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    Paris Olympics to lift sex ban with 300,000 condoms to be delivered to Olympic village

    OLYMPIC chiefs have lifted the ban on athletes having sex ahead of this summer’s Games.A sex suspension was implemented ahead of the 2020 Games Tokyo, which took place in the summer of 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.The 2024 Olympic Games take place in Paris this summerCredit: ALAMYOlympic chiefs have lifted the sex ban they had in place for the 2024 GamesCredit: REUTERSThe ban was imposed in a bid to stop events from being scuppered by Covid outbreaks.But those preventative measures have been lifted ahead of this summer’s Games in Paris – meaning athletes can get up to as much rumpy-pumpy as they like.Olympic Village director Laurent Michaud said: “It is very important that the conviviality here is something big.”Working with the athletes commission, we wanted to create some places where the athletes would feel very enthusiastic and comfortable.”READ MORE ON PARIS 2024The Olympic Village , according to TMZ, will be stocked with a whopping 300,000 free condoms.So athletes will have no excuse for not practicing safe sex during the tournament.There won’t, however, be any free champers for them to drink during the competition.Although they will have a wide array of food from around the globe available to them every day.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Olympic Village will be stocked with 300,000 free condomsCredit: GETTYFormer Center Parcs head-honcho Michaud said: “[There will be no champagne in the village, of course, but they can have all the champagne they want also in Paris.”We will have more than 350 metres of buffet with the world food.We’re twin sisters, 27, who both secretly battled same disease… now we’re plotting Olympic gold at Paris 2024 together”And I’m sure that the athletes will be very happy to have some French specialties made over here.”But the variety will first respond to the athletes’ needs for their nutrition and their performance.”The Paris Games – which get underway on July 26 and end on August 11 – are expected to attract the largest crowds since London 2012.Olympic Games executive director Christophe Dubi told Sky News: “It has to be a celebration and it is a celebration.”We’ve had many challenges in the past. “In Rio, we faced situations that were amazingly complex.”But what you see is that with a bit of goodwill from everyone – starting with the organisers.”But also as far as the Olympic community is concerned – meeting with the challenges and coming up with solutions… is in the greater interest that the Games represent.READ MORE SUN STORIES”What we all want is for unity, peace and a celebration of the best athletes. “This is how this creative family works together. Any challenge? We will win.” More

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    I produced Wembley’s most famous ever goalkeeping moment, I’m convinced Fifa invented a new rule because of me

