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      Women’s football chief says banking giant doubling investment in top two divisions is a ‘landmark moment’

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      NIKKI DOUCET says a new deal with Barclays to double its sponsorship of the WSL and Women’s Championship is a “historic” moment for the game.The English women’s football chief was sharing her thoughts on the new multi-year agreement thought to be worth £45million.Barclays has doubled its sponsorship of the Women’s Super League (WSL) and Women’s ChampionshipCredit: AlamyWPPL chief Nikki Doucet described the new agreement as a landmark moment for women’s footballThe deal, announced today, is claimed to be double the value of the bank’s previous investment as a title sponsor of the WSL and Women’s Championship.It is thought to be around £15m annually over three years. It is the first multimillion sponsorship agreement to be sealed by the Women’s Professional Leagues Limited’s (WPLL) since its takeover of the top two tiers of the game. WPLL chief Nikki Doucet told Sky Sports: “This is a landmark historic moment for women’s football.Read More Football Stories “No one can question Barclay’s commitment. They’ve been a long-term partner. “They’ve seen their investment and what’s happening with all the growth in the women’s game and their belief in the growth going forward.“It’s incredible to see them double their investment and to continue to partner with us.”When Barclays commenced its title sponsorship of the WSL in 2019, the deal was the largest investment into women’s sport in the UK made by a brand.Most read in FootballIn the past five years the league has become the most followed women’s domestic sports division.Average attendances at games are claimed to have risen by 283 per cent since the 2021-22 season.Doucet adds: “The aim is for us to continue to grow and to put on the best football competition we possibly can and continue to watch exciting football.”Barclays partnership with the FA has also been extended for another four years.The banking firm intends to use it to focus on improving equality on and off the pitch through a girls’ football partnerships with schools.The announcement comes four days after respondents to a Sky Sports study said watching female athletes on television inspires young women to take part in sport.Findings from the research, which explored increased visibility of sportswomen, were released before the start of the 2024-25 WSL season which kicked off last Friday (September 20).According to Sky, 70 per cent of the 2,000 18 to 29-year-olds questioned see professional athletes as the most influential role models in sport for young women.And more than three quarters (78%) believe female footballers are becoming more prominent in both celebrity culture and fashion. Last weekend’s WSL season-openers saw Chelsea, Brighton, Manchester United and Tottenham pick up wins from their first games of this campaign. And last term’s title runners-up Manchester City drew 2-2 with Arsenal at the Emirates while Leicester also claimed a point on the road drawing 1-1 with Liverpool.Meanwhile in the Women’s Championship Charlton are currently top of the table and unbeaten after three games. Doucet is hopeful this term’s Women’s Championship and WSL contests will be most the competitive yetCredit: GettyAnd their promotion chasing rivals Birmingham and London City are on seven points each and with Durham, who are fourth, on six.READ MORE SUN STORIESWPLL boss Doucet said: “You’re going to see probably the most competitive WSL season yet. This past weekend showed a lot of that.”I think the Championship is going to be equally incredibly competitive”. More

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      Everton takeover finally agreed as Friedkin Group set to buy crisis club in huge U-turn after pulling plug on £800m deal

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      EVERTON’S takeover saga is set to finally come to an end as US billionaire Dan Friedkin has agreed to buy the club.This comes two months after The Friedkin Group’s proposed £800million takeover of the Toffees fell apart over concerns about the club’s debt to 777, an investment firm based in Miami.Everton’s takeover saga looks set to finally come to an endCredit: APUS billionaire Dan Friedkin has agreed a deal to buy out Everton owner Farhad Moshiri’s stakeCredit: GettyThe debt was said to come from a series of loans taken out by the club from the firm last season and was worth £200m.According to The Times, however, The TFG and departing owner Farhad Moshiri accelerated talks over the weekend and an agreement has been struck.The American is now set to overtake Moshiri’s 94.1 per cent stake in the club.The agreement, of course, remains subject to approval from the Premier League, the Financial Conduct Authority and the Football Association. Read More on FootballAnd that entire process may take up to eight weeks until it’s completed.A TFG spokesperson said: “We are pleased to have reached an agreement to become custodians of this iconic football club. “We are focused on securing the necessary approvals to complete the transaction.“We look forward to providing stability to the club, and sharing our vision for its future, including the completion of the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTFG will be looking to clean up the club’s balance sheet and reduce debt of about £600m.The incoming new owners will also be overseeing the grand opening of the Merseysiders’ new 52,888-seater stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock which will be ready for the start of the 2025-26 season.The mess Everton are in explainedFriedkin also owns Serie A giants Roma, but his leadership has come under increasing scrutiny following the sacking of manager Daniele De Rossi and the resignation of CEO Lina Souloukou.But the new ownership works as a boost amid Everton’s Premier League struggles as Sean Dyche’s side is second to last in the table’s relegation zone with only one point out of five matches.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      Inside Man Utd’s wild two-day bender after winning Champions League as Paul Scholes admits he didn’t sleep for 48 hours

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      MANCHESTER UNITED stars partied for days after winning the Champions League in 1999.Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt revealed they did not sleep for 48 hours after the Red Devils beat Bayern Munich in Barcelona.Paul Scholes did not sleep for two days after winning the Champions LeagueCredit: YouTube/Football’s GreatestNicky Butt also partied for daysThe pair were part of the famous Class of 92 that helped United win the TrebleCredit: Getty – ContributorUnited won the final at the Nou Camp in BarcelonaCredit: GettyAfter lifting the trophy the players travelled back to the hotel where they met friends and families before embarking on the biggest of all parties.Scholes revealed his partying continued into the morning – hours before he flew back to Manchester with the rest of the squad.Butt recalled the story on the Football’s Greatest show, saying: “From that minute we got into the party I think that was a two-day party bender.”Scholes then interjected, adding: “I was going to say I don’t think I went to bed…I was still walking around Barcelona until half seven in the morning the day after with my dad and his mate.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”We were in a bar around the corner from a hotel at 7:30am, we were flying in two hours.”Butt was in the same boat as his team-mate as the party took hold.He continued: “I didn’t go to bed either. I remember having the medal around my neck and my suit on for three days.”We must have been stinking. Champagne on you, we just didn’t go to bed.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe fun did not stop there as once back in Manchester they were greeted by hoards of supporters for the trophy parade.Scholes admitted he was “virtually asleep” sitting at the back of the bus during the parade while Butt continued celebrating for two more days as nobody wanted to stop.Paul Scholes reveals Sir Alex Ferguson had Eighties pop icon training with Man Utd More

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      Unemployed ex-Premier League star offered surprise route back to top flight five years after he burst on to the scene

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      FREE AGENT Aaron Connolly is on the verge of becoming part of Sunderland’s promotion push.The 24-year-old forward has been without a club since he was released by Hull City in June.Aaron Connolly is on the verge of joining Sunderland on a free transferCredit: GettyThe 24-year-old burst onto the scene with two goals against Tottenham in 2019Credit: Getty Images – GettyRepublic of Ireland international Connolly burst on the scene with Brighton in 2019 with a brace against Tottenham Hotspur.He played 24 times in the Premier League that season, scoring three goals, but he failed to capitalise on that bright start.Connolly had loan spells with Luton, Middlesbrough and Italian club Venezia before heading to Hull in January 2023.He scored eight goals for the Tigers in the Championship last term but that was not enough to earn him an extension.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, he is set to be handed a career lifeline by Regis Le Bris’ high-flying Black Cats.Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough was their fourth in five league matches and early pace-setters West Brom are the only side ahead of them.Sunderland’s bright start has come despite 19-year-old Eliezer Mayenda being their only recognised striker.Le Bris secured the signing of Ahmed Abdullahi on deadline day, but the Nigerian arrival from Gent was instantly ruled out for three months due to needing groin surgery.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSummer recruit Wilson Isidor, a left winger, can also operate as a forward but the North East side have moved to bolster their options.Talks are progressing well between them and Connolly’s representatives and both parties will hope that the ace could be involved for the weekend’s trip to Watford.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelWho are these famous footballers? More

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      Fans say ‘Premier League is SO back’ after hearing Gary Neville’s ‘goalgasm’ in thrilling finale to Man City vs Arsenal

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      GARY NEVILLE sent fans into a frenzy with his “goalgasm” after John Stones’ dramatic late equaliser for Manchester City against Arsenal.Mikel Arteta’s Gunners looked set for a famous win heading into the dying seconds at the Etihad having held a 2-1 lead for more than half the match with 10 men.John Stones scored a 98th-minute equaliser for Manchester City against ArsenalCredit: GettyGary Neville produced a ‘goalgasm’ after Stones’ last-gasp strikeCredit: GettyBut it was not to be for the visitors as substitute Stones popped up to lash home and ensure the points were shared in a fiery encounter.The commentary for the goal was widely praised by those on social media, with many focusing on Neville’s shriek.Peter Drury could be heard shouting: “It’s 2-2 at the very last!”But over the top of the lead commentator came Neville’s shout of “Ohhhhh,” a noise he has been known to make when dramatic goals go in.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJamie Carragher also joined in with a gobsmacked reaction of his own.But it was the “goalgasm” from Neville – which he famously produced when Fernando Torres scored for Chelsea in a Champions League semi-final against Barcelona 12 years ago – that led to much reaction online.One fan said: “Gary Neville having an orgasm over a goal. The Premier League is so back.”While another added: “Gary Neville was on his knees for that goal.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third replied: “Neville put my head on a different stratosphere.”And a fourth responded: “The way Neville and Carragher reacted during that Stones equaliser oh my goddd.”‘It’s like throwing a punch’ | Why Haaland could be banned for launching ball at Gabriel’s headNeville, who tipped Arsenal to win the Premier League at the start of the season, also admitted during his post-match analysis he may now be re-considering his pick in the title race.The result leaves Man City one point clear of Liverpool and Aston Villa at the top of the table, with Arsenal a further one point back. More

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      Neal Maupay has already started the s***housery in Ligue 1 as he ‘drinks Lyon’s tears’ following late winner over rivals

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      NEAL MAUPAY is back to his old tricks shortly after leaving the Premier League for Marseille.Maupay, 28, left Everton and joined L’OM on loan with an obligation to buy for £3million next summer, which means Prem fans won’t get to experience any more of his controversial banter.Neal Maupay trolled Lyon fans after Marseille’s dramatic winCredit: https://www.instagram.com/nealmaupay/Maupay became famous for his controversial banter in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyThe same, though, doesn’t apply for Ligue 1 fans as he poured salt on Lyon supporters’ wounds on social media after Sunday’s entertaining clash at the Groupama Stadium.The striker came from the bench in the 79th minute as he replaced Luis Henrique when the score was 1-1.Duj Caleta-Car opened the scoring for Lyon after 53 minutes before Pol Lirola’s equaliser 16 minutes later.Maupay helped 10-man Marseille, who lost Leonardo Balerdi to a second yellow card after just five minutes, turn the game around as Ulisses Garcia scored eight minutes before time.Read More on FootballRayan Cherki levelled things up for Lyon in the third minute of stoppage time.But Norwich loanee Jonathan Rowe scored a last-gasp winner just two minutes later to spark intense celebrations at the away end.Maupay then took to social media to add insult to injury as he shared a story on Instagram of himself drinking water from a Lyon water bottle.The ex-Brighton star appeared to act like he was drinking the home fans’ tears.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMaupay is no stranger to these sort of stunts as he carried out similar gestures during his seven-year stint in the Premier League with Brentford, Brighton and Everton.The forward imitated Tottenham star James Maddison’s darts celebration in January, before taking shots at the versatile midfielder on social media.Embarrassing footage emerges of Premier League star Neal Maupay falling over in lift while in just swimming trunksAnd the Frenchman celebrated his departure from Everton during last month’s transfer deadline day like he had escaped a prison.Maupay uploaded a clip from the famous film “The Shawshank Redemption” showing lead character Andy Dufresne, played by Tim Robbins, escaping prison and celebrating wildly.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      Nicolas Jackson almost doubles Dream Team season haul in 60-minute treat for backers

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      SOMETIMES, an hour is all you need.That’s certainly the case when reviewing this Dream Team weekend, with Nicolas Jackson’s (£4.2m) 21-point haul coming with just 64 minutes of football.Nicolas Jackson top scored over the weekendHe and team-mate Cole Palmer (£6.2m) were given a rest with half an hour to play having helped put Chelsea into a 3-0 lead at West Ham.It looked a short, tricky trip across London for the Blues but Jackson’s heroics ensured that wasn’t the case, with the striker bagging two goals and an assist.With two shots on target and two big chances created, his 21-point haul was the highest recorded in Dream Team over the weekend.Jackson – recently dropped £0.2m – rewarded the 6.6% of managers who backed him by almost doubling his season tally in the London Stadium thumping.He’d scored reasonably well already this season banking 27 points before Saturday but he’s catapulted himself into the top 10 of points gained after the weekend.Chelsea’s next four fixtures are at home, too: Barrow, Brighton, Gent and Nottingham Forest.The Blues have quite a depth in their squad (you may well have heard about that) but Jackson remains the first choice for Enzo Maresca and with Chelsea’s only domestic defeat of the season the opening day loss to Manchester City, that 6.6% selection could grow.Elsewhere in the division, James Maddison (£4.2m) joined Luis Diaz (£4.8m) in scoring a strong 19 points.Most read in Dream TeamThe weekend top 5 scorersLuis Diaz’s two goals were welcome to over a third of Dream Team bossesA goal and assist for the Spurs playmaker, though his all-round game was rewarded this weekend with points earned in chances created and tackles.While Liverpool star Diaz rewarded a whopping 34% of managers with his two goals and dazzling display as Arne Slot’s men put Bournemouth to the sword.Special shoutouts must go to his team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.9m) and Leicester’s Stephy Mavididi (£2.9m).The pair racked up 14 points each to push them into the top five points scorers from a lively Premier League weekend.Score PredictorPlay Score Predictor with Dream Team this season!FREE to play£250 weekly prizePredict scores of five selected Premier League fixtures and earn points for accuracyMost points wins weekly cash prizePLAY NOWBetMGM 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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      Forgotten Premier League star Kevin Danso to undergo heart surgery after summer transfer collapsed over failed medical

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      A FORMER Premier League ace is set to undergo heart surgery just weeks after failing a medical with Roma. Ex-Southampton loanee Kevin Danso saw his move to the Italian giants break down over the summer.Lens star Kevin Danso is set to undergo surgery on a previously undiagnosed heart issueCredit: GettyThe 26-year-old played a handful of Premier League games for Southampton in 2019Credit: GettyDanso’s move to Roma was cancelled over the summer after he failed a medicalCredit: GettyDanso, 26, currently plays for RC Lens in France’s Ligue 1.The Austrian centre-back made his name at Augsburg and joined up with the Saints in 2019.He made just 8 appearances on the South Coast but has since helped propel Lens into the Champions League. The club were approached by Roma in August, with Danso set on a £21million switch to Italy.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDanso was left “surprised” and “disappointed” after his medical revealed a cardiac issue.He wrote in a statement: “I am very surprised by the supposed reason for the collapsed transfer. “Both the doctors of the Austrian Football Association and the medical department of RC Lens have closely monitored me and regularly examined me over the past years. “Most recently, I was thoroughly assessed at the start of pre-season training in Lens and no irregularities were ever found.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAccording to Austrian outlet Kronen Zeitung, Danso is set to undergo minor heart surgery after meeting with specialists in London. The report claims the procedure will help to resolve “a harmless scar on his heart”.Boy Wonders: Is Southampton star Tyler Dibling the new Grealish?Danso has not played for Lens so far this season but could return as soon as October. The Austrian international is touted for big things after a breakthrough season in 2021. Former England defender Rio Ferdinand urged Man Utd to swoop for Danso last year to help address their centre-back issues.Ferdinand told the Manchester Evening News: “The boy at Lens, there’s one there, he’s good.”Lens are managed by former Reims boss Will Still.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Englishman – who famously honed his skills on video game Football Manager – took over in the summer.Lens are currently unbeaten in Ligue 1, sitting in 4th place after two wins and three draws to start the season. More