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      World Cup & Premier League star arrested for ‘rape’ of woman in her 20s has bail extended until next year

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      A PREMIER League and World Cup star arrested on suspicion of rape has had his bail extended until next year.The footballer is accused of raping two women in separate attacks, one in June this year and one in April 2021.
      A footballer has had his bail extendedCredit: Getty
      He had been due to answer police bail in October but this has now been extended to early January next year.
      The footballer, who has been taken to the World Cup, was held in July after police swooped on a home in North London.
      His first alleged victim, in her 20s, claimed she was raped during a break in the Med in June..
      She fled the five-star resort she was staying in and flew home to her friends and family, it is said.
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      The woman is understood to have spoken to police on her return to the UK and showed photos she claimed highlighted bruising on her body after the alleged attack.
      After his initial arrest he was later re-arrested on suspicion of two more counts from April and June 2021.
      The June allegation was later dropped by police.
      The player has not been suspended by his club and is in one of the 32 squads at the World Cup,
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      Scotland Yard said: “On 4 July, an allegation of rape of a woman in her 20s was reported to police.
      “It was reported the alleged rape happened in June 2022.
      “While in custody, he was further arrested on suspicion of two incidents of rape that were alleged to have been committed in April and June of 2021 against a different woman in her 20s.
      “No further action will be taken in relation to the alleged offence in June 2021 because the relevant legislation had not yet come into effect at the time it is said to have occurred.
      “This has been explained to the complainant who continues to be supported by officers.” More

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      Fuming Roberto Martinez accuses French media of dirty tricks to destabilise their World Cup 2022 bid

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      ROBERTO MARTINEZ says Belgium have become victims of French dirty tricks aimed at destabilising their World Cup bid.Belgium laboured to victory over Canada and then suffered a shock 2-0 loss to Morocco that has left them needing to win their final group game against Croatia to progress.
      Roberto Martinez has slammed the French media over a story about the Belgium squadCredit: Getty
      And stories that emerged in the French media about a bust-up amongst the players have shaken the camp with Martinez believing they have been done because Belgium are a threat to holders France’s crown.
      It was reported that after the defeat to Morocco a row occurred between Kevin De Bruyne and Jan Vertonghen and that the pair had to be split up by Romelu Lukaku.
      Manager Martinez said: “A World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world and there are many World Cups getting played and you could see maybe a country like France did a very good job with a story that became the main topic of conversation in Belgium.
      “What is clear is whoever has come up with it has scored an own goal for Belgium. Whoever has done it is genius.
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      “If I was an opposition journalist who could weaken an opponent I would do it.
      “It showed you that there is maybe more desire to find negative news around this team than really get this nation together and support this team and enjoy the talent of the best generation we have ever had in Belgium football.
      “And probably that was a lesson for all of us – that we are here on our own and we are here to fight for what we believe is the way we want to play and hopefully the fans – real fans – of the red devils can enjoy the process.”
      Now Martinez has told his players to ignore all the ‘noise’ and criticism that is coming from outside believing that it has affected the team.
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      He said: “ We were not happy with the two performances, we got the result in the first game but we were not happy with our performance.
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      “The second game was the first time we lost a game by two goals in a major tournament, something we never experienced before so you can imagine we were not happy with it and the players were not happy with it.
      “Then you see the storm on the outside and then you realise maybe we were listening too much to the noise from the outside before the tournament.
      “Now we have some outlets in Belgium that are quite happy to jump on fake news. That’s quite astonishing. I think it’s made the group more aware that the less you listen to the noise from the outside news the better.”
      Dries Mertens’ wife Kat Kerkhofs has also revealed how it was at the team BBQ following the reported clash between players.
      She told the MIDMID MONDIAL podcast: “That was really awkward. The players were logically still very disappointed.”
      But she added: “But I thought it was strange to read that there are tensions within the group.
      “The next morning everyone said hello to each other with a kiss. They do all that. So I think they are all super sweet to each other.” More

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      Who is Costa Rica vs Germany referee Stephanie Frappart and is she the first female official at a the World Cup 2022?

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      FOR the first time ever. a female official has been selected for a men’s World Cup – and she’ll be in charge of Costa Rica vs Germany.France’s Stephanie Frappart has been selected as a group of female match referees and will make history in Qatar – a country that suppresses women’s rights.
      Stephanie Frappert is making history at World Cup 2022
      Frappert lining up before officiating Juventus vs Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League
      The Frenchwoman acted as a fourth official at Euro 2020, making history by doing so.
      Frappart also made history in December 2022 by becoming the first female to referee a men’s Champions League game.
      She officiated the Group G clash between Juventus and Dynamo Kiev in Turin.
      The 37-year-old was also in the middle for the 2019 Super Cup between Chelsea and Liverpool, as well as the women’s World Cup final in the same year.
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      In October 2020 Frappart refereed her first Europa League game – overseeing Leicester’s game with Zorya Luhansk.
      Frappart has reffed sixteen times this season in the French Ligue 1, showing 62 yellows at an average of 3.88 per game.
      She has sent off just one player in the league this season.
      Frappert officiated the 2019 Super Cup final between Chelsea and Liverpool that the Reds won 5-4 on penalties.
      Frappert showed three yellow cards in the UEFA Super Cup game between Chelsea and Liverpool

      Who is Stephanie Frappart?

      Born – Herblay, France
      Age – 37 years old
      Debut – 2011, French men’s third tier
      April 2019 – First female referee in Ligue 1
      December 2020 – First female referee in the Champions League
      June 2021 – First female referee at a men’s major tournament

      Stephanie Frappart poses with her medal after refereeing the 2019 UEFA Super Cup

      After officiating the 2019 Super Cup between Chelsea and Liverpool Frappart told CNN:
      “It was a pretty special feeling when you walked out in the stadium and the crowd were actually cheering for us, I’ve never experienced that and in such a big, big match.
      “In the warm-up I looked around and I was like, the other teams aren’t here so they have to be cheering for us.”
      “When you looked up at the crowd, I normally don’t engage with the crowd, they were looking at us and a few were waving and giving us thumbs up and congratulations. I thought that was pretty special.”
      Euro 2020 gets underway on June 11 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome as Turkey take on Italy

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      Watch Morocco fan dance with Senegal supporters in stands as they celebrate World Cup win over Ecuador

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      A MORROCO fan was spotted dancing alongside Senegal supporters as the African champions celebrated their place in the last-16.The Lions came out on top in their must-win game against Ecuador, reaching the knockouts of the World Cup for just the second time ever.
      A Morocco fan looked delighted as he joined the celebrations with Senegal fansCredit: Twitter
      Ismaila Sarr’s penalty put the 2022 AFCON winners on course to qualify, but the pendulum swung back the South American’s way when Moises Caicedo levelled on 67 minutes.
      But Senegal weren’t to be denied as Kalidou Koulibaly’s first international won the game.
      Participating in just their third World Cup, they made it past the groups for the first time for 20 years.
      The result led to Senegal fans partying in the stands at the sheer delight of seeing their winter carnival continue.
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      But it wasn’t just the Senegal faithful who were happy.
      A Morocco fan joined in the celebrations as he danced away with a red and green scarf around his neck.
      Despite being rivals in African football, it was a lovely moment which encapsulated what the World Cup is all about.
      And many fans on social media recognised that.
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      One said: “We used to be one nation, one empire, that’s the reason.”
      Another welcomed the support by saying: “Thanks to our Moroccan brothers for the support always.”
      A third replied: “Morocco and Senegal are brothers all the time.”
      Senegal’s reward for their victory is a last-16 meeting with England on Sunday night.
      Morocco will join them in the second round if they avoid defeat against Canada on Thursday, but they will still progress if they lose, providing Croatia beat Belgium. More

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      Inside luxury £3k-a-night villa used by England Wags for World Cup including private pool, roof terrace and beach access

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      THE England squad were treated to a day off by Gareth Southgate on Wednesday following their 3-0 win over Wales.The Three Lions have five days to prepare for their last 16 clash with Senegal and enjoyed some well-earned downtime before the knockout stages.
      The Wags are staying in this incredible villaCredit: Hilton
      It is impressively decked out with a luxurious feelCredit: Hilton
      England’s players were given a day off on Wednesday after the Wales winCredit: Instagram
      Amie Coady shared a video of their pool to social mediaCredit: Instagram
      It appears to be a glorious villa with wonderful sceneryCredit: Instagram
      A couple of their partners – the Wags of Kalvin Phillips and Conor Coady – have been sharing a gorgeous villa in Qatar.
      And these images of the impressive house show that they have been living a life of luxury.
      Amie Coady and Ashleigh Behan have been treated to a private pool and rooftop terrace.
      They are also a stone’s throw away from the beach and have been making the most of the location.
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      Kalvin Phillips alongside partner Ashleigh BehanCredit: Instagram
      Ashleigh wore an England top for the USA game on FridayCredit: Instagram
      Coady met wife Amie in the stands after England’s win over WalesCredit: Getty
      Amie snapped a picture with husband Coady on Wednesday and added the caption: “A day with you.”
      But the two Wags are not staying with a number of the other footballers’ partners.
      A host of them have taken residence on a £1billion cruise liner for the World Cup.
      They include Eric Dier’s partner Anna Modler, Jack Grealish’s girilfriend Sasha Attwood, Aaron Ramsdale’s fiancee Georgia Irwin, Harry Maguire’s wife Fern Hawkins, and Raheem Sterling’s wife-to-be Paige Milian.
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      A bunch of the Wags were greeted by their partners after the win over Wales on Tuesday night.
      The England players climbed into the stands to meet their families and enjoy a bit of quality time with their loved ones.
      They will return to training camp on Thursday ahead of a crunch clash against Senegal.
      If successful on Sunday, Gareth Southgate’s men then face the very real prospect of taking on defending champions France in the quarter-finals. More

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      Why is Tunisia’s Ellyes Skhiri wearing a mask against Australia at the 2022 World Cup?

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      VIEWERS of the Group D clash between Tunisia and Australia will have noticed a unique feature about Ellyes Skhiri for the African side.The FC Köln midfielder has hit 50 appearances for his national side, a feat to be proud of.
      Ellyes Skhiri is not backing out of challenges despite his face maskCredit: Getty
      But when facing Denmark and Australia, he has been sporting a mask over his face and fans may not have recognised him, and he is currently in action.
      We have all the details on why he is masked up during the 2022 World Cup.
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      Why is Ellyes Skhiri wearing a mask at the 2022 World Cup?
      So far this tournament, we have seen Son Heung-Min take to the field for South Korea in a mask.
      And the reason for this is similar to that of Skhiri, with both players suffering injuries.
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      Skihiri suffered a broken cheekbone in late October but would not let this ruin his World Cup dream.
      The midfielder returned a week later wearing a mask as he was determined to play at the World Cup for his country, who are looking to make it out of the group stages for the first time in their history.
      Wearing a mask will protect his cheekbone as it recovers, ensuring that it cannot be further damaged during his time on the pitch. More

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      Fans not impressed with Lionel Messi’s Call of Duty character as they spot glaring errors with appearance

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      FOOTBALL fans are outraged after Call of Duty unveiled a new Lionel Messi character.The Argentina star is the latest footballer to be introduced on the video game as part of a World Cup crossover.
      Fans are upset with Lionel Messi’s Call of Duty characterCredit: Twitter / @CallofDuty
      Messi’s sleeve tattoo is missingCredit: Twitter / @CallofDuty
      Neymar and Paul Pogba also have characters in the gameCredit: Activision / Resetera
      Brazil hero Neymar and France midfielder Paul Pogba have also been re-imagined on CoD Modern Warfare 2.
      A short clip showing Call of Duty Messi was released on the game’s official Twitter account.
      It has racked up 2.1million views but many fans have been left with a sour taste in their mouth as they picked out a number of faults with the character.
      The CoD version of the Paris Saint-Germain star does not bear Messi’s large sleeve tattoo on his right arm.
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      The character also uses his right arm to pull the trigger of his gun despite Messi famously being both left-footed and left-handed.
      One outraged fan responded to the video saying: “They didn’t put his tats on him??”
      Another added: “He’s too tall.”
      A third said: “But why does he look more like Cesc Fàbregas.”
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      And another remarked: “This Messi is not short 😏.”
      The real Messi remains firmly focused on football and has scored two goals in two games for Argentina at the World Cup. More

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      World Cup 2026 could see penalty shootouts used in GROUP STAGE as Fifa mull huge changes for USA, Canada & Mexico

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      FIFA chiefs are plotting another major overhaul of the World Cup by introducing PENALTY SHOOTOUTS to group matches.Footie’s global governing body is already planning to expand the competition from 32 teams to 48 for the 2026 tournament – which will take place in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
      FIFA are expanding the 2026 World Cup from 32 teams to 48Credit: GETTY
      Footy chiefs are weighing up the possibility of introducing group-stage penalty shootoutsCredit: Reuters
      FIFA’s chief officer for technical development, Marco van Basten, is a proponent of the ideaCredit: GETTY
      And according to reports, they’re trying to put an end to drawn group matches with the introduction of additional shootouts.
      That’s according to The Athletic, who claim FIFA are “considering” introducing shootouts to determine whether or not teams should be awarded a bonus point if matches are drawn.
      The potential introduction of group-stage penalty shootouts is due to the possibility of groups being made up of three teams.
      The bonus-point shootouts could take place before kick-off or following the full-time whistle.
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      The potential introduction of group-stage penalty shootouts isn’t a new idea by any stretch of the imagination.
      It was first mooted back in 2017 and championed by FIFA’s chief officer for technical development, Marco van Basten.
      The Dutchman said: “Shootouts could indeed be an option for tournaments with groups of three in which you play against two opponents.
      “It can get pretty tight.
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      “If one team for instance draws one match 0-0 and wins the other 1-0, there’s a high risk that all three teams are level on points and goals in the end.”
      Former Bayern Munich boss Ottmar Hitzfeld is a proponent of three-team groups.
      The 73-year-old said: “The third match in the group stage in the World Cup is often boring since the big nations are usually already through.
      “With this format, tension would be guaranteed from the beginning and we would swiftly move to the knockout stage.”
      The group stages of Qatar 2022 are coming to an end.
      The Netherlands, Senegal, England, France, Brazil, Portugal and the USA have already qualified for the knockout stages of the tournament.
      Teams could bag a bonus point with victory in group-stage shootoutsCredit: Getty More