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    England ace Lucy Bronze hails ‘brave’ Spain players and former Barcelona team-mates following Luis Rubiales case verdict

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    LUCY BRONZE praised the ‘incredible’ bravery of Spain international players who were involved in the case brought against Luis Rubiales. The ex-Spanish football federation chief was found guilty of kissing forward Jenni Hermoso without her consent following Spain winning the Women’s World Cup in August 2023.Former Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales was found guilty of sexually assaulting Spain forward Jenni HermosoCredit: PASpain’s record goalscorer Hermoso accused Rubiales of kissing her against herCredit: ReutersBronze’s old Barcelona team-mates Alexia Putellas and Irene Paredes were among the Spain players who gave testimonies in support of Hermoso during the caseCredit: EPABronze says Spain’s players have been “incredibly brave” in their fight for change within the sport in their countryCredit: GettyEarlier Today Rubiales was convicted of sexual assault after kissing Hermoso on the lips.The incident happened as she celebrated her team’s 1-0 defeat of England in the tournament’s final in Sydney. It marred the triumph for Spain’s players and the forward, who is currently her national side’s record goal scorer. It aslo prompted an international outcry across the sport with the Spanish FA issuing a public apology. Read More Football StoriesAfter being found guilty of sexual assault Rubiales was fined £8935 (EUROS 10,800), but was acquitted of a charge of coercion after being accused pressuring the player to downplay the incident.The conviction came a year and five months after he resigned as president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). Irene Paredes and Alexia Putellas, Bronze’s team-mates at Barcelona and Arsenal’s Laia Codina appeared at the trial to give testimonies in support of Hermoso Speaking shortly ahead of the verdict reached by Spain’s High Court, Bronze, who played at Barcelona for two years from June 2022 said: “I am good friends with a lot of the players involved around it. Most read in Football“From my point of view it’s been incredibly brave that these players have had to go through that. “It’s incredibly brave, as individuals and as a team collectively they’re fighting for change, not just in that court case but in their federation. “It’s amazing. As an England team we’ve made changes, not for the same reasons, but we stand by them.“During my last year at Barcelona, watching their ordeals after the World Cup, I think it was challenging for them. “It would be nice for them to get back to their football and focusing on that because they are incredible people and unbelievable players as well.”Bronze and her England team-mates will play Spain in the Women’s Nations League on February 26 five days after taking on Portugal. Both matches and the verdict of the Rubiales case come in a month in which female athletes’ safety and abuse directed at female footballers has been in the spotlight. On Sunday Manchester City’s Khadija Bunny Shaw gave a Black Power salute after scoring during her side’s 4-0 win against Liverpool in the WSL. The Jamaica striker was the target of racist and misogynistic abuse following the Cityzens’ 4-3 loss to Arsenal in the Women’s League Cup on February 6. Shaw’s club and a Man City fan group said they were appalled by the “disgusting treatment” of the player who finished last season as the WSL’s top goalscorer. And England and Chelsea’s Millie Bright spoke out against a fan directing expletive-laden insults at her during the Blues’ 1-0 away win at Aston Villa earlier this month. Bronze, who has spoken out on a range of issues facing players in the women’s game, insists it’s important female athletes can use their platforms to push for change and empower each other.The right-back, who joined Chelsea from Barcelona last July, said:  “Everyone is using their platform to make change and to try and be positive and to do the right things. “That is something that is special about women’s sport in general. We all have each other’s backs and try to empower each other. “Sadly there is that negative side to sport in general but we are trying to make change. Khadija Shaw did a Black Power salute after being the target of racist and misogynistic abuse earlier this monthCredit: Getty“We want the world to be a better place, the sports that we play to be better places. READ MORE SUN STORIES“We want to be safe, we want to bring joy and excitement and that is why we all play the sport. “To use our platforms to push those things forward and make change for little boys and girls, that is something we hold really dear to our hearts.” More

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      World Cup’s hottest fan sends followers wild in busty snap wearing red latex corset and covered in lipstick kisses

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      IVANA KNOLL took social media by storm once more with another raunchy snap.Ivana, 32, was crowned as the World Cup’s sexiest fan three years ago with her antics in Qatar where she donned a series of outfits that left little to imagination.Ivana Knoll took social media by storm once moreCredit: @knolldoll/instagramIvana posed in a small red latex corset on InstagramCredit: @knolldoll/instagramIvana was covered in red lipstick kisses all over her bodyCredit: @knolldoll/instagramIvana shares a series of raunchy snaps across social mediaCredit: @knolldoll/instagramThe Croatian model is still going strong as she shares a series of glam pics across social media.This time she took to Instagram where she posed in a red corset with a number of lipstick kisses all over her body.Ivana posted: “When he says he misses me but I miss the days when I didn’t know he existed.”That led to almost 50,000 likes from her 2.8million followers who were left in awe and stormed the comments’ section.Read More on FootballOne fan gushed: “Wooow!”Another commented: “Slay queen!”A third wrote: “Gorgeoussss.”This fan said: “Loveee these.”Most read in FootballAnd that one stated: “OMG.”Knoll went viral when she watched her beloved Croatia compete in the World Cup.World Cup’s sexiest fan Ivana Knoll stuns in bikini video as fans say ‘you can really move those hips’She watched Luka Modric and co making it to the semi-finals and finishing third after beating Morocco in the third-place play-off.Scroll down for more from Ivana KnollIvana made a name for herself during the 2022 World Cup in the standsCredit: GettyIvana wore some steamy outfits while supporting CroatiaCredit: GettyIvana was dubbed the 2022 World Cup’s “hottest fan”Credit: Instagram @knolldollIvana’s following continues to grow on social mediaCredit: Instagram More

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      Kiss ruined happiest day of my life, Spain World Cup star Jenni Hermoso tells Luis Rubiales as sex assault trial begins

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      SPAIN’S World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso has told a court that former football chief Luis Rubiales’ forced kiss “stained one of the happiest days of my life.”Hermoso, 34, was the first witness to appear at a court in Madrid as Rubiales’ sexual assault trial began on Monday.Jenni Hermoso is seen testifying on day one of Luis Rubiales’ trial in Madrid, SpainCredit: ReutersThe moment where Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips after their World Cup winCredit: EnterpriseAxed Spanish FA boss Rubiales – seen in court today – could face up to two and a half years in prisonCredit: ReutersHermoso pictured arriving at the court of San Fernando de Henares on Monday morningCredit: AFPRubiales, 47, is accused of sexual assault and coercion over the kiss he planted on Hermoso at the 2023 Women’s World Cup final in Sydney, where Spain defeated England.The former Spanish FA boss, who initially refused to resign and dismissed the controversy as a “witch hunt by fake feminism,” faces up to two and a half years in prison if convicted.Rubiales has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, insisting the kiss was a “peck between friends celebrating.”Taking the stand at Madrid’s Audiencia Nacional court, Hermoso described how Rubiales grabbed her head and kissed her without consent.Read more on Luis Rubiales”I didn’t hear or understand anything,” she told the court.”The next thing he did was to grab me by the ears and kiss me on the mouth.”I felt it was totally out of place and I then realised my boss was kissing me, and this shouldn’t happen in any social or work setting.”A kiss on the lips is only given when I decide so.”Most read in FootballShe added: “As a woman I felt disrespected. It was a moment that stained one of the happiest days of my life.”Hermoso said the pressure campaign left her fearful for her safety, forcing her to leave Madrid.Luis Rubiales Desperate Move: Controversial Video Sent to FIFA to Prove Innocence“From the first moment I reached Spain I had cameras after me 24 hours, people following me, people taking photos while I was having breakfast with my family. I had to leave Madrid with my family,” she said.“I felt fear at times of being in the street. I received death threats and messages of all types and we had to leave Madrid because the situation was unbearable.”It was a change in my life and I still say my life changed from that minute.”‘A statement I hadn’t written’The court also heard that just hours after the kiss, Rubiales and his aides allegedly pressured Hermoso to declare it was consensual to contain the growing backlash.She was called off the team bus at Sydney’s stadium and shown a statement she was expected to sign.Hermoso recalled breaking down in tears as pressure mounted on her to publicly downplay the incident.The Spanish footballer told the court:  “I skim-read it and said and knew I hadn’t written a word of it.“It was a statement I had supposedly drafted myself and consented to being put out to fan the flames of the fuss that was being created by the kiss.Hermoso and her Spain teammates beat England at the 2023 Women’s World Cup final in SydneyCredit: AFPJenni Hermoso said in a press conference that the kiss was unwantedCredit: APThe unwanted kiss has sparked outrage around the worldCredit: RexRubiales resigned as president of the Spanish Football Federation in 2023 following criticism over the ‘Kissgate’ scandalCredit: Getty“The statement said Luis Rubiales and I were good friends and the kiss happened in the effusiveness of the moment. I said I didn’t agree to it going out.”On the flight back to Spain, Rubiales allegedly approached Hermoso personally, pleading with her to back him publicly.“He told me, ‘Please, my two daughters are in the back of the plane crying,’” she said, adding that she refused.Ex-national team coach Jorge Vilda — one of Rubiales’ co-defendants — then allegedly approached Hermoso’s brother, warning him that her football career could suffer if she did not comply.“I felt totally unprotected in what should have been a safe place for me,” Hermoso said. “No one asked me if I needed anything. The only thing Rubiales and his aides did was try to protect their reputation.”Spain’s #MeToo momentThe scandal overshadowed Spain’s first-ever Women’s World Cup triumph and became a tipping point for sexism in Spanish sport.The hashtag #SeAcabó (It’s Over) flooded social media, with Hermoso and 80 other players going on strike until federation leadership changed. FIFA suspended Rubiales, who eventually resigned in September 2023.The incident also sparked national soul-searching over sexual misconduct in Spain. The country had only recently toughened its sexual assault laws following the notorious ‘La Manada’ (Wolf Pack) gang rape case in 2016.Protests have erupted in Spain over the allegationsCredit: Rex“Rubiales out of play” has been displayed at many protestsCredit: Rex’A peck between friends’Rubiales continues to deny wrongdoing, insisting the kiss was a “peck between friends” and his downfall was driven by “fake feminism”.His daughters, two of whom were on the team’s flight home, will testify in his defense next Monday.Former coach Jorge Vilda, ex-federation sporting director Albert Luque, and marketing director Rubén Rivera also face coercion charges and potential 18-month sentences.The trial is set to run until February 19, with high-profile witnesses, including Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas and Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, expected to testify.Rubiales, if convicted, could receive a suspended sentence as first-time offenders in Spain rarely serve time for prison terms under two years. READ MORE SUN STORIESProsecutors are also seeking €100,000 (£83,000) in damages for Hermoso.A verdict is expected by the end of the month at the earliest.Rubiales has constantly denied any wrongdoingCredit: Talk TV More

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      World Cup winner and Lionel Messi enforcer Rodrigo de Paul’s ex-Wag moves on with female footballer-turned-rapper

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      WORLD CUP winner Rodrigo de Paul’s Wag has left him … for a female footballer-turned-rapper.Atletico Madrid star De Paul, 30, helped Argentina beat France to lift the 2022 World Cup.Rodrigo De Paul’s relationship with Tini Stoessel ended in August 2023Credit: AFPShe has since appeared to move on from the midfielderShe is now reportedly dating Young MikoCredit: GettyShe is a rapper with seven million followers on social mediaCredit: GettyThe midfielder was at the time in a relationship with Argentine singer Tini after splitting with longtime partner Camila Homs.However, Tini, a huge star in Spain and Latin America, and De Paul went their separate ways two summers ago.The 27-year-old pop star has since been romantically linked with rapper Young Miko.The Puerto Rican, also 27, played for her country’s Under-20 women’s team before switching careers to music.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA former right-back or defensive midfielder, her full name is Victoria Ramirez de Arellano Cardona.The one-time tattoo artist came out as gay a number of years ago.Now a multiple award-winning singer, she has worked with top Latin American music stars including J Balvin and Bad Bunny.Tini, born Martina Stoessel in Buenos Aires, posted pictures on social media of herself with Miko.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSEven though the rapper’s face was not visible, fans quickly recognised her from her distinctive tattoos.And footage surfaced earlier this week of the couple together in a bar.Watch Argentina star Rodrigo De Paul SLAP Lionel Messi in face in training and ask ‘are you stupid?’De Paul currently plays for Atletico MadridCredit: ReutersTini Stoessel has insisted she is ‘happier than ever’Credit: AFPRecently quizzed about her personal life, Tini said she was in a new relationship – insisting: “I’m happier now than ever.”Tini has over 21 million followers on Instagram, while Miko herself boasts seven million fans on the site.De Paul played for Racing Club, Valencia and Udinese before joining Atletico in 2021.Capped 75 times, he has helped Argentina win the Copa America twice as well as the World Cup.During his time in the national team he has often been referred to as Lionel Messi’s enforcer and bodyguard.He has two children from his 12-year relationship with Argentine model Homs.He won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022Credit: Getty More

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      Chelsea starlet opens up on her World Cup history moment and hope to ‘win everything’ with WSL leaders 

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      WIEKE KAPTEIN fondly recalls the “crazy” moment she became the youngest player to feature in a Women’s World Cup for the Netherlands.Now the 19-year-old Chelsea midfielder has her sights on a new history-making target.Wieke Kaptein wants to help Chelsea achieve their goal of a first Women’s Champions League contest win for the clubCredit: GettyThe midfielder hopes to make football history with the Blues just as she did with the Netherlands at the 2023 Women’s World CupCredit: GettyKaptein is “learning a lot” from Chelsea midfielder Erin Cuthbert (right) and skipper Millie BrightCredit: GettyThat is helping the WSL leaders to a first-ever Champions League triumph next year.It was on August 1st last year in New Zealand a month before sealing her four-year Chelsea switch  that Kaptein stepped out on to the pitch in the World Cup.Like Brazil icon Pele, the Dutch starlet was just 17 when she made her first outing in the game’s top international tournament.Reflecting on her substitute appearance in the Netherlands’ 7-0 group stage thrashing of Vietnam, Kaptein  who now has 14 senior international caps said: “It was crazy. Read More Football Stories”When coach Andries Jonkers told me I needed to come on in the 45th minute against Vietnam, it was a dream come true.”I was standing there smiling to myself and not even thinking that this is a World Cup game.”All I could do was laugh and enjoy everything that I did there. I was really honoured to be a history-maker.”I’d never experienced a Euros or World Cup at youth team levels because I couldn’t go and needed to stay at [old club] Twente.Most read in Football”The girls in the team helped me a lot because I was only 17.”Kaptein, who was born in Hengelo in the east of the Netherlands’ Twente region, is accustomed to breaking new ground as a teenager.She was just 15 when she signed her first professional football contract for Twente.Since embarking on her first full season at Chelsea this term, she has become a trusted option as a starter as well as from the bench, making four substitute appearances in her seven WSL games.Kaptein hopes that learning from Blues skipper Millie Bright and fellow midfielder Erin Cuthbert (right) can help her development.She added: “I’m learning a lot from Millie, from Erin and particularly all the players who have been here for a long time.”I’m honoured to be with them on the pitch every time.””I’ve developed myself a lot here since the beginning of my career at Chelsea. I’m looking forward to doing that again and again.”Along with attempting to claim an eighth WSL title, Chelsea are chasing Champions League glory under boss Sonia Bompastor.While a domestic trophy clean sweep is among their goals, Kaptein hopes 2025 will be the year they topple all their rivals in Europe.So far in the competition they have won every game, with Kaptein a starter in last Tuesday’s 2-1 victory away at Real Madrid.Kaptein has has scored three goals and provided three assists in 13 WSL and Champions League games this seasonCredit: GettyIn February, the Blues will discover who out of Manchester City, Bayern Munich or Wolfsburg will be their quarter-final opponents.READ MORE SUN STORIESKaptein said: “We want to win the Champions League this season and everyone wants to win the WSL again.”The other cup competitions are also prizes. We want to win everything.” More

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      Netflix to stream Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031 as Fifa release details of ‘historic’ deal

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      NETFLIX has agreed a historic deal to broadcast the next Women’s World Cup in the United States.The global streaming giant has also been granted the rights to the 2031 tournament.Netflix has secured the rights for the 2027 and 2031 Women’s World CupsCredit: GettyEngland narrowly missed out on the title in 2023Credit: PAAn official statement from FIFA read: “The historic deal will provide US-based fans with unparalleled access to every match live and to immersive coverage, including star-studded studio shows in what is set to be an unprecedented celebration of the women’s game.”Major tournaments such as the World Cup are traditionally broadcast on free-to-air public networks in order to maximise audience reach.However, FIFA president Gianni Infantino previously criticised broadcasters – especially in Europe – for undervaluing the right to broadcast the 2023 Women’s World Cup.On Friday, Infantino said: “This agreement sends a strong message about the real value of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the global women’s game.”Read More in FootballFIFA will likely use the Netflix deal to drive talks with European broadcasters.ITV and the BBC have shared the rights to the tournament in recent years.Meanwhile, FOX broadcast the World Cup across the US last year.The 2027 tournament will take place in Brazil from June to July and is set to involve 32 teams.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSSpain are the reigning champions, having defeated England in the 2023 final.Netflix dipped into live sports last month by showcasing the blockbuster boxing bout between YouTuber Jake Paul and heavyweight legend Mike Tyson at the AT&T Stadium in Texas.BREAKING: England fans spot Lucy Bronze’s ‘top tier s***housery’ before Spain miss penalty in Women’s World Cup finalThe streaming service is also set to broadcast live NFL games on Christmas day. More

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      Emma Hayes ‘disappointed’ by criticism of Barbra Banda after Zambia star’s BBC Women’s Footballer award win

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      Emma Hayes hit out at “ridiculous” remarks aimed at Barbra Banda following her BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year triumph.The Orlando Pride and Zambia forward has been the target of hostile comments and abuse online following her award win. Banda’s BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award win follows her finishing as the NWSL’s second highest scorer this seasonCredit: APThe Zambia forward’s goals helped Orlando Pride with the NWSL Championship for the first timeCredit: GettyBanda, who captains her national side, helped Orlando win a National Women’s Soccer League title for the first time in their history this year. However the BBC’s decision to award her their Women’s Football of the Year has seen the forward face a torrent of abuse on social media. Criticism of the organisation awarding the prize to Banda follows the player being withdrawn from two Women’s Africa Cup of Nations contests amid claims she failed a gender eligibility test. This includes the tournament hosted in Morocco two years ago which was won by South Africa.Read More Football StoriesHowever her agent Anton Maksimov and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) say she did not take a test. They said her withdrawal was down to the Football Association of Association Zambia.Author JK Rowling and former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies have been among the public figures who criticised Banda’s BBC award win.  However some of the women’s game most powerful organisations and individuals have come to the forward’s defence. Most read in FootballThis includes Hayes, two-time World Cup winner Megan Rapinoe and the NWSL Players’ Association. Hayes said: “It is ridiculous that she has to endure questions like this, she has our support. “She’s someone who’s done a tremendous amount, not just for her club but for her country, and what a brilliant season she’s had. “We should be talking about that, the impact she’s had on the NWSL, and we saw it firsthand in the Olympics (when she played for Zambia).””Quite frankly, I’m disappointed when I hear a lot of these things being said.”Banda, who made her senior international debut in 2016, has made 63 appearances for her countryThis includes featuring in three games at last year’s Women’s World Cup after Fifa deemed her eligible to play. This season Banda scored 13 goals in 22 NWSL games helping Orlando win the divisions title.Banda captained the Zambia team that competed in last year’s Women’s World Cup in Australia and New ZealandCredit: GettyHayes added: “I speak so highly of her because in the women’s game, we talk about all top players that come from more traditional (football) nations. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think it’s great that we see such quality coming out of Africa and for her to make the impact that she has. “I know my assistant coach (Lisa Cole) coached her at Zambia, and talked about what an amazing person she is. She has our full support.” More

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      Inside futuristic Minecraft stadium built on a cliff and covered with LED screens that could host 2034 World Cup games

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      THE 2034 World Cup might be a decade away but work has already begun on a stunning futuristic Minecraft arena in Saudi Arabia.The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium is perched on a cliff no less than 650ft high in Riyadh and decked out in LED panels.Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium will be built into a cliff edge near RiyadhThe 45,000-seater stadium will cost more than £1billionThe futuristic panelled cubes will act as an extension of the Tuwaiq cliffsThe 45,000-seater is expected to cost more than £1BILLION, with construction set to get underway in 2026.The logo-like arena will become the world’s first fully integrated venue with a combined retractable pitch and man-made LAKE fuelled air-con.The LED wall will be a portal to live event broadcasts, high-definition films and will open to reveal breathtaking views of the city when not activated.There will be three stands, with one side open, offering a dramatic vista of the Qiddiya city itself.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe exterior will be formed by a collection of modular cubes that will act as the extension of the Tuwaiq cliffs in a huge digital canvas.Its aim, other than to host football matches at the 2034 World Cup, is to “connect the upper plateau and Gaming and Esports District to the theme parks below”, according to The Mail. One Saudi-based industry insider told The Mail: “This will be the first time we have seen that brought to life.”SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles has a massive screen. This stadium is a massive screen.”Most read in FootballAn inside look at The Prince Mohammed bin Salman StadiumAl-Nassr’s new stadium will have a 45,000 capacityFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe climate will be controlled via a lake underneath which collects rain water to pre-cool the air conditioning system.There will be a retractable roof and a digital wall which will drop down in front of the spectator’s view, with work set to finish up in 2029.EFL club owner gives update on new £2bn ‘spaceship’ stadium included in mega plans for state-of-the-art complex And at the touch of a button the surface will flip from grass to artificial turf.The Minecraft-esque stadium is set to play host to Cristiano Ronaldo’s current side Al-Nassr once it’s complete.Beneath the glitzy facades of the Saudis developments, lies the stories of threats, forced evictions and bloodshed.Many projects have faced fierce criticism over human rights abuses – including the £400billion Neom Stadium project where tribes were reportedly shoved out of their homeland, imprisoned or executed.Only last month, in an ITV documentary, workers complained of 16-hour days, their passports being confiscated and of not being paid in some cases.The documentary also featured claims that 21,000 Indian, Bangladeshi and Nepalese workers had died in the country since 2017, each working on Saudi’s Vision 2030.Those allegations have been strongly refuted by country’s National Council for Occupational Safety and Health.The pioneering Sci-Fi stadium is one of 15 to be built as Saudi Arabia close in on the hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup.The futuristic arena is set to feature a giant LED screen wall inside the arenaIt is to be situated on top of a 200-metre cliffThe official announcement will come from Fifa on December 11, but there is no opposing bid following Australia’s withdrawal.As such Saudi Arabia will become the second Middle Eastern nation (behind Qatar) to host the biggest sporting spectacle on the planet in 10 years time.The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, named after the country’s prime minister, crown prince and de facto ruler, will be one of 11 new venues to go alongside four current grounds. Another futuristic arena is being built in Neom.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe amazing structure will not be reachable by car as it will sit 350m above ground in the as-yet unbuilt city of Neom, known as “The Line.”It is a vertical garden city without cars, streets or carbon emissions for its residents all in a single, long building.The Neom Stadium will not be reachable by carThe new arena will sit atop the city of NeomFull list of the stadiums with their capacitiesRiyadhKing Salman International Stadium – 92,760King Fahad Sports City Stadium – 70,200Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium – 46,979New Murabba Stadium – 46,010Roshn Stadium – 46,000Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City Stadium – 46,865South Riyadh Stadium – 47,060King Saud University Stadium – 46,319JeddahKing Abdullah Sports City Stadium – 58,432Qiddiya Coast Stadium – 46,096Jeddah Central Development Stadium – 45,794King Abdullah Economic City Stadium – 45,700Al KhobarAramco Stadium – 46,096AbhaKing Khalid University Stadium – 45,428NeomNeom Stadium – 46,010 More

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      Serial burglar who forced Raheem Sterling to quit World Cup after robbing his mansion is jailed for 13 years

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      A BURGLAR who broke into Raheem Sterling’s mansion forcing him to fly home from the World Cup has been jailed.Emiliano Krosi, 24, carried out 33 burglaries, including the raid on the England star’s home on December 3, 2022.Emiliano Krosi who carried out 33 burglaries has been jailedCredit: Hyde News & PicturesKrosi broke into Raheem Sterling’s mansion forcing him to fly home from the World CupCredit: GettyHe was part of a gang that used a ladder in the rear garden to climb through Arsenal ace Sterling’s bedroom window and steal ten of his Rolex watches.An estimated £300,000 of designer gear was taken from the footballer’s £7million home in Oxshott, Surrey.Albanian Krosi, who travelled illegally to the UK in the back of a lorry, previously admitted to being involved in 15 of the burglaries. But yesterday at Guilford crown court Judge Catherine Hartley ruled he was involved in the remaining 18 break-ins.read more on footballShe sentenced him to a total of 12 years and ten months in prison.She said: “You are a dishonest and greedy man who willingly and enthusiastically took part in what was a familial, criminal gang.“Your greed and your criminality has resulted in a huge toll of human misery.”His offending took place while on bail after being caught with cocaine and cannabis on a train from London Euston to Coventry.Most read in FootballKrosi, from Southend, Essex, was sentenced to 19 months for possession with intent to supply which will run consecutively to the ­sentence for burglary.Surrey Police continue to hunt for his dad Alfred Isufi, 48, uncle Henri Osman, 44, and 22-year-old cousin ­Gerard Kalaja, who are all believed to have fled the UK.Newcastle’s £100m striker Alexander Isak’s mansion hit by gang of robbers in latest raid on Prem aces’ homesThey are suspected of being part of the gang which raided houses across the Home Counties from November 2022 to March 2023.Other victims included ex-Crystal Palace player Scott Dann and Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella, whose home was targeted days before his then team-mate Sterling’s.PC Katherine Stevens, from Surrey Police, said: “Krosi was extremely methodical and organised in his targeting of homes, with the sole aim to make as much money as possible off the back of other people.”Ex-Crystal Palace player Scott Dann was also targetedCredit: Getty More