European football body UEFA on Thursday has opened disciplinary proceedings against England after a laser pen was shone at Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel during a crucial penalty in the semifinals match of the Euro 2020.&nbsp;

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According to the television footage, the Danish goalkeeper was targeted by an English fan at Wembley with a green laser as England captain Harry Kane stepped up for a penalty in extra time. England skipper went on to score and give the hosts a crucial lead to take them to the very first finals of Euros.&nbsp;

Kasper managed to save Kane's shot during the penalty but could not save the ball on the rebound.&nbsp;

UEFA said it was also investigating England over fans' lighting of fireworks and disrupting the national anthem.

Fans booed when the Denmark anthem was played before kickoff. Jeers were also heard when the German anthem was played at Wembley last week when England beat Joachim Loew's side in the round of 16.

"The case will be dealt with by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body in due course," UEFA said in a statement.

England are looking to win their first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup and play Italy in the European Championship final at Wembley on Sunday.

(Inputs from Agency)

European football body UEFA on Thursday has opened disciplinary proceedings against England after a laser pen was shone at Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel during a crucial penalty in the semifinals match of the Euro 2020.

European football body UEFA on Thursday has opened disciplinary proceedings against England after a laser pen was shone at Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel during a crucial penalty in the semifinals match of the Euro 2020. ALSO READ: Football: Jordan Pickford breaks England goalkeeper record stretching back to 1966 According to the television footage, the Danish goalkeeper was targeted by an English fan at Wembley with a green laser as England captain Harry Kane stepped up for a penalty in extra time. England skipper went on to score and give the hosts a crucial lead to take them to the very first finals of Euros. Kasper managed to save Kane's shot during the penalty but could not save the ball on the rebound. UEFA said it was also investigating England over fans' lighting of fireworks and disrupting the national anthem. Fans booed when the Denmark anthem was played before kickoff. Jeers were also heard when the German anthem was played at Wembley last week when England beat Joachim Loew's side in the round of 16. "The case will be dealt with by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body in due course," UEFA said in a statement. England are looking to win their first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup and play Italy in the European Championship final at Wembley on Sunday. (Inputs from Agency)

UEFA opens disciplinary proceedings against England over laser pen shone at Schmeichel

European football governing body UEFA has invited Denmark international Christian Eriksen and the paramedics who helped save his life during an on-field cardiac arrest to attend the Euro 2020 final at Wembley on Sunday.

The brilliant Danish midfielder was resuscitated in front of shocked fans and a massive global TV audience during his nation's first match of the tournament.

UEFA said Eriksen, his wife and six medics were invited to the final, but there was no confirmation he would attend.

One of the paramedics, Peder Ersgaard, said he was honoured to receive a VIP invite from UEFA boss Aleksander Ceferin.

"I'm excited, like a child on Christmas Eve," he told the Fagbladet FOA magazine.

"I'm very proud of my efforts, but also of the whole team. It wasn't a one-man effort."

Eriksen collapsed on the Parken Stadium field in the first half against Finland, his eyes staring blank into a TV camera. CPR was administered and his heart was restarted with a defibrillator as players shielded the medics.

He is now recovering at home.

Eriksen's agent could not immediately be reached by phone.

Initially traumatised but then inspired by the emotion over Eriksen's plight, Denmark have stormed into the semi-finals and play England on Wednesday for a place in the final.

"I hope to see Denmark against Italy. That would be really, really big. Just imagine if they become European champions," Ersgaard added.

European football governing body UEFA has invited Denmark international Christian Eriksen and the paramedics who helped save his life during an on-field cardiac arrest to attend the Euro 2020 final at Wembley on Sunday.

European football governing body UEFA has invited Denmark international Christian Eriksen and the paramedics who helped save his life during an on-field cardiac arrest to attend the Euro 2020 final at Wembley on Sunday. The brilliant Danish midfielder was resuscitated in front of shocked fans and a massive global TV audience during his nation's first match of the tournament. UEFA said Eriksen, his wife and six medics were invited to the final, but there was no confirmation he would attend. One of the paramedics, Peder Ersgaard, said he was honoured to receive a VIP invite from UEFA boss Aleksander Ceferin. "I'm excited, like a child on Christmas Eve," he told the Fagbladet FOA magazine. "I'm very proud of my efforts, but also of the whole team. It wasn't a one-man effort." Eriksen collapsed on the Parken Stadium field in the first half against Finland, his eyes staring blank into a TV camera. CPR was administered and his heart was restarted with a defibrillator as players shielded the medics. He is now recovering at home. Eriksen's agent could not immediately be reached by phone. Initially traumatised but then inspired by the emotion over Eriksen's plight, Denmark have stormed into the semi-finals and play England on Wednesday for a place in the final. "I hope to see Denmark against Italy. That would be really, really big. Just imagine if they become European champions," Ersgaard added.

Football-UEFA invites Eriksen and medics who saved him to Euros final

Aston Martin Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel on Thursday criticised football board UEFA for not allowing Allianz Arena, the home stadium of Bayern Munich, to lit up in rainbow colours for the Euro 2020 Group F match between Germany and Hungary.

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Vettel, a German and four times world champion whose car carried the rainbow colours and Racing Pride logos at last weekend's French Grand Prix, said UEFA had taken the wrong stance.

"I think to excuse it that it is a political message is the wrong path," he told reporters at the Styrian Grand Prix at Austria's Red Bull Ring.

"I think it is definitely not harming anybody and I think it is a great message that they would have loved to send out and were not allowed.

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"Some institutions need to rethink their approach on banning this type of messages."

The mayor of Munich wanted the arena to be lit up in rainbow colours as a protest at Hungarian anti-LGBTQ legislation.

However, UEFA declined, saying it was a politically and religiously neutral organisation.&nbsp;

Aston Martin Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel on Thursday criticised football board UEFA for not allowing Allianz Arena, the home stadium of Bayern Munich, to lit up in rainbow colours for the Euro 2020 Group F match between Germany and Hungary.

Aston Martin Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel on Thursday criticised football board UEFA for not allowing Allianz Arena, the home stadium of Bayern Munich, to lit up in rainbow colours for the Euro 2020 Group F match between Germany and Hungary. ALSO READ: Euro 2020: UEFA refuses Allianz Arena rainbow illumination for Germany vs Hungary match Vettel, a German and four times world champion whose car carried the rainbow colours and Racing Pride logos at last weekend's French Grand Prix, said UEFA had taken the wrong stance. "I think to excuse it that it is a political message is the wrong path," he told reporters at the Styrian Grand Prix at Austria's Red Bull Ring. "I think it is definitely not harming anybody and I think it is a great message that they would have loved to send out and were not allowed. ALSO READ: Top-level volleyball returns to India with Prime Volleyball League "Some institutions need to rethink their approach on banning this type of messages." The mayor of Munich wanted the arena to be lit up in rainbow colours as a protest at Hungarian anti-LGBTQ legislation. However, UEFA declined, saying it was a politically and religiously neutral organisation.

Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel lashes out at UEFA over 'rainbow' protest refusal

UEFA has declined a request from the mayor of Munich to lit up the Allianz Arena in rainbow colours for the Euro 2020 Group F match between Germany and Hungary. <o:p></o:p>

UEFA said that it received a request from the mayor of Munich, Dieter Reiter, on Monday as he wanted to light up the stadium in the rainbow colours to protest against a new law in Hungary, that bans the circulation of content in schools deemed to promote homosexuality and gender change.<o:p></o:p>

The Allianz Arena, the home stadium of Bayern Munich, is designed to allow the external area and roof to be lit up in various colours.<o:p></o:p>

The decision comes after UEFA dropped an investigation into Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer wearing a rainbow coloured armband in the Euro 2020 matches against Portugal and France.

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The Bayern Munich goalkeeper was wearing the armband, seen as a symbol of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, during Pride Month in June.<o:p></o:p>

However, UEFA has now said it could not accept the request and proposed alternative dates for the Allianz Arena to be lit up in rainbow colours.<o:p></o:p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">Statement from UEFA:<o:p></o:p></h2>

"UEFA has yesterday received a request from the mayor of Munich, Dieter Reiter, on behalf of the city council, to have the arena in Munich illuminated in rainbow colours at the upcoming UEFA EURO 2020 group stage match between Germany and Hungary.<o:p></o:p>

"In this letter, the mayor outlines the reasoning behind this request to be a political decision which has been taken by the Hungarian parliament.<o:p></o:p>

"UEFA understands that the intention is also to send a message to promote diversity and inclusion - a cause, which UEFA has been supporting for many years having joined forces with European clubs, national teams and their players, launching campaigns and plenty of activities all over Europe to promote the ethos that football should be open to everyone and consequently UEFA has proposed alternative dates for the illumination which align better with existing events.<o:p></o:p>

"UEFA is determined to play its part in positive change and believes that discrimination can only be fought in close collaboration with others.<o:p></o:p>

"As European football's governing body, UEFA recognises it has an obligation to unite and coordinate the efforts of fans and institutions across Europe - because it is everybody's responsibility to rid discrimination from the game.<o:p></o:p>

"Very recently, in the build up towards the UEFA EURO 2020 tournament, UEFA has kicked off a new campaign called 'Sign for an Equal Game' encouraging fans, players, clubs, national associations and other football stakeholders to join the fight against discrimination. Sign for an Equal Game forms the latest instalment of the Equal Game campaign, which has run for the past four seasons and which aims to create positive social impact under UEFA's overarching value of Respect. Its main purpose is to make people aware that football is for everyone, no matter who they are, where they are from and how they play.<o:p></o:p>

"Racism, homophobia, sexism, and all forms of discrimination are a stain on our societies - and represent one of the biggest problems faced by the game today. Discriminatory behaviour has marred both matches themselves and, outside the stadiums, the online discourse around the sport we love.<o:p></o:p>

"However UEFA, through its statutes, is a politically and religiously neutral organisation. Given the political context of this specific request - a message aiming at a decision taken by the Hungarian national parliament - UEFA must decline this request.<o:p></o:p>

"UEFA has nevertheless proposed to the city of Munich to illuminate the stadium with the rainbow colours on either 28 June - the Christopher Street Liberation Day - or between 3 and 9 July which is the Christopher Street Day week in Munich."<o:p></o:p>

UEFA has declined a request from the mayor of Munich to lit up the Allianz Arena in rainbow colours for the Euro 2020 Group F match between Germany and Hungary. UEFA said that it received a request from the mayor of Munich, Dieter Reiter, on Monday as he wanted to light up the stadium in the rainbow colours to protest against a new law in Hungary, that bans the circulation of content in schools deemed to promote homosexuality and gender change.

UEFA has declined a request from the mayor of Munich to lit up the Allianz Arena in rainbow colours for the Euro 2020 Group F match between Germany and Hungary. UEFA said that it received a request from the mayor of Munich, Dieter Reiter, on Monday as he wanted to light up the stadium in the rainbow colours to protest against a new law in Hungary, that bans the circulation of content in schools deemed to promote homosexuality and gender change. The Allianz Arena, the home stadium of Bayern Munich, is designed to allow the external area and roof to be lit up in various colours. The decision comes after UEFA dropped an investigation into Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer wearing a rainbow coloured armband in the Euro 2020 matches against Portugal and France. ALSO READ: Football: Doubts hang over Spain ahead of 'do or die' game against Slovakia The Bayern Munich goalkeeper was wearing the armband, seen as a symbol of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, during Pride Month in June. However, UEFA has now said it could not accept the request and proposed alternative dates for the Allianz Arena to be lit up in rainbow colours. Statement from UEFA: "UEFA has yesterday received a request from the mayor of Munich, Dieter Reiter, on behalf of the city council, to have the arena in Munich illuminated in rainbow colours at the upcoming UEFA EURO 2020 group stage match between Germany and Hungary. "In this letter, the mayor outlines the reasoning behind this request to be a political decision which has been taken by the Hungarian parliament. "UEFA understands that the intention is also to send a message to promote diversity and inclusion - a cause, which UEFA has been supporting for many years having joined forces with European clubs, national teams and their players, launching campaigns and plenty of activities all over Europe to promote the ethos that football should be open to everyone and consequently UEFA has proposed alternative dates for the illumination which align better with existing events. "UEFA is determined to play its part in positive change and believes that discrimination can only be fought in close collaboration with others. "As European football's governing body, UEFA recognises it has an obligation to unite and coordinate the efforts of fans and institutions across Europe - because it is everybody's responsibility to rid discrimination from the game. "Very recently, in the build up towards the UEFA EURO 2020 tournament, UEFA has kicked off a new campaign called 'Sign for an Equal Game' encouraging fans, players, clubs, national associations and other football stakeholders to join the fight against discrimination. Sign for an Equal Game forms the latest instalment of the Equal Game campaign, which has run for the past four seasons and which aims to create positive social impact under UEFA's overarching value of Respect. Its main purpose is to make people aware that football is for everyone, no matter who they are, where they are from and how they play. "Racism, homophobia, sexism, and all forms of discrimination are a stain on our societies - and represent one of the biggest problems faced by the game today. Discriminatory behaviour has marred both matches themselves and, outside the stadiums, the online discourse around the sport we love. "However UEFA, through its statutes, is a politically and religiously neutral organisation. Given the political context of this specific request - a message aiming at a decision taken by the Hungarian national parliament - UEFA must decline this request. "UEFA has nevertheless proposed to the city of Munich to illuminate the stadium with the rainbow colours on either 28 June - the Christopher Street Liberation Day - or between 3 and 9 July which is the Christopher Street Day week in Munich."

Euro 2020: UEFA refuses Allianz Arena rainbow illumination for Germany vs Hungary match

UEFA has a contingency plan to replace Wembley as host stadium of the Euro 2020 final unless Britain agrees to exempt travelling foreign fans from 10-day quarantine rules, the European soccer governing body said on Friday. 
 
Tournament organisers have been in negotiations with the UK government since it postponed plans to end COVID-19 restrictions on June 21 because of the rapid spread of the more infectious Delta variant. 
 
The London stadium is scheduled to host the final of the competition, which is taking place in 12 cities across the continent, on July 11, as well as both semi-finals over the preceding days. 
 
"There is always a contingency plan but we are confident that the final week will be held in London," UEFA said in a statement. 
 
The Times newspaper reported on Friday that Budapest was the alternative venue being considered if Wembley was not able to accept travelling supporters. 
 
A spokesman for UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "We continue to look forward to hosting the semi final and the final here at Wembley." 
 
While it would be a major surprise if UEFA took the unprecedented step of moving a major final at such a late stage, Budapest is hosting its four Euro 2020 games in full stadiums, having sold tickets to Hungarian fans who have been vaccinated or visiting fans with proof of negative COVID-19 tests. 
 
The Hungarian capital also offered itself as an emergency venue for a number of Champions League matches last season when coronavirus restrictions caused complications elsewhere. 
 
"The Hungarian organisers focus on hosting the four Budapest matches," a spokesman for the Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ) told Reuters. 
 
"However ...MLSZ stands ready to host any high-level football event." 
 
UEFA said discussions with authorities in London centred on allowing fans of participating teams to attend matches "using a strict testing and bubble concept that would mean their stay in the UK would be less than 24 hours and their movements would be restricted to approved transport and venues only." 
 
UEFA said it understood the pressures the UK government faced. It hoped discussions would reach a "satisfactory conclusion" and was delighted that capacity at Wembley was scheduled to go up to at least 50% for the knockout round matches. 
 
Under current regulations in England, fans travelling from countries on the government`s amber list must quarantine for 10 days on arrival, making it difficult for them to fly in for games. 
 
Outside of the three British teams -- England, Scotland and Wales - all other competing countries are on the amber list, except for Turkey which is on the stricter red list. Those arriving from red list countries are required to spend 10 days in a managed quarantine hotel. 
 
The UK government has agreed to increase capacity at Wembley to 50% for the knockout stage, meaning crowds of 40,000 rather than the group stage limit of 22,500. 
 
Wembley will also host two round-of-16 matches with the second one, on June 29th, having a 50% capacity. 
 
As well as access for foreign fans, UEFA is also keen that sponsors and VIPs from outside the UK can avoid quarantine. 
 
"No decisions have been taken but we continue to look forward to putting on the semi-final and final at Wembley and we are working closely with UEFA," said Johnson`s spokesman.

UEFA has a contingency plan to replace Wembley as host stadium of the Euro 2020 final unless Britain agrees to exempt travelling foreign fans from 10-day quarantine rules, the European soccer governing body said on Friday.

UEFA has a contingency plan to replace Wembley as host stadium of the Euro 2020 final unless Britain agrees to exempt travelling foreign fans from 10-day quarantine rules, the European soccer governing body said on Friday. Tournament organisers have been in negotiations with the UK government since it postponed plans to end COVID-19 restrictions on June 21 because of the rapid spread of the more infectious Delta variant. The London stadium is scheduled to host the final of the competition, which is taking place in 12 cities across the continent, on July 11, as well as both semi-finals over the preceding days. "There is always a contingency plan but we are confident that the final week will be held in London," UEFA said in a statement. The Times newspaper reported on Friday that Budapest was the alternative venue being considered if Wembley was not able to accept travelling supporters. A spokesman for UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "We continue to look forward to hosting the semi final and the final here at Wembley." While it would be a major surprise if UEFA took the unprecedented step of moving a major final at such a late stage, Budapest is hosting its four Euro 2020 games in full stadiums, having sold tickets to Hungarian fans who have been vaccinated or visiting fans with proof of negative COVID-19 tests. The Hungarian capital also offered itself as an emergency venue for a number of Champions League matches last season when coronavirus restrictions caused complications elsewhere. "The Hungarian organisers focus on hosting the four Budapest matches," a spokesman for the Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ) told Reuters. "However ...MLSZ stands ready to host any high-level football event." UEFA said discussions with authorities in London centred on allowing fans of participating teams to attend matches "using a strict testing and bubble concept that would mean their stay in the UK would be less than 24 hours and their movements would be restricted to approved transport and venues only." UEFA said it understood the pressures the UK government faced. It hoped discussions would reach a "satisfactory conclusion" and was delighted that capacity at Wembley was scheduled to go up to at least 50% for the knockout round matches. Under current regulations in England, fans travelling from countries on the government`s amber list must quarantine for 10 days on arrival, making it difficult for them to fly in for games. Outside of the three British teams -- England, Scotland and Wales - all other competing countries are on the amber list, except for Turkey which is on the stricter red list. Those arriving from red list countries are required to spend 10 days in a managed quarantine hotel. The UK government has agreed to increase capacity at Wembley to 50% for the knockout stage, meaning crowds of 40,000 rather than the group stage limit of 22,500. Wembley will also host two round-of-16 matches with the second one, on June 29th, having a 50% capacity. As well as access for foreign fans, UEFA is also keen that sponsors and VIPs from outside the UK can avoid quarantine. "No decisions have been taken but we continue to look forward to putting on the semi-final and final at Wembley and we are working closely with UEFA," said Johnson`s spokesman.

Football: UEFA has contingency plan for London-scheduled Euro 2020 final

Hungary will bank on its X-factor to emerge from the toughest group at Euro 2020 alongside defending champions Portugal and the past two world champions in France and Germany.

Hungary, 37th in the world rankings, are clear underdogs, but as Portugal will remember from the last European Championship, they can be difficult opponents.

They played out an exhilarating 3-3 draw with the Portuguese five years ago - taking the lead three times - en route to winning the group with victory over Austria and a draw against Iceland.

That appearance ended a 30-year absence from international tournaments, a dark age for a Hungarian side once considered the world's best and ranked third before crashing out of the 1986 World Cup.

Lacking big-name players, Hungary relies on solid defense and swift counter-attacks to pick apart opponents, though they have been plagued by inconsistency.

In qualifying for the tournament, they beat World Cup runners-up Croatia and Euro 2016 semi-finalists Wales, only to lose twice to Slovakia and finish fourth in the group.

Relegated to the Nations League, Hungary shone once again, beating higher-ranked opponents Serbia (in Belgrade) and Turkey twice.

"It will be a really strange European Championship," said&nbsp;football&nbsp;analyst Janos Kele. "The bigger teams are so World Cup focused that some of them are far from complete. Plus the coronavirus scheduling mess really hurt their planning."

Because of the pandemic delayed and complicated&nbsp;football&nbsp;seasons everywhere, the best players at the biggest clubs will get very little rest before the tournament, and even less time to prepare together.

In matches where exhausted players are thrown together to face lesser-known but fresher and well-coached teams, the difference in ability will be less obvious than usual.

"Rawer opposing game plans are a lot easier to pick apart," Kele said.

Cornerstones of the squad come from one Bundesliga club, RB Leipzig, including goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi and center-back Willi Orban, as well as Hungary's brightest star, midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai.

Hungary owes their Euro participation to a last-minute solo effort by the 20-year-old Szoboszlai which secured victory over Iceland in the qualification playoff.

Injured since January but now training fully, Szoboszlai should be fit for the tournament.

Italian coach Marco Rossi has boosted the squad with 16 new players and has built a reputation for making good decisions during games. Substitute Loic Nego scored the equalizing goal against Iceland before Szoboszlai's winner.

"Hungary is probably one of the most cohesive teams," said Kele. "This could be the Euro of surprises."

Hungary will bank on its X-factor to emerge from the toughest group at Euro 2020 alongside defending champions Portugal and the past two world champions in France and Germany.

Hungary will bank on its X-factor to emerge from the toughest group at Euro 2020 alongside defending champions Portugal and the past two world champions in France and Germany. Hungary, 37th in the world rankings, are clear underdogs, but as Portugal will remember from the last European Championship, they can be difficult opponents. They played out an exhilarating 3-3 draw with the Portuguese five years ago - taking the lead three times - en route to winning the group with victory over Austria and a draw against Iceland. That appearance ended a 30-year absence from international tournaments, a dark age for a Hungarian side once considered the world's best and ranked third before crashing out of the 1986 World Cup. Lacking big-name players, Hungary relies on solid defense and swift counter-attacks to pick apart opponents, though they have been plagued by inconsistency. In qualifying for the tournament, they beat World Cup runners-up Croatia and Euro 2016 semi-finalists Wales, only to lose twice to Slovakia and finish fourth in the group. Relegated to the Nations League, Hungary shone once again, beating higher-ranked opponents Serbia (in Belgrade) and Turkey twice. "It will be a really strange European Championship," said football analyst Janos Kele. "The bigger teams are so World Cup focused that some of them are far from complete. Plus the coronavirus scheduling mess really hurt their planning." Because of the pandemic delayed and complicated football seasons everywhere, the best players at the biggest clubs will get very little rest before the tournament, and even less time to prepare together. In matches where exhausted players are thrown together to face lesser-known but fresher and well-coached teams, the difference in ability will be less obvious than usual. "Rawer opposing game plans are a lot easier to pick apart," Kele said. Cornerstones of the squad come from one Bundesliga club, RB Leipzig, including goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi and center-back Willi Orban, as well as Hungary's brightest star, midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai. Hungary owes their Euro participation to a last-minute solo effort by the 20-year-old Szoboszlai which secured victory over Iceland in the qualification playoff. Injured since January but now training fully, Szoboszlai should be fit for the tournament. Italian coach Marco Rossi has boosted the squad with 16 new players and has built a reputation for making good decisions during games. Substitute Loic Nego scored the equalizing goal against Iceland before Szoboszlai's winner. "Hungary is probably one of the most cohesive teams," said Kele. "This could be the Euro of surprises."

Football: Hungary count on X-factor in Euro 2020 group of death

Turkey beat Azerbaijan 2-1 with goals from Halil Dervisoglu and Kaan Ayhan in an international friendly on Thursday as they built on their preparations for the Euro 2020 tournament.

Midfielder Emin Mahmudov gave the visitors a surprise lead in the 28th minute, running into the penalty area onto a cross from the right wing and firing a shot into the left corner beyond goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.

Playing in Alanya on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, Turkey pulled level from a free kick six minutes later thanks to a glancing header from striker Dervisoglu.

Ayhan put the home side ahead from a corner in the 44th minute, tapping the ball in from close range as the ball saved by the Azeri goalkeeper Emil Balayev fell into his path.

Turkey face Italy, Wales and Switzerland in Group A at the June 11-July 11 Euros, led by captain Burak Yilmaz who played a key role in Lille winning their first Ligue 1 title in 10 years this season.

Turkey coach Senol Gunes is looking to repeat the success of his 2002 World Cup campaign, when he led the team to an unexpected third-place finish.

Turkey beat Azerbaijan 2-1 with goals from Halil Dervisoglu and Kaan Ayhan in an international friendly on Thursday as they built on their preparations for the Euro 2020 tournament.

Turkey beat Azerbaijan 2-1 with goals from Halil Dervisoglu and Kaan Ayhan in an international friendly on Thursday as they built on their preparations for the Euro 2020 tournament. Midfielder Emin Mahmudov gave the visitors a surprise lead in the 28th minute, running into the penalty area onto a cross from the right wing and firing a shot into the left corner beyond goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. Playing in Alanya on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, Turkey pulled level from a free kick six minutes later thanks to a glancing header from striker Dervisoglu. Ayhan put the home side ahead from a corner in the 44th minute, tapping the ball in from close range as the ball saved by the Azeri goalkeeper Emil Balayev fell into his path. Turkey face Italy, Wales and Switzerland in Group A at the June 11-July 11 Euros, led by captain Burak Yilmaz who played a key role in Lille winning their first Ligue 1 title in 10 years this season. Turkey coach Senol Gunes is looking to repeat the success of his 2002 World Cup campaign, when he led the team to an unexpected third-place finish.

