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    Major broadcasting change as Amazon Prime secure more football coverage amid ongoing £500million compensation row

    AMAZON Prime Video have secured rights to show Ligue 1 football on their platform.The streamer will offer a selection of matches from the French top flight.Fans in the UK will be able to watch Ligue 1 matches on PrimeCredit: GettyLigue 1 has been without a UK broadcast partner since the end of last season.Previously, TNT Sports showed most of their matches.But following the conclusion of the 2023-24 season, which coincided with Kylian Mbappe’s Paris Saint-Germain departure, TNT did not renew their deal.This left Ligue 1 without a UK broadcast partner going into the season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey subsequently launched Ligue 1 Pass, a streaming service on which fans can watch all matches either live or on demand, costing £9.99 per month or £79.99 for the full season.Fans will now be able to watch some matches on Prime Video, although not for free.Games shown through Prime will cost £2.49 each to watch via pay-per-view, with viewers not required to hold a Prime subscription.The streamer will target the biggest matches, with only two available on Prime this weekend.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAuxerre’s clash with Marseille will kick off Prime’s coverage on Saturday night, while they will also show Lyon vs PSG on Sunday.Prime have also confirmed that they will broadcast Monaco vs Reims on February 28, PSG vs Lille on March 1 and Marseille vs Nantes on March 2.Amazon Ends ‘Try Before You Buy’ for Prime MembersLEGAL FIGHTFrench domestic football’s governing body, the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), finds itself embroiled in a legal battle regarding Ligue 1’s domestic rights.Between 2021 and 2024, the league was broadcast in France by Amazon Prime Video and Canal+.With the likes of Mbappe, as well as Lionel Messi and Neymar, having departed the league in that time, the LFP struggled to sell their TV rights at a similar price.In the end they agreed to four-year deals with DAZN and beIN Sports at 10 per cent less than they were previously receiving.London-based DAZN agreed to pay £334million per year to show eight of the nine matches each weekend.While beIN committed to pay £83m per year to show the remaining game.The combined £417m received from the two networks is around half of what Mediapro had agreed to pay from 2020 onwards, in a deal that collapsed just five months later.Prime Video previously broadcast live Ligue 1 matches in FranceCredit: GettyCanal+ broadcast Ligue 1 matches between 2021 and 2024Credit: GettyThis week, DAZN were due to pay their latest £58m instalment to the LFP.They are claimed to have only paid half of the sum due to various gripes against the governing body.DAZN reportedly feel that the LFP have not made big enough efforts to shut down illegal streaming of matches, while they are also claimed to believe that some clubs have not made sufficient efforts to provide extra content.Reports in France claim that DAZN have gathered 400,000 subscribers in the country, having targeted 1.5 million after completing the deal.It is believed that if the streaming platform does not reach its target by this December, they can trigger a break clause in the deal for the end of next season.Per The Athletic, the LFP have gone to court in order to “obtain, as a matter of urgency, an order against DAZN to pay the sums stipulated in the contract and an injunction to perform all of its contractual obligations”.They have also outlined their hopes to reach an “amicable outcome”.READ MORE SUN STORIESFrench outlet RMC Sport, meanwhile, report that DAZN have also gone to court, demanding £500m for a “breach” of contract and “market dishonesty”.The affair could be set to rumble on for months.DAZN’s legal war with the LFP could be set to rumble onCredit: Rex More

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    Micah Richards reveals he supports two Premier League teams but it ‘depends if I’m off air or on air’

    MICAH RICHARDS revealed he supports TWO Premier League teams… and his loyalty depends on whether or not he’s on TV.Richards, 36, rose to prominence in 2005 with Manchester City and went on to win the Premier League title in 2012 as well as the FA Cup the year before.Micah Richards revealed he supports two Premier League teamsCredit: SkyRichards supports Manchester City and Arsenal, depending on whether he’s on airCredit: SkyThe former defender amassed a total of nine goals and 11 assists in 245 appearances with City, where he played for 10 years.The ex-England international enjoyed his most prominent years at Man City, so it comes as no surprise when he roots for Pep Guardiola’s side while on air.But Richards revealed he also supports another team when he’s off air… and that’s none other than Arsenal.Big Meeks appeared on the latest edition of A League of Their Own, where he joined host Romesh Ranganathan as well as guests Tony Bellew and Sean Dyche.Read More on FootballBellew asked the former Aston Villa ace: “Meeks, who do you support champ?”Richards responded: “Who do I support? Well, depends if I’m on air or off air.”Bellew insisted: “Well, we are on air then tell us the truth.”Richards replied: “Man City.”Most read in FootballRanganathan jumped in: “Off air: Arsenal!”Richards confirmed: “Yes!”‘How wrong…’ – Kate Abdo mercilessly trolls CBS Sports panel as Henry, Carra & Richards ‘left her out’ of TV outingThat led to quite a mixed reaction with some members of the crowd exclaiming in shock. More

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    Pep Guardiola targeted with sick ‘homophobic’ chants from Real Madrid supporters during Champions League thumping

    REAL MADRID supporters allegedly directed homophobic chants at Pep Guardiola during last night’s Champions League clash.His Cityzens crashed out of the competition as Kylian Mbappe’s hat-trick sealed a 3-1 defeat and a 6-3 aggregate loss in the play-off round.Pep Guardiola’s side were well beaten by Real Madrid last nightCredit: GettyMadrid fans revelled in the victory over Guardiola, who won the Champions League twice and three LaLiga titles with their bitter rivals Barcelona from 2008 to 2012.However, Spanish publication Marca claim that they began chanting towards the Catalan coach at 2-0, in which they referenced an area of Madrid that is known as the heart of the gay district.The actual word also has a double meaning and is used as slang for somebody “crooked”.Though Marca’s report states this particular chant did have homophobic undertones.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe targeting of the Man City manager comes just weeks after Guardiola’s shock split from wife Cristina Serra after 30 years.Showbiz reporters Lorena Vasquez and Laura Fa would later claim that Serra, a fashion entrepreneur, decided “enough was enough” when he penned a new City contract after previously telling her he would move away from the UK.The couple were married in 2014 but have lived apart for at least the last five years due to Serra moving back to Barcelona to live with one of their three children.This fresh report also adds that after Mbappe had claimed the matchball, an ironic chant of “Guardiola, stay” was directed at him on at least three occasions.Most read in Champions LeagueJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSKylian Mbappe bagged a stunning hat-trickCredit: GettyMbappe took just four minutes to give Real Madrid the lead on the night.The Frenchman grabbed his second on 33 minutes, before sealing his hat-trick shortly after the hour mark – with Nico Gonzalez scoring a consolation late on.Pep Guardiola says Akanji’s season all-but over as Man City star suffers injury while playing ‘in emergency’ More

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    Jack Grealish to lead Man City exit list with Pep Guardiola ready to sell EIGHT title-winning heroes in summer purge

    JACK GREALISH is reportedly set to lead a purging of the Manchester City squad in the summer.Pep Guardiola is set to cull his underperforming stars in the summer after a disappointing season.Pep Guardiola is set to cull his squad in the summer transfer windowCredit: GettyJack Grealish is one player that could leave the Etihad StadiumCredit: GettyKevin De Bruyne’s contract expires at the end of the summerCredit: GettyThe club could also axe John StonesCredit: GettyManchester City were dumped out of the Champions League on Wednesday night by Real Madrid.The European failure has followed an exit from the Carabao Cup and a lacklustre defence of the Premier League title.The club’s only hope of silverware this season is in the FA Cup with a 5th round tie against Plymouth Argyle on March 1.The Cityzens splashed the cash in January with high-profile arrivals of Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut come the summer transfer window, the club will be looking to trim down the squad.The Daily Star have claimed that EIGHT former title winners would be on their way out of the club.This includes the likes of Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan and Ederson.Kyle Walker is also expected to leave on a permanent deal when he returns from his loan spell at AC Milan.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAll of the players are aged 30 and over, which would suggest Guardiola is keen to add more youth to his squad.As the current season is nearly a write-off for the club, Guardiola must prioritise the future.Man City legend Sergio Aguero’s new career as a racing driver for PorscheManchester City squad agesHere is a look at the ages in Manchester City’s squad…Goalkeepers: Ederson, 31Stefan Ortega, 32Scott Carson, 39Defenders: Ruben Dias, 27Manuel Akanji, 29Nathan Ake, 30John Stones, 30Vitor Ries, 19Abdukodri Khsanov, 20Jahmai Simpson-Pursey, 19Josko Gvardiol, 23Rico Lewis, 20Kyle Walker, 34 – On loan at AC MilanMidfielders: Rodri, 28Mateo Kovacic, 30Nico Gonzalez, 23Ilkay Gundogan, 34Bernardo Silva, 30Kevin de Bruyne, 33Claudio Echeverri, 19James McAtee, 22Attackers:Jeremy Doku, 22Jack Grealish, 29Phil Foden, 24Savinho, 20Oscar Bobb, 21Erling Haaland, 24Omar Marmoush, 26Average age: 26.6The Spaniard will be expected to put faith into the four January arrivals in order to bed them in before next season.However, this must be balanced with results on the pitch with the club still not guaranteed a Champions League spot for next season.Man City have already signed Juma Bah from Real Valladolid and loaned him to RC Lens until the summer.While SunSport revealed City are ready to battle Real Madrid for £85million Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, who has been tipped as the ‘new De Bruyne’. More

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    Champions League supercomputer predicts Arsenal to be stunned in last 16 with Liverpool in seven-goal final thriller

    ARSENAL will be knocked out in the Champions League Round of 16 according to a supercomputer.The Gunners could face either PSV Eindhoven or Feyenoord in the next round after they beat Juventus and AC Milan respectively in the play-offs.Arsenal will lose to PSV in the next round according to a supercomputerCredit: RexLiverpool will get their hands on the Champions League trophy once againCredit: GettyThey face a tricky path to the final but a supercomputer predicts they will not get over their first obstacle – PSV.A supercomputer run by CasinoHawks has determined the Gunners will lose 2-0 in the first leg, away from home.And with the Gunners plagued by injuries in attack it has been predicted they will only respond with a 1-0 win at the Emirates, knocking them out of Europe.PSV are then tipped to meet Real Madrid in the next round and lose, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side progressing to face Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-final.READ MORE ON ARSENALMeanwhile Aston Villa are also predicted to lose in the Round of 16, to Borussia Dortmund, meaning Liverpool will be the only English side to reach the latter stages.The Reds will beat Benfica 8-3 on aggregate next up before conquering Dortmund to reach the last four.The supercomputer claims Liverpool will go all the way, beating Inter Milan before a 4-3 victory over PSG in what would be a thrilling final in Munich.Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa will find out their Round of 16 opponents on Friday.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLiverpool will face PSG or Benfica while Villa take on Borussia Dortmund or Club Brugge.Manchester City were the first English team to be knocked out of the Champions League this season after falling to a 6-3 aggregate defeat to Real Madrid.’It’s like Messi… there I said it’ – Pundits rave about Arsenal ace Nwaneri as Shearer dubs him ‘potential superstar’ More

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    Roy Keane’s daughter, 29, thought ‘life was over’ after being diagnosed with same incurable disease as Selena Gomez

    ROY KEANE’S daughter admits she “thought life was over” after being diagnosed with the same incurable disease as pop star Selena Gomez.Caragh Keane, 29, is the second-oldest child of the Manchester United legend, who shares five kids with wife Theresa Doyle.Caragh Keane ‘thought life was over’ after being diagnosed with lupusCredit: caraghkeane/InstagramShe is the daughter of Man Utd legend Roy KeaneCredit: Insatgram / @officialkeane16Caragh suffered joint pain and blistered skinCredit: caraghkeane/InstagramSinger Selena Gomez also has lupusCredit: Instagram/selenagomezBut four years ago, Caragh’s life was turned upside down after being diagnosed with lupus.The chronic autoimmune condition results in severe inflammation, with singer Gomez needing a career break and kidney transplant due to its symptoms.Caragh developed extreme joint pain, blisters and alopecia, forcing her to turn down a “dream teaching position.”And things became even bleaker when she was told she may need to undergo chemotherapy treatment to ease her symptoms.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCaragh told PA Real Life: “Life was over. (There was) no way out. I wouldn’t be here without them (mum and dad).“When I was diagnosed, I mourned the person I had been and the person I felt I should have been.“The fatigue was unbearable but you just power on. I was essentially bed-bound for a month-and-a-half.“I had been experiencing fatigue and memory loss for about six months. Since your immune system is essentially attacking itself, you feel like you only have yourself to blame.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSCaragh took it upon herself to research the links between gut health and inflammation.And after switching to a diet of unprocessed, healthy foods, Caragh’s lupus symptoms incredibly vanished.Roy Keane reveals emotional reaction to Man Utd exit after bust-up with Sir Alex Ferguson Caragh reversed her symptoms by changing her dietCredit: caraghkeane/InstagramShe now runs a company selling healthy grubShe hopes to help other lupus sufferers improve their lifestyleCredit: caraghkeane/InstagramShe has now created a health company, called Superkeen, which sells organic food to help others suffering with lupus, gut issues and other autoimmune problems.Caragh added: “When I look at it now, it’s obviously led me on this journey and I’m grateful for the food moments.“With the main overarching aim of being inclusive and knowing you’re not alone, I hope I can help people.“Everyone’s on their own journey but we’re all in it together.“I started eating real whole foods so I focused on good meat, fish and healthy fats, veggies and fruits, gut-healing foods like bone broth and fermented food, and supplements.“I started noticing my hair growing back and all my blisters started fading on my face.“My joint pain subsided after a few months and then I remember think, ‘There are lots of people out there suffering that don’t know the healing properties of food’.” More

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    Disgraced Spain football chief Rubiales GUILTY of sexually assaulting World Cup star with unwanted kiss…but avoids jail

    FORMER football chief Luis Rubiales has been found guilty of kissing Jenni Hermoso without consent after the Women’s World Cup final in 2023.The former Spanish FA boss, has been ordered to pay a fine of over £8,000 bringing the “Kissgate” scandal to an end but has dodged jail.The moment when Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips after their World Cup winCredit: EnterpriseLuis Rubiales leaving court on February 14Credit: AFPHermoso testifying in court in Madrid on February 3Rubiales was accused of attempting to coerce Hermoso into saying the kiss was consensualSpain’s High Court convicted Rubiales guilty of sexual assault at the 2023 World Cup final in Sydney, where Spain defeated England.The court set a fine of over €10,000 (£8,274) but acquitted him and the three other accused in the case of the charge of coercion.Prosecutors had sought a prison term of two-and-a-half years for Rubiales.Rubiales has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, insisting the kiss was a “peck between friends celebrating.”READ MORE ON RUBIALESA statement from the court said: “The ruling bans Rubiales from going within a 200-meter radius of Hermoso and from communicating with her for one year.”Earlier this month, Hermoso took the stand at Madrid’s Audiencia Nacional court, and described how Rubiales grabbed her head and kissed her without consent  staining “one of the happiest days of my life.””I didn’t hear or understand anything,” she told the court.”The next thing he did was to grab me by the ears and kiss me on the mouth.Most read in Football”I felt it was totally out of place and I then realised my boss was kissing me, and this shouldn’t happen in any social or work setting.”A kiss on the lips is only given when I decide so.”TRIAL TRAUMA Kiss ruined happiest day of my life, Spain World Cup star Jenni Hermoso tells Luis Rubiales as sex assault trial beginsShe added: “As a woman, I felt disrespected. It was a moment that stained one of the happiest days of my life.”The court also heard that just hours after the kiss, Rubiales and his aides allegedly pressured Hermoso to declare it was consensual to contain the growing backlash.She was called off the team bus at Sydney’s stadium and shown a statement she was expected to sign.Hermoso recalled breaking down in tears as pressure mounted on her to publicly downplay the incident.The Spanish footballer told the court: “I skim-read it and said and knew I hadn’t written a word of it.“It was a statement I had supposedly drafted myself and consented to being put out to fan the flames of the fuss that was being created by the kiss.“The statement said Luis Rubiales and I were good friends and the kiss happened in the effusiveness of the moment. I said I didn’t agree to it going out.”The kiss sparked outrage across the world as FIFA suspended Rubiales, who initially refused to resign and branded the controversy as a “witch hunt by fake feminism.”Following Spain’s win at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, during celebrations, Rubiales kissed the team’s Jenni Hermoso without her consent.Striker Hermoso lodged a sexual assault complaint in person at the State Attorney General’s Office.She described the kiss as ”an impulsive, sexist act, out of place and without any type of consent on my part.”He eventually resigned in September 2023 following backlash sparked by the scandal.Rubiales was banned for three years from all football activity in October 2023 over his conduct at the World Cup final in Sydney, which was upheld on appeal in January 2024.READ MORE SUN STORIESFIFA said at the time the appeal was upheld: “FIFA reiterates its absolute commitment to respecting and protecting the integrity of all people and ensuring that the basic rules of decent conduct are upheld.”The incident also sparked national protests in Spain calling for “a sport free of sexist violence”.Prosecutors had called for a two-and-a-half prison term for RubialesHermoso said the forced kiss tainted “one of the happiest days” of her life More

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    ‘Not even half the team that made us park the bus’ – Real Madrid stars’ BRUTAL verdict after smashing ‘fragile’ Man City

    REAL MADRID stars took just 45 minutes to realise Manchester City weren’t even “half the team” they faced in recent years.Real and City failed to finish in the Champions League’s top eight during the league phase and that set up a blockbuster play-off for a place in the Last 16.Real Madrid realised they weren’t facing the same Manchester City from the last three yearsCredit: RexReal found Man City weren’t ‘half the team’ they faced last yearCredit: GettyReal decided to play attacking football during half-time at Man CityCredit: PAReal dumped Man City out of the Champions League in dominant second legCredit: GettyThe two giants first met at the Etihad last week for the first leg, which Los Blancos approached with the utmost respect and refused to pay any attention to Man City’s immense woes in the Premier League.The Citizens found themselves leading at half-time thanks to Erling Haaland’s opener, and that is when Carlo Ancelotti’s stars came to a sudden realisation.According to Marca, a big conversation took place in the visitors’ dressing room.The visitors understood they weren’t playing against the same City that took them to the limit the last three years, during which they faced off in six thrilling Champions League knockout games.Read More on FootballThat was when Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham and co asked themselves: “What are we doing?”The reigning European champions previously adopted a more defensive strategy, such as last year when they “parked the bus” on the edge of their area in the quarter-finals.However, the Spanish champions knew they could push this team and press higher as Pep Guardiola’s side was nothing like the rivals they remembered.Real stars found their opponents to be “physically bad” when pressed with “lots of gaps, lots of gaps” and a “surprisingly fragile” defence.Most read in Champions LeagueAncelotti’s men returned to the pitch and equalised with Mbappe and kept fighting despite Haaland’s double 10 minutes before full-time as they levelled things up with Brahim Diaz and got the winner through Bellingham during stoppage time.Real used the lessons they learned in the second leg as they only played attacking football, which was completely different than what they displayed last season against City.Man City boss Pep Guardiola responds to late collapse to Real Madrid It paid dividends as Mbappe scored a hat-trick during a dominant display that saw Guardiola’s side being often unable to cross the halfway line.And Man City struggled so much they couldn’t get a shot on or off target until the latter stages of the second half, which saw Nico Gonzalez scoring a consolation goal during stoppage time. More