Tragedy as goalkeeper, 27, found dead after going for swim in river with his girlfriend
Goalkeeper Jeferson Merli is believed to have drowned in the Homem River in Terras de Bouro, in north-western Portugal.
He disappeared under the water at approximately 6pm on Saturday and his girlfriend called the emergency services.
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Reuters
15 minutes ago
- Reuters
Porto great Jorge Costa dies aged 53 after cardiac arrest
Aug 5 (Reuters) - Former Porto captain Jorge Costa died on Tuesday at the age of 53 after suffering a cardiac arrest at the club's training centre, the Portuguese side said. The former defender, who was serving as Porto's Director of Professional Football in his second season in the role, was rushed to hospital but could not be saved. "Throughout his life, both on and off the pitch, Jorge Costa embodied the values that define FC Porto: dedication, leadership, passion and an unshakeable spirit of conquest," the club said in a statement. "He left his mark on generations of fans and became a symbol of Portismo." Over his career, Costa played 530 games in all competitions - 383 for Porto and 50 for Portugal's national team. Costa earned the nickname "Bicho" (Animal) from teammate Fernando Couto during their partnership in central defence. As captain, he led Porto to UEFA Cup glory in 2003 and a Champions League triumph in 2004 under manager Jose Mourinho. The defender was one of six players to win five consecutive Portuguese league championships with Porto, alongside Aloisio, Drulovic, Paulinho Santos, Rui Barros and Folha. Costa returned to the club in April 2024 as director under new president Andre Villas-Boas. "Jorge Costa's legacy will always remain alive in the memory of all Porto fans. You will never be forgotten, Captain," the club added.
Daily Mail
43 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Future King of Norway takes his disgraced stepson Marius Borg Høiby on holiday in Portugal after sexual assault charges
Crown Prince Haakon has been pictured taking his disgraced stepson Marius Borg Høiby on holiday - after Høiby was charged with rape, sexual assault and bodily harm. The future King of Norway, 52, and Høiby, 28, were seen disembarking a plane at Oslo Airport after a five-day vacation in Portugal last Sunday in pictures published by national paper Se og Hør. They were joined by 19-year-old Prince Sverre Magnus, who was seen carrying luggage with headphones on. Borg Høiby was dressed in a yellow T-shirt reading 'Blue Harbor Yacht Club', adding a pair of black joggers and casual trainers, with his tattoos in full view. Haakon meanwhile was in front of him carrying two large bags, and the two appeared engaged in conversation. After the photographs were taken, the trio drive together to Frogner where Høiby is now staying, followed by a royal police escort, the paper reported. Høiby is the son of Princess Mette-Marit, 51, who did not appear to be present on the trip. Neither was his sister, Princess Ingrid Alexandra, who recently arrived in Australia to begin her studies at the University of Sydney. Høiby has been under scrutiny since he was repeatedly arrested in 2024 on preliminary charges including rape, bodily harm and criminal damage. Prior to the charges, Haakon and his stepson would often holiday together, and were seen surfing at the Ribeira D'Ilha in the Ericeria area of Portugal in 2016 - where they are believed to have returned for their 2025 visit. They have also been on skiing trips, and have visited Sardinia and Mexico, according to Se og Hor. The two have been close since Marius was a young boy - and he was just three years old when his mother moved in with the prince in Oslo. In November, Prince Haakon addressed his stepson's arrest, telling Norwegian news outlet NRK: 'Marius is facing serious accusations, which the police and the judiciary will deal with. I am convinced they will do a good job. 'As a family and as parents, we have wanted Marius to receive help and we have been working for a long time to get him to a place where he can receive more help. 'It is something we give a lot of priority to. It must be done within the framework established by the legal system.' Last month, Oslo police announced charges against Høiby on multiple counts, including rape, sexual assault and bodily harm after a months-long investigation of a case that involved a 'double-digit' number of alleged victims. State Attorney Sturla Henriksbø has stated that, although it's difficult to predict, there will likely be clarity regarding the royal's charges by mid-August, Se og Hør reported. Oslo Police Attorney Andreas Kruszewski said Høiby, who is the son of Princess Mette-Marit, was cooperative during police questioning, which is now complete. Evidence in the case was drawn from sources including text messages, witness testimonies and police searches, the police attorney said. The charges included one case of rape involving intercourse and two cases of rape without intercourse, four cases of sexual assault and two cases of bodily harm, Kruszewski said at a news conference. 'I cannot go into further detail about the number of victims in the case beyond confirming that it is a double-digit number,' he said. In an email, defence attorney Petar Sekulic said Høiby was 'absolutely taking the accusations very seriously, but doesn't acknowledge any wrongdoing in most of the cases - especially the cases regarding sexual abuse and violence.' The palace was quoted by the Norwegian newswire NTB as saying it would not comment while the case winds its way through the 'normal procedures.' The case was top news in Norway, where the royals are popular. Høiby previously lived with the royal couple and their two children, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre Magnus, but now lives in a separate house nearby, according to Sekulic. Høiby remains free pending a possible trial and is entitled to a presumption of innocence until a court rules otherwise. Once known affectionately as 'Little Marius', Høiby grew up in the public eye, enjoying the same wealth and privilege as his royal siblings, although his biological father, Morten Borg, served time in prison for drugs and violent offences. Høiby has acknowledged cocaine use and addiction. Despite allegations, it was reported that Marius partied it up at Cannes Film Festival earlier this summer, according to Se og Hør. Borg Høiby joined Norwegian businessman Per Morten Hansen, who is a good friend of his father, Morten Borg. He was also seen on board the 165-foot motor yacht 'Da Vinci', a speed marvel worth 20 million dollars and owned by entrepreneur and multi-billionaire Vincent Tchenguiz. After his trip at sea, the Crown Princess's son and his pals went to Île Sainte-Marguerite, a small island off the coast of Cannes. The spot is popular with celebrities such as Elton John, Leonardo DiCaprio, Beyoncé, and the Kardashians. They visited the very exclusive and private La Guérite beach club on the island, which can only be reached via boat. Borg Høiby partied with businessman Rehan Syed, who lives a lavish lifestyle featuring fast boats and cars, as seen on his Instagram account. Borg Høiby has largely continued his life as normal since the charges came to light in August last year, and has since jetted off with friends to Hemsedal, Copenhagen and Italy. He spent one week in custody in November after his arrest due to the risk of tampering with evidence, NRK reported at the time. Among those who have come forward is national media personality Linni Meister, who attended a 'castle basement party' of Borg Høiby's, where the 'attack' is said to have taken place; with police reported to have a video clip. The TV star, 39, reportedly did not remember the alleged assault and only became aware of it after she was informed by law enforcement officials. After the claims came out earlier this year, Linni stated the allegations were 'true' in a Snapchat statement. She has now hit out at Borg Høiby's 'disrespect' in a podcast 'Puppen og Lillemor' with friend and co-host Mia Gundersen, 63. As reported by Se og Hor, Linni became emotional as she criticised the royal for 'running away and going to party' while 'victims' wait for justice. 'He has no respect for himself or his family. Not even for us victims. It's hurtful. What happened afterwards is almost worse for me,' she said tearfully in an episode. 'Instead of doing the right thing, he runs away and goes to a party. I am appalled by how things are being handled by the defendant. And why isn't more happening? It p***es me off! 'If we are going to have a monarchy, we have to be able to trust it. He is not even in a place where he takes care of his health. He travels from country to country to party!' Linni also admitted her heartbreak at the situation, considering she had felt Borg Høiby was a friend. Even when the police had presented her with 'evidence' of her own assault, she said she initially wondered if it had been forged by AI (artificial intelligence). 'Marius doesn't take anything seriously,' she added. 'Everything is like a game to him.' In a statement to the podcast, Borg Høiby's lawyer, Ellen Holager Andenæs, referred to an earlier statement made in light of Linni's earlier Snapchat 'confirmation'. 'I am unfamiliar with statements on social media, and of course I have no desire to have opinions about what is said there,' they said. 'I am concerned that Se og Hør sees reason to refer to that type of statement and reminds me of my call to reflect on the total media pressure in this case. 'I hope Se og Hør does not think of contacting me every time someone expresses themselves on social media. If so, I can only conclude that the bottom has not yet been reached.' The assault is reported to have taken place in 2018 at a 'party among friends' in the basement of Skaugum Castle 2018, when Borg Høiby was 21. He dubbed these 'Skaugum Festivals' and reportedly had criminal friends, including members of motorcycle gangs. After one of these parties, the home was burgled, when a motorcycle gang reportedly stole private items from the Norwegian Royal Family. Items, including silverware, are alleged to have been taken and then attempted to be sold via an auction house. The event is said to have become 'completely out of hand' and continued in the castle basement while Borg Høiby's stepfather, Crown Prince Haakon, slept upstairs. Borg Høiby is the stepson of the future king of Norway. He was four when his mother married the future King Crown Prince Haakon of Norway. His half-sister is the future Queen of Norway. It was during the party that Borg Høiby allegedly raped Linni while she was unconscious, local media reported. Police became aware of the alleged crime after discovering three videos and more than 10 photos of the incident on Borg Høiby's laptop, it was reported. Linni was informed about the alleged assault at the Oslo Police Station, where she was shown the reportedly incriminating evidence. Borg Høiby was accused of rape by a fifth woman, who alleged that it had taken place after he was released from police custody for assaulting his girlfriend. In March, it was reported that another person had become 'involved in the case' and is said to have been questioned by police 'several times,' according to local outlet Aftenposten. This brought forward a new case of 'rape without intercourse', which allegedly took place late last year - when Borg Høiby was already facing a series of assault charges. 'I can confirm that I have been appointed as a legal aid lawyer for a woman in her 20s,' lawyer John Christian Elden said. 'Beyond that, I have no comment on the case.' That same week, the royal was spotted stepping out in Copenhagen looking unrecognisable, dying his hair dark from white blonde and growing it out. The son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit has also spent time at rehab centres in London since his arrest.
The Sun
an hour ago
- The Sun
Girl, 3, found dead at home is pictured as her mum appears in court charged with murder
A TRAGIC three-year-old girl has been pictured after her mum was charged with murder. Hope McGrath was discovered by police at home in Leeds, West Yorkshire, following a concern for welfare report. 1 Tragically the youngster could not be saved and was declared dead at the scene on July 30. Her mum Pippa McGrath today appeared at Leeds Crown Court charged with murder. The 47-year-old spoke only to confirm her name, date of birth and address during the hearing. Recorder of Leeds Guy Kearl KC said:'A post mortem on Hope has not taken place. It is to take place tomorrow. 'The heart of the issue will be a toxicology report.' The court heard psychiatric reports would be prepared to establish McGrath's fitness to plead. A provisional trial date was set for February 24, with a further hearing set to take place on September 3. McGrath is accused of murdering her daughter between July 26 and July 30. McGrath, was understood to have moved with Hope to Austhorpe Close, in Leeds, just weeks before the tragedy. Neighbours suggested that the youngster had suffered with a disability and required the use of a wheelchair, but was often heard playing in her back garden. McGrath was taken to hospital before later being remanded into custody on suspicion of murder. West Yorkshire Police previously said it was treating Hope's death as an "isolated incident". Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson, of West Yorkshire Police's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: 'We are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Hope's death. 'A photograph of the three-year-old has been released by her family. I would ask that people respect their privacy at this extremely difficult time.'
