Sin bins will be introduced across all levels of grassroots football in the 2019/20 season, the FA have confirmed.

The rule change allows referees to dismiss a player from the pitch for 10 minutes, with the FA saying they saw a 38 per cent reduction in dissent following a testing phase.

“The FA successfully piloted sin bins during the 2017/18 season, and then extended this to a total of 31 leagues throughout the 2018/19 season as part of its commitment to improve the matchday experience for all,” the FA said in a statement.

“After gathering positive feedback from players, referees and coaches, sin bins will now be rolled out across all leagues at grassroots level in a bid to increase participation and to continue improving matchday experiences.

Red cards will still be shown for foul and abusive language

“The mandatory rule change will be implemented up to Step 5 of the National League System and Tier 3 and below in women’s football.”

Players who show dissent will be shown a yellow card while the referee points to the touchline to indicate a player has been sent to the sin bin. Two such temporary dismissals will result in the player being sent off.

Dissent offences are classed as words or gestures that question or undermine the referee, as well as throwing or kicking the ball in anger or sarcastically clapping a decision.

Foul and abusive language still represents a red card offence.

For youth football, or games under 90 minutes, the sin bin will be eight minutes.

“Dissent is a key part of the game that needs to be tackled, and our pilot phase has proved that sin bins work well,” FA CEO Mark Bullingham said.

“They allow referees to address incidents of dissent quickly and effectively. The trial showed a huge impact on behaviour that we want to roll out to the whole game and make it more enjoyable for everyone.”

Source – Sky Sports

Everton have denied making a second bid for Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha involving cash-plus-players.

Wilfried Zaha is wanted by Everton

While confirming that they did make a first offer for Zaha, Everton say a second bid has not been submitted.

A club statement read: “Everton Football Club categorically denies that a bid has been submitted to Crystal Palace for Wilfried Zaha that included an increased sum plus Cenk Tosun and James McCarthy.

“Everton and Crystal Palace have a very good relationship.

“A bid was made over the weekend which was turned down. Both clubs agreed that was the end of the matter.”

Arsenal originally appeared to be favourites to sign Zaha – but they are now poised to complete a deal for Lille winger Nicolas Pepe.

Zaha’s preference was for a move that would keep him in London, but he was understood to be willing to move to the north west.

Sky Sports News understands Everton may have been willing to send Cenk Tosun to Crystal Palace as part of a deal for Zaha

The 26-year-old has scored 53 goals in 323 games across two spells at Selhurst Park, but is believed to be keen to prove himself at the highest level.

The Ivory Coast international is understood to have informed Palace of his desire to leave Selhurst Park after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.

However, the south Londoners value Zaha at £80m and are under no financial pressure to sell, having already seen Aaron Wan-Bissaka join Manchester United for £50m this summer.

Source – Sky Sports

The Portuguese superstar admitted that he misses the Spanish capital at an awards ceremony.

Photo by Getty Images

Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo has said he “hopes to return to Madrid soon” as he received the Marca Leyenda award.

The Portuguese superstar spent a decade at Real Madrid, where he won four of his five Ballons d’Or and four Champions Leagues, as well as two La Ligacrowns and two Copa del Rey titles, scoring a whopping 450 goals in just 438 games for the club.

He moved to Italy with the Bianconeri last summer in search of a new challenge, but he admits that he misses the Spanish capital and felt sad to leave Los Blancos as he received the prestigious Marca Leyenda award in Madrid.

“I felt sorry when I left Real Madrid,” Ronaldo said at the awards ceremony.

“I miss both [Manchester and Madrid] but because of life’s circumstances I have lived more years in Madrid, my children and my girl were born here, so I miss Madrid more.

“This trophy will be in a very nice place in my museum. Madrid is special, I travel a lot but there are few cities like Madrid. Much of this award is derived from what I did in Madrid. It is a Spanish trophy and leaves me very honoured. Thanks to all those who have helped me to achieve it. It is a pride for me. And I hope to return to Madrid soon.”

Ronaldo also opened up on his ambitions as a child, the title that he treasures most, and his Champions League hopes for the coming season.

“I never thought about [reaching this level]. My dream was always [just] to be a professional player.

“All titles are important but possibly [the 2016 European Championship] because it is special. It is not the same, when you win something for your country and you know that it is more difficult, it is the most important thing in my career.”

Source – Goal.com

Kasper Dolberg scored after 35 seconds as Ajax Amsterdam beat PSV Eindhoven 2-0 to win the Dutch Super Cup on Saturday.

Photo by Getty Images

Daley Blind added the second goal with a rasping shot in the 53rd minute to ensure victory for last season’s league and cup winners.

Danish international Dolberg’s swift goal gave Ajax a dream start in front of their fans at the Amsterdam Arena after an unselfish, square pass from Donny van de Beek, one of the youthful stars of Ajax’s domestic success last season and of their unexpected progress to the Champions League semi-finals.

Blind hit a scorching, left-footed shot to double the lead after Van de Beek and Joel Veltman had efforts blocked by the PSV defence.

Blind’s goal was awarded only after a VAR review for a possible foul on PSV defender Olivier Boscagli by Ajax skipper Dusan Tadic. The referee ruled that a hand to the face of Boscagli had been accidental and verified the goal.

PSV were forced to play the last 30 minutes of game down to 10 men after an injury to Sam Lammers, who had to leave the pitch after coach Mark van Bommel had already made three changes.

They could have pulled back a goal in the 72nd minute after a mazy run through the Ajax defence by Donyell Malen, only for the 20-year-old Dutch youth international to blast his shot wide.

Ajax begin the defence of their league title at Vitesse Arnhem next Saturday but PSV Eindhoven first have a Champions League second preliminary round tie at FC Basel on Tuesday, with a 3-2 lead from last week’s first leg.

Source – EuroSport

Chelsea beat Reading 4-3 at the Madjeski Stadium as they prepare for the new Premier League season.

Photo by Getty Images

Lampard gave starts to both Tiemoue Bakayoko and Danny Drinkwater, both of whom are expected to be sold or loaned out before the transfer window shuts, but it was other players on the edge of the squad who impressed.

Kenedy, another player who is unlikely to remain part of the first team picture under Lampard after spending last season on loan at Newcastle, put the away side ahead just before half time.

Four minutes after the restart, Michael Morrison levelled the score for Reading.

Mason Mount, who Lampard knows well from their shared spell at Derby County, added two goals in three minutes with half an hour of normal time remaining.

Mount’s second goal would prove to be the winner after Sam Baldock pulled one back for Reading, but they could not find an equaliser.

Source – EuroSports

No one can deny the stature Mexico’s top-flight, known as Liga MX or Liga BBVA MX, has reached in recent years. Similar to the Major League Soccer, the league has grown into one of the most attractive competitions in the CONCACAF – CONMEBOL region, often attracting international players and talented stars that join the tournament every year.

                          Getty Images Sport/Manuel Velasquez

Things have gotten so good that names such as Andre-Pierre Gignac, Vincent Janssen and Giovani dos Santos have landed in the league in recent years, just to name a few. But Liga MX does not only import. They also export several players into Europe. Hirving Lozano and Erick Gutierrez were the latest household names to move – both signed with PSV Eindhoven – but now another name has made the jump to the Eredivisie. He goes by the name of Edson Alvarez.

For those of you who don’t follow Liga MX regularly, Alvarez is one of the biggest prospects in the country. He has signed with Ajax, and already reported to the side’s pre-season so he could very well become an alternative for the first Matchweek of the Eredivisie.

Who is Edson Alvarez? And What Could He Bring To Ajax?

A Club America academy product, Alvarez spent his entire career with Las Aguilas before making the jump to the Netherlands. The 21-year-old Mexico international is a versatile defender who can play both as a centre-back and as a defensive midfielder, although Gerardo Martino used to deploy him on the latter in the Mexican NT.

Alvarez might seem lanky, but he stands at almost 6’1” so he possesses enough height to play as a defender in Europe. But given the fact Ajax lost Frenkie de Jong this summer, Alvarez could very well take his place as the team’s defensive midfielder. But he could also become Matthijs de Ligt’s replacement at centre-back. That versatility could be huge for him going forward.

What other Liga MX players could move to Europe in recent years?

The Mexican star will bring toughness, grit and a quality touch from the back to Ajax. He possesses the club’s DNA given his playing style, and he won’t have problems to settle in one of the biggest clubs in Europe.

It’s not a secret that Europe routinely look at Liga MX for potential transfers. Keep an eye on names such as Jose Juan Macias (Leon), Victor Guzman (Pachuca), Roberto Alvarado (Cruz Azul) and Ernesto Vega (Chivas Guadalajara) just to name a few.

Alvarez is the latest Liga MX star to make the jump overseas. But he’s not going to be the last one.

Source – soccernews.com

The Germany midfielder just has to continue his current trajectory to secure the title as the world’s best footballer, according to an icon.

Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz can one day win the Ballon d’Or, according to German legend Lothar Matthaus.

Havertz, who turned 20 in June, had a remarkable 2018-19 season in central midfield for Leverkusen, scoring 20 goals in 45 games.

He finished second in the Bundesliga player of the season awards, just behind Dortmund’s Marco Reus, 10 years his senior.

His consistent performances helped Leverkusen to secure qualification for the Champions League, offering Havertz the platform to show him immense talent to a wider audience.

Matthaus, who won FIFA’s World Player of the Year in 1991, believes that Havertz can win similar titles throughout his own career.

