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    Jude Bellingham wins yet another trophy as Real Madrid become first winners of Fifa’s brand new tournament

    JUDE BELLINGHAM has added another trophy to his cabinet.The football superstar has enjoyed a spectacular year on and off the pitch.Jude Bellingham has added another trophy to his collectionCredit: AFPReal Madrid beat C.F. Pachuca to win the Intercontinental CupCredit: AFPThe LaLiga giants are the first-ever winners of the tournamentCredit: AFPBellingham, 21, won the LaLiga and Champions League titles earlier this year in his debut season with Real Madrid.The midfielder finished the campaign with a sensational 23 goals from 42 appearances.He was instrumental in England’s run to the final in Euro 2024, during which he scored a spectacular overhead kick against Slovakia.The former Birmingham City academy graduate has now added the Fifa Intercontinental Cup to his trophy haul.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReal Madrid ran out 3-0 winners over Mexican outfit C.F. Pachuca, who featured former West Brom, Newcastle and Everton striker Salomon Rondon at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.Kylian Mbappe netted the opener in the first half before Rodrygo doubled the lead in the 53rd minute.Vinicius Junior wrapped the result in the 84th minute as he squeezed his penalty kick under goalkeeper Carlos Moreno.Bellingham did not see the game through as he was replaced in the 88th minute by Arda Guler.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe tournament pitted Real Madrid as the Uefa representative against the Challenge Cup winner.Pachuca won the cup after qualifying as the CONMEBOL representative.Moment Jude Bellingham video chats sick child in hospital after ex-team-mate calls him out of the blueKylian Mbappe opened the scoringCredit: AFPVinicius Junior netted the third from the penalty spotCredit: ReutersItalian legend Andrea Pirlo brought out the trophy ahead of its presentation to Real Madrid.Speaking ahead of the game, Bellingham insisted that the title would mean “a lot” to win.He said: “It means a lot, you know? It’s an opportunity for another title and to tick off a good year of football for the club.”We’ve earned our right to be here, just like the opposition, because of what we did in the Champions League.”And it feels like we need to win this game to try to complete that achievement.”So it means a lot to us to try and win another trophy.”READ MORE SUN STORIESDue to playing in the match, Bellingham was unable to attend the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award.The award was won by Olympic hero Keely Hodgkinson and the runner-up was darts sensation Luke Littler.Bellingham’s trophy haulHere is a look at the trophies Jude Bellingham has won in his career so far…Borussia DortmundDFB-Pokal – 2021Real MadridLaLiga – 2024Champions League – 2024Supercopa de Espana – 2024Uefa Super Cup – 2024Intercontinental Cup – 2024England U17Syrenka Cup – 2019 More

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    Forgotten Arsenal star, 27, returns to starting XI for Crystal Palace clash almost 600 DAYS since last start for Gunners

    KIERAN TIERNEY has been named in the Arsenal starting XI for the first time in almost 600 DAYS.Mikel Arteta handed the defender the opportunity to play in the Carabao Cup clash against Crystal Palace.Kieran Tierney starts against Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyTierney, 27, last featured for the Gunners in the Community Shield against Manchester City in 2023.He then spent the season out on loan at LaLiga outfit Real Sociedad.But his previous start for the team was on May 14 in 2023, a day few Gunners fans will remember in a hurry.Mikel Arteta’s side were thumped 3-0 at home to Brighton in a game that all-but ended their title hopes.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDespite having countless chances to take the lead, Arsenal fell behind in the 51st minute courtesy of a Julio Enciso goal.Denis Undav and Pervis Estupinan added two late goals to inflict further misery on Arsenal and leave them four points behind Manchester City with two games to play in the race for the Premier League title.Ahead of Wednesday’s clash with London rivals Palace, Arteta handed a number of fringe players a chance to impress, and gave some of his marquee stars a rest too.Teenage wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri starts alongside Mikel Merino and Jorginho in midfield, while Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus were also handed rare starting spots.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSPervis Estupinan celebrates scoring Brighton’s third against ArsenalCredit: The TimesArsenal’s starting XI in Tierney’s last start for the clubYoung goalkeeper Tommy Setford was named on the bench too, with second-choice goalkeeper Neto cup-tied having played for Bournemoth in the competition earlier this season.Arsenal academy graduate Eddie Nketiah was also named on Crystal Palace’s bench for the London derby.Arsenal starting XI vs Crystal Palace: Raya, Partey, Timber, Kiwior, Tierney, Jorginho, Merino, Nwaneri, Sterling, Trossard, JesusCrystal Palace XI: Henderson, Kporha, Chalobah, Lacroix, Guehi, Mitchell, Lerma, Hughes, Sarr, Eze, Mateta More

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    Marcus Rashford MISSING from Man Utd’s travelling squad for Tottenham clash as Alejandro Garnacho covers up

    MANCHESTER UNITED ace Marcus Rashford has again been left out of the squad as Ruben Amorim’s team travelled to Tottenham for a crunch Carabao Cup clash.Alejandro Garnacho was recalled by United manager Amorim after he left both the Argentina international and Rashford, 27, out of the team that beat Manchester City on Sunday’s derby.Manchester United ace Alejandro Garnacho has been recalledCredit: ZenpixGarnacho was left out of the Man Utd squad that beat Manchester CityCredit: ZenpixHowever, there was no sign of Man Utd ace Marcus RashfordCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeA lot of Man Utd players travelled to Stockport train station via coachCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeBruno Fernandes took off for Tottenham for the quarter-final clash with TottenhamCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeRashford hinted that he will leave Man Utd soonCredit: GettyGarnacho, 20, had a snood pulled over his mouth and wore a black beanie hat before the trip to north London and Thursday’s quarter-final clash at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.A lot of the Red Devils’ players travelled to Stockport train station by coach after gathering at the airport car park.However, Rashford was unaccounted for at the Manchester giants’ rendezvous point.Rashford outlined his wish to leave United in an interview on Tuesday, having reported unwell for training on Monday. Read More on Man UtdUnited players were given Tuesday off by Amorim. England international Rashford told journalist Henry Winter: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.”Nevertheless, in a press conference before Wednesday’s training session, Amorim confirmed that both Garnacho and Rashford would be in contention to return to the squad against Tottenham.Amorim said: “If they train well then I have to make a choice. We will see see at the end of training.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Of course [I expect a reaction]. I expect the best of each player every day so we will see after training.”Amorim was quite vague when explaining Garnacho and Rashford’s omission from the 2-1 victory against City but insisted it wasn’t due to a disciplinary matter.Man Utd player ratings: Amad Diallo experiences greatest moment of his career but Diogo Dalot doesn’t do enough vs CityThe Man Utd boss said: “It is important to say why, it was not a disciplinary thing. Next week, next game new life, they are fighting for their places.”But for me it is important the performance in training, the performance in games, the way you dress, the way you eat, they way you engage with your teammates, the way you push your team-mates. “Everything is important in our context in the beginning of something when we want to change a lot of things, when people in our club are losing their jobs, we have to put the standards really high.”For that, they have to fight for their place in the team and today the team we proved we can leave anyone outside the squad and manage to win if you play together.”I’m going to say again it was not a disciplinary thing. It’s the small details. You can see the games like I see, there are some things that have to change. “But it is a new life, it’s not a disciplinary thing, it’s the performance in training, the performance in game and then I have to change, to choose players.”If it was disciplinary, I would say that here and it will be a bigger problem but it was not that. “It was just that I want to improve my players and you understand that for so long, for example with Rash, we tried a thing and it doesn’t work. Let’s continue to do the same thing or try something different?”So it’s as simple as that. If they train well with the talent they have we will be so much better with them. Both of them. READ MORE SUN STORIES”But they have to work hard, they do, today they trained really hard so it’s a good thing. New week, new life, let’s see the next one.”According to the Manchester Evening News, this is the full squad for the trip to Spurs: Onana, Bayindir, Heaton, Dalot, Mazraoui, Yoro, De Ligt, Maguire, Lindelof, Evans, Martinez, Malacia, Ugarte, Casemiro, Fernandes, Eriksen, Mainoo, Antony, Garnacho, Zirkzee, Hojlund, AmadMan Utd will face Tottenham in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup in north LondonCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeManager Ruben Amorim and other Man Utd players drove to the train stationCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeMan Utd beat Man City on Sunday in the derby at the EtihadCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHarry Maguire and co will face Tottenham in the quarter-finalsCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeMan Utd star Casemiro was seen at the train stationCredit: Eamonn and James Clarke More

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    ‘Absolutely awful’: West Ham star admits ‘risky’ transfer hasn’t paid off less than four months after joining

