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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

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      England stars given huge Euro 2024 boost as Uefa consider rule change after Southgate plea

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      ENGLAND’S fringe players have been handed a huge boost ahead of this summer’s Euro 2024 competition.The Three Lions could have their squad size increased from 23 to 26 for the tournament.Gareth Southgate may have more options to choose from this summerCredit: GettyUefa are considering increasing the squad size for Euro 2024 from 23 to 26Credit: AlamyIt was expected that this summer’s Euros in Germany would see international sides reverting to the usual 23-man squad that is used for international competitions after 26-man squads were used at the last two major tournaments.The squad size was increased to 26 during Euro 2020 following concerns around the Covid-19 pandemic’s impact on the busy schedule.While the 2022 World Cup also adopted the increased squad sizes in Qatar.The expectation was that the 23-man squad would return this summer, but Uefa have now explained they will consider changing the rules once again for Euro 2024.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSA spokesperson for Uefa said: “A workshop with the participating teams will be held on April 8 and on that occasion Uefa will listen to the views of the coaches.”Any idea in this respect will then be considered and assessed.”A number of high-profile coaches have called for larger squads to be used in Germany including England boss Gareth Southgate, who hinted he would like the option to pick from 26 players.Southgate already called up 25 stars to represent the Three Lions for the latest International break and has pointed towards the number of drop-outs and injuries that occurred over the past two weeks as a reason for bigger squads.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSpeaking after England’s 2-2 draw with Belgium, he said: “There is one more Uefa meeting where there’s been a little bit of talk amongst some of the coaches about possibly increasing that [squad size from 23 to 26].”And when probed on if he would like to see the 26-man squads, he added: “Well, given where we are now!Ian Wright slams Gareth Southgate over England decision that ‘doesn’t make sense’ after Brazil and Belgium clashes“We’ve got to make the best decisions [regarding selection] with what we know and some of those currently are going to be medical decisions.“We’ve been able to get those right in the previous tournaments. We’ve been able to give people time [to recover], but with 23 that’s definitely more difficult.”Southgate had a number of his top players withdraw from the national side for the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka were forced to return to their clubs without playing a game, while Kyle Walker, John Stones and Harry Maguire all picked up injuries during the two clashes.News of an extended squad will mean players who are jostling for a place on the plane this summer may be buoyed by a higher chance of representing the nation in Germany.The likes of Anthony Gordon, Jarrod Bowen, Marcus Rashford, Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney are just a few of the names that are battling amongst each other to impress Southgate before the final squad is announced.Southgate is set to name his provisional squad for Euro 2024 on May 21 and has to then confirm his final selection before midnight on June 7.England’s finge players will be buoyed by the potential changeCredit: GettyA 26-man squad could make room for another strikerCredit: AFP More

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      Gareth Southgate wants Uefa to make major Euro 2024 rule change after suffering England injury blow

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE could be allowed to select an extra THREE players at Euro2024.The England boss has revealed that the squads for Germany could be increased to 26 stars from the planned 23.Gareth Southgate is desperate for Uefa to increase the Euro 2024 squad size to 26Credit: GettyAll 24 national bosses competing at Euro2024 will be at a Uefa workshop in Dusseldorf on April 8 and 9.Top of the agenda is the potential increase in squads due to the huge number of players suffering injuries across Europe.Southgate lost Harry Maguire, John Stones, Kyle Walker and Sam Johnstone to injuries during the international window which saw England suffer a 1-0 defeat to Brazil and then draw 2-2 with Belgium.A bigger squad could be a huge boost for the likes of Anthony Gordon, Ollie Watkins and James Maddison who are all on the fringes while teenage sensation Kobbie Mainoo looks certain to make the squad.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSSouthgate said: “There is one more Uefa meeting where there’s been a little bit of talk amongst some of the coaches about possibly increasing the number.”Asked if he would favour a 26-man squad, Southgate smiled and said: “Well, given where we are now. .. “We’ve got to make the best decisions with what we know and some of those currently are going to be medical decisions. “And we’ve been able to get those right in the previous tournaments. We’ve been able to give people time, but with 23 that’s definitely more difficult.”Most read in FootballNormally, major tournaments feature 23 players but due to Covid, Euro2020 and the World Cup in 2022 featured squads of 26 although Uefa decided to reduce the number for this summer’s tournament.However, even if all the managers wanted to increase the squads, they would still have to persuade Uefa to deliver the u-turn.How Jude Bellingham is key to England winning Euro 2024Southgate, who has previously claimed he preferred squads of 23 for major finals, is set to name a ‘training’ squad of up to 30 players on May 21.Although players will be given a one-week break after the Premier League season ends on May 19, some stars will be involved in European finals. The Champions League final at Wembley is on June 1.England face Bosnia and Herzegovina at Newcastle on June 3 and then play Iceland in the final warm-up game at Wembley on June 7.On June 8, the FA must confirm the official squad and the first Euro clash against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen is on June 16. More