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      Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke set to be ruled out of hosting 2026 World Cup final leaving him with stadium dilemma

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      STAN KROENKE is set to be ruled out of hosting the 2026 World Cup Final – because the pitch at his £4.1billion stadium is too small.Arsenal owner Kroenke supervised the construction of the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, which opened in 2020.
      Arsenal majority shareholder Stan Kroenke won’t be hosting the 2026 World Cup
      Stan Kroenke’s ground the SoFi Stadium doesn’t meet the required FIFA criteria
      Home to both the city’s NFL teams, the Rams and the Chargers, it was confirmed as a World Cup venue last year.
      With the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, which hosted the Final in 1994, not included in FIFA’s chosen grounds for 2026, the SoFi was thought to be in a head-to-head contest with New York’s MetLife Stadium to host the Final on July 19.
      But officials have been alerted to the fact that the artificial pitch laid to meet NFL demands is too narrow for official FIFA use.
      While a grass pitch will be installed for the World Cup, the area set aside for play is too tight to meet FIFA demands for photography positions and space for officials.
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      Incredibly, the current playing surface is 63ft – almost 16 yards – too narrow for FIFA demands.
      It means a number of “field seat suites” – hospitality boxes at pitch level – will have to be ripped out to provide the required infrastructure, with the plating surface itself raised slightly.   
      SoFi Stadium has a basic capacity of just over 70,000 under its state-of-the-art roof, although it can be extended, with the necessary alterations likely to bring a significant loss of seats.
      With FIFA mandating that the stadium for the Final must have a capacity of 80,000, it seems almost impossible for it to get the honour of hosting the biggest game in world football.
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      That makes the MetLife Stadium, home of New York’s two NFL sides and with a capacity of 80,242, as very much the frontrunner.
      The only downside of playing the Final there is that it is an open stadium and with a likely 3pm kick-off local time – 8pm in the UK – FIFA does have concerns about mid-summer heat impacting on its showpiece match.
      This comes after Arsenal’s majority shareholder Kroenke and his son Josh became the club’s Co-Chairs. More

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      Former Germany boss Joachim Low planning return to international management with huge rivals

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      FORMER GERMANY boss Joachim Low is reportedly eyeing a shock return to the international game.The 63-year-old is sniffing out opportunities to get back into the game after taking an extended break following 15 years in his previous job.
      Joachim Low is reportedly keen on becoming manager of BrazilCredit: Getty
      Low guided his home nation Germany to pinnacle of football in 2014 with World Cup glory in Brazil.
      Now Bild are claiming that he is interested in taking charge of the South American country that he enjoyed his greatest success in.
      Brazil sacked manager Tite after they were eliminated from the World Cup on penalties by Croatia in the quarter final.
      Carlo Ancelotti has been heavily linked with leaving Real Madrid to take charge of them.
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      However, this fresh update states that Low is also ready to throw his hat into the ring to become the next boss of the five-time world champions.
      Low quit Germany and was replaced by Hansi Flick after a number of underwhelming tournament performances with his last match in charge being the 2-0 Euro 2020 defeat to England in June 2021.
      Low now finds himself hungry to return to the profession he loves… after he has attended the World Cup in Qatar as a fan.
      Speaking to German publication Kicker, the coach recently said: “I already have the intention of taking on a task in football again.
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      “The fun in this sport is too much for that.
      “I feel motivated again when I watch football now – that wasn’t the case for a few months.”
      He then added: “If I feel a task appeals to me, I’m ready and attack again.”
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      Low hasn’t worked in club management since a stint with Austria Wien during the 2003-04 season.
      Prior to that, he coached FC Frauenfeld, Stuttgart, Fenerbahce, Karlsruher, Adanaspor and Tirol Innsbruck.
      Low then assisted Jurgen Klinsmann as Germany boss between 2004 and 2006, before landing the top job himself.
      Low hit the headlines as Germany started their Euro 2016 campaign with a 2-0 win over Ukraine in Lille, France.
      Rather than Bastian Schweinsteiger or Shkodran Mustafi’s goals, the match is better remembered for Low sticking his hand down his pants, then having a good root around his crotch on the touchline.
      Just when fans thought it was safe to look again, with Low having returned to his seat, they were made to recoil for a second time, as he gave his sweaty hand a hearty sniff.
      Low was previously spotted digging around his crotch during a gameCredit: Pictures supplied by YouTube/Ruckas Pictures Ruckaspictures@btconnect.com
      His nose picking antics also made supporters borkCredit: AFP
      And it is something that he has developed quite the history in as back in 2008 he had fans borking on the sidelines at the Euros.
      To the horror of TV viewers, he appeared to start rubbing his sweaty armpits.
      And to cap it off, he delivers what will become a trademark, flat-palmed finger-sniff. Yuck.
      Then, two years later, the constant hum of vuvuzelas drove most of us bonkers back at the World Cup in South Africa… but it didn’t drive most of us to do anything like this.
      Sat in the dugout, his face a picture of steely concentration, Low was spotted digging deep in his nostril.
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      After what seemed like an eternity, he appeared to have finally dug out the bogey that he had been craving – but then his pesky assistant Flick (yes, the same one who replaced him) seemed to interrupt him to talk about the game.
      But no matter, the moment Flick turns away Low, almost in slow motion, placed his fingers on his lips. Poor disguise Jogi, we all saw you. More

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      Chelsea will be handed whopping £50million cash injection thanks to Fifa decision

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      CHELSEA are in line for a massive £50million cash boost – after Fifa confirmed the Blues have qualified for the first expanded version of the Club World Cup.World chiefs meeting in Rwanda agreed the qualification format for the 32-team event, starting in 2025 and likely to be held in China.
      Stamford Bridge chief Graham Potter has the prospect of more games and more cash next season, via the Club World CupCredit: Alamy
      Europe has been given the largest share with 12 slots with Fifa’s ruling Council agreeing that qualification would run over the four year cycle from the 2020-21 to 2023-24 seasons.
      It means the four Champions League winners over those seasons, plus the next eight leading sides on Uefa’s four-year coefficient rankings system, will earn berths for the money-laden new competition.
      Chelsea’s 2021 Final win over Manchester City means they are now guaranteed a spot, alongside Real Madrid, to be joined by the next two winners of Europe’s biggest prize.
      No country can have more than two places through the coefficient table but as it stands Liverpool and Manchester City would qualify.
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      However, if Liverpool miss out on a European spot for next season, that would open the door for Manchester United to replace them by reaching the knock-out stage of the Champions League. 
      Fifa is also revamping its current smaller version of the Club World Cup, which will continue to be played annually but rebranded and with the Champions League winner automatically through to the Final.

      World chiefs also finally agreed the “International Match Calendar” dates for international qualifiers to start in 2025.
      It will mean a four-match and 16-day window for games stretching between late September and early October from 2026, rather than the current two separate breaks.
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      Nine day breaks, for two matches, will continue to be held in March, June and November, meaning 10 international games outside of tournaments per year.
      Meanwhile, recalled Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella hopes to revive his Spain career too.
      Cucurella hopes to take on Erling Haaland’s Norway in the opening Euro 2024 qualifier on Saturday, March 25. More

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      Aaron Ramsey named Wales captain for second time TEN YEARS after being stripped following Gareth Bale retirement

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      AARON  RAMSEY has been named Wales captain for a second time – TEN-AND-A-HALF YEARS after he was stripped of the armband.The Nice midfielder, 32, replaces the retired Gareth Bale, starting with the Euro 2024 qualifying double-header against Croatia and Latvia this month.
      Aaron Ramsey has belatedly been handed his second shot at the Wales captaincyCredit: Getty
      Ramsey was Dragons’ captain under the late Gary Speed as a blossoming star during his time at Arsenal.
      But Chris Coleman switched his leader from Rambo to Ashley Williams in October 2012 following the shock death of Speed the previous November.
      Boss Robert Page, who announced in Cardiff that Ramsey would lead his 24-man squad, said: “Aaron was vice-captain behind Gareth and to me it’s the natural progression.
      “While we’ve still got someone of his quality in the squad it was the natural decision.
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      “Aaron took it hard after the World Cup like we all did. But there was no doubt whatsoever about his future and wanting to play for Wales.”
      Page revealed it was a close decision between Ramsey and Tottenham’s Ben Davies, who will become Wales’ vice-captain for the Group D clashes in Split on March 25 and the Latvia tie in Cardiff three days later.
      He added: “I see Ben Davies as a captain of the future and his role will be similar to that of Gareth and Aaron.”
      This is the first squad without most-capped player and record goalscorer Bale after his retirement from football in January.
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      Page conceded: “It’s strange. Gareth was an unbelievable servant and player and he will be missed.”
      Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson has been named in the squad despite carrying a groin injury.
      The 21-year-old, with nine goals in all competitions this season, limped off in the 3-1 Premier League defeat to Tottenham on Saturday and will be assessed by Wales when they meet up on Sunday.
      As well as talisman Bale, Joe Allen, Chris Gunter and Jonny Williams have also ended their international careers since the disappointing World Cup in November.
      Page has included in-form Millwall striker Tom Bradshaw, 30, who receives his first international call-up in five years since winning the last of his three caps in China.
      Bradshaw has scored 13 goals for the Championship play-off contenders this season and also won the division’s player of the month award for February.
      Page has also named four uncapped players in Luke Harris, Jordan James, Ollie Cooper and Nathan Broadhead.
      Page said: “We’ve reset and reframed after the World Cup. We knew after the World Cup there was this evolution that would happen. There are no surprises in the lads we have brought in.”
      Wales squad – Goalkeepers: Hennessey, Ward, A Davies. Defenders: B Davies, Rodon, Mepham, Ampadu, Roberts, Lockyer, Cabango, N Williams. Midfielders: Ramsey, Morrell, Wilson, James, Harris, Thomas, Burns. Forwards: Moore, Johnson, James, Bradshaw, Cooper, Broadhead More

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      Aston Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez shows his softer side with incredible gesture to raise £37,000 for charity

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      ASTON VILLA and Argentina keeper Emi Martinez has raised £37,000 by auctioning off his World Cup final gloves.The 30-year-old, nicknamed Dibu, was instrumental in helping his side win the final and lift the trophy for the first time since 1986.
      Emi Martinez produced a sensational performance in the World Cup finalCredit: Getty
      He saved a penalty and saw one drift wide in the shoot-out as Argentina triumphedCredit: Getty
      With the astonishing clash level at 3-3, Martinez made a sensational stop to deny France’s Randal Kolo Muani at the end of extra-time.
      And he then went on to save a penalty in the shoot-out before Aurelien Tchouameni fired wide as Argentina triumphed in dramatic fashion.
      Many keepers would have understandably kept the match-winning gloves for themselves.
      But it has now been revealed that Martinez, who won the Golden Glove award for best keeper at the World Cup, opted to auction them off.
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      And he has donated the proceeds – which amount to £37,000 – to the oncology ward at the Garrahan Hospital in Buenos Aires.
      Speaking on Instagram, the Argentine Paediatric Foundation said: “$45,000 for the Dibu gloves to help the Garrahan boys.”
      And Martinez added: “The World Cup finals are not played every day, [the gloves] are special.
      “But it helps a child much more than me having them hanging in a frame in my house.”
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      Reacting to Martinez’s kind gesture, one Villa fan said: “The man he is. So happy he is at our club.”
      While another added: “Beautiful deed from him.”
      Martinez’s generous act comes after he was criticised for his behaviour during and after the World Cup final.
      His gamesmanship during the pivotal shoot-out raised eyebrows among some football fans.
      And he then appeared to mock Kylian Mbappe during the open-top bus parade in Argentina by holding a baby doll with the French striker’s face on.
      Mbappe, 24, scored a hat-trick in the final but still ended up on the losing side.
      Martinez divided opinion with his actions during and after the World Cup finalCredit: Getty More

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      Fifa to approve expanded World Cup with new 48 team format and extra games while being longest in history

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      FIFA will today confirm the 2026 World Cup will be the longest and biggest in history.World chiefs under President Gianni Infantino have agreed on the final structure, to be rubber-stamped at the meeting of the organisation’s ruling Council in Kigali, Rwanda.
      FIFA president Gianni Infantino is set to make some major changesCredit: Rex

      More teams are set to join the World Cup competition come 2026Credit: Getty
      It will mean a tournament expanded from the 64 games in Qatar to a massive 104 split across the venues in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
      And while Qatar 2022 was played over 29 days to squeeze it into the smallest possible window, the next World Cup will be played over 39 days, a fraction over five and a half weeks.
      That will not go down well with the clubs who supply the players, although Fifa will cut the preparation period to a maximum 17 days rather than the 24 days specified for the last summer World Cup in Russia in 2018.
      Instead of the much-criticised initial plan of 16 groups of three teams – which saw many experts voice fear of potential collusion in the final set of games – Fifa will stick with four team groups.
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      It means the top two in each of the 12 opening groups will go through to the knock-out phase, along with the eight best third-placed teams.
      That will see the knock-out stage starting with the round of 32.
      For the first time in World Cup history, the winners will have to play EIGHT games to lift the trophy. 
      The decision to expand the competition to 48 teams for the first time caused controversy when it was made in 2017.
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      Since then, Fifa has looked at various options before reverting to 12 groups of fours.
      LIKELY 2026 World Cup timetable
      Jun 11 Opening matches – one each in Canada, Mexico and USA (3 matches)
      Jun 12-27 Group stage games. Final round of group games played over six days (total 69 more matches)
      June 28-Jul 1 First knock-out round (16 matches)
      Jul 2-3 Rest days
      Jul 4-7 Last 16 (eight matches)
      Jul 8-9 Rest days
      Jul 10-11 Quarter-finals (four matches)
      Jul 14-15 Semi-finals (two matches)
      Jul 18 3rd place game
      Jul 19 World Cup Final
      Total 104 matches in 39 days

      Ideas that were considered and then rejected included penalty shoot-outs at the end of drawn group games and a “winner’s” bonus of the team topping the group staying in the same city for the opening knock-out tie.
      But the drama of the final group games in Qatar, including the incredible night in which, at points in the games, all four of Spain, Japan, Germany and Costa Rica were both going through and going home, saw Infantino add his weight to the new format. More

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      Wales’ women side set to face World Cup holders USA in glamour friendly Stateside

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      WALES’ women side are set to play a glamour friendly against the USA before the World Cup.Gemma Grainger’s Dragons have been lined up to travel Stateside and face the World Cup holders, who will defend their title in Australia and New Zealand this summer.
      Jess Fishlock and her Wales team-mates could face World Cup holders USA in friendlyCredit: Getty
      FAW chief executive Mooney recently revealed the exciting friendly plansCredit: Getty
      SunSport understands a verbal agreement for the mouth-watering warm-up fixture, likely to be in June, has been reached but contracts have not yet been signed off.
      But Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney confirmed the friendly publicly during a visit to London earlier this month.
      Mooney attended a number of functions during the Wales Week in London event including a St David’s Day dinner in front of 500 guests at the Guildhall.
      USA faced Euro champions England last October, losing the friendly 2-1 at a sell-out Wembley.
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      The fixture was viewed as a huge success for women’s football.
      USA will also host Republic of Ireland, who have qualified for the global finals which will kick-off Down Under on July 20, twice for friendly matches in April.
      Wales did not reach the World Cup after losing to Switzerland in the playoffs last October.
      Grainger’s side beat Bosnia and then came close to reaching a first major tournament.
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      Georgia Stanway scored a penalty winner for England against USA last OctoberCredit: Alamy
      But Wales suffered heartbreak when Swiss substitute Fabienne Humm scored a winner as the second half of extra time moved into stoppage time.
      The Dragons have USA-based Jess Fishlock in their ranks.
      The 36-year-old midfielder, who is Wales’ most-capped female player with 134 caps, plays for OL Reign in Seattle. More

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      Real Madrid star Eden Hazard reveals he ‘didn’t like’ playing for Belgium at World Cup 2022

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      EDEN HAZARD has revealed why he “didn’t like” playing for Belgium at the 2022 World Cup.The 32-year-old captained the Red Devils in Qatar despite having made just six appearances for Real Madrid prior to the tournament.
      Hazard ‘didn’t like’ playing at the 2022 World CupCredit: EPA
      But, he recently admitted that he didn’t actually enjoy playing because he believed that the “new generation” of Belgium players were more deserving.
      In an interview with Belgian outlet HLN, Hazard said: “New guys knocked on the door with the national team.
      “Not playing at Real, then joining the Red Devils and playing football. I didn’t like that, especially because the new generation deserves to play.”
      Following Belgium’s shock World Cup group stage exit, Hazard announced his retirement from international football.
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      But while many fans believed that this was down to his country’s failed Cup campaign, the former Chelsea star claimed that he made the decision after the European Championships in 2021.
      He added: “I knew for some time that I would stop after the World Cup. The performance in Qatar was not decisive for my decision.
      “Of course it is a pity how it turned out, but my decision was made in advance. It was just time to stop.
      “I first started thinking about it after the European Championships. I had done my best to be fit in time after my ankle injury.
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      “Unfortunately, I couldn’t play in the quarter-final loss to Italy and that really made a mental difference.
      “I also play football in Madrid with Toni Kroos. He quit the German national team two years ago and he told me that when others have international commitments, he could take advantage of that time to enjoy with his family.”
      Hazard joined Real Madrid from Chelsea in a huge £88.5million transfer almost four years ago.
      But he has failed to make an impact at the Santiago Bernabeu.
      The winger has scored just seven goals in 73 appearances for Los Blancos since making the switch from Stamford Bridge.
      But he remains the highest paid player at the club. More