The footballing revolution will be televised – just not if you live in the UK.
A new direct-to-fan streaming service has been rolled out by the Premier League that offers access to all 380 of this season’s games live and direct for armchair viewers. Launched under the banner of ‘Premier League +’, the English top flight is making tangible strides towards a long-touted Netflix of football model, alias ‘Premflix’, with their new one-stop shop from the comfort of your living room, tablet or wherever else people get their football fix.
Appetite for a similar move on home soil is already growing with YouGov revealing that 42% of 876 football fans polled online last year endorsed the prospect of signing up for a potential Premier League in-house platform.
But the wealth is not set to be shared. Only supporters in Singapore will reap the benefits of the service created in tandem with the league’s longstanding international broadcast partner, StarHub, which will provide it to those in the former British outpost.
Homegrown fans still getting a raw deal on televised football
Sky Sports (Image credit: Sky Sports)
Even before the new deal’s announcement, Singaporeans and expats alike have long enjoyed the trappings of Premier League football screening outside of those available on home soil. Varying kick-off times over the past two decades helped cultivate devoted armies of night owls and early risers wanting their fill of the so-called ‘greatest league in the world’. They are not alone, either, with fans across the globe able to tune in for games from stadiums up and down the country at all hours of the day. Meanwhile, those based in the league’s domicile continue to be hamstrung by exorbitant costs and other rigid constraints.
Premier League + has been costed at around £25 per month, disproving the theory that watching live football at a premium is unavoidable. It's a similar story in other territories with the United States, South America and the Middle East also offering coverage at significant markdown prices. UK-based viewers, in contrast, will have to stump up as much as three times Singapore's figure for access to games on Sky Sports and TNT Sports, which only accounts for 267 of the 380 games in the forthcoming campaign. However, it doesn’t stop there. Alongside a TV licence, consumers would need to subscribe to eight different services to access to all available matches in the Champions League and Europa League, EFL competitions, LaLiga, Serie A, Bundesliga and Ligue 1 for an eye-watering minimum of £132.97 per month. DAZN, Premier Sports, ESPN via Disney+, Amazon and even Ligue 1 itself all now have cuts of the pie. What remains goes to free-to-air platforms BBC and ITV, once bastions of mainstream football coverage now forced to settle for little more than crumbs.
The cost of watching live Premier League games on TV is already high (Image credit: Getty Images)
Worse still, Ligue 1’s newly launched streaming platform at £17 monthly is the only subscription that covers all bases for games in a single competition with screened matches for the rest of Europe's main five leagues disproportionately split between no fewer than two different providers. Those fixated exclusively on Premier League matters will have to shell out £791.88 just to watch games legally according to research by eSIMatic. There is also is still no legitimate route to watching this season’s remaining 113 matches not covered by its leading broadcast partners. The 3pm blackout remains an ongoing bone of contention that prevents supporters unable to attend matches from seeing their team, or indeed any other football match, in the traditional timeslot. What advocates for preserving the sanctity of the blackout overlook is that it isn’t done out of a goodness for the game, nor was it ever. The concept for a ban on televising top tier games taking place between 2.45pm and 5.15pm on Saturdays was originally put forward in the 1960s by Burnley chairman Bob Lord, a fierce opponent of football being broadcast live who argued that it would protect attendances at lower-league games. But a potential ulterior motive for the proposal emerged when he declared, much to widespread disdain, in a keynote speech to the Variety Club in March 1974 that, “We have to stand up against a move to get soccer on the cheap by the Jews who run TV”.
Yet broadcasters appear just as in favour of enacting prohibition as those who see it as the last vestige of football tradition which should be preserved at all costs. Jeff Stelling’s impassioned argument against the abolition of the blackout may have come from a genuine place as a lifelong Hartlepool fan but, equally, he will know that a change to the status quo would effectively kill one of its golden gooses. As the former presenter of Sky's Soccer Saturday for 29 years, Stelling will be all too aware of the cult-like following the programme continues to enjoy in offering alternative coverage of the action. Prince William has been a vocal critic of the blackout with the Football Association figurehead and future king describing an inability to watch his beloved Aston Villa in the 3pm time slot as ‘irritating’ on the occasions when he is precluded from observing from the directors’ box.
Cunning supporters continue to bypass the archaic ruling through illegal streaming routes; something that routinely finds itself on the front pages of national newspapers as part of a crackdown campaign by the Premier League and UK authorities. Those prosecuted for facilitating workarounds through jailbroken technology are paraded as public enemies in the fight against of online piracy rather than symptomatic of a wider problem. Football is not a TV show but its riches continue to elevate the Premier League season on season without giving anything back to those on which it made its fortune. New research by working class think tank Democracia84 found that fans aged between 18 and 35 in the game’s traditional heartlands are being squeezed financially due to a 47% increase in the cost of football between 2015 and 2025 while household income has flatlined. Changing habits in how the game is consumed, with a technology-driven shift now more pronounced than at any other stage, further pushes the risk of a wider disconnect with the sport.
Loopholes to the blackout do exist without running the risk of criminality, as all domestic football being made available free from the usual restrictions during Covid attests. A technicality in UEFA’s Article 48, which can only be enforced when 50% of matches in a country’s top two divisions are played simultaneously, was also waived for the EFL's opening weekend earlier this month while the Premier League remained on summer hiatus. Up to 25 matches across the Championship, League One and League Two were screened live, with concerns around dwindling attendance figures seemingly ignored. That particular argument is yet to be fully proven with average figures for last season’s Championship standing at 26,684 while the drop between divisions saw League One’s clock in at 9,912 – a drop of more than two-and-a-half times that figure – and League Two’s deficit was double that at 4,164.
The merits of a continued blackout will be revisited in the next 18 months when the new broadcast rights cycle is set to be finalised ahead of the 2029/30 campaign, but a new contender has already potentially emerged in the battle to implement ‘Prem Flix’ on native shores. Jeff Bezos’s recent arrival at Liverpool as a minority investor with the 1892 Holdings consortium hints at more than a vanity purchase with the Amazon mogul’s Prime Video platform successfully muscling in on Premier League and Champions League games over recent seasons. The e-commerce giant has already won over fans with its innovative yet no-nonsense coverage of the flagship competitions; offering multigame access and the option to replace banal commentary with raw crowd audio. Despite losing access to the English game, Amazon have continued to keep their hand in on live football by also offering selected Nations League matches through a pay-per-view service. An opportunity for Bezos to usurp Sky and TNT as the official home of Premier League TV coverage is likely to prove too strong to resist.
New Liverpool investor Jeff Bezos could enter the 'Prem Flix' race (Image credit: Getty Images)
The Singapore deal proves that televised football can be made affordable and accessible to those watching through a screen; something fans in the UK continue to be told is impossible. Removing the current barriers would not only enrich the Premier League’s already sizeable cash cow but also help reduce the rise of illegal streaming by providing a viable alternative.
Until those at the top acknowledge a need to move with the times, though, the needless fleecing for the supposed 'good of the game' will continue apace.
Sky Sports' line-up of commentators, pundits and presenters has been revealed for the weekend.
As the broadcaster for the Premier League, Sky has assembled only the best in class over the past three decades of bringing us the English top flight, with several of its stars becoming equally recognisable for their post-playing careers.
With the Prem's grand return this weekend, it's yet another elite group of analysts and experts across the network – and FourFourTwo has the lowdown on everything you need to know to watch football on television.
Be sure to never miss another fixture again with our handy fixtures calendar, where you can toggle competitions, search for specific teams and keep on top of what to watch, whatever time zone you're in.
And finally, remember to subscribe to our exclusive …And It's LIVE! newsletter, which drops every week with all the details of how and where to watch football every single day – with quizzes, injury news, previews and much, much more included as standard.
Who are the commentators, pundits and presenters on Sky Sports this weekend?
Friday Night Football
Who are the commentators, pundits and presenters for Arsenal vs Coventry City on Sky Sports?
The legendary Wrighty returns to Sky Sports! (Image credit: Getty Images)
The Premier League season begins with a clash of the champions, as Premier League holders Arsenal welcome Championship winners Coventry City to the Emirates Stadium.
Dave Jones is the host for this one, and he'll be joined by one of the most beloved players in the Gunners' history, Ian Wright, a regular on the Stick To Football podcast, but only an occasional guest on Sky's coverage.
They'll be joined by Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher on co-comms, as the campaign kicks off with the big guns.
Saturday Night Football
Who are the commentators, pundits and presenters for Brentford vs Nottingham Forest on Sky Sports?
Izzy Christiansen is a regular on Sky Sports these days (Image credit: Getty Images)
The first Saturday Night Football of the season comes courtesy of the G-tech Community Stadium, as a Brentford side who only just missed out on Europe last term face Oliver Glasner's Nottingham Forest at 5:30pm.
Kelly Cates presents this one alongside a punditry pivot of Jamie Redknapp and Izzy Christiansen. Redknapp made 295 Premier League appearances over the years, while Christiansen is a former Women's Super League champion.
Coverage begins at 5pm in the Sky Sports studio, just down the road in Osterley.
Super Sunday
Who are the commentators, pundits and presenters for Super Sunday on Sky Sports?
Micah Richards is a favourite on Sky Sports (Image credit: Getty Images)
Super Sunday returns with some tasty clashes this weekend.
Sky are live on air from 1pm in the company of Mark Chapman – who incidentally is presenting the first Match of the Day of the season on Saturday night. Chapman is joined by Team GB team-mates of London 2012, Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge, who between them, made 418 appearances in the Premier League and each won the trophy.
Gary Neville is back on co-commentary duties alongside the voice of the network, one Peter Drury.
Monday Night Football
Who are the commentators, pundits and presenters for Fulham vs Chelsea on Sky Sports?
Neville and Carragher return for MNF (Image credit: Getty Images)
Monday Night Football sees a West London derby between Fulham and Chelsea, both now led by former Real Madrid managers.
Kick-off is at 8pm, but we have so much more to dissect before them, as Dave Jones introduces the very first MNF of the season at 6:30pm to discuss all the weekend's action and what we glean from Matchday 1 with Sky stalwarts Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville. The pair will then make their season's predictions after the game – something you can do too, with our handy generator.
Ezri Konsa is an Arsenal player. The best defence in the world last season just added another excellent ball-playing centre-back and a decent full-back. It's both demoralising for Aston Villa and “what Premier League champions do”.
Much of the conversation is centred on the Europa League winners and the rapid erosion of their spine; Emiliano Martinez replaced, Konsa and Lucas Digne now gone, Youri Tielemans and Morgan Rogers sold, with Ollie Watkins perhaps out of the door, leaving John McGinn presumably running himself even harder into the Villa Park turf next season. For the fans at the very, very least, it's really not fair that a club can win a major European trophy and qualify for the Champions League by finishing ahead of the champions – who spent £400 million, by the way – and sell so many of their top players.
But another corner of the conversation is simply… why? Where does Konsa fit at Arsenal?
The obvious answer is that William Saliba is sidelined for an indeterminate period of time with a back injury, which isn't as simple as just three months on the sidelines and right as rain. The Frenchman might not be back until Christmas. His load will have to be managed.
Gabriel looked tired at times over the summer. If manager Mikel Arteta is to replace his team chronologically, then surely the difficult conversation of when to phase the Brazilian out will rear its head in the next 18 months. January links to Marc Guehi suggest as such.
At right-back, Arteta has had less of a selection headache than a pounding migraine since 2023. Konsa isn't a right-back by trade – but Jurrien Timber is still to return to the fold, having made a brief appearance in the Champions League final before surgery ruled him out of the World Cup. Ben White has had serious struggles with injury over the past few years and cannot be relied upon – thanks, in part, to pushing himself beyond the limits when Timber himself was recuperating from an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Cristhian Mosquera is still a solid prospect, but raw. Declan Rice played there at times last season (and for England).
So Arsenal have now stockpiled eight players capable of playing at centre-back: first-choice pairing Saliba and Gabriel; Konsa, Mosquera, Timber and White (who can all play right-back); and Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori (who are the two primary picks at left-back). Myles Lewis-Skelly can play left-back, too (though is primarily a midfielder), while it can't be ruled out entirely that Rice or Martin Zubimendi move to right-back this season, even in a pinch.
How many games will each Arsenal defender play this season? (Image credit: Ryan Pierse - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Yet the hierarchy is particularly intriguing. Saliba and Gabriel are undroppable, surely; Calafiori and Hincapie are seemingly interchangeable, thanks to the former's injury issues; Timber starts ahead of White, in part, due to the latter's. Mosquera is still just 22 – but he's trusted enough to start a Champions League final, or to be brought on ahead of more experienced players who, as mentioned, are full-backs now but capable centrally.
Which makes the signing of Konsa ever-more intriguing. Maybe he will usurp White and compete with Timber – maybe he'll even replace Timber (though it feels unlikely, given the Dutchman is in talks for a new contract). Maybe he will compete with Gabriel, though the pair are the same age and Konsa isn't left-footed.
Given what Arsenal have done in attack and midfield, however, it seems clearer than ever that stockpiling elite talent is simply the direction that top teams have to move in.
David Luiz recently told FourFourTwo that he felt that Paris Saint-Germain's failures in the Champions League were at least partly down to squad depth. Last season, Ousmane Dembele started just 10 Ligue 1 games last season. Doue started 16; Kvaratskhelia 18. This summer, they've doubled down to sign Maghnes Akliouche, Ferran Torres and Mika Godts to improve that attacking depth.
The days of Liverpool having no real backup to Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah or Fabinho are gone. Manchester City lost Sergio Aguero and cosplayed with false nines for a bit. Pep Guardiola reportedly told his City bosses last summer that he wanted a smaller squad.
It seems clearer than ever that stockpiling elite talent is simply the direction that top teams have to move in
When City and Liverpool accrued 195 points between them, the champions had John Stones, Vincent Kompany, Aymeric Laporte and Nicolas Otamendi as their collection of centre-backs – and they were favoured in that order. Kompany had overcome his injury issues and wasn't a guaranteed starter in Pep Guardiola's early tenure; Laporte was still adapting to the league, while Otamendi had his doubters pre-Pep. The runners-up, meanwhile, had Virgil van Dijk as their standout; Joel Matip partnered him 31 times in all competitions, Joe Gomez 25 and Dejan Lovren 18.
Arsenal's centre-backs are a little more difficult to organise. They've gone from Gabriel being the main man and Saliba his protege – with a ‘Break glass for Rob Holding’ behind – to Gabriel and Saliba being equal partners. Konsa is not joining to be a backup.
It's similar elsewhere on the pitch. In Arsenal's three-man midfield in 2024/25, Arteta leant on three senior no.8s and a wildcard (Martin Odegaard, Rice and Mikel Merino, with Ethan Nwaneri to develop) alongside two senior options at no.6 (Thomas Partey and an ageing Jorginho, expected to not play much). In the summer of 2025, he replaced Nwaneri with an established marquee signing, in Eberechi Eze (and kept Nwaneri, for good measure, until January), and replaced both Partey and Jorginho with Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard. He has replaced Norgaard with another Premier League captain in Bruno Guimaraes, and Lewis-Skelly has established himself in that position, too.
Arsenal used all four ‘defensive’ midfield players – i.e., Guimaraes, Lewis-Skelly, Rice and Zubimendi – in the Community Shield. Some games will call for Odegaard this season, others for Eze; some will call for both. Merino didn't touch grass. It looks like only Nwaneri will leave (either permanently or otherwise).
On the right wing, Bukayo Saka had no serious back-up for a while. Nwaneri moonlighted there; Raheem Sterling joined on loan. Yet the club invested serious money in Noni Madueke last summer, and Max Dowman has been shown a path at 16 years of age. Likewise, it seems like Viktor Gyokeres was not signed merely to be a backup to Kai Havertz but to compete and complement the German, with the pair featuring alongside each other on more than one occasion.
It's not clear who will play how many minutes this season at Arsenal. While there was a clear hierarchy previously – and at previous Premier League champions – it feels a lot less defined these days.
Who is City's best centre-back, of Abdukodir Khusanov, Marc Guehi, Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol? In fact, who's the first-choice pairing? Who is Arsenal's best midfield double-pivot? Does Arteta even know where Konsa will slot in, or does he just want depth for depth's sake, because it's better to have that than no one?
Arsenal have invested heavily once again this summer (Image credit: Getty Images For Premier League)
None of this is unusual. Arsenal didn't exactly need another right-back when Ben White was in his pomp, but signed Timber anyway; likewise, Kieran Tierney was one of the club's more important players when Oleksandr Zinchenko replaced him. While we speak of football clubs having first XIs and back-ups, it's never really like that: injuries play their part, of course, and managers will always claim that they want two competing players in every position. Even in Arsenal's last great era, Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry were the gold standard, but Sylvain Wiltord and Nwankwo Kanu won the league at Old Trafford. All four were established internationals.
But even from then, it feels like we've shifted to super squads now. More than ever, it feels like players are happier to play 70 per cent of fixtures and have elite competition, simply because of how much football there is. Liverpool went out and signed Luis Diaz in a January window to compete with Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota. And that's really normal these days. They signed Alexander Isak when they already had Hugo Ekitike.
One of the best defenders in the country isn't necessarily needed at Arsenal. The Gunners could well have made a Ronald Araujo-type signing, promoted youngster Marli Salmon to more minutes, brought in a clear backup – either a 22-year-old to develop or a 32-year-old to cover. The fact they have made another £50m+ signing is as much a sign of how far they've come as it is an indicator of the depth and investment now needed at the top.
Arsenal could yet pull off a deal for Julian Alvarez to sign before the transfer window closes.
The Premier League champions have chased the Argentine all summer, yet FourFourTwo understands that the player himself would rather remain in La Liga than return to England with Arsenal, favouring a Barcelona move as his dream.
Reports out of Spain, however, suggest that the deal isn't dead in the water for the Gunners, with Alvarez becoming ever-more likely to move to North London.
Julian Alvarez could yet make Arsenal move before deadline
A new report from Spanish outlet Sportclaims that “Julian Alvarez’s future will be decided in the coming hours, and all signs point to England,’ with Atletico Madrid “pushing” the striker to N5 over a rival.
The 26-year-old said earlier this summer that “the best thing for everyone is a transfer and I want to fulfil my dream,” with Real Madrid reportedly seeing a £129 million move rejected by their city rivals.
Atletico Madrid don't want to lose a top talent to a fellow Spanish giant (Image credit: Getty Images)
Atletico sporting director Mateu Alemany is currently in London to discuss a deal for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, with Sport Witness noting that Alvarez could also be discussed as an option for the Gunners during this trip.
Arsenal could well have another part to play in the saga, with Viktor Gyokeres now linked with Barça and Gabriel Jesus said to be on the Blaugrana shortlist, too – but FourFourTwo understands that Arteta is prepared for the possibility that he doesn't bring in another forward at all this summer.
Gabriel Martinelli has reportedly turned down an offer from Galatasaray, while there is said to be interest in Victor Osimhen from Arsenal.
The Gunners are not involved in the Bradley Barcola pursuit, and have seen pursuits for Vinicius Jr and Morgan Rogers come to nothing, with the former opting to extend his contract in Madrid and the latter choosing to sign for Chelsea in a British record transfer.
Mikel Arteta is insistent about wanting another forward (Image credit: Getty Images For Premier League)
Sport Witness have relayed the Sport report from Spain, noting Arsenal's Alvarez offer stands at “€80m plus Viktor Gyokeres,” and that the star “can double his salary at the Emirates and have a key role under Mikel Arteta.”
The Argentine could well replace Martinelli on the left-wing, or feature more as a centre-forward alternative to Kai Havertz – depending on who leaves London Colney in the coming weeks.
Newcastle United vs Manchester United was the fixture in England football in 1996.
The two sides engaged in a title fight throughout the 1995/96 season, with Manchester United's ultimate elation in triumph only matched by the despair Newcastle United felt at letting the trophy slip from their grasp.
But when it comes to the actual meetings between the two sides around that period, there is one game that stands out in the memory above all others.
"If you beat Man United then it’s great, if you beat them 5-0 it’s absolutely fantastic"
One fan ran down to the dugout to bow down to Kevin Keegan (Image credit: Getty Images)
Ten games in to the 1996/97 season, in October 1996, not-yet-Sir Alex Ferguson brought his side to St James' Park with the two teams again expected to fight for the Premier League title.
Newcastle were top, but the Red Devils had gone undefeated thus far and were still high on having beaten Liverpool at Old Trafford in the previous league game
Newcastle ran riot over Manchester United (Image credit: Getty Images)
What followed was an absolute shellacking. Darren Peacock and David Ginola had Newcastle 2-0 up inside half an hour; by the 75th minute, Les Ferdinand and Alan Shearer had got in on the act to make it 4-0.
But it was the sumptuous final goal that meant that when speaking to FourFourTwo in 2007, manager Kevin Keegan had a simple answer to his favourite moment as Newcastle boss.
"Philippe Albert beating Peter Schmeichel to seal that 5-0 win over Manchester United," he said
"If you beat Man United then it’s great, if you beat them 5-0 it’s absolutely fantastic, and if you’ve just lost a league to them the season before, it’s even better.
"I shook Alex Ferguson’s hand afterwards, but [Eric] Cantona was the only one that spoke to me. He shook my hand and said: 'F**king great team'.
"The crowd were really proud of those players.
"We had a side full of players who still had something to prove, the John Beresfords and Rob Lees.
"Fortunately for me, and for Newcastle, they all still wanted to achieve things."
This interview first appeared in the April 2007 edition of FourFourTwo magazine
FourFourTwo has many more football quizzes, all courtesy of Kwizly. The archive includes a surprisingly difficult one-season wonders quiz that will test your knowledge about a few of the Premier League's fleeting former stars.
There's plenty more international football action to enjoy. For starters, we want you to tell us who's completed football by winning the World Cup AND the Ballon d'Or.
We have puzzles too. Our Weekend Crossword is a regular football teaser for your Sunday, and remember to sign up to the newsletter for more quizzes in your inbox. Don't forget to join The Club for free additional membership benefits!
The new season of the Premier League is almost here, but how much do you know about its history? 30 years on, this FourFourTwo quiz will test your knowledge of the 1996-97 season. Let's see what stuck.
Football in England was in a moment in 1996. The European Championship had just been played on home soil and the Premier League was starting to find its voice. Things have changed a lot since then but the league we recognise now was beginning to reveal itself.
This quiz has 15 questions to answer and 8 minutes to answer them. Don't forget to let us know how you get on!
FourFourTwo's Weekend Crossword 66 features clues on French managers, fair play awards, overseas cups and footballing lanes. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for your daily afternoon briefing of football trivia and analysis, and don't forget to join The Club: our free membership portal where you can secret hints and get on the leaderboard.
Happy Friday and Happy New Season, one and all: we're about to embark on a 34th Premier League campaign and the atmosphere is one akin to the first day of term. Anything can happen; everything is new again. The next nine months (or so) of our lives are just waiting to happen.
Your one constant through it all is the Friday Football Quiz: a devilishly difficult delight before the festivities kick off tonight in North London, this week testing your nerve from the Abbey Stadium to the AFCON and everything in between. 20 questions ready whenever you are.
Handpicked football quizzes we know you'll love
Moving from matchday trivia of past and present to the deep-seated heritage of global giants and domestic title races demands elite mental conditioning: so with more quizzes courtesy of Kwizly, we've drawn up a fresh selection designed to test whether your memory can span from Spanish transfer blockbusters to the historic archives of English silverware.
Next, can you name every team to have won one of English football's top four tiers, celebrating the historic champions who lifted silverware across every level of the professional game? Following that, bring your focus back to the global stage and tackle the Big World Cup 2026 Quiz, testing your recall of the goals, shocks, and breakout stars from North America's historic showpiece over the summer.
To lower your pulse after navigating all that statistical mileage, find a quiet spot in the dugout for FourFourTwo’s Weekend Crossword 66, as we delve into kings, emperors and pharaohs. To ensure you stay top of the table every single day, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for your daily briefing of hand-picked trivia and tactical analysis. To complete your transfer to terrace legend status, join The Club, our free membership hub that serves as your digital dugout, where you can unlock secret hints for our toughest quizzes, climb global leaderboards, and debate the latest topics directly in the comments.
Ligue 1 returns for the 2026/27 season with a familiar question: can anyone stop Paris Saint-Germain? The back-to-back Champions League winners claimed a fifth successive French top flight crown last term after seeing off Lens' surprise title bid, so who will be the main challenger this term? FourFourTwo has all the broadcast information you need to watch every game live.
PSG will be odds-on favourites to lift their sixth title in a row - which would move them within one of Lyon's national record of seven - but that isn't solely down to the brilliance of Luis Enrique's young side. French football is not in a great place financially, so it is hard to see if anyone can live with the Parisians over the course of a full campaign.
However, there are plenty of interesting sub-plots. Dino Toppmoller comes in at Lens after Pierre Sage left for Crystal Palace, while Davide Ancelotti - son of Carlo - takes charge at Lille, who finished third last term. Elsewhere, Bruno Genesio has been appointed by Marseille after former Newcastle United defender Habib Beye was sacked after just five months, and ex-Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior is back in France with the ambitious Paris FC. Meanwhile, Le Mans return to Ligue 1 after 16 years away, backed by some famous co-owners including Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, tennis legend Novak Djokovic and former Ferrari Formula One driver Felipe Massa.
In this guide, we'll show you how to watch Ligue 1 live streams in the UK, US, and around the world, and how you can use a VPN to tune in while you're abroad.
CazéTV on YouTube in Brazil will continue to show selected Ligue 1 games for free this season.
Outside of Brazil? You need a VPN to unlock your stream — find out more below.
How to watch Ligue 1 from anywhere
Chances are you'll find yourself overseas when some Ligue 1 games are taking place, but does that mean you have to miss the action? No, it doesn't... a VPN will ensure you get your coverage from anywhere.
Ligue 1 live streams are geo-restricted on all streaming services, but a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a neat way around this, unpicking the geo-locks by altering your device's digital location. It's great for accessing your usual streaming services while on the move, and it does wonders for your internet security, too.
NordVPN is the best, so say our good friends across the office at TechRadar.
🥇 World's best VPN service 🙌 Fast, secure, easy to use 💰 3 months extra free 📺 Stream Ligue 1 2026/27View Deal
How to watch Ligue 1 in the UK
French football fans in the UK can watch Ligue 1 this season on Ligue 1+, the division's direct-to-consumer in-house channel.
Every game of the 2026/27 campaign will be available live or on demand, with added content such as highlights packages and episodes dedicated to iconic former players, season reviews and the best of Ligue 2 - all for £9.99 per month.
You can also watch select games via Prime Video's pay-per-view feature for Ligue 1. Each game available on the platform will cost £2.49, making it the perfect package for someone looking to catch the odd game.
How to watch Ligue 1 in the US
In the US, beIN SPORTS is the home of Ligue 1, with games live on beIN SPORTS channels and streaming service beIN SPORTS Connect.
A subscription costs just $5.99 per month or $59.99 per year.
Can I watch Ligue 1 in Australia?
Unfortunately, there is currently no official broadcaster in place to show Ligue 1 matches in Australia, after beIN SPORTS ended their agreement.
The good news is that fans Down Under can still access their Ligue 1 streams via NordVPN.
Other Ligue 1 live streams around the world
With PSG arguably the best club side on the planet right now, it is no surprise that Ligue 1 attracts viewers from across the world. You can watch Ligue 1 live streams in dozens of countries - here are a few providers in select locations:
Click to find out more 👇
Africa
BeIN SPORTS is Ligue 1's official broadcast partner in MENA countries (Middle East and North Africa), while SuperSport and Canal+ Afrique share the rights in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Canada
beIN SPORTS has the rights to Ligue 1 live streams in Canada.
Hong Kong
Viewers in Hong Kong can also watch Ligue 1 on beIN SPORTS.
New Zealand
As with Australia, there is currently no official broadcaster for Ligue 1 in New Zealand.
South Africa
Ligue 1 fans in South Africa can watch all the action via subscription service SuperSport and Canal+ Afrique.
What are the Ligue 1 2026/27 key dates?
The 2026/27 Ligue 1 season starts on Friday, August 21, with Marseille hosting Strasbourg on opening night.
The campaign ends on the weekend of Saturday, May 29, 2027.
The Ligue 1 fixtures on the opening weekend of the season are as follows: (all times BST)
Friday, August 21: Marseille vs Strasbourg (7.45pm)
Saturday, August 22: Lens vs Auxerre (4.15pm)
Saturday, August 22: Troyes vs Paris FC (7.45pm)
Saturday, August 22: Le Mans vs Brest (7.45pm)
Saturday, August 22: Nice vs Lorient (7.45pm)
Saturday, August 22: Toulouse vs Lyon (7.45pm)
Sunday, August 23: Angers vs Lille (2pm)
Sunday, August 23: Le Havre vs Monaco (4.15pm)
Sunday, August 23: PSG vs Rennes (7.45pm)
We recommend VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
Roberto De Zerbi. One step. Winning the race for Mateus Fernandes. Another step. Breaking up Newcastle United's midfield unit with an audacious Sandro Tonali swoop. Another.
Tottenham Hotspur have taken three huge strides away from the nadir of their banter era – namely back-to-back 17th-placed finishes in the Premier League, a wound that, at points, even a Europa League triumph failed to strap up.
But one moment this summer threatened to plunge them right back to the unedifying start.
We’re talking, of course, about the mooted transfer of Cristian Romero to sworn enemies Arsenal.
The Argentinian centre-back, while clearly one of their more gifted talents in these dark years, had been a thorn in the side of Spurs for some time off the pitch.
Former club captain Cristian Romero missed one of Spurs' biggest games in recent years to pursuit his own interests (Image credit: Getty Images)
Unafraid to call out higher-ups, Spurs fans quite liked some of the spikier elements of the defender's personality. But when he was missing in action for the Lilywhites’ relegation-decider against Everton at the end of last season, positive feelings soon evaporated. From then, the writing was on the wall.
A parting of the ways was somewhat telegraphed, but that one sensational transfer link to the other side of north London threatened to take a knife to Spurs’ patchwork quilt of a reputation.
It’s not that Romero would have vastly improved a rival. In fact, he’d have probably struggled to break the Gabriel-Saliba duopoly over the Gunners’ backline, dependent on the latter's fitness.
Football is a patch of grass and 22 players chasing around a bag of air. But in the modern day, with the vast sums of money involved, it is also a game of hubris.
Its exponents can try to rise above that petty truth, but it is a truth. These things matter. They feed into how a club views itself.
There was never an obvious gap in Arsenal's defence anyway, to be fair... (Image credit: Getty Images)
Luis Figo. Ashley Cole. S*l C******l.
These transfers not only come to define the career of the individual involved, but also entire eras in football teams and their cities.
Joan Gaspart, Barcelona’s president as Figo made that move, said it “destroyed” the club. And that’s Barcelona.
In a frenzied race to try and save face amid the backlash, the former executive admits he rushed to get new faces through the door.
It didn’t work. The Catalans didn’t lift another major trophy for another five years, when 2004/05 brought LaLiga back to Camp Nou.
Luis Figo's controversial move from Barca to Real Madrid derailed the Catalans for years (Image credit: Getty Images)
Five years. An entire peak of a player’s career gone in the click of one transfer. That’s how damaging these moves can be.
Now, it would be hyperbolic to suggest Romero rocking up at the Emirates would have been anywhere near as seismic as Figo’s move – pigs need never have feared for their heads in the English capital – but it illustrates a point: history has shown it’s a game to be avoided at all costs.
Thankfully, those at Tottenham recognised this, with concrete talks seemingly never countenanced. Each and every report carrying the same disclaimer that they wouldn't even enter the discussion.
As the Sky Sports News ticker unfurled with the story, it threatened to swipe Spurs’ recent progress with it. Instead, in this new-era, cold-faced Spurs, the drama fizzled out as soon as it had sparked.
