Sachin Nakrani

Guardian Sport: Uefa gives go-ahead for domestic games to be played abroad #TomorrowsPapersToday

"UEFA confirms its opposition to domestic league matches played abroad Two requests approved on an exceptional basis amid regulatory gaps at the global level. UEFA committed to anchor integrity of domestic competitions and fans' perspective in forthcoming FIFA rules UEFA has today reiterated its clear opposition to domestic league matches being played outside their home country. After the meeting of its Executive Committee in Tirana last month, UEFA undertook further consultations with stakeholders to assess the extent of the implications of the issue, following the applications it received from the Spanish and Italian national football associations. That consultation confirmed the widespread lack of support that had already been raised by fans, other leagues, clubs, players, and European institutions around the concept of domestic league matches being relocated abroad However, given that the relevant FIFA regulatory framework currently under review is not clear and detailed enough, the UEFA Executive Committee has reluctantly taken the decision to approve, on an exceptional basis, the two requests referred to it. UEFA will actively contribute to the ongoing work led by FIFA to ensure that future rules uphold the integrity of domestic competitions and the close bond between clubs, their supporters, and local communities. In parallel, all UEFA national associations confirmed their commitment to engage with UEFA before submitting any future requests. In doing so, they voiced their collective determination to safeguard the wider interests of European football. Announcing the decision, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin said: "League matches should be played on home soil; anything else would disenfranchise loyal match-going fans and potentially introduce distortive elements into competitions. Our consultation confirmed the breadth of these concerns. I would like to thank the 55 national associations for their constructive and responsible engagement on such a sen…

The proof that UEFA is dead against staging domestic league games abroad is that is has just authorised (albeit "reluctantly") two of them to take place. "War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength". via @tariqpanja.bsky.social

Uefa gives ‘reluctant’ approval for domestic games to be played abroad this season But governing body insists go-ahead for two matches is ‘exceptional’ and says it is opposed to the idea in general.

And so it begins.

www.theguardian.com/football/202...

Indeed

✊

Thanks Dave. And yes, way too young.

During Covid, I wrote a piece about Rob Jones for @thisisanfield.com in which I touched on this game as well as recounted the time I saw Rob at an Oasis gig at Earls Court and told him I loved him.

Feel free to check out my ramblings here: www.thisisanfield.com/2020/05/appr...

😃

… all on the ale if Bournemouth win the title, yeah?

Fair play Premier League table as we head into this international break - you are in fun, interesting shape. Stay that way as long as possible, please.

Steven Gerrard in frame for Rangers return after Russell Martin is sacked Russell Martin has been sacked after just 17 games in charge at Ibrox.

… and it’s done.

www.theguardian.com/football/202...

Yep

✊

*smirks*

Rangers fans angry at Russell Martin blockade team bus after Falkirk draw Chants targeted Russell Martin before a sit-down protest from angry fans, which was dispersed by police

… yep, it’s untenable.

www.theguardian.com/football/202...

The BBC surely can’t be happy with Sky having a one-hour show at 7.30pm in which Dave Jones and Jamie Carragher react to and analyse Sunday’s Premier League games. It’s Match of the Day three hours before Match of the Day! Should be asking for a portion of their broadcast deal to be refunded.

This guy will soon be available.

This is surely it now. Especially with an international break starting.

Ange would be INCREDIBLE.

… this is an insane state of affairs for Rangers, even after only seven games. He can’t continue. He almost certainly won’t continue. Just a case now of which random managerial appointment that defintely won’t work long-term the club makes next.

Well that’s Russell Martin well and truly fucked.

Clearly to instruction. And yeah, weird.

Indeed

Thanks Neil.

Gravenberch touched on this after the derby - said he’s been given licence by Slot this season to get forward, the idea clearly being that when he does his midfield partner covers. Problem currently is that midfielder is Mac Allister, who can barely run, let alone press.

Ah ok. Cheers mate.

I can’t see that on my Sky Sports +; just showing Villa v Burnley.

Yeah maybe. Fuck knows tbh.

Literally the only explanation

Once Caicedo is away from Mac Allister, Virgil has to engage him. Leave Joao Pedro to Konate. Agree, though, that it may not be the best example. In this case positioning possibly more of the problem - Gravenberch too high and wide. In general, a mess.