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      I cried after conceding 31 goals in heaviest ever Fifa defeat but now I’ve had film made about me by Rita Ora’s husband

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      GOALKEEPER Nicky Salapu has swapped the pain of a 31-0 defeat for the fame of a cult movie – 23 years later.The American Samoa player, 43, was in tears when Australia racked up a record international win in 2001.Nicky Salapu shows the agony as yet another goal flies past the keeper in American Samoa’s record 31-0 loss vs Australia in 2001Credit: AP:Associated PressMovie director Taika Waititi, seen with wife Rita Ora, made Next Goal Wins, a fictional film about the American Samoa teamCredit: GettySalapu looks back on his career with dignity now, having also made the American Samoa squad for the 2023 Pacific Games last DecemberCredit: GettyBut he cried with redemption a decade later when the “world’s worst team” finally registered a victory.Now he’s one of the central figures portrayed in Next Goal Wins – a fictional film from Hollywood A-list director Michael Fassbender, the husband of singer Rita Ora.Looking trim and fit, Salapu still gets stopped in the streets and asked about a loss that was unique for much more than just the scoreline.His international team were forced into a frenzied search for players ahead of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers when Fifa ruled that squad members must have an American passport.READ MORE TOP STORIESThree 15-year-olds were among the youngsters hastily called up, meaning an average age of 18 and Salapu being a wise old head at 20.He told the BBC’S Sporting Witness podcast: “We had to find anyone in two weeks. We ended up selecting kids from high school.”And after his side opened with three heavy defeats – 13-0 to Fifi, 8-0 vs Samoa and 5-0 to Tonga – Salapu was upset Australia went full out.He even claimed, had he been the Socceroos’ coach, he would have told his players to score 20 times then “keep possession until the game is over”.Most read in FootballYet that miserable mauling is no longer the main reason the story of American Samoa football is now so well-known.Dutchman Thomas Rongen became coach in 2011, sparking incredible progress that was shared to a wider audience in a 2014 documentary, Next Goal Wins, and retold in a movie of the same name last year.Rita Ora ditches her underwear in racy see-through Met Gala dress with husband Taika WaititiThe peak arrived when American Samoa followed 38 loses in a row by launching their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-1 triumph over Tonga.Salapu said: “That was the first time I ever cried in soccer since 2001 against Australia.” But his footballing story is not yet over – as he made the American Samoa squad for the Pacific Games last DecemberAnd son Dylan plays for their Under-17s team in midfield.A far cry from 2001 when such a pedigree would have made him a veteran of their senior side…Team-mate Young Im Min consoles Salapu during the 31-0 maulingCredit: GettySalapu suffered the low point of his playing career vs AustraliaCredit: GettyWaititi and Ora are a well-known glam couple in the entertainment worldCredit: Getty More

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      Why Leeds may be forced to pay £40MILLION for flop footballer they never even owned

