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      Why England were the Spurs of Euro 2024 with results equivalent to 1-0 win over Preston and 0-0 with Exeter

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      ENGLAND’S rocky road to the final saw results equivalent to Tottenham failing to beat Exeter and Portsmouth in 90 minutes.The performances of Gareth Southgate’s side were far from convincing throughout the Euros – with it coming to a devastating end at the last hurdle against Spain.Gareth Southgate’s side stumbled to the finalCredit: PAEngland drew with Slovenia, who are 57th in the world rankingsCredit: RexDomestically, Slovakia have been compared to PortsmouthCredit: APEngland currently sit fifth in the Fifa world rankings and when comparing the list to the football pyramid, that would make the Three Lions the equivalent of Spurs, who finished in the Premier League.England kicked-off their tournament by holding on for a nervy 1-0 win over Serbia.They are 32nd in world rankings and in the English football pyramid, that side is Preston.Next up was a bore 1-1 draw with Denmark and again converting the international positions to domestic, the Danes are the equivalent to Leicester.READ MORE ON EURO 2024Another dull draw followed against Slovenia and they are ranked 57th by Fifa.Exeter, who finished 13th in League One last season, are their EFL equivalents. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane were the saviours as the Three Lions left it late to beat Slovakia 2-1 in extra-time.The Slovakians are 43rd in the world, according to Fifa, which puts them in the position of third tier champions Portsmouth.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSEngland’s results in domestic positionsEngland and Tottenham both fifth in Fifa world rankings and Premier League respectively. Converting nations into their domestic positions, England’s results would be:Spurs 1-0 Preston Spurs 1-1 Leicester Spurs 0-0 ExeterSpurs 2-1 Portsmouth (AET)Spurs 1-1 Burnley (5-3 on Penalties)Spurs 2-1 NewcastleSpurs 1-2 Man Utd England beat Switzerland on penalties in the quarter-final as the heroes converted all five spot-kicks.The Swiss are ranked 19th in the world, which would see them in the Premier League relegation zone, taking Burnley’s place.Gareth Southgate drops quit hint on live TV minutes after England’s heartbreaking Euro 2024 final lossOllie Watkins was the hero as England booked their spot in the final by beating Holland 2-1.Newcastle and the Dutch both find themselves in seventh.And finally, it was a 2-1 defeat to Euros winners Spain in what could be Southgate’s last game in charge.La Roja are set to rise up the rankings after clinching glory – but coming into the tournament they were in eighth place.Manchester United were eighth in the Prem last season as Erik ten Hag just about clung onto his job. Fifa world rankings – top tenRankings correct of June 20.ArgentinaFrance BelgiumBrazilEnglandPortugal HollandSpainCroatia Italy More

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      Major change could be made to Euros as nation faces being STRIPPED of hosting rights by Uefa

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      FOOTBALL governing bodies Uefa and Fifa could throw the book at Italy and strip them of hosting rights for Euro 2032, it has been revealed.The Euro 2020 victors are joint hosts with Turkey for the 2032 tournament after being awarded the rights by Uefa’s executive committee last year.Euro 2032 could see its host nation stripped of the rightsCredit: GettyUefa president Aleksander Ceferin sent a joint letter with Fifa to the Italian FACredit: GettyFIGC President Gabriele Gravina was warned a new policy could breach rules on government interference in footballCredit: EPAHowever, a major change could be in the works for the competition in eight years time.A new policy known as the Mulè Amendment is pushing for Serie A, Serie B and Lega Pro to break away from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).This would work in a similar way to how the Premier League broke away from the English Football Association.The amendment had been criticised as a breach of the rules regarding government interference in sports administration. READ MORE IN EURO 2024And as revealed by Repubblica, Uefa and Fifa sent a letter warning Italy they may face severe repercussions as a result of the new amendment.Originally, it had motioned that club’s and players be allowed to bypass the sporting justice system and appeal directly to the TAR tribunal.In their letter to FIGC president Gabriele Gravina, football’s governing bodies said: “We are forced to intervene in the interest of the principles and values of the sports system that we support…”The amendment is in stark contrast with these principles. It has blatantly ignored the central role that federations play in ensuring the balanced and healthy development of sport.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We expect politics to respect the autonomy of football.”The letter added: “It turns out that every single point of the original amendment was incompatible with the obligations of the FIGC.England vs Netherlands Player Ratings”If the amendment were to be approved in its original form or in a new wording that would still support the elements addressed in this letter, we would have no choice but to refer the matter to our decision-making bodies to assess possible measures, including the possible suspension of the FIGC.”One such punishment would be the aforementioned stripping of hosting rights for the 2032 tournament, as well as them being booted out of international tournaments such as the World Cup.However, according to news agency ANSA via Business Day, the amendment was passed with some changes.It turns out that every single point of the original amendment was incompatible with the obligations of the FIGCUefa and Fifa letterRepubblicaThe changes included the removal of the provision allowing clubs to bypass the sporting justice system and appeal directly to the TAR tribunal.It is understood this new version has been sent to Uefa and Fifa for evaluation.Giorgio Mulé, who drafted the ruling, said on the latest draft: “To guarantee an adequate representation in the federal systems, the professional leagues have the right to equal representation in the directive organizations of the sporting federations that take into account the economic contribution given to the system.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “A new era begins for Italian football today with the fair recognition of the weight and role that the Lega Serie A has within the Federation.”A new page finally brings us up to date with modern times.”Euro 2024 final stadium is home to English football’s most shameful episodeGARETH SOUTHGATE and his players will walk in the footsteps of sporting infamy on Sunday.And they also have the chance to wipe out the memories of English football’s most shameful episode by replacing it with glorious triumph.For many, the Olympiastadion will always be the place where Jesse Owens humiliated Adolf Hitler in his own backyard.But the 1936 Olympics WERE used by the Nazis as pure propaganda, as a statement about the supposed supremacy of the “Aryan race”.The ghosts of those Games still flit between the towers and the colosseum-style architecture.Fans walking in on Sunday will see the plinth where the Olympic cauldron was lit by Fritz Schilgen – handpicked by propagandist film-maker Leni Riefenstahl – still there, high in the stands above one goal.And two years later, when the FA disgracefully ordered England’s players to raise their arm in the Nazi salute before beating Germany in a friendly, it seemed that the British state was implicitly accepting Hitler’s authority and power.The Three Lions have the opportunity to right that ancient wrong yet nothing can detract from the stadium’s place in the pantheon of sport’s darkest hours.Read the full story HERE. More

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      From drugging teammates with sleeping pills to baffling 95-0 scoreline – inside the murky world of football match-fixing

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      ENGLAND fans are furious after a scandal-hit referee has been chosen for tomorrow’s Euro 2024 semi-final clash.German-born Felix Zwayer, who will oversee the Three Lions game against the Netherlands, was banned for six months for match-fixing back in 2005.Felix Zwayer, who was previously given a ban for match-fixing, will referee England’s semi-final clashCredit: RexThe official previously clashed with Jude Bellingham over decisions made in a 2021 matchCredit: AFPBellingham was fined £34,000 for criticising Zwayer in this post-match interview in 2021The 43-year-old had received a £250 bribe from another referee, Robert Hoyzer, who had links to a £1.7million Croatian gambling syndicate in Berlin.While Zwayer was reinstated as a FIFA-listed ref in 2012, some fear England may be at risk of harsh treatment due to Jude Bellingham criticising him three years ago.The Three Lions ace, then 18, previously fumed at the official in a post-match interview for not giving his side, Borussia Dortmund, a penalty while awarding one to Bayern Munich.Bellingham, whose team lost 3-2 in the 2021 match, was fined £34,000 for raging: “You can look at a lot of decisions in that game.READ MORE FROM FEATURES“You give a referee that has match-fixed before the biggest game in Germany. What do you expect?”Zwayer was one of five refs who helped to expose crooked Hozyer – who was jailed two-and-a-half years and given a lifetime ban from working in the sport. Sadly match-fixing is nothing new in the world of football – here we reveal some of the utterly astounding scandals.Drugging teammatesBack in 2011, a clash between Italian third-division teams Cremonese and Paganese became famous for all the wrong reasons.Most read in FootballObservers noticed Cremonese’s players looked sluggish and reported feeling tired during the match.Some were reported to have struggled to walk and one member of the team crashed his car while driving home from the match.England’s penalty shoot-out secretsMarco Paolini drugged his teammates with sleeping pillsCredit: RAIIt later transpired that Cremonese’s goalkeeper Marco Paolini had been drugging his teammates with sleeping pills in a bid to pay off gambling debts.The footballer, who had placed the drug in their water bottles, was banned for five years after an FA investigation found links to disgraced Singapore businessman Dan Tan.95-0 winMost football fans would be happy with their side winning a match by a couple of goals – but in Sierra Leone eyebrows were raised by two surprisingly flattering score lines in 2022. Gulf FC and Kenama were both investigated by the nation’s football association after the teams managed to score in excess of 90 goals each.It followed Gulf beating Koquima 91-1 – after being ahead 7-1 in the first half – and Kenama thrashing Lumbebu United 95-0 after leading 2-0 before the second half commenced.The two results were annulled due to allegations of match manipulation and the Sierra Leona Football Association launched an investigation.The four teams were initially suspended by organisers. Later they were forced to replay the matches and put investigation.Totenero scandalItaly’s Paolo Rossi was banned for two years as part of the scandalCredit: PA:Press AssociationTotenero remains the world’s most famous match-fixing scandal – and led to a staggering 21 players, club owners and officials being given prison time.It came to light after an Italian newspaper discovered two greengrocers in Rome had masterminded a ring to facilitate teams to throw matches.They had bribed players including some from the football team Lazio, who were regulars in the restaurant, before eventually running out of money. The 1980 scandal, dubbed ‘totenero’ – the Italian word for illegal gambling – led to both Lazio and AC Milan being relegated from Serie A.Of the arrests, the most notable was Perugia forward Paolo Rossi – who was banned for two years before representing Italy at the 1982 World Cup, where he was the tournament’s top goalscorer.Disgrace of GijonWest Germany’s Wolfgang Dremmler scoring in the match against AustriaCredit: PA:Press AssociationAlgeria fans held money up to photographers, alleging there had been a fix between West Germany and AustriaCredit: AP:Associated PressWhile FIFA stated no rules had been broken, many were furious after a match between West Germany and Austria during 1982 World Cup.For both teams to progress through