More stories

  • in

    Mum wins £11k payout from Premier League star who ‘helped his brother dodge child support payments to daughter, two’

    A MUM has won an £11,000 payout from a Premier League star accused of helping his brother dodge child support payments for his young daughter, she claims.Chelsea ace Tosin Adarabioyo allegedly funds older brother Fisayo’s extravagant lifestyle, paying for a £2.9million mansion, giving him a monthly income and a credit card to go shopping with.Nadia Messaoud during a protest outside Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge stadiumCredit: Nadia MessaoudNadia has won an £11,000 payout from the Premier League starCredit: PP.Tosin Adarabioyo allegedly funds older brother Fisayo’s extravagant lifestyleCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe Sun snapped photos of flashy Fisayo, 30, a former pro-footballer, carrying a £3,140 Bottega Veneta leather briefcase. But despite his millionaire lifestyle, Fisayo has yet to pay a penny towards his two-year-old daughter Anara’s upbringing after telling the Child Maintenance Service he’s skint, it is claimed.Anara’s struggling mum Nadia Messaoud, 41, who dated Fisayo for a year before they split in 2022, said she was forced to take action after being ignored.She took civil action against Chelsea defender Tosin for funding his brother while allegedly knowing of his sibling’s obligations.Legal documents relating to the civil action, seen by The Sun, state: “The defendant (Tosin) has been knowingly providing his older brother, Fisayo Adarabioyo, with an income that is not being declared to HMRC or the child maintenance service.“This is with the intention to obstruct my daughter’s legal right to obtain child maintenance.“My child has for the last three years been awarded the nil level of CMS.”Nadia also alleged that as well as thousands of pounds a month in cash income, Tosin also provides his brother with a credit card to spend on.  Most read in FootballAccording to Land Registry documents, Tosin, 27, thought to be on £120,000 a week at Chelsea, owns the Cheshire mansion in which Fisayo lives.The Department of Work and Pensions has awarded unemployed Fisayo a “nil rate” on child support for the past three years because he claims he does not earn enough to pay.Nadia staged a protest outside Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge stadium last month to raise awareness around her cause.She wore a vest top and held a sign both of which said: “TOSIN #4 Women Matter, Children Matter, D.A (Domestic Abuse) survivors matter.”She is backed by domestic abuse charity Women’s Aid.Fisayo was convicted of harassment without violence in 2022 after turning up at Nadia’s terraced home in Cheshire, banging on her door and leaving her terrified.He also bombarded her with texts, saying he hoped she miscarried the baby and threatened to kill her.After allegedly failing to respond to Nadia’s legal claim, his brother Tosin has been ordered by the court to pay her £11,000.However, Tosin’s legal team told The Sun the order was a “default judgement” made in error “on the part of the court”.Nadia said: “I’ve not received a penny from Fisayo to help with our daughter, while he’s living a footballer’s lifestyle thanks to his Chelsea playing brother.”I’ve been rebuffed at every opportunity which is why I decided to take legal action against both of them.”All I ever wanted was a reasonable level of financial support but Fisayo has claimed poverty. Now I know the truth.”As a Premier League player Tosin is supposed to be a role model, but his actions have essentially blocked my daughter from receiving the financial support she’s entitled to by law.”Tosin’s lawyers’ statement added: “The Order arises from a default judgement which has been entered by the Court in a claim issued by Nadia Messaoud against our client (‘the Claim’).Unfortunately, it would appear that our client’s strike out application has not been properly processed by the Court and it has therefore allowed automatic default judgement to be entered in favour of Ms Messaoud.”This is a very serious administrative failing on the Court’s part and one which we are addressing with the Court on our client’s behalf. Inappropriately, she made an application for judgement in default, despite being served with that application. “Your summary is not a fair and accurate report of anything that has taken place in the Court proceedings.”They added that as well as “chasing” the court, they have also made an application on their client’s behalf “to have the default judgement order set aside”.”In summary therefore, the Order which you have seen is subject to an active challenge, and should neverhave been issued by the Court in the first place.”They said the claim is a “pattern of behaviour” by Ms Messaoud “to exert unwanted pressure on our client to provide further funding to her”.Read More on The Sun”Our client has no relationship with Ms Messaoud and owes no legal or other duties or obligations to her,” the statement adds.The Sun has also contacted Fisayo’s lawyer and Chelsea for comment.Fisayo Adarabioyo seen in January this year carrying a £3,140 Bottega Veneta leather briefcaseCredit: PP.Fisayo Adarabioyo playing for Altrincham in 2020Credit: Getty More

  • in

    Premier League wage bill hits record £4bn – with hapless Man Utd’s bloated budget revealed…where does your club rank?

    PREMIER League wages hit a record £4billion last season, a new study has discovered.It means the 500 stars who make up Britain’s top league pocketed an average of £8million a year during 2023/24.Erling Haaland is city’s top earner after negotiating a deal worth £500,000 a week in JanuaryCredit: GettyMo Salah has pledged his future to Liverpool in a new dealCredit: GettyAnd Manchester City players were the Prem’s top earners, taking home a combined £413million.The figures have been collated by football blogger Kieron O’Connor, who runs The Swiss Ramble football finance blog.He says striker Erling Haaland is city’s top earner after negotiating a deal worth £500,000 a week in January.Liverpool came runners-up in the pay stakes, with the Anfield squad taking home £377million.Read More on SportMo Salah is the club’s top earner and recently banked a pay rise after committing his future to Anfield, taking him to £400,000 a week.All Premier League clubs have revealed their accounts from the 2023/24 season, with the figures showing the post-Covid pay bubble continues to climb.The clubs’ combined wage bill has jumped from £2.9billion in just six years, the equivalent of 38 per cent.The wage bills also show the Big Six became the Big Five, with a huge gap opening up between the highest-paying sides.Most read in FootballKieron reveals City and Liverpool are joined by Man Utd (£365million), Chelsea (£338million) and Arsenal (£328million) in the huge pay stakes.Aston Villa had the sixth-largest wage bill, which came in at £252million — a gap of £76million to Arsenal.Arsenal wages 2024-25 revealedTottenham and Newcastle also paid out more than £200million.This year’s FA Cup winners Crystal Palace were the league’s highest achievers last season, finishing tenth despite only four clubs having a smaller wage bill.Man Utd underachieved, finishing eighth, despite having the third- largest wage bill. The three clubs with the lowest wage bills were relegated last season — Luton Town, Sheffield Utd and Burnley.Luton’s wage bill was the lowest in the league, paying out £57million to its squad.The figures were released before today’s final round of games, with Liverpool already crowned champions.’A bit crazy’While Haaland himself admitted his salary was “a bit crazy” when his new ten-year deal was announced in January, wages of the best Prem stars are well below that of other sporting stars around the globe. A study by Forbes magazine put Haaland 27th on the list of top earners when comparing him with greats such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe. And his money pales into insignificance when compared to NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who signed a £410million deal in 2021.And last December the New York Mets baseball team agreed to pay slugger Juan Soto £628million for a 15-year deal.Clubs must remain vigilant as there is still much work to be done to restore pre-pandemic profitabilityAleksander Ceferin Haaland’s outgoing teammate Kevin De Bruyne has previously told how he believes top footballers are underpaid, despite earning £400,000 a week.When asked in 2022 if he got paid too much, the Belgian linked with a move to Serie A winners Napoli, responded: “No. I compare it to a singer at a concert and 60,000 people come. I look at it logically.“There are millions of people watching the football on TV, there’s 60,000 watching the games, the income of a club is £500million to £600million. Yeah, it’s a lot of money, but is it too much?“If the club can afford it, it’s not too much.”In March, figures revealed player wages across Europe had reached £15.1billion in 2023/24, up by 6.5 per cent on the previous year.Following the release of the latest Uefa Club Licensing Benchmarking Report, the governing body’s president Aleksander Ceferin warned teams about paying excessive amounts to their players.‘Players are the stars’He said: “While most clubs appear to be managing player wage increases responsibly, other costs are rising rapidly, putting greater pressure on operating margins than ever before. Clubs must remain vigilant as there is still much work to be done to restore pre-pandemic profitability.”Premier League clubs have to pay within Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) each year or face punishment. Everton and Nottingham Forest faced points deductions for breaching the rules.In February, it was reported the Professional Footballers’ Association, which acts for players, threatened the Premier League with legal action if it brought in a salary cap.Clubs voted last year to explore the introduction of a spending cap from the start of the 2025/26 season as part of a new system of financial controls.It will limit clubs to spending 85 per cent of their total revenue on wages, transfer payments and agent fees.Sponsorship consultant Nigel Currie said: “The players are the stars, they are the talent and the reason millions tune in every week and buy the kits.Read More on The Sun“The Premier League is hugely successful, the wealthiest football league in the world, and that will continue.“There will continue to be massive financial implications for players. Sponsorships will go through the roof in terms of value.”SAUDIS UP SALARIES DESPITE earning a fortune, the salaries of Premier League stars are nowhere near what is on offer in the Saudi Pro League.Here is what the big names earn each week at their clubs there.Cristiano Ronaldo,£3.2million, Al-NassrKarim Benzema, £1.6million, Al-IttihadRiyad Mahrez, £850,000, Al-AhliSadio Mane, £650,000, Al-NassrIvan Toney, £490,000, Al-AhliN’Golo Kante, £400,000, Al-Ittihad More

  • in

    England’s biggest crisis club relegated THREE divisions after being left with no pitch and playing 70 miles away

    NO senior football club in England has gone from nightmare to nightmare like debt-riddled Farsley Celtic.But it’s somehow got worse – AFTER the season finished.Farsley Celtic hope to set up a new groundshare for next seasonCredit: RexCeltic were not able to use their ground this seasonCredit: RexFans blasted an “absolutely crazy” situation as Celtic have been relegated THREE DIVISIONS.Crisis upon crisis has descended upon the semi-professional Yorkshire club following a failed decision to put in an artificial pitch at their Throstle Nest ground last year.It never got built – so Celtic played most of their 2024-25 ‘home’ games 70 miles away in Buxton, Derbyshire.They famously lost ex-Leeds star Neil Redfearn as manager in February after just three weeks in charge.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSControversial chairman Paul Barthorpe then departed – with Celtic forced to field youngsters on the way to finishing bottom of the National League North.But instead of dropping into the Northern Premier League, they have been booted all the way down to the ninth tier – the Northern Counties East League Premier Division.Low points of the season included a 6-1 defeat to then-bottom Needham Market – when Redfearn was absent without explanation.Women’s team manager Izzy Roads and youth coach Phil Lake took the reins, with Redfearn later revealing he had resigned days earlier.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKUnder-fire Barthorpe soon quit too after six years steering a club that had went bust in 2010 but reformed in 2015.Now homeless Celtic have been denied a licence to play in Steps 1-4 – the four highest levels below the EFL.The club said: “As a board we recognise this will be as disappointing for our fans as it is for us. It’s not what we wanted. “But sometimes you need to take a step backwards in order to move forwards, and pragmatically we believe this move to be necessary to protect the long-term financial future of our club.”One fan responded: “It’s absolutely crazy that Farsley Celtic has dropped three divisions to now the 9th tier of the English football pyramid. “It’s an absolute joke, should never have got this far out of hand.”Another wrote: “Triple relegation to Step 5… what a mess!”However, a third supporter took a longer-term view.He posted: “Like any fan I want to get back up ASAP but we need time to stabilise behind the scenes and then get back up where we belong. “I’d say 2-3 seasons hopefully then we go back up with a sustainable model.” While we could have appealed against this decision, the long-term future of the club remains our priority Club statementCeltic issued a lengthy statement on being booted down the leagues – insisting a groundsharing deal has already nearly been sorted for next term as they rebuild gradually.They said: “At the end of the last season we said our efforts would be concentrated around ensuring the financial stability of the club. “A season playing all our games away from The Citadel was always going to leave us with a financially challenging summer.”The debts facing the club have continued to mount in recent weeks.”We are in a situation where we have to be pragmatic. NCEL offers us significantly lower travelling costs and running costs in general as we seek to stabilise the club.”Celtic are finally hoping to get a new surface so they can return home.Their statement added: “Our funding bid for a new pitch will be decided by the Football Foundation next month. “Our planning application for new energy efficient and reliable floodlights is being considered by the council and is subject to a funding bid. “A ground share for the start of next season is almost agreed, and we are still working on securing a lease for the ground.Read More on The Sun”While we could have appealed against this decision, the long-term future of the club remains our priority and a lot of work is being put in by the board and others to ensure Farsley continues to have a semi professional football club. “The long-term future of our first team, Deaf, Junior and Women’s sides continues to be our priority.” More

  • in

    ‘The situation is grim’ – Iconic EFL club facing financial oblivion after major issues ‘effectively shut us down’

    ACCRINGTON STANLEY have confirmed they are facing a “grim” future amid serious financial problems.Stanley finished the season 21st in League Two – just two places above relegation.Accrington Stanley confirmed they are facing a “grim” futureAccrington Stanley are dealing with a dire financial situationBut even though Accrington remained in the EFL, they are still facing some dire economic issues that forced them to close their academy last week.The club also lost its stadium’s live music licence – except on matchdays due to repeated noise complaints.Now the Reds’ chief executive Warren Eastham has issued a serious warning about the cub’s situation and accused the council of providing nothing but “empty words of support”.This comes after Stanley owner Andy Holt announced he would be stepping down last month.Read More on FootballHolt also accused the authority of a “vendetta” due to a long-running row over the club’s hospitality suites built in contravention of planning permission.This situation puts the iconic club, who rose prominence thanks to an unforgettable milk advert in 1989, in a situation where they face financial oblivion.Eastham’s statement to the Local Democracy Reporting Service read: “Since joining the club in August last year, I have been in ongoing discussions with the council.“I’ve made numerous phone calls, attended meetings, sent emails, and submitted countless support requests to both the council and their officers. Yet, despite all this, nothing meaningful has come of it. Most read in Football“I will, of course, gladly accept the meeting—one I’ve both requested and attended many times before. I’ve done my best to bring reason to the table, but all I’ve received in return are empty words of support.“What we need now is action, not platitudes. I’ve warned repeatedly about the risks of Andrew Holt walking away, and now what do we have – a letter.“I’ve been given a year to make the club sustainable but this cannot be achieved with temporary fixes. We need real, lasting change. This is a club that lost £1 million in the 2023/24 season, a deficit covered entirely by Andrew Holt.“The 2024/25 season was only balanced thanks to the Liverpool FA Cup draw, but that money is now gone and the mounting costs from the summer remain. The situation is grim: the academy’s March figures revealed a significant financial loss.’Broken promises’“April shows no improvement, worsened by steep increases in National Insurance and the minimum wage across the club, including the players. Right now, Accrington Stanley has no revenue stream until July.“The ongoing issues with planning, noise abatement, and licensing have effectively shut us down.“Now, with the council’s statement out in the public domain, I truly hope this marks the beginning of meaningful collaboration to safeguard the future of this fantastic club.“Let me be clear: the closure of the academy is down to one thing only – a lack of income and mounting financial losses. Andy’s position is clear: he will fund the club to a £250,000 loss next season, but no further.Read More on The Sun“After years of broken promises and a lack of appreciation for the £6million he has invested in this club over the past decade, he has reached his limit. This club belongs to the town and its fans. I will work tirelessly to ensure its future is secure.“Accrington needs Accrington Stanley, and I am determined to see us through this challenging time.” More

  • in

    Blow to Steven Gerrard as he loses eye-watering sum of money after pal’s business closes with huge debts

    FOOTIE manager Steven Gerrard has pulled the plug on a company flogging “healthy” water.The former Liverpool midfielder and England captain pumped £371,524 into Angel Revive, which was run by a friend.Steven Gerrard has lost an eye-watering sum of money after his pal’s business closed with huge debtsBut he has lost most of his money along with fellow investors who ploughed £2.5million into the business, which has closed with huge debts.Gerrard owns a 25 per cent stake.The 44-year-old has had £50,000 of his investment back, but remains massively out of pocket.The company has debts of £542,220, including £398,353 in unpaid rent.READ MORE ON STEVEN GERRARDPaperwork said: “The company has negative reserves and is dependent on continued financial support of directors and shareholders.”Gerrard is among contenders for the managerial job at his Scottish giants Rangers, who he managed previously for three years from 2018, winning the Scottish Premiership in 2021.The Gers are seeking a permanent manager after sacking Philippe Clement in February, with former midfielder Barry Ferguson being placed in temporary charge since.Gerrard left Ibrox to take over as Aston Villa manager but was sacked in October 2022 after winning just two of 12 games.Most read in FootballHe then took up the manager’s job at Saudi outfit Al-Ettifaq, but left by mutual consent in JanuarySteven Gerrard gives update on return to management after Liverpool legend left Al-Ettifaq More

  • in

    The insanely lavish worlds of F1 tycoons…from Red Bull boss’s private island to £30million Bond villain-style mansion

    AS things heat up ahead of this Sunday’s Bahrain GP, the Gulf State will soon be crowded with the jets and supercars of the rich and famous.It’s fair to say there’s a lot of money in the world of F1 – and drivers and team staff alike certainly get paid handsomely.The late Eddie Jordan certainly knew how to enjoy his £85million fortuneCredit: AlamyEddie was among the most flamboyant of the F1 tycoonsCredit: GETTYRed Bull owner Mark Mateschitz inherited an entire tropical island from his fatherCredit: jason busch/LHW.comBut at the very top of the motor sport pyramid are the people who don’t just run the teams, but own them. And when you combine a net worth of millions – or in many cases billions – with a love of fast cars, you can be sure you’re dealing with a flashy spender.After all, if you can afford an F1 team, you might as well own a yacht on the side – or a Pacific island getaway when you need a break.It’s a sport that attracts some pretty big characters, just like the late Eddie Jordan, who went from flogging salmon on the streets to amassing a fortune of £85million.Read More FeaturesBut his riches are small fry to what others in the business are worth – such as Mercedes’s Toto Wolff, worth a whopping $1.6billion.And even Toto’s wealth is dwarfed by Red Bull owner Mark Mateschitz, who has a net worth of over £30billion. So what have they been spending it all on?Join us as we dive into the lavish lives of the biggest F1 tycoons.Most read in MotorsportBrave Eddie Jordan’s final public appearance just weeks before his deathToto WolffAfter trying his hand as a racing driver before moving into the boardroom, Toto Wolff bought a 30 per cent stake in Mercedes in 2013 for an estimated $50million.And as Mercedes moved up the rankings, so did his wealth increase – making the Austrian worth around a whopping $1.6billion today, according to Forbes. It’s no wonder Toto Wolff takes such an active role in ensuring his teams success – because he owns a third of itCredit: GettyThe Mercedes part-owner enjoys diving off his 49 metre-long superyacht off the coast of MonacoCredit: Instagram/totowolff_originalA video Toto posted to his Instagram shows he isn’t afraid to take his cars – in this case the iconic Mercedes-Benz SL from 1954 – for a spinCredit: Instagram/totowolff_originalOnce living near the team’s base in the UK, Wolff and his family have now moved to Monaco, close to where many of the drivers live.He’s also reported to own an 18,000 square foot mansion in Switzerland, which was reportedly bought for $62million.Unsurprisingly, the 53-year old owns a stunning car collection which features plenty of rare Mercedes. Wolff has frequently been spotted driving round Monaco in his Mercedez-Benz SL from 1954, worth around £1million, as well as the more modern Mercedec-AMG GT R, which sells for around £150,000-190,000.But brand loyalty hasn’t stopped him from also reportedly owning a Bugatti Veyron, a Ferrari LaFerrari, and also an iconic Ferrari F40  which he allegedly sold for some £1.2million. And when road travel doesn’t cut it, he can be spotted relaxing on the 49-metre-long superyacht UU, which he is thought to own – though he is thinking of designing one himself. Eddie JordanThe late Eddie Jordan owned properties around the globeCredit: AlamyEddie Jordan bought the spectacular yacht Blush for £32millionCredit: BLUEI PRODUCTIONSFrom trading on the streets of Dublin to securing iconic sponsorship deals – once convincing delivery firm DHL to repaint all their vans with his famous “Jordan yellow” – the late Eddie Jordan certainly reaped the rewards of his hard graft.Among his lavish assets was Sunseeker’s biggest ever yacht, which he bought for a cool £32million back in 2014, named Blush.Also under his ownership was a stunning 45-metre sailing yacht that let him enjoy times spent near the coast.Over the years, he amassed a massive – and very valuable – collection of F1 memorabilia, including the very car Michael Schumacher made his debut in.And like other team owners, he had multiple properties around the world including a palatial manor in Surrey, a house in Ireland, and a pad in Monaco.He also owned a £750,000 flat in Tooting, London, which he raffled off in 2017 to the lucky winner of the £10-to-enter competition. Lawrence StrollHaving made a fortune in the luxury fashion industry selling shares in brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors, the Canadian businessman is thought to be worth over £2billion.The 65-year-old tycoon is also part-owner of the Aston Martin racing team – and is the dad of their star driver, 26-year-old Lance. Lawrence Stroll, owner of the Aston Martin team, made his fortune selling shares in luxury fashion brandsCredit: The TimesThe Canadian billionaire hosted his 60th birthday party on board his massive yacht Faith, which was attended by the likes of Sarah Ferguson and Catherine Zeta-JonesCredit: PAHe is the proud owner of the Ferrari 250 GTO, which is thought to be worth over £50millionCredit: RexThough based in Geneva, Stroll also owns homes in London, Quebec, and also a £70million pad on the Caribbean island on Mustique where he wed Brazilian stunner Raquel Diniz, 35.When it’s race weekend in Monaco, you can find him on board Faith – a 96-meter superyacht which Toto Wolff has said is the nicest boat he’s ever been on, worth around £200million.Featuring a glass-bottomed swimming pool, beach club, and wet bar, it hosted stars such as Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas for Stroll’s Great Gatsby-themed 60th birthday bash.Recent reports, however, suggest he’s sold the vessel on – downsizing to a 78-metre-long yacht instead.But it’s cars he really loves, amassing a collection reportedly worth over £140million.This includes a Ferrari 250 GTO, one of the most valuable cars in the world with a price tag north of £50million. Also in his garage are multiple LaFerraris, a 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB he snapped up for a cool £20million, as well as McLarens and a Ford GT. Ron DennisSir Ron Dennis made a handsome penny from selling his McLaren sharesCredit: GettyWork started last week on his new £30million Berkshire mansionThe enormous property includes underground Roman-style baths, and a private tunnel to the River ThamesAlthough his split from McLaren was far from amicable, Sir Ron still walked away with £275million after selling his shares back in 2017.And what better way to enjoy retirement than to build yourself a £30million ‘Bond villain’ mega-mansion that’s set to be one of the most lavish homes in the country.Work began last week on the 77-year-old’s new Berkshire home for the, which will feature a Roman baths-style underground swimming pool and even a secret tunnel to the Thames to access his boat.There’s also extensive staff quarters, a room just for glassware and crockery, and a hair salon for when you don’t have time to nip down the massive drive to the local barbers. I am a pretty wealthy guy. So why wouldn’t I have some exotic cars?Sir Ron DennisIt goes without saying that the tycoon – who started life as a mechanic – is a massive car nut, once owning four go-karts built by McLaren for his own personal use.And planned for the new mansion is an underground garage complete with turntable to house his fleet of vehicles, including a McLaren worth £5million.“I love my McLarens,” he once told MailOnline.“I am a pretty wealthy guy. So why wouldn’t I have some exotic cars?”, he added.Aerial pictures taken of the plot near Henley-on-Thames last week show that diggers have moved in to start excavating the site. Mark MateschitzMark Mateschitz is one of the world’s youngest multi-billionairesCredit: GettyThanks to the Red Bull fortune, Mateschitz owns a private island in the South PacificCredit: http://www.laucala.comThe Austrian had enough spare cash to snap up Bernie Ecclestone’s extraordinary collection of motorsCredit: Tom Hartley Jnr/PA WireIt’s hard to avoid being rich when you’re Mark Mateschitz – son of Dietrich, co-founder of the Red Bull beverage and sporting empire who passed away three years ago.Dubbed Europe’s richest millennial, Forbes estimates the 32-year-old’s net worth to be north of £30.8billion, making him the 31st richest person on the planet.And Mateschitz has proved keen to carry on his father’s connection to F1, as evidenced by an enormous purchase he made just this month.The young billionaire is the new owner of Bernie Ecclestone’s private car collection – featuring 69 Grand Prix cars estimated to be together worth £500million.The Red Bull owner is thought to own multiple castles and villas across his native Austria, and his rumoured to have a £43.5million pad in swanky Knightsbridge.Also inherited from his dad is the island of Laucala, Fiji, a billionaire’s playground with a luxurious private resort – which even has its own airline to ferry visitors to and from the tropical paradise. And as if the Red Bull billions weren’t enough already, Mateschitz is currently dating heiress to the Swarovski crystal fortune, Victoria. Together, they’re working on a brand new getaway – a multi-million pound villa Marbella, close to where Victoria’s mother lives. Bernie EcclestoneBernie Ecclestone celebrating his 90th birthday with wife Fabiana FlosiCredit: Instagram @fabianaecclestoneEcclestone named his £30million superyacht after his daughter, PetraCredit: RexBernie Ecclestone’s daughter, Petra, is thought to be the owner of this giant 57,000 square ft. Beverly Hills home which was reportedly bought for $150millionCredit: Splash NewsHe enjoys lavish holidays with wife FabianaCredit: fabianaecclestone/InstagramThe F1 supremo himself has amassed billions of the decades, and the 94-year-old certainly knows how to spend it.As we revealed, he was once the owner of a car collection worth around £500millionAmong his property empire was a London home overlooking Kensington Palace, which sold for £57million, and he bought his daughter Tamara a £70million London mansion complete with gold bathtub and 50 staff. He’s now living in Switzerland in a £23million chalet called Le Lion, located in the resort town of Gstaad, along with his wife Fabiana Flosi.Ecclestone – who has an estimated net worth of £1.85billion – also owns not one, but two massive yachts.Read More on The SunThe £30million Petara, named after his daughter, can accommodate up to 12 guests and boasts a spacious interior.Then in 2022, he snapped up the 63 metre-long Force Blue for the bargain price of £6.6million, which features a spa, cinema, and nightclub onboard. More

