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    Frank Warren and Chris Eubank Jr go head-to-head in court after boxer branded promoter a ‘cheating scumbag’

    FRANK Warren and Chris Eubank Jr are going head-to-head in a court fight after the boxer branded the promoter a “scumbag”.Warren is suing Eubank Jr for slander and libel over comments made at a press conference in Saudi Arabia last year.Frank Warren is suing Chris Eubank Jr after he was branded a ‘scumbag’Credit: PAThe boxer made the comments at a press conference in Saudi ArabiaCredit: GettyThe boxer, who was taking part in an undercard fight with Poland’s Kamil Szeremeta, was asked why he had signed with promoter Boxxer.He responded: “Why Boxxer? Because every other promoter out here is a scumbag, that’s why.”You know, you’ve got Frank Warren behind me, been lying and cheating his way through boxing for the last couple decades.”Sued me for a couple hundred thousand a few years ago, so obviously I was never going to go with him. You know, the guy’s a scumbag.”Read more newsBoxxer later released statements from Eubank Jr – son of legend Chris Eubank – after he also lashed out at other promoters.The boxer said he wished to “retract my inaccurate statements” and “offer my apologies” to Warren.In return, Warren said: “I accept Chris’s apology and retraction. I too have said things before and apologise to him also if any criticism of him has upset him in the case.”But the Queensbury promoter launched the legal action, which has now reached the High Court in London.Most read in BoxingHis barrister Richard Munden said Eubank Jr’s comments suggested “serious wrongdoing”.He said: “Accusing someone of lying and cheating their way through their profession over the last two decades is about as strong and direct a slur as can be imagined.”Chris Eubank Jr abruptly walks out of Piers Morgan interview after awkward exchange with TV hostBut Victoria Jolliffe, for Eubank Jr, said that Warren’s case had taken a “simple sentence” and had turned it into a “complex, tautological allegation”.She told the court: “The ordinary reasonable listener or viewer… would understand that Mr Eubank was speaking in plain language at an event where it is commonplace for combative but entertaining verbal blows to be traded.”Mr Justice Jay has been asked to decide the “natural and ordinary” meaning of the statements ahead of a potential trial.But he instead urged both parties to come to an agreement away from court.The judge explained: “Our primary function is to determine disputes, so if you don’t want to mediate, fair enough, you are entitled to a trial.”But I would have thought this type of case is capable of being mediated.”Warren, 73, has promoted several major British boxers over his career, including Ricky Hatton, Joe Calzaghe, Amir Khan and Tyson Fury.Read More on The SunHe first sued the then British Middleweight champion in 2016 for a breach of contract – ending in Eubank Jr paying a six-figure sum to the promoter.Eubank Jr, 35, who has won 34 of his 37 fights but has never won a major world title, is set to fight Conor Benn at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 26.Eubank Jr, with dad Chris, was asked why he’d signed with Boxxer when he lashed outCredit: GettyHe later apologised for his commentsCredit: AlamyWarren’s team has accused Eubank Jr of ‘serious wrongdoing’Credit: GettyThe promoter, seen with Tyson Fury, is suing for libel and slanderCredit: PA More

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    Carlo Ancelotti pictured in the dock in court as Real Madrid manager faces five years in prison for alleged tax evasion

