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      Russia could be allowed to play international football again as Fifa ‘considers lifting blanket ban’

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      FIFA could end its total ban on Russian teams this AFTERNOON.But the new position, bringing world chiefs in line with Uefa’s controversial move last week, will ONLY apply to Under-17 sides.
      Russia could return to international footballCredit: Getty
      They have been banned since Valdimir Putin the invaded UkraineCredit: Reuters
      Fifa and Uefa reacted to the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 by booting Russia out of the World Cup play-offs.
      The nation were banned from entering the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign and all club sides also prevented from playing in official competitions.
      But last week an acrimonious meeting of Uefa’s ruling executive committee voted to allow Under-17 sides to compete, with the condition that no national flags or kit were used and the matches played outside Russian territory.
      The FA led a fierce backlash, with other countries including Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Latvia and Lithuania backing Ukraine’s stance that there should be no leeway for Russia, even for “children”.
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      It subsequently emerged that the Swedish and Danish representatives on Uefa had SUPPORTED the move, despite the stance of the national federations they represent.
      And now Fifa is poised to take the same step at this afternoon’s meeting of its ruling Council.
      The Fifa decision would allow Under-17 Russian sides to play in the Fifa junior World Cup if they qualify through the Uefa tournaments.
      However, the finals of next year’s women’s version is due to be played in Sweden and the Swedish FA has reiterated its stance that Russia will not be allowed to compete.
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      Today’s likely vote represents a dilemma for FA chair Debbie Hewitt, elected as the Home Nations vice-president.
      As a representative of European football, she will be expected to back Uefa’s position but that is diametrically opposed to that of the FA.
      Russia have still been permitted to play friendly matches since being slapped with the ban.
      It was once reported that they were considering switching to the Asian confederation to escape Uefa’s sanctions. More

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      Uefa considering creating a SUPER LEAGUE with relegations and possible weekend games – meaning end of Champions League

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      UEFA are reportedly considering creating their own Super League in a move that would mean the end of the Champions League.European football’s governing body are set to discuss plans for a new competition, which would feature relegations and possible weekend games.
      Uefa are planning to create their own Super League
      The news comes over two years on from the failed plot to launch a European Super League to rival the Champions League.
      However, Spanish newspaper El Pais now reports that Uefa and the European Club Association are refining their own idea for a Super League.
      Their plans consist of three leagues made up of 18 teams each, with promotion and relegation between the divisions.
      The divisions would be named the Super League, Europa League and Aspiring League, meaning an end to the Champions League.
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      According to the report, the plans will be discussed at the next Uefa Executive Committee meeting.
      There will be four teams relegated and promoted between the second and third division, with two spots between the top two leagues.
      It is understood that this comes from elite clubs not wanting the risk of relegation to be as big.
      They have also requested that the relegation from the Super League is determined by an average of three or five seasons instead of one.
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      If put into action, the planned Super League would not begin until after the end of the 2024-27 cycle.
      Plans are being drawn up for each league to be split into two groups with a final stage, to avoid clubs playing 34 matches on top of their league schedules.
      Teams will be allowed to name squads of 34 players, though, in order to cope with the additional matches.
      Some of those fixtures could even be played on weekends in place of international matches.
      Meanwhile, winning a domestic league title or achieving a high league position could be rewarded with a cash bonus or extra points in the Super League. More

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      Fans spot Newcastle have been forced to make major change to kit due to little known Uefa Champions League rule

