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☆ Cristiano Ronaldo red carded for elbowing opponent during Saudi Super Cup defeat
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-09 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Cristiano Ronaldo was red carded for elbowing an opponent during Al-Nassr’s defeat against Al-Hilal in the Saudi Super Cup semifinal. Sadio Mané did score for Al-Nassr following Ronaldo’s departure, but earlier goals from Salem Al-Dawsari and Malcom gave Al-Hilal a 2-1 victory. There was no way back for Al-Nassr from there, despite Mané’s consolation goal after Ronaldo’s red card. The defeat on Monday means that Ronaldo and Al-Nassr are likely to end this season without a trophy. Al-Hilal will now face Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Super Cup final in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

Persons: CNN — Cristiano Ronaldo, Hilal’s Ali Al, Bulayhi, Sadio Mané, Dawsari, Malcom, Hilal, Jorge Jesus, Otávio, Ronaldo remonstrates, Stringer, Ronaldo Organizations: CNN, Al, Saudi Super, Salem Al, men’s, Saudi Pro League, Asian Champions League, SPL Locations: Hilal, Abu Dhabi, Portuguese, Salem, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Ittihad

☆ Al-Hilal: Saudi Arabia club sets record for most consecutive wins in men’s soccer
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-13 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal set the world record for the most consecutive victories in men’s soccer on Tuesday, defeating Al-Ittihad 2-0 in the AFC Champions League. Before that, Dutch giant Ajax had held the record for 44 years after a 26-game winning streak between 1971 and 1972. “Everyone at Al Hilal is delighted to achieve world football history by winning 28 consecutive matches,” said manager Jorge Jesus. “It is up to everyone at Al-Hilal to ensure that we close out the season as Roshn Saudi League champions and meet our targets in the cup competitions. According to Guinness World Records, Olympique Lyonnais Féminin has the most consecutive wins in soccer – men’s or women’s – with 41 across all competitions between 2012 and 2013.

Persons: Hilal, Al Hilal, ”, Jorge Jesus, Romarinho, Yasser Al, Shahrani, Hilal's, Yasser Bakhsh, Abderrazak, Ali Al, Malcom, Jesus, ” Al, Al Ain, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al, Nassr, Neymar Organizations: CNN, Saudi, Al, AFC Champions League, Welsh, New Saints, Ajax, ”, “, Saudi League, Champions League, Saudi Pro League, Guinness World Records, Olympique Lyonnais Féminin Locations: Saudi Arabian, Ittihad, Al, Hilal, Jeddah

☆ Al-Nassr knocked out of the AFC Champions League by Al Ain after Cristiano Ronaldo’s costly miss
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-12 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr crashed out of the AFC Champions League after a thrilling tie against Al Ain ended 4-4 on aggregate before the Emirati side triumphed on penalties. Monday’s end-to-end game could have gone either way, though Ronaldo will likely regret his staggering miss in the second half which could have seen Al-Nassr progress to the semifinals. Together, always!”After Al Ain won the first leg 1-0, the visiting team got off to a superb start in Riyadh thanks to two first-half goals from Soufiane Rahimi, whose neat finish had been the difference between the teams last week. Al Ain players celebrate their dramatic victory. Al Ain, chasing its first AFC Champions League title in 21 years, will next face another Saudi Arabian team – either Al-Hilal or Al-Ittihad – in the semifinals.

Persons: CNN — Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al, Nassr, Al Ain, Ronaldo, “, Soufiane Rahimi, Khalid, Sadio Mané, Abdulrahman, Fayez, Alex Telles ’, Ayman Yahya, Sultan Al, Shamsi, Raghed Al, Yasser Bakhsh, Marcelo Brozović Organizations: CNN, AFC Champions League, Al, Getty, AFC, League, Saudi Arabian Locations: Riyadh, Portuguese, Al Ain, Saudi, Al, Hilal, Ittihad

☆ Jordan Henderson: After six months in Saudi Arabia, England international has returned to European soccer
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-19 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Soccer player Jordan Henderson has announced that he is returning to Europe to join Ajax, six months after making a controversial move to Saudi Arabia. Henderson makes a pass during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ettifaq and Al Ittihad in November. Yasser Bakhsh/Getty ImagesHenderson’s move from Liverpool to Al-Ettifaq came under scrutiny given the midfielder’s previous support of LGBTQ rights. But in moving to Saudi Arabia – where same-sex sexual activity is an offense, according to Human Rights Watch – Henderson attracted criticism from LGBTQ campaign groups and the wider soccer community. He made 17 league appearances during his six months with Al Ettifaq, which is managed by Liverpool great Steven Gerrard.

Persons: Jordan Henderson, “, I’ve, Ettifaq, Samer Al Misehal, ”, “ Jordan, he’d, Saad Allazeez, Henderson, Al Ettifaq, Yasser Bakhsh, – Henderson, ” Henderson, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Steven Gerrard Organizations: CNN — Soccer, Ajax, England, Saudi Pro League, Al, Twitter, Jordan, ESPN, SPL, Stonewall, Saudi Arabia –, Human Rights, Liverpool, Athletic, Champions League, Premier League Locations: Europe, Saudi Arabia, Al Ittihad, Liverpool, Al

☆ Newcastle get green light to loan players from Saudi Pro League - media
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Nov 21 (Reuters) - Newcastle United will be allowed to loan players from sides controlled by their Saudi owners in the January transfer window after a vote on a temporary ban on related-party loans did not get enough support from Premier League clubs, British media reported on Tuesday. Thirteen Premier League clubs voted in favour of the temporary ban on loan moves between teams under the same ownership at a shareholders' meeting on Tuesday, the BBC reported, falling one vote short of the number needed for it to be introduced. The vote means that Newcastle, who in October 2021 were acquired by a group led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), will be permitted to loan players from other clubs also owned by the fund. PIF owns majority stakes in the Pro League's "big four" clubs -- Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr, and Al-Hilal -- who signed players including Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, Ruben Neves and Neymar in the last transfer window. Reporting by Anita Kobylinska in Gdansk Editing by Toby DavisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: PIF, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, Ruben Neves, Neymar, Anita Kobylinska, Toby Davis Organizations: Newcastle United, Premier League, BBC, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Thomson Locations: Newcastle, Ittihad, Al, Ahli, Hilal, Gdansk

☆ Crespo set to take charge at UAE club Al Ain
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-13 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Nov 13 (Reuters) - Al Ain-bound Argentine coach Hernan Crespo will arrive on Monday to formally sign his contract, the UAE club said. Crespo will succeed Dutch coach Alfred Schreuder who parted ways with Al Ain last week after just six months in charge following media reports he would be moving to Saudi Arabia. Al Ain made the announcement on social media platform X with a video clip reviewing Crespo's career as a player and coach. Al Ain signed 51-year-old Schroeder last May after the departure of coach Sergei Rebrov, but media have linked the Dutch coach with Saudi champions Al-Ittihad, who have sacked Portuguese coach Nuno Espirito Santo. Al Ain are third in the UAE Pro League with 15 points after seven games.

Persons: Al, Hernan Crespo, Crespo, Alfred Schreuder, Al Ain, Duhail, Paris St Germain, Christophe Galtier, Schroeder, Sergei Rebrov, Nuno Espirito, Al Wasl, Saudi Arabia's, Ashraf Hamed Atta, Ken ferris Organizations: Argetina, Parma, Lazio, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Qatari, Al, Paris St, Saudi, Nuno Espirito Santo, UAE Pro League, Asian Champions League, Thomson Locations: Al Ain, Argentine, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Ittihad, Portuguese, Al

☆ Sepahan: Iranian soccer club punished and fined $200,000 for displaying slain’s commander bust that forced cancelation of match against Saudi team
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-03 | by ( Ben Morse | Mostafa Salem | Adam Pourahmadi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Iranian soccer club Sepahan has been punished by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for displaying a bust of a divisive general, who was assassinated by the United States in 2020, which caused the cancelation of a game against a Saudi team. The Quds Force is an elite unit that handles Iran’s overseas operations – and one designated as a terrorist organization by the US and Saudi Arabia. He was killed in 2020 by a US drone strike ordered by then US President Donald Trump. A picture, obtained by AFP from the Iranian news agency Tasnim, showing Sepahan players leaving the pitch after the cancellation of the match in Isfahan, Iran. After playing three Asian Champions League Group C matches, Al-Ittihad tops the group with nine points after a trio of wins, with Sepahan in third place on four points.

Persons: Qasem Soleimani, ’ Al, Ittihad, ”, Soleimani, Donald Trump, Morteza Salehi, Mohammad Reza Saket Organizations: CNN, Iranian, Sepahan, Asian Football Confederation, AFC, Saudi, Al, Jahan, Asian Champions League, Iranian Revolutionary Guards, Force, ” Sepahan, Sport, Quds Force, US, Saudi Press Agency, AFP, Getty, Asian Champions League Group Locations: United States, Ittihad, Naghsh, Isfahan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, China, Tehran, Riyadh, AFP, Al

☆ Karim Benzema: French Interior Minister makes baseless claim about soccer star
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-18 | by ( Ben Morse | Claudia Colliva | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Speaking to French outlet CNews on Monday, French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin accused Benzema of having connections to the Muslim Brotherhood, a religious and political group which France considers a terrorist organization. And in recent weeks, I’ve been particularly interested, Mr. Benzema is linked, we all know it, notoriously with the Muslim Brotherhood. The Muslim Brotherhood is a religious and political group founded on the belief that Islam is not simply a religion, but a way of life. The Muslim Brotherhood officially rejects the use of violent means to secure its goals. There is no evidence that the Muslim Brotherhood has any connection to Hamas’ attack on Israel.

Persons: CNN —, Ballon, Karim Benzema, Gérald Darmanin, Benzema, Darmanin, I’ve, ’, Gilles Kepel, ”, Sarah Meyssonnier, ” Benzema, “, Benzema’s Organizations: CNN, French, Muslim, French Interior Ministry, UEFA Champions League, Real Madrid, Saudi Pro League, Al, France’s men’s, Palestinian Health Ministry, Reuters, Twitter, Muslim Brotherhood Locations: Israel, France, Ittihad, Gaza, Paris, Palestinian

☆ Benzema tempted by Saudi Arabia's 'huge' football project
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

FILE PHOTO:Saudi Arabian soccer team Al Ittihad player Karim Benzema arrives in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in this handout photo obtained by Reuters June 7, 2023. "When the football project started here, it seemed like a huge project in all respects, and I wanted to be a part of it and help advance the game in Saudi Arabia, and this is one of the reasons that made me come here," Benzema said in an interview with the Saudi Pro League, posted on messaging platform X. "Also, Saudi Arabia is a Muslim country and they welcomed me with open hands, and I felt loved immediately. I am really surprised by the level in Saudi Arabia because in Europe we don't watch a lot of football matches here," the 35-year-old added. "But now there are lots of people (in Europe) who are watching the Saudi league after many big names were brought in."

Persons: Karim Benzema, Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Fabinho, Jota, Ittihad, Al, Ahmed El Khashab, Hatem Maher, Ed Osmond Organizations: Saudi Arabian soccer, Al, Reuters, REUTERS, Real Madrid, Saudi Pro League, Real, Saudi, Thomson Locations: Saudi, Al Ittihad, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Handout, Al, Ittihad, Mecca, Europe, Hilal

☆ Bust of slain commander forces cancellation of soccer match between Iranian and Saudi teams
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( Mostafa Salem | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

The Quds Force is an elite unit that handles Iran’s overseas operations – and one designated as a terrorist organization by the US and Saudi Arabia. Riyadh severed ties with Tehran in 2016 after Iranian protesters stormed the Saudi embassy in the capital following the execution of a Shiite Muslim cleric in Saudi Arabia. The recent détente however brought hopes of long-lasting peace as Saudi Arabia redirects its resources toward economic development. Iranian and Saudi teams competed last month for the first time in seven years in Iran, where billboards in the streets welcomed the Saudi teams in English, Arabic and Farsi. Iranian soccer fans have also been seen wearing Saudi team jerseys after the kingdom’s clubs made high-profile purchases of international soccer stars.

Persons: Qasem Soleimani, Soleimani, Donald Trump, Ittihad, Tasnim, Morteza Salehi, Mohammad Reza Saket, –, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, ” Organizations: UAE CNN —, Asian Champions League, Saudi, Sepahan FC, Jahan, Iranian Revolutionary Guards, Force, Quds Force, US, Al, Sepahan, Asian Football Confederation, AFC, Saudi Press Agency, AFP, Getty, CNN, Soccer, Saudi Arabia’s Crown, MBS Locations: Abu Dhabi, UAE, Saudi, Iran, United States, Al, Ittihad, Naghsh, Isfahan, Saudi Arabia, China, Tehran, Riyadh, AFP, Iranian

☆ Ronaldo sparks fightback as Al-Nassr given Asian Champions League scare
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-02 | by ( Michael Church | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Oct 2 (Reuters) - Cristiano Ronaldo was on target as Al-Nassr survived a scare in the Asian Champions League on Monday with the Saudi Pro League side coming from a goal down to hand Tajikistan's Istiklol a 3-1 defeat in Riyadh. The Asian Football Confederation said the game, which was due to be played in Isfahan's Naghsh-e Jahan Stadium, had been "cancelled due to unanticipated and unforeseen circumstances". In Group B, Uzbekistan's Nasaf climbed into pole position after claiming their second win in a row when Azizbek Amonov struck twice in a 3-1 win over Al Sadd of Qatar. Ruzikul Berdiev's team hold a two point lead over Sharjah from the United Arab Emirates, who beat Jordan's Al-Faisaly thanks to a 20th minute goal from Moussa Marega, an Asian Champions League winner with Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal in 2021. Reporting by Michael Church, Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo, Nassr, Senin Sebai, Istiklol, Ronaldo, Anderson Talisca, Luis Castro's, Al Duhail, Omid Alishah, Qasem Soleimani, Ali Jasim, Sanzhar Tursunov's, Siavash Haghnazari, Nasaf, Azizbek Amonov, Al, Ruzikul, Jordan's, Moussa Marega, Saudi Arabia's Al, Michael Church, Ken Ferris Organizations: Asian Champions League, Saudi Pro League, Brazilian, Iran's Persepolis, Iran's Sepahan, Saudi, Asian Football Confederation, Air Force Club, AGMK, Air Force, United Arab Emirates, Thomson Locations: Riyadh, Dushanbe, Saudi, Qatar, Isfahan's, Uzbekistan, Al, Ittihad, Al Sadd, Sharjah, Hilal

Meanwhile, failed uprisings in Bahrain and eastern Saudi Arabia were followed by years-long crackdowns and a continuing civil war in Syria. “What we’re beginning to see in Saudi Arabia right now is the emergence of a new social contract. Saudi Arabia is the world’s biggest exporter of crude oil, and nearly two-thirds of its income still comes from selling fossil fuels. If Saudi Arabia can become a hub for major sporting events, then that’s a way of attracting interest to the country,” said Maguire. In response to previous criticism about Saudi Arabia’s purported “sportswashing,” the kingdom’s sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal said: “People that don’t know Saudi Arabia, have never been to Saudi Arabia, go out and talk about it as if they’ve lived there for 30 years, 40 years.

Persons: Hilal, Kylian Mbappé, Germain, Neymar Jr, Ballon d’Or, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nassr, Patricia de Melo Moreira, it’s, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman –, Leon Neal, Ballon, Karim Benzema, Al Hilal, spender, –, Carlo Nohra, Jordan Henderson, Henderson, “, ’ ” Simon Chadwick, “ We’ve, ” Chadwick, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Al Nassr, Stringer, you’re, Kieran Maguire, they’re, Everybody’s, ” Maguire, Chadwick, Ronaldo, Maguire, … Mohammed bin Salman, ” James Dorsey, ”, Chadwick –, Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al, Faisal, don’t, they’ve, LIV Golf, Jimmy Dunne, LIV, Dunne, Aleksander Ceferin, Erling, Haaland, Jurgen Klopp, Michael Emenalo, Steven Gerrard, Nohra, ” “ They’ve Organizations: CNN, Saudi, Al, Paris Saint, PSG, Saudi Pro League, Ligue, Liga, Serie, Bundesliga, English Premier League, Deloitte, Investment Fund, AFP, Getty, SPL, Saudi Crown, Spanish, Arsenal, CNN Sport, English, Newcastle United, Liverpool, The Athletic, SKEMA Business School, Argentina, Zamalek, King Fahd Sports City, Anadolu Agency, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, Football, AFC Asian, FIFA, Greece, Royal Spanish Football Federation, Spanish Super, ”, Amnesty International, Amnesty, Middle East Soccer, Saudi Ministry, Sport, PGA Tour, European, UEFA, Premier League, Ettifaq Media, Reuters New Saudi Pro League, Major League Soccer, La Liga, Peterson Institute for International Economics, Russian Direct Investment Fund, Investigations, PGA Locations: Saudi Arabian, Brazil, Saudi, Ittihad, Al, Ahli, Real Madrid, England, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Liverpool, China, Qatar, Taif, Egypt, Spanish, East, North Africa, Libya, Yemen, Tunisia, Bahrain, Syria, “, ”, Europe, ” Liverpool

☆ Kylian Mbappé and Real Madrid: Soccer’s never-ending transfer saga
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-17 | by ( Thomas Schlachter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

This, of course, is Kylian Mbappé’s much discussed, potential move from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to Real Madrid. The first time Real Madrid came calling for the boy from Bondy was when the forward was just 13 years old. Zinedine Zidane watches on as Mbappé plays against his Real Madrid team in 2019. I mean, that tells you the story through that.”Jude Bellingham (C) and Vinícius Júnior (R) are leading the next generation of Real Madrid stars. “The biggest failure for me would be that Real Madrid didn’t have a plan B if the Mbappé signing didn’t happen,” he adds.

Persons: Germain, Mbappé, Zinedine Zidane, ” Mbappé, ‘ Zidane, ’ ”, Anthony Dibon, Blancos, Emmanuel Macron, Macron, France’s, “, ”, ” France's, Francois Mori, Lindsay Sarah Krasnoff, it’s, Krasnoff, Bleus, –, de Cordée, Anne, Christine Poujoulat, ” Nabil Larbi, Billie Jean King’s, undesirables ’, PSG President Nasser Al, Kirill Kudryavtsev, David Beckham, Ronaldo Nazário, Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaká, Florentino Pérez, Álvaro Romeo, Vinícius Jr, Jude Bellingham –, Dani Carvajal, I’m, ” Carvajal, ” Romeo, Romeo, he’s, ” Jude Bellingham, Vinícius, Jorge Guerrero, Merengues, Real, they’ve, Karim Benzema, Joselu Organizations: CNN, Paris Saint, PSG, AS Monaco, Real Madrid, Real, Players ’ Tribune, French national, League, The New York Times, Getty, CNN Sport, peerless, Fifth, Stade de France, Stade France, French, PSG President, City, Spain Real Madrid, Madrid Locations: Paris, Real Madrid, Madrid, Bondy, Spain, France, Fifth Republic, Republic, AFP, Greater Paris, Mbappé, Cameroon, Algeria, Bondy’s, Japan, City of, Spanish, Real, Saudi Arabian, Ittihad

☆ Ashleigh Plumptre signs for Saudi Arabian team Al-Ittihad Ladies
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-14 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Nigeria international Ashleigh Plumptre is set to join the Saudi Women’s Premier League after signing for Al-Ittihad. The 25-year-old defender, who previously spent three years with English team Leicester City, joins the Saudi league in its second season having just represented Nigeria at the Women’s World Cup. Plumptre vies for the ball with England's Alessia Russo at the Women's World Cup. The eight-team Saudi Women’s Premier League is about to embark on its second season, just five years after women first attended games in the Kingdom. Plumptre previously represented England at youth international level before switching allegiances to Nigeria, for whom she has made 15 appearances, including four at the recent Women’s World Cup.

Persons: Ashleigh Plumptre, Al, ” Plumptre, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr, Sadio Mané, Ballon d’Or, Karim Benzema, Plumptre vies, England's Alessia Russo, Mick O'Shea, Sportsfile, Plumptre, ”, it’s Organizations: CNN — Nigeria, Saudi Women’s Premier League, Al, Leicester City, Saudi, Saudi Pro League, “ Locations: Ittihad, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Kingdom, England, Al

☆ Nigeria defender Plumptre signs for Saudi Women's side Al-Ittihad
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Soccer Football - FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Group B - Nigeria v Canada - Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne, Australia - July 21, 2023 Nigeria's Ashleigh Plumptre in action REUTERS/Hannah Mckay/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSept 14 (Reuters) - Nigeria defender Ashleigh Plumptre said she has joined Saudi Women's Premier League side Al-Ittihad following the expiry of her contract at Leicester City. She played for England at youth level before switching allegiance and making her Nigeria debut in 2022. "Grateful to have signed for Al-Ittihad," Plumptre said on messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The Saudi women's top flight is gearing up for its second season, with eight teams vying for the title. Saudi men's Pro League teams have been spending huge sums to attract some of the best players from European clubs, including Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.

Persons: Nigeria's Ashleigh Plumptre, Hannah Mckay, Ashleigh Plumptre, Plumptre, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Pearl Josephine Nazare, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, Saudi Women's Premier League, Al, Leicester City, England, Saudi, Saudi men's Pro League, Neymar, Saudi Arabia Crown, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Nigeria, Canada, Melbourne, Australia, Ittihad, Saudi Arabia, Bengaluru

☆ Why Saudi Arabia is spending hundreds of millions on soccer stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-08 | by ( Anuz Thapa | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Soccer in Saudi Arabia has entered a new era — the era of having global superstars play on Saudi turf. "This is what we're doing by bringing household names like that to the Saudi league. Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund, is the financial vehicle driving these high-priced transactions. "Saudi Pro League is the top men's professional soccer league in Saudi Arabia." Watch the video above to find out why Saudi Arabia is doubling down its investment in professional soccer and more.

Persons: Neymar, Ballon, Cristiano Ronaldo, Fahad Nazer, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Stefan Szymanski, Simon Chadwick Organizations: Soccer, Pro League, Saudi, CNBC, Public Investment Fund, Saudi Pro League, University of Michigan, Newcastle United, Critics, Skema Business Locations: Saudi Arabia, Saudi, Saudi Embassy, U.S, Ittihad, Al, Hilal, Ahli

☆ Saudi Arabia soccer spending ranks second in the world as it bids to become global powerhouse
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-08 | by ( Matthew Ward-Perkins | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

watch nowThe Saudi Arabian soccer transfer window has slammed shut, marking the end of a historic summer of spending from clubs based in the Gulf state. Saudi clubs outspent four of the "big five" soccer leagues, the first time another league has outspent any members of the dominant European grouping since 2016. However, human rights groups and activists have criticized the high levels of soccer investment from Saudi Arabia and other countries in the Middle East, with accusations of "sportswashing" leveled at the country. The European Club Association, which represents 220 soccer clubs from across Europe, discussed the impact of Saudi Arabia's investment in the sport at its General Assembly this month. "We believe in ourselves … we have the best competition in the world, the biggest clubs in the world, the best players in the world.

Persons: Mohamed Salah, Hilal, spender, CNBC's David Faber, Yasir Al, Rumayyan, Glazer, Nasser Al, Khelaifi, Karim Benzema Organizations: Saudi Arabia's Pro League, English Premier League, Liverpool, country's Public Investment Fund, Chelsea FC outspent, Public Investment, Manchester United Saudi, Manchester United, Saudi, European Club Association, Assembly, Champions League, Afp, Getty Locations: Saudi, Gulf, Al, Ittihad, Ahli, Hilal, Saudi Arabia, Europe

☆ Saudi soccer clubs to play in Iran for the first time in seven years
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-05 | by ( Mostafa Salem | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Iranian and Saudi soccer clubs will be facing off on a home-and-away basis for the first time since 2016, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said in a statement Monday. Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr is set to play Iranian giant Persepolis FC in Tehran on September 19. Riyadh severed ties with Tehran in 2016 after Iranian protesters stormed the Saudi embassy in the Iranian capital following the execution of a Shi’ite cleric in Saudi Arabia. But both countries agreed to reestablish diplomatic ties in March after seven years of hostility, in a landmark deal mediated by China. Saudi Arabia has been investing heavily in sport in recent times, with teams in the Saudi Pro League – the professional men’s league in the country – signing a slew of global stars.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Ronaldo’s, Benzema’s Al, Neymar’s Al, Hilal, It’s Organizations: CNN, Asian Football Confederation, AFC, Asian Champions League, Persepolis FC, Sepahan SC, football, Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Football Federation Islamic, Saudi, Saudi Pro League Locations: Saudi, Iran, Tehran, Ittihad, Isfahan, Mazandaran, Saudi Arabia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Asia, Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, Riyadh, China

☆ Man Utd set for busy deadline day, Man City get Nunes over the line
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-01 | by ( Aadi Nair | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Turkish keeper Bayindir was signed for just 4.3 million pounds ($5.41 million), while Spanish left back Reguilon and Morocco midfielder Amrabat's signings are loan deals. Champions City, who have had a 100% start to the Premier League season and top the standings, added another midfielder to their squad with Nunes joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers. Earlier on Friday, 21-year-old winger Cole Palmer moved from Manchester City to Chelsea in a deal reportedly worth 40 million pounds. The transfer fee offered was reportedly 100 million pounds, with a further 50 million in add-ons. ($1 = 0.7946 pounds)Reporting by Aadi Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Matheus Nunes, Peter Cziborra, Jonny Evans, Sergio Reguilon, Sofyan Amrabat, Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount, Andre Onana, Bayindir, Evans, Nunes, Pep, Kevin De Bruyne, Fati, Tyrone Mings, Clement Lenglet, Cole Palmer, Mason Burstow, Mohamed Salah, Juergen Klopp, Salah, Joao Palhinha, Aadi Nair, Ken Ferris Organizations: Soccer Football, Premier League - Brighton & Hove Albion, Wolverhampton Wanderers, American Express, Manchester United, Altay Bayindir, Manchester City, United, Leicester City, Champions City, Premier League, Portugal, Barcelona, Brighton & Hove Albion, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Championship, Sunderland, Liverpool, Saudi Pro League, Al, Saudi, Bayern, Fulham, Thomson Locations: Brighton, Britain, United, Spanish, Reguilon, Morocco, Manchester, Ittihad, Egypt, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, Germany, Bengaluru

☆ Transfer deadline day deals
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Asked if Palmer was Chelsea's last signing of the window, he told reporters: "I think so. 0930 CITY SIGN NUNESManchester City have signed Portugal midfielder Matheus Nunes from Wolverhampton Wanderers on a five-year contract. 0830 CHELSEA SIGN MIDFIELDER PALMER FROM MAN CITYChelsea said they have signed midfielder Palmer from Premier League champions Manchester City on a contract running until 2027, with the option of a further year. The transfer fee was reported to be worth around 40 million pounds ($50 million). 0800 MAN UTD SIGN GOALKEEPER BAYINDIR FROM FENERBAHCEManchester United signed Turkish goalkeeper Altay Bayindir from Super Lig side Fenerbahce on a four-year deal, with the option of a further year, a day after Dean Henderson joined Crystal Palace.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Sam Navarro, POCHETTINO, Mauricio Pochettino, Cole Palmer, Palmer, Chelsea's, St, Moises Caicedo, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Josko, Karim Benzema, Paris St Germain, Rasmus Hojlund, Atalanta, Dominik Szoboszlai, Matheus Nunes, VILLA, Clement Lenglet, Tyrone Mings, BONUCCI, Leonardo Bonucci, Nuno Tavares, Dean Henderson, Hritika Sharma, Aadi Nair, Peter Rutherford, Toby Davis Organizations: Inter Miami, Nashville SC, USA, CHELSEA, Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, St Germain, Brighton & Hove Albion, West Ham United, Arsenal, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich, Leipzig, Manchester City, Manchester United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, LENGLET, Barcelona, Aston Villa, France, CITY, NUNES Manchester City, Wolves, JUVENTUS, Serie, Juventus, Union Berlin, TAVARES FROM ARSENAL Portuguese, Ligue, Olympique de Marseille, PALMER, CITY Chelsea, Premier League, BAYINDIR, FENERBAHCE Manchester United, Turkish, Altay Bayindir, Super Lig, Fenerbahce, Crystal Palace, Thomson Locations: Fort Lauderdale , Florida, USA, Brighton, Chelsea, West, Real Madrid, Al, Ittihad, Paris, Liverpool, England, Portugal, Germany

☆ Liverpool's Konate, Thiago out for Villa match - Klopp
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Sept 1 (Reuters) - Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate and Thiago will miss this weekend's Premier League game at home to Aston Villa due to injuries, manager Juergen Klopp said, while giving little away on the club's possible transfer activity on Friday's deadline day. France centre back Konate is battling a muscle issue and missed last weekend's comeback win over Newcastle United, while Brazil midfielder Thiago underwent hip surgery before the start of the season and has suffered a setback in his recovery. "Ibou (Konate) will not be ready for the game," Klopp said. Thiago started training with the team and then had a little setback, so we have to slow down there a little bit. Liverpool are third in the league with seven points from three games, one point above Villa in seventh place.

Persons: Konate, Thiago, Juergen Klopp, Virgil Van Dijk, Newcastle's Alexander Isak, Klopp, Curtis, Jones, Mohamed Salah, Bayern Munich's Ryan Gravenberch, Hritika Sharma, David Holmes Organizations: Premier League, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Anfield, Liverpool, Bayern, Villa, Thomson Locations: France, Brazil, Liverpool, Saudi Arabian, Al, Ittihad, Hyderabad

☆ Saudi Arabia name Mancini as new national team coach
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Aug 27 (Reuters) - Former Italy boss Roberto Mancini said he aims to make history after being named the new head coach of the Saudi Arabia national team by the country's football federation (SAFF) on Sunday. "I made history in Europe, now is time to make history with Saudi," Mancini said in a video posted on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Former Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti replaced Mancini as Italy boss after he resigned on Aug. 13, ending a five-year spell in charge of the national team in which they won the European Championship but missed out on qualification for the World Cup. Frenchman Herve Renard stepped down as Saudi Arabia's coach in March. The team will attempt to win their fourth Asian Cup title at the continental championship to be held in Qatar early next year.

Persons: Roberto Mancini, Mancini, " Mancini, Luciano Spalletti, Frenchman Herve Renard, Angelica Medina, Toby Davis Organizations: Saudi Arabia national, Saudi, Twitter, Napoli, Argentina, Saudi Public Investment Fund, Clubs Investment, Al, Thomson Locations: Italy, Saudi, Riyadh, Costa Rica, Europe, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Ittihad, Al, Ahli, Hilal, Mexico

☆ Salah not for sale, says Liverpool boss Klopp
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Aug 25 (Reuters) - Mohamed Salah is not for sale and Liverpool have not received any offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad, manager Juergen Klopp said on Friday. Salah has scored 187 goals in 307 appearances since joining Liverpool in 2017, helping the club win the Premier League and Champions League. The German also said that 31-year-old Salah, who signed a three-year extension to his contract last year, is 100% committed to Liverpool. Mac Allister is now available for the game at Newcastle where Klopp will face Eddie Howe. Centre back Ibrahima Konate is struggling with a muscle injury, and he is a doubt for the Newcastle game.

Persons: Mohamed Salah, Juergen Klopp, Klopp, Salah, It's, Mo Salah, Alexis Mac Allister, Allister, Eddie Howe, Howe, Trent Alexander, Arnold, Thiago Alcantara, Curtis Jones, Konate, didn't, Trevor Stynes, Toby Davis Organizations: Liverpool, Egypt, Premier League, Champions, Saudi, Newcastle United, St James, Bournemouth, Newcastle, Champions League, ., Thomson Locations: Saudi Arabian, Al, Ittihad, Liverpool

☆ Portugal's Otavio moves to Saudi club Al-Nassr
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Aug 22 (Reuters) - Portugal midfielder Otavio has joined Al-Nassr from Portuguese side Porto, the Saudi Pro League club said on Tuesday. Huge Welcome to The Best Player in Liga Portugal," Al-Nassr posted on messaging platform X, previously known as Twitter. Otavio joins an Al-Nassr squad that also includes Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic, Alex Telles and Seko Fofana. Luis Castro's team have made a poor start to the Pro League season, losing both their opening matches. The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has announced a Sports Clubs Investment and Privatisation Project involving league champions Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal.

Persons: Otavio, Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic, Alex Telles, Fofana, Luis Castro's, PIF, Shady Amir, Toby Davis Organizations: Saudi Pro League, Porto, Portuguese, Liga Portugal, Pro League, Saudi Public Investment Fund, Clubs Investment, Al, Shady, Thomson Locations: Portugal, Porto, Ittihad, Al, Ahli, Hilal

☆ Factbox: Saudi transfers this summer
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Aug 22 (Reuters) - Saudi clubs have spent over 750 million euros ($813.45 million)in the close season signing players with the new Saudi Pro League season having kicked off on Aug. 11. Following are the main clubs' recent large purchases:Al-Ittihad (manager: Nuno Espirito Santo since 2022)N'Golo Kante from Chelsea. (40 million pounds)Al-Ahli (manager: Matthias Jaissle since 2023)Edouard Mendy from Chelsea. (40 million euros)Otavio from Porto. (40 million euros)Malcom from Zenit Saint Petersburg.

Persons: Nuno Espirito, N'Golo Kante, Karim Benzema, Matthias Jaissle, Edouard Mendy, Roberto Firmino, Mahrez, Allan Saint, Franck Kessie, Roger Ibanez, Merih Demiral, Luis Castro, Marcelo Brozovic, Alex Telles, Seko, Sadio Mane, Jorge Jesus, Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Neves, Sergej Milinkovic, Savic, Malcom, Yassine Bounou, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Steven Gerrard, Moussa Dembele, Jack Hendry, Jordan Henderson, Tommy Lund, Ken Ferris, Ed Osmond, Toby Davis Organizations: Saudi Pro League, Nuno Espirito Santo, Manchester City, AS Roma, Atalanta, Inter Milan, Manchester United, RC Lens, Bayern Munich, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Zenit Saint Petersburg, Paris St Germain, Fulham, Olympique Lyonnais, Club Brugge, Thomson Locations: Saudi, Ittihad, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Celtic, Liverpool, Al, Ahli, Manchester, Newcastle, Barcelona, Porto, Hilal, Lazio, Paris, Sevilla, Gdynia

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