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

    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’

    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

    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

    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

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

    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

    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

    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

    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