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      in Soccer

      Hosts of two World Cups confirmed – 2030 across three continents and 2034 in Saudi’s £2.5TRILLION desert dream

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      FIFA has finally confirmed the worst-kept secret in football – as the hosts of the next two World Cups were announced.After a “virtual Congress” of the 211 member national associations, Zurich chiefs announced the 2030 event will be primarily staged in Spain, Portugal and Morocco.Gianni Infantino confirmed the hosts for the 2030 and 2034 World CupsCredit: PALionel Messi’s Argentina won the first winter World Cup in Qatar in 2022Credit: PAThe 115,000-capacity Stade Hassan II in Casablanca, Morocco will be the biggest football stadium in the worldCredit: PopulousThe 2034 World Cup will be staged in Saudi ArabiaCredit: www.dezeen.comSome of the designs for the stadia are utterly crazy and groundbreakingCredit: www.dezeen.comBut to mark the Centenary of the first World Cup, held in Uruguay in 1930, the first three games of the 2030 tournament will all be held in South America – in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.And the Fifa membership also agreed – in a joint decision approved “by acclamation” – that Saudi Arabia would host the 2034 tournament as part of the Gulf state’s £2.5TRILLION ($3.2trillion) mega project. Both host decisions had been signposted 14 months ago after Fifa President Gianni Infantino cut a deal with South American chiefs to open the way for the Saudis.Since then, Fifa have gone through a formal “evaluation” process of the two bids – which both unsurprisingly passed with flying colours.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Infantino left no room for any criticism as he ensured there was no way for nations to raise issues such as human rights in Saudi without voting against BOTH bids.While the FA meekly fell in line with Fifa – with Wembley chiefs mulling a 2029 Women’s World Cup bid and unwilling to damage the chances of that succeeding – the Norwegian and Danish FAs did both register their frustration at the mechanism.Norwegian FA President Lise Klaveness made it clear she would abstain rather than vote in favour.Denmark did support the decision but stated it “expects Fifa to follow up on demands for human rights, freedom of expression and equal access to World Cup matches”.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, the Swiss FA’s support came alongside a demand for Fifa to establish “independent bodies to guarantee human rights and transparency” in the Gulf state.Spain has proposed 11 stadia in nine cities, with six cities put forward by Morocco and Lisbon and Porto in Portugal.Inside futuristic three-sided stadium built on a cliff and covered with LED screens that could host 2034 World Cup gamesOne of the Moroccan venues would be the record-breaking Hassan II Stadium in Casablanca, set to be built by 2028 with a staggering capacity of 115,000 – making it the biggest football ground in the world. However, the epic new stadium may not even get to host the final – with Real Madrid’s renovated Santiago Bernabeu or the updated home of Barcelona, the Nou Camp, both keen. Speaking of futuristic purpose-built new grounds, the Saudi bid foresees 15 venues across five cities, Riyadh, Jeddah, Abha, Khobar and Neom – a city which is still in construction and is not due to be completed until five years AFTER the World Cup.The various stadium plans include artificial canyons, crystal-like shards and a 45,000-seater venue built into a cliff.Morocco, Spain and Portugal saw their bid be successfulCredit: FifaSaudi Arabia got the 2034 hosting rightsCredit: FifaBut the most ambitious of all will be the Neom Stadium, with the pitch 350m above the ground as part of the bonkers 110-mile-long The Line sideways skyscraper. However, the King Salman Stadium with a capacity of 92,000 is set to be the grandest venue of all and host the opening match and final.The state-of-the-art arena will include a royal box, 120 hospitality suites and 300 VIP seats – as well as VVIP areas – plus a shopping centre. As in Qatar in 2022, it is almost certain to be a winter tournament – causing even more disruption to the traditional European club season – but likely to take place in January 2024 rather than the November-December window of the first Arab World Cup.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd that will undoubtedly spark a backlash from Europe’s top leagues – who could go seven weeks without club football – with Prem chief executive Richard Masters likely to be among those fighting the unwanted schedule. The January 2034 timeline would help to avoid the Islamic Holy month of Ramadan in November and December at the end of the year. The newly-renovated Bernabeu will play a key role in the 2030 tournamentCredit: GettyThe futuristic design in Morocco may not even host the finalCredit: PopulousThe Neom stadium has been dubbed the ‘most unique stadium in the world’Credit: www.dezeen.comThe King Abdullah Sports City Stadium will be renovated to increase seating capacityCredit: www.dezeen.comPrince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium will see a 45,000-seater stadium built into a cliff edge in RiyadhCredit: www.dezeen.comThe Jeddah Central Development Stadium will be entirely surrounded by buildingsCredit: www.dezeen.comKing Salman International Stadium will be the country’s largest stadium when it completesCredit: www.dezeen.comThe King Abdullah Economic City Stadium will have a drum-shaped design to host 45,000 footie fansCredit: www.dezeen.comPrince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium will be built from locally-sourced materialsCredit: www.dezeen.comThe Qiddiya Coast Stadium plans to become the most colourful stadium of the lotCredit: www.dezeen.comThe King Khalid University Stadium can boast a spectacular show of lightsCredit: www.dezeen.comThe King Saud University Stadium will be renovated for the 2034 World CupCredit: www.dezeen.comThe Aramco Stadium is set to have a whirlpool-shaped designCredit: www.dezeen.comKing Fahd Sports City Stadium will be revamped to increase the capacity from 58,000 to 70,000Credit: www.dezeen.comThe South Riyadh Stadium will be an amalgamation of modern design and rich historyCredit: www.dezeen.com More

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      in Soccer

      Former Premier League striker now living completely new life as a hairdresser with customers not even recognising him

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      FORMER Premier League striker Danny Hoesen has swapped shots for scissors… by becoming a HAIRDRESSER.The Dutch ace spent four years with Fulham after a 2008 move from Fortuna Sittard.Danny Hoesen was previously on the books at FulhamCredit: AlamyThe former forward now works as a hairdresserCredit: InstagramHoesen was named as a sub for their top-flight clash with Sunderland in 2011, and loaned out to Sittard and Finns HJK.He went on to win the Eredivisie title with Ajax in 2013, and the Dutch FA Cup with Groningen two years later.The frontman moved on to US clubs San Jose Earthquakes and Austin FC, and retired after a spell with Dutch side Emmen last year.Hoesen, 33, has now begun a new career in Utrecht barbershop Maesons.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe told Voetbal International: “It’s not every day that a former professional footballer goes to work in a hairdresser’s.”But I have never had such a big ego that I think I’m too big to do anything different.”Why should I feel superior just because by chance I can kick a ball well?”I lived in a bubble all the time while I was a footballer. Players would buy designer clothes just to show they could afford them.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHoesen celebrates scoring against Barcelona in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty Images – Getty”These days I’ll maybe chat with an airline pilot, then a lawyer, and then someone who’s travelled the world. Not bad, eh?”Customers always want to ask about players I appeared alongside, and talk about my goal for Ajax against Barcelona in the Champions League.Gary Lineker reveals he turned DOWN huge ITV show as he reveals salary demand for reality shows”That makes me a bit uncomfortable – everyone made such a big deal of it.”But sometimes I’ll have a good conversation with someone, and can tell they have no idea who I am. That is fine too.”Hoesen also insisted his new employers could give Erik ten Hag a boost in his search for a new job after being sacked by Manchester United.He told De Telegraaf: “We could give Ten Hag a smart beard.”Hoesen battles with former Brazil star Felipe MeloCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow More

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      in Boxing

      Viddal Riley next fight: UK start time, live stream, TV channel, full card for cruiserweight clash

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      VIDDAL RILEY is back in action this weekend and he’ll be looking to leave a big impression. The 27-year-old last fought back in March against Mikael Lawal and was victorious on points in his biggest win yet. Viddal Riley beat Mikael Lawal in his last fightCredit: GettyRiley had to deal with an injury following the fight, however, as it was revealed the cruiserweight fractured his rib in the first round. But now he’s back and looking to remain in the win column with hopes of securing an eventual British title fight. Standing in his way is Steve Eloundou Ntere, a 39-year-old with a record of 9-2. When is Viddal Riley’s fight?Viddal Riley’s latest fight will take place on on Saturday, December 14.The fight will be held at the Liverpool Exhibition Centre in Liverpool, England.The fight, will take place midway through the card is likely to get underway from around 7.30pm GMT.The main event is between Natasha Jonas and Ivana Habazin, while the co-main is Lauren Price vs Bexcy Mateus.What channel is it on and can it be live streamed?Riley’s fight with Ntere will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Arena in the UK.You can live stream all the action from the NOW TV or Sky Go app, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.Viddal Riley full fight cardAlso on the card is Natasha Jonas’ welterweight unification fight against Ivana Habazin.Lauren Price is up against Bexcy Mateus in a clash for the WBA welterweight title.Natasha Jonas vs. Ivana Habazin, WBC & IBF welterweight titlesLauren Price vs. Bexcy Mateus, WBA welterweight titleStephen McKenna vs. Lee CutlerViddal Riley vs. Steve Eloundou NtereMark Jeffers vs. Elvis AhorgahMason Cartwright vs. TBAFrankie Stringer vs. Tatenda MangombeMikie Tallon vs. Benn NormanMost read in Boxing More

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      in Boxing

      Katie Taylor makes pivotal career decision that hints at next fight as rival declares ‘I don’t need to fight you’

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      KATIE TAYLOR has relinquished her WBC lightweight world title – with Caroline Dubois elevated from interim champion.The Bray woman, 38, has held the WBC strap since 2019, when she beat Delfine Persoon to become undisputed champ at 135lbs.Katie Taylor has vacated the WBC lightweight world titleCredit: Getty Images – GettyCaroline Dubois has been upgraded from interim holderCredit: Getty Images – GettyShe has not fought at lightweight since 2022, with her last three fights – against Chantelle Cameron (2) and Amanda Serrano – being at super lightweight where she is also undisputed.Caroline Dubois was crowned interim champion with a unanimous points victory over Maira Moneo in August.And on Wednesday, it was revealed that she had been promoted to champion proper after Taylor had relinquished the WBC belt.The 23-year-old would have been Taylor’s next mandatory challenger, with Wednesday’s news the clearance indication that the Irishwoman could stay at 140lbs.However, asked if she was disappointed to have lost the chance to fight the Bray woman, Dubois told Sky Sports: “I understand the boxing game completely. “For me, I am so grateful that I don’t need Katie Taylor in my career. “It would be an amazing fight if it happens, and if it happens, you know I will be ready but if it doesn’t happen, there are so many other fights out there for me to fight that would just be as legacy making. “I am happy to go my way and she can go hers.”Most read in BoxingDubois defend the title on her 24th birthday – January 11 – against Jessica Camara.Her promoter Ben Shalom said: “We would like to thank WBC, president Mauricio Sulaiman and the board of governors for upgrading Caroline.Eddie Hearn reacts wildy in the ring as Katie Taylor beats Amanda Serrano”The WBC lightweight title is active again and in Caroline the WBC has a champion who can rule for many years to come.”We are only just starting to see her true potential. We believe Caroline will become the future face of women’s boxing.”The sister of male heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois had previously spoken publicly about her desire to fight Taylor.Speaking to Sky Sports at the end of November, the Brit accused the 24-1 ace of “hoarding the belt”.She said: “I’m mandatory to the belt. Katie needs to either come back down and fight me or let the belt go.”She hasn’t fought for the belt for over a year now. It seems apparent that she’s not going to come back down to 135lbs.”So she’s just hoarding the belt, stopping me in my tracks and my future and my career, for what purpose?READ MORE SUN STORIES”She’s done so well in her career, she’s fought Amanda Serrano, I’m sure she’s going to want the trilogy, that’s going to be a big money fight. But that will be at 140lbs.”So there’s no business even holding onto the belt. Just let it go and I get on with my career and she can get on with hers.” More

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      Who is ring girl Sydney Thomas?

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      SYDNEY Thomas is a ring girl who has become a social media sensation. The star rocketed to fame when she was on duty for Jake Paul and Mike Tyson’s boxing match on November 15, 2024.Sydney Thomas is a famous ring girlCredit: Instagram/@iamsydneythomasSydney is also a model in her spare timeCredit: Instagram/@iamsydneythomasSydney stood ringside at Jake Paul’s fight with Mike TysonCredit: Reuters – USA Today SportsMeet Sydney ThomasSydney was born in 2003 and is an aspiring model. She rocketed to fame in 2024 and has even hinted that she may pursue her dream of becoming a full-time ring girl. Even the YouTuber Jake Paul has become a fan of the model. According to Sydney, the former-Youtuber-turned-boxer told her to “keep doing your thing” because she was “doing a great job”.Read More on SportStar of the show at Jake Paul vs Mike TysonSydney was the breakout star of Jake Paul’s boxing match with Mike Tyson which took place on November 15, 2024. Over 60 million people watched the thrilling fight unfold on Netflix, where Sydney worked as a ring girl. She took to Instagram to describe how “grateful” she was for the opportunity. Sydney also described the fight, in which Jake Paul was victorious, as “historic”.Most read in BoxingSocial media influencerSince appearing at Mike Tyson’s fight with Jake Paul, Sydney’s social media accounts have been flooded with new fans and followers. She has over one million followers on TikTok (as of December 11, 2024) and uses the social media platform to share insights into her life. Fans claims Jake Paul’s win over Mike Tyson was ‘fixed’ as new footage of fight emergesIn one video, she revealed the secret to her success.She said: “I think the biggest investment you can make in your life is an investment in yourself, so that’s where I spend most of my time.” When she isn’t working as an influencer, Sydney is a student at the University of Alabama.Sydney Thomas’ dating historySydney opened up about dumping her boyfriend as her career began to take off. She said that she had “no problems with him at all” and even added that he was “great”.However, the star felt that she needed time to “discover who I am”.Sydney added: “As hard as it was to lose him and lose each other, I feel like it’s all part of God’s plan. “It works out in the end.”The ring girl opened up about the kind of man that she is looking for in the future. She said: “I need a man that’s taller than six foot. I’m a tall girl, so I’d like a tall man in my life.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I also need someone who is respectful. “That’s honestly one of the biggest turn-offs for me – when a man isn’t respectful.” More

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      in Soccer

      A strike sensation and Serie A ace who struggled in Prem.. who Arsenal could turn to as Arteta hints at January spree

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      MIKEL ARTETA has revealed Arsenal are “on it” when it comes to January recruits.And the Gunners boss has hinted that Kieran Tierney could be sold to raise funds after admitting the Scottish full-back still cannot play in the system that he prefers.Mikel Arteta has hinted Arsenal could dip into the transfer market this summerCredit: AlamyThe Gunners are in the midst of a defensive injury crisis, with the likes of Jurrien Timber and Gabriel Magalhaes among those unavailableCredit: GettyThe North Londoners have been hampered by injuries in the opening months of the season and currently have another defensive crisis to muddle through ahead of a busy festive period.Ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash with Monaco the likes of Gabriel, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Thomas Partey were missing from training.Add to that the long-term absences of Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu and Arteta could be without a recognised first-choice full-back with an upcoming Prem clash against Everton.Arsenal have already put out NINE different Prem combos at the back this term, with midfielder Partey often used as a makeshift right-back.READ MORE ON ARSENALAsked about January business, the Spanish boss said: “The window that gives us an opportunity to strengthen the team if we feel that is needed and we feel that we have the capacity to do that.“We are on it and just have to assess the situation because it is changing every week. At the moment not for the better but I’m positive that in a few weeks we’re going to be in a better place.”Because of their dire situation, Arteta could be forced to start Tierney in an Arsenal shirt for the first time since May 2023 – who has not featured in Europe for the club since November 2022.Tierney, 27, was signed in the summer 2019 from Celtic for around £25m by former manager Unai Emery but has swamped with injuries – spending last season on loan at Real Sociedad.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArteta may feel the need to show potential buyers that the Scotland international is fit and ready to be sold – although it is unlikely they will be able to recoup the fee they paid for him five years ago.More worryingly, despite playing under Arteta for nearly half a decade, Tierney appears unable to play as an inverted full-back to the level of full-back rivals Timber and Zinchenko.Mikel Arteta ‘gutted’ with Arsenal draw against Fulham Arteta explained: “It is about the player having certain qualities. First is he willing to do it? Does he want to do it, yes or no? The other one: is he capable of doing it and does he understand it?“When a player has those three ingredients anything can happen. We see that with many other players.“But if a player doesn’t really fill it, it is more of a problem and we as coaches we have to find solutions. I would play [Tierney] in situations that he is more comfortable with.”So, who could Arsenal bring in to bolster their title charge? They currently are six points off leaders Liverpool who have a game in hand, and perhaps require a spark to go on a consistent run.Left wing is an area they need to strengthen, even with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard to choose from, especially given Arsenal’s over-reliance on Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka down the right.Former target Ademola Lookman, 27, is ripping it up for Atalanta, netting 17 goals last term – including a Europa League final hat-trick – and already has 10 in 17 games this campaign after scoring in their 3-2 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.He joined the Italians in August 2022 for an initial fee of around £12.5m on a four-year deal, but looks unlikely to leave next month even if the Gunners offer double what Atalanta paid for him.Kai Havertz has just one goal in his last seven Prem outings with calls for striker reinforcements growing.Arsenal have kept tabs on Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko but would likely need to offload before bringing anyone in.Gabriel Jesus has just one goal this term in all competitions, but Arteta has revealed the club are currently NOT looking to sell the Brazilian they bought for £45m from Manchester City in the summer of 2022.Should defensive issues persist then Arteta may be forced to add to his numbers. Versatile Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato, 18, has been a long-term target but could cost between £25m and £30m.READ MORE SUN STORIESHowever, Arteta is also wary of overcrowding. With everyone fit, he has EIGHT defenders including Gabriel, White, Zinchenko, Timber, Calafiori, Tomiyasu, Jakub Kiwior and William Saliba.Academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly is also an option, currently sidelined with a foot infection. The 18-year-old inverted full-back has appeared six times in all competitions this season already.The Gunners could attempt to sign Ademola Lookman, who has impressed for AtalantaViktor Gyokeres is another targetCredit: GettySesko has also been looked at More

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      in Motorsport

      Watch as Schumacher ‘blackmailer’s’ son is DRAGGED off cam by lawyer after saying ‘extortion plot’ was a ‘sales pitch’

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      THIS is the shocking moment the son of one of Michael Schumacher’s alleged blackmailers is dragged away by an outraged lawyer after giving a blundering interview.Footage shows the son of accused Yilmaz T, 53, clumsily call the alleged extortion plot a “sales pitch” before being pulled and shoved down a hallway.Bouncer Yilmaz T was also hired to extort £12million from Schumachar’s family, it is claimedYilmaz’s youngest son, named in German media as Noah L, was dragged away by the family’s lawyerCredit: WeltA lawyer is seen shoving Noah L away from reportersCredit: WELTFormer security guard Markus F allegedly wanted “revenge” after he was let go by Schumacher’s wife Corinna earlier this year from his job role.He took with him 1,500 images, 200 videos as well as extensive medical notes with him of the racer driver who hasn’t been seen since suffering a life-changing ski crash in 2013.Markus is accused of stealing the information and then recruiting long-term pal and local bouncer Yilmaz T, say German authorities.Yilmaz then allegedly used his son Daniel L to help him make contact with the Schumacher family before trying to extort them.read more on schumacherGerman cops have been leading investigations with the three suspects appearing at Wuppertal District Court near Dortmund this week.Yilmaz – who had known Markus for over 20 years – was allegedly promised a small commission in return for his help.During an interview outside the courtroom, Yilmaz’s youngest son and the brother of Daniel, named in German media as Noah L, was dragged away by Daniel’s lawyer.Noah was in the midst of saying various clumsy remarks on the case, telling the German broadcaster Welt: “Blackmail is when I threaten someone with violence. Most read in Motorsport”But if I go to you now and say, ‘I have something here, do you want to buy it,’ that is not blackmail.The alleged mastermind of the Michael Schumacher blackmail plot threatened to leak ‘intimate’ photos of the stricken starCredit: AFP”In my opinion it was a sales pitch – agreed with lawyers and contracts. “In my opinion it was not blackmail.”Just as he wraps up his blundering rant, he adds that the pre-trial detention of his father was “a bit excessive” before Daniel’s lawyer Hartmut Moyzio drags Noah out of frame.The outraged lawyer is then captured pulling and pushing the son down a hallway as cameras continue to follow them.The unbelievable interview came as a member of the Schumacher staff took to the stand, telling the court she has seen emails between Markus and the family revealing he wanted cash in return for the intimate photos staying private.Heike P claimed the men had images of Michael in his wheelchair and threatened to post them on the dark web.She told the court: “Emails were written in which he said if he didn’t get his pay he would go after the Schumacher family.”The staff member for the Schumachers also said she couldn’t remember the amount of money asked for in the messages.She did believe it was less than three months worth of wages the former security guard would have been on at the time.Markus has refused to say a word in court so far other than to confirm his name and address.The former security guard for the Schumacher family Markus F allegedly planned the blackmail plotCredit: FacebookMichael’s family are trying to keep secrets about his health private during the caseCredit: GettySchumacher poses in Madonna di Campiglio with his wife Corinna in 2003Credit: AFPThe intimate images are said to be a part of a 1,500 cache of secret files believed to have been stolen from the Schumacher family home.This sensitive material was uploaded onto four USB sticks and two hard drives in the days prior to Markus being let go, prosecutors say.The content included photos, videos, medication lists and even Schumacher’s patient file, BILD reported back in July.German cops plan quickly managed to thwart the plot soon after contact was first made with the Schumacher family.When the men were first hauled into court Markus’ lawyer claimed he had been asked by Corinna to digitalise copies of photos taken of her husband.This included the intimate images.However, a shocking revelation reportedly now claims that one of the hard drives which may still hold data on the F1 legend has gone missing.Authorities said they were able to track down the alleged extortionists through “technical measures”.On July 4, officers arrested Markus in his apartment in Wülfrath. They also detained Yilmaz and his son Daniel L soon after for their roles in the alleged blackmail plot.All three men were charged and are now in court for the hearing.Prosecutors are asking for the men to spend at least four years behind bars if found guilty.Schuey Blackmail Plot Speaking for the first time at Wuppertal District Court, Yilmaz T said he had done nothing wrong and that it was all to help out a poor nurse.His son Daniel has accepted his role in the affair but is claiming he had no knowledge of the content being sent as part of the plot.The 30-year-old is being charged for having supplied his father with an untraceable Gmail address.He is also accused of forwarding the illicit pictures on his dad’s behalf.Daniel said: “I didn’t see the content. My dad just said that it was a legal, normal affair, whereby there was a layer involved, and that was it for me, so I didn’t ask any more questions.“I didn’t think there was anything bad about it. He said he had photos of a person and wanted to sell them.“I didn’t ask my father what it was all about. Its my father. So I just thought, yeah, okay, and that was it.”Schumacher’s wife Corinna, 55, has already filed a motion to protect her husband during the trial.She is asking to exclude the public from the trial if the seven-time world champion’s current state of health is ever discussed.READ MORE SUN STORIESCorinna has spent over a decade crafting a close knit inner circle of people who are allowed to know about Michael’s health ever since his horrific ski accident.The F1 star hasn’t been seen or heard from since after with very little being released about his current status.What happened to Michael Schumacher?MICHAEL Schumacher’s life was hanging by a thread over 10-years-ago as medics tried desperately to keep him alive after a tragic skiing crash.The F1 legend was left with horrific brain injuries and placed into a coma for 250 days.He was given the best possible treatment as he underwent hours of tricky operations on his brain.Back in 2013, the retired seven-time world champion, and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel.Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow.He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations.At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed.At the time, medics said Schumacher was likely to stay in an induced coma for at least 48 hours as his body and mind recovered.But the coma ended up lasting 250 days – more than eight months.After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva to get further treatment.Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status.Only small amounts of information have been released including reports that Schumacher was in a wheelchair but can react to things around him.In 2019, it was said that Schumacher was set to undergo breakthrough stem cell therapy in a bid to regenerate and rebuild his nervous system.Renowned France cardiologist Dr Philippe Menasche, who had operated on him previously, was set to carry out the treatment that would see cells from his heart go to his brain.Following the treatment at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, he was said to be “conscious”, although few other details were given about his state.Michael with his wife CorinnaCredit: EPASchumacher attends the drivers official portrait sessionCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd replace £100 Christmas staff bonus with £40 M&S voucher in latest Sir Jim Ratcliffe PR disaster

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      SIR JIM RATCLIFFE has replaced Manchester United’s £100 staff Christmas bonus with a £40 M&S voucher in his latest money-saving measure.The British billionaire, 72, continues to cut costs in a drastic attempt to balance the books at Old Trafford. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has turned into the Christmas Grinch with his brutal cutsStaff saw their £100 cash bonus replaced with a £40 M&S voucherCredit: GettyAnd morale among employees no doubt took another hit when news of the changes to their Christmas gifts was announced.As reported by The Telegraph, when the Glazers ran the operation, United usually gave their staff at Christmas an extra £100.However, as the first anniversary of Ratcliffe’s 27.7 per cent takeover on Christmas Eve approaches, he is not feeling very generous during the festive season.And the cash gift was swapped out for the gift card to spend at Marks & Spencer. READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe PR own goal disaster prompted a wave of reaction from fans on social media hitting out at the club’s hierarchy.One said: “When people are reminiscing fondly about the Glazers, you know things are properly grim.”Another wrote: “Bizarre… yet an extra £10k a week on a player wouldn’t even be flinched at.”A third joked: “Anyone started a gofundme to top up the Man Utd’s £40 M&S gift voucher?”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd a final user fumed: “SJR: The billionaire who cancels Christmas parties at Manchester United and swaps £100 bonuses for £40 M&S vouchers. Who needs the Grinch when you’ve got Scrooge Jim.”The tightening of the purse strings follows news that broke in October that Ratcliffe had cancelled the traditional United staff Christmas party.Man Utd reveal first pics of redeveloped 100,000-capacity Old Trafford in ‘biggest regeneration scheme ever seen’Elsewhere, Ratcliffe made 250 redundancies in the summer including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex Wylie.Matchday staff lunchboxes were scrapped, with suggestions that some workers even ate their food next to the toilet.Ratcliffe’s “back to work” policy forced all employees back into the office – even though there is not enough space, prompting the club to fork out to temporarily convert hospitality suites into offices between home matches. Private chauffeurs and company credit cards for the United top brass were also cut while staff had to pay for their transport to the FA Cup final, where they were only given one ticket each. Fans have been hit, too, with the club deciding to ditch concessions tickets for pensioners and children, raising the minimum home ticket price to £66 – sparking furious protests outside Old Trafford.There were also suggestions Ratcliffe plans to half the £40,000 annual budget given to the Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association. Ratcliffe is on a cost-cutting rampage at Old TraffordCredit: PASir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdRATCLIFFE’S FIRST YEAR AT MAN UTDDecember 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucher More