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      Cristiano Ronaldo urged to make MLS transfer as £173m Saudi Arabia move will leave him ‘out of sight and out of mind’

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has been urged to snub a switch to Saudi Arabia and join the MLS instead.That’s because his proposed £173million-a-year Middle East move risks leaving him “out of sight and out of mind.”
      Cristiano Ronaldo has been told to snub Saudi Arabia for a move to the MLSCredit: Getty
      Alexi Lalas reckons Ronaldo could hurt his brand moving to the Middle EastCredit: Getty
      Ronaldo, 37, is mulling his options after leaving Manchester United last month.
      The Portugal star, who has been dropped for tonight’s World Cup last-16 clash against Switzerland, has received a mega-money offer from Saudi side Al-Nassr.
      The £173m-a-year contract would see Ronaldo become the best-paid athlete in history.
      But the veteran has been warned that joining Al-Nassr could end up damaging his brand and reputation.
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      Former USA star Alexi Lalas feels a move to the Middle East is not a sensible option.
      He argues that Saudi Arabian football is not well followed, and Ronaldo risks vanishing off the map as a result.
      Lalas, who knows about star deals after signing David Beckham for LA Galaxy in 2007, believes Ronnie would be far better off playing in America.
      Becks enhanced his global appeal playing in the MLS, with the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Wayne Rooney also enjoying major success.
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      SunSport exclusively revealed Beckham’s Inter Miami have already held talks with Ronaldo.
      And Lalas believes the five-time Ballon d’Or winner should be crossing the Atlantic instead of the Mediterranean.
      He told Fox: “It sounds like he’s going to make a boatload of money and go to Saudi Arabia and play.
      “It kind of is out of sight and out of mind. I can’t remember the last time we heard about the Saudi Arabian league.
      “For a guy that is so concerned about his brand, and certainly has more money than he can do with, it’s a strange type of thing for him to do.
      “For 200 million dollars you’ll figure it out, but if the alternative is making less money and I get to go and play and live in Miami or Los Angeles…
      “MLS can’t compete with that type of money, but what MLS can give him is a much bigger entrée into the American market – he’s already huge in America.
      “For a guy that’s cultivated this brand over the years, that might have been more appealing.
      “In the moment he might not have made the money, he might have also established his brand.
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      “I’m not saying we’re not going to hear from Cristiano Ronaldo or his brand can’t grow, but it’s sure as hell I would think not going to grow as much being in Saudi Arabia relative to the United States.
      “We’ve seen it with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Beckham, Thierry Henry or Wayne Rooney. The moments they have from a MLS perspective do go viral, it’s not completely out of sight, out of mind.” More

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      Who is Japan vs Croatia referee Ismail Elfath at World Cup 2022?

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      THE biggest tournament in world football is underway, and referee Ismail Elfath is set to be in the thick of it.Elfath is not the only American official in Qatar and he takes charge of Japan vs Croatia in the last 16, after whistling for Cameroon’s win over Brazil.
      Cristiano Ronaldo complains to referee Ismail ElfathCredit: Reuters
      And he gave Cristiano Ronaldo a penalty during the second half of his first game between Portugal and Ghana, with the decision looking very soft after a foul by Mo Salisu.
      Here is all you need to know about him.
      Who is Ismail Elfath?
      Ismail Elfath was born in Morocco in 1982 before moving to the United States at the age of eighteen.
      Elfath started his career as a fourth official in 2011, and made his MLS refereeing debut the following year.
      Read More on World Cup
      Four years on, the 40-year-old became a registered FIFA official.
      Later that year, Elfath refereed the first ever match involving VAR, a system now used in the Premier League.

      In 2019, the Amercian got his international call-up, officiating at the 2019 Under-20 World Cup final between Ukraine and South Korea.
      This led to his involvement with the 2019 Club World Cup where he took charge of Liverpool’s semi-final 2-1 win over Monterrey.
      Elfath was the referee for the World Club Cup semi-final between Monterrey and LiverpoolCredit: Alamy
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      He has since won the MLS Referee of the Year two times and been selected to referee at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

      World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World Cup More

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      Who is Cameroon vs Brazil referee Ismail Elfath at World Cup 2022?

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      THE biggest tournament in world football is underway, and referee Ismail Elfath is set to be in the thick of it.Elfath is the only American referee boarding the plane to Qatar, and will be a part of a large group of officials managing the games – and he takes charge of Cameroon’s game against Brazil.
      Cristiano Ronaldo complains to referee Ismail ElfathCredit: Reuters
      And he gave Cristiano Ronaldo a penalty during the second half of his first game, with the decision looking very soft after a foul by Mo Salisu.
      Here is all you need to know about him.
      Who is Ismail Elfath?
      Ismail Elfath was born in Morocco in 1982 before moving to the United States at the age of eighteen.
      Elfath started his career as a fourth official in 2011, and made his MLS refereeing debut the following year.
      Read More on World Cup
      Four years on, the 40-year-old became a registered FIFA official.
      Later that year, Elfath refereed the first ever match involving VAR, a system now used in the Premier League.

      In 2019, the Amercian got his international call-up, officiating at the 2019 Under-20 World Cup final between Ukraine and South Korea.
      This led to his involvement with the 2019 Club World Cup where he took charge of Liverpool’s semi-final 2-1 win over Monterrey.
      Elfath was the referee for the World Club Cup semi-final between Monterrey and LiverpoolCredit: Alamy
      Most read in Football
      He has since won the MLS Referee of the Year two times and been selected to referee at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

      World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World Cup More

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      How Inter Miami could line up with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as David Beckham’s team ‘on brink’ of signing star

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      INTER MIAMI could line up in a bold new way next year.That’s if they clinch stunning deals for Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi could find themselves at Inter Miami next yearCredit: AFP
      Reports claim David Beckham’s MLS franchise are “on the brink” of an incredible transfer for Argentina star Messi.
      The legendary playmaker is out of contract at Paris Saint-Germain next summer.
      But he could end up making a move to America sooner rather than later.
      It’s reckoned former Barcelona pals Luis Suarez and Cesc Fabregas are also wanted by Miami.
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      And that would see the MLS side hit their quota of three “designated” players, with current big names Gonzalo Higuain, Blaise Matuidi and Alejandro Pozuelo leaving next month.
      Boss Phil Neville would likely thrust his new trio straight into the starting XI, with Messi playing off Suarez as a No10 and Fabregas pulling the strings in midfield.
      But Inter Miami could yet end up with an even more exciting new team.
      That’s if they also pull off a transfer for Messi’s rivals Ronaldo, who is a free agent after leaving Manchester United.
      How Inter Miami could look with Messi in their side
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      How Inter Miami could line up with Messi AND Ronaldo in the starting XI
      SunSport exclusively revealed Beckham’s interest in securing a deal for the Portuguese icon.
      And should he join Miami, Ronaldo would likely arrive in place of fellow striker Suarez, putting him in the side’s main attacking role.
      Meanwhile, current Barca star Sergio Busquets is also being tipped to join Miami.
      He would therefore take the place of Fabregas, both in the side and as one of the three “designated” players.
      And should Messi end up moving to the MLS franchise, he will still find himself surrounded by quality players regardless of which others Becks decides to move for. More

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      Who is Portugal vs Ghana referee Ismail Elfath at World Cup 2022?

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      THE biggest tournament in world football is about to get underway, and referee Ismail Elfath is set to be in the thick of it.Elfath is the only American referee boarding the plane to Qatar, and will be a part of a large group of officials managing the games – and he takes charge of Portugal vs Ghana in the first round of group games.
      Ismail Elfath has been selected to referee at this year’s World CupCredit: Reuters
      Here is all you need to know about him.
      Who is Ismail Elfath?
      Ismail Elfath was born in Morocco in 1982 before moving to the United States at the age of eighteen.
      Elfath started his career as a fourth official in 2011, and made his MLS refereeing debut the following year.
      Read More on World Cup
      Four years on, the 40-year-old became a registered FIFA official.
      Later that year, Elfath refereed the first ever match involving VAR, a system now used in the Premier League.
      In 2019, the Amercian got his international call-up, officiating at the 2019 Under-20 World Cup final between Ukraine and South Korea.
      This led to his involvement with the 2019 Club World Cup where he took charge of Liverpool’s semi-final 2-1 win over Monterrey.
      Elfath was the referee for the World Club Cup semi-final between Monterrey and LiverpoolCredit: Alamy
      Most read in Football
      He has since won the MLS Referee of the Year two times and been selected to referee at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

      World Cup 2022Everything you need to know about the World Cup More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo tipped for MLS transfer after £210m TV rights boost as Inter Miami target unsettled Man Utd forward

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO could move to MLS after clubs receive a major financial windfall.The striker is on the brink of leaving Manchester United after his bombshell interview with SunSport columnist Piers Morgan this week.
      Inter Miami want to sign Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Reuters
      David Beckham appears keen on landing a blockbuster nameCredit: Getty
      United are set to take action against Ronaldo after he slammed the lack of progress at the club since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.
      That has opened the door for a move and an MLS club could entice him to America.
      That’s because MLS recently agreed a £210million deal with Apple TV, who purchased the rights to broadcast their matches.
      Clubs are set to receive a portion of those earnings.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      David Beckham’s Inter Miami are also not afraid of spending big and want to land a blockbuster name.
      They are now being linked with a Ronaldo transfer just days after targeting Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi.
      Beckham has spoken to Ronaldo’s representatives and been told he is interested in a switch Stateside.
      They could be handed a big boost too with United thinking about riping up Ronaldo’s contract.
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      Ronaldo may want to stay in Europe however as he is keen to continue playing at the highest level until he is 40.
      He said: “I want to play two years more, three years more. So two or three years maximum. I want to finish [at] 40. I think 40 will be a good age.
      “But I don’t know, I don’t know the future. Sometimes you plan one thing for your life and as I told many times, life is dynamic. You never know what’s going to happen.” More

