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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

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      La Liga side have European ban OVERTURNED by Uefa just four weeks before first match

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      OSASUNA have overturned Uefa’s European ban and will compete in this year’s Europa Conference League.The LaLiga club were initially kicked out of Europe’s third-tier competition as punishment for a decade-old match-fixing scandal just four weeks before the tournament’s opener.
      Osasuna overturned their Europa Conference League banCredit: Getty
      UEFA initially banned Osasuna due to a decade-old match-fixing scandalCredit: Reuters
      The issue in question is referred to as ‘Caso-Osasuna’ and it ended with former club president Miguel Archanco and five former club directors being sentenced to prison.
      That’s after a court found £557,000 of club funds were directed to pay players from other teams to influence results.
      However, the Spanish outfit appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and managed to turn it around.
      Uefa found Osasuna were a “victim of the events” that occurred from the 2013/2014 season.
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      Jagoba Arrasate’s side will therefore be present on the Europa Conference League play-off draw, which takes place on August 7.
      However, Uefa have opened a different disciplinary procedure against the club.
      That is because the team went to “ordinary courts” during the ongoing process.
      However, that won’t lead to any ban from Europe and Osasuna promised not to appeal the governing body’s decision.
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      The Pamplona outfit finished seventh in LaLiga last season after beating Athletic Bilbao to the final qualification spot by two points.
      That means they may face Aston Villa in the Europa Conference League this coming season.
      Villa also finished seventh in the Premier League after a stunning turnaround under manager Unai Emery. More

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      Man City accused of accepting illicit £30million payment from ‘mystery’ figure in Middle East

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      MANCHESTER CITY have been accused of accepting a illicit £30m payment from a “mystery” figure from the United Arab Emirates.According to a new documentary, Uefa chiefs ruled that two separate £15m payments in 2012 and 2013 were used to cover for sponsorship funds that did not actually exist.
      Man City have been accused of taking a £30m payment from a mystery figure in the United Arab EmiratesCredit: Getty
      While City successfully overturned their two-year European ban in 2020, the allegations are understood to be among the claims that have left the Champions League winners facing 115 separate Premier League financial charges.
      And Prem legal experts may be likely to use the Uefa evidence to try to prove their case.
      The YouTube documentary, “Britain’s Biggest Football Scandal?” cites a 2020 report from Uefa’s Club Financial Control Board – which was never published.
      European financial experts are said to have agreed that the payments were supposed to be from the UAE telecommunications company Etisalat.
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      Instead, though, the payments allegedly “disguised equity funding” from the accounts of City’s owners, the Abu Dhabi United Group, in breach of FFP regulations.
      City are also accused of effectively paying former boss Roberto Mancini via two separate accounts — the official £1.45m salary through the club’s books and the remaining £1.75m from owner Sheikh Mansour’s Abu Dhabi football club, Al Jazira.
      Under questioning from Uefa, a City lawyer was said to have named “Jaber Mohamed” as the person who had made the payments, describing him as “a person in the business of providing financial and brokering services to commercial entities in the UAE”.
      According to Uefa, City confirmed the named payer as Jaber Mohamed, although the club declined to produce him as a witness.
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      The YouTube report claims Uefa asked: “The obvious question, not answered at any point in the club’s submission and evidence, is why either Etisalat or ADUG should have needed any financial assistance from a broker in paying the Etisalat sponsorship liabilities.”
      City insisted that Etisalat repaid the money in 2015 and the club’s successful appeal to the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport saw two of the three judges on the panel rule the claims “remain unsubstantiated”.
      CAS also ruled many of the Uefa charges could not be justified because they were “time limited” and filed too late.
      But Prem rules have no time restrictions, leaving open the prospect of further scrutiny.
      City face 115 Prem charges relating to financial reporting between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons, plus charges of non-cooperation with the League investigation over five years up to and including last term.
      The Treble winners, who have vehemently and vociferously maintained their innocence of all claims and charges, declined to comment on the latest allegations.
      But there are likely to be private questions from the club over the documentary makers, Sunrise Media, registered in the British Virgin Islands as recently as June 9, amid suspicions that the source of the allegations may be linked to UAE’s Gulf rivals, the state of Qatar. More