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      Chelsea ‘will run out of cash in just 17 DAYS with club chiefs set to beg Government to relax sanctions’

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      CHELSEA will today beg the Government to ease sanctions on them amid fears the club could go bust in just SEVENTEEN DAYS.The Blues’ billionaire owner Roman Abramovich was hit with several punishing financial measures on Thursday and had all of his UK-based assets – including Chelsea – frozen due to his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
      Roman Abramovich has been slapped with sanctions by the GovernmentCredit: GETTY
      The Blues owner has had his assets frozen due to his relationship with Russian President Vladimir PutinCredit: ALAMY
      And the freeze on Abramovich’s assets ha thrown Chelsea into financial chaosCredit: Reuters
      Abramovich is currently barred from selling the club, although the Blues brass will reportedly ask the Government for a special licence to sell up.
      That’s according to The Daily Mail, who claim the club’s current cash reserves will burn out in a mere 17 days due to the sanctions imposed on them.
      March 28 is currently the date the Blues are set to run out of dosh – which has prompted Chelsea chiefs to beg the Government to allow them to sell the club in a desperate bid to avoid going out of business.
      Chelsea currently pay out a whopping £28million a month on wages for their star players.
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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}READ MORE ON THE CHELSEA CHAOS.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BLUES NEWS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Three SUSPEND shirt deal, ticket sales on hold as Abramovich club sale BANNED
      But recent accounts have shown the West Londoners only have £16million in the bank.
      It’s unclear what will happen to Chelsea should they run out of cash and go into administration.
      A Premier League club has never gone into administration – so there is no precedent for exactly what will happen.
      In the EFL – there is a strict 12-point deduction penalty which is applied to any clubs that fall into administration.
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      In the Premier League – that penalty is 9 points. Although it’s not clear if it would be applied immediately – or at the start of next season.
      The Blues are in financial chaos as the sanctions imposed on them will see them miss out on £600,000 per match day.
      And shirt sponsors Three have temporarily suspended their £120m deal following the crackdown on Abramovich – who has been accused of being a Krelim crony of Putin’s.
      Kit manufacturers Nike are said to be ‘considering’ terminating their £900m contract with the Carabao Cup holders.
      Abramovich put the club up for sale for £3billion last week in the wake of Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
      But Government sanctions currently prevent the 55-year-old from cashing in on the SW6 outfit.

      The Government, however, will allow the oligarch to pass on ownership of the club so long as he doesn’t pocket a penny from the sale.
      Digital minister Chris Philp said: “As the licence conditions are written today the sale would not be allowed.
      “If a buyer emerged then it would be open to that buyer or to the football club to approach the Government and asked for the licence conditions to be varied in a way that allowed that sale to take place.
      “But to be clear, no proposal would be accepted which saw the proceeds of any sale ending up in an unrestricted bank account owned by Abramovich.
      “He can’t benefit from the proceeds of any sale.”
      British Billionaire Nick Candy is interested in acquiring the club, as well as American Todd Boehly.
      Candy told The Daily Mail: We are examining the details of the announcement and we are still interested in making a bid.
      “Clearly this is a time of great uncertainty for all Chelsea fans.
      “In our view, no one is the owner of a football club – you are the custodian of it for the fans and the community.”
      On the pitch, it was business as usual for the high-flying Blues as they ran out 3-1 winners over relegation battlers Norwich on Thursday night.
      After the match, Blues boss Thomas Tuchel said: “We can trust each other and this will not change.
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      “As long as we have enough shirts and a bus to drive to the games we will be there and will compete hard.”
      Chelsea will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, welcoming Newcastle United to Stamford Bridge.
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    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Uefa Nations League draw LIVE REACTION: England to face Germany and Italy, Scotland meet Ireland in Battle Of Britain

      by

      THE NATIONS League draw has been completed, and Gareth Southgate’s England have been drawn in a crunch group.The Three Lions will face Germany, Italy and Hungary in Group A3 of the Uefa competition.
      While Wales will face Poland, Holland and Belgium in Group A4.
      And Republic of Ireland and Scotland will face off in a Battle of Britain in Group B1! Stick with us for all the reaction to the draw right here…

