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Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Barcelona get green light to play LaLiga match in MIAMI – could Premier League games be next?
MIAMI VICE Barcelona get green light to play LaLiga match in MIAMI – could Premier League games be next? Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PREM chiefs have NO interest in playing games abroad - despite Spanish FA bosses giving the green light for Barcelona to face Villarreal in Miami in December. Fifa made a U-turn over domestic matches being allowed to be played outside their home territories last year, settling a drawn-out legal case in the US. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Barcelona are set to play a LaLiga match in Miami - but Prem chiefs have no plans to follow suit Credit: Shutterstock Editorial That opened the way for serious negotiations, with the Spanish FA confirming they will ask Fifa and Uefa to approve the December 21 LaLiga clash that was scheduled for Villarreal's Estadio de la Ceramica instead being played at the Miami Dolphins' Hard Rock Stadium the previous day. But Prem bosses are insistent that there remain no plans or even desires to follow suit. While there has not been a formal written statement dismissing the idea, League chief executive Richard Masters has consistently maintained the Prem is a domestic competition that is played in the UK, stating last year the idea was 'not in our current plans'. Only last week, Masters reiterated: 'We had a look at that back in 2008. It was very controversial in the UK. 'The idea behind playing matches abroad is to grow the sport, to grow your league. 'But we've managed to do that in the intervening period, by different methods, broadcasting partnerships, digital technology, events like our Summer Series, making the Premier League truly global. 'I genuinely think it's the world's favourite version of the world's favourite sport, and we're really proud of that. 'So there's a whole bunch of reasons not to do it, but mainly because we're happy with what we have in the UK and we're not changing that. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS 'We have clubs that have hosted NFL games and an interesting relationship with the NFL but on this particular topic we're very different. We've got no plans to take matches abroad - there would be significant pushback.' Masters will reiterate that stance, if asked, in his pre-season message on Thursday. Lionel Messi unboxes his Epic X Tourbillon FC Barcelona watch However, the position of the League is conditional on the wishes of the clubs, with the majority of the 20 'shareholders' now under foreign ownership. Some 11 of them, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool, have majority US owners. Under Prem regulations, major decisions or changes require the approval of 14 clubs to be confirmed. At this stage there have been no formal votes on playing games overseas since the collapse of the infamous '39th game' idea in 2008. Were such a proposal to be passed it would be a major test of the Government's new Independent Regulator, which would be under pressure to step in and block the idea.
The Irish Sun
31-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Katie McCabe rejects Carla Ward's ‘burnout' assertion while making heartwarming gesture to sick kids
KATIE MCCABE says the fire is still there as she rejected talk of burnout. In May, McCabe became only the fourth Irishwoman to Advertisement 4 McCabe brought smiles and inspiration to patients at Crumlin Children's hospital 4 Visits from high-profile figures like her shine a national spotlight on the importance of continued support for paediatric healthcare 4 Children's Health Foundation supports the vital work of CHI hospitals and urgent care centres 4 Ward chose not to bring her on Ireland's two-game tour of the US There was not too much time to savour the achievement because, six days later, she In explaining why she would not travel to the States for two friendly games against the USA at the end of June, Carla Ward McCabe said: 'I wasn't on the verge of burnout. I could have played three days later. I just chose to enjoy the break. It wasn't necessary for me to travel to the USA. 'But I feel great. I feel good. I was happy in the decision I took. I was supported by Carla. It was nice to be able to switch off and refocus, reset and recharge the batteries. Advertisement Read More On Irish Football 'For me to wake up and not have any structure and do what I feel is necessary for me was really nice. I think about two weeks into it, I wanted to get back down. 'It was tough being away from the girls in the USA. I felt like when I came round to the camp, I needed to switch off. "It was hard to do that. You want the girls to do well. It was a well-needed break, but I'm ready to go now for the new season.' Top of the list club-wise is trying to help the Gunners retain their European crown, with McCabe - who showed off her medal in Crumlin's Children Hospital - thrilled with their win in Lisbon. Advertisement Most read in Football Live Blog It saw her realise her long-held dream of following in the footsteps of Yvonne Tracy, Ciara Grant and Emma Byrne. She said: 'I've always, since I was young, aspired to be like Yvonne, Ciara and Emma. Lionel Messi unboxes his Epic X Tourbillon FC Barcelona watch 'I see that photo of them with the tricolour around their back and the Champions League trophy in their hand. And when we won, I went and found the tricolour as well because I was like, 'I want a photo like that'. 'For me, it's important to have the flag with me to show young girls in Ireland how proud I am to be Irish, just to kind of hold that with me, I suppose.' Advertisement The flag was not all she had wrapped around her with Byrne - part of the Arsenal side crowned European champions in 2007 - pitchside to welcome her into the elite club. She said: 'Someone captured me just jumping in her arms. Emma Byrne has been a special part of my career. 'She's someone I looked up to, growing up as a kid when she was representing Ireland and Arsenal and for me to then sign for Arsenal and start breaking into the Ireland team, I always wanted to learn from her because I respected her so much. 'I still do. I value her opinion very highly and the experience she has in the game, what she's won. Advertisement 'I'm just delighted I get to work with Ireland still. I love that she's involved. I think I can speak on behalf of the team when I tell you how respected she is. "She's a fantastic person and I was just delighted to see her and embrace the hug I suppose.' FAST FOR-WARD As well as that shared moment of celebration, followed the mutual disappointment of the finals of the European Championships coming around with Ireland not in it, as a result of their That cost Eileen Gleeson her job and it has been a mixed bag under Ward since. Advertisement Ireland have won five of her eight games in charge but the other three have all ended in 4-0 defeats, once to Slovenia and twice to the US. McCabe suggested Ireland were still in transition under the Englishwoman's watch but that improvement needed to be seen for the She explained: 'I think when you've got a new coach, it takes time. We've seen that in the past, under Vera Pauw and Colin Bell before. 'I think Carla - I don't want to speak on behalf of her - but from our discussions, I'm sure she's seen a lot and learnt a lot about the squad and players individually over the course of the last few months. Advertisement 'I think it's really beneficial for her to see that, so we can get a good steer on how we're going to be successful together moving forward because both of our ambitions are to qualify for that World Cup. 'But obviously there's steps you need to take going into that, October is a massive part in that in terms of getting that promotion to League A.' NOTABLE DEPARTURES The upheaval is not limited to manager and style of play but personnel on the pitch too with Louise Quinn, Diane Caldwell, Niamh Fahey McCabe said: 'You can't shy away from that, it leaves certain gaps because those girls, the experience they have, their knowledge, how they've handled themselves on and off the pitch and conducted themselves in the green jersey is something to be proud of. Advertisement 'If I can get to where they were, I'd be so proud. There are big gaps to fill. But for us now, it's time for people to step up. 'It's time for players to step into those roles and really grow and see it as an opportunity to take a position in the starting XI and around the squad. The last few months were a different sort of period. 'We're playing a different formation than what we're used to. With that will come mistakes, but it's about learning from it and then tightening it into what we want to be going forward.' 'TRANSITION PERIOD' And, with her 30th birthday looming on the horizon in September, she is aware that the number of opportunities she will have to play in major tournaments is diminishing. Advertisement She said: 'It's funny as the years go on you think you'll be young forever and there's always just going to be a next one and a next one, then they start to die down as you get older. 'Yes, it's a transition period, but for me, I still have the hunger and desire to represent my country and be part of that, and have a good steer on how we can take the team forward and demand standards out of everybody. 'That's obviously for new players and younger players coming in as well, what it means to represent Ireland. 'We've got Denise O'Sullivan and Courtney Brosnan and we've got a lot of players that know that and understand that and it's about just breeding the new crop in as quick as possible really. Advertisement 'Hopefully in October we can get a good steer on who we want to be going forward.' To find out more about the Children's Health Foundation or to donate
The Irish Sun
31-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Barcelona wonderkid who was better than Lionel Messi quit Nou Camp and found himself unemployed for a year and a half
A former Barcelona academy star who once outscored Lionel Messi was left unemployed for over a year after quitting football. Gabriel Santiago Fernandez was a standout striker at Barca's famous La Masia academy when Messi was coming up the ranks. 5 Lionel Messi became Barcelona's greatest-ever player after rising through the La Masia ranks Credit: PA 5 But he was once overshadowed by former team-mate Gabriel Santiago Fernandez 5 Fernandez, who was referred to his nickname of Baby, was tipped to be a future superstar but he never fulfilled his potential Credit: BARCELONA CF 5 The now 39-year-old, to this day, still insists he was better than Messi Credit: INSTAGRAM@TONIPADILLASPORTS360 And Fernandez, who was referred to by his nickname of 'Baby', even outscored the future eight-time Ballon d'Or winner in one of their seasons together. 'Baby' was the leading scorer for eight years during his time at La Masia but ultimately left the club following a change in Barca's management. But he still, to this day, believes he was better than future footie icon and pal Messi. He told READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS "For example, in the Brunete and Canal + tournaments, I'm the top scorer and the best player. Both years. "Messi wasn't there and he came the following year, and of course, when I saw him coming… of those of us who were theoretically in my position, no one could compete with me." He continued: "I was always the top scorer and played everything. But when Messi came to the first training session, I said, 'Ugh.' "The thing is, he played at number 10 and I played at number 9, so we were taking each other's place." Most read in Football SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN 5 'Baby' insists he has no regrets about how his career has turned out Credit: INSTAGRAM@TONIPADILLASPORTS360 'Baby' turned down a new contract with Barca after falling down the pecking order. He ended up having stints with Damm, Figueres, Gava, Cordoba, and Almeira before a proposed transfer to Real Mallorca. Lionel Messi unboxes his Epic X Tourbillon FC Barcelona watch But the move fell through as he broke his leg before signing his contract. He recalled: "With one week left, I go play with my cousins and break my tibia, and of course, since I hadn't signed it… I lost everything. "I was out of action for a year and a half and fell into depression . "I didn't want to play, my leg was hurting… and I signed with Formentera once I'd recovered. "I stayed for a year and decided to return to Catalonia and stay playing here." Despite seeing the immense success former team-mate Messi has gone on to have, 'Baby' insists he has no regrets about how his career panned out. He said: "I was given many opportunities. They say in life that a train passes you by, but 10 or 12 have passed me by and I haven't gotten on any of them. "I don't regret it. Life takes many twists and turns, and football is very difficult, and thanks to that, I'm with my wife and have three children."
Scottish Sun
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Barcelona wonderkid who was better than Lionel Messi quit Nou Camp and found himself unemployed for a year and a half
The now 39-year-old was the club's top scorer for eight seasons 'TOP SCORER' Barcelona wonderkid who was better than Lionel Messi quit Nou Camp and found himself unemployed for a year and a half Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A former Barcelona academy star who once outscored Lionel Messi was left unemployed for over a year after quitting football. Gabriel Santiago Fernandez was a standout striker at Barca's famous La Masia academy when Messi was coming up the ranks. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Lionel Messi became Barcelona's greatest-ever player after rising through the La Masia ranks Credit: PA 5 But he was once overshadowed by former team-mate Gabriel Santiago Fernandez 5 Fernandez, who was referred to his nickname of Baby, was tipped to be a future superstar but he never fulfilled his potential Credit: BARCELONA CF 5 The now 39-year-old, to this day, still insists he was better than Messi Credit: INSTAGRAM@TONIPADILLASPORTS360 And Fernandez, who was referred to by his nickname of 'Baby', even outscored the future eight-time Ballon d'Or winner in one of their seasons together. 'Baby' was the leading scorer for eight years during his time at La Masia but ultimately left the club following a change in Barca's management. But he still, to this day, believes he was better than future footie icon and pal Messi. He told Toni Paddila Sports 360: "If I'm honest, it was 'Baby's Fifth,' not 'Messi's Fifth.' READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS DOG ATTACK Ex-Barcelona star rushed to hospital after dog bites genitals in savage attack "For example, in the Brunete and Canal + tournaments, I'm the top scorer and the best player. Both years. "Messi wasn't there and he came the following year, and of course, when I saw him coming… of those of us who were theoretically in my position, no one could compete with me." He continued: "I was always the top scorer and played everything. But when Messi came to the first training session, I said, 'Ugh.' "The thing is, he played at number 10 and I played at number 9, so we were taking each other's place." SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET £50 BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN 5 'Baby' insists he has no regrets about how his career has turned out Credit: INSTAGRAM@TONIPADILLASPORTS360 'Baby' turned down a new contract with Barca after falling down the pecking order. He ended up having stints with Damm, Figueres, Gava, Cordoba, and Almeira before a proposed transfer to Real Mallorca. Lionel Messi unboxes his Epic X Tourbillon FC Barcelona watch But the move fell through as he broke his leg before signing his contract. He recalled: "With one week left, I go play with my cousins and break my tibia, and of course, since I hadn't signed it… I lost everything. "I was out of action for a year and a half and fell into depression. "I didn't want to play, my leg was hurting… and I signed with Formentera once I'd recovered. "I stayed for a year and decided to return to Catalonia and stay playing here." Despite seeing the immense success former team-mate Messi has gone on to have, 'Baby' insists he has no regrets about how his career panned out. He said: "I was given many opportunities. They say in life that a train passes you by, but 10 or 12 have passed me by and I haven't gotten on any of them. "I don't regret it. Life takes many twists and turns, and football is very difficult, and thanks to that, I'm with my wife and have three children."
