List of All Articles with Tag 'football'

Jarrod Bowen’s last-minute winner saw West Ham end their 43-year wait for a trophy with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League final. The Hammers won a first piece of silverware since 1980’s FA Cup, and a first European trophy since 1965, on a historic and emotional night in Prague. Yes, it may be only Europe’s third-tier competition, the one treated as an unwanted distraction by Tottenham, among others, in its inaugural form last season. But this is West Ham. The West Ham who routinely see relegation as an occupational hazard. The West Ham who made a song and dance of leaving their old stadium and an almighty hash of moving into the new one. The West Ham who had to go begging to their former manager to save them from the drop, 18 months after they got rid of him when he had done just that. Just nine weeks ago that same manager watched as the away fans unfurled a ‘Moyes Out’ banner during a scratchy 1-0 win over Fulham, which likely saved his job. Now David Moyes has written his name in West Ham folklore, joining Ron Greenwood and John Lyall as trophy-winning Hammers managers. A place in next season’s Europa League means the club has qualified for Europe three campaigns in a row, for the first time. And what a way to sign off for Declan Rice, destined to leave this summer but with the legacy of becoming only the third captain, along with Bobby Moore and Billy Bonds, to lift silverware in the club’s 128-year history. The Hammers have given their fans, 5,000 of whom were – officially at least – in attendance and the 20,000-or so who just wanted to be in Prague for their first European final in 47 years, the ride of their lives. A campaign that began in August – three prime ministers ago – and has taken in trips to Denmark (twice), Belgium, Romania, Cyprus, Belgium again, and the Netherlands, finally culminated in a glory night in the Czech capital. West Ham’s supporters occupied at least two thirds of the Eden Arena and could have sold out the 20,000-seater stadium three times over, so it was a shame to see hundreds of empty seats in the Fiorentina end. Their travelling support has been almost exclusively good-natured throughout the campaign, so it was also a shame to see West Ham fans throwing missiles onto the pitch at Fiorentina players. They were mainly plastic pint cups, but just before half-time at least one more sinister object left Fiorentina captain Cristiano Biraghi with a nasty cut on the back of his head, forcing referee Carlos Del Cerro Grande to briefly halt play while a message over the PA system implored the fans to stop throwing missiles. A UEFA inquest will surely follow. At the next Fiorentina corner Christian Kouame’s header came back off a post and Luka Jovic prodded in the rebound, but to West Ham’s – and particularly goalkeeper Alphonse Areola’s – relief he was flagged offside. The Hammers occasionally threatened on the counter-attack in a predictably cagey first half, but Michail Antonio’s low shot was saved by Pietro Terracciano and an effort from Rice from Vladimir Coufal’s half-cleared throw bounced wide. Del Cerro Grande had frustrated West Ham with some strange decisions, but not even the eccentric Spanish referee could turn down their appeals for a penalty on the hour after checking the pitchside monitor. The ball clearly hit Biraghi’s hand after Bowen controlled it with his chest, and Said Benrahma tucked the spot-kick high into the net in front of the Hammers’ faithful. But Fiorentina equalised just four minutes later when Nicolas Gonzalez won a header and the ball fell for Giacomo Bonaventura to control and fire between Rice and Nayef Aguerd into the far corner. They almost immediately took the lead but Rolando Mandragora steered his shot wide from in front of goal. But West Ham regained their composure and Tomas Soucek, back at the home ground of his former club Slavia Prague, was twice denied by Terracciano. Then came the big moment. Lucas Paqueta’s through-ball finally caught out Fiorentina’s high line and there was Bowen, scampering clear and slotting past Terracciano. Cue bedlam on the pitch, on the touchline and in the stands. The wait was over and West Ham could finally celebrate some silverware. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Jos Buttler believes Moeen Ali will thrive on return to England’s Test side Travis Head says attention on star man Steve Smith helped him excel World Snooker chairman Steve Dawson: We will continue to stamp out corruption

The Europa Conference League final was stopped briefly after West Ham fans threw objects towards Fiorentina’s players. Plastic pint glasses were hurled from the West Ham end throughout the first half at the Eden Arena in Prague. Referee Carlos Del Cerro Grande eventually halted play after Fiorentina captain Cristiano Biraghi was hit by another missile as he went to take a corner shortly before half-time. Biraghi had suffered a cut to the back of his head and required treatment and a bandage. A message over the PA system urged supporters to stop throwing objects on to the pitch and to respect the players, before play eventually resumed with the score still 0-0. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Lionel Messi has announced he is to join Major League Soccer side Inter Miami. The 35-year-old Argentina forward had been strongly linked with a move to Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, to join a league which already features Cristiano Ronaldo and now Karim Benzema. However, with Messi’s two-year contract at Paris St Germain coming to an end this month, the World Cup winner confirmed in a joint interview with Spanish publications Mundo Deportivo and Sport he was set to head to the United States. “I made the decision that I am going to go to Miami,” Messi said. “I still haven’t closed it one hundred per cent. I’m missing some things, but we decided to continue on the path.” MLS franchise Miami are co-owned by former England captain David Beckham. The Florida side recently sacked Beckham’s former Manchester United and England team-mate Phil Neville as coach and are currently bottom of the 15-team Eastern Conference, but remain a fiercely ambitious club. Messi had also been linked with a move back to his former club Barcelona, but confirmed when that was not set to go through, he opted for a fresh challenge in the USA. “If the Barcelona thing didn’t work out, I wanted to leave Europe, get out of the spotlight and think more in my family,” he said. “I really wanted, I was very excited to be able to return (to Barcelona), but after having experienced what I experienced and the exit I had, I did not want to be in the same situation again – waiting to see what was going to happen. “I heard that they had to sell players or lower players’ salaries and the truth is that I didn’t want to go through that, nor take charge of obtaining something that had to do with all that.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Travis Head says attention on star man Steve Smith helped him excel at Lord’s World Snooker chairman Steve Dawson: We will continue to stamp out corruption Most difficult year of my life – Alexander Zverev makes French Open semis again

Lionel Messi has confirmed he will complete a free transfer move to American side Inter Miami, ending rumours he would join former rival Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia. The Argentinian World Cup-winner leaves Paris Saint-Germain after two years in Ligue 1 and now heads to MLS, his first senior club outside of Europe having spent his entire career at Barcelona prior to joining PSG. Speaking in an exclusive interview to Sport and Mundo Deportivo, Messi confirmed: “I’m going to join Inter Miami. The decision is 100% confirmed. “If it had been a matter of money, I’d have gone to Saudi Arabia or elsewhere. It seemed like a lot of money to me. The truth is that my final decision goes elsewhere and not because of money”. With the deal yet to officially go through, exact details of length of contract and how much he will earn are still to be confirmed Inter Miami is owned by David Beckham and Jorge Mas, an American businessman, and are currently competing in just their fourth-ever season as an MLS club. They currently sit bottom of the Eastern Conference and fired former England defender and Lionesses manager Phil Neville as head coach at the start of June. Messi has won 174 caps with the Argentina national team, scoring 102 goals along the way – both national team records by an enormous distance. After going close to success with the Albiceleste on more than one occasion, he finally tasted glory with his nation when they won the 2021 Copa America, before following that up last year and triumphing at the 2022 World Cup. More to follow... Read More First golf, now football? Saudi Arabia’s plan after 72 hours that changed everything Messi agrees ‘in principle’ on next move after PSG exit Why has Saudi Arabia become big player in world sport and what does future hold?

Football's world governing body Fifa made false and misleading statements about the reduced environmental impact of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a Swiss regulator said on Wednesday. The Swiss Fairness Commission, the self-regulatory body of the advertising and communications industry, made its determination after investigating five claims that Zurich-based Fifa marketed the tournament as being carbon neutral. The commission, which issues recommendations, but no state-enforceable judgements, advised Fifa from making unsubstantiated claims in future. It said complainants usually implement its recommendations voluntarily. Fifa did not respond to a request for comment. Complainants from Switzerland, France, Belgium, the UK and the Netherlands said Fifa made false statements in its communications about carbon neutrality at the World Cup, the commission said. "The Second Chamber of the Commission has now upheld all five complaints following a complex process," it added. Fifa had promoted the Qatar World Cup as the first completely climate-neutral tournament, saying it was committed to reducing and offsetting carbon emissions it generated. But the Climate Alliance, a network of groups which launched the complaint last year, was concerned about the environmental impact from the construction of air-conditioned stadiums and the thousands of fans who flew to the tournament. In its decision, the commission said it should not be claimed that sustainability goals have been achieved if there are no definitive and generally accepted methods for measuring them, or ensuring measures have been implemented. "Fifa was not able to provide proof that the claims were accurate during the proceedings as required by the commission," it said. Raphael Mahaim, from the group Lawyers for the Climate, said he was delighted with the ruling which he said exposed Fifa's greenwashing. "Fifa said it was taking the climate change seriously, and taking the credit for this, and this wasn’t true," he said. Fifa's claims were damaging because it meant companies and individuals scaling back their own action to reduce their carbon emissions because they thought Fifa had offset them. "Ultimately, false claims like this damage the campaign for carbon neutrality," said Mahaim, who is also a Swiss MP for the Green Party. Reuters Read More Everything wrong with the Qatar World Cup This is the side of the World Cup that Qatar would prefer you ignore The man who was jailed after working on Qatar’s World Cup Newcastle owners take majority stakes in four Saudi clubs including Al Nassr Sarina Wiegman frustrated over timing of players being released for World Cup Women’s World Cup faces ‘betrayal’ of European TV blackout

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Ederson has vowed to dye his hair blue again if Manchester City win the Champions League. The goalkeeper marked his fifth Premier League title by adopting a new look and will celebrate in the same style if Pep Guardiola’s team beat Internazionale in Istanbul. The Brazilian revealed the inspiration came from his daughter but is adamant his brighter hairstyle will only be a short-term affair. He explained: “My daughter asked me to dye my hair blue for that. It was a kid’s spray that comes out with water. Of course, if we are champions again, I’ll dye my hair blue again, but only with the kid’s spray that comes out with water – nothing permanent.” Ederson is waiting to discover if any of his teammates will join him in looking, if not feeling, blue. “I’m not sure,” he said. The 29-year-old has been practicing in case the game on Saturday goes to a penalty shootout, which would give him the chance to be the hero. He added: “We will work on every requirement: whether that is finishing, crosses, penalties. In this game, we need to be prepared for any circumstance over 90 minutes, and 120 or penalties if necessary. We need to be ready for any situation so that nothing surprises us.” Ederson is known for his composure as City try to pass the ball out from the back and he said he does not feel nervous. “I think any City keeper needs to be calm, to play with personality,” he added. “There are a lot of teams that try to pressure us, so you need to be calm, get the ball under control and have the vision to find the right pass. I remember a game against Tottenham where I misplaced a pass and it led to a goal. “I said to my teammates after, ‘You can still pass to me’, because errors are part of the process. Errors help us to grow, we learn a lot from mistakes. I mainly learn from errors. You can learn a lot more from making a mistake than you can from doing thigs right, or from winning. So I always try to keep calm, to pass this calmness onto my teammates as well, so that they know that they can play the ball to me and that I’m calm enough to make the right decision.”

The Europa Conference League final takes place tonight in Prague and West Ham United have the chance to end a wait since 1980 for a piece of major silverware - but to do so they have to see off Fiorentina. David Moyes team saw off AZ Alkmaar in the semi-finals to reach this showpiece event but their domestic form was uneven at best this season - they finished 14th in the Premier League and were among the relegation candidates until the final month or so of the campaign. Over in Serie A, La Viola came eighth in the table after another campaign of progression mixed with inconsistency - they are themselves aiming for a first trophy since the 2001 Coppa Italia. Their path to the final included seeing off Sivasspor, Lech Poznan and Basel - now English opponents stand in their way. Follow our live coverage of the Europa Conference League final below: Read More Violent clashes between West Ham and Fiorentina fans lead to arrests ahead of European final Carlton Cole on West Ham’s final, a coaching career and his surprise ‘love’ of the world’s most sustainable sport West Ham vs Fiorentina live stream: How to watch Europa Conference League final online and on TV tonight

If you want a little insight into just how much the sporting world has changed in the last 72 hours, take the story of one prime footballer who previously didn’t even consider an offer from the Saudi Pro League. The numbers and headlines being shared suddenly made the player do an about-turn and contact his agent to ask whether a deal was still on the table. His mind has been changed. That player is not Neymar, although he is the next big target after Lionel Messi, and a huge offer has been put forward to the Brazilian. They are the tier of top stars, along with Cristiano Ronaldo, who connected sources insist are the only ones getting over £50m a year. Those are still game-changing sums, since they are substantially more than the pay of the entire Luton Town squad just promoted to the Premier League. This is a game-changing moment. It was Ronaldo’s initial move that sparked it. It is the LIV Golf story that has, well, brought it to the fore. It is the only true global game in football, however, that will fittingly emphasise how much sport has really transformed in the last 72 hours. What Saudi Arabia is currently attempting is a takeover of the planet’s primary cultural pursuit. Some of that does stem from genuine social programmes within the state, particularly to tackle obesity. Most of it comes from the kingdom's “sportswashing” aims, as it attempts to preserve a power structure as oil diminishes. All of it ultimately comes from crown prince Mohammed bin Salman’s marriage of brutal suppression with what human rights activist Iyed Al Baghdadi describes as a “desire to be loved”. That contrast almost perfectly scans on to what has happened with golf. The sport was split apart so the other side could be co-opted, albeit with Saudi Arabia now a part of its infrastructure. A fist and then an open hand. While football awaits similar, it should reflect on the fact that exact move has already been tried twice. The game had anticipated a first split with Gianni Infantino’s initial plan for an expanded Club World Cup in 2020, and a number of sources state that Saudi money underpinned the Softbank fund for that. That break was put off by new agreements made for the Covid pandemic, only for the ensuing financial crisis to push stricken clubs into rushing the European Super League. Again, the same sources state that Saudi money underpinned the JP Morgan loan for that. Unlike golf, however, the sport’s unique supporter culture kept the game together. It did not break. Saudi Arabia is now trying another approach. Or, rather, every other approach. The playbook set by their Gulf neighbours in Abu Dhabi and Qatar has been followed and significantly updated, as the world now moves onto the next stage. Saudi Arabia first went down the simple sponsorship route, as was most visible in so many deals with Manchester United. They then sought to fund the plans of others, as with Fifa's Club World Cup, while staging events such as the Italian and Spanish Super Cups. They then bought a club in the most prominent league in the world, with Newcastle United. They are now seeking to revamp their domestic league, all to build up to the most traditional form of sportswashing of all, which is the staging of the World Cup itself. That is the great ambition for 2030, which is of course the year marked for the culmination of Bin Salman’s grand economic plan. It was as part of the announcement of the latest plans for ‘Vision 2030’ that a new era for the Saudi Pro League was launched. One irony is that the overhaul of the domestic league could otherwise be seen as the most legitimate development in all of this. Saudi Arabia has a vibrant young population that is obsessed with the sport, and a very strong and long-standing football culture. It has produced a series of fine teams at Asian club level as well as two highly respectable World Cup performances, and the quality is generally described as good. There's even an argument a vibrant league has just been waiting to be developed there. It’s just that’s impossible to isolate from Bin Salman’s wider political aims, FairSquare describing it as “central to Saudi Arabia’s soft power strategy”. There is similarly a belief within football that the unusual nature of the overhaul could represent a model that soon spreads and upends the wider game. It admittedly isn’t expected to be as bombastic as the Chinese Super League, which briefly sent waves through the sport through huge fees and wages back in 2016-17. The Saudi Pro League is nevertheless seen as more of a disruptor because it is more sustainable. As part of the plan, the Public Investment Fund have taken over four of Saudi Arabia’s top football clubs - Al Ahli; Al Hilal; Al Nassr, who have Ronaldo, and Al Ittihad, who will have Karim Benzema. Those with direct knowledge of the preparations say the rationale is from research that the most vibrant leagues have a “top four”, in order to create a sense of competition around popular big clubs to drive broadcasting markets. "You've got to have a top four," in the simple words of one source. This has already led to some internal friction, as Riyadh’s third biggest club - Al-Shabab - have now missed out. They are instead one of 12 clubs who will likely get one top foreign player each, but the new big four will get three. The aim is then for this to raise the level of Saudi football as a whole, alongside the value of the league. It is hoped to make it worth £400m a season by that landmark year of 2030. The initial idea is that it becomes the natural home for stars in their mid-thirties looking for a last payday, since there is an obvious space there. The Chinese Super League is now gone as a force and the USA’s Major League Soccer is too constrained by regulation. The Saudi Pro League also has the attraction of huge crowds, unlike Abu Dhabi or Qatar. From there, the age of foreign stars would gradually be brought down, as the quality of homegrown players goes up. A number of big football industry figures have been invited over for consultations over the last few months and they have been struck by the substance of the idea. There is a belief that, while the competition can’t ever get to Premier League levels, the money involved can eventually bring it to a point where there are more high-profile prime stars than either Ligue 1 and Serie A. “It’s not going to be a significant league in the true sense,” one prominent source argued, “but it could be an interesting league.” To do that, though, the competition is going to need proper structure and regulation and that is where some of those consulted have been struck by the “eruption” of the last few days. It is like it all suddenly got super-charged. The Saudi state announcement ensured offers for players have been flying around, some of them greatly increased after the initial refusal, some of them clearly from actors looking to exploit the situation. Players have been getting contacted by six different intermediaries, all insisting they represent the same client or club. One source tells the story of a players called by an agent who claimed to be sitting right beside a “prominent member of the royal family, who loves you”. Another call minutes later revealed that to be bogus. “It’s creating chaos,” the source says. Others with knowledge of the Saudi plans do insist some of the numbers going around are also bogus. While there is an admittance Ronaldo, Neymar and Messi would be on the highest figures, they are adamant those for Benzema and N’Golo Kante do not go beyond £50m and £30m a year, respectively. After that, it is a sliding scale, if still an attractive one. Maybe not attractive enough for Messi, though. As of Wednesday afternoon, and despite extensive negotiations with his father Jorge, the Argentine agreed a deal in principle with MLS franchise Inter Miami. The Messis have kept the door open, though. The Saudi Pro League will meanwhile just move onto the next major target, which is Neymar. Messi’s decision nevertheless points to a potential “new world” in football, that has inevitably risen with the sport’s recent explosion in global popularity, and potentially has opposite poles represented by the hosts of the next two World Cups. While the USA already has 2026 along with Canada and Mexico, Saudi Arabia is currently the favourite for 2030. That’s what much of this is building up to. There will be a powerful emotional pull on the process since that year represents the centenary of the first ever World Cup in Montevideo, as marked by a joint bid from Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. Another bid from Spain, Portugal and Ukraine will be similarly alluring. It is maybe the strongest ever field of bids, but Saudi Arabia has a strong claim of its own - namely in money. Despite the fact any such bid would face an avalanche of criticism over human rights, Qatar is already seen as crossing a threshold there, and the Kingdom has been canny in who it has corralled into its bid. The inclusion of Greece will split European votes. The inclusion of Egypt will split North African votes. There is even a theory now openly being stated that a deal will eventually be done with South America to bring Uruguay in. Montevideo would then be able to host the opening game, with Saudi Arabia underwriting the costs. This is the power of that kind of money, that football is proving as unresistant to as golf. It is why the reshaping of the Saudi Pro League is being viewed as the most interesting move - and, in many quarters, the most ominous move - of all. Many in football believe it represents a template for autocratic states eventually buying stakes in leagues. Private equity groups like CVC have already attempted similar with a number of sporting competitions, including La Liga. It would make sense, at least in sport’s perpetually greedy world, for states to be the next step. For many, up against the unparalleled power of the Premier League, it could even prove obvious. Such unintended consequences are how football repeatedly gets itself into such situations. If it is a struggle for anyone else to match the Premier League's power, then just do a deal with an autocratic state to lift the competition as a whole. The Premier League itself may not even be off-limits. “Anything is possible,” one prominent football executive says. The Premier League would just need to issue new shares and require a change of articles with a 75% vote, along with Football Association approval. Or, a new league could just be set up inviting clubs to join. “And you can be sure the football authorities aren’t even thinking about such challenges,” the same source argues. A mistaken recent belief in football has long been that any regulation can only ever be reactionary. It has left the sport unable to resist the influence of private equity and autocratic states. By the time those in power realise there are problems with that, it is all too integrated; the imperfect marriage of short-term greed from within and long-term political aims from outside. That has already happened in the sport as a whole, as an Abu Dhabi project at Manchester City aim for a treble. The entire era may now be moving onto its next stage, centred in Saudi Arabia. Read More Lionel Messi agrees ‘in principle’ on next move after PSG exit Rory McIlroy welcomes Saudi money in golf: ‘Would you rather have them as a partner or an enemy?’ The year that sportswashing won: A season that changed football forever Why has Saudi Arabia become big player in world sport and what does future hold? Karim Benzema says it is ‘impossible’ to forget Real Madrid as he bids farewell Where might Lionel Messi go next after Paris St Germain spell ends?

Kyle Walker was considering Manchester City’s place in the pantheon. He was thinking about Manchester United; not the United group he and his teammates beat in the FA Cup final a few days ago, either. Pep Guardiola’s City are taking on the Internazionale side of 2023 and the great Premier League sides of the past alike. Walker has his eye on a place in history, a status among the greats. Which, he feels, their achievements in England have earned them. But there is a conspicuous absence from their trophy cabinet, the Champions League that United’s treble winners claimed in 1999, that has eluded City so far. And that, Walker believes, will elevate them in the eyes of many. “It doesn’t define what this squad has achieved over the last six years, it doesn’t define us if we go on and win this or not,” the right-back reflected. “It helps massively to say that we can be put in that category of probably one of the best Premier League teams of all time. We don’t win five Premier Leagues in six years if we are not a good team. We know we are a good team but to be recognised globally as one of the best you need to win the Champions League.” Which City could have done in 2021, but they were beaten in the final by Chelsea. They were below their best that day; two years on, they are again the favourites. “We are not beating around the bush with that, we know this is now a great opportunity, we have a second chance definitely with Pep and the group of players who have stayed around,” added Walker. “We need to put right the wrongs we did against Chelsea.” There is little doubt that, domestically, City are the best team of their era. Liverpool proved valiant opponents in an epic duel but the trophy count can look one-sided: Guardiola has five Premier Leagues, Jurgen Klopp one. Yet in Europe, the scoreline is very different: City 0, the modern-day Liverpool 1. Greatness comes in different guises, of course, and Walker bracketed the Arsenal team of 2004 alongside United’s class of 1999: Arsene Wenger’s team never conquered Europe but have the unique feat of completing an English top-flight season in the 20th or 21st centuries unbeaten. City, meanwhile, have set points records and equalled Sir Alex Ferguson’s return of five titles in six seasons. “Of course, I think that United team, along with the Invincibles, is probably up there with the best Premier League teams of all time,” Walker said. “What us and Liverpool, to a certain extent, have done where we have been battling for the last number of years, I think we should be in consideration - both teams as we both have fantastic players – but they have silverware and they have got the big Champions League trophy that we can never say we have got. For us to be in contention of that, we need to go and pick up this.” For Walker, there was a particularly painful coda to City’s failure to perform in the 2021 final. There are times when he has been pleased to see Mason Mount, Reece James and Ben Chilwell. When the England squad met up for Euro 2020, however, it was not one of them. They had shared a pitch a few days earlier, but their emotions were very different: James, not Walker, was the Champions League-winning right-back, Mount the man who set up the only goal in the final. The Chelsea trio emerged triumphant and Walker soon had to see them again. “I didn’t really have much time to get over it as I had to tune back into England and go and compete in a tournament for my country,” Walker recalled. “It was hard seeing all the Chelsea boys there. You say congratulations to them because they are your teammates now but it was tough.” If Walker’s powers of recovery were such that he was named in the team of the tournament for Euro 2020. And yet it was a summer of disappointment. “Then I experienced a loss against Italy in the final and then I had to pick myself up again and get ready for the season. That’s football, it’s part of your career that everything is not going to go swimmingly well.” It was a reminder that even the most successful can miss out on more trophies than they win. For club, as well as country, he hopes for a case of second time lucky. “I don’t think any great team goes straight to the final and wins it,” he said. “I think you always have to go through setbacks, those nearly games, those losses.” Claim the Champions League and Walker and his friend John Stones will be arguably the most decorated English players of their generation, though the right-back did not get a first major trophy until he was almost 28. A wait for glory has been a theme: for him, for City, 12 years into their Champions League adventure, and on Saturday. “I’m 33 now so I wouldn’t say I get nervous,” said Walker. “I hate eight o’clock games because it is the wait of all day to go to the game. I’d rather it kicked off at three o’clock and then it is done then.” Instead, it begins at 10pm Turkish time, leaving Walker contemplating a sleepless afternoon. “You can’t bring the game forward. I just have to deal with it and have a little nap in the afternoon,” he said. “Then I don’t sleep after the game. It’s Sod’s law, isn’t it?” Sod’s law may appear to be a theme of City’s last few years in the Champions League: if something could go wrong, it often did, sometimes in strange circumstances. But if it goes right on Saturday, City will have emulated United and with a stronger case for greatness. Read More Ederson ready to bet Champions League glory on continuing to ‘play with personality’ Man City’s Kyle Walker vows to make Champions League final after injury scare Finals are 50-50 – Kevin De Bruyne not saying City are favourites to beat Inter Jude Bellingham to become the eighth Brit to play for Real Madrid Ederson ready to bet Man City glory on continuing to ‘play with personality’ Sheikh Jassim wants answer by Friday after submitting final bid for Man Utd

Czech police have detained several people following a clash between West Ham and Fiorentina fans ahead of the Europa Conference League final in Prague on Wednesday. The force said Italian fans attacked West Ham fans in a bar in the country’s capital, with three people being left injured as a result. It was also confirmed a police officer had been attacked during the incident. Following the clash, 16 people were detained as police “restricted the personal freedom” of those suspected to be involved. A translation of a Czech police tweet said: “Italy fans attacked West Ham fans in a bar in Rytirska Street, injuring three. One policeman was also attacked. We have restricted the personal freedom of 16 people and we are currently investigating the whole incident.” Outside the Tek’ila Tek’ila bar in the city centre, a burnt-out chair and broken glass were seen littered across the ground. One West Ham fan, who did not want to be named, said “a large group” of Italian fans attacked the bar. “About eight Italians walked past, swinging bands and chains,” he said. “Five minutes later there was a big group that come down the road and attacked us.” The man said five West Ham fans were injured. He said: “Three of our mates (were injured), out of all of this lot there were five. Three of them were our mates. They’ve gone to hospital.” He added that one of his friends was “quite badly” injured with a “massive cut” on his head. Videos were also shared on social media appearing to show people throwing chairs at each other in Prague on Wednesday. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Sheffield United release Billy Sharp after promotion to Premier League Man City keeper Ederson will not opt for safe option in Champions League final Kyle Walker insists Champions League win will not define Man City’s achievements

Czech police have detained 16 people after violent clashes between West Ham United and Fiorentina fans marred the build-up to the Europa Conference League final in Prague. A group of black-clad Fiorentina fans attacked Hammers supporters in a bar in central Prague on Wednesday afternoon, injuring three patrons, authorities said. Videos on social media showed fans setting off flares and throwing tables at the bar located just off Prague’s Old Town Square. A police officer was also attacked. “Italy fans attacked West Ham fans in a bar on Rytirska street, injuring three,” Czech police said on Twitter. “A police officer was also attacked. We have restricted the personal liberty of 16 people.” More than 10,000 officers are on duty in the Czech capital with major security concerns around the game given the vast numbers of supporters who have travelled without tickets. An estimated 20,000 West Ham fans are believed to have travelled to Prague, even though the club’s allocation of match tickets was fewer than 6,000, given the small size of Slavia Prague’s stadium hosting the showpiece. Uefa have also promised a beefed-up security presence at the Eden Arena as the governing body are desperate to avoid a repeat of the chaotic scenes that marred last season’s Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid in Paris. Additional reporting by Reuters and PA Read More Carlton Cole on West Ham’s final, a coaching career and his surprise ‘love’ of the world’s most sustainable sport I might miss flight home if West Ham win European title, says fan in Prague West Ham fans take over Prague ahead of Europa Conference League final