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The Guardian
an hour ago
- The Guardian
Real Madrid hit out at plan for Barcelona and Villarreal to play La Liga match in Miami
Real Madrid say they are opposed to plans by their bitter rivals Barcelona to play a league match in the US this season, saying the move 'sets an unacceptable precedent'. Barcelona and Villarreal are seeking permission from the football authorities to play in Miami in December. Fan groups of the clubs have already threatened legal action if the plan progresses, and now Real have expressed their opposition to the move. 'Real Madrid would like to express to its members, supporters and football fans in general its strongest rejection of the proposal to play outside Spain the match … between Villarreal and Barcelona,' the club said in a statement. 'The measure, promoted without prior information or consultation with the clubs participating in that competition, violates the essential principle of territorial reciprocity that governs two-round league competitions [one game at home and the other at the opposing team's], altering the competitive balance and granting an undue sporting advantage to the applicant clubs. 'The integrity of the competition requires that all matches be held under the same conditions for all teams. Unilaterally modifying this regime breaks the equality between contenders, compromises the legitimacy of the results and sets an unacceptable precedent that opens the door to exceptions based on interests other than strictly sporting, with a clear impact on sporting integrity and the risk of adulteration of the competition. 'If this proposal is carried out, its consequences would be so serious that they would mean a before and after for the world of football.' Real said they had asked Fifa not to authorise the staging of the game without the prior consent of all La Liga clubs, and had asked Uefa to urge the Spanish football federation (Rfef) to withdraw the request. Villarreal had earlier pledged that season ticket holders would be offered free travel and entry if the league game was moved to Miami. The club also said those who cannot go, or do not wish to go, would receive a 20% discount on the total cost of their season ticket. If Villarreal and Barcelona ultimately get the green light, La Liga will be the first of Europe's top five leagues to stage a match overseas. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion The Villarreal president, Fernando Roig, told the club's official website: 'Reaching the United States is an opportunity we must seize. We have to expand the brand of our football and of Villarreal CF. Many clubs agree on the need to internationalise and to look for ways to generate more revenue so we can get closer to other leagues, such as the Premier League.' Rfef gave its approval to the plan on Monday. The matter has now been referred to European football's governing body Uefa to begin the procedures and obtain the necessary authorisation from Fifa, world football's governing body. The Premier League chief executive, Richard Masters, said last year his competition had no plans to move matches overseas but accepted Fifa moves to review the rules meant the 'door was ajar' for other leagues to do so.
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
What are the latest Golden Boot 2025/26 odds?
Mo Salah completed a record-breaking year last season which saw him secure the Golden Boot for fourth time but is not the bookies favourite to overtake Thierry Henry's record As the Premier League commences for another season, some of the best attackers in the world will be battling it out for the Golden Boot trophy. Last year's exploits saw Liverpool's Mo Salah steam ahead with 29 goals with potential new teammate Alexander Isak behind on 23 goals last season but surprisingly, neither are marked as the early favourite with the bookies. That goes to Erling Haaland who is currently 6/5 with William Hill going into the start of the season as the bookies favourite with Salah 4/1 to retain it while Isak is 6/1 and new arrival Viktor Gyokeres is 13/2. Mohamed Salah begins 2025/26 with the weight of fresh expectation. After a record-chasing year in which he matched the Premier League benchmark for single-season goal contributions, his 29 goals delivered the Golden Boot and 18 assists underlined his status among the world's elite. Those numbers put his name in the Ballon d'Or conversation, but last year's harvest guarantees nothing once the first whistle blows. Salah's mix of ruthless finishing and selfless supply gave Liverpool a cutting edge in tight matches. He thrived in transition, punished high lines and remained ice-cool from the spot. Crucially, his availability and consistency set the tone for a title-winning campaign. Maintaining that reliability while Liverpool defend the crown is the challenge now, with opponents better briefed and recruitment across the league aimed squarely at narrowing the gap. But there are threats - both old and new - in the horizon if Salah is to accomplish an unprecedent fifth Golden Boot win. Typically, Erling Haaland, the ever-present yardstick at Manchester City, remains the most direct threat. His shot volume and penalty-box presence make 30 league goals a realistic target in any season. Meanwhile, Alexander Isak's rise at Newcastle United has been steady and sophisticated but his ongoing rift at the club to leave for Liverpool causes early doubt as to how he will compete for the honour again this season. Plus Viktor Gyökeres is set to spearhead Arsenal's attacking lineup as Mikel Arteta hopes he finally has the missing piece in the puzzle after back-to-back-to-back seasons finishing runners-up. His blend of power, pressing and smart near-post runs could give the Gunners the penalty-area focal point they have sought. Hugo Ekitike has already made an impact at Liverpool scoring in the Community Shield at the weekend adding pace and off-ball aggression to the Reds' forward rotation. His impressive individual performance - despite the loss to Crystal Palace - offers some immediate insight for Arne Slot if the Isak transfer does not go through this summer. Some outside options could well be in the discussion too as Manchester United's new-look attack looks fit and raring to go as Ruben Amorim puts his stamp on the club with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbuemo and Benjamin Sesko all part of a new-look front three. The players are exactly the type that Amorim has been lacking since arriving at Old Trafford which could see a completely different United to the one we have seen in recent years. Golden Boot 2025/26 Odds Erling Haaland - 6/5 Mo Salah - 4/1 Alexander Isak - 6/1 Viktor Gyokeres - 13/2 Joao Pedro - 16/1 Hugo Ekitike - 16/1 Benjamion Sesko - 18/1 Cole Palmer - 20/1 BAR - 25/1 18+ | Gamble responsibly | | Odds subject to change | Odds supplied by William Hill Premier League Betting Offers If you are on the lookout for the latest free bet offers, then look no further. Here, not only do we bring you numerous free bet offers, but all from the very best betting sites in the industry. Each bookie we recommend is fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, so you know you are always betting on a safe and trustworthy site. Check out the Mirror Betting Hubs Free Bets offers here. Gamble responsibly Article continues below Reach plc is committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over. Odds are subject to change too. We strongly encourage our readers to only ever bet what they can afford to lose. For more information, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Villarreal president defiantly responds to backlash over Thomas Partey signing - and urges fans not to 'judge prematurely' as former Arsenal star faces multiple rape charges
Villarreal's president has responded to the heavy criticism his club has faced since signing former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey amid his ongoing rape charges. Partey, 32, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court last week to face multiple rape charges, including five counts of rape and one of sexual assault, before being granted bail. The midfielder is accused of two counts of rape against one woman and three counts against another. The sexual assault allegation relates to a third woman, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said last week. The charges came just four days after Partey's contract at the Emirates expired on June 31. After being granted bail, the Ghanaian was able to complete his free transfer to Villarreal, who have since been the subject of significant controversy as a result of the move. Partey was booed and whistled during the Yellow Submarines' preseason friendly against Aston Villa over the weekend, which marked his first appearance in a Villarreal jersey. President Fernando Roig has issued a defiant response in answer to criticism of the signing Club president Fernando Roig has issued a defiant response in answer to the criticism, insisting that the club 'upholds the presumption of innocence'. 'The player is currently undergoing legal proceedings. He maintains his innocence and denies the charges against him,' Roig said after the 2-0 defeat by Villa. 'The club upholds the presumption of innocence, and it will be the responsibility of the English courts to clarify the facts. We have spent years demonstrating our values with all kinds of activities. 'We respect the presumption of innocence and, of course, condemn any type of violence, whether inside or outside of football. 'At this moment, Partey is as innocent as the rest of us here. A fundamental right like this must be respected.' When asked about the boos directed towards his new player, Roig added: 'The English [Aston Villa fans] whistled Partey. Not the Villarreal fans. 'I wouldn't like our own fans to whistle at players on our team. We must stand with the team and respect the presumption of innocence. He is not a convicted player. 'We must be cautious and wait for justice. Let's not judge prematurely. Thomas has the right to do his job until there is a conviction.' Partey, who will defend himself in court in London next month, is prohibited from contact any of the three women involved in the case, as per the bail conditions. Meanwhile, Arsenal have also come under fire in the wake of Partey's rape charges. Protesters who turned up to last week's hearing held up a sign criticising Arsenal's alleged handling of the case, which read: 'Arsenal said: "We do the right thing". Then did nothing.'