the group stage at the expense of Algeria, Germany needed just a 1-0 victory over the rivals.The only goal of the match came within 10 minutes of the game and after players passed the ball between them unwilling to compete further.Algeria were knocked out of the tournament and angry fans posed in front of photographers with money showing their disapproval of how the game had been fixed.The game – dubbed ‘the disgrace of Gijon’ – led FIFA to introduce a new rule for all final group games to be played simultaneously.Referee outrageJuventus director Luciano Moggi was involved in the ref-fixingCredit: PA:Press AssociationMoggi walking to court in 2010 for his involvement in the 2006 corruption scandalCredit: AFPIn 2006, Italian football suffered yet another scandal when police intercepted phone calls that revealed club officials had arranged for favourable referees. Teams including Juventus, Milan, Fiorentina, Lazio and Reggina were found to have been involved in conversations with the referee organisations. It led to prison sentences and football bans for Fiorentina’s co-owner Andrea Della Valle and Juventus director Luciano Moggi. England’s penalty shootout recordTHE dreaded penalty shootout.England’s nemesis at no fewer than EIGHT major tournaments since 1990, from the West Germany heartache at Italia 90 to Wembley woes on the brink of Euro 2020 final glory.But the perfect shootout win over Switzerland at Euro 2024 gives some reason for optimism…1990 World Cup semi-final vs WEST GERMANY, 04/07/1990 – LOST 4-3Euro 1996 quarter-final vs SPAIN, 22/06/1996 – WON 4-2Euro 1996 semi-final vs WEST GERMANY, 26/06/1996 – LOST 6-5Friendly vs BELGIUM, 29/05/1998 – LOST 4-31998 World Cup last 16 vs ARGENTINA, 30/06/1998 – LOST 4-3Euro 2004 quarter-final vs PORTUGAL, 24/06/2004 – LOST 6-52006 World Cup quarter-final vs PORTUGAL, 01/07/2006 – LOST 3-1Euro 2012 quarter-final vs ITALY, 24/06/2012 – LOST 4-22018 World Cup last 16 vs COLOMBIA, 03/07/2018 – WON 4-3Nations League third-place play-off vs SWITZERLAND, 09/06/2019 – WON 6-5Euro 2020 final vs ITALY, 11/07/2021 – LOST 3-2Euro 2024 quarter-final vs SWITZERLAND, 06/07/24 – WON 5-3OVERALL: Played 12 Won 4, Lost 8Of the teams involved, Juventus received the heftiest punishment with them being stripped of two Serie A titles and relegated to Series B.It led to a number of the team’s star players including Fabio Cannavaro and Zlatan Ibrahimovic leaving the club. Nearly 35 international footballers left the Italian league as a result of the scandal and moved to teams in other European leagues. 146 goals In another scandal involving absurd scorelines, four teams were banned from Nigeria’s lower league after 146 goals were scored in two matches.Both Plateau United Feeders and Police Machine were battling for promotion in 2013 but faced large goal differences so the teams took it into their own hands.Plateau United Feeders were 7-0 up at half-time against Akurba FC but went on to score a staggering 72 more goals.Similarly, Police Machine won 67-0 against Babyaro FC after being 6-0 ahead at halftime.The games saw one player score 11 times, three own goals and new footballs being used instead of retrieving balls from the back of the net. All four teams were banned for 10 years due to the “shameful incident”.Deliberate own goalTwo Brazilian footballers were sacked in an alleged match-fixing scandal in 2022Credit: TwitterIt’s claimed a midfielder deliberately scored an own goal and the keeper did nothing to stop himCredit: TwitterIn Brazil, at least two footballers were sacked after a bizarre own goal one minute before the end of the match. In footage from the game, it appeared that midfielder Julio Campos kick the ball into his own net on purpose and the goalkeeper did nothing to stop it.The game finished with Campos’ team, Atletico Amazonense, losing 4-1 to rivals Sul America in 2022. Two players were fired after the incident and regional prosecutors were asked to launch an investigation into match-fixing. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe loss ruled the team out of the race for promotion to Brazil’s top tier and the club’s president Henrique Barbosa was furious.In a statement, the club branded the actions “serious sabotage” and said Campos had an “unethical attitude” and “was determined to sabotage his own side” from the “beginning of the game”.Former referee Robert Hoyzer was jailed for more than two years and banned from footballCredit: Getty More

