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      How Arsenal and West Ham can guarantee England an extra Champions League place thanks to Uefa rule change

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      ARSENAL and West Ham can almost guarantee an extra Champions League place for English clubs in 2024-25 by evicting German teams from Europe.If Gabriel and his Gunners pals KO Bayern Munich and the Hammers win their Europa League tie with Leverkusen, then England take an unbridgeable lead over Germany in the race to finish in Uefa’s top two performing nations.Arsenal and Declan Rice could almost guarantee England a fifth Champions League spotCredit: GettyA West Ham win over Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League would be crucialCredit: RexAnd that would earn an extra spot for the Prem in the Champions League next term.Uefa’s big change to the “coefficient” system for the revamped and extended competition gives Prem clubs a huge advantage.Even Newcastle and Manchester United’s poor campaigns this season would have benefited England’s ranking more.While coefficient points are gained by wins and draws — with a country’s total accumulated points divided by the number of teams it has in Europe — there are also bonus points for progressing through the competitions.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUnder the new regulations, each of the 36 teams in the top tier will earn a minimum six points.CASHING INJUST getting into the Champions League will mean even MORE next term.While Uefa has reformed its cash distribution method, performances in Europe over the last five AND ten years are still taken into account.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSManchester City will bank £53million from Uefa. Almost certain of top-three finishes, Liverpool are set to earn £51.5m and Arsenal £44.6m.Most read in FootballAston Villa will not fare so well but still grab around £28m, compared to Spurs’ likely £39.4m, with both keen for England to get a fifth spot.Thomas Muller hilariously calls out Kai Havertz as Arsenal draw Bayern Munich in Champions League But Champions League riches are highlighted by Manchester United’s drop from £48m for the elite competition to just £12.85m in the Europa League.PLAY-OFF CONTROVERSYJUDE BELLINGHAM denied Belgium a first away win over England on Tuesday — but there was no chance of a stoppage-time goal in the game that has shocked their country.Fans of Ghent cried “fix” after Genk and Westerlo played out a non- aggression pact in the final minutes of the 1-1 draw on March 17.Despite having an extra man, Westerlo simply let the home team pass the ball around in their own half, with one visiting player actually doing fitness exercises in the centre circle while the game was going on.The result saw Genk get into the end of season play-offs for European slots ahead of Ghent.While Westerlo avoided the relegation play-offs.Belgian FA chiefs slammed a “sham of fairness” and have now issued fines on all 21 players on the pitch and bans for the two captains and both coaches.England fans can still buy hospitality packages for Euro 2024Credit: Getty Images – GettyEURO TRIPENGLAND fans with a few bob to spare can still get their hands on Euro 2024 tickets.Their three group games in Germany are sold out — except for Uefa hospitality packages.They start from £1,070 per match, with some higher-priced deals featuring meals planned by Michelin-starred chefs.Of 110million applications for the tournament’s 2m available tickets, 90m were binned as they came from online bots on behalf of touts.GAME, SET, MATCHWIMBLEDON tennis chiefs have asked SW19 punters if they should change their finals weekend match line-up.READ MORE SUN STORIESVisitors who logged on to the event’s wi-fi last year were emailed a link to a survey about the “scheduling of matches across the finals weekend”.The mixed doubles final was traditionally the  last match but has been  brought forward to be played on the second Thursday in recent years. More

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      Man Utd could be BARRED from Europe next season as Uefa refuse to change club ownership rules after Ratcliffe takeover

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      MANCHESTER UNITED face being BARRED from Europe next season after Uefa stuck to their ban on clubs under the same ownership competing against each other.Uefa have finally published their new regulations about ‘multi-club ownership’ issues.Manchester United could be barred from Europe as a result of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s takeoverCredit: GettyThe Red Devils could face a season without any European competitionCredit: APWhile clubs under the same ownership umbrella CAN play in Europe if they are in different competitions, the ban on clubs taking part in the SAME one remains in place.And that is where Nice’s recent slump in France’s Ligue 1 could end up preventing United from playing in ANY competition next season.Nice are fully owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group, while the petrochemicals billionaire confirmed he would be “delegated responsibility for the management of United’s football operations” as part of his minority buy-out of shares from the Glazers.Only last month, Ratcliffe claimed he had been told by Uefa there were “no circumstances” in which his ownership of Nice would prevent Man Utd from playing in Europe.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut Uefa have now confirmed there IS a blanket ban on clubs under the same ownership taking part in the same competition despite a revision of its rulebook.Asked to confirm the situation, a Uefa insider told SunSport: “It is correct that Manchester United and Nice cannot play in the same competition.“They could play in different competitions, as there is no ‘feeding’ between competitions any more.”Sixth-placed United appear destined for a Europa League place next season, even if English clubs earn an extra Champions League spot through their performances in Europe this season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNice have dropped out of the Champions League qualification places which could present a problem for Man UtdCredit: AlamyBut Nice’s shocking form in 2024 could massively complicate that.They seemed certain of a Champions League spot at the end of January before a horror run of just one win in seven which has dropped them to fifth.Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s amazing lifestyleIf United and Nice finished in their current positions, both clubs would qualify for the Europa League.However, according to the rules, Nice would take precedence as the club “ranked highest in the domestic championship”.That would change if United won the FA Cup, which would give them precedence and send Nice to the Conference League instead.Similarly, should United and Nice both qualify for the Champions League, whoever finish higher in their domestic competition would get the spot, with the other dropping in the Europa.That’s unless Nice finish fourth, which is only good enough for a Champions League play-off, in which United would get the spot.Inside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United…
      If both clubs finish in the same position domestically, and qualify for the same competition, then United would get precedence because of England’s position at the top of Uefa’s five-year “access list”.But, depending on the winners of each country’s domestic cup, there remains a scenario in which United and Nice each qualify for the Conference League but the French side take the spot due to a higher league position – leaving United with nothing.READ MORE SUN STORIESUefa are scrapping the traditional group stage of the three competitions from next season, replacing it with three single leagues, with clubs eliminated from any of them out of Europe altogether.It is understood that any issues if both Manchester City and Girona – currently third in LaLiga – qualify for the Champions League would be ended if the Catalan club lost its representation on the City Football Club board.Ratcliffe could propose a new venue on the land next to the current ground More

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      Fans fume at Champions League scheduling that ‘should be illegal’ as Arsenal vs Bayern Munich has huge fixture clash

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      FOOTY FANS labelled the Champions League quarter-final schedule an “absolute scandal” with Arsenal and Manchester City on at the same time.The Gunners edged past Porto on penalties after a 1-1 aggregate score as David Raya proved to be the shootout hero.Arsenal play Bayern at the same time City face Real MadridCredit: GettyFans are angry over the schedulingCredit: AFPThat secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in 14 years but supporters were raging when a Chelsea legend picked them out against Bayern Munich.Meanwhile, holders City sailed into the last-eight by defeating Copenhagen 6-2 on aggregate.And, for the third successive year, they will meet Real Madrid in the knockout stages.Arsenal host Bayern at Emirates Stadium, with no away fans allowed, in the first leg while City head to Spain.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNow Uefa have confirmed the date and timings for their full quarter-final line-up – and it has left English armchair fans fuming.Arsenal and City’s first legs will both take place at 8pm on Tuesday 9 April.And the crucial return matches will be on Wednesday 17 April.One fan reacted to the news by posting: “Who the hell organise these schedules man.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnother added: “This should be illegal.”A third wrote: “How can these two games be at the same time.”Will Pugh and Rob Maul discuss Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool’s chances in the Premier League title raceA fourth asked: “Which genius decided to put Bayern-Arsenal and City-Madrid at same time???”While more blasted: “Absolute scandal… on the same night.”It turns out Uefa had no choice but to make them play on the same night as they are on the same side of the draw.The two winners meet in the semi-final.Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta’s sides will both be in action at the same timeCredit: Getty More

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      Champions League knockout stages set to change forever thanks to Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal

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      FOOTBALL bosses have focused on the rivalry between Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal over the planning for next season’s new-look Champions League.The single-league format features 36 clubs, with the top eight then gaining direct entry to the last-16 stage.Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s rivalry has inspired the new-look Uefa knockout formatCredit: GettyThe new-look Champions League begins next seasonCredit: AFPSides that place from ninth to 24th will have play-offs — with the eight winners also going through to the first knockout stage.In planning meetings over the last few years, Uefa chiefs spoke at length about the tennis finals between Nadal and Federer.They discussed how they were kept apart by seeding until the end, of course, Novak Djokovic was also there.So, the teams who finish first and second in the new-style league after eight games will be seeded and not be able to play each other until the final.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd that means for the last-16, there will be a structured route to the final — similar to tennis tournaments — to plot potential clashes.As a result, there will be no quarter-final or semi-final draws as the route will already be planned.And it is also good that there will be no teams in next season’s Champions League dropping into the Europa League, as this silly bonus for failing clubs has been scrapped.Meanwhile, Uefa deputy general secretary Giorgio Marchetti has revealed a fully manual draw is no longer possible in the new format as it could take four hours to complete and 900 balls would be needed.Most read in Champions LeagueCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Therefore, a “hybrid” draw will be used that incorporates manually pulling teams out the hat and automated elements to speed up the process.Uefa insist any sections that are computerised will be independently monitored to ensure draws are not rigged.’Very good, I like that’ says Europa League draw host after Man Utd icon John O’Shea’s cheeky joke live on TVThe exact system that will be used has not yet been revealed. More

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      Champions League draw set for major overhaul after chiefs realise it would take FOUR HOURS and 900 balls to complete

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      THE Champions League draw is set for a new look after chiefs realised it could take four hours to complete using the current method.Uefa draws are currently done manually with pots used to separate teams.Uefa draws are set for a revamp ahead of the new look competitionsCredit: AFPBut the Champions, Europa and Conference Leagues will see their formats revamped ahead of next season.The 32-team group stage will go in favour of a 36-team mega league.Sides will play eight different opponents before going into the knockout rounds. Each club will be seeded in one of four pots and they must play two opponents from each pot.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLUefa deputy general secretary Giorgio Marchetti has revealed a fully manual draw is no longer possible in the new format as it could take three to four hours to complete and 900 balls would be needed.Therefore, a “hybrid” draw will be used that incorporates manually pulling teams out the hat and automated elements to speed up the process.Uefa insist any sections that are computerised will be independently monitored to ensure draws are not rigged.The exact system that will be used has not yet been revealed.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL In the new look European competitions, the top eight teams in the 36-team league phase quality for the Last 16.They will also be seeded from one to eight in the knockout rounds in a tennis-style draw.Europa Conference League blunder as ex-Turkey keeper Demirel can’t open draw ball before being shown up by host And those that finished between 9th and 24th go into a play-off round to determine who progresses, with clubs placed 9th to 16th seeded so they can’t face each other.The bottom 12 sides are eliminated and there will be no dropping down competitions.From the Last 16 onwards, the current format of home and away legs will remain in place. More

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      ‘Super league by another name’ fume fans as Uefa confirm new Champions League format that is ‘ruining’ football

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      UEFA’S new Champions League format has been slammed by fans for “ruining” football.European football’s governing body have confirmed the new layout for the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.Fans have slammed Uefa’s new Champions League formatCredit: GettyThe changes are set to come into effect from the start of next season.Uefa’s Premier competition will be extended to 36 teams from 32 for the 2024-25 season.However, fans are unconvinced by the changes and have even compared the new format to the failed European Super League.One angry supporter wrote on X: “Super league by another name.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnother added: “They’re ruining the beautiful game.”A third fan also commented: “So it’s the Super League in disguise.”Meanwhile, one more said: “Basically the Super League.”The new system will see 36 teams playing in the main part of all three competitions.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSInstead of eight groups of four clubs in the initial phase, there will be a new “league” format.Supercomputer reveals Arsenal’s chances of winning Champions League after toothless Porto loss without a shot on targetEach club will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.The format will be mirrored across all three competitions, except for six matches instead of eight in the Conference League.The top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The Europa League and Conference League will each have a week when matches can be played across Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday as the standalone competition being played.Uefa’s new format is set to come into effect ahead of next season’s Champions LeagueCredit: APThe 2024/25 Champions League will also see the first implication of two additional qualifying spots.These are to be awarded to the nations that are top of the “country coefficient” chart each season.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat is a table based on the results of a nation’s teams in all three European competitions.The total points earned by every nation’s clubs – with bonus points for reaching certain stages plus match-related points – are divided by the number of sides in European competitions. More

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      Legia Warsaw unveil X-rated tifo after Uefa shut down ultras section of stadium as shocked fans say ‘take a bow, lads’

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      LEGIA WARSAW fans unveiled an X-rated tifo ahead of their Europa Conference League clash with Molde.The Polish side have had plenty of run-ins with Uefa this season.
      Legia Warsaw’s Zyleta stand usually populated by ultras featured a message to Uefa
      Legia advanced from a group that also included Premier League outfit Aston Villa.
      During the group phase, Dutch police claimed that Legia fans attacked cops ahead of a clash with AZ Alkmaar, even knocking one unconscious.
      The following month, 30 supporters were arrested after trouble with police ahead of Legia’s 2-1 defeat at Villa Park.
      Following the incident against AZ Alkmaar, Legia were fined by Uefa.
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      European football’s governing body also banned supporters over the age of 14 from sitting in their Zyleta end, the stand frequented by the club’s ultras, for tonight’s clash with Molde.
      Ahead of the game, a banner could be seen reading “This time you won, Uefa” across the Zyleta stand.
      But as kick-off fast approached, a huge tifo was revealed in the main stand, featuring an X-rated message.
      Amid a green, white and red background depicting the club’s colours, a Lego man could be seen wearing sunglasses.
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      Beneath the Lego man was the message: “Surprise, Motherf***ers!”
      Legia fans have already been banned from the club’s next five European away games.
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      And the club could find themselves in further hot water for their fans’ latest tifo.
      Legia won’t have any more European games this season regardless, having been knocked out by Molde.
      The Ekstraklasa side went into tonight’s second leg trailing the Norwegians 3-2 from last week’s first match.
      They were eliminated without much of a fight, with Fredrik Gulbrandsen giving the visitors the lead inside the first two minutes.
      Eirik Hestad made it 2-0 on the night on 20 minutes, before Gulbrandsen added his second in the 67th to round off Molde’s 6-2 aggregate win.
      Legia’s main stand unveiled a huge X-rated dig at Uefa ahead of kick-off
      The message was revealed as players lined up ahead of the gameCredit: Reuters
      Deflated Legia players clap their fans after their defeatCredit: Reuters More

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      Why Man Utd and Tottenham fans need to cheer on Arsenal in crunch Champions League clash with Porto

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      MANCHESTER United and Spurs fans will find themselves in a horrible position on Wednesday evening – wanting ARSENAL to WIN.Uefa’s expansion of the Champions League next season means there will be an extra automatic place from the domestic leagues of the two best-performing countries across the three European competitions.
      Man Utd and Tottenham fans should be hoping Arsenal continue to win in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
      The Gunners face Porto in the last 16 on Wednesday nightCredit: PA
      England stood in third, narrowly behind second-placed Germany, at the end of the group phase in December.
      But because all six survivors – after Manchester United and Newcastle bit the dust by finishing bottom – won their groups, only Manchester City and Arsenal are in action across the first fortnight of the knock-out rounds.
      Uefa’s coefficient ranking sees all the match and bonus points acquired by a country’s clubs divided by the number of teams involved at the start of the season – with England and Spain both having the maximum possible eight.
      It meant that City’s win over Copenhagen and a potential Arsenal win at Porto can earn England a maximum 0.5 ranking points.
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      By contrast, Germany with five teams in action, could have earned 2.142pts, France (five clubs) 3.167pts, Spain (six clubs) 1.5pts and Italy (five teams) 2.286pts.
      Big hauls by the rival nations could have dropped England out of the top four.
      Instead, only Italy managed two wins, with victories for Lazio and Milan and a draw for Roma cashed in last week.
      Both of Germany’s Champions League sides lost and Frankfurt and Freiburg were held to draws in the other competitions.
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      Real Madrid’s win in Leipzig was Spain’s only victory – as Sociedad lost at PSG and Betis were upset by Zagreb, while only PSG won out of France’s quintet of clubs in action.
      The Prem will then have all six remaining sides in action over two weeks next month, with City already virtually home and hosed and Liverpool, Brighton, West Ham and Villa confident of progression.
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      A full house of Prem club wins would be worth a total of 2.75 ranking points including bonuses, likely to move England back to the summit of the table.
      It means the true state of the race for the extra spots will become far clearer by March 14.
      But in the meantime, the further Arsenal go, the better it is for Spurs and United.
      Man City’s win over Copenhagen is also helping the English teamsCredit: Getty More