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      Major change to handball rule with more penalties than ever before set to be awarded – but Premier League exempt

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      UEFA is set to tweak the handball rule – after admitting its referees made a huge mistake at Euro 2024.The Uefa Referees Committee claims hosts Germany should have been awarded a penalty during their quarter-final loss to Spain.Germany were incensed after not being given a penalty at Euro 2024Credit: GettyThe ball struck Marc Cucurella on the arm and was on target, but Anthony Taylor turned down German’s appealsCredit: APGermany were left incensed after Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella appeared to handle in the area during extra time on July 5.Anthony Taylor, the on-field referee, and VAR Stuart Atwell, decided not to award a spot-kick after a lengthy review. Eventual champions Spain would go on to win the game in the 119th minute, leaving Cucurella to be booed for the remainder of the tournament. Following the incident, Uefa’s Referees Committee has recommended a change to its handball guidelines. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt wants to “strictly punish” instances where a player’s hand blocks a shot on target.According to Spanish publication Revelo, the report reads: “Following the latest UEFA guidelines, hand-to-ball contact that stops a shot on goal should be punished more strictly.”And in most cases a penalty kick should be awarded, unless the defender’s arm is very close to the body or on the body.”Referencing the Cucurella incident, it continues: “In this case, the defender stops the shot on goal with his arm, which is not very close to the body, making himself bigger, so a penalty kick should have been awarded.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe committee concluded that although a penalty should have been given, Cucurella should not have been booked. Changes to the Uefa guidelines are likely to see more penalties awarded for handball. Watch Cucurella stand on table and sing about ‘drinking Estrella and making Haaland tremble’ during Spain celebrations The tweaks will not however impact the Premier League, a separate governing body. German coach Julian Nagelsmann was inconsolable following ref Taylor’s decision.But he called for the handball rule to be reviewed in light of the incident.Nagelsmann said: “They applied the rule and it was not a penalty. I do not feel cheated. “For me, the question is about making it more practical, more logical, in terms of how this [handball] rule is assessed. “I say this for football [overall], not just today. “You look at the hand. If it is at 3 o’clock, if it is a bit higher or a bit lower. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But there are people with bigger muscles than me, different movements.”Is it going into the clouds or is it going in the goal? In one case it is a penalty, in the other, it is not. If it is going into the stands, then it is no penalty.” More

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      League One club will host Uefa Conference League games THIS SEASON after new partnership announced

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      A LEAGUE ONE club will host Uefa Conference League games this season.Welsh side The New Saints (TNS) are set to feature in the tournament for the first this season after winning their play-off against Lithuanian side FK Panevėžys 3-0 on aggregate.Shrewsbury Town are set to host TNS’ home Europa Conference League gamesCredit: GettyTNS are the first Cymru Premier side to qualify for a European tournamentCredit: GettyBut their home games are to be moved from Park Hall, which is just inside the English border.Instead TNS will travel 20 miles south-east to League One side Shrewsbury, who play at the 9,875 capacity Croud Meadow.TNS kick things off against Astana on October 4, before Djurgården visit on November 28.Their final home group game is against Panathinaikos on December 12 and the two clubs are excited to announce their new partnership.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTNS Chairman Mike Harris said: “We’d like to thank Shrewsbury Town for allowing us to host these historic matches at the Croud Meadow.”We are hopeful the community will come out in full force to support The New Saints as we face some of the continent’s biggest clubs.“Being so close to our Park Hall home will mean that supporters from Oswestry, Mid Wales, and North Wales can travel to cheer on the team.”TNS are the first Cymru Premier side to feature in the group stages of a European competition after winning the league last season and qualifying via a play-off.Most read in EFLCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSWho are these famous footballers?Their away fixtures see them take on Serie A side Fiorentina in what will be a real David vs Goliath clash.They also have a short trip across the Irish Sea to play Shamrock Rovers.Bromley boss Andy Woodman shares craziest EFL memories including players’ full on fight in club shop I What the EFL?! More

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      Arsenal wonderkid, 14, makes history by becoming youngest scorer in Uefa Youth League as fans gush ‘future is bright’

