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    Kane vs Kiwis at Club World Cup, Man Utd in Asia and Bournemouth vs Everton in New Jersey… football must never rest

    IN the wee small hours of Sunday at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Paris Saint-Germain’s players were celebrating the greatest achievement of their lives.They had ended the 14-year quest of their Qatari overlords to win the Champions League, having inflicted on Inter Milan the most comprehensive humping in the history of European Cup finals.Paris Saint-Germain won their first Champions League crown on SaturdayCredit: Shutterstock EditorialLuis Enrique will take his side to the Club World Cup in the USCredit: Shutterstock EditorialBut if Luis Enrique and his side had wanted to put their feet up and bask in this ultimate glory, then they were sadly mistaken.Almost immediately after their 5-0 win, Enrique and his stars would be peppered with questions about their prospects at the Club World Cup — a 32-team, month-long tournament designed to carpet-bomb TV schedules with even more football, starting on Sunday week.Does the Club World Cup now represent ultimate glory, rather than the Champions League?Is that, in the words of Finchy in The Office, ‘the real quiz’?READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBecause football — even in the odd-numbered summers which used to give us a brief respite from the thing — must never, ever rest.And so next week, PSG will go to America, where they will play the Urawa Red Diamonds, The Last Shadow Puppets and the Seattle Sounders — only one of which is really the name of an English band.And on Sunday week, Bayern Munich will play Auckland City in Cincinnati.And they WILL play.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd there is nothing we can do to stop them playing. Even though we already know Bayern Munich are significantly better than Auckland City.And Harry Kane will play. Even though his body is creaking.Chelsea finally discover Club World Cup opponents as former star, 38, assists dramatic winner to set up reunionEven though he hasn’t had a proper rest in years. Even though he surely can’t think of anything worse than having to play Auckland City.Because Fifa are offering $1BILLION in prize money.And two days later, you can watch in HD as Ulsan HD of South Korea play Mamelodi Sundowns, who are possibly an indie band who have  an afternoon slot on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage, or might be a football team from Pretoria in South AfricaBecause in football there must be no sundown. Only the Mamelodi Sundowns.And Manchester City and Chelsea will be there too, due to some  convoluted Uefa qualification system which it’s best not to ask about.And Inter Miami will be there — not because of any system but because they employ Lionel Messi, who turns 38 this month and must be tired but must never, ever rest.And the whole thing will go on for every bit as long as an actual World Cup, with countries, used to go on for.The Club World Cup is set to commence on Sunday weekCredit: AFPLionel Messi will play in the revamped tournamentCredit: GettyAlthough not as long as next year’s actual World Cup, which will have 48 nations and 104 matches in it and will go on for even longer.Oh and there will still be a third-place play-off.Because what else would we do with ourselves on Saturday July 18, 2026, if we couldn’t watch another game of football between two utterly deflated, exhausted teams?Manchester United didn’t qualify for the Club World Cup.But that doesn’t matter because, after the worst season in their modern history, United’s players travelled 14,000 miles to play post-season friendlies in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong so that the club could fulfil £10million worth of sponsorship commitments.And yes ‘net zero’ is supposed to be an environmental policy rather than United’s goalscoring output against the ASEAN All-Stars. During the half-time interval of that 1-0 defeat in Malaysia, Andre Onana, Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot were substituted so they could board a private jet to Mumbai to  promote Apollo tyres.Because people in Mumbai will choose Apollo tyres if an error-prone Cameroonian goalkeeper tells them to.And Michelin and Bridgestone and Pirelli won’t get a look in, just so long as Dalot presses home Apollo’s core messages, which are ‘Going The Distance’ and ‘Conquer Every Road’.Man Utd played two post-season friendlies in AsiaCredit: APHarry Kane seemingly never gets a summer offCredit: APWhile Maguire was flying to India, to tell people that ‘the journey is as important as the destination’, Amad Diallo was still in Malaysia, where he was giving the middle finger to a fan who had apparently abused his mother.And then issuing a social-media apology, in which he said he didn’t actually regret giving the finger.Because it isn’t enough that Amad’s mother is abused during the football season.She needs to be abused during the close season as well.And her son needs to retaliate.Because there needs to be online content and, if the internet never sleeps, then why should football sleep, along with its content-creating by-product, the abuse of really tired footballers?Last year, Tottenham and Newcastle made a 21,000-mile round trip to Melbourne to play each other, six weeks after they had previously done so. And the Toon won on penalties.But is that really enough, when these footballers travelled in first-class luxury and stayed in excellent hotels?The BBC’s Race Across The World is an extraordinarily successful TV show because contestants must travel on overnight buses and then muck out animals to raise extra cash.Man Utd lifted the Defining Education Challenge Cup after beating Hong KongCredit: GettyTottenham played Newcastle in Melbourne in May 2024Credit: GettyWhy shouldn’t footballers do the same on post-season and pre-season tours? Wouldn’t that provide better content?This Saturday, England will play a competitive match against Andorra, which won’t be competitive.And next Tuesday, England will play Senegal, when they won’t really be England because so many of their players will be heading to the Club World Cup.But it’s not as if we’d have to wait long for football without this new thing.Next month, there will be a North London Derby in Hong Kong and Bournemouth will play Everton at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, the venue for next summer’s World Cup final.Because why wouldn’t we want to watch Bournemouth play Everton in July — even if, when the fixtures come out in a fortnight, we might find out that they are playing each other in August?The thing is, Bournemouth versus Everton has been far too parochial until now.When Bournemouth are at home, only 11,000 people get in to watch it.What about the blue-collar workers of New Jersey, the people Bruce Springsteen writes ballads about?Don’t they deserve their fix of Bournemouth versus Everton, instead of just shotgun, teenage weddings and dreaming about escaping from small towns on motorbikes, kind of stuff?And the answer is, yes, they do deserve Bournemouth versus Everton. Just like you deserve Red Bull Salzburg, the second best team in Austria, versus CF Pachuca, the eighth best team in Mexico.Read More on The SunThat one’s on Wednesday June 18 at 11pm. Followed by Al-Ain versus Juventus at 2am.Eyes down, look in. We’ll sleep when we’re dead.Fans in the US will be able to get a glimpse of James TarkowskiCredit: GettyBournemouth are set to be a hit across the PondCredit: Getty More

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    Chelsea finally discover Club World Cup opponents as former star, 38, assists dramatic winner to set up reunion

    CHELSEA have finally discovered their final Club World Cup opponent — thanks to a dramatic late winner created by one of their former stars.The Conference League champions head to the US this summer to take part in the newly-expanded tournament.Conference League champs Chelsea have discovered their final Club World Cup opponentCredit: GettyChelsea already knew they were going to be facing Brazilian side Flamengo and Tunisian team Esperance Sportive de Tunis in the group stage.However, their third and final opponent remained unknown after Mexican outfit Club Leon were booted out due to Fifa’s multi-club ownership rules.Fellow Liga MX side CF Pachuca — also owned by Grupo Pachuca — had already qualified for the Club World Cup, forcing Leon to withdraw.And it meant that another Mexican side, Club America, were handed a dramatic playoff against MLS club LAFC.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Americans were trailing 1-0 with just minutes to go when they equalised in the 89th minute.LAFC then scored an amazing winner in the 115th minute through Denis Bouanga, with former Chelsea star and Champions League winner Olivier Giroud creating the goal for 2-1.Now, the Frenchman will face his former side with LAFC in the opening group stage game on June 16.Chelsea will then play Flamengo four days later on June 20.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd five days after that, on June 25, Chelsea end their group stage experience against Esperance.The Club World Cup will be one of the most lucrative tournaments going, with the winner set to bank a mind-blowing £100million.From embarrassing Chelsea pal to interview with dad – Five times Cole Palmer stole show AFTER Conference League finalsChelsea will take on LAFC and former striker Olivier GiroudCredit: AFPHe bagged a late assist as LAFC dramatically beat Club America in a playoffAnd Chelsea will be desperate to keep the good times rolling after ending a three-year trophy drought against Real Betis on Wednesday.The Blues came back from a goal down to win 4-1 in Warsaw.It came just days after they secured a fourth-place finish to qualify for next season’s Champions League.And new signings are already inbound, with Chelsea already beating Manchester United, Newcastle and Everton in the race for £30m Ipswich striker Liam Delap.You can watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZN. Sign up now.Giroud won the Champions League during his time at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty More

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    Seven transfers for Cristiano Ronaldo after exit hint and Infantino ‘leaking talks for star to play in Club World Cup’

    CRISTIANO RONALDO could be set to play at the Club World Cup following a “leaked” statement from Gianni Infantino.The Fifa president let slip to YouTuber IShowSpeed that plans are underway for Ronaldo, 40, to take part at this summer’s expanded 32-team bonanza.Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo could be set for a new team ahead of the Club World CupCredit: AFPThe Portugal legend’s club Al-Nassr have not qualified for the Club World Cup, which is being held in the USA.And following Infantino’s admission, Ronaldo could now be set for a transfer away from his Saudi side.The ex-Manchester United star is out of contract at the end of June – the midway point of the Club World Cup.And with no new deal on the horizon, Ronaldo could be on the move permanently.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLChelsea are in dire need of a striker this summerCredit: ReutersHere, SunSport looks at seven possible options for the veteran forward ahead of the Club World Cup…CHELSEAIt’s no secret that Chelsea are in desperate need of a striker.The Blues almost blew Champions League qualification after the likes of Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson went off the boil.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSRonaldo has shown he still has an eye for goal after netting 35 times this season – making for 99 goals in 111 games since moving to Al-Nassr.Most read in FootballAnd after Todd Boehly considered making a move for Ronnie following his Man United exit in 2022, the time could finally be right for the pair to come together. Cristiano Ronaldo appears to argue with himself as he fights back tears after Al-Nassr cup KOAL-HILALHaving won the Saudi title six times in the past decade, Al-Hilal are arguably the biggest club in the Middle Eastern nation.Despite finishing runners-up to Al-Ittihad this term, they still boast the strongest squad thanks to big names like Ruben Neves, Joao Cancelo and Aleksandar Mitrovic.Should Ronaldo want to stay in Saudi while picking up a mega wage, Al-Hilal would be the safest bet.And with them and Al-Nassr both under majority ownership from Saudi’s Public Investment Fund, there is unlikely to be an issue in making a transfer happen.Ronaldo could form a fearsome partnership with Aleksandar Mitrovic at Al-HilalCredit: ReutersPALMEIRASThe Brazilian runners-up have an exciting squad under Abel Ferreira and will be ones to watch this summer.Exciting forwards like Facundo Torres and Chelsea-bound Estevao Willian create chances aplenty.And Ronaldo would automatically become a club icon if he made the move.It would also present the opportunity for CR7 to take on fierce rival Lionel Messi at the Club World Cup, with Palmeiras drawn in the same group as Inter Miami.Estevao will be heading to Chelsea after the Club World CupCredit: AlamyCF MONTERREYOne of Mexico’s top sides, they boast a host of stars who used to ply their trade in LaLiga.Lucas Ocampos, Jesus Corona and Sergio Canales are among the big names starring at Monterrey.However, the top dog is none other than Spanish legend Sergio Ramos, who now captains the team.He forged an unbreakable bond with Ronaldo at Real Madrid, and would be influential in persuading his old pal to make the move to North America.Sergio Ramos is the captain of MonterreyCredit: GettyWYDAD CASABLANCARepresenting Morocco, Casablanca chiefs are keen to make a statement.They are desperate to make an impact at the Club World Cup and put Moroccan football on the map.Former Premier League star Nordin Amrabat is on the verge of completing a move to them this summer.And he confirmed Casablanca are hoping to strike a deal for Ronaldo, saying: “The president is extremely ambitious and is currently in talks with several really big names. It is true that Cristiano is among them.”Nordin Amrabat has confirmed Casablanca are hoping to sign RonaldoCredit: GettyREAL MADRIDSpeaking of Real, they are set for a new era after Xabi Alonso replaced Carlo Ancelotti as boss.Another former teammate of Ronaldo, he has already built a reputation for thinking outside the box.The likes of Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr were unable to click as Real ended the season trophyless.And a return to the Bernabeu could inspire both Los Blancos and Ronaldo to get back to their best.Xabi Alonso could think outside the box after joining Real MadridCredit: ReutersINTER MIAMIA potentially controversial move but an exciting one nonetheless.Miami already boast a host of superstar names, with Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba becoming fan favourites.Read More on The SunHowever, Lionel Messi is top dog in Florida and was once Ronaldo’s biggest rival while playing for Barcelona.Miami would have to let one of their big stars go, having already reached their quota for “designated” players, but the opportunity to sign Ronaldo may be too good to pass up.Ronaldo could finally link up with Lionel Messi at Inter MiamiCredit: Getty More

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    ‘This chapter is over’ – Cristiano Ronaldo makes major announcement on future amid Club World Cup transfer rumours

    CRISTIANO RONALDO all-but confirmed his exit from Al Nassr in a cryptic post on social media.The 40-year-old’s contract at the Saudi Arabian side expires this summer.Cristiano Ronaldo appears to have confirmed he is leaving Al-NassrCredit: GettyAnd it appears his time with the Saudi Pro League side is done as he said on Instagram: “This chapter is over. The story? Still being written. Grateful to all.”Fifa president Gianni Infantino confirmed last week that Ronaldo is in talks over a move to a club involved in the Club World Cup.The revamped tournament begins on June 14 in the United States.Infantino said: “Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”There are discussions with some clubs, so if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup… who knows, who knows.”CR7 has been linked with a switch to an unnamed Brazilian team heading to the US this summer.Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense and Botafogo are the four sides from the nation in the expanded 32-team event.Signing for Palmeiras would set up a clash against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in Group A.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThough joining forces with Messi is also not off the table as Infantino replied “maybe, it could be” when pressed on Ronaldo’s next destination.The Manchester United and Real Madrid legend penned a £164million-a-year contract with Al-Nassr in 2023.Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, 14, given dad’s number and copies iconic pose as he makes Portugal debut with grandma watchingHe has played 105 games and scored 93 goals for the Riyadh-based side.Though he never won the Saudi Pro League title and his only trophy in the Middle East came via the Arab Club Champions Cup.Ronaldo did, however, pick up his second successive Saudi Golden Boot, scoring 25 league goals this season as Al Nassr finished third in the table. More

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    Bayern Munich Wags including Harry Kane’s wife Katie Goodland’s Club World Cup plans ‘spark anger behind scenes at club’

    BAYERN MUNICH have frustrated members of staff with their plans to send the players’ Wags to the Club World Cup, according to reports.The German giants are set to head to the US for the controversially revamped tournament next month.Harry Kane and wife Katie Goodland pose with the Bundesliga plateCredit: PAHarry Kane will head to the States hoping to add further silverware to his collection, having broken his duck by winning the Bundesliga title.According to Bild, the trip has caused friction behind the scenes at the German champions.Bayern’s Club World Cup campaign will come amid a series of cost-cutting measures.Several staff members have reportedly been informed that they won’t join the team at the tournament.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDespite sporting director Max Eberl’s efforts to reduce costs, players families’ will be sent to the US at the expense of the club.This means that Kane’s wife Katie Goodland can be sent to the States at Bayern’s expense, despite her husband being one of the club’s top earners.Bild’s Bayern expert Christian Falk revealed: “The players’ families have been invited.”On the German outlet’s podcast, Falk went on to add: “You have to say, a few employees were annoyed.Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLeroy Sane is dating Candice BrookCredit: instagram @leroysaneLina Kimmich will be able to join husband Joshua in the StatesCredit: Getty”They’re cutting costs everywhere, so only a small group of employees is allowed to go over, but the families are.”The staff members thought to be affected include lower level roles like middle management and matchday stewards.Thomas Muller has Bayern Munich fans howling with risque funeral joke in retirement speech on pitchBayern boss Vincent Kompany is looking forward to the competition, which could net the winners a £100million prize kitty.The Belgian said: “I think the closer we get to the tournament, the more you can see the excitement growing. “It’s been quite a special season anyway so far. You have the new format of the Champions League, and you have the next competition with the Club World Cup.”You know, I think we’re part of a club here with Bayern Munich where every trophy is important, so by the time we get to America, it will be a priority.”Bayern will begin their Club World Cup campaign by facing New Zealand side Auckland City in Cincinnati on June 15, before a trip to Miami to take on iconic Argentine outfit Boca Juniors five days later.Bayern face Benfica on matchday three in Charlotte on June 24.Ahead of the tournament, Kane said: “It’s going to be unique, playing this type of major tournament with your club is different to what’s been done in the past but I think it’s going to be a great experience.”Going out to the US, as well, a year before the World Cup itself will be a great chance to get to know some of the stadiums and get to know the fans out there.Read More on The Sun”It’s going to be a really great tournament.”As always, when it’s the first of any type of tournament, people are wondering how it’s going to go but I’m really excited for it.”Katie Goodland has supported Kane at plenty of tournamentsCredit: PALisa Muller has been married to Bayern star Thomas for 16 yearsCredit: Getty More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo ‘unhappy’ after ‘discussions’ for him to play in Club World Cup are leaked by Infantino to IShowSpeed

    CRISTIANO RONALDO is reportedly unhappy after it was revealed to YouTuber IShowSpeed that he could play in the Club World Cup.Fifa president Gianni Infantino confirmed discussions are underway to involve Ronaldo in the new-look tournament.Cristiano Ronaldo could play at the Club World CupCredit: GettyGianni Infantino made the revelation to IShowSpeedRonaldo, 40, is out of contract at Al-Nassr at the end of the season but has been in negotiations to extend his stay.It has also been claimed there are no plans for Ronaldo to leave on loan.So Ronaldo’s representatives have expressed their disappointment over Infantino’s comments to IShowSpeed, according to The Athletic.Infantino told the influencer: “Ronaldo might play for one of the teams as well at the Club World Cup.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”There are discussions with some clubs, so if any club is watching and is interested in hiring Ronaldo for the Club World Cup…who knows, who knows.”Al-Nassr did not qualify for the revamped Club World Cup, with Al-Hilal Saudi Arabia’s only representative.They will compete against Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich alongside England’s two representatives – Manchester City and Chelsea.David Beckham’s Inter Miami have also qualified and Infantino hinted at who they could play.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSWhen asked if Inter Miami are going to play against Real Madrid, maybe, Infantino replied: “Maybe, it could be.”The tournament kicks off on June 14 and ends on July 13, with the winner receiving up to £68million in prize money. Cristiano Ronaldo appears to argue with himself as he fights back tears after Al-Nassr cup KO More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo ‘receives blockbuster transfer offer to leave Al-Nassr and play in Club World Cup’

    CRISTIANO RONALDO has reportedly received a mega offer from an unnamed Brazilian club ahead of the Club World Cup.The Manchester United legend’s record-breaking £164million-a-year contract at Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr expires this summer.Ronaldo’s Al Nassr contract ends this summerRonaldo, 40, is in third season in the Saudi Pro League but has missed out on the league title so far.It was Al-Ittihad – with the likes of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, and Fabinho – who were crowned champions after their 3-1 win last week.And Ronaldo’s extension talks have been delayed after Al Nassr failed to qualify for the Asian Champions League next season.But the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been offered a way out.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to Spanish outlet Marca, Ronaldo has been approached by a Brazilian club playing in this summer’s Club World Cup.While the club in question has not been named, Palmeiras, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Botafogo are the four Brazilian teams competing in the tournament that begins next month.If it were to be Palmeiras, it would set up a reunion against career rival Lionel Messi.Palmeiras are in a Club World Cup group with Messi’s Inter Miami, Porto and Egyptian club Al Ahly.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIt’s a competition Ronaldo is extremely familiar with, having lifted the trophy a whopping four times in his legendary career.He won it for the first time with Man Utd in 2008 when the Premier League giants defeated LDU Quito 1-0 in the final, with Wayne Rooney scoring the winning goal.Cristiano Ronaldo Jr, 14, given dad’s number and copies iconic pose as he makes Portugal debut with grandma watchingThe striker captured it a further three times with Real Madrid, scoring a hat-trick in the 2016 final against Kashima Antlers in a 4-2 win.The 2025 Club World Cup begins in the United States on June 15 and will run for just less than a month until July 13.Chelsea and Manchester City are the Prem teams taking part, while Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are featuring too.The winner will take home a whopping amount of prize money that is nearly $100m (£75m). More

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    Man City drop Jack Grealish transfer hint as they launch stunning new kit for Club World Cup

    MANCHESTER CITY have unveiled their kit for the 2025/26 season and dropped a hint over Jack Grealish’s future.Pep Guardiola’s side will wear the new home shirt at this summer’s Club World Cup in the US.Man City have unveiled their new kitCredit: Man CityThe shirt will be worn at the Club World CupCredit: Man CityPuma have designed the jerseyCredit: Man CityThe sash is a nod to past City away shirtsCredit: Man CityPuma have gone for a white sash across the club’s iconic sky blue jersey.The diagonal stripe is a nod to City kits from the 70s as it has been seen on old away strips.Grealish is one of the stars modelling the new look alongside the likes of Phil Foden, Erling Halaand and Mateo Kovacic.And fans reckon having him as the poster boy suggests he is staying at City beyond the summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt comes amid rumours of Grealish’s departure after a tough season in which he has scored just three goals and started only seven Premier League games.Tottenham, Aston Villa and Napoli are all interested in signing him.Grealish was not, however, seen in the promotional video to launch the new kit.The clip stars actor John Thompson hosting a talent show as stars like Foden, Haaland, Manuel Akanji, Oscar Bobb and Ederson take to the stage to perform.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSFormer players Micah Richards, Joleon Lescott and Mike Summerbee also have cameo roles.The video was filmed at the Clayton Official Supporters Club just around the corner from the Etihad Stadium.Jack Grealish to Napoli?! Conte Plots Shock £100M Raid – Would City Really Let Him Go?Puma say the sash home shirt “creates a connection to the past with a futuristic design, bridging the gap between different generations of City fans”.The German sportswear brand’s chief Marco Mueller said: “We’re so excited to be featuring the iconic sash, made famous from away days of old, on the home kit for the first time.”Both in this kit and all our kits for this upcoming season, fans across the world will be reminded that with our partnership we do things differently and want to push the boundaries in terms of design, creativity and innovation”.The kit is available in the City shop for £85 and the authentic jersey costs £130.Puma say the kit ‘bridges the gap between different generations of fans’Credit: Man CityThe authentic shirt costs £130Credit: Man City More