    FOR all the talk of goalkeepers using their feet in the modern age, Rene Higuita was on another planet.‘El Loco’ they called him – the frizzle-haired Colombian madman who was the true pioneer of the sweeper-keeper role we see and expect at the highest level today.Rene Higuita’s scorpion kick has gone down in football folkloreCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdHiguita recently met up with Aston Villa star Emi MartinezCredit: GettyAn inspirer of the 21st century ball-playing shot-stopper and an entertainer of the masses with his incredible 43 career goals and, of course, that Scorpion kick.Wembley Stadium. September 6, 1995. A drab goalless friendly between England and Colombia lit up by Higuita’s maddening goal-line clearance using his heels in mid-air.Rumour has it that Jamie Redknapp – the Three Lions player whose overhit cross provided the platform – is still not able to comprehend its insanity almost 30 years on.Higuita told SunSport: “I did some important things in football, and that Scorpion kick was special, and also where it took place, in the temple of football at Wembley.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut for Higuita – now 57 having retired 14 years ago – the only reason he even contemplated that audacious stunt was because of a Fifa rule implemented three years earlier in 1992 that he believes was created with his style of play in mind.He explained: “What was more important [than the Scorpion] was the law change that Fifa brought in, taking away a keeper picking up from a back pass. That came through me.“I believe I gave more freedom to goalkeepers which meant they wouldn’t spend so long with the ball and waste time.“They were no longer just thought of as players who had to use their hands. They could use their feet too.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“Recently, I was alongside the goalkeeping coach of West Ham, Xavi Valero, and he was very thankful that I was there and he said it was almost like he had a reference point. Somebody who they could look up to, a mirror for people to look into.”We have Higuita to thank for his impact on the game, influencing the likes of Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta – even if it means endless debates of whether to play David Raya or Aaron Ramsdale.Gareth Southgate reveals England have invited Sven-Goran Eriksson to Wembley friendlies after terminal cancer diagnosis But Higuita was not about structure nor tactics – he was about pure, unadulterated fun, encouraging others now donning the gloves to pre with a freedom and a smile.However, it is unlikely that anyone will ever do it like he did. There are some Premier League strikers who would envy his goalscoring record.For Colombian sides Atletico Nacional, Independiente Medelin, Real Cartagena, Bajo Cauca and Deportivo Rionegro, Mexican outfit Veracruz, as well as for Colombia, Higuita scored 35 penalties, seven free-kicks and one from his own penalty area.He currently sits fifth in the list of all-time goalscoring keepers – the four above him also hailing from South America.Higuita added: “Some people thought it was crazy, but for me, it was taking advantage of the conditions that I had to do things.”And while Higuita enjoys watching the current crop of top keepers – such as Manchester City’s Ederson, Manchester United’s Andre Onana and Everton’s Jordan Pickford – he said: “They play with their feet a lot more, but they are still quite limited in what they do.“I would love to see them play with their feet more, take penalties. I’d even love to see them go past players and score goals, but it is a question of what you like.“It’s a very personal thing. Perhaps others wouldn’t want to see that. It is all about taste and no taste is a bad taste, as we say.“Each of them brings a different grain of sand to what they do trying to do it their way.”Higuita’s style did not always pay off, in particular at Italia 90 as his failed Cruyff turn past Cameroon’s Roger Milla 25 yards from goal knocked Colombia out in the last-16.There was talk about me coming to England to playRene HiguitaBut he is still confident he could have thrived in today’s game in a Guardiola team, and believes he would have played in the Premier League had it not been for his 5ft9 stature.He said: “There was talk about me coming to England to play. Newcastle were mentioned and there were a couple of comments from Arsenal.“Something that was spoken about quite a lot was my height, or my lack of it, so there was no definitive offer for me to come to the UK.”Higuita’s life away from football was also never straight forward, briefly imprisoned in 1993 for acting a go-between for Pablo Escobar in a kidnapping, tested positive for cocaine in 2004 and even ran for Mayor in his home country back in 2011.But, as he prepares to attend the London Stadium on Friday to watch Colombia’s friendly with Spain, he said: “Part of life is living in the moment and learning from your experiences.READ MORE SUN STORIES“It was a lovely past and an experience I can take with me but you cannot live in the past. I am enjoying myself and I am very happy now. Missing things would cause me frustration.”To buy tickets for Spain vs Colombia at the London Stadium, click here.Higuita will be in attendance for Colombia’s clash with Spain on Friday nightCredit: Alamy Live News More

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    I’m an ex-Tottenham star but I want Arsenal to win the league more than ANYTHING… even England winning Euro 2024

    FORMER Tottenham star Darren Bent has admitted he’d rather see Arsenal win the Premier League than England triumph at Euro 2024.The former striker, 40, became Spurs’ record transfer when he joined in a £16.5million deal from Charlton in 2007.Darren Bent played for Tottenham between 2007 and 2009Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdBent, 40, has since revealed himself to be a huge Arsenal fanCredit: YouTube/talkSPORTDespite playing for the Lilywhites for two years, Bent remains a staunch Gooner.Appearing on talkSPORT, Bent was asked by co-host Andy Goldstein whether he’d prefer Prem or Euro 2024 glory later this year.He emphatically replied: “As an Arsenal fan I want the league. I want Arsenal over anything.”Goldstein, 50, then countered: “You don’t want FA Cup – Arsenal, Euros – England?”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBent admitted it would be close but appeared to edge towards the Euros, although he did stress: “Champions League, Premier League over anything.”He then left Goldstein flabbergasted by claiming that even a domestic cup double would have done it for him over the Euros.The 12-cap former England striker added: “FA Cup and League Cup. Nope, I’m not joking you. FA Cup, League Cup. Arsenal.”After having his opinion called “nuts”, Bent continued: “As a fan, I’m club over country.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBent played 79 times for Tottenham, scoring 25 goals and laying on seven assists.After falling down the pecking order at White Hart Lane, he moved to Sunderland in 2009.Luka Modric passed out in a cubicle and had to be carried out by a bouncer on his first Tottenham night out, says Jenas v2He netted four goals in 12 England caps, including three in Euro qualifiers – but never earned a call-up for a major tournament with the Three Lions.Bent had already shown off his love for Arsenal over former club Tottenham this season.Prior to September’s North London derby, he picked 11 Arsenal players in a combined XI.This meant that Gabriel Jesus staggeringly received the nod over Son Heung-min, although the South Korean made Bent eat his words by scoring twice in the 2-2 draw.Bent earned 12 England caps during his careerCredit: Dave Pinegar – The Sun More

