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    Diego Maradona’s daughter fights back tears as she says family live in fear of mafia ahead of trial into his death

    THE daughter of Diego Maradona has broken down in tears after claiming her family live in fear of the mafia. Dalma Maradona, 37, called for justice ahead of a trial into the Argentine legend’s death in 2020. Diego Maradona’s daughter Dalma (left) has spoken out ahead of a trial into the football legend’s deathCredit: AFPMaradona died aged 60 in 2020 after suffering a heart attack at homeCredit: GettyDalma has accused medical staff of negligence after her father’s deathCredit: YouTubeMaradona died after suffering a fatal heart attack at his Buenos Aires home almost five years ago. His family have alleged negligence by his medical practitioners contributed to his death. Maradona’s cause of death was officially listed as “acute pulmonary edema secondary to exacerbated chronic heart failure”.But in an astonishing interview ahead of the trial on March 11, Dalma broke down as she begged for people to “know the truth.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA tearful Dalma told Angel Responde show on Bondi Live: “My mother is worried because she is afraid.”Afraid of the mafia, of those who control everything, have money and power. “But I don’t care. I know who I am up against, but I cannot remain silent. We need people to know the truth. “My mother tells me all the time, ‘Shut up, don’t say anything, I’m scared’, but I can’t. I owe it to him.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAn inquest in 2021 into Maradona’s death concluded his medical team acted in an “inappropriate, deficient and reckless manner”.Over a year later, it was announced eight doctors and nurses would go on trial, with proceedings finally getting underway on March 11. I’m an international pop superstar who bizarrely performed with Diego Maradona – now I live in a tiny flat in NottinghamMaradona battled drugs and alcohol addiction during his lifetime, as well as undergoing brain surgery in 2020.But the inquest claimed he would have stood a “better chance of survival” had he received “adequate medical care”.The medical team on trial face up to 25 years in jail if convicted.Maradona’s neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque and psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov are in the dock over the World Cup winner’s death. They are joined by nurses Ricardo Omar Almiron, Mariano Perroni and Dahiana Gisela, as well as psychologists Carlos Diaz and Nancy Forlini.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe eight also includes Maradona’s psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov. Mr Cosachov’s lawyer said last April: “There could have been two causes – one natural and the other, a product of the ingestion of a toxic substance.” More

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    Premier League club boss admits arranging ‘cash for sex deal’ with teen girl he ‘raped at his home’

    A PREMIER League club boss has admitted arranging a “cash for sex” deal with a teen girl he is accused of raping.The leading football figure, who cannot be named, is being sued by the alleged victim for aggravated damages.She claims she was raped by the man at his home when she was aged 15 after he invited her over to discuss a potential career opportunity.In High Court papers, the man admitted he had initiated a “cash for sex” arrangement while she was 16 or 17, The Athletic reports.He also claimed she had contacted him multiple times over the following years to offer sexual favours in return for money.His signed statement continued: “On the vast majority of occasions (he) has declined offers of sex, although he has engaged in sexual activity with the claimant on up to about 15 occasions in total over the years, for which he rewarded her with cash payments in line with her expectations.Read more news”On one occasion, the defendant engaged in sexual activity with both the claimant and her sister, both of whom were looking to earn some cash.”The football boss – anonymised in court as JZX – also branded her allegations as “dishonest and malicious”.The alleged victim came forward in 2021 claiming she was raped at his home when she was 15.But the man was not arrested and the case was left on file by the Crown Prosecution Service.Most read in FootballThis was due to a legal irregularity that meant the woman had waited too long to report the claims.Legislation at the time stated if the alleged offence took place between 1956 and 2004, and the complainant was a girl aged between 13 and 15, she had to make a report within a year.Although this was scrapped when the 2003 Sexual Offences Act came into place, it still applied if the alleged incident took place in the previous 48 years.She is suing the Premier League figure for aggravated damages for sexual assault and intentional infliction of injury.The woman claims that while he was showing her around the house, JZX subjected her to a “disgusting and traumatising” ordeal.She said in her own papers that he made her sit on his knee, told her she was a “good girl” and asked if she was a virgin.JZX then allegedly handed her £150 in three £50 notes after raping her.She says the alleged attack left her with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.The woman admits having sex on a number of occasions over the years but said she believed he would provide her with career opportunities “if she complied with his sexual demands”.READ MORE SUN STORIESJZX strongly denies the allegations and has stated the “implied contention that (he) might harm her or her family is wholly unfounded”.The BBC previously revealed how the boss was still in his post while awaiting the High Court trial.The leading figure in the Premier League has been accused of rape More

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    Ex-England footballer Tom Huddlestone’s wife slapped with court order after failing to pay £600 debt

    THE wife of ex-England footballer Tom Huddlestone has been slapped with a court order after failing to pay a £600 debt.Joanna Dixon failed to make payments to Independent Creative PR last year and is now facing a County Court Judgment (CCJ).Tom Huddlestone with his wife Joanna DixonCredit: InstagramThe midfielder used to play for EnglandCredit: PA:Empics SportHer husband was on a £30k a week salary while playing for Hull City before moving into coaching when his playing career ended.Now Joanna’s been publicly slammed by her former PR guru who claimed she “can’t be that hard up” after failing to pay a £5 a month debt reclaim.The row comes after Joanna told a court she feared she would be killed by masked men, who tied her up while they robbed an FA Cup medal, a £121,000 engagement ring and watches.Three men were jailed over the incident carried out while her husband – who is now an assistant coach at Birmingham FC – was playing an away match in 2019.READ MORE ON ENGLAND Joanna hired Independent Creative PR in spring 2024 and was said to have received a heavily discounted fee because of the company’s history with the former Premier League star.It’s claimed his wife refused to pay a month’s fee of £250 – as well as a month’s notice – before offering to pay £5 a month until the money owed was returned.She is accused of then defaulting on the second £5 payment.A CCJ against her has been granted for £601.04.Most read in FootballA spokesman for ICPR told The Sun: “It is a shame that Joanna Dixon defaulted on PR payments purposly as this has destroyed any friendship or association with Thomas.”Tom’s wife has even defaulted on a debt recovery plan that she proposed herself.Tom Huddlestone Interview”This default forced ICPR to make a legal claim against her to recover the company’s losses.”I’m sure she’s not that hard up, it’s simply cheeky to intentionally default on £250 a month pr contract and a notice period – that’s absolute pennies for PR.”She’s even defaulted on a £5-10 repayment plan.”Her husband is an ex Premier League and England footballer, they can’t be that hard up”.The spokesman added: “After eight months the small claims court have authorised ICPR to make a CCJ application against the defendant Ms Ioanna Dixon where we intended to recover all of our fees and legal costs.”We have submitted the CCJ application to the court out of pure principle, If you sign a contract then you are liable to uphold your part of your written agreement … you will be held accountable that is a promise.”The Sun has reached out to Huddlestone’s reps. More

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    Three-weight boxing champion Claressa Shields under investigation and suspended after testing positive for marijuana

    BOXING superstar Claressa Shields has been suspended after testing positive for marijuana following her last win.The three-weight undisputed champion, 29, beat fellow American Danielle Perkins to lift the heavyweight crown on February 3. Claressa Shields said earlier this month she was a ‘clean athlete’Credit: GettyShields celebrated beating Danielle Perkins earlier this monthCredit: GettyThe ex-Olympic golden girl faces an investigation after the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission suspended her from fighting in the state.Shields is said to have tested positive after providing an “oral fluid sample” following a dominant victory over Perkins on points.Marijuana is on the banned list of the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada).The World Boxing Organisation is also looking into the case.READ MORE IN BOXINGIt’s a sanctioning body without the power to suspend fighters.But the BBC say the WBO has asked Shields for a “show notice”.That means they want her to explain the situation.Meanwhile, the Michigan Commission has launched its own probe to see if she should be the subject of disciplinary action.Most read in BoxingThe Commission said: “Ms Shields’ conduct as a licensed professional boxer constitutes an imminent threat to the integrity of professional boxing, the public interest, and the welfare and safety of professional athletes.”It comes just a week after Shields spoke out over rumours of a failed drugs test.Frank Warren’s Commonwealth Gold medalist Lewis Williams builds to second pro fight | Contender She went on social media to insist she was a “clean athlete”.Shields and Perkins were both scheduled to have been tested  by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (Vada) following their fight, due to the WBC’s clean boxing programme. More

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    EFL club takeover takes major step forward after rapper A$AP Rocky is found not guilty in gun trial

    A$AP ROCKY’S shock takeover of Tranmere Rovers has moved a step closer after he was found not guilty in a gun trial.The rapper was facing two felony counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm following an incident in 2021.A$AP Rocky was found not guilty of firing a gun at a former friendCredit: GettyHe celebrated as he left an LA court with pop star wife RihannaCredit: The Mega AgencyA$AP Rocky is involved in a consortium that wants to buy Tranmere RoversCredit: GettyRocky had been accused of shooting at his former friend and rapper A$AP Relli several times after a dispute in Hollywood.The hip-hop artist, who is married and has two young kids with pop star Rihanna, was facing multiple years in prison if the prosecution was successful.But the verdict from a Los Angeles court today was that Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, was not guilty.The defence successfully argued that he fired blanks from a prop gun he got from a music video set.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe was overcome with emotion when the verdict was read out, hugging his family and wife Rihanna as she burst into tears.Rocky was defended in court by renowned attorney Joe Tacopina.As SunSport exclusively revealed in October, the lawyer and rapper are both part of an American consortium interested in buying Tranmere Rovers.Rocky’s not guilty verdict is a major boost in their hopes of taking over the League Two side before the start of next season.Most read in EFLJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe group are in talks with current owner Mark Palios about a deal.Tranmere are involved in a battle to avoid the drop at the bottom of the fourth tier and sit just two points above the relegation zone.Rihanna shares very raunchy Valentine’s Day video with A$AP RockyThe Merseyside club staying in the division is also key to the deal. A behind-the-scenes documentary on Tranmere similar to the one about Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney buying Wrexham could be commissioned by a TV giant.Tacopina served as an attorney for Donald Trump in his case involving payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels and in a civil rape, sexually assault and defamation case with E. Jean Carroll.The lawyer has previously owned shares in Italian clubs Roma, Bologna, Venezia and SPAL.Two-time Grammy nominated Rocky has had two No1 albums in the US and has a reported net worth of £15million.The rapper’s attorney Joe Tacopina [right] is involved in the Tranmere dealCredit: The Mega Agency More

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    Michael Schumacher’s wife Corinna breaks silence over family bodyguard’s sick ‘intimate photo’ blackmail plot

    MICHAEL Schumacher’s wife has broken her silence on a “far too lenient” sentence handed out following a £12million blackmail plot against the racing star.Corinna Schumacher has sought to appeal the trial verdict handed out to the “mastermind” behind the shocking case.Michael Schumacher with his wife Corinna in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy, on 16 January 2003Credit: AlamyMichael Schumacher and his wife Corinna at the 2006 FIA Gala held in Monaco on December 8, 2006Credit: RexEx-bodyguard Markus Fritsche was handed a two-year suspended prison sentenceCredit: FacebookThe Schumacher family’s ex-bodyguard, Markus Fritsche was accused of supplying blackmailers with private images and was handed a two-year suspended prison sentence.Despite this, Corinna and the Schumacher family slammed the sentence for not being hard enough.A statement from Monday said: “We have appealed against what we consider to be the far too lenient sentence for Mr F,”In my opinion, he was the mastermind behind this. What still shocks me most is the massive breach of trust.read more on formula one”He should receive a punishment that deters any potential copycats.”Yilmaz Tozturkan, 53, was also arrested after hard drives containing private pictures, medical records, and videos of the Formula One legend were stolen.Tozturkan and his his 30-year-old son Daniel Lins were accused of demanding £12 million from the Schumacher family.The pair from Wuppertal in western Germany threatened to release 1,500 confidential files about the motorsport legend, on the dark web, if they did not get the money.Most read in MotorsportThese files allegedly included information on the F1 champion after his skiing accident in 2013 – when the driver was last seen in public.Prosecutors said the former security guard for the family sold the images of Schumacher for what was described as a five-figure sum.Michael Schumacher security guard ‘tried to blackmail stricken F1 star for £12million so he could pay off his debts’The father was given an email, by Schumacher’s office, to send the files as proof he had them.Tozturkan brought his son into the mix when he reportedly set an anonymous email, per BILD.Tozturkan, who is currently behind bars for an unrelated crime, was handed a three-year sentence and Lins was handed a six-month suspended sentence.The father and son made admissions of guilt at the start of their trial.Yilmaz Tozturkan standing in the courtroom before the verdict was announcedCredit: Avalon.redDaniel Lins was handed a six month suspended sentenceCredit: Avalon.redCorinna Schumacher with her daughter Gina on 20 July, 2022Credit: RexIn court Tozturkan said: “I am very sorry and ashamed.”I will take responsibility for what I have done.”The mystery around the former F1 world champions’ current health condition continues.He was last seen in public in 2013 when he set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel, with his then 14-year-old son Mick.Michael’s skis caught on a rock below the snow, which caused him to crash head first into a boulder.READ MORE SUN STORIESCorinna and the rest of his family have been incredibly secretive about his condition 12 years on.Only close friends are allowed to visit Michael at the family’s home in Gland, Switzerland.Michael Schumacher on 4 October 2012Credit: APMichael Schumacher with Corinna after winning the formula one world championship at the Japanese Grand Prix on 8 October 2000Credit: GettyMichael Schumacher celebrates on the podium after winning the German Formula One Grand Prix on July 30, 2006Credit: GettyWhat happened to Michael Schumacher?MICHAEL Schumacher’s life was hanging by a thread 10-years-ago as medics tried desperately to keep him alive after a tragic skiing crash that left him with horrific brain injuries.The F1 legend was given the best possible treatment as he was put into a medically induced coma, had his body temperature lowered and underwent hours of tricky operations on his brain.Back in 2013, the retired seven-time world champion, and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel.Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations.At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed.At the time, medics said Schumacher was likely to stay in an induced coma for at least 48 hours as his body and mind recovered.But the coma ended up lasting 250 days – more than eight months.After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva to get further treatment.Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status.Only small amounts of information have been released including reports that Schumacher was in a wheelchair but can react to things around him.In 2019, it was said that Schumacher was set to undergo breakthrough stem cell therapy in a bid to regenerate and rebuild his nervous system.Renowned France cardiologist Dr Philippe Menasche, who had operated on him previously, was set to carry out the treatment that would see cells from his heart go to his brain.Following the treatment at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, he was said to be “conscious”, although few other details were given about his state.THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. 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    Football League referee, 46, is charged with child sex offence & suspended from officiating

