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    Who is Conference League final referee Irfan Peljto?

    IRFAN Peljto is an elite football referee who was the very first Bosnian referee to officiate a UEFA game. He will be officiating at the Uefa Conference League final on May 28, 2025, despite being hit with a ban earlier in the season.Irfan Peljto is an accomplished football refereeCredit: GettyThe star faced a ban after making a series of mistakes during a matchCredit: ReutersBreaking a recordBorn on July 18, 1984, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Irfan first began officiating in the Bosnian Premier League. He has been on the FIFA list since 2015 and is categorised as a UEFA elite referee. The star has broken an incredible football record too. He is the first Bosnian referee to oversee a UEFA Champions League group stage or knockout phase match – having officiated a match between Beşiktaş and Ajax in 2021.Read More on footballIrfan’s shocking banHowever, Irfan has proven to be controversial – having been banned from six games this season. His ban came after he made three major mistakes during Borac Banja’s 1-1 derby draw with Zrinjski Mostar.Irfan failed to award penalties on two separate occasions during the match, which led the Bosnian FA to release a damning statement. The statement read: “In the 25th minute, the referee, although very well positioned and with a clear view of the incident, failed to recognise an obvious foul and award a penalty kick to FK Borac.Most read in Football”In the 26th minute, the referee, although well positioned, failed to award a direct free kick for the away team after a clear foul which led to a goal for the home team. “In the 90th+5 minute, the referee failed to award a clear penalty kick for Zrinjski too.”Refereeing the UEFA Conference League final Irfan Peljto will be acting as the referee at the 2025 UEFA Conference League final.  ‘I can’t see anything’ – Chelsea fans moan as live TNT Sports coverage of Conference League clash is ruined by smokeChelsea will be taking on the Spanish side Real Betis in Wroclaw, Poland, on 28 May 2025.  Ahead of the game, Irfan said: “We are living a dream. To receive the call was very emotional. It’s an honour not only for my career, but to bring the flag of my small country under the European spotlight is a very proud moment.”I hope it is also a moment for the future of referees in Bosnia and Herzegovina, that young referees have this positive perspective on refereeing, and that we have created a path for them.”Chelsea have previously won two Champions League titles, two Europa Leagues and two European Cup Winners’ Cups – meaning that this is the club’s final European honour to win. Fans can watch the game live when it airs at 8pm on TNT Sports.Irfan revealed that it was ‘very emotional’ to be selected as the UEFA Conference Final refereeCredit: Getty Images More

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    How many European trophies have Chelsea won?

    CHELSEA have beaten Real Betis in the Conference League final – and in doing so created European football history!The West Londoners defeated the La Liga side 4-1 after Cole Palmer inspired a second-half fightback.Chelsea won the Champions League for the second time in 2021Credit: GettyWhat European trophies have Chelsea won?Chelsea have won nine European titles – making them the second most successful English team.And now the Blues have added the newly-formed Conference League trophy to their cabinet – it means they have become the first team to have won ALL of Europe’s majors in their history.CHELSEA VS REAL BETIS LIVE – LATEST REACTIONChelsea won Europe’s elite competition, the Champions League, twice – in 2012 and in 2021.And the Blues won their second Europa League in 2019Credit: GettyThey also won the Europa League twice – in 2013 and 2019.The now defunct Cup Winners’ Cup was won in 1971 and 1998.And the UEFA Super Cup in 1998 and 2021.Only Liverpool have won more European titles for an English team with 13.Most read in Football More

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    Jordan Henderson tipped for emotional return to former club with Ajax future uncertain after title collapse

