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    WSL weeks away from start of new era under football body led by former Nike director

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    A club-owned organisation taking charge of women’s football’s top two tiers in England is set to be up and running from next season.The body named NewCo, will take over management of the WSL and Women’s Championship before the September start of the 2024-25 campaign.NewCo will take from the FA as the body in charge of the Women’s Super League from next seasonCredit: AlamyThe club-owned body intends to establish an advisory group for fans as part of its plans for the women’s game’s top two tiersCredit: PAIts takeover is set to be completed ahead of the Women’s Championship resuming on September 7-8 and WSL matches commencing two weekends later.The move will see NewCo take up the reins from the FA following the authority being in charge of the WSL and second tier since 2010 and 2014.It will also come ten months after the appointment of former Nike director Nikki Doucet as NewCo’s chief executive.Over the past 14 years the FA has overseen the development and professionalisation of both divisions.Read More Football Stories This includes leading the brokering of multimillion pound domestic broadcast deals for WSL games to be aired on Sky Sports and the BBC.NewCo’s first board meeting will be held in September and followed by an inaugural gathering for their shareholders in October.There are also plans to establish a fans’ advisory group at a date yet to be specified.A number of senior officials have been hired to support the running of NewCo. An interim chief marketing officer is in post and chief football officer has been recruited.Most read in FootballFrom next season WSL games will be available to watch on YouTube in addition to Sky Sports and the BBCCredit: GettyAnd a chief revenue officer is due to start working for the organisation on September 2.NewCo’s takeover of the women’s games’ top two divisions will coincide with WSL matches being streamed on YouTube next season. Although league fixtures will transition from being aired on FA Player, the online platform will continue to host live Women’s FA Cup games. More

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      Marcus Rashford’s Range Rover hit by ‘drink driver’ leaving Man Utd star’s teammate in hospital

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      A SUSPECTED drink-driver crashed into one of Marcus Rashford’s cars — leaving his Man United teammate needing checks in hospital.England ace Rashford was in a vehicle behind his own Range Rover when it was hit by a black Mercedes.Man Utd ace Marcus Rashford’s Range Rover was hit by a ‘drink driver’Credit: GettyPassenger Tyrell Malacia was advised to go to hospital after the incidentCredit: GettyThe Range Rover driver, 25, plus his passenger United defender Tyrell Malacia were advised to go to hospital.Police were called in Wilmslow, Cheshire, and arrested the Mercedes driver, 55, on suspicion of drink-driving.She was checked at Macclesfield Hospital.Doctors cleared Dutch ace Malacia, 24, and his pal.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBoth players were at training the next day.Cheshire Police confirmed that officers were called to a collision between a blue Range Rover Sport and a black Mercedes C220 AMG sport on July 16.They said a woman was held at the scene and two men taken to hospital.The crash occurred two days before Rashford was handed a six-month driving ban for doing 104mph in his Rolls-Royce on the M60 in December 2023.Most read in FootballRashford in court On Wednesday, he flew with the United squad to Los Angeles for a pre-season tour.Malacia, who missed last season with injury, stayed in Manchester for fitness work.Police arrested a Mercedes driver, 55, on suspicion of drink-drivingCredit: Matthew Pover More

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      Fans ‘need’ new Olympic sport to be introduced at Paris 2024 as governing body say ‘we’re working on it’

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      FANS are calling on the Olympics to introduce a new sport on the eve of Paris 2024.Several new sports have been added to the Olympic roster for this edition including kayak cross, kiteboarding and breaking.Fans have called on tag to be introduced to the OlympicsCredit: YouTube/World Chase TagThe tag World Championships have taken place every year since 2016Athletes can hurdle over obstacles to evade being taggedA green light signals when the evader has been taggedThat followed the addition of skateboarding, bouldering, and karate, amongst others, at the Tokyo Games.But fans are keen to see another sport integrated into the Olympics – tag.World Chase Tag was born in 2012 with the inaugural world championship taking place in London four years later.It has taken place annually ever since in the UK and the USA and has even been televised in both countries, while attracting millions of views online.READ MORE ON OLYMPICSCompetitors are tasked with ‘tagging’ their opposition – just like the playground game.But at professional level obstacles are placed in the arena for athletes to hang off or jump from.And it creates quite a spectacle, with one athlete chasing after the other while a timer counts down from 20 seconds.Fans are loving the sport and have called for its inclusion in the Olympics.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne said: “I need professional tag to be an Olympic sport.”Another added: “Oh, this 100% needs to be official.Most influential GB Olympians”Outside of how badass it looks, they have to be in top shape to do this stuff.”And a third wrote: “10/10 would watch.”The official World Chase Tag account replied saying: We’re working on it!” More

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      Forgotten Man Utd star, 29, joins MLS side in surprise free transfer… but will spend rest of 2024 on loan at West Brom

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      FORMER Manchester United star Paddy McNair has joined MLS side San Diego FC as a free agent – but will be shipped out on loan to West Brom until the end of 2024.The Northern Ireland international, 29, spent five years at Old Trafford after coming through the youth ranks before leaving in 2016.Former United star Paddy McNair has joined San Diego FC in a surprise free transferCredit: Instagram / @sandiegofcMcNair made his Old Trafford debut in 2014Credit: PA:Press AssociationMcNair joined United’s academy at age 14, where he was converted from a midfielder to a defender by youth coach Paul McGuinness.But he was limited to 27 first team appearances before being snapped up by Sunderland, then managed by former United supremo David Moyes. McNair subsequently joined Middlesbrough for £5m in 2018, where he won the club’s Player of the Year award in 2021.But now he has ditched English football to head stateside.READ MORE ON THE OLYMPICSMcNair signed a free three-year deal with San Diego following the end of his contract with Championship side Boro this summer. But he will be flown straight back to England after the MLS outfit agreed a six-month loan with West Brom.Part of the reason behind the short loan is because the club are waiting on the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa.McNair said: “Joining San Diego FC is an exciting new chapter in my career.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”When I first heard of San Diego, I had this gut feeling of excitement to play outside of England and have a chance to play in MLS.”It’s going to be very special to be a part of history. I look forward to bringing my experience to the team and building a team San Diego can be proud of.”Watch moment rap legend Snoop Dogg dance with Paris Olympics 2024 torch through streets of city before opening ceremonyMcNair is the fifth signing in San Diego’s history, an early group of stars highlighted by former Napoli winger Hirving “Chucky” Lozano. The club was founded last May by British-Egyptian businessman and former politician Mohamed Mansour.McNair has represented his country at the U-17, U-19, U-21 and senior level and helped them qualify for their first and only Euros in 2016. More

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      Dewsbury-Hall cleaned N’Golo Kante’s boots as kid at Leicester – now he wants to follow in his footsteps at Chelsea

