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      David Beckham to finally be awarded knighthood after string of near misses & disappointments over more than a decade

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      DAVID Beckham is to finally be awarded a knighthood, The Sun can reveal.The footie legend, 50, will become a ‘Sir’ in the King’s Birthday Honours list next week.David Beckham is to finally be awarded a knighthood – with wife Victoria set to be known as Lady BeckhamCredit: GettyThe ex-England and Man United star has longed for a knighthood for yearsCredit: PADavid has struck up a firm friendship with King CharlesCredit: PAHis Spice Girl wife Victoria will be known as Lady Beckham.Ex-England and Man United star Becks has longed for a knighthood for years.The news will also bring some joy to the Beckham household amid a rift with their eldest son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz.Politicians and fellow sports stars have spent years calling for the man known as “Golden Balls” to receive a knighthood.READ MORE ON DAVID BECKHAMThe father of four — who played 115 times for England and has made major contributions to charity— has struck up a firm friendship with King Charles.And the monarch dropped a potential hint last month that his wait was coming to an end.Countryside-loving Becks, who is an ambassador of The King’s Foundation, was seen greeting Charles and Queen Camilla at the Chelsea Flower Show.Coveted honourHe shares a passion for horticulture with Charles and sported the King’s rose in his lapel.Most read in FootballCharles asked him: “You got it, didn’t you?”Becks replied: “It was incredible, thank you. It was very kind.”David Beckham meets with King Charles at Chelsea Flower ShowLetters inviting recipients to accept honours are sent out weeks in advance – and one may have already landed on David’s mat at the time of their chat.He was first put forward for a knighthood in 2011 after helping to secure the London 2012 Olympics.But he was blocked from getting the title by the Honours Committee after becoming caught up in a tax avoidance scheme, along with many other stars.Becks retired from playing in 2013, and his finances were cleared by the taxman at least four years ago – paving the way for him to finally get the coveted honour.Many thought it would finally come in 2022, after he spent 13 hours queuing with the public to pay his respects at Queen Elizabeth’s coffin, which lay in state in Westminster.But he was again left waiting for the honour.The Beckham household will be glad of the good news amid a rift with their eldest son Brooklyn and his wife Nicola PeltzCredit: GettyThe Beckhams from left to right: Romeo, Rome’s former girlfriend Kim Turnbull, Harper, Victoria, David, Cruz and Cruz’s girlfriend Jackie ApostelCredit: Tim StewartThe Sun understands he narrowly missed out on a knighthood in the New Year Honours List published in December last year.Former England football manager Gareth Southgate got the award.David had been given an OBE in 2003 for services to football.He received it from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, watched by proud Victoria, sons Brooklyn and Romeo, and his grandparents.David and his wife — who shot to fame with the Spice Girls before becoming a successful fashion designer — have an estimated combined net worth of £500million.David also has a long history of charitable work, which will have been considered by officials on the Honours Committee.It was inspiring to hear from The King about the work of His Majesty’s FoundationDavid BeckhamLast year, he was formally made a charity ambassador by the King, and beekeeper Becks was buzzing with excitement at teaming up with him.Charles invited Beckham to Highgrove to learn more about the charity, which focuses on “creating better communities where people, places and the planet can coexist in harmony”.Tours of the grounds help to fund workshops and courses in traditional skills and crafts, and the former footie star met woodworking and embroidery students.Becks said at the time: “I’m excited to be working with The King’s Foundation and to have the opportunity to help raise awareness of the charity’s work.Former footie ace David played 115 times for EnglandCredit: News Group Newspapers LtdDavid and wife Victoria have an estimated combined net worth of £500millionCredit: Instagram”I’ve always been keen to help young people to expand their horizons and I’m particularly looking forward to supporting the Foundation’s education programmes and its efforts to ensure young people have greater access to nature.