    JORDAN HENDERSON could make a big return to the Premier League this summer.Henderson, 34, left English football in 2023 following 12 spectacular years at Liverpool that saw him win every major honour.Ajax star Jordan Henderson could be set for a big return to the Premier LeagueSunderland are keen to re-sign Henderson during the summer transfer windowHenderson spent 13 years at Sunderland before joining LiverpoolThe midfielder joined the group of elite names that made the leap to Saudi Arabia with the promise of a big payday.The England international reunited with fellow Anfield hero Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq.However, Henderson’s stint in the Saudi Pro League barely lasted six months as he ripped up his £700,000-a-week deal with the Middle Eastern club.That led the versatile midfielder back to Europe as he signed with Ajax in January 2024.Read More on FootballThat in turn caused a career resurgence that saw him getting called back up to the England squad by new manager Thomas Tuchel.The Liverpool hero also helped Ajax return to the Champions League ahead of next season despite a spectacular title collapse that saw the Dutch giants losing the Eredivisie from their grasp to rivals PSV Eindhoven on the final day of the season.According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Henderson will decide his future this month with his current contract running out next year.The defensive midfielder has the option to trigger an additional year at Ajax but has received interest from the Premier League and Serie A. Most read in FootballAnd that could lead him to an emotional return to former club Sunderland.According to The Guardian, the newly-promoted Black Cats are believed to be still considering whether to try to re-sign Henderson this summer.The No6 started his career at the club’s academy back in 1998 aged just eight years old.After 10 impressive years within the youth ranks he earned a senior call-up and went on to amass a total of five goals and 10 assists in 79 appearances.Henderson’s impressive performances at the Stadium of Light led to interest from Liverpool, who signed him in 2011. More

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    Lamine Yamal’s staggering new Barcelona deal broken down with wonderkid, 18, set to increase salary TENFOLD

    BARCELONA wonderkid Lamine Yamal has penned a bumper new contract that will make him one of the club’s highest earners.The 17-year-old has established himself as one of the most-talented players in world football.Lamine Yamal has become one of Barcelona’s highest-paid playersCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe 17-year-old has signed a new contract keeping him at Barcelona until 2031Credit: ReutersSince breaking into the first team aged just 15 in 2023 – making him the youngest player to ever represent Barcelona – Yamal has made 106 senior appearances, scoring 25 goals and providing 34 assists.During that time, the winger has won two LaLiga titles, along with the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.He also became a European Champion with Spain last July after shining on the international stage.And having put himself in Ballon d’Or contention, the teenager has earned a new, lucrative contract.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Athletic has reported that Yamal this week signed a deal which could see him earn just shy of £33.5million (€40m) a year before tax – a whopping £644,230 per week – making him Barcelona’s highest-paid player.His base salary is now understood to be £25.2m (€30m) with performance-related bonuses potentially increasing the total by almost £10m.That means he now earns around 10 times more than he did previously.The new deal comes into play immediately, rather than on the winger’s 18th birthday in July.Most read in FootballYamal’s new deal runs until 2031, meaning it will expire just before his 24th birthday. He also reportedly has a release clause worth a staggering €1billion.I sold Lamine Yamal trading card for life changing amount – my wife doesn’t think it’s a silly hobby nowAnd the winger is now set to follow in the footsteps of Barcelona hero Lionel Messi by taking the No10 shirt.The number will become vacant with Ansu Fati expected to join Monaco in a permanent transfer. More

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    Betis vs Chelsea Conference League final boost: Get Cole Palmer 2+ shots on target in 90 mins at 9/4 with Tote

    CHELSEA are in Poland tonight, looking to clinch European glory by beating Betis in the Conference League final.And bookmakers Tote are marking the final with a good price boost: Cole Palmer to have 2+ shots on target in 90 minutes at 9/4 – that’s up from 11/10!Not a Tote customer? No problem! Simply sign-up today and you can claim a whopping £30 in free bets and 20 free spins! Tote Mega BoostBetis vs ChelseaWas 11/10Now 9/4Maximum £20 stake!New to Tote? If so, you can claim their amazing welcome offer AND tonight’s price boost for the Conference League final between Betis and Chelsea.Simply visit the Tote website HERE* and register a new account.Once that’s sorted, deposit and and place your first bet of at least £10 on football, horse racing or any other market on the Sportsbook at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater.Once your Qualifying Bet is settled — win or lose — you will receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 20 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza!How to claim..Tote special offerVisit the Tote website HERE*Register a brand new accountDeposit and place your first bet of at least £10 on any sport – including footballOnce your Qualifying Bet is settled you will receive a £30 in free bets and 20 free spinsTote welcome offer: Get £30 free bets and 20 free spins — claim here**New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. One welcome offer per customer. Bet a minimum of £/€10 at odds of 1/1 (2.0) or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £/€10 Win + £/€10 Place) within 7 days of registration to qualify. Receive £/€20 Tote Credit, £/€10 sports Free Bet and 20 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. Qualifying bet is the first racing pool or sports bet added to the bet slip. 7-day expiry. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org.Remember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – GambleAware.orgRead our guide on responsible gambling practices.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. More

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    Maradona trial on brink of COLLAPSE after glam judge appears in glitzy doc about ongoing case over football icon’s death

    THE trial of late Argentine football superstar Diego Maradona’s medical team is on the brink of collapse after a glam judge appeared in a glitzy documentary about the ongoing case.Julieta Makintach – dubbed the “judge of God” – recused herself after a trailer for the six-part mini-series was embarrassingly played to the court. Julieta Makintach – dubbed the ‘judge of God’ – recused herselfCredit: ClarinOne clip shows her going up in a lift in what appears to be a courthouseCredit: P14Makintach arrives at court for a hearing in the trial of health professionals accused of negligence in the death of soccer star Diego MaradonaCredit: APArgentine former football star Diego Maradona died in 2020Credit: AFPIt emerged that Makintach, 47, had been shooting the series called Divine Justice about the case, potentially breaking a string of ethics rules.The shocking preview begins with Makintach strutting through the entrance of what seems to be a court house in high heels as she takes the lift to the upper floors.News broadcasts of footy legend Maradona’s death are also featured in the trailer, as well as an excerpt of an emergency call asking for an ambulance.It concludes with Makintach preparing documents at a desk.The bizarre footage suggests unauthorised recordings were shot inside the courtroom, which constitutes a breach of judicial rules.According to a script, the mini-series would follow Makintach as she “reconstructs the death of Maradona and certain painful milestones of his life related to abandonment.”The trailer preview was one of the various pieces of evidence seized by cops in raids last week as the trail was suspended.Tuesday’s hearing was marked by insults, recriminations, shouting and tears.Most read in SoccerIn a bitter exchange, prosecutor Patricio Ferrari accused Makintach of behaving “like an actress and not a judge.”He said: “[Makintach] spoke about Maradona, the trial, how it was unfolding.Diego Maradona’s daughter fights back tears as she says family live in fear of mafia ahead of trial into his death “She has been completely influenced by her leading role, by the centrality of her figure.”She lied to our faces for three months. I demand that the court recuse judge Makintach.”As the trailer was played, defence lawyer Rodolfo Baque jumped out of his chair to shout “trash” at the judge.The late footballer’s daughter Gianinna Maradona tried to calm him before she and Maradona’s former partner, Veronica Ojeda, both began to sob.Makintach sat with her head bowed, biting her lip and eventually said she had “no choice” but to recuse herself as one of the case’s three justices.Her removal is an embarrassment for Argentina’s judicial system and could yet derail a trial being watched by football fans worldwide.Maradona – considered one of the world’s greatest ever football players – had been recovering at his home in Buenos Aires from surgery on a brain blood clot when he tragically died of a heart attack aged 60.Seven members of the legend’s medical team are being prosecuted for negligent homicide over his death in November 2020.She also struts in her high heels in the trailerCredit: P14The trailer preview was one of the various pieces of evidence seized by cops in raids last week as the trail was suspendedCredit: Clarin Judges Veronica Di Tommaso, Maximiliano Savarino and Julieta Makintach attend the first day of soccer legend Diego Maradona’s death trialCredit: ReutersPortrait of Argentina’s midfielder Diego Maradona in 1986Credit: AFPThose responsible for his medical care face prison terms between eight and 25 years if convicted of homicide with possible intent.The charges relate to their decision to allow him to recover from major surgery at home, and the conditions of his care.They deny the charges.The medical team on trial includes a neurosurgeon, a doctor and a night nurse.The defendants have claimed Maradona refused any further treatment and should have stayed home for longer following his operation.Gianinna Maradona has claimed her father was kept in “a dark, ugly and lonely” place and that his carers were more interested in money than his welfare.The court will decide on Thursday whether the trial will go ahead or be scrapped and then restarted.Some of the plaintiffs have called for a new trial, saying they felt proceedings have been tainted by scandal.The lawyer for Maradona’s ex-partner Ojeda said that “everyone now feels that this is compromised,” adding that it’s “healthiest to start over from scratch”.Glam Makintach denied being paid for the documentary and said that she had given “an interview to a childhood friend about the justice system”.Makintach added: “That material was raw, it was intimate. It was on a Sunday at 5pm. Does that give it the label of forbidden, hidden, illicit?”According to Argentinian media, prosecutor Ferrari said: “On Sunday March 9, before the trial began, Makintach entered the building with six people.”And if there is a script and a trailer, it wasn’t just an interview.Read More on The Sun”There were photos, footage. There was no authorisation for this irregular entry.”All the aggravating circumstances clearly exist that demonstrate the loss of independence and impartiality of the member summoned to this trial.”In 2019, Gimnasia y Esgrima team coach Diego Armando Maradona gestures to supporters as he leaves the field after an Argentina First Division Superliga football matchCredit: AFP More

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    Managerless QPR release five players following culmination of Championship season… but SEVEN more could still leave

    QUEENS PARK RANGERS have announced five players are leaving the club – with a fan favourite potentially set to follow. The Rs have just completed their tenth-straight season in the Championship.QPR have announced five players are leaving the clubCredit: GettyPlayer of the season Jimmy Dunne is yet to sign a new deal with the clubCredit: AlamyRangers finished 15th, six points clear of the relegation zone but ten behind the playoff places. The club are currently searching for a manager after placing Marti Cifuente on gardening leave in April. But that isn’t stopping them from having a summer clear-out at Loftus Road. The club have confirmed Kenneth Paal, Conor Clark, Samuel Manufor, Harry Murphy, and Casey Shann have all been released.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLPaal has been in West London since 2022, joining the club from Dutch side Zwolle.He has played 130 times for the R’s, scoring six goals. In an emotional statement on Instagram, he wrote: “From day one, I enjoyed every moment. “The people at the club as well as my team-mates helped me and my family, and I will always be thankful. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”There were tough moments but my time with QPR made me a better person and a better player. “I became a father here and my little one was born in London, so this will always be a special place and time for me. It was a life-changing period.”Former Championship club win promotion to National League as fans go wild after nightmare decadeSeven players remain locked in negotiations with the club over a new deal.Lucas Andersen, Jack Colback, Jimmy Dunne, Morgan Fox, Joel Halliday, Noah McCann, Kieran Petrie and Nathan Shepperd.QPR attempted to renew Dunne’s contract earlier in the season and blocked a move to Sheffield United in January. The 27-year-old was voted the club’s player of the season by both supporters and his teammates.Dunne is set to become a free agent if he is unable to sign a new deal in the capital. More

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    Frank Lampard releases eight Coventry stars after gut-wrenching Championship play-off defeat to Sunderland

    COVENTRY have released eight players after falling short of promotion to the Premier League.Frank Lampard, who landed the job in November, led the Sky Blues on an incredible surge up the table to finish fifth.Coventry have released eight playersCredit: PAJamie Paterson has left after just eight gamesCredit: PABut they remain in the Championship after conceding a 122nd minute winner to Sunderland in the play-off semi-final.Coventry have announced their release list following the end of the season with Jamie Paterson the biggest name departing.The 33-year-old was at the club for three months and managed eight appearances.But he has not been offered a new contract and will join League One side Plymouth Argyle.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAcademy graduates Jack Burroughs, Ryan Howley and Cian Tyler have also been shown the exit door.Burroughs, 24, joined Coventry at the age of seven and went on to make 21 senior appearances.But he has spent recent seasons out on loan at Lincoln, Kilmarnock and Ross County.Howley, 21, played eight times in total and was with Scottish Championship side Ayr United on loan last season.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKTyler, 23, is another who has been at Coventry since he was a schoolboy, but he never managed a first-team game.Under-21 quartet Aston Ellard, Daniel Rachel, Kain Ryan and Jayden Smith have also left the club.Coventry have decided to trigger one-year extension options in the contracts of midfielder Jamie Allen and goalkeeper Luke Bell.Allen, 30, has been in the squad for the last six seasons and he has featured 151 times for the club.Bell, 21, joined from Wolves three years ago and is their youth-team keeper.Jamie Allen will remain with the clubCredit: Shutterstock Editorial More