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      ‘Football here is like religion’ – Inside Jamal Lewis’ amazing life in Brazil after ‘whirlwind’ transfer from Newcastle

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      JAMAL LEWIS is commuting 6,000 miles between Belfast and Brazil with an amazing new life at Sao Paulo.The Northern Ireland defender — on loan there from Newcastle — jets in from the other side of the world for internationals.Jamal Lewis is currently on loan at Sao Paulo FC from NewcastleCredit: Instagram / saopaulofcHe says he is ‘proud’ to be a Northern Irishman playing in BrazilCredit: PacemakerLeft-back Lewis, 26, becomes the first Brit to play for the Brazilian giants and hopes the Samba-style football can help his countrymen.Ahead of facing Belarus on Saturday, he joked: “I guess I’m going to have to give man-of-the-match performances every week now.“There is such a rich culture of football out there, it’s amazing. I hope it will go on into the long-term future.“And I am very proud to be a Northern Irishman playing in Brazil.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“The hotter climate makes for a different intensity in the football and, at times, I feel far away.“But there is a rich culture of football and some hugely-talented players who have played in the ­Premier League before.There is such a rich culture of football out there, it’s amazing. I hope it will go on into the long-term future.”Jamal Lewis“It’s a massive challenge for me — and one that I am embracing with both hands.”Northern Ireland held Belarus to a 0-0 draw on Saturday in their C3 Nations League clash.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSManager Michael O’Neill’s side next host Bulgaria at Windsor Park on Tuesday night.Former Norwich defender Lewis confessed: “Belfast will feel a lot colder than Brazil but I love Windsor Park.Gary Neville tells Eddie Howe clear reason why he should QUIT Newcastle for ‘next step up’ in his career“The atmosphere created by a relatively small crowd when it’s full is so close to my heart.“I came into the senior squad just after the great run at Euro 2016 and there’s another major tournament in this squad for sure. We just need to gel.”Lewis may well have also ruined one of Northern Ireland’s most famous football anthems — but it is all the same to him.Every international is accompanied by the Green and White Army’s lusty rendition of We’re Not Brazil, We’re Northern Ireland.But in the defender’s case, he is both.Opportunity of a lifetimeThe chance to make history as the first Brit to play for Sao Paulo, one of Brazil’s most successful teams, and make a fresh start was too good to turn down.Lewis said: “I knew  my time at Newcastle would be limited so I was looking for an option — loan or permanent.“Once my agent told me, it sparked my interest and it is definitely something different. It’s a chance I wanted to seize with both hands and see where it takes me.I am proud to be an Irishman and play in Brazil. It’s not something many people have done. I am the first Brit to play for Sao Paulo.”Jamal Lewis“It went from zero to a hundred quickly and I flew to Brazil the next day.“We got all the documents done and  it’s been a whirlwind. I’m still in the adjustment phase but I’m really enjoying it — the people, the culture, the club.“In the same way that the English love their football, and we love the Premier League, the Brazilians are renowned worldwide for their football.“It’s such a huge thing, it goes hand  in hand with religion for the Brazilians. The fans, the clubs, the history that it comes with  is amazing.The left-back has fallen out of favour at NewcastleCredit: Getty“You can see it with Sao Paulo — the history of the place. The championships they have won and the pride of the people that support the club is immense.“So, to represent them is amazing and hopefully this is the start of a long journey with them.”Every home international for Lewis is now a minimum 6,000-mile trek from the country of Neymar and Co to Belfast.He continued: “Sometimes I feel far away from home, especially when I am messaging and it’s already dark in the UK and I am enjoying the sun.“The four-hour time difference has an effect. But it comes with the job. It doesn’t feel much further than being in Newcastle, really.“Football is a learning profession. My wife’s coming over after this international break so we’ll get to experience it together, which will be great.“I made my full debut in the last match before the international break.“I am proud to be an Irishman and play in Brazil. It’s not something many people have done. I am the first Brit to play for Sao Paulo.“I’m proud to represent myself, my family and Northern Ireland in Brazil.“Challenging myself each and every day to communicate with people is a little bit difficult but I am embracing the new culture, the weather, the people.”New homeSao Paulo have never been relegated from Brazil’s top division.Lewis’ loan is slightly different, given the split season in the country that  has blessed the world with so many superstars of the game.Home games for his new club are at the 72,000-capacity MorumBIS stadium.One recognisable team-mate is former Tottenham striker Lucas Moura, 32.And Lewis had a full-on taste of what to expect in last month’s Copa Libertadores — a rough equivalent of our Champions League — as an unused sub against Botafogo in the quarter-finals.He said: “The stadiums in Brazil are immense. Ours holds 70-plus thousand, it’s just amazing.“I got to see the best of it against Botafogo. It was a packed house, the fans were amazing and the atmosphere was great. I just hope I get to make some starts before the season finishes.Lewis is loving life in BrazilCredit: https://www.instagram.com/jamal_lewis1/“It ends in December. So not many games left. There is then a month off before a small pre-season. Then we go into the Paulista Cup where you play more local teams through to March and then in April, the season starts again.“It’s a one-season loan as far as Newcastle are concerned — but two half-season loans for me. My loan ends in June but there is an option to make it permanent once that finishes.“Sao Paulo’s densely packed but I live in London back home so it’s nothing I am not used to. It feels like a home away from home but with better weather.“I am adjusting to the team and they are adjusting to me. We have only played a handful of games.It’s a big step but one I am really relishing every day.”Jamal Lewis“I am getting up to pace with the style of play. It’s a hotter climate so that brings a different kind of intensity of football with it.“I have taken a big step out of my own environment of being able to communicate easily to now having to immerse myself and learn to get by day to day.“I have played with many foreign players and now I empathise with the process they go through to integrate into British culture. I am making sure I can do that in Brazilian culture.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The beauty of me being in Sao Paulo is exposing myself to so many different things, growing as a person, learning as an individual.“It’s a big step but one I am really relishing every day.” More

