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☆ Torino Superga disaster: How an air crash instantly wiped out one of soccer’s great teams
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-04 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

A local boy born in the northern Italian city of Turin and the captain of Torino’s youth team, Motto seemed destined to represent his boyhood club. Umberto Motto as a youth team player for Torino. Other Italian teams loaned – and even gave – players to Torino, Pennino says. The federation accepted a proposal from Torino that it would play its youth team, the champions of Italy at the time, against the youth teams of its four remaining opponents. Torino’s youth players beat Genoa 4-0 in an atmosphere Motto has never forgotten.

Persons: Umberto Motto, ’, hadn’t, Umberto, Mario Lanati, “ Umberto, ” Lanati, Torino’s, Roberto Pennino, Torino, Pennino, “, –, ” Giulio Andreotti, Feruccio Novo, ” Pennino, Roberto Pennino ‘, Lanati, Novo, ”, Forza, It’s Organizations: CNN, Torino FC, Stadio, Torino, Italian, Benfica, Aeritalia, ‘ Grande Torino, didn’t, –, Roberto Pennino ‘ Forza, Novo, Genoa –, ”, Genoa, Palermo, Sampdoria, Fiorentina, Monumental Locations: Italian, Turin, Lisbon, Portugal, ’, Torino, Italy

☆ Detroit is getting ready to host the NFL draft a decade after going bankrupt
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-31 | by ( George Glover | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Detroit is set to host the NFL draft next month, a decade after it went bankrupt. Mayor Mike Duggan told BI that he hopes the event will reintroduce the city to the rest of the US. AdvertisementThe new DetroitApril's NFL draft — one of the biggest weekends on the sporting calendar — is set to bring eyeballs back to Detroit. AdvertisementDowntown Detroit will host the 2024 NFL draft. "No matter where you went in southeastern Michigan, everyone was smiling and talking to each other about the Lions," Duggan added.

Persons: Mike Duggan, —, Duggan, Axios, Joshua Lott, Bill Pugliano, it'll, we've, Kirby Lee, Dan Gilbert, who's, Jared Goff, Dan Campbell, Gilbert, Kyusung Gong, it's Organizations: Detroit, NFL, Lions, Service, Ford, GM, Detroit Free Press, Reuters, Economic, KC, Sports, Vegas and Kansas City, Getty, Cleveland Cavaliers NBA, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, The Lions, NCAA College Locations: Detroit, Midwest, Korean, Michigan, America, Motor City, Reuters Detroit, Detroit ., Kansas City, Vegas and Kansas

☆ Lionel Messi no-show ignites booing and calls for refunds at Inter Miami match in Hong Kong
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-04 | by ( Andrew Mcnicol | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Hong Kong CNN —Thousands of soccer fans in Hong Kong were left disappointed when Argentine superstar Lionel Messi failed to take to the field in a friendly match for Inter Miami on Sunday. What started with overwhelming cheers and rapture ended in boos and calls for refunds in the sold-out, 40,000-seat Hong Kong Stadium. Inter Miami — out to prove a point having gone winless during a worldwide pre-season tour — comfortably defeated a Hong Kong XI 4-1 in an event branded as Tatler XFEST Hong Kong. According to Reuters, tickets went on sale in December and cost between 880 and 4,880 Hong Kong dollars (about $113 and $624). “This whole Messi in Hong Kong thing has been building up for quite some time.

Persons: Lionel Messi, —, Messi, Ballon, Hong, “ Messi, Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Louise Delmotte, David Beckham, Messi ”, ”, XFEST, Suárez, “, Gerardo “ Tata ” Martino, Leo, Luis, ” Martino, apologetically, Hong Kong, “ Leo, Suarez, ” Suárez, Martino, Yapp Hung, Yapp, Messi superfan Christer Leung, ” Leung, Lionel, Lam Yik, Reuters “ Messi Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, Argentine, Inter Miami, Hong Kong Stadium, Inter Miami —, Hong, Reuters, CNN, Miami, Al, MLS, Major League Soccer, Hong Kong XI, fai, Messi, Argentina, ’, Inter, USA, Sports, Ardent, Argentina national, Australia, Nigeria, Vissel Kobe Locations: Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, America, China, Beijing, Argentina, Ivory Coast, Hangzhou, Japan

☆ Detroit Lions: Historically beleaguered team is banishing demons with landmark playoff run after being known for heartbreak, unwanted records and a curse
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-27 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

CNN —Sixteen years ago, the Detroit Lions made history – but for all the wrong reasons. St. Brown catches a touchdown against Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Zyon McCollum during the second half of their NFC divisional round playoff game. Campbell watches from the sideline during the second quarter of the Lions' game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mitch Stringer/USA TODAY Sports/ReutersThat speech, which some mocked and others praised, came three years to the day before the Lions’ playoff victory over the Bucs. A final standJanuary 12, 1992: the last time the Detroit Lions took to the field for an NFC Championship game.

Persons: –, it’s, Ra St, Brown, Dan Campbell’s, ”, . Brown, Zyon McCollum, Lon Horwedel, Dave Birkett, Birkett, Bobby Layne ’, Layne –, Layne, Jonathan Daniel, Birkett isn’t, ’ ”, Barry Sanders, Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford, Charlie Sanders –, Hall, underachieving, Campbell, ‘, “, You’ve, “ It’s, we’re, Mitch Stringer, Campbell’s, Michael Jackson, George HW Bush, Darrell Green, Rich Lipski, Penei Sewell, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, Brian Branch, Jared Goff, ” Birkett, they’ve, Alex Chepeska, ” Chepeska, I’d, ” Jahmyr Gibbs, Kevork Djansezian, “ I’ve Organizations: CNN, Detroit Lions, NFL, Ford, Lions, Super, San Francisco 49ers, NFC, Detroit, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay, Reuters, University of Michigan, Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers, The Packers, Hall of Fame, Anderson Economic, Baltimore Ravens, T Bank, USA, Washington Redskins, Washington Post, –, HBO, Los Angeles Chargers, SoFi, 49ers Locations: Motor, Las Vegas, St, Detroit, –, Michigan

Lamar Jackson, Christian McCaffrey and Dak Prescott are finalists for The Associated Press 2023 NFL Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year awards. Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill and Cowboys wideout CeeDee Lamb are the other two finalists for Offensive Player of the Year. Jackson, the 2019 NFL MVP, threw for 3,678 yards and 24 touchdowns and also ran for 821 yards and five scores. Cowboys edge Micah Parsons and cornerback DaRon Bland, Raiders edge Maxx Crosby and Steelers edge T.J. Watt join Garrett as finalists for Defensive Player of the Year. Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald and offensive coordinator Todd Monken and Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik also are finalists for Assistant Coach of the Year.

Persons: Lamar Jackson, Christian McCaffrey, Dak Prescott, Josh Allen, Brock Purdy, CeeDee Lamb, Jackson, McCaffrey, Purdy, Myles Garrett, Kevin Stefanski, Joe Flacco, Jim Schwartz, QB C.J ., Will Anderson Jr, Garrett Wilson, Sauce Gardner, Micah Parsons, DaRon Bland, Maxx, Watt, Garrett, Crosby, Parsons, Bland, Sam LaPorta, Jahmyr Gibbs, Nacua, Bijan Robinson, Jalen Carter, Kobie Turner, Joey Porter Jr, Devon Witherspoon, Anderson, Houston’s DeMeco, Detroit’s Dan Campbell, San, Kyle Shanahan, Baltimore’s John Harbaugh, Deshaun Watson, Ryans, Campbell, Harbaugh, Shanahan, Schwartz, Ben Johnson, Mike Macdonald, Todd Monken, Bobby Slowik, Baker Mayfield, Matthew Stafford, Tua Tagovailoa, Damar Hamlin, Rob Maaddi Organizations: Associated Press, 49ers, Dolphins, Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens, Houston, AP, Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, AFC, Prescott, NFL, NFC, Green Bay, San, Detroit Lions, The Cleveland Browns, The Houston Texans, New York Jets, Texans, Browns, Baltimore, Raiders, Maxx Crosby, Steelers, Lions, Rams, Falcons, Eagles, Seahawks, Buccaneers, Bills, Flacco, Voters, Twitter Locations: Dallas, Green, San Francisco, QB C.J . Stroud, Stroud, Detroit

We don’t back down.”The NFC North-leading Lions (8-2) overcame four turnovers, including Goff's season-high three interceptions, and a 12-point deficit late in the fourth quarter to win. “That’s probably a top-five team in the league, maybe top three, and we know we should have beaten them," Fields said. Fields mostly played well in his first game in a month, but slightly overthrew Tyler Scott on a deep pass late in the game on a play that could have potentially help to seal the victory. Fields, who was out with a dislocated right thumb, threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to DJ Moore late in the third quarter. He threw more than two interceptions for the first time since 2019 when he played for the Los Angeles Rams.

Persons: — Jared Goff, Goff, Jameson Williams, David Montgomery's, Justin Fields, ” Goff, “, he’s, Dan Campbell, ” Campbell, “ That’s, Fields, Tyler Scott, Aidan Hutchinson, DJ Moore, Cairo Santos, Matt Eberflus, ” Eberflus, Amon, Ra St, Brown, ” Montgomery, Hutchinson, Roger Goodell, D'Onta Foreman, C Lucas Patrick, Foreman, Jonah Jackson, ___ Organizations: DETROIT, Detroit Lions, Lions, Chicago Bears, NFC, “, The Bears, Cairo, Bears, Los Angeles Rams, NFL, Minnesota Locations: Detroit, Chicago, Michigan

☆ In Chile, a Palestinian diaspora makes its voice heard on Gaza
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-07 | by ( Alexander Villegas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +7 min

SANTIAGO, Nov 7 (Reuters) - Chile's Palestinian community, the largest outside the Middle East, is a strong force in the Andean nation, involved in local politics, culture and soccer. Now it's making Chile one of the loudest regional voices criticizing Israel over its military action in Gaza. In a recent mass, Abed invited members from Chile's Muslim community and the Palestinian ambassador; keffiyehs, hijabs and Palestinian flags were sprinkled throughout the pews. The prominence of the Palestinian community has sparked strong support from other groups in Chile. "The Palestinian community (here) activates whenever there's aggressions."

Persons: SANTIAGO, Israel, Gabriel Boric, Boric, Joe Biden, Claudia Yarur, Yarur, Georges Abed, Abed, Vera Baboun, Rafael Torres, Torres, Felipe Barria, Barria, there's, Alexander Villegas, Claudia Parsons Organizations: White, Palestinian Social Club, Palestino FC, San Jorge Cathedral, U.S, West Bank, FC, Thomson Locations: Chile, Gaza, Tel Aviv, Washington, Santiago, Palestinian, Ottoman Empire, Israel, Chilean, Syrian, San Jorge, Patronato, hijabs, Bethlehem, South America, Argentina, Brazil, Nazi, America, Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia

☆ Bobby Charlton: English soccer in mourning as tributes paid to country’s ‘greatest’ player
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-23 | by ( Thomas Schlachter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Emotions ran high in England over the weekend after it was announced that Bobby Charlton, widely regarded as the country’s greatest soccer player, had died on Saturday at the age of 86. “A little bit of England has died,” said The Sunday Times of the man who played a starring role in England’s 1966 World Cup win. Flowers are placed in memory of Bobby Charlton beside the "United Trinity" statue at Old Trafford. On X, formerly known as Twitter, Prince William, who is president of the Football Association, said: “Sir Bobby Charlton. Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesEngland won the 1966 World Cup final with a 4-2 win against West Germany at Wembley Stadium, where Geoff Hurst scored a hat trick.

Persons: Bobby Charlton, David Beckham, Prince William, ”, Sir Bobby, George Best, Denis Law, Beckham, Charlton, United, ” Beckham, Robert, Beckham’s, Ted, Barrington Coombs, Pelé, Bobby Moore, Garrincha, Franz Beckenbauer, Sir Bobby Charlton, Bobby, Jon Super, Gianni Infantino, Gary Lineker, Geoff Hurst, Hurst, ” Hurst, “, Jack Organizations: CNN, Manchester United, Sunday Times, Charlton, English Football Association, United Trinity, England, Trinity, Ballon, United, FA, European, Champions League, Football Association, First, Getty, FIFA, Benfica, Keystone, Hulton, West Germany, Wembley, Premier League, Observer, West Locations: England, Manchester, United Kingdom, Old Trafford, United, AFP, Barcelona, West Germany

☆ Champions City shocked by Wolves, Manchester United lose again
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-30 | by ( Peter Hall | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

MANCHESTER, England, Sept 30 (Reuters) - Champions Manchester City slipped to a shock first Premier League defeat of the season at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, while Manchester United's campaign of woe continued with a loss to Crystal Palace. United slumped to their fourth loss of the Premier League season as an early Joachim Andersen strike gave Palace a 1-0 win at Old Trafford. With nine points and a minus four goal difference, this is 10th-placed Manchester United's worst-ever start to a Premier League season after seven games. CITY COME UNSTUCKUnited's rivals City had been having no such bad luck this term and made the trip to Wolverhampton having won all six of their opening league games. Newcastle United also continued their winning streak with a 2-0 victory over Burnley, while West Ham United beat Sheffield United 2-0 at London Stadium.

Persons: Joachim Andersen, Andersen, Sam Johnstone, Erik ten Hag, Ruben Dias, Pedro Neto's, Julian Alvarez, Jose Sa, Hwang Hee, Cunha, Pep Guardiola, Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard, Ben White, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, Andoni Iraola's, Thomas Kaminski, Luton's, Villa, Ollie Watkins, Peter Hall, Clare Fallon Organizations: Manchester City, Premier League, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Crystal, Arsenal, Bournemouth, Luton Town, Everton, Old, Brighton & Hove Albion, Manchester, CITY, City, Wolverhampton, Wolves, Newcastle United, League, London, Luton, Aston Villa, City . Newcastle United, Burnley, West Ham United, Sheffield United, Tottenham, Liverpool, Thomson Locations: MANCHESTER, England, Manchester, Old Trafford, Saturday's

☆ MLB roundup: Blake Snell, Padres flirt with no-hitter in win
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +12 min

Padres pitchers took a combined no-hitter into the ninth and wound up with a two-hit shutout for the team's sixth straight win. Robert Suarez followed Snell with a perfect eighth before Brendan Rodgers lined a single past Bogaerts at short off Josh Hader (1-3). Bogaerts then snuck a fly ball just inside the left field foul pole off Tyler Kinley (0-3) to win it. Dodgers right-hander Ryan Pepiot entered in the second inning and gave up one run on five hits over six innings. Toronto's Yusei Kikuchi (10-6) allowed one run and four hits in five-plus innings for his first win since Aug. 2.

Persons: Blake Snell, Orlando Ramirez, Xander Bogaerts, Snell, National League Cy Young, Robert Suarez, Brendan Rodgers, Josh Hader, Nolan Jones, Elias Diaz, Bogaerts, Tyler Kinley, Spencer Strider, Ronald Acuna Jr, Bryce Harper's, Acuna, Ronald Acuna Bat, Acuna's, Cristopher Sanchez, Austin Hays, Hays, Hunter Brown, Brown, Kyle Gibson, Gibson, Dansby Swanson, Alexander Canario, Seiya Suzuki, Cody Bellinger, Javier Assad, Ke'Bryan Hayes, Bailey, Adolis Garcia, Jonah Heim, Aroldis Chapman, Josh Jung, John Schreiber, Corey Seager, Heim, Chris Murphy, Luis Castillo, Kelenic, J.P . Crawford, Teoscar Hernandez, Castillo, Zack Gelof, Paul Blackburn, Jake Burger, Tanner Scott, Brandon Nimmo, Trevor Gott, Gott, Nick Fortes, Joey Meneses, Aaron Bummer, Bryan Shaw, Meneses, Jackson Rutledge, Robert Garcia, Max Muncy's, Mookie Betts, Alex Lange, Will Smith, Martinez, Ryan Pepiot, Spencer Torkelson, Parker Meadows, Miguel Cabrera, Basabe, Aaron Loup, Brett Phillips, Rene Pinto, Randy Arozarena slugged, Yandy Diaz, Diaz, Taj Bradley, Logan O'Hoppe, Zach Neto, Nolan Schanuel, Bo Bichette, Cavan Biggio, Toronto's Yusei Kikuchi, cramp, Clarke Schmidt, MJ Melendez, Nick Loftin, Tyler Cropley, Alec Marsh, Steven Cruz, Logan Allen, Kenta Maeda, Spencer Steer's, Willi Castro, Ryan Jeffers, Fernando Cruz, Tyrone Taylor, Louis, Taylor, Colin Rea, Richie Palacios, Alec Burleson, Ketel Marte, Corbin Carroll, Marte, Carroll, Zac Gallen, Joc Pederson, Alex Cobb Organizations: San Diego Padres, Colorado Rockies, USA, Diego, Padres, National League, Braves, Phillies, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Orioles, Astros, Houston, Tampa Bay Rays, American League East, Baltimore, Cubs, Pirates, Chicago, Rangers, Red Sox, Boston, Houston Astros, American League West, The Rangers, Mariners, Seattle, Marlins, Mets, Miami, New York . New York, White Sox, Nationals, Dodgers, Tigers, Los, Los Angeles, Rays, Angels, Blue Jays, Yankees, Cavan, Toronto, Royals, Kansas City, Cleveland, Reds, Cincinnati, Twins, American League Central, Brewers, Cardinals, Milwaukee, National League Central, St, Diamondbacks, Giants, San, Phoenix, Arizona, Thomson Locations: San Diego , California, USA, Petco, San Diego, Atlanta, Baltimore, Texas, Seattle, Pittsburgh, Arlington , Texas, American League West . Texas, Marcus Semien, Oakland, New York . New, Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles, Detroit, Tampa, Los, St . Petersburg, Fla, New York, Seattle and Texas, Kansas, Cleveland . Kansas, Minnesota, Arizona, San Francisco

CNN —Players competing in the top-tier of women’s football in Spain – Liga F – have called their strike off after reaching a minimum pay agreement, players’ union FUTPRO announced on Thursday. We cannot compare men’s football dimension with women’s football dimension,” Malabia told CNN Sport’s Amanda Davies. Spain won the Women's World Cup earlier this year. I believe the value of women’s football is so high,” he added. The 2023/24 Liga F season gets underway on Friday with Valencia hosting Real Madrid.

Persons: FUTPRO, ” FUTPRO, ”, Pedro Malabia Sanchis, ” Malabia, Amanda Davies, Catherine Ivill, Keka Vega, Malabia, Luis Rubiales, La Roja, Jennifer Hermoso, Rubiales Organizations: CNN — Players, Spain – Liga, –, Liga F, CNN, La Liga, Spanish Footballers ’ Association, Reuters, Royal Spanish Football Federation, Liga, Valencia, Real Madrid Locations: Spain, Jennifer Hermoso .

☆ Edwin van der Sar: Soccer great ‘not in life-threatening danger’ following brain bleed, says former club Ajax
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-12 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Edwin van der Sar, who won the Champions League with Ajax and Manchester United during a glittering 21-year soccer career, remains in intensive care but is “communicative” and “not in life-threatening danger,” his former club Ajax said. The Dutch club said on Friday that Van der Sar had been taken to hospital following a bleed around the brain. As well as his two Champions League titles, the former goalkeeper also won four Premier Leagues with Manchester United and four Eredivisie titles with Ajax during an illustrious career. After retiring in 2011, Van der Sar went on to join the board at Ajax before becoming chief executive in 2016. He resigned from the position in May after Ajax finished third in the Dutch first division, missing out on the Champions League for the first time in 14 years.

Persons: Edwin van der, “, der Sar, Van der Sar Organizations: CNN, Champions League, Ajax, Manchester United, Premier Leagues Locations: Netherlands, Van

☆ Edwin van der Sar: Goalkeeping legend in intensive care following bleed on the brain
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-08 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Edwin van der Sar, who won the Champions League with Ajax and Manchester United during a glittering 21-year soccer career, is in intensive care following bleeding around his brain, Ajax said in a statement. The Dutch club described Van der Sar’s condition as “stable but still concerning” on Saturday and said it was sharing the news on behalf of his wife, Annemarie. “The Van der Sar family, along with Ajax, is grateful and deeply touched by the many messages of support,” the statement read. After retiring in 2011, Van der Sar went on to join the board at Ajax before becoming chief executive in 2016. Ajax said Van der Sar “will remain in intensive care for the time being.”

Persons: Edwin van der, Ajax, Van, ”, Annemarie, “, der Sar, Edwin, Van der Sar, Sar Organizations: CNN, Champions League, Ajax, Manchester United, Premier League Locations: Netherlands, Van

☆ Poland arrests Russian ice-hockey player on spying charges
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WARSAW, June 30 (Reuters) - Poland has detained a Russian professional ice-hockey player on spying charges, prosecutors said on Friday, describing him as the 14th person that had been arrested from one espionage network. The player for a first division Polish team was taken into custody in the southern Polish region of Silesia, prosecutors said in a statement. "Russian spies are falling in one by one!" Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow had demanded an explanation from Poland over its arrest of Russian citizens, state news agency RIA reported. In April it said it was introducing a temporary 200 metre exclusion zone around its Swinoujscie Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal, citing concerns about Russian espionage.

Persons: Zbigniew Ziobro, Maria Zakharova, Alan Charlish, Pawel Florkiewicz, Felix Light, Peter Graff Organizations: WARSAW, Polish, Prosecutors, Twitter, Russian Foreign Ministry, Thomson Locations: Poland, Russian, Polish, Silesia, Ukraine, Moscow, Warsaw

☆ Jolien Boumkwo: ‘I have never been this famous before,’ says shot putter after stepping into hurdles event
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-27 | by ( Don Riddell | George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —As she took to the start line of the 100-meter hurdles, Jolien Boumkwo was at first met with confusion, then amusement, then raucous support. The Belgian shot putter emerged as an unlikely hero from the European Athletics Team Championships in Poland on Saturday after injuries to her teammates compelled her to step into the hurdles event at the last minute. Boumkwo, who had placed seventh in the shot put the day before, eventually finished in 32.18 seconds – 19 seconds behind the next slowest athlete. The crowd screamed their support as she ran towards the finish line, her teammates applauded her can-do spirit, and online she was inundated with positive messages. Boumkwo races to finish line in the 100-meter hurdles.

Persons: Jolien Boumkwo, Boumkwo jogged, CNN Sport’s Don Riddell, Boumkwo soaks, Thomas Windestam, ” Boumkwo, ”, Boumkwo, Erik Van Leeuwen, “, … It’s, “ I’m, … Organizations: CNN, European Athletics Team, MAG, Getty, BELGA MAG Locations: Belgian, Poland, Belgium, AFP

DUBAI, June 5 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund will take control of four of the kingdom's top soccer clubs including Al-Nassr, which Cristiano Ronaldo plays for, as the government revives a plan to privatise several state-owned sports clubs. All are in the top-flight Saudi Professional League, except Al-Ahli which is in the second-tier Saudi First Division. The privatisation plan, mainly focused on soccer clubs and launched by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, allows companies and development agencies to invest in and take over clubs, SPA reported earlier on Monday. The kingdom aims for the revenue of the Saudi Professional League to increase to 1.8 billion riyals ($480 million) annually by 2030 from 450 million riyals. Saudi oil giant Aramco will own Saudi First Division club Al-Qadsiah, Third Division side Alula FC will be owned by the Royal Commission for Al-Ula while First Division club al-Diraiyah FC will be controlled by Diriyah Gate Development Authority.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo, PIF, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Ula, Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Lionel Messi, Jana Choukeir, Yousef Saba, Sriraj Kalluvila, Emelia Organizations: Al, Public Investment Fund, Twitter, Saudi Professional League, Saudi, Division, Saudi Crown, Second Division, NEOM, Saudi First Division, Alula FC, Royal Commission, First Division, Diraiyah FC, Diriyah, Development Authority, Investment, Premier League, Newcastle United, Reuters, Thomson Locations: DUBAI, Saudi, al, Ittihad, Al, Ahli, Hilal, Saudi Arabia, Portuguese, Argentina

☆ Luton promoted to Premier League after playoff win over Coventry
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/5] Soccer Football - Championship Play-Off Final - Coventry City v Luton Town - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - May 27, 2023 Luton Town's Fred Onyedinma, Daniel Potts and Carlton Morris celebrate after winning the penalty shootout in the Championship Play-Off Final Action Images via... Read moreLONDON, May 27 (Reuters) - Luton Town will play in the Premier League for the first time after beating Coventry City 6-5 on penalties in Saturday's Championship playoff final at Wembley Stadium, earning a return to England's top flight after a 31-year absence. Luton will join Burnley and Sheffield United, who won automatic promotion as Championship winners and runners-up, in next season's Premier League. Their Kenilworth Road stadium will host top-flight soccer for the first time since 1992, when they were relegated from the Football League First Division. Luton substitute Joe Taylor had a goal disallowed due to handball late in extra time, after a second-half equaliser from Coventry midfielder Gustavo Hamer cancelled out Jordan Clark's brilliant opener. Luton captain Tom Lockyer was taken to hospital for tests after he collapsed on the pitch early in the first half.

☆ Wrexham: An intoxicating tale of Hollywood glamour and sporting romance
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-28 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +22 min

In an often brutal and bleak world, the recent resurgence of Wrexham, the city as well as the soccer club, lifts the soul. The Turf pub is a must-see for Wrexham fans. But now, there’s Wrexham with a story that, in hindsight, feels as if it was just waiting for Hollywood. One of Wrexham city center's shopping areas, pictured on April 22. Wrexham fans celebrate on the pitch after their team beat Boreham Wood at the Racecourse Ground.

☆ Italy's Meloni says France risks undermining EU unity on Ukraine
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

BRUSSELS, Feb 10 (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Friday accused France of jeopardising EU unity on Ukraine by organising a Franco-German dinner in Paris with the Ukrainian president that excluded other European allies. "What was right was the photo of Zelenskiy with the 27 (EU leaders). "It is not easy for any of us to handle the Ukraine issue with public opinion. "Obviously I would have preferred him to be there," Meloni told reporters after the two-day EU summit. Reporting by Crispian Balmer and Alvise Armellini, Editing by Federico Maccioni and William MacleanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Brazil markets fall after Lula takes office vowing to end poverty
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-02 | by ( Anthony Boadle | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

[1/2] Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, his wife Rosangela "Janja" da Silva and Chief Raoni walk through the ramp of the Planalto Palace after Lula's swearing-in ceremony, in Brasilia, Brazil, January 1, 2023. Lula narrowly defeated far-right former President Jair Bolsonaro in October, swinging South America's largest nation back on a left-wing track. Lula spent his first day in office meeting with more than a dozen heads of state who attended his inauguration. In his swearing-in speech to Congress, Lula said he was not seeking revenge, but any crimes committed under Bolsonaro would be held accountable with due legal process. ($1 = 5.3458 reais)Reporting by Anthony Boadle and Gabriel Araujo in Brasilia Editing by Matthew LewisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Gonçalo Ramos: Meet the striker who replaced Cristiano Ronaldo and made World Cup history at Qatar 2022
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-07 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Not only was it his first start at Qatar 2022, the tournament’s first hat-trick, but Ramos’ three goals in this last-16 tie puts Ronaldo record in one-off World Cup games somewhat in the shade. Ronaldo has never scored in a World Cup knockout match, despite competing in five tournaments. Michael Steele/Getty ImagesBenfica CampusRamos is a product of the famous Benfica academy. Never gives up!” Ramos’ Benfica teammate Grimaldo told Marca. His trio of goals ensured Ramos became the first player to score a hat-trick in his first World Cup start since Miroslav Klose against Saudi Arabia in 2002.

☆ College Football Playoff will feature Georgia vs. Ohio State and Michigan vs. TCU
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( Wayne Sterling | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —The Georgia Bulldogs will step up their pursuit of back-to-back national titles when they compete in the upcoming College Football Playoff. The Michigan Wolverines, Texas Christian University (TCU) Horned Frogs and the Ohio State Buckeyes join the Bulldogs in the playoff, the selection committee announced on Sunday. 3 TCU (12-1) in the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. This week, it was agreed that the College Football Playoff will expand from four to 12 teams starting with the 2024/25 season. The decision was made with the promise of “more excitement for fans, alumni, students and student-athletes,” according to Bill Hancock, executive director of the College Football Playoff.

☆ Former Japan international Kudo dies after brain surgery, aged 32
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Oct 22 (Reuters) - Former Japan international forward Masato Kudo, who also played for Kashiwa Reysol, Vancouver Whitecaps and Brisbane Roar, died aged 32 following brain surgery, his club Tegevajaro Miyazaki has announced. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterHe played for the national team in four matches in 2013 and scored two goals. "He made a significant impact in the first division," third division side Tegevajaro Miyazaki, who Kudo had joined from Roar this year, said in a statement. We are devastated that such a great player has passed away so early." Kudo, who also represented Sanfrecce Hiroshima, scored 60 goals in Japan's first division during his career.

☆ Brazilian federation demands strict punishment after fan violence
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Oct 17 (Reuters) - The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has condemned the fan violence that occurred at two league games this weekend, demanding that the courts mete out strict punishments as the trouble had tarnished the sport in the country. "Brazilian football has no more room for violence and setbacks." "The Prosecutor's Office will act strictly in all cases of violence in football stadiums," said Attorney General Ronaldo Piacente. "Parents and all right-minded people need to feel safe in any football game in Brazil and we will fight to make this a reality." Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Racism in soccer world to be probed in ‘Patrick Vieira — Off the Bench’ documentary
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-10 | by ( ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

Federation Studios, the outfit behind the international Emmy award-nominated documentary “Nadia,” is set to co-produce “Patrick Vieira — Off the Bench,” a social-impact documentary shedding light on racism in the world of soccer and beyond. Federation Studios, whose documentary unit is headed by veteran journalist Myriam Weil, is partnering up with SlugNews, an award-winning production outfit, to develop and produce “Patrick Vieira — Off the Bench.” The documentary feature will soon start shooting in the U.K. and France. A well-respected figure within the sports landscape who went from player to coach for one of the world’s most prestigious soccer teams, Vieira says he has witnessed and experienced structural racism. “In 2022, Black players continue to be insulted on the field and on social media,” says Vieira. Weil says Vieira has been wanting to make a social impact documentary for a long time to spark a discussion and hopefully change the status quo a world scale.

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