Evergreen

Subterms

    Latest story

    225 Shares156 Views

    Who is Felix Zwayer? Meet the German referee officiating the PSG vs Arsenal Champions League semi-final second leg

    by

    FELIX ZWAYER will officiate in Paris as the Gunners aim to overturn a 1-0 deficit in a crucial Champions League semi-final second leg on Wednesday 7 May, 2025.Here is everything you need to know about the referee who received a six-month ban for his involvement in a match-fixing scandal.UEFA stood by their decision to appoint Felix Zwayer to Euro 2024 semi-final England V Netherlands despite his pastCredit: Getty The match-fixing scandal is still on the minds of Felix Zwayer criticsCredit: GettyWho is Felix Zwayer?Felix Zwayer is a German football referee, based in Berlin.Born on May 18, 1981, he officiates for SC Charlottenburg of the Berlin Football Association. He is a FIFA referee and is ranked as a UEFA elite category referee.Felix began his refereeing career in 2003 and worked his way up through the ranks of German football.Read More on ZwayerHe made his Bundesliga debut in 2012 and soon become a regular fixture in their matches.In 2005, his career took a hit when he found himself involved in a match-fixing scandal. It was revealed that he accepted a €300 bribe from referee Robert Hoyzer, who was involved in a larger match-fixing scandal at the time in Germany.Felix was banned from refereeing for six months by the German Football Association (DFB) as a result of his involvement.Most read in Champions LeagueEngland sensation Jude Bellingham referred to the scandal in a post-match interview and was fined £33,970 from the German FA for his comments about Felix in 2021.What big matches has Felix Zwayer officiated before?Zwayer last officiated an English side when Liverpool beat Lille 2-1 in JanuaryCredit: EPAFelix has been involved in various UEFA and FIFA competitions, including qualifiers for the World Cup and the European Championship.He has also refereed matches in top club competitions such as the Champions League and the Europa League.The German has refereed 36 Champions League games in his career with his most recent Champions League assignment being Barcelona’s 1-0 win against Benfica on March 5, 2025.Felix’s last game officiating an English side was Liverpool’s 2-1 triumph over Lille on January 21, 2025, which also saw a red card for Lille’s Aissa Mandi.Despite the scandal, Felix continued to work his way up the ranks and was selected by FIFA to be one of the video assistant referees for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.But in December 2021, he was heavily criticised for not awarding Borussia Dortmund a penalty and for sending off coach Marco Rose during a game.You give a referee, that has match fixed before, the biggest game in Germany, what do you expect?Jude BellinghamAfter the match, the former Dortmund player Jude Bellingham, who now plays for Real Madrid, referred to Felix’s past.Bellingham told ViaPlay after Dortmund’s 3-2 loss: “You give a referee, that has match fixed before, the biggest game in Germany, what do you expect?”Felix took a break from refereeing after the incident, but returned in February 2022.Referee Felix Zwayer and England player Jude Bellingham have historyCredit: GettyWhat else has Felix Zwayer done?Away from the pitch, Felix is a real estate manager.He owns a company with three other partners. What is Felix Zwayer’s VAR history?Zwayer has refereed in 384 games in his careerCredit: GettyThe Bundesliga pioneered the rise of VAR in European football, introducing the technology in 2017 and becoming one of the first leagues in Europe to do so. VAR is regularly used in Germany where Felix has officiated the majority of his 384 games with the whistle.Felix has used it in a number of matches, including the match where Bayern Munich beat Borussia Dortmund in December 2021.He controversially chose not to award Dortmund a penalty for a foul on Marco Reus but subsequently gave Bayern a spot-kick for a dubious handball on Mats Hummels. The new semi-automated offside technology denied Mikel Merino an equaliser in the first leg and it is a system yet to be implemented in German football.Read More on The SunWith the system being introduced next season to the Bundesliga, Felix has been involved in the trialing of it. The Gunners will be hoping that it won’t spoil their fun again when they face PSG at the Parc de Princes. More

    More stories

    • 188 Shares166 Views

      in Motorsport

      Who was Owen Jenner and what happened to the British Superbike rider at Oulton Park?

      by

      OWEN JENNER sadly passed away after a devastating crash at a British Superbikes event at Oulton Park. The 21-year-old was involved in an 11-man ‘chain reaction’ collision after the first turn of Monday’s race in Cheshire, killing him and fellow rider Shane Richardson. Owen Jenner tragically died in Monday’s awful incidentCredit: https://x.com/everythingmraceOwen, from East Sussex, raced for Rapid Honda and became British GP2 champion in 2024 after winning 18 out of 20 races.Rapid Honda has previously said: “Owen has impressed us all at Rapid Honda over recent seasons and his career is on a clear ascendancy. “He should be a title challenger in British Supersport in 2025.”What happened to Owen Jenner?The incident happened at the first turn when one rider lost control and skidded across the tarmac into another, resulting in a ‘chain reaction’ crash. Read More in SportOne bike caught fire within the pile-up, which saw medics race onto the track before the event was abandoned. Owen, racing under number 86, initially received immediate medical attention trackside before being rushed to the circuit’s medical centre. Despite attempts to resuscitate him, Owen passed away due to a “catastrophic head injury”. New Zealander Shane Richardson, 29, also died as a result of the crash while fellow Brit Tom Tunstall was taken to hospital with significant back and abdominal injuries. Most read in MotorsportFive other riders were treated for minor injuries but did not require additional medical assistance. In an official statement, MotorSport Vision Racing, who are responsible for circuit operations at Oulton Park, confirmed the heartbreaking news about Shane and Owen’s passing. It read: “At the start of this afternoon’s Quattro Group British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park, exiting turn one, Old Hall corner on the first lap, there was a chain reaction incident involving 11 riders falling. The race was immediately stopped and trackside medical services deployed.”Due to the extreme severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention, the remainder of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship event was cancelled.”This catastrophic accident has tragically resulted in two riders being fatally injured, and another sustaining significant injuries.”Fellow British Superbike rider Glenn Irwin posted on social media to pay tribute to Owen and Shane.He said: “Owen you were always smiling, just a young kid chasing your dream and having fun along the way.“Shane, I didn’t know you personally but watching videos and photos of you and your little family I can see how much of an amazing dad and partner that you are along with being a top rider.”Rest in peace boys – life can be so so cruel. We will continue to offer support to your families in the coming times ahead, my thoughts go to the entire British Superbike team of organisers, Marshals, medics and the wider community.”Isle of Man TT race winner and British Superbike rider Peter Hickman said: “Gutted beyond belief. Our sport can be so cruel sometimes. “My thoughts are with all the families of everyone involved in that tragic accident yesterday. Ride in peace boys.”National Superstock rider Kam Dixon said he “lost a brother today”.“There really wasn’t anyone like our OJ [Owen Jenner]. This kid was such a talent and will always be in my heart, he was the best mate.“Not many people can say they have won three British Championships. Love you mate.”Why is Owen Jenner’s death being investigated by police?An investigation has been launched by Cheshire Police following the tragic crash. Cheshire Police said: “Police are investigating two deaths on behalf of the coroner following a multiple collision at Oulton Park this afternoon.“Emergency services were called to the scene following the collision which resulted in two riders being fatally injured and another with serious injuries.“The Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board and MotorSport Vision Racing are investigating the full circumstances of the incident in conjunction with the Coroner and Cheshire Police.”Owen Jenner’s racing historyOwen had a prolific racing career, being crowned Superstock champion in 2020 and 2023. Read More on The SunThe Brit also became GP2 champion in 2024, winning the title with 18 wins out of 20 race finishes. The 21-year-old was predicted by many, including his team – Rapid Honda, to reach the top of British Superbikes. More

    • 188 Shares175 Views

      in Motorsport

      Who was Shane Richardson and what happened to the British Superbike rider at Oulton Park?

      by

      SHANE RICHARDSON tragically died following a horrific crash at a British Superbikes event at Oulton Park.The 29-year-old was involved in a fatal collision which saw 11 riders fall on turn one of the bank holiday Monday race in Cheshire.The New Zealander was racing for Astro-JJR Hippo Suzuki, having moved to the UK in 2019. Shane finished ninth in last year’s British Supersport Championship having previously been crowned New Zealand rider of the year. The Wellington native is survived by his wife Hannah and two children.Tragically, just hours before the race, Shane posted a clip from an interview on his Instagram about his excitement for race day.READ MORE IN SPORTHe said: “Sprint race was good. Bad start, went backwards quite a few positions.”But we managed to figure it out, get some good consistent pace going, matching the times with a few of the boys ahead of us.”So yeah, looking forward to tomorrow, hopefully get a better start and be a bit more in the mix.”What happened to Shane Richardson?The incident happened at the first turn when one rider lost control and skidded across the tarmac into another, resulting in a ‘chain reaction’ crash. Most read in MotorsportOne bike caught fire within the pile-up, which saw medics race onto the track before the event was abandoned. Shane was initially treated trackside before being taken to the medical centre with “severe chest injuries”. He passed away while being transferred to Royal Stoke University Hospital. British rider Owen Jenner, 21, also passed away as a result of the crash, while fellow Brit Tom Tunstall was taken to hospital with significant back and abdominal injuries. A further five riders were treated for minor injuries but did not require additional medical assistance. In an official statement, MotorSport Vision Racing, who are responsible for circuit operations at Oulton Park, confirmed the heartbreaking news about Shane and Owen’s passing. It read: “At the start of this afternoon’s Quattro Group British Supersport Championship race at Oulton Park, exiting turn one, Old Hall corner on the first lap, there was a chain reaction incident involving 11 riders falling. The race was immediately stopped and trackside medical services deployed.”Due to the extreme severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention, the remainder of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship event was cancelled.”This catastrophic accident has tragically resulted in two riders being fatally injured, and another sustaining significant injuries.”Fellow Kiwi rider, Morgan McLaren-Wood, sustained minor injuries in the crash and took to social media to pay tribute.He said: “Struggling to find the words for what happened today. “Rest in peace, Shane and Owen. My heart goes out to both of their families during this heartbreaking time.”Motorcycling New Zealand president Michael McLeod explained how the incident has rocked their community. He told the Herald: “It’s a tragic shock to the motorcycle racing community in New Zealand because he’s such a well-respected competitor and mentor to a lot of young up-and-coming riders that are now competing in Europe and England as well.“He was a fantastic guy, he’d always stop and have a chat. He’s a real nice bloke and it’s a real shame.”Honda Racing, who compete in the SuperSport championship, said: “The motorcycle community is tightly knit and we share the profound sadness at the outcome of today’s accident at Oulton Park. “Our thoughts are with the riders, their families, friends, team members and the entire BSB paddock. We go through days like this as one community.”Why is Shane Richardson’s death being investigated by police?An investigation has been launched by Cheshire Police following the tragic crash. Cheshire Police said: “Police are investigating two deaths on behalf of the coroner following a multiple collision at Oulton Park this afternoon.“Emergency services were called to the scene following the collision which resulted in two riders being fatally injured and another with serious injuries.“The Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board and MotorSport Vision Racing are investigating the full circumstances of the incident in conjunction with the Coroner and Cheshire Police.”Shane Richardson’s racing historyShane started his racing career in New Zealand taking part in the Suzuki Series and Cemetery Circuit but quickly took his talents abroad. Read More on The SunHe went on to compete in the US winning the MotoAmerica Stock 1000 race in 2018. The success Shane found led to him moving permanently to the UK where he began competing in British Superbikes racing in 2019. More

    • 113 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Real Madrid wonderkid Endrick’s wife Gabriely Miranda?

      by

      GABRIELY MIRANDA is the wife of Real Madrid star Endrick Felipe Moreira de Sousa.The teenage star has rocketed to fame in recent years, with Endrick also going from strength to strength. Gabriely Miranda is a famous online influencerCredit: InstagramGabriely Miiranda Gabriely is footballer Endrick’s wifeCredit: Instagram/EndrickGabriely’s exciting careerGabriely is an influencer who has amassed one million followers on Instagram. She regularly shares updates about her life, her friends, and partners with brands to promote their products. The star is a devout Christian and often opens up about her faith in her posts. When Endrick scored two goals on 17 January 2025, she tweeted: “Thank you, God.”Read More on Real MadridMeeting the footballerEndrick is one of the biggest football stars in the worldCredit: PA MediaGabriely has previously opened up about how she met Endrick in a shopping centre. She said: “When I first saw Endrick, I didn’t know he was a player. “He was sitting alone in a mall, I looked at him and thought ‘what a wonderful man!'”As a supporter of Brazilian football club Cuiaba, she said that Endrick would have to take her on a date if her team won that night. Most read in FootballSince Cuiaba went on to win that night, the pair began dating. In 2024, it was revealed that they had tied the knot when he was just 18 and she was 23 years old. Endrick Felipe shows his goal scoring skills playing for Palmeiras Reportedly, their relationship contract contains a clause stating that Endrick must say “I love you” to Gabriely in all situations. Endrick has been open about wanting a child with Gabriely. He said: “As I told my father and mother, I want to be a young father, I want to see my child grow, have a bond, but Gabriely is the one who has to say yes or no, right?”Endrick’s rise to fameEndrick is one of the biggest stars in football, having spent almost a year at Real Madrid. He agreed to join the club all the way back in 2022, as part of a deal worth €60 million.The star had joined Palmeiras at the age of 11, where he scored 165 goals in 169 games. Endrick has previously shared that he is laser-focused on football and rarely drinks or goes out partying. However, he has credited his wife with much of his success. Endrick said: “Thanks to my wife, to everyone who is with me every day. I’m very happy about the goals.”Read More on The SunHe also added: “I dedicate them to [Antonio] Rudiger. “For me, it’s good to score goals because I want to help my team, help everyone.” More

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Athletics

      Who is Daley Thompson’s first wife Patricia Quinlan and how many children did they have?

      by

      DALEY Thompson was once notorious for his womanising, before he went on to marry his childhood sweetheart Patricia Quinlan.She is sure to be watching when the Olympic decathlon legend heads into the Celebrity Big Brother house, with the new series kicking off on April 7, 2025.Daley Thompson and his first wife Patricia Quinlan pictured on their wedding day in 1987Credit: RexHere they are seen a year after tying the knot, pictured with their first baby togetherCredit: RexDaley Thompson is featuring on Celebrity Big Brother (CBB) 2025.During his athletics career, the British decathlete broke the world record four times — and it seems he’s ready for a new challenge.A source told The Sun how 66-year-old Daley’s non-woke opinions could raise a few eyebrows among CBB viewers.The TV insider said: “Daley is notoriously unwoke and likes to be provocative, so it will be interesting to see how he is received by some of the younger housemates.read more on daley thompson”As someone who was at the height of his fame in the Eighties, many of them will barely know who he is — but for a generation of older viewers he’ll be seen as a great signing.”Who is Daley Thompson’s first wife Patricia Quinlan?Daley once joked that “any woman only has to sit on a bed I’ve slept in to get pregnant”.His exes include Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies — they dated in the late 1970s — but he says he doesn’t see her as the “one that got away”. In July 2024, he exclusively told The Sun: “I never really see it like that because we are still close friends.”Most read in Athletics”That’s the real test — the fact we’re still calling each other and I chat to her kids.” In 1987, Daley married his first wife, Patricia “Tish” Quinlan, whom he had known since his school days.Lord Sebastian Coe and Daley Thompson discuss how athletics can be used to tackle knife crime on Run For Your Life But she has largely stayed out of the public eye beyond her connection to Daley. How many kids does Daley Thompson share with Patricia Quinlan?They had three children together: Rachel, 35, Austin, 33, and Elliott, 30.Rachel was born prematurely at just 12 weeks and weighed less than two pounds at birth.But speaking with the Independent in July 2008, Daley described this as “a brilliant experience”.He then qualified: “But not one you’d necessarily want to go through.”Daley Thompson with son his Elliot, who is also a decathleteCredit: Instagram/daleyfitnessukElliott Thompson, the youngest child of Daley and Patricia, has followed in his father’s footsteps and pursued a career in athletics.He became the national decathlon champion at the 2022 British Athletics Championships.On the whole, the Thompson children prefer to keep their personal information out of the public domain, so little else is known about them.Next chapterThe marriage eventually ended in 2001 after Daley began a relationship with Lisa Clayton.Read More on The SunHe had been seeing her for over two years while still married to Tish, with their relationship reportedly starting in 1999.Daley also later had children with Lisa — two boys named Alex and Aaron. More

    • 163 Shares109 Views

      in Motorsport

      Who is Mick Schumacher’s long-term girlfriend Laila Hasanovic? Miss Universe finalist-turned-social media sensation

      by

      MICK SCHUMACHER may find himself away from Formula 1 but off the track life is good.He’s loved up with his long term partner Laila Hasanovic – and engagement has been on the cards.Mick Schumacher with his long-term partner Laila HasanovicCredit: GettyThe couple are said to have recently got engaged with Laila already inside the Schumacher inner circleCredit: GettyLaila is a model from Denmark with Bosnian rootsCredit: InstagramSon of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, Mick, has found regaining a spot amongst F1’s elite difficult.The 26-year-old driver started his professional motorsport career with Haas in 2021 before being released after two seasons, serving the next two as a reserve driver for McLaren and Mercedes.Nonetheless, Schumacher has been able to find solace away from racing. He has been with Laila Hasanovic for at least two years since going public in August 2023, with the model recently teasing fans by sharing a picture of a diamond ring.READ MORE IN SCHUMACHERShe is the only girlfriend Mick has had who has been allowed to to visit father Michael, according to German newspaper Bild.The seven-time world champion has not been seen in public since his skiing accident on a family holiday in Meribel, France, in 2013.Bild further says the family are ‘smitten’ with the model, who is regularly included in their family plans – so who is she? Life pre-SchumacherBorn in Bosnia and raised in Denmark, Laila Hasanovic was a prodigious model talent from early on.Most read in MotorsportHasonovich, 24, moved to the Danish capital, Copenhagen, at 19 after a year in Kentucky as an exchange student to add some experience on her promise.She was a finalist in the 2019 Miss Universe Denmark pageant, and once the global pandemic broke out the following year, she switched her attention from beauty contests to social media.She amassed 300k followers across Instagram and TikTok in the three years following the worldwide outbreak that saw people stuck in their homes – and has doubled that since dating Schumacher.Strides in modelling Initially working a local paper-round in her early teens before harbouring short-lived ambitions in criminology, Hasonovich has made significant strides on the modelling front.A first break in the game via watch brand Daniel Wellington has transpired to being signed on by PRM Agency and full-blown photo-shoots.Soon-to-be SchumacherHasonovich and Schumacher had to bat away various claims that the couple got engaged October last year.She posted a photo of her hand in July, which appeared to show an engagement ring.Understandably, fans leaped into conclusions before having the news broken by Hasonovich.She posted a second picture of her jewellery, writing on Instagram: “and no it’s not an engagement ring u guyssss”.However, the noise around a possible engagement continues is getting louder as the bond between the model and the Schumacher family grows stronger.Laila has even paid tribute to Michael on social media in the past with a touching tribute.Laila, left, with Michael’s manager Sabine Kehm, centre, and his wife Corinna, right, watching Mick during a race earlier this yearCredit: RexLast March she posted a series of photos to her Instagram followers showing off her handbag and room.In one of the snaps her AirPod case can be seen with the iconic No 47 logo emblazoned on it.Read More on The SunFans of Michael quickly spotted the No 47 which is still seen as synonymous with the driver as he drove under that number.Meanwhile, in August 2023, Mick told RTL with a smile: “I’m really happy”, and “doesn’t want to hide” his love for Laila.  More

    • 150 Shares169 Views

      in Motorsport

      Who is Michael Schumacher’s brother Ralf? F1 driver turned Sky Sports commentator 

      by

      THE name Schumacher rings a massive bell in motorsport – but seven-time champion Michael isn’t the only one in the family to have don an Formula One overall.While Michael Schumacher dominated F1 for a decade and a half, his brother Ralf was also a factor on the grid at the time.Ralf Schumacher spent a decade racing in F1Credit: GettyThe Schumacher brothers are the only siblings to have both won Formula 1 races in the sport’s historyCredit: GettyRalf Schumacher still works in the sportCredit: GettyRalf may have been the inferior driver throughout the pair’s time, but he still managed to have a very good career in the sport.Although they were never team-mates, the siblings are the most successful family pairing in F1 as the only siblings to have both won races in the sport’s history.Career on the tracksBorn and raised in North Rhine-Westphalia, West Germany, Ralf is the second son of Rolf Schumacher, a bricklayer, and his wife Elisabeth.He started karting in his formative years and was a prodigious racer in junior karting.READ MORE IN F1He won the NRW Cup, the Gold Cup and German Junior Kart Championship across two years before moving up to senior level, where he finished runner-up. Ralf later finished third in the 1994 German Formula 3 Championship which catapulted him into the Formula Nippon Series, driving for the Team Le Mans.He was the first driver to clinch the championship in his rookie season.A spot in F1 was inevitable and after testing with McLaren in the autumn of 1996, Schumacher signed a three-year contract to drive for Eddie Jordan’s team, Jordan.Most read in MotorsportThe following season he would secure the first podium of his career in Argentina with a third-place finish.The arrival of Damon Hill in the 1998 season would complicate Schumacher’s relationship with Jordan as a team orders scenario denied him his first race win.Older brother Michael then bought him out of his £2million contract, with Mick then joining Williams. He finished the 1999 season sixth and was rewarded with a three-year deal worth £31m – despite a campaign littered with race retirements.His six-year association with the Oxfordshire-based team saw five wins, two fourth-place finishes and two fifth-place finishes.Ralf’s final season with the team, 2004, saw him race just 12 times and finish only ninth in the standings.He next signed a three-year deal with Japanese manufacturer Toyota, finishing sixth in his first season but then slipping down to 10th and 16th.Attempts to return back to the sport, notably with Red Bull sister team Toro Rosso, and Force India never materialised.A stint in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) series – return back to sports car racing – would merely signal official retirement from competitive racing, which came in 2012. Post-racing venturesFollowing his retirement from active motorsport in March 2013, Schumacher remained within the industry. He took up a management role at auto racing Mucke Motorsport which sees him assists in the mentoring of young drivers signed with Mercedes-Benz.In 2019, Schumacher became a pundit and co-commentator at Formula One races for Sky Sports Germany.Personal lifeSchumacher was married to German model and media personalty Cora-Caroline Brinkman. The pair giving birth to their son David a couple weeks after marriage in October 2001.David now also competes in motorsport with Haupt Racing Team.READ MORE SUN STORIESSchumacher married on October 2001 in a private civil ceremony at the couple’s home in AustriaCredit: GettySchumacher first shared he was gay when he took to social media to share the storyCredit: InstagramHowever, the two would divorce after an acrimonious period of separation in 2015. Nine years on, Schumacher announced on social media that he has been in a same-sex relationship with his partner of two years, 34-year-old Etienne Bousquet-Cassagne. More

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Motorsport

      Who is Michael Schumacher’s son Mick? Former Mercedes driver who has found new motorsport seat

