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    Beanpole ex-Premier League striker, 42, comes out of retirement for shock sport switch to Vikings American football team

    FORMER Premier League striker Stefan Maierhofer has swapped goals for gridirons … by becoming an American football star.The 6ft 7ins Austria international had a top-flight spell with Wolves, scoring once in 10 games before leaving in 2011.Ex-Premier League ace Stefan Maierhofer has crossed over to American footballMaierhofer played for the likes of Wolves, Bayern Munich and MillwallHe joined Bristol City on loan in 2010, and four years later had a brief stint with their Championship rivals Millwall.Former Bayern Munich youngster Maierhofer has also played for a host of German, Austrian and Slovak clubs.But the 42-year-old has now switched sports by joining the Vienna Vikings American football club.They compete in the European League of Football, and won the title in 2022.Read More on FootballMaierhofer said: “I’m making my sporting comeback as a kicker in American football, and I’m going to play for Vienna Vikings in 2025.”From my first minute at the club I was clear in my mind that I wanted to join them.  Everyone from the owner down to the equipment manager speaks with one voice.”Everything is all about success and respect, and that impressed me.  I trained with the former NFL kicker, Giorgio Tavecchio, and worked on perfecting my technique.”I want to reach the 2025 final with the Vikings, and play in front of 50,000 American football fans.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSVikings head coach Chris Calaycay said: “Stefan is a very tall man, extremely popular, and with a unique body language.”The transition from kicking a soccer ball to kicking a football is tough, but he is going tremendously well.”Patrick Mahomes says ‘cut the cameras’ in emotional locker room scenes as new K ansas City Chiefs doc trailer is releasedClub owner Robin Lumsden added: “A number of prominent footballers wanted to play for us, and many found the trials difficult.”But it became clear very quickly that Stefan was the right man for us.  He embodies our fighting mentality – he is highly professional and competitive.” More

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    Billionaire NFL owner wants to buy Crystal Palace in mega-money takeover but controversial John Textor would stay put

    AMERICAN John Textor is pushing for control at Crystal Palace — and looking for new allies.Textor, 59, had taken a backward step at the Eagles. An NFL billionaire owner is looking to buy Crystal PalaceCredit: PAIt would see controversial John Textor stay put at Selhurst ParkCredit: GettyHe thought about selling his shares and buying another outfit.However, the multi-club owner is now aiming to increase his say at Selhurst Park and may look to a fellow countryman for help.Woody Johnson, owner of NFL side the New York Jets, has been interested in a Prem buy before and was linked with Chelsea.Johnson, 77, could come in with Textor if they can do a deal with two other Americans, Josh Harris and David Blitzer, for their stake.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHarris and Blitzer have also been linked with other clubs during their time at Palace and they may  be  convinced to sell.Chairman Steve Parish is awaiting developments. For all of Palace’s success on the pitch, their behind-the-scenes picture is still messy.But they are already making plans for a sensational summer transfer swoop.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSSunSport can exclusively reveal that Palace are lining up a deal for Marcus Rashford if Aston Villa don’t sign him permanently.The England star has been on loan in the Midlands since January after joining from Manchester United.Ben Chilwell opens up on being bombed out by Chelsea before Crystal Palace lifelineRashford has five goals and three assists in 22 outings under Unai Emery.And Villa have the option to buy him for £40million this summer.But if they decide against a move, Palace are ready to come in with an offer.A source told us: “Palace are keeping a very close eye on Rashford and what happens with Villa and United.“There is a good buzz around the club at the moment and someone like Marcus is exactly the kind of player they would love to attract.“They know they would have to keep onto their better players to try and persuade Marcus to move to South London.”Woody Johnson is owner of NFL side the New York JetCredit: Getty More

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    Rangers takeover deal with US investors AGREED in principle

    A DEAL has been agreed in principle between Rangers and the American consortium who want to take over the club.Paraag Marathe of 49ers Enterprises, the business arm of the San Francisco 49ers, has been engaged in talks with Ibrox power brokers for some time now over potential investment, working alongside insurance tycoon Andrew Cavenagh.Marathe and the 49ers also own Leeds United but with the EFL and the SFA unlikely to stand in their way, a deal for them to complete a stunning takeover of the Glasgow giants has been agreed.Cavenagh is chairman of health firm ParetoHealth and he and Marathe are aiming to acquire a controlling stake in Gers, of around 51 per cent.It’s understood that all parties are confident the deal will be agreed before the start of the new season.All that remains now is for due diligence to take place and legal paperwork to be drafted up, though the SFA and EFL consent will be required to rubber-stamp any proposal.Current Gers shareholders Dave King and John Bennett have already agreed to sell up with a view to welcoming the Americans on board.Fellow directors Douglas Park, George Taylor, Stuart Gibson, Julian Wolhardt and John Halsted could all be convinced to sell their shares too.Halsted and non-executive director Alastair Johnston have ties to the US and they have been crucial in talks getting to this stage.Marathe has been with the NFL giants for 24 years and has a close relationship with its billionaire chief, Jed York.Most read in FootballThe franchise was valued at around $6billion by Forbes recently and has won five Super Bowl titles in its history.The last of those wins came prior to Marathe’s involvement but the team has reached the Super Bowl three times since he has been a key decision maker.Rangers and Celtic fans react to news away fans are BACK at Old Firm gamesWho owns Rangers? As the San Francisco 49ers pursue potential investment in Rangers, SunSport looks at who own the biggest blocks of shares at IbroxDave King 12.96% Borita Investments & Perron Investment (owned by directors Julian Wolhardt and John Halsted) 12.69%Douglas Park 11.54%George Taylor 10.22% Stuart Gibson 9.53%John Bennett 7.11%Due to Marathe’s involvement with Leeds, some fans feared that Rangers would become a feeder club for the Elland Road side – particularly as they look nailed-on to return to the Premier League from the Championship after this season.But Marathe broke his silence recently and was adamant that would never be the case.Indeed, it’s believed Rangers bring to the table something that Leeds are unlikely to offer in the short-term – a route to the Champions League.Discussions have also taken place regarding further investment down the line, which would be dependent on success in Europe and a reinvigorated player trading model.The lowdown: San Francisco 49ersGeorge Kittle, one of the stars of the San Francisco 49ersFoundation: The San Francisco 49ers were established in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) before joining the National Football League (NFL) in 1949.Name origin: The team is named after the prospectors who flocked to Northern California during the 1849 Gold Rush in search of fortune.Team colours: The 49ers’ official team colours are red, gold, and white, symbolising the region’s rich history tied to the Gold Rush.Home stadium: Since 2014, the team has played its home games at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, which is located about 40 miles south of San Francisco.Championship success: The 49ers have won five Super Bowl titles (1981, 1984, 1988, 1989, and 1994), making them one of the most successful franchises in NFL history.Notable players: Legendary players include quarterback Joe Montana, wide receiver Jerry Rice, safety Ronnie Lott, and quarterback Steve Young, all of whom are Hall of Fame inductees.Coaching legacy: Head coach Bill Walsh, who led the team to three Super Bowl victories, is credited with pioneering the “West Coast Offence,” a revolutionary passing-focused strategy.Rivalries: The 49ers have fierce rivalries with teams such as the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams, and Seattle Seahawks.Ownership: The team is owned by the York family, with Jed York serving as CEO. The franchise was originally owned by Tony Morabito, one of its founders.Cultural impact: The 49ers are a symbol of Bay Area pride and have a dedicated fanbase known as the “Faithful.” The team has also been featured in various films, books, and media, cementing its place in American sporting culture.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Rangers at centre of advanced talks over stunning San Francisco 49ers takeover

    SAN FRANCISCO 49ers chief Paraag Marathe is part of a US-led Rangers takeover bid.The NFL supremo is involved in a consortium hoping to take control of the Ibrox club.Paraag Marathe, President of 49ers EnterprisesCredit: GettyMarathe speaks out at Levis StadiumCredit: GettyLeeds United chairman Marathe and fellow US business figures have held detailed talks with the Gers hierarchy in recent months.SunSport understands current board member, the American John Halsted, has been a prominent figure in bringing potential investors to the table.And this could lead to the 49ers being part of a major multi-million pound investment – should a deal be struck.Ibrox sources insist there are still plenty of hurdles to overcome as high-level discussions continue.But there is hope that an agreement can be reached with the US investors to kick off a new era at Gers.The consortium see huge potential in the Ibrox club, with possible access to the Champions League a reward for domestic success.They also view Scottish football as a prime environment to bring in young talent and adopt a successful player-trading model.Marathe heads up the 49ers Enterprises arm – which seeks to ‘oversee outside business ventures, advisory efforts, and major investment opportunities for the club’.Most read in FootballHe is also Executive VP of Football Operations for the NFL giants.Marathe orchestrated the 49ers’ takeover of Leeds in 2023 after years of investment and is driving their bid for Premier League promotion.Under the SFA’s dual ownership stance, this could limit the 49ers’ ability to snap up a Gers shareholding of over 29.9 per cent – the amount Bournemouth supremo Bill Foley was allowed to control in Hibs.Deebo Samuel facing major San Francisco 49ers punishment after taking a swing at his own teammates in shocking scenes However, there are other US investors keen to plunge money into Gers as part of a wider consortium.These figures believe Marathe’s experience of British football can be of huge significance as part of a potential deal to revive Rangers.And the 49ers – bankrolled by the York family – could extend their portfolio by investing in the Ibrox giants.Speaking at the club’s AGM last year, interim chairman John Gilligan made it clear that Rangers were open to a cash injection.The Ibrox club are currently strapped for cash after posting a £17.2million loss last year.Boss Philippe Clement was limited to just one loan signing in January, with runaway league leaders Celtic favourites to complete another Treble.The Lowdown: The San Francisco 49ersEverything you need to know about the San Francisco 49ersFounded: Established in 1946 as part of the AAFC; joined the NFL in 1949.Team Name Origin: Named after the prospectors of the 1849 California Gold Rush.Location: Based in the San Francisco Bay Area; home games played at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.Team Colours: Red, gold, and white, representing the Gold Rush heritage.Super Bowl Success: Five-time Super Bowl champions (1981, 1984, 1988, 1989, 1994 seasons).Key Players in History: Legends include Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Steve Young, and Ronnie Lott.Hall of Fame: Many inductees, including Bill Walsh, Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and Steve Young.The West Coast Offence: Known for popularising Bill Walsh’s innovative passing strategy in the 1980s.Rivalries: Major rivalries with the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, and Los Angeles Rams.Community Impact: Active in charity and youth programmes through the 49ers Foundation.But back in December, Gilligan promised fans that change was coming.He told shareholders: “There is fresh investment coming into the club.“The current investors have invested considerably over the years and are willing to do so again.“We are open to anyone who approaches us on investment.“We get approaches from all over the world from various sources.“But it has to be the right people and the right conditions and for the right amount of shares.San Francisco quarter back Brock Purdy“We don’t want one person owning the club.”Rangers’ current shareholding group is varied – with former chairman Dave King still owning around 13 per cent.Douglas Park, George Taylor, Stuart Gibson and John Bennett also have a significant amount of shares.It’s believed several of them would be willing to cut a deal for the right price, if they felt it was in the best interests of the club. The Rangers board already has strong American ties, with non-executive director Alastair Johnston vice chairman of US-based IMG – a leading sports and entertainment group.Wyoming-based Halsted became a Gers investor in 2021 through Perron Investments, LLC.There’s been a spate of tie-ins between the US sport and British football with Tom Brady is the co-owner of a Birmingham City side which has many ex-Gers stars on the payroll in the form of Scott Wright, Ben Davies and Kieran Dowell.READ MORE SUN STORIESJJ Watt is a minority investor in a Burnley side which currently sits third in the EFL Championship table. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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    Floyd Mayweather looking to buy eye-watering $700million stake in world’s seventh most valuable sports club

    FLOYD MAYWEATHER dreams of owning the world’s seventh-richest sports club.Now “The Money” has launched a buy-in bid for the New York Giants that is more jaw-dropping than any knockout blow he landed in the ring.Floyd Mayweather could splash out spectacularlyMayweather is keen to buy into the New York GiantsCredit: ReutersThe boxing legend, 47, is reportedly heading a group trying to purchase 10% of the NFL team… for around $700 million (£556m).TMZ Sports say Mayweather and his business partner – real estate magnate Meyer Orbach – are preparing an offer.It’s claimed $200m ((£159m) has already been put aside in an escrow account.That’s an account where a neutral third party holds onto part of the money while a contract is sorted out.READ MORE IN BOXINGUS teams dominate the sporting rich list – Dallas Cowboys heading the pile with a $10.1bn valuation.Four-time Super Bowl winners the Giants come in at $7.3bn, just behind the New York Patriots on $7.4bn.The Stateside-led roll-call of wealth is broken below the top 10 by three of Europe’s biggest football clubs.Real Madrid are joint 12th on $6.6bn, alongside 2025 Super Bowl winners Philadelphia Eagles.Most read in BoxingTOP 10 MOST VALUABLE SPORTS TEMSUSA teams fill all the leading 10 spots -with six from the NFL, three in basketball’s NBA and one in Major League Baseball.1 Dallas Cowboys, NFL – $10.1billion2 Golden State Warriors, NBA – $8.8bn3 Los Angeles Rams, NFL – $7.6bn4 New York Yankees, MLB – $7.55bn5 New York Knicks, NBA – $7.5bn6 New England Patriots, NFL – $7.4bn7 New York Giants, NFL – $7.3bn8 Los Angeles Lakers, NBA – $7.1bn9 New York Jets, NFL – $6.9bn10 San Francisco 49ers, NFL – $6.8bnSelected others:12 Real Madrid – $6.6bn14 Man Utd – $6.55bn20 Barcelona – $5.6bn27 Liverpool – $5.37bn31 Man City – $5.1bn34 Bayern Munich – $5bn47 Paris Saint-Germain $4.4bnBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSNext come Manchester United ($6.55bn), while Barcelona are 20th on $5.6bn.It’s reckoned five-weight ex-world champion Mayweather and Orbach could soon be joined by another major investor in their attempt to buy part of the Giants.Michael Strahan sends sarcastic message to New York Giants on Fox NFL Sunday for letting star leave ‘along with Saquon’ TMZ quote Orbach as saying: “My partners and I are always looking at different opportunities, including ownership of sports teams. I can’t comment further than that.”He already owns nearly 20% of basketball team Minnesota Timberwolves.The interest in the Giants follows two of the team’s owners revealing they hope to sell some of their stake.Now John Mara, who is club founder Tim Mara’s grandson, and Steve Tisch could soon be tested by an approach from Mayweather.And the amount involved would absolutely dwarf his other spectacular investments, such as his $20m fleet of supercars. More

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    ‘So long as they’ve got NFL and Beyonce they’re happy’, Jamie Redknapp slams Spurs owners in brutal live Sky Sports rant

    JAMIE REDKNAPP has slammed Tottenham Hotspur’s ownership in a brutal rant on live TV.The former Spurs midfielder has been left unimpressed with the club’s shambolic performance this season.Jamie Redknapp has hit out at Tottenham’s ownershipCredit: SkySportsDaniel Levy has come under fire this seasonCredit: GettyTottenham is the home of the NFL in LondonCredit: RexBeyonce has played multiple concerts at the club’s stadiumCredit: GettyThe North London outfit have lost 13 games in the Premier League and are slumped in 15th place ahead of Sunday’s game against Manchester United.Manager Ange Postecoglou has come under huge pressure due to the poor form and FA Cup and Carabao Cup exits.Spurs have had to deal with the most injuries in the league but are still way off their usual standards.The club has boosted revenue streams off the pitch as the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is a widely used venue.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe stadium will play host again to pop star Beyonce and NFL matches this year.Tottenham recently extended their partnership with the NFL through to the 2029/30 season.Redknapp however believes this has taken attention away from the team’s performances on the pitch.He has claimed that the club’s board are happy as long as there is a “successful” business rather than football team.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSSpeaking on Sky Sports, he said: “As long as they’ve got the American Football and they’ve got Beyonce in the summer, they’re happy, the owners are happy.”It looks like a business model that everyone can be happy with that can be successful.Mass of fuming Tottenham fans flood streets and chant ‘we want Levy out’ in biggest protest against club’s ownership”But does that breed a winning environment?”No it does not because something is fundamentally wrong.”They have tried to do both, but it has not worked and it has not worked the way Daniel Levy wants it to.”Spurs fans are staging a massive protest against club chairman Daniel Levy during the match against United.The demo has been organised by fed-up season-ticket holders named Change for Tottenham.Protesters are marching ahead of the game and staging a sit-in protest at full-time in the South Stand.The aim is to put pressure on majority owners ENIC to sell the club — and for chairman Levy to go.Spurs fans are staging a protest before and after the Man Utd gameCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskTottenham are performing well under par this seasonCredit: Reuters More

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    Sky Sports viewers baffled as Man City Treble winner joins NFL pundits for Super Bowl coverage

    SKY Sports viewers were left scratching their heads when a Man City Treble winner joined the Super Bowl coverage.Regular host Neil Reynolds was joined by regular pundit Phoebe Schecter, Ndamukong Suh, and Ryan Fitzpatrick for the NFL showpiece.A Man City star was a surprise guest on Sky Sports’ NFL coverageBut, before the action between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles kicked off, one Spanish Euro 2024 winner stunned American football fans by joining the Sky crew in their studio.”Well, first of all I am very happy to be here and spend this time in this atmosphere,” he told Reynolds.”It’s a sport we try to follow in Europe. For me, especially the last years, I have been following.”It’s so good to be here at such an incredible event that I really admire.”Read more Super Bowl NewsBut fans were rather baffled to see the player, who scored the winner in the 2023 Champions League final, on the Sky Sports round table in New Orleans.One posted: “Why’s Rodri analysing the Super Bowl on Sky lol”And another wrote: “wtf is Rodri doing on Super Bowl coverage loooool”A third fan commented: “Why is Rodri on the panel for the Super Bowl?”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSOthers were frustrated to see the star joining the experts.One fan wrote: “Yo, @SkySportsNFL, I cannot tell you enough how no one wants to hear what Rodri has to say about the Super Bowl.”Travis Kelce’s ‘awful’ pre-Super Bowl outfit mocked by fansAnd another viewer joked: “Rodri is at the Super Bowl to explain the Ballon d’Or robbery”Real Madrid were left furious when Rodri was chosen as Ballon d’Or winner over Vinicius Jr, to the point that the club boycotted the ceremony.Rodri is currently sidelined after suffering an ACL injury against Arsenal earlier in the season.The Ballon d’Or winner has been a huge miss for his side, who have struggled this season in the league and Champions League.However, City are optimistic the midfielder could be fit before the end of the season.He has been named in the club’s Champions League squad for the knockout stages.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd according to Spanish newspaper AS, he has been accompanied to New Orleans by two rehabilitation workers so as not to miss a day of his recovery routine.Boss Pep Guardiola wants to keep the door open for him to do that – even though City would have to go deep in the competition for him to be even in the frame.Man City star Rodri is currently sidelined with a serious knee injuryCredit: Getty More

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    Chelsea defender who can’t stop shooting and a Villa star who’s always being fouled – Weekend Wager’s best FA Cup bets

    SUNSPORT’S Weekend Wager uses in-depth stats and razor-sharp analysis to bring you the best value bets from the upcoming bumper weekend of sport.Joining our very own Will Pugh on this week’s show is football journalist Kweku Afari and betting expert Sam Rosbottom.Chelsea look good value this weekend – as SunSport run down the best bets for the FA Cup and more sporting actionCredit: AlamyThe panel talk through some of the biggest games from this weekend’s FA Cup.Brighton vs Chelsea and Aston Villa vs Tottenham are the matches where there’s money to be made, according to our experts.And we’ve also got a cheeky Super Bowl bet to take a punt on.Check out all our best bets for the weekend below:READ MORE SPORT STORIESBRIGHTON vs CHELSEAKweku Afari: Chelsea to score 3+ goals – 5/2″You look at this Brighton team, there are questions marks… last week against Nottingham Forest they shipped seven goals.”This is a Brighton who are not in very good form and they’ve got no clean sheets against Chelsea in their last eight meetings.”I’ve got Chelsea to go big in this one.”Most read in FootballWill Pugh: Rutter to score & Chelsea to win – 11/1″Rutter’s got three goals in his last two FA Cup games, and that’s good on it’s own.”When you hear those three goals came in just 101 minutes…”But, I still think the Blues are going to do it – they’ve progressed from 25 of their last 27 FA Cup fourth round ties.”Brighton have also lost each of their last four matches vs Chelsea and have won just one of the last 11 homes games the Blues.”That’s quite a record.”Tosin scored twice in his last FA Cup match and is value to have at least two shots vs BrightonCredit: GettySam Rosbottom: Tosin to have 2+ shots – 16/5″I’m having loads of luck in the player shots market.”Hear me out… [Tosin] has had nine shots in his last four games, including three in the last match vs West Ham.”He had four in his last FA Cup game against Morecambe and got on the scoresheet twice.”It’s value.”ASTON VILLA vs TOTTENHAMKweku: BTTS & Villa to win – 15/8″Can Villa put a dent in Tottenham’s bid to win a trophy for the first time since 2008? I think yes…”I feel like this is a safe bet in terms of it coming in.””I feel like this is a safe bet in terms of it coming in.”These teams have both scored in three of their last four meetings, while Spurs have lost three of their last four domestic away games.”Donyell Malen has looked lively lately and could prove value for a goal involvement against SpursCredit: AlamyWill: Malen goal or assist & Spurs to win – 13/1″Tottenham have progressed from four of their last five FA Cup fourth round ties.”They’ve also won nine of their last ten away games against Aston Villa.”Donyell Malen… three shots on target in three games – two of them in his last game against Wolves.”He’s looked really busy whenever I’ve seen him and I fancy him to be involved.”Sam: Ramsey to be fouled 2+ times – 2/1″Keeping it simple… he’s been fouled twice in each of his last three games.”In total, 14 fouls in his last eight matches – he is a player who does get brought down.”He’s likely to come up against Dejan Kulusevski and Pedro Porro… this is value.”Patrick Mahomes will lead the Chiefs to a third straight Super Bowl, say our expertsCredit: GettySUPER BOWLPHILADELPHIA EAGLES vs KANSAS CITY CHIEFSKweku – Mahomes to score a TD – 7/2″The Chiefs are aiming for history, right now – the first-ever NFL team to win three Super Bowls in a row.”Patrick Mahomes, the only person he is chasing right now is Tom Brady.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The only person to ever beat Patrick Mahomes in a Super Bowl is Tom Brady.”That is not changing this weekend – Patrick Mahomes will lead the Chiefs to another Super Bowl.”Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk More