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      Elia Alessandrini dead aged 25: Swiss football star dies in pool tragedy as girlfriend watches on holiday in Oman

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      SWISS footballer Elia Alessandrini has died aged 25 after a tragic swimming pool accident.The former Young Boys academy ace, who last played at Stade Lausanne-Ouchy, passed away on holiday on Friday near Muscat in Oman.
      Swiss footballer Elia Alessandrini has died aged 25
      The ex-Young Boys ace, pictured centre, died while swimming as he girlfriend watched onCredit: Instagram / @fueglister_sports_management
      The tragedy happened in front of his girlfriend while he was swimming.
      And it was heartbreakingly just hours before they were due to end their vacation and return to Switzerland.
      The exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
      The Swiss FA confirmed the news this morning in a statement.
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      It read: “Swiss football mourns Elia Alessandrini.
      “The former youth international tragically passed away at the age of 25 while on holiday.
      “The defender was trained at BSC Young Boys. Alessandrini made his debut in the Super League in the 2017/18 season for FC Thun.
      “He then switched to the Challenge League, where he played a total of 84 games in four and a half years for FC Chiasso, SC Kriens – where he was also captain – and since last summer for FC Stade-Lausanne-Ouchy.
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      “The man from Bern played a total of 20 international matches for the Swiss junior national teams from U-15 to U-20 level.
      “The SFV offers its deepest condolences to the relatives and family.”
      The late star’s mother, Patrizia, is quoted as telling Blick: “He was the best son you can imagine.
      “He was a good-hearted person who was never in a bad mood and always smiled. He was sunshine.”
      His club FC Stade Lausanne Ouchy also tweeted: “Captain with body and soul, the red and white family mourns Elia Alessandrini.
      “The stadium family loses a friend, a teammate and a role model for everyone.”
      Allessandrini’s long-time Taufi Murid, who spoke to the ace last on Thursday, told the Switzerland Times: “Elia was a very positive person and didn’t allow anything negative to happen. He quickly forgave and never held grudges.”
      He also revealed how the footballer had also continued his law studies while playing.
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      He added: “He was very mature for his age. He was very ambitious and disciplined.
      “He still had so much to do. His death is a great loss for all of us.” More

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      Grant Wahl’s wife reveals cause of death after brother admits he was wrong to claim World Cup journalist was murdered

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      GRANT WAHL’S wife revealed what caused the reporter’s shocking death while covering the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Famous journalist Wahl suddenly died at the age of 48 on Friday last week during the quarter-final match between Argentina and the Netherlands.
      Grant Wahl suddenly died while covering the 2022 World Cup quarter-finalsCredit: Getty
      Dr Celine Gounder, an infectious disease epidemiologist, explained that her husband passed away “from the rupture of a slowly growing, undetected ascending aortic aneurysm with hemopericardium”.
      Dr Gounder wrote on Wahl’s official blog: “First and foremost, on behalf of myself and our family, I want to express our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of support, love, and sympathy from around the world.
      “This continues to be a very difficult and painful time as we grieve a beloved husband, brother, and friend.
      “It is some comfort to know that so many people Grant reached—countless colleagues, readers, athletes, coaches, friends, and fans—are grieving alongside us.
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      “Grant arrived home Monday, December 12, and this transition was handled with the utmost care and sensitivity.
      “This was an international matter that required coordination from multiple agencies domestically and internationally, and there was full cooperation from everyone involved.
      “Our sincere gratitude to everyone involved in repatriating Grant, in particular the White House, the U.S. Department of State, FIFA, U.S. Soccer and American Airlines.
      “An autopsy was performed by the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office.
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      “Grant died from the rupture of a slowly growing, undetected ascending aortic aneurysm with hemopericardium.
      “The chest pressure he experienced shortly before his death may have represented the initial symptoms.
      “No amount of CPR or shocks would have saved him.
      “His death was unrelated to COVID. His death was unrelated to vaccination status. There was nothing nefarious about his death.
      “While the world knew Grant as a great journalist, we knew him as a man who approached the world with openness and love.
      Grant Wahl and his wife Celine GonuderCredit: Instagram/@grant_wahl
      Grant Wahl wore a rainbow T-shirt to a game in QatarCredit: Reuters
      “Grant was an incredibly empathetic, dedicated, and loving husband, brother, uncle, and son who was our greatest teammate and fan.
      “We will forever cherish the gift of his life; to share his company was our greatest love and source of joy.
      “Grant curated friends from all cultures and walks of life, for whom he was a generous listener, an enthusiast, a champion of others.”
      This comes after Wahl’s brother Eric admitted he no longer suspects foul play behind his death.
      Eric believed the football reporter was killed after he was denied entry by Qatar security forces to the World Cup match between Wales and USA in the group stage.
      Wahl wasn’t allowed in because he wore a pro-LGBTQ+ shirt and the authorities ordered him to remove it as homosexuality is illegal and even punishable by death in the Middle Eastern state.
      Grant Wahl’s wife Dr Celine Gounder revealed her husband’s cause of deathCredit: Getty
      The American journalist was ultimately let in and received an apology by FIFA but later received death threats.
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      But Eric now appears to agree with the doctors’ autopsy and doesn’t believe he was murdered.
      Wahl was one of the world’s most prominent sports journalists having worked with Sports Illustrated and Fox News as well as a New York Times bestselling author that always focused on human rights. More

