Designed to help referees correct clear and obvious mistakes in goals, penalties, red cards, and cases of mistaken identity, VAR was expected to improve decision-making across the top flight.
However, as the 2025/26 season unfolds, the conversation continues around whether the system is helping or hindering the flow and fairness of the game.
With data compiled from Squawka and fan polls conducted on X (formerly Twitter), a new Premier League table has been created that removes the influence of confirmed VAR mistakes made so far this season.
The alternative table assumes penalties wrongly not awarded would have been scored and includes decisions that either wrongly disallowed or allowed goals, among other key incidents.
Despite a few errors benefitting them, the current bottom three clubs remain unchanged in the table without VAR mistakes.
Wolverhampton Wanderers, sitting at the foot of the table with just two points, saw one major call go their way—Yerson Mosquera avoiding a red card in their 1-0 loss to Newcastle—but it didn’t affect their overall standing. ..Continue Reading
West Ham United were also the beneficiaries of a VAR mistake when Tottenham had a goal ruled out for a push on Kyle Walker-Peters. However, this decision also didn’t change their league position, and they remain in 19th with four points.
15. Brentford – 6 points 16. Leeds United – 6 points 17. Nottingham Forest – 5 points 18. Burnley – 4 points 19. West Ham United – 4 points 20. Wolverhampton Wanderers – 2 points
Burnley and Nottingham Forest have both been involved in controversial VAR calls this season, but their positions in the relegation zone also remain unchanged.
Leeds United, on the other hand, have slightly benefited from VAR mistakes, earning two extra points that currently keep them in 15th. Without VAR interference, they would be sitting in 16th, just above Brentford, who would have moved up one place.
Mid-Table Shifts
Some clubs in the lower half of the table saw their positions change slightly due to VAR decisions.
Aston Villa, currently enduring a rough patch, have had two decisions go in their favour and none against them. Still, removing those helps only slightly, moving them from 13th to 14th.
Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion are among the clubs negatively affected. Manchester United would drop two spots, from 10th to 12th, had VAR errors not occurred.
A major incident involved Nathan Collins not being sent off for a last-man challenge on Bryan Mbeumo. Fulham are the biggest losers from VAR decisions so far.
They sit 14th in the real table but would rise to 11th without incorrect calls. One of the major blunders involved a disallowed goal by Josh King against Chelsea, wrongly chalked off due to a supposed foul by Rodrigo Muniz.
11. Fulham – 10 points 12. Manchester United – 10 points 13. Brighton & Hove Albion – 9 points 14. Aston Villa – 9 points
Top Half Changes
Sunderland, in their first season back in the Premier League, have started strong. However, in the table without VAR mistakes, they drop one place—purely due to other teams gaining more from VAR reversals.
Newcastle United would be two points better off without VAR, climbing two spots. One major incident was a denied penalty to Nick Woltemade during a goalless draw against Bournemouth.
Chelsea have benefitted from VAR, currently sitting one place higher than they would be otherwise. The Blues are the only team to have had three decisions go in their favour.
Everton, despite their impressive start, are slightly worse off due to VAR errors. They would gain one point and rise one position without them. A key mistake involved a late penalty given against them in their loss to Leeds.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth and Manchester City both lose ground without VAR. Bournemouth would drop two places from fourth to sixth, while City, who have had VAR go in their favour more than against them, would also drop two places.
5. Manchester City – 13 points 6. Bournemouth – 13 points 7. Everton – 12 points 8. Chelsea – 12 points 9. Newcastle United – 11 points 10. Sunderland – 11 points
The Top Four Shuffle
In the revised standings, Crystal Palace would move up two spots into third place after two VAR mistakes went against them. Without those, they’d be two points better off.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are the club that has benefited the most from VAR in the Premier League this season. Without VAR errors, the Gunners would fall from third to eighth.
One early example was their season-opening win over Manchester United, where William Saliba was lucky not to concede a penalty.
Tottenham and Liverpool also benefit from a VAR-less league. Spurs, now managed by Thomas Frank, would rise from third to second, while Liverpool would take top spot, swapping places with Arsenal.
1. Liverpool – 15 points 2. Tottenham Hotspur – 14 points 3. Crystal Palace – 14 points 4. Arsenal – 14 points
While VAR was introduced to eliminate major officiating errors, its influence continues to generate debate.
The adjusted 2025/26 Premier League table shows just how much of an impact a few key calls can have—some teams have seen their fortunes improve significantly, while others may feel hard done by.
As the season progresses, the role of VAR will remain under scrutiny, especially for teams battling for survival or pushing for European qualification.
The Supercomputer’s updated forecast for the 2025-26 Premier League season sees..Continue Reading
Arsenal crowned champions, with Liverpool trailing by seven points and Manchester City settling for third.
Following the first seven rounds of the campaign, the Supercomputer powered by Plejmo has recalibrated its expectations for the final standings.
Last season, while many anticipated Manchester City’s dominance, it was Liverpool under Arne Slot who stormed to their 20th English league title, reclaiming their historic status.
Arsenal secured second place for the third consecutive season, and Pep Guardiola’s squad rallied late to finish third. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest stunned with European qualification, while Tottenham and Manchester United endured historically poor seasons.
Now, fresh simulations have been run based on the fixture list and early performances. Here’s how the table is projected to shape up:
Relegation Zone
– Burnley are expected to finish bottom with 33 points.
– Wolves, still winless after seven games, are predicted to concede 78 goals and land in 19th.
– West Ham, under Nuno Espirito Santo, are tipped for 18th with 40 points.
Survival looks likely for Leeds United and Sunderland, both sitting on 41 points, with Brentford narrowly above the drop zone.
Bottom Half
– Manchester United remain troubled under Ruben Amorim, projected to finish 14th with 43 points.
– Fulham are expected to replicate last season’s 13th-place finish.
– Everton, despite new ownership and signings like Jack Grealish, are forecasted to land in 12th.
– Brighton & Hove Albion, led by Fabian Hurzeler, are predicted to drop to 11th.
Top Half
– Nottingham Forest, now under Ange Postecoglou, are projected to fall to 10th.
– Aston Villa could climb to 9th, despite early struggles.
– Newcastle United, even after losing Alexander Isak, are expected to finish 8th.
– Bournemouth, under Andoni Iraola, are tipped for 7th and a Europa Conference League spot.
– Crystal Palace, guided by Oliver Glasner, are forecasted to finish 6th, securing Europa League qualification.
– Tottenham, rebounding from last season’s 17th-place, are projected to finish 5th.
Top Four
– Chelsea, under Todd Boehly’s leadership, are predicted to finish 4th, just one point above fifth.
– Manchester City are expected to settle for 3rd, with Erling Haaland in strong form.
– Liverpool, despite record-breaking signings like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, are forecasted to finish 2nd.
– Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta, are projected to win the league with 90 points, finally ending a two-decade title drought.
Chelsea fans had every right to celebrate this summer. The club won the Conference League and then the Club World Cup. They had trophies. They had swagger. For a while, the mood felt untouchable.
Then Bayern Munich handed Chelsea a reality check. The Allianz Arena was loud. The outing ended 3–1. Harry Kane scored twice. Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah put through his own net in the 20th minute. Kane also converted a penalty. Cole Palmer pulled one back quickly for Chelsea, but Kane finished the game in the 63rd minute, and Bayern never looked back. The headlines were brutal and deserved.
The stats tell the story. Bayern had 55.7% possession and 16 shots. Chelsea had 44.3% and nine attempts. Bayern had six corners to Chelsea’s two. Chelsea made chances, yes. But they also made mistakes. One error on the edge of their box was punished instantly. ESPN’s match sheet shows the defensive lapses and the final numbers.
Bayern didn’t stop with the win. Their U.S. account asked, cheekily, “Are we world champions now?” after the match. It was a poke and a reminder that big clubs love to rub it in when they can. The tweet landed like a message: your smaller trophies do not equal this level.
This result isn’t an overreaction. Chelsea’s Conference League triumph was real. The Club World Cup was real. But those trophies do not suddenly make a side ready to stand toe-to-toe with the elite every week. The Champions League is different. The pace is higher. The small mistakes are punished harder. The players Bayern fielded know this instinctively. They found Chelsea’s weak spot and went through it.
So what should Chelsea do now? Their remaining Champions League fixtures are not so easy. They go home to Stamford Bridge to face Benfica on September 30. Then Ajax on October 22, followed by Qarabağ (who came from 2 goals down to beat Benfica) on November 5, and Barcelona at home on November 25. The draw is brutal in its variety. Chances must be taken when they come. These are simple demands, but they matter more here than in the Conference League.
If Chelsea fails to qualify from the league phase, the consequences will be clear and harsher than before. Under the new Champions League format, there is no safety net. Teams that fail to make the knockout places DO NOT drop into the Europa League. Once you are out, you are out. UEFA changed that rule to make the league phase mean more (and this makes the new UCL format better, anyway). That should scare clubs that treat the group stage as a consolation prize. Chelsea must treat every match like a final.
This week’s loss will sting. It should. But it can also be useful. A reality check forces improvement. It exposes thin places in the squad and the system. It reveals who handles pressure and who crumbles. Chelsea has time to respond. They have talent. Palmer showed his class with a lightning goal. But talent alone won’t be enough. Tactical discipline will.
There is also a psychological angle. Fans who’ve drunk the champagne of a few unlikely trophies must now face a humbling truth. Celebrations are fun. They should not be a substitute for squad building. Winning a Conference League and a Club World Cup can lift a club’s profile. But they do not rewrite competitive hierarchies overnight. Bayern proved that. The test starts now. Benfica, Ajax and Barcelona will not be gentle. The Blues have to stop seeing past glories as proof that they are there yet. They’re not.
So, expect banter. Expect memes. Expect Club and fans trolling on X. But expect Chelsea to learn. That is the best hope. If Maresca gets his tactics right and the players stop gifting chances, Chelsea can still make the knockout rounds. If they don’t, the new Champions League gives them no second chance. And remember: in this competition, yesterday’s trophy means nothing tomorrow.
Everton are reportedly lining up a sensational swoop for Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian expected to be available for around £25-30 million next year, according to AS Roma Live.
The 28-year-old has struggled for consistent game time at the Emirates following the arrival of Viktor Gyökeres this summer. With Kai Havertz also ahead of him in the pecking order, Jesus looks set to move on in search of regular football.
Why Jesus to Everton makes sense
For Everton, this could be a golden opportunity. The Toffees have lacked firepower in the final third and securing a proven Premier League forward like Jesus could transform their attack. Having already enjoyed success with Manchester City and Arsenal, the Brazilian brings not only goals but also creativity and versatility across the front three.
Sean Dyche’s men are desperate to climb back into the top half of the table, and an experienced striker with Jesus’ pedigree could be the difference-maker. His ability to link play, press from the front, and create openings for teammates makes him far more than just a poacher.
A bargain opportunity?
At £25-30 million, Jesus represents a potentially shrewd piece of business. Despite recent struggles, he remains a proven match-winner when fit and confident. For Everton, it could be the kind of marquee signing that lifts the entire squad.
The bigger picture
While European clubs are also monitoring the situation, the lure of staying in the Premier League could work in Everton’s favour. Arsenal, meanwhile, are open to cashing in as they reshape their forward line around Gyökeres.
For Gabriel Jesus, Goodison Park could offer the perfect stage to reignite his career. For Everton, it might just be the move that changes their attacking fortunes.
The Portuguese coach was dismissed by Fenerbahce last month after the Turkish side failed to secure a place in the Champions League group stage, falling short against Benfica with a narrow 1-0 aggregate loss. ..Continue Reading
Despite Fenerbahce missing out on Europe’s top club competition, Mourinho is now unexpectedly poised to return to the Champions League — this time with Benfica, the very team that knocked out his previous club.
