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      Arsenal left in limbo as embarrassed Uefa chiefs seek THIRD venue for Europa League second-leg tie with Benfica

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      EMBARRASSED Uefa chiefs are now seeking a THIRD venue for Arsenal’s Europa League second leg tie with Benfica.
      Euro bosses announced that the first leg between the sides next Thursday would be moved from Lisbon to Rome because Portugal is on the UK ‘red list’ requiring ten days of hotel quarantine.

      Arsenal are still waiting to hear where they will play their Europa League second leg against BenficaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Arsenal then confirmed Uefa had agreed their ‘home’ leg on February 25 would instead be played at Olympiakos’ Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus, the port of Athens.
      But within hours, Arsenal were forced to delete their statement after Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced an Athens-wide lockdown would come into effect immediately until the end of the month.
      That will force Arsenal and Uefa to scramble to find another alternative host that will allow both clubs into the country for the tie.
      The latest Euro venue farce comes after Uefa announced Chelsea’s Champions League away tie with Atletico Madrid will be played in Romania, at Bucharest’s Arena Nationala.

      Spanish government Covid restrictions on travel from the UK meant that Thomas Tuchel’s squad were unable to fly to Madrid to play the La Liga leaders in the Wanda Metropolitano.
      Atletico told Uefa that Bucharest was their preferred choice if a switch was necessary.
      Diego Simeone’s side beat fellow Spaniards Athletic Bilbao there to win the 2012 Europa League.
      The decision means that all of the three English clubs in the Champions League last 16 will play their ‘away’ legs on neutral territory.

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      Both Liverpool and Manchester City will travel to Budapest’s Puskas Arena for their games against Leipzig and Borussia Monchengladbach respectively
      Manchester United’s Europa League last 32 first leg against Real Sociedad has been moved to Turin.
      It means only Spurs – who meet Austrians Wolfsberger – and Leicester, who play Slavia Prague, will play their next European ties as originally scheduled.
      However, apart from Arsenal, all the English teams will have home advantage for the return legs, although all those games will remain behind closed doors.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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      Man Utd and Liverpool face grilling over their role in breakaway European Super League plans

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      BOTH Liverpool and Manchester United face a virtual grilling on Thursday over alleged involvement in plans for a breakaway European Super League.
      LaLiga chief Javier Tebas’ claims that United owner Joel Glazer and Anfield’s John Henry have been colluding with Real Madrid, AC Milan and Fifa boss Gianni Infantino have struck a chord with Prem rivals.

      Spanish top-flight supremo Javier Tebas claimed Man Utd and Liverpool plotted with Fifa President Gianni Infantino over a new league

      Glazer is not expected to attend today’s virtual meeting of the 20 shareholder clubs, leaving United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward in the line of fire.
      Woodward has maintained he is working with Uefa to help formulate the future shape of European football.
      The United boss is part of a committee, which has been convened by Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin to design the new model.
      Prem clubs, especially those outside the Big Six who risk being locked out of the breakaway closed-shop elite, accuse the North-West giants of playing both sides.

      Plans for a formal launch of the Super League concept, worth an initial £3.5billion between the 15 “founder clubs”, have been put on hold amid issues over the structure of the proposed competition.
      But the divisive issue, along with big questions for League chief Richard Masters over the pace of a “Strategic Review” into the Prem’s future, will dominate the meeting.
      FRENCH FARCE
      FRENCH football is facing a financial crisis after Ligue 1 chiefs failed to find a big enough bidder for TV rights.
      Ligue 1 attracted bids from Amazon, Discovery and DAZN for live rights to 80 per cent of games after original bid winner Mediapro was stripped of them in December.

      Mediapro had promised £717million a year — but the deal was scrapped as the money did not appear.
      But all new bids were rejected as they failed to meet the bottom line, leaving clubs looking at a financial black hole.
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      SAILING’S greatest test of mind and body is looking for sponsors to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
      A vibrant video showcasing the Ocean Globe Race, launched as the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1973 and then sponsored by Volvo, has been produced ahead of the 2023 event.
      The global reach of the race, which has outlawed modern digital aids, ensures huge exposure for those companies involved.

