Football

Mark Robins, the former Manchester United striker who played a pivotal role in the club's resurgence under Alex Ferguson, is now plotting to inflict misery on his old team as Coventry City manager in the FA Cup semi-final.Robins' goal against Nottingham Forest in the third round of the 1990 FA Cup proved to be a turning point in United's history. It helped save Ferguson's job and sparked a cascade of trophies under his leadership. Robins also scored the winner in the semi-final against Oldham, paving the way for United's first FA Cup triumph under Ferguson.Despite United's recent struggles, they remain firm favorites at Wembley against Coventry. However, Robins believes the pressure is on Erik ten Hag's side, who have endured a dismal second season in charge."People are talking in a derisory way about Manchester United," Robins said. "But they're still the biggest club in the world, with talented players and top international players."Coventry, meanwhile, have stuttered in recent weeks, losing three of their past four games. But Robins is confident his team can cause an upset."We know they are clearly favorites to win this game," Robins said. "But we will get opportunities against a United team who concede a lot of chances."Coventry are bidding to become the first second-tier club to reach the FA Cup final since Cardiff in 2008. Robins has done a remarkable job since returning for a second stint in 2017, taking the club from the fourth tier to the brink of the Premier League last season.Ten Hag is aware of the threat posed by Coventry."We know the manager, a former United player, striker, his long period there, he's doing a fantastic job there," Ten Hag said. "So, we know a lot about them.""Of course they are dangerous, they are in the semi-final. It's logical. Last season, they were that far away (a small margin) from being promoted to the Premier League. So they do a fantastic job over there."

FIFA, the governing body of world football, has urged lawmakers to intervene in the regulation of player agent fees in the multi-billion dollar transfer market. The organization has specifically targeted the English Premier League, which has become a major source of revenue for agents.According to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, English clubs paid a staggering 500 million euros (530 million dollars) in agent fees in the year to February. However, only 6% of that amount (30 million euros) was paid to foreign clubs that developed and trained the players.Infantino expressed concern that the vast majority of agent fees are leaving the football ecosystem. He emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and better redistribution in the transfer market.FIFA has faced legal challenges from agents in Europe who oppose the organization's plans for tighter regulations. The football body wants to cap agent commissions at 10% of transfer fees for selling clubs and 3% to 10% of salaries for players they represent.However, these rules have been stalled after agents won a key legal ruling in England. The London tribunal ruled that implementing FIFA's regulations would violate competition law.FIFA relies on its financial clearing house in Paris to track transfer and agent fees between clubs in different countries. The system also directs money from these deals to clubs that trained and developed players earlier in their careers.Infantino stressed the importance of compensation and solidarity payments for less privileged clubs. He argued that these payments are vital for clubs struggling to generate sufficient revenue.The FIFA leader called on governments and lawmakers to join the organization in ensuring that funds generated in transfers remain within football and are shared with clubs worldwide. He emphasized the crucial role of less wealthy clubs in developing future generations of footballers.

FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC Clash in High-Stakes ISL Knockout BattleWith a direct qualification to the semifinals hanging in the balance, FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC are set to face off in a crucial knockout match of the Indian Super League (ISL) on Saturday.FC Goa enters the fixture in impressive form, having secured victories in four out of their last five matches. Their commanding performance against Chennaiyin FC in their recent encounter, where they emerged triumphant with a 4-1 scoreline, underscores their current form and confidence.In contrast, Chennaiyin FC, despite experiencing a setback in their previous fixture against FC Goa, have demonstrated resilience throughout the season. With wins in three of their last five matches, they are poised to bounce back and pose a formidable challenge to their opponents.FC Goa has a strong record against Chennaiyin FC, having won five of their last six matches against them and keeping a clean sheet in four of those victories. The Gaurs have found the back of the net in each of their previous 14 matches against the Marina Machans, and only against Kerala Blasters FC do they have a longer active scoring streak (19 games).FC Goa has now won four matches in a row, and their last longer run like this was a stretch of five matches from January-February 2020. Their 52 strikes against Chennaiyin FC are the most goals that a team has netted against any opposition in the ISL. They put up an absolute show in the last match, and one can expect similar fireworks, or at least intent to pull off the same in the forthcoming fixture as well.Prior to their defeat in the last game against the Gaurs, Chennaiyin FC had scored at least two goals or more in each of their three matches in the ISL.Chennaiyin FC has often brought their A-game to the table in the knockouts, having won six playoffs matches in the tournament, which is the joint-highest amongst all teams along with Bengaluru FC (6).

Cole Palmer's arrival at Chelsea has been a beacon of hope amidst a challenging season for the Blues. The 21-year-old has emerged as a talismanic figure, leading the club's goal-scoring charts and inspiring a recent resurgence.Palmer's impact has been undeniable. Since joining from Manchester City last September, he has scored 20 goals in all competitions, including four in Chelsea's recent 6-0 demolition of Everton. His hat-trick against the Toffees marked the first time a Chelsea player had scored four goals in a Premier League game since Frank Lampard in 2010.Palmer's heroics have not been limited to goals. He has also provided nine assists, showcasing his versatility and creativity. His ability to glide past defenders with ease has made him a nightmare for opposition defenses.Palmer's rise has been particularly impressive considering his limited opportunities at Manchester City. Despite his impressive performances in the UEFA Super Cup and Community Shield, he struggled to break into Pep Guardiola's star-studded lineup.Chelsea's decision to sign Palmer for £42.5 million has proven to be a shrewd investment. He has quickly become a fan favorite and a key player for manager Mauricio Pochettino.With Chelsea's Champions League hopes fading, Palmer's goals have become even more crucial. The Blues are now targeting a Europa League or Europa Conference League berth, and Palmer's form suggests he can lead them to European glory.On Saturday, Palmer will face his former club Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final. It will be a chance for him to prove that he made the right decision to leave the Etihad Stadium and become a star at Stamford Bridge.

Newly-crowned Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen have extended their remarkable unbeaten streak to 44 matches across all competitions after securing a place in the Europa League semi-finals. The German giants drew 1-1 with West Ham United in the second leg of their quarter-final tie, advancing 3-1 on aggregate.Michail Antonio gave the Hammers an early lead in the 13th minute, but Leverkusen fought back in the second half. Jeremie Frimpong's 89th-minute equalizer proved crucial, sending Xabi Alonso's side through to the last four.Leverkusen will now face AS Roma for a spot in the final. The Italian giants defeated Bodø/Glimt 4-0 on aggregate in their quarter-final tie."I think we felt it in the first half," said Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka after the match. "It was a typical English crowd. They were pushing West Ham unbelievably. We were lucky in the first half if we're honest.""It was a different phase in the second half, we controlled the game. We are happy we got through. We competed much more. If you see over 180 minutes, the better team go through."Leverkusen's triumph over West Ham marks a historic achievement for the club. Last weekend, they clinched their first Bundesliga title in over a decade, ending Bayern Munich's 11-year reign.The German side is now in contention for a treble trophy haul this season. They will face second-division Kaiserslautern in the German Cup final on May 25.

Aston Villa's dramatic journey in the Europa Conference League continued on Thursday as they edged past Lille in a penalty shootout to reach the semi-finals. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Lille erasing Villa's first-leg advantage before a late Matty Cash goal forced the tie into extra time.In a hostile atmosphere, Lille started strongly and quickly leveled the aggregate score through Yusuf Yazici. Benjamin Andre's header midway through the second half put Lille in the ascendancy, but Villa refused to give up. With just three minutes remaining, Cash capitalized on a defensive error to equalize and send the match into extra time.The additional 30 minutes failed to produce a winner, setting the stage for a tense penalty shootout. Emiliano Martinez, who had been subjected to relentless booing throughout the game, emerged as the hero for Villa. The Argentine goalkeeper saved spot-kicks from Nabil Bentaleb and Andre, securing a 4-3 victory in the shootout.Villa manager Unai Emery praised Martinez's leadership and mentality, saying, "He is very important for us. He has his personality and his personality in the dressing room is very important because he is a leader with his experiences. He has a really brilliant mentality."The victory sets up a semi-final clash with Olympiakos for Villa, who are aiming to win their first European trophy since 1982. Last season's runners-up Fiorentina also advanced to the semi-finals with a 2-0 extra-time win over Viktoria Plzen, while Club Brugge eased through with a 2-0 victory over Aris Thessaloniki.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is poised to secure the Ligue 1 title as early as next week, setting the stage for a potential historic treble. After their thrilling comeback victory over Barcelona in the Champions League, PSG now faces a resurgent Lyon on Sunday. A win against Lyon could give PSG the opportunity to clinch the title with four games to spare when they visit Lorient on Wednesday.PSG's triumph against Barcelona has propelled them into the Champions League semi-finals against Borussia Dortmund, as they continue their pursuit of their maiden European crown. Additionally, they will face Lyon in the French Cup final on May 25.Kylian Mbappe, who is set to depart the club at the end of the season, played a pivotal role in the 4-1 second-leg victory over Barcelona, scoring twice. He urged his teammates to remain focused and not get carried away."We have to stay focused and to stay on track towards our goal," Mbappe told PSG TV. "I want to help my team. The truth is, I always want to help the team. We are in a period where every detail counts and it's true that goals help, but not only that. I want to contribute on both sides of the field, to try to help the team as much as possible. To give everything and have no regrets."PSG was on course to win Ligue 1 comfortably last season, but a series of setbacks meant they only secured the title with one match to spare, finishing just one point ahead of Lens. The capital club is determined to avoid such slip-ups this term, but they will face a stern test against Lyon, who have transformed from relegation candidates to European contenders under Pierre Sage.Lyon's 4-3 victory over second-placed Brest last weekend moved them within two points of sixth-placed Lens and the Europa Conference League spot. The race for places in next season's Champions League group stage is also nearing an exciting conclusion, with Brest, Monaco, and Lille, behind leaders PSG, separated by just four points.The top three in the French top flight will go straight into the group stage, with the fourth-placed team heading into the qualifying rounds. Brest host Monaco on Sunday, defending a one-point lead over their third-placed opponents. Lille play Strasbourg earlier that day, with the opportunity to move into third place with a win.

