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      Billionaire ex-Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich LOSES bid to overturn sanctions slapped on him ‘for funding Putin’s war’

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      RUSSIAN oligarch Roman Abramovich has lost an appeal against the EU’s decision to freeze his funds over links to tyrant Vladimir Putin.The ex-Chelsea FC owner, 57, has been slapped with sanctions from the UK and the EU but has previously denied any financial relationship with despot Putin.
      Russian oligarch and ex-Chelsea owner Roman AbramovichCredit: Getty
      The billionaire is a pal of Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin (pictured together)Credit: Alamy
      Abramovich sold Chelsea football club in 2022 as a result of UK sanctions against Russian assets in the countryCredit: Alamy
      Abramovich is one of the richest people in Russia and is one of many powerful players in the country to be sanctioned since Putin’s brutal invasion of Ukraine.
      The EU also rejected his plea for compensation over damage to his reputation for £865,000 in a double blow for the oligarch.
      The ruling said on Wednesday that Abramovich is a majority shareholder in major steel and mining company Evraz, which gives “a substantial source of revenue to the Russian Government”.
      He has, as a result, benefited from decisions made by those in power who are responsible for the brutal conflict in Ukraine.
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      Almost 1,800 individuals and entities such as companies or organisations have been slapped with sanctions since Russia invaded Ukraine – beginning with Crimea in 2014.
      Abramovich was appealing against the inclusion of his name in the group of those sanctioned for their activities that finance the Russian government.
      The EU court said today that his inclusion was correct and it does not result in an “unjustified and disproportionate infringement of his fundamental rights”.
      They have targeted banks, companies, markets and the energy sector.
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      Over 1,000 Russian officials have been subject to asset freezing and travel bans alongside the former Chelsea owner.
      The oligarch, who was accused of supplying steel for Russian tanks, has repeatedly downplayed his relationship with Putin.
      He has challenged suggestions of a close financial relationship or that he has acted on behalf of the Russian president.
      When he sold Chelsea FC in 2022, he said: “I would like to address the speculation in media over the past few days in relation to my ownership of Chelsea FC.
      “As I have stated before, I have always taken decisions with the Club’s best interest at heart.
      “In the current situation, I have therefore taken the decision to sell the Club, as I believe this is in the best interest of the Club, the fans, the employees, as well as the Club’s sponsors and partners.
      “The sale of the Club will not be fast-tracked but will follow due process. I will not be asking for any loans to be repaid. This has never been about business nor money for me, but about pure passion for the game and Club.”
      The Russian said at the time that his team would set up a charitable foundation, with all proceeds of the sale donated.
      He said: “All money raised will benefit all victims of the war in Ukraine.
      “This includes providing critical funds towards the urgent and immediate needs of victims, as well as supporting the long-term work of recovery.”
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      Just days ago the Wall Street Journal reported that the billions of pounds pledged to victims of Putin’s war remain frozen in a UK bank account.
      Abravomich also holds Portuguese and Israeli citizenship and Forbes puts his net worth at an estimate of £7.2 billion. More

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      Russia could be allowed to play international football again as Fifa ‘considers lifting blanket ban’

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      FIFA could end its total ban on Russian teams this AFTERNOON.But the new position, bringing world chiefs in line with Uefa’s controversial move last week, will ONLY apply to Under-17 sides.
      Russia could return to international footballCredit: Getty
      They have been banned since Valdimir Putin the invaded UkraineCredit: Reuters
      Fifa and Uefa reacted to the invasion of Ukraine in 2022 by booting Russia out of the World Cup play-offs.
      The nation were banned from entering the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign and all club sides also prevented from playing in official competitions.
      But last week an acrimonious meeting of Uefa’s ruling executive committee voted to allow Under-17 sides to compete, with the condition that no national flags or kit were used and the matches played outside Russian territory.
      The FA led a fierce backlash, with other countries including Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Latvia and Lithuania backing Ukraine’s stance that there should be no leeway for Russia, even for “children”.
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      It subsequently emerged that the Swedish and Danish representatives on Uefa had SUPPORTED the move, despite the stance of the national federations they represent.
      And now Fifa is poised to take the same step at this afternoon’s meeting of its ruling Council.
      The Fifa decision would allow Under-17 Russian sides to play in the Fifa junior World Cup if they qualify through the Uefa tournaments.
      However, the finals of next year’s women’s version is due to be played in Sweden and the Swedish FA has reiterated its stance that Russia will not be allowed to compete.
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      Today’s likely vote represents a dilemma for FA chair Debbie Hewitt, elected as the Home Nations vice-president.
      As a representative of European football, she will be expected to back Uefa’s position but that is diametrically opposed to that of the FA.
      Russia have still been permitted to play friendly matches since being slapped with the ban.
      It was once reported that they were considering switching to the Asian confederation to escape Uefa’s sanctions. More

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      Chelsea legend Shevchenko made advisor to Ukraine war leader Zelensky – while Putin cosies up to ex club boss Abramovich

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      CHELSEA legend Andriy Shevchenko has been promoted to an aide to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, while his former Chelsea boss Roman Abramovich gets closer to warmonger Vladimir Putin.The Ukrainian footballer previously said the relationship with his former Chelsea boss would “never be the same again” following Russia’s invasion into his home country.
      The Ukrainian footy legend has been supporting his home country since February 24Credit: Rex
      Abramovich has been by Putin’s side since the war beganCredit: Getty
      Shevchenko is one of many famous Ukrainians now acting in an official capacityCredit: Instagram @u24.gov.ua
      In a written decree, Zelensky’s office said: “Andriy Shevchenko is appointed advisor to the President of Ukraine (out of state).”
      No details have emerged about the nature of his role, but Shevchenko has been outspoken in support for his homeland as it continues to battle off the Russian invasion.
      In May 2022, the Ukrainian footy legend was named an ambassador for Ukraine’s UNITED25 fundraising platform, which has raised millions to aide in the rebuilding of Ukraine.
      Since the invasion began, Shevchenko has focused on carrying out his patriotic duties as he looks for peace and helps his compatriots flee war-torn Ukraine.
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      Abramovich, on the other hand, has been slapped with sanctions by the UK government due to his alleged ties with Putin.
      Shevchenko and former boss Abramovich had a “long relationship” in the football world before the conflict between their home countries tore them apart.
      Shevchenko formerly said: “I said from the beginning, I did not believe that this (war) could happen.
      “Abramovich and I had a long relationship and I don’t think it will ever be the same. But I also know there are a lot of Russian people who want to stop the war.
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      Only days ago, Russian State Media was banned from criticising billionaire Abramovich, who had taken part in “negotiations” bwteen Russia and Ukraine early in the war.
      Independent media The Moscow Times indicated that Abramovich would not normally be beyond criticism from Russia’s anti-Western state media. 
      They said: “A year ago, he participated in negotiations that ended unsuccessfully for Russia.”
      Abramovich is known to maintain solid relations with Putin despite obtaining Israeli citizenship and living mainly outside his homeland.
      Soviet-born Abramovich is one of Russia’s richest men, and earlier served as a Putin-loyal governor for the far-flung Chukotka region. 
      The reason for the diktat on Abramovich are unknown, but the former footy boss has continued to live a lavish life even while under sanctions.
      Other sports stars have become involved in the Russia-Ukraine conflict: Arsenal star Oleg Luzhny returned to Ukraine to fight on the frontline.
      Boxers Vitali and Wladimir Klitschko, Oleksandr Usyk and Vasiliy Lomachenko also enlisted to help the heroic defensive effort by Ukraine.
      Recently retired tennis player Sergiy Stakhovsky, who beat Roger Federer at Wimbledon in 2013, has also enlisted aged 36.
      Abramovich has been close with Putin for decadesCredit: AFP More

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      Ukraine 1 England 1: Kyle Walker comes to the rescue after Zinchenko’s opener but Three Lions lose 100% Euro 2024 record

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      KYLE WALKER’S maiden international goal, in his 77th England appearance, kept Gareth Southgate’s side on course for next summer’s Euros. A stunning assist from skipper Harry Kane allowed the outstanding Manchester City full-back to equalise just before half-time after Oleksandr Zinchenko had fired Ukraine into a shock lead. 
      Kyle Walker rescued a draw for England against UkraineCredit: AP
      Oleksandr Zinchenko fired Ukraine into the leadCredit: Getty
      Zinchenko celebrates netting the openerCredit: Reuters
      Walker netted an equaliser before half timeCredit: PA
      The goal was Walker’s first ever for EnglandCredit: Getty
      But this was England’s most disappointing performance since the World Cup group-stage draw with the United States, as they gave up their 100 per cent record in this qualifying campaign. 
      Despite a host of in-form attacking players, Southgate’s team lacked their usual fluency and failed to create enough clear-cut chances despite dominating possession at the Tarczynski Arena in the Polish city of Ukraine. 
      A passionate crowd of displaced Ukrainian fans, exiled from their war-torn homeland, roared on Sergiy Rebrov’s side, who defended stoutly and were threatening on the counter-attack. 
      England will now have to wait until next month’s Wembley clash with Italy, at the earliest, before they clinch qualification for the finals in Germany. 
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      The Three Lions now face an in-form Scotland in a Hampden Park ‘friendly’ on Tuesday and Steve Clarke’s Tartan Army will have little to fear on the basis of this sloppy display.
      Southgate could call on a clutch of players inspired by summer moves – Kane, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Maddison. 
      But his most controversial selection was that of Jordan Henderson, whose switch to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq has caused a storm with LGBT fans, while also casting doubt on his international future in footballing terms. 
      Ukraine’s players were draped in their national flag for the anthems and there was a feverish atmosphere before kick-off among the thousands of Ukrainian fans living here in Poland.
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      Jordan Henderson started for England in midfieldCredit: Reuters
      Jude Bellingham started the game with confidenceCredit: Getty
      England were utterly dominant early on – with Bellingham full of confidence and invention – but they were unable to carve out a decent scoring opportunity.
      Bukayo Saka appeared to be inhibited by an early knock and Ukraine, having defended assuredly, began to grow as an attacking force. 
      There were a few shaky moments for the English defence before Ukraine seized the lead on 26 minutes.
      Their right-back Yukhym Konoplia surged down the right past Ben Chilwell and cut back for Zinchenko to drill home – England’s midfield having failed to pick up the Arsenal man’s run and Jordan Pickford diving the wrong way. 
      England were provoked into a renewed sense of urgency but Henderson skied a shot and Southgate’s side were beginning to show frustration – Maddison booked for a foul on Illia Zabarnyi. 
      Bellingham carved open the Ukraine defence with a diagonal pass but Maddison failed to capitalise with a poor first touch. 
      The place was rocking and England appeared to be wilting. They needed something out of the ordinary to equalise – and that’s what they produced.  
      Kane had dropped so deep he was standing next to his central defenders, to the side of the centre circle, when he conjured a visionary diagonal pass all of 40 yards towards Walker.
      Harry Kane set up Walker’s goalCredit: Reuters
      Walker finally netted for England on his 77th capCredit: Reuters

      The City defender chested down, rifled past Georgiy Bushchan and survived a VAR check for offside to break his duck after 12 years as an international footballer. 
      After the break Maguire headed on to the roof of the net from a Walker cross and a Henderson centre had Bushchan sprawling.
      But a sloppy Bellingham pass afforded Ukraine a half-chance but Georgiy Sudakov screwed his shot well wide. 
      England had been struggling for fluency, on a difficult playing surface, but they clicked into gear when Maddison fed Kane, who held it up and slipped a pass to Saka, the Arsenal man leathering a shot which Bushchan tipped on to the bar.
      Saka exchanged passes with Maddison, wriggled past a defender but had a shot blocked. 
      Midway through the second half, Southgate introduced Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden in place of Bellingham and Maddison, neither of whom had truly sparked. 
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      Rashford had an angled drive pushed out by Bushchan, who then saved a close-range effort from a lunging Maguire. 
      Walker capped a fine personal display with a couple of excellent late challenges to dispossess Mykhailo Mudryk as Ukraine broke menacingly.
      Gareth Southgate must not prepare his team to face ScotlandCredit: Getty More

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      Inside tragic abandoned football stadium on war frontline that had direct hit from MISSILE leaving vast crater on pitch

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      A FOOTBALL stadium in war-torn Ukraine was abandoned after a Russian missile blew a huge chunk out of it.It was just the latest set back that MFC Mykolaiv, of the Ukrainian Second League, had to endure.
      The Tsentralnyi Stadion was hit with a single missile that was fired from the RussiansCredit: Twitter
      The stadium was left with a 15-metre wide and 5-metre deep crater on its pitchCredit: Twitter
      The missile strike narrowly missed one of the stands on the side of the pitchCredit: Twitter
      The Shipbuilders are one of the oldest football clubs in Ukraine and play at the 16,700 all-seater Tsentralnyi Stadion in Mykolaiv.
      The stadium, which was constructed in 1965, was left with a 15-metre wide and 5-metre deep crater on its pitch after being hit with a singular missile.
      Located in southern Ukraine, the city of Mykolaiv serves as a transportation hub for the country due to its direct access to the Black Sea.
      But that meant it became a top target for Russia, who bombed the city from their Bastion coastal missile system located in the occupied Kherson region on June 28, 2022.
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      This was confirmed in a statement by the Mykolayiv Regional State Administration, who claimed the city “came under massive missile attack”.
      Eight missiles were launched but the Ukrainian defence force could only thwart three of them.
      The remaining five damaged their military stations and, unfortunately for MFC Mykolaiv, their Tsentralnyi Stadion.
      Due to the stadium being closed for a number of months, there were no reported casualties following the attack.
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      But the stadium has seen its pitch left in tatters.
      Anton Gerashchenko, the officer in Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, said: “This used to be a lawn at the main stadium in Mykolaiv.
      “Now it’s a crater. Just imagine what kind of rockets Russians hit the city with.”
      Mykolaiv finished fourth in the Ukrainian First League during the 2020-21 season but a club decision eventually saw them relegated.
      In their first season back in the Second League, they would play just 17 of their 30 games after withdrawing early due to the Russo-Ukrainian War.
      Their last competitive fixture came in a 3-0 defeat to Rukh Lviv in a Ukrainian Cup Fourth Round tie on September 21, 2021.
      Fans of the club now haven’t seen their side play for more than two years, with the stadium being left virtually abandoned in that time.
      And to add insult to injury, the stadium has been bombed by Russian missiles as a result of the ongoing war.
      It isn’t the only stadium in Ukraine to suffer from Russian attacks, however.
      The Donbass Arena, once home to Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk and a host venue for Euro 2012, was shelled in 2014.
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      The stadium was hit by two powerful explosions which caused heavy damage to the turnstiles and entrances to the arena.
      MFC Mykolaiv have played at the 16,700 all-seater Tsentralnyi Stadion since 1965Credit: Twitter
      The ground has been unused since Mykolaiv played their last competitive game in September 2021
      MFC Mykolaiv last competed in the Ukrainian Second League before the war brought an end to their season in 2021 More

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      England blow as Man City coach hints Jack Grealish will MISS Ukraine and Scotland games through injury

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      MANCHESTER CITY star Jack Grealish may miss England’s upcoming matches against Ukraine and Scotland.Grealish did not feature in City’s 5-1 Premier League victory over Fulham at the Etihad due to a thigh injury.
      Manchester City star Jack Grealish suffered a thigh injuryCredit: Getty
      Man City stand-in boss Juanma Lillo claimed Grealish may miss England’s next matchesCredit: Rex
      And the Citizens’ stand-in manager Juanma Lillo, who’s filling in for Pep Guardiola as the head coach continues to recover from minor back surgery, dealt England boss Gareth Southgate a further blow.
      Lillo admitted during his post-match press conference that it is “going to be difficult” for Grealish to be fit in time for the Three Lions’ next matches.
      Southgate’s men take on Ukraine next Saturday in a Euro 2024 qualifier in Poland.
      England will the square off against Scotland in an international friendly at Hampden Park three days later.
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      However, Southgate might have to make an adjustment to his attack with Grealish posing as a doubt.
      This also poses as a blow for City, who are currently dealing with a minor injury crisis themselves.
      The Treble winners’ captain Kevin de Bruyne has been sidelined with a hamstring injury and could be out for the rest of the year.
      John Stones is also shelved due to a hip injury he suffered before the start of the campaign.
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      And Stones is expected to be unavailable until after the international break.
      The same goes for City manager Guardiola, who looks set to return to the dugout on September 16.
      That is when the reigning Premier League champions travel to West Ham. More

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      I married childhood sweetheart in Ukraine and bought pals guns to fight the war… now I’m gearing up for Premier League

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      BOURNEMOUTH defender Illia Zabarnyi is back for the Premier League season after a summer spent at home in Ukraine.As well as marrying his childhood sweetheart Angelina, the Cherries defender, 20, made sure his soldier friends were protected by buying them guns to take back to the front line.
      Illia Zabarnyi has had a wold summerCredit: Getty
      Zabarnyi got married this summerCredit: Instagram @illiazabarnyi
      He got married to childhood sweetheartCredit: Instagram / @angelinarr_

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      And on the field Zabarnyi scored his first international goal in June during Ukraine’s 3-2 Euro qualifying victory in North Macedonia.
      Zabarnyi’s face is full of pride for the fellow countrymen he has left behind to fight Vladimir Putin’s invading Russian troops — but his eyes reflect the sadness in his heart.
      The £24million signing from Dynamo Kyiv told SunSport: “I have lots of friends and they are soldiers who are defending Ukraine.
      “They are 20 years old like me and they take a gun and go and defend Ukraine. And I give them what they need — I pay for weapons and this is all I can do.
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      “I give all what they need — it’s so important that every Ukrainian now supports them one hundred per cent.
      “I got married over there and got to see my family and close friends.
      “I went to Ukraine for a week and I didn’t sleep every night because every day they attack.
      “It’s still really bad over there and we need to let people know what’s going on in Ukraine.
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      Bournemouth star Zabarnyi for £24millionCredit: Getty
      Angelina has 12.5k followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram / @angelinarr_
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      “Our country is very tired, the people have stayed together and continue our defence and we continue to fight.
      “It’s an emotional moment because we’ve had lots of games and I want to help the team so we can give the country a little smile.
      “For the national team we won two important games and I scored my first goal, which made me very happy.”
      The Cherries signed Zabarnyi in the January window but injuries restricted him to just five appearances.
      But when he played he became an instant hit with the home supporters, who took the young Ukrainian to their hearts.
      Now Saturday’s home clash with West Ham cannot come quickly enough.
      Zabarnyi added: “It’s difficult when I come back to Bournemouth because of what is happening in my country.
      “I’m at the right place at the right time and I love it!
      “Now I want to play and give 100 per cent to Bournemouth. This is a great club and I am happy to be here.
      “I cannot wait for the season to start against West Ham but I want to show how all this is affecting Ukraine.
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      “I am here playing in the Premier League, which is very important to me because people come to watch Ukrainian players.
      “My country is at war and maybe being here people talk about this and maybe that helps, which is important.”
      Zabarnyi paid for his countrymen’s weapons in the Ukraine warCredit: Getty More

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      Millions to cheer on celebs and footie stars today at fundraising match Game4Ukraine

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      MILLIONS will today cheer on celebs and footie stars in a Ukraine fundraising match — with the biggest roar at a school blitzed by Russia.Teachers and pupils will tune in to watch the Game4Ukraine — which hopes to raise £1.3million to rebuild the school
      Alex Zinchenko, right, and former Ukrainian international Andriy Shevchenko will take part in Game4UkraineCredit: AFP
      The players pose with President Zelensky as they revealed plans for the fundraiserCredit: AFP
      Shevchenko and Zinchenko survey the damage in Mykhailo-KotsiubynskCredit: AFP
      The televised match at Chelsea FC is the idea of Ukraine footie legend Andriy Shevchenko and Arsenal’s Ukrainian ace Oleksandr Zinchenko.
      Among those playing will be Gianfranco Zola, Robert Pires, X Factor star James Arthur and comic Russell Howard.
      The Mykhailo-Kotsiubynsky school’s head Mykola Shpak, said: “We cannot thank people enough.”
      The terrified youngsters cowered in a basement as the missile slammed into their science block, wiping out three entire classrooms and badly damaging scores more.
      READ MORE ON THE GAME4UKRAINE
      The kids then endured a month of hell as Putin’s troops occupied their remote village near Chernihiv, abducting and murdering locals and smashing down doors to steal food.
      Former Gunners boss Arsene Wenger and Chelsea’s women coach Emma Hayes will manage the two sides who will play in Ukraine colours as the Yellow Team and the Blue team. More