    REAL MADRID manager Carlo Ancelotti has insisted ahead of his tax fraud trial he is “innocent” and has “no worries.”The 65-year-old Italian looked relaxed as he arrived at court in the Spanish capital this morning for the start of his much-anticipated trial the night after his team reached the Copa del Rey final after a thrilling comeback.Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has insisted he is ‘innocent’ ahead of his tax fraud trialCredit: APThe Italian arrived in court to start his trialCredit: ReutersHe faces almost five years in jail if found guiltyCredit: GettyDespite the threat of a five-year prison sentence hanging over his head if convicted he replied ‘No’ when asked by waiting reporters outside the Audiencia Provincial court in Madrid if he was concerned.He also dismissed suggestions he would try to strike a last-minute plea bargain deal by confirming he would take the stand and plead not guilty to allegations he defrauded the Spanish Treasury out of just over €1m (£835,000) in tax.Ancelotti was accompanied when he arrived at court by his ex-footballer son Davide, who works under his father at Real Madrid, and his wife Mariann Barrena.Public prosecutors announced in March last year they were seeking a four-year, nine-month jail term for the former Everton manager for two counts of tax fraud.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey accused him at the time of failing to declare image rights earnings to the Spanish Treasury in 2014 and 2015 during his first spell in charge of Real Madrid through the use of shell companies outside Spain.Public prosecutors alleged in a pre-trial indictment he only declared his earnings as Real Madrid manager despite registering as a tax resident in Spain for the two years under the spotlight with an address in Madrid.Although his first spell at the Spanish giants came to a premature end in May 2015, public prosecutors say he rented his Madrid home until October that year which meant Spain was “his principal centre of personal relations and economic interests” in 2015 as well as the previous year.The accusation made public in March last year alleged Ancelotti channelled his image right earnings “with the aim of evading tax” on them through trusts and intermediary companies.Most read in FootballPublic prosecutors say the football boss earned more than €4m (more than £3.5m) in image rights in 2014 and 2015.The amount of tax they allege he defrauded amounts to just over €1m. Fans convinced Carlo Ancelotti has had lip fillers as reason for Real Madrid manager’s swollen mouth is revealedSpanish Treasury officials have recovered the money but are demanding Ancelotti pays triple the amount they accuse him of defrauding in fines.Lionel Messi received a 21-month prison sentence for tax fraud in July 2016. It was later changed to a €252,000 (£223,000) fine.Cristiano Ronaldo avoided prison in Spain by admitting tax fraud in January 2019.He was fined almost £16.6m and given a suspended jail sentence.Former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso, seen as a future Real Madrid manager, was acquitted of tax fraud in November 2019 after turning 38.He had been warned he could be jailed for two and a half years if convicted after Spanish public prosecutors lowered their initial prison demand at the end of his trial in Madrid.Ancelotti left Everton in June 2021 to take up the position of head coach at Real Madrid.Last Friday at a press conference he said: “I’m not worried but I am obviously annoyed if they say that I’ve committed fraud, but, once again, I have total confidence in justice. “I’m really looking forward to testifying next Wednesday.”Read More on The SunReal Madrid booked their place in the Copa del Rey final last night with an incredible comeback against Real Sociedad.Substitute Antonio Rudiger scored a dramatic goal just five minutes from the end of extra-time to put the Spanish giants through as 5-4 aggregate winners. More

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    Eddie Hearn and Jake Paul settle $100m lawsuit over bribery claims involving Anthony Joshua fight

    JAKE PAUL and Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing have settled their legal case out of court. Hearn filed a lawsuit against Paul in 2022 after the American claimed judge Glenn Feldman was “getting paid money by Matchroom Boxing.” Jake Paul and Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing have settled their legal case out of courtCredit: RexPaul slammed Feldman’s scoring of Anthony Joshua’s rematch loss to Oleksandr Usyk and Katie Taylor’s win over Amanda Serrano – who he promotes. Paul told iFL TV in a now-deleted interview: “I still think Amanda Serrano won the fight.“And then you see how this judge Glenn Feldman, who had the biggest gap between Taylor and Serrano.”Everyone pretty much had it a draw … a draw or that Amanda won. But there’s this judge, Glenn Feldman, who scored it such a big gap for Taylor, gave rounds that Amanda clearly won, to TaylorREAD MORE IN BOXING“Usyk had a runaway victory, clearly won the fight. This judge, Glenn Feldman, gives it to Anthony Joshua?”It’s like a repeated crime here. This type of s***, I’m going to call it out here in boxing because it’s bulls***.”Clearly, this guy is getting paid money by Matchroom Boxing.”Matchroom took legal action days after the interview was published – seeking $100m (£92m) in damages in a suit later joined by Feldman.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPaul then countersued in October 2024 after failing to get the Matchroom suit dismissed by a New York judge a month beforehand.But attorneys for both parties filed a joint dismissal after an undisclosed settlement was reached, first reported by BoxingScene. Jake Paul claims he has agreement to fight Anthony Joshua and reveals date but brother Logan fears he’s on drugs Per a filing on Monday with the United States District Court, Southern District of New York: “It is hereby stipulated and agreed, by the undersigned counsel of record for the parties herein, pursuant to Rule 41(a)(1)(ii) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, that the above-captioned action is dismissed with prejudice and without costs or fees to either party.”A separate filing on March 18 read: “Plaintiffs Matchroom Boxing Limited (“Matchroom”) and Edward John Hearn (“Hearn”), Plaintiff-Intervenor Glenn Feldman (“Feldman”) (collectively the “Plaintiffs”), and Defendant Jake Paul (“Paul”) (collectively referred to herein as the “Parties”) jointly submit this letter to notify the Court that the Parties have entered into a Settlement Agreement.”Pursuant to the terms thereof, the Parties expect to file a Stipulation of Dismissal on or before March 31, 2025.”It comes as Matchroom and Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions prepare to co-promote Taylor’s trilogy fight with Serrano on July 11 in New York. The all-women’s Madison Square Garden card will be streamed on Netflix – the platform’s second boxing event. Paul, 28, headlined the first for his controversial fight against Mike Tyson, 58, which he won on points with over 100 MILLION watching on Netflix.Hearn, Katie Taylor, Amanda Serrano and Jake PaulCredit: EPA More

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    Man City cough up £30MILLION on lawyers to fight Premier League’s 115 charges – more than star defender’s wages

    MANCHESTER CITY have spent over £30million on lawyers to fight the Premier League’s 115 charges.The latest accounts for parent company City Football Group shows that City had splashed a running total of £30,596,000 on legal fees in the war against PL chiefs over alleged rule breaches by the end of the 2023-24 campaign.Manchester City have spent more than £30million on lawyers fighting Prem chargesCredit: GettyThe club have won six titles since Pep Guardiola took over in 2016Credit: PAThat was an increase of nearly £10.7m on the figure from 12 months before – or £205,000 per week.The staggering sum is equivalent to what Josko Gvardiol, one of City’s top 10 earning players last season, was paid.CFG said in documents filed at Companies House that the £30,596,000 was “due to expenses incurred by City Football Group Limited on behalf of Newton Investment and Management”.NIM is the Abu Dhabi-based company through which Sheikh Mansour owns his majority stake in CFG, which in turn owns City and a number of other clubs worldwide.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSunSport understands that this money is the running total of City’s legal costs in their war against the Prem chief.And the bill for this season is set to be the highest yet.The main disciplinary case between the Premier League and the club was heard between September and December, with the three-person independent panel set to deliver their verdict in the coming weeks.Respected lawyer Lord Pannick KC was hired by the club in February last year to lead their legal team as they looked to clear their name.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKLord Pannick reportedly charges around £5,000 an hour for his services.By splashing out such huge sums City owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan is only making good on his alleged vow when City were fighting previous financial charges brought by Uefa.Inside Man City’s £300MILLION new stadium upgrade with futuristic Etihad project to rival AnfieldIn 2020, al-Nahyan was reported to have said he would said”“rather spend £30million on the 50 best lawyers” and sue Uefa “for the next 10 years” than accept their punishment.His remark came after the club were banned from the Champions League for two years and hit with a £25million fine, after being found of falsely inflating their sponsorship revenues when submitting accounts.The ban was overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) a few months later and the fine was reduced to £8.9million for their “disregard” of the principle of cooperation in investigations.City deny wrongdoing over the 115 charges, but could face severe punishments if the allegations are proven.Last month City won a separate legal battle with the Premier League over “unlawful” financial rules.An 18-page tribunal verdict ruled the Prem’s sponsorship regulations on Associated Party Transactions – which ran from December 2021 to November 2024 – were unlawful in their entirety.The Premier League recently warned its clubs that it spent more than £45million on legal bills last season, due to various disputes over its financial regulations. More

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    Major blow to shamed ex-footballer Joey Barton as thug’s business faces being struck off

    DISGRACED footballer Joey Barton’s personal company faces being struck off for failing to file accounts on time.A business run by ex Manchester City star Barton, who was convicted of kicking his wife in a drunken row this week, has been served with an order to close.Joey Barton’s personal company faces being struck off for failing to file accounts on timeJoey Barton Promotions has not published legally required accounts and is now facing being struck off by Companies House.The firm faces a fine of £375 for failing to submit the documents which were supposed to have been published by Christmas Eve. If they are not filed by April 1, the fine will double to £750.The business’s last financial details for 2022 were published in June 2023 and revealed it was £58,539 in the red.The firm had just £2,301 in cash at the bank and the only other assets are computer equipment worth £1,958 and a debt of £148 owed to the business.READ MORE ON JOEY BARTONBut it was plunged into the red as it owed creditors £60,988, the accounts showed.This week Barton avoided jail for pushing his wife over and kicking her in the head after an incident at their home in southwest London in June 2021.Barton, 42, was convicted of assault and given a 12-week sentence, suspended for two years – meaning he will not go to prison unless he commits another offence.Wife Georgia Barton, 38, was left with a lump on her forehead and a bleeding nose after the attack in Kew.Most read in FootballBarton was arrested in his bedroom – still drunk – on the night of the attack, Westminster Magistrates’ Court was told.He has a chequered history of violence which included burning team mate Jamie Tandy’s eye with a cigar, punching teammate Ousmane Dabo until he blacked out, and a six month prison sentence for punching a man 20 times before turning his anger on a 16-year-old in a Liverpool City Centre bust up caught on CCTV.Barton also owns between 25%-50% of a management consultancy Resolve Energy which employs 26 people and has nearly £670,000 in assets.Joey Barton ‘shoved wife & kicked her in head as their kids slept upstairs’ More

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    Carlo Ancelotti ‘faces FOUR-YEAR prison sentence’ as Real Madrid manager is accused of tax evasion

    CARLO ANCELOTTI is facing FOUR YEARS behind bars for alleged tax evasion.The Real Madrid gaffer is accused of deliberately misinforming the Spanish tax office of his earnings during his first spell in charge of the club between 2014 and 2015.Carlo Ancelotti has been accused of deliberately misinforming the Spanish tax office of his earnings during his first stint at Real MadridCredit: REXIf found guilty, the Italian could face four years behind barsCredit: REXIt’s alleged that the Italian misled the tax office to avoid paying over £833,000 in income tax.The 65-year-old is set to appear in court on April 2 to address the allegations.His court date will come the day after the first leg of Real’s Copa del Rey semi-final tie against Real Sociedad.That’s just six days before the first leg of Los Blancos’ Champions League quarter-final tie with Arsenal. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAncelotti has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, although the former AC Milan and Everton boss has previously underpaid tax.He admitted to not paying his fair share of tax in 2014 but blamed his doing so on errors from his accountants.The Italian is adamant he hasn’t broken the law, claiming he didn’t spend the 183 days in Spain required to pay tax.Prosecutors, however, will argue the bulk of his income came from Real as he didn’t take charge of Bayern Munich until December 2016.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSCarlo Ancelotti has denied any wrongdoing and believes he’ll be exoneratedCredit: REXIf found guilty, Ancelotti could face FOUR YEARS behind bars.The veteran manager, however, is confident he’ll be exonerated of any wrongdoing.Watch Carlo Ancelotti lead Real Madrid stars in wacky dance before they throw him up in air after Champions League finalHe said of his legal issues: “This is an old story.”The Prosecutor’s Office believes I was a resident in 2015, and I believe I wasn’t.”The fine has been paid, and the case is in the hands of my lawyers.”I’m convinced I’m innocent. Let’s see what the judge decides.”Ancelotti isn’t the only high-profile Spanish football star to be embroiled in a tax scandal. Barcelona icon Lionel Messi and his father, Jorge, were convicted of tax fraud for defrauding the government of £3.4million between 2007 and 2009.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn 2016, the Argentine was hit with a 21-month jail term for using tax havens to conceal his earnings from image rights. But he ended up paying a fine of £223,000 instead. More

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    Maradona’s full horror list of health woes revealed as he died in 12hr agony with double-sized heart & engorged belly

    MORBID details of Diego Maradona’s health problems have been revealed – including widespread swelling which doubled the size of his “freakishly deformed” heart.The legendary Argentina star suffered in agony for 12 hours due to brain clots and breathing difficulties, according to his shocking autopsy.Diego Maradona’s autopsy revealed his heart swelled to double its normal sizeCredit: GettyA trial over Maradona’s death involved the chief prosecutor showing the court a very graphic image of the footballerCredit: Canal CBAAutopsy expert Mauricio Cassinelli said in court that the 1986 World Cup winner had “a heart that weighed more than twice its normal size.”He said Maradona suffered bodily swelling “from head to toe,” and had “four and a half litres of water in his body”.Seven medical professionals are currently on trial for culpable homicide, which is similar to involuntary manslaughter, after the player and manager’s death in 2020. He died in a dark room aged 60, lying in agony for half a day before suffering a heart attack.READ MORE WORLD NEWSThe tragic star experienced dilated cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle that causes the heart chambers to enlarge and stretch.And he suffered from cirrhosis which damaged his liver, as well as myocarditis which occurs when the heart becomes inflamed.Local paper Clarin revealed the horrific details which emerged during the trial.Chief prosecutor Patricio Ferrari previously said the footballer died in a “house of horror”, and described his care as “reckless and deficient”.Most read in FootballCassinelli said that his torturous suffering would have been easy to spot for a number of days.The expert said: “The heart was completely covered in fat and blood clots, which indicate agony.”This is a patient who had been collecting water over the days; that’s not acute.”This was something that was foreseeable. “Any doctor examining a patient would find this.At the time of his tragic passing, Maradona was at home recovering from a brain blood clot surgery in November 2020.He died two weeks later on November 25 in Dique Lujan, Argentina.Neurologist Leopoldo Luque, who served as Diego Maradona’s doctor, stands in court on the first day of the trialCredit: APThe player and manager’s life was marred by substance and alcohol issuesCredit: GettyCassinelli added: “It was a dark, partitioned room, with a bed in the middle of the room and a portable toilet.”It didn’t seem like a suitable place for what we later learned was home hospitalisation.”Forensic doc Federico Corasaniti also backed up Cassinelli’s claim that the Argentina midfielder suffered a slow and gradual death.He said: “The difficulty he must have had breathing and exchanging gases, and the sounds in his lungs that are audible just by bringing his face close.””In my opinion as a doctor, it wasn’t a sudden event.” Diego Maradona’s legacy By Harvey GehDiego Maradona, born in 1960, was an Argentine footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.He led Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986, famously scoring the “Hand of God” goal and the “Goal of the Century” against England.Maradona’s club career included stints at Barcelona and Napoli, where he became a legend, winning two Serie A titles and the UEFA Cup.His incredible dribbling, vision, and flair made him a global icon, inspiring generations of footballers, including Lionel Messi.Off the pitch, Maradona battled drug addiction and health problems, which often overshadowed his footballing brilliance.He was banned from the 1994 World Cup after testing positive for ephedrine, marking a dramatic fall from grace.Despite controversies, he remained beloved in Argentina, with Napoli even renaming their stadium in his honour after his 2020 death.Maradona had a turbulent career in management, coaching Argentina at the 2010 World Cup but failing to replicate his playing success.Following his tragic death Maradona’s legacy endures as a flawed genius whose footballing magic will never be forgotten.Maradona’s family have alleged negligence, a cover-up, and derogatory comments from the medical staff who were in charge of his care.They called the medical team and cover-up a “mafia”.The player had previously struggled with drug addiction, obesity and alcoholism for decades, and reportedly came close to death in both 2000 and 2004.But prosecutors now suspect that his death could have been avoided.Seven of the eight medical professionals who have been charged in the case include Maradona’s brain surgeon, psychiatrist and nurses.They are now standing trial for a charge similar to involuntary manslaughter.The group deny wrongdoing but could face up to 25 years in prison.1986 Football World Cup winner Diego Maradona scores goal with his Hand of God in the Quarter FinalCredit: GettyDalma Maradona (L) and Gianinna Maradona (R), daughters of the late Argentinian football legendCredit: GettyDiego Maradona’s eldest daughter Dalma shared a video containing audio clips which she says proves serious irregularities in her father’s care. She also revealed that her mother is in fear of the “mafia” who “control everything”.READ MORE SUN STORIESShe has previously said that a “mafia of assassins” caused her dad’s death, and that audio recordings prove a lack of medical attention and talks about cover-ups, according to Diario Registrado.Maradona’s cause of death was officially listed as “acute pulmonary edema secondary to exacerbated chronic heart failure”. A model of the house where the late player died was taken in for the trialCredit: AFPMaradona supporters demonstrate outside court as the trial of seven medical professionals accused of negligence in his death beginsCredit: Getty More

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    Former Barcelona star Dani Alves cleared of raping woman at nightclub after appeal

    DANI ALVES has been cleared of rape following a successful appeal. The former Barcelona star was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison after being found guilty of raping a woman in a Barcelona nightclub in December 2022.Dani Alves has won his appeal to have his rape conviction overturnedCredit: APHe was ordered to pay £130,000 to the victim and stay away from her for nine-and-a-half-years.Alves, who has been on bail since March last year, appealed the decision as he claimed the sex was consensual.The Catalan High Court of Justice have overturned his conviction over “inaccuracies and inconsistencies” that were found.A court statement read: “The Appeals Section of the Superior Court of Justice of Catalonia has unanimously upheld the appeal of footballer Dani Alves, who was sentenced by Section 21 of the Provincial Court of Barcelona to 4 years and 6 months in prison for a crime of sexual assault on a young woman in a Barcelona nightclub on December 31, 2022.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”The full bench of the Appeals Section, composed of judges María Angels Vivas, Roser Bach, Maria Jesus Manzano, and judge Manuel Álvarez, does not share the conviction expressed by the Barcelona Court and points out that its exposition contains ‘a series of gaps, inaccuracies, inconsistencies, and contradictions regarding the facts, the legal assessment, and its consequences.“The court thus dismisses the appeals of the prosecution – which requested the partial annulment of the sentence and, alternatively, an increase in the penalty to nine years – and of the private prosecution – which sought to raise the penalty to 12 years – and acquits the defendant, nullifying the precautionary measures imposed.”The appeal judges ruled Dani Alves’ accuser was an “unreliable complainant” as shown by video evidence and the fact she denied a sexual act had taken place which had been corroborated “with very high probability” by DNA tests.They added: “It cannot be concluded that the standards required by the presumption of innocence have been met.Most read in Football“The trial court’s ruling uses the term credibility as a synonym for reliability in its analysis, and it is not.“Credibility corresponds to a subjective belief, which cannot be verified, associated with the person giving the statement.“Reliability, on the other hand, pertains to the statement itself.”Alves’ mum Lucia Alves, who attended his rape trial and caused controversy by naming and picturing her son’s female accuser in a social media post she later removed, reacted today on Instagram.She posted a photo of the footballer with her and her husband and wrote: “Thank you my God for everything.”There has not yet been any comment from Alves or his model wife Joana Sanz, who gave the Brazil international a second chance despite admitting she was seeking a divorce following his arrest.The couple were pictured hand-in-hand in April last year in the first snap of them together in public after Alves’ trial.They also took advantage of their day out in the sunshine to eat at an exclusive restaurant in Barcelona city centre and go shopping.In January Tenerife-born Joana posted a photo taken in their car of them interlocking hands next to a bouquet of flowers.READ MORE SUN STORIESAlves was sacked by Mexican side UNAM Pumas following his arrest in Barcelona at the start of last year when he flew back to Spain to attend his mum-in-law’s funeral.He was held for more than 14 months on remand in prison and released with bail conditions which included an international travel ban and the obligation to sign on at court every Friday. More