  • in

    ‘Should be illegal to charge that’ – Fans just realising price of Champions League final tickets after huge price hike

    FOOTIE fans have branded Uefa a “total disgrace” after spotting a huge price hike in Champions League final tickets.This season’s showdown on May 31 will be held at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena – and some tickets will cost a fortune with the best seats priced at a whopping £816.Uefa has unveiled the cost of tickets for this season’s Champions League final in MunichBut footie fans have immediately hit backThis season’s showdown will be held at Bayern Munich’s Allianz ArenaCredit: GettyThere has also been a slight annual increase in Europa League and Europa Conference League final tickets. Gold dust ticket sales for all three men’s finals have already started via Uefa’s website and will run until 10am UK time on April 11.  Both clubs who make the final will each be allocated a total of 18,000 seats in Bayern’s 64,500 capacity stadium, with 38,700 going to fans or the general public.Using a ‘Fans First’ policy, Uefa has announced that fans of the two clubs involved in the final will be offered tickets at a frozen cost of £60, via a lottery system.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut spectators hoping to secure premium seats will have to fork out significantly more.The price of tickets in Category 1, the most expensive section, has boomed by 33 per cent to €950 (£816), up from €713 (£612). While, Category 2 seats come in at €650 (£558), 30 per cent higher than the €500 (£429) price from last season.In Category 3, tickets have decreased slightly to €180 (£154) from €186 (£160).Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesAnd, of course, as always, hotels are also expected to see a massive hike in their nightly rates, while flights alone are often costly enough.But social media users have accused Uefa of trying to “rip people off”.Former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka in heated confrontation with Bayer Leverkusen ultras after humiliating defeatOne wrote: “It should be illegal to charge that much, regardless of the occasion.”A second said: “Surely not? That’s absolutely mental. How will anyone afford it?”While another added: “How can those prices be justified. It’s a total disgrace 😫.”And one more wrote: “It’s nothing more than pure greed!”The Premier League has two teams left in Europe’s most elite competition: Arsenal and Aston Villa.Arsenal will be hoping to make a strong start against Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final at the Emirates on Tuesday.While Aston Villa take on Liverpool conquerors Paris Saint-German in Paris on Wednesday.Bayern, Inter Milan, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund are the other four teams fighting for a place in this year’s final on May 31.As for the Europa League, which takes place on May 21 at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, a total of 41,000 of 49,600 tickets will be available for fans and the general public.’Fans First’ tickets are priced at €40 (£34), while Category 1, 2 and 3 come in at €240 (£206), €160 (£137) and €65 (£55) respectively.The Europa League presents a last chance of silverware for both Manchester United and Tottenham this season.Ruben Amorim’s side play Lyon next and Spurs take on Eintracht Frankfurt in their quarter-final.Read More on The SunWhile Chelsea are favourites to win the Europa Conference League final at Wroclaw Stadium in Poland on May 28.And ‘Fans First’ tickets are €25 (£21), Category 1 is priced at €190 (£163), Category 2 is €140 (£120) and Category 3 is €45 (£38). More

  • in

    How Arsenal could be forced to line up against Real Madrid with FOUR defenders out and selection crisis

    ARSENAL have been plunged into yet another injury crisis – and it could not have come at a worse time.Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is facing the prospect of missing FOUR defensive starters for a mammoth Champions League quarter final first leg tie at home to Real Madrid next week.Mikel Arteta has been plunged into yet another injury crisis ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League visit next TuesdayGabriel limped off 16 minutes into Arsenal’s 2-1 win over FulhamDutch right-back Jurrien Timber was also forced off on Tuesday nightCentre back Gabriel limped off after just 16 minutes of Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Fulham on Tuesday night with a worrying hamstring injury that could see the Brazilian out for weeks.Dutch right-back Jurrien Timber is now also a doubt with a knee issue picked up against the Cottagers – having also missed large parts of the international break due to illness.That duo joins full-backs Ben White and Riccardo Calafiori in the treatment room, both struggling with knee injuries.While White is fighting to be fit for Arsenal’s trip to Everton on Saturday, Calafiori will likely be missing for a few weeks after getting crocked for Italy over the break.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSSo, where does that leave boss Mikel Arteta when it comes to picking a defensive line that can take on Carlo Ancelotti’s Galacticos? He has a few options:Partey back in right backShould White and Timber miss out, then Arteta could turn to Thomas Partey – a midfielder who has spent a bit of time at right-back thanks to injuries this season.Arsenal have used this back-line just once before this term – a 3-0 league phase victory over Monaco in the Champions League.Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesBoth Lewis-Skelly and Partey will take it in turns to invert into midfield.Most read in FootballHowever, Vinicius Jr would love the chance to run Partey ragged over 90 minutes, and would surely get the better of him on more than one occasion.Timber makes itThe preferred option for Arteta with Timber back in the line-up should he be able to shake off the knee knock that gave him a bit of trouble against Fulham.Timber’s defensive abilities, and driving runs forward, would fare much better against Vinicius Jr, allowing Partey to slip back into midfield.But another issue is that until Tuesday night, for 74 minutes against Fulham, Lewis-Skelly had never played next to Kiwior…White goes centre-backIf White passes his fitness test, then Arteta will seriously be considering reigniting the former Brighton and Leeds defender’s role as a centre back.White has the passing ability, the speed and the physicality to do a decent job in the middle, as he showed in the 2-2 draw at home to Liverpool back in October beside Gabriel.Wildcard optionThis would be a hugely risky but very interesting option should Arteta wish to shake things up completely, just like his mentor Pep Guardiola often does in these huge games.Switching from a four at the back to a three with two wing-backs, this would look to stifle Madrid’s attacking talents, while also adding another dimension on the counter.Lewis-Skelly and Timber could tuck in, especially to protect Kiwior from Madrid’s speed demons, while also overlapping given the chance to provide support for Saka and Martinelli out wide.Arsenal ratings v FulhamARSENAL had a night of mixed fortunes as they beat Fulham 2-1 at the Emirates.Bukayo Saka not only returned but also scored after 101 days out.But injuries to Gabriel and Jurrien Timber ahead of next week’s visit of Real Madrid took the gloss off the win.Here’s How SunSport’s Josh Hall rated Mikel Arteta’s men on the night.DAVID RAYA – 7Week by week Raya is staking a claim as one of the best goalkeepers in the league.He doesn’t have to face a barrage of shots as part of this Arsenal team, but rarely falters when he is called upon.His distribution and preventative high claims are also among the best around.There was little he could have done to stop Rodrigo Muniz’s deflected goal.JURRIEN TIMBER – 6It looked like the Dutchman’s night was going to be cut short around the half an hour mark when he went down clutching his knee.Fortunately, he was able to play on and even managed to test Bend Leno with a stinging effort in the second half.Unfortunately his earlier knock proved too much and he was taken off with a niggle in the 75th minute.Arsenal could now be without at least two starting defenders for their clash with Real Madrid.GABRIEL – N/AJust when Arsenal fans thought they were creeping out of their injury crisis with the return of Bukayo Saka, they lose another top star.Gabriel hobbled off after just 15 minutes to be replaced by Jakub Kiwior.Arteta – and every Arsenal fan up and down the country – will be hoping the wall at the back will be fighting fit for their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid next week.WILLIAM SALIBA – 6Stepped up to the plate in Gabriel’s absence and looked assured both on and off the ball.His frame did wonders to prevent Raul Jimenez from fashioning any chances in dangerous areas.However, he wasn’t able to do enough to stop Rodrigo Muniz from batting it against him to pull a late goal back for Fulham.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 7Every time you see Lewis-Skelly play you wonder how he’s only 18 and not a seasoned pro with years of experience at the top.He didn’t set the world alight against the Cottagers, but looked just as assured and comfortable as he always does – this time without Gabriel by his side.While he also made an important bloke to prevent Muniz after Fulham had pulled back a late goal.Mikel Arteta has splashed the cash to have a plethora of options at left-back, yet it seems like the Hale End academy graduate is now the number one choice for that position.THOMAS PARTEY – 7Almost gifted Fulham a golden opportunity with a loose header in the first half, but saw David Raya pop up to save the day.Despite a few loose touches he did enough to keep the ball moving in central areas.He’s become an important starter for Arsenal this season, yet still seems to be on his way out in the summer on the expiration of his deal.DECLAN RICE – 6He’s not a glamorous footballer, but he’s always going to give 100 per cent no matter what.Certainly not his worst game in an Arsenal shirt, but by no means his best.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 5Another frustrating night for the Arsenal captain who seems to have been unable to find the keys to unlock the low block his side faces each week.The Norwegian is certainly one of the best talents in the league, but has only shown it in glimpses this season.Arsenal as a whole looked a bit laboured and lacklustre at times, often that’s a result of the way Odegaard is playing. When he ticks, the whole team does too.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 9Regularly made Timothy Castagne look silly throughout the match and get into dangerous positions by the byline.But despite fashioning plenty of opportunities, the Brazilian was – as per usual – struggling with his end product in the first half.It almost seemed as if every shot or final pass was rushed or snatched at for the opening 45 minutes.That changed in the second half when his delightful flick perfectly teed up Bukayo Saka for a dream return to action.Finally looked like he had the goal to top off a spectacular performance in the dying moments, but was deemed to be marginally offside when his effort found the back of the net.ETHAN NWANERI – 7Bright spark in the opening exchanges and volleyed one right down the throat of Bernd Leno in the 21st minute as he looked the most likely to find the back of the net at first.Instead it was his cutback that helped open the scoring when he placed it on to the boot of Mikel Merino to poke home the first goal of the night.Replaced by Saka in the second half in perhaps a foreshadowing of what might happen to his role in the squad for the remainder of the season.MIKEL MERINO – 8Merino has stepped up the role of of make-shift striker with the sort of professionalism you would want from any player in your team.He might not make darting runs behind the back four, or curl delightful efforts round the keeper, but he’s certainly got a knack for goal.His punt towards goal took a healthy deflection off Jorge Cuenca to send it into the corner, but he won’t care – now netting an impressive five goals in eight games as a centre-forward.He almost made that six when he rifled another effort goalward from a corner in the 60th minute.SUBS: JAKUB KIWIOR – 4 (ON FOR GARBRIEL 15mins)Always a tough task to replace one of the best defenders in the league, but didn’t do enough to impress at all.Sloppily gave the ball away to gift a golden opportunity to Adama Traore in the second half, but was lucky to see the shot blazed wide.He was partly to blame for leaving Rodrigo Muniz wide open for his wayward header on the 80th minute mark – once again saved by sloppy finishing.With each game that passes it seems to be more obvious that the Polish international just isn’t at the required level.BUKAYO SAKA – 8 (ON FOR NWANERI 66mins)The Emirates erupted in its loudest cheer of the night when Saka made his return to action after 21 games and 101 days on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.That was until he nodded home the Gunners’ second just six minutes after crossing the line and an even louder roar bellowed around N5.Arsenal have missed him dearly, and a return right before perhaps the biggest European game in the Emirates era could be crucial for Mikel Arteta’s side.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 5 (ON FOR TIMBER 77mins)Had very little impact on the match coming on so late, but did nick the ball off the foot of captain Odegaard who was lining up a thunderous effort. More