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      Bundesliga’s youngest-ever scorer in age scandal as Dortmund star’s father admits he ‘lied about date of birth’

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      GERMANY star Youssoufa Moukoko is at the centre of an age scandal after his father claimed to have lied about his date of birth.The Borussia Dortmund wonderkid, who is currently on loan at French side Nice, is seen as one of the best young players in the world.A man claiming to be Youssoufa Moukoko’s father claims he is 24-years-old not 20Credit: GettyMoukoko starred for Germany at the 2022 World CupCredit: GettyMoukoko is 20-years-old – but a man claiming to be his registered dad has shockingly alleged the player is actually 24 years of age.He also says the striker is NOT his biological son and is using a fake name.The incredible claims are due to be aired on German TV channel ProSieben on Sunday night, in a documentary named “Tricks, Cheats, Deception – The Million Dollar Business with Football Talents”.Dortmund have responded to the accusations, insisting they are unaware of any wrongdoing.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club said in a statement: “In the case of Youssoufa Moukoko, the biological parents and the date of birth are derived from official identification documents and birth certificates issued by a German authority.”These documents are still valid today and are the basis for playing authorisations and permits for clubs, regardless of whether they are domestic or foreign, and of course also for association teams such as the German U21 national team. “Please also note that both the player and the biological parents identified in the above-mentioned documents have declared to us and, in the case of the parents, even to third parties through affidavits in the context of legal proceedings that the information contained in the aforementioned official documents is correct. “This factual status is of course decisive for us, the DFB, and the player’s current club.”Most read in BundesligaIn the show, the man claiming to be the player’s registered father, Joseph Moukoko, confesses to falsifying documents about his age and identity.He says: “Youssoufa Moukoko is not the biological son of me and my wife Marie Moukoko. Nor was he born on November 20, 2004 in Yaounde, Cameroon.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers”He was actually born on July 19, 2000. We made him four years younger.”He later admits: “We did it so he could have better opportunities in European football.”Moukoko has two senior caps for Germany and became the nation’s youngest ever player aged 17 years and 361 days and the youngest to feature at a World Cup, aged 18 years and 3 days.He burst onto the scene as the Bundesliga’s youngest ever player, with his debut coming at the age of 16 years and 1 day.The starlet then broke the record as the league’s youngest ever goalscorer, hitting the back of the net 27 days after his debut.Moukoko, who has previously been linked with a move to Chelsea, shone in youth-team football for Dortmund and Germany.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe lifted the Under-21 Euros two years ago and clinched the Fritz Walter Medal for best young prospect in Germany twice.Back during his days in Dortmund’s Under-17s and Under-19s team, he scored 141 goals in just 88 games.Moukoko scored for Dortmund at the age of 16 years and 1 dayCredit: Getty More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson’s chauffeur adopts dog of Man Utd receptionist Kath Phipps after she passes away at 85

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      SIR ALEX FERGUSON’S chauffeur has adopted the dog of legendary Manchester United receptionist Kath Phipps.Kath, a hugely popular figure at the club, passed away aged 85 last week.Sir Alex Ferguson’s chauffeur has adopted the dog of Kath PhippsCredit: GettySir Alex would regularly visit Kath before she passed away last weekUnited paid a touching tribute to the much-loved receptionist ahead of their Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.Club icons also shared fond memories of her, with David Beckham particularly emotional.The United legend was one of several people to visit Kath before she passed.Ferguson also saw her on a number of occasions.Read More on Man UtdHis chauffeur, Steve Webb, would visit alongside Sir Alex with her dog, Maisie.And Webb has since adopted Maisie following Kath’s death, the Daily Mail reports.A member of staff said: “Even in her last days she kept the United family together.”Kath’s nearest and dearest also set up a WhatsApp group to monitor the flow of visitors, with staff members and ex-players all desperate to see her.Most read in FootballFerguson would phone on the days he couldn’t visit.While Juan Mata made video calls from Sydney and Mary Earps from Paris.David Beckham’s Heartfelt Farewell to Kath PhippsKath had worked at the club since the 1960s in a variety of roles including a receptionist and telephone switchboard operator.United expressed their “sadness” and “heartbreak” at Kath’s passing, and tributes poured in from fans. More

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      Ruthless Postecoglou tells Werner ‘I’m not worried about bruised egos’ after slamming ‘unacceptable’ Tottenham star

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU doubled down on his “assessment” of Timo Werner’s “unacceptable” display at Rangers and then told his squad: I don’t care about bruising your egos.The Australian manager hooked off the German star at half-time of the 1-1 draw at Ibrox in the Europa League on Thursday night.Ange Postecoglou has doubled down on his criticism of Timo WernerCredit: SNSWerner was hooked off at half-time against Rangers for not reaching the desired level of ‘application’Credit: GettyIn his post-match press conference, Postecoglou slammed Werner, claiming: “He wasn’t playing anywhere near the level he should”.The fact his second-half replacement Dejan Kulusevski scored the equaliser with 15 minutes remaining only proved it was the right call.Asked if any had any regrets the next morning about the public nature of the criticism, the former Celtic boss replied: “No, it wasn’t criticism. It was assessment.“If we played poorly, we played poorly. With Timo it wasn’t about whether he played well or not.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It was a difficult game last night. I’m asking 18-year-olds to do some massive jobs and you want senior players, he’s a senior player. “He’s an international and he’s won the Champions League, there’s a level of application and performance you need to rise to, to help the team.“He didn’t reach that. I think me taking him off at half-time was a statement enough.“The same way I won’t be hiding behind poor team performances, the same with and no different for the players or anyone else.Most read in Europa LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“It wasn’t criticism, it was just an assessment of his performance and on a really challenging night for us, which we knew going into it, it needs to be better.”Former Chelsea forward Werner is on-loan from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig but there does not seem any plans to cancel that arrangement in January because the club have such a long injury list.Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou blasts ‘unacceptable’ Timo Werner Asked how had Werner, 28, responded internally to the comments, Postecoglou said: “I’ve got no time for that sort of stuff anymore.“We’re in a fight here, collectively we’re in a fight. I’m not going to go around worrying about people’s bruised egos.“This football club want to achieve things and be successful.“We’re down to the bare bones in players. If there’s somebody in the dressing room who’s fit, able to contribute but who feels he needs something extra in this moment, he’s probably not the right type.“I need guys who, and we had some last night, understand the situation we’re in.“We’ve 15 fit players and in some positions we’ve only got two players.“I’m not going to go around trying to get extra out of people. “If they’re not able to give extra now, it kind of gives me an indication of where they’re at.”This week, Argentine centre-back Cristian Romero lamented the lack of investment by the club in recent times during an interview with Spanish broadcaster Telemundo Deportes.This followed Spurs’ disappointing 4-3 loss at home to Chelsea, but he later apologised for those remarks.Asked if the Werner episode tied into a wider issue in the past at the club, Postecoglou said: “I’m sick of that. That’s an excuse for me.“And that’s why even with Cristian Romero’s comments, I just think that’s an excuse.We’re in a fight here, collectively we’re in a fight. I’m not going to go around worrying about people’s bruised egos.Ange Postecoglou“At the moment I’m here, I take responsibility. These players, we’re here.“If we think something mythical exists in this club that prevents success then change it.“What’s the point otherwise? Don’t come here. I just don’t buy into that.“At the moment we’re in a difficult situation because of where we are squad-wise and team-wise.READ MORE SUN STORIES“You either embrace this challenge. If you want excuses there are a million of them.“There are a million excuses why we cannot be successful but if that’s what your clutch is, particularly in tough moments, then what’s the point? Move on then and go somewhere else.” More

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      Football legend reveals he turned down big money I’m A Celebrity offer – but hints he could appear in 2025 ‘for a price’

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      A FOOTBALL legend has revealed he turned down an offer to appear on I’m a Celebrity – but confessed he could be persuaded. In recent years ex-footballers including Dennis Wise and Wayne Bridge have taken on the I’m a Celebrity jungle. Roy has revealed he previously turned down an I’m a Celeb offer – but he’s got ‘a price’Credit: YouTubeFormer Man Unt ace Roy retired in 2005Credit: Press AssociationRoy’s podcast co-host Ian was a campmate in 2019Credit: ITVNow former Manchester United ace Roy Keane has told how he previously declined an offer from show bosses, but confessed he can be bought. Speaking during an episode of his Stick To Football podcast with Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Jill Scott and Ian Wright, the 53-year-old insisted the jungle is “not his scene”. But asked by Jamie, 46, if he’s “got a price”, Roy replied: “Of course.” Jill, 37 – who won the show in 2022 – asked him if he’d been offered a spot in the jungle and he said: “I think everyone’s been asked.” More on I’m a Celebrity He added: “I don’t think it’s for me. I’d like to think I’m open to new adventures, but the jungle…”Turning to Ian, 61 – who was a campmate in 2019 – he said: “You didn’t enjoy it, did you?”Ian bluntly replied: “I didn’t enjoy it, no, but the money was good.” And Roy isn’t the only iconic player who has hinted at an I’m a Celebrity appearance in recent weeks. Most read in FootballWayne Rooney, whose wife Coleen, 38, came runner-up during last week’s final, admitted he’d love to do the show when he spoke to Joel Dommett on the I’m a Celeb spin-off Unpacked. He said: “We always said that if we were ever going to do one, that’s the one we’d do. And obviously Coleen’s gone out there to test herself.”Catching the “we” comment, Joel pushed further, asking if Wayne, 39, would ever head to Australia and try out the show himself.”Maybe, if I’m not working, it’s something I would like to do, but at the minute, obviously, that’s not possible.”I’m a Celeb hosts Ant and Dec are no strangers to having footballers in the campCredit: ITV More

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      Guardiola admits he ‘doesn’t know what to do’ and reveals he’s considering radical tactical switch for Manchester derby

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      MANCHESTER CITY boss Pep Guardiola has made a stark admission ahead of this weekend’s Manchester derby.The Spaniard currently finds himself in uncharted territory – with just one win under his belt in 10 games.Pep Guardiola has revealed he ‘doesn’t know’ what to do ahead of the Manchester derbyCredit: Manchester City FCMan City have endured a terrible run of formCredit: ReutersCity have plummeted down both the Premier League and Champions League table as a result.And they face another big challenge on Sunday at the Etihad.The reigning Prem champions play host to local rivals Manchester United in a huge derby clash.But Guardiola himself has claimed he does not even know where to begin when it comes to his starting line-up. Read More in FootballJohn Stones, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji are all injured, while Rico Lewis will be forced to serve a one-match suspension at the weekend.That leaves City with few defensive options.Asked about having limited defenders available during his pre-match press conference, Guardiola said: “I don’t know what I have to do. We have three and we will see what happened.”Maybe some winger has to play as a full-back or Matheus [Nunes] can play as a full-back, can play five at the back.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”We are thinking what to do with a situation with just three central defenders. The soul and spirit of this team is there.”We are sad for the players because the way they run and fight – Bernardo [Silva] played a lot of minutes, Gundo [Ilkay Gundogan] played alone in that position, arrive in the final third.Pep Guardiola ‘proud’ of his Man City team despite 2-0 loss to Juventus “Rico [Lewis] our most consistent player of the season for our referee cannot play there.”I think I know. This group of players can make an era in eight, nine ten years that nobody has done.”The positive records this group have done, we all encourage them to support them until the end.”It’s unbelievable what they have done to compete in the calendar with more games than ever and maybe reflect that today.”It is more difficult financially but today we are going to play the World Cup in the summer, three weeks, start again the Premier League and maybe we have to have a deeper squad when people say what is the problem.”The problem is the schedule – sooner or later the players will come back… We will see.” More

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      Football ultras ARRANGING Fight Club-style brawls in forests away from cops’ prying eyes…with brutal rules of engagement

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      VIOLENT football ultras have been organising sick Fight-Club style brawls in forests across Europe to avoid detection by police.Now there are signs the bloody rise in well-organised footie violence sweeping the continent could be creeping back into this country.England fans run from tear gas thrown by cops after they were ambushed by Russian supporters at the 2016 EurosCredit: Getty Images – GettyA member of the Cracovia Ultras, a football hooligan firm from Kraków, PolandCredit: GettyA picture posted to social media ahead of the brawl between Manchester United fans and Twente fans in September, allegedly showing Manchester United fansCredit: FacebookTen Manchester United fans were arrested in a string of dawn raids on Wednesday following a massive organised bust-up with Dutch team Twente in September.September’s mass brawl, involving around 80 men, happened in an area of wasteland in Salford, around four miles from Old Trafford.Photos went round social media apparently showing masked mobs posing for pics before the fight.One had the caption: “Manchester United vs FC Twente, 40×40 fair fight, win Manchester United, Twente run”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe fight spilled over into a pub after Dutch supporters were allegedly followed, prompting terrified staff to ring the police.In the aftermath, fans congratulated themselves on a “fair fight” – although one Dutch man complained the England “side” was bigger than agreed.The following night, United played out a 1-1 draw with FC Twente at Old Trafford in the Europa League.A major police investigation followed, with specialist officers scouring CCTV from around the stadium and Most read in FootballGreater Manchester Police arrested the “high risk” supporters, aged 20-64, on suspicion of violent disorder for their alleged involvement in the clash.The investigation into the brawl and more arrests could follow.Shock moment Scottish football ultras clash on busy Glasgow street as fans chased by rival hooligans into pub doorwayA police spokesman said Wednesday’s arrests were part of a crackdown ahead of Sunday’s Manchester derby.Chief Superintendent Colette Rose, of GMP, said: “Our proactive and positive action today has been targeted to highlight that organised violence of any kind has no place in Greater Manchester.A bloodied supporter being escorted away by police during the FA Cup clash between West Brom and Wolves, January 2024Credit: GettySupporters of TS Wisla, a football team from Kraków, PolandCredit: AlamyPolish football hooligans, who are notoriously dangerous and organisedCredit: HooliganstvFootball hooliganism, glorified in books, on film and around pub tables, has been steadily declining in the UK since its bloody height in the ‘80s.The law was tightened in 1989 to allow harsher punishments for brawling fans, more CCTV meant and cops had eyes everywhere, and attitudes slowly shifted against the violence.Recently, Europe has seen a rise in ultras who arrange scraps on the web, before meeting up in real life to tear chunks out of each other.Violence has occasionally marred England’s international fixtures on the continent, such as the carnage that unfolded when Russian ultras launched a barbaric assault on Brit fans during the 2016 Euros.The culture spread deep through countries like Poland, the Netherlands, France and Germany – whilst the UK looked on, shaking its head.But do Wednesday’s arrests represent a return to old ways – is England once again becoming infected by the English disease?Geoff Pearson, a professor of law at the University of Manchester and an expert on the subject, told the Mail that pre-arranged fights between rival footie fans are common in eastern and southern Europe – but rare in this country.Another significant example he noted was an arranged fight between Brentford and Millwall in August 2018, when one side went shirtless so they could be told apart.The grisly pre-match brawl, filmed on mobiles and uploaded to YouTube, led to six Brentford fans being charged and sentenced to a mixture of community service and suspended jail terms.The most severe punishment was for a 28-year-old who acted as “referee” for the fight – stopping things when someone was knocked down so the sides could “reset”.The man from Pinner received 12-month suspended prison sentence and 200 hours unpaid work.A group of restless Manchester United fans outside Old TraffordCredit: AFPPolice line up as fans celebrate winning the Scottish Premiership title in Glasgow in 2021 in GlasgowCredit: GettyThis level of organisation is increasingly seen in fan bust-ups, according to Dr Pearson.He said the scuffles are usually planned on WhatsApp, away from the eyes of the police, and footage uploaded to social media afterwards boasting of the violence.Hooliganism has surged in the Netherlands since February 2022 when Covid restrictions were lifted.Dutch criminologist Tom van Ham, who researched organised hooligan fights for his PhD, has learned how the fights over there are planned.He said that the fighters involved might not learn the details until the last minute, while the leaders of the “firms” refer to the plans in code – such as “going to a birthday party”.The location is often rural to minimise the chance of detection.In an article for the European Journal of Criminology in 2020, Dr van Ham wrote that “clear terms are set in advance about the number of people that will participate” and a decision over whether weapons are allowed is made.He added: “Our data suggests that the use of weapons is generally not accepted and that other ‘rules of engagement’ are used (for example, when someone is lying on the ground they are to be left alone).”In December last year, Turkey temporarily pulled the plug on all footie fixtures after a referee was punched to the ground by a raging club president.Also last year, Greece banned fans from top-flight football games for two months after violence erupted between rival volleyball supporters in Athens, severely injuring a police officer.The opening game for both sides has already been labelled as a “very high risk” match by German cops with 1,300 extra officers being deployed on matchday as well as heavily increased surveillance.READ MORE SUN STORIESThis year, England fans were warned that a 500-strong army of “violence-seeking ­Serbian ­hooligans” were planning to swarm their Euros clash om Germany.The opening game for both sides was labelled as a “very high risk” match by German cops with 1,300 extra officers being deployed on matchday as well as heavily increased surveillance.An English supporter injured after a street brawl ahead of England’s 2016 Euros clash with RussiaCredit: AFP – Getty More

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      Thomas Tuchel tells England fans not to get used to his outfit as he vows to ditch ‘nice’ look

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      NEW England manager Thomas Tuchel ditched his trademark tracksuit for a shirt and tie ahead of today’s World Cup qualifying draw.But the 51-year-old has told fans he will return to his old ways before his first match in charge.Thomas Tuchel ditched his tracksuit for a shirt and tie ahead of Friday’s World Cup qualifying drawCredit: AFPThe German has told fans he will wear clothes that make him comfortable while in the dugoutCredit: AFPTuchel, who will officially take charge of the Three Lions on January 1, was in Zurich this morning to find out who his new team will face in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.England were drawn against Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra ahead of next year’s campaign, which will kick off in March.After learning his team’s fate, Tuchel said: “I have huge respect for Serbia and Albania.”They can always surprise they have a strong history of technical football, of emotional players and groups.READ MORE ON ENGLAND”They have two very famous ex-players as coaches so we should be very aware of that.”Latvia… England never played them so this is a new experience for all of us.”We are huge favourites and we have to qualify, this is where all the focus goes. There can’t be any other approach than take it seriously and with respect and make it happen before we can dream the dream.”Tuchel’s attire caught the attention of his German compatriot, Rudi Voller, at the event.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSEngland’s qualifying groupThe former Chelsea boss, who favours a tracksuit top and bottoms as well as a baseball cap and trainers while in the dugout, donned a suit and tie at the FIFA event.Asked if he will consider wearing the smart attire for England, and if he would wear a tie much like his predecessor Gareth Southgate, the German said: “Things change. An FA tie as well.The Sun’s Charlie Wyett reacts to World Cup 2026 qualifying draw as Thomas Tuchel’s England are placed in group full of controversy”It feels comfortable. It will not be my look on the sidelines. I need a bit more freedom to move around but for the occasion it’s a nice look.”You will see me stadiums from January. Work starts from the signature. Today was the kick off for the World Cup campaign so it is obvious we have to be there.”Tuchel is on a mission to prove himself as England manager after accepting his appointment has not been universally popular.The ex-Bayern Munch manager, aware that many fans believe an Englishman should have been appointed to succeed Southgate, said: “There’s no hard feelings for that. Of course, it will always be mixed.”So now I have to prove myself to the people who are maybe a bit concerned. I must prove to them how much it means to me and that it’s a dream job for me that I will give my everything – I’m the man for the job.”England will face Serbia for only the second time with the only other match coming at Euro 2024 when Jude Bellingham scored the winner.Serbia were fined £25,000 for racist abuse during that game and other matches at the tournament so there will be genuine concerns over potential problems when the team heads to Belgrade.England’s under-21s also suffered horrific racial abuse when they played in the country in 2012 with Danny Rose attacked.The Three Lions have never played 140-ranked Latvia before while they faced Albania and Andorra in the last set of World Cup qualifiers.Tuchel added: “A difficult group is my first impression. Serbia and Albania, for me, are always known for good individual players and emotional groups, emotional fans, so they are difficult opponents.“It is the first time England play Latvia, so it is a new experience for all of us and, of course, we are favourites against Andorra, but we need to prove it. We have now eight matches to play, whatever comes we want to be ready for it.”The draw was incredibly complicated and England could have been put in a group of four which would have meant no qualifiers until September.READ MORE SUN STORIESTuchel added: “It was very likely that we got a group five. I want to adapt to everything that is coming, not complain, not look for excuses and not expect or wish for something.“The most important thing is we focus fully on the qualification and we take it seriously and give it our respect and prove a point that we want to go to the USA.”Tuchel suggested he will have a different style to Gareth Southgate in the dugoutCredit: The Times More

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      West Ham U15s keeper Oscar Fairs dies after brave cancer battle as tributes pour in for boy who had ‘bright future’

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      WEST HAM youngster Oscar Fairs has passed away aged 15.The academy goalkeeper died following a battle with cancer.Oscar Fairs has sadly passed awayCredit: West HamThe young goalkeeper bravely battled cancerCredit: SWNSHe was described as a ‘friendly, happy, well-mannered and polite young man’Credit: SWNSFairs was diagnosed with an ependymoma in August 2023.In the eight month prior, he experienced heart palpitations, right-sided weakness, headaches and sickness, but he was initially misdiagnosed with mental health problems and migraines.His condition began to deteriorate, with West Ham telling his worried parents how he was struggling in training as his “right hand and leg weren’t right”.Fairs eventually went for an MRI scan and they found a 9cm tumour on the left side of his brain, attached to his motor system, with three cysts on the outside.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFollowing several successful surgeries, his tumours had shrunk, but he could unfortunately not be saved. West Ham legend Mark Noble said in a statement: “On behalf of everyone at West Ham United, it is with deep and profound sadness that I confirm the tragic passing of our U15s Academy goalkeeper Oscar Fairs, following his brave battle with cancer.”Oscar was adored by everyone at the Academy – not only was he a great goalkeeper, he was a true Hammer and a fantastic young person, who will be deeply missed by everyone who had the pleasure to know him.”I have wonderful memories of Oscar playing in my garden – Lenny [his son] and his team-mates all loved him. Most read in Football”He was a friendly, happy, well-mannered and polite young man, who had such a bright future ahead of him, and it is just so unimaginably devastating that he has been taken from his family and friends at this age.”As a mark of respect, all scheduled academy fixtures this weekend have been postponed, including this evening’s PL2 Under-21 match against Stoke City. “In due course, the club will also share information on our plans to pay tribute to Oscar, and we will ensure that his name is never forgotten at West Ham United.”The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone at the Club are with Oscar’s parents, Natalie and Russell, and his brother Harry, and we kindly ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time.”Rest in peace, brave Oscar.”Tributes from fans also flooded in, with one reading: “Incredibly sad news, my heart goes to out his family.”Another added: “RIP Oscar you were a true fighter and a little warrior. I send all my love to your family. Rest easy little man! Xx.”A third wrote: “Life really is unfair sometimes. Rest in peace Oscar.” More