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      England’s World Cup hopes thrown into disarray after it emerges at least five players are refusing to be vaccinated

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      ENGLAND’S World Cup hopes have been thrown into disarray after it emerged that at least five players are refusing to be vaccinated.Three rebels are senior members of the Three Lions squad who starred at the Euros this summer.
      England’s World Cup hopes in Qatar have been thrown into disarray after it emerged that at least five players are refusing to be vaccinatedCredit: Handout – Getty
      The players’ refusal to have the jab will throw Gareth Southgate’s plans into chaos as organisers of next year’s Qatar World Cup plan to ban all unvaccinated playersCredit: Reuters
      England can all but seal qualification with wins against lowly Andorra and Hungary this month.
      But organisers of next year’s Qatar World Cup plan to ban all unvaccinated players.
      The rebels have given a string of “nonsense” reasons for not having the vaccine, a source revealed.
      One footballer claimed he is too “young and fit” to be affected by the virus — despite evidence it can damage the health of younger people, who can also spread it.
      Another refused after buying into bizarre “conspiracy theories” that the jab is a tool for governments to spy on people.
      The others are said to have been pressured against having it by their anti-vaxxer Wags.
      At least five of manager Gareth Southgate’s squad are unjabbed — and the revolt could derail his preparations for next year’s World Cup.

      The players are also on a collision course with organisers of the Qatar finals, who plan to ban all unvaccinated players.
      Three of the five rebels are senior players with a string of honours who had starring roles at the Euros this summer.
      They are due to fly to Andorra next week as part of the England “Covid bubble” ahead of their next qualifying match.
      The trip to the Pyrenees will coincide with the easing of travel restrictions for the fully vaccinated.
      But in a move likely to spark fury, the unjabbed five will be given special exemption that will allow them to train and play through quarantine.
      Insiders fear it could cause a rift in the England camp — after Southgate fronted a vaccination campaign in July.
      In a video message to the nation he said: “There’s no doubt the vaccination programme is our best route out of this problem.”
      Southgate said he felt lending his support was “responsible” but later revealed: “Of all the things I’ve received abuse for over the summer — of which there’s been several — that’s the one I’ve received the most abuse over.”
      He and club bosses are said to be battling misinformation.
      A source said: “Dressing rooms and Whatsapp groups are awash with anti-vax conspiracy theories. Many senior players have been duped by online arguments and myths against the vaccine.
       “And they’re refusing to change course. If Qatar press ahead with plans to demand Covid vaccine passports from fans and players, it’s going to come to a head.”
      Deputy Chief Medical Officer Jonathan Van Tam has been drafted in to address the jab benefits and dispel the myths with a special video message distributed via an app to all players.
      But one club doctor said: “We’ve got senior players, intelligent men, coming out with all sorts of nonsense. One told me he didn’t need the vaccine because he could boost his immunity by taking vitamins.
      “Some of the stuff they’re reading — and believing — on the internet is incredible. Players are saying it will make them infertile, that it’s part of a plot involving Bill Gates, that the pandemic is just propaganda.
      “The real problem is they’re also polluting the minds of younger players.”
       Sports minister Nigel Huddleston said: “It’s disappointing to hear there may be some footballers unwilling to get vaccinated, perhaps due to misinformation online.”
      An FA spokesman said: “This is a private matter for individuals and their respective clubs as employers. Our preparations for the forthcoming internationals continue as normal.”
      Players refusing jabs are unlikely to be able to take part in the finalsCredit: PA:Press Association
      The Covid jab rebels have stunned staff with their reasons for not having the vaccine – One said he is too “young and fit” to be affected by the virusCredit: PA
      Bukayo Saka shows off his skills in training More

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      Premier League to ‘reward’ clubs who have highest number of Covid vaccinated players amid fears of outbreaks

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      PREMIER LEAGUE officials are ready to dish out rewards in a bid to get more players vaccinated against Covid.Reports say up to 70 top flight players have not been double-jabbed and there are fears an outbreak may cut the season short.
      At least two clubs are said to have no more than six players jabbedCredit: PA
      Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante is the latest player to test positive and isolation will keep him out of the Blues’ Champions League clash with Juventus.
      The Daily Mail reports a note has been sent to clubs to push them to vaccinate more players amid slow uptake at a number of training grounds.
      The note stated: “According to the data we have, only seven clubs’ squads are more than 50 per cent fully vaccinated, so we have a way to go.
      “We are considering if and how best we can ‘reward’ those squads/players who are most Covid-compliant and who have opted to be vaccinated.”
      Only between 30 and 35 per cent of Prem stars are reported to have been double-jabbed.

