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Former Manchester United winger and Wales manager Ryan Giggs is “relieved” at being cleared of domestic violence allegations made by his ex-girlfriend after charges were dropped. Kate Greville told police and lawyers she did not want to go through the ordeal of a second trial after jurors failed to reach verdicts in the high-profile first trial last year, Manchester Crown Court heard. Giggs, 49, was not in court on Tuesday as lawyers said there was no longer any realistic prospect of conviction and it was not in the public interest for Giggs to go on trial for a second time over allegations made by Greville and her sister Emma. Peter Wright KC, prosecuting, offered no evidence against Giggs at the 20-minute hearing as the allegations were formally dropped. Judge Hilary Manley entered “not guilty” verdicts on the charges of coercive and controlling behaviour and assault against Kate Greville and common assault of her sister. Giggs had been accused of controlling behaviour over a three-year period involving Greville. He was also accused of assault by “losing control” and headbutting Kate Greville and the common assault of Emma Greville by elbowing her in the jaw, during a row at his home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, on November 1 2020. Giggs denied the offences and underwent a month-long trial, ending last August when the jury failed to reach any verdicts, and a retrial was scheduled to begin on July 31. But on Tuesday, prosecutor Peter Wright KC told Manchester Crown Court that the case had been considered at the highest levels at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and a decision had been made not to proceed with a second trial. Wright said Giggs’ ex-girlfriend Greville had “indicated an unwillingness” to give evidence in a retrial as giving evidence in the first trial had “taken its toll” on her and her sister Emma. Wright said: “This is not a decision taken lightly.” Chris Daw KC, defending Giggs, said: “Mr Giggs is deeply relieved the prosecution has finally come to an end after almost three years in which he’s been fighting throughout to clear his name. “He has always been innocent of these charges – there’s been very, very many lies told about him in court.” At a series of hearings earlier this year, the court was told of difficulties the prosecution had faced in proceeding with the retrial. These included Kate Greville’s reluctance to now go through with a second trial. Earlier this month, Wright, at a court hearing which could not be reported at the time, said: “What she (Greville) has indicated is a wish not to give evidence by reason of her own mental and physical wellbeing, so seriously affected by the process. “You may recollect at the previous trial for example she gave evidence over a considerable period of time, cross-examined for what was three days, and during the course of that process she was both visibly distressed, weary, and expressed the view that she had felt violated by the defendant’s conduct and in giving evidence while maintaining her account, demonstrating a growing frustration in terms of the process. “I make the observation, a general observation, ambivalence on the part of complainants in these circumstances is not an unknown phenomenon to the courts.” Judge Manley told the prosecutor the question of whether Greville was willing to co-operate or not had to be decided. She added: “The position can’t continue indefinitely.” Wright said: “This is a matter that’s been considered at a senior level both regionally and nationally within the CPS, notwithstanding any objective assessment of the seriousness of the allegations. “What is underlying this is the further general principal consideration of the prosecution of the alleged abusive men so far as coercive and controlling behaviour is considered, the wearing down of complainants, is not to be interpreted by the public and by men as a passport to an acquittal – is that underlying question of considerable public interest that we are continuing with.” But Daw, defending Giggs, told the hearing: “As it stands, the prosecution has no case. “The position we submit is: what matters is the interests of justice. “What we have here is an attempt to cobble together a case built on hearsay and an unwilling witness almost three years after the event. “This is not about the public interest.” A spokeswoman for the CPS said: “At all stages we keep cases under careful review, to ensure our legal test is met. This means there must be a realistic prospect of conviction based upon the available evidence and a prosecution is in the public interest. “We have determined there is no longer sufficient evidence available to proceed in respect of the controlling or coercive behaviour charge and that it is no longer in the public interest to prosecute the remaining assault charges. “This decision was made following detailed discussions with Greater Manchester Police and consultation with the complainants. At no stage has she indicated that the account she gave either in her witness statement, ABE interview (achieving best evidence, the police interview during criminal investigation) or at trial, was untrue Peter Wright KC, prosecuting “It is not the function of the CPS to decide whether a person is guilty of a criminal offence, but to make fair, independent and objective assessments about whether it is appropriate to present charges for the criminal court to consider.” During Giggs’ time at Old Trafford, Manchester United won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, four FA Cups and three League Cups. Giggs stood down as Wales manager following a period of leave since November 2020. He won 64 caps for Wales and is co-owner of Sky Bet League Two side Salford. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Manchester United agree deal with Inter Milan for goalkeeper Andre Onana Can England beat the weather to level Ashes series? Fourth Test talking points England may need weather check and bolder approach in fourth Test – Ben Stokes

Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana is set to join Manchester United after a deal was struck with both player and club, the PA news agency understands. The 27-year-old shot-stopper has been top of Erik ten Hag’s wish list this summer as United replace long-serving David De Gea. United have now reached an agreement with Serie A side Inter to sign Onana for an initial 51m euros (£43.8m) with a potential further 4m euros (£3.4m) in add-ons. Personal terms are also understood to have been agreed with the goalkeeper, who is set to sign a five-year deal with the option of a further season. A medical is imminent but it remains to be seen whether the respective paperwork will be completed in time for Onana to be on Wednesday’s flight to the United States for their pre-season tour. The Cameroon international will become United’s second signing of the summer after bringing in Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount earlier in the month for an initial £55m. The goalkeeper should slot seamlessly into Ten Hag’s system thanks to his ability and confidence on the ball, which he used to great effect at Inter and prior to that under the Dutchman at Ajax. A new goalkeeper had not initially been a key priority for the United boss this summer, but towards the end of the campaign it was decided to pursue a new number one. Onana is now set to succeed De Gea after his recent departure on a free transfer, while speculation continues over the future of Dean Henderson and Tom Heaton. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul 18, 2023--

Chelsea have seen an offer worth £70m for Moises Caicedo rejected by Brighton & Hove Albion. The Seagulls have set an asking price of £100m.

Today's USMNT news includes Folarin Balogun saying that he could play in MLS one day. Yunus Musah's move to AC Milan appears to be getting closer, whilst Alan Sonora has left FC Juarez.USMNT news: Folarin Balogun to MLSFolarin Balogun will likely leave Arsenal this summer for another c...

Fitting in a workout when you have a busy life can be hugely challenging. But what if you set the alarm just ever so slightly earlier and nailed it first thing? “Morning exercise can improve productivity and focus, boost energy levels and help you maintain better posture,” says PT and fitness expert, Laura Williams. “And whether you spend the day at your desk or on your feet, working the muscles of the core is an important addition to any exercise routine,” she continues. “Weak core muscles can make it easier to pick up poor posture habits that might lead to aches and pains. A weak core can also leave you more vulnerable to injury. “A strong core, on the other hand, not only makes everyday movements easier, it improves stability and can improve sporting performance.” Add this short routine to your morning run or walk, or try as a standalone workout before heading into the day. Bird Dog Why: Helps strengthen the muscles of the back and core, and improves stability. How: From an all fours position, lift one leg and opposite arm in the air and briefly hold. Maintain a straight spine. Do 12 repetitions. Tip: Avoid lifting your arm and leg too high (this will help you maintain a flat back). Single-Leg Stretch Why: Works the abdominal muscles. How: From a lying position, lift your head and shoulders off the floor. Bend your leg and bring your knee towards your head, placing hands either side of your knee. Extend the other leg out in front of you a few inches off the floor. Switch sides. Do 10 repetitions. Tip: Place your head down if you feel this in your neck. Leg Pull-Down Why: Strengthens upper body, core, thigh and calf muscles. How: From a push-up position with weight on your hands and balls of feet, lift one leg into the air just below hip height. Change sides. Do 10 repetitions. Tip: Avoid lifting your leg too high. Keep your spine straight and your hips still. (Modifed) Roll-up Why: Helps strengthen core muscles, and the muscles at the front of the hips. How: Sit with legs bent, feet flat on the floor and arms outstretched at shoulder height. Drawing the stomach back towards the spine (but without holding your breath) roll slowly back a little way towards the floor, before returning to your starting position. Do 3-5 repetitions. Tip: Place hands behind knees for added support as you roll.

Manchester City are close to completing the signing of Josko Gvardiol, but could lose Bernardo Silva, Kyle Walker and Riyad Mahrez before the end of the transfer window.

England enter the World Cup as one of the favourites as the Lionesses look to build on their victory at the European Championships last summer by winning the game’s biggest prize. England have reached the semi-finals on their last two World Cup appearances in 2015 and 2019 and will be dreaming of going one step further in Australia and New Zealand. The Lionesses are unbeaten under Sarina Wiegman and gained valuable experience of winning a major title after their historic victory on home soil at the Euros. The United States are looking to win their third consecutive World Cup but England arrive at this summer’s tournament as the main contenders to their crown. Here’s everything you need to know. Who are England playing at the World Cup? The Lionesses were among the top seeds ahead of the World Cup draw and were placed in Group D, along with China, Denmark, as well as one of the winners of the inter-confederation play-offs. That was where Haiti defeated Senegal and then Chile to qualify for the World Cup for the first time and complete the four-team group. China, ranked 15th in the world, were among the lowest ranked teams in Pot 2 while Denmark, ranked 18th, were the top team in Pot 3. Haiti are ranked 57th in the world, the second lowest at the tournament. When are England’s group matches? (All kick-off times BST) 22 July - England vs Haiti (10:30, Brisbane) 28 July - England vs Denmark (09:30, Sydney) 1 August - China vs England (12:00, Adelaide) What is England’s potential path to the final? If England win Group D 7 August: Winners Group D vs Runners-up Group B (08:30, Brisbane) 12 August: Winner Match 54 vs Winner Match 56 (11:30, Sydney) 16 August: Winner QF3 vs Winner QF4 (11:00, Sydney) 20 August: Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2 (11:00, Sydney) If England are runner-up in Group D 7 August: Runners-up Group B vs Runners-up Group D (11:30, Sydney) 12 August: Winner Match 53 vs Winner Match 55 (08:00, Brisbane) 16 August: Winner QF3 vs Winner QF4 (11:00, Sydney) 20 August: Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2 (11:00, Sydney) What about the rest of the groups? Group A: New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Switzerland Group B: Australia, Republic of Ireland, Nigeria, Canada Group C: Spain, Costa Rica, Zambia, Japan Group D: England, Haiti, Denmark, China Group E: United States, Vietnam, Netherlands, Portugal Group F: France, Jamaica, Brazil, Panama Group G: Sweden, South Africa, Italy, Argentina Group H: Germany, Morocco, Colombia, South Korea Full World Cup match schedule (All kick-off times BST ) Group stage: Thursday 20 July Group A: New Zealand vs Norway (08:00, Auckland) Group B: Australia vs Republic of Ireland (11:00, Sydney) Friday 21 July Group B: Nigeria vs Canada (03:30, Melbourne) Group A: Philippines vs Switzerland (06:00, Dunedin) Group C: Spain vs Costa Rica (08:30, Wellington) Saturday 22 July Group E: USA vs Vietnam (02:00, Auckland) Group C: Zambia vs Japan (08:00 Hamilton) Group D: England vs Haiti (10:30, Brisbane) Group D: Denmark vs China (13:00, Perth) Sunday 23 July Group G: Sweden vs South Africa (06:00, Wellington) Group E: Netherlands vs Portugal (08:30, Dunedin) Group F: France vs Jamaica (11:00, Sydney) Monday 24 July Group G: Italy vs Argentina (07:00, Auckland) Group H: Germany vs Morocco (09:30, Melbourne) Group F: Brazil vs Panama (12:00, Adelaide) Tuesday 25 July Group H: Colombia vs Korea Republic (03:00, Sydney) Group A: New Zealand vs Philippines (06:30, Dunedin) Group A: Switzerland vs Norway (09:00, Hamilton) Wednesday 26 July Group C: Japan vs Costa Rica (06:00, Dunedin) Group C: Spain vs Zambia (08:30, Auckland) Group B: Canada vs Republic of Ireland (13:00, Perth) Thursday 27 July Group E: USA vs Netherlands (02:00, Wellington) Group E: Portugal vs Vietnam (08:30, Hamilton) Group B: Australia vs Nigeria (11:00, Brisbane) Friday 28 July Group G: Argentina vs South Africa (01:00, Dunedin) Group D: England vs Denmark (09:30, Sydney) Group D: China vs Haiti (12:00, Adelaide) Saturday 29 July Group G: Sweden vs Italy (08:30, Wellington) Group F: France vs Brazil (11:00, Brisbane) Group F: Panama vs Jamaica (13:30, Perth) Sunday 30 July Group H: Korea Republic vs Morocco (05:30, Adelaide) Group A: Norway vs Philippines (08:00, Auckland) Group A: Switzerland vs New Zealand (08:00, Dunedin) Group H: Germany vs Colombia (10:30, Sydney) Monday 31 July Group C: Costa Rica vs Zambia (08:00, Hamilton) Group C: Japan vs Spain (08:00, Wellington) Group B: Ireland vs Nigeria (11:00, Brisbane) Group B: Canada vs Australia (11:00, Melbourne) Tuesday 1 August Group E: Vietnam vs Netherlands (08:00, Dunedin) Group E: Portugal vs USA (08:00, Auckland) Group D: Haiti vs Denmark (12:00, Perth) Group D: China vs England (12:00, Adelaide) Wednesday 2 August Group G: South Africa vs Italy (08:00, Wellington) Group G: Argentina vs Sweden (08:00, Hamilton) Group F: Jamaica vs Brazil (11:00, Melbourne) Group F: Panama vs France (11:00, Sydney) Thursday 3 August Group H: Korea Republic vs Germany (11:00, Brisbane) Group H: Morocco vs Colombia (11:00, Perth) Knockout stages Saturday 5 August Match 49: Winners Group A vs Runners-up Group C (06:00, Auckland) Match 50: Winners Group C vs Runners-up A (09:00, Wellington) Sunday 6 August Match 51: Winners Group E vs Runners-up Group G (03:00, Sydney) Match 52: Winners Group G vs Runners-up Group E (10:00, Melbourne) Monday 7 August Match 54: Winners Group D vs Runners-up Group B (08:30, Brisbane) Match 53: Runners-up Group B vs Runners-up Group D (11:30, Sydney) Tuesday 8 August Match 56: Winners Group H vs Runners-up Group F (09:00, Melbourne) Match 55: Winners Group F vs Runners-up Group H (12:00, Adelaide) Friday 11 August QF1: Winner Match 49 vs Winner Match 51 (02:00, Wellington) QF2: Winner Match 50 vs Winner Match 52 (08:30, Auckland) Saturday 12 August QF3: Winner Match 53 vs Winner Match 55 (08:00, Brisbane) QF4: Winner Match 54 vs Winner Match 56 (11:30, Sydney) Tuesday 15 August SF1: Winner QF1 vs Winner QF 2 (09:00, Auckland) Wednesday 16 August SF2: Winner QF3 vs Winner QF4 (11:00, Sydney) Saturday 19 August 3rd place play-off: Loser SF1 vs Loser SF2 (09:00, Brisbane) Sunday 20 August Final: Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2 (11:00, Sydney) Match venues Australia Sydney (Stadium Australia, 83,500) Sydney (Sydney Football Stadium, 42,512) Brisbane (Lang Park, 52,263) Melbourne (Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, 30,000) Perth (Perth Rectangular Stadium, 22,225) Adelaide (Hindmarsh Stadium, 16,500) New Zealand Auckland (Eden Park, 48,276) Wellington (Wellington Regional Stadium, 39,000) Dunedin (Forsyth Barr Stadium, 28,744) Hamilton (Waikato Stadium, 25,111) Read More England’s road to the World Cup begins with a ‘different test’ - and it’s not just Portugal Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match in UK When is the Women’s World Cup and what are the fixtures? England squad ‘disappointed’ at not reaching bonus deal with FA before World Cup World Cup 2023 fixtures from England vs Haiti to route to the final FIFA Women’s World Cup start date, fixtures and full schedule

Scotland is aiming to host the women’s Champions League final, Europa League final or Europa Conference League final in either 2026 or 2027. Hampden Park, which has staged six previous European finals, is the stadium at the centre of one of the declarations of interests Uefa has received from nine different countries for the showpiece events. Final bids will have to be received by February 2024 with the eventual decision being announced next May. The two venues bidding to host the men’s Champions League finals over the two years are Milan’s San Siro and Budapest’s Puskas Arena, which staged this year’s Europa League final. If successful, it would be the first Champions League or European Cup final held in Hungary while San Siro has hosted four, the last of them in 2016. Hampden Park’s capacity is now too small for Uefa’s requirements for a Champions League final, though a record crowd of 127,621 were at the 1960 match where Real Madrid beat Eintracht Frankfurt 7-3. The Glasgow stadium also hosted the 1976 European Cup final, won by Bayern Munich, and the 2002 Champions League final, where Real Madrid beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-1, as well as two Cup Winners’ Cup finals and one Uefa Cup final, but none since 2007. Hampden faces competition for the women’s Champions League final from Norway, with the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo, and Germany, with Gelsenkirchen, Munich and Stuttgart lined up as potential venues. The other countries interested in hosting the Europa League final are Romania, at Bucharest’s National Arena, Germany and Turkey. There are five possible host cities in Germany – Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Gelsenkirchen, Leipzig and Stuttgart – and three Istanbul grounds in the reckoning, those of Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, but in each case, it will have to be narrowed down to one when the bid is submitted. The Conference League final could be played in either Glasgow, Istanbul, Oslo, Leipzig, Israel – at the Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem – or Switzerland, at the Stade de Geneve. Uefa was criticised for using smaller venues for the first two Conference League finals, meaning fewer fans could attend, and each of the eight possible venues has a larger capacity, of at least 28,000. Read More Confident Rory McIlroy ‘could not ask for better preparation’ ahead of the Open Embracing the limelight all part of World Cup experience for Ruesha Littlejohn Trans athletes banned from women’s events by world cycling’s governing body

England’s players have expressed their disappointment at talks with the Football Association over their bonus and commercial structures not being resolved before the start of the World Cup. In a statement from the team posted on social media by captain Millie Bright, the Lionesses said they would “pause discussions, with full intentions of revisiting them following the tournament”. The European champions’ campaign at the showpiece in Australia and New Zealand gets under way on Saturday when they face Haiti in Brisbane. The statement said: “Last year we presented the FA with concerns relating to our bonus and commercial structures. The hope was that discussions would lead to a solution before the commencement of our World Cup. “We are disappointed that a resolution has still not been achieved. “We view the successful conclusion of these discussions, through player input and a transparent long term plan, as key for the growth of women’s football in England. “With our opening game on the horizon, we Lionesses have decided to pause discussions, with full intentions of revisiting them following the tournament. “We collectively feel a strong sense of responsibility to grow the game. And while our focus now switches fully to the tournament ahead, we believe every tackle, pass and goal will contribute to the work we are committed to doing off the pitch. “We look forward to playing for our country (at) this World Cup, with pride, passion and perseverance.” With our opening game on the horizon, we Lionesses have decided to pause discussions, with full intentions of revisiting them following the tournament England players' statement Last month FIFA announced a new financial distribution model to apply to this summer’s tournament. Under that model, players will be guaranteed performance-related remuneration directly from FIFA, with amounts increasing the deeper teams go in the tournament, ranging from 30,000 US dollars (£23,000) per athlete for the group stage to USD 270,000 (£206,000) allotted to each champion. Previously, it was up to individual national governing bodies to decide how money was allocated, with some still agreeing to fund additional payments in 2023 beyond the new deal. England players were understood to have been left disappointed by the fact the FA was not following the lead of the Australian and American federations – where collective bargaining agreements are in place – in paying bonuses on top of the prize money being paid to players direct by FIFA. Players were also understood to be frustrated over a lack of clarity over what their cut from any commercial deals done by the FA linked to the Lionesses will be, as well as the restrictions around their personal sponsorships. The Professional Footballers’ Association released a statement from its chief executive Maheta Molango, who said: “Although the issues the Lionesses have highlighted are specific to the negotiations with the FA, they join players from a number of countries at the World Cup who are prepared to make a stand when they don’t think they are being listened to. “It’s a massive mistake to underestimate the genuine strength of player feeling on these issues. “It’s no coincidence that this is a particular issue for nations where there is no proper collective bargaining agreement in place between players and governing bodies. “These longer-term agreements require negotiation and will nearly always involve difficult conversations. But when they are completed, they ensure a far higher degree of stability and security. “They mean that everyone knows where they stand, and that’s obviously a massive advantage going into major tournaments when players just want to be focused on the football. “The PFA’s view has always been that player rights and conditions should be addressed proactively and viewed as a partnership. “There will always be consequences when players feel they are having to come back issue by issue to push for parity and progress. It doesn’t need to be like this.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Confident Rory McIlroy ‘could not ask for better preparation’ ahead of the Open Bethany England eager to shine at World Cup having felt ‘wasted’ at Chelsea ICEC: Recommendations ‘too important to be put on back burner for lack of money’

Mikel Arteta has revealed that Arsenal will remain 'alert' to any market opportunities during the remainder of the transfer window.

The president of the Paris Olympic organizing committee says the operating budget for the 2024 Games is “under control.”