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☆ Arsenal cruise to 2-0 win against Sevilla
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-08 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

LONDON, Nov 8 (Reuters) - Arsenal returned to winning ways with a routine 2-0 defeat of Sevilla to take a big step towards qualification for the Champions League knockout rounds on Wednesday. Europa League champions Sevilla were desperately disappointing and managed only one shot on target, with the last kick of the game, as their last-16 hopes receded. Lens and PSV have five points while winless Sevilla are bottom with two points. Arsenal got their wish as the technology that caused Arteta's angst at Newcastle was redundant and Sevilla offered virtually nothing to cause alarm. "We knew we had to get three points and we did it," Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice said.

Persons: Leandro Trossard, Trossard, Mikel Arteta's, hobbling, Declan Rice, Sevilla, Diego Alonso, Jose Luis Mendilibar, Kai Havertz, Jorginho, Martin Odegaard, Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli's, Marko Dmitrovic, David Raya, Mariano Diaz, Martyn Herman, Clare Fallon Organizations: Arsenal, Sevilla, Champions League, League Cup, Premier League, Europa League, Lens, PSV Eindhoven, PSV, SEVILLA, Newcastle United, La Liga, Uruguay, Copa del Rey, Trossard, Thomson Locations: Newcastle, London

☆ Unrepentant Arteta says he had duty to defend his players
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-07 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Speaking ahead of his side's Champions League home clash against Sevilla, the Spaniard said he would do the same again. "The game was conditioned by the decisions that were made and it was my duty to be defending my players, supporting my players, supporting my club, defending my people in the best possible way. Arsenal issued a statement on Monday defending Arteta and said the club "deserved better", adding that the officiating body, the PGMOL, urgently needed to address the standard of officiating. "The moment you have a chance in football to put it to bed, do it," Arteta said. "We will have to do a lot of things right tomorrow against a really good team with enormous experience."

Persons: Mikel Arteta, Newcastle's, Arteta, Martyn Herman, Ed Osmond Organizations: Arsenal, Newcastle United, Premier League, Champions League, Sevilla, Thomson Locations: Sevilla

☆ Independent Regulator to safeguard English clubs
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The Independent Regulator for Football (IREF) will have the power to step in to address cash flow and other systemic issues within clubs, many of which are financially vulnerable. "Legislation will be brought forward to safeguard the future of football clubs for the communities and fans," King Charles said of the Football Governance Bill in his speech. Fair Game, a band of clubs campaigning to improve football governance, described the announcement as an "historