Latest news with #PFA
Daily Mail
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
How Wayne Lineker has made Ibiza the go-to destination for Premier League stars this summer after building 'adult Disneyland' on party island - and the one player who spent £51,000 there
After playing football for 11 months of the year, players in the professional game just want to blow off steam. Early nights, good nutrition, and intense training go out of the window - they want to escape the pressure that is on their shoulders. Like many who get granted their annual leave, a lot of stars will spend quality time with their families, who they have spent many a day away from during the season. The locations of their holidays are slightly more glamorous than where the average Joe gets to go, with Dubai, Barbados, and Marbella among the popular destinations for footballers who enjoy family time. For players jetting to those trio of locations, it's time to kick their feet up, relax, and get a tan. However, not all players chase tranquility. After working as hard as they do for so long, and with how disciplined they have to be to stay in tip-top chase, many want to let loose. Where do they go to do that? Well, where better than Ibiza? It's the party capital of the world. And the one place that they seem to go more than anywhere else is Ocean Beach, owned by Wayne Lineker. Launched by the brother of now former Match of the Day presenter, Gary - also a national treasure - in 2012, O Beach is a hot spot for the game's biggest stars, as well as a whole raft of other celebrities. 'In June, it's like a PFA meeting in Ocean. It's that many of them. It's good fun,' Lineker told talkSPORT last week. Even Liverpool boss Arne Slot was seen living it up there earlier this month, following the Reds' Premier League triumph. The season hadn't even finished at that point, but the partying at Ocean Beach was in full flow. Slot could be seen getting a kiss on the cheeky from Lineker - no, not Gary - before he went behind the DJ decks as Queen's 'We Are the Champions' blared out. It was originally thought that the Dutchman opted to go to Ibiza on his own, while his Liverpool squad had a big bash in Dubai. However, that was not the case. 'Who did we have last week?' Lineker continued. 'Harvey Elliott was in the other day. I ended up in Pacha with Elliott at six o'clock on Sunday morning.' Jude Bellingham is the latest high-profile footballer to have been welcomed to the venue with open arms by Wayne. The Real Madrid star, 21, chose to celebrate his brother Jobe's promotion to the Premier League with Sunderland. English football's golden boy was all smiles as he enjoyed several beverages with his pals, and Lineker, as they sat in an exclusive VIP area. But what is it about O Beach that entices so many stars? Every year, Wayne can be seen partying with the next big name in football, or even music. The turnover of top stars in the club is just remarkable. The 63-year-old's path has been very different from older brother Gary's from an early age. While one was doing big things with the ball at his feet, the other was dropping out of school at 14 to pursue a career in business. In 1986, Wayne opened his first bar as he looked to break into the hospitality scene. It was the same year in which Gary won the Golden Boot award at the World Cup in Mexico, so he named the venue in Tenerife, Lineker's Bar. The bar was a huge success, and Lineker's reputation in the industry grew rapidly, taking him to Marbella, and then Ibiza in 2008. Four years later, Ocean Beach was opened, and it has only grown in popularity with each passing year. Lineker himself regards it as 'Adult Disneyland', as celebrities and party-goers flock in their thousands to get a glimpse of the silver fox. 'I compare it to Mickey Mouse at Disneyland when he comes out and everyone runs to get a picture," Lineker once quipped. 'But I'm the Mickey Mouse of adult Disneyland. 'I literally have to plan my day around it because it's got so intense, 500-600 pictures a day.' It's true, snaps of Lineker and stars flood timelines on the daily. You can always see him posing with a celebrity at this time of year, usually Jack Grealish. Lineker admitted that 'it's like a parade' when Irish UFC star Conor McGregor arrives at the club Grealish is a regular at Ocean Beach with Lineker once joking about the prospect of a four-week loan deal for the Manchester City man at his beach club, following his omission from the England Euro 2024 squad. Believe it or not, though, Grealish is not believed to be the biggest spender at Lineker's party empire. In fact, it's not a footballer at all. Controversial mixed martial artist Conor McGregor and YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI are the individuals who splashed the most cash, with Lineker opening up on what it was like to host the pair. 'I had sorted everything out for KSI. Made sure he was on the owner's table - it's the best spot,' he told the Let Me Land podcast last year. 'And, because they've got the boat with 100 bottles of champagne on, that was all going to the table. They did it right. But yeah, KSI was probably, as far as celebrities go, the biggest party. 'We have other people that just go crazy and spend a lot of money. Obviously, Conor McGregor... he parties! When he walks in it's just a parade. He's got all his security with him.' It is believed that KSI spent a whopping £51,000 on 600 bottles of champagne during his trip to Ocean Beach in June 2023. Don't scratch your eyes, that is a real sentence. Meanwhile, McGregor made his infamous visit in 2022 for his 34th birthday alongside family and friends, with the Irishman even getting into an argument with a fellow partygoer who threw a hat at him. Not all celebrities have had positive experiences, mind. Jonathan Hutchinson - a former Birmingham City footballer - was paralysed after breaking his neck following a dive into the Ocean Beach swimming pool back in 2016. The ex-pro, who played in the Blues backline during the Premier League 2001-02 season, was found floating in a pool, unmoved, before being rushed to hospital where it was discovered that he had sustained devastating spinal injuries. The now 43-year-old now requires 24-hour care, and in 2020 decided to take legal action against the club, suing Lineker for £8.5million in damages. Lineker's reputation remains unblemished in the celebrity party scene, however, and Bellingham's recent trip to his club signals the start of a wave of footballers who will hit Ibiza over the summer. He may even get another visit from Love Island presenter Maya Jama - who has been on numerous occasions in the past - due to her relationship with City star Ruben Dias. What we know for certain is that O Beach will be packed to the brim with celebrities once again this year - it always is.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Pet abandonment crisis in India worsens in monsoon, rescuers highlight need for responsible adoption and care
1 2 Pune: Animal welfare groups in the city have highlighted a sharp rise in pet abandonment cases as the monsoon sets in. Activists explained that damp conditions lead to a higher risk of illnesses — like tick fever, skin and gastrointestinal infections — making it more difficult and expensive for people to care for their pets. Faced with rising costs and limited resources, some make the inexcusable choice to abandon the animal. Earlier this year, a video of a German Shepherd abandoned in a Delhi market, waiting for eight hours for her family, was widely shared online. Her story, heartbreaking but not rare, spotlighted a growing crisis. Since the 2020 Covid lockdown, which saw an impulsive surge in pet adoptions, India has faced a steady uptick in abandonment cases. Excuses cited for the heartless choice include housing disputes, financial strain, or lack of pet-friendly infrastructure around. Many simply underestimate the long-term nature of this responsibility. Cute puppies grow into strong, demanding dogs, some with behavioural or health challenges. When owners can't or won't invest in training or care, pets are dumped at overflowing shelters. Puneeta Khanna, Pune district unit head for People for Animals (PFA), said the problem is exacerbated by unregulated breeders. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Killer New Dodge Ram 1500 Is Utter Perfection (Take A Look) MorninJoy Undo "Illegal breeders are in it for a quick buck. No genetic testing is done. As dogs grow up, they develop health problems like cancer, diabetes, organ failure, etc. Treatment and care are costly and difficult. Abandonment is chosen." Khanna further blames vaccine reluctance. "There's a DHPPiL 9-in-1 vaccine that costs around Rs700–1,000. People purchase expensive foreign breeds and splurge on fancy accessories and other stuff to show off on social media but won't spend on basic healthcare. These dogs end up in shelters, often for life, because no one wants to adopt an ill pet," she said. The emotional toll on abandoned animals is significant. Last year, a pitbull abandoned on Mahim Beach in Mumbai went on a biting spree, likely triggered by stress and confusion. "Abandonment wreaks havoc on a dog's psyche. They go through cycles of anxiety, wariness, and eventually, cautious trust—only if they're lucky. We often have to fundraise for treatment from our own pockets," said Richa Singh Chowdhury, founder of Bowsome Senior Dog India Foundation in Ahmedabad, who rescues abandoned aging and ill pet dogs from across India, provides treatment, and then tries to find new homes for them. She pointed out that even adopted rescue dogs are sometimes "returned". "Even after being told what care is required, people bring them back after months or even years." Dog trainer and counsellor Shalaka Mundada, who began advising pet parents in 2010 after three dogs were dumped at her hostel, stresses the need for informed decisions. "You're signing up for a 12 to 15-year commitment. Breed, lifestyle, job schedules, personality, all of it matters when choosing a pet," she emphasised. Despite laws under Section 325 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) that label abandonment as cruelty, enforcement is weak. Meet Ashar, cruelty response legal advisor at PETA India, said that the law focuses more on safeguarding people than punishing animal cruelty. "For instance, an abandoned dog in its disoriented and stressed state could attack people or knock someone down by running into them. Pets raised in households cannot survive on the streets, so when abandoned if the dog meets with an accident and loses a limb, only then does it tend to attract BNS section 325. " Solutions exist but require systemic change, said volunteers. Until then, shelters and rescuers continue to shoulder the burden—emotionally, logistically, and financially.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
'Kevin transcends this team'
Manchester City Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak believes Kevin De Bruyne will go down as their greatest ever in his annual in-house interview, he said: "What Kevin has given to this club, in my view, he is the greatest player to play for this club. I think his accomplishments speak for themselves. The number of Premier Leagues, the Champions League, FA Cups, Community Shields, Carabao Cups. "It's an unbelievable tally, the highest of any player that's ever played for this club. His personal achievements, twice PFA Player of the Year. He's been a captain. He's been a leader. He's been a teammate. He's been everything you'd hope from your most important player. "His influence on everyone, from the academy to the communities of fans, not just this club but football all over the world, is unquestionable. So, Kevin, he really transcends this team and I'm so proud of what he's accomplished. "It's one of the best decisions we ever took. The day we took the decision to invest in Kevin and bring him from Wolfsburg. I remember some people thought we overpaid. Yes, yes, it's one of the best memes out there, huh?."
RNZ News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Auckland FC dominate A-League Team of the Season
Auckland FC's Alex Paulsen. Photo: Shane Wenzlick / Auckland FC missed out on the A-League Grand Final but six players and the coach have been recognised in the annual player-voted Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) A-League Men Team of the Season. The squad is made up of 18 players, with Premiers Plate winners Auckland FC having the most representatives of any club. Auckland FC goalkeeper Alex Paulsen will captain the side, for the second consecutive season, after he received the most votes of any player. Paulsen, who was on loan to Auckland FC from English Premier League side Bournemouth, will move on from the A-League next season. He could not believe he was named captain. "I'm still taking it in to be honest. "I'm thankful to everyone who voted for me, it means so much. I want to thank my teammates, the coaching staff and my family who have all supported me over this past year and encouraged me to become a better person and a better goalkeeper. "It is a huge honour and privilege to be represented on behalf of Auckland FC." Joining Paulsen in the PFA team are Auckland's Francis de Vries, Hiroki Sakai, Louis Verstraete, Guillermo May and Nando Pijnaker. Guillermo May of Auckland FC. Photo: Mark Evans / Steve Corica has been voted as coach. Only five players from the two A-League Grand Finalists were included. Melbourne City have four players in the squad, including two starters in defence with Kai Trewin and Nathaniel Atkinson voted in the back four, while Aziz Behich and Marco Tilio are among the substitutes. Melbourne Victory have only one player, midfielder Ryan Teague. The team is comprised of a 4-3-3 formation, with seven substitutes on the bench. All selected players received the most votes among their peers by PFA A-League Men members at the conclusion of the regular season. The members also voted on their coach of the season. Goalkeeper: Alex Paulsen (Auckland FC) Defenders: Francis De Vries (Auckland FC), Kai Trewin (Melbourne City), Nathaniel Atkinson (Melbourne City FC), Hiroki Sakai (Auckland FC) Midfielders: Angus Thurgate (Western United), Ryan Teague (Melbourne Victory), Louis Verstraete (Auckland FC) Forwards: Adrian Segecic (Sydney FC), Archie Goodwin (Adelaide United), Nicholas Milanovic (Western Sydney Wanderers) Substitutes: Lawrence Thomas (Western Sydney Wanderers), Aziz Behich (Melbourne City), Nando Pijnaker (Auckland FC), Anthony Caceres (Sydney FC), Guillermo May (Auckland FC), Marco Tilio (Melbourne City), Noah Botic (Western United) Captain: Alex Paulsen (Auckland FC) Coach: Steve Corica (Auckland FC) Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Delhi govt to draft policy on community dogs: CM
A day after the Delhi high court directed the city government to formulate a policy for the rehabilitation of community dogs, chief minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday said that the government is working on the same and will involve all stakeholders to find a long-term solution. 'This is a problem for everyone — the public and the voiceless animals too. We are looking to create a platform which will cater to residents as well as those working for animals,' Gupta said while responding to a resident in her constituency during a public event. 'There are laws — dogs can't be kept in shelters and they cannot be removed from their streets. We are searching for a long-term solution, one that causes neither residents nor animals any distress. It is a policy matter...,' she said. On Tuesday, a bench of justice Mini Pushkarna, concerned over increasing instances of dog bites in the Capital, directed the city government to formulate a policy for the 'rehabilitation of community dogs at an institutional level' so that they can be gradually removed from the streets. 'A policy decision must be taken by stakeholders to ensure community dogs are rehabilitated and phased out from public roads and streets,' the court had said. The direction, however, experts said could be in contradiction to the law. Presently, agencies follow the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, which prohibit relocation of community dogs, except for sterilisation and vaccination. A dog cannot be removed from any area in the city, barring for sterilisation purposes, the rules state. Once treated, dogs must be returned to their original locality. A detailed register needs to be maintained for each dog, and it needs to be released at the same place or locality from where it was captured. Animal rights activists say that forming a wider policy may not only be 'legally untenable but also impractical.' Instead, they called for the need to address larger issues in Delhi's infrastructure and the ABC programme. 'This is a mature stand by the Delhi chief minister. While judicial or executive officers may seek short-term, quick fixes, no government in Delhi till date has worked on strategies to resolve the problem scientifically in the long run — beginning with proper implementation of ABC rules, designating feeding points, more funds and proper awareness drives,' said Gauri Maulekhi, an activist and trustee at the People for Animals (PFA). Sonya Ghosh, another animal activist, who has filed several pleas in the HC on community dogs, said the government needs to first focus on improving the existing veterinary hospitals. 'There are already 77 veterinary hospitals under the animal husbandry department, but none of these hospitals is being utilised for the ABC programme. Until sterilisation is done effectively, we cannot find a solution,' Ghosh said, who has also worked with the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) to designate feeding spots in the city. 'This is also another challenge — residents resist the need to set up feeding points which leads to conflicts.' Resident Welfare Associations too called for a balanced approach. Atul Goyal, who heads URJA United RWAs Joint Action — a collective body of RWAs, said identifying designated feeding spots in each neighbourhood would be a good start. 'The issue of community dogs has become very divisive, with people on both sides. The problem has arisen because of lack of implementation of norms for sterilisation and feeding points. In case of an extremely aggressive dog, some kind of shelter home may be developed but this cannot be done for all dogs. We don't want a society either where there are no dogs,' he said. Other RWAs meanwhile advocated for mass sterilisation and vaccination. 'This should be the top priority,' said BS Vohra, who heads East Delhi RWA joint front. 'If a significant population is sterilised now, the impact will become visible 2-3 years. In many places in East Delhi, it has become impossible to step out alone during night due to packs of dogs, but relocation is not a solution,' he said. Ashok Bhasin, who heads the North Delhi RWA, also said that the population of community dogs has increased significantly in north Delhi due to the alleged failure of the sterilisation drives by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. 'MCD also picks up dogs from one site and drops them at some other locations 1-2km away. There should be a priority to vaccinate and neuter the dogs,' he said. Sunayana Sibal, an animal activist, who has worked on the implementation of pet shop rules and ABC rules, said that ABC centres in Delhi are crumbling and require attention. 'Unless the ABC program is implemented in its true earnest, this issue is bound to fester and flare up in a cyclical manner,' she said.
