Premier League
Why Sancho Is Ineligible To Play Against Man Utd For Chelsea
Premier League rules will prevent Chelsea’s on-loan winger Jadon Sancho facing his parent club Manchester United this Friday.
In the Premier League and FA Cup, a loan player cannot be fielded against his parent club.
The Football Association’s rule for men’s FA Cup football is that a loan player “cannot play in a competition match against their parent club”, while the Premier League handbook states that “during the period of the temporary transfer… a player shall not play against the transferor club”.
Players can face their parent club in the League Cup, according to English Football League rules, but that club must give written consent.
Uefa rules dictate that clubs cannot apply “any influence whatsoever over the players that another club may [or may not] field in a match”.
That means a player can face their parent team in any of Uefa’s European competitions.
In women’s football, the FA ruling is that terms shall be “mutually agreed by the two clubs and the player”.
Often, the parent club will decide whether the loan player can face them. In January 2024, Everton loanee Kathrine Kuhl was not allowed to face her parent club Arsenal in the WSL.
Loan players in the Premier League and Europe
Lomana LuaLua was the last Premier League player to make a notable impact when facing his parent club – he scored an equaliser for Portsmouth against Newcastle United.
Since 2004, the Premier League has changed its rules to prevent players featuring against the teams that loan them out.
In 2022, Chelsea blocked on-loan midfielder Conor Gallagher from appearing for Crystal Palace in their FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.
“We met some weeks ago, we met after the international break by coincidence in a restaurant, and we had a chat and the subject came up. And I apologised,” Chelsea’s then head coach Thomas Tuchel explained in the build-up to the game.
The rules changed shortly after and now state: “The association will not give permission for players on loan or work experience to play against the lending club.”
It meant Sheffield United were unable to field loanees Tommy Doyle and James McAtee in their 2023 FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City.
Newcastle were granted permission from Chelsea to play loanee Lewis Hall in December 2023, when the teams faced each other in their EFL Cup quarter-final.
Marco Asensio faced parent club Paris St-Germain in their 2024-25 Champions League quarter-final against Aston Villa, after his loan move to Villa Park in February.
Bbc.com
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World Cup 20264 hours ago**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.