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    Eight major law and technology changes being brought in for Club World Cup including ref cams and ‘Arteta rule’

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    Fifa to introduce major change to offside decisions at Club World Cup to avoid repeat of Taiwo Awoniyi injury horror

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    Belgium 4 Wales 3: De Bruyne breaks Welsh hearts after thrilling three-goal comeback and controversial VAR farce

    KEVIN DE BRUYNE broke Wales hearts on a night of World Cup qualifying chaos in Belgium.The out-going Manchester City star scored an 88th-minute winner to inflict Craig Bellamy’s first defeat as Dragons boss and dent their automatic qualification hopes.Kevin De Bruyne grabbed Belgium’s winner against WalesCredit: GettyThe departing Manchester City magician stormed in at the back post late onCredit: GettyBut where do you start to sum up this seven-goal thriller – which included an epic three-goal comeback by Wales and was dominated by several poor refereeing decisions and lengthy VAR checks?There were two first-half penalties awarded by referee Irfan Peljto – one for each side and both looked harsh.Then Romelu Lukaku had an 80th-minute goal ruled out following a five-minute VAR check – during which both managers were booked – because the ball went out of play in the build-up.On a night of mayhem in Brussels, the Dragons fell 3-0 down inside 27 minutes through goals by Lukaku from the penalty spot, Youri Tielemans and Jeremy Doku as the hosts ran riot in the first half.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSpirited Wales came roaring back through goals from Harry Wilson, Sorba Thomas and Brennan Johnson.Yet De Bruyne had the final say with a classy finish when the star midfielder was left unmarked at the back post.It left the visitors floored as Bellamy tasted a loss for the first time in ten matches since he became boss last July.Wales now trail North Macedonia by a point in Group J in their quest to reach the finals in USA, Mexico and Canada next summer with the Belgians only three points behind with two games in hand.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSTo compound Bellamy’s frustrations, the 45-year-old, who spent two years at Anderlecht, is due to return to Belgium for a friend’s wedding later this week.Pre-match, Bellamy had hailed his first 12 months in the Wales job as the “best year” of his life.World Cup winner and one-club legend rolls back the years with stunning goal from halfway line But, after Spurs legend Jan Vertonghen received a heartfelt farewell from the Belgian public, Bellamy’s Dragons were left furious by the award of Lukaku’s 15th-minute penalty.De Bruyne’s shot hit the arm of Brennan Johnson from a short distance but Bosnian ref Peljto pointed to the spot.A lengthy VAR check did not overturn what looked to be a harsh decision and Napoli striker Lukaku slotted home his 89th international goal.Wales were rocked and failed to recover as Belgium cut them to ribbons in a dangerous attacking display.Tielemans doubled the hosts’ lead on 19 minutes when the Aston Villa midfielder, captain for the night, hit the top corner with a side-footed finish.It was a slick team move from Rudi Garcia’s men with De Bruyne, Leandro Trossard and Maxim de Cuyper involved before Tielemans was left unmarked to beat Karl Darlow.Wales almost halved the deficit instantly but David Brooks missed a glorious chance before Ben Davies forced Nottingham Forest keeper Matz Sels into a scrambling save.De Bruyne rolled an effort past the post but Manchester City wideman Doku made no mistake when he cut in on his left foot and fired past Darlow despite the Leeds stopper getting a hand to his shot.Wales, who had never won on Belgian soil, were handed a lifeline on the stroke of half-time when Sels was deemed to foul Chris Mepham when he clattered into the defender trying to punch a high ball away.It appeared another harsh call by ref Peljto and Wilson scored from the spot by sending Sels the wrong way for his 14th Dragons goal.Read More on The SunTrossard and Lukaku wasted chances to put the game to bed and Wales netted a second on 51 minutes when Wilson set up Thomas to slot home.Wales were in dreamland when Johnson headed home from Thomas’ centre before De Bruyne scored his 31st Belgium goal in his final act before he was substituted to crush Bellamy and Co.Youri Tielemans helped Belgium march into a commanding leadCredit: GettyWales got a penalty on the stroke of half-timeCredit: EPAHarry Wilson converted his spot kick to give Wales a lifelineCredit: GettySorba Thomas rolled in Wales’ second to cut the deficit to oneCredit: GettyBrennan Johnson headed in a dramatic equaliserCredit: EPARomelu Lukaku thought he had restored Belgium’s advantageCredit: ReutersWales immediatel appealed to the ref as VAR took five minutes to rule it outCredit: ReutersWales did their trademark silly team photo before kick-offCredit: GettyLukaku scored from the penalty spot to get things goingCredit: GettyCraig Bellamy and the Welsh team were left heartbrokenCredit: Reuters More

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    Club World Cup to trial FIVE ‘trailblazing innovations’ as Fifa chief confirms ‘groundbreaking’ new rule changes

    THE Club World Cup will trial five brand new rule changes when it kicks off later this month.Fifa’s revamped tournament gets underway on June 15 and will see top clubs from around the globe face off for an elaborate trophy and mega prize money. Fifa have announced five rule changes for the upcoming Club World CupCredit: ReutersFifa secretary general Mattias Grafstrom has labelled the changes as ‘trailblazing innovations’Credit: PAThe tournament, which used to feature just six teams, has been expanded to 32 teams, spanning Europe, South America, North America, Africa, Asia and Oceania.But it’s not just the tournament format that is going to look different, but also the way the games are officiated, after Fifa announced five “trailblazing innovations” to be used in the competition.Football’s world governing body, and tournament organisers, have revealed that fans will get to see more of the referee’s decision making than ever before.The first change announced is that referees will wear body cameras during matches, with the footage used during live match broadcasts.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhile footage from referee monitor reviews (VAR) will be aired live inside the stadium – something Premier League fans have been asking to see for some time.Fifa will also trial an “advanced” semi-automated offside technology using sensors inside the balls, in hopes of making further improvement on the tech already used in Uefa competitions like the Champions League.A fourth change will be the use of AI to collect live match data, helping fans see even more stats and figures to dissect the match.While the final innovation is that managers and coaching staff will be able to request their substitutions to the fourth official through a digital tablet, doing away with the old fashioned paper slips used at present.Most read in FootballReferee’s will wear body cameras that will be used during TV broadcastsVAR replays will be shown on screens inside stadiums at the tournamentCredit: ReutersClub World Cup 2025 GuideSOME of the world’s biggest clubs are heading Stateside for a MAMMOTH Club World Cup.Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Man City, and Inter Miami are among the 32 teams taking part in the tournament, which runs from June 14 to July 13.Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Ousmane Dembele, Cole Palmer and Harry Kane will be showing their skills to packed crowds across the US.Los Blancos are favourites to lift the trophy in New York but will face stiff competition from around the globe.Watch EVERY match of the Club World Cup 2025 on DAZNHere’s everything you need to know ahead of the tournament…INFOLATEST NEWS & FEATURESCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFifa’s secretary general Mattias Grafstrom praised the organisation for the new additions.He said: “Fifa has a proud history of breaking new ground at its elite tournaments, and the Fifa Club World Cup will continue that trend. The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will see the World’s best players decide which club is the greatest “With the best clubs competing for the title of world champions, it is fitting that these trailblazing innovations will be on display at such a prestigious tournament.”The tournament will be broadcast for free on streaming service DAZN in the UK.Fans can look forward to rare matchups between teams from different continents with clubs like Real Madrid, Flamengo, Man City, Chelsea and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami all involved.The tournament is taking place across the United States of America, with top NFL and MLS stadiums hosting the matches.The final, which takes place on July 13, will be hosted in New York at the MetLife Stadium – home of the New York Jets and New York Giants.Fifa’s new Club World Cup rulesHere’s a look at the five new ‘trailblazing innovations’ introduced by Fifa for the Club World Cup… Referees will wear body cameras with the footage used on live match broadcasts.Footage from referee monitor reviews will be aired live in stadiums.Advanced semi-automated offside technology will be in use. Balls will have a sensor inside.AI will be used to collect live match data as part of FIFA’s partnership with Hawk-Eye.Substitutions will be requested on a digital tablet rather than via paper slips. More

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    ‘I hate it, hate it’ – Premier League official rages at VAR as referee says ‘we knew the monster that had been created’

