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      in Soccer

      Who is Lassana Diarra? Ex-Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid star dubbed ‘new Makelele’ & at centre of new transfer ruling

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      LASSANA DIARRA is the man at the centre of what could be a REVOLUTION in how football runs and operates.The retired France international, 39, is a blast from the past for many football fans but hit the headlines after a landmark court ruling over transfers.Lassana Diarra played three seasons at ChelseaCredit: AP:Associated PressWhat happened with Lassana Diarra’s court case?Diarra sued Fifa after it upheld a £16MILLION that was imposed by his former club, Lokomotiv Moscow, following his sacking for allegedly boycotting training over a pay dispute in 2014.Diarra’s case was heard by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in Luxembourg, the highest court in Europe.In a landmark decision, Diarra WON the case after his legal team argued that Fifa had broken European labour laws by refusing to issue the International Transfer Certificate which would have allowed him to join another club and exercise his rights as a professional. The ECJ ruling has now declared current regulations are in breach of EU Law on the free of movement of people.Inside Lassana Diarra’s legal case with FifaLassana Diarra’s case with Fifa dates back to 2014 when he was playing for Lokomotiv Moscow.The former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfielder was in a dispute with Lokomotiv over wages – with the Russian side ultimately terminating his contract.The case was referred to Fifa’s Dispute and Resolution Chamber (DRC) which ruled against Diarra, fining him £16MILLION.During this time, Diarra received a new contract offer from Belgian side Charleroi.But Charleroi wanted clarification from Fifa that they would not be liable to pay any of the money owed to Lokomotiv.Fifa could not make that guarantee and the move never happened.As a result, Diarra brought new legal action against Fifa and the Belgian league claiming a loss of earnings.That started the long process that has led to this week’s groundbreaking judgment.Diarra’s lawyer was Jean Louis Dupont, the man who had previously transformed the sport in the mid-1990s by successfully working for the introduction of the Bosman ruling, which allowed players to move for free once their contract was up.The Court ruled: “The rules in question are such as to impede the free movement of professional footballers wishing to develop their activity by going to work for a new club.“Those rules impose considerable legal risks, unforeseeable and potentially very high financial risks as well as major sporting risks on those players and clubs wishing to employ them which, taken together, are such as to impede international transfers of those players.”What are the ramifications of the ruling?Potential ramifications could be huge depending on the full judgement, which will be published later today.Most read in FootballIf the Court has made a strong ruling, it could effectively declare the entire current system is in breach of EU Law.That would see Fifa losing its current authority over the transfer system and allow players the right to break their contracts and change clubs with impunity.In turn, that would end the current “trickle down” system where many smaller clubs are reliant on transfer income.Such an outcome would lead to big stars being able to hawk their services for free but for huge wages, allowing the wealthiest clubs – including the bulk of the Premier League – the opportunity to hoover up the best talent.How football changed after Bosman rulingTHE Bosman Ruling transformed football transfers in 1995.Before the Bosman Ruling, clubs could demand a transfer fee for a player even after their contract had expired.But Belgian footballer Jean-Marc Bosman went to the European Court of Justice and the judge ruled in his favour.And that meant that when a player’s contract expired, they could move freely to another club within the EU without a transfer fee.The landmark court case gave players far more power in the final year of their deals – with clubs either needing to extend them or lose them for nothing at the end of the season.Footballers can now also sign pre-contract agreements with new clubs from January when their deals run out to move on a free transfer.The Bosman Ruling essentially removed the restrictions on EU football players with expired contracts, giving them the same rights as free agents and increasing the freedom of movement.And even with the UK leaving the EU, the Bosman Ruling still applies for Premier League clubs.Who is Lassana Diarra?Lassana, known as ‘Lass’ during his career, was born on March 10, 1985, in Paris to Malian parents.His first club was Paris FC but he bounced around academies, playing for Nantes, Le Mans and Red Star 93 before joining Le Havre aged 18 in 2003.Lassana Diarra became a key player at Real Madrid, winning two trophiesCredit: Action Images – ReutersDiarra had an outstanding first season in senior football, impressing in Ligue 1 and breaking into the Francer Under-21 team.He was then spotted by Chelsea, with chief scout Gwyn Williams dubbing him the new [Claude] Makelele – the Blues spent £1million to secure his signature.Diarra spent three seasons at Stamford Bridge and was named the 2005-06 Young Player of the Year – despite playing just seven matches. He played 31 games in all and was part of the side that won the League Cup and FA Cup in 2007, before moving to Arsenal.Diarra spent just one season in north London, playing only 13 matches, before a move to Portsmouth where he played 32 matches in two seasons, impressing despite struggling with injuries.Diarra then completed a shock move to Real Madrid for around £19m and became one of their key players over the next four seasons, playing 117 games between 2008 and 2012, as well as winning the Copa del Rey in 2011 and La Liga in 2012.Lassana Diarra’s career statsLassana Diarra played for some of the top clubs in Europe as an all-action defensive midfielder.He started at Le Havre before earning his big break with a £4million move to Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea in 2005.Diarra was largely a rotation option but won an FA Cup and League Cup double with the Blues before a brief move across London to join Arsenal.But it was at Portsmouth where Diarra really made his name, winning a historic FA Cup and earning a massive £19m move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.Diarra played 117 times in five seasons for Los Blancos, winning one LaLiga title, again under Mourinho, and the Copa Del Rey.Then came Diarra’s fateful move to Russia, first Anzhi Makhachkala and then Lokomotiv Moscow, before he saw out his playing career in his native France with Marseille and then PSG, where he won one Liga 1 crown.Le Havre (2003–2005)Chelsea (2005–2007)Portsmouth (2008–2009)Real Madrid (2009–2012)Anzhi Makhachkala (2012–2013)Lokomotiv Moscow (2013–2015)Marseille (2015–2017)Al Jazira (2017–2018)Paris Saint-Germain (2018–2019)A move to Anzhi Makhachkala followed before a move to Lokomotiv Moscow – which is where he fell foul of coach Leonid Kuchuk.Diarra was allegedly asked to take a pay cut and then is said to have refused to turn up to training – Diarra was eventually sacked and later ordered to pay a huge fine and missed a season of football.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe then had spells at Marseille and Al Jazira before finishing his career with Paris Saint-Germain, where helped Unai Emery win the treble in 2017-18.An international for France, Diarra won 34 caps and was named in the 2010 World Cup squad and the Euro 2016 squad. However, he did not play any tournament football due to a blood disorder in 2010 and injury in 2016. More

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      in Motorsport

      Meet Michael Schumacher’s wife Corrina who F1 legend shares kids Gina and Mick with

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      MICHAEL Schumacher is a Formula One great and seven-time World Champion.The racing legend has been surrounded by his close-knit family throughout his glittering career and in the years following the tragic skiing accident he suffered in 2013 — here we get to know his wife Corrina and their kids. Corinna has been by Michael Schumacher’s side since 1991Who is Corinna Schumacher?Born Corinna Betsch in Halver in the former West Germany on March 2, 1969, Michael’s wife is also a sporting champion.She won the European Western-style Horse Riding Championship in 2010.In 2013, Michael told a German TV channel that he and his wife had never had a serious fight.He said: “It’s because we share the same values. During all the time I was racing she was my guardian angel.”Michael and Corrina’s weddingThe couple met in 1991 through a mutual friend.They married in August 1995 in Germany and the couple live in Switzerland.In the 2021 Netflix documentary Schumacher, Corrine said of her husband: “At parties, he was the first to arrive and the last to leave.“He loved it… We laughed so much and had so much real fun.MOST READ IN SPORT“We all ended up in the pool every time, that was Michael’s thing. Even at our wedding people were thrown into the pool!Corrine and Michael own horse ranches in Texas and Switzerland — the latter was gifted to her by Michael on their 10th wedding anniversary and is located in Givrins.Inside Michael Schumacher’s decade-long recovery from ‘desperately cruel’ ski crash as brother shares devastating updateHorrific accidentSince Michael’s skiing accident in 2013, Corinna has been fiercely protective of her husband’s privacy.She spearheads his round-the-clock care at their family home on Lake Geneva, Switzerland.Corinna has allowed only a select few close friends and relatives to visit Michael, maintaining strict conditions for these visits.The F1 legend was put in a medically induced coma after a fall in the French Alps in December 2013.How many children do they have?Michael and Corrina have two kids together.Corinna gave birth to their first child, Gina-Maria, in 1997 with Mick following two years later.Gina-Marie Gina-Maria with her husband Iain BethkeGina-Maria is Michael and Corinna’s eldest child, born on February 20, 1997.Like her mother before her, Gina-Maria is a successful equestrian.The 27-year-old has made a name for herself in the world of competitive horse riding, particularly in Western riding disciplines.Her competitive highlights include:August 2024: Won the Non Pro Championship at The Run For A Million in Gordonville, Texas, riding All Right Magnum with a score of 222.April 2024: Captured back-to-back NRBC Non Pro Classic Championships, winning on Gunin Addy Tude.2023: Secured the NRBC Non Pro Championship on Gunnastepya.2021: Earned the Reserve Championship at the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Futurity.2018: Achieved a gold medal at the National Reining Horse Association’s novice Cavalli event.2018: Topped the World Championships for junior riders.2017: Won the FEI World Reining Championships held in Switzerland.In September 2024, Gina-Maria tied the knot with partner Iain Bethke on the sun-soaked Spanish island of Majorca at the luxury abode Corinna is understood to have bought in 2017 from Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.She posted a snap to her Instagram showing her and Iain cuddling up, along with the words: “Forever yes to you, yes to forever.”Among the guest list was Corrina, Michael’s brother Ralf and his partner Etienne Bosquet-Cassagne, who also attended a pre-party at upmarket Mhares Sea Club on Friday afternoon.It’s unclear whether Michael attended either event.Mick Mick followed in his father’s footsteps to pursue a career in motorsportCredit: GettyMick, born on March 22, 1999, is Michael and Corinna’s youngest child and only son.Following in his father’s illustrious footsteps, Mick pursued a career in motorsport.He competed in Formula One for the Haas F1 Team during the 2021 and 2022 seasons.However, he lost his seat for the 2023 season and currently serves as a reserve driver for Mercedes and McLaren.Mick started out in karting but then went on to win the Formula 2 Championship in 2020, which saw him earn his seat in Formula One a season later.On August 9, 2018, Mick shared memories of his dad after snapping up his first victory in European Formula 3 at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium – his dad’s favourite track. Mick and Corrina pictured together in 2017Credit: Splash NewsSpeaking about his victory with Mobil 1 The Grid, the young racer said the track brought back happy memories as it was labelled “the living room of my dad”.And before his first race with Haas in Bahrain, Mick told ESPN: “I had the best teacher and I’m happy to have made it all the way now.”I’m happy to be here.”In the Netflix documentary about his father, Mick touchingly said how he would “give up everything” to chat with his dad about their shared motorsport success.He said: “Since the accident, of course, these experiences, these moments that I believe many people have with their parents, are no longer present or to a lesser extent.”And in my view, that is a little unfair. Michael and Corrina pictured after he competed in his 200th Grand Prix in Spain on May 9, 2004Credit: Getty Images – Getty”I think me and dad, we would understand each other in a different way now.”Simply because we speak a similar language – the language of motor sport – and that we would have a lot more to talk about.”And that is where my head is most of the time.”Thinking that would be so cool … I would give up everything just for that.”In an interview with the Independent in March 2022, Mick addressed the perceived burden of being Michael’s son.He said: “I don’t feel that pressure because I don’t pay attention to it, I just blend it out.“I can create my own legacy while still looking back at what my dad did.”It’s nice for me to be able to remind people of what my dad did and at the same time show what I can do.” Michael and Corrine celebrating him winning the 2000 F1 World ChampionshipCredit: GettyWhat Corinna has said about Michael ‘s healthOn the Netflix documentary Corinna spoke about Michael’s condition and how he is living at home with his family.She said: “Michael is here. Different, but he’s here, and that gives us strength, I find.”We’re together. We live together at home. We do therapy.”We do everything we can to make Michael better and to make sure he’s comfortable.”And to simply make him feel our family, our bond.”And no matter what, i will do everything I can. We all will. Michael and Corinna having a laugh on the Italian Alps in January 2000Credit: AP:Associated Press”We’re trying to carry on as a family, the way Michael like it and still does.”And we are getting on with our lives.”Corinna admitted that during the accidents, she was “certain he had a few guardian angels that were keeping an eye out for him”.She continued: “I don’t know if it’s just a kind of protective wall that you put up yourself or if it’s because you’re in a way naive but it simply never occurred to me that anything could ever happen to Michael.”I never blamed God for what happened.”It was just really bad luck, all the bad luck anyone can have in life.”It’s always terrible when you say, ‘Why is this happening to Michael or us?'”But then why does it happen to other people?”Of course, I miss Michael every day. But it’s not just me who misses him.”The children, the family, everyone around him. I mean, everybody misses Michael.” More

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      in Boxing

      Jai Opetaia vs Jack Massey: Date, exact ring walk, TV channel and live stream for cruiserweight title fight