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      ARSENAL fans rejoiced as their latest wonderkid became the Uefa Youth League’s youngest-ever goalscorer.The Gunners were dealt an almighty blow on Wednesday when captain Martin Odegaard was ruled out for “a while” with an ankle injury.Max Dowman scored for Arsenal in their Uefa Youth League tie at AtalantaCredit: GettyThe attacking midfielder struck aged just 14 years, eight months and 19 daysCredit: GettyBut on Thursday, there was plenty of reason for celebration.That is because teenage star Max Dowman was on the scoresheet for the Arsenal Under-19s away at Atalanta.And in doing so, he broke the record as the youngest player to find the net in the competition. England U17 international Dowman was aged just 14 years, eight months and 19 days when he fired home from a cross.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe attacking midfielder – born on December 31, 2009 – broke the previous record held by Borussia Dortmund sensation Youssoufa Moukoko, who was 14 years, 11 months and three days at the time of his first Youth League goal.They are the only two players to have struck in the U19s tournament – a youth version of the Champions League.Among the other youngest goalscorers is Ryan Gravenberch.The Liverpool midfielder was just 15 years, four months and ten days old when he fired home for Ajax. Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut Dowman’s effort bumps him out of the top five down to sixth on the list. According to Scouted, Dowman also became the youngest-ever starter in the Youth League and second-youngest debutant against Atalanta. Arsenal fans react to derby win over Spurs and reveal players who impressed them the mostAnd fans were quick to heap praise on the teenager for his impressive exploits. One said: “Spectacular talent.”Another wrote: “A proper baller.”A third commented: “Max Dowman is truly a rising star! Excited to see what the future holds for him and the Arsenal academy!”A fourth typed: “Another incoming wonderkid from Hale End.”A fifth labelled him “Talent of the Century”.A fifth added: “You just know he’s gonna be the youngest player starting for us in the premier league. I see him getting his debut within the next two years.”And a final user replied: “He is following in the footsteps of Ethan Nwaneri.”Nwaneri became the Premier League’s youngest player when he came on for the Gunners against Brentford in 2022.The schoolkid was just 15 years and 181 days old when he made his senior debut in West London – and is now part of the first-team set-up under Mikel Arteta.So much so that he was brought on in the closing minutes for Arsenal in Sunday’s North London Derby win at Tottenham to help see out victory. READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, despite Dowman’s success against Atalanta today, Arsenal supporters will be hoping there is no repeat of the scoreline when the senior sides face off in the Champions League.The junior Italians ran out comfortable 4-1 winners – racing into a 3-0 lead by half-time before Dowman pulled one back early in the second and then the home side grabbed a fourth late on. There are high hopes for the playmakerCredit: GettyDowman will hope to follow in the footsteps of Ethan NwaneriCredit: GettyDowman is already an England U17s internationalCredit: Getty More

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      Champions League club appear to play in special kit in order to comply with fussy Uefa rule

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      SPORTING LISBON were forced to make a subtle change to their kit for their Champions League opener to comply with Uefa rules.The Portuguese champions played host to Lille on Tuesday night as they returned to Europe’s premier competition after one year away.Sporting Lisbon wore this new kit for their Champions League openerCredit: GettyThis is the club’s usual home strip with three white lines through the shirtCredit: ReutersAnd they kicked things off in style with a comfortable 2-0 win – which included a stunner from defender Zeno Debast.Former Coventry striker Viktor Gyokeres also got on the scoresheet for the hosts.It was the first of Sporting’s eight fixtures in the new-look Champions League.The others will come against PSV, Sturm Graz, Manchester City, Arsenal, Club Brugge, RB Leipzig and Bologna.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the strip Sporting wear in domestic competitions has been altered for European matches.That is because Uefa rules dictate that if a shirt has three or more colours, one must be “clearly dominant”.Sporting’s shirt contains white, green and black stripes.But in order to ensure one was the focal point of the shirt, one of the white stripes near the bottom of the jersey was changed to black by designers Nike.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis meant the black dominated the shirt, meaning the kit did not break any Uefa regulations.It is expected they will have to do the same for their remaining games when they wear their home strip.Jamie Carragher ‘absolutely cooks’ Micah Richards live on TNT Sports after cheeky Champions League jibe More

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      England could be BANNED from playing in Euro 2028 despite hosting tournament due to Keir Starmer proposal

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      UEFA have threatened England with a ban from playing and hosting Euro 2028.Prime Minister and Arsenal fan Sir Keir Starmer is set to push forward with plans to implement a football regulator.Keir Starmer is ready go ahead with plans to implement a football regulatorCredit: APUefa are unhappy about the regulator and could ban England from the EurosCredit: GettyThe new legislation is set to prevent clubs forming a breakaway-style Super League and “protect clubs” by “ensuring their financial sustainability”.Britain will be the first country to have a football watchdog in place and Uefa are said to be unhappy about it.The European governing body has slammed the proposed “interference in the running of football”.And in a leaked letter sent to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, Uefa general secretary Theodore Theodoridis has threatened to strip England from competing in tournaments.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTheodoridis wrote: “We do have concerns remaining… as normally football regulation should be managed by the national federation.”One particular area of concern stems from one of Uefa’s fundamental requirements, which is that there should be no government interference in the running of football.”We have specific rules that guard against this in order to guarantee the autonomy of sport and fairness of sporting competition.”The ultimate sanction for which would be excluding the federation from Uefa and teams from competition.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis would mean that English clubs could be banned from European tournaments like the Champions League.Uefa also hit out at the football regulator’s proposed “backstop powers”.England fans SLAM Lee Carsley for not singing the national anthem at Wembley The move could see the watchdog be allowed to intervene in talks between the Premier League and EFL over funding.On this, Theodoridis said: “Mandating redistribution which effects the competitive balance in the game and wider European competition would be of concern to us. “We also fear that having a third party intervene in redistribution would likely prevent amicable solutions being found.”As we see it, the ‘backstop’ power, while intended as a safety net, should be carefully reconsidered to avoid undermining these fundamental principles.” More

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      Championship rakes in second biggest crowds in the WORLD as 12.7million attend games

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      THE Championship was the second-biggest attended league in the WORLD last season.Figures compiled by Uefa found the 24 top tier EFL sides were watched by 12.7million fans in 2023-24.This turn-out of Blackburn fans at relegated Burnley this season shows Championship attendance figures are again huge in 2024-25Credit: GettyQPR supporters at Luton also typify ardent backing in the second tierCredit: RexIt was a figure bigger than the attendances in any league except the Premier League – which had total gates of 14.7m.And England’s love affair with the game was shown with 44.7m supporters walking through the turnstiles from the Prem down to Tier 6.That was nearly 50 per cent more than the nearest rival, Germany, where the game attracted a total 30.6m fans.The figures were contained in Uefa’s updated European Club Talent and Competition Landscape report, which included a huge number of statistics about game across the continent.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSUefa noted: “The Championship showcased substantial support last season, with its average attendance of over 23,000 per match ranking seventh among European leagues and the nearly 13 million in aggregate crowds ranking second in world football.“The depth of support in England is unmatched, with more than 5 million attending third-tier matches, almost 3.5 million attending fourth-tier matches and almost 3 million attending the three leagues in tier five and six.”Six Prem sides – Manchester United, West Ham, Spurs, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City – attracted aggregate league gates of more than 1m fans last term, with Old Trafford hosting 1.834m supporters across all United’s home matches.That was a total exceeded only by Borussia Dortmund, whose 1.95m came with an average attendance of just over 81,000, and AC Milan.Most read in ChampionshipFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAmong the other findings, Uefa confirmed that Prem refs allowed more stoppage time than any other league last season.Prem matches saw an average of 11 minutes and 33 seconds of added time, with 68 per cent of matches lasting more than 100 minutes as PGMOL officials adopted new Fifa guidelines.’We had a can of beans between 20′ Charlton’s Matt Godden on struggles at old club – What the EFL?!However, with refs’ chief Howard Webb asking his officials to adopt a new approach this term, the average amount of added time so far in the Prem has dropped to nine minutes 59 seconds per game.Across European football, the summer transfer window saw a drop in spending of eight per cent, from 2023’s £6.16bn to £5.66bn this year.For the first time since the Covid pandemic, French, Italian and German clubs were “net spenders” alongside the Prem and Saudi Pro League.Prem sides, despite a slight spending reduction to £1.75bn, paid an average of £13.2m for each signing. More

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      England in World Cup 2026 boost as major Uefa change all but guarantees Three Lions top seed in qualification

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      ENGLAND are set to receive a massive World Cup seeding boost – after a Uefa rethink.Euro chiefs had indicated that seeding for December’s qualification draw in Zurich would be determined entirely by Nations League places, with the best 12 performers getting the advantage.England have received a massive boost ahead of the 2026 World Cup drawCredit: AFPThat meant England, relegated to League B after their 2022 horror show performances, could not gatecrash the top seeding pot even with a 100 per cent record under interim boss Lee Carsley.Three Lions’ sources had accepted the apparent reality and the risk of having to beat one of the likes of France, Spain, Portugal to Germany to take an automatic place in the USA, Canada and Mexico.But it has now emerged that Nyon chiefs have refined the seeding plans – effectively guaranteeing England top spot unless they suffer a major meltdown over the next two months.Instead of the top 12 League A sides being seeded, the new plan will see the top two in each of the four pools earning that ranking.Read More on EnglandBut the four remaining top seeds will be the best four sides in Fifa’s world rankings that have not earned their spots through the Nations League.And with England’s position in fourth in that Fifa table – behind only Argentina, France and Spain – strengthened by the back-to-back wins over the Republic of Ireland and Finland, it is almost certain that they will be rewarded by a place in the top pot.The expansion to a 48-nation tournament means Europe will get 16 teams in the revamped tournament, up from 13 in 2022.Uefa agreed to downsize qualifying groups to ensure all the group matches are played between March and November next year.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThere will be 12 groups, six of which will have four teams and the others containing five sides.Only the group winners qualify, with the runners up joined by four sides from the Nations League campaign in a series of sudden-death play-offs for the final four places in March 2026.Lee Carsley reveals he is ‘not speaking’ to Ben White as he gives update on Arsenal star’s England careerWinning their League B pool would ensure England have a fall-back place in the play-offs even if they blow up in the qualifying campaign.But even as top seeds, England will still probably be in one of the five team groups with at least two qualifying matches before the end of this season, in the March and June international breaks.England ratings vs Finland: Kane bags double on his big day… but he’s not the Three Lions’ star manTRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD showed his brilliance as Harry Kane’s brace saw England beat Finland.Interim boss Lee Carsley maintained his 100 per cent win record in charge of England.SunSports Tom Barclay has given their ratings of the England players…Jordan Pickford – 6Had nothing to do.Trent Alexander-Arnold – STAR MAN 9England’s best player as he supplied some beautiful balls from deep that on another day would have led to a glut of assists.He did get one in the end, although that was more thanks to Harry Kane’s lethal finishing.Ezri Konsa – 6Showed his ability on the ball with a super ball through for Bukayo Saka on the half hour.Twisted his ankle early in the second half, surprisingly played on before being replaced on the hour.John Stones – 6Played at left-sided centre-back before shifting when Levi Colwill came on.Solid though not much to deal with. Now 19 short of 100 caps.Rico Lewis – 7In the right place to snuff out early danger from ex-Norwich man Teemu Pukki.Came close to a goal on his second England cap when prodding wide after the break.Declan Rice – 5Lost possession to give Finland their one and only big chance which Topi Kesinen should have squared to Pukki, but instead fired wildly over.Angel Gomes – 7Wanted the ball from the off, just like Lee Carsley thought he would. Deliciously drilled cross-field ball to Alexander-Arnold early doors showed his range.Bukayo Saka – 7Almost scored and almost assisted in a lively display.Unlucky that Kane was millimetres offside after the centurion had headed home the Arsenal man’s wicked delivery.Jack Grealish – 7Enjoyed being in the heart of the action at No10 again, as he did on Saturday against the Republic of Ireland.Carsley clearly likes him – it will be fascinating to see what happens when Mssrs Bellingham, Foden and Palmer all return.Anthony Gordon – 7Caused problems down the left with his rapid pace – how we needed some of that in the Euros.But did not have on his shooting boots as he fluffed a decent chance early in the second half.Harry Kane – 8Two blistering finishes took the centurion to an astonishing 68 goals in 100 caps.Was denied the chance of a hat-trick in front of his family when subbed off to a standing ovation for the final ten.Kane said he fancies his chances of reaching a ton of international goals – and it does not seem fanciful.SUBSLevi Colwill (on for Konsa, 61) – 6Next to no threat from Finland by the time he came on.Eberechi Eze (on for Gordon, 66) – 6Raced on to yet another special Trent pass but could not loop it over the keeper.Noni Madueke (on for Saka, 66) – 7Looked to make an impact every time he got the ball on debut. Excellent one-two with Trent saw the Chelsea man tee up Kane’s second.Marc Guehi (on for Stones, 80) – 6As with Colwill, little to do.Jarrod Bowen (on for Kane, 81) – 6Played up top after Kane went off for the final minutes, as he has done for West Ham. More