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      Inside Jurgen Klopp’s incredible lifestyle with wife Ulla at their £3.4m paradise in Mallorca after leaving Liverpool

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      LIFE after retirement IS meant to be this good, Jurgen.The legendary Liverpool manager, who waved goodbye to Anfield last season after a nine-year tenure, is now living his best life – away from the stresses of the Premier League.Jurgen Klopp and wife Ulla are living a life of luxuryKlopp’s retirement villa cost £3.4m and was bought in 2022Recently, Klopp’s fortune has been estimated at around £42mInstead of locking horns with Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta, Klopp, 57, is looking healthier than ever with a glowing tan.He has settled in his stunning Mallorca home he splashed £3.4million on and is enjoying time with wife, Ulla.Klopp, who joined Instagram back in May, has been sharing his lifestyle with his fans.His plans for his lavish villa create “an ecological family paradise” there. Read more football newsThat’s certainly more relaxing for the man who gave his all to the Reds and walked away because he was “running out of energy”.Revealing why Mallorca caught his eye, he told the podcast Willipedia via Bild: “I’ve dreamed of having a house in the south all my life. I like the weather, the climate, I like the people.”There are lots of things I like here and also people I already know. It’s not like I’m looking for new friends. I already have friends for life, and if some of them are here too, that’s cool.”However, he made it clear he wasn’t going to stay in Mallorca all year round.Most read in Football”I don’t want to emigrate. We go on holiday here every now and then,” Klopp added.Ex-Liverpool boss and heavy metal fan Jurgen Klopp soundproofs £6m mansion in Germany’s ‘Beverly Hills'”But when I’m here, I want everything to be as I know it.”That’s totally boring but the point is that I want to get to know a different life, but not somewhere in the jungle or on the mountain.”Klopp has even found himself a new hobby – playing padel tennis while on the Balearic Island.In the meantime, after recharging his batteries, Klopp has accepted a return to football with the Red Bull group.He will take on an advisory role, worth a reported £10million-per-year, offering his insight into teams including RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg and New York Red Bulls.SunSport takes a look at his epic Spanish existence.Inside his eco-villaKlopp earned a packet from football.It’s believed his fortune stands at around the £42million mark, with Liverpool paying him handsomely and endorsement deals with brands such as Opel, Erdinger, VR-Bank, Snickers, Deutsche Vermogensberatung, Puma and Adidas adding to his bank balance.Back in 2022, the German icon paid £3.4million for his Mallorcan villa – buying it off Swiss businessmen and artist Rolf Knie.Ex-Liverpool boss Klopp’s retirement home is eco-friendlyKlopp completely renovated the property to ensure it uses less electricityHere’s one of the bedrooms of the property, which boasts high ceilingsAll electrical devices in the home are controlled via an appread more sport featuresHis first job was to completely renovate the 5,000-square metre property property.As reported by German outlet Bild, Klopp turned the villa into a low-energy house with a unique interconnected heating and air conditioning system.The systems work with a computer to make sure the temperature in the house stays the same, regardless of the weather conditions outside.Futuristically, all electrical devices and appliances are controlled by using an app.The idea behind the changes is to use less electricity, and the transformation is believed to reduce consumption by up to 75 per cent.Not skimping on the property’s grounds, Klopp hired a company who designed the garden of the five-star Son Bunyola hotel owned by Virgin supremo Sir Richard Branson to tend to his.Spending his time wiselyBeing a former footballer who thrives on competition, Jurgen wasn’t going to completely give up on sport.In his later years at Liverpool, he insisted on installing a padel court at the club’s Melwood training ground.And it’s a sport that’s close to his heart.Klopp and wife Ulla have become members of the Mallorca Country ClubMembership for the Mallorca Country Club costs around £2,345 per yearHe once said: “Besides football, padel is the best game I’ve ever played.”The love of the fast-paced racket sport, which is a cross between tennis and squash, encouraged Klopp and his wife to become members of the exclusive Mallorca Country Club.Other members include Prince Albert of Monaco, Princess Birgitta of Sweden, Boris Becker, and Novak Djokovic.He regularly visits the £2,345 a year club to play padel – filming his exploits on social media.At the end of May, in a clip on Instagram he said: “Now what I’m doing, I try – no, no, I follow – my other big passion. I try to improve my padel game.“Started two days ago, today’s my third session and I started on an extremely low level. Didn’t play for a while and felt it immediately but step by step I will get there.”READ MORE SUN STORIESKlopp practices his padel game at the exclusive members only Mallorca Country ClubSince retiring, Klopp has a healthy glow about him and appears stress freeBrilliantly, Klopp also has his own range of padel bats with tennis giants Wilson sport.Retirement has clearly never looked this good. More