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      Gareth Bale has been Wales’ secret scout ahead of USA clash in World Cup after playing in MLS

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      GARETH BALE has been working as Wales’ secret scout in America ahead of the World Cup.The Dragons captain, 33, plays at club level for Los Angeles FC and could face team-mate Kellyn Acosta in Monday’s opener against the USA.
      Bale will be hoping to wow on the big stage once againCredit: Getty
      But Wales boss Robert Page will tap into Bale’s knowledge of the MLS with eight other Americans playing in the same league.
      Bale moved to LAFC from Real Madrid in June and when asked if Bale has been a scout pre-Qatar looking at players he has played with and against, Page said: “Yes, absolutely. There’s some American players playing at LAFC.
      “I will definitely speak to him. He will no doubt be picking the ears of some of the internationals at his club too.”
      Wales faced USA in Page’s first match in charge – a goalless draw at Swansea two years ago.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP

      The Americans relied on their European players for that fixture so Bale’s insight could prove useful.
      Bale, who made 13 appearances Stateside and scored three goals including the equaliser in LAFC’s MLS Cup penalty shootout triumph, was rested for the November 2020 friendly but will return as skipper for the Doha clash.
      Boss Page himself undertook a scouting mission on Wales’ first Group B opponents back in September.
      On facing USA, Page told SunSport: “I went to watch them against Saudi Arabia in Spain. They are a good team but it wasn’t one of the best games.
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      “I’m sure there are more players to come into that team that started.”
      Page, who signed a new four-year Wales deal in September, recalled the first of his 28 matches in charge of his country. He has only lost nine of those internationals since replacing Ryan Giggs.
      He added: “It’s fate, isn’t it? I remember it was only their European based players involved so it’s a bit false. 
      “It was a friendly so we picked a team to give players minutes and cap accumulation.
      “USA play with a 4-3-3 formation and they are very much like the Czech Republic. They have six players attacking at times, full backs play high, two wideman come inside to join the nine and 10. 
      “They are attack minded and they can score goals. We respect them but we will be ready for them.” More

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      ‘Come to LA’ – Will Ferrell incredibly opens door to Cristiano Ronaldo transfer with Gareth Bale reunion on the cards

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      HOLLYWOOD superstar Will Ferrell has thrown the door open for Cristiano Ronaldo to reunite with Gareth Bale at Los Angeles FC.The Portuguese star has caused shockwaves at Old Trafford after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan, which airs tonight.
      Cristiano Ronaldo has been offered a transfer lifeline by a Hollywood superstarCredit: Getty
      Will Ferrell has thrown open the door to the Portuguese legend joining his Los Angeles FCCredit: Getty
      He hit out at Manchester United for “betraying” him and making him feel like a “black sheep” as well as blaming him for everything going wrong at the club.
      The striker revealed he does not respect manager Erik ten Hag and blasted the club’s lack of progress since Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013 – the last time they won the title.
      That has left United debating what to do with the 37-year-old, who failed to secure a summer transfer exit.
      But actor Ferrell, who part-owns MLS club LAFC in the USA, is adamant that he would have no issues in bringing Ronaldo to America.
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      However, he says that the forward, who is currently on World Cup duty, may have to accept a significant salary drop from his current £500,000-a-week salary.
      Ferrell told talkSPORT: “Always come to LA! You’re welcome.
      “We can’t pay you that much, but there’s really nice golf courses and beaches. Just try it!”
      Bale moved to Ferrell’s LAFC in the summer from Real Madrid, where he won the Champions League four times playing alongside Ronaldo.
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      The Welshman was celebrating again recently as he inspired his new club to the MLS Cup with a last-gasp equaliser in the final.
      However, David Beckham has made a sensational move to lure Ronaldo to Inter Miami.
      SunSport exclusively revealed Miami’s interest in the Manchester United outcast on October 9.
      And owner Beckham has now spoken to Ronaldo’s representatives and been told he is interested in a switch Stateside.
      Watch ‘Piers Morgan Uncensored: 90 Minutes with Ronaldo’, 8pm on Wednesday and Thursday on TalkTV. Find TalkTV on Sky 526, Virgin Media 606, Freeview 237, Freesat 217 and Sky Glass 508, live and on demand on the TalkTV app, streaming services and at Talk.TV
      Former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale is currently playing for LAFCCredit: AFP More