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      Why is Keita Balde banned from the World Cup for Senegal?

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      SENEGAL star Keita Balde is not going to the World Cup with Senegal in Qatar.The 27-year-old currently plays in Russia for Spartak Moscow and has previously played around Europe with Lazio, Monaco, Inter Milan, Sampdoria and Cagliari.
      Keita Balde during the 2019 Africa Cup of NationsCredit: Reuters
      Growing up in Spain, the forward made two appearances for Catalonia before pledging his allegiance to Senegal.
      However, he will not add to his 40 Senegal appearances after being banned from participating in the World Cup.
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      Why is Keita Balde banned from the World Cup?
      Balde was called to give a drugs test after his former side Cagliari lost 5-1 to Udinese in April of 2022.
      On September 17 2022, after making his debut for Spartak Moscow, it was announced that the Italian Anti-Doping Organisation had concluded an investigation into the player.
      A statement on Spartak Moscow’s website revealed that he returned a negative result but was adjudged to have broken protocol.
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      “A sample taken from Keita that day found no banned substances,” the statement said.
      “However, in accordance with the disciplinary code, any doping-related sanction imposed by another national or international sports association, national anti-doping organisation, is automatically accepted by FIFA and must be recognised by all confederations and associations.”
      Therefore the Senegal international is suspended from football and this will run until early December, with the country playing all their group games in November. More

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      Oldest XI of stars set to play at Qatar 2022 World Cup revealed with Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric both 37

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      QATAR will be full of superstars but for many it will likely be their final World Cup.The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Thiago Silva have had lengthy careers full of success but have never tasted World Cup glory.
      Several stars are set to appear in their final World Cup in Qatar
      And that means they will never have their hands on the trophy if their teams fall short over the next couple of months.
      For others the upcoming tournament simply presents a chance at a final farewell to the competition, with many World Cup veterans set to feature.
      Here, SunSport takes a look at an XI of the oldest players who could take to the pitch in Qatar.
      Eiji Kawashima
      Kawashima, 39, plays for Ligue Un side Strasbourg and has won 95 caps for Japan.
      The goalkeeper is set to feature in his fourth World Cup next month and will be aiming to make it past the second round for the first time.
      Eiji Kawashima is set to feature at his fourth World CupCredit: AP:Associated Press
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      Dani Alves
      The Barcelona and Brazil legend, 39, is hoping to get a call up after being left out of the most recent national team squad in September.
      Brazil boss Tite could be keen to have Alves’ experience and influence in his dressing room with the right-back boasting 125 caps.
      It is not certain if Dani Alves will be called up to the World Cup by Brazil boss TiteCredit: AFP
      Thiago Silva
      Another Brazilian colossus, Silva still plays regularly for club and country and has shown good form for Chelsea in recent weeks.
      The 39-year-old has featured in three World Cups and famously was suspended for Brazil’s embarrassing 7-1 defeat semi-final to Germany on home soil in 2014.
      Thiago Silva is still a key player for Brazil at the heart of defenceCredit: Getty
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      Sergio Ramos
      A World Cup winner, the Paris Saint-Germain centre-back is now in his twilight years aged 36.
      He has won an astonishing 180 caps and despite a 20-month exile from the national team after a disappointing move to PSG, he has still been tipped for a shock return to the fold.
      Sergio Ramos has 180 Spain caps and won the World Cup in 2010Credit: Reuters
      Jan Vertonghen
      Once part of the Belgian golden generation, former Tottenham defender Vertonghen could feature at centre-back or left-back for the Red Devils.
      Vertonghen, 35, helped Belgium to a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup after beating England in the third-place play-off.
      Jan Vertonghen will be a key leader for BelgiumCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Andres Guardado
      The Mexico legend, 36, will get one last hurrah in Qatar after confirming he will retire at the end of the tournament, having represented his country 177 times.
      He is captain of El Tri and will hope his guile and experience sends his side through a group consisting of Argentina, Poland and Saudi Arabia.
      Andres Guardado is set to say farewell to MexicoCredit: AP
      Luka Modric
      Modric was a star of the Russia World Cup and despite being 37 years old he shows no sign of slowing down any time soon.
      He played a key role for Real Madrid in their LaLiga and Champions league double last season and could help Croatia defy the odds odds once again in Qatar.
      Luka Modric was one of the stars of the 2018 World CupCredit: AFP
      Bryan Ruiz
      Once of Fulham fame, Bryan Ruiz now plays on home soil for Costa Rican top tier side LD Alajuelense.
      The 37-year-old is more of a bit part player for Costa Rica these days and will likely have low expectations in a group containing Germany, Spain and Japan.
      Bryan Ruiz is aiming to help Costa Rica pull off an upset like they did in 2014Credit: AP
      Cristiano Ronaldo
      The Manchester United star has been criticised by Portugal fans heading into the tournament but would love to silence the critics – just as he did at Euro 2016.
      Ronaldo, 37, has lost his mojo this season but with Portugal considered a dark horse he could make his final World Cup one to remember.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is aiming for the top prize in his fifth World CupCredit: AP
      Luis Suarez
      The Uruguay striker has tremendous World Cup pedigree having helped his team reach the semi-final in 2010 after handballing on the line against Ghana.
      He then helped to knock out England in the group stages in 2014 and although he is now 35, he has rediscovered his form for Nacional and would love to bow out of the international stage with a bang.
      Luis Suarez is often a big character at the World CupCredit: Getty
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      Olivier Giroud
      Giroud, 36, helped France win the World Cup in 2018 and could play a similarly valuable role for Didier Deschamps’ side this time around.
      The AC Milan striker is battling to get into a France attack with Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe also in the squad.
      Olivier Giroud was key for France in their 2018 World CupCredit: Getty More

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      Why do Iran fans bring vuvuzelas to games?

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      IRAN will be looking to shock the world during the World Cup in Qatar as they face England, Wales and the USMNT in the group stages.England are one of the favourites for the tournament and will be looking to top the group, with Wales and the USMNT most likely to be the two to battle it out for second place.
      Iran are hoping to make it out of their World Cup groupCredit: AFP
      While not many will give them a chance of progressing but the Iranian hopeful will be dreaming of a place in the knockout rounds.
      And they will be with their team in Qatar, supporting them as much as they can with their vuvuzelas.
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      Why do Iran fans bring vuvuzelas to games?
      Appearing at six World Cups, with 2022 included, Iran have made three consecutive tournaments now.
      It was the previous tournament where Iran made headlines, and it was not their performance on the pitch that was getting attention.
      South Africa introduced the vuvuzela in 2010Credit: AFP
      Facing Morocco in Russia, the Iranian fans brought out their vuvuzelas and showed support for their team, which clearly worked as they netted a last minute equaliser.
      Spectators were left confused by the use of the instrument, which debuted at the 2010 World Cup, where South Africa introduced the phenomenon.
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      After this, vuvuzelas were banned from stadiums in England but there was a sense of nostalgia in 2018 as Iran adopted the instrument within their fanbase to make a ruckus in St Petersburg.
      Eight years since the vuvuzela debuted at the World Cup, Iran kept up the tradition and their fans use the instrument to support their team and distract the opposition. More

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      Luka Modric set to play at Euro 2024, aged 38, as Croatia boss says World Cup ‘won’t be his last major tournament’

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      LUKA MODRIC will carry on playing international football until at least Euro 2024, his coach has hinted. The Croatian, who continues to defy his 37 years with stunning performances for Real Madrid, is set to star for his nation at the upcoming World Cup.
      He will be 38 by the time the Euros rolls aroundCredit: AP
      But Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic rejected the idea of Modric retiring after the tournament next month.
      As quoted by Juraj Vrdoljak, Dalic said: “I’m certain he’ll stay on the team, and that this won’t be his last major tournament.
      “Luka is playing amazing football and he can continue doing so.”
      Euro 2024 will be hosted in Germany and will see the return of summer tournaments after the anomaly of the Qatar World Cup.
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      Modric won the Ballon d’Or after he helped guide Croatia to the final of the 2018 World Cup, making him the first player to disrupt the Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi domination.
      The former Spurs man, who turned 37 last month, also helped Real Madrid win the Champions League over Liverpool last season.
      He has not slowed down at all this season either, playing 14 games for Los Blancos so far.
      By the time Euro 2024 rolls around, Modric will be 38 years old.
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      Croatia captain Modric already has 154 caps to his name, and will likely add a load more before Euro 2024 if his national team boss is correct.
      Modric has 23 goals and 24 assists to his name in the national team too. More

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      Man Utd icon Roy Keane tips Jude Bellingham to be England’s World Cup star but reckons Three Lions will fall short again

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      ROY KEANE has told Gareth Southgate that Jude Bellingham will be England’s World Cup saviour.The Three Lions will announce their 26-man squad for Qatar on Thursday November 10 – while the Fifa deadline for all 32 nations is three days later.
      Bellingham can boast four goals in five Champions League games this seasonCredit: Getty
      Keane has given his take on next month’s highly-anticipated tournament in QatarCredit: Getty
      Bellingham has won 17 caps under Southgate and produced his best performance in an England shirt in last month’s 3-3 draw against Germany.
      The 19-year-old is one of Europe’s finest young players following his consistent displays for Borussia Dortmund and he is being coveted by the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid.
      And Keane reckons the ex-Birmingham City playmaker could make a global impact this winter.
      Former Manchester United captain Keane, 51, said: “I would love to see Jude Bellingham have a good tournament.
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      “For such a young kid, he plays way beyond his years, looks a good athlete and is mature.
      “He’s getting a good run of games now for Borussia Dortmund and recently started for England against Germany – so I hope he takes that momentum into the World Cup.”
      Keane – who will work on the tournament as an ITV football pundit – feels Euro 2020 finalists England “will come up just short” in their attempt to become world champions for the first time since 1966.
      The Middle East event kick-off on Sunday November 20 and England will face Iran, the United States and Wales in Group B.
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      The Irishman said: “England will have no problem getting out of the group – they’ll be far too strong.
      “Huge pressure on Harry Kane to produce and I still worry about England defensively and the goalkeeper.”
      With Southgate set to name his squad early next month, his biggest concerns at the moment are injuries.
      An injury against AC Milan earlier this month has left fans sweating over Reece James’ fitness.
      While major question marks also hover over Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips who are fighting to get back from lengthy lay-offs. More

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      Meet Jordan Reece, the completely made-up player who FIVE THOUSAND fans bet on to make England’s World Cup squad at 10/1

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      JORDAN HENDERSON and Reece James may miss out on the England World Cup squad – but 5,000 fans have tried to bet on a certain Jordan Reece to be on the plane to Qatar.That is despite the ‘player’ being completely made up.
      A safer gambling campaign tricked 5,000 people into trying to bet on Jordan Reece to make the England World Cup squadCredit: AceOdds
      Gareth Southgate will not be picking the striker unless things get very desperateCredit: Getty
      As part of last week’s Safer Gambling Week, AceOdds launched a campaign to try and educate fans who like a gamble.
      And so they created a new star striker to see who would fall for the advert by clicking through to place the bet – but were told of the scheme before stumping up any cash.
      The ploy tried to see who could be tricked into slapping money on Reece to make the England squad at 10-1.
      AceOdds even roped in a few of the biggest football fan Twitter accounts to promote “the best striker your mates have never heard of”.
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      In fact, Jordan Reece is a fake name taken from a regenerated player in Football Manager.
      And the pictures used are of a model from Chesterfield.
      And it would take far more injuries to Three Lions players before Gareth Southgate is forced to call him up for the World Cup.
      The England boss has until November 13 to finalise his 26-man squad for Qatar 2022.
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      Harry Kane will lead the line for the Three Lions as they face Iran, United States and Wales in Group B.
      But the back-up striker positions are up for grabs with Tammy Abraham, Callum Wilson, Ivan Toney and Marcus Rashford all in contention – but Jordan Reece is unlikely to make the cut, despite the tasty odds on offer. More

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      Rishi Sunak has NO plans to go to World Cup in Qatar after shock revelation Prince William ‘won’t travel to tournament’

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      RISHI Sunak currently has no plans to go to Qatar for the World Cup next month, Downing Street confirmed today. The PM – who is a massive fan of Southampton FC – is likely to cheer on the Three Lions from home instead.
      Rishi Sunak so far has no plans to go to Qatar for the World CupCredit: The Mega Agency
      The news comes as The Sun today revealed that Prince William also won’t be travelling to watch England play, amid a growing row over Qatar’s human rights record.
      Sources close to the Prince William blamed a busy diary during the World Cup, with England’s first game on November 21 against Iran.
      The hosts have been dogged by protests over poor conditions for stadium workers and criminalisation of same-sex relationships.
      Friends of the Prince say a trip to the final if Gareth Southgate’s team get there on December 18 is unlikely and would likely only be part of a government delegation.
       LGBT rights activists hailed his decision to stay away from Qatar.
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      This week Foreign Secretary James Cleverly sparked uproar after he refused to condemn the gulf state’s anti-gay laws.
      Mr Cleverly was slammed for being “tone deaf” and “shameful” in his defence of the host nation’s dodgy rights record.
      After saying he had spoken to the Qatari authorities in the past about gay football fans, he told LBC: “One of the things I would say for football fans is, you know, please do be respectful of the host nation.
      “They are trying to ensure that people can be themselves and enjoy the football, and I think with a little bit of flex and compromise at both ends, it can be a safe, secure and exciting World Cup.”
      It comes after veteran campaigner Peter Tatchell was stopped by officials after staging the first LGBT protest in the country, to highlight its human rights abuses in the run-up to World Cup.
      The veteran campaigner slammed Mr Cleverley, saying: “I think it’s absolutely shameful that the Foreign Secretary wants us to respect that regime and he’s focusing on getting the fans to respect the regime, not on the regime protecting human rights abuses against LGBT plus people, particularly against women and migrant workers.”
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      Yesterday Australia became the first World Cup team to criticise Qatar’s human rights record.
      A group of 16 Socceroos stars, including former Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Ryan, came together to release a moving statement.
      In a video posted to the Australia national team’s social media pages, stars gave their support to migrant workers, as well as those in the LGBTQI+ community.
      Ex-Celtic and Hull midfielder Jackson Irvine said: “We have learned that the decision to host the World Cup in Qatar has resulted in the suffering and harm of countless of our fellow workers.” More

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      David de Gea ‘OUT of World Cup as Man Utd star fails to make Spain’s 55-man preliminary squad with Kepa only a reserve’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED star David De Gea is set to miss the World Cup after reportedly failing to make Spain’s 55-man preliminary squad.Spain boss Luis Enrique has sent off the list to Fifa, from which his final 26-man squad will be selected.
      David De Gea has not been included in Spain’s preliminary World Cup squadCredit: Getty
      But De Gea is believed to have been omitted from the squad despite being a regular for United this season.
      According to AS, Enrique has selected five players for each position yet there is still no place for 45-cap De Gea.
      Chelsea star Kepa Arrizabalaga has been named in the squad but is believed to be a back-up option.
      The shot-stopper has returned to form in recent weeks for the Blues but Enrique still prefers Brentford keeper David Raya.
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      The Bees star is expected to be included in the final Spain squad along with Brighton’s Robert Sanchez and United transfer target Unai Simon, who plays for Atletic Bilbao.
      Getafe goalkeeper David Soria is also ahead of De Gea in the pecking order despite never being capped before.
      De Gea is clearly out of favour with the national team and could face a similar situation at Old Trafford in the near future.
      The 31-year-old is out of contract next summer and although Erik ten Hag gets on well with De Gea, he is also searching for a new goalkeeper.
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      The Dutchman wants a young keeper who fits his style of play and is capable of playing out from the back.
      Simon is one name being considered along with Porto star Diogo Costa, who has impressed in the Champions League this season. More