist/discriminatory banner as club warns fans about ‘illicit songs’

    RANGERS have been hit with a suspended stadium CLOSURE by Uefa following the recent clash with Fenerbahce.The punishment, suspended for a period of two years, has been handed down in relation to ‘racist and/or discriminatory behaviour.’Uefa have come down hard over this bannerCredit: GettyIt was displayed during the Fenerbahce match at IbroxCredit: GettyRangers have also been charged over the throwing of objectsCredit: ReutersRangers won the tie after a penalty shoot-outCredit: Willie VassLast week, Rangers released a ferocious statement where they blasted sections of their OWN support over behaviour.They revealed that Uefa sanctions were incoming following the match against Fenerbahce, held at Ibrox on Thursday, March 13.After a dramatic encounter, the Gers emerged victorious after a penalty shoot-out.But in the aftermath, Rangers raged at the ‘saddening and frankly embarrassing behaviour’ in the stands and hit out at the display of a banner in the Union Bears section.A banner displayed by the ultras read: “Keep woke foreign ideologies out. Defend Europe.”Rangers subsequently hit out at the “racist and/or discriminatory banner” as they revealed they had been hit with a number of Uefa charges.Now, the exact punishment from that charge has been handed down.Rangers have been hit with a partial stadium CLOSURE over the banner.Most read in Europa LeagueThat punishment would see the Copland Stand will SHUT for a Uefa match at Ibrox.However, it will NOT be the upcoming clash with Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League quarter-finals.That’s because the punishment is suspended for a probationary period of two years.Rangers ultras barred from Celtic ParkThat does, however, mean any Rangers have also been fined £25,000 in relation to the ‘racist and/or discriminatory behaviour.’The fuming club have unleashed a blistering statement, warning fans that any further discriminatory behaviour – including the singing of what they call ‘illicit songs’ – could result in the closure coming into force.Rangers also revealed they are issuing LIFETIME BANS to those responsible for the banner.In a statement, Rangers said: “Rangers notes the outcome of the UEFA disciplinary case, and the respective sanctions imposed upon the club for several issues at the recent Ibrox match with Fenerbahce.”Most notably, the club has been served with a suspended closure of the Copland Stand should there be any repeat of racist and/or discriminatory behaviour within the next two years.”This punishment must serve as a severe and significant reminder to the small minority of supporters who bring the name of Rangers into disrepute. Any repeat of any discriminatory behaviour (and this also includes the singing of illicit songs) may result in the famed ‘Rangers end’ of our home being closed for a UEFA match.”Not only will the reputation and finances of the club be harmed by such a punishment, but the chances of the team in a potentially key European match will also suffer enormously, while thousands of innocent fans will be unable to attend a massive fixture.”In response to the displaying of the racist and/or discriminatory banner at the Fenerbahce game, the club can confirm that it is in the process of issuing lifetime bans to the individuals responsible.”Rangers’ Uefa finesImproper conduct of the team (5 players or more), Art. 15(4) DR – Fine: £6,680Throwing of objects, Art. 16(2)(b) DR – Fine: £3,755Blocking of public passageways, Art. 38 UEFA Safety & Security Regulations – Fine: £5,000Racist and/or discriminatory behaviour, Art. 14(2) DR – Fine: £25,000; Partial stadium closure (i.e. the Copland Stand) during the next one UEFA club competition match it will play as host club. Said partial stadium closure is suspended during a probationary period of two years.Rangers were also hit with THREE further Uefa fines.They were hit with a fine in relation to improper conduct of the team of around £6,750, £3,750 for throwing of objects and £5,000 for blocking of passageways.Meanwhile, Rangers have also revealed that the groups responsible for the pyrotechnics charge relating to the recent Old Firm game will be directly hit.Rangers – as well as Celtic – will receive a ticket reduction of 500 supporters at their next Premier Sports Cup match at Hampden in relation to pyro use.The statement continued: “Further, following the use of pyrotechnics at Parkhead in the Old Firm game, the club can confirm the groups responsible for their discharge will be directly impacted by the 500 ticket reduction issued as a sanction the next time the club appears in the latter stages of the Premier Sports Cup at Hampden.”The club again stresses a future use of pyrotechnics at any SPFL match may lead to a further reduction of 800 tickets at a latter-stage Premier Sports Cup match.”The strongest asset this football club has is our support, and the club knows the overwhelming majority of our supporters will be angered by these episodes and the consequences they have for the club and its supporters.”We reiterate our call for all supporters to back the team in the correct manner, and to challenge those who seek to further damage the good name of Rangers.”Celtic were also hit with three Uefa charges in the latest round of sanctions, including a suspended one-match ban for manager Brendan Rodgers.READ MORE SUN STORIESAll three sanctions stem from the Champions League tie against Bayern Munich.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Uefa ready to open talks over shock rule change after controversial Julian Alvarez penalty disallowed vs Real Madrid