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      This is significantly lower than the UK population, with around 82 per cent of over 16s having both jabs.
      It’s thought at least two squads have no more than six players vaccinated, while others have fewer than half.
      Wolves, Brentford and Leeds have reportedly enjoyed the most success, with between 89 and 100 per cent of their players getting jabbed.
      The note continued: “It is increasingly clear that full vaccination will be the key criteria for Government and health authorities, in terms of international travel and potential Covid certification at large scale events.”
      The document also confirmed training and matchday guidelines will remain in place until the end of the year but could be relaxed based on individual clubs’ vaccination rates.
      Tuchel admits he’s powerless to get Chelsea stars double jabbed as new Covid crisis hits Blues with Kante quarantined More

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      Tuchel admits he’s powerless to get Chelsea stars double jabbed as new Covid crisis hits Blues with Kante quarantined

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      THOMAS TUCHEL is powerless to persuade his players to get double jabbed after Covid struck at Chelsea yet again.Midfielder N’Golo Kante is the latest player to test positive for the virus and must now be quarantined for ten days.
      Thomas Tuchel can’t force players to have the Covid-19 vaccineCredit: Getty
      It is not known whether Kante, 30, has been vaccinated.
      The news on the eve of Chelsea’s tough Champions League match at Juventus is a grim reminder that the pandemic rages on.
      It also brings into focus the ongoing debate about whether footballers should be jabbed because of the risks when playing.
      Boss Tuchel said: “It would be easy to say yes now and get applause from a lot of people. But at the same time do I have the right to say that? I’m not so sure.
      “I can make the decision for myself and everyone else has to reflect and take the risk or not. It’s a serious question.
      “Vaccination seems to be a proper protection. I am vaccinated. I took the decision for myself. But I don’t really see myself in a position to speak out on proper recommendations. That would go too far.

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      “I’m a football coach, not a 100% expert on this. I would leave it to them.
      “Everyone is an adult, living in a free country and society, and people can take their own choices.
      “We take our actions and are responsible for it. We don’t want to lose players, but we are not angry with N’Golo.
      “I am concerned about him like I am my injured players who took kicks in the game.
      “I know the situation is far from over and all the time somebody gets it here from us and our crew, that makes it all the more aware it’s not over.”
      Kai Havertz struggled after contracting Covid-19 last yearCredit: Getty
      Callum Hudson-Odoi was one of the first players in England to contract coronavirus during the first wave back in the spring of 2020.
      His team-mate Kai Havertz later revealed the struggle to regain strength after contracting the virus at the end of last year.
      Several other Chelsea players tested positive after summer holidays in 2020 and are all fine now.
      Kante is a special case because he opted to stay away from Chelsea’s training ground during the first outbreak.
      There are added concerns for his health in light of him passing out in front of fellow players in March 2018.
      In football terms, the loss of Kante for Wednesday’s clash at Juventus and for Saturday’s home game with Southampton is a blow to the club.
      Boss Tuchel is already missing key midfielder Mason Mount and defender Reece James is also crocked.
      Juventus sold star player Cristiano Ronaldo during the summer
      Defending European champions Chelsea sit second in Group H behind Juventus on goal difference.
      The Italian two-time European champs are finding life tough following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo. They sit tenth in Serie A.
      Tuchel said: “They lost a big champion, a big point of reference and a big personality. But you can be a big team and a strong team without Cristiano.
      “They have a lot of talent, a very experienced coach, they’re a proud club who are used to winning, a mentality shaped by the demand for winning.
      “This is my first time to play Juventus. Yes, they’ve had some troubles in the start with their results in Serie A, but they were very convincing in the Champions League.
      “Sometimes, if players are missing it’s also the same for us and the guys who come in want to show they are reliable.
      “We play Juventus at Juventus. It demands respect for the quality and tradition of this club.”
      Tuchel says Chelsea star N’Golo Kante has tested positive for Covid-19 causing him to miss Juventus clash More

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      Blackburn and Chile reach agreement over Ben Brereton Diaz – meaning striker will not miss four Championship games

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      BLACKBURN and Chile have reached an agreement that means Ben Brereton Diaz can represent his adopted nation next month.It also means the striker will NOT miss all four Rovers games during that time.
      Ben Brereton Diaz looks set to be allowed to link up with Chile next month after an agreement was made with BlackburnCredit: Alamy
      The half-Chilean, 22, was involved in the Copa America over the summer but did not link up for the recent international break over Covid quarantine restrictions.
      Rovers announced they had found a compromise with the Chilean football federation for the next set of World Cup qualifiers.
      That will see Brereton Diaz play in their first two games against Peru and Paraguay on October 6 and 9.
      But he will skip the final qualifier of the window against Venezuela on October 13.
      Blackburn said he would return to the UK after the Paraguay game to ‘begin any required quarantine period and limiting the number of games he would miss for his club’.
      A group of English-based players were set to be ineligible to play for their clubs over the weekend after four national associations – Chile, Brazil, Mexico and Paraguay – asked Fifa to apply a restriction over their clubs’ decision not to release the players for international duty in the September window.

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      However, it emerged late on Friday night that the demand to enforce the restriction had been dropped following extensive talks with Fifa – allowing the likes of Alisson, Gabriel Jesus and Thiago Silva to feature.
      Premier League clubs had agreed collectively at the end of August not to release players for September international duty in countries on the UK Government’s coronavirus ‘red list’.
      Fifa said on Saturday there had been ‘constructive dialogue’ with the Government following a letter sent by it, the Football Association and the Premier League to Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday in a bid to avoid a repeat of the release dispute next month.
      The agreement worked out by Blackburn is similar to that agreed by Aston Villa for the release of their Argentine duo Emiliano Martinez and Emiliano Buendia, and may be the template that other clubs and associations follow unless a quarantine exemption is granted by the Government.
      Rovers manager Tony Mowbray said: “We’ve tried to do a deal with (Chile). They’ve withdrawn their complaint to Fifa, we’ve said that Ben can go in the next international window and let’s see what the world is like then, whether red zone countries are still red zone countries.
      Our hope is that the world is in a better place in a month’s timeTony Mowbray
      “I think we’ve agreed with them that he can play the first two games. In reality, if he plays the third game, he’s going to miss potentially three or four matches for us, with a ten-day quarantine.
      “So if he finishes after the second game, comes back, then he probably only misses a game or two for us.
      “Let’s see how that works. Our hope is that the world is in a better place in a month’s time and the Government look at the situation with the professional game and see whether there’s going to be an allowance for footballers.”
      Brereton made his Chile debut in a 1-1 draw against Argentina in June and scored in the 1-0 victory over Bolivia days later.
      He has five caps for the country of his mother’s birth, who reached the quarter-finals of this summer’s Copa America, losing to Brazil.
      Ben Brereton stars in Chilean Pepsi advert as Stoke-born Blackburn striker switches between Spanish and English More

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      Louie Lynn completes brilliant rise from rubbish tip gym to BT Sport headline show

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      RUBBISH boxer Louie Lynn completes a brilliant journey from DIY equipment to BT Sport headliner on Friday.
      The infectiously-upbeat 25-year-old featherweight took a job at a recycling plant during lockdown, when boxing and his promising career were put on hold.
      Epsom featherweight Louie Lynn is the latest prospect racing out of the Peacock GymCredit: Getty
      But instead of moping – or mopping – about he brushed up on all of his skills by building his own little gym from the rubbish people had binned.
      The ex-scaffolder has form for such brilliant ingenuity from his early days working on sites and his Instagram account is full of videos of his homemade creations.
      And his dedication has been rewarded with top spot on Frank Warren’s first prospect’s show where he puts his 9-0 record on the line against 8-0 Amin Jahanzeb.
      “I just had to help people with which bin or skip they had to put their waste in, ‘green waste over there, metals and plastics there’, it was alright,” he laughed.
      BT Sport boxer Louie Lynn made his own equipment out of discarded odds and endsCredit: Instagram @louielynn1
      Exciting young featherweight boxer Lynn headlines a BT Sport show in just his 10th fightCredit: Instagram @louielynn1
      Hard working Lynn refused to waste a second when he found a job during lockdownCredit: Instagram @louielynn1
      “The hardest thing was not being physically allowed to help people, because of the health and safety rules, so even when any old people came with heavy stuff, we were not allowed to give them a hand and that was difficult.
      “It turned out there was a lot of free time so after I had done all the tidying and sweeping up there was plenty of time for some shadow boxing and training.
      “I got told off for training on the job a couple of times but I thought if I am going to get sacked for anything then training is the best option.
      “I set up my own little gym down there in one of the empty bays, I had a little swinging bag for practicing head movement and made a punchbag out of some old rubbish.
      “It was going well until they needed to open the bay up for another skip, so I was evicted from there.”

