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    FA Cup final gets never-before-seen kick-off time after BBC and ITV clash over scheduling

    THE FA CUP final has been given a brand new kick-off time just two weeks before the showpiece match at Wembley Stadium.Manchester City and Crystal Palace’s season-concluding clash will start at a later time of 4:30pm BST on Saturday May 17.The FA Cup kick-off time has finally been shared with fansCredit: ReutersThe new time was agreed following collaboration with the two clubs, broadcasters, local authorities, police and the Safety Advisory Group.The FA Cup final has traditionally kicked off at 3pm – a time preferred by police.FA insiders confirmed that discussions over the kick-off time were delayed, with broadcasters BBC and ITV at odds.The Beeb wanted the game to start in the traditional 3pm slot – ensuring that even if the match were to go to extra-time or penalties there would be no overlap issues with the Eurovision Song Contest broadcast due to start at 8pm.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMore than 7.5million people in the UK watched Eurovision on the BBC last year, with the corporation desperate to not see the final clash with the competition.ITV were understood to be pushing for a 5.30pm kick-off to maximum viewer numbers and advertising demand.The 2022 final between Chelsea and Liverpool was forced to start at 4:45pm because of a scheduling clash with Eurovision that night too.In each of the Chelsea’s previous trips to Wembley in 2021 and 2020 for the FA Cup final kick-off has been at 5:15pm and 5:30pmMost read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCity booked their place in the final for the third straight year with a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest last Sunday,Goals from Rico Lewis and Josko Gvardiol gave Pep Guardiola the chance to end a disappointing season with another trophy.Diehard Crystal Palace fan with arm in sling goes viral after using his HEAD to clap FA Cup heroes at WembleyMeanwhile, Crystal Palace are chasing their first ever FA Cup gong after thrashing Aston Villa in the semi-final on Saturday.A wonder striker from Eberechi Eze and a double from Ismaila Sarr secured Palace’s third ever final in the competition.The 2024-25 FA Cup final will be broadcast live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer as well as ITV1 and ITVX.No Premier League matches have been scheduled for the final.There were rows and rows of empty seats for the FA Cup semi-finalsAnd City will be hoping that their fans actually turn up this time, after 5,000 fans snubbed the journey against Forest.Fans of both clubs are already raging over an increase in ticket prices – a first in six years – with fees ranging from £175 for a category 1 ticket to £50 for category 4.That’s a rise of £30 for category 1 tickets compared to the 2024 final.Read More on The SunA spokesperson said: “The FA Cup is our biggest revenue producer, and it allows us to invest more funding into every level of English football.“We will be freezing the prices of almost all tickets to the Emirates FA Cup Final for the next three years.” More

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    BBC at odds with ITV over FA Cup Final kick-off time with talks ongoing just TWO WEEKS before showpiece occasion

    MANCHESTER CITY fans have slammed Wembley chiefs for keeping them in the FA Cup Final dark.With only 16 days before City run out against Crystal Palace for English football’s showpiece occasion, there has still been no confirmation of the kick-off time.Crystal Palace chief Oliver Glasner will lock horns with Man City counterpart Pep Guardiola in the FA Cup final on May 17Credit: AlamyThe two broadcasters have differing views on kick-off timeLast night the FA took all information about the game off its official website, with the page designation for Final details reading: “No Fixtures available, please check later.”FA insiders confirmed that discussions over the kick-off time were still ongoing, with broadcasters BBC and ITV at odds.The Beeb want the game to start in the traditional 3pm slot – ensuring that even if the match were to go to extra-time or penalties there will be no overlap issues with the Eurovision Song Contest broadcast due to start at 8pm.ITV are understood to be pushing for a 5.30pm kick-off to maximum viewer numbers and advertising demand.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, the FA has to square all decisions off with Police, local council safety chiefs and the transport authorities.Even so, there is a recognition that the lack of certainty is not the best look.And the lack of confirmation brought an angry response from City supporters, already fuming at ticket prices of up to £285.City sold 5,000 short of their allocation for the semi-final win over Nottingham Forest.Most read in FA CupBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBoss Pep Guardiola noted the amount his side’s supporters have had to fork out for Wembley trips over recent season.City YouTube channel presenter Steven McInerney, pointing to all Final category tickets having gone up by between £5 and £35, said on X: “The prices compared to last year are taking the p***.“It’s in two weeks, people have to organise travel and the kick off time hasn’t even been announced yet.“Shambles of an institution. Fans slapped in the face constantly.” More

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    Fan favourite Ian Wright becomes highest paid football pundit after bumper year of earnings amid Eni Aluko row

    ITV sports presenter Ian Wright is now the highest earning pundit on telly – making an estimated profit of almost £2.2m last year.His earnings now dwarf those of his longtime friend and former England skipper Gary Lineker who was paid £1.35m by the BBC as host of Match of the Day. Ian Wright was recently slammed by fellow pundit Eni AlukoCredit: RexRecent accounts for former Arsenal star Ian, 61, showed that his company, Elanar Ltd, had its best period yet in the year ending July 2024.A TV insider said: “These figures show just how popular a figure Wrighty remains – both the viewing public and with TV execs and advertisers who clearly think he’s worth every penny they pay him.”His firm’s financial reports show he has over £1m in the bank and in the last financial year paid a staggering £549,000 in corporation tax, which suggests he made a profit of £2.19m during that period.As well as his football punditry Ian also has other deals that have boosted his coffers, including ad campaigns for retail giants ranging from Marks & Spencer to adidas.read more on ian wrightITV recently backed him following a row with his fellow presenter Eni Aluko, who accused him of ‘blocking’ opportunities for women in football. She later apologised, but he refused to accept the apology.A spokesperson for the channel later said he was: “an incredible advocate, ally and brilliant broadcaster of women’s football.”Eni Aluko’s former England team-mate Steph Houghton publicly backs Ian Wright in TV pundits’ rowArsenal legend Ian has refused to accept Eni’s apologyCredit: PAUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    ITV break silence on Ian Wright’s row with Eni Aluko as broadcaster back star ‘beyond question’

    ITV have broken their silence on Ian Wright’s row with Eni Aluko.And the broadcaster threw their support behind the Arsenal legend. ITV released a statement backing Ian Wright amid the row with Eni AlukoCredit: AlamyAluko apologised for her comments – but Wright did not accept itCredit: GettyAluko accused Wright of “blocking” pathways for women in football punditry.The former Lioness apologised for her comments – but Wright refused to accept it. And now ITV – for whom both Wright and Aluko have worked as pundits – have issued a statement to stand by the ex-Match of the Day analyst. ITV said in a statement: “Ian’s standing in the sport is beyond question. “As one of the UK’s most respected and much-loved footballers and sporting broadcasters, with a career spanning nearly four decades, Ian is an incredible advocate, ally and brilliant broadcaster of women’s football from a grassroots level as well as at the highest international competitions.”The statement will put into doubt Aluko’s future in punditry, especially with ITV with Wright a popular figure. The broadcaster hold exclusive live rights to England men’s World Cup qualifiers in June.They also share the rights with the BBC for the European Women’s Championship in Switzerland, where England will hope to retain their crown. Most read in FootballAluko sparked the row last week when she spoke about importance of making sure men were aware of the “finite amount of opportunities” for female pundits.She told BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour: “I’ve worked with Ian a long time and I think he’s a brilliant broadcaster, but I think he’s aware of just how much he’s doing in the women’s game. I think he should be aware of that.”The fact of the matter is, there is a limited amount of spaces available.”If we had a situation where there was an equal opportunity in the men’s game for broadcasters and coaches that there is in the women’s game, it’s a free for all.”But that’s not the case. I can’t dominate the men’s game in the way that, you know, you used Ian as an example.”Men need to be aware that you’re in a growing sport, a growing sport for women, and we haven’t always had these opportunities, and so it’s about the awareness and supporting other women through that pathway.”Aluko, 38, did say sorry with a public apology to Wright amid a backlash and said she has “nothing but love and respect” for her colleague.But the former Gunners hero – who worked alongside Aluko at the 2022 World Cup – struggled to accept it.Wright, 61, acknowledged the negative role men have played in limiting the women’s game in the past, and he said he does not take his role as a pundit for granted.He said: “I’m very disappointed by what Eni has said.”She knows how I have helped her and supported her publicly, and I know the previous conversations she’s had with me and my management.”I’ve seen the apology on social media, but I can’t accept it, but I also want to move on from it. I don’t need any further social commentary directed at anyone.”Wright added: “The thing about where the women’s game is, it isn’t about me – it has to be about the collective.”Because of the past, we know the men blocked the women’s game for 50 years, because of the past we know the game has serious systemic challenges, and it’s going to take everyone to help fixes.”So for me, I always give back to the game, it’s given me so much.”It’s never bothered me about who’s playing the game, as long as they’re playing the game. if you know my story you’ll know how much football means to me.”We are the country that invented modern football, so we have a responsibility, to lead the way in women’s football.”We men are the ones that banned women’s football for 50 years, so we have to hold that one. Read More on The Sun”I need to say to everyone who has spoken about it publicly and showed love and support, I say thank you. “It’s something I do not take for granted.”THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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    How to watch Nottingham Forest vs Man City for FREE: Streaming and TV info for huge FA Cup semi-final

    ALL eyes will be on Wembley THIS AFTERNOON as Nottingham Forest take on Manchester City in a mouthwatering FA Cup semi-final – and fans can tune in for FREE!Nuno Espirito Santo has certainly turned Forest’s fortunes around this season following their relegation scrap during the 2023/24 campaign.Forest progressed to the semis after beating Brighton on penaltiesCredit: AlamyOmar Marmoush’s strike helped City fight back against Bournemouth in the last roundCredit: GettyNot only are the Midlands outfit in a great position to qualify for a Champions League spot.But the dramatic penalty shoot-out win against Brighton in the quarter-final of the FA Cup has left fans dreaming of lifting this trophy for the first time since 1959.However, in their stands a City side who only have the FA Cup as a last chance of securing silverware after what has been a well-below-par season.This sets the semi-final up perfectly for fans to watch free of charge.How to watch Nottingham Forest vs Man City in the FA Cup semi-final for FREENottingham Forest vs Man City is available to watch for FREE on ITV 1 in the UK as long as you hold a valid TV license.Read more on FA CupFans can also stream the entire action for FREE on ITV X through a compatible mobile device or tablet.The huge FA Cup semi-final kicks off at 4:30pm BST.And whoever goes on to win this match, will face the winner of Crystal Palace and Aston Villa in the final.What is the prize money for the FA Cup 2024/25?This year’s FA Cup winners will receive a whopping £2million in prize money.Most read in FA CupWhile the runners-up take home £1million. More

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    Chelsea and Man City boost as Club World Cup to be shown on free-to-air TV in the UK after landmark deal

    CHANNEL Five will screen more than 20 games at this summer’s expanded Club World Cup after teaming up with the terrestrial partner of streamer DAZN.DAZN were announced as the global broadcaster of the tournament, with their £770m TV deal providing Fifa’s record cash pot.Chelsea chief Enzo Maresca and Man City rival Pep Guardiola will again be in the USA, for the Club World Cup, from June 15 to July 13Credit: GettyThis trophy will be a stake when some of the planet’s best teams meetCredit: GettyIt was anticipated that DAZN would find a broadcast partner in all major territories to ensure the widest possible access to supporters.But with BBC and ITV both opting out, Five emerged as the sub-licence partner.The DAZN deal means Chelsea and Manchester City are guaranteed around £30m up front with a further potential £67m if they go all the way to win the Final in New York in July.But now fans without access to streaming services will be able to watch 23 of the 63 games free of charge on terrestrial TV after the Five agreement.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThose games include 15 group stage matches, likely to include the games of the two Prem giants, two quarter-finals, one semi-final and the Final.The newly- expanded 32-team competition also includes Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan and Juventus.Fans with smart TVs will be able to watch all 63 matches for free via DAZN.The British streaming platform has come to an arrangement with Fifa, who had gone into the new year reportedly still struggling to find a broadcaster. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAt one stage, Fifa president Gianni Infantino is understood to have held an emergency meeting in an attempt to bolster interest. ITV had hoped to tempt football’s ruling body into giving them broadcasting rights for FREE.Roy Keane cracks joke live on Sky Sports as he tells De Bruyne to join Man UtdIn exchange, ITV would have shown the games on their main channels – giving the event a high profile. But Fifa have now agreed a deal with smaller broadcaster Channel Five.The tournament runs from June 15 to July 13, across venues in the USA, including Charlotte, Cincinnati and Los Angeles. More

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    Former Liverpool star Fernando Morientes, 49, ‘almost died’ from pulmonary embolism that left him in hospital for days

    FORMER Liverpool star Fernando Morientes has opened up on a horror health scare that left him hospitalised for days. The retired forward suffered a pulmonary embolism – a serious condition where a blood clot obstructs an artery in the lungs.Fernando Morientes has opened up on a horror health scareCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdMorientes – now a TV commentator – suffered the frightening ordeal while travelling on a plane. He told Spanish radio station Tiempo de Juego: “I was feeling ill after so many trips. “On one of them, my chest started to hurt, a stabbing pain below my sternum. “I thought it was something stomach-related and didn’t want to go to the hospital. READ MORE IN football “But that night I felt something and immediately went to the doctor. “They started looking at my heart and saw nothing until they found an effusion in the pleura. It was a pulmonary embolism.”Explaining his blood clot, Morientes said: “It’s a clot that formed in my knee due to the excess air on the plane and in the stationary car. “My blood began to thicken in the air and rose to my lung. I spent five days in the hospital, almost dying.”Most read in FootballWhat are the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism?Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism include:difficulty breathing that comes on suddenlychest pain that’s worse when you breathe incoughing up bloodYou may also have pain, redness and swelling in one of your legs (usually the calf). These are symptoms of a blood clot, also called DVT (deep vein thrombosis).Source: The NHSMorientes spent only a season at Liverpool – signing from Real Madrid in 2005 – winning the FA Cup. In Madrid, the striker won two LaLiga titles and three Champions League trophies.Morientes joined Valencia after leaving Liverpool and later Marseille for a season before retiring in 2010. But in 2015 Morientes came out of retirement aged 38 to play for DAV Santa Ana – a non-league side.Morientes, now 49, briefly managed third-tier Spanish side Fuenlabrada but was sacked after eight months.The former Spanish international – capped 47 times with 27 goals – now commentates and provides TV punditry. Morientes is now a TV commentatorCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    Laura Woods kisses Adam Collard as TNT Sports presenter and Love Island star enjoy rare night out after becoming parents

    LAURA WOODS had a kiss with Adam Collard during a night out after becoming parents.The loved-up couple took a break from their baby bubble following the arrival of Leo Ernie Collard in January.Laura Woods gave Adam Collard a kiss on the cheek during a night outCredit: instagram @laurawoodsyThe couple enjoyed some time away from new baby boy LeoCredit: instagram @laurawoodsyThey were all smiles as they took a selfie togetherCredit: instagram @laurawoodsyLaura is finding it ‘trickier’ to get ready these daysCredit: instagram @laurawoodsyThe sports presenter and former Love Island star got dressed up as they went out for the night.Laura, 37, looked stunning in a long green dress with a snazzy jacket over the top.While Adam looked sharp in a grey suit and unbuttoned white shirt, which were paired with some black trainers.Laura shared pictures from the evening away from Leo on her Instagram story.READ MORE ON LAURA WOODSThey showed the two cosied up to each other with a drink in hand.In one picture, Laura could be seen giving Adam a kiss on the cheek.Laura captioned the evening “breaking out last night” and tagged Adam with a white heart emoji.Before heading out, Laura gave a glimpse into her new getting-ready routine which has become a “bit trickier” with Leo.Most read in FootballLaura gave birth to their baby boy in January, but there has already been some debate over his allegiances to football.Adam is keen to raise his son as a Newcastle United supporter, while Laura prefers Arsenal.Laura Woods gives birth to first child with Adam Collard as couple reveal sweet name in adorable post Baby Leo was born in JanuaryCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Laura gave birth at a hospitalCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/Adam has already claimed him as a Newcastle supporterCredit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/The couple started dating in October 2023Credit: https://www.instagram.com/laurawoodsy/The couple have been dating since October 2023 and got engaged the following September.The ex-talkSport host kept her pregnancy under wraps as she worked the entire Euro 2024 campaign with ITV.She went public with her pregnancy last summer between the Euros and the Olympics.The couple got engaged in September 2024Credit: InstagramLaura kept her pregnancy under wraps for the EurosCredit: Getty More