World Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Three Lions ace Ivan Toney investigated by FA over match-betting ahead of this month’s World Cup

      by

      THREE Lions ace Ivan Toney is at the centre of a match-betting probe.The £50million Brentford striker is being investigated by Football Association officials over allegations of wagers placed on games.
      Three Lions ace Ivan Toney is at the centre of a match-betting probe.Credit: Getty
      The allegations are believed to relate solely to the period when Toney was at one of his previous clubs – not current Premier League side BrentfordCredit: Focus Images
      Toney seen training with England skipper Harry KaneCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Toney, 26, is widely expected to be in England’s squad for the World Cup in Qatar, which starts a fortnight today.
      Astonishingly, despite the ongoing investigation, he was picked for Three Lions duty during recent Nations League matches — but did not play.
      The allegations are believed to relate solely to the period when Toney was at one of his previous clubs. A source said: “Ivan is aware of the investigation. He is concerned but is adamant that he has done nothing wrong.
      “The FA is duty-bound to act fully on allegations they receive. But it is obviously a highly sensitive matter for the FA as he is a potential candidate for the England World Cup squad.”
      READ MORE ON QATAR 22
      No charges have been brought by FA chiefs against the player.
      There is no suggestion of any criminal activity by Toney — who also previously played for Newcastle United — or that he attempted to fix the outcome of any match.
      However, under FA rules, all ­professional men and top women players face a worldwide ban on all football betting.
      The laws are so strict they include gambling on transfers, manager jobs and team selection and apply to players and managers, match officials and club staff.
      Most read in Football
      They state that players “shall not bet, either directly or indirectly, or instruct, permit, cause or enable any person to bet on the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of, or occurrence in or in connection with a football match or competition.
      “Or any other matter concerning or related to football anywhere in the world, including, for example and without limitation, the transfer of players, employment of managers, team selection or disciplinary matters.”
      Last night Toney tweeted: “I have been assisting the Football Association with their enquiries and will not be making any comment until such investigation has reached its conclusion. 
      “I am a proud Englishman and it has always been my dream to play for my country at a World Cup.”
      Toney — regarded as one of the world’s best penalty-takers — was selected for Three Lions duty for Nations League matches against Germany and Italy in September.
      Despite hailing Toney’s place at the training camp, England boss Southgate failed to use him, then appeared to cast doubt on his squad place. 
      Southgate said: “I understand the push as it is so close to the World Cup but there is life for Ivan Toney beyond the World Cup as well. He’s very much in the frame and what he does with his club between now and then is also really important.”
      The fact that he was selected by FA bosses while he was being probed by the investigators from the same organisation will prompt questions about the governing body’s handling of the matter.
      If Toney is found to have breached FA rules his selection would be in conflict with the FA’s commitment to transparency over betting. Its website says: “The FA wants to preserve what is great in the beautiful game and has devised rules regarding betting in football to help protect the integrity and future of football.”
      Despite hailing Toney’s place at the training camp, England boss Southgate failed to use him, then appeared to cast doubt on his place in the squadCredit: Getty
      If Toney is found to have breached FA rules his selection would be in conflict with the FA’s commitment to transparency over betting.Credit: Rex
      It adds: “The FA, the Gambling Commission and betting companies have sophisticated systems to monitor and detect breaches of the betting rules. These organisations advise us of issues that arise in the cash, telephone and online betting markets.
      “If found guilty, then this can lead to financial penalties, suspensions, and in some instances, lifetime bans.
      “It is your responsibility to make sure you know the rules and help support the collective effort from the football authorities, players, clubs and officials, to protect the integrity of the game. The rules have never been clearer or easier to understand.”
      A source said: “It seems incredible that a high-profile star could be chosen for England duty at the same time that he is being investigated over betting. England footballers are role models for millions of youngsters and their conduct in relation to the sport must reflect that status.
      “Fans have a right to know if a star player is being probed — their focus must be entirely on winning the World Cup with no distractions.”
      Tory MP Julian Knight, chairman of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee, said: “These are serious allegations being made.
      “Football needs to be transparent. Any allegation of this nature needs to be investigated and there is a clear public interest.”
      Although there is no suggestion Toney is a gambling addict, Gareth Southgate is concerned about the impact of gambling on players.
      He witnessed first-hand its impact on ex-England team-mates Paul Merson, Tony Adams and Paul Gascoigne when he was a player.
      Before taking up his current role, he said: “Gambling is an addictive pastime. I think it’s for the national manager to step in if they feel there is an issue. 
      “People have always gambled in squads and sometimes in the squads I was involved in it got people together. But some of the sums being spoken at the moment would be disturbing no matter what you’re earning.
      “There is a duty for everybody involved to make sure those problems don’t get out of hand.” 
      The FA’s regulations were put in place after football was rocked by a string of betting controversies in 2014. A number of top players have been hit with bans — though they all involved more serious conduct than that being investigated over Toney.
      In 2020 ex-Chelsea star Daniel Sturridge was banned for four months and fined £150,000 for texting brother Leon to bet on his possible move from Liverpool to Sevilla.
      In 2019 Newcastle and England full-back Kieran Trippier was banned for ten weeks and fined £70,000 for WhatsApping pals “Lump on if you want” over his rumoured move to Atletico Madrid.
      In 2017, Joey Barton was banned for 18 months after placing 1,260 bets on matches between 2006 and 2013 — including games in which he played.
      In October ex-Reading defender Kynan Isaac was banned for 12 years for deliberately earning a yellow card in an FA Cup first-round tie.
      Read More on The Sun
      He was hit with a ten-year ban for the scam with pals and a further two years for failing to co-operate with the FA investigation and further betting.
      Toney’s agent and the FA were approached for comment. 
      SPOT-KICK KING’S RISE TO THE TOPBy Michael Hamilton
      IVAN Toney has risen from relative obscurity to the brink of England’s World Cup squad.
      He has won plaudits for his swashbuckling style and has scored eight times this season for Premier League side Brentford.
      Toney joined Newcastle in 2015 as a teenager but only made two appearances for the Toon, who sent him out on loans. He plied his trade at Wigan, Scunthorpe and Barnsley.
      He moved to Peterborough in 2018 — scoring 40 times in 76 appearances before switching to Brentford in 2020 for a modest £5million.
      Toney scored 31 Championship goals to fire the West London club into the Premier League. His good form continued last season as he scored 12 times.
      He has an impressive penalty record – netting 25 of 26 spot-kicks.
      A World Cup place would take him to new heights. More

    • 275 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Harry Redknapp: James Maddison one of my two favourite Prem players… in ANY other country he’d be on plane to World Cup

      by

      ASSUMING the hospitals aren’t full of broken England players, we are entering a big week for Gareth Southgate.The Three Lions manager names his 26-man squad for the World Cup on Thursday.
      James Maddison has been in exceptional form for some time now and Harry Redknapp is a big fanCredit: Reuters
      Maddison’s only England cap came back in 2019Credit: AFP or licensors
      Right now, it’s a wonder he will fill the team coach with so many players going down injured – such a dilemma for managers of both clubs and country.
      It’s natural that players with World Cup hopes will have the tournament on their minds, even though their only concern is the next Premier League match – and rightly so.
      Trying to pick a squad is almost as exhausting as a training session in the Qatar heat.
      England seem blessed in some positions but recent fitness issues leave Southgate down to the bare bones in others.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Defence is a nightmare in particular. I was so sorry to see Ben Chilwell become the latest casualty, with his hamstring injury playing for Chelsea, and I wish him a speedy recovery.
      As a manager, I always loved exciting, attacking players who can do the unexpected. Footballers with a touch of the artist within.
      It’s why I am such a huge fan of James Maddison. Him and Jack Grealish are two of my favourite midfielders.
      But Maddison, in particular, I feel especially sorry for. He is playing well in a struggling team this season at Leicester.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Six league strikes tells you he still has his eye for a goal and his drive for the team is impressive.
      In any other country, a player like Maddison would be on the plane to the World Cup without a moment’s hesitation.
      He is a clever player but, unfortunately for him, there are a lot of them around at present.
      Grealish, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Mason Mount – not all exactly the same, but all players who can unlock opposition teams.
      Given the nature of international football these days and maybe a little to do with the conditions despite air-conditioned stadiums – there will be a lot of tight games.
      Grealish, Maddison and the others will be needed more than ever to make a breakthrough.
      Up front we are in good shape. Harry Kane, barring a disaster, is clearly the leader of the dressing room. In terms of out-and-out strikers I’d also take Ivan Toney and Callum Wilson.
      Wilson, I know, had his injury problems but he is in great form at the moment.
      Sun Columnist Redknapp would love Maddison to go to the World CupCredit: PA
      Redknapp has been massively impressed by Jude Bellingham captaining Dortmund and 19Credit: Getty
      Sure, it’s a gamble taking him and he hasn’t played for England for three years. But at every tournament there seems to be a surprise player who comes from nowhere into the reckoning.
      Putting him and Brentford’s Toney alongside Kane would be the perfect trio to choose from. All three are experienced penalty-takers, too.
      With those close games coming, it would be an asset for Southgate to be able to bring on three experienced penalty-takers. Instead of having to rely on rookies such as Jadon Sancho and Saka to cope with that pressure like they did last summer at the Euro 2020 final.
      In midfield, I am such a fan of Jude Bellingham. To be captain of Borussia Dortmund at 19 tells you a lot of what this boy is about.
      What a few weeks this lad could have. I am so looking forward to seeing his maturity up against the best in the world.
      The rest of the midfield picks itself but I would take James Ward-Prowse. What a club player he is. A proper midfielder, as I would say. A great all-rounder who should be at a top-six club.
      In defence, we are so short it’s a case of every man standing coming along.
      By the way, I can’t understand the debate about Trent Alexander-Arnold. He can look vulnerable to a ball inside him, or to balls at the back post. But it’s nothing that 20 minutes extra a day wouldn’t solve.
      At Portsmouth I had similar issues with Glen Johnson. He relied so much on pace that his positioning sometimes went out of kilter.
      Alexander-Arnold is just the same — but reset him and he can be a huge asset to the squad.

      MEMORIES OF RONNIE
      Hereford fans paid tribute to Ronnie Radford ahead of their FA Cup first round tieCredit: PA
      IT was so sad to hear about the passing of Ronnie Radford this week.
      His stunning goal against Newcastle in the 1972 FA Cup should be cherished forever as an iconic moment in the competition.
      That was the third round of course and, in the fourth, West Ham went to Edgar Street fearing another upset. I was playing for the Hammers at the time.
      We drew 0-0 there and the replay would make for a great quiz question. Due to an energy crisis, much like today’s, the replay was not under the lights in midweek but played on a Monday lunchtime to save us putting on the floodlights at Upton Park.
      There was also a three-day week in operation at the time so more than 42,000 people squeezed into Upton Park and on the roof of the flats behind the old North Bank. What an image that was.
      Read More on The Sun
      Geoff Hurst had little time for the romance of the Cup — sticking a hat-trick past Hereford.
      But what a performance from Ronnie and the Hereford lads. God bless. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Wales will invite David Brooks to join World Cup squad in Qatar despite heartbreaking injury following cancer all-clear

      by

      DAVID BROOKS will be invited to join Wales at the World Cup.But the Bournemouth star will not be named in Robert Page’s final 26-man squad on Wednesday.
      David Brooks suffered a hamstring injury during his comeback after recovering from cancerCredit: Getty
      Brooks was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma last October but revealed in May his cancer was clear.
      The 25-year-old suffered a hamstring injury during his recovery, yet Cherries interim boss Gary O’Neil revealed he could return to Premier League action next month.
      And Wales boss Page, who will announce his squad in his hometown of Tylorstown in the Rhondda valley, views Brooks as a key part of his plans beyond Qatar into the Euro 2024 qualifiers starting in March.
      Page said: “I am going to try and get Brooksy to travel. Not in the 26 because of his injury.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      “He’s a big part of moving forward from March. I want to keep him in the group.
      “I am not sure if he is committed to coming yet. But I want him to be a part of it.”
      Brooks’ last of his 21 Wales caps came at Euro 2020 last summer when he was a sub in the 4-0 hammering by Denmark.
      But the ex-Sheffield United star had a bright start to his international career after he was named Welsh Footballer of the Year in 2019 – and his super form saw him linked to a move to Tottenham.
      Most read in Football
      He made nine appearances last season with his final outing the goalless draw at Peterborough in the Championship last September.
      Wales’ medical staff were key in identifying the problem when Brooks complained of fatigue on international duty a month later.
      But, after cancer treatment and bouncing back from the injury setback, Brooks is aiming to move closer to Bournemouth’s first team squad.
      Read More on The Sun
      After the World Cup, Wales have been drawn against Croatia, Armenia, Turkey and Latvia in Euro 2024 qualification.
      The Dragons open their campaign with a trip to Croatia on March 25, followed by their first home game three days later against Latvia in Cardiff as they plot their way to the finals in Germany. More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham star Son Heung-min in line to make World Cup after successful surgery for eye socket fractures

      by

      SON HEUNG-MIN has been handed a boost for his World Cup dream after undergoing successful eye surgery. The Tottenham ace underwent a procedure earlier this week in order to stabilise a fracture in his left eye socket that he received during the 2-1 victory over Marseille.
      Son Heung-Min suffered a fractured eye socket against MarseilleCredit: AP
      Son was forced off the field with the injury, leaving his World Cup dream in doubtCredit: AP
      While competing for a header against Chancel Mbemba, Son was outleaped and saw his face brutally clash with the former Newcastle man’s shoulder.
      He was then forced off amid fears of a concussion, before it was later revealed he would need surgery.
      And according to the Telegraph, the South Korean’s surgery was a success.
      The outlook for him is said to be positive, and he is now expected to be able to play some part in his nation’s World Cup campaign.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Son can also take solace from a similar injury Kevin de Bruyne recovered from prior to the European Championships.
      The Man City star picked up an injury in the Champions League final in May 2021 and underwent minor surgery in order to overcome the issue and feature for Belgium less than three weeks later.
      However, the bad news is that he is unlikely to feature for Spurs again before the World Cup.
      It means Antonio Conte has been left with Harry Kane and a freshly returning Dejan Kulusevski for the North Londoners’ clash against Liverpool.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Despite victory in midweek, Spurs are in a rough patch of form at present.
      A narrow comeback win against Bournemouth papered over the cracks after Spurs failed to win any of their last three games following a 2-0 win over Everton. More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Stunning OnlyFans model promises Mexico cult hero Guillermo Ochoa X-rated offer if he wins the World Cup

      by

      AN ONLYFANS model has promised Mexico icon Guillermo Ochoa a night he will not forget if he wins the World Cup.Wanda Espinosa, a former tattoo artist turned Onlyfans star, offered some extra motivation to the goalkeeper ahead of the tournament.
      Wanda Espinosa has made Guillermo Ochoa a big promise ahead of the World CupCredit: @vanda.barbie1
      The OnlyFans model is hoping to inspire the Mexico goalkeeperCredit: @vanda.barbie1
      Wanda also works as a tattoo artistCredit: @vanda.barbie1
      The model now boasts 1.1million followers on InstagramCredit: @vanda.barbie1
      Wanda is hoping Mexico progress past the second round for the first time since 1986Credit: @vanda.barbie1
      She is not the only model to have offered Mexico players extra motivationCredit: @vanda.barbie1
      Ochoa is something of a World Cup legend having impressed in 2014 and 2018Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Mexico have not reached the quarter-finals of a World Cup since 1986 and Wanda was asked how she can motivate Ochoa ahead of the tournament.
      Fellow OnlyFans models Daniella Chávez and Jessica Sodi tried to motivate Ochoa’s team-mates Hirving Lozano and Álvaro Fidalgo by offering them a free subscription to their OnlyFans pages.
      But Wanda, who boasts 1.1million Instagram followers, went one further by offering to meet the keeper in person.
      Appearing on the Elo Podcast, she said: “Memito, I’m going to take you so hard that you’ll be happier than if we were world champions.”
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Ochoa is something of a World Cup legend having impressed for El Tri in 2014 and 2018.
      The 37-year-old was compared to Gordon Banks after he defied the odds to keep a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw with Brazil in 2014, winning the man of the match award.
      He was again named man of the match as Mexico were knocked out in the second round against the Netherlands, before returning to Malaga and then Granada where he was often second choice.
      But he bolstered his reputation once again at the Russia World Cup by making an astonishing nine saves in Mexico’s win over then reigning champions Germany.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      He made 25 saves over the course of the tournament, the second most of any goalkeeper despite only playing in four matches.
      Ochoa now plays for Mexican outfit Club América and at 37-years-old he is one of the oldest players at the tournament.
      But he has all the motivation he needs heading into Qatar thanks to Wanda, and he will be looking to cause an upset in a group that consists of Argentina, Poland and Saudi Arabia. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi suffers Achilles injury just weeks before his final World Cup as PSG star hands Argentina scare

      by

      LIONEL MESSI has suffered an injury scare just two weeks before the World Cup kicks off.Paris Saint-Germain confirmed the Argentine will miss tomorrow’s trip to Lorient with an inflamed Achilles tendon.
      Argentina will be sweating on the fitness of captain Lionel MessiCredit: Reuters
      However, the club insist it is only a minor problem.
      And they expect him to return to full training next week.
      PSG host Auxerre next weekend, their final match before the break for the World Cup.
      Argentina captain Messi is desperate to lead his country to glory on December 18 – and will be hoping he can shake off the issue in time for their opening match against Saudi Arabia on November 22.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Messi has already confirmed Qatar 2022 will be his last World Cup.
      His country lost the 2014 final to Germany, the closest he has come to lifting the only major trophy that eludes him in his stellar career.
      But the new fitness concern is the latest injury he has had to battle off this season.
      Just weeks ago, Messi missed two games due to a calf strain and then was spotted limping against Maccabi Haifa- leaving fans terrified.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      The forward, who has 12 goals and 14 assists for PSG in all competitions this season, did play the full 90 minutes of PSG’s final Champions League group game away at Juventus on Wednesday.
      But after seeing pals Paulo Dybala and Angel Di Maria suffering injuries just before the tournament, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is understandably cautious.
      He said last month: “Injuries are a worry.
      “This is a different World Cup which is played at a different time of the year to previous tournaments and it’s so imminent any little thing that happens to you can force you out.
      “With what happened to Dybala and Di Maria, the truth is that personally you worry and you’re more afraid when you see those sort of things.
      “It’s something you think about but I feel going out to play with that in your head can be contradictory as well.
      “The best thing you can do is perform as normal and play your game as you always do.
      “I hope Di Maria and Dybala recover in time. They have enough time to do so and reach the tournament in good shape.”
      Messi has been in fine form this season with 12 goals and 14 assistsCredit: Reuters More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Heartbroken Ben Chilwell breaks silence after Chelsea star is ruled out of World Cup 2022 with ‘significant’ injury

      by

      BEN CHILWELL is OUT of the World Cup with a hamstring injury, Chelsea have confirmed.As SunSport revealed earlier this week, Chilwell will miss the tournament after feeling his hamstring “pop” during the Blues’ 2-1 victory over Dinamo Zagreb.
      Ben Chilwell picked up a hamstring injury in mid-weekCredit: Alamy
      The England left-back was helped off by medical staffCredit: Getty
      A Chelsea statement read: “Following the injury sustained in our recent game against Dinamo Zagreb, Ben has undergone a scan on his hamstring.
      “Results show that Ben has suffered a significant injury and the defender is unfortunately expected to miss the World Cup.
      “Ben will now begin a rehabilitation programme with the club’s medical department.”
      Chilwell is also set to miss a sizeable chunk of the rest of the season with the issue.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      He pulled up during the final stages of the match, grimacing in pain and being helped off by medical staff.
      After his scan results emerged, Chilwell wrote on Twitter: “Following my ACL injury I worked so hard to make sure I was ready for the World Cup.
      “It has always been a dream of mine. Unfortunately, this won’t be possible following my scan results.
      “I’ll do all I can to get back playing for Chelsea ASAP. Thanks for the messages of support.”
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      The left-back has made 14 appearances for the Blues this term, after finally shaking off the ruptured cruciate ligament injury he suffered last November.
      Gareth Southgate is now set to be without him in Qatar, with Luke Shaw and Kieran Trippier likely to go as his left-back options.
      Yesterday, Blues boss Graham Potter said of Chilwell: “He feels OK but is obviously aware of the injury and we need to let the swelling settle down and hence the delay with the scan. We’ll know more after that.
      “I wouldn’t say he fears the worst but we all saw the nature of the injury. I can’t say it looks positive but until we get the scan it’s difficult to say.”
      Chilwell is the second Blues star to suffer a serious injury on the eve of the World Cup, after Reece James.
      The right-back sustained a knee injury during last month’s Champions League win in Milan.
      Read More on The Sun
      James refused to give up on his World Cup dream, and is reportedly “ahead of schedule” in his recovery.
      England kick off their campaign against Iran on November 21.
      England begin their World Cup campaign in under two weeks More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Neville told ‘you don’t have to take the Qataris’ money’ as Man Utd legend is humiliated over World Cup role

      by

      FOOTIE pundit Gary Neville was left red-faced after being told “you don’t have to take the Qataris’ money” in a savage takedown.The ex-Manchester United star sparked outrage after signing a deal with state broadcaster BeIN SPORTS to commentate on the Qatar World Cup.
      Gary Neville was savaged over his decision to take a job at Qatar’s state broadcasterCredit: BBC
      Ian Hislop savaged the former Manchester United ace in a cringe-inducing takedown on Have I Got News For YouCredit: BBC
      Fury has mounted over the 47-year-old’s decision given the sickening human rights abuses in the Gulf State.
      But Neville – a vocal social justice campaigner – was brutally dragged over the coals for his hypocrisy by Have I Got News For You panellist Ian Hislop.
      In a cringe-inducing takedown on Friday night’s episode the pundit, who was hosting the panel show, asked Hislop: “Is it coming home?”
      But the Private Eye journalist lashed back, chiming: “What, your reputation?”
      READ MORE FOOTBALL STORIES
      The comment was met with raptures of laughter as Hislop tore into the ex-England right back, saying the issue was the “elephant in the room”.
      Asked what Neville’s defence was for taking the job, the pundit replied: “Well, I think you’ve got a choice, haven’t you?”
      But Hislop didn’t miss a beat, slamming: “What, going and not going?”
      Visibly shaken, Neville – who played 400 times for United – replied: “My view always has been that you either highlight the issues and challenges in these countries and speak about them.
      Most read in Football
      “Or you don’t say anything and you stay back home and don’t go. I’ve always said we should challenge them.”
      But the veteran panellist was having none of it, rubbishing the claim: “There’s another option – you stay at home and highlight the abuses. 
      “You don’t have to go and take the Qataris’ money. I’m not trying to be tiresome, but it is just not a very good defence.”
      Neville – who recently joined the Labour Party – attempted to counter the takedown of his disastrous PR flop by suggesting he could raise issues during commentary.
      But Hislop mocked him further, chiming: “And it’s the kick-off here in this appalling country with its human rights record and honestly I think…
      “‘Oh someone is kicking a ball’.”
      Being gay is illegal in Qatar, punishable by a five year prison sentence.
      While there are also claims hundreds of migrant workers died building stadiums ahead of the event.
      Read More on The Sun
      It is unclear how much Neville is getting paid for his gig at the World Cup which kicks off on Sunday, November 20.
      England face Iran in their opening Group B game on November 21. More