It was replaced by news that Romero was heading to the stage for that Figo scandal 26 years earlier, to Madrid. Only it was Atletico rather than Real for the 28-year-old.
¡Bienvenido, Cristian 'Cuti' Romero! 🔴⚪Acuerdo con el Tottenham Hotspur para el traspaso del defensa internacional argentino, quien firma por nuestro club hasta 2031.➡️ https://t.co/38a4bw3DBW pic.twitter.com/8yapwP9UBHAugust 15, 2026
A match made in heaven, Romero will be at home under Atleti’s legendary Argentinian coach, Diego Simeone, and his Dark Arts enthusiasts – an apt resolution for all parties involved, even if the defender's exit from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium did his legacy in N17 no favours.
A development that at one point may have derailed Tottenham, their progression train continues to chug ahead without a scratch.
Spurs look serious and decisive this summer. And they might just mean it this time.
William Osula is set to remain at Newcastle United for the upcoming campaign, bringing an end to months of speculation surrounding his future at St. James' Park.
The Danish forward was heavily linked with a move to the Bundesliga throughout last season, with Eintracht Frankfurt identifying him as a top target.
A January transfer to the German club almost materialised in the closing days of the winter window, but the deal ultimately collapsed, keeping Osula on Tyneside to fight for his place.
Will Osula expected to play central role for Newcastle this season
William Osula of Newcastle United (Image credit: Getty Images)
That perseverance paid off during the run-in, as Osula enjoyed a strong end to the season, finishing the campaign with seven goals from eight starts.
He has built on that momentum throughout pre-season under new head coach Matthias Jaissle, featuring prominently throughout summer preparations.
Matthias Jaissle (Image credit: Getty Images)
Most notably, Osula delivered an eye-catching performance during a 1-1 friendly draw against Strasbourg, where his direct running and pressing caused problems for the French side's defence.
Jaissle’s tactical preferences could also suit Osula's physical profile, too. In previous managerial stints, the German manager has implemented a system featuring two centre-forwards designed to unsettle opposition backlines.
This setup relies on pairing an athletic, line-stretching runner like Osula, who can stretch play and press aggressively, with a supporting forward like Nick Woltemade, who drops into pockets of space to link play between midfield and attack.
"We've already learned [Jaissle's] play styles in and out of possession and how he likes to play tactically. It has been good," Osula told BBC Radio Newcastle.
"I want to continue to show what I can do, remain confident. I know what I can do on the pitch so it's just keeping doing that."
Matthias Jaissle has a point to prove in the Premier League (Image credit: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Newcastle are without European football this season but could prioritise going deep in the cup competitions; the club's cohort of strikers will be expected share the bulk of the goalscoring load.
FourFourTwo understands Osula could play a central role for Newcastle from the start this season, as opposed to the bit-part function he has carried out in previous campaigns, beginning this weekend against Liverpool.
With his immediate future settled and a head coach who values his specific tactical qualities, Osula now has the platform to establish himself as a key fixture in Newcastle's attack under Jaissle.
Here at FourFourTwo, we've made a helpful graphic creator for you to share with your friends, with your followers on social or just in the group chat: so whether you reckon that Erling Haaland is going to win the Premier League Golden Boot (boooring) or that Hull City are going to shock us all and ‘do a Leicester’ (OK, now we're listening), this is the platform to do it.
Simply input your answers below (surnames will do for players), and the graphic will generate for you to copy and paste wherever on earth you'd like.
Get involved, and tell us your Premier League predictions with our generator
Remember, we at FFT HQ would love to hear your opinions – so get involved and generate your own image.
You can tag us – it's @FourFourTwo on X (formerly known as Twitter) and @FourFourTwoUK on Instagram – and remember to leave the hashtag #FFTpredictions.
Need some help to choose? Here are some odds…
Will Arsenal defend their crown? (Image credit: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Arsenal star Viktor Gyokeres is pushing to leave – just a year after signing for the Gunners.
That's according to an explosive new report from Spain, which claims that the Swedish hitman is in “daily” conversations to leave Arsenal for Barcelona, who are interested in his services.
Gyokeres netted 21 goals in 56 appearances in all competitions last term as Arsenal won the Premier League and reached the Champions League final – though he didn't win over everyone.
Viktor Gyokeres apparently pushing for Arsenal exit
According to Spain outlet Cope, the striker “wants to leave” N5, with his agent in conversation with Barça sporting director Deco – who isn't interested in the player just yet.
Though Gyokeres spearheaded a first Premier League title for Arsenal in 22 years, manager Mikel Arteta often preferred Kai Havertz in attack in the biggest games, thanks to the German's superior hold-up play.
Pape Matar Sarr is Besiktas-bound (Image credit: Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)
Gyokeres himself has been criticised for his all-round game: though he has scored plenty back in English football, his record against last season's top 10 was patchy, leading to Arteta pivoting to pursue Julian Alvarez as a potential replacement.
Right now, however, the suggestion that the 28-year-old isn't happy simply doesn't tally with what he's said of late – with Fotbollskanalen relaying comments earlier this summer.
“Of course it’s flattering to see that clubs are interested, but I feel extremely comfortable at Arsenal,” Gyokeres said, adding, “After the season we have had, I only have positive feelings.”
FourFourTwo understands that Gyokeres is further down the pecking order than others when it comes to potential outgoings before the end of the transfer window, with fellow forward Gabriel Jesus also said to be of interest to Barcelona.
Gyokeres has relished the competition with Havertz in Arsenal's squad up until this point – with the German spending swathes of the Gunners' title-winning campaign on the sidelines through injury.
Gabriel Jesus is also linked with an exit (Image credit: Getty Images)
The Athletic reported last year that Gyokeres' agent had waived his fee for the transfer to help facilitate an exit from Sporting, where the striker hit 97 times in 102 appearances in Portuguese football.
It remains highly unlikely that he is pushing for an exit just yet – despite struggles at times last term.
Liverpool’s decision to sanction Curtis Jones’ imminent £30 million transfer to Inter Milan is understandable from a purely financial standpoint.
The midfielder has already entered the final 12 months of his Anfield contract, meaning this summer represents the club’s last opportunity to recoup a significant fee rather than risk losing a homegrown asset for nothing next year.
Cashing in on an academy graduate delivers a neat £30m boost to the balance sheet. But, from a sporting perspective, taking a red pen to the squad's engine room midway through August is...certainly a decision.
Curtis Jones could hold the key to Liverpool's success or failure in 2026/27
Liverpool duo Florian Wirtz and Curtis Jones (Image credit: Getty Images)
Unless an immediate, top-tier replacement is lined up and has been kept under wraps from the press, it raises a glaring question: what on earth are Liverpool doing?
The expected sale leaves Liverpool’s central midfield looking rather thin, relying almost entirely on a core trio: Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Dominik Szoboszlai (L) and Rio Ngumoha (R) (Image credit: Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
While those three have top level Premier League quality, the depth behind them is less so.
Wataru Endo remains in the squad, but the Japanese international is fundamentally a functional, defensive backup rather than someone equipped to start three matches a week.
Nineteen-year-old Trey Nyoni has featured throughout pre-season, but it's a big ask to expect him to replace one of the more senior players in that position.
Going into a campaign with essentially three senior central midfielders for two starting spots is...certainly a decision.
This level of depth, or lack thereof, is especially baffling when considering Andoni Iraola’s demanding, high-pressing style of play.
Andoni Iraola at the AXA Training Centre (Image credit: Getty Images)
Iraola’s setup requires energy, relentless off-the-ball counter-pressing, and continuous box-to-box engine work in central areas.
Expecting Mac Allister, Gravenberch, and Szoboszlai to sustain that level of intense physical exertion across four competitions is, in FourFourTwo's opinion, asking for trouble.
In the modern game, muscle fatigue and soft-tissue injuries are an inevitability over a 50-plus match season.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola (Image credit: Getty Images)
Making matters worse is Liverpool’s habit of drafting central midfielders into emergency roles elsewhere on the pitch. In recent seasons, defensive shortages have repeatedly forced central players, most notably Szoboszlai, to plug holes at right-back.
If a full-back injury forces Iraola to slide Szoboszlai out wide again, Liverpool’s central midfield options are diminished overnight.
Granted, almost a fortnight remains before the transfer window shuts, but the transfer rumour mill offers precious little comfort.
Liverpool’s current recruitment drive is firmly focused on bringing in a wide attacker, according to reports, rather than bolstering the middle of the park. While speculative links to Adam Wharton persist, any late approach will be strongly rebuffed by Crystal Palace, who have no intention of parting with their prized asset so late in August.
Even if a deal were possible, Wharton himself may hold out for a rumoured move to Manchester City in 12 months' time. By choosing to bank £30m for Jones on the brink of contract expiry, Liverpool may have solved an accounting issue, only to leave themselves one injury away from a full-blown crisis.
In isolation, banking £30m for Jones who is on the brink of contract expiry is a good bit of business. But in current circumstances, it can only be deemed good business if Liverpool have someone else lined up in that position, who will meet Iraola's needs and elevate the profile of the squad. Even then, it mightn't be enough and Liverpool could find themselves running on fumes by March, coasting to the finish.
The Premier League is back for 2026/27 and the new season could scarcely be dripping in more narrative. Arsenal defend their title, Man City deal without Pep Guardiola, Andoni Iraola begins life at Liverpool, Coventry return after 25 years away and Tottenham try not to finish 17th. FourFourTwo is here with all the broadcast information you need to watch every game live.
Premier League broadcasters
► UK: Sky Sports, TNT Sports / HBO Max (select games) ► US: Peacock, USA Network, NBC (all games) ► Australia: Stan Sport (all games) ► Watch from anywhere: Try NordVPN 100% risk free
The Premier League's 35th season could be its most intriguing since Sky Sports invented football in 1992. No Arsenal side since the great Herbert Chapman vintage of the 1930s have won back-to-back top-flight English titles, but the recruitment of Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis – with more to come – give Mikel Arteta's side a strong look. They kick the whole thing off against Frank Lampard's Coventry on Friday night as the Sky Blues return after a quarter-century away.
For the first time in a decade, Man City begin a new season without Guardiola in the dugout. Tonsorially similar Enzo Maresca brings his interpretation of Pep-ball to the Etihad, with Elliot Anderson the key arrival as Rodri seems set to join Bernardo Silva in heading for the exit. They start against Bournemouth on Sunday.
The Cherries' former boss Iraola will take charge of his first competitive Liverpool game on Sunday, as the Reds take on a stripped-back Newcastle side after the sales of Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali. Anfield wants a return to heavy-metal football but pre-season results have been mixed.
Matchweek 1 comes to a close on Monday night with a west London derby at Craven Cottage. Chelsea have spent big on Morgan Rogers to link up with best-bud Cole Palmer as the Xabi Alonso revolution takes hold. Fellow former Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa takes charge of his first Fulham game in that one.
In this guide, FourFourTwo break down all the Premier League viewing options globally, with all 380 games available in many countries. We'll have in-depth details on UK, USA, and Australia broadcaster, along with a full list of outlets internationally.
Abroad for Matchweek 1 of the Premier League 2026/27? You need a VPN to unlock your stream — find out more below.
How to watch the Premier League from abroad
Chances are you'll find yourself overseas when some Premier League 2026/27 games are taking place, but does that mean you have to miss the action? No, it doesn't... a VPN will ensure you get your coverage from anywhere.
Premier League live streams are geo-restricted on all streaming services, but a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a neat way around this, unpicking the geo-locks by altering your device's digital location. It's great for accessing your usual streaming services while on the move, and it does wonders for your internet security, too.
NordVPN is the best, so say our good friends across the office at TechRadar.
🥇 World's best VPN service 🙌 Fast, secure, easy to use 💰 3 months extra free 📺 Stream Premier League 2026/27View Deal
How to watch the Premier League in the UK
In the UK, Premier League TV rights for the 2026/2027 season are shared between two broadcasters: Sky Sports, and TNT Sports. It's the second year of the EPL's latest £6.7bn deal that lasts until 2029. At least 267 of the 380 fixtures to be shown live.
► Sky Sportshas broadcast English top flight matches since the Premier League’s inception in 1992, and it continues to air more live action than anyone else. The service will show at least 215 games in 2026/2027 across Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports+.
► TNT Sports and its streaming platform HBO Max have rights to 52 live Premier League matches in 2026/27, usually Saturday lunchtime kick-offs and a couple of midweek matchdays.
Why aren't all Premier League games live on TV in the UK?
Yep, the Saturday 3pm 'blackout' remains in place, which means that no games that kick off at that time can be broadcast live. This is enshrined in law and is designed to protect match-day attendances further down the football pyramid.
Like last season, though, any Premier League game not taking place at 3pm on a Saturday shown live on TV. Good news for fans of clubs on the Thursday-Sunday timetable of the Europa League/Conference League grind.
Sky Sports is the main rights holder for the 2026/2027 Premier League in the UK, with select games – including the flagship Super Sunday – live on Sky Sports' channels. Plans start from £35 a month on a long-term TV contract, while existing customers on a 24-month Sky TV contract can add Sky Sports for £22 a month. You can also stream short-term for a similar cost via Now TV.
As with Sky, to get TNT Sports on your TV you're looking at a long-term TV package deal. However, TNT Sports comes with its own dedicated streaming platform, HBO Max, with plans starting at £25.99/month that include TNT.View Deal
NBC Universal holds the Premier League broadcast rights in the US, splitting the coverage across various channels and platforms: NBC, USA Network, and Peacock.
► NBC is the flagship cable TV channel, which hosts only the marquee fixtures.
► Peacockis NBC's streaming platform which not only hosts a live stream of the NBC games but also exclusively shows a number of other games each week – roughly half of Premier League games.
► USA Network is another cable TV channel that houses roughly the other half of the fixtures. As we've mentioned above, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV and DirecTV all carry the channel and have free-trial options, while Sling Blue has USA Network and NBC but not Peacock.
Peacock plans start from $12.99 a month, which nets you roughly half of all Premier League games each week. There are savings for annual plans, which start from $129.99 a year.View Deal
How to watch the Premier League in Australia
Aussie soccer fans have it easy, and pretty cheap. Every single Premier League game is available to stream live on Stan Sport. Yep, all 380 of them.
Better still, it's even cheaper to watch the EPL 2026/27 Down Under because Stan have introduced a new Basic tier at AU$9.99. You'll also need the AU$20 Sport add-on, but you get every Premier League game, plus the Champions League, FA Cup, and more, all for AU$29.99 a month.
New customers need to sign up for a Basic Stan subscription ($9.99 a month) and then add the Stan Sport add-on ($20 a month), for a total outlay of $29.99 a month. View Deal
Other Premier League live streams around the world
The Premier League is the world's biggest, brashest, most popular league, so it's no surprise you can watch live streams in pretty much any country you like. Here are a few providers in select locations:
Click to find out more 👇
Europe
Albania - Digitalb
Andorra - CANAL+/DAZN
Armenia - Saran Media
Austria - Sky Deutschland
Belarus - Saran Media
Belgium - Telenet
Croatia - Telekom Srbija
Cyprus - Cytavision
Czech Republic - CANAL+
Denmark - Viaplay
Estonia - TV3
Finland - Viaplay
France - CANAL+
Georgia - Saran Media
Germany - Sky Deutschland
Greece - IMG (sublicensed to Forthnet)
Hungary - TV2
Iceland - Syn
Israel - Charlton
Republic of Ireland (Eire) - Sky Sports, TNT Sports, Premier Sports
Italy - Sky Italia
Kosovo - Telekom Srbija
Latvia - TV3
Lithuania - TV3
Luxembourg - CANAL+
Malta - TSN
Moldova - Saran Media
Montenegro - Telekom Srbija
Netherlands - Viaplay
North Macedonia - Telekom Srbija
Norway - Viaplay
Poland - CANAL+
Romania - Saran Media
Portugal - Eleven
Serbia - Telekom Srbija
Slovakia - CANAL+
Slovenia - Telekom Srbija
Spain - DAZN
Sweden - Viaplay
Switzerland - CANAL+ (French-language), Sky Deutschland (German), Sky Italia
(Italian)
Turkey - beIN Sports
United Kingdom - Sky Sports, TNT Sports
Ukraine - Setanta
Asia-Pacific
Afghanistan - Saran Media
Australia - Stan Sport
Azerbaijan - Saran Media
Bangladesh - JioStar
Bhutan - JioStar
Cambodia - Jasmine International
China - Migu
Chinese Taipei - ELTA
Hong Kong - PCCW
India - JioStar
Indonesia - EMTEK
Japan - U-Next
Kazakhstan - Saran Media
Kyrgyzstan - Saran Media
Laos - Jasmine International
Malaysia - Astro
Mongolia - Unitel
Myanmar - CANAL+
Nepal - JioStar
New Zealand - Sky NZ
Pacific Islands - Digicel
Pakistan - JioStar
Singapore - StarHub
South Korea - Coupang
Sri Lanka - JioStar
Tajikistan - Saran Media
Thailand - Jasmine International
Turkmenistan - Saran Media
Uzbekistan - Saran Media
Vietnam - K+
Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Africa
Middle East and North Africa - beIN Sports
Americas
Brazil - ESPN
Canada - Fubo
Caribbean - ESPN
Costa Rica - Fox Broadcasting Corporation, TNT Sports Mexico
El Salvador - Fox Broadcasting Corporation, TNT Sports Mexico
Guatemala - Fox Broadcasting Corporation, TNT Sports Mexico
Honduras - Fox Broadcasting Corporation, TNT Sports Mexico
Mexico - Fox Broadcasting Corporation, TNT Sports Mexico
Nicaragua - Fox Broadcasting Corporation, TNT Sports Mexico
Panama - Fox Broadcasting Corporation, TNT Sports Mexico
South America - ESPN
United States - NBC Sports
What country has the cheapest Premier League streams?
From our research, we found that Star Sports in India will show all 380 Premier League games for just ₹1,099 (£8.45) via the JioHotstar service.
We recommend VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
Looking for football fixtures across the 2026/27 calendar? Look no further!
Perhaps you're simply looking for how to watch the Premier League – or maybe you'd like a full guide on the top four divisions of English football, each cup competition, Europe's top five leagues, women's competitions, or even Major League Soccer, the J.League or the Super Lig.
Well, we can help you plan your schedule with a fully interactive calendar that includes every match from the biggest competitions – and even a search bar to find the complete schedule for your team. Let's begin, shall we?
There's more football than ever before: from leagues to cups, from Blighty to abroad, you just can't move for all the action – with TV guides these days resembling that famous Mitchell and Webb sketch.
With literally every second of the football presumably mattering to someone somewhere, the 2026/27 season promises to be a big one across Europe in both the men's and women's game – and FourFourTwo are your friends when it comes to all the info on where to watch all the action. Our exhaustive guide delves into the TV details for every competition that you'll find in our calendar, so there's really absolutely no excuse for ever missing another second ever again (unless, of course, it's just too much).
Wherever you're watching on Planet Earth, we've got the details you need, plus our calendar has different time zones built in for you to peruse – so you're no longer having to add or subtract hours to your team's kick-off time. And if you're a frequent flyer (or sailor, or even enjoy the EuroStar from time to time), then fear not either: we can help you catch up with all the action with a VPN. All the details below.
Remember, the best place to be first when it comes to the football schedule is our exclusive …And It's LIVE! newsletter. We kindly drop a full list of every kick-off that you'll want to invest in ahead of the weekend – plus all the quizzes, injury news, features and previews that you know and love from FourFourTwo.
The full list of football broadcasters
How to watch the Premier League
Bukayo Saka of Arsenal kisses the Premier League trophy (Image credit: Michael Regan/Getty Images For Premier League)
From 2025 until 2029, the Premier League will be split between just the two broadcasters, with a sharp increase in the number of games shown on television.
Sky Sports have the rights to 215 live games, with TNT Sports and HBO Max getting 52 games. The BBC's Match of the Day retains the rights to the highlights.
How to watch the Premier League on Sky Sports
To get Sky Sports you either need to arrange a TV package, either direct through Sky or another provider such as EE or Virgin. Or, for a more flexible and shorter-term, NowTV is Sky's streaming partner, with a day pass available for £14.99 or a monthly plan from £27.99. View Deal
How to watch the Premier League on TNT Sports and HBO Max
To get TNT Sports on your TV you're looking at a long-term TV package deal. However, TNT Sports comes with its own dedicated streaming platform, HBO Max, which costs £25.99 a month. View Deal
In the US, Peacock $10.99 (£8) per month has roughly half of all games live, while you'll need cable or a cord-cutter service (around US$50 per month) to catch the rest on USA Network. View Deal
In Australia, Stan Sport have a live stream for every single Premier League game for AU$29.99 (£15) per month, and that price will also get you every single Champions League game. View Deal
It's a similar story in Canada, where Fubo live streams every single game for CA$31.49 (£17) per month, with savings for longer-term plans.View Deal
You might find the occasional game absolutely free on an international broadcaster, but the best deal overall is Setanta Sports, which shows all games for €4.99 in Ukraine, Georgia, Belarus, Moldova, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan.View Deal
Coventry City celebrate their promotion to the Premier League (Image credit: Getty Images)
Until 2029, Sky Sports will be the sole broadcaster of the English Football League – the Championship, League One and League Two – showing over 1,000 matches from the three divisions a season, including the play-offs.
ITV has the rights for the highlights.
How to watch the Championship, League One and League Two on Sky Sports
To get Sky Sports you either need to arrange a TV package, either direct through Sky or another provider such as EE or Virgin. Or, for a more flexible and shorter-term, NowTV is Sky's streaming partner, with a day pass available for £14.99 or a monthly plan from £27.99. View Deal
Paramount+ is the EFL rights-holder in the US, with a huge selection of games across the Championship, League One, and League Two. Plans start from $8.99 a month – a bargain considering you get all the Champions League live streams too. View Deal
beIN Sports in Australia shows a host of EFL matches, and the price is really strong, coming in at just AU$15.99 a month (£8). Do note, though, that prices are rising by $1 in September.View Deal
How to watch the Scottish Premiership
Celtic won the Scottish Premiership (Image credit: Adidas)
The Scottish Premiership is available to watch across two broadcasters until the current television deal ends in 2029.
There are 60 live Premiership matches available to watch on Sky Sports, with 20 pre-split matches (and six post-split) per season on Premier Sports. Premier Sports also get coverage of the Scottish Cup.
Select Scottish Cup games are on the BBC, too.
How to watch the Scottish Premiership on Sky Sports
To get Sky Sports you either need to arrange a TV package, either direct through Sky or another provider such as EE or Virgin. Or, for a more flexible and shorter-term, NowTV is Sky's streaming partner, with a day pass available for £14.99 or a monthly plan from £27.99. View Deal
How to watch the Scottish Premiership on Premier Sports
Premier Sports has a base price of £17.99 a month as a flexible, cancellable subscription, should you wish to watch on the app, or Sky Q. You can pay annually for £130-a-year, or take out an annual pay-as-you-go subscription worth £12.99 (which can't be broken midseason). View Deal
How to watch the Women's Super League
Manchester City celebrate winning the WSL (Image credit: Julian Finney - WSL/WSL Football via Getty Images)
In October 2024, it was announced that Sky Sports and the BBC would share the coverage of the Women's Super League, in the first long-term agreement of its kind for women's football in England.
Sky have the lion's share, with 163 live matches broadcast, with the BBC taking 19.
How to watch the Women's Super League on Sky Sports
To get Sky Sports you either need to arrange a TV package, either direct through Sky or another provider such as EE or Virgin. Or, for a more flexible and shorter-term, NowTV is Sky's streaming partner, with a day pass available for £14.99 or a monthly plan from £27.99.
How to watch the FA Cup
Pep Guardiola holds the FA Cup (Image credit: Getty Images)
The FA Cup is continuing on non-terrestrial television and will be shown via TNT Sports and HBO Max.
While ITV no longer hold any rights, however, the BBC have entered into a new agreement as the free-to-air broadcaster of the competition, showing 14 games – which includes two live matches from each round through to the quarter-finals, one semi-final and the final.
The FA Cup Final is one of 10 events reserved for live broadcast on UK terrestrial television under the Ofcom Code on Sports and Other Listed and Designated Events.
How to watch the FA Cup on TNT Sports and HBO Max
To get TNT Sports on your TV you're looking at a long-term TV package deal. However, TNT Sports comes with its own dedicated streaming platform, HBO Max, which costs £30.99 a month. View Deal
In the USA, ESPN has live streams for every single FA Cup game from the third round onwards. Plans start from $12.99 per month.View Deal
How to watch the League Cup
Manchester City players celebrate with the League Cup (Image credit: Getty Images)
The League Cup is available to watch across Sky Sports' platforms: a select few games are available to watch on the Sky Sports Football channel, with the rest streamable on Sky Sports+.
A select few games are available to watch free-to-air on ITV, following the broadcaster showing the final last year in conjunction with Sky.
How to watch the League Cup on Sky Sports
To get Sky Sports you either need to arrange a TV package, either direct through Sky or another provider such as EE or Virgin. Or, for a more flexible and shorter-term, NowTV is Sky's streaming partner, with a day pass available for £14.99 or a monthly plan from £27.99.
How to watch the Women's FA Cup and League Cup
(Image credit: Getty Images)
The Women's FA Cup will be broadcast across TNT Sports and Channel 4 with 25 matches shown live across the season.
Sky and BBC are broadcasters of the Women's League Cup although we have no confirmation on how many games will be shown.
How to watch the Women's FA Cup on TNT Sports and HBO Max
To get TNT Sports on your TV you're looking at a long-term TV package deal. However, TNT Sports comes with its own dedicated streaming platform, HBO Max, which costs £25.99 a month. View Deal
How to watch the Women's League Cup on Sky Sports
To get Sky Sports you either need to arrange a TV package, either direct through Sky or another provider such as EE or Virgin. Or, for a more flexible and shorter-term, NowTV is Sky's streaming partner, with a day pass available for £14.99 or a monthly plan from £27.99.
How to watch the Champions League
PSG celebrate with the Champions League trophy (Image credit: Getty Images)
In the UK, the Champions League is largely broadcast on TNT Sports, which is available on television and via the HBO Max app, with one game every Tuesday available to watch on Amazon Prime.
The highlights show for the competition is shown on BBC One.
How to watch the Champions League on TNT Sports and HBO Max
To get TNT Sports on your TV you're looking at a long-term TV package deal. However, TNT Sports comes with its own dedicated streaming platform, HBO Max, which costs £25.99 a month. View Deal
How to watch the Champions League on Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video comes with a 30-day free trial and auto-renews at £8.99 per month – by buying annually for £95, however, you can save over a pound a month. Prime comes with a range of other benefits for members, such as free delivery from Amazon.View Deal
One or two matches each game week are broadcast live on terrestrial TV on RTÉ 2, while the RTÉ Player – a simple web browser player with no sign-up required – hosts the live stream simulcasts.
In addition to RTÉ, fans in Ireland get free Champions League coverage on Virgin Media Ireland with eight games per game week split across Virgin Media Two and Virgin Media More. Virgin Media Two can can be watched on terrestrial TV or streamed via Virgin Media Play.View Deal
Every Champions League game live in the US and Australia
CBS is the exclusive Champions League rights-holder in the US, and every single game is live streamed on their online platform Paramount+. You only need the Essential package, which costs $8.99 per month.View Deal
In Australia, Stan Sport have a live stream for every single Premier League game for AU$29.99 (£15) per month, and that price will also get you every single Champions League game. View Deal
How to watch the Europa League and Conference League
Aston Villa with the Europa League trophy (Image credit: UEFA via Getty Images)
TNT Sports have the rights to both the Europa League and the Conference League, with all games from both competitions available to watch on television and via the HBO Max app.
How to watch the Europa League and Conference League on TNT Sports and HBO Max
To get TNT Sports on your TV you're looking at a long-term TV package deal. However, TNT Sports comes with its own dedicated streaming platform, HBO Max, which costs £25.99 a month. View Deal
As with the Champions League, every single game from the other two UEFA competitions, the Europa League and Conference League, is available on Paramount+ and the Essential plan for $8.99 per month.View Deal
How to watch the Nations League
Bruno Fernandes of Portugal poses for a photo with the UEFA Nations League trophy (Image credit: Sebastian Widmann - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
The Nations League broadcaster depends on which home nation you're looking to watch.
After Channel 4's tenure of covering the England men's national team, the Nations League returns to ITV Sport for the Three Lions this season. The BBC will broadcast games for Northern Ireland and Scotland, while S4C will show Wales.
How to watch the Lionesses
Chloe Kelly and the England Lionesses celebrate their comeback semi-final triumph over Italy (Image credit: Getty Images)
England women's national team matches are live and exclusive to ITV Sport, just as the men's are.
How to watch Ligue 1
Desire Doue of Paris Saint-Germain (Image credit: Franco Arland/Getty Images)
The French top-tier is available via a bespoke Ligue 1 pass, available to those in the United Kingdom, with added content such as highlights packages and episodes dedicated to iconic former players, season reviews and the best of Ligue 2.
DAZN shows the Coupe de France.
How to watch Ligue 1 on Ligue1 Pass
You can sign up to watch every Ligue 1 game live or on demand – subject to the 3pm blackout – with the official Ligue 1 Pass, which costs £9.99 per month.View Deal
How to watch the Coupe De France on DAZN
DAZN have coverage in the United Kingdom, with their standard package containing highlights from La Liga, Bundesliga and the Saudi Pro League, and starting from £15.99 a month for 12-month term.View Deal
How to watch the Bundesliga
Harry Kane celebrates (Image credit: Getty Images)
In the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland, the Bundesliga is broadcast on Sky Sports, with the BBC getting the rights to Friday night games.
The premium fixture of each weekend is shown live every Saturday at 5.30pm on Sky Sports Football, as an alternative to the teatime kick-off in the Premier League.
Premier Sports shows the Pokal.
How to watch the Bundesliga on Sky Sports
To get Sky Sports you either need to arrange a TV package, either direct through Sky or another provider such as EE or Virgin. Or, for a more flexible and shorter-term, NowTV is Sky's streaming partner, with a day pass available for £14.99 or a monthly plan from £27.99. View Deal
How to watch DFB-Pokal on Premier Sports
Premier Sports has a base price of £17.99 a month as a flexible, cancellable subscription, should you wish to watch on the app, or Sky Q. You can pay annually for £130-a-year, or take out an annual pay-as-you-go subscription worth £12.99 (which can't be broken midseason). View Deal
How to watch Serie A
Nicolo Barella of Inter Milan (Image credit: Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
For the 2026/27 season, you can watch Serie A on DAZN with select games on TNT Sports via HBO Max. Premier Sports is your place for the Coppa.
How to watch the Serie A on DAZN
DAZN have coverage in the United Kingdom, with their standard package containing all coverage of the Serie A. Prices start from £15.99 a month for 12-month term.View Deal
How to watch Serie A on TNT Sports and HBO Max
To get TNT Sports on your TV you're looking at a long-term TV package deal. However, TNT Sports comes with its own dedicated streaming platform, HBO Max, which costs £25.99 a month. View Deal
How to watch Coppa Italia on Premier Sports
Premier Sports has a base price of £17.99 a month as a flexible, cancellable subscription, should you wish to watch on the app, or Sky Q. You can pay annually for £130-a-year, or take out an annual pay-as-you-go subscription worth £12.99 (which can't be broken midseason). View Deal
How to watch La Liga
Barcelona pose for a team photograph ahead of a clash against Real Betis (Image credit: Getty Images)
The La Liga television rights in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland are held by Premier Sports, who broadcast the competition on their LaLigaTV platform, with over 340+ matches available online and on television.
In addition to this, one match per week from the 2026/27 season will be shown on Disney+. The platform will show a Saturday night fixture.
In the US, ESPN is the home of La Liga.