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      Cole Palmer one of three big names left OUT of Chelsea’s Uefa Conference League squad

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      COLE PALMER could miss out on a possible European trophy this season because of the workload facing young stars.Chelsea have taken the dramatic step to leave their best player out of their squad for this season’s Uefa Conference League in order to rest him.Cole Palmer has been left out of Chelsea’s Uefa Conference League squadCredit: GettyInjury-jinxed midfielder Romeo Lavia and centre back Wesley Fofana have also been left out of the 27-strong group to contest the third-tier competition.Palmer, 22, featured in both legs of the play-off round against Swiss side FC Servette – coming off the bench in the second half both times.But he will not play in the league stage which comprises six games up to December before the knockout rounds begin next year.Palmer has withdrawn from the latest England squad due to ongoing issues – believed to be a relatively minor hamstring problem.READ MORE ON CHELSEAChelsea played their first game of the season on August 18 but will be competing in next summer’s expanded Club World Cup in America.It runs from June 15 to July 13 and features 32 teams, including Premier League champions Manchester City.The Europa Conference League final takes place on May 25 in Poland.Chelsea are concerned at the number of games which could be heaped upon their rising star who played a key role in England’s run to the final of Euro 2024 in the summer.Most read in FootballRomeo Lavia has also been excluded from the squadCredit: AlamyWesley Fofana has missed out tooCredit: AFPChelsea’s Conference League fixturesThursday, October 3Chelsea vs GentKick-off: 8pmThursday, October 24Panathinaikos vs ChelseaKick-off: 5.45pmThursday, November 7Chelsea vs FC NoahKick-off: 8pmThursday, November 28Heidenheim vs ChelseaKick-off: 5.45pmThursday, December 12FC Astana vs ChelseaKick-off: 3.30pmThursday, December 19Chelsea vs Shamrock RoversKick-off: 8pm.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe club took the decision to leave him out of the Conference League squad because of ‘load management’ as they enter the second month of a season which sees them competing in the Premier League, Carabao Cup, FA Cup, Conference League and Club World Cup.Palmer has just been shortlisted for this year’s Ballon D’Or award as a reward for his rapid rise following a £40m move from Manchester City to Chelsea last summer. Man Utd flop Jadon Sancho makes bizarre claim about Enzo Maresca being reason he joined Chelsea but it doesn’t add upFofana missed the whole of last season with a knee injury, while Lavia has suffered with a series of fitness issues since joining Chelsea last summer for £53 million.There could still be a chance for Lavia, Palmer and Fofana to play in the Conference League this season though.That’s because Chelsea are able to add three more players to their squad following the initial league phase of the tournament.So should the London club advance into the latter stages then Maresca may then call the big name trio up to the squad.The Stamford Bridge outfit will play Gent, Panathinaikos, FC Noah, Heidenheim, FC Astana and Shamrock Rovers during the league phase of the competition.Their clash with Panathinaikos next month is sandwiched between Premier League games against Liverpool and Newcastle, while their FC Noah match will be in-between battles with Arsenal and Man Utd.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat busy schedule of tough head-to-heads represents one example for why Maresca has excluded some of his best talents.Chelsea will still have plenty of options for the Conference league with stars such as Christopher Nkunku, Enzo Fernandez, Noni Madueke and new arrival Jadon Sancho all included in the 27-strong squad.Chelsea’s Uefa Conference League squadA look at Chelsea’s squad for the Uefa Conference League in full…GoalkeepersRobert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Lucas BergstromDefendersAxel Disasi, Marc Cucurella, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Josh Acheampong, Renato VeigaMidfieldersEnzo Fernandez, Noni Madueke, Carney Chukwuemeka, Christopher Nkunku, Jadon Sancho, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Moises Caicedo, Cesare Casadei, Tyrique George, Kiano DyerAttackersPedro Neto, Mykhailo Mudryk, Joao Felix, Nicolas Jackson, Marc Guiu More