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      Bayern Munich hold secret meeting with Dayot Upamecano in bid to beat Man Utd and Chelsea to £38m transfer

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      BAYERN MUNICH have held a secret meeting with Dayot Upamecano’s representatives, according to reports in Germany.
      The highly-rated RB Leipzig defender is said to be a target for several big clubs, including Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

      Upamecano, 22, is said to have interested Bayern, Liverpool, Manchester United and ChelseaCredit: AFP or licensors

      According to German newspaper Bild, Upamecano’s agents were seen entering the underground car park of Bayern’s offices on Thursday.
      The club’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has publicly expressed an interest in the defender.
      He told Sky Sport in Germany: “Upamecano to Bayern? Of course we are thinking about him. We had a good meeting with his agents yesterday. Let’s see what happens.”
      The 22-year-old has impressed since joining Leipzig from fellow Red Bull-owned club Salzburg in 2017.

      He was named in the Champions League Squad of the Season in 2019-20 and made his France debut against Sweden in September.
      Due to a release clause in his contract, Upamecano is available for just £38m this summer.
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      Here’s who Manchester United have signed since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down
      Liverpool are rumoured to be interested in the defender and his Leipzig colleague Ibrahima Konate.

      Jurgen Klopp is also said to be keen on taking New York Red Bulls defender Aaron Long on loan to fix his defensive problems.
      The Liverpool manager has been without Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip for large parts of the season due to injury.

      But Manchester United could still make a £55m move for Upamecano this transfer window and scupper Klopp’s plans.
      New Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is also said to be a huge fan of the France international and may battle United, Liverpool and Bayern for his signature.
      If Upamecano does not move this transfer window, he and Leipzig will face Liverpool in the last 16 of the Champions League next month.

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      Euro 2021 still planned to go ahead this summer as Uefa confirm tournament will be held across 12 nations despite Covid

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      UEFA chiefs have again insisted they expect the delayed Euro 2020 to go ahead as scheduled this summer.
      But Euro bosses have left themselves a get-out clause if the virus runs out of control and forces last-minute changes.

      Wembley Stadium is still set to host the Euro 2020 finalCredit: Reuters

      The viability of a tournament held in 12 nations has been under increasing question as the pandemic continues to hold sway across Europe.
      But after a virtual meeting with all 12 planned host nations on Wednesday, Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin confirmed there were no current plans to rip up the current schedule.
      Ceferin said: “Uefa is committed to holding Euro 2020 in the 12 cities originally planned.
      “The Euro is the flagship competition for national team football in Europe and is a vital source of funding for grassroots and wider football development.”

      There have been growing suggestions that the tournament could be switched to four, two or even one nation, even the idea by Bayern Munich’s Karlheinz Rummenigge that it might be staged entirely in London.
      Wembley is due to host seven games including the semi-finals and final.

      So far, though, none of the proposed hosts have indicated they intend to withdraw, leaving Uefa open to facing significant compensation claims if changes are made.
      Host cities have instead been ordered to draft preferred plans for the number of fans allowed in their stadium, ranging from full houses to games behind closed doors.

      But in a sign of growing unease, those plans will not now be required before the start of April.
      In a statement, Uefa conceded that the meeting “recognised the need for flexibility around decisions on arrangements for the tournament, in order to reflect the different challenges and circumstances cities find themselves in”.

      We must allow ourselves the maximum space to allow fans’ return to the stadiums.
      Aleksander Ceferin

      Despite that, Ceferin added: “I am optimistic that things are highly likely to be very different with regard to the virus as we move closer to the tournament.
      “It is important that we give the host cities and governments as much time as we can to formulate an accurate picture of what will be possible come June and July.
      “Fans are such a big part of what makes football special and that is true of the EURO as much as it is of any game.
      “We must allow ourselves the maximum space to allow their return to the stadiums.”
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      Man Utd warned of Prem and Champions League exile if they join European Super League and players BANNED from World Cup

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      GLOBAL football chiefs have slammed the door shut on plans for a breakaway European Super League.
      Liverpool and Manchester United were claimed to be part of the cabal seeking to set up their own competition, allegedly with the support of Fifa.

      FIFA boss Gianni Infantino sounded a warning to anyone who joins a breakaway leagueCredit: Reuters

      Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has been the ringleader of the plotters, regularly talking up the concept.
      But the Euro giants have now been warned they will find themselves banned from domestic leagues if they joined any breakaway.
      And players will be banned from taking part in the World Cup, European Championship or South America’s Copa America if their clubs are among the rebels.
      Uefa are expected to confirm the details of the new-look Champions League to take effect from the 2024-25 season in the next few months.

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      That is a response to the threats from the continent’s biggest clubs about setting up their own money-spinning competition.
      And a clear and aggressive warning shot, issued by Fifa President Gianni Infantino, Uefa counterpart Aleksander Ceferin and the heads of the other Confederations, potential mutineer clubs were told they and their players would become pariahs if the plans became reality.
      The statement said: “In light of recent media speculation about the creation of a closed European ‘Super League’ by some European clubs, FIFA and the six confederations once again would like to reiterate and strongly emphasise that such a competition would not be recognised by either FIFA or the respective confederation.

      “Any club or player involved in such a competition would as a consequence not be allowed to participate in any competition organised by FIFA or their respective confederation.”

      Liverpool and Man Utd were claimed to be part of the plans for a breakawayCredit: Getty Images
      The same would apply to domestic leagues, including the Prem, which fall under the remit of the FA and therefore Uefa.
      Some lawyers have argued that Fifa does not have the right to restrict clubs or leagues from organising their own competitions.
      But Fifa are also recognised as the sole worldwide governing body for the game, with the Confederations and national associations operating under Zurich’s control.
      The joint statement added: “As per the FIFA and confederations statutes, all competitions should be organised or recognised by the relevant body at their respective level, by FIFA at the global level and by the confederations at the continental level.
      “In this respect, the confederations recognise the FIFA Club World Cup, in its current and new format, as the only worldwide club competition while FIFA recognises the club competitions organised by the confederations as the only club continental competitions.
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      “The universal principles of sporting merit, solidarity, promotion and relegation, and subsidiarity are the foundation of the football pyramid that ensures football’s global success and are, as such, enshrined in the FIFA and confederation statutes.
      “Football has a long and successful history thanks to these principles. Participation in global and continental competitions should always be won on the pitch.”
      And in a clear and deliberate pincer movement, the European Leagues umbrella group, representing the domestic competitions, dismissed the idea of “a closed European Super League for a limited number of clubs similar to those franchise models operating in North America”.

      Chief executive Lars Christer Olsson said: “The European sports model is based on sporting merit, promotion and relegation with qualification to international club competitions via domestic league competitions.
      “We are determined to protect the existing model and how football is organised in Europe and the way the industry works for professional football.
      “All Football Associations and Professional Leagues in Europe are recognising and following FIFA and Confederation statutes, and this will guide us in our actions to stop this initiative.
      “If the initiative is put in motion, we will coordinate our measures with UEFA, FIFA and the Confederations.”

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      Bayern Munich would REJECT invitation to join European Super League after Man Utd’s secret talks, insists Rummenigge

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      BAYERN MUNICH would REJECT the chance to join a European Super League, according to club chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
      Manchester United and Liverpool held stunning talks with Fifa last year about forming a new European league made up of 18 teams, including Bayern.

      Champions League holders Bayern Munich aren’t sold on a European Super LeagueCredit: Reuters

      Bayern chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said he would ‘decline’ an invitationCredit: EPA

      The two English giants are said to have come up with the proposal after their failed Project Big Picture idea.
      A £4.6billion-backed tournament would need the reigning Champions League winners to give it their support – but Rummenigge has admitted he would ‘decline’ any invitation.
      He told TZ and Merkur: “If the system changed, it could make it more difficult for many people to identify with football.
      “It could cause serious damage to the national leagues, that is why I have my reservations.

      “If I had to decide today for Bayern, I would decline.”
      Some see a potential mega-rich new competition as a good way to raise capital after the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
      And Rummenigge recognised a Super League could be economically beneficial and attract plenty of interest.
      He added: “They naturally think where there can be growth in the future, and a Super League would bring economic growth and arouse interest.”

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      A new European Super League would threaten the status of the continent’s top domestic leagues as well as Uefa’s flagship tournaments the Champions and Europa League.
      Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is a big supporter of a breakaway project.
      At the Spanish side’s annual general assembly, he said: “Nothing will be like it was before. The pandemic obliges us to make football more competitive.
      “We must innovate and look for formulas to ensure football remains attractive.
      “Real Madrid played a part in the foundation of Fifa and the European Cup and the current model needs a reboot, as the impact of Covid-19 has demonstrated.
      “Football needs new momentum and Real Madrid will be right there at the heart of it.”
      Uefa chief Alexander Ceferin was quoted in Slovenia as saying Perez ‘only watches football today, maybe tomorrow, but does not go beyond’.

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      Uefa 2020 team of the year revealed with just two Prem stars, Messi as No10 and Ronaldo on wing in ultra-attacking XI

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      ONLY two Premier League stars made it into the Uefa 2020 team of the year with Lionel Messi playing as a No10 and Cristiano Ronaldo on the wing.
      The side – voted for by fans – is an ultra-attacking XI with both Messi and GOAT rival Cristiano Ronaldo in slightly unfamiliar roles.

      Barcelona skipper Messi, usually seen through the middle or on the right side of the forward line, finds himself slightly deeper as a No10 in a 4-2-3-1 system.
      The two central midfielders are Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne and Thiago – who joined Liverpool in the summer but was part of Bayern Munich’s Champions League winning squad last season and therefore does not add to the Prem quota.
      Ronaldo is out on the right wing as opposed to playing as a central striker like he does so successfully for Juventus – he leads the Serie A Golden Boot standings with 15 goals in 14 games this season.
      The Portuguese superstar is no stranger to playing out wide having excelled earlier in his career on the right for Manchester United.

      Robert Lewandowski is the man elected to lead the line and few could argue after a stunning 2020 saw him bag 55 goals in just 47 matches.
      The Pole reminded fans of how successful he was by posing with the TWELVE trophies he bagged in the last 12 months on New Year’s Eve.
      Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar takes the final attacking slot on the left after helping the French giants reach their first Champions League final.
      Liverpool’s talismanic defender Virgil Van Dijk is the other Prem star selected after the Dutch ace helped lead the Reds to a first league title in 30 years.

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      Five members of Bayern Munich’s Champions League winning side were selectedCredit: EPA

      Just seven players have managed to score a hat-tricks of CL hat-tricks

      He is partnered in the heart of defence by Real Madrid skipper Sergio Ramos while Bayern provide both full-backs as well as Manuel Neuer in goal.
      Normally a defensive midfielder, Joshua Kimmich is another star playing out of position after filling in expertly at right-back for the Germans after injuries.
      And Alphonso Davies takes the left-back slot to become the first Canadian named in a fans’ team of the year.
      Ronaldo has featured in every single side since 2007 and makes the cut for the 15th time while Messi was selected for the 12th occasion.
      Fans voted from a 50-strong shortlist that was compiled based on players’ performances in Uefa and domestic competitions in 2020.

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      Uefa announce ‘breakthrough’ team of 2020 including Jude Bellingham, Alphonso Davies and just ONE Premier League star

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      UEFA have revealed their ‘breakthrough’ team of 2020 including just ONE Premier League star.
      Europe’s governing body have picked out their best XI of players who enjoyed a breakout year in the Champions League in 2020.

      Uefa’s breakthrough Champions League XI of 2020

      Only players who made their debut in Europe’s elite competition or who had ‘only limited prior experience’ last year are eligible and stars must be aged 24 or under.
      Some big names such as Alphonso Davies and Jude Bellingham make the cut in the star-studded XI.
      But which Premier League icon is in the team? Find out below…
      GOALKEEPER
      Anatolii Trubin, 19 (Shakhtar Donetsk)

      THE young stopper started five of his side’s six Champions League group stage games this season.
      Trubin kept three clean sheets in those games, including the two goalless draws with Inter Milan and the 2-0 win over Real Madrid.
      However, he was between the sticks for the 6-0 mauling at home to Borussia Monchengladbach.
      DEFENDERS

      Jules Kounde was named in Uefa’s breakthrough XICredit: The Mega Agency

      Alphonso Davies enjoyed a phenomenal 2020 with Bayern MunichCredit: Reuters
      Zaidu Sanusi, 23 (Porto)

      UEFA picked two left-backs in their XI, with the first being Porto star Sanusi.
      The defender played all-but 13 minutes of the Portuguese giants’ group stage after joining the club from Santa Clara in the summer.
      Porto qualified for the last-16 where they will face Juventus.
      Cristian Romero, 22 (Atalanta)
      THE Argentine defender has been in superb form for Atalanta since joining on loan from Juventus.
      Romero played in five of Atalanta’s Champions League group stage games, including the shock 2-0 win at Anfield having only missed the 5-0 mauling at home to the Reds earlier in the campaign.
      Jules Kounde, 22 (Sevilla)
      BEING chased by a host of European giants, Kounde was in superb form in the Champions League group stage.
      Kounde even scored a spectacular goal against Rennes as Sevilla missed out on the Europa League – instead making it to the Champions League last-16.
      Alphonso Davies, 20 (Bayern Munich)
      DAVIES is arguably one of the most-promising footballers on the planet.
      The exciting left-back has been in electric form for Bayern and most-notably caught the eye during the latter stages of last season’s Champions League.

      MIDFIELDERS

      Dortmund duo Bellingham, left, and Reyna, right, both make the XICredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Dominik Szoboszlai’s performances for Salzburg attracted attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubsCredit: AFP or licensors
      Jude Bellingham, 17 (Borussia Dortmund)
      THE ex-Birmingham star played in all six of Dortmund’s group stage games.
      Still only just 17 years old, Bellingham has already played 20 times in all competitions this season, becoming the latest young English star to thrive at the Westfalenstadion, after Jadon Sancho.
      Giovanni Reyna, 18 (Borussia Dortmund)
      ANOTHER promising young Dortmund star, USA ace Reyna also played in every one of his side’s group games.
      While he failed to score in the Champions League, Reyna has netted twice in the Bundesliga, playing 24 times for club and country already this term.
      Dominik Szoboszlai, 20 (RB Leipzig)
      CHASED by Arsenal and Real Madrid after a superb year at RB Salzburg, Szoboszlai officially joined Leipzig on January 1.
      He scored three times in six group stage games despite the Austrians only picking up four points and crashing out below giants Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich.
      ATTACKERS

      Diogo Jota has gone from strength to strength at Liverpool and scoring a Chgampions League hat-trick at AtalantaCredit: Reuters

      Marcus Thuram joins Jota and Pedri as the attackers in the XICredit: EPA
      Pedri, 18 (Barcelona)
      THE hot prospect became one of the youngest-ever Champions League scorers when he found the net against Ferencvaros in October.
      With 20 appearances for Barcelona under his belt this season, he’s been a rare bright spot for the struggling giants.
      Marcus Thuram, 23 (Borussia Monchengladbach)
      SON of France legend Lilian, Marcus played in all six of the German side’s group games.
      Thuram scored twice in the 2-2 draw with Real Madrid as his side narrowly progressed to the last-16 in a thrilling group.
      Diogo Jota, 24 (Liverpool)
      JOTA was originally signed from Wolves in the summer as back-up for Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
      But he’s quickly become a key figure, playing in all six Champions League group stage games, scoring four times, including a sensational hat-trick in the 5-0 win at Atalanta.

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