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      KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL used to clean N’Golo Kante’s boots as a kid at Leicester and now he wants to follow in his footsteps at Chelsea.The new Blues signing grew up a huge Foxes fan and made sure Kante’s Adidas boots were sparkling during their title-winning season.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall used to clean N’Golo Kante’s boots as a kid at LeicesterCredit: Instagram @kdh_8The new Blues star now wants to follow Kante’s footsteps at ChelseaCredit: GettyKante spent seven years at Stamford BridgeCredit: GettyHe was rewarded with a healthy tip from the Frenchman too – but only after a nudge from teammates.Dewsbury-Hall said: “The year Leicester won the League I was his boot boy as a scholar.”He did tip actually! I don’t think he understood the concept of it before but a few of the lads in the first team told him it was good manners or a good gesture to tip at Christmas.”He might have gone to the cashpoint that night and brought it in the next day.READ MORE ON CHELSEA”He was quite generous so I thank whoever told him that but I did a good job though…the boots were clean.”To have any similarity to his journey at Chelsea would be a major success because he is top, top tier.”Dewsbury-Hall is the latest in a long line of players to have made the move from the King Power to the King’s Road, and he aims to be much closer to Kante’s end of the spectrum than Danny Drinkwater.His success under new Blues boss Enzo Maresca at Leicester gives everyone confidence that can happen – none more so than the midfielder himself.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe 25-year-old scored 12 goals and laid on 14 assists for the Foxes last season.Despite the chaos and negativity which has beset Chelsea in recent years, the Leicester academy graduate was still desperate to make the move once the interest was clear and has already seen Maresca turn one club around.Chelsea’s top summer transfer targetsHe added: “That’s just Chelsea as the club but knowing the manager was here was a big catalyst in wanting me to come.”I knew from Leicester, a club that went down and had a lot of problems, how he managed to galvanise that if everyone manages to buy into the system.”I genuinely think in a short space of time we can be pushing for minimum top four but more than that because I can see the foundations are set, the squad is at a high level, and if it is nurtured in the right way then it could be good.”I thought it was a really good, young squad that maybe needed a little bit of guidance and hopefully now that will be there.”While Dewsbury-Hall knows how good the new boss can be, there will be plenty of Blues fans waiting to be convinced by a manager who has never worked in the Premier League.But a year ago he had never managed in English football before, and his previous squad were quickly convinced by the ex-Manchester City assistant.Players minds were blown away by some of his details around positioning and how the smallest change of stance can have a serious impact on a game.Dewsbury-Hall said: “Within the first week at Leicester, I was convinced this was top, top level.”I felt a bit stupid, I thought I knew a lot about football but he was teaching me things on a daily basis that I didn’t really know before.”Within a week we were sold, all the players were sold. I am getting the same feedback here with the lads.”Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall of Leicester takes on Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante in 2022Credit: GettyKiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Tyrique George of Chelsea during a training session at Stanford UniversityCredit: GettyChelsea, though, is a different challenge to Leicester.The pressures are higher than anything Maresca will have experienced before and the chaos under the American owners has only added to that.But it does not appear to have changed the new boss.Dewsbury-Hall added: “He has come in exactly like he was at Leicester. Confident. He’s probably a bit more confident here than when he was at Leicester.”I don’t know if that was because he has had a year under his belt and we did really well at Leicester winning the Championship.”He just feels really confident and knows exactly what he wants and needs.”He has something about him where you respect him. From the first day I saw him at Chelsea it was straight back to work, working on the philosophy of what we want to do this year.”The midfielder is also convinced Maresca will surprise fans.He added: “Definitely – 100 per cent.”Look, I don’t want to be banging on saying we’re going to be doing this or that.”He is unknown for a lot of people but I can go off working with him and say my opinions and I think he is top, top level. Hopefully, we can back that up because that would be the best thing for me and the club.”I do think he will surprise a lot of people in the way we play and the way we do things so we will see.”Maresca pushed hard to bring Dewsbury-Hall to Stamford Bridge, a sign of faith he is hoping to repay.The engaging midfielder had spent 17-years at Leicester and stressed it would have to be a good move to see him leave.Brighton were a long way down the line in terms of completing a deal, but once Chelsea emerged there was only one choice for Dewsbury-Hall.He said: “It wouldn’t be fair to say the fine details [regarding Brighton].”Look, all I can probably say is that as soon as I heard Chelsea were coming in, that was my decision, no matter what was happening.”It was just a conversation that I had with my agent where he let me know that Chelsea were very interested.”When you hear that as a player, it’s a good feeling. When I heard that, that was it, that’s all I wanted.”Dewsbury-Hall already has plenty of Premier League experience, though is hoping for something completely different in West London having only really featured in a struggling Leicester side at this level.He said: “I’m a completely different player now coming back into the Premier League.”I’ve evolved, really, as a player and as a person.”I’ve had the experiences of winning, of dominating games and understanding football on a different level to what I did before.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If I made those leaps and bounds in the first year then I feel excited to see what can happen in the years to come.”If he and Maresca can make it work again, then Chelsea fans will be just as excited. More

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      Ex-Liverpool keeper Adrian tries to poach Mo Salah for new team as even Spanish giants stunned by shock photo

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      FORMER Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian has cheekily tried to poach Mohamed Salah to join his new team.Adrian, 37, left Anfield this summer after five years with the club, joining La Liga giants Real Betis on a free transfer.Ex-Liverpool keeper Adrian cheekily tried to poach Mohamed Salah to sign for Real BetisCredit: Instagram / @realbetisbalompieThe Spanish shot-stopper is in the Unites States with the rest of the Betis team as they prepare to face his former club Liverpool in a pre-season friendly tonight.And with Adrian being so close to his old teammates, he took the chance to play a hopeful prank on Mohamed Salah.The former West Ham keeper presented the Egyptian superstar with a Betis shirt of his own with the number 11 and “Salah” printed on the back.Salah posed for a picture holding up the shirt with Adrian, prompting a hilarious reaction from the official Real Betis Instagram account.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey simply posted the image alongside a caption that read: “WHAT THE F***”.Fans also loved the cheeky attempt to convince Salah to join Betis and reacted in the comments section.One wrote: “Gave me a heart attack!”While another added: “We are having the worst transfer window ever and the club is even trolling.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA third suggested that Salah could play second fiddle to Betis winger Juanmi, writing: “Would be a nice backup to Juanmi!”And a fourth joked: “Is he joining the Betis B team?”Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanAdrian didn’t only try and convince Salah to jump ship, but also had a crack at luring Kostas Tsimakas to Betis by presenting him with his own personalised shirt.Adrian has returned to Betis after rising through the youth ranks at the club during the early stages in his career.The keeper leaves the Premier League having made 139 appearances and kept 39 clean sheets in England’s top flight for Liverpool and West Ham.Adrian also tried his luck with Kostas TsimikasCredit: Instagram / @realbetisbalompieThe goalkeeper has re-joined his boyhood club this summerCredit: GettyAdrian started his career with BetisCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Man Utd fans convinced Marcus Rashford ‘scoring 40 goals this season’ after seeing video of him ‘feeling like Maradona’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans are convinced that Marcus Rashford is destined for a great season.The 26-year-old was filmed doing a series of skilful keepy-uppies during a pre-season training session this week.Marcus Rashford caught the eye of Man Utd fans during a pre-season training sessionCredit: X formerly Twitter / @ManUtdThe forward impressed fans with his skills while doing keepy-uppiesCredit: X formerly Twitter / @ManUtdSome fans are now convinced he will be United’s best player next seasonCredit: AlamyHe appeared calm and composed while attempting some difficult tricks before being called to join his team-mates.And fans are now convinced that he will be ready to take the Premier League by storm when the 2024-25 campaign starts next month.One person took to X to write: “Rashy is coming for you all.”Another commented: “He’s scoring 40 goals this season.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA third wrote: “Feeling like Maradona innit.”While a fourth said: “Marcus is on fire, I bet he will have a wonderful coming season.”Rashford enjoyed an outstanding campaign when Erik ten Hag first took over at Old Trafford.During the 2022-23 season he scored 30 goals and provided 10 assists in 56 appearances across all competitions.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHowever, he experienced a drop-off last year.He registered 13 goal contributions in 43 appearances last season and subsequently missed out on a spot at Euro 2024 with England.Manchester United’s top transfer targetsSunSport revealed earlier this month that Man Utd could listen to offers for Rashford this summer.The Red Devils want £80million for the forward but could drop their asking price to around £60m. More

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      Giant 18 stone heavyweight Zhilei Zhang ready to fight Jake Paul as fans fear he would ‘create second Big Bang’

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      HEAVYWEIGHT superstar Zhilei Zhang has revealed he is up for a fight with Jake Paul.Zhang, 41, weighs over 18 stone and has beaten top fighters including Deontay Wilder, Joe Joyce and Filip Hrgovic.Zhilei Zhang has said he is up for a fight with Jake PaulCredit: Richard Pelham / The SunFans are concerned that Paul would be hurt if the pair took to the ringCredit: GettyPaul, who is still relatively new to professional boxing, weighs in some FOUR STONE lighter than the Chinese hitter.But as the internet sensation’s reputation continues to grow, Zhang has thrown his hat into the ring as a potential future opponent.Speaking to Razed, Zhang said: “I would try it [fighting Jake Paul] why not? If the opportunity presents itself then I will.”I look at Jake Paul from this perspective. I believe that he came out of the influencer background as a boxer.READ MORE IN BOXING”But since he started boxing, he has become dedicated and trains with all the blood, sweat, and tears. He’s been through it.”Paul has taken on a number of crossover fights with wins over UFC icons Nate Diaz and Anderson Silva now on his record.But the 27-year-old does have one loss on his 10-1 career record, a split decision at the hands of out-and-out Tommy Fury.A bout with Zhang would be punching above his weight in more than one way and boxing fans have expressed their concern with what could happen to Paul should a fight ever go ahead.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOne wrote on social media: “Zhilei Zhang would create a second Big Bang except this one wouldn’t be just a theory.”While another added: “He’d knock him out the ring!”Jake Paul calls out Mike Tyson and UFC champion Alex Pereira after KOing Mike PerryA third commented: “Jake lost against Tommy Fury. Zhang would seriously seriously hurt him, he’s never taking this fight lol.”And a fourth posted: “Jake Paul only fights people a lot smaller than him, amateurs or ex MMA fighters… he would never fight Zhang in a million years.”Paul’s latest fight came last week when he beat UFC star Mike Perry in the ring, knocking him down three times in the process.But before any kind of fight with Zhang could be lined up, Paul has a huge face off with Mike Tyson to come.The pair were originally supposed to fight this month, before Tyson pulled out with a medical emergency – leading Perry to step in as his replacement.But the two fighters will now lock horns on November 15, with the fight being broadcast live on Netflix.Zhang’s most recent fight was a victory too with the southpaw getting the better of Wilder in Saudi Arabia last month.Jake Paul battered Mike Perry in the ring last weekCredit: Getty More