How to watch La Liga on Premier Sports
Premier Sports has a base price of £17.99 a month as a flexible, cancellable subscription, should you wish to watch on the app, or Sky Q. You can pay annually for £130-a-year, or take out an annual pay-as-you-go subscription worth £12.99 (which can't be broken midseason). View Deal
How to watch La Liga on Disney+
Disney+ is available on plans starting at £5.99, and is available on smart TVs, computers, mobile, tablet and game consoles as an app, along with streaming plugins such as the Amazon Fire Stick and Chromecast.
Major League Soccer is available worldwide on Apple TV for £9.99 a month in the UK and $12.99 a month in the US. Both countries come with a free trial.View Deal
How to watch the J-League
Zico of Kashima Antlers lifts the J.League Champions Schale (Image credit: Kenta Harada/Getty Images)
The J-League is available to watch on YouTube, with four matches broadcasted per week.
How to watch the A-League
Kai Trewin of Melbourne City celebrates scoring a goal during a round 27 A-League Men match (Image credit: Jason McCawley/Getty Images)
Australia's men's A-League coverage is available to watch in the United Kingdom on TNT Sports and HBO Max.
How to watch the A-League on TNT Sports and HBO Max
To get TNT Sports on your TV you're looking at a long-term TV package deal. However, TNT Sports comes with its own dedicated streaming platform, HBO Max, which costs £25.99 a month. View Deal
How to watch the NWSL
Gotham FC were crowned 2025 NWSL champions (Image credit: Getty Images)
Selected NWSL matches are available to watch on TNT Sports and HBO Max in the United Kingdom, with all other fixtures on NSWL+.
How to watch the NWSL on TNT Sports and HBO Max
To get TNT Sports on your TV you're looking at a long-term TV package deal. However, TNT Sports comes with its own dedicated streaming platform, HBO Max, which costs £25.99 a month. View Deal
NWSL+ is completely free to use with no subscription fee or paywall, with the app available on Apple TV, Fire TV and Roku TV. View Deal
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A Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has agreed an exit, with his departure now at an advanced stage.
That's according to a new report, which claims that the Lilywhites are starting to accelerate outgoings, having committed well over £160 million on bringing Matheus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali into the engine room.
With Tottenham also said to be interested in signing both Omar Marmoush and Savinho, they may have to trim the deadwood a little more to avoid heading into the season with a bloated squad.
Pape Matar Sarr on the cusp of Tottenham Hotspur exit
According to a report from Africa Foot, Galatasaray are closing in on signing Pape Matar Sarr.
Sarr has reached an agreement for a three-year contract, having been offered what is described as a “lucrative contract”.
Pape Matar Sarr is Besiktas-bound (Image credit: Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)
The 23-year-old played 26 games in the Premier League for Tottenham last term, but only played just over an hour of football under De Zerbi.
The Senegalese international joined as a highly-rated young prospect from Metz in 2022 and has impressed sporadically – but with De Zerbi favouring a double-pivot, Sarr may not be one of the first few options in the pecking order.
Fernandes and Tonali will likely be Spurs' most-favoured pairing this term, with Conor Gallagher, Archie Gray and Rodrigo Bentancur all options in the centre of midfield.
Lucas Bergvall – another young player from before De Zerbi's era – is also an option, though FourFourTwo understands he could well leave, too.
Mohammed Kudus, James Maddison, Xavi Simons and Dejan Kulusevski are all options in the no.10.
Sandro Tonali features in Tottenham's first-choice midfield (Image credit: Getty Images)
Turkish outlet Takvim noted earlier on this year that Fenerbahce were in for Sarr, though they appear to have dropped out of the race completely now.
Africa Foot states that talks are progressing well between the North Londoners and Galatasaray over Sarr, with the move now expected to happen.
The midfielder is worth €14m, according to Transfermarkt. Tottenham kick off their Premier League season against Brentford this weekend.
Surviving in the Premier League as a newly promoted club is never easy, but Hull City have decided to approach the challenge like a game of Monopoly - because they don't have any other choice.
The Tigers have dumped their wallet onto the board, rolling the dice on a number of summer arrivals.
It is an ambitious, high-risk strategy that will either prove to be a masterstroke of recruitment or send them straight back from whence they came, without passing go.
Hull City are playing Premier League Monopoly
Oli McBurnie face-mask, anyone? (Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)
To understand why Hull’s hierarchy felt compelled to completely overhaul the dressing room, you have to look back at how they got here.
Statistically speaking, Hull were one of the poorest sides to ever secure promotion from the Championship. Their underlying metrics painted the picture of a team dramatically over-performing their Expected Goals (xG) and points tallies, relying on special individual moments to drag themselves over the line.
Hull City caught the Championship by surprise last term (Image credit: Getty Images)
Standing still with that exact core in the top flight would have left Sergej Jakirovic woefully ill-equipped. The squad desperately needed surgery, and so the club have opted for a partial reboot.
The profile of incoming talent tells its own story. Hull have raided the market for players of a calibre that could be considered top-end of the Championship like Joe Gelhardt, Luke Herrington, Jack Butland, and Matt Targett.
They've sprinkled Jakirovic's squad with wildcards like Konstantinos Tzolakis and Nobel Mendy - unknown quantities in English football but could come to be considered lower-end Premier League players.
Through no fault of their own, Hull City are betting heavily that second-tier stars can make the step up, while lower-end top-flight names can hit the ground running, simultaneously.
There is a simple reality at play here: if any of these players were the finished article, clubs much higher up the footballing food chain would have snapped them up.
Matt Targett has joined the Tigers this summer (Image credit: Getty Images)
They are only available for a club in Hull's position because the more accomplished sides have question marks about their ceiling, consistency, or physical durability.
No signing encapsulates this approach better than Lucas Gourna-Douath. Once heralded as one of European football’s premier young midfield prodigies, the Frenchman’s career trajectory has stalled in recent seasons.
Taking a gamble on him as a newly-promoted side is the ultimate draw from the 'Chance' deck.
Lucas Gourna-Douath on loan at Roma during 2024/25 (Image credit: Getty Images)
If Gourna-Douath unlocks his potential at the MKM Stadium, Hull might have landed on Mayfair for a bargain price. But if those early career scouting reports were overhyped and he simply isn't cut out for the Premier League, it becomes an expensive flop that leaves their midfield exposed.
What cannot be disputed is the spirit within the camp. Battling through adversity to snatch promotion proved that the squad possesses remarkable togetherness and complete buy-in for their manager.
But in the brutal environment of the top flight, grit and team harmony only act as a temporary 'Get Out of Jail Free' card. Eventually, it's quality, tactics and squad depth that decide your fate.
For Hull City, success this season is straightforward: survival. Achieving that would represent an extraordinary accomplishment given the sheer scale of the squad's transition.
On the flip side, the nightmare scenario is irredeemable. If these gambles crash and burn simultaneously, Hull could potentially threaten Derby County’s infamous 11-point record as the poorest side in Premier League history. Mauled by the Tigers? Mauled by the rest of the league, more like.
Arsenal are looking to bring in a €100 million superstar, but may have to wait until next summer to do so.
The Gunners kick off their Premier League campaign this Friday night, having only added Bruno Guimaraes and Christos in terms of first-team regulars likely to feature in that fixture, with Ezri Konsa now on the way.
But while Arsenal are still on the hunt for a difference-maker in attack, they now seem unlikelier than ever to bring one in before the deadline.
Arsenal looking to next summer for Kenan Yildiz
Sport Witness have relayed TuttoSport's back page today, which states that the Gunners are still looking to bring in Kenan Yildiz.
The Juventus man is a long-time target for the Gunners, who have also pursued the likes of Vinicius Jr and Morgan Rogers for their left-wing spot.
Arsenal have looked at plenty of left-wing targets this summer (Image credit: Getty Images)
With the Old Lady handing Yildiz a new contract earlier this year, it's always been a long shot that the Gunners could convince the Turkish international to join this summer.
This new report states, meanwhile, that he could well become a €100m option for next summer, with manager Mikel Arteta wanting to make the right signing rather than simply panic-buying before the window ends.
FourFourTwo understands that Arsenal only want to improve the squad if they can sign a player that they deem to be a genuine upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli – who remains for sale.
“With not long to go for the window to close, it would be difficult for Juventus to sell Yildiz,” Sport Witness says, adding, “They don’t have long to find a replacement, which will make things complex for Arsenal.”
Additionally, Arsenal are looking to get Gabriel Jesus on the wage bill, with Barcelona and Napoli reportedly sniffing around for the Brazilian's signature.
Kenan Yildiz is a target for Arsenal (Image credit: Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images)
Barcelona apparently want Jesus as an alternative to Julian Alvarez, who the Catalan outfit still want to bring to Camp Nou.
With the Alvarez saga likely to drag on until the end of the window, however, Jesus may stick around until then, too.
Yildiz is worth €75m, according to Transfermarkt. Arsenal kick off their Premier League season against Coventry City.
Newcastle United are ready to make another major sale, as the Toon exodus continues.
Despite making some exciting young signings, the Magpies have endured a tough summer on the whole, losing Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes, as well as manager Eddie Howe.
It appears as if the departures haven't stopped either, with Nick Pope leaving before another Newcastle midfielder.
Newcastle United to sell another first-team midfielder
The Istanbul outfit have made a €7 million offer for the midfielder with €5m of add-ons, some €8m less than the Toon are demanding.
Joe Willock is heading for the exit (Image credit: Getty Images)
Willock has been on the radar of Besiktas since July, according to journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, but Newcastle have only reduced their demands by a couple of million pounds.
The former Arsenal man originally moved to Tyneside on loan in 2020 and struck eight Premier League goals in 14 appearances in the second half of the season, helping propel the Magpies away from the drop zone.
Appearances haven't been a problem for the Englishman, who has played 80 games in all competitions over the past two years – but with Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali ahead of him in the pecking order, Willock hasn't kicked on and developed into a more influential player at St. James' Park.
Now 26, he may have expected to feature more this season with two of Newcastle's first-choice midfield of last term having left, though given that the club have brought in replacements in Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba, Willock may still be competing for a place.
Newcastle will also likely favour Lewis Miley in midfield, too, as one for the future worth developing.
Bruno Guimaraes left Newcastle for Arsenal (Image credit: Getty Images)
Newcastle have also brought in the likes of Amar Dedic and Bazoumana Toure this summer, while giving Will Osula the no.10 shirt and making Dan Burn club captain.
Willock is worth €14m, according to Transfermarkt. Newcastle kick off their Premier League season against Liverpool this weekend.
In one of the biggest collapses in Eredivisie history, their side has just thrown away a nine-point lead in just six matches, handing the title into the incredulous arms of PSV Eindhoven.
Scapegoats to apportion blame are instantly sought. And very quickly, one conspicuous difference between the sides during the season rears its head - scoring goals.
Across 34 games in the campaign, PSV found the net a substantial 36 more times than their main title rival. And a significant reason for that was the struggles of Ajax's forwards, in particular one Brian Brobbey.
The Dutchman had ended up with just four league goals - fewer than the top scorers at two of the relegated sides, Almere City and RKC Waalwijk. This stretched to merely 7 in 44 appearances in all competitions.
The fact that this pitiful return came just one year after the best goalscoring season of his career perfectly encapsulated Brobbey’s time in Amsterdam, which repetitively veered from exciting potential to frustrating inconsistency. In a mixed time with his boyhood club, Brobbey often sparked without truly setting alight.
It meant that, when Brobbey was, as expected, sold that summer, the overriding feeling was that it was right for both club and player. If there was any major emotion, it was surprise that he had secured a Premier League move, with newly promoted Sunderland coughing up a reported £21.6 million fee.
Brobbey had a mixed time at Ajax (Image credit: Getty Images)
Fast-forward a year and the Life of Brian looks totally different.
Few could have predicted that just over a year after that tepid end to his Ajax career, Brobbey would not only be starting for the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup but wreaking havoc upon opposition defences. For a long period, fans of the Oranje viewed Brobbey at best as a muscular impact sub and a squad player. Now, after scoring three goals in three starts at a tournament where he also linked the play brilliantly and showed his pace and power in abundance, he is the undoubted first-choice no.9 for the foreseeable future.
It has proven to be one of the more remarkable redemption arcs of the past year. And it all started with the foresight of those at the Stadium of Light.
The Brobbey Paradox
Brobbey in action for the Netherlands (Image credit: Alamy)
Those who watched Brobbey a lot in the Eredivisie would have perhaps considered that if the Black Cats were after that vital ingredient to ensure Premier League survival - a goalscoring striker - then Brobbey was better off being left on the shelf for someone else.
The academy graduate had previously returned to Ajax after a difficult half-season with RB Leipzig, initially on loan and then permanently in 2022. Even factoring in the leniency given to players with time on their side, there was a clear Brobbey paradox over the course of the next three and a half seasons.
One game he would look like a young player with all the attributes to become one of the world’s best old-school centre forwards. The next like one of those bigger kids who’d get picked for the school football team, but then give the distinct impression that they had never properly seen a football in their life.
As fans of Sunderland will now attest, Brobbey is able to combine fantastic strength and hold-up play with speed and a predatory instinct to get himself into the right positions in the box. The problem was, too often at Ajax he would do everything right but then fail to supply the necessary finish. It was as if a scientist had constructed the perfect young centre forward but then got distracted when applying the final and most important touches.
Blossoming in the North East
Brobbey clashes with Sven Botman (Image credit: Getty Images)
It turns out there was a real striker in there. He just needed the North East, not North Holland, to blossom.
With his physical attributes, there was no doubt Brobbey was going to be able to cope with the rough and tumble of Premier League football. Nevertheless, it has been a surprise - including to those across the North Sea - at how quickly he settled into life on Wearside.
A total of seven Premier League goals and one assist aren’t exactly big numbers on their own to get excited about, yet it was the nature of these contributions and the wider improvements in his game that have been so impressive.
After a slow start where he was initially brought in off the bench, two moments kick-started his career in England - one showed the player he has been, the other the player he is quickly becoming. In an away win at Chelsea, it was Brobbey’s superb strength, hold-up play and lay-off that enabled the cavalry to arrive in the form of Chemsdine Talbi to score a late winner. It was textbook Brobbey. Then, two weeks later we saw a far rarer side to his game with an acrobatic 94th-minute finish to earn a point against Arsenal. It was the sort of instinctive play that was often missing at Ajax.
At present, Brobbey looks like a man increasingly able to deliver at crucial moments. Last season included late equalisers against Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, the equaliser that sparked an away win against Everton, plus winning goals against Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and of course in the Tyne-Wear derby at St James’ Park. Throw in the aforementioned assist against Chelsea, and Brobbey directly played a part in securing 11 points for his team. Without them, Sunderland wouldn’t have been qualifying for Europe but ending just four points outside the relegation zone, nestled in between Tottenham and Nottingham Forest.
The capacity Brobbey has for drawing in defenders and being a physical nuisance is also invaluable for Sunderland when looking to get up the pitch, freeing up space for others. His quick turn of pace to break into the box - often after laying the ball off and spinning in behind - is frightening when he gets it right. The best example of this was his opening goal against Sweden at the World Cup, when he looked more like a 100 metre sprinter than a footballer.
On his day, watching Brobbey can feel like being taken back in time to an era of old school strikers getting their hands dirty, backing into defenders and revelling in the physicality of it all. A player happy to run the channels and to simply get in the box to cause some mayhem. He looks like he was made to play in the noughties, running out to ITV Football’s ‘Beautiful Day’ theme tune.
The really exciting thing about Brobbey is that theoretically there is still so much more to come from a player who is only 24 years of age. The challenge for the Amsterdammer is to now take his output to another level, and prove that he can get over the fallow periods that have previously knocked his confidence. Some strikers give an aura that they know they were made to score goals. Sometimes you feel Brobbey needs a calm tap on the shoulder to remind him of his potential.
According to XG Stat, compared to other Premier League strikers, he was in the top 16% for goal conversion last season but in the bottom 25% for non-penalty expected goals, demonstrating that if he can refine his decision-making in the attacking third, his ceiling for goal numbers is high. And for a player who does his damage within the penalty area, being in the bottom 22% for touches in the box per 90 minutes clearly needs improvement. Furthermore, as outlined by FotMob, a player who is one of the best in the whole division for aerial duels should definitely be having more than just six headed efforts on goal across a whole season.
An enigma no more
Brobbey reacts in frustration against Brighton (Image credit: Getty Images)
For much of his short career, Brobbey has been a bit of a footballing enigma. Could he actually be a good striker or not?
The question marks over his capacity to play in the Premier League were also understandable. Especially when, as has been proven in recent years, Dutch strikers in England - a bit like their country’s local Bitterballen cuisine - have been hit-and-miss. For every Ruud van Nistelrooy, there’s been a Memphis Depay.
There is room for improvement, but the doubters have been proven wrong. And the humble pie for those who doubted him, is still being eaten.
The different pieces needed for Brobbey to become a high-level centre forward were always there. Perhaps all it needed was the right environment to place them correctly together.
Manchester United have triggered the one-year extension clause in Timothy Fosu-Mensahs contract, the PA news agency understands.The 22-year-old joined from Ajax in 2014 and progressed through the Old Trafford youth ranks, making his first-team debut against Arsenal in February 2016.Fosu-Mensah signed a new contract with United until 2020 that October, with the deal including the option to extend it by a further year.View this post on InstagramFirst minutes after 9 months. Feeling blessed to play again after such a long time. God is great #mufcA post shared by Timothy Fosu-mensah (@tfosumensah) on Jan 11, 2020 at 3:37am PSTPA understands the club have taken up that option, extending the defenders contract until the end of the 2020/21 season.Fosu-Mensah has made 21 appearances for United in all competitions, but the last of those came in May 2017.The Holland international had season-long loan spells at Crystal Palace and Fulham, with a knee injury preventing playing for Uniteds first-team before the coronavirus saw the 2019/20 season suspended.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Sir Alex Ferguson has praised the NHS magnificent response to the coronavirus pandemic as Manchester United announced a package of measures to support the service during this crisis.United are already part of the Premier Leagues 20 million commitment to support the NHS, communities, families and vulnerable groups affected by Covid-19 and the clubs players are involved in the #PlayersTogether initiative supporting NHS Charities Together.United have now announced further measures to support the NHS, with Ferguson leading the tribute to a service that saved his life after suffering a brain haemorrhage in 2018.#MUFC great Sir Alex Ferguson has praised "magnificent" NHS response pic.twitter.com/wFHLOHCo1g Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) April 9, 2020Im delighted we are now recognising the importance of our NHS as I experienced two years ago after they saved my life the response to this pandemic has been magnificent and has made me proud of the way the club and the British people have rallied round to help, the former United boss said. Well Done.The Manchester United Foundation delivered more than 3,500 club gifts to NHS staff in the area on Wednesday and, after discussions with the NHS, have put their 16-vehicle fleet on standby, with volunteer drivers available to support their courier operations.The Foundation is continuing to work with the children of key workers and United have donated medical equipment and consumables to the Salford Royal, including protective equipment, dressings and other club medical supplies.Around 30,000 items of food have been delivered to local charitable organisations in Manchester, who are dealing with impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.#MUFC Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 7, 2020Staff, particularly those with a reduced workload, are being encouraged to volunteer for the NHS or in their local communities, while Old Trafford has been placed on a reserve list as a possible temporary blood donation centre.United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer thanked the NHS staff and the volunteers fighting the virus for the truly amazing job they are doing.Club captain Harry Maguire, who co-ordinated the United player response to the #PlayersTogether initiative, echoed his managers sentiments.#PlayersTogether pic.twitter.com/kXd9x0tD2W Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) April 8, 2020On behalf of all the players, our thoughts are with all those that have been affected by this terrible virus, the defender said.It has been heart-warming to see the nation come together to show their appreciation to the NHS and other critical workers.By working together we will get through this and lets hope we are stronger for it.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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The Premier League season remains in limbo due to the coronavirus outbreak, with a month now having elapsed since the most recent fixture.Here, the PA news agency takes a statistical look at the season so far.82 points for leaders Liverpool, from a possible 87 after winning 27 of their 29 games.WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW18 @premierleague wins in a row pic.twitter.com/t24jC1Lcr8 Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 24, 202018 record-equalling winning run for the Reds, from October 27s win over Tottenham to February 24s victory against West Ham.57 second-placed Manchester City are 25 points behind, and closer in terms of points to 14th-placed Southampton on 34 than to Liverpool.19 goals for Leicester striker Jamie Vardy, two clear of the pack as the leagues top scorer.Jamie Vardy leads the Golden Boot race (Mike Egerton/PA)27 points total for Bournemouth in the final relegation place and both West Ham and Watford in the two places immediately above the safety line. Aston Villa, in 19th, are two points behind with a game in hand.11 Chelseas first 11 league goals of the season were scored by English players aged 21 or younger Tammy Abraham with seven, Mason Mount three and Fikayo Tomori one.2 away wins for Arsenal, from 13 games only bottom club Norwich have fewer.2,478 passes completed by Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk almost 25 per cent clear of any other player in the league, with Manchester City midfielder Rodri second on 1,995.11 Burnleys Nick Pope has more clean sheets to his name than any other goalkeeper. Liverpools 12 is the highest tally for a team.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Southampton have become the first Premier League team to announce an agreement with their players over wage deferral during the coronavirus crisis.Saints have announced measures to help the club and non-playing staff through the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.Southamptons players, manager Ralph Hasenhuttl and his coaching staff have agreed to defer part of their salaries for the months of April, May and June to help protect the future of the club, the staff that work within it and the community we serve.#SaintsFC can detail measures it is taking as part of the clubs ongoing response to the coronavirus pandemic: https://t.co/1pMnaqFQMS Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) April 9, 2020(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Graham Taylor arrived at Watford in 1977 and inspired a phase of three promotions in five seasons to lift them from Division Four into the top-flight.Taylor did not stop there, as the Hornets finished second behind Liverpool in their first Division One season, and would go on to reach an FA Cup final for the first time.Yet it was a mark of Taylors humble status that he never once allowed an inflated sense of self-importance, and was the first man to admit it if he thought he had over-stepped the mark.That moment arose in April 1982 when Taylor caused rumblings of discontent after writing a local newspaper article in which he criticised some elements of the Vicarage Road support on matchdays.Appreciating the error of his ways, Taylor duly strode out for the next match against Crystal Palace with a placard bearing the words Im Sorry.Needless to say, Hornets fans were ready to forgive: they responded with a standing ovation, and Taylors relationship with the club emerged further strengthened.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Premier League players have joined forces to create an initiative which aims to raise funds for NHS charities during the coronavirus pandemic and distribute them where they are needed most.Top-flight stars came under fire after some clubs placed non-playing staff on the Governments furlough scheme, with health secretary Matt Hancock last week calling for Premier League players to take a pay cut.Premier League clubs proposed wage deductions or deferrals of around 30 per cent to mitigate the financial impact of the crisis but talks over the weekend with the Professional Footballers Association did not reach a resolution.#PlayersTogether pic.twitter.com/BrVaFcmulI Harry Kane (@HKane) April 8, 2020But England captain Harry Kane was among a number of professionals to tweet out a statement about an initiative called, perhaps a little pointedly, #PlayersTogether, which has partnered with NHS Charities Together (NHSCT).A statement from the group said: Over the course of the last week we, as a group of Premier League players, have held numerous talks together with the vision of creating a contribution fund that can be used to distribute money to where its needed most in this COVID-19 crisis; helping those fighting for us on the NHS frontline as well as other key areas of need.This is a critical time for our country and for our NHS, and we are determined to help in any way that we can.We can confirm that after extensive conversations between a huge number of players from all Premier League clubs we have created our own collective player initiative, #PlayersTogether, and have partnered with NHS Charities Together (NHSCT) in order to assist them in generating and distributing funds quickly and efficiently to where they are needed most.Warmly welcome this big-hearted decision from so many Premier League footballers to create #PlayersTogether to support NHS Charities. You are playing your part. pic.twitter.com/JGukLwRWJh Matt Hancock (@MattHancock) April 8, 2020Hancocks criticism during last Thursdays daily briefing heightened the issue about players taking salary reductions but he praised the players announcement on Wednesday night.Warmly welcome this big-hearted decision from so many Premier League footballers to create #PlayersTogether to support NHS Charities. You are playing your part, Hancock wrote on Twitter.Former England players Gary Lineker and Gary Neville took to the social networking website to congratulate the players for an initiative the statement said was separate to any other club and league conversations.Absolutely brilliant. Well played to each and every one of them. Young men setting the right example. #Playerstogether https://t.co/3AFnqqHF0o Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) April 8, 2020A PFA statement last Saturday claimed the Premier Leagues suggested cut would amount to 500million, meaning the Government would lose out on around 200million in tax contributions and would be detrimental to our NHS.The #PlayersTogether statement continued: The contributions that this initiative will generate will help NHSCT quickly grant funds to the front line to support in a number of ways, including to help enhance the well-being of NHS Staff, volunteers and patients impacted by COVID-19 as well as helping them in their work supporting many other critical areas of need, both now and in the longer term.#PlayersTogether is about we, as players, collaborating together to create a voluntary initiative, separate to any other club and league conversations, that can help get much needed funds to those that need it right now. To try and help, along with so many others in the country, make a real difference.Ellie Orton, chief executive of NHS Charities Together, praised the amazing message of support to the NHS from Premier League players.Fantastic news! A huge thank you to all the players supporting #playerstogether. Heres a statement from Ellie, our CEO #NHS #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/dwnLzLRjeF NHSCharitiesTogether (@NHSCharities) April 8, 2020In a statement on NHS Charities Togethers official Twitter account, she said: It is a fantastic initiative from the Premier League players that will raise vital funds for our appeal but will also inspire many others to give donations as well.It will make a huge difference to us to have the players on board and sends an amazing message of support to the NHS staff and volunteers working so tirelessly to save lives and keep friends and families safe and well.I cant wait to start working with the players to look at where their support can make the biggest difference, so thank you to them for coming together like this, we are really excited by the possibilities it creates for the appeal.Manchester United and England striker Marcus Rashford admitted the last week has been an arduous process.View this post on Instagram#PlayersTogetherA post shared by Marcus Rashford (@marcusrashford) on Apr 8, 2020 at 1:08pm PDTHe told BT Sport: It has been tough. I think from the beginning we knew what we wanted but getting it to this stage has been difficult.From our part (at United) Harry Maguire has played a huge part in communicating the information between the players and really letting us have our say and reporting it back to the authorities. That is the best way to do it.It wasnt easy so credit to the people that played a big part in that. We want to help in the best way possible and getting money to the right places is a massive thing.The players have spoken. Well done to you all. #playerstogether pic.twitter.com/qCfxg4p3st Gary Neville (@GNev2) April 8, 2020It took a long time and a lot of conversations between the players and we came to the decision that this was the best way to do it and the club supported us. Everyone is happy.As well as contributing towards #PlayersTogether, Rashford has been working with charity FareShare to help ensure children who are missing out on free school meals due to school closures get fed.The venture has enjoyed huge success, with some of Britains biggest supermarkets donating to the cause.Rashford said: It is phenomenal and I probably didnt expect that much of a good turnout when I started it but I just wanted to help out and play my part, because 10 years ago I would have been in that position.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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A number of Premier League stars have joined forces to create an initiative called #PlayersTogether which aims to raise funds for NHS charities during the coronavirus pandemic.Top-flight professionals have come under fire after some clubs placed non-playing staff on the Governments furlough scheme, with health secretary Matt Hancock last week calling for Premier League players to take a pay cut.Premier League clubs proposed wage cuts of around 30 per cent to ease the financial burden caused by the crisis but talks over the weekend with the Professional Footballers Association and the League Managers Association failed to reach a resolution.#PlayersTogether pic.twitter.com/e7uWYIOhL2 Jordan Henderson (@JHenderson) April 8, 2020However, a statement posted by a number of Premier League players, including England captain Harry Kane, said: We can confirm that after extensive conversations between a huge number of players from all Premier League clubs we have created our own collective player initiative, #PlayersTogether, and have partnered with NHS Charities Together (NHSCT) in order to assist them in generating and distributing funds quickly and efficiently to where they are needed most.The statement continued: Over the course of the last week we, as a group of Premier League players, have held numerous talks together with the vision of creating a contribution fund that can be used to distribute money to where its needed most in this COVID-19 crisis; helping those fighting for us on the NHS frontline as well as other key areas of need.This is a critical time for our country and for our NHS, and we are determined to help in any way that we can.NHSCT is the national umbrella organisation for over 150 registered NHS charities, working closely with the Charity Commission, Department of Health and Social Care, and NHS England to represent, champion, and support the NHS official charities. NHSCT are the official charity partner of the NHS nationally.#PlayersTogether pic.twitter.com/BrVaFcmulI Harry Kane (@HKane) April 8, 2020The contributions that this initiative will generate will help NHSCT quickly grant funds to the front line to support in a number of ways, including to help enhance the well-being of NHS Staff, volunteers and patients impacted by COVID-19 as well as helping them in their work supporting many other critical areas of need, both now and in the longer term.#PlayersTogether is about we, as players, collaborating together to create a voluntary initiative, separate to any other club and league conversations, that can help get much needed funds to those that need it right now. To try and help, along with so many others in the country, make a real difference.Our prayers and thoughts go out to everybody affected by this crisis. By sticking together, we will get through this. Stay Home. Protect the NHS. Save Lives.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Sadio Mane says it is his dream to win the Premier League but that it is part of life if the ambition is ended by the coronavirus pandemic.The season has been postponed until it is safe to resume having halted with Liverpool 25 points clear at the top of the table.Mane has impressed this campaign, netting 14 goals to put the Reds on the brink of their first English league title for 30 years.And the Senegal international said: I have always said I want to win trophies, the Champions League and the Premier League.I dont feel like a champion yet. I want to win on the pitch and get the trophy.But with the situation, people around the world losing family membersits my dream but if its not the case, its part of life.The 27-year-old has credited the influence of Jurgen Klopp and Jordan Henderson in strengthening the Reds.On manager Klopp, the forward told talkSPORT: From day one, when I came to Liverpool, he has always been positive with all the players.Sadio Mane celebrates his winner at Aston Villa with Jordan Henderson, who has impressed him this season (PA)Ive never seen anyone in my life as positive as him.On captain Henderson, Mane added: Hes played a big part in our success this year and hes been incredible.For his defending ways, for his attacking wayshes been really, really good this year for us.Hes a very good leader with very good confidence.