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      LEEDS may have to fork out a staggering £40million for the bungled transfer of a player they never even owned. It comes after it emerged the Whites have withdrawn their appeal against the awarding of £24.5m in compensation to their former striker Jean-Kevin Augustin from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).Leeds have withdrawn their appeal from CAS relating to the case with former player Jean-Kevin AugustinCredit: GettyAugustin appealed to FIFA for £24.5m in compensation from Leeds for lost wagesCredit: GettyWhile a £15.5m settlement fee between Leeds and RB Leipzig may see the full fee come out to £40mCredit: RexIn 2020 Leeds struck an agreement with RB Leipzig to sign the Frenchman on loan with a clause agreeing to an £18m purchase if the club were promoted to the Premier League, which was achieved. Augustin played just 48 minutes across three appearances under Marcelo Bielsa as a hamstring injury sidelined him before the season was wrecked by the Covid-19 pandemic.The Elland Road outfit pulled out of the deal and argued they should not have to pay the transfer fee because Augustin’s loan expired on June 30, while the season ended up finishing on July 17.Leipzig lodged a successful complaint with Fifa and saw their compensation claim upheld by a subsequent CAS appeal from Leeds last November.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe two sides eventually agreed a settlement transfer fee of £15.5m in December 2022.However, Augustin also lodged a separate appeal to Fifa for compensation against Leeds amounting to a sum of £24.5m in lost wages and bonuses. This figure represents Augustin’s full £93,000-a-week wages on a five-year contract plus a signing on bonus worth around £2.5m.Fifa found partially in his favour last year, with Leeds tabling an appeal with CAS. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBut according to The Athletic, the Whites are now said to have withdrawn that appeal with the “process ending prematurely without a further ruling”.A statement from CAS given to The Athletic said: “The appeal in the arbitration CAS 2023/A/9616 Leeds United v Jean-Kevin Augustin, against the decision issued on 30 March 2023 by FIFA Football Tribunal Dispute Resolution Chamber (FPSD-6567), was withdrawn.”What is FFP? How Financial Fair Play is affecting Man Utd and Arsenal in January transfer windowIt is unclear whether the withdrawal of the appeal means Leeds will commit to paying Augustin the full amount.If the appeal withdrawal is indicative of a commitment to pay the full sum awarded to Augustin by Fifa, Leeds are looking at a total bill of £40m in transfer fee and wages for a player they never owned fully.After Leeds refused to sign Augustin permanently he signed for FC Nantes that season.He only made 11 appearances in a two-year spell in France before signing for Basel in 2022.The now 26-year-old has made 51 appearances and scored eight goals since joining the Swiss club. Leeds currently sit third in the Championship, one point behind Leicester and Ipswich who occupy the automatic playoff spots. More

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      Premier League matches could be played ABROAD in groundbreaking move after major legal development

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      PREMIER LEAGUE matches could be played abroad in the future after a major legal development.The groundbreaking move could see competitive domestic football take place overseas in the future.Premier League matches could be played abroad after a major legal developmentCredit: GettyIt comes after Fifa reached a lawsuit agreement for matches to be played overseas, according to The Athletic.Event promoter Relevant Sports had field an antitrust suit against football’s governing body and the US Soccer Federation.The lawsuit came after the Fifa Council objected to a LaLiga match between Barcelona and Girona taking place in Miami back in 2018.At the time, the council concluded: “Official league matches must be played within the territory of the respective member association.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the report states that Fifa have now been removed as a defendant in what is seen as a major climb down from the governing body.Fifa had firmly opposed the idea of domestic matches being played overseas.Despite being removed as a defendant, Fifa will be bound to the final decision of the ongoing case, provided it applies to “any rules, policies, or practices concerning official season games held outside of the participating league’s and teams’ home territory”.Meanwhile, Relevant Sports have also indicate that Fifa are set to consider changing their current stance.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn a statement to The Athletic, they added: “Relevent Sports looks forward to supporting FIFA as both sides work to grow the game.”The latest development comes after both Spain and Italy have held their Super Cups in Saudi Arabia in recent years.What is FFP? How Financial Fair Play is affecting Man Utd and Arsenal in January transfer windowIt could also see Premier League matches take place abroad in the future.Clubs have seen success in the past with pre-season friendlies held in the USA, including last year’s Summer Series involving six clubs.Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal are all set to play each other stateside this summer. More

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      England fall behind ‘Fifa ranking Goats’ as they are handed new position after Brazil and Belgium clashes

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      ENGLAND have fallen behind Belgium in the latest Fifa world rankings.The Three Lions dropped a place to fourth after the new rankings were revealed this week.England have slipped behind Belgium in the latest Fifa world rankingsCredit: RexBelgium are up to third place following their 2-2 draw with England last monthCredit: RexIt comes after Gareth Southgate’s side failed to win either of their matches during the March international break.England were beaten 1-0 by Brazil before a late Jude Bellingham goal rescued a 2-2 draw against Belgium three days later.Those results were enough for Belgium to leapfrog their opponents into third place.The Red Devils had previously drawn with the Republic of Ireland earlier in the international break.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBelgium maintain their status as a top five nation, having not dropped below fifth since 2018.Meanwhile, they have also spent three consecutive years top of the rankings during that time.Their place amongst the elite did not go unnoticed by fans on social media, with one commenting: “Belgium might never win an international trophy but they are Fifa ranking goats.”Another added: “Time for the monthly complaints about Belgium’s ranking.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third fan also joked: “Fifa was really impressed by Belgium’s draw in Dublin.”Meanwhile, one more joked: “Get a girl who supports you as much as the Fifa rankings support Belgium.”Ian Wright slams Gareth Southgate over England decision that ‘doesn’t make sense’ after Brazil and Belgium clashesEngland had been third, their joint-highest ranking ever, since November before the latest changes.Elsewhere, World Cup winners Argentina remain top of the rankings ahead of France, with Brazil completing the top five in fifth.The only other change to the top 10 sees Portugal overtake the Netherlands to move into sixth place. More

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      Fifa forced to cancel international clash amid ‘unforeseen circumstances’ with players returning to Premier League

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      FIFA have been forced to cancel an international match amid “unforeseen circumstances” – sending several Premier League stars back to their clubs early.The World Cup qualifier between North Korea and Japan on Tuesday March 26 will not be going ahead in Pyongyang.Endo Wataru is going back to Liverpool after Japan’s clash with North Korea was scrappedCredit: GettyThe Asian Football Confederation was informed by North Korea’s FA of the “need to move the match to a neutral venue due to unavoidable circumstances”.A report from Kyodo News, via Reuters, claims this was due to “worries about infectious diseases in Japan.”The two sides met yesterday in Tokyo for the first of their World Cup qualifiers.Japan won 1-0 thanks to a second-minute goal from Ao Tanaka, who plays for German side Fortuna Dusseldorf.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLJapan were then due to jet to North Korea’s capital city for Tuesday’s clash.The two countries have no formal diplomatic relations.But Fifa are now scrambling to find a fresh date after the plug was pulled on Pyongyang.It means Japan’s international break is already over.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd captain Wataru Endo will now return to Liverpool for their title run-in.He’s not the only Premier League star in the Japan squad.Shocking moment North Korean players clash with referee after 2-1 defeat to Japan as match ends in chaosLuton’s Daiki Hashioka came off the bench in the first game against North Korea.Other big names playing for Japan include Sporting Lisbon’s Hidemasa Morita, Celtic’s Daizen Maeda and Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo.There was another familiar face in the ranks too, with ex-Liverpool winger Takumi Minamino also featuring against North Korea on Thursday.Japan are top of their World Cup qualifying group with three wins from three.As well as beating North Korea, they have also triumphed against Syria and Myanmar.However, they endured a disappointing Asian Cup campaign at the start of the year, crashing out in the quarter-finals in a 2-1 defeat to Iran. More

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      San Marino miss golden chance at first win in 20 years as bookies’ favourites stunned by Caribbean minnows

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      THE world of football held its breath in anticipation of tonight’s blockbuster international clash as San Marino bid to end their 20-year wait for a win.However, the microstate landlocked in north-eastern Italy will have to go on waiting after it missed a golden chance to earn a golden win.San Marino started their hunt for a first win in 20 years wellCredit: ViaplayBut St. Kitts and Nevis were able to comeback to win 3-1Credit: ViaplaySt. Kitts and Nevis take the lead just before half-time and it’s now 2-1 🇰🇳Big second half needed from San Marino if they’re to win this game 💪 pic.twitter.com/fN4g09PBpP— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) March 20, 2024

      San Marino is ranked as the worst national team by Fifa rankings, having lost 192 of the 201 games it had contested before tonight.It is the fifth-smallest country in the world with a land mass of 61km squared – roughly half the size of Manchester – and a population of just 33,000.Yet goals in each of their last three games – including against Denmark, who until recently were ranked inside the top 20 nations in the world – appeared to shown an upturn in their fortunes.And a match against Caribbean side Saint Kitts and Nevis – ranked 63 places above San Marino at 210th in Fifa’s standings – represented a great chance to finally get a win on the board after 20 years.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIndeed, San Marino were sensationally the bookies favourites to win the match in Serravalle.Things started off well when Filippo Berardi scored a penalty after 21 minutes to put the hosts 1-0 ahead. It led to one fan, who goes by “San Marino fan account” on social media and started a campaign to get Jose Mourinho to manage the nation, to say: “BERARDI YOU SEXY SEXY SUN OF A BEACH.”However, the jubilation would not last for long as Tyquan Terrell levelled the scoring in the 31st minute.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThings then got worse on the stroke of half-time as Andre Burley netted a second for the visitors after the home side failed to clear their lines from a corner. Any hope of San Marino rallying to mount a comeback was crushed shortly after the break when Harry Panayiotou netted a third in the 49th minute.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersThe match would go on to end 3-1, meaning San Marino are now without a win in 137 games. And it means Liechtenstein and Anguilla both breathed a sigh of relief that their own joint record of 35 games without a win would not become the new holder. Liechtenstein are the one team San Marino managed to beat in their history, with a 1-0 win back in 2004 courtesy of a goal from Andy Selva, the nation’s all-time leading goalscorer with eight goals.San Marino captain Matteo Vitaioli made his debut some 17 years ago but is yet to experience a win.However, all is not lost. The match is being repeated on Sunday, meaning Vitaioli and Co will have a chance to make amends.READ MORE SUN STORIESAs quoted by the BBC ahead of the first game in the double-header about the possibility of a win, the 34-year-old said: “It would mean to be part of the history of my home country’s national team, so it is the ultimate objective.”It represents an opportunity to leave a sign, something that cannot be lost. It would be something that in 2050 and beyond would be remembered because there have been so few victories.”SAN MARINO LEAD! 👏🇸🇲Filippo Berardi wins and converts a penalty which gives his side the opener 👊It’s the first time the country has scored in four consecutive games 🤯 pic.twitter.com/cpJjgSJNCQ— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) March 20, 2024 More

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      UK looking to host first World Cup since 1966 as they target women’s 2031 tournament with Lionesses gunning for glory

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      FOOTBALL could be coming home in seven years’ time as UK sports bosses want to host the Fifa Women’s World Cup finals.Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses missed out on World Cup glory last year when they lost in the Sydney final to Spain.UK Sport are prepared to bid for the Women’s World CupCredit: GettyThe Lionesses missed out on becoming world champions last summerCredit: GettyNow UK Sport plan to set-up a feasibility study for a possible bid to host the senior football tournament in either 2031, 2035 or 2039.This could mean a potential head-to-head battle with Saudi Arabia after one of their top officials last October mentioned fronting a bid at the Leaders in Sport conference at Twickenham.If they were successful with the bid, this would represent the first senior World Cup to be staged in the UK since Alf Ramsey’s Boys of 1966 beat West Germany to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy at Wembley.The men’s European Championships in 2028 will be held across England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland.Read More on FootballAnd the women’s Euros took place in the summer of 2021 – when the Lionesses were victorious.UK Sport have expressed their interest for the event as part of their Making Live Sport Matter initiative, which will target 70 events in 32 sports and 18 World Championships.The governing body believe it will have a huge economic impact across 20 locations for over 15 million fans, with a £5billion potential income.Other events they are keen to host include the men’s Rugby World Cup, the Athletics World Championships in 2029, the Ryder Cup, the Solheim Cup, the Cycling World Championships and the Grand Depart of the Tour de France.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSimon Morton, Deputy CEO and Director of Events at UK Sport, said: “In the UK, millions of us choose to spend our free time watching and enjoying live sport with those that matter most to us, our friends, families and communities.“Live sport is a fundamental part of this country’s social fabric. No other country buys more tickets per head to major sporting events than we do in the UK.Mary Earps, Lauren Hemp and Millie Bright given gongs as sport & music stars celebrated in New Year’s Honours list“In the years ahead, we want to host a programme of live sport that resonates with the British public and makes a difference to millions of people’s lives.“That programme has to be more accessible to people and communities across the country ensuring sport reaches as many fans as possible.”Sports Minister Stuart Andrew said: “With the Champions League final at Wembley in June and the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 we’re building on our world leading reputation for hosting major sporting events.“We are working closely with UK Sport and partners to fulfil our shared ambition to deliver up to 70 major events across 30 different sports to the UK in the years ahead.”UK Sport claim that the Women’s World Cup, which began professionally in 1991, is the biggest sporting event yet to be held in the British Isles.The host nation for the 2027 tournament will be decided soon but bids have gone in from Brazil and joints ones by Belgium/Germany/Holland and Mexico/United States.UK Sport refuse to say if this would be a joint bid across the four Home Nations or solely in English stadiums but talks with the associations will start after May.There are no plans for bidding for a men’s World Cup any time before 2038 at the earliest.There are also no immediate plans to save the Commonwealth Games – which worryingly has no host for the 2026 and 2030 editions – because it is too financially bloated and “the challenge is value for money”, according to officials.The Lionesses will take the first steps to retaining their European Championship title next month when they kick off their qualifiers.However, they have been drawn in the Group of Death.England will face Sweden, France and the Republic of Ireland as they look to book a spot on the plane to Switzerland. More

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      Fifa announce brand new competition is set to start in days – but fans have probably never heard of it

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      FIFA have announced a brand-new international competition that is set to start in just days.The Fifa Series will see international teams from different federations take each other on during the next international break.Andorra will be one of the teams involved in the Fifa SeriesCredit: GettyWhat makes the matches different is that the teams would not usually face each other as they would be unlikely to qualify for a major tournament or face each other in qualifiers. The friendlies will also take part in one host nation with Fifa hoping that it will “allow more international football interaction, making a concrete contribution to global football development”.The event will be piloted later this month with 20 teams being placed into five different groups of four.Two groups will play in Saudi Arabia, while one will be each of Algeria, Azerbaijan and Sri Lanka.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThree teams from Uefa will be involved as Andorra takes on Algeria, Bolivia and South Africa.Whereas Azerbaijan will host Bulgaria, Mongolia and Tanzania.Fans will be keen to see how the international minnows match up against each other.It will also be interesting to see sides like Andorra play with more chances of picking up a win. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFifa president Gianni Infantino said: “The Fifa Series is a really positive step forward for national-team football at global level.”Our member associations have been telling us for a long time now of their desire to test themselves against their counterparts from all around the world.Fifa World Cup 2026 final stadium revealed as raging fans say it was ‘the worst possible option’”And now they can do so within the current Men’s International Match Calendar.”More meaningful matches will enable far more valuable footballing interaction for players, teams and fans, and will make a concrete contribution to the development of the game.”The first matches for the tournament kick off on March 21.In the opening round, fans will be able to see the likes of South Africa vs Andorra, Guinea vs Vanuatu and Cape Verde vs Guyana.Full line-up for Fifa SeriesHere is a look at the first set of groups for Fifa Series
      Fifa Series: Algeria

      Algeria (CAF)
      Andorra (UEFA)
      Bolivia (CONMEBOL)
      South Africa (CAF)

      Fifa Series: Azerbaijan

      Azerbaijan (UEFA)
      Bulgaria (UEFA)
      Mongolia (AFC)
      Tanzania (CAF)

      Fifa Series: Saudi Arabia A

      Cabo Verde (CAF)
      Cambodia (AFC)
      Equatorial Guinea (CAF)
      Guyana (Concacaf)

      Fifa Series: Saudi Arabia B 

      Bermuda (Concacaf)
      Brunei Darussalam (AFC)
      Guinea (CAF)
      Vanuatu (OFC)

      Fifa Series: Sri Lanka

      Bhutan (AFC)
      Central African Republic (CAF)
      Papua New Guinea (OFC)
      Sri Lanka (AFC) More