Football: Turkey beat Azerbaijan 2-1 in buildup to Euro 2020

UEFA has witnessed a rise of 8 per cent in its broadcast and sponsor sales due to which the prize money for the Champions League will grow for the next three years.&nbsp;

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UEFA makes a total revenue of 3.5 billion euros ($4.27 billion) from its three club competitions. In an online conference on Thursday, UEFA revealed that the total revenue is set to rise by 250 million euros ($305 million) annually through 2024 compared to the 2018-21 period.&nbsp;

According to their statement, clubs part of Champions League will get a small increase while 235 million euros ($287 million) in prize money will be allocated to the Europa Conference League, which is a third-tier competition that launches next season.

The 32 clubs taking part in the coveted Champions League will now share over 2 billion euros ($2.44 billion), compared to 1.95 billion ($2.38 billion) each season from 2018-21.&nbsp;

The clubs will get a basic fee of 15.64 million euros ($19.1 million), compared to 15.25 million euros ($18.6 million) in each of the past three seasons.

Reaching the round of 16 of the Champions League will offer €9.6 million, the quarter-finals €10.6 million, the semi-finals €12.5 million and the final will result in teams pocketing €15.5 million. The winner goes from earning €19 million to €20 million.

However, Europa League will witness a drop from €510 million to €465 million. But a number of clubs competing in the tournament have also been cut from 48 to 32, which means clubs will earn a higher amount.

UEFA has witnessed a rise of 8 per cent in its broadcast and sponsor sales due to which the prize money for the Champions League will grow for the next three years.

UEFA has witnessed a rise of 8 per cent in its broadcast and sponsor sales due to which the prize money for the Champions League will grow for the next three years. ALSO READ: Football: Portugal relaxes COVID rules for English fans at Champions League final UEFA makes a total revenue of 3.5 billion euros ($4.27 billion) from its three club competitions. In an online conference on Thursday, UEFA revealed that the total revenue is set to rise by 250 million euros ($305 million) annually through 2024 compared to the 2018-21 period. According to their statement, clubs part of Champions League will get a small increase while 235 million euros ($287 million) in prize money will be allocated to the Europa Conference League, which is a third-tier competition that launches next season. The 32 clubs taking part in the coveted Champions League will now share over 2 billion euros ($2.44 billion), compared to 1.95 billion ($2.38 billion) each season from 2018-21. The clubs will get a basic fee of 15.64 million euros ($19.1 million), compared to 15.25 million euros ($18.6 million) in each of the past three seasons. Reaching the round of 16 of the Champions League will offer €9.6 million, the quarter-finals €10.6 million, the semi-finals €12.5 million and the final will result in teams pocketing €15.5 million. The winner goes from earning €19 million to €20 million. However, Europa League will witness a drop from €510 million to €465 million. But a number of clubs competing in the tournament have also been cut from 48 to 32, which means clubs will earn a higher amount.

Champions League winners to receive extra prize money after surge in sales

Portuguese authorities have relaxed COVID-19 safety rules for thousands of English fans coming to Porto for Saturday's Champions League final, no longer requiring them to stay in bubbles and lifting restrictions on movement.

"The borders are open. The city and the country are opening up little by little. Within what is possible, freedom (of movement) will not be conditioned," Porto police Superintendent Cardoso da Silva told a news briefing on Thursday.

"There are no restrictions of movement for fans."

However, with only two days to go until match day, Silva said the contingency plan in place was under constant re-evaluation and could still undergo some alterations.

A police source told Reuters Portuguese authorities did not have enough time to fully prepare for the final as UEFA only announced it would move the event to Porto from Istanbul around two weeks ago.

Eight British police officers specialised in dealing with football fans are in Portugal and will work with Portuguese police to help ensure public order.

There will be a "robust" police presence around the stadium and the city, Silva said, though he did not specify how many officers have been mobilised to patrol the streets.

London Metropolitan Police Superintendent Lysander Strong, who is in Portugal to coordinate the operation between the two forces, said the two clubs had sent recommendations to fans to follow social distancing rules and wear a mask.

Since May 17, British visitors have been allowed into Portugal with proof of a negative PCR test result.

Silva said that around 80 charter flights with English soccer fans were expected to land on Saturday for the clash between Manchester City and Chelsea. Around 180 buses will take fans to the stadium.

Under rules previously announced by the Portuguese government, passengers were to fly back within 24 hours. But police spokesman Marco Almeida said that now they can stay longer if they choose not to take scheduled return flights.

Portuguese authorities have relaxed COVID-19 safety rules for thousands of English fans coming to Porto for Saturday's Champions League final, no longer requiring them to stay in bubbles and lifting restrictions on movement.

Portuguese authorities have relaxed COVID-19 safety rules for thousands of English fans coming to Porto for Saturday's Champions League final, no longer requiring them to stay in bubbles and lifting restrictions on movement. "The borders are open. The city and the country are opening up little by little. Within what is possible, freedom (of movement) will not be conditioned," Porto police Superintendent Cardoso da Silva told a news briefing on Thursday. "There are no restrictions of movement for fans." However, with only two days to go until match day, Silva said the contingency plan in place was under constant re-evaluation and could still undergo some alterations. A police source told Reuters Portuguese authorities did not have enough time to fully prepare for the final as UEFA only announced it would move the event to Porto from Istanbul around two weeks ago. Eight British police officers specialised in dealing with football fans are in Portugal and will work with Portuguese police to help ensure public order. There will be a "robust" police presence around the stadium and the city, Silva said, though he did not specify how many officers have been mobilised to patrol the streets. London Metropolitan Police Superintendent Lysander Strong, who is in Portugal to coordinate the operation between the two forces, said the two clubs had sent recommendations to fans to follow social distancing rules and wear a mask. Since May 17, British visitors have been allowed into Portugal with proof of a negative PCR test result. Silva said that around 80 charter flights with English soccer fans were expected to land on Saturday for the clash between Manchester City and Chelsea. Around 180 buses will take fans to the stadium. Under rules previously announced by the Portuguese government, passengers were to fly back within 24 hours. But police spokesman Marco Almeida said that now they can stay longer if they choose not to take scheduled return flights.

Football: Portugal relaxes COVID rules for English fans at Champions League final

Only three clubs remain out of 12 clubs in the failed European Super League and now they have criticised UEFA for opening disciplinary cases against them over their roles in trying to launch the league. They said that they will not accept 'any form of coercion or intolerable pressure'.&nbsp;

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“Barcelona, Juventus and Real Madrid, all of them more than a century old, will not accept any form of coercion or intolerable pressure, while they remain strong in their willingness to debate, respectfully and through dialogue, the urgent solutions that football currently needs," the clubs said.

“Instead of exploring ways of modernizing football through open dialogue, UEFA expects us to withdraw the ongoing court proceedings that question their monopoly over European football,” they said. “Either we reform football or we will have to watch its inevitable downfall.”

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The three juggernauts of European football further added that their "absolute rejection of the insistent coercion that UEFA has been maintaining towards three of the most relevant institutions in the history of football.”

“This alarming attitude constitutes a flagrant breach of the decision of the courts of justice, which have already made a clear statement warning UEFA to refrain from taking any action that could penalize the founding clubs of the Super League while the legal proceedings are ongoing,” the three clubs said.

European Super League was severely criticised by the British government and several fans. Nine out of 12 clubs left the club within 48 hours leaving the league to perish. &nbsp;

Only three clubs remain out of 12 clubs in the failed European Super League and now they have criticised UEFA for opening disciplinary cases against them over their roles in trying to launch the league.

Only three clubs remain out of 12 clubs in the failed European Super League and now they have criticised UEFA for opening disciplinary cases against them over their roles in trying to launch the league. They said that they will not accept 'any form of coercion or intolerable pressure'. ALSO READ: Serie A: Title-winning Conte says 'ciao' as Inter Milan dream ends in cash row “Barcelona, Juventus and Real Madrid, all of them more than a century old, will not accept any form of coercion or intolerable pressure, while they remain strong in their willingness to debate, respectfully and through dialogue, the urgent solutions that football currently needs," the clubs said. “Instead of exploring ways of modernizing football through open dialogue, UEFA expects us to withdraw the ongoing court proceedings that question their monopoly over European football,” they said. “Either we reform football or we will have to watch its inevitable downfall.” ALSO READ: Zinedine Zidane resigns as Real Madrid coach- Reports The three juggernauts of European football further added that their "absolute rejection of the insistent coercion that UEFA has been maintaining towards three of the most relevant institutions in the history of football.” “This alarming attitude constitutes a flagrant breach of the decision of the courts of justice, which have already made a clear statement warning UEFA to refrain from taking any action that could penalize the founding clubs of the Super League while the legal proceedings are ongoing,” the three clubs said. European Super League was severely criticised by the British government and several fans. Nine out of 12 clubs left the club within 48 hours leaving the league to perish.

Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus criticise UEFA over 'intolerable pressure'

UEFA on Tuesday opened formal disciplinary proceedings against Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus, the three clubs which are still refusing to give up the aborted Super League project.&nbsp;

"Following an investigation conducted by UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspectors in connection with the so-called 'Super League' project, disciplinary proceedings have been opened against Real Madrid CF, FC Barcelona and Juventus FC for a potential violation of UEFA's legal framework," said the governing body of European football in a brief statement.

UEFA appointed "ethics and disciplinary inspectors" on May 12 to conduct a preliminary investigation.&nbsp;

The other nine promoters of the Super League escaped prosecution in exchange for light financial penalties.&nbsp;

UEFA, challenged in mid-April by the launch of the proposed private European tournament at the same time as it announced a major overhaul of its Champions League, has long preferred to negotiate the surrender of the rebels rather than crack down.&nbsp;

But having failed to obtain a surrender from the three holdouts, has opted for disciplinary measures without specifying what offences they have committed.&nbsp;

UEFA's statutes prohibit any "grouping or alliance" between clubs without its authorisation.&nbsp;

Among the range of sanctions UEFA rules allow, the most severe for the clubs are "exclusion from current and/or future competitions", as well as "banning from all football-related activities" for the directors.&nbsp;

By announcing their own private Super League on the night of &nbsp;April 18-19, the 12 clubs turned European football on its head and threatened the very existence of UEFA.&nbsp;

The gradual withdrawal of the six English participants after 48 hours led to the project being shelved. he two Milan clubs followed and the nine agreed in early May to pay a combined 15 million euros and to forgo five per cent of their European revenue for one season.&nbsp;

Real, Barcelona and Juventus meanwhile retaliated through a Commercial Court in Madrid which referred the matter to the European Court of Justice, asking if UEFA was abusing its "dominant position" by seeking to block a competing tournament.

UEFA on Tuesday opened formal disciplinary proceedings against Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus, the three clubs which are still refusing to give up the aborted Super League project.

UEFA on Tuesday opened formal disciplinary proceedings against Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus, the three clubs which are still refusing to give up the aborted Super League project. "Following an investigation conducted by UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspectors in connection with the so-called 'Super League' project, disciplinary proceedings have been opened against Real Madrid CF, FC Barcelona and Juventus FC for a potential violation of UEFA's legal framework," said the governing body of European football in a brief statement. UEFA appointed "ethics and disciplinary inspectors" on May 12 to conduct a preliminary investigation. The other nine promoters of the Super League escaped prosecution in exchange for light financial penalties. UEFA, challenged in mid-April by the launch of the proposed private European tournament at the same time as it announced a major overhaul of its Champions League, has long preferred to negotiate the surrender of the rebels rather than crack down. But having failed to obtain a surrender from the three holdouts, has opted for disciplinary measures without specifying what offences they have committed. UEFA's statutes prohibit any "grouping or alliance" between clubs without its authorisation. Among the range of sanctions UEFA rules allow, the most severe for the clubs are "exclusion from current and/or future competitions", as well as "banning from all football-related activities" for the directors. By announcing their own private Super League on the night of April 18-19, the 12 clubs turned European football on its head and threatened the very existence of UEFA. The gradual withdrawal of the six English participants after 48 hours led to the project being shelved. he two Milan clubs followed and the nine agreed in early May to pay a combined 15 million euros and to forgo five per cent of their European revenue for one season. Real, Barcelona and Juventus meanwhile retaliated through a Commercial Court in Madrid which referred the matter to the European Court of Justice, asking if UEFA was abusing its "dominant position" by seeking to block a competing tournament.

Football: UEFA opens disciplinary proceedings against hardcore Super League trio

After Lisbon last year, now it is the turn of Porto. Once again Portugal has stepped in to save UEFA by offering to host the final of the Champions League, which for the second year running was forced to move away from Istanbul due to the ongoing pandemic.

With its Covid-19 crisis receding, a proven ability to organise the biggest match in European club football and a good relationship between its national federation the FPF, and the European game's governing body, Portugal turned out to be the only real option to stage Saturday's clash between Manchester City and Chelsea.

