LONDON (AFP) - Newcastle United director Amanda Staveley on Thursday (Oct 7) said the club's new Saudi-led ownership aims to win the Premier League within 10 years after a £300 million (S$500 million) takeover. A consortium headed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund passed the Premier League's owners' and directors' test to become the club's new proprietors alongside Staveley's investment firm PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media. The move ended the trophyless 14-year ownership of the club by billionaire retail tycoon Mike Ashley, who is widely disliked by Newcastle supporters. Asked about her vision for Newcastle over the next five to 10 years, Staveley told Sky Sports: "Newcastle United deserves to be top of the Premier League. It will take time, but we will get there." The Magpies are one of England's best-supported clubs but have not won a major domestic trophy since 1955. Staveley sought to temper expectations about Newcastle's immediate prospects as fans and former players dreamed about a brighter cash-fuelled future. "We want to be great custodians of this club," the British financier added. "What we don't want to be in danger of is over-promising. "Newcastle is the best team in the world and we want to see it get those trophies, top of the Premier League, in Europe. To get trophies means investment, patience, time." More on this topic Related Story Football: Saudi Arabia-led consortium completes Newcastle takeover Related Story Football: Amnesty voices 'sportswashing' fears over Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle The 48-year-old was tight-lipped about the future of manager Steve Bruce, with many Newcastle fans calling for his removal. "I'm not able to talk about anything as to players or managers. I did speak to the manager and we look forward to speaking to him over the next few days. "We're very supportive of Steve. What we're going to do is not talk about managers or what big signings we can make," she said. "We're going to review the football operations, the commercial side, and come back and make some decisions." Newcastle's next match is a home Premier League fixture against Tottenham on October 17. The club are second from bottom of the table with three points and no wins from their opening seven league games. More on this topic Related Story Football: Newcastle fans rejoice at takeover talk but Saudi investment raises questions Related Story Football: Newcastle manager Bruce accepts he may be sacked after takeover
LONDON (AFP) - Manchester United were held at home by Everton on Saturday (Oct 2) after Cristiano Ronaldo was dropped to the subs bench as Chelsea scored two late goals against Southampton to top the Premier League table. Elsewhere, Brighton drew 0-0 with Arsenal to end the Gunners' recent winning streak while Leeds earned their first league win of the season and Norwich avoided defeat for the first time. United's 1-1 draw at Old Trafford continues an unimpressive run of home results including a League Cup defeat by West Ham and last week's shock Premier League loss at the hands of Aston Villa. Ronaldo has scored five times in six games in all competitions since rejoining the club in late August but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he did not regret resting the 36-year-old - who scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner against Villarreal in midweek. "You make decisions throughout the season, you've got to manage the players' workload," said the Norwegian manager. "The decision was, for me, the correct one today. "We have started better than last season, but it is still not what we wanted." Everton created plenty of chances in the opening period but fell behind shortly before half-time when surprise pick Anthony Martial curled home his first Premier League goal since February from a Bruno Fernandes pass. Solskjaer called on Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho 12 minutes after half-time as he looked to put the game beyond Rafael Benitez's men but Everton ruthlessly exposed United's frailty on the counter-attack. Demarai Gray won the ball back on the left and freed Abdoulaye Doucoure into acres of space in midfield. Doucoure played in Andros Townsend to fire home his fifth goal in nine appearances. Townsend performed a Ronaldo-style "Siuuu" goal celebration and said it was done in tribute to the Portuguese superstar, whom he said was his "idol". Everton thought they had won it late on but Yerry Mina's close-range finish from a Tom Davies pass was ruled out for offside following a VAR review. Chelsea strike late Chelsea ended a miserable week on a high, with Timo Werner and Ben Chilwell striking late in a 3-1 win against Southampton, who are still without a league victory this season. The three points lifted the Stamford Bridge club to the top of the Premier League on 16 points, two clear of Liverpool, Manchester United and Everton. Thomas Tuchel's side, tipped by many to win the Premier League in the early weeks of the season, were well beaten by Manchester City last week and lost to Juventus in the Champions League in midweek. But they returned to winning ways in London on Saturday, helped by a second-half red card for Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse. More on this topic Related Story Football: Martial nets on return but Man United held at home by Everton in latest slip-up Related Story Football: Fernandes takes aim at United's slow second half, struggles with counters Trevoh Chalobah nodded Chelsea into an early lead but Ward-Prowse levelled from the penalty spot just after the hour mark before he was sent off in the 77th minute for a dangerous tackle on Jorginho after a VAR check. Werner provided the decisive moment, sliding in from Cesar Azpilicueta's cross before Chilwell volleyed in from close range on 89 minutes to secure the victory. "After two defeats we had to be careful that we didn't start being too sad or too worried because there was a chance to be on 16 points," Tuchel