      The Epsom lad is now back training full time at the new Peacock Gym out in Epping.
      It’s a long slog for the 9st whirlwind but it’s got a lot easier since his uncle helped him out with a new car after his last motor went up in smoke, a victim of Lynn’s commitment to training.
      Lynn said: “The drive from my house in Epsom to the new gym in Epping isn’t too bad, about an hour around the M25.
      “It was a lot worse when the gym was in Canning Town and I had no car and had to get the train over and get a lift from my coach Andre.
      “It was my own fault though, I had bought a car after my sixth fight, it was a BMW but it had a few miles on it, and didn’t really service it or look after it and it died on me.
      “It started smoking while I was driving it but I knew I still had to get to training so I kept on driving it and I couldn’t get it to go over 50mph. I pushed it and pushed it and finally I went too far.
      “Anyone else in their right mind would have got it serviced or repaired but I was only worried about getting to training and paid the price.
      “Thankfully my uncle decided to sponsor me and got me a lovely truck.”
      Fast-rising Lynn has also worked as a scaffolder and was always training on the jobCredit: Instagram @louielynn1
      Not content with training under fitness-fanatic Martin Bowers and his super-fit team, Lynn carries on his work at home.
      Swinging light fittings are turned into punch bags and ropes tied across his bedroom for head movement and footwork exercises.
      Lynn’s poor mum has a lot to cope with but it’s paying off as he was recently compared to fellow Brit featherweight Josh Warrington.

      “I use my bedroom like a little gym at home,” he confirmed. “It drives my poor mum mad but she lets me get away with it really, she was the first person to spot my talent as a kid and she loves boxing.
      “It’s great to hear the good feedback I have been getting but I cannot let it affect me. I have to keep my feet on the ground and almost ignore any praise.
      “But I do believe I will be a world champion, I have believed that since I was a kid and, God willing, it will happen.” More

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      Disgraced USA star Weston McKennie ‘spent night outside Covid bubble and invited someone back to hotel room’

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      JUVENTUS star Weston McKennie was sent home from international duty after breaking strict Covid-19 rules.The midfielder, 23, reportedly brought an ‘unauthorised individual’ back to the team’s hotel room – breaching their bio-secure bubble.
      Weston McKennie played against England in November 2018Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      McKennie was dismissed by US boss Gregg Berhalter after allegedly spending a night outside of the team’s bubble in Nashville, Tennessee.
      He is also thought to have brought someone back to his hotel room, compromising the team’s bio-secure bubble.
      Both of these acts are against the strict Covid-19 protocols all national teams have been forced to endure during the recent international break.
      McKennie was left out of Berhalter’s squad for the team’s 1-1 draw with Canada in their World Cup qualifier on Sunday.
      The US coach said it was due to a ‘violation of team policy’ and not injury after the player trained on Saturday.
      The news comes after five Holland U19 internationals, including PSG talent Xavi Simons, breached similar rules in Europe.

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      McKennie apologised for his behaviour via an Instagram story shortly after the news of his suspension broke.
      He wrote: “Unfortunately, I am suspended for tonight’s match due to a violation of team COVID-19 protocols.
      “I am sorry for my actions. I will be cheering hard for the boys tonight and hope to be back with the team soon.”
      McKennie has been criticised for his behaviour in recent months, breaking Italy’s Covid-19 rules in April by throwing a party.
      It is almost beyond repair, and he has a lot of work to do with his team-mates.Landon Donovan
      And ex-US captain Landon Donovan claims the midfielder has a ‘lot of work to do’ to repair his relationship with his international team-mates.
      Donovan said: “It is almost beyond repair, and he has a lot of work to do with his team-mates to make sure that he never does something like that again because you lose trust in your team-mates.
      “I am I am privy to what happened, I’m not going to announce that publicly.
      “I will just say, I am incredibly disappointed in Weston, incredibly disappointed… The level of selfishness is beyond me.
      “He is old enough to know you don’t put yourself in this situation. Would they win the game if he is on the field? I don’t know but their chances would go up a lot. 
      “It doesn’t mean he is a horrible human being and he can learn from this but this can never, ever, ever happen again.”
      Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing McKennie during the next transfer window.
      McKennie currently plays for Juventus but has been linked with Aston VillaCredit: AP
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      Vitor Belfort’s coach ‘sceptical’ of Oscar De La Hoya’s Covid-19 diagnosis after Golden Boy pulls out of Triller fight

