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Donald Trump, Elon Musk Forge Unlikely Newcastle United Partnership

Newcastle United’s pursuit for a new right-winger took a bizarre turn at Madison Square Garden last night.

With the squad not on international duty on a warm-weather trip to Saudi Arabia, the club’s chairman, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, headed West. In charge of assets worth a reported $930billion for the Public Investment Fund, few are more powerful across the globe than the Toon supremo.

However, the PIF Governor was next to two titans last night as he enjoyed old-fashioned blood, guts and fury at UFC 309. Al-Rumayyan was seated next to US president-elect Trump – who won a landslide election over Kamala Harris a fortnight ago – and the world’s richest man Musk.

Trump’s relationship with the UFC stretches back to 2001 when an up-and-coming sport was acquired by Lorenzo Fertitta, Frank Fertitta and Dana White. Still lightyears away from selling the company for £4billion, few venues or states opened their doors to the “blood sport” quickly gaining popularity.

That was until the president-elect hosted the first two UFC events under new ownership at his Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He has remained close to White, the company’s president, and regularly attends big fights.

Flanked by a horde of Secret Service agents, Trump made his first public appearance since winning the election at MSG. New best buddy Musk – appointed co-chair of the Department of Government Efficiency in Trump’s cabinet after donating a staggering $118million to the campaign – was closely by his side.

The less-recognisable Al-Rumayyan, at least in Western circles, also enjoyed ringside seats. Weary-eyed Newcastle fans who stayed up late to watch Jon Jones retain his UFC heavyweight crown did not miss a beat, however, as jokes about the need for a new right-winger soon flooded social media.

Newcastle World

Abdul Noah Ocholi

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**Title:** Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic **Meta Description:** Slaven Bilic has been appointed Croatia head coach for a second spell after Zlatko Dalic stepped down following the 2026 World Cup. **Slug:** croatia-confirm-slaven-bilic-return-head-coach **Alt Image Text:** Slaven Bilic during his unveiling as Croatia national team head coach — # Croatia confirm Slaven Bilic return as former West Ham boss replaces Zlatko Dalic Croatia have officially confirmed the return of Slaven Bilic as head coach, with the former West Ham United manager replacing Zlatko Dalic following the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bilic returns to the national team after more than a decade away, ending a two-year absence from management as he begins a second spell in charge of his country. ## Bilic begins a second spell with Croatia The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced Bilic’s appointment after the Executive Committee unanimously approved the recommendation of federation president Marijan Kustic. Bilic previously managed Croatia between 2006 and 2012, guiding the national team through two European Championships before embarking on a successful club coaching career that included spells with West Ham United, West Bromwich Albion, Besiktas and Al-Ittihad. The federation believes his experience and deep understanding of Croatian football make him the ideal candidate to lead the next generation. ## Huge task replacing Zlatko Dalic Bilic succeeds one of the most successful managers in Croatia’s history. Dalic stepped down after the 2026 World Cup, bringing an end to a remarkable tenure that included a World Cup final, a World Cup semi-final and several memorable tournament campaigns. Federation president Marijan Kustic acknowledged the size of the challenge but expressed complete confidence in Bilic. > “I would like to once again thank Zlatko for the exceptional results he achieved during his tenure. It is not easy to follow in his footsteps, but we are convinced Slaven is the right person for this role.” Kustic added that Bilic’s international pedigree and extensive coaching experience were decisive factors behind the appointment. ## Bilic honoured to return Bilic described his return as the greatest honour of his coaching career and admitted he understands the expectations that come with leading one of international football’s most consistent tournament teams. > “I would like to thank President Kustic and the Federation’s leadership for the confidence they have shown in allowing me to lead the Croatian national team once again — the greatest honour for any Croatian coach.” The 57-year-old also praised the standards established under Dalic while insisting he is ready for the responsibility. > “I am fully aware of the high expectations that follow such a remarkable period under Zlatko Dalic, but anyone who takes charge of Croatia must be prepared for that because we are a football nation that lives and breathes its national team.” ## A new chapter begins Bilic now faces the task of building on Dalic’s legacy while preparing Croatia for the next international cycle. With a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talent at his disposal, Croatia will hope their returning manager can guide them to another successful era on the international stage.

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