Premier League news: Chelsea appeal transfer ban, Man Utd plan to boost atmosphere

Chelsea appeal transfer ban

Fifa has confirmed that Chelsea will appeal the two-window transfer ban the club received for breaching rules relating to the international transfers and registration of players under the age of 18.

Football’s world governing body announced last month that the Premier League club had been fined £460,000 and banned from signing players for the next two transfer windows.

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In a statement on 22 February Chelsea “categorically” refuted the findings of the Fifa Disciplinary Committee and Sky Sports reports that Fifa has said “there is no exact timetable” for the club’s case.

Rice switch approved

Fifa has also confirmed that Declan Rice’s switch from the Republic of Ireland to England has been approved.

The West Ham midfielder played three friendly matches for Ireland but last month chose to pledge his allegiance to England, the BBC reports.

A Fifa spokesman said: “Fifa can now confirm that the change of association of Declan Rice from Republic of Ireland to England has been approved.”

The 20-year-old is being tipped to be included in Gareth Southgate’s next England squad which will be announced on 13 March for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Montenegro.

United’s plan to boost atmosphere

The Daily Telegraph reports that Manchester United have unveiled plans to boost the atmosphere for home games at Old Trafford.

Next season United will introduce a “dedicated atmosphere section” in the Stretford End of their stadium and the club have been working with fan groups on the idea.

A total of 1,200 seats will be dedicated for singing fans next season, says the Daily Mail, and from 2021-22 the section will be doubled.

Oxlade-Chamberlain on his way back

Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could make his return from injury this week after almost a year on the sidelines.

The 25-year-old has started training again with the first-team squad and the BBC says he is in line to play for the club’s under-23 side against Derby County on Friday.

Former Arsenal star Oxlade-Chamberlain suffered knee ligament damage in last season’s Champions League semi-final against Roma.

India next for CFG expansion

The City Football Group (CFG), owners of Premier League champions Manchester City, want to buy a club in India.

CFG’s portfolio already includes Man City (England), New York City (USA), Melbourne City (Australia), Yokohama F Marinos (Japan), Atlético Torque (Uruguay), Girona (Spain) and Sichuan Jiuniu (China).

Quoted by The Guardian, CFG chief executive Ferran Soriano said: “We’ve been looking at India for nearly two years now. I’d say this year we’ll end up doing an investment in India.

“With all these developments we have to be patient. We have some interest in some markets and countries where there is a genuine football passion and opportunities, like China, but also India. So there might be other opportunities in Asia.”

Premier League fixtures

Saturday 9 March (3pm unless stated)

• Crystal Palace vs. Brighton and Hove Albion (12.30pm, live on Sky Sports)
• Cardiff City vs. West Ham United
• Huddersfield Town vs. AFC Bournemouth
• Leicester City vs. Fulham
• Newcastle United vs. Everton
• Southampton vs. Tottenham Hotspur
• Manchester City vs. Watford (5.30pm, live on BT Sport)

Sunday 10 March

• Liverpool vs. Burnley (12pm, live on BT Sport)
• Chelsea vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers (2.05pm, live on Sky Sports)
• Arsenal vs. Manchester United (4.30pm, live on Sky Sports)