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    Premier League clubs face Government fines of over £50m as tough new rules are introduced

    PREM giants face fines of £50m-plus if they fail to engage with the Government’s new Independent Football Regulator.The long-awaited measure will be introduced in the Commons on Tuesday and is expected to get all-party support.The Government are on the verge of appointing an Independent Football RegulatorCredit: GettyClubs face potentially huge fines if they don’t engage with the regulatorCredit: RexAmong its powers, the Regulator will be able to impose a funding deal between the Prem and the EFL after the process stalled again last week, stop and boot out rogue owners and block clubs from joining any breakaway Super LeagueBut the Regulator will also “have the ability to fine clubs up to 10 per cent their of turnover for non-compliance”Meaning potentially HUGE penalties, with the Big Six grossing £500m-plus every year.Tory MPs said the Regulator would prevent repeats of the financial chaos that overtook Bury, Derby, Wigan, Bolton and non-league Rhyl in recent seasons.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMid-Derbyshire MP Pauline Latham said: “The Regulator is a new dawn for fans of the beautiful game.“I am so proud that we managed to save Derby County but many other clubs aren’t as lucky.”And I don’t want any other fans to face what we did.“The Government has listened and is taking strong action to give football fans a voice.”Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSTory MP Pauline Latham is a “is a new dawn” for footie fansCredit: RICHARD TOWNSHED PHOTOGRAPHYIn a short response, Prem chiefs said they agreed it is “vital that football clubs are sustainable, remain at the heart of their communities and that fans are fundamental to the game”.However, the Prem warned of the “unintended consequences of legislation that could weaken the competitiveness and appeal of English football”.FA Cup semi-final draw CONFIRMED as Man Utd, Chelsea, Coventry and Man City find out their fateBy contrast, EFL chief executive Rick Parry hailed an “important milestone to help us secure the long-term financial sustainability” of the pyramid.Parry added: “If delivered on the right terms, this landmark legislation can help fix the game’s broken financial model to help ensure that all clubs can survive and thrive in a fair and competitive environment.” More

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    Man Utd ‘want to swap Jadon Sancho for Dortmund team-mate but face transfer competition from Arsenal and Liverpool’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly ready to give Jadon Sancho the boot this summer in a sensational swap deal.The England international was frozen out by Erik ten Hag last September for hitting back at the public blasting he received from the Dutchman following United’s 3-2 defeat to Arsenal.Jadon Sancho has been frozen out by Manchester United boss Erik ten HagCredit: PASancho has been loaned out to former club Borussia Dortmund until the end of the seasonCredit: RexUnited are reportedly interested in using Sancho in a swap deal for Dortmund’s Donyell MalenCredit: REXUnited shipped Sancho out on loan to former club Borussia Dortmund in January to allow him to get some playing time.Ten Hag has yet to re-open the door for an Old Trafford return for the £73million man, who he’s reportedly willing to use as a makeweight to sign Dortmund ace Donyell Malen.That’s according to Bild, who claim United are interested in a potential “swap deal” between the pair.The German newspaper, however, claim Arsenal and Liverpool are also sniffing around the Netherlands international.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMalen, 25, has been in great form for Dortmund this season, scoring 13 goals and racking up five assists in 33 appearances in all competitions.Sancho, 23, has scored once and notched one assist in his nine Bundesliga games so far in his second stint with the black and yellows.Sancho’s contract with Manchester United expires in the summer of 2026, although the Red Devils have the option to extend it for a further year.But, judging from Ten Hag’s recent claim that the club had issues with the winger before the boss’ arrival, it’s likely that his future lies away from Old Trafford.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSErik ten Hag has yet to re-open to the door for Red Devils outcast Jadon SanchoCredit: GETTYTen Hag said: “He’s now at Dortmund. So after he was signed, one year before [I was here], and there were issues.”We have had issues all the way through, and so you can make out his stay at Manchester United so far is not a success.Ten Hag claims there were ‘issues’ with Jadon Sancho BEFORE boss arrived at Man Utd and ‘all the way through'”So now he is going back to Borussia Dortmund, so I wish him the best of luck.”I hope, we all hope he is doing well there, he will be successful. Again, we will see what is going to happen.”[Would things be different if he had apologised?] ‘We have said that before.”And I don’t want every time to return to the point. He knows what he should do and we have made that clear.”It was also so clear and obvious about his performance so let’s stop this discussion. “He is to Dortmund and we wish him the best of luck.” More

