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☆ FIFA and UEFA did not breach EU laws in blocking European Super League, but proponents aren’t for giving up
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Sammy Mngqosini | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —The decisions taken by soccer bodies FIFA and UEFA to block the European Super League (ESL) are in line with European Union (EU) competition laws, according to an EU Opinion issued on Thursday. “The FIFA-UEFA rules under which any new competition is subject to prior approval are compatible with EU competition law,” Advocate General Athanasios Rantos at the EU Court of Justice (CJEU) said. The ESL was set up in 2021 by 12 European clubs with the intention to break away from European football governing body UEFA to create their very own competition. FIFA also welcomes the Advocate General’s recognition of FIFA’s exclusive rights to market international competitions organized by FIFA. Fans of Chelsea Football Club protest against the European Super League outside Stamford Bridge on April 20, 2021.

☆ FIFA confirms death of migrant worker at Qatar World Cup training base
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-08 | by ( Sammy Mngqosini | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —FIFA on Thursday confirmed the death of a migrant worker at the resort used by Saudi Arabia during the group stages at the World Cup in Qatar. “We’re in the middle of a World Cup. And we have a successful World Cup. In his interview on Thursday, Al Khater added: “Look, workers’ death has been a big subject during the World Cup. “This theme, this negativity around the World Cup has been something that we’ve been faced with.

CNN —England soccer star Raheem Sterling is returning home from the World Cup in Qatar after armed intruders broke into his home while his family were inside, a person with knowledge of the situation told CNN. The incident happened on Saturday evening, the individual told CNN, and Sterling is said to be “shaken” and “concerned” about the well-being of his children after the break-in. “Police were contacted just before 9pm on Saturday December 3rd after the occupants of the property came home and discovered a number of items including jewellery and watches had been stolen,” a spokesperson from Surrey Police told CNN. We’re obviously mindful of him being allowed space and privacy respected so we don’t want to talk in too much detail. The Chelsea forward played in England’s first two games in the group stages of the World Cup and scored in the team’s 6-2 victory against Iran.

CNN —Formula One has canceled next year’s Chinese Grand Prix in light of Covid-19 difficulties, according to a statement released by F1 on Friday. The race was scheduled to take place in Shanghai on April 16, marking F1’s first race in China since 2019. But the country’s strict Covid-19 protocols have left F1 “assessing alternative options” for the fourth race of the 2023 season. The 2023 F1 season is scheduled to get underway in Bahrain on March 5. That kicks off a campaign featuring 24 races, assuming an alternative location is named in place of the Chinese Grand Prix.

☆ Qatar World Cup chief says between 400 and 500 migrant workers have died in projects connected to the tournament
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-29 | by ( Sammy Mngqosini | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —World Cup chief Hassan Al-Thawadi said that between 400 and 500 migrant workers have died as a result of work done on projects connected to the tournament – a greater figure than Qatari officials have cited previously. Al-Thawadi said three had died in incidents directly connected with construction of the stadiums, and 37 deaths were attributed to other reasons. The report did not connect all 6,500 deaths with World Cup infrastructure projects and has not been independently verified by CNN. It also fails to recognize that only 20% of foreign workers in Qatar are employed on construction sites.”According to Amnesty International, migrant workers account for 90% of Qatar’s total workforce. The improvements that have happened aren’t because of the World Cup.

☆ Brussels: Morocco's World Cup win against Belgium triggers riots
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( Sammy Mngqosini | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Belgian police detained dozens of people on Sunday after Morocco’s 2-0 World Cup win over Belgium at the World Cup triggered riots in Brussels. “It was immediately decided to proceed to a police intervention, with the use of a water cannon and tear gas,” the Brussels police said. The office of Brussels mayor Philippe Close told CNN that parents of the young rioters will be held liable for damaged infrastructure in the Belgian capital. The victory against Belgium was Morocco’s first win at a World Cup since 1998 – and just its third ever. Abdelhamid Sabiri scored with a free kick in the second half before Zakaria Aboukhlal sealed the famous win with Morocco’s second goal in stoppage time.

Doha, Qatar CNN —Just two days before the World Cup kicks off in Qatar, soccer’s world governing body FIFA confirmed that no alcohol will be sold at the eight stadiums which will host the tournament’s 64 matches. “Following discussions between host country authorities and FIFA, a decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues, removing sales points of beer from Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeter,” said the FIFA statement. “There is no impact to the sale of Bud Zero which will remain available at all Qatar’s World Cup stadiums,” added the FIFA statement. “The tournament organisers appreciate AB InBev’s understanding and continuous support to our joint commitment to cater for everyone during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022,” continued the FIFA statement. The 2022 Qatar World Cup runs from November 20 until December 18.

CNN —Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo says he keeps his son’s ashes with him at his home and describes his death as the “worst” moment of his life. “[My son’s] ashes are with me, like my Daddy, they are here in the house. It’s – you don’t know if you cry or you don’t know if you smile. Cristiano Ronaldo said losing his son was the "worst" moment of his life. “And to pass through in that moment was probably the most difficult moment that I have in my life.

☆ World Cup 2022: David Beckham's 'status as a gay icon will be shredded' if he continues as Qatar ambassador says British comedian
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-14 | by ( Zayn Nabbi Sammy Mngqosini | Zayn Nabbi | Sammy Mngqosini | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —David Beckham’s “status as a gay icon will be shredded” if the former England captain and Manchester United star continues in his role as a Qatar World Cup ambassador said British comedian Joe Lycett on Sunday. Beckham, contacted by CNN through his representatives, declined to comment on the criticism around his ambassadorship. “You’re the first Premiership footballer to do shoots with gay magazines like Attitude, to speak openly about your gay fans,” Lycett said. Alexander Tamargo/Getty ImagesHRW has also recently highlighted “arbitrary arrests and ill-treatment” of LGBTQ people in Qatar. “There are just a few days until the World Cup kickoff, but that’s plenty of time for the Qatari government to end ill-treatment of LGBT people,” HRW said in a November press release.

☆ Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson: American MMA fighter dies at 38 from undisclosed illness
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-14 | by ( Sammy Mngqosini | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —American MMA lightweight fighter Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson has died at the age of 38 from an undisclosed illness, according to Bellator MMA. “It is with great sadness we acknowledge the passing of Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson, Bellator MMA announced on social media on Sunday. After four years away from mixed martial arts, Johnson came out retirement and joined Bellator MMA in 2021. Daniel Cormier, a two-time Olympian and MMA fighter paid tribute to Johnson. “For a guy who struck fear into so many peoples heart Anthony Johnson was a caring person.

He was later ordered to complete 180 hours of community service by the Thames Magistrates Court in June, after pleading guilty to the offense, PA Media reported at the time. “I know it was very tough for people to watch and to see that and obviously I feel very, very sorry. During the sentencing at Thames Magistrates’ Court, Zouma was also banned from owning a cat for five years and ordered to pay court fines of nearly £9,000 ($11,214). Kurt Zouma arrives at the Thames Magistrates' Court, in June. Daniel Leal/AFP/Getty ImagesThe RSPCA seized two cats belonging to Zouma shortly after the incident and they have remained in their care since February.

CNN —British LGBTQ activist Peter Tatchell protested by himself outside the Qatar national museum on Tuesday ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup which the country will host starting in November. “I did this protest to highlight Qatar’s abuse of LGBT, women’s and migrant workers rights,” his foundation said in a statement. Police shook Tatchell’s hand and left, leaving the activist on the sidewalk, Reuters said. Tatchell shared video on Twitter showing a man in plain clothes speaking to him and taking his sign away. The World Cup takes place from November 20 to December 18.

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