group stage

Mission Accomplished for Sheffield Wednesday Duo as Teammate Earns Another England Call-Up

19/11/2024 Raymond 0

Sheffield Wednesday duo, Pierce and Shea Charles, played pivotal roles in Northern Ireland’s promotion to League B of the UEFA Nations League on Monday night. Despite a frustrating 2-2 draw against Luxembourg, which saw them squander a 2-0 lead, the point was enough to secure top spot in Group 3, as Bulgaria’s 1-1 draw with Belarus ensured Northern Ireland’s advancement. Shea, again captaining the side, provided an assist for Isaac Price’s opening goal, while his younger brother, Pierce, experienced a more challenging night, unable to prevent two quick goals from Luxembourg. However, both gained invaluable international experience from the match. Meanwhile, in England’s U21s fixture against the Netherlands, James Beadle made several key saves, though his side was held to a 1-1 draw. Across the Atlantic, Di’Shon Bernard was named in Steve McClaren’s XI for the second leg of the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal, hoping to help his side overturn a 1-0 deficit against the USA.

Barcelona precedent set for Rangers ahead of Hampden Park switch

12/07/2024 Raymond 0

Rangers will play their home matches at Hampden Park at the start of the new season as Ibrox undergoes renovations, a temporary move that has significant implications for the Gers’ European campaign. If UEFA agrees in advance, Rangers could play their Champions League or Europa League qualifiers at Hampden in August and then switch to Ibrox for the group stage in September. However, regulations prohibit switching between Hampden and Ibrox during the group stage.

Barcelona faces a similar challenge, as the Spanish club plans to move back to the Spotify Camp Nou in December after renovations. However, UEFA rules require them to finish the Champions League group stage at the Olympic Stadium, regardless of Camp Nou’s readiness. This situation illustrates the complexity of UEFA’s regulations, which Rangers must navigate. Rangers Chairman John Bennett acknowledged the uncertainty this causes, apologizing to season ticket holders, hospitality clients, partners, and supporters.