    UEFA ready to open talks over a shock rule change after Julian Alvarez’s penalty was controversially disallowed against Real Madrid.The Spanish derby went to a shootout in the Champions League last 16 after Atletico won 1-0 on the night to level 2-2 on aggregate.Julian Alvarez’s penalty was disallowed in the shootoutCredit: GettyBut controversy struck when former Manchester City star Alvarez slipped while taking his spot-kick. His effort went in but was soon chalked off and overturned to a miss after replays revealed the slip caused him to twice touch the ball before it went in.It violated Uefa’s rules on penalties but, after Atletico launched an appeal, the governing body ruled the stipulation could be looked at and changed.Uefa said in a statement: “Atletico de Madrid enquired with UEFA over the incident, which led to the disallowance of the kick from the penalty mark taken by Julian Alvarez at the end of yesterday’s UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid.READ MORE IN football “Although minimal, the player made contact with the ball using his standing foot before kicking it, as shown in the attached video clip. “Under the current rule (Laws of the Game, Law 14.1), the VAR had to call the referee signalling that the goal should be disallowed.”UEFA will enter discussions with FIFA and IFAB to determine whether the rule should be reviewed in cases where a double touch is clearly unintentional.” Madrid progressed 4-2 on penalties with ex-Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger scoring the deciding spot kick.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut, had Alvarez’s kick have counted, Atletico would have had one final penalty to take the contest to sudden death.Atletico manager Diego Simeone fumed in the post-match press conference. Fans can’t believe what Antoine Griezmann swapped his shirt for with fan after Atletico winHe said: “Don’t be afraid to speak. Are you afraid because you’re going to be punished? “If you’re afraid, don’t say anything. Raise your hand if you think Julian knocked twice. No one? No one. Okay.”Honestly, I won’t lie to you, being eliminated the way we’ve been is not an easy thing to accept.”Simeone continued: “I just saw the image of the penalty. “The referee said that when Julian stepped and kicked, he touched the ball with his foot, but the ball didn’t move. “That’s something to discuss about whether it was a goal or not, but I’m proud of my players.”When he plants his foot and kicks, the ball doesn’t move even a little bit. But if VAR called it, I’ve never seen a penalty called by VAR, but it’s still valid, and they’ll have seen that he touched it. “I want to believe they’ll have seen that he touched it.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMadrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said: “I think they had detected it already at the VAR when we were hesitating. “We haven’t warned them, not me at least because I didn’t realise. I’ve seen the replay and I think he touches it with his left foot, the second touch.”Real Madrid won the shootout in very controversial circumstancesCredit: Alamy More

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    David Coote slapped with lengthy Uefa ban for bringing the sport of football into disrepute

    DAVID COOTE has been banned from officiating by Uefa until 2026.Coote, 42, had already been sacked by the PGMOL in December following a “thorough investigation” into his conduct.David Coote has been banned by UefaCredit: GettyNow Uefa have hit him with a ban of their own, effective immediately and running until June 30, 2026.Uefa revealed that Coote has been banned for “bringing the sport of football, and Uefa in particular, into disrepute”, as well as “violating the basic rules of decent conduct”.The European football governing body opened an investigation into Coote following The Sun’s exclusive video of Coote snorting a white power while on duty at Euro 2024.Coote’s ban means he can no longer officiate in the Nations League, Champions League, Europa League or Uefa Conference League.READ MORE ON DAVID COOTEWhile, despite him already being sacked, Uefa’s jurisdiction over the English leagues means he won’t be able to officiate in the Premier League either. Coote was initially suspended by the PGMOL following a video emerging online of the referee calling then-Liverpool manager a “German c***”.Paul Field, chairman of the ­Referees’ Association, had said he hoped Coote is able to remain in English football.He said: “The work he does with young people is exemplary. He’s an unbelievable tutor. He puts so much time and effort into the up-and-coming grassroots officials.Most read in FootballVideo emerged showing Coote snorting a white powder“I’d love him to be part of the FA, training, mentoring, out of the public light to look after himself. He has so much to offer.”While Coote himself had said he would like to return to officiating in some form.Scandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote SACKED after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powderHe added: “Whether it would be with a whistle in my hand would be another matter. Certainly not for me to judge. “But in terms of utilising my experience I hope there is an opportunity to do so in some way.”In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Coote revealed that he is gay – suggesting that hiding his sexuality is one of the contributing factors to his actions.He said : “My sexuality isn’t the only reason that led me to be in that position.”But I’m not telling an authentic story if I don’t say that I’m gay, and that I’ve had real struggles dealing with hiding that.”Coote was also subject to an investigation over allegations related to bookings given to Leeds United’s Ezgjan Alioski in the 2019/20 Championship campaign.It was claimed that Coote has discussed the possibility of showing Alioski a yellow card with a third party before the game.However, it is understood that Coote accepts a discussion took place, but claims it was only “banter” and nothing improper took place.Coote maintained his innocence on the matter in a statement and claimed he has always held the “integrity of the game in the highest regard”.A statement read: “Whatever issues I may have had in my personal life they have never affected my decision-making on the field.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I have always held the integrity of the game in the highest regard, refereeing matches impartially and to the best of my ability.”Coote told The Sun he is gay in an exclusive interviewCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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    Champions League final could be moved to US for first time after Uefa make major change

    THE PROSPECT of the Champions League Final being played in the USA has grown – after Uefa dumped its long-term media sales arm for an American company.Lucerne-based Team Marketing devised the Champions League logo and have sold the competition worldwide since the European Cup was relaunched more than 30 years ago.The Champions League final could be held in the USA in the futureCredit: GettyOne potential venue could be the Metlife StadiumCredit: Getty – ContributorBut Uefa and the European Club Association have now announced it intends to engage New York-based Relevent Sports for a six-year contract from  2027.And that opens the door to European football’s showpiece game being staged on the other side of the Atlantic.Uefa and the ECA run the Champions League and other club competitions through their “joint venture” UC3, with the governing body having a 51 per cent stake.Now the UC3 board – with representatives from both parties – announced it has “entered an exclusive period of negotiation with Relevent Sports over the global commercial rights” to the competitions from 2027-2033.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLUC3 cited the decision followed an “open tender process” but means the end of more than three decades of association with Team.Relevant Sports, created by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, has organised and run the summer International Champions Cup, regularly involving European and Prem giants, since 2013.The company has also worked with the Premier League on its Summer Series pre-season event.But Relevent are desperate for “meaningful” competitive matches involving the biggest European teams to be played on US soil.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe company sued Fifa and US Soccer after it was blocked from staging LaLiga games in the US and won a victory as the two bodies withdrew from the court case.Fifa then gave its blessing for “out of territory matches” to be staged.Champions League draw sees Man City to face Real Madrid in blockbuster knockout phase While Prem chiefs have continued to insist that matches will not be played outside the UK – a message reinforced by chief football officer Tony Scholes last week – Uefa have given more mixed messages.In 2023, Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin described the idea of the Champions League Final being played in America as “a possibility” although senior Uefa figures then maintained it was not on the agenda.After this year’s final in Munich, the 2026 showpiece is scheduled for Budapest’s Puskas Arena.But future venues remain up in the air and the deal with Relevent seems a further indication that including US stadiums on the Final rota will be firmly back on the agenda.Aleksander Ceferin has previously been open to the possibilityCredit: PA More

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    Major European football final ‘under threat’ with city ‘not willing to pay a single penny towards hosting it’

    THE Mayor of Munich has thrown a curveball to Uefa bosses – after claiming the city won’t pay to host the Nations League finals.Germany will host the Final Four stage of the tournament should they beat Italy in their quarter-final next month.This year’s Nations League final is set for June 8Credit: GettyShould Germany reach the Final Four, bosses hoped to stage it at Munich’s Allianz ArenaCredit: GettyMunich Mayor Dieter Reiter claims the city won’t pay a ‘single euro’ towards hostingCredit: GettyDieter Reiter addressed the “Nations League thingy” during a council meeting in Bavaria on Wednesday. The mini-tournament will be held between June 4-8, just a week after Munich’s Allianz Arena is due to host the Champions League final.Germany’s FA and Uefa are keen to stage Nations League games in both Munich and Stuttgart, should the Germans see off Italy.Reiter claims he was contacted over the matter by Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe mayor argued he could see the “pragmatic reasons” behind hosting the games in Munich, per BILD. But Reiter hit back at suggestions the city would provide a fan park or pay for logistics. He said: “We have nothing against you playing here, but we will not spend a single euro on it.”We will not be able to organise a fan festival and everything that goes with it, logistically speaking.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSReiter has put off making a final decision until a council meeting next month. Should Italy beat Germany in the quarter-finals, the Azzurri will advance to the Final Four and host the mini-tournament in Turin.First look inside the Scotland dressing room for Euro 2024 opener against Germany as Sunsport granted VIP stadium accessThe Nations League was launched in 2018 and was designed to promote more competitive international football outside of summer tournaments. Spain are the current holders, with France and Portugal also lifting the trophy. This year’s competition resumes on Thursday, March 20 with the first legs of the play-offs.Holland vs Spain, Croatia vs France and Denmark vs Portugal complete the quarter final ties.The second legs will be played on Sunday, March 23. More

