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      in Soccer

      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. 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      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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      in Soccer

      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

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      in Soccer

      Inside Erling Haaland and Isabel Haugseng Johansen’s romance, from house hunting to preparing to become parents

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      ERLING Haaland looks certain to become a dad, if his latest social media post can be be believed.The Norwegian hotshot, 24, was on target twice against Slovenia on Thursday night in a Nations League clash.Man City ace Erling Haaland and girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen have kept their romance under wrapsAfter scoring a brace for Norway, Haaland confirmed his girlfriend was pregnantThe pair’s romance has blossomed on and off the pitchAfter the game, he celebrated by sharing a photo on X sucking his left thumb and with a ball under his jersey.Above the picture were baby and coming soon emojis, which sparked rumours that Haaland was teasing that he is about to become a dad.The latest reveal comes just a few days after the Man City striker was seen with girlfriend Isabel Haugseng Johansen house-hunting in Cheshire.Both are big indications that Haaland and Isabel are ready to settle down together.Read more football newsThe pair are longterm loves, having met growing up together in Byrne.How it beganHaaland and Isabel were united by football in their homeland.They met each other when they were kids, who shared a mutual interest in the beautiful game and played for Byrne.Like Haaland, she too was an aspiring footballer in her youth who dreamed of becoming pro.Most read in FootballIn a rare interview, she recalled: “We were just kids, kicking a ball around without a care in the world.”Thierry Henry and Micah Richards pinpoint Erling Haaland’s biggest flaw that ‘Harry Kane can do’ on CBS Sports coverageThey soon became inseparable friends.She continued: “We were inseparable on the pitch.”We didn’t know it back then, but those moments were the foundation of something much bigger.”Romance blossomedAs Haaland’s career began to take off at RB Salzburg, love with Isabel reportedly blossomed.They stayed in touch, following his move from Molde.”We always kept in touch,” Isabel said.”It didn’t matter where we were—we always made time for each other.”A move to Borussia Dortmund didn’t hurt their love, and in fact solidified things for the better.She moved to support his dream of becoming a Bundesliga success, while chasing her own – playing women’s football in Germany.Haaland met pretty Isabel when they were kids in Byrne, NorwayLove blossomed for the pair after Haaland moved from Norway to pursue his careerSoon, Isabel moved to the UK to be with Haaland when he signed for Man CityWhen he moved to England, after signing for Man City, she joined him in Manchester.Rare sightingsOver the years, Haaland and Isabel have valued their privacy.They rarely shared any intimate moments on social media together, preferring to keep their love to themselves.A fleeting glimpse of their romance appeared when Haaland had a break in his busy schedule.In 2022, they were spotted enjoying a short break in Marbella together when City weren’t in midweek action.A couple of years later, they were spied in Capri, Italy on board a yacht.But, Isabel is more at home living a quieter life.”I’m happiest when I’m with the people I love, doing the things I enjoy,” Isabel shared. “That’s what keeps me grounded.”She added: “We just want to live our lives without too much fuss.Isabel revealed she loves the quiet life which helps her to stay groundedHaaland and Isabel are rarely seen in public and prefer to keep their romance privateHaaland and Isabel show off their bikini bodies on board a yachtread more sport features”At the end of the day, we’re just like any other couple.”House huntingHaaland, who reportedly earns around £865,000-per-week after bonuses, has already amassed a net worth of around £30million.Finally, he looks ready to invest that money into a property on our shores.Currently, he is believed to be renting a property in Alderley Edge, which is understood to belong to the Kamani family who own BooHoo and PrettyLittleThings.He already owns a £6million mansion in Marbella, where he enjoys spending his time in the summer.Haaland also has a £2.6m three-bedroom apartment in Oslo.Earlier this week, Isabel and the 6ft5in forward were spotted chatting in the street to an estate agent as they explored an amazing £3.5m mansion in Cheshire.The property – which is being sold by a Premier League star – boasts six bedrooms and six reception rooms, along with its own gym, swimming pool and steam room and sauna.And the modern mansion, built in 2017, is just a five-minute drive from the home of Haaland’s best mate and City winger Jack Grealish.This week, Haaland and Isabel were spotted looking at a £3.5m Cheshire mansionHaaland is believed to already own an impressive property portfolioIt is owned by West Ham footballer, Danny Ings.Baby on boardHaaland became Norway’s all-time top scorer with his brace against Slovenia.Despite the massive achievement, he had more pressing things to tell the world.With his thumb in his mouth and a ball tucked underneath his shirt to resemble a baby bump, Haaland stared down a camera lens giving fans a not so subtle hint he was to become a dad.The social media snap was simply captioned: “👶🏼🔜”.The post drew plenty of reaction from the football world.Teammate, and recent first time dad Jack Grealish, commented: “😍😍😍.”Kalvin Phillips shared: “Love it big fella congrats 😍❤️”.READ MORE SUN STORIESInside Keane and Haaland’s feudRoy Keane’s feud with the Haaland family seemingly began all the way back in 2001 when Keane hit Alfe Inge Haaland, Erling’s father, with a horror tackle.After a barren spell for Haaland earlier this season, Keane said: “The levels of his general play are so poor. He has to improve that. He is almost like a League Two player.”Keane upgraded him to a “Championship” player after Haaland scored against Nottingham Forest.After scoring four against Wolves, Haaland said: “I don’t care about that man.”But Keane highlighted Haaland’s behaviour when he was subbed off, saying he behaved “like a spoiled brat”.Sky Sports presenter Dave Jones caught the wrath of Keane’s death stare when he dared to question that label considering his quartet of goals.The football world has reacted to Haaland’s newsHaaland and Isabel have revealed they are to become first time parentsWhile former teammate Aymeric Laporte wrote: “😮😮👏👏”.With parents like these, expect baby Haaland to be a decent player too. More