told the BBC. "It was important to have a better performance than the last two games, that we sharpened our mindset so that we are not afraid to lose. It was nice to play the way we did and get a deserved win." More on this topic Related Story Football: Chelsea beat 10-man Southampton 3-1 to get back on track Related Story Football: Tuchel hails Chelsea's fresh faces after win over Southampton Mikel Arteta's Arsenal were bottom of the Premier League table after three matches before three consecutive wins lifted them to the comfort of mid-table. But they were found it tough to break down high-flying Brighton in a soggy evening contest on England's south coast with the teams managing just four shots on target between them in the goalless stalemate. Earlier, Leeds beat Watford 1-0 thanks to a first-half strike by Diego Llorente while Hwang Hee-chan struck twice as Wolves beat struggling Newcastle 2-1. Norwich stopped the rot against Burnley after six straight league defeats but they remain rock bottom of the Premier League table with just a single point from seven games after a 0-0 draw. Liverpool host Manchester City in the pick of Sunday's Premier League matches. More on this topic Related Story Football: Brighton held to goalless draw by unimpressive Arsenal Related Story On The Ball: A counter to Guardiola's well-laid plans is key to victory for Klopp
LONDON (AFP) - Tottenham manager Nuno Espirito Santo believes Harry Kane's poor start to the season is down to a lack of cohesion in his team. Kane is yet to score a Premier League goal this term amid claims the striker is struggling due to a hangover from his failed attempt to force a transfer to Manchester City. Frustrated by Tottenham's refusal to sell him to the Premier League champions, Kane claimed he had a "gentleman's agreement" with the club that he could leave. The England captain returned late to pre-season training and missed the opening weekend win over City before finally conceding defeat in his bid to join Pep Guardiola's men. Kane has looked a shadow of the player that won the Premier League Golden Boot last term. He has yet to score in four Premier League games and went through his first ever 90 minutes without having a shot in the loss at Crystal Palace on September 11. The 28-year-old's only club goals so far this season came against minnows Pacos Ferreira in the Europa Conference League. But Nuno, speaking ahead of Wednesday's League Cup tie at Wolves, admitted Kane has not been helped by Tottenham's considerable lack of attacking threat. "The realisation that we are not able to build enough situations is the problem that we have," Nuno said. "All individual situations that happen with the players - touches, actions - are a product of the team. "At the same time we've got to analyse and we look at the problems we have in defence. "It's the same approach in terms of analysing the situation. It has to do with the team. Our main focus must always be the team." After winning their opening three league games, Tottenham have suffered two successive 3-0 defeats, including Sunday's limp loss to Chelsea. Nuno believes hard work is the key to getting back on track. "We are on it. We are working hard. We are aware that we have problems we have to improve on," he said. "The energy is exactly the same. Of course when things are well, you smile, you're happy. This is life. But my energy? It's always the same."
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND (REUTERS) - Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez scored twice as the holders moved into the League Cup fourth round with a 6-1 home win over League One (third tier) Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday (Sept 21). Liverpool also progressed without trouble by winning 3-0 at Norwich City in their all-Premier League tie with Japanese forward Takumi Minamino on target twice and Divock Origi also scoring. But with most top flight teams making several changes from the first-choice line-ups, there were Premier League casualties with Everton and Watford knocked out by lower league opponents. Brandon Hanlan gave Wycombe a shock lead at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium in the 22nd minute but the hosts took a 3-1 lead by halftime with goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Mahrez and Phil Foden before running away with the game in the second half. City’s rout was completed when 19-year-old Cole Palmer scored their sixth, his first goal for the club on a night when manager Pep Guardiola gave debuts to five young products of the club’s academy. “I am just going to say thank you very much to all the Academy... They have many good players, not just one or two. All of them are incredibly well-educated people. Thanks to their families. We have talented players. We can count on them absolutely,” said Guardiola. Top flight Brentford’s Finnish forward Marcus Forss scored four as they crushed League Two (fourth tier) bottom side Oldham Athletic 7-0 in their third round tie. Burnley’s Jay Rodriguez also claimed four goals in his Premier League team’s 4-1 victory over League Two Rochdale at Turf Moor. Everton lost 8-7 in a penalty shootout at Queens Park Rangers after their game ended 2-2 following 90 minutes. Charlie Austin had scored twice for QPR to put them 2-1 up before Andros Townsend’s 47th minute equaliser for Everton. In the shootout, QPR keeper Seny Dieng pushed a Tom Davies spotkick onto the post and Rangers’ defender Jimmy Dunne converted the decisive penalty. Premier League Watford were knocked out by Championship (second-tier) Stoke City, losing 3-1 at Vicarage Road. Top flight Southampton needed penalties to beat Championship side Sheffield United 4-2 after that game ended 2-2 and Leeds United also cut it fine, surviving a shootout at Fulham to triumph 6-5 following a goalless draw. There is no extra time in the League Cup with ties going straight to penalties if they are drawn after 90 minutes. The remainder of the third-round ties will be played on Wednesday.
