Rugby’s leading nations have united to announce a blanket ban on playing international matches for recruits to the proposed breakaway R360 league. England, New Zealand, Ireland and France are among those who currently either favour or exclusively pick players from their domestic competitions. That meant signing up to the globe-trotting R360 itinerary was always set to put their players’ Test careers on hold.
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A decision on whether Crystal Palace can compete in next season’s Europa League has been delayed by Uefa. The Eagles’ place, earned by winning the FA Cup last season, has been under threat because of Uefa’s multi-club ownership rules, which prevents teams under the same ownership from competing in the same European competition. Co-owner John Textor, who also co-owns French club Lyon, has agreed to sell his 44% stake in Palace in a bid to help their case.
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Seven-time French champions Lyon, owned by American businessman John Textor, have been relegated to the second tier of French football due to the club’s financial problems, the French Professional League announced on Tuesday evening. Lyon, who finished sixth in Ligue 1 and reached the quarterfinals of the Europa League last season, plan to appeal the decision in the hopes of retaining their top flight status.
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Paris Saint Germain were crowned kings of Europe for the first time with a thumping 5-0 Champions League final victory over Inter Milan in Munich. Achraf Hakimi and Desire Doue struck inside the opening 20 minutes to reward a dominant start as PSG became only the second French side to win the trophy after Marseille in 1993. Inter were unable to get a foothold in the game as the Parisians turned on the style in the second half to record a resounding win.
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Arsenal’s European dream was ended by goals from Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi, who earned Paris Saint-Germain a 2-1 win on the night and set up a spot in the Champions League final against Inter Milan. Bukayo Saka scored a consolation goal but it was too little too late as the Gunners were unable to conjure up a comeback to reach the showpiece.
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