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Rangers are railing against the SPFLs plans to curtail the Championship, League One and League Two seasons, warning of severe consequences for the Scottish game and labelling plans to relegate clubs abhorrent.With play halted in Scotland, the league announced proposals to immediately end the three divisions below the top flight and determine final placings by points per game in league matches played to date by each club.Wednesdays resolution also recommends that the Ladbrokes Premiership remains postponed for the time being, although final season placings would be determined by the same system if the SPFLs board determines matches cannot be played.That could see Celtic crowned champions for the ninth successive season and Hearts relegated, but the immediate impact of the plans would be relegation for Partick Thistle and Stranraer.SPFL clubs are to vote on a resolution recommending the termination of the 2019/20 season in the Ladbrokes Championship, Ladbrokes League 1 and Ladbrokes League 2.Full details: https://t.co/qWYJa7KKAF pic.twitter.com/aWwfPiaZag SPFL (@spfl) April 8, 2020SPFL chairman Murdoch MacLennan believes the measures enable the best possible outcome for Scottish football in these very demanding and unique circumstances something Rangers robustly contest.Steven Gerrards second-placed side are 13 points behind Celtic and firmly believe that the 2019/20 season is only complete when all 38 games have been played to a finish, while they say this SPFL resolution cannot be accepted.Rangers said in a statement: It is important to recognise that these clubs across all the leagues are now in a financially precarious situation.As a club, Rangers will immediately propose a members resolution which would release prize money to be distributed to all clubs throughout Scotland urgently.Club Statement: https://t.co/GJNYoVqTH2 pic.twitter.com/A8jPkinw6j Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) April 8, 2020We believe that this is the priority in the present circumstances.It is vital to show respect for all clubs across the Scottish game, regardless of league position or financial standing. We must work together with a unity of purpose for the betterment of the Scottish game.We are also acutely aware of other issues which are less pressing but are forming key parts of the football narrative in Scotland.Nothing is more important than protecting the future of every club in Scotland as we are cognisant that this has a direct impact upon peoples livelihoods.Rangers would still be 10 points behind leaders Celtic if they won their game in hand (Andrew Milligan/PA)It is abhorrent that certain clubs could be unfairly relegated if the current SPFL proposals were implemented. We must future proof the Scottish game.Any restructure of the SPFL or other solutions to the current impasse must be afforded time to scrutinise in detail and consider all options.The consequences of forcing through change without due care and attention will have severe consequences for the Scottish game.Scottish football must work together for the common good of every club, their staff and supporters.Any attempts to railroad changes to existing rules or run roughshod over corporate governance will be opposed in the strongest possible terms. We must allow decisions to be made in a rational, fair and balanced manner.In the meantime, we expect clubs to support our members resolution which will provide financial support to those who need it most.Club Statement 8th April 2020 Partick Thistle FC (@PartickThistle) April 8, 2020That strongly-worded statement was swiftly followed by Partick saying they will simply not accept this proposal as it stands.We believe that the proposal requires significantly more discussion, scrutiny and debate before any vote can be taken, the bottom-placed Championship side said.We are now engaging with others to amend the proposal to identify a fairer and more equitable solution to address a number of inequalities it throws up.Partick Thistles Firhill Stadium in Glasgow (Jane Barlow/PA)Stevie Farrell, manager of rock-bottom League One side Stranraer, told Clyde 1: Sporting integrity is about being equitable, its about being fair and making sure nobodys at a detriment at these unprecedented times.There are only two teams that are going to be at a detriment, and thats Stranraer and Partick Thistle. And with a quarter of the season left, thats just not acceptable.Dundee United would be promoted to the Premiership if the resolution passes, while Raith Rovers would move up to the Championship and Cove Rangers would join League One."There are only two teams that are going to be at a detriment, that's Stranraer and Partick Thistle"@StranraerFC boss Stevie Farrell says the SPFL's recommendation to end the lower league season now is unfair. pic.twitter.com/rgUq75G7Q8 Superscoreboard (@ClydeSSB) April 8, 2020The SPFL circulated the resolution to its 42 members clubs recommending the immediate termination of the 2019/20 season for those divisions, the cancellation of all play-off competitions and that final places are decided on a points per game basis.SPFL chairman MacLennan said coronavirus has left them wrestling with the enormous challenges, with chief executive Neil Doncaster admitting the situation regarding the Premiership remains particularly complicated.Everyone is aware of UEFAs desire for the family of European football to work together to resolve the issues that confront us all, he said.SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster is attempting to navigate choppy waters (Jeff Holmes/PA)We are keen to work with UEFA and remain in discussion with them over the situation in Scotland.The quicker we reach a final position the better, but there is no doubt this is the most complicated and challenging situation our game has faced in living memory.Meanwhile, Kilmarnock are placing their first-team squad, coaching staff, academy employees and the majority of administration staff on furlough through May.St Johnstone are furloughing most of their playing squad, coaching staff and non-playing staff.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Peter Crouchs popular podcast will be returning to the airwaves with a new series during the coronavirus lockdown.The former England striker, Chris Stark and Tom Fordyce are launching series four on April 15, with episodes landing every Wednesday and Friday.With That Peter Crouch Podcast helping to entertain the masses during the Covid-19 lockdown, the PA news agency has come up with an all Peter XI.Goalkeeper: Peter ShiltonPeter Shilton gets the nod between the sticks (PA)Englands most capped player of all-time fought off tough competition from the likes of Peter Bonetti and Peter Schmeichel.Defender: Peter FearFormer Wimbledon defender Peter Fear (Neil Munns/PA)One of the best names in the business. Came through the ranks at then Premier League side Wimbledon.Defender: Peter AthertonPeter Atherton made 318 Premier League appearances (PA)Only 22 other English defenders have played in more Premier League matches than the former Coventry, Sheffield Wednesday and Bradford man.Defender: Peter RamagePeter Ramage had spells at Newcastle, Crystal Palace and QPR (Owen Humphreys/PA)Made 51 top-flight appearances for Newcastle after making his first-team debut in 2005.Midfield: Peter ReidPeter Reid celebrates winning the league with Everton (PA)A two-time league winner with Everton, this former England midfielder adds bite to the side. He could also help out on the management side.Midfield: Peter LorimerPeter Lorimer had a powerful shot (PA)Another midfielder with two league winners medals, the Leeds great and Scotland international is known for his thumping shots.Midfield: Peter WhittinghamPeter Whittingham established himself as a Cardiff great (Nick Potts/PA)An exceptionally gifted player who will forever be remembered at Cardiff. Whittingham tragically died aged 35 last month.Midfield: Peter LovenkrandsDenmark international Peter Lovenkrands spent time playing in Scotland, Germany and England (Owen Humphreys/PA)Deployed on the wing, this former Denmark international, who played for Rangers and Newcastle, can add a bit of pizzazz on the flank.Attack: Peter BeardsleyPeter Fear speaks to England manager Terry Venables (Adam Butler/PA)Played for a variety of clubs during a long and interesting career, which included two league title wins with Liverpool and more than 50 England appearances.Attack: Peter OsgoodPeter Osgood will forever be remembered at Stamford Bridge (PA)Immortalised with a statue outside Stamford Bridge, he netted for fun at Chelsea, won the FA Cup with Southampton in 1976 and won four England caps. He died in 2006 aged just 59.Attack: Peter CrouchEnglands Peter Crouch celebrates with the robot dance (Gareth Copley/PA)Another former Saints and England player, the towering striker had an impressive goal ratio for the Three Lions and played in the 2006 Champions League final with Liverpool. Tottenham, QPR and Stoke are among the other teams on his CV.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Allegations of bribery are highly unlikely to lead to Qatar being stripped of its right to host the 2022 World Cup, according to an anti-corruption expert.It was alleged in an updated US Department of Justice indictment on Monday that two former members of FIFAs executive committee Nicolas Leoz and Ricardo Teixeira accepted inducements to vote for Qatar ahead of the decisive vote in 2010.Qatars World Cup organising committee issued a strenuous denial in relation to the bribery allegations on Tuesday, and Sylvia Schenk, the head of Transparency International Germanys sport working group, said the allegation appeared to lack substance.FIFA awarded the hosting rights for the 2022 World Cup to Qatar in 2010 (PA)There is not much substance in the indictment regarding bribery linked to Qatar, not even the amount allegedly paid specified, she told the PA news agency.The person/entity who paid is not named, neither any facts around how and when a payment was made. There is only one sentence in a 70-page indictment.I cannot imagine that this supports any further step. Allegations like that were already part of the Garcia report in 2015 but couldnt be proved then.A report by independent investigator Michael Garcia, written in 2014 and published by FIFA in 2017 after a section of it was leaked in the German media, examined the circumstances surrounding the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, which was run concurrently and concluded with a joint vote in December 2010.Schenk, who was appointed to the independent human rights advisory board set up by footballs world governing body in 2017, said FIFA would need a justified reason under Swiss law to terminate its hosting contract with Qatar.She pointed to a case in Switzerland involving a waste transport contract, where corruption was not only proven but found to be decisive to the awarding of the contract.Schenk said the court still did not declare the contract void, because it had been executed a long time previously and would prove very difficult to undo retrospectively.She said that even if a legal challenge was raised, it would be unlikely to finally conclude before 2028 at the earliest. And based on the decision in the proven corruption case, she said it would be unlikely to remove hosting rights from Qatar even if the bribery allegations could be proved.The Qatar 2022 organising committee released a statement on Tuesday which read: Qatars Supreme Committee for Delivery Legacy (SC) strongly denies the allegations contained within the court papers made public in the US on April 6, 2020. They are part of a long-standing case, the subject of which is not the 2018/2022 FIFA World Cup bidding process.Despite years of false claims, evidence has never been produced to demonstrate that Qatar won the rights to host the FIFA World Cup 2022 unethically or by means that contravened FIFAs strict bidding rules.The SC maintains that it strictly adhered to all rules and regulations for the 2018/2022 FIFA World Cup bidding process and any claim to the contrary is baseless and will be fiercely contested.Leoz, who was the head of the South American confederation CONMEBOL at the time the alleged bribe was received, died in August last year.Teixeira, the former head of the Brazilian national federation, was banned for life from all football activity by FIFA last year.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Former Oldham chairman Ian Stott has died at the age of 86, the League Two club have announced.Stott held the role from 1982 until 1998 and oversaw some of the best years at the club on the pitch, including the inaugural season of the Premiership with Joe Royle as manager.Stott was also a prominent member of the FA Board and the Football League management committee during his 27-year stint at Boundary Park, where he also held the roles of chief executive and director.Oldham announced the news in a statement and said: The club would like to pass on its condolences to Ians loved ones during this very difficult time.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Jimmy Greaves remains in hospital while he awaits the outcome of tests, but his illness is not related to coronavirus.Tottenham announced on Tuesday night that their record goalscorer, who turned 80 in February, was receiving treatment in hospital.Greaves, who scored 44 goals in 57 England appearances, spent a comfortable night and hopes to be able to be discharged soon.I did promise a statement mid morning today when I posted a statement last night . All I can say is no news is good newsPosted by JimmyGreaves.net onWednesday, April 8, 2020A statement on his Facebook page, ran by his friend and agent Terry Baker, read: I did promise a statement mid morning today when I posted a statement last night.All I can say is no news is good news at the moment. Jimmy has spoken to Irene by phone.During the course of the day he will be having tests and when we find out the results I will post them on here.So watch this space and have a good thought for Jimmy as you go about your current daily routine.Jimmy Greaves, right, was a part of two FA Cup-winning Tottenham teams (PA)His problem isnt coronavirus related and doesnt seem to be related to his previous illness. Hopefully he wont be in hospital for too long.Thanks for the 1000s of you showing concern. Englands greatest ever goalscorer is still with us and heres hoping hes home soon.Greaves suffered a severe stroke in May 2015, which left him wheelchair-bound.Free-scoring Greaves came through the ranks at Chelsea, netting 132 goals in 169 matches before joining Italian giants AC Milan.We can confirm that our record goalscorer Jimmy Greaves is currently being treated in hospital. We are in touch with his family and will provide further updates in due course.Everybody at the Club sends their best wishes to Jimmy and his family. pic.twitter.com/tDneZxDc3m Tottenham Hotspur (at ) (@SpursOfficial) April 7, 2020The striker returned to England when joining Spurs for 99,999 in December 1961 and scored a record-breaking 266 goals in 379 competitive appearances for the north London club.Greaves won two FA Cups and the European Cup Winners Cup at White Hart Lane, before joining West Ham with Martin Peters moving the other way.Spurs said in a statement on Tuesday night: We can confirm that our record goalscorer Jimmy Greaves is currently being treated in hospital.We are in touch with his family and will provide further updates in due course.Everybody at the club sends their best wishes to Jimmy and his family.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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SPFL clubs are to vote on a resolution recommending the termination of the Championship, League One and League Two seasons but the Premiership remains postponed for the time being.With play halted in Scotland, the proposal would see the three divisions below the top flight immediately curtailed and final season placings determined by points per game in league matches played by each club so far.The resolution also recommends that the Ladbrokes Premiership remains postponed for the time being, although final season placings would be determined by the same system if the SPFLs board determines matches cannot be played.That would see Celtic crowned champions for the ninth successive season and Hearts relegated, but SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster admits the top flight situation remains complex.SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster is attempting to navigate choppy waters (Jeff Holmes/PA)The position for the Ladbrokes Premiership remains particularly complicated, he said.Everyone is aware of UEFAs desire for the family of European football to work together to resolve the issues that confront us all.We are keen to work with UEFA and remain in discussion with them over the situation in Scotland.The quicker we reach a final position the better, but there is no doubt this is the most complicated and challenging situation our game has faced in living memory.SPFL clubs are to vote on a resolution recommending the termination of the 2019/20 season in the Ladbrokes Championship, Ladbrokes League 1 and Ladbrokes League 2.Full details: https://t.co/qWYJa7KKAF pic.twitter.com/aWwfPiaZag SPFL (@spfl) April 8, 2020While the Premiership provides a headache, the SPFL believes curtailing the Championship, League One and League Two seasons is the only way forwards.The league has circulated a written resolution to its 42 members clubs recommending the immediate termination of the 2019/20 season for those divisions, the cancellation of all play-off competitions and that final places are decided on a points per game basis.Dundee United would be promoted to the Premiership if the resolution passes, while Raith Rovers would move up to the Championship and Cove Rangers would join League One.Partick Thistle would be relegated to the third tier and Stranraer to the fourth as part of recommendations that would avoid significantly damaging the SPFLs ability to start and complete, on time, league season 2020-21 and next seasons Betfred Cup.Celtic won this seasons Betfred Cup (Jeff Holmes/PA)The SPFL said it has also committed to consulting with clubs over the possibility of league restructuring ahead of season 2020-21 in a bid to deal with the knock-on effects of Covid-19.SPFL chairman Murdoch MacLennan has said these are extraordinarily difficult times for our entire country, leaving them wrestling with the enormous challenges caused by the outbreak.The communication from the Scottish Government at least gives us a degree of clarity, meaning it will now be impossible to fulfil the remaining fixtures in the Ladbrokes Championship, League One and League Two without causing huge financial damage and uncertainty for clubs in those divisions, he said.Dundee United will be playing Premiership football again if the resolution passes (Jeff Holmes/PA)We have recommended a way forward which we firmly believe enables the best possible outcome for Scottish football in these very demanding and unique circumstances.SPFL chief executive Doncaster added: As a board, we have consulted extensively with clubs in all four divisions since football was suspended on March 13 and have taken expert legal and commercial advice.Now is the right time to act. Very regrettably, we must face the reality that its simply not possible for the remaining Ladbrokes Championship, League One and League Two fixtures to remain postponed without causing significant further financial harm to clubs in those divisions.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Jimmy Greaves spent a comfortable night in hospital and is awaiting the outcome of tests.Tottenham announced on Tuesday night that their record goalscorer, who turned 80 in February, was receiving treatment in hospital.The PA news agency understands Greaves, who scored 44 goals in 57 England appearances, spent a comfortable night in hospital and that a further statement is expected once the outcome of tests is known.We can confirm that our record goalscorer Jimmy Greaves is currently being treated in hospital. We are in touch with his family and will provide further updates in due course.Everybody at the Club sends their best wishes to Jimmy and his family. pic.twitter.com/tDneZxDc3m Tottenham Hotspur (at ) (@SpursOfficial) April 7, 2020Greaves suffered a severe stroke in May 2015, which left him wheelchair-bound.Free-scoring Greaves came through the ranks at Chelsea, netting 132 goals in 169 matches before joining Italian giants AC Milan.The striker returned to England when joining Spurs for 99,999 in December 1961 and scored a record-breaking 266 goals in 379 competitive appearances for the north London club.Jimmy Greaves, right, was a part of two FA Cup-winning Tottenham teams (PA)Greaves won two FA Cups and the European Cup Winners Cup at White Hart Lane, before joining West Ham with Martin Peters moving the other way.Spurs said in a statement on Tuesday night: We can confirm that our record goalscorer Jimmy Greaves is currently being treated in hospital.We are in touch with his family and will provide further updates in due course.Everybody at the club sends their best wishes to Jimmy and his family.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking at transfer targets during the lockdown and believes Manchester United are well placed to exploit any knock-on effects of the coronavirus suspension.With training and matches halted in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19, the Norwegian has utiltised some of this unexpected free time to pinpoint how best to improve the squad.Jadon Sancho, Jude Bellingham and Jack Grealish are among the names swirling around the rumour mill, with Solskjaer working with Uniteds staff to fine-tune targets as they look to become title challengers once more.Football is going to get back to normality at one point, and its very important were ready when that happens, the United manager said.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer alongside coaches Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna in Manchester Uniteds last match before the lockdown in Austria (Bradley Collyer/PA)We want to be the best at everything, and of course now is a chance to spend more time, you discuss players, discuss plans.Weve evaluated what we need, of course with the coaching staff weve looked at games, evaluated games, discussing on video calls like this.Asked whether United can exploit the transfer market when football returns, Solskjaer told Sky Sports: Who knows how the market is going to react to this?Who knows which clubs need to sell players?"I'm sure we are capable, when we get back to normality, that we can do the business that we want to"Ole Gunnar Solskjr believes it could be a big summer transfer window for Manchester United Watch more of the exclusive sit down with @GNev2: https://t.co/HFsso5ojfT pic.twitter.com/lJ17KbjgCL Sky Sports (@SkySports) April 8, 2020There might be just a situation there where you can exploit, and I know that we at Man United we are one of the biggest, and the biggest, financially well-off.Im sure we are capable, when we get back to normality, that we can do the business that we want to.Solskjaers side last played 27 days ago, when United roared to a 5-0 win at LASK in a Europa League last-16 first leg played behind closed doors due to Austrias coronavirus measures.There is no imminent sign of a return to normality never mind football, meaning the likes of Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba will have surely recovered from their injury lay-offs by the time play resumes.Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford have been dealing with injury issues (Mike Egerton/PA)Paul and Marcus have been out, now weve still got games left, and I think everyone in the league will start more or less on the same level, Solskjaer said.Maybe theyve got more motivation to keep going now, as they can see when theyre back they may be on the same level or even a better level physically.In a way, they have got an opportunity here to play a bigger part in this season than they had hoped.And they are big players for us, some of the most important players.Manchester United are on an 11-match unbeaten run in all competitions (Martin Rickett/PA)Ive always been impressed with the players when weve had breaks. When we came back from pre-season they were really focused.Weve had the mid-season break now, we did a few things tactically in Marbella in that week and they came back focused.We can kick on, Im sure we can get a good start and climb up that table if we keep doing the right thing.Even with the FA Cup and Europa League, if that does go ahead, weve got good chances there.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Leeds posted losses of 21.4million in Marcelo Bielsas first season, with the Sky Bet Championship clubs accounts showing wages rocketed during the 2018/19 campaign.The Argentinians arrival heralded excitement and a renewed promotion push at Elland Road, but the club fell agonisingly short in the play-off semi-finals.The coronavirus outbreak has seen this season suspended with table-topping Leeds on course for promotion, having built on the 2018/19 campaign.Leeds lost out to Derby in the Championship play-off semi-finals in Marcelo Bielsas first season in charge at Elland Road.Uniteds accounts for the year ending June 30, 2019 show turnover increased from 40.7m to 48.9m, with the average home attendance rising by 2,512 fans to 34,033.Income streams increased across the board but Leeds operating loss was 36.1m, with a loss for the financial year and total comprehensive income of 21.4m.Wages were a huge contributing factor in that, with the accounts showing a steep rise from 31.4m in 2017/18 to 46.2m during 2018/19.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Football fans on the frontline of the response to the coronavirus pandemic have been celebrated by loved ones and the Football League.The EFL called on fans to share the NHS heroes close to them, along with the football club they support, so the league could thank them publicly.Chris Chesterman nominated his 23-year-old daughter Chloe Chesterman, an Oxford fan who works in Brighton as a paramedic.Thank you, @NHSuk.Thank you, Chloe. #EFL | #StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/JxE7OVjfgx E F L (@EFL) April 7, 2020Both my wife (Serena) and son (Adam) are extremely proud of our daughter Chloe and her work colleagues, Chris Chesterman told the PA news agency.NHS workers do not choose their career for recognition and praise, they are drawn from a deep feeling to help others, and it can be very hard, both physically and mentally, with a lot of their patients facing very tough times.Chris Chesterman, 50, is a member of the medical team at Oxford and is joined regularly by doctors and paramedics on matchdays.Oxford fan Chloe Chesterman (Chloe Chesterman)We know that these colleagues are currently working on the front line, and all have our full respect and are in the thoughts of everyone at the club, he added.The English football environment is often described as a family this gesture from the EFL helps to strengthen the bond between football and fans.Joshua Britt put forward his Bristol City-supporting girlfriend Kate McManus, 24, a midwife at Southmead Hospital in Bristol.Thank you, @NHSuk.Thank you, Kate. #EFL | #StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/v7fkxvMRna E F L (@EFL) April 7, 2020Kate was absolutely over the moon when she had seen the EFL and Bristol City Football Club had tweeted about her, its a small gesture that just means so much to her and its so nice to see a smile on her face, Britt told PA.Im so very proud of her for what she does.Its so important that we continue to support and praise our NHS staff across the board to try and keep and maintain high morale levels at such a stressful time. https://t.co/M6B9D5iFb0 Bristol City FC (@BristolCity) April 7, 2020London physiotherapist and Sunderland fan Bekah Arkle, 24, was nominated by her younger sister Holly.Bekah is fighting on the frontline shes clearing patients chests to enable them to breathe better, rehabilitating patients to get their independence back, plus helping doctors and nurses with daily patient care, Holly Arkle, 23, told PA.Hi Id like to nominate my sister, Bekah Arkle, shes an ITU physiotherapist and a Sunderland A.F.C. fan @bekaharkle #hawaythelads #ThankYouNHS pic.twitter.com/wTwTCc06EB HOLLY ARKLE (@hollyarkleee) April 7, 2020Bek has worked really hard to get where she is and our family are all so proud of her.She is currently over 50 miles away from us in London, we miss her and cant wait to be reunited with her when this is all over.My sister and I have spent decades supporting our football club We all miss football, so the EFLs campaign is a great opportunity to stay connected and show thanks to our amazing healthcare professionals in this uncertain time.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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England, Tottenham and Chelsea great Jimmy Greaves is currently receiving treatment in hospital.Nobody has scored more top-flight goals in English football than the 80-year-old, who was part of the triumphant 1966 World Cup squad.Greaves suffered a severe stroke in May 2015, which left him wheelchair-bound.We can confirm that our record goalscorer Jimmy Greaves is currently being treated in hospital. We are in touch with his family and will provide further updates in due course.Everybody at the Club sends their best wishes to Jimmy and his family. pic.twitter.com/tDneZxDc3m Tottenham Hotspur (at ) (@SpursOfficial) April 7, 2020In a statement late on Tuesday evening, Tottenham said: We can confirm that our record goalscorer Jimmy Greaves is currently being treated in hospital.We are in touch with his family and will provide further updates in due course.Everybody at the club sends their best wishes to Jimmy and his family.Jimmy Greaves remains Tottenhams all-time top scorer (PA Archives)Free-scoring Greaves came through the ranks at Chelsea, netting 132 goals in 169 matches before joining Italian giants AC Milan.The striker returned to England when joining Spurs for 99,999 in December 1961 and scored a record-breaking 266 goals in 379 competitive appearances for the north London club.Greaves won two FA Cups and the Cup Winners Cup at White Hart Lane, before joining West Ham as the late, great Martin Peters moved the other way.He scored 44 goals in 57 appearances for England, with an injury in the final group game of the 1966 World Cup allowing Sir Geoff Hurst the chance to come into the side.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Tottenhams players have been reminded of their responsibilities during the coronavirus lockdown after some were spotted flouting social distancing rules as Jose Mourinho was seen working in a public park with Tanguy Ndombele.The Premier League has been suspended since mid-March due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with Government-enforced measures meaning people can only go outside for food, health reasons or work if you cannot do it from home.Individuals are also allowed to go for a walk or exercise outdoors once a day if adhering to social distancing guidelines, which means a gap of more than two metres unless with members of the same household.You can leave home once a day to exercise but you MUST stay 2 metres away from others. You can also get inspiration for home workouts by searching the hashtag: #StayInWorkOut pic.twitter.com/xnheUvf0BT Department of Health and Social Care (@DHSCgovuk) April 7, 2020But pictures and video have emerged on social media appearing to show some Spurs players ignoring those guidelines.Spurs manager Mourinho was pictured doing a session with midfielder Ndombele on Hadley Common, where it is believed the pair were only working together despite an image seeming to show two other people with them.Davinson Sanchez and Ryan Sessegnon did their own work and were caught by a social media user running side by side around the same park in Barnet, north London.Spurs right-back Serge Aurier also posted a video of himself on Instagram jogging alongside another person, with the club have underlining the Governments Covid-19 regulations to their players.A spokesperson for Tottenham said: All of our players have been reminded to respect social distancing when exercising outdoors.We shall continue to reinforce this message.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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FIFA has approved the extension of player contracts until seasons are able to finish and the movement of transfer windows in response the coronavirus pandemic.With football brought to a shuddering halt by Covid-19, the sports world governing body has been consulting with different stakeholders through a task force chaired by FIFA vice-president Vittorio Montagliani.Clubs, players, leagues, national associations and confederations were all represented on the task force led by the chairman of the FIFA Football Stakeholders Committee,working on recommendations and guidelines to address practical issues brought about by the coronavirus crisis.The Bureau of the FIFA Council endorsed a set of principles unanimously agreed upon by the task force on Tuesday, with contracts and transfer windows key topics.FIFA guidelines to address legal consequences of COVID-19: https://t.co/0Nk627K42G pic.twitter.com/VEk91vP1mx FIFA Media (@fifamedia) April 7, 2020The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly changed all the factual circumstances around football for this season, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said.So, FIFA, together with the stakeholders, has come up with some practical ideas and proposals to tackle these new circumstances.Whilst this will not solve each and every problem, it should serve to bring a measure of stability and clarity to football for the foreseeable future.We hope that this collaborative effort, under the leadership of FIFA, can provide a positive example of how football can come together and show unity, solidarity and a spirit of compromise in order to face the challenging times ahead.Hakim Ziyech is due to move to Chelsea on July 1 (Adam Davy/PA)Contracts covering the 2019/20 season in England are set to expire on June 30, 2020, but FIFA has now said it is proposed that contracts be extended until such time that the season does actually end.In addition, deals due to come into force in the next campaign would be delayed until the next season actually does start for example, Ajaxs Hakim Ziyechs summer move to Chelsea would fall under that.But there are questions as to what happens if a player does not want to adhere with those principles, so too clubs looking to offload players at the end of their contract.Transfer windows are also changing this summer, with FIFA saying it is necessary to adjust the normal regulatory position to the new factual circumstances when it comes to player movement.A statement from the governing body read: Accordingly, FIFA will be flexible and will allow the relevant transfer windows to be moved so they fall between the end of the old season and the start of the new season.At the same time, FIFA will try to ensure, where possible, an overall level of coordination and will also bear in mind the need to protect the regularity, integrity and proper functioning of competitions, so that the sporting results of any competition are not unfairly disrupted.FIFA has also looked at football employment agreements during this crisis and strongly encourages clubs and players to work together to find agreements and solutions during the period when football is suspended.English football stakeholders are currently at loggerheads over player remuneration during the enforced suspension and the sports world governing body says decisions are primarily up to relevant parties at national level.PFA Statement on behalf of Premier League players: https://t.co/LFR3Vmg972 Professional Footballers' Association (@PFA) April 4, 2020But FIFA has recommended looking at all aspects of each situation in an even handed manner, including what Government measures are there to support clubs and players, whether pay should be deferred or reduced and what insurance coverage may exist.The governing body said: If parties cannot agree and, as a consequence, cases come to FIFA, the factors to be examined will include the following: whether there was a genuine attempt by the club to reach agreement with the players; what the economic situation of the club is; the proportionality of any adjustment to player contracts; the net income position of players after any contract adjustment; and whether players have been treated equally or not.In this way, FIFA hopes that it will be able to find solutions that are fair and balanced for both sides.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Scottish clubs will hold further talks with league officials on Wednesday in a bid to secure more clarity on the fate of the current season.A number of clubs have already called on the Scottish Professional Football League to declare the standings as they are but Hearts have threatened legal action if they are relegated with eight games left and Rangers vowed to challenge any attempt to declare Celtic champions.UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin this week appeared to soften his stance on leagues ending prematurely after reacting angrily to Belgiums decision to declare Club Brugge champions.The Belgian league and UEFA have since held talks and will hold further discussions with Ceferin insisting the European governing body must have final approval on which teams enter the Champions League and Europa League but pledging to take individual circumstances into account.The Club has issued an update from 'virtual' Central Park.To find out what's been happening behind the closed gates, please visit https://t.co/G198FtSu8f#StayHomeSaveLives Cowdenbeath FC (@CowdenbeathFC) April 7, 2020Cowdenbeath called for a declaration of the season on the eve of the latest conference call between clubs and the SPFL.A club statement read: Our own view is that season 2019/20 is unlikely to resume and thus we believe it should be called now on an as it stands basis.There are of course a range of views including those of UEFA. The benefit of calling the season now is that it offers a degree of clarity as opposed to continuing uncertainty.It will hopefully unlock distribution of SPFL positional based fees for season 2019/20, allows us to more clearly plot our cashflow position for the coming months, lets clubs turn their attention to player contracts (which in our case mostly expire early in June), gives certainty that we will not be called back into action at short notice, and clubs know which league they will be in next season whenever football does eventually resume.SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster faces difficult decisions (PA)St Mirren became the latest club to furlough players and other staff, less than 24 hours after Rangers announced wage deferrals for players and coaching staff plus utilising Government grants for other employees.The likes of Cowdenbeath, Dumbarton and Edinburgh City have also announced this week that they are using the furlough scheme.Airdrie have parted company with assistant manager Colin Cameron on mutually agreeable terms as they seek to mitigate the financial impact of the pandemic.A number of clubs have reported major progress on fundraising initiatives. Dunfermline fans have supplied 35,000 to their club, just short of their target, while Fife rivals Raith Rovers are closing in on their revised 50,000 target.However, clubs will be pushing the league for more certainty on Wednesday afternoon with the SPFL board set to discuss options earlier in the day.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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FIFA has approved the extension of player contracts until seasons are able to finish, with the coronavirus pandemic also seeing transfer window dates moved this summer.Footballs world governing body has been working on recommendations and guidelines to address practical issues brought by the Covid-19 crisis.The bureau of the FIFA council on Tuesday endorsed a set of principles agreed upon by a taskforce exploring the issue, with contracts and transfer windows key topics.FIFA guidelines to address legal consequences of COVID-19: https://t.co/0Nk627K42G pic.twitter.com/VEk91vP1mx FIFA Media (@fifamedia) April 7, 2020FIFA said it is proposed that contracts be extended until such time that the season does actually end, while deals due to come into force in the next campaign would be delayed until the next season actually does start.The governing body also said it is necessary to adjust the normal regulatory position to the new factual circumstances when it comes to transfer windows.A statement from the governing body read: Accordingly, FIFA will be flexible and will allow the relevant transfer windows to be moved so they fall between the end of the old season and the start of the new season.At the same time, FIFA will try to ensure, where possible, an overall level of coordination and will also bear in mind the need to protect the regularity, integrity and proper functioning of competitions, so that the sporting results of any competition are not unfairly disrupted.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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The coronavirus pandemic could cost the Premier League at least 1billion, the competitions chief executive Richard Masters has warned.Masters said the cost could be considerably higher than that if the impact of the pandemic extends further into the future.His comments on the state of top-flight footballs finances were laid out in a letter to Julian Knight, the chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee.Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has defended the right of top-flight clubs to utilise the Governments job retention scheme (Handout/Premier League)Knight had called for a windfall tax to be imposed on Premier League clubs if they utilised the Governments coronavirus job retention scheme to furlough non-playing staff without negotiating a pay cut or deferral for players. Premier League clubs are in talks with players to take up to a 30 per cent cut made up of conditional reductions and deferral of salary.Masters said: We face a 1billion loss, at least, if we fail to complete season 2019-20, and further losses going forward if the seriousness of the pandemic deepens and extends into the future.Professional football in England is suspended indefinitely, with a return date being kept under constant review.Masters argued it was the right of Premier League clubs, such as Tottenham, Newcastle and Bournemouth, to utilise furloughing in the circumstances. Liverpool reversed their decision to furlough staff on Monday night after widespread criticism of the move.Masters added: The furlough scheme announced by Government is meant for the whole economy, including many enterprises which might be regarded as providing entertainment or otherwise dependent on elite talent.Not only is our industry facing losses now, but to be realistic, we must also base our plans on full recovery being some distance away.Ultimately, the very heavy losses that we face will have to be dealt with or else clubs or other enterprises who depend on football for income will go out of business.Julian Knight says it is laughable that Premier League clubs should require Government handouts (Chris McAndrew/UK Parliament)Knight said the idea that Premier League clubs should need to make use of the Government scheme was frankly laughable.It is time for the Premier League to stop defending the indefensible, he said.They should be working out a way to carry on paying the wages of club staff without resorting to taking money from the government scheme.The DCMS committee announced on Tuesday that a new inquiry would look into the impact of the pandemic on a variety of industries, including sport, with evidence sessions to be held from late April to early May.Earlier, Football Association chairman Greg Clarke had called for everyone in football to step up and share the pain inflicted on the game by the pandemic.Clarkes comments come as talks continue between Premier League and English Football League clubs and the players union the Professional Footballers Association over player wage deferrals and cuts.The FA announced on Monday that its top earners were taking a 30 per cent pay cut, with other members of senior management taking a 15 per cent cut.'Football is a team game and now is the time for teamwork'Read Greg Clarke's address to our council from their meeting earlier today: https://t.co/R8ya4JerHx The FA (@FA) April 7, 2020Clarke told the FA Council on Tuesday: Football faces economic challenges beyond the wildest imagination of those who run it.The pandemic will be followed by its economic consequences and all business sectors will suffer.We face the danger of losing clubs and leagues as finances collapse. Many communities could lose the clubs at their heart with little chance of resurrection.In the face of this unprecedented adversity, all the stakeholders within the game from players, fans, clubs, owners and administrators need to step up and share the pain to keep the game alive.The Premier League, @EFL, @PFA and @LMA_Managers met today and shared a constructive meeting regarding the challenges facing the game as a result of the COVID-19 pandemicFull statement: https://t.co/36qn5EwreS pic.twitter.com/sKUxDudT80 Premier League Communications (@PLComms) April 1, 2020The EFL is also negotiating with the PFA for what is understood to be an even higher percentage of deferral, with its clubs hit especially hard by the loss of matchday revenue. The PFA wants each clubs need to make the savings to be assessed on an individual basis.Two EFL clubs Sunderland and Crewe announced on Tuesday that they were furloughing playing staff.Sunderland said in a statement they had no intention of asking players or coaching staff to defer wages or accept a cut, and were committed to ensuring all staff were paid in full by topping up salaries.PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor says Premier League players have agreed to play their part in helping clubs manage the financial fallout.The stalemate has seen the players receive widespread criticism, with Health Secretary Matt Hancock calling for them to take a cut.Theyve all agreed to play their part, Taylor told BBC Radio 4s Today programme, adding that players are responsible enough to know wages are a major factor in any clubs expenditure.Weve been consistent with what weve said from the beginning and the fact is the players feel quite aggrieved that the Secretary of State for Health should put them in a corner without looking.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says footballers have become an easy target in the row over footballs finances (Martin Rickett/PA)Theyre not self-employed, they make massive contributions to the Treasury and theyve also quite logically felt that if they dont get that money, if a third is deferred or a third is cut, then the Treasury is 200 million a year worse off and that could be going towards the national health and will be needed.Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also defended players, saying they were an easy target.He told Sky Sports News: Its unfair to call on any individual or footballers as a group because I already know players do a great amount of work in the community, and players are doing a lot to help in this situation.The worst financial hit would come if the 2019-20 season cannot be completed, because broadcasters would look to be reimbursed for rights to matches that did not go ahead.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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St Mirren have furloughed their entire playing squad and most other employees.Players will receive 80 per cent of their monthly wages from the Government up to 2,500 and the club will provide the remainder.Scottish clubs are due to hold talks with league officials on Wednesday to discuss the fate of this season but UEFAs desire to see competitions completed could mean a lengthy delay in the transfer of prize money.In a statement, the Paisley club said: The cancellation of football during this terrible crisis seems like a small thing when an increasing number of people are dying daily from coronavirus.The latest update from the club regarding the ongoing COVID-19 situation. https://t.co/XsGpvc0Jwi pic.twitter.com/tPo0Hg9S75 St Mirren FC (@saintmirrenfc) April 7, 2020But while this is undoubtedly true, our sports ongoing absence is a massive financial challenge to all football clubs, and St Mirren are no exception.Your board has had to consider what action to take, and quickly, to protect our long-term future and very existence and we had two immediate aims.Firstly, our responsibility as an employer to players, management, and staff. We dont want our people to have to worry about their income at a time of many other family concerns.Secondly protecting the clubs ability to live within our means and keeping us debt-free, a position we are currently in due to the prudence and commitment of successive boards.The challenge is that nobody knows when football will resume and when St Mirren will again have an income from that source. As things stand we dont even know if this season will be completed or when next season will begin.St Mirren players are now on furlough leave (PA)Taking all of this into account, and to make sure none of our staff is left financially worse off, we have decided to make immediate use of the UK Governments job retention scheme.This will include all our playing and non-playing staff, with the exception of a core group who are required for the continued running of the club.The job retention scheme pays our staff who are furloughed 80 per cent of their gross salary up to a maximum of 2,500, but we are committed to ensuring we will make up any difference to their usual pay level. This applies to all members of staff.St Mirren join Ladbrokes Premiership rivals Hamilton and Ross County in placing players on furlough leave, while Hibernian, Aberdeen and Rangers have agreed wage deferrals with their players.Some Hearts players have agreed temporary wage cuts with others in talks with the club.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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FIFA says it will seek further information from the United States Department of Justice regarding allegations of bribery in relation to the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.Prosecutors in the United States have tabled fresh allegations of bribes being paid to former members of the governing bodys executive committee.An indictment unsealed on Monday in a US District Court in Brooklyn alleged that Nicolas Leoz, the then-president of South American footballs governing body CONMEBOL, and former Brazilian national federation president Ricardo Teixeira accepted bribes to vote for Qatar at FIFAs executive committee meeting in December 2010.The indictment also alleges Jack Warner of Trinidad and Tobago, who was president of the CONCACAF confederation which covers countries in North and Central America plus the Caribbean, received five million US dollars (just over 4million at current exchange rate) in bribes to vote for Russias hosting of the 2018 World Cup.Leoz died in August last year, while Teixeira and Warner have been given life bans from all football activity by FIFA.The updated indictment alleges 53 counts of illegal behaviour in total.A statement from a FIFA spokesperson on Tuesday said: FIFA supports all investigations into alleged acts of criminal wrongdoing regarding either domestic or international football competitions, and will continue to provide full co-operation to law enforcement officials investigating such matters.FIFA is closely following these investigations and all related developments in the legal processes ongoing in the United States and other parts of the world.It is important to point out that FIFA has itself been accorded victim status in the US criminal proceedings and senior FIFA officials are in regular contact with the US Department of Justice. Following the latest indictment, FIFA will ask the DOJ for further information on these matters.FIFA has been afforded victim status in the ongoing case (PA)The FIFA ethics committee has already imposed sanctions, including life bans, on football officials mentioned in this process.So far as FIFA is concerned, should any acts of criminal wrongdoing by football officials be established, the individuals in question should be subject to penal sanctions.As the respective criminal cases are ongoing we are not in a position to comment further for the time being.The document also alleges a range of bribery and corruption offences in connection to broadcasting rights in North and South America for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, including events that led to the Fox network gaining the rights to show those competitions in the US.Warner is alleged to have received bribe money for his Russia vote from 10 separate shell companies spread across countries including Anguilla, Cyprus and the British Virgin Islands.The profiteering and bribery in international soccer have been deep-seated and commonly known practices for decades, William F Sweeney, assistant director in charge of the FBIs New York field office, said in a statement issued by the office of the US Attorney in the Eastern District of New York.Over a period of many years, the defendants and their co-conspirators corrupted the governance and business of international soccer with bribes and kickbacks, and engaged in criminal fraudulent schemes that caused significant harm to the sport of soccer.Their schemes included the use of shell companies, sham consulting contracts and other concealment methods to disguise the bribes and kickback payments and make them appear legitimate.The Qatar World Cup organising committee has been contacted for comment.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Everyone must step up and share the pain inflicted on football by the coronavirus pandemic, Football Association chairman Greg Clarke has said.Clarkes comments come as talks continue between Premier League and English Football League clubs and the players union the Professional Footballers Association over player wage deferrals and cuts.The FA announced on Monday that its top earners were taking a 30 per cent pay cut, with other members of senior management taking a 15 per cent cut.'Football is a team game and now is the time for teamwork'Read Greg Clarke's address to our council from their meeting earlier today: https://t.co/R8ya4JerHx The FA (@FA) April 7, 2020Clarke told the FA Council on Tuesday: Football faces economic challenges beyond the wildest imagination of those who run it.The pandemic will be followed by its economic consequences and all business sectors will suffer.We face the danger of losing clubs and leagues as finances collapse. Many communities could lose the clubs at their heart with little chance of resurrection.In the face of this unprecedented adversity, all the stakeholders within the game from players, fans, clubs, owners and administrators need to step up and share the pain to keep the game alive.The Premier League, @EFL, @PFA and @LMA_Managers met today and shared a constructive meeting regarding the challenges facing the game as a result of the COVID-19 pandemicFull statement: https://t.co/36qn5EwreS pic.twitter.com/sKUxDudT80 Premier League Communications (@PLComms) April 1, 2020Premier League clubs agreed last Friday that it would consult with players over conditional reductions and deferrals up to 30 per cent to offset the potential and actual losses caused by the pandemic.The EFL is also negotiating with the PFA for what is understood to be an even higher percentage of deferral. The PFA wants each clubs need to make the savings to be assessed on an individual basis.Two EFL clubs Sunderland and Crewe announced on Tuesday that they were furloughingplaying staff. Businesses can place employees whose jobs have been affected by the pandemic on furlough leave, and claim 80 per cent of their salaries up to a maximum of 2,500 a month via the Governments coronavirus job retention scheme.Sunderland said in a statement they had no intention of asking players or coaching staff to defer wages or accept a cut, and were committed to ensuring all staff were paid in full by topping up salaries.Liverpool and Tottenham, the Premier Leagues two most profitable clubs in 2018-19, attracted widespread criticism for their furloughing of non-playing staff, though Liverpool have since performed a U-turn.Simon Jordan says Premier League clubs are using furloughing as a negotiating tactic (Steven Paston/PA)Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan insists their actions were in order to force the hand of the players, who need to shift their backsides.The basic principle behind this is the two most profitable football clubs in English football, Tottenham and Liverpool, are the two clubs who have gone out and made a stance, Jordan told talkSPORT.I dont understand why Liverpool fans are not more angry with their players not coming to the fore and taking a pay cut.The leverage which was being bought by this furlough, Liverpool dont need 400,000 of savings from furlough, what Liverpool and Tottenham did it for is because they want to leverage the players because the players are not doing what they should be doing, despite the assertions of people, they have done nothing in four weeks.But PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor says Premier League players have agreed to play their part in helping clubs manage the financial fallout.The stalemate has seen the players receive widespread criticism, with Health Secretary Matt Hancock calling for them to take a cut.Theyve all agreed to play their part, Taylor told BBC Radio 4s Today programme, adding that players are responsible enough to know wages are a major factor in any clubs expenditure.Weve been consistent with what weve said from the beginning and the fact is the players feel quite aggrieved that the Secretary of State for Health should put them in a corner without looking.Theyre not self-employed, they make massive contributions to the Treasury and theyve also quite logically felt that if they dont get that money, if a third is deferred or a third is cut, then the Treasury is 200 million a year worse off and that could be going towards the national health and will be needed.Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also defended players, saying they were an easy target.He told Sky Sports News: Its unfair to call on any individual or footballers as a group because I already know players do a great amount of work in the community, and players are doing a lot to help in this situation.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says footballers have become an easy target in the row over footballs finances (Martin Rickett/PA)The worst financial hit would come if the 2019-20 season cannot be completed, because broadcasters would look to be reimbursed for rights to matches that did not go ahead.Clarke said everyone in the English professional game remained committed to doing that, but admitted it may not be possible.We are committed to finishing the professional football season as this resolves the issues of promotion and relegation together with title winners on merit, he added.However, we may not be able to finish the season as football is not our priority, human life is, and we will do as the Government directs as the pandemic unfolds.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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The English Football League is to appeal against a decision to clear Birmingham of a misconduct charge related to an alleged financial breach, the PA news agency understands.A charge against the Championship club for an alleged failure to adhere to elements of an agreed business plan was dismissed by an independent commission last month, and the EFL has now exercised its right to an appeal.Birmingham are understood to be disappointed and surprised by the EFL taking this course of action. A new commission will now be convened to hear the appeal.EFL Statement: Birmingham CityDecision taken by independent Disciplinary Commission. #EFL https://t.co/GXyMnoysIe E F L (@EFL) March 6, 2020Last season, the Blues were deducted nine points for breaches of the EFLs profit and sustainability rules. The club said when the charge was dismissed last month that it had been working closely and amicably with the league on a business plan since May last year.The nine-point deduction in March last year was imposed after the club incurred greater losses in the three-year period between 2015 and 2018 than is allowed under EFL rules.The club suffered losses of 48.8million in that period, almost 10m than the maximum 39m adjusted losses permitted.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan has said the reason Premier League players have yet to agree a pay cut is because they do not want to.Premier League clubs have proposed wage cuts of around 30 per cent for their players, but negotiations with the PFA have hit a stumbling block.Members are concerned that the money made by their financial sacrifice will not be going to the right places, namely the NHS and public services.PFA Statement on behalf of Premier League players: https://t.co/LFR3Vmg972 Professional Footballers' Association (@PFA) April 4, 2020Liverpool and Tottenham, the Premier Leagues two most profitable clubs in 2018/19, attracted widespread criticism for their furloughing of staff, though Liverpool have since performed a U-turn.Jordan insists their actions were in order to force the hand of the players, who need to shift their backsides.The basic principle behind this is the two most profitable football clubs in English football, Tottenham and Liverpool, are the two clubs who have gone out and made a stance, Jordan told talkSPORT.I dont understand why Liverpool fans are not more angry with their players not coming to the fore and taking a pay cut.The leverage which was being bought by this furlough, Liverpool dont need 400,000 of savings from furlough, what Liverpool and Tottenham did it for is because they want to leverage the players because the players are not doing what they should be doing, despite the assertions of people, they have done nothing in four weeks.Liverpool announced they would be furloughing non-footballing staff, but later went back on their decision (Martin Rickett/PA)The reasons why they havent done it is because they dont want to do it and they are going to have to be made to do it.The bigger picture is not about furloughs, its about the elephant in the room, why wont these players come to the fore now, why are they being dragged kicking and screaming by public opinion to take a pay cut.What can you do in three weeks? I dont know, maybe you can build a 4,000-bed hospital in London. But we cant get 600 players in the Premier League to take a pay cut which is clearly needed to salvage their football club.But Professional Footballers Association chief executive Gordon Taylor says Premier League players have agreed to play their part in helping clubs manage the financial fall-out from the coronavirus pandemic.The stalemate has seen the players receive widespread criticism, with Health Secretary Matt Hancock calling for them to take a cut.Theyve all agreed to play their part, Taylor told BBC Radio 4s Today programme, adding that players are responsible enough to know wages are a major factor in any clubs expenditure.Weve been consistent with what weve said from the beginning and the fact is the players feel quite aggrieved that the Secretary of State for Health should put them in a corner without looking.Theyre not self-employed, they make massive contributions to the Treasury and theyve also quite logically felt that if they dont get that money, if a third is deferred or a third is cut, then the Treasury is 200 million a year worse off and that could be going towards the national health and will be needed.Ian Holloway says it beggars belief that footballers continue to breach lockdown restrictions.On a serious note though, please everyone stay home, look after one another through this difficult time and check in on loved ones but dont visit them #StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/9QnWkcnGrH Kyle Walker (@kylewalker2) March 24, 2020Manchester City and England defender Kyle Walker apologised over the weekend after he was reported to have hosted a party during the coronavirus pandemic.Walker said his actions were in direct contrast to what I should have been doing regarding the lockdown, with his apology coming a week after Jack Grealish was also caught breaking out of lockdown.The day after Walkers apology, his club manager Pep Guardiola lost his mother to coronavirus, and Grimsby boss Holloway told talkSPORT: First off Id like to send my love and best wishes to Pep as hes lost his mum.The reality of that and then you have one of your players (Walker), its almost brainless. What on earth are you doing having a party like that? Its bang out of order. Id be looking to get him out of the club, thats not right and its so irresponsible.Kyle Walker has attracted some negative headlines during the coronavirus pandemic (Peter Byrne/PA)You end up believing in your hype and you think you can control the world.Asked if it should be the end of Walkers England career, Holloway said: Totally. It beggars belief. Wheres the discipline? Wheres the actual discipline?Chelsea Women manager Emma Hayes has praised her club for supporting domestic abuse charity Refuge during the ongoing lockdown.This is something that matters very much at our club, she told talkSPORT. Not just my team but the owner all the way down. We felt this was a really important charity to help raise awareness and funds for women and children experiencing domestic abuse during coronavirus. It is with huge sadness the club has learned of the untimely passing of Dean McKee.A lifelong fan, Deans original piece Born Blue White will continue to be played before all #QPR home games.Our thoughts are with his family. RIP Dean. pic.twitter.com/As01DbGZDX QPR FC (@QPR) April 7, 2020Women can feel they have no support or way of getting out in isolation and this shows there is something there for you. At Chelsea we are certainly behind trying to raise awareness so people reach out instead of feeling they have nowhere to go.Poet and QPR fan Dean McKee has died of coronavirus, aged just 28.McKee penned Born Blue White, a moving piece that was played at Loftus Road before all QPR games.The Championship club tweeted: It is with huge sadness the club has learned of the untimely passing of Dean McKee.A lifelong fan, Deans original piece Born Blue White will continue to be played before all #QPR home games. Our thoughts are with his family. RIP Dean.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Long-serving forward Thomas Muller has signed a two-year contract extension at Bayern Munich, keeping him at the club until June 2023.The 2014 World Cup winner has been at the Bavarian club since the age of 10 and has become a mainstay in the first-team since breaking through from the youth academy in 2009.Muller has made over 500 appearances for Bayern and has won eight Bundesliga titles, five German Cups and five German Super Cups in addition to the 2013 Champions League. @esmuellert_ has extended his contract with #FCBayern until 2023.#Mllered2023 pic.twitter.com/Aq0IRsZ2qj FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) April 7, 2020The 30-year-old, who had been linked with a move away in recent seasons, told the clubs official website: Im sure that once were playing again, well continue to be very successful. That spurs me on.For me, the number one priority was to extend at FC Bayern and the club felt the same way.This club is not just any old employer for me. Its my passion. Im happy that Ill be here for two extra years, and Ill give everything on and off the pitch.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Ian Holloway says it beggars belief that footballers continue to breach lockdown restrictions.Manchester City and England defender Kyle Walker apologised over the weekend after he was reported to have hosted a party during the coronavirus pandemic.Walker said his actions were in direct contrast to what I should have been doing regarding the lockdown, with his apology coming a week after Jack Grealish was also caught breaking out of lockdown.On a serious note though, please everyone stay home, look after one another through this difficult time and check in on loved ones but dont visit them #StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/9QnWkcnGrH Kyle Walker (@kylewalker2) March 24, 2020The day after Walkers apology, his club manager Pep Guardiola lost his mother to coronavirus, and Grimsby boss Holloway told talkSPORT: First off Id like to send my love and best wishes to Pep as hes lost his mum.The reality of that and then you have one of your players (Walker), its almost brainless. What on earth are you doing having a party like that? Its bang out of order. Id be looking to get him out of the club, thats not right and its so irresponsible.You end up believing in your hype and you think you can control the world.Asked if it should be the end of Walkers England career, Holloway said: Totally. It beggars belief. Wheres the discipline? Wheres the actual discipline?Holloway, who has given his League Two players a pre-season-style programme to follow during the lockdown, says the current crisis shows the world has its priorities wrong.Ian Holloway says more money needs to go to doctors and nurses (Mike Egerton/PA)Its so disrespectful to generations and generations who fought for us, its all wrong, he said of those who continue to go out.I think the world is upside down, the top money should not be paid to entertainers, but the people keeping us safe on the frontline and the Government need to make sure these doctors and nurses are paid the top money so people want to do that for real.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Prosecutors have tabled fresh allegations of bribes being paid to FIFA executive committee members to vote for Qatar to host the 2022 World Cup.An indictment unsealed on Monday in a US District Court in Brooklyn alleges Nicolas Leoz, the then president of South American footballs governing body CONMEBOL, and former Brazil federation president Ricardo Teixeira accepted bribes to vote for the Gulf state at FIFAs executive committee meeting in 2010.The indictment also alleges Jack Warner of Trinidad and Tobago, who was president of the North and Central American and Caribbean governing body CONCACAF, received 5 million US dollars in bribes to vote for Russias hosting of the 2018 World Cup.Guatemala federation president Rafael Salguero was also promised a 1 million dollar bribe to vote for Russia, according to the indictment, an updated third draft of charges in the matter, which alleges 53 counts of illegal behaviour in total.Jack Warner, the Trinidad and Tobago executive who has so far avoided extradition to the US (Andrew Milligan/PA)The document also alleges a range of bribery and corruption offences in connection to broadcasting rights in North and South America for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, including events that led to the Fox network gaining the rights to show those competitions in the US.The case has been brought in the US after law enforcement bodies there, headed by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), undertook to look into allegations of bribery in world football, particularly relating to the 2018 and 2022 world cups.Leoz died last August, having avoided extradition to the US. Warner and Teixeira have also avoided extradition.Salguero pleaded guilty in 2018 to two counts of wire fraud conspiracy and to single counts of racketeering conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy.Warner is alleged to have received bribe money for his Russia vote from 10 separate shell companies spread across countries including Anguilla, Cyprus and the British Virgin Islands.The profiteering and bribery in international soccer have been deep-seated and commonly known practices for decades, William F Sweeney, assistant director in charge of the FBIs New York field office, said in a statement issued by the office of the US Attorney in the Eastern District of New York.Over a period of many years, the defendants and their co-conspirators corrupted the governance and business of international soccer with bribes and kickbacks, and engaged in criminal fraudulent schemes that caused significant harm to the sport of soccer.Their schemes included the use of shell companies, sham consulting contracts and other concealment methods to disguise the bribes and kickback payments and make them appear legitimate.Qatar won the right to host the 2022 tournament over the US by a vote of 14-8.The indictment includes charges that former 21st Century Fox executives Hernan Lopez and Carlos Martinez made payments to CONMEBOL officials to obtain US broadcast rights bidding information from a co-conspirator who was not identified in the indictment.ESPN had US television rights to the World Cup from 1994-2014, but in 2011 Fox gained the rights for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.After the 2022 tournament in Qatar was rescheduled from summer to late autumn, a time when it is likely to receive less attention than normal in the US due to clashing with the NFL, FIFA awarded Fox the rights for the 2026 World Cup without competitive bidding.Also charged in the indictment are former Imagina Media Audiovisual CEO Gerard Romy and the Uruguayan sports marketing company Full Play Group SA.The indictment includes charges of wire fraud and money laundering. The charges against Romy and Full Play also allege racketeering conspiracy.The indictment, detailed in the statement from the US Attorneys office, says Lopez and Martinez joined Full Play and other co-conspirators in a scheme involving the annual payment of millions of dollars in bribes to officials of CONMEBOL in exchange for broadcasting rights to South Americas major club tournament, the Copa Libertadores.Lopez and Martinez also relied on loyalty secured through the payment of bribes to certain CONMEBOL officials to advance the business interests of Fox, including to obtain confidential bidding information for the rights to broadcast the 2018 and 2022 World Cup tournaments in the United States, rights that Fox successfully obtained, the statement said.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Wolves winger Diogo Jota is happy to stay in England during the coronavirus lockdown to avoid the temptation of visiting his family.The Portugal international admits it is difficult being so far away from his family during the global pandemic but his club have ensured he is looked after even doing his shopping for him.The 23-year-old joined Wolves from Atletico Madrid three years ago, initially on loan, and is settled in the West Midlands.When asked if it was difficult being away from his family, Jota told Portuguese newspaper Record: Yes, a bit. But I knew that if I was in Portugal it might be even more difficult to manage, as I was closer to them and the temptation to have social contacts was greater.Diogo Jota in the #UEL this season = Back-to-back hat-tricks 6 goals in 5 games @Wolves pic.twitter.com/1n5f15fA7R UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) March 12, 2020Being here, that is harder to happen and as much as it costs us, this is what we must do.I obviously hope that my family does not receive bad news. And I try to pass on to them all the messages that I get from the club. To avoid leaving home, unless it is extremely necessary.The goal is for all of us to be together again once this situation ends.The club has helped us in everything. In fact, it has been essential.Diogo Jota was on when we last faced @OfficialBHAFC. pic.twitter.com/4u3SluQ6TD Wolves (@Wolves) March 6, 2020Whoever stayed here, the club managed to find a basket with all kinds of food, so we dont have to go shopping. And in the medical area, we were given a kit with everything we need. Im talking about masks, hand sanitiser and everything.The club does everything in their power so that we dont miss anything.And the coaching staff drew up a plan for this first stage, which is said to last until the end of April, but from the looks of it, it will last beyond that.We have an individual work plan, with the idea of being as close to our best shape as possible. Basically, we have everything we need.Saturday's FIFA 20 game between @EKonsa15 and Wolves' Diogo Jota helped raise 4,145.47 for @AcornsHospice!A huge thank you to everyone who got involved. #AVFC pic.twitter.com/C6sGAtKu1M Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 6, 2020Jota also has his love of esports and gaming to keep him engaged in football. He recently won a Wolves players FIFA 20 tournament and beat Aston Villa rival Ezri Konsa in a charity game on Saturday.The former Porto player said: I happen to be training Telford United on Football Manager, which is a team here in the area.Im quite addicted, but in a good way. I really like to play and use a good part of my free time involved in football, even though through esports. After all, football is my greatest passion.For example, if we travel to London by train, I spend at least two hours with my laptop playing Football Manager. Then, in hotels, I have PlayStation, where I play mainly FIFA but sometimes even other types of games.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has spoken of his pride after a unanimous decision among his coaches and players to defer wages in order to protect non-football staffs income.Rangers earlier revealed the first-team squad had volunteered to temporarily forego a portion of their wages for three months.The Ibrox club will also make use of the Governments job retention scheme to ensure other employees receive their full wages.The players and coaching staff are reported to be taking only half of their salaries for three months but will be reimbursed once football resumes following the suspension amid the coronavirus pandemic. INTERVIEW: An update from Steven Gerrard. #StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/ykd2uJPNus Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) April 6, 2020Gerrard told his clubs Twitter account: The players and the directors and staff have shown good leadership and responsibility to defer the wages. I think it was a no-brainer and the right thing to do.Its important that you show respect to all the people at the club whatever your role is and I think we have shown real good togetherness by doing this.Im very proud of the efforts and the support of everyone at the club. It was unanimous that everyone wanted to do this.Its important during these hard times that no-one suffers from financial hardship. It does make me really proud as a manager that everyone was really keen to make sure that everyone was looked after.The Rangers Football Club Limited: Update https://t.co/p8P4rnWbs8 pic.twitter.com/8QcvjBdz3j Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) April 6, 2020A club statement read: Rangers can confirm that first-team players, manager, coaches and executive directors have volunteered to take a salary deferral for the next three months.Senior players and staff were keen to ensure that no Rangers employee suffered financial hardship during this crisis.All parties volunteered and wholeheartedly agreed to defer wages to ensure that fellow colleagues could continue to be paid their salaries in full.The Rangers team have come together to help their colleagues (PA)We are proud of the leadership and responsibility taken by senior members of staff, and acknowledge the positive impact that this will have on everyone at Rangers.We are resolved that the integrity of the club is maintained as we continue our focus on ensuring the financial stability of the business.Due to the extraordinary challenges from the ongoing crisis, Rangers intends to implement the coronavirus job retention scheme for a number of employees.Rangers will ensure that everyone furloughed under this government scheme will receive 100 per cent salary through top up assistance from the club with all other conditions and benefits remaining unchanged.James Tavernier is proud of his team-mates (PA)Skipper James Tavernier added: I want to place on record our appreciation to every single member of staff for their determination and resolve during these unprecedented events. Im very proud of the reaction of everyone at Rangers to the challenge we face throughout the UK and beyond.As a team, we were adamant that we work together to do all we can to secure the future of the football club. We are also acutely aware of the livelihoods and wellbeing of our staff.In reality, it was an easy decision for players and senior staff. Now is the time to work with unity of purpose, as the Rangers family, to ensure that everyone works together to maintain our institution. Today has made me proud to be Rangers captain.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Wolves fans have been given a rare chance to cheer some success during the suspension of football after their club claimed the Ultimate QuaranTeam prize.The Premier League clubs official eSportsset-up beat their counterparts from Dutch side Groningen 2-1 at FIFA 20 in the final of the 128-team tournament.The competition, which was organised by Leyton Orient, involved representatives of clubs from across Europe."Quarantine champions, you'll never sing that!" Congratulations @Fifilza7 @WolvesEsports, #UltimateQuaranTeam champions! pic.twitter.com/FcnZs8nYAW Wolves (@Wolves) April 6, 2020Wolves were represented by Brazil-based esporter Flavio and an 84th-minute winner gave their fans the bragging rights.The competition has raised more than 57,000 on JustGiving with the majority of the cash going to Sky Bet Football League clubs to help mitigate the loss of income sparked by the coronavirus pandemic.If you're a Wolves fan on the tins tonight, then fair play.Before it gets too mad, see if you can spare us a few quid on our JustGiving page and push us closer to 60k!https://t.co/4xPVx6cwnK Leyton Orient (@leytonorientfc) April 6, 2020The remaining quarter of the money will be split between mental health charity Mind and the World Health Organisations Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fundraiser.The initial target had been to raise 50,000 but the bar was raised to 100,000.Other clubs to take part in the tournament included Manchester City, Benfica and Roma with Crystal Palaces England international Andros Townsend among the players.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Rangers have revealed manager Steven Gerrard and his first-team squad volunteered to receive wage deferrals for the next three months.The Ibrox club will also make use of the Governments job retention scheme to ensure other employees receive their full wages.The players and coaching staff are reported to be taking only half of their salaries for three months but will be reimbursed once football resumes following the suspension amid the coronavirus pandemic.A club statement read: Rangers can confirm that first-team players, manager, coaches and executive directors have volunteered to take a salary deferral for the next three months.The Rangers Football Club Limited: Update https://t.co/p8P4rnWbs8 pic.twitter.com/8QcvjBdz3j Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) April 6, 2020Senior players and staff were keen to ensure that no Rangers employee suffered financial hardship during this crisis.All parties volunteered and wholeheartedly agreed to defer wages to ensure that fellow colleagues could continue to be paid their salaries in full.We are proud of the leadership and responsibility taken by senior members of staff, and acknowledge the positive impact that this will have on everyone at Rangers.The Rangers team have come together (PA)We are resolved that the integrity of the club is maintained as we continue our focus on ensuring the financial stability of the business.Due to the extraordinary challenges from the ongoing crisis, Rangers intends to implement the coronavirus job retention scheme for a number of employees.Rangers will ensure that everyone furloughed under this government scheme will receive 100 per cent salary through top up assistance from the club with all other conditions and benefits remaining unchanged.James Tavernier is proud of his team-mates (PA)Skipper James Tavernier added: I want to place on record our appreciation to every single member of staff for their determination and resolve during these unprecedented events. Im very proud of the reaction of everyone at Rangers to the challenge we face throughout the UK and beyond.As a team, we were adamant that we work together to do all we can to secure the future of the football club. We are also acutely aware of the livelihoods and wellbeing of our staff.In reality, it was an easy decision for players and senior staff. Now is the time to work with unity of purpose, as the Rangers family, to ensure that everyone works together to maintain our institution. Today has made me proud to be Rangers captain.