*Russian Orthodox Church Splits from Constantinople Over Ukraine*

In the largest schism in Orthodox Christianity for over a century, the Russian Orthodox Church has cut all ties with the Constantinople Patriarchate over a "historic" decision to recognise the Ukrainian Orthodox Church as independent.

Metropolitan Hilarion, a bishop in charge of the Russian Orthodox, told journalists that the decision to break relations with the Constantinople Patriarchate was taken by The Holy Synod, the governing body of the Russian Orthodox Church, in Minsk, Belarus on Monday.

In an official declaration, members of the Holy Synod wrote that allowing another church to break away "is tantamount to renouncing its historical roots and commitments" making it "impossible" for the Russian Orthodox Church to continue its union with Constantinople.

The Holy Synod has also urged other Orthodox Churches to properly evaluate a decision taken by Constantinople and to "search for ways out of the gravest crisis that is tearing apart the body of church".

*Koeman Assures VVD Will Be Fit for Liverpool*

Virgil van Dijk is fit to feature in Liverpool's Premier League clash with Huddersfield Town on Saturday, according to Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman.

Van Dijk was ruled out of his country's friendly with Belgium on Tuesday after the Royal Dutch Football Association confirmed he was still suffering from a rib injury sustained in Liverpool's meeting with Southampton last month.

"He's back in Liverpool but he is ready to play for next week," Koeman said. "He's taken a rest. The medical staff of the Dutch national team spoke to the medical staff of Liverpool and made the decision that he would play only the Germany game and then after that go back to Liverpool."

"He is ready to play next weekend."

*Usain Bolt⚡ Earns Contract📄 Offer from Maltese Champions*

Central Coast Mariners trialist Usain Bolt has a two-year contract offer from Valletta, the Maltese champions have confirmed.

Former sprint king and eight-time Olympic champion Bolt – on trial with Australian side the Mariners in his bid to fulfil his dream of becoming a professional footballer – was linked with an unnamed European club following his two-goal haul on Friday.

Bolt scored twice in his first start against Macarthur South West United before the 32-year-old Jamaican's agent Tony Rallis revealed a two-year deal was on the table.

Valletta, who were taken over by Abu Dhabi-based Sanban Group in September, want Bolt to spearhead their Champions League aspirations.

*CR7⚡ & Zidane Exits stunned Real Madrid Star Modric*

Luka Modric admits he “wasn’t expecting” Cristiano Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane to leave Real Madrid during a summer of much change at the Santiago Bernabeu.

He admits to having been left stunned by the departure of a legendary boss and five-time Ballon d’Or winner, stating: “I wasn't expecting either of the two to go; I didn't think Zidane would leave and the same with Ronaldo.

“In fact when the rumours about Cristiano appeared, we had bets among ourselves and we were certain he would stay, but everyone makes their own decisions.”

Modric said of working with Zidane, "I was lucky to have him as a coach and we have lived some incredible moments with him at Real Madrid, sometimes he'd play alongside us and it was incredible to see how elegant he was and how he moved over the pitch.”

*Sadio Mane Suffers Hand Injury While on Senegal Duty*

Sadio Mane has become the latest Liverpool player to sustain an injury while on international duty after suffering a hand injury with Senegal, although an official diagnosis has yet to be provided.

Reports suggest that Liverpool are aware of the injury and will assess him upon his return to Merseyside.

It remains unclear at this stage whether Mane has withdrawn from the Senegal squad ahead of Tuesday's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Sudan.

Neymar Pleased Brazil Will Not Face Messi🌟*

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Neymar is pleased Brazil will not have to go up against Lionel Messi when they take on Argentina in Saudi Arabia on 16th October.

"For those who love football, having Messi out of a game like this is bad. But for us it's good," Neymar told a pre-match news conference. "We never underestimate Argentina's quality, the players they have in their squad.

"Argentina have Dybala, who is a player that I really like, so we have to be switched on.

"It's a very difficult game. We will have to do our job and it's always good to play them. There are no favourites."