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      in Boxing

      Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol is a Beauty and the Beast story between boxing poet and terrifying KO artist

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      RUSSIAN fighting is a dirty phrase around the world right now but it’s providing one of the most beautiful boxing scenes possible this weekend.Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev have been forced to leave their homes – for the USA and Canada respectively – as Vladimir Putin tries to fight the rest of decent civilization.Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol go head to head on SaturdayCredit: GettyAnd there are unlikely to be any white, blue and red flags raised or Russia national anthem played in Riyadh.But hopefully politics can be put aside as we watch possibly the finest pugilism contest available on planet earth right now.There are bigger-money bouts around, rematches and trilogies to dream about, there are definitely more outrageous showmen and trash talkers in the bleeding business.But when you combine their amateur pedigrees and achievements, with their undefeated professional records and their blatant clash of styles – and add in a dash of personal spite dating back decades – you are left with poetry in punching.READ MORE IN BOXINGThe undisputed light-heavyweight battle between Kyrgyzstan’s 33-year-old and 39-year-old Dagestani Beterbiev is boxing’s Beauty and the Beast in a setting as dramatic as Alladin’s desert.It is a bout Walt Disney would struggle to dream up himself. But we are all lucky enough to tune in this Saturday.AMATEUR CODEHairy Beterbiev started winning major medals for the Russian amateur side almost TWENTY years ago.He was robbed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics when pitted against a Chinese light-heavyweight opponent who went on to win a controversial gold.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBeterbiev burst onto the scene 20 years agoCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunAnd by the time London 2012 Games came around he had moved up to heavyweight and only lost to another eventual golden boy in Oleksandr Usyk.In over 300 bouts he won multiple golds and silvers in the World and European Championships.Dmitry Bivol beats Lyndon Arthur in convincing fashion on AJ vs Wallin Day of Reckoning undercardAnd he only moved up to heavyweight, swapping 75kgs for 91kgs – toward the end of his amateur days – because it was too easy in the division below and Russia wanted winners in all divisions.Dmitry Bivol’s amateur career finished with another staggering record of 268-15 but he never made it to the Olympics or the World Championships as there were even more talented and experienced fighters ahead of him, like Egor Mekhontsev who won gold at London 2012 at light-heavy.Because of the six-year age gap, the pair rarely trained or travelled to tournaments together – Beterbiev was a seasoned senior while Bivol was a promising junior – but in 2012 they apparently did spar and Bivol remembers it well.“When I moved into the national team in 2012, he was already there as the No1 and he was the leader at that time,” he said.“He was a cruiserweight at that time and I was a super-middleweight.“Before the Olympic Games we did a few rounds of work together but it wasn’t proper sparring, it was just good work to help guys going to the Olympic games.”Beterbiev is a little more brutal about his protege-turned-prey.“He was not a sparring partner for me,” he said. “He can say whatever he likes.“I never needed him, from a lower category, to spar with me.”In 2012 I was fighting at 91kg and he was 75kgs. It’s not even a little bit true.”PRO RECORDSBoxing has been hurt by fighters, promoters and broadcasters protecting undefeated records.Bviol is 23-0Credit: Getty Images – GettyBut these two have thoroughly deserved their magnificent numbers.Bivol is 23-0 and has the scalps of former world champions like Jean Pascal, Joe Smith Jr and Zurdo Ramirez on his record.He has also dominated Brits Craig Richards and Lyndon Arthur on points.But, most impressively and famously, he controlled Canelo Alvarez so comfortably – in the Mexican’s adopted Las Vegas home – that he got a unanimous decision win over him in 2022, something even the legendary Gennady Golovkin failed, unfairly, to do.Beterbiev’s