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      Uefa set to change transfer rules after Chelsea’s January transfer spree sparks concern among rival clubs

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      CHELSEA’S January transfer policy is set to see a change in Uefa rules – to stop clubs manipulating Financial Fair Play regulations.The Stamford Bridge club’s eye-popping £400million spending spree has included handing out unconventional contracts of six, seven and even EIGHT years to signings including Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Mykhailo Mudryk.
      Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has splashed the cash since his arrival in West LondonCredit: Getty
      Mykhailo Mudryk is the latest big-money arrival, joining for an eye-watering £88million from UkraineCredit: Getty
      That means transfer payments for players can be spread over the length of the extended contracts in the Blues’ accounts – a process known as amortisation – meaning just a fraction counts towards the Blues’ FFP allowance each season.
      But rival clubs have complained at the loop-hole being exploited.
      And now Uefa chiefs are ready to bring in new regulations which will see all future fees calculated over a maximum of five years.
      Fifa, which has oversight over all international deals, states that contracts should last for a “maximum” of five years unless a longer deal is “consistent with national laws”.
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      Premc lubs have that allowance under UK law and Chelsea are among the clubs to have taken advantage.
      It does mean that players signed on the longer deals are a “cost” for clubs throughout the contract, meaning they cannot be booked at a full sales price – the normal accounting practice – if they are sold after five seasons. 
      Uefa, though, is prepared to step in with a new rule from this summer which will cap amortisation over the five year period that applies in most countries.
      While there is no threat to the status or calculations over the deals Chelsea have undertaken this season, a similar spending spree in future campaigns would see the FFP cost rise.
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      That would be in parallel with the new Uefa “cost control” requirements that will see spending pegged to revenues from this year.
      In the initial season, clubs will be permitted to spend 90 per cent of income on net transfers and wages, dropping to a new maximum of 70 per cent over three years.
      One prominent Uefa source said: “If other clubs start doing the same with eight-year contracts it will be a mess so we need to protect them.
      “This is simply shifting a problem to the future. 
      “Either a club can get stuck with a player on a high salary that they cannot sell, or if they sell him after three or four years they will not realise much profit because a lot of his transfer fee has not been amortised.” More

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      UK and Ireland joint bid for Euro 2028 ‘could be scuppered’ as ex-FA chief says it will be ‘miracle’ if stadium is ready

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      THE UK and Ireland’s joint bid for Euro 2028 is in crisis mode due to Casement Park needing “a miracle” to be ready in time.The venue, located in Belfast, is threatening to drag the joint UK/Ireland Euro 2028 bid down, with Uefa unconvinced about redevelopment plans for the site.
      Casement Park’s redevelopment has thrown the joint UK/Ireland bid into chaosCredit: Sportsfile
      It is currently closed and in a state of dereliction, with redevelopment plans pending now for several yearsCredit: Pacemaker Press
      This stumbling block could prove fatal to the host 2028 bidCredit: PA
      Work on a proposed 34,578-seater arena for the home of Antrim GAA is due to start next year, but securing the funds for its redevelopment has proved to be a challenge.
      Uefa have raised concerns that temporary stands could be required at Casement Park for the Euro 2028 tournament, describing it as a significant stumbling block.
      Casement Park is the only stadium from Northern Ireland included in a list of 14 venues across the UK and Ireland.
      But ex-Irish FA president and former Fifa vice president Jim Boyce says it will be a tough task for it to be ready to host games at Euro 2028.
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      Boyce told The Irish Sun: “While Northern Ireland are joining in the bid to host Euro 2028 with England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland, the chances of Casement Park being ready are slim. There is little chance.
      “The government in Northern Ireland are not even meeting at the minute, the money hasn’t been released, there hasn’t been a brick laid at Casement Park.
      “My honest opinion is that it would take a miracle for Casement Park to be available for European Championship matches to be played in 2028.”
      Boyce fears there will no matches in Northern Ireland if the bid to host the tournament is successful, instead believing Belfast will have to settle for warm-up games.
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      Boyce added: “It is not realistic (that Casement Park will be built by Euro 2028).
      “I hope the bid is successful, I’m all for the bid taking place.
      “But I think all Northern Ireland can hope for is some preparation games being played in Northern Ireland.”
      Boyce previously backed plans for a new £300million international sports stadium at the former Maze Prison site, but the scheme failed amid political fallout.
      Jim Boyce, former IFA president and FIFA Vice-President, doubts Casement Park will see any Euro 2028 matchesCredit: Getty – Contributor
      MISSED OPPORTUNITY
      Boyce insists not building a showpiece stadium for football, rugby and GAA at the site to hold 40,000 or 50,000 spectators was “a very big missed opportunity.”
      He said: “When I was President of the Irish Football Association I always felt that Northern Ireland should have had a stadium big enough to host events like European Championships.
      “There was a possibility that could have been the Maze Stadium.
      “I was told by the Government at the time that if you wanted a stadium that held 40,000 or 50,000 people it had to be at the Maze Stadium and nowhere else.
      “But politics played a large part in Northern Ireland at that time and it fell through.
      “Now we are in a situation that we don’t have a stadium in Northern Ireland to host an event such as we are talking about.
      “I think the Maze Stadium was a very big missed opportunity.”
      Windsor Park – the home of football in Northern Ireland – was not selected for the bid as its capacity is just 18,500, well under the Uefa’s minimum requirement for European Championships games.
      The 14 stadiums on the list would be whittled down to ten for the 24-team tournament.
      UEFA QUESTIONS
      Uefa has sent a lengthy list of questions to the UK and Irish bid after the submission of their preliminary dossier last month.
      Euro footie chiefs are also growing frustrated over delays in agreeing guarantees around policing, airports, tax exemptions and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
      The issue with Tottenham’s stadium is in relation to naming rights.
      Uefa’s rules insist on a “clean”, unbranded venue and insiders at European football’s governing body say an agreement has yet to be reached with the club.
      But all is good with the Aviva Stadium which will be known as the Dublin Stadium for the competition.
      Uefa have made it clear that the issues with the 2028 bid need to be resolved quickly, with the final dossier due to be submitted in April.
      On the issues with the UK/Ireland push, a bid spokesman said: “Following the submission of the UK and Ireland preliminary bid to Uefa in November, we are working through the next phase of the process, including fully responding to Uefa’s follow-up questions.”
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      However, the bid – due to take place in September – faces competition from Turkey in the Uefa vote.
      It is understood Turkey has signed off all of its guarantees already, while Uefa had far fewer issues with the Euro 2024 hosts, Germany, than the UK and Irish bid.
      There are no issues with the Aviva Stadium, which will be known as the Dublin stadium for Euro 2028 if the bid is sucessfulCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription More

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      Uefa warn England and Home Nations that TOTTENHAM could ruin Euro 2028 bid if they fail to agree to stadium rule

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      TOTTENHAM could ruin the UK and Ireland’s Euro 2028 bid if they fail to adhere to one of Uefa’s stadium regulations.The UK and Ireland submitted a joint bid to host Euro 2028 last month, with 14 venues across five countries selected to host the matches.
      The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is one of 14 venues selected for the Euro 2028 bidCredit: Getty
      Uefa are concerned about the naming rightsCredit: Reuters
      Nine of those venues are in England and they include Wembley Stadium, the London Stadium, Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium.
      The brand new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is also on the list, however, according to The Times, it is causing significant issues in terms of the bidding process.
      This is due to the naming rights and the possibility of the stadium breaching a key Uefa rule.
      Uefa insist that only “clean”, unbranded stadiums can host European Championship matches.
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      But, Tottenham have been in talks with Google among a host of other companies over naming rights and as a result there have been significant delays in agreeing guarantees, which has frustrated Uefa.
      Manchester City have already agreed to rename the Etihad Stadium to the City of Manchester Stadium throughout the period of the proposed tournament in order to avoid any breaches.
      Similarly, the Aviva Stadium in Dublin will be known as the Dublin Stadium.
      Uefa are also waiting for responses from the UK and Ireland regarding the guarantee of policing, night flights and airports, as well as income tax exemptions.
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      There is also an issue surrounding Casement Park in Belfast – one of the 14 venues selected to host matches.
      The stadium requires substantial redevelopment and although this is due to take place next year, Uefa are still awaiting guarantees of the final plans.
      The official Uefa vote to determine which country or countries will host Euro 2028 is due to take place in September.
      The UK and Ireland are up against Turkey in the vote.
      It is understood that Turkey has signed off all its guarantees already. More

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      Holland confirmed as Nations League 2023 hosts as dates for Uefa tournament are revealed

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      HOLLAND will host the 2023 Nations League finals next summer. The semi-finals take place on June 14 and 15 with the final and third-place play-off on June 18.
      Holland will host the Uefa Nations League finals in 2023Credit: AP
      Matches are set to be staged in Rotterdam and Enschdede with Stadion Feijenoord and De Grolsche Veste the preferred options – the homes of Feyenoord and FC Twente.
      The Johan Cruyff Arena and Philips Stadion are both unavailable due to pre-arranged concerts.
      Louis van Gaal’s side secured their place at the 2023 Nations League finals by topping League A Group 4 ahead of Belgium, Poland and relegated Wales.
      Holland will be joined at the four-team showdown by Croatia, Italy and Spain.
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      Croatia saw off Denmark, France and Austria while Spain pipped Portugal, Switzerland and the Czech Republic.
      And Italy recovered from their shock World Cup qualification exit to win their group ahead of Hungary, Germany and England.
      The Three Lions were winless in six matches over the summer sending them down to League B for the next edition.
      The draw for the semi-finals will take place in January.
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      The Nations League was introduced in 2018 to try and eliminate pointless international friendlies with more competitive fixtures.
      Portugal won the inaugural edition in 2019, beating the Netherlands in the final in Porto while France toppled Spain last year in Milan.
      Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe were on target in the final at the San Siro to complete a comeback 2-1 victory for the world champions.
      Croatia will be the only nation making their debut at the finals.
      Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema fired France to the title in 2021Credit: Getty More

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      Antonio Conte banned from Tottenham’s crunch Champions League clash in Marseille in huge blow after VAR-rage red card

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      ANTONIO CONTE will be banned for next week’s crucial Champions League match at Marseille.The Spurs boss will also not be allowed to directly communicate with his players or staff or enter the dressing room next Tuesday.
      Antonio Conte was sent off after VAR ruled out Tottenham’s winner against SportingCredit: Reuters
      It comes after he was sent off by referee Danny Makkelie in the closing stages of Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at home to Sporting for blasting the decision to disallow Harry Kane’s stoppage-time strike.
      A red card shown to an official in a Uefa competition carries an automatic one-match suspension.
      Conte will have to sit in the stands of the Stade Velodrome, where Spurs need a draw to qualify for the last 16.
      Article 69 of Uefa’s disciplinary regulations states: “A team manager/coach or other team official who is sent off or suspended from carrying out his function may not be in the technical area or communicate directly with the team’s players and/or technical staff during the match.
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      “In addition, a team manager/coach or any other team official who is suspended from carrying out his function may not enter the dressing room or tunnel before or during the match.”
      Spurs can appeal, and are still deciding whether or not they will.
      The club are also awaiting confirmation from Uefa as to the exact reason for the red card.
      But Conte is also in danger of further punishment once referee Makkelie has handed in his match report for the Group D fixture.
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      Conte was still seething when he spoke afterwards and Uefa may also investigate his post-match comments.
      During his short press conference, the 53-year-old accused VAR of being dishonest, creating “big damage” and insisted it would not have disallowed Kane’s goal had it been for a “top team, in an important game” before he walked out after one question.
      The England captain sparked wild celebrations with a 95th-minute winner which would have sealed Spurs’ last-16 Champions League spot.
      Emerson Royal headed the ball against a Sporting defender but Kane was deemed to be offside.
      And, after a four-minute video review, ref Makkelie disallowed it. More

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      World Cup 2030 could be held in Ukraine as Spain and Portugal include war-torn nation in bid to host tournament

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      UKRAINE could host the World Cup in 2030 after Spain and Portugal included the war-ravaged nation in its bid.The Iberian countries were already planning to make an attempt to stage the tournament.
      Ukraine could be a co-host for the 2030 World Cup along with Portugal and SpainCredit: Reuters
      Fernando Gomes, Luis Rubiales and Andriy Pavelko stand together for the unified bidCredit: Reuters
      But they decided to add Ukraine as a classy gesture and act of European solidarity – and boost their chances of success.
      Ukraine is currently under illegal invasion by Russia after Vladimir Putin ordered his troops into the neighbouring nation on February 24, causing widespread death and devastation.
      It is hoped the war will be over soon and Ukraine will be able to stage World Cup matches.
      Uefa President Alexander Ceferin, determined to bring the tournament back to Europe, is understood to be fully in support of the proposals.
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      Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelensky is also an enthusiastic backer of the bid.
      Spanish and Portuguese FA chiefs, Luis Rubiales and Fernando Gomes, confirmed the plan at Uefa’s headquarters in Switzerland today alongside their Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Pavelko.
      Rubiales said: “Our bid is not an Iberian bid anymore, it’s a European bid.
      “I’m convinced that now our bid is much better than before.
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      “Football is universal and if it is capable of changing the life of people in so many ways it should also be used for doing good.”
      Portuguese boss Gomes insisted the details of adding Ukraine into the scheduling would be finalised in the coming months.
      An option would see one group at the 48-team event likely based in Ukraine, with two stadiums in operation.
      The other games, will, as planned, be played in Spain and Portugal, as will all the knock-out games with the final schemed for Real Madrid’s renovated Bernabeu.
      Gomes said: “We are convinced that by 2030 we will have peace in Europe and that Ukraine will be able to host the tournament in the best way possible.”
      RIVAL BIDS
      Uefa are keen to bring the World Cup back to Europe in 2030 following the controversial awarding to Qatar and then the joint-hosting by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
      However, Spain-Portugal-Ukraine bid will face competition from a three-continent proposal by Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Greece which has the backing of Fifa boss Giani Infantino.
      In addition to the Saudi-led bid, a four-nation South American bid, with games in Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay, is already a contender.
      If that bid wins, the final would be played in Montevideo’s Estadio Centenario, where the first World Cup Final was played in 1930.
      But Ceferin said in September he was confident the Iberian bid would come out on top – even before Ukraine’s late addition.
      He said: “I see it as a winning bid. We will do what we can to help the bid.
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      “It is time for Europe to host the World Cup. Both countries are passionate about football, you feel, you smell football in Spain and Portugal. The infrastructure is great, and we have some plans to help.
      “We have already spoken with Fernando Gomes and Luis Rubiales. I think and I am sure that the 2030 World Cup will be played in Spain and Portugal.” More

