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    Uefa release statement on Europa League final medal shambles and reveal why Tottenham stars missed out

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    UEFA have issued a statement on their lack of winners’ medals for Tottenham after the Europa League final. The north Londoners ended their 17-year wait for a trophy with a 1-0 win over Manchester United in Wednesday’s final in Bilbao.Tottenham lifted the Europa League thanks to a 1-0 win over Manchester UnitedCredit: SHUTTERSTOCKSeveral players were left medalless during the trophy presentation, including skipper Son Heung-MinCredit: AFPUefa have issued an apology for their ‘oversight’Credit: GETTYBut stunningly, there weren’t enough medals to go around for the players before the trophy presentation.And Uefa have explained why they didn’t have enough of them on hand in a statement featuring a grovelling apology.It read: “To our great displeasure, we did not have enough medals available on stage during the trophy ceremony presentation due to an unexpected discrepancy in the player count, as more team members – including injured players – participated in the ceremony than initially anticipated. “The missing medals were promptly delivered to the winning team in the dressing room, along with our sincerest apologies for the oversight.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmong the injured Spurs players who went up for a medal was England midfielder James Maddison.The crocked former Leicester City midfielder donned a FULL KIT as he went up to collect a medal, something skipper Son Heung-min DIDN’T HAVE as he lifted the trophy.Explaining why he was in a full kit, Maddison told CBS Sports: “They said I had to put the kit on to get a medal!”I didn’t want to do a John Terry! Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSTottenham ratings: Bissouma dominates Europa League final as occasion gets to UdogieBRENNAN JOHNSON was Tottenham’s hero as they finally ended their 17-year trophy drought in the Europa League final.Despite being without James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski for the clash in Bilbao, Spurs came up with a massive win against Manchester United.Johnson scored the goal as he helped bundle in from a corner in a tussle with Luke Shaw to send fans into dreamland.But Spurs also owe a huge thanks to Yves Bissouma who was totally dominant in midfield.At the other end, Destiny Udogie struggled to get up to the pace of the match as he was up against Manchester United’s Amad Diallo.Spurs had just three shots, only 27 per cent of the ball, and completed a mere 115 passes over 90 minutes.But it didn’t matter, as United never really looked like finding a leveller to take it to extra time.SunSport’s Henry Tomlinson gave his ratings for the Tottenham players…”What a special feeling. Winning makes [the season] all alright – the pain of not being able to play is not being able to help the team. “It is a brilliant achievement and a way to qualify for the Champions League but it is more winning for the fans. Richarlison bangs on drum and celebrates with Tottenham fans following Spurs Europa League triumph “They have had years of pain.”Ange Postecoglou’s future with Spurs has been the subject of intense speculation for the last few months due to the club’s woeful Premier League form.But the Aussie seemingly has no intention of walking from the club, telling TNT Sports: “I don’t feel like I’ve completed the job yet, we’re still building.”The moment I accepted the role I had one thing in my head, and that was to win something. More than anything else I had that in my head, and we’ve done that now so I want to build on it.” More

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      Uefa awkwardly RUN OUT of Europa League winners’ medals as Son and Romero among Tottenham stars to miss out

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      UEFA ran out of medals for Tottenham as they ended their 17-year wait for a trophy.Brennan Johnson’s scrappy goal after the ball bounced off Luke Shaw’s arm proved the only goal of the nervy Europa League final. Son Heung-min lifted the Europa League trophy without a winner’s medalCredit: ReutersUefa president Aleksander Ceferin had to apologise to the South Korean as the medals ran outCredit: GettyMicky van de Ven saved the day by acrobatically clearing off the line as Spurs held on against Manchester United. And at long, long last, Tottenham could get their hands on a piece of silverware for the first time since the 2008 League Cup. However, as the Spurs players lined up on the San Mames Stadium pitch to collect their medals, Uefa bosses did not have enough.It meant that captain Son Heung-min had to go without as he hoisted the trophy into the air. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIronically, eight referees received medals.As did James Maddison who went full John Terry in his full kit for the celebrations.It appears key men Rodrigo Bentancur and Cristian Romero also had to go without – although Spurs will no doubt be able to source a few extras to make sure everyone has something to commemorate the victory. Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin said a few words to Son – possibly congratulating the South Korean, possibly apologising for the blunder – before handing over the trophy. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd unsurprisingly, plenty of fans flooded to social media in response.One posted: “How embarrassing for @EuropaLeague & @UEFAcom running out of winners medals for the last few Spurs players including the captain! You’d think they’d ensure there was a few extra! They’re hardly solid gold!”Dave Courtnadge reactions as Tottenham beat Man United in Europa League finalAnother joked: “There’s something so incredibly Spurs about UEFA running out of medals during the presentation, to the point that our captain and an all-time great lifts the trophy without one around his neck while Timo Werner’s giving it large over his shoulder.”A third added: ” Embarrassing@EuropaLeague not having enough medals for the Spurs team.”James Maddison wore a full kit and got a medal as some team-mates went withoutCredit: Reuters More

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      Tottenham blocked from upholding touching 98-year tradition by Uefa ahead of Europa League final against Man Utd

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      TOTTENHAM have been blocked from honouring a 98-year tradition before the Europa League final.Ange Postecoglou’s side are taking on fellow Premier League strugglers Manchester United on Wednesday night in Bilbao.Tottenham’s plans to lay a floral tribute to Athletic Bilbao goal legend Pichichi were stoppedSpurs arrived with flowers for Heung-min Son to place before the famous Pichichi bustSpurs were ready to lay flowers down at an iconic statue outside the San Mames in tribute to Bilbao goal legend Pichichi.But their plans were foiled by Uefa on the eve of the final.Tottenham arrived armed with flowers for captain Heung-min Son to place before the famous Pichichi bust.It is usually a tradition for those playing at the San Mames for the first time to lay down a wreath there.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSSon was expecting to perform the tribute before going out to train in the stadium on Tuesday, only for Uefa to step in and remind Spurs the ceremony should only happen whey they play Athletic Bilbao and not a neural team.The 49,600-seater stadium is handed over to Uefa for the event and they are in control of all logistics not Athletic Bilbao.Man Utd made their Pichichi tribute ahead of the first leg of the Europa League semi-final in Bilbao, when they beat Athletic Club 3-0.The tradition has existed since 1927.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRafael Moreno, an inside forward better known as Pichichi, died in 1922 at just 29 years old. He is a club icon and his name lives on through an annual award made to LaLiga’s top scorer.BATTLE FOR BILBAO: The Road to the Europa League FinalBorn in Bilbao’s Casco Viejo, he scored 83 goals in 89 official games in an era before LaLiga. He scored more than 200 for the club if friendlies are taken into account.He won five regional Championship titles and four Copa del Rey’s.He played for Spain in the 1920 Olympic Games in Antwerp, winning a silver medal.MAN UTD VS TOTTENHAM – EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL LIVELatest betting odds, offers and predictions More

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      England DENIED automatic qualification to Euro 2028 despite hosting after shock rule change.. but will have safety net

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      ENGLAND and the other host nations will have to earn their place at Euro 2028 despite the tournament being played in the British Isles.But Uefa have confirmed a backdoor route for any of the four countries that does not make it by right.England have been denied automatic qualification to Euro 2028As expected – with the FA keen for the Three Lions to play competitive games ahead of the tournament rather than a year of friendlies – Uefa’s ruling executive committee has now confirmed the qualifying structure.At a meeting in Bilbao, Uefa agreed that TWO spaces will be made available for the host nations who do not qualify by right when the campaign begins in March 2027.Northern Ireland’s failure to provide a suitable stadium after the collapse of the plans to play matches at Casement Park means games will now be played in England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland, although the Belfast-based side can still qualify.As in Europe’s World Cup qualifying schedule, which continues next month, there will be 12 groups, consisting of either four or five teams, with the four co-hosts also taking part.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe 12 group winners and the best eight runners-up – with points earned against the teams placed first, third and fourth taken into account – will automatically qualify for the 24-team tournament.Two further places will be available from a play-off system involving the other four runners-up and the best-ranked non-qualifiers from the Nations League campaign starting in September 2026, involving between eight and 12 teams.And that leaves two final places for the two best co-hosts who did not qualify through their group finish, although they will not be eligible for the play-offs.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe draw for the qualifying stage will take place in December 2026, at the conclusion of the Nations League.Most read in FootballCardiff’s Principality Stadium will host the opening game on June 9 2028, with both semis and the July 9 Final played at Wembley.England squad plays the Traitors Other English venues will be the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Everton’s new home at Bramley Moore Dock, the Etihad, Villa Park and St James’ Park.Hampden Park and Dublin’s Aviva Stadium provide the Scottish and Irish venues. More

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      Champions League, you’re having a laugh? Wild Uefa changes almost make it harder for Premier League sides not to qualify

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      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE? You’re having a laugh.We’ve all heard it. The derisory chant from opposition fans when one of the so-called ‘big guns’ is having an off day.Six English teams will qualify for next season’s Champions LeagueCredit: GettyEither Tottenham or Man Utd will earn Champions League qualification this season despite finishing 17th or 16th in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyFor example, Southampton supporters had every right to aim it at the multi-billionaires of Manchester City last weekend, when they couldn’t find a way past the worst team in the Premier League.Only now what was once a mildly amusing terrace jibe sums up perfectly what the leading club competition in the world has become. A joke.Next season there will be a record SIX English teams in the Champions League.Almost one third of the entire Premier League will be waved straight into the bizarre league phase by Uefa’s welcoming doormen at an empty small town disco on a wet Tuesday night.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnyone can come in. From Liverpool who finished top, right down to hapless Tottenham or abject Manchester United hovering above the relegation zone.It is time to officially ban the phrase ‘elite competition’ whenever the Champions League is mentioned on TV and radio or written in print.There was a time when you had to win your domestic league to progress into the highest level of European football the following season.Simple as that.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSChelsea are set to qualify for the Champions League despite being 20 points adrift of LiverpoolCredit: GettyWe are now at a point where English Premier League teams have to work harder to stay out of the modern Champions League than to get in.Spurs and Man United, regular participants in the past, have done spectacularly well trying to cock up their seasons. Yet by virtue of winning the Europa League one of them will be alongside Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, the already declared winners of their respective leagues.’I’d dive head first through a brick wall for him’ – Ange Postecoglou’s rallying speech reduces Tottenham fans to tearsErratic Chelsea, under the guidance of boss Enzo Maresca, have lost to Ipswich, Fulham and Brighton. From winning five Premier League games in a row, they went winless in the next five and couldn’t string a pass together.They lag 20 POINTS behind the bona fide champions of England from Anfield and are fifth.Don’t bet against them being in next season’s Champions League.The constant tinkering and chiselling away at a once simple game has led to Uefa getting its knickers in a right old twist.Fifth in this year’s Premier League grants a free pass into the treasure trove of the Champions League thanks to the coefficients which measure success where once it was about winning.A whole page is devoted to thrill-a-minute ‘coefficients’ on the governing body’s website to explain how a system that would baffle Stephen Hawking’s much cleverer cousin actually works: “Uefa calculates the coefficient of each club each season based on the clubs’ results in the  Uefa Champions League, Uefa Europa League and Uefa Conference League.“The season coefficients from the five most recent seasons are used to rank the clubs for seeding purposes (sporting club coefficient). “In addition, the season coefficients from the ten most recent seasons are used to calculate revenue club coefficients for revenue distribution purposes only.”And that’s just the overview.There’s a gag in there somewhere about how many coefficients does it take to ruin a game of football? Only I can’t see a funny punch line.There was a time back when the world was black and white in the 1950s when two imaginative French journalists took inspiration from South America and came up with the idea of the best clubs from each country competing for a trophy on our continent.Ironically, it wasn’t called the Champions League back then. It was the plain old European Cup. A cup fought over by teams in Europe. Simple eh?Liverpool’s first steps into the European Cup came in 1964, our sole representatives having won the league the previous season under Bill Shankly.Next season they share the honour with five other English teams and some of them are pretty ordinary.If Spurs win the Europa League and follow it up by winning the Champions League next year, the champions of Europe will come from a team currently 17th in England’s top division.Read More on The SunYou can argue it won’t happen. Yet somehow a side which has lost more league games than it has won this season is in a European final next week.That’s cup football for you and it’s a wonderful lottery. Qualification for the Champions League is not. It’s a boring carve up.The top five teams in the Premier League will qualify for the Champions League due to European coefficientsCredit: AFP More

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      Scotland ‘to qualify automatically’ for next Euros as Uefa chiefs meet to rubber-stamp deal

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      SCOTLAND will be granted automatic qualification for the next European Championships, it’s been reported.The next Euros don’t take place until 2028 but Scotland, England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland were confirmed as hosts last year.Hampden Park is due to host fixtures at Euro 2028Credit: SNSUsually, the host nation of a Euros automatically qualifies for the tournament.But this has typically been when it has been held in one country or, at most, two (last year in Germany and 2012 in Poland and Ukraine, for example).Euro 2020 was held across the continent and with 11 host countries (including Scotland) there were no automatic berths handed out.This time however, things look to be different – even though there will be four host nations.The original bid from the UK & Ireland included Northern Ireland, meaning that there would potentially be five automatic spots for the hosts.That could have been problematic and as such there was a theory that all of the host nations would have to go through the usual qualification process, but would be offered the reprieve of a play-off if they failed to progress naturally.Northern Ireland’s host stadium of Casement Park has been hit with several problems, including building delays, and as a result it forced them to pull out of the hosting bid.Therefore it seems they could be the unlucky ones who will miss out on an automatic place.Most read in FootballAccording to The Irish Times, Uefa chiefs are set to grant the four remaining Home Nations automatic entry into Euro 2028 – if they fail to qualify through the normal process.That suggests Scotland, England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland will still compete in the qualifying section even though their place in the final competition would be assured.Scotland manager Steve Clarke quizzed on whether he considered quitting after Euro 2024 disappointmentBut it’s also been claimed that the idea of a play-off if any of them don’t win their group is not completely off the table.Uefa’s executive committee will meet in Bilbao on Wednesday May 21 before the Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur to finalise the qualification format.Hampden Park in Glasgow is the lone Scottish stadium in the UK & Ireland portfolio for Euro 2028.The other confirmed venues for the 24-team tournament are the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, St James’ Park in Newcastle, the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, Everton’s new Bramley Moore Dock stadium in Liverpool, Villa Park in Birmingham, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Wembley, which will host the final.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      ‘Uefa should look into it’ – Watch Barcelona star get bundled over three times in FOUR SECONDS as he demands ref probe

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      PEDRI has urged Uefa to investigate the referee for his performance as Barcelona were dumped out of the Champions League.The Spanish giants were knocked out of Europe’s premier competition by Inter Milan in a thrilling semi-final tie.Francesco Acerbi appeared to push Pedri down three times in four secondsCredit: TikTok @Mercedes.NinaThe Barcelona star repeatedly fell to the groundCredit: TikTok @Mercedes.NinaThe first push was in the penalty areaCredit: TikTok @Mercedes.NinaInter won the tie 7-6 on aggregate following a 4-3 win at the San Siro in the second leg on Tuesday night.Barcelona were minutes from booking their spot in the final after Raphinha put them ahead in the 87th minute.However, the Italians hit back through Francesco Acerbi before Davide Frattesi scored the winner in extra time.After the match, Pedri vented his frustration at the performance from referee Szymon Marciniak.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe claimed that the referee gave every split decision to the hosts.The midfielder claimed: “It’s not the first time this happens to us with this referee, Uefa should look into it.”Every 50-50 for them. There are things that I don’t understand and which are hard to explain.”One moment of the game that left Pedri red in the face was multiple pushes from Acerbi.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA video taken from the stands shows the defender pushing the midfielder to the ground three times in FOUR SECONDS.Marciniak awarded Inter a penalty after he was called to the screen by VAR for a foul by Pau Cubarsí on Lautaro Martinez.Inter Milan hero Frattesi drops F-bomb live on TV after win over Barcelona leaving CBS Sports studio in hystericsPedri has urged Uefa to look into referee Szymon Mariniak’s peformanceCredit: ReutersBarcelona also believed they should have been awarded a free-kick for a foul on Gerard Martín in the build-up to Acerbi’s goal.Marciniak had awarded the LaLiga giants a penalty for a foul on Lamine Yamal before VAR intervened.The Polish official was also in charge when Inter drew 3-3 with Barcelona in the Group Stage of the 2022 edition of the tournament.Barcelona manager Hansi Flick echoed Pedri’s complaints in his post-match press conference.He said: “I don’t want to talk too much about the referee, but every decision that was 50-50 went (Inter’s) way.”I am disappointed, but not with my team. They tried everything. It’s the way it is. We are out, but next year we will try again to make the fans happy.Read More on The Sun”It makes me sad. My team did an excellent job.”I don’t like talking about the referee, I’ve told him what I think, but I’m not going to say it here what I’ve said.”Hansi Flick was not happy with the Polish officialCredit: Reuters More

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      ‘Should be illegal to charge that’ – Fans just realising price of Champions League final tickets after huge price hike

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      FOOTIE fans have branded Uefa a “total disgrace” after spotting a huge price hike in Champions League final tickets.This season’s showdown on May 31 will be held at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena – and some tickets will cost a fortune with the best seats priced at a whopping £816.Uefa has unveiled the cost of tickets for this season’s Champions League final in MunichBut footie fans have immediately hit backThis season’s showdown will be held at Bayern Munich’s Allianz ArenaCredit: GettyThere has also been a slight annual increase in Europa League and Europa Conference League final tickets. Gold dust ticket sales for all three men’s finals have already started via Uefa’s website and will run until 10am UK time on April 11.  Both clubs who make the final will each be allocated a total of 18,000 seats in Bayern’s 64,500 capacity stadium, with 38,700 going to fans or the general public.Using a ‘Fans First’ policy, Uefa has announced that fans of the two clubs involved in the final will be offered tickets at a frozen cost of £60, via a lottery system.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut spectators hoping to secure premium seats will have to fork out significantly more.The price of tickets in Category 1, the most expensive section, has boomed by 33 per cent to €950 (£816), up from €713 (£612). While, Category 2 seats come in at €650 (£558), 30 per cent higher than the €500 (£429) price from last season.In Category 3, tickets have decreased slightly to €180 (£154) from €186 (£160).Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesAnd, of course, as always, hotels are also expected to see a massive hike in their nightly rates, while flights alone are often costly enough.But social media users have accused Uefa of trying to “rip people off”.Former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka in heated confrontation with Bayer Leverkusen ultras after humiliating defeatOne wrote: “It should be illegal to charge that much, regardless of the occasion.”A second said: “Surely not? That’s absolutely mental. How will anyone afford it?”While another added: “How can those prices be justified. It’s a total disgrace 😫.”And one more wrote: “It’s nothing more than pure greed!”The Premier League has two teams left in Europe’s most elite competition: Arsenal and Aston Villa.Arsenal will be hoping to make a strong start against Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final at the Emirates on Tuesday.While Aston Villa take on Liverpool conquerors Paris Saint-German in Paris on Wednesday.Bayern, Inter Milan, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund are the other four teams fighting for a place in this year’s final on May 31.As for the Europa League, which takes place on May 21 at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, a total of 41,000 of 49,600 tickets will be available for fans and the general public.’Fans First’ tickets are priced at €40 (£34), while Category 1, 2 and 3 come in at €240 (£206), €160 (£137) and €65 (£55) respectively.The Europa League presents a last chance of silverware for both Manchester United and Tottenham this season.Ruben Amorim’s side play Lyon next and Spurs take on Eintracht Frankfurt in their quarter-final.Read More on The SunWhile Chelsea are favourites to win the Europa Conference League final at Wroclaw Stadium in Poland on May 28.And ‘Fans First’ tickets are €25 (£21), Category 1 is priced at €190 (£163), Category 2 is €140 (£120) and Category 3 is €45 (£38). More

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      Win a trip to the UEFA Conference League Final in Wroclaw with Hankook

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      WE have teamed up with Hankook, official sponsors of the UEFA Conference League, to give two lucky Sun readers and a guest each a trip of a lifetime to the UEFA Conference League Final in Wroclaw on Wednesday, May 28.The tournament is heating up with the first leg of the Quarter Finals kicking off this Thursday at 17:45pm. Each winner will receive two tickets to the UEFA Conference League Final on Wednesday, May 28 at the Wroclaw Stadium.The lucky readers will also bag return standard flights from a UK airport (determined by Hankook Tyre UK) to Wroclaw departing on Tuesday, May 27 and returning on Thursday, May 29 for them and their guest. Plus, two night’s accommodation for the winners and plus ones at the Raddison Blu Wroclaw on a B&B basis on Tuesday 27th May and Wednesday 28th May.Premium tyre manufacturer, Hankook Tyre UK, has been a long-term partner of the UEFA Europa League and extended that partnership to the UEFA Conference League during its inaugural season in 2021/22. Hankook has recently added new GT tyres to its ION range, the world’s first tyres to be made from 77 per cent sustainable materials. The new tyres have been expertly created to offer more range, less impact and perfected for EV.You can find out more on Hankook and tyre safety, here.Fill in the form below and for your chance to win this great prize.Competition is open to UK residents (excluding Northern Ireland), aged 18+ only. Competition ends at 23:59pm on Sunday, April 20, 2025. Winners will be notified within 7 days. See here for the full Terms & Conditions.Most read in Football More