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Former Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid boss Radomir Antic has died at the age of 71.He enjoyed most of his success at the latter, guiding Atleti to the LaLiga and Copa del Rey double during the 1995-96 season.Antic had three separate spells in charge at Los Rojiblancos and become only one of two people to coach El Clasico rivals Real and Barca during their career after Enrique Fernandez Viola.The Atltico de Madrid family is mourning the passing of Radomir Anti, one of our legendary coaches. You will forever live in our hearts. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/C5UulDOZSo Atltico de Madrid (@atletienglish) April 6, 2020A statement from Atleticos official Twitter account read: The Atletico de Madrid family is mourning the passing of Radomir Antic, one of our legendary coaches. You will forever live in our hearts. Rest in peace.Antic, who had one cap for Yugoslavia, spent the final four years of his playing career at Luton before moving into coaching, which was mainly in Spain.Luton tweeted: We are devastated to learn of the passing of Town legend Radomir Antic, at the age of 71. A true Hatters hero, for promotion and preventing relegation. The thoughts of all at Kenilworth Road are with his family and friends at this terribly sad time. Rest in peace, Raddy.He started his managerial career at Real Zaragoza and also has two spells as Real Oviedo boss and a short stint at Celta Vigo.Antic was in charge of the Serbia national team between 2008 and 2010 before finishing his career in China.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Liverpool have performed a u-turn on their decision to place some non-playing staff on the Governments furlough scheme as chief executive Peter Moore admitted they came to the wrong conclusion.Fans and former players reacted angrily to the news Liverpool, who in February revealed pre-tax profits of 42million for 2018-19, intended to use the taxpayer-funded initiative during the coronavirus pandemic.Under the initiative, the Government would have paid 80 per cent of wages up to 2,500 of around 200 staff it was understood to affect, while Liverpool announced they would top up the remainder of the salaries.#LFC chief executive officer Peter Moore has issued the following letter to supporters. https://t.co/QB30hZJX9T Liverpool FC (at ) (@LFC) April 6, 2020Fellow Premier League clubs Newcastle, Tottenham, Norwich and Bournemouth have already confirmed their plan to furlough some non-playing staff but the reigning European champions have now backtracked on the decision they made public over the weekend.Moore admitted Liverpool must now find another way to mitigate potential losses in a season that was shutdown with the Merseysiders runaway leaders in the top-flight, firmly on course for a first Premier League title.In a letter to the clubs fans, Moore said: We believe we came to the wrong conclusion last week to announce that we intended to apply to the coronavirus retention scheme and furlough staff due to the suspension of the Premier League football calendar, and are truly sorry for that.Our intentions were, and still are, to ensure the entire workforce is given as much protection as possible from redundancy and/or loss of earnings during this unprecedented period.We are therefore committed to finding alternative ways to operate while there are no football matches being played that ensures we are not applying for the government relief scheme.Well done @PeterMooreLFC @LFC a big mistake initially thankfully now its been put right. https://t.co/PdQlODEdsC Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) April 6, 2020Former Liverpool captain Jamie Carragher was among those to criticise Saturdays decision but said on Twitter following the latest update: Well done @PeterMooreLFC @LFC a big mistake initially thankfully now its been put right.Moore, though, sounded a note of caution to supporters, warning of inevitable damage to Liverpools financial position because of the Covid-19 crisis.He added: Despite the fact we were in a healthy position prior to this crisis, our revenues have been shut off yet our outgoings remain.The club continues to prepare for a range of different scenarios, around when football can return to operating as it did before the pandemic. These scenarios range from best case to worst and everything in between.It is an unavoidable truth that several of these scenarios involve a massive downturn in revenue, with correspondingly unprecedented operating losses.Having these vital financial resources so profoundly impacted would obviously negatively affect our ability to operate as we previously have.We are engaged in the process of exploring all avenues within our scope to limit the inevitable damage.Liverpools rivals Manchester United have told their staff members they will not be making use of the Government furlough scheme, with around 900 full-time employees understood to be paid as if they were working normally.But anyone unable to work from home or those with reduced workloads have been strongly encouraged to volunteer time to the NHS or their local communities.Meanwhile, a streaming service has written to the Premier League to defer payments due to the suspension of competition.DAZN, which holds rights to stream all English top-flight matches in Brazil, Canada, Japan and Spain, is in negotiations to halt payments until clarity is given as to when and how the 2019-20 season can be completed, the PA news agency understands.The Premier Leagues overriding priority is to aid the health and wellbeing of the nation and our communities. The 2019/20 season will only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so.Full statement: https://t.co/Tv9Leq4GGp#WeAreOneTeam pic.twitter.com/XPLQ7ls422 Premier League (@premierleague) April 3, 2020The league announced last Friday that there was no prospect of professional football returning by the start of May, and was instead keeping a decision on when the game could safely come back amid the coronavirus pandemic under constant review.DAZN said in a statement: We dont discuss commercial conversations but were, of course, in the process of working closely with partners to reach reasonable solutions given the unprecedented circumstances.Premier League clubs were reported to have told players in a conference call on Saturday that the cost of being unable to resume the season at all would be more than 1billion.It is estimated that of that 1billion, 762million of it would be lost TV revenue, as rights holders either claw back money paid or withhold payments not yet made.It is understood talks are continuing between players, their union the Professional Footballers Association and the Premier League clubs over a 30 per cent wage reduction by way of cuts and deferrals, dependent on what the eventual outcome is. The talks are understood to be taking place on a club-by-club basis.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Liverpool have decided to reverse the decision to place some non-playing staff on the Governments furlough scheme as chief executive Peter Moore admitted they came to the wrong conclusion.The Premier League club, who in February announced pre-tax profits of 42million for 2018-19, were heavily criticised after they announced their intention to turn to the scheme during the coronavirus pandemic.In a letter to the clubs fans, Moore said: We believe we came to the wrong conclusion last week to announce that we intended to apply to the coronavirus retention scheme and furlough staff due to the suspension of the Premier League football calendar, and are truly sorry for that.#LFC chief executive officer Peter Moore has issued the following letter to supporters. https://t.co/QB30hZJX9T Liverpool FC (at ) (@LFC) April 6, 2020Moore added: Our intentions were, and still are, to ensure the entire workforce is given as much protection as possible from redundancy and/or loss of earnings during this unprecedented period.We are therefore committed to finding alternative ways to operate while there are no football matches being played that ensures we are not applying for the government relief scheme.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Tottenham forward Son Heung-min will start his mandatory four-week national service in his native South Korea this month, the Premier League club have announced.Son travelled back to his homeland following the shutdown of football in this country because of the coronavirus and is currently in a two-week quarantine after flying in from London.Now that football is on hold indefinitely, Son will complete his obligatory military service as required by law in South Korea before returning to north London at its completion next month.Son Heung-min is currently recovering from a broken arm (Nick Potts/PA)A statement on Tottenhams website said: The club can confirm that Son Heung-min will commence his mandatory military service in South Korea this month.Son will return to London following the conclusion of his military service in May.Sons national service should have been 21 months, but he earned an exemption in 2018 when he was part of the South Korea team that won the Asian Games, with Spurs allowing him to leave midway through the 2018-19 campaign.He is currently recovering from a broken arm, but will see this as a perfect opportunity to carry out his service without it impacting on his playing career.The 27-year-old hopes to start on April 20 and is reported to be serving in the Military Corps.View this post on InstagramStay safe#hometeam @adidasA post shared by Son HeungMin() (@hm_son7) on Mar 31, 2020 at 2:00am PDTIt has been a turbulent few weeks for Son, who was only back in London for a few weeks having returned to Seoul for surgery on his broken arm in February.Upon his return to the UK, he was forced into two weeks of isolation and had only been back at the clubs Hotspur Way training complex for a week or so before it was closed following the governments instructions to stay at home.The enforced break has worked in his favour as he will almost certainly be fit when the action does restart, having originally expected to have missed the remainder of the season.Son uploaded pictures and a video on Instagram last week, showing him skipping without a cast on his arm.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Pep Guardiolas mother has died after contracting coronavirus, Manchester City have announced.City said Dolors Sala Carrio passed away at the age of 82 in Manresa, Barcelona.Everyone associated with the club sends their most heartfelt sympathy at this most distressing time to Pep, his family and all their friends, a club statement read.The Manchester City family are devastated to report the death today of Peps mother Dolors Sala Carri in Manresa, Barcelona after contracting Corona Virus. She was 82-years-old . Manchester City (@ManCity) April 6, 2020City boss Guardiola, who is one of four siblings, last month donated one million euros (918,000 at the time) to aid the fight against coronavirus in Spain, having returned to his home country during the ongoing Premier League shutdown.Spain has suffered one of the worst outbreaks of the virus in Europe.According to the latest numbers from Johns Hopkins, Spain has had 135,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19, second only to the United States, and more than 13,000 deaths, second only to Italy which has suffered almost 16,000.As part of the clubs Cityzens At Home intiative, Guardiola last week recorded a video urging fans to stay at home and to follow the advice of scientists, doctors and nurses.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Everton midfielder Andre Gomes admits he is desperate to play in front of the clubs fans again but has urged supporters to continue to follow social distancing rules.Gomes made his Goodison Park return against Manchester United in March for the first time in almost four months after suffering a serious ankle fracture against Tottenham in November.The Portuguese midfielder says he was overwhelmed by the reception and is itching to play at Goodison Park again as soon as possible after the coronavirus pandemic.Speaking in an Instagram QA with supporters published by the club, Gomes said: Im missing my teammates and the club and, of course, the first thing I want to do after the quarantine is to go back to the training ground. | I am missing my teammates and the Club and the first thing I want to do after the quarantine is to go back to the training ground."Missing you too, @aftgomes! #BlueFamily Everton (@Everton) April 6, 2020At Everton, we have a really nice dressing room environment. The fans have always been so amazing with me, too.Its a tough moment and we must all try to respect the rules. Enjoy movies, TV series, do exercise when you can. Help yourself and others.I have had many really good moments at Goodison but I have to say this one (against United, was the most special). Hearing this (reception), I felt really confident and happy to have the support from them.Gomes also praised Toffees manager Carlo Ancelotti, who has been playing his part during the pandemic by assisting the Blues Family campaign to help those isolating, and believes the club are on the right track under the Italian.Andre Gomes believes Everton are on the right track under Carlo Ancelotti (Yui Mok/PA)Carlo is a great human being, Gomes added. He has great experience and hes helping the team a lot.Everton is doing a massive effort to make the team better. I believe Carlo trusts in the club, otherwise he wouldnt have come here.We want to make the fans proud and were on the right way to do that. The fans are with us all the time.Were trying to be better and improve the club. We want to reach a high a level. We all love Everton and right now I think were on a good track to reach our goal.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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England captain Harry Kane is using lessons from his matchday preparation to stay calm during the coronavirus shutdown and has urged others to do their part to help the fight against the pandemic.In a video posted on social media by the Football Association, the England and Tottenham forward urged people to make the best of the situation and enjoy their time with loved ones at home.During this time I think its important to just stay calm, Kane said. On a match day thats how I like to be so Im using that same energy whilst Im at home.We can only look after ourselves, we can only stay at home and help the healthcare services and everyone saving lives at the moment.Its important to stay calm. On a matchday thats how I like to be, so Im using that same energy while Im at home.Todays #MondayMotivation comes to you from @HKane #FootballsStayingHome pic.twitter.com/InHgTj1HwT England (@England) April 6, 2020Theres no need to panic but I think its important we do everything we can to help. Stay at home, be calm, spend some time with whoever youre living with and enjoy these moments.Kane said he was using the suspension of football to enjoy some rare time with his family at a time of year which is usually the most hectic for professional players.I think this time away from football is a time to relax, to reflect, Kane said. We have pretty hectic schedules, especially at this time of year when were playing non-stop football.Its time to spend some time at home with the family and just enjoy these moments.I can keep fit with the gym, Im fortunate enough to have these things in the house, but in general the most important thing is to rest up and be ready for when we start playing football again.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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A streaming service has written to the Premier League to defer payments due to the suspension of competition.DAZN, which holds rights to stream all English top-flight matches in Brazil, Canada, Japan and Spain, is in negotiations to halt payments until clarity is given as to when and how the 2019-20 season can be completed, the PA news agency understands.The league announced last Friday that there was no prospect of professional football returning by the start of May, and was instead keeping a decision on when the game could safely come back amid the coronavirus pandemic under constant review.The Premier Leagues overriding priority is to aid the health and wellbeing of the nation and our communities. The 2019/20 season will only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so.Full statement: https://t.co/Tv9Leq4GGp#WeAreOneTeam pic.twitter.com/XPLQ7ls422 Premier League (@premierleague) April 3, 2020DAZN said in a statement: We dont discuss commercial conversations but were, of course, in the process of working closely with partners to reach reasonable solutions given the unprecedented circumstances.Premier League clubs were reported to have told players in a conference call on Saturday that the cost of being unable to resume the season at all would be more than 1billion.It is estimated that of that 1billion, 762million of it would be lost TV revenue, as rights holders either claw back money paid or withhold payments not yet made.It is understood talks are continuing between players, their union the Professional Footballers Association and the Premier League clubs over a 30 per cent wage reduction by way of cuts and deferrals, dependent on what the eventual outcome is.PFA Statement on behalf of Premier League players: https://t.co/LFR3Vmg972 Professional Footballers' Association (@PFA) April 4, 2020The PFA released a statement on Saturday saying players want to ensure any financial contribution they make will support their clubs, remove the need for non-playing staff at all levels to be furloughed and support the NHS.Health secretary Matt Hancock said last week that Premier League footballers should play their part in a time of national crisis and take a pay cut.Over the weekend, Hancock suggested footballers could donate to hospices, to enable them to continue to provide end-of-life care at a time when other fund-raising has dried up.Burnley manager Sean Dyche, whose club said over the weekend they would lose 50m if the season was not finished, defended the position of players and the time it was taking to reach an agreement on a way forward.Burnley manager Sean Dyche believes footballers do a lot of good already in society (Martin Rickett/PA)The idea of making things happen at the flick of a switch is just not feasible. There is a lot more to it, he told talkSPORT.The pressure on players has been ramped up by the fact that clubs, including runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool, have announced plans to furlough some non-playing staff under the Governments coronavirus job retention scheme.It is important to remember that it is not from the players, it is not their decision to furlough staff, Dyche said.I can assure everyone who is listening, I know for a fact that individual players are doing things from their own pockets for different causes.What happens then is they do all that and someone comes along and says right we are taking this from you and they go hang on a minute I am already doing all this.You have to be careful and remind people that a lot of players are giving a lot at the minute.Culture secretary Oliver Dowden told the Daily Telegraph on Monday that the apparent deadlock between clubs and players was deeply concerning.The PFA said on Saturday that cutting 30 per cent from players salaries would result in a 200m drop in the amount players pay to the Government in income tax.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Gordon Taylor expressed his astonishment at Health Secretary Matt Hancocks continued attacks on players as the PFA chief executive called for clarity on club finances as pay cut talks rumble on.Football has come under scrutiny as the coronavirus pandemic continues to escalate, with the Health Secretary quick to highlight the supposed lack of support being offered by well-remunerated players.Hancock urged top-flight professionals to take a pay cut and play their part on Thursday, perhaps unaware that Premier League captains were already in discussions about how players could help during the coronavirus outbreak.But while that fund edges closer to a launch, other matters remain up in the air. The Premier League suggested players take a 30 per cent wage cut or deferral, only for the Professional Footballers Association to issue a statement saying such a move could result in a 200million tax deficit.PFA Statement on behalf of Premier League players: https://t.co/LFR3Vmg972 Professional Footballers' Association (@PFA) April 4, 2020Wayne Rooney said the way the last few days had panned out have been a disgrace and the former England captain called into question Hancocks reasons for focusing on players at a time of national crisis.But criticism from Rooney and other high-profile figures has not led to change of tack from Hancock, who on Sunday instead doubled down on his call for players to do more.Ive seen that some, for instance footballers, are now making significant donations to charities and I really welcome that, thats exactly what we need to see, the Health Secretary told ITV News.But instead of having a row about this I think that people should come together and make a contribution.Health Secretary Matt Hancock has called on Premier League footballers to donate a portion of their wages to struggling hospices, writes @DanielHewittITVhttps://t.co/9vbB2A1lcP pic.twitter.com/QbIjicHcb3 ITV News (@itvnews) April 5, 2020The hospices of this country have traditionally been largely funded by charity and charity shops.Those shops have had to close so Im putting more money taxpayers money into hospices to support them but why dont our footballers club together and support our hospices and support the national effort that were all in?I think that is the sort of thing that would go down really well and help bring the country together.That interview infuriated ex-Manchester United captain Gary Neville, who challenged Hancock to debate the matter on Sky Sports, while PFA chief Taylor has been taken aback by the Health Secretarys comments.Hey @MattHancock seeing as though youre focusing on football so much can you come on @SkySportsMNF this week ? Special edition . Questions from the football community / fans will be presented by me , @DavidJonesSky and @Carra23 https://t.co/EY5dSexS1M Gary Neville (@GNev2) April 5, 2020Taylor told Telegraph Sport: I found it astonishing that Matt Hancock could come out like that when hes got his own issues with trying to get the necessary protective health equipment for our NHS workers and didnt have the tests in place either.The PFA joined the Premier League, League Managers Association and representatives from all clubs on a conference call on Saturday.Talks will continue this week and Taylor has implored clubs to give the detailed financial information they had been expecting in order to make sure money goes to the right places.I think if they cant do that and explain the position fully then they have every right to expect players to mistrust what is happening, he said.PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor has been ruffling feathers (Steve Paston/PA)Asked if players were concerned about where the money would go, Taylor said: Exactly that. They want the complete due diligence. Theyre not stupid. Theyve not just got their brains in their feet. They want to know the reasons for it and where its going.The issue of footballers pay has become a hot topic since top-flight clubs started placing some non-playing staff on the governments furlough scheme.Liverpool controversially became the fifth Premier League team to embrace that framework on Saturday, but Manchester City have confirmed that they will not be furloughing employees at the tax payers expense.PA understands Citys stance was discussed, taken and approved at board level last week, with staff informed before Liverpools position became public on Saturday.Former England midfielder Matt Le Tissier said it was wrong for Hancock to have singled out footballers, while also criticising wealthier clubs for using the furlough scheme.If he wants the wealthier people in society to make a contribution, that should be done as a whole and not by singling out one industry, the former England midfielder told Sky Sports News.I think a lot of people look up to footballers but the major concern with people who dont like them is they feel theyre a little bit overpaid for what they do and thats understandable. Theyre taking home large sums of money they can only dream of.There are things the clubs can do to help and when you see huge clubs furloughing their staff I dont think thats sending out the right image.Liverpool, I feel its strange to be honest. The scheme was put in by the government in good faith, when you look at businesses making big profits its hard to understand why theyre doing that.I think theyre taking advantage of the situation and looking at things from a business perspective. Sometimes things go beyond business and money and I think that needs to be looked at from a moral point of view.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Scotland secured one of their most enjoyable victories when they beat England 3-2 at Wembley in their first meeting since Sir Alf Ramseys side lifted the World Cup.Here, the PA news agency looks back at that famous encounter under the Twin Towers on April 15, 1967.Fortress WembleyJohn Greig and Bobby Moore lead out the teams (PA)The world champions had gone 19 matches unbeaten since losing at home to Austria in October 1965 while Scotland had failed to qualify for the World Cup on their doorstep. Ramsey started with 10 of his World Cup finalists plus Jimmy Greaves, who had missed the victory over West Germany through injury. But, despite missing influential Celtic pair Bobby Murdoch and Jimmy Johnstone, confidence was high among the visitors. The Scots had won three and drawn one of the previous five Auld Enemy encounters.Wounded JackieA struggling Jack Charlton nets for the hosts (PA)England were hit with an early blow when Jack Charlton suffered a broken toe inside 15 minutes. In the days before substitutes, the Leeds centre-back limped about up front for most of the game, although he scored and forced two decent saves. Scotland had won at Wembley four years earlier despite playing with 10 men after skipper Eric Caldow broke his leg in the fifth minute but England were outplayed after their setback.Unofficial World ChampionsScotland controlled the game and Denis Law and Bobby Lennox had them two ahead before Charlton netted with six minutes left. Scotland almost immediately went straight up the park to net through Jim McCalliog before Geoff Hurst gave the scoreline a flattering sheen for England in the last minute. The visitors declared themselves unofficial world champions after bringing their rivals back down to earth.Baxters Impudence#TBT to 1967 Scotland beating England 3-2 at Wembley. The match also included this lovely show of skill by Jim Baxter. #ENGSCO pic.twitter.com/CxuFfhLx6t Scottish FA (@ScottishFA) November 3, 2016There was a difference of opinion in the Scotland ranks over how to press home their superiority. As the only survivor of Scotlands 9-3 Wembley humiliation in 1961, Law was desperate for more goals. On the other side, Jim Baxter wanted to torment his opponents. Legend has it the Sunderland midfielder read the Racing Post in the Wembley dressing room instead of warming up. He slowed the game down and dictated play, even indulging in a spell of keepie-uppies, while riling Alan Ball by calling him Jimmy Clitheroe, the diminutive TV comic with a high-pitched voice.Dream DebutsRonnie Simpson, left, Bobby Brown, centre, and Jim McCalliog ahead of their debuts (PA)The game proved a glorious introduction for Bobby Brown, Scotlands first full-time manager while McCalliog and 36-year-old goalkeeper Ronnie Simpson also made their international debuts. Lennox, who would win the European Cup with Celtic team-mate Simpson six weeks later, won his second cap.Euro PainScotland fans celebrated on the pitch (PA)The win saw Scotland clinch the British Championship trophy and put them in the driving seat for European Championship qualification with the next seasons home nations event also counting. Despite drawing with England at Hampden, they missed out by a point with Ramseys side winning all their other games and Scotland losing in Belfast and drawing in Cardiff.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Gordon Taylor expressed his astonishment at Health Secretary Matt Hancocks continued attacks on players as the PFA chief executive called for clarity on club finances as pay cut talks rumble on.Football has come under scrutiny as the coronavirus pandemic continues to escalate, with the Health Secretary quick to highlight the supposed lack of support being offered by well-remunerated players.Hancock urged top-flight professionals to take a pay cut and play their part on Thursday, perhaps unaware that Premier League captains were already in discussions about how players could help during the coronavirus outbreak.But while that fund edges closer to a launch, other matters remain up in the air. The Premier League suggested players take a 30 per cent wage cut or deferral, only for the Professional Footballers Association to issue a statement saying such a move could result in a 200million tax deficit.PFA Statement on behalf of Premier League players: https://t.co/LFR3Vmg972 Professional Footballers' Association (@PFA) April 4, 2020Wayne Rooney said the way the last few days had panned out have been a disgrace and the former England captain called into question Hancocks reasons for focusing on players at a time of national crisis.But criticism from Rooney and other high-profile figures has not led to change of tack from Hancock, who on Sunday instead doubled down on his call for players to do more.Ive seen that some, for instance footballers, are now making significant donations to charities and I really welcome that, thats exactly what we need to see, the Health Sectary told ITV News.But instead of having a row about this I think that people should come together and make a contribution.Health Secretary Matt Hancock has called on Premier League footballers to donate a portion of their wages to struggling hospices, writes @DanielHewittITVhttps://t.co/9vbB2A1lcP pic.twitter.com/QbIjicHcb3 ITV News (@itvnews) April 5, 2020The hospices of this country have traditionally been largely funded by charity and charity shops.Those shops have had to close so Im putting more money taxpayers money into hospices to support them but why dont our footballers club together and support our hospices and support the national effort that were all in?I think that is the sort of thing that would go down really well and help bring the country together.That interview infuriated ex-Manchester United captain Gary Neville, who challenged Hancock to debate the matter on Sky Sports, while PFA chief Taylor has been taken aback by the Health Secretarys comments.Hey @MattHancock seeing as though youre focusing on football so much can you come on @SkySportsMNF this week ? Special edition . Questions from the football community / fans will be presented by me , @DavidJonesSky and @Carra23 https://t.co/EY5dSexS1M Gary Neville (@GNev2) April 5, 2020Taylor told Telegraph Sport: I found it astonishing that Matt Hancock could come out like that when hes got his own issues with trying to get the necessary protective health equipment for our NHS workers and didnt have the tests in place either.The PFA joined the Premier League, League Managers Association and representatives from all clubs on a conference call on Saturday.Talks will continue this week and Taylor has implored clubs to give the detailed financial information they had been expecting in order to make sure money goes to the right places.I think if they cant do that and explain the position fully then they have every right to expect players to mistrust what is happening, he said.PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor has been ruffling feathers (Steve Paston/PA)Asked if players were concerned about where the money would go, Taylor said: Exactly that. They want the complete due diligence. Theyre not stupid. Theyve not just got their brains in their feet. They want to know the reasons for it and where its going.The issue of footballers pay has become a hot topic since top-flight clubs started placing some non-playing staff on the governments furlough scheme.Liverpool controversially became the fifth Premier League team to embrace that framework on Saturday, but Manchester City have confirmed that they will not be furloughing employees at the tax payers expense.PA understands Citys stance was discussed, taken and approved at board level last week, with staff informed before Liverpools position became public on Saturday.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Gareth Bale was beaten by Paulo Dybala on FIFA 20 as part of the Combat Corona fundraiser for Unicef.The Real Madrid and Wales star surprisingly chose to play as Manchester City and went ahead through a Sergio Aguero strike, but Dybala playing as Real Madrid but leaving Bale on the bench ran out a 3-1 winner.Its the least we can do to raise money for Unicef and the battle against this virus, said Bale.Watch me on the @CombatCorona stream where ill be playing FIFA 20 against @PauDybala_JR raising money for @UNICEF.: https://t.co/YJ43hzETUBDonate https://t.co/4yGqAlgvg0 Hosted by @Castro1021 @SpencerOwen #CombatCorona pic.twitter.com/Vf0m9T5JL7 Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) April 5, 2020Obviously everyone is stuck at home and trying to stay safe so lets try and raise as much money as we can.Earlier on Dominic Calvert-Lewin beat Everton team-mate Jordan Pickford and Luke Shaw edged out fellow England international Ruben Loftus-Cheek.Chelsea have beaten United three times this season but the tables were turned with the game taken online, as Shaws victory was followed by a comprehensive win for Daniel James against Billy Gilmour.Arsenals Kieran Tierney then overcame Chelseas Mason Mount, with the event having raised over 17,000 by the end of Bale and Dybalas contest.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Bayern Munich players will return to training on Monday for the first time since the Bundesliga campaign was suspended.The German top flight has been on hold since March 13 due to the coronavirus pandemic that has caused havoc with the sporting calendar.The German Football League recommended clubs should not train until Sunday, April 5 and Bundesliga leaders Bayern will welcome back players in small groups from Monday.Training update: Bayern to train in small groups from Monday. https://t.co/bfk2ZjxbdK FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) April 5, 2020A club statement read: The FC Bayern Munich first team will return to training in small groups from Monday, 6 April.This will be done in coordination with government policy and the relevant authorities. It goes without saying that all hygiene regulations will be strictly observed.Training will take place with no members of the public present. In order to further slow the spread of the coronavirus, FC Bayern asks fans to continue to follow the instructions of the authorities and therefore please do not come to the FC Bayern training ground.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin says playing behind closed doors is a better option than scrapping the season, but warned the Champions League and Europa League could be abandoned if coronavirus restrictions remain into September.European footballs club competitions are indefinitely postponed, with the finals of both competitions called off and no new dates allocated due to the escalating Covid-19 pandemic.However, UEFA remains intent on finishing the Champions League and Europa League seasons.Ceferin welcomes the idea of playing in front of empty stands if measures continue to restrict movement, although conceded that there will have to be cut-off date.The Champions League has been halted during the last-16 (Mike Egerton/PAThe fact is that we really dont know much, the president of European footballs governing body told ZDF Sportstudio.We are waiting for the development of this terrible situation in the world, and mainly in Europe.Football isnt the same without fans. But it is definitely better to play with fans than without fans.The thing is, football is absolutely not the same without spectators.Manchester Uniteds Europa League last-16 first leg at LASK was played behind closed doors in Linz due to Austrias Covid-19 measures (Bradley Collyer/PA)But it is still better to play the game behind closed doors and have it on TV, which is what the people need and want because it brings positive energy to their homes, than not playing at all.Thats what the people want, that brings positive energy, and it will be July or August. We cant play it out in September or October.Pushed on whether the season could be abandoned totally, Ceferin said: If the authorities do not allow us to play, then we cannot play.The coronavirus pandemic has given UEFA plenty of work over recent weeks, with Financial Fair Play one of the matters that needs looking at.UEFA has had to postpone Euro 2020 and is juggling a number of other issues (John Walton/PA)Asked whether UEFA is considering postponing FFP for a year as proposed in Germany, Ceferin said: Its definitely one of the possibilities.We have to be flexible because the clubs are in deep financial problems. They cannot perform the FFP now.For now, we are postponing it to see how the season goes, but we can decide either way. We are also looking at the German option.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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West Brom chief executive Mark Jenkins will take a 100 per cent pay cut during the coronavirus crisis.The Baggies senior management team have also offered to take large reductions in their wages.Coronavirus has shut football down and with no date set for a return Jenkins will not be paid at The Hawthorns.West Brom have announced pay cuts for their senior management team (Tim Goode/PA)He said: It is only correct that for the duration of this lockdown I take a 100 per cent cut in my salary and other members of the senior management team have also offered to take significant reductions in their remuneration.But everybody is fully aware these are very uncertain times in which we simply cannot forecast what the future holds.Until we regain a level of certainty, we cannot be sure if planned income will actually be received or if we will be forced to utilise cash the club already holds to refund existing commitments.What we do know for fact is that our operations are almost completely closed down and we are receiving virtually no income.A statement from Albion Chief Executive Mark Jenkins.https://t.co/cKRN441B3d West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) April 5, 2020Almost all of the clubs usual costs still need to be paid, the majority of which are wages whether this be admin staff, maintenance teams, management or, of course, the first-team players.Albion, who are second in the Sky Bet Championship, are yet to furlough their staff but Jenkins confirmed it remains an option while they will speak to the squad about their wages depending on how long football is postponed for.Like many other clubs we have considered using a furlough approach with non-playing staff who are now unable to work owing to the lockdown and we have made plans for this eventuality, he told West Broms website.At present we have not been required to sanction this action, but if the lockdown continues and football remains on-hold then this decision may have to be changed.What we will pledge is to ensure none of the staff effected suffer a reduction in pay; the club will make up the 20 per cent shortfall not covered by the Governments coronavirus job retention scheme.Clearly there has been a lot of media attention on player wages and the comments of the PFA. It is difficult to forecast our future position because of the various ways the club receives its income.But if we continue to be unable to play football in any format, we will discuss this further with the players who I am confident will want to play their part.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Kyle Walker is facing disciplinary action from Manchester City despite apologising after breaching lockdown conditions.The England defender has said sorry after it was widely reported he held a party at his home last week, breaking the Governments rules on social distancing.The country is in lockdown to fight the coronavirus outbreak.City will conduct an internal disciplinary procedure over Walkers conduct. (Martin Rickett/PA)I want to take this opportunity to issue a public apology for the choices I made last week which have resulted in a story today (Sunday) about my private life in a tabloid newspaper, Walkers statement read.I understand that my position as a professional footballer brings the responsibility of being a role model. As such, I want to apologise to my family, friends, football club, supporters and the public for letting them down.There are heroes out there making a vital difference to society at the moment, and I have been keen to help support and highlight their amazing sacrifices and life-saving work over the past week.My actions in this matter are in direct contrast to what I should have been doing regarding the lockdown. And I want to re-iterate the message: Stay home, stay safe.On a serious note though, please everyone stay home, look after one another through this difficult time and check in on loved ones but dont visit them #StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/9QnWkcnGrH Kyle Walker (@kylewalker2) March 24, 2020Walker is the second high-profile Premier League player to have been caught flouting the Governments guidelines after Aston Villas Jack Grealish.The Villa captain went to a party last weekend and was pictured next to a road in slippers, just hours after he posted a video urging fans to stay safe at home on social media.Football is on hold with the coronavirus outbreak shutting down sport and City will now look into Walkers conduct.A club statement read: Manchester City FC are aware of a story in a tabloid newspaper regarding the private life of Kyle Walker in relation to a breach of the UK lockdown and social distancing rules.Footballers are global role models, and our staff and players have been working to support the incredible efforts of the NHS and other key workers in fighting the effects of the Covid-19 coronavirus, in any way we can. Kyles actions in this matter have directly contravened these efforts.We are disappointed to hear the allegations, note Kyles swift statement and apology, and will be conducting an internal disciplinary procedure in the coming days.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Manchester City have announced they will not be furloughing employees at the tax payers expense.On Saturday table-topping Liverpool became the fifth Premier League club to announce a furlough of non-playing staff, accessing the Governments coronavirus job retention scheme.That means the public purse will cover 80 per cent of affected wages, though there has been considerable criticism among those who believe the safety net was not being used as intended. The Reds announced a 42million pre-tax profit in February.Manchester City will not be accessing a Government furlough scheme (Martin Rickett/PA)Liverpools opponents in last years Champions League final, Tottenham, have also utilised the furlough option, along with Newcastle, Norwich and Bournemouth.The PA news agency understands Citys stance was discussed, taken and approved at board level last week, with staff informed before Liverpools position became public.A statement released to PA read: We can confirm, following a decision by the chairman and board last week, that Manchester City will not be utilising the UK Governments coronavirus job retention scheme (government funded furloughing).LiverpoolTottenhamNewcastleNorwichBournemouthWe remain determined to protect our people, their jobs and our business whilst at the same time doing what we can to support our wider community at this most challenging time for everybody.Liverpool, who are topping up the remaining 20 per cent of salaries, came under criticism from some of their former players on Saturday, with Jamie Carragher, Dietmar Hamann and Stan Collymore all unimpressed by their announcement.Carragher retweeted the clubs statement and wrote: Jurgen Klopp showed compassion for all at the start of this pandemic, senior players heavily involved in @premierleague players taking wage cuts. Then all that respect goodwill is lost, poor this @LFC#LFC is continuing to deal with a range of challenges caused by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and would like to update supporters on the progress that has been made to date. https://t.co/0QAiCSVDv6 Liverpool FC (at ) (@LFC) April 4, 2020Collymore was even more forthright as he wrote: I dont know of any Liverpool fan of any standing that wont be anything other than disgusted at the club for furloghing (sic) staff.Its just plain f****** wrong. Fellow football fans, furlough is for small business staff to keep those small businesses from going bump!Hamann later tweeted to describe the action as contrary to the morals and values of the club I got to know.Jurgen Klopp showed compassion for all at the start of this pandemic, senior players heavily involved in @premierleague players taking wage cuts. Then all that respect goodwill is lost, poor this @LFC https://t.co/9bE8Rw1veE Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) April 4, 2020Gary Lineker, speaking to BBC Ones flagship political programme The Andrew Marr show on Sunday, also appeared to question the clubs.The big clubs, youd have thought, would have been savvy enough to perhaps try to help more of their workers when players are earning so much money, he said.Liverpool fan group, Spirit of Shankly, sounded the contrary opinion and supported the clubs move.The use of the furlough scheme maintains that commitment (to treat staff fairly) and it ensures that all lower-paid staff who run a variety of contracts will continue to receive 100 per cent of their wage. Thats got to be seen as a positive, the group said in a statement.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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The Football Association of Ireland has responded to the lengthy delay in the sport by bringing forward Stephen Kennys appointment as manager of the Republic of Irelands senior side.With Mick McCarthys second reign now over, the PA news agency considers what Kennys first steps should be.Find a way to get some goalsMcCarthy grew frustrated at a lack of goals (Niall Carson/PA)During the Euro 2020 qualifying campaign McCarthys side scored only seven times in eight matches, with one of those an own-goal. A 1-0 win against lowly Gibraltar was perhaps the most glaring demonstration of the struggles in attack and Kenny simply has to find a cutting edge. The job will not be easy, with only two current players boasting double figures on the international stage (Shane Long, 17, and James McClean, 10), so Kenny must unearth a poacher or sharpen the instincts of the ones who are currently on board.Evolve the teams playing style The last time Stephen Kenny managed in @AVIVAStadium, he saw his @DundalkFC side win the FAI CupLater this year, he returns to the stadium as Ireland manager. pic.twitter.com/GsoE1icH9P FAIreland (@FAIreland) April 5, 2020Kenny has won admirers for the expansive brand of football he has encouraged, predominantly at Dundalk but also since beginning work with the under-21s. It is no secret that the task ahead represents a considerable step change, with quality of opponents, levels of scrutiny and external pressures all raised to a level he has not experienced before. Now is not the time to dial back his natural instincts, though, and he must live up to expectations that he will encourage more progressive tactics.Find the right backroom teamRobbie Keane is part of the current coaching set-up (Simon Cooper/PA)Kenny has worked closely with former Blackburn midfielder Keith Andrews since joining the FAI and all expectations are that the pair will move up together. Robbie Keane, the countrys record goalscorer, is already on the staff and has not been stood down alongside McCarthy and his assistant Terry Connor. Kenny must decide how he can best use Keane, while further additions are likely. Damien Duff, currently with Celtic reserves, has been mooted and would probably be permitted to continue his club commitments.Focus on the next generationOne word. Wow pic.twitter.com/SPfQdFDo7a Troy Parrott (@troyparrott9) November 14, 2019Like any international side at a time of renewal, much emphasis is placed on the rising stars of the future. As such, one of Kennys key tasks will be identifying and integrating those inexperienced prospects who might carry the green shirt forward in the years to come. His work with the under-21s means he already has a head start, but the hard part may be accelerating the development process. Troy Parrott probably carries the highest hopes but has minimal first-team opportunities at Tottenham, while Aaron Connolly (Brighton) and Michael Obafemi (Southampton) are also fighting for scraps. Caoimhin Kelleher, Luca Connell and Nathan Collins are others who may also find themselves involved.Get the fans on sideBuilding rapport with the faithful is a key job for Kenny (Niall Carson/PA)Managing the 11 players on the pitch should always be the priority, but Kenny would also be advised to pay close attention to the PR game. For a number of years the Republics leadership has enjoyed different kinds of rocky relationships with the supporters be it a lack of faith in Steve Staunton, a lack of communication under Giovanni Trapattoni or a lack of rapport with Martin ONeill. Kenny must be honest, open and good humoured about the challenges ahead. A sense of humility and clarity about his plans will go a long way to setting the foundations amongst the fanbase.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Mick McCarthy has taken his earlier-than-planned departure as Republic of Ireland manager in his stride.McCarthy returned for a second spell in charge of Ireland in December 2018, with the aim of managing them at Euro 2020 and then allowing Under-21 boss Stephen Kenny to take over.But the Covid-19 pandemic has seen the play-offs for that tournament postponed to an unconfirmed date and the event itself pushed back to 2021.As a result, McCarthy has now left his post ahead of the planned date of July 31 with Kenny given the chance to start work now.There will be no Euros for McCarthy (Steven Paston/PA)He has already made his mark, bringing in former internationals Keith Andrews and Damien Duff to work on his coaching staff alongside Alan Kelly, with new U21 boss Jim Crawford assisted by John OShea.I took the job in December 18 and I remember all the questions then, what if it goes longer? but I said July 31, 2020 and thats when I should be leaving, but I have no games now and the sensible thing is to let Stephen take over and plan, McCarthy told talkSPORT.He has time to talk to the players and plan, rather than me stay on a dead man walking which is ridiculous.My job ends July 31, I accepted that at the very start. When this situation arose, this Covid-19, I am only doing what my contract says and stepping down.Yes I am bitterly disappointed I dont get the chance to take us to the Euros but I am also so pragmatic about it.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Wolves forward Leonardo Campana has revealed he and his entire family have battled coronavirus.The 19-year-old is recovering at home while the squad is off after the pandemic forced the postponement of all elite football in the UK.Campana was on lockdown with his family in Wolverhampton but confirmed he is improving.He said: I was diagnosed two or three weeks ago. Thank God, Im feeling fine today. I guess that all my family got the virus since we were all together in my house.View this post on InstagramAhora, ms que nunca, somos un solo equipo #PlayInside #PlayForTheWorld #QuedateEnCasaA post shared by Leonardo Campana R (@leonardocampana) on Mar 21, 2020 at 5:00pm PDTFirst one to get sick was my brother, then my mum, and then me. My dad and my sisters were also with us.I spoke to the club doctor and he told us to keep calm and to stay at home for two weeks. We did it for 16 days and then my dad and my sisters got the all clear to go back to Ecuador.My mum was also fine, she was supposed to go back too, but then they cancelled her flight, so I guess shes going to stay here with my brother and me for another month or so.Campana is yet to make his Wolves debut after arriving from Barcelona SC in January and the Ecuador international is trying to stay positive during the enforced break.When I tested positive with COVID-19, I had to stay at home for 16 days already. It was tough but not the hardest thing Ive done, he told an Instagram QA.Now the club has organised a complex training schedule where we go to the training grounds one by one. So I usually get there by 11am, and then I just go home, so we dont have contact with other players.At home, I spend time helping my mum in the kitchen and playing Playstation against my brother. If Im honest, I always beat him.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips led the tributes on the 20th anniversary of the murder of two of the clubs fans.Christopher Loftus and Kevin Speight were killed in Istanbul on April 5 2000, on the eve of Leeds UEFA Cup semi-final first leg against Galatasaray.Leeds have remembered the two men every year since and, at the nearest game to the anniversary, fans spend the first minute with their backs to the play in memory an act they first performed at the Galatasaray game itself when no official minutes silence was held. #RIPChrisAndKev pic.twitter.com/cT5sVde4vV Leeds United (@LUFC) April 5, 2020With the families unable to congregate at Elland Road as usual due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, current player Phillips represented the club by laying flowers at the ground.Nigel Martyn was Leeds goalkeeper that night in 2000 and wrote on Twitter on Sunday that playing the game was my biggest regret in football.Absolute tragedy, he added. Went to watch their team and were taken from their families.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Wayne Rooney has admitted he should not have gone to the 2006 World Cup.Englands all-time record goalscorer was a major pre-tournament doubt after breaking three metatarsals playing for Manchester United.But, after getting fit in time, he then tore a groin in training and, rather than concede defeat, battled on.Wayne Rooney says he would not go to the World Cup if given the chance again (Owen Humphreys/PA)Writing in the Sunday Times, he said of his recovery from the foot injury: The next day was my first training session with the team. I dont think anyone knows this, but we were jogging round the training pitch for the warm-up and there was a ball. I couldnt resist.I hit it from the halfway line, trying to strike the crossbar and felt my groin tear. I knew straight away. I was: Oh, f****** hell.I got one of the physios to work quietly on it every day. I was taking painkillers. I didnt want to say anything because a lot of people had put a lot of work into getting me fit. I didnt report the injury until the tournament was over and there was a 6cm tear in my groin.Rooneys World Cup ended with a red card in Englands quarter-final loss to Portugal.He added: Looking back, I should never have gone to that World Cup. In the same position again, Id rule myself out and thats why if the Euros were going ahead this summer Id have said to Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford that if they were struggling in any way, not to push it.Of course its hindsight. Back then I was 20, it was my first World Cup and there was so much expectation on me.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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The Professional Footballers Association has warned that Premier League players taking a 30 per cent salary cut would amount to the government losing out on in excess of 200million in tax revenues.On Saturday afternoon, the Premier League discussed its suggested wage deductions or deferrals strategy as it gets to grips with the coronavirus crisis with all clubs, the PFA and League Managers Association via conference call.Premier League players have been coming under increasing pressure to take a drop in pay, an issue that has become a hot topic since top-flight clubs started placing some non-playing staff on the governments furlough scheme.PFA Statement on behalf of Premier League players: https://t.co/LFR3Vmg972 Professional Footballers' Association (@PFA) April 4, 2020Health Secretary Matt Hancock weighed into the debate during the governments daily briefing on Thursday, telling Premier League players they should take a pay cut and play their part.While the PFA insists its members want to make significant financial contributions, the players union warned the government the Premier Leagues suggested 30 per cent cut of an annual remuneration amounts to 500m, of which around 40 per cent would be contributed to tax.A PFA statement on behalf of the Premier League players read: All Premier League players want to, and will, play their part in making significant financial contributions in these unprecedented times.Going forward, we are working together to find a solution which will be continually reviewed in order to assess the circumstance of the COVID-19 crisis.The players are mindful that as PAYE employees, the combined tax on their salaries is a significant contribution to funding essential public services which are especially critical at this time.Matt Hancock instructed Premier League players to take a pay cut and play their part (Pippa Fowles/Crown Copyright/10 Downing Street)Taking a 30 per cent salary deduction will cost the Exchequer substantial sums. This would be detrimental to our NHS and other government-funded services.The proposed 30 per cent salary deduction over a 12-month period equates to over 500m in wage reductions and a loss in tax contributions of over 200m to the government.What effect does this loss of earning to the government mean for the NHS? Was this considered in the Premier League proposal and did the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock factor this in when asking players to take a salary cut?Furthermore, the PFA says Premier League players want to ensure their contributions support their clubs, the full remuneration of non-playing staff, the EFL and non-league clubs, as well as the NHS.The Premier League pledged an advance of 125m to the EFL and National League as well as a 20m donation to the NHS and other community causes on Friday, but its players says neither of the payments are enough.The PFA statement added: (The charity money) is welcome, but we believe it could be far bigger.The EFL money is an advance. Importantly, it will aid cashflow in the immediate, but football needs to find a way to increase funding to the EFL and non-league clubs in the long-term.Many clubs require an increase in funding just to survive. We believe in our football pyramid and again stress the need for solidarity between all clubs.Liverpool, the runaway leaders of the Premier League before its suspension, became the latest club to announce they were placing some non-playing staff on furlough.The PA news agency understands that equates to around 200 staff, whose work is effectively idle during the Premier League suspension.Liverpool have become the latest club to furlough some of its non-playing staff (Martin Rickett/PA)However, Liverpool, who in February announced pre-tax profits of 42million for 2018-19, will top up the public money received from the government to ensure the affected staff receive their full salaries.After Liverpool joined Newcastle, Tottenham, Bournemouth and Norwich in turning to the governments job retention scheme, the Reds were criticised by former players Jamie Carragher, Stan Collymore and Dietmar Hamann on Twitter.Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has backed players and managers to do the right thing.A lot of footballers, past and present, have got a huge conscience about what we do and doing the right thing, he told the BBCs Football Focus programme.I am sure we will do the right thing through the PFA for the players, the LMA who look after the managers, the Premier League, EFL and FA, they will always do the right thing.Jurgen Klopp showed compassion for all at the start of this pandemic, senior players heavily involved in @premierleague players taking wage cuts. Then all that respect goodwill is lost, poor this @LFC https://t.co/9bE8Rw1veE Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) April 4, 2020On-loan Newcastle defender Danny Rose would have no problem contributing a portion of his wages to those fighting the outbreak.Were all keen to make something happen, Rose said on BBC Radio 5 Live.I can only speak for myself but I would have no problems whatsoever contributing some of my wages to people who are fighting this on the front line and to people who have been affected by whats happening at the minute.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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The Professional Footballers Association says Premier League players want to make significant financial contributions but warned a 30 per cent pay cut would have far-reaching implications.The Premier League met with all clubs, the PFA and LMA in a conference call on Saturday afternoon to discuss its suggestion of wage deductions or deferrals as they look at the financial impact of the coronavirus crisis.Top-flight professionals have been coming under increasing pressure to take a drop in pay, especially with clubs from the Premier League to League Two placing non-playing staff on furlough leave under the Governments coronavirus job retention scheme.PFA Statement on behalf of Premier League players: https://t.co/LFR3Vmg972 Professional Footballers' Association (@PFA) April 4, 2020A PFA statement on behalf of the Premier League players said: All Premier League players want to, and will, play their part in making significant financial contributions in these unprecedented times.Going forward, we are working together to find a solution which will be continually reviewed in order to assess the circumstance of the COVID-19 crisis.The players are mindful that as PAYE employees, the combined tax on their salaries is a significant contribution to funding essential public services which are especially critical at this time. Taking a 30 per cent salary deduction will cost the Exchequer substantial sums. This would be detrimental to our NHS and other government-funded services.Health Secretary Matt Hancock weighed in on the topic during the governments daily briefing on Thursday when he said Premier League players should take a pay cut and play their part.The PFA addressed those remarks, as the statement continued: The proposed 30 per cent salary deduction over a 12-month period equates to over 500m in wage reductions and a loss in tax contributions of over 200m to the government.What effect does this loss of earning to the government mean for the NHS? Was this considered in the Premier League proposal and did the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock factor this in when asking players to take a salary cut?The PFA says it is happy to continue talks with the Premier League, which on Friday pledged an advance of 125million to the EFL and National League as well as a 20m donation to the NHS and other community causes.The PFA statement added: 20m is welcome, but we believe it could be far bigger.The Premier League has pledged support for the EFL and National League (John Walton/PA)The EFL money is an advance. Importantly, it will aid cashflow in the immediate, but football needs to find a way to increase funding to the EFL and non-league clubs in the long-term.Many clubs require an increase in funding just to survive. We believe in our football pyramid and again stress the need for solidarity between all clubs.Going forward, we are working together to find a solution which will be continually reviewed in order to assess the circumstance of the COVID-19 crisis.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Tajikistan started a new season on Saturday despite the global coronavirus pandemic as Istiklol Dushanbe retained the Super Cup with a 2-1 victory over Khujand.The Covid-19 crisis has led to a total shutdown of football in all but a handful of countries, with Tajikstan following in the footsteps of Belarus, Burundi and Nicaragua.The landlocked Asian country has so far not had any official cases of the virus but took the precaution of holding its traditional curtain-raiser to the new campaign between Istiklol and Khujand behind closed doors. ! -2020 .https://t.co/K6TQYIMQnshttps://t.co/2w0wnOZ4jA pic.twitter.com/jtMkR5RGGt FC Istiklol Dushanbe (@fcistiklol_2007) April 4, 2020Istiklol, who won the domestic league and cup last term, fell behind in a rerun of last years Super Cup fixture when Uzbekistan midfielder Sanjar Rixsiboev poked home as early as the second minute.Khujand defended stoutly as Istiklol gradually got on top before two goals in as many minutes turned the contest on its head.First, Manuchekhr Dzhalilov struck after Khujand had failed to clear their lines from a ball into the area in the 77th minute and moments later fellow Tajikistan international Muhammadjon Rakhimov, who came off the bench just before the hour, expertly controlled before rifling into the net.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Former players Jamie Carragher and Stan Collymore turned on Liverpool after the Premier League leaders became the fifth top-flight club to announce they have furloughed some non-playing staff during the coronavirus pandemic.The PA news agency understands around 200 staff, whose work is effectively idle during the Premier League suspension, have been affected by the decision.Liverpool, who in February announced pre-tax profits of 42million for 2018-19, will top up the public money received from the government to ensure the affected staff receive their full salaries.#LFC is continuing to deal with a range of challenges caused by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and would like to update supporters on the progress that has been made to date. https://t.co/0QAiCSVDv6 Liverpool FC (at ) (@LFC) April 4, 2020Liverpool are following Tottenham, Newcastle, Bournemouth and Norwich in turning to the governments job retention scheme during the suspension of the Premier League, a decision which impressed neither Carragher nor Collymore.Carragher retweeted the clubs statement and wrote: Jurgen Klopp showed compassion for all at the start of this pandemic, senior players heavily involved in @premierleague players taking wage cuts. Then all that respect goodwill is lost, poor this @LFCCollymore was even more forthright as he wrote: I dont know of any Liverpool fan of any standing that wont be anything other than disgusted at the club for furloghing staff.Jurgen Klopp showed compassion for all at the start of this pandemic, senior players heavily involved in @premierleague players taking wage cuts. Then all that respect goodwill is lost, poor this @LFC https://t.co/9bE8Rw1veE Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) April 4, 2020Its just plain f****** wrong.Fellow football fans, furlough is for small business staff to keep those small businesses from going bump!Every Premier League owner has serious cash, and make money from skyrocketing values of clubs, so what arent you getting about YOUR owners dipping into THEIR pocket?Liverpools announcement came as Premier League clubs were meeting with representatives of players and managers to discuss possible wage cuts for first-team staff.A Liverpool club statement read: The club have confirmed those staff will be paid 100 per cent of their salaries to ensure no member of staff is financially disadvantaged.#LFC continues reinvesting revenues to strengthen position on and off pitch. https://t.co/2GTCeYiaod Liverpool FC (at ) (@LFC) February 27, 2020Last month the club also confirmed that it would pay its matchday and non-matchday staff while the Premier League is suspended.In February, Liverpool published their accounts for 2018-19, showing turnover for the year was up 78million to 533million, although profits fell in relation to the previous year after a record 223million investment on players.While their former heroes were unimpressed by the clubs actions, a spokesperson for the Spirit of Shankly supporters group said they were in favour of the move to ensure all employees received their full salaries.The starting point of this was when the competitions were first suspended, we immediately contacted the club and made it clear that we expected all non-playing staff to be treated fairly throughout the duration of the suspension, the group told the PA news agency.The club gave an undertaking to do that which theyve maintained throughout.Jordan Henderson has led talks between Premier League captains on possible wage deductions (Adam Davy/PA)The use of the furlough scheme maintains that commitment and it ensures that all lower-paid staff who run a variety of contracts will continue to receive 100 per cent of their wage. Thats got to be seen as a positive.Talks between the Premier League, Professional Footballers Association (PFA) and League Managers Association (LMA) on potential wage cuts are taking place on Saturday.Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson has been at the forefront of talks between Premier League club captains on a co-ordinated player response.The Premier League said on Friday clubs will consult with players over wage reductions and deferrals amounting to 30 per cent of salary.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Inverness are in rescue mode as they announced the players and the majority of the clubs staff had been furloughed.The promotion-chasing Ladbrokes Championship club said they are planning to ensure every employee will still receive their full wage, with the governments job retention scheme covering 80 per cent.But they made clear that the club are facing a fight for survival due to the lockdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic.Club Update: COVID-19 https://t.co/on2IDxsG5S pic.twitter.com/jXkrWIgIeK Official ICTFC (@ICTFC) April 4, 2020A club statement read: We have agreed that almost all members of staff and every single player will enter into the government job retention scheme.This furlough scheme allows for the government to ultimately pay 80 per cent of the basic wage of everyone, and it is our intention to pay the additional 20 per cent to every employee.A very small operational team will continue to co-ordinate club affairs during the lockdown period.We have also been in weekly discussions with the SFA and SPFL and many of our fellow clubs and we will look to avail ourselves of all and any HMRC/government grants and deferrals as they become available to us because, in effect, we have entered into rescue mode with regards to our club.We are also exploring what we can do to try and raise any revenue we can in order to ease the ongoing financial challenge we face.Finally, we have been truly humbled by the extraordinary generosity of a number of our fans, who in the last couple of weeks have made amazing donations to the club from 10 to 10,000.All have been equally appreciated and you have not only made a real difference to our ability to get by but you fill us with the fire we will need to keep going in order to get through this pandemic so that we can all see the Caley Jags run out on to the pitch again, sometime in the future.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Stephen Kenny has replaced Mick McCarthy as Republic of Ireland manager with immediate effect, following UEFAs announcement that the Euro 2020 qualifying play-offs would again be delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.McCarthys contract was due to run until July 31, after the Euro 2020 finals were originally due to finish, with Kenny due to step up from his role with the Under-21s on August 1.The Republic are due to face Slovakia away in the Euro 2020 qualifying play-offs, with the winner to face either Northern Ireland or Bosnia and Herzegovina.FAI thank Mick McCarthy as Stephen Kenny takes up Ireland job with immediate effect https://t.co/A0eqQz94n7 #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/GBUfK3rcte FAIreland (@FAIreland) April 4, 2020However, the fixture has been postponed for a second time due to the pandemic.Interim FAI chief executive Gary Owens said: This has been a difficult situation for the Association and for Mick and Stephen in particular in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and the effect it has had on the football calendar.On behalf of president Gerry McAnaney, the board of the FAI and myself, I want to thank both men for their professionalism and their understanding in their dealings with the Association in these unprecedented circumstances. These are exceptional times in Irish life and Mick has taken that into account in agreeing to vacate the post early.Mick McCarthy was due to stand down at the end of July (Niall Carson/PA)On behalf of the FAI, I wish to express our gratitude to Mick for his service and commitment to our national team throughout his career and particularly in his second spell as Ireland manager.We wish Mick and his staff well and we thank them all for their hard work in this European Championship campaign to date.The match against Slovakia was originally due to take place on March 26, then shifted to the June international window due to the suspension of football across Europe.UEFA announced earlier this week that no international football would go ahead in June, with no new dates announced.Owens added: Stephen will now begin his planning for the play-off against Slovakia and everyone at the FAI wishes him well in our bid to qualify for Euro 2020.Football will be back and we have so much to look forward to now in the autumn with the Nations League and the UEFA EURO 2020 play-off, followed by the World Cup qualifiers in early 2021.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Liverpool have placed some non-playing staff on furlough as the Premier League remains suspended due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.The PA news agency understands around 200 staff, whose work is effectively idle during the Premier League suspension, have been furloughed as the league leaders join Newcastle, Tottenham, Bournemouth and Norwich in turning to the governments job retention scheme.Liverpool, who in February announced pre-tax profits of 42million for 2018-19, will top up the public money received from the government to ensure the affected staff receive their full salaries.#LFC is continuing to deal with a range of challenges caused by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and would like to update supporters on the progress that has been made to date. https://t.co/0QAiCSVDv6 Liverpool FC (at ) (@LFC) April 4, 2020The announcement comes as Premier League clubs are meeting with representatives of players and managers to discuss possible wage cuts for first-team staff.A Liverpool club statement said: The club have confirmed those staff will be paid 100 per cent of their salaries to ensure no member of staff is financially disadvantaged.Last month the club also confirmed that it would pay its matchday and non-matchday staff while the Premier League is suspended.In February, Liverpool published their accounts for 2018-19, showing turnover for the year was up 78million to 533million, though profits fell in relation to the previous year after a record 223million investment on players.#LFC continues reinvesting revenues to strengthen position on and off pitch. https://t.co/2GTCeYiaod Liverpool FC (at ) (@LFC) February 27, 2020A spokesperson for the Spirit of Shankly supporters group said they were in favour of the move to ensure all employees received their full salaries.The starting point of this was when the competitions were first suspended, we immediately contacted the club and made it clear that we expected all non-playing staff to be treated fairly throughout the duration of the suspension, the group told the PA news agency.The club gave an undertaking to do that which theyve maintained throughout.The use of the furlough scheme maintains that commitment and it ensures that all lower-paid staff who run a variety of contracts will continue to receive 100 per cent of their wage. Thats got to be seen as a positive.Jordan Henderson has led talks between Premier League captains on possible wage deductions (Adam Davy/PA)Talks between the Premier League, Professional Footballers Association (PFA) and League Managers Association (LMA) on potential wage cuts are taking place on Saturday.Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson has been at the forefront of talks between Premier League club captains on a co-ordinated player response, while Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe and Brighton counterpart Graham Potter have both taken voluntary wage cuts.Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has backed players and managers to do the right thing.A lot of footballers, past and present, have got a huge conscience about what we do and doing the right thing, Wilder told the BBCs Football Focus programme.I am sure we will do the right thing through the PFA for the players, the LMA who look after the managers, the Premier League, EFL and FA, they will always do the right thing.Danny Rose, centre, has already donated 19,000 to the NHS (Owen Humphreys/PA)On-loan Newcastle defender Danny Rose would have no problem contributing a portion of his wages to those fighting the outbreak.Were all keen to make something happen, Rose said on BBC Radio 5 Live.I can only speak for myself but I would have no problems whatsoever contributing some of my wages to people who are fighting this on the front line and to people who have been affected by whats happening at the minute.On Friday, North Middlesex University Hospital identified Rose as the individual behind a 19,000 donation to hospital funds.But Rose said he felt Premier League players were being unfairly pressured to take action after Health Secretary Matt Hancock singled them out on Thursday.Our super sleuths have scoured the evidence and identified that @SpursOfficial's amazing Danny Rose is our incredibly generous mystery donor.Here he is saying a *huge thankyou* to NorthMid and other NHS heroes.And wash your hands, stay indoors, and help the NHS stay safe. pic.twitter.com/wFCRIgQY3T North Mid Hospital (@NorthMidNHS) April 3, 2020We sort of feel our backs are against the wall, Rose added. Conversations were being had before people outside of football were commenting.Ive been on the phone to Jordan Henderson and hes working so hard to come up with something.It was just not needed for people who are not involved in football to tell footballers what they should do with their money. I found that so bizarre.On Saturday, Burnley said they would face a 50million shortfall if the Premier League season could not be completed.The Clarets said this was a result of 5million in lost matchday revenue a shortfall which would remain if the season was completed behind closed doors as well as a 45million in lost broadcasting revenue. The club suggested the amount could be as high as 100million for some other clubs.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Liverpool have announced they have placed some non-playing staff on furlough as the Premier League remains suspended due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.The PA news agency understands around 200 staff, whose work is effectively idle during footballs suspension, have been furloughed.The announcement comes as Premier League clubs are meeting with representatives of players and managers to discuss possible wage cuts for first-team staff.#LFC is continuing to deal with a range of challenges caused by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and would like to update supporters on the progress that has been made to date. https://t.co/0QAiCSVDv6 Liverpool FC (at ) (@LFC) April 4, 2020A Liverpool club statement said: The club have confirmed those staff will be paid 100 per cent of their salaries to ensure no member of staff is financially disadvantaged.Last month the club also confirmed that it would pay its matchday and non-matchday staff while the Premier League is suspended.Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson has been at the forefront of talks between Premier League club captains on a co-ordinated player response in terms of wage cuts.Additionally, Liverpools first-team players have been in discussions with the club from the beginning of the Premier League suspension to ensure the clubs staff are not financially hurt by the situation.Jordan Henderson has led talks between Premier League captains on possible wage deductions (Adam Davy/PA)The statement added: Even prior to the decision on staff furloughing, there was a collective commitment at senior levels of the club on and off the pitch with everyone working towards a solution that secures jobs for employees of the club during this unprecedented crisis.There is ongoing active engagement about the topic of salary deductions during the period matches are not being played to schedule. These discussions are complex and as a result the process is ongoing.Liverpools announcement follows those from Newcastle, Tottenham, Bournemouth and Norwich on the furloughing of staff.Tottenham, in particular, received criticism for their decision, with former striker Gary Lineker and fan group Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Trust speaking out.THFC and the COVID-19 crisis: THST comment https://t.co/lcDhVU3Apj THST (@THSTOfficial) April 2, 2020Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe and Brighton counterpart Graham Potter have both taken voluntary wage cuts.Talks between the Premier League, Professional Footballers Association (PFA) and League Managers Association (LMA) on potential wage cuts are taking place on Saturday.Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has backed players and managers to do the right thing by taking a pay cut.A lot of footballers, past and present, have got a huge conscience about what we do and doing the right thing, Wilder told the BBCs Football Focus programme.I am sure we will do the right thing through the PFA for the players, the LMA who look after the managers, the Premier League, EFL and FA, they will always do the right thing.Danny Rose, centre, has already donated 19,000 to the NHS (Owen Humphreys/PA)On-loan Newcastle defender Danny Rose would have no problem contributing a portion of his wages to those fighting the outbreak.Were all keen to make something happen, Rose said on BBC Radio 5 Live.I can only speak for myself but I would have no problems whatsoever contributing some of my wages to people who are fighting this on the front line and to people who have been affected by whats happening at the minute.On Friday, North Middlesex University Hospital identified Rose as the individual behind a 19,000 donation to hospital funds.But Rose said he felt Premier League players were being unfairly pressured to take action after Health Secretary Matt Hancock singled them out on Thursday.Our super sleuths have scoured the evidence and identified that @SpursOfficial's amazing Danny Rose is our incredibly generous mystery donor.Here he is saying a *huge thankyou* to NorthMid and other NHS heroes.And wash your hands, stay indoors, and help the NHS stay safe. pic.twitter.com/wFCRIgQY3T North Mid Hospital (@NorthMidNHS) April 3, 2020We sort of feel our backs are against the wall, Rose added. Conversations were being had before people outside of football were commenting.Ive been on the phone to Jordan Henderson and hes working so hard to come up with something.It was just not needed for people who are not involved in football to tell footballers what they should do with their money. I found that so bizarre.On Saturday, Burnley said they would face a 50million shortfall if the Premier League season could not be completed.The Clarets said this was a result of 5million in lost matchday revenue a shortfall which would remain if the season was completed behind closed doors as well as a 45million in lost broadcasting revenue. The club suggested the amount could be as high as 100million for some other clubs.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Liverpool have announced they have placed some non-playing staff on furlough as the Premier League remains suspended due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.The PA news agency understands around 200 staff, whose work is effectively idle during the Premier League suspension, have been furloughed.The announcement comes as Premier League clubs are meeting with representatives of players and managers to discuss possible wage cuts for first-team staff.#LFC is continuing to deal with a range of challenges caused by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and would like to update supporters on the progress that has been made to date. https://t.co/0QAiCSVDv6 Liverpool FC (at ) (@LFC) April 4, 2020A Liverpool club statement said: The club have confirmed those staff will be paid 100 per cent of their salaries to ensure no member of staff is financially disadvantaged.Last month the club also confirmed that it would pay its matchday and non-matchday staff while the Premier League is suspended.Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson has been at the forefront of talks between Premier League club captains on a co-ordinated player response in terms of wage cuts.Additionally, Liverpools first-team players have been in discussions with the club from the beginning of the Premier League suspension to ensure the clubs staff are not financially hurt by the situation.Jordan Henderson has led talks between Premier League captains on possible wage deductions (Adam Davy/PA)The statement added: Even prior to the decision on staff furloughing, there was a collective commitment at senior levels of the club on and off the pitch with everyone working towards a solution that secures jobs for employees of the club during this unprecedented crisis.There is ongoing active engagement about the topic of salary deductions during the period matches are not being played to schedule. These discussions are complex and as a result the process is ongoing.The club also said a significant donation had been made to St Andrews foodbank in north Liverpool from first-team players and the Liverpool FC Foundation, while the club have launched their own foodbank appeal.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has backed players and managers to do the right thing by taking a pay cut.Premier League clubs have proposed wage cuts of around 30 per cent to ease the financial burden caused by the coronavirus pandemic, while the league has announced a contribution of 20million to the NHS and 125million to the lower leagues.Meetings are taking place on Saturday between the Premier League, Professional Footballers Association (PFA) and League Managers Association (LMA) in the hope of coming to an agreement.The thoughts of all those at The Premier League and our clubs are with those directly affected by COVID-19 pic.twitter.com/m12qXF3gen Premier League (@premierleague) April 3, 2020A lot of footballers, past and present, have got a huge conscience about what we do and doing the right thing, Wilder told the BBCs Football Focus programme.I am sure we will do the right thing through the PFA for the players, the LMA who look after the managers, the Premier League, EFL and FA, they will always do the right thing.Tottenham, Newcastle and Norwich are clubs that decided to furlough staff before the players proposal was announced, while Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe Brighton counterpart Graham Potter both took voluntary wage cuts.Wilder says that any decisions made should be done from a united front.Danny Rose, centre, has already donated 19,000 to the NHS (Owen Humphreys/PA)He added: It is important we get it right and dont go individual. It is a little bit disappointing now when you see clubs making individual statements and going their own way.It is important that we pull together as an industry, right from the top at the Premier League down to the reaches.On-loan Newcastle defender Danny Rose would have no problem contributing a portion of his wages to those fighting the outbreak.But Rose admits Premier League players feel their backs are against the wall after politicians joined those calling for action.Were all keen to make something happen, Rose said on BBC Radio 5 Live.I can only speak for myself but I would have no problems whatsoever contributing some of my wages to people who are fighting this on the front line and to people who have been affected by whats happening at the minute.On Friday, North Middlesex University Hospital identified Rose as the individual behind a 19,000 donation to hospital funds.That came on the same day that Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson led talks between Premier League club captains over what action they could take a move that begun before Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Thursday joined those singling out footballers.We sort of feel our backs are against the wall, Rose added. Conversations were being had before people outside of football were commenting.Our super sleuths have scoured the evidence and identified that @SpursOfficial's amazing Danny Rose is our incredibly generous mystery donor.Here he is saying a *huge thankyou* to NorthMid and other NHS heroes.And wash your hands, stay indoors, and help the NHS stay safe. pic.twitter.com/wFCRIgQY3T North Mid Hospital (@NorthMidNHS) April 3, 2020Ive been on the phone to Jordan Henderson and hes working so hard to come up with something.It was just not needed for people who are not involved in football to tell footballers what they should do with their money. I found that so bizarre.Talks are due to take place on Saturday between the league, clubs and players representatives.Wolves captain Conor Coady said it was time for players to help out.Its fantastic to see people trying to make the effort, he said. Its something everyone wants to be part of. As footballers, its important we help as many people as possible.Whats come out now is the 30 per cent cut. We get judged every single day of our lives. The time now is to go forward and make a donation.50 Million Shortfall If Clarets Dont Finish The Season https://t.co/XXslyDBLfJ Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) April 4, 2020On Saturday, Burnley said they would face a 50million shortfall if the Premier League season could not be completed.The Clarets said this was a result of 5million in lost matchday revenue a shortfall which would remain if the season was completed behind closed doors as well as a 45million in lost broadcasting revenue. The club suggested the amount could be as high as 100million for some other clubs.Its a completely unprecedented situation that we and other Premier League Clubs face and which we could not have foreseen in anyway only just a few weeks ago, Burnley chairman Mike Garlick said.Its now not just about Burnley or any other individual club anymore, its about the whole football ecosystem from the Premier League downwards and all the other businesses and communities that feed from that ecosystem.As a club, as fans, as staff members and as a town we are all in this together and Im sure we can get through this by sticking together and helping each other in every way possible in these tough times.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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The Premier League has been postponed indefinitely as the coronavirus pandemic grips the world.While some teams and players will be disappointed at the break, it came at a good time for others.Here, the PA news agency takes a look at the Premier League players who will benefit from the impromptu hiatus.Harry KaneHarry Kane had restarted outdoor training when the Premier League suspension came. (Adam Davy/PA)Undoubtedly the main beneficiary of the postponed season, Kane will be fully fit when the action does start again. The England captain has been out since New Years Day, having undergone surgery on a hamstring injury. While his recovery was going well, he was not due to return until late April, meaning he would not have been fully fit for the end of the campaign and would have had very little football going into Euro 2020.Marcus RashfordView this post on InstagramKeep on smiling, stay indoors A post shared by Marcus Rashford (@marcusrashford) on Apr 1, 2020 at 1:04am PDTRashford was also a worry for the run-in to Manchester Uniteds season and Euro 2020 after suffering a double stress fracture in his back in January. The time off has helped him as his condition improves and the forward will be ready to resume full training when players are allowed back.Son Heung-minView this post on InstagramStay safe#hometeam @adidasA post shared by Son HeungMin() (@hm_son7) on Mar 31, 2020 at 2:00am PDTThe Tottenham forwards benefit from the season grinding to a halt is two-fold. First of all, he can recover from the broken arm suffered in February which looked to have ended his campaign, and he is expected to be fit for the resumption. Secondly, he will be able to serve his four-week mandatory national service in the South Korean military. Son returned home last week in the hope of doing his duty and it is set to get confirmed now there is no return in sight for the Premier League.Leroy SaneBack on the pitch and it felt great #LS19 #inSan pic.twitter.com/UIQLTM9Ui6 Leroy San (@LeroySane19) February 28, 2020The Manchester City man had been out for seven months with a serious knee injury when the season ended. He had made his return for the clubs under-23s and was back training with the first team. However, he was still some way off being ready for Pep Guardiolas side. Now this break will give him chance to build-up his fitness with the intention of being primed for selection upon the resumption.Ricardo PereiraA operao foi ontem e, felizmente, correu muito bem. Nada como enfrentar as adversidades com boa disposio, um sorriso e junto daqueles que nos fazem bem! #RP21 #baicucoragifitchado #UmPassoDeCadaVez #OneStepAtATime pic.twitter.com/lBefvYHCzN Ricardo Pereira (@ricbpereira) March 20, 2020Leicester were dealt a crushing blow just before the season was halted with news that their influential right-back Ricardo Pereira needed surgery to repair a knee ligament injury. The initial prognosis ruled him out until July, meaning he would have been missing as the Foxes tried to seal Champions League qualification. Depending on when the action gets back under way, the Portugal international may now be fit or certainly close to a return.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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On-loan Newcastle defender Danny Rose would have no problem contributing a portion of his wages to those fighting the coronavirus outbreak.But Rose admits Premier League players feel their backs are against the wall after politicians joined those calling for action.Premier League clubs have proposed wage cuts of around 30 per cent to ease the financial burden caused by the cuts, while the league has announced a contribution of 20million to the NHS and 125million to the lower leagues.Newcastle and Roses parent club Tottenham are among clubs to have furloughed some non-playing staff during the crisis, prompting criticism as players continue to receive their full salary.The thoughts of all those at The Premier League and our clubs are with those directly affected by COVID-19 pic.twitter.com/m12qXF3gen Premier League (@premierleague) April 3, 2020Were all keen to make something happen, Rose said on BBC Radio 5 Live.I can only speak for myself but I would have no problems whatsoever contributing some of my wages to people who are fighting this on the front line and to people who have been affected by whats happening at the minute.On Friday, North Middlesex University Hospital identified Rose as the individual behind a 19,000 donation to hospital funds.That came on the same day that Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson led talks between Premier League club captains over what action they could take a move that begun before Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Thursday joined those singling out footballers.We sort of feel our backs are against the wall, Rose added. Conversations were being had before people outside of football were commenting.Our super sleuths have scoured the evidence and identified that @SpursOfficial's amazing Danny Rose is our incredibly generous mystery donor.Here he is saying a *huge thankyou* to NorthMid and other NHS heroes.And wash your hands, stay indoors, and help the NHS stay safe. pic.twitter.com/wFCRIgQY3T North Mid Hospital (@NorthMidNHS) April 3, 2020Ive been on the phone to Jordan Henderson and hes working so hard to come up with something.It was just not needed for people who are not involved in football to tell footballers what they should do with their money. I found that so bizarre.Talks are due to take place on Saturday between the league, clubs and players representatives.Wolves captain Conor Coady said it was time for players to help out.Its fantastic to see people trying to make the effort, he said. Its something everyone wants to be part of. As footballers, its important we help as many people as possible.Whats come out now is the 30 per cent cut. We get judged every single day of our lives. The time now is to go forward and make a donation.50 Million Shortfall If Clarets Dont Finish The Season https://t.co/XXslyDBLfJ Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) April 4, 2020On Saturday, Burnley said they would face a 50million shortfall if the Premier League season could not be completed.The Clarets said this was a result of 5million in lost matchday revenue a shortfall which would remain if the season was completed behind closed doors as well as a 45million in lost broadcasting revenue. The club suggested the amount could be as high as 100million for some other clubs.Its a completely unprecedented situation that we and other Premier League Clubs face and which we could not have foreseen in anyway only just a few weeks ago, Burnley chairman Mike Garlick said.Its now not just about Burnley or any other individual club anymore, its about the whole football ecosystem from the Premier League downwards and all the other businesses and communities that feed from that ecosystem.As a club, as fans, as staff members and as a town we are all in this together and Im sure we can get through this by sticking together and helping each other in every way possible in these tough times.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Football came home in 1966 as Alf Ramseys Wingless Wonders went on to win the World Cup for the first time.From Pickles the dog to World Cup Willie and the debate over just whether the ball did really cross the line, the eyes of the sporting world were fixed on Wembley.Here, the PA news agency takes a look back at the 1966 World Cup.The dog who saved the World CupThe theft of the Jules Rimet Trophy while it was on public exhibition at the Methodist Central Hall in Westminster during March 1966 led to one of the biggest investigations in Scotland Yards history.Three days later a package containing the top of the trophy and a typed ransom note demanding 15,000 arrived at Chelseas Stamford Bridge ground for Joe Mears, who was also chairman of the Football Association. Middleman Edward Betchley was eventually arrested for his part in mailing the package.David Corbett and his dog Pickles were out for a walk when they made the discovery (PA Archive/PA)It was seven days after the theft when David Corbett was walking his dog Pickles in Norwood, south London and the Collie discovered the rest of the trophy wrapped in newspaper near his neighbours car.Pickles hit international headlines and was awarded a medal by the National Canine Defence League, while Corbett received payouts from sponsors and the cups insurers of almost 5,000.World Cup WillieWorld Cup Willie was the first in a long line of mascots (PA Archive)The tournament was the first to use a mascot as World Cup Willie captured the imagination of fans, young and old. The lion in a Union Flag jumper had been designed by childrens book illustrator Reg Hoye. The idea soon caught on and would be the start of a tradition which continues to this day some more memorable than others.They think its all over. FIFA World Cup iconic moments: 30 July, 1966 Wembley Stadium, London@TheGeoffHurst becomes the only man to score a hat-trick in a @FIFAWorldCup final as the legendary Bobby Moore lifts the Jules Rimet trophy for @England beneath the Wembley Towers pic.twitter.com/dI9k9XII4g ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 14, 2018England had played all of their matches at Wembley, which started with a laboured goalless draw against Uruguay. After edging out Argentina 1-0, with Geoff Hurst scoring having replaced the injured Jimmy Greaves in attack, two goals from Bobby Charlton helped England defeat Eusebios Portugal 2-1 to reach the final against West Germany.On July 30, 93,000 spectators which included the Queen and Prince Phillip packed out Wembley, while an estimated global television audience of 400million watched on in black-and-white.West Germany had silenced the home crowd when Helmut Haller put them ahead after 12 minutes but Hurst soon equalised when he nodded in a free-kick from captain Bobby Moore.Martin Peters celebrated what England thought would be the goal to win the World Cup (PA)Martin Peters then swept in what looked to have been the winning goal after 78 minutes only for Wolfgang Weber to knock in a late equaliser to force extra-time.Ramseys men lifted themselves again, and Hurst swivelled on to a cross from Alan Ball to crash the ball up on to the crossbar and down, with Roger Hunt wheeling away in celebration.After consulting Russian linesman Tofiq Bahramov, who was from Azerbaijan, referee Gottfried Dienst awarded the goal in a moment which still causes debate to this day. days, players | @TheGeoffHurstThe former @England forward is the only man to score a hat-trick in a FIFA World Cup Final. Sir Geoff did just that in Englands 1966 triumph over Germany at Wembley. pic.twitter.com/xazcWrOx3h FIFAWorldCup (@FIFAWorldCup) May 14, 2018With seconds remaining, though, Hurst made sure of Englands triumph when he raced clear as Germany pushed up, as BBC commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme described: And here comes Hurst. Hes got some people are on the pitch, they think its all over. It is now! Its four!Hurst is still the last player to have scored a hat-trick in a World Cup final and 1966 remains the only time an England captain has lifted the trophy.54 years of hurt.. and countingSince reaching the World Cup final, generations of England players, managers and fans alike have all come so near, yet so far to repeating the dream.There was the heartbreak of a semi-final penalty shoot-out defeat against West Germany at Italia 90 and Gazzas tears, then Gareth Southgates Young Lions again coming up just short at Russia 2018.England Women also suffered the disappointment of a second semi-final defeat at the World Cup in France last summer, as the wait goes on for a repeat performance of the achievements of that balmy summer at Wembley.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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FIFA has raised the age limit to 24 for the mens football tournament at next summers rearranged Olympics.The tournament is usually for under-23s, but the governing body has made the change to allow players who were eligible for the Tokyo Games this summer to still take part next year.Any player born on or after January 1, 1997 will be able to play, plus the three allocated over-aged players.The mens tournament will kick off before the July 23, 2021 opening ceremony in Tokyo, while the womens event has no age limit.Dedicated COVID-19 working group proposes recommendations after first meetinghttps://t.co/iOgE4n9WkD pic.twitter.com/mM0ZOB39xp FIFA Media (@fifamedia) April 3, 2020FIFA has also called off all mens and womens national team games set to be played in June 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic still grips the world.The governing body had previously announced that it would not be compulsory for clubs to release players for those games, but now they have been wiped off the calendar.A dedicated Covid-19 working group made the decisions at their first meeting, as well as postponing the Under-20s Womens World Cup in Panama and Costa Rica and the Under-17s Womens World Cup in India.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Chelsea, Manchester United and AC Milan midfielder Ray Wilkins died on April 4 two years ago.Here, the PA news agency looks at the former midfielders legacy.Why was he so well respected?"He was a real, real hero."Former solider reveals how Ray Wilkins helped him escape a life on the streets.This is incredible[ @JimWhite] pic.twitter.com/YOJAeOlXKW talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) April 5, 2018After Wilkins died, an anonymous soldier credited him for saving his life when the former midfielder took time to sit with him on the street, give him 20 and buy him a coffee.He told talkSPORT: That night I took that 20 and I got some shelter and I had a hot meal. During that time, when I was in the shelter, I met a guy who was helping ex-soldiers and put me in touch with decent people who would help me.In 2018, AC Milan fans unfurled a banner which read: Ciao Ray: Leggenda Rossonera Goodbye Ray: Legend of the Red and Blacks.Who paid tribute?A tribute to Ray Wilkins ahead of Englands game with Nigeria in 2018. (Steven Paston/PA)Wilkins sudden death shocked football with England manager Gareth Southgate, who played with him at Crystal Palace, leading the tributes.Ill always remember the humility that he had. He just fitted into the group so easily and had the complete respect of everybody, he said at the time.Sir Alex Ferguson also paid his respects: Ray was a great football man, who was well respected and liked by all who knew him and he always had a kind word and time for people.Despite only spending around four months at Aston Villa as a coach in his last role he also made a lasting impact on Jack Grealish.Grealish tweeted at the time: So upset to hear the news of Ray Wilkins. RIP Ray.A true gentleman and one of the nicest guys Ive ever met.Who did he play for?Ray Wilkins started his career at Chelsea. (PA)He started his career at Chelsea in 1973 before moving to Manchester United and having a three-year spell at AC Milan.He won two SPL titles at Rangers after a short spell at Paris St Germain and then spent an initial six years at QPR.A brief time at Crystal Palace ended when he returned as QPRs player/manager in 1994 and after leaving Loftus Road two years later he played for Wycombe, Millwall, Hibernian and Leyton Orient.Wilkins also made 82 appearances for England, playing in the 1982 and 1986 World Cups.Who did he manage?Ray Wilkins helped Chelsea win the 2009 FA Cup as assistant to manager Guus Hiddink. (Rebecca Naden/PA)After his stint at QPR and following retirement, Wilkins took charge of Fulham between 1997 and 1998 and in 1999 he returned to Chelsea as first-team coach.Spells at Watford, Millwall and England Under-21s followed before another coaching role at Stamford Bridge beckoned, before he left again in 2010.Wilkins managed the Jordan national team briefly, between working at Fulham and Aston Villa, his last club before leaving in 2015.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Broadcasters will be able to screen Premier League games kicking off at 3pm live for the remainder of the season after UEFA lifted restrictions.The English and Scottish Football Associations have been granted permission to remove the traditional 3pm blackout by European footballs governing body.The move would appear to be another step towards matches being played behind closed doors in order to complete the season after the coronavirus pandemic caused mass postponements across league and cup competitions.A UEFA statement read: Taking into account the current exceptional circumstances, UEFA has lifted the blocked hours protection granted to the UEFA Member Associations for England and Scotland for the remainder of the 2019/20 football season, following requests from the relevant National Associations as a result of measures taken in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.The Premier Leagues overriding priority is to aid the health and wellbeing of the nation and our communities. The 2019/20 season will only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so.Full statement: https://t.co/Tv9Leq4GGp#WeAreOneTeam pic.twitter.com/XPLQ7ls422 Premier League (@premierleague) April 3, 2020It was confirmed on Friday that professional football would not return at the start of May, with a restart date being kept under constant review.The Premier League and EFL remain committed to completing the 2019-20 season, with UEFA having warned that clubs in competitions which it deems have been cancelled prematurely may not be eligible to play in next seasons Champions League or Europa League.Premier League clubs are also conscious of the financial impact that the failure to complete the season would have. It has been reported that clubs stand to lose around 750million if no further matches are played.It was reported on Monday that a World Cup-style camp is one solution being considered by Premier League clubs as a means to complete the current campaign.It is thought the Premier League could resume in empty stadiums (Mike Egerton/PA)Clubs could gather in a neutral location to play out the remainder of the season behind closed doors, with only those personnel essential to staging and broadcasting the games allowed to attend to minimise the chance of a coronavirus infection.The clubs remain committed to completing the season and are keen to avoid facing any financial penalties from broadcasters for failing to fulfil fixtures.It has been reported that if no further matches were played, it could cost clubs 750million.There are a number of difficulties with the idea, not least how to deal with the necessity to have medical staff on hand during a public health crisis, and how the format could survive even one positive Covid-19 test.But the idea of multiple matches being televised on a daily basis throughout June and July, if the infection curve has flattened by then, could have some merit.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Trent Alexander-Arnold may be a master of assists for Liverpool but he was let down by his strikers as he lost to Manchester City eSports player Ryan Pessoa in a FIFA 20 battle on Friday night.Roberto Firminos stoppage-time equaliser earned Alexander-Arnold a 2-2 draw in the opening game of their best-of-three battle, but Pessoa controlling RB Leipzig, no doubt for sponsorship reasons turned up the heat thereafter, winning 4-1 and 2-0 in the remaining contests.They were good games, Im quite proud of myself to be fair, the England right-back said. I havent played that bad, I just havent taken the chances.Trent Alexander-Arnold (bottom left) during his FIFA 20 match against esports player Ryan Pessoa streamed via Twitch TV (Scott Wilson/PA).The avatars of Firmino and Mo Salah were certainly guilty of squandering a string of openings.That was less of a problem in the opening game, with Alexander-Arnold left gushing over his own work as Gini Wijnaldum finished a fine passing move to make it 1-1.I dont usually watch replays but Im going to have to watch that because Im proud of myself, he said.The 21-year-old said he was in isolation at home with his mum, and being kept sane by his two dogs.Im trying to stay fit and trying to stay positive, because we dont know when (football) is going to start again, he said.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Screening behind-closed-doors matches on free-to-air television would help bring joy to people during the coronavirus pandemic, according to the chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee.Julian Knight MP said it would ultimately be up to health experts when and how professional football could return, but said if games had to be played without crowds then he hoped consideration would be given to broadcasters for at least some matches to be available for free.It was confirmed on Friday that professional football would not return at the start of May, with a restart date being kept under constant review.The Premier Leagues overriding priority is to aid the health and wellbeing of the nation and our communities. The 2019/20 season will only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so.Full statement: https://t.co/Tv9Leq4GGp#WeAreOneTeam pic.twitter.com/XPLQ7ls422 Premier League (@premierleague) April 3, 2020Knight told the PA news agency: To entertain people at home would be a great idea. Wed have to see about that. Sky, when it had the Cricket World Cup final, it gave it to Channel Four to broaden it out.All broadcasters are very cognisant of the situation and if they can help alleviate it and basically bring a bit of joy to people, then thats a good thing isnt it?But (the return of football) is something for the health experts to lead on.We have to be driven by what they say, and if they say games can go on behind closed doors to get the season finished then thats the call of the health experts isnt it? Thats the over-arching, and only consideration.There have been reports that, should football be in a position to return behind closed doors, the Saturday 3pm blackout on televised games could be lifted.The Premier League and EFL remain committed to completing the 2019-20 season, with UEFA having warned that clubs in competitions which it deems have been cancelled prematurely may not be eligible to play in next seasons Champions League or Europa League.Premier League clubs are also conscious of the financial impact that the failure to complete the season would have. It has been reported that clubs stand to lose around 750million if no further matches are played.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Premier League clubs will consult with players over wage reductions and deferrals amounting to 30 per cent of salary as they grapple with the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.The worsening of the Covid-19 outbreak has led the English professional game to acknowledge that football will not return at the start of May. No restart date has been fixed instead it will be kept under constant review.The suspension has created financial issues for clubs throughout the football pyramid, with non-playing staff at a variety of clubs having been placed on furlough leave under the Governments coronavirus job retention scheme.The Premier Leagues overriding priority is to aid the health and wellbeing of the nation and our communities. The 2019/20 season will only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so.Full statement: https://t.co/Tv9Leq4GGp#WeAreOneTeam pic.twitter.com/XPLQ7ls422 Premier League (@premierleague) April 3, 2020There has been pressure including from the health secretary Matt Hancock for players to take a financial hit over the last 24 hours and now top-flight clubs will continue talks with the Professional Footballers Association over the weekend towards a deal to defer and reduce wages.Separately, the PA news agency understands Premier League captains have held a conference call to discuss other ways in which they and their team-mates can help worthy causes during this time of national crisis.In the face of substantial and continuing losses for the 2019-20 season since the suspension of matches began, and to protect employment throughout the professional game, Premier League clubs unanimously agreed to consult their players regarding a combination of conditional reductions and deferrals amounting to 30 per cent of total annual remuneration, a Premier League statement read.This guidance will be kept under constant review as circumstances change. The league will be in regular contact with the PFA and the union will join a meeting which will be held tomorrow between the league, players and club representatives.It remains to be seen whether subject to agreement the players wage reduction and deferrals would remove the need for Premier League clubs to utilise the Governments job retention scheme, but that is certainly the expectation of Julian Knight, the chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee, who cautiously welcomed the leagues statement.I hope though in coming days an agreement can be reached and we can focus on ensuring the grassroots of the game and those whose livelihoods depend on football come through this incredibly difficult time. Julian Knight MP (@julianknight15) April 3, 2020On Thursday Knight had warned Premier League clubs he would ask Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak to consider a windfall tax if they went ahead with furloughing non-playing staff while not seeking wage cuts from players.He hopes the Premier League goes further, and ensures non-playing staff at clubs outside the top flight can be protected from furloughing.Its good to see this proposal out in the light, now they have got to go and get it done, he told the PA news agency.That will be down to the negotiations with the players union and then hopefully we can be a better place where the taxpayer isnt being asked to fund the economics of the Premier League.In the statement it sets out the intent that they should not be relying on furloughing, that actually this should be funded by deferral or cuts (to players wages).My main concerns were, when I saw the Spurs and Newcastle stories, it sticks in the throat to have taxpayers in any way funding the economic model of the Premier League, which is not in the real world.Message from the Chairman. Tottenham Hotspur (at ) (@SpursOfficial) March 31, 2020That does stick in the throat, because were going to need that money for the NHS, and were going to need that money when we come out of this.But the focus is really on the smaller clubs and the non-playing staff who are facing real cuts in their income. Personally Id like to see them guaranteeing 100 per cent of the furloughed staff money. Its a step in the right direction, but theres still the agreement to be had, and well see over the next few days how that goes.It is understood the EFL is looking for players in its leagues to accept significantly more than a 30 per cent deferral or reduction, as discussions with the PFA continue.The EFL and the National League were boosted on Friday by the advance of a combined 125million from the Premier League. The money to the EFL is made up of solidarity payments, parachute payments and academy grants.These actions will have a positive impact on individual clubs across our three divisions at a difficult and uncertain time, an EFL statement said.EFL statement: Coronavirus update.#EFLhttps://t.co/Z9CzAA9snB EFL Communications (@EFL_Comms) April 3, 2020The Premier League also announced it is donating 20m to the NHS and other community causes.The advance to the lower leagues, the donation to the NHS and the captains initiative were all praised by Knight.Some of the clubs from all parts of the football pyramid, are only weeks away from oblivion, he said.This (money) should help, and that is really crucial, if anything that is the most important part of what has happened today.On the separate players initiative, Knight said: That would be brilliant. Anyone who does anything like that, hats off to them. Hopefully that will happen.The PFA is yet to comment on the Premier League announcement.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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The Premier League confirmed players will hold talks with their clubs over wage deferrals and football will not restart in early May because of the coronavirus pandemic.Here, the PA news agency looks at the talking points from Fridays statement.Clubs will talk to players about wage deferralsPlayers will speak to their clubs about a wage deferral. (Jonathan Brady/PA)Premier League players and clubs were facing mounting criticism after furloughing non-playing staff while their squads wages were yet to be considered. But after Fridays meeting, the top flight confirmed clubs unanimously agreed to consult their players regarding a combination of conditional reductions and deferrals amounting to 30 per cent of total annual remuneration.Football will only resume when it is safeThe Premier Leagues overriding priority is to aid the health and wellbeing of the nation and our communities. The 2019/20 season will only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so.Full statement: https://t.co/Tv9Leq4GGp#WeAreOneTeam pic.twitter.com/XPLQ7ls422 Premier League (@premierleague) April 3, 2020Elite football in England was initially halted until April 30 and the Premier League has now confirmed it will not resume in early May. No date has been set but the top flight and EFL will continue to review the situation and only return when it is safe.The Premier League will advance the EFL and National League 125milionThe Premier League have announced support for EFL clubs (Tim Goode/PA)Another unanimous vote confirmed an advance of 125million to help EFL and National League clubs during the crisis. The Premier League wanted to immediately deal with the impact of falling cash flow.There will be 20million for the NHS and othersThe thoughts of all those at The Premier League and our clubs are with those directly affected by COVID-19 pic.twitter.com/m12qXF3gen Premier League (@premierleague) April 3, 2020Having spoken to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Premier League will commit 20 million to support the NHS, communities, families and vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. It will include a direct contribution to the NHS and funds to enable clubs to refocus their efforts and develop significant outreach programmes to help communities.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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Bayern Munich head coach Hansi Flick has agreed a new contract with the Bundesliga champions until June 2023.The 55-year-old had joined the club at the start of the season as Niko Kovacs assistant coach but was promoted as interim boss when the Croatian was sacked on November 3.Flick earned a deal until the end of the season as permanent head coach in December and has since convinced Bayerns hierarchy he is the man to lead the team for the next three seasons after winning 18 of his 21 matches in charge.Hansi #Flick has extended his contract as #FCBayern head coach until 2023! #MiaSanMia #Flick2023 pic.twitter.com/UKTo8O89I8 FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) April 3, 2020Flick, who played for club between 1985 and 1990, told the clubs official website: Im looking forward to taking on the upcoming tasks along with my staff and the team.The talks with Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Oliver Kahn and Hasan Salihamidzic were very good and in a spirit of good faith.Weve determined the direction for the upcoming years. Im sure we can achieve a lot together.(function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){
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