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      in Boxing

      Inside the life of Frank Warren’s wife Susan – what we know about the former Vogue model

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      SUSAN Warren is the wife of boxing promoter Frank – but she has been a star in her own right.Once a celebrated Vogue model, Susan met Frank in the early 1970s.Susan was a model before meeting FrankCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdSusan and legendary boxing promoter Frank have been married for over 40 yearsCredit: Enterprise News and PicturesAt the time Frank was beginning to make waves in the boxing world.They have now been married for over 40 years.During that time Frank has become a household name by promoting some of the biggest British fighters in recent history including Frank Bruno, Nigel Benn, Chris Eubank, Joe Calzaghe, Prince Naseem Hamed, Amir Khan and Tyson Fury.Susan prefers to stay away from the limelight, focusing on their family and personal life.read more on frank warrenFamily lifeSusan and Frank have two sons, George and Francis.George is involved in the family business, Queensberry Promotions, where he works as a boxing promoter and manager. He has been increasingly visible in the fight game and is following in his father’s footsteps, helping to manage boxers and promote events.Like his brother George, Francis had been working for Queensberry.Most read in BoxingHe left the company in 2022 to focus on starting his own company, Champion Sports Management.My dad was questioned over Frank Warren’s assassination attempt… now we’ve joined forces to make boxing’s best fightsFrank said in an interview with Seconds Out about his son leaving: “I’m pleased for him, he has got a fantastic roster of fighters that he is managing and looking after.“So he, quite rightly said, ‘Look Dad, I don’t think that I can do it justice and I want to focus on my management company’.”So, God bless him and good luck to him, and that’s what he is doing. We’ve got quite a few of his fighters on our roster and we continue to promote them and work very closely with them, he’s doing his own thing and that, for me as a Dad, is a real joy.” More

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      Well done, Annie Kilner for taking control over cheat Kyle Walker – now it’s time to hit him where it hurts

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      ANNIE KILNER has consulted divorce lawyers over wayward husband Kyle Walker.And I couldn’t be happier for her.Annie Kilner has consulted divorce lawyers over her husband Kyle WalkerCredit: GettySince he first got together with wife Annie, Walker has been unfaithful many timesCredit: Refer to CaptionIf you are not au fait with Kyle Walker, let me explain.On the pitch for England and Manchester City, he is an amazing, talented footballer.Off it, his life is an absolute car crash, which could be turned into a Carry On film.Since he first got together with Annie, he has romped in a car with Ex On The Beach’s Laura Brown and fathered two children with reality TV star Lauryn Goodman.READ MORE FROM JANE ATKINSONHe exposed himself in a bar and snogged another woman.During Covid he had a party with two sex workers.And he has been caught twice urinating in the street after a session in the pub — most recently just two weeks ago.He has run rough­shod over his relationship with Annie. And I don’t know how she has held it together.Most read in FootballShe always appears to look steely, strong and determined when she is out with their four children — the youngest of whom was born in April — or watching him on the pitch.But her confidence must have been absolutely crushed over the years. Imagine the anguish and pain she has gone through.Drama at Kyle Walker’s Home: Annie Kilner vs Lauryn GoodmanThis is a woman who was a normal working-class girl from Sheffield when she fell for local lad Kyle at the age of 16.He was playing football but he wasn’t the megastar he is now.She fell in love with him, knowing he could one day play for England or get injured and end up on benefits.He hit the jackpot in his career — with the salary to go with it — but Annie has been the one to pay the price.Terrible behaviourShe has tried to deal with it and chucked him out of the house — and taken him back. Multiple times.She has slated Lauryn, had public spats with her, apologised to her and told friends she wishes Lauryn was dead.Annie bravely admitted that his terrible behaviour even became “acceptable”.And some have said that his wealth has cushioned his behaviour while others have slammed her for not leaving before now.But leaving any man — rich or poor — isn’t easy when you’ve spent half your life with him and have four kids together.Any woman who has been cheated on knows that it takes a long while to regain your strength afterwards and come out fighting. Now Annie has. She is finally, thankfully, taking control.She recently sought advice to make sure she could get half of his £150,000-a-week salary and this week she has gone a step further and met with lawyers to discuss legal proceedings to end her marriage.Strength and courageI bet those who love her are proud of her.Annie has shown strength and courage.She has also given an important message to all those kids who idolise her husband — that there must be consequences for your actions.This summer, a survey of 1,306 children aged six to 17 across the UK revealed that almost a fifth wanted to be a footballer.They rank second only to parents as the people that youngsters admire the most.You could argue that Kyle is only a role model on the pitch but thanks to sponsorship deals and five million followers on social media, he is a role model, and influencer, off it too.Children across the country this summer stuck his picture into Euro 2024 albums.They stayed up late to watch him play and, week in week out, they idolise him at Manchester City.Nobody wants to see a marriage end.But nobody wants to see a woman cheated on and humiliated either.Now Annie can have the greatest revenge of all by hitting him where it truly hurts — his wallet.The England defender also secretly fathered TWO kids with reality TV star Lauryn GoodmanCredit: AlamyRihanna at the reddyLESS is more – unless you’re Rihanna.In a new promotional photoshoot, she sports amazing scarlet hair, blue fur coat and a red snakeskin outfit that involves a skirt attached loosely to a bustier to show off her bum.Rihanna posed with amazing scarlet hair, a blue fur coat and a red snakeskin outfitCredit: savagex.comThe singer and businesswoman completes the style with a smouldering pout and terrifying long talons.Most of us would look like we had walked out of the local brothel but she somehow manages to pull it off.BORIS JOHNSON has insisted refurbishing his Downing Street flat was necessary because it looked like a “crack den” once he had pulled the carpets out.You have to wonder how he knows what a crack house looks like.50 still niftyI COULDN’T be happier for the newly married Miranda Hart.But I do wish everyone would stop being so shocked that she tied the knot at the age of 51.I do wish everyone would stop being so shocked that Miranda Hart tied the knot at the age of 51Credit: GettyThe actress was 49 when surveyor Richard Fairs came to her £2million home to deal with mould.It was during the pandemic and she was struggling with chronic fatigue syndrome after being diagnosed with Lyme disease.In her new book, she says she was so ill that she never thought she would find love and was “fading away”.I get that.But now a million relationship experts have taken to social media to discuss how to find love over 50 as if she is some dinosaur.We are no longer living in the dark ages and no woman should be written off in their 50s – or think that they are either.Rights bill so wrongREMEMBER a time when we were all desperate to get out of the house, mingle and live a normal life when Covid struck.Now, thanks to the Government’s new Employment Rights Bill, we can all return to that because flexible working, including working from home, will be made the “default for all” where possible.So no mingling in the office, no chatting by the coffee machine when you are feeling down, no making lifelong friends.And forget office flirting because Zoom and Teams really don’t cut it for the fun things in life.I’ve worked from home for more than a decade because I live hundreds of miles from head office.If I could go in every day, I would.I’ve grown sick of the amount of times people have said: “Oh, but you work from home,” as though I spend my life on the sofa watching This Morning or baking banana bread.In fact, unless you are a grade A skiver you end up working more because your home is your office and you can’t get away from it.Plus there is no free coffee and the heating bills are a fortune.We should be careful what we wish for.Tash leaves KittenWHEN Natasha Hamilton announced on Friday that she had quit Atomic Kitten, I was in utter shock.Natasha Hamilton announced on Friday that she had quit Atomic KittenCredit: RexI didn’t even know the band was still going.Ticket farce unfareI HAVE sympathy for train passenger Sam Williamson, who mistakenly underpaid for his ticket by £1.90 and now fears a criminal record and huge fine.He used the Northern Trains app to buy an Anytime ticket to central Manchester last month and used his 16-25 railcard for a discount without realising it can only be used under certain conditions.Sam Williamson mistakenly underpaid for his ticket by £1.90 and now fears a criminal record and huge fineCredit: SWNSWhen an inspector grilled him and told him the mistake, he immediately offered to buy a new ticket or pay a penalty.Instead, the jobsworth reported him and now Sam faces prosecution.Sam says it isn’t even clear on the app how you can use the railcard.I had the misfortune of using Northern last month and had a similar experience.I wanted to buy a cheaper ticket from the app but was told I had to buy one from an employee who, when I explained that the app ticket was cheaper, told me: “Northern don’t care what the customers pay.”Super. Maybe if the train firms did care and explained their baffling price structures, we wouldn’t hate travelling with them so muchSpice boy hitMY new motto is: Don’t buy things after drinking wine.My latest credit card purchase is Brooklyn Beckham’s chilli sauce.My latest credit card purchase is Brooklyn Beckham’s chilli sauceCredit: GettyI saw his mum Victoria plugging Cloud23 on Instagram (obviously) and forked out £30 on two bottles of it as I love spicy food.He’s been slated for his choice of careers but I can confirm Brooklyn, below, is actually pretty good at this one.READ MORE SUN STORIESThink Tabasco but not as harsh, with a lovely smoky hit.I just hope that he ditches the fancy box it comes in and gets it on a super­market shelf to avoid the big price tag. More

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      Brazil stars including Vinicius Jr and Raphinha face ban from national team in bizarre proposal

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      BRAZIL’S Europe-based heroes  would be banned from international football under a radical idea from the country’s president.Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva claims “there are no stars” abroad – which might surprise fans of Vinicius Junior, Endrick, Ederson and Co.Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr would be among a string or Europe-based superstars affected by the type of ban Brazil president Lula wantsCredit: GettyMan Utd duo Casemiro and Antony are others that would be shut outCredit: GettyThe Brazilian president says he’s discussed the idea with his nation’s football chief.And if such a proposal was ever activated it would mean the end of World Cup dreams for a host of top performers in Europe’s major leagues.Arsenal have three leading Brazilians – all Gabriels – in Magalhaes, Jesus and Martinelli.Two come from Manchester United, although Casemiro and Antony have been under almost as much pressure for their efforts as their struggling Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag.READ MORE TOP STORIESMeanwhile, a couple of the world’s best goalkeepers are with the Prem’s top two sides.Alisson is currently out injured for leaders Liverpool, while fellow stopper Ederson has won six titles in seven seasons with champs Manchester City, who now also have compatriot Savinho in their bulging squad.Spain offer arguably Brazil’s hottest talent in Vinicius Jr, as well as the brightest prospect in 18-year-old Real Madrid team-mate Endrick.And don’t forget Barcelona wideman Raphinha.Most read in FootballArsenal have three top Brazilians in their squad, including attackers Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel JesusCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLula was emboldened to speak out on his hopes after Botafogo duo Igor Jesus and Luiz Henrique netted in Friday’s vital 2-1 comeback win in a World Cup qualifier away to Chile.It means Dorival Junior’s Brazil have edged up to fourth after disappointing performances in the South American group.Vinicius Jr breaks down in tears in emotional moment during press conference after three questions about racismLula argued Brazil lack overseas players as good as legends like “Garrincha or Romario”.He insisted their contingent abroad instead contains just “a bunch of young players who are not yet stars”.Lula added: “In Brazil, there are good players of the same quality (as those abroad). So [the national team should] give opportunities to those who are here.”However, even if his proposal gained any traction in Brazil, it would almost certainly get nowhere thanks to Fifa rules.Football’s global chiefs ban political interference in team matters.Lula has reportedly mentioned his beliefs to Brazilian Football Confederation president Alejandro Dominguez.But any political attempts to formally stop overseas stars from playing for the country could even lead to Dominguez being suspended.And other possible sanctions include what would surely be the greatest one for the country’s football supporters – being banned from the World Cup.However, Lula’s leap into the country’s main sport did lead to an equally bizarre but more light-hearted suggestion.READ MORE SUN STORIESOne fan on X reckons the 78-year-old is a dead ringer for one of Britain’s most famous businessmen, a former Tottenham co-owner of The Apprentice fame, who is 18 months younger.He posted: “Sir Alan Sugar needs to leave the Brazilians to it.”Brazilian president Lula da Silva has been compared to Sir Alan SugarCredit: ReutersLondon entrepreneur Alan Sugar has a famous Brazilian look-alikeCredit: BBCWho are these famous footballers? More

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      Karren Brady: The Premier League is the envy of world football.. now Man City’s rivals must fight to save it THIS WEEK