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      Uefa ‘to invite top MLS team to join Champions League, Europa League & Conference League winners in revamped Super Cup’

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      MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER clubs could face the winners of the Champions League in a revamped Super Cup reportedly being considered by Uefa.It has been alleged that talks are already underway for a “four-team season-opening event” which would replace the current Super Cup.
      New York City FC celebrate winning last season’s MLSCredit: Getty
      And it would continue to feature the winners of both the Champions League and Europa League as well as the new Europa Conference League.
      America is believed to be the main destination to host it, with one option said to include the host nation’s champions also – which would be the MLS in this case – as a fourth team.
      The idea to replace the Super Cup from 2024 is said to be “gaining traction” and will have an emphasis on trying to attract more female fans and families.
      The Press Association claims that sources have informed them that could mean “placing the matches within a weekend festival” or “having pop acts perform” prior to games or at half-time.
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      They have been encouraged by other sports moving matches and events into new markets, such as the NFL’s success in staging regular-season games in London.
      The European Club Association’s General Assembly in Istanbul is currently taking place and more discussions on the above are due to take place.

      Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali was invited to explain how F1 is trying to attract new fans and widen interest.
      And ECA chairman Nasser Al Khelaifi is due to discuss dangerous debt levels of clubs around the continent.
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      New York City FC lifted the MLS Cup last season Stateside.
      Real Madrid, who beat Europa League holders Eintracht Frankfurt in the Uefa Super Cup in August, won the Champions League last term.
      And it was Jose Mourinho’s Roma that were crowned the inaugural winners of the Europa Conference League. More

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      Uefa set to SCRAP plans for 32-team Euro 2028, but England set to host tournament with all five British Isles nations

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      UEFA is set to SCRAP plans to turn Euro 2028 into a 32-team tournament.But the decision will not impact on Nyon chiefs’ push to ensure the England-led British Isles bid is handed hosting rights.
      England will lead the British Isles in hosting Euro 2028 – which WON’T have 32 teamsCredit: Getty
      Senior figures from across Europe have been working on a qualification schedule that would have led to a 32-team tournament.
      The plan would have seen smaller groups and fewer games for national teams.
      There was, though, increasing concern that with only 55 Uefa members, including up to a dozen minnows who realistically have next to no chance of qualifying, it would destroy the financial value of the campaign, leading to an unwanted black hole in European finances.
      And that has led to the surprise rethink, backed by Uefa high command.
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      It is now expected that Uefa will confirm, as early as next month, that Euro 2028 will remain a 24-team event.
      Sticking with the current tournament model means 50 matches rather than an expansion to 61 as envisaged.
      That in turn requires fewer stadiums for the Finals, with matches planned for all five British Isles nations and the Final at Wembley.
      Sticking with 24 teams eases some of the burden that would have faced the rival bid from Turkey, which is currently determined to stay in the race despite clear signals from Uefa high command about the requirement for a major money-spinning event.
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      But Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin is understood to remain firmly in the Five Nation camp, with the final decision taken by the ruling executive committee he runs rather than a vote of the member associations.
      The decision, though, could mean just six English grounds being used, two of them – Wembley and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – in the capital.
      Villa Park, Old Trafford, the planned new Everton stadium at Bramley Moore Dock and St James’ Park  are likely to complete the English list.
      Other matches would be staged at the Principal Stadium in Cardiff, Hampden Park, Dublin’s Aviva Stadium and Croke Park and the Casement Stadium in Belfast, which is scheduled for redevelopment and far larger than Windsor Park. More