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      NEWCASTLE were forced to change their kit for their Champions League opener against AC Milan due to a little-known Uefa rule.Eddie Howe led his side out in Europe’s elite competition for the first time in 20 years at the San Siro on Tuesday night as they earned a hard-fought goalless draw.
      Newcastle got rid of the stripes going through their numbers to adhere to Uefa rules
      This is how the back of Newcastle’s kit looks in Premier League gamesCredit: Rex
      But the black and white stripes that usually stretch down the back of the shirt – through the players numbers – were removed to adhere with the competition’s guidelines.
      Uefa’s rules state “the area on the back of a playing shirt [is] reserved exclusively for the shirt number” and that the number zone “must extend 2cm above the highest point and 3cm below the lowest point of the two digits, and horizontally 3cm from the left edge of the left-hand digit and 3cm from the right edge of the right-hand digit”.
      The zone also has to be “free of any team, manufacturer or other identification or advertising”.
      And those on social media could instantly see something about Newcastle’s kit had been changed.
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      One said: “That Newcastle kit looks strange.”
      While another added: “Something about Newcastle’s kit looks weird.”
      But others were loving the look, with a viewer reacting: “That Champions League edition Newcastle kit is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥.”
      Newcastle have been drawn in an incredibly tough Group F.
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      Football fans were quick to spot the alteration to the Toon’s strip
      Alongside seven-time winners AC Milan, Howe’s men will also face 1997 champions Borussia Dortmund and French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
      But they will have taken positives from the draw with Milan despite being second best for much of the game.
      Newcastle’s first home Champions League game at St James’ Park comes at home to PSG on October 4, before they host Borussia Dortmund three weeks later. More

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      Newcastle could face Uefa punishment without kicking a ball as storm throws Champions League plans into chaos

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      NEWCASTLE could face a Uefa punishment because of a storm that has disrupted their Champions League plans.Eddie Howe’s pre-match press conference was delayed by the torrential weather spreading across Europe.
      Uefa could dish out a punishment for Eddie Howe’s delayed press conferenceCredit: Getty
      Newcastle’s flight to Milan was delayed by almost three hoursCredit: Getty
      Howe and his Newcastle squad landed in Milan around 7:50pm local time on Monday night.
      Uefa rules state press conferences must take place between 12-8pm.
      Newcastle had scheduled their press conference to take place at 7pm, but stormy conditions disrupted their journey to northern Italy.
      The Magpies boss eventually spoke to the assembled media at 9pm.
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      Toon were supposed to travel to Milan Malpensa Airport at 2:30pm, but their flight only took off at 4:49pm.
      Howe revealed he and the squad were forced to wait on the runway for some time before departing.
      He said: “I believe it was a weather problem, so we were delayed taking off. We were sat on the runway for quite some time. It was nothing that’s too out of the ordinary for us. We do a lot of travelling in the UK, and it can happen from time to time. We’re here now.
      “It’s just part and parcel of the job that we do. It’s not out of the normal that that can happen. This was a weather problem, but we’ve been in similar situations.
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      “It’s been a long day for us, we had an early start and a late finish. It’s been a day of preparation, trying to get all of our game plan right and make sure we’re as well organised as we can be for tomorrow’s game. It’s been intense. As soon as the game finished against Brentford, we immediately turned our attention to this one.
      “It’s something we’re used to, although it’s a slightly later arrival time than we would have liked for the players. It’s no big deal though.
      “The thought of not coming earlier in the day was so we could do our tactical work behind closed doors. For me, that’s so important, that we get our work done and are able to work because it’s such a small amount of time between games. It was really valuable that we did that.
      “I don’t think it impacted the flight schedule, the weather did that. We wanted to train and prepare for the game, whereas if you train here then that goes out of the window.”
      And although the delay was out of the club’s control, Newcastle could still be sanctioned after breaking Article 73.
      The regulation states: “Article 73 of the UEFA regulations state: “Press conferences must start between 12.00 and 20.00 local time. Exceptions to these timings must be agreed in advance with UEFA.”
      However it is possible Uefa will let Newcastle off the hook as the bad weather was unpredictable and out of their control.
      The Magpies take on AC Milan at the San Siro on Tuesday in their first Champions League game for 20 years. More

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      Who is Champions League draw star Giorgio Marchetti?

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      GIORGIO Marchetti is well known in the footballing world, with a career spanning decades.He has worked in the sport since the 1980s, but who is he?
      Giorgio Marchetti is known for drawing football teamsCredit: AFP
      Who is Giorgio Marchetti?
      Giorgio Marchetti is best known as the person who conducts the draws for the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League throughout the campaign.
      Before this job he has had quite the career in the footballing industry.
      The Italian started off as a sports manager in the football league.
      At the beginning of 2004, with the new management of Lars-Christer Olsson as general manager, he was called by the European confederation to be the marketing and commercial director.
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      What does Giorgio Marchetti do at UEFA?
      Marchetti’s work at UEFA began in 2007 when he became director of all UEFA club and country competitions.
      In December 2016, he became Director of Sport and was promoted to the position of UEFA Deputy Secretary General.
      Due to being director of competitions he assisted in carrying out the draws for all UEFA competitions.
      He is recognised for conducting the draws for the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.
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      Marchetti has earned quite a following from the job, with supporters often tweeting their support during the draw for each competition.
      Speaking to the Daily Star about his role at UEFA, Giorgio admitted that he feels pressure when he draws the teams for each competition.
      He explained: “You feel huge pressure when you are live to deliver something which catches such eager attention among worldwide football fans.
      “What I try to do is to avoid thinking about anything which is not what’s happening on stage and following our procedure correctly. That’s not always easy, at times I feel I would need some kind of zen technique…”
      Is Giorgio Marchetti married and does he have children?
      Yes, Marchetti is married and has children.
      He is married to Matilde and the pair have three children together, Andrea, Davide and Matteo.
      The family live in Nyon, which is the city where UEFA is based. More

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      Barcelona and Real Madrid ‘at risk of European AXE’ after Spanish FA ‘take drastic action over Rubiales kiss storm’

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      SPANISH FA bosses have “threatened to get themselves axed from Uefa” if Luis Rubiales is forced out as president by their government, according to reports.This would see the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona left unable to play in the Champions League, as a Uefa competition.
      Luis Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso without consent after the World Cup finalCredit: Rex
      The disgraced Spanish FA chief has refused to resign
      Disgraced Spanish FA boss Rubiales kissed star Jenni Hermoso as she went to collect her medal after the World Cup final earlier this month.
      Hermoso, 33, later admitted that she “did not like this” – with a host of players and clubs subsequently coming out in support of the 33-year-old.
      Rubiales has refused to resign, however, and called the backlash against him “social murder” at a press conference.
      His mum has this morning bizarrely locked herself in a church and gone on HUNGER STRIKE over the “inhumane witch-hunt” against her son.
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      According to Spanish outlet Onda Cero, Spanish FA chiefs have written to Uefa, pointing out what they believe to be a breach in rules by the government of Spain.
      Last week it was announced the Spanish government had begun the process of potentially suspending Rubiales for his actions.
      In a letter to Uefa, Spain’s FA are alleged to have pointed out that their government’s involvement in removing Rubiales would be a breach in the European football governing body’s laws.
      Revelo have since claimed that Uefa will ignore the RFEF – Royal Spanish Football Federation – and not intervene with no risk of Spain being left out of any European competition.
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      The rule in question states that Uefa associations “shall manage their affairs independently and without undue influence from third parties.
      “Any body or decision of a body that has not been elected or appointed in accordance with said procedure, even provisionally, will not be recognised.”
      Pointing out this potential rule breach could get Spain kicked out of Uefa, which the Spanish government would not want.
      Such an outcome would see Spanish clubs including Real Madrid and Barcelona kicked out of the Champions League.
      Atletico Madrid, Real Sociedad and Sevilla are also in the Champions League this season.
      Real Betis and Villarreal are in the Europa League.
      All of them would be at threat of losing their place in those respective competitions.
      However, The Independent report that Uefa have no intention of removing Spain at this stage.
      Rubiales, 46, has been slapped with a 90-day suspension from all football activities by Fifa.
      Regardless, the Spanish FA appear hellbent on saving his job.
      Aside from controversial head coach Jorge Vilda, Spain’s coaching staff from their World Cup success have all resigned.
      Despite Hermoso stating that the kiss was not consensual, the Spanish FA have vehemently backed Rubiales – even threatening to sue their midfielder.
      Numerous players, including the entire 23-woman squad from the World Cup and men’s team striker Borja Iglesias, have stated that they will boycott the national side until Rubiales is axed.
      While David de Gea and Hector Bellerin have also criticised the under-fire Spanish FA boss.
      In addition to kissing Hermoso, Rubiales drew criticism after he was filmed grabbing his crotch while celebrating Spain’s win.
      He also entered the dressing room after the match, vowing to marry Hermoso.
      Rubiales eventually filmed an apology video, with Hermoso reportedly begged to take part – but refusing.
      Prior to his weak apology he had branded those criticising his lewd behaviour as “idiots”.
      While Vilda has not stepped down, and was seen applauding Rubiales’ speech on Friday, he has subsequently criticised his ally’s actions.
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      He wrote in a statement that his boss’ actions were “inappropriate and unacceptable”.
      Spain’s FA are set to hold an emergency meeting at 3pm following Rubiales’ suspension by FIfa.
      Rubiales astonishingly refused to resign in a press conference last weekCredit: Reuters More

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      Fans convinced there has been a mistake in Europa League draw as baffling new rule is introduced

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      FOOTBALL fans were left baffled with UEFA’s new rule in the Europa League draw.The European governing body has decided that this year there will be no country protection in the play-offs before the group stage.
      Fans are baffled by the new Europa League rule that excludes country protectionCredit: Getty
      That means Zorya Luhansk may face fellow Ukrainian outfit DniproCredit: Getty
      That means two teams from the same nation can actually play against each other in Europe.
      Thus, Zorya Luhansk could face fellow Ukrainian outfit Dnipro in the final qualifying round.
      Dnipro are playing Slavia Prague in the third qualifying round and the winner will square up against Zorya.
      However, fans have yet to adapt to the new rule and some even wondered if UEFA completed yet another blunder during today’s draw.
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      One fan tweeted: “Is the top fixture even allowed to stand btw?
      “Dnipro and Zorya are both Ukrainian and could play each other. Unless I’m wrong about something.”
      Another commented: “Why Zorya can play against Dnipro? I need an explanation.”
      A third said: “In the Uefa Europa League draw, #Dnipro was drawn against the winner between Slavia Prague and #Zorya Luhansk.
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      “Unlike the Champions and Conference League, the 2023/2024 Europa League regulations do not provide so-called “country protection” for the playoff round. Weird. #UELDRAW.”
      This fan wrote: “Dnipro vs Zorya ? How ?”
      And that one wondered: “What is @UEFA doing?”
      Liverpool and Brighton may meet the winner of that exchange in the the Europa League group stage after finishing fifth and sixth respectively in the Premier League last season.
      The Reds and the Seagulls will be joined by West Ham, who won the Europa Conference League. More

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      Uefa hint Barcelona could be BOOTED OUT of Champions League amid claims they paid refs’ chief £6m

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      BARCELONA could be KICKED OUT of the Champions League next season as Uefa investigate allegations of payments to referees.Uefa announced in March that it was opening an investigation into the Catalan giants.
      Barcelona are being investigated by UefaCredit: Alamy
      This came after it was reported they had paid just shy of £6MILLION to companies owned by Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, the former vice-president of Spain’s referees committee.
      The payments are claimed to have been made between 2001 and 2018.
      Uefa’s appeals body confirmed the club had been granted provisional access to the 2023-24 Champions League but acknowledged: “A future decision on admission/exclusion from the Uefa club competitions is reserved.”
      Uefa said four months ago that ethics and disciplinary investigators had been appointed to look into “a potential violation of Uefa’s legal framework” in relation to this case.
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      The appeals body said on Thursday: “The investigators in charge of the case are invited to continue and finalise their investigation and to send a further report to the appeals body if and when they consider that the admission/exclusion of FC Barcelona should be assessed.”
      Barcelona deny any wrongdoing in the case.
      Xavi’s men are set to enter the competition as a Pot 1 side after they won the LaLiga title last season.
      And they will be hoping to avoid a third straight group-stage exit.
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      Last season, Barca finished third in their group behind Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.
      They dropped down to the Europa League but were swiftly eliminated in the play-off round by Manchester United.
      Barcelona have reached just one Champions League semi-final in eight years – which came in 2019 when they spurned a 3-0 aggregate lead to lose to eventual champions Liverpool 4-3 in a remarkable tie. More