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      PREMIER LEAGUE meetings are usually cordial, professional and unobtrusive affairs.All 20 clubs, plus their executives, sit in a room and ignore the massive elephant that also lurks in every meeting — the ongoing litigation and the £50million-plus of legal costs racked up fighting and defending claims.Man City made it four straight Prem titles in may and now face a big fight with the Prem off the field, but so far have a winning PR teamCredit: ReutersPep Guardiola’s men are predictably again in contention for the top-flight crown but it’s less easy to say what will happen in a big meeting next weekCredit: GettyBut at the League meeting next week that elephant is going to get an introduction, as we have just tripped over his trunk.Manchester City versus the Premier League feels like a boxing match, where at the end of the final round both fighters put their hands up claiming the victory.If the judges of this heavyweight bout were the public, then City would be clear winners.They not only have the world’s best team on the pitch but also have the best off it too.READ MORE TOP STORIESTheir PR and media team got their message across while making the Prem’s set-up look like a lower league outfit by comparison.But it’s not the public or the media the Premier League has to worry about.It’s the clubs, the rules that govern them and what on earth happens now.Next week’s meeting is to decide exactly that.Most read in FootballMan City vs the Premier League: Q&ABy Martin LiptonBOTH Manchester City and the Premier League were claiming a win after their legal scrap over Associated Party Transactions.SunSport sifts the claims to try to explain the latest issues.What was the case about?City were furious that Prem bosses brought in new tougher regulations – by the smallest possible majority under League rules – in February. They were aimed at blocking clubs bypassing financial controls by earning “unfair” amounts via sponsorship from a company with the same owners, or selling players on the cheap to teams under the same ownership umbrella.Why were City so upset?The Etihad club argued that the rules were illegal and had been deliberately aimed at them by rivals and were both flawed and politically driven. They also branded the “two thirds support” rule that has been part of Prem regulations since its inception as a “tyranny of the majority”This was an Arbitration Tribunal – explain that?Under Prem rules, any club has the right to ask for Arbitration if they are unhappy about the regulations or due process. The three retired judges heard evidence in June and their full ruling was distributed to the 20 Prem clubs on Monday afternoon.And what did they say?Depending on who you listen to, they either totally vindicated one side or the other. The actual answer is that there were “wins” for both City and the Prem. But it’s your choice which ones meant more.OK, what were City’s wins?Maybe the most important one in terms of the repercussions. That both the new rules and the previous version – brought  in after Saudi Arabia’s PIF bought Newcastle in 2021 –  were “unlawful” as they exclude shareholder loans to clubs in any APT calculations.  City also won over their claims that the rulebook prevented them from responding to Prem decisions over whether two proposed deals with Abu Dhabi companies represented “Fair Market Value”, access to the “databank” of comparable deals and the time it took for decisions to be reached.That sounds pretty big. So what about the Prem’s side?The key finding as far as the League is concerned is that the Tribunal backed the concept of APT rules as well as the Fair Market Value tests. Additionally, City’s challenges to the actual decisions on the two proposed deals “failed”. Prem bosses insist the “rulebook has been found to comply with competition and public law standards and is an effective and necessary system”.Is that it, then?Of course not. That shareholder loan issue is a big deal, given that it is believed owners have loaned around £1.5bn at low or preferential rates across the Prem. Those loans will almost certainly have to be calculated at commercial rates now, unless the owners convert them into shares. But the League is convinced the main thrust of the rules remains valid.And what will be the impact on the “115 charges” case?Probably nothing. That is an allegation of breaking the rules, while this matter was City questioning whether one small element of the current rulebook was legitimate. But City are using the same legal team, headed by £10,000 per hour Lord Pannick KC. And the stakes on the bigger case are a great deal higher.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut how did we get here?Most supporters have never heard of the term APT — Associated Party Transactions — or knew about the new rules regulating them when they came into play in 2021.Love rat Kyle Walker’s wife Annie Kilner fires first warning shot of divorce after secretly meeting with lawyersAPT rules were accepted by the majority of clubs — although by no means all — and were put in place to ensure that all clubs’ sponsorship deals reflect a true and fair market value.It was hoped to prevent clubs from earning revenue through inflated sponsorship deals from companies related to their owners.This is important, as the value of sponsorship and other commercial revenue is used to offset the costs of the clubs, like player salaries, agent fees and the manager, which leaves you with a number, usually a loss.If you go over the League’s number of what they consider to be an acceptable loss — as Everton and Nottingham Forest did — you get a fine, a points deduction or possibly both.So, the higher your sponsorship, the higher your costs can be and the less you get into trouble.City challenged the legality of these rules, alleging the APT Rules breach competition and public law and the League’s application of the rules also breached public law standards.The Prem claims the three-man Arbitration Tribunal endorsed the overall objective of their rules.No one wants it to become a competition between too few clubs, usually by rich ones who can afford multiple multi-million transfers and top wages.They also agreed that if the price of an APT is evidently not at fair market value — what anyone else OTHER than the party connected with the owner would have paid — then the competition will be distorted as the club would be benefitting from what effectively is a subsidy.The Prem needs a financial system to ensure that football is, remains and will always be competitive.The undiminished competitiveness of the Premier League is the envy of every other foreign league and club and the reason why our top-flight is the best in the world.No one wants it to become a competition between too few clubs, usually by the rich ones who can afford multiple multi-million transfer fees and top wages.So next week clubs have to agree to make the necessary changes to the APT rules to address the Tribunal’s concerns.This requires 14 votes — at least 14 clubs have to agree — or the whole system is thrown into chaos.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt needs to be so that the system can continue to be effective.We must stop clubs spending whatever they like to get an unbeatable team and create an uncompetitive league. More

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      in Soccer

      Jurgen Klopp’s outrageous Red Bull salary revealed with ex-Liverpool chief earning more than 18 Premier League managers

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      JURGEN KLOPP’S colossal salary at Red Bull has been revealed – and he’s set to earn more than EIGHTEEN Premier League managers.The former Liverpool boss signed a lucrative deal to become the Global Head of Soccer at Red Bull this week.Jurgen Klopp’s HUGE wages at his new Red Bull job have been revealedKlopp will oversee the management of RB Leipzig, Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, two clubs in Brazil and a third-tier Japanese side.But, with such responsibility, comes eye-watering wages.In leaving Liverpool, Klopp temporarily waved good bye to an incredible £15m salary.But the German won’t be penny-pinching any time soon, as he earns between £8-10million in his new Red Bull role, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThis will see the 57-year-old bank more than 18 Prem bosses.In fact, only Mikel Arteta’s £10m and Pep Guardiola’s £20m at Manchester City beats Klopp’s reported wage.He is set to earn around the same as Aston Villa’s Unai Emery, who is collects £8m.Klopp will earn more than under-fire Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, who bags £6.75m annually.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Klopp reportedly netted £15m in his final years at Liverpool, making him the second highest paid boss in the Prem behind Pep.The former Dortmund manager has signed a long-term contract with Red Bull but will not begin in his new job until January 1 2025.Arne Slot aims dig at Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool boss says ‘I’m a stupid manager if 12.30pm kick offs are more difficult’ Klopp has been assured that he can exit this contract if there is a concrete offer that he wishes to pursue.The German had been enjoying his time off, stating that he didn’t want to take up a coaching role and needed a rest after making his decision at the start of the year.The position of the German national team head coach remains an option for him.Klopp has been linked to the Germany job in the past and has made no secret of his desire to become manager one day.In 2023 he said: “It’s not completely out of the question that I’ll be the national coach at some point.“But it has to fit. And so far it hasn’t. And if I end the contract in Liverpool, then nothing will definitely be done for a year.”The legendary Reds boss left Anfield after almost nine years in charge in May after announcing that he was “running out of energy”. More

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      Jose Mourinho’s daughter Matilde to marry partner Danny Graham in lavish ceremony hosted at Special One’s £2million farm

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      TORRENTIAL rain looks set to put a dampener on Jose Mourinho’s daughter’s wedding in Portugal tomorrow.Matilde Mourinho and her fiancee Danny Graham are set to tie the knot tomorrow at a family farm in Azeitao near the Fenerbahce football manager’s native city of Setubal with 300 guests expected to attend.Matilde Mourinho is set to marry Danny GrahamShe is the daughter of Jose MourinhoCredit: GettyThe manager is thrilled at the prospect of becoming a grandfatherCredit: Rex Features300 guests are expected at the weddingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/matildefmf/The 28-year-old stunning jewellery designer admitted ahead of the ceremony she was hoping for good weather, saying: “Obviously, I don’t want it to rain.”But her wish for her big day looks set to come unhinged 24 hours before she says: ‘I do.’Weathermen are predicting heavy rain and possibly thunderstorms for tomorrow.A yellow weather warning is currently in place for Setubal and the surrounding area.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOn the positive side the sun is expected to shine on the happy couple for the post-ceremony second day of their weekend celebrations at a country estate in Azeitao called the Herdade do Peru.London-based Matilde, who has been dating her partner since 2016, spoke about her hope the rain would stay away on podcast ‘By Annabelle.’She added: “I am so happy at the idea of having all my friends and family together to celebrate in the same place.“It’s non-negotiable that my friends and family are there.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“The day can be as perfect as you dream it can be, but if the people who you would want to share it with are not there, then it’s not worth it.”Tomorrow’s event has been dubbed the wedding of the year by Portuguese press.Jose Mourinho’s daughter Matilde wins award for her jewellery company Mourinho has hinted at getting a tattoo to celebrate having a grandchild when the time comesThe couple have been dating since 2016Credit: https://www.instagram.com/matildefmf/The guest list has not been released for the weddingCredit: https://www.instagram.com/matildefmf/As well as the official ceremony at the Mourinho family’s POUNDS two million home in Azeitao and Sunday’s post-wedding get-together at Herdade do Peru, a pre-wedding dinner for around 80 guests has also been organised for tonight at the pretty town’s Jose Mario da Fonseca Museum House.An official guest list has not been revealed ahead of the wedding.Graham is not to be confused with former Swansea City star Danny Graham.Matilde’s partner is a director and co-founder of a property consultancy company called “Agace and Graham”.She has also found her own success away from football despite the fame of her father.She graduated with a Master’s degree from Condé Nast College of Fashion and Design in 2021.Portuguese TV station CMTV reported earlier this month the Mourinho home in Azeitao is one of several properties he is said to own in Portugal.It had undergone major refurbishments ahead of the wedding so the ceremony could be staged there.The former Manchester United and Chelsea manager has previously spoken about becoming a grandparent.He admitted that he would add to his trophy tattoos with one to celebrate the birth of a grandchild.He said: “This one I promised everyone.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The idea was to get a unique tattoo that only I could have: the three European cups won.”The next one I might get if my son or daughter had a baby girl or boy; it would be a special gift, and a tattoo could be a nice way to celebrate it.”Matilde Mourinho – Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/matildefmf/Credit: https://www.instagram.com/matildefmf/ More