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Radev’s Progressive Bulgaria surges to a big lead in parliamentary vote, poll shows

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Radev’s Progressive Bulgaria surges to a big lead in parliamentary vote, poll shows

SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) — A center-left coalition led by ex-President Rumen Radev will win Bulgaria ‘s parliamentary election, an exit poll suggested Sunday, though the list might not garner enough votes to rule alone, which could prolong a years-long political deadlock in the European Union country.

The election on Sunday was the country’s eighth in five years, illustrating a crippling political impasse that has gripped this Balkan nation.

The poll conducted by Trend research group showed Radev’s Progressive Bulgaria earning 39.2% support, edging out the center-right GERB party of its veteran leader, Boyko Borissov, which is expected to capture 15.1% of the vote. Despite the huge gap between the two groups, the predicted percentage may not be enough for Radev to form a one-party government, and he will face the uphill task of looking for partners to govern.

The exit poll also predicted that voter turnout stood at 43.4%, and that six parties could pass the 4% threshold to enter a fragmented parliament.

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Radev said after the initial projections were announced that “we will do our best to prevent having to go to the polls” again.

“It (new election) will be a disaster for Bulgaria,” he said. “It would mean going from crisis to crisis when what we have to do is work very hard to emerge from these crises.”

The snap vote followed the resignation of a conservative-led government amid nationwide protests last December that drew hundreds of thousands, mainly young people, to the streets. The protesters called for an independent judiciary to tackle widespread corruption.

If confirmed in an official tally, the victory of Radev’s coalition could potentially bring to power a left-leaning leader who is seen by critics as pro-Russian. Last weekend, Hungarian voters rejected the authoritarian policies and global far-right movement of Viktor Orbán, who cultivated close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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Radev resigned from the mostly ceremonial presidency in January, a few months before the end of his second term, to launch a bid to lead the government as prime minister.

The 62-year-old former fighter pilot and air force commander has promised to give the nation a fresh start. His supporters are split on those hoping he will put an end to the country’s oligarchic corruption and those lining up behind his Eurosceptic and Russia-friendly views.

Radev’s popularity surged as he has cast himself as an opponent of the country’s entrenched mafia and its ties to high-ranking politicians. At campaign rallies he vowed to “remove the corrupt, oligarchic model of governance from political power.”

Since 2021, the nation of 6.5 million has struggled with fragmented parliaments that produced weak governments, none of which managed to survive more than a year before being brought down by street protests or backroom deals in parliament.

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After voting on Sunday, Radev said that Bulgaria now has a historic chance to change the alleged oligarchic model of governance. He urged people to go to the polls because mass “voting is the only way to drown vote-buying in a sea of free votes.”

Though Radev has officially denounced Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he has repeatedly opposed military aid to Kyiv and has favored reopening talks with Russia as a way out of the conflict.

Radev’s relatively vague campaign has left him open for cooperation with almost any party in the future Parliament, according to Mario Bikarski, senior Eastern and Central Europe analyst at the risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft.

Radev, however, seems reluctant to enter a formal coalition with the hard right and openly pro-Russian Revival party, Bikarski said.

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Bulgaria is a European Union and NATO member country, joined the eurozone on Jan. 1, shortly after entering the border-free Schengen travel area.

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Scarborough – man arrested over Eastfield woman in distress

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Scarborough - man arrested over Eastfield woman in distress

The county’s police say they want a key witness to come forward after an incident in Manham Hill in Eastfield on Wednesday, April 8 at about around 11pm.

A force spokesman said: “A woman in distress stopped a member of the public whilst crossing the road.

“We are appealing for this person or anyone else who witnessed this to come forward to see if you can assist in our enquiries.

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“A 41-year-old man a has been arrested in connection with the investigation and released on bail.”

Please call North Yorkshire Police or call 101, alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Please quote reference 12260062813.

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Wales breaking news plus weather and traffic updates (Monday, April 20)

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Wales Online

Hello, and welcome to WalesOnline’s live blog for Monday, April 20. We’ll be bringing you all of the latest news from across Wales – whether you’re on the move, at home or at work – as well as the latest traffic and travel.

We’ll also be keeping you informed of major news stories from the UK and overseas.

Contribute to the live blog by posting your comments below, or tweet us @WalesOnline to share the news that’s breaking in your area. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here.

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Scarlett Faulkner’s brother Jason dies two days after carrying her coffin at her funeral

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Belfast Live

Jason Faulkner has died just two days after serving as a pallbearer at his sister Scarlett’s funeral in Limerick on Friday.

The devastating news of Jason’s passing over the weekend was confirmed on social media on Sunday evening by the siblings’ cousin, Melissa McCarthy, who urged people to keep the Faulkner family in their prayers, reports the Irish Mirror..

“My heart, 2 days after burying your sister Scarlett, your [sic] gone now Jason, her lovely brother. The laughs we had, oh Jason what are the family gonna do? I can’t get my head round it, no doubt Scarlett Faulkner was there to meet you – together again forever,” Melissa wrote.

“Please keep my aunt Mary and Banny and family in yere [sic] prayers,” she added.

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Another family member shared a heartbreaking post expressing disbelief at Jason’s death.

“Sad world we live in – poor Banny and Mary buried there [sic] daughter Scarlett two days ago and now there [sic] son – God may mind them keep them strong pray for all the family again this is a painful world – rest in peace Jason,” the relative wrote.

Messages of condolence continue to pour in for Jason, with one friend calling him an “angel”.

“So heartbreaking, two lovely angels gone to heaven – rest in peace Jason Faulkner my heart goes out to your family. God wrap your arms around Banny, Mary and family.” Another mourner commented: “This is just beyond devastating, the nation needs to keep the Faulkner family in their taughts [sic] and prayers, how much heartache can this family take?”

Scarlett, 28, from Limerick, had been on life support at Cork University Hospital for three weeks following catastrophic injuries sustained in a vicious roadside assault on the R494 near Birdhill on March 21.

Her heartbroken family, who maintained a round-the-clock bedside vigil, confirmed she died on Monday April 13.

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At her sister’s funeral, Victoria Faulkner said: “You were Daddy’s girl and Mommy’s world, we will love you forever, our sleeping beauty, from your ten sisters and five brothers, and most importantly you’re beautiful daughter Oceanna, who you loved dearly, the same way she loved you.”

She added: “You have left a big hole in each and everyone of our hearts but you also touched the hearts of many others in this world.

“You were a good mother, daughter, sister, sister-in-law, friend to us all, you have left us with a beautiful little girl, ‘Oceanna’ – a gift from god, who reminds us of you so much.”

Scarlett, a well-regarded member of a Traveller family from Limerick county, was savagely attacked by a gang armed with weapons at the roadside on the R494 in Birdhill.

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A woman and a 16 year old girl have been charged in connection with the serious assault of Scarlett.

The reason for the brutal attack remains unknown. Emergency services discovered Scarlett at the roadside with devastating head injuries.

It is believed she was set upon by one or more armed individuals at around 5.30pm on Saturday, March 21.

Gardaí are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry in connection with the assault, amongst them the possibility that innocent Ms Faulkner may have been travelling in a vehicle that was deliberately rammed by occupants of another car, before being dragged out and brutally attacked with weapons at the roadside.

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Detectives based at Nenagh Garda Station are continuing their investigation into the incident.

Anyone with information relating to the attack is urged to get in touch with Nenagh Garda Station on (067) 05450, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any local Garda station.

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Unionist parties could win tight majority at Holyrood election, new poll suggests

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Daily Record

The poll, if replicated at the election, could make the SNP vulnerable to losing power at Holyrood for the first time since 2007.

A new poll has found the pro-UK parties could hold the majority in Holyrood after the election. The survey, carried out for More in Common, suggested the SNP would continue to be the largest party.

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But John Swinney’s party and the pro-independence Greens would fall one seat short of a majority, leaving the SNP vulnerable. Such a result could lead to the pro-UK parties teaming up to install Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar as First Minister.

More than 5,000 Scots were spoken between February 4 and April 10 for the poll. According to the survey, the SNP would drop to 56 seats – down from 64 at the last election.

Reform UK would move into second place on 22 seats, while Labour would fall to 17 MSPs and remain in third. Nigel Farage’s party would be the main winner on the regional lists, with at least two MSPs in every area and up to four in West Scotland.

READ MORE: Anas Sarwar swerves Keir Starmer as PM makes ‘strange’ Scottish visit shrouded in mysteryREAD MORE: “Farage heavies manhandled me when they took my disabled spot” Video captures OAP in parking row

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The Tories would drop to 12 seats, compared with 31 in 2021. The Lib Dems would jump to 14 MSPs – eight of which would be in constituencies.

The Scottish Greens, who are projected to take eight seats, would claim their first constituencies in Glasgow Kelvin and Maryhill, as well as Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith.

Even though the pro-indy parties are projected to lose their majority in this poll, the SNP would likely argue they would have the moral mandate to continue in office.

Despite being projected to come second, no other party would likely vote for Reform leader Malcolm Offord to become FM. If the pro-UK parties were determined to topple the SNP, they could put Sarwar in Bute House instead.

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More in Common found that 39 of the 73 constituency seats in Scotland are considered marginal, the pollster’s UK director Luke Tryl said.

“Having been in power for almost two decades, the SNP are clearly suffering from the curse of incumbency that has afflicted governments around the world,” he said.

“Although they look set to maintain power in Holyrood it will almost certainly be with significantly diminished vote share and this model estimates a lower seat count too.

“The SNP benefit however from a further fragmentation of the unionist vote with Reform UK emerging as the strongest unionist party and official opposition as Farage finally breaks through north of the border.”

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Arson attack on former Jewish charity premises investigated as antisemitic hate crime

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Arson attack on former Jewish charity premises investigated as antisemitic hate crime

Commander Helen Flanagan, of CTP London, said earlier on Saturday: “At this stage last night’s arson is not being linked to other incidents in the north-west London area over the last week or last month’s arson in Golders Green, but counter-terrorism officers are leading due to the similarities of each attack.

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Operation Take Off launched to stop post flight drink drivers

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Operation Take Off launched to stop post flight drink drivers

Operation Take Off was rolled out at Teesside International Airport this week, with officers stopping drivers arriving home from trips abroad to ensure they were not driving under the influence.

The campaign aims to make travellers think twice about driving under the influence, ultimately reducing fatalities across the County Durham and Darlington area.

Durham Police launched Operation Take Off following the devastating loss of baby Zackary Blades and his aunt Karlene Warner who were killed on their way home from Newcastle International Airport, in May 2024.

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Zackary Blades, left, and Karlene Warner who were killed by drink driver on A1(M) in County Durham in May 2024 (Image: Durham Constabulary)

Their killer, Darryl Anderson, had also landed at the airport and selfishly decided to get behind the wheel even though he was nearly three times over the drink drive limit making his way back to his home in South Yorkshire.

Darryl Anderson, 38, from South Yorkshire, jailed for more than 17 years for two counts of causing death by dangerous driving (Image: Durham Constabulary)

Officers have been conducting Operation Take Off in the years since, in a bid to spread awareness, educate drivers and prevent further fatalities.

Detective Constable Natalie Horner, of the force’s Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Despite his horrendous actions, Anderson told officers during his arrest that he was ‘not a bad guy’ and that ‘mistakes happen’.

“We disagree.

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“There is no excuse for driving under the influence and we will continue to carry out these important operations in memory of Zackary and Karlene whose deaths were completely avoidable.

“Their families continue to live with the pain of losing their loved ones which is why we will continue to do everything in our power to help prevent this happening again.

“Thankfully everyone who was stopped this morning and passed the breathalyser test.

“We want to thank them for doing their bit to keep other road users safe.”

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She added: “Remember, don’t fly, drink, then drive.”

Anderson, 38, was jailed for 17 years and three months after admitting two county of causing death by dangerous driving at Durham Crown Court, in July 2024.

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State pension change could ‘benefit’ some people – but expert warns of ‘risk’

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Daily Mirror

The reform could benefit some workers but there is still a ‘risk’, one expert has warned

The state pension age is the earliest a person in the UK can claim their state pension entitlement. From the start of April 2026, it will be increasing from 66 to 67 in a phased rollout continuing for the next two years.

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Future state pension age rises are also still under review, leaving middle-aged workers uncertain about exactly when they will be able to retire with their state pension. While it has caused some concern, one expert believes some people could benefit from the current and future age rises but warned workers to educate themselves.

Dr Kathy Hartley, Interim Subject Head, Human Resource Management Group at the University of Salford, explained that state pension age increases could mean some people have more time to build up their retirement funds and make themselves more financially secure in retirement by working longer than their predecessors may have.

She said: “In one sense, some workers have been choosing to remain in employment beyond what was once the norm for some time now, particularly since the default retirement age of 65 was removed back in 2011.

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“For some, this is clearly beneficial financially, even if it involves reduced hours or, in some cases, less strenuous forms of work, especially in the context of rising living costs. Others remain in roles they find intrinsically interesting, feel motivated and healthy, and see no reason to stop what they have been doing.”

Even in these cases where extra years in the workforce could benefit workers, Dr Hartley noted there’s a risk it may create for employers as an employee’s performance and health may start causing more disruptions as they age.

Another group that may benefit from spending more years in the workforce are those that have made mid-life career transitions, as the expert noted that people over the age of 60 only just beginning “new starts” are becoming more common than before.

She added: “Some older workers decide to take on new challenges, perhaps working part-time at what they have done for years while combining this with other forms of work that may have interested them for some time, effectively creating a new or ‘portfolio career’ later in life.”

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Regardless of where people stand in their careers and when they expect to access their state pension, the expert warned: “One thing that many of us need, however, is greater ‘financial literacy’, or simply to pay closer attention to the state of our pension pot and what kind of future it is likely to provide.

“For more of us to have genuine choice over whether to stay in the workplace for longer, financial understanding and planning will be key, as will employer support in relation to flexible working and adjustments. Such support has risen in recent years, driven by various changes in employment law, and the need for this – along with open conversations about employees’ longer-term aspirations – is unlikely to lessen.”

Dr Hartley admitted that for young people just entering the workforce, it’s very difficult to even anticipate what the state pension age will be when they hit their 60s and she revealed this is already being reflected in the workforce.

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She added: “Younger people (are) less inclined to rush into paid employment than previous generations. Pressure on entry-level jobs, combined with expectations of working into one’s later years (70 and beyond,) may help to explain some of this hesitancy.”

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Bayern Munich: After winning Bundesliga title, Bayern sights turn to Treble

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Bayern Munich players line up to celebrate winning the Bundesliga title

It was only fitting that Kane scored on a historic afternoon in Munich on Sunday.

There have been several standout performers for Bayern this season, but none more so than the number nine.

It was only two years ago that Kane was being challenged about his decision to move to Germany as Bayern ended a season trophyless for the first time in 12 years.

But fast forward to the present day and Kane has not only helped his side return to the summit of German football by winning back-to-back titles, but has also put himself in contention to win football’s most prestigious individual accolade – the Ballon d’Or – after netting 32 goals in 27 Bundesliga appearances this term.

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No player in Europe’s top five leagues has managed more goals than Kane’s 50 in all competitions.

Now in his third season at Bayern, Kane is also delivering in the Champions League.

This month he scored home and away against Real Madrid in the quarter‑finals to help Bayern reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2024, while equalling Frank Lampard as the highest‑scoring Englishman in the knockout stages of the competition with 15 goals.

“I could score 100 goals this season, but if I don’t win the Champions League or the World Cup, you’re probably not going to win the Ballon d’Or,” said Kane in November.

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“It’s the same with any player. You have to be winning those major trophies.”

If he can help Bayern to a seventh Champions League title and play a leading role for England at this summer’s World Cup, Kane would surely have a strong case to become the first Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or since Michael Owen in 2001.

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New coach tours for over 55s available in North East

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New coach tours for over 55s available in North East

Primrose Holidays, a coach tour operator based in the region, is targeting the growing market of older travellers—and offering hassle-free, experience-led travel across the UK and Ireland.

‘Silver tourists’ generally refers to people aged 55 and over.

Shaun Read, owner of Primrose Holidays and a board member of the Coach Tourism Association, said: “Today’s older travellers are increasingly discerning.

“They’ve holidayed more than previous generations, they’re comfortable travelling and they want to continue exploring – but without the hassle of planning and booking every trip from scratch.

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“At Primrose Holidays, we remove the pain points.

“We’ve chosen each destination for its rich mix of things to see and do, hand-picked every hotel for its high standard of rooms, meals and facilities, and selected the most interesting attractions based on visitor feedback.”

Famous Glenfinnan Railway Viaduct in Scotland (Image: Georgy Krivosheev)

The company offers curated coach tours with a focus on comfort and convenience.

Many packages include a door-to-door transfer service from areas in south Northumberland, the east coast, Sunderland and Durham.

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Mr Read said: “Primrose Holidays will collect customers from their homes and transfer them directly to and from the comfort of our executive coaches.

“It’s all part and parcel of our more personalised offer for older travellers, prioritising quality over quantity to deliver a more relaxed holiday.”

The company says it supports the growing appeal of ‘slower tourism’—spending longer in fewer places, and travelling outside peak season to less crowded destinations.

Mr Read also believes coach travel offers a positive social experience.

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He said: “Coach holidays can be a really social way to holiday, whether for solo travellers, couples or groups, providing shared experiences in a safe, friendly and supportive setting.”

The programme includes trips covering railways, canals, historic houses, Scottish landscapes, and an ABBA-themed weekend in London.

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Liverpool news: Two more stars tipped for exit as Jurgen Klopp sets sights on next job

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Daily Mirror

Liverpool news as two players who could join Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson through the Anfield exit door are named

The end of the season cannot come soon enough for Liverpool following a deeply disappointing title defence. Despite spending £450million last summer, the Reds have gone backwards, raising questions over Arne Slot’s future.

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Liverpool may have to rely on the Premier League’s bonus spot, fifth place, to secure Champions League football next season. Thanks in part to Chelsea’s slump in form, that looks like it will be salvaged, but it will be of little consolation.

It’s clear the squad needs a revamp ahead of next season, with at least two departures, Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, already confirmed. Mirror Football brings you a round-up of the latest news from Anfield.

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Two more players tipped for exit

Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones could also be heading out of Anfield this summer. According to football journalist Alan Nixon’s Patreon page, the pair are at the top of the list of players who could be potentially sold, which would free up funds for signings.

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READ MORE: ‘I coached Rio Ngumoha – Liverpool wonderkid’s tournament achievement says it all’READ MORE: Jamie Carragher urges Liverpool owners to complete immediate U-turn after fan backlash

In keeping with the team in general, Mac Allister has been a shadow of his former self this season. And with the Reds reportedly in the hunt to sign Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, the Argentine could make way. A strong showing at the World Cup would drive up his value.

Jones, who surprisingly started at right-back against Everton with Jeremie Frimpong on the bench, could be looking for a fresh start, with Aston Villa among the clubs believed to be tracking him. As a homegrown player, his transfer fee would be recorded as pure profit on the balance sheet. A sale could be best for both parties.

Klopp’s plans clear

If Slot departs, many Reds fans will be hoping for an emotional return for Jurgen Klopp. Since leaving Anfield, the German has taken on roles as head of global football with the Red Bull Group and as an advisor to the German Football League.

However, he has distanced himself from a return to club management, recently rubbishing reports linking him with Real Madrid. According to AS, the only job that would tempt him back into the dugout is with Germany.

The Spanish title reports that managing his country is his long-term ambition. Whether he gets to fulfil that ambition in the near future could hinge on how Germany fare at the World Cup under Julian Nagelsmann, who has a contract until after Euro 2028 in the UK and Ireland.

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Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.

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