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Tag: Saudi Arabia

  • Portugal’s under-15 team calls up Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., father congratulates him

    Portugal’s under-15 team calls up Cristiano Ronaldo Jr., father congratulates him

    Cristiano’s Ronaldo’s eldest son has been called up to the Portugal Under-15s squad for the first time.

    The 14-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo Jr is at Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia with his father, who signed for the Pro League club in December 2022.

    Portugal great Ronaldo, 40, posted a picture on social media of his son’s name on the national team squad list along with the message, “Proud of you, son”.

    Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. has earned a call-up to represent Portugal in an upcoming youth tournament in Croatia, scheduled to take place from May 13 to 18.

    During the competition, Portugal will face off against Japan, Greece, and England.

    Meanwhile, his father, Cristiano Ronaldo Sr., remains an active player for Portugal and holds the all-time men’s international scoring record with 136 goals.

    The five-time Ballon d’Or winner famously led Portugal to their first major trophy at Euro 2016, though an early injury in the final forced him to watch most of the match from the sidelines.

    He later captained the team to another triumph in the 2019 UEFA Nations League.

    Most recently, in March, the 40-year-old forward found the net but also missed a penalty in Portugal’s dramatic victory over Denmark, a win that secured their place in the Nations League semi-finals.

    Ronaldo Sr., a former Manchester United star, is also a father to four other children: seven-year-old twins Eva and Mateo, Alana Martina, also 7, and Bella, who is 3.

    Ronaldo Jr’s career so far
    Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.’s budding football journey has closely followed his father’s illustrious career, with the young forward developing his skills in the youth academies of some of the world’s biggest clubs — including Real Madrid, Juventus, Manchester United, and currently Al-Nassr.

    During his stint with Juventus’ youth setup, reports suggest he once netted an impressive 58 goals in a single season. While at Manchester United, he shared the pitch with Kai Rooney, son of former England captain Wayne Rooney, as their fathers reunited at Old Trafford for a second spell.

    Ronaldo Jr. has also gained online attention for mimicking his father’s trademark ‘Siu’ celebration while playing for Al-Nassr’s youth team, with several clips of his performances going viral.

    Though he has been named in Portugal’s U15 squad for an upcoming tournament, Ronaldo Jr. remains eligible to represent other nations, including the United States, where he was born, and Spain, where he lived during his father’s time at Real Madrid.

  • 2034 World Cup: Alcohol not allowed here -Saudi Arabia ambassador says to fans

    2034 World Cup: Alcohol not allowed here -Saudi Arabia ambassador says to fans

    Fans attending the 2034 FIFA World Cup in Saudi Arabia will not have access to alcohol, according to the country’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud.

    Speaking on Wednesday, the ambassador emphasized that fans must respect Saudi Arabia’s cultural values, confirming that alcohol will not be available for purchase anywhere during the tournament—including hotels.

    Saudi Arabia secured hosting rights for the 2034 World Cup after FIFA member associations were presented with a single voting choice.

    The decision was confirmed through “acclamation,” a process where nations collectively approve by expressing their support, rather than through a formal vote.

    “At the moment, we don’t allow alcohol,” the ambassador told LBC.

    “Plenty of fun can be had without alcohol — it’s not 100% necessary and if you want to drink after you leave you’re welcome to, but at the moment we don’t have alcohol.”

    “Rather like our weather, it’s a dry country,” he continued.

    The availability of alcohol was a talking point in the lead up to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, another country that has its laws and customs shaped by Muslim values.

    The decision to allow the sale of alcohol in stadiums in Qatar was reversed two days before the tournament’s opening game after last-minute showdown talks.

    In the end, supporters were able to purchase alcoholic drinks in hotels and designated fan parks.

    Asked if a lack of alcohol was welcoming for fans travelling to Saudi Arabia, the ambassador said: “Everyone has their own culture. We’re happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture but we don’t want to change our culture for someone else.”

    “I mean, really? You can’t live without a drink?” the ambassador joked.

    Human rights groups have raised concerns over the prospect of a World Cup in Saudi Arabia, with Amnesty saying before the Middle Eastern country was awarded hosting rights that “migrant workers will face exploitation, and many will die.”

    A major cause for concern has been whether LGBTQIA+ people will be discriminated against in the country, where people can be sentenced to death if it is proved that they have engaged in same-sex sexual acts.

    Questioned over whether gay fans would be able to safely attend the world’s most-watched sporting event, the ambassador said: “We will welcome everyone in Saudi.”

    He continued: “It is not a Saudi event, it is a world event. And to a large extent, we will welcome everyone who wants to come.”

  • Neymar and Al Hilal part ways as move to Santos looms

    Neymar and Al Hilal part ways as move to Santos looms

    Al Hilal announced on Monday that they had reached a mutual agreement with Neymar to terminate his contract, paving the way for his return to his former club, Santos, in Brazil.

    The Saudi Pro League club shared the news on social media, wishing Neymar success in his next chapter. According to ESPN, the Brazilian star is expected to sign a six-month deal with Santos, with an option to extend for another year.

    Reports suggest the announcement and unveiling could take place later this week, either Thursday or Friday.

    To make his move back to Santos possible, Neymar has agreed to forgo a large part of his remaining salary with Al Hilal. He is reportedly giving up between $25 million and $30 million of the $65 million he was due under his contract, which was originally set to run until next summer.

    Neymar, now 32, had a challenging stint at Al Hilal. After his $97.6 million transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2023, his time in Saudi Arabia was marred by injuries.

    Shortly after joining, he tore his ACL while playing for Brazil, and though he returned in October, a hamstring injury further limited his contributions. Earlier this month, Al Hilal’s manager, Jorge Jesus, confirmed that Neymar was free to explore other options.

    With his move to Santos, Neymar is set to return to the club where he began his career, ready to restart in a familiar environment.

    Neymar played seven matches for Al Hilal, scoring once in an AFC Champions League game. Despite struggles in Saudi Arabia, he remains a football icon, known for his success at Barcelona (2013-2017) with Messi and Suárez, winning multiple trophies, including a Champions League.

    At PSG, he added five Ligue 1 titles and other domestic honors.

    He began his career at Santos in 2009, helping them win the 2011 Copa Libertadores and recently earning promotion to Brazil’s top league in 2024. Internationally, Neymar is Brazil’s all-time top scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances and won Olympic gold in 2016.

  • Saudi Arabia confirmed as 2034 World Cup hosts – FIFA confirms

    Saudi Arabia confirmed as 2034 World Cup hosts – FIFA confirms

    FIFA has announced that Saudi Arabia will host the 2034 World Cup. This decision, made on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, means the tournament will return to the Gulf region after Qatar hosted it in 2022.

    For the 2030 World Cup, FIFA has chosen Morocco, Spain, and Portugal as hosts, with some matches also being played in South America.

    The decision on hosting rights was reached unanimously by football nations during a virtual FIFA Congress, without a formal voting process.

    FIFA explained that it was following its policy of rotating the World Cup between continents.

    For the 2034 tournament, only countries from Asia or Oceania were allowed to bid since the 2026 event, the first to include 48 teams, will take place in North America.

    Saudi Arabia was the only country to submit a bid for 2034, securing its place as the host. It will be the first time a single nation hosts a 48-team World Cup under the new format.

    For 2030, FIFA confirmed earlier that Morocco, Spain, and Portugal were the sole bidders after other countries withdrew.

  • Fahad Al-Muwallad falls from balcony at apartment in Dubai, in ICU

    Fahad Al-Muwallad falls from balcony at apartment in Dubai, in ICU

    Saudi Arabia international Fahad Al-Muwallad is in intensive care following a fall from the balcony of his apartment in Dubai.

    The incident occurred on Thursday at the 30-year-old’s residence, which is reportedly owned by the footballer.

    Al-Muwallad’s club, Al-Shabab, confirmed that the player fell from the balcony of his second-floor home. “Investigations are ongoing, and the competent authorities will be informed of the results of these investigations once they are completed,” said a statement from local police.

    The 78-cap Saudi national team player has been a prominent figure in football. After beginning his career with Al-Ittihad, Al-Muwallad transferred to Al-Shabab in 2022, where he currently plays alongside notable teammates such as former Wolves forward Daniel Podence and Belgium’s Yannick Carrasco.

    In addition to his club career, Al-Muwallad had a brief stint with Levante on loan in 2018, making two appearances for the Spanish side. He also represented Saudi Arabia in two World Cup matches during the same year.

  • Ângelo Gabriel departs for Saudi Arabia just a year after his Chelsea move

    Ângelo Gabriel departs for Saudi Arabia just a year after his Chelsea move

    The unexpected career trajectory of Brazilian teenager Ângelo Gabriel took another turn as he finalised a $25 million transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr on Tuesday, just a year after joining Chelsea from Santos.

    Despite signing with Chelsea for $17 million, Gabriel never played for the English club, instead spending the past year on loan at Strasbourg, one of the clubs owned by Chelsea’s American investors.

    The 19-year-old was part of Chelsea’s preseason squad during their U.S. tour but has now permanently moved to Al Nassr, where he will team up with Cristiano Ronaldo.

    This transfer, announced a day after the Saudi transfer window closed, will assist Chelsea in complying with financial regulations in the Premier League and UEFA competitions.

    Another Brazilian teenager, Deivid Washington, also joined Chelsea from Santos last year around the same time as Gabriel.

    Although Washington was close to a permanent move to Strasbourg, sources informed ESPN that Chelsea called off the transfer due to concerns about its compliance with competition rules.

    “We wish Angelo the very best as he begins the next chapter in his career and thank him for his efforts during his time with Chelsea,” the Premier League club said in a statement.

    Gabriel became the youngest player in the history of Brazil’s national championship at the time when he made his senior debut for Santos at 15 years, 308 days.

  • Osimhen set for Saudi’s Al-Ahli move in a €80m deal

    Osimhen set for Saudi’s Al-Ahli move in a €80m deal

    Transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano has released the latest update on Victor Osimhen’s move as the clock ticks on the last day of the transfer window.

    According to the transfer guru, Napoli and the Saudi Pro League side, Al-Ahli, have already reached an agreement in a deal believed to be around the region of €75 to 80 million.

    Romano added that Al-Ahli has already booked a medical for the 25-year-old wantaway Napoli striker.

    In his latest update on the Super Eagles striker, Romano wrote, “Napoli reach total agreement with Al Ahli for Victor Osimhen!

    “Club to club deal done for €75m/80m total package, Al Ahli have already booked a medical. Four-year contract worth €25/30m per season net to Osimhen + RELEASE clause.

    Romano added that Osimhen has the final say on the decision on his future.

    “Final green light up to Victor,” he concluded.

    Transfer market specialist Fabrizio Romano has provided a new update on Victor Osimhen’s transfer situation as the final day of the transfer window approaches.

    Romano reports that Napoli and Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli have agreed on a transfer deal valued between €75 million and €80 million.

    Additionally, Al-Ahli has scheduled a medical examination for the 25-year-old Napoli striker, signaling the imminent completion of the transfer.

  • World Cup 2034: Saudis intend to build 350 metres above ground stadium, 10 others

    World Cup 2034: Saudis intend to build 350 metres above ground stadium, 10 others

    Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup includes ambitious plans to construct 11 new stadiums, one of which will be built 350 meters above ground level.

    Despite being the sole contender for the 2034 World Cup hosting rights, Saudi Arabia officially submitted its bid to FIFA by presenting its bid book in Paris on Wednesday, meeting the deadline set last October.

    Among the striking elements of the bid is a proposal to build a stadium in Neom, a futuristic city yet to be completed.

    Although Neom is expected to be fully operational by 2039, the Saudi bid highlights that the 45,000-seat stadium will be one of the “most distinctive and iconic stadiums in the world,” set into a cliff within The Line, a linear smart city elevated above the ground.

    The stadium will only be accessible to driverless vehicles and high-speed lifts.

    “The stadium will be situated within THE LINE — more than 350 meters above ground,” the Saudi bid book said.

    “It will provide an unprecedented and exceptional experience for fans scheduled to attend tournament matches.

    “Additionally, the stadium will be run entirely on renewable energy, generated primarily from wind and solar sources, marking a historic shift in stadium design, globally.”

    The 2034 World Cup will feature 48 teams competing across five cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Al Khobar, Abha, and Neom. In the capital, Riyadh, eight stadiums are planned, including the proposed 92,000-capacity King Salman Stadium, which will host both the opening game and the World Cup Final.

    “Together, we are working towards materializing Saudi Arabia’s dream of hosting the FIFA World Cup into a tangible reality — as outlined within our official bid book,” Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Sport, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal Al Saud, said.

    “These plans will combine our rich football heritage with our deep passion for the game and will ensure Saudi Arabia’s success as the first nation to host a 48-team tournament in one country.”

    FIFA is expected to announce the host nation for the 2034 World Cup in late 2024. The 2026 tournament will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

    For the 2030 World Cup, a joint bid from Spain, Portugal, and Morocco is the sole contender for the hosting rights.

  • Baffour Gyan’s advice to Kudus concerning Saudi links

    Baffour Gyan’s advice to Kudus concerning Saudi links

    Retired Ghanaian footballer Baffour Gyan has suggested that Mohammed Kudus seek advice from his inner circle concerning the reported lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal.

    In an interview with the media , Baffour Gyan encouraged the West Ham star to discuss the offer with his family before making a decision.

    Gyan emphasized that although Kudus is a widely celebrated football star in Ghana, his choices significantly impact his family, making it essential for him to include them in such important decisions.

    “He is a Ghanaian, and we all love him, but there are some decisions that you take with your family, and this is one of them. It’s a decision he has to make with his family,” he said.

    Baffour Gyan revealed that he was instrumental in persuading his brother, Asamoah Gyan, to accept an offer from the Chinese club Shanghai SPG.

    After a successful spell in the UAE, Asamoah Gyan signed a two-year contract in 2015, earning £225,000 per week.

    Baffour Gyan acknowledged being one of the people who urged Gyan to accept the deal, stating on Wontumi FM, “I was part of those who pushed him to China.”

    Asamoah Gyan admitted it was a difficult move but, after consulting with his family, was convinced it was the right step.

    “It was a difficult decision for me, but I spoke to everyone around me, and we decided it was the best move for me. Luckily, it turned out well for me, and we have managed to establish companies that are employing Ghanaians,” he said.

    According to ESPN, Al-Ittihad is interested in signing the Ghanaian player for $150 million.

    The Saudi Pro League team is also offering a weekly salary of $300,000. Additional benefits for the 23-year-old include business class travel for his family, free accommodation, and cars.

  • Two Ghanaian hajj pilgrims lose lives in Saudi Arabia

    Two Ghanaian hajj pilgrims lose lives in Saudi Arabia

    Two Ghanaian pilgrims on this year’s Hajj pilgrimage have tragically died due to health complications in Saudi Arabia.

    Both pilgrims were from Damongo in the Savannah region, with one passing away on Sunday, June 9, and the other on Wednesday, June 12.

    Channel One News reported these sad events as over 4,000 Ghanaian pilgrims participate in the annual Hajj pilgrimage.

    Chairman of the Hajj Board, Ben Abdallah Banda, confirmed the deaths and stated that the deceased were buried according to Islamic rites.

    In contrast, the pilgrimage also saw a moment of joy. A Ghanaian woman among the pilgrims gave birth to a healthy baby in Mecca on Wednesday.

    “So far, so good, except for the unfortunate loss of two pilgrims. One of our pilgrims has also given birth to a healthy baby,” the chairman noted.

  • Gerard Piqué faces investigation regarding Saudi Super Cup agreement

    Gerard Piqué faces investigation regarding Saudi Super Cup agreement

    Former Barcelona player Gerard Piqué is now officially under investigation by a Spanish judge for his suspected involvement in illegal payments related to the relocation of Spain’s Super Cup to Saudi Arabia.

    Judge Delia Rodrigo has determined that there are grounds to suspect wrongdoing in the agreement between Piqué’s company Kosmos and the Spanish football federation (RFEF), as outlined in court documents.

    The agreement, signed in 2019, involved former RFEF president Luis Rubiales, the Saudi government-owned Sela Sport Company, and Piqué. It allegedly stipulated that Piqué’s company would receive a €40 million “success bonus” annually for hosting the games in Saudi Arabia.

    “The facts under investigation in the present proceedings originate from possible illegalities with criminal implications in contracting or agreements,” Rodrigo wrote.


    The court has been investigating since June 2022 whether Rubiales committed a crime of improper management when the RFEF agreed with Piqué’s Kosmos firm to move the tournament.

    In March, police searched the RFEF’s headquarters and an apartment belonging to Rubiales and arrested seven people in a corruption probe over the multimillion-euro deal.

    Rubiales, who has denied any wrongdoing, was told he was a suspect in the probe by police in April after returning from spending two months in the Dominican Republic on what he described as a business trip.

    Piqué, who played for Barcelona in Super Cup matches in Saudi Arabia, was originally awarded an annual payment of $4 million ($4.33 million) over six years. This was later extended by four years.

    Pedro Rocha, who at the time was head of the RFEF’s economic department, failed to call a meeting of the economic commission as he should have done to analyse the four-year extension of the deal.

    Rocha was elected president of the RFEF last month despite being put under investigation after testifying as a witness in court and saying he had no knowledge of or responsibility for any of the alleged crimes being investigated in the case.

  • First group of 427 pilgrims depart Tamale Airport for Hajj 2024

    First group of 427 pilgrims depart Tamale Airport for Hajj 2024

    The initial group of 427 pilgrims bound for this year’s Hajj has been flown from Tamale International Airport to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

    This contingent is part of approximately 4,000 individuals slated for airlifting to Mecca for the pilgrimage.

    As one of the five pillars of Islam, Muslims are obliged to undertake a pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime.

    Every year, millions of Muslims from across the globe journey to Mecca to perform Hajj, with this year’s pilgrimage costing approximately GHC 75,000 per passenger.

    The first of nine scheduled flights for this year’s Hajj departed from Tamale International Airport in the Northern Region on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, with the final of four flights departing from Tamale set to leave on Friday.

    Addressing the pilgrims, the Chairman of the Hajj Board, Ben Abdallah Banda, urged them to be vigilant against individuals attempting to embark on the journey without following the proper legal procedures but seeking accommodation nonetheless.

    “We know a lot of people didn’t do business with the Ghana Hajj board, they went on their own, they didn’t take visas from the board and some of them as were airlifted to Saudi Arabia, they’ll come and plead with us to give them accommodation where we sleep.”

    “I want to plead with you that it is illegal to help this people. Let’s try to be good ambassadors and whatever you may need in Mina or Mecca, the team from the Hajj Board will be there to help you “

    “Your accommodation is ready and you’re going to be given two square meals a day”.

  • King Salman of Saudi Arabia receives treatment for lung inflammation

    King Salman of Saudi Arabia receives treatment for lung inflammation

    King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia is sick with a lung problem and is getting medical care. Because of this, the Crown Prince has put off his planned visit to Japan.

    King Salman, who is 88 years old, has been diagnosed with an inflammation after having medical tests. He is getting treated with antibiotics in Jeddah, as reported by SPA on Sunday.

    His son Mohammed bin Salman, who is the Crown Prince and the actual leader of Saudi Arabia, canceled his trip to Tokyo because of his father’s condition.

    The Japanese Foreign Ministry said they will try to plan the trip for another time.

    On Sunday, Prince bin Salman met with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan in the eastern city of Dhahran, as reported by SPA.

    At the meeting, they talked about what’s happening in nearby areas, like the fighting in Gaza. They also talked about how to make peace and find a solution where there are two separate states.

    In 2020, King Salman had an operation to take out his gallbladder. He became the King of Saudi Arabia after King Abdullah died in 2015.

    In 2017, he took away Mohammed bin Nayef’s job as crown prince and put his son in his place.

  • Girona awaits approval to participate in the UEFA Champions League due to Man City

    Girona awaits approval to participate in the UEFA Champions League due to Man City

    Girona’s qualification for next season’s Champions League, a historic first in the club’s 94-year existence, faces a hurdle as their partner club, Manchester City, has also secured a spot in the competition, sources disclosed to ESPN.

    Girona secured their Champions League berth with a 4-2 victory over Barcelona, securing second place in LaLiga and guaranteeing a top-four finish this season.

    Being part of the City Football Group (CFG), with CFG owning 47% of Girona and another 35% owned by Marcelo Claure, president of Club Bolivar, presents a potential conflict with UEFA’s multi-club ownership rule outlined in Article 5 of the club competitions regulations.

    Pere Guardiola, brother of City manager Pep Guardiola, serves as the chairman of Girona.

    According to UEFA regulations, if two clubs from the same ownership group qualify for the same competition, the spot goes to the team finishing higher in their domestic league.

    If they finish equally, the team with the higher club coefficient (in this case, City) earns qualification.

    As City is poised to secure the Premier League runner-up spot with just two points needed, they will claim the CFG’s Champions League spot ahead of Girona.

    While it’s improbable for Girona to be relegated to the Europa League to avoid clashing with City, the Spanish club must assert its independence from Manchester City at a UEFA Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) hearing this summer to receive clearance for Champions League participation.

    Similar situations have arisen before, with RB Leipzig and FC Salzburg, both under the Red Bull Group, being cleared to participate in the Champions League together. UEFA has previously accepted clubs with shared ownership into its competitions, as seen with Aston Villa and Vitoria, Brighton and Union Saint-Gilloise, and AC Milan and Toulouse.

    In a related development, Manchester United and Nice, both owned or partially controlled by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS Group, will also undergo a CFCB hearing if they qualify for European competition. While Nice holds a Europa League spot in Ligue 1, United could still qualify for Europe through the league or by winning the FA Cup Final against Manchester City on May 25th.

  • Saudi interest in Partey heighten as he nears potential Arsenal exit – Reports

    Saudi interest in Partey heighten as he nears potential Arsenal exit – Reports

    Saudi Arabian clubs are once again eyeing Thomas Partey, the talented midfielder of Ghana’s Black Stars, along with his Arsenal teammate Gabriel Jesus, reports Football Insider.

    Last summer, Saudi Pro League clubs showed keen interest in Partey, who opted to stay focused on Arsenal at the time.

    Among the clubs expressing interest were Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Khaleej. Despite the attention, Partey remained committed to Arsenal. However, with his future at the London club uncertain, Saudi clubs are back in the picture.

    Barcelona is also keeping a close watch on Partey as they seek to bolster their midfield in the upcoming summer transfer window.

    Although they had him on their radar in January 2024, concrete interest from the Catalan side didn’t materialize then.

    Now, a report from Catalan journalist Adrian Sanchez indicates that Partey is back on Barcelona’s shortlist for a potential summer move. Arsenal seems willing to entertain offers for the former Atletico Madrid player, reportedly setting the price tag between £20 to £25 million.

    Should Partey depart, Arsenal has reportedly earmarked Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz as his replacement. Partey, who joined Arsenal in 2020 on a five-year deal, now has just one year remaining on his contract.

    .

  • Ethiopian authorities repatriates 70,000 stranded migrants from Saudi Arabia

    Ethiopian authorities repatriates 70,000 stranded migrants from Saudi Arabia

    On Friday, Ethiopian authorities initiated the repatriation of stranded migrants from the oil-rich kingdom of Saudi Arabia, facilitating the return of 842 individuals through flights.

    The objective of the third phase of this program is to repatriate 70,000 people within four months, achieved through the operation of 12 flights per week.

    According to the government, the migrants faced dire circumstances, with many being undocumented and enduring incarceration in prisons and detention centers within Saudi Arabia.

    However, there remains a significant risk of these individuals returning to Saudi Arabia, given the annual migration of thousands seeking improved living conditions.

    Earlier this week, Ethiopian officials reported the tragic loss of 38 migrants, including children, in a shipwreck off the coast of Djibouti, prompting speculation that they may have been en route to Saudi Arabia.

    Reports suggest that Saudi Arabia hosts approximately 750,000 Ethiopian migrants, with more than half believed to have entered the country unlawfully.

  • WTA Finals for women’s tennis to take place in Saudi Arabia for three years

    WTA Finals for women’s tennis to take place in Saudi Arabia for three years

    Saudi Arabia will hold the WTA Finals for the next three years. The prize money for this year’s championship has increased to a record $15. 25 million, which is 70% more than last year.

    From 2024 to 2026, a tennis tournament for the best eight singles players and the best eight doubles teams will take place in Riyadh. The kingdom has been investing a lot in tennis and other sports, even though some people have concerns about LGBTQ+ and women’s rights there. Hall of Famers Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova and others have raised these concerns.

    “We know that people have strong opinions about Saudi’s investment in sports, and we are aware of this as we move forward,” said WTA Tour Chairman and CEO Steve Simon in an interview with The Associated Press. “We talked to Chris and Martina, and we heard what they were worried about. We also told our stakeholders about their concerns without being biased. ” We have also talked about the issues about women’s rights and LGBTQ+ rights in Saudi Arabia. We are working to make women’s tennis better for everyone who plays and supports the game. The truth is. We are a world-wide tour company, doing business all over the world. We now have players from more than 90 countries. We have more than 90 events. Please simplify this text. We work with a lot of countries that have different cultures and beliefs.

    Simon said that we are not trying to convince anyone to have concerns about Saudi Arabia. The players can choose for themselves, and we think that everyone who is able will want to play.

    Possible new places in Europe, North America, and Asia were being looked at for the WTA Finals. The tournament has been in five different cities in the past five years. This is because an agreement to have the tournament in Shenzhen, China until 2030 was changed due to the coronavirus pandemic and worries about the safety of retired Grand Slam doubles champion Peng Shuai, who accused a Chinese government official of rape.

    The cities for the 2022 (Fort Worth, Texas) and 2023 (Cancun, Mexico) tournaments were not announced until September each year. The tournament that took place last November was heavily criticized by players. Iga Swiatek, who has won four big tennis tournaments, beat Jessica Pegula in the final match last year. Coco Gauff, who won the US Open, and Aryna Sabalenka, who won the Australian Open, also played in the tournament.

    Simon mentioned that Riyadh was chosen by the WTA in late December, but they have just finished finalizing the agreement details.

    Simon said that this partnership will help us learn more about a market and a region that is becoming more and more important in the sports industry. “We think there will be more events happening there in the future. ” In the end, we think that the WTA should be involved in this progress, instead of being left out.

    Saudi Arabia’s Private Investment Fund (PIF) created the LIV Golf tour and invested in soccer. The kingdom’s involvement in tennis has also been increasing. The ATP Tour moved its tournament for young players to Jedda in November. The PIF is the main sponsor for the men’s rankings. Rafael Nadal is now working with the Saudi Tennis Federation. He will play in an event in Riyadh in October with Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner. People have been talking about having a really important tennis tournament in Saudi Arabia. This would be part of a bigger plan to make changes with the WTA, ATP, and the country.

    Women still experience unfair treatment in their families, and being homosexual is not accepted in many parts of the Middle East.

    Recently, Saudi Arabia has made many big changes to its society. Women can now drive and they have more control over their own lives, instead of being controlled by male relatives. Men and women still have to dress nicely, but the rules are not as strict as they used to be, and the religious police are not as powerful as before. However, gay relationships are still against the law and can be punished by death or beating, even though not many people are prosecuted for it.

    Evert and Navratilova wrote in The Washington Post that they think the WTA should not hold its Finals in Saudi Arabia because it would be a step backwards, and they questioned if it would just be a way for players to make money without considering the human rights issues in the country.

    In reply, the Saudi Arabia ambassador to the United States, Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud, said the two former athletes used old-fashioned ideas and focused only on Western views of our culture. She also said they ignored the women they had inspired, which is very disappointing.

    The ambassador and the head of the Saudi Tennis Federation talked to female WTA athletes in a video call about the changes happening and what still needs to be done in the region.

    The WTA announced that the prize money for the Finals will help them keep their promise to increase pay and make it more equal to what men make in tennis. Nov has 15. 25 million US dollars to give. In 2024, the amount for the event will increase in 2025 and 2026. It is higher than last year’s $9 million and more than the highest amount of $14 million at the Shenzhen event in 2019.

  • Saudi Arabia unveils bid logo, slogan, and film as part of campaign to host FIFA World Cup 2034

    Saudi Arabia unveils bid logo, slogan, and film as part of campaign to host FIFA World Cup 2034

    Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) has officially launched its campaign to host the FIFA World Cup 2034.

    Following the declaration of its bid intention in October 2023, SAFF has unveiled its bid logo, website, and a short film celebrating football in Saudi Arabia, all under the slogan “Growing. Together.”

    This represents Saudi Arabia’s inaugural bid to host the esteemed global tournament.

    Yasser Al Misehal expressed the significance of sharing their football narrative with the world, stating, “Telling our football story to the world is of massive importance.

    And we believe ‘Growing. Together.’ is the perfect, yet simple description of our approach to hopefully hosting the tournament in 10 years’ time.”

    “Bidding to host a FIFA World Cup is only made possible by the rapid transformation the country is enjoying. We’ve made unprecedented progress in both the men’s and women’s game and our bid is an open invitation to the world to join us on this exciting journey. As we proved when we welcomed over 100 nationalities to the FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023 in Jeddah, the future is bright when we grow together.”

    Hammad Albalawi said: “This campaign is powered by the hopes and dreams of 32 million people in Saudi Arabia. Our responsibility is to submit the best possible bid to FIFA, make our country proud, and fulfil the trust placed upon us by more than 130 member associations across the world that supported our bid.

    Under Vision 2030 and the unconditional support of our country’s leadership, sport is helping unlock the passion and potential of our people, and as our campaign slogan says, Saudi Arabia’s bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034 is all about being part of a global football family, with fans, players and federations all growing together.”

    The Growing. Together. slogan seeks to capture both the rapid rise of Saudi Arabia and the positive impact hosting the tournament would have on international football and the FIFA World Cup itself.

    The three pillars underpinning the bid are: Growing People. Together. – Growing Football. Together. – Growing Connections. Together. Saudi Arabia has hosted over 100 international events across almost 40 sports over the past six years and the campaign slogan aims to capture the spirit of that bond to help build a better future.

    The logo aims to encapsulate the essence of Saudi Arabia’s youthful nation, vibrant society, and rich heritage. Comprising intertwined rows of multi-colored ribbons, it showcases iconic football and cultural symbols, forming the number ”34’—symbolizing the year Saudi Arabia aspires to host the FIFA World Cup.

    The five distinct colours represent the nation’s diversity: Desert Amber symbolises warmth and generosity; Oasis Green reflects valleys and mountains; Radiance Red draws inspiration from the Red Sea coral reefs; Rich Lavender celebrates blooming wildflowers; and Sunrise Yellow signifies a promising new era for the country.

    Saudi Arabia aims to make history by hosting the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup in a single country, welcoming teams from six confederations.

    To follow the journey of the bid campaign, visit Saudi2034bid.com. Fans can support and celebrate the launch of the bid campaign by using the hashtags #Saudi2034bid and #GrowingTogether

  • Man Utd’s Ten Hag admits club “has fallen down in standards”

    Man Utd’s Ten Hag admits club “has fallen down in standards”

    Erik ten Hag is of the belief that Sir Jim Ratcliffe has the potential to expedite Manchester United’s resurgence by revitalising the club culture, which has experienced a decline recently.

    The Dutchman, whose future at Old Trafford remains uncertain, has remarked that within the two months since the Glazers greenlit INEOS’s involvement, he has already observed a shift in the club’s direction.

    Ratcliffe has taken proactive steps by appointing Manchester City’s Omar Berrada as the next CEO of United, and discussions are scheduled regarding the potential appointment of Dan Ashworth as the sporting director.

    Speaking to the media, Ten Hag said [via The Daily Mail]: “The club has fallen down in standards, but now we are back. I have already seen some examples of how (INEOS) can support us in really setting (sic) the right standard.

    We know when performances are not right; we have to look in the mirror, tell each other the truth and get things right. There are always many fans away and home standing behind us, but it starts with us; we have to put energy into the stands and then it comes back.”

    Since Ten Hag assumed the managerial role in 2022, Manchester United’s fortunes have seen a significant upturn.

    The Dutch coach put an end to the team’s six-year trophy drought by securing the Carabao Cup and successfully guiding them back into the Champions League.

    However, United’s second season under his leadership hasn’t been as remarkable. The team was eliminated from Europe before Christmas and currently sits in sixth place in the Premier League standings.

    Despite on-field struggles, off the pitch, fans are filled with optimism, largely due to the minority control of the club by the INEOS group. There’s a renewed belief that United will once again challenge for league and European titles.

    Manchester United will return to Premier League action when they face city rivals and defending champions Manchester City on Sunday, March 3. A victory could propel Ten Hag’s side above Tottenham into fifth place in the standings.

  • Zelenskyy arrives in Saudi Arabia to seek peace and POW swap with Russia

    Zelenskyy arrives in Saudi Arabia to seek peace and POW swap with Russia

    On Tuesday, Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, visited Saudi Arabia to meet with the kingdom’s crown prince to ask for a plan to make peace and to get back Ukrainian prisoners of war from Russia.

    Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman wants to help stop the fighting between Ukraine and Russia. But Saudi Arabia still supports Russia when it comes to energy decisions. Yesterday, the prince had a meeting with Vyacheslav Volodin, who is the chairman of Russia’s Duma, the lower house of its parliament, and many other Russian officials.

    Zelenskyy went to visit as Kyiv’s army was starting to lose ground in eastern Ukraine. Military experts say that Russia is leading because it has more soldiers and weapons than Ukraine. Ukraine is waiting to hear if they will get more support from their Western allies.

    “The Ukrainian military moved its soldiers away from two more villages near Avdiivka in Donetsk after heavy fighting overnight,” a spokesperson for the Ukrainian army said on Tuesday.

    Ukrainian soldiers have moved away from Sieverne and Stepove, according to Dmytro Lykhovyi on TV. He said that before the big attack, the two villages had about 100 people living there.

    Ukraine still depends on Saudi Arabia’s help to push for a “Peace Formula” to end the invasion. Zelenskyy said this in a message on X, which used to be called Twitter.

    Zelenskyy has a 10-point plan for peace that includes getting all Russian troops out of Ukraine and making sure those who committed war crimes are held responsible. This is happening while the two sides are fighting from mostly the same positions along a 1,500-kilometre (930-mile) front line. Moscow quickly rejects those ideas.

    “The next topic is about bringing back prisoners of war and people who were sent out of the country,” Zelenskyy wrote. The leaders of the kingdom have already helped to free our people. I am sure this meeting will have good outcomes. He also said we will talk about working together on our economy.

    In this picture from the Saudi Royal Palace, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Royal Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday, Feb. 11thThe date is 27, 2024. Bandar Aljaloud took the photo at the Saudi Royal Palace. It was released by the AP.

    Zelenskky arrived at Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport and was greeted by government officials, as reported by the state-run Saudi Press Agency. Later video showed Zelenskyy and other important people in his government meeting with a happy Prince Mohammed. Also present was Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz.

    A video showed the prince and Zelenskyy talking in English without translators in a big hall at a palace while other officials were sitting nearby.

    In recent years, Crown Prince Mohammed has made peace with Iran, tried to make peace with Yemen’s Houthi rebels, and has offered to help solve other worldwide problems. After getting a lot of criticism from many countries for their war in Yemen and the murder of Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, the Saudi-led coalition is now facing trouble. Intelligence agencies think that the attack was done because he told someone to do it.

    Saudi Arabia and Ukraine did not immediately give a lot of information about what the leaders talked about. On Monday, the prince talked about things that both the kingdom and the Russian Duma leader are interested in.

    “Volodin passed on the hello and best wishes from Russian President Vladimir Putin,” reported Russia’s Tass news agency.

    In May, Zelenskyy went to Saudi Arabia to meet with Arab leaders and also met with Crown Prince Mohammed. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, who are all next to each other on the Arabian Peninsula, have been trading prisoners since the war started in 2022.

  • Jesse Lingard makes ‘verbal’ agreement with South Korea after failed Saudi move – Reports

    Jesse Lingard makes ‘verbal’ agreement with South Korea after failed Saudi move – Reports

    Jesse Lingard, the former Manchester United player, may finally end his football hiatus with a potential move to South Korea.

    According to Sky Sports, the English international is close to finalising a deal with FC Seoul, encompassing a two-year contract with an option for a third year.

    The report suggests that FC Seoul emerged as the most compelling option for Lingard.

    Since departing Nottingham Forest last summer after the expiration of his contract, Lingard has been linked with various teams, including reports of interest from Al-Shabab.

    Despite actively training on his own and a month-long stint with Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq, he remained without a signed deal.

    Lingard even offered himself to Barcelona, but the La Liga champions declined.

    With over 230 appearances for Manchester United and a successful loan spell at West Ham, Lingard, 31, boasts a substantial football career.

    Although he represented England 32 times at the senior level, his recent stint at Forest, where he started 12 of 17 Premier League matches, was less impressive, leading to his departure last season.

    As Lingard strives to revive his career, a potential move to Asia awaits if he can secure a deal with the South Korean capital club, FC Seoul.

  • Benzema to remain in Saudi despite European interest -Sources

    Benzema to remain in Saudi despite European interest -Sources

    Karim Benzema is set to complete the season at Al Ittihad despite his desire to leave Saudi Arabia this month, as confirmed by sources to ESPN.

    Earlier in January, ESPN reported that the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner had been exploring transfer options due to a less-than-satisfactory first six months in Jeddah.

    Although Benzema considered a return to Europe, both Chelsea and his hometown club, Lyon, inquired about his availability, sources revealed.

    However, Al Ittihad, unwilling to let Benzema depart, attempted to loan him to another club in the Saudi Pro League, but the former Real Madrid striker declined the offer.

    Having signed a three-year deal with Al Ittihad in the summer as a free agent, Benzema expressed disappointment with his initial half-season with the team.

    Despite scoring 15 goals in 24 games across all competitions this season, the 36-year-old forward faced criticism from the Saudi media.

    Currently seventh in the Saudi Pro League, Al Ittihad trails leader Al Hilal by 25 points.

    Despite the challenges, Benzema has returned to the squad, preparing for the King’s Cup quarterfinals against Al Faysali on Sunday, following a 15-day absence from training due to being stranded in Mauritius after a storm hit the island.

  • “Damaged reputation and character” Ex-Liverpool star tells Henderson on Saudi Arabian spell

    “Damaged reputation and character” Ex-Liverpool star tells Henderson on Saudi Arabian spell

    Jordan Henderson’s decision to move to Saudi Arabia has been criticised, with Danny Murphy stating that “he messed up” and emphasizing that “he was wealthy anyway”.

    The ex-Liverpool captain has allegedly terminated his contract with Al-Ettifaq, expressing a strong desire to leave the Middle East despite completing a £12 million ($15m) transfer in the summer of 2023.

    Henderson is reportedly on his way back to England, with Ajax granting him permission for a permanent transfer, as confirmed by top officials at the Saudi Pro League club.

    However, ex-Liverpool midfielder Murphy believes that the Saudi saga has done irreparable damage to Henderson’s reputation and has urged other players to learn a lesson from the transfer.

    Speaking on White and Jordan for talkSPORT, Murphy said: “There might be a thought in his mind that by doing that [paying way out], he kind of rights the wrongs of people accusing him of the greed and the money that he went for in the first place.

    “I think if this is a lesson for others looking in from afar, really think hard about it. Depending on your financial situation, sometimes it’s a no-brainer. But he was wealthy anyway, and I think football contentment is a starting place for the rest of your life being happy.

    “There might be something other people translate to their own lives. But Jordan here, he’s messed it up really. I don’t think from Liverpool fans’ perspective, but for a broad spectrum of football people, his character and his reputation has been damaged by this whole episode.”


    Henderson now appears to be bound for Ajax, having agreed a deal in principle to join the Eredivisie side. It is believed that the midfielder might be offered an 18-month deal with the option of a further year by the Amsterdam outfit.

    Speaking on the potential transfer to Ajax, Murphy added: “I think it’s probably as close to home as he can get. I don’t know if there are an abundance of offers on the table.”

    Former Crystal Palace owner and talkSPORT host Simon Jordan also slammed Henderson for his decision to move to Saudi Arabia, and subsequently making a U-turn when things did not fall in place.

    “I don’t think it’s a good look for either of them, the Saudis are very ambitious and they have every right to be,” he said. “They must be disappointed that one of the leading names that has gone over there from one the big English clubs, playing for his country, has decided that it’s not for him. Specifically when he’s gone out there with some ridiculous diatribe about the face, he wants to grow the game.
    “The flip side of the question is, what does it make Jordan Henderson look like?

    “Does it make him look like a man of substance? Does it make him look like a man of character that overcomes adversity and ultimately shows you that when things aren’t going his way, that he’s capable of turning it around and making it better? I don’t think it’s great either way; it proves the point that the Saudi League have got a long way to go to be able to create the backdrop where the world’s best players will want to play in it. It also shows the indulged and pampered nature of the modern-day footballer that the moment they don’t get what they want, they can change it.

    “I’m surprised they [Ettifaq] have made it so easy for him.”
    Al-Ettifaq had no intention of allowing Henderson to leave and were initially adamant about holding on to him. However, the player’s representatives managed to convince the SPL outfit to soften their stance. Henderson looks all set for a fresh challenge with Ajax, who have recovered their form under interim head coach John van ‘t Schip.

  • Mancini upset over Saudi Arabian players who ditched Asian Cup squad

    Mancini upset over Saudi Arabian players who ditched Asian Cup squad

    Saudi Arabia coach Roberto Mancini voiced criticism on Monday towards players who departed the national camp ahead of the Asian Cup, suggesting concerns over potential limited playing time.

    Mancini emphasised that he values players who are committed to fighting for the national team’s shirt.

    Goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi, midfielder Salman Al-Faraj, and full-back Sultan Al-Ghannam were omitted by Mancini from the squad for the continental tournament in Qatar, despite being part of the initial list of players called up.

    “They were on the list. Salman told me he doesn’t want to play in the friendly games. I asked Sultan if he was happy to play and he told me he wasn’t happy,” Mancini told reporters ahead of their group opener against Oman on Tuesday.

    “Players don’t decide if they play or not; I decide. Nawaf told me he’d come but the day after, in Riyadh, he said he didn’t want to come. We tried to speak with him and put him on the list.

    “Three days ago, he went to our goalkeeper coach and said, ‘I don’t want to stay here if I don’t get to play’. I only want players who fight for their country.”

    Mancini, who has had a storied career as a manager with trophies in club football as well as a European Championship with Italy in 2021, said he had never seen players opting out of the national team before.

    “I don’t understand when a young player refuses to come because he doesn’t know if he will play or not. The national team is not a club; it’s your country. You represent all the people in your country,” Mancini added.

    “You should be happy if you’re a part of this group. This is a very strange situation and it’s the first time I’ve experienced this… But we’ve found other players to play.”

    The Saudi team for the Asian Cup is not as experienced as the squad that shocked Argentina in the World Cup group stage in 2022, while even Oman have players with more international caps.

    “We had these two weeks to work with the players. We know all players from Oman play regularly in the league and they’re probably stronger,” Mancini said.

    “But we’re happy with the players we have, they want to fight for their country.

    “Oman have good strikers and midfielders; they’re very dangerous in attack. For this reason, tomorrow will be a difficult game.”

  • Saudi Arabia hopes to work with Israel after war

    Saudi Arabia hopes to work with Israel after war

    The Saudi Arabian ambassador to the UK wants to make friends with Israel after the war in Gaza, but only if it helps create a country for the Palestinians.

    Prince Khalid bin Bandar told the media that a deal was almost finished. The talks between the US and Saudi Arabia were stopped after Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October.

    Saudi Arabia still wants to be friends with Israel even though many people were hurt in Gaza. But they won’t do it if it means hurting the Palestinian people.

    The ambassador said that the international community is not doing enough to stop the fighting in Gaza and that this is a failure of humanity.

    He also said he wants the UK to be fair to Israel and treat it like it treats other countries. “The lack of attention towards Israel is a problem because it hinders peace,” he said.

    Saudi Arabia is a leading country in the Arab and Islamic world. Since 1948, it has not officially accepted Israel, and if a deal to make things normal between the two countries happens, it would be a very big moment for Israel.

    In late September, the leader of Saudi Arabia said in a TV interview in the US that we are getting closer to an agreement every day.

    Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman thinks the Palestinian issue is very important. He said any agreement should make life easier for the Palestinians. But he didn’t say it had to lead to a new Palestinian state.

    Palestinian leaders have said they will reject any deal that doesn’t give them a state. But earlier, they were asking for more money and control of land in the West Bank in exchange for working with the US-backed Saudi-Israel process.

    Saudi officials wanted the US to stop talking about the attack a few days after it happened. About 1,300 people were killed and 240 others were taken hostage by hundreds of Hamas gunmen from Gaza. They had gone into southern Israeli communities.

    The health ministry in Gaza, which is under the control of Hamas, says that over 23,200 people have died during the fighting between Israel and Hamas. Israel started the military campaign to try and get rid of Hamas.

    US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to reporters after meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed on Monday. He mentioned that the topic of normalizing relations was discussed during their meeting.

    “He wants to keep working on that,” he said. “But first the fighting in Gaza must stop, and there must be a clear way for the Palestinians to have their own state. “

    During an interview with the BBC’s Today show, the Saudi ambassador in London said that his country’s leaders are definitely interested in making an agreement.

    [A deal] was almost done,that’s for sure. We really wanted Palestine to become an independent state in the end. Prince Khalid said that we still believe in normalizing the situation, but not if it hurts the Palestinian people.

    He said, “We were almost back to normal,so we were close to having a Palestinian state. “You can’t have one without the other. They were talking about how things are put in order and managed.

    When asked if Saudi Arabia thinks Hamas should be part of the future Palestinian state, Prince Khalid said they need to think about it a lot. Hamas is considered a terrorist group by Israel, the US, UK, and other Western countries.

    “If you believe things can get better,then change is possible. ” But when there is a fight, you have to understand that both sides have lost, he said.

    “Israel’s current government has a very strong and uncompromising view, which makes it hard to find a solution to the conflict. “

    He didn’t say much, but the US criticized two extreme Israeli politicians for suggesting that Palestinians should be moved out of Gaza.

    Prince Khalid said that the war in Gaza has caused a lot of people to die and has also led to a big crisis. He also warned that there is a risk that some people may become radical because of the war.

    “The high level of violence from both sides,especially from Israel, in the past three months is something I have never seen before,” he said. “The numbers are very bad,really bad. “

    “This will make Palestinian people and others around the world feel even more hopeless. “Every one sees human failure in what is happening, because no one has taken action to stop it. Efforts are being made, but they are not sufficient.

  • Blinken greets crown prince of Saudi Arabia

    Blinken greets crown prince of Saudi Arabia

    The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, is having a meeting with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. This is his most recent trip for his work in the Middle East.

    He began his day with a visit to the UAE and will soon go to Israel.

    Blinken is there to try to calm things down and stop a bigger fight in the area.

    We will give you more information about the meeting when we have it.

  • Saudi Arabia welcomes Blinken

    Saudi Arabia welcomes Blinken

    Antony Blinken, a top US government official, has arrived in Saudi Arabia as part of his trip to the Middle East.

    He’s going to the old town of AlUla to talk to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and then he’s going to Israel.

    More update on this story soon

  • Senior Manchester United official travels to Saudi Arabia ahead of January clearance

    Senior Manchester United official travels to Saudi Arabia ahead of January clearance

    Manchester United’s football director, Paul Murtough, visited Saudi Arabia this month with the aim of negotiating the sale of four first-team players in the January transfer window.

    Murtough was reportedly seeking interest in Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane, Anthony Martial, and Casemiro during his visit. While no deals were reportedly finalized, it is stated that relationships were established, and further talks are expected.

    The primary focus is on offloading Jadon Sancho, who is currently not training with the first team and is out of contention to play after a reported clash with manager Erik ten Hag earlier in the season.

    The other three players—Varane, Casemiro, and Martial—may not be forced out but are reportedly close to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules limit.

    Varane has recently returned to the side but faces competition, Casemiro has been sidelined with injury, and Martial’s contract expires this summer.

  • Saudi Arabia offers Kenya 2,500 jobs – Kenya President

    Saudi Arabia offers Kenya 2,500 jobs – Kenya President

    Kenya has made a deal to send workers to Saudi Arabia, according to President William Ruto.

    Kenya made a deal on Thursday to send nurses and other skilled workers to a country in the Middle East. They plan to send 2,500 workers in the first group.

    “Before, we only sent local workers, but now we can send trained workers to Saudi Arabia and other countries,” President Ruto said on Friday. He also said that the workers will get paid 200,000 Kenyan shillings ($1,300; £1,000) every month.

    The announcement comes almost a week after Kenya’s labor ministry said it will send 1,500 workers to Israel with a guaranteed monthly income of $1,500.

    President Ruto went to Germany last month to talk about getting 200,000 jobs for people in Kenya.

    Mr Ruto has been searching all over the world for jobs for Kenyans. He believes Kenyans are known everywhere for working hard.

    Mr Ruto wants more Kenyans to work in other countries to help with the unemployment problem in Kenya. He hopes they can send money back to help with Kenya’s foreign exchange reserves, which have been getting smaller and making the Kenyan shilling weaker.

  • We are still interested in Messi – Saudi Pro League chief

    We are still interested in Messi – Saudi Pro League chief

    Saudi Pro League sporting director Michael Emenalo has expressed his enthusiasm about the prospect of welcoming Lionel Messi to the competition.

    Despite being overlooked for Major League Soccer earlier this year, Messi noted that he had contemplated a move to Saudi Arabia before eventually joining Inter Miami in MLS.

    In response, Emenalo said, “The reasons that he ended up in MLS is something that I don’t have answers to. If he decides next season that he wants to come here, we will be happy to welcome him.”

    Messi told TIME that “I was thinking a lot about going to the Saudi league, where I know the country and they have created a very powerful competition that can become an important league in the near future.”

    “It was Saudi Arabia or MLS, and both options seemed very interesting to me,” the 36-year-old added.

  • My first option was to return to Barcelona but Saudi Arabia and MLS options were very interesting – Messi

    My first option was to return to Barcelona but Saudi Arabia and MLS options were very interesting – Messi

    Lionel Messi has revealed that he contemplated the possibility of joining the Saudi Pro League before finalizing his move to Inter Miami in July.

    The 36-year-old Argentine superstar was strongly associated with Al-Hilal, who ultimately secured his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Neymar during the summer transfer window.

    Messi’s decision to pursue his playing career in Major League Soccer came after recognizing that a return to Barcelona was no longer a viable option.

    The World Cup winner told Time: “The truth is that fortunately, I had several options on the table that were interesting.

    “I had to analyse them and think, even weigh them up with my family, before making the final decision to come to Miami.

    “My first option was to return to Barcelona but it was not possible. I tried to return, and it did not happen.”

    Lionel Messi won his eighth Ballon d'Or in October
    Lionel Messi won his eighth Ballon d’Or in October

    He added: “It is also true that later I was thinking a lot about going to the Saudi league, where I know the country. They have created a very powerful competition that can become an important league in the near future.

    “As the country’s tourism ambassador, it was a destination that attracted me, especially because I’ve enjoyed everything I have visited, because of how football is growing in the country and because of the effort they are putting into creating a top competition.

    “It was Saudi Arabia or MLS, and both options seemed very interesting to me.”

    Despite passing up the chance to face his eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo in the Middle East, Messi quickly became a sensation in Miami. He scored 10 goals in seven Leagues Cup matches, helping the Florida-based team secure the trophy.

    However, under Gerardo Martino’s management, the team fell short of securing a place in the MLS playoffs. Their next competitive match is scheduled for the start of the 2024 season in February.

  • Prince Tagoe details of his ‘juicy’ €2 million contract in the Saudi Arabian League

    Prince Tagoe details of his ‘juicy’ €2 million contract in the Saudi Arabian League

    Former Black Stars striker Prince Tagoe has revealed details about the substantial amount of money he earned while playing in the lucrative Saudi Arabian league.

    The ex-top scorer in the Ghana Premier League, known for his stint with Hearts of Oak, made a significant move to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia after securing the Goal King title in Ghana’s top flight.

    Following an unsuccessful transfer to Mainz 05 in Germany, Tagoe, a prolific forward, made a noteworthy impact during his time with the Saudi side from 2006 to 2007.

    His move set a record for the highest amount paid for an African player at that particular period, highlighting the financial allure of the Saudi Arabian league during his tenure.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgbaQJgOs3E

    “I went to Saudi Arabia, my first signing in Africa; it has never happened before; 2 million euros net, where Benzema currently plays,” Tagoe revealed on Angel TV.


    Prince Tagoe, who notably represented the Black Stars in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, boasts a distinguished career that spans various clubs, including Hoffenheim, Al Shabab, and Partizan.

    Tagoe’s last appearance for the Black Stars was in 2012, during which he managed to score seven goals in 36 appearances.

    His career journey has seen him contribute his skills and goal-scoring prowess to both domestic and international football, leaving an indelible mark on the teams he has been a part of.

  • 10% of Heathrow Airport to be purchased by Saudi state fund

    10% of Heathrow Airport to be purchased by Saudi state fund

    The country of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is going to buy 10% of Heathrow airport from the Spanish company Ferrovial.

    An additional 15% of its parent company, FGP Topco, will be sold to a private equity fund called Ardian, which is based in France.

    Ferrovial, who has had a part of the company since 2006, said that the agreement was worth £2. 37bn ($3bn)

    The deal still needs approval from the government, the company said.

    If the deal is accepted, Ferrovial will stop investing in the company that operates UK airports. They started with 56% ownership but it went down to 25% by 2013.

    Other companies and organizations that have a stake in FGP Topco are Qatar Investment Authority, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Singapore’s GIC, Australian Retirement Trust, China Investment Corporation, and Universities Superannuation Scheme.

    The airport is not making much money this year because it owes a lot of money and the costs to borrow more money are going up a lot.

    The Civil Aviation Authority has decided to decrease the fees that passengers pay for using airport facilities like terminals, runways, baggage systems, and security.

    The cost per person at Heathrow airport will be £31. 57 in 2023, but the regulator expects it to go down to £25. 43 in 2024 and stay about the same until 2026.

    The bosses at Heathrow wanted to raise the charges to over £40, but airlines said they should only be around £18. 50

    Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is one of the world’s busiest government-owned investment funds. It has over $700 billion in assets because of its oil money. Recently, it has been putting money into sports like football and golf.

    But the money is managed by a prince from Saudi Arabia named Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. His government has been accused of doing many bad things to people’s rights.

    The US intelligence thinks that Prince Mohammed told people to kill a journalist named Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. But the prince is protected from being punished in the US, and he has been asked to visit the UK by the Saudi Arabian embassy.

  • ‘CR7 Signature Museum’: Saudis honour Ronaldo with museum; he visits to take a look

    ‘CR7 Signature Museum’: Saudis honour Ronaldo with museum; he visits to take a look

    Cristiano Ronaldo recently toured the new CR7 Signature Museum in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia.

    The museum showcases a wax figure adorned in a complete Al-Nassr kit, alongside Ronaldo’s significant trophies and personal memorabilia.

    In an online video, Ronaldo can be seen exploring various sections of the museum, reliving moments from his illustrious career. Notably, he paused to take a photograph with the wax figure.

    Time Out Riyadh reports that the museum draws inspiration from the life story and career of the Al Nassr player.

    Formerly associated with Real Madrid and Manchester United, Ronaldo appeared joyous as he revisited some of his most cherished football memories.

    With two decades of playing the sport, he has amassed a wealth of incredible experiences.


    The inauguration of the museum coincided with the Riyadh Season festival, part of the ongoing festivities that commenced in October and are anticipated to continue into early next year.

    Ronaldo, who made the move to the Middle East earlier this year amid reported discord with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, has been prolific in scoring for his club and recently secured his first trophy.

    Having opened another museum in Portugal on his home island of Madeira in 2013, the Portugal star continues to make his mark in the football world.

    In his 27 appearances for the SPL giants, Ronaldo has notched an impressive 32 goals and provided 11 assists, as per Transfermarkt. This season, he leads the goal-scoring charts with 15 goals from 13 games.

  • Inter Miami rubbishes Saudi games reports say they are ‘inaccurate’

    Inter Miami rubbishes Saudi games reports say they are ‘inaccurate’

    Inter Miami has contradicted claims made by a promoter earlier on Tuesday, stating that the MLS team has not agreed to participate in Saudi Arabia next February.

    The promoter had announced matches between Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr, along with another match against Al-Hilal in the Riyadh Season Cup.

    However, Inter Miami, in a statement issued hours after the match announcements, refuted the assertions, denying that any pre-season tour plans have been confirmed.

    “Earlier today, an announcement was issued stating that Inter Miami CF is scheduled to play in the Riyadh Season Cup. This is inaccurate,” the Inter Miami statement said.

    “The release included statements attributed to team owner Jorge Mas. Mas has made no comments, publicly or privately, in relation to the pre-season tour.”

    Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi, who joined the side in July and sparked a championship run in the League Cup against US and Mexican clubs, has made Inter Miami a desired team for global contests.

    Earlier this month, Inter Miami announced that a planned trip to China for matches had been called off due to “unforeseen circumstances in China.”

    In this latest case, a Messi versus Ronaldo rematch proved too good to be true, Inter Miami’s statement said.

    “Since day one, Inter Miami has set out to be a global brand. To this end, we have been in conversations to determine our 2024 pre-season schedule,” the statement said.

    “We look forward to showcasing our players on Inter Miami’s first international tour, which will be announced in the coming weeks.”

    In January of the previous year, Ronaldo had his inaugural outing in Saudi Arabia after joining Al Nassr.

    He played for a Riyadh All-Star XI that suffered a 5-4 defeat against a Paris Saint-Germain side boasting the presence of Messi, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, and Sergio Ramos.

  • Neymar joined PSG with an existing ankle stress fracture from Barca in 2017

    Neymar joined PSG with an existing ankle stress fracture from Barca in 2017


    Neymar’s troubled injury history during his time at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) may have had its roots in his arrival in 2017, as reports suggest he came to the club with an ankle stress fracture.

    The Brazilian, who transferred from Barcelona for a record €222 million (£193 million/$242 million) six years ago, has faced criticism for his relatively underwhelming stint in the French capital, particularly for the team’s inability to secure European success.

    L’Equipe’s recent report reveals that Neymar joined Paris Saint-Germain with a pre-existing ankle stress fracture, specifically to the fifth metatarsal of his right foot.

    Subsequently, he suffered the same fracture twice during his PSG tenure—in February 2018 and January 2019—followed by ankle surgery last March after issues during the 2022 World Cup.

    During his six seasons with PSG, Neymar played 173 matches, contributing 118 goals and 77 assists across all competitions.

    However, he missed over 100 games due to injuries and experienced a strained relationship with supporters towards the end of his time in Paris.

    Despite moving to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in the summer, Neymar is currently sidelined with a different injury.

    After just five matches, he ruptured his ACL while on international duty with Brazil, requiring surgery and an extended absence from the pitch.

  • FIFA confirms Saudi Arabia as sole bidder for 2034 World Cup

    FIFA confirms Saudi Arabia as sole bidder for 2034 World Cup

    In a recent development, Saudi Arabia has been officially designated as the host nation for the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

    FIFA, the global governing body of football, revealed this decision after declaring that only bids from the Asia and Oceania regions would be considered for the 2034 tournament, citing the need for continental rotation.

    This decision coincides with an agreement between Spain, Portugal, and Morocco to jointly stage the 2030 World Cup, and another pact involving Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay to each host specific matches.

    Following FIFA’s declaration, Saudi Arabia promptly submitted a letter of intent expressing its interest in hosting the 2034 event. This move effectively made them the sole bidder for the tournament.

    Meanwhile, Football Australia, previously seen as a potential contender to Saudi Arabia’s bid, announced its decision to withdraw from the competition to host the 2034 World Cup.

    The deadline for nations wishing to host the 2034 World Cup was October 31 for formal interest expression and November 30 for signed bid agreements.

    Now that FIFA has verified the declarations of interest for the 2030 and 2034 competitions, the World Cup hosts have essentially been confirmed.

    Lionel Messi, representing Argentina, raises the 2022 World Cup trophy with his teammates in celebration of their victory in Qatar. (Image source: REUTERS/Carl Recine)

    The confirmation of Saudi Arabia as the exclusive bidder for the 2034 World Cup has essentially predetermined the tournament’s host.

    Awarding the tournament to Saudi Arabia would probably necessitate another winter World Cup, similar to Qatar’s hosting, which led to the temporary suspension of Europe’s premier football leagues in November and December.

    Saudi Arabia’s summer temperatures can regularly reach 43 degrees Celsius, so the only humane choice for a World Cup location is a winter one.

    Despite growing their sporting portfolio in recent years with Formula 1, boxing, and the signing of superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema to the Saudi Pro League, Saudi Arabia’s hosting would be controversial.

  • Sancho likely to exit Man Utd for Saudi, amid Dortmunds financial constraints

    Sancho likely to exit Man Utd for Saudi, amid Dortmunds financial constraints

    The most probable exit route for winger Jadon Sancho from Manchester United now appears to be through Saudi Arabia, as reported by The Athletic.

    Borussia Dortmund, the club where Sancho developed before his move to Manchester United, currently faces financial constraints that prevent them from reacquiring the player.

    At just 23 years old, Sancho seems destined to leave Old Trafford in January due to a fallout with manager Erik ten Hag, primarily concerning his behaviour during training sessions.

    This dispute has resulted in Sancho’s exclusion from the first-team squad, and he hasn’t made an appearance for Manchester United since August.

    Despite not living up to expectations at United following his £73 million transfer from Dortmund in 2021, Sancho has garnered interest from various European clubs.

    However, his high wages pose a significant obstacle.

    Initial sources from ESPN suggested that Dortmund was keen on bringing Sancho back to the club.

    However, they reportedly cannot match his substantial £200,000-a-week salary, making a move to Saudi Arabia the most feasible option for the English international.

    While a move to Saudi Arabia was strongly rumoured at the end of the summer transfer window, it never materialised.

    Nevertheless, it is expected that Saudi clubs will pursue Sancho in January, as such a deal would likely benefit all parties involved.

    Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag faced difficulties in securing several of his desired signings in the summer, largely due to the inability to offload surplus squad players.

    Thus, he is likely motivated to facilitate Sancho’s departure, which would free up funds for Manchester United to pursue their own targets in the upcoming transfer window.

    It’s worth noting that Juventus has also been linked with an interest in the winger.

  • Sudan cease-fire negotiations have resumed in Jeddah – Saudi Arabia

    Sudan cease-fire negotiations have resumed in Jeddah – Saudi Arabia

    Saudi Arabia has announced that discussions have resumed in Jeddah, with the aim of preventing the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

    The government of Saudi Arabia expressed their happiness about Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces group resuming their communication.

    It also told them to stop arguing and make sure people are safe.

    Since the fighting began in April, over 9,000 people have been killed and more than 5. 5 million people have had to move away from where they live.

  • Army of Sudan and RSF to start peace negotiations in Jeddah

    Army of Sudan and RSF to start peace negotiations in Jeddah

    The United States and Saudi Arabia are going to have more discussions in Jeddah to try and reach an agreement to stop the fighting in Sudan.

    According to reports, delegates from Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have traveled to the Saudi port city for negotiations.

    The peace talks in Jeddah city before were unsuccessful because there were many times when the ceasefire was broken.

    This time, it is known that the mediation efforts will involve an African facilitator from Igad, a regional development group.

    The fighting between the Sudanese army and the RSF for six months has caused a huge crisis for the people.

    Over 9,000 people have died and around six million people have been forced to leave their homes.

  • Henderson insists booing from England supporters ‘won’t change who I am’

    Henderson insists booing from England supporters ‘won’t change who I am’

    Jordan Henderson acknowledges that it can be unsettling to face boos from “your own fans,” but the England international remains resolute in asserting that such jeers will not alter his core identity.

    During the summer transfer window, the former Liverpool captain made a move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq, a decision that sparked controversy given his previous stance against contentious laws in the Middle East region.

    Despite the mixed reception he received from sections of the Wembley crowd during England’s friendly match against Australia, where he captained the team, Henderson maintains his conviction in the face of criticism over his transfer choice.


    He has said, “Everybody has their own opinion. I love playing for England; I have done so for many years. That’s why I’m still here. I still want to play for England for as long as I possibly can and give everything for the team and for my country. It’s not nice for your own fans if they were booing.

    “But listen, people have their own opinions. Whenever I bump into anyone on the street, it’s always positive stuff and nice things said. But listen, it won’t change who I am or what I do for this team or for my country. I give absolutely everything every time.”


    When pressed further on the reasons for the terrace taunts, experienced midfielder Henderson added, “Yeah, so… If people want to boo if I’m playing in a different country, that’s fine. Like I said, everyone is going to have an opinion over when I’m playing over in Saudi.

    “I’ve spoken in the past about the reasons for that. Whether people believe us or not is up to them. But when I’m here with England, it doesn’t change anything. I give absolutely everything. Of course it’s disappointing, but it won’t change what I do here. I want to keep playing, keep fighting and help the team become successful.”


    On Tuesday, England will return to the field as they host Italy, with Gareth Southgate’s team aiming to secure their spot in the upcoming European Championships in Germany next summer.

  • Move to Saudi Arabia wasn’t money motivated

    Move to Saudi Arabia wasn’t money motivated

    It may be surprising, but Spanish young talent Gabri Veiga has refuted claims that financial considerations were the driving factor behind his decision to sign with the Saudi Pro League team Al Ahli this summer.

    Despite receiving offers from European clubs, including Serie A champions Napoli, the 21-year-old opted for a three-year deal with Al Ahli, valued at a total of €40 million, departing from Celta Vigo.

    Asked if money was the reason for his move to Saudi Arabia, Veiga said, “No. I understand that everyone has their own opinion and life and has to make their own decisions. But there were other reasons that tipped the balance, and I am proud of the step I have taken.

    “In the end, among all the options I was considering, it was the one that allowed me the most to continue growing as a footballer, in a league with great stars that is growing a lot.

    “It was a step to look to the future and although there are people who do not understand it, it was the best step I could take.”

    The midfielder for Spain’s U-21 team hasn’t ruled out playing in Europe again in the future.

    He said, “You never know what can happen, but one day my motivation may be to play in the Champions League and to win titles in Europe. Even two years ago, I didn’t think I was going to be in Saudi Arabia and now I am very happy.”

  • Saudi Arabia makes an official bid to host FIFA 2034 World Cup

    Saudi Arabia makes an official bid to host FIFA 2034 World Cup

    Saudi Arabia confirmed its pursuit of hosting the 2034 World Cup by submitting a letter of intent to FIFA, the global football governing body, on Monday.

    “Last week we announced our ambitions to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup, and this official submission continues our journey to make the dreams of our people a reality,” Yasser Al Misehal, president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), said in a statement.

    “We are extremely committed to presenting the most competitive bid possible that will also help unite the world through football.”

    SAFF said that once they declared their intention on Wednesday to bid for the tournament, “over 70 FIFA Member Associations from across different continents have publicly pledged their support for the Kingdom.”

    Last week, FIFA named Morocco, Spain and Portugal as hosts of the 2030 World Cup, with Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay hosting the opening matches to mark the tournament’s centenary.

  • World Cup 2034 : Saudi Arabia announces bid to host world cup

    Saudi Arabia has announced its bid to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The bid aims to deliver a world-class tournament inspired by Saudi Arabia’s ongoing social and economic transformation and its deep-rooted passion for football, according to a statement from the Saudi Arabian football federation.

    This announcement comes a year after Qatar hosted the first World Cup in the Middle East. FIFA, the governing body for world football, also released a statement inviting countries in the Asian Football Confederation to bid for the 2034 World Cup.

    Saudi Arabia has been actively involved in hosting major sporting events, including the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup and the 2027 Asian Cup.

    That event will enable Saudi officials to improve on existing football infrastructure, with new “world-class stadiums” constructed “in the most sustainable ways”, Saudi Football Federation President, Yasser Al Misehal, said on Wednesday.

    Saudi Arabia previously explored a tri-continental World Cup bid with Egypt and Greece, though that plan has been shelved.

    The new Saudi-only bid means fans would face “maximum three-hour flying times between cities and stadiums”, Misehal said.

    The Asian Football Confederation came out in support of the Saudi 2034 World Cup bid shortly after it was announced on Wednesday.

    “I am delighted to note that the (Saudi football federation) have presented their intention to bid for the FIFA World Cup in 2034,” said AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa.

    “The entire Asian football family will stand united in support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s momentous initiative, and we are committed to working closely with the global football family to ensure its success.”

  • Saudi Arabia moving towards normalisation agreement with Israel – Royal Prince

    Saudi Arabia moving towards normalisation agreement with Israel – Royal Prince

    Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince has said that their relationship with Israel is getting better every day and that it is moving towards becoming more normal.

    If the two powerful countries make an agreement, it would be a big change in the area.

    In a rare interview with Fox News, Mohammed bin Salman emphasized that the Palestinian issue is still a very important part of talks mediated by the US.

    During negotiations, the Wall Street Journal reported that Israeli and US officials were developing a plan that may allow Riyadh to openly enrich uranium.

    Enriched uranium can be used to create fuel for nuclear reactors, but it can also be used for making nuclear weapons.

    The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet responded publicly to the article, even though Netanyahu has previously warned about the dangers of countries in the Middle East acquiring nuclear weapons at the same time.

    The Fox News interview was shown soon after Mr. Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden met during the UN General Assembly in New York.

    They also said it’s possible that Israel and Saudi Arabia may become friends and start talking to each other officially for the first time. The US is a very good friend of both countries.

    A statement from Israel said the meeting in New York was mainly about finding ways to make a peace agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia. This agreement could help bring an end to the conflict between Arab countries and Israel.

    Israel’s Foreign Minister, Eli Cohen, said that a basic agreement could be ready by early next year. Mr Cohen said that it is possible to close the gaps. He mentioned this to Israel’s Army Radio. It will require some time. But things are getting better.

    The Biden administration wants to finish the ratification process in the US Congress within that time. Many people in the Democratic Party, including the president, are concerned about Saudi Arabia’s human rights history. This would be a major accomplishment in the country’s foreign relations before the upcoming US presidential election.

    Saudi Arabia, like many other Arab nations, has chosen not to acknowledge or acknowledge the existence of Israel because they want to show support and stand together with the Palestinians.

    But in recent months, the United States has been working towards achieving a significant development that would continue the progress made through the Abraham Accords. These accords, facilitated by the Trump administration, resulted in Israel and the United Arab Emirates as well as Bahrain signing agreements to normalize their relations in 2020.

    Saudi Arabia wants to improve its relationship with Israel. In return, they are asking the United States for help with their military, assistance in starting a civilian nuclear program, and for Israel to make important compromises for the Palestinians.

    The Palestinian issue is really important to us. We have to figure out how to solve this part: Crown Prince Mohammed, who is the real leader of Saudi Arabia, told a reporter from Fox News named Bret Baier in English.

    He said: “Our plan for negotiations has been good so far. ”

    Earlier this month, leaders of the Palestinian Authority discussed their demands for a potential agreement involving the US, Saudi Arabia, and Israel during a meeting with Saudi officials in Riyadh. The BBC found out that these involved getting a lot of money and being able to have more power over land in the West Bank, which is currently under occupation.

    When asked about working with Mr. Netanyahu’s strong government, Prince Mohammed said that if they can make progress and reach an agreement that satisfies the needs of Palestinians and brings peace to the region, they will collaborate with whoever is in power.

    Many people in Israel’s current government disagree with the idea of the two-state solution that is supported by countries around the world to solve the conflict between Israel and Palestine. This means that there will be a separate country called Palestine, which will be next to Israel in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The main city of Palestine will be in East Jerusalem.

    Before the prime minister’s discussions in New York, 11 politicians from his own right-wing Likud party stated together that they would prevent any efforts to provide land to the Palestinians in return for peace with Saudi Arabia.

    Israeli politicians are worried about the issues brought up in The Wall Street Journal report.

    “Turning Saudi Arabia into a nuclear power with a right-wing government’s support is extremely dangerous and crazy,” Tali Gottlieb, a member of parliament from the Likud party, said on X platform, previously known as Twitter.

    The US newspaper reported that Mr. Netanyahu asked important nuclear and security experts in Israel to work together with American negotiators on a plan for the United States to manage the process of enriching uranium in Saudi Arabia. Unnamed officials provided this information. They promised that protections would be added, and the plan still needs to be approved by President Biden.

    The topic of Saudi Arabia’s nuclear plans was mentioned during Prince Mohammed’s interview on Fox News.

    The Saudi leader expressed worry about any country, including Iran, having a nuclear weapon.

    He repeated a point that he had made before, that if Iran gets a nuclear bomb, Saudi Arabia would have to get one too to maintain security and balance of power.

    The prince said that it’s not a good idea for any country to have a nuclear weapon. He said that if a country uses a nuclear weapon, it means they are fighting against all other countries.

  • Robert Lewandowski addresses Saudi Arabia speculation

    Robert Lewandowski addresses Saudi Arabia speculation

    Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has affirmed his commitment to the La Liga champions despite rumours linking him to the Saudi Pro League.

    Numerous European football stars, including some of his Barcelona teammates, have made moves to Saudi Arabia, notably Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr.

    While several players have opted for the Saudi Pro League, others like Lewandowski, Mohamed Salah, and Kylian Mbappe have chosen to remain with their current clubs.

    The Saudi Pro League has attracted significant investments, with the Premier League being the only league to outspend it during the summer transfer window.

    Lewandowski on SPL links

    Lewandowski, the ex-Bayern Munich forward, has expressed his indifference to the speculations connecting him to Saudi Arabia and has affirmed his contentment at Barcelona.

    “I don’t even think about it (going to Saudi Arabia). I’m super happy in Barcelona, in the team, in the city, with my family. As a person I am happy,” the Poland striker reiterated via 90min.

    The 35-year-old disclosed that he had contemplated a move to the MLS before the Coronavirus pandemic, but at present, his sole concentration is on Barcelona.

    “Before the coronavirus pandemic, the idea of MLS was firmly in my head, but somehow I changed my mind afterwards. After the Barcelona chapter, it’s hard to imagine going there.”

    Lewandowski blasts La Liga referees

    In another report, Sports Brief stated that Robert Lewandowski has criticised the standard of officiating in Spanish football, joining several other superstars who have blasted referees in La Liga over poor officiating.

    The 34-year-old forward led Barcelona to the La Liga title last season but was appalled by the level of officiating, which he admits has made the Spanish topflight unattractive.

  • Palestinians specify conditions for approving historic Saudi-Israeli agreement

    Palestinians specify conditions for approving historic Saudi-Israeli agreement

    The Palestinians want a lot of money and more power over the land in the West Bank if the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Israel work together.

    Officials from the Palestinian Authority (PA) met with Saudi representatives in Riyadh on Wednesday for discussions.

    They were also going to meet American officials.

    Many people believe that for a long time, Americans have been working towards an important agreement to make Israel and Saudi Arabia have more normal and friendly relations.

    It means that Washington would support and financially back it, and it would involve an important agreement on security that the Saudis are trying to make with the US. However, there are many obstacles that make it difficult to reach these agreements, and they may not happen anytime soon.

    White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on Tuesday that we shouldn’t expect any immediate announcements or significant advancements in the near future.

    But, because there is potential for big changes in the relationships between countries in the Middle East, people are still wondering about the specific details of any agreement. American diplomats have been traveling to places like Riyadh, Amman, and Jerusalem to talk and negotiate with officials there.
    US President Joe Biden will probably view a Saudi-Israel agreement as a significant achievement in his foreign policy. He sees it as an opportunity to impress voters before the upcoming election next year.

    Saudi Arabia is a powerful country among the Arab and Muslim nations. It has never officially acknowledged Israel since it was formed in 1948.

    Last month, the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said that we are going to see a very important change in history.

    However, any agreement would be highly disputed and cause disagreement among people.

    Saudi Arabia wants advanced weapons from the US and a nuclear program that includes uranium enrichment in exchange for recognizing Israel.

    Israel wants to have good trade and defense relationships with the Gulf superpower and become more connected to the region. This is because they have been trying to integrate themselves into the area, which other Arab countries have also recently done.

    These agreements mostly deal with keeping things safe and assisting in buying and selling goods. In 2023, Saudi Arabia also wants to be part of this, according to Diana Buttu, a former legal adviser to the Palestinian negotiating team during peace talks with Israel.

    In order for an agreement to be successful, it must include significant compromises from Israel that benefit the Palestinians.

    Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who essentially runs the country, has to calm down the people of Saudi Arabia – who have traditionally not liked Israel and are very supportive of the Palestinian cause.

    Meanwhile, President Biden also needs to show that he has made important progress for the Palestinians in order to receive support from his Democratic Party. A lot of people in the party don’t like the idea of giving benefits to Saudi Arabia because of their bad human rights record and their involvement in the war in Yemen. They also don’t like the idea of giving a reward to Israel’s current government, which they think is making things worse in the West Bank and causing a lot of problems in Israel too.

    A group of important Palestinian officials, including two men who are very close to President Mahmoud Abbas, met with the Saudi national security adviser in Riyadh. The officials are Majed Faraj, the intelligence chief of the Palestinian Authority, and Hussein al-Sheikh, the secretary-general of the Palestine Liberation Organisation.

    They gave a list of things they wanted in order to participate in the American-supported process. This happened during a meeting with US Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Leaf last week in Amman. The Palestinian official said to the BBC that they have some things they want, such as certain requests or requirements.

    Moving some areas of the West Bank, which are currently controlled completely by Israel (called Area C under Oslo peace agreements in the 1990s), to be governed by the Palestinian Authority.
    Israeli settlement growth in the West Bank coming to a full stop.
    Saudi Arabia is starting to give money again to the Palestinian Authority (PA) after reducing and stopping it completely three years ago. They will give around $200m (£160m) every year.
    The US consulate in Jerusalem, which was closed by President Donald Trump, will now be reopened. This consulate is a diplomatic office that works with the Palestinians.
    Starting again the discussions between Israel and the Palestinians that were put on hold by former Secretary of State John Kerry in 2014, with the help of the US.

    These changes are very important – the Americans think that the Palestinians are asking for too much. But the unofficial Palestinian stance on Saudi-Israel normalisation is very different from their official position. The official position is that they completely reject normalisation unless it leads to the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

    This text talks about the Arab Peace Initiative, a plan from Saudi Arabia in 2002. The plan offered to recognize Israel if Israel gives back the territories it took and allows Palestine to have their own state in the West Bank and Gaza, with its capital in East Jerusalem.

    MsButtu says that the current approach shows that the Palestinian leadership is in a difficult situation.

    “Palestinians mostly do not want to participate in any of these normalization deals because the support from the Arab world is the only thing we have left,” she explained.

    We were told that we cannot fight back using violence. We are informed that we cannot use the law to ask for the occupation to stop. “We are being told that we are not allowed to participate in boycotts, divestment, and sanction actions. ”

    The Palestinian Authority is now considering whether they should try to make their demands heard and achieved or continue to ignore them like they did in 2020. Regardless of what they choose, Ms. Buttu believes they will fail either way.

    In 2020, three Arab nations – the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco – made agreements to have normal relations with Israel. These deals were arranged by the United States, led by President Trump. Another country, Sudan, also promised to work towards having a friendly relationship with Israel that same year. But things stopped because people in the country disagreed, and then there was a military takeover the next year.

    This was considered a big change in the relationship between old enemies in the Middle East. It included improvements in diplomacy, trade, and security connections. But people who criticize the situation pointed out that the United States also offered tempting benefits, such as giving Arab autocratic governments access to high-quality weapons made in America.

    At the time, the Palestinian Authority was excluded from talks because it refused to have diplomatic relations with the United States. This was in response to President Trump’s peace plan that heavily favored Israel and his decision to relocate the US embassy to Jerusalem. The PA thought that the normalisation deals were a betrayal of unity among Arab countries.

    Instead, another important Palestinian leader suggested that engaging with the Saudis at this time could be a way to remind Riyadh about the Arab Peace Initiative’s main goal – which is the creation of a separate Palestinian state. This way, the Palestinians wouldn’t be left out of the entire process.

    However, if the Palestinian leadership decides to get involved, it may face major risks because they are already disliked by their own people. This is especially true if the benefits of getting involved are seen as unimportant or insignificant.

    After the UAE-Israel normalization in 2020, most Palestinians believed that the deal was a betrayal of their cause and only benefited Israel.

    If Israel gives in to the Palestinians, the ultranationalists in Mr. Netanyahu’s group will likely say no, which will make it even harder to reach an agreement. Earlier this year, Mr. Netanyahu ignored the concessions made by the Palestinians, considering them just as something to mark off a list. He believed these concessions would not be included in any meaningful discussions between the United States and Saudi Arabia.

  • Saudi investigation can only be beneficial – Shearer

    Saudi investigation can only be beneficial – Shearer

    Alan Shearer, a former Newcastle United and England football player, has claimed that the more Saudi Arabia participates in sport, the more the government would come under scrutiny.

    “That can only be a good thing,” he added, adding that more people were asking questions.

    Shearer was replying to inquiries about objections to his charity taking a gift from the LIV golf league, which is supported by Saudi Arabia.

    The response to any offer of money, he claimed, was “always a yes” during a crisis in the cost of living.

    The Alan Shearer Foundation, a charity run by the Match of the Day pundit, offers activities, residential care, and respite care to persons with significant disabilities.

    It has accepted a donation of $25,000 (£19,600) from LIV, and at its Asian Tour event at Close House near Newcastle, there will be fundraising activities as well.

    Although the organisation offers its facilities free of charge, Shearer explained that this means money must be generated to meet operating expenses.

    Therefore, he remarked, “Whenever anyone asks if they can be involved with it, then it’s always a yes because times are hard now.”

    “We still need to find a way to raise the money.”

    Shearer acknowledged worries about the source of the funding, but added that he understood them.

    I believe it’s critical that we discuss and inquire about that, he remarked.

    “We must accept that LIV and the Saudis are in because it is such a significant aspect of sport today.

    “But I believe that more people are raising the issues as a result of their current involvement, and that can only be a good thing.

    “It can only be better if people have to answer more questions,”

    Because of Saudi Arabia‘s dismal human rights record, a Saudi-backed acquisition of Shearer’s former team, Newcastle United, in 2021 generated controversy.

    Amnesty International demanded that the Premier League review the agreement earlier this year.

    The organization’s CEO, Sacha Deshmukh, blasted the choice to stage two Saudi international games at St. James’ Park on Wednesday, labelling it yet another illustration of “how sportswashing works.”

  • Newcastle to host 2 Saudi Arabia friendly games in September

    Newcastle to host 2 Saudi Arabia friendly games in September

    Premier League club, Newcastle United, announced on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia’s men’s football team is scheduled to compete in two international friendly matches at the St James’ Park stadium in September.

    Back in June, ESPN reported that discussions were underway for Newcastle to host a Saudi Arabia friendly during the September international break.

    Given that the majority shareholder of Newcastle is Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the club is set to facilitate the Saudi national side’s matches against Costa Rica on September 8 and South Korea on September 12 at St James’ Park.

    These two games are integral to Saudi Arabia’s preparations for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup, which is slated to take place in Qatar in January 2024.

    Notably, Saudi Arabia has clinched the Asian Cup title three times, with their most recent victory occurring in 1996.

  • Neymar headed for the Saudis as Al-Hilal strike €160m deal with PSG

    Neymar’s impending move to Saudi Arabia is nearing completion following Paris Saint-Germain’s agreement with Al-Hilal and the finalisation of personal terms.

    L’Equipe reports that PSG and the Saudi Pro League team have come to terms on Neymar’s transfer.

    The 31-year-old Brazilian has already committed to a two-year contract that will see him earn a total of €160 million (£138 million or $175 million).

    Neymar’s six-year tenure in Paris seems to be concluding quietly. His absence from play since March and his pursuit of reconstructive ankle ligament surgery highlight the injury challenges that have persisted since his record-breaking transfer from Barcelona in 2017.

    Despite netting 118 goals for PSG, Neymar’s relationship with the club’s fans has been turbulent in recent times.

    This tension reached a peak when the ultras staged a protest outside his residence earlier this year. This summer, both Neymar and Marco Verratti were advised to seek new clubs.

    Neymar will join a cadre of global superstars who have migrated to Saudi Arabia this season.

    At Al-Hilal, he will collaborate with the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves, and former Barcelona player Malcom.


    Neymar is on the verge of moving to Saudi Arabia after Paris Saint-Germain agreed a deal with Al-Hilal, with personal terms already settled.


    According to L’Equipe, PSG and the Saudi Pro League side have reached an agreement for the transfer of Neymar.

    The 31-year-old Brazilian has already agreed to a two-year-contract that will see him pocket €160 million (£138 million or $175 million) in total.


    Neymar’s six-year spell in the French capital looks to be ending with a whimper. He has been out of action since March, and has undergone reconstructive ankle ligament surgery in an attempt to solve the injury issues that have plagued him since his world-record move from Barcelona in 2017.


    Despite scoring 118 goals for PSG, Neymar has had an up-and-down relationship with the club’s fans in recent years, which came to a head when their ultras protested outside his home earlier this year. This summer, he was told, along with Marco Verratti, to find a new club.
    Neymar will join a host of global superstars who have flocked to Saudi Arabia this summer.

    At Al-Hilal, he’ll link up with Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves, and former Barcelona man Malcom.