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      in Soccer

      Eni Aluko’s former England team-mate Steph Houghton publicly backs Ian Wright in TV pundits’ row

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      ENI ALUKO’S former England teammate Steph Houghton has publicly backed Ian Wright in the row between the TV pundits.Former Chelsea star Aluko sparked a backlash when she claimed that Arsenal legend Wright was “blocking opportunities” in women’s football.Steph Houghton has publicly backed Ian Wright in his row with her ex-England teammate Eni AlukoCredit: GettyHoughton showed her support as she hosted the Crossways podcast with WrightAfter receiving major criticism for her comments, Aluko backtracked before apologising to Wright – who is widely regarded as a major advocate of the women’s game even before its recent surge in popularity.The fan favourite refused to accept Aluko’s apology, instead insisting it’s time to “move on.”Aluko has since stepped down from hosting duties at the Women’s Football Awards.And now Wright has been publicly backed by England women’s hero Houghton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe duo host a podcast together on YouTube called Crossways, which discusses all aspects of women’s football.Opening up on the difficult period, a deflated Wright said: “It’s been a bit of an up-and-down week. But at the end of the day, it’s all sorted.“It’s always good to see you Steph, because you make me smile. It’s been quite a tough week.”This saw Houghton, who played alongside Aluko for the Three Lions, take a public stance by backing Wright and thanking him for supporting women’s football.Most read in FootballShe said: “Ian, can I just say this, and this has not been pre-empted, I think I posted on Instagram.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“What you have done for our game is unbelievable and you’ve got to take all the credit that everybody’s thrown at you this week because you are a super hero.“And I love working with you.”’Don’t speak to me like that’ – Moment Ian Wright, 61, angrily confronts former Man Utd star before pair are split upAluko received a major backlash for her comments on Wright’s status in women’s footballCredit: PAThis saw Wright beam with delight as he replied: “I love you Steph. To see you come out publicly like that for me is just nice.“But I just wish, it’s not about the individual in the women’s game, it’s just about the collective.“I’m not going to go into it but I just really appreciate the public support that I got.” More

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      in Soccer

      Luton Town star sees five-match ban overturned in unusual circumstances as red card ‘does him a favour’

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      LUTON TOWN midfielder Liam Walsh avoided a five-match ban after a straight red card seemingly HELPED him avoid a stint on the sidelines.Walsh, 27, was shown a straight red for violent conduct during Luton’s 1-0 win over Coventry City at the weekend.Luton Town’s Liam Walsh has escaped a five-match banCredit: PAWalsh was shown a straight red card during Luton Town’s 1-0 win over Coventry CityCredit: SkySportsWalsh (wearing no.20) was shown red for a shove on Luis BinksCredit: SkySportsHaving already been booked earlier in the game, Walsh shoved Coventry defender Luis Binks in the 68th minute of the Championship clash.Referee Oliver Langford appeared to deem the push to be an act of violence and instead of showing Walsh a second yellow, he opted to show a straight red.That decision meant that Luton were able to appeal the red – something that wouldn’t have been an option for two yellow cards.The Hatters’ appeal was successful, over-turning what would have been a five-match ban for Walsh following his two previous red cards earlier in the campaign.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHad referee Langford issued Walsh a second yellow card then he would have been sent off without the ability to appeal the decision and would have subsequently received a one-match ban. Now the former Everton academy graduate will face now suspension and is available to play in Luton’s final game of the season as they scrap to stay afloat in the Championship.Luton, who were only relegated from the Premier League last season, sit just one point above the drop in the Championship and know that win over West Brom will keep them up on Saturday. Other fans have been left incensed by Walsh’s availability for the West Brom game, claiming that the midfielder has got away without a ban because of a technicality over the straight red card.Most read in FootballLuton Town StatementHere’s what Luton Town had to say about their appeal…”We are delighted to confirm that the Club’s appeal against midfielder Liam Walsh’s straight red card during last Saturday’s win over Coventry City has been upheld.”A Football Association appeal hearing was held yesterday afternoon to rule on referee Oli Langford’s decision to dismiss the 27-year-old after Sky Blues defender Luis Binks went to ground in the 68th minute of the Town’s 1-0 victory at Kenilworth Road.”The FA statement says: ‘Luton Town’s Liam Walsh will be available for their next five matches after a claim of wrongful dismissal was upheld by an independent Regulatory Commission. The midfielder was sent off for violent conduct on Saturday, 26 April, during their EFL Championship match against Coventry City.'”We look forward to seeing Walshy back in action at West Brom on Saturday!”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSOn social media, one fan wrote: “So a player that should’ve been sent off for a second yellow has his ban overturned and yet [Isaiah] Jones who got booked (and should have been sent off) won’t get a retrospective ban?”While another added: “Very lucky man, should’ve been a second yellow, rather than a straight red. We live INSIDE Luton Town’s famous entrance – footballs smash our windows but there are some surprising perks”So sending off was right, and now because of the poor decision by the ref, he now gets to play and not face the 1 game suspension he should have regardless.”A third posted: “Irony is the incompetent ref has done Walsh a favour by incorrectly giving him a red rather than correctly a (non overturnable) second yellow”.And a fourth even labelled the PGMOL and the FA as “Incompetent fools”. More

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      in Boxing

      ‘Beautiful young man’ – Proud David Haye reveals son is now competing full-time in very different sport as he turns 17

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      DAVID HAYE’s son Cassius isn’t following his dad into boxing – but is targeting sporting greatness of his own. The 17-year-old currently competes full-time on the Spanish junior tennis circuit.David Haye has wished his son Cassius (left) a happy birthdayCredit: Instagram @davidhayeThe 17-year-old is not following his dad into boxingCredit: Instagram @davidhayeCassius is a budding tennis player and currently competes on the ITF junior tourCredit: Instagram @mrcassiushayeThe teenager has lived in Spain full time since last AugustCredit: Instagram @mrcassiushayeCassius, who is named after Muhammad Ali, has pursued his tennis dream from a young age.And Haye originally predicted his son would become a tennis star almost a decade ago. He is now based in Spain full-time and began competing on the ITF junior tour last August. Haye is a two-weight world champion at both cruiserweight and heavyweight.READ MORE ON BOXINGHe memorably won the WBA heavyweight belt in 2009 when he beat the giant 7ft Russian Nikolai Valuev.And the former boxer is proud as punch to see his son chasing his sporting dream. Haye wrote in a birthday message on Instagram: “My eldest son Cassius just turned 17… and I honestly can’t believe how fast the years have flown. “From a fearless little boy to a focused young man, he’s now living on his own and competing full-time on the Spanish tennis circuit since last August. Most read in BoxingBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”I’m incredibly proud of the way he’s chasing his sporting dreams with discipline and maturity beyond his years. “He’s grown into a beautiful young man — inside and out.David Haye’s former boxing rival is now Putin-backing Russian MP who spoke about ‘sinking British Isles'”And at 6’4, he’s now officially taller than me (not that I’m bitter about it!). Big things ahead. Watch this space.”Despite not being interested in stepping into the squared circle, Cassius is happy to pump some iron with his famous dad.Haye has shared snaps of the pair lifting together at the gym. And a recent video showed Cassius has fast hands on the punching bag just like his old man.Cassius’ mum Natasha, a former makeup artist, married Haye in 2008. Haye was married to Cassius’ mum Natasha from 2008 to 2016Credit: PA:Press AssociationThe pair “grew apart” as Haye’s boxing career saw him jet-setting around the world. And Natasha filed for divorce from the boxer in 2016. Haye – known as The Hayemaker during his career – won 28 of his 32 professional fights. The 44-year-old hung up his gloves in 2018 after losing a rematch to Tony Bellew. Read More on The SunHe returned to the ring in 2021 for a lucrative exhibition against businessman Joe Fournier.And the ex-heavyweight has also worked as a pundit for big fight nights on Sky Sports. More

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      in Soccer

      Three key decisions Ruben Amorim must get right for Man Utd vs Bilbao including who stops Williams and Mainoo conundrum

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have one last chance to give the fans something to cheer about by winning the Europa League this season.But before the Red Devils start thinking about the final, they must first overcome favourites Athletic Bilbao in the semis.Ruben Amorim’s side are eyeing the Europa League titleCredit: GettyMan Utd need to find a way to stop Nico WilliamsCredit: RexThere can be no underestimating the importance of both legs, or the size of the task Ruben Amorim’s side face.With more than seven days’ rest after a weekend off, Bilbao are dreaming of the chance to play the final in their own backyard on May 21.And manager Ernesto Valverde revealed his side are “confident” about ending United’s hopes of securing Champions League football next season.United may feel their name is on the Europa League trophy already after staging an incredible comeback win to knock out Lyon in the quarter-finals.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe stakes are so high going into the first semi-final at San Mames on Thursday night, with United having only won 17 out of 57 games against Spanish opposition since 2000.And while Amorim’s sorry lot somehow remain the only unbeaten side in Europe, the club’s dismal away record in recent years leaves little hope.A win over two legs could set up a final against Tottenham, who face Bodo Glimt in the other semi.But first, SunSport takes a look at the three key decisions that Amorim must make right against Bilbao.Most read in Europa LeagueJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordIsolating Nico WilliamsIt’s fair to say that the name Nico Williams induces fear into even the bravest of Man Utd fans.The Old Trafford faithful thought they were in luck when reports claimed that the Spanish wonder was out injured with a groin issue.Gary Neville reveals fear with Liverpool to become most successful English team everBut the 22-year-old – who has scored five goals in the Europa League this season – has been cleared to play on Thursday.Williams’ biggest threat is his pace and ability to attack space when breaking through the lines.So Valverde typically wants his 4-2-3-1 team to look for opportunities to get Williams isolated and in 1v1 situations against his full-back.As Amorim is devoted to his 3-4-2-1, he needs to find a way to avoid leaving Williams too isolated.The rest of the Bilbao attacking unit will typically be quite narrow and high. This forces the opposition to defend narrow in turn and as such Williams can be released through a diagonal ball into a 1v1 situation.Amorim needs to get his defensive starting line-up right, otherwise Williams will be able to run riot down his side of the pitch.Bilbao play narrow and high, with the intention of forcing the opposition to defend narrow, which in turn leaves space for Williams to be released in behind.With Diogo Dalot a doubt after missing the 1-1 draw at Bournemouth on Sunday, Amorim can only really count on Noussair Mazraoui to start as the right wing-back.Whoever is chosen to start up against Williams shouldn’t be left isolated in a 1v1 situation.United cannot afford to defend zonally and must have a specific plan for taking care of the threat that Williams can pose.The left winger guided Spain to glory at Euro 2024 and has been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer.These are the kinds of situations where United have to be careful and where Bilbao will look to exploit space. With no right winger, the wing-back for United has to be more aggressive in stepping out to engage the opposition wing-back. This can lead the the central defender on that side being pulled out and isolated.What about the other Williams brother?Nico’s breakthrough has overshadowed the fact that his older brother Inaki has long been one of the best attackers players at the Basque club.His situation is slightly different in that he chose to represent Ghana at international level as opposed to trying his luck with Spain.In previous seasons, Inaki has played as a No9, but this season he has played more as the right winger on the opposite side to his brother.While Nico plays further out on the left, Inaki positions himself closer to the No10 and striker.While Nico drags players out wide, Inaki will force Man Utd to defend narrow, before driving into the opposition box.Inaki Williams positions himself in a more narrow position as Bilbao are attacking as he has the pace to drive outside the defender on the right-hand sideAgain, this means that United must be really careful who starts as the left-sided centre-back.The most obvious answer would be to suggest that Amorim starts a left-footed defender – and ideally an experienced one too.It would be a natural fit for Luke Shaw, who was arguably England’s best player in the Euro final defeat to Spain.But Shaw didn’t quite look up to speed in his first start in more than 14 months at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday.Shaw – who started on the left-hand side of the back three – sent an ill-advised pass to Patrick Dorgu, which invited pressure in the build-up to Antoine Semenyo’s opener.But Shaw did eventually grow into the game and his distribution and crisp crosses into the box offer what others in his position cannot.Luke Shaw can be too aggressive in terms of coming high to win the ball in the opposition’s halfShaw can be almost too aggressive in terms of jumping high and looking to engage to win the ball back in the opposition half. Shaw is certainly, in our opinion, the correct option to deal with the threat of Inaki Williams in this game.The issue will be the lack of cover that Shaw will have if he is pulled in and then quickly outplayed as Bilbao attack forward and into space.United need Kobbie Mainoo in midfieldKobbie Mainoo’s return from injury a few weeks ago has come at a timely point in the season for United.But Amorim should avoid putting the 20-year-old back in as one of the two No10s.Mainoo thrived last season from a deeper midfield role and became a defensive staple for England after a lot of experimenting from Gareth Southgate last summer.And he needs to start alongside another holding midfielder in front of the back line against Bilbao for United to be successful.That’s because Bilbao are a high-pressing team and are brilliant at stopping their opponents from playing out of their defensive third.Here, the opposition are looking to build the attack and you can see that Bilbao are aggressive in pressing up and committing players into higher positions to press the ball. As the pass is played diagonally into the midfield, we see Bilbao immediately trigger and win the ball back close to the opposition goal.With Casemiro likely to be one of the midfielders picked in Spain, it is essential that Amorim also selects a midfielder who is comfortable taking the ball while facing his own goal while under pressure from an opposition midfielder.This is why Mainoo must be one of the two midfielders in that role for United.The English youngster is brave on the ball and willing to take passes when the game is tight around him.Bournemouth press in a similar style to Bilbao. Mainoo must come in to receive the ball and take pressure before moving the ball on and allowing United to play through the press.Kobbie Mainoo has to start in holding midfieldCredit: RexThis will allow United to be more effective in playing through the thirds and building some attacking dominance when they are in possession.Mainoo in midfield will give United an element of control that will be crucial if they are to head back to Old Trafford with a positive result.ConclusionUnited need to win this semi-final to have any semblance of success this season. The issue they have is that Bilbao are the best team left in it.Read More on The SunTheir physical strength and the way they commit to defending aggressively makes it difficult to break them down.And the threat of the Williams brothers means that you cannot afford to play too high and leave them space to attack into.Luke Shaw could be the best option to play on the left of a back threeCredit: GettyKeeping the Williams brothers quiet will go a long way to winning the semi-finalCredit: AFP More

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      in Soccer

      Ex-Premier League team announce construction of stunning 25,000-seat stadium despite facing relegation to third tier

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      LUTON TOWN have announced the construction of a stunning new 25,000-seater stadium despite facing back-to-back relegations.The Hatters are just one point above the Championship drop zone, one year after being axed from the Premier League.Luton Town have announced plans to build a new stadiumCredit: Luton Town FCThe arena will hold a whopping 25,000 fansCredit: Luton Town FCLuton hope to move in for the start of the 2028/29 campaignCredit: Luton Town FCThe Hatters currently play at Kenilworth Road, which holds 12,000 supportersCredit: GettyBut they have now revealed that they are set to build a brand new arena which will more than DOUBLE their capacity.Luton currently host 12,000 supporters at the popular Kenilworth Road, which has been their home since 1905.But following 2023’s unexpected rise to England’s top flight, chiefs are keen to build on growing support.And a new stadium based at Power Court will hold a whopping 25,000 fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA statement revealed that construction will begin this summer, regardless of whether or not Luton stay up.It’s hoped that the Hatters can start playing at the stadium for the start of the 2028/29 campaign.And the project itself – which is in conjunction with Limak, who redeveloped Barcelona’s Nou Camp stadium – is expected to create around 1,000 jobs for the local area.CEO Gary Sweet said: “This is a transformative opportunity for the Club, helping us realise our ambitions to be a Premier League club again one day.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“We are united with the supporters on the need for a new stadium to move our Luton Town forward and we are delighted to be moving into this exciting construction phase.“Importantly, this new stadium project roots us in our community, bringing jobs and investment as part of the wider regeneration of the area. Fire brigade rush to Championship stadium as blaze erupts in laundry room ahead of huge clash“Partnering with a company of Limak’s international standing offers us a global perspective with local delivery. “We will collaborate closely with them to ensure the stadium reflects the spirit and needs of the community.“It has been a long road to this point, but we are so excited at the prospect of welcoming our supporters to Power Court in the near future and the ability to extend our support base and enhance our unique match-day experience.”Luton will work with the company behind the new Nou CampCredit: Reuters More

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      in Boxing

      ‘I want her to know that’ – Devin Haney’s new motivation in career after birth of his daughter ahead of boxing return

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      IN A career that has seen him win undisputed world titles and earn millions of dollars, Devin Haney finally has something else to fight for.The American boxing star and model Leena Sayed welcomed baby daughter Khrome Iman into the world in January. Devin Haney in training for his next fightCredit: X / RealdevinhaneyHaney welcomed his daughter into the world alongside Leena SayedCredit: Instagram / leenasayedLeena gave birth to her daughter in JanuaryCredit: Instagram / leenasayedHaney, 26, told SunSport: “Kids are a blessing, they bring more blessings and everything has been on the up and up since my daughter’s been born.”I thank Allah for that and it gives me more motivation and more drive to do it even more, even though I love the sport of boxing.”It’s just genuinely something that I love doing but it just gave me that, you know, that extra.”Haney – a former undisputed lightweight champion – has been a model pro throughout his boxing career.READ MORE IN BOXINGSo while he cannot improve on dedication, his newborn daughter is just the latest reason for giving up his life to the brutal sport.Haney said: “I can’t say necessarily it changed me because I think I’m just a warrior and no matter what, I want her to know that about her dad.”Haney has not returned since his controversial fight against Ryan Garcia in April 2024. He was dropped three times before losing a decision – only for the result to be overturned after Garcia failed a drug test.Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHaney set up in Big Bear California – known for its gruelling altitude – for his return and kissed his baby goodbye as he left for training camp. He revealed: “This is my job at the end of the day. I know what I signed up for.Why Devin Haney was ‘smiling ear to ear’ and Teofimo Lopez ‘loved’ Chris Eubank Jr’s emotional reunion with his dad”It is what it is and I was there to see her born and be with her and all of that.”But now I had to go back to camp and go to work and do what I gotta do. And like I said, this is what I love to do at the end of the day.”So one day she’s gonna look back and she’s gonna see that her dad is a legend and it all starts now. “These are the moments that will make that come true.”Haney is already dreaming of the day his daughter is old enough for him to watch back and relieve some of his greatest boxing nights. He said: “That’s what it’s about, being a good role model for her and just her looking, being able to look back on these moments, look at what I stood for and everything like that.”The ex-WBC super-lightweight champ prepares to fight for the first time in over a year – his longest career lay-off – after taking a rare break.Haney said: “I enjoyed my time off. I don’t plan on ever having a lay-off like that ever again but I enjoyed it.”I had time to travel, spend time with family, stuff like that. But I’m ready to be back in the limelight and under those bright lights and I’m ready to perform…One day she’s gonna look back and she’s gonna see that her dad is a legend and it all starts now. These are the moments that will make that come true.Devin Haney “I stayed in the gym the whole time. I was really just perfecting my craft the whole time.”Even when I was travelling, I was still training and stuff like that because I knew that when I came back, I wanted to make a statement.”I wanted to come back a better version of what I was before. So yeah, I’ve been in the gym for almost this whole year.”Garcia tested positive for ostarine – a banned substance known to boost muscle growth – and accepted a one-year ban. It followed after tests taken on the day of and 24 hours after the fight – which has changed to a no-contest. But Garcia did clean VADA tests in the build-up to his bout with Haney and put the positive ostarine result down to contaminated supplements.A massive rematch between the former amateur rivals is planned for this winter and already looming large. But first, Haney faces Jose Ramirez, 32, and Garcia fights Rolando Romero, 29, in a stunning three-bout card at Times Square on Friday. And Haney said: “Right now it’s not time for me to speak on that. Right now my main focus is Jose Ramirez and focusing on Jose.Read More on The Sun”We’ll get to that Ryan fight after this one, but right now I put all my attention, all my focus on Jose Ramirez because he’s a live dog. He’s coming to fight.”That’s my main focus right now.”Ryan Garcia’s win against Devin Haney was overturned after his failed drug testCredit: GettyHaney facing off with Jose RamirezCredit: GettyGarcia returns against Rolando RomeroCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Newcastle star Joelinton set to miss remainder of Premier League season in huge blow to Champions League hopes

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      JOELINTON is set to miss the remainder of Newcastle’s Champions League push. The Newcastle star pulled up in training last Friday and went for a scan on his knee over the weekend. Joelinton is set to miss the rest of the season due to injuryCredit: RexThe Brazilian sat out last weekend’s 3-0 win over IpswichCredit: RexJoelinton has been a key part of Eddie Howe’s side this season, helping the Magpies win the Carabao Cup. The 28-year-old has bagged 4 goals and 3 assists as Toon push for a top-four finish. He sat out the 3-0 win over Ipswich on Saturday, the first match he’d missed since suffering a knee problem in February. The Daily Mail reports Joelinton’s current injury is severe enough to keep the Brazilian sidelined for Newcastle’s four remaining Premier League games.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowe confirmed prior to the Ipswich game that the forward’s knee was “not 100 per cent right” and he would undergo further tests.The Newcastle boss said: “He’s going to see a specialist and I’m sure he’ll be scanned there as well. “He trained yesterday and just felt that his knee wasn’t 100 per cent right. “That’s the knee that he had an injury with earlier in the season. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”He’s done brilliantly to play through the number of games he has without being 100 per cent fit, but he got to the point where he felt it needed a slight intervention. “Let’s keep our fingers crossed it’s not serious.”Newcastle United hold a trophy parade outside St James’ Park after winning the Carabao Cup Newcastle are locked in a five-team battle for the Champions League places.Toon hold a two point advantage over 6th-placed Nottingham Forest, who have a game in hand.Howe’s men travel to take on Brighton this Sunday. They then finish the season with games against Chelsea, Arsenal and Everton. More

    • 163 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      Four-time F1 world champion, 38, reveals he is ‘not allowed to race anymore’

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      SEBASTIAN VETTEL is no longer allowed to race – under instruction from his kids.The former professional driver won the Formula 1 Championship four times between 2010-2013.Sebastian Vettel has been told by his kids not to return to racingHe quit F1 in 2022 after racing with Aston Martin for two years, finishing 12th both seasons.Vettel, 37, admits he is happy in retirement and even if he wanted to make a return, he has been told he is not allowed to – by his children.He told Sky Sports Germany F1: “My kids told me I’m not allowed to race anymore because they like me so much. “It’s wonderful to hear that.READ MORE IN F1″Family harmony still exists. I’ve learned a lot about myself during this time. I’m very content, and I don’t get bored.”Vettel has three children with his wife Hanna Prater – daughters Emilie, 11 and Mathilda, 9, and a son.The German, who raced for Red Bull for six years, now works for the organisation in Saudi Arabia where he teaches girls Go-Karting as part of the Race4Women event.However his long-term future could lie in F1, potentially in a role with Red Bull as an advisor, succeeding Helmut Marko.Most read in MotorsportBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMarko said of Vettel and his own future at Red Bull: “No decision has been made yet, but it’s also quite clear: At some point, it won’t be possible anymore — also due to age.”It would be great if someone like Sebastian Vettel would take over. ‘People can’t handle the truth’ – Verstappen FUMES after being given five-second penalty and takes swipe at F1 bosses”On the one hand, there’s the junior program. He’s already working with girls in go-karting in Saudi Arabia. “And the other is the larger, strategic direction of a Formula 1 team. I think Sebastian has found himself and now knows what he wants to do in the future — and that’s primarily motorsport.”Responding to the rumours, Vettel said: “We’re still working out what it could look like. But I don’t want to impose myself.” More