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      JAI OPETAIA will continue his march in the cruiserweight division on the undercard of the Artur Beterbiev vs Dimitry Bivol blockbuster. The Australian, 29, has now amassed 25 wins with 19 KOs and fights for a third time in Saudi Arabia, having beaten Mairis Briedis in their rematch in May.Jai Opetaia and Jack Massey meet for the cruiserweight world title on October 12Credit: GettyOpetaia, who is expected to one day make the move to heavyweight, will be defending his IBF crown against Jack Massey – who was on a scaffolding site just two years ago.Brit Massey, 31, stunned Isaac Chamberlain at Selhurst Park in June to win the Commonwealth and European crowns and earn his shot at the current cruiserweight king.When is Jai Opetaia vs Jack Massey?The fight takes place on Saturday, October 12.Their ring walk is expected to take place at approximately 8.30pm BST (11.30pm local) but that will be subject to change on the night.Opetaia vs Massey is taking place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which can host up to 30,000 fans,The fight will be 12 rounds for the IBF world cruiserweight title.It is part of the full undercard for the super-fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dimitry Bivol.What TV channel is Jai Opetaia vs Jack Massey on and can it be live streamed?The fight will be broadcast live as part of that Riyadh Season show but will be a pay-per-view event.In the UK, all of DAZN, TNT Sports and Sky Sports will broadcast the card.DAZN and TNT have set the PPV price at £19.99, while Sky are yet to confirm their price point.It can also be streamed on the Sky Sports and DAZN apps as well as Discovery+.In the US, Opetaia vs Massey will be available on ESPN+ for $14.99 – the main event is free, however.Alternatively, follow every fight with SunSport’s LIVE BLOG.What is the full card?Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol (for IBF, WBC, WBO and WBA light heavyweight titles)Chris Eubank Jr vs Kamil SzeremetaFabio Wardley vs Frazer Clarke (for British heavyweight title)Jai Opetaia vs Jack Massey (for IBF cruiserweight title)Ben Whittaker vs Liam CameronSkye Nicolson vs Raven Chapman (for WBC women’s featherweight title)Mohammaed Alakel vs Jesus GonzalezWhat’s been said?Opetaia said: “We want to be the undisputed cruiserweight champion”We want to collect the belts and then we want to move up and collect more belts either the bridgerweight or the heavyweight.”A three-division world champion sounds good.Most read in Boxing”I am the best cruiserweight in the world.”It’s easy to say that stuff. I’ve just got to keep proving it. I’ve got to prove it again on the 12th and prove it my next fight and keep collecting these belts.”Massey said: “I quite like [being the underdog]. “I’ve always been that underdog guy, from my amateur days. I’ve had to borrow boots, shorts and fight kit.”I know I’ve got a very tough night ahead of me, he’s the top guy in the cruiserweight division, but I believe I can get in there, beat him, give it my all and leave everything in there.” More

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      in Boxing

      Nick Ball vs Ronny Rios: Date, exact ring walk, TV channel and live stream for featherweight title fight

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      NICK BALL returns to the ring on Saturday night for the first defence of his WBA featherweight title.The pint-sized pugilist, 27, will face American Ronny Rios, 34, at the M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool, in front of his home crowd for the first time in more than four years.Nick Ball won the title in Saudi Arabia in June with a brilliant performance against Raymond FordCredit: GettyThe 5ft 2in Ball has had his last two fights in Saudi Arabia, the first a controversial draw with Rey Vargas before finally getting his hand on a title belt against the previously unbeaten Raymond Ford in June.It will be Ball’s third title fight of 2024 and his first defence of his world title in front of a sold out arena.When is Nick Ball vs Ronny Rios?The fight takes place on Saturday, October 5.Timings are yet to be confirmed but we expect the ring walk to take place at 10.30pm.The card takes place at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.What TV channel is showing Nick Ball vs Ronny Rios and can it be live streamed?Nick Ball is under Frank Warren’s Queensbury banner so the fight will take place on TNT Sports in the UK.TNT Sports 2 is the channel with coverage from 7pm.It is also on TNT Sports Ultimate for 4k viewing.Those in the UK can also stream it on Discovery+.US viewers can watch the action on ESPN+ from 2pm ET.Who is on the card?Nick Ball vs Ronny Rios (WBA featherweight title)Henry Turner vs Jack Rafferty (British super-lightweight title)Andrew Cain vs Lazaro CasseresJadier Herrera vs Oliver FloresJames McGivern vs Requen Cona Facundo ArceBrad Strand vs Marvin SolanoJack Turner vs Gonzalo CorinaldesiNelson Birchall vs Mark ButlerBoma Brown vs Amine BoucettaLucas Biswana vs Jakub LaskowskiWalter Fury vs Dale ArrowsmithJoe Cooper vs Lukasz BarabaszWhat’s been said?Ball said: “There are a lot of big fights out there for me.”I need to get through this and hopefully we can get one of the other champions in the ring. “I have shown that I will go anywhere and fight anybody.”Most read in Boxing More

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      in Soccer

      How to watch Arsenal vs PSG for FREE and why is the Champions League clash not on TNT Sports?

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      ARSENAL host PSG in a blockbuster Champions League clash at the Emirates TONIGHT.The Gunners go into the match on the back of a dramatic 4-2 win over Leicester City in the Premier League last weekend.The Gunners avoided an unlikely slip-up against Leicester on SaturdayCredit: GettyMikel Arteta’s men left it late to secure all three points after blowing a two-goal lead earlier in the game.Arsenal have enjoyed a good start to the 2024/25 Premier League season and sit one point off the top of the table.But the Gunners are still searching for their first win in the Champions League after their 0-0 stalemate with Atalanta in their league phase opener two weeks ago.Tonight they host a PSG side – who are top of Ligue 1 – and are up and running in Europe after a 1-0 win over Girona, thanks to a 90th-minute own-goal from former Tottenham goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the French side’s trip to the Emirates is one of the highlights of this week’s Champions League action – and you can watch it for absolutely NOTHING! How to watch Arsenal vs PSG in the Champions League for FREEThis season’s Champions League sees a new broadcaster enter the UK scene.Amazon Prime Video will be showing the top Tuesday match in the iconic European competition each week at no additional cost to Prime members.Should you not currently hold a subscription, you can sign up for a free 30-day trial which will give you access to all the benefits of being a Prime member.Most read in FootballArsenal vs PSG is the second Champions League clash to be broadcast on Amazon Prime this season – after Liverpool’s 3-1 win at AC Milan two weeks ago.Why is Arsenal vs PSG not on TNT Sports?TNT Sports – formerly BT Sport – have held the rights to air European football in the UK since 2015.This year, the broadcasting giants will still show 184 of the 204 matches live, but both Amazon Prime Video and the BBC now have coverage rights until 2027.BBC’s coverage is restricted to highlights, but Amazon Prime Video will be exclusively showing the top Tuesday match for the next three seasons, including Arsenal’s clash with PSG this evening.Who is on Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverage?Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverage will see Gabby Logan as the streaming giant’s lead presenter.Punditary will come from the likes of Clarence Seedorf, Daniel Sturridge, Josie Henning, Frank Lampard, Gael Clichy and Laura Georges.Jon Champion and Alan Shearer will provide live commentary of every top Tuesday Champions League fixture, with Gabriel Clarke and Alex Aljoe reporting from inside the stadium More

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      in Soccer

      Why is Ousmane Dembele NOT playing for PSG against Arsenal?

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      PARIS Saint-Germain have travelled to London to face Arsenal in the Champions League.But one of their star names will NOT be featuring in the crunch clash at the Emirates Stadium.Ousmane Dembele is not going to play against ArsenalCredit: GettyWhy is Ousmane Dembele NOT playing for PSG?Ousmane Dembele has been one of PSG’s standout performers this season with four goals in six games.But the rapid France forward will be playing no part of the Champions League game against Arsenal.This is because of a bust-up with PSG boss Luis Enrique.The fallout is believed to have taken place in the aftermath of PSG’s 3-1 win over Rennes on Friday night, in which Dembele was subbed off eight minutes from time.Ousmane Dembele and Luis Enrique on the touchline during Friday’s matchCredit: AFPEnrique said: “I am not going to create a soap opera out of this.“There are no problems between us. That is completely false. This is simply about the responsibilities of the player.“If someone doesn’t comply or respect the expectations of the team, it means they are not prepared to play.“This match is very important and I want all my players to be ready, so as a consequence I have left him out. I want the best for my team and that is my job.Most read in Champions League“These circumstances are difficult and you have to take difficult decisions. But I am 100% engaged with my decision, and 100% sure of the decision I have made.“It doesn’t mean this is irreversible. I have the support of the club’s president and the sporting director.“I am here to create a team and in the future that might include Ousmane Dembele, just to be clear.”When is Arsenal vs PSG?Arsenal vs PSG takes place on Tuesday, October 1.The match kicks off at 8pm.The game is being broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video. More

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      in Boxing

      When is Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2? Date, UK start time, live stream, undercard for HUGE heavyweight rematch

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      TYSON FURY and Oleksandr Usyk are doing it all over again to wrap up a huge year of heavyweight boxing!The two juggernauts went head to head in the first heavyweight undisputed fight this CENTURY – with Usyk winning a controversial split decision.Oleksandr Usyk won a split decision in a brilliant heavyweight unification fight against Tyson FuryCredit: GettyAnd in a bout fit for that mantle, Fury and Usyk played out a thrilling battle with both men in control and also struggling at various points in the fight.Usyk started on top before showboating Fury won the middle rounds and appeared to be well on top.However, a ninth-round volley saw Usyk FLOOR Fury and swing momentum back his way.With four major world titles up for grabs both men gave it their all in one of the best fights in memory.READ MORE IN BOXINGIt went to the judges with the fight ending in a controversial split decision going in the Ukrainian’s favour –  115-112, 114-15, 114-113.Wally Downes Jr reacts as Usyk dethrones Tyson Fury is epic Saudi clashWhen is Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk rematch taking place?Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk 2 will take place on Saturday, December 21.The Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia hosts the big fight.The ring walks are expected from around 11pm BST.Most read in BoxingWhat channel will the fight be on?DAZN , TNT Sports and Sky Sports are likely to broadcast Fury vs Usyk once again on PPV in the UK.The cost is expected to be around £19.95.Will all heavyweight titles be on the line in the rematch?This time round, however, it will NOT be an undisputed heavyweight title fight.This is because Usyk vacated the IBF title following his win so the mandatories for the belt could get their shot.Daniel Dubois was upgraded to the IBF heavyweight champion, and has since defended it in dominant fashion – knocking out Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium in front of a British record 96,000 crowd.So it is only Usyk’s WBA, WBC and WBO heavyweight titles up for grabs.Daniel Dubois is now the IBF heavyweight championCredit: REUTERSFury vs Usyk cardThe undercard for Fury vs Usyk has yet to be confirmed. Follow SunSport for all the latest details on the huge rematch. More

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      in Soccer

      Why are Chelsea and Brighton players wearing black armbands during today’s match?

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      CHELSEA and Brighton players are wearing black armbands during today’s match at Stamford Bridge.The teams are paying tribute to a late Premier League legend, honouring his recent passing with this gesture.Barry Lloyd passed away at the age of 75Credit: GettyWhy are Chelsea and Brighton players wearing black armbands during today’s match?Chelsea and Brighton players are wearing black armbands during today’s match in tribute to Barry Lloyd.Barry Lloyd, the former Chelsea and Fulham star, passed away at the age of 75. His football career was marked by significant contributions both as a player and a manager. He made over 289 appearances for Fulham, scoring 29 goals, and played 10 matches for Chelsea during his career​.read more on premier leagueBarry captained Fulham and played a key role in their promotion from Division Three in 1971, as well as participating in the club’s memorable FA Cup Final in 1975​.After his playing days, he transitioned into management, notably leading Brighton & Hove Albion from 1987 to 1993. Under his management, the club achieved promotion from the third tier and made a surprising appearance in the second tier play-off final​.He was also credited with establishing a youth development policy that began to flourish during his time at Brighton. Most read in FootballLater in his career, he served as the chief scout for Brighton​.Tributes from both Brighton and Fulham have been pouring in, reflecting on his impact at both clubs. Fulham expressed their condolences, acknowledging Lloyd’s legacy as a captain and a significant player in their history​.The club said on X: “RIP Barry Lloyd. Our former captain and member of the squad that reached the 1975 FA Cup Final has sadly passed away.”Brighton also announced that their players would wear black armbands during matches against Chelsea to honour his memory.Their statement on X read: “We are deeply saddened to report the passing of our former manager Barry Lloyd, aged 75. “We extend our sincere condolences to Barry’s family and friends at this saddest of times. “The players will wear black armbands today and there will be a tribute next weekend against Spurs.”Other football clubs joined in with their condolences such as Worthing FC saying on social media: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of our former manager Barry Lloyd at the age of 75. READ MORE SUN STORIES”Barry managed the side during one of the club’s most successful periods, winning the Isthmian League Division 2 and Division 1 titles back-to-back, as well as leading the club to the 2nd Round of the FA Cup in 1982. “There will be a minute’s applause before kick-off this afternoon in memory of Barry.” More