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Mid-Day Ticker: Reports say Guardiola to leave Barceona, UEFA rejects suspension appeals & more

Guardiola (Reuters)

Is Pep Guardiola's Barcelona reign coming to an end?

That was the question after Chelsea on Tuesday ended Barcelona's attempt to win back-to-back Champions League titles, claiming a 3-2 aggregate triumph over Guardiola's side in the semifinal. The loss came three days after Real Madrid defeated Barcelona, making it unlikely the Catalans will repeat as La Liga champions either.

''In the next days, I will decide if I [will] continue or not,'' Guardiola said, noting he will first speak with assistant Tito Vilanova and club president Sandro Rosell. ''We'll talk about everything, about the situation, and we'll take a decision because right now, it's evident that it's time to.''

Multiple reports have emerged on Thursday claiming that Guardiola has told Barcelona that he plans on leaving at the end of the season, with the club alledgedly having asked Guardiola to give his decision one more day to consider. A press conference has been set by Barcelona for Friday.

Here is some more news to keep your Thursday rolling:

UEFA REJECTS APPEALS TO REVOKE SUSPENSIONS

UEFA has turned down appeals from the international players' union FIFPro to wipe out the suspensions for yellow card accumulation that will be served by Chelsea and Bayern Munich players during the Champions League final. Chelsea will be without Branislav Ivanovic, Ramires and Raul Meireles, while Bayern will be missing Luiz Gustavo, David Alaba and Holger Badstuber.

On a related note, Chelsea captain John Terry, who will sit out the final after receiving a red card in the second leg of his club's semifinal triumph over Barcelona, will still be allowed to lift the trophy should the Blues claim the title.

MOURINHO RULES OUT CHELSEA RETURN

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has often been linked in recent weeks to a return to Chelsea, the club he led from 2004 to 2007, but the 49-year-old had ruled out such a move, saying he will return to Madrid next season.

Madrid was eliminated from the Champions League on Wednesday with a penalty kicks loss to Bayern Munich after the two sides played to a 3-3 aggregate draw in the semifinal.

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Should Guardiola consider a move from Barcelona? Do you think Mourinho will follow through with his promise and stay with Real Madrid? Should UEFA have considered lifting the Champions League suspensions?

Share your thoughts below.

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