🗞️ Daily Digest: RDZ for Real Madrid, Spurs accusations, Mead returns | OneFootball

The five biggest stories of the day but so much more digestible, so you know everything you need to.

1️⃣ Tottenham alleged to have broken Premier League rules

Tottenham Hotspur are facing accusations of violating transfer rules in Jermain Defoe’s 2008 move to Portsmouth. An investigation by The Times has revealed the involvement of unlicensed agent Mitchell Thomas, with claims against chairman Daniel Levy and former manager Harry Redknapp. The FA had not acted previously, but recent scrutiny could prompt a potential review. Spurs could face serious sanctions like transfer bans or relegation, with agents and players also at risk.

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2️⃣ Real Madrid approach Brighton boss De Zerbi

Real Madrid are reportedly in talks with Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi regarding their upcoming managerial vacancy, as Carlo Ancelotti’s departure looms. Ancelotti’s contract expires in the summer of 2024, and despite potential extension talks, the Italian seems more likely to leave. De Zerbi, known for his success at Brighton, has attracted interest from AC Milan, Napoli, and Tottenham previously. Despite a challenging season for the Seagulls, Madrid see De Zerbi as a potential candidate to take over at the Bernabéu next season.

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3️⃣ Beth Mead back in the England squad after ACL injury

Beth Mead has been named in the England squad after a year away, having recovered from an ACL injury that ruled her out of the Women’s World Cup. England face crucial Women’s Nations League matches against the Netherlands and Scotland and Mead, who recently made her comeback for Arsenal, will provide a boost to the Lionesses as they seek Olympic qualification after a recent setback in Belgium. Sarina Wiegman’s side trail in Nations League Group A and must win against the Netherlands and Scotland to stay in the hunt. The squad includes young talents Khiara Keating and Grace Clinton, with Fran Kirby also making a comeback.

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4️⃣ Messi jerseys set to smash sports auction record

Six shirts worn by Lionel Messi during Argentina’s historic 2022 World Cup victory are set to break auction records. The collection, including the jersey worn in the final’s first half, is predicted to become the “most valuable sports memorabilia,” with Sotheby’s estimating it to fetch over £7.9 million ($10 million). A portion of the proceeds will support a charity project for children with rare diseases backed by the Leo Messi Foundation. The current record for sports memorabilia is $10.1 million for Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA Finals jersey.

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5️⃣ 2023 Globe Soccer Awards nominees revealed

The nominees for the 2023 Globe Soccer Awards have been revealed, featuring categories like Best Men’s Player (possibly Lionel Messi vs. Erling Haaland), Best Women’s Player (favouring Aitana Bonmatí), Fan’s Favourite Player, Club of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Emerging Player of the Year. The star-studded event is set for January 19, 2024, in Dubai, with live streaming available on OneFootball.

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