WOLVERHAMPTON (AFP) - Manchester United set a Premier League record of 28 away games without defeat as Mason Greenwood's strike 10 minutes from time snatched a fortunate 1-0 win at Wolves on Sunday (Aug 29). The visiting fans at Molineux were euphoric even before kick-off in United's first game since a deal was agreed to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford. Ronaldo was not present with the paperwork for his move yet to be completed, but United did hand a first start to their other two big summer signings Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho. Those additions have raised expectations for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men to challenge for a first Premier League title since 2013, but it was a teenager from their own academy that allowed the Red Devils to escape with the win. Amid the huge excitement over Ronaldo's return to the club where he first made his name as a world star, there have been questions over what his arrival will mean for the development of Greenwood. The 19-year-old has now become the first teenager since Robbie Fowler to score in the first three games of a Premier League season. Wolves have yet to pick up a point or even score in new manager Bruno Lage's first three league games in charge and their issues in front of goal spoiled an otherwise promising performance. Adama Traore was linked with a move to be reunited with his former manager Nuno Espirito Santo at top-of-the-table Tottenham this week and the two sides to the Spaniard's game were clearly in evidence. Traore's terrifying pace saw him streak past Paul Pogba and Fred to tee up Raul Jimenez, but the Mexican's shot was comfortably saved at his near post by David de Gea. Less than 10 minutes were on the clock when United were torn apart again by the threat of Traore as this time Francisco Trincao bore down on goal and only a brilliant block from Aaron Wan-Bissaka prevented a certain goal. Joao Moutinho also flashed an effort just off target as Wolves' number of attempts on goal without scoring in their opening three games passed beyond 50. By contrast, the visitors' ability to turn games in an instant was shown as Fernandes smashed home from Pogba's pass over the top only to be flagged offside. Greenwood was then inches away from snatching a lead for United going into half-time with a powerful drive that flew just wide in a warning of what was to come for Wolves. More on this topic Related Story Football: Cristiano Ronaldo set to complete Man United return after day of high transfer drama Related Story Football: Cristiano Ronaldo to earn more than $1 million a week, says Telegraph United also needed David de Gea to come to their rescue as the Spanish goalkeeper produced a miraculous reaction save to deny Romain Saiss the opener midway through the second-half after he had parried the Moroccan's first ever. And the game was decided by a tale of two keepers. Wolves were furious when the only goal of the game arrived as Ruben Neves felt he had been fouled by Pogba. But with referees under strict guidelines to let the game flow more in the Premier League this season, Mike Dean waved play on and the ball was fed wide to Greenwood, who thrashed the ball low and hard on his weaker right foot through the grasp of Jose Sa. The Portuguese goalkeeper should have done much better, but United did not care as they moved level with Chelsea and Liverpool in a bunch of five sides just two points behind Tottenham. More on this topic Related Story Football: England's Greenwood out of Euro 2020 due to injury Related Story Football: Bamford, Alexander-Arnold in England squad, Greenwood left out
LONDON (REUTERS) - Norwich City thumped second-tier Bournemouth 6-0 in the League Cup second round on Tuesday (Aug 24)but some of their Premier League rivals lived dangerously before overcoming lowly opponents. Rafa Benitez's Everton were down to 10 men after 59 minutes at Championship side Huddersfield Town when forward Moise Kean was shown a straight red card with the score at 1-1 but Andros Townsend grabbed a 79th minute winner for the visitors. The goal was new signing Townsend's first for the Toffees and came after a Tom Lees header on the stroke of halftime had cancelled out Alex Iwobi's 26th minute opener for Everton. Kean had the ball in the net but was ruled offside and then was sent off after an off the ball incident. "We created chances and took control," said Benitez. "They had more belief after they scored the goal. They were pushing after that and then the sending-off changed things." Brentford, flying high on their return to the Premier League, were a goal down at home to fourth-tier Forest Green Rovers but ran out 3-1 winners with three second-half strikes. Forest Green played with 10 men for the last 10 minutes after Ebou Adams was sent off. "We made nine changes and changed the formation as well, maybe that didn't help, maybe I didn't help the boys as much as I should have done," said Brentford boss Thomas Frank. Patrick Vieira's Crystal Palace were the sole Premier League casualties of the evening, losing 1-0 in their all top-flight clash at Watford after Ashley Fletcher fired in a right-footed shot four minutes from time. Norwich opened the floodgates in one of three earlier kickoffs, with their new U.S. international signing Josh Sargent and Greek winger Christos Tzolis each scoring twice on their full debuts at Carrow Road. The Canaries were 3-0 up by halftime with Bournemouth managing only one shot on target throughout the 90 minutes. Aston Villa thrashed fourth-tier Barrow 6-0 away, with teenager Cameron Archer netting a hat-trick, while Leeds United left it late at Elland Road before putting three past League One side Crewe Alexandra in the last 11 minutes for a 3-0 win. More on this topic Related Story Football: Arteta eyes League Cup tonic for troubled Arsenal Wolverhampton Wanderers beat second-tier Nottingham Forest 4-0 on the road, their first win of the season, with all the goals coming after the break. Brighton & Hove Albion saw off Championship side Cardiff City 2-0 after Jakub Moder scored from outside the box in the ninth minute and Andi Zeqiri doubled the tally in the 55th. Arsenal play at West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday while Newcastle United host Burnley and Southampton visit Newport County. The third round draw follows those matches.
