Labour asks government to deliver manifesto pledge of ‘fan-led review’

The Labour Party has called on the government to “deliver on its manifesto pledge to football fans” by implementing a review into the reform of the game.

The sustainability of the football pyramid has been called into question amid the Covid-19 crisis, while long-running issues over governance contributed to Wigan Athletic’s dramatic slump into administration this past month.

The government had promised a “fan-led” review into the structures of the national game in its election manifesto last year but has yet to commission the review or draw up its terms of reference.

Charlton takeover brings in third owner of troubled seasonRead more

Alison McGovern, the shadow minister for sport,…

Van Gaal: Netherlands can go far at 2014 World Cup

Louis van Gaal believes the sky is the limit for Netherlands at World Cup 2014 in Brazil as long as they remain united as a team.

The Oranje failed to survive the group stage at Euro 2012 as Germany, Portugal and Denmark proved to be too strong, ultimately costing Bert van Marwijk his job.

But his successor is confident that they can do better in two years time.

It might not be entirely realistic, but our goal is to make it to the semi-finals at the World Cup, the coach told Radio 1.

That s definitely not impossible. We can be the best team at the World Cup if we stick together. We might not have the best players, but we can go far if we act as a unit.

We re a very well-organised team when our opponents have the ball. However, we still have ro…

Lack of form at Euro 2024 does not faze Mbappe as long as France keep winning

Kylian Mbappe is unbothered by his indifferent form at Euro 2024 so far, saying the most important thing is for France to keep winning as they booked a place in the semi-finals.

France and Portugal played out a 0-0 draw in 120 minutes in Hamburg, with Les Bleus staying perfect from the spot in the shootout and progressing thanks to Joao Felix’s missed penalty.

Mbappe is the only Frenchman to score at the tournament so far, netting from the spot, with France’s two wins coming via own goals. However, he does not care how the wins come as long as they keep progressing.

These are the peculiarities of being a footballer, Mbappe said.

But even then, you have to keep up your involvement and always be there for your team-mates.

I ve always said tha…

Ronaldo injury helped Portugal to Euro 2016 success, says Abidal

Cristiano Ronaldo s injury in the Euro 2016 final helped Portugal to claim their first major title, according to former France international Eric Abidal.

The Real Madrid star hobbled off in the first half against France, dealing a blow to Portugal s hopes of victory, but Eder s extra-time strike ultimately clinched the trophy.

And Abidal believes Fernando Santos men played without stress after seeing their talisman injured.

Ronaldo was out because he was injured it was a problem for France and an advantage for Portugal, he told Grup 14.

Portugal were more relaxed without Ronaldo. The players there normally play for Ronaldo, but without him the team spirit is different, there was no stress.

But for France, it was a shock because Ronaldo is not o…

2014 FIFA World Cup Final: Where the final was won and lost

A dramatic FIFA World Cup had a fitting finale as Germany beat Argentina in extra time. Here we look at where the final was won and lost.

Higuain lets Kroos off the hook

Toni Kroos was one of the undoubted stars of the tournament. The midfield maestro dazzled with consistent top-drawer performances, particularly in the semi-final drubbing of Brazil. However, the Bayern Munich man left German supporters with their hearts in their mouths in the 17th minute of the showpiece when his attempted header back to goalkeeper Manuel Neuer fell straight into the path of Gonzalo Higuain. The Napoli striker is usually so clinical in the final third, but in front of a full Maracana and millions watching worldwide, the 26-year-old snatched his half-volley wide, much to the relief of the…

Copa America 2024 tops and flops: James has still got it, Martinez decisive, Brazil flounder

Argentina are Copa America champions once again.

They were the pre-tournament favourites according to Opta s supercomputer, and they lived up to the billing in the United States, retaining their title and winning the Copa America for a record 16th time.

Lionel Scaloni s team beat Colombia 1-0 in Sunday s final, despite Lionel Messi going off injured and in tears, with Lautaro Martinez sealing victory in extra time.

Martinez was one of the standout positives from the Copa America, but who were the others, and which teams and players failed to impress?

¡¡CAMPEONES OTRA VEZ!!

La Copa se queda en casa

— Selección Argentina (@Argentina)

THE TOPS

Argentina

Let s start with the champions. They won the Copa …

On this day in 2018: Arsene Wenger announces his Arsenal exit

On this day in 2018, Arsene Wenger announced he would step down as Arsenal manager at the end of the season after almost 22 years in the role.

Appointed in September 1996, the Frenchman had presided over a glittering period in the club’s history which yielded three Premier League titles, the last of them famously secured by his “Invincibles”, who went through the 2003-04 league campaign unbeaten.

In addition, former Nancy, Monaco and Grampus Eight boss Wenger guided the club to FA Cup glory on seven occasions and secured 20 successive seasons of Champions League football during a reign spanning 1,235 matches, 828 of them in the top flight.

It s the end of an era…

22 years1,235 games716 wins2,298 goals1 Arsène Wenger

— Arsenal (@Arsenal…

Titans vs Jaguars Week 5 Picks and Predictions: Can Jacksonville Put a Terrible Week Behind It?

Grind. That’s been the word of the week in Jacksonville. A team motto for the Jaguars, and also something that we saw far, far too much of, in a viral video of Urban Meyer this week.

The Jaguars have been besieged, as their head coach has gone through another controversy with his private life becoming more of a story than their 0-4 start. The Titans, meanwhile, sit at 2-2 and stumbled to a humiliating loss when they gave the New York Jets their first win of the season.

So, which of these two teams will finish their weeks on a high, and who will continue to struggle? Find out in our free NFL betting picks and predictions for the Titans vs. Jaguars.

Chicago Bears Odds, Predictions, and Betting Preview 2022: Midway Mess

Get out the name tags in the Windy City. The Chicago Bears have plenty of new faces all over the place, including an overhaul in the front office and sideline where Matt Eberflus takes over as head coach.

Chicago’s offensive and defensive playbooks also get a makeover with new coordinators, systems, and talent. The Bears’ NFL odds project a long hard season with so much of the team’s success tied to second-year quarterback Justin Fields, who in turn has his success tied to a shoddy offensive line.

Realistically, Chicago’s benchmark in the NFC North is keeping pace with Detroit. So, you can see how bad it is for the Bears. Here’s our Chicago Bears 2022 NFL betting preview.

Chicago Bears futures odds

Jalen Hurts Super Bowl 57 Prop Odds and Prediction: Philly QB Goes Under Passing Yards Total

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts looked to be en route to the regular season NFL MVP award before missing Weeks 16 and 17 with an injury.

Since returning to the lineup, Hurts has been far less productive, but hasn’t needed to be with Philly blowing out the Giants and Niners. With Super Bowl odds having the Eagles and Hurts favored at some books, the QB has some high numbers in his Super Bowl player props department as well.

I look at how to wager on his lofty passing yards total against a suspect Chiefs defense with my best free Jalen Hurts prop pick for Super Bowl 57 while also bringing you a related same-game parlay.

Be sure to also check out our Super Bowl predictions before the Big Game!