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      in Soccer

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

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      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

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      in Soccer

      Why are Chelsea and Brighton players wearing black armbands during today’s match?

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      CHELSEA and Brighton players are wearing black armbands during today’s match at Stamford Bridge.The teams are paying tribute to a late Premier League legend, honouring his recent passing with this gesture.Barry Lloyd passed away at the age of 75Credit: GettyWhy are Chelsea and Brighton players wearing black armbands during today’s match?Chelsea and Brighton players are wearing black armbands during today’s match in tribute to Barry Lloyd.Barry Lloyd, the former Chelsea and Fulham star, passed away at the age of 75. His football career was marked by significant contributions both as a player and a manager. He made over 289 appearances for Fulham, scoring 29 goals, and played 10 matches for Chelsea during his career​.read more on premier leagueBarry captained Fulham and played a key role in their promotion from Division Three in 1971, as well as participating in the club’s memorable FA Cup Final in 1975​.After his playing days, he transitioned into management, notably leading Brighton & Hove Albion from 1987 to 1993. Under his management, the club achieved promotion from the third tier and made a surprising appearance in the second tier play-off final​.He was also credited with establishing a youth development policy that began to flourish during his time at Brighton. Most read in FootballLater in his career, he served as the chief scout for Brighton​.Tributes from both Brighton and Fulham have been pouring in, reflecting on his impact at both clubs. Fulham expressed their condolences, acknowledging Lloyd’s legacy as a captain and a significant player in their history​.The club said on X: “RIP Barry Lloyd. Our former captain and member of the squad that reached the 1975 FA Cup Final has sadly passed away.”Brighton also announced that their players would wear black armbands during matches against Chelsea to honour his memory.Their statement on X read: “We are deeply saddened to report the passing of our former manager Barry Lloyd, aged 75. “We extend our sincere condolences to Barry’s family and friends at this saddest of times. “The players will wear black armbands today and there will be a tribute next weekend against Spurs.”Other football clubs joined in with their condolences such as Worthing FC saying on social media: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of our former manager Barry Lloyd at the age of 75. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Barry managed the side during one of the club’s most successful periods, winning the Isthmian League Division 2 and Division 1 titles back-to-back, as well as leading the club to the 2nd Round of the FA Cup in 1982. “There will be a minute’s applause before kick-off this afternoon in memory of Barry.” More

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      in Soccer

      Who is Fabian Caballero’s wife Tahiana? What we know about the late Arsenal and Dundee striker’s widow

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      FABIAN Caballero, a talented striker who made his mark at clubs like Arsenal and Dundee, captured hearts both on and off the pitch. Tragically, after his recent passing, many are left wondering about his life and legacy, particularly the role of his wife, Tahiana Alvarado, in his journey.Fabian Caballero died at the age of 46Credit: RexTahiana Alvarado was married to Fabian CaballeroCredit: FacebookFabian Caballero, a retired Argentine footballer, was married to Tahiana Alvarado, a Paraguayan woman who is largely known through her relationship with him. Their marriage has been a key aspect of his life, with Tahiana’s support playing a significant role during his career and personal journey. Fabian’s football journey began in Argentina, where his talent was recognised early on.Fabian’s time with ArsenalOn October 29, 1998, Fabian Caballero was loaned to Arsenal from Cerro Porteño for the remainder of the 1998–99 Premier League season, with the option for a permanent transfer. Although he primarily featured for Arsenal’s reserve team, where he scored 8 goals in 16 matches, he made three appearances for the first team, including his Premier League debut against Middlesbrough and an assist in an FA Cup win over Preston North End.However, his time with the London club was cut short by injuries that hampered his ability to make a lasting impact on the team.Move to Dundee F.C.Despite the setback, his career continued, and in 2000 he made a move to Dundee F.C. in Scotland.His time in Dundee was notable, as it marked a period where he contributed significantly to the team’s success, winning the Scottish League Cup and becoming a fan favourite.During his time in Dundee, he and Tahiana welcomed their daughter, Tahira.The couple have a daughter togetherCredit: FacebookIn a 2018 interview with The Scotsman, Caballero expressed his pride in his daughter’s Scottish identity: “My daughter is Scottish.”She is Dundonian! She is 14 now. “She was very happy in Dundee. “When anyone asks her ‘Are you Paraguayan?’ she says: ‘No I am not, I am Scottish.’ “Maybe she will come back in the future, to university or something.”Fabian Caballero’s career may have seen him move across continents, but his family has strong connections to both Paraguay and Scotland.Changing his nationalityAt one point, Fabian seriously considered changing his nationality to play for Paraguay, the home country of his wife. He realised that his chances of being called up for the Argentina national team were slim due to the fierce competition and high level of talent within the Argentine squad.This possibility of representing Paraguay seemed like a logical step, given his personal connection to the country through his wife. Reflecting on the situation, he said: “It didn’t happen in the end – my representative did not do anything about it.” More

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      in Boxing

      Tony Bellew snubs Floyd Mayweather and Mike Tyson as former world champion names boxing Mount Rushmore

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      TONY BELLEW snubbed Floyd Mayweather and Mike Tyson in his Mount Rushmore of boxing. The American National Memorial sculpture features the carved heads of ex-presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.Tony Bellew is the former cruiserweight world championCredit: Getty Images – GettyThere has been a trend of picking four names who best represent a sport – and Bellew listed Roy Jones Jr, Ricardo Lopez, Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson.It means no room for unbeaten Mayweather and KO king Tyson but SunSport break down what makes Bellew’s picks so special. Roy Jones Jr The American is considered of of the best talents to ever grace the ring, blessed with speed, power and sensational reactions. He was four-weight champion, winning belts from middleweight all the way up to HEAVYWEIGHT. READ MORE IN BOXINGBut Jones has continued fighting well into his prime, as recently as 2023 aged 54. Roy Jones Jr won the heavyweight titleCredit: EPARicardo LopezThe Mexican also had an undefeated 52-bout career but a 1998 draw with Rosendo Alvarez denied Lopez an unblemished record. He held two world titles and boxed as low as seven-and-a-half STONE. Lopez had 38 KOs and retired in 2001 and remains one of the most celebrated fighters in Mexican boxing history.Most read in BoxingRicardo Lopez remains one of the most celebrated fighters in Mexican boxing historyCredit: WBC Muhammad AliKnown as ‘The Greatest’ due to his iconic career in the ring and for the work he did outside of it. Ali reigned as three-time champ and fought George Foreman and Joe Frazier in two of the most famous fights of all time. The sporting great sadly passed away in 2016 aged 74 as the most beloved boxer of all time. Muhammad Ali is nicknamed ‘The Greatest’Sugar Ray RobinsonThe American goes down as one of the best of all time, campaigning from lightweight all the way to light-heavyweight. Robinson – who passed away in 1989 aged 67 – had 201 recorded fights with 174 wins, 19 losses, two draws and one no-contest. The boxing held the world titles at welterweight and middleweight. Boxing great Sugar Ray RobinsonCredit: Archive Photos – Getty More

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      Who is Arsenal’s prospect goalkeeper Jack Porter?

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      ARSENAL have a history of youth team players making it to the big leagues – and they’ll be hoping goalkeeper Jack Porter is next in line.David Raya has been a complete revelation between the sticks since making the switch from Brentford.Jack Porter is a top Arsenal academy graduateCredit: GettyThe Spaniard lifted the Golden Glove last season – becoming the first Arsenal keeper since Petr Cech to do so during the 2015/16 campaign.However, with Raya set to be rested for the Gunners’ Carabao Cup clash against Bolton, Neto being cup-tied and Tommy Setford injured, Mikel Arteta may have to rely on recent scholar Jack Porter.And here is everything we know about the young prospect.Who is Jack Porter?Born on July 15, 2008, Jack Porter is a talented goalkeeper who signed his official scholarship in 2024 after making four appearances for Arsenal’s U18s during the 2022/24 season.Read more on ArsenalPorter debuted against Fulham, keeping a clean sheet in a 9-0 thrashing.The talented youngster has since gone on to represent the England youth team internationallyJack was involved with the Arsenal U21 squad this summer for their pre-season training camp in Slovakia.But his name began to ring bells when he trained with the first team ahead of Arsenal’s opening Champions League clash against Atalanta.Most read in FootballWhat has been said?Youth team expert Jeorge Bird once claimed that Jack Porter is one of the best prospects the Arsenal academy had seen.And training alongside experienced goalkeepers such as David Raya and Neto would have done a lot for his confidence.Bird posted on X: “Haven’t seen a 16-year-old goalkeeper as highly rated by the club as Porter for a long time.”Maybe Arthur Okonkwo, but even he wasn’t involved with the first team this often at that age.”What Arsenal prospects have made it to the first team?There have been several prospects who have come through the Hale End Academy.Bukayo Saka has become arguably Arsenal’s most important playerCredit: GettyHere are some of the players who have burst into the first teams of clubs after starting out at Hale End.David O’LearyDavid RocastleTony AdamsRay ParlourMichael ThomasPaul MersonLiam BradyAndy ColeDavid BentleyNicolas AnelkaAshley ColeCesc FabregasJack WilshereKieran GibbsHector BellerinSerge GnabryJoe WillockWojciech SzczesnyAlex IwobiEddie NketiahReiss NelsonEmile Smith RowBukayo Saka More

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      in Soccer

      Who is Dan Friedkin? New owner of Everton FC

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      DAN Friedkin will be the new owner of Everton FC after striking a deal with Farhad Moshiri.The American billionaire is buying Farhad’s 94.1% stake in the club, which he will add to his huge business portfolio.By the age of 35, Dan was the CEO of two huge American companiesCredit: AP: Associated PressEverton FC were previously owned by British-Iranian billionaire Farhad MoshiriCredit: Getty ImagesThe deal has been a long time coming and Everton’s new owner is a big football fan.Here’s everything you need to about Dan Friedkin. Texas-richDan was born in San Diego, California, and studied for his Bachelor’s degree at Georgetown University.He later graduated from Rice University with a masters degree and, as of September 2024, he lives in Houston with his wife Debra and his four children. Read more on Everton The billionaire is the son of Thomas H. Friedkin, who founded Gulf States Toyota Distributors.The company is a private distributor of Toyota vehicles in the USA and, at one point, the company’s sales accounted for 13% of all Toyota sales in the country. Also, the company is owned by the Friedkin Group which is a holding group for all of the family’s assets. The group describes itself as a “privately held consortium of businesses and investments in the automotive, hospitality, entertainment, sports and adventure industries”.Most read in FootballBy 35, Dan oversaw both Gulf States Toyota Distributors and the Friedkin Group.Dan has worked with big directors like Ridley ScottCredit: The Mega AgencyMovie starDan owns Neon, an independent film company which produced the smash-hit film Parasite. He also owns Imperative Entertainment, a studio that produced Martin Scorcese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, The Mule, The Square and Ridley Scott’s All the Money in the World. The billionaire is no stranger to the camera himself, as he piloted his vintage spitfire in the 2017 film Dunkirk for which he won a Taurus Stunt Award for Best Speciality Stunt. Dan also owns AS RomaCredit: PA MediaHard-won dealThe Friedkin Group agreed to acquire Everton FC on September 23, 2024.The deal is expected to be finished by the end of 2024 and is believed to have valued the football club at £500million. American businessman and Crystal Palace owner John Textor had previously tried to buy the club but could not complete the deal.This is because Premier League rules prohibit individuals from owning more than one team.The Friedkin Group have expressed excitement about the deal.They said: “We are pleased to have reached an agreement to become custodians of this iconic football club. “We are focused on securing the necessary approvals to complete the transaction. READ MORE SUN STORIES”We look forward to providing stability to the club, and sharing our vision for its future, including the completion of the new Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.”Dan has some experience with football already, as he owns the Italian club AS Roma. More

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      in Athletics

      Who is Akim Williams? Meet Mr Olympia star known as BKbeast

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      IN some bodybuilding circles, Akim Williams is thought of as the strongest man in the world.The bodybuilding titan will be appearing at Mr Olympia 2024, thrilling fans who have been waiting for his return. Akim Williams has won huge competitions such as the Toronto Pro 2024Credit: GettyAkim’s arms are 23-and-1/2-inches wideCredit: GettyHe is often referred to by his nickname BKbeast, which stands for Brooklyn Beast, but bodybuilding wasn’t always Akim’s dream.Instead, he once thought about doing something quite different. Computer geniusAkim was born on August 20, 1984, and didn’t take any interest in bodybuilding in his youth.Instead, he decided to study computer science at Long Island University.Read more in Mr Olympia In the university gym, he was hesitant to try out weights.He told Muscular Development: “I was afraid to even try squats, because I had heard they were really bad for your knees,” he says.“Honestly, the first few months in that weight room, all I did was bench press because it was all I cared about.”However, a chance meeting changed his perspective. Most read in AthleticsIt was by pure serendipity that he ran across a man called Ken Thompson, nicknamed “Coach T”, who taught him that lower reps help you to build thicker, denser muscle mass.Just a few months later, he made it to the top five at the Chicago pro and, within seven years, he grew from 150lbs to 300lbs. Arnold Schwarzenegger helped make the Mr Olympia competition famousCredit: GettyMr Olympia starThe BKbeast will be appearing at Mr Olympia 2024, where he hopes to avenge his performance in 2022.He has opened up before about how he didn’t bring enough supplies to Mr Olympia 2022, which made him feel drained and tired whilst waiting to go onstage.That same year, he was caught in a car accident which took him out of the bodybuilding game for some time. Akim recovered from his crash just in time for Mr Olympia 2024 and even won the Toronto Pro title that same year. He has previously appeared at other Mr Olympias, such as the 2016 competition where he came in 15th place.In subsequent competitions, he ranked: 9th in 2019, 6th in 2020, 9th in 2021 and unranked in 2022.He reached 7th place in the 2020 Arnold Classic and 5th in the 2021 Arnold Classic, but has yet to win the title.In 2023, he slipped back to 6th place at the Arnold Classic but had won at the Tampa Pro just the year before.Hardcore trainingAkim has a hardcore training regime to maintain his 23½-inch arms.At one point in his career, he even weight 300lbs which is no easy feat to maintain.His routine involves lots of low reps to build mass and he forgoes any supportive weight gear.McDonald’s is one of Akim’s favourite restaurantsCredit: GettyMcDonald’s diet Akim has admitted that he often follows a “hardcore diet”.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe once only ate food from the McDonald’s menu for a year, in a bid to build his mass.Luckily Akim was successful and he didn’t struggle to lose any additional weight that he had gained (where most people do struggle). More

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      in Athletics

      Who is John Jewett? Meet the Mr Olympia 2024 star

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      JOHN Jewett is a record breaking bodybuilder who has enjoyed a long and varied career in his chosen sport. The athlete will be taking on the Mr Olympia 2024 competition and hopes to win big.John has smashed powerlifting world recordsCredit: Instagram/johnjewett3Arnold Schwarzenegger was one of John’s biggest inspirationsCredit: GettyJohn uses his wealth of experience to educate hopeful bodybuilders and help them reach their potential.But John’s bodybuilding journey began with a different sport.Bodybuilding hopefulJohn first became interested in fitness at high school, where he was inspired by bodybuilding legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tom Platz. He began training and soon grew from 135lbs to 185lbs.However, John quickly became dissatisfied with powerlifting when he realised that he wanted a different physique.In order to get those gains, he switched to bodybuilding in college.He went to the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas, and, over his academic career, achieved a BS in exercise science and an MS in nutrition.I’m a 6-time Mr Olympia with 40 years in the industry – I never changed my routine & my quads have ‘still got it’ at 62Huge successJohn left behind his success in powerlifting, where he had smashed 12 world records, to fully embrace bodybuilding.Most read in AthleticsHe quickly began to win big and finished in 5th place at his professional debut, at the 2016 IFBB Europa Phoenix Pro.The bodybuilder entered the Mr Olympia contest for the first time in 2019 and stormed to a fourth place finish in the 212 category.John returned to the Mr Olympia stage in 2020, but sadly fell into 13th place.He wants to avenge this performance in 2024.John is not only known for his physique, but also his posesCredit: Instagram/johnjewett3Bodybuilding sage John is the founder of J3 University, which describes itself as “evidence based bodybuilding education”. The site hosts courses for different bodybuilding needs and even has a podcast that John hosts.It also focuses on teaching coaches, so they can deliver on more for their clients. John strict dietJohn has said that he previously ate anything that would leave him in a calorie surplus.This was because he needed lots of energy for his powerlifting competitions.Now, he focuses on being lean which requires a very different diet. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe eats turkey breast, fish, low-fat cheese, sweet potatoes, oats, and healthy oils.Not all bodybuilders follow this diet though, with Akim Williams choosing a diet solely focused on McDonalds. More