Sports

Premier League: Nottingham Forest Chase Champions League Dream As Liverpool Party

Published

1 month ago

May 24, 2025

Nottingham Forest’s historic Champions League dream is still alive as they brace for a dramatic showdown against Chelsea, while Liverpool will finally get their hands on the Premier League trophy.

As the English top-flight season comes to an end on Sunday, Forest and Chelsea are among five clubs chasing the three remaining top five spots, along with Manchester City, Newcastle and Aston Villa.

Unai Emery’s Villa travel to face troubled Manchester United, whose misery was compounded by their Europa League final defeat against Tottenham in midweek.

AFP Sport picks out the main talking points ahead of this weekend’s action.

Forest dare to dream
Nottingham Forest have enjoyed a remarkable renaissance but they will still end the season with regrets if they fail to reach the Champions League.

The two-time European champions last played in the continent’s top club competition in 1980/81.

They have been resident in the top five for most of the season but have lost momentum in recent weeks and must now beat rivals Chelsea and hope Villa or Newcastle drop points.

Even though they may fail to qualify for the Champions League, Forest at least have the comfort of knowing they have secured European football next season.

They finished just outside the relegation spots last season but have roared back under Nuno Espirito Santo, becoming the first team in Premier League history to double their points tally from one season to the next.

Forest manager Nuno said his team were relishing the challenge against Chelsea despite the intense pressure.

“One thing we are enjoying is preparing for a big match, so why not enjoy it? Everyone is enjoying it here,” he said.

Liverpool’s players will at last have the chance to lift the Premier League trophy in front of their own fans after their match against FA Cup winners Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The champions won their first English league title for 30 years in 2020 but were forced to celebrate behind closed doors due to Covid restrictions.

If the reaction at Anfield to their trophy triumph last month — sealed with a 5-1 win against Tottenham — is anything to go by, Sunday’s party will be one to remember.

One unknown is how the supporters will bid farewell to home-grown defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who appears destined for a move to Real Madrid after announcing his departure earlier this month.

The England international was booed during last week’s 2-2 home draw against Arsenal and did not play in the subsequent 3-2 defeat at Brighton.

Reds boss Arne Slot says he has not yet made up his mind what role Alexander-Arnold will have but said he “deserved” to be part of the celebrations.

“This should be a day that everybody is going to enjoy,” said Slot. “It’s been 35 years, everybody is waiting for this moment and I think we’ve set the example against Tottenham.”

Manchester United gloom

It is difficult to predict what the mood will be like at Old Trafford on Sunday, when Manchester United host top five contenders Aston Villa.

United, who lost 1-0 to Tottenham in the Europa League final on Wednesday, are destined for their lowest league finish since they were relegated in 1974.

Ruben Amorim’s men have been desperately poor this season, winning just six league games since the Portuguese took over from the sacked Erik ten Hag in November.

Villa have won just twice at Old Trafford in the Premier League era but will go there with a spring in their step, knowing a win would give them a chance to qualify for next season’s Champions League, depending on results elsewhere.

They have little to fear against a United team who are disjointed, toothless and lacking in motivation, with nothing to play for.

Fixtures (all 1500 GMT)

Sunday

Bournemouth v Leicester, Fulham v Manchester City, Ipswich v West Ham, Liverpool v Crystal Palace, Manchester United v Aston Villa, Newcastle v Everton, Nottingham Forest v Chelsea, Southampton v Arsenal, Tottenham v Brighton, Wolves v Brentford
(Vanguard)

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Sports

Full List: UEFA Fine Chelsea, Barcelona, Three Others For Breaking Financial Rules

Published

1 day ago

July 4, 2025

Editor

Chelsea, Barcelona and Aston Villa were among several clubs fined by UEFA on Friday for breaching European football’s financial sustainability requirements.

UEFA said the clubs had not complied with its football earnings rule. Chelsea and Villa were also penalised for breaching the squad cost rule.

Chelsea were ordered to pay a fine of 31 million euros ($36.5 million) for the two breaches. They could have to pay an additional 60 million euros if they fail to comply by the end of a four-year period as part of a settlement agreement.

The Blues have spent the most money of any club in Europe since a consortium led by US businessman Todd Boehly bought the Premier League giants in 2022.

Barcelona incurred a fine of 15 million euros, with a further 45 million euros conditional on a two-year settlement agreement.

Villa must pay 11 million euros and risk a further fine of 15 million euros if they breach the terms of their three-year deal.

French club Lyon have agreed to be excluded from European competition if their relegation to Ligue 2 on financial grounds is confirmed. They were also fined 12.5 million euros.

Full list of clubs hit by UEFA fine and amount
Chelsea: 20M€

Barcelona: 15M€

Lyon: 12.5M€

Aston Villa: 11M€

Roma: 3M€

Sports

Liverpool, Football World Mourn Diogo Jota As Tributes Pour In

Published

3 days ago

July 3, 2025

Editor

Tributes have continued to pour in following the tragic death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his younger brother, André Silva, in a car accident in Spain.

Liverpool Football Club, in an official statement on Thursday, expressed profound grief at the news of the 28-year-old’s passing.

“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,” the club said. “The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.”

The Merseyside club requested privacy for the grieving family, adding, “Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with our full support.”

Clubs across the English Premier League also joined in mourning the Portugal international.

Chelsea Football Club shared its condolences on social media, stating, “Everyone at Chelsea FC is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre. Our thoughts go out to their family, friends and all at Liverpool FC at this incredibly difficult time.”

Manchester City also issued a heartfelt message, stating, “Everyone at Manchester City is shocked and saddened to learn about the devastating news regarding the passing of Diogo Jota. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo.”

Newcastle United added, “We are deeply saddened to learn the heartbreaking news of Diogo Jota’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences are with Diogo’s young family, friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo.”

The Professional Footballers’ Association, said, “We are deeply shocked and saddened at the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with their family, loved ones, and Diogo’s teammates and friends at Liverpool FC. He was a loving father with a young family and a remarkable talent, hugely respected across the game. This is an unimaginable loss, and both will be greatly missed.”

Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea also reacted to the news, writing simply on social media, adding, “Sometimes life is very cruel.”

The tragic passing of Jota and his brother has sent shockwaves throughout the football world, with tributes continuing to flow in for the two brothers remembered for their talent, humility, and dedication to the sport.

Sports

5 ‘Big’ Recent Events Diogo Jota Had Before His Death

Published

3 days ago

July 3, 2025

Editor

The global football community is united in grief following the devastating news of Diogo Jota’s passing.

The Liverpool and Portugal forward, 28 years old, died this morning in a car accident in Spain.

His untimely death has cast a somber shadow over the sport, coming just weeks after a period of immense personal joy and professional triumph that showcased his burgeoning talent and cherished connections.

Jota’s recent life was marked by a series of significant milestones that underscored his growing stature in both club and international football.

5 Major Recent Milestones for Jota

UEFA Nations League Final Win

Just weeks before his passing, in early June 2025, Jota was a pivotal member of the Portugal squad that triumphed in the UEFA Nations League, beating Spain in the final. This marked a significant international achievement for the talented forward.

Premier League Champion

In April 2025, Jota played a crucial role in Liverpool’s Premier League title victory. His contributions were vital in securing the coveted domestic league title for the Reds.

100th Liverpool Start Milestone

In late 2024 (specifically, October 5, 2024), Jota marked his 100th start for Liverpool across all competitions. He celebrated this milestone by scoring a goal against Crystal Palace, highlighting his consistent impact for the club.

Marriage to Rute Cardoso

On June 22, 2025, just ten days before his tragic death, Diogo Jota married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso. This publicly celebrated event was a joyful personal milestone, shared with their three children.

Continues Playing and Streaming (FIFA eSports)

Jota remained highly active both on the football pitch and in the world of competitive gaming. He was known for his elite FIFA (now EA FC) skills, even achieving a world No. 1 ranking, and ran his own esports organization, Luna Galaxy. His engagement in streaming provided a unique connection with fans and showcased his diverse talents beyond professional football.