Liverpool's hopes of a historic treble were dashed on Thursday as they were eliminated from the Europa League despite a 1-0 victory over Atalanta in the second leg of their quarterfinal matchup. The result ended Liverpool's chances of winning three trophies in manager Jurgen Klopp's final season at Anfield.In Bergamo, Liverpool had a dream start when Trent Alexander-Arnold's cross hit Matteo Ruggeri's hand, resulting in a penalty. Mohamed Salah converted the spot-kick in the seventh minute, giving Liverpool an early lead. However, the Reds failed to capitalize on any other chances, falling short of their 5-0 win over Atalanta in the Champions League in 2020.Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen remained on course for a historic treble by holding West Ham to a 1-1 draw at London Stadium. Xabi Alonso's team advanced to the semifinals 3-1 on aggregate, setting up a clash with Roma in the last four.In Rome, Roma coach Daniele De Rossi marked an extension of his contract announced earlier Thursday by reaching the last four with his team reduced to 10 men. Gianluca Mancini and Paulo Dybala scored for Roma, while Milan's Matteo Gabbia netted a consolation goal.With the English League Cup already secured, Liverpool still hopes for a second Premier League title under Klopp but is now in third and two points adrift of first-place Manchester City. Atalanta, despite its inconsistent Serie A form, has been shining in the Europa League, reaching the semifinals for only the second time.In the Europa Conference League, Aston Villa advanced to the semifinals after a 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Lille. Emiliano Martínez saved two spot kicks, and Douglas Luiz converted the decisive penalty. Villa will face Olympiakos in the semifinals, while Fiorentina and Club Brugge will meet in the other semifinal.

Newly crowned Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen face a formidable challenge in their pursuit of a perfect league season when they visit Borussia Dortmund on Sunday. Despite their historic title triumph, Xabi Alonso's side has their sights set on several remarkable records.Leverkusen remains in contention for a treble, having reached the German Cup final and the Europa League semi-finals. They are the only German club other than Bayern Munich to have won the treble, which Bayern achieved in 2013 and 2020.In the Bundesliga, Leverkusen is still unbeaten with 25 wins and four draws in 29 games. They have also extended their undefeated streak to 44 matches across all competitions this season. No German club, including Bayern Munich, has ever gone through a league season without a loss, making Alonso's team five matches away from a unique achievement.With 79 points, Leverkusen is also within striking distance of breaking the all-time Bundesliga points tally of 91, set by Bayern in 2012-13. However, their trip to Dortmund represents their biggest hurdle in achieving these records.Dortmund, currently fifth in the standings, is a formidable opponent at home, especially after their impressive victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals. Leverkusen was held to a 1-1 draw by Dortmund in December.Despite the celebrations following their title win, Alonso is confident that his team will not lose focus. "We had a few beers, but not too many," he said. "The players have not given me any reason to doubt them. We have the hunger and the desire to keep going non-stop."Dortmund, on the other hand, has its own motivations. With a two-legged semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain on the horizon, their European exploits could also benefit them in the league. Germany's chances of securing five spots in next season's Champions League have been boosted by Dortmund's win and Bayern's victory over Arsenal.While Dortmund may shift its focus to Europe, the opportunity to face a title winner other than Bayern will undoubtedly inspire them to deliver a strong performance.As for Bayern, pride is at stake in the league, as they are level on points with Stuttgart. They travel to Union Berlin on Saturday, who are still in danger of relegation and will be desperate for points.Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy was named Bundesliga player of the month for the second time this season. With 25 goals in 23 games, he is second only to Harry Kane in the scoring charts.