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      Train passenger appears to accidentally watch stream of someone playing England vs Slovakia on Fifa instead of real game

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      WE’VE all had to put up with England’s rather dire performances at Euro 2024 – but one train passenger tried to tune in on his journey.But the footie fan hoping to watch England’s 2-1 victory over Slovakia couldn’t tell the difference between gameplay from Fifa and the real thing.A train passenger was streaming a FIFA game opposed to the real England matchThe passenger tried to tune into the match via stream and appeared to find exactly what they were after.However, upon closer inspection, it turned out the footage was actually low-resolution tape from the popular computer game Fifa.The England fan’s hilarious blunder was caught by another passenger who was sitting directly behind.The video has already racked up more than five million views.READ MORE EURO 2024 NEWSThe fake videos can generate huge revenue for the channel owner.Vietnamese outlet VNExpress previously revealed such tricks had been common since the Qatar World Cup in 2022.The train passenger was one unfortunate victim of the scam when he or she found the YouTube video that seemingly showed the England vs Slovakia game.But the real game was hardly any more exciting.Most read in FootbalBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe real England team offered 95 minutes of shambolic football and looked to be heading home from Germany in embarrassment.But Gareth Southgate’s men somehow muddled through to a quarter-final tie against a solid Switzerland side.Watch fuming England fans storm out of Slovakia game early and launch X-rated rant at Southgate BEFORE epic comebackJude Bellingham’s brilliant bicycle kick equaliser in the final minute of injury time forced extra time.And Harry Kane’s header – assisted by Ivan Toney – then put the Three Lions in front just 53 seconds after the restart.England ratings: Bellingham rescues woeful Three Lions as big names, and manager, have a shockerJUDE BELLINGHAM’S majestic overhead kick deep into stoppage time saved England from a humiliating Euros exit.Gareth Southgate’s side had been utterly woeful and looked to be heading home thanks to Ivan Schranz’s clever finish.But Bellingham came to the rescue in the 96th minute, brilliantly firing into the corner after Marc Guehi had flicked on Kyle Walker’s long throw.Remarkably, it was England’s first shot on target, summing how poor they had been.But another one came soon after, as 53 seconds into extra-time, Harry Kane headed home from close range to set up a quarter-final with Switzerland.It was as close a shave as it comes, and if they play like this against the Swiss, then they will be toast.Here’s how Tom Barclay rated England’s stars… and manager Southgate.Jordan Pickford: 5Appeared to hurt his left hand when taking a big whack in the warm-up, but still played. Fired a lot of long balls and was lucky not to be lobbed by David Strelec’s 45-yard strike.Kyle Walker: 4England’s second-most experienced player had a shocker. He looked uncharacteristically slow, his touch was heavy and his crossing was nowhere near good enough. But it was his long throw that led to Bellingham’s magic.John Stones: 4Said it was time for the senior pros to step up in the build-up to the game, but there was little sign of that until Bellingham did his thing, and he is only 21. Stones fired aimless long balls, gave it away and it was his mistake that almost led to Strelec’s trying his luck from range.Marc Guehi: 5Booked early after Kieran Trippier’s underhit pass meant he had to take out the excellent David Strelec, meaning he is out of the quarter-final. Ivan Schranz bamboozled him for Slovakia’s opener but his flick-on to Bellingham brought the leveller.Kieran Trippier: 4When Jude Bellingham’s good ball found Trippier on the edge of the box early doors, on his favoured right foot, you thought, ‘Here we go’. He smashed it into Row Z.Declan Rice: 5An old-school reducer on Juraj Kucka was a fair tackle, even if it left the 37-year-old hobbling. His curling effort with ten minutes to go cracked against the post.Kobbie Mainoo: 6FIRST start at a major tournament and our only decent performer in an horrendous first half from England. Blasted a volley over but was also booked for a late tackle.Bukayo Saka: 5We all know what a fantastic player Saka is for Arsenal, and for England in games gone by, but he rarely threatened here. Did go the distance though, and in a number of positions.Jude Bellingham: 7 and STAR MANCometh the hour, cometh the man. He had underwhelmed again until the 96th minute, but who cares when you step up like that.Phil Foden: 4Thought he had levelled early in the second half but his tap-in was ruled out by VAR after he was caught being, inexplicably, offside. Just off it all night, in danger of being dropped.Harry Kane: 6Still way off his best – he was nowhere to be seen in the first half and missed a free header after the break – but got it right when it counted in extra time.SUBSTITUTIONSCole Palmer (on for Kieran Trippier, 66): 7FANS were on their feet applauding when Southgate finally made a change and brought him on. So lively and with a lovely delivery, must be in with a chance of starting against the Swiss.Eberechi Eze (on for Kobbie Mainoo, 84): 6Did enough to put off Slovak full-back Peter Pekarik from turning home at close range in extra-time. Looked like he had been hit by a train when Denis Vavro walloped into him.Ivan Toney (on for Phil Foden, 90): 7GRABBED the assist for Kane’s winner by flicking on after a free-kick – which he had won with his strength – had been cleared.Conor Gallagher (on for Harry Kane, 105): 6Southgate rolled the dice in extra-time by trying to shut the game out, taking his captain off for the Chelsea midfielder.Ezri Konsa (on for Jude Bellingham, 105): 6Ditto to Gallagher as Konsa got his first minutes of the tournament in place of the hero Bellingham, which felt a risky strategy.MANAGERGareth Southgate: 3.A lucky, lucky man. Tactically, his team were all long ball, lacked any movement, and did not conjure up a shot on target until Bellingham’s wonder strike – and that came from Walker chucking it in the mixer. Subs took ages in the 90 and then felt risky as he sought to see the game out in extra-time. More

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      Watch Antonio Rudiger turn into ‘Fifa glitch’ with bizarre tackle during Germany’s Euro 2024 draw with Switzerland

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      ANTONIO RUDIGER has found himself going viral after his “Fifa glitch” against Switzerland.The Real Madrid defender, 31, has just helped his team reach the knockout stages of Euro 2024.Antonio Rudiger went viral during Germany’s draw with GermanyCredit: GettyThe defender produced a great tackle to stop Fabian RiederCredit: BBCThe star then fell on top of his rival as his hip started to thrustCredit: BBCNiclas Fullkrug came off the bench on Sunday to earn the host nation Germany a 1-1 draw with Switzerland.That maintained their unbeaten start to the tournament and ensured they claimed top spot in Group A.However, as they chased a leveller against the Swiss, Germany could have been caught out again at the back but for Rudiger’s intervention.Midfielder Fabian Rieder was flying into the box with the ball when the ex-Chelsea man produced a brilliant tackle in the 53rd minute.READ MORE ON EURO 2024But as Rudiger went to go after the loose ball, he somehow ended up on top of his rival as his midriff appeared to bounce up and down.He then toppled straight over Rieder before turning round and grabbing his opponent and dragging him to his feet.BBC Sport’s X account shared footage of the incident and asked: “What is Antonio Rudiger doing here?! At least he helped him up!”And that led to an influx of hilarious comments in the responses.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne said that the scene resembled a “Fifa glitch” as another wrote: “Swimming on the land.”A third claimed: “Never ask what Rudiger is doing, even he doesn’t know.”Euro 2024’s sexiest players revealedWhile a fourth said tongue in cheek: “He’s gotta at least buy him dinner after that!!”By winning Group A, Germany will now face the team that finishes second in England’s group on Saturday.The Swiss have gone through to the last 16 as runners-up.Meanwhile, Scotland were dumped out of the tournament as they conceded a late goal to Hungary, who are now hanging on and hoping to qualify as one of the best-placed third-placed sides.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANYAs for Rudiger, who has played every minute of all three matches so far, he could be a doubt for the last 16 showdown.His manager Julian Nagelsmann admitted last night: “He has a bit of a problem with his thigh.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’ll have to see. I hope it’s nothing serious. We’ll see.“That could be quite problematic.” More

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      Who is Roberto Baggio’s wife Andreina Fabbi?

