What has gone wrong for Saudi-backed Newcastle?
Despite qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years, Newcastle still had to tread a fine...
Ronaldo’s Al Nassr dumped out of Asian Champions League quarters
Beaten 1-0 in the first leg in the United Arab Emirates, Ronaldo took the quarter-final to penalties when he held...
Arts & Culture
Sports key pillar as UAE emerges as soft power center
Everyone in the sports delegations taking part in the future forums now has a greater obligation to spare no effort...
- UAE has evolved into a strategic and powerful center for soft power, says Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai
- Sports play a pivotal role as one of the most significant pillars of this soft power, adds Sheikh Ahmed, who is also President of the UAE National Olympic Committee
Economy
Sharjah Football Company signs Tunisian star Mohamed Firas Belarbi
Sharjah, UAE--Sharjah Football Company has signed Mohamed Firas Belarbi, the Tunisian international defender, from the Ajman Club for an undisclosed...
- Belarbi considered to be one of the most effective attacking midfielders in the UAE championships over the past two years took part in all 26 league matches, scoring 12 goals
- Sharjah Football Company, founded in 2007, is a joint venture between Sharjah Sports Club and the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority
Arts & Culture
Saudi Arabia to host 2023 FIFA Club World Cup
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA- The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) announced on Monday...
- This follows an official visit made by a FIFA delegation to Jeddah last week to inspect the ongoing preparations to host the World Cup.
- FIFA experts inspected the infrastructure and stadiums nominated to host the WC, including King Abdullah Sports City and Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium.
Arts & Culture
Saudi Arabian Football Federation launches funding program for women clubs
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) announced unprecedented funding and support for women’s football clubs. This...
- SAFF will provide financial help to Saudi Premier League and Women's First Division clubs and will allocate US$13 million for the purpose.
- Only those clubs which have a SAFF membership and Nafes license to participate in women’s tournaments will be eligible for the funding.
Business
Saudi Al Hilal signs Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Saudi Al Hilal club announced on Sunday the signing of Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly to join...
- Koulibaly scored two goals in 32 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea after joining them from Napoli last July.
- He is the second player moving to Al Hilal from the English Premier League after Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves signed from Wolves
Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal signs Wolves captain Neves for reported $60m
Neves, who arrived at Wolves from Porto, had one year on his contract left at Molineux. He joins in the...
- "From the 'Wolves' to the biggest team in Asia," Al-Hilal announced on social media after the player signed a three-season deal in Paris
- Neves leaves Wolves after six seasons for "a club record fee", the Premier League side announced, reported to be around 55 million euros
French football star Kante joins Saudi champions
A dynamic and industrious midfielder Kante, won the World Cup with France in 2018, said said he was "very excited...
- The 32-year-old becomes the latest in a line of European stars choosing to ply their trade in the desert kingdom, which is making big-money moves across elite sport
- Kante's contract with the London club was set to expire this month and he has signed a three-year deal with Al Ittihad, the Jeddah-based team said in a statement
Business
Drink with Messi for $42,000: Chinese police warn over scams
Beijing, China -- Dinner, drinks and a selfie with Lionel Messi sounds like every football fan's dream, but Chinese police have...
- The Argentine legend's presence in China for a friendly against Australia in the capital on Thursday has drawn scammers and ticket-scalpers desperate to c on Messi mania.
- For 50 million yuan, Messi will appear on your shopping livestream to extol the virtues of your product, another unauthorized advertisement claims.
After missing out on Messi, Saudis give Benzema gala welcome
Fireworks and flame-throwers greeted Benzema, wearing their black and yellow kit with the number nine, at Al-Ittihad's 60,000-seater stadium in...
- Karim Benzema joins Portugal idol Cristiano Ronaldo as the latest superstar to join the Saudi Pro League, which has a hit-list of high-profile targets
- Banners welcoming Benzema adorned the city, and according to press reports, 60,000 tickets at the symbolic price of nine riyals ($2.50) sold out within five hours
Business
Argentina football star Messi joining MLS side Inter Miami after PSG exit
The romance of a Barcelona return and prospect of eye-watering riches in Saudi Arabia fell by the wayside as Messi...
- MLS and Inter Miami confirmed Messi's announcement on social media, although the American league noted "work remains to finalise a formal agreement"
- In their first game since Messi's announcement on Wednesday, Miami defeated Alabama non-league side Birmingham Legion 1-0 in the US Open Cup to reach the semi-finals
What has gone wrong for Saudi-backed Newcastle?
Despite qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years, Newcastle still had to tread a fine...
Company News
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ADQ signs multi-year sponsorship agreement with Egypt’s Pyramids Football
Abu Dhabi, UAE – ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company, on Thursday announced the signing of a multi-year sponsorship...
Manchester City crowned FIFA Club World Cup winners for first time
Pep Guardiola also made history as the first coach to lift the Club World Cup on four occasions and with...
Man City ease into Club World Cup final but must cope without Haaland
Despite missing their biggest goal threat and creative hub, City were never troubled as an unblemished record for European sides...
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Brazilian Fluminense qualifies for FIFA Club World Cup final after beating Egyptian Al-Ahly
Two goals in the final 20 minutes in Jeddah by Jhon Arias, from the penalty spot, and then John Kennedy...
- Al Ahly were left to rue a number of missed chances as the African champions failed to find a way past 43-year-old Fluminense goalkeeper Fabio
- Al Ahly had dumped out a star-studded Al-Ittihad featuring Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante and Fabinho on their home patch in the previous round
Business
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...
- The airline said that the partnership will run from 2023 to 2029 in time for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, which kicks off next year in January
- Qatar Airways CEO said that the agreements marks a shared commitment to linking up people across borders and promoting competitive sportsmanship.
Economy
Inter Miami to play two ‘friendlies’ in Saudi Arabia next year
Miami, United States--Inter Miami on Monday confirmed details of two upcoming friendlies in Saudi Arabia next year which will include a...
- Inter Miami would take on Saudi powerhouses Al Hilal at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on January 29
- On February 1, they will face Al Nassr, giving Messi the chance to lock horns once again with Ronaldo