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      What award is Cristiano Ronaldo being presented with at the Champions League draw?

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      THE Champions League draw will take place on Thursday evening – and there will be a special guest in attendance.Cristiano Ronaldo will feature at the revamped event to pick up yet another accolade – but what award is the footballing great adding to his collection?Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Champions League five timesCredit: APCHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW LIVEWhat award is Cristiano Ronaldo being presented with at the Champions League draw?Cristiano Ronaldo will be presented with a special Uefa award in recognition of his status as the Champions League’s all-time leading goalscorer.The Portuguese bagged 140 goals in 183 games in Europe’s premier club competition over the course of more than 18 years.Ronaldo is 11 goals clear of long-term rival Lionel Messi and 46 ahead of third-placed Lewandowski in the top scorer charts.READ MORE IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUEThe forward will be honoured at the inaugural 36-team league phase draw ceremony in Monaco on Thursday evening.Aleksander Ceferin, Uefa president, said: “Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the brightest stars in the UEFA Champions League constellation. “His extraordinary goal-scoring achievements in the competition seem destined to stand the test of time, posing a remarkable challenge for future generations to surpass. “His sustained excellence at the highest level is a testament to his relentless pursuit of both team and individual honours. Most read in Champions League”Over more than two decades, he has continuously evolved and refined his game while preserving a youthful passion for scoring and celebrating goals. “His professionalism, work ethic, dedication, and ability to shine on the grandest stage are qualities that football players everywhere should aspire to emulate.”Ronaldo claimed the Golden Boot in seven separate Champions League seasons.The Portuguese legend has won the prestigious competition once with Manchester United and four times with Real Madrid – making him the first five-time winner in history.Cristiano Ronaldo’s Champions League record in numbersAppearances: 183Goals: 140Wins: 5 (2008, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018)Top scorer: 7 times (2007/08, 2012/13, 2013/14, 2014/15*, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18)Most goals in a single season: 17 (2013/14)Longest scoring streak: 11 gamesWhat TV channel is Champions League draw 2024/25 on and can it be live streamed?You can live steam the brand new Champions League league phase draw via multiple different platforms.On traditional TV, the draw will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1.TNT Sports customers can also live stream the event via the discovery+ app/website.Fear not if you are not if you are not a TNT Sports customer – you can live stream the draw for FREE via the official TNT Sports YouTube channel.Uefa.com will also be providing a free stream of the huge event from Monaco.And if that wasn’t enough, you can follow along live via the BBC iPlayer/BBC Sport website.READ MORE SUN STORIESAlternatively, fans can find out who their teams will be drawn with through our live blog.Can I watch the Champions League draw 2024/25 for FREE?The Champions League draw will be broadcast for FREE on UEFA.com More

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      What is the new Champions League format and how does it work?

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      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE football has produced some of the best matches the world has ever seen – but this season will be like no other.Jude Bellingham capped off his incredible debut season for Real Madrid by helping Los Blancos seal their 15th Champions League triumph in the 2023/24 final.Real Madrid celebrated their 15th Champions League in styleCredit: GettyCHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW LIVEAnd the midfield maestro will be hoping his side can fend off English giants Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal to retain the title.But all teams are set to have a completely new route to the final courtesy of what will now be a league format.Luckily for fans, SunSport can give a clear explanation on how it will all work below.Read more on Champions League What is the new Champions League format?There will be one league table that all 36 qualified teams will participate in.Each club will play eight matches in the opening phase – four home games and four away games against seeded opposition in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.Clubs will only face other sides based on the pot they have been drawn out of and teams cannot face more than two opponents from the same country or from the same association.The top eight teams in the final table will automatically go through to the last 16.Most read in Champions LeagueThey will then be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides who were placed ninth to 24th in the table.Teams that finish 25th or lower will be eliminated from all European competitions this season – meaning that they will not drop into the Europa League similar to previous years.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The new Champions League format also sees the implication of two additional qualifying spots.How will the knockout stages work?As mentioned earlier, the top eight teams will automatically qualify for the last 16 while those who place ninth to 24th will compete in a two-legged knockout play-off for the chance to join them.Then from the last 16 onwards, the Champions League will continue to follow its previous format with the final taking place in a neutral venue.Teams that finish 25th or lower will be eliminated from the competition and will NOT drop into the Europa League.What does this mean for the Europa League and Europa Conference League?Both competitions will see similar changes to those of the Champions League and will both feature 36 teams.The Europa League will follow the exact same format READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile, teams in the Europa Conference League will play six matches against six different opponents in the league phase. More

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      How to live stream Champions League draw for FREE and is the huge event on YouTube?

