UEFA

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd and Arsenal resign from European Club Association and Woodward steps down from Uefa role in wake of Super League

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham have become the latest clubs to resign from the European Club Association following the revelation of a Super League proposal.The ‘big six’ in England have all signalled their intent to join a 20-team breakaway league which has a provisional start date of the 2022-23 season.
      Woodward has led Man Utd’s departure from the ECA todayCredit: PA
      And while the idea has been widely slammed by ex-players, fans and football’s governing bodies, those clubs who have agreed to join the Super League have today begun to go one step further by resigning from the European Club Association [ECA].
      According to journalists James Olley and Samuel Luckhurst, Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham have joined Inter Milan and AC Milan in leaving the ECA within the last 24 hours.
      And The Mail are reporting that Juventus have also resigned, with club chairman Andrea Agnelli departing the Uefa Executive Committee.
      In the same breath Man Utd chief executive Ed Woodward has also stepped down from his role on the Uefa Professional Football Strategy Council.
      It comes after a statement was released by the Super League on Sunday night amid a huge backlash from the footballing world.
      The statement read: “Twelve of Europe’s leading football clubs have today come together to announce they have agreed to establish a new mid-week competition, the Super League, governed by its Founding Clubs.”
      Meanwhile, a post on the Juventus club website said: “The clubs have agreed to join the Super League on a long-term basis.
      “Additional top European clubs are expected to join the Super League project, reaching a core group of up to 15 permanent founding members that will be complemented each year by more clubs on the basis of an admission process, resulting in 20 clubs in the aggregate.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
      Juventus chairman Andrea Agnelli has been a key player in the ESL formationCredit: EPA

      ⚽ ⚽ EUROPEAN SUPER LEAGUE LATEST ⚽ ⚽

      And it went on to add: “Juventus expects the Super League to create long-term value for the Company and for the football industry as a whole.”
      Meanwhile, the ECA have come out in opposition to the Super League proposal, the latest in a long line of condemnations after Fifa, Uefa and the Premier League all weighed in.

      The ECA said: “In light of today’s reports on the subject of a so-called breakaway league, ECA as the body representing 246 leading clubs across Europe, reiterates its stated commitment to working on developing the UEFA Club Competitions (UCCs) model with UEFA for the cycle beginning 2024 and that a ‘closed super league model’ to which media articles refer would be strongly opposed by ECA.
      “ECA would refer to the position adopted by its Executive Board at its meeting last Friday April 16, namely that it supports a commitment to work with UEFA on a renewed structure for European Club Football as a whole post 2024, including proposed changes to the UEFA Club Competitions post 2024.
      “With ECA’s support, UEFA’s Executive Committee is being asked to endorse these commitments at its meeting on April 19 along with pursing efforts to reach an agreement on the future relationship between ECA and UEFA.
      ‘The ECA Executive Board will be convening over the coming days to take appropriate decisions in light of any further developments.”

      Ex-Man Utd star Gary Neville described the Super League as ‘criminal’ while reacting on air on Sunday afternoon.
      In a passionate rant, he said: “Relegate United, Liverpool and Arsenal because those three clubs are the history of this country they should be the ones to suffer most.
      “Deduct them all points tomorrow – put them at the bottom of the league and take the money off them.
      “Seriously you have got to stamp on this, it’s criminal. It is a criminal act against football fans in this country.
      “Make no mistake about it. This is the biggest sport in the world, in this country and it’s a criminal act against the fans, simple as that.
      “They are bottle merchants, you never hear from the owners of these clubs. They are absolute bottle merchants – they’ve got no voice.
      “And they’ll probably hide in a few weeks and say it was nothing to do with them and they were only talking about it.
      “It’s pure greed. They are impostors. They are impostors. The owners of this club [United], the owners of Liverpool, the owners of Chelsea, the owners of Manchester City are nothing to do with football in this country.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Gary Neville gives impassioned rant about greedy Big 6 and The European Super League More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool could be facing huge fine over Real Madrid coach window smashing incident before Champions League clash