Football: EPL says its clubs won’t release players for internationals in Covid-19 red-list countries
LONDON (AFP) - The Premier League on Tuesday (Aug 24) announced its clubs will not release players for international matches played in red-list countries next month. Amid frustration that players who travelled to red-list countries would have to follow British coronavirus quarantine regulations ruling them out of several of their club's matches, the league has revealed a blanket ban for the September fixtures. The Egyptian Football Association had said on Monday that Liverpool would not release Mohamed Salah for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Angola and Gabon due to the quarantine rules. It was also reported that Liverpool would refuse to release Fabinho, Roberto Firmino and Alisson Becker for Brazil's three upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Both Egypt and Brazil are on the British Government's red list, with "mandatory isolation for 10 days" for travellers returning from those countries. With tension mounting over the club versus country issue, the Premier League took matters into their own hands. Like the Liverpool trio, Manchester City stars Ederson and Gabriel Jesus will now not be allowed to play for Brazil. Leeds' Raphinha, Fred of Manchester United, Everton striker Richarlison and Chelsea's Thiago Silva were also among the Brazil players affected. Argentina is on the red-list so Tottenham's Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso, as well as Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez and Emiliano Buendia, will be unable to travel. "Premier League clubs have today reluctantly but unanimously decided not to release players for international matches played in red-list countries next month," the Premier League said in a statement on their website. "The clubs' decision, which is strongly supported by the Premier League, will apply to nearly 60 players from 19 Premier League clubs who are due to travel to 26 red-list countries in the September international window. "This follows Fifa's current position not to extend its temporary release exception for players required to quarantine on their return from international duty." 'Extensive discussions' The row could rumble on however, with Paraguay's football federation vowing to take their case to Fifa if Newcastle refuse to release key forward Miguel Almiron. "We have already contacted the English federation by writing to request the release of Almiron. If we are not successful we will go straight to Fifa's Player Status Committee, activating the mechanisms provided in the regulations," Luis Kannonikof, the Paraguayan federation's general secretary, told AFP. Paraguay are due to face Ecuador, Colombia and Venezuela between Sept 2 and Sept 9. "The exception that allows clubs to refuse to release players is no longer in effect, therefore the release is mandatory for all clubs. It must be respected," added Kannonikof. The problem was exacerbated by the recent decision of world governing body Fifa to extend the September and October international windows in South America by two days to catch up on postponed fixtures. A potential solution would have been for the British Government to grant quarantine exemptions for players. Discussions were held between football authorities and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport but a relaxation of rules was not considered. The Government did not feel it could make allowances for footballers as it seeks to protect public health. Last season, Fifa granted clubs dispensation not to release players where quarantine was an issue. "Extensive discussions have taken place with both The FA and the Government to find a solution, but due to ongoing public health concerns relating to incoming travellers from red-list countries, no exemption has been granted," the Premier League statement said. "If required to quarantine on return from red-list countries, not only would players' welfare and fitness be significantly impacted, but they would also be unavailable to prepare for and play in two Premier League match rounds, a Uefa club competition matchday and the third round of the EFL Cup." Premier League chief executive Richard Masters added: "Premier League clubs have always supported their players' desires to represent their countries - this is a matter of pride for all concerned. "However, clubs have reluctantly but rightly come to the conclusion that it would be entirely unreasonable to release players under these new circumstances." 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LOS ANGELES, CA., Aug 6, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - The NFT Experience is the premier event put on yearly by major NFT production house, NFT Genius. This year's virtual event will include Mark Cuban discussing why he is picking winners and losers in the NFT space, making comparisons to Web 1.0, and what he is looking for in future NFT investments. Roham Gharegozlou of Dapper Labs will be discussing NBA Top Shot and how to break into the NFT Market.NFT ExperienceMark CubanWith 40 other panelists that work in the NFT industry other topics include:- NFTs and Hollywood- NFTs and Mainstream Culture- Play-To-Earn Gaming and Beyond- Can NFTs Power the Future of Commerce and Business?- NFTs: The New Sports Trading Card"As NFTs continue dominating both mainstream and crypto media, it's hard to imagine a time when they never existed. During The NFT Experience, we will journey back through the history of NFTs to understand how they originated, how they've changed, and how they'll continue radically innovating the future of digital technology," says Jeremy Born, CEO of NFT Genius.The event will be held online Wednesday, August 11th, and Thursday August 12th. The event is free to attend. There is also a $100 VIP ticket option which will earn you NFTs from the NFT Genius collection, like those from their internal property Bitcoin Origins, which is built on the Wax Blockchain. Visit TheNFTExp.com to register for the event and learn more about the topics.Unique NFT projects are arising every day, disrupting unexpected markets, and supplying new streams of revenue for creators around the world. But what will the rapidly evolving space look like in a year, let alone five or ten years? Join these experts in the space as they discuss their viewpoints on how NFTs will evolve, what industries they will enter next, and if the NFT "bubble" will ever reach its breaking point.NFT Genius is a leading digital production company transforming the way in which brands connect and interact with their customers. With utility and experiential design at its core, NFT Genius is radically changing the world of digital collectibles, one meaningful experience at a time.Contact:Charles AdkinsMarketing Director- NFT Genius charles@nftgenius.com Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)
LONDON (REUTERS) - Manchester City have signed England midfielder Jack Grealish on a six-year contract after paying the £100 million (S$188 million) release clause, Aston Villa announced on Thursday (Aug 5), making him the most expensive player in Premier League history. Grealish’s move to Premier League champions City breaks the previous record held by France midfielder Paul Pogba, who rejoined Manchester United from Juventus in 2016 for a reported fee of £89.3 million. The 25-year-old had four years left on his Villa contract after signing a new deal in September last year. Villa chief executive officer Christian Purslow said Grealish had signed the new contract on the condition that if a club playing in the Champions League were interested in signing him, Villa would not stand in the way if they were not in the competition. Villa finished 11th last season, failing to qualify for the Champions League. Grealish started his career at Villa’s academy before making his senior debut in 2014. The playmaker, who was given the captain’s armband in March 2019, played more than 200 games for the West Midlands club, scoring 32 goals. ‘City the best team' in England Grealish represented Ireland at youth level but switched allegiance to England in 2015, making his Under-21 debut a year later. He earned his senior cap in September 2020 and has since played 12 times for the Three Lions. He was part of England’s campaign at Euro 2020, where coach Gareth Southgate’s team lost to Italy in a penalty shootout in the final. Grealish’s signing will strengthen manager Pep Guardiola’s squad as the Spaniard looks to retain their Premier League title and fight for Champions League glory. “City are the best team in the country with a manager considered to be the best in the world – it’s a dream come true to be part of this club,” Grealish said in a statement. “Over the past 10 seasons, they have won major trophies consistently. Pep (Guardiola) coming here has taken them to the next level and the football this team plays is the most exciting in Europe.” British media said City are also keen to sign Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane for a fee reported to be in excess of £100 million. City face FA Cup holders Leicester City in the Community Shield on Saturday. They begin their league title defence with a trip to Spurs on Aug 15. More on this topic Related Story Football: Covid-19 rules behind Kane's absence from Spurs training, reports say, amid Man City transfer talk
LONDON(AFP) - Liverpool midfielder Fabinho has signed a new long-term contract with the Premier League club, they announced on Tuesday (Aug 3). The Brazil international is the second key member of Jurgen Klopp's first-team squad to extend their time at Anfield after Trent Alexander-Arnold completed a new deal last month. "I'm delighted to have signed a new contract with the club," Fabinho told liverpoolfc.com, with British media reporting his contract would run until before the start of the 2026/27 campaign. "Since the beginning of the conversation, I was really positive about it because it's what I wanted - staying in this club, keep playing for Liverpool. Now this is official and I'm really happy. "These last three seasons, I've been really happy here. I learnt a lot with the manager, with all the staff, with the boys as well. "We achieved things together and, for me, I think it's the best place to be, the best place to keep growing, to keep learning from the staff, from the boys. Hopefully, we will keep achieving good things." Fabinho's old contract was due to expire at the end of the upcoming campaign. The 27-year-old joined Liverpool from Monaco in 2018 and has since made 122 appearances for the Reds, helping the Merseyside club win both the Champions League and Premier League. More on this topic Related Story Football: Van Dijk returns for Liverpool after nine months Related Story Football: Wijnaldum didn't feel 'Liverpool love'
MADRID (REUTERS) - Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus said on Friday (July 30) they will continue with plans for a European Super League after a court ruled that governing body Uefa terminate disciplinary proceedings against founding members of the breakaway project. The three clubs released a joint statement welcoming a Madrid court's decision on Friday asking Uefa to revoke action against them for planning the creation of the Super League. Juventus, Barcelona and Real Madrid are the last ones standing of the 12 clubs that signed up to the breakaway project in April, only for it to unravel when six Premier League clubs plus Inter Milan, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid withdrew. The 17th Mercantile Court of Madrid ordered that all financial and sporting penalties against the founding members of the Super League were dropped, including the potential €100 million (S$160 million) non-compliance penalty for the nine clubs who backed out of the project should they rejoin it, as they agreed with Uefa. "The Court backs the request made by the promoters of the European Super League, dismisses Uefa's appeal, and confirms its warning to Uefa that failure to comply with its ruling shall result in fines and potential criminal liability," the clubs said. "The case will be assessed by the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg, which shall review Uefa's monopolistic position over European football... We are pleased that going forward we will no longer be subject to ongoing Uefa threats. "Our aim is to keep developing the Super League project in a constructive and cooperative manner... We remain confident in the success of a project that will be always compliant with European Union laws." Uefa declined to comment when contacted by Reuters. The Court also ordered that Uefa requests that the Premier League and Italian Football Federation cancel all measures taken against the clubs from their leagues. This includes the £22 million(S$40 million) "good-will payment" and threat of a future 30-point deduction to the Premier League's "Big Six", issued on June 9. The Italian FA had said they would ban Italian sides who participate in any future Super League from competing in the country's top division, Serie A. The judgment also said the Premier League and Italian FA must abstain from putting in place any measures that might, directly or indirectly, hinder the founding of a European Super League. More on this topic Related Story Football: Real, Barca and Juve stand firm on Super League Related Story Football: Premier League Big Six reach settlement over Super League Unlike in the Champions League, where teams have to qualify through the domestic league, the founding Super League teams guaranteed themselves a place in the new competition every year. The Super League argued it would boost revenue for top clubs and allow them to distribute more money to the rest of the game. However, the sport's governing bodies, other teams and fan organisations countered that it would increase the power and wealth of the elite clubs and the partially-closed structure of the league went against European football's long-standing model. Seeking to dissuade future breakaways, Uefa had sought to impose stiff penalties on the rebel clubs but suspended disciplinary proceedings in June. More on this topic Related Story What's the uproar over the European Super League about and will it actually happen? Related Story Football: Massive backlash as European giants announce breakaway Super League Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus have continued to defend the Super League plan, releasing joint statements in May complaining of unacceptable third-party pressures and threats to abandon the project. Despite their involvement in the proposed European Super League, the three clubs have been admitted to the 2021-22 Champions League.
LIVERPOOL (REUTERS) - Everton have signed Andros Townsend on a two-year deal after the winger's contract at fellow Premier League club Crystal Palace ended while veteran goalkeeper Asmir Begovic penned an initial one-year contract, the club announced on Tuesday (July 20). A veteran of nearly 250 Premier League appearances with Tottenham Hotspur, Queens Park Rangers and Newcastle United, former England international Townsend spent five seasons with Palace and is Everton's first signing under Rafa Benitez. "Everton is a massive football club and has big ambitions next season. As the old cliché goes, it was a no-brainer," Townsend, 30, told the Everton website. "Rafa is very experienced. He does a lot of work on the tactical side on the training pitch, he leaves no stone unturned... He's a great man-manager and he's always talking to you. I'm sure he will be very successful here." With Begovic, Everton said they had the option to extend his contract for a further year. Begovic was a free agent after his contract with Championship side Bournemouth expired. The 34-year-old won the Premier League title with Chelsea in the 2016-17 season. "The ambition is to get this club to where it belongs. We want to be challenging for those European spots, challenging for trophies and being in that upper echelon of the league," Begovic said. Everton, who finished 10th last season, begin the new league campaign at home to Southampton on Aug 14. More on this topic Related Story Football: Benitez appointed Everton manager on three-year deal
LONDON (REUTERS) - Premier League teams have agreed in principle to an Owners' Charter that will "reaffirm the values and expectations placed on clubs and their owners" in a bid to stop any future English involvement in a European Super League project. It was one of a number of decisions taken at the organisation's Annual General Meeting on Thursday (June 10) that included the confirmation of financial sanctions totalling a combined £22 million (S$40 million) for the six clubs who signed up to the Super League. "Shareholders discussed a range of matters and recommitted to build on the collective of all 20 clubs to benefit the wider game," the Premier League said in a statement. "Following yesterday's agreement between the Premier League, the FA and the six clubs involved in the proposals to form a European Super League, shareholders today approved rules to further protect the League against any future competition breakaways. "Clubs in breach of the new rules will be subject to significant sanctions." Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur will each be fined £25 million and face a 30-point deduction if they attempt another breakaway. "These additional rules and regulations are being put in place to ensure the principles of the Premier League and open competition are protected and provide certainty and stability for our clubs and their fans," the statement concluded. More on this topic Related Story Football: Premier League Big Six reach settlement over Super League Related Story Football: Uefa suspends legal action against Super League rebels
LONDON (REUTERS) - Manchester City captain Fernandinho has been included on the list of players set to be released at the end of the season, the Premier League said on Friday (June 4). Although City have not made an official announcement on the Brazilian midfielder's departure, the 36-year-old is into the final month of his current deal and is yet to agree on an extension. The list of released players also includes Fernandinho's team mates Sergio Aguero and Eric Garcia, who have already agreed moves to Barcelona. The Premier League said it is not a definitive list with players still potentially signing contract extensions with their respective clubs before their existing deals expire on June 30. Fernandinho, who joined City from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013, has helped lead the club to four Premier League titles and six League Cups, as well as their first Champions League final where they lost 1-0 to Chelsea last weekend. More on this topic Related Story Football: Fernandinho signs year-long Man City extension Related Story Football: City's season still exceptional despite Champions League loss, says Guardiola
PORTO, PORTUGAL (REUTERS) - Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola said their season remained an exceptional one despite the campaign ending in disappointment with a 1-0 loss to Chelsea in Saturday's (May 29) Champions League final. City clinched a fifth Premier League title in the last 10 years with ease this season, Guardiola's third domestic crown since arriving at the club, but the Champions League continues to remain elusive after Kai Havertz's winning goal for Chelsea. It was City's first appearance in the final of Europe's elite club competition but they ultimately came up short, but Guardiola was still happy with his side's work this term. "I would like to say it was an exceptional season for us," said the Spaniard. "It was a dream for us to be here, unfortunately we could not win. "For most of us in this club it is the first time here, but we work to come back one day. "It was a tough season in the pandemic, but we learn from this for the future. I have incredible respect for the players, they gave everything, but we will come back stronger. I want to congratulate them for their exceptional season." Guardiola has won two Champions League titles as a manager, both with Barcelona, but none since 2011, and was again unable to bring City their first European Cup. City, who won the League Cup as well as the Premier League title, have been relentless at times this season, but on their big night they could only muster one shot on target all match. More on this topic Related Story Football: Chelsea shatter dream of Guardiola’s Man City to win Champions League final Related Story Football: Pupil beats master as Chelsea's Tuchel gets the better of Guardiola "It was a tight game and we had some chances, but against the defensive structure of Chelsea it is not easy," Guardiola said. "We struggled with long balls and second balls. In that moment you need the inspiration and quality, there were three or four moments that were close but didn't arrive. "We played in the Champions League final, we won the Premier League again and competed well all season. Now, I want to go home with my family I have not seen for a long time, take a break, and start working on how to approach next season." More on this topic Related Story Football: Goal scorer Havertz in dreamland after tough season Related Story Football: Tuchel says he sensed Chelsea would win Champions League
PORTO, PORTUGAL (REUTERS) - A season that at times must have felt like a nightmare for Chelsea’s German youngster Kai Havertz ended in dreamland when his goal sealed a 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the Champions League final on Saturday (May 29). The 21-year-old struck in the 42nd minute to give underdogs Chelsea a deserved win, instantly repaying a large chunk of the club-record 72 million pounds (S$130 million) he cost when he joined from Bayer Leverkusen last year. With impeccable timing Havertz scored his first-ever Champions League goal, racing on to Mason Mount’s superb through ball and evading out-rushing City keeper Ederson before calmly rolling the ball into an unguarded net. It capped a remarkable turnaround for Havertz who looked like a fish out of water earlier in the season as he struggled to get to grips with the demands of the Premier League. He suffered a further setback when he caught Covid-19 in November, admitting that it took him two or three weeks to recover from the virus. But all that was forgotten on Saturday as Havertz became the youngest German player to score in a Champions League final since Borussia Dortmund’s Lars Ricken in 1997. “I don’t know what to say. I really don’t know what to say. I waited a long time,” Havertz said on the pitch. “I’ve waited 15 years for this moment and now it’s here.” Tuchel effect Havertz’s lack of form was a contributory factor in Frank Lampard being sacked as Chelsea manager in January, by which time the player had managed only one Premier League goal. Even when fellow German Thomas Tuchel took over, the forward continued to struggle for form and did not manage another goal in the Premier League until April. But under Tuchel, Havertz has slowly begun to show the flair that made him such a target for Europe’s biggest clubs. It was perhaps a slight surprise that he was give the nod to start in Porto on Saturday ahead of Christian Pulisic. More on this topic Related Story Football: Chelsea shatter dream of Guardiola’s Man City to win Champions League final Related Story Football: Pupil beats master as Chelsea's Tuchel gets the better of Guardiola But he fully justified Tuchel’s faith, working tirelessly and dropping deep to help link Chelsea’s potent attacks. “He deserves that, it’s been a tough season,” said Chelsea skipper Cesar Azpilicueta, hugging his team mate as the celebrations got going on the pitch. “This guy is going to be a superstar. He is already. He gave us the Champions League and not only that he ran like crazy.” More on this topic Related Story Football: Tuchel says he sensed Chelsea would win Champions League Related Story Football: City's season still exceptional despite Champions League loss, says Guardiola
LONDON (REUTERS) - Chelsea slipped up in their push for a Champions League spot when they lost 1-0 at home to Arsenal in the Premier League on Wednesday (May 12) with Emile Smith Rowe's first-half goal settling the London derby after a defensive mix-up by the hosts. The visitors capitalised on a wayward back pass by Chelsea's Jorginho to goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga who scrambled back to palm it off the line. The ball fell to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who cut it back for Smith Rowe to score in the 16th minute. Five minutes earlier, Kai Havertz had spurned a glorious chance to put Chelsea ahead when the German dispossessed Arsenal defender Pablo Mari, ran through on goal but fired over when he looked certain to score. Chelsea, who play Leicester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday and Manchester City in the Champions League final on May 29, dominated the ball but failed break down Arsenal's organised defensive lines. The Blues almost drew level in the 90th minute when Kurt Zouma's header was tipped onto the crossbar by Bernd Leno and former Gunner Olivier Giroud, on as a sub, volleyed against the bar. The rare defeat under coach Thomas Tuchel left Chelsea in the last of the Premier League's four Champions League qualifying spots with two games to play. They are six points clear of West Ham United who have three matches left and seven ahead of Liverpool who have four games to play. Arsenal edged up to eighth spot but have played more matches than Everton and Tottenham Hotspur, their main rivals in the hunt for a Europa League spot.
LONDON (AFP) - Pep Guardiola saluted "relentless" Manchester City on Tuesday (May 11) after they clinched the "hardest" of his three Premier League titles. Guardiola's side were crowned English champions for the third time in four seasons thanks to Manchester United's 2-1 defeat against Leicester. City have claimed trophy with three games to spare, capping a remarkable surge to the silverware in the second half of the season. Guardiola endured the worst start to his managerial career as City won only five of their first 12 league games this term. They were hit by injuries to club record goalscorer Sergio Aguero and influential midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, as well as a Covid-19 outbreak in the squad in December. But Guardiola refused to let those problems derail City, leading them to his 10th major honour since taking charge at City in 2016. Praising his players for sticking together in trying times, Guardiola said: "This has been a season and a Premier League title like no other. This was the hardest one. "We will always remember this season for the way we won. I am so proud to be the manager here and of this group of players. "They are so special. To come through this season, with all the restrictions and difficulties we've faced - and show the consistency we have is remarkable. It is relentless. "Every single day, they are there, fighting for success, trying always to be better. They have been so, so resilient. "That is equally true of each and every member of our backroom staff, who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that our players are fully equipped to take on the unexpected challenges and new routines throughout such a turbulent year." City have already won the League Cup, beating Tottenham in the final in April. They can complete a treble if they defeat Chelsea in their first Champions League final on May 29. But Guardiola insisted the Premier League is still his most prized possession because of the demands the gruelling competition places on his team each season. "At the start of every season, the Premier League is the most important title for us. This is the last one where you have to be there every three days, playing all your rivals home and away," Guardiola said. "Only by being the very best, week in, week out, can you win this competition. It is a huge success. "It is so important to say a huge 'thank you' to all our fans. In our toughest moments, we couldn't hear the crowd get behind us as usual, but we know they are with us everywhere we go and that has lifted us." 🏆 CITY CROWNED PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS 2020/21
MANCHESTER (AFP, REUTERS) - Caglar Soyuncu's second-half goal saw Leicester beat Manchester United 2-1 on Tuesday (May 11) in a result that confirmed Manchester City as Premier League champions and strengthened the Foxes' bid for a place in the Champions League. Luke Thomas put Leicester ahead in the 10th minute at Old Trafford but the visitors' lead lasted just five minutes, with Mason Greenwood equalising for United. But Turkish defender Soyuncu's 66th-minute header settled the match in Leicester's favour and eventually sparked title celebrations at United's local rivals. Defeat left second-placed United 10 points behind City, with only a maximum of nine available to the Red Devils from their three remaining league games this season. For Leicester, it meant the Midlands club leapfrogged Champions League finalists Chelsea into third place, although the Blues have a game in hand, with the top four at the end of the Premier League season guaranteed a place among Europe's elite next term. United manager Ole Gunnar Soskjaer, faced with a schedule of three games in five days, had promised to rotate his squad. And the Norwegian was as good as his word, making 10 changes to the side that beat Aston Villa 3-1. Greenwood was the only United player to retain his starting position, with Leicester recalling Ayoze Perez and Thomas. United defender Harry Maguire missed his first league since joining from Leicester in 2019 after suffering an ankle injury in Sunday's comeback win at Villa Park. As rain lashed down upon Old Trafford, it was the visitors who took a 10th-minute lead thanks to a superb finish from Thomas, who volleyed a centre from Youri Tielemans back across goal and into the top right-hand corner. United, however, have made a habit of coming from behind this season and it did not take them long to draw level. Diallo beat Thomas on the right and played the ball inside to Greenwood, whose own neat footwork then allowed him to shoot low past Kasper Schmeichel, the son of United goalkeeping great Peter. Leicester, however, regained the lead midway through the second half when Soyuncu jumped above Nemanja Matic and met Marc Albrighton's corner with a powerful header high into the net. Leicester City's Wesley Fofana (left) vies with Manchester United's Edinson Cavani on May 11, 2021. PHOTO: AFP Pep Guardiola’s City side, who missed the chance to seal the title when they were beaten 2-1 by Chelsea on Saturday, are 10 points clear of United, who also have three games left. It is City’s third Premier League title in five seasons under Guardiola and their fifth in the last 10. Despite their home defeat by Chelsea at the weekend, City have enjoyed a magnificent turnaround this season after picking up 12 points from their first eight games – their worst start since 2008-09. Since then they have been head and shoulders above their rivals and since hitting the top have looked unstoppable. After losing at Tottenham Hotspur in November, they won 22 of their next 27 matches, including a 15-game winning run and a record-equalling 11 successive away league wins. Guardiola’s side, who were second-best to Liverpool last season, also won a fourth-straight League Cup and can claim a treble by beating Chelsea in this month’s Champions League final. Manchester United had delayed City’s title celebrations by beating Aston Villa away on Sunday but it was only putting off the inevitable and the party can now start in earnest. On the other side of Manchester a huge “Champions” banner was draped outside City’s Etihad Stadium. More on this topic Related Story Football: Guardiola hails Man City after 'hardest' title triumph
LONDON (AFP) - Fulham were relegated from the Premier League following a 2-0 loss at home to Burnley on Monday (May 10). The Cottagers had to win to maintain their slim survival hopes but first-half goals from Burnley's Ashley Westwood and Chris Wood condemned them to the drop, with the visitors securing their top-flight status in the process. Fulham were the third and last club to be relegated from the Premier League this season. They will now join Sheffield United and West Bromwich Albion in next term's second-tier Championship. More on this topic Related Story Chelsea to take Fulham seriously, despite record Related Story Football: Fulham squander chance to escape bottom three