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      VITOR BELFORT’S coach has claimed he is ‘sceptical’ of Oscar De La Hoya’s diagnosis with coronavirus.The fighters were due to meet in Las Vegas this weekend in a huge comeback bout for former six-weight world champ De La Hoya.
      Derik Santos (left) is training Vitor Belfort for his boxing showdownCredit: Getty
      But the 48-year-old tested positive for coronavirus and pulled out of the fight after posting a video from his hospital bed.
      Derik Santos, the trainer for ex-MMA star Belfort, has since aired his views on the matter.
      He stated to Vegas Insider: “I’m not trying to disrespect Oscar, I saw the video of Oscar.
      “But if I’m being honest, I’m still sceptical. Something about it didn’t seem right.
      “The level of how bad it looked. I know you can still get Covid if you’re double vaccinated, but it didn’t seem right.
      “Maybe he realised we were taking the fight seriously, I don’t know.

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      “As far as I know, their side didn’t try to jump out and reschedule like others have, so yeah, I’m a little sceptical.
      “I think he thought, ‘What have I got myself into’ – he even posted this. We were going in there to give him a very good boxing match. We were ready.
      “If the man does have Covid then I wish him a good recovery, I’m just mildly sceptical.”
      Belfort, 44, will instead face Evander Holyfield in the Triller fight, with the contest moved to Florida after the California State Athletic Commission refused to sanction the new opponent.
      At 58, former heavyweight king Holyfield last fought a decade ago but has been planning a comeback for some time.
      Santos noted that Belfort’s new opponent will cause different problems for the Brazilian star.
      He added: “As far as Holyfield goes, his was a name that was thrown around before – he was an option for Vitor before.
      “And he’s a big man, he is a very big man. Over the last couple of years I actually befriended him. He’s a good guy.

      “I’ve always had great respect and admiration for him. We go from one Hall of Famer to literally and figuratively a bigger Hall of Famer.
      “So it’s a challenge for sure and Holyfield has done a great job keeping himself in shape. I’ve marvelled at the shape he’s in.
      “I don’t really know what to expect. I know he has been training, I know he has been working out and looking for a fight. It’s going to be interesting, it’s a different type of fight to Oscar. He’s much bigger than Vitor.”
      UFC legend Vitor Belfort says ‘I’d put a beating’ on Jake and Logan Paul on ‘SAME NIGHT’ as he trains for Oscar De La Hoya fight More

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      Uefa scrap Champions League and Europa League Covid testing for fully vaccinated players ahead of next month’s kick-off

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      UEFA have removed the need for fully vaccinated players to undergo Covid-19 tests before Champions League and Europa League matches.Stars have been regularly checked for the virus before all games since the pandemic broke out.
      The new Champions League season kicks off next weekCredit: Getty
      But those who have been doubled-jabbed, or recently recovered after testing positive for Covid, will no longer require a Uefa-mandated test.
      European football’s governing body confirmed the decision in a statement updating their pandemic protocols ahead of the tournaments kicking off.
      The ban on away fans was also lifted, potentially allowing supporters to travel abroad to watch their team in group stage action.
      In practice, the guidelines for Covid testing have been handed down from Uefa, to the clubs and the countries they are competing in.
      If all members of an away team are required to take a test to travel across borders, they will still have to do so – depending on that nation’s rules.
      Furthermore, the onus is on the clubs to ensure their players are fully vaccinated and to properly report this to the relevant authorities.

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      It is not widely known which footballers have accepted their jabs although managers such as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Mikel Arteta have openly admitted that some of their stars are refusing to do so.
      Uefa’s ruling allows teams playing on home turf to forego testing their vaccinated players, who could produce a positive result and miss games despite being far less likely to suffer the ill effects of the virus.
      Yet clubs could still choose to do so anyway, to ensure maximum safety and help protect those unable to get jabbed, or those who do not want to.
      The Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League kick off next week.
      Manchester United are the first British team in action, travelling to Switzerland’s Young Boys on Tuesday, September 14.

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