record is simply terrifying.The bearded brute has a 100 per cent knockout record, having battered all of his 20 opponents inside the distance.Tough Englishman Callum Johnson managed to drop Beterbiev early in their 2018 clash but he was then brutalised before the fourth-round finished.In 2019 Beterbiev won his second light-heavy belt by bludgeoning dangerous Oleksandr Gvozdyk so severely he needed two days in hospital and retired for two years.And his last two TKO wins came against brave Brits as Anthony Yarde and Callum Smith were stalked, slashed and saved by their wise trainers.STYLES MAKE SUPER FIGHTSBivol is a beautiful boxer with the trademark European point-scoring style.The clean-shaven beanpole bounces in and out of range and uses his long arms to tag his opponents, just when they think they are safe.His trademark dig is a long lead left-hook he somehow lands as he leaps backwards out of danger.The Canelo performance is the perfect example, his poise and precision was staggering to watch as he made boxing’s then pound-for-pound No1 look like a novice.It’s not always exciting, Saudi fans booed his dominant but dull decision win over Arthur last year.Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol: When is it, UK start time, live streamBut it is masterful and an acquired taste, like French haute cuisine, abstract art or The Guardian.The caveman in the opposite corner could not be more different.Beterbiev did not last 10 years on the Russian amateur squad by being some dimbulb brawler, there are brains behind his brawn.But he is essentially a human wrecking ball who smashes things to smithereens.Yarde put on a decent performance and lasted eight competitive rounds but he knows why other opponents endure far less.He explained: “Beterbiev takes away their souls – he beats them up for however many rounds they last.“Ours was like a normal fight, because we were trading, he seemed human, until the end.”THE BELTSWe must not let the four major sanctioning bodies block great fights with their own self interests, self-serving rankings, lucrative sanctioning fees and often baffling mandatory challengers.But we have all four of the belts on the line here and it is the pinnacle of the sport.Four belts are on the lineCredit: GettyBivol brings the WBA crown to the table, Beterbiev puts his WBC, IBF and WBO belts on the line.The winner will undoubtedly be the finest 12st 7lbs fighter on the planet and – depending on the manner of the victory – able to compete with Oleksandr Usyk, Terence Crawford and Naoya Inoue for the mythical honour of P4P king of all of the different divisions.THE START OF A RIVALRY?This fight was already overdue before Beterbiev suffered a knee injury that postponed their June 1 duel.The rebuilt slugger will be 40 in January so the dream of a multi-fight story seems sadly unlikely.The two were due to fight in June but didn’t because of an injury to BeterbievCredit: ReutersIf there is a draw or a controversial decision, then we may see the fantasy fight a second time.But if Beterbiev batters Bivol inside the distance – or the silky younger man outhinks and outskills the veteran – then there will be no call for a rematch.The most likely scenario is the winner moves up to cruiserweight where 14st 4lbs monsters like Jai Opertai and Bournemouth’s WBO champ Chris Billam-Smith operate.OUR PREDICTIONMuch will depend on how Beterbiev’s body – especially the rebuilt knee – copes with chasing Bivol around the ring.If the ruptured meniscus, the painful surgery and the rapid return – after just 10 months since his last fight – mount up against Beterbiev, then he could be in for a long night.Bivol is younger, fresher, faster and taller but he does not possess the thudding power that Beterbiev wields to pummel people into defeat.It feels crazy to back against the man who made a mockery of the odds to beat Canelo.But Beterbiev feels like a fighting machine who only knows how to seek and destroy.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe bookies can barely split them – and neither can we – but Bivol by stoppage seems impossible whereas a Beterbiev KO or decision are both perfectly sensible ideas.So we pick Beterbiev – just. More

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      in Soccer

      Former Brighton Premier League wonderkid Aaron Connolly bravely reveals all about alcohol addiction and treatment

