More stories

  • in

    Why is Cole Palmer not in Chelsea’s Uefa Conference League squad?

    CHELSEA will begin their Uefa Conference League campaign at the start of October.Enzo Maresca’s men will compete in the competition’s first-ever league phase, with the Blues playing six matches, three at home and the rest away. Cole Palmer has not been selected in Chelsea’s Conference Leauge squadCredit: AlamyChelsea kick off their Conference League campaign by hosting Gent at Stamford Bridge in four weeks time.Shamrock Rovers and FC Noah are the Blues’ remaining home fixtures, with trips to Heidenheim, FC Astana and Panathinaikos completing the fixture list.But three key players have been left out of Chelsea’s league phase squad…Why is Cole Palmer not in Chelsea’s Conference League squad?Enzo Maresca has named his 27-man squad for the Conference League league phase.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe list does not include Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia and starman Cole Palmer.The decision not to include the trio was due to load management, as Chelsea will compete in five competitions potentially until July 2025Should the Blues progress to the knockout stage, the London club will be able to add three players to their list, but they must replace existing members of the squad.This could see the likes of Fofana, Lavia and Palmer registered if Maresca felt he needed to bolster his options as the Conference League hits the business end.Most read in FootballWho is in Chelsea’s initial Conference League squad?Here is Chelsea’s initial 27-man for the Conference League:Goalkeepers: Sanchez, Jorgensen, BergstromDefenders: Disasi, Cucurella, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Colwill, James, Gusto, Acheampong, VeigaMidfielders: Fernandez, Madueke, Chukwuemeka, Nkunku, Sancho, Dewsbury-Hall, Caicedo, Casadei, George, DyerForwards: Neto, Mudryk, Felix, Jackson, GuiuChelsea’s Conference League league phase fixturesHere are all six of Chelsea’s league phase fixtures:Thursday, October 3Chelsea vs GentKick-off: 8pmThursday, October 24Panathinaikos vs ChelseaKick-off: 5.45pmREAD MORE SUN STORIESThursday, November 7Chelsea vs FC NoahKick-off: 8pmThursday, November 28Heidenheim vs ChelseaKick-off: 5.45pmThursday, December 12FC Astana vs ChelseaKick-off: 3.30pmThursday, December 19Chelsea vs Shamrock RoversKick-off: 8pm More

  • in

    Who was Rebecca Cheptegei? Olympic runner died after ‘petrol attack by ex-boyfriend’

    REBECCA Cheptegei tragically died when her boyfriend allegedly doused her in petrol and set her on fire. The Ugandan athlete, 33, had recently competed in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics.Rebecca Cheptegei tragically died after being set on fire, allegedly by her ex-boyfriendCredit: AlarmyRebecca had competed at the Paris 2024 OlympicsCredit: AFPWho was Rebecca Cheptegei? The Olympian competed in cross country, long distance and marathon events. Rebecca was born on February 22, 1991, in Uganda and began racing in 2010.According to her Olympics bio, she was a soldier and trained with the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces.The runner’s final competition was at in the marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympics.Read more in crimeShe sadly died months later after her ex-boyfriend allegedly attacked her at her home on September 1, 2024.What happened to Rebecca Cheptegei? Local police chief Jeremiah Ole Kosiom told local reporters that Rebecca and her ex-boyfriend Dickson Ndiema were heard arguing outside their home in western Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. He said: “During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her”.Rebecca suffered from burns on over 75 per cent of her body as a result of the attack.Most read in AthleticsShe was rushed to an intensive care unit at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, but sadly passed away from her injuries on September 5, 2024. According to Kenyan newspaper The Nation, a five-litre jerry can, a bag, and a burned phone were discovered at the scene of the incident.Rebecca’s ex-boyfriend also suffered from burn injuries as a result of the attack and was rushed to hospital. The attack had come after a report published in January 2023 found that 34% of women in Kenya (above the age of 15) had experienced physical violence. There have been several high-profile murders of women in Kenya in recent years, including the death of runner Agnes Tirop who was found stabbed to death in her home in October 2021. Her husband, Ibrahim Rotich, is on trial for her murder but denies the charges.Who has paid tribute to Rebecca Cheptegei? The Ugandan Athletics Federation paid tribute to RebeccaCredit: AP: Associated PressThousands of fans and several sports bodies have paid tribute to the incredible runner. The Ugandan Athletics Federation said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence. “As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. “May her soul rest In Peace.”Rebecca’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, told reporters that he prayed for “justice for my daughter”.He also said that his daughter and her ex-husband had been embroiled in a property dispute, before her death.What did Rebecca Cheptegei achieve during her career?Rebecca had just competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics before she died on September 1, 2024. She raced against her fellow athletes in the Olympic marathon, where she finished 44th. When Rebecca qualified for the Olympics, she set a new personal best of 2:22:47 at the Abu Dhabi Marathon in December 2022.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Ugandan athlete also previously finished fourth in the half marathon at the 2024 African Games, as well as finishing in 14th place in the 2023 World Championship Marathon. Before this, she finished in 14th place at the marathon at the 2023 World Championships More

  • in

    Naoya Inoue vs TJ Doheny: UK start time, live stream, TV channel and undercard for Tokyo title fight

    NAOYA INOUE is back in action this week as he looks to defend his world titles once again. Inoue is coming off a huge win against Luis Nery earlier this year, a bout which he was knocked down in himself. Naoya Inoue is defending his super-bantamweight titles against TJ DohenyThe Japanese superstar hit the deck in the first round but recovered to score an emphatic KO win in the middle of the fight. Before that, Inoue beat Marlon Tapales to retain his super-featherweight titles. Up next is Doheny, who is a former world champion himself with a record of 26-4. At 37 years old, however, his best years are behind him, and Inoue will be licking his lips at the thought of extending his unbeaten record with another stoppage.When is Inoue vs Doheny?Inoue’s world title clash with Doheny will take place on Tuesday, September 4. The undercard will get going from around 7.30am BST, with the main event likely to get underway from midday. The Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan will play host. What channel is Inoue vs Doheny?Inoue vs Doheny will be shown live on Sky Sports in the UK. You can live stream the action on the Sky Go or NOW TV app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.Coverage gets underway from 7.30am BST.Inoue vs Doheny full cardNaoya Inoue vs TJ DohenyYoshiki Takei vs Daigo HigaJin Sasaki vs Qamil BallaIsmael Barroso vs Andy HiraokaToshiki Shimomachi vs Ryuya Tsugawa More

  • in

    What type of cancer did Sol Bamba have? Understanding the ex-Leeds United and Cardiff City defender’s cause of death

    SOL Bamba, the star footballer who played for Cardiff City and Leeds United, has sadly passed away.But what type of cancer did the football legend have? Here’s everything you need to know. Sol played for Cardiff, Leicester City and Leeds UnitedCredit: Getty ImagesSol was born in France and also played for Paris Saint-GermainCredit: Getty ImagesWhat type of cancer did Sol Bamba have?Sol battled with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, a disease that 13,000 people are diagnosed with a year in the UK.The exact cause of the disease is unknown, but it is more common in people who have surpressed immune systems.Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma can be diagnosed with a biopsy. There are two types of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: high-grade lymphoma (where the cancer grows quickly) and low-grade (where the cancer grows more slowly). Read more in healthcareChemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most common treatments, but most forms of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma are considered to be treatable. When was Sol Bamba diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma?Sol announced that he had been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in 2021 and that he was undergoing treatment. In May 2021, just four months after he made the announcement, he told fans that he was now cancer free. However, the cancer later returned and he tragically passed away.Most read in FootballWhat has Sol Bamba’s wife said about his death?Sol met his wife Chloe while playing for Leicester and the couple had three children together. When Sol sadly died, she said: “For the last few years I have watched Sol fight his cancer head on with an astounding mental and physical strength and stoicism.”Unfortunately, it was never a fair fight and just when things were looking up he took a downturn and finally succumbed on 31st August.”These years have been indescribably difficult but we still managed to find joy and laughter in it.”I’ve experienced my worst days but also some of my best.”Sol accepted his fate as God’s will and left this earth knowing, without a shadow of a doubt, that he was loved wholeheartedly. I made sure of that.”It was an honour to have loved and been loved by Sol. I learnt so much from him. He is my hero. My heart is breaking.”What a gift, what a gift, what a gift to have been loved by him.”Who did Sol Bamba play for?Sol played for some of the top football clubs in the world.He began his career with Paris Saint-Germain, at the age of 11. As his career progressed, he moved to the Scottish team Dunfermline Athletic and later Hibernian. Sol became a household name though when he joined Leicester City in 2011.His time with the club was short though and he moved to the Turkish team Trabzonspor in 2012. READ MORE SUN STORIESThen, after a brief stint with Palermo, he moved to Leeds United where he quickly rose the rank of captain. After this, he joined Cardiff City and later Middlesborough. What are the signs of lymphoma?LYMPHOMA is a term for cancer that starts in the lymph system – a network of vessels and glands that spans your body.There are two main kinds of lymphoma – Hodgkin Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.Lymphoma can cause many different symptoms, depending on which type of lymphoma it is and where it develops in the body.The most typical signs are:Swollen lymph nodes, such as in the neck, armpit or groin areaNight sweatsExtreme tirednessItchingUnexplained weight lossFeverExcessive bleeding, such as nosebleeds, heavy periods and spots of blood under the skinOther signs of lymphoma in a more localised area include:Swelling of the stomach, loss of appetite and other abdominal symptomsCoughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain  More

  • in

    Who is Sol Bamba’s wife Chloe, how many children do they have?

    FORMER Premier League footballer Sol Bamba passed away on Saturday following a battle with cancer. The ex-Cardiff City and Leeds star was just 39 and his death has left the football world in mourning. Chloe has paid tribute to her husband following his deathBamba also played for Middlesbrough and Leicester and as an international for Ivory Coast he made 46 appearances. But away from football, Bamba had a loving family which included his wife Chloe. Who is Bamba’s wife Chloe and how many kids do they have?Bamba met his wife Chloe while playing for Leicester between 2011 and 2012.They soon married and went on to have three kids together called Roonea, Lily and Amy.Earlier this summer, Bamba posted a tribute to his wife on Instagram.He wrote: “Happy birthday my love. Last couple years haven’t be easy but having you by my side made it so much easier I love you. Enjoy your day, you deserve it.”Sol Bamba and Chloe had three kids togetherSol Bamba and Chloe had been married since at least 2013Following Bamba’s death, Chloe released a statement about her husband’s fight with cancer.”For the last few years I have watched Sol fight his cancer head on with an astounding mental and physical strength and stoicism,” her statement read. “Unfortunately, it was never a fair fight and just when things were looking up he took a downturn and finally succumbed on 31st August.”These years have been indescribably difficult but we still managed to find joy and laughter in it.”I’ve experienced my worst days but also some of my best. Sol accepted his fate as God’s will and left this earth knowing, without a shadow of a doubt, that he was loved wholeheartedly. I made sure of that.”It was an honour to have loved and been loved by Sol. I learnt so much from him. He is my hero. My heart is breaking. What a gift, what a gift, what a gift to have been loved by him.”Most read in Football More

  • in

    Who is Ben Williams and who is the former goalkeeper fighting against on the Misfits 17 boxing card?

    BEN Williams is a welterweight boxer hoping to win a knock-out fight in Ireland. Here’s everything you need to know about the young boxer competing on the Misfits 17 boxing card. Misfits was co-founded by Youtube personality KSICredit: Getty ImagesWho is Ben Williams?Ben is a boxer from Dublin, Ireland, who fights on Misfits’ boxing card.He is a rising star in the boxing scene but is still relatively new, as he only debuted on July 15, 2023. The boxer, born in 2004, competes in the welterweight category.Ben made headlines when he clashed with TikTok star Ed Matthews, backstage at a Misfits match in November 2023. Read more in boxingAfter being separated from Ed, Ben posted a TikTok claiming that he still “came out on top”.The boxer is a rising social media star too, as he has over 250,000 followers on Instagram and nearly one million TikTok followers.Ben is sometimes referred to by his boxing nickname “Bumblebee”.What is Misfits Boxing?Misfits is a boxing promotion founded by the Youtuber KSI, who is a co-founding member of the Sidemen and co-owner of Prime Hydration.Most read in BoxingKSI founded Misfits Boxing with Wasserman Boxing, a sports marketing and talent management company based in Los Angeles. On 10 January 2023, Misfits announced that it had signed a five-year deal with DAZN (a sports streaming platform) to distribute events with two pay-per-views each year.Who is Ben Williams fighting on the Misfits boxing card?Ben will be facing Warren “The Mechanic” Spencer, at MF X DAZN Series 17. On August 31, Misfits is hosting an event in Ben’s home country of Ireland. Ben is the favourite to win against Warren, who trained with the highly controversial influencer Andrew Tate. More

  • in

    Misfits Boxing 17 full card – how to watch HUGE card from Dublin

    MISFITS BOXING returns on Saturday night as some of the UK’s biggest internet stars head to Dublin.KSI was due to main event Series 17 in a wild 2vs1 showdown against Slim and Anthony Taylor.Premier League title winner Danny Simpson will face Danny Aarons in DublinCredit: @dannysimpson/XBut the CEO of Misfits Boxing was forced to pull out of the handicap bout after sustaining an injury.KSI has not fought since suffering his first defeat to Tommy Fury in October.Now headlining the bill for the first Misifts show in Ireland is TikTok star HSTikkyTokky and former Love Islander George Fensom as the two go head-to-head.Premier League title winner Danny Simpson will make his boxing debut against YouTube sensation Danny Aarons.READ MORE IN BOXINGBut who else is on Saturday night’s huge card?Who is on the Misifts 17 card?Here is Saturday night’s huge bill:HStikkytokky vs George FensomDanny Simpson vs Danny AaronsDeen The Great vs Dave FogartySami Hamed vs Jesse ClarkeBen Williams vs Warren SpencerJake Cornish vs Mike EdwardsDTG vs MinikonHow can I watch Misfits 17?Misfits 17 will be broadcast LIVE on DAZN PPV.The event has been priced at £19.99 but you can save 15 per cent if you have an annual plan.You can subscribe to DAZN in the UK for £9.99-a-month, which commits you to an entire year of action.A flexible pass, worth £19.99-a-month, is also available, and you can cancel anytime.You can also pay £99.99 for the year upfront, which is the lowest cost option.Most read in BoxingCan I live stream Misfits 17?DAZN subscribers can live stream Misfits 17 via the DAZN app/website.The DAZN app is available to download for FREE on your mobile or tablet device.Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action from Dublin by following SunSport’s live blog. More

  • in

    Who could Man Utd face in the Europa League draw?

    MANCHESTER UNITED secured qualification for this season’s Europa League despite a disappointing eight-placed finish in the Premier League last season.The Red Devils capped off an underwhelming season on a high after lifting their 13th FA Cup and claiming their spot in Europe this term.The Europa League draw will take place todayCredit: GettySir Jim Ratcliffe has backed Erik ten Hag over the summer and will be hoping for a much-improved campaign in his first full season in charge at Old Trafford.The Dutchman has bolstered his squad with the likes of Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui all coming through the door.PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte is also on the verge of joining Man Utd for a huge fee of £51million. Ten Hag will be aiming to lead the club to their first European trophy since the Red Devil’s Europa League triumph in 2016/17.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSunSport takes a look at the competition’s new style and who the Manchester outfit could face…What is the new Europa League 2024/25 format?This year’s Europa League will feature just one league table of all 36 qualified clubs, unlike previous years which saw eight groups of four.Each team will play eight matches, taking on two sides from each of the four pots, playing one match at home and the other away.Clubs from the same country will not play each other and no team can face more than two opponents from the same country.Most read in Europa LeagueDuring the draw, a club will be manually drawn out of the bowl and then said club’s eight fixtures will be revealed by Uefa’s automated software.Following the conclusion of the eight league phase matches, the top eight will qualify directly to the last-16 while teams that finish 9th to 24th will contest in an additional play-off round and those who finish 25th to 36th are set to be eliminated from this season’s European competitions.From the last-16, regular knockout rules will apply.This is the same format which is being used for the Champions League and the Europa Conference League.Who could Man Utd face in the Europa League draw?Man Utd are in Pot 1 due to their Uefa coefficient ranking.The Red Devils will play eight matches during the league phase, taking on two sides from each of the four pots, playing one match at home and the other away.At this stage of the competition, Ten Hag’s men cannot face opponents from their own country, meaning Man Utd cannot meet Tottenham just yet.The Red Devils can also play a maximum of two sides from any other country.Here are the clubs Man Utd could draw from each of the four pots:Pot 1: AS Roma, Porto, Ajax, Rangers, Eintracht Frankfurt, Lazio, Slavia Prague.Pot 2: Real Sociedad, AZ Alkmaar, Braga, Olympiakos, Lyon, PAOK, Fenerbahce, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Ferencvaros.Pot 3: Qarabag, Galatasaray, Viktoria Plzen, Bodo/Glimt, Union SG, Dynamo Kyiv, Ludogorets, Midtjylland, Malmo.Pot 4: Athletic Club, Hoffenheim, Nice, Anderlecht, Twente, Besiktas, FK RFS, Steaua Bucharest, Elfsborg.What TV channel is the Europa League draw 2024/25 on and can it be live streamed?The 2024/25 Europa League draw will be broadcast LIVE on TNT Sports in the UK.Subscription members of TNT can stream the entire action through discovery+Alternatively, fans can find out who their teams will be drawn with through SunSport’s live blog.READ MORE SUN STORIESCan I watch the Europa League draw 2024/25 for FREE?The Europa League draw will be broadcast for FREE on UEFA.comTNT Sport’s official YouTube channel will also be airing the draw live from Monaco. More