Benfica parted ways with head coach Bruno Lage after a disappointing start to the season, culminating in a shocking 3-2 home defeat to Qarabag.
The Lisbon club had held a 2-0 lead before collapsing in the second half, prompting the board to act.
While speculation had linked current Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim with the vacant position, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reports that Mourinho has emerged as the frontrunner.
Talks are said to be progressing well, with Mourinho eager for a swift return to the sidelines and a deal possibly being finalized soon.
Mourinho began his managerial career at Benfica in September 2000, overseeing just 11 matches before departing.
Now, a return to the Estádio da Luz appears likely. If appointed, his first match in charge could be this Saturday against AVS, with a potential Champions League reunion at Stamford Bridge against his former club Chelsea on September 30.
Should an agreement be reached, this would mark Mourinho’s 12th managerial position, including two previous spells each at Chelsea and Benfica.
Benfica president Rui Costa confirmed Lage’s dismissal during a late-night press conference, where he was asked directly about the possibility of Mourinho taking over.
Replying, he said: “The profile of the next coach will have to be a ‘winning coach’.”
Portuguese broadcaster CMTV has boldly claimed that all arrangements have been finalized for José Mourinho’s comeback at Estádio da Luz.
Bruno Lage, who was enjoying his second stint in charge of Benfica after clinching the league title in the 2018/19 season during his initial tenure, is once again unemployed.
After being reinstalled as manager in September 2024, Lage guided the team to a Taça da Liga triumph over Sporting last season, but his recent dismissal has brought that chapter to a close.
Everton and West Ham United are reportedly preparing moves for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma in the upcoming January transfer window. According to Football Insider, both clubs see the 29-year-old Malian international as an ideal reinforcement in the holding midfield role.
Bissouma has struggled to cement his place at Spurs since arriving from Brighton & Hove Albion in a £25 million deal back in 2022. Despite showing glimpses of quality, the midfielder has found himself on the fringes of the squad, with Tottenham ready to offload him after a failed exit during the summer.
Bissouma’s Tottenham Struggles
Once regarded as one of the Premier League’s most dynamic ball-winners, Bissouma has failed to replicate his Brighton form in North London. Over 100 appearances later, he has just a single goal to his name and has reportedly fallen out of favour due to attitude concerns. With no long-term future at Spurs, the upcoming window could finally provide him the fresh start he craves.
Why Everton and West Ham Want Him
For Everton, the need is clear. With Idrissa Gueye nearing the twilight of his career, Sean Dyche’s side are desperate for a reliable anchor in midfield. Bissouma’s energy and Premier League experience make him a logical target.
West Ham, meanwhile, are also keeping close tabs. The Hammers face uncertainty over Guido Rodriguez’s future, leaving a potential gap in their midfield. Adding a player of Bissouma’s calibre could bolster their depth and maintain competitiveness across domestic and European campaigns.
What’s Next for Bissouma?
As January approaches, the race for Bissouma’s signature looks set to heat up. Everton and West Ham both present tempting options for the Malian, who is eager to revive his career in England. Whether it’s Merseyside or East London, a Premier League switch seems increasingly likely.
When UEFA announced the new 36-team, single-league format, a lot of people were angry. They said it was a cash grab. They warned of more games and more fatigue. They feared the old magic would die. Those critics were loud. Some players were worried, too. Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson said players were not asked and voiced concern about extra matches.
I get the worry. Change often looks greedy at first. And yes, UEFA will make more money. But watching the competition unfold shows another side. The new format gives us better nights earlier. It turns group days into real events. It forces big teams to meet sooner. And that makes the tournament more exciting.
The old system was simple. Three opponents. Six games. Too often, the big matches came too late. Fans waited for the knockouts to build drama. The new model has each club play eight opponents. No repeats. That means variety. It means real tests from the start. UEFA and many outlets argued this would lift the spectacle. The Week explained how the so-called “Swiss model” aims to make every match count.
