More stories

  • in

    Uefa’s ‘joke’ Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament revealed with just one surprise England star making the cut

    UEFA’S official Team of the Tournament for Euro 2024 has been revealed.The 11-man side is jammed full of stars, but has raised some eyebrows about a few inclusions and omissions. Spain’s Euro 2024 success earned them six spots in Uefa’s Team of the TournamentCredit: GettyJamal Musiala was the only German player to make the XICredit: ReutersArsenal star William Saliba represents France in the sideCredit: GettyAfter Spain’s record-breaking victory over England in Berlin, Uefa’s Technical Observer panel put their heads together to choose the best players at the tournament in Germany.The panel, which includes big names such as Fabio Capello and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, certainly honoured the four-time champions by naming SIX Spain stars in the squad.An entirely Spanish midfield trio of Rodri, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Olmo made up the heart of the team.While their young wingers Lamine Yamal, 17, and Nico Williams, 22, were also part of the squad after racking up eight goal contributions between them.READ MORE ON EURO 2024And the final member of Luis de la Fuente’s side to make the cut was surprise stand out star Marc Cucurella. Germany’s Jamal Musiala was the only player from the host nation to be named in the squad after he scored three goals in five appearances at the tournament.France had two players make the grade with Arsenal’s William Saliba and AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan honoured with a role in the team.While Manchester City duo Manuel Akanji and Kyle Walker were given the nod for Switzerland and England respectively.Most read in Euro 2024Kyle Walker was a surprise inclusion in the Team of the TournamentCredit: GettyMany fans thought Spain’s Dani Carvajal should have been given the right-back spotCredit: ReutersMarc Cucurella was named in the XI after a super tournament for the championsCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFans were certainly surprised to see that Walker had been named in squad, with many suggesting Spain’s Dani Carvajal should have been chosen ahead of the 34-year-old at right-back.On social media, one wrote: “No Dani Carvajal? Even rival fans agreed that he was class.”Gareth Southgate quits as England manager after Euro 2024 exitUefa’s Techincal ObserversHere’s a look at the big names who were tasked with deciding Uefa’s Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament…Fabio CapelloIoan Lupescu Michael O’NeillDavid MoyesAljosa AsanovicRafael BenitezAvram GrantPackie BonnerFrank de BoerOle Gunnar SolskjaerAitor KarankaJean-Francois DomergueWhile another added: “Walker instead of Carvajal. Yeah you guys are a joke.”Some more supporters called for other snubbed stars to be given their flowers including the Netherlands’ Cody Gakpo and England’s Jude Bellingham.One posted: “Where is Gakpo????”And another slammed: “No Cody is wild!”A third asked: “Where’s Dani Carvajal and Jude Bellingham?”A fourth joked: “Your technical observer panel deserves to be sacked.”The team has certainly split opinion with only seven of the stars in the Uefa team making the chosen XI for SunSport’s Team of the Tournament.READ MORE SUN STORIESUefa also announced the the individual awards for the tournament after Spain’s 2-1 win over England.Rodri was named as the Player of the Tournament, while Lamine Yamal took home the prize for Young Player of the Tournament.Rodri was named as the Player of the TournamentCredit: GettyLamine Yamal’s extraordinary tournament earned him the award of Young Player of the TournamentCredit: Rex More

  • in

    Major change could be made to Euros as nation faces being STRIPPED of hosting rights by Uefa

    FOOTBALL governing bodies Uefa and Fifa could throw the book at Italy and strip them of hosting rights for Euro 2032, it has been revealed.The Euro 2020 victors are joint hosts with Turkey for the 2032 tournament after being awarded the rights by Uefa’s executive committee last year.Euro 2032 could see its host nation stripped of the rightsCredit: GettyUefa president Aleksander Ceferin sent a joint letter with Fifa to the Italian FACredit: GettyFIGC President Gabriele Gravina was warned a new policy could breach rules on government interference in footballCredit: EPAHowever, a major change could be in the works for the competition in eight years time.A new policy known as the Mulè Amendment is pushing for Serie A, Serie B and Lega Pro to break away from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).This would work in a similar way to how the Premier League broke away from the English Football Association.The amendment had been criticised as a breach of the rules regarding government interference in sports administration. READ MORE IN EURO 2024And as revealed by Repubblica, Uefa and Fifa sent a letter warning Italy they may face severe repercussions as a result of the new amendment.Originally, it had motioned that club’s and players be allowed to bypass the sporting justice system and appeal directly to the TAR tribunal.In their letter to FIGC president Gabriele Gravina, football’s governing bodies said: “We are forced to intervene in the interest of the principles and values of the sports system that we support…”The amendment is in stark contrast with these principles. It has blatantly ignored the central role that federations play in ensuring the balanced and healthy development of sport.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We expect politics to respect the autonomy of football.”The letter added: “It turns out that every single point of the original amendment was incompatible with the obligations of the FIGC.England vs Netherlands Player Ratings”If the amendment were to be approved in its original form or in a new wording that would still support the elements addressed in this letter, we would have no choice but to refer the matter to our decision-making bodies to assess possible measures, including the possible suspension of the FIGC.”One such punishment would be the aforementioned stripping of hosting rights for the 2032 tournament, as well as them being booted out of international tournaments such as the World Cup.However, according to news agency ANSA via Business Day, the amendment was passed with some changes.It turns out that every single point of the original amendment was incompatible with the obligations of the FIGCUefa and Fifa letterRepubblicaThe changes included the removal of the provision allowing clubs to bypass the sporting justice system and appeal directly to the TAR tribunal.It is understood this new version has been sent to Uefa and Fifa for evaluation.Giorgio Mulé, who drafted the ruling, said on the latest draft: “To guarantee an adequate representation in the federal systems, the professional leagues have the right to equal representation in the directive organizations of the sporting federations that take into account the economic contribution given to the system.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “A new era begins for Italian football today with the fair recognition of the weight and role that the Lega Serie A has within the Federation.”A new page finally brings us up to date with modern times.”Euro 2024 final stadium is home to English football’s most shameful episodeGARETH SOUTHGATE and his players will walk in the footsteps of sporting infamy on Sunday.And they also have the chance to wipe out the memories of English football’s most shameful episode by replacing it with glorious triumph.For many, the Olympiastadion will always be the place where Jesse Owens humiliated Adolf Hitler in his own backyard.But the 1936 Olympics WERE used by the Nazis as pure propaganda, as a statement about the supposed supremacy of the “Aryan race”.The ghosts of those Games still flit between the towers and the colosseum-style architecture.Fans walking in on Sunday will see the plinth where the Olympic cauldron was lit by Fritz Schilgen – handpicked by propagandist film-maker Leni Riefenstahl – still there, high in the stands above one goal.And two years later, when the FA disgracefully ordered England’s players to raise their arm in the Nazi salute before beating Germany in a friendly, it seemed that the British state was implicitly accepting Hitler’s authority and power.The Three Lions have the opportunity to right that ancient wrong yet nothing can detract from the stadium’s place in the pantheon of sport’s darkest hours.Read the full story HERE. More

  • in

    Man Utd and City learn Champions League fate as Uefa make decision on multi-club ownership which will affect transfers

    MANCHESTER giants City and United will both play in Europe after their owners took advantage of a new Uefa loophole.The two clubs each faced issues over Uefa’s “multi-club ownership” rules and fears over the “integrity” of competitions.Both Manchester City and Manchester United will play in Europe next seasonCredit: The TimesWhile Premier League champions Man City were guaranteed to be in the Champions League next term, their Spanish sister outfit Girona would have been excluded.But the boot could be on the other foot in 2025-26 if the Catalan club earn a higher finishing position in La Liga than City do in the Premier League in the new campaign. Man Utd’s issues came as a direct result of new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe taking charge at the club because he was already boss of French outfit Nice, who also qualified for the Europa League. Two months ago, Uefa drafted new guidelines designed to give clubs currently part of the same stable a way to get round the “integrity” issues.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOwnership groups were told that they can sell shares in EITHER club to an independent third party, as long as one of their stakes reduces to below the 30 per cent “control” threshold.Alternatively, all shares in one of the clubs could be transferred to a blind trust overseen by a Uefa-appointed panel but with a hand-picked trustee.And Uefa have now confirmed both the Premier League clubs have taken the second option.Uefa explained: “The concerned investors have transferred their shares in Girona FC and OGC Nice to independent trustees through a blind trust structure established under the supervision of the Club Financial Control Board First Chamber. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Such blind trust was accepted by the Chamber on an exceptional basis for the 2024/25 Uefa  competitions. “The trustees will regularly exchange information with Chamber during the 2024/25 season.”Watch Man City fan silence Man Utd legend Gary Neville with cheeky ‘milk’ comment However, the agreement scuppers any chance of United signing Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo or City taking anyone on the books of the Catalan club.Uefa added: “As additional evidence of their independence, the concerned clubs committed that they will not transfer players to each other, whether permanently or on loan, directly or indirectly, from July 2024 until September 2025.”The exception is pre-existing transfer agreements that had been entered into before the opening of the proceedings.”Also, the clubs will not conclude any kind of cooperation, joint technical or commercial agreements between each other.”And the clubs will not use any joint scouting or player database.”If the clubs are not in the same Uefa competitions as their sister sides next season, the shares can be transferred back but the share transfers clear the way for all four clubs to compete from September. More

  • in

    Jude Bellingham CLEARED to face Switzerland in huge England Euro 2024 boost but still gets suspended ban over gesture

    JUDE BELLINGHAM has been cleared to play against Switzerland by Uefa.But the Three Lions ace has been hit with a massive fine and a suspended one game BAN.Jude Bellingham has been cleared to play against SwitzerlandCredit: RexThe England star was accused of disrespecting SlovakiaCredit: GettyBellingham defended his actions claiming it was an ‘inside joke’Credit: APEngland’s hero was the subject of an investigation by Uefa over a gesture he made after scoring  in Sunday’s 2-1 Euros win over Slovakia.Bellingham, 21, appeared to feign grabbing his crotch  in a move that signalled he has what it takes in a crisis.Match officials made no mention of the gesture in their match reports but Uefa still intervened.However, Bellingham has now been cleared of any wrongdoing and is set to line up against Switzerland.READ MORE ON EURO 2024The England star has been slapped with a £25,000 fine and a one-match ban, suspended for 12 months.The Real Madrid star defended his controversial gesture, stating it was aimed at close friends at the game and not towards the opposition.He added: “Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.”Piers Morgan also leapt to Bellingham’s defence by outlining ten reasons why he may have made the gesture.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSEngland’s five-point penalty shootout planEXPERT football psychologist Professor Geir Jordet has told Gareth Southgate and his players what they can do to give themselves the best chance of victory in any shootouts.And he has even thrown in a rogue, bold suggestion for the Three Lions manager…1. START PLANNING LAST YEAR “It’s about planning for the opposition’s penalty takers but also ‘how do we win the psychological game against each opponent?’2. SMART SOUTHGATE LEADERSHIP”Southgate will have two minutes to influence his players as effectively as possible, show he has a plan and get confidence across.”3. DICTATE AS A TEAM”A shootout is really a team performance. Have the goalkeeper walk with the penalty taker into the penalty area to basically create a two-versus-one against the other goalkeeper. Dominate the centre circle, support the players who missed.”4. ‘BULLETPROOF’ INDIVIDUAL ROUTINES “Have really good, individualised and rehearsed pre-shot routines that are bulletproof and polished so they’re more likely to be able to resist the stress and more likely to score.”5. SHOOT YOUR SHOT  “Practise the shot itself, trying to simulate penalty shootouts in training. Even recreating 20 per cent of a Euros final penalty shootout is going to have a benefit for your performance.”AND A JOR DROPPING IDEA…Jordan Pickford is the No1 but Dean Henderson actually has a far better penalty record – saving 8/22 (36 per cent) compared to Pickford’s 8/62 (13 per cent).Jordet said: “One could consider making a late substitution for a penalty shootout. I doubt that they dare to do it in case it fails and the pressure is even higher but it would be a very ballsy move.”One reason may be Bellingham wanted to show he had “massive cojones” after rescuing the Three Lions from the brink of elimination with his last-minute overhead kick.He even made the exact same gesture when he netted a late winner in Real Madrid’s 3-2 El Clasico victory against Barcelona in April.Jude Bellingham felt like Cristiano Ronaldo when he scored against Slovakia and singles out ‘humble’ England team-mateBellingham previously did the same celebration for Real Madrid against BarcelonaUefa outlined the results of their investigation on Friday morning.And they handed Bellingham a £25k fine, as well as a suspended one-match ban, for “violating the basic rules of decent conduct.”The FA were also punished for crowd disturbances and the lighting of fireworks, receiving a £9,000 fine.A Uefa statement read: “The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body has decided to fine the English Football Association €10,000 for crowd disturbances.”(It has also decided) To fine the English Football Association €1,000 for lighting of fireworks.”And to fine the English Football Association player Jude Bellingham €30,000 and to suspend him for a total of one UEFA competition match for which he would be otherwise eligible for violating the basic rules of decent conduct. “Said suspension is not immediately enforced and is subject to a probationary period of one (1) year, starting from the date of the present decision.”Turkey star Merih Demiral has been banned for two gamesHe scored both goals in Turkey’s 2-1 win over AustriaCredit: GettyBellingham isn’t the only player to foul fall of Uefa today.Turkey goal hero Merih Demiral has been banned for two matches for his controversial ‘Grey Wolf’ celebration against Austria.The symbol is linked with the far right in his country.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd after scoring both goals in Turkey’s 2-1 win in the last 16, he will now miss the quarter-final against Holland — and the semis if his side make it that far.A Uefa statement added: “The UEFA Appeals Body has decided to suspend Turkish Football Federation player Merih Demiral, for a total of two (2) UEFA representative team competition matches for which he would be otherwise eligible, for failing to comply with the general principles of conduct, for violating the basic rules of decent conduct, for using sports events for manifestations of a non-sporting nature and for bringing the sport of football into disrepute.”Crimes and punishmentsOther players have had the book thrown at them for making crude gestures. Here’s a list of some of the most famous offenders…Dele Alli was banned for one match by Fifa and fined £3,500 for raising his middle finger in a World Cup qualifier against… SLOVAKIA… in 2017. He claimed it was just a friendly joke aimed at Kyle Walker.Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone was slapped with a £17,000 fine for improper conduct for his bizarre crotch-grabbing celebration against Juventus in a Champions League first leg tie in 2019.Then-Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo then repeated the act when he scored against Atletico in the return leg and was hit with an identical fine. He escaped a ban though.Montpellier coach Rene Girard was hit with a one-match European ban and fined £4,000 for raising his finger to opposite number Huub Stevens at the end of a 2012 Champions League clash against Schalke 04. More

  • in

    Outcry over Uefa probe into Jude Bellingham’s ‘crotch-grab’ goal celebration as fans plead ‘don’t ban him’

    SUPERSTAR Jude Bellingham has defended his groin-grab goal celebration as “an inside joke” and denied making fun of plucky Slovakia.The Three Lions’ saviour could be ruled out of Saturday’s quarter-final against Switzerland if Uefa decide he breached “basic rules of decent conduct”.Jude Bellingham has defended his groin-grab goal celebration as ‘an inside joke’ and denied making fun of plucky SlovakiaCredit: GettyBellingham scores England’s first goal in spectacular fashionCredit: ReutersGareth Southgate’s team were assured no disciplinary measures were being considered over the gestureCredit: AlamyBut Bellingham explained on social media: “An inside joke towards some close friends who were at the game.“Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.”Moments after his astonishing 95th-minute bicycle kick strike spared England’s blushes, the Real Madrid ace was seen on TV making a hand gesture next to his crotch. It was believed that Jude was signalling he has what it takes to overcome a crisis — though some believed it was an insult aimed at the opposition bench.Read More on SportHarry Kane’s extra-time header sealed England’s 2-1 win on Sunday evening.Early yesterday, Gareth Southgate’s team were assured no disciplinary measures were being considered over the gesture.But Uefa then did a U-turn — despite the gesture not being mentioned in any match reports made by the officials.Fans reacted in fury with Max Veltman, 43, of Birmingham, saying: “It’s nonsense. It wasn’t offensive and Jude said so himself. Have Uefa got nothing better to do?Most read in Euro 2024“We’ve got no chance without Jude so we need to pray Uefa don’t ban him.”Sam Eversden, 45, from Uxbridge, West London, added: “Are Uefa policing goal celebrations now?The Sun’s Martin Lipton on Jude Bellingham’s potential ban as UEFA investigate gesture vs Slovakia“If they want to crack down on conduct and integrity, they should crack down on diving instead. Jude’s our main man.“He’s kept us in the Euros but without him we’ll be knocked out. He certainly shouldn’t get a ban. Save our Jude!”Fan Elaine Flower, 70, from Southampton, who has been to every England game at the Euros, said: “It’s daft to investigate something like this and clearly not worth a ban.“Common sense must prevail. He’s our best player and we need him to progress.“We’d have lost without his goal and we’ll need him more than ever in the next game.”Match of the Day host Gary Lineker said on Twitter/X: “For crying out loud, the Euro 2024 celebration police are looking into Jude Bellingham. Ridiculous!”The suggestion is Bellingham could have breached rule 11 2b into player conduct.A Uefa spokesman said: “A Uefa Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct by the English Football Association player, Jude Bellingham, having allegedly occurred in the scope of this match.Aces rappedOTHER stars have landed in trouble for similar gestures. In 2019 Cristiano Ronaldo was fined £17,000 but avoided a ban for his Juventus goal celebration against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.Atletico boss Diego Simeone was also fined for his groin-grab gesture during the first leg.In 2017, England midfielder Dele Alli was banned for a match and fined £3,500 for raising his middle finger in a World Cup qualifier against Slovakia. He said it was a joke aimed at Kyle Walker.“Information on this matter will be made available in due course.”Bellingham has previously made a similar gesture when playing for Real Madrid, and after scoring a late equaliser for England in a friendly against Belgium in March.After Sunday’s dramatic win, he hit back at England’s critics saying: “You hear people talk a lot of rubbish. It’s nice when you can deliver and you can give them a little bit back.“For me, being on the pitch scoring goals and celebrating is my release.Bellingham explained on social media: ‘An inside joke towards some close friends who were at the game’Credit: InstagramBellingham playing cricket yesterdayCredit: Paul EdwardsBellingham could be ruled out of Saturday’s quarter-final against Switzerland if Uefa decide he breached ‘basic rules of decent conduct’Credit: Rex“And you know, maybe it was a message to a few people . . . but a very happy moment.”Yesterday Bellingham relaxed with a game of cricket, and was seen cupping his hands to catch a ball. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe also shared a beaming selfie on his Instagram.Teammates raved about his goal on the England Lions’ Den channel posted online yesterday.Gary Lineker said: ‘For crying out loud, the Euro 2024 celebration police are looking into Jude Bellingham. Ridiculous!’Credit: BBCWriting off Swiss as no-hopers is cuckooSWITZERLAND is famed for cuckoo clocks and chocolate — but is also enjoying a golden era of football.The minnows have a team featuring world-class stars.Players such as ex-Arsenal star Granit Xhaka, 31, former Liverpool wizard Xherdan Shaqiri, 32, and Man City’s Manuel Akanji, 28, make them a force to be reckoned with.Midfield star Xhaka, their most capped player with 129, is the beating heart of the team and has just helped Bayer ­Leverkusen land the Bundesliga title in Germany.Historically, their best major tournament performance was 100 years ago — when they won silver at the 1924 Olympics.And the last time they reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup was 70 years ago. But they have risen steadily in the rankings over the past eight years.The Swiss made it to the last 16 during Euro 2016 and then achieved their best finish at Euro 2020, reaching the quarter-finals, having eliminated world champions France.The team has also reached the knockout rounds at the past three World Cups and is 19th in Fifa’s world rankings.They beat Italy 2-0 in this year’s Euros’ knockouts to clinch their clash with England.Roger Federer remains Switzerland’s most famous sporting hero. But this Swiss team remain determined to write its own page in history. More

  • in

    Chelsea enter Conference League despite speculation they could snub Uefa competition after facing tough financial rules

    CHELSEA have been entered for the Conference League next season – despite the extra financial restrictions they will face from Uefa.Manchester United’s FA Cup Final triumph over Manchester City tipped the sixth-placed Blues into Uefa’s third competition.Chelsea have been entered for the Conference League next seasonCredit: GettyThis follows as the club will face extra financial restrictions from UefaCredit: ReutersIt also cost Chelsea £7m in up-front Uefa cash, adding to the Stamford Bridge club’s potential issues.There had been speculation that Chelsea might opt not to take up their place in the competition.All clubs playing in Europe must stick to Uefa’s spending limit of 80 per cent of their annual revenues on wages and transfers.Whereas Prem PSR rules allow losses of £105m over three years.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUefa, which has a fixed punishment schedule for breaches, will also not allow Chelsea to include switches of property assets to the club’s owner company in their accounts.But despite the concerns, Nyon chiefs have now confirmed Chelsea were entered in the Conference League by the FA.It means they cannot be replaced by Newcastle – who finished seventh in the Prem and were knocked out of Europe altogether by the Old Trafford club’s Wembley triumph.Chelsea have spent around £1billion on player transfers over the last two years, meaning they are now at risk of breaching the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIf found guilty of a breach, they could receive a significant points deduction.The Blues recently appointed former Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca following Mauricio Pochettino’s departure.A look at Chelsea’s forgotten wonderkidsPoch left Stamford Bridge by mutual consent last month despite having a positive end to the season.Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaENZO MARESCA is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.Premier League sides deducted points and others at riskNottingham ForestDeducted four points during the 2023-24 season for breaching Premier League spending limit by £34.563m. Failed in their appeal with decision upheld.EvertonInitial 10-point deduction for 2021-22 Premier League breaches reduced to six points on appeal. Were deducted a further two points later in the 2023-24 season. Appealed, but since withdrawn following Prem survival.Sheffield UnitedHit with a two-point deduction for their finances during the 2022-23 EFL season. Will begin the 2024-25 Championship season on -2 points following their relegation from the Prem.OTHERS WHO COULD FACE PUNISHMENT…Manchester CityEtihad club emphatically denies the 115 allegations laid against them in February 2023. The lengthy Commission case has been scheduled to start in October or November but a final decision is not expected until March or April 2025.ChelseaBlues chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era. Fined £8.6m by Uefa but still to be formally charged by the Prem despite an ongoing investigation.LeicesterFoxes breached Prem PSR loss limits last season but did not have to report their 2022-23 accounts until this month because of their relegation. That puts the timetable back and means that they will probably face a Prem points deduction for the 2024-25 season following their return to the top flight.Everton (again)The Toffees are again at risk of breaking PSR rules and are in a race against time to raise funds and balance the books. Not only could that lead to another charge but also administration. That would lead to an automatic nine-point deduction for the 2024/25 season. More

  • in

    England face Uefa charge following Euro 2024 clash against Slovenia after fans throw cups at Gareth Southgate

    ENGLAND may face a Uefa charge after beer cups were thrown towards Gareth Southgate last night.The Three Lions boss went over to applaud travelling supporters following the 0-0 bore draw with Slovenia in Cologne.Several cups were hurled onto the pitchCredit: RexGareth Southgate went over to clap fans after the matchCredit: GettySouthgate, 53, was met by anger from sections of the England support.Reports last night suggested that cups were hurled in his direction by frustrated fans.England had just been booed off following another lacklustre display.Despite the Three Lions’ underwhelming performances, they topped Group C after Denmark were unable to beat Serbia in Munich, with that game also finishing 0-0.READ MORE ON EURO 2024With Uefa trying to crack down on fan unrest, England could face a fine for last night’s cup-throwing exploits.Yesterday Denmark were ordered to pay £7,500 after their supporters unfurled an anti-Uefa banner during their 1-1 draw with England last week.The Three Lions could face a similar sanction.Following last night’s game, Southgate was asked about the unsavoury scenes at the end.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe said: “I understand it. I’m not going to back away from it.”The most important thing is we stay with the team. I understand the narrative towards me.Fans hail Anthony Gordon for ‘refreshingly raw’ TV interview after England’s bore 0-0 Euro 2024 draw with Slovenia EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY”That’s better for the team than it being towards them but it is creating an unusual environment to operate in.”I’ve not seen any other team qualify and receive similar. I’m not going to back away from it.”England will now play either Holland or a team from Group E, which consists of Romania, Belgium, Slovakia and Ukraine, in the round of 16.Spain, Germany, Portugal and France have all landed on the other side of the draw – meaning the Three Lions now cannot meet any of them until the final.On the challenges to come, Southgate added to ITV: “We have got to play well and whoever we play is going to be a really tough game.”We shouldn’t be seduced by which half of the draw. So many things are starting to come together. We had a lot of issues before the tournament.”I think the way the defence has played has been a huge positive and something to build on. We created chances but we just have to convert those chances.” More

  • in

    Croatia boss Dalic hints at Euro 2024 ‘FIX’ scandal as he claims ref for Italy heartbreak ‘not designated by chance’

    CROATIA boss Zlatko Dalic angrily accused Uefa of a lack of “respect” after their dramatic draw to Italy in Leipzig.The Croats were on the verge of snatching a last 16 spot from the Italians in Group B thanks to Luka Modric’s 55th minute strike – moments after missing a penalty.Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic hit out at the ref after there were eight minutes added onCredit: GettyCroatia talisman Luka Modric was devastated after the defeatCredit: RexHowever, with 41 seconds remaining of EIGHT minutes added on, Mattia Zaccagni curled in a last-gasp beauty to all but knock Dalic’s men out of the Euros.Italy will now play Switzerland in the knock-out stages on June 29, while Croatia – on two points – are unlikely to squeeze through as a ranked third-place side.And Dalic raged: “The referee tore us apart the whole match, he wasn’t sent to that match by chance.”I don’t know where the referee found those eight minutes of stoppage time. I was talking about Uefa and Fifa, you didn’t support me in that.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But that’s not the reason, I want to say it no matter how much some people criticise me, it’s a fact. I can’t escape the impression that this is so.”There were six substitutions, so three minutes maximum. And it was VAR minutes, so four minutes maximum, he put eight.”He continued: “We are a small country. Whether it is Uefa or Fifa, no one gives us too much thought. You cannot have eight minutes added time. It is a nonsense.“There weren’t too many breaks or fouls to justify that. Croatia needs to be respected and recognised because once again we played for almost three hours.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“Were it France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, that wouldn’t happen. We had a similar experience at the Qatar World Cup.”Modric – who became the oldest ever scorer at a Euros at 38 and 289 days – was distraught at the full-time whistle, admitting it was one of the toughest results of his career on his 178th international appearance.Watch moment frustrated Luka Modric walks out of interview after reporter’s question following Croatia’s Euro 2024 drawCroatia can only have themselves to blame after a woeful group stage run, losing 3-0 to Spain before conceding a late leveller to draw 2-2 with Albania.And Dalic – who could now lose his job after leading Croatia to a World Cup final and semi-final since taking charge in 2017 – added: “It really hurts.“It still hurts and it will over the coming days and months. It’s not easy. But when we look at the situation there are some days when it’s your day and just not your day.“We need to stick together in defeat with humility and keep our heads high. I hold my hands up, I’m the one to blame if we haven’t made it through. I just want to thank my players.”EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More