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      THE Champions League draw takes place TODAY – but it won’t be in the conventual manner fans are used to.This season’s elite competition marks the first time the brand new league phase will be adopted in place of the traditional group stage.The Champions League draw will take place todayCredit: GettyCHAMPIONS LEAGUE DRAW LIVEAll clubs will be put in one 36-team league, with each side playing eight matches each.Each team in the Champions League will be put into one of four pots according to their Uefa coefficient.All clubs will play two teams from each of the four pots during the league phase, playing one match at home and one away.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA team will be drawn out of the pot and then Uefa’s software will decide their eight opponents and whether they will be at home or away.After the eight gameweeks are completed, the top eight sides in the league will automatically qualify for the round of 16, while the clubs finishing in 9th to 24th will compete in a two-legged knockout phase to determine who will join the top eight in the last-16.Clubs that finish 25th or lower will be eliminated, with no access to the Europa League.How to live stream the Champions League draw for FREEYou can live steam the brand new Champions League league phase draw via multiple different platforms.Most read in Champions LeagueOn traditional TV, the draw will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1.TNT Sports customers can also live stream the event via the discovery+ app/website.Fear not if you are not if you are not a TNT Sports customer – you can live stream the draw for FREE via the official TNT Sports YouTube channel.Uefa.com will also be providing a free stream of the huge event from Monaco.And if that wasn’t enough, you can follow along live via the BBC iPlayer/BBC Sport website.Alternatively, fans can find out who their teams will be drawn with through our live blog.What time will the Champions League draw take place?The Champions League league phase draw will take place on Thursday, August 29.The draw will take place from 5pm BST.The Grimaldi Forum in Monaco will host. More

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      Danny Simpson vs Danny Aarons – Misfits 17: Start time, live stream, TV channel as Premier League ace makes boxing debut

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      PREMIER LEAGUE winner Danny Simpson is back in action THIS WEEKEND – but not on the football pitch.The former Manchester United and Newcastle United right-back, 37, who won football’s top-flight prize with Leicester City in 2016 is set to make his boxing debut.Danny Simpson (right) is swapping the football pitch with the boxing ring this summerSimpson will take on social media influencer Danny Aarons on the Misfits 17 card which KSI was originally meant to headline.KSI was supposed to face Anthony Taylor and Slim in a two-on-one handicap match.But the entertainment mogul will now perform a mini-concert instead, with a seven-fight bill to accompany the musical performance. Elsewhere on the card, TikTok star HStikkytokky is in action, as is former Love Island contestant Jake Cornish. When is Simpson vs Aarons?Simpson’s clash with Aarons will take place on Saturday, August 31.The fight will be held at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland. A ring-walk time for the fight has yet to be confirmed.HStikkytokky vs George Fensom is set to headline the event. What channel is it and can it be live streamed?Simpson vs Aarons will be shown live on DAZN PPV in the UK and US.You can subscribe to DAZN in the UK for £14.99 ($19.99) per month, which commits you to an entire year of action.You can also pay £99.99 ($124.99) for the year up front, and this is the lowest cost option.The fight is available for live streaming on your mobile or tablet device from the DAZN app.You can also watch DAZN 1 HD on Sky channel 429 in the UK.The PPV price is £19.99 in the UK and $64.99 in the US.Alternatively, SunSport will LIVE BLOG the entire night from inside the arena.Misfits 17 full cardHStikkytokky vs George FensomDanny Simpson vs Danny AaronsDeen The Great vs Dave FogartyAnthony Taylor vs Gabriel SilvaSami Hamed vs Jesse ClarkeBen Williams vs Warren SpencerJake Cornish vs Mike EdwardsDTG vs Minikon More

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      What was Juan Izquirego’s cause of death?

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      URUGUAYAN footballer, Juan Izquierdo, has tragically passed away at the age of 27 after collapsing on the pitch during a Copa Libertadores match.The defender, who was playing for Nacional in their last 16 tie against São Paulo, collapsed during the second leg at the Morumbi Stadium in Brazil on Thursday, August 22, 2024.Uruguayan footballer Juan Izquierdo has sadly passed awayWhat happened to Juan Izquierdo?Juan Izquierdo suffered a “cardiorespiratory arrest associated with his cardiac arrhythmia” in the 84th minute of the match.He was rushed to the Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo, where he was placed on a ventilator and received neurological critical care.Despite the medical team’s best efforts, Izquierdo sadly passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, after fighting for his life for several days.Uruguay’s domestic leagues postponed their games at the weekend as a mark of respect, while São Paulo players paid tribute to Izquierdo during their Brazilian league win over Vitória on Sunday. The football community has also been left in mourning, with tributes pouring in from around the world.The footballer’s club, Nacional, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement: “It is with the deepest sorrow and shock in our hearts that Club Nacional announces the death of our beloved player Juan Izquierdo.”We express our most sincere condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones.”South American football chief Alejandro Dominguez expressed his condolences, saying: “South American football is in mourning.”Most read in FootballMeanwhile, São Paulo described it as a “sad day for football”.Former Manchester United striker and Uruguay icon Diego Forlán also paid tribute, he said: “How sad. My deepest condolences to his family.”Tributes from fans and clubs across South America followed, with Brazilian side Fluminense and numerous supporters expressing their grief and sending their condolences to Izquierdo’s loved ones.As the world mourns his loss, Nacional and the wider community remember Juan Izquierdo not just as a talented defender but as a beloved teammate, father, and husband.Born on July 4, 1997, he was just 27 when he died.He leaves behind a wife and two children.A heartfelt message from Nacional read: “RIP Juan, you will be with us forever.”What was Juan Izquierdo’s cause of death?On August 28, 2024, the hospital where Izquierdo passed away released a statement.It read: “The Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital regrets to announce the death of Mr. Juan Manuel Izquierdo, who passed away on Tuesday, August 27, at 9:38 PM (local time), as a result of brain death following a cardiac arrest associated with an arrhythmia.”However, further medical investigations may be conducted to determine if there were any underlying conditions that contributed to this tragic event. The coroner at Albert Einstein Hospital indicated that an autopsy could provide more clarity, but that the decision lies with Izquierdo’s family, as well as CONMEBOL, or Brazilian authorities.Izquierdo’s death is a painful reminder of the health risks faced by athletes, with cardiac-related incidents occurring sporadically in sports. Such occurrences, while rare, have been noted to increase since the global pandemic, raising concerns about athlete health and well-being.READ MORE SUN STORIESIzquierdo spent almost all of his club career in Uruguay, playing for teams including Peñarol, Montevideo Warriors, and Montevideo side Liverpool FC.He had a brief spell with Mexican side Atlético San Luis in 2021 before returning to his homeland, where he was in his second stint with Nacional. More

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      Carabao Cup draw rule changes: What is Bowl 1 and Bowl 2 and how has the Champions League schedule changed the draw?

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      WE are heading into the third round of the Carabao Cup – and it’s been a thrilling start to the competition.The top seven Premier League clubs from last season will enter the hat on Wednesday night, but this year’s draw comes with a major change.The Carabao Cup is heading into the third round stageCredit: GettySunSport has all the details ahead of the Carabao Cup third round draw below…Carabao Cup third round rule changeNew draw conditions will be implemented for the Carabao Cup third round draw due to the scheduling of European competition fixtures over two exclusive midweeks in September.The third round fixtures are due to take place W/C September 16 and 23, with fixtures in the Champions League (W/C September 16) and Europa League (W/C September 23) also scheduled during this period.To ensure there is no clash of fixture dates, conditions will be implemented during the third round draw to ensure a club participating in the Champions League does not draw a club participating in the Europa League, to enable the round three fixtures to take place in the alternate week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Carabao Cup third round draw features 32 clubs, including the 25 winners from round two and the seven Premier League clubs in Uefa competitions this term.Chelsea could be competing in the Uefa Conference League this season, which is due to begin in October, meaning it has no impact on the Carabao Cup third round.This year’s main draw will see two separate bowls be used for picking the balls:Bowl 1 – the six Champions League and Europa League clubsBowl 2 – the remaining 26 clubsMost read in FootballBefore Nottingham Forest’s second round clash against Newcastle on Wednesday, August 28, there will be a pre-draw to determine the home/away positioning of the six clubs in Bowl 1 for the first six ties of the main draw.Following the conclusion of the game at the City Ground, the main draw for the third round will take place.The first six ties will be drawn alternating between one club from Bowl 1 and one club from Bowl 2, with the home/away positioning of the club from Bowl 1 already determined by the pre-draw.The remaining ten ties will then be drawn from teams in Bowl 2 only to complete the draw with Bowl 1 sides already picked.And from the third round of the Carabao Cup, the draw is no longer split into northern and southern sections.When is the Carabao Cup third round draw?The Carabao Cup main draw takes place on Wednesday, August 28 following the conclusion of Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle, expected at around 10.15pm BST.There will be a pre-draw first to determine the home/away positioning of the clubs in the Champions League and the Europa League.Mark Chapman will host the draws.READ MORE SUN STORIESHow can I watch the Carabao Cup third round draw?The Carabao Cup third round draw will be televised live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football following Nottingham Forest vs Newcastle.The draw is also expected to be live streamed for FREE on Sky Sports’ Football’s YouTube channel, as have the first and second round draws this season. More

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      What is Marcus Tavernier’s goal celebration and why does his brother James also do it after scoring?

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      THE CHERRIES goal scorer Marcus Tavernier adopted a unique goal celebration from his brother. However, Marcus didn’t get to celebrate as he usually would after Bournemouth’s recent VAR controversy that denied them a stoppage time win over Newcastle. Here’s everything you need to know about Marcus’ ‘baseball’ swing.James Tavernier’s goal celebration was adopted by his brother Marcus TavernierCredit: GettyWho is Marcus Tavernier?Marcus Tavernier is an English professional footballer who is a a midfielder for the Premier League club A.F.C Bournemouth.The midfielder was born March 22, 1999 in Leeds, West Yorkshire. He grew up there alongside his older brother, James Tavernier who is also a professional footballer and captain for the Scottish Premiership club, Rangers F.C.Having previously played for Newcastle United, Marcus joined the academy of Middlesbrough FC in his teens at the under-14 level in 2013 and continued with them until 2017.More from Sport In January 2018, Tavernier joined Milton Keynes Dons on loan for one season.He proudly featured in the England U20 squad for the 2019 Toulon Tournament.Tavernier eventually joined A.F.C Bournemouth in August 2022, making his debut for the club the same week with a 2–0 home win over Aston Villa. What is Marcus Tavernier’s goal celebration?Marcus’ goal celebration has earned significant attention from fans who have spotted both the Cherries player and his brother sporting the jubilant move upon scoring. Most read in FootballAfter scoring, Marcus runs to the crowd, placing his arms by his side before taking a swing to the air. Kieran Trippier goes viral during Newcastle’s clash at Bournemouth after painful moment is caught on Sky Sports camerasHe calls it the ‘baseball swing’ and clarified the name in a post match interview after media outlets had misidentified the move as a ‘golf swing.’Marcus told the press: “My brother messaged me to and told me to tell you guys that it’s not a golf swing, it’s a baseball swing.”After scoring for A.F.C Bournemouth in November 2023, Marcus said:”It’s something we both do and I’ve been telling him wait for me and I finally got to do it today.”The Tavernier brothers haven’t revealed why they opt for this particular goal celebration, but it certainly excites the football fans in the stands.How many goals has Marcus Tavenier scored for Bournemouth?According to the Premier League Record, since signing for A.F.C Bournemouth in 2022, the midfielder has scored nine goals so far. Fans expect to see more goals that end in ‘baseball swings’ as The Cherries set to take on West Ham FC on Wednesday August 28.Football goal celebrationsScoring a goal is an impressive feat and each footballer has a unique way of celebrating when they score. Here are some of the most iconic goal celebrations in football: More

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      When is the Conference League 2024/25 draw? Date, time, FREE live stream and TV channel for huge new league phase format

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      THE Conference League draw will take place this week as sides await their fate for the brand new league phase.Last year saw Olympiacos take home the title after they beat Fiorentina 1-0 after extra time.Olympiacos lifted the Uefa Europa Conference League Trophy last seasonCredit: GettyThrylos became the first Greek club to win a major European trophy following their triumph in Athens.Chelsea are set to be the only English team competing in the competition this season, should they not slip up against Servette in their play-off second leg later this week.SunSport has all the details you need on the new Conference League format and the upcoming draw.What is the new Conference League format?Like the Champions League and the Europa League, the Conference League will also ditch the traditional group stage format.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInstead, the three European competitions will adopt a brand new league phase.The Conference League will have a 36-team league stage, with each side facing six different teams, three at home and three away.The top eight of the overall table advance to the round of 16, while sides finishing ninth to 24th will contest the knockout round play-offs, with the victors filling the remaining spots in the last 16.From then on, the traditional knockout rules will apply.Most read in FootballWhen is the Conference League draw?The Conference League league phase draw will take place on Friday, August 30.The draw is set to begin at 1.30pm BST.The Grimaldi Forum, Monaco, will host.How to watch the Conference League draw FREE?The Conference League draw will be broadcast live for free on Uefa.com.TNT Sports 1 will broadcast the draw live on TV.Alternatively, you can follow SunSport’s live blog to find out all the ties from the draw.When are the 2024/25 Conference League league stage matches?Matchday 1: October 3, 2024Matchday 2: October 24, 2024Matchday 3: November, 7, 2024Matchday 4: November, 28, 2024Matchday 5: December, 12, 2024Matchday 6: December, 19, 2024When is the 2024/25 Conference League knockout stage?Knockout round play-offs: February 13 and 20, 2025Round of 16: March 6 and 13, 2025Quarter-finals: April 10 and 17, 2025Semi-finals: May 1 and 8, 2025Final: May 28, 2025 More