<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/fully-cooperating-in-investigation-manchester-city-release-statement-on-champions-league-ban-threat-218781&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjuyYXW4Z_iAhWMinAKHedSCiIQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0M4DjFkJ11T7UybPAHcqmb">Manchester City</a> have been referred to an independent judicial chamber following an investigation into alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, European soccer's governing body UEFA said on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-panel-to-recommend-man-city-champions-league-ban-report-218690&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjuyYXW4Z_iAhWMinAKHedSCiIQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw20xpqg2JWIkgQGxYsM8qut">UEFA had opened an investigation into City</a> over potential breaches of its break-even rule in March after German publication Der Spiegel reported the club's Abu Dhabi owners inflated sponsorship agreements to comply with FFP requirements.

"The Club Financial Control Body chief investigator (Yves Leterme)... has decided to refer Manchester City FC to the CFCB adjudicatory chamber following the conclusion of his investigation," UEFA said in a statement.

City released a statement soon after saying the Premier League champions were "disappointed, but regrettably not surprised, by the sudden announcement of the referral."

FFP rules are intended to prevent clubs receiving unlimited amounts of money through inflated sponsorship deals with organisations related to the owners and clubs who have breached the rules can be barred from European competition.

"Manchester City is entirely confident of a positive outcome when the matter is considered by an independent judicial body," City added.

"The accusation of financial irregularities remains entirely false and the CFCB IC referral ignores a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence provided by Manchester City to the Chamber'', City added.

''The decision contains mistakes, misinterpretations and confusions fundamentally borne out of a basic lack of due process and there remain significant unresolved matters raised by Manchester City as part of what the club has found to be a wholly unsatisfactory, curtailed, and hostile process'', City's statement said.

City, who won the Premier League title on Sunday, are seeking an unprecedented domestic treble when they face Watford in the FA Cup final on Saturday

Manchester City have been referred to an independent judicial chamber following an investigation into alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, European soccer's governing body UEFA said on Thursday.

Manchester City have been referred to an independent judicial chamber following an investigation into alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, European soccer's governing body UEFA said on Thursday. UEFA had opened an investigation into City over potential breaches of its break-even rule in March after German publication Der Spiegel reported the club's Abu Dhabi owners inflated sponsorship agreements to comply with FFP requirements. "The Club Financial Control Body chief investigator (Yves Leterme)... has decided to refer Manchester City FC to the CFCB adjudicatory chamber following the conclusion of his investigation," UEFA said in a statement. City released a statement soon after saying the Premier League champions were "disappointed, but regrettably not surprised, by the sudden announcement of the referral." FFP rules are intended to prevent clubs receiving unlimited amounts of money through inflated sponsorship deals with organisations related to the owners and clubs who have breached the rules can be barred from European competition. "Manchester City is entirely confident of a positive outcome when the matter is considered by an independent judicial body," City added. "The accusation of financial irregularities remains entirely false and the CFCB IC referral ignores a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence provided by Manchester City to the Chamber'', City added. ''The decision contains mistakes, misinterpretations and confusions fundamentally borne out of a basic lack of due process and there remain significant unresolved matters raised by Manchester City as part of what the club has found to be a wholly unsatisfactory, curtailed, and hostile process'', City's statement said. City, who won the Premier League title on Sunday, are seeking an unprecedented domestic treble when they face Watford in the FA Cup final on Saturday

Manchester City referred to UEFA judicial chamber over alleged financial fair play breach

Premier League champions Manchester City said Tuesday they were concerned &nbsp;"individuals intent on damaging" the club may be behind a news report that European football's financial regulators are poised to recommend <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-panel-to-recommend-man-city-champions-league-ban-report-218690">they be barred from the Champions League</a>.

European football's governing body UEFA and the Premier League launched an investigation this year after allegations made in German magazine Der Spiegel that the club broke Financial Fair Play rules.

The New York Times said Monday that members of the investigatory chamber of UEFA's financial control board, set up to analyze the accounts of clubs suspected of breaking cost-control regulations, met two weeks ago in Switzerland to finalize their conclusions.

"The investigatory panel’s leader, the former prime minister of Belgium Yves Leterme, will have the final say on the submission to a separate adjudicatory chamber, which could be filed as soon as this week. The body is expected to seek at least a one-season ban," said the Times.

However, City said they were fully co-operating with "the CFCB IC's (club financial control body investigatory chamber) ongoing investigation".

"In doing so the club is reliant on both the CFCB IC's independence and commitment to due process; and on UEFA's commitment of March 7 that it 'will make no further comment on the matter while the investigation is ongoing'," read their statement.

"The New York Times report citing 'people familiar with the case' is therefore extremely concerning.

"The implications are that either Manchester City's good faith in the CFCB IC is misplaced or the CFCB IC process is being misrepresented by individuals intent on damaging the club's reputation and its commercial interests. Or both."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
CLUB STATEMENT<a href="https://t.co/c2S8qXQmxv">https://t.co/c2S8qXQmxv</a>
— Manchester City (@ManCity) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/1128272847338647552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

It was unclear if such a ban, if levied, would be enforced next season or in the 2020-21 campaign, the Times said, noting that with qualifying for Europe's most prestigious and lucrative club championship set to start in June there is little time to finalize a sanction.

Manchester City would also have the right to appeal such a ban to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

City were fined 60 million euros ($67.3 million) and subjected to squad, wage and spending caps in a 2014 settlement agreed with UEFA following a previous breach of the rules.

But the club says the claims made in Der Spiegel were an "organized and clear" attempt to damage its reputation. 
&nbsp;

Premier League champions Manchester City said Tuesday they were concerned "individuals intent on damaging" the club may be behind a news report that European football's financial regulators are poised to recommend they be barred from the Champions League.

Premier League champions Manchester City said Tuesday they were concerned "individuals intent on damaging" the club may be behind a news report that European football's financial regulators are poised to recommend they be barred from the Champions League. European football's governing body UEFA and the Premier League launched an investigation this year after allegations made in German magazine Der Spiegel that the club broke Financial Fair Play rules. The New York Times said Monday that members of the investigatory chamber of UEFA's financial control board, set up to analyze the accounts of clubs suspected of breaking cost-control regulations, met two weeks ago in Switzerland to finalize their conclusions. "The investigatory panel’s leader, the former prime minister of Belgium Yves Leterme, will have the final say on the submission to a separate adjudicatory chamber, which could be filed as soon as this week. The body is expected to seek at least a one-season ban," said the Times. However, City said they were fully co-operating with "the CFCB IC's (club financial control body investigatory chamber) ongoing investigation". "In doing so the club is reliant on both the CFCB IC's independence and commitment to due process; and on UEFA's commitment of March 7 that it 'will make no further comment on the matter while the investigation is ongoing'," read their statement. "The New York Times report citing 'people familiar with the case' is therefore extremely concerning. "The implications are that either Manchester City's good faith in the CFCB IC is misplaced or the CFCB IC process is being misrepresented by individuals intent on damaging the club's reputation and its commercial interests. Or both." CLUB STATEMENThttps://t.co/c2S8qXQmxv — Manchester City (@ManCity) May 14, 2019 × It was unclear if such a ban, if levied, would be enforced next season or in the 2020-21 campaign, the Times said, noting that with qualifying for Europe's most prestigious and lucrative club championship set to start in June there is little time to finalize a sanction. Manchester City would also have the right to appeal such a ban to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. City were fined 60 million euros ($67.3 million) and subjected to squad, wage and spending caps in a 2014 settlement agreed with UEFA following a previous breach of the rules. But the club says the claims made in Der Spiegel were an "organized and clear" attempt to damage its reputation.

'Fully cooperating in investigation': Manchester City release statement on Champions League ban threat

European football's financial regulators are poised to recommend that newly minted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/five-key-players-that-led-manchester-city-to-english-premier-league-glory-218210">Premier League champions Manchester City</a> be barred from the Champions League, the New York Times reported Monday.

European football's governing body UEFA and the Premier League launched an investigation this year after allegations made in German magazine Der Spiegel that the club broke Financial Fair Play rules.

Members of the investigatory chamber of UEFA's financial control board, set up to analyze the accounts of clubs suspected of breaking cost-control regulations, met two weeks ago in Switzerland to finalize their conclusions, the newspaper said.

"The investigatory panel’s leader, the former prime minister of Belgium Yves Leterme, will have the final say on the submission to a separate adjudicatory chamber, which could be filed as soon as this week. The body is expected to seek at least a one-season ban," the Times said.

It was unclear if such a ban, if levied, would be enforced next season or in the 2020-21 campaign, the Times said, noting that with qualifying for Europe's most prestigious and lucrative club championship set to start in June there is little time to finalize a sanction.

Manchester City would also have the right to appeal such a ban to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Manchester City vigorously denied any financial irregularities, saying in March they welcomed UEFA's investigation as an opportunity to clear their name.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/manchester-city-celebrate-premier-league-triumph-with-fans-outside-etihad-stadium-218324/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

City, who were fined 60 million euros ($67.3 million) and subjected to squad, wage and spending caps in a 2014 settlement agreed with UEFA following a previous breach of the rules.

But the club says the claims made in Der Spiegel were an "organized and clear" attempt to damage its reputation.

European football's financial regulators are poised to recommend that newly minted Premier League champions Manchester City be barred from the Champions League, the New York Times reported Monday.

European football's financial regulators are poised to recommend that newly minted Premier League champions Manchester City be barred from the Champions League, the New York Times reported Monday. European football's governing body UEFA and the Premier League launched an investigation this year after allegations made in German magazine Der Spiegel that the club broke Financial Fair Play rules. Members of the investigatory chamber of UEFA's financial control board, set up to analyze the accounts of clubs suspected of breaking cost-control regulations, met two weeks ago in Switzerland to finalize their conclusions, the newspaper said. "The investigatory panel’s leader, the former prime minister of Belgium Yves Leterme, will have the final say on the submission to a separate adjudicatory chamber, which could be filed as soon as this week. The body is expected to seek at least a one-season ban," the Times said. It was unclear if such a ban, if levied, would be enforced next season or in the 2020-21 campaign, the Times said, noting that with qualifying for Europe's most prestigious and lucrative club championship set to start in June there is little time to finalize a sanction. Manchester City would also have the right to appeal such a ban to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Manchester City vigorously denied any financial irregularities, saying in March they welcomed UEFA's investigation as an opportunity to clear their name. × City, who were fined 60 million euros ($67.3 million) and subjected to squad, wage and spending caps in a 2014 settlement agreed with UEFA following a previous breach of the rules. But the club says the claims made in Der Spiegel were an "organized and clear" attempt to damage its reputation.

UEFA panel may recommend Manchester City Champions League ban: Report

Liverpool will be without top scorer Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino as they <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-leads-barcelona-over-liverpool-in-champions-league-semi-final-first-leg-215187">attempt to overturn a 3-0 deficit</a> in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Barcelona on Tuesday.

Salah was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpools-roberto-firmino-out-of-barcelona-visit-mohamed-salah-at-risk-216069">stretchered off with a head knock</a> during Liverpool's 3-2 win over Newcastle on Saturday, while Firmino missed that game due to a groin injury.

"Both are not available for tomorrow," said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp on Monday.

"It's a concussion for Mo. He would not be allowed to play. He feels Ok but it's not good enough from a medical point of view. He's desperate but we cannot do it."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Mohamed Salah has been ruled out of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LFC</a>'s <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChampionsLeague</a> semi-final second-leg tie with <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBarcelona</a> on Tuesday.<a href="https://t.co/X4c49voP55">https://t.co/X4c49voP55</a>
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1125358687672053761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Brazilian striker Firmino is out due to a groin injury.

"Two of the world's best strikers are not available tomorrow night and we have to score four goals against Barcelona to go through after 90 minutes," added Klopp.

"It doesn’t make life easier, but as long as we have 11 players on the pitch, we will try it."

Liverpool have a rich history of stunning comebacks in European football, most famously lifting the Champions League in 2005 after trailing the final 3-0 to AC Milan at half-time.

In Klopp's first season in charge in the quarter-finals of the Europa League in 2016, the Reds also came from 3-1 down in the final 25 minutes to beat his old side Borussia Dortmund 4-3.

However, the German coach is aware of the extra difficulty of not just scoring at least three against the Spanish champions, but also not conceding a vital away goal to the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez that would leave Liverpool needing to score five to progress.

"I imagine the place will be rocking even before we score to be honest, but we not only have to score, we have to deny Barcelona from scoring," he added.

"It doesn't happen too often that Barcelona don't score at all. We know how big the challenge is.

"This team is so wonderful we will try 100 per cent, but that doesn't mean it will all work out."

While Liverpool edged a bruising battle with Newcastle to remain in the hunt for a first Premier League title in 29 years, Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde could afford the luxury of making 11 changes for a 2-0 defeat at Celta Vigo on Saturday having already sealed the La Liga title.

And Klopp admitted he could have one eye on Sunday's final league game of the season at home to Wolves with his team selection.

"We have to make a lot of decisions. Tomorrow night will be the third game in six days and Barcelona changed 11 positions on Saturday, so that is a massive difference as well of course," he said.

"Together with our supporters it was a long season and there is at least a little chance to make it even longer.

"But if not, these are the last two home games of an incredible season and I think we should celebrate that with a good performance on the pitch and a very, very good performance in the stands."

Liverpool will be without top scorer Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino as they attempt to overturn a 3-0 deficit in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Barcelona on Tuesday.

Liverpool will be without top scorer Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino as they attempt to overturn a 3-0 deficit in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Barcelona on Tuesday. Salah was stretchered off with a head knock during Liverpool's 3-2 win over Newcastle on Saturday, while Firmino missed that game due to a groin injury. "Both are not available for tomorrow," said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp on Monday. "It's a concussion for Mo. He would not be allowed to play. He feels Ok but it's not good enough from a medical point of view. He's desperate but we cannot do it." Mohamed Salah has been ruled out of #LFC's @ChampionsLeague semi-final second-leg tie with @FCBarcelona on Tuesday.https://t.co/X4c49voP55 — Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 6, 2019 × Brazilian striker Firmino is out due to a groin injury. "Two of the world's best strikers are not available tomorrow night and we have to score four goals against Barcelona to go through after 90 minutes," added Klopp. "It doesn’t make life easier, but as long as we have 11 players on the pitch, we will try it." Liverpool have a rich history of stunning comebacks in European football, most famously lifting the Champions League in 2005 after trailing the final 3-0 to AC Milan at half-time. In Klopp's first season in charge in the quarter-finals of the Europa League in 2016, the Reds also came from 3-1 down in the final 25 minutes to beat his old side Borussia Dortmund 4-3. However, the German coach is aware of the extra difficulty of not just scoring at least three against the Spanish champions, but also not conceding a vital away goal to the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez that would leave Liverpool needing to score five to progress. "I imagine the place will be rocking even before we score to be honest, but we not only have to score, we have to deny Barcelona from scoring," he added. "It doesn't happen too often that Barcelona don't score at all. We know how big the challenge is. "This team is so wonderful we will try 100 per cent, but that doesn't mean it will all work out." While Liverpool edged a bruising battle with Newcastle to remain in the hunt for a first Premier League title in 29 years, Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde could afford the luxury of making 11 changes for a 2-0 defeat at Celta Vigo on Saturday having already sealed the La Liga title. And Klopp admitted he could have one eye on Sunday's final league game of the season at home to Wolves with his team selection. "We have to make a lot of decisions. Tomorrow night will be the third game in six days and Barcelona changed 11 positions on Saturday, so that is a massive difference as well of course," he said. "Together with our supporters it was a long season and there is at least a little chance to make it even longer. "But if not, these are the last two home games of an incredible season and I think we should celebrate that with a good performance on the pitch and a very, very good performance in the stands."

Mohamed Salah to miss Champions League second leg against Barcelona

Barcelona's Argentine star Lionel Messi struck twice to secure <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-leads-barcelona-over-liverpool-in-champions-league-semi-final-first-leg-215187">a convincing 3-0 victory for the Catalan side</a> in their UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Liverpool at the Nou Camp on Wednesday.&nbsp;

With the two goals, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-boss-jurgen-klopp-hails-unstoppable-lionel-messi-after-losing-to-barcelona-215192">Messi</a> completed a tally of 600 goals for his senior club.&nbsp;

Messi, who is currently La Liga's Pichichi top scorer and the European Golden Boot leader, has taken 683 matches to reach the new mark (0.88 goals per match).&nbsp;

He made the record on a very special day, it was the 14th anniversary of his first official goal for the Barcelona.&nbsp;

The Argentine's milestone goal was a moment of brilliance as he curled a dazzling free kick into the top corner from distance to add gloss to a scoreline that did not reflect the balance of play.&nbsp;

Besides scoring, Messi created two chances for Philippe Coutinho, who shot directly into the hands of Liverpool keeper Alisson on the first occasion before missing the target on the second.&nbsp;

Watch Messi's magnificent free-kick:&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Amazing as always! Messi 👍🏻 <a href="https://t.co/5P8uklU9LL">pic.twitter.com/5P8uklU9LL</a>
— Luckycherub (@luckycherub) <a href="https://twitter.com/luckycherub/status/1123745170510548992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Messi's brain : "the velocity of wind is 44,79 km/h, the pressure is 1,7928 atm, the temperature is 19,456244°C, the ball pressure is 8,4628264 atm. OK just kick it to the left." <a href="https://t.co/Ngq5ncepIV">pic.twitter.com/Ngq5ncepIV</a>
— 🥚 (@ndoggdadar) <a href="https://twitter.com/ndoggdadar/status/1123750579384270849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Here's Messi's other goal, watch:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Messi hit a great goal!! <a href="https://t.co/AqgA7sOjTn">pic.twitter.com/AqgA7sOjTn</a>
— Hikaari (@Hikaari3) <a href="https://twitter.com/Hikaari3/status/1123742859692265473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The Reds were better than the score showed, but will need some magic next week at Anfield to give themselves a chance at victory in Europe's elite club competition a year after losing in the final to Real Madrid.&nbsp;

For Barca, Wednesday night's contest in front of more than 98,000 people at Camp Nou was a giant step toward reaching the final for the first time since they last hoisted the Champions League trophy in 2015.&nbsp;

The visitors deployed their trademark high press and the home side struggled on the attack for the opening 15 minutes until Messi dropped back toward midfield to better enable the crucial linkups.

Barcelona's Argentine star Lionel Messi struck twice to secure a convincing 3-0 victory for the Catalan side in their UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Liverpool at the Nou Camp on Wednesday.

Barcelona's Argentine star Lionel Messi struck twice to secure a convincing 3-0 victory for the Catalan side in their UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Liverpool at the Nou Camp on Wednesday. With the two goals, Messi completed a tally of 600 goals for his senior club. Messi, who is currently La Liga's Pichichi top scorer and the European Golden Boot leader, has taken 683 matches to reach the new mark (0.88 goals per match). He made the record on a very special day, it was the 14th anniversary of his first official goal for the Barcelona. The Argentine's milestone goal was a moment of brilliance as he curled a dazzling free kick into the top corner from distance to add gloss to a scoreline that did not reflect the balance of play. Besides scoring, Messi created two chances for Philippe Coutinho, who shot directly into the hands of Liverpool keeper Alisson on the first occasion before missing the target on the second. Watch Messi's magnificent free-kick: Amazing as always! Messi 👍🏻 pic.twitter.com/5P8uklU9LL — Luckycherub (@luckycherub) May 2, 2019 × Messi's brain : "the velocity of wind is 44,79 km/h, the pressure is 1,7928 atm, the temperature is 19,456244°C, the ball pressure is 8,4628264 atm. OK just kick it to the left." pic.twitter.com/Ngq5ncepIV — 🥚 (@ndoggdadar) May 2, 2019 × Here's Messi's other goal, watch: Messi hit a great goal!! pic.twitter.com/AqgA7sOjTn — Hikaari (@Hikaari3) May 2, 2019 × The Reds were better than the score showed, but will need some magic next week at Anfield to give themselves a chance at victory in Europe's elite club competition a year after losing in the final to Real Madrid. For Barca, Wednesday night's contest in front of more than 98,000 people at Camp Nou was a giant step toward reaching the final for the first time since they last hoisted the Champions League trophy in 2015. The visitors deployed their trademark high press and the home side struggled on the attack for the opening 15 minutes until Messi dropped back toward midfield to better enable the crucial linkups.

Watch: Messi completes 600 goals for Barca with super free-kick in Champions League tie against Liverpool

Neymar was suspended for three Champions League matches by UEFA on Friday for a foul-mouthed tirade at match officials following Paris Saint-Germain's shock exit from this season's tournament to Manchester United.

The Brazil star missed the 3-1 Champions League second leg last 16 defeat on March 6 through injury, but told match officials "to go fuck yourselves" on social media after watching on from the sidelines at the Parc des Princes.

Neymar was found guilty of "insulting/molesting acts against match official", European football's governing body announced in a statement after opening an inquiry into his outburst on March 22.

The 27-year-old, who will now miss half of PSG's group stage matches in the Champions League next season, was angry with the award of a decisive injury-time penalty which Marcus Rashford scored to send United through.

"It's a disgrace. They get four guys who don't understand football to watch a slow-motion replay in front of the TV," Neymar wrote in Portuguese on Instagram after the game.

He had watched on incredulous from the sidelines&nbsp;as United were awarded the spot-kick for a debatable handball via the video assistant referee (VAR) system, allowing Rashford to fire United into the quarter-finals on away goals.

Neymar was reportedly so enraged by the decision to give the penalty that he had to be restrained by PSG staff to stop him entering the referee's dressing room.

United were given the spot-kick after Presnel Kimpembe was judged to have handled Diogo Dalot's shot.

PSG made Neymar the world's most expensive player in 2017 by signing him from Barcelona for 222 million euros as they stepped up their bid to win a maiden Champions League title, but they have now lost in the last 16 in three straight seasons.

Injury has already ruled Neymar out of several key European matches for PSG, the forward missing the last 16-second leg tie against Real Madrid in 2018, then both legs against Man United at the same stage this season.

In June last year, his teammate Gianluigi Buffon was handed a three-match suspension after a tirade against referee Michael Oliver following his former club Juventus' similarly dramatic quarter-final defeat by Real Madrid.

Former PSG defender Serge Aurier was the first player to be banned by UEFA for comments made on social media in 2015.

Neymar's ban comes on the eve of his return to PSG's starting line-up after injury for Saturday's French Cup final against Rennes.

He made his first appearance since January 23 as a second-half substitute in Sunday's 3-1 win over Monaco as PSG celebrated clinching a sixth Ligue 1 crown in seven years.

Neymar was suspended for three Champions League matches by UEFA on Friday for a foul-mouthed tirade at match officials following Paris Saint-Germain's shock exit from this season's tournament to Manchester United.

Neymar was suspended for three Champions League matches by UEFA on Friday for a foul-mouthed tirade at match officials following Paris Saint-Germain's shock exit from this season's tournament to Manchester United. The Brazil star missed the 3-1 Champions League second leg last 16 defeat on March 6 through injury, but told match officials "to go fuck yourselves" on social media after watching on from the sidelines at the Parc des Princes. Neymar was found guilty of "insulting/molesting acts against match official", European football's governing body announced in a statement after opening an inquiry into his outburst on March 22. The 27-year-old, who will now miss half of PSG's group stage matches in the Champions League next season, was angry with the award of a decisive injury-time penalty which Marcus Rashford scored to send United through. "It's a disgrace. They get four guys who don't understand football to watch a slow-motion replay in front of the TV," Neymar wrote in Portuguese on Instagram after the game. He had watched on incredulous from the sidelines as United were awarded the spot-kick for a debatable handball via the video assistant referee (VAR) system, allowing Rashford to fire United into the quarter-finals on away goals. Neymar was reportedly so enraged by the decision to give the penalty that he had to be restrained by PSG staff to stop him entering the referee's dressing room. United were given the spot-kick after Presnel Kimpembe was judged to have handled Diogo Dalot's shot. PSG made Neymar the world's most expensive player in 2017 by signing him from Barcelona for 222 million euros as they stepped up their bid to win a maiden Champions League title, but they have now lost in the last 16 in three straight seasons. Injury has already ruled Neymar out of several key European matches for PSG, the forward missing the last 16-second leg tie against Real Madrid in 2018, then both legs against Man United at the same stage this season. In June last year, his teammate Gianluigi Buffon was handed a three-match suspension after a tirade against referee Michael Oliver following his former club Juventus' similarly dramatic quarter-final defeat by Real Madrid. Former PSG defender Serge Aurier was the first player to be banned by UEFA for comments made on social media in 2015. Neymar's ban comes on the eve of his return to PSG's starting line-up after injury for Saturday's French Cup final against Rennes. He made his first appearance since January 23 as a second-half substitute in Sunday's 3-1 win over Monaco as PSG celebrated clinching a sixth Ligue 1 crown in seven years.

Neymar banned for three Champions League matches

Police in Kenya have been left red-faced after thieves stole guns and ammunition from an unattended checkpost as the officers on duty watched <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-cristiano-ronaldos-struggle-to-lionel-messis-double-major-takeaways-from-uefa-champions-league-quarter-finals-211344">UEFA Champions League matches</a> down the road.&nbsp;

Three rifles and nearly two dozen rounds were pinched from the checkpost Tuesday evening in Nandi, in Kenya's west, while the officers wandered off to watch Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi play in the UEFA quarter-finals on television at a nearby shopping mall.&nbsp;

"On returning... they noticed the room of the in-charge, which is also used as an armoury in which the steel box is kept, was broken," stated a police report into the incident seen by AFP.&nbsp;

A search was underway for the stolen firearms, the report added. It was not immediately clear if the officers faced disciplinary action.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dutch side Ajax upset Ronaldo's Juventus while Messi's Barcelona crushed Manchester United in Tuesday's quarter-finals.&nbsp;

Football, particularly the top European competitions, is hugely popular in Kenya and across the African continent.&nbsp;

Police in Kenya have been left red-faced after thieves stole guns and ammunition from an unattended checkpost as the officers on duty watched UEFA Champions League matches down the road.

Police in Kenya have been left red-faced after thieves stole guns and ammunition from an unattended checkpost as the officers on duty watched UEFA Champions League matches down the road. Three rifles and nearly two dozen rounds were pinched from the checkpost Tuesday evening in Nandi, in Kenya's west, while the officers wandered off to watch Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi play in the UEFA quarter-finals on television at a nearby shopping mall. "On returning... they noticed the room of the in-charge, which is also used as an armoury in which the steel box is kept, was broken," stated a police report into the incident seen by AFP. A search was underway for the stolen firearms, the report added. It was not immediately clear if the officers faced disciplinary action. Dutch side Ajax upset Ronaldo's Juventus while Messi's Barcelona crushed Manchester United in Tuesday's quarter-finals. Football, particularly the top European competitions, is hugely popular in Kenya and across the African continent.

Thieves steal guns and ammunition as police watch Champions League match in Kenya

From Cristiano Ronaldo's struggle to Lionel Messi's double, major takeaways from UEFA Champions League quarter-finals second-leg

Son Heung-min once again proved there is more to Tottenham Hotspur than Harry Kane as the South Korean's late goal secured a 1-0 home win over Manchester City in an absorbing Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday.

With Spurs talisman Kane having hobbled off injured and favourites City beginning to turn the screw, Son sent the home fans inside the London club's majestic new stadium into delirium as he fired past Ederson in the 78th minute.

It gave Tottenham a slender but precious advantage to take to City's Etihad Stadium next week when they will attempt to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time.

Quadruple-chasing City were not at their best as Spurs chased and harried Pep Guardiola's side for 90 minutes and they will rue Sergio Aguero's first-half penalty miss.

The Argentine was handed the chance to put City ahead when full-back Danny Rose was controversially adjudged by VAR to have used his arm to block a shot, but his 13th-minute spot kick was brilliantly saved by Hugo Lloris.

The French keeper's heroics produced a deafening roar not heard along the Tottenham High Road since Spurs moved out of their old stadium two years ago, but it was nothing compared to the sound that greeted Son's 78th-minute winner.

"As a team we never give up, we fight until 90 minutes. I think we deserved to win, we were more clinical than them," said Son, who last week scored the first Premier League goal in the 62,000-seat arena, and now owns the first European strike there.

"I like this stadium, it is amazing to play here, I am grateful for the opportunity to play at this stadium," he added.

Superb Stop

Tottenham fans in the 17,500 capacity South Stand displayed placards before kickoff spelling out the club's motto 'To Dare is To Do' -- and their team obliged, going toe-to-toe with a side who had won 21 of their last 23 games in all competitions.

Dele Alli volleyed Moussa Sissoko's cross over early on but Tottenham were then stopped in their tracks.

Raheem Sterling cut in and fired goalwards and Rose, diving to block, was harshly penalised for handball, courtesy of VAR, despite no City players even appealing for a penalty.

France international Lloris, who has come in for criticism this season, guessed right and made a superb stop.

Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino said on the eve of the game that his side would need to match the intensity of a City outfit oozing quality, both on the pitch and on a bench containing Kevin de Bruyne, Gabriel Jesus and Leroy Sane.

Tottenham worked hard to deny City time, with the once maligned Sissoko immense, but after England forward Kane hobbled off just before the hour mark with a worrying-looking ankle injury after a clash with City's surprise inclusion at left back Fabian Delph, the hosts appeared to be flagging.

City, for whom Sterling was a constant menace, were hunting an away goal but then Son, who has a knack of scoring for the side Guardiola once described as the "Harry Kane team" when their talisman has been sidelined, struck the decisive blow.

At first the Korean's control from Christian Eriksen's measured pass was sloppy, but Son retrieved the ball, then cut in from the byline and lashed a shot past Ederson.

Guardiola sent on De Bruyne and Sane in the 89th minute, but Tottenham survived six minutes of stoppage time to leave City with a stiff task next week.

"Sometimes 1-0 is better than 0-0, as you know exactly what you have to do," Guardiola, whose side lost to Liverpool in last season's quarter-finals after a 3-0 first-leg defeat, said.

"We have to go out to score goals."

Son Heung-min once again proved there is more to Tottenham Hotspur than Harry Kane as the South Korean's late goal secured a 1-0 home win over Manchester City in an absorbing Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday.

Son Heung-min once again proved there is more to Tottenham Hotspur than Harry Kane as the South Korean's late goal secured a 1-0 home win over Manchester City in an absorbing Champions League quarter-final first leg on Tuesday. With Spurs talisman Kane having hobbled off injured and favourites City beginning to turn the screw, Son sent the home fans inside the London club's majestic new stadium into delirium as he fired past Ederson in the 78th minute. It gave Tottenham a slender but precious advantage to take to City's Etihad Stadium next week when they will attempt to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time. Quadruple-chasing City were not at their best as Spurs chased and harried Pep Guardiola's side for 90 minutes and they will rue Sergio Aguero's first-half penalty miss. The Argentine was handed the chance to put City ahead when full-back Danny Rose was controversially adjudged by VAR to have used his arm to block a shot, but his 13th-minute spot kick was brilliantly saved by Hugo Lloris. The French keeper's heroics produced a deafening roar not heard along the Tottenham High Road since Spurs moved out of their old stadium two years ago, but it was nothing compared to the sound that greeted Son's 78th-minute winner. "As a team we never give up, we fight until 90 minutes. I think we deserved to win, we were more clinical than them," said Son, who last week scored the first Premier League goal in the 62,000-seat arena, and now owns the first European strike there. "I like this stadium, it is amazing to play here, I am grateful for the opportunity to play at this stadium," he added. Superb Stop Tottenham fans in the 17,500 capacity South Stand displayed placards before kickoff spelling out the club's motto 'To Dare is To Do' -- and their team obliged, going toe-to-toe with a side who had won 21 of their last 23 games in all competitions. Dele Alli volleyed Moussa Sissoko's cross over early on but Tottenham were then stopped in their tracks. Raheem Sterling cut in and fired goalwards and Rose, diving to block, was harshly penalised for handball, courtesy of VAR, despite no City players even appealing for a penalty. France international Lloris, who has come in for criticism this season, guessed right and made a superb stop. Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino said on the eve of the game that his side would need to match the intensity of a City outfit oozing quality, both on the pitch and on a bench containing Kevin de Bruyne, Gabriel Jesus and Leroy Sane. Tottenham worked hard to deny City time, with the once maligned Sissoko immense, but after England forward Kane hobbled off just before the hour mark with a worrying-looking ankle injury after a clash with City's surprise inclusion at left back Fabian Delph, the hosts appeared to be flagging. City, for whom Sterling was a constant menace, were hunting an away goal but then Son, who has a knack of scoring for the side Guardiola once described as the "Harry Kane team" when their talisman has been sidelined, struck the decisive blow. At first the Korean's control from Christian Eriksen's measured pass was sloppy, but Son retrieved the ball, then cut in from the byline and lashed a shot past Ederson. Guardiola sent on De Bruyne and Sane in the 89th minute, but Tottenham survived six minutes of stoppage time to leave City with a stiff task next week. "Sometimes 1-0 is better than 0-0, as you know exactly what you have to do," Guardiola, whose side lost to Liverpool in last season's quarter-finals after a 3-0 first-leg defeat, said. "We have to go out to score goals."

Champions League: Son Heung-min's late winner gives Tottenham edge over Manchester City

Gareth Southgate has called for education to stamp out racism in football as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-urged-to-take-strong-action-over-racist-incidents-in-england-match-205786">European governing body UEFA opened disciplinary proceedings </a>against Montenegro following abuse aimed at black England players during his side's 5-1 Euro 2020 qualifier win in Podgorica.

Raheem Sterling celebrated the fifth goal on Monday by cupping his ears towards the home fans as a sign of defiance, while Callum Hudson-Odoi said he and Danny Rose heard monkey noises aimed at them.

"Sanctions are worthless if there is nothing alongside that to help educate people," said England coach Southgate.

"My kids don't think for one minute about where people are born, what language they speak, what colour they are.

"There's an innocence about young people that is only influenced by older people. So we have to make sure that the education is right for everybody.

"In our country, (it's) the same. I've said this before, I'm not sitting here just criticising what's happened tonight because in our country we have the same issue. We're not free of it."

Sterling's fifth capped a fine performance in which Ross Barkley struck twice and Michael Keane and Harry Kane also scored as England overcame the hosts' early opener to seal an impressive victory.

England coach Southgate said the racist chanting had marred the win, which leaves England in charge of Group A following two big wins.

"What we have to do is make sure our players feel supported," Southgate told BBC Radio. "They know that the dressing room is there and we're there as a group of staff for them. We'll report the incidents through the correct channels. It's clear that so many people have heard it."

"We have to make sure that in our country we continue to make the strides and that we've got to trust the authorities to take the right action here."

Closure threat

UEFA regulations state that if supporters engage in racist behaviour then "the member association or club responsible is punished with a minimum of a partial stadium closure".

Article 14 also states that additional sanctions can be imposed depending on the situation, while "disciplinary measures may be combined with specific directives aimed at tackling such conduct".

UEFA said on Tuesday that disciplinary proceedings had been opened and charges against Montenegro including racist behaviour and crowd disturbances.

The case will be dealt with on May 16.

Sterling tweeted a picture of his goal celebration, saying: "Best way to silence the haters (and yeah I mean racists)".

"It's 2019 now, I keep saying it. It's a shame to see this going on and we can only bring awareness to the situation," he told Sky Sports.

"It's now time for the people in charge to put a real stamp on it because you can fine someone, but what is that going to do?"

Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) praised the England players for their reaction in a match it said it had designated as "high risk" prior to it taking place, and called for heavy sanctions.

"We commend the reaction of the England players involved. No human being should have to face abuse and vilification for their race or identity, something that many Montenegrins will understand from the divisive and bloody recent history of the Balkans," FARE said in a statement.

"We hope that UEFA will act decisively, the sanctions that could be applied for an offence of this kind range from a partial stadium closure to full stadium closure."

Kick It Out campaigner Troy Townsend said the incidents showed UEFA had "failed the game" in its handling of racist abuse

Gareth Southgate has called for education to stamp out racism in football as European governing body UEFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Montenegro following abuse aimed at black England players during his side's 5-1 Euro 2020 qualifier win in Podgorica.

Gareth Southgate has called for education to stamp out racism in football as European governing body UEFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Montenegro following abuse aimed at black England players during his side's 5-1 Euro 2020 qualifier win in Podgorica. Raheem Sterling celebrated the fifth goal on Monday by cupping his ears towards the home fans as a sign of defiance, while Callum Hudson-Odoi said he and Danny Rose heard monkey noises aimed at them. "Sanctions are worthless if there is nothing alongside that to help educate people," said England coach Southgate. "My kids don't think for one minute about where people are born, what language they speak, what colour they are. "There's an innocence about young people that is only influenced by older people. So we have to make sure that the education is right for everybody. "In our country, (it's) the same. I've said this before, I'm not sitting here just criticising what's happened tonight because in our country we have the same issue. We're not free of it." Sterling's fifth capped a fine performance in which Ross Barkley struck twice and Michael Keane and Harry Kane also scored as England overcame the hosts' early opener to seal an impressive victory. England coach Southgate said the racist chanting had marred the win, which leaves England in charge of Group A following two big wins. "What we have to do is make sure our players feel supported," Southgate told BBC Radio. "They know that the dressing room is there and we're there as a group of staff for them. We'll report the incidents through the correct channels. It's clear that so many people have heard it." "We have to make sure that in our country we continue to make the strides and that we've got to trust the authorities to take the right action here." Closure threat UEFA regulations state that if supporters engage in racist behaviour then "the member association or club responsible is punished with a minimum of a partial stadium closure". Article 14 also states that additional sanctions can be imposed depending on the situation, while "disciplinary measures may be combined with specific directives aimed at tackling such conduct". UEFA said on Tuesday that disciplinary proceedings had been opened and charges against Montenegro including racist behaviour and crowd disturbances. The case will be dealt with on May 16. Sterling tweeted a picture of his goal celebration, saying: "Best way to silence the haters (and yeah I mean racists)". "It's 2019 now, I keep saying it. It's a shame to see this going on and we can only bring awareness to the situation," he told Sky Sports. "It's now time for the people in charge to put a real stamp on it because you can fine someone, but what is that going to do?" Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) praised the England players for their reaction in a match it said it had designated as "high risk" prior to it taking place, and called for heavy sanctions. "We commend the reaction of the England players involved. No human being should have to face abuse and vilification for their race or identity, something that many Montenegrins will understand from the divisive and bloody recent history of the Balkans," FARE said in a statement. "We hope that UEFA will act decisively, the sanctions that could be applied for an offence of this kind range from a partial stadium closure to full stadium closure." Kick It Out campaigner Troy Townsend said the incidents showed UEFA had "failed the game" in its handling of racist abuse

Gareth Southgate condemns racism as UEFA charge Montenegro

Manchester City and Manchester United will not play their home games in next month's Champions League quarter-finals on the same or consecutive nights following a decision by local authorities, UEFA said on Thursday.

Ahead of Friday's draw, European soccer's governing body said it would amend the scheduling if both Manchester clubs are drawn to play their home games in the same week.

UEFA said United, who finished below champions City in the Premier League last season, would have their fixture reversed.

The quarter-final first-legs will be played on April 9/10 with the return legs scheduled for April 16/17.

"Following a decision made by relevant local authorities, Manchester City and Manchester United cannot play at home on the same night, nor on consecutive nights," UEFA said.

"Should both clubs be drawn within the same sequence (home or away), the team having finished lower in the domestic league the previous season – in this case United - will be reversed in accordance with the UEFA Club Competitions Committee principles.

"In accordance with paragraph 21.01(b) of the UEFA Champions League regulations, the UEFA administration will determine which matches will be played on Tuesday, which matches on Wednesday."