      by

      THERE’S a certain weight that comes with being the son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher – and son Mick has found all about it in recent years. Mick, 26, had been tipped to succeed his father’s impeccable racing standards the second he set foot in a karting track.MickSchumacher’s time at Haas was mistake-ladenCredit: AFPSebastian Vettel and Mick Schumacher have had a striking relationship throughout the yearsCredit: AlamySchumacher last role in F1 was with MercedesCredit: GettyHowever, Michael Schumacher’s youngest child has found his competitive motorsport career dwindling.Mick was last seen in a Formula 1 pit garage last December as a reserve driver for Mercedes.He left his position at the end of the 2024 season to focus on his newfound role in endurance racing.Nowadays, he is striving to get back to the elite staring of the racing world. READ MORE IN F1Life in father’s footsteps Born and raised in the Swiss village Vufflens-le-Chateau, Schumacher was born into a racing royalty with his father and uncle Ralf both in F1.The generational success that his father set that weighed heaviest in his formative years in racing and beyond.Mick had a good karting career – fishing runner-up at the World and European level – before making the jump to European Formula 3, winning the championship in his final season with Prema Racing.He would follow that up with another title Formula 2 in 2020 ahead of Brit Callum Ilott and future Red Bull driver Yuki Tsunoda. Most read in MotorsportMick had test drives with Alfa Romeo and Haas – aided by his association with the Ferrari Driver Academy – then signed with the latter as a full-time driver in 2021.Schumacher’s two-season F1 career was characterised by rookie blunders and team deficiencies, initially alongside controversial team-mate Nikita Mazepin – son of Belarusian-Russian oligarch and sponsor Dmitry – and than outperformed by Kevin Magnussen.In his second season, the German driver scored his first and second lot of points in back-to-back weekends at Silverstone and the Red Bull Ring in Austria, where he registered a career-best sixth finish.However, Schumacher was released from his contract going into the 2023 season as the team altered direction with successor and racing journeyman Nico Hulkenberg.Recently, he has served as a reserve driver for both Mercedes and McLaren – not suiting up for either team. Track switch Schumacher made his first ventures into the World Endurance Championship with Alpine while still occupying his reserve driver duties.Schumacher has continued to race with Alpine’s World Endurance Championship six-man Hypercar team full-time after achieving his maiden podium finish at the 6 Hours of Fuji. Additionally, Schumacher also competed in the 2025 Race of Champions in Sydney at the start of the month alongside family friend Sebastian Vettel with Will Brown pipping him to a semi-final spot in the main draw. Racing future Schumacher still harbours hopes of returning to F1 as a driver with the 2026 new regulations era providing the first real opening for a seat, particularly with Cadillac’s incoming arrival to the grid. “Formula One has always been my dream and will always be my dream. But the WEC is the number one priority,” he told Sky Germany. “That requires 100 per cent dedication.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHe went on to add: “My dream is a dream, but when I’m in the car, I’m 100 per cent in the car. The dream lives on in the moments when I have free time and can think about it.”Cadillac have expressed a public interest in signing an American driver with a big-name, and in motorsport, it doesn’t get bigger Schumacher. More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Lassana Diarra? Ex-Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid star dubbed ‘new Makelele’ & at centre of new transfer ruling

      by

      LASSANA DIARRA is the man at the centre of what could be a REVOLUTION in how football runs and operates.The retired France international, 39, is a blast from the past for many football fans but hit the headlines after a landmark court ruling over transfers.Lassana Diarra played three seasons at ChelseaCredit: AP:Associated PressWhat happened with Lassana Diarra’s court case?Diarra sued Fifa after it upheld a £16MILLION that was imposed by his former club, Lokomotiv Moscow, following his sacking for allegedly boycotting training over a pay dispute in 2014.Diarra’s case was heard by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in Luxembourg, the highest court in Europe.In a landmark decision, Diarra WON the case after his legal team argued that Fifa had broken European labour laws by refusing to issue the International Transfer Certificate which would have allowed him to join another club and exercise his rights as a professional. The ECJ ruling has now declared current regulations are in breach of EU Law on the free of movement of people.Inside Lassana Diarra’s legal case with FifaLassana Diarra’s case with Fifa dates back to 2014 when he was playing for Lokomotiv Moscow.The former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder was in a dispute with Lokomotiv over wages – with the Russian side ultimately terminating his contract.The case was referred to Fifa’s Dispute and Resolution Chamber (DRC) which ruled against Diarra, fining him £16MILLION.During this time, Diarra received a new contract offer from Belgian side Charleroi.But Charleroi wanted clarification from Fifa that they would not be liable to pay any of the money owed to Lokomotiv.Fifa could not make that guarantee and the move never happened.As a result, Diarra brought new legal action against Fifa and the Belgian league claiming a loss of earnings.That started the long process that has led to this week’s groundbreaking judgment.Diarra’s lawyer was Jean Louis Dupont, the man who had previously transformed the sport in the mid-1990s by successfully working for the introduction of the Bosman ruling, which allowed players to move for free once their contract was up.The Court ruled: “The rules in question are such as to impede the free movement of professional footballers wishing to develop their activity by going to work for a new club.“Those rules impose considerable legal risks, unforeseeable and potentially very high financial risks as well as major sporting risks on those players and clubs wishing to employ them which, taken together, are such as to impede international transfers of those players.”What are the ramifications of the ruling?Potential ramifications could be huge depending on the full judgement, which will be published later today.Most read in FootballIf the Court has made a strong ruling, it could effectively declare the entire current system is in breach of EU Law.That would see Fifa losing its current authority over the transfer system and allow players the right to break their contracts and change clubs with impunity.In turn, that would end the current “trickle down” system where many smaller clubs are reliant on transfer income.Such an outcome would lead to big stars being able to hawk their services for free but for huge wages, allowing the wealthiest clubs – including the bulk of the Premier League – the opportunity to hoover up the best talent.How football changed after Bosman rulingTHE Bosman Ruling transformed football transfers in 1995.Before the Bosman Ruling, clubs could demand a transfer fee for a player even after their contract had expired.But Belgian footballer Jean-Marc Bosman went to the European Court of Justice and the judge ruled in his favour.And that meant that when a player’s contract expired, they could move freely to another club within the EU without a transfer fee.The landmark court case gave players far more power in the final year of their deals – with clubs either needing to extend them or lose them for nothing at the end of the season.Footballers can now also sign pre-contract agreements with new clubs from January when their deals run out to move on a free transfer.The Bosman Ruling essentially removed the restrictions on EU football players with expired contracts, giving them the same rights as free agents and increasing the freedom of movement.And even with the UK leaving the EU, the Bosman Ruling still applies for Premier League clubs.Who is Lassana Diarra?Lassana, known as ‘Lass’ during his career, was born on March 10, 1985, in Paris to Malian parents.His first club was Paris FC but he bounced around academies, playing for Nantes, Le Mans and Red Star 93 before joining Le Havre aged 18 in 2003.Lassana Diarra became a key player at Real Madrid, winning two trophiesCredit: Action Images – ReutersDiarra had an outstanding first season in senior football, impressing in Ligue 1 and breaking into the Francer Under-21 team.He was then spotted by Chelsea, with chief scout Gwyn Williams dubbing him the new [Claude] Makelele – the Blues spent £1million to secure his signature.Diarra spent three seasons at Stamford Bridge and was named the 2005-06 Young Player of the Year – despite playing just seven matches. He played 31 games in all and was part of the side that won the League Cup and FA Cup in 2007, before moving to Arsenal.Diarra spent just one season in north London, playing only 13 matches, before a move to Portsmouth where he played 32 matches in two seasons, impressing despite struggling with injuries.Diarra then completed a shock move to Real Madrid for around £19m and became one of their key players over the next four seasons, playing 117 games between 2008 and 2012, as well as winning the Copa del Rey in 2011 and La Liga in 2012.Lassana Diarra’s career statsLassana Diarra played for some of the top clubs in Europe as an all-action defensive midfielder.He started at Le Havre before earning his big break with a £4million move to Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea in 2005.Diarra was largely a rotation option but won an FA Cup and League Cup double with the Blues before a brief move across London to join Arsenal.But it was at Portsmouth where Diarra really made his name, winning a historic FA Cup and earning a massive £19m move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.Diarra played 117 times in five seasons for Los Blancos, winning one LaLiga title, again under Mourinho, and the Copa Del Rey.Then came Diarra’s fateful move to Russia, first Anzhi Makhachkala and then Lokomotiv Moscow, before he saw out his playing career in his native France with Marseille and then PSG, where he won one Liga 1 crown.Le Havre (2003–2005)Chelsea (2005–2007)Portsmouth (2008–2009)Real Madrid (2009–2012)Anzhi Makhachkala (2012–2013)Lokomotiv Moscow (2013–2015)Marseille (2015–2017)Al Jazira (2017–2018)Paris Saint-Germain (2018–2019)A move to Anzhi Makhachkala followed before a move to Lokomotiv Moscow – which is where he fell foul of coach Leonid Kuchuk.Diarra was allegedly asked to take a pay cut and then is said to have refused to turn up to training – Diarra was eventually sacked and later ordered to pay a huge fine and missed a season of football.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe then had spells at Marseille and Al Jazira before finishing his career with Paris Saint-Germain, where helped Unai Emery win the treble in 2017-18.An international for France, Diarra won 34 caps and was named in the 2010 World Cup squad and the Euro 2016 squad. However, he did not play any tournament football due to a blood disorder in 2010 and injury in 2016. More