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      What is the Champions League trophy made out of, and do winners get to keep it?

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      THE Champions League trophy is heading back to England this season.Chelsea and Manchester City are going head-to-head in Lisbon on Saturday for the crown, infront of 16,500 lucky fans.

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      Big Ears awaits the winners of Chelsea vs Man CityCredit: PA
      An iconic trophy in its own right, the Champions League prize is known as ‘Big Ears’ and will be awarded on the pitch following the match.
      What is the Champions League trophy made out of?
      Weighing in at a hefty but manageable 7.5kg, the trophy is light enough to be thrown around a bit in the kind of jubilant scenes we saw last year with Bayern Munich.
      It stands 74cm tall and is made of sterling silver.
      And it’s not actually as valuable as you might expect, with a reported scrap value of just over £4000.
      Compare that to the sold gold World Cup trophy, which has an estimated value of a whopping £113,000.
      The distinctive shape of the two handles has resulted in the Big Ears nickname, with the winning team receiving golden medals on Saturday night and runners-up silver medals.
      Manchester United last won the Champions League back in 2008 under Sir Alex FergusonCredit: PA
      Do winners get to keep it?
      Sadly not.
      Up until 2008/09, if a team won the competition five times they were allowed to keep the current iteration of the trophy.
      That rule was changed just over a decade ago and now all winners receive a replica to display at their club.
      But Big Ears will stay at the Uefa headquarters after this weekend’s expedition to Lisbon.

      Pep Guardiola is hoping to engineer Man City’s first CL triumphCredit: PA
      The Uefa website states: “A rule introduced in 1968/69 stipulates that the cup becomes the property of any club who win the competition five times or three years in a row.
      “The club then start a new cycle from zero. Real Madrid, Ajax, Bayern Munchen, Milan, Liverpool and Barcelona all have a version in their trophy rooms.
      “The rule was changed ahead of 2008/09, with the original trophy remaining with UEFA and the clubs awarded a replica.
      “The current trophy is the fifth version of the current design. It was commissioned by UEFA General Secretary Hans Bangerter after Real Madrid were allowed to keep the original in 1967.”

      How can I watch Champions League final?

      The Champions League final will be shown live on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport 1 HD, as well as BT Sport Ultimate.
      You can catch the action on the BT Sport app which is available for download onto your mobile device, tablet or Smart TV.
      The match will also be shown on BT Sport’s YouTube channel, FREE of charge. More

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      in Soccer

      Why is Zlatan Ibrahimovic not playing for Sweden at Euro 2020?

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      ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC has been one of the most talented and recognisable footballers of the past 20 years.But at Euro 2020, for the second tournament running, he will play no part for his native Sweden.
      Zlatan Ibrahimovic will play no part for Sweden at Euro 2020Credit: Getty
      Why isn’t Zlatan Ibrahimovic playing for Sweden at Euro 2020?
      Zlatan Ibrahimovic, missed out on World Cup 2018 after retiring from international football five years ago.
      However, his retirement is NOT the reason he is unable to appear for Sweden at Euro 2020.
      Ibrahimovic came out of international retirement in March and appeared in Sweden’s last two World Cup qualifiers.
      However, his hopes of an international swansong at the age of 39 were curtailed by a cruciate ligament injury in May.
      Though the ligament is not broken, Ibrahimovic will still be unable to return in time for the big tournament in which Sweden face Spain, Poland and Slovakia.
      Sweden coach Janne Andersson said: “I spoke to Zlatan Ibrahimovic today, who unfortunately told me his injury will prevent his participation in the European Championship this summer.
      “Of course it is sad, especially for Zlatan, but for us too. I hope that he is back on the pitch again as soon as possible.”

      Has Zlatan Ibrahimovic played his last game for Sweden?
      Zlatan Ibrahimovic has not made any announcement on his international future following his injury.
      However, he may be encouraged to continue with the World Cup in Qatar just 18 months away.
      That would give him the incredible opportunity to play his part on the world’s biggest stage at the age of 41.
      But he would still not be the oldest player ever to appear at a World Cup, with that accolade going to Egypt goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary.
      He started against Saudi Arabia at World Cup 2018 at the age of 45. More

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      in Soccer

      Is the Champions League final being broadcast for free? How to stream Chelsea vs Man City LIVE on YouTube without paying

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      NOTHING beats a free football match – and this year’s Champions League final is no exception.As they have done the last few seasons, BT Sport are broadcasting the final for free on YouTube and their website – but it can be a little tricky to find.
      Manchester City and Chelsea go head-to-head in the biggest game in club footballCredit: AFP
      Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City take on Thomas Tuchel’s resurgent Chelsea side in Porto in the third all-English final in recent memory.

      BETTING SPECIAL Get Man City at 30/1 and Chelsea at 40/1 to win Champions League final

      Can I watch the Champions League final for free on BT Sport?
      Yes! BT Sport are airing Chelsea vs Manchester City live on YouTube and their website.
      You can also watch the match from Portugal on PlayStation or Xbox, while a whole range of smart TVs will also have the showpiece match free-to-air.
      Kick-off for the game in Porto is at 8pm and coverage will begin at 6pm.

      How much is a BT Sport subscription?
      You can get all the BT Sport channels and BT Sport Ultimate for £25 a month via their monthly pass.

      That means you can stream BT Sport via their website, mobile or tablet app, as well as various smart TVs.
      It’s also contract free, so you can cancel whenever you want and BT Sport have got the same number of Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League games next season, so worth bearing in mind after the Euros have finished this summer. More

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      in Soccer

      Why are Chelsea wearing their old kit in Champions League final after they wore new one in FA Cup?

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      CHELSEA take on Manchester City in Lisbon with the Champions League trophy on the line.The biggest club prize in European football is at stake as the two Premier League sides battle it out in Portugal infront of 16,500 fans.

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      The stage is set in Lisbon for the Champions League finalCredit: Getty
      Chelsea had debuted their new-look 2021/22 kit in the FA Cup final, which they lost 1-0 to Leicester earlier this month – but they won’t be wearing it on Saturday.
      Why are Chelsea wearing their old kit?
      Since unveiling their new kit, things haven’t quite gone right for Chelsea.
      The strip is the same for both the men’s and women’s team, both of whom debuted it in finals.
      But as well as that FA Cup loss to Leicester, the women’s team were defeated heavily in the Champions League final against Barcelona.
      As a result of these two defeats, the Daily Mail reports that superstitious figures at Stamford Bridge are reverting to the old kit for this Saturday’s Lisbon showdown.
      Chelsea debuted their new kit in the FA Cup final – but it’s been shelved for LisbonCredit: AP
      Both Chelsea and City will be wearing their home colours for the clash, which was moved from Istanbul due to Covid restrictions.
      Kick-off is set for 8pm on Saturday, with the majority of Blues fans flown into Portugal and then bussed straight to the stadium.
      Their new kit was unveiled earlier this month and was described by some fans as ‘horrific’.
      Sporting a 1960s throwback look, the zig-zag and chequerboard design has certainly proved to be divisive amongst the fanbase.

      How to watch Champions League final for free

      The Champions League final will be shown live on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport 1 HD, as well as BT Sport Ultimate.
      You can catch the action on the BT Sport app which is available for download onto your mobile device, tablet or Smart TV.
      The match will also be shown on BT Sport’s YouTube channel, FREE of charge. More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea vs Man City – Champions League final FREE: Stream FREE, TV channel, team news, kick-off time for huge match

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      CHELSEA can claim their second Champions League trophy as they take on Manchester City in this year’s final but Pep Guardiola’s side are gunning for their elusive first. The Blues beat Real Madrid 3-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals of the competition while City overcame Paris Saint-German comfortably.
      Chelsea are up against Manchester City in this season’s Champions League finalCredit: AFP
      Chelsea will now face English opposition in the Champions League final for the second time in their three appearances, having lost the 2008 tournament to Manchester United.
      City, however, are in their first ever final, and Guardiola is desperate to get his hands back on the most prized trophy in world football.
      What time does Chelsea vs Man City kick-off?

      Chelsea’s Champions League final clash with Man City will get underway from 8pm UK time on Saturday, May 29.
      The game will take place at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto, Portugal.
      There will be around 16,500 fans in the stadium to watch the game, with 6,000 tickets each being allocated to Chelsea and Man City supporters.

      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      The Champions League final will be shown live on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport 1 HD, as well as BT Sport Ultimate.
      You can catch the action on the BT Sport app which is available for download onto your mobile device, tablet or Smart TV.

      Can I watch for FREE?

      EE customers can get BT Sport INCLUDED to their plan at no extra cost if they are on a plan with Smart Benefits – simply log in to EE and choose BT Sport app.
      And then get it on the big screen by texting SPORT to 150 to get a FREE three-month trial of large screen so you can cast all the action on your TV.
      At the end of the three months you will automatically roll onto the £15 per month subscription unless cancelled.
      The game will also be shown LIVE on BT Sport’s YouTube channel, which is available for download onto your mobile device, tablet or Smart TV.

      Team news
      Man City will be with a fully-fit squad for the Champions League final – a manager’s dream.
      But Pep Guardiola has the tough task of choosing who to leave out of his first XI for his side’s clash with Chelsea in Porto.
      Joao Cancelo may not start for City and has found himself out of the side recently while Oleksandr Zinchenko could bag himself a starting place.
      Phil Foden, Kevin de Bruyne, Riyad Marrez are all expected to start for City.
      For Chelsea, their two big injury sweats were Edouard Mendy and N’Golo Kante, both who are not FIT and ready to face City.
      The pair trained on Thursday and and will almost certainly start vs City, with Thiago Silva likely to start in a back three with Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger.
      Mason Mount is certain to start, but Thomas Tuchel will have to decide on Kai Havaetz in a false 9 with Timo Werner, or Christian Pulisic.
      Mateo Kovacic, meanwhile, will be hoping to displace Jorginho in midfield.
      Odds

      Chelsea – 7/2
      Draw – 12/5
      Man City – 17/20
      Chelsea to lift cup – 15/8
      Man City to lift cup – 4/11 More

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      Brentford vs Swansea: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Championship playoff final

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      BRENTFORD take on Swansea at Wembley with a place in the Premier League up for grabs.The Bees were beaten at this stage last season and will hope to go one further after battling past Bournemouth in the semi-finals.

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      Brentford reached the final with a terrific 3-1 win over BournemouthCredit: Reuters
      Swansea meanwhile saw off a spirited Rotherham and are hoping for a return to the top-flight after a three-season absence.
      When is Brentford vs Swansea?

      This season’s Championship playoff final will be held on Saturday, May 29.
      Kick-off is at 3pm BST.
      The sides have met twice in the league this season, with both matches ending in 1-1 draws.
      Each team will have X fans cheering them on at Wembley.

      Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?
      You can catch all of the action live on Sky Sports Main Event.
      Coverage begins at 2pm.
      If you’re not a Sky customer, grab a NOW TV pass to stream on your mobile, tablet or PC.

      What is the team news?
      Marcus Forss is pushing for a start after scoring off the bench against Bourneouth.
      Aside from Christian Norgaard, the Bees have no fresh injury concerns ahead of another trip to Wembley.
      The Swans are also in good shape with Steve Cooper taking a fully-fit sqad to the Home of Football.
      Match odds

      Brentford to win – 17/20
      Draw – 23/10
      Swansea victory – 7/2
      Bees to be promoted – 4/11
      Swansea to reach Premier League – 15/8

      *All odds from Paddy Power and correct at time of publication. More

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      in Boxing

      Eddie Hall vs Thor date CONFIRMED: UK start time, live stream, undercard for HUGE heavyweight fight

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      EDDIE HALL takes on strongman nemesis Thor in the HEAVIEST boxing fight in history later this year.The two big men have been training in preparation for their mega grudge fight and mark your calendars, because a date has been set…
      Eddie Hall and Thor have been training for their big boxing bout
      Both fighters have undergone drastic body transformations, with Hall revealing he cut down to 25st 5lb in the summer.
      But that is still over two stone heavier than Nikolai Valuev, the heaviest champion in history.
      When is Eddie Hall vs Thor?

      What live stream and TV channel is Eddie Hall vs Thor on?
      A UK broadcaster has not yet been revealed for the big clash.
      Stick with us here as we’ll bring you the latest developments plus undercard news when announced.
      How do the fighters compare?

      What has been said?
      Thor: “Eddie Hall, you better be training your a** off.
      “Because I’m coming for you, and I’m knocking you out – you’re going down.
      “I respect you as an athlete, and I know you’re training hard, but I am going to knock you out, see you soon!
      “Don’t miss my fight with Eddie Hall, it’s going to be a blast and I promise you I’m doing whatever I can to knock him out in September.”
      Eddie Hall on Thor’s boxing debut: “Do you want the God’s honest truth? He didn’t land a single punch in three rounds.
      “Anyone with any boxing tenacity about them, will know that was the biggest load of s*** that has probably ever happened in boxing.
      “That Steve Ward evidently laid off.” More

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      in Soccer

      Is Champions League final being broadcast for free? How to stream Chelsea vs Man City LIVE on YouTube without paying

      by

      NOTHING beats a free football match – and this year’s Champions League final is no exception.As they have done the last few seasons, BT Sport are broadcasting the final for free on YouTube and their website – but it can be a little tricky to find.
      Manchester City and Chelsea go head-to-head in the biggest game in club footballCredit: AFP
      Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City take on Thomas Tuchel’s resurgent Chelsea side in Porto in the third all-English final in recent memory.

      BETTING SPECIAL Get Man City at 30/1 and Chelsea at 40/1 to win Champions League final

      Can I watch the Champions League final for free on BT Sport?
      Yes! BT Sport are airing Chelsea vs Manchester City live on YouTube and their website.
      You can also watch the match from Portugal on PlayStation or Xbox, while a whole range of smart TVs will also have the showpiece match free-to-air.
      Kick-off for the game in Porto is at 8pm and coverage will begin at 6pm.

      How much is a BT Sport subscription?
      You can get all the BT Sport channels and BT Sport Ultimate for £25 a month via their monthly pass.

      That means you can stream BT Sport via their website, mobile or tablet app, as well as various smart TVs.
      It’s also contract free, so you can cancel whenever you want and BT Sport have got the same number of Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League games next season, so worth bearing in mind after the Euros have finished this summer. More