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      ROBERTO Baggio first rose to fame for his impressive football skills.However, for much of his career he has had his wife Andreina Fabbi by his side.The pair have three children togetherCredit: AFPWho is Roberto Baggio’s wife Andreina Fabbi?Andreina Fabbi is married to former footballer Roberto Baggio.Despite being married to a famous face, not much is known about Andreina.It seems that she likes to remain out of the spotlight and instead let her husband shine with the fame his job comes with.What does Andreina Fabbi do?Andreina has been by her husband’s side since the 1980s.Read more on sportIt’s unknown if she has a job away from supporting Roberto’s football career.She has also raised the couple’s children.When did Roberto Baggio and Andreina Fabbi get married?Roberto and Andreina first got together in 1987 but they haven’t revealed how they first crossed paths.They went on to tie the knot on July 2, 1989 meaning as of 2024 they have been married for 35 years.Most read in SportThe couple got married in a traditional Roman Catholic ceremony.Andreina met Roberto when he was at the height of his football career.The player spent the entirety of his career in Italy and was nicknamed the divine ponytail.Do Roberto Baggio and Andreina Fabbi have any children?Yes, Roberto and Andreina have three children together.Their first baby, a daughter named Valentina, was born on December 2, 1990.They then had their first son Mattia who was born on May 12, 1994 before their second son Leonardo arrived on March 3, 2005.What is Roberto Baggio famous for?Roberto played for Italy’s three most successful clubs throughout his career – Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan, winning two Serie A titles over this time.In 1993 he helped Juventus win the Uefa cup as he scored two goals in the first leg of the final against Borussia Dortmund.The same year he was named Fifa World player of the year and received the Ballon d’or.He was the first Italian player to score at three different World Cups in 1998, after scoring in 1990 and 1994.In 1994, Italy reached the FIFA World cup final in the USA, where they would play Brazil.However, the game went to penalties and Roberto missed his shot which meant Brazil lifted the trophy.He took a long run up to take the penalty but his shot went right over the crossbar.Away from football, Baggio has been praised for his charity work as he became a UN ambassador in 2002 and helped to raise money for areas affected by earthquakes and illnesses.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhen he retired from football, Baggio became president of the technical sector of the Italian Football Federation in 2010.But, he left in 2013 as he said that the federation had ignored his ideas about focusing on youth talent. More

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      Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham head up list of six stars who could be forced to SNUB England duty as shock request made

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      ENGLAND stars face being forced to pick between club or country in the escalating row over Fifa’s controversial new £600million tournament.SunSport revealed last week the growing anger from global league bosses and player unions over next summer’s planned 32-team Club World Cup in the USA.Harry Kane may be forced to pick between England duty and playing in the Club World CupCredit: GettyIt comes with league chiefs wanting to bring it forward by two weeks to ensure a proper breakCredit: GettyAnd it is set to give the England manager a major headacheCredit: GettyNow top league chiefs want it brought forward two weeks in June to ensure a proper summer break — but that would clash with Fifa World Cup qualifiers.So England skipper Harry Kane and Three Lions team-mates Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Kyle Walker, John Stones and Jack Grealish would have to choose who to play for.PFA chief Maheta Molango says Premier League players are ready to “strike” if they are forced to take part in the revamped club competition against their will.While lawyers representing the World Leagues Association and international players’ union FifPro are drafting legal proceedings to stop the event taking place as planned from June 15 to July 13.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe leagues have now contacted Fifa to suggest playing the four-week tournament — set to feature Manchester City, Chelsea, Kane’s Bayern Munich and Bellingham’s Real Madrid — from June 1 to June 29.That would allow players a proper summer break ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. One leagues source insisted: “This is the only acceptable solution.Who is in the Club World Cup?There are 32 teams who will qualify for the tournament from around the world, 12 of which will come from Europe.
      Four are selected via the Uefa pathway of winning the Champions League, while the other eight are picked via the ranking pathway.
      Here are the European teams who have qualified:

      Chelsea
      Man City
      Real Madrid
      Bayern Munich
      Paris Saint-Germain
      Inter Milan
      Porto
      Benfica
      Borussia Dortmund
      Juventus
      Atletico Madrid
      RB Salzburg

      “Now it’s up to Fifa to make a decision. If they do what we ask it will be for the players to decide who they play for.“We have told Fifa they have already taken the first two weeks of June for international football, so that should be part of the window for the Club World Cup, not in addition to it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“It is a fact that the 2025-26 season is going to be even more condensed than normal.“Because it has to end earlier, in mid-May, to allow players preparation time for the biggest and longest World Cup ever.”Inside England’s stunning five-star Euro 2024 base with robot waiters that will cost £800,000Prem chief executive Richard Masters is already making contingency plans. They could see City and Chelsea MISS the start of the 2025-26 season if they go deep into the tournament, which launched as an eight-team winter event in 2000.FifPro and the PFA say that stars need a minimum three-week break written into all pro deals.Asked if strike action was a possibility, PFA boss Molango said: “We have reached that point.“I have gone to dressing rooms and players have told me, ‘I’m not having it, we may as well strike’.”Arsenal’s ex-head of elite performance Darren Burgess warned: “With the Club World Cup and internationals, Chelsea and City could play 86 games next season.”PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
      PFA chief Maheta Molango has warned Prem clubs are ready to ‘strike’ over the new tournamentCredit: PA More

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      Football in England BANNED for four weeks as little-known rules take effect ahead of Euro 2024

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      A LITTLE-KNOW FA rule has seen football in England BANNED ahead of Euro 2024.The England national team is gearing up for its European Championship campaign in Germany as it looks to go one better than runners-up at Euro 2020.Football games in England are not permitted between June 1 and June 30Credit: GettyFA rules only allow for only a few exceptions including national representative matchesCredit: GettyThat has seen two friendlies – one a 3-0 win against Bosnia & Herzegovina and a second against Iceland – booked before the tournament proper begins on June 14.However, fans wanting to play football of their own will not be able to do so until after June 30, at least in an 11-a-side capacity.This is thanks to an FA rule which stops all competitive 11-a-side matches during the “Close Season” – including grassroots and youth level.Under the rules, no affiliated teams or referees are allowed to participate in games unless they are expressly given permission to do so.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe rules state: “The Close Season shall be defined as the period between June 1 and June 30 inclusive each year…”No matches other than those permitted and played in accordance with paragraph (c) of these rules may be played in the Close Season.”FA “Close SeasonThe close season is between June 1 and June 30 each calendar year.
      11 v 11 games cannot be played in June.
      The following may be played in the Close Season:- Small Sided formats (3 v 3, 4v 4, 5v 5, 6 v 6, 7 v 7, 8 v 8, 9v 9) can be played in June – This includes festivals and single matches
      – Those  matches organised in connection with works’ clubs sports days on private grounds and at fetes and similar sports functions
      – Matches between Army, Navy and Royal Air Force teams and teams of the Auxiliary Forces in Competitions whilst in camp 
      – Matches involving members of scouts, guides and similar organisations in Competitions whilst in camp
      – Matches for national representative teams or clubs played under the auspices of FIFA or UEFA; 
      – Matches between Clubs in the Premier League, the EFL, FAWSL and FAWC for the following season 
      – Single day, weekend and bank holiday competitions and festivals meeting the criteria and receiving sanction; and B8.3.8 Pilot projects granted dispensation by The Association or sanctioning Affiliated Association
      With the exception of charity matches, all competing teams must be affiliated.

      They add that only 9v9 and below matches are allowed in June, including festival and single matches. Among the other allowances to play 11v11 are fixtures organised privately as a clubs sports day, matches played between the Army, Navy, RAF and Auxiliary Forces whilst in camp and for charity events.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThat means Soccer Aid is obviously not under threat.Matches for national representative teams under Fifa or Uefa are permitted too, hence why the Three Lions and Lionesses are able to play international matches this month.Joe Cole and Rio Ferdinand pick their England starting 11 for opening game of EurosGareth Southgate’s squad have their final warm-up match this Friday, before kicking off the tournament on June 16th against Serbia.In that time, Southgate will need to cut his provisional 33-player team down to 26. The likes of Eberechi Eze and Cole Palmer laid down their credentials for a spot on the plane in the 3-0 win in last night’s match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. More