SPORTS AGENDA: Stars set to slum it in stands after Euros squad expansion... while Man City officials may not need to worry about possible clash with Barry Manilow at Co-op Live

The increase in squad sizes at the Euros from 23 to 26 may see players going straight from the stands on to the pitch. 

In a move authorised by Gareth Southgate, nations will now be able to name as many as 15 substitutes. 

However, it is understood that the benches at Germany’s grounds have been made on the assumption that there would be 12 subs — and there is not enough time to bring in bigger ones. 

It means some stars may have to sit near the punters, with additional seating already being planned. 

Nations have also been informed by UEFA that dressing rooms will be prepared on the assumption that squads will consist of 23 players, so they may well feel a little cramped. 

Premier League warns clubs over pitch invasions 

The Premier League have written to clubs ahead of the conclusion of the season to warn them to be on guard against the prospect of pitch invasions.

The League have shared a document entitled ‘Pitch Protection Good Practice Guidance’ which sets out the dos and don’ts at a time when fans of many clubs traditionally storm the field of play. 

Clubs have been told to monitor social media in real time during games as fans have previously orchestrated invasions online. 

Sprint stewards, whose introduction was revealed by Mail Sport, have been instructed to face the pitch at all times so they can race to intercept any encroachers.

Clubs have also been reminded to ensure they have the tools necessary to deal with any protesters who try to attach themselves to goalposts.

Man City's final-day clash with Barry Manilow gig

Agenda readers may recall that Manchester City faced the prospect of a final-day clash with a Barry Manilow concert at the new Co-op Live arena, which has been built in the shadows of the Etihad Stadium. 

However, one, rare positive from the utter debacle that has seen the music venue’s opening repeatedly put back, is that officials may no longer need to worry. 

The veteran crooner says he has a ‘back-up plan’ — namely a date at the nearby AO Arena — should the shambles remain unfixed by May 19. 

Take That and rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie have already switched to the AO Arena after a variety of issues at the £356million new-build, a joint venture between Americans Oak View Group, City and One Direction star Harry Styles. 

Sheik Ahmad al Sabah to be suspended from IOC

The one-time ‘Kingmaker in Sport’, Sheik Ahmad al Sabah, is to be suspended from membership of the International Olympic Committee for 15 years following his conviction in Swiss courts for fraud and deception.

An IOC letter seen by Reuters confirms the decision, which has been made over ethics breaches.

The development represents a huge fall from grace for the powerful Kuwaiti, who only eight years ago was being tipped as a future IOC or FIFA president.

However, if IOC president Thomas Bach thinks this will be the end of Ahmad’s political manipulation in world sport, he is very much mistaken. Ahmad will now be able to operate in the shadows with nothing to lose.

Sky Sport's surprising cricket deal 

It was interesting to see Sky Sports take the feed direct from Lancashire for their County Championship clash with Kent at Old Trafford. 

It is understood that the broadcaster struck a deal with the county, whereby they would use the footage and provide their own commentators and graphics. 

Agenda understands Lancs have not been paid for providing the feed but are free to use the final product on their YouTube channel. 

Given the extra leeway afforded to counties by the ECB, some see this as a potential avenue to generate revenue at a time when certain areas of domestic cricket are rarely televised. 

 BBC's summer of sport kicks off 

The BBC, who often champion their Northern credentials following their move to Salford, have organised a breakfast with journalists, director general Tim Davie and chief content officer Charlotte Moore to mark the launch of what they have termed ‘the BBC’s Summer of Sport 2024’.

Davie, Moore and on-screen presenters will preview the broadcaster’s coverage of Wimbledon, the Euros and the Olympics at the shindig on Wednesday. The venue? Shaftesbury Avenue, central London.