Leo Messi sparks a surge in Major League Soccer subscription sign-ups
Soccer superstar Leo Messi's arrival in America has sparked a surge in ticket prices, apparel and now, streaming subscriptions.
2023-09-05 23:28
Spain manager Jorge Vilda sacked by Spanish FA amid Luis Rubiales crisis
The Spanish Football Federation has sacked women’s manager Jorge Vilda only two weeks after winning the World Cup amid the ongoing Luis Rubiales crisis. Vilda’s entire playing and coaching staff resigned in protest against Rubiales, the Federation (RFEF) president who refused to step down over his conduct during the final in which he kissed forward Jenni Hermoso on the lips during Spain’s trophy presentation. He was also pictured handling other players, kissing them on the cheek and grabbing his own crotch in an aggressive celebration. Rubiales has been provisionally suspended by Fifa from all football-related activity and banned from contacting Hermoso or those close to her while an investigation is carried out. In a speech made to RFEF officials and the media, Rubiales refused to resign and hit out at a “witch hunt” against him – and Vilda was pictured in the audience applauding the man who appointed him as head coach of the women’s team in 2015. Vilda later issued a statement condemning Rubiales’ conduct but did not resign, and he has now been removed from his post, according to multiple reports in Spain. Vilda has long been a controversial and unpopular figure among the Spanish squad. His team looked to be on the brink of implosion 12 months ago when 15 players made themselves unavailable for selection, saying that the environment of the national team was having a negative impact on their mental health and emotional wellbeing. They complained about the oppressive nature of Vilda’s managerial regime and were unhappy about how outdated the international set-up seemed. Some of the arrangements, like travelling long distances by bus or not having staff in certain key roles, fell well below their standards at club level and they did not feel the Spanish FA was given them the best chance of fulfilling a unique generation of talent. Other complaints included the coach’s demands that their hotel room doors remain unlocked until midnight, and that their bags were routinely checked. Meanwhile, the current RFEF president, Pedro Rocha, has written a letter distancing the organisation from Rubiales’ actions, saying he is “ashamed” by them. “The damage caused to Spanish football, to Spanish sport, to Spanish society and the values ​​of football and sport as a whole have been enormous,” Rocha’s letter said. “Mr Rubiales’ actions do not represent the values ​​defended by the Spanish federation, nor the values ​​of Spanish society as a whole. “His actions must be attributed solely and exclusively to him, since he is the one solely responsible for those actions before society, before the sports governing bodies and, if applicable, before justice. To be clear, this position was that of Mr Rubiales, not that of the RFEF. We feel especially sorry and ashamed for the pain and additional distress this has caused.” more to follow... Read More Luis Rubiales speaks out to ‘continue defending myself’ over kiss scandal Spain manager asks for ‘forgiveness’ after applauding Luis Rubiales speech Watch: Wiegman dedicates Women’s Coach of the Year award to Spain players
2023-09-05 22:53
3 possible closing lineup ideas for Warriors next season
Following the Golden State Warriors' productive offseason, here's a preview of what other teams can expect to go up against in clutch situations.
2023-09-05 21:48
Angela White reveals what she looks for in her ideal man
One of the world’s most famous adult actors Angela White has revealed exactly what she looks for in the perfect man. The 38-year-old Australian is one of the most recognisable stars of the adult industry and she has opened up about what qualities she looks for in a prospective partner. Speaking as a guest on the One Night With Steiny podcast, alongside fellow adult star, Sky Bri, White was asked about her preferences in men when searching for a serious significant other. White replied: “Kindness, intelligence, I guess openness because I’m a sexually adventurous person.” The host, Steiny, replied: “You never hear openness. I love that. I really think that people sleep on that.” “Kindness was the first thing that came to mind. Kindness is my number one,” White said in response. In her podcast appearance, the porn star revealed she has recently been much more career-driven. She has recently made several appearances on podcasts and on TV. I Got Rejected by Sky Bri and Angela White! | One Night with Steiny www.youtube.com Earlier this year she attended a conference at the University of California, Santa Barbara and White hinted at what her next career move might be. After giving a lecture, she said: “This is my third time as a guest speaker at this film studies class that approaches pornography as worthy of serious inquiry as a genre and as popular culture.” She added: “While it has been a number of years since my research dissertation was published in The Routledge Companion to Media, Sex, and Sexuality, academic pursuit remains an interest of mine and something I wish to return to in the future.” Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-09-05 18:57
Spain floods: Boy survives by clinging to tree overnight
The 10-year-old climbed on to a tree after his family's car was swept into a river by deadly floods.
2023-09-05 18:21
'Corsage' star admits child porn charges in Austria court
A star of the award-winning film "Corsage" about the free-spirited Austrian empress Sisi pleaded guilty Tuesday to child pornography charges...
2023-09-05 16:49
Exclusive-China to launch new $40 billion state fund to boost chip industry, sources say
By Julie Zhu, Kevin Huang, Yelin Mo and Roxanne Liu HONG KONG/BEIJING China is set to launch a
2023-09-05 16:22
Matthew Hedges: Foreign Office apology to UAE torture academic
Matthew Hedges' ordeal sparks a review into internal guidance on torture and mistreatment cases.
2023-09-05 02:21
New iPhone, new charger: Apple bends to EU rules
A European Union law will require portable devices to have a common charger by 2024.
2023-09-04 22:26
What Mohamed Salah’s dressing room speech says about Liverpool future
Jurgen Klopp hasn’t had a knock on his office door. But Dominik Szoboszlai heard the speech in the dressing room. Mohamed Salah had told his teammates he is staying, the Hungarian reported. The Egyptian, according to his manager, has never come to tell him he was leaving. The German, seeing Salah’s commitment in matches and training, noting his input in meetings of the players’ leadership group, had not felt the need to ask him if his next match would be for Al-Ittihad. “For me it wasn’t a subject for one second, to be honest,” Klopp said. Perhaps only for him. Klopp could brush aside a £150m bid, with a breezy indifference to the prospect of a windfall, because of Salah’s attitude. “I never had any doubt about his commitment to this club,” he said. “You can’t imagine how much fuss the world has made but how calm we are with it. He is our player and wants to play here.” Which, Szoboszlai said, was the message conveyed to the rest of the side. The Saudi Pro League transfer window remains open but Liverpool’s position is unchanging: Salah is not for sale. The 3-0 win over Aston Villa was his latest tour de force, but there were few signs it will prove his last: there was no wave that could be interpreted as a farewell on the pitch afterwards, his hug with Klopp was brief while the manager paid more attention to Jarell Quansah. There was a feel of normality, though these are abnormal times. More than a few would be distracted by the prospect of becoming the best-paid player in the world: not Salah. Other footballers, from Matheus Nunes to Wilfried Gnonto, went on strike towards the end of the window. Salah instead struck against Villa. Such dissent as he has shown this season came at Chelsea on the opening weekend when he contrived to rip a relatively small bandage into several pieces and fling it on the pitch in his annoyance at being substituted. Yet it was all a sign of an enduring ambition: to play, to excel. The signs are that it is to continue at Liverpool. He has propelled himself to greatness in Europe in a way that was not preordained – not for a player from his background, not for a fringe figure at Chelsea – and perhaps he is reluctant to give up his spot at the top table. Saudi Arabia may not be a retirement home for everyone, but it is for some. Salah’s old sidekicks Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino are there, the Senegalese after a troubled season at Bayern Munich, the Brazilian when his race felt run, but Salah is in the sort of shape to suggest that, even at 31, he is not entering his dotage. Even as Erling Haaland seems to have supplanted him as the annual Golden Boot winner, he may be more creative than before. Perhaps no forward in the Premier League presents such an all-round threat. As the best-paid player in Liverpool’s history, he is scarcely a pauper. Yet, in a time of transition at Anfield, when the side of 2024 may not reach the heights of some of its recent predecessors, it is notable that Salah has given no indications he is going. And this when he had more reasons to decamp to Saudi Arabia than most. The inexplicable element is that Al-Ittihad left their approach so late: as the best Arab footballer on the planet and, along with Karim Benzema, the outstanding Muslim player, Salah is seen as a flagship signing, a long-term target for the league as a whole. But that time may now have to be next summer, if not later. Liverpool will tend to sell anyone when three criteria are met: when the offer is big enough, when the player wants to go and when Klopp has the time to recruit a replacement, should he need one. Al-Ittihad only ticked one of those three boxes and increasing the bid to, say, £200m would not change that. If Klopp, his players and the fanbase who sang about their Egyptian king are in harmony, the most intriguing element of the Liverpool coalition is the owners. Fenway Sports Group traded their way to the top; Liverpool’s rise was financed in part by selling very well. Financial logic dictates that nine-figure sums for players in their thirties must be accepted. The case for keeping Salah is partly footballing, partly fiscal, given the value of Champions League qualification, partly a case of morale and status and keeping Klopp happy. But taking £40m for Fabinho, who seemed an old 29 last season, represented the kind of offer they were otherwise unlikely to get; £12m for a 33-year-old Jordan Henderson definitely was. Taking £150m for Salah, who could leave on a free transfer in 2025, might have seemed a no-brainer. But it would also be accepting defeat; for Liverpool but maybe for Salah, too. Read More Jurgen Klopp gives update on Mohamed Salah Saudi Arabia transfer As Saudi clubs prepare world-record bid, Mohamed Salah shows his true value to Liverpool Liverpool reinvented as midfield shuffle hints at Jurgen Klopp’s past Andy Robertson expects Mohamed Salah to stay at Liverpool despite Saudi interest Jurgen Klopp: Liverpool’s stance on keeping hold of Mohamed Salah will not waver Jurgen Klopp gives update on Mohamed Salah Saudi Arabia transfer
2023-09-04 21:47
Get a Labor Day Deal on a MacBook Air
If you're in the market for a new computer, buying a refurbished device is a
2023-09-04 19:59
James Maddison, Julian Alvarez and 5 players to target for FPL Gameweek 5
Fantasy Premier League managers get one free transfer a week to make but with the competition in full flow some may have saved up for two free switches to their teams while others will be considering a four-point hit or more to maximise the chances of success. Here are five players who we think are worthwhile considering as the Premier League heads into the new gameweek, judging by upcoming fixtures and individual player form. Destiny Udogie, Tottenham - Defender (4.7) In his last three matches, the defender has recorded 22 points, making him a good option for those looking to move some things around and free up some money in their team. He has already notched up two assists this season, and Spurs’ next match is against Sheffield United, although rotation may be expected with Liverpool and Arsenal to come afterwards. After those two difficult matches however it is a good run for Tottenham going forward. Udogie could be a high-scoring option, especially if there is flexibility to rotate him out for the difficult matches. Bryan Mbeumo, Brentford - Midfielder (6.8) Mbeumo has enjoyed an impressive start to the season, averaging 8.2 points per match and has already scored four goals. While Newcastle away next week might be a tough ask for Brentford, there are matches against Everton and Nottingham Forest afterward. While not necessarily a cheap option, he can offer a more affordable option than other midfielders. Julian Alvarez, Manchester City - Forward (6.7) Forwards, and in particular Manchester City forwards often come with a high price tag, which makes Alvarez a relative bargain. He has averaged seven points a match, scoring two goals and recording three assists, especially during his 14 points during City’s dominant 5-1 win over Fulham at the weekend. With City’s next three fixtures coming against West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Wolves it could also be the ideal time to add in some extra support. James Maddison, Tottenham - Midfielder (7.8) Tottenham have won their last three matches, so on paper they look strong and it’s the right time to add their players to a squad. Maddison has been outstanding since joining the club, averaging 7.2 points a match, scoring two goals and providing two assists. It is a high price tag but could be worth the investment in the long run. Alphonse Areola, West Ham - Goalkeeper (4.1) Areola was known for his shot-stopping abilities when he was at Fulham, and seems to have taken over the number one spot at West Ham this season. As goalkeepers go he is a cheap option at just 4.1 million but he has averaged five points a match, including a memorable 10 points during the second gameweek against Chelsea. At a minimum, he is guaranteed to play every week, and with West Ham’s impressive start to the season he could be a good addition if the rest of your budget is allocated in other positions. The Hammers face Man City at home and Liverpool away next, but Areola could be a cheap option to pair with a more expensive goalkeeper who has difficult fixtures in gameweeks seven and eight, with the potential to score points against Sheffield United at home and Newcastle at home. Read More James Ward-Prowse, Raheem Sterling and 5 players to buy ahead of FPL Gameweek 4 Fantasy Premier League: 30 players you must consider for 2023/24 season Bryan Mbeumo, Nicolas Jackson and 5 players to buy ahead of FPL Gameweek 3 Ange Postecoglou expects Brennan Johnson to ‘fit in really well’ at Tottenham Tottenham ‘still at the beginning’ despite Burnley rout – Ange Postecoglou Erling Haaland on fire again for Man City and Tottenham continue fine start
2023-09-04 19:48