calum

[Martyn Ziegler @martynziegler]

This is actually real:

[UEFA @UEFA]

Further UEFA statement on FIFA plans: ⬇️

[Henry Winter @henrywinter]

Ken Bates saved Chelsea. Not only back in 1982 when Bates rescued the club from potential oblivion. But still now, even following the sad news of his passing aged 94, Bates’ legacy continues to protect Chelsea. He created the CPO, Chelsea Pitch Owners, which safeguards the future of the stadium.

Bates achieved much in an extraordinary life. He fought to protect the FA Cup, fought for the new Wembley to be built, stabilised Leeds United and fought for smaller clubs but his greatest legacy revolves around Chelsea. Combative, controversial, loyal and principled in his way, Bates was driven by a desire to prove himself, to make something of himself, to take on the establishment in its varied forms.

Much of this drive stemmed from memories of growing up without parents (his mother died, his father disappeared and he was raised by his grandparents) and frustration at a childhood disability destroying his dream of making it as a footballer at Arsenal. He'd been a good attacker.

It was April 2 1982, when Bates rescued Chelsea. He spoke to the club bankers who’d run out of patience. “We have two cheques here,” the bank told Bates. “One is for the share of the (FA Cup) gate which has to go to the FA. And one is the players’ wages. Which one can we bounce?”

He came in, invested money to tide the club over and started cutting costs. Entering the Bridge boardroom for the first time pre-match, Bates was shocked to see the number of guests, the feast laid on, even a cigar box being passed around at a club losing £12,000 a week. Chelsea even had a club chauffeur. Not for long.

Bates’ cost-cutting was brutal but vital. Chelsea recovered, fought off property developers through Bates’ strength of personality, established themselves as a force in the Premier League and became more involved in European competition. Bates loved Chelsea. He loved entertainers. His favourite was Gianfranco Zola because the Italian played with a smile, dribbled and lit up stadiums and fans’ lives.

Even after selling to Roman Abramovich in 2003, taking over Leeds where his cost-cutting (and Chelsea past) alienated many fans, and then living in retirement with his beloved Suzannah in Monaco, Bates would try and return to watch matches at the Bridge. He kept a flat full of mementos nearby.

On the sideboard was a framed copy of Bates’ CPO share. One day while Chelsea chairman, a fan shouted about the possibility of “your grandson sells the land for houses”. Bates’ initial reaction was, typically, “You ungrateful bastard”.

But he realised that was a very real threat – the Bridge was prime London land. Developers craved it. So Bates created the CPO; it now numbers 13,000 fans owning 23,000 individual shares (Thomas Tuchel has one) and a large majority would be required to vote for any change in use of the pitch. And they aren’t for change. As Bates intended.

We last spoke on May 18. Ken sounded frail but was typically opinionated on the footballing issues of the day. Bates had his difficult side, vendettas and views, but he was passionate about family, football and Chelsea FC. RIP, Ken.

[luke @louorns]

This will go down as one of the worst, if not the worst opinion in the history of opinions

[James Melville 🚜 @JamesMelville]

Gabriel Clarke’s two interviews with Thomas Tuchel and Jude Bellingham were dreadful. Tuchel was very clear in his praise for England’s strength of character but he wasn’t happy with the performance. Clarke failed to understand Tuchel’s mentality comments. He then gave a misleading follow up to Bellingham which suggested to Bellingham that Tuchel was unhappy with the team. Unnecessarily disruptive and the wrong context of interviewing in two separate interviews.

#EngvNor

[Keir Starmer @Keir_Starmer]

Norway 1 - 2 Jude Bellingham.

@JonasGahrStore, your boys took one hell of beating 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[Dale Johnson @DaleJohnsonBBC]

Fifa bans England's Jarell Quansah for two games, meaning he misses Norway and a potential semi-final.

Quansah was sent off for serious foul play.

US striker Folarin Balogun, who was sent off for serious foul play, got one game which was suspended for 12 months...

[BBC Sport @BBCSport]

Pubs in England and Wales will now be allowed to stay open until 5am on Monday, after the end of England's World Cup match against Mexico, which kicks off at 1am 🍻

[Sam @SibsMUFC]

Getting into school early in the morning to gather in the assembly hall, watching David Seaman get lobbed by Ronaldinho as England were knocked out by Brazil.

Core memory for many English people of my generation…

[Fabrizio Romano @FabrizioRomano]

🚨🔵 EXCL: Chelsea reject approaches from clubs around Europe and two from Premier League for Josh Acheampong.

Defender seen as untouchable for the new era under Xabi Alonso, first decision made together between #CFC and new coach.

Acheampong stays, under contract until 2029.

[Match of the Day @BBCMOTD]

Arsenal have set the record for the lowest possession percentage for a team playing in a Champions League final (since records began in 2003-04).

The previous lowest record was also Arsenal, set in the 2006 Champions League final, which they played 72 minutes with 10 men.

[Chelsea FC @ChelseaFC]

Iconic.

[Yoghurt @TheChelseaTalk]

2ND AGAIN OLE OLE

[Chelsea FC @ChelseaFC]

Joao Pedro is our 25/26 Player of the Season. 🇧🇷💙

[Aston Villa Statto @AVFCStatto]

This was given as a goal this season btw.

Shock.

#AVFC

[SITA @raspberhrriies]

setlist for phoebe bridgers’ first show of 2026!!

[LDN @LDNFootbalI]

Interim. Manager.

[Coventry City @CoventryCityFC]

Why do clubs keep hiring Frank Lampard? 😂