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COLUMBIAN FOOTBALL TAKEOVER?

After his Hollywood success with Wrexham AFC, Ryan Reynolds is eyeing a new venture in South America. The actor is reportedly part of a consortium, including Eva Longoria, Mesut Özil, and Justin Verlander, that is close to completing a takeover of Colombian top-flight club La Equidad.

According to El Tiempo, the deal could be worth around $20 million, with official signings expected next Thursday.

This marks another bold step for Reynolds, who has already made waves with his investments in Wrexham and Mexican club Necaxa. His involvement with La Equidad underscores his growing influence in global football, shifting his focus from the UK and Mexico to Colombia's passionate football scene.

If the deal goes through, Reynolds and Longoria are set to visit Bogotá in 2025 to present the new ownership team. With his track record of attracting celebrity interest, it wouldn’t be surprising to see more stars join the Colombian venture soon. Stay tuned as Ryan continues to expand his football empire.

NO BEER AT SAUDI 2034 WORLD CUP

Football fans hoping for a cold pint in the stands at the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia will be disappointed, as Fifa confirms that alcohol will not be sold in stadiums. Despite the global popularity of beer at major football events, Saudi Arabia’s strict alcohol laws, which have been in place since 1952, will remain intact. Fifa has already made it clear that it will not pressure the Saudi government to relax these regulations, following lessons learned from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the beer ban caused a last-minute uproar.

While Qatar’s World Cup saw Fifa scrambling to pull tens of thousands of Budweiser kegs out of stadiums just days before the tournament, the situation in Saudi Arabia is expected to be more predictable. The country has a closer relationship with Fifa, bolstered by significant financial backing from its state oil company, Aramco. However, this poses challenges for fans accustomed to beer being part of the matchday experience, with alternative options like soft drinks and non-alcoholic beer likely to take center stage in the stadiums.

As the 2034 World Cup approaches, questions remain about whether alcohol will be available in fan zones or hotels, though Fifa sources suggest the focus will remain on adhering to Saudi laws. The long-term implications for Fifa’s commercial partnerships, particularly with sponsors like AB InBev, who have extended their deal through 2026, will be one to watch as the tournament draws nearer.

MODRIC: THE REAL LEGEND IN MADRID

Luka Modric has firmly cemented his place in the history books as Real Madrid's most decorated player. After lifting his second trophy as club captain at the Lusail Stadium, the Croatian midfielder now boasts an astonishing 28 titles with Los Blancos. This includes 6 European Cups, 6 Club World Cups, 5 European Super Cups, 4 La Liga titles, 2 Copa del Reys, and 5 Spanish Super Cups—a haul that places him at the very top of the club’s illustrious trophy list.

Since joining in 2012, Modric has not only been a key figure in Real Madrid’s midfield but has also played a pivotal role in their recent successes. His leadership, vision, and consistency have been integral to the club’s continued dominance, especially under the pressure of European nights and La Liga battles. With his latest triumph, Modric continues to defy age and expectations, adding to a legacy that few in world football can rival.

As he raises yet another trophy, the 38-year-old shows no signs of slowing down. His ability to inspire and lead at the highest level speaks volumes about his status as one of the game’s greats. And as Real Madrid’s most decorated player, Modric’s legacy will remain a golden chapter in the club's storied history for years to come.

Other news you shouldn’t let slip through your legs:

🔵 Chelsea’s Mudryk has failed a drug test and could face sanctions in the near future

🤝🏽There is a lower league club in Germany where in their squad everyone’s last name is “Kurtanovic”

😤Jamie Vardy has been known to teach himself choice insults in the native language of the centre-backs marking him

🏆Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has reportedly spent between €60,000 and €70,000 on replicas of the Bundesliga trophy for his entire coaching team

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