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      in Soccer

      Who is Neymar’s dad, was Neymar Sr also a professional footballer, and what role does he work with his son?

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      NEYMAR SANTOS SR. has earned himself a massive income looking after his famous footballing son.When Neymar Jr. left Barcelona for PSG in a world record £189million – he was the man brokering the deal.
      Neymar Jr. and Neymar. Sr. enjoy a chin wag as they watch Neymar Jr.’s Five soccer tournament in SantosCredit: Reuters
      The younger Neymar used to be managed by both his father and Wagner Ribeiro. But now dad does it all on his own after Ribiero was handed a five-year sentence for tax evasion.
      As far as anyone can tell, Neymar Sr. has never let his famous client down and has guided him to the very top.
      There could be more lucrative work on offer after the World Cup with Neymar Jr. rumoured to be keen on a move to Real Madrid… or even back to Barca.
      In the meantime, here is SunSport’s guide to Neymar Santos Sr… a man who has made millions despite a poverty-stricken upbringing.
      Neymar Jr. and his dad arrive at a Barcelona court to testify about irregularities in the transfer from SantosCredit: Corbis
      Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva shares a joke with the NeymarsCredit: AFP – Getty
      LATEST STORIES FROM THE WORLD CUP
      What is Neymar’s Sr.’s background?
      Life was rough for Neymar Sr. and his wife Nadine in Mogi das Cruzes, a run-down suburb of Sao Paulo, that they could not afford an ultrasound scan prior to Neymar Jr.’s birth.
      The family often had to survive without electricity and live only by candlelight in the young family’s tiny home.
      At one stage the whole family – now with the addition of baby Rafaella – had no option but to move to Neymar’s grandparents’ tiny house, where they shared one mattress.
      This is the effect Neymar Jr. has on Sao Paulo when fans watch him on big screens in the streetCredit: REUTERS
      Did Neymar’s dad ever play football professionally himself?
      Yes. He was a journeyman immersed in the lower reaches of the Brazilian pyramid.
      When his son was born Neymar Sr. was playing out his final years in Mogi das Cruzes, a sprawling industrial suburb on the outer reaches of Sao Paulo.
      Injury problems forced him to give up his own lower-league football career – and with it, all of his income.
      Father and son love watching football togetherCredit: AFP or licensors
      What did Neymar Sr. do when he retired from the game?
      He basically put everything in place for Neymar Jr. to become one of the best players in the world.
      Neymar. Sr. set about controlling all of his son’s professional and commercial life.
      Santos was always to be the first stepping stone for Neymar in his father’s big plan and he signed on aged 17 in 2008.
      A Copa Libertadores victory and a date with Barcelona in the 2011 Club World Cup proved the high-water mark; from there it was only a matter of time before a £48.6m move to the Nou Camp in 2013.
      Neymar Sr. has guided his son’s professional and commercial affairs since the striker joined Santos in 2008Credit: AFP – Getty
      Have we any idea how much Neymar Sr. has made from his son’s transfer deals?
      It has been reported that Neymar Sr. reportedly received £8.9m when Neymar Jr. signed a pre-contact agreement with Barcelona in 2011,.
      He apparently got another £35.8 in 2013 when the transfer from Santos was actually completed.
      When the striker extended his contract with Barca until 2021, his father was reportedly due £23.3m for his part in convincing the 25-year-old to keep playing for them.
      It is further understood Neymar Sr. was due to make at least £19.8m of the transfer fee PSG  paid Barcelona in 2017
      Neymar is currently trying to win the World Cup for Brazil in Russia
      Has Neymar Sr. ever been involved in anything controversial?
      The family’s time in Spain was blighted by legal challenges and investigations into the transfer from Santos, but those came to nothing and Neymar Sr. has always maintained his conscience is clear.
      Neymar Jr. said in 2015: “For two years there have been people trying to destabilise us in any way possible.
      “Everything that Santos have said, be in the current president or the previous one, has nothing to do with what the documents indicate.
      “No-one investigated us until we arrived in Barcelona. It’s all motivated by complaints from third parties, who are looking for their ‘rights’, ‘rights’ which I do not know what they on about.
      “All the investigations against us started in the same way: ‘Based on information published in the media, we have come to investigate…'”
      What does Neymar Jr. say of his father?
      Reveals Neymar Jr: “My father has been by my side since I was little.
      “He takes care of things, my finances and my family. He is the one who is in charge. He’s the boss.
      “There’s always somebody nearby, keeping an eye on me more than watching me.”
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      in Soccer

      Who is France star Olivier Giroud’s wife Jennifer and what is she most famous for?

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      OLIVIER GIROUD has become France’s all-time top goal-scorer at the World Cup in Qatar.And one woman who has been by his side through it all is his wife of 11 years Jennifer.
      Olivier Giroud and pregnant wife Jennifer pictured at the Fifa Best awardsCredit: Rex Features
      American Jennifer, aged 38, is notoriously private but has been known to open up on Twitter now and again.So, what is Jennifer best known for?
      Some might say the fact that Jennifer remained tight-lipped after Olivier was spotted inviting a model to his hotel room prior a Premier League match in 2014.
      But actually it’s more likely the fact Jennifer was blamed for denying Olivier a move from Arsenal to Everton several years ago.
      And she also dug her heels in when Giroud looked like becoming the makeweight in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s transfer to the Gunners from Borussia Dortmund in January 2018.
      At the time French journalist Julien Laurens told BBC Radio 5 Live:
      Jennifer and daughter watching Giroud at Euro2016Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      This summer he will represent France at the World CupCredit: AFP or Licensors
      “I think Giroud will do very well in Germany if he ends up there.
      “I didn’t ask Jen, his wife … if she really didn’t want him to move to Everton, for example, because she didn’t want to move away from London to go to Liverpool I’m not sure what she’s going to feel once she discovers Dortmund.”
      It was later revealed that Giroud actually turned Dortmund down because of the imminent birth of his third child.
      The Girouds pictured at a Global Gift Gala event in 2016Credit: Getty – Contributor
      Where have the Girouds been seen out together recently?
      Olivier, now an AC Milan player, and Jennifer headed out to fancy London venue the Chiltern Firehouse recently.
      The restaurant was also popular on with guests at the Royal Wedding, who reportedly headed there after Harry and Megan’s evening gala reception.
      Where else have they been snapped?
      They’ve enjoyed holidays in Sardinia, wading into the ocean on the beach and relaxing on sun loungers while they mingled with other holiday makers on the Italian island.
      How many children do the couple have?
      Jennifer and Olivier have a daughter named Jade who was born in 2013. Their son, Evan, was born in 2016. In 2018 their son Aaron was born and in 2020 they welcomed a daughter called Aria. More

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      in Soccer

      Who is Argentina vs Croatia World Cup 2022 referee Daniele Orsato and what controversies has he been involved in?

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      REFEREE Daniele Orsato officiated the opening World Cup contest, and will now be in charge for a huge final four clash.The Italian official will preside over the semi-final between Argentina and Croatia.
      Italian Daniele Orsato is one of the world’s most respected and experienced refereesCredit: Getty
      Has he officiated at a World Cup or Euros before?
      The Italian made his first World Cup appearance in 2018 and also officiated at Euro 2020.
      Orsato had before officiated a series of international friendlies and World Cup qualifying fixtures, including the first leg of the World Cup play-off between Honduras and Australia.
      He’s also been a senior referee in Serie A since 2010.
      What has he done so far?
      Orsato made his Serie C debut in 2002, moving to the premier Serie A division for the 2006-07 season. He has gone on to make nearly 200 appearances in the division.
      Since 2012, the Italian has been involved in Champions League fixtures. Orsato went on to referee the 2020 Champions League final between PSG and Bayern Munich before reffing the 2021/22 semi-final second leg between Real Madrid and Chelsea.
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      Has he used VAR before?
      Orsato reversed a decision in a Serie A clash between Inter Milan and Juventus after using VAR to view the incident. The Italian correctly decided to send off Inter’s Matias Vecino instead of sticking with the yellow card he had already given.
      But in the same game he controversially refused to use VAR after failing to give Miralem Pjanic a card for a high tackle on Rafinha, with the Bosnian already on a yellow.
      The decision would prove crucial as Juve went on to secure a late 3-2 win.
      VAR has been used in Italian’s Serie A since the start of the 2017/18 season. Orsato is a regular official in the league.
      He also refereed the controversial Champions League tie between Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain in 2019.
      Orsato awarded a penalty to United in the 94th minute via VAR after a handball by Presnel Kimpembe and Marcus Rashford scored it to send United through.
      Which Euro 2020 games did he referee?
      Daniele Orsato made his Euro 2020 bow in England’s 1-0 win over Croatia.
      And following that game he refereed Spain vs Poland, awarding a penalty to the Spaniards after a VAR review.
      He later officiated Ukraine’s win over Sweden in the last 16 of the tournament.
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      World Cup schedule: What are the kick-off times for all the matches?
      World Cup prize money: How much does each winner earn?
      Who are the ITV pundits and commentators?
      Who are the BBC pundits and commentators?
      Meet England’s World Cup wags who are staying on a £1bn cruise ship More

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      in Boxing

      Naoya Inoue vs Paul Butler: UK start time, TV channel, live stream, undercard for Tokyo fight

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      BRIT star Paul Butler faces fearsome puncher Naoya Inoue in a huge unification fight.Unbeaten Japanese sensation Inoue – who is Mike Tyson’s favourite boxer – holds the WBA, WBC, IBF, and The Ring bantamweight titles, with Cheshire ace Butler the WBO champ.
      Naoya Inoue and Paul Butler will face offCredit: AFP
      Paul Butler is the WBO world championCredit: AFP
      Butler, 34, has been promoted from interim WBO titlist to full champion.
      He had also been at the top table before, winning the IBF bantamweight title in 2017.
      While Inoue – nicknamed ‘The Monster’ – has won all 23 of his fights with 20 wins coming by stoppage.
      Butler told BBC Sport: “If I get the gameplan right, I believe I’ll win.
      “It’s a tough fight. I’ve got to stay switched on.
      “Inoue deserves his title as pound-for-pound king.
      “Everyone knows what he does well. He puts people away and stops people.”
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      Most read in Boxing
      When is Naoya Inoue vs Paul Butler?
      Naoya Inoue vs Paul Butler takes place on Tuesday, December 13.
      The main event is expected at around 12.30pm UK time – this is 9.30pm in Tokyo.
      The undercard kicks off from 10am UK time.
      The Ariake Arena in Tokyo plays host.
      What TV channel and live stream is Naoya Inoue vs Paul Butler on?
      Naoya Inoue vs Paul Butler is currently not scheduled for TV coverage in the UK.
      In the US it will be on ESPN+, and it will also be on dTV and Hikari TV in Japan.
      All eyes will be on the Ariake Arena for the unification boutCredit: AFP
      Who is fighting on the undercard?

      Main event: Naoya Inoue vs Paul Butler – for WBO, WBA (Super), WBC, IBF, and The Ring bantamweight titles
      Yoshiki Takei vs Bruno Tarimo
      Andy Hiraoka vs Min Ho Jung
      Takuma Inoue vs Jake Bornea
      Satoshi Shimizu vs Landy Cris Leon
      Hironori Miyake vs Peter McGrail More

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      in Soccer

      Who is Croatia’s ‘hottest fan’ Ivana Knoll at the 2022 World Cup and who has she dated?

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      CROATIA have been one of the bright sparks of the 2022 World Cup, defying the odds to reach the semi-finals in Qatar.While the performances on the pitch have been particularly spectacular, a fan in the stands has caught the eye of fans across the globe.
      Ivana Knoll is catching the eye in QatarCredit: PA
      Ivana Knoll is often spotted in the stands supporting her team, dressed in the colours of her country during their run in the tournament.
      And she will be back in front of the cameras when Croatia take on Argentina in the semi-final THIS WEEK.
      But just who is Knoll? We have all the information on the Croatia fan.
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      Who is Ivana Knoll?
      Knoll is a renowned Croatian model and social media influencer.
      The 30-year-old has over 2.4million followers on Instagram and her content has blown up during her time in Qatar.
      Ivana Knoll has gained many fans during her time in QatarCredit: Splash
      As the founder and owner of clothing brand ‘wearknolldoll’, the model has been showing off her outfits at the World Cup.
      This has included an several impressive pieces of clothing which showcase the Croatia flag.
      However, not is all as it seems with Knoll.
      Most read in Football
      Where was Ivana Knoll born and why does she support Croatia?
      Some fans may be surprised to learn that Knoll was not actually born in Croatia, according to several sources.
      She was in fact born in Frankfurt, Germany, where she spent seven years before moving to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
      So why does she support Croatia? Well, she currently resides in Zagreb and is a fan of the national team.
      Ivana Knoll is former Miss Croatia and a modelCredit: Splash
      Who is she dating and who has she dated?
      Knoll keeps her private life behind closed doors, not showcasing a boyfriend on social media.
      Therefore, fans of hers have speculated that she is currently single but this is unknown.
      The same goes for her ex-boyfriends, who will no doubt be kicking themselves now after her rise to fame in Qatar.
      Knoll is sure to have plenty of suitors when she lands back in Croatia as the model hopes to return to Zagreb with the trophy with Croatia. More

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      in Soccer

      Liverpool vs Milan: Date, TV channel, stream FREE and kick-off time for Dubai Super Cup clash

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      LIVERPOOL take on AC Milan in a friendly clash in Dubai during the World Cup THIS WEEK.Top European leagues took a break during the tournament in Qatar and will return following its conclusion.
      Harvey Elliot and Roberto Firmino will likely be in action, having not played at the World CupCredit: Reuters
      Fikayo Tomori will likely be in action, having not been called up to Gareth Southgate’s England squadCredit: Getty
      However, there are several players not involved in the World Cup and they remain training with their club sides.
      Several of these teams are now undergoing warm weather training camps ahead of the resumption of their leagues and Liverpool face AC Milan in a warm-up fixture.
      Read More football
      When is Liverpool vs AC Milan?

      Liverpool take on AC Milan on Friday, December 16.
      The game will get underway from 3.30pm UK time.
      Al-Maktoum Stadium will host the affair, with a capacity of 15,058 in Dubai.

      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      UK fans can watch Liverpool vs AC Milan live on LFCTV.
      The match will also be broadcast on the LFCTV GO app, which is available for download on your mobile and tablet devices.

      Liverpool will be hoping to recover their form in the Premier League when the season resumesCredit: Reuters
      Can I watch for FREE?

      First time subscribers can get a month of LFCTV for FREE when using the code: GOFREE23 at checkout.
      However, if you do not cancel this subscription, you will be charged for the following month.

      What is the latest team news?
      Jurgen Klopp has named a 33-man squad for the matches in Dubai.
      Jordan Henderson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson Becker, Fabinho, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are unlikely to join the squad due to their participation in the World Cup.
      Full 33-man Liverpool squad: Adrian, Kelleher, Davies, Mrozek, Pitaluga, Thiago, Milner, Keita, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jones, Elliott, Arthur, Clark, Bajcetic, Cain, Corness, Firmino, Salah, Jota, Diaz, Carvalho, Gordon, Frauendorf, Stewart, Doak.
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      AC Milan are yet to confirm their full squad. More

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      in Soccer

      When is the World Cup 2022 final? TV channel and live stream details for Qatar showpiece

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      THE 2022 World Cup is coming to an end, and what a tournament it has been in Qatar.We have seen some incredible upsets from Germany being knocked out in the group stage after defeat to Japan.
      Morocco have made history as the first African team in a World Cup semi-finalCredit: Splash
      France knocked England out of the World CupCredit: Getty
      Morocco have shocked the world and made it to the semi-finals after knocking out Spain and Portugal.
      And there could be a first time winner of the tournament as France, Morocco, Croatia and Argentina all battle it out for a place in the final.
      SunSport has all the details ahead of what promises to be a historic occasion as the final in Qatar approaches.
      When is the World Cup 2022 final?

      The World Cup final will take place on Sunday, December 18.
      The match will get underway from 3pm UK time.
      Lusail Stadium in Qatar will host the affair.
      The winners of Argentina vs Croatia and France vs Morocco will play in the last match of the tournament as they search for World Cup glory.

      What TV channel and live stream is the 2022 World Cup final on?

      The World Cup final will be broadcast on both ITV 1 and BBC One.
      UK fans can watch the game as it is live streamed on both ITV X andBBC iPlayer.
      Both ITV and BBC are free-to-air for those in the UK with a valid TV licence.

      What are the recent World Cup results?
      Quarter-finals
      Friday, December 9

      Saturday, December 10
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      in Soccer

      What is stadium 974 and where will it be used?

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      MANY were confused when they heard that Qatar will demolish the World Cup’s stadium 974.Here is everything you need to know about the stadium, its demolition and where it will be used.
      stadium 974 will be demolished after the World CupCredit: Reuters
      What is stadium 974?
      stadium 974 is a football stadium used for the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar.
      It is found in Ras Abu Aboud in Doha and it opened on November 30, 2021, as a temporary venue which holds 44,089 spectators.
      It was made from 974 – which is also Qatar’s international dialing code – recycled shipping containers.
      It was opened in 2021 as the Ras Abu Aboud Stadium to host matches for the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup
      Read More on Qatar 2022
      Officially renamed stadium 974, it become the first stadium of its sort in FIFA World Cup history.
      The stadium hosted seven games during the 2022 World Cup:

      Where will stadium 974 be used?
      So far, there has been no concrete decision made on where the stadium might be used.
      Most read in Football
      The Financial Times reported that the stadium might be moved to Uruguay to be used in the 2030 World Cup.
      Uruguay are planning to make a joint bid with Argentina, Chile and Paraguay to host a South American World Cup in 2030.
      Why did Qatar demolish stadium 974?
      Qatar’s aims were to deliver a World Cup with a very low rate of carbon footprint.
      That is why they came up with the idea of a recyclable football stadium, which can be used to host other events in different locations.
      Dismantling of stadium 974 already started.
      The organising committee said: “Qatar is on track to deliver the first carbon neutral Fifa World Cup.
      “That means all infrastructure projects – including the eight stadiums – must meet stringent sustainability benchmarks.
      “During their construction, we have recycled and reused wherever possible and implemented a vast range of energy and water efficiency solutions.
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      “In addition, materials from sustainable sources were used and innovative legacy plans have been implemented to ensure the tournament doesn’t leave any ‘white elephants’.”
      White elephants is the term used to refer to those stadiums built for the World Cup but rarely used again such as the case in South Africa, Brazil and Russia. More