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      UK to make bid to host 2035 football Women’s World Cup as PM says tournament could be ‘monumental moment’ for country

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      THE UK is set to make a blockbuster bid to host the 2035 football Women’s World Cup.Prime Minister Keir Starmer said holding the biggest tournament in the sport on British soil will be a “monumental moment” for the country.The UK is set to make a blockbuster bid to host the 2035 football Women’s World Cup following on from the Lionesses big win at Euro 2022Credit: GettyEngland’s players receiving the runners up medals at the 2023 Women’s World CupCredit: AFPThe Wembley Arch lit up red and white prior to the Uefa Women’s Nations League match between England and Spain last monthCredit: GettyEngland have an illustrious history with performing well at major football events held at home.The men’s side won the World Cup in 1966 with a thrilling final win in Wembley.Sarina Wiegman’s women’s side took home England’s second ever international trophy and its first ever Euros Championship when they “returned football home” in 2022.The FA has now officially registered their interest in the upcoming 2035 Women’s World Cup with hopes of again lifting a major trophy. read more in women’s footballEngland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are due to collectively submit an expression of interest to FIFA for the right to host the tournament. The FIFA Council has already recommend the 2035 competition has European or African hosts. Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke on the historic bid as he said: “Football is and always will be at the core of our country’s identity.”Whether we watch on TV, play at the weekends like I do, or simply enjoy soaking up the atmosphere in the pub, it brings communities together like little else. Most read in Football”That pride was on full display when England hosted UEFA Women’s EURO 2022. “It not only showed the best of our nation to the world but inspired a generation of girls into the game, all whilst boosting the economy. Devastated Lionesses collapse in tears on the pitch as bid to make Women’s World Cup history falls agonisingly short”The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2035 on home turf would be another monumental moment in our sporting history, driving growth and leaving a lasting legacy.”He added that the bid will have his government’s full support. The declaration of interest will need to be submitted to FIFA in the first quarter of 2025 before a decision is made at some point in 2026.If the FA manage to land the lucrative deal then it will be the first ever Women’s World Cup held in Britain.It will also be only the second time a World Cup has been held in the UK since the 1966 men’s tournament.Several stadiums across the British Isles are expected to be used with the final set to be held at Wembley like usual.Mark Bullingham, the CEO of the English FA, said hosting the tournament would be an honour. He continued: “We strongly believe that we could organise a fantastic tournament, building on the success of the UEFA Women’s EURO in 2022 and the subsequent rapid growth of the women’s game in England. “We’re excited about the opportunity to welcome the world, and hosting participating nations and fans in sold-out stadiums. “There is outstanding support for the women’s game in this country and we want to maximise this, not only for women’s and girls’ football here but also for the benefit of the global game.”One of the biggest competitors for the British bid is expected to come from South Africa. READ MORE SUN STORIESSimon Morton, UK Sport’s deputy chief executive, said last year: “The Women’s World Cup is the biggest sporting event that the UK has never hosted and so in that respect, it has a special appeal to us. “There is definitely an aspiration to host it in the 2030s.”England won the 1966 World Cup at Wembley almost 60 years agoCredit: GettyEngland captain Leah Williamson holding up the Euro 2022 trophyCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunSarina Wiegman with the Euro 2022 trophyCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More

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      Major change to World Cup final confirmed by Fifa with UK band with TEN No1 albums to perform glitzy half-time show

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      NEXT year’s World Cup final will feature a Super Bowl-style half-time show.The tournament is set to take place across the United States, Mexico and Canada and will include a new expanded 48-team format.Gianni Infantino has informed sponsors of a major changeCredit: PAThe World Cup final is set to take place in East Rutherford, New JerseyCredit: GettyThe final will kick off at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on July 19, 2026.Per Sky News’ Rob Harris, “multiple artists” will perform at half-time.He adds that Fifa president Gianni Infantino has informed sponsors of the decision.Fifa are working with Coldplay on the half-time show, with the British band set to also incorporate other artists into the act.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThis will be the first time that a World Cup final has included a half-time show.The 2022 World Cup final in Qatar saw six artists perform before the final between Argentina and France.Their performances were incorporated into the tournament’s closing ceremony.In recent years, the Champions League final has often featured a pre-match musical performance.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSColdplay are set to be involved in the half-time showCredit: GettyLenny Kravitz performed three songs ahead of last year’s Wembley final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.While other recent finals have included Camila Cabello, Burna Boy and Dua Lipa.Coldplay perform Scottish football anthem The recent Super Bowl in New Orleans featured a half-time show with Kendrick Lamar and SZA.It achieved an average audience of 133.5 million – surpassing Michael Jackson’s record set in 1993 and making it the most watched Super Bowl half-time show ever.Kendrick Lamar and SZA produced a record-breaking performance in New OrleansCredit: GettyDua Lipa performs ahead of the 2018 final in KyivCredit: Getty Images – GettyCamila Cabello performed ahead of the 2022 Champions League finalCredit: Getty More

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      Lionel Messi team-mate reveals he still takes medication to deal with World Cup final loss – despite going on to win it

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      ANGEL DI MARIA has revealed that he still takes medication to deal with past disappointments with Argentina.The former Manchester United ace suffered three consecutive final defeats.Angel Di Maria (right) went through three consecutive international final defeatsCredit: GettyDi Maria, 37, went through heartbreaking losses in two Copa America finals and the 2014 Fifa World Cup, where he was an unused sub in the 1-0 final loss to Germany.He has managed to overcome the disappointments with successes in the 2022 Fifa World Cup and 2021 and 2024 Copa America finals.However, the three-year period that saw the crushing defeats took its toll on the wide player.Di Maria has revealed that he is still taking medication to deal with the lows.READ MORE ON LIONEL MESSIHe told Infobae: “Because of that I’m still taking the meds.”I was able to reduce it [dosage].”I’m much better, but that’s something a little addictive, too.”These are things that stay with you, that mark you.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDi Maria was the matchwinner in the 2021 Copa America final win over Brazil as he scored the only goal of the game.He was also one of the heroes in the 2022 World Cup final as he netted the first goal in the win over France.’It’s like Messi… there I said it’ – Pundits rave about Arsenal ace Nwaneri as Shearer dubs him ‘potential superstar’Di Maria was one of the goalscorers in the 2022 World Cup finalCredit: GettyHe also helped the team retain the Copa America in 2024Credit: ReutersThe Benfica star did admit that he has sympathy for his former international team-mates who did not get the chance to win an honour.He added: “Who remembers the boys that reached that World Cup final and didn’t win?””Very few, it seems unfair to me. Who is talking about those kids Nobody.”Very few can tell you how they played.”I said it a lot of times when we became world champions, when we won the Copa America, I always said that those trophies were also [thanks] to the previous generation.”Di Maria called time on his Argentina career last year but is still producing the goods for Benfica.He has impressed this season in Portugal with 14 goals in 32 appearances in all competitions.Despite his impressive form, he has insisted that leaving international football behind was for the best.He said: “I was there for 16 years [with the national team] and it is as if I had been in a club.”It’s difficult, but I think I made the right decision. It’s obvious that it tempts me because it’s the national team.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I achieved everything I wanted to achieve. I left the way I wanted to leave.”I hope one day I can be there again, in a different role.” More

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      England fan fury as alcohol will be BANNED at 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia for first time ever

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      BOOZE will be banned at the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia, its ambassador to the UK announced yesterday.The showpiece event will be the first Fifa tournament to be dry — with no exemption for hotels and fan zones.Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud has confirmed Saudi Arabia will not be relaxing its strict Islamic lawsOnly soft drinks will be served in stadiums and anyone caught smuggling in booze risks a public flogging.Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud confirmed the nation would not be relaxing its strict Islamic laws.He said: “Plenty of fun can be had without alcohol.“It’s not 100 per cent necessary and if you want to drink after you leave, you’re welcome to, but at the moment we don’t have alcohol.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAt the 2022 World Cup in neighbouring Muslim nation Qatar, fans could drink alcohol at hotels which had applied for liquor licences.But Prince Khalid told LBC radio: “There is no alcohol at all, rather like our weather, it’s a dry country.”Everyone has their own culture. We’re happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture but we don’t want to change our culture for someone else.“It is not a Saudi event, it is a world event and, to a large extent, we will welcome everyone who wants to come.”Most read in FootballFan Tim Bailey hit out on X: “Their country, their rules. But why the f*** would anyone want to go there anyway?”Another supporter said: “Weird . . . they always want everyone else to change their culture for them.”Saudi Arabia release new pictures of 92,000-capacity ‘germinating seed’ King Salman Stadium ahead of 2034 World CupSaudi Arabia has been accused of sportswashing to cover up its appalling human rights record.In 2023 when the desert nation launched its 2034 campaign, a Saudi diplomatic source told The Sun: “Football fans will be allowed to drink if Saudi Arabia wins the vote.”It has not been publicly discussed but is an accepted fact.“Alcohol is subject to a total ban now but will be sold in restricted areas — as is the case in other Muslim nations”We acknowledge that serious mistakes have been made in the past and want the rest of the world to understand we are changing.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Brit FIFA official arrested for ‘arranging to meet boy, 14, for sex while on work trip’ in US

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      A BRITISH FIFA official has been arrested in America after allegedly arranging to meet a 14-year-old boy for sex while on a work trip.Jack Edward Coles, 39, was detained by federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations at a hotel near FIFA’s offices in Coral Gables, Miami.Jack Edward Coles, 39, was arrested after allegedly arranging to meet a 14-year-old boy for sexCredit: InstagramColes is now facing federal charges of enticement of a minor and traveling to the United States with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minorCredit: BSOColes, a project leader with FIFA Sound — the organization’s music division — allegedly met the boy on the dating app Grindr last October and engaged in sexual activity with him at a hotel, reports the Miami Herald.He reportedly returned to Miami last week and attempted to meet the teen again, unaware that he was under federal investigation.FIFA confirmed it was aware of the case but stressed that the allegations were a “personal matter” unrelated to Coles’ work with the organisation.“FIFA is aware of ongoing legal proceedings in Miami. The alleged offenses are serious and of a personal matter with no link to his work at FIFA,” the world soccer body said in a statement Wednesday.Read more on football“The individual has been suspended with immediate effect and until further notice from all duties. FIFA has no further comment at this stage,” it said.The Miami Herald reports that Coles first contacted the teen via Instagram on October 10, asking him to visit him at the Hyatt Regency in Coral Gables. The boy told Coles he was 16, according to the complaint.The Brit initially responded that they would not have sex because of his age, writing: “I don’t want to break any laws.”Most read in FootballHowever, according to the arrest complaint, Coles allegedly later ordered an Uber to bring the boy to his hotel, bought him a White Claw alcoholic beverage, and engaged in sexual activity with him. Honduras slapped with final punishment decision after Mexico coach hit by beer can and left with blood pouring down face Afterwards, he allegedly messaged the teen, saying: “Can’t wait to see you again” and “You’re gonna be my Miami boyfriend by the way.”Coles returned to Zurich on October 21 but resumed contact with the boy in February, arranging to meet him again, reports the Miami Herald.What the Brit didn’t know was that the teenager had been in contact with federal investigators after their first encounter. On February 2, Coles messaged the boy again, saying: “I’m back Wednesday to Saturday So I see u.” This time, a Homeland Security agent took control of the boy’s Instagram account.The agent continued messaging Coles, who allegedly asked if he could record their next encounter and inquired about the boy’s grooming habits.On Friday, Coles arranged for an Uber to pick up what he believed was the boy at Dolphin Mall. Instead, a federal agent got into the car, which drove to Coles’ hotel, the Courtyard Miami Coral Gables.When Coles opened the door expecting the teenager, agents and police officers arrested him on Friday.According to the complaint, he was “naked, except for a shirt” at thetime.Coles was charged with enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activities and travelling to the US with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. READ MORE SUN STORIESHe was initially booked into the Broward Sheriff’s Office jail but has since been released. It was not immediately clear whether he has legal representation. More

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      ‘Goalkeepers should be complaining’ – Fifa referees chief Pierluigi Collina calls for major penalty rule change

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      PIERLUIGI COLLINA, arguably the world’s greatest ever referee, has proposed a a major rule change to penalty kicks.The Italian is currently the chairman of the Fifa Referees Committee.Pierluigi Collina has proposed a change to the penalty kick rulesCredit: GettyHe has suggested the ball should be dead if saved by the goalkeeperCredit: ReutersThe legendary ref hung up his whistle back in 2005 but remains well respected in football.He believes that goalkeepers should be complaining about the current penalty rules.Collina has insisted the attackers should not be allowed to take advantage of a rebound if the initial shot is saved.His plan would mean that if the penalty is saved, the ball is then dead and then leads to a goal kick.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLCollina, 64, told Repubblica: “I believe there is an excessive gap between the opportunities available to the attacker and those of the goalkeeper.”On average, 75 per cent of penalties are already scored, and often, the penalty kick is a bigger chance than the one taken away by the foul.”On top of that, the attacker is also given a chance to play the rebound off the goalkeeper. In my opinion, goalkeepers should be complaining.”I’ve already mentioned this in discussions we’ve had at IFAB.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”One solution is the ‘one shot’ rule. Just like in penalty shootouts after extra time.”No rebound. Either you score or play resumes with a goal kick, period.Never-before-seen moment in English football as referee speaks to crowd to confirm why Spurs goal ruled out vs Liverpool”This would also eliminate the spectacle we see before a penalty is taken, with everyone crowding around the area.”It looks like horses at the starting gates before the Palio di Siena (a traditional Italian horse race with jockeys riding bareback).”He has also suggested that the introduction of offside technology is a benefit to the game.He added: “At 40 metres from the goal, perhaps two centimetres are not decisive, but in the penalty area they become so.” More

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      70,000-seater ‘world’s best stadium’ set to have World Cup hosting rights RESTORED as work restarts after 16 years

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      VALENCIA’S Nou Mestalla Stadium is set to have its World Cup hosting rights restored after work restarted following 16 years.The skeleton of what had been dubbed “the world’s best stadium” had been lying dormant as construction work halted in 2009.Valencia’s Nou Mestalla Stadium has seen its World Cup hosting rights restoredCredit: GettyThe skeleton of the 70,000 seater ground has been dormant for 16 yearsCredit: GettyBut Rafael Louzan, President of RFEF, has now said it will be in Spain’s World Cup rosterCredit: GettyHowever, after the best part of two decades, work has finally restarted on the stunning project.The aim is to complete the 70,000-capacity stadium by the summer of 2027 after the club unveiled its sixth set of plans since the original announcement in 2006.And the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Rafael Louzán, has now suggested the ground will be one of those to play host to World Cup football in 2030.During a trip to the stadium with FFCV and LaLiga, he said: “I said it this morning, I am just another Valencianista, Valencia is not going to miss out on hosting the World Cup. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I can assure you of that. We have already been working on this and I know that in the end that would be something tremendously unfair and that it is not going to happen. “I want to reassure the Valencianistas so that they know that our work is oriented in that direction so that a stadium like this can host the World Cup and host important matches. “We must remember that the Nou Mestalla is going to be the most modern stadium in Spain with a very important capacity. Valencia is going to host the 2030 World Cup.”Spain is co-hosting the tournament with Morocco and Portugal.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWhile the final venues for the tournament have not been announced, the so-called “most modern stadium” in the country would be a big miss at such a prestigious tournament.The original plans for the ground when it was announced had seen Valencia plan to move into it in the 2009/10 season.Iconic 60-year-old stadium which has hosted huge WWE pay-per-views unrecognizable after roof collapses in heavy snowfallHowever, crippling financial troubles where it climbed up to £350million in costs saw the project – which also originally had an 80,000 capacity – paused.Last summer Valencia was stripped of its hosting rights by the RFEF as it was no longer considered a viable venue.But now there has been a stunning U-turn that will see it host the World Cup.It comes following a report from Mundo Deportivo that the number of stadiums will be reduced from 20 to between 17 and 19. More

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      Morocco to execute THREE MILLION dogs in ‘brutal street clean up’ ahead of 2030 World Cup to make cities ‘nice for fans’

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      MOROCCO could be set to slaughter three MILLION stray dogs in a brutal clean up bid before hosting the 2030 World Cup.The pooches could be wiped out from the streets to make the country’s cities look nicer to visiting football fans, it’s been claimed.Millions of stray dogs could be killed across Morocco in a brutal bid to ‘clean up the streets’ ahead of the 2030 World CupCredit: GettyThe 115,000-capacity Stade Hassan II in Casablanca, Morocco will be the biggest football stadium in the worldCredit: PopulousAnimal activist organisations claim dogs are poisoned with strychnine, a toxic chemical used as pesticide to kill small animals like birds and rodentsCredit: GettyMorocco will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, marking the tournament’s centennial edition. The event will feature matches across all three countries, highlighting Morocco’s first opportunity to co-host a World Cup. The country has already begun preparing its infrastructure, aiming to upgrade stadiums and transportation networks to meet FIFA standards.But it has also reportedly killed thousands of stray dogs, and it’s feared that the numbers could still ramp up as 2030 approaches.Read more on 2030 World CupThe International Animal Coalition is now shining a spotlight on the killings, dubbing it “Morocco’s ugly secret”.According to the coalition, dogs are poisoned with strychnine – a highly toxic, colourless, and bitter chemical used as a pesticide, particularly for killing small animals such as birds and rodents.The pups are also reportedly shot in the streets, the coalition says, or trapped and transported to facilities where they’re brutally slaughtered.Many are also said to die in agony after being wounded by gunmen patrolling around the clock, the Daily Mail reports.Most read in FootballDespite claims from Moroccan authorities that the brutal campaign stopped in August 2024, the coalition says the killings spiked after FIFA announced Morocco as a host nation in 2023.Saudi Arabia release new pictures of 92,000-capacity ‘germinating seed’ King Salman Stadium ahead of 2034 World CupThe Sun has contacted FIFA for more information on the allegations.With outrage mounting, activists are demanding immediate action to end the slaughter and protect Morocco’s stray dogs.Jane Goodall, a top animal rights advocate, has now written to FIFA, urging immediate action and accusing the organisation of ignoring what she describes as “a horrific act of barbarity”.In her letter to FIFA’s Secretary general Mattias Grafström, Goodall said she was appalled at reports of large-scale dog killings by Moroccan authorities, an initiative said to have ended last August.“I am equally appalled to learn from the IAWPC – International Animal Coalition that you have been presented with detailed dossiers documenting these horrific acts, most of which are conducted in the most brutal and cruel fashion imaginable, and yet appear to have ignored them,” she wrote.Morocco will co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and PortugalCredit: PopulousIt’s been claimed that the North African country wants to make its cities look nicer to visiting football fansCredit: https://www.cruzyortiz.com/Goodall also raised concerns about how global football fans might respond to such cruelty.She wrote: “You must surely be aware of how football fans around the world – many of whom are also animal lovers – will react when they learn of this?”The activist went on to warn of the potential damage to FIFA’s reputation, saying:  “Moreover, it will place FIFA itself under the spotlight once again.”I know you have been working hard to rehabilitate FIFA’s reputation following recent scandals. “If you fail to act, however, FIFA will be known for its complicity in an horrific act of barbarity – on your watch.”Goodall called for decisive measures, urging FIFA to ensure an end to the killings and consider suspending Morocco’s hosting of the tournament if the practice continues.She explained: “There are many humane alternatives to controlling street dog populations, and a number of reputable international organisations who are happy to assist the Moroccan authorities in implementing such programmes.”READ MORE SUN STORIES“There is simply no excuse for the awful campaign of cruelty that is being executed in football’s name.”I call on you to use your position as FIFA Secretary General to bring it to an immediate end, and to earn the respect and gratitude of the football-loving public everywhere for doing so,” she concluded. Morroco’s World Cup plansby Juliana Cruz Lima, Foreign News ReporterMOROCCO is gearing up to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, with ambitious plans to leave a lasting mark on the tournament.At the heart of these efforts is the Grand Stade Hassan II, a proposed 115,000-seat stadium near Casablanca, inspired by the traditional Maghrebi communal tent, or moussem.Dubbed “a Noah’s Ark for nature and animals,” the stadium aims to rival global landmarks like Beijing’s Bird’s Nest and Qatar’s cutting-edge arenas.The project, part of a $5 billion World Cup investment, includes upgrades to five existing stadiums and a $490 million allocation for the Grand Stade Hassan II. This monumental effort follows Morocco’s historic run to the semifinals in 2022, reigniting the kingdom’s dream of football glory. Officials hope the tournament will boost the economy, create jobs, and solidify Morocco’s reputation as a modern and influential leader in the region.But the plans are not without controversy. Critics point to potential concerns about labour conditions for migrant workers and Morocco’s occupation of Western Sahara, which has sparked tensions with neighboring Algeria, The Guardian reports.Despite these issues, the excitement among Morocco’s football-loving public remains high, with hopes of hosting the World Cup final in their iconic new “ark.” More