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    Major sporting event could be MOVED after 26 years due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s controversial Man Utd plans

    RUGBY LEAGUE chiefs are drawing up alternative venues for Super League’s Grand Final should Manchester United’s Old Trafford home be bulldozed.Except for 2020 due to Covid, United’s stadium has hosted the showpiece since 1998 — but Red Devils’ new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has the ground earmarked for a massive redevelopment.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has some bold plans for Old Trafford which could impact Rugby League chiefsCredit: PARatcliffe could propose a new venue on the land next to the current groundThat could mean a temporary shift of venue with Manchester City’s Etihad likely to be the preferred choice.Newcastle’s St James’ Park and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which have hosted Magic Weekend and the Challenge Cup final respectively, are also in the frame.Ratcliffe, 71, has admitted Old Trafford has become “tired” and needs updating. To that end, the Ineos chief’s preference is to build a new stadium on the land owned by Man Utd.READ MORE ON MAN UTDOne ambitious plan comes under the guise of Ratcliffe wanting to build a so-called “Wembley of the North” with the help of taxpayer funds.Another includes a 90,000 seater stadium with a new Stretford End.He said: “It’s about time someone built a national stadium in the north of England.”If it can be achieved, it would clearly be my preference.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I would be very excited for the north of England.”A stunning step towards this goal includes a five-year plan to redevelop Old Trafford to be a site which stretches down to the water and links to MediaCity.Erik ten Hag insists he does have Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s backing amid rumours Man Utd boss faces sack in summerAmenity plans include a five-star hotel and a host of other facilities to accommodate Man Utd’s global supporter base, with only a megastore and museum currently at the club’s disposal.Huge infrastructure projects like the one proposed on the grounds of Old Trafford are nothing new to Ineos, who are currently building a £5billion petrochemicals plant in Antwerp, Belgium.Ratcliffe completed his deal for a 27.7 per cent stake in Man Utd in February.Inside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United… More

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    Anthony Joshua gets ‘very cosy’ with Brit hairdresser in Dubai desert after she congratulated him after brutal knockout

    BOXER Anthony Joshua enjoys a day out with a hairdresser beauty while quad biking in the desert.AJ, 34, was seen with Kika Osunde’s hands wrapped around his waist and with her head leaning on his back.Anthony Joshua rides through the desert outside Dubai with hairdresser Kika OsundeCredit: SnapchatAJ, third from right, and Kika, second from right, together outside a restaurantCredit: InstagramIn another video he sits at the back with his arms around her and leans forward to reach the handles. Heavyweight star AJ had been driving the bike alone while Kika, 37, was in a buggy with others. But they soon got close on his bike in Dubai.A source said: “They looked very cosy and like they were having fun with each other.”READ MORE ANTHONY JOSHUAThe pair have been spending plenty of time with each other since AJ’s win over Francis Ngannou in neighbouring Saudi Arabia.Moments after his KO, AJ rushed over to Kika for a ringside cuddle and kiss, above right. He said: “How are you Kika? I haven’t seen you in so long! How are you?” She replied: “Congratulations. I’m good.”On Tuesday they were spotted dining with pals at Lebanese restaurant Babati Lounge in Dubai.Most read in BoxingThe pair go back several years, with AJ urging followers to support her Instagram in November 2020.Kika, known as Kika Good Hair, runs a salon in West London and boasts hundreds of thousands of followers on social media.’I know I’m gonna see him one day’ – Anthony Joshua calls out reporter in press conference after KO of Francis Ngannou She has said previously: “I’m all about seeing people live their best lives each and every day and in that we become united in our dreams and aspirations — all day every day.”AJ has a son JJ, eight, with his ex Nicole Osbourne. He has been romantically linked to models Cara Delevingne and Bella Hadid.A spokesman for AJ said: “Anthony is in a relationship . . . with professional boxing. He has no time for extra commitments.“He is having a break from boxing and will return to the gym this week. Sadly the claims of a relationship are just rumours.”AJ with Kika in Saudi Arabia during one of his big matchesCredit: TikTokAJ and Kika have known each other for some time, and he asked his followers to support her all the way back in 2020Credit: Instagram More

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    Ron Baynham dead aged 94: Former England and Luton Town goalkeeper passes away as FA release statement

    RON BAYNHAM has died aged 94, the FA have confirmed.The goalkeeper earned three caps for the Three Lions during the 1950s.Ron Baynham has died aged 94Credit: GettyBaynham represented Luton Town with distinction between 1951 and 1966.During this amazing stint he earned a trio of England caps in 1955.Upon learning of his sad passing, the national team wrote in a statement on social media: “We’re saddened to learn that former #ThreeLions goalkeeper Ron Baynham – who won three international caps in 1955 – has passed away aged 94.”Our thoughts are with Ron’s loved ones.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSLuton also wrote on social media: “It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of goalkeeper Ron Baynham.”The Hatters paid tribute to their legendary former keeper on their website.They wrote of how he played 434 times for the Kenilworth Road club, and how he was England’s oldest surviving international prior to his sad passing.Paying tribute, Luton added: “For most Luton supporters of a certain age, memories of Kenilworth Road in the 1950s conjure up the likes of Stanley Matthews, Nat Lofthouse and Tom Finney bearing down on the Luton goal where a tall, strong and athletic goalkeeper was there to see off their efforts.Most read in Football”Ron Baynham was the goalkeeper whose name was on everyone’s lips as he formed the last line of defence behind an accomplished side that more than held its own in the top-flight of English football.”Cricket was Birmingham-born Baynham’s first passion, although he found himself a natural between the posts after being convinced to try football by his brother.After turning down a trial at Wolves while in the army, he went on to sign for Southern League outfit Worcester City.Having impressed for Worcester, Baynham moved to Luton for £1,000.He eventually succeeded another former England international Bernard Streten to become Luton’s No1 and helped them to earn promotion to the top flight in 1955.That year he earned his trio of England caps, appearing in matches against Denmark, Northern Ireland and Spain – with the Three Lions winning all three games.Baynham was between the sticks as Luton contested the only FA Cup final in their history to date in 1959.The Hatters were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Nottingham Forest on the day.Asked about how the experience compared to playing for England, Baynham later said: “Both were tremendous highlights but I rated Wembley for the Cup Final, even though it brought me the biggest disappointment of my career when we lost to Nottingham Forest.”Remarkably, Baynham played a game upfront during his latter years at Kenilworth Road.Having lost his place as No1 after suffering a nasty fractured skull, Baynham eventually retired from the game in 1966.On his life after football, Luton’s obituary revealed: “Ron worked as a painter and decorator as well as at Luton Airport for some years before retiring to live in Silsoe.”He was a welcome guest of the Hatters in 1999 for the FA Cup final 40th anniversary celebrations and proved the life and soul of the party.READ MORE SUN STORIES”He had been back several times since where his appearances on the pitch at half-time were met with rapturous applause despite him saying that no-one would remember him.”Baynham is survived by his partner Dee.Baynham, fourth from top left, earned three England capsCredit: Action Images – Reuters More