      by

      UEFA bosses must wait for an official report before deciding whether to punish Liverpool for the attack  on the Real Madrid bus.Merseyside police have launched an investigation after damage was caused to the Real coach on its way to Anfield for Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg.
      A window on REal Madrid’s team coach was smashed on its way to Anfield last nightCredit: PA
      Hundreds of Liverpool supporters lined the streets on the way to the groundCredit: Reuters
      Los Blancos overcame the pre-match drama to hold the Reds to a goalless draw and advance to a semi-final clash with Chelsea with a 3-1 aggregate victory.
      Uefa observers at the game must decide whether to include the incident in their report.
      Video footage and images of a broken window on the side of the luxury emerged on social media.
      A Merseyside Police statement read: “An investigation is underway after damage was caused to the Real Madrid team bus this evening as it approached Anfield stadium.
      “Such incidents will not be tolerated & we are working with Liverpool and reviewing CCTV and body worn footage.”
      When one of Real’s buses parked up at the Kop end of the ground after the team had disembarked, it was apparent one pane of a double-glazed window had been smashed.
      Liverpool staff could be seen cleaning up a pile of broken glass with Merseyside Police officers in attendance.
      Hundreds of Liverpool fans had earlier been spotted lining Anfield Road ahead of kick-off.
      CASINO SIGN UP OFFER: CLAIM UP TO £800 IN CASINO BONUS CASH

      A Liverpool spokesman said of the incident: “We condemn unequivocally the actions that led to Real Madrid’s team bus being damaged during its arrival to Anfield this evening
      “It is totally unacceptable and shameful behaviour of a few individuals.
      “We sincerely apologise to our visitors for any distress caused. We will work together with Merseyside Police to establish the facts and identify those responsible.”
      Europe’s governing body fined Liverpool £17,000 after City’s coach was pelted with bottles, cans and flares in April 2018.
      Just seven players have managed to score a hat-tricks of CL hat-tricks
      Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool lost the tie in Madrid as they exit the Champions League after Anfield draw More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch Vinicius Jr ‘destroy Kabak’s career’ with insane skill as Real Madrid star casually chips ball over Liverpool ace

      by

      REAL MADRID star Vinicius Jr showed off a piece of sublime skill against Liverpool – and footie fans loved it.Thirty-five minutes into their Champions League quarter-final clash, the jet-heeled winger chipped the ball over the attempted challenge from Ozan Kabak.
      Vinicius Junior decided he could get past Ozan KabakCredit: BT Sport
      With a quick chip, Vinicius was awayCredit: BT Sport
      The Real Madrid winger left Kabak trailing in his wakeCredit: BT Sport
      It was done so nonchalantly to put the 20-year-old into acres of space.
      Unfortunately the Brazilian ended up running the ball out of play – but fans loved the footwork nonetheless.
      One posted on Twitter how Vinicius had ‘destroyed Ozan Kabak’s career in just one move’.
      Ntobeko Nkomo described the move as ‘ungovernable’, with another adding that Vinicius ‘dealt with Kabak nasty’.
      Manchester United fan ‘Aidan’ wrote that ‘Vinicius mugged him off’, while another joked that ‘Kabak marking Vinicius is going well’.
      Despite Vinicius’ box of tricks, he failed to help unlock the Liverpool defence as the sides played out a 0-0 draw.
      A 3-1 victory in the first leg at the Bernabeu meant that Real Madrid progress into the Champions League semis to face Chelsea.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Kabak did well there till Vinícius mugged him off— Aidan (@AidanLUHG) April 14, 2021

      kabak marking vinicius is going well— laís (@blankpace) April 14, 2021

      And as SunSport has reported, The Blues should be confident heading into the clash.
      Chelsea are unbeaten in all three competitive games they have played against the Spanish giants.
      The last time they played was on August 28, 1998 in the Uefa Super Cup, with Chelsea triumphing 1-0.
      In 1971 the two teams met in the Uefa European Cup Winners Cup.
      The first game finished 1-1 with the sides unable to be separated after extra-time. 
      But it was Dave Sexton’s boys celebrating in the second game with goals from John Dempsey and Peter Osgood securing a 2-1 triumph.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Vinicius Jr was brilliant once again against LiverpoolCredit: Reuters
      Liverpool’s Champions League campaign ended at Anfield by Real Madrid More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Slavia Prague’s Ondrej Kudela banned for TEN games for racist behaviour after claims he called Glen Kamara ‘monkey’

      by

      UEFA have banned Slavia Prague defender Ondrej Kudela for TEN games for ‘racist behaviour’ after claims he called Rangers’ Glen Kamara a ‘monkey’.The Gers ace has also been handed a three-game suspension after being found guilty of assaulting the Czech Republic international in March during an ill-disciplined Europa League tie.
      Glen Kamara squaring up to Ondrej KudelaCredit: PA
      Connor Goldson charges up to KudelaCredit: The Sun
      The Czech ace speaking the the Finland midfielder’s ear
      The disciplinary panel at European football’s governing body met on Wednesday to come to a decision on the separate charges against both players.
      Kamara claimed defender Ondrej Kudela directed racist language at him during the newly-crowned Scottish champions’ second leg loss on March 18.
      The Finnish ace alleged that he was branded a ‘f*****g monkey’ by Kudela, with team-mate Bongani Zungu backing up those claims.
      The defender could be seen walking up to Kamara to speak in his ear, sparking a furious reaction from the 25-year-old and his Ibrox team-mates – particularly Connor Goldson.
      Uefa provisionally suspended the Slavia defender for ONE match – included in the new formal ban – as they officially launched proceedings against BOTH players last week.
      Uefa opened proceedings against the Slavia ace in relation to a potential violation of Article 14 (1) and/or 15 (1) of their disciplinary regulations – while Kamara was investigated for a potential violation of Article 15 (1).
      The Czech international denied the charge and counterclaimed that he was assaulted by the Gers midfielder in the tunnel after the game.
      Slavia vigorously supported their player throughout the saga – dismissing all claims of wrongdoing from the off.

      Both players were found guilty of the charges they faced with bans issued for ‘racist behaviour’ and ‘assaulting another player’.
      The Uefa statement reads: “Following an investigation conducted by a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector regarding the incidents that occurred during the 2020/21 UEFA Europa League Round of 16 second leg match between Rangers FC and SK Slavia Praha on 18 March 2021, and the subsequent proceedings opened against Mr. Ondřej Kúdela and Mr. Glen Kamara, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body has taken the following decisions.
      “To suspend SK Slavia Praha player, Mr. Ondřej Kúdela, for the next ten (10) UEFA club and representative team competition matches for which he would otherwise be eligible to play, for racist behaviour, which includes the one-match provisional suspension served by the player during SK Slavia Praha’s 2020/21 UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg match against Arsenal FC on 8 April 2021.
      “To suspend Rangers FC player, Mr. Glen Kamara, for three (3) UEFA club competition matches for which he would otherwise be eligible to play, for assaulting another player.”
      The bans are the result of an investigation into the matter by a Uefa-appointed Spanish lawyer following the dramatic scenes during the Europa League last 16 tie.
      Scottish police are also investigating both charges – although no arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.
      Cops were unable to question the 34-year-old as planned, with his one-game ban meaning he did not travel to London for his side’s clash with Arsenal last Thursday.
      Kamara’s lawyer Aamer Anwar hit back at Uefa on Twitter last week, slamming their ‘shocking treatment’ of his client.
      He wrote: “So @UEFA ‘provisionally’ suspends Slavia Prague Kudela & he can’t play Arsenal, as it begins disciplinary proceedings against him for racial abuse of @RangersFC@GlenKamara4-If they are genuine about tackling racism he should be banned for at least a year.”
      Kamara pushes KudelaCredit: EPA
      Steven Gerrard has words with the defender at IbroxCredit: EPA
      And the Finland ace spoke out for the first time since the events at Ibrox – insisting he wished he walked off the field, something he said boss Steven Gerrard was trying to get him to do.
      Speaking to ITV, he said: “He came over and said ‘monkey, you’re a f****** monkey and you know you are’.
      “From there I reacted and said ‘he’s racist, he’s racist’, my team-mate heard it. I had a lot of emotions going through my mind.
      “If I could go back to the time of the game I’d walk off the pitch, 100 per cent.
      “The manager was actually trying to get me off the pitch, but like I said I was on my own on the pitch and I couldn’t hear anyone. All my emotions were different and I wasn’t listening.
      He came over and said ‘monkey, you’re a f****** monkey and you know you are’.”Glen Kamara
      “I had a lot of emotions going through my mind. I was angry, upset – I felt humiliated.
      “All my family, friends, fans, whoever was watching, I was taken back a lot and I felt like a little boy. It was a really weird feeling.
      “This kind of thing shouldn’t be in the game. It’s an every day life thing and I don’t know if we’ll ever see a change in my life time. If I can make a difference I’ll do it.
      “There needs to be a big punishment. I know a lot of black players who are tired of being abused.
      “There has to be a balance in terms of him getting a one-game ban. I don’t understand. There is so much evidence in what has happened.
      “Hopefully they can come to the conclusion and people can see what has really happened here. I feel like a bit of a victim.”
      Watch emotional moment Rangers boss Gerrard hugs Kamara after Slavia Prague racism storm More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Rangers star Kemar Roofe slapped with FOUR-GAME ban by Uefa for ‘assaulting’ Slavia Prague keeper in horror challenge

      by

      UEFA have banned Rangers striker Kemar Roofe for four games after his horror tackle on the Slavia Prague goalkeeper.Steven Gerrard’s side were also hit with a massive fine by the European football chiefs.
      Kemar Roofe catches Ondrej Kolar with his bootCredit: Reuters
      Roofe, 28, clattered into Slavia stopper Ondrej Kolar with an out-of-control high boot in their Europa League clash on March 18.
      The keeper needed a stretcher to take him off the field.
      And it was revealed the 26-year-old had in fact fractured his skull in the process.
      Pictures after the match showed the gruesome cuts to the face sustained in the challenge.
      The Gers striker was found guilty of ‘assault’, being cited under Article 15(1).
      The decision made by the Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body said: “To suspend Rangers FC player, Mr. Kemar Roofe, for four (4) Uefa club competition matches for which he would otherwise be eligible, for dangerously assaulting another player.”
      Rangers were stung with a £7,800 fine by European football’s governing body.
      The Ibrox club breached Article 15(4), where five or more players were found to have been guilty of improper conduct.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      They have 90 days to fulfil the payment.
      Uefa say Rangers must ensure them that Roofe is personally informed of the decision.
      Injured keeper Kolar, who returned to action against Arsenal three weeks on from the incident, will have to wear a head guard for the rest of his career.
      And earlier today, the Slavia ace lashed out at Roofe as he revealed he has yet to receive an apology from the Englishman over the high-boot.
      He also opened up on the messages of hate from Rangers fans on social media.
      Speaking for the first time about the incident, he said: “I read what he said. He said he was first to the ball, but he didn’t add that he kicked it out of my hand, collided with my leg and hit me on the head.
      “He saw me the whole time. Anyone who has ever kicked a ball knows that the foot can always be pulled down. It’s a game of football, it shouldn’t be about my health.
      “If I ever met him again I’d say nothing. I’d wait for him to see if he apologised and asked about my health.
      I was disappointed that Roofe did not apologiseOndrej Kolar
      “I waited for Roofe to write me a message on Instagram for example. Instead, I read hate messages from Rangers fans, ‘he should have kicked your head in’…’he should have broken your spine.’
      “I know things aren’t good between Slavia and Rangers right now, but that?
      “I was disappointed that Roofe did not apologise through the media. I’m not vindictive, I don’t need him to give me something back, but he should think more because maybe the next time, he could ruin someone’s life.”
      Roofe insisted he felt guilty about what happened to Kolar and at the time stressed: “The tackle looks bad, it is bad for the goalkeeper. It hurt him a lot.
      “But it was not on purpose at all. I received a ball over the top from Connor Goldson and with the speed we play at, you can’t move out the way or prevent things from happening. It was literally a bad accident.
      “People that know me, they know I’m not that type of player or person. I never go on the pitch to fight or hurt somebody. All I want to do is play well and help the team win games. That’s what I was trying to do.”

      It’s understood that the Uefa disciplinary panel will meet today to discuss the incidents surrounding Ondrej Kudela and Glen Kamara.
      Kamara claims Slavia Prague defender Ondrej Kudela directed racist language at him during the Light Blues’ second leg loss in the Europa League.
      The Finnish ace alleges that he was branded a “f*****g monkey” by Kudela, with team-mate Bongani Zungu backing up those claims.
      The defender could be seen walking up to Kamara to speak in his ear, sparking a furious reaction from the 25-year-old and his Ibrox team-mates.
      Uefa provisionally suspended the Slavia defender for ONE match as they officially launched proceedings against both him and Rangers midfielder Kamara.
      The Czech international denies the charge and counterclaims that he was assaulted by the Gers midfielder in the tunnel post-match.
      Roofe is shown a straight red card for the tackleCredit: AFP
      Kolar left on the deck after Roofe’s challenge and must now wear a head guardCredit: AFP
      Rangers star Glen Kamara breaks silence on Ondrej Kudela racism allegations as Uefa continue investigation More

    • 250 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Uefa plot major revamp of away goals rule in Champions League and Europa League next season as clubs back move

      by

      UEFA are set to partially scrap the away goals rule from next season.Under the new regulations poised to be agreed on Friday, away goals will only count extra up to the end of 90 minutes in the second leg.
      The away goal rule in the Champions League will partially be scrappedCredit: Getty
      Any then scored in extra-time would have no advantage.
      The proposal, understood to be backed by Europe’s top clubs, will be on the table at the meeting of Uefa’s competitions committee, which includes Manchester United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and Manchester City chief exec Ferran Soriano.
      A plan to scrap the away goals rules altogether has been rejected.
      Uefa are ready to green light the change next term after a season of Covid-hit competitions increased scrutiny of the rule, which was introduced for the 1965-66 campaign.
      The number of games played on neutral pitches, including both legs on occasions for ties involving Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and City, has raised concerns the rule is no longer fit for purpose.
      Meanwhile, Uefa are pushing ahead with their plans to extend the Champions League from 125 matches per season to 225.
      Uefa’s plan will see the 36 teams in one league but playing ten matches in the opening phase.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
      Just seven players have managed to score a hat-tricks of CL hat-tricks

      The so-called “Swiss system” will mean teams play seeded opponents to ensure a fair calculator.
      The top eight sides after ten matches will automatically reach the last 16, with the final eight places decide by home and away play-off games involving the sides finishing ninth to 24th.
      That concept for the post-2024 shape of the European game is expected to be confirmed by the end of this month.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards dance and do cartwheels on US Champions League coverage More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea set to be allowed travelling fans at Champions and Europa League final if they reach it

      by

      UEFA chiefs are ready to let travelling fans into the Champions League and Europa League finals.And that is potentially great news for supporters of the five English teams left in Europe.
      Istanbul could be set to welcome fans for the 2021 Champions League finalCredit: Getty

      A meeting of Uefa’s ruling executive committee formally lifted the 30 per cent capacity cap on fans that was put in place in October, allowing local authorities the right to set stadium limits for the rest of this season.
      Away fans remain banned for the remaining games in the last eight and semi-final stages of both competitions, which resume next week.
      But Uefa will review the measures ahead of the two finals, due to be played in Gdansk and Istanbul at the end of May.
      And that opens up the prospect of Chelsea, Liverpool or Manchester City fans being allowed to travel to Turkey – if the UK Government assents.
      While Arsenal and Manchester United supporters could be heading to Poland if their side makes the Europa League final.
      Next month will see the Gunners face Slavia Prague in the quarter-final while United take on LaLiga outfit Granada.
      In the Champions League, Liverpool have the small matter of Real Madrid to contend with if they hope to repeat their 2005 visit to Istanbul while City face Erling Haaland’s Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea play Porto.
      The decision came as Uefa also voted to allow five substitutes per team at Euro 2020.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      But the last-minute row between Uefa and the European Club Association over commercial and broadcasting rights for the revamped club competitions from 2024 meant the committee could only “unanimously” agree to hold another meeting on the new-look Champions League on April 19.
      Meanwhile, the four home nations were denied the chance to qualify for next year’s women’s Under-20 World Cup.
      The highest-ranked quartet of Spain, France, Germany and Holland were given automatic passes after the European U19 tournament, due to be played in Georgia, was postponed because of the pandemic.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      UK Covid deaths have HALVED in a week with 56 fatalities and 4,040 cases as Rule of Six returns More

    • 250 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea boss Emma Hayes can led Blues to Euro glory, says Arsenal legend Vic Akers – just like he did

      by

      VIC AKERS says seeing Emma Hayes’ “look of pressure” brought back memories of  his rollercoaster Champions League triumph at Arsenal.And the former Gunners Ladies chief believes  Hayes’ Chelsea can conquer Europe, just as his side did 14 years ago.
      Vic Akers believes Emma Hayes and Chelsea can triumph in Europe this termCredit: Reuters
      Akers led Arsenal to a Women’s Champions League trophy win in 2007Credit: PA:Press Association
      Akers, who founded Arsenal Ladies in 1987, is widely regarded as a trailblazer for women’s football.
      His North London outfit — who notched up five domestic and league cup doubles — are still the only English side to have won the top contest for Europe’s elite clubs.
      But Akers, who had Hayes with him in the dugout during that 2007 Champions League win against Sweden’s Umea, believes this could be Chelsea’s year.
      Kingsmeadow gaffer Hayes worked as Arsenal assistant manager from 2006-08 before moving to US giants Chicago Redstars and then to Chelsea in 2012.
      Akers, 74, told SunSport: “That was a  special year with special memories, in terms of winning the trophy.
      “I felt a little bit of those memories come back when I was watching Chelsea against Wolfsburg.
      “It felt like was I back in time and experiencing the same feelings as I was feeling back then on the touchline.
      “And I’m sure Emma was going through those feelings too, because I looked at her face and I could see that look of pressure.
      “It reminded me of Arsenal  and that moment when we played the final because that’s exactly what it was like.
      “Our goalkeeper Emma Byrne making fantastic saves like Ann-Katrin Berger, balls hitting the crossbar and posts and we still hung on to the lead that Alex Scott gave us in the away leg because it was two-legged.
      “I do a little bit of scouting for Emma as we’re still good friends.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
      Chelsea are hoping to win the second leg of their quarter-final duel with Wolfsburg after beating them 2-1Credit: Zuma Press

      “If anybody can match what we achieved that year it’s Emma with Chelsea. It would be nice if she’s the manager that goes on to win it.
      “But if it’s not this year, it definitely will be in the coming years because she is an outstanding coach.”
      Akers now runs a property sales firm in St Albans after his role as Arsenal Ladies boss ended in 2009.
      Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Arsenal are currently the only English women’s club to have triumphed in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More