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      Man Utd learn Europa League fate as Uefa make decision after club faced relegation to Conference League

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will be allowed into next season’s Europa League as Uefa prepare to make an announcement on multi-club ownership rules.The Red Devils secured Europa League football after beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final.Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s clubs Manchester United and Nice are both set to compete in next season’s Europa LeagueCredit: PABut they faced fears of being relegated to the Europa Conference League due to new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, 71, controlling Ligue 1 side Nice – who have also secured Europa League football.But now, according to The Times, Uefa will permit both of Ratcliffe’s clubs to participate in the competition for the 2024/25 campaign.Uefa’s Club Financial Control Board is expected to issue a ruling on Monday regarding multi-club ownership that will allow the teams to play in the same European tournament.This will be subject to certain conditions including Nice being operated by a “blind trust”, a panel approved by Uefa.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe same procedure will enable City Football Group clubs Man City and Girona to compete in the Champions League.The “blind trust” model was used this season to allow Red Bird Capital-owned clubs AC Milan and Toulouse to play in the Europa League.Girona’s links to the City Football Group have been scrutinised after three of their key players were loaned or sold via the ownership’s influence.Uefa’s alteration to their rules will act as a “temporary alternative… granted on an exceptional basis for the 2024-25 Uefa competitions”.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe report states the rules could change and that “not as much leeway” will be given in future seasons.Ratcliffe’s Ineos own 27.7 per cent of Man Utd, while the Glazer family still hold a controlling stake in the club.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?British billionaire Ratcliffe also owns Swiss side Lausanne-Sport, but they failed to qualify for European football this season after finishing 10th in their country’s 12-team top flight. More

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      What is the official song of Euro 2024?

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      UEFA have revealed their official song for Euro 2024 – ‘FIRE’.The track, which features Grammy nominated group OneRepublic, house producers MEDUZA and pop star Leony, is already a hit online.MEDUZA, OneRepublic and Leony follow in the footsteps of Enrique Iglesias and David Guetta, among others, as the official UEFA #EURO2024 song is released 🎶A look back at previous official EURO songs 👇— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) May 10, 2024

      With less than a month until the tournament gets underway in Munich, Germany on June 14, the track is already living up to its name.The anthem was written by American pop rock band OneRepublic, and produced by Italian trio MEDUZA.The official song merges the Italian group’s anthemic house set-up with the German singer-songwriter Leony’s pop expertise into one three-minute track.’FIRE’ embodies the fervour and spirit of football and music fans alike.READ MORE EURO NEWSUefa stated that the song looks to promote the vibrancy of football, while at the same time, aiming to become a staple anthem by appealing to music enthusiasts. Uefa EURO 2024 tournament director Philipp Lahm said: “Football and music both have the power to unite people.””When I think of EURO ’96, I have ‘Football’s Coming Home’ in my head.”At UEFA EURO 2024, we want to celebrate Europe’s diversity and strengthen the feeling of togetherness. Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Good sport and beautiful music should carry us through the summer – with the song ‘FIRE’.”After Ryan Tedder wrote the music and invited MEDUZA and Leony to join him, the unlikely combo spent three months working on the project.’Please don’t play that at matches next season’, beg Luton fans after Coldplay reveal new song for Hatters at festivalTedder said: “We wrote it for football and music fans everywhere, hoping it will inspire and unite us as we count down to the Euros. “The #LightYourFire campaign is an invitation to fans worldwide to join us on this journey.”Supporters will have the chance to see the anthem performed live by the three artists during the closing ceremony, which takes place ahead of the final at Olympiastadion Berlin on Sunday 14 July. More

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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