Soccer

Subterms

    More stories

    • 288 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Meet the stunning Wags of Arsenal and Tottenham ahead of the North London derby, from Jude Law’s ex to a mother of twins

      by

      ARSENAL and Tottenham Hotspur lock horns in the North London derby on Wednesday evening with all to play for.The Gunners are looking to get back to winning ways, after they were beaten by Newcastle in the Carabao Cup and were dumped out of the FA Cup by Man Utd on penalties.Tatiana Trouboul will be cheering on the Gunners in the North London derbyCredit: Instagram / @t.trouboulGorgeous Tatiana’s partner is Arsenal’s No1 David RayaCredit: Instagram @t.trouboul @d.raya1After Liverpool dropped points against Nottingham Forest in the title race, Mikel Arteta’s side will be desperate to make up ground on the leaders.Earlier this season Arsenal and Spurs met at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.The away team ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a goal from Gabriel Maghaeles.But this will be a completely different encounter.Read more in footballFor one, the two sides are having to cope with injuries to key players that has derailed both their seasons.Watching matters closely will be the player’s Wags.Let SunSport introduce you to the beauties, including one who had a romance with Hollywood star Jude Law.Tatiana TrouboulTatiana used to work in a nightclub before she met Spain goalkeeper David Raya.Most read in FootballThe Kim Kardashian lookalike also scored paid jobs as a model.Top ten Premier League managers’ WagsBut, she has kept her personal life private in regards to her romance with Raya, although they have matching tattoos.They reportedly began dating in 2021. However, they didn’t go public with their relationship until June 2022.Kennedy AlexaStunner Kennedy lived in Los Angeles before she was swept off her feet by Tottenham’s James Maddison.They have since had three children together – Leo Cruz in 2021, and twins Rome and Delilah.The model was championed on social media by mums for showing off her stretch marks from her last pregnancy, admitting they were tough to embrace but how proud she was to give birth to three healthy children.Kennedy has since returned to fashion photoshoots and is more in demand than ever.Kennedy Alexa is a model who lived in Los AngelesCredit: INSTAGRAMKennedy was praised by mums on social media for addressing her body insecurities after giving birthCredit: INSTAGRAMJames Maddison and Kennedy pose for a loved-up snap togetherCredit: INSTAGRAMClaudia KiwiorStunning blonde Claudia is the flamboyant twerking wife of Arsenal’s Polish defender Jakub Kiwior.She goes under the stage name Redheaded and has her own clothing label aimed at dancers.Claudia is a competitive twerker –  and won the Queen of Twerking Competition in Germany in 2017, and was a semi-finalist in the European Twerk Champions in 2018.She is a regular in the stands at the Emirates – cheering her beau on.Claudia Kiwior is a world famous twerker who has won competitionsCredit: INSTAGRAMClaudia goes under the stage name ‘Claude Redheaded’Credit: INSTAGRAMPoland defender Jakub Kiwior is married to ClaudiaCredit: INSTAGRAMPaula LenseBlonde Paula has been with Timo Werner since 2017, when he played for RB Leipzig.But, they reveal very little about their personal life and keep their romance private.The pair did get engaged, and is not known if they married or not.Sadly for the German, he is absent tonight with a hamstring injury.Beautiful Paula Lense keeps her personal life very privateCredit: INSTAGRAMGerman beauty Paula has been with Timo Werner since 2017Credit: GettyCatherine HardingBrunette beauty Catherine was one of the stars of Amazon Prime’s Married to the Game docu series.The Irish beauty, who is married to Jorginho, has previous with reality TV.She famous appeared as a contestant on The Voice – and was mentored by Ollie Murs.Harding also had a romance with Jude Law, fathering a daughter called Ada with the Hollywood star.Back in December, she confronted a woman over her past relationship with the ex-Chelsea star.Catherine Harding fathered a child with Hollywood superstar Jude LawCredit: INSTAGRAMHowever, since around 2020 Catherine has been with JorginhoCredit: INSTAGRAMMackenzie MedlockLucas Bergvall has come into the Spurs team and performed admirably with several players out.Watching how he does will be Wag Mackenzie, who will be hopeful he starts.She is a social media influencer from Stockholm, Sweden, with over 20,000 followers on Instagram.Blonde Mackenzie loves sharing their epic lifestyle on social media.Gorgeous Mackenzie Medlock is a social media influencerCredit: InstagramMackenzie dates Tottenham teenager Lucas BergvalCredit: InstagramGabrielle FigueiredoGabriel is married to Gabrielle, which might be slightly confusing in the Magalhaes household.The Brazilian beauty is a model and mum, who has a whopping 175,000 followers on Instagram.They began dating in 2020, and walked down the aisle in 2023.The love birds have a daughter called Maya.Stunning Gabrielle Figueiredo is a Brazilian model and social media influencerCredit: INSTAGRAMGabrille poses with her husband Gabriel and their daughter MayaCredit: INSTAGRAMread more sport featuresKaren RomeroKaren is the wife of Tottenham hardman Cristian Romero.However, she likes to remain out of the limelight and prefers to keep her Instagram account private.They reportedly began dating in 2018, when Romero was playing in Serie A.Cristian and Karen said their ‘I do’s’ in 2020, before welcoming a son a year later.Back in November, they welcomed their second child – a daughter called Lucy.Cristian and Karen Romero got together in 2018 and were hitched two years laterCredit: Instagram @cutiromero2The Romeros recently revealed they are expecting their second childCredit: Instagram @cutiromero2Milly WhiteMilly and the injured Ben White have enjoyed a whirlwind romance.The Gunners right-back got together with the Instagram model in 2022.White wasted very little time before popping the question on a luxury holiday.The happy couple shared pictures of their engagement, including one of their matching ‘I love you’ wrist tattoos.Then, in May 2023 the pair were married at a private ceremony at the Old Marylebone Town Hall in London.Most recently, they announced they were expecting their first baby together.Milly White has enjoyed a whirlwind romance with Ben WhiteCredit: INSTAGRAMMilly and White got married in 2023 at a private ceremony in LondonCredit: SplashWhite shared a photoshoot revealing Milly’s pregnancy on InstagramCredit: INSTAGRAMIoana StanIoana joined boyfriend Radu Dragusin in London after signing from Genoa in the winter transfer window in 2024.And she settled into life in North London by playing the Tottenham Monopoly board game.She’s an aspiring architect who has been studying at university.The beauty has been appearing on Dragusin’s Instagram since 2021 .Ioana Stan settled into North London life by playing Tottenham MonopolyCredit: INSTAGRAMGlam Ioana poses with partner Romanian defender Radusin DragusinCredit: INSTAGRAMTolami BensonTolami works in public relations and is the Senior Planning Executive of Zenith.According to her LinkedIn, Tolami studied at Birmingham City University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Public Relations and Media Public Relations.She was spotted supporting beau Bukayo Saka at the Euros in Germany.The PR is also a regular at the Emirates, and she could be sat in the stands with the England winger nursing a long-term injury.Beautiful Tolami Benson has been seen cheering on her beau on England dutyCredit: GettyTolami is, of course, the girlfriend of Arsenal’s star boy Bukayo SakaCredit: PAEldina AhmicBosnian beauty Eldina began dating Dejan Kulusevski in 2020, when the Spurs ace played for Serie A giants Parma.Football must have been a hot topic for the pair, because at the time she played for Swedish side, IF Brommapojkarna.In 2023, when Kulusevksi scored in the 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest, dedicated the goal to his wife and future child.READ MORE SUN STORIESStuffing the ball underneath his jersey, he then proceeded to make the heart sign with his hands.Their first child was born last year.Bosnian beauty Eldina is a former professional footballerCredit: Instagram @eldinaahmicEldina has been together with Dejan Kulusevski since 2020Credit: Instagram @dejan.k10Kulusevski and Eldina welcomed their first child together last yearCredit: Instagram More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Pep Guardiola decision to sign new Man City contract led to marriage split with Cristina Serra, bombshell report claims

      by

      PEP Guardiola’s decision to renew his Man City contract lay behind his marriage split with Cristina Serra, according to reports in Spain.The 53-year-old father-of-three’s previous City deal was due to expire at the end of the season, but he agreed terms on a two-year extension in November.Pep Guardiola’s decision to renew his Manchester City contract lay behind his marriage split with Cristina Serra, according to reportsPep signed a new deal with City in NovemberGuardiola has been enduring a turbulent campaignCredit: ReutersThe couple met as teenagersGuardiola said at the time he could not leave the club after suffering four consecutive defeats for the first time in his coaching career.And now well-respected Spanish showbiz reporters Lorena Vazquez and Laura Fa have linked his Premier League contract extension to the marriage split on their “Mamarazzis Podcast”.They offered a fascinating new insight into what lay behind the break-up days after revealing the couple had called time on their 30-year relationship.Cristina reportedly surprised those close to the couple when she failed to return to Manchester as expected in September following the summer holidays.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 52-year-old Brazilian returned to Barcelona in 2019 to focus on her business interests at her family boutique Serra-Claret.The Mamarazzis Podcast described friends seeing “unusual goings-on” and fearing the couple’s three-decades relationship was nearing its end.Vazquez said: “The Catalan coach’s wife reportedly blamed him for putting too much effort into his professional project and felt the need to leave Manchester.“During the Christmas holidays, the two moved to Barcelona and were even seen enjoying time out together, but Guardiola’s decision to renew his contract with Manchester City caused Cristina to say enough was enough.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“According to reports, the family had already made up their minds that their time in England was coming to an end and that their new life was in the United Arab Emirates.“The confirmation that Pep would stay at the Citizens until 2027 ended up breaking what was already cracked.”Pep Guardiola reveals Kyle Walker has asked to LEAVE Man City with England defender set or £400K-A-WEEK Saudi transferSpanish showbiz reporters Lorena Vazquez and Laura Fa have linked Guardiola’s Man City contract extension to the marriage split on their ‘Mamarazzis Podcast’Vazquez and Fa went on to suggest that friends of the couple are still hoping they will enjoy a future reconciliation.Fa said: “It could be that one day, when Pep leaves football, and if he returns to Barcelona, they could renew their relationship.”The Spanish reporting duo insisted yesterday after breaking news of the marriage split news that there was no “third person”.Vazquez added: “It’s been a carefully-considered decision the couple discussed over several months.“They continue to have a cordial and affectionate relationship. No-one else is involved. There are no third parties. We are going to carry on seeing them together.”It is not yet clear if the couple have started moves to make their split official with a divorce, which was described locally today as “something that is definitely on the table.”A close friend was quoted yesterday as claiming the marriage ended because Pep is a “total workaholic.Pep has been showing signs of stress, including huge scratches on his head after City collapsed in the Champions League against FeyenoordThe ex-Barcelona boss has been enduring a turbulent campaign this seasonMaria Guardiola has given her first interview in the wake of her parents’ looming splitGuardiola has been showing signs of stress this season and let rip at his own goalkeeper Stefan Ortega before then violently hugging him following his side’s 2-2 draw with Brentford last night.The 53-year-old was absolutely livid on the touchline as the camera caught him kicking a Gtech advertisement near the stands of the Gtech Community Stadium.The ex-Barcelona boss has been enduring a turbulent campaign that has seen the Citizens drop down to sixth place in the Premier League table.Still sporting his wedding ring, Guardiola would have loved to see his stuttering team register three points.Pep’s eldest daughter Maria opened up on her parents’ lessons about love after becoming the first family member to speak since the shock news of their split.Maria told Vanity Fair Spain: “My parents have always advised me to find what I am passionate about. “They encourage me to try new things, to accept failure and to keep searching until I find my calling, because when I do, full dedication will come naturally.“They also remind me that the most important thing in life is to love and be loved.”The 24-year-old London-based beauty added: “In the end it all comes down to feeling loved.“Even in situations where we feel out of place, they tell me to listen carefully to others, there is always something valuable to learn from each person we meet.”Maria is believed to have been interviewed after her parents took the decision to end their three-decades long relationship but before news of the split became public.City chiefs Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano believed Guardiola’s time at City was not overThe Catalan’s new deal will mean he will have spent more than a decade as City managerCristina has been living at the couple’s £8m mansion in Barcelona while Pep stays at his luxury apartment in ManchesterThe couple have two other children – Marius, 22, who currently resides in Dubai and Valentina, 17, who is focused on studies.Guardiola will have completed 11 years at City when his latest contract ends.He is already the longest-serving manager in the Premier League and the second-longest across all four divisions.He said shortly after penning his contract extension: “Honestly, I think myself, my staff and friends, I think we deserve to be here. “I am sorry to say. I am not arrogant to say, but it’s the truth.“I think we deserve after four defeats in a row to bounce back and try to turn the situation.”In that moment, in the period, I had the feeling you have to take the right decisions for the future and I want to take it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Manchester City means so much to me. This is my ninth season here – we have experienced so many amazing times together. “I have a really special feeling for this football club. That is why I am so happy to be staying for another two more seasons.”Guardiola is believed to have separated from his wife of 30 yearsGuardiola with Cristina and their three kids in 2018 More

    • 288 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      West Ham ready to cut losses on £20m flop who has played just 43 minutes all season as Potter starts to clear decks

      by

      WEST HAM are in talks to sell Luis Guilherme to a Saudi Arabian side just six months after signing him for £20million.The 18-year-old arrived from Palmeiras to much fanfare but has played just 43 minutes across five sub appearances this season.West Ham could sell Luis Guilherme just six months after signing himCredit: RexCashing in on him would raise funds for new boss Graham PotterCredit: PAThe Hammers need to raise funds to make signings for new boss Graham Potter this month and may cut their losses on Guilherme.Saudi clubs were interested in the Brazilian during the summer and West Ham pushed hard to bring him to London over the Gulf, with the player saying a move to the Premier League was a “dream” come true.Al-Ittihad and Al-Qadsiah are both showing an interest in the versatile attacker.Former boss Julen Lopetegui backed Guilherme to make the step up to competing in the Premier League soon.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, despite being short on attacking talent, new boss Potter opted to start central midfielder Carlos Soler on the left in the 3-2 win over Fulham on Tuesday night.Soler scored one and played a role in setting up Tomas Soucek’s goal too.West Ham are desperate to land a striker this month following injury to Niclas Fullkrug, who joins Michail Antonio, Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville on the injury list.Talks have been held over a move for Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi, while RB Leipzig’s Andre Silva is also under consideration.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThey would like to sign Brighton’s Evan Ferguson but the Seagulls are yet to decide whether or not to loan him out.Potter has also identified the midfield as an area in need of improvement, and wants to add a ball-playing holding midfielder this month.Graham Potter is appointed the new manager of West Ham Chelsea duo Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Carney Chukwuemeka have been linked with moves across the capital.Julen Lopetegui’s disastrous reignBy Jack FiggJULEN LOPETEGUI replaced David Moyes in May 2024 ready to start a new reign at West Ham – now it’s over before it even got started.The former Spain manager arrived in London with the experience of working with big stars – but his reputation in England needed mending. He won the Europa League with Sevilla in 2020 – joining Wolves two years later. But Lopetegui left after one season having guided Wolves to 13th but walking out over their financial constraints. Following a year out of work, the ex-Real Madrid player agreed to take over from Moyes – who only 12 months earlier led them to the Europa Conference League trophy. But Lopetegui got off to a horror start to life in London, going winless in his first four matches.That is despite spending £123m on signings with the likes of Maximilian Kilman, Niclas Fullkrug and Aaron Wan-Bissaka arriving in the summer.And Lopetegui’s tenure hit an all-time low following a 5-0 loss at home to Liverpool and 4-1 defeat at Man City. The Hammers board had seen enough and started to draw up potential replacements after deciding to sack Lopetegui. More

    • 175 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Phil Foden banks 60 points in six games to set Dream Team managers straight

      by

      PHIL FODEN (£6.2m) is Dream Team’s most in-form asset right now.The Manchester City midfielder acquired this status when he scored a brace against Brentford on Tuesday night.Back to his best?Credit: Dream TeamThe reigning PFA Player of the Year converted a trademark Kevin De Bruyne (£5.6m) cross with a deft finish before he doubled his side’s lead in West London with a predatory follow-up 12 minutes later.Unfortunately for Pep Guardiola’s troops, they weren’t able to hold firm for the win as the Bees mounted a late comeback to earn a 2-2 draw.But when all was said and done, Foden was the big winner from a Dream Team perspective as he notched 19 points, his best haul of the season so far.Last week, we published an article regarding how the England international was “quietly gaining momentum” but there was nothing stealthy about his Gameweek 19 success.Prior to his brace at Brentford, he added five points to his tally thanks to an assist during City’s mauling of Salford in the FA Cup.Foden has leapt up the rankings in recent weeksCredit: AFPAt the time of writing, only Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo (£2.8m) has earned more points than Foden this Gameweek.More broadly, City’s No47 has now banked 60 points from his last six outings in a fruitful spell that has included four goals, two assists, eight shots on target, four big chances created and six bonus points.Injuries, illness and rustiness meant Foden simply wasn’t viable throughout the first third of the campaign but he’s turning heads at a rapid rate now.Most read in FootballFew players have such a high ceiling when in full flow.The defending champions still don’t look right, as evidenced by their late capitulation at the Gtech Stadium.Guardiola’s troops are still giving up far too many chances and Dream Team bosses who have stuck by the likes of Josko Gvardiol (£4.3m), Rico Lewis (£3.1m) and Manuel Akanji (£3.6m) have been punished for their stubbornness.But they haven’t lacked in attacking returns lately and this trend seems likely to continue in Gameweek 20.Guardiola can’t afford to rest key players in the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyMan City are due to face Ipswich on Sunday before travelling to PSG on Wednesday night.The French giants have desperately struggled in the Champions League this season and are currently 25th in the table of 36.Foden doesn’t come cheap at £6.2m, only three players cost more at the time of writing, but he’s forced himself back into the conversation with a flurry of points.It will be interesting to see how much his current ownership of 9.1% increases before Saturday’s 11am deadline.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 NOW More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Let’s have a re-rack then’, jokes snooker world champion as Masters crowd erupts into laughter during bizarre frame

      by

      SNOOKER world champion Kyren Wilson was involved in an amusing incident at the Masters this afternoon.Wilson, 33, was in first round action against China’s Zhang Anda at Alexandra Palace.Kyren Wilson saw the funny side of the incidentCredit: BBCNINTCHDBPICT000963956179Credit: BBCTrailing by two frames to nil, Zhang found himself leading the third 64-0.With a difficult red to pot, Zhang took his time pondering his shot.As he continued to consider his next move, Wilson jokingly asked for a re-rack, given his 64-0 deficit.When Zhang eventually played his shot off the cushion, he came agonisingly close to potting the red and continuing his break.READ MORE IN SNOOKERAs the crowd gasped, Zhang joked to Wilson: “Let’s have a re-rack then.”The reigning world champ laughed, as did the majority of those within Ally Pally.Zhang’s good humour then earned him a round of applause.But unfortunately for him this counted for nothing on the scoreboard, with Wilson going on to claim a 3-1 lead.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYList of all-time Snooker World ChampionsBELOW is a list of snooker World Champions by year.The record is for the modern era, widely considered as dating from the 1968-69 season, when the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) took control of the sport.The first World Championships ran from 1927 – with a break from 1941-45 because of World War II and 1958-63 because of a dispute in the sport.Joe Davis (15), Fred Davis and John Pulman (both 8) were the most successful players during that period.Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O’Sullivan share the record for the most titles in the modern era, with seven each.1969 – John Spencer1970 – Ray Reardon1971 – John Spencer1972 – Alex Higgins1973 – Ray Reardon (2)1974 – Ray Reardon (3)1975 – Ray Reardon (4)1976 – Ray Reardon (5)1977 – John Spencer (2)1978 – Ray Reardon (6)1979 – Terry Griffiths 1980 – Cliff Thorburn1981 – Steve Davis1982 – Alex Higgins (2)1983 – Steve Davis (2)1984 – Steve Davis (3)1985 – Dennis Taylor1986 – Joe Johnson1987 – Steve Davis (4)1988 – Steve Davis (5)1989 – Steve Davis (6)1990 – Stephen Hendry1991 – John Parrott1992 – Stephen Hendry (2)1993 – Stephen Hendry (3)1994 – Stephen Hendry (4)1995 – Stephen Hendry (5)1996 – Stephen Hendry (6)1997 – Ken Doherty1998 – John Higgins1999 – Stephen Hendry (7)2000 – Mark Williams2001 – Ronnie O’Sullivan2002 – Peter Ebdon2003 – Mark Williams (2)2004 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (2)2005 – Shaun Murphy2006 – Graeme Dott 2007 – John Higgins (2)2008 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (3)2009 – John Higgins (3)2010 – Neil Robertson 2011 – John Higgins (4)2012 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (4)2013 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (5)2014 – Mark Selby2015 – Stuart Bingham2016 – Mark Selby (2)2017 – Mark Selby (3)2018 – Mark Williams (3)2019 – Judd Trump2020 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (6)2021 – Mark Selby (4)2022 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (7)2023 – Luca Brecel2024 – Kyren WilsonMost World Titles (modern era)7 – Stephen Hendry, Ronnie O’Sullivan6 – Ray Reardon, Steve Davis4 – John Higgins, Mark Selby3 – John Spencer, Mark Williams2 – Alex HigginsHe swiftly dusted himself down, however, winning the next frame to cut the deficit to 3-2.The winner of the clash will book a quarter-final date with either Luca Brecel or Chris Wakelin. Watch moment snooker star Si Jiahui stuns Ally Pally crowd with inch-perfect escape shot at the Masters More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Tragic Sven-Goran Erikkson faced string of disasters that saw him lose MILLIONS & conned by fake football billionaire

      by

      HE was one of the highest-paid football managers of all time, raking in a cool £25million during his five-year reign as England boss. But Sven-Goran Eriksson’s glittering career was scarred by a string of financial disasters that left him penniless.Sven Goran-Eriksson died £8.6million in debtCredit: AP:Associated PressHe was led to believe he was helming a Man City-style transformation at Notts CountyCredit: The TimesSven and the club were led on by convicted fraudster Russell KingCredit: Action ImagesThe Swede, who tragically passed away from pancreatic cancer last August, lost millions over the years before a desperate bid to save his fortune. Despite his footballing success, Swedish documents revealed Eriksson died £8.6 million (88 million kronor) in debt.His lawyer and close friend Anders Runebjer blamed his tax debts on poor investment decisions – including a failed film scheme in 2006.The 76-year-old was best known for managing England from 2001 to 2006 and made history as the first foreign manager to lead the team at two World Cups.Read More on SvenDuring his 36-year career, Eriksson had a number of lucrative roles and received around £7million in pay-offs alone from England, Manchester City – where he spent a season in charge – and Mexico.He also coached IFK Goteborg, Benfica, Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Lazio and Leicester City, winning 17 major trophies.But away from the pitch, Sven fell victim to several embarrassing scams and financial disasters.From fake billionaires to an unscrupulous adviser, we take a look at scams which fleeced the late manager…Most read in FootballFootball club scamThe most bizarre chapter of Eriksson’s football career began in June 2009 when he was first contacted by convicted fraudster Russell King, a former financier from Jersey.He claimed to represent a wealthy group of investors from the Middle East and Europe, reaching out through a third party.Emotional David Beckham looks close to tears at Sven-Goran Eriksson’s coffin is led out of church following funeral service in SwedenHe and an associate wined and dined Eriksson at the Dorchester Hotel and gave a “very clever, very convincing” pitch about taking over Notts County, billing it as a Manchester City-style transformation.”I met these two guys, and they were very enthusiastic about what they had to say,” Eriksson recalled. “They told me they had already bought the club and had big plans to take it to the Premier League. “They promised improvements to the players, the training ground, the academy, and even said they would fix the stadium and buy feeder clubs.”Unbeknown to Sven, King had served a two-year sentence for fraud in the early 1990s for trying to claim £600,000 in insurance by falsely reporting his Aston Martin stolen.King managed to seize control of nearly 50 per cent of a London investment bank by falsely claiming he was overseeing the sovereign wealth of the Bahraini royal family.He then used a bank guarantee from the same institution to take control of Notts County, only for it to later be revealed as worthless.The conman lured Eriksson in with promises of £10million in shares and Eriksson became director.They promised improvements to the players, the training ground, the academy, and even said they would fix the stadium and buy feeder clubsSven Goran ErikssonKing wanted Eriksson’s star power to legitimise his schemes, even dragging him to North Korea to seal a deal with the rogue state’s officials. King claimed one of his companies was worth a jaw-dropping $2trillion (£1.27 trillion) after supposedly securing rights to mine the country’s gold, oil, and iron ore in exchange for £1billion from Bahrain.But the promised billions never materialised. King fled to Bahrain, leaving millions in debts and Notts County unable to pay basic bills.Extradited years later, he was jailed in 2019 for 25 counts of fraud and larceny but released from Jersey prison in 2021.England football manager Sven Goran Eriksson and his ex-partner Nancy Dell’OlioCredit: PAEriksson later admitted his embarrassment, recalling how he was taken in by King’s outlandish promises. “They used my name, of course they did,” he said. “At the time, we couldn’t even pay the milk bill at Notts County. It was a big, big mistake.”’Hated’ financial advisorAfter the embarrassing Notts County saga, the football icon later claimed he had lost £10 million thanks to the actions of his trusted financial adviser, Samir Khan.In a bombshell interview with the Telegraph in 2013, Sven said he had been forced to put his £4 million Swedish “dream house” on the market. “I never hate anyone in my life,” he said. “I don’t think I have many enemies but I hate Samir Khan because you can’t treat people like he has done.He’s probably the only person on earth I hate. I feel let down, angry and disappointed because I trusted this man for many, many yearsSven Goran Eriksson “He’s probably the only person on earth I hate. I feel let down, angry and disappointed because I trusted this man for many, many years.”The pair met in 2004, and by 2007, Khan had control of Sven’s affairs. Two years later, the Swede grew concerned and asked Deloitte to run checks on Khan.In 2010, Eriksson’s lawyers obtained a worldwide freezing order in the High Court against Khan and launched legal proceedings, claiming that Khan made negligent investments and pocketed “secret profits”.Khan denied the claims before being declared bankrupt. Eriksson said: “I gave him too much freedom. I gave him all the authority he needed to take care of my economy.”Film scheme backfiredSven admits he made some bad financial decisionsCredit: AP:Associated PressAs Sven scrambled to recover cash, he also fell victim to the failed Eclipse Film investment scheme.The series of film financing schemes, conceived by HSBC, claimed they would make money by buying the rights to blockbuster Disney movies and leasing them back to studios.Investors were told they could defer their tax bills and spread the payments out over a number of years.But HMRC became concerned the £2.2 billion scheme was being used to avoid tax, leading them to take Eclipse to the Supreme Court in 2016.Investors were handed accelerated payment notices the following year – reversing the tax benefits they had previously enjoyed and demanding they pay interest on the multi-million pound sums.The Supreme Court crushed any hopes for the scheme in 2012 by refusing to challenge HMRC’s ruling.Investors, including Sven, were told they wouldn’t receive the £117m in tax relief promised, leaving them liable for massive bills.Home sold at ‘bargain’ priceSven’s mansion near Sunne, SwedenCredit: AlamySven is seen in the swimming pool of his his mansionCredit: AlamyWhile managing the Three Lions, Sven bought a grand 19th-century lakeside manor in Sunne, Sweden, for £420,000. The sprawling 835-square-metre home features numerous reception rooms, a library, and an expansive poolhouse, which includes a saltwater pool, spa, sauna, jacuzzi, gym, and relaxation space. Outside, the property boasts a tennis court, a jetty, a sandy cove, and waterside gazebos. Sotheby’s agents noted Sven had added his personal touch to both the interior and exterior. READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, when it came to selling the estate after Sven’s death last year, the financial gods were unkind once again.Despite its value peaking at £3 million, by last year its value had plummeted by nearly half, selling for a “bargain” price of £1.8 million.Nancy paid tribute to her ex after his death, saying ‘you will be missed’Credit: Instagram @nancydellolioThe late football manager with his partner Yaniseth Alcides during the Sports Gala 2024Credit: RexSven’s partner and David Beckham at his funeral last yearCredit: RexEriksson with Roberto ManciniCredit: GettySVEN’S AMAZING CAREER1977 – Having played football professionally in Sweden, Sven-Goran Eriksson kicked off his managerial career with Swedish side Degerfors.2000 – He guided Lazio to the Serie A title to become one of the hottest coaches in the world.2001 – Following the resignation of Kevin Keegan, he was appointed England’s next permanent manager in February 2001. He oversaw 66 games with the Three Lions, winning 39 and losing just 12.2002 – Eriksson led England to the 2002 World Cup with the likes of Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes and David Beckham in his squad. The Three Lions were knocked out in the quarter-finals.2004 – The legendary manager also led the Three Lions to Euro 2004, but they were knocked out of the quarter-finals to Portugal.2006 – Eriksson led England to another World Cup, his final tournament in charge, before resigning.2007 – The Swede took charge of Manchester City a year after leaving the England job and oversaw 45 games.2010 – Having coached Mexico, Ivory Coast and Notts County after parting ways with Man City, Erikson took charge of Leicester and saved them from relegation. Following his time with the Foxes he went on to manage China and Philippines.2024 – In January 2024, Eriksson announced he had been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. Three months later, he fulfilled a lifelong dream of managing Liverpool in a legends match at Anfield, before passing away in August. More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      How Mark Chapman overcame heartbreaking tragedy as telly favourite is named official Match of the Day host

      by

      MARK Chapman overcame heartbreaking tragedy before he was named as host of Match of the Day.It was confirmed today Chapman, 51, will share presenting duties with Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan next season.Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates will host Match Of The DayCredit: PAThe BBC Sport presenter sadly lost his wife Sara in 2020Credit: TwitterThe BBC broadcaster is dating Dubai-based estate agent Clere CollierCredit: X @ClereCollierGary Lineker will step down as Match of the Day host at the end of the seasonCredit: ReutersGary Lineker is stepping down as host of the Saturday night show at the end of the season.Chapman has been broadcasting for more than 25 years and presents BBC’s Match Of The Day 2 covering the action and reaction from the Premier League.He said: “I know the history of a lot of radio programmes and TV programmes and I do feel honoured to be following in the footsteps of the people that we are following in and respectful of what they have done.”But the BBC Sport presenter sadly lost his wife Sara in 2020.Read more Sports NewsThey married in 2001 and had three children together.Mark is a very private person but previously said of his family: “I know my family are very proud of me but I don’t look at what I do as being anything particularly special.”I’ve got a great job and it’s so much fun but I don’t go in for any of that celebrity-nonsense.”I’d much prefer a pint at The Railway any day.”Most read in FootballSara passed away on June 3, 2020, after battling cancer.A source told The Sun: “Sadly Sara passed away on June 3. Mark and the kids are absolutely devastated.Gary Lineker will stop presenting Match of the Day the end of this season at and will quit Beeb by 2027″The family was there and it’s just a really sad situation.”Yet Chapman found new love with partner Clere Collier.He has been dating Clere since the start of last year with the pair regularly posting loved-up snaps on social media together.Divorcee Clere is a Dubai-based estate agent who runs an international property empire and splits her time between the UK and the UAE.Despite the challenge of living on different continents, Clere and Chapman have found ways to see each other.Chapman jetted out to Dubai for an Easter break last year.While mother-of-two Clere is regularly visiting Chapman in Manchester, where the BBC star lives.Who are the three new hosts?NEW Match Of The Day hosts Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan have years of experience in sports broadcasting and few controversial moments between them.Former England and Leicester City striker Gary Lineker will leave the role, which he has held since 1999, at the end of the current season.Here is a look at those taking over:Kelly CatesCates has been a mainstay on Sky Sports, where she fronts its football coverage, having rejoined the channel in 2016.The Glasgow-born presenter, whose father, Sir Kenny Dalglish, played for and managed Liverpool, was part of the BBC’s Olympic coverage, and is also a BBC Radio 5 Live reporter.She previously fronted highlights programme Football On 5, which was retitled Football League Tonight, and has been hosting the Premier League’s weekly The Kelly And Wrighty Show with footballer Ian Wright and the Sky Bet Not Just Football podcast with Christine Lampard and Hayley McQueen.Cates has experience in a variety of other broadcasting roles, including presenting for Setanta Sports and ESPN, reporting for ITV at the 2010 World Cup and being part of Channel 4’s 2012 Paralympics coverage.She has previously spoken about sexism in football, after then-Sky Sports presenters Andy Gray and Richard Keys claimed female officials “don’t know the offside rule”.She posted on X, formerly Twitter: “Just read about something called ‘the offside rule’. Too much for my tiny brain. Must be damaged from nail polish fumes.”She was also at the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, when she was 13, and spoke in a 2017 documentary, Kenny, about her father having difficulties addressing his grief over the tragedy, in which 97 people died.Mark Chapman”Chappers” has been the permanent presenter of Match Of The Day 2, which shows highlights of Premier League action on Sunday evenings, since 2013.He is also a key part of the BBC’s coverage of football on radio, presenting Sports Report on 5 Live and the Monday Night Club on the same station, as well as their wider sports broadcasting including the Paris Olympics this year.Chapman backed Lineker during his impartiality row with the BBC after the former footballer was taken off air for a tweet comparing the language used to launch a new government asylum seeker policy to that of 1930s Germany.He was among the staff who walked out of sports shows over the incident in 2023, before the broadcaster apologised and reinstated Lineker as host of MOTD, and Chapman returned to his job.In 2024, Chapman and Logan began hosting Global Player’s The News Agents spin-off podcast, titled The Sports Agents, which features sports coverage and interviews.Gabby LoganLogan joined Sky Sports as a presenter after university, before working at ITV and then leaving to present Inside Sport at the BBC after being sidelined by ITV Sport bosses during the World Cup.The former gymnast has previously presented MOTD in Lineker’s absence on many occasions, while she also fronted the BBC’s coverage as the Lionesses stormed to glory in the Women’s Euros in 2023.The multiple winner of Sports Presenter of the Year has also been involved in the BBC’s coverage of Six Nations rugby, and the last four summer Olympic Games, as well as co-presenting BBC Sports Personality of the Year.Logan has also been outspoken, telling the Radio Times in 2013 that she was once rebuked by a BBC boss for looking “too glamorous” after he spotted her in high-heeled boots.Outside the BBC, where the salaries list for the 2022/23 financial year showed she earned £240,000-£244,999, she has also featured on Prime Video’s Every Game Every Goal as well as her podcast with Chapman.Logan, who is married to ex-Scotland rugby player Kenny Logan, has previously told BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs that, when she first started out as a broadcaster, she spent time proving “people wrong” who looked down on her for being a woman presenting sport.Her younger brother Daniel died while playing football with their father, former Welsh footballer Terry Yorath, in their garden.It was later found that Daniel had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition which affects the heart’s ability to pump blood around the body.At the age of 12, Logan had been watching her father play for Bradford City on the day in May 1985 when 56 people were killed in a fire at the Valley Parade stadium. Her mother had left early.She told the Telegraph: “Ever since then, whenever there’s a disaster you think about the decisions that people make within those moments.” More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      New Match of the Day host Gabby Logan’s strong sporting links – including football star dad & rugby ace husband

      by

      NEW Match of the Day host Gabby Logan is no stranger to our screens with sporting prowess running through her family.Logan, 51, will be part of a three-person presenting team alongside Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates from next season after a BBC shake-up.Gabby Logan will be hosting Match of the Day full-time when Gary Lineker leaves in May 2025Credit: PABradford City Manager Terry YorathCredit: GettyGabby Logan with Kenny LoganCredit: SplashTerry Yorath, Coventry City Football Player, pictured at home with wife Christine Yorath, daughters Gabby, Louise and Daniel in 1978Credit: GettyLogan, Cates and Chapman will share presenting duties for the flagship Match of the Day on a Saturday night, plus Match of the Day 2 on Sunday evenings.Popular presenter Logan is already well known for her work with the BBC, and has become one the UK’s leading hosts.And she is already a familiar face for MOTD viewers, having presented the show in Lineker’s absence on many occasions.Logan also fronted the BBC’s coverage as the Lionesses stormed to glory in the Women’s Euros in 2023.Read More in FootballBut it is not just Gabby who is a famous sporting name in her family.Her father is former Welsh international footballer Terry Yorath.Although born and bred in Cardiff, much of Yorath’s sporting career was spent at Yorkshire clubs, including Huddersfield Town and Sheffield Wednesday.Terry also managed Bradford City and steered the club to promotion to the Second Division in 1985.Most read in FootballAs a child, Gabby moved around a lot due to her dad’s career, which also sparked her interest in football.Long before she rose to fame as a TV presenter, Gabby had very different career ambitions. The TV star was a teenage rhythmic gymnast and represented Wales at the 1990 Commonwealth Games when she was 17.Gabby inherited her dad’s athletic gene as she was good at netball and high jump at school but excelled at gymnastics.She was a gymnast during her teen years and her peak came in 11th place in rhythmic gymnastics while representing Wales at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland.’New MOTD host’ Gabby Logan’s live TV interview with Liverpool boss Arne Slot ends awkwardly Gabby is also married to former Scotland international rugby union player Kenny Logan.The couple, who live in Buckinghamshire, tied the knot in 2001 before welcoming twins Lois and Reuben in 2005. Sharing the secret to their longstanding marriage in a recent interview, Gabby described their relationship as a “team sport”. Following the announcement of her new role, Gabby said: “It’s always a real moment [sitting in the chair] because it has such history.”It’s still so relevant to so many people now and talked about in a landscape where TVs changed so much.”There’s an enormous responsibility to make sure we continue to evolve while at the same time respecting the traditions of Match of the Day.”People want to see the goals, they want to see the incidents, they want to see the moments everyone’s talking about, so while we can tinker at the edges, the core is the football.”It comes after a statement posted on MOTD’s X, formerly Twitter, page read: “New squad for next season!”We’re delighted to announce that Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will share Match of the Day presenting duties from 2025-26.”Former England striker Lineker has hosted the highlights programme since 1999.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe will continue to front the BBC’s live FA Cup coverage next season and its coverage of the 2026 World Cup finals.Lineker said last month it had been a “joy and a privilege” to present Match of the Day.Who are the new Match of the Day hosts?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night.He also landed the hosting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.Though not a former player, Chappers has shown his quality as a presenter and will be an able replacement.GABBY LOGANLogan – who at 51 is the same age as Chapman – is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.A vastly-experienced broadcaster, presenter and host, Logan seems to have done it all to cover sport for BBC TV – doing everything from Sports Personality of the Year to the Olympics, including Paris 2024.She joined Lineker, Scott and Chapman as Euros presenters and is now on the BBC and Amazon Prime teams for the 2024-25 Champions League.Logan joined the BBC in 2007 and was the main face of Final Score from 2009 to 2013.KELLY CATESCates has worked for the BBC on and off since 2013, for Radio 5 Live.She presented iconic fan phone-in show 606 alongside Ian Wright on Sunday’s between 2013 and 2018.After joining Sky Sports her role was reduced, but Cates returned to host a midweek sports show, 5 Live Sport, mostly on Tuesdays, while she also provided coverage of the 2022 World Cup.The daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish became a TV presenter at Sky Sports, working on several Premier League shows including Friday Night Live and Super Sunday, which she appeared on for the Manchester Derby today. More