The most-capped German player of all time with 150 caps, including appearances at five separate World Cups, Matthaus has been so impressed by Havertz in his formative years.

“He has set the bar very high,” the 1990 World Cup winner told kicker.

“For me, he was the player of the season, and if Havertz can maintain this high level, with that lightness, cleverness, presence on the pitch and scoring goals, then he could eventually become my successor as a world footballer of the year.”

Havertz’s breakthrough season has already alerted Europe’s top clubs, but he is expected to remain at the BayArena for the forthcoming season.

“He can play in the Champions League, and then he will probably make the move to a very big club,” Matthaus predicted.

“He has shown what he is capable of.”

Further praise for the midfielder has come from his team-mate Lukas Hradecky, who stands between the posts for Leverkusen.

Hradecky says that despite Havertz’s tender years, his prowess and skill means that players are honoured to be on the same pitch as him.

“Guys here are just happy to play with him,” the goalkeeper said to kicker.

“They want to come to play with him. This elegance, tranquillity, and sense of space usually only happens to players when they are 28-years-old.”

Havertz has already smashed a number of records, becoming the club’s youngest ever league debutant in 2016, and set a new record for the youngest player to play 50 games in the Bundesliga.

Source – Goal.com

The Merseyside outfit have made the Italy international forward their priority as they look to strengthen their attack before the start of the season.

Photo by Getty Images

Everton have begun negotiations with Juventus over a move for forward Moise Kean and are expected to resume talks in the coming hours to seal a deal for the Italy international.

Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici is currently looking at thinning out his squad, having spent over €100 million (£90m/$111m) on new signings including defenders Matthijs de Ligt, Luca Pellegrini and Merih Demiral.

They have recouped €29.5m (£27m/$33m) from the sale of Leonardo Spinazzola to Roma, but now wish to offload attacking talent.

Gonzalo Higuain, Mario Mandzukic and Kean are all on the chopping block, with 19-year-old Kean having emerged as a target for the Toffees.

Sources close to the deal have told Goal that the Goodison Park outfit have already been in contact with the Bianconeri regarding the potential transfer of the forward and are not deterred by the asking price of €40m (£36m/$44m) including bonuses.

Despite both clubs being happy with the transfer fee, negotiations have slowed down as Juventus were insistent on placing a buyback clause in the agreement – something which Everton are vehemently opposed to.

Kean’s agent, Mino Raiola, is also involved in the talks, but Everton are hopeful that a deal can be reached between all parties and will resume talks on Monday.

Everton are looking strengthen their attack this summer, having sold winger Ademola Lookman to RB Leipzig for £22 million ($27m).

Kean is seen as one of the top talents in Italian football, having scored six goals in 13 Serie A appearances for Juventus last season, while also breaking into the Italy national team with two goals in his first three appearances.

Toffees boss Marco Silva said he was eager to get in new players before the start of the Premier League season, telling reporters last week that he wanted to get their transfer business done quickly.

“It should be if you really want to be competitive and to do better than last season,” he said. “Because at the end of the day, it is what we want to do: do better than last season.”

Silva also looks likely to have to replace midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye, who has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, but is waiting to see if that move materialises before bringing in a new midfielder.

“Of course, we don’t know what will happen with Gana and there is a lot of speculation but let’s see what will happen in the next few days,” he continued.

“If Gana goes then we have to replace him directly and one player has to come in with that profile and, I said to you, one clear No. 6 to come and to play.”

Mainz midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin has been touted as one possible replacement for Gueye, but Everton’s immediate concern is the arrival of Kean, with talks set to continue today.

Source – Goal.com

Raheem Sterling is in no hurry to take the captain’s armband at Manchester City and insists the club has “a lot of good candidates”.

Raheem Sterling says he is “developing and maturing” at Manchester City

Sterling, 24, has developed into one of the most influential players at the Etihad after an impressive fourth season with the club in which he scored 25 goals in all competitions.

City have yet to name a permanent successor to former skipper Vincent Kompany, with manager Pep Guardiola claiming the players will decide.

David Silva has taken on the role during most of pre-season, but Kevin De Bruyne, Fernandinho and Sergio Aguero have all been touted as potential captains.

Sterling said: “It’s not something that I’m fussed about really. It has to be natural, you can’t force it.

“I’m not going to start shouting on the pitch now Vinny’s gone. Your team-mates have to see you in that light.

“The manager and us as players will make the right choice. We’ve got a lot of good candidates here.

“David has been here for god knows how long – he’s been in the country longer than I have. There is Kevin, Dinho [Fernandinho], we have a lot of players who can fill it.

“People do ask me a lot of questions for an opinion. I’m developing and maturing and people around the club can see that. I do have quite a say in the changing room and they do ask my opinion.”

Source – Sky Sports