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"Once again we have turned to our friends in Portugal to help both UEFA and the Champions League and I am, as always, very grateful to the FPF and the Portuguese government for agreeing to stage the match at such short notice," said UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.

It is unfortunate for Istanbul, which was initially supposed to stage the 2020 final only for UEFA to rearrange the latter stages of last season's Champions League in Lisbon in August, three months behind schedule.

The Turkish metropolis was told it would host this season's final instead, but that became impossible when the UK government put Turkey on its red list just after City and Chelsea ensured it would be an all-English affair.

UEFA has insisted that this season's showpiece game would be played in front of a sizeable crowd after Bayern Munich beat Paris Saint-Germain in Lisbon's Estadio da Luz last year behind closed doors.

But with English fans essentially banned from travelling to Turkey, and playing the game in England ruled out because of the British government's refusal to ease its own quarantine rules for officials and media coming from abroad, another solution was required.

That solution is the Estadio do Dragao in Porto, where a total of 16,500 spectators will be able to attend Saturday's match, after Portuguese authorities said 33 percent of the stadium's capacity could be filled.

There will be 12,000 English fans in the ground, split evenly between the two clubs, with Portugal the only country in the European Union currently on the British government's green list for travel.

For the government in Lisbon, the choice of Porto is being seen as "international recognition that the measures taken to combat the pandemic have produced results", according to Portugal's foreign minister, Augusto Santos Silva.

He described the health context in Portugal just now as "among the best in Europe".

That did not prevent Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan slamming the decision to move the final from Istanbul as "political".

With the next three finals already awarded to other cities, including Saint-Petersburg next year, UEFA has not yet promised a future final to Istanbul.

However, it did say it would "urgently look into future opportunities for the city".

Portugal, meanwhile, has come through a devastating wave of coronavirus infections at the beginning of the year and earlier this month moved into the final phase of its gradual easing of lockdown.

So far there has not been any significant rebound in the number of Covid-19 cases.

Nevertheless, fans arriving from England will have to respect the usual health protocols including requiring a negative coronavirus test to enter the country.

Porto was one of the main venues when Euro 2004 was staged in Portugal, and the northern city on the banks of the Douro River also hosted the 'Final 4' of the UEFA Nations League in 2019.

In addition, it is also notable that FPF president Fernando Gomes is a UEFA vice-president who is close to Ceferin.

"This is all possible because the Portuguese Football Federation and its president are highly regarded by UEFA," said Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa, the president of FC Porto, who call the Estadio do Dragao home.

"When they agree to host it, because they know FC Porto so well, UEFA puts its faith in them and is happy to come here."

After Lisbon last year, now it is the turn of Porto. Once again Portugal has stepped in to save UEFA by offering to host the final of the Champions League, which for the second year running was forced to move away from Istanbul due to the ongoing pandemic.

After Lisbon last year, now it is the turn of Porto. Once again Portugal has stepped in to save UEFA by offering to host the final of the Champions League, which for the second year running was forced to move away from Istanbul due to the ongoing pandemic. With its Covid-19 crisis receding, a proven ability to organise the biggest match in European club football and a good relationship between its national federation the FPF, and the European game's governing body, Portugal turned out to be the only real option to stage Saturday's clash between Manchester City and Chelsea. ALSO READ: Football: 16,500 spectators allowed in Porto for UEFA Champions League final "Once again we have turned to our friends in Portugal to help both UEFA and the Champions League and I am, as always, very grateful to the FPF and the Portuguese government for agreeing to stage the match at such short notice," said UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin. It is unfortunate for Istanbul, which was initially supposed to stage the 2020 final only for UEFA to rearrange the latter stages of last season's Champions League in Lisbon in August, three months behind schedule. The Turkish metropolis was told it would host this season's final instead, but that became impossible when the UK government put Turkey on its red list just after City and Chelsea ensured it would be an all-English affair. UEFA has insisted that this season's showpiece game would be played in front of a sizeable crowd after Bayern Munich beat Paris Saint-Germain in Lisbon's Estadio da Luz last year behind closed doors. But with English fans essentially banned from travelling to Turkey, and playing the game in England ruled out because of the British government's refusal to ease its own quarantine rules for officials and media coming from abroad, another solution was required. That solution is the Estadio do Dragao in Porto, where a total of 16,500 spectators will be able to attend Saturday's match, after Portuguese authorities said 33 percent of the stadium's capacity could be filled. There will be 12,000 English fans in the ground, split evenly between the two clubs, with Portugal the only country in the European Union currently on the British government's green list for travel. For the government in Lisbon, the choice of Porto is being seen as "international recognition that the measures taken to combat the pandemic have produced results", according to Portugal's foreign minister, Augusto Santos Silva. He described the health context in Portugal just now as "among the best in Europe". That did not prevent Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan slamming the decision to move the final from Istanbul as "political". With the next three finals already awarded to other cities, including Saint-Petersburg next year, UEFA has not yet promised a future final to Istanbul. However, it did say it would "urgently look into future opportunities for the city". Portugal, meanwhile, has come through a devastating wave of coronavirus infections at the beginning of the year and earlier this month moved into the final phase of its gradual easing of lockdown. So far there has not been any significant rebound in the number of Covid-19 cases. Nevertheless, fans arriving from England will have to respect the usual health protocols including requiring a negative coronavirus test to enter the country. Porto was one of the main venues when Euro 2004 was staged in Portugal, and the northern city on the banks of the Douro River also hosted the 'Final 4' of the UEFA Nations League in 2019. In addition, it is also notable that FPF president Fernando Gomes is a UEFA vice-president who is close to Ceferin. "This is all possible because the Portuguese Football Federation and its president are highly regarded by UEFA," said Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa, the president of FC Porto, who call the Estadio do Dragao home. "When they agree to host it, because they know FC Porto so well, UEFA puts its faith in them and is happy to come here."

Football: Porto prepares as Portugal steps into the Champions League breach once again

Last week, UEFA decided to move the Champions League final between English giants Manchester City and Chelsea to Porto from Istanbul so that fans from England could travel under COVID-19 restrictions. However, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said that UEFA's decision was political.

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"A couple of years ago, we were notified that the final would be played in Turkey, but things took a sudden turn when two English clubs qualified to play the final," Erdogan said on Turkish television on Wednesday.

"We couldn't reach the UK&nbsp;Prime Minister in the meantime, he applied a lot of pressure on this issue."

According to Erdogan, talks with British ministers and UEFA failed to achieve any results and said that Istanbul was promised to host the Champions League final in 2023.

Earlier, Istanbul's Ataturk Olympic Stadium was scheduled to host the European Championship final, however, Turkey was put on &nbsp;Britain's travel "red list", due to which no English fans could travel to the country. UEFA stepped in and decided to relocate the finals and thus chose Porto's Estadio do Dragao fit to host it.&nbsp;

There had been discussions over moving the final to London's Wembley Stadium but UEFA said that despite "exhaustive efforts on the part of the (English) Football Association and the authorities, it was not possible to achieve the necessary exemptions from UK quarantine arrangements".

(Inputs from Reuters)

Last week, UEFA decided to move the Champions League final between English giants Manchester City and Chelsea to Porto from Istanbul so that fans from England could travel under COVID-19 restrictions.

Last week, UEFA decided to move the Champions League final between English giants Manchester City and Chelsea to Porto from Istanbul so that fans from England could travel under COVID-19 restrictions. However, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday said that UEFA's decision was political. ALSO READ: Kylian Mbappe magic sets up Paris Saint-Germain for French Cup victory "A couple of years ago, we were notified that the final would be played in Turkey, but things took a sudden turn when two English clubs qualified to play the final," Erdogan said on Turkish television on Wednesday. "We couldn't reach the UK Prime Minister in the meantime, he applied a lot of pressure on this issue." According to Erdogan, talks with British ministers and UEFA failed to achieve any results and said that Istanbul was promised to host the Champions League final in 2023. Earlier, Istanbul's Ataturk Olympic Stadium was scheduled to host the European Championship final, however, Turkey was put on Britain's travel "red list", due to which no English fans could travel to the country. UEFA stepped in and decided to relocate the finals and thus chose Porto's Estadio do Dragao fit to host it. There had been discussions over moving the final to London's Wembley Stadium but UEFA said that despite "exhaustive efforts on the part of the (English) Football Association and the authorities, it was not possible to achieve the necessary exemptions from UK quarantine arrangements". (Inputs from Reuters)

Turkey's Erdogan feels UEFA's decision to relocate Champions League final was political

European football body UEFA has launched a &nbsp;disciplinary investigation against the remaining three clubs (Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus) who are still a part of the breakaway European Super League.

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The Super League, who originally consisted of 12 clubs (Six from Premier League, three from La Liga, three from Serie A), was launched as a means to ensure guaranteed income to the top clubs in Europe.

However, this breakaway was received extremely angrily by fans, politicians and respective domestic leagues. Due to this, all clubs except Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Juventus decided to leave the league.&nbsp;

"UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary inspectors have today appointed to conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of UEFA's legal framework by Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus in connection with the so-called 'Super League' project," UEFA said in a statement.

Juventus president and one of the ESL founders, Andrea Agnelli acknowledged it was an impossible task to proceed without the English clubs.

The Super League promised guaranteed entry for its founding clubs and billions of dollars in payments. Most of the clubs have huge debts and wage bills and suffered a sharp drop in revenues during the coronavirus pandemic.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and described the English clubs as "back in the fold".

"I said yesterday that it is admirable to admit a mistake and these clubs made a big mistake," Ceferin said in a statement.

"But they are back in the fold now and I know they have a lot to offer not just to our competitions but to the whole of the European game.

"The important thing now is that we move on, rebuild the unity that the game enjoyed before this and move forward together."

(With inputs from agencies)

European football body UEFA has launched a disciplinary investigation against the remaining three clubs (Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus) who are still a part of the breakaway European Super League.

European football body UEFA has launched a disciplinary investigation against the remaining three clubs (Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus) who are still a part of the breakaway European Super League. IN PICS| How fans took on multi-billionaires to take down European Super League The Super League, who originally consisted of 12 clubs (Six from Premier League, three from La Liga, three from Serie A), was launched as a means to ensure guaranteed income to the top clubs in Europe. However, this breakaway was received extremely angrily by fans, politicians and respective domestic leagues. Due to this, all clubs except Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Juventus decided to leave the league. "UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary inspectors have today appointed to conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of UEFA's legal framework by Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus in connection with the so-called 'Super League' project," UEFA said in a statement. Juventus president and one of the ESL founders, Andrea Agnelli acknowledged it was an impossible task to proceed without the English clubs. The Super League promised guaranteed entry for its founding clubs and billions of dollars in payments. Most of the clubs have huge debts and wage bills and suffered a sharp drop in revenues during the coronavirus pandemic. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and described the English clubs as "back in the fold". "I said yesterday that it is admirable to admit a mistake and these clubs made a big mistake," Ceferin said in a statement. "But they are back in the fold now and I know they have a lot to offer not just to our competitions but to the whole of the European game. "The important thing now is that we move on, rebuild the unity that the game enjoyed before this and move forward together." (With inputs from agencies)

UEFA conducts disciplinary investigation against remaining clubs in European Super League

Britain's&nbsp;Prince&nbsp;William&nbsp;has joined a boycott of social media channels launched on Friday by football clubs, players and sporting bodies aimed at tackling online abuse.

A number of football organisations including the English Football Association and Premier League revealed they would not post on their platforms this weekend and the campaign has snowballed.

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European football's governing body UEFA is also observing the blackout, which will last from 1400 GMT on Friday until 2259 GMT on Monday.

In a statement released before the boycott began, the Premier League said social media companies must do more to stamp out online abuse.

A number of high-profile players including Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford and Chelsea full-back Reece James have been racially abused in recent months.

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"The Premier League and our clubs stand alongside football in staging this boycott to highlight the urgent need for social media companies to do more in eliminating racial hatred," said Premier League chief executive Richard Masters.

Prince&nbsp;William, who is president of the English Football Association, threw his weight behind the campaign.

"As President of the FA I join the entire football community in the social media boycott this weekend," he tweeted.

In January&nbsp;William&nbsp;hit out at racist abuse in football, describing it as "despicable" and saying it must stop after several black players were targeted online.

A number of players posted statements shortly before the protest began on Friday, while football clubs changed their Twitter logos to show their support for the campaign.

Escalating abuse&nbsp;

Earlier, Manchester United said their own analysis had shown that online abuse aimed at their players had increased by 350 per cent since 2019.

"The analysis has found that since September 2019, there has been a 350 per cent increase in&nbsp;abuse directed towards the club's players," United said in a statement.

"By taking part in this boycott this weekend, we, alongside the rest of English football,&nbsp;want to shine a light on the issue," said United's group managing director Richard Arnold.

The Premier League club also said they had banned six fans alleged to have abused Tottenham's South Korean forward Son Heung-min on social media.

Chelsea said they had banned a supporter for posting anti-Semitic messages online.

"Following the conclusion of court proceedings in February, the club conducted our own investigation into the matter and has taken the decision to ban the individual from Chelsea FC for a period of 10 years," said a statement from the club.

A wide range of sporting organisations including England Rugby, British Cycling, the England and Wales Cricket Board and the International Tennis Federation are supporting the blackout.

Formula One is not taking part but world champion Lewis Hamilton said he was ready to join the boycott on the weekend of the Portuguese Grand Prix.

Wolverhampton boss Nuno Espirito Santo believes it will need to be repeated in the push for change.

"Not everyone on social media uses it badly, you have to balance, and we can't compromise our freedom but at the moment I think it's a good measure," he said.

"Will we have to repeat it again? Probably so, it takes time for people to understand the right message."

Britain's Prince William has joined a boycott of social media channels launched on Friday by football clubs, players and sporting bodies aimed at tackling online abuse.

Britain's Prince William has joined a boycott of social media channels launched on Friday by football clubs, players and sporting bodies aimed at tackling online abuse. A number of football organisations including the English Football Association and Premier League revealed they would not post on their platforms this weekend and the campaign has snowballed. Also read | Two men charged over alleged online racial abuse of NRL player Latrell Mitchell European football's governing body UEFA is also observing the blackout, which will last from 1400 GMT on Friday until 2259 GMT on Monday. In a statement released before the boycott began, the Premier League said social media companies must do more to stamp out online abuse. A number of high-profile players including Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford and Chelsea full-back Reece James have been racially abused in recent months. Also read | 'Disgusted': Chelsea strongly condemns online racist abuse against Reece James "The Premier League and our clubs stand alongside football in staging this boycott to highlight the urgent need for social media companies to do more in eliminating racial hatred," said Premier League chief executive Richard Masters. Prince William, who is president of the English Football Association, threw his weight behind the campaign. "As President of the FA I join the entire football community in the social media boycott this weekend," he tweeted. In January William hit out at racist abuse in football, describing it as "despicable" and saying it must stop after several black players were targeted online. A number of players posted statements shortly before the protest began on Friday, while football clubs changed their Twitter logos to show their support for the campaign. Escalating abuse Earlier, Manchester United said their own analysis had shown that online abuse aimed at their players had increased by 350 per cent since 2019. "The analysis has found that since September 2019, there has been a 350 per cent increase in abuse directed towards the club's players," United said in a statement. "By taking part in this boycott this weekend, we, alongside the rest of English football, want to shine a light on the issue," said United's group managing director Richard Arnold. The Premier League club also said they had banned six fans alleged to have abused Tottenham's South Korean forward Son Heung-min on social media. Chelsea said they had banned a supporter for posting anti-Semitic messages online. "Following the conclusion of court proceedings in February, the club conducted our own investigation into the matter and has taken the decision to ban the individual from Chelsea FC for a period of 10 years," said a statement from the club. A wide range of sporting organisations including England Rugby, British Cycling, the England and Wales Cricket Board and the International Tennis Federation are supporting the blackout. Formula One is not taking part but world champion Lewis Hamilton said he was ready to join the boycott on the weekend of the Portuguese Grand Prix. Wolverhampton boss Nuno Espirito Santo believes it will need to be repeated in the push for change. "Not everyone on social media uses it badly, you have to balance, and we can't compromise our freedom but at the moment I think it's a good measure," he said. "Will we have to repeat it again? Probably so, it takes time for people to understand the right message."

Prince William joins social media sports boycott to tackle abuse

The European Super League has been hung out to dry after Atletico Madrid, Inter and AC Milan decided to follow the six Premier League clubs in quitting the breakaway competition.&nbsp;

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According to AS, UEFA has now decided that there will be no immediate sanctions for the 12 breakaway clubs. Three of these clubs are in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League this year. However, these matches will go on as planned as these clubs will not face any sanctions.&nbsp;

After the exit of the number of clubs from the Super League, the fate of the competition is unknown.&nbsp;

But, Juventus president and one of the ESL founders, Andrea Agnelli acknowledged it was an impossible task to proceed without the English clubs.

The Super League promised guaranteed entry for its founding clubs and billions of dollars in payments. Most of the clubs have huge debts and wage bills and suffered a sharp drop in revenues during the coronavirus pandemic.

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UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and described the English clubs as "back in the fold".

"I said yesterday that it is admirable to admit a mistake and these clubs made a big mistake," Ceferin said in a statement.

"But they are back in the fold now and I know they have a lot to offer not just to our competitions but to the whole of the European game.

"The important thing now is that we move on, rebuild the unity that the game enjoyed before this and move forward together."

The European Super League has been hung out to dry after Atletico Madrid, Inter and AC Milan decided to follow the six Premier League clubs in quitting the breakaway competition.

The European Super League has been hung out to dry after Atletico Madrid, Inter and AC Milan decided to follow the six Premier League clubs in quitting the breakaway competition. ALSO READ: European Super League can't go ahead without Premier League teams: ESL founder Andrea Agnelli According to AS, UEFA has now decided that there will be no immediate sanctions for the 12 breakaway clubs. Three of these clubs are in the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League this year. However, these matches will go on as planned as these clubs will not face any sanctions. After the exit of the number of clubs from the Super League, the fate of the competition is unknown. But, Juventus president and one of the ESL founders, Andrea Agnelli acknowledged it was an impossible task to proceed without the English clubs. The Super League promised guaranteed entry for its founding clubs and billions of dollars in payments. Most of the clubs have huge debts and wage bills and suffered a sharp drop in revenues during the coronavirus pandemic. IN PICS| How fans took on multi-billionaires to take down European Super League UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and described the English clubs as "back in the fold". "I said yesterday that it is admirable to admit a mistake and these clubs made a big mistake," Ceferin said in a statement. "But they are back in the fold now and I know they have a lot to offer not just to our competitions but to the whole of the European game. "The important thing now is that we move on, rebuild the unity that the game enjoyed before this and move forward together."

UEFA issues statement regarding clubs who were associated to European Super League

With all major European clubs pulling out after backlash from fans and politicians, the much-touted, controversial European Super League stumbled under the weight of football's rich legacy. What the fuss all about? Watch the video to know more.

How European Super League crumbled within hours

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

Top English and Italian clubs were strongly linked again on Sunday to a breakaway European Superleague, a rival competition to UEFA`s Champions League which could have massive ramifications for the game. 
 
UEFA is due to sign off on its own plans for an expanded and restructured Champions League on Monday but less than 24 hours before the meeting reports emerged of a new attempt at creating a rival competition involving the continent`s top clubs. 
 
The board of Italy`s Serie A league held an emergency meeting on the threatened Super League. Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan have been linked with the breakaway in media reports. 
 
A Serie A source told Reuters that the league had recently become aware of the plans for a breakaway project. 
 
Shortly after the Serie A meeting finished, The Times newspaper reported that five of England`s top clubs had signed up to the plans for a breakaway. 
 
The paper said Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have agreed to join the new league. 
 
The only member of the "big six" not to have signed up is Manchester City, the paper said, citing sources with knowledge of the development. Other media reports said City were part of the project. 
 
Neither City, nor any of the other Premier League clubs immediately responded to requests for comment. 
 
20-TEAM LEAGUE 
 
There have been reports of a breakaway for a number of years and they returned in January with several media reported a document had been produced outlining the plans for a 20-team league including Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. 
 
In October, then Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu said the club had accepted a proposal to join a breakaway league. 
 
In January, Spanish league president Javier Tebas told Reuters that Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and Liverpool had been the driving forces behind the project, adding that it was vehemently opposed by other clubs in Spain and worldwide. 
 
Those reports led FIFA and UEFA to warn that they would ban any players involved in a breakaway from playing in the World Cup or European Championship. 
 
The move is a surprise after the European Club Association (ECA), which represents 246 of the continent`s leading clubs, gave their backing to UEFA`s reforms which are on the agenda for Monday`s executive committee meeting. 
 
UEFA has proposed an increase to 36 from 32 teams, and an overhaul of the group stage into a single table rather than the current groups of four clubs. 
 
Teams would play 10 matches each in the group stage rather than the six they currently play and a playoff round would also be introduced before the last 16. 
 
But while there has been a broad consensus and those reforms, the ECA made a late push to have changes to the governance and control of the competition. 
 
Manchester United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward told investors last month that he expected such an outcome. 
 
"We look forward to seeing the full final proposal from UEFA that we anticipate will include a greater involvement of clubs in the governance and control of the competitions," Woodward said. 
 
The ECA is already involved in UEFA’s club competition structures, including the second-tier Europa League through a joint company, known as "UEFA Club Competition SA" or UCC. 
 
UCC is a subsidiary company of UEFA where half the members of the board are appointed by the governing body and the other half by the ECA. 
 
It was created following the signing of a five-year agreement between UEFA and the ECA in 2018, a deal which will run out before the proposed new Champions League format begins in 2024.

Top English and Italian clubs were strongly linked again on Sunday to a breakaway European Superleague, a rival competition to UEFA`s Champions League which could have massive ramifications for the game.

Top English and Italian clubs were strongly linked again on Sunday to a breakaway European Superleague, a rival competition to UEFA`s Champions League which could have massive ramifications for the game. UEFA is due to sign off on its own plans for an expanded and restructured Champions League on Monday but less than 24 hours before the meeting reports emerged of a new attempt at creating a rival competition involving the continent`s top clubs. The board of Italy`s Serie A league held an emergency meeting on the threatened Super League. Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan have been linked with the breakaway in media reports. A Serie A source told Reuters that the league had recently become aware of the plans for a breakaway project. Shortly after the Serie A meeting finished, The Times newspaper reported that five of England`s top clubs had signed up to the plans for a breakaway. The paper said Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have agreed to join the new league. The only member of the "big six" not to have signed up is Manchester City, the paper said, citing sources with knowledge of the development. Other media reports said City were part of the project. Neither City, nor any of the other Premier League clubs immediately responded to requests for comment. 20-TEAM LEAGUE There have been reports of a breakaway for a number of years and they returned in January with several media reported a document had been produced outlining the plans for a 20-team league including Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona. In October, then Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu said the club had accepted a proposal to join a breakaway league. In January, Spanish league president Javier Tebas told Reuters that Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and Liverpool had been the driving forces behind the project, adding that it was vehemently opposed by other clubs in Spain and worldwide. Those reports led FIFA and UEFA to warn that they would ban any players involved in a breakaway from playing in the World Cup or European Championship. The move is a surprise after the European Club Association (ECA), which represents 246 of the continent`s leading clubs, gave their backing to UEFA`s reforms which are on the agenda for Monday`s executive committee meeting. UEFA has proposed an increase to 36 from 32 teams, and an overhaul of the group stage into a single table rather than the current groups of four clubs. Teams would play 10 matches each in the group stage rather than the six they currently play and a playoff round would also be introduced before the last 16. But while there has been a broad consensus and those reforms, the ECA made a late push to have changes to the governance and control of the competition. Manchester United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward told investors last month that he expected such an outcome. "We look forward to seeing the full final proposal from UEFA that we anticipate will include a greater involvement of clubs in the governance and control of the competitions," Woodward said. The ECA is already involved in UEFA’s club competition structures, including the second-tier Europa League through a joint company, known as "UEFA Club Competition SA" or UCC. UCC is a subsidiary company of UEFA where half the members of the board are appointed by the governing body and the other half by the ECA. It was created following the signing of a five-year agreement between UEFA and the ECA in 2018, a deal which will run out before the proposed new Champions League format begins in 2024.

Breakaway Super League threat re-emerges hours before UEFA vote

Slavia Prague defender Ondrej Kudela has been banned for 10 matches for "racist behaviour" in their Europa League last-16 match against Scottish side Rangers last month, European soccer`s governing body UEFA said on Wednesday. 
 
Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara complained of being racially abused by Kudela in the game, when the Scottish club was knocked out in the second leg, which included a melee on the pitch and clashes in the tunnel afterwards. 
 
Kudela`s ban also rules him out of representative team competition matches, meaning he will miss games for the Czech Republic in the European Championship this year. 
 
Kamara has been suspended for three UEFA club competition games for assaulting another player, following an investigation into the incident conducted by a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector. 
 
Finland international Kamara was furious after Slavia`s Kudela leaned into his ear and said something while covering his mouth, sparking the fracas in the final stages of the match in Europe`s second-tier club competition. 
 
Kudela had said in a Slavia statement the swore at a Rangers player after being fouled, but denied using racist language. His club also alleged that Kudela was assaulted by Kamara after the game and have officially complained to Scottish police. 
 
UEFA said in a statemen&nbsp;on Wednesday that Kudela`s ban includes the one-match provisional suspension served by the player during Slavia`s Europa League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal this month. 
 
Kudela said, via his lawyers, that he was "startled" by the ruling, because the investigator did not gather any convincing evidence of his alleged racism, which he denies. 
 
Slavia President Jaroslav Tvrdik said that the club respected the verdict. 
 
"In any case, Ondrej Kudela should not have approached the opposition player. I deeply regret that and apologise to Glen Kamara for a situation that has clearly caused distress to him and his team mates, as well as everyone associated with Slavia and Rangers," he said in a statement posted on Slavia`s website. 
 
Rangers forward Kemar Roofe, who was also subjected to racial abuse on social media after being shown a red card for a high-boot challenge on Slavia goalkeeper Ondrej Kolar, was banned for four games. 
 
Rangers, who were knocked out of the Europa League following a 3-1 aggregate loss after having two players sent off, were fined 9,000 euros ($10,763) for improper conduct. 
 
Kamara said earlier this month that he was subjected to racist abuse online every day since his confrontation with Kudela. 
 
Rangers said in a statement&nbsp;on Wednesday that they had met with Facebook and Instagram to hold constructive dialogue with the social media firms seeking better protection for players.

Slavia Prague defender Ondrej Kudela has been banned for 10 matches for "racist behaviour" in their Europa League last-16 match against Scottish side Rangers last month, European soccer`s governing body UEFA said on Wednesday.

Slavia Prague defender Ondrej Kudela has been banned for 10 matches for "racist behaviour" in their Europa League last-16 match against Scottish side Rangers last month, European soccer`s governing body UEFA said on Wednesday. Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara complained of being racially abused by Kudela in the game, when the Scottish club was knocked out in the second leg, which included a melee on the pitch and clashes in the tunnel afterwards. Kudela`s ban also rules him out of representative team competition matches, meaning he will miss games for the Czech Republic in the European Championship this year. Kamara has been suspended for three UEFA club competition games for assaulting another player, following an investigation into the incident conducted by a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector. Finland international Kamara was furious after Slavia`s Kudela leaned into his ear and said something while covering his mouth, sparking the fracas in the final stages of the match in Europe`s second-tier club competition. Kudela had said in a Slavia statement the swore at a Rangers player after being fouled, but denied using racist language. His club also alleged that Kudela was assaulted by Kamara after the game and have officially complained to Scottish police. UEFA said in a statemen on Wednesday that Kudela`s ban includes the one-match provisional suspension served by the player during Slavia`s Europa League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal this month. Kudela said, via his lawyers, that he was "startled" by the ruling, because the investigator did not gather any convincing evidence of his alleged racism, which he denies. Slavia President Jaroslav Tvrdik said that the club respected the verdict. "In any case, Ondrej Kudela should not have approached the opposition player. I deeply regret that and apologise to Glen Kamara for a situation that has clearly caused distress to him and his team mates, as well as everyone associated with Slavia and Rangers," he said in a statement posted on Slavia`s website. Rangers forward Kemar Roofe, who was also subjected to racial abuse on social media after being shown a red card for a high-boot challenge on Slavia goalkeeper Ondrej Kolar, was banned for four games. Rangers, who were knocked out of the Europa League following a 3-1 aggregate loss after having two players sent off, were fined 9,000 euros ($10,763) for improper conduct. Kamara said earlier this month that he was subjected to racist abuse online every day since his confrontation with Kudela. Rangers said in a statement on Wednesday that they had met with Facebook and Instagram to hold constructive dialogue with the social media firms seeking better protection for players.

Slavia Prague's Kudela banned for 10 games over racism incident

UEFA have given four European Championship host cities, at risk of being replaced, ten days to come up with further details of their plans for fan access to games after they failed to commit to allowing supporters into the stadiums. 
 
Munich, Rome, Bilbao, Dublin have been given the extra time to come up with more details before a final decision is made at UEFA`s executive committee meeting on whether they will remain hosts at Euro 2020. 
 
"The remaining four cities have until 19 April to provide additional information on their plans and final decisions will be made on that date regarding the staging of matches in those four venues," European soccer`s governing body said in a statement. 
 
The eight other host venues for the tournament, which starts on June 11, had given varying levels of planned or expected capacity as part of their plans. 
 
"Currently, eight host countries have confirmed stadium capacities based on their projections of an improved health situation in their countries in June and July due to a number of factors, including a country’s vaccination rollout, its planned measures for reopening the economy and the projected slow-down in the virus due to warmer season," UEFA said. 
 
Only one city, Budapest, has said it is aiming to have its stadium at full capacity -- the 67,000 capacity Puskas Arena -- albeit with "strict" entry requirements. 
 
St. Petersburg confirmed to UEFA a capacity of 50%, with the possibility of increasing that by the end of April. 
 
Baku has told UEFA if it can offer a capacity of 50%, with the travelling fans of the participating teams required to present a negative COVID-19 test result to enter Azerbaijan. 
 
Amsterdam, Bucharest, Copenhagen and Glasgow have confirmed a capacity of 25%-33%, with all but the Scottish city keeping open the option open to raise their levels depending on the development of their mass testing programmes and the overall pandemic situation. 
 
London has confirmed a minimum capacity of 25% for the three group matches and last 16 game it will host but the UK government`s `roadmap` could allow for a much higher capacity for the semi-finals and July 11 final. 
&nbsp;

UEFA have given four European Championship host cities, at risk of being replaced, ten days to come up with further details of their plans for fan access to games after they failed to commit to allowing supporters into the stadiums.

UEFA have given four European Championship host cities, at risk of being replaced, ten days to come up with further details of their plans for fan access to games after they failed to commit to allowing supporters into the stadiums. Munich, Rome, Bilbao, Dublin have been given the extra time to come up with more details before a final decision is made at UEFA`s executive committee meeting on whether they will remain hosts at Euro 2020. "The remaining four cities have until 19 April to provide additional information on their plans and final decisions will be made on that date regarding the staging of matches in those four venues," European soccer`s governing body said in a statement. The eight other host venues for the tournament, which starts on June 11, had given varying levels of planned or expected capacity as part of their plans. "Currently, eight host countries have confirmed stadium capacities based on their projections of an improved health situation in their countries in June and July due to a number of factors, including a country’s vaccination rollout, its planned measures for reopening the economy and the projected slow-down in the virus due to warmer season," UEFA said. Only one city, Budapest, has said it is aiming to have its stadium at full capacity -- the 67,000 capacity Puskas Arena -- albeit with "strict" entry requirements. St. Petersburg confirmed to UEFA a capacity of 50%, with the possibility of increasing that by the end of April. Baku has told UEFA if it can offer a capacity of 50%, with the travelling fans of the participating teams required to present a negative COVID-19 test result to enter Azerbaijan. Amsterdam, Bucharest, Copenhagen and Glasgow have confirmed a capacity of 25%-33%, with all but the Scottish city keeping open the option open to raise their levels depending on the development of their mass testing programmes and the overall pandemic situation. London has confirmed a minimum capacity of 25% for the three group matches and last 16 game it will host but the UK government`s `roadmap` could allow for a much higher capacity for the semi-finals and July 11 final.

Euro 2020: UEFA give four host cities 10 days for more detail

UEFA on Friday said that they were investigating the incidents that took place during the Europa League match between Rangers and Slavia Prague. Rangers' midfielder Glen Kamara complained of being racially abused by a visiting player in Thursday's 2-0 defeat in Glasgow.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/juve-star-cristiano-ronaldo-named-serie-as-player-of-the-year-371813" hreflang="en">Juve star Cristiano Ronaldo named Serie A's Player of the Year</a>

Steven Gerrard's Rangers crashed out of the tournament after a 3-1 aggregate loss in the round of 16 stages. Two players from the team were shown red card after a heated argument which saw a melee on the pitch and clashes in the tunnel after the game.

"An Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will conduct an investigation regarding the incidents that occurred," European soccer's governing body UEFA said in a statement.

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Kamara was left fuming after Slavia centre back Ondrej Kudela leaned into his ear and said something while covering his mouth, sparking the fracas in the final stages of the match in Europe's second-tier club competition.&nbsp;

However, the Slavian defender denied making any racist comments and went on to say that he was assaulted by Kamara after the game and have officially complained to Scottish police.

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard called on UEFA to take action.

"My player tells me he was racially abused," Gerrard said. "I feel angry ... I know Glen and I trust him 100% and it is extremely disappointing.

"It is over to UEFA now this situation and I just hope it doesn't get brushed under the carpet."

Kamara issued a statement through his solicitor which said: "There is no place for racism or any form of bigotry in football," the statement read. "Since (the) summer many of us have taken the knee in solidarity with those who have lost their lives to racial violence.

"If UEFA genuinely wants to 'show racism the red card', then it's time to stop the tokenism and take a zero-tolerance approach. As a player, I do not expect myself, nor any other to have to tolerate racial hatred on or off the pitch in 2021."

(Agency inputs)

UEFA on Friday said that they were investigating the incidents that took place during the Europa League match between Rangers and Slavia Prague. Rangers' midfielder Glen Kamara complained of being racially abused by a visiting player in Thursday's 2-0 defeat in Glasgow.

UEFA on Friday said that they were investigating the incidents that took place during the Europa League match between Rangers and Slavia Prague. Rangers' midfielder Glen Kamara complained of being racially abused by a visiting player in Thursday's 2-0 defeat in Glasgow. ALSO READ: Juve star Cristiano Ronaldo named Serie A's Player of the Year Steven Gerrard's Rangers crashed out of the tournament after a 3-1 aggregate loss in the round of 16 stages. Two players from the team were shown red card after a heated argument which saw a melee on the pitch and clashes in the tunnel after the game. "An Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will conduct an investigation regarding the incidents that occurred," European soccer's governing body UEFA said in a statement. Kamara was left fuming after Slavia centre back Ondrej Kudela leaned into his ear and said something while covering his mouth, sparking the fracas in the final stages of the match in Europe's second-tier club competition. However, the Slavian defender denied making any racist comments and went on to say that he was assaulted by Kamara after the game and have officially complained to Scottish police. Rangers boss Steven Gerrard called on UEFA to take action. "My player tells me he was racially abused," Gerrard said. "I feel angry ... I know Glen and I trust him 100% and it is extremely disappointing. "It is over to UEFA now this situation and I just hope it doesn't get brushed under the carpet." Kamara issued a statement through his solicitor which said: "There is no place for racism or any form of bigotry in football," the statement read. "Since (the) summer many of us have taken the knee in solidarity with those who have lost their lives to racial violence. "If UEFA genuinely wants to 'show racism the red card', then it's time to stop the tokenism and take a zero-tolerance approach. As a player, I do not expect myself, nor any other to have to tolerate racial hatred on or off the pitch in 2021." (Agency inputs)

UEFA to investigate Rangers vs Slavia Prague match after racism and assault claims

UEFA has been asked to double the amount it pays out to clubs who fail to qualify for European competition as part of proposals intended to reduce financial inequalities in the continent's football.

Four percent of the revenue from European club competition is currently distributed to clubs who do not take part, in what are known as solidarity payments.

However, the European Leagues umbrella body, which represents the continent's domestic leagues, said on Friday that it will propose this amount be increased to eight percent during the period for 2021-24.

UEFA had predicted that the four percent would be equivalent to around 130 million euros ($157.43 million) for the 2019/20 season although the estimate was made before the COVID-19 pandemic which has affected European football finances.

In an report to its members, European Leagues said it was concerned about the revenue gap between the biggest clubs and the rest, which it said was "increasing and accelerating."

"The trend points to greater dominance by a fewer number of clubs in many competitions," it said.

It also called on UEFA for a "genuine, open and structured process" when it resumes discussions over plans for European club competitions from 2024 onwards, having complained of a lack of consultation in previous talks.

Last year, UEFA and the European Club Association (ECA) put forward a plan to turn the Champions League into a semi-closed competition from 2024 onwards. It was eventually dropped amid strong opposition.

European Leagues president Lars-Christer Olsson said he was optimistic the discussions for 2024 onwards, which have been interrupted by the pandemic, would now be more transparent.

"We are convinced the process will be totally different from 2019," said Olsson. "That is a discussion which has to take place and has to involve everyone in European football."

Although there are frequent reports of plans to form a European Super League for the biggest clubs, Olsson said he did not take these seriously.

"There have been very clear statements from UEFA they are not going to admit a breakaway league and many clubs saying they are not interested in a private league," he said. "It's annoying having these reports pop up every three or four years."

UEFA has been asked to double the amount it pays out to clubs who fail to qualify for European competition as part of proposals intended to reduce financial inequalities in the continent's football.

UEFA has been asked to double the amount it pays out to clubs who fail to qualify for European competition as part of proposals intended to reduce financial inequalities in the continent's football. Four percent of the revenue from European club competition is currently distributed to clubs who do not take part, in what are known as solidarity payments. However, the European Leagues umbrella body, which represents the continent's domestic leagues, said on Friday that it will propose this amount be increased to eight percent during the period for 2021-24. UEFA had predicted that the four percent would be equivalent to around 130 million euros ($157.43 million) for the 2019/20 season although the estimate was made before the COVID-19 pandemic which has affected European football finances. In an report to its members, European Leagues said it was concerned about the revenue gap between the biggest clubs and the rest, which it said was "increasing and accelerating." "The trend points to greater dominance by a fewer number of clubs in many competitions," it said. It also called on UEFA for a "genuine, open and structured process" when it resumes discussions over plans for European club competitions from 2024 onwards, having complained of a lack of consultation in previous talks. Last year, UEFA and the European Club Association (ECA) put forward a plan to turn the Champions League into a semi-closed competition from 2024 onwards. It was eventually dropped amid strong opposition. European Leagues president Lars-Christer Olsson said he was optimistic the discussions for 2024 onwards, which have been interrupted by the pandemic, would now be more transparent. "We are convinced the process will be totally different from 2019," said Olsson. "That is a discussion which has to take place and has to involve everyone in European football." Although there are frequent reports of plans to form a European Super League for the biggest clubs, Olsson said he did not take these seriously. "There have been very clear statements from UEFA they are not going to admit a breakaway league and many clubs saying they are not interested in a private league," he said. "It's annoying having these reports pop up every three or four years."

UEFA asked to double payment to clubs who miss out on European competition

PSG star Kylian Mbappe feels that it is time for action against racism. The French striker staged a walkout and followed Istanbul Basaksehir off the pitch in protest after the Turkish club accused a match official of racism on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/psg-basaksehir-stage-champions-league-walk-out-over-officials-alleged-racism-348492" hreflang="en">PSG, Basaksehir stage Champions League walk-out over official's alleged racism</a>

However, the match was resumed on Wednesday. Three onfield referees took the knee in protest against racism ahead of the match.&nbsp;

"Of course, I am proud of what was done. A lot of things were said but in fact, there's nothing better than actions," the 21-year-old Mbappe said after PSG beat Basaksehir 5-1 to top Champions League Group H.

The UEFA Champions League witnessed an unprecedented incident as players from Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir walked off the pitch amid allegations of racism by fourth officials on Tuesday.

The entire row erupted after Istanbul Basaksehir assistant coach Pierre Webo – a former Cameroon international – was shown a red card during a fierce face-off on the touchline with staff from the Turkish club appearing to accuse the officials of using a racist term.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/man-utd-stumble-out-of-champions-league-with-loss-in-leipzig-348496" hreflang="en">Man Utd stumble out of Champions League with loss in Leipzig</a>

While many footballing stars across the world chipped in with their support on social media platforms, Turkish President Recent Tayyip Erdogan said he “strongly” condemned the incident. UEFA announced that it would open a ‘thorough investigation’ on the incident.

Even Paris Saint-Germain stars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar were seen having a chat with the match officials as the duo looked stunned by the usage of words by the fourth referee.&nbsp;

"We are tired, we don't want to go through this (racism incidents) again," Mbappe said. "We're all human beings and this was intolerable. People are fed up and we had to do something.

"Yesterday we were not disappointed not to play. We made that decision. We were proud. The more you let these things slide, the more you're led to believe that it's normal. But no, it's not normal."

PSG qualified into round of 16 after a thumping victory over the Turkish club. Neymar's hattrick and Mbappe's brace helped the French club qualify with ease.&nbsp;

PSG star Kylian Mbappe feels that it is time for action against racism. The French striker staged a walkout and followed Istanbul Basaksehir off the pitch in protest after the Turkish club accused a match official of racism on Tuesday.

PSG star Kylian Mbappe feels that it is time for action against racism. The French striker staged a walkout and followed Istanbul Basaksehir off the pitch in protest after the Turkish club accused a match official of racism on Tuesday. Also read: PSG, Basaksehir stage Champions League walk-out over official's alleged racism However, the match was resumed on Wednesday. Three onfield referees took the knee in protest against racism ahead of the match. "Of course, I am proud of what was done. A lot of things were said but in fact, there's nothing better than actions," the 21-year-old Mbappe said after PSG beat Basaksehir 5-1 to top Champions League Group H. The UEFA Champions League witnessed an unprecedented incident as players from Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir walked off the pitch amid allegations of racism by fourth officials on Tuesday. The entire row erupted after Istanbul Basaksehir assistant coach Pierre Webo – a former Cameroon international – was shown a red card during a fierce face-off on the touchline with staff from the Turkish club appearing to accuse the officials of using a racist term. Also read: Man Utd stumble out of Champions League with loss in Leipzig While many footballing stars across the world chipped in with their support on social media platforms, Turkish President Recent Tayyip Erdogan said he “strongly” condemned the incident. UEFA announced that it would open a ‘thorough investigation’ on the incident. Even Paris Saint-Germain stars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar were seen having a chat with the match officials as the duo looked stunned by the usage of words by the fourth referee. "We are tired, we don't want to go through this (racism incidents) again," Mbappe said. "We're all human beings and this was intolerable. People are fed up and we had to do something. "Yesterday we were not disappointed not to play. We made that decision. We were proud. The more you let these things slide, the more you're led to believe that it's normal. But no, it's not normal." PSG qualified into round of 16 after a thumping victory over the Turkish club. Neymar's hattrick and Mbappe's brace helped the French club qualify with ease.

'Nothing better than actions': Kylian Mbappe on fight against racism

Former Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand feels that football is at a "tipping point" after Istanbul Basaksehir and Paris St Germain players walked off the pitch on Tuesday amid accusations a match official used a racist term. Ferdinand said that all those in power should make a stand.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/psg-basaksehir-stage-champions-league-walk-out-over-officials-alleged-racism-348492" hreflang="en">PSG, Basaksehir stage Champions League walk-out over official's alleged racism</a>

The UEFA Champions League witnessed an unprecedented incident as players from Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir walked off the pitch amid allegations of racism by fourth officials on Tuesday.

The entire row erupted after Istanbul Basaksehir assistant coach Pierre Webo – a former Cameroon international – was shown a red card during a fierce face-off on the touchline with staff from the Turkish club appearing to accuse the officials of using a racist term.

This incident comes after fans at Millwall's English Championship match against Derby County booed the players when they took a knee in support of the 'Black Lives Matter' movement on Saturday.

"We're at a disturbing tipping point," former England international Ferdinand told BT Sport. "We've got Millwall, the PSG game today, all in the same week. Not a week goes by at the moment without an incident involving race.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/man-utd-stumble-out-of-champions-league-with-loss-in-leipzig-348496" hreflang="en">Man Utd stumble out of Champions League with loss in Leipzig</a>

"We're at the point now where something needs to be done, we're saying it all of the time, but the powers that be within this game need to make a huge stand."

While many footballing stars across the world chipped in with their support on social media platforms, Turkish President Recent Tayyip Erdogan said he “strongly” condemned the incident. UEFA announced that it would open a ‘thorough investigation’ on the incident.

Even Paris Saint-Germain stars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar were seen having a chat with the match officials as the duo looked stunned by the usage of words by the fourth referee.&nbsp;

UEFA has been working strongly to kill racial discrimination from the sport and has strict sanctions against those found guilty of discrimination. “Say No To Racism” has been a go-to slogan in UEFA competitions for many years now.&nbsp;

Former Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand feels that football is at a "tipping point" after Istanbul Basaksehir and Paris St Germain players walked off the pitch on Tuesday amid accusations a match official used a racist term.

Former Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand feels that football is at a "tipping point" after Istanbul Basaksehir and Paris St Germain players walked off the pitch on Tuesday amid accusations a match official used a racist term. Ferdinand said that all those in power should make a stand. Also read: PSG, Basaksehir stage Champions League walk-out over official's alleged racism The UEFA Champions League witnessed an unprecedented incident as players from Paris Saint-Germain and Istanbul Basaksehir walked off the pitch amid allegations of racism by fourth officials on Tuesday. The entire row erupted after Istanbul Basaksehir assistant coach Pierre Webo – a former Cameroon international – was shown a red card during a fierce face-off on the touchline with staff from the Turkish club appearing to accuse the officials of using a racist term. This incident comes after fans at Millwall's English Championship match against Derby County booed the players when they took a knee in support of the 'Black Lives Matter' movement on Saturday. "We're at a disturbing tipping point," former England international Ferdinand told BT Sport. "We've got Millwall, the PSG game today, all in the same week. Not a week goes by at the moment without an incident involving race. Also read: Man Utd stumble out of Champions League with loss in Leipzig "We're at the point now where something needs to be done, we're saying it all of the time, but the powers that be within this game need to make a huge stand." While many footballing stars across the world chipped in with their support on social media platforms, Turkish President Recent Tayyip Erdogan said he “strongly” condemned the incident. UEFA announced that it would open a ‘thorough investigation’ on the incident. Even Paris Saint-Germain stars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar were seen having a chat with the match officials as the duo looked stunned by the usage of words by the fourth referee. UEFA has been working strongly to kill racial discrimination from the sport and has strict sanctions against those found guilty of discrimination. “Say No To Racism” has been a go-to slogan in UEFA competitions for many years now.

'Football at tipping point', says Rio Ferdinand after Basaksehir, PSG players walk off

Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne is frustrated by the constant change in the handball rule in recent years. The Belgian feels the change in rules have left players on the pitch confused when decisions go against them.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cybercriminals-target-manchester-uniteds-it-systems-in-sophisticated-hacking-operation-344483">Cybercriminals target Man Utd's IT system in 'sophisticated' hacking operation</a>

Pep Guardiola and Co. were left fuming when Aymeric Laporte's first-half equaliser against Tottenham Hotspur was disallowed after the pitch-side monitor showed a Gabriel Jesus handball in the buildup. Manchester City went on to lose the match 2-0 against Spurs.&nbsp;

"I don't know the rules anymore, honestly. I thought if it was above the arm here it's not handball anymore with the law changes," City skipper De Bruyne told Sky Sports while pointing at his sleeve.

"What can we say, I've been playing professional football for about 12 years and the first nine years there was no rule changes and the last three years there's been a lot. I don't know why.

"Football is such a nice game. The guys who make the rules should be people in the game."

Defenders are finding it tough to adapt to the new rules of being guilty of unintentionally handling the ball, with referees deeming their arms to be in "unnatural positions" even when it is virtually impossible to avoid contact with the ball.

Earlier this month, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin urged FIFA to change the handball rule. &nbsp;He said the current interpretation has led to unfair decisions which had caused "growing frustration and discomfort" in the sport.

Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne is frustrated by the constant change in the handball rule in recent years. The Belgian feels the change in rules have left players on the pitch confused when decisions go against them.

Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne is frustrated by the constant change in the handball rule in recent years. The Belgian feels the change in rules have left players on the pitch confused when decisions go against them. Also read: Cybercriminals target Man Utd's IT system in 'sophisticated' hacking operation Pep Guardiola and Co. were left fuming when Aymeric Laporte's first-half equaliser against Tottenham Hotspur was disallowed after the pitch-side monitor showed a Gabriel Jesus handball in the buildup. Manchester City went on to lose the match 2-0 against Spurs. "I don't know the rules anymore, honestly. I thought if it was above the arm here it's not handball anymore with the law changes," City skipper De Bruyne told Sky Sports while pointing at his sleeve. "What can we say, I've been playing professional football for about 12 years and the first nine years there was no rule changes and the last three years there's been a lot. I don't know why. "Football is such a nice game. The guys who make the rules should be people in the game." Defenders are finding it tough to adapt to the new rules of being guilty of unintentionally handling the ball, with referees deeming their arms to be in "unnatural positions" even when it is virtually impossible to avoid contact with the ball. Earlier this month, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin urged FIFA to change the handball rule. He said the current interpretation has led to unfair decisions which had caused "growing frustration and discomfort" in the sport.

Premier League: Constant change in handball rule frustrates Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne

Chelsea striker Timo Werner scored twice on his return to Leipzig Saturday as Germany went top of their Nations League group with a convincing 3-1 win over Ukraine.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-decides-to-cancel-norways-match-against-romania-343324" hreflang="en">UEFA decides to cancel Norway's match against Romania</a>

Having joined the Premier League side last July after four years with RB Leipzig, Werner played a starring role behind closed doors at the Red Bull Arena.

"I had four good years here and it was fun to come back here and win," Werner told ZDF.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nations-league-france-beat-portugal-1-0-to-book-finals-spot-343313" hreflang="en">Nations League: France beat Portugal 1-0 to book finals spot</a>

"We had a few players missing," he added with Toni Kroos suspended and Joshua Kimmich sidelined by a knee injury, "which made it hard to find our ryhthm".

"But we have enough time to improve before the Euros" he added in reference to Germany's opening Euro 2020 match against world champions France in Munich in seven months' time.

The win leaves Germany undefeated in their last 12 games and top of their Nations League group, a point ahead of second-placed Spain with the sides due to meet in Sevilla on Tuesday. &nbsp;

"We had plenty of tempo in the first-half, controlled the game after the break, even if we gave away too much possession at times," said Germany head coach Joachim Loew.

"All in all, we have to be happy with the win."

Ukraine took an early lead when Roman Yaremchuk caught the German defence napping.

The hosts roared back with three unanswered goals by Leroy Sane and Werner, who scored either side of half-time, to seal a deserved win.&nbsp;

The game was only confirmed hours before kick-off after five of the Ukraine squad were quarantined after testing positive for Covid-19 on Friday.

However, further tests on Saturday revealed no new cases of the coronavirus.

German captain Manuel Neuer made his 95th appearance, equalling Sepp Maier's record for a Germany goalkeeper, yet the Bayern Munich star was beaten after just 12 minutes.

Ukraine forward Oleksandr Zubkov went to ground in the area, but managed to pull the ball back to Yaremchuk who fired his side ahead.

Ukraine had already beaten Spain and Switzerland and there were a few nervous faces among the Germans, who have now kept just one clean sheet in seven games so far in 2020.

However, the lead was shortlived.

Leon Goretzka sparked a counter-attack and released Sane, who cut back inside and smashed his shot around Ukraine goalkeeper and captain Andriy Pyatov on 23 minutes.

Goretzka created Germany's second goal when he lifted his pass just out of range of Pyatov's out-stretched arms.

Werner was waiting to head home from less than a metre to put the hosts ahead on 33 minutes.

"It was easy for me to score the goal, but his work in build up was really good," Werner said of Goretzka's superb work in the build up.

Germany lived dangerously just after the break when a shot by Manchester City midfielder Oleksandr Zinchenko took a deflection and clipped the post with Neuer beaten.&nbsp;

Werner doubled his tally after Ilkay Gundogan started the move which saw Matthias Ginter fire in a cross which the Chelsea star fired home on 64 minutes.

The 24-year-old now has 15 goals in 34 appearances for Germany.

However, there was no chance of a hat-trick as he made way for Julian Brandt for the final 15 minutes.&nbsp;

Chelsea striker Timo Werner scored twice on his return to Leipzig Saturday as Germany went top of their Nations League group with a convincing 3-1 win over Ukraine.

Chelsea striker Timo Werner scored twice on his return to Leipzig Saturday as Germany went top of their Nations League group with a convincing 3-1 win over Ukraine. Also read: UEFA decides to cancel Norway's match against Romania Having joined the Premier League side last July after four years with RB Leipzig, Werner played a starring role behind closed doors at the Red Bull Arena. "I had four good years here and it was fun to come back here and win," Werner told ZDF. Also read: Nations League: France beat Portugal 1-0 to book finals spot "We had a few players missing," he added with Toni Kroos suspended and Joshua Kimmich sidelined by a knee injury, "which made it hard to find our ryhthm". "But we have enough time to improve before the Euros" he added in reference to Germany's opening Euro 2020 match against world champions France in Munich in seven months' time. The win leaves Germany undefeated in their last 12 games and top of their Nations League group, a point ahead of second-placed Spain with the sides due to meet in Sevilla on Tuesday. "We had plenty of tempo in the first-half, controlled the game after the break, even if we gave away too much possession at times," said Germany head coach Joachim Loew. "All in all, we have to be happy with the win." Ukraine took an early lead when Roman Yaremchuk caught the German defence napping. The hosts roared back with three unanswered goals by Leroy Sane and Werner, who scored either side of half-time, to seal a deserved win. The game was only confirmed hours before kick-off after five of the Ukraine squad were quarantined after testing positive for Covid-19 on Friday. However, further tests on Saturday revealed no new cases of the coronavirus. German captain Manuel Neuer made his 95th appearance, equalling Sepp Maier's record for a Germany goalkeeper, yet the Bayern Munich star was beaten after just 12 minutes. Ukraine forward Oleksandr Zubkov went to ground in the area, but managed to pull the ball back to Yaremchuk who fired his side ahead. Ukraine had already beaten Spain and Switzerland and there were a few nervous faces among the Germans, who have now kept just one clean sheet in seven games so far in 2020. However, the lead was shortlived. Leon Goretzka sparked a counter-attack and released Sane, who cut back inside and smashed his shot around Ukraine goalkeeper and captain Andriy Pyatov on 23 minutes. Goretzka created Germany's second goal when he lifted his pass just out of range of Pyatov's out-stretched arms. Werner was waiting to head home from less than a metre to put the hosts ahead on 33 minutes. "It was easy for me to score the goal, but his work in build up was really good," Werner said of Goretzka's superb work in the build up. Germany lived dangerously just after the break when a shot by Manchester City midfielder Oleksandr Zinchenko took a deflection and clipped the post with Neuer beaten. Werner doubled his tally after Ilkay Gundogan started the move which saw Matthias Ginter fire in a cross which the Chelsea star fired home on 64 minutes. The 24-year-old now has 15 goals in 34 appearances for Germany. However, there was no chance of a hat-trick as he made way for Julian Brandt for the final 15 minutes.

Timo Werner fires Germany top of Nations League group

UEFA has decided to cancel Norway's Nations League match against Romania after the Norwegian squad failed to travel to Bucharest as a COVID-19 case was found in the squad.

UEFA has decided to cancel Norway's Nations League match against Romania after the Norwegian squad failed to travel to Bucharest as a COVID-19 case was found in the squad. Also read: Nations League: France beat Portugal 1-0 to book finals spot Norway risks a forfeit (3-0 loss) by not fulfilling the match scheduled on Sunday in Romania and there are no available dates in the international calendar to conduct the game. According to UEFA, the case has been sent to its disciplinary committee for a decision. The forfeit will cost Norway as the team is currently level with Austria at the top of their group in second-tier League B. Norway will face Austria due to meet in Vienna on Tuesday in the final round. The group winner gets two rewards: Promotion to the top tier of the next Nations League and a potential place in World Cup qualifying playoffs scheduled in March 2022 to advance to the tournament in Qatar later that year. (Inputs from PTI)

UEFA decides to cancel Norway's match against Romania

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was left fuming after his team had a goal controversially ruled out for offside on Thursday. He has said that UEFA must review their decision to only introduce the VAR system at the knockout stage of the Europa League.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was left fuming after his team had a goal controversially ruled out for offside on Thursday. He has said that UEFA must review their decision to only introduce the VAR system at the knockout stage of the Europa League. Also read: Cristiano Ronaldo to return for Portugal against France, Croatia Arsenal conceded in the 22nd minute in London before fighting back to beat Norway's Molde 4-1 in Group B of Europe's second-tier club competition. But during the clash, Eddie Nketiah's goal was ruled out and Arteta was frustrated as TV replays showed that he was onside. "I don't think it makes any sense ... when we have the technology and we all believe it is the right call for everybody to do it," Arteta told reporters. "We were complaining with the referee because we were told it was clearly onside, and obviously it's a situation that can change the game. So it's something they (UEFA) have to look at and, if possible, change it." The Gunners will face Aston Villa in Premier League on Sunday. (Inputs from Reuters)

'If possible, change it': Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta urges UEFA to review VAR

UEFA Champions League is coming back with a lot of action as the group stage of the European Championship will kick-off on Tuesday.&nbsp;

<h2>Fixtures and timings of UEFA Champions League Matchday 1:&nbsp;</h2>

Tuesday, October 20: Zenit vs Club Brugge - 10:25 PM IST

Tuesday, October 20:&nbsp;Dynamo Kyiv vs Juventus&nbsp;- 10:25 PM IST

Wednesday, October 21: Rennes vs Krasnodar - 12:30 AM IST

Wednesday, October 21:&nbsp;Chelsea vs Sevilla&nbsp;- 12:30 AM IST

Wednesday, October 21:&nbsp;Lazio vs Borussia Dortmund&nbsp;- 12:30 AM IST

Wednesday, October 21:&nbsp;Barcelona vs Ferencváros&nbsp;- 12:30 AM IST

Wednesday, October 21:&nbsp;PSG vs Manchester United&nbsp;- 12:30 AM IST

Wednesday, October 21: RB Leipzig vs İstanbul Başakşehir - 12:30 AM IST

Wednesday, October 21: RB Salzburg vs Lokomotiv Moskva - 10:25 PM IST

Wednesday, October 21:&nbsp;Real Madrid vs Shakhtar Donetsk&nbsp;- 10:25 PM IST

Thursday, October 22&nbsp;Bayern: Munich vs Atlético de Madrid&nbsp;- 12:30 AM IST

Thursday, October 22: Inter Milan vs Borussia Mönchengladbach - 12:30 AM IST

Thursday, October 22: Olympiacos vs Marseille - 12:30 AM IST

Thursday, October 22:&nbsp;Manchester City vs FC Porto&nbsp;- 12:30 AM IST

Thursday, October 22:&nbsp;Ajax vs Liverpool&nbsp;- 12:30 AM IST

Thursday, October 22: Midtjylland vs Atalanta - 12:30 AM IST

<h2>Where can you watch these matches?</h2>

Sony TEN network is the official broadcaster of of the UEFA Champions League. Fans can watch the group stage of the European Championship on the Sony TEN1 and Sony TEN2 both on SD and HD. Live matches can be streamed on the Sony LIV app for mobile users.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

UEFA Champions League is coming back with a lot of action as the group stage of the European Championship will kick-off on Tuesday. Fixtures and timings of UEFA Champions League Matchday 1: Tuesday, October 20: Zenit vs Club Brugge - 10:25 PM IST Tuesday, October 20: Dynamo Kyiv vs Juventus - 10:25 PM IST Wednesday, October 21: Rennes vs Krasnodar - 12:30 AM IST Wednesday, October 21: Chelsea vs Sevilla - 12:30 AM IST Wednesday, October 21: Lazio vs Borussia Dortmund - 12:30 AM IST Wednesday, October 21: Barcelona vs Ferencváros - 12:30 AM IST Wednesday, October 21: PSG vs Manchester United - 12:30 AM IST Wednesday, October 21: RB Leipzig vs İstanbul Başakşehir - 12:30 AM IST Wednesday, October 21: RB Salzburg vs Lokomotiv Moskva - 10:25 PM IST Wednesday, October 21: Real Madrid vs Shakhtar Donetsk - 10:25 PM IST Thursday, October 22 Bayern: Munich vs Atlético de Madrid - 12:30 AM IST Thursday, October 22: Inter Milan vs Borussia Mönchengladbach - 12:30 AM IST Thursday, October 22: Olympiacos vs Marseille - 12:30 AM IST Thursday, October 22: Manchester City vs FC Porto - 12:30 AM IST Thursday, October 22: Ajax vs Liverpool - 12:30 AM IST Thursday, October 22: Midtjylland vs Atalanta - 12:30 AM IST Where can you watch these matches?

UEFA Champions League is coming back with a lot of action as the group stage of the European Championship will kick-off on Tuesday. Fixtures and timings of UEFA Champions League Matchday 1: Tuesday, October 20: Zenit vs Club Brugge - 10:25 PM IST Tuesday, October 20: Dynamo Kyiv vs Juventus - 10:25 PM IST Wednesday, October 21: Rennes vs Krasnodar - 12:30 AM IST Wednesday, October 21: Chelsea vs Sevilla - 12:30 AM IST Wednesday, October 21: Lazio vs Borussia Dortmund - 12:30 AM IST Wednesday, October 21: Barcelona vs Ferencváros - 12:30 AM IST Wednesday, October 21: PSG vs Manchester United - 12:30 AM IST Wednesday, October 21: RB Leipzig vs İstanbul Başakşehir - 12:30 AM IST Wednesday, October 21: RB Salzburg vs Lokomotiv Moskva - 10:25 PM IST Wednesday, October 21: Real Madrid vs Shakhtar Donetsk - 10:25 PM IST Thursday, October 22 Bayern: Munich vs Atlético de Madrid - 12:30 AM IST Thursday, October 22: Inter Milan vs Borussia Mönchengladbach - 12:30 AM IST Thursday, October 22: Olympiacos vs Marseille - 12:30 AM IST Thursday, October 22: Manchester City vs FC Porto - 12:30 AM IST Thursday, October 22: Ajax vs Liverpool - 12:30 AM IST Thursday, October 22: Midtjylland vs Atalanta - 12:30 AM IST Where can you watch these matches? Sony TEN network is the official broadcaster of of the UEFA Champions League. Fans can watch the group stage of the European Championship on the Sony TEN1 and Sony TEN2 both on SD and HD. Live matches can be streamed on the Sony LIV app for mobile users.

UEFA Champions League 2020/21: Fixtures, timings, and live streaming

UEFA awards: Bayern Munich players dominate the winners' list

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