    REF Bobby Madley let rip at VAR, insisting its usage means football will never see another Sergio Aguero moment.And Madley slammed Prem chiefs for creating a “monster” that is “ruining” the beautiful game.Referee Bobby Madley has not held back when discussing VARCredit: GettyThe Wakefield-born whistler, 39, who takes charge of EFL games and is a fourth official for top-flight matches, raged: “Most fans weren’t clambering to get video technology.“Players weren’t, referees weren’t, but the multi-million pound people running football had issues with refs getting things wrong.“But we knew the monster that had been created — we knew what was coming.“We’ve got to the stage where people go, ‘Sorry, we’re ruining football with this now’.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere have been a string of controversies since the technology was introduced in 2019.VAR Lee Mason was axed for failing to rule out a Brentford equaliser against title-chasing Arsenal in 2023 after “forgetting” to draw the offside lines.Howard Webb’s ref body, the PGMOL, issued an apology to Liverpool when VAR wrongly ruled out a Luis Diaz goal in a 2-1 loss to Spurs the following season.Aguero’s famous final-game, stoppage-time winner clinched Manchester City’s first title in 2012.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut at the Cheltenham Science Festival, Madley added: “That Aguero moment, where the ref was blowing, nobody’s flagging, you are never going to see that again.“Because everyone will panic as they check a potential offside 15 seconds ago. VAR takes that emotion away. I hate it, hate it.”New footage sees raging Jude Bellingham KICK VAR monitor in frustration after Real Madrid’s last-gasp defeatVAR: Imagine the future…Martin Lipton’s pro VAR viewFAST forward 12 months to May 18, 2025.After 89 minutes at Molineux, Wolves, needing to win their last game of the season to stay up, are beating Manchester United, who require a point for Champions League football.A ball over the top sends Rasmus Hojlund racing away. The flag stays down. Hojlund scores. Wolves are relegated.And on the way home, the dejected Wolves fans see the still image on their phones.Hojlund was 2ft offside. No question. A shocker.It means at least a year in the Championship, £100million income drop, a firesale of the squad. While United bank an extra £50m.But it’s OK. Every  one of those fans, plus smiling boss Gary O’Neil and the  Wolves board, will line up to say: “No worries. It’s what we voted for. Rough with the smooth.”Yes. And I’ve got a bridge to Ireland to sell you. More

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    David Coote produced an admirable act of humility as picture of shamed ref working as Evri delivery driver went viral

    BIZARRELY, David Coote’s former career as a Premier League referee will stand him in good stead as a delivery driver.He’ll be dealing with two yellows every working day, just as before.Former Premier League referee David Coote has taken on a new career as an Evri delivery driverCoote fell from grace after a video leaked showing him ranting against Jurgen KloppCredit: PAOnly instead of cards, it’s those two thick, emulsioned lines by the roadside where he swings his Evri van in front of a school entrance and slaps on the hazard lights before dumping a poly-wrapped, fake Nike top from China on the wrong doorstep.What a come-down for the man who took charge of a Wembley final involving Manchester United and Newcastle only two years ago.Equally, what an admirable act of humility and courage by someone who brought shame upon himself and his profession but, as he says so himself, “is trying to move forwards and regain a sense of purpose and responsibility”.When one of football’s most promising officials was captured on video, slurring his way through a foul-mouthed rant at Jurgen Klopp, it was easy to dismiss him as another pompous and pumped-up symbol of the Premier League era.Read More on FootballBut as this fascinating story unfolds, Coote more and more is morphing into its victim as opposed to its perpetrator.By labelling Klopp a German c*** and snorting cocaine to earn a 16-month ban, he let himself down.But maybe he did so as a release from the relentless pressure heaped upon him as a referee at the top level of our national game.At first Coote appears as a p****d-up prima donna, showing off in what he believed was the assured privacy of intimate surroundings with friends, having a pop at Liverpool’s manager because he could.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt’s some fall from officiating the 2023 Carabao Cup final to haring around his home county of Nottinghamshire dropping off parcels part-time for minimum or living wage.But having been sacked by his paymasters at the PGMOL, the fact he is not too proud to take any job to get back on his feet suggests a person ready to pay their penance.Shamed Ref David Coote EXCLUSIVE on death threats, coke battle & coming out | The SunIt’s not just the animated reaction of Klopp that is to blame.There are 20 unexploded bombs like him managing in the Premier League because they are under enormous  pressure, too.Klopp’s heated exchange at Coote after Liverpool did not get a penalty in a 1-1 draw with Burnley is just one example of the dozens that litter every season.Every decision referees make is under more scrutiny than ever before.Whether that’s the fault of TV’s ever intrusive coverage or that there is silly money involved in men’s football today is irrelevant. It’s how life is.I imagine Thomas Bramall, the latest referee to be walking around with a target on his back for blowing his whistle too quickly in Aston Villa’s final-day defeat at Man Utd is starting to understand the reality of life as a top-class ref.Reality of life as a top-class refThe intricacies of his mistake are too complicated to explain in one column but it’s fair to say he cocked up.In their defence, Villa were largely restrained in their vocal reaction despite lodging a formal complaint, as is their right.The wider criticism has been astonishing and whether justified or not, young referee Bramall is being painted a pretty grim picture of what’s in store if he stays in his job.It’s patently obvious by what’s happened to Coote that it’s an alarmingly quick process to plummet from the heights of running a showpiece final in front of 90,000 fans to becoming a delivery boy.But while it’s tempting to feel sorry for him, we should not.We should instead give credit to a bloke who made a mistake and is now trying to put it behind him without crying out for pity.And perhaps reflect on the foundations of fury that can make referees crumble so spectacularly as he did.Besides, dealing with frothing managers day in, day out who feel totally wronged by even the slightest thing that goes against them is actually the perfect training for becoming a white van man.Try pulling out on him at a T-junction.************MILLIE BRIGHT’S shock withdrawal from the Euro 2025 squad reminds of one thing.Women look after themselves better than men, physically and mentally.They tend to be braver than men too when it comes to knowing their limits.It takes courage to pull out of an international tournament — especially when England are defending their European crown.The 31-year-old Chelsea defender admits she had to fight off her ego to make the call.That is something men rarely do enough of, overcome primeval urges and make a decision in favour of their own well-being at the top level of sport.Too many would lose that battle with their own psyche. Pull out and you are still considered a loser among the boys.Bright is a winner for thinking of things more important than football.****************INGESTING biometric tablets to record things like stress levels from the inside is both fascinating and horrifying.England’s players have been doing this under boss Thomas Tuchel’s instruction as they prepare for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Andorra.Now, I have no idea if these tablets are single-use, and I don’t really want to ask anyone at the Football Association for the details either.But if not, just picture the scene 24 hours after swallowing — when what goes in must come out.Lots of Premier League stars peering down between hairy legs on the loo.And who on earth has the job of washing them?Or maybe each player has his own, complete with initials — like ‘HK’ for Harry Kane — to avoid unpleasant mix-ups. Yuk.********IN the final scene of The Empire Strikes Back, the rebel fleet disperses as Luke Skywalker and pals head for different galaxies at the speed of light.The break-up of Bournemouth’s over-achieving squad this summer has a similar ring to it.Read More on The SunFirst Dean Huijsen heads to Real Madrid, now Milos Kerkez looks bound for Liverpool. Newcastle are eyeing Dango Ouattara.Pretty soon the gallant band of brothers — which beat  Arsenal (twice) and Nottingham Forest, also coming close to European qualification  — will be splintered across the football cosmos, leaving Cherries manager Andoni Iraola standing alone like Obi-Wan Kenobi. More

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    Football lawmakers make major rule change after Julian Alvarez’s controversial Champions League penalty vs Real Madrid

    THE International Football Association Board (IFAB) has made a significant change to penalty rules following a controversial shootout in the Champions League this term.Atletico Madrid were knocked out of Europe’s elite competition by Real Madrid in the last-16 after a penalty from Julian Alvarez was ruled out following a VAR check.The IFAB have made a rule change to penalties after Julian Alvarez controversially had a goal ruled out against Real MadridCredit: ReutersThe striker was deemed to have touched the ball twiceCredit: GettyThe striker had slipped when running up to shoot and subsequently double-touched the ball with both feet.Although it was barely noticeable at first, VAR deemed the kick to be illegal and it was not registered as a goal.Atletico went on to lose the match 4-2 on penalties, sparking a furious reaction from Diego Simeone and fans.The manager said: “I just saw the image of the penalty. The referee said that when Julian stepped and kicked, he touched the ball with his foot, but the ball didn’t move. That’s something to discuss about whether it was a goal or not, but I’m proud of my players.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”When he plants his foot and kicks, the ball doesn’t move even a little bit. But if VAR called it, I’ve never seen a penalty called by VAR, but it’s still valid, and they’ll have seen that he touched it. I want to believe they’ll have seen that he touched it.”The outrage has prompted the IFAB to alter Law 14 which is based on a player intentionally kicking the ball twice during a penalty.Because Alvarez did not intentionally shoot twice during the shootout, the regulation has been amended to account for similar situations.It now states: “The penalty taker inadvertently hits the ball with both feet simultaneously or the ball touches his supporting foot or leg just after taking the kick: If the ball enters the goal, it will be repeated.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”If the ball does not enter the goal, an indirect free kick will be awarded (unless the referee grants an advantage when the action clearly benefits the defending team) or, in the case of penalty shoot-outs, the shot will be recorded as missed.”Meanwhile, if a player voluntarily kicks with both feet, the alternative rule states: “An indirect free kick will be awarded (unless the referee grants an advantage when the action clearly benefits the defending team) or, in the case of penalty shoot-outs, the shot will be recorded as missed.”Atletico Madrid boss Simeone loses his cool with reporter over Alvarez penalty controversy More

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    Nottingham Forest in Champions League and Newcastle miss out on Europe – how Premier League table would look without VAR

    NOTTINGHAM FOREST would have earned a Champions League spot at the expense of Newcastle if VAR did not exist.And the Magpies’ escape from any consequences for their home defeat by Everton is put into even starker content as they would have missed out on European football altogether without the technology.Nottingham Forest would have earned a Champions League spot if VAR did not existNewcastle would have missed out on Europe if VAR did not existSunSport have analysed all 380 Prem matches this term and worked out how the table would have looked if the original on-field decisions had not been overturned after intervention by the Stockley Park video booth.Our number crunchers found that Eddie Howe’s men were by far the biggest beneficiaries of VAR changes. Newcastle had a staggering 13 decisions changed in their favour, with just five reversals hurting them.That brought a net figure of +8, with Aston Villa and West Ham next in the benefits column with each having four more interventions in their favour than against them.Read More on FootballOur analysis, which assumes every penalty that was initially awarded and then wiped was scored, suggests that without VAR Newcastle would have picked up four fewer points – dropping them to eighth in the table – and conceded seven more goals.Forest, whose home defeat by Chelsea left them in the Conference League slot, would have finished fifth in our “No VAR” table.And Bournemouth, ninth in the actual table, would have been preparing for a first continental campaign in the Europa League without the technology changes.Andoni Iraola’s side had 11 VAR changes against them and just three in their favour, costing the Cherries EIGHT points and seven goals.Most read in FootballThe study of the 111 changed decisions cannot determine definitively what would have happened in real life if the initial decisions had not been overturned.But one of the most contentious calls saw Dango Ouattara’s last-gasp “winner” against Newcastle in August chalked off for a handball PGMOL chief Howard Webb subsequently conceded was wrongly overturned after the VAR intervention.Taiwo Awoniyi seen for first time since horror injury as he receives hero’s welcome at Nottingham Forest vs ChelseaOver the course of the season there were 12 goals and 25 penalties awarded through VAR intervention – with 21 of those spot-kicks converted – compared to 48 goals and 11 penalties disallowed.Liverpool’s 10-point advantage over Arsenal at the top of the pile would have been reduced to just two without VAR, as the Gunners lost eight points from the six overturns against them – including “winning” goals against Chelsea, Fulham and Aston Villa.Chelsea and Manchester City swap places, with the Londoners up to third, with Villa down one to take the Conference League slot. More