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      Reece James admits Enzo Fernandez’s racist storm could be a ‘problem’ in Chelsea dressing room

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      REECE JAMES has admitted Enzo Fernandez’s return to the Chelsea squad on Monday could cause a “problem”.The Argentina midfielder will join his Blues teammates in America ahead of their game against Manchester City – seeing them for the first time since sparking a racism storm.Reece James admits Enzo Fernandez’s return to the Chelsea dressing room could be a ‘problem’Credit: GettyFernandez was among a group of Argentina players filmed singing a derogatory song after the Copa America finalCredit: Instagram @enzojfernandezFernandez remains under internal investigation after filming himself and international teammates chanting a racist and homophobic song about France’s black players as they celebrated winning the Copa America.Chelsea teammate Wesley Fofana called out the club record signing’s “uninhibited racism” and while new manager Enzo Maresca said he is confident everything will be fine, captain James conceded they will not know until Fernandez arrives.Asked if the incident could impact the changing room, James said: “Of course.”There’s always the factor where it doesn’t sit right with people when there could be a problem.READ MORE ON CHELSEA”But until the day comes where everyone’s together and in a room together, I don’t know, but I hope things can be resolved smoothly and we can move forward with the season.”Speaking to ESPN, James added: “I spoke to him a bit, but it was hard because we were in different time zones.”Just a general chat really. His views on what happened and him trying to explain his situation and how things happened.”It’s a really difficult situation. There’s no room for racism or discrimination in football.Most read in FootballChelsea’s US tour partyGoalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Marcus Bettinelli, Eddie Beach, Lucas Bergstrom.Defenders: Reece James, Malo Gusto, Josh Acheampong, Wesley Fofana, Axel Disasi, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, Carney Chukwuemeka, Romeo Lavia.Midfielders: Lesley Ugochukwu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Andrey Santos.Forwards: Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Armando Broja, Tyrique George, Marc Guiu, Angelo.Rested: Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher, Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer.Reported injured: Petrovic   Left out:  Trevoh Chalobah, Alfie Gilchrist, Malang Sarr, Cesare Casadei, Leo Castledine, Deivid Washington, Diego Moreira, Omari Kellyman, Caleb Wiley, Tino Anjorin, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Mason Burstow, David Datro Fofana, Bashir Humphreys, Romelu Lukaku, Alex Matos, Gabriel Slonina, Harvey Vale, Dujuan Richards, Kiano Dyer, Billy Gee, Harrison Murray-Campbell, Ishe Samuels-Smith, Zak Sturge, Jimi Tauriainen, Travis Akomeah, Ato Ampah, Somto Boniface, Luke Campbell, Brodi Hughes, Harrison McMahon, Donnell McNeilly, Leo Cardoso, Max Merrick, Jimmy-Jay Morgan, Richard Olise, Samuel Rak-Sakyi, Frankie Runham, Reiss-Alexander Russell-Denny, Zain Silcott-Duberry, Ronnie Stutter, Shaun Wade, Kaiden Wilson.”I think he quickly put his hand up and acknowledged he’d done wrong and apologised to his team-mates, the club and the rest of the people that were offended.”I think that was probably the best he could have done in that situation.”Chelsea ratings vs WrexhamDespite James’ claims, manager Maresca is hopeful there will not be a clash in the dressing room.Ahead of Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Wrexham earlier this week, he said: “It is quite easy in terms of the player did a statement, apologised and the club did the same.”At the end, they are all human beings, I don’t think there are any bad intentions from any one of them.”When Enzo is back, I don’t think we will have any problems, the player already clarified the situation and the club did the same. There is nothing to add, he is not a bad person or human being. It can happen.”Argentine president Javier Milei flew to France this week for talks with French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in the hope of diffusing the situation ahead of the Olympics.Fernandez has issued an apology following the incident.He took to social media to write: “I want to apologise sincerely for a video posted on my Instagram channel during the national team celebrations.”The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations.”That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character. I am truly sorry.”Wesley Fofana called out Fernandez’s ‘uninhibited racism’Credit: GettyEnzo Maresca hopes there will be no major problemsCredit: Getty More