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      Follow ALL of the latest reaction below…
      THAT’S ALL FOLKS!
      What a draw that turned out to be!
      Undoubtedly England’s group is the talking point with the Three Lions to face Italy, Germany and Hungary.
      Roll on 2022 for what will surely be incredible games!
      Thanks for joining us and have a lovely rest of the week.
      Until next time!
      COMPLETE DRAW
      Take a look below at the complete Nations League draw for the 2022-23 season.

      GREAT SCOT
      Scotland and Ireland have been drawn together in League B which is one of the standout ties from that pot.
      The two nations will also face Armenia and Ukraine.
      WALE I NEVER
      Wales don’t have it much easier than England.
      The Dragons are up against Poland, Holland and Belgium.
      But Wales have shown in recent matches they can prove to be a test for anyone.
      NATIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES
      Here is a reminder of just when these games will take place.
      Matchdays 1 and 2: June 2-8, 2022
      Matchdays 3 and 4: June 8-14, 2022
      Matchdays 5 and 6: September 22-27, 2022
      Semi-finals: June 14 and 15, 2023
      Final and third-place match: June 18, 2023
      UNBELIEVABLE
      It just had to be Italy for England!
      Gareth Southgate will be looking to exact revenge on the Azzurri after they beat the Three Lions on penalties in the Euro 2020 final.
      And England will also battle Germany again.
      It’s a group of death for England!
      LEAGUE A DRAW COMPLETE
      Wouldn’t you just know it!
      England have Italy in their group!
      Group A1: Austria, Croatia, Denmark, France
      Group A2: Czech Republic, Switzerland, Portugal, Spain
      Group A3: Hungary, ENGLAND, Germany, Italy
      Group A4: WALES, Poland, Holland, Belgium
      LEAGUE A DRAW…
      England have been drawn with Germany!
      And Wales have Holland in their group!
      Group A1: Austria, Croatia, Denmark
      Group A2: Czech Republic, Switzerland, Portugal
      Group A3: Hungary, ENGLAND, Germany
      Group A4: WALES, Poland, Holland
      LEAGUE A DRAW…
      England miss out on Wales…
      Group A1: Austria, Croatia,
      Group A2: Czech Republic, Switzerland
      Group A3: Hungary, ENGLAND
      Group A4: WALES, Poland
      LEAGUE A DRAW…
      Group A1: Austria
      Group A2: Czech Republic
      Group A3: Hungary
      Group A4: WALES
      LEAGUE A NEXT
      Here are all the teams from League A.
      Get ready for some standout games…
      Pot 1: France, Spain, Italy, Belgium
      Pot 2: Portugal, Netherlands, Denmark, Germany
      Pot 3: England, Poland, Switzerland, Croatia
      Pot 4: Wales, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary
      WOW
      Ireland and Scotland have been drawn together in League B1!
      Now will England be pitted against Wales?
      We wait to find out…
      LEAGUE B DRAW COMPLETE
      Group B1: Armenia, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, Ukraine
      Group B2: Albania, Israel, Russia, Iceland
      Group B3: Montenegro, Romania, Finland, Bosnia and Herzegovina
      Group B4: Slovenia, Serbia, Norway, Sweden
      LEAGUE B DRAW NEXT
      A reminder of the nations in League B.
      Pot 1: Ukraine, Sweden, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland
      Pot 2: Finland, Norway, Scotland, Russia
      Pot 3: Israel, Romania, Serbia, Republic of Ireland
      Pot 4: Slovenia, Montenegro, Albania, Armenia
      LEAGUE C DRAW COMPLETE
      Group C1: Faroe Islands, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Turkey
      Group C2: Cyprus/Estonia, Kosovo, Greece, Northern Ireland
      Group C3: Kazakhstan/Moldova, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Slovakia
      Group C4: Gibraltar, Georgia, North Macedonia, Bulgaria
      LEAGUE C DRAW
      A reminder of the teams…
      Here are all the countries that will be drawn out in the League C pots.
      Pot 1: Turkey, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Northern Ireland
      Pot 2: Greece, Belarus, Luxembourg, North Macedonia
      Pot 3: Lithuania, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kosovo
      Pot 4: Gibraltar, Faroe Islands, Kazakhstan/Moldova, Cyprus/Estonia
      LEAGUE D DRAW
      We start with the lowest pot.
      Group D1: Latvia, Andorra, Kazakhstan/Moldova, Liechtenstein
      Group D2: San Marino, Cyprus/Estonia, Malta
      TOP DRAW
      The draw is finally starting.
      Robert Pires and Gaizka Mendieta are on stage to draw out the nations.
      League A could bring us some mouthwatering matches.
      SPECIAL JUAN
      Juan Mata has picked up an award from the Nyon ceremony.
      The Manchester United midfielder – along with Khalida Popal and the German FA – have been named as the Equal Game award winners for the 2020-21 season.
      HERE WE GO
      The Nations League draw is moments away from starting.
      And wouldn’t you know it, Uefa have messed it up again!
      The live stream has no sound!
      The stream is now off while they sort it out…
      Anytime Uefa…
      NOT LONG TO GO
      Now is the time to make a quick cup of tea before the draw starts at 5pm.
      A reminder that England could be drawn against France and Germany in the same group.
      MATCHES
      Here is when the fixtures for the Nations League 2022-23 will take place.
      Matchdays 1 and 2: June 2-8, 2022
      Matchdays 3 and 4: June 8-14, 2022
      Matchdays 5 and 6: September 22-27, 2022
      Semi-finals: June 14 and 15, 2023
      Final and third-place match: June 18, 2023
      LEAGUE D
      Here are all the nations that will be drawn out in the League D pots.
      Pot 1: Liechtenstein, Malta, Kazakhstan/Moldova, Cyprus/Estonia
      Pot 2: Latvia, San Marino, Andorrao
      Kazakhstan play Moldova and Cyprus play Estonia in March 2022 play-offs.
      The winners will be in League C and the losers in League D.
      LEAGUE C
      Here are all the countries that will be drawn out in the League C pots.
      Pot 1: Turkey, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Northern Ireland
      Pot 2: Greece, Belarus, Luxembourg, North Macedonia
      Pot 3: Lithuania, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kosovo
      Pot 4: Gibraltar, Faroe Islands, (2 play-out winners tbc in March 2022)
      LEAGUE B
      Here are the nations which be drawn out in the League B pots.
      Pot 1: Ukraine, Sweden, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland
      Pot 2: Finland, Norway, Scotland, Russia
      Pot 3: Israel, Romania, Serbia, Republic of Ireland
      Pot 4: Slovenia, Montenegro, Albania, Armenia
      Load more entries… More

