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      Thomas Tuchel could face Uefa BAN handing Man Utd major dilemma over managerial target

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      THOMAS TUCHEL could face a Uefa ban for his Real Madrid ref rage.And that might mean the German is unable to take charge of Manchester United’s next European game if he gets the Old Trafford job.Thomas Tuchel was fuming over a late offside flag in Bayern’s defeat at MadridCredit: ReutersTuchel was left fuming last night after Real Madrid produced a stunning late comeback to beat Bayern Munich 2-1 to reach the Champions League final where they’ll face Borussia Dortmund.The former Chelsea chief is still the bookies’ favourite to replace Erik ten Hag despite Bayern Munich’s failure to win a trophy for the first time since 2012.And the threat of a Euro ban is now hanging over him after he launched a post-match attack on the Polish officials after Wednesday’s controversial exit.Assistant ref Tomasz Listkiewicz raised the flag against Noussair Mazraoui when the ball was lofted into the Madrid box in stoppage time.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAs the ball was nodded down by Thomas Muller for Matthijs de Ligt to fire home, 2022 World Cup Final ref Szymon Marciniak blew the whistle, ruling out the goal.Video images suggest the Bayern player was onside but the call was so tight that the flag should not have gone up so soon.Bayern players were flabbergasted, with Dutch defender de Ligt revealing both officials had apologised to him.In his post-match press conference, Tuchel said “It’s against every rule of modern football.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He did it against Alfonso Davies as well, when he could never be sure.”To have the balls, the guts, to raise the flag was a huge call and the wrong call.Watch Antonio Rudiger bring back iconic Chelsea chair celebration in wild scenes after Real Madrid win vs Bayern Munich”Then the referee had the chance not to whistle but took the decision to whistle.”That would not have happened on the other side.”Uefa’s Control and Disciplinary Body could now step in and charge Tuchel for accusing the two officials of bias against his side.A decision is likely by the start of next week, although the fact that both officials did admit to an error is likely to see Tuchel avoid any action.Even if he were to be punished, it still might not affect him next season if he takes over at United.The Red Devils are currently sitting eighth in the Premier League table and face a fight to qualify for European football via the league.But they do also have the opportunity to reach the Europa League when they take on Man City in the FA Cup Final at Wembley on May 25.Meanwhile, fans joked that Tuchel had “passed his Man Utd audition” after a number of substitutions backfired spectacularly at the Bernabeu.Bayern looked to be going through after a rocket from Alphonso Davies put them ahead with just 22 minutes to go.Pundits’ verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future?
      Michael Owen – He has to go
      “He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
      Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
      “If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”

      They looked to be comfortable heading towards full time and holding Madrid at bay until disaster struck.Real sub Joselu grabbed an 88th-minute equaliser after latching on to a mistake from Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.Then seconds later the ex-Stoke City and Newcastle flop finished from six yards to win it 2-1.The 34-year-old Spaniard’s introduction proved to be a masterstroke – but that was not the only substitution that proved to be a major talking point.Firstly, Tuchel brought on Kim Min-jae for attacker Leroy Sane on 76 minutes despite the South Korean’s nightmare in last week’s first leg, switching to three at the back.But it was the decision to replace 44-goal top scorer Kane, who is still waiting for his first-piece of silverware, with Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting on 86 minutes that left everyone baffled.However, Tuchel told TNT Sports afterwards that the controversial changes were due to injury.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “We started with a front four and all four has to go out with injury or cramp.“Kane was having back problems, it was no longer possible. The front four all said they had to go.”His decision to replace Harry Kane led to fierce criticismCredit: Getty More

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      BBC in major broadcast change with new midweek Match of the Day-style show to begin next season

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      FANS can watch free midweek highlights of the newly-enlarged Champions League on the BBC over the next three seasons.European football’s top domestic competition jumps from 32 to 36 clubs from 2024-25, meaning a rise from 125 games to 189.The Champions League won’t just be pay for view from 2024-25Credit: RexThe Beeb is gearing up to show Wednesday-night highlightsCredit: GettyThe Beeb are “simply thrilled” by their three-year deal with Uefa for a Match of the Day-style show.TNT Sports are losing exclusive rights – but will still show 533 of the 550 live games.Amazon Prime Video will now grab some live action from next term.However, TNT Sports are retaining their exclusivity for the Europa League and Europa Conference League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut it’s the BBC access to the Champions League that might excite fans most.The highlights package will be available on TV, iPlayer and online.The Beeb’s Director of Sport Barbara Slater has previously said: “We are simply thrilled to have won these rights.”Our reach and ability to bring people together is unrivalled.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We couldn’t be more delighted that Uefa has recognised the value in our ability to bring the Champions League to the widest possible audience across the UK.”This package of highlights and digital content will allow football fans to follow the Champions League, wherever and however they like.Meet Eva Murati, the Albanian Laura Woods who is glamorous Champions League presenter and lingerie model”The Champions League is a wonderful addition to our portfolio of football output on the BBC and we can’t wait to get started in 2024.” For their part, Uefa have bigged up the Beeb’s international standing for covering sport.Guy-Laurent Epstein, marketing director of European football’s rulers, said: “The BBC brand is synonymous with premium sport.”He too was “thrilled” the Beeb will provide “Wednesday highlights for the very first time”.Uefa’s overall broadcasting deal for 2024-27 will rake in around £1.45bilion – a hefty 20% increase on the current £1.2bn arrangement.Our beautiful game is broken, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      WHEN Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
      Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
      There is so much wrong.
      After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
      The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
      Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
      Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
      Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more… More

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      England rivals ‘face being THROWN OUT of Euro 2024 as Uefa and Fifa set deadline’

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      SPAIN could be THROWN OUT of Euro 2024 for government interference in the Spanish FA, according to reports.Spanish clubs including Real Madrid and Barcelona could also be axed from next season’s Champions League, while the country’s hosting of the 2030 World Cup may also be in jeopardy.Spain could be banned from the Euros this summerCredit: APJose Manuel Rodríguez-Uribes, president of Spain’s Supreme Sports Council, sent a letter to Uefa and Fifa explaining why government involvement was required as the Spanish FA battles allegations of corruption.The latest scandal comes just months after former Uefa vice-president Luis Rubiales resigned as Spanish FA chief after he kissed Jenni Hermoso following the country’s Women’s World Cup final victory over England.But AS understand Uefa and Fifa have not responded well to Rodriguez-Uribes’ letter, believing a “line has been crossed” as a result of government interference.A joint letter sent by the two governing bodies to Rodriguez-Uribes last week, signed by general secretaries Mattias Grafstrom and Theodore Theodoridis, questioned why the interference had taken place.READ MORE ON EURO 2024The letter also insisted neither organisation would accept any form of government meddling.The Supreme Sports Council now have until Friday to give answers to the following questions:
      On what legal and/or factual basis was the Commission appointed?
      Who makes up the Commission and who appointed its members?
      What is the Commission’s exact mandate?
      What power does the Commission have?
      What relationship does the Commission have with the statutory decision-making bodies in the RFEF?
      By Friday, it is understood the council’s response will lead to one of two outcomes.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIf deemed a satisfactory response, Uefa and Fifa will likely refrain from taking action against the Spanish FA.But if it is decided that the Spanish FA has in effect been taken over by the government then they would likely be immediately suspended by both Uefa and Fifa.Huge changes being made to English football schedule next seasonThis would mean being kicked out of this summer’s Euros in Germany, while Spanish clubs would be unable to compete in the Champions League, Europa League, Europa Conference League and Club World Cup next season.They would also be ruled out of hosting the 2030 World Cup – which they are due to stage alongside Portugal and Morocco – with three games also in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.Their hosting of the tournament has not yet been ratified and Fifa bosses are confident Portugal and Morocco are capable of putting the tournament on without Spain.Fifa and Uefa have precedent for responding to political controversies having banned Russian clubs from European competition after the invasion of Ukraine.Russia also missed out on the opportunity to host Euro 2028.In recent years, the football associations of Zimbabwe, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya and Pakistan have also been temporarily suspended due to outside interference.Meanwhile, England are risking their own Euro ban after it was revealed last week MPs are demanding the decision to get rid of FA Cup replays be reversed. More

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      England set for Euro 2024 boost with Southgate expected to have rule change request granted despite rivals’ objections

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      GARETH Southgate is set to be able to pick a 26-man squad for Euro 2024.But Uefa chiefs remain split on changing tournament rules at virtually the last minute.Gareth Southgate has been handed a major boost ahead of the EurosCredit: GettyAnd now a final decision will be made by the ruling executive committee in the next few days.Euro chiefs had planned on reverting to 23 man parties for the tournament which kicks off in Munich in June.But pressure from a number of national team coaches saw the matter put back on the agenda earlier this month.And now Uefa’s national competitions committee has “narrowly” backed the proposal to revert to the extended squads that were allowed at both the delayed Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe extended squads were introduced as a response to the Covid pandemic, with national coaches fearful that an outbreak of the virus could leave them short of numbers for matches.Uefa had decided to return the traditional smaller squads for this summer’s event.But a number of national coaches had urged a rethink, citing the sheer number of injuries sustained by players this season.Opposition to the move has been by Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann and France’s Didier Deschamps.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDespite that, Uefa chiefs agreed a u-turn on the initial ruling although the lack of unanimity means it is not certain to be adopted by the executive committee – who will make the final call in video conference in the next few days.If they agree, it means Southgate and the other Euro 2024 coaches will have more options in their squad selection. England football fans put up in zombie townsWhile Southgate has long been a proponent of smaller squads, he was without skipper Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and other players for last month’s friendlies with Brazil and Belgium.The England boss was not leading the call for larger squads but is understood to feel that it was not a problem if he was allowed to select 26 instead of 23.Southgate will want the confirmation that all 15 players not selected in his starting side will be able to sit on the bench, as happened in Qatar.During Euro 2020, by contrast, three players had to be omitted from the match-day squad.Southgate has been planning to select a larger provisional squad next month before whittling down to 23 on the June 7 deadline.But the change in regulations, if confirmed, may see the England boss instead name a 26 with some standby players, giving everybody more certainty.If the extension is approved , it is likely that the larger squads will now become the norm for Uefa national competitions – although Fifa may revert to 23 for the 2026 World Cup. More

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      Uefa set to make major rule change to Champions League next season but fans might hate it

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      UEFA are set to make a major rule change to the Champions League in order to protect the “integrity” of the competition.The new rule would come into place from next season and continue for future campaigns.The Champions League is set for a rule changeCredit: APThe Champions League is already set to be changed, with the group stages being scrapped for a league system.This will see the number of teams that qualify for the competition jump from 32 to 36.Each team will go into a single league and play eight games each.With the added fixtures, there is a reported change to the scheduling of matches.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans currently enjoy the current system in which there are matches on multiple days of the week.However, the Daily Mail have claimed that could change for the final matchday of the league phase.This is down to “concerns about integrity”, as teams could play for certain results if they know what is required to qualify.It would ensure that no team would gain an advantage with all of them being in one league.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis means that there would be 18 games being played at once, which would be the first time in the competition’s history.As a result, it could be a chaotic matchday with teams jostling for one of the qualifying spots for the round of 16.Football icons’ strange hobbiesThe top eight teams will automatically qualify, while the clubs between ninth and 24th will go into a play-off round for the remaining spots.However, it would impact fans’ ability to watch matches at the time and they will have to pick one to watch.Tuesday night’s Champions League fixtures between Arsenal and Bayern Munich as well as Real Madrid versus Manchester City were played at the same time.Jamie Carragher pleaded for staggered kick-off times in the competition’s knockout fixtures.Both of the matches started at 8pm leaving fans with a tough choice of which one to watch. More

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      Champions League stadium compared to giant AIR FRYER after special request is granted by Uefa

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      SHOCKED fans labelled the Bernabeu Stadium an “air fryer” and a “dehumidifier off Wish” – after a controversial Uefa decision ahead of Real Madrid’s thriller with Manchester City.Football chiefs were accused of “absolutely ruining” the outside of the famous venue by letting Real put up a retractable roof.Here’s why the Bernabeu roof sparked such a heated reactionReal Madrid fans were made to sweat in a dramatic 3-3 draw with Man City but was it also because of the retractable roof?Credit: PAThe huge structure made the Bernabeu appear extremely oppressive from above – with little more than the pitch visible.And although the two teams cooked up a Champions League classic with their 3-3 draw, fans reckon Uefa cocked up with their contentious decision.As viewers turned up the heat on the new roof, one blasted: “Looks like an f***ing air fryer.”Another said: “Absolutely ruined the Bernabeu on the outside.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA third posted: “Haha. I have an air conditioning unit just like it.”And a fourth joked: “It’s just not Real.”But the most painful dig was surely: “When you buy a new dehumidifier off Wish”Federico Valverde rescued a quarter-final first-leg stalemate for Jude Bellingham and co with a sizzling equaliser on 79 minutes.Most read in Champions LeagueAnd despite heavy criticism of the Bernabeu with its new cover, praise flowed in for the action out in the middle.”This game is definitely cooking,” said one fan – with one eye on the Etihad return leg next Wednesday.Haaland slapped by referee during Man City’s clash with Real MadridAnd a few supporters backed the Bernabeu roof revamp.One insisted it looked “top drawer!” More

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      Man Utd could qualify for the Champions League by finishing SIXTH in unlikely quirk due to Uefa rule change

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      MANCHESTER UNITED could qualify for the Champions League even if they finish SIXTH due to a Uefa rule change.Erik ten Hag’s side sit 11 points adrift of fifth-place Aston Villa with just seven games remaining having failed to win any of their last three Premier League matches.Manchester United could yet be cheering on West Ham in the Europa LeagueCredit: AlamyEngland are poised to receive an additional Champions League place as one of two countries with the best Uefa co-efficient – alongside Italy – in a rule change that has come about ahead of the competition’s expansion.This means fifth place is set to qualify for Europe’s elite competition, but this will likely benefit Tottenham or Villa rather than Man Utd.However, there is still a slim chance the Red Devils could qualify for the Champions League even if they do not finish in the top five.That is if West Ham clinch fifth spot AND win the Europa League.READ MORE ON MAN UTDDavid Moyes’ side face Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen in the quarter-finals, while they sit 12 points behind Villa in the Premier League.A West Ham Europa League triumph would free up another Champions League spot for an English club as the additional place only applies to a team’s domestic league finish.It does not account for the Champions League or Europa League winners.Theoretically, this means a seventh place finish in the Premier League could land Champions League football if both the winners of the Champions League and Europa League are English clubs that finish outside of the top four in the Premier League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis will not be the case this season as Manchester City and Arsenal – England’s two representatives left in the Champions League – are all but guaranteed a top four spot.But sixth place could secure Champions League football dependent upon how West Ham end their season.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?In addition to West Ham finishing fifth and winning the Europa League, Man Utd would also need to leapfrog Villa or Tottenham into sixth if they were to seal Champions League qualification.All this remains highly unlikely, but it is still possible as we head into the business end of the campaign.There is also potential for as many as 11 English teams to qualify for Europe, though this would require a clean sweep from Premier League teams in the three European competitions, along with a major shake-up in the Premier League table. More

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      England fans at Euros told by Uefa to book hotels on street with zombie drug addicts in ‘Germany’s biggest slum’

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      CLUELESS football bosses are advising England fans at the Euros in Germany to stay in an area plagued by violent drug addicts dubbed “zombies”.Uefa have earmarked hotels in Frankfurt’s railway station area, or Bahnhofsviertel, as the base for tens of thousands of Three Lions supporters.England fans have been urged to stay in areas of Frankfurt plagued by ‘zombie’ addictsCredit: Dan CharityAddicts make no attempt to disguise their drug use on the streetCredit: Dan CharityThe area has been branded ‘the most dangerous slum in Germany’Credit: Dan CharityThe area is so bad that road sweepers are given police protectionCredit: Dan CharityBut it has been branded “the most dangerous slum in Germany” — with its streets packed with 5,000 shuffling junkies and 300 dealers.Heroin and cocaine had been the traditional drugs of choice, but crystal meth and a new crack cocaine mixture has hit the streets.A drug aid worker said: “It’s mixed together differently. It makes them angrier.”Günter Tauber, former head of the command and situation service of the city police, said: “Aggression is increasing sharply. This new mixture causes users to lose control and they become more aggressive than ever.”READ MORE ON EUROSThe area is so bad that road sweepers are given police protection, two schools have begged for a dedicated security force and US firms have told employees to take taxis even for short trips.Peter Postleb, adviser to the mayor when Frankfurt was a World Cup city in 2006, said pimps and dealers were indiscriminate and would attack even in broad daylight next to packed cafes.The security consultant told The Sun: “I don’t think it’s OK of Uefa to make a recommendation for fans to stay in this area.“Passers-by walking through the Bahnhofsviertel have been robbed and threatened.Most read in Euro 2024“Crack users who take it for a long time, they all have some kind of damage in their psyche and are very aggressive.He added: “Situations can quickly escalate. As a passer-by, you ­unfortunately quickly come into conflict with the scene, which has become very aggressive. You are harassed and pushed.”UEFA Euro 2024: The glamorous life of WAGsMr Postleb said the area went downhill during the pandemic when businesses and bars closed, allowing more space for junkies and dealers to move in.He added: “Police are very aware of the problem. They have been carrying out raids recently, big raids, and the whole of Bahnhofsviertel has been cordoned off.“I have no doubt they will step it up before the tournament.”But they face a race against time — with Harry Kane and his teammates facing Denmark in a crucial group tie on June 20.Uefa advice tells fans: “You’ll discover a variety of accommodation in close proximity to the Central Station or throughout the entire Bahnhofsviertel area.The streets are packed with 5,000 shuffling junkies and 300 dealersCredit: Dan CharityThe area went downhill during the pandemic when businesses and bars closedCredit: Dan Charity“From here, you can easily and conveniently access other key transportation hubs within the city.“This makes Bahnhofsviertel an especially appealing choice if you’re considering trips to explore the city or its surroundings.”DAYTIME GUN FIGHTYet half of all the crimes in Frankfurt are committed on just three streets in the area, with four violent attacks every day.One video shows a man being shot during a daytime gun fight. In another, a pedestrian is knocked out with a single punch, then robbed of his wallet and possessions while he is sprawled on the ground.James Monks, organiser of the England Supporters Club’s West Midlands branch, has followed the official advice and booked a room in the area.The Wolves fan, 31, fumed: “It seems an odd decision from Uefa to recommend fans stay in such a dangerous area. I do wonder if Uefa executives will base themselves in Bahnhofsviertel!“Hopefully the authorities will clean up the area in time but it doesn’t sound good.“I just hope the thousands of England fans travelling to Germany remain safe.”It seems an odd decision from Uefa to recommend fans stay in such a dangerous area.Newcastle United fan David Airey, 39, a member of the England Supporters Travel Club, said: “Uefa must rectify their guidance immediately. As someone travelling to the Euros with my young son, it is worrying that Uefa are offering guidance without fully doing their research first.“Their naivety in this situation could put unsuspecting fans and families in danger. The first they realise there may be problems could be when they arrive.“By this time, it will almost certainly be too late to book somewhere else that is either available or not extortionately priced.”Politicians have described the area as “the open wound of Frankfurt”.Half of all the crimes in Frankfurt are committed on just three streets in the areaCredit: Dan CharityHeroin and cocaine had been the traditional drugs of choiceCredit: Dan CharityCornelia Bensinger, from the Pro Altstadt association, said: “The gateway to the city looks like ­Harlem in the 1970s.”A spokesman for the city said they would need until the end of the week to respond.But Frankfurt Chief Supt Björn Thies insisted: “The Frankfurt police are on duty around the clock in the Frankfurt railway station area with numerous police officers from various departments, both in uniform and in civilian clothes.“In addition to the daily presence, large-scale checks are carried out at regular intervals.”READ MORE SUN STORIESUefa said: “Accommodation options indicated on the event guide are aligned with the host ­cities and reflect the offers provided on all major accommodation booking platforms.“For any updates and further information, we also refer fans who plan to travel to Germany to the respective tourism pages of the respective cities or regions.”Uefa earmarked hotels in Frankfurt’s railway station area as the base for tens of thousands of Three Lions supportersCredit: GettyHarry Kane and his teammates face Denmark in a crucial group tie on June 20Credit: Getty More