Delhi Capitals will be looking to build on their comprehensive six-wicket victory over Punjab Kings, when they take on Mumbai Indians here at the&nbsp;MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Shikhar Dhawan, who blazed his way to a score of 92 runs from 49 balls to help his team chase down 195/4 against Punjab Kings on Sunday, expressed that the JSW and GMR co-owned Delhi Capitals will have to play with a positive mindset against Mumbai Indians, "The Mumbai Indians have played three games in Chennai, so they know the conditions there. For us the challenge will be to switch on mentally according to the wicket and prepare our plan. Then we just have to go out there and implement the plan and play with a positive mindset and look to win the game."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-harbhajan-sreesanth-slap-gate-to-ms-dhonis-anger-top-ipl-controversies-through-the-years-378405" hreflang="en">From Harbhajan-Sreesanth slap gate to MS Dhoni's anger: Top IPL controversies through the years</a>

While speaking about the Delhi franchise's win over Punjab Kings, Dhawan said that a good start by the opening batsmen was crucial for the side, "We needed a good start according to the situation today. Prithvi (Shaw) played really well in the first two, three overs, and I was timing the ball well. I am glad that we strung a partnership of 50 runs. We scored 50-odd runs in five overs, so we were ahead of the game in the first six overs."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ipl-2021-mumbai-indians-top-the-standings-as-srh-witness-winless-start-378308" hreflang="en">IPL 2021- Mumbai Indians top the standings as SRH witness winless start</a>

When asked about how he produces consistent performances at the top of the order for the Delhi Capitals, Dhawan said, "I just look to take it easy. In my mind, I tell myself that I am very fit and strong, and my journey will be very easy."

Delhi Capitals will be looking to build on their comprehensive six-wicket victory over Punjab Kings, when they take on Mumbai Indians here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday.

Delhi Capitals will be looking to build on their comprehensive six-wicket victory over Punjab Kings, when they take on Mumbai Indians here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday. Shikhar Dhawan, who blazed his way to a score of 92 runs from 49 balls to help his team chase down 195/4 against Punjab Kings on Sunday, expressed that the JSW and GMR co-owned Delhi Capitals will have to play with a positive mindset against Mumbai Indians, "The Mumbai Indians have played three games in Chennai, so they know the conditions there. For us the challenge will be to switch on mentally according to the wicket and prepare our plan. Then we just have to go out there and implement the plan and play with a positive mindset and look to win the game." ALSO READ: From Harbhajan-Sreesanth slap gate to MS Dhoni's anger: Top IPL controversies through the years While speaking about the Delhi franchise's win over Punjab Kings, Dhawan said that a good start by the opening batsmen was crucial for the side, "We needed a good start according to the situation today. Prithvi (Shaw) played really well in the first two, three overs, and I was timing the ball well. I am glad that we strung a partnership of 50 runs. We scored 50-odd runs in five overs, so we were ahead of the game in the first six overs." ALSO READ: IPL 2021- Mumbai Indians top the standings as SRH witness winless start When asked about how he produces consistent performances at the top of the order for the Delhi Capitals, Dhawan said, "I just look to take it easy. In my mind, I tell myself that I am very fit and strong, and my journey will be very easy."

'Positive mindset' key to defeat Mumbai Indians, feels DC's Shikhar Dhawan

Former Sri Lanka player Dilhara Lokuhettige has been banned from all cricket for eight years after an ICC Anti-Corruption Tribunal found him guilty of breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.

The ban for Mr Lokuhettige is backdated to 3 April 2019, when he was provisionally suspended.

As previously announced, following full hearings and presentations of written and oral argument, the Tribunal found Lokuhettige guilty of:

Article 2.1.1 – for being party to an agreement or effort to fix or contrive or otherwise influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or other aspect(s) of a match.

Article 2.1.4 – Directly or indirectly soliciting, inducing, enticing, instructing, persuading, encouraging or intentionally facilitating any Participant to breach Code Article 2.1.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-harbhajan-sreesanth-slap-gate-to-ms-dhonis-anger-top-ipl-controversies-through-the-years-378405" hreflang="en">From Harbhajan-Sreesanth slap gate to MS Dhoni's anger: Top IPL controversies through the years</a>

Article 2.4.4 - Failing to disclose to the ACU full details of any approaches or invitations received to engage in corrupt conduct under the Code.

Lokuhettige has also been charged by the ICC on behalf of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) with breaching three counts of the ECB Anti-Corruption Code for Participants for the T10 League and these proceedings are ongoing.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-virat-kohli-to-rashid-khan-top-7-ipl-2021-stars-and-their-cricketing-idols-378258" hreflang="en">From Virat Kohli to Rashid Khan: Top 7 IPL 2021 stars and their cricketing idols</a>

Alex Marshall, ICC General Manager – Integrity Unit, said: “Having represented Sri Lanka in international cricket, Dilhara had attended a number of anti-corruption education sessions and would have known his actions were a breach of the Code.

“The severity of the sanction reflects the seriousness of his offences and his continued refusal to cooperate and should serve as a deterrent for anyone considering getting involved in corruption of any kind.”

Former Sri Lanka player Dilhara Lokuhettige has been banned from all cricket for eight years after an ICC Anti-Corruption Tribunal found him guilty of breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.

Former Sri Lanka player Dilhara Lokuhettige has been banned from all cricket for eight years after an ICC Anti-Corruption Tribunal found him guilty of breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. The ban for Mr Lokuhettige is backdated to 3 April 2019, when he was provisionally suspended. As previously announced, following full hearings and presentations of written and oral argument, the Tribunal found Lokuhettige guilty of: Article 2.1.1 – for being party to an agreement or effort to fix or contrive or otherwise influence improperly the result, progress, conduct or other aspect(s) of a match. Article 2.1.4 – Directly or indirectly soliciting, inducing, enticing, instructing, persuading, encouraging or intentionally facilitating any Participant to breach Code Article 2.1. ALSO READ: From Harbhajan-Sreesanth slap gate to MS Dhoni's anger: Top IPL controversies through the years Article 2.4.4 - Failing to disclose to the ACU full details of any approaches or invitations received to engage in corrupt conduct under the Code. Lokuhettige has also been charged by the ICC on behalf of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) with breaching three counts of the ECB Anti-Corruption Code for Participants for the T10 League and these proceedings are ongoing. ALSO READ: From Virat Kohli to Rashid Khan: Top 7 IPL 2021 stars and their cricketing idols Alex Marshall, ICC General Manager – Integrity Unit, said: “Having represented Sri Lanka in international cricket, Dilhara had attended a number of anti-corruption education sessions and would have known his actions were a breach of the Code. “The severity of the sanction reflects the seriousness of his offences and his continued refusal to cooperate and should serve as a deterrent for anyone considering getting involved in corruption of any kind.”

Former Sri Lanka player Dilhara Lokuhettige banned for eight years under ICC Anti-Corruption Code

US investment bank JPMorgan on Monday confirmed it is financing the breakaway Super League featuring 12 of Europe's top football clubs, which threatens to shake-up the world's biggest sport.

"I can confirm that we are financing the deal, but have no further comment at the moment," a bank spokesman said in a statement to AFP.

Each of the clubs from England, Italy and Spain will receive a one-off payment of 3.5 billion euros ($4.2 billion).

Six Premier League teams -- Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham -- are involved, alongside Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan.

The clubs were immediately accused of greed and cynicism and threatened with international exile.

Organisers said in a statement that three more founding members would be announced, with a further five places up for grabs through a qualifying system each year and the inaugural edition to start as "soon as practicable".

The Super League announcement appeared to be timed to pre-empt UEFA's own scheduled unveiling of reforms to the Champions League on Monday, with an expansion to 36 teams from 32 and two 'wildcard' slots expected to be among the plans. There would be a minimum of 10 games for each team.

UEFA and the three countries' football associations and domestic leagues described the breakaway as "cynical".

The European Commission vice-president for promoting the European way of life said "a values-driven European model of sport based on diversity and inclusion" must be defended.&nbsp;

EU commissioner Margaritis Schinas added on Twitter:

"There is no scope for reserving it for the few rich and powerful clubs who want to sever links with everything associations stand for: national leagues, promotion and relegation and support to grassroots amateur football.

"Universality, inclusion and diversity are key elements of European sport and of our European way of life."

Schinas did not, however, announce any action to prevent the breakaway nor state that it would break any EU law.

US investment bank JPMorgan on Monday confirmed it is financing the breakaway Super League featuring 12 of Europe's top football clubs, which threatens to shake-up the world's biggest sport.

US investment bank JPMorgan on Monday confirmed it is financing the breakaway Super League featuring 12 of Europe's top football clubs, which threatens to shake-up the world's biggest sport. "I can confirm that we are financing the deal, but have no further comment at the moment," a bank spokesman said in a statement to AFP. Each of the clubs from England, Italy and Spain will receive a one-off payment of 3.5 billion euros ($4.2 billion). Six Premier League teams -- Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham -- are involved, alongside Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan. The clubs were immediately accused of greed and cynicism and threatened with international exile. Organisers said in a statement that three more founding members would be announced, with a further five places up for grabs through a qualifying system each year and the inaugural edition to start as "soon as practicable". The Super League announcement appeared to be timed to pre-empt UEFA's own scheduled unveiling of reforms to the Champions League on Monday, with an expansion to 36 teams from 32 and two 'wildcard' slots expected to be among the plans. There would be a minimum of 10 games for each team. UEFA and the three countries' football associations and domestic leagues described the breakaway as "cynical". The European Commission vice-president for promoting the European way of life said "a values-driven European model of sport based on diversity and inclusion" must be defended. EU commissioner Margaritis Schinas added on Twitter: "There is no scope for reserving it for the few rich and powerful clubs who want to sever links with everything associations stand for: national leagues, promotion and relegation and support to grassroots amateur football. "Universality, inclusion and diversity are key elements of European sport and of our European way of life." Schinas did not, however, announce any action to prevent the breakaway nor state that it would break any EU law.

US bank JPMorgan says it's financing football Super League

Twelve of football's most powerful clubs faced accusations of greed and cynicism on Monday as they announced a breakaway European Super League that could have far-reaching implications for the game.

Six Premier League teams -&nbsp;Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham - are involved, alongside Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan.

The clubs, most of them saddled with debt and large wage bills, and hit hard by the pandemic, stand to benefit financially, with predictions that they will share billions of euros.

But the initial reaction from football authorities, fans and pundits was furious, with threats to ban participating clubs from domestic, European and world competitions.

"Our members and football supporters across the world have experienced the ultimate betrayal," the Chelsea Supporters' Trust said.

"This is unforgivable. Enough is enough," it added.

The ESL said the founding clubs had agreed to create a "new midweek competition" to start "as soon as practicable" but that they would continue to play in their domestic leagues.

Three more clubs would be announced, the statement said, with the 15 founder members guaranteed to play each year. Another five places will available "based on achievements in the prior season".

The founding clubs will share 3.5 billion euros for infrastructure investment and to offset pandemic costs, and are expected to receive a further 10 billion euros in "solidarity payments" over the life of the initial commitment -&nbsp;much more than is available in the Champions League.

"I think there are two things in play here: one is greed and the other is desperation," former England Football Association and Manchester City chairman&nbsp;David Bernstein&nbsp;told the BBC.&nbsp;

"I think they're in a desperate situation. One of the things they haven't done during the pandemic is to impose some sort of wages control. They've got themselves into a bit of a predicament."

<h2>- UEFA threat -</h2>

Under the plan, two groups of 10 will play each other home and away, with the top three qualifying for the quarter-finals. The fourth and fifth-based teams would play off for the two remaining spots.

Then the competition would adopt the same two-leg knockout format used in the Champions League before a single-leg final in May. A women's version is also planned.

But European governing body UEFA and the English, Spanish and Italian football authorities warned the clubs face being barred from their national competitions and the Champions League.

"We... will remain united in our efforts to stop this cynical project," read a joint statement.

UEFA also said players from the participating clubs "could be denied the opportunity to represent their national teams".

World body FIFA was less stringent, however, expressing its "disapproval" and calling on all parties "to engage in calm, constructive and balanced dialogue".

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the clubs "must answer to their fans and the wider footballing community before taking any further steps".

With no French team among the initial ESL clubs, President Emmanuel Macron said the plans risked "threatening the principle of solidarity and sporting merit".

The ESL announcement was timed to preempt UEFA's own scheduled unveiling of reforms to the Champions League on Monday, with an expansion to 36 teams and an increase in the number of games.

The European Club Association said it "strongly opposes" the Super League while the Premier League, the richest in Europe, issued a furious statement.

"Fans of any club in England and across Europe can currently dream that their team may climb to the top and play against the best," it said.

"We believe that the concept of a European Super League would destroy this dream."

<h2>- 'Lots more to do' -</h2>

Arsenal, who are ninth in the Premier League, well off the qualification spots for Europe, hinted at the obstacles ahead, saying "there's lots more to do to bring the competition to life".

Juventus also warned that it "cannot assure that the project will be eventually successfully launched".

Juventus are facing a battle to finish in the Serie A top four this season, and seven-time European champions AC Milan have not played in the Champions League since 2014.

Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez, who was announced as the first ESL president, said the breakaway reflected the big clubs' wishes.

"Football is the only global sport in the world with more than four billion fans and our responsibility as big clubs is to respond to their desires," he said.&nbsp;

Manchester United's American co-chairman Joel Glazer, who will be a vice-chairman of the Super League, said it "will open a new chapter for European football".&nbsp;

French and German clubs, including reigning European champions Bayern Munich and last season's beaten finalists Paris Saint-Germain, were not among the initial ESL clubs.

La Liga president Javier Tebas compared the ESL clubs to drunks leaving a bar at 5:00am "intoxicated with selfishness and a lack of solidarity".

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville called the project "an absolute disgrace".&nbsp;

"We have to wrestle back power from the clubs at the top of this league and that includes my club," he said.

Twelve of football's most powerful clubs faced accusations of greed and cynicism on Monday as they announced a breakaway European Super League that could have far-reaching implications for the game.

Twelve of football's most powerful clubs faced accusations of greed and cynicism on Monday as they announced a breakaway European Super League that could have far-reaching implications for the game. Six Premier League teams - Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham - are involved, alongside Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Inter Milan and AC Milan. The clubs, most of them saddled with debt and large wage bills, and hit hard by the pandemic, stand to benefit financially, with predictions that they will share billions of euros. But the initial reaction from football authorities, fans and pundits was furious, with threats to ban participating clubs from domestic, European and world competitions. "Our members and football supporters across the world have experienced the ultimate betrayal," the Chelsea Supporters' Trust said. "This is unforgivable. Enough is enough," it added. The ESL said the founding clubs had agreed to create a "new midweek competition" to start "as soon as practicable" but that they would continue to play in their domestic leagues. Three more clubs would be announced, the statement said, with the 15 founder members guaranteed to play each year. Another five places will available "based on achievements in the prior season". The founding clubs will share 3.5 billion euros for infrastructure investment and to offset pandemic costs, and are expected to receive a further 10 billion euros in "solidarity payments" over the life of the initial commitment - much more than is available in the Champions League. "I think there are two things in play here: one is greed and the other is desperation," former England Football Association and Manchester City chairman David Bernstein told the BBC. "I think they're in a desperate situation. One of the things they haven't done during the pandemic is to impose some sort of wages control. They've got themselves into a bit of a predicament." - UEFA threat - Under the plan, two groups of 10 will play each other home and away, with the top three qualifying for the quarter-finals. The fourth and fifth-based teams would play off for the two remaining spots. Then the competition would adopt the same two-leg knockout format used in the Champions League before a single-leg final in May. A women's version is also planned. But European governing body UEFA and the English, Spanish and Italian football authorities warned the clubs face being barred from their national competitions and the Champions League. "We... will remain united in our efforts to stop this cynical project," read a joint statement. UEFA also said players from the participating clubs "could be denied the opportunity to represent their national teams". World body FIFA was less stringent, however, expressing its "disapproval" and calling on all parties "to engage in calm, constructive and balanced dialogue". British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the clubs "must answer to their fans and the wider footballing community before taking any further steps". With no French team among the initial ESL clubs, President Emmanuel Macron said the plans risked "threatening the principle of solidarity and sporting merit". The ESL announcement was timed to preempt UEFA's own scheduled unveiling of reforms to the Champions League on Monday, with an expansion to 36 teams and an increase in the number of games. The European Club Association said it "strongly opposes" the Super League while the Premier League, the richest in Europe, issued a furious statement. "Fans of any club in England and across Europe can currently dream that their team may climb to the top and play against the best," it said. "We believe that the concept of a European Super League would destroy this dream." - 'Lots more to do' - Arsenal, who are ninth in the Premier League, well off the qualification spots for Europe, hinted at the obstacles ahead, saying "there's lots more to do to bring the competition to life". Juventus also warned that it "cannot assure that the project will be eventually successfully launched". Juventus are facing a battle to finish in the Serie A top four this season, and seven-time European champions AC Milan have not played in the Champions League since 2014. Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez, who was announced as the first ESL president, said the breakaway reflected the big clubs' wishes. "Football is the only global sport in the world with more than four billion fans and our responsibility as big clubs is to respond to their desires," he said. Manchester United's American co-chairman Joel Glazer, who will be a vice-chairman of the Super League, said it "will open a new chapter for European football". French and German clubs, including reigning European champions Bayern Munich and last season's beaten finalists Paris Saint-Germain, were not among the initial ESL clubs. La Liga president Javier Tebas compared the ESL clubs to drunks leaving a bar at 5:00am "intoxicated with selfishness and a lack of solidarity". Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville called the project "an absolute disgrace". "We have to wrestle back power from the clubs at the top of this league and that includes my club," he said.

European heavyweights face criticism over 'cynical' Super League

As many as 12 major football clubs announced a new European Super League on Monday as they break away from the UEFA Champions League. While the development was received extremely angrily by fans, politicians and respective domestic leagues, a couple of clubs have reportedly taken their names back from the breakaway super league.<o:p></o:p>

But what is European Super League? What is the format of the tournament? Will it go ahead after the critical reactions from the footballing world? Let us take a look at the main things and explanation about the European Super League – all you need to know.<o:p></o:p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">What is European Super League?<o:p></o:p></h2>

Explained: Twelve clubs from England, Spain and Italy agreed to start a new competition – the Super League – governed by its founding clubs. The competition is a direct rival to the UEFA-run Champions League. <o:p></o:p>

Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are the English clubs involved, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid are the Spanish teams and the Italian sides are AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus. The teams have 99 European titles between them.<o:p></o:p>

Another three teams are likely to join the founding clubs. It guarantees participation to all 15 founding clubs while the other five qualify annually.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/european-heavyweights-face-criticism-over-cynical-super-league-378591" hreflang="en">European heavyweights face criticism over 'cynical' Super League</a>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">What is the format of European Super League?<o:p></o:p></h2>

Explained: The European Super League will feature two groups of 10 playing home and away and three qualifying for the quarter-finals. <o:p></o:p>

The fourth and fifth-placed clubs will play off for the quarter-final spots and quarter and semis will be played over two legs. The final will be a single match at a neutral venue.<o:p></o:p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">European Super League – what is the purpose behind it?<o:p></o:p></h2>

Explained: Europe’s top clubs want guaranteed income. With UEFA Champions League being played with a qualification process, the clubs don’t want to risk the money coming from European club tournaments. <o:p></o:p>

The clubs, saddled with big debts and huge wages for their star players, say the pandemic has "accelerated the instability in the existing European football economic model".<o:p></o:p>

The Super League will bring them far more than the Champions League. The founding clubs are expected to receive more than 10 billion euros in uncapped "solidarity payments" during their initial commitment period.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tottenham-hotspur-sack-jose-mourinho-ryan-mason-to-take-charge-378588" hreflang="en">Tottenham Hotspur sack Jose Mourinho, Ryan Mason to take charge</a>

They will also receive 3.5 billion euros for infrastructure investment and to offset their losses from the pandemic.<o:p></o:p>

By comparison, UEFA competitions generated 3.2 billion euros in TV earnings in the pre-pandemic 2018-2019 season.<o:p></o:p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">European Super League - Will it actually happen?&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></h2>

Explained: The UEFA Super League has already been subjected to worldwide criticism including UEFA and domestic leagues. A couple of founding clubs have already taken their names back and by the looks of it, the tournament will not get much support from fans.<o:p></o:p>

FIFA's immediate reaction was less severe, although it issued a statement in January warning that it would not recognise the Super League.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

As many as 12 major football clubs announced a new European Super League on Monday as they break away from the UEFA Champions League. While the development was received extremely angrily by fans, politicians and respective domestic leagues, a couple of clubs have reportedly taken their names back from the breakaway super league.

As many as 12 major football clubs announced a new European Super League on Monday as they break away from the UEFA Champions League. While the development was received extremely angrily by fans, politicians and respective domestic leagues, a couple of clubs have reportedly taken their names back from the breakaway super league. But what is European Super League? What is the format of the tournament? Will it go ahead after the critical reactions from the footballing world? Let us take a look at the main things and explanation about the European Super League – all you need to know. What is European Super League? Explained: Twelve clubs from England, Spain and Italy agreed to start a new competition – the Super League – governed by its founding clubs. The competition is a direct rival to the UEFA-run Champions League. Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are the English clubs involved, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Madrid are the Spanish teams and the Italian sides are AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus. The teams have 99 European titles between them. Another three teams are likely to join the founding clubs. It guarantees participation to all 15 founding clubs while the other five qualify annually. ALSO READ: European heavyweights face criticism over 'cynical' Super League What is the format of European Super League? Explained: The European Super League will feature two groups of 10 playing home and away and three qualifying for the quarter-finals. The fourth and fifth-placed clubs will play off for the quarter-final spots and quarter and semis will be played over two legs. The final will be a single match at a neutral venue. European Super League – what is the purpose behind it? Explained: Europe’s top clubs want guaranteed income. With UEFA Champions League being played with a qualification process, the clubs don’t want to risk the money coming from European club tournaments. The clubs, saddled with big debts and huge wages for their star players, say the pandemic has "accelerated the instability in the existing European football economic model". The Super League will bring them far more than the Champions League. The founding clubs are expected to receive more than 10 billion euros in uncapped "solidarity payments" during their initial commitment period. ALSO READ: Tottenham Hotspur sack Jose Mourinho, Ryan Mason to take charge They will also receive 3.5 billion euros for infrastructure investment and to offset their losses from the pandemic. By comparison, UEFA competitions generated 3.2 billion euros in TV earnings in the pre-pandemic 2018-2019 season. European Super League - Will it actually happen? Explained: The UEFA Super League has already been subjected to worldwide criticism including UEFA and domestic leagues. A couple of founding clubs have already taken their names back and by the looks of it, the tournament will not get much support from fans. FIFA's immediate reaction was less severe, although it issued a statement in January warning that it would not recognise the Super League.

European Super League explained: What is the format and purpose behind it? - All you need to know

Plans for a breakaway European Super League provoked a furious reaction from the British media on Monday as the six English Premier League clubs involved were universally condemned.

Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are among 12 teams to sign up to the plan, also featuring Spanish trio Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, as well as Italy's Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan.

The breakaway clubs have been lured by a 3.5 billion euro ($4.2 billion, £3 billion) pot to sign up to the competition which would take them out of the Champions League but not their domestic leagues.

The British media were quick to turn their guns on the greed-motivated owners of the Premier League teams involved.

The Guardian's Jonathan Liew said: "How the world's most popular sport managed to hand over so much of its power and wealth and influence to people who despise it.

"Because make no mistake: this is an idea that could only have been devised by someone who truly hates football to its bones.

"Who hates football so much that they want to prune it, gut it, dismember it, from the grassroots game to the World Cup.

"Who finds the very idea of competitive sport offensive, an unhealthy distraction from the main objective, which in a way has always been capitalism's main objective."

Matt Dickinson, writing in The Times, was hardly more sparing in his opprobrium, comparing the owners' tactics to that of blackmailers.

<h2>- 'Shameless exploiters' -</h2>

"These shameless exploiters of football, and of our passions, have reached for the old playbook, the same blunt weapon of a European Super League," he wrote.

"Depressingly, we have to say 'why not?' when it has worked for them every time before.

"Like the blackmailer who says he will walk away for a grand but comes back asking for double, then triple, preying on our weakness, these clubs are never satisfied, never bought off.

"A billion? Make it a gazillion. Two Champions League places? Call it four. A coefficient safety net? Make it a closed league. Always more, more, more."

Daily Mail chief sportswriter Martin Samuel said punishment for the clubs competing in the "despicable plastic competition that threatens the existence of English football" should be brutal.

He suggests a united front of opposition which has worked in the past could be as effective now.&nbsp;

"The utter contempt the protagonists have for the rest of the game," he wrote.

"For the fans, especially, but for the clubs, the players, the coaches, the history and traditions; for the wider good, for the national team, the football pyramid, for everything that football has meant to communities and society stretching back across two centuries.

"It was the backlash from the ordinary supporters that killed the 39th game proposal, and it can kill this too.

"Cancel the League Cup final (next Sunday Manchester City play Tottenham Hotspur), because why should the EFL present a trophy to one of two clubs whose greed threatens to destroy their crown jewel competition, the only reason they sit at the broadcasters' table."

Plans for a breakaway European Super League provoked a furious reaction from the British media on Monday as the six English Premier League clubs involved were universally condemned.

Plans for a breakaway European Super League provoked a furious reaction from the British media on Monday as the six English Premier League clubs involved were universally condemned. Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are among 12 teams to sign up to the plan, also featuring Spanish trio Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, as well as Italy's Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan. The breakaway clubs have been lured by a 3.5 billion euro ($4.2 billion, £3 billion) pot to sign up to the competition which would take them out of the Champions League but not their domestic leagues. The British media were quick to turn their guns on the greed-motivated owners of the Premier League teams involved. The Guardian's Jonathan Liew said: "How the world's most popular sport managed to hand over so much of its power and wealth and influence to people who despise it. "Because make no mistake: this is an idea that could only have been devised by someone who truly hates football to its bones. "Who hates football so much that they want to prune it, gut it, dismember it, from the grassroots game to the World Cup. "Who finds the very idea of competitive sport offensive, an unhealthy distraction from the main objective, which in a way has always been capitalism's main objective." Matt Dickinson, writing in The Times, was hardly more sparing in his opprobrium, comparing the owners' tactics to that of blackmailers. - 'Shameless exploiters' - "These shameless exploiters of football, and of our passions, have reached for the old playbook, the same blunt weapon of a European Super League," he wrote. "Depressingly, we have to say 'why not?' when it has worked for them every time before. "Like the blackmailer who says he will walk away for a grand but comes back asking for double, then triple, preying on our weakness, these clubs are never satisfied, never bought off. "A billion? Make it a gazillion. Two Champions League places? Call it four. A coefficient safety net? Make it a closed league. Always more, more, more." Daily Mail chief sportswriter Martin Samuel said punishment for the clubs competing in the "despicable plastic competition that threatens the existence of English football" should be brutal. He suggests a united front of opposition which has worked in the past could be as effective now. "The utter contempt the protagonists have for the rest of the game," he wrote. "For the fans, especially, but for the clubs, the players, the coaches, the history and traditions; for the wider good, for the national team, the football pyramid, for everything that football has meant to communities and society stretching back across two centuries. "It was the backlash from the ordinary supporters that killed the 39th game proposal, and it can kill this too. "Cancel the League Cup final (next Sunday Manchester City play Tottenham Hotspur), because why should the EFL present a trophy to one of two clubs whose greed threatens to destroy their crown jewel competition, the only reason they sit at the broadcasters' table."

British media blast clubs leading European Super League breakaway

Spanish top-flight LaLiga has strongly condemned and opposed the European Super League, which has been central to widespread criticism after 12 elite football clubs in Europe announced that they were creating a separate league rather than playing in UEFA club competition.

Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are among 12 teams to sign up to the plan, also featuring Spanish trio Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, as well as Italy's Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan.

The breakaway clubs have been lured by a 3.5 billion euro ($4.2 billion, £3 billion) pot to sign up to the competition which would take them out of the Champions League but not their domestic leagues.

LaLiga issued a statement on the European Super League as it said that the tournament is nothing but a selfish ploy to enrich the already super rich while adding it will undermine the appeal of the whole game and leave a damaging impact on the future of the footballing ecosystem.

<h2>LaLiga's full statement on European Super League:</h2>

LaLiga strongly condemns the recently published proposal for a breakaway, elitist European competition that attacks the principles of open competition and sporting merit which are at the heart of the domestic and European football pyramid.

Today football fans across Europe can dream that their club, no matter the size, may excel, climb to the top and compete at the pinnacle of European football. LaLiga defends this European tradition of football for all. The concept proposed by 12 European clubs destroys that dream, shutting the door to the top of European football, allowing in just an elite few.

LaLiga has a proud, 90-year history as an open, merit-based competition. Millions of fans around the world follow the 42 clubs of LaLiga Santander and LaLiga SmartBank. The success of our competitions has helped football to become a key contributor to the Spanish economy, accounting for nearly 1.4% of GDP and providing employment for nearly 200,000 people.

The newly proposed top European competition is nothing more than a selfish, egotistical proposal designed to further enrich the already super rich. It will undermine the appeal of the whole game and have a deeply damaging impact on the immediate and future of LaLiga, its member clubs, and all the entire footballing ecosystem.

In addition, the breakaway league threatens the rest of Spanish sports to which, in the current season, LaLiga will contribute more than 126 million euros as part of its agreement with the Spanish government and the Spanish FA.

This destruction of the European football ecosystem will also ultimately cause the failure of this new competition and its participating clubs, which have built their success based on the achievement of sports titles and triumphs, which will now be more limited.

We use all measures at our disposal and work with all stakeholders to defend the integrity and future of Spanish football in the best interests of the game.

Spanish top-flight LaLiga has strongly condemned and opposed the European Super League, which has been central to widespread criticism after 12 elite football clubs in Europe announced that they were creating a separate league rather than playing in UEFA club competition.

Spanish top-flight LaLiga has strongly condemned and opposed the European Super League, which has been central to widespread criticism after 12 elite football clubs in Europe announced that they were creating a separate league rather than playing in UEFA club competition. Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are among 12 teams to sign up to the plan, also featuring Spanish trio Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, as well as Italy's Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan. The breakaway clubs have been lured by a 3.5 billion euro ($4.2 billion, £3 billion) pot to sign up to the competition which would take them out of the Champions League but not their domestic leagues. LaLiga issued a statement on the European Super League as it said that the tournament is nothing but a selfish ploy to enrich the already super rich while adding it will undermine the appeal of the whole game and leave a damaging impact on the future of the footballing ecosystem. LaLiga's full statement on European Super League: LaLiga strongly condemns the recently published proposal for a breakaway, elitist European competition that attacks the principles of open competition and sporting merit which are at the heart of the domestic and European football pyramid. Today football fans across Europe can dream that their club, no matter the size, may excel, climb to the top and compete at the pinnacle of European football. LaLiga defends this European tradition of football for all. The concept proposed by 12 European clubs destroys that dream, shutting the door to the top of European football, allowing in just an elite few. LaLiga has a proud, 90-year history as an open, merit-based competition. Millions of fans around the world follow the 42 clubs of LaLiga Santander and LaLiga SmartBank. The success of our competitions has helped football to become a key contributor to the Spanish economy, accounting for nearly 1.4% of GDP and providing employment for nearly 200,000 people. The newly proposed top European competition is nothing more than a selfish, egotistical proposal designed to further enrich the already super rich. It will undermine the appeal of the whole game and have a deeply damaging impact on the immediate and future of LaLiga, its member clubs, and all the entire footballing ecosystem. In addition, the breakaway league threatens the rest of Spanish sports to which, in the current season, LaLiga will contribute more than 126 million euros as part of its agreement with the Spanish government and the Spanish FA. This destruction of the European football ecosystem will also ultimately cause the failure of this new competition and its participating clubs, which have built their success based on the achievement of sports titles and triumphs, which will now be more limited. We use all measures at our disposal and work with all stakeholders to defend the integrity and future of Spanish football in the best interests of the game.

European Super League: LaLiga condemns the proposal for a breakaway elitist European competition

Jose Mourinho has been sacked as the Tottenham Hotspur manager after talks on Monday. The decision comes less than a week before the Carabao Cup final. First-team coaches Ryan Mason and Chris Powell will take charge of the London club for the remainder of the campaign.

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy took the decision over the club's disappointing second half of the Premier League 2020-21 season.

Tottenham Hotspur drew Everton 2-2 on Friday and the drop of points leaves the club seventh in the table, five points behind the Champions League spots and the Spurs chairman decided it is time to move on.

<h2>Tottenham Hotspur sack Jose Mourinho: Club Statement</h2>

"The Club can today announce that Jose Mourinho and his coaching staff Joao Sacramento, Nuno Santos, Carlos Lalin and Giovanni Cerra have been relieved of their duties.

Chairman, Daniel Levy, said: "Jose and his coaching staff have been with us through some of our most challenging times as a Club. Jose is a true professional who showed enormous resilience during the pandemic. On a personal level I have enjoyed working with him and regret that things have not worked out as we both had envisaged. He will always be welcome here and we should like to thank him and his coaching staff for their contribution."

Ryan Mason will take First Team training today and a further update will follow in due course."

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The Club can today announce that Jose Mourinho and his coaching staff Joao Sacramento, Nuno Santos, Carlos Lalin and Giovanni Cerra have been relieved of their duties.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/THFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#THFC</a> ⚪️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COYS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COYS</a>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/breakaway-super-league-threat-re-emerges-hours-before-uefa-vote-378458" hreflang="en">Breakaway Super League threat re-emerges hours before UEFA vote</a>

Notably, Mourinho has dropped more points from winning position than any other Premier League club and it has been reported that he has lost the dressing room following series of poor results.

Mourinho was appointed Mauricio Pochettino's successor in November 2019 as the club finished sixth in his first season.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bayern-munich-disapproves-of-the-unilateral-communications-issued-by-hansi-flick-378443" hreflang="en">Bayern Munich 'disapproves of the unilateral communications issued by Hansi Flick'</a>

Tottenham Hotspur play the League Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley on Sunday and the Spurs will go for its first trophy since they lifted the same trophy in 2008.

Jose Mourinho has been sacked as the Tottenham Hotspur manager after talks on Monday. The decision comes less than a week before the Carabao Cup final. First-team coaches Ryan Mason and Chris Powell will take charge of the London club for the remainder of the campaign.

Jose Mourinho has been sacked as the Tottenham Hotspur manager after talks on Monday. The decision comes less than a week before the Carabao Cup final. First-team coaches Ryan Mason and Chris Powell will take charge of the London club for the remainder of the campaign. Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy took the decision over the club's disappointing second half of the Premier League 2020-21 season. Tottenham Hotspur drew Everton 2-2 on Friday and the drop of points leaves the club seventh in the table, five points behind the Champions League spots and the Spurs chairman decided it is time to move on. Tottenham Hotspur sack Jose Mourinho: Club Statement "The Club can today announce that Jose Mourinho and his coaching staff Joao Sacramento, Nuno Santos, Carlos Lalin and Giovanni Cerra have been relieved of their duties. Chairman, Daniel Levy, said: "Jose and his coaching staff have been with us through some of our most challenging times as a Club. Jose is a true professional who showed enormous resilience during the pandemic. On a personal level I have enjoyed working with him and regret that things have not worked out as we both had envisaged. He will always be welcome here and we should like to thank him and his coaching staff for their contribution." Ryan Mason will take First Team training today and a further update will follow in due course." The Club can today announce that Jose Mourinho and his coaching staff Joao Sacramento, Nuno Santos, Carlos Lalin and Giovanni Cerra have been relieved of their duties.#THFC ⚪️ #COYS — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 19, 2021 × ALSO READ: Breakaway Super League threat re-emerges hours before UEFA vote Notably, Mourinho has dropped more points from winning position than any other Premier League club and it has been reported that he has lost the dressing room following series of poor results. Mourinho was appointed Mauricio Pochettino's successor in November 2019 as the club finished sixth in his first season. ALSO READ: Bayern Munich 'disapproves of the unilateral communications issued by Hansi Flick' Tottenham Hotspur play the League Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley on Sunday and the Spurs will go for its first trophy since they lifted the same trophy in 2008.

Tottenham Hotspur sack Jose Mourinho, Ryan Mason to take charge

Andrea Pirlo conceded Juventas missed Cristiano Ronaldo's "killer instinct" as the Italian champions fell to their first league defeat in two decades to Atalanta on Sunday leaving their participation in next season's Champions League at risk.

Leaders Inter Milan edged towards the Serie A title despite a 1-1 draw at Napoli, to pull 13 points ahead of Juventus who dropped to fourth place.

Christian Eriksen snatched a point for Inter whose 11-match winning streak ended but who hold a nine-point advantage on AC Milan as they target a first league title since 2010.&nbsp;

Milan earlier got back winning in the San Siro after two months 2-1 against Genoa.

Juve's nine-year reign as champions looks set to end with nine games left, and their European hopes are also at risk.

Substitute Ruslan Malinovskyi struck three minutes from time in Bergamo with a shot that took a deflection off Alex Sandro as Atalanta won 1-0 to move third.

Juventus were playing without injured Ronaldo, the top scorer in Serie A with 25 goals this campaign.&nbsp;

"We knew it would be tough against Atalanta," said Juve coach Andrea Pirlo.

"Ronaldo is our finisher, he adapts to these matches, because he's a champion.

"He's a penalty area killer. Today we had our chances, we didn't use them and we were punished by an episode."

Juve have failed to win any of the four matches they have played this season without 36-year-old Ronaldo.

But they held fourth spot two points ahead of Napoli whose six-match winning streak at home was stopped by Inter.

In Naples, top Inter scorer Romelu Lukaku rattled the woodwork either side of Napoli's opener, an own-goal following a blunder from visiting goalkeeper Samir Handanovic.

Lorenzo Insigne tried to connect with Victor Osimhen to finish off with Handanovic intercepting the ball only to lose control after colliding with Stefan de Vrij sending into his own net.

Eriksen pulled Inter level 10 minutes after the break rifling in from just outside the penalty area.

"I'm very happy and proud of this group of guys who have grown significantly in many ways," said Inter coach Antonio Conte.&nbsp;

"On other occasions we would have lost the game, we would have fallen on that goal conceded. Instead the team reacted, they know what they are capable of and want to fight for something important."

<h2>- Milan back winning in San Siro -</h2>

In Milan, Gianluca Scamacca's 68th-minute own goal kept the seven-time European champions on course for a return to Champions League football next season.

Stefano Pioli's side had not won their last six games in the San Siro in all competitions and were playing without suspended forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

"We wasted a lot, we could have finished it earlier, but the important thing is the spirit to stay in the game until the very end," said Pioli, who has given up on catching Inter.

"Inter have taken too many points to think that we can still fight for the Scudetto (league title).

"Winning was important. We will have to face important teams, Atalanta, Juventus, Lazio, from here to the end they will all be difficult."

Ante Rebic put Milan ahead in the 13th minute with Rafael Leao, taking the place of Ibrahimovic, missing a chance for a second minutes later.

A Mattia Destro header against his former club pulled 14th-placed Genoa level eight minutes before the break.

Mario Mandzukic came off the bench for his first appearance in over two months just after the hour and had a role in the winning goal, which Scamacca guided past his own goalkeeper from a Hakan Calhanoglu corner.

In Rome, Lazio beat Benevento 5-4 in a match between coaching brothers Simone and Filippo Inzaghi to stay in the chase for the Champions League.

Ciro Immobile scored twice for the hosts and also missed a penalty as sixth-placed Lazio are four points behind Juventus having played a game less.

Roma's Champions League ambitions took a knock with a 3-1 defeat at Torino, who boosted their chances of top-flight survival.

Roma have taken four points from the last five games, and are stuck in seventh position, eight points off the Champions League berths.

Andrea Pirlo conceded Juventas missed Cristiano Ronaldo's "killer instinct" as the Italian champions fell to their first league defeat in two decades to Atalanta on Sunday leaving their participation in next season's Champions League at risk.

Andrea Pirlo conceded Juventas missed Cristiano Ronaldo's "killer instinct" as the Italian champions fell to their first league defeat in two decades to Atalanta on Sunday leaving their participation in next season's Champions League at risk. Leaders Inter Milan edged towards the Serie A title despite a 1-1 draw at Napoli, to pull 13 points ahead of Juventus who dropped to fourth place. Christian Eriksen snatched a point for Inter whose 11-match winning streak ended but who hold a nine-point advantage on AC Milan as they target a first league title since 2010. Milan earlier got back winning in the San Siro after two months 2-1 against Genoa. Juve's nine-year reign as champions looks set to end with nine games left, and their European hopes are also at risk. Substitute Ruslan Malinovskyi struck three minutes from time in Bergamo with a shot that took a deflection off Alex Sandro as Atalanta won 1-0 to move third. Juventus were playing without injured Ronaldo, the top scorer in Serie A with 25 goals this campaign. "We knew it would be tough against Atalanta," said Juve coach Andrea Pirlo. "Ronaldo is our finisher, he adapts to these matches, because he's a champion. "He's a penalty area killer. Today we had our chances, we didn't use them and we were punished by an episode." Juve have failed to win any of the four matches they have played this season without 36-year-old Ronaldo. But they held fourth spot two points ahead of Napoli whose six-match winning streak at home was stopped by Inter. In Naples, top Inter scorer Romelu Lukaku rattled the woodwork either side of Napoli's opener, an own-goal following a blunder from visiting goalkeeper Samir Handanovic. Lorenzo Insigne tried to connect with Victor Osimhen to finish off with Handanovic intercepting the ball only to lose control after colliding with Stefan de Vrij sending into his own net. Eriksen pulled Inter level 10 minutes after the break rifling in from just outside the penalty area. "I'm very happy and proud of this group of guys who have grown significantly in many ways," said Inter coach Antonio Conte. "On other occasions we would have lost the game, we would have fallen on that goal conceded. Instead the team reacted, they know what they are capable of and want to fight for something important." - Milan back winning in San Siro - In Milan, Gianluca Scamacca's 68th-minute own goal kept the seven-time European champions on course for a return to Champions League football next season. Stefano Pioli's side had not won their last six games in the San Siro in all competitions and were playing without suspended forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic. "We wasted a lot, we could have finished it earlier, but the important thing is the spirit to stay in the game until the very end," said Pioli, who has given up on catching Inter. "Inter have taken too many points to think that we can still fight for the Scudetto (league title). "Winning was important. We will have to face important teams, Atalanta, Juventus, Lazio, from here to the end they will all be difficult." Ante Rebic put Milan ahead in the 13th minute with Rafael Leao, taking the place of Ibrahimovic, missing a chance for a second minutes later. A Mattia Destro header against his former club pulled 14th-placed Genoa level eight minutes before the break. Mario Mandzukic came off the bench for his first appearance in over two months just after the hour and had a role in the winning goal, which Scamacca guided past his own goalkeeper from a Hakan Calhanoglu corner. In Rome, Lazio beat Benevento 5-4 in a match between coaching brothers Simone and Filippo Inzaghi to stay in the chase for the Champions League. Ciro Immobile scored twice for the hosts and also missed a penalty as sixth-placed Lazio are four points behind Juventus having played a game less. Roma's Champions League ambitions took a knock with a 3-1 defeat at Torino, who boosted their chances of top-flight survival. Roma have taken four points from the last five games, and are stuck in seventh position, eight points off the Champions League berths.

Juve's Champions League at risk, Inter edge towards title despite Napoli draw

Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund said Monday that they and German rivals Bayern Munich both rejected proposals to form a European Super League.

In a statement on Monday, Dortmund chairman Hans-Joachim Watzke said that the members of the European Club Association (ECA) had met Sunday evening and expressed "a clear opinion to reject the foundation of a Super League".

He added that the two German clubs on the ECA board, Bayern and Dortmund, had taken "100 percent" the same position "in all discussions".

The announcement appears to confirm that neither of Germany's two biggest clubs will join the breakaway league, whose announcement on Sunday threw European football into turmoil.

Overnight, 12 of Europe's most powerful clubs announced the launch of the so-called European Super League to oversee a new midweek competition.&nbsp;

Six of the breakaway clubs are from the English Premier League. Three are Spanish and three Italian. Three more are to be announced.

Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund said Monday that they and German rivals Bayern Munich both rejected proposals to form a European Super League. In a statement on Monday, Dortmund chairman Hans-Joachim Watzke said that the members of the European Club Association (ECA) had met Sunday evening and expressed "a clear opinion to reject the foundation of a Super League".

Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund said Monday that they and German rivals Bayern Munich both rejected proposals to form a European Super League. In a statement on Monday, Dortmund chairman Hans-Joachim Watzke said that the members of the European Club Association (ECA) had met Sunday evening and expressed "a clear opinion to reject the foundation of a Super League". He added that the two German clubs on the ECA board, Bayern and Dortmund, had taken "100 percent" the same position "in all discussions". The announcement appears to confirm that neither of Germany's two biggest clubs will join the breakaway league, whose announcement on Sunday threw European football into turmoil. Overnight, 12 of Europe's most powerful clubs announced the launch of the so-called European Super League to oversee a new midweek competition. Six of the breakaway clubs are from the English Premier League. Three are Spanish and three Italian. Three more are to be announced.

Dortmund, Bayern 'reject' Super League plans: Borussia chairman

Mumbai Indians on Saturday continued their rollicking start in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 as they defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by 13 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday. It was another terrific show with the ball for Mumbai Indians with the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Rahul Chahar and Trent Boult starring for the defending champions.<o:p></o:p>

After being restricted to 150/5 in 20 overs, Mumbai Indians were off to a torrid start with the ball as SRH openers Jonny Bairstow and David Warner took their team to a blistering start. However, they were bundled out for 137 despite needing just 47 off the last five overs. With the match in the balance, skipper Rohit Sharma brought Bumrah into the attack and the ace Indian speedster responded with breathtaking two overs in the death including the wicket of well-settled Vijay Shankar.<o:p></o:p>

While Boult picked up three wickets while giving 28 runs, Bumrah conceded just 14. Rahul Chahar again impressed with three scalps to his name. Boult was full of praise for Bumrah, after the match, as he lauded his traits while terming him “one of the best” bowlers in death overs.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-vvs-laxman-reveals-why-t-natarajan-missed-mumbai-indians-match-378363" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: VVS Laxman reveals why T Natarajan missed Mumbai Indians match</a>

"It's great to see a guy like that operate. How clear he is with what he is doing with the ball throughout the whole spell. But at the death, I personally believe he is one of the best bowlers in the death overs. He makes my job a lot easier but it's nice to be on the right side of those situations and hopefully, we can get a bit of momentum in the tournament," Boult said at the post-match press conference.<o:p></o:p>

"It's hard to pin-point one performance there. A lot of credit to the whole side for hanging in there. We knew we were a few runs short of the par score. But we also knew that this is a pitch where you can fight. And you get a couple of wickets, you can really get back in the chase. I thought a couple of direct hits from Hardik (Pandya) and the three wickets from Rahul (Chahar) were important when we were bowling. And then Bumrah there, bowling his four overs for only 14 was pretty amazing," he added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-virat-kohli-to-rashid-khan-top-7-ipl-2021-stars-and-their-cricketing-idols-378258" hreflang="en">From Virat Kohli to Rashid Khan: Top 7 IPL 2021 stars and their cricketing idols</a>

New Zealand pacer further talked about the difference between the wickets in Mumbai and Chennai. Even Mumbai has offered a bit of assistance to bowlers of late but in Chennai, the bowlers have been ruling the show.<o:p></o:p>

"The contrast between Wankhede and Chepauk Stadium is quite considerable. It looks like its swinging around nicely and it's a perfect surface in Mumbai. Here as a pace bowler, you got to be extremely accurate. Key has really been our ability to bowl dot balls and keep pushing the run rate," Boult said. <o:p></o:p>

Mumbai Indians on Saturday continued their rollicking start in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 as they defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by 13 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday.

Mumbai Indians on Saturday continued their rollicking start in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 as they defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by 13 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday. It was another terrific show with the ball for Mumbai Indians with the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Rahul Chahar and Trent Boult starring for the defending champions. After being restricted to 150/5 in 20 overs, Mumbai Indians were off to a torrid start with the ball as SRH openers Jonny Bairstow and David Warner took their team to a blistering start. However, they were bundled out for 137 despite needing just 47 off the last five overs. With the match in the balance, skipper Rohit Sharma brought Bumrah into the attack and the ace Indian speedster responded with breathtaking two overs in the death including the wicket of well-settled Vijay Shankar. While Boult picked up three wickets while giving 28 runs, Bumrah conceded just 14. Rahul Chahar again impressed with three scalps to his name. Boult was full of praise for Bumrah, after the match, as he lauded his traits while terming him “one of the best” bowlers in death overs. ALSO READ: IPL 2021: VVS Laxman reveals why T Natarajan missed Mumbai Indians match "It's great to see a guy like that operate. How clear he is with what he is doing with the ball throughout the whole spell. But at the death, I personally believe he is one of the best bowlers in the death overs. He makes my job a lot easier but it's nice to be on the right side of those situations and hopefully, we can get a bit of momentum in the tournament," Boult said at the post-match press conference. "It's hard to pin-point one performance there. A lot of credit to the whole side for hanging in there. We knew we were a few runs short of the par score. But we also knew that this is a pitch where you can fight. And you get a couple of wickets, you can really get back in the chase. I thought a couple of direct hits from Hardik (Pandya) and the three wickets from Rahul (Chahar) were important when we were bowling. And then Bumrah there, bowling his four overs for only 14 was pretty amazing," he added. ALSO READ: From Virat Kohli to Rashid Khan: Top 7 IPL 2021 stars and their cricketing idols New Zealand pacer further talked about the difference between the wickets in Mumbai and Chennai. Even Mumbai has offered a bit of assistance to bowlers of late but in Chennai, the bowlers have been ruling the show. "The contrast between Wankhede and Chepauk Stadium is quite considerable. It looks like its swinging around nicely and it's a perfect surface in Mumbai. Here as a pace bowler, you got to be extremely accurate. Key has really been our ability to bowl dot balls and keep pushing the run rate," Boult said.

'One of the best': Boult lauds Jasprit Bumrah after splendid show in death overs vs SRH

Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor VVS Laxman on Saturday revealed why left-arm pacer Thangarasu Natarajan missed the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 match against Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Known as a yorker-specialist, Natarajan missing from the playing XI came as a huge surprise to many as SRH opted to start with Khaleel Ahmed. <o:p></o:p>

However, Laxman revealed why the left-arm sensation missed the match against Mumbai Indians. The former Indian batsman said that Natarajan is suffering from a sore knee and the medical staff deemed him unfit for the match against MI. The SRH mentor added that the medical team is assessing the Indian pacer and will decide on the best possible step soon. <o:p></o:p>

“Yeah, unfortunately, Natarajan missed out because of a sore knee and a niggle in his left knee, he was ruled out of this match. So, he was unfit for this match and that’s why we went with Khaleel Ahmed. We are going to assess the condition of Natarajan and I’m sure that the medical staff of Sunrisers will take the right decision which will be beneficial for him and the franchise,” VVS Laxman said in the post-match press conference on Saturday.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-virat-kohli-to-rashid-khan-top-7-ipl-2021-stars-and-their-cricketing-idols-378258" hreflang="en">From Virat Kohli to Rashid Khan: Top 7 IPL 2021 stars and their cricketing idols</a>

Laxman further praised Khaleel for his good outing in his first IPL 2021 match after he conceded just 25 runs in his four-over quota while picking up one wicket. <o:p></o:p>

“I was very impressed with the way Khaleel Ahmed bowled in his first game of the season. I think he assessed the conditions really well and used a lot of his variation along with extracting a lot of pace and bounce off the surface. So, a lot of positives for SRH in the Khaleel Ahmed bowled,” VVS Laxman said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rcb-vs-kkr-ipl-2021-head-to-head-stats-chennai-weather-forecast-pitch-report-all-you-need-to-know-378360" hreflang="en">RCB vs KKR, IPL 2021: Head-to-head stats, Chennai weather forecast, pitch report - All you need to know</a>

SRH will next play against Punjab Kings here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Wednesday.<o:p></o:p>

Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor VVS Laxman on Saturday revealed why left-arm pacer Thangarasu Natarajan missed the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 match against Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor VVS Laxman on Saturday revealed why left-arm pacer Thangarasu Natarajan missed the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 match against Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Known as a yorker-specialist, Natarajan missing from the playing XI came as a huge surprise to many as SRH opted to start with Khaleel Ahmed. However, Laxman revealed why the left-arm sensation missed the match against Mumbai Indians. The former Indian batsman said that Natarajan is suffering from a sore knee and the medical staff deemed him unfit for the match against MI. The SRH mentor added that the medical team is assessing the Indian pacer and will decide on the best possible step soon. “Yeah, unfortunately, Natarajan missed out because of a sore knee and a niggle in his left knee, he was ruled out of this match. So, he was unfit for this match and that’s why we went with Khaleel Ahmed. We are going to assess the condition of Natarajan and I’m sure that the medical staff of Sunrisers will take the right decision which will be beneficial for him and the franchise,” VVS Laxman said in the post-match press conference on Saturday. ALSO READ: From Virat Kohli to Rashid Khan: Top 7 IPL 2021 stars and their cricketing idols Laxman further praised Khaleel for his good outing in his first IPL 2021 match after he conceded just 25 runs in his four-over quota while picking up one wicket. “I was very impressed with the way Khaleel Ahmed bowled in his first game of the season. I think he assessed the conditions really well and used a lot of his variation along with extracting a lot of pace and bounce off the surface. So, a lot of positives for SRH in the Khaleel Ahmed bowled,” VVS Laxman said. ALSO READ: RCB vs KKR, IPL 2021: Head-to-head stats, Chennai weather forecast, pitch report - All you need to know SRH will next play against Punjab Kings here at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Wednesday.

IPL 2021: VVS Laxman reveals why T Natarajan missed Mumbai Indians match

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are set to face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Sunday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in what will be the first match of the very first doubleheader of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. <o:p></o:p>

RCB have made an unbeaten start to their season with two wins in as many matches whereas KKR have won one and lost one. While the Virat Kohli-led RCB have gone on to impress many with their all-round show in the first two matches of IPL 2021, KKR threw their last match from a winning position against Mumbai Indians and would be looking to bounce back strong.<o:p></o:p>

Both teams have produced some memorable matches and the encounter promises to be a cracker of a match in Chennai.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-virat-kohli-to-rashid-khan-top-7-ipl-2021-stars-and-their-cricketing-idols-378258">From Virat Kohli to Rashid Khan: Top 7 IPL 2021 stars and their cricketing idols</a>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">RCB vs KKR, Chennai, MA Chidambaram Stadium: Weather forecast and pitch report</h2>

With the match set to be played in the afternoon, Chennai is likely to offer hot and dry conditions with the temperature hovering around 33 degrees Celcius. Batting first looks like the better option and chasing could become a problem for the team batting second. A score of 160 could be competitive. Both the teams are expected to play an extra spinner, given the conditions of the offer.

<h2 class="MsoNormal">RCB vs KKR, IPL 2021: Head-to-head stats</h2>

In statistical battle, both KKR and RCB are even. In their head-to-head record, KKR have won 14 matches while RCB have ended up with 12 wins out of 26 matches played, in what has been a riveting rivalry between the two franchises.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharma-overtakes-ms-dhoni-to-become-indian-with-most-number-of-sixes-in-ipl-378293" hreflang="en">Rohit Sharma overtakes MS Dhoni to become Indian with most number of sixes in IPL</a>

RCB vs KKR, IPL 2021: Expected changes in playing XI

Both RCB and KKR have found a good balance in their playing XI early on and besides playing an extra spinner, there shouldn’t be many changes in the teams. However, KKR’s middle-order, which has some big names but been equally disappointing would be looking to set the record set against RCB.

But all eyes will be on the duo of Kohli and AB de Villiers from RCB when they take the field at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are set to face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Sunday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in what will be the first match of the very first doubleheader of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are set to face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Sunday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in what will be the first match of the very first doubleheader of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. RCB have made an unbeaten start to their season with two wins in as many matches whereas KKR have won one and lost one. While the Virat Kohli-led RCB have gone on to impress many with their all-round show in the first two matches of IPL 2021, KKR threw their last match from a winning position against Mumbai Indians and would be looking to bounce back strong. Both teams have produced some memorable matches and the encounter promises to be a cracker of a match in Chennai. ALSO READ: From Virat Kohli to Rashid Khan: Top 7 IPL 2021 stars and their cricketing idols RCB vs KKR, Chennai, MA Chidambaram Stadium: Weather forecast and pitch report With the match set to be played in the afternoon, Chennai is likely to offer hot and dry conditions with the temperature hovering around 33 degrees Celcius. Batting first looks like the better option and chasing could become a problem for the team batting second. A score of 160 could be competitive. Both the teams are expected to play an extra spinner, given the conditions of the offer. RCB vs KKR, IPL 2021: Head-to-head stats In statistical battle, both KKR and RCB are even. In their head-to-head record, KKR have won 14 matches while RCB have ended up with 12 wins out of 26 matches played, in what has been a riveting rivalry between the two franchises. ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma overtakes MS Dhoni to become Indian with most number of sixes in IPL RCB vs KKR, IPL 2021: Expected changes in playing XI Both RCB and KKR have found a good balance in their playing XI early on and besides playing an extra spinner, there shouldn’t be many changes in the teams. However, KKR’s middle-order, which has some big names but been equally disappointing would be looking to set the record set against RCB. But all eyes will be on the duo of Kohli and AB de Villiers from RCB when they take the field at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.

RCB vs KKR, IPL 2021: Head-to-head stats, Chennai weather forecast, pitch report - All you need to know

World number one Novak Djokovic will relaunch the Serbia Open tournament in Belgrade on Monday, less than a year after a charity event he organised in the city ended in fiasco.

Djokovic was among several players to test positive after last year's event, which was held in front of thousands of fans with no social distancing.

Organisers insist that the forthcoming ATP clay court event scheduled for April 19-25 will be very different -- no fans will be allowed and Covid protocols will apply.

The Novak Tennis Centre in Belgrade will also stage a second clay court event from May 24 on the eve of Roland Garros.

Apart from Djokovic, other top players in Belgrade this week event will include Italy's Matteo Berrettini as well as Russian sensation Aslan Karatsev who made the Australian Open semi-finals earlier this year.

The tournament is organised by the 33-year-old's family with his younger brother Djordje acting as director, and will be played in his "Novak" facility where he regularly trains.

The Serbian capital stepped in, relaunching the Serbia Open after a nine-year hiatus, after Budapest withdrew from organising a tournament.

<h2>- 'Controlled spaces' -</h2>

Fans will not be allowed in the stands, while the players will have to follow "strict security protocols" prescribed by the ATP, Djordje Djokovic told the N1 TV channel.

"Masks will be mandatory, inside and outside. We want to respect the rules in order to protect the players." &nbsp;

He added that the players would be housed in "controlled spaces", noting that "isolation is currently a necessity".

According to tennis expert Nebojsa Viskovic, organising the tournament by the book is crucial to revamp the world number one's tarnished reputation as a host.

"The organisers will certainly want to improve this image (of Djokovic) and this is what motivated their decision that there would be no audience this year," Viskovic told AFP.

<h2>- Shirtless in a nightclub -</h2>

Months after tennis went into lockdown last March, Djokovic launched an ill-fated charity competition in Belgrade.

The Adria Tour packed in 4,000 spectators, players shook hands and took selfies with fans, and ball boys and girls handled sweaty towels.

Djokovic and other tennis stars including Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev were heavily criticised after being photographed partying shirtless at a teeming Belgrade night club.

The inevitable happened. Djokovic and his wife Jelena were among a clutch of people linked to the event to test positive for the virus -- Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki also falling ill.

The tournament -- branded by the media as a "coronavirus horror show" -- was abruptly cancelled because of the infections, Djokovic later saying he was "deeply sorry" that the tournament "caused harm".

<h2>- 'They are only human' -</h2>

However, the Adria Tour was held in accordance with Serbian regulations at the time -- most restrictions had been lifted ahead of parliamentary elections.

"We trusted the Serbian government's coronavirus rules, but we have been too optimistic," Thiem, who tested negative, said after the tournament.

According to Viskovic, players were also "a little too euphoric" at getting back to the game in front of the fans after months of isolation.

"After all, they are only human", he said.

"Perhaps the criticism was too harsh, the organisers did not do anything against the rules," Serbian player Troicki told AFP.

He said the Adria Tour perhaps came too soon, but insisted "this time there will be no problems".

However, even after the tournament, Djokovic continued to spark controversy, particularly with his opposition to vaccination.

The Serbia Open had four editions between 2009 and 2012 and the organisers not only intend to maintain the slot in the circuit's schedule, but also to raise it to the next level.

"The ATP is so far very satisfied with what we have done and we hope to get the best marks and, within a year or two, get rewarded with an ATP 500 licence" Djordje Djokovic said.

A WTA Serbia Open tournament for female tennis players will be held also in Belgrade from May 16.

Djokovic, who suffered his first loss of 2021 in Monte Carlo on Thursday, is top seed in Belgrade and has a bye in the opening round.

World number one Novak Djokovic will relaunch the Serbia Open tournament in Belgrade on Monday, less than a year after a charity event he organised in the city ended in fiasco.

World number one Novak Djokovic will relaunch the Serbia Open tournament in Belgrade on Monday, less than a year after a charity event he organised in the city ended in fiasco. Djokovic was among several players to test positive after last year's event, which was held in front of thousands of fans with no social distancing. Organisers insist that the forthcoming ATP clay court event scheduled for April 19-25 will be very different -- no fans will be allowed and Covid protocols will apply. The Novak Tennis Centre in Belgrade will also stage a second clay court event from May 24 on the eve of Roland Garros. Apart from Djokovic, other top players in Belgrade this week event will include Italy's Matteo Berrettini as well as Russian sensation Aslan Karatsev who made the Australian Open semi-finals earlier this year. The tournament is organised by the 33-year-old's family with his younger brother Djordje acting as director, and will be played in his "Novak" facility where he regularly trains. The Serbian capital stepped in, relaunching the Serbia Open after a nine-year hiatus, after Budapest withdrew from organising a tournament. - 'Controlled spaces' - Fans will not be allowed in the stands, while the players will have to follow "strict security protocols" prescribed by the ATP, Djordje Djokovic told the N1 TV channel. "Masks will be mandatory, inside and outside. We want to respect the rules in order to protect the players." He added that the players would be housed in "controlled spaces", noting that "isolation is currently a necessity". According to tennis expert Nebojsa Viskovic, organising the tournament by the book is crucial to revamp the world number one's tarnished reputation as a host. "The organisers will certainly want to improve this image (of Djokovic) and this is what motivated their decision that there would be no audience this year," Viskovic told AFP. - Shirtless in a nightclub - Months after tennis went into lockdown last March, Djokovic launched an ill-fated charity competition in Belgrade. The Adria Tour packed in 4,000 spectators, players shook hands and took selfies with fans, and ball boys and girls handled sweaty towels. Djokovic and other tennis stars including Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev were heavily criticised after being photographed partying shirtless at a teeming Belgrade night club. The inevitable happened. Djokovic and his wife Jelena were among a clutch of people linked to the event to test positive for the virus -- Grigor Dimitrov, Borna Coric and Viktor Troicki also falling ill. The tournament -- branded by the media as a "coronavirus horror show" -- was abruptly cancelled because of the infections, Djokovic later saying he was "deeply sorry" that the tournament "caused harm". - 'They are only human' - However, the Adria Tour was held in accordance with Serbian regulations at the time -- most restrictions had been lifted ahead of parliamentary elections. "We trusted the Serbian government's coronavirus rules, but we have been too optimistic," Thiem, who tested negative, said after the tournament. According to Viskovic, players were also "a little too euphoric" at getting back to the game in front of the fans after months of isolation. "After all, they are only human", he said. "Perhaps the criticism was too harsh, the organisers did not do anything against the rules," Serbian player Troicki told AFP. He said the Adria Tour perhaps came too soon, but insisted "this time there will be no problems". However, even after the tournament, Djokovic continued to spark controversy, particularly with his opposition to vaccination. The Serbia Open had four editions between 2009 and 2012 and the organisers not only intend to maintain the slot in the circuit's schedule, but also to raise it to the next level. "The ATP is so far very satisfied with what we have done and we hope to get the best marks and, within a year or two, get rewarded with an ATP 500 licence" Djordje Djokovic said. A WTA Serbia Open tournament for female tennis players will be held also in Belgrade from May 16. Djokovic, who suffered his first loss of 2021 in Monte Carlo on Thursday, is top seed in Belgrade and has a bye in the opening round.

Djokovic to host Serbia tournament a year after Covid fiasco

UEFA is expected to formalise radical reforms to the format of the Champions League at a key meeting of its executive committee on Monday which could also see some cities removed as hosts of the delayed Euro 2020.

Plans to reform Europe's elite club competition from 2024 onwards were initially set to be approved last month before being put on hold after the powerful European Club Association (ECA) said it was "not yet in a position to formally endorse key changes".

According to sources close to the negotiations, certain leading clubs wanted greater control of UEFA Club Competitions (UCC), the subsidiary company which advises UEFA itself on commercial matters.

Amid talk of an attempted power grab by certain clubs, and with the spectre of a breakaway Super League possibly involving several of those clubs still hanging in the air, the hope is that a solution has been found.

UEFA confirmed on Friday that the reforms were at the top of the agenda for the meeting in the Swiss town of Montreux, on the eastern shore of Lake Geneva.

The Champions League group stage is set to be completely overhauled, with an increase from 32 to 36 participants and the introduction of a so-called 'Swiss system' inspired by chess, with clubs playing 10 group games instead of the current six, all against different opponents.

While the broader outline of the reforms has been an open secret for some time, discussions have been ongoing about several details, including who the four extra places would go to.

France, as Europe's fifth-ranked nation, is expected to get a third guaranteed spot in the group phase, while more places could be given on the back of historical performances -- using UEFA's club coefficient.

That would benefit clubs who have enjoyed success in the past but who failed to qualify via their league position -- think clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool, currently underperforming in the Premier League, or Borussia Dortmund in Germany, who as it stands may all miss out on next season's Champions League.

The ultimate goal of the reforms is to increase broadcast rights for the competition to satisfy cash-hungry leading European clubs and end the threat of a breakaway Super League.

At the same time UEFA's need to finalise plans for Euro 2020 is pressing.

<h2>- Doubts over Munich, Bilbao and Dublin -</h2>

Postponed by a year due to the pandemic, the European Championship is set to start in Rome on June 11 and is supposed to be played at 12 different venues spread across the continent, a controversial arrangement even before the pandemic brought about widespread travel restrictions.

The Italian capital was only confirmed as a host city last Wednesday when local authorities confirmed spectators would be allowed in up to 25 percent of the capacity of the 68,000-seat Stadio Olimpico.

It joins eight other cities -- Saint-Petersburg, Baku, Budapest, Amsterdam, Bucharest, Copenhagen, Glasgow and London -- in being confirmed, although the number of fans allowed into stadiums will vary from one venue to the other.

However, uncertainty remains over the three other host cities.

Munich, Bilbao and Dublin were all given until Monday to provide UEFA with additional information on their plans for spectators.

UEFA could yet take matches due to be played there and relocate them to other existing host cities, although the president of the Spanish Football Federation has said he will do "everything humanly possible" to ensure Spain keeps its four scheduled Euro games.

If UEFA decide that Bilbao, in the Basque Country, cannot host matches, Luis Rubiales has suggested Seville could be an alternative option.

"It is true that there are serious difficulties in Bilbao and with this in mind, it is UEFA who has to decide," he said.

UEFA is expected to formalise radical reforms to the format of the Champions League at a key meeting of its executive committee on Monday which could also see some cities removed as hosts of the delayed Euro 2020.

UEFA is expected to formalise radical reforms to the format of the Champions League at a key meeting of its executive committee on Monday which could also see some cities removed as hosts of the delayed Euro 2020. Plans to reform Europe's elite club competition from 2024 onwards were initially set to be approved last month before being put on hold after the powerful European Club Association (ECA) said it was "not yet in a position to formally endorse key changes". According to sources close to the negotiations, certain leading clubs wanted greater control of UEFA Club Competitions (UCC), the subsidiary company which advises UEFA itself on commercial matters. Amid talk of an attempted power grab by certain clubs, and with the spectre of a breakaway Super League possibly involving several of those clubs still hanging in the air, the hope is that a solution has been found. UEFA confirmed on Friday that the reforms were at the top of the agenda for the meeting in the Swiss town of Montreux, on the eastern shore of Lake Geneva. The Champions League group stage is set to be completely overhauled, with an increase from 32 to 36 participants and the introduction of a so-called 'Swiss system' inspired by chess, with clubs playing 10 group games instead of the current six, all against different opponents. While the broader outline of the reforms has been an open secret for some time, discussions have been ongoing about several details, including who the four extra places would go to. France, as Europe's fifth-ranked nation, is expected to get a third guaranteed spot in the group phase, while more places could be given on the back of historical performances -- using UEFA's club coefficient. That would benefit clubs who have enjoyed success in the past but who failed to qualify via their league position -- think clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool, currently underperforming in the Premier League, or Borussia Dortmund in Germany, who as it stands may all miss out on next season's Champions League. The ultimate goal of the reforms is to increase broadcast rights for the competition to satisfy cash-hungry leading European clubs and end the threat of a breakaway Super League. At the same time UEFA's need to finalise plans for Euro 2020 is pressing. - Doubts over Munich, Bilbao and Dublin - Postponed by a year due to the pandemic, the European Championship is set to start in Rome on June 11 and is supposed to be played at 12 different venues spread across the continent, a controversial arrangement even before the pandemic brought about widespread travel restrictions. The Italian capital was only confirmed as a host city last Wednesday when local authorities confirmed spectators would be allowed in up to 25 percent of the capacity of the 68,000-seat Stadio Olimpico. It joins eight other cities -- Saint-Petersburg, Baku, Budapest, Amsterdam, Bucharest, Copenhagen, Glasgow and London -- in being confirmed, although the number of fans allowed into stadiums will vary from one venue to the other. However, uncertainty remains over the three other host cities. Munich, Bilbao and Dublin were all given until Monday to provide UEFA with additional information on their plans for spectators. UEFA could yet take matches due to be played there and relocate them to other existing host cities, although the president of the Spanish Football Federation has said he will do "everything humanly possible" to ensure Spain keeps its four scheduled Euro games. If UEFA decide that Bilbao, in the Basque Country, cannot host matches, Luis Rubiales has suggested Seville could be an alternative option. "It is true that there are serious difficulties in Bilbao and with this in mind, it is UEFA who has to decide," he said.

UEFA set to announce Champions League reforms and decide on Euro 2020 hosts

Chelsea ended Manchester City's quest for a historic quadruple of trophies as Hakim Ziyech's goal earned a 1-0 win to take the Blues into the FA Cup final on Saturday.

A damaging day for City also saw them lose Kevin De Bruyne to an ankle injury just over a week away from the League Cup final, where they face Tottenham, and the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Chelsea were good value for another impressive win under Thomas Tuchel and will be favourites for the German's first silverware in English football when they face Leicester or Southampton on May 15.

"It was a very strong performance. I'm very happy and proud," said Tuchel, who has lost just twice in 19 games since replacing Frank Lampard in January.

"We took the opportunity to show up on the highest level and see how we are. You can only win against City if you have everybody on the top level."&nbsp;

Tuchel could land an even bigger prize in the Champions League by the end of his first five months in charge.

Chelsea and City could meet again in the final in Istanbul next month should they see off Real Madrid and PSG respectively in the last four and Tuchel's men proved they can get the better of the runaway Premier League leaders despite a 20-point gap between the sides in the table.

The physical demands of City's bid for a clean sweep of trophies was shown as Pep Guardiola made eight changes from the side that beat Borussia Dortmund in midweek with goalscorers Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez among those rotated.

A much-changed side looked disjointed and Chelsea took advantage in a bright start.

Timo Werner's cross was swept home by Ziyech after just six minutes, but the goal was ruled out for offside against the German international.

<h2>- De Bruyne concern -</h2>

City got to half-time without any damage on the scoreline, but suffered a potentially huge blow to their hopes of still clinching a treble of trophies early in the second-half.

Just 11 days before the first leg of the PSG tie, De Bruyne appeared to roll his ankle in a challenge with N'Golo Kante and was replaced by Foden.

"It doesn't look good, he has pain," said Guardiola. "Tomorrow we will do a test."

City were still reeling from the loss of the Belgian midfielder when they were finally caught out by the Chelsea counter-attack.

Guardiola's decision to retain Zack Steffen in goal for domestic cup competitions backfired as the American was caught in no man's land when Werner raced in behind and once again squared for Ziyech to roll into an empty net.

"In these kind of games, the margin is so tight and the coin fell down on their side," added Guardiola.&nbsp;

Steffen made some measure of amends moments later to deny Ziyech a second when the Moroccan was clean through.

City took until the final 20 minutes to get going, but their best chance of sending the game to extra-time came from a corner as Ruben Dias headed over from close range.

Instead, it was Chelsea who found the net again through Christian Pulisic in stoppage time only for the offside flag to again come to City's rescue.

But there was no saving a bid for history for Guardiola's men as they cannot now better Manchester United's treble of Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup from 1998/99.

Chelsea ended Manchester City's quest for a historic quadruple of trophies as Hakim Ziyech's goal earned a 1-0 win to take the Blues into the FA Cup final on Saturday.

Chelsea ended Manchester City's quest for a historic quadruple of trophies as Hakim Ziyech's goal earned a 1-0 win to take the Blues into the FA Cup final on Saturday. A damaging day for City also saw them lose Kevin De Bruyne to an ankle injury just over a week away from the League Cup final, where they face Tottenham, and the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain. Chelsea were good value for another impressive win under Thomas Tuchel and will be favourites for the German's first silverware in English football when they face Leicester or Southampton on May 15. "It was a very strong performance. I'm very happy and proud," said Tuchel, who has lost just twice in 19 games since replacing Frank Lampard in January. "We took the opportunity to show up on the highest level and see how we are. You can only win against City if you have everybody on the top level." Tuchel could land an even bigger prize in the Champions League by the end of his first five months in charge. Chelsea and City could meet again in the final in Istanbul next month should they see off Real Madrid and PSG respectively in the last four and Tuchel's men proved they can get the better of the runaway Premier League leaders despite a 20-point gap between the sides in the table. The physical demands of City's bid for a clean sweep of trophies was shown as Pep Guardiola made eight changes from the side that beat Borussia Dortmund in midweek with goalscorers Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez among those rotated. A much-changed side looked disjointed and Chelsea took advantage in a bright start. Timo Werner's cross was swept home by Ziyech after just six minutes, but the goal was ruled out for offside against the German international. - De Bruyne concern - City got to half-time without any damage on the scoreline, but suffered a potentially huge blow to their hopes of still clinching a treble of trophies early in the second-half. Just 11 days before the first leg of the PSG tie, De Bruyne appeared to roll his ankle in a challenge with N'Golo Kante and was replaced by Foden. "It doesn't look good, he has pain," said Guardiola. "Tomorrow we will do a test." City were still reeling from the loss of the Belgian midfielder when they were finally caught out by the Chelsea counter-attack. Guardiola's decision to retain Zack Steffen in goal for domestic cup competitions backfired as the American was caught in no man's land when Werner raced in behind and once again squared for Ziyech to roll into an empty net. "In these kind of games, the margin is so tight and the coin fell down on their side," added Guardiola. Steffen made some measure of amends moments later to deny Ziyech a second when the Moroccan was clean through. City took until the final 20 minutes to get going, but their best chance of sending the game to extra-time came from a corner as Ruben Dias headed over from close range. Instead, it was Chelsea who found the net again through Christian Pulisic in stoppage time only for the offside flag to again come to City's rescue. But there was no saving a bid for history for Guardiola's men as they cannot now better Manchester United's treble of Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup from 1998/99.

Chelsea end Man City's quadruple quest to reach FA Cup final

Steve Bruce's side had squandered a two-goal lead in the closing stages at St James' Park, but Willock came off the bench to snatch a priceless winner.

The Magpies are now nine points clear of the relegation zone with just six games remaining in a turbulent season on Tyneside.

Newcastle had taken control in the first-half thanks to Issa Diop's own goal and a blunder from West Ham keeper Lukasz Fabianski for Joelinton's strike.

West Ham also lost a man in the aftermath of the opening goal as defender Craig Dawson was sent off for two bookings.

But the Hammers set up a tense finale when Diop got one back before Jesse Lingard equalised with a penalty 10 minutes from full-time.

On-loan Arsenal midfielder Willock settled a pulsating encounter with his thunderous header to take Newcastle to the brink of survival.

Staying up would be an impressive achievement for Bruce, who has battled with dressing room rifts and distracting takeover talk.

"I'm not going to take anything for granted. I've always said it's the accumulation of points, and 35, in my opinion, is not enough, so you won't get me jumping and hollering at the moment," Bruce said.

"We've still got six games to play. Can we beat last year's points tally of 44? We'll try our utmost."

The defeat was a big blow for West Ham as they chase an unexpected place in next season's Champions League.

David Moyes' side remain fourth, but Chelsea are just one point behind with a game in hand, while fifth-placed Liverpool would go above the Hammers if they beat Leeds on Monday.

"I wouldn't say it was a chance lost, it was an opportunity for us to pick up three points," Moyes said.

"We like talking about the Champions League, we love the sound of that when everybody says it, but we're realistic."

<h2>- Sheff Utd fate sealed -</h2>

Newcastle's win meant Sheffield United had to avoid defeat to prevent their fate from a miserable season being sealed.

Wolves have also taken a step back this season after losing Raul Jimenez for most of the campaign due to a fractured skull.

January signing Willian Jose has struggled to replace the Mexico forward, but finally got his first Wolves goal by sweeping home Adama Traore's cross on the hour mark.

"If you pick a game to typify this season, it was that. We were on top, missed chances and this league won't give you a second chance," said caretaker United boss Paul Heckingbottom.

"There has to be a mentality to get straight back. Everyone wants to play in this league. You need to get promoted and that's everyone's driving force."

Victory takes Nuno Espirito Santo's men beyond the 40-point mark and up to 12th as they are now safe from the drop.

By contrast, Sheffield United now face a rebuild in the Championship with the club in crisis on and off the field.

United announced on Saturday that Saudi chairman Prince Musaad Bin Khalid Al Saud has resigned for personal reasons.

Last month, Chris Wilder left as manager&nbsp;after five years in the job, during which he guided them from League One to the top-flight.

Steve Bruce's side had squandered a two-goal lead in the closing stages at St James' Park, but Willock came off the bench to snatch a priceless winner. The Magpies are now nine points clear of the relegation zone with just six games remaining in a turbulent season on Tyneside.

Steve Bruce's side had squandered a two-goal lead in the closing stages at St James' Park, but Willock came off the bench to snatch a priceless winner. The Magpies are now nine points clear of the relegation zone with just six games remaining in a turbulent season on Tyneside. Newcastle had taken control in the first-half thanks to Issa Diop's own goal and a blunder from West Ham keeper Lukasz Fabianski for Joelinton's strike. West Ham also lost a man in the aftermath of the opening goal as defender Craig Dawson was sent off for two bookings. But the Hammers set up a tense finale when Diop got one back before Jesse Lingard equalised with a penalty 10 minutes from full-time. On-loan Arsenal midfielder Willock settled a pulsating encounter with his thunderous header to take Newcastle to the brink of survival. Staying up would be an impressive achievement for Bruce, who has battled with dressing room rifts and distracting takeover talk. "I'm not going to take anything for granted. I've always said it's the accumulation of points, and 35, in my opinion, is not enough, so you won't get me jumping and hollering at the moment," Bruce said. "We've still got six games to play. Can we beat last year's points tally of 44? We'll try our utmost." The defeat was a big blow for West Ham as they chase an unexpected place in next season's Champions League. David Moyes' side remain fourth, but Chelsea are just one point behind with a game in hand, while fifth-placed Liverpool would go above the Hammers if they beat Leeds on Monday. "I wouldn't say it was a chance lost, it was an opportunity for us to pick up three points," Moyes said. "We like talking about the Champions League, we love the sound of that when everybody says it, but we're realistic." - Sheff Utd fate sealed - Newcastle's win meant Sheffield United had to avoid defeat to prevent their fate from a miserable season being sealed. Wolves have also taken a step back this season after losing Raul Jimenez for most of the campaign due to a fractured skull. January signing Willian Jose has struggled to replace the Mexico forward, but finally got his first Wolves goal by sweeping home Adama Traore's cross on the hour mark. "If you pick a game to typify this season, it was that. We were on top, missed chances and this league won't give you a second chance," said caretaker United boss Paul Heckingbottom. "There has to be a mentality to get straight back. Everyone wants to play in this league. You need to get promoted and that's everyone's driving force." Victory takes Nuno Espirito Santo's men beyond the 40-point mark and up to 12th as they are now safe from the drop. By contrast, Sheffield United now face a rebuild in the Championship with the club in crisis on and off the field. United announced on Saturday that Saudi chairman Prince Musaad Bin Khalid Al Saud has resigned for personal reasons. Last month, Chris Wilder left as manager after five years in the job, during which he guided them from League One to the top-flight.

Newcastle dent West Ham's top-four challenge, Sheff Utd relegated

Lionel Messi scored twice, including a stunning solo goal, as Barcelona blew away Athletic Bilbao to win the Copa del Rey on Saturday, consigning their opponents to a second final defeat in two weeks.&nbsp;

The cup was won and lost in a whirlwind 12 minutes in Seville, which saw Barca score four times to clinch an emphatic 4-0 victory, with Messi at his devastating best.

It remains to be seen if his seventh Copa del Rey triumph is the last trophy Messi lifts in Barcelona colours but if this was to be a final flourish, the 33-year-old crafted a fitting farewell.&nbsp;

"It's very special to be captain of this team where I have spent my whole life and very special to be able to lift this cup," Messi said.

His first goal, and Barca's third, started with the Argentinian in his own half before a charging run down the right and a surge forward into the penalty area gave him the chance for a simple finish.&nbsp;

With the club's new president Joan Laporta in the crowd, Ronald Koeman's first title as Barcelona coach should also significantly boost his chances of remaining in charge beyond the summer.&nbsp;

"To win a title is important for me," Koeman admitted afterwards.

Yet Laporta was noticeably evasive when asked about Koeman's future.&nbsp;

"He is doing well," he said.

Koeman took over a team at rock bottom, humiliated by an historic loss to Bayern Munich and wounded by the attempts of Messi to leave the club for free.&nbsp;

But this 31st Copa del Rey success for the club is a testament to progress made and Koeman will hope it not only helps convince Messi to stay but gives Barca momentum now in a neck-and-neck title race in La Liga.

"Despite the changes at the club and the young players, at Barca you have to always fight for trophies," Koeman said.&nbsp;

"We have the first one and now we are going to fight to the last game in La Liga."

Gerard Pique said it felt like the club had been "reset".&nbsp;

<h2>- 'Turned it around' -</h2>

"Sometimes you fall down and you have to get up," Pique said. "It has been a difficult year but the team has turned it around."

Messi was sent off when Athletic Bilbao beat Barcelona, also at the La Cartuja, in January to win the Spanish Super Cup but they never looked like pulling off a repeat.&nbsp;

After Athletic lost to their Basque rivals Real Sociedad in last year's postponed final only two weeks ago, lifting themselves for another showpiece in the same stadium and against a tougher opponent was always going to be a big ask.&nbsp;

"In both finals we played well below the level that we're capable of," said Athletic coach Marcelino Garcia Toral.&nbsp;

Barcelona were almost ahead after four minutes as Sergio Busquets played in Messi, who rolled back for Frenkie de Jong but his sidefooted finish came back off the far post.&nbsp;

Sergino Dest dragged wide while Inigo Martinez had Athletic's best chance but as he stretched for the bouncing ball, he could only poke over.

Athletic seemed to have played their way into the match before half-time but Barcelona came out with renewed vigour, with Unai Simon making two brilliant saves to deny Antoine Griezmann and then Busquets, both from close range.&nbsp;

But when the resistance gave way, it became a collapse, with goals scored in the 60th, 63rd, 68th and 72nd minutes to leave Athletic's hopes in tatters.&nbsp;

First, Messi slipped in Dest down the right and his cross was diverted in by Griezmann before the second came from the opposite flank, Jordi Alba curled in a cross for De Jong to nod in.&nbsp;

The third was a spectacular from Messi, who started the move in his own half, leaping over one challenge and dodging another.&nbsp;

He took the ball back from Dest and drove down the right wing, away from three opponents and inside.&nbsp;

Messi twice played off De Jong, the second time after motoring forward into the penalty area, where he darted between two last Athletic defenders and slid the finish into the far corner.&nbsp;

His second, and Barca's fourth, was more straight-forward, Alba pulling a cross back for the Argentinian to tuck under a weak right hand from Simon and inside the post. For Athletic, there was no way back.

Lionel Messi scored twice, including a stunning solo goal, as Barcelona blew away Athletic Bilbao to win the Copa del Rey on Saturday, consigning their opponents to a second final defeat in two weeks.

Lionel Messi scored twice, including a stunning solo goal, as Barcelona blew away Athletic Bilbao to win the Copa del Rey on Saturday, consigning their opponents to a second final defeat in two weeks. The cup was won and lost in a whirlwind 12 minutes in Seville, which saw Barca score four times to clinch an emphatic 4-0 victory, with Messi at his devastating best. It remains to be seen if his seventh Copa del Rey triumph is the last trophy Messi lifts in Barcelona colours but if this was to be a final flourish, the 33-year-old crafted a fitting farewell. "It's very special to be captain of this team where I have spent my whole life and very special to be able to lift this cup," Messi said. His first goal, and Barca's third, started with the Argentinian in his own half before a charging run down the right and a surge forward into the penalty area gave him the chance for a simple finish. With the club's new president Joan Laporta in the crowd, Ronald Koeman's first title as Barcelona coach should also significantly boost his chances of remaining in charge beyond the summer. "To win a title is important for me," Koeman admitted afterwards. Yet Laporta was noticeably evasive when asked about Koeman's future. "He is doing well," he said. Koeman took over a team at rock bottom, humiliated by an historic loss to Bayern Munich and wounded by the attempts of Messi to leave the club for free. But this 31st Copa del Rey success for the club is a testament to progress made and Koeman will hope it not only helps convince Messi to stay but gives Barca momentum now in a neck-and-neck title race in La Liga. "Despite the changes at the club and the young players, at Barca you have to always fight for trophies," Koeman said. "We have the first one and now we are going to fight to the last game in La Liga." Gerard Pique said it felt like the club had been "reset". - 'Turned it around' - "Sometimes you fall down and you have to get up," Pique said. "It has been a difficult year but the team has turned it around." Messi was sent off when Athletic Bilbao beat Barcelona, also at the La Cartuja, in January to win the Spanish Super Cup but they never looked like pulling off a repeat. After Athletic lost to their Basque rivals Real Sociedad in last year's postponed final only two weeks ago, lifting themselves for another showpiece in the same stadium and against a tougher opponent was always going to be a big ask. "In both finals we played well below the level that we're capable of," said Athletic coach Marcelino Garcia Toral. Barcelona were almost ahead after four minutes as Sergio Busquets played in Messi, who rolled back for Frenkie de Jong but his sidefooted finish came back off the far post. Sergino Dest dragged wide while Inigo Martinez had Athletic's best chance but as he stretched for the bouncing ball, he could only poke over. Athletic seemed to have played their way into the match before half-time but Barcelona came out with renewed vigour, with Unai Simon making two brilliant saves to deny Antoine Griezmann and then Busquets, both from close range. But when the resistance gave way, it became a collapse, with goals scored in the 60th, 63rd, 68th and 72nd minutes to leave Athletic's hopes in tatters. First, Messi slipped in Dest down the right and his cross was diverted in by Griezmann before the second came from the opposite flank, Jordi Alba curled in a cross for De Jong to nod in. The third was a spectacular from Messi, who started the move in his own half, leaping over one challenge and dodging another. He took the ball back from Dest and drove down the right wing, away from three opponents and inside. Messi twice played off De Jong, the second time after motoring forward into the penalty area, where he darted between two last Athletic defenders and slid the finish into the far corner. His second, and Barca's fourth, was more straight-forward, Alba pulling a cross back for the Argentinian to tuck under a weak right hand from Simon and inside the post. For Athletic, there was no way back.

Sensational Messi scores twice as Barca beat Athletic to win Copa del Rey

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Sunday continued their unbeaten run in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 as the Virat Kohli-led outfit defeated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 38 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. RCB have now won three matches on the trot in IPL 2021 while KKR have lost two and won one. <o:p></o:p>

AB de Villiers and Glenn Maxwell were the stars of the day for RCB as the duo smashed half-centuries to help the team post a mammoth total of 204/4 in 20 overs. Maxwell started the onslaught with a 49-ball 78 at a time when RCB were struggling at 9/2 on tricky batting conditions in Chennai. De Villiers stole the show as he closed the innings with some thunderous strokes all over the park at the Chepauk. <o:p></o:p>

It was a tough outing for the KKR bowlers after Varun Chakaravarthy’s splendid start with the ball after he picked up two wickets in his very first over.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-harbhajan-sreesanth-slap-gate-to-ms-dhonis-anger-top-ipl-controversies-through-the-years-378405" hreflang="en">From Harbhajan-Sreesanth slap gate to MS Dhoni's anger: Top IPL controversies through the years</a>

KKR enjoyed a brisk start, chasing 205. However, they lost opener Shubman Gill for 18 before Rahul Tripathi joined him after a 20-ball 25. Nitish Rana followed the duo soon after scoring 25.

Former KKR skipper Dinesh Karthik also failed to get it going and was sent packing for a five-ball two. While Shakib al Hasan and Eoin Morgan stitched a steady partnership, it failed to accelerate the run rate.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-virat-kohli-to-rashid-khan-top-7-ipl-2021-stars-and-their-cricketing-idols-378258">From Virat Kohli to Rashid Khan: Top 7 IPL 2021 stars and their cricketing idols</a>

Big-hitting all-rounder Andre Russell smoked a couple of sixes but it was too little too late for KKR as they fall short by 38 runs to succumb to their second defeat in IPL 2021.<o:p></o:p>

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Sunday continued their unbeaten run in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 as the Virat Kohli-led outfit defeated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 38 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Sunday continued their unbeaten run in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 as the Virat Kohli-led outfit defeated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 38 runs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. RCB have now won three matches on the trot in IPL 2021 while KKR have lost two and won one. AB de Villiers and Glenn Maxwell were the stars of the day for RCB as the duo smashed half-centuries to help the team post a mammoth total of 204/4 in 20 overs. Maxwell started the onslaught with a 49-ball 78 at a time when RCB were struggling at 9/2 on tricky batting conditions in Chennai. De Villiers stole the show as he closed the innings with some thunderous strokes all over the park at the Chepauk. It was a tough outing for the KKR bowlers after Varun Chakaravarthy’s splendid start with the ball after he picked up two wickets in his very first over. ALSO READ: From Harbhajan-Sreesanth slap gate to MS Dhoni's anger: Top IPL controversies through the years KKR enjoyed a brisk start, chasing 205. However, they lost opener Shubman Gill for 18 before Rahul Tripathi joined him after a 20-ball 25. Nitish Rana followed the duo soon after scoring 25. Former KKR skipper Dinesh Karthik also failed to get it going and was sent packing for a five-ball two. While Shakib al Hasan and Eoin Morgan stitched a steady partnership, it failed to accelerate the run rate. ALSO READ: From Virat Kohli to Rashid Khan: Top 7 IPL 2021 stars and their cricketing idols Big-hitting all-rounder Andre Russell smoked a couple of sixes but it was too little too late for KKR as they fall short by 38 runs to succumb to their second defeat in IPL 2021.

De Villiers, Maxwell star as RCB continue unbeaten show in IPL 2021; defeat KKR by 38 runs

The Miami Grand Prix will join the Formula One calendar from the 2022 season, organisers said on Sunday, in a 10-year deal that adds a second American race to the championship after the United States GP in Austin.

In a statement F1 said that the race will take place at a new track round the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens north of the Florida city.

"We are thrilled to announce that Formula 1 will be racing in Miami beginning in 2022," said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.

"The US is a key growth market for us, and we are greatly encouraged by our growing reach in the US which will be further supported by this exciting second race."

He added it would be staged "in the second quarter of next year".

F1 said the track will be 5.41km long with high-speed straights which should allow top speeds of 320 km/h and "multiple overtaking opportunities".

The Hard Rock Stadium is the home of the team Miami Dolphins and also hosted the recent Miami Open tennis tournament.

Miami Dolphins chairman Tom Garfinkel, the managing partner of the Miami Grand Prix, said they had worked with specialist designers "to create a racetrack that we, Formula 1 and the FIA believe will provide great racing".

Controlled since 2017 by the American group Liberty Media, F1 was planning on having a Miami GP in 2019 but hit a roadblock with local authorities.

Initial plans to include a circuit that crossed a bridge over the city's bay were shelved after objections.

Garfinkel commented: "The first priority was to create a great race track, and with the Hard Rock site we have a blank sheet of paper to put together a race track that is demanding in a lot of ways and to put on great experiences that are uniquely reflective of the diversity of Miami.

<h2>- 'Latino community' -</h2>

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton backed the move.

"America is such a big place that it always felt like we needed at least two races there to integrate with the audience," the Mercedes driver said.

"The race can bring 4,000 jobs to communities in Miami. Montreal has always been my favourite to go to but Miami I think that's going to be the favourite spot to go to," added Hamilton, ahead of starting on pole for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola later Sunday.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, who finished second to Hamilton in the 2021 season's opening race in Bahrain, said he was "excited" about the new GP.

"I'm sure if they build a good track, we can have a lot of fun out there and hopefully we'll bring a lot of excitement so the fans can of course enjoy the race," he said in a Red Bull statement.&nbsp;

His Mexican teammate Sergio Perez commented: "I think Miami is a great location for Formula One, it's a very fun city and there's lots of energy in that place.

"The Latino community is pretty big there so I'm definitely looking forward going there soon. I think Miami and F1 is the perfect combination."

Miami joins Austin, which has hosted Formula One Grand Prix since 2012, with this year's race in Texas scheduled for October 24.

Miami's arrival will give F1 a potent boost in its bid to compete with the more popular Indycar and NASCAR circuits in the United States.&nbsp;

F1's director of media rights Ian Holmes in February lauded the sport's growth in popularity in the United States, in part on the back of the Netflix F1 documentary series "Drive To Survive".

Miami is the 11th venue in the US to host a leg of the F1 championship after Riverside, Sebring, Watkins Glen, Long Beach, Las Vegas, Detroit, Dallas, Phoenix, Indianapolis and Austin.

The Miami Grand Prix will join the Formula One calendar from the 2022 season, organisers said on Sunday, in a 10-year deal that adds a second American race to the championship after the United States GP in Austin.

The Miami Grand Prix will join the Formula One calendar from the 2022 season, organisers said on Sunday, in a 10-year deal that adds a second American race to the championship after the United States GP in Austin. In a statement F1 said that the race will take place at a new track round the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens north of the Florida city. "We are thrilled to announce that Formula 1 will be racing in Miami beginning in 2022," said F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. "The US is a key growth market for us, and we are greatly encouraged by our growing reach in the US which will be further supported by this exciting second race." He added it would be staged "in the second quarter of next year". F1 said the track will be 5.41km long with high-speed straights which should allow top speeds of 320 km/h and "multiple overtaking opportunities". The Hard Rock Stadium is the home of the team Miami Dolphins and also hosted the recent Miami Open tennis tournament. Miami Dolphins chairman Tom Garfinkel, the managing partner of the Miami Grand Prix, said they had worked with specialist designers "to create a racetrack that we, Formula 1 and the FIA believe will provide great racing". Controlled since 2017 by the American group Liberty Media, F1 was planning on having a Miami GP in 2019 but hit a roadblock with local authorities. Initial plans to include a circuit that crossed a bridge over the city's bay were shelved after objections. Garfinkel commented: "The first priority was to create a great race track, and with the Hard Rock site we have a blank sheet of paper to put together a race track that is demanding in a lot of ways and to put on great experiences that are uniquely reflective of the diversity of Miami. - 'Latino community' - Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton backed the move. "America is such a big place that it always felt like we needed at least two races there to integrate with the audience," the Mercedes driver said. "The race can bring 4,000 jobs to communities in Miami. Montreal has always been my favourite to go to but Miami I think that's going to be the favourite spot to go to," added Hamilton, ahead of starting on pole for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola later Sunday. Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, who finished second to Hamilton in the 2021 season's opening race in Bahrain, said he was "excited" about the new GP. "I'm sure if they build a good track, we can have a lot of fun out there and hopefully we'll bring a lot of excitement so the fans can of course enjoy the race," he said in a Red Bull statement. His Mexican teammate Sergio Perez commented: "I think Miami is a great location for Formula One, it's a very fun city and there's lots of energy in that place. "The Latino community is pretty big there so I'm definitely looking forward going there soon. I think Miami and F1 is the perfect combination." Miami joins Austin, which has hosted Formula One Grand Prix since 2012, with this year's race in Texas scheduled for October 24. Miami's arrival will give F1 a potent boost in its bid to compete with the more popular Indycar and NASCAR circuits in the United States. F1's director of media rights Ian Holmes in February lauded the sport's growth in popularity in the United States, in part on the back of the Netflix F1 documentary series "Drive To Survive". Miami is the 11th venue in the US to host a leg of the F1 championship after Riverside, Sebring, Watkins Glen, Long Beach, Las Vegas, Detroit, Dallas, Phoenix, Indianapolis and Austin.

Miami joins F1 calendar in 2022 in push for US fan share

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has said that Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) all-rounder Glenn Maxwell might win the player of the tournament in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. Maxwell has been at his best following a disastrous last season, which was played in the UAE. <o:p></o:p>

Maxwell has turned the tables this season and has helped RCB get off to a flying start in IPL 2021 with two wins in two matches. Even in the match against Kolkata Knight Riders, Maxwell scored a vital 78 off 49 after coming at the crease when RCB were struggling at 9/2.<o:p></o:p>

&nbsp;"Love watching @Gmaxi_32Bat. He might just end up being the player of the tournament .. slightly under the radar in the same team as @imVkohli&amp; @ABdeVilliers17!!! @RCBTweets looking the strongest I have seen them ... #IPL2021," Vaughan tweeted.

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Love watching <a href="https://twitter.com/Gmaxi_32?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Gmaxi_32</a> Bat .. He might just end up being the player of the tournament .. slightly under the radar in the same team as <a href="https://twitter.com/imVkohli?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@imVkohli</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/ABdeVilliers17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ABdeVilliers17</a> !!! <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RCBTweets</a> looking the strongest I have seen them ... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/cricbuzz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cricbuzz</a>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1383730329962258435?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Both Kohli and Patidar were dismissed for a single-digit score but Maxwell looked on song from the word go. The Aussie showed his range of shots as he smashed the KKR bowlers all over the park. In the process, he also became the highest run-scorer (holder of the Orange cap) in IPL 2021.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Ridiculous <a href="https://twitter.com/Gmaxi_32?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Gmaxi_32</a> !!!
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1383741769943187461?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Following Maxwell’s knock, AB de Villiers raced to another half-century in IPL as he whacked an unbeaten 76 off 34 to help RCB post a mammoth 205 runs on the board.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

So far, KKR have won one and lost one while RCB have witnessed an unbeaten start in IPL 2021.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p>&nbsp;</o:p>

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has said that Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) all-rounder Glenn Maxwell might win the player of the tournament in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has said that Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) all-rounder Glenn Maxwell might win the player of the tournament in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021. Maxwell has been at his best following a disastrous last season, which was played in the UAE. Maxwell has turned the tables this season and has helped RCB get off to a flying start in IPL 2021 with two wins in two matches. Even in the match against Kolkata Knight Riders, Maxwell scored a vital 78 off 49 after coming at the crease when RCB were struggling at 9/2. "Love watching @Gmaxi_32Bat. He might just end up being the player of the tournament .. slightly under the radar in the same team as @imVkohli& @ABdeVilliers17!!! @RCBTweets looking the strongest I have seen them ... #IPL2021," Vaughan tweeted. Love watching @Gmaxi_32 Bat .. He might just end up being the player of the tournament .. slightly under the radar in the same team as @imVkohli & @ABdeVilliers17 !!! @RCBTweets looking the strongest I have seen them ... #IPL2021 @cricbuzz — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) April 18, 2021 × Both Kohli and Patidar were dismissed for a single-digit score but Maxwell looked on song from the word go. The Aussie showed his range of shots as he smashed the KKR bowlers all over the park. In the process, he also became the highest run-scorer (holder of the Orange cap) in IPL 2021. Ridiculous @Gmaxi_32 !!! — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) April 18, 2021 × Following Maxwell’s knock, AB de Villiers raced to another half-century in IPL as he whacked an unbeaten 76 off 34 to help RCB post a mammoth 205 runs on the board. So far, KKR have won one and lost one while RCB have witnessed an unbeaten start in IPL 2021.

Michael Vaughan makes big call on 'slightly under the radar' Glenn Maxwell in IPL 2021

The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture of South Africa, Nathi Mthethwa has threatened to ban crisis riddled Cricket South Africa (CSA) as he told the members council of CSA that they have left him with no choice to invoke his powers.<o:p></o:p>

The development comes a day after the CSA members council, which has 14 affiliate&nbsp;presidents, voted against amendments in the Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI) in a bid to allow restructuring of administration, majority independent board and chairperson. Notably, the members’ council is Cricket South Africa’s highest decision-making body.<o:p></o:p>

“Minister Mthethwa has expressed his disappointment at the failure of the CSA delegates to adopt the revised MOI‚” reads Mthethwa’s statement.<o:p></o:p>

“The revised MOI that the affiliates decided against adopting‚ constituted an agreement between the CSA Members Council and the Interim Board.

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“Accordingly‚ any failure to ratify such an agreement entered into by a duly authorised Members Council representative can only be interpreted as acting in bad faith.<o:p></o:p>

“This turn of events‚ taking place at the back of several missed opportunities by the Members Council‚ has left the Minister with no further option but to exercise his rights in terms of section 13(5) of the Sports Act.<o:p></o:p>

“To this end‚ the Minister will be taking the necessary steps required to exercise his rights in terms of the law prescripts next week.”<o:p></o:p>

Even the CSA interim board, appointed by Mthethwa in October and incorporated in November, also released a statement and expressed their disappointment.<o:p></o:p>

“These proposed changes would be in line with the Nicholson Report and good corporate governance‚” reads the CSA interim board statement.<o:p></o:p>

“The Interim Board (IB) has held over the past few months several consultative sessions with the Members’ Council.<o:p></o:p>

“In addition‚ Professor Michael Katz has also consulted and provided legal advice to the Members’ Council on the proposed amendments.<o:p></o:p>

“Disappointingly‚ the Members’ Council voted not to accept the amendments to the MOI which would have steered CSA on a new path and restored confidence with its stakeholders.<o:p></o:p>

“Despite the IB requesting transparency‚ the Members’ Council insisted on a secret ballot.” CSA interim board chairperson Dr Stavros Nicolaou was quoted as saying in the same statement:<o:p></o:p>

“What happened today was extremely disappointing and certainly not in the best interests of cricket.

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“A minority of the Members’ Council have yet again shown itself to place self-preservation ahead of the interests of the game and indeed‚ the national interest.<o:p></o:p>

“This minority is determined to hold the game - and the country - hostage.<o:p></o:p>

“It has been aided and abetted by Sascoc‚ whose intervention in the CSA SGM today was totally unacceptable and indeed appeared orchestrated‚” said Nicolaou.<o:p></o:p>

He added: “Fortunately‚ members of the media were present at the SGM to ensure the public will be informed as to what happened today.”<o:p></o:p>

Nicolaou went on to say that “the Interim Board is in discussion with the Minister about the way forward for cricket in South Africa.”<o:p></o:p>

The CSA members council is expected to release a statement as well. Under Section 13(5) of the Sports Act, the Minister can give order to his department from funding the CSA and expel the recognition by Sport and Recreation South Africa.<o:p></o:p>

The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture of South Africa, Nathi Mthethwa has threatened to ban crisis riddled Cricket South Africa (CSA) as he told the members council of CSA that they have left him with no choice to invoke his powers.

The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture of South Africa, Nathi Mthethwa has threatened to ban crisis riddled Cricket South Africa (CSA) as he told the members council of CSA that they have left him with no choice to invoke his powers. The development comes a day after the CSA members council, which has 14 affiliate presidents, voted against amendments in the Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI) in a bid to allow restructuring of administration, majority independent board and chairperson. Notably, the members’ council is Cricket South Africa’s highest decision-making body. “Minister Mthethwa has expressed his disappointment at the failure of the CSA delegates to adopt the revised MOI‚” reads Mthethwa’s statement. “The revised MOI that the affiliates decided against adopting‚ constituted an agreement between the CSA Members Council and the Interim Board. ALSO READ: From Virat Kohli to Rashid Khan: Top 7 IPL 2021 stars and their cricketing idols “Accordingly‚ any failure to ratify such an agreement entered into by a duly authorised Members Council representative can only be interpreted as acting in bad faith. “This turn of events‚ taking place at the back of several missed opportunities by the Members Council‚ has left the Minister with no further option but to exercise his rights in terms of section 13(5) of the Sports Act. “To this end‚ the Minister will be taking the necessary steps required to exercise his rights in terms of the law prescripts next week.” Even the CSA interim board, appointed by Mthethwa in October and incorporated in November, also released a statement and expressed their disappointment. “These proposed changes would be in line with the Nicholson Report and good corporate governance‚” reads the CSA interim board statement. “The Interim Board (IB) has held over the past few months several consultative sessions with the Members’ Council. “In addition‚ Professor Michael Katz has also consulted and provided legal advice to the Members’ Council on the proposed amendments. “Disappointingly‚ the Members’ Council voted not to accept the amendments to the MOI which would have steered CSA on a new path and restored confidence with its stakeholders. “Despite the IB requesting transparency‚ the Members’ Council insisted on a secret ballot.” CSA interim board chairperson Dr Stavros Nicolaou was quoted as saying in the same statement: “What happened today was extremely disappointing and certainly not in the best interests of cricket. ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma overtakes MS Dhoni to become Indian with most number of sixes in IPL “A minority of the Members’ Council have yet again shown itself to place self-preservation ahead of the interests of the game and indeed‚ the national interest. “This minority is determined to hold the game - and the country - hostage. “It has been aided and abetted by Sascoc‚ whose intervention in the CSA SGM today was totally unacceptable and indeed appeared orchestrated‚” said Nicolaou. He added: “Fortunately‚ members of the media were present at the SGM to ensure the public will be informed as to what happened today.” Nicolaou went on to say that “the Interim Board is in discussion with the Minister about the way forward for cricket in South Africa.” The CSA members council is expected to release a statement as well. Under Section 13(5) of the Sports Act, the Minister can give order to his department from funding the CSA and expel the recognition by Sport and Recreation South Africa.

South Africa's minister of sport threatens to ban cricket in SA

Former India cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has been left unimpressed by the Sunrisers Hyderabad team selection in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 match against Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Manjrekar expressed his disappointment after Hyderabad crumbled in the 151-run chase against MI and fell short by 13 runs despite a blistering start by openers.<o:p></o:p>

Manjrekar took a swipe at the SRH middle order as he said the team playing Abhishek Sharma, Virat Singh and Abdul Samad together don’t deserve to win. The likes of Virat, Abhishek and Samad could manage just 11, 2 and 7 respectively which led to a middle-order collapse for SRH.<o:p></o:p>

"Sorry to say, but anyone that picks Abhishek Sharma, Virat Singh and Abdul Samad all together in one playing XI does not deserve to win," Manjrekar tweeted.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-vvs-laxman-reveals-why-t-natarajan-missed-mumbai-indians-match-378363" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: VVS Laxman reveals why T Natarajan missed Mumbai Indians match</a>

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Sorry to say, but anyone that picks Abhishek Sharma, Virat Singh and Abdul Samad all together in one playing XI does not deserve to win.
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) <a href="https://twitter.com/sanjaymanjrekar/status/1383476062705754114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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While Virat, who made his IPL debut, and Abhishek struggled to middle the ball, Samad was caught up with the pressure wave and ended up getting dismissed for 7. Manjrekar has even suggested SRH to play Kedar Jadhav over the inexperienced batsmen.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

Mumbai Indians bowlers hunted the inexperienced SRH middle order down with the likes of Bumrah, Rahul Chahar and Trent Boult starring with the ball.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/one-of-the-best-boult-lauds-jasprit-bumrah-after-splendid-show-in-death-overs-vs-srh-378372" hreflang="en">'One of the best': Boult lauds Jasprit Bumrah after splendid show in death overs vs SRH</a>

The Hyderabad outfit lose eight wickets for 47 runs and were bundled out for 137. With the win, Mumbai Indians now have four points in three matches after losing their IPL 2021 opener against RCB.<o:p></o:p>

Former India cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has been left unimpressed by the Sunrisers Hyderabad team selection in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 match against Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Former India cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has been left unimpressed by the Sunrisers Hyderabad team selection in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 match against Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Manjrekar expressed his disappointment after Hyderabad crumbled in the 151-run chase against MI and fell short by 13 runs despite a blistering start by openers. Manjrekar took a swipe at the SRH middle order as he said the team playing Abhishek Sharma, Virat Singh and Abdul Samad together don’t deserve to win. The likes of Virat, Abhishek and Samad could manage just 11, 2 and 7 respectively which led to a middle-order collapse for SRH. "Sorry to say, but anyone that picks Abhishek Sharma, Virat Singh and Abdul Samad all together in one playing XI does not deserve to win," Manjrekar tweeted. ALSO READ: IPL 2021: VVS Laxman reveals why T Natarajan missed Mumbai Indians match Sorry to say, but anyone that picks Abhishek Sharma, Virat Singh and Abdul Samad all together in one playing XI does not deserve to win. — Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) April 17, 2021 × While Virat, who made his IPL debut, and Abhishek struggled to middle the ball, Samad was caught up with the pressure wave and ended up getting dismissed for 7. Manjrekar has even suggested SRH to play Kedar Jadhav over the inexperienced batsmen. Mumbai Indians bowlers hunted the inexperienced SRH middle order down with the likes of Bumrah, Rahul Chahar and Trent Boult starring with the ball. ALSO READ: 'One of the best': Boult lauds Jasprit Bumrah after splendid show in death overs vs SRH The Hyderabad outfit lose eight wickets for 47 runs and were bundled out for 137. With the win, Mumbai Indians now have four points in three matches after losing their IPL 2021 opener against RCB.

'Does not deserve to win': Sanjay Manjrekar left unimpressed by Hyderabad's team combination vs Mumbai

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are all set to lock horns with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday. While RCB have won both their matches in IPL 2021, KKR have won one and lost one in the tournament so far.<o:p></o:p>

RCB would be looking to continue their winning run in IPL 2021 whereas KKR would be itching to bounce back after choking against Mumbai Indians in their last match.<o:p></o:p>

Chennai has offered assistance to spin and slower deliveries and with the match set to be played in the afternoon, both KKR and RCB could rely on their spin options more than the pacers.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rcb-vs-kkr-ipl-2021-head-to-head-stats-chennai-weather-forecast-pitch-report-all-you-need-to-know-378360" hreflang="en">RCB vs KKR, IPL 2021: Head-to-head stats, Chennai weather forecast, pitch report - All you need to know</a>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Here's all you need to know about Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders, IPL 2021 match:<o:p></o:p></h2>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Where is the IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders taking place?<o:p></o:p></h2>

The IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders will take place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.<o:p></o:p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">What time does the IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders begin?<o:p></o:p></h2>

The IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders begins at 3:30 PM IST on Saturday, April 17.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2021-vvs-laxman-reveals-why-t-natarajan-missed-mumbai-indians-match-378363" hreflang="en">IPL 2021: VVS Laxman reveals why T Natarajan missed Mumbai Indians match</a>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Where and how to watch live coverage and live streaming&nbsp;of the IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders?<o:p></o:p></h2>

The IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 3 and Star Sports 3 HD. The online streaming of the IPL 2021 match between MI vs SRH will be available on Hotstar.<o:p></o:p>

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are all set to lock horns with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are all set to lock horns with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Sunday. While RCB have won both their matches in IPL 2021, KKR have won one and lost one in the tournament so far. RCB would be looking to continue their winning run in IPL 2021 whereas KKR would be itching to bounce back after choking against Mumbai Indians in their last match. Chennai has offered assistance to spin and slower deliveries and with the match set to be played in the afternoon, both KKR and RCB could rely on their spin options more than the pacers. ALSO READ: RCB vs KKR, IPL 2021: Head-to-head stats, Chennai weather forecast, pitch report - All you need to know Here's all you need to know about Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders, IPL 2021 match: Where is the IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders taking place? The IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders will take place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. What time does the IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders begin? The IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders begins at 3:30 PM IST on Saturday, April 17. ALSO READ: IPL 2021: VVS Laxman reveals why T Natarajan missed Mumbai Indians match Where and how to watch live coverage and live streaming of the IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders? The IPL 2021 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders will be aired live on Star Sports channels - Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 3 and Star Sports 3 HD. The online streaming of the IPL 2021 match between MI vs SRH will be available on Hotstar.

RCB vs KKR, IPL 2021, Live Streaming: How to watch Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders online?

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming had special words for skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni following his 200th appearance for the franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Fleming labelled Dhoni as the ‘heartbeat’ of CSK while saying his longevity and desire to do well for the team are to be appreciated. <o:p></o:p>

Dhoni has been leading Chennai Super Kings since the inaugural edition of IPL in 2008. <o:p></o:p>

"His longevity has to be mentioned and appreciated...to play 200 games and still have a desire to do well is a testament to his attitude towards the game and franchise," Fleming said after CSK beat Punjab Kings by six wickets win in the ongoing IPL here on Friday.<o:p></o:p>

"I think the franchise has grown and MS has grown with it, so it is a great relationship and great fun," the former New Zealand skipper added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-selects-9-venues-for-icc-t20-world-cup-2021-in-india-reports-378114" hreflang="en">BCCI selects 9 venues for ICC T20 World Cup 2021 in India: Reports</a>

Terming Dhoni the heartbeat of CSK, Fleming said, "He is the heartbeat of CSK, there's no doubt about it. Whether it's performance, guidance or leadership, you run out of things to say about him."<o:p></o:p>

The former New Zealand captain was impressed by the team’s hunger to bounce back after the defeat in their IPL 2021 opener while heaping praise on Man of the Match Deepak Chahar for his figures of 4 for 13 in four overs. <o:p></o:p>

"Really impressed with the way he bounced back after the first game. Without a doubt, when Deepak gets a little bit of swing and a little bit of movement, he is one of the finest around. His ability to swing the ball is one. But his control and skill set is also very high.<o:p></o:p>

"The key is keeping him simple in his plans and just operating in and around the stumps. He is very effective when the ball swings. A great bounce back from a below-par performance in the first game."

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-dhoni-to-kohli-highest-paid-players-with-mind-boggling-salaries-in-ipl-2021-377532" hreflang="en">From Dhoni to Kohli: Highest-paid players with mind-boggling salaries in IPL 2021</a>

The CSK coach backed opener Ruturaj Gaikwad despite the batsman not being able to get going for a second straight match.<o:p></o:p>

Fleming further backed opener Ruturaj Gaikwad after the youngster endured a shaky start in the 14th edition of the tournament.<o:p></o:p>

"I am happy with the balance we have got in the team. Ruturaj (Gaikwad) is a fine player. He got a good ball in the first match and very difficult conditions today. It wasn't a 220-run wicket today. It was much different.<o:p></o:p>

"Ruturaj was a player we showed faith in last year, and his talent came through. Our philosophy when we pick players and put them in the team is to back them. This combination (Ruturaj-Faf du Plessis) is simply that," he added.<o:p></o:p>

CSK next play Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2021, at the Wankhede in Mumbai on Monday.

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Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming had special words for skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni following his 200th appearance for the franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) head coach Stephen Fleming had special words for skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni following his 200th appearance for the franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Fleming labelled Dhoni as the ‘heartbeat’ of CSK while saying his longevity and desire to do well for the team are to be appreciated. Dhoni has been leading Chennai Super Kings since the inaugural edition of IPL in 2008. "His longevity has to be mentioned and appreciated...to play 200 games and still have a desire to do well is a testament to his attitude towards the game and franchise," Fleming said after CSK beat Punjab Kings by six wickets win in the ongoing IPL here on Friday. "I think the franchise has grown and MS has grown with it, so it is a great relationship and great fun," the former New Zealand skipper added. ALSO READ: BCCI selects 9 venues for ICC T20 World Cup 2021 in India: Reports Terming Dhoni the heartbeat of CSK, Fleming said, "He is the heartbeat of CSK, there's no doubt about it. Whether it's performance, guidance or leadership, you run out of things to say about him." The former New Zealand captain was impressed by the team’s hunger to bounce back after the defeat in their IPL 2021 opener while heaping praise on Man of the Match Deepak Chahar for his figures of 4 for 13 in four overs. "Really impressed with the way he bounced back after the first game. Without a doubt, when Deepak gets a little bit of swing and a little bit of movement, he is one of the finest around. His ability to swing the ball is one. But his control and skill set is also very high. "The key is keeping him simple in his plans and just operating in and around the stumps. He is very effective when the ball swings. A great bounce back from a below-par performance in the first game." IN PICS | From Dhoni to Kohli: Highest-paid players with mind-boggling salaries in IPL 2021 The CSK coach backed opener Ruturaj Gaikwad despite the batsman not being able to get going for a second straight match. Fleming further backed opener Ruturaj Gaikwad after the youngster endured a shaky start in the 14th edition of the tournament. "I am happy with the balance we have got in the team. Ruturaj (Gaikwad) is a fine player. He got a good ball in the first match and very difficult conditions today. It wasn't a 220-run wicket today. It was much different. "Ruturaj was a player we showed faith in last year, and his talent came through. Our philosophy when we pick players and put them in the team is to back them. This combination (Ruturaj-Faf du Plessis) is simply that," he added. CSK next play Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2021, at the Wankhede in Mumbai on Monday. ×

'Heartbeat': Fleming's special praise for MS Dhoni after 200th CSK appearance in IPL

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday held its seventh Apex Council meeting virtually as the members shortlisted nine venues for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by India in October-November.<o:p></o:p>

As many as nine venues have been selected for the T20 World Cup and the state cricket authorities have been asked to continue preparing for the marquee event and a final call could only be taken closer to the T20 tournament. Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Dharamsala, Ahmedabad and Lucknow have reportedly been picked by the BCCI Apex Council for the T20 World Cup.<o:p></o:p>

"The nine venues have been informed and it was again discussed that preparations should continue for the showpiece event with an eye on the COVID-19 situation and a call will only be taken closer to the event. It is too early to imagine what can or will happen in October-November with regards to the coronavirus situation. But preparations shall be on," the source privy to the development told ANI.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-to-field-teams-for-2028-los-angeles-olympics-womens-team-to-play-in-2022-cwg-378111" hreflang="en">BCCI to field teams for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, women's team to play in 2022 CWG</a>

Asked about the visa of players participating in the T20 World Cup, the source said: "Yes, all participants will get visas." <o:p></o:p>

Asked about India's participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the source said there were positive discussions on the matter and it is about taking one step at a time. Furthermore, the BCCI gave full assurance over visas for the Pakistan cricket team and its media for the T20 World Cup.<o:p></o:p>

The domestic season was also expected to kick-start from September but the ‘wait and watch’ policy has been adopted in the matter as the second wave of COVID-19 continues to hit the country hard.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ab-de-villiers-to-return-to-international-cricket-mark-boucher-says-talks-still-very-much-open-377989" hreflang="en">AB de Villiers to return to international cricket? Mark Boucher says talks 'still very much open'</a>

"There were discussions on the domestic calendar as well as the BCCI is very serious about it and we are looking at September to kickstart the season with the Mushtaq Ali and then the 50-over and days format, but then have to see how things pan out. You cannot guess the future in these circumstances," the source said.<o:p></o:p>

(With ANI inputs)

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<o:p></o:p>

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday held its seventh Apex Council meeting virtually as the members shortlisted nine venues for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by India in October-November.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday held its seventh Apex Council meeting virtually as the members shortlisted nine venues for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by India in October-November. As many as nine venues have been selected for the T20 World Cup and the state cricket authorities have been asked to continue preparing for the marquee event and a final call could only be taken closer to the T20 tournament. Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Dharamsala, Ahmedabad and Lucknow have reportedly been picked by the BCCI Apex Council for the T20 World Cup. "The nine venues have been informed and it was again discussed that preparations should continue for the showpiece event with an eye on the COVID-19 situation and a call will only be taken closer to the event. It is too early to imagine what can or will happen in October-November with regards to the coronavirus situation. But preparations shall be on," the source privy to the development told ANI. ALSO READ: BCCI to field teams for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, women's team to play in 2022 CWG Asked about the visa of players participating in the T20 World Cup, the source said: "Yes, all participants will get visas." Asked about India's participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the source said there were positive discussions on the matter and it is about taking one step at a time. Furthermore, the BCCI gave full assurance over visas for the Pakistan cricket team and its media for the T20 World Cup. The domestic season was also expected to kick-start from September but the ‘wait and watch’ policy has been adopted in the matter as the second wave of COVID-19 continues to hit the country hard. ALSO READ: AB de Villiers to return to international cricket? Mark Boucher says talks 'still very much open' "There were discussions on the domestic calendar as well as the BCCI is very serious about it and we are looking at September to kickstart the season with the Mushtaq Ali and then the 50-over and days format, but then have to see how things pan out. You cannot guess the future in these circumstances," the source said. (With ANI inputs) ×

BCCI selects 9 venues for ICC T20 World Cup 2021 in India: Reports

The BCCI Apex Council has decided to field both men’s and women’s teams at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics if the sport is included in the Games. The Indian women’s cricket team will also participate in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.<o:p></o:p>

The Apex Council, after meeting virtually on Friday, further decided that the women’s team led by Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur will also fly to Australia at the end of 2021 followed by the New Zealand tour which will precede the Women ODI World Cup.<o:p></o:p>

"The women's team will be playing in the Birmingham CWG. If finally, cricket is a part of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, then both men and women's team will take part. This has been decided in principle," a senior BCCI functionary privy to developments of the day told PTI on conditions of anonymity.<o:p></o:p>

A camp is also set to take place before the three-team Women’s T20 Challenge and after the exhibition event, the squad will fly to England for its full-fledged tour.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/biden-backs-japan-pm-on-holding-safe-and-secure-olympic-games-378108" hreflang="en">Biden backs Japan PM on holding 'safe and secure' Olympic Games</a>

"The girls will play a full series in England. Once they come back, West Indies or Proteas women will again come for bilateral series.<o:p></o:p>

Once that's over, the team will be travelling to Australia for a white ball series and then will play another series in New Zealand. The New Zealand bilateral (or tri-nation series) will be a pre-cursor to the ODI World Cup," he said.<o:p></o:p>

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ab-de-villiers-to-return-to-international-cricket-mark-boucher-says-talks-still-very-much-open-377989" hreflang="en">AB de Villiers to return to international cricket? Mark Boucher says talks 'still very much open'</a>

However, no concrete decision could be taken on domestic cricket in India given the situation surrounding COVID-19 in the country. <o:p></o:p>

"Obviously, we plan to hold the Ranji Trophy and all the tournaments in order but you can't escape the situation. The compensation package will also be worked out as it has been approved by the general body in January."<o:p></o:p>

(With PTI inputs)

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The BCCI Apex Council has decided to field both men’s and women’s teams at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics if the sport is included in the Games. The Indian women’s cricket team will also participate in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

The BCCI Apex Council has decided to field both men’s and women’s teams at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics if the sport is included in the Games. The Indian women’s cricket team will also participate in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. The Apex Council, after meeting virtually on Friday, further decided that the women’s team led by Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur will also fly to Australia at the end of 2021 followed by the New Zealand tour which will precede the Women ODI World Cup. "The women's team will be playing in the Birmingham CWG. If finally, cricket is a part of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, then both men and women's team will take part. This has been decided in principle," a senior BCCI functionary privy to developments of the day told PTI on conditions of anonymity. A camp is also set to take place before the three-team Women’s T20 Challenge and after the exhibition event, the squad will fly to England for its full-fledged tour. ALSO READ: Biden backs Japan PM on holding 'safe and secure' Olympic Games "The girls will play a full series in England. Once they come back, West Indies or Proteas women will again come for bilateral series. Once that's over, the team will be travelling to Australia for a white ball series and then will play another series in New Zealand. The New Zealand bilateral (or tri-nation series) will be a pre-cursor to the ODI World Cup," he said. ALSO READ: AB de Villiers to return to international cricket? Mark Boucher says talks 'still very much open' However, no concrete decision could be taken on domestic cricket in India given the situation surrounding COVID-19 in the country. "Obviously, we plan to hold the Ranji Trophy and all the tournaments in order but you can't escape the situation. The compensation package will also be worked out as it has been approved by the general body in January." (With PTI inputs) ×

BCCI to field teams for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, women's team to play in 2022 CWG

Qatar is in talks with coronavirus vaccine makers to ensure all fans attending the 2022 World Cup in the country have been vaccinated, the foreign minister said Friday.

The Gulf nation is facing a resurgence of virus cases and deaths despite progress in its mass vaccination programme, forcing authorities to impose a nationwide lockdown.

"We have been negotiating and talking to the vaccination providers on how we can make sure that everyone attending the World Cup is vaccinated," Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said.&nbsp;

"Right now there are programs under development to provide vaccination to all the attendees of the World Cup," he added during the Raisina Dialogue, a virtual event hosted by the Observer Research Foundation.

"We will be able, hopefully, to host a COVID-free event. We also hope that globally the pandemic will start to go down and disappear."&nbsp;

Globally no one vaccine certification system has yet been universally accepted or recognised, though the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Travel Pass has gained popularity amongst Gulf airlines including Qatar Airways.

As of Friday, 194,930 of Qatar's 2.75 million people have tested positive for the coronavirus since the pandemic began, with 21,965 currently active cases -- almost one percent of the population.

Over 26,000 vaccine jabs were administered on Friday, bringing the total to 1,209,648 doses, according to official data.

One in five of the 367 deaths Qatar has suffered since the start of the pandemic has been reported this month with officials blaming the more virulent British variant.&nbsp;

Last week Qatar announced the reimposition of strict lockdown measures, banning most indoor activities except retail and work in an effort to contain the virus.

Qatar has defied soaring coronavirus case numbers to stage several high profile global sporting events in recent months, serving as a test bed for different restrictions but also suffering high-profile infection cases.

The wealthy Gulf nation has bucked the trend of more established sporting nations which have cancelled or postponed a slew of leading events, instead hosting soccer, tennis, motorcycling, judo and beach volleyball since January.

FIFA boss Gianni Infantino has previously said that measures to contain the coronavirus will need to be taken during the 2022 tournament but did not given details.

"Maybe some precautionary measures have to be taken," he told AFP during the FIFA Club World Cup in Doha in February.

As well as saying unspecified distancing measures could still be in place for next year's World Cup, Infantino suggested FIFA could "concretely" help travelling fans from countries with patchy vaccine rollouts.

"We need to see how the situation looks by then. It's very difficult to foresee now.

"It will take a little bit of time, and we have two years of time to come back to some sort of normality."

Qatar is in talks with coronavirus vaccine makers to ensure all fans attending the 2022 World Cup in the country have been vaccinated, the foreign minister said Friday.

Qatar is in talks with coronavirus vaccine makers to ensure all fans attending the 2022 World Cup in the country have been vaccinated, the foreign minister said Friday. The Gulf nation is facing a resurgence of virus cases and deaths despite progress in its mass vaccination programme, forcing authorities to impose a nationwide lockdown. "We have been negotiating and talking to the vaccination providers on how we can make sure that everyone attending the World Cup is vaccinated," Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said. "Right now there are programs under development to provide vaccination to all the attendees of the World Cup," he added during the Raisina Dialogue, a virtual event hosted by the Observer Research Foundation. "We will be able, hopefully, to host a COVID-free event. We also hope that globally the pandemic will start to go down and disappear." Globally no one vaccine certification system has yet been universally accepted or recognised, though the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Travel Pass has gained popularity amongst Gulf airlines including Qatar Airways. As of Friday, 194,930 of Qatar's 2.75 million people have tested positive for the coronavirus since the pandemic began, with 21,965 currently active cases -- almost one percent of the population. Over 26,000 vaccine jabs were administered on Friday, bringing the total to 1,209,648 doses, according to official data. One in five of the 367 deaths Qatar has suffered since the start of the pandemic has been reported this month with officials blaming the more virulent British variant. Last week Qatar announced the reimposition of strict lockdown measures, banning most indoor activities except retail and work in an effort to contain the virus. Qatar has defied soaring coronavirus case numbers to stage several high profile global sporting events in recent months, serving as a test bed for different restrictions but also suffering high-profile infection cases. The wealthy Gulf nation has bucked the trend of more established sporting nations which have cancelled or postponed a slew of leading events, instead hosting soccer, tennis, motorcycling, judo and beach volleyball since January. FIFA boss Gianni Infantino has previously said that measures to contain the coronavirus will need to be taken during the 2022 tournament but did not given details. "Maybe some precautionary measures have to be taken," he told AFP during the FIFA Club World Cup in Doha in February. As well as saying unspecified distancing measures could still be in place for next year's World Cup, Infantino suggested FIFA could "concretely" help travelling fans from countries with patchy vaccine rollouts. "We need to see how the situation looks by then. It's very difficult to foresee now. "It will take a little bit of time, and we have two years of time to come back to some sort of normality."

Qatar seeking virus jabs for all World Cup visitors

US President Joe Biden on Friday gave his backing to Japan's efforts to hold a "safe and secure" Olympic Games this year after talk of cancelation due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, meeting Biden as the US president's first foreign guest, said his country was listening to experts and doing its "utmost" to prepare for the Tokyo Games.

"They are doing everything possible to contain infection and to realize safe and secure games from scientific and objective perspectives," Suga told a joint news conference.

"I expressed my determination to realize the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games as a symbol of global unity this summer, and President Biden once again expressed his support," the prime minister added.

A joint statement afterward said that Biden "supports Prime Minister Suga's efforts to hold a safe and secure Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer."&nbsp;

"Both leaders expressed their pride in the US and Japanese athletes who have trained for these Games and will be competing in the best traditions of the Olympic spirit," the statement said.

The Tokyo Games are due to open in July, with only Japanese spectators in the stands, after already being postponed by a year due to the pandemic.

Uncertainty about their viability has grown amid rising virus cases.

Organizers said Friday that they scrapped another leg of Japan's Olympic torch relay -- the third leg to be affected by a surge in infections -- and that a BMX Freestyle test event scheduled for April 24 and 25 would now be postponed.

A top official from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, Toshihiro Nikai, caused a stir on Thursday by saying that Japan may need to cancel the Olympics, which have become increasingly unpopular among the Japanese public.

"If infections spread because of the Olympics, I don't know what the Olympics is for," said Nikai, the party's second-most powerful figure.

US President Joe Biden on Friday gave his backing to Japan's efforts to hold a "safe and secure" Olympic Games this year after talk of cancelation due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

US President Joe Biden on Friday gave his backing to Japan's efforts to hold a "safe and secure" Olympic Games this year after talk of cancelation due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, meeting Biden as the US president's first foreign guest, said his country was listening to experts and doing its "utmost" to prepare for the Tokyo Games. "They are doing everything possible to contain infection and to realize safe and secure games from scientific and objective perspectives," Suga told a joint news conference. "I expressed my determination to realize the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games as a symbol of global unity this summer, and President Biden once again expressed his support," the prime minister added. A joint statement afterward said that Biden "supports Prime Minister Suga's efforts to hold a safe and secure Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer." "Both leaders expressed their pride in the US and Japanese athletes who have trained for these Games and will be competing in the best traditions of the Olympic spirit," the statement said. The Tokyo Games are due to open in July, with only Japanese spectators in the stands, after already being postponed by a year due to the pandemic. Uncertainty about their viability has grown amid rising virus cases. Organizers said Friday that they scrapped another leg of Japan's Olympic torch relay -- the third leg to be affected by a surge in infections -- and that a BMX Freestyle test event scheduled for April 24 and 25 would now be postponed. A top official from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, Toshihiro Nikai, caused a stir on Thursday by saying that Japan may need to cancel the Olympics, which have become increasingly unpopular among the Japanese public. "If infections spread because of the Olympics, I don't know what the Olympics is for," said Nikai, the party's second-most powerful figure.

Biden backs Japan PM on holding 'safe and secure' Olympic Games

Thomas Tuchel admits Chelsea still lag behind Manchester City as he prepares to face the runaway Premier League leaders in an FA Cup semi-final but vowed to hunt down Europe's "benchmark" club next season.

Chelsea face City at Wembley on Saturday, with Tuchel chasing a maiden managerial win over Pep Guardiola, whose side are still on course for an unprecedented quadruple.

The Blues' German boss believes Chelsea still have long-term ground to make up on City but has exhorted his players to close that gap just for 90 minutes.

"We have to accept that there is a gap between us and Manchester City," said Tuchel, who replaced Frank Lampard in the Stamford Bridge hot seat in January,

"If you look at the fixture in the Premier League and the fixtures in the last years we have to accept this. And it's important that we accept this without making ourselves too small.

"So from next year on, from day one of next season we will hunt them, we will try to close the gap between us," added Tuchel, whose side are currently 20 points adrift of City in the Premier League.

"And this the benchmark. For me in Europe there are two teams who are the benchmark, there is Bayern Munich and Manchester City."

Tuchel said his side, who have lost just twice since he took charge, had the belief they could close the gap for one game.

"I arrive happy to compete against the benchmark in England and Europe," he said.

"We want the momentum of football on our side, and to play at the top level it's not to force things, and we'll need a bit of luck."

Former Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain boss Tuchel has taken on Guardiola five times and remains winless against the City manager, whom he could also face in the Champions League final.

He revealed the Catalan had had a major effect on his coaching style, conceding he was glued to the screen during Guardiola's Barcelona tenure.

"He's a huge influence on me because when he was coach at Barcelona I didn't have the chance to know him personally, but I was watching almost every game," he said.

"I was very impressed by the way they made success happen, by the style they were playing, all the academy guys, the offensive ball possession.

"And what was maybe most impressive about this team was the mentality and how they defended when they lost the ball."

Thomas Tuchel admits Chelsea still lag behind Manchester City as he prepares to face the runaway Premier League leaders in an FA Cup semi-final but vowed to hunt down Europe's "benchmark" club next season.

Thomas Tuchel admits Chelsea still lag behind Manchester City as he prepares to face the runaway Premier League leaders in an FA Cup semi-final but vowed to hunt down Europe's "benchmark" club next season. Chelsea face City at Wembley on Saturday, with Tuchel chasing a maiden managerial win over Pep Guardiola, whose side are still on course for an unprecedented quadruple. The Blues' German boss believes Chelsea still have long-term ground to make up on City but has exhorted his players to close that gap just for 90 minutes. "We have to accept that there is a gap between us and Manchester City," said Tuchel, who replaced Frank Lampard in the Stamford Bridge hot seat in January, "If you look at the fixture in the Premier League and the fixtures in the last years we have to accept this. And it's important that we accept this without making ourselves too small. "So from next year on, from day one of next season we will hunt them, we will try to close the gap between us," added Tuchel, whose side are currently 20 points adrift of City in the Premier League. "And this the benchmark. For me in Europe there are two teams who are the benchmark, there is Bayern Munich and Manchester City." Tuchel said his side, who have lost just twice since he took charge, had the belief they could close the gap for one game. "I arrive happy to compete against the benchmark in England and Europe," he said. "We want the momentum of football on our side, and to play at the top level it's not to force things, and we'll need a bit of luck." Former Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain boss Tuchel has taken on Guardiola five times and remains winless against the City manager, whom he could also face in the Champions League final. He revealed the Catalan had had a major effect on his coaching style, conceding he was glued to the screen during Guardiola's Barcelona tenure. "He's a huge influence on me because when he was coach at Barcelona I didn't have the chance to know him personally, but I was watching almost every game," he said. "I was very impressed by the way they made success happen, by the style they were playing, all the academy guys, the offensive ball possession. "And what was maybe most impressive about this team was the mentality and how they defended when they lost the ball."

Chelsea's Tuchel vows to hunt down Man City ahead of FA Cup clash

Rafael Nadal's bid for a 12th Monte Carlo Masters title was shattered by Russia's Andrey Rublev, who swept to a 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 quarter-final win on Friday with the great Spaniard admitting his serve was "a disaster".

Nadal, bidding to reach the semi-finals of a Masters for the 75th time, followed world number one Novak Djokovic, who was beaten in the third round, out of the tournament.

"Today was one of those days that my serve was a disaster," said world number three Nadal.

"It's always sad to lose here. I missed an opportunity to start the clay court season in the right way. But that's it. It's not the moment to complain.

"The only thing that I can do is go to Barcelona (where he plays next week) and keep practicing, try to fix the things that didn't work well."

Despite Friday's setback, 34-year-old Nadal will still be favourite to capture a 13th Roland Garros title in June and record-setting 21st major.

"For Rafa, it must be incredibly difficult to play with this pressure of always having to win," said Rublev who also made the Miami Masters semi-finals at the start of April.&nbsp;

"I'm shocked to see the level which he can reach despite this pressure. It's much easier to play when you have nothing to lose."

It was only the second time in 16 appearances in Monte Carlo that Nadal had failed to make the semi-finals.

World number eight Rublev will face unseeded Casper Ruud, who put out defending champion Fabio Fognini, for a place in the final.

The other semi-final will feature Greek fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas against Britain's Dan Evans, the man who shocked Djokovic.

Tsitsipas is now the highest seed left after world number two Daniil Medvedev was forced to withdraw due to a positive Covid-19 test.

Rublev is no stranger to taking out the big names -- back in 2019, he stunned Roger Federer at Cincinnati in just 62 minutes.

On Friday, the 23-year-old won the first set in 38 minutes but Nadal then pocketed the last four games of the 73-minute second set to level the contest.

<h2>- Rublev 'deserved it' -</h2>

In the decider, Rublev held his nerve, breaking the Spaniard three times on his way to a famous win, his first in three meetings with Nadal.

"He played well, he deserved it more than me," added Nadal.

"But you can't expect win against a player like him losing my serve I don't know how many times -- six, seven times? It's too much."

Tsitsipas advanced to the last-four when Alejandro Davidovich withdrew after losing the first set 7-5.

Tsitsipas, the world number five, will play his sixth Masters semi-final, and his first in the principality, against Evans, who battled past Belgian David Goffin 5-7,&nbsp;6-3,&nbsp;6-4.

Struggling with an injury to his left thigh, Spaniard Davidovich tried an underarm serve when facing set point.&nbsp;

Tsitsipas pounced to hit a winning backhand return with his opponent quitting after dropping the opener 7-5.&nbsp;

"I noticed he was hurt. His leg was hurting. But I didn't want to think about it, I tried to pretend he wasn't injured and keep playing as I was doing," said Tsitsipas.&nbsp;

Evans edged Goffin after the Belgian made 47 unforced errors, including a final forehand on match point, to win.&nbsp;

"I played good today. I felt a bit more pressure to not just win yesterday and give a bad performance today," said Evans, 30.

Unseeded Ruud won 6-4, 6-3 against 15th seeded Fognini, making the last four in Monte Carlo 24 years after his father Christian had reached the quarter-finals.

Rublev holds a 3-0 record against Ruud, which includes back-to-back clay-court wins at Hamburg in 2019 and 2020.

"I've gained good confidence from this week and I've beaten good players," Ruud said.&nbsp;

"I have to try to find a way to believe that I can win."

Rafael Nadal's bid for a 12th Monte Carlo Masters title was shattered by Russia's Andrey Rublev, who swept to a 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 quarter-final win on Friday with the great Spaniard admitting his serve was "a disaster".

Rafael Nadal's bid for a 12th Monte Carlo Masters title was shattered by Russia's Andrey Rublev, who swept to a 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 quarter-final win on Friday with the great Spaniard admitting his serve was "a disaster". Nadal, bidding to reach the semi-finals of a Masters for the 75th time, followed world number one Novak Djokovic, who was beaten in the third round, out of the tournament. "Today was one of those days that my serve was a disaster," said world number three Nadal. "It's always sad to lose here. I missed an opportunity to start the clay court season in the right way. But that's it. It's not the moment to complain. "The only thing that I can do is go to Barcelona (where he plays next week) and keep practicing, try to fix the things that didn't work well." Despite Friday's setback, 34-year-old Nadal will still be favourite to capture a 13th Roland Garros title in June and record-setting 21st major. "For Rafa, it must be incredibly difficult to play with this pressure of always having to win," said Rublev who also made the Miami Masters semi-finals at the start of April. "I'm shocked to see the level which he can reach despite this pressure. It's much easier to play when you have nothing to lose." It was only the second time in 16 appearances in Monte Carlo that Nadal had failed to make the semi-finals. World number eight Rublev will face unseeded Casper Ruud, who put out defending champion Fabio Fognini, for a place in the final. The other semi-final will feature Greek fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas against Britain's Dan Evans, the man who shocked Djokovic. Tsitsipas is now the highest seed left after world number two Daniil Medvedev was forced to withdraw due to a positive Covid-19 test. Rublev is no stranger to taking out the big names -- back in 2019, he stunned Roger Federer at Cincinnati in just 62 minutes. On Friday, the 23-year-old won the first set in 38 minutes but Nadal then pocketed the last four games of the 73-minute second set to level the contest. - Rublev 'deserved it' - In the decider, Rublev held his nerve, breaking the Spaniard three times on his way to a famous win, his first in three meetings with Nadal. "He played well, he deserved it more than me," added Nadal. "But you can't expect win against a player like him losing my serve I don't know how many times -- six, seven times? It's too much." Tsitsipas advanced to the last-four when Alejandro Davidovich withdrew after losing the first set 7-5. Tsitsipas, the world number five, will play his sixth Masters semi-final, and his first in the principality, against Evans, who battled past Belgian David Goffin 5-7, 6-3, 6-4. Struggling with an injury to his left thigh, Spaniard Davidovich tried an underarm serve when facing set point. Tsitsipas pounced to hit a winning backhand return with his opponent quitting after dropping the opener 7-5. "I noticed he was hurt. His leg was hurting. But I didn't want to think about it, I tried to pretend he wasn't injured and keep playing as I was doing," said Tsitsipas. Evans edged Goffin after the Belgian made 47 unforced errors, including a final forehand on match point, to win. "I played good today. I felt a bit more pressure to not just win yesterday and give a bad performance today," said Evans, 30. Unseeded Ruud won 6-4, 6-3 against 15th seeded Fognini, making the last four in Monte Carlo 24 years after his father Christian had reached the quarter-finals. Rublev holds a 3-0 record against Ruud, which includes back-to-back clay-court wins at Hamburg in 2019 and 2020. "I've gained good confidence from this week and I've beaten good players," Ruud said. "I have to try to find a way to believe that I can win."

'Disaster' as Nadal's bid for 12th Monte Carlo title ended by Rublev

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