Latest news with #ex-Prem
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Former Premier League star, 34, at the front of sensational bid to return F1 to Africa with brand new track
F1 seems to have already sorted its next street race in a major city Got it Sor-ted Former Premier League star, 34, at the front of sensational bid to return F1 to Africa with brand new track Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FORMER Premier League star Marvin Sordell is fronting a sensational bid to bring Formula One to Africa, according to reports. Sordell, 34, is a co-chief executive and director for Opus Race Promotions, having retired from football in 2019 to then come out of it for non-league side Kettering Town. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 F1 are reportedly in talks over a new race to be held in Nigeria Credit: Getty 4 The bid is being fronted by ex-Prem star Marvin Sordell Credit: PA 4 Stefano Domenicali has reportedly been invited to Abuja to review the project Credit: AFP Sordell played for both Bolton and Burnley in the Premier League, but is perhaps best known for his time in the Championship for clubs including Watford, Charlton and Burton Albion. His company has already gained "early support" from the Nigerian government over the prospect of getting the nation to host a grand prix. According to The Times, the plans include far more than simply hosting a race in the capital city of Abuja. The pledges made by Opus outline the building of a karting track, hotels, a technology hub, and a motorsport museum, among other infrastructure. READ MORE IN F1 GRIN AND BEAR IT Tearful Red Bull staff ordered to 'smile more' after Christian Horner axe Nigeria's chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, invited the promoter to Nigeria in April to present a concept of their grand F1 designs. The proposal seemed to have left Dikko impressed, because a month later, the promoter was officially appointed to negotiate with F1 and the FIA on behalf of the Nigerian government. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has also reportedly been invited to Abuja by Opus to review the project. SunSport have contacted F1 for comment over the claims. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK Domenicali, 60, has repeatedly spoken about his desire to expand the motorsport into new markets. Africa is a major omission from the modern F1 calendar, with the last race on the continent happening at the Kyalami Circuit in South Africa back in 1993. Infamous abandoned F1 track that left icon blind in one eye used for completely different sport The only other nation F1 has been to on the continent is Morocco, all the way back in 1958. F1 legend Lewis Hamilton has been a major voice pushing for the sport to add a race in Africa. Both South Africa and Rwanda have been among the front-runners linked with that lucrative possibility. However, speaking in May, Domenicali ruled out a race happening anytime soon, saying: "Realistically speaking, I don't think we're going to have an outcome in the very short term." A new European track in Madrid is being added next year in place of Italy's famous Imola circuit. Meanwhile, Thailand appears on course to be the next new addition to F1. That's after the government there agreed to a roughly £890million funding plan for a street race in Bangkok, which could debut as early as 2028. The 2025 F1 season returns in Belgium this weekend after a two-week break following the chaotic British Grand Prix.
Scottish Sun
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Kevin De Bruyne wants Napoli boss Antonio Conte to reunite him with Jack Grealish in transfer blow to Man Utd star
The England star could link up with a host of ex-Prem players GREA-UNION Kevin De Bruyne wants Napoli boss Antonio Conte to reunite him with Jack Grealish in transfer blow to Man Utd star Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) KEVIN DE BRUYNE wants Napoli boss Antonio Conte to reunite him with Jack Grealish. Conte has been quizzing De Bruyne about his old Manchester City pal, whose future was sealed when he was axed from Pep Guardiola's Club World Cup squad. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Kevin De Bruyne wants Napoli to sign Jack Grealish this summer Credit: Getty 4 The two stars could be reunited in Italy Credit: EPA 4 And the Belgian, 33, who joined the Italians earlier this month, hopes his glowing reference will see Conte also try to land playmaker Grealish. City are willing to take a huge hit on the £100million they paid Aston Villa four years ago. And Grealish, 29, faces a big pay cut as Napoli would pay little more than half of his current £300,000-a-week salary. He will accept that if it gives him a chance of forcing his way back into England boss Thomas Tuchel's World Cup plans. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL REMOVAL VAN Leicester to SACK Van Nistelrooy... but plan to wait weeks to swing axe Everton would love Grealish to be their marquee signing as they begin life in their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock — but the lure from Italy is stronger. SunSport revealed on Monday that Napoli have £45m to spend on Grealish or Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho — but will only buy ONE. Conte's Serie A champs could start their title defence with SIX former Prem stars in their line-up. Scott McTominay's move from Manchester United went so well he was Serie A's Player of the Year. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK He is partnered in the midfield engine room by ex-Chelsea and Brighton midfielder Billy Gilmour. And striker Romelu Lukaku is another former United man on their books. Jack Grealish has gone from eye-catching showman and heartthrob to miserable bench warmer - and I know who's to blame Bournemouth midfielder Philip Billing arrived in January, in a move that could become permanent. City would even sanction a loan switch for Grealish — especially if there is a commitment to buy.
Scottish Sun
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Dimitri Payet charged with ‘psychological violence' against ex who accused him of forcing her to ‘drink own urine'
Prosecutors reverse decision as they now pursue abuse claims against ex-Prem ace FACING TRIAL Dimitri Payet charged with 'psychological violence' against ex who accused him of forcing her to 'drink own urine' FORMER West Ham star Dimitri Payet faces trial after being accused of "sexual, physical and psychological violence" against his ex-girlfriend. Brazilian prosecutors have charged the ex-France midfielder, 38, with abusing 28-year-old lawyer Larissa Ferrari. 3 Dimitri Payet has seen the case against him re-opened Credit: Getty 3 Larissa Ferrari appealed against a decision to drop the matter Credit: Newsflash Payet hit 15 goals in 60 Hammers appearances and was their 2015-16 player of the season. The married dad-of-four joined Brazilian club Vasco da Gama in 2023 and went on to form a relationship with local woman Larissa. Rio de Janeiro prosecutors allege he took advantage of her vulnerability to start the relationship, then caused her "psychological and emotional harm" including being violent. Police initially closed their inquiry but prosecutors reopened the case after an appeal by Larissa and have now pressed charges. Payet has been accused of causing her emotional damage through "hurtful and degrading expressions, humiliation, manipulation and mockery". Larissa made allegations to The Sun on Sunday in April that Payet had forced her to film degrading films, drink her own urine and water from the toilet, and lick the floor. She also claimed she had to take part in a fake wedding and wear a ring to 'prove her love'. Payet is said to have told Brazilian police everything between him and Larissa was consensual. 3 The Brazilian lawyer and the married footballer had a relationship Credit: Newsflash Documents from the country's Public Ministry say the couple met online and shared a mutual interest in sexual relations involving "acts of daringness and violence". The official report stated Larissa suffered depression as a result of Payet's behaviour towards her. Kyle Walker seals Everton deal & Grealish to Napoli, Newcastle & Spurs STILL ON | Transfers Exposed Her lawyers said: "This measure shows that the authorities are aware of the seriousness of the facts. "They are minded to make sure that behaviours that harm women's dignity do not go unpunished - no matter how high-profile the suspect may be." The footballer, whose Vasco contract was torn up earlier this month, could have to pay a huge fine and the costs of Larissa's medical treatment if the accusations against him are found to be true. Payet's lawyer Sheila Lustoza said: "I'm surprised the case has been reopened, as it is based on information that was already out there. "But I am confident that the legal system will recognise my client's innocence." Payet left West Ham for Marseille in a £25million deal in January 2017 after falling out of favour with Hammers fans. The set-piece expert, who has 38 caps, pushed for a transfer after claiming he was homesick.
Scottish Sun
31-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Ruben Amorim plans brutal pre-season with Man Utd flops quizzed on holidays and told to hit personal bests or face axe
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) RUBEN AMORIM is ready to get tough with his Manchester United flops as he chases a flying start next season. The Red Devils boss wants to take a hardline pre-season approach in his quest to turn his 'chokers' into Champions League material, with jobs — including his own — on the line. 3 Ruben Amorim is preparing for a complete reset at Manchester United And the Portuguese is determined that a lack of fitness will not be an excuse for his squad, in the wake of a disastrous campaign last time out — the club's worst since the relegation season of 1973-74. SunSport understands Amorim has delivered a list of instructions to ensure United are in top shape for the new Prem season, which starts on the weekend of August 16. It is believed non-international players could return to the club's Carrington HQ earlier than normal, with a suggestion some may be back training by the end of THIS month. Amorim wants fitness levels to be sky high, demanding that players hit personal bests by mid-July. READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS NO WORRIES Man Utd identify £70m ex-Prem star as Bruno replacement if captain leaves And if they fail to achieve those targets then they face being sidelined from his United revolution. Boss Amorim has also told his squad they need to be fitter than ever because he wants them to be all over their opponents 'like white on rice' from day one next season. It is understood Amorim has even quizzed his players on where they are going on holiday as he looks to shake up his failing squad and leave nothing to chance. United finished 15th in the Prem and also lost in the Europa League final to Tottenham — meaning there will be no European football at Old Trafford next season. Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from Old Trafford Amorim — who initially did not want to join United from Sporting last November as he feared mid- season turbulence — needs an upturn in results and performance quickly, so he is focusing on an intense pre-season programme to get his men up to speed from the kick-off. He is also keen to capitalise on rivals Manchester City and Chelsea having a disrupted start to the new Prem season should they go deep into the revamped Club World Cup this summer, with the final on July 13. Ruben Amorim vows 'good days are coming' after 'disaster season' as Man Utd flops give him daggers during public apology A club source said: 'Amorim needs a good pre-season. He's not shied away from the pressure he's under. 'He would have always preferred to have arrived at United ahead of a new season rather than in the middle of it. 'He has to get this right. He's told the players there are no more excuses. His job is on the line — and so too is theirs. 'The club can't accept any more failures.' Amorim is well aware of the pressure building and the scrutiny on his own position, never mind his players. His side suffered an embarrassing 1-0 loss to the ASEAN All-Stars before a 3-1 win over Hong Kong on their two-game post-season tour to Asia. Amorim slammed his players after the first game as "chokers" after they were booed off by Far East fans. 3 United face a big summer of transfer activity Following the second game on Friday, Amorim was asked if he had a summer message for his players — and hinted he feared for the condition of his stars during their time away from the club. He replied: 'I was a player and you can disconnect. They know that we under-performed badly this season. 'The important thing for me is the body composition, the weight and the training — they need to be ready. 'We have to use every minute in every week of the pre-season. So we need to arrive in shape. 'These small things, they have all the measures. We had a briefing about that. It's the only way to take action to be better next season. 'They know, everyone knows that the next year is going to be massive for everybody. 'I have been sending messages every week and they know next year, it is clear that we need to be so much better.' United face a big summer of transfer activity. 3 Bruno Fernandes could leave for Saudi Arabia this summer Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans have all left on free transfers, while the future of captain Bruno Fernandes hangs in the balance. Amorim is closing in on a £62.5million deal for Wolves forward Matheus Cunha, while he has lined up Sporting's Pedro Goncalves as a potential replacement for Fernandes if he takes the £100m offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal. Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho is not in Amorim's plans next season and is free to leave. United begin their preparations with a friendly against Prem new boys Leeds in Stockholm on July 19. Then the Red Devils are heading over to the USA for matches against West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton, before finishing a punishing pre-season schedule against Italian side Fiorentina at Old Trafford on August 9.
Scottish Sun
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Alejandro Garnacho told ‘don't come back' as Man Utd outcast takes parting shot in one-word Instagram post
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ALEJANDRO GARNACHO was told 'don't come back' after the Manchester United outcast took a parting shot in a one-word Instagram. Garnacho's Old Trafford days appear to be numbered after Ruben Amorim warned him to find a new club this summer. 3 Alejandro Garnacho fired out a message after being axed by Man Utd Credit: Getty The winger is now being linked with Serie A champions Napoli. And Chelsea could be interested again after making an enquiry in January. But Garnacho showed he is not going to go quietly. The Argentine, who was a late sub in the Europa League final defeat to Spurs, saw a bit more action in United's disastrous post-season tour of the Far East. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL NO WORRIES Man Utd identify £70m ex-Prem star as Bruno replacement if captain leaves They lost their first match to a Malaysian All-Stars XI before narrowly beating Hong Kong. Afterwards, United's players jetted off on their separate ways for their summer holidays. And Garnacho made no secret of his joy to finally be heading into a new era. Posting emojis of a tropical island, praying hands and a crying face, he said on Instagram Stories: 'Finally.' BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS However, this saw Garnacho receive a flurry of messages from angry United fans. One said: 'Don't come back.' Ruben Amorim bursts out laughing when asked about Man Utd star's future 3 Fans responded angrily to Garnacho's post Another declared: 'Bro thinks he is CR7.' One noted: 'He's going to regret this when he is older.' Another added: 'Worst attitude ever.'
