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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.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      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.
      Most read in Football
      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.
      Read More on The Sun
      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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      Police increase presence at Wembley for England’s Euro 2024 qualifier tonight after two fans killed in Brussels horror

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      COPS are ramping up security at Wembley for England’s Euro 2024 qualifier tonight after two fans were killed in Brussels yesterday.Terror suspect Abdesalem Lassoued, 45, shot dead two Swedish football fans moments before their team’s Euro 2024 qualifier match against Belgium.
      Cops are beefing up security measures at England’s match at Wembley tonightCredit: Reuters
      Belgian armed cops at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels last night after two fans were shot deadCredit: EPA
      The match was abandoned at half time and fans were kept in the King Baudouin Stadium before being escorted out under protection of armed officers as the hunt continued for the killer.
      Self-styled ISIS-follower Lassoued was later shot dead by police in a cafe.
      Now, the Met have said a “highly visible policing presence” will be at Wembley this evening “given the events yesterday in Brussels”.
      England are aiming to book a spot at Euro 2024 in tonight’s clash with reigning champions Italy.
      Read More in Football
      Superintendent Gerry Parker, match commander for tonight’s game, said in a statement: “We have been working with our partners, including the FA, in the weeks leading up to this match to ensure those attending the Wembley area enjoy this match.
      “Our officers are experienced in dealing with large-scale public order events, and a flexible plan is in place to reduce the likelihood of crime and disorder, and provide a timely response to any emerging incidents.
      “Please ensure you arrive in good time for the match and remain vigilant throughout; if you see anything suspicious then flag it an officer or one of the match stewards immediately so the necessary action can be taken.”
      In the wake of the Brussels shootings, Belgian authorities have raised the terror alert to its highest level in the capital.
      Most read in Football
      The Three Lions have been close to faultless throughout their qualifying campaign so far and only need a draw to secure a spot in Germany.
      Italy come into the game just three points behind England following a routine 4-0 victory over Malta on Saturday.
      Victory over England would put them level on points with the group leaders but the Italians would still be significantly behind on goal difference.
      Both teams will be vying to win the group given the favourable seeding it would give them going into Euro 2024 in Germany.
      England kicked qualification for the Euros off with a win over Italy earlier this year in Naples before beating Ukraine and group minnows Malta and North Macedonia.
      Their perfect start came to a halt last month when they drew in Ukraine but a draw at Wembley, where they lost the Euro 2020 final to Italy, is all they need to confirm their qualification for next summer’s tournament.
      Gareth Southgate played a second string side against Australia last Friday but is expected to ring the changes as he looks to cap qualification off with a strong performance.
      Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are expected to return to the side with only Jordan Henderson expected to retain his place from Friday night’s win over the Aussies. More

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      Will the Belgium vs Sweden Euro 2024 qualifier be replayed?

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      ON October 16, 2023, players made the decision to abandon the Belgium vs Sweden Euro 2024 qualifier following an horrific attack.Here we take a look at if the match will be replayed or cancelled and what the FA has said in response to the situation in Brussels.
      Fans of Sweden pictured at half time as the the EURO 2024 qualifier match between Belgium and Sweden was abandonedCredit: Getty
      Will the Belgium vs Sweden Euro 2024 qualifier match be replayed or cancelled?
      It is not yet known if the Belgium vs Sweden Euro 2024 qualifier match will be replayed or cancelled.
      UEFA have confirmed that further communication will be made in due course.
      After the game was abandoned, Sweden captain Victor Lindelof said: “Belgium are already qualified and we don’t have the opportunity to get to the European Championship, so I see no reason to [replay the game].”
      What happened to stop the Belgium vs Sweden match?
      The Euro 2024 qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden was abandoned at half-time on October 16, 2023.
      Read More on Brussels shooting
      The decision to abandon the match was made after two men, both wearing Sweden shirts, were shot dead in the street, moments before their teams qualifier game.
      A third victim was also rushed to hospital.
      Sweden players made the decision during the break to not resume the game, with the score 1-1 at half-time.
      This was also agreed to by their Belgian counterparts.
      Most read in Football
      A statement from Belgium said: “Due to the incidents in Brussels earlier tonight, play is suspended. Our thoughts are with all those affected.”
      Sweden boss Janne Andersson added: “When I came down for the break, I got this information. Immediately, I felt that it was completely unreal. What kind of world do we live in today?
      “I came into the locker room and when the team started talking we agreed 100 percent that we didn’t want to play on out of respect for the victims and their families.”
      On October 17, 2023, it was reported that police shot dead a suspected extremist accused of killing the two men near the football stadium in Brussels.
      Feared ISIS fanatic Abdesalem L, 45, went on the run for hours following Monday night’s horror rampage before police tracked him down in a café and gunned him down.
      Will the Brussels terror attacks impact more Euro 2024 qualifiers?
      At the time of writing, is yet to be confirmed if anymore Euro 2024 qualifier games will be impacted and/or suspended.
      Since the horrific attack, security services and ministers have gathered at a Crisis Center amid fears of a terror motive.
      The terror threat level for the Brussels Capital Region has been moved to level four – with officials telling locals to “avoid unnecessary movements”.
      The threat level indicates the likelihood of a terrorist attack.
      Regions are placed under level four “when the threat is serious and very imminent”.
      What has the FA said about the situation in Brussels?
      Following the decision to abandon the game, the Swedish FA took to social media to share their condolences amid the horror that unfolded in Brussels.
      A post by the Swedish FA read: “Our thoughts go out to all the relatives of those affected in Brussels.”
      Read More on The Sun
      UEFA also provided a statement following the incident which said: “Following a suspected terrorist attack in Brussels this evening, it has been decided, after consultation with the two teams and the local police authorities, that the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying match between Belgium and Sweden is abandoned.
      “Further communication will be made in due course.” 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.
      Read more news
      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.
      Most read in Athletics
      James allegedly assaulted a third womanCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      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.
      Read more news
      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.
      Most read in Football
      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

      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.
      Read More on Football
      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.
      Most read in Football
      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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      in Boxing

      Misfits Boxing dealt huge blow as fighter ‘arrested’ just days before bout on Tommy Fury vs KSI undercard

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      MISFITS BOXING’s Prime card has suffered a huge blow after one of the fighters competing on the show was “arrested” just days before the event.YouTuber Ryan Taylor was due to face rapper Swarmz in a rematch on Saturday night having been beaten in a round in January.
      Ryan Taylor’s rematch with Swarmz is offCredit: MISFITS BOXING
      The fight has been axed after Taylor was arrestedCredit: MISFITS BOXING
      Swarmz stopped Ryan Taylor in the first round of their January joustCredit: MISFITS BOXING
      But according to Happy Punch Promotions, the Dubai-based Brit has been nicked just days before the dust-up.
      Misfits have confirmed to SunSport that the bout is OFF but were unable to give an official reason as to why.
      The promotion – co-owned by KSI – are now seeking a last-gasp replacement.
      Fans of the influencer boxing scene were left stunned by the cancellation of the fight, with one saying: “Arrested for what?”
      READ MORE ON MISFITS BOXING
      Another said: “WE NEED AN ASAP REPLACEMENT IF THSST THE CASE.”
      And another said: “Crazy way of ducking a fight fairs.”
      One remarked: “So much for having no pullouts on this card.”
      Another chimed in: “Man’s that petrified of Swarmz he went and got himself arrested so he didn’t have to fight.”
      Most read in Boxing
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      Taylor and Swarmz locked horns with one another in January on the undercard of KSI’s clash with FaZe Temperrr.
      Swarmz won the contest via first-round TKO courtesy of a referee stoppage, which came about thanks to severe swelling around Taylor’s right eye.
      An elated Swarmz, 26, said: “It was a jab, a touch, we’ll call it a little touch.
      “But you know what?
      “I’ve been working hard for this, everyone saw me get battered against KSI, making fun of me calling me a ballerina.
      “It’s been playing on my mind and I had to get redemption.”
      Headlining Saturday night’s Misfits Prime at the Manchester Arena is KSI clash against Tommy Fury.
      And in the co-main event, Logan Paul returns in a grudge match against jiu-jitsu champion-turned-MMA star Dillon Danis.  More

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      in Boxing

      Chris Eubank Jr’s trainer Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre swerves jail for carrying loaded gun in suitcase at Manchester Airport

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      CHRIS Eubank Jr’s trainer has avoided jail after he admitted carrying a loaded gun and ammo in his suitcase through Manchester Airport.Brian “BoMac” McIntyre was arrested at the airport in September after the weapon was found in his hold luggage by staff.
      Brian McIntyre was arrested at Manchester AirportCredit: Getty
      The 53-year-old appeared at Manchester Crown Court today where he admitted possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate.
      He swerved jail and was instead handed a 20 sentence suspended for two years.
      Boxer Terence Crawford was among those giving evidence on the trainer’s behalf.
      McIntyre, who is from the US, was detained after he checked in for a flight to Atlanta on September 3.
      Border Force allegedly intercepted the bag after a scan showed a weapon, magazine and ammunition inside.
      Armed police then swooped on Terminal 2 of the airport to arrest McIntyre.
      The trainer was in the corner for Eubank Jnr’s middleweight victory over Liam Smith in their Manchester rematch last month.
      He also trained Amir Khan for his fight with Kell Brook last year, and is also the trainer of American boxer Terence Crawford.
      Most read in Boxing
      Greater Manchester Police said: “At around 10.45am on Sunday, 3 September 2023, officers were called to reports of a possible firearm being found in hold luggage by airport staff at Manchester Airport.
      “After initial inspection by security staff, GMP officers attended, and the firearm was seized.
      “Subsequently, a 53-year-old man was arrested for possession of a firearm and was taken to custody for further questioning.
      “Brian McIntyre (01/07/1970) from the United States of America was charged with possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate.”
      Eubank Jnr’s team declined to comment on the charges.
      McIntyre is Chris Eubank Jr’s trainerCredit: PA
      He also works with Amir KhanCredit: PA More