Cost of living

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares159 Views

      in Boxing

      Fans say ‘this is gonna save boxing’ as new price for PPV fights is proposed

      by

      SAUDI supremo Turki Alalshikh wants to overhaul boxing’s pay-per-view structure and LOWER prices – and fight fans are over the moon.Prices for the premier fights in the sport have shot up in recent years, much to the frustration of fans worldwide.Pay-per-view prices for big boxing fights have shot up in recent yearsCredit: GETTYSaudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh wants to LOWER the prices fight fans payCredit: GettyBoxing fans in the UK once paid a cool £19.95 to watch fights from the comfort of their homes, but broadcasters bumped up the price to £24.95 in December 2019 for Anthony Joshua rematch with Andy Ruiz Jr.American fans have it even worse, regularly paying between $69.99 (£53.31) and $84.99 (£64.72) to watch the elite throw down, fees which have led to an increase in illegal streaming.But Alalshikh plans to combat the rise in dodgy streaming by working with broadcasters to lower their prices to a less than £20 in the UK and $20 in the USA.During an appearance on talkSPORT, he said: “You mention the PPV, I think this is my next big fight and I want your advice also.READ MORE BOXING NEWS”I dream of a PPV with a good price to make the fans happy and subscribe and get them to watch it legally.”Usually when I see a high PPV, a lot of people go and watch the fight illegally and this is not healthy for boxing and the platform.”What I will try to push is to have our Riyadh Season shows at less than £20 in England and less than $20 around the world…”I would prefer to have one million fans subscribe and buy the PPV for £20 than less than 500,000 [for £40].Most read in BoxingBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”The people go around it illegally because the price is high. In the future, this will not build boxing.”If I give the fans good fights at a good price then I will increase the fanbase.”Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois on track to break Tyson Fury’s stunning record at world title fight Alalshikh’s plans were well received by fight fans, one of whom said: “Salute!!”Another said: “Man of the people.”And another said: “This man might be the saviour.”One remarked: “This is gonna save boxing.”Another chimed in: “There goes my hero!”Brit boxing fans had to pay £24.99 in May to watch the historic undisputed heavyweight title fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, while Americans forked out $69.99.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey will, however, pay considerably less for this month’s IBF heavyweight title fight between defending champion Daniel Dubois and former titleholder Anthony Joshua.TNT Sports have slapped a £19.95 price tag on the domestic dust-up, which will take place in front of 96,000 fans at Wembley Stadium. More

    • 263 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Shock surge in price of replica Premier League shirts revealed including club whose top now costs £27 more than in 2019

      by

      PREMIER League sides have hiked the cost of new season shirts – with some rocketing 56 per cent in five years, we can reveal.Half the 20 top-flight clubs charge £80 or more for a standard adult replica jersey.Premier League replica shirts are soaring in priceCredit: RexMany fans are being expected to fork out £70-£80 for a jerseyCredit: GettyForest shirts have gone up a whopping 56%West Ham shirts have gone up 36%Another four want at least £70.The worst are Nottingham Forest who, in 2019, put a £48 price tag on an adult top.It now costs £75.Dr Peter Rohlmann, who is a German sports marketing expert, told The Sun on Sunday: “Ten years ago the price of Premier League replica shirts was the lowest in Europe, but demand from football fans has grown extraordinarily.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“Clubs’ expectations on kit suppliers have also increased, so the battle between manufacturers is becoming stronger and more expansive. Replica shirts are now the most popular merchandise for each football club.”Consumer expert Jane Hawkes insisted the prices are “not remotely justifiable”.She said: “This is another own goal by mega-rich football clubs.“Shirt prices seem to have been soaring since the pandemic and, with no big rise in production costs, it is hard to see any justification.Most read in Football“Pricing merchandise out of reach for loyal fans in a cost-of-living crisis is unfair and could, in the long term, backfire on clubs.”Ahead of the Euros, the England shirt was being sold for £125.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelSome clubs, including Brentford, have tried to help fans by only bringing out a new top every two years.Their 2023/25 home shirt remains one of the cheapest at £60.Tottenham charges £85.Every club was contacted for comment.Tottenham put price increases down to a rise in general manufacturing, materials and shipping costs, and vowed to give fans “the most innovative and high-quality product possible”.A Brentford spokesman said: “We believe in football being affordable for our fans. The two-year cycle not only ensures affordability, but aligns with our commitment to reducing waste and promoting a greener future.”Palace shirts have increased by 20%I spent £338 on gearNEWCASTLE fan Michael Bramley forked out £338 on kit.That included home and away adult shirts, a child’s top, shorts, socks and a kid’s jacket.He says all clubs should have two-year shirt cycles, like Brentford, to help families.Michael, 37, who makes hospital equipment, said: “Last year, we managed to buy our son, Jake, seven, a full kit for £55. But now that’s the price of the shirt.“I’ve seen the prices increasing over the years. Two-year kit cycles should be mandatory to help the fans.“There’s a pressure to buy new shirts every year and Jake wouldn’t go without the new kit.“I hope that working-class families don’t get priced out of going to games and getting the shirts if prices continue to go up.”Model and social media manager Michele Ortiz-McGhee, 36, had to get her nine-year-old son Tom to buy his own Fulham kit.The mum of two said: “He used pocket money because we can’t afford it. We are about to fork out for new school uniform.“My husband and I can’t afford new tops ourselves. The clubs are laughing all the way to the bank. It is so unfair.“There should be a limit put on the price of these tops.” More

    • 213 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Premier League cult hero quits as manager of crisis club after takeover talks with Liverpool owners collapse

      by

      FORMER Liverpool winger Albert Riera has terminated his managerial contract at Bordeaux – who have declared themselves bankrupt.This comes after takeover talks between the French side and Anfield’s Fenway Sports Group owners collapsed this week.Albert Riera has left Bordeaux, along with the entire squadCredit: GettyRiera previously played for LiverpoolCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdSix-time French champions Bordeaux have officially renounced their professional status after being relegated to the third tier.The former Champions League side, who last won Ligue 1 in 2009, have been plagued by financial issues in recent years and took the decision to drop down to try and ease their woes.They were in takeover talks with Liverpool’s owners FSG – but the Americans have since withdrawn their interest after extensive discussions with the club’s stakeholders.It leaves Bordeaux on the brink of liquidation, with a date set at the Commerical Court in France.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThey finished 12th in the French second tier last season, finishing nine points outside the play-offs, having narrowly missed a crucial promotion to Ligue 1 the year before.And now their first-team boss Riera, 42, has quit in the latest blow to club chiefs.A former player at the club, he had only returned to the French side in October after taking over from David Guion in the hotseat.The Prem cult hero has returned to his former squad at Celje in the Slovenian PrvaLiga.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBordeaux’s club statementFollowing the confirmation of the DNCG’s decision to relegate FC Girondins de Bordeaux to National 1, the Club filed for bankruptcy with the Bordeaux Commercial Court on Tuesday, in order to begin the necessary restructuring. Consequently, the Commercial Court will very soon pronounce the opening of collective proceedings which will automatically result in the loss of the Club’s professional status. Therefore, given the very short deadlines before the start of the National 1 season, the Club had to give up requesting the maintenance of its professional status, otherwise it would have had to appear again before the DNCG with a budget that did not correspond not to the future reality of the Club, which could have led to heavy additional sanctions. It is a difficult decision which anticipates an inevitable consequence of the ongoing restructuring process. Although the training center will close as a result, the Club will continue to promote youth teams. The effort of transparency vis-à-vis the French football authorities of what the real situation of the Club will be in the days and weeks to come must in particular make it possible to limit the sporting consequences of this situation, the Club having the objective of evolve in National 1 next season, to allow, as quickly as possible, the return of the Club, with cleaned-up finances and renewed ambition, at the highest level.Riera joined Liverpool in 2008 and spent two years at Anfield, scoring five goals and providing nine assists in 56 appearances.However, his time at the club was cut short after he was suspended by then-manager Rafa Benitez.Ryan Reynolds tells Liverpool star Mo Salah to ‘think about’ stunning Wrexham transfer in brilliant videoRiera made comments to the Spanish press regarding his first-team opportunities and was subsequently exiled and transfer listed.Meanwhile, Bordeaux also closed its renowned training academy and released the entire squad.Clubs in France’s third tier can apply for an exemption to remain professional for two-years before renouncing that status.Bordeaux have been a professional club since 1937.They made a net loss of around £34million last season and had a wage bill of £21m.Riera played alongside Liverpool legend Steven GerrardCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

    • 300 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      I run Britain’s cheapest pub but I’ve BANNED football – you won’t be able to sip a £2.40 pint during Euros at my boozer

      by

      ONE of Britain’s cheapest pubs WON’T be showing the Euros this summer despite football fever hitting the country.Sinclair’s Oyster Bar in Manchester is well known for its old-world interior and its fascinating history.Sinclair’s Oyster Bar in Manchester won’t be showing the Euros this summerCredit: STEVE ALLENCallum Jepson and his mum Lisa Sauicz are patrons at the pubCredit: STEVE ALLENRichard Meaden and Michael Meaden praised the cheap prices and great locationCredit: STEVE ALLENThe boozer is also renowned for its low prices with a pint of mild or dark lager being a snip at just £2.40.Customers love its low prices and olde-world character, but keeping overheads down in order to maintain low prices means they can’t watch the footie action. As part of the Samuel Smith’s chain, it also aims to recreate the simpler times of the past.It means screens and mobile phones banned inside, to encourage punters to chat while sipping on their bargain beer.Read More in FootballEngland got off to a winning start at the weekend securing a 1-0 win over Serbia and will be looking to secure their place in the Euro 2024 knockout phase this evening when they take on Denmark in Frankfurt.A first place position will see the Three Lions handed an easier route to the quarter-finals with a last-16 tie against a third-place finisher.But Denmark will be sure to come out fighting as failure to beat the Three Lions tonight could leave them on the back foot in third place.With the likes of Manchester United stars Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen to contend with, the match could prove tricky.Most read in FootballHowever, regulars say they don’t care about missing it or watching elsewhere if they can enjoy such a great pub for so little.And many say they are glad the Euros aren’t blaring out – preferring to sip their cheap pints in peace.Barry Tottey, 64, from Holmes Chapel said: “I’m not bothered that they aren’t showing it. “If I wanted to go and watch it I could go to a sports bar.” But he questioned whether the rules of Samuel Smith – who does not allow any screens, phones or technology in his pubs – were out of date.Barry also added: “He (Samuel Smith) needs to open more of the lovely pubs that are closed.”England fans at the Euro clash with Denmark will be allowed to watch the action with a pint in their hands for the first time in nearly 40 yearsFriend Darren Keates, 60, said: “People know it’s a Samuel Smith pub and you can’t go in there and use the phone. They have to not show it to keep the costs down.”Lisa Sauicz, 49, was enjoying an al fresco drink at the pub before heading to Coop Live to see The Killers with her son Callum Jepson, 29. She said: “If the Euros is on I feel there should be somewhere for people to view it but there are plenty of bars that do show it. But we are off to see The Killers so we don’t care!”Kathleen Harrison, 76, said: “We come here once every few weeks when the sun is shining. We have just had three halves of lager for £5.”Sister Anne Hughes, 78, says: “We can sit outside when it’s sunny and there are plenty of people so we can watch the world go by. It’s very cheap and it’s a lovely old pub.”Musician Nick Miller, 60, says: “I am glad they don’t show the Euros here, it’s nice to be away from it.”If I wanted to watch it I could go next door, it’s nice to come here and relax – it’s a welcome reprieve.” Friend Andy Miller, 70, says: “I have been coming here for 30 years and I like coming for the stout. The prices are very reasonable.”I’m not into football so it’s perfect they don’t play it, I don’t want to hear it – it’s so loud, I want some peace and relaxation.”The Grade II listed building was moved and meticulously rebuilt brick by brick following damage during the Christmas blitz in 1941 and a later close call with an IRA bomb in 1996. Today, the 1720s picturesque inn is still standing proudly in its most recent spot – bang in the heart of the city centre.Michael Meaden, 40, a taxi driver said: “The location is great, sitting outside, it’s a cracking day and the beers are very cheap.”Soaring pint pricesTHE sobering prospect of paying £25 a pint by 2040 is on the horizon, a study warns.
      The average cost of a lager has already gone up 11 per cent this year to £4.69.
      If that rate is maintained ­annually, then in 16 years it will cost a wallet-busting £25.70.
      Drinkers have already faced a  28 per cent rise over the past five years from when a pint was  £3.67.
      The latest research, by FruitySlots.com and based on Office for National ­Statistics data, adds to pressure on boozers as beer becomes increasingly unaffordable.
      Pub closures are already up  51 per cent to 80 a month in the first three months of this year.

      Police Officer Richard Meaden, 40 agreed the city isn’t without its venues for showing the matches and said Sinclairs doesn’t need to show them.He said: “If I want to watch it, there are plenty of places. I think if they showed it here, you wouldn’t be able to get in. I don’t think they need to.”I think the pub appeals more to people who are out and about and just want to drink.”Day tripper Liz Kenny, 74, said: “I like coming in here, it’s cheap beer – it’s the cheapest place in Manchester. We just had two pints for £5.”READ MORE SUN STORIESAlan Phoenix, 72, said: “I am not bothered about football, it makes the bars too packed – it’s nice and quiet. “We came from Wigan on the train, we like it round here, it’s great for a drink and we love this pub.”David Kerrigan, Mike Hilton, Barry Tottey and Darren Keates having a drink in the beer gardenCredit: STEVE ALLENKathleen Harrison, Anne Hughes and Pat Morrison also enjoy cheap pints at the boozerCredit: STEVE ALLENNick Miller and Andy Miller say the peace and quiet is welcomeCredit: STEVE ALLEN More

    • 238 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      England fans would fork out nearly £1,500 to follow the Three Lions all the way to the Euros final

      by

      English football fans would be willing to fork out close to £1,500 to be in Berlin for the Euros final if the Three Lions go all the way.A poll of 1,000 football lovers revealed a quarter would be open to dropping everything to support their beloved team in Germany’s capital if England made it to the Euros final.Passionate footie fans would do everything in their power to witness an England triumphA quarter of fans would forget all their other commitments in favour of a Three Lions finalAfter so many years of hurt, 44 per cent wouldn’t want to miss what could be a historical moment for the Three Lions.As flight prices to Germany in flux, 30 per cent would consider flying to another country and hiring a car to drive to Germany to save on costs.The research was commissioned by Skyscanner, which ran additional insight to reveal the average cost of a direct flight from the UK to Düsseldorf for England’s opening game could set fans back £454.But by jetting from London to neighbouring country Luxembourg and hiring a motor to drive to Germany fans could save up to £278.Read more Football newsFor England’s final group match in Cologne against Slovenia, the average cost of flying direct would be £362, compared to catching a flight from Manchester to Amsterdam, and hiring a car for just £168 – over two and a half times cheaper than a direct flight.Laura Lindsay at Skyscanner said: “As the Euros kick off, we know many people will be following the action and wanting to travel to Germany.“Whether you are planning a midsummer’s dream trip to support your team or just want to be there to soak up the atmosphere, there are still ways for footie fans to get on the road and not miss out.“But shopping around and comparing your options has never been more important.Most read in Football“For savvy fans, flying to somewhere close to Germany instead of direct and picking up cheap car hire to drive to your destination will result in savings.”The research also found 33 per cent of fans would be up for travelling to Germany to follow the actions – and a quarter would be willing to drive all the way there.Poland’s hottest fan ‘Miss Euros’ reveals high hopes for England gloryBut they could save a staggering £453 if they were to do so for the opening game, travelling from Manchester to Amsterdam and completing their journey by car over flying direct.And of these, 42 per cent would rent and share a car with friends.In fact, 22 per cent would still want to travel to the Euros final regardless of whether their team is playing or not.As 35 per cent agree the atmosphere in Germany will be better than that of their local area.More than one in five would still be keen on travelling to the Euros final regardless of the participantsFinishing runners-up at the last Euro tournament in 2020 was England’s best-ever result More

    • 188 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea ace Raheem Sterling handing out tuition-fees to help more Black students get into university

      by

      FOOTIE ace Raheem Sterling is helping more Black, African, and Caribbean heritage students go to university.It will be the second year of the scholarship programme from the foundation named after him.Raheem Sterling is continuing his efforts to get more Black students into top universitiesCredit: GettyHe says that many students are put off applying due to the potential for financial strain on their familyCredit: The Raheem Sterling FoundationHis initiative comes as research found that from 2021-22 fewer than five per cent of UK students starting undergraduate degrees at Russell Group universities were black.The Chelsea and England player, 29, will give a financial boon to 14 successful applicants to get them through higher education without worrying about having enough cash.Raheem told The Sun: “You only have to look at the data to see that very few capable and talented students from minority backgrounds are applying for university.“A lot of that hesitation stems from the anxiety that the financial strain can place on not only the student but their family.READ MORE ON RAHEEM STERLING“There are plenty of young people from challenging backgrounds, from minority communities, that have the talent to really make a difference in this world, but they are hit by obstacle after obstacle.“I wanted the Foundation to take away some of that worry and allow young people to focus on maximising that talent, whether that be at university or other.”The grants are for students attending King’s College London and the University of Manchester.Potential students can only apply for the grants if they have accepted an offer to study at one of the universities.Most read in FootballIt covers tuition fees, accommodation expenses and other essential educational costs, allowing students to focus on their studies rather than affording to live.Research by the Department of Education found that worries about living costs and day-to-day finances are one of the top concerns of students.Inside England’s stunning five-star Euro 2024 base with robot waiters that will cost £800,000One previous grant recipient in London said: “It has helped me massively by taking away my financial burdens. “Having the financial means for transport, clothes, food and other expenses is costly, especially in London.“I had more time to focus on my studies, very useful in busy exam periods.”A law student at Manchester who was given the funding last year said: “The grant has given me the gift of time, allowing me to work on my professional development and craft a successful application to Rare Foundations: Law, a highly competitive programme for students interested in commercial law.”They also told how the foundation provided networking opportunities and specialist CV workshops.Another recipient told how it has “given me peace of mind” allowing them to focus on their university life.The scheme also provides three-years of mentorship for each of the beneficiaries, something Raheem credits with turning his life around.He said: “I’ve loved hearing from our first-year scholars and how they have benefitted not only from the financial support but the mentorship programme too.“To me, this is just as valuable as the education.“Mentorship played a huge role in me reaching the top levels of professional football, and I want other young ones to benefit from the guidance and support that a mentor can offer them.“We really want to build upon this scholarship programme. “This year we have made 14 places available across King’s College London and University of Manchester and I’m hoping, moving forward, that we can positively impact more lives in minority and underserved communities.”The Raheem Sterling Foundation is focused on helping improve social mobility, education, and employment opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.READ MORE SUN STORIESOther initiatives the charity supports include the #BoyFromBrent project, which has put amnesty knife bins across London’s Brent borough, and a broadcast academy linked to talkSPORT and News UK.
      The deadline to apply for the grants is May 30 and can be applied for on the websites of King’s College London and The University of Manchester. More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Sky Sports customers get huge boost as new streaming option offers hundreds more live games at NO extra cost

      by

      SKY SPORTS have announced a new streaming option which will come at no extra cost to subscribers as part of a major broadcasting change.The new service is called Sky Sports+ and will feature every EFL club over 20 times a season.Sky have announced a new channel which will be a hit with fans of the EFLCredit: GettyThe channel will also feature every Carabao Cup game.It comes after the EFL were given permission to break the 3pm blackout for games.The blackout has been in place since the 1960s to protect lower league football.The theory is that by preventing football being shown on TV on Saturday afternoons, it will encourage fans to attend lower league football in person.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut that was scrapped for the EFL after it was judged that the injection of money through a new TV deal with Sky would give lower league clubs a much needed cash-boost.Sky’s new deal with the league means 10 matches across the three divisions will be shown every weekend, with six of them shifted to the 12.30pm Saturday slot.It will also see every opening game of the 2024-25 EFL season shown live on TV.The expansion to more than 1000 live games per season means fans of all 72 EFL clubs are guaranteed to be able to see their club in action at least 20 times.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSky’s £930m five-year deal with the EFL kicks off in August, when the broadcaster will launch a new free streaming channel as part of current subscriptions.Sky Sports+ will offer 50 per cent more live sport and up to 100 streams at once.Where the Soccer Saturday stars are nowIt will see five Championship matches and five more from across Leagues One and Two each weekend in the current broadcasting slots.All matches played midweek and on Bank Holidays will also be available for fans to watch.Every Championship match will be covered by at least six cameras, with four cameras at the League One grounds and a minimum two in the bottom tier, with commentary for all matches.Fans will also be able to follow action from the ATP and WTA tennis tours on the new streaming service as well as have access to men’s rugby Super League games.Golf fans will be delighted to learn that they will also be able to stream the PGA Tour on the channel.Every game from the US Tennis Open will also be streamed on the service.Jonathan Licht, Sky Sports managing director, promised: “We are making a commitment to every club in the EFL and this is a big step-change for League One and Two.“This season, 20 of the 48 clubs in those divisions were not covered live even once.“But we will also announce in July all the games we are screening live up until the first week in January.”And by the start of November that will be extended to the beginning of March, to give fans as much notice as we can.”The opening weekend plans from Friday August 9 are possible because the FA only applies for the 3pm “blackout” rule to apply when 50 per cent of Prem and Championship matches are kicking off – with the top flight starting a week later.READ MORE SUN STORIESLicht added: “This is going to be a huge moment for football fans up and down the country and a fitting way to kick off our ground-breaking new partnership with the EFL.”What do Sky’s broadcast changes mean for subscribers?Sky’s £930million deal with the EFL will change the way fans consume sport in the country. For a start, it has ended the 3pm blackout for EFL clubs which has been in place for more than 60 years. Here’s what it will mean for Sky subscribers.

      Fans will now be able to watch 3pm EFL games with 10 matches across the three EFL leagues being shown over the weekend.
      Six of these matches will be shifted to the 12:30pm Saturday slot
      1000 live games will be shown every season, meaning EFL fans will be able to watch their club’s games on TV at least 20 times.
      New channel Sky Sports+ will offer 50 per cent more live sport and up to 100 streams at once.
      It will see five Championship matches and five more from across Leagues One and Two each weekend in the current broadcasting slots.
      All matches played midweek and on Bank Holidays will also be available for fans to watch.
      The channel will also stream every Carabao Cup game
      New channel will also show rugby men’s Super League matches
      Both the WTA and ATP tennis tours will be shown as well as every game of the US Open.
      Fans will be able to stream PGA golf events
      The streaming service will be included as standard in Sky subscribers contracts – meaning it will not come at an extra cost for consumers
      The streaming service will be integrated into Sky TV and available via the NOW TV app More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Premier League star, 63, once worth millions now has £2 in bank account and lives on benefits

      by

      FORMER Manchester City star Eike Immel is living off benefits in a council flat with just £2 left in his bank account.The German keeper was a millionaire during his successful career with Borussia Dortmund and Stuttgart.Ex-Manchester City goalkeeper Eike Immel has been declared bankruptCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDThe former West Germany star is now living off benefitsCredit: GETTHe won 19 caps for West Germany and was part of their squad at five major finals.Immel, 63, spent two years in the Premier League and old First Division with City, making 50 appearances before hanging up his gloves in 1997.But he was declared bankrupt in 2008 and his wife and kids left him amid a series of financial concerns.Immel now lives off state benefits in a small flat in his home town of Stadtallendorf.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe told Stat 1: “Money wasn’t a concern for me in the past.  I used to live the life of Riley.”Sometimes my mobile phone bill came to 10,000 euros [£9,000] a month.”One Christmas I spent £25,000 on clothes for my new girlfriend.”I paid £1m for my home, but at one point the bailiffs were at my door.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWho are these famous footballers?
      “The tax office said I owed them £800,000, and I was unable to pay it.”I did things that any normal person would say can’t be true.Pep Guardiola launched an astonishing attack on football bosses after Manchester City stumbled into the FA Cup Final-“I hadn’t given enough thought to the future.  Dealing with money is not one of my strengths.”I now live on £972 a month in benefits.  £491 of that goes on rent, leaving me with just £481 for other expenses.”It is a real battle to make ends meet.  Sometimes I just have £2 left.Immel regrets his excess splurges, which have left him relying on the help of loved ones to get by.He said: “The furnishings in the flat have all been given to me, and a friend who runs a local restaurant lets me eat for free.”I am thankful for the help.  But I wish it didn’t have to be this way.” More