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      in Soccer

      Chelsea and Man City’s Club World Cup prize money confirmed with Premier League giants raking in millions

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      CHELSEA and Manchester City have been dangled a near £100million carrot for taking part in this summer’s controversial expanded Club World Cup.City aces including Rodri and Kevin de Bruyne, as well as England skipper Harry Kane, have been among the global stars accusing football chiefs of piling even more games on a congested calendar, without thinking about player welfare.Manchester City or Chelsea could claim almost £100million in prize money if they win this summer’s Club World CupChelsea qualified as 2021 Champions League winnersAnd Man City are part of it after winning Europe’s elite competition in 2023But Fifa President Gianni Infantino believes his latest pet project will become a huge event.And Zurich officials have now outlined exactly how the £775m prize fund – with Fifa insisting every penny will go to clubs around the world – will be split.Fifa say the winners will earn up to $125m – which is a fraction over £97m – under a heavily performance-related prize structure.Clubs can earn a maximum £68m if they win all three group games and go all the way to lift the trophy in New York’s MetLife Stadium on July 13, with the final itself worth £31m to the winners and £23m to the runners up.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThat adds up to a total £368m in performance-related cash, with the remaining £407m split between the 32 competing teams as entrance money.However, to prevent the enormous sum warping the competitive balance in smaller countries, there will not be an even split – which would have seen each club earn around £13m.Instead, the majority of the pool will go to the 12 European qualifiers, with Real Madrid understood to have taken the biggest individual fee of around £30m and Austrian outfit Salzburg taking £10m.Chelsea and City, who qualified as Champions League winners between 2021 and 2024 and who are both also high in the Uefa coefficient table, are each understood to be taking slightly less than Madrid.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeBut New Zealand’s Auckland City, representing Oceania, will be handed just £2.8m while the six South American qualifiers – four from Brazil and Boca Juniors and River Plate from Argentina – will get £11.8m each.The tournament, which has been publicly backed by US President Donald Trump, will kick off on June 14 with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami playing Egypt’s Al-Ahly in the Hard Rock Stadium home of the Miami Dolphins.Argentina humiliate Brazil 4-1 with Emi Martinez even doing keepy ups in his own box in fiery World Cup qualifier Chelsea’s opening opponents remain unclear after Mexican side Leon were bored out of the tournament by Fifa because they are part of the same Multi Club Ownership group as Pachuca.Leon have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to be readmitted but Fifa will not confirm a replacement team for the match in Atlanta on June 16 until the resolution of the legal issues.Chelsea’s other opponents for the group stage are Brazilians Flamengo and Tunisian side Esperance.City will open against Morocco’s Wydad in Philadelphia on June 18 before matches against Al Ain of Abu Dhabi and Juventus.If both Prem clubs win their groups they cannot meet in the competition before the final. More

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      in Motorsport

      Max Verstappen ‘not happy with Red Bull’s decision to axe F1 team-mate Liam Lawson after just two races’

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN has been left frustrated by Red Bull’s reported decision to sack team-mate Liam Lawson just two races into the new season.Lawson, 23, has endured a difficult start to his Red Bull career, failing to score a single point from three opportunities despite driving one of the best cars on the grid.Max Verstappen is frustrated with the decision to sack team-mate Liam LawsonCredit: AlamyLawson has endured a difficult start to his Red Bull careerCredit: AFPYuki Tsunoda is expected to replace Lawson at Red BullCredit: GettyAccording to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, the decision has been made to demote the New Zealander after his recent promotion from the Racing Bulls team and call up Yuki Tsunoda instead.However, Verstappen has been left disappointed and he expressed his disagreement with the decision that is expected to be confirmed soon.According to The Telegraph, the swap is imminent but there are some final details to be ironed out.The switch will be made official before the Japan Grand Prix next week.Read More on F1The defending Formula One world champion previously sang Lawson’s praises despite his tough start.Verstappen said: “That Racing Bulls car is easier to drive than ours. I notice that when I talk to Liam.”Last year the difference between him and Yuki wasn’t that big, I thought. “Otherwise the team wouldn’t have made the choice to put Liam in at Red Bull.”Most read in MotorsportTsunoda is expected to become Verstappen’s sixth different partner at Red Bull since he made the step up in 2016.That is after Daniel Riccardo, Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez and Lawson.Max Verstappen takes to the stage at F1 launch event at the O2 And the Japanese driver is facing a daunting task as all of the above struggled alongside the Dutchman. More

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      in Soccer

      Iran become seventh team to qualify for World Cup 2026 – but may not be allowed to play in it

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      IRAN have become the latest team to qualify for next year’s World Cup.However, the Asian nation may not even be allowed to play in it.Iran have become the latest team to reach the 2026 World CupCredit: AFPThe Asian nation may not be able to play in it next yearCredit: GettyTwo goals from Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi saw Iran draw 2-2 against Uzbekistan on Monday.The result sealed Iran’s place at the 2026 World Cup, their fourth finals in a row and their seventh in total.But questions surround Iran’s appearance at next year’s tournament.The competition takes place in Mexico, Canada and the USA.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe three host countries are automatically through to the group stage.While Japan, New Zealand and Argentina have also booked their spots.Yet Iran may be blocked from playing due to a potential travel ban issued by the USA.Donald Trump’s government has proposed a list of 41 countries that could fall under the umbrella.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIt would mean citizens of those nations would have extreme trouble entering the USA.And Iran is high on that list along with the likes of North Korea, Yemen and Syria.Argentina players celebrate humiliating rivals Brazil in World Cup qualifier President Trump previously banned travel from Iran during his first termCredit: The Mega AgencyThere are other countries that could end up qualifying for the World Cup who also feature on the list.Cameroon, Sudan, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, DR Congo and Venezuela are all still in with a shout of reaching the finals.A travel ban is yet to be confirmed by the current administration.But during his first term, President Trump barred the arrival of people from several countries including Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.While on January 20, President Trump signed an executive order designed to “protect the USA and its citizens” from “aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes.” More

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      in Boxing

      ‘One hand and you still lost’ – Tommy Fury hits out at Jake Paul over Anthony Joshua fight and teases huge rematch

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      TOMMY FURY has hit out at Jake Paul following his callout of Anthony Joshua – and teased a rematch with his rival. Fury became the first and so far only to defeat YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul – winning a split-decision in Saudi Arabia in 2023.Tommy Fury hit out at Jake Paul following his callout of Anthony JoshuaCredit: @tommyfuryAnthony Joshua with Jake Paul in Dubai in 2022But the American has bounced back with five wins since and sent social media into a frenzy by brazenly calling out AJ.So Fury – who underwent hand surgery last year to repair an injury – was quick to slam Paul and aimed a dig his way.He said on Instagram: “Just wanted to give a little opinion on everything I’ve been seeing on social media lately. “Jake Paul versus Anthony Joshua – just wanted to come on here and remind everybody that that bum couldn’t even beat me when I basically had a broken hand. READ MORE IN BOXING”I had one hand and he still lost. Jake Paul, I’m still your daddy and everybody weighing this fight up, don’t bother because he ain’t worth a shilling. “And a loss will always be there Mr Paul. Take it easy and have a good day.” Paul, 28, most recently beat Mike Tyson, 58, in November with the fight marred in controversy amid the huge age gap between them. But still over 100 MILLION watched on Netflix – prompting shock talks to fight Canelo Alvarez in May in Las Vegas.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut Canelo, 34, walked away from the bout to instead sign a four-fight deal with Saudi Arabia’s Turki Alalshikh.And with Paul looking for his next opponent, he called out two-time heavyweight world champion Joshua, 35, on his podcast. Jake Paul reveals talks for Tommy Fury rematch and slams Canelo Alvarez over failed fight Paul said: “I want to fight Anthony Joshua – exclusive – because I know I will f***ing beat Anthony Joshua’s ass.”He doesn’t have a chin, and he has no skill and he’s stiff. I love you Anthony, we’e friends, all this s*** but I want to fight you.” AJ’s promoter Eddie Hearn is open to talks and suggested it would earn Joshua £100MILLION and break pay-per-view records. Fury, 25, meanwhile beat Paul’s arch rival KSI, 31, via disputed decision in October 2023 but has not returned since following his surgery. He was due to do so against Darren Till, 32, in January but he pulled out after the ex-UFC star threatened to KICK him in the head. But Fury told fans in a written message: “I’m in the best shape of my life, fit and ready to go. “Got some really big fight news on the way for you guys. Stay tuned!!” READ MORE SUN STORIESPaul did reveals talks for a rematch with Fury, telling SunSport: “Definitely that’s on the docket and those conversations have been going on for quite some time.“I think it is gonna happen when it makes sense for everyone, but for sure it’s gonna happen.”Tommy Fury beat Jake Paul in 2023Credit: AFP More

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      in Soccer

      Liverpool would be BOTTOM of Premier League table for English stars’ playing time without Trent Alexander-Arnold

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      LIVERPOOL are the champions-elect of England — yet have never given less playing time to English players.And now homegrown hero Trent Alexander-Arnold looks set to leave Anfield for Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer.Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones are one of five first team players eligible to play for England at LiverpoolBut Alexander-Arnold is the only regular starter in Arne Slot’s XIWhich means  the Reds could find themselves bottom of the table next season when it comes to footballers qualified to play for Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel.In Kop chief Arne Slot’s debut season, Liverpool’s English contingent have racked up the second-highest total of minutes in all competitions — behind his fellow Dutchmen Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch.But although Slot has fielded 11 different English players, Alexander-Arnold’s 2,869 minutes represents almost 35 per cent of the total.In the Premier League, Englishmen have played 4,258 minutes for the Reds,  the fifth-lowest figure in the top flight.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd Alexander-Arnold, despite his injury issues, accounts for 2,157 of them  — more than half.Take the right-back out of the team and the total falls to 2,101, only slightly more than the 2,075 that puts Wolves in 20th place.If Alexander-Arnold does leave and his replacement is not English — current understudy Conor Bradley is a Northern Ireland international — Liverpool’s English presence could be the lowest in the Prem  next season. The Reds are set for their lowest number of English minutes in the Premier League era, unless Alexander-Arnold regains fitness fast or Curtis Jones, Jarell Quansah and Harvey Elliott can feature prominently in their nine remaining league games.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOf course, the fact Liverpool’s five- highest totals came in the first five seasons of the revamped competition demonstrates a wider trend.The situation at Anfield is one example of the challenge that Tuchel — and any England manager — has in finding English players operating at the top level.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsAs things stand, this season is on course to be one of the lowest overall shares of Premier League minutes for Englishmen, dipping below 30 per cent for only the second time.If Champions League football is the gold standard of club football, then the figures do not make great reading for Tuchel — or for Liverpool’s Englishmen, either. The club gave 1,684 minutes of action to English players in Europe’s premier competition, the lowest of the Prem’s four entrants across the same number of games — and only slightly more than Italian giants AC Milan.And Aston Villa, who are in the quarter-finals unlike Liverpool, have given nearly twice as much time to Englishmen in their campaign so far (3,318 minutes).Joe Gomez is not a regular starter for Liverpool, even though he’s currently out injuredCredit: The Mega AgencyAlexander-Arnold, “the Scouser in our team”, is England’s only representative in Slot’s first XI.The Reds have always looked beyond the country’s borders for players, dating back to their foundation.When John Houlding left Everton to set up a rival club in 1892, he drafted in a lot of Scots, leading to newly-formed Liverpool being nicknamed “Team of all the Macs”.Current left-back Andy Robertson is just the latest legend in a proud Scottish heritage that includes Kop heroes like Billy Liddell, Bill Shankly, Ron Yeats,  Ian St John, Kenny Dalglish, Alan  Hansen and Graeme Souness.When Dalglish led Liverpool to the Double in 1986 as manager, none of the starting XI in the FA Cup final against Everton were English.However, in Liverpool’s six European Cup/Champions League wins, there were as many as nine and never fewer than two English starters.The trophy was lifted by an English captain every time —  except in 1984 when Souness did the honours.Alexander-Arnold was the other Englishman in Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI on a Madrid night in 2019 that ended with Jordan Henderson collecting the silverware after a 2-0 win over Tottenham.READ MORE SUN STORIESLiverpool have never started a European Cup or Champions League game without an English player.If Alexander-Arnold leaves, that proud tradition could well end.How Trent could look at the Bernabeu next season More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd protest group The 1958 to hold rally at home of rebel club in joint attack on hated owners The Glazers

