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    Rishi Sunak could fly to Qatar for World Cup final to watch England make history

    RISHI Sunak could fly to Qatar for the World Cup final if England make it through to the final.The PM is cheering on our boys from the UK for now as they face France today.
    Rishi Sunak could fly to Qatar for the World Cup final if England make it through to the finalCredit: Alamy
    He will host a number of Tory MPs with him to watch the match at his countryside retreat, Chequers.
    And he wished the boys the “best of luck” ahead of the clash.
    No10 said: “He obviously wishes Gareth and the team the best of luck.
    He knows that the team will give everything they can to try and win the match.
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    And he may choose to jet off at the last minute to watch them play in person – if the team makes it all the way through to the end of the tournament.
    But Qatar has been hit with claims of human rights abuses of workers who put together the stadium – and ministers have warned LGBT fans to take care when they visit.
    Mr Sunak has confessed he’s a “massive football fan” and has been keenly cheering England along.
    Prince William previously said he won’t be attending any World Cup matches, despite his role as President of the FA.
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    Man City striker Erling Haaland’s name tops list of difficult-to-pronounce words

    MAN City striker Erling Haaland’s name gave pundits as many nightmares as he did defences this year.The Norwegian ace, 22, tops a league table of difficult-to-pronounce words.
    Man City striker Erling Haaland’s name has topped a list of difficult-to-pronounce wordsCredit: Getty
    Rishi Sunak’s name was also on the list after US President Joe Biden called the PM, Rashid SanookCredit: Alamy
    Many fans and commentators call him Halland, not Haa-land.
    Other top 2022 tongue-twisters included Rishi Sunak — with US President Joe Biden calling the PM, Rashid Sanook.
    US actor Steve Carell struggled with CBeebies (see-bee-bees) when guesting on the BBC channel.
    In June, ex-PM Liz Truss mispronounced Taoiseach, the head of Ireland’s government, as “tea sock”, not the correct, “tee-shock”.
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    The British Institute of Verbatim Reporters, which handles subtitles, compiled the list for language site Babbel.
    Babbel said: “Many of the words are rooted in languages other than English, so it’s great to see them entering our vernacular.” More

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    Calls for UK asylum scheme for Iran players who could face prison or DEATH after refusing to sing anthem at World Cup

    SENIOR Tory MPs have called for Britain to open its arms to brave Iranian footballers who could face persecution when they return home from the World Cup.The Iranian XI stood tall but silent as their national anthem played ahead of the clash with England at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha yesterday.
    The Iranian national team remained silent during the national anthem before their match against England yesterdayCredit: Getty
    Iran supporters held protest signs with the rallying cries of ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ and ‘Freedom For Iran’ at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha yesterdayCredit: Rex
    Iranian fans in the Qatari stadium were moved to tears by the incredible gesture, as massive protests continue to sweep the Islamic Republic.
    But the team’s gesture could land them in serious trouble back home if the brutal Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei decides to make an example of them.
    Political dissent is a crime in Iran – and is one of the offences subject to capital punishment, with 21 protesters already facing execution after sham trials since the start of an uprising in September.
    This week Tory MPs have led called for the players to be offered sanctuary in the UK if they ask for it.
    Former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith told The Sun: “The Iranian team may choose not to go back to Iran given what’s going.
    “Our government should treat those individuals with an accelerated asylum process if that’s the case.
    “Iran is a dictatorial, brutal regime.”
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    Last night former minister Caroline Nokes told TalkTV’s Late Edition programme the Home Office “has to be ready” for potential asylum claims.
    She said: “These young men have taken a very brave stance in the same way that young women across Iran are also being phenomenally brave.
    “Perhaps we need to look at a bespoke scheme for them so that instantly we know whether there’s going to be a legal route for them into the UK or not.”
    Iranian officials had already been discussing cracking down on perceived disrespect to their national anthem and flag ahead of the World Cup.
    And the national team’s defiance on such an international scale will spark fury amongst the regime – and could spark retribution.
    Massoud Setayeshi, spokesman for the Iran’s Judiciary, said just days ago that punishments could be meted out for those who reject the anthem.
    Iranian courts have been taking a brutal line on people linked to the protests, with more than 15,000 people arrested and hundreds killed by the security forces.
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    Tory MP David Simmonds, who is also Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Migration, told The Sun: “The brave actions of the Iranian footballers who have heroically stood up to the Government means they could face persecution when they return.
    “This highlights the importance of the U.K. having a strong resettlement scheme for those facing persecution.”
    This morning a No10 spokesperson said they wouldn’t “speculate about what actions individuals might take”.
    But they added: “We do have a proud tradition of providing refuge to those in need and equally we’ve condemned violence levelled at the protesters in Iran.” More

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    Keir Starmer admits his fave footie memory was watching England lose to Germany on penalties at Euro 96

    SIR Keir Starmer last night admitted one of his favourite footie moments was watching England LOSE to Germany on penalties.The self-claimed footie mad Labour chief recalled watching the nation’s humiliation at Euro 96 ahead of the World Cup starting next week.
    Sir Keir is a self proclaimed football fanatic but admits shocking fave football memoryCredit: Alan MacGregor Ewing
    Sir Keir laughed as he described the “agonising” experience of sitting “up almost on top of” Gascoigne in the stands when the England legend missed an open goal during extra time.
    Away from footie, Sir Keir also confessed yesterday he HAS kissed a Tory and he’s not ashamed of it.
    The Labour leader’s admission came after lefty loonies sparked outrage this year for parading around in “never kissed a Tory” t-shirts.
    Shadow Culture Secretary Lucy Powell joined in too, even posting a snap in the top on social media.
    READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
    Sir Keir slammed the divisive garment in an interview with The Times, revealing: “I’m afraid I’ve broken that rule”.
    But the Labour chief, who insists he isn’t “tribal”, won’t kiss and tell.
    He said: “I’ve got very good friends who are Tories and they’ve been very, very good friends of mine for a very, very long time, and long may that last.”
    Most read in The Sun More

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    Wrexham forced to release statement banning star striker Paul Mullin from wearing personalised ‘f*** the Tories’ boots

    WREXHAM have banned their star striker from wearing customised “f*** the Tories” football boots.Paul Mullin, 27, had the political message stitched into his Nike cleats – along with his name and number.
    Paul Mullin is Wrexham’s No10 star striker but caused a stir on social mediaCredit: Gemma Thomas Photography
    The customised boots had the political slogan splashed on the sideCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/CkGf_DDJlOV/?hl=en
    The design caused widespread reaction on social media when posted on Monday – especially given the current governmental turmoil.
    But the Welsh side took action to ensure they remained a “neutral position” on politics – especially given the Wrexham’s MP is a Conservative after nearly 90 years of Labour domination.
    And the National League club – who are owned by Hollywood actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds – ordered Mullin to delete the photos taken at the Racecourse Ground.
    Boot designers CustomsZebra also incorporated a tribute to singer Jamie Webster and a silhouette of the skyline in Mullin’s hometown of Liverpool into the black Nike Mercurials.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    They also had to take down the photos from inside the stadium and replace them with a plain background on the day before Rishi Sunak officially became Prime Minister.
    Mullin did the same – with the Instagram post liked by former Premier League referee Mike Dean and even club chief Reynolds on TikTok.
    It is unclear if the boots would breach FA rules which bans under Law 4 any “political, religious, personal slogans, statements or images, or advertising other than the manufacturer’s logo”.
    Promotion-chasing Wrexham face Halifax tonight and said in a statement: “The Club can confirm that the boots revealed by Paul Mullin on social media will not be worn tonight, or in any other Wrexham AFC fixture and that the photographs taken at the Racecourse Ground were done so without our knowledge or approval.
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    “For the record, the pictures wouldn’t have been permitted to be taken, had we known, and the issue will be dealt with privately by the Club.
    “The Club has adopted a neutral position on many matters with a political dimension and intends to continue to do so going forward.
    “The Club also acknowledge that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, whether that be employees or supporters but would also highlight that an individual view cannot be fairly attributed, as the view of everyone or the Club itself.
    “There is no more prominent example of this than the fact that the MP for the constituency within which the Club is found, is a Conservative seat.
    “After this unwelcome distraction, the Club hopes the focus remains on our objectives of gaining promotion on the field and creating community benefit off it, in which Paul Mullin will continue to play a significant part.”
    Mullin came through the youth ranks at Everton and Liverpool before spells with Huddersfield, Morecambe, Tranmere and Cambridge.
    Read More on The Sun
    He joined Wrexham in 2021 and has become an immediate club icon with 43 goals in just 57 games for the Red Dragons, who dropped out of the Football League 14 years ago.
    The National League player of the season for 2021-22 has also struck up a friendship with Reynolds and McElhenney, even posting selfies with the celebrity co-owners on social media.
    Mullin is a hero at Wrexham with 43 goals in 57 gamesCredit: Getty More

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    Tyson Fury reveals plans to run for Prime Minister as heavyweight champion opens new restaurant in Lancaster

    TYSON FURY has set his sights on becoming Prime Minister once his fighting days are officially over.Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss are currently locked in a dust-up for No.10 following Boris Johnson’s resignation and are pulling no punches in their bids to win the Tory party leadership election.
    Tyson Fury is currently pulling his punches in retirementCredit: Getty
    The Gypsy King wants to follow Boris Johnson into No.10 in 2030Credit: AP
    Fury revealed his plans to become PM at the grand opening of the Sultan of LancasterCredit: SULTAN OF LANCASTER
    But retired Gypsy King Fury wants to have a crack at leading the UK after spending quality time with his young family.
    Speaking at the Grand Opening of the Sultan Experience restaurant in Lancashire, the WBC heavyweight champion said: “I want to say thank you to everyone who turned up today.
    “Don’t forget to vote for me in 2030 as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom – vote Fury.
    “[Sultan’s] is now officially open to everybody.”
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SPORT.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-h98a3b{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(236,245,247,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou 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    Fury, 33, has plenty of time to work on his political manifesto following his retirement from boxing after his brutal KO of Dillian Whyte in April.
    But the former unified heavyweight champion has hinted he’ll return to the ring if Brit rival Anthony Joshua wins his high-stakes rematch with Oleksandr Usyk next month.
    He said: “It’s all about money, Mr Businessman – he’s not a fighting man.
    “I swear to God I hope he wins the fight against [Oleksandr] Usyk so that I can come out of retirement and fight him for free.
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    “However, the terms are this – I want it at Wembley stadium, I want it free to enter and I want it on free-to-air television in this country.
    “I’ll fight him in England, not abroad in a foreign country for more money, here for free for the people.”
    The Wythenshawe warrior is currently on course to face former Game of Thrones star Hafthor Bjornsson in an exhibition bout in November.
    He told The Telegraph: “It would be a bit of fun.
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    “It would be great to get in there in front of, say, 70,000 fans and show him what boxing is all about, make him miss, and knock him out.
    “We are talking to his team at the moment and it is definitely something I’m interested in.”
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    Football fans set to be allowed to drink alcohol at their seats after 36-year ban if review recommendation is allowed

    FOOTBALL FANS could be allowed to drink alcohol in STANDS in the near future following a fan-led government review.Supporters haven’t been allowed to enjoy booze while watching football since 1985 but a change in the rules is to be recommended.
    Fans are allowed to drink from their seats at cricket matchesCredit: Getty
    According to The Times, ex-sport minister and Conservative MP Tracey Crouch has completed an independent review of the matter.
    She is set to push for a pilot on serving alcohol at clubs in the National League and League Two with a view to extending it to a higher level.
    British football’s 36-year ban on alcohol being drank in stands was introduced in a bid to battle hooliganism.
    Other top European leagues allow supporters to enjoy a pint in their seats while they watch the action unfold.
    There is also no such ban in other British sports, such as cricket and rugby.
    Crouch believes the move could encourage fans not to binge drink before games and will generate much-needed revenue for lower-league clubs.

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    She told The Times: “Take a club like Dulwich Hamlet, which is in National League South. It’s revenue is generated through its refreshments.
    “If it gets promoted to the National League Premier, it effectively stops generating that revenue during a game.
    “They said openly in evidence to us that they cannot afford to get promoted because of the rules around alcohol.
    “Lots of clubs generate a lot of their income through their bars and I think it’s time to look at this issue again.

    “We do have this bizarre situation where you can go to Headingley and drink as a cricket fan, but go to Elland Road and you can’t drink as a football fan.
    “We kettle people into drinking quickly at half-time. And that is the unhealthy aspect of the football fan’s relationship with alcohol.
    “They drink a lot in a short space of time. So my recommendation is to pilot this and not have to down a pint at half-time.”
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    Football fans will be allowed to stand at top-flight games after 27-year ban

    FOOTBALL fans will get standing areas at top-flight games for the first time in nearly 30 years, ministers are to reveal.Premier League clubs will be told they can register to open safe standing sections in their grounds in the second half of this season.
    Fans will be able to stand at top-flight football games for the first time in nearly 30 years, ministers are to revealCredit: Getty
    Several will be chosen to act as pilot schemes before a decision is made on whether to introduce it across the top two divisions next year.
    Standing has been illegal in the top division since all-seater stadiums were introduced in 1994 following the Taylor report into the Hillsborough disaster.
    But ministers will this week give the go-ahead for Premier League and EFL clubs to add seats with barriers so fans can stand. It will be the first major decision made by new ­Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries, a Liverpool fan brought up half-a-mile from Anfield.
    A source said: “The Government has proceeded with caution on this issue and gathered robust evidence that the safety of fans will not be compromised.
    “We’ll ensure any changes will have the backing of supporters’ groups.”

    Safe standing sections have been successfully installed in Germany.
    Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City, Spurs and Manchester United have already constructed similar sections.
    The Sports Grounds Safety Authority is expected to set out more details in London tomorrow.
    The Government will then make a formal announcement later this week.
    The move will be the first major decision made by new ­Culture Secretary Nadine DorriesCredit: Rex
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