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      in Boxing

      Mills Lane dead aged 85: Tributes pour in as legendary Mike Tyson vs Evander Holyfield referee passes away

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      BOXING legend Mills Lane has died aged 85.The American icon passed away surrounded by family at a hospice in Reno, Nevada.
      Former boxer and referee Mills Lane has died aged 85Credit: Getty
      Lane took charge of Mike Tyson’s infamous clash with Evander HolyfieldCredit: AFP
      Lane enjoyed a brief-but-successful boxing career when he was young.
      But he was best known as one of the sport’s top referees, overseeing fights including Mike Tyson vs Evander Holyfield in 1997, as well as other boxing legends including Muhammad Ali.
      Son Tommy Lane confirmed: “He took a significant decline in his overall situation.
      “It was a quick departure. He was comfortable and he was surrounded by his family.
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      “You never knew how long he had. We kind of felt like we were preparing for this all along, but there’s no such thing as preparing for this.”
      Lane first started boxing with the US Marine Corps in 1958 and became the All Far-East welterweight champion when stationed in Okinawa.
      He turned professional two years later before stopping boxing with a 10-1 record.
      Lane then turned his hand to refereeing in the 70s, eventually taking charge of 100 world championship fights while coining the phrase “let’s get it on.”
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      His most famous bout came in 1997 when Tyson bit the ear of opponent Holyfield, forcing Lane to stop the fight before disqualifying Tyson.
      Tributes came pouring in on social media, with one fan saying: “RIP to one of the most recognizable and influential men in the sport, Mills Lane.”
      Another wrote: “The best referee ever in my opinion. RIP.”
      One noted: “R.I.P. legend. Let’s get it on!”
      Another added: “Sad! I grew up watching him referee some of the greatest fights.” More

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      Maurice Norman dead at 88: Tottenham pay tribute to double winner and one of ‘all-time greats’ as he passes at home

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      TOTTENHAM legend Maurice Norman has died at the age of 88, the club has confirmed.Norman went down in history as one of Spurs’ “all-time greats” as he played a huge part in the famous Double triumph back in the 1960-1961 season.
      Tottenham legend Maurice Norman has died at the age of 88, the club has confirmedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Maurice Norman was part of the famous Double-winning Tottenham teamCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The club stated that the legendary defender passed away at his home this past Sunday.
      Tottenham issued the following statement: “We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of one of our all-time greats, double winner Maurice Norman, who passed away at home on Sunday. He was 88.”
      Maurice started his career in 1952 at the age of 18 when he joined Norwich.
      It only took 35 games until Tottenham came calling in November, 1955 and brought him to North London.
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      The former England international spent the next 11 years at Tottenham where he became a club legend.
      Norman amassed a total of 411 appearances throughout his successful stint that also saw him winning the famous Double in 1961 under legendary manager Bill Nicholson.
      The famous centre-back also won the FA Cup in 1962 as well as the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1963.
      In fact, Norman became only one of 13 players to reach the 400-game milestone in Tottenham’s history.
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      The defender was also included in England’s squads for both the 1958 and 1962 World Cups – he was capped a total of 23 times by the Three Lions.
      The tall and powerful centre-half was forced to end his career in 1965 at the age of 31 after breaking his leg.
      Norman was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2014 and, more recently, cancer, and fought both diseases with immense courage until the end.
      He is survived by wife Jacqueline, children Michael and Johanna, grandchildren Daniel, Zara, Clark and Rebecca as well as great grandchildren Zakary and Joshua More

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      in Boxing

      Moi Fuentes dead at 37: Former world champion boxer passes away a year after suffering brain clot in fight

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      FORMER world champion boxer Moi Fuentes has tragically died at the age of just 37, one year after suffering a brain clot in a fight.The Mexican, who went from minimumweight up to super-fly, suffered the devastating injury in a sixth round knockout defeat to David Cuellar Contreras in October 2021.
      Moi Fuentes passed away on Thursday morningCredit: Getty
      Fuentes, right, suffered the brain clot in a defeat to David Cuellar, left, last yearCredit: Getty
      He was swiftly rushed to hospital, but now it has been confirmed by WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman that Fuentes passed away on Thursday morning.
      Sulaiman posted the news social media, saying: “Thank God, Moises Fuentes is already resting in peace. A warrior who fought to the last breath.
      “Our condolences to his family and friends and our appreciation to his wife for her dedication and dedication with indescribable love during this difficult year of suffering.
      “May he rest in peace.”
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      Fellow Mexican boxer Sulem Urbina also paid tribute to Fuentes, saying: “Moises Fuentes last fought Oct 2021 was knocked out. Since then had surgery and battled a whole year to try and stay here for his family.
      “Today he says goodbye. Today I ask the boxing world not to forget him. Today ask to respect boxers and pray every time one steps in the ring.
      “It was a pleasure to coincide with you in this life friend. Rest in peace Moises Fuentes.”
      While a fan added: “Damn. Horrible news regarding the passing of Moises Fuentes. He shared the ring with the very best from 105 to 115. Rest in peace, Champ.”
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      And another said: “Ahh man 😢 Rest in peace to Moises Fuentes!”
      Fuentes won 25 of his 34 professional bouts, with 14 victories coming by way of knockout.
      In 2011, he became WBO minimumweight world champion by winning a split decision against Raul Garcia in Guadalajara.
      He then attempted to become a two-weight world champion in 2013, fighting Donnie Nietes for the light-flyweight title in the Philippines.
      And while he produced an impressive display, it ended in a split decision draw.
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      He stepped away from boxing in 2018 after two knockout defeats in a row – including a first round KO loss to WBC flyweight champion Daigo Higa.
      But Fuentes then returned in 2021 after more than three years out of the ring, only to lose to Cuellar and suffer the heartbreaking brain clot in the process. More

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      Francis Joseph dead at 62: Footballer who became first black player to represent Wimbledon dies as tributes flood in

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      FRANCIS JOSEPH has died aged 62, former club Wimbledon have confirmed.A striker by trade, Joseph made history in 1980 by becoming the first black player to represent the Wombles.
      Francis Joseph has passed away aged 62Credit: Rex
      Joseph became a distinguished figure at Plough Lane, banging in the goals to earn their Player of the Year award after the 1980-81 campaign.
      He left Wimbledon for Brentford in 1982, but would return for a loan spell five years later.
      In total he played 50 times for the Wombles, bagging 16 goals.
      Joseph would also become an iconic figure across London at Brentford – scoring 44 times in 110 appearances between 1982 and 1987.
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      He later played for Reading, Sheffield United, Gillingham and Fulham during a prolific career.
      Posting a tribute to their Twitter account, AFC Wimbledon wrote: “We are saddened by the passing of former Wimbledon striker Francis Joseph.
      “Francis became the first black player to represent the Dons in the Football League when he made his debut in 1980 and was our Player of the Year.
      “Our thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP.”
      We are saddened by the passing of former Wimbledon striker Francis Joseph. Francis became the first black player to represent the Dons in the Football League when he made his debut in 1980 and was our Player of the Year.Our thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP. pic.twitter.com/p47IQtXFHT— AFC Wimbledon (@AFCWimbledon) November 18, 2022

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      After finishing his playing career in non-league, Joseph went on to coach at Wealdstone.
      Upon the news of Joseph’s passing, the National League side wrote: “Everyone at the club is shocked and saddened to hear the news that former Wealdstone coach Francis Joseph has passed away.
      “RIP, Francis.”
      Brentford also paid tribute, posting: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Francis Joseph.
      “Francis joined Brentford in the summer of 1982 and scored 44 goals in 110 league appearances. The thoughts of everyone at #BrentfordFC are with his family and friends at this time.”
      Former England striker Brian Deane posted: “Sad news this morning hearing Francis Joseph has passed away.
      “Another one I’m grateful to for some early memories in football. What a guy 😞. Joe I’ll be having a sensible Bacardi and Coke for you this weekend. RIP big guy.”
      Chesham United, another former club of Joseph’s, tweeted: “We are shocked and saddened to hear the news that Francis Joseph has passed away, as well as being the father of current Chesham forward Zak Joseph, Francis played for the club in the 95/96 season
      “Our thoughts are with Zak and his family at this difficult time.
      “RIP, Francis.”
      SunSport’s Wally Downes Jr wrote: “Francis Joseph was a wonderful monster of a man who my family really loved.
      “He was hugely & rightly proud of his boy Zak. Spoke to him last month when he called to talk boxing & we laughed for about an hour. He was still ready & willing to fight absolutely everyone. Real Crazy G.”
      Joseph went on to coach at Wealdstone in his latter yearsCredit: Rex More

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      in Motorsport

      Keith Farmer dead at 35: Tributes paid to four-time British motorcycle champion after shock sudden passing

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      FOUR-TIME British motorcycle champion Keith Farmer has passed away aged 35.Farmer, known as the Clogher Bullet, passed away suddenly, his brother David announced on Thursday.
      Keith Farmer has passed away suddenly aged 35Credit: Pacemaker
      The ex-TAS Racing rider was a four-time British championCredit: Pacemaker
      David wrote: “I’m lost for words our little brother left us at 1.45 this morning with us all by his side.
      “Life will never be the same again, he made us all so proud and he will be very sorely missed. Love you Meekie #33.”
      Farmer, who was based in Cumbria, was described as “pure raw talent” whose motorsport career was hampered by injury and bad luck.
      He had retired from racing in September 2021, after battling injury for the final few years of his career, and was looking forward to spending time with his family.
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      At the time of his retirement, Keith told the News Letter: “I just feel the time is right now because the enjoyment’s not there any more and my body needs the chance to heal from the injuries I’ve had over these past couple of years.
      “I’ve another baby due in five weeks’ time and my other youngest daughter is turning five in December, plus I’ve my eldest daughter back in Northern Ireland.
      “I want to walk away now when I can rather than keeping going for the sake of it, and I want to spend more time with my family.”
      Four-time British champ Farmer competed for BSB, Paul Bird Motorsport, Buildbase Suzuki and TAS Racing, with the latter describing his passing as “absolute devastation”.
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      Team principal Philip Neill offered his sympathies to Farmer’s family and friends, saying: “We enjoyed many happy memories together both within racing and on a personal level as Keith had remained a close friend of the team.
      “His talent was undeniable and although his successes were many, including a memorable Superstock championship win with Tyco BMW in 2018, I will always feel like we never actually witnessed Keith’s full potential on a superbike – as he was so often hampered by injury or bad luck.”
      The British Superbike Championship say Farmer will be remembered fondly by his rivals.
      The organisation said: “Keith will be terribly missed by all that had the pleasure of meeting him throughout his career.
      “He was a brilliant and successful rider on track, who will be fondly remembered by his rivals, colleagues and fans following today’s tragic news.”
      Glenn Irwin, British Superbike rider, described him as his “fierce rival”.
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      Sharing a picture on Twitter of the pair on a podium, he added: “The day 3 mad Irish men locked out the podium. 2011 you were my fierce rival winning the stock 600 title.
      “I remember when PBM snapped you up, sure you would go all the way to the top with birdys then GP team. That’s how good you were, pure raw talent.” More

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      Ronnie Radford dead at 79: Tributes paid to Hereford legend who scored one of most famous goals in FA Cup history

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      NON-LEAGUE Hereford United and FA Cup legend Ronnie Radford has died aged 79, it has been confirmed.Radford scored one of the most iconic FA Cup goals of all time in Hereford’s shock 2-1 giant-killing of Newcastle United in 1972.
      Raford (middle) celebrating after the Newcastle FA Cup winCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Radford took aim from distance to score an equaliser on the mud-curled pitchCredit: BBC
      Radford wheeling away in celebrationCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The ex-midfielder’s 30-yard strike was a hopeful swing of a boot at a mud-curdled Edgar Street.
      Radford’s wonderstrike of an equaliser, which cancelled out England striker Malcolm Macdonald’s opener, sparked a pitch invasion.
      Hereford team-mate Ricky George went on to score the winner, dumping Newcastle out of the FA Cup.
      On his goal, Radford wrote in the Sun’s Goals pull out on January 26, 2009: “As soon as I hit the ball from 30 yards out I knew it was going in.
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      “I was running away with my hands above my head long before the ball had even hit the back of the net.
      “Like a perfect golf drive, or a six off the middle of the bat in cricket, the ball sat up for me and I connected with it perfectly.
      “It was goal of the month and then goal of the season on Match of the Day in 1972.
      “It was a moment that I’ve described many times over the last 37 years, but I have as much enthusiasm recalling it now as I did when I celebrated with my arms aloft.
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      “Supporters invaded the pitch but there was not a hint of trouble. It was just a spontaneous outpouring of excitement and joy from the Hereford faithful.
      “Everyone returned to the terraces so that play could resume.”
      Radford went on to say the FA Cup “still has that magic”, hailing its ability to draw “together a community”.
      Devastated Hereford released a statement, celebrating the life of “friendly and modest” Radford.
      It reads: “We are devastated to hear of Ronnie’s passing, and wish to extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends at this very sad time.
      “Ronnie is not just a part of Hereford United folklore, he is a part of football history and has kept Hereford on the football map since 1972. 
      “His mild manner, and friendly and modest approach to life epitomised the man he was and he was always delighted to visit Edgar Street, to meet up with past teammates and watch the present day team in action.
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      “We will always keep Ronnie close to our hearts at Edgar Street, not just at FA Cup moments, but forever and celebrate him and his huge role in propelling Hereford United to the forefront of the nations attention with that goal and being part of that team. 
      “We will carry your spirit onwards. Rest in peace Ronnie.” More