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    Uefa plot major change to Champions League format after revamping group stages and scrapping away goals

    UEFA are considering another major change to the Champions League after introducing a brand new format this season.European football’s premier competition has already scrapped away goals and the traditional group stages in recent years.Uefa are considering scrapping extra time in the Champions League knockout phaseCredit: ReutersNow execs at Uefa are discussing the idea of getting rid of extra time in the Champions League knockout stages.According to the Guardian, discussions are gathering speed over ditching extra time to help reduce the number of minutes played at top clubs.The change would see tied up Champions League knockout games head straight to penalties at full time.However, any changes are said to be unlikely midway through the current television rights cycle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat would mean the proposed changes wouldn’t be enforced until at least 2027.Managers and players have voiced concerns in recent years about the inflating number of matches and minutes played by the top clubs across Europe.Stars such as Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, Thibaut Courtois and Kevin De Bruyne have all been vocal about heavy fixture congestion.A change from Uefa would be the first step from European competition in reducing the hectic schedule.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSUntil now, domestic competitions have taken the brunt of the changes with the FA Cup controversially ditching replays. Whereas in Europe there has been the expansion of the Champions League with the new league phase meaning all teams now play a minimum of eight matches.Man City boss Pep Guardiola looks forward to the return of injured players to help Champions League campaign While the new expanded Fifa Club World Cup means 12 top teams from around Europe will have even more fixtures this summer.Removing extra time could offer a small amount of respite to teams with busy schedules.However, only three Champions League ties from the last 16 went to extra time last season.And the season before (2022/23) saw no games go past the regulation 90 minutes.Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Karren Brady: English football is NOT broken – Government are searching for problems and could get us BANNED

    CHAMPIONS LEAGUE football on TV reached for the stars last Wednesday.Four English teams and one Scottish side featured on separate TNT screenings.Man City were one of five British teams involved in a brilliant Champions League nightCredit: RexMoving between four sets might have caused some confusion, dizzy spells and a little irritation at missing goals, but so what? It was live viewing at its best.All doubts about the complexity of the one division with 36 clubs were forgotten as the mind-provoking puzzle unravelled.The end result was a wonderful evening of entertainment.When I saw the first table I wondered if the compilers were bonkers.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt would work financially for clubs and players but would it for spectators and, particularly, for neutrals?But it did for me. Channel juggling, I caught a number of spectacular goals and plenty of gaffes.Celtic’s comeback at Villa Park was thrilling and Manchester City needed a serious Pep-talk at half-time. As for Liverpool… cor blimey.And the overall result was a big win for European football and the Premier League.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYWhich is why I am so concerned about the letter Uefa sent to the Secretary of State Lisa Nandy raising their concerns about the creation of an Independent Football Regulator, as usually football regulation is managed by the national federation — the Football Association.One of Uefa’s fundamental requirements is that there should be no Government interference in the running of football.Government announces plans for new football regulatorThe proposal is not just to regulate football through the Bill but to actually take it over.From being able to define when a season is, to how money is distributed through the pyramid.To set up rigid financial systems, introduce new license conditions under which clubs can operate, and introduce subjective ownership and directors tests.Determine how revenues are allocated between and within divisions, whether parachute payments can exist and in what form, and what clubs can actually spend their money on.League One spent more on transfers this month than the 20 LaLiga clubs, including Barcelona and Real Madrid. The English pyramid is not broken or on the precipice in the slightest.Many fear this is largely a solution in search of a problem.Not a single club has gone into administration in more than three years since a fan-led review.League One spent more on transfers this month than the 20 LaLiga clubs, including Barcelona and Real Madrid.The English pyramid is not broken or on the precipice in the slightest.Which is why the Uefa statement is so alarming.If the autonomy of sport and fairness of competition is broken would “the ultimate sanction be excluding Premier League teams and the England team from Uefa and competitions”.READ MORE SUN STORIESFans will ask questions when there is no point in watching the Champions League on TV any more as the Premier League clubs are not playing in it, having been kicked out for introducing a regulator which has broken Uefa rules.But by then, of course, it will be too late.Lisa Nandy has been written a letter by UefaCredit: Getty More