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      Nations League draw LIVE: Stream FREE, TV channel as England, Wales, Scotland learn their fate – latest updates

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      THE NATIONS League draw is here – and Gareth Southgate’s England will find out their opponents.France are looking to retain their title after becoming champions earlier this year with comeback wins over Belgium and Spain.
      In the coming competition, England may even find themselves playing Wales in a Battle of Britain.
      The Welsh finished top of a group containing Finland, Republic of Ireland and Bulgaria to earn promotion to League A, and the opportunity to reach the finals.

      Start time: 5pm GMT
      TV/ live stream: Uefa.com

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      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      NATIONS LEAGUE DRAW
      Hello, and welcome to TONIGHT’S Uefa Nations League draw!
      But how does it work?
      The Nations League will be divided into four different leagues, based on performance in the previous competition.
      League A, B and C will comprise four groups of four teams, while League D will comprise a group of four and a group of three.
      England will be in Pot 3 of League A, following their disappointing third placed finish in the group stage of the previous tournament.
      As a newly promoted side, Wales will be in Pot 4.
      Load more entries… More

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      Uefa Nations League draw: UK start time TODAY, TV channel and live stream – England could face Wales in League A

      by

      ENGLAND are ready to have another crack at winning the Uefa Nations League after coming close in 2019.The Three Lions were beaten by the Netherlands in the semi-final that year, before a horror campaign in 2020-21.
      Harry Kane will look to lead England to a first official trophy since 1966Credit: Reuters
      Gareth Bale is set to pit his wits against the best in EuropeCredit: PA
      France are looking to retain their title after becoming champions earlier this year with comeback wins over Belgium and Spain.
      In the coming competition, England may even find themselves playing Wales in a Battle of Britain.
      The Welsh finished top of a group containing Finland, Republic of Ireland and Bulgaria to earn promotion to League A, and the opportunity to reach the finals.
      What time is the Uefa Nations League draw?

      The Uefa Nations League draw takes place on Thursday, December 16 – TODAY.
      It commences at 5pm UK time at Uefa headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.

      What TV channel is the Uefa Nations League draw on and can I live stream it free?

      The Uefa Nations League draw is not on UK television.
      However, you can watch the full draw as it happens for FREE on the Uefa website.

      How does the Uefa Nations League draw work?
      The Uefa Nations League will be divided into four different leagues, based on performance in the previous competition.
      League A, B and C will comprise four groups of four teams, while League D will comprise a group of four and a group of three.
      England will be in Pot 3 of League A, following their disappointing third placed finish in the group stage of the previous tournament.
      As a newly promoted side, Wales will be in Pot 4.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      What are the seedings?
      League A
      Pot 1

      France
      Spain
      Italy
      Belgium

      Pot 2

      Portugal
      Netherlands
      Denmark
      Germany

      Pot 3

      ENGLAND
      Poland
      Switzerland
      Croatia

      Pot 4

      WALES
      Austria
      Czech Republic
      Hungary

      League B
      Pot 1

      Ukraine
      Sweden
      Bosnia & Herzegovina
      Iceland

      Pot 2

      Finland
      Norway
      SCOTLAND
      Russia

      Pot 3

      Israel
      Romania
      Serbia
      Republic of Ireland

      Pot 4

      Slovenia
      Montenegro
      Albania
      Armenia

      League C
      Pot 1

      Turkey
      Slovakia
      Bulgaria
      NORTHERN IRELAND

      Pot 2

      Greece
      Belarus
      Luxembourg
      North Macedonia

      Pot 3

      Lithuania
      Georgia
      Azerbaijan
      Kosovo

      Pot 4

      Kazakhstan or Moldova*
      Cyprus or Estonia*
      Gibraltar
      Faroe Islands

      *To play two-legged play-offs in March, losing team to be relegated to League D
      League D
      Pot 1

      Kazakhstan or Moldova*
      Cyprus or Estonia*
      Liechtenstein
      Malta

      Pot 2

      Latvia
      San Marino
      Andorra More

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      Van der Vaart tells Courtois to stop ‘silly’ moaning about schedule and goalkeeper is just ‘standing there a bit’

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      THIBAUT COURTOIS has been told to stop ‘whining’ about the number of games on the calendar for top-level football. Former Holland ace Rafael van der Vaart gave the Belgium goalkeeper a ticking off after he slated the need for a Nations League third-place play-off. 
      Thibaut Courtois reckons players are competing for ‘nothing’ in Uefa Nations League third-place play-offsCredit: Rex
      The Real Madrid stopper, 29, accused Europe’s top football authority of putting profit before players’ wellbeing. 
      However, Van der Vaart, who has 109 Holland caps, dismissed the former Chelsea star’s argument.
      Appearing on Dutch sports show Nederlandse Omroep Stichting, the former Tottenham playmaker, 38, said: “I think it’s silly. 
      “You have six months of vacation. You only play football, a club pays you a lot of money, of course, the match schedule is very busy, but we have all been through that. 
      “Competitions are the most fun there is. They are whining.”
      Courtois refused to back down in the lead-up to the clash for the Nations League’s third spot in which Belgium were beaten 2-1 by Italy. 

      And the Bernabeu star, who played 14 international games from 2020 to 2021, said players were being treated like ‘robots’ within the current set-up. 
      Courtois, who 61 times last season, told Sky Sports: “Next year we have a World Cup in November, we have to play until the latter stages of June again. 
      “We will get injured. Nobody cares about the players anymore. If we never say anything it will be always the same.
      “In the end, top players will get injured and injured and injured. We are not robots.
      “It’s just more and more games and less rest for us. 
      “This game is just a money game and we have to be honest about it. We just play it because for Uefa it’s extra money.”
      And the Madrid keeper told Belgian publication Nieuwsblad: “We are playing for nothing. 
      “To arrive third or fourth in the Nations League is not interesting for anyone.”
      Courtois is among the sports figures who have criticised new Uefa contests such as the Nations League and Europa Conference and Fifa’s unpopular proposals for two-yearly World Cup and Euros tournaments. 
      Rafael van der Vaart believes it is ‘silly’ to criticise competing in Uefa National League play-off gamesCredit: Getty
      And his views on the necessity of a Nations League third-place play-off have been echoed by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher who describe the match as ‘an absolute waste of time’. 
      However, Van der Vaart gave Courtois’ comments concern the risk of player injury and fatigue short shrift. 
      And the former Spurs forward claimed goalkeepers have little reason to highlight tiredness with the Dutchman suggesting their performance involves ‘just standing there a bit’. 

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      Thibaut Courtois shows off his expertise in goal at Real Madrid training More

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      Arsenal loanee Matteo Guendouzi in line for France debut at Nations League finals with ex-Chelsea ace Olivier Giroud OUT

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      ARSENAL loanee Matteo Guendouzi looks set to make his France debut after being picked for their Nations League final four squad.But former Gunner Olivier Giroud has been axed by Didier Deschamps.
      Matteo Guendouzi is in line for his first ever France capCredit: Getty – Contributor
      But there’s no room in the squad for AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud who has been left outCredit: Sportphoto24/Marco Canoniero
      Les Bleus head to Italy next week along with the hosts, Spain and Belgium.
      But they will travel without AC Milan striker Giroud, 35, who is his country’s all-time top scorer.
      It’s the second time the former Arsenal and Chelsea man has been overlooked having been left out for France’s World Cup qualifiers last month.
      France face Belgium in Thursday’s semi-final at Juventus’ stadium.
      Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard are back in the squad along with their Bayern Munich team-mate Dayot Upamecano.
      Guendouzi has been called up as Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante is out after testing positive for Covid.
      France’s full squadThis is the 23-man squad France boss Didier Deschamps has picked for this month’s Nations League final four tournament in Italy…

      Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Benoit Costil (Girondins de Bordeaux).
      Defenders: Lucas Digne (Everton), Leo Dubois (Olympique Lyonnais), Lucas Hernandez (Bayern Munich), Presnel Kimpembe (Paris St Germain), Jules Kounde (Sevilla), Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), Raphael Varane (Manchester United).
      Midfielders: Matteo Guendouzi (Olympique de Marseille), Theo Hernandez (AC Milan), Paul Pogba (Manchester United), Adrien Rabiot (Juventus), Aurelien Tchouameni (Monaco), Jordan Veretout (Roma).
      Forwards: Wissam Ben Yedder (Monaco), Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Moussa Diaby (Bayer Leverkusen), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Anthony Martial (Manchester United), Kylian Mbappe (Paris St Germain).

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      Deschamps said: “There’s a 10-day isolation period so he would not have been able to train and he was also just out of an injury layoff.
      “It’s best for him that he uses that period to recover his physical freshness.”
      Guendouzi joined Marseille on loan from Arsenal this summer but the bad boy is reportedly already falling out with his new team-mates.
      The 22-year-old is reported to have clashed with a number of players in the squad, according to L’Equipe.
      He made a bright start for his new side, scoring once and providing an assist in his first three games.
      But now Marseille have won just one out of their last four, much to the annoyance of the Arsenal loanee.
      In the 3-2 home defeat to Lens at the weekend, L’Equipe claim Guendouzi asked team-mate Gerson ‘when he was going to start running,’ which didn’t go down well.

      ‘FALLS TO HIS KNEES AND SHOUTS TO THE SKY’
      Gerson had to be held back by team-mates as Guendouzi walked away, with captain Dimitri Payet stepping in to try and calm him down.
      The incident came after Lens’ second goal, with Guendouzi running up to the Brazilian before confronting him and allegedly accusing him of not running.
      And French talk show Le Phoceen also report disharmony in the Marseille camp.
      They claim Guendouzi has been highly critical of his team-mates, and also incredibly dramatic.
      He’s even alleged to fall to his knees and shout at the sky when somebody takes a bad first touch.
      The Frenchman is also reported to moan at and blame others when things don’t go according to plan.
      Guendouzi played 82 times during his time at Arsenal, but had a reputation at the club as being someone who was difficult to manage.
      There was a bust-up with club manager Mikel Arteta, and he was frozen out of the club after taunting Brighton players about earning more money then them in 2020.
      ⚽ Read our Arsenal live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from The Emirates
      The midfielder was also filmed in the same game grabbing Brighton match-winner Neal Maupay around the throat and hurling him to the ground.
      Guendouzi was subsequently sent out on loan to Hertha Berlin last season, and then moved on to Marseille for this campaign.
      The Ligue 1 side have the obligation to make the loan move permanent for £9.4million at the end of the season.

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      Why do England fans sing ‘it’s coming home’, what does it mean, what are the lyrics?

      by

      ENGLAND fans are truly beginning to believe that football is coming home after their Euro 2020 semi-final win vs Denmark.Those three words are constantly sung aloud every time the Three Lions close in on lifting a trophy – but what does it mean and where does the phrase come from? Here’s the lowdown…
      The song is favourite of England supporters in stadiums around the worldCredit: PA: Press Association
      What does ‘Football’s coming home’ mean?
      Football’s coming home, or simply it’s coming home, refers to the chorus of iconic England song Three Lions by rock band The Lightning Seeds and comedians David Baddiel and Frank Skinner.
      The legendary chorus originally referred to the fact that when the song was released, England was hosting its first major football tournament for thirty years.
      However, since then the phrase has evolved to refer to football’s most famous trophy, The World Cup, returning to England, where football was invented.
      As tentative hope steadily built for Gareth Southgate’s Young Lions, the phrase football’s coming home has also now become a very popular internet meme.
      The song was originally released ahead of England’s 1996 Euro campaign but has recently made a comebackCredit: REUTERS
      When was Three Lions released by Baddiel and Skinner and The Lightning Seeds?
      In 1996 The Football Association commissioned The Lightning Seeds’ Ian Broudie to write an England song for the upcoming Euro ’96 football tournament.
      The singer agreed on the condition that comedians Frank Skinner and David Baddiel, who at the time presented the late-night television show Fantasy Football League, took part.
      Three Lions went on to become a legendary football song and hit the No. 1 spot in the UK Singles Chart in May 1996.
      Although the song returned to top the iTunes music chart, co-writer David Baddiel ruled out any plans to re-make the resurgent football anthem.

      What’s the song about?
      The anthem is now seen as representing England fans defiant sense of optimism against the painful reality of the Three Lions’s past failures at major tournaments.
      However, as England edge ever closer to glory, the song is also sung to show fans believe that this side can, in fact, win the World Cup.
      Although the anthem has been echoing around the country for weeks, some fans have been caught chanting the wrong words.
      What are the lyrics?
      It’s coming homeIt’s coming homeIt’s comingFootball’s coming home  (x3)

      Everyone seems to know the scoreThey’ve seen it all beforeThey just knowThey’re so sureThat England’s gonna throw it awayGonna blow it awayBut I know they can play’Cause I rememberThree Lions on a shirtJules Rimet still gleamingThirty years of hurtNever stopped me dreamingSo many jokes, so many sneersBut all those oh-so-nearsWear you downThrough the yearsBut I still see that tackle by MooreAnd when Linekar scoredBobby belting the ballAnd Nobby Dancing…

      Three Lions on a shirtJules Rimet still gleamingThirty years of hurtNever stopped me dreaming(What a save, Gordon Banks!(Good old England, England that couldn’t play football)(England have got it in the bag)I know that was then but it could be again
      It’s coming homeIt’s comingFootball’s coming home (x3)

      Three Lions on a shirt (it’s coming home, it’s coming)Jules Rimet still gleaming (football’s coming home, it’s coming home)Thirty years of hurt (it’s coming home, it’s coming)Never stopped me dreaming (football’s coming home)Three Lions on a shirt (it’s coming home, it’s coming)Jules Rimet still gleaming (football’s coming home, it’s coming home)Thirty years of hurt (it’s coming home, it’s coming)Never stopped me dreaming (football’s coming home)Three Lions on a shirt (it’s coming home, it’s coming)Jules Rimet still gleaming (football’s coming home, it’s coming home)Thirty years of hurt (it’s coming home, it’s coming)Never stopped me dreaming (football’s coming home)Three Lions on a shirt More

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      Wales defender Tom Lockyer in race to be fit for Euro 2020 finals after ankle operation

      by

      TOM LOCKYER faces a major race against time to be fit for Wales at Euro 2020 after an ankle operation.The Luton centre-back, 26, has been ruled out for the rest of the Championship season following the long-standing ankle ligament problem.
      Tom Lockyer may not be fit for Wales at this summer’s Euros after undergoing an ankle operationCredit: Getty
      Lockyer helped Wales reach Euro 2020 by starting the last four qualification games including the crucial 2-0 triumph over HungaryCredit: Getty
      Lockyer was named in Wales’ squad to face Belgium, Mexico and the Czech Republic last month. But the injury forced the 13-cap defender to pull out during the international break.
      Although he was on the bench for Luton at Preston on March 20, he has been battling with the injury since mid-February and has now gone under the knife to solve the issue.
      Hatters boss Nathan Jones said: “Tom will miss the rest of the season. Tom’s had to have an operation.
      “It’s a real strange one, but he’s had to go in which is a bit frustrating for me, because he’s going to be out for two months, which only affects a month of the season but he’s had two months out prior to that.”
      Wales are scheduled to open their Euro 2020 campaign against Switzerland in the Azerbaijan capital of Baku on June 12.
      Lockyer started the final four Euro 2020 qualification games under Ryan Giggs as Wales booked their place at this summer’s finals.
      He was first-choice again last September for the first internationals in ten months due to the coronavirus pandemic.
      But Lockyer missed the October triple-header with an ankle injury and, while he returned to the Wales fold in November, he only made one appearance against the USA in a friendly.
      Luton’s Lockyer competes for the ball in the Nations League win over Finland last SeptemberCredit: Getty
      Lockyer will be sweating on his place to make the Wales squad after injuryCredit: Getty

      Caretaker boss Robert Page, who is still standing in for the absent Giggs following his arrest on suspicion of assaulting his on-off girlfriend, was in charge then.
      And Page opted for the partnership of Joe Rodon and Chris Mepham against Ireland three days later.
      Then when Wales switched to a back three for the final of three matches in November against Finland, Page drafted in left-footed James Lawrence to provide balance.
      Lockyer hoped to stake his claim for the Euros in March but his latest withdrawal due to injury and the resulting operation leaves him in a major race to be selected for the summer.
      Gareth Bale calls for sporting boycott on social media after racist abuse of Wales players More