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      PROTEST GROUP The 1958 will stage a rally at the home of rebels FC United of Manchester in a joint attack on the Glazer family.A “United United Day” will take place at the home of the Northern Premier League side.A protest is set to be held at FC United’s Broadhurst Park ground on SaturdayCredit: PABoth sets of fans will come together to take aim at the GlazersCredit: GettyThe Glazer family took over Man Utd 20 years agoCredit: AFPThe club was formed as a breakaway against Manchester United’s American owners after they took over in 2005.And on Saturday at the Broadhurst Park home of FC United, thousands of fans plan to come together in one symbolic protest.FC United declared: “The Glazer family has pillaged Manchester United and divided the fanbase for two decades. This cannot go on.”FC United of Manchester was born from frustration with the Glazers’ control of Manchester United.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Twenty years later, we continue to stand as an alternative – offering a fan-owned, affordable football experience.“Our message remains the same: We stand together in solidarity, demanding responsible ownership at Manchester United.”The “Red Rebels” add: “FC United of Manchester has always been a 100 per cent fan-owned club, offering affordable football and a true community atmosphere.“Whether you are priced out of Old Trafford or seeking something different, FC United offers a place for supporters to make their own choices.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKThe demo will take place before FC United’s clash with Stockton Town.The 1958 stress: “For over 20 years the United fanbase have been fractured. The ‘United United Day’ protest is a show of intent.Man Utd fans launch foul-mouthed protest at Sir Jim Ratcliffe and call him a ‘c—‘ over ticket price decision“It’s a stand for affordable football. It’s a stand for fan culture. It’s a stand for responsible ownership.“It’s also a stand to show who the enemy really is; the Glazers. For too long Reds have been pitted against Reds. No more.“For twenty years the Glazers have treated Manchester United as a personal cash cow, draining over £1billion from the club while lining their own pockets.“This has led to a club in disrepair, supporters priced out, and a future under their control that looks increasingly bleak.”United fans have stepped up their protests this year after Glazer debt hit the £1bn mark.New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has brutally cut costs by slashing jobs and axing funding to player charities as he feared the club would run out of money.Ticket prices have also been raised with season tickets up 5 per cent and the cheapest single matchday seat available at £66. More

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      in Soccer

      Kai Havertz and wife Sophia welcome baby boy in adorable post as Arsenal star becomes dad for first time

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      KAI HAVERTZ and wife Sophia have welcomed their first child.The Arsenal star, 25, confirmed the birth of their baby boy on Instagram.Kai Havertz posted this picture on his Instagram pageCredit: kaihavertz29/InstagramHavertz has been with wife Sophia since 2018The German posted an adorable photo of him and his wife holding their newborn’s hand.Havertz captioned it: “Welcome to the world our little boy. We love you so much!”The forward’s post received more than 50,000 likes in just half an hour.While plenty of Havertz’s pals left nice comments.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOleksandr Zinchenko and Arsenal’s official Instagram account left heart emojis.While Havertz’s former club Bayer Leverkusen wrote: “Congratulations to the entire Havertz family!”His former Chelsea team-mate Marcos Alonso added: “Wowww! Congratz!!!”And Blues goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli left heart-eyes and heart emojis.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHavertz and Sophia have been together since 2018Credit: GettySophia has watched her man from the stands at matchesCredit: GettyHavertz has been with influencer Sophia since 2018.The pair got engaged in 2023 and wed last July.Kai Havertz ruled out for rest of SEASON with torn hamstring in devastating blow to Arsenal’s title dreamsThey subsequently announced that they were expecting their first child in November last year, calling it their “biggest blessing”.At the time Helene Spilling, partner of Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, said: “We can’t wait to meet your little one.”While Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson added: “SO EXCITED!!!!”Havertz is currently sidelined for the season after tearing his hamstring last month.The former Chelsea star suffered the injury during Arsenal’s warm weather training trip to Dubai.Havertz has been forced to watch games from the sidelines in recent weeksCredit: Getty More

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      in Athletics

      ‘He’d beat me until I was sick’ – Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s troubling first day in court facing his father

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      JAKOB INGEBRIGTSEN accused his father of sickening emotional and physical abuse during a harrowing first day in court.The two-time Olympic gold medallist, 24, claims that his father and former coach, Gjert, “controlled” him and his siblings.Jakob Ingrebrigtsen sits alongside his lawyer on day one of the trialCredit: AFPIngrebrigtsen, 24, has made a series of allegations against his fatherCredit: AlamyIngebrigtsen alleges that his father assaulted him several times during his childhood, and that the emotional toll of the abuse has affected him in his adult life.The middle and long-distance runner referred to his father “as the defendant” during day one of the trial – claiming his actions were “not worthy” of being called a father.Gjert, 59, denies the allegations.Recalling getting in trouble at school aged “seven or eight”, Ingebrigtsen told the courtroom in Sandnes, Norway: “I’m just standing in the kitchen and looking down at the ground.READ MORE IN SPORT”The defendant is standing over me and screaming at me. He hits me several times on the top of the head.”I try to protect myself from violence, before he takes my hands and puts them down on my side… to continue hitting me in the head.”I remember freezing and wanting it to be over. I was just paralysed.”On another alleged incident at a hotel, Ingebrigtsen added: “If I didn’t do as he did, he would come and shame me and beat me until I was sick.”Most read in AthleticsGjert Ingebrigtsen, who denies assaulting his children, in a courtroom sketchCredit: APJakob Ingrebrigtsen is a two-time Olympic gold medallistCredit: PAIt was also claimed that Gjert threatened to beat his son “to death” during an argument in a car.Ingebrigtsen has six siblings; Henrik, Filip, Kristoffer, Martin, Ingrid, and William.I was a reality TV star dubbed the ‘cardio Kim Kardashian’ – now I’m making my own way and targeting Olympic goldJakob, Henrik and Filip have gone to become professional athletes, with the family’s journey detailed in the documentary series “Team Ingebrigtsen” between 2016 and 2021.The trio split with their father as coach in 2022, and the following year made allegations against him public.During day one of the trial, Jakob claimed that they decided to do so in order to protect younger sister Ingrid, 19.He said: “The motive is to look after and help her as best we can, and take care of ourselves.”Try to get out of the difficult situations and the lives we have had. I can’t think of any other motives than that.”‘SABOTAGE’Ingebrigtsen claimed that he had witnessed Ingrid being struck in the face with a wet towel in 2022 for not wanting to become a professional athlete like her older brothers.It was alleged that Gjert threatened to “sabotage” his sons careers when they split with him as coach three years ago.Asked about the toll of his father’s behaviour by the prosecutor, Ingebrigtsen said: “I definitely think it affected the way I was able to be a child.”I always looked over my shoulder and thought about the possible consequences of what I did.When I got a girlfriend and wife, it was difficult to have a life togetherJakob Ingebrigtsen”As a teenager, I realised that the less I did, the safer I was. I became very conscious about showing emotions and ended up not doing it. To protect myself.”I now struggle a lot with letting people in and trusting me. When I got a girlfriend and wife, it was difficult to have a life together.”You have to show feelings and be there for each other. Be a person who contributes to the family. It’s difficult when I’ve lived a life with a lot of stress.”Ingebrigtsen is married to childhood sweetheart Elisabeth Asserson.When they wanted to move in together aged 18, Jakob claims that his father called them “terrorists”.Gjert did not attend their wedding in 2023, although their mother Tone was present.’CHARACTERISED BY FEAR’On how he was raised, Ingebrigtsen said: “My upbringing was very much characterised by fear.”Everything was controlled and decided for me. There was an enormous amount of manipulation.”As a teenager I felt I had no free will or say in anything.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe trial is expected to last around two months.Gjert is scheduled to give evidence next week. More