bbc--2020-12-02--Monchi: Sevilla sporting director on his methods and mission

Ramón Rodríguez Verdejo has been in football for more than 30 years , but there is every chance you have never heard that name .
You might , however , know him better by a different one : Monchi .
You could even reasonably suggest that his success , and the methods behind them , have transformed the job he has performed for 20 years - that of sporting director .
As a player Monchi - an alternative Spanish name for someone called Ramon - spent 11 years at Sevilla , mostly as a back-up goalkeeper .
He played 126 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one he represented - until his retirement in 1999 .
The following year , he was appointed to the role he has since made his own .
At the time , with no experience and with Sevilla in the Spanish second division , Monchi studied other clubs ' methods in order to seek inspiration for his own .
FC Porto and Lyon were among those he looked at - clubs who won titles , sold their stars and started over again .
The main lesson was to accept losing your best players , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ someone of similar quality for a good deal less money .
Sevilla did n't spend a penny on transfers during Monchi 's first two years yet still managed to build a team that returned to La Liga under current Armenia head coach Joaquin Caparros .
It was n't until the following season , in 2002 , that Monchi was given the green light to make his first investment : 500,000 euros on full-back Dani Alves , who first arrived on loan from Brazilian club Bahia .
Six years later , Barcelona would pay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was arguably the best in his position for a decade .
Sevilla have enjoyed 20 consecutive seasons in La Liga and , on Monchi 's watch , 'sell to grow ' has firmly become their philosophy .
Star players have n't tended to stay long - but usually long enough to lift a trophy .
Their recent trophy haul is impressive : Copa del Rey winners in 2007 and 2010 ; Uefa Cup winners in 2006 and 2007 ; Europa League winners in 2014 , 2015 , 2016 and 2020 .
Monchi had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite briefly leaving for a two-year spell with Roma between 2017-2019 .
By the time he left - seeking a different challenge - he had helped the club earn around £180m in profit from transfer dealings .
He is back at the club that he loves now , where he is widely respected and where on a typically bright Andalusian day thoughts are turning to Wednesday 's Champions League meeting with Chelsea - with the winner of the game likely to top their group .
After a year unlike any other , both @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guaranteed progress to the knockout stages .
`` The truth is it has been quite an intense time , facing unknown scenarios and managing issues that go beyond a sporting director 's responsibilities , '' Monchi tells BBC Sport .
`` Negotiations have been a little bit more complicated .
We had to rely on the work we had already done before lockdown .
We assigned new tasks to our scouts , who reviewed again and again outstanding players we had been following for a while .
`` We even planned different signings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cancellation of La Liga . ''
The signing of Ivan Rakitic is perhaps the standout of several typically shrewd moves executed by Monchi and his team in the south of Spain this summer .
The Croatian midfielder was signed for about 2.5m euros in from Schalke in 2011 and left in 2014 for Barcelona in a deal worth about 20m euros .
In September , Sevilla agreed a nominal 1.5m euro fee to take him back , now aged 32 .
While those deals are standard practice for Monchi , things have changed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the Covid-19 crisis has accelerated change that was already under way .
It has led to a major boost at the club 's new data-driven research and development department , which was created in May 2019 .
The scouting process in football is evolving quickly , and new forms of data are becoming increasingly valued .
New stats and metrics such as expected goals ( xG ) are taken into account when making transfer decisions .
An increasing number of elite football clubs are trying to get the most out of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baseball and basketball for years .
Many of those employed tend to have no football background , but it does n't matter as long as there are results .
`` We compare the subjective point of view of our scouts with data 's objective criteria , '' Monchi says .
`` The fact they both almost always agree encourages us to make decisions .
We trusted big data more this time because we have a more developed big data department .
`` Although our platform is not 100 % complete , it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players .
Our data was not as accurate a year ago as it is today .
`` We had 'small data ' years ago .
A scouting report on Microsoft Word was data .
If a player is right or left footed , that 's data too ... '' Obviously , now we have better processed data , more information and we are more willing to rely on it .
Confidence comes with use .
You do n't use something you do n't trust .
`` Nonetheless , we ca n't disregard the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
What we have to do is to join both approaches . ''
Monchi and his team plan to expand this data revolution to also help inform various other sections of the club 's operations , such as ticketing and marketing .
But building a system that can find the right players at the right price remains the priority .
The algorithm they have developed analyses over 18,000 players that could fit the team .
And behind the scenes , a new kind of transfer target is in Monchi 's sights .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ intelligence and machine learning expert with no football experience to join us .
We are fighting with his current company , so to speak , '' he says .
`` We want to keep growing .
If you decide to build a research and development department , you have to provide people who would add value by understanding data from different angles . ''
Due to Monchi 's success at Sevilla , an increasing number of football clubs have tried to follow their model .
Clubs such as Benfica , Sporting Lisbon , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make even more profit than the Andalusians .
Others have preferred to rely on Monchi disciples , such as Víctor Orta , who spent seven years under his tutelage and now fits in well with Marcelo Bielsa 's Leeds United .
But big transfers remain the strategy favoured by many others .
That 's the case of Chelsea , who drew 0-0 with Sevilla in the club 's earlier Champions League meeting at Stamford Bridge this season .
Kai Havertz , Hakim Ziyech , Timo Werner , Ben Chilwell and Edouard Mendy - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this summer - could all feature at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán on Wednesday evening .
`` I would like to believe the Chelsea directors are perfectly aware of their finances and their earning capacity , I 'm convinced they are , '' Monchi says .
`` If you make an investment it 's because your budget allows it .
`` Chelsea spent the last few years kind of hidden in the football market [ in part perhaps because of their transfer ban ] , but they have done some very good deals .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will prove profitable , on and off the pitch . ''
Monchi has never hidden his fascination with English football .
In fact , he spent six months in London in 2013 to improve his English and do some research .
`` I was looking for business information , '' he says .
`` Premier League clubs have a really advanced business model that I wanted to implement at Sevilla .
`` They are able to make football really profitable through television , marketing and a sense of belonging - everything that made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at that time . ''
Monchi sought inspiration in England at a time when English clubs sought their own Monchi .
Today , many Premier League sides - such as Manchester City , Liverpool , Leeds United and Arsenal - do indeed have a sporting director .
Manchester United are one club which does not .
`` There are lots of successful clubs that entrust recruitment policies to different people : the general manager , the head coach or the sporting director .
I prefer the last option , obviously , because it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
`` It does n't mean that Manchester United do n't have a scouting department .
Of course they do .
`` They do n't have Txiki Begiristain [ Man City ] or Michael Edwards [ Liverpool ] - both old friends of mine - but I 'm pretty sure there are qualified professionals to make those decisions at Old Trafford .
We are talking about top clubs , I have little or even nothing to teach them . ''
After 20 years making tough decisions , Monchi claims to know how @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happy in his work and still feels he has plenty to offer .
But he has already started to think about the timing of his own next transfer .
`` I owe my family , my friends and myself too , '' he says .
`` I need to give that time back to them .
Including me .
That 's why I wo n't be here for long .
`` Everyone else comes second .
I 've known my wife since we were 15 .
My children , aged 27 and 21 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I prioritise the club so much that I sacrifice my well-being .
But I consider myself privileged .
I 've been doing what I dreamed of when I was a kid .
`` Six hours of sleep is enough for me .
I get up early to exercise , but during this time I 'm also working since my smartphone and my computer are on .
Disconnection does n't make sense in my position .
`` This will last as long as I feel happy .
I have n't marked a date on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ work with the same ambition .
I will walk away when I feel anxious when I open my office door .
`` I 'm lucky to have friends who do n't get mad when I promise to call back ... and I do it five days later . ''
• None Fast-living , expensive exploits and fallouts await in this hit new drama • None The former president on his cautious optimism for the future and more

Europa League winners again last season, Sevilla are currently fifth in the Spanish table
Ramon Rodriguez Verdejo has been in football for more than 30 years, but there is every chance you have never heard that name. You might, however, know him better by a different one: Monchi.
He was never considered a star on the pitch but, now aged 52 and having swapped his kit for a suit two decades ago, he is arguably the most recognisable and revered figure at Sevilla, the hometown club where he has spent almost all his career.
You could even reasonably suggest that his success, and the methods behind them, have transformed the job he has performed for 20 years - that of sporting director.
As a player Monchi - an alternative Spanish name for someone called Ramon - spent 11 years at Sevilla, mostly as a back-up goalkeeper.
He played 126 games for the club - the only one he represented - until his retirement in 1999. The following year, he was appointed to the role he has since made his own.
At the time, with no experience and with Sevilla in the Spanish second division, Monchi studied other clubs' methods in order to seek inspiration for his own. FC Porto and Lyon were among those he looked at - clubs who won titles, sold their stars and started over again.
The main lesson was to accept losing your best players, but make sure you replace them with someone of similar quality for a good deal less money.
Sevilla didn't spend a penny on transfers during Monchi's first two years yet still managed to build a team that returned to La Liga under current Armenia head coach Joaquin Caparros.
It wasn't until the following season, in 2002, that Monchi was given the green light to make his first investment: 500,000 euros on full-back Dani Alves, who first arrived on loan from Brazilian club Bahia.
Six years later, Barcelona would pay about £23.5m to sign a player who was arguably the best in his position for a decade.
The Monchi revolution had begun.
Sevilla have enjoyed 20 consecutive seasons in La Liga and, on Monchi's watch, 'sell to grow' has firmly become their philosophy. Star players haven't tended to stay long - but usually long enough to lift a trophy.
Their recent trophy haul is impressive: Copa del Rey winners in 2007 and 2010; Uefa Cup winners in 2006 and 2007; Europa League winners in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2020. Monchi had a major hand in it all, despite briefly leaving for a two-year spell with Roma between 2017-2019.
By the time he left - seeking a different challenge - he had helped the club earn around £180m in profit from transfer dealings.
He is back at the club that he loves now, where he is widely respected and where on a typically bright Andalusian day thoughts are turning to Wednesday's Champions League meeting with Chelsea - with the winner of the game likely to top their group.
After a year unlike any other, both clubs can take comfort from their already guaranteed progress to the knockout stages.
"The truth is it has been quite an intense time, facing unknown scenarios and managing issues that go beyond a sporting director's responsibilities," Monchi tells BBC Sport.
"Negotiations have been a little bit more complicated. We had to rely on the work we had already done before lockdown. We assigned new tasks to our scouts, who reviewed again and again outstanding players we had been following for a while.
"We even planned different signings depending on future scenarios, including the cancellation of La Liga."
The signing of Ivan Rakitic is perhaps the standout of several typically shrewd moves executed by Monchi and his team in the south of Spain this summer.
The Croatian midfielder was signed for about 2.5m euros in from Schalke in 2011 and left in 2014 for Barcelona in a deal worth about 20m euros. In September, Sevilla agreed a nominal 1.5m euro fee to take him back, now aged 32.
While those deals are standard practice for Monchi, things have changed for him in 2020 - or rather, the Covid-19 crisis has accelerated change that was already under way. It has led to a major boost at the club's new data-driven research and development department, which was created in May 2019.
Monchi only played for Sevilla during an 11-year career on the pitch and the team is currently managed by another former goalkeeper - ex-Spain boss Julen Lopetegui
The scouting process in football is evolving quickly, and new forms of data are becoming increasingly valued. New stats and metrics such as expected goals (xG) are taken into account when making transfer decisions.
An increasing number of elite football clubs are trying to get the most out of the numbers, as has been done in baseball and basketball for years. Many of those employed tend to have no football background, but it doesn't matter as long as there are results.
"We compare the subjective point of view of our scouts with data's objective criteria," Monchi says.
"The fact they both almost always agree encourages us to make decisions. We trusted big data more this time because we have a more developed big data department.
"Although our platform is not 100% complete, it has helped us much more when analysing interesting players. Our data was not as accurate a year ago as it is today.
"We had 'small data' years ago. A scouting report on Microsoft Word was data. If a player is right or left footed, that's data too...
"Obviously, now we have better processed data, more information and we are more willing to rely on it. Confidence comes with use. You don't use something you don't trust.
"Nonetheless, we can't disregard the subjective point of view of a scout. What we have to do is to join both approaches."
Monchi and his team plan to expand this data revolution to also help inform various other sections of the club's operations, such as ticketing and marketing.
But building a system that can find the right players at the right price remains the priority. The algorithm they have developed analyses over 18,000 players that could fit the team. And behind the scenes, a new kind of transfer target is in Monchi's sights.
"We are currently talking with an artificial intelligence and machine learning expert with no football experience to join us. We are fighting with his current company, so to speak," he says.
"We want to keep growing. If you decide to build a research and development department, you have to provide people who would add value by understanding data from different angles."
Sevilla's best performance in the Champions League came in 2017-18, when they lost in the quarter-finals to Bayern Munich
Because of Monchi's success at Sevilla, an increasing number of football clubs have tried to follow their model. Clubs such as Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, Monaco and Ajax have flourished... and make even more profit than the Andalusians.
Others have preferred to rely on Monchi disciples, such as Victor Orta, who spent seven years under his tutelage and now fits in well with Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds United.
But big transfers remain the strategy favoured by many others.
That's the case of Chelsea, who drew 0-0 with Sevilla in the club's earlier Champions League meeting at Stamford Bridge this season. Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell and Edouard Mendy - signed for a total of about £222m this summer - could all feature at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on Wednesday evening.
"I would like to believe the Chelsea directors are perfectly aware of their finances and their earning capacity, I'm convinced they are," Monchi says. "If you make an investment it's because your budget allows it.
"Chelsea spent the last few years kind of hidden in the football market [in part perhaps because of their transfer ban], but they have done some very good deals. Young players with a great projection that will prove profitable, on and off the pitch."
Monchi has never hidden his fascination with English football. In fact, he spent six months in London in 2013 to improve his English and do some research.
"I was looking for business information," he says. "Premier League clubs have a really advanced business model that I wanted to implement at Sevilla.
"They are able to make football really profitable through television, marketing and a sense of belonging - everything that made English football double in income to Spanish at that time."
Monchi sought inspiration in England at a time when English clubs sought their own Monchi. Today, many Premier League sides - such as Manchester City, Liverpool, Leeds United and Arsenal - do indeed have a sporting director. Manchester United are one club which does not.
"There are lots of successful clubs that entrust recruitment policies to different people: the general manager, the head coach or the sporting director. I prefer the last option, obviously, because it is the most balanced," Monchi says.
"It doesn't mean that Manchester United don't have a scouting department. Of course they do.
"They don't have Txiki Begiristain [Manchester City] or Michael Edwards [Liverpool] - both old friends of mine - but I'm pretty sure there are qualified professionals to make those decisions at Old Trafford. We are talking about top clubs, I have little or even nothing to teach them."
After 20 years making tough decisions, Monchi claims to know how to withstand the pressure. He is happy in his work and still feels he has plenty to offer. But he has already started to think about the timing of his own next transfer.
"I owe my family, my friends and myself too," he says. "I need to give that time back to them. Including me. That's why I won't be here for long.
"Everyone else comes second. I've known my wife since we were 15. My children, aged 27 and 21, were raised in these circumstances. I prioritise the club so much that I sacrifice my well-being. But I consider myself privileged. I've been doing what I dreamed of when I was a kid.
"Six hours of sleep is enough for me. I get up early to exercise, but during this time I'm also working since my smartphone and my computer are on. Disconnection doesn't make sense in my position.
"This will last as long as I feel happy. I haven't marked a date on the calendar. Today I come to work with the same ambition. I will walk away when I feel anxious when I open my office door.
"I'm lucky to have friends who don't get mad when I promise to call back... and I do it five days later."


bbc--2020-12-02--US election 2020: What legal challenges remain for Trump?

When they initially lost the case , his lawyers took it to a federal appeals court .
It was rejected @ @ @ @ @ judge saying : `` Charges of unfairness are serious .
But calling an election unfair @ @ @ @ @ .
Charges require specific allegations and then proof .
We have neither here . ''

When they initially lost the case, his lawyers took it to a federal appeals court. It was rejected there too, with the judge saying: "Charges of unfairness are serious. But calling an election unfair does not make it so. Charges require specific allegations and then proof. We have neither here."


bbc--2020-12-01--'Most important, most difficult, most exceptional win' - Klopp hails depleted Liverpool

Last updated on .From the section Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool 's victory over Ajax felt like `` one of the biggest Champions League nights '' since he took charge in 2015 .
The Reds were missing several key players through injury , Brazil keeper Alisson the latest to join the casualty list with a hamstring problem .
`` With the circumstances , there has n't been much to smile about , '' Klopp said .
• None Jones hits winner as Liverpool beat Ajax to reach Champions League last 16 • None Football Daily podcast : Liverpool qualify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A surprise home defeat by Atalanta last week had threatened Liverpool 's dominance in the group , with the Italians and Ajax closing in .
But a first Champions League goal by 19-year-old midfielder Curtis Jones and a fine goalkeeping performance from Caoimhin Kelleher , who was making his debut in the competition , earned Liverpool three points .
The win , coupled with Atalanta 's 1-1 draw with Midtjylland in Denmark , means the Reds are sure of top spot in the group .
`` Without supporters in , it was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult , most exceptional , '' added Klopp , who steered Liverpool to Champions League glory in 2018-19 .
Kelleher , 22 , had played just three Carabao Cup ties and one FA Cup game before being chosen ahead of the more experienced Adrian to stand in for first-choice keeper Alisson .
The Republic of Ireland squad member made one outstanding save to deny Ajax substitute Klaas-Jan Huntelaar a late equaliser .
Another youngster , 19-year-old right-back Neco Williams , provided the assist for Jones to score .
`` It 's been tricky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the game , '' said Klopp , who is without nine senior players because of injury .
`` Curtis Jones - what a game , amazing .
I 'm really proud .
He is a really good kid , a good player and I am happy to have him around .
`` Sometimes with injuries there is always an opportunity and he has taken it .
`` I really think Adrian has done a fantastic job for us but we needed the natural football playing ability of Caoimhin Kelleher .
He is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made that decision but you never know how they are going to cope .
I am really happy with how calm he was and how good he was . ''
Wales right-back Williams has featured in five Premier League and Champions League games for the Reds this season because of injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold .
Klopp said he had demanded more from Williams after talking to the player .
`` We think he has more in the locker than he has shown so far , '' added the German .
`` The season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a short pre-season and then Trent Alexander-Arnold is out .
`` Neco was not in the best shape but he 's on the big stage - tonight he showed glimpses .
He can be so much better still . ''
• None How the John Terry incident drove him to tackle the problem in the game • None Follow a behind the scenes look at their return tour down under

Last updated on .From the section Liverpool
At 19 years and 306 days, Curtis Jones is the third teenager to score for Liverpool in the Champions League after David N'Gog in 2008 (19 years and 252 days) and Trent Alexander-Arnold in 2017 (19 years and 10 days)
Manager Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool's victory over Ajax felt like "one of the biggest Champions League nights" since he took charge in 2015.
Liverpool advanced to the knockout stage as Group D winners with one game to spare after winning 1-0 at Anfield.
The Reds were missing several key players through injury, Brazil keeper Alisson the latest to join the casualty list with a hamstring problem.
"With the circumstances, there hasn't been much to smile about," Klopp said.
A surprise home defeat by Atalanta last week had threatened Liverpool's dominance in the group, with the Italians and Ajax closing in.
But a first Champions League goal by 19-year-old midfielder Curtis Jones and a fine goalkeeping performance from Caoimhin Kelleher, who was making his debut in the competition, earned Liverpool three points.
The win, coupled with Atalanta's 1-1 draw with Midtjylland in Denmark, means the Reds are sure of top spot in the group.
"Without supporters in, it was the most important [win], most difficult, most exceptional," added Klopp, who steered Liverpool to Champions League glory in 2018-19.
'What a game, amazing, I'm really proud'
Kelleher, 22, had played just three Carabao Cup ties and one FA Cup game before being chosen ahead of the more experienced Adrian to stand in for first-choice keeper Alisson.
The Republic of Ireland squad member made one outstanding save to deny Ajax substitute Klaas-Jan Huntelaar a late equaliser.
Another youngster, 19-year-old right-back Neco Williams, provided the assist for Jones to score.
"It's been tricky, and the boys threw themselves into the game," said Klopp, who is without nine senior players because of injury.
"Curtis Jones - what a game, amazing. I'm really proud. He is a really good kid, a good player and I am happy to have him around.
Liverpool's goal was the first time in Champions League history one teenager, Neco Williams (19 years and 232 days), assisted another, Curtis Jones (19 years 306 days), for a Premier League side
"Sometimes with injuries there is always an opportunity and he has taken it.
"I really think Adrian has done a fantastic job for us but we needed the natural football playing ability of Caoimhin Kelleher. He is a good shot-stopper as well.
"We made that decision but you never know how they are going to cope. I am really happy with how calm he was and how good he was."
Wales right-back Williams has featured in five Premier League and Champions League games for the Reds this season because of injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Klopp said he had demanded more from Williams after talking to the player.
"We think he has more in the locker than he has shown so far," added the German.
"The season started after a difficult summer with lockdown, a short pre-season and then Trent Alexander-Arnold is out.
"Neco was not in the best shape but he's on the big stage - tonight he showed glimpses. He can be so much better still."


bbc--2020-12-02--Highly rated British driver Russell to replace Hamilton for Mercedes in Bahrain

Williams driver George Russell will replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes for this weekend 's Sakhir Grand Prix .
`` I might be wearing a different race suit this weekend , but I 'm a Williams driver and I 'll be cheering my team on every step of the way , '' said 22-year-old Russell .
`` I see this as a great chance to learn from the best outfit on the grid right now and to come back as an improved driver , with even more energy and experience to help push Williams further up the grid .
A big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their faith in me .
`` Obviously , nobody can replace Lewis , but I 'll give my all for the team in his absence from the moment I step in the car .
Most importantly , I wish him a speedy recovery .
I 'm really looking forward to the opportunity and ca n't wait to get out on track this week . ''
Mercedes have guided Russell 's career since 2017 and he was a Mercedes reserve driver in 2018 before they released him to Williams on a three-year contract from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He is highly rated by the team as a candidate for a potential future drive .
The Briton has tested several times for Mercedes but running him in Bahrain this weekend - as well as potentially the season-closing race in Abu Dhabi a week later if Hamilton does not recover in time - is a good opportunity for the team to assess his development in a competitive environment .
Mercedes inquired as to Williams ' position on Russell in the summer before they confirmed Valtteri Bottas for the 2021 season , but were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him .
However , that was under Williams ' previous management before their sale to the investment group Dorilton Capital in August .
`` It will not be a straightforward task for George to make the transition from the Williams to the W11 , but he is race-ready and has a detailed understanding of the 2020 tyres and how they perform on this generation of cars , '' said Mercedes chief Toto Wolff .
`` George has shown impressive form this year with Williams , playing an instrumental role in their climb up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that he will deliver a strong performance alongside Valtteri [ Bottas ] , who will be a demanding reference for him .
`` This race will mark a small milestone for us , as we see a member of our Junior programme compete for the works Mercedes team for the first time . ''
Aitken , 25 , will make his F1 debut when he takes to the grid this weekend .
A practice driver at the Styrian Grand Prix earlier this year , he has also competed in Formula 2 this season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points finishes .
He finished fifth overall in F2 last season .
`` I 'm absolutely over the moon to have the opportunity to make my debut with Williams this coming weekend and I am extremely happy for George to have his chance too , '' said Aitken .
`` I really mean it when I say I 've felt very much at home since I joined Williams earlier this year , so to get my chance to help the team try to achieve that elusive points finish is an extremely satisfying occasion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ None How the John Terry incident drove him to tackle the problem in the game • None Follow a behind the scenes look at their return tour down under

Russell (left) has been managed by Mercedes since 2017
Williams driver George Russell will replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes for this weekend's Sakhir Grand Prix.
Hamilton has been forced to withdraw from the race in Bahrain after testing positive for Covid-19.
Williams reserve Jack Aitken will replace Russell.
"I might be wearing a different race suit this weekend, but I'm a Williams driver and I'll be cheering my team on every step of the way," said 22-year-old Russell.
"I see this as a great chance to learn from the best outfit on the grid right now and to come back as an improved driver, with even more energy and experience to help push Williams further up the grid. A big thank you also to Mercedes for putting their faith in me.
"Obviously, nobody can replace Lewis, but I'll give my all for the team in his absence from the moment I step in the car. Most importantly, I wish him a speedy recovery. I'm really looking forward to the opportunity and can't wait to get out on track this week."
Mercedes have guided Russell's career since 2017 and he was a Mercedes reserve driver in 2018 before they released him to Williams on a three-year contract from the start of the 2019 season.
He is highly rated by the team as a candidate for a potential future drive.
The Briton has tested several times for Mercedes but running him in Bahrain this weekend - as well as potentially the season-closing race in Abu Dhabi a week later if Hamilton does not recover in time - is a good opportunity for the team to assess his development in a competitive environment.
Mercedes inquired as to Williams' position on Russell in the summer before they confirmed Valtteri Bottas for the 2021 season, but were told they were not prepared to release him.
However, that was under Williams' previous management before their sale to the investment group Dorilton Capital in August.
"It will not be a straightforward task for George to make the transition from the Williams to the W11, but he is race-ready and has a detailed understanding of the 2020 tyres and how they perform on this generation of cars," said Mercedes chief Toto Wolff.
"George has shown impressive form this year with Williams, playing an instrumental role in their climb up the grid, and I am optimistic that he will deliver a strong performance alongside Valtteri [Bottas], who will be a demanding reference for him.
"This race will mark a small milestone for us, as we see a member of our Junior programme compete for the works Mercedes team for the first time."
Aitken, 25, will make his F1 debut when he takes to the grid this weekend.
A practice driver at the Styrian Grand Prix earlier this year, the Briton has also competed in Formula 2 this season, earning two podiums and eight other points finishes. He finished fifth overall in F2 last season.
"I'm absolutely over the moon to have the opportunity to make my debut with Williams this coming weekend and I am extremely happy for George to have his chance too," said Aitken.
"I really mean it when I say I've felt very much at home since I joined Williams earlier this year, so to get my chance to help the team try to achieve that elusive points finish is an extremely satisfying occasion to say the least."


bbc--2020-12-01--Coded messages hung from England dressing room an 'experiment'

Last updated on .From the section Cricket England are experimenting with a system of coded information passed from analyst Nathan Leamon to captain Eoin Morgan during play , says Jos Buttler .
`` It 's a little help , a suggestion and what match-ups are going on , '' said vice-captain Buttler .
The information took the form of a number and a letter , for example `` C3 '' .
`` Eoin and Nathan work closely on analysis .
It 's just a little bit of an experiment , '' said Buttler , who struck 67 not out and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chased 192 for the loss of only one wicket with 14 balls to spare .
`` Eoin is one of the best captains in the world , a fantastic , instinctive captain , and there 's a nice balance going on . ''
Victory at Newlands completed a 3-0 series clean sweep for England and sent them to the top of the International Cricket Council T20 rankings less than a year before the World Cup in India .
• None Malan hits 99 not out to take England to top of rankings An @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are `` intended as a live informational resource that the captain may choose to use or ignore as he wishes .
They 're not commands or instructions , and all decision-making takes place on the field . ''
England cleared the use of the communication with the match referee and anti-corruption officials .
It had echoes of South Africa 's use of earpieces during the 1999 World Cup , when captain Hansie Cronje and fast bowler Allan Donald wore devices that allowed coach Bob Woolmer to communicate with them during a match against @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have since been banned , but England 's code system does not breach any regulations .
`` I 'm not against it , '' England fast bowler Tymal Mills told the Test Match Special podcast .
`` I 'm for anything that progresses and advances tactics .
`` You do have to be careful as to what information is being given from the sidelines .
`` In theory we should never know what the code means , because that is the advantage England are trying to get . ''
It 's an interesting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been made on the field by the captain and it 's only in fairly recent times there have been coaches in the background at all .
Clearly , coaches want to have some sort of influence .
It 's difficult for them to sit on the sidelines just watching from afar and supposedly not being able to have any input .
T20 is so frenetic that maybe the thought is even more at the forefront of the coach 's mind that they want to be able to do something to help the captain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ befuddled with everything going on But , let 's face it - Eoin Morgan has got no issues from that point of view .
He 's a pretty cool customer .
I do n't know what the codes meant .
I saw one say C3 .
I did joke that that was the next seat that the South Africans were going to smash the ball into , because whatever cards were being held up did n't seem to have any impact at all on the way that England bowled or South Africa batted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it does n't really matter - and I must admit that 's probably fair enough .
However , it 's important to maintain the overall tradition of the captain being in charge of the game - he calls the shots and he does so without interference .
• None How the John Terry incident drove him to tackle the problem in the game • None Follow a behind the scenes look at their return tour down under

Eoin Morgan (right) captained England to 50-over World Cup last summer
England are experimenting with a system of coded information passed from analyst Nathan Leamon to captain Eoin Morgan during play, says Jos Buttler.
A series of letters and numbers were hung from the dressing room balcony during South Africa's innings in the third Twenty20 win in Cape Town.
England called it a "live informational resource".
"It's a little help, a suggestion and what match-ups are going on," said vice-captain Buttler.
The information took the form of a number and a letter, for example "C3".
"Eoin and Nathan work closely on analysis. It's just a little bit of an experiment," said Buttler, who struck 67 not out and Dawid Malan an unbeaten 99 as England chased 192 for the loss of only one wicket with 14 balls to spare.
"Eoin is one of the best captains in the world, a fantastic, instinctive captain, and there's a nice balance going on."
Victory at Newlands completed a 3-0 series clean sweep for England and sent them to the top of the International Cricket Council T20 rankings less than a year before the World Cup in India.
An England spokesperson said the numbers and letters are "intended as a live informational resource that the captain may choose to use or ignore as he wishes. They're not commands or instructions, and all decision-making takes place on the field."
England cleared the use of the communication with the match referee and anti-corruption officials.
It had echoes of South Africa's use of earpieces during the 1999 World Cup, when captain Hansie Cronje and fast bowler Allan Donald wore devices that allowed coach Bob Woolmer to communicate with them during a match against India.
All types of electronic communication have since been banned, but England's code system does not breach any regulations.
"I'm not against it," England fast bowler Tymal Mills told the Test Match Special podcast. "I'm for anything that progresses and advances tactics.
"You do have to be careful as to what information is being given from the sidelines.
"In theory we should never know what the code means, because that is the advantage England are trying to get."
'The captain calls the shots' - analysis
BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew
It's an interesting move. Decisions in cricket have always been made on the field by the captain and it's only in fairly recent times there have been coaches in the background at all.
Clearly, coaches want to have some sort of influence. It's difficult for them to sit on the sidelines just watching from afar and supposedly not being able to have any input.
T20 is so frenetic that maybe the thought is even more at the forefront of the coach's mind that they want to be able to do something to help the captain, who could easily get a bit befuddled with everything going on
But, let's face it - Eoin Morgan has got no issues from that point of view. He's a pretty cool customer.
I don't know what the codes meant. I saw one say C3. I did joke that that was the next seat that the South Africans were going to smash the ball into, because whatever cards were being held up didn't seem to have any impact at all on the way that England bowled or South Africa batted.
People will say that for T20 it doesn't really matter - and I must admit that's probably fair enough.
However, it's important to maintain the overall tradition of the captain being in charge of the game - he calls the shots and he does so without interference.


bbc--2020-12-02--Up to 1,000 fans can attend Joshua's fight with Pulev this month

Last updated on .From the section Boxing Up to 1,000 fans will be able to attend world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua 's fight against Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev on 12 December at Wembley Arena .
Local authorities in London have approved a crowd and safety measures and guidelines will be in place .
Great Britain 's Joshua will defend his IBF , WBA , WBO and IBO world titles against mandatory challenger Pulev .
They were due to fight in June but it was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic .
`` I ca n't tell you how happy I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boxing events , '' said Eddie Hearn , managing director of Matchroom Sport .
`` Whilst the team have done an incredible job over the last 10 months we live and breathe through the energy and atmosphere that a live crowd generates .
`` It 's so fitting that they can return for an AJ fight , when through the last few years he has broken all kinds of attendance records in the UK and beyond .
This is such a positive move for boxing and all sport .
Welcome back ! ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ place at the O2 Arena but has been moved because of promoter logistics .

Last updated on .From the section Boxing
Anthony Joshua (left) has won 23 of his 24 professional fights, while Kubrat Pulev has a record of 28 victories and one loss
Up to 1,000 fans will be able to attend world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua's fight against Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev on 12 December at Wembley Arena.
A limited number of fans can now attend live sport in England following a relaxation of coronavirus restrictions.
Local authorities in London have approved a crowd and safety measures and guidelines will be in place.
Great Britain's Joshua will defend his IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO world titles against mandatory challenger Pulev.
They were due to fight in June but it was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
"I can't tell you how happy I am to see fans returning to our live boxing events," said Eddie Hearn, managing director of Matchroom Sport. "Whilst the team have done an incredible job over the last 10 months we live and breathe through the energy and atmosphere that a live crowd generates.
"It's so fitting that they can return for an AJ fight, when through the last few years he has broken all kinds of attendance records in the UK and beyond. This is such a positive move for boxing and all sport. Welcome back!"
The fight was originally due to take place at the O2 Arena but has been moved because of promoter logistics.


bbc--2020-12-03--Iran nuclear crisis: Law aims to boost enrichment and block inspectors

Mr Biden , who is due to be sworn in as the 46th US president on 20 January , told @ @ @ @ @ `` it 's going to be hard '' , but that `` the last goddamn @ @ @ @ @ part of the world is a build-up of nuclear capability '' .

Mr Biden, who is due to be sworn in as the 46th US president on 20 January, told the New York Times that "it's going to be hard", but that "the last goddamn thing we need in that part of the world is a build-up of nuclear capability".


bbc--2020-12-02--Covid vaccine: What does UK vaccine approval mean for US?

With the UK granting approval to a Covid-19 vaccine that is currently being reviewed in the US , 330 million Americans are left wondering when they will be able to get the potentially life-saving jab .
There are two vaccines , made by Moderna and Pfizer , that are both seeking emergency approval in the US .
Pfizer 's treatment was approved for the British public on Wednesday .
The US Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) plans to meet on 10 December to discuss approval for the UK-approved vaccine , which was created through a partnership between Pfizer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 17 December to discuss Moderna 's request .
It comes as coronavirus cases continue to balloon across the US , with an average of over 150,000 new cases reported per day .
The US has recorded a total of 13.6 million cases and some 270,000 deaths , according to Johns Hopkins University .
What impact does UK approval have on US ?
The elderly , as well as medical workers , will be given top priority , followed by those with medical issues , then by age .
`` While the FDA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another independent regulatory body should give Americans additional confidence in the quality of such a vaccine , '' he said .
In a separate briefing , the CDC 's Covid-incident manager , Dr Henry Walke , added that they had seen the news , and `` we are still evaluating that approval in the UK '' .
This vaccine must be stored at around -70C ( -94 F ) and will be transported in special boxes of up to 5,000 doses , packed in dry ice .
Once delivered , it can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a fridge .
And once out of the fridge it needs to be used within six hours .
Who will get the US vaccine first ?
Federal officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) agree that the nation 's 21 million healthcare workers should be prioritised first , as well the three million elderly Americans living in long-term care homes .
The nation 's approximately 87 million essential workers are expected to be next in line for the jab , but it will be up to states to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ postal workers and meat-processing factory workers be included , for example ?
`` Some may prefer long-term care facilities or the elderly , while others may prioritise their health care workers .
It would be wrong to immunise 18-year-olds first .
I hope no one does that .
But otherwise it 's shades of grey . ''
Officials say vaccinations for groups that are not at a high risk are expected to take place in the spring of 2021 .
There are also ongoing concerns regarding how many Americans are willing to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 58 % of Americans say they would be willing to get the jab , up from a low of 50 % in September .
It also remains to be seen how racial minorities - who are at a higher risk of catching the virus and dying from it - will be prioritised .
Last month , New York 's governor decried the federal government 's immunisation plan as `` discriminatory , '' saying that distribution infrastructure such as pharmacies and hospitals are less prevalent in black and Latino communities .
None of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tested on pregnant or nursing women , meaning they will be unlikely to be advised by the government to get vaccinated .
What happens next ?
The event is expected to bring together vaccine manufacturers , drug distributors and government officials and is being seen by experts as an opportunity for the White House to apply pressure on all involved to swiftly make vaccines available in the US .
On Monday , Vice-President Mike Pence told US governors in a conference call that rollout of the vaccine could begin `` as soon as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pfizer plans to have 6.4 million doses ready for delivery by 19 December .
Because two shots are required per person , that is enough for three million people , out of a total US population of 330 million .
By the following week , both Pfizer and Moderna are expected to have produced enough vaccines for another 10 million people .
By the end of the month , both companies are anticipated to have produced enough vaccine for 30 million people .
What will the vaccines cost ?
States are also racing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of storing the Pfizer vaccine , which must be kept at extremely low temperatures .
Each refrigerator costs tens of thousands of dollars , and have been harder to find in recent days as hospitals race to purchase them .

Covid vaccine: When will Americans be vaccinated? Published 15 December 2020
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, The day the US began Covid vaccinations
As health workers begin receiving Covid-19 vaccinations across the US, many Americans are asking when they will be able to get their shots.
It's complicated, but this is what we know.
Americans who are under 65 and healthy may be able to get their vaccinations as early as April, says Dr Anthony Fauci, who heads the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
The Trump administration's health secretary, Alex Azar, predicts that by "late February, into March," Americans will be able to get vaccinated at pharmacy and grocery chains like CVS and Walmart.
But cases in the US are continuing to spike as winter sends people indoors and the holidays bring families together.
More than 300,000 Americans have died and 16.5 million have been infected since January 2020, and the US faces an uphill battle the curb the virus.
Here's what you need to know about getting vaccinated in the US.
Who is getting the vaccine first?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines submitted to US states say that the nation's 21 million healthcare workers should be prioritised first, as well the three million elderly Americans living in long-term care homes.
Approximately 87 million essential workers are expected to be next in line for the jab, but it will be up to states to decide which industries to prioritise.
Moncef Slaoui, the chief scientist of federal vaccine distribution programme Operation Warp Speed, says the young and healthy should be last in the line.
At least 70% or 80% of the US population of 330 million have to be vaccinated in order to achieve herd immunity, he warned on Monday.
Officials say vaccinations for groups that are not at a high risk are expected to take place in the spring of 2021.
What is the status of the vaccines?
One of the main challenges with vaccinating the US population is producing and distributing the shots.
Vaccinations in the US began on 14 December, with a critical care nurse in New York City receiving the first injection of a drug developed by Pfizer and BioNTech.
Pfizer, based in New York, and German company BioNTech received emergency authorisation from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after data found their vaccine 95% effective in preventing infections.
On Tuesday, the FDA reported that Moderna, a US company seeking approval for its vaccine, produced a drug that is 94% effective in warding off the virus. The rollout of this drug could begin early next week.
The FDA's Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) allows a drug to be used as a treatment while studies are still being carried out to determine safety and effectiveness. Critics say the process is less rigorous and more likely to lead to health complications.
Johnson & Johnson, another US drug company, is currently testing a vaccine and could have enough data to submit an EUA request by January.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, Five challenges of distributing a Covid-19 vaccine around the world.
How much vaccine will the US get?
Pfizer's first shipment of vaccine to the US saw 2.9 million doses sent to multiple locations around the country.
The company says they hope to have enough vaccine for 25 million Americans produced by the end of the year, and enough for 50 million by March.
The US has agreed to buy 200 million doses of vaccine from Moderna, a company that has never previously had a product approved by the FDA.
If approved, US officials say the Massachusetts-based company will immediately ship around six million doses to 3,285 sites across the US - far more locations than Pfizer's initial rollout.
Both vaccines require a second round of injections. Some pharmacies have been tapped to use their electronic networks to alert patients when it is time to receive their second shot.
For Pfizer, the second jab comes three weeks after the first. For Moderna it is four weeks after the first shot.
Johnson & Johnson's experimental vaccine is the only one being developed that relies on a single jab.
This video can not be played To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser. Media caption, How will the new Pfizer vaccine work?
When will life return to normal?
Even as distribution begins, the drug manufacturers must continue to seek full - rather than emergency - approval, as the FDA continues to monitor the vaccines for any side-effects.
Health experts say the vaccine's arrival does not mean life will immediately return to normal.
"A vaccine will complement the other tools we have, not replace them," said Tedros Ghebreyesus, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO).
"A vaccine on its own will not end the pandemic."
Hand-washing, social distancing and mask-wearing will remain the norm until enough of the population has been vaccinated.
Dr Fauci says Americans may be able to roll back those necessary precautions by the autumn of 2021 if 70% of the US population has been vaccinated by then.
Will enough Americans trust it?
There are ongoing concerns regarding how many Americans are willing to get vaccinated. A recent Gallup poll found that 58% say they would be willing to get the jab, up from a low of 50% in September.
It also remains to be seen how racial minorities - who are at a higher risk of catching the virus and dying from it - will be prioritised and what level of trust they will have in the government-issued vaccine.
Former US presidents Barack Obama, George W Bush and Bill Clinton have vowed to be vaccinated on camera, in an effort to encourage others to get the jab. President Donald Trump says officials at the White House - which has seen several outbreaks - "should receive the vaccine somewhat later... unless specifically necessary".
Could states make the vaccine mandatory?
According to a 1905 landmark Supreme Court case, states do have it in their power to require the vaccination of their residents.
The case, Jacobson v Massachusetts, arose during a smallpox epidemic in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1902 when one resident refused the vaccine.
At the time, Cambridge said all residents must get vaccinated or re-vaccinated, otherwise pay a $5 fine (which would be about $150 in 2020).
In its ruling, the Supreme Court said that the rights of the individual do not trump the need to ensure public safety.
However, the high court of Massachusetts later ruled that states lacked the authority to administer the injection, and could only issue fines.
Pennsylvania's health secretary has said they will not issue any mandate, but Virginia's top health official has said they will consider issuing one once the vaccines are ready.
Can companies order employees take the vaccine?
Private companies in the US have the right to force their employees to get certain vaccines, experts say, but are unlikely to immediately do so once the vaccine is approved.
This is because the vaccines are both seeking approval under an emergency process that critics say could lead to health complications.
"Companies could theoretically issue a mandate, but in the current political climate it is very unlikely they will do so," George Washington University Law professor Peter Meyers told Reuters. "Americans tend to shy away from mandates."
Ford Motor Co and Kellogg Co have both said they will make the vaccine available to their employees on a voluntary basis.
Many hospitals and health clinics require annual flu shots, and all 50 states have vaccination requirements in place for school children.
Workers can be excused from a vaccine if they have health issues that forbid receiving a vaccine, or - in some states - if they have religious objections.
What will the vaccines cost?
The CDC says that vaccines purchased with taxpayer money will free, but providers may still charge for administering the jab.
That fee may be reimbursed by health insurance companies or the Medicaid and Medicare programmes - social safety nets for low income and elderly Americans.
In July, the US Department of Health and Human Services announced a $1.95bn (£1.45bn) deal to secure 100 million vaccine doses from Pfizer. The agreement also allows the US government to purchase an additional 500 million doses.
Moderna received nearly $1bn from the US government for coronavirus research. The company is set to receive an additional $1.5bn for 100 million doses, according to a deal signed in August.
Billions of dollars have also been promised to other drug companies in the event that they are able to bring additional vaccines to market.


bbc--2020-12-02--Trump 'stoking vast conspiracy' says Georgia election official

An election official in the US state of Georgia has said that President Trump `` needs to understand his words @ @ @ @ @ Sterling , who is a `` life-long Republican '' , told the BBC 's Beyond @ @ @ @ @ `` continuing to stoke the idea that there is some path to victory through some @ @ @ @ @ ... unhelpful '' - and that `` somebody 's going to get killed if this @ @ @ @ @ news conference on Tuesday , Mr Sterling said Mr Trump would be responsible for any @ @ @ @ @ result of his continued and unsubstantiated claims of widespread election fraud .
The Georgia voting @ @ @ @ @ the president to condemn the threats workers have faced as the state carries out a @ @ @ @ @ the Trump campaign 's request .

An election official in the US state of Georgia has said that President Trump "needs to understand his words have consequences".
Gabriel Sterling, who is a "life-long Republican", told the BBC's Beyond 100 Days programme the president "continuing to stoke the idea that there is some path to victory through some giant, vast conspiracy is... unhelpful" - and that "somebody's going to get killed if this continues".
In a news conference on Tuesday, Mr Sterling said Mr Trump would be responsible for any violence that occurs as a result of his continued and unsubstantiated claims of widespread election fraud.
The Georgia voting system implementation manager called on the president to condemn the threats workers have faced as the state carries out a second recount of votes at the Trump campaign's request.


bbc--2020-12-02--Why Donald Trump keeps outperforming the polls

President Trump lost the election , but did better than most experts were predicting .
How does this keep happening @

President Trump lost the election, but did better than most experts were predicting. How does this keep happening?
Produced by Franz Strasser-Galvis


bbc--2020-12-02--Baby girl born from record-setting 27-year-old embryo

Families like the Gibsons can then adopt one of the unused embryos and give birth to a child that is @ @ @ @ @ .
There are an estimated one million frozen human embryos stored in the US right @ @ @ @ @ NEDC .

Families like the Gibsons can then adopt one of the unused embryos and give birth to a child that is not genetically related to them. There are an estimated one million frozen human embryos stored in the US right now, according to the NEDC.


bbc--2020-12-02--Pat Patterson, first openly gay professional wrestler, dies aged 79

WWE referee Charles Robinson said Patterson was `` a hero to many '' .
`` One of the greatest minds @ @ @ @ @ an all around great guy .
I will miss him and his karaoke !
RIP @ @ @ @ @ tweeted .

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bbc--2020-12-02--How the animals crossed the (very big) road

An overpass built especially for wildlife in Utah is proving to be a success , according to officials .
The @ @ @ @ @ animals cross between two mountains , while avoiding potentially dangerous traffic on the highway below @ @ @ @ @ moose are among the `` long list '' of creatures that have been spotted using @ @ @ @ @ two years ago .

An overpass built especially for wildlife in Utah is proving to be a success, according to officials.
The bridge was constructed to help animals cross between two mountains, while avoiding potentially dangerous traffic on the highway below.
Deer, bears and moose are among the "long list" of creatures that have been spotted using the connection since it opened two years ago.


bbc--2020-12-02--South Africa's lottery probed as 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 drawn and 20 win

The odds of the draw resulting in the numbers seen in Tuesday 's televised live event are the same as @ @ @ @ @ resulting in multiple winners are rare , but this may have something to do with @ @ @ @

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bbc--2020-12-02--Ex-Arizona politician sentenced for adoption scheme

A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , Mr Petersen became steeped in the Marshallese language @ @ @ @ @ trip there in 1998 .
Prosecutors alleged he took advantage of mostly poor and uneducated @ @ @ @ @ an amount of money they could not refuse .

A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mr Petersen became steeped in the Marshallese language and culture during a mission trip there in 1998. Prosecutors alleged he took advantage of mostly poor and uneducated women, coaxing them with an amount of money they could not refuse.


bbc--2020-12-02--Obituary: Valéry Giscard D'Estaing

Obituary: Valéry Giscard D'Estaing

In 2005 , he and his brother purchased the castle of Estaing in the French district of Aveyron , which @ @ @ @ @ Admiral D'Estaing .
Giscard D'Estaing 's family had no direct connection with the deceased naval @ @ @ @ @ criticism that he was attempting to buy his way into the nobility .

He became secretary of state for finances in 1959, a post he held for almost four years until his party broke with the ruling Gaullists with whom they were in a coalition. However, Giscard d'Estaing refused to leave the government and founded the Independent Republicans, which allied itself to the majority Gaullists.


bbc--2020-12-02--Amazon's Panorama box lets firms check if staff follow coronavirus rules

Amazon has already faced scrutiny over how its warehouse employees are monitored .
In September , a report from a @ @ @ @ @ used extensive worker surveillance to limit union organising activity .
And the company has clashed @ @ @ @ @ who have accused it treating them `` like robots '' .

Amazon has already faced scrutiny over how its warehouse employees are monitored. In September, a report from a US research group said Amazon used extensive worker surveillance to limit union organising activity. And the company has clashed with some of its employees who have accused it treating them "like robots".


bbc--2020-12-02--Climate change: 2020 set to be one of the three warmest years on record

This is putting added strain on the seas , with around 80 % of global waters experiencing at least one @ @ @ @ @ These events , similar to heatwaves on land , see prolonged exposure to high temperatures @ @ @ @ @ on marine creatures and ecosystems .

"Throw yet more emissions and warming at them and they will rip the Paris climate goals from our grasp forever. The year ahead will be defined by our recovery from Covid-19, the centuries ahead will be defined by how green that recovery actually is."


bbc--2020-12-02--Amnesty condemns Egypt's 'execution spree'

Last month , the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights ( EIPR ) reported that its director of criminal justice , @ @ @ @ @ in Dahab while office manager , Mohammed Basheer , was detained in Cairo .
Days @ @ @ @ @ the group , Gasser Abdel-Razek , was also detained in Cairo .

Last month, the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR) reported that its director of criminal justice, Karim Ennarah, was arrested in Dahab while office manager, Mohammed Basheer, was detained in Cairo. Days later, the head of the group, Gasser Abdel-Razek, was also detained in Cairo.


bbc--2020-12-02--Coronavirus: France to impose border checks to stop skiing abroad

That has left one French town hall on the Swiss border draping Swiss flags from its windows in protest at @ @ @ @ @ allow the ski lifts to run .
Châtel is among a number of resorts on @ @ @ @ @ that make up the Portes du Soleil ski area .

That has left one French town hall on the Swiss border draping Swiss flags from its windows in protest at the French decision not to allow the ski lifts to run. Châtel is among a number of resorts on both sides of the border that make up the Portes du Soleil ski area.


bbc--2020-12-02--WW2 mine blown up off Scottish coast

WW2 mine blown up off Scottish coast

An 80-year-old German mine discovered in the Firth of Clyde has been blown up .
The mine was trawled by @ @ @ @ @ was found to contain 350kg of explosives .
A Navy bomb disposal team carried out @ @ @ @ @ mine , which had been laid by a U-boat during World War Two .

An 80-year-old German mine discovered in the Firth of Clyde has been blown up.
The mine was trawled by a marine research vessel and was found to contain 350kg of explosives.
A Navy bomb disposal team carried out a controlled explosion of the mine, which had been laid by a U-boat during World War Two.


bbc--2020-12-02--China's Chang'e-5 Moon mission returns colour pictures

The lander is now using its instruments , a scoop and a drill to identify and collect the best lunar @ @ @ @ @ operation is complete , the materials will be blasted skyward in the ascender to meet @ @ @ @ @ .


bbc--2020-12-02--Mango dress: Teen makes 1,400-mango gown to highlight food waste

Jessica Collins , 18 , grew up on a mango farm in Queensland , Australia .
Frustrated by how many @ @ @ @ @ year , she turned about 1,400 of the unwanted fruits into a dress for a @ @ @

Jessica Collins, 18, grew up on a mango farm in Queensland, Australia.
Frustrated by how many mangoes go to waste each year, she turned about 1,400 of the unwanted fruits into a dress for a school project.
Video by Isabelle Rodd


bbc--2020-12-03--Tracey Emin on bladder cancer: 'Art kept me alive'

One of Britain 's most celebrated artists , Tracey Emin , has told the BBC `` art kept her alive @ @ @ @ @ bladder cancer in late June and needed major surgery within weeks .
Speaking ahead of @ @ @ @ @ the Royal Academy of Arts in London , Emin told the BBC 's Arts Editor @ @ @ @ @ her longing to be hugged again , and building up her strength to return to @ @ @

One of Britain's most celebrated artists, Tracey Emin, has told the BBC "art kept her alive" after being diagnosed with bladder cancer in late June and needed major surgery within weeks.
Speaking ahead of her new exhibition opening at the Royal Academy of Arts in London, Emin told the BBC's Arts Editor, Will Gompertz, about her longing to be hugged again, and building up her strength to return to the studio.
Photos credit: Tracey Emin/David Parry


bbc--2020-12-02--Vaccine rumours debunked: Microchips, 'altered DNA' and more

It is true that no mRNA vaccine has been approved before now , but multiple studies of mRNA vaccines in @ @ @ @ @ the last few years .
And , since the pandemic started , the vaccine has @ @ @ @ @ thousands of people around the world and has gone through a rigorous safety approval process @

It is true that no mRNA vaccine has been approved before now, but multiple studies of mRNA vaccines in humans have taken place over the last few years. And, since the pandemic started, the vaccine has been tested on tens of thousands of people around the world and has gone through a rigorous safety approval process.


bbc--2020-12-02--'Our lives depend on climate change fight'

Sir David Attenborough speaks to the UN Secretary-General António Guterres , as he issues a stark warning on the climate @ @ @ @ @ at the heart of the UN 's global mission .
Read more : The year @ @ @ @ @ top three warmest

Sir David Attenborough speaks to the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, as he issues a stark warning on the climate crisis and puts the issue at the heart of the UN's global mission.
Read more: The year 2020 set to be in top three warmest


bbc--2020-12-02--Otters find 'fairytale' love in lockdown

To ensure the best chance of success for a new pairing of Asian short clawed otters , it is best @ @ @ @ @ into a female 's territory so that the male more easily submits to the female @ @ @ @

To ensure the best chance of success for a new pairing of Asian short clawed otters, it is best to introduce a new male into a female's territory so that the male more easily submits to the female on first meeting.


bbc--2020-12-03--'Covid ended our marriage': The couples who split in the pandemic

`` There were those moments of anger and disagreement , of using the situation against each other .
I felt @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The issues of wearing masks , coming back to the house , taking @ @ @ @ @ shower , I took it all very seriously .
His view was different .
I @ @ @ @ @ , but we were really furious at the time . ''

"When the breakup happened, Melbourne was opening back up again, and then we got the word we were going back into lockdown. So it was just like all of these incremental steps of like 'how much worse could it get? I got to a point where I got really down, and I just cried my eyes out."


bbc--2020-12-03--Russian influence under threat in its own back yard

`` If you did the calculation , how many resources Russia is investing in keeping this periphery in its sphere @ @ @ @ @ much Russia would gain from economic returns , trade , security , investment and lack @ @ @ @ @ markets in Europe , I think the equation would say let these countries [ in @ @ @ @ @ '' says Alexander Gabuev , a senior fellow at the Moscow Carnegie Centre .

"The conclusions that regional players like Turkey, China and Iran will draw from this will be that they can further muscle into the region, in Central Asia and in South Caucasus, without consulting too much with Moscow or fearing repercussions from the Kremlin."


bbc--2020-12-03--Ethiopia's Tigray crisis: 'How the conflict made my uncle a refugee in Sudan'

My uncle is Tigrayan and , he said , there was much looting of Tigrayan-owned properties and killings .
He @ @ @ @ @ his life was in danger when he noticed that Amhara labourers - who had been @ @ @ @ @ them - were now telling the Amhara special forces and militias where to find Tigrayans @ @ @

My uncle is Tigrayan and, he said, there was much looting of Tigrayan-owned properties and killings. He said he realised how much his life was in danger when he noticed that Amhara labourers - who had been working and living peacefully with them - were now telling the Amhara special forces and militias where to find Tigrayans in Humera.


bbc--2020-12-03--South Korea: The life-changing exam that won't stop for a pandemic

`` We took a mock exam with plastic partitions the other day .
It was more distracting than I 'd @ @ @ @ @ , I got limited desk space .
It was more pressing as I was physically @ @ @ @ @ .
My friends also felt the same way .
Some of the partitions even fell @ @ @ @ @ '' said Lee Sang-won , 18 .

"We took a mock exam with plastic partitions the other day. It was more distracting than I'd expected. With the partitions, I got limited desk space. It was more pressing as I was physically confined in between these partitions. My friends also felt the same way. Some of the partitions even fell apart during the exam," said Lee Sang-won, 18.


bbc--2020-12-03--Will Santa have enough bikes for Christmas Day?

Alta Cylcing 's Ms Nazeer says she hopes that the increased popularity of cycling in the US is also here @ @ @ @ @ certainly hope that this is the beginning of a trend in the United States where @ @ @ @ @ bikes as an alternative to driving or public transit , '' she says .

"The normal supply chain doesn't work that fast, so we are all working together to make sure our consumers and bike shops have the supply they need, as soon as we can get it to them."


bbc--2020-12-02--Man Utd beaten by PSG as last-16 hopes go to final group game

Last updated on .From the section European Football Manchester United 's Champions League campaign is hanging in the balance as two goals from Neymar helped Paris St-Germain secure victory at Old Trafford .
But Marquinos ' excellent second-half finish put the visitors back in front and after United midfielder Fred had been sent off for a foul on Ander Herrera , Neymar tapped home his 38th Champions League goal .
The result leaves United level with PSG and RB Leipzig on nine points in Group H and knowing they need a draw away to the German side next Tuesday to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ None 'Maybe I should have taken off Fred' • None Who needs what to reach Champions League knockout stage ?
In the build-up to the game , PSG boss Thomas Tuchel admitted Rashford had become `` a little bit annoying '' .
The sentiment was perfectly understandable given two seasons ago the England forward scored the injury-time penalty that knocked PSG out , even though they had won the first leg of their last-16 tie 2-0 at Old Trafford .
Rashford was also responsible for United 's 87th-minute winner in the French capital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fair to assume Tuchel 's view only hardened when Rashford 's shot - after Kaylor Navas had pushed away an Anthony Martial effort - completely wrong-footed the keeper and ended up in the bottom corner .
The goal equalised Neymar 's well-taken sixth-minute effort and took Rashford 's tally in this season 's competition to six , level with the likes of Erling Haaland and former United team-mate Romelu Lukaku .
Had Martial not blazed over when presented with an open goal when the second half was still in its infancy , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Edinson Cavani 's delicate chip came back off the crossbar , rather than blast it into Marquinos , PSG might have had the life sucked out of them .
As it was , they were the ones building up a head of steam when Ander Herrera 's off-target shot was turned into Marquinos ' path and he put them back in front .
United did push for an equaliser and substitute Paul Pogba came close when he volleyed over from the edge of the area but , with an extra man , PSG @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mbappe had fired wide , Neymar finished the hosts off .
With 38 goals he is now two behind Sergio Aguero , who is the second highest South American goalscorer in the competition .
Major question marks will hang over Solskjaer after this result .
While the United boss can legitimately argue the caution that got Fred sent off was debatable - he screamed for a VAR check but they do not intervene on yellow card decisions - he can barely claim the Brazilian did not deserve to be sent off at some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flashpoint came when he clashed with Leandro Paredes shortly before Rashford 's equaliser .
As the pair faced off , Fred appeared to push his head towards Paredes , who went down clutching his face .
Italian referee Daniele Orsati went to the screen to check what had happened but , to Tuchel 's disbelief , only issued a yellow card .
When the same pair came together again shortly afterwards , Orsati ruled Paredes was the aggressor and cautioned him , even though Fred ended up standing on his opponent .
Given @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for a long chat at half-time , after he was pulled away from Scott McTominay , it felt an obvious decision to replace Fred , particularly as Solskjaer had five substitutes at his disposal .
Instead , Fred returned for the second period , leaving his manager to face the consequences , with PSG 's official Twitter feed announcing 'finally ' as the Brazilian made his way prematurely to the dressing rooms .
• None The away side have won all four Uefa Champions League matches between Manchester United and Paris St-Germain .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ it 's the first fixture in the competition 's history to see the first four meetings all won by the away side .
• None Manchester United have now lost more of their eight home games in all competitions this season ( 4 ) than they did in 28 matches at Old Trafford last term ( 3 ) .
• None Manchester United have lost four of their past seven Champions League home games ( W3 ) , as many as in their previous 52 matches beforehand .
• None PSG have won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ against English opposition in all competitions ( both v Man Utd ) ; they had only won one of their first 10 such visits before this ( D4 L5 ) .
• None Both of Manchester United 's last two Champions League red cards have come at home to PSG ( Pogba the other in February 2019 ) - their only two such meetings with the French side .
• None Man Utd 's Fred was the 49th different Brazilian player to receive a Champions League red card ; only France has had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ competition 's history ( 55 ) .
• None At 05:45 , Neymar 's opener for PSG was the earliest Champions League goal conceded by Manchester United since September 2015 , when Daniel Caligiuri scored against them after 03:53 for Wolfsburg .
• None Since his Uefa Champions League debut in 2013 , only Cristiano Ronaldo ( 79 ) , Robert Lewandowski ( 60 ) and Lionel Messi ( 59 ) have more goals in the competition than PSG 's Neymar ( 38 ) .
However , his double was the Brazilian 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matches away to English clubs .
• None Marcus Rashford has scored more goals in five Uefa Champions League games for Man Utd this season ( 6 ) than he managed in 18 appearances in the competition across his two previous seasons , 2017-18 and 2018-19 ( 5 ) .
• None Rashford is the first Man Utd player to score in all three of their home games in a single group stage in the Uefa Champions League since Ruud van Nistelrooy in 2004-05 .
Indeed , he is just the second Englishman @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a single group stage for any side , after Harry Kane in both 2017-18 and 2019-20 ( six in both ) .
Manchester United travel to West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday ( 17:30 GMT ) .
That game is set to be the first top-flight match to have fans since March .
• None Fast-living , expensive exploits and fallouts await in this hit new drama • None The former president on his cautious optimism for the future and more

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Manchester United have now lost four home games so far this season
Manchester United's Champions League campaign is hanging in the balance as two goals from Neymar helped Paris St-Germain secure victory at Old Trafford.
Marcus Rashford had cancelled out the Brazilian's early opener with his third goal in four games against the French outfit.
But Marquinos' excellent second-half finish put the visitors back in front and after United midfielder Fred had been sent off for a foul on Ander Herrera, Neymar tapped home his 38th Champions League goal.
The result leaves United level with PSG and RB Leipzig on nine points in Group H and knowing they need a draw away to the German side next Tuesday to progress to the last 16.
Rashford pain, Neymar gain for PSG
In the build-up to the game, PSG boss Thomas Tuchel admitted Rashford had become "a little bit annoying".
The sentiment was perfectly understandable given two seasons ago the England forward scored the injury-time penalty that knocked PSG out, even though they had won the first leg of their last-16 tie 2-0 at Old Trafford.
Rashford was also responsible for United's 87th-minute winner in the French capital on matchday one.
So it is fair to assume Tuchel's view only hardened when Rashford's shot - after Kaylor Navas had pushed away an Anthony Martial effort - completely wrong-footed the keeper and ended up in the bottom corner.
The goal equalised Neymar's well-taken sixth-minute effort and took Rashford's tally in this season's competition to six, level with the likes of Erling Haaland and former United team-mate Romelu Lukaku.
Had Martial not blazed over when presented with an open goal when the second half was still in its infancy, or had he finished off the rebound when Edinson Cavani's delicate chip came back off the crossbar, rather than blast it into Marquinos, PSG might have had the life sucked out of them.
As it was, they were the ones building up a head of steam when Ander Herrera's off-target shot was turned into Marquinos' path and he put them back in front.
United did push for an equaliser and substitute Paul Pogba came close when he volleyed over from the edge of the area but, with an extra man, PSG always had the edge and after Kylian Mbappe had fired wide, Neymar finished the hosts off.
With 38 goals he is now two behind Sergio Aguero, who is the second highest South American goalscorer in the competition.
Solskjaer's big mistake
Major question marks will hang over Solskjaer after this result.
While the United boss can legitimately argue the caution that got Fred sent off was debatable - he screamed for a VAR check but they do not intervene on yellow card decisions - he can barely claim the Brazilian did not deserve to be sent off at some point in the game.
The biggest flashpoint came when he clashed with Leandro Paredes shortly before Rashford's equaliser.
As the pair faced off, Fred appeared to push his head towards Paredes, who went down clutching his face. Italian referee Daniele Orsati went to the screen to check what had happened but, to Tuchel's disbelief, only issued a yellow card.
When the same pair came together again shortly afterwards, Orsati ruled Paredes was the aggressor and cautioned him, even though Fred ended up standing on his opponent.
Given an angry Neymar went to the referee for a long chat at half-time, after he was pulled away from Scott McTominay, it felt an obvious decision to replace Fred, particularly as Solskjaer had five substitutes at his disposal.
Instead, Fred returned for the second period, leaving his manager to face the consequences, with PSG's official Twitter feed announcing 'finally' as the Brazilian made his way prematurely to the dressing rooms.
Prolific Rashford but poor home form - the stats
The away side have won all four Uefa Champions League matches between Manchester United and Paris St-Germain. Excluding games played at neutral venues, it's the first fixture in the competition's history to see the first four meetings all won by the away side.
Manchester United have now lost more of their eight home games in all competitions this season (4) than they did in 28 matches at Old Trafford last term (3).
Manchester United have lost four of their past seven Champions League home games (W3), as many as in their previous 52 matches beforehand.
PSG have won both of their past two away matches against English opposition in all competitions (both v Man Utd); they had only won one of their first 10 such visits before this (D4 L5).
Both of Manchester United's last two Champions League red cards have come at home to PSG (Pogba the other in February 2019) - their only two such meetings with the French side.
Man Utd's Fred was the 49th different Brazilian player to receive a Champions League red card; only France has had more different players sent off in the competition's history (55).
At 05:45, Neymar's opener for PSG was the earliest Champions League goal conceded by Manchester United since September 2015, when Daniel Caligiuri scored against them after 03:53 for Wolfsburg.
Since his Uefa Champions League debut in 2013, only Cristiano Ronaldo (79), Robert Lewandowski (60) and Lionel Messi (59) have more goals in the competition than PSG's Neymar (38). However, his double was the Brazilian's first goals in his six Champions League matches away to English clubs.
Marcus Rashford has scored more goals in five Uefa Champions League games for Man Utd this season (6) than he managed in 18 appearances in the competition across his two previous seasons, 2017-18 and 2018-19 (5).
Rashford is the first Man Utd player to score in all three of their home games in a single group stage in the Uefa Champions League since Ruud van Nistelrooy in 2004-05. Indeed, he is just the second Englishman to score six Champions League goals in a single group stage for any side, after Harry Kane in both 2017-18 and 2019-20 (six in both).
What next?
Manchester United travel to West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday (17:30 GMT). That game is set to be the first top-flight match to have fans since March.
Player of the match Mbappé Kylian Mbappé with an average of 7.15 Man Utd Manchester United Manchester United
PSG Paris Saint Germain Paris Saint Germain Manchester United Avg Squad number 10 Player name Rashford Average rating 5.01 Squad number 7 Player name Cavani Average rating 4.90 Squad number 18 Player name Bruno Fernandes Average rating 4.51 Squad number 34 Player name van de Beek Average rating 4.40 Squad number 29 Player name Wan-Bissaka Average rating 4.28 Squad number 27 Player name Alex Telles Average rating 4.17 Squad number 1 Player name de Gea Average rating 4.16 Squad number 39 Player name McTominay Average rating 4.11 Squad number 2 Player name Lindelöf Average rating 3.89 Squad number 11 Player name Greenwood Average rating 3.77 Squad number 5 Player name Maguire Average rating 3.70 Squad number 25 Player name Ighalo Average rating 3.66 Squad number 6 Player name Pogba Average rating 3.59 Squad number 9 Player name Martial Average rating 3.47 Squad number 17 Player name Fred Average rating 3.01 Paris Saint Germain Avg Squad number 7 Player name Mbappé Average rating 7.15 Squad number 10 Player name Neymar Average rating 6.94 Squad number 5 Player name Marquinhos Average rating 6.91 Squad number 12 Player name Rafinha Average rating 6.68 Squad number 4 Player name Kehrer Average rating 6.63 Squad number 6 Player name Verratti Average rating 6.63 Squad number 18 Player name Kean Average rating 6.60 Squad number 3 Player name Kimpembe Average rating 6.55 Squad number 22 Player name Diallo Average rating 6.55 Squad number 15 Player name Danilo Pereira Average rating 6.54 Squad number 21 Player name Herrera Average rating 6.54 Squad number 24 Player name Florenzi Average rating 6.53 Squad number 1 Player name Navas Average rating 6.53 Squad number 25 Player name Bakker Average rating 6.52 Squad number 8 Player name Paredes Average rating 6.39 Squad number 27 Player name Gueye Average rating 6.32


bbc--2020-12-02--Giroud scores four as Chelsea sink Sevilla to win group

Last updated on .From the section European Football Olivier Giroud scored all four goals in a comprehensive Chelsea victory over Sevilla that ensures the Blues take top spot in Champions League Group E. He completed the treble with a flicked near-post header , then converted a penalty after he was bundled over in the box .
Already assured of qualification for the last 16 , Chelsea made nine changes to the team that drew 0-0 with Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday .
Both Havertz and Christian Pulisic made their first Blues starts since October following illness and injury @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off the bench for his first appearance of the season .
Sevilla , also sure of their place in the knockout stages , were without a number of first-choice players and were forced to give a debut to goalkeeper Alfonso Pastor after Tomas Vaclik was injured in the warm-up .
There was little the 20-year-old could do about the goals and his saves ensured Chelsea 's winning margin was not greater .
Giroud had made only one previous start for Chelsea this season , in the EFL Cup defeat by Tottenham , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stoppage-time winner as a substitute against Rennes last week .
His path to regular Premier League football is blocked by Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham , but he could do no more to take the opportunity presented to him in southern Spain .
`` He 's the ultimate professional , '' said Lampard .
`` You see his numbers for France and his numbers in the Champions League .
`` He was n't a regular before I got here but as soon as I came in I saw his positivity , how he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to affect people , whether he starts or not .
`` He 's a great example for the younger players and other players , that when they 're not always playing , they keep training well then come in and perform like he did tonight . ''
The former Arsenal man put in a complete performance , not only displaying clinical finishing , but also a physical presence that tortured the home defence .
Chelsea found regular joy with runs from midfield and it was Havertz 's early burst that ended in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and tucked inside the far post with his left foot .
The second goal was a joy , a dinked right-footed finish over Pastor , while the header from N'Golo Kante 's cross from the right completed a 'perfect ' hat-trick .
The spot-kick , drilled in with his left foot , was Giroud 's final act before he was withdrawn .
`` I did n't know until two years ago that you called it a 'perfect ' hat-trick , '' Giroud told BT Sport .
`` When I scored against Kyiv in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you mean ? '
It was good , I had good assists , though .
`` I will try to carry on like that to finish the good work of the team .
It 's always nice to be in the club history and we play football to mark our history so I 'm pleased to help the team to win and to score the four goals . ''
While both teams made changes safe in the knowledge their progress was already certain , there was still the carrot of a theoretically easier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for .
Chelsea would not have expected such a straightforward evening against a Sevilla side who sit fifth in La Liga and took a point from a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge in October .
Yet , bar a period in the first half when set-pieces from the left caused trouble in the visiting defence , the Blues coasted to a fourth successive Champions League victory for the first time since they lifted the trophy in 2012 .
Havertz and Pulisic , who have seen Hakim Ziyech emerge during their time on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Callum Hudson-Odoi was a threat down the right .
Antonio Rudiger saw a header from a corner cleared off the line at the end of an even first period , before Chelsea dominated the second half as the hosts tired .
By the end , they had extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 15 games , during which time they have kept eight clean sheets .
• None Sevilla were unbeaten in 14 home matches in all European competitions coming into this game ( W12 D2 ) , with this their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bayern Munich .
• None Chelsea have won two Champions League games by at least four goals under Frank Lampard - only under Jose Mourinho do they have more such wins ( six ) .
• None In what was Sevilla 's 100th home match in European competition , they lost by a four-goal margin on home soil for the very first time .
• None Chelsea 's Olivier Giroud ( 34 years and 63 days ) became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in the Champions League/European Cup since Ferenc Puskas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1965 ( 38 years and 173 days ) .
• None Giroud became just the second player to a score a Champions League hat-trick for two English sides ( Arsenal & Chelsea ) , after Michael Owen ( Liverpool & Manchester United ) .
• None He also became the first Chelsea player to score four goals in a single game since current manager Frank Lampard did so against Aston Villa in March 2010 .
Chelsea host Leeds in the Premier League on Saturday ( 20:00 GMT ) , before rounding off the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Krasnodar next Tuesday .
Sevilla play Real Madrid in La Liga at the weekend before a European date with Rennes .
• None Fast-living , expensive exploits and fallouts await in this hit new drama • None The former president on his cautious optimism for the future and more

Last updated on .From the section European Football
Olivier Giroud was making only his second Chelsea start of the season
Olivier Giroud scored all four goals in a comprehensive Chelsea victory over Sevilla that ensures the Blues take top spot in Champions League Group E.
The Frenchman scored early in each half with two delightful finishes after being fed by clever passes from Kai Havertz and Matteo Kovacic respectively.
He completed the treble with a flicked near-post header, then converted a penalty after he was bundled over in the box.
Already assured of qualification for the last 16, Chelsea made nine changes to the team that drew 0-0 with Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday.
Both Havertz and Christian Pulisic made their first Blues starts since October following illness and injury, while 19-year-old midfielder Billy Gilmour came off the bench for his first appearance of the season.
Sevilla, also sure of their place in the knockout stages, were without a number of first-choice players and were forced to give a debut to goalkeeper Alfonso Pastor after Tomas Vaclik was injured in the warm-up.
There was little the 20-year-old could do about the goals and his saves ensured Chelsea's winning margin was not greater.
Giroud makes his point - again
Giroud had made only one previous start for Chelsea this season, in the EFL Cup defeat by Tottenham, but this haul came after he scored a stoppage-time winner as a substitute against Rennes last week.
His path to regular Premier League football is blocked by Timo Werner and Tammy Abraham, but he could do no more to take the opportunity presented to him in southern Spain.
"He's the ultimate professional," said Lampard. "You see his numbers for France and his numbers in the Champions League.
"He wasn't a regular before I got here but as soon as I came in I saw his positivity, how he wants to train, how he wants to affect people, whether he starts or not.
"He's a great example for the younger players and other players, that when they're not always playing, they keep training well then come in and perform like he did tonight."
The former Arsenal man put in a complete performance, not only displaying clinical finishing, but also a physical presence that tortured the home defence.
Chelsea found regular joy with runs from midfield and it was Havertz's early burst that ended in a lay-off to Giroud, who cut back and tucked inside the far post with his left foot.
The second goal was a joy, a dinked right-footed finish over Pastor, while the header from N'Golo Kante's cross from the right completed a 'perfect' hat-trick.
The spot-kick, drilled in with his left foot, was Giroud's final act before he was withdrawn.
"I didn't know until two years ago that you called it a 'perfect' hat-trick," Giroud told BT Sport. "When I scored against Kyiv in the Europa League I said 'what do you mean?' It was good, I had good assists, though.
"I will try to carry on like that to finish the good work of the team. It's always nice to be in the club history and we play football to mark our history so I'm pleased to help the team to win and to score the four goals."
Chelsea coast to top spot
While both teams made changes safe in the knowledge their progress was already certain, there was still the carrot of a theoretically easier draw in the last 16 to play for.
Chelsea would not have expected such a straightforward evening against a Sevilla side who sit fifth in La Liga and took a point from a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge in October.
Yet, bar a period in the first half when set-pieces from the left caused trouble in the visiting defence, the Blues coasted to a fourth successive Champions League victory for the first time since they lifted the trophy in 2012.
Havertz and Pulisic, who have seen Hakim Ziyech emerge during their time on the sidelines, were both lively, while Callum Hudson-Odoi was a threat down the right.
Antonio Rudiger saw a header from a corner cleared off the line at the end of an even first period, before Chelsea dominated the second half as the hosts tired.
By the end, they had extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 15 games, during which time they have kept eight clean sheets.
Olivier's army - the stats
Sevilla were unbeaten in 14 home matches in all European competitions coming into this game (W12 D2), with this their first such defeat since April 2018 vs Bayern Munich.
Chelsea have won two Champions League games by at least four goals under Frank Lampard - only under Jose Mourinho do they have more such wins (six).
In what was Sevilla's 100th home match in European competition, they lost by a four-goal margin on home soil for the very first time.
Chelsea's Olivier Giroud (34 years and 63 days) became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in the Champions League/European Cup since Ferenc Puskas for Real Madrid vs Feyenoord in September 1965 (38 years and 173 days).
Giroud became just the second player to a score a Champions League hat-trick for two English sides (Arsenal & Chelsea), after Michael Owen (Liverpool & Manchester United).
He also became the first Chelsea player to score four goals in a single game since current manager Frank Lampard did so against Aston Villa in March 2010.
What's next?
Chelsea host Leeds in the Premier League on Saturday (20:00 GMT), before rounding off the Champions League group stage at home to Krasnodar next Tuesday. Sevilla play Real Madrid in La Liga at the weekend before a European date with Rennes.
Player of the match Giroud Olivier Giroud with an average of 9.43 Sevilla Sevilla Sevilla
Chelsea Chelsea Chelsea Sevilla Avg Squad number 33 Player name Pastor Average rating 4.80 Squad number 10 Player name Rakitic Average rating 4.66 Squad number 16 Player name Navas Average rating 4.64 Squad number 20 Player name Diego Carlos Average rating 4.54 Squad number 3 Player name Gómez Average rating 4.46 Squad number 5 Player name Ocampos Average rating 4.37 Squad number 4 Player name Rekik Average rating 4.36 Squad number 12 Player name Koundé Average rating 4.36 Squad number 6 Player name Gudelj Average rating 4.35 Squad number 21 Player name Torres Average rating 4.34 Squad number 23 Player name Idrissi Average rating 4.33 Squad number 15 Player name En-Nesyri Average rating 4.30 Squad number 22 Player name Vázquez Average rating 4.29 Squad number 14 Player name Rodríguez Average rating 4.28 Squad number 8 Player name Jordán Average rating 4.28 Squad number 11 Player name El Haddadi Average rating 4.13 Chelsea Avg Squad number 18 Player name Giroud Average rating 9.43 Squad number 16 Player name Mendy Average rating 8.08 Squad number 29 Player name Havertz Average rating 7.94 Squad number 7 Player name Kanté Average rating 7.84 Squad number 17 Player name Kovacic Average rating 7.62 Squad number 10 Player name Pulisic Average rating 7.60 Squad number 28 Player name Azpilicueta Average rating 7.58 Squad number 22 Player name Ziyech Average rating 7.50 Squad number 2 Player name Rüdiger Average rating 7.49 Squad number 20 Player name Hudson-Odoi Average rating 7.49 Squad number 19 Player name Mount Average rating 7.47 Squad number 23 Player name Gilmour Average rating 7.34 Squad number 33 Player name Emerson Average rating 7.31 Squad number 5 Player name Jorginho Average rating 7.27 Squad number 4 Player name Christensen Average rating 7.23 Squad number 11 Player name Werner Average rating 7.08