“Having developed a love for the countryside I’m also on a personal mission to learn more about rural skills which is so central to the Foundation’s work.“It was inspiring to hear from The King about the work of His Majesty’s Foundation during my recent visit to Highgrove Gardens — and compare beekeeping tips.”In 2020, he teamed up with the Chelsea Pensioners as he backed The Sun’s campaign to save the Poppy Appeal amid the devastating Covid lockdown.He said he was “in awe” of the veterans as he delivered poppies to their London HQ.David added: “With another lockdown coming it is more important than ever that we support our veterans.”David teamed up with the Chelsea Pensioners as he backed The Sun’s campaign to save the Poppy AppealCredit: The SunBecks, also dad to son Cruz and daughter Harper, has carried out lots of charity work focusing on children, and was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador 20 years ago.To mark his 50th birthday last month he appealed for donations for the charity.He was also a founding member of the leadership council of charity Malaria No More in 2009, helping to eradicate the disease, even visiting No 10 to highlight the issue.In 2023, he delighted the Brentford Penguins – a football team for children with Down’s Syndrome — with a visit to celebrate them winning one of The Sun’s Who Cares Wins awards.He took footballing son Romeo with him to lead a surprise training session.David celebrated his 50th last month with a string of parties, though Brooklyn stayed away.Read More on The SunThe honours will be formally announced later this month.The government does not comment on them beforehand.WINNER ON PITCH AND OFFBECKHAM enjoyed an 18-year career that included winning titles in four countries — England, Spain, the US and France — and made him one of the world’s best-known footballers. Some of his most striking moments are:APRIL 1995: Becks makes his Premier League debut for Manchester United in a 0-0 draw against Leeds.AUGUST 1996: Scores famous goal from halfway line against Wimbledon.MARCH 1997: Meets Spice Girl Victoria at an Old Trafford charity match.JANUARY 1998: Posh and Becks announce their engagement.JUNE 1998: Plays in his first World Cup with England but is sent off in defeat against Argentina.MARCH 1999: Has his first child, son Brooklyn, with fiancée Victoria.MAY 1999: Wins the treble with United as they beat Bayern Munich in the Champions League final.JULY 1999: Weds Posh in lavish ceremony in Dublin’s Luttrellstown Castle.NOVEMBER 2000: Named England captain for first time.OCTOBER 2001: Celebrates as his free-kick goal against Greece takes England to World Cup, left.JUNE 2003: Joins Real Madrid after falling out of favour with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.JANUARY 2005: Becomes a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, having previously supported its work for children.MARCH 2005: Opens his first football academy.JULY 2005: Helps London to win its bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games.JULY 2007: Joins US side LA Galaxy, before two loan moves to Italian giants AC Milan while in LA.JANUARY 2013: Joins Paris Saint-Germain, donating wages to kids’ charity.MAY 2013: Retires from professional football.FEBRUARY 2015: The 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund is launched to mark his tenth year as goodwill ambassador.JUNE 2024: Becomes a King’s Foundation ambassador. More

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      ‘No chance now’ – Arsenal fans terrified Arteta will scrap striker transfer chase after Nations League semi-final

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      ARSENAL fans are worried that Mikel Arteta could call off their striker search this summer after Mikel Merino continued his fine form in front of goal.Merino, 28, scored once again as he helped Spain reach the Nations League final with an astonishing 5-4 victory over France.Mikel Merino continued his goalscoring formCredit: GettyMerino tucked away a delightful weak-footed finish as Spain ran riot over France in the Nations LeagueCredit: ReutersThe Gunners are crying out for a centre-forward this summer and reports suggest that they will be bringing in a new frontman over the coming months.Arteta’s injury ravaged side forced him to put central midfielder Merino up top for the latter stages of the season.And the former Real Sociedad star, who had never played as a striker before, took the opportunity with both hands – scoring seven goals and registering four assists from February onwards.Now Merino has continued that form with Spain, scoring with a delightful finish on his week foot to help his nation to a dramatic win over France on Thursday night.READ MORE ON ARSENALAs well taken as the goal was, Arsenal fans have been left concerned by the performance – worrying Mikel Arteta will ditch his plans to sign one of Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres in favour of using Merino.On social media, one wrote: “Merino scoring again for Spain. Yeah there’s no chance Arteta buys a striker this summer…”While another added: “I’m happy Merino is scoring… but then again, I don’t want Arteta to start getting any ideas”.A third joked: “What is Mikel Merino doing? Now Mikel Arteta won’t buy a striker.”Most read in FootballMikel Arteta is looking for a new striker for the Gunners this summerCredit: AFPMerino had a superb end to the campaign as a striker for ArsenalJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesAnd a fourth posted: “Who needs Gyokeres?”Reports have suggested that one of Sesko or Gyokeres will be Emirates bound come the end of the summer window.Ex-Arsenal starlet jailed over plot to smuggle £600k of cannabis into UKAs for Merino’s contribution to Spain, he was one of four different scorers for the European champions in a crazy semi-final.A Lamine Yamal brace, and goals from Pedri and Nico Williams piled misery on France who put up a late comeback, but still fell short of Spain’s class.Real Madrid newbie Dean Huijsen was almost on the scoresheet too, but saw his spectacular acrobatic effort ruled out for offside – robbing the 20-year-old of a memorable first goal for the national team.France managed to force a Dani Vivian own goal, a Kylian Mbappe penalty and a jaw-dropping long-range debut goal from Man City-bound Rayan Cherki.While Randal Kolo Muani made it 5-4 in injury time, but it wasn’t enough to undo the damage caused by Spain earlier in the game.Spain will now face Portugal in the Nations League final on Sunday.That match, hosted at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena, will see a match up of the past vs the future when Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, and Lamine Yamal, 17, face off for the first ever time.Nico Williams opened the scoring for SpainCredit: GettyPedri was also on the scoresheetCredit: ReutersLamine Yamal bagged a brace for SpainCredit: AFPKylian Mbappe converted from the spot for FranceCredit: AFPRayan Cherki scored a stunning long-range effort on his debut for the French national teamCredit: Reuters More

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      Gender row Olympic champion Imane Khelif skips tournament days after World Boxing announce mandatory sex testing