Look at the evidence on the pitch. Last season, we did not have to wait until the last eight to get heavyweight clashes. Huge games arrived in the league phase. Paris Saint-Germain’s 4-2 victory over Manchester City is one example of the kind of high-stakes match we now see more frequently. That result mattered to the table and to fans. It would not have been part of a standard small group format in the same way.
Classic drama is still there. Great matches still happen. Inter’s extra-time win over Barcelona in 2024-25 is a reminder that the format keeps the cup feel alive. Those nights still give the tournament its lore. But the difference now is timing. We get more of those nights. We get them spread out. FourFourTwo’s recent ranking of great UCL games even notes some of these fresh classics.
Critics said this would be worse for the players. They said more games mean more fatigue. That is a fair point. Players do not want endless travel and fixtures. Alisson’s comments underline that concern. He told reporters that players often felt left out of the planning and were tired. That is a voice UEFA should not ignore.
But the call for caution is not the same as a call to cancel the format. The format was adjusted to avoid the worst outcomes. For example, the league phase has eight matches, not ten. That reduces the load from some early proposals. Analysts at ESPN laid out the early results and asked if the criticism was fair. For many fans, the answer is starting to look like “no.” The competition can be intense without being ruinous.
Another common charge was that UEFA only wanted more money. SI ran pieces arguing that the change was for profit first. That is partly true. Big tournaments are businesses. But business motives and better football are not mutually exclusive. If a format change creates more meaningful games, more big nights and more interest from casual fans, then it serves both the sport and the sport’s finances. That does not make it cynical by default.
What matters now is what the format gives fans. The group phase feels alive. There are fewer dead games. Smaller clubs get to play the big clubs more often. That is good for supporters and for the sport’s health. OneFootball’s guide explained the mechanics and why the change spreads the top fixtures across the season. That matters to broadcasters. It also matters to fans who want to see teams they care about playing the best sides more often.
We also need to judge outcomes, not just intentions. After a few matchdays, pundits who disliked the idea have softened. Some defenders of the change say the drama is back and the unpredictability is a net win. The Spectator noted how the new format can shake up old certainties. The evidence in the field supports that.
That said, this is not a final verdict. The calendar is tight. Player welfare must remain central. UEFA should keep talking to players and managers. If fatigue rises, tweaks are needed. But so far, the format has delivered the one thing fans asked for more of: big matches that matter, early and often.
In short, the new Champions League format was not perfect on day one. The debate was necessary. But the early results are persuasive. The competition feels fresher. The group phase no longer hides from big clashes. Fans see more top games without waiting for the knockout rounds. The change was risky. It was worth the risk.
If you still dislike it, ask yourself this: would you rather wait months for a single blockbuster, or watch several across the season? My bet is on the latter. Football is about nights that burn in the memory. The new format gives us more of those nights. And for now, that makes it work better than many of us first thought.
Ruben Amorim has hinted Benjamin Sesko will start in the Manchester Derby tomorrow.
The Manchester United head coach was facing the media in the embargoed section of the pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow’s match.
Asked about Sesko, he said:
“Maybe against City, it is a good moment for him to start the game.”
The subject then moved to Kobbie Mainoo and the fact the young star came close to leaving in the summer.
“And sometimes I think for some guys it’s enough. For him, it’s not enough. Maybe it’s not fair, but I think I’m helping Kobbie Mainoo and that’s it.
He will have opportunities like the other guys. If I feel during the week that he’s the best player to play, he’s going to play and I proved that already to every player here.
“I believe a lot in him. I have the same thing [opinion] that you have and that is a top, top player, but he can be so much better, so I’m focused on that.”
“I believe a lot in Kobbie. But some of you think Kobbie is done, but I think he can be so much better.
“He is a top, top player, but I think he can be better than that.”
The head coach was asked what he feels Mainoo needs to improve to earn a regular place in the side.
“I think he needs the technical ability he has, but more pace,” he replied. “He needs to understand the position better, to play in different speeds. Sometimes it’s lower, sometimes it’s faster. I think he can improve on that.”
Amorim’s comments in the first section of the presser can be read here.
Roughly 3,000 visiting supporters take up their place in the bottom corner of the Anfield Road End every other week in the Premier League, but some are noisier (and sounder) than others.
