DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Vinícius Jr.: Real Madrid star offered over $1 billion to move to Saudi Arabia, per reports
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-13 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr. has been offered a lucrative deal worth more than $1 billion to play in Saudi Arabia, according to multiple reports including Reuters and ESPN. Citing anonymous sources, Reuters reported that Vinícius was approached by Saudi officials and offered a five-year contract worth around 200 million euros (roughly $218 million) per season, plus bonuses, to join the Saudi Pro League (SPL). Vinícius has not yet rejected the possibility of leaving the Spanish capital, Reuters reported, and is studying the offer with his team. Last year, French striker Kylian Mbappé reportedly rejected a $775 million salary packet to join Saudi club Al-Hilal. The four founding teams of SPL – Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, and Al-Nassr – are majority owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the nation’s sovereign wealth fund.

Persons: Vinícius, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema –, Kylian Mbappé, Nassr Organizations: CNN — Real Madrid, Reuters, ESPN, Saudi, Saudi Pro League, CNN Sport, SPL, Blancos, Flamengo, Real, Champions League, La Liga, Brazilian, Ballon, Al, SPL – Al, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund Locations: Saudi Arabia, Hilal, Ahli, Al, Ittihad

☆ Cristiano Ronaldo: The performance, the pitch invaders and a moment of Portuguese purity
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-22 | by ( James Horncastle | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +6 min

“Can I ask you something?” he said when invited to justify Cristiano Ronaldo’s continued selection in Portugal’s starting XI. If Ronaldo doesn’t score, what else does he bring to the team apart from the histrionic gesturing of a frustrated traffic warden? “Do you know how many minutes Ronaldo played last season?” Martinez knowingly queried. Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Cancelo were all smiles moments after the captain had been furious with his team-mate (Friso Gentsch/Picture Alliance via Getty Images)Pitch invaders marked Ronaldo closer than Turkey’s ragged centre-backs. “You can understand it was a difficult moment — if those intentions are wrong, the players are exposed and in danger.

Persons: Roberto Martinez, ”, Cristiano Ronaldo’s, Ronaldo doesn’t, He’s, Arda Guler, Ronaldo, ” Martinez, Cristiano, “, Fernando Santos, Goncalo Ramos, Conceicao’s, didn’t, Nuno Mendes, Bernardo Silva’s, Orkun, Joao Cancelo, Cristiano Ronaldo, Friso, Bernardo, Ruben Neves, Bruno Fernandes, Fernandes, Martinez, Fernandes ’, Will, Ramos, Germain, it’s, You’re, he’ll, Etsuo Hara Organizations: Saudi Pro League, Turkey’s, Georgia, Turkey, Portugal, Getty, Altay Bayindir, North, Portugal’s, Ronaldo, Paris Saint, selfies Locations: Portugal’s, Czech Republic, Leipzig, Portugal, Dortmund, Germany, Switzerland, Qatar, North Macedonia, Hamburg, Paris

Portugal’s blushes were spared as they came from behind to earn victory over the Czech Republic in their opening match at Euro 2024. AdvertisementInstead, it was the Czech Republic who took the lead — with yet another strike from outside the box. They dominated the ball and Czech Republic were happy enough with that, but Portugal never really clicked, despite deploying an admirable fluid system. Martinez’s side also had eight corners in the first half but the steely Czech Republic held firm, frustrating their opponents. Saturday, June 22: Turkey (Dortmund), 5pm BST, noon ETWhat next for Czech Republic?

Persons: Portugal’s blushes, Cristiano Ronaldo —, Lukas Provod’s, Robin Hranac, Ronaldo, Diogo Jota, Francisco Conceicao, Roberto Martinez’s, Tim Spiers, Tom Burrows, Sam Lee, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Martinez, Joao Cancelo, Vitinha, Rafael Leao, Diogo Dalot, Cancelo, Portugal’s, Ruben Dias, Pedro Neto, Conceicao —, Turk Organizations: Portugal, Provo, uga, Port Locations: Czech Republic, Saudi Arabia, Portugal, England, PORTUGAL, Hamburg

☆ Cristiano Ronaldo in tears after losing King’s Cup final in penalty shootout
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-01 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Cristiano Ronaldo was left sobbing on the pitch after Al-Nassr lost the Saudi King’s Cup final in a penalty shootout to rival Al-Hilal on Friday. The agonizing defeat, after the penalty shootout finished 5-4, meant that Al-Nassr finished the season without a trophy, while Al-Hilal triumphed in three competitions – the Roshn Saudi League, the Saudi Super Cup and the Saudi King’s Cup. Al-Hilal played most of extra time with another man down after Kalidou Koulibaly was sent off for accumulating two yellow cards, but refused to concede another goal and the final ended in a dramatic penalty shootout. There, Ronaldo converted his penalty but could only watch on as Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved Al-Nassr’s last two penalties to give his team the victory. The defeat came after Ronaldo became the all-time top scorer in a single Saudi Pro League season earlier this week with 35 goals.

Persons: CNN — Cristiano Ronaldo, Nassr, Hilal, Ronaldo, hasn’t, Al Hilal, Aleksandar Mitrović’s, David Ospina, Ronaldo's, Stringer, Ali Al, Ayman Yahya, Kalidou Koulibaly, Yassine Bounou, Nassr’s Organizations: CNN, Saudi King’s, Al, Saudi League, Saudi Super, Reuters, Saudi Pro League Locations: Hilal, Al, Saudi Arabia

☆ Saudi Arabia is reportedly trying to plug a $21 billion deficit by selling bonds
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-28 | by ( George Glover | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

You can opt-out at any time by visiting our Preferences page or by clicking "unsubscribe" at the bottom of the email. Read previewSaudi Arabia plans to raise money by selling bonds as it presses ahead with massive spending projects, Bloomberg reported. Riyadh previously sold $12 billion of sovereign debt in January, while planned desert megacity Neom has also reportedly mulled issuing Islamic bonds in a bid to raise more cash. AdvertisementThe latest bond sale comes as Saudi Arabia presses ahead with Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 plan that seeks to diversify its oil-reliant economy. In February, The Wall Street Journal reported that Saudi Arabia had started borrowing to help fund Neom and other Vision 2030 "gigaprojects."

Persons: —, Goldman Sachs, Mohammed bin Salman's, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Neymar, LIV, Tim Callen Organizations: Service, Bloomberg, Business, Citigroup, BNP, Saudi Pro League, Street Journal, Gulf States Institute Locations: Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Washington, Saudi

☆ Cristiano Ronaldo tops Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-17 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Cristiano Ronaldo may be in the twilight of his career, but the soccer star still tops Forbes’ list of the world’s highest-paid athletes thanks to his huge wages in Saudi Arabia. According to Forbes’ list, which was released on Thursday, Ronaldo earned $260 million over the last 12 months, $200 million from his club contract with Al-Nassr and $60 million in off-field earnings. Rahm’s total earnings are $218 million, Forbes calculated – $198 million through playing wages alone – while Messi’s are $135 million, more than half of which ($70 million) are off-the-field payments. Ronaldo, one of four Saudi-based soccer players on the list of the 50 highest-paid athletes, made his debut for Al-Nassr in January 2023. Forbes’ 10 highest-paid athletes in 2024:

Persons: CNN — Cristiano Ronaldo, Forbes, Ronaldo, Jon Rahm, LIV, Lionel Messi, Nassr, Neville Hopwood, LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Steph Curry, Karim Benzema –, Mbappé, Lamar Jackson, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Li Na, Naomi Osaka Organizations: CNN, Forbes, Al, Inter Miami, Saudi Pro League, Neymar, –, Baltimore Ravens, NFL, Forbes ’ Locations: Saudi Arabia, Saudi, Hilal

☆ Neom's push for foreign investment is getting trickier after allegations of Saudi brutality
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-13 | by ( Tom Porter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Saudi Arabia needs foreign businesses to help it realize its Neom megacity project. The BBC reported that Saudi officials were given a license to use lethal force to clear land. But underneath the image is a far darker reality, say campaigners, which could threaten the foreign cash and expertise Saudi Arabia needs to realize its ambitions. Though his decision took place in 2022, it was given new urgency by a whistleblower giving more detail on how Saudi officials may have acted. Amnesty International said businesses ought to be wary of doing deals in Saudi Arabia and called for UK officials to push for an independent investigation into the Neom land clearances.

Persons: —, Malcolm Aw, Col Rabih Alenezi, Dana Ahmed, Mohammed bin Salman, Jamal al, Neom Organizations: BBC, Saudi, Service, UN, Telegraph, Amnesty International, Amnesty, Politico, The Atlantic Council, Business Locations: Saudi Arabia, Saudi

☆ 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

CNN —Portuguese and Al-Nassr star Cristiano Ronaldo has been banned for one match and fined for “provoking” fans in a Saudi Pro League match on Sunday. In footage from the game, Ronaldo can be seen cupping his hand to his ear, taking in the chanting from the opposing Al-Shabab fans. Ronaldo gestures towards the Al-Shabab fans. As a result, Ronaldo has been suspended for one match, ordered to pay around $2,666 (10,000 riyals) to the SAFF and an additional $5,333 (20,000 riyals) to Al-Shabab for complaint filing fees. Ronaldo, a five-time Balon d’Or winner, joined Al-Nassr following an acrimonious exit from English Premier League side Manchester United in late 2022.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr’s, Ronaldo, Al, Lionel Messi’s, Yasser Bakhsh, Waleed Al, Farraj, ” Ronaldo, Yannick Carrasco’s, Nassr, Anderson Talisca, Shabab, Carlos Júnior’s, Talisca, Hazm Organizations: CNN, Saudi Pro League, Riyadh, Al, Saudi Arabian Football Federation, English Premier League, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Reuters Al Locations: Shabab, Al, Saudi

CNN —Cristiano Ronaldo has come under scrutiny for a gesture he made towards fans following Al-Nassr’s 3-2 win against Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League on Sunday. In footage from the match, fans can be heard taunting Ronaldo by chanting about Lionel Messi, a long-time rival of the 39-year-old forward. The gesture is now being investigated by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), according to Saudi-owned media outlet Asharq Al Awsat, which cited unnamed sources. CNN has contacted Ronaldo’s representatives, the SAFF, Al-Nassr and Al-Shabab for further comment. It was Al-Nassr, however, which would have the final say as Talisca’s second goal deep into the match completed a 3-2 victory in an exciting encounter.

Persons: CNN — Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Al Awsat, Nassr, –, Yannick Carrasco’s, Shabab, Carlos Júnior’s, “, Waleed Al, Farraj, Asharq Al Awsat, John Duerden, ” Organizations: CNN, Al, Saudi Pro League, Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Guardian Locations: Shabab, Saudi, Al, Riyadh, Hilal, Portuguese, Saudi Arabia

☆ Claressa Shields defeats Kelsey De Santis to make MMA history in Saudi Arabia
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-25 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Undefeated boxing champion Claressa Shields made history in another sport on Saturday, as she made her return to mixed-martial arts (MMA). The 28-year-old earned a split decision win over Kelsey De Santis in what was the first professional female MMA bout held in Saudi Arabia. In January, Hattan Alsaif made history as the first Saudi woman to join a global MMA promotion. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman previously said he doesn’t “care” about the country’s investment in sport being described as sportswashing. Shields and De Santis were fighting on the undercard of the PFL vs Bellator event, promoted by Bellator MMA and the Professional Fighters League.

Persons: Claressa Shields, Kelsey De Santis, “, Shields, Abigail Montes, Cooper Neill, De, Hattan Alsaif, LIV, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, De Santis Organizations: CNN, Saudi Pro League, Saudi, MBS, Fox News, PFL, Bellator, Bellator MMA, Professional Fighters League Locations: Saudi Arabia, De Santis, Saudi

☆ Saudi Arabia is reportedly borrowing to help fund its megaprojects as oil prices struggle
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-20 | by ( Tom Porter | Hasan Chowdhury | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Saudi Arabia has started borrowing to fund megaprojects including Neom, The Wall Street Journal reported. AdvertisementSaudi Arabia is borrowing to help fund an array of ambitious projects including the $500 billion Neom desert megacity, The Wall Street Journal reported. Under its ambitious ruler Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 project, Saudi Arabia is seeking to diversify its economy away from fossil fuels and become a global hub for technology and innovation. The Saudi sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund, is providing funding for cornerstone "gigaprojects" estimated to cost tens of billions of dollars apiece. He said Saudi Arabia may need to raise another $270 billion for the Public Investment Fund by 2030.

Persons: —, Mohammed bin Salman's, Tim Callen, Brent, Karen Young Organizations: Street Journal, Saudi, Service, Public Investment Fund, Aramco, Gulf States Institute, Bloomberg, Monetary Fund, US Energy Information Administration, Middle East Institute Locations: Saudi Arabia, Saudi, Washington, Diryah

☆ The best things to experience in Saudi Arabia according to the people who know it
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-26 | by ( Selina Julien | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

CNN —Closed to tourists until recently, Saudi Arabia is still an unknown quantity for many would-be travelers. Omran is also hopeful visitors will explore destinations across Saudi Arabia. Saudi Tourism Authority“You can’t talk about islands in Saudi Arabia without talking about a new tourist favorite, but a treasured local one, Al Nawras Island,” Saudi professional boxer Ziyad Almaayouf tells CNN. “What I love most about Al Nawras Island, isn’t the island itself, but the waters surrounding it,” he adds. The resort on the Red Sea coast is often promoted as “the Maldives of Saudi Arabia,” offering water sports and cultural experiences.

Persons: Lojain Omran, Omran, ”, Al Balad, Mai Eldib, Hajj, ” Eldib, Jeddah’s, “ It’s, ” Al, Ziyad Almaayouf, ” Ziyad, Ziyad, “, Mishaal Ashemimry, Mishaal, Tamtam, Reem Altamimi, Al Zal, Ba’a, Hatem Alakeel, Authenticite, “ Diriyah, Umluj, ” Tasneem Organizations: CNN, Netflix’s, Saudi Tourism Authority, MISHAAL Aerospace, Abaca, Saudi Locations: Saudi Arabia, Saudi, Netflix’s UAE, Al Balad, Al, Jeddah, Mai, ” Al Nawras, Nawras, Al Nawras, California, “, Unaizah, Riyadh, ”, Souk Al Zal Souk Al Zal, USA Riyadh, Al Zal, Riyadh’s Al Dirah, Los Angeles, Maldives

☆ 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

☆ Saudi Arabia's soccer dream suffers a setback with high-profile departure
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-19 | by ( Sam Meredith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Jordan Henderson acknowledges the crowd after the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Ettifaq and Damak at Prince Mohamed bin Fahd Stadium on Sept. 2, 2023 in Ad Dammam, Saudi Arabia. England international Jordan Henderson abruptly ended his playing time in Saudi Arabia's Pro League, dealing a blow to the kingdom's ambitious plans to make its domestic league an international soccer hub. Former Liverpool captain Henderson on Thursday signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with Dutch side Ajax shortly after the 33-year-old agreed to mutually terminate his contract with Saudi Arabia's Al-Ettifaq. Henderson's U-turn on playing in the Saudi Pro League comes six months after his controversial decision to sign with the club. Henderson's hasty exit from Saudi Arabia marks the end of "a miserable episode in a previously exemplary career," according to BBC Sport's chief soccer writer, and raises questions about both the midfielder's reputation as well as the image of the Saudi Pro League.

Persons: Jordan Henderson, Prince Mohamed bin Fahd, Henderson, Saudi Arabia's, Henderson's, Al Ettifaq Organizations: Saudi Pro League, Al, England, Saudi Arabia's Pro League, Liverpool, Dutch, Ajax, Saudi, BBC Locations: Prince, Ad Dammam, Saudi Arabia

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Cristiano Ronaldo walked off the field with the gleeful chants of “Messi, Messi, Messi!” ringing in his ears from delighted Al-Hilal fans who had just watched their Saudi Pro League team beat the Portugal superstar's Al-Nassr 3-0 in the Riyadh Derby on Friday. Saudi soccer has not been the same since the former Real Madrid and Manchester United forward completed a move last December. Lots of people want to be like Cristiano Ronaldo but few want to work like Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo may have his work cut out to help his team win title No. 10 but, given his form so far this season, he may still have the last laugh with the Messi chants fading away.

Persons: — Cristiano Ronaldo, “ Messi, Messi, Al, Portugal superstar's, Ballon, — Aleksandar Mitrovic, Milinkovic, Savic, Hilal, Ronaldo, Cristiano, ”, Fahad, “ Al, Sadio Mane, Marcelo Brozovic, Alex Telles, “ Cristiano, ” Al, Luis Castro, Cristiano Ronaldo, ” Ronaldo, Mitrovic, Hilal’s, Germain, Neymar, Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly, Salem, Saleh Al, Shehri, Lionel Messi's, ___ Organizations: Saudi Pro League, Riyadh Derby, Serbian, Al, King Fahd International, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Fahad Al, Associated Press, Liverpool, Inter Milan, Paris Saint, English Premier League, Saudi Arabian Locations: RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Portugal, Riyadh, Saudi Arabian, Saudi, Al, Hilal, Asia, Paris, Brazil, Lionel Messi's Argentina, cryptocurrency

☆ Cristiano Ronaldo scores impressive long-range lob on a night where he dazzled in front of goal
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-25 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Cristiano Ronaldo has another spectacular strike to add to his collection of memorable goals after the soccer great scored a stunning 40-yard lob in the Saudi Pro League. Indeed, Ronaldo scored twice in three minutes to ease Al Nassr to a 3-0 victory over Al Okhdood on Friday. ages,” Al Nassr said on X, formerly known as Twitter, of the goal. It was Ronaldo’s 15th goal in 13 league appearances this season and the win moved Al Nassr to second in the league. The 38-year-old signed a two-and-a-half year contract estimated by media to be worth more than 200 million euros ($220.16 million) with Al Nassr and made his debut in January.

Persons: CNN — Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Al Okhdood, Paulo Vitor, ” Al Nassr Organizations: CNN, Saudi Pro League, Twitter, 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

☆ SPL director Emenalo hoping for quiet January window
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nov 17 (Reuters) - Saudi Pro League (SPL) clubs should only sign players of the "highest level" in the January transfer window after aggressively splashing out in the summer, the league's director of football, Michael Emenalo, said. The outlay of $957 million in the Saudi summer window, which closed on Sept. 7, saw several high-profile players including Neymar, Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante move to the league. The league's spending exceeded that of four of Europe's "big five" leagues with only Britain's Premier League clubs splurging more on transfers than those in the Middle Eastern country. "I think we accomplished what we wanted to accomplish, which was to get our foot into the market and compete aggressively," Emenalo said in an interview on the SPL website. "But, also, we wanted to do that while giving every single club in the league an opportunity to improve.

Persons: Michael Emenalo, Karim Benzema, Emenalo, it's, Aadi Nair, Robert Birsel Organizations: Saudi Pro League, Neymar, Britain's Premier League, SPL, Thomson Locations: Saudi, Bengaluru

☆ Neymar responding well to treatment, says Brazil's team doctor
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Neymar ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee on international duty. He underwent surgery earlier this month in a Belo Horizonte hospital. The 31-year-old is responding "very well" but the recovery will be long and he must focus on the process, Lasmar told a press conference at Brazil's training center in Teresopolis. He knows that it's a process that he's going to need all of us, physiotherapist, fitness trainer, so that we can have Neymar (back) as soon as possible," said the doctor. Lasmar, who carried out the surgery, said it was not yet possible to set a date for the Al-Hilal player's return.

Persons: Rodrigo Lasmar, Neymar, Lasmar, He's, we're, Hilal, Ederson, Athletico, Bento, Rodrigo Viga Gaier, Angelica Medina, Pearl Josephine Nazare, Pedro Fonseca, Ken Ferris, Peter Rutherford Organizations: RIO DE, Al, Saudi Pro League, Paris St Germain, Argentina, Manchester City, Chelsea, Premier League, Athletico Paranaense, Thomson Locations: RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil, Belo Horizonte, Teresopolis, Barcelona, Colombia

☆ Saudi Arabia set to host 2034 World Cup as Australia withdraws interest
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( Sammy Mncwabe | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2034 men’s FIFA World Cup after Australia withdrew its interest in hosting the global showpiece just hours before the bid deadline on Tuesday. Instead the Australia football federation has opted to proceed with their bids for the Women’s Asian Cup in 2026 and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2029. In a press release sent out on Tuesday, FIFA confirmed that Saudi Arabia was the only bidder for the 2034 tournament. In 2022, Oleksandr Usyk beat Anthony Joshua at the King Abdullah Sports City Arena in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in a heavyweight title clash. To host the World Cup would be viewed as a major coup for Saudi Arabia, which has been frequently been criticized of sportswashing.

Persons: “, Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua, Andrew Couldridge, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Luca Bruno, ”, Steve Cockburn Organizations: CNN, FIFA, Australia, ” Football Australia, FIFA Club, FIFA Council, ” FIFA, King Abdullah Sports City Arena, Formula One, Saudi Pro League, sportswashing, MBS, Fox News, Sports & Rights Alliance, Getty, Economic, Social, “ FIFA, Rights, Saudi Arabia Football Federation Locations: Saudi Arabia, Asia, Oceania, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, Jeddah, Saudi Arabian, Saudi

☆ Ronaldo convinced me to move to Al-Nassr, says Telles
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Oct 31 (Reuters) - A chat with Cristiano Ronaldo helped convince Brazilian full back Alex Telles to leave Manchester United and join up with the Portuguese star at Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. Telles, who won the Europa League last season while on loan at Sevilla, signed a contract until 2025 with Al-Nassr in July. ‭‭"When Al-Nassr talked to me the first time, I sent a massage to Cristiano and his answer was to come (join him)," Telles said in an interview posted on messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter. I will be biased when I talk about him because of the records he broke, and I was lucky to play with him at Manchester United and then Al-Nassr‭‭. ‭‭Al-Nassr are second in the league table with 25 points, four adrift of leaders Al-Hilal.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo, Alex Telles, Telles, Nassr, Cristiano, Ronaldo, ‭‭, Al, Ahmed El Khashab, Ed Osmond Organizations: Manchester United, Al, Saudi Pro League, Europa League, Sevilla, Thomson Locations: Portuguese, Hilal

☆ Ronaldo double keeps Al-Nassr perfect in Asian Champions League
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( Michael Church | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Ismaeel Mohammad and Almoez Ali pulled Al Duhail back into contention before Ronaldo's 81st-minute volley restored their two-goal cushion, only for Michael Olunga to hit Al Duhail's third with five minutes remaining to ensure a tense finish. The win moves Al-Nassr three points clear of Iran's Persepolis, who saw Alireza Beiranvand make a seventh-minute penalty save from Senin Sebai before winning 2-0 in Tehran against FC Istiklol of Tajikistan. Saeid Sadeghi scored twice to earn the home side their second win in three games and go five points clear of Al Duhail and Istiklol, who have a solitary point each. The win takes Al-Ain to nine points from three games, six points clear of Al-Fayha, Pakhtakor of Uzbekistan and Ahal. Reporting by Michael Church, Editing by Clare FallonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo, Nassr, Anderson, Sadio Mane, Ronaldo, Ismaeel Mohammad, Almoez Ali, Al Duhail, Michael Olunga, Al Duhail's, Alireza, Senin, Saeid Sadeghi, Alfred Schreuder's, Soufiane Rahimi, Nawaf Al Harthi, Kouaido, Kaku, Erik, Al Harthi, Rahimi, Pakhtakor, Azizbek Turgunboyev, Hojimat Erkinov, Michael Church, Clare Fallon Organizations: Asian Champions League, Saudi Pro League, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Senin Sebai, FC Istiklol, Saudi, United Arab, Al, Azizbek, Thomson Locations: Riyadh, Al Duhail, Qatar, Persepolis, Tehran, Tajikistan, Ain, Paraguayan, United Arab Emirates, Al, Pakhtakor, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tashkent

☆ Neymar to undergo surgery after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament with Brazil
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( Samuel Joseph | Sam Joseph | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Brazilian soccer superstar Neymar is set to have surgery after tearing both his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee, his club Al-Hilal have confirmed. After battling with Uruguay’s Nicolás de la Cruz for ball, Neymar collapsed to the ground clutching his knee, just before half-time. Neymar reacts after tearing his left ACL and meniscus. This marks the second surgery Neymar will undergo in 2023 – his final season in Paris was ended prematurely after an ankle injury in February. “It’s not easy going through injury and surgery, imagine going through it all again following four months of recovery,” he added in his post.

Persons: Neymar, Hilal, Uruguay’s, la Cruz, ong, ade, eparting, aint-, eason Organizations: CNN, Al, Brazil’s, Uruguay, aris

Search resuls for: "Saudi Pro"

25 mentions found