    NICLAS FULLKRUG has admitted that his move to West Ham has not paid off just four months after joining.The German international signed for the Hammers in the summer transfer window in a £27.5million deal.Niclas Fullkrug has been hampered with injury at West HamCredit: AlamyFullkrug, 31, has struggled to make an impact in East London with injuries hampering his time on the pitch.The striker has only made five appearances in the Premier League and has scored once.The former Borussia Dortmund man has opened up on his time at the club and admitted the transfer was a “risk”.He told the Copa TS podcast: “Absolutely awful.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”Of course, I also had very intensive discussions about such a risky step.”Because I knew that I was taking a step deeper and taking a certain risk that I wouldn’t play internationally (in Europe) next year, maybe not the year after that either, and that I would make a big, big change.“I was aware of that, I communicated a lot with the coach, spoke a lot with Tim Steidten, who I know from my time at Bremen, which is how we got in touch so closely.”Of course, we had completely different goals. Things were going really badly for me too, to put it bluntly.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFullkrug has missed a lot of football this season due to an injury to his Achilles tendon.He scored on his return in West Ham’s 3-1 defeat to Leicester City and was close to getting another against Bournemouth on Monday.West Ham fans pay emotional tribute to Michail Antonio with ninth-minute applauseFullkrug is now hoping to stay fit to prove himself but did insist his injury was “catastrophic”.He added: “I was injured for three months and didn’t even reach my top performance because I’ve only been training for a week and a half.”It seemed like I was back at a good level relatively quickly because I came in and scored the goal.”My Achilles tendon was inflamed and it was really annoying.”I’ve had something like that before, it lasted six weeks, now it’s taken a bit longer and this phase is catastrophic.”You just want to play and you feel like you’re close, but then there’s another setback.”READ MORE SUN STORIESManager Julen Lopetegui will be counting on the forward due to the absence of Michail Antonio.The striker has been ruled out for the foreseeable after his horror car crash left him with a broken femur.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Play Score Predictor now ahead of Matchweek 16 – win an early Christmas present of £250 cash!

    HOW does an early Christmas present of £250 sound?That’s exactly how much dosh we’ll give away to the winner of Score Predictor Matchweek 16.Play now ahead of the weekend’s actionCredit: Dream TeamSimply submit your predictions for the five selected Premier League games and earn points for the accuracy of your forecast as the action unfolds.If you amass the most points then you’ll claim the cash prize!Allow us to present some key stats and facts for each relevant fixture this Matchweek to help inform your decisions.Crystal Palace v ArsenalThe Eagles have lost just one of their last nine games in all competitions and would have been particularly delighted with a 3-1 victory over rivals Brighton last time out.After a tough start to the season, Oliver Glasner’s side have become much harder to beat lately but the Gunners have prospered in this match-up in recent years.Mikel Arteta’s men have won the last four meetings with Palace, scoring 12 goals and conceding just two in that time.Arsenal were frustrated by Everton last weekend and they will have to be more inventive from open play at Selhurst Park as Palace generally defend corners well – only Brentford have conceded fewer league set-piece goals this season.Most read in FootballThat being said, it’s difficult to ignore the significant gap between these two sides in the league table.Our Prediction: 1-0 to ArsenalArsenal sit third in the table currentlyCredit: GettyEverton v ChelseaThe fixtures don’t get any easier for the Toffees following their rearguard at the Emirates.Cole Palmer and friends are flying at the top of the form table having won every game so far this month.The Blues have also earned more points on the road than any other top-flight team this term.Meanwhile, Everton have mustered just nine points from seven league games at Goodison Park.It’s hard to look past Enzo Maresca’s troops, especially as the last meeting between these sides finished 6-0 to the Londoners – Palmer scored four goals that day.Our Prediction: 2-0 to ChelseaPalmer enjoyed himself against Everton last seasonCredit: RexFulham v SouthamptonMarco Silva’s side remain unbeaten this month despite a tough run of fixtures.They drew to Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool either side of a 3-1 win over Brighton – the Seagulls’ first defeat at home in 2024/25.As for Saints, they shipped five goals in one half to Spurs last weekend which proved to be the end of Russell Martin’s tenure at St Mary’s.Southampton have cobbled together just five points since promotion and only one of those has come away from home.Strange things can happen in the wake of a manager’s dismissal but this should be comfortable Sunday afternoon for Fulham.Our Prediction: 3-1 to FulhamMarco Silva is doing an excellent job at FulhamCredit: AFPManchester United v BournemouthLike Fulham, the Cherries are a well-organised outfit making waves in the top half this season – they’re up to sixth after Monday night’s draw with West Ham.Andoni Iraola’s side have knocked off Manchester City, Arsenal and Spurs at home but their away record isn’t bad either – they rank seventh for points won on the road.As for the Red Devils, it’s difficult to gauge where they’re at while Ruben Amorim beds in but a late turnaround in the Manchester derby has kept spirits high.Historically speaking, Bournemouth would be massive underdogs at Old Trafford but these two sides have never been closer in terms of their current prospects and the South Coasters did win 3-0 in the corresponding fixture just over a year ago.At this stage, the most common selection among Score Predictor users is a 2-1 home win but we’re inclined to give the visitors more credit.Our Prediction: 2-2 drawAmad Diallo inspired his side to victory at the EtihadCredit: PATottenham v LiverpoolSunday’s 4:30pm kick-off promises much excitement as it pits the league’s second-top scorers against the leaders.Ange Postecoglou is not one to turtle up against strong opponents while Liverpool are missing key personnel in defence so this could be a high-scoring affair.Spurs beat the Reds 2-1 at home last season but that game was overshadowed by a VAR howler that disallowed a perfectly fine Luis Diaz goal.Liverpool got their revenge with a 4-2 win at Anfield back in May and it’s tempting to back a similar scoreline this time around.READ MORE SUN STORIESOur Prediction: 4-2 to LiverpoolProve you know better by submitting your predictions for Matchweek 16 now.BetMGM sign up offerBetMGM: Get £40 in free bets — HERE**New cust only. 7 days to opt in by placing a £10 qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater to receive 4x Free Bets: 1 x £10 horse racing, 1 x £10 Bet Builder, 1 x £10 Acca and 1 x £10 football. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned. 18+. T&Cs apply.Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org More

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    Enzo Maresca breaks silence on Mykhailo Mudryk’s failed drugs test and gives update on his Chelsea future

    ENZO MARESCA has broken his silence on Mykhailo Mudryk’s failed drugs test.The FA has provisionally suspended the Ukrainian winger after he provided a positive result for an A-sample in October.Enzo Maresca has broken his silence on Mykhailo MudrykCredit: GettyMudryk has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for meldoniumCredit: GettyThe drug is similar to insulin and is widely used in Eastern EuropeCredit: Instagram / @mmudryk10Mudryk, 23, reportedly tested positive for meldonium, which is a banned substance similar to insulin which could lead to a FOUR YEAR BAN.He and Chelsea are now awaiting the result of a B-sample, which will confirm the original test if it is positive.Maresca has come out in support of the £88.5million signing and believes he will return to the team.He said: “We all believe Mudryk is innocent.READ MORE ON CHELSEA“I don’t think Misha’s Chelsea career is over. I think he will come back. “We don’t know when, that is the only doubt we have in this moment.“But for sure, he will be back.”Mudryk has protested his innocence and claimed he was left in “complete shock” when he was told.Most read in FootballHe said: “This has come as a complete shock as I have never knowingly used any banned substances or broken any rules.“I am working closely with my team to investigate how this could have happened.Chelsea star Mykhailo Mudryk facing FOUR YEAR ban after failing drugs testWhat drug did Mudryk take?By SunSport’s Joshua JonesMYKHAILO MUDRYK returned a positive sample for a drugs test in October.The Chelsea winger could face a ban for up to four years – because the drug was a performance-enhancing substance.It is alleged Mudryk had the drug meldonium in his system.Meldonium – aka mildronate – is a metabolic modulator similar to insulin and is widely used in Eastern Europe.It is used in heart disease therapy but is also claimed to enable athletes to withstand greater stress, use oxygen more sparingly and restore energy levels quickly.Meldonium was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency banned list in January 2016 following its high prevalence at the 2015 European Games in Baku.Just months later, former tennis world No1 and Wimbledon champion Maria Sharapova was banned for two years by the International Tennis Federation – although this was later cut to 15 months on appeal.Sharapova had been taking the drug for ten years for various health issues and claimed she was unaware it had been added to the banned list.Also in 2016, Russian boxer Alexander Povetkin was found to have traces of meldonium in his system before he was due to fight fellow heavyweight world champion Deontay Wilder.“I know I have not done anything wrong and remain hopeful that I will be back on the pitch soon.Maresca has also insisted that Mudryk’s team-mates are also in support of the player.He added: “We all support Misha.”The situation is a bit more clear.”We have a statement from the club, who have already said what we need to say, so there is not anything to add.”All the players inside the training ground support and trust Misha.”Chelsea released a statement in the aftermath of the news in which it backed up Mudryk’s claims.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt read: “Mykhailo has confirmed categorically that he has never knowingly used any banned substances.“Both Mykhailo and the club will now work with the relevant authorities to establish what has caused the adverse finding.”How long are drugs bans in football?By SunSport’s Joshua JonesMYKHAILO MUDRYK could be banned for up to four years after failing a drugs testBut what are the rules regarding drugs in football?There is a big difference between recreational drugs and performance-enhancing substances.Recreational drugs – such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, LSD and MDMA – carry a six-month suspension.However, this ban can increase to up to two years if a drug is detected when a player is tested after a match.But performance-enhancing drugs carry a far more severe punishment.And crucially the alleged drug Mudryk tested positive for, meldonium, falls under that category.The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code’s standard ban is four years.That is how long Paul Pogba was suspended for following his failed drugs test – although it was later reduced on appeal to 18 months by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.The FA follows the UK Anti-Doping code under the WADA authority so will follow their lead and procedures.Should Mudryk’s follow-up secondary ‘B’ sample also test positive, he is likely to be hit with at least an 18-month ban but it could be as high as four years.The only person in football currently banned on the UKAD sanctions list for anti-doping rule violations is Craig Campbell.The former Scottish striker was banned for four years in December 2022 after being convicted of dealing cocaine.  More

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    Keir Starmer vows to BLOCK English clubs joining new European Super League as he slams hated plot to revive it

    ENGLISH clubs will be BLOCKED from joining the newly-proposed European Super League, Sir Keir Starmer vowed today. The footie-mad PM went studs up on the latest threat of a breakaway tournament and said Premier League sides would not participate “on his watch”. Sir Keir Starmer has attacked plans for a European Super LeagueCredit: ReutersA22 have written to Fifa and Uefa to ask for permission to form a new league of 96 teamsHe is currently passing laws for a new football regulator with powers to ban teams from joining adjacent competitions. Downing Street hit out after promoter A22 Sports announced proposals for a 96-team series.The bizarre “Unify League” worships the EU – with its four divisions named Star, Gold, Blue and Union after the bloc’s flag. Arsenal-fan Sir Keir’s spokesman said: “Clearly this is not something the Prime Minister supports.Read more on politics“You’ve heard him previously say that on his watch, there’ll be no Super League-style breakaway from English football. “And as part of the strength in the Football Governance Bill, the regulator will be able to prevent English clubs from joining future breakaway competitions by taking into account factors such as sustainability, heritage and fairness should be at the heart of our game.They added they hope to pass the legislation – currently going through the Lords before coming to the Commons – “as quickly as possible”.Ex-Sports Minister Tracey Crouch – who first proposed the regulator in her Fan Led Review – slammed this “latest wheeze”.Most read in FootballShe told The Sun: “While this is a matter for UEFA, after the huge fan reaction to the breakaway super league that ultimately led to the Bill now going through Parliament to protect the long term future of English football, it will be a brave move for any Premier League club to support this latest wheeze without the approval of its fans.”Niall Couper, chief executive of football campaign group Fair Game, added: “The spectre of a new Super League needs to be killed immediately. And that is exactly why football needs a regulator with real teeth and why it needs one now.”The owners of elite clubs cannot be allowed to run roughshod over football.”But it is not just about urgency, it is also about ensuring the regulator has real power.”Without the ability to stand up to the top clubs, then it will betray not just the fans but the entire football pyramid that the success of our national game has been built on.”What’s the ‘Unify League’ and which Prem teams would play in new version of European Super League?Revived Super LeaguePromoter of the new league, A22 Sports, unveiled plans for a radical revamped format named the “Unify League” on Tuesday.The Madrid-based firm, backed by Real Madrid chairman Florentino Perez, said it had written to Fifa and Uefa to ask for official endorsement for the league.The previous attempt by the firm to form a breakaway league announced in April 2021 was met by huge fan backlash.But the new refined league will see 96 teams spread across four divisions – Star, Gold, Blue and Union – and crucially include promotion and relegation, meaning inclusion will be based on merit.As many as TEN Premier League teams will be offered the chance to take part in the new competition.Participation in the league would NOT affect membership of the Premier League, but the tournament would effectively spell the end of the Champions League.SunSport understands a significant number of Prem clubs have privately said they would be willing to take part in the new league.A22 bosses believe Uefa must endorse its latest proposal following a December 2023 European Court of Justice ruling that previous tactics used to block a Super League were contrary to EU law.And the league’s bosses are confident the latest iteration of their “Super League” will receive authorisation from Uefa, according to The Guardian.The report adds that Uefa is unlikely to respond in haste and that authorising the league, in essence calling A22’s bluff, will be an option under consideration.The prize fund for the tournament is yet to be confirmed, but A22 has promised £330million in “solidarity” payments for smaller clubs and countries.The total pot is expected to exceed the current £2billion Uefa fund for the Champions League and the £700m for the Europa and Conference Leagues combined.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeasures to block clubs from joining any breakaway competition are included in the Government’s Independent Football Regulator, currently going through Parliament and backed by all major parties.But the new competition seeks to supplant Uefa and be club-run — as happened when the Premier League was set up more than 30 years ago.Plenty to like… but will fans back it?By Martin Lipton, Chief Sports ReporterTHE biggest issue with the first version of Super League was that it was utterly unfair.Football has always been about what you earn on the field — and offering the Prem’s Big Six a place in a breakaway elite for life would have destroyed the fabric of the game.So while many fans reacted in anger at the ­latest proposals unveiled by Madrid-based A22, its new plans do tick more boxes.Qualification by merit, rather than on the basis of what a club did ten, 15 or 20 years ago is a step in the right direction.As are extra “big” games, playing all teams in a mini-league, home and away — it’s hard to keep tabs on a Champions League table of 36 clubs.Then an end-of-season knock-out with real tension, especially with a final four-style week of one-off semis and the final.But it seems unlikely that a new streaming platform, offering both ad-supported “free” games and a bells-and-whistles subscription service, can really earn the billions required to run four competitions every season.The potential autumn 2026 launch means huge obstacles will have to be cleared quickly — and that includes winning over the fans whose determination torpedoed Super League version one in 48 hours in 2021.In the end, it will come down to the clubs.If they feel their bread is being buttered the way they like it, then it could be on — and if that means jettisoning the Carabao Cup, so be it More

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    Julen Lopetegui’s dad Jose dies aged 94 as West Ham confirm manager has returned to Spain for funeral

    JULEN LOPETEGUI will take charge of West Ham on Saturday despite having to return to Spain following the death of his father this week.The Hammers manager, whose side face Brighton this weekend, is back in his home country after his dad, Jose, passed away on Tuesday aged 94.West Ham have confirmed Julen Lopetegui has returned to Spain to attend his dad’s funeralCredit: GettyJose Antonio Lopetegui passed away at the age of 94Lopetegui’s coaching staff are taking training during his absence, though the ex-Wolves manager will be back on Friday to hold a pre-match press conference.The 58-year-old travelled to Spain for three days during the November international break to spend time with his dad.Jose Antonio Lopetegui died after suffering from health problems this year, according to Spanish outlet AS.A West Ham spokesperson: “West Ham United can confirm head coach Julen Lopetegui has returned to Spain to attend the funeral of his father, Jose, who sadly passed away on Tuesday at the age of 94.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at the club are with Julen, his family and friends, and we kindly ask that their privacy is respected at this time.“Lopetegui’s coaching team will oversee training during this period.“The club will be making no further comment at this time.”Dad Jose, who was one of 11 siblings, was a renowned stone lifter and somewhat famous in Basque sport.Most read in FootballStone lifting is a traditional sport that involves lifting heavy stones onto the shoulder to test strength and endurance.It is known as “Harri-jasotze” in the Basque County and all eight Lopetegui brothers regularly competed.Tomas Soucek reveals heartwarming video call with Michail Antonio as he dedicates celebration to stricken West Ham starAt the Circo Price in Madrid, Jose was able to lift 182 kilos to the astonishment of the crowd.The eight brothers attempted to set a record of each lifting 188 kg at the same time, but were persuaded not to by their wives, who considered stone-lifting to be a rural pastime not befitting of their new statuses as urban businessmen.Jose was also a seasoned boxer in his youth.Lopetegui’s former club Sevilla, with whom he won the Europa League, also said: “Sevilla FC expresses its condolences to Julen Lopetegui and his family on the death of his father.”The West Ham manager has been under intense pressure due to a poor start of the season.But he has also had to deal with striker Michail Antonio suffering a horror car crash and also the passing of his father.Meanwhile, Lopetegui’s side drew 1-1 at Bournemouth on Monday night.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Hammers are 14th in the Premier League with 19 points from their opening 16 games this season.The Spaniard took over from David Moyes at the London Stadium in the summer. More