Philippa Kaur

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    Chelsea files: Why Cole Palmer will get SMALLER bonus than Blues team-mates for Conference League win

    MONEY TALKS and Chelsea is no different to any other Premier League club.The players will receive a bonus if they beat Real Betis next Wednesday and win the Conference League for the first time.Enzo Maresca leads his men into the Conference League final next weekCredit: ReutersCole Palmer will be available after sitting out the first portion of the tournamentCredit: PAThe payments have been set out on a sliding scale depending on appearances which means some of the top stars won’t be paid as much although they’ll hardly go hungry as a result.And as if we needed reminding of Chelsea’s priorities, if Champions League qualification is achieved at Nottingham Forest this Sunday then the players’ pay packets will be considerably more full.Cole Palmer was deliberately kept out of Chelsea’s Conference League squad for the first half of the campaign and so has made just five appearances in the competition this season.Keeper Filip Jorgensen, who has been confirmed as a starter in the final next week, has played 13 times in the tournament.DESPITE harbouring bigger ambitions than the Conference League, Chelsea fans are flocking to Poland in their thousands to lap up the final.The club’s official allocation of 12,300 tickets has been gobbled up.Blues supporters were understandably confident that their billion quid squad would reach the June 28 date in Wroclaw, so many booked hotels and flights weeks, sometimes months in advance.BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIt’s common practice in the travel industry and can mean saving a decent whack of money by getting in early.But as is the case in this horrible old world, some of those loyal punters who took a punt on Chelsea going all the way, are now coming unstuck. Chelsea star Cole Palmer admits he threw up in the pool on holiday and got his hand stuck in a Pringles tubeWe have heard numerous worrying reports that a number of fans are receiving emails from hotels in the city, claiming there has been a ‘technical’ or ‘admin’ error with their initial reservation.And yes, you guessed it, those issues mean the prices of their accommodation has increased – sometimes tripling the original room rate.Fans are reluctant to name the hotels but some are fighting back. One supporter, who booked eight rooms in a 3* hotel has been told the cost is now three times what it was.But the person involved has since found a 5* place that is cheaper! He is keeping the first hotel hanging on and will cancel last minute in the hope they end up losing out altogether.Unfortunately, there is little the club can do to help frustrated fans.Todd Boehly is a director on ticket resale site Vivid SeatsCredit: AlamyAND right on time, Uefa has chosen this week to publish its latest call for fans to avoid ‘unofficial’ ticket agencies as next week’s final draws closer.The directive reads: “UEFA warns fans not to purchase tickets on the secondary market, from unauthorised third parties, websites, agencies or from touts. “Such tickets may be cancelled by UEFA at any time and fans are likely to be refused entry or be ejected from the stadium. In addition, fans may not receive the tickets which they have purchased from these unauthorised third parties.”UEFA reminds fans that ticket sales to the general public and fans of the teams who have reached the UEFA club competition finals are carried out exclusively via UEFA.com.”All well and good but as we know, Chelsea’s own chairman Todd Boehly has his fingers buried deep in this pie with his stake in US ticket resale site Vivid Seats.Supporters are already on the club’s case over how so many fans of Swedish side Djurgarden were able to buy seats in the home end of Stamford Bridge for the Conference League semi-final second leg. Awkward.REECE James’ position at Chelsea was called into question last week, with Romeo Lavia back fit, Chelsea’s abundance of midfield options, and Moises Caicedo seeming to take up his spot in Enzo Maresca’s favourite starting XI.But the Blues’ captain showed that he’s not going anywhere vs Man Utd, back in the side at right-back and stealing the show with an incredible spin and cross to set up fellow full-back Marc Cucurella.Enzo Maresca said previously that he sees Reece as a midfielder, as he was used on loan at Wigan Athletic, rather than a marauding right-back as he has always been at Chelsea.Questions over James have never been over his ability, but his fitness, and against Manchester United he completed 90 minutes in the Premier League for only the second time since November 2024.What’s more, this season he’s played a part in 21 games since January, a consistent run for his side and is proving that he has a key part to play in this side.If he can keep this up, he can surely establish himself as one of the best in the world in his position once more and work his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s England setup.His versatility in Maresca’s system could make him a key cog in this Chelsea machine, with his ability to be a danger out wide and in the middle allowing the Italian gaffer to remain unpredictable and adapt to different game states at different times.Reece is deserving of a start away to Nottingham Forest, a fixture in which he got the match-winning assist on the final day of last season.Chelsea ratings v Man UtdMOISES CAICEDO was named Chelsea’s player of the season last week, and wonderkid Kendry Paez is touted to be a star player for the Blues in seasons to come. Ecuadorian greatness could become a common theme at Stamford Bridge.Caicedo and Paez were both academy graduates of Independiente Del Valle in Ecuador, and this could be somewhere BlueCo continues to shop in the coming transfer windows.Independiente have also produced PSG star defender Willian Pacho, and invincible Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Piero Hincapie, both of whom have previously been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.Moises Caicedo bagged the Blues’ player of the season awardCredit: PAEcuador was perhaps for too long a nation with heaps of untapped potential, with Brighton reaping the rewards of building a link with the South American nation, signing talents such as Pervis Estupinian, Caicedo and Jeremy Sarmiento.With Chelsea appointing Brighton’s transfer guru Sam Jewell last year, don’t be surprised to see The Blues do more summer shopping in Sangolquí in the upcoming window.WITH two games to go in Ligue 1, and having just beaten Paris St. Germain, BlueCo-owned Strasbourg looked destined for European football, with a dream of playing in the Champions League very much alive.However, Chelsea’s sister club went and bottled it.After the PSG match, they took on Angers and Le Havre, the teams who finished just outside of the relegation zone in 14th and 15th place, and lost both…That means the French side finished 7th place in Ligue 1, outside of any European spot, including the Conference League, which Chelsea may be about to win.And it hasn’t gone unnoticed by sceptical Blues fans amid all sorts of conspiracy theories.Were Strasbourg to end up in the same competition as Chelsea then it could massively affect this summer’s transfer market with trading between the two BlueCo stablemates banned.Strasbourg’s Liam Rosenior was left stunned as his side lost crucial back-to-back gamesCredit: AFPGiven Chelsea could virtually fill Stamford Bridge with the amount of young players they have sent to Strasbourg on loan that would be a bit of an issue.Of course, it’s all just cynical, light-hearted and nobody really thinks it’s an intra-club carve up.And Liam Rosenior’s men DO still have a chance to play in Europe next campaign.If PSG can get the better of Reims in the Coupe De France final on Saturday, then Lyon (who finished in 6th will be upgraded from a Conference League play-off spot and into the Europa League, meaning Strasbourg will take their place in the play-offs.Last time the two sides met, they shared a point each, but with PSG on the cusp of a potential treble they will surely not take this game lightly.REAL BETIS against Chelsea is a reunion of sorts.The two clubs met in the last eight of the now-defunct Cup Winners Cup in 1998.Chelsea won 3-1 with Blues legend Gianfranco Zola having the last word. The team sheet is a historian’s dream: Ed de Goey in goal, Dennis Wise in midfield along with Roberto di Matteo – he would later achieve the ultimate and win Chelsea’s first Champions League trophy as manager in 2012 – and was sacked the following November. More

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    Gadi Kinda dead at 31: Former Israel international and MLS star dies after ‘complex medical battle’

    FORMER MLS star and Israel international Gadi Kinda has died aged 31.The attacking midfielder has passed away following a “complex medical battle” in recent weeks, according to his club Maccabi Haifa.Gadi Kinda has passed away aged 31Credit: GettyThe Israeli top-flight club, who Kinda last played for in March, announced the star’s passing in a statement.It comes just two weeks after the club revealed that Kinda has been hospitalised following his medical battle.Kinda, who earned 10 caps for the Israel national team, joined Maccabi Haifa last year after spending four years on the books at MLS side Sporting Kansas City.His former teammates posed with his shirt before their clash with the Portland Timbers earlier this month to show their support.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSince the news of his passing, head coach Kerry Zavagnin said: “It’s still a raw emotion. “Obviously in the club right now and the way that the group is taking it, in such a difficult way, it goes to show what he meant to all of us.”Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this difficult time. “He was such an electric figure in our club and he’s going to be dearly missed.”Most read in FootballSporting Kansas City players held up Kinda’s shirt for their former teammate ahead of their match against Portland TimbersCredit: GettyAdding: “[Kinda was] a pleasure to be with every day. No matter what the day looked like, he always came in with it with an optimistic view.”Everyone from the chefs, the cooks, the cleaning service, the coaches, the rest of the staff, the players, all had a good feeling when they were around him and it shows today in how everyone’s taken this tragic news.”While fans have paid their tributes with touching messages on social media too.One wrote: “Rest in peace, legend”.While another added: “Rest in peace, was genuinely one of the nicest people!”And a third commented: “Heartbreaking. SKC was lucky to have him.”Born in Ethiopia, Kinda moved to Isreal at just thee years old – a move that sparked his love for football.As a kid he joined FC Ashdod’s academy before making his senior debut at 17.He later moved to Beitar Jerusalem before making his big move to the US to play for Sporting KC.Read More on The SunWhile playing for Kansas City he made 80 appearances, scoring 16 goals and registering 17 assists.He made 10 appearances for the Israeli national side, including lining up against Cristiano Ronaldo in a clash with Portugal. Kinda made 10 appearances for IsraelCredit: AFP More

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    Ange Postecoglou fumes after being labelled a ‘clown’ and refuses to answer question during press conference

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU has defended his record at Spurs and hit back at a report branding him a “clown”.The Australian leads Tottenham into the Europa League final against Manchester United on Wednesday.Ange Postecoglou was not impressed after being branded a “clown” in a recent reportCredit: GettyThe Tottenham boss could lead Spurs to their first silverware in almost two decadesCredit: GettyPostecoglou and the Spurs squad flew into Bilbao earlier this week and trained at the Estadio de San Mames. The 59-year-old, whose side sit 17th in the Premier League, has been under increasing pressure over recent months.SunSport understands Ange is expected to leave the club this summer, regardless of Wednesday’s result. Postecoglou was branded a “clown” by one reporter ahead of the game in Spain.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLIn a piece published by The Standard, Ange was described as “teetering between hero and clown with Tottenham legacy on the line”.The Spurs boss hit back directly during a tense press conference on Tuesday. Addressing reporter Dan Kilpatrick, Postecoglou said: “I’ll tell you one thing, irrespective of tomorrow, I’m not a clown and never will be.”You really disappointed me that you used such terminology to describe a person that for 26 years, without any favours from anyone, has worked his way to a position where he is leading out a club in a European final.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”For you to suggest that somehow us not being successful means that I’m a clown, I’m not sure how to answer that question.”The former Australia and Celtic boss said he had worked hard at Spurs, who have not won a trophy since 2008.Welcome to Bilbao’s San Mames stadium ahead of Europa League final between Man Utd and SpursThe club have not tasted European success since 1984.He continued: “I’ve tried as hard as I can to stick to that process in getting the club to a position where they can challenge for trophies and at the same time, rejuvenate the squad and change the playing style.”It has been a fair assignment with plenty of challenges along the way.Man Utd vs Spurs – Europa League final: Kick-off time, TV channel and live stream info for Bilbao clash”With such a big game tomorrow, there is an opportunity to fulfil at least the main task I was given which was to bring trophies to the club.”Postecoglou confirmed that midfielder Lucas Bergvall would not be fit to face United. James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are also unavailable. More

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    Roma want Nuno Espirito Santo to walk out on Nottingham Forest and believe tensions with owner Marinakis could tempt him

    ROMA want Nuno Espirito Santo to walk out on Nottingham Forest and come to Serie A.The Italian giants will part company with Claudio Ranieri after Sunday’s final game of the season at Torino.Nuno Espírito Santo is a shock target for Roma in Serie ACredit: GettyForest have denied there is any rift between Greek co-owner Evangelos Marinakis (left) and NunoCredit: AFPClaudio Ranieri has left Roma after turning the club’s fortunes aroundCredit: GettyAnd Forest chief Nuno, 51, will be tempted with a two-year deal if he is ready to leave the City Ground.Forest can claim a berth in the Champions League and the chance to play for the European Cup trophy for the first time since 1979 with a win over Chelsea this weekend and other results going their way.But Roma believe there might be a schism between Nuno and Forest co-owner Evangelos Marinakis that could bring a split despite the club’s best campaign in three decades.Marinakis stormed onto the pitch in the final seconds of the 2-2 home draw with Leicester and seemed to be lambasting the manager over the decision not to replace striker Taiwo Awoniyi after he collided with a post.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSources in Italy claimed Roma have already contacted Nuno’s representatives to make him the contract offer with a promise to give him a potential title-winning budget.Nuno has 12 months left on the deal he signed when he replaced Steve Cooper in December 2023.Forest have been attempting to tie the 51-year-old to a new contract.City Ground insiders emphatically dismissed any suggestion of a rift between Marinakis and his manager.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThere is huge frustration that speculation has come just days before a potentially momentous match in the club’s recent history.Forest are still in with a chance of reaching the top five after a 2-1 win at West Ham over the weekend.Mad moment Premier League manager stuns his own players with ’10 out of 10 dive’ off top board They welcome Chelsea to the City Ground for their final match of the season on Sunday. Forest must beat the Blues and hope results go their way elsewhere to sneak into Europe’s elite. And Nuno believes home advantage could be key in such a huge game.He told Sky Sports: “[Being at the] City Ground is another big boost for us. “It’s going to be bouncing and helping us, but we’re going to fight, we’re going to fight.“And we’re going to face a very good team full of talent, but it’s the final game, it’s the final game. “Let’s give it a go.” More

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    Everton release damning statement as Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s wife subjected to ‘threatening’ abuse

    EVERTON have released a statement condemning “threatening” abuse aimed at Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s wife.Sandra Calvert-Lewin received a backlash from some fans on social media after posting in the wake of Everton’s final game at Goodison Park.Everton have condemned abuse aimed at the wife of striker Dominic Calvert-LewinCredit: Instagram / @jerzeUploading a picture of her hubby, who was a late sub in the 2-0 win over Southampton, she said: “30 goals at Goodison.”Top 3 ever. They might not shout about it – but we’re proud every single day.”After receiving some vile abuse, Sandra doubled down on her support for Calvert-Lewin.She added: “I’ve seen the unseen moments – the recovery, the doubt, the strength it took to keep going. The world saw Dominic Calvert-Lewin the footballer. I see the man I love. And I’m endlessly proud of both.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd now, Everton have released a statement slamming the disgraceful comments aimed at Calvert-Lewin’s partner.It read: “Everton Football Club strongly condemns the threatening, racist and misogynistic abuse directed towards the wife of Dominic Calvert-Lewin on social media.“This sinister and intimidating behaviour is not only deeply hurtful and distressing, it is also criminal — and does not represent the values of Everton or the overwhelming majority of our supporters.“The Club has a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of discriminatory and abuse behaviour.Most read in Football“We are working closely with Merseyside Police and the Premier League to ensure the individuals responsible are identified and held accountable for their actions.“Threats or abuse of any kind — whether online or in person — are completely unacceptable and have no place in our game or in society.“The Club urges anyone who sees or experiences such behaviour to report it to the authorities and relevant social media platforms immediately.“We will continue to offer our full support to Dominic and his family.”THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    Jamie Vardy linked with shock free transfer move to FA Cup kings Crystal Palace after confirming he’s leaving Leicester

    JAMIE VARDY has been linked with a shock move to FA Cup winners Crystal Palace.Vardy, 38, is leaving Leicester City at the end of the season after 13 years with the Foxes as a club hero.Jamie Vardy has been linked with a move to Crystal PalaceCredit: Shutterstock EditorialVardy scored his 200th goal for Leicester on Sunday after announcing he will leave the club this summerCredit: GettyThe experienced striker will be a free agent this summer on the expiration of his current deal and is thought to be keen on remaining in the Premier League. And according to the Independent, Crystal Palace are one top flight club who are considering offering him a deal.The Eagles, who beat Man City 1-0 to win the FA Cup on Saturday, are reportedly weighing up a move for the forward to bolster Oliver Glasner’s front line.Palace already have both Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eddie Nketiah as options up top, but are still considering adding Vardy to the mix.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLVardy managed nine goals and four assists for Leicester this season as the King Power outfit were relegated back to the Championship.And the club legend was given a fitting farewell from the Leicester fans when he played his final game for the club in a 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town.The former England international found the back of the net to take his total for Leicester to a satisfying 200 goals in 500 appearances. Vardy had been linked with a switch to Hollywood-owned Wrexham, who sealed a promotion into the Championship this season.Most read in FootballCrystal Palace won the FA Cup on SaturdayCredit: GettyCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut a potential move to the Welsh outfit was seemingly ruled out by Wrexham exec Humphrey Ker this week.While Vardy has insisted that Leicester will have no problems adjusting to life after his exit.Rebekah Vardy throws husband Jamie a surprise party as he leaves Leicester CitySpeaking after their 2-0 win over Ipswich, he said: “They’ll be fine, they’ll be fine.”We’ve got a good squad and we’ve got all the youngsters coming through as well. “I’m glad I’m not them, because football is a killer mentally and I couldn’t do it all again if I’m honest.”But I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and I look forward to keeping an eye on the club I love.”Vardy said goodbye to Leicester City on SundayCredit: ReutersHe leaves the club as a Premier League championCredit: Getty More

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    Chelsea ‘preparing shock transfer bid for Real Madrid star Rodrygo’ as ace has ‘one foot out the door’

    CHELSEA are ready to make a shock bid for Real Madrid star Rodrygo, according to reports.The 24-year-old winger is set to be put up for sale this summer.Rodrygo is on the radar of Chelsea as he looks to quit Real MadridCredit: RexShock claims emerged last week that Rodrygo is unhappy at Real Madrid as he believes he is being overshadowed by team-mates like Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.Spanish outlet AS have since reported that the Brazilian is in a “complicated moment” and has “one foot out the door”.Rodrygo is waiting to discuss his future with Xabi Alonso, though the incoming boss is supposedly happy to sell him.Chelsea are said to be monitoring the situation ahead of a potential bid.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGoal claim the Blues have begun talks with the player’s representatives to see if he is interested in the move. But Chelsea are yet to begin discussions with Real Madrid.Rodrygo, who has scored 68 goals and got 50 assists from Real Madrid in 267 games, has a contract at the Bernabeu until 2028.The two-time Champions League winner has also been linked with Arsenal and Liverpool in recent weeks.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd it could take a fee of close to £100million to get their man.Chelsea are in the market for a winger this summer and rumours suggest Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams and Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens are on their shortlist. ‘I’m not happy’ – Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca FUMING at Conference League final opponents Real Betis’ unfair advantageGittens’ agent has been in talks with the club for some time and they are willing to double his £2.5million-a-year wages at Dortmund. More

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    Fantasy Paid Leagues and revamped transfer process among exciting changes coming to Dream Team next season

    HERE at Dream Team HQ we’re already getting excited about what comes next.With just one Gameweek remaining of the current campaign, we’re about to implement improvements that will enhance our fantasy football offering for the 2025/26 season.We’re planning to make Dream Team better than ever in 2025/26Credit: Dream TeamThe first thing to note is that we’re offering bigger cash prizes!This includes a greater sum of money for the overall season winner.Secondly, you will have the option to compete against other managers in fantasy Paid Leagues thanks to our partners Plucky (18+).Plucky provide a regulated and licenced platform to ensure all users can play for money in a safe and secure way.Liverpool players will be popular again next seasonCredit: EPAIn regards to the game mechanics, we are adapting the process of transfer rollovers.From the start of next season, you will still get two transfers per Gameweek but if you don’t use either then both will carry over to the next Gameweek, giving you a maximum of four to use before the following deadline.Alternatively, if you use one of your two transfers then you will have three available the following Gameweek.The maximum transfers you can have at any one time is six, meaning four is the most you can carry over.Most read in FootballThis method opens up many more strategic options.For example, you could bank transfers early in the season then start using two per Gameweek until the occasion calls for widespread changes, at which point you have the choice to use the additional transfers you held back earlier in the campaign.This will allow you greater flexibility and may be particularly useful for specific Gameweeks, such as the FA Cup third round or exceptionally juicy European double headers.We plan to tweak our beloved fantasy game in other ways too, guided by feedback provided by thousands of Dream Team gaffers, but we have to keep some secrets for now.Gaffers will be able to flex their tactical muscles to an ever greater degree in 2025/26Credit: Shutterstock EditorialElsewhere, we’re planning to make Score Predictor bigger and better than ever.In 2025/26, you will enter predictions for EVERY Premier League game, as well as selected FA Cup and international fixtures.Every correct score prediction will earn you one entry into a prize draw for £10,000!Furthermore, we’re excited to announce that we will be offering a Score Predictor game for the 2025 Women’s Euros as the Lionesses hope to defend their crown this summer.Then in the summer of 2026, Dream Team bosses will be able to sink their teeth into the men’s World Cup, when Thomas Tuchel will aim to end England’s years of hurt in Canada, USA and Mexico.Play Score Predictor alongside the Women’s Euros this summerCredit: PAIt’s early days but the 2025/26 Dream Team season is shaping up nicely.You will be able to sign-up for the upcoming Game Year in June!More information on all things Dream Team will be provided in the coming weeks.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgRead More on The SunFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More