    AN ASSISTANT referee who officiated EFL and FA Cup matches is due to appear in court charged with a child sex offence.Gareth Viccars, 46, has been charged with “engaging in sexual activity” with a 15-year-old girl.The assistant referee appeared in court earlier this month (stock image)The assistant referee appeared in court earlier this month accused of “intentionally touching” a girl aged 15 “not reasonably believing she was 16 or over”.He has worked as an official for League One clashes in the EFL alongside his day job as an estate agent. Viccars appeared at Willesden Magistrates Court on February 7 charged with engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl aged 13 to 15, contrary to the Sexual Offences Act 2003. The assistant referee, from Milton Keynes, is alleged to have committed the offence in Romford, east London, on November 15, 2021. Read More on FootballOn March 7, he will appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court in London where a plea will be entered.He has not refereed in the EFL since last year, and last appeared on February 3 2024 when he was the fourth official League One Charlton Athletic v Derby County.The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), which is responsible for the refereeing of games in professional English football, suspended Viccars while the police investigation was ongoing.A PGMOL spokesperson said: “As soon as the allegations came to light, Mr Viccars was immediately suspended.Most read in Football”As the matter is the subject of an ongoing police investigation, we are not in a position to comment any further.”Gareth Viccars will appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court next month (stock image)Credit: Getty More

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    My boxing career feels like a prison sentence even when I win – Anthony Joshua got it spot on

    HAMZAH SHEERAZ is treating his boxing career as a jail sentence — with Anthony Joshua in the cell next door.The Ilford-born middleweight, 25, faces Dominican Carlos Adames in Riyadh on Saturday, with the WBC crown and a step closer to freedom at stake.Hamzah Sheeraz faces Carlos Adames in RiyadhCredit: GettyIt has been a rocky road for the Londoner, whose dad was in and out of jail, which meant his mum raised Sheeraz and his two younger siblings almost single-handedly.When the 21-0 ace was reminded that AJ once compared boxing to a stretch behind bars, Sheeraz laughs that even the good days are like being banged up.He said: “AJ isn’t wrong. Even after you have won a fight, it is only like being in a cat-D prison.“It’s like I am still on tag and have to be at home at certain times. The way AJ put it into perspective is spot-on.READ MORE IN BOXING“I never really looked at it like that before.”Despite his dedication to his mum — who sold her jewellery at times when former Gloucestershire cricketer Kamran was locked up — Sheeraz has flown the nest to help realise his dream.Training camps are held in California, where he and American coach Ricky Funez have formed a brilliant bond. And his downtime is split between Dubai and Saudi Arabia, where he hopes to be crowned this weekend.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWith a huge family and a proud British-Pakistani community pulling him in all directions, home visits are becoming shorter and the comforts are being craved. Despite squeezing his 6ft 3in frame into 11st 7lb, Sheeraz said: “I miss fish and chips.’Greedy Belly has been my best opponent’ – Oleksandr Usyk reveals how he really feels about Tyson Fury “I don’t want to miss Arsenal winning loads of titles and trophies in the next few years.“I thought I had time to catch up with the family after the last fight but it was probably only two days and then I was off again. I don’t mean to sound harsh but that was enough!“All my family understand the vision and for the next five to seven years I really need to capitalise on my opportunities and give 100 per cent to my craft.”Barring a surprise 2023 sparring session with pop star Justin Bieber and a few verbals with Chris Eubank Jr, Sheeraz swerves the limelight.He knows he could command bigger purses and get more attention by playing up for the cameras.But he added: “I know a lot of fighters say ‘I let my fists do the talking’ — but I am the perfect example of doing that.“When my fists do the talking, they also put bums on seats. I don’t have to talk s**t and then win a boring fight.READ MORE SUN STORIES“My sole objective when I get in the ring is to knock them out. Not just win.“That is why I am getting the right attention and the right fights.”Sheeraz has middleweight world titles in his sightsCredit: Getty More