* FIFA considers new reforms to the game

FIFA are considering making radical changes to the rules of football in the near future, and are testing out five major alterations to the way the game is played in a youth tournament called the Future of Football Cup. Four Under-19 teams, PSV Eindhoven, AZ Alkmaar, RB Leipzig, and Club Brugge are competing in the revolutionary tournament, and FIFA are willing to evaluate the response and reaction to the changes made, to decide whether to implement them at all levels.

(i) The first change proposed is the duration of football matches. They wish to trial two 30-minute halves of action, resulting in a one-hour match, instead of the traditional hour and a half. FIFA are also considering doing away with injury-time, and instead replacing it with a stopped clock system like in rugby. That means the clock would be stopped every time the game stops, instead of adding on minutes at the end of the match.

(ii) Another change FIFA are contemplating is the use of substitutions. Due to the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the fixture list and subsequent player fatigue, teams are now allowed to make five substitutions per game in some countries, with a potential sixth change, should the match go to extra-time. FIFA are planning to do away with a cap on substitutions, allowing coaches to make an unlimited number of changes throughout the 60 minutes.

(iii) Another change is the sin-bin system, used in rugby. Players would receive a five-minute temporary expulsion from the pitch when handed a yellow card. They are also looking at removing throw-ins from the sport.

(iv) Players in the youth competition will be taking dead balls from the touchline with their feet, rather than the standard throw-in with their hands.

* Chelsea’s Guehi signs for Chrystal Palace

Crystal Palace have confirmed the signing of Marc Guehi from Chelsea. The defender has signed a five-year deal with the Eagles, joining in a deal, believed to be around £ 20 m (Rs. 5.4 b). The 21-year-old came through the Chelsea youth ranks after joining the club in 2007 but made just two senior appearances for the club before making the permanent switch to Selhurst Park.

In a statement on Palace’s website, he said “I’m very excited. It’s a great opportunity for me to come to such a big club in the Premier League. I’m really excited to get going. (The club is taking) a really exciting direction with the new gaffer that’s come in. A lot of good young players are here and obviously such a stable club with top players really enticed me and made me want to come.”

After progressing through the youth ranks at Chelsea, Guehi was to make his senior debut in the Carabao Cup clash against Grimsby, followed by a second appearance against Manchester United in the next round of the tournament. The centre-back then spent 18 months on loan at Swansea before returning to Stamford Bridge this summer.

* Van Dijk denies claims on player revolt

Virgil van Dijk has denied leading the Netherlands squad in a revolt against Louis van Gaal’s return, labelling the story circulating in the media as “completely false”. The Netherlands are currently on the lookout for a new Head Coach following the resignation of Frank de Boer, who took full responsibility for the team’s disappointing last-16 Euro 2020 exit at the hands of the Czech Republic.

Van Gaal has filled that post on two occasions already, and has been touted as the most likely replacement for De Boer, but The Mirror has published an article claiming that Van Dijk is one of several members of the national team rallying to try and prevent the appointment.

The report states that Van Dijk and co wanted former Chelsea assistant Henk ten Cate to take over, but the Dutch Football Federation (KNVB) is instead planning to lure Van Gaal out of retirement just weeks before his 70th birthday.

The Liverpool defender has taken to social media to rubbish the claims, though. He said on Twitter, “This story is completely false. It’s never been more important for journalists to tell the truth and not just make stuff up. Shame on you Mr. Mullock!”

Van Gaal has been out of work since being sacked by Man United in 2016, and officially announced his retirement from management and football in all forms in 2019.

The Dutchman enjoyed a hugely successful 25-year career in coaching which included successful spells at Ajax, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich, and he has a Champions League winners’ medal, two La Liga titles, and one Bundesliga crown on his illustrious CV.