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    Max Verstappen opens up on Netflix U-turn as F1 champ is set to star in Drive to Survive

    FORMULA ONE champion Max Verstappen decided to appear on Netflix’s Drive to Survive series after holding talks with producers.Verstappen will star in the fifth season, which will be released on February 24 and will focus on the star’s dominant 2022 season.
    Max Verstappen will star on Netflix’s new season Drive to SurviveCredit: AP
    Max Verstappen held talks with Netflix bosses before changing his mindCredit: Reuters
    The Dutch star previously refused to participate in the filming because he claimed it gives a false portrayal of what goes on behind the scenes in F1.
    However, the 25-year-old held talks with the creators and was satisfied with how they addressed his concerns before making his U-turn.
    Verstappen said: “I always wanted to be part of it but said it needs to be a realistic image of how I am.
    “That’s why we needed to talk about it first and they understood my side of it, and I understand in general that when you create a show there needs to be drama and it needs to be exciting.
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    “But I’m a guy who thinks it’s also important that you are portrayed well, and not start to have comments put under different footage, when it didn’t happen like that.
    “So I explained that was my view and that otherwise I didn’t want to be a part of it.
    “They understood, so we’ll see once it comes out what they made of it.
    “But I’m positive, of course, because I know it’s important for Formula 1.
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    “I just focus on my job and I know the media is a part of it. You deal with it and grow up as a person, in racing and in life personally.
    “When that happens, you can probably deal with stuff easier than five or six years ago.”
    The new season will air on Netflix just before the Bahrain Grand Prix, which will open the 2023 season. More

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    Cristiano Ronaldo’s girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez sends fans wild in low cut top to promote season 2 of Netflix show

    GEORGINA RODRIGUEZ gave fans a taste of what’s to come as she promoted the upcoming second season of her hit Netflix show.The programme, Soy Georgina, which translates to “I am Georgina”, will return in March for another series.
    Georgina Rodriguez’s Netflix show is returning for a second seriesCredit: Instagram @georginagio
    Georgina promoted the return of her show on social mediaCredit: Instagram @netflixes
    The Spaniard has followed partner Cristiano Ronaldo to Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
    Ronaldo recently signed for Saudi side Al-NassrCredit: Getty
    Georgina and Ronaldo have been together since 2017Credit: PA
    It comes after the show starring Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner debuted in January 2022.
    Georgina, 28, posted the new promotional poster to her 45.4million Instagram followers.
    She sent fans wild in a low cut black top while brandishing a bank card like a football referee and holding a whistle to her lips.
    The poster said: “Let’s go for the double.”
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    It confirmed a second series of the show will hit screens later this year.
    And fans can’t wait for it to return.
    One replied to her: “Yayyy save the date.”
    Another gushed: “So excited.”
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    And a third added: “I love it, I can’t wait to watch it.”
    The first series of the programme, which followed Georgina and her glitzy life, also featured Ronaldo.
    Her latest post comes after Georgina stunned on the red carpet at last weekend’s Joy Awards in Saudi Arabia.
    She is adjusting to life in her new home after Ronaldo signed for Saudi side Al-Nassr.
    He made his debut for the club in a 1-0 win over Ettifaq on Sunday, having scored twice for Saudi All Stars in a friendly against Paris Saint-Germain last week.
    Ronaldo made his Al-Nassr debut on SundayCredit: Getty
    The Portuguese forward failed to find the back of the net on his debutCredit: Getty More

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    Explosive Netflix doc alleges Qatar World Cup chief ‘offered THREE African nations £1.3m to back 2022 bid’

    A MEMBER of Qatar’s World Cup bid has sensationally claimed three African officials were offered money to back the Arab nation in its bid for the tournament.They are claimed to have been offered £1.3million in exchange for their vote.
    Qatar were confirmed as 2022 World Cup hosts in 2010Credit: AP
    Hassan Al Thawadi is alleged to have offered money to three African nationsCredit: AP
    Phaedra Almajid, in charge of international press for the bid, made the allegations in the explosive new Netflix series, Fifa Uncovered.
    Qatar won hosting rights for the 2022 tournament in a Fifa vote ahead of Australia, Japan, South Korea, and the USA.
    And Almaji alleges Hassan Al Thawadi, the head of the bid, offered money to Fifa chiefs from Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Nigeria in order to secure their vote.
    Al Thawadi is now Secretary General of the Supreme Committee in charge of the 2022 World Cup.
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    He is claimed to have made the offer to Issa Hayatou (Cameroon), Jacques Anouma (Ivory Coast), and Amos Adamu (Nigeria).
    Almajid told the doc: “We were talking about how Africa had been given its chance to host the World Cup and how the Arab world should be given their chance, and then Hassan offered Hayatou $1 million for Hayatou’s football federation [Cameroon] and in return we wanted his vote.
    “I remember there just being laughter and then him saying that is not enough, and so the price was upped to $1.5 million (£1.3m) — just like that. It was just so simple: ‘We will give you this money for your football federation, you give us your vote and thank you so much.’
    “One by one we did the same thing with Anouma and Adamu. $1.5 million was offered to each member that evening in exchange for their vote. It was verbal, I never saw money.”
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    Almajid alleges the offer came at a meeting of African football federations in January 2010, just under a year before the Fifa vote for the 2022 host nation.
    All three African officials have denied any wrongdoing.
    Almajid claims the proposed money was made to the federations, rather than the individuals themselves.
    She added: “It was made very clear the money was going to football, it was never said it is going into your pocket, I do need to emphasise that. Where it ended up I have no idea.
    “Before I went back to my hotel room, Hassan told me, ‘You never repeat this ever again to anyone’ and I was like, ‘OK.’”
    Al Thawadi has strongly denied the claims.
    He said: “My reaction, especially on the Phaedra situation, it’s frustration.”
    “They are inherently false and there are facts on the ground that prove they are false.”
    Almajid anonymously revealed the alleged offers to the Sunday Times after being sacked by Qatar’s bid, and later signed a statement withdrawing her claims.
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    Detailing why, Almajid explained in the doc: “I’m starting to get threats, anonymous calls, emails, social media.
    “I was basically told either you sign an affidavit stating that you lied or else we are legally going to come after you.” More

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    EFL considering AXING 3pm TV blackout with Facebook, Netflix, Google, Apple and Amazon keen on buying rights

    THE EFL is considering AXING the 3pm TV blackout in order to broadcast every game.And it’s already setting up a bidding war, with parties like Netflix and Amazon keen on buying the rights to matches.
    The EFL is considering lifting the 3pm blackout so they can broadcast every gameCredit: Getty
    The EFL’s current TV rights deal expires at the end of the 2023/24 season.
    Just like the Premier League, there is a blanket ban on broadcasting all 3pm matches on Saturdays.
    But chiefs are now ready to lift the veil and make every single game in the Championship, League One and League Two available for live TV.
    The EFL currently pockets £119million each year through its contract with Sky.
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    But chiefs reckon that figure could soar to an annual figure of £200m by allowing other parties to join in the action.
    The Mail claims invitations will soon be sent to Netflix, Amazon, Facebook, Apple and Google regarding future rights.
    The mega-names will be asked to send proposals as the EFL explores its options.
    But there will be no fixed contract as the plan is to televise every single match from the 2024/25 campaign.
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    The EFL’s decision is set to be welcomed by most sides, with just two Championship games currently shown each weekend.
    But the move would first have to be approved by the FA.
    And they in turn will then have to go to Uefa before the idea gets the green light.
    Should the EFL succeed, it could open the door for some in the Premier League to push for a similar broadcasting deal. More

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    Premier League clubs could SNUB Netflix Drive To Survive-style doc as bosses demand final say on whether it goes ahead

    PREMIER LEAGUE managers could reject a Netflix documentary offering a behind-the-scenes look at the top flight, according to reports.Netflix’s Drive to Survive series on F1 has been a big hit and production company Box to Box Films now want to make a similar doc about the Prem.
    David Moyes has concerns about the proposed documentaryCredit: Alamy
    Clubs were reportedly informed of the idea earlier last month and talks took place ahead of the potential project.
    But according to the Daily Mail, Prem bosses had a “lukewarm” reaction to the idea.
    West Ham manager David Moyes wanted assurances that managers would get a say on whether the doc goes ahead.
    Managers are believed to be concerned by the access granted to the documentary makers, which could include filming inside the dressing room.
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    Amazon Prime’s All or Nothing series was granted such access for their deep dive into Manchester City, Tottenham and Arsenal.
    The shows have garnered critical success and been a hit for fans and pundits alike.
    Thierry Henry enjoyed the Gunners’ All or Nothing series but admitted players may not be too supportive.
    He said: “For the fans it’s amazing to see what is happening behind closed doors.
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    “For some players it may be too much.
    “But I think it’s good for people on the outside to have an insight.
    “Thank God they didn’t have that when I was playing… it would’ve certainly been entertaining.” More

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    Georgina Rodriguez reveals tragic death of baby son with Man Utd star Cristiano Ronaldo was ‘worst moment of my life’

    GEORGINA RODRIGUEZ will tell fans her loving family brought her back from the brink of despair after the death of one of her twins in the second series of her hit reality show.Cristiano Ronaldo’s girlfriend reportedly signed a big-money deal at the start of the year to star in a follow-up.
    Georgina Rodriguez and Cristiano Ronaldo’s baby son died at birth in April
    Georgina will reveal details of their turmoil in the second season on I Am GeorginaCredit: instagram
    And after Netflix confirmed I Am Georgina would return “soon”, the early details regarding the emotional turmoil she went through following the devastating loss in April are emerging.
    Netflix Spain’s Director of Entertainment Alvaro Diaz revealed the tragedy the pretty model and influencer and her Manchester United partner suffered will form a key part of the second series.
    And Georgina confessed in a preview of what she will say about the drama released to journalists at a Spanish TV and radio film festival: “Life has gifted me so much in such a short space of time.
    “This year I’ve experienced the best and the worst moment of my life in an instant.
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    “A big piece of my heart shattered and I asked myself how I could carry on.
    “I had the answer nearer than I thought.
    “I looked into the eyes of my children and there I saw the only way of doing it, being all together.”
    The 28-year-old Spaniard has said little about the death of one of her twins during childbirth since she and Cristiano announced their loss on April 18.
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    A heart-wrenching statement at the time said: “It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away. It is the greatest pain that any parents can feel.
    “Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness.
    “We would like to thank the doctors and nurses for all their expert care and support.
    “We are all devastated at this loss and we kindly ask for privacy at this very difficult time.
    “Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you.”
    Georgina called her surviving girl Bella Esmeralda her “small great blessing” in an emotional social media post showing her sleeping with a dummy in her mouth when she was nearly four months old.
    Bella Esmeralda is one of two children she has with Ronaldo – she acts as mum to his other three kids Cristiano Jr, 12, and five-year-old twins Eva and Mateo.
    Late last month she posted another photo of her newborn clutching her thumb alongside the touching message: “In skin, soul and heart.”
    A few days earlier Georgina was pictured making a surprise visit to the holy site of Fatima in Portugal in a visit which is also due to feature in the second series of I Am Georgina.
    The first series of the Netlix show revealed details of the couple getting togetherCredit: Netflix
    Netflix confirmed they are filming the second seasonCredit: Instagram
    Ronaldo holds Bella Esmeralda but her twin brother tragically passed awayCredit: INSTAGRAM/CRISTIANO RONALDO
    Alvaro Diaz, confirming Netflix had jumped at the chance of putting her back in front of its cameras, said: “We didn’t have any doubt about commissioning a second series after seeing the first, because it’s difficult to find someone who opens the doors to their life wide-open like Georgina does.”
    He added during a presentation of Netflix Spain’s up-and-coming shows to journalists at FestTVal: “Georgina and her loved ones have experienced something very complicated and fans will see that she has dealt with it with naturalness and generosity.
    “The new series will feature moments of the most absolute sadness and the heart-wrenching loss Georgina suffered is something that can happen to someone who has everything, like her, as well as someone who has nothing.
    “But we are also going to laugh and enjoy a lot with the new season, just like we did last time round.”
    The first series of I Am Georgina premiered in 190 countries oon January 27 – Georgina’s 28th birthday – and became an instant top ten hit in many.
    Cristiano, left covered in blood last night after a painful collision with Czech Republic keeper Tomas Vaclik during an international with Portugal, confessed in the first series he was “1000 per cent certain” he would end up tying the knot with his former £10-an-hour shop worker partner.
    Georgina revealed in season one she went from taking public transport to get to the Gucci store where she met Cristiano in 2016 to being ferried around in his fleet of high-powered sports cars.
    It is not yet clear if the pre-season uncertainty surrounding the striker’s future at Old Trafford will feature at all in the second series, set to be called I Am Georgina 2.
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    The 37-year-old, who is missing out on Champions League football, will now remain with the Red Devils until at least January following the closure of the transfer window.
    But as revealed by SunSport, he is expected to push for an exit after losing his place in the team to Marcus Rashford. More

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    Chelsea star Ben Chilwell signs up to celeb dating app Raya after split from Too Hot To Handle star Holly Scarfone

    ENGLAND and Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell is back on the market again and using A-list dating app Raya to meet potential sweethearts.In June the footie ace was snapped in LA with star of Netflix show Too Hot To Handle Holly Scarfone but since then the pair have gone their separate ways.
    Ben had been pictured in LA with stunning model Holly ScarfoneCredit: @hollyscarfone
    Chelsea and England defender Ben Chilwell is looking for love on RayaCredit: Getty
    This week Ben’s profile popped up in Birmingham.
    He said he was “visiting from London” and shared a series of snaps with his famous footie pals, including Dele Alli and Mason Mount, set to a Burna Boy soundtrack.
    Get swiping, ladies.
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    Tyson Fury spotted out and about in Manchester as boxing champion films secret scenes for Netflix docuseries

    TYSON FURY has been spotted filming scenes for his upcoming Netflix docuseries in Manchester.The Gyspy King, who was in attendance at the city’s AO Arena to watch pal Joseph Parker’s clash with Joe Joyce, is to be the subject of a ten-parter with the streaming giants, along with wife Paris.
    Tyson Fury has filmed scenes for his Netflix docuseries in ManchesterCredit: Splash
    Fury is the subject of a ten-part documentary by the streaming serviceCredit: Splash
    The Gypsy King has been filmed by Netflix since shortly after his win over Dillian Whyte in AprilCredit: Splash
    The working title for the multi-part series is “At Home with the Furys”.
    It is understood that filming began shortly after the Gypsy King knocked out Dillian Whyte at Wembley in April where he defended his WBC heavyweight title.
    The blockbuster series was supposed to show Fury settling into retired life at home with Paris and their six children.
    But cameras will instead capture Fury making a dramatic U-turn on his decision to hang up his gloves.
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    He and British compatriot Anthony Joshua have agreed a 60/40 purse split in the unbeaten Mancunian’s favour, with the bout expected to take place in Cardiff later this year.
    The former WBA, WBO and IBF champ recently had scenes filmed during his romantic break with wife Paris in Cannes.
    And now scenes have been shot in Manchester at his hotel, where Fury was mobbed by fans as he made his way down Deansgate.
    He could be seen wearing a black jacket and jeans, while having a Gucci bag draped around his neck.
    The Netflix series will see Fury make a U-turn on his decision to retire from boxingCredit: Splash
    Fury is poised to face British compatriot Anthony Joshua in DecemberCredit: Splash
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    Fury last week delivered an X-rated message to Joshua urging the 2012 Olympic gold medallist to sign the contract.
    In a clip he shared on social media, he said: “Sign the contract AJ you little p***y.
    “Sign the bloody contract p***y boy.”
    He had on Friday blasted both AJ and Oleksandr Usyk in another fiery video where he branded them as “a pair of sausage s***houses”.
    Joshua has been warned to sign off on a bout with Fury by the end of next week or he runs the risk of missing out on a fight.
    Promoter George Warren remarked: “We need to be getting contracts signed next week.
    “I don’t think that’s difficult. If everyone wants to make it, it can be done and I believe the other side wants to make it.

    “My dad Frank and Eddie Hearn have gone on record to say 90-95 per cent of it’s been agreed.
    “There are parts of contracts need to be refined and negotiated — tickets and hotel rooms — the biggest thing is the broadcast but it should not slow down the contract.”
    Fury was at the AO Arena in Manchester to watch Joe Joyce take on Joseph ParkerCredit: PA More