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      Barcelona president Joan Laporta charged with allegedly bribing referees as judge slams ‘corruption’

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      BARCELONA PRESIDENT Joan Laporta has been charged with allegedly bribing referees.The shock news emerged this morning through EFE that the judge in the case, which is known as “Caso Negreire” in Spain, has decided to indict the 61-year-old.
      Barcelona chief Joan Laporta has charged with allegedly bribing referees between 2008 and 2010Credit: Getty
      He is accused of bribery, sports corruption, unfair administration and forgery in a commercial document.
      Laporta has had two reigns as the LaLiga side’s president, the first of which between 2003 and 2010 saw Barcelona set a new record for trophies won in a 12-month period with six.
      He returned to the top job in October 2020.
      The Caso Negreira case involves the payment of around £6.3million to ex vice-president of the technical committee of referees Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira and his son.
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      The payments, which were over an 18-year period, are being investigated.
      It comes after Barcelona were charged with “continued corruption in the sports field” in April when Uefa began their investigation.
      They allowed the Catalans, who are managed by the legendary Xavi, to compete in this season’s edition of the Champions League despite the alleged scandal.
      However, they reserved the right to administer further punishment should further evidence be discovered.
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      The judge overseeing the case, Judge Joaquin Aguirre, recommended last month that the charge of continued corruption in the sports field should be switched to bribery.
      That was due to Negreira being a public figure at the time, according to a court order that was published by Spanish publication El Correo.
      Sandro Rossell and Josep Maria Bartomeu, both former presidents of Barcelona, and two ex-club officials have been accused of bribery, sports corruption, unfair administration and forgery in a commercial document.
      El Periodico also claims they have accessed the court order and it details how Aguirre has agreed to indict Laporta for the same crimes.
      That was after he decided that payments made from the Barca chief to Negreira from 2008 to 2010 constitute “continued bribery”.
      Aguirre has allegedly decided that Laporta and the rest of the board from that period played “an effective responsibility in making the decision to make the allegedly illicit payments”.
      In his order, Aguirre says the payments to Enriquez “produced the arbitration effects desired by FC Barcelona, ​​in such a way that there must have been inequality in the treatment with other teams and the consequent systemic corruption in the Spanish arbitration as a whole, which does not mean that each and every one of the referees were corrupt, but a group of them were.”
      It has also been deemed that the 10-year statute of limitations has not expired as they insist it should be counted from July 17, 2018 onwards – the date when the alleged last crime was committed.
      Laporta has denied any wrongdoing from Barcelona in the past and claimed that the payments were made for consultation work.
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      Neither he nor the club have yet to respond to these latest charges reported earlier.
      The news could not have come at a worse time for the club as they prepare to face bitter rivals Real Madrid this weekend in El Clasico. More

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      Jude Bellingham’s reaction after Joe Cole tells Real Madrid and England hero to make Premier League transfer

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM gave a rather cryptic answer when Joe Cole urged him to move to the Premier League.The Real Madrid sensation, 20, produced another majestic display for England on Tuesday night as Gareth Southgate’s men beat Italy 3-1 at Wembley.
      Jude Bellingham remained coy when Joe Cole asked him to move to the Premier LeagueCredit: https://twitter.com/C4Sport
      It comes as Bellingham continues his remarkable start to the season in which he has immediately become the main man at the Bernabeu.
      He has scored 10 goals and laid on three assists in his opening 10 games in Spain.
      Yet ex-Chelsea and England star Cole, 41, still cheekily called on him to make the switch to the Premier League during Bellingham’s post-match interview.
      To which the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder simply replied: “We’ll see.”
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      But the comment came just moments after he had claimed he could be at Real Madrid for a long time.
      He told Channel 4: “I’ve said since I arrived it’s a club I want to be at for the next 10 to 15 years of my life. I love the club.”
      He then went on to explain what Los Blancos have given him since he joined.
      Bellingham added: “When you’re around those type of mentalities and players with that quality every day – you see them in the gym; you see how they prepare for games, the analysis, the physio work they get done; you see the work on the pitch, how competitive some of the training sessions are – it just takes you to a new level technically.
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      “I feel I’ve just got to keep listening and my game will improve.”
      Bellingham was heavily linked with a move to England before he joined Real Madrid.

      Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United were all interested in the superstar playmaker.
      But his arrival in the Spanish capital has seen him instantly establish himself as one of the best players in the world. More

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      Mason Greenwood ‘lined up for Champions League transfer’ after Man Utd star makes decision on Getafe future

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      SEVILLA are interested in signing Mason Greenwood from Manchester United at the end of the season, according to reports.But the Manchester United forward wants to make his Getafe loan permanent.
      Mason Greenwood has made five appearances for GetafeCredit: Rex
      Sevilla, based at Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium, are reported to be interested in GreenwoodCredit: Getty
      Greenwood, 22, headed to LaLiga last month after bosses ruled he could not continue his career at Old Trafford following an investigation into his off-field behaviour.
      The former England international was set to be welcomed back into the fold at United before SunSport exclusively reported the club had made a U-turn following a backlash from fans.
      He was arrested in January last year following charges of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
      However, all charges were dropped in February by the Crown Prosecution Service.
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      A spokesperson said at that time: “We have a duty to keep cases under continuous review.
      “In this case a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction.
      “In these circumstances, we are under a duty to stop the case. We have explained our decision to all parties.
      “We would always encourage any potential victims to come forward and report to police and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met.”
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      Greenwood has made five appearances for Getafe thus far, scoring his first goal against Celta Vigo on October 8.
      According to the Mirror, Sevilla are lining up a swoop for Greenwood – whose United contract expires in the summer of 2025.
      The Red Devils are believed to still be paying the majority of his £75,000 a week wages.
      Sevilla won last season’s Europa League, qualifying for this season’s Champions League in the process.
      A source told SunSport, however, that Greenwood is hoping to stay at Getafe for the foreseeable future, saying: “The players and fans have all given him a welcome he could only have dreamed of.
      “He really feared his career was over. Now he’s just so happy and  wants to carry on playing and not think too far ahead.” More

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      Vinicius Jr reveals transfer plans as he admits he won’t finish his career at Real Madrid after promise to father

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      VINICIUS JUNIOR has named the one club he would leave Real Madrid for because of a promise he made to his father.The Brazilian forward, 23, has established himself as one of the best players in the world at the Bernabeu.
      Vinicius has hinted at a move away from Real Madrid later in his careerCredit: Alamy
      Since joining in 2018, he has scored 62 goals and provided 65 assists in 232 appearances for the Spanish giants.
      He is set to be at Real Madrid for the foreseeable future as his contract does not expire until 2027.
      But he has now revealed he promised his father he would return to Brazilian side Flamengo one day.
      Vinicius came through the club’s academy prior to signing for Real Madrid.
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      Speaking to France Football, the Los Blancos superstar said: “I think I could stay here my whole career, but the club of my life is Flamengo.
      “I promised my father I would go back one day. I have to keep this promise.

      “I love life here in general, and it’s going well for my family too. When my loved ones walk around, they are recognised and they wish us nothing but happiness.
      “Little by little, I discovered this new life, new emotions, a fervour.
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      “Madrid is unique. Everyone around the world tells me about this club. And apart from that, I like it.
      “I’m quite a homebody but we do a lot of activities.”
      Vinicius has continually starred on the pitch for Real Madrid despite receiving racist abuse from opposition fans on numerous occasions.
      He has already won two LaLiga titles, the Copa del Rey and Champions League.
      He has also contributed three goals and three assists in 24 appearances for Brazil. More

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      Arsenal lead Man Utd and Barcelona in £17m transfer race for Belgian wonderkid Arthur Vermeeren dubbed ‘next Iniesta’

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      ARSENAL lead the bidding war for Royal Antwerp wonderkid Arthur Vermeeren, dubbed the “next Andres Iniesta”.Vermeeren, 18, has stood out for Antwerp this season and has attracted plenty of interest from around Europe.
      Arsenal are leading the race for Royal Antwerp wonderkid Arthur VermeerenCredit: Rex
      Barcelona and Manchester United also fancy Vermeeren, dubbed the ‘next Andres Iniesta’Credit: EPA
      The Gunners are among the midfielder’s suitors but face competition from Premier League rivals Manchester United as well as Barcelona.
      According to SPORT, however, the North Londoners are currently heading the race for the Belgium international’s signature.
      And it is thought Arsenal could land Vermeeren for a bargain £17million in the January transfer window.
      Manager Mikel Arteta is facing the prospect of losing Jorginho in the New Year with Barcelona expressing interest.
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      The midfielder has struggled for minutes with the likes of Thomas Partey and club record signing Declan Rice ahead of him.
      Plus, the ex-Chelsea star’s contract runs out in June and is thus free to negotiate with clubs oversees in the next two months.
      Barca are also keeping tabs on Vermeeren in their bid to find someone to continue club legend Iniesta’s work in the middle of the park at the Nou Camp.
      However, the Blaugrana have been marred by financial trouble and could instead turn to Corinthians ace Gabriel Moscardo.
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      United are in the picture as well with manager Erik ten Hag “in love” with the versatile midfielder, who can play at No8 and No6.
      After making his first-team debut last year, the Belgian has been playing regularly for Antwerp this season.
      Vermeeren has scored one goal and provided five assists in 15 appearances across all competitions so far this term. More

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      Pep Guardiola ‘made three-hour last-ditch bid’ to get Jude Bellingham at Man City before ace sealed Real Madrid transfer

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      MANCHESTER CITY made a last-ditch attempt to sign Jude Bellingham before he went to Real Madrid, according to reports.The 20-year-old joined the Spanish side in a British record £115million deal from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
      Jude Bellingham joined Real Madrid for £115mCredit: Getty
      Pep Guardiola tried to convince him to join Man CityCredit: Reuters
      But before he penned his six-year contract at the Santiago Bernabeu, Man City supposedly tried to convince him to join the Treble winners.
      Reports in Spain claim they offered the midfielder a lucrative deal and Pep Guardiola spoke to him on the phone for three hours.
      The manager is alleged to have tried to persuade Bellingham against a move to Real Madrid.
      It is claimed that Guardiola turned on the charm, explaining that playing in the Premier League would be best for him and that City are a stronger side than Los Blancos.
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      However, his alleged attempt did not work and the boss conceded defeat as he ended the call and wished him luck for the rest of his career.
      Bellingham had reportedly already decided to join Real Madrid by the time Guardiola phoned.
      The club met with the wonderkid’s family and gave him a tour of their facilities with Vinicius Junior in attendance to help him settle in.
      The Brazilian winger was texting him almost every day for a year to get Bellingham to become his team-mate.
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      Since joining, he has hit the ground running with Carlo Ancelotti deploying him in attacking midfield role.
      The 26-time capped England international has scored ten goals in ten games so far. More

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      Joao Felix’s shockingly low Barcelona wages revealed – but club plan to give him 900 PER CENT pay rise

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      JOAO FELIX’S shockingly low wages have been revealed as Barcelona plan to give him a massive pay rise.The forward joined the Spanish champions on a season-long loan from Atletico Madrid on deadline day.
      Joao Felix’s shockingly low Barcelona wages have been revealedCredit: Getty
      He has since scored three goals and provided three assists in eight appearances across all competitions.
      However, according to reports in Spain, Felix has been paid a relatively tiny wage during his time at Barcelona.
      As part of the deal, the 23-year-old would receive an annual salary of just €400,000 (£345,000), according to Catalunya Radio.
      That equates to £6,635 per week.
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      For comparison, team-mate Frenkie de Jong earns a reported £620,000k every seven days.
      It is claimed Felix had to accept the terms to get a deal done, due to Barcelona’s strict financial limitations.
      The broke Catalans have been selling off assets and slices of their future TV rights income over the last year to plug a reported £1BILLION debt.
      And an agreement was included in Felix’s deal for his salary to be increased once Barcelona’s financial status allowed it.
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      And it is now claimed he is set for a 900 per cent bump.
      The report adds that Felix will now be paid a salary of €4million (£3.45million) for the remainder of his stay.
      However, his new £66,345-per-week wages are still far less than he was earning at Atletico.
      It is also understood that the change in his wages will not impact on Barcelona when it comes to Financial Fair Play.
      Felix’s loan only lasts until the end of the season, with his Atletico contract not expiring until 2029.
      Prior to joining Barca, the Portugal international had been linked with a return to the Premier League.
      Having spent the second half of last season with Chelsea, several clubs were rumoured to be interested in signing Felix.
      Manchester United are said to have turned down the chance to sign him in the summer, though. More

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      Genius trait Jude Bellingham shares with Michael Jordan & Albert Einstein has helped him better Cristiano Ronaldo record

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM mania is reaching new levels over in Spain.The England star has had a sensational start to life at Real Madrid since joining from Borussia Dortmund in a £115million summer deal.
      Jude Bellingham has had a sensational start to life at Real MadridCredit: Alamy
      The England star has already scored ten goals for his new clubCredit: Getty
      Bellingham, 20, has helped to fill the void left by striker Karim Benzema, who departed for Saudi Arabia in the summer.
      The midfielder has bagged a stunning ten goals in his first ten games for the club, also laying on three assists.
      This has seen him grab more goal involvements than even Cristiano Ronaldo managed in his first ten games for Real Madrid.
      Ronaldo, now 38, also scored ten goals but only laid on two assists.
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      Bellingham recently scored a sensational solo goal against Napoli in the Champions League.
      Given the opposition, the mazy dribble and finish drew inevitable comparisons with the late, great Diego Maradona.
      In Spain, Bellingham was also likened to Michael Jordan and Albert Einstein.
      The former Birmingham starlet received the comparisons after a picture emerged of him sticking his tongue out in the build-up to his brilliant Napoli goal.
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      Bellingham, 20, was seen with his tongue out against NapoliCredit: Rex
      Many action shots of Jordan in his Chicago Bulls heyday also showed him with his tongue out.
      While an iconic snap of Einstein features the German physicist sticking out his tongue.
      According to BBC Science, sticking your tongue out actually helps you concentrate.
      This is because your brain is usually occupied by your tongue – a huge muscle – in particular ensuring it doesn’t get bitten or choke you.
      So by sticking it out, the brain is less occupied by it, which can assist you in concentration.
      Bellingham is currently on England duty.
      He could be in action on Friday night when the Three Lions take on Australia in a friendly at Wembley.
      Boss Gareth Southgate has been talking up his star man.
      Asked if Bellingham can now be considered the best player in the world, Southgate said: “It’s not a stupid question.
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      “I haven’t seen everybody and studied everybody playing. All I can say it is he’s at the one of the biggest clubs in the world — arguably the biggest — and he’s playing exceptionally well.
      “He’s currently the match winner for them so he’s in a brilliant place.”
      Michael Jordan sticks out his tongue as he sizes up Kobe BryantCredit: AFP
      Albert Einstein sticks his tongue out after being asked to smileCredit: Getty More