Factoring in general volume, chant creativity and class, here’s our guide to the best and worst away fans the top flight has to offer…
I quite enjoy that they appear to have leaned into their reputation as upper-class train snack enjoyers, but when the whistle goes, they might as well not be there.
18. Burnley
I haven’t got much for this one, sorry! Very football league, very on brand.
Their fans had a go when they gave us a little scare in February, but it’s never been a fixture that feels you with much dread.
17. Chelsea
They’ve got more songs about Steven Gerrard than we have which, given the success they’ve enjoyed since 2005, smacks of insecurity.
Of the traditional ‘big six’ clubs, they’ve definitely got the least about them as far as travelling support is concerned.
16. Bournemouth
The novelty of their almighty climb up the English football pyramid appears to have worn off as they have been pretty tame upon recent jaunts to L4.
There is plenty to like about Bournemouth and their fans have always been gracious towards us, but aside from their Dominic Solanke chant of a few years ago, I’m not sure I could name you a Bournemouth song.
15. Tottenham
They’ve been present at two of the biggest days of our lives and, judging by how long they stayed behind when we won the league, they didn’t seem to mind!
A couple of decent songs and relatively inoffensive, this seems a fair enough place to put them.
14. Wolves
They get very noisy and angry if a VAR decision goes against them because they’re convinced it was designed to ruin their lives.
They do have a few catchy tunes, and then there’s the ones they’ve not copied from us.
13. Arsenal
Speaking of pinching songs!
Real-life Arsenal fans should by no means be tarred with the same brush as those you encounter online, but their sub-par Anfield record across the last decade seems to have left a few scars.
For all his flaws, Mikel Arteta has raised the bar at the Emirates somewhat. Whether that translates on the road with some proper silverware remains to be seen. We might never find out, at this rate!
12. West Ham
Certainly not as good or as important as they seem to think they are, but also one of the capital’s louder sets of fans, in fairness.
Judging by their team over the first couple of weeks of the season, though, we might get a little break from them after this season!
11. Man City
While their home support lends itself to jibes and stadium nicknames like ‘The Emptihad’, the core group of matchgoing Man City supporters appear to have survived the Sheikh Mansour revolution and all its ill-fated cultural trimmings.
They are by no means the nicest bunch, but they do know how to make themselves heard, more than making up the numbers at some of the Premier League‘s greatest-ever clashes.
You won’t catch me doing the Poznan nonsense at Oasis later this month, though.
10. Sunderland
It has been far too long since the Mackems have rocked up to the Anfield Road End and, if I’m honest, I’ve had to dig deep into the memory bank in order to afford them a fair rating.
It will be no picnic when they arrive in December, but for me, they have always been slightly dwarfed by their northeast neighbours.
They won’t like to hear that, don’t grass me up!
9. Aston Villa
On their day, Aston Villa fans are among the best in the division.
For whatever reason, it has been a little more hit and miss in recent years. Still, the evidence has been sufficient to land them a top half place on this occasion.
8. Brentford
Unacquainted observers might reasonably assume singing about your own team comes as a prerequisite, but the Brentford faithful are a breath of fresh air in that regard.
Still basking in the glory of jumping two divisions in less than a decade and locking down a stable top-flight slot, the Bees are among the most likeable supporters in the league.
7. Everton
It is difficult to compare those turning up for a derby to those attending on more ‘normal’ occasions, though the pre-determined misery often inflicted upon them at Anfield isn’t particularly conducive to showing defiance across the park.
That grown adults still turn their backs towards YNWA is in fact really funny, but the 3,000 that made the short trip prior to the Bramley Moore move certainly haven’t left quite the same footprint on proceedings that tended to hamper us at the Old Lady.
6. Nottingham Forest
One of the loudest sets of away fans in the league, sometimes let down by chants that ought to be beneath them.
The banner condemning tragedy chanting presented at our home meeting in 2023 was certainly a welcome step in the right direction.
5. Man United
It pains me to do this, but it is hard to deny that our Mancunian neighbours travel better than most.
While the fun continues to be drained by Jim Ratcliffe (and long may that continue, by the way), Man United supporters continue to show up and make themselves known – certainly more than the players, anyway!
They remained in the ground during that famous 7-0 whooping a lot longer than I would have done in their shoes.
It might be a while before we see them this high up an actual table, so I suppose we should give them something!
4. Newcastle
They have become a bit annoying and picked up ideas above their station since coming into wealth, but this is unquestionably one of the most passionate fanbases in the entire country.
It would appear being topless or sporting an official club jersey are the only two acceptable methods of meeting the dress code, but the noise certainly offsets some of the weirdness.
3. Brighton
It is difficult to find much to dislike about Brighton.
Their fans are great. They have built a top-flight team about as organically as the 21st century will permit and, I’ll say it again, they sing about their own team. Plus points for that, always.
2. Leeds
Not especially pleasant, but Leeds fans will always bring the noise and their showing during the 6-0 thrashing in 2022 has always stuck with me.
Like them or loathe them, Leeds are a club that belong in the Premier League and it will be an occasion, one way or another, when we welcome them back to Anfield over Christmas.
1. Crystal Palace
If Liverpool ceased to exist and I had to pick another Premier League team to care about, I think I’d go with Crystal Palace.
A really good bunch. No club deserved the day they had at Wembley in May more than they did and they bring the pugnacious, vibrant energy from Selhurst Park every time they come.
I’ll say it one more time, they sing about their own team and that goes a long way in this day and age. You won’t hear any of the usual nonsense from them, proper football club.
Back in July, the reigning Club World Cup winners were handed a £27 million fine for breaching UEFA’s financial regulations, specifically those related to football earnings and the squad cost ratio. ..Continue Reading
Chelsea had disclosed a squad cost ratio exceeding 80% for the 2024 financial year, but they reached a settlement with UEFA to address the issue and avoid further penalties.
In a statement released afterwards, Chelsea said: “Chelsea FC greatly values its relationship with UEFA and considered it important to bring this matter to a swift conclusion by entering into a settlement agreement.”
Kaveh Solhekol of Sky Sports reported that under the terms of Chelsea’s financial settlement with UEFA, the club could only include new signings in their Champions League squad if the cost of those transfers was balanced by selling players who had featured in last season’s Conference League-winning team.
To comply, Chelsea parted ways with Noni Madueke, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Christopher Nkunku, and Nicolas Jackson, generating a record £314 million in transfer revenue.
This financial maneuver enabled the club to successfully register newcomers Alejandro Garnacho, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, and Jorrel Hato for the Champions League, meeting UEFA’s requirements without any complications.
In a statement, UEFA said: “The squad list submitted fulfilled the criteria of the settlement agreement and it was therefore already reviewed and approved before publication on UEFA’s website.”
If Chelsea had failed to meet UEFA’s financial requirements, they could have faced a penalty exceeding £70 million.
However, by offloading 23 players and securing an £18 million profit—despite investing £296 million in new talent—the club has positioned itself well for the upcoming Champions League season, a tournament they’ve won twice before.
Their 23-man squad was officially revealed on Wednesday, drawing attention with the inclusion of Alejandro Garnacho, who recently arrived from Manchester United and was listed among the forwards.
Notably absent was Facundo Buonanotte, signed on loan from Brighton. The Argentine had voiced his enthusiasm about competing on Europe’s biggest stage, but he didn’t make the cut for the squad.
Chelsea will have the opportunity to revise their squad with up to three changes in January, provided they advance beyond the league phase.
Under manager Enzo Maresca, the Blues begin their campaign on September 17 against Bayern Munich. Interestingly, Nicolas Jackson—who transferred to Bayern on deadline day—will be eligible to play against his former club.
Their group stage fixtures also include matchups with Benfica, Ajax, Qarabag, Barcelona, Atalanta, Pafos, and Napoli.
Chelsea’s squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen
Defenders: Marc Cucurella, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Jorell Hato, Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana
