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Israeli basketball clubs to resume hosting EuroLeague games on December 1 | Basketball News

EuroLeague said the decision to allow Israeli clubs to play home games was in response to the October 10 ceasefire agreement.

Basketball’s top European competitions are set to become the first to return to Israel since the October 7, 2023 attacks, after clubs agreed on Tuesday to resume EuroLeague and EuroCup games in the country from December 1, following recent ceasefire and peace initiatives in the region, the organisation said.

Games involving Israeli teams have been held at neutral venues since October 2023 due to the conflict in Gaza.

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Six-time champions Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv are the Israeli clubs in this season’s EuroLeague, while Hapoel Jerusalem play in the EuroCup.

Maccabi have been playing their home games in Belgrade, Serbia, where they host Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Hapoel Tel Aviv have made their home in Sofia, Bulgaria, where their next home game is on October 29 against Partizan Belgrade.

“After thoughtful deliberation, ECA clubs agreed on the proposal to set December 1, 2025, as the date for games to resume in Israel. Until then, Euroleague Basketball will continue to carefully monitor developments, stay in close contact with local and foreign authorities, visiting teams, and all relevant organisations,” EuroLeague Basketball said in a statement.

“Euroleague Basketball and its participating clubs welcome the recent peace plan with optimism and hope. The organisation reaffirms its belief in the power of basketball to bring people and communities together, and its commitment to contributing to peace through the shared values of sport, respect, and unity.”

Israel and Hamas have accused each other of repeated breaches of the ceasefire since it was formally agreed upon eight days ago, with flashes of violence and recriminations over the pace of returning captives’ bodies, bringing in aid and opening borders.

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Premier League clubs divided over spending limit proposals

Premier League clubs are divided over whether to introduce a controversial new ‘salary cap’ prior to next month’s vote on financial regulations, BBC Sport has been told.

The ‘top-to-bottom anchoring’ model – or TBA – would restrict the amount any club can spend on player wages, agents and transfer fees to five times the income earned from broadcasting and prize money by the bottom club in the English top flight.

The approach means that a cap would be imposed on clubs’ spending, regardless of their own income.

TBA is currently being trialled by the Premier League, alongside a ‘squad cost ratio’ (SCR) system of financial control that allows clubs to spend up to a percentage of their total revenues on squad-related costs.

On 21 November the Premier League will meet and vote on whether to adopt either, or both, models, and replace the current Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) that allow losses of £105m over a three-year reporting cycle.

Nine of the Premier League’s 20 clubs already have to comply with Uefa’s SCR rules as a result of qualifying for Europe, and some believe it makes sense to align the regulations.

In order to encourage sustainability, Uefa permits participants in its competitions to spend up to 70% of their revenues on their squads, while the Premier League has said it would allow a more generous 85%.

However, BBC Sport has been told that a number of Premier League clubs would only vote for SCR to be implemented if it was accompanied by ‘anchoring’, so that those with the largest revenues did not get too far ahead of the rest, and competitive balance was protected.

This stance has been hardened by the additional money being generated by expanded European club competitions and the Club World Cup.

Last year 16 clubs voted to conduct detailed analysis of TBA, with only Manchester United, Manchester City and Aston Villa voting against.

All three were known to be concerned that being pinned to the revenue of the league’s bottom-placed club would risk putting them at a disadvantage compared to some of their European rivals, who only have to adhere to SCR rules.

At the time, United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said anchoring would “inhibit the top clubs in the Premier League, and the last thing you want is for the top clubs in the Premier League not to be able to compete with Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Paris St-Germain – that’s absurd”.

In the 2023-24 season, 20th-placed Sheffield United earned around £110m. So last season no top-flight club would have been able to spend more than a total of £550m on player wages, amortised transfer fees and agents if TBA had been in force.

Meanwhile, a European club generating revenues of £1bn, for example, would be able to spend £700m while still adhering to Uefa’s SCR rules.

Manchester City spent £413m on wages last year, with total revenue of £715m.

Ahead of its meeting next month the Premier League has now sent proposals to its clubs, which reportedly include a suggestion that those in breach of anchoring rules could be punished with a points deduction.

Everton and Nottingham Forest were handed points deductions in 2023 and 2024 as a result of breaching PSR.

Back in February the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) issued what the Premier League described as “legal demands” over concerns it had about the impact that anchoring could have on player contracts if introduced.

The league said that the players’ union had been given “multiple opportunities to provide feedback”. The PFA remains opposed to TBA, and has hired barrister Nick de Marco in case it decides to launch legal action.

In 2021 the PFA’s claim that a planned salary cap by the EFL for League One and League Two was “unlawful and unenforceable” was upheld by an independent arbitration panel.

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Arne Slot: Liverpool boss criticises pundits who ‘favour other clubs’ for comments over £450m summer spending

Slot felt Liverpool “did great business”, given all eight of their signings are aged 25 or under, and the club “should get praise” for the strategy it has adopted.

“I think it is only a compliment that people tell everyone we have spent so much because that tells you the players we brought in are seen as very good players,” explained the Dutchman.

“Some other teams prefer to bring in 27-year-olds because they are ready, but we think we have brought in players who are 21, 22 [and] who are ready.

“I think all the money we have spent we generated ourselves by selling, and by winning the league after we didn’t buy anyone at all.”

Isak did not feature in Liverpool’s 1-0 win at Burnley on Sunday – the first match since he joined the Reds – because he is still short of match fitness.

The 25-year-old trained alone at former club Newcastle, in a bid to force through his switch to Anfield, and needs extra work to get up to speed after missing pre-season.

Isak’s only appearance this season came for Sweden in an 18-minute cameo from the bench in a 2-0 defeat by Kosovo last week.

Slot said he is “100% sure” Isak will not play 90 minutes against Atletico but indicated he will play a part against the La Liga side.

“He [Isak] is part of the squad, so it’s already a Champions League game to look forward to, but if people look forward to his playing time, that could mean that could happen tomorrow as well,” Slot added.

“So the moment he is fit, match fit, [he] can play 90, and then the next step is playing three times in a week 90 minutes.

“And that is what he has to do; scoring goals and doing special things in attack is something he will 100% do. The main challenge he has is to become so fit that he’s first of all ready to do what he did last season.”

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Irish Premiership: Clubs need funding to create ‘safe environment’ – Paul Heatley

Carrick Rangers forward Paul Heatley said he hopes his injury against Bangor on Saturday will highlight the urgent need to release funding to clubs to upgrade stadium facilities across Northern Ireland.

The 38-year-old collided with the wall surrounding the pitch at Taylors Avenue eight minutes into the second half of his side’s Irish Premiership game.

He received treatment at the side of the pitch and was taken to hospital after being placed into the ambulance on a stretcher, before being discharged on Sunday.

The decision was then made to abandon the fixture by referee Christopher Morrison as there was no ambulance in place after Heatley was transported from the ground.

Carrick were one of 20 clubs who progressed to the next stage in a bid to secure a slice of the Northern Ireland Football Fund.

They applied for £5.8m for improvements to Taylors Avenue, but will have to go through another stage of assessment before any funding is handed out with no timeline in place for the next steps.

Posting on social media on Monday, Heatley called for “immediate funding” to be released to Irish League clubs to ensure “nothing like this ever happens to any player in the future”.

“Thank you to everyone for all the messages of support from my own club and team-mates to the wider footballing community it has been truly incredible,” he said.

“To the coaches, physios and doctors of both Carrick Rangers FC and Bangor FC I am forever grateful, along with the amazing care given to me from the ambulance service.

“A very special shoutout to the stewards and the girls in the club shop for looking after my children whilst I received treatment, no child should witness such a scene at a football match and you kept them distracted and entertained throughout, thank you all. A few restless nights lay ahead but will take that, knowing it could have ended much worse.

“I hope this incident highlights the need for immediate funding to be released for Irish League clubs to provide a proper, safe environment for players, staff and supporters, to ensure nothing like this ever happens to any player in the future.

“With power comes responsibility, so for those in power and authority around the Irish league, welfare and funding, the responsibility lies with you.

“Thanks again to everyone.”

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Chelsea desperately trying to find new home for Raheem Sterling as host of clubs linked with former England star

CHELSEA are desperately trying to find Raheem Sterling a new home on transfer deadline day.

The winger has fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea and spent last season out on loan at Arsenal.

Raheem Sterling of Chelsea in a pre-season friendly.

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Raheem Sterling could be on his way to Fulham todayCredit: Getty
Raheem Sterling of Arsenal in a Champions League match.

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He spent last season on loan at ArsenalCredit: Getty

Sterling, 30, could be set to move again within the Prem on deadline day.

Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Fulham see the former Manchester City and Liverpool star as an option.

He has reported that the Cottagers have revived talks for Sterling as one of three attackers they are interested in.

Fulham’s top target is Shakhtar Donetsk star Kevin.

They are believed to have agreed a fee of £34.6million for the Brazilian wonderkid.

However, Romano has suggested that there is no agreement with the player as of yet.

AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze is also a potential option.

Sterling had been left in limbo by Chelsea as he has one more year left on his contract at Stamford Bridge.

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The Blues have left it very late in the window to try and find a solution for the former England international.

He made the move to the Gunners on deadline day last summer but Chelsea still had to pay a large chunk of his wages.

Chelsea officially announce Alejandro Garnacho’s £40million transfer to end Man Utd star’s ‘Bomb Squad’ nightmare

Napoli are among the other clubs to have been linked with a move for Sterling.

Any club that does agree a deal for Sterling will be hoping to land a similar package to Arsenal last term.

Sterling is yet to play this season with Blues boss Enzo Maresca favouring the likes of Jamie Gittens, Pedro Neto and Estevao.

Fulham manager Marco Silva will be desperate to get bodies over the line today as he has not been happy with the club’s lack of activity.

Marco Silva, Fulham manager, looking frustrated.

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Marco Silva has been left unimpressed with Fulham’s quiet windowCredit: Getty
Soccer player warming up before a game.

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Shakhtar Donetsk’s Kevin is a top targetCredit: Getty

The West London side has only added back-up French goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte to their squad this summer.

Silva will be hoping to welcome at least Kevin and Chukwueze as Fulham close in on those deals.

Just last week, he insisted that Fulham needs to add to the squad.

He said: “We have to (sign players). This is the situation.

“I’m answering this way to you, and it’s not to put any more type of pressure at all.

“It’s because we don’t have other solutions.”

Elsewhere, Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp.

Chelsea have also resumed Nicolas Jackson’s deal to join Bayern Munich.

Chelsea’s transfer deals

IN

  • Joao Pedro – from Brighton – £60m
  • Jamie Gittens – from Dortmund – £52m
  • Jorell Hato – from Ajax – £37m
  • Liam Delap – from Ipswich – £30m
  • Estevao – from Palmeiras – £54m
  • Dario Essugo – from Sporting Lisbon – £18.5m
  • Kendry Paez – from Independiente – £17.25m
  • Mamadou Sarr – from Strasbourg – £12m
  • Alejandro Garnacho – from Man Utd – £40m

TOTAL – £320.75m

OUT

  • Christopher Nkunku – to AC Milan – £38m
  • Noni Madueke – to Arsenal – £52m
  • Joao Felix – to Al-Nassr – £43.7m
  • Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – to Everton – £30m
  • Renato Veiga – to Villarreal – £26m
  • Djordje Petrovic – to Bournemouth – £25m
  • Lesley Ugochukwu – to Burnley – £23m
  • Carney Chukwuemeka – to Dortmund £24m
  • Armando Broja – to Burnley – £15m
  • Bashir Humphreys – to Burnley – £10m
  • Mathis Amougou – to Strasbourg – £12.5m
  • Kepa Arrizabalaga – to Arsenal – £5m
  • Marcus Bettinelli – to Man City – £2m

TOTAL – £306.2m

TRANSFER NEWS LIVE

His move had been cancelled after the injury to Liam Delap on Saturday.

SunSport understands that Chelsea are now open to selling the striker again.

They have encouraged Bayern Munich to push ahead and complete the move.

However, Newcastle are also interested in trying to sign Jackson.

And Bournemouth have completed the signing of Alex Jimenez from AC Milan.

The full-back has joined the Cherries on an initial loan deal from the Italian side.

They will have the option to make the move permanent for £16.5m.

Tottenham have also agreed a loan deal to sign striker Randal Kolo Muani from Juventus.

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TRANSFER DEADLINE DAY LIVE – KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST AS THE CLOCK TICKS

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‘Huge week’ for future of Scottish clubs in Europe

Four of Scotland’s five European representatives are still standing as we prepare for this week’s play-off rounds, with three guaranteed league phase action across Uefa’s competitions.

However, the bigger picture is not quite so rosy, with much harder qualification routes on the horizon unless significant strides are made in this campaign.

Celtic and Rangers are bidding for places in the Champions League, against Kairat and Club Brugge respectively, while Aberdeen take on FCSB of Bucharest in the Europa League.

The losers of those ties drop to the next tournament, but there is no such safety net for Hibernian, who take on Legia Warsaw for a Conference League spot.

“It’s a huge week,” Gavin Noon, who runs the X account Scotland’s Coefficient, told BBC Scotland.

“At the end of the season, Uefa will rank all the nations based on the amount of points collected over the last five years.

“As it stands, Scotland are 17th and we really need to finish 15th, so we want as many teams to pick up as many points as possible.”

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Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Rodrygo BOOST, Eze updates, multiple Prem clubs chase Gunners winger – latest

Birmingham interested in former Arsenal star

Birmingham City are interested in the signature of Alexander Oxlade-Chamberlain, according to reports from Sky Sports.

The 32-year-old plays his football for Turkish giants Besiktas, who are reportedly willing to allow the former England international to move on a free transfer.

Oxlade-Chamberlain made almost 200 appearances for the Gunners in his six-year spell with the club.

He came through the Southampton academy and also played for Liverpool before moving abroad.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain of Besiktas JK playing soccer.

Arsenal’s unlikely star

Arsenal cruised to a 1-0 victory over Man Utd in their opening game of the4 season, but the difference maker proved to be a surprising name.

All eyes were on new forward signing Viktor Gyokeres to open his competitive tally with the club

But it was defender Riccardo Calafiori who would nod in at the back post after Utd keeper Altay Bayindir fluffed his lines attempting to punch a corner away.

Mikel Arteta is determined to deploy Calafiori higher up the pitch than his size and position might usually dictate, and he could be one to watch this season for his attacking contirbutions.

Broadcast change causes Arsenal controversy

Arsenal found themselves at the mercy of a new broadcast rule introduced for the upcoming Premier League season during their season opener against Man Utd.

Captain Martin Odegaard was caught in the Old Trafford tunnel at half-time and interviewed on camera regarding the game’s events so far.

The out of breath Norwegian said: “It has been a bit too hectic at times.

“So much space is too open, we need to control it a bit better.

“When we get the ball, pick the right moments and be a bit more accurate when we counter.”

The Gunners went on to win the game 1-0 and get their title challenge off to a flyer.

The new interview type was introduced for the upcoming campaign to mixed reception from fans and former pros.

But not everyone enjoys the new insight, with fans questioning the quality of interview that broadcasters will get out of players in such high pressure situations.

Read more here:

Xabi Alonso speaks out on Rodrygo

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso has confirmed his position on Arsenal target Rodrygo.

It was uncertain where the Brazilian would fall into the newly appointed boss’ plans, but the Spaniard appears to have found a place for him.

He said: “There are many rumors in the summer, but I’ve seen him well and I count on everyone.

“I count on Rodrygo for sure, 100 per cent.”

Rodrygo of Real Madrid celebrating a goal.

Mikel Arteta defends Gyokeres debut despite fans’ uncertainty

The Gunners boss said: “He did a lot of things very good. You can tell, especially in our high pressing, the rhythm that we demand, especially in the first half, we’re giving a bit too much time.

“It’s something that we have to work on, especially there.

“And then in the finalising situation, he didn’t have that many chances to do that because, as I said, on the previous action before we had to play that last ball that the line was standing still with 40 metres behind, we managed to put the ball through to exploit his quality.

“But overall, coming away to Manchester United, winning your first game with Arsenal, it’s a good start.”

Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal during a soccer match.

Eze battle nears its conclusion

Arsenal are set to lose out on priority target Eberechi Eze, if reports from Fabrizio Romano are to be believed.

North London rivals are offering up to a £60million package including add-ons for the England international.

The 27-year-old has been hugely influential in attack for Crystal Palace since arriving in 2020.

He appeared to have opened the scoring with a free-kick in the Eagles’ season opener against Chelsea, before it was ruled out due to Marc Guehi’s proximity to the wall.

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BMW Championship: MacIntyre ‘wants to smash up clubs’ as Scheffler wins

Open champion Scheffler showed his mettle and class – despite a few uncharacteristic slips – on his way to a three-under-par 67, taking him to 15 under for the week.

MacIntyre, runner-up at the US Open and tied for seventh at the Open, had been 16 under on Saturday evening after rounds of 62, 64 and 68.

The Scotsman denied he was rattled by his playing partner’s consistency, while he chose not to comment on apparent heckling from the galleries.

Asked what he needs to improve, he replied: “Right now, not a clue. Right now I want to go and smash up my golf clubs, to be honest with you.”

There was a glimmer of hope for an out-of-sorts MacIntyre when he moved to within a shot after the 12th, Scheffler missing a routine par putt.

But the Scotsman crashed an eight iron off the tee at the 13th to go over the green and a fourth bogey soon followed, only for Scheffler to make a mess of the next.

At the 15th, the American rolled in a birdie after watching MacIntyre miss his attempt but the roles were then reversed at the 16th.

Scheffler saved his best for the 17th, with an incredible chip-in from the greenside that rolled serenely into the hole to send the partisan crowd wild, giving himself breathing space for an 18th PGA Tour success.

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Premier League fans on why they love their clubs – Clough, Gascoigne, Shankly

BBC reporters Jonathan Buchan, Nizaar Kinsella and Mike Taylor shared their own stories about what makes them proud to support their clubs.

‘A journey that links generations’ – Jonathan Buchan

BBC Radio Leeds sports editor Buchan says he forced his dad, who wasn’t a football fan, to take him and a friend on a half-mile walk from their home in Wortley to Elland Road:

“Personally, I owe a lot to that trip – a lifelong passion, friendships lasting decades… oh, and my entire career.

“Listening to the away games on BBC Radio Leeds ultimately resulted in me ending up in the role I find myself in today.”

Chelsea supporters ‘relentless and demanding’ – Nizaar Kinsella

BBC Sport football news reporter Kinsella spoke of the “relentless and demanding” fans he has come to be familiar with over a decade of covering Chelsea:

“Blues fans travel in great numbers.

“Some of the supporters I could highlight include Cathy, who has not missed an away match for 47 years, Terry, who relocated from Japan to London purely to be close to the club, and Basil, described as a Chelsea Women superfan on the club’s own website – and one you can hear chanting loudly at Kingsmeadow matches.

“It is these people that make a matchday and enrich my role covering the club.”

Wolves fans are ‘a community’ – Mike Taylor

BBC Radio WM reporter Taylor praised the collective spirit at Molineux.

“Listening on the concourses, you are reminded that football clubs are so much more than scores and numbers.

“They are a community, drawn apparently at random from all classes and generations, united by one devotion.

“Like all relationships, it goes through times of strain – and faith can be tested – but the love remains.”

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Lisa Nandy: Crisis clubs like Sheffield Wednesday and Morecambe ‘absolutely’ can be saved

Football clubs in crisis like Sheffield Wednesday and Morecambe can “absolutely” be saved from the brink of collapse, says Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy.

The future of both clubs remains uncertain after a torrid summer of issues including delayed wage payments for players and staff, registration embargoes and in the case of Morecambe, suspension from the National League.

In July, a bill to establish an independent football regulator became law, granting it powers to oversee the men’s game in England’s top five divisions. However, the regulator will not be launched until later this year.

When it is operational, Nandy says the regulator will be able to make a difference.

“These clubs belong to their fans. They are nothing without their fans and we are on their side and we will always fight for them,” Nandy told BBC Breakfast.

“Nobody should have to go through this. When Bury collapsed, we were absolutely clear that that had to be the last time that ever happened to anyone again. It’s happened to far too many people since.”

Bury were expelled by the English Football League in 2019 while in League One after a takeover bid collapsed.

“Owners need to recognise that they have a responsibility to be the custodians of a club and hand it on in good shape to the next generation,” she added.

“They’re hugely important to the economic life of a town, which I know from my own experience.”

Nandy highlighted Wigan Athletic, the team she supports, as a club who were saved from the brink of collapse in 2021, but have experienced further financial challenges.

“Wigan went right to the wire, we were within hours of HMRC pulling the plug because taxes haven’t been paid, players were about to walk, the wages haven’t been paid and at the final hour we managed to achieve a resolution.

“So I’ve absolutely said that to the fans groups and to the local MPs do not give up.”

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Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Eze ‘open’ to Gunners move, Trossard ‘wanted by two Prem clubs’, Saliba contract update

Eze ‘keen’ on Emirates move

Eberechi is eager to up sticks from Selhurst Park and move to the Emirates, it’s been claimed.

Fabrizio Romano said on his YouTube channel: “I’m told that the negotiation club to club has not started yet. But sources at Crystal Palace expect Arsenal to arrive for Eze.

“Why? Because Arsenal have been in contact for months now with the agents of Eze, because Eze is very appreciated by Arsenal, because Arsenal still want to add the player if they will have the opportunity to.

“They spoke to the player several times and the player is also very keen on a move. So Palace expect Arsenal to arrive.”

Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace celebrating a goal.

Merino talks Spurs loss

Mikel Merino reckons Arsenal’s loss to Spurs can be used as a catalyst for a solid start to the new Premier League season.

The Spain international said: “Obviously, winning is a priority for us, but in pre-season, there are other things that have a lot of value, like getting fit, keeping that connection with the fans here in this amazing city.

“We adapted quickly to the pitch, to the opponent, I think we dominated most of the game.

“The result is obviously the worst part, but we have to take the positives.

“Obviously, this feeling is going to be the gasoline for the season to keep growing, keep learning and hopefully go upwards.”

Arteta praises Dowman

Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Max Dowman for his displays during pre-season.

He said: “I’m not surprised, he’s been really impressive with what he’s done again at his age, the way he has entered the matches and with that determination, that quality, that decisiveness I would say.

“The same with the other kids that played, so it was another exposure to them, which is not easy, especially at that age.

“They certainly have done so, so well and made a lot of people proud.”

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Football clubs should pay towards £70m policing cost, Met chief says

Football clubs should pay towards the £70 million cost of policing their matches in the UK, the head of the Metropolitan Police has told the BBC.

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, the country’s most senior police officer, asked why organisers of events that require policing to support their security do not pay for it, and said there should be “more of a polluter pays approach”.

Sir Mark’s comments came as he called for the creation of 12 to 15 bigger police forces as part of his plans for radical police reforms.

He told the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme the current model of 43 forces across England and Wales needed to be reduced to cope with increased demand and overstretched funding.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a 2.3% annual funding increase for policing in England and Wales in last month’s Spending Review. Many forces have criticised the funds as falling “far short”.

Sir Mark said reforms would help police forces, including the Met, “make the best use of the money we’ve got”.

As part of funding concerns, the commissioner also cited the £70 million cost of policing football in the UK, most of which is spent on Premier League matches in England.

“Why isn’t the organiser paying for that, rather than local communities who lose their resources to go to football matches?” he said.

A move to make football clubs pay was previously suggested to the Times by the head of the UK’s football policing unit and later criticised by sports bodies who said it could threaten events and lead to increased ticket prices.

Writing in the Sunday Times, Sir Mark suggested the number of police forces needed to be reduced by two-thirds and said bigger forces would be better able to utilise modern technology.

He added the 43-force model designed in the 1960s had not been “fit for purpose” for at least two decades and hindered “the effective confrontation of today’s threats”.

Speaking to the BBC, the commissioner referred to an “invisible spaghetti” behind police forces that was responsible for “sucking resources and costs”.

“Lots of the smaller forces can’t actually do all the services locally and they’re having to club together and run complicated collaborations,” he said, adding that with “bigger local forces and one national body” they could “cut away” with a lot of that cost and waste.

The commissioner was questioned by Kuenssberg on the likelihood of the reform going ahead, referencing similar Labour plans in 2006 which were dropped following significant opposition.

Sir Mark said reform was “essential”, adding that spending on policing and public safety has dropped substantially over the last decade or more.

“I don’t see that changing dramatically. We’ve got to make the best use of every pound the government can give to us,” he added.

Put to him that he had warned he would have to de-prioritise some crimes, and asked what the force will not investigate, Sir Mark said: “So I don’t want policing activity to fall off the list, and I know that the mayor and the home secretary have pushed hard for the most police funding that we can get.

“We are determined to improve day in and day out experiences of Londoners on the streets. We can only do that if we focus ruthlessly on police work.”

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Club World Cup: Why are Brazilian clubs doing so well in United States?

Manchester City, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid and Porto have already been sent packing, while both teams from Argentina – Boca Juniors and River Plate – have also been eliminated.

Brazil’s Flamengo and Botafogo fell at the last-16 stage, but the country’s remaining two sides hope to march on.

“This tournament is a priority in the way an Olympic athlete will do all of his training and programming to peak at a specific time,” Vickery tells BBC Sport.

“Certainly for Palmeiras, who really want to win it. This is an absolute priority for them and they have programmed to be at their peak now.”

Could the climate, which the Brazilian teams are used to, be helping give them an edge?

Both Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola have mentioned the extreme heat since the tournament started.

Chelsea trained in 37C before their 3-0 group win over ES Tunis in Philadelphia.

“It is almost impossible to train or to make a session because of the weather,” said Maresca last week, while Guardiola said before last Thursday’s match with Juventus that his players must be prepared to “suffer” in the challenging heat of Orlando.

The soaring temperatures across the United States have led to matches across the competition implementing water breaks during games.

But not all players have struggled in the heat.

“We’re used to it,” Botafogo right-back Vitinho, who spent two years at Burnley, said of the high temperatures.

Another factor to consider is that all four teams from Brazil had broken away from their domestic season, which runs from March until December, to take part.

While they appear fresh and sharp, teams from Europe went into the Club World Cup on the back of long seasons.

PSG’s first game against Atletico Madrid in Pasadena on 15 June came 15 days after their 5-0 mauling of Inter Milan in the Champions League final in Munich.

Vickery adds: “A few weeks ago the Flamengo president was saying to a mate of mine ‘we’re flying in mid-season’.

“For the European clubs… is it the end of their season? Is it pre-season? The European clubs, their planning hasn’t been to peak now.”

Vickery believes there is something else to factor into the conversation about Brazilian clubs doing well.

“There is more money in Brazilian football [than before]” he says. “The standard has risen over the last few seasons. One reason is because of the influx of foreign coaches.

“Of the four Brazilian clubs here – two have Portuguese coaches [Abel Ferreira – Palmeiras and Renato Paiva – Botafogo].

“There’s plenty of Portuguese and Argentine coaches in Brazilian football and it’s brought more ideas. Even Filipe Luis, the Brazilian coaching Flamengo, his back-up staff are all Spanish.

“There’s an openness to new ideas that there wasn’t a few years ago.”

Mendonca adds: “The timing of this competition is very good for South American teams. They are in the middle of their season, they are very well prepared physically.

“They have better conditions now to keep their talented players and even bring back some players. Flamengo, for example, signed Jorginho after leaving Arsenal, while Danilo and Alex Sandro have come from Juventus.

“Also Botafogo, they have kept Igor Jesus for this competition. After this he will go to Nottingham Forest.

“These are aspects that explain why Brazilian teams are performing very well.”

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Joao Pedro: Brighton reject two bids for forward by Premier League clubs

Brighton have rejected two bids by Premier League clubs for forward Joao Pedro.

The clubs have not been revealed, but Chelsea and Newcastle are currently targeting the Brazil striker.

Liverpool are also known to admire the 23-year-old, though are not pursuing a move at the moment.

The bids are reportedly about £50m, as Brighton hold out for at least £60m for Pedro, who was signed from Watford for a then club record £30m in 2023.

Pedro, who has three caps, is known to be keen to move away from the south coast, while Chelsea and Newcastle are able to offer him Champions League football.

Chelsea are targeting two forwards this summer with Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens in ongoing talks with the club.

The Blues see Pedro as a replacement for versatile forward Christopher Nkunku, who is expected to leave Stamford Bridge despite his current involvement in the Club World Cup.

Pedro scored 10 goals and six assists in 27 Premier League games for Brighton last season, but was excluded from the squad by manager Fabian Hurzeler for disciplinary reasons on the last day of the season.

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ITV The 1% Club’s ‘obvious’ question leaves viewers ‘face palming’ over wrong answer

The 1% Club on ITV has been a huge hit, but viewers have been left frustrated after realising how obvious the answer to a recent question was – if only they’d realised sooner

ITV The 1% Club's 'obvious' question leaves viewers 'face palming' over wrong answer
ITV The 1% Club’s ‘obvious’ question leaves viewers ‘face palming’ over wrong answer(Image: ITV)

Telly fans have admitted to “face palming” after missing an obvious answer on The 1% Club.

The ITV quiz show, hosted by comedian and actor Lee Mack, has become a firm favourite among viewers, despite often leaving them scratching their heads.

The game involves 100 contestants answering questions that have already been answered by the general public. The difficulty level increases with each round, culminating in a final question that only 1% of people are expected to know.

As Lee presents the 15 questions, the contestants – who each start with a £1,000 stake – are gradually eliminated. Contestants must lock in their answers within 30 seconds and can progress to the next round if they answer correctly or pass the round after the 50% question, reports Bristol Live.

Lee Mack hosting The 1% Club
Viewers have been pondering the ‘obvious’ question(Image: ITV)

Those who reach the final round could win up to £100,000 or share the prize pot. Meanwhile, those at home playing along on the app can simply enjoy the thrill of the game.

Viewers have often confessed to being “bamboozled” by tricky questions, but a recent one left fans kicking themselves when they realised how straightforward it was.

The question showed a grid filled with seemingly random letters and four question marks, asking: “What animal is missing?”.

At first glance, the grid appeared to be a jumble of letters, but upon reading the rows vertically and then horizontally, it revealed itself to be a nursery rhyme.

Lee Mack hosting The 1% Club
A quiz question from Lee Mack’s The 1% Club has left fans ‘face palming’(Image: ITV)

The first row read: O N E T W O, the second: T H R E E F, the third: O U R F I V, the fourth: E O N C E I, the fifth: C A U G H T, the sixth: A ? ? ? ? A, and the final one, with the last two spots blank: L I V E.A, and the last one, with two spaces unrevealed, displayed: L I V E.

The Facebook page that posted the brain teaser labelled it a 5% question while confessing they hadn’t attempted to solve it themselves.

They then revealed their frustration upon discovering the answer, which was echoed by many who later realised that if they’d read (and sung) the sequence vertically, they would have identified the answer as “fish”.

One baffled user exclaimed: “Oh god, when you see it! ! ! ! My brain is squeezing,”.

Someone nostalgically admitted: “Had to sing the rhyme for old times sake.”

Lee Mack, the host of ITV The 1% Club
Fans had a lot to say(Image: ITV)

A third confessed: “Fish. But took me longer than 30 seconds,” highlighting the challenge they faced.

One irritated commentator argued about the technicality of classifying a fish as an animal due to the wording in the question, whilst another said exasperatedly: “OMG! That took WAYYYY longer than needed..”

A particularly frustrated fan criticised the puzzle: “This is one of the worst questions I’ve ever seen. This isn’t even anything witty, you just have to know a rhyme lol. I noticed the numbers but how tf could I know the word unless I know the rhyme. Soooo dumb.”

Echoing the sentiment, someone agreed: “This one SUCKS because if you don’t know the nursery rhyme, you could guess any four letter animal. Bird, frog… anything. FFS.”

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Northern Ireland: ‘Winning mentality’ from clubs can help national team – Trai Hume

Northern Ireland defender Trai Hume says he hopes the success players have had with their clubs will translate on to the international stage.

Hume and Ballard won promotion to the Premier League with Sunderland, Conor Bradley helped Liverpool to the league title and Justin Devenny won the FA Cup with Crystal Palace.

Northern Ireland face Denmark and Iceland in a double-header of friendlies over the next week in the final matches before the start of 2026 World Cup qualifying in September.

“There are four players there who won a lot this season and hopefully we can bring that winning mentality,” said defender Hume.

“It definitely helps the team. Hopefully that can push the squad on further, we can keep pushing and get where we want to be as a nation.”

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Legendary journeyman footballer finally retires at 46 after playing more than 900 times for FORTY-TWO clubs

LEGENDARY football journeyman Jefferson Louis has retired at the age of 46 after playing over 900 times for 42 clubs.

The iconic striker had been slogging it out on the field since 1996 with Risborough Rangers.

Jefferson Louis, Wrexham football player.

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Iconic journeyman Jefferson Louis has retired from playingCredit: PA:Empics Sport
Jefferson Louis, Mansfield Town soccer player in action.

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The 46-year-old spent nearly 30 years playing for 42 different teamsCredit: PA:Empics Sport

Louis’ travels saw him play for an incredible 42 sides, including Oxford United, Bristol Rovers and Wrexham.

He was most recently playing Thame United in the Southern League Division One Central.

But after 903 career appearances, and more than FIFTY transfers, Louis has finally retired.

However, fans will be pleased to hear that he hasn’t quit football for good.

That’s because he has immediately taken an assistant coaching role at Slough Town, who compete in England’s sixth tier in the National League South.

Louis made five appearances there as a player in 2023.

During that time, he also worked as a performance coach for teammates.

And manager Scott Davies believes Louis has the right skills to become a hit in the dugout.

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He declared: “Football these days for me is more about mentality than ability. 

“Every player at the level has ability which has allowed them to get to this point, but it’s so important that we, as a management team can tap into their psychological side too.

Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers
Soccer player tackled during a game.

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Louis was transferred over 50 times as he clocked up 903 appearancesCredit: PA:Press Association
Soccer player controlling the ball during a match.

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The ace has now taken up a new job as assistant coach at Slough TownCredit: Getty Images – Getty

“Throughout the season, individuals will need one-to-one chats when things aren’t going as well as they may have hoped.

“And I strongly believe that with myself, Yella and now Jefferson joining the group, we’ve got all bases covered with the wealth of experience we have that we can now give back to the players.”

Slough fans reacted with delight at the news.

One said “Class this, great gaffer to learn off.”

Another declared: “Superb appointment, welcome back.”

One noted: “Absolutely love this, welcome Louis.”

Another added: “So much experience and knowledge at this level.”

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FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Full list of qualified clubs | Football News

The 32 teams are confirmed before the June 14 tournament start with Real Madrid, PSG and Inter Miami among the big names.

The revamped 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, to be held from June 14 to July 13 in the United States, features a record number of teams taking part.

Thirty-two clubs drawn from six FIFA confederations are allocated into eight groups of four, and each team will play three group stage matches in a round-robin format.

The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage, starting with the round of 16 and culminating with the final, to be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

The last two champions of the tournament –  Manchester City (2023) and Real Madrid (2022) – headline a long list of top-flight clubs from around the globe incentivised by the record $1bn prize purse spread between the confederations and the clubs.

The club that emerges as champions could take home up to $125m.

FIFA Club World Cup 2025 – 32 qualified teams:

Group A:

Palmeiras (Brazil)
Porto (Portugal)
Al Ahly (Egypt)
Inter Miami (US)

⚽ Group B:

Paris Saint-Germain (France)
Atletico Madrid (Spain)
Botafogo (Brazil)
Seattle Sounders (US)

⚽ Group C:

Bayern Munich (Germany)
Auckland City (New Zealand)
Boca Juniors (Argentina)
Benfica (Portugal)

⚽ Group D:

Flamengo (Brazil)
ES Tunis (Tunisia)
Chelsea (United Kingdom)
LAFC (US)

FIFA Club World Cup 2025 trophy.
The prize all 32 teams are playing for: the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 trophy [File: Fabio Teixeira/Anadolu via Getty Images]

⚽ Group E:

River Plate (Argentina)
Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)
Monterrey (Mexico)
Inter Milan (Italy)

⚽ Group F:

Fluminense (Brazil)
Borussia Dortmund (Germany)
Ulsan HD FC (South Korea)
Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)

⚽ Group G:

Manchester City (UK)
Wydad (Morocco)
Al Ain (United Arab Emirates)
Juventus (Italy)

⚽ Group H:

Real Madrid (Spain)
Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
Pachuca (Mexico)
FC Salzburg (Austria)

Kylian Mbappe in action
Forward Kylian Mbappe will headline a star-studded Real Madrid outfit at the Club World Cup with their first group match against Saudi side Al-Hilal on June 18, 2025 [File: Vincent West/Reuters]



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Sampdoria relegated to Serie C for first time in Genoa-based club’s history

The month before Sampdoria’s play-off exit Pirlo was called “a key part of the project” by the club’s owners, but three games into the current campaign he was dismissed following two defeats and a draw.

Andrea Sottil replaced him and oversaw a Coppa Italia penalty-shootout victory against Genoa in the first Derby della Lanterna in two years.

However, he too was jettisoned in October 2024 after just four wins in 14 games and replaced by Leonardo Semplici.

With the club in the drop zone, a 3-0 home defeat by Frosinone at the end of March was the tipping point for the fans as patience with Semplici ran out.

The team bus carrying Semplici and his Sampdoria players was pelted by stones and flares by angry supporters after the match at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium.

Semplici was relieved of his duties in April with Alberico Evani – the club’s fourth coach of the season – tasked with keeping them up.

Things began promisingly for Evani with club legend Attilio Lombardo in as assistant and another Sampdoria icon in Roberto Mancini helping in an unofficial capacity.

Evani began with a 1-0 win over fellow strugglers Cittadella, but three draws, a defeat and just one win since then have not been enough to keep them up.

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‘It’s like a second Berlin wall’: The art of door selection at Berlin techno clubs

Berlin-based musicologist Dr. Liam Cagney shares his thoughts on the recent University of Bath study sharing the elusive paradox of door selection at Berlin’s infamous techno clubs

Image inside a nightclub with light display
Germany’s culture ministry added Berlin’s techno scene to the country’s list of intangible cultural heritage in 2024.

The criteria for getting into Berlin’s renowned techno clubs has long been shrouded in mystery, but a recent study sought to shed light on the door selection process. Published in the Journal of Marketing, the research from the University of Bath, King’s College London, and Freie Universität Berlin revealed door ‘selectors’ paradoxically look for people that ‘fit in’ and ‘stand out’ to add to the experience.

But according to Berlin-based writer and musicologist, Dr. Liam Cagney, the study only tells part of the story. Cagney suggests that Berlin’s club scene exists “somewhere between a public space and a private space” making the criteria for door selection more of an artform.

Professional shot of Dr. Liam Cagney
The Berlin-based writer and musicologist is a regular within Berlin’s techno club scene. Berghain in particular.(Image: Thomas Margraf)

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“The door selectors are like people who are giving out invitations to attend the party…they’re inviting people to come into their house in a way,” explains Cagney. He says that Berlin’s heritage means that clubs are space for rethinking social interactions and that significance can cause confusion for club tourists that show up and expect to be allowed in.

That said, he accepts that clubs make use of the experience economy and monopolise on people’s curiosity for business reasons. “It’s like a big, imposing wall, almost like a second Berlin wall,” says Cagney. “There’s probably an intentional aspect of keeping things hidden and that excites desire.”

Social platforms like TikTok have driven swarms of ‘techno tourists’ to the city and to test their luck getting into the most scrupulous clubs. There are also dedicated Reddit threads and videos about how to act and dress to increase your chances of getting invited inside well-known haunts like Berghain and Tresor.

According to Cagney, the social media tourists have brought a more “consumerist attitude” to the scene and can negatively affect the experience of regulars. “You notice them appearing in the club and they’re kind of looking around as if they’re at a zoo”.

Image inside a dimly lit club in Berlin
One of Berlin’s most infamous clubs is Berghain, originally known as Ostgut(Image: ullstein bild via Getty Images)

In Cagney’s view, it’s up to the bouncers to protect the space for regulars. He says that he’s seen the bouncers get creative when it comes to dealing with who gets in on a given night. He describes one evening when it seems bouncers were rejecting anyone wearing black. “It was like they decided, okay, we’re going to f–k with this today. We’re going to buck the stereotype.”

Still, being rejected at the doors after you’ve queued for hours is certainly a gutting experience, and Cagney says he and other Berghain regulars are not immune. But he contends that the current system is the “least bad option”, even though the door gets it wrong at times.

But that’s why Cagney says reframing the idea of Berlin techno clubs as more of a personal ‘party’ rather than just an entertainment venue is so important. “The unpredictability does make it more inaccessible, but it becomes less unpredictable once you’re really becoming more of an insider,” says Cagney.

Sometimes it just isn’t your night and that’s solely up to the discretion of the bouncers. Cagney recalls one tale of the bouncers deciding who to let in based only on their footwear. “I think occasionally they probably play a little bit with each other as well. They make up games to keep themselves amused.” Unpredictability is part of the territory.

Cagney will be publishing his novel, Berghain Nights, in October 2025. The book is an exploration of Berlin’s club scene. Blending essay and memoir and includes interviews with major electronic dance music artists and other members of Berlin’s night-time economy.

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