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      EX-PREMIER LEAGUE wonderkid Aaron Connolly has bravely revealed his alcohol addiction fight.The Irish international forward, 24, completed a free transfer to Championship promotion chasers Sunderland last month as he looks to resurrect his career.Sunderland’s new signing Aaron Connolly has bravely revealed all about his alcohol addictionCredit: AlamyConnolly famously burst on the scene in the top-flight aged 19 at Brighton with a brace against Tottenham.He left the Amex – following disappointing loan spells at Luton, Middlesbrough and Italian side Venezia – four years later having featured more on the gossip pages than sport ones.Connolly did score eight times for Hull City last term but that was not enough to stop him from getting released.Now he has decided to tell his story to coincide with World Mental Health Day on Sunderland’s website.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLConnolly had left home for the South Coast aged 16 but he says everything changed after that day against Spurs.He said: “I remember it – 5th of October, 2019, it was a 12.30 kick-off. I’m never going to forget that day. It was one of the best days of my life, but also one of the worst because the following five years was from that.“I just stopped working, stopped doing the things I should have kept doing. I started to believe the hype, and I just didn’t turn into a good person after that. I was tough to be around.“I didn’t know how to deal with it, if I’m being honest. My parents tried, but they weren’t living with me. I was living with my ex-girlfriend at the time, and it’s hard because I didn’t ever feel like I had that authoritative figure to keep me grounded.Most read in ChampionshipIf you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.“My parents did try, but I just let myself believe everything people were saying online and it just took over. I always say to my parents, I started to live the life of a footballer without the football side of it.“That was the hardest thing to admit at the time, that I wasn’t doing all the things that had got me to the position where I could go and get my house and treat my family, and do all that sort of stuff.Brits are more likely to open up at the pub or on a walk than on the phone or over text, study finds“It hurts to look back and speak about it because I know if I had done everything right, maybe I would still be in the Premier League. Maybe I wouldn’t, but at least I’d know I’d given it all I could to try to stay at that level.”Connolly explained how both his on and off-field life began to spiral as alcohol became a bigger and bigger problem.He said: “It was obvious I had a problem with alcohol for a good few years.“I had my parents, who never drank before and were always telling me when I was younger to stay away from alcohol. That was always their thing because of addiction to alcohol in my family.“I didn’t listen, clearly. It got me into a lot of trouble and a lot of problems, and it just became something that I relied on.”It felt like my buzz used to come from football, and winning games and scoring goals, and it got to a point where the buzz was more from drinking alcohol than going out on a football pitch.“I used to look forward to the games finishing so I could have time to go and have a drink and socialise.”I say socialise, but it was just an excuse to go and get drunk, to go straight to alcohol, and that was where I got my buzz from, whereas before, it was always the buzz of football and being around an environment like I am now.”For three or four years, that just wasn’t there.”The star burst on the scene with two goals against Tottenham in 2019Credit: ReutersConnolly managed to rediscover some form at Hull despite his “life being a mess” but he finally realised he needed to take drastic action after he was released in June by the Tigers.He explained: “I couldn’t do it, I couldn’t live the way I was living. It was killing people round me, to be honest. My family, my friends. Mainly, it was killing me, really.“I had one of my best seasons last year at Hull, but off the pitch, my life was a mess. The manager at Hull, to be fair, always looked after me, and always tried to help.”But it just got to a point where, it wasn’t like life wasn’t worth living, it wasn’t a big dramatic thing, but it was just that my life was so unmanageable and I couldn’t control what I could do and couldn’t control my alcohol.“It just got to a point where I had to make a decision where I needed to go to a treatment clinic, and I spent a month there in the summer.”I just said to my agent, ‘I don’t want you to contact any clubs. I’m not doing this for football, I’m doing this so I can get my life back, and if stuff in football comes with that, then that’s a bonus’.“It wasn’t even the football that was taking the biggest battering in the end, it was my life, my relationships, my friends. Everything was just failing and falling apart.”When your parents are calling you and you’re not answering calls because you know you’re breaking their hearts, it’s time to realise that you’ve got a problem.”Now after sealing himself an opportunity at Sunderland, Connolly wants to tell his story in the hope that it might help at least one other person struggling.He added: “It’s an addiction, and the toughest thing I ever had to do was go in there. The PFA helped me pay for my treatment, and I know some people might not be able to afford it, but it’s important to know it’s not just park bench, vodka bottle. Anybody can get affected by it.READ MORE SUN STORIES“There’s no price tag or no amount of money in the world that can cure it. It’s a disease, an illness. But going to the clinic was the best and worst month of my life.“I just hope this might help people. I had everything every young boy would dream, but I couldn’t get hold of my addiction without that help.”The Irish ace was released by Hull City in the summer and decided to check into rehabCredit: PA More

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      I was earning £10,000 a week at Newcastle before I went to jail – I’d still be in the Premier League now if I’d behaved

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      NILE RANGER has been in prison twice and gone from a £10,000-a-week Premier League star to non-league – but insists he still “could play in any team”.And the 33-year-old is adamant he still has “one big move left in me” as he aims to use the FA Cup to fire himself back into the limelight.Nile Ranger is playing for Kettering Town these daysCredit: Instagram / @nilepowerrangerThe former Newcastle United striker played under both Kevin Keegan and Chris Hughton during his time at St. James’ Park as well as England’s youth sides.These days he is banging them in for Kettering Town and hoping to add to his impressive tally of five goals in five appearances when they travel to Farsley Celtic on Saturday to battle for a place in the FA Cup first round proper.Ranger signed a five-year contract worth £10,000-a-week with Newcastle but both Keegan and Chris Hughton could not get him away from his off-field issues.He had already served time for his role in an armed robbery as a teenager, and he revealed how extreme the latter manager’s warnings were.READ MORE IN football Discussing Hughton, Ranger explained: “He said: ‘Listen, if you’re late again I’ll make you pull out your gold tooth and sell it’. He still named me on the bench. It was a different world.“I’d not been long out of the young offenders’ institute – now I was getting changed next to Michael Owen. People would cut their leg off for the opportunity I had.“I would bring all my friends up to Newcastle [from London] for parties. “I had more money than sense. There was no discipline from me. I was living life in the fast lane.Most read in Football“Chris Hughton would say to me ‘you need to focus, you need to tell all your friends to go back to London’ because we used to cause havoc in Newcastle.Ranger runs his own football academy these days but wants others to learn from his own mistakes after serving time in a young offenders’ institute for his part in a robbery, although he denies using weapons. Former Premier League bad boy Nile Ranger returns to football with non-league club after two years unemployedHe ended up back in jail in 2017 for fraud following a spell at Southend.Ranger admitted: “Looking back I’ve realised the many silly decisions that led to the situations I found myself in. I messed up.”However, he still believes that his chance to reach the top has not passed him by as he prepares for FA Cup action.He added: “I could play in any team at my age if I’m fit – any team.“It has to be a fit me, not a rusty me. But the rust is coming off.“I still feel there is one big move left in me. I’m going to roll the dice one more time.”Ranger used to play for NewcastleCredit: Getty More

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      Gareth Southgate breaks silence on Man Utd manager job links as he gives update on future after England exit

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has ruled himself OUT of taking over at Manchester United for at least 12 months.Former England boss Southgate has been a front runner to be the next United choice if the Old Trafford side sack under-pressure Erik ten Hag.Gareth Southgate ruled himself OUT of taking over at Manchester United for at least 12 monthsCredit: AFPBut speaking publicly about his future for the first time since leaving the England job after Euro 2024, Southgate said he has NO intention of taking another coaching job until the back end of 2025 at the earliest.In an appearance at the European Club Association general assembly in Athens, when he was asked about his next potential job, Southgate said: “Firstly I’m enjoying my life…so there’s no rush.“I was 11 years committing myself fully to the FA and I’ve got lots of different experiences.“But I won’t coach in the next year, for sure. I’m certain of that.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“I need to give myself time to make good decisions. When you come out of a really big role you need to give your body time, you need to give your mind time.”Southgate made clear he is unlikely to consider another international job – and even that he may look for a role in football OUTSIDE of management.He added: “I’m fortunate that there are lots of different opportunities that are presenting themselves. The business side of football is really interesting.“In my role I’ve dealt with Uefa and Fifa, had to deal with lots of different stakeholders.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS“So I’m not just set on being a coach moving forward.Of course I’ve had amazing experiences but to have a project that was from the heart, which it was from the national team, is going to be difficult to find.” Gary Neville tells Gareth Southgate ‘it’s illegal’ again as he repeats fierce criticism of ex-England manager’s tacticsSouthgate went on: “I’m at an age where I want to work with good people.“When you’re younger you probably strive and are a bit more compliant. When you are older you realise the importance of collaboration.“Clubs can only be successful if everything is aligned, right the way through the club.“I also know that maybe the smarter people sit in the boardrooms and the coaches are a little bit more dispensable then you think when you are there.“As a coach you think you’re the most important person. I sat in every boardroom in our country for eight years and realised you’re only a small piece in this whole thing.”Coming just a day after Jurgen Klopp announced his new role at the Red Bull sporting group, Southgate hinted that he might be persuaded by a similar offer.He said: “If you are asking about club football, that’s depending on what that is, what role that is, what that might be.“I’ve been fortunate to work with fantastic players and some of the biggest nights in world football.“You’ve got to have excitement, passion to go to work every day.“That’s unlikely, for me, to be another national federation. Because, again, England was for the heart. I went there originally to help English football, not to become the first team coach.READ MORE SUN STORIES“But, the business of football, the experiences I’ve had working right across the board.“I’m 54 and want to enjoy and be really motivated for the next 10-15 years of my life and the most important thing is to give myself time to make good decisions.” More