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      IMANE KHELIF will SKIP the Eindhoven Box Cup just a week after World Boxing announced mandatory sex testing for all athletes.The Algerian, along with Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting, was the focal point of an explosive gender row that dominated the 2024 Olympics in Paris last summer.Olympic champion Imane Khelif will skip the Eindhoven Box CupCredit: AFPKhelif will miss the tournament after failing to register in timeCredit: APKhelif’s absence comes just days after World Boxing announced mandatory sex testing for all athletes under their jurisdictionCredit: REUTERSKhelif fought at the Games 18 months after being banned from competing at the Women’s World Championships for allegedly failing a gender eligibility test.The alleged test administered by the International Boxing Association is said to have determined that both Khelif and Yu-Ting have male XY chromosomes.The pair, however, were permitted to compete by the IOC because of their female passport statuses, to the fury of many.Less than a year after the scandal, World Boxing announced all participants in competitions under their jurisdiction will have to undergo sex testing.READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd Khelif won’t be in action at their first event since the announcement in Eindhoven having missed the deadline to register.Eindhoven Cup media director Dirk Renders said: “The decision of Imane’s exclusion is not ours. We regret it.”Mayor of Eindhoven Joren Dijsselbloem has blasted World Boxing’s decision to implement mandatory sex testing.In a letter to the Dutch Boxing Federation and the International Boxing Federation, he said: “As far as we are concerned, all athletes are welcome in Eindhoven.Most read in Boxing”Excluding athletes based on controversial ‘gender tests’ certainly does not fit in with that.Imane Khelif faced a barrage of abuse after forcing Angela Carini to quit just 46 seconds into their opening match at the Paris GamesCredit: REXKhelif is facing fresh claims she’s a ‘biological male’ following the leaking of the alleged test she failed before the 2023 Women’s World Championships”We are expressing our disapproval of this decision today and are calling on the organization to admit Imane Khelif after all.”Khelif won Algeria’s first-ever female gold medal in boxing at the Paris Games. Gender row Olympics boxer Imane Khelif fires defiant message to Donald Trump after ‘eye-opening experience’ She was subjected to a torrent of abuse on social media after forcing Italy’s Angele Carina to quit just 46 seconds into their opening bout. Her stoppage of Carini sparked claims the gender eligibility test she failed before the 2023 World Championships deemed her to be a “biological male”. That alleged test, which was conducted in New Delhi, was recently published by 3 Wire Sports. The document claimed that chromosome analysis revealed a “male karyotype”. A karotype is the set of chromosomes possessed by an individual.Khelif has yet to speak on the alleged report, but has maintained that she is a biological female from the outset.And she has taken legal action against a number of prominent figures for alleged “aggravated cyber-harassment”, including Elon Musk and JK Rowling. The last ten months have been a rollercoaster of emotions for Khelif, who admits he ordeal has taken its toll.These politicians who are oppressing me, they don’t have the right to say that I’m a transgender.”Imane KhelifShe told El Birard: “Immediately after, there was a big uproar from big politicians around the world, athletes around the world. “And even artists and stars, Elon Musk, Trump.. this thing….. that affected me. “I am not lying to you, it affected me. It affected me a lot, hurt me a lot.”I can’t describe to you the amount of fear I had. The scenario was very scary. “Thank god, all the people of Algeria and the Arab world knew Imane Khelif with her femininity, her courage, her will.”Honestly, I don’t like to get into politics in sports, but they got into politics in sports.Read More on The Sun”Sports and politics are two separate things. “These politicians who are oppressing me, they don’t have the right to say that I’m a transgender.” More

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      ‘I hate it, hate it’ – Premier League official rages at VAR as referee says ‘we knew the monster that had been created’

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      REF Bobby Madley let rip at VAR, insisting its usage means football will never see another Sergio Aguero moment.And Madley slammed Prem chiefs for creating a “monster” that is “ruining” the beautiful game.Referee Bobby Madley has not held back when discussing VARCredit: GettyThe Wakefield-born whistler, 39, who takes charge of EFL games and is a fourth official for top-flight matches, raged: “Most fans weren’t clambering to get video technology.“Players weren’t, referees weren’t, but the multi-million pound people running football had issues with refs getting things wrong.“But we knew the monster that had been created — we knew what was coming.“We’ve got to the stage where people go, ‘Sorry, we’re ruining football with this now’.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThere have been a string of controversies since the technology was introduced in 2019.VAR Lee Mason was axed for failing to rule out a Brentford equaliser against title-chasing Arsenal in 2023 after “forgetting” to draw the offside lines.Howard Webb’s ref body, the PGMOL, issued an apology to Liverpool when VAR wrongly ruled out a Luis Diaz goal in a 2-1 loss to Spurs the following season.Aguero’s famous final-game, stoppage-time winner clinched Manchester City’s first title in 2012.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKBut at the Cheltenham Science Festival, Madley added: “That Aguero moment, where the ref was blowing, nobody’s flagging, you are never going to see that again.“Because everyone will panic as they check a potential offside 15 seconds ago. VAR takes that emotion away. I hate it, hate it.”New footage sees raging Jude Bellingham KICK VAR monitor in frustration after Real Madrid’s last-gasp defeatVAR: Imagine the future…Martin Lipton’s pro VAR viewFAST forward 12 months to May 18, 2025.After 89 minutes at Molineux, Wolves, needing to win their last game of the season to stay up, are beating Manchester United, who require a point for Champions League football.A ball over the top sends Rasmus Hojlund racing away. The flag stays down. Hojlund scores. Wolves are relegated.And on the way home, the dejected Wolves fans see the still image on their phones.Hojlund was 2ft offside. No question. A shocker.It means at least a year in the Championship, £100million income drop, a firesale of the squad. While United bank an extra £50m.But it’s OK. Every  one of those fans, plus smiling boss Gary O’Neil and the  Wolves board, will line up to say: “No worries. It’s what we voted for. Rough with the smooth.”Yes. And I’ve got a bridge to Ireland to sell you. More

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      Sir Alex Ferguson curse strikes again with two more Man Utd title winners sacked and LEAGUE ONE boss rare success story

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      FOOTBALL management, bloody hell — Sir Alex Ferguson made it look so easy that a load of his former Manchester United stars tried it.To say most find it extremely difficult would be an understatement.Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United proteges are not faring very well in managementCredit: GettyMan Utd hero Michael Carrick was sacked by MiddlesbroughCredit: GettyWayne Rooney failed to succeed in various managerial positionsCredit: GettyGary Neville suffered a devastating run at ValenciaCredit: GettyNone of his protegees have come remotely close to what the great Scot managed in his trophy-laden career.Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley are the latest former Fergie apprentices to see their first permanent jobs in English management end with the axe.Ruud van Nistelrooy, dangling by a thread at Leicester, is set to join them.Carrick, 43, showed a lot of early promise — taking Boro to the play-offs in his first full season in 2022-23 after a fourth-placed finish — but lost to Coventry in the semi-finals. Read More on Man UtdHe failed to make the end-of-term Championship lottery in the following two campaigns — and paid for it with Wednesday’s sacking.The Teessiders announced Carrick’s exit in a brief 61-word statement.It was in stark contrast to the relative love letter Watford released to tell the world they had binned Cleverley.Carrick’s former midfield partner, 35, finished his only season as a boss in 14th — not enough to convince the Hornets he deserved a second campaign.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordSporting director Gian Luca Nani wrote: “It has been a privilege to work closely with Tom, to understand how he sees the game and his enthusiasm.“He deserves to be recognised for this and I’m sure he will have a bright future in the game.”’What did he expect?’ – Sir Alex Ferguson looks ‘absolutely disgusted’ in new footage from Man Utd Europa League lossVan Nistelrooy, 48, is still waiting to learn his fate but it would be a surprise at this point if he was not dismissed after taking Leicester down.The Dutchman was one of the greatest goalscorers the Premier League has ever seen after crashing in 150 goals in 219 Red Devils games between 2001 and 2006.So there was a huge irony when his Foxes side failed to net for EIGHT consecutive Prem matches — all of them defeats — between February and April.It all leaves the managerial success stories of Ferguson’s former players looking increasingly thin on the ground.Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville are two of the more disastrous examples.With Rooney’s ill-fated spells at Birmingham and Plymouth and the latter’s Valencia horror show.No one could keep upRoy Keane won Sunderland promotion but his last job was Ipswich in 2011.Blink and you would have missed Paul Scholes’ 31 days managing Oldham.Ryan Giggs’ personal problems look to have kiboshed his coaching ambitions. Jaap Stam got Reading to a play-off final but left the club a year later, while compatriot Robin van Persie’s Heerenveen lost 9-1 to AZ Alkmaar in September — though he is now in charge of Feyenoord.Mark Robins, the man who saved Fergie’s job with a famous FA Cup goal back in 1990, has had a middling start at Stoke after working wonders at Coventry.Phil Neville is in the MLS, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in Turkey and Mark Hughes has been relegated to the National League with Carlisle United despite bossing six Prem teams across 18 years.Arguably, the biggest hit is Steve Bruce, in charge of Blackpool and having managed more than 1,000 games — but don’t tell Newcastle fans that.Read More on The SunAnd with 12 years now passing since Fergie retired, the options of his former players who could still turn their talent to management is fast running out.Jonny Evans, released by United this month, is the last remaining player to have appeared during Ferguson’s reign.Former Man Utd ace Tom Cleverley was let go by WatfordCredit: GettyRuud van Nistelrooy is facing the axe at LeicesterCredit: Shutterstock EditorialMan Utd legend Roy Keane hasn’t coached since 2011Credit: Getty More

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      Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend breaks silence since England star boyfriend had bum pinched by bride-to-be

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM’s girlfriend has broken cover on social media after the England star’s bum was pinched on holiday.The Real Madrid star was soaking in some sun in Ibiza when he was approached to take some snaps with a group of holidaymakers.Ashlyn Castro broke cover on social media after her man’s bum pinch dramaCredit: Instagram @ashlyncastroJude Bellingham had his bum pinched while posing for photos while on holidayCredit: Shutterstock EditorialAshlyn shared some videos and pics of her enjoying a shopping tripCredit: Instagram @AshlyncastroShe was pictured in a clothing storeCredit: Instagram @AshlyncastroAshyln and Bellingham started dating earlier this yearCredit: InstagramOne woman, who appeared to be on a hen-do wearing a bride’s veil, grabbed Bellingham’s backside as they had their picture taken.And days after the 21-year-old’s bum pinch drama, his girlfriend, Ashlyn Castro, has made her first social media post since the incident.Taking to Instagram on Thursday evening, the stunning model and influencer released a collection of four images and pictures.The first saw her standing in a room filled with furniture and a bizarre-looking bit of wall decor.READ MORE ON WAGSAshlyn herself was seen in a black and grey jacket paired with light blue shorts.Next up was a video of Ashlyn taking a series of selfies while riding in the back seat of a cab, as she made a number of different faces, ranging from pouting kisses to smiling.The second image in the post was one of these selfies, with the 27-year-old opting for one showing her with a straight face.Her final addition to the post was a mirror selfie of her appearing to be in a clothes store while she was holding a handbag and wearing the multi-coloured jacket and blue shorts seen earlier. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKFans gushed over the American’s post in the comments.Reality TV star Giuliana Rancic said: “Really so beautiful.”Jude Bellingham’s girlfriend Ashlyn Castro releases emotional statement on relationship history Social media personality Honeybthatsme added a trio of fire emojis.Another fan said: “Always stylish and fashionable.”A second fan added: “Beautiful.”Ashlyn, originally from Los Angeles, has more than 532,000 followers on Instagram.Bellingham was revealed to be dating her in January following a string of dates.The stunning brunette has previously been romantically linked to US basketball star Terance Mann, actor Michael B. Jordan and LaMelo Ball.But in March, she was forced to release a video debunking rumours about her dating life.In the statement, she claimed that she has only had three boyfriends and that people have “made up” a lot of things about her.Ashlyn also debunked false claims she was in another country with a potential partner and one that suggested she was on a boat when it was not even her.Taking to TikTok, Bellingham’s beau said: “I don’t even know where to begin, but I’m going to try my best to just get into it.”It makes me super uncomfortable talking on camera about my personal life. I’ve never even really spoken on camera too many times, so bear with me.”Every angle you can think of, people have attacked me, harassed me, been so disrespectful. It’s just been too much.”Let’s talk about this dating history. I’ve had three boyfriends over the last eight years.”In 2017, I was in my very first relationship and he’s a public figure, so because of that, I’ve dealt with people talking about me, making up things about me.Read More on The Sun”There was nothing on the internet about me prior, so people kind of just made up a bunch of things to justify hating me because of who I was dating at the time.”And then over the last six years after that, I’ve dated two people. So three relationships in total.” More

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      Staggering monthly fee Prem aces pay for luxury online butler service offering private jets, hotels & shopping revealed

