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FIFA adds 1 million World Cup tickets for sale in second phase

With the launch of a new&nbsp, ticket draw&nbsp, which marks the start of the tournament’s second phase of sales, FIFA began the sale of 1 million additional tickets for the upcoming World Cup and 1 million of them on Monday.

Residents of the three host nations, the United States, Canada, and Mexico, have a domestic exclusivity time slot in this draw, which runs until Friday at 11am Eastern Time. Fans from those nations will have the option to purchase single-match tickets for events taking place in their home countries if their entries are chosen from this draw.

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Any fan can attend the phase, regardless of their nationality.

As Canada, Mexico, and the United States prepare to host the biggest FIFA World Cup yet, “we already have seen a lot of interest from around the world,” said Heimo Schirgi, the tournament’s chief operating officer. With its domestic exclusivity time slot in the host nation, “this second phase” will allow us to thank these local supporters while also ensuring global opportunity.”

Fans from the United States, Canada, and Mexico who enter the draw before Friday have a chance to win a time slot during which to purchase tickets starting on November 12. Through November 15, those slots will be available. At least 48 hours before their time slot opens will those winners be informed of the outcome.

In the initial stages of ticketing, people from the three host countries, in that order, purchased more tickets than anyone from any other country. In that order, the top 10 countries included England, Germany, Brazil, Spain, Colombia, Argentina, and France.

More fans will be able to purchase a buying slot starting on November 17 once the domestic exclusivity time slot expires. In the future, additional tickets will be made available, according to FIFA.

The FIFA World Cup final will take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Visa uncertainty and a dynamic pricing system

More than 1 million tickets have already been purchased for the upcoming World Cup, according to FIFA’s earlier announcement earlier this month, with customers from 212 different nations and territories purchasing them. 28 of the 48 field team seats have been filled so far, total.

Consumers who are about to purchase tickets ahead of the tournament should be aware that the US has a strict immigration ban and that they must first obtain visas. Due to sluggish ticket sales, some people think were a result of the immigration crackdown, a friendly international match between defending World Cup champion Argentina and Puerto Rico was moved from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

There are roughly 7.1 million seats for the tournament’s 104 matches spread out across 16 North American venues, according to the stadium attendance figures listed above. How many of those seats will be made available for public viewing?

According to ticket data, at least 40 matches had seats with the lowest price tag of $60 available. A much higher price was used to purchase almost all of the matches’ seats. When sales started, the US team’s opening game, which was scheduled to take place in Inglewood, California, cost between $ 570 and $ 2,735. At least one ticket for the opening US game on June 12 was listed for more than $60,000 earlier this month on the resale website.

Court Forfeits Lekki Building To Fed Govt Over Illicit Drug Dealing

A building in the Lekki area of Lagos has been ordered to be finalized because it was the result of an illegal drug trade.

At Block 11, House No. 1, is the structure that includes a four-bedroom apartment, two sitting areas, and boys’ quarters. Femi Adebanjo, an alleged drug trafficking kingpin, is alleged to own the 2 Mobolaji Johnson Estate in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

After hearing the submission made by Buhari Abdullahi, the head of the legal department of the Lagos Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Justice Alexander Owoeye, who presided over the case, ordered the building to be completely forfeited.

According to Buhari, the application was made in accordance with Sections 3 (1) (a), 32 (c), and 41 (b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Act Cap., Sections 44 (2), 6 (6) (b), and Sections 3 (1) (a), b) &amp, (c), and Sections 31 (a), 32 (c), and 41 (b) &amp, (W). N30 N 2004 (as amended), Sections 4 (b) (c), 5 (2), 7, 8 (1) (a) 17 (1) &amp, (4), 19 (1) (a) (c) (3) AND 21 (1) of the proceeds of Crimes (Recovery and Management) Act 2022, and under the court’s Inherent jurisdiction.

The Federal Government of Nigeria, which is currently in the NDLEA’s custody, specifically requested that the court grant an order for the court to finalize the forfeiture of the building along with all of its furniture, fittings, and electrical appliances. These items were used as a storage facility for Canadian Loud, a strain of Cannabis Sativa, and as an instrument for committing drug offenses.

READ MORE: EFCC Arraigns Man, Businesses For Alleged 1.07bn Fraud In Lagos

The attorney testified to the judge that Nasir Garba Bungudu, a deputy commander of cocaine, had submitted an affidavit supporting the application.

The deponent stated in the affidavit that they used a property located at Block 11, House No. 1, to obtain the following assurances: “We received confidential credible information about the activities of a drug trafficking organization that specializes in the import of Canadian Loud a Strain of expensive Cannabis Sativa from Canada to Nigeria sometime in the year 2023. For the purposes of both financing drug trafficking activities both domestically and internationally, Mobolaji Johnson Estate, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, and for the storage, distribution, and dealing in Canadian Loud a Strain of Cannabis Sativa.

That we conducted a number of surveillance operations on the Drug Trafficking Organization, including looking into its headquarters and drug storage facilities, among others. And that House No. 11 served as the Organization’s headquarters. Used as a tool to erect all kinds of drug-related fences, Mobolaji Johnson Estate, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

“That the alleged landed property was being used as a base for the members of the Drug Trafficking Organization” and that it was instrumental in the commission of a drug offense. And that we were able to identify that Femi Adebanjo, a notorious drug baron, was in charge of the drug trafficking organization and that he coordinated both the importation and export of illegal drugs from Canada to Nigeria.

That we learned that Femi Adebanjo was the one to buy the Organizational Operations Base in Block 11, House No. Ekwejunor Oritsematosan, who is currently in charge number 2, Mobolaji Johnson Estate, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, and accosted his associates, among others. FHC/L/501c/2023, FRN V. Ekwejunor Oritsematosan &amp, Anor. for the manufacture of fences alongside Femaffix Global Services Limited, a business created to help the organization use the proceeds of its drug trade.

According to the Applicant’s agents, who conducted a raid on the property on February 5, 2023, recovered 1.088 kilograms of Canadian Loud from the home in question, as well as detained five Cartel members, including Tijani Oladapo Hakeem, Eric Makuo, Adaobi Fortune, Ahmed Jubril, and Ekwejunor Oritsematosan, were also detained.

That the four cartel members Tijani Oladapo Hakeem, Eric Makuo, Adaobi Fortune, and Ahmed Jubril admitted to the commission of the drug offenses inside the home that the application was based on, and therefore admitted guilt, violated the Charge No. FHC/L/122c/2023, FRN V. Tijani Oladapo Hakeem &amp, 3 Ors. were found guilty and given the appropriate sentences.

“That Ekwejunor Oritsematosan, the fifth defendant, is currently a witness in Charge No. FHC/L/501c/2023, FRN V. Ekwejunor Oritsematosan &amp, Anor. for drug of fence alongside Femaffix Global Services Limited, a business that the organization used to bribe illegal people and profit…

The applicant was informed by that reliable information that verified Femi Adebanjo, the drug lord, was in charge of the illegal substance’s importation into Nigeria from Canada, while other members of the organization coordinate and perfect clearance using improbable methods to avoid detection by security agencies.

The fact that Femi Adebanjo, the drug kingpin, is currently at large and uses it as a base for illicit drug activities and a tool for the commission of drug offences established that the landed property’s ownership was confirmed by the investigation into the sought-foreclosed property.

There is no one ever come forward to claim or offer to lead the Agency’s investigators in the pursuit of the owner(s) of the said property and that since the sealing of the landed property the owner has refused to appear for an investigation.

“That the property has been kept under lock and key by the NDLEA Lagos Strategic Command of the Agency since February 5, 2023.” And that the said property was used to carry out the offences and that it is liable for forfeiture under the NDLEA Act.

The applicant reported the details of the said property on Daily Sun National Newspaper on Monday, May 20th, 2024 at page 8, but no one came forward to claim it following the initial order made by this honorable court on March 20, 2024.

The Applicant republished the details of the disputed landed property on Vanguard National Newspaper on Friday, August 1, 2025, Volume 41: No. 2, in accordance with the Court’s Order to Renew the Details of the Landed Property in question. No one shows up to claim the same or give an explanation regarding the property being subject to forfeiture, as required by Section 10(640), at page 7, in order to elicit the owner’s or any other interested party’s attention.

“The applicant will request that a final forfeiture order be issued in respect of the same properties that are contained in the Motion Paper where nobody presents itself within the specified time.” And that if this application is granted, no one will suffer as a result.

Jamaica braces for Hurricane Melissa, island’s strongest storm on record

As Hurricane Melissa winds its way towards the Caribbean island in a record-breaking hurricane, officials in Jamaica have urged residents to stay inside their shelters.

The island will be surrounded by St. Ann Parish in the north on Tuesday morning, according to forecasters.

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The Jamaican prime minister, Andrew Holness, made an appeal to the public to remain inside.

I ask Jamaicans to remain inside their homes and stay there. Avoid unnecessary travel. He said late on Monday that flash floods, heavy rain, and strong winds could strike at any time.

He continued, “The safer option is to stay indoors, which lessens the burden on our security and emergency personnel.”

Holness then issued a warning about massive destruction.

He said that the region’s infrastructure cannot support a Category 5 storm, which would be the strongest on the Saffir-Simpson scale. The key is now: how quickly things recover. That’s the difficulty.

“Catastrophic” winds and flooding

Seven deaths have already been brought on by the storm in the Caribbean, with three in Jamaica, three in Haiti, and one in the Dominican Republic, where one more person is still missing.

Late on Monday, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) announced that Melissa was still 240 kilometers (150 miles) southwest of Kingston and had a maximum wind speed of 282 km/h (175 mph) at that time.

On Tuesday, the storm was forecast to bring “catastrophic winds, flooding, and storm surge” to Jamaica.

Before landfall, officials warned of a life-threatening storm surge of up to 4 meters (13 feet) across southern Jamaica, along with reports of numerous power outages, fallen trees, and landslides.

Jamaica’s local government and community development minister Desmond McKenzie stated to Al Jazeera that the country had done everything in its power to prepare.

We have done everything possible to evacuate people from our shelters, get people to their homes, provide the necessary resources, and clean our drains. He said from Kingston, “We have been cleaning our gulleys.”

“We have completed the mitigation exercises. He said that we have conducted public education, and that it will be interesting to see how Melissa will turn out.

According to McKenzie, 881 shelters have been established nationwide.

“I have to be honest that not everyone has a shelter host. The number of people showing up at the shelters has increased. He claimed that some parishes have a higher demand than others.

I’m not moving, I promise.

Numerous residents said they were staying put despite the pleas to evacuate.

“I’m not moving,” I said. Roy Brown, a resident of Kingston’s seaside community of Port Royal, said, “I don’t think I can run from death.”

Due to his previous encounters with the subpar conditions of government hurricane shelters, the plumber and tiler said he was reluctant to flee.

Some residents of St Elizabeth’s Flagaman farming community were lounging around in a store.

Enrico Coke, the owner, claimed he opened his business out of concern that his neighbors would not be able to get anywhere.

“Farmers are important to me. He told AFP that the fishermen will experience pain as a result. “We’ll need assistance as soon as possible, especially in terms of water,” the statement read.

Despite the government’s directive to evacuate flood-prone communities, Mercy Corps adviser Colin Bogle said the majority of families are staying in place.

He told The Associated Press news agency, “Many have never experienced anything like this before, and the uncertainty is frightening.” There is a deep fear of displacement, injury, and loss of one’s homes and livelihoods.

At only 5 km/h (3 mph), meteorologists claim Melissa packs a punch due to its slow pace: It moves at a slower rate than most people walk.

That leaves much longer than the majority of hurricanes in the areas in its path for punishing conditions.

In Old Harbour, Jamaica, before Hurricane Melissa’s expected landfall on October 27, 2025 [Matias Delacroix/AP Photo]

Changes in climate

On Tuesday night, Melissa is expected to cross over eastern Cuba after beating up Jamaica.

Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, and the provinces of Guantanamo and Holguin were all subject to a hurricane warning, while Las Tunas were also subject to a tropical storm warning.

Parts of Cuba were forecast to experience up to 510mm (20 inches) of rain, along with a significant storm surge along the coast.

More than 600,000 people from the area, including Santiago, the island’s second-largest city, were being evacuated by Cuban officials on Monday.

The southeast and central Bahamas were also subject to a hurricane warning, and the Turks and Caicos Islands were also warned about tropical storms.

Meteorologist Kerry Emanuel claimed that more storms were intensifying rapidly than Melissa, which would increase the possibility of significant rains.

He told AFP that “water kills a lot more people than wind.”

Beryl, a particularly strong storm for the time of year, was the last major hurricane to make an impact on Jamaica in July 2024.

Dodgers outlast Blue Jays in World Series epic

Images courtesy of Getty

In a game that lasted more than six and a half hours, the Los Angeles Dodgers took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven World Series by defeating the Toronto Blue Jays 6-5. Freddie Freeman hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 18th inning.

Between the seventh and 18th innings, no runs were scored in the longest postseason game in Major League Baseball history.

Shohei Ohtani, the superstar of Japan, also hit two home runs, but first baseman Freeman, who won the MVP award with the Dodgers’ World Series victory last year, was the host.

In game two, Teoscar Hernandez, who had struck out in each of his four at-bats, gave the Dodgers the lead with a home run.

Before the Blue Jays’ bats woke up in the top of the fourth inning, Ohtani doubled the lead with a solo shot of his own in the third.

Alejandro Kirk lifted his second home run of the series over the center-field fence for a 3-2 lead before Andres Gimenez’s sacrifice fly made it 4-2. Tommy Edman’s fielding error made it possible for the Canadians to put two men on base.

Max Scherzer, the first player to pitch for four different teams in the World Series, departed in the fifth inning, giving the Dodgers the opportunity to level the scores.

Enrique Hernandez had scored with his third hit of the night, before Freeman made it 4-4 with a drive in Ohtani from second base.

Bo Bichette’s line drive to the right field corner in the seventh inning turned the game back to Toronto, but Ohtani’s second homer of the night tied the scores once more at 5-5, and the situation remained unaffected.

Both sides failed to make a run with the bases loaded despite repeatedly stranding several baserunners.

In the final series before retiring, veteran Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw made a cameo appearance from the bullpen while Toronto pinch-runner Davis Schneider was thrown out at home plate in the 10th, and Ohtani was intentionally walked four times before being caught stealing second base.

After both teams had run out of bench players, Freeman moved reliever Brendon Little over center field to win the game.

World Series results, reports, and schedule

Dodgers, 11-4, in Game 1: Blue Jays

Game 2: Dodgers 1 – 5

Dodgers 6-5 Blue Jays in Game 3.

Tuesday, October 28th, for Game 4 (in LA).

Wednesday, October 29th, for Game 5 (in LA).

Friday, October 31st, for Game 6* (in Toronto).

Saturday, November 1st, for Game 7* (in Toronto).

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani is tagged out by Isiah Kiner-Falefa while attempting to steal second base in the ninth inningImages courtesy of Getty
Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk (left) celebrates with team-mates after hitting a three-run home run in game three of the World SeriesImages courtesy of Getty
Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter George Springer leaves the game with injury in the seventh inningEPA

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Who is to blame? Is O’Neill answer? Could Ange come back? – Celtic fans have say

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Celtic fans could be forgiven if their minds were scrambled after an astonishing few hours in their club’s storied history.

Out of nowhere, their celebrated manager resigned. Another feted former boss was parachuted in to replace him on an interim basis. And the club’s major shareholder, Dermot Desmond, broke his well-established silence to leave Brendan Rodgers without a name.

And, all the while, somewhere well away from Glasgow, another cherished Celtic coach of more recent years gone by remains unemployed.

So who are the fans backing? Rodgers or the board? What do they think of Martin O’Neill coming in to take temporary charge?

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‘Politician Rodgers has done it again’

Michael: Over the last few months, Brendan seemed unable to change games. The team style was predictable and slow, he seemed to have no plan B. He also seemed to have well-rehearsed answers when he was questioned about results, answers that criticised no-one, not even himself. Quite the politician.

Marian: Rodgers has done it again. He should have stayed and proved he could turn it around. He’s caused a lot of bad feeling.

Jimmy: I think Rodgers has been working his ticket out since late April. The team selection every game has left many fans bewildered.

Graham: Not a fan of Desmond and the statement isn’t a great look. However, Rodgers repeatedly tried to divert attention from his inability to change things on the pitch by publicly undermining the squad and blaming the board. He did it again on Sunday. I’m sure he was told to resign or be sacked.

Ray: Should not have been brought back in the first place. It was always going to end badly.

Rob: The writing was on the wall ever since Rodgers made his comments about the board and the team. He clearly didn’t want to put his hands up for his mistakes this season and it has cost him dearly. Let’s just hope the season can be salvaged.

David: He lost the dressing room. His comment about the cars was disgraceful and the players had given up on him. Time was up.

Andy: Same as the third season last time around, he’s jumped ship when things aren’t going his way. Yes, the lack of transfer activity didn’t help, but pointing the finger at the board didn’t either and helped to create a toxic atmosphere within the club. The squad should have been good enough to beat Dundee and Almaty.

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‘Board to blame amid toxic self-preservation’

Tommy: I think people need to take a step back before making some of the judgements we are seeing here. Brendan is a top guy and a top manager and there are all manner of factors that could have influenced this decision.

Brendan: Sad day all round. That statement from Desmond is a desperate attempt from the board to control the narrative. Rodgers not blameless but had his hands tied by the penny pinching board.

George: This was always going to happen. As soon as Rodgers realised the lack of investment and ambition of the club, he was going to leave in 2026. And as soon as the board felt this, they didn’t back him in the window knowing he is leaving at the end of the season.

Spencer: The relationship between manager and board clearly in pieces. But Desmond cannot be serious to suggest that the shambolic summer transfer window was down to Rodgers alone. It’s not credible. Toxic self-preservation on both sides.

Paul: Desmond’s words seem incredibly harsh. It feels like a character assassination of Brendan Rodgers. A man who has delivered repeated success to the club. It is an attempted deflection technique from the behaviour of the board.

Sandra: Not surprised at all. You could sense it coming over the past few weeks. The board are entirely to blame. A lack of ambition, lack of planning and now a lack of a top-class manager. I for one was backing Brendan.

Dave: Celtic want champagne football at lemonade prices.

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‘Messiah O’Neill might just be the answer’

Iona: The messiah has returned.

Dandare: I doubt Martin O’Neill could tell you which teams are in the Premiership, let alone the players at Celtic. Amateur hour at the club. It’s unbelievable but not surprising.

Iain: Needed a shake up and this might be just the thing. Martin O’Neill is an old-school managerial type who will command instant respect – just what’s required at the moment – no “projects” thank you.

Mark: Not sure if these players will know what’s hit them with Martin O’Neill coming back though. They will certainly get a boot up the backside.

John: Shocking, absolutely shocking. Unless Shaun Maloney is going to play through the middle, I don’t see the point. It’s been obvious from the Aberdeen cup final we are weak up top. Goals win games.

Jenny: Everyone loves Martin O’Neill, but really? Celtic love to recycle previous appointments, but it could have been someone with more recent credentials. I guess I should be happy it isn’t Neil Lennon.

‘Get Ange back? Or time to move forward?’

Chris Sutton on XX

Jamie: Martin O’Neill as an interim is something I can get behind, as long as the club makes a progressive appointment to replace Rodgers permanently. No more going back to the same wells – not even Ange.

Paul: O’Neill too old – out-of-touch old pals act. Should be Ange back to get them going forward instead of sideways backwards, etc.

Martin: Hearing a lot of chat that Ange Postecoglou is the favourite. I think going back for Rodgers was a mistake. Would going back for Ange also be a mistake?

Michael: I’m an Aussie Celtic (and Spurs) supporter. Didn’t want Ange to leave – knew what they would do to him down there. Yes, Ange back, but only if he has Spurs and Forest out of his system. Maybe Martin until January, then do a well planned swap over?

Gerry: Get Ange back!!!

Linda: I loved what Ange did but don’t want to get him back. We need to move forward.

Fergus: Is it time for Ange?

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TOWIE star’s iconic restaurant where Mark Wright partied till early hours and ‘Arg’ sang is up for sale

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Olivia’s La Cala, an iconic beachfront gem, is up for sale thanks to Elliot Wright, who is also putting his successful restaurant group up for sale. Olivia’s La Cala is a famous beachside gem that is undergoing a brand-new life in Britain.

Former TOWIE star Elliott Wright has revealed it’s all change as he announces the sale by auction of his restaurant group in Spain – for a whole new life back in Blightly. The sale includes Olivia’s La Cala in Marbella, named after his daughter and the scene of many a wild night out for a host of stars including fellow ex-TOWIE regulars, from Elliott’s cousins Mark and Jess Wright to Ferne McCann and his good pal James ‘Arg’ Argent, who has performed there many times.

Elliott, 45, who has five children with wife Sadie and the most recent is daughter Dolly, who was born in August, tells us exclusively: “After 25 years in Spain, ten of those in La Cala de Mijas, I’ve decided it’s time for a change, a new chapter.

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Elliott, who appeared on The Only Way is Essex between 2010 and 2017 , adds: “As a family man, it’s always been my dream that my children would follow me into the restaurant business. However, life doesn’t always follow the plans we make.”

He explains, “My daughter Olivia turned 16 this year, and has decided to pursue a career in the City of London,” revealing that two of his children will soon be raised in London. Elliott, my eldest son, has been a City employee for three years and intends to fully commit to that path.

Sadie and I now live with our young family here alone, and more importantly, away from our immediate family because my mother, who had lived here for 25 years, also relocated to the UK earlier this year for personal reasons.

But he acknowledges that this is not a simple decision that he and Sadie have made. Sadie and I have been discussing this subject for a while, and it’s been a difficult choice. No matter what, my children are in my heart forever.

“So I’ve chosen to sell all of my business interests in Spain and relocate back to the UK after careful consideration. A brand-new business opportunity has arisen there, and it seems like the right time to turn the page on what has been a fantastic chapter of my life, when combined with my family’s plans.

The father-of-five explains how much his beloved La Cala restaurant means to him, “Olivia’s has been my passion — a love story.” Some of the best memories I’ll ever have with me have been made of it. However, all things come to an end, and the next custodian must take the helm.

Olivia’s has been the Costa del Sol’s jewel and will always be. Whoever has the keys to the keys will undoubtedly have the best years in store for the company, which has been an amazing one for the past ten years. Whoever takes it on will benefit greatly from the enormous growth potential over the next two to three years, and I’m confident that it will be beneficial for many years.

The Olivia’s La Cala brand and trademark will be included in the sale, which will include the freehold beachfront property. One of the largest and most spectacular frontline villas on the coast would also be located here for anyone looking to use it as a private residence. It could become a truly exceptional beachfront home with a build size of nearly 9, 000 square feet and a sizable plot, easily valued at or over €10 million.

Continue reading the article.

All bids must be submitted no later than 12:00 PM on December 5th, with a minimum starting bid of €5,000,000. For information on how to bid, guide-price details, the full sales deck, and minimum bid requirements, please contact: Sebastian — Bromley Estates Marbella (+34 661 689 956, olivias@bromleyestatesmarbella.com). Says Elliott, “For me, it’s time for change — but for someone else, this is the opportunity of a lifetime. All I hear are people dreaming of leaving the UK for a sunnier life. Well, here’s your chance – to own one of the best and most established restaurants on the Costa del Sol.”