Explainers

Subterms

    More stories

    • 175 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Daniel Ek net worth: How rich is Spotify founder who wants to buy Arsenal?

      by

      ARSENAL fans are furious with current owner Stan Kroenke over the club’s proposed European Super League plans. The Gunners were one of the Premier League’s Big Six who had planned to breakaway from the league and form the ESL.
      Daniel Ek has offered to buy Arsenal following fan protests over current owner Stan KroenkeCredit: AP:Associated Press
      But fan protests and outcry from club legends led to the demise of the idea as quickly as it started.
      Arsenal supporters, however, are still unhappy with Kroenke’s decision to attempt a breakaway in the first place, with protests taking place outside of the Emirates calling for him to sell the club.
      And Spotify founder Daniel Ek has offered to ease Gunners fans’ pain, by putting his name in the hat to buy the club, so long as Kroneke wants to sell.
      What is Daniel Ek’s net worth?
      A lot. To put it simply. The Spotify mogul is worth an eye-watering $4.7billion (£4.1bn) as of this month, according to Forbes.
      Ek founded music streaming service and app Spotify back in 2006 with his business partner at the time Martin Lorentzon.
      The pair launched Spotify two years later and Ek now has the funds to buy Arsenal more than once.

      The Swede tweeted during Arsenal’s clash with Everton: “As a kid growing up, I’ve cheered for Arsenal as long as I can remember.
      “If KSE would like to sell Arsenal I’d be happy to throw my hat in the ring.”
      But Arsenal fans still need Kroenke, who also owns the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Nuggets, to sell.
      Hundreds of fans turned out at the Emirates this evening to make their feelings about Kroenke known, but we could be a long way off before any sale is considered. More

    • 250 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Robert Page? The Wales boss who will take charge of Euro 2020 campaign after Ryan Giggs assault charge

      by

      RYAN GIGGS won’t be managing Wales this summer at the 2020 European Championships.The Manchester United legend has been charged with three offences in relation to alleged assaults on two women.
      Ryan Giggs will NOT be in charge of Wales this summer at the EurosCredit: Barcroft Media
      Therefore, caretaker boss Robert Page will be in charge at the Euros.
      Who is Robert Page?
      Page first took charge of Wales on a caretaker basis during their international break last November.
      Manager Ryan Giggs was arrested on suspicion of assault and stepped away to leave Page in charge of Wales’ games.
      Page has some managerial experience, having been at the helm at both Port Vale and Northampton Town.
      The 46-year-old was also in charge of Wales’ Under-21 side for a period of time.

      As a player, Page made 41 appearances for Wales, with the majority of his club career spent at Watford in the 1990s, where he made 215 apps.
      Page then went on to play for Sheffield United, Cardiff and Coventry before closing out his career with Huddersfield and Chesterfield.
      But now, Page will get the biggest assignment of his career as he takes on the Wales job for this summer’s 2020 European Championships.
      Why will Ryan Giggs not be in charge?
      Giggs was charged with coercive control and actual bodily harm in relation to his ex-girlfriend, while he was also charged with assault by beating relating to a second woman, earlier today.
      “We have authorised Greater Manchester Police to charge Ryan Giggs with engaging in behaviour which was controlling or coercive and assault occasioning actual bodily harm,” the Crown Prosecution Service announced.
      “A charge of assault by beating relating to a second woman has also been authorised. Mr Giggs will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 28th April.”
      As a result, the Welsh FA announced Page would be taking Giggs place as manager for the Euros. More

    • 88 Shares159 Views

      in Athletics

      What is gymnast Simone Biles’ net worth?

      by

      OLYMPIC medalist Simon Biles has earned the most World medals in gymnastics.The 24-year-old holds a senior international elite title in the competitive sport.
      Simone Biles holds a senior international elite title in gymnasticsCredit: Athleta
      What is gymnast Simone Biles’ net worth?
      Simone Biles has a reported net worth of $6million.
      She has obtained most of her fortune through endorsements, sponsorships and Olympic wins. 
      On April 23, 2021 it was announced that Biles was ending her partnership with Nike and was signing with Gap’s Athleta brand for an undisclosed amount.
      In this new venture, Biles will have her own performance wear line, which will include products for wearing to and from the gym, according to the company’s statement.
      Biles has a net worth of $6million and signed a deal with Gap’s Athleta brand to have her own performance wear lineCredit: Athleta
      The gymnast will also have a platform to be an activist for women and other female athletes.
      Biles released a statement regarding the new partnership, saying: “Using my voice has been very empowering for me and I am grateful to embark on this new journey with Athleta to inspire young girls and women to do the same. 
      “I admire Athleta for their commitment to recognize and support women’s individual and collective strength.
      Who is Simone Biles dating?
      Biles has been in a relationship with NFL star Jonathan Owens since August of 2020.
      Her fans first started speculating about the couple’s relationship in June when she wished Jonathan a happy birthday on social media.
      Her new relationship status comes after she confirmed her split from WWE star Stacey Ervin Jr. in July of 2020 in a cover story for Vogue.
      The athlete revealed that they called time on their three-year romance in March.
      Biles has been in a relationship with NFL star Jonathan Owens since August of 2020Credit: Twitter/Simone Biles
      She told the publication: “It’s hard being young and having that long of a relationship and then ending it. But it was for the best.”
      The former couple went public in 2017 and regularly shared social media posts throughout their relationship.
      How many medals does Simone Biles have?
      Biles is the owner of a total of 30 Olympic and World Championship medals.
      Biles is the first American female gymnast to win a World medal on every eventCredit: Getty

      She is the most decorated American gymnast and the world’s third most decorated gymnast, behind Belarus’ Vitaly Scherbo, who has 33 total.
      The gymnast is a five-time World all-around champion, five-time World floor exercise champion, three-time World balance beam champion, two-time World vault champion, and six-time US national all-around champion.
      Biles is the first American female gymnast to win a World medal on every event. More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Euro 2020 venues: Which cities are hosting the tournament, which have dropped out and how many fans will each allow?

      by

      EURO 2020 is almost here after an extremely long wait.And Uefa have now announced the list of cities hosting the tournament following the coronavirus pandemic, plus how many fans they will allow.
      Wembley will be one of the main venues for Euro 2020Credit: Reuters
      Which cities are hosting Euro 2020?
      This summer’s competition will be hosted in 11 different cities, down from the original 12.
      The stadiums hosting the competition are as follows:

      Wembley Stadium – London, England
      Allianz Arena – Munich, Germany
      Stadio Olimpico – Rome, Italy
      Olympic Stadium – Baku, Azerbaijan
      Krestovsky Stadium – Saint Petersburg, Russia
      Arena Nationala – Bucharest, Romania
      Johan Cruyff Arena – Amsterdam, Holland
      Estadio de la Cartuja – Sevilla, Spain
      Puskas Arena – Budapest, Hungary
      Hampden Park – Glasgow, Scotland
      Parken Stadium – Copenhagen, Denmark

      However, some host cities are in doubt, meaning England could get even more games than they’d planned for. 
      Which countries are still hosting Euro 2020 and how many fans will they allow?
      The following countries have given Uefa they assurances they need to host the competition.
      European football’s governing body has demanded all host cities commit to holding games with fans, preferably at a minimum of 25 per cent of stadium capacity.
      ENGLAND
      Wembley Stadium, London (90,000 capacity)
      Wembley is set to host the Euro 2020 final
      Wembley is set to host all England’s group matches, plus the Euro 2020 semi-final and final.
      The FA have committed to hold their group games at a 25 per cent capacity.
      However, this is likely to increase for the semi-final and final, with talk of a 50 per cent, or even a full capacity for those games.
      SCOTLAND
      Hampden Park, Glasgow (51,866 capacity)
      Scotland has given Hampden Park the go-ahead for Euro 2020 matchesCredit: PA:Press Association
      After months of speculation, the Scottish FA confirmed that Scotland would be able to host Euro 2020.
      Hampden Park is the venue for two of Scotland’s Euro 2020 group games, plus Croatia’s match against the Czech Republic and one last 16 match.
      It will host games at a 25 per cent capacity.
      AZERBAIJAN
      Olympic Stadium, Baku (68,700 capacity)
      Baku will host matches at a 50 per cent capacityCredit: Reuters
      Azerbaijan has announced that it will be able to host Euro 2020 matches, including Wales’ fixtures against Switzerland and Turkey.
      Baku will also host Turkey vs Switzerland and one quarter-final.
      All matches will be held at a 50 per cent capacity.
      DENMARK
      Parken Stadium, Copenhagen (38,065 capacity)
      Copenhagen was the first city to announce it would host Euro 2020 games with fansCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Copenhagen will host all three of Denmark’s group matches, plus one last 16 match.
      The Danish capital was the first city to announce in 2021 that it would host Euro 2020 with fans.
      A crowd of 25-33 per cent capacity will be allowed into Parken Stadium.
      RUSSIA
      Krestovsky Stadium, St Petersburg (68,134 capacity)
      Russia has been holding matches with fans throughout this seasonCredit: AP:Associated Press
      St Petersburg will host two of Russia’s three home group games, plus Finland vs Belgium and one quarter-final.
      In addition, it has been handed the three group games that were set to be hosted by Dublin.
      All matches will be played at a minimum 50 per cent capacity.
      Russia has been holding matches at half full stadiums throughout this season, while most of Europe has been playing behind closed doors due to coronavirus.
      ROMANIA
      Arena Nationala, Bucharest (55,600 capacity)
      Romania did not qualify for Euro 2020 but the Arena Nationala will still host gamesCredit: Getty
      Romania failed to qualify for Euro 2020 but their national stadium will still host three matches from Group C and one last 16 match.
      Games at the Arena Nationala will be hosted at a capacity of 25-33 per cent.
      HOLLAND
      Johan Cruyff Arena (56,000 capacity)
      Amsterdam will be hosting all Holland’s Euro 2020 group gamesCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Netherlands was the second country to announce it would host Euro 2020 games, following Denmark.
      All Holland’s group games will be hosted at the Johan Cruyff Arena, Amsterdam with a 25-33 per cent capacity able to attend.
      The country already started piloting matches with fans with March’s World Cup qualifier against Latvia.
      HUNGARY
      Puskas Arena, Budapest (67,215 capacity)
      Budapest is expecting to host games at full capacityCredit: Getty
      Budapest will host two of Hungary’s three group matches, plus a repeat of the Euro 2016 final between Portugal and France.
      It will also host one last 16 match.
      The Hungarian capital is the only city to announce that games will be hosted at full capacity, subject to strict entry requirements.
      ITALY
      Stadio Olimpico, Rome (72,698 capacity)
      Rome has given Uefa the assurances it needsCredit: EPA
      Italy was given extra time by Uefa to confirm that it could host fans at Euro 2020.
      And the Stadio Olimpico in Rome has announced that it will host games at a 25 per cent capacity.
      Rome will host all of Italy’s group matches and a quarter-final which could involve England.
      GERMANY
      Allianz Arena (70,000 capacity)
      Munich was the last of the original host cities to agree to host the tournamentCredit: Getty
      The last of the original host cities to be announced – Munich was only confirmed on April 23.
      The German city has committed to host matches in front of a minimum of 14,500 fans – a 20 per cent capacity – the lowest of all the host cities.
      SPAIN
      Estadio de la Cartuja, Seville (60,000)
      Seville is a last minute addition as a Euro 2020 co-hostCredit: Reuters
      A last minute addition, Seville will host the games that would have been held in Bilbao after the Spanish FA deemed the Basque Government’s conditions for hosting matches there “impossible” to meet.
      The stadium is will prepared to host games, having been the Spanish FA’s de facto home during the pandemic.
      Estadio de la Cartuja has hosted all Spain games, two Copa del Rey finals and the Spanish Super Cup in the past 12 months.
      Euro 2020 games there will be played at a 30 per cent capacity.
      Which cities have been removed from hosting Euro 2020?
      The following countries failed to give Uefa the assurances they need to host Euro 2020.
      IRELAND
      Aviva Stadium, Dublin (51,700 capacity)
      Dublin is the most likely city to miss out on hosting Euro 2020Credit: PA
      Dublin will miss out on Euro 2020 after failing to give Uefa guarantees that any fans will be allowed to attend matches.
      The Irish capital was set to host three Group E matches and a last 16 game that may well have ended up involving England.
      The three group matches it would have hosted have gone to St Petersburg while the last 16 match will be held at Wembley.
      SPAIN
      San Mames, Bilbao (53,322 capacity)
      The Spanish FA have refused to back Bilbao’s submission to UefaCredit: Reuters
      Bilbao did commit to meet Uefa’s minimum requirement of a 25 per cent capacity, however the Spanish FA refused to back their submission due to the conditions attached.
      The Basque government had stated that it would be able to host games provided 60 per cent of the Basque country and the rest of Spain had been vaccinated and less than two per cent of those in hospital were coronavirus patients.
      But the Spanish FA labelled these conditions “impossible” to meet.
      As a result, Seville will host the matches that were set for Bilbao.

      Will any cities allow fans of other countries to travel?
      The following countries are set to allow away fans to travel.
      AZERBAIJAN
      Azerbaijan has announced that fans of all travelling teams (Wales, Turkey, Switzerland and the two Baku quarter-finalists) will be able to submit a negative PCR test to enter the country instead of quarantining.
      This offer only applies to citizens or residents of the participating countries.
      RUSSIA
      St Petersburg is considering offering exemptions to entry requirements for all foreign residents with match tickets and a negative Covid test.
      However, a final decision has not yet been confirmed.
      HUNGARY
      Foreign ticket holders looking to attend games in Budapest must provide evidence of two negative Covid tests taken in the five days before entering Hungary.
      The Hungarian government will also accept a certificate of previous Covid infection in the 6 months before entering the country.
      ROMANIA
      Romania is considering providing an exemption to quarantine for foreign ticket holders for games in Bucharest.
      This will apply to those who provide proof of a negative Covid test and restrict their stay in Romania to three days or les.
      ENGLAND*
      England is expected to allow 3600 Scotland fans to attend the game against the Three Lions at Wembley.
      However, this trip would not involve crossing a border and no exemption is set to apply to fans of Croatia and the Czech Republic from overseas.
      The FA are also reportedly considering allowing fans of the semi-finalists and finalists attend games under a bubble arrangement. More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      What is the 50+1 rule and will it be introduced in the Premier League? German football ownership system explained?

      by

      THE UK Government has ordered a fan-led, root and branch review of football governance following the European Super League debacle.And one proposal that could be looked at in the wake of the failed scheme is the German 50+1 fan ownership system.
      Bayern Munich and the majority of German clubs are subject to the 50+1 ruleCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
      Here, SunSport takes a look at how it works and whether it could be introduced in England.
      What is 50+1?
      The 50+1 rule means that every club that wants to compete in the German Football League must be 50 per cent owned by the fans, with the fans having the casting vote on all initiatives.
      Football clubs are not allowed to play in the Bundesliga if a private company or individual has more than a 50 per cent stake.
      German clubs were historically non-for-profit members organisations with private ownership of any kind prohibited, but in 1998 50+1 was introduced as a way for clubs to secure some private funding.
      The Bundesliga claims this rule is responsible for keeping wages and debts at its club under control and ticket prices low.
      Bundesliga attendances are among the highest in Europe, with Borussia Dortmund recording the largest average attendance on the continent in 2016-17 and Bayern Munich the third largest.

      Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke said of the system: “The German spectator traditionally has close ties with his club.
      “And if he gets the feeling that he’s no longer regarded as a fan but instead as a customer, we’ll have a problem.
      “The 50+1 rule does significantly more good than harm in Germany.
      “Most clubs won’t get a Roman Abramovich, who in the first place wants to see Chelsea winning.
      “Most of the investors want to earn money. And where do they get it from? The spectators.”

      Are all German clubs fan-owned?
      Though the 50+1 rule is a rigid one, there are a small number of exceptions.
      Wolfsburg and Bayer Leverkusen, who were formed by Volkswagen and Bayer pharmaceuticals respectively, are not subject to 50+1.
      Hoffenheim owner Dietmar Hoff is also allowed to own his club outright after investing consistently in it for over 20 years, but he is greeted with hostility by supporters of the other Bundesliga clubs.
      A similar bid by Martin Kind to take full control of Hannover, however, was defeated due to fan opposition.
      Most controversial though, has been RB Leipzig, who found a way to comply with the letter of the law but not the spirit.
      In 2009, Red Bull purchased fifth tier SSV Markranstadt who, as a non-league club, did not have to follow 50+1.
      Once they were promoted to the league system, Leipzig allowed just 17 people to join the club as members, most of whom were employees or associates of Red Bull.
      Supporters can only join as non-voting members and even that membership is priced at a prohibitive one thousand euros per year.

      Will 50+1 be introduced in England?
      Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Oliver Dowden has confirmed that the government is looking at 50+1 as a model for English football.
      He told talkSPORT: “Naturally we’ve got to learn the lessons from the crisis in football financing during the Covid crisis.
      “We need to put this on a more sustainable footing.
      “For example in the German leagues they have a different governance structure so it’s right we look at those things.
      “The PM was good, I had a meeting with him and fans on Tuesday and he said we had to do whatever it took and that includes legislation and if legislation is required we’ll do that.
      “But the immediate legislation we were preparing to pull together was to deal with this immediate threat from this outrageous [Super League] proposal.”
      Oliver Dowden has said the government will look at introducing the German systemCredit: Alamy
      And Boris Johnson has stated that a ‘root-and-branch investigation’ will be overseen by former sports minister Tracey Crouch to review English football’s governance and to ‘promote the role of fans in that governance’.
      It is not known how and whether the government would be able to strip Premier League owners of 50 per cent shares of their clubs if the initiative were to be brought in, however.
      And decision on football club ownership in England is likely to depend on the findings of Tracey Crouch’s review. More

    • 275 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      What is a British Super League, will Rangers and Celtic join, how many clubs will it have and how will it work?

      by

      THE European Super League is out but the British Super League may well be in.SunSport can exclusively reveal that the Premier League is still working towards reforming its structure despite the European Super League being shot down in flames.
      Scottish champions Rangers could soon join a British Super LeagueCredit: Getty
      The Old Firm could fight it out in front of a huge global TV audienceCredit: PA
      And top of the list of plans being actively discussed is a British Super League, which would see Rangers and Celtic invited.
      SunSport’s Martin Lipton gives you all the lowdown on whether the competition will come into fruition and how it would work.
      How would the British Super League work? Who will join and who will go?
      While the details are yet to emerge, the plan would see an invitation to Rangers and Celtic to leave the SPFL and join the Premier League.
      Some of the proposers would accept a short-term extension of the Premier League as it is now, while others are already pushing for 18 clubs in the top flight.
      But with 14 clubs needed to approve, including those in danger of relegation, there would be rucks – and turkeys don’t vote for Christmas.
      How a British Super League could work

      Would the British Super League have a US-style play-off system, and how would it work?
      An end-of-season play-off is one of the systems being discussed to increase interest in the competition.
      It would be very easy to put into place, with a two-legged semi-final with first against fourth and playing the second leg at home, followed by a probable one-off Grand final.
      What would happen to promotion from the Championship when changes were made?
      Almost certainly there would be fewer up or more down, maybe over two seasons.
      This is what happened when the Premier League was reduced from 22 teams to 20 in 1995 and Middlesbrough and Bolton replaced relegated Crystal Palace, Norwich, Leicester and Ipswich 

      Would Rangers and Celtic also join the FA Cup/League Cup – or remain in the Scottish cup competitions?
      That would be a decision for the FA and SFA to make – but it is likely that they would play in the Scottish cups if they were allowed.
      Will other Scottish clubs be frozen out of ever entering via promotion? Will they be in favour of move?
      Again, this is far from clear.
      It is suggested the likes of Aberdeen, Hearts, Hibs and the Dundee clubs might see a league without the Old Firm as far more winnable.
      But a Super League would only be interested in Rangers and Celtic. And what would happen if one of them got relegated?
      The likes of Aberdeen could be in favour of the move if it gives them more chance of winning Scottish titlesCredit: Getty
      Why will it work this time after failed attempts in past?
      That’s the million dollar question (and we’ve had enough talk about money this week).
      There will be plenty of opposition, which might prove intractable.
      But this time Fifa would approve – if the FA and SFA did – after signalling they backed cross-border leagues only last month.
      In 2019, president Gianni Infantino said: “We need to be open to discussions.
      “The Belgians and the Dutch have been discussing creating a Benelux league and these discussions have been going on for 20 years and we are always saying no, because we are based on national leagues.
      “But maybe it helps? Maybe it is the only way out, maybe in Europe they have to think about this, maybe in Africa.
      “I was proposing something like this for Africa. I think we have the duty to study these things then we will see where it goes.”
      Gianni Infantino has declared that Fifa could be open to cross-border leaguesCredit: AP
      How much money is involved and how would all clubs benefit from this?
      Who knows? But the argument is that a British League, including the Glasgow giants with their worldwide fan bases, would have both a domestic and global appeal to broadcasters and sponsors.
      What is certain is that there would be demands for greater trickle down “solidarity” payments to the lower reaches on both sides of Hadrian’s Wall. More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal vs Everton: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for Premier League match

      by

      ARSENAL are looking to leapfrog Everton and move into eighth place in the Premier League.The Gunners will be looking to the Europa League route if they want Champions League football next season but will still be keen to secure a respectable domestic finish.

      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

      Arsenal earned a late point against Fulham last time outCredit: Getty
      Everton are in the hunt for Champions League footballCredit: Getty
      Everton meanwhile still have a chance of making the top four but will need a win at the Emirates to stay in the race.
      What time does Arsenal vs Everton kick off?

      What TV channel is Arsenal vs Everton on and can I live stream it?

      Arsenal vs Everton is live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.
      Coverage commences at 7.30pm – half an hour before kick-off.
      To stream the game live, head to your Sky Go account.
      Non-Sky Sports subscribers can still watch all the action with a Now TV Day Pass from £9.99.

      Team news
      Key men Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (malaria) and Alexandre Lacazette (hamstring) are both major doubts for this game.
      Martin Odegaard is also a big doubt with an ankle injury while Kieran Tierney and David Luiz are definitely out.
      Both Abdoulaye Doucoure and Jean-Philippe Gbamin are out for the Toffees, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin is set to return.
      Fabian Delph, Yerry Mina and Bernard are all available for selection after time out.
      Latest odds
      Arsenal 17/20
      Draw 5/2
      Everton 13/4 More

    • 150 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Does the Carabao Cup winner qualify for Europa League 2021/22 next season?

      by

      TOTTENHAM are taking on Man City as they look to deprive Pep Guardiola’s men of a fourth straight Carabao Cup title.But could the trophy be a ticket to European football for Spurs? Here’s all you need to know.
      Tottenham could book a ticket to Europe if they win the Carabao CupCredit: Getty
      Does the Carabao Cup winner qualify for the next season’s Europa League?
      The Carabao Cup winner does qualify for Europe next season but will NOT enter the Europa League.
      Many fans will recall that the competition did provide a Europa League place to the winner as recently as last year.
      However, the winner of the Carabao Cup will now qualify for Uefa’s third tier competition – the Europa Conference League – instead.
      But if the winner qualifies for Europe through other means by the end of the season, then this place is transferred.
      Should Manchester City win the Carabao Cup, the Conference League place would be transferred to the team that finishes in sixth position in the Premier League.
      And assuming the FA Cup winner finishes in the top five as well, the seventh placed team will pick up the Conference League place with the sixth placed team entering the Europa League proper.

      What else do they win?
      Aside from the silverware, the two teams in the final will also pocket some cash.
      But it will not come as a huge windfall for the Premier League sides, with the winner taking home £100,000.
      The runners-up will leave with £50,000. More