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      PREMIER League stars are signing up to a luxury £1,700-a-month online butler service offering private jets, hotels and shopping.The app promises “exclusive lifestyle management for football elites” including help with travel plans, fashion and VIP event tickets.Premier League stars including Joshua Zirkzee are signing up to a luxury £1,700-a-month online butler serviceCredit: GettyThe service offers private jets, hotels, shopping.and moreStars who have downloaded concierge service Amslux include Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch. Man United striker Joshua Zirkzee, new Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders and the ex-Bayern Munich ace Thomas Muller have also joined.The Amsterdam firm was founded six years ago by pals Emmanuel Ntow, Ward Struwer and Mitchell Spel.Their most expensive one-off purchase was for a star of Germany’s Bundesliga who asked them to source a Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711 watch worth £105,000.read more on footballOther requests include handbags worth £20,000 and £10,000 designer trainers.But one anonymous player’s partying ended up in a brush with the law.Emmanuel told The Sun: “A player asked us urgently through Instagram if we could help him with a very difficult last minute request.“He needed a private jet for the next day to Ibiza as all flights were cancelled.Most read in Football“We used all our power to get this done and he was very happy. “A week later when he arrived back from his holiday he asked us to fly two girls in from Ibiza.John Obi Mikel on wild Chelsea nights out in central London and his hilarious friendship with Salomon Kalou“Everything was taken care of but after they landed we were called with a very strange conversation.“He said the girls were not allowed to enter the country because they were being sought by Interpol.”But he said most requests were more straightforward to deal with.Emmanuel said: “We offer personalised travel — whether that’s a secluded private villa, a luxury yacht charter, or a five-star resort.”Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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      Crystal Palace closer than ever to being kicked out of Europe as Man Utd trick to stay in Europa League fails

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      CRYSTAL PALACE are facing complete EXPULSION from Europe next season after Uefa rejected a desperate ploy from club shareholders.The Eagles are facing the prospect of not playing in the Europa League, which they qualified for by winning the FA Cup, due to shareholder John Textor owning a stake in French outfit in Lyon.Crystal Palace are facing complete expulsion from Europe next seasonCredit: ALAMYOliver Glasner’s troops may not play any European footall due to shareholders John Textor and David Blizter owning stakes in clubs in the Europa League and Conference LeagueCredit: GETTYAmerican Textor also owns shares in Ligue 1 side LyonCredit: APLyon are also set to feature in the competition having qualified with a sixth-placed finish in the Ligue 1 last season.Uefa rules prohibit anyone from “simultaneously be involved in any capacity whatsoever in the management, administration, and/or sporting performance of more than one club participating in a Uefa club competition.”The prospect of Palace dropping into the Conference League is also nigh-on impossible as other shareholder David Blizter also has a stake in Danish oufit Brondby, who are set to play in European football’s tertiary club competition next season.In a desperate bid to see the Eagles fly across Europe next season and comply with Uefa rules, Textor and Blizter offered to put their shares in a blind trust.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Uefa chiefs have REJECTED the offer, leaving Palace’s proposed European adventure next season in limbo.The proposal was rejected as Palace missed the registration deadline to submit it.Had it been approved, a blind trust would’ve seen a group of trustees take control of Textor’s shares in Palace for the 2025/26 season.English clubs aren’t strangers to utilising blind trusts so as not to fall afoul of Uefa rules.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSJohn Textor is willing to sell his Palace shares to ensure they can play in Europe next seasonCredit: X / OLManchester City and Manchester United utilised blind trusts last season as sister clubs Girona and Nice both qualified for the Champions League and Europa League respectively.Palace held crunch talks with Uefa to try to resolve the potentially devastating issue earlier this week.How Crystal Palace outsmarted Man City in FA Cup finalAnd the meeting on the shores of Lake Geneva ended up in Textor putting his shares in the south London club up for sale.He told The Daily Mail: “Look, all of the UK knows that I don’t have decisive influence over Palace. It was a good meeting.”They listened and we’ll see what happens. I wouldn’t be trying to sell (his stake) if I did.”Textor, 59, added: “”We are trying to help separate it and sell.”We wanted to buy but it’s become clear that isn’t going to happen and so we’re trying to help Palace and the situation with UEFA.”That’s about all I can say.” More