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      Rishi Sunak delays announcing football shake-up after bombshell leak to The Sun

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      RISHI Sunak has delayed announcing his footie shake-up after we blew the lid on the plans last week.The PM was due to unveil the overhaul this week but has now kicked it back a fortnight following the bombshell leak to the Sun.
      Rishi Sunak has delayed announcing his footie shake-up after we blew the lid on the plansCredit: Alamy
      Our report revealed plans for a new regulator to block takeovers from dodgy owners while giving fans a greater say in the running of clubs.
      Teams would also be banned from joining breakaway competitions like the European Super League.
      And Premier League clubs would be forced to give more money to struggling lower league sides.
      Insiders admitted the delay was to let the dust settle after the leak so the PM can announce the Football White Paper with fanfare.
      Read More on Rishi Sunak
      But Shadow Culture Secretary Lucy Powell said: “We urgently need proper football regulation.
      “Bury has already collapsed.
      “Many other clubs have been pushed to the brink.”
      Downing Street said it’s “not uncommon for timings to move on certain policies”.
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      Biggest shake up to football ownership in years leaked – what it means for your club

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      DODGY owners will be blocked from getting hold of our footie teams under a huge clean-up.A leaked Government paper seen by The Sun will mean multi-millionaires who cannot prove the source of their wealth won’t be able to complete takeovers.
      The new charter will see dodgy owners blocked from getting hold of our footie teams under a huge clean-up
      Chelsea fans helped sink European Superleague plans in 2021 and the new rules will help stop such schemes in the futureCredit: Getty
      New rules would also see the likes of sanctioned Russian Roman Abramovic kept out of the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      It would mean the likes of sanctioned Russian Roman Abramovich would be kept out of the Premier League.
      Fans will get a say in running clubs and stop bosses radically changing logos and kits.
      Clubs will fund a regulator which will have powers to ban them from breakaway leagues.
      The major shake-up will also:

      BAN greedy clubs from joining a breakaway competition like the European Super League — which triggered huge protests by fans in 2021; 
      TAX teams an annual fee to fund the regulator and expose them to breach sanctions;
      LET the regulator raid money from the Premier League to help prop up lower leagues.

      The charter plans to tackle murky moneymen and stop them from getting their hands on our clubs — to defend teams against financial and cultural ruin.
      A new regulator will enforce four tough terms clubs must meet to gain a legal licence.
      Teams must only take part in tournaments that have been approved by the regulator — meaning a ban on “breakaway” competitions such as the proposed European Super League. 
      Most read in Football
      Wannabe proprietors will face robust checks on their “source of wealth”.
      It means multi-millionaires who cannot prove they amassed their fortune legitimately will not be allowed to complete takeovers.
      The legal regulator will ensure only “fit and proper custodians” are allowed to own clubs.
      This seemingly rules out oligarchs eyeing Premier League sides and grifters who have previously put smaller teams at risk. 
      Culture Secretary Michelle Donelan wants the regulator in place for the 2024/5 season and will formally unveil legislation imminently.

      Under the proposals — expected to be signed off by Cabinet shortly — all clubs in the top five flights of English football would need to gain a fresh licence to play from the regulator.
      They would be charged a yearly levy — with richer clubs paying more and small sides less.

      But getting the permit depends on meeting tough criteria, including a rigorous vetting of prospective owners and directors.
      The regulator would carry out due diligence checks so undesirable investors are prevented from staging a takeover.
      Last year, Chelsea faced collapse when Abramovich was sanctioned for his links to the Kremlin after Russian leader Vladimir Putin sent his troops to invade Ukraine. 
      The club was banned from making a profit and only allowed to run a severely limited amount of activities so that it could carry on playing. Smaller sides like Bury FC have suffered too. They were booted out of their league altogether after owner Steve Dale failed to show proof of funds and a takeover bid imploded.
       More than 60 sides have gone bust since the Premier League was founded in 1992.
      The reforms could set ministers on a collision course with clubs resistant to more regulation.
      The regulator would require clubs to have deep enough pockets to stop themselves going bust — and establish a new code of conduct ensuring financial stability. Ministers hope the regulator will significantly reduce the prospect of clubs going bankrupt.
       But Ms Donelan is clear that it would not guarantee that no club will fold.
       In such a “worst case scenario”, the regulator will prioritise preserving its cultural heritage.
      The Sun can further reveal that the regulator will have Robin Hood-style powers to take money from the mega-rich Premier League to distribute funds across lower leagues. EFL clubs earn a fraction of the cash clawed by the top-flight competition.
       In 2019 Huddersfield, who finished bottom in the Premier League and were relegated, received £97million in funds — dwarfing the £8.5million awarded to promoted Championship winners Norwich.
      Struggling sides in lower leagues will also get a cash boost so they do not have to rely on Hollywood A-listers — like Wrexham-backer Ryan Reynolds — to stump up much-needed funds. While the Government wants to see a “football-led resolution” by the Football Association, it plans to hand the regulator powers of last resort to distribute money if no agreement is reached. 
      As part of the overhaul, supporters will also be given rights in the running of their club to prevent new management from destroying its roots, like changing the logo or kit colours.
      Minimum standards will be enforced so that supporters are consulted on all key legacy decisions surrounding their club.
       However, despite the widespread powers, the regulator will not be able to stop soaring ticket prices or interfere with fixtures or the rules of the sport.
      Plans for the controversial European Super League infuriated fansCredit: Reuters
      Fans will get more say in how clubs are run under the new plansCredit: PA
      Rishi Sunak vowed to press ahead with the watchdog plans when he became PMCredit: Getty
      The Football White Paper, expected to be published as early as next week, follows a Government-commissioned report into the game in November 2021. 
      Tory MP Tracey Crouch made the case for an independent regulator in her fan-led review, which was accepted by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
      It was thrown into doubt last year when Liz Truss briefly entered No10 — with speculation that she deemed it too meddling. 
      But Rishi Sunak later vowed to press ahead with the watchdog plans when he became PM.
      Mr Sunak has said he is a “massive football fan” and supports Premier League club Southampton FC. He was born in the port city.
      However, ministers will say some of the suggestions in the review fall outside the scope of the regulator. Some fans hoping for a pint at a match will be disappointed as ministers have not settled on whether to allow alcohol in lower leagues.
      Read More on The Sun
      The Government is expected to kick the issue into the long grass, — acknowledging the case for alcohol pilots but saying it remains complex and should be consulted upon further.
      A separate review into women’s football is due this year. 
      NEW LEAGUE BARGREEDY clubs will be forbidden from joining breakaway tournaments like the doomed European Super League.
      One of the four iron-clad rules of the new regulator will limit teams to approved competitions, with other moves subject to the approval of fans and the FA.
      Ministers hope this protective lock will prevent a repeat of the 2021 storm that saw six English clubs join an exclusive European league drawn up by Real Madrid’s president Florentino Perez.
      They quickly bailed following uproar from fans and rival clubs. More

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      Football clubs will go BUST unless they get protection from dodgy owners and cash for grassroots teams, MPs warned

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      FOOTBALL clubs across the north are at risk of going out of business unless Ministers bring in reforms proposed by the government’s fan-led review.A new independent regulator with powers to ensure financial security across the game and more support for the grassroots is essential, a report says.
      Bury haven’t kicked a ball at their spiritual home since 2019 when the then League One team were controversially booted outCredit: Alamy Live News
      Sixty-four professional clubs have entered administration as a result of financial gambles and poor governance since 1990 with two-fifths located in the north.
      The Northern Research Group say more resources for the game at local level in the north will also help to reduce childhood cases by 59,000 in their Open Goal report.
      But it says families there are struggling to pay for kits and subs with significantly fewer children now taking part in after-school supports in the north than elsewhere in the country.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL
      Ministers have said the long-awaited white paper on the issue will include “strong action” for club owners and directors to ensure they are suitable custodians and will be published within two weeks.
      It comes as The Sun exclusively revealed Bury could finally be back up and running next season after the expelled EFL club formally submitted an application to play non-league.
      Bury have not kicked a ball at their spiritual home since 2019 when the then League One team were controversially booted out after previous owner Steve Dale failed to show proof of funds and a subsequent takeover bid collapsed — ending their proud 125-year EFL membership.
      But in October 2021 the Bury Football Club Supporters Society successfully purchased the Bury FC name, intellectual property, history, memorabilia and, crucially, their Gigg Lane stadium from the club’s administrators.
      In that time since, the stadium, which suffered vandalism and decay while it sat dormant, has been slowly but surely spruced up, mostly thanks to the help of volunteers and local businesses offering their services, hardware and equipment for free. As well as benefactors donating funds to the project.
      Tory MP John Stevenson, chair of the Northern Research Group made up of Tory MPs, said: “This report makes clear the crucial significance football plays to communities across the North.
      Most read in The Sun
      “Our party’s majority is built on the support of footballing towns and cities across the region, who put their faith in us at the last election.”
      “But Northern football is at risk, and we will be failing these voters if we do not act to protect it. The simple solution is for the Government to urgently deliver on what it has promised and implement the Fan-Led Review in full.” More

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      Gary Neville blasted by No10 over political rant likening UK strike response to Qatar human rights abuses during final

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      RISHI Sunak today put the boot into Gary Neville for comparing the Government’s treatment of nurses to Qatar’s brutal use of migrant workers.The PM told the ex-Man United star to stick to football after he hijacked ITV’s World Cup final coverage to rant about Ministers “demonising” striking NHS medics.
      Gary Neville has been slammed for launching into a political rantCredit: ITV
      The PM told the ex-Man United star to stick to football after he hijacked ITV’s World Cup final to rant about about Ministers ‘demonising’ striking NHS medicsCredit: Rex
      Labour-supporting Neville said they were paid a “pittance” and likened them to the appalling exploitation of migrants by the Gulf state. 
      He said: “We can never accept that in this region or any other region and it is just worth mentioning we’ve got a current government in our country that are demonising rail workers, ambulance workers and terrifyingly nurses.”
      But on a military trip to Estonia PM Sunak told the Mail: “I think when most people are tuning in to watch Gary Neville they want to hear about the football and watch the football. They don’t want to discuss politics.”
      His official spokesman added that Neville’s comments were “clearly not legitimate or appropriate”.
      READ MORE ON GARY NEVILLE
      Nurses are taking a second round of strike action this week after Ministers rejected union demands for an “unaffordable” 19 per cent pay rise.
      They join rail workers, border force, civil servants and bus drivers on picket lines over pay rows.
      Neville also engaged in a war of words with Tory MPs who blasted him for making the comparison. 
      Red Wall Conservative Lee Anderson said: “Another party political broadcast by a millionaire… Talk about football Gary and keep your nose out of politics. You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
      Most read in The Sun
      The defender-turned-pundit snapped back: “I’m glad you’re p***** off. The biggest set of charlatans to ever be in power!”
      The World Cup in Qatar – that ended yesterday with Argentina as champions – has been dogged by scandals from allegations of corruption to outrage over the country’s human rights practices.
      Thousands of migrant workers have reportedly died in the Qatari construction industry since the World Cup was awarded to them in 2010.
      During the punditry Neville said: “The working system of Kafala which obviously through football the conversation has started and it’s been removed here now in Qatar but it is abhorrent and we should detest low pay, we should detest poor accommodation and working conditions.
      “We can never accept that in this region or any other region and it is just worth mentioning we’ve got a current government in our country that are demonising rail workers, ambulance workers and terrifyingly nurses.
      “In our country we’ve got to look at workers’ rights but when football goes, we have to pick up on workers’ rights wherever it goes because people have got to be equal and treated equal.
      “We can’t have people being paid an absolute pittance to work, we can’t have people in accommodation that is unsavoury and disgusting. It shouldn’t happen here.
      “That shouldn’t happen here with the wealth that exists. 
      “But it shouldn’t happen with the nurses in our country either where our nurses are having to fight for an extra pound or two pound.”
      Thousands of migrant workers have reportedly died in the Qatari construction industry since the World Cup was awarded to them in 2010.Credit: PA More

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      Harry Maguire bizarrely mocked by Ghanaian MP as he compares Vice President to Man Utd defender for scoring ‘own goals’

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      A GHANAIAN MP bizarrely used Harry Maguire to attack his political opponents during a debate on the economy. Isaac Adongo left both his political allies and football fans baffled and amused with his analogy which has now gone viral.
      Isaac Adongo has gone viral for his speech on the economy
      Despite still being the target for mockery, Maguire is enjoying a good World Cup for EnglandCredit: Reuters

      The 50-year-old, elected to parliament for the first time last year, was hitting out at the Vice President in a debate over the 2023 budget.
      At which point the MP turned to football to press home his point as he referenced Maguire, currently staring for England at the World Cup.
      Mr Adongo said: “If you’re a fan of football … there was a player in England called [Harry] Maguire who was playing for Manchester United. He’s a defender.
      “[At Leicester] he was tackling everybody and throwing his body everywhere. He was seen as the best defender in the world.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      “Manchester United went and bought him. He became the biggest threat at the centre of Manchester United’s defence, tackling [his own] players and giving assists to opponents.

      “Mr Speaker, when even opponents fail to score, Maguire will score for them.
      “Mr Speaker, you remember in this country we also have an Economic Maguire.”
      He then added that the VP, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, scored “own goals” like the defender.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      While the politicians around him broke down in laughter, Twitter was slightly more bemused by the odd speech and United fans rushed to their player’s defence.
      One person said: “What makes it funnier is that Maguire has only ever scored one own goal in his career.”
      Another added: “Surely this is a voiceover. Harsh on Maguire though.”
      While one very sympathetic fan added: “At this point, he transcends Phil Jones. A decade of following football, he is the most ridiculed player I have ever seen. Very unfair to him.”
      Other football followers, wary of the ongoing tournament in Qatar, were dreaming of a new World Cup rivalry.
      One wrote: “Nahhhh I need England vs Ghana at the World Cup.”
      Another added: “England vs Ghana gonna hit hard.”

      If the pair were to meet in the tournament, Maguire may well prove to be a barrier to success for the African nation.
      The centre-back has been praised for his World Cup performances after coming under heavy criticism for his club outings.
      When he’s not been defending at this tournament, Maguire has even found time to go off on dizzying, Lionel Messi-style runs.
      Read More on The Sun
      While England have booked a place in the last 16, Ghana still have some work to do.
      They face off with old foes Luis Suarez and Uruguay tomorrow afternoon. More

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      Keir Starmer admits his fave footie memory was watching England lose to Germany on penalties at Euro 96

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      SIR Keir Starmer last night admitted one of his favourite footie moments was watching England LOSE to Germany on penalties.The self-claimed footie mad Labour chief recalled watching the nation’s humiliation at Euro 96 ahead of the World Cup starting next week.
      Sir Keir is a self proclaimed football fanatic but admits shocking fave football memoryCredit: Alan MacGregor Ewing
      Sir Keir laughed as he described the “agonising” experience of sitting “up almost on top of” Gascoigne in the stands when the England legend missed an open goal during extra time.
      Away from footie, Sir Keir also confessed yesterday he HAS kissed a Tory and he’s not ashamed of it.
      The Labour leader’s admission came after lefty loonies sparked outrage this year for parading around in “never kissed a Tory” t-shirts.
      Shadow Culture Secretary Lucy Powell joined in too, even posting a snap in the top on social media.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      Sir Keir slammed the divisive garment in an interview with The Times, revealing: “I’m afraid I’ve broken that rule”.
      But the Labour chief, who insists he isn’t “tribal”, won’t kiss and tell.
      He said: “I’ve got very good friends who are Tories and they’ve been very, very good friends of mine for a very, very long time, and long may that last.”
      Most read in The Sun More

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      James Cleverly says he will attend World Cup in Qatar after telling gay fans to be ‘respectful’

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      FOREIGN Secretary James Cleverly has confirmed he will attend the World Cup in Qatar – as he defended telling gay fans to be “respectful”.The top Tory said it was his job to keep travelling Brits “safe” after criticism over his advice for homosexuals going to the tournament.
      James Cleverly has confirmed he will attend the World Cup in QatarCredit: PA:Press Association/PA Images
      Same-sex activity is punishable by up to seven years in the Middle East Nation, prompting many supporters to boycott the competition.
      Labour MP Chris Bryant accused Mr Cleverly of giving gay fans a “slap in the face”.
      The Foreign Secretary shot back: “I’ve visited Qatar in the lead-up to the World Cup and when I go to the World Cup I will be speaking to the security authorities to ensure that English and Welsh and whatever other British fans who are going to the World Cup remain safe.”
      But asked if he would encourage gay fans to protest in the country, he said: “No I wouldn’t.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      “When British nationals travel overseas they should respect the laws of their host country.”
      He doubled down on his comments urging fans to be “respectful of the host nation”, adding: “I want them to be safe.
      “Genuinely my question is, for those gay fans who want to go watch the football, what advice realistically should I give other than the advice I believe will keep them safe.”
      He added: “We’re very proud that we champion gay rights around the world”.
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      Priti Patel warns England fans they face World Cup travel bans over anti-social behaviour at matches

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      ENGLAND fans face a World Cup travel ban over anti-social behaviour at matches, the Home Secretary last night warned.Supporters risk surrendering their passports for the duration of the Qatar tournament if they attack or abuse players and fans.
      Priti Patel warned England fans they face a World Cup travel ban over anti-social behaviour at matchesCredit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers
      Priti Patel, speaking exclusively to The Sun on a visit this week to Premier League side Brentford, is determined not to let the small minority ruin matches for true fans.
      The Home Secretary said: “There is the very real threat to football hooligans of their passports being taken away from them for six weeks.
      “Their liberty and freedoms are going to be restricted and they won’t be going to Qatar if they receive a Football Banning Order.
      “So if they behave badly and stop law-abiding fans enjoying the game at one of their team’s home matches, it’s going to stop them from travelling internationally.”
      Read More on World Cup 2022
      The courts can hand out Football Banning Orders if supporters attack or abuse other fans, staff or players as well as any related online hate crime.
      The measures can be customised to prevent a supporter’s offending behaviour by hitting them with travel constraints particularly on match days and during overseas tournaments.
      The football authorities, including the FA, Premier League and EFL, also now report all offenders at games to the police which can affect their employment and education record.
      Measures also include increased use of sniffer dogs at games.
      Most read in Football
      Anyone entering the pitch without permission or carrying smoke bombs or pyrotechnics will now receive an automatic club ban, which can also be extended to family members of those carrying out the act.
      Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters last night said: “Everyone should feel safe and able to enjoy a football match.
      “In coming together with clubs and partners across football, we are making clear the type of incidents we saw last season must stop.
      “If we don’t take collective and sustained action, it may only be a matter of time before someone is seriously injured, or worse.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Using Class A drugs in and around matches is set to be added to the list of offences in October once it has been debated by MPs and Peers.
      There have been 1,400 troublemakers already targeted by Football Banning Orders that last between three and six years.
      England fans broke into Wembley prior to the Euro 2020 final against ItalyCredit: Reuters More