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UEFA has allocated 240 million euros ($260 million) to pay clubs for releasing their players for national team competitions in the 2020-24 cycle as part of its benefits programme, European soccer's governing body said on Friday.

The club benefits programme is based on the amount generated by the European Championship final tournament and paid to clubs that have contributed to the successful staging of all of UEFA's national team competitions.

Following Euro 2020, a sum of 200 million euros was paid to 697 clubs from all 55 member associations, UEFA said.

The allocated sum for the new cycle was approved in UEFA's executive committee meeting on Thursday.

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UEFA added 100 million euros will be given for the release of players to the UEFA Nations League 2020-21 and 2022-23, as well as the European qualifiers for Euro 2024.

"This represents an increase of 30 million euros from Euro 2020 and will ensure more solidarity to a very large number of European clubs," UEFA said in a statement.

"The amount secured for the release of players to the Euro 2024 final tournament will also be increased from 130 million euros to 140 million euros."

EURO 2024 will be held in Germany.

UEFA has allocated 240 million euros ($260 million) to pay clubs for releasing their players for national team competitions in the 2020-24 cycle as part of its benefits programme, European soccer's governing body said on Friday.

UEFA has allocated 240 million euros ($260 million) to pay clubs for releasing their players for national team competitions in the 2020-24 cycle as part of its benefits programme, European soccer's governing body said on Friday. The club benefits programme is based on the amount generated by the European Championship final tournament and paid to clubs that have contributed to the successful staging of all of UEFA's national team competitions. Following Euro 2020, a sum of 200 million euros was paid to 697 clubs from all 55 member associations, UEFA said. The allocated sum for the new cycle was approved in UEFA's executive committee meeting on Thursday. ALSO READ: UEFA opens disciplinary proceedings against Atletico Madrid for 'discriminatory behaviour' after Man City tie UEFA added 100 million euros will be given for the release of players to the UEFA Nations League 2020-21 and 2022-23, as well as the European qualifiers for Euro 2024. "This represents an increase of 30 million euros from Euro 2020 and will ensure more solidarity to a very large number of European clubs," UEFA said in a statement. "The amount secured for the release of players to the Euro 2024 final tournament will also be increased from 130 million euros to 140 million euros." EURO 2024 will be held in Germany.

UEFA allocates 240 million euros to pay clubs for releasing players in 2020-24 benefits programme

Top European clubs will be limited to spending no more than 70% of their revenue on their squads under new "sustainability regulations" passed by UEFA's executive committee on Thursday.

The new approach will replace the previous Financial Fair Play system and introduces a "squad cost rule" that will limit spending on wages, transfers and agent fees.

The 70% figure will be reached after a three year transition period, gradually falling from 90%.

"UEFA's first financial regulations, introduced in 2010, served its primary purpose," UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said at the Executive Committee meeting in Nyon.

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"They helped pull European football finances back from the brink and revolutionised how European football clubs are run.

"However, the evolution of the football industry, alongside the inevitable financial effects of the pandemic, has shown the need for wholesale reform and new financial sustainability regulations."

UEFA added that acceptable losses will double from 30 million euros ($32.74 million) over three years to 60 million euros over the same period.

The new regulations will come into force in June 2022.

The issue of Russia's membership of UEFA was not on the agenda of the UEFA meeting but Ceferin suggested that it remained under consideration following the invasion of Ukraine.

"There are considerations about many things these days. Day by day, hour by hour, the situation is changing and again I would not be a serious UEFA president if I would first speak to the media and then speak to the Exco or general assembly or whoever," said the Slovenian.

Russia has expressed interest in a bid to host the European Championship in 2028 or 2032 but Ceferin declined to discuss that prospect.

“I won’t comment on any bids, UK bid or any other bids, but we are discussing about it and you will have the answer very soon," he said.

The United Kingdom nations and Ireland have made a declaration of interest to host the 2028 competition along with Turkey and Russia.

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Italy, along with Turkey and Russia, have said they intend to bid for 2032.

Ceferin said discussions over the qualification format for the new look Champions League, which will begin in 2024/25 remained ongoing but a final decision was due next month.

UEFA were strong opponents of the FIFA plan for a biennial World Cup and Ceferin said he was pleased that the idea had been taken off the table by global soccer's governing body at their congress in Doha last week.

Asked about possible alternative tournaments, Ceferin said: "It is good that they have listened to the football community (about the biennial World Cup). I don't think there is much time for new competitions but let's speak about it and see. For now we didn't discuss it. For me it is very good that this project which is more or less a nonsense is off the table."

Top European clubs will be limited to spending no more than 70% of their revenue on their squads under new "sustainability regulations" passed by UEFA's executive committee on Thursday.

Top European clubs will be limited to spending no more than 70% of their revenue on their squads under new "sustainability regulations" passed by UEFA's executive committee on Thursday. The new approach will replace the previous Financial Fair Play system and introduces a "squad cost rule" that will limit spending on wages, transfers and agent fees. The 70% figure will be reached after a three year transition period, gradually falling from 90%. "UEFA's first financial regulations, introduced in 2010, served its primary purpose," UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said at the Executive Committee meeting in Nyon. ALSO READ: FIFA quashes rumours of changing length of matches for World Cup Qatar 2022 "They helped pull European football finances back from the brink and revolutionised how European football clubs are run. "However, the evolution of the football industry, alongside the inevitable financial effects of the pandemic, has shown the need for wholesale reform and new financial sustainability regulations." UEFA added that acceptable losses will double from 30 million euros ($32.74 million) over three years to 60 million euros over the same period. The new regulations will come into force in June 2022. The issue of Russia's membership of UEFA was not on the agenda of the UEFA meeting but Ceferin suggested that it remained under consideration following the invasion of Ukraine. "There are considerations about many things these days. Day by day, hour by hour, the situation is changing and again I would not be a serious UEFA president if I would first speak to the media and then speak to the Exco or general assembly or whoever," said the Slovenian. Russia has expressed interest in a bid to host the European Championship in 2028 or 2032 but Ceferin declined to discuss that prospect. “I won’t comment on any bids, UK bid or any other bids, but we are discussing about it and you will have the answer very soon," he said. The United Kingdom nations and Ireland have made a declaration of interest to host the 2028 competition along with Turkey and Russia. ALSO READ: City to unveil Sergio Aguero's statue on 10th anniversary of title-winning goal in Manchester Italy, along with Turkey and Russia, have said they intend to bid for 2032. Ceferin said discussions over the qualification format for the new look Champions League, which will begin in 2024/25 remained ongoing but a final decision was due next month. UEFA were strong opponents of the FIFA plan for a biennial World Cup and Ceferin said he was pleased that the idea had been taken off the table by global soccer's governing body at their congress in Doha last week. Asked about possible alternative tournaments, Ceferin said: "It is good that they have listened to the football community (about the biennial World Cup). I don't think there is much time for new competitions but let's speak about it and see. For now we didn't discuss it. For me it is very good that this project which is more or less a nonsense is off the table."

UEFA adopts new financial sustainability rules for clubs from June 2022

Premier League clubs voted in favour of reintroducing the use of five substitutes per game from the start of the 2022-23 season at a shareholder meeting, the organisation said on Thursday.

The substitutions can be made on three occasions during a game, not including halftime, and clubs can name nine substitutes in total on their team sheet, the league said in a statement.

Top-flight clubs were allowed to increase the number of substitutes from three to five per match in the 2019-20 campaign when the league restarted in June after a three-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Soccer's law-making body IFAB had recommended making the rule permanent, but the Premier League was the only top league in Europe to decide against continuing five substitutes from 2020-21 even as a number of managers voiced concerns about player fatigue.

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The Premier League added it would stop twice-weekly COVID-19 testing of players and staff from Monday, with only symptomatic individuals to be tested.

"The wellbeing of players and staff remains a priority and the Premier League will continue to monitor the national COVID-19 situation and adapt League-wide protocols as required, in line with the latest guidance from public health authorities and medical experts," the statement said.

The Premier League also said the summer transfer window will open on June 10 and close on Sept. 1.

Premier League clubs voted in favour of reintroducing the use of five substitutes per game from the start of the 2022-23 season at a shareholder meeting, the organisation said on Thursday.

Premier League clubs voted in favour of reintroducing the use of five substitutes per game from the start of the 2022-23 season at a shareholder meeting, the organisation said on Thursday. The substitutions can be made on three occasions during a game, not including halftime, and clubs can name nine substitutes in total on their team sheet, the league said in a statement. Top-flight clubs were allowed to increase the number of substitutes from three to five per match in the 2019-20 campaign when the league restarted in June after a three-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Soccer's law-making body IFAB had recommended making the rule permanent, but the Premier League was the only top league in Europe to decide against continuing five substitutes from 2020-21 even as a number of managers voiced concerns about player fatigue. ALSO READ: Manchester United to face arch-rivals Liverpool on pre-season tour to Thailand, Australia The Premier League added it would stop twice-weekly COVID-19 testing of players and staff from Monday, with only symptomatic individuals to be tested. "The wellbeing of players and staff remains a priority and the Premier League will continue to monitor the national COVID-19 situation and adapt League-wide protocols as required, in line with the latest guidance from public health authorities and medical experts," the statement said. The Premier League also said the summer transfer window will open on June 10 and close on Sept. 1.

Premier League clubs to reintroduce use of five substitutes per game rule from 2022-23 season

The English Premier League has confirmed that six people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus out of 748 samples of players and club staff across the teams.&nbsp;

The league has denied identifying these individuals who were tested positive for the novel coronavirus.&nbsp;

The league is set to resume in the first week of June and they are planning to test all players and staff across the club before the game continues.&nbsp;

They released a statement which read: "The Premier League can today confirm that, on Sunday 17 May and Monday 18 May, 748 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19. Of these, six have tested positive from three clubs.

"Players or club staff who have tested positive will now self-isolate for a period of seven days."&nbsp;

"The Premier League is providing this aggregated information for the purposes of competition integrity and oversight. No specific details as to clubs or individuals will be provided by the Premier League due to legal and operational requirements."

The United Kingdom government on Monday gave a green signal to the resumption of Premier League, behind closed doors, from June 1.

As per the latest decision taken after Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s roadmap presented in the Parliament, cultural and sporting events will be allowed without fans in a bid to avoid large-scale social contact but the events will be broadcasted.

Notably, the Premier League is set to meet today with clubs to discuss the much-talked-about ‘Project Restart’ and the implications of playing matches in the proposed neutral venues. &nbsp;

However, no formal votes will be taken today. However, those in support of a restart will be left confident after Monday’s government guidelines.&nbsp;

The English Premier League has confirmed that six people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus out of 748 samples of players and club staff across the teams.

The English Premier League has confirmed that six people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus out of 748 samples of players and club staff across the teams. The league has denied identifying these individuals who were tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The league is set to resume in the first week of June and they are planning to test all players and staff across the club before the game continues. They released a statement which read: "The Premier League can today confirm that, on Sunday 17 May and Monday 18 May, 748 players and club staff were tested for COVID-19. Of these, six have tested positive from three clubs. "Players or club staff who have tested positive will now self-isolate for a period of seven days." "The Premier League is providing this aggregated information for the purposes of competition integrity and oversight. No specific details as to clubs or individuals will be provided by the Premier League due to legal and operational requirements." The United Kingdom government on Monday gave a green signal to the resumption of Premier League, behind closed doors, from June 1. As per the latest decision taken after Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s roadmap presented in the Parliament, cultural and sporting events will be allowed without fans in a bid to avoid large-scale social contact but the events will be broadcasted. Notably, the Premier League is set to meet today with clubs to discuss the much-talked-about ‘Project Restart’ and the implications of playing matches in the proposed neutral venues. However, no formal votes will be taken today. However, those in support of a restart will be left confident after Monday’s government guidelines.

Six individuals across three clubs test positive for coronavirus in Premier League

Real Madrid and Barcelona were the highest earning clubs in European <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/it-is-my-request-to-all-please-do-not-make-evms-a-football-says-cec-sunil-arora-191353&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjE4Y3YzIXgAhVGKY8KHeJTCgMQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1GWcece2JOcH_7NNaYmVGN">football </a>last season, knocking Manchester United off top spot, according to the latest Deloitte 'Football Money League' published on Thursday.

Deloitte based their survey of the top 20 earning clubs in Europe on the annual financial statements of the company or group running each club, or other direct sources, covering the 2017/18 season.

Real returned to top spot for the first time since 2014/15 with revenues of 750.9 million euros ($854.6 million). Their revenue increased by more than 75 million euros year-on-year as they secured their third successive Champions League title.

Deloitte said the rise was "primarily due to the commercial growth of 54.8million euros including an uplift in sponsorship, merchandising and exploitation of increasingly lucrative pre-season fixtures."

Dan Jones, a partner in the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-conducts-raid-at-sports-authority-of-india-office-in-delhi-191061&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj0jJS-zYXgAhUTUI8KHbcnCW8QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3jVchPzkIErDz2wgPexxl0">Sports</a> Business Group at Deloitte said: “Real Madrid’s outstanding financial performance in 2017/18 is built on their long history of success on the pitch, most recently three consecutive Champions League titles.

"This has enabled the club to continue to drive commercial revenue as the appetite to partner with Europe’s most successful clubs remains stronger than ever," he added.

Barcelona had earnings of 690.4 million euros, a rise from 648.3 million in the previous year.

Manchester United, who topped last year's table, saw their revenue calculation fall slightly to 666 million euros from 676.3 million but they are one of a record six Premier League teams in top 10.

Football finance expert Rob Wilson, of Sheffield Hallam University, said United's drop to third in the rankings was expected.

"This was predictable mainly due to the timing of commercial and sponsorship renewals. The big-ticket items; shirt manufacturing and shirt sponsorship being renewed and improving the overall position of a number of clubs.

"MUFC don’t go back to the negotiating table for a while yet. Expect them to stay off the top spot for a good few years yet, particularly with a possible reduction in matchday revenue if they miss out on qualification to the Champions League."

United's position was also affected by exchange rates as their actual revenue measured in pounds sterling rose slightly from 581.2 million to 590 million.

The club is rated the number one football brand by KPMG and the most valuable club by Forbes.

There are no Italian clubs in the top 10 with Juventus slipping to 11th place, while Bayern Munich is the sole German club.

Real Madrid and Barcelona were the highest earning clubs in European football last season, knocking Manchester United off top spot, according to the latest Deloitte 'Football Money League' published on Thursday.

Real Madrid and Barcelona were the highest earning clubs in European football last season, knocking Manchester United off top spot, according to the latest Deloitte 'Football Money League' published on Thursday. Deloitte based their survey of the top 20 earning clubs in Europe on the annual financial statements of the company or group running each club, or other direct sources, covering the 2017/18 season. Real returned to top spot for the first time since 2014/15 with revenues of 750.9 million euros ($854.6 million). Their revenue increased by more than 75 million euros year-on-year as they secured their third successive Champions League title. Deloitte said the rise was "primarily due to the commercial growth of 54.8million euros including an uplift in sponsorship, merchandising and exploitation of increasingly lucrative pre-season fixtures." Dan Jones, a partner in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte said: “Real Madrid’s outstanding financial performance in 2017/18 is built on their long history of success on the pitch, most recently three consecutive Champions League titles. "This has enabled the club to continue to drive commercial revenue as the appetite to partner with Europe’s most successful clubs remains stronger than ever," he added. Barcelona had earnings of 690.4 million euros, a rise from 648.3 million in the previous year. Manchester United, who topped last year's table, saw their revenue calculation fall slightly to 666 million euros from 676.3 million but they are one of a record six Premier League teams in top 10. Football finance expert Rob Wilson, of Sheffield Hallam University, said United's drop to third in the rankings was expected. "This was predictable mainly due to the timing of commercial and sponsorship renewals. The big-ticket items; shirt manufacturing and shirt sponsorship being renewed and improving the overall position of a number of clubs. "MUFC don’t go back to the negotiating table for a while yet. Expect them to stay off the top spot for a good few years yet, particularly with a possible reduction in matchday revenue if they miss out on qualification to the Champions League." United's position was also affected by exchange rates as their actual revenue measured in pounds sterling rose slightly from 581.2 million to 590 million. The club is rated the number one football brand by KPMG and the most valuable club by Forbes. There are no Italian clubs in the top 10 with Juventus slipping to 11th place, while Bayern Munich is the sole German club.

Real and Barca replace United as top-earning clubs: Deloitte

Spain forward Nolito has joined Manchester City from Celta Vigo on a four-year contract, the Premier League side said today. 
 
The 29-year-old, who played all four games in Spain&#39;s Euro 2016 campaign, scored 39 goals in 103 appearances for Celta Vigo since joining the Spanish club in 2013, before spells at Granada, Benfica and Barcelona. 
 
New manager Pep Guardiola has already signed Australia midfielder Aaron Mooy from sister club Melbourne City and Ilkay Gundogan from Borussia Dortmund. 
 
&quot;I&#39;ll do everything that the manager asks of me, try my absolute best and do everything I can to try to repeat the form I&#39;ve shown throughout my career at various clubs,&quot; Nolito told the club&#39;s website. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s just about trying to play my normal game and let&#39;s hope that I can help Manchester City to win games.&nbsp;I think that Pep Guardiola is one of the best managers in the world. He knows a lot about the game and he&#39;s going to help me progress as a player and I&#39;m sure he&rsquo;ll get the best out of me.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)

The 29-year-old played in all four games of the Euro 2016, and scored 39 goals in 103 appearances since 2013

Spain forward Nolito has joined Manchester City from Celta Vigo on a four-year contract, the Premier League side said today. The 29-year-old, who played all four games in Spain's Euro 2016 campaign, scored 39 goals in 103 appearances for Celta Vigo since joining the Spanish club in 2013, before spells at Granada, Benfica and Barcelona. New manager Pep Guardiola has already signed Australia midfielder Aaron Mooy from sister club Melbourne City and Ilkay Gundogan from Borussia Dortmund. "I'll do everything that the manager asks of me, try my absolute best and do everything I can to try to repeat the form I've shown throughout my career at various clubs," Nolito told the club's website. "It's just about trying to play my normal game and let's hope that I can help Manchester City to win games. I think that Pep Guardiola is one of the best managers in the world. He knows a lot about the game and he's going to help me progress as a player and I'm sure he’ll get the best out of me." (Reuters)

Manchester City sign Spain's Nolito from Celta Vigo

Premier League clubs have already splashed out 475 million Pounds ($631 million) since the transfer window reopened in July, according to business analysts Deloitte. 
 
Bolstered by the increased revenue from the Premier League&#39;s new 5.1 billion television deals, the 20 top-flight teams have been throwing money at a host of new signings, and Deloitte says the spending could shatter the 1 billion mark for the first time in the pre-season window. 
 
The current figure of 475 million is slightly less than the 515 million spent by Premier League teams at the same stage in 2015, which led to an eventual 870 million outlay in the whole window. 
 
Leroy Sane&#39;s million dollar move to Manchester City is not included in the figures, as it was only confirmed on Tuesday. And the spending figure would rise significantly if Manchester United complete their reported world record 100 million move for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba. 
 
Chelsea, linked with a 65 million deal for Everton striker Romelu Lukaku, could also add to the rising transfer total. 
 
&quot;The prospect of increased revenue from the new broadcast deals next season has encouraged Premier League clubs to invest in this window in order to be as competitive as possible,&quot; Alex Thorpe, senior manager in the sports business group at Deloitte, told the BBC. 
 
&quot;With a month of the window still to go, some significant deals in the pipeline and a number of clubs yet to enter the market, we may see another summer of record Premier League spending, possibly breaking the one billion barrier for the first time.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

Leroy Sane's million dollar move to Manchester City wasn't included in the figures, as it was only confirmed on Tuesday

Premier League clubs have already splashed out 475 million Pounds ($631 million) since the transfer window reopened in July, according to business analysts Deloitte. Bolstered by the increased revenue from the Premier League's new 5.1 billion television deals, the 20 top-flight teams have been throwing money at a host of new signings, and Deloitte says the spending could shatter the 1 billion mark for the first time in the pre-season window. The current figure of 475 million is slightly less than the 515 million spent by Premier League teams at the same stage in 2015, which led to an eventual 870 million outlay in the whole window. Leroy Sane's million dollar move to Manchester City is not included in the figures, as it was only confirmed on Tuesday. And the spending figure would rise significantly if Manchester United complete their reported world record 100 million move for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba. Chelsea, linked with a 65 million deal for Everton striker Romelu Lukaku, could also add to the rising transfer total. "The prospect of increased revenue from the new broadcast deals next season has encouraged Premier League clubs to invest in this window in order to be as competitive as possible," Alex Thorpe, senior manager in the sports business group at Deloitte, told the BBC. "With a month of the window still to go, some significant deals in the pipeline and a number of clubs yet to enter the market, we may see another summer of record Premier League spending, possibly breaking the one billion barrier for the first time." (AFP)

English Premier League clubs' transfer spending nears 500 million

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