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      Barcelona president Joan Laporta charged with allegedly bribing referees as judge slams ‘corruption’

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      BARCELONA PRESIDENT Joan Laporta has been charged with allegedly bribing referees.The shock news emerged this morning through EFE that the judge in the case, which is known as “Caso Negreire” in Spain, has decided to indict the 61-year-old.
      Barcelona chief Joan Laporta has charged with allegedly bribing referees between 2008 and 2010Credit: Getty
      He is accused of bribery, sports corruption, unfair administration and forgery in a commercial document.
      Laporta has had two reigns as the LaLiga side’s president, the first of which between 2003 and 2010 saw Barcelona set a new record for trophies won in a 12-month period with six.
      He returned to the top job in October 2020.
      The Caso Negreira case involves the payment of around £6.3million to ex vice-president of the technical committee of referees Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira and his son.
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      The payments, which were over an 18-year period, are being investigated.
      It comes after Barcelona were charged with “continued corruption in the sports field” in April when Uefa began their investigation.
      They allowed the Catalans, who are managed by the legendary Xavi, to compete in this season’s edition of the Champions League despite the alleged scandal.
      However, they reserved the right to administer further punishment should further evidence be discovered.
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      The judge overseeing the case, Judge Joaquin Aguirre, recommended last month that the charge of continued corruption in the sports field should be switched to bribery.
      That was due to Negreira being a public figure at the time, according to a court order that was published by Spanish publication El Correo.
      Sandro Rossell and Josep Maria Bartomeu, both former presidents of Barcelona, and two ex-club officials have been accused of bribery, sports corruption, unfair administration and forgery in a commercial document.
      El Periodico also claims they have accessed the court order and it details how Aguirre has agreed to indict Laporta for the same crimes.
      That was after he decided that payments made from the Barca chief to Negreira from 2008 to 2010 constitute “continued bribery”.
      Aguirre has allegedly decided that Laporta and the rest of the board from that period played “an effective responsibility in making the decision to make the allegedly illicit payments”.
      In his order, Aguirre says the payments to Enriquez “produced the arbitration effects desired by FC Barcelona, ​​in such a way that there must have been inequality in the treatment with other teams and the consequent systemic corruption in the Spanish arbitration as a whole, which does not mean that each and every one of the referees were corrupt, but a group of them were.”
      It has also been deemed that the 10-year statute of limitations has not expired as they insist it should be counted from July 17, 2018 onwards – the date when the alleged last crime was committed.
      Laporta has denied any wrongdoing from Barcelona in the past and claimed that the payments were made for consultation work.
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      Neither he nor the club have yet to respond to these latest charges reported earlier.
      The news could not have come at a worse time for the club as they prepare to face bitter rivals Real Madrid this weekend in El Clasico. More

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      in Athletics

      Olympic swimmer and GB athlete denies raping two teen girls and attacking third woman in ‘ten-year abuse campaign’

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      A British Olympic swimmer has denied raping two teen girls and attacking a third woman over a ten-year period.Former Team GB star Antony James, 33, allegedly sexually abused the girls, including one aged between 13 and 15.
      Antony James has denied a string of sex offencesCredit: FPS Images
      The former Team GB swimmer is charged with 18 offencesCredit: Getty
      The swimmer, who won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games and competed at the 2012 Olympics, has been charged with a string of sex offences.
      James appeared at Plymouth Crown Court today where denied a total of 18 charges against three women.
      He is accused of targeting the alleged victims between 2012 and 2022.
      James, who was training as a police officer with Devon and Cornwall Police when he was arrested, denied five allegations of rape against the two teens.
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      He is also accused of two charges of assault causing actual bodily harm against the third complainant.
      Other charges include controlling and coercive behaviour, causing or inciting a child in sexual activity, sexual communication with a child, intentional touching and intentionally encouraging or assisting in the commission of rape.
      The swimmer also pleaded not guilty to sexual activity with a child.
      He was released on conditional bail ahead of a hearing at the same court next month.
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      James allegedly assaulted a third womanCredit: Getty More

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      Ex-West Ham footballer jailed after attempting to sell £1.9m antique vase stolen during heist at Switzerland museum

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      A FORMER West Ham player who tried to help sell a £1.9million antique vase stolen during a heist at a Switzerland museum has been jailed.Kaine Wright, 26, was caught in an undercover police sting along with accomplices Leslie Nkhwa, 47, and David Lamming, 31.
      Kaine Wright has been jailed for three yearsCredit: Central News
      The ex-footballer was part of a plan to sell an ancient vaseCredit: Central News
      The “rare pomegranate vase from the Yongle Period (1403-1425AD)” was stolen during a raid at the Musee des Arts d’Extreme-Orient in Geneva in June 2019.
      The trio attempted to flog it for £1million but later dropped the price to £450,000 in cash.
      It had been valued by experts for insurance purposes at £1.96million.
      Wright and Lamming were today jailed for three years after they were convicted of conspiracy to convert criminal property.
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      Nkhwa, who pleaded guilty to the same charge, was handed a two-and-a-half year sentence.
      Southwark Crown Court heard the plot unfolded on July 30, 2020, when a man called Mr Steel emailed the China Guardian auction house in Hong Kong asking for a valuation.
      The seller, later identified as Lamming, included photos of the item, which were compared with the stolen vase.
      Lamming also emailed the Art Loss Register based in Hatton Garden saying he was in touch with someone who had a vase that had been stolen from Switzerland.
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      This caused police to launch an undercover sting operation using an officer named Paul.
      He received an email from Lamming with photos of the vase but without a newspaper alongside it to show the date.
      This caused Wright to text Nkhwa, saying: “Also to be fair I don’t even believe they have s**t anymore…does it even exist the fact that in a week and a half they can’t take a picture.
      “If it’s this hard just to get someone to take a picture when he actually flies in to buy it will be a joke…this people are not reliable waste of time [sic].
      “Honestly bro if you can’t get it today I just gonna tell the buyer its gone he is willing to pay the money…and I can’t be f***ed to mess around wasting my time when no one is serious about selling it…I guess they keep it forever for no reason.
      “Yh its dumb shout me in the morning…like they already had it a long time and can’t sell it so makes no sense lol. Unless they don’t want money. Going sleep now.”
      The court heard a series of meetings were carried out between Lamming and a second undercover officer named Richard, including one at Delfino’s Restaurant in Mayfair on October 7.
      They “shook hands” on a deal for £450,000 and agreed the exchange would take place at the five star Marriott Hotel six days later.
      Police then arrested Nkhwa and Lamming before detaining Wright, who accepts driving them to the hotel.
      Giving evidence, Wright claimed Nkwha had approached him and asked if he could help flog the vase.
      He added: “I said no. Most of my friends are sportsmen, they play for England. No one knows what to do for a vase.
      “I suggested he should list it online.
      “I think it was on behalf of someone else.”
      But sentencing, Judge Martin Griffith branded the ex-footballer a “Jekyll and Hyde character” who had undoubtedly “lied” on the stand.
      Wright and Nkhwa deny one count of conspiracy to convert criminal property between 31 July 2020 and 15 October 2020, while Lamming has admitted the charge.
      The footballer played for both West Ham and Brentford’s youth team as a midfielder.
      After leaving the Premier League clubs, Wright moved to Major League Soccer in America.
      In 2019, he represented England in the Socca six-a-side World Cup.
      He also played in front of PSG star Neymar Jr in the footballer’s Five World Finals competition in 2017.
      Read More on The Sun
      The vase had been valued at £1.96millionCredit: Central News
      Nkhwa was handed a two-and-a-half year sentenceCredit: Central News
      He was arrested at five star Marriott HotelCredit: Central News
      Lamming was caught by an undercover police stingCredit: Central News
      Wright played for West Ham before moving to MLS footballCredit: Central News More

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      in Soccer

      Mason Greenwood makes Getafe transfer decision after being shipped out by Man Utd on loan

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      MASON GREENWOOD is loving life in Spain — and wants to turn his Getafe loan move permanent.The  Manchester United striker headed to LaLiga last month after bosses ruled he could not continue his career at Old Trafford following an investigation into his off-field behaviour.
      Mason Greenwood scored his first goal for Getafe, where he plays on loanCredit: Rex
      Manchester United loanee Greenwood wants to stay at GetafeCredit: Rex
      Greenwood, 22, scored to earn a draw against Celta Vigo last Sunday.
      He later said online: “Happy to score my first goal for Getafe.
      “Amazing team spirit to come away with a point.”
      A source  told SunSport he is hoping to stay at the Madrid-based club for the forseeable future, saying: “The players and fans have all given him a welcome he could only have dreamed of.
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      “He really feared his career was over. Now he’s just so happy and  wants to carry on playing and not think too far ahead.”
      Greenwood was set to be welcomed back into the fold at United before SunSport exclusively reported the club had made a U-turn following backlash from fans.
      The former England international was arrested in January last year following charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
      However, all charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service.
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      A spokesperson said at that time: “We have a duty to keep cases under continuous review.
      “In this case a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.
      “In these circumstances, we are under a duty to stop the case. We have explained our decision to all parties.
      “We would always encourage any potential victims to come forward and report to police and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met.” More

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      Daniel Sturridge breaks silence on allegations of failing to pay $30k missing dog reward after ‘arrest warrant issued’

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      FORMER Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has denied claims that he owes a man £24,400 for finding his missing dog.The 34-year-old publicly offered a reward for the safe return of his Pomeranian in July 2019 after it had been stolen from his Los Angeles home.
      Daniel Sturridge has denied claims that he is yet to pay a man that reunited him with his lost dogCredit: Instagram
      Rapper Killa Fame found and returned Sturridge’s dogCredit: X formerly Twitter / @KILLAFLAME
      American rapper Foster Washington took credit for reuniting Sturridge with his dog, but he insisted that he never received the promised money.
      He subsequently launched a civil lawsuit and a Los Angeles court ordered the former Premier League star to pay $30,000 (£24,400) in December 2021.
      Sturridge was called back to court last month, but a report from the Daily Mail claimed that he failed to attend.
      And he has since been served a bench warrant – a summons issued by a judge to arrest a defendant and bring them before court.
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      Despite the arrest warrant, Sturridge has continued to deny that he owes money.
      In a statement issued on social media, he said: “I personally paid a reward to the young boy who found him. He was delighted with the reward, as were my family and I to get Lucci home.
      “The person seeking payment is not due any money, I already paid the young boy who found Lucci.
      “I was unaware of the court hearing even taking place. The legal paperwork was sent to the Airbnb property which we had left within 24 hours of the burglary.
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      “Therefore, I have not had the opportunity to properly represent myself in relation to these false claims.
      “With that being said, I have now instructed California lawyers to deal with matters on my behalf. I am confident that this will be resolved in my favour quickly and put an end to the speculative claim for good.”
      Sturridge has not played professional football since leaving Perth Glory in 2022.
      He was named as a new Sky Sports pundit at the beginning of the season. More

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      Ex-Liverpool star Daniel Sturridge ‘issued with ARREST WARRANT after he failed to pay $30k reward for his missing dog’

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      AN ARREST warrant has allegedly been issued for ex-Premier League star Daniel Sturridge after he failed to appear in court over £24,400 he was ordered to pay a man for finding his lost dog.The 34-year-old publicly offered a reward for the safe return of his Pomeranian in July 2019 after it had been stolen from his Los Angeles home.
      Daniel Sturridge is yet to pay a man that reunited him with his dogCredit: Social Media – Refer to Source
      The former Liverpool star is now set to appear in court next monthCredit: PA
      Rapper Killa Fame found and returned Sturridge’s dogCredit: X formerly Twitter / @KILLAFLAME
      A man named Foster Washington, also known as rapper Killa Fame, took credit for reuniting Sturridge with his dog.
      However, he then claimed that he never received the promised reward and subsequently launched a civil lawsuit.
      In December 2021, a Los Angeles court ordered the former Liverpool star to pay $30,000 (£24,400) after he failed to respond to the initial complaint.
      Sturridge was called back to court last month, but the Daily Mail have reported that he did not attend.
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      He has now been served a bench warrant – a summons issued by a judge to arrest a defendant and bring them before court.
      A new hearing has been set for November 30.
      Sturridge’s representatives did not respond to The Mail for comment.
      The ex-Liverpool striker, who left Anfield in 2019, claimed that he paid a reward after a court hearing in 2021.
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      He tweeted: “Just to let you know the truth at Christmas. I met a young boy who found my dog and paid him a reward, which he was delighted with, as was I to get my dog back because he was stolen.
      “Other people are trying to benefit for their own personal gain. Thank you to the young boy once again. I’m very grateful Lucci is back with our family.”
      However, Washington told The Mail: “For me, it’s a point of principle. He promised me the money. It’s a substantial amount of money that could change my family’s life.
      “He thinks he is above the law. He thinks because he’s rich he doesn’t have to respond to what’s going on. That’s why I had to have the judge issue a warrant so he has to pay the money.”
      Sturridge has not played professional football since leaving Perth Glory in 2022.
      At the beginning of this season, he was named as a new Sky Sports pundit.
      Sturridge was appointed as a Sky Sports pundit at the beginning of the seasonCredit: Rex More

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      Blow to Man Utd as ‘staff leave’ over Mason Greenwood and Antony scandals as stars are given behavioural training

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      MANCHESTER United stars are being educated on how to create “healthier relationships and behaviours” as staff reportedly leave the club.CEO Richard Arnold has told staff the club learned a lot in the wake of former striker Mason Greenwood’s case.
      CEO Richard Arnold said that stars are being educated on how to create “healthier relationships and behaviours”Credit: AFP
      Greenwood had all charges against him dropped in February
      Mr Arnold said that Utd are working to make sure at the front of players’ minds is promoting healthier relationships and behaviours.
      Greenwood, 22, was arrested in October last year but all charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service.
      The striker – who has denied any wrongdoing – was provided with a pathway back to football by La Liga side Getafe.
      Meanwhile Brazil star Antony has vowed to clear his name after allegations of assault were levelled at him in bombshell claims.
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      Antony has strongly denied all allegations made against him and volunteered to meet cops in Manchester for questioning.
      He was also voluntarily interviewed by Brazilian cops in June and was free to leave for the UK after cooperating with Sao Paulo police.
      Antony has not been arrested or charged in either the UK or Brazil.
      Now, some United staff have started the process of searching for new work, reports MailOnline.
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      Last month, United CEO Richard Arnold led an all-staff meeting during which he was grilled extensively about the club’s handling of situations.
      Those who attended were left under no illusion of the level of dissatisfaction from staff.
      This is allegedly because of the disappointment at how the club handled the cases.
      But sources insist there has not been a spike in staff exits following the Greenwood and Antony sagas.
      United employ over 1,000 people and have a regular turnover of staff.
      Teresa Parker, head of media at Women’s Aid, said she has been sharing information about domestic abuse with United and the club has listened to feedback from survivors.
      She said: “We welcome these conversations.”
      Antony previously said that he “trusts ongoing police investigations” to reveal the “truth about my innocence”.
      Last month, the star gave a tearful interview in which he denied the allegations made against him, and stated he does not fear for his United future.
      But beyond Greenwood and Antony, staff are also understood to have confronted Arnold over structural imbalances within the club.
      It comes as Greenwood spoke out after scoring his first professional goal for nearly two years following his loan move to Getafe.
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      The English striker, 22, scored to send Spanish side Getafe 2-1 up at Celta Vigo in La Liga on Sunday.
      Greenwood arrived at Getafe on deadline day this summer and made his debut on September 17.
      Antony has vowed to prove his innocence and has not been charged by cops in the UK or abroadCredit: Alamy More

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      Maddy Cusack was identified by her devastated dad after Sheffield United star died at Horsley home, inquest hears

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      MADDY Cusack was formally identified by her devastated dad after she died at her home, an inquest has heard.The Sheffield United star, 27, died at her home address in Horsley, Derbyshire, on September 20.
      Maddy died at her home in Derbyshire, an inquest heard todayCredit: Rex
      Maddy in action during an FA Cup match against between Blackburn Rovers in December 2021Credit: Getty
      Floral tributes, shirts and written messages outside Bramall Lane following her deathCredit: Getty
      Tributes poured in from across the world following the announcement of her death, which came as she entered a sixth season with her club – having signed a new deal in July.
      An inquest was opened and and adjourned at Derby Coroner’s Court today as a coroner awaits further details about the cause of her death.
      Assistant Coroner Louise Pinder told the short hearing Ms Cusack’s death was reported to Chesterfield Coroner’s Court by police on September 21.
      She said Ms Cusack, who also worked in Sheffield United’s commercial department as a marketing executive, had been formally identified after her death by her dad David.
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      The hearing, which was only attended by members of the press, was also told her cause of death is yet to be ascertained.
      Ms Pinder added: “We are awaiting a police file and the medical cause of death, therefore I am adjourning the inquest for six weeks for further review then the inquest can be listed in due course.”
      Ms Cusack was the Blades’ longest-serving female player and the first to reach 100 appearances.
      In a tribute posted on the club’s official website last month, the club’s chief executive Stephen Bettis said: “This is heart-breaking news for everyone at Bramall Lane.
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      “Maddy had a unique position of being part of a number of teams at Sheffield United and was popular with everyone that she came into contact with.
      “Her personality and professionalism made her a credit to her family – she will be sadly missed.
      “While taking in the news and moving forward, the club will offer as much support as possible to Maddy’s family, friends and colleagues.”
      A minute’s silence was held before kick-off and the club’s matchday programme featured on the cover a black and white picture of Cusack in a Sheffield United shirt.
      A number of Lionesses also took to social media to pay their respects.
      Aston Villa and England midfielder Jordan Nobbs wrote: “Sending all our love to Maddy’s family and friends.”
      Tottenham and Lioness forward Beth England posted: “This is devastating news.
      “My thoughts and love go out to her family, friends and everyone at Sheffield United. Rest in peace, Maddy.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Manchester City and England forward Lauren Hemp penned: “Awful awful news, my love and thoughts are with her family, friends and everyone at Sheffield.”
      She previously played for Birmingham City and Aston Villa.
      Sophie Barker and family members paid tribute to Maddy prior to the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Newcastle UnitedCredit: Getty
      Fans held a minute’s silence in her memory ahead of the gameCredit: Getty More