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

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      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.
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      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

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

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      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.
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      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.
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      Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards dance and do cartwheels on US Champions League coverage More

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

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

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      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.
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      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

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      Champions League revamp under threat as top European clubs clubs row with Uefa over competition’s commercial rights

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      THE new Champions League format has NOT been approved after a row over commercial rights.An expanded 36-team competition to begin in 2024 had been set for approval by Uefa’s executive committee on Wednesday, but will now not be rubber-stamped until at least the next ExCo meeting on April 19.
      The Champions League revamp has been delayed over commercial rightsCredit: Reuters
      It is understood the board of the European Club Association (ECA), which represents the views of the continent’s most powerful clubs, was split and could not give its formal support to the Uefa proposal when it met on Monday.
      This was because some clubs remain convinced they should control the commercial aspects of the competition, such as television and sponsorship rights.
      ECA members dominate the Uefa club competitions committee which met on Tuesday morning, and it is understood that because the reform package did not have their approval it could not go forward to the executive committee.
      Uefa said on Wednesday: “Uefa can confirm that a meeting of the executive committee will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, March 31, and that the future of club competitions post-2024 will be one of the topics discussed.
      “However, any official decision in this respect will only be made at the next Uefa executive committee meeting on April 19, in order to finalise ongoing discussions.”
      Commercial control of the new-look Champions League remains a key demand for some of Europe’s biggest clubs, who feel they have already made concessions in other areas.
      Earlier plans for a new Champions League format floated by the ECA in 2019 included a greater emphasis on qualification based on European rather than domestic performance.
      And there was also the idea of some matches being played at weekends to increase revenue because it would make the competition more attractive to broadcasters in the United States and Far East.
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      Those ideas have, to a great extent, been diluted out of the new proposals, but in return clubs are hanging on to the idea of greater ownership of the Champions League as a product.
      Manchester United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward told club investors earlier this month that he anticipated Uefa’s final proposal would ‘include a greater involvement of clubs in the governance and control of the competition’.
      When asked about discussions over the setting up of a new commercial vehicle earlier this month, Uefa said: “Ahead of every cycle of club competitions, Uefa engages with its stakeholders to determine how to maximise their success.”
      At the time that the discussion of a new commercial venture came to light, on March 19, a key fans’ group warned Uefa had to stand its ground or it would be allowing a de facto European Super League to take shape.
      Ronan Evain, the executive director of Football Supporters Europe (FSE), said: “If Uefa’s strategy is to give a little every three years to the big clubs so that they don’t break away, instead of giving away control of the competitions overnight it will happen within 10 years, but the result will be the same.
      “The model that we have seen will lead within a few years to a ‘de facto’ closed league. Maybe not 100 per cent closed, but it will only reinforce the wealth and influence of the big clubs.”
      Uefa’s ‘Horizon 2024’ proposals included the scrapping of the 32-team, eight-group format and replacing it with one 36-team league, where each team would play 10 matches on a seeded basis under the so-called ‘Swiss model’.
      ECA president Andrea Agnelli had described the format as ‘ideal’ and it had been expected that the measures would be pushed through on Wednesday, before the commercial disagreement.

      The Premier League is understood to have concerns about the impact of the format on the domestic calendar, particularly the fact that the competition would spill into January, which has traditionally been reserved for domestic football only.
      The changes to qualification are also an issue for the Premier League.
      Uefa is proposing that two of the extra four places in the group phase would be awarded to the teams with the strongest European pedigree – their club co-efficient – who missed out on Champions League qualification via the conventional route.
      This is provided the club had done enough to qualify for one of Uefa’s other two competitions.
      This could lead to a team in seventh leapfrogging teams finishing fifth or sixth in the Premier League into a more lucrative competition, which the English top flight fears would affect the integrity of its competition.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Champions League quarter-final draw sees Liverpool take on Real Madrid and Man City face Borussia Dortmund More

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      FA will tell Uefa they want 45,000 fans at Euro 2020 latter stages in boost for stadium return

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      FA CHIEFS will tell Uefa they want Wembley to hold 45,000 fans for the latter stages of Euro 2020.And that capacity could even be increased towards 60,000 if the vaccine roll-out and Covid scenario in the UK continues to go in the right direction.
      Fans could pour back into Wembley for the latter stages of Euro 2020Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Uefa has ordered all 12 potential hosts for the tournament to confirm their preferred crowd numbers by next Wednesday.
      A number of cities, including Dublin, Munich, Bilbao and Rome are thought to be struggling to get the green light from their regional or national governments to commit to fans in the stadium, even though Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin has made that a precondition.
      A final announcement on venues is expected 48 hours after the deadline, on April 9.
      PM Boris Johnson has already confirmed the Government will be happy for the UK to host more games than the seven set for Wembley if Uefa needs help.
      And the possibility of up to two thirds – and maybe more – of Wembley’s full capacity being available for the four knockout games, including both semis and the final, is a further sign of FA confidence.
      Meanwhile, today’s meeting of Uefa’s ruling executive committee will formally disband the “30 per cent maximum” crowd figure announced in October for matches in European competitions.
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      That temporary measure, introduced after the successful return of fans at the Super Cup Final, has remained on the Uefa statute book over the winter and spring but will be updated to take current Covid conditions into account.
      A number of test events are planned across England before the planned reopening of venues on May 17.
      A crowd of 4,000 local residents is set to watch one of next month’s FA Cup semi-finals for one pilot.
      As many as 10,000 will be allowed into matches once the restriction is lifted but a 20,000-strong ‘test’ could be green-lit for the FA Cup final.
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      Europa League-type contest for women’s game among new ideas floated by European club chiefs

