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      Kane vs Kiwis at Club World Cup, Man Utd in Asia and Bournemouth vs Everton in New Jersey… football must never rest

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      IN the wee small hours of Sunday at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Paris Saint-Germain’s players were celebrating the greatest achievement of their lives.They had ended the 14-year quest of their Qatari overlords to win the Champions League, having inflicted on Inter Milan the most comprehensive humping in the history of European Cup finals.Paris Saint-Germain won their first Champions League crown on SaturdayCredit: Shutterstock EditorialLuis Enrique will take his side to the Club World Cup in the USCredit: Shutterstock EditorialBut if Luis Enrique and his side had wanted to put their feet up and bask in this ultimate glory, then they were sadly mistaken.Almost immediately after their 5-0 win, Enrique and his stars would be peppered with questions about their prospects at the Club World Cup — a 32-team, month-long tournament designed to carpet-bomb TV schedules with even more football, starting on Sunday week.Does the Club World Cup now represent ultimate glory, rather than the Champions League?Is that, in the words of Finchy in The Office, ‘the real quiz’?READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBecause football — even in the odd-numbered summers which used to give us a brief respite from the thing — must never, ever rest.And so next week, PSG will go to America, where they will play the Urawa Red Diamonds, The Last Shadow Puppets and the Seattle Sounders — only one of which is really the name of an English band.And on Sunday week, Bayern Munich will play Auckland City in Cincinnati.And they WILL play.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAnd there is nothing we can do to stop them playing. Even though we already know Bayern Munich are significantly better than Auckland City.And Harry Kane will play. Even though his body is creaking.Chelsea finally discover Club World Cup opponents as former star, 38, assists dramatic winner to set up reunionEven though he hasn’t had a proper rest in years. Even though he surely can’t think of anything worse than having to play Auckland City.Because Fifa are offering $1BILLION in prize money.And two days later, you can watch in HD as Ulsan HD of South Korea play Mamelodi Sundowns, who are possibly an indie band who have  an afternoon slot on Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage, or might be a football team from Pretoria in South AfricaBecause in football there must be no sundown. Only the Mamelodi Sundowns.And Manchester City and Chelsea will be there too, due to some  convoluted Uefa qualification system which it’s best not to ask about.And Inter Miami will be there — not because of any system but because they employ Lionel Messi, who turns 38 this month and must be tired but must never, ever rest.And the whole thing will go on for every bit as long as an actual World Cup, with countries, used to go on for.The Club World Cup is set to commence on Sunday weekCredit: AFPLionel Messi will play in the revamped tournamentCredit: GettyAlthough not as long as next year’s actual World Cup, which will have 48 nations and 104 matches in it and will go on for even longer.Oh and there will still be a third-place play-off.Because what else would we do with ourselves on Saturday July 18, 2026, if we couldn’t watch another game of football between two utterly deflated, exhausted teams?Manchester United didn’t qualify for the Club World Cup.But that doesn’t matter because, after the worst season in their modern history, United’s players travelled 14,000 miles to play post-season friendlies in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong so that the club could fulfil £10million worth of sponsorship commitments.And yes ‘net zero’ is supposed to be an environmental policy rather than United’s goalscoring output against the ASEAN All-Stars. During the half-time interval of that 1-0 defeat in Malaysia, Andre Onana, Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot were substituted so they could board a private jet to Mumbai to  promote Apollo tyres.Because people in Mumbai will choose Apollo tyres if an error-prone Cameroonian goalkeeper tells them to.And Michelin and Bridgestone and Pirelli won’t get a look in, just so long as Dalot presses home Apollo’s core messages, which are ‘Going The Distance’ and ‘Conquer Every Road’.Man Utd played two post-season friendlies in AsiaCredit: APHarry Kane seemingly never gets a summer offCredit: APWhile Maguire was flying to India, to tell people that ‘the journey is as important as the destination’, Amad Diallo was still in Malaysia, where he was giving the middle finger to a fan who had apparently abused his mother.And then issuing a social-media apology, in which he said he didn’t actually regret giving the finger.Because it isn’t enough that Amad’s mother is abused during the football season.She needs to be abused during the close season as well.And her son needs to retaliate.Because there needs to be online content and, if the internet never sleeps, then why should football sleep, along with its content-creating by-product, the abuse of really tired footballers?Last year, Tottenham and Newcastle made a 21,000-mile round trip to Melbourne to play each other, six weeks after they had previously done so. And the Toon won on penalties.But is that really enough, when these footballers travelled in first-class luxury and stayed in excellent hotels?The BBC’s Race Across The World is an extraordinarily successful TV show because contestants must travel on overnight buses and then muck out animals to raise extra cash.Man Utd lifted the Defining Education Challenge Cup after beating Hong KongCredit: GettyTottenham played Newcastle in Melbourne in May 2024Credit: GettyWhy shouldn’t footballers do the same on post-season and pre-season tours? Wouldn’t that provide better content?This Saturday, England will play a competitive match against Andorra, which won’t be competitive.And next Tuesday, England will play Senegal, when they won’t really be England because so many of their players will be heading to the Club World Cup.But it’s not as if we’d have to wait long for football without this new thing.Next month, there will be a North London Derby in Hong Kong and Bournemouth will play Everton at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, the venue for next summer’s World Cup final.Because why wouldn’t we want to watch Bournemouth play Everton in July — even if, when the fixtures come out in a fortnight, we might find out that they are playing each other in August?The thing is, Bournemouth versus Everton has been far too parochial until now.When Bournemouth are at home, only 11,000 people get in to watch it.What about the blue-collar workers of New Jersey, the people Bruce Springsteen writes ballads about?Don’t they deserve their fix of Bournemouth versus Everton, instead of just shotgun, teenage weddings and dreaming about escaping from small towns on motorbikes, kind of stuff?And the answer is, yes, they do deserve Bournemouth versus Everton. Just like you deserve Red Bull Salzburg, the second best team in Austria, versus CF Pachuca, the eighth best team in Mexico.Read More on The SunThat one’s on Wednesday June 18 at 11pm. Followed by Al-Ain versus Juventus at 2am.Eyes down, look in. We’ll sleep when we’re dead.Fans in the US will be able to get a glimpse of James TarkowskiCredit: GettyBournemouth are set to be a hit across the PondCredit: Getty More

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      Referee PUNCHED by angry dad with brutal uppercut in shocking scenes during children’s match

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      A REFEREE was brutally punched by an angry dad in shocking scenes at a children’s football match.The incident took place after the full-time whistle.A dad punched a referee after a kids’ football match in SwitzerlandCredit: Tele M1The father allegedly landed the uppercut after a decision went against his sonCredit: Tele M1A dad of FC Villmergen C-Junior player flew off the handle at the official in Aargau, Switzerland. Villmergen lost 4-2 to SC Schoftland – suffering heartache in injury time.Have YOU got a story or an amazing picture or video? Email exclusive@the-sun.co.uk and you could even get PAIDAnd for one parent, he completely lost his cool. The dad confronted the referee as he walked off the pitch.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSWearing a black vest and light shorts, according to Aargauer Zeitung he asked the ref: “Do you know what football means?”He then proceeded to thump the official with a savage uppercut.The referee managed to stay on his feet as his assailant was restrained, video footage showed.A FC Villmergen coach labelled the father’s behaviour as unacceptable and hinted the inexplicable reaction may have come after he thought his son was fouled.Most read in FootballThe club are also considering what measures to take against the individual, with a possible ban against attending his son’s matches. A statement read: “FC Villmergen condemns any form of violence on and off the pitch. “The incident following the match on May 31, 2025, deeply contradicts our core values. “We are working closely with the relevant authorities to fully clarify the situation.”The video footage has been passed on to the Aargau Football Association (AFV).The AFV president Luigi Ponte said: “I was truly shocked that someone could freak out like that during a game like that.”We will have to refer the case to Bern,” where the Swiss FA are based.Just last month, Ponte openly declared he is “against the use of [referees wearing body] cameras” – despite a rise in similar cases against officials.According to Swiss statistics, a referee is insulted, threatened or physically assaulted in one in every 100 football matches in the country. The video footage has been passed on to the Swiss authoritiesCredit: Tele M1The referee managed to stay on his feet as the dad was restrainedCredit: Tele M1 More

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      Wayne Rooney and kids look terrified with only wife Coleen smiling as Man Utd legend, 39, takes family to Alton Towers

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      WAYNE ROONEY and his kids looked terrified on a day out at Alton Towers – but wife Coleen was SMILING on the rollercoasters.The Rooney clan enjoyed a fun trip to the Staffordshire theme park as they took advantage of the half term break.Wayne Rooney looked terrified on a family day out at Alton TowersCredit: INSTAGRAM @coleen_rooneyWife Coleen was all smiles while whizzing round the rollercoastersCredit: INSTAGRAM @coleen_rooneyManchester United legend Wazza, 39, had a go on several thrilling rides.But despite his reputation as a football hardman, Rooney could only grimace as he whizzed round the tracks at lightning speed.Youngest children Kit, 9, and Cass, 7, also looked petrified as they soaked up the thrill-seeking atmosphere.However, Rooney’s wife Coleen appeared right at home.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 39-year-old is still basking in the glory of her second-place finish in last year’s edition of ‘I’m a Celeb’.Coleen was forced to battle the likes of snakes, spiders and other gruesome creatures while in the Australian jungle.So riding a few simple rollercoasters will have been a walk in the park.And Coleen showed no signs of fear as she instead SMILED while sitting next to her distressed hubby.Most read in FootballShe posted the photos to her Instagram account, with a caption reading: “Alton Towers is always a great half term trip.“We had a fantastic time as always… thanks for looking after us.”Gary Lineker destroys Wayne Rooney’s managerial career live on BBC leaving pundits speechlessRooney’s youngest kids Kit and Cass also looked petrified on the ridesColeen thanked Alton Towers for looking after the Rooney clanCredit: INSTAGRAM @coleen_rooneyRooney will be hoping his time at Alton Towers helps him relax after another tense season in the dugout.After being sacked by Birmingham last year, he took up a role with newly-promoted Plymouth Argyle.But the Premier League icon managed just five wins from 25 matches and was sacked on New Year’s Eve.Rooney was replaced by Miron Muslic, who was unable to save Argyle from relegation.However, he has now jumped ship for fallen German giants Schalke, with Jack Wilshere now favourite to take charge in Devon. More

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      Diletta Leotta puts on leggy display in glamorous pink dress as DAZN host holidays with footballer husband Loris Karius

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      DILETTA LEOTTA has stunned fans with her latest revealing outfit while on a Spanish holiday.The DAZN host visited Mallorca with husband and former Liverpool star Loris Karius.Diletta Leotta stunned in a glamorous pink dressCredit: INSTAGRAM @dilettaleottaShe was holidaying in Mallorca with her husband Loris KariusCredit: INSTAGRAM @dilettaleottaThe couple shared a kiss in one pictureCredit: INSTAGRAM @dilettaleottaFans hailed Diletta’s stunning look on social mediaCredit: INSTAGRAM @dilettaleottaDiletta, 33, shared a collection of snaps from one night of the holiday on social media.The stunning blonde wowed in a glamorous pink dress with a high slit up the leg as she posed with Karius.The German goalkeeper looked suave in a suit with a white T-shirt and trainers.The couple, who have a daughter Aria, one, appeared loved-up as they shared a kiss in one snap while standing in the sunlight.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDiletta shared the images on Instagram for her 9.2million followers who flooded the comment section.One posted: “Beautiful couple.”A second wrote: “Mamma mia…but this girl is of an extraordinary beauty.”A third commented: “Enchanted by your beauty.”Most read in FootballA fourth said: “The most beautiful and sexiest woman in the world.”Another added: “More and more beautiful super Diletta.”Diletta is a regular face on TV as she appears on the broadcaster’s coverage of Serie A in her homeland of Italy.She has also appeared on radio and podcasts during her career.However, she recently landed herself in hot water after an advert she starred in was BANNED for over “sexualised content”.A glimpse inside Diletta’s glamorous life with partner Loris Karius…Diletta Leotta and boyfriend Loris Karius saw in the new year togetherCredit: https://www.instagram.com/dilettaleotta/The footballer brought Diletta a cake to her hospital bed as she gave birth to their first child on her own birthdayCredit: INSTAGRAM / dilettaleottaThe pair posed together in ‘2023’ sunglassesDiletta is one of the Serie A’s best loved presentersCredit: GettyDiletta stunned as she presented the Turin derby on Italian TVCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaThe glamorous TV host put on a leggy display pitchsideCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaShe boasts around 9million followersCredit: GettyDiletta gave birth to her first child with Karius in AugustCredit: Instagram / @dilettaleottaDiletta is no stranger to some extravagant outfits on her InstagramCredit: @dilettaleottaDiletta and Karius in MilanCredit: The Mega AgencyThe Italian beauty on holiday with KariusShe has flipped between blonde and brunetteCredit: https://www.instagram.com/dilettaleotta/She loves the Tomb Raider lookCredit: @dilettaleottaDiletta with a pared back lookCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaDiletta looks a million dollars in gold braCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaLeotta sparkles in silverCredit: GettyShe looks ready for boot campCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaLeotta burst on to the scene with Sky SportsCredit: Instagram @dilettaleottaShe posts regularly updates on Instagram to the delight of her fansCredit: Instagram @dilettaleotta More

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      ‘It doesn’t get more serious’ – Championship club could cease to exist as CEO makes heartfelt plea to authorities

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      OXFORD UNITED could cease to exist if it is not granted planning permission for a new stadium.The Championship outfit submitted plans for a 16,000-seater multi-purpose ground with a decision expected in July.Oxford’s lease at the Kassam Stadium expires in 2026Credit: GettyThe club wants to build a new 16,000-seater stadiumCredit: xTim Williams has claimed the club could disappear without the new groundCredit: OXFORD UNITEDAhead of the decision from the local authorities, Oxford CEO Tim Williams has issued a stark warning over the future of the club.The U’s currently play their football at the Kassam Stadium, but their lease is set to expire in 2026.He told Sky Sports: “When our lease at the Kassam Stadium runs out, we won’t have a home and a stadium to play in.”If we don’t have a stadium, there is a risk we won’t have a football club.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSOxford’s potential new development would feature an 18-bedroom hotel, an events centre as well as wellbeing and community spaces.It would also be the first all-electric stadium in the UK.Williams has claimed that Oxford are more in need of the ground than the likes of Manchester United and Everton.The two Premier League giants are due in new homes with the Toffees moving into their new ground this summer.Most read in ChampionshipJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe Red Devils are aiming to construct a new 100,000-seater stadium by the 2030/31 season.Williams added: “It doesn’t get more serious than that for a football club.Championship club could be left without a stadium as EFL deadline looms”We have seen headlines recently about a new Manchester United stadium, which with all due respect is a want and not a need.”If Manchester United don’t move out, they still have Old Trafford.”If Everton hadn’t moved into Bramley Moor-Dock, they’ve still got Goodison.”If we don’t move into a new stadium, we are homeless and we don’t exist and it’s an absolute travesty in my view.”It’s that important.”A decision on the new stadium is in less than five weeks and Williams believes that it would benefit the local community.He said: “We now have a Football Regulator, and we have a report by Tracey Crouch which talks about football assets.”We are a poster child for what good football governance and football clubs should be about.“It’s going to be a 16,000-seater stadium, on the outskirts of Oxford, and a real community asset, fully sustainable, in a brilliant location in the country. Read More on The Sun“We need support, but we also need to say, the point about the club potentially not existing is a real one. This needs to be moved up every headline.“We are entering a crucial period in the club’s history. The future of the club hinges on the new stadium, and I’d urge every supporter, every stakeholder, and every voice to get behind this project.” More

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      West Ham ace Mavropanos and girlfriend Lina Schwenger frolic on beach and kiss in sea as they enjoy Mykonos break

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      KONSTANTINOS MAVROPANOS and girlfriend Lina Schwenger shared a kiss in the sea while on holiday.The defender is enjoying some time in the sun after the Premier League season came to an end last month.Konstantinos Mavropanos and his girlfriend Lina Schwenger enjoyed a trip to MykonosThe couple shared a romantic kiss in the seaMavropanos enjoyed some relaxation time before meeting up with the Greece squadHe decided to have a getaway with his partner while he could – as he is now back on international duty.Mavropanos, 27, shared a video of himself kitted out in Greece gear ahead of their upcoming friendlies.But in the two weeks he had to himself he jetted out to one of the islands in his native country – Mykonos.And there he took a trip to the beach with his student girlfriend Lina.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe pair played on the sand, running after one another.While they also shared a loved-up kiss in the sea while arm in arm.The couple beamed from ear to ear with Lina stunning in a black bikini.Mavropanos and Lina have publically commented on each other’s Instagram pages, with Lina calling her partner “cheri” and writing under one post: “🤭😍”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMavropanos is set to line up for Greece this week in their friendly against Slovakia, with Bulgaria to come next week.The West Ham star has won 35 caps for his country.West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen jets off on stag do in wedding dress – but father-in-law Danny Dyer is not thereHe featured in 35 games for the Hammers this season, helping them finish 14th in the Premier League.Mavropanos finished the season with West Ham after an up and down campaignCredit: Getty More

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      Former European champions set to be offered 70,000-seater new stadium as mayor backs ‘$1billion’ new project

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      FORMER European champions Hamburg could be offered a brand new stadium as part of Germany’s Olympic bid.The city is set to enter the race to become the nominee for Germany for the second time.A new 70,000 stadium could be built for HamburgHamburg have played at the Volksparkstadion since 1953Credit: GettyHamburg residents previously rejected the opportunity to become the select city for Germany to host the games at the ballot box in 2015.But now they could be persuaded by the promise of a new stadium, which would become home to Hamburg after the Games.The new $1billion arena could boast a capacity between 60,000 to 70,000.And it will be built even if Germany’s bid to host the summer Olympics fails, according to Germany Interior Senator Andy Grote.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHamburg mayor Peter Tschentscher has backed the project and handed over the necessary bid documents to the DOSB – Germany’s Olympic body.He said: “The bids of previous decades consisted of a city being rebuilt to accommodate the Olympic Games. And we reversed this principle.”The city shouldn’t adapt to the Games, “but rather we adapt the Olympic concept to our city,” he added.The new stadium would be built right next to Hamburg’s iconic Volksparkstadion, which has been their home since 1953.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSA refurbishment of the ground was completed in 2000 for the 2006 World Cup – it seats 57,000 fans.Germany’s Olympic body still needs to decide whether to bid for the 2036, 2040 or 2044 Summer Games.’Looks class’ – Three-time English champs release incredible video as they prepare to build one of UK’s biggest stadiumsGermany last hosted the Olympics in 1972 in Munich.Bids from Berlin for 2000 and Leipzig for 2012 failed, while Munich’s bid for the 2022 Winter Games was also stopped by a referendum. More

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      Newcastle set to announce first summer signing after beating Real Madrid and Barcelona to stunning free transfer

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      NEWCASTLE are set to announce Spanish whizkid Antonio Cordero as their first summer signing.SunSport revealed in January that the winger, 18, would reject a contract extension at Malaga to join the Magpies on a free.Newcastle are closing in on Spanish whizkid Antonio CorderoReal Madrid, Barcelona and Porto held talks with Cordero but he has opted for a five-year deal at St James’ Park.Malaga confirmed last night the teen — who hit six goals in Spain’s second tier this season —  will leave on June 30.Newcastle have held talks with ex-Madrid executive David Hopkinson about taking over as CEO from Darren Eales, who is stepping down due to ill health.Cordero’s family visited the North East earlier this year ahead of his proposed move to Tyneside.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIt’s understood that Newcastle could initially loan him out to continue his development away from the glare of the Prem.Ajax have been listed as a potential destination for the teenager next season.Cordero, who will turn 19 in November, played 40 times for Malaga this season, with 39 of those games in the league.Meanwhile, Newcastle have checked on 19-year old Rennes centre back Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal who has starred for Morocco U20s.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBoudlal is yet to make his senior debut for Rennes and spent the second half of the season on loan at Ligue 2 Amiens. Eddie Howe’s side are also interested in Crystal Palace centre back Marc Guehi and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.Champions League places CONFIRMED after Aston Villa VAR controversy as Newcastle have to be saved by Man UtdMbeumo has reportedly said he would prefer a move to Manchester United, with Arsenal also linked.Newcastle earned a place in next season’s Champions League on the final day, but could lose goalkeeper Nick Pope to Leeds.Cordero looks set to sign a five-year deal at Newcastle More