UEFA said that the same rule would apply should both teams advance to the semi-finals.

There is also the possibility that derby rivals United and City could face each other in the quarter-finals or take on fellow Premier League sides Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

Manchester City and Manchester United will not play their home games in next month's Champions League quarter-finals on the same or consecutive nights following a decision by local authorities, UEFA said on Thursday.

Manchester City and Manchester United will not play their home games in next month's Champions League quarter-finals on the same or consecutive nights following a decision by local authorities, UEFA said on Thursday. Ahead of Friday's draw, European soccer's governing body said it would amend the scheduling if both Manchester clubs are drawn to play their home games in the same week. UEFA said United, who finished below champions City in the Premier League last season, would have their fixture reversed. The quarter-final first-legs will be played on April 9/10 with the return legs scheduled for April 16/17. "Following a decision made by relevant local authorities, Manchester City and Manchester United cannot play at home on the same night, nor on consecutive nights," UEFA said. "Should both clubs be drawn within the same sequence (home or away), the team having finished lower in the domestic league the previous season – in this case United - will be reversed in accordance with the UEFA Club Competitions Committee principles. "In accordance with paragraph 21.01(b) of the UEFA Champions League regulations, the UEFA administration will determine which matches will be played on Tuesday, which matches on Wednesday." UEFA said that the same rule would apply should both teams advance to the semi-finals. There is also the possibility that derby rivals United and City could face each other in the quarter-finals or take on fellow Premier League sides Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

Manchester United could have Champions League fixtures reversed: UEFA

Holders Real Madrid were sensationally knocked out of the Champions League on Tuesday after being thrashed 4-1 at home by an outstanding Ajax Amsterdam who overturned a first-leg deficit to reach the quarter-finals 5-3 on aggregate.

The humiliating defeat completed a miserable week for Real, who have monopolised the competition since 2016 and are now left with nothing to fight for this season after back-to-back defeats to Barcelona had knocked them out of the Copa del Rey and effectively ended their La Liga title hopes.

Coach Santiago Solari may yet cling to his job until the end of the season but surely stands no chance of remaining for the next campaign after overseeing an almighty collapse to an exciting yet largely inexperienced Ajax side.

Moroccan midfielder Hakim Ziyech fired the Dutch side into a shock seventh-minute lead after a lay off from the outstanding Dusan Tadic, who also provided the pass for David Neres to double the Dutch side's advantage in the 18th.

Madrid, who were missing inspirational captain Sergio Ramos through suspension and hit the woodwork twice in the first half, came out stronger after the interval but were dealt a fatal blow when Serbia international Tadic crowned his sensational display by hammering into the top corner in the 62nd minute.

Substitute Marco Asensio gave Madrid a glimmer of hope by striking back but it was quickly extinguished by a breathtaking free kick from Lasse Schone, condemning Real to a fourth consecutive home defeat in all competitions.

Things got worse for the hosts, who had won the last three Champions League titles in a row, when Nacho was sent off in stoppage time for two bookings.

"I think I have never felt this awful, I do not know how to explain it," Real defender Dani Carvajal said.

"This week everything has gone against us. Tonight we cannot look for excuses. We have to show our faces and not hide, our season has been a piece of shit."

Ajax, who have won the trophy four times, most recently in 1995, reached the last eight of Europe's top competition for the first time since 2003.

“We knew that it was possible to get a result here. We always believed that if we could play our own game we could cause them problems," said Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt.

Rotten fortune

Thirteen-times winners Madrid, who have lifted the trophy in four of the last five years, and had reached at least the semi-finals for the last eight seasons, suffered their earliest elimination since 2010.

It was their joint heaviest ever home defeat in Europe, having also lost by three goals to CSKA Moscow in the group stage in December.

Madrid endured rotten fortune throughout the game, losing Lucas Vazquez and livewire Brazilian teenager Vinicius Junior to injury in the first half.

The night could have gone very differently had Madrid defender Raphael Varane headed under the crossbar instead of against it in the fifth minute, moments before Ziyech scored.

Ajax had Madrid on the ropes after the second goal and should have further increased their advantage, as Neres chipped wide when clean through against Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois.

The Belgian made some more impressive saves throughout the game but was powerless to stop Tadic's thunderbolt and was caught out by Schone's free kick, which looked to be a cross but went straight in, deepening Real's shame.

Real substitute Gareth Bale also endured a harrowing evening, striking the post in the first half and appearing to injure his ankle late on, yet he was forced to remain on the pitch in pain as Solari had used all three substitutes.

Holders Real Madrid were sensationally knocked out of the Champions League on Tuesday after being thrashed 4-1 at home by an outstanding Ajax Amsterdam who overturned a first-leg deficit to reach the quarter-finals 5-3 on aggregate.

Holders Real Madrid were sensationally knocked out of the Champions League on Tuesday after being thrashed 4-1 at home by an outstanding Ajax Amsterdam who overturned a first-leg deficit to reach the quarter-finals 5-3 on aggregate. The humiliating defeat completed a miserable week for Real, who have monopolised the competition since 2016 and are now left with nothing to fight for this season after back-to-back defeats to Barcelona had knocked them out of the Copa del Rey and effectively ended their La Liga title hopes. Coach Santiago Solari may yet cling to his job until the end of the season but surely stands no chance of remaining for the next campaign after overseeing an almighty collapse to an exciting yet largely inexperienced Ajax side. Moroccan midfielder Hakim Ziyech fired the Dutch side into a shock seventh-minute lead after a lay off from the outstanding Dusan Tadic, who also provided the pass for David Neres to double the Dutch side's advantage in the 18th. Madrid, who were missing inspirational captain Sergio Ramos through suspension and hit the woodwork twice in the first half, came out stronger after the interval but were dealt a fatal blow when Serbia international Tadic crowned his sensational display by hammering into the top corner in the 62nd minute. Substitute Marco Asensio gave Madrid a glimmer of hope by striking back but it was quickly extinguished by a breathtaking free kick from Lasse Schone, condemning Real to a fourth consecutive home defeat in all competitions. Things got worse for the hosts, who had won the last three Champions League titles in a row, when Nacho was sent off in stoppage time for two bookings. "I think I have never felt this awful, I do not know how to explain it," Real defender Dani Carvajal said. "This week everything has gone against us. Tonight we cannot look for excuses. We have to show our faces and not hide, our season has been a piece of shit." Ajax, who have won the trophy four times, most recently in 1995, reached the last eight of Europe's top competition for the first time since 2003. “We knew that it was possible to get a result here. We always believed that if we could play our own game we could cause them problems," said Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt. Rotten fortune Thirteen-times winners Madrid, who have lifted the trophy in four of the last five years, and had reached at least the semi-finals for the last eight seasons, suffered their earliest elimination since 2010. It was their joint heaviest ever home defeat in Europe, having also lost by three goals to CSKA Moscow in the group stage in December. Madrid endured rotten fortune throughout the game, losing Lucas Vazquez and livewire Brazilian teenager Vinicius Junior to injury in the first half. The night could have gone very differently had Madrid defender Raphael Varane headed under the crossbar instead of against it in the fifth minute, moments before Ziyech scored. Ajax had Madrid on the ropes after the second goal and should have further increased their advantage, as Neres chipped wide when clean through against Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian made some more impressive saves throughout the game but was powerless to stop Tadic's thunderbolt and was caught out by Schone's free kick, which looked to be a cross but went straight in, deepening Real's shame. Real substitute Gareth Bale also endured a harrowing evening, striking the post in the first half and appearing to injure his ankle late on, yet he was forced to remain on the pitch in pain as Solari had used all three substitutes.

Champions League: Title holders Real Madrid knocked out by Ajax

Jurgen Klopp has buried the hatchet of his old Bundesliga rivalry with Bayern Munich but wants Liverpool to show they are Champions League contenders by beating the German giants when the sides meet in the first leg of their last 16 tie on Tuesday.

Bayern have won the Bundesliga for the past six years since Klopp's Dortmund claimed back-to-back titles in 2011 and 2012.

Dortmund also lost the Champions League final to Bayern in 2013 and the rivalry between the two was intensified as Bayern picked off some of Klopp's best players in Mario Goetze, Mats Hummels and Robert Lewandowski.

"It's nothing, not a little bit personal," said Klopp on Monday. "There were never any negative things with Bayern but when we played them or when they bought our players how could I be happy and say 'Great, good idea I'll bring him in my car.'&nbsp;

"That was not nice for us at Dortmund but it's part of the business. In these moments I was not happy, but it is long ago."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Join us LIVE with the boss, ahead of our clash with <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernEN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBayernEN</a>. 
 
Klopp gives the latest team news and updates as <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChampionsLeague</a> football returns to Anfield. 🙌 
 
▶️ Enjoy more on <a href="https://twitter.com/LFCTV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LFCTV</a> GO: <a href="https://t.co/BxfzKkm3b4">https://t.co/BxfzKkm3b4</a> <a href="https://t.co/mWtv04CR89">https://t.co/mWtv04CR89</a>
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1097466415882399744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Despite reaching four semi-finals and a quarter-final since 2013, Bayern have not added to their five European Cup wins since Arjen Robben's late winner at Wembley six years ago.

Liverpool also came close to adding to their five European crowns last season when losing out to Real Madrid in the final, but Klopp believes the fact his side are even considered contenders for the title now is a sure sign of progress since he was hired in 2015.

"The best thing of all the things we did so far since we are together is that we are a real competitor again. That is of course not enough, but it is a big step," added Klopp.

"Being not only part of the competition but people thinking we can beat Bayern, that's a big thing. The story so far is a nice one but not finished yet."

Liverpool have had 10 days to prepare for Bayern's visit, but despite the lay-off Klopp still has defensive problems to resolve.

Virgil van Dijk is suspended, Joe Gomez is sidelined with a lower leg fracture and Dejan Lovren faces a race against time to recover from a hamstring injury, so Joel Matip and Fabinho are expected to form a make-shift centre-back pairing.

However, Klopp is hoping the power of Anfield's famous atmosphere on a European night will give his side the extra helping hand they need to take a lead to Germany in three weeks' time.

"In Germany a lot of people talk now about the atmosphere at Anfield. There was a lot of talk that we are maybe the most emotional club in world football," added Klopp.

"Emotion in my opinion is a very positive thing, so let's show that tomorrow night."

Jurgen Klopp has buried the hatchet of his old Bundesliga rivalry with Bayern Munich but wants Liverpool to show they are Champions League contenders by beating the German giants when the sides meet in the first leg of their last 16 tie on Tuesday.

Jurgen Klopp has buried the hatchet of his old Bundesliga rivalry with Bayern Munich but wants Liverpool to show they are Champions League contenders by beating the German giants when the sides meet in the first leg of their last 16 tie on Tuesday. Bayern have won the Bundesliga for the past six years since Klopp's Dortmund claimed back-to-back titles in 2011 and 2012. Dortmund also lost the Champions League final to Bayern in 2013 and the rivalry between the two was intensified as Bayern picked off some of Klopp's best players in Mario Goetze, Mats Hummels and Robert Lewandowski. "It's nothing, not a little bit personal," said Klopp on Monday. "There were never any negative things with Bayern but when we played them or when they bought our players how could I be happy and say 'Great, good idea I'll bring him in my car.' "That was not nice for us at Dortmund but it's part of the business. In these moments I was not happy, but it is long ago." Join us LIVE with the boss, ahead of our clash with @FCBayernEN. Klopp gives the latest team news and updates as @ChampionsLeague football returns to Anfield. 🙌 ▶️ Enjoy more on @LFCTV GO: https://t.co/BxfzKkm3b4 https://t.co/mWtv04CR89 — Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 18, 2019 × Despite reaching four semi-finals and a quarter-final since 2013, Bayern have not added to their five European Cup wins since Arjen Robben's late winner at Wembley six years ago. Liverpool also came close to adding to their five European crowns last season when losing out to Real Madrid in the final, but Klopp believes the fact his side are even considered contenders for the title now is a sure sign of progress since he was hired in 2015. "The best thing of all the things we did so far since we are together is that we are a real competitor again. That is of course not enough, but it is a big step," added Klopp. "Being not only part of the competition but people thinking we can beat Bayern, that's a big thing. The story so far is a nice one but not finished yet." Liverpool have had 10 days to prepare for Bayern's visit, but despite the lay-off Klopp still has defensive problems to resolve. Virgil van Dijk is suspended, Joe Gomez is sidelined with a lower leg fracture and Dejan Lovren faces a race against time to recover from a hamstring injury, so Joel Matip and Fabinho are expected to form a make-shift centre-back pairing. However, Klopp is hoping the power of Anfield's famous atmosphere on a European night will give his side the extra helping hand they need to take a lead to Germany in three weeks' time. "In Germany a lot of people talk now about the atmosphere at Anfield. There was a lot of talk that we are maybe the most emotional club in world football," added Klopp. "Emotion in my opinion is a very positive thing, so let's show that tomorrow night."

'Nothing personal' in beating Bayern for Jurgen Klopp

Google has released the list of most searched topics of the year and in sports, football topped the chart as FIFA World Cup 2018 was the most searched sport-related topic.&nbsp;

There were moments which were praised by fans and spectators worldwide and are worth mentioning as we summarise the year 2018.&nbsp;

Apart from the football world cup, the club games too grabbed eyeballs, especially for the bicycle kicks.&nbsp;

Without delaying it further, here we are comparing the two popular goals which made headlines. &nbsp;

1. Cristiano Ronaldo's overhead bicycle kick for his previous club Real Madrid against current club Juventus, which was also voted UEFA's goal of the season.&nbsp;

2. Gareth Bale's jaw-dropping reverse kick for Real Madrid against Premier League Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League final.&nbsp;

Out of these two, guess which goal was searched most in the year. Well, the answer is Cristiano's stunning goal when he scored with a sensational overhead bicycle kick and stunned Juve's then goalkeeper Gigi Buffon.&nbsp;
<img alt="Top five related queries." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3c4a9de3-d5a2-43bc-8117-600b6cac471c" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/ana.PNG" />
Here are the stats generated by Google:&nbsp;

Worldwide, the topic was searched most in Nigeria.
<img alt="Interest by region (worldwide)." data-caption="&lt;strong&gt;Interest by region (worldwide).&lt;/strong&gt;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5ba3444a-eb4b-4779-836c-165bc9a6252e" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/sports.jpg" />
In India, the topic was searched most in Kerala, followed by Maharashtra, West Bengal, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu.
<img alt="Interest in the topic by sub-region (India)." data-caption="&lt;strong&gt;Interest in the topic by sub-region (India).&lt;/strong&gt;" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b22b49f2-b9f8-43a0-a092-91e6524ebdd9" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/kick2.PNG" />
Relive Cristiano's goal one more time, watch here.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Thanks to everyone who voted for me. Will never forget that moment, specially the reaction of the fans in the stadium. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UEFA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UEFA</a> Goal of the Season <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpecialMoment?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpecialMoment</a> <a href="https://t.co/9teapgD9MW">pic.twitter.com/9teapgD9MW</a>
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano/status/1034419930517647361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Also, watch Gareth Bale's goal.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
⚽😲🔝 <a href="https://twitter.com/GarethBale11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GarethBale11</a>, WHAT. A. GOAL!!!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHAMP13NS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHAMP13NS</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HalaMadrid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HalaMadrid</a> <a href="https://t.co/1dciApRNyR">pic.twitter.com/1dciApRNyR</a>
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadriden/status/1000666121085865984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Ronaldo said it was "the best goal" of his career and it helped Real to a 3-0 win on the night and moved them a step closer to an eventual quarter-final victory over Juve.&nbsp;

Google has released the list of most searched topics of the year and in sports, football topped the chart as FIFA World Cup 2018 was the most searched sport-related topic.

Google has released the list of most searched topics of the year and in sports, football topped the chart as FIFA World Cup 2018 was the most searched sport-related topic. There were moments which were praised by fans and spectators worldwide and are worth mentioning as we summarise the year 2018. Apart from the football world cup, the club games too grabbed eyeballs, especially for the bicycle kicks. Without delaying it further, here we are comparing the two popular goals which made headlines. 1. Cristiano Ronaldo's overhead bicycle kick for his previous club Real Madrid against current club Juventus, which was also voted UEFA's goal of the season. 2. Gareth Bale's jaw-dropping reverse kick for Real Madrid against Premier League Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League final. Out of these two, guess which goal was searched most in the year. Well, the answer is Cristiano's stunning goal when he scored with a sensational overhead bicycle kick and stunned Juve's then goalkeeper Gigi Buffon. Here are the stats generated by Google: Worldwide, the topic was searched most in Nigeria. In India, the topic was searched most in Kerala, followed by Maharashtra, West Bengal, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu. Relive Cristiano's goal one more time, watch here. Thanks to everyone who voted for me. Will never forget that moment, specially the reaction of the fans in the stadium. #UEFA Goal of the Season #SpecialMoment pic.twitter.com/9teapgD9MW — Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) August 28, 2018 × Also, watch Gareth Bale's goal. ⚽😲🔝 @GarethBale11, WHAT. A. GOAL!!!#CHAMP13NS | #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/1dciApRNyR — Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 27, 2018 × Ronaldo said it was "the best goal" of his career and it helped Real to a 3-0 win on the night and moved them a step closer to an eventual quarter-final victory over Juve.

Gareth Bale or Cristiano Ronaldo: Whose bicycle-kick was searched most in 2018?

European soccer's governing body approved the creation of a third-tier UEFA club competition on Sunday, a tournament which will mirror the current Champions League and Europa League format from 2021.

At their meeting in Dublin, UEFA's Executive Committee finalised plans to introduce the event, with the working title 'UEL2' and featuring 32 teams in the group stage, in the 2021 to 2024 competition cycle.

The Europa League group stage, meanwhile, will be reduced from 48 teams to 32.

UEFA said that the Champions League would remain unaltered, meaning that the four top-ranked leagues -- currently Spain, England, Germany and Italy -- would each keep four guaranteed places in the group stage.

"No changes will be made to the format and access list of the UEFA Champions League," said UEFA.

The umbrella organisation representing Europe's domestic leagues had asked UEFA to reduce the number of places guaranteed to teams from the top leagues, reversing changes made for the current cycle.

UEFA said the new setup would ensure that at least 34 countries would be represented in the group stages of UEFA club competitions, compared to today's total of 26.

"The new UEFA club competition makes UEFA's club competitions more inclusive than ever before," UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said.

"There will be more matches for more clubs, with more associations represented in the group stages. This competition was borne out of ongoing dialogue with clubs through the European Club Association."

The format will see eight groups of four teams, followed by the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final. Like the Europa League, matches will be played on Thursdays.

As with the established competitions, there will also be four rounds of qualifying matches played in July and August.

An additional knockout round will be played before the round of 16 between teams ranked second in their groups and the third-ranked teams in the groups of the Europa League, which will run concurrently.

Similarly, the teams finishing second in the Europa League groups will play in a knockout round against teams ranked third in the Champions League groups for a place in the Europa League round of 16.

The seventh-placed teams in Europe's four top-ranked leagues will qualify directly for the final qualifying round of the new competition.

Teams entering the early qualifying rounds of the new competition will be mainly those finishing second, third and fourth in Europe's smaller leagues.

Teams eliminated in the Europa League qualifiers will also drop down to the new competition.

The new competition will feature 141 matches over 15 match weeks, exactly like the Europa League. The winners of the new competition will be entitled to participate in the Europa League in the following season.

European soccer's governing body approved the creation of a third-tier UEFA club competition on Sunday, a tournament which will mirror the current Champions League and Europa League format from 2021.

European soccer's governing body approved the creation of a third-tier UEFA club competition on Sunday, a tournament which will mirror the current Champions League and Europa League format from 2021. At their meeting in Dublin, UEFA's Executive Committee finalised plans to introduce the event, with the working title 'UEL2' and featuring 32 teams in the group stage, in the 2021 to 2024 competition cycle. The Europa League group stage, meanwhile, will be reduced from 48 teams to 32. UEFA said that the Champions League would remain unaltered, meaning that the four top-ranked leagues -- currently Spain, England, Germany and Italy -- would each keep four guaranteed places in the group stage. "No changes will be made to the format and access list of the UEFA Champions League," said UEFA. The umbrella organisation representing Europe's domestic leagues had asked UEFA to reduce the number of places guaranteed to teams from the top leagues, reversing changes made for the current cycle. UEFA said the new setup would ensure that at least 34 countries would be represented in the group stages of UEFA club competitions, compared to today's total of 26. "The new UEFA club competition makes UEFA's club competitions more inclusive than ever before," UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said. "There will be more matches for more clubs, with more associations represented in the group stages. This competition was borne out of ongoing dialogue with clubs through the European Club Association." The format will see eight groups of four teams, followed by the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final. Like the Europa League, matches will be played on Thursdays. As with the established competitions, there will also be four rounds of qualifying matches played in July and August. An additional knockout round will be played before the round of 16 between teams ranked second in their groups and the third-ranked teams in the groups of the Europa League, which will run concurrently. Similarly, the teams finishing second in the Europa League groups will play in a knockout round against teams ranked third in the Champions League groups for a place in the Europa League round of 16. The seventh-placed teams in Europe's four top-ranked leagues will qualify directly for the final qualifying round of the new competition. Teams entering the early qualifying rounds of the new competition will be mainly those finishing second, third and fourth in Europe's smaller leagues. Teams eliminated in the Europa League qualifiers will also drop down to the new competition. The new competition will feature 141 matches over 15 match weeks, exactly like the Europa League. The winners of the new competition will be entitled to participate in the Europa League in the following season.

UEFA approves new European club competition from 2021

There will be no breakaway European Super League, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and Andrea Agnelli, the chairman of the influential European Club Association has told the BBC.

Instead, their joint plans for the future of European football from 2024 onwards will see a revised football schedule which will possibly involve less domestic football and more European competition.

German news magazine Der Spiegel claimed to have documents which showed Europe's biggest clubs planning for a Super League from 2021.&nbsp;

"The Super League will not happen. It is in a way a fiction now or a dream," Ceferin told the BBC.

Agnelli, whose body represents over 200 leading teams, said the clubs and UEFA are "united" in their views on how the game should progress over the coming years.

"I can confirm we have never seen, never discussed, never been involved in the creation of this document (about a Super League)," said Agnelli, who is also chairman of Juventus one of the clubs reportedly due to be a founding member of the Super League.

"We are fully engaged with Uefa in shaping the game going forward."

Ceferin -- who is due to be re-elected to his post unopposed next February -- and Agnelli says discussions are taking place about how to change the format of European club football's premier competition, the Champions League.

This is being done in order to obtain a more financially attractive broadcasting deal.

"We have some ideas," said Ceferin. "All I can say is that any Super League is out of the question.

"Participation stays. And everybody will have an opportunity to compete in every European competition," added the 51-year-old Slovenian lawyer.

Ceferin said a planned third European competition with 32 teams will be appreciated by European clubs.

It is not the first time there have been three European club competitions as prior to it being reduced to the Champions League and Europa League -- formerly the UEFA Cup -- there was the Cup Winners Cup.

The new competition is due to be voted in at a UEFA meeting in Dublin in early December.

"It will be our duty to safeguard the great heritages of European football but on the other side I think we are very well aware that we have to safeguard markets, we have to think about upcoming markets," said Ceferin.

"Fans can rest assured that if we put our hands to making a new product it's because we want to make sure that fans across Europe engage."

There will be no breakaway European Super League, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and Andrea Agnelli, the chairman of the influential European Club Association has told the BBC.

There will be no breakaway European Super League, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and Andrea Agnelli, the chairman of the influential European Club Association has told the BBC. Instead, their joint plans for the future of European football from 2024 onwards will see a revised football schedule which will possibly involve less domestic football and more European competition. German news magazine Der Spiegel claimed to have documents which showed Europe's biggest clubs planning for a Super League from 2021. "The Super League will not happen. It is in a way a fiction now or a dream," Ceferin told the BBC. Agnelli, whose body represents over 200 leading teams, said the clubs and UEFA are "united" in their views on how the game should progress over the coming years. "I can confirm we have never seen, never discussed, never been involved in the creation of this document (about a Super League)," said Agnelli, who is also chairman of Juventus one of the clubs reportedly due to be a founding member of the Super League. "We are fully engaged with Uefa in shaping the game going forward." Ceferin -- who is due to be re-elected to his post unopposed next February -- and Agnelli says discussions are taking place about how to change the format of European club football's premier competition, the Champions League. This is being done in order to obtain a more financially attractive broadcasting deal. "We have some ideas," said Ceferin. "All I can say is that any Super League is out of the question. "Participation stays. And everybody will have an opportunity to compete in every European competition," added the 51-year-old Slovenian lawyer. Ceferin said a planned third European competition with 32 teams will be appreciated by European clubs. It is not the first time there have been three European club competitions as prior to it being reduced to the Champions League and Europa League -- formerly the UEFA Cup -- there was the Cup Winners Cup. The new competition is due to be voted in at a UEFA meeting in Dublin in early December. "It will be our duty to safeguard the great heritages of European football but on the other side I think we are very well aware that we have to safeguard markets, we have to think about upcoming markets," said Ceferin. "Fans can rest assured that if we put our hands to making a new product it's because we want to make sure that fans across Europe engage."

There will be no Super League, says UEFA chief

Paris Saint-Germain has challenged UEFA in court after a club finance panel reopened its investigation into the French champion, and can assess transfer deals for superstar forwards Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport said on Monday the appeal case is confidential at the request of PSG and UEFA and gave no further details.

Qatar-owned PSG has long been a target of UEFA rules designed to curb so-called financial doping by wealthy backers of clubs which qualify for the Champions League or Europa League.

The Financial Fair Play program requires clubs to approach break-even on soccer-related business, such as player trading and wages, and also assesses the fair market value of sponsorship deals.

PSG forfeited 20 million euros (USD 22.8 million) of Champions League prize money in a 2014 settlement. Then, Abu Dhabi-owned Manchester City got the same deal from UEFA in signature cases from the first round of FFP sanctions.

Details of tough 2014 negotiations between both clubs and UEFA's then-leaders were revealed at the weekend by European media. Published emails included legal threats by the clubs trying to prevent possible bans from the Champions League worth tens of millions of euros per season.

In April 2017, UEFA released PSG and Man City from their settlement deals for complying with three years of stricter monitoring.

PSG then spent heavily in that offseason, breaking soccer's transfer record to buy Neymar from Barcelona for 222 million euros (USD 253 million). A loan deal was agreed with Monaco for Mbappe that became a 180 million euros (USD 205 million) purchase this year.

UEFA opened an investigation soon after the Mbappe loan, and warned PSG in June this year to raise cash quickly from player sales to balance its 2017-18 accounts. UEFA also said some sponsor deals, including from Qatar, were overvalued.

Still, investigators for UEFA's Club Financial Control Body closed their scrutiny of PSG's accounts for the year through June 2017 before the Neymar signing.

The UEFA panel's judging chamber reviewed the decision and in September sent the case back for a "deeper investigation." It is that move which PSG is challenging at CAS.

The sports court's judges must first decide if it is admissible to appeal a procedural step rather than a final ruling.

Joining PSG in a similar situation, Galatasaray was also placed under further investigation by the UEFA panel last month. It is unclear if the Turkish club has appealed to CAS.&nbsp;

Paris Saint-Germain has challenged UEFA in court after a club finance panel reopened its investigation into the French champion, and can assess transfer deals for superstar forwards Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

Paris Saint-Germain has challenged UEFA in court after a club finance panel reopened its investigation into the French champion, and can assess transfer deals for superstar forwards Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. The Court of Arbitration for Sport said on Monday the appeal case is confidential at the request of PSG and UEFA and gave no further details. Qatar-owned PSG has long been a target of UEFA rules designed to curb so-called financial doping by wealthy backers of clubs which qualify for the Champions League or Europa League. The Financial Fair Play program requires clubs to approach break-even on soccer-related business, such as player trading and wages, and also assesses the fair market value of sponsorship deals. PSG forfeited 20 million euros (USD 22.8 million) of Champions League prize money in a 2014 settlement. Then, Abu Dhabi-owned Manchester City got the same deal from UEFA in signature cases from the first round of FFP sanctions. Details of tough 2014 negotiations between both clubs and UEFA's then-leaders were revealed at the weekend by European media. Published emails included legal threats by the clubs trying to prevent possible bans from the Champions League worth tens of millions of euros per season. In April 2017, UEFA released PSG and Man City from their settlement deals for complying with three years of stricter monitoring. PSG then spent heavily in that offseason, breaking soccer's transfer record to buy Neymar from Barcelona for 222 million euros (USD 253 million). A loan deal was agreed with Monaco for Mbappe that became a 180 million euros (USD 205 million) purchase this year. UEFA opened an investigation soon after the Mbappe loan, and warned PSG in June this year to raise cash quickly from player sales to balance its 2017-18 accounts. UEFA also said some sponsor deals, including from Qatar, were overvalued. Still, investigators for UEFA's Club Financial Control Body closed their scrutiny of PSG's accounts for the year through June 2017 before the Neymar signing. The UEFA panel's judging chamber reviewed the decision and in September sent the case back for a "deeper investigation." It is that move which PSG is challenging at CAS. The sports court's judges must first decide if it is admissible to appeal a procedural step rather than a final ruling. Joining PSG in a similar situation, Galatasaray was also placed under further investigation by the UEFA panel last month. It is unclear if the Turkish club has appealed to CAS.

Paris Saint-Germain challenges UEFA in court

Joachim Loew is facing the biggest crisis of his 12-year tenure as Germany's head coach after their embarrassing 3-0 defeat away to the Netherlands.&nbsp;

Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk gave the Dutch a first-half lead before late goals by Memphis Depay and Georginio Wijnaldum capped a golden night for the Oranje at Amsterdam's Johan Cruyff Arena.

These are dark days for the Germans in the wake of their dismal World Cup display when they crashed out after finishing bottom of their group.

They are now bottom of Nations League Group One and Loew must avoid defeat against world champions France in Paris on Tuesday, knowing his future will be debated at home.&nbsp;

"Yes, I understand that there is a debate and we have to deal with it," Loew told broadcaster ZDF.

"In the next two days, I will focus entirely on preparing the team before the match in Paris against France, and not on the debates in public, although these debates are normal, very normal."

"We have to show character against France and win the return match against the Dutch or we are going down.

"We had good chances, but couldn't put them away, which would have been good for confidence. It's bad that we fell apart at the end," he added.

After ex-Germany captain Michael Ballack said he was "surprised" Loew kept his job after their woeful World Cup display, the Dutch defeat ramps up the pressure.

Once again, Loew trusted his senior players to deliver a win, but his Bayern Munich axis of Manuel Neuer, Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels and Thomas Mueller failed to deliver.

Both Muller and his second-half replacement, Manchester City starlet Leroy Sane, squandered clear chances either side of he break.&nbsp;

Hummels admitted the team can expect a backlash from the German public after the defeat.

"We'll get it in the neck now, but we have no one to blame but ourselves," said Hummels.

"We lost 3-0, even though we actually had to win the game. "We had a lot of bad luck, but it's not down to any one player."

Germany have now conceded goals in their last 19 internationals.

"We made too little of our chances, although we could have gone ahead early on," said goalkeeper and captain Manuel Neuer. "At the end, we were too open and made mistakes."

Neuer put the blame firmly on the players: "Before the game, every player signalled to the coach that they were ready to play."

Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos said the Germans lost their structure after falling behind.

"The structure was missing after the first 30 minutes, but it's hard heading home without having scored," said Kroos.

"You need a reward for the good work you do and that's not happened. "We have to keep going, we have the next chance on Tuesday and concentrate on the good things we did."

The Dutch were delighted with their first win over the Germans for 16 years.

"Sometimes you need a bit of luck, but we deserved the win, fought for every inch and defended well," said Dutch coach Ronaldo Koeman. "It's an unbelievable result, especially as the Germans weren't that bad.

"It's 16 years since we beat Germany and we are on the right way with a talented, young team."

Joachim Loew is facing the biggest crisis of his 12-year tenure as Germany's head coach after their embarrassing 3-0 defeat away to the Netherlands. Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk gave the Dutch a first-half lead before late goals by Memphis Depay and Georginio Wijnaldum capped a golden night for the Oranje at Amsterdam's Johan Cruyff Arena.

Joachim Loew is facing the biggest crisis of his 12-year tenure as Germany's head coach after their embarrassing 3-0 defeat away to the Netherlands. Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk gave the Dutch a first-half lead before late goals by Memphis Depay and Georginio Wijnaldum capped a golden night for the Oranje at Amsterdam's Johan Cruyff Arena. These are dark days for the Germans in the wake of their dismal World Cup display when they crashed out after finishing bottom of their group. They are now bottom of Nations League Group One and Loew must avoid defeat against world champions France in Paris on Tuesday, knowing his future will be debated at home. "Yes, I understand that there is a debate and we have to deal with it," Loew told broadcaster ZDF. "In the next two days, I will focus entirely on preparing the team before the match in Paris against France, and not on the debates in public, although these debates are normal, very normal." "We have to show character against France and win the return match against the Dutch or we are going down. "We had good chances, but couldn't put them away, which would have been good for confidence. It's bad that we fell apart at the end," he added. After ex-Germany captain Michael Ballack said he was "surprised" Loew kept his job after their woeful World Cup display, the Dutch defeat ramps up the pressure. Once again, Loew trusted his senior players to deliver a win, but his Bayern Munich axis of Manuel Neuer, Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels and Thomas Mueller failed to deliver. Both Muller and his second-half replacement, Manchester City starlet Leroy Sane, squandered clear chances either side of he break. Hummels admitted the team can expect a backlash from the German public after the defeat. "We'll get it in the neck now, but we have no one to blame but ourselves," said Hummels. "We lost 3-0, even though we actually had to win the game. "We had a lot of bad luck, but it's not down to any one player." Germany have now conceded goals in their last 19 internationals. "We made too little of our chances, although we could have gone ahead early on," said goalkeeper and captain Manuel Neuer. "At the end, we were too open and made mistakes." Neuer put the blame firmly on the players: "Before the game, every player signalled to the coach that they were ready to play." Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos said the Germans lost their structure after falling behind. "The structure was missing after the first 30 minutes, but it's hard heading home without having scored," said Kroos. "You need a reward for the good work you do and that's not happened. "We have to keep going, we have the next chance on Tuesday and concentrate on the good things we did." The Dutch were delighted with their first win over the Germans for 16 years. "Sometimes you need a bit of luck, but we deserved the win, fought for every inch and defended well," said Dutch coach Ronaldo Koeman. "It's an unbelievable result, especially as the Germans weren't that bad. "It's 16 years since we beat Germany and we are on the right way with a talented, young team."

UEFA Nations League: Netherlands beat Germany for first time in 16 years

The 55 national teams currently participating in the inaugural UEFA Nations League will see a 50 per cent increase in solidarity fees paid to them, European football's governing body UEFA has said.

The 12 strongest teams based on UEFA rankings - divided into four groups of three in League A - will each receive 2.25 million euros ($2.6 million) in solidarity fees, an increase of 750,000 euros from the amount announced in March.&nbsp;

Each group winner in League A will be given an additional 2.25 million euros as a bonus, up from 1.5 million euros.

"The decision to increase the solidarity and bonus payments was taken by the UEFA executive committee and was made possible by UEFA's solid financial situation," UEFA said in a statement.

UEFA added the financial boost was also due to their earnings from Euro 2016 that were set aside for future investment.

League A group winners will compete for the UEFA Nations League trophy in June 2019 and the champions stand to gain 6 million euros in solidarity fees - taking the maximum they could earn from the tournament to 10.5 million euros.

The event, created to replace friendly internationals that were unpopular with clubs, players and fans as they interrupted league action, largely got the thumbs up after the first batch of matches in September.

The 55 national teams currently participating in the inaugural UEFA Nations League will see a 50 per cent increase in solidarity fees paid to them, European football's governing body UEFA has said.

The 55 national teams currently participating in the inaugural UEFA Nations League will see a 50 per cent increase in solidarity fees paid to them, European football's governing body UEFA has said. The 12 strongest teams based on UEFA rankings - divided into four groups of three in League A - will each receive 2.25 million euros ($2.6 million) in solidarity fees, an increase of 750,000 euros from the amount announced in March. Each group winner in League A will be given an additional 2.25 million euros as a bonus, up from 1.5 million euros. "The decision to increase the solidarity and bonus payments was taken by the UEFA executive committee and was made possible by UEFA's solid financial situation," UEFA said in a statement. UEFA added the financial boost was also due to their earnings from Euro 2016 that were set aside for future investment. League A group winners will compete for the UEFA Nations League trophy in June 2019 and the champions stand to gain 6 million euros in solidarity fees - taking the maximum they could earn from the tournament to 10.5 million euros. The event, created to replace friendly internationals that were unpopular with clubs, players and fans as they interrupted league action, largely got the thumbs up after the first batch of matches in September.

Football: UEFA to pay countries more for Nations League participation

Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli has been ruled out of Wednesday's Champions League group-stage match with Barcelona at Wembley, Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino said on Saturday.

Alli, who suffered a hamstring injury earlier this month, missed the 2-0 victory at Huddersfield, and Pochettino said there was no chance of the England international facing the Spanish side.

The midfielder suffered the injury during England's Nations League defeat to Spain earlier this month and missed the matches with Liverpool and Inter Milan.

Although he was back again as a substitute against Brighton last weekend and scored in the League Cup against Watford on Wednesday, he has suffered an aggravation of the injury.

Pochettino said it was too early to evaluate the injuries to Jan Vertonghen and Mousa Dembele, who were both substituted at half-time in the win at the John Smith's Stadium.

"It is not clear if they are muscle (injuries) or knocks," said the Spurs manager, who used the injuries to emphasise his unhappiness at criticism of his squad rotation.

"The season is a massive challenge for everyone. A lot of teams have the same problem. The players are not machines. We want to push and push and push them -- it is not easy.

"No-one helps, all want that in every single game play the same players," he added, highlighting the criticism he received for resting players.

But the Spurs manager said muscle injuries were a risk facing a number of teams.

"I think the teams that had players involved in the World Cup are going to have this kind of problems," he added.

Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli has been ruled out of Wednesday's Champions League group-stage match with Barcelona at Wembley, Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino said on Saturday.

Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli has been ruled out of Wednesday's Champions League group-stage match with Barcelona at Wembley, Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino said on Saturday. Alli, who suffered a hamstring injury earlier this month, missed the 2-0 victory at Huddersfield, and Pochettino said there was no chance of the England international facing the Spanish side. The midfielder suffered the injury during England's Nations League defeat to Spain earlier this month and missed the matches with Liverpool and Inter Milan. Although he was back again as a substitute against Brighton last weekend and scored in the League Cup against Watford on Wednesday, he has suffered an aggravation of the injury. Pochettino said it was too early to evaluate the injuries to Jan Vertonghen and Mousa Dembele, who were both substituted at half-time in the win at the John Smith's Stadium. "It is not clear if they are muscle (injuries) or knocks," said the Spurs manager, who used the injuries to emphasise his unhappiness at criticism of his squad rotation. "The season is a massive challenge for everyone. A lot of teams have the same problem. The players are not machines. We want to push and push and push them -- it is not easy. "No-one helps, all want that in every single game play the same players," he added, highlighting the criticism he received for resting players. But the Spurs manager said muscle injuries were a risk facing a number of teams. "I think the teams that had players involved in the World Cup are going to have this kind of problems," he added.

Dele Alli ruled out of Tottenham's Barcelona clash

The Best FIFA Football Awards, a complete list of winners

uefa-0

Uefa, News on Uefa, stories on Uefa, articles on Uefa, Uefa stories at Wion, Uefa news, Uefa latest news

uefa 0