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      OFFICIALS representing the biggest football teams in Europe are mulling over proposals for a Europa League-style tournament for the women’s game. The idea for the competition and a women’s Club World Cup are among a raft of exciting new suggestions being considered by the European Club Association.
      European football chiefs are considering plans for a new club competition in addition to the Women’s Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      Bigwigs from the body backed by Uefa and representing 232 clubs included the proposals in their ‘Be a Changemaker’ strategy launched today.
      The plan aims to provide opportunities to boost revenue for the women’s game and support the creation of new women’s football clubs. 
      Claire Bloomfield, the ECA’s head of women’s football said: “We have a responsibility to explore all opportunities that can help grow the competition landscape, both on a European level with a second-tier competition and then on a much more global scale, with a possible Club World Cup.”
      The Women’s Champions League is currently the only club contest in the sport involving sides from across Europe. 
      From next term, up to three English sides will be able to compete in the Champions League in a new structure to include a group stage and a round of 16 for the first time.
      ECA chief Charlie Marshall suggests a women’s Club World Cup may soon be established as part of plans to support the international growth of the game.
      In men’s football, the Club World Cup has been going since the year 2000, with winners of the biggest competitions from different continents going head-to-head.
      German giants Bayern Munich are the current defending champions after beating Mexican outfit Tigres in February.
      ECA chief Marshall said: “The prospect of a Club World Cup, fairly soon in the women’s game, assuming that calendars can be resolved, is a really exciting one and I know FIFA is very keen on it as well
      “In the women’s game, there is much more potential, much more quickly, to develop global competitive balance.”
      The women’s game could soon have its own Europa League-style competitionCredit: PA

      Chelsea boss Emma Hayes believes the ECA’s new plans could help level the playing field between women’s football and the men’s game. 
      Hayes, whose team are due to play Wolfsburg said: “Our success on the pitch can be helped by winning off the pitch and ECA’s bold new plans can drive an even higher performance culture throughout the women’s game.
      “The standards in elite women’s football should not be any different from the men’s and this strategy has the potential to start closing the gap.”
      A Club World Cup for the women’s game has been included in proposals developed by the ECACredit: Getty
      Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More

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      Uefa set for huge Financial Fair Play revamp due to coronavirus pandemic with clubs allowed to spend more on transfers

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      UEFA have admitted that Covid has forced it to fundamentally change Financial Fair Play rules.But there will not be a financial free for all, with new rules put in place.
      Andrea Traverso addressed the EU regarding Uefa’s plansCredit: Getty
      And Euro chiefs want the clubs to help devise a system fit for the post-pandemic world.
      Manchester City’s humiliation of Uefa after winning their appeal against the two season ban for alleged FFP breaches was a significant failure for the system.
      But Uefa insists it is Covid, not City, that has made change required.
      Andrea Traverso, Uefa’s head of financial sustainability told an EU meeting: “The context of football has changed and Covid has further exposed and accelerated the need for reform and discussion.
      “This pandemic brought an unprecedented and unforeseen disruption.
      “The ability of many clubs to operate in the current circumstances and to pay wages and transfer fees, has become very challenging. 
      “Match day revenues, broadcasting, sponsorship have all been affected, causing widespread liquidity shortfalls.
      “Last summer the European transfer market was down by 40 per cent and it was down 56 per cent in January, while wages have risen to an unsustainable 78 per cent of revenues.
      Manchester City won their appeal against a two-season Champions League banCredit: AFP
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      “Some 200 clubs who were previously profitable now rely on debt and liquidity injections to stay afloat
      “And there is a risk that conditions will worsen – the repercussions will last for a few years.”
      While Traverso insisted FFP had not flopped, with average club debts falling from £50m to £4m, he added: “Rules must always evolve. 
      “They are not set in stone and have to adapt to the context in which clubs operate. This crisis has accelerated the need for that consideration to take place.”
      That will mean the end of the controversial ‘break-even’ rule, limiting losses to just £9m per year, allowing clubs to spend more money without falling foul of Uefa.
      Euro chiefs, though, are ready to look at some form of salary cap regulations, as long as they do not break EU law.
      Traverso said: “The rules need a stronger focus on the present and the future and a stronger focus on the challenges of wages and the transfer market.
      The rules can be different, sure, but that doesn’t mean the rules will be less stringentAndrea Traverso
      “Those who are saying the rules will be abandoned or relaxed are just speculating. 
      “The rules can be different, sure, but that doesn’t mean the rules will be less stringent. On the contrary, serious situations may necessitate stronger actions.
      “But the consultation process has just started.
      “We want and will consult with the EU, member associations, leagues, clubs, players and fans. They all need to have an opportunity to provide feedback.
      “The hope is that we will terminate the consultation process by the end of this year.
      “It is too early to say when, if there is something new, it will kick in. We have to look at the crisis and adapt to these uncertain situations.
      Aleksander Ceferin is aiming to keep the finances of the sport healthyCredit: Getty
      Ceferin attended Man City’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar in 2019 alongside Khaldoon Al MubarekCredit: Getty
      “But I am confident sport will be able to recover quite quickly, maybe quicker than other sectors, even if the effects of the pandemic will last for some time.
      “It is really important that all of us work for the overall interests of football and keep aside selfish views. 
      “During a crisis, people tend to be more self-centric and to protect their business and themselves. 
      “But we need everybody to take a step back and look at it from the position of needing an approach for the interests of the sport.”
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      Europa League quarter-final draw sees Arsenal take on Slavia Prague and Man Utd face Granada More