• Ten years from home World Cup, Saudi sizes up ‘huge challenge’

    As the only  bidder, Saudi Arabia was anointed host of the 2034 World Cup last October by FIFA. Infrastructure is the initial concern for the oil-rich kingdom, which is snapping up high-profile sports events in an attempt to sweep away its conservative image and entice foreign investment.
  • Nike’s long international struggle with Adidas

    German newspapers reported that the American sports equipment giant overcame their rival's home advantage with a bid of around 100 million euros ($108 million) a year. Adidas reportedly offered a final bid of between 60-65 million euros. The deal left the German Football Federation (DFB) defending themselves from accusations from...
  • Al Hilal finish off Al Ittihad to ease into Asian Champions League semis

    Ittihad's miserable night was summed up in the final minute of normal time, when striker Abderrazak Hamdallah was given a second booking for grabbing Hilal defender Ali Al Bulaihi by the throat. The confrontation sparked a number of clashes between the opposing sets of players.
  • ‘Number one’ Joshua defeats Ngannou with brutal second-round KO

    Joshua, a former unified WBO, WBA and IBF heavyweight champion, went into the fight on the back of three successive wins. Before that, however, he lost back-to-back fights to Oleksandr Usyk, who will take on Fury for the undisputed heavyweight title in Saudi Arabia in May.
  • Arab women: Pioneers in arts, sports, and culture

    Outstanding Arab women leave a lasting impact in their respective fields, inspire countless individuals, and shape the future of the interconnected domains.
  • Saudi football body suspends, fines Ronaldo over gesture

    Sports newspaper Al-Riyadiya reported Ronaldo as saying he respected all football clubs and that the gesture expressed "strength and victory" -- not offence -- and was considered acceptable in Europe. The 39-year-old, a five-time winner of the UEFA Champions League, was the first major star to move to the kingdom...
  • Saudi Arabia’s PIF announces tennis partnership with ATP

    In a joint statement, the two bodies said the partnership marked "a significant shared commitment to enhancing global tennis". The statement did not give details of the amount of the investment which will see PIF become the official naming partner of the ATP rankings.
  • Booed Israeli swimmer says she felt safe in Qatar

    Israeli swimmer Anastasia Gorbenko faced crowd jeering at Qatar's World Acquatics Championships after winning a silver medal in the women's 400m individual medley in a public outburst as a response to Israel's ongoing war against Gaza. However, the swimmer said in a statement that she felt 'safe' in Qatar.
  • ‘Addicted to winning’: Sabalenka returns to action in Dubai

    Dubai, United Arab Emirates -- World number two Aryna Sabalenka said on Sunday she was "addicted to winning" and hungry for more major glory following her successful title defense at the Australian Open last month. The Belarusian returns to action this week at the WTA 1000 in Dubai to contest her...
  • WEF24: The story of Africa is being reclaimed

    Africa is moving away from stereotypes of poverty and incapacity to a narrative of ability and competitiveness, Sithembile Ntombela maNdaba, the CEO of Brand South Africa, tells TRENDS.
  • Jordan defeats Tajikistan to reach first Asian Cup semi-final

    DOHA, QATAR - Jordan set up a semi-final against South Korea or Australia after ending Tajikistan's fairytale Asian Cup run with a nervy 1-0 win on Friday. In a cagey quarter-final, a deflected second-half own goal was just about enough to see Jordan reach the last four for the first time....
  • Saudi football chief brands Mancini penalty walkout ‘unacceptable’

    Doha, Qatar - The president of Saudi Arabian football said Roberto Mancini's disappearing act before the end of the penalty shootout in the team's Asian Cup exit was "completely unacceptable". The Italian did not stick around to see South Korea's Hwang Hee-chan eliminate his Saudi side in the last 16 in...
  • Saudi envoy to US deplores Western media criticism of women rights in kingdom

    Washington D.C., US--– Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the US, Reema Bandar Al-Saud, has expressed disappointment with recent media criticism of the kingdom's hosting of the Women's Tennis Association Finals and broader issues concerning women's rights in Saudi Arabia. In response to an opinion piece published by The Washington Post, she...
  • Skipper Battat leads Palestine on and off pitch at Asian Cup

    Doha, Qatar - Musab Al-Battat has led Palestine on the pitch with his all-action performances and off it as the voice of a team who have battled the odds to reach the Asian Cup knockout rounds for the first time. The 30-year-old captain will be the man his team look to...
  • Coach Mancini lays out Saudi’s plan at Asian Cup

    Doha, Qatar - Roberto Mancini said on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia fear no team at the Asian Cup and will not try to duck out of a potential last-16 clash with South Korea. The Saudis have already qualified for the knockout rounds after two wins in Qatar and will top Group...
  • Coach Mancini warns Saudi against taking Kyrgyzstan lightly

    Doha, Qatar - Roberto Mancini warned Saudi Arabia against falling victim to the kind of Asian Cup shock suffered by favorites Japan when his side face Kyrgyzstan on Sunday. Saudi Arabia fought back to beat Oman 2-1 in stoppage time in their opening match in Qatar and can seal their place...
  • Turkish club send Israeli player to Maccabi Tel Aviv after Gaza controversy

    ISTANBUL, TURKEY -  Turkish first division club Basaksekir on Thursday sent Israeli midfielder Eden Karzev on loan to Maccabi Tel Aviv following a probe into his repost of a social media message calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas. The Istanbul side launched disciplinary proceedings against Karzev earlier this week...
  • Saudi Arabia unveils 45,000-seat multi-use stadium in Qiddiya City

    RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - The Board of Directors of the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) announced on Monday the launch of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, an iconic multi-use venue set to further enhance Qiddiya’s philosophy of the Power of Play. Upon opening, it is anticipated to host some of...
  • Palestine lose to Iran at Asian Cup as Japan survive scare

    Loud cries went up for the Palestinian anthem before the game and the team's players put their arms around each other's shoulders. A brief moment's silence was held before kick-off, the quiet punctuated by cries of "free Palestine".
  • Israeli footballer in Turkey arrested over message on Israel-Hamas war: media

    Jehezkel, 28, and capped eight times by the Israeli national team, celebrated scoring a goal against Trabsonspor by gesturing to a message written on a bandage on his left wrist, which read "100 days. 07/10". The message was believed to be a reference to the 100 days of the Israel-Hamas...
  • PIF’s diverse investments transform Saudi economy

    From sports and gaming to pharmaceuticals and aviation, the Saudi Public Investment Fund's strategic initiatives are shaping a dynamic future for the the Kingdom's economy.
  • Palestine’s Asian Cup team seeks to ‘put smile’ on their compatriots

    Doha, Qatar - The Palestinian team hope to reach the knockout stage of the Asian Cup for the first time to "put a smile on the faces of the Palestinian people", one of its players said on Saturday. The tournament in Qatar is taking place against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas...
  • Son set to light up Asian Cup as Qatar takes center stage again

    The 24 teams spanning Australia to Palestine will battle for regional glory over the next four weeks, culminating in the final at the 88,000-capacity Lusail Stadium on February 10.
  • Sharp-shooting Al-Attiyah takes aim at sixth Dakar title

    A 425-strong colorful caravanserai made up of cars, bikes, quads and trucks sets out from Al-Ula on a treacherous 4,900-mile odyssey around the Gulf kingdom with a January 19 finish in Yanbu on the Red Sea. This year's route includes a first ever 48-hour stage in the Empty Quarter, a...
  • Gaza war overshadows football as Asian Cup looms for Palestine

    The Palestinian Football Association had celebrated in June last year when the national team won -- for the third time -- a spot in the Asian cup. But with no end in sight to the Gaza war, the team now feels crushed as they try to prepare for the upcoming...
  • PGA works to extend ‘active and productive’ Saudi merger talks

    An update on the PGA Tour website regarding talks said the memo, which reportedly was obtained by The Golf Channel and ESPN, addressed efforts to extend the deadline into 2024. Monahan said in his memo, according to the Golf Channel, that the PGA Tour will "continue our active and productive...
  • GCC makes pivotal strides in development, diplomacy

    In 2023, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait collectively advanced in technology and sustainable development, achieving global integration.
  • Russia extends ban on entry of trucks from EU, UK, Norway, Ukraine

    MOSCOW, RUSSIA - The Russian government has extended the ban on the entry of trucks from the European Union, the UK, Norway and Ukraine to the country. “The restriction will remain in effect until the circumstances that served as the basis for its introduction are eliminated,” the Cabinet noted on...
  • Qatar Airways and Asian Football Confederation sign partnership deal

    Doha, Qatar--Qatar Airways Group and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have signed a global partnership set to transform the fan experience at Asian football competitions in the coming years. In a statement today, Qatar Airways said that the partnership will run from 2023 to 2029 in time for the AFC...
  • Turkish top-flight suspended after ‘vile, inhumane’ referee attack

    According to local media Halil Umut Meler was the transferred to a hospital due to his injuries. the TFF said that responsible club, the Club President, its managers and all the criminals who attacked Halil Umut Meler will be punished in the most severe way.
  • For a diaspora soccer club in Chile, ‘Palestine exists’

    Santiago, Chile - Thousands of miles from the Middle East, in a stadium in Santiago, Chile, the nation of Palestine exists, if only for the 90 minutes of a soccer match. Chileans and Palestinians created that alternate reality again on Thursday when Club Deportivo Palestino, which traces its origins to Palestinian...
  • As Qatar World Cup glory fades, Arab legacy remains

    Experts say Saudi Arabia's successful bid to host 2034 World Cup might not have been possible if there had not been already a successful world cup in 2022.
  • Messi’s World Cup jerseys up for $10m auction

    If the jerseys sell for above $10m, that could make the sale the most valuable collection of sports memorabilia ever auctioned off, Sotheby's said.
  • Head breaks India hearts as Australia win sixth World Cup title

    Ahmedabad, India -- Opener Travis Head hit a sparkling 137 to power Australia to a record-extending sixth World Cup title with a convincing six-wicket win over India in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Chasing a tricky 241 for victory in the final, Australia slipped to 47-3 before the left-handed Head hit his second...
  • Argentine Marcelo Gallardo to coach Saudi club Al Ittihad

    The Argentine replaces Nuno Espirito Santo who took Al Ittihad to the Saudi title last season. The Portuguese former Tottenham and Wolves manager was fired earlier in November following a run of bad results and amid reports of a difficult relationship with star striker Karim Benzema, who joined the club...
  • Talisca lifts Al Nassr with Ronaldo away

    The Saudi Pro League side, who chose to rest in-form captain Ronaldo, rebounded from Philippe Coutinho’s early opener at the Khalifa International Stadium to keep intact their 100 per cent record in this year’s competition. Nassr now have 12 points from four matches to sit top of Group E. Ronaldo, who...
  • Ex-Tottenham boss Nuno sacked by Saudi club Al Ittihad

    Nuno was under pressure because of their struggles in the Saudi Pro League, and the club brought down the axe following a 2-0 defeat to Air Force Club of Iraq in the Asian Champions League on Monday. The former Porto coach took Al Ittihad to the Saudi title last season,...
  • Indonesia backs Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup bid

    Last week, Indonesian FA president Erick Thohir had said the country was in talks with Australia for a possible joint 2034 World Cup bid, despite the Asian confederation having declared its support for Saudi Arabia's candidacy. But Thohir --  who also serves as a government minister and was formerly the owner...
  • Turkey set to realize long-term goal with bid to host Euro 2032

    Turkey missed out to Germany for Euro 2024, with UEFA's evaluation of the bid highlighting concerns about the country's "lack of an action plan in the area of human rights". After four failed attempts, and having joined forces with Italy, the lack of any rival contenders means Turkey is now...
  • Women’s squad seeks its share of Saudi football boom

    A FIFA+ documentary released last month tracks how the national team has seized on new freedoms, contrasting the hostility its members once received for pursuing a "masculine" sport with today's new era of deep-pocketed government support. A press release for the film also highlights fans of the team outside Saudi...
  • Chinese President Xi Jinping declares biggest-ever Asian Games open

    Chinese President Xi Jinping opened the 19th Asian Games in a colourful ceremony in Hangzhou, launching a two-week sporting extravaganza that boasts more athletes than the Olympics. After being delayed by a year because of China's now-abandoned zero-Covid policy, over 12,000 competitors from 45 nations and territories will battle it...
  • Afghan wushu fighters defy money woes to pursue Asian Games glory

    Afghanistan will compete in 15 sports in Hangzhou, the country's first Asian Games since the Taliban seized power in 2021. The Games, the biggest in history and boasting more competitors than the Olympics, open on Saturday after a delay of a year because of China's zero-Covid policy, since abandoned.
  • Sports shift economic goalposts for Middle East

    In a bid to diversify their economies, Middle Eastern nations are turning to the sports industry, marked by significant investments in global tournaments and infrastructure.
  • Ronaldo helps Al Nassr to historic Asia Cup win in Iran

    Ronaldo played a key role in Nassr's opener just after the hour, the Portuguese instigating the move that led to Abdulrahman Ghareeb’s blocked shot cannoning off Persepolis full-back Esmaeilifar and nestling in the net. Ten minutes later, Nassr left-back Mohammed Qassem broke down the left and thumped his shot high past Beiranvand...
  • Neymar and Al Hilal suffer scare in Asian Champions League

    Runners-up in last year’s Champions League, Hilal were fortunate not to lose their Group B opener having gone behind on 52 minutes at King Fahd International Stadium to Toma Tabatadze’s expert finish. Navbahor, the 2022 Uzbekistan Super League runners-up, were competing in the Champions League for the first time. However, Hilal defender Ali Al...
  • Abu Dhabi council review budget, sports development

    Abu Dhabi, UAE - Abu Dhabi Sports Council discussed business developments and plans for developing the sports sector here, local media reports said. This also includes the continuation of supportive initiatives and programs to enhance the success of the sports system at the local and global levels. Mohammed Thani Al...
  • Turkish clubs financially hit attracting big names in transfer market

    Eyes have been on Saudi clubs' transfer outlays which have rivaled those of the top European sides, but Turkish teams have been signing big names under the radar.
  • Saudi clubs spent $875.4m on new players from June 1- Sept 1, says FIFA

    Spending by Saudi Arabian football clubs in the transfer window just closed was second only to that by teams in the English Premier League, said separate reports by FIFA and Deloitte. The sport's world governing body said Saudi Pro League teams had spent $875.4 million on new players from June...
  • WTA Finals to be held in Mexico, says sports body

    NEW YORK, US -  Cancun will host the WTA Finals October 29-November 5, the WTA announced on Thursday. The Mexican resort would stage the season ending tournament after reports that Saudi Arabia was front-runner to land the event. The WTA said in a statement that officials "weighed a number of competitive...
  • Tunisian tennis star Ons Jabeur enters last 16 at US Open

    Jabeur, who will now face China's Zheng Qinwen in the last 16 on Monday, said her punishing training regimen in Tunisia had helped prepare her for the demands of the tournament. "It was super hot in Tunisia, super humid," Jabeur said. "Honestly, I was fighting to just finish the practice....
  • Liverpool turns down Al-Ittihad $190m offer for Mohamed Salah

    LONDON, UK - Liverpool have rejected a blockbuster £150 million ($190 million) offer for Mohamed Salah from Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad, according to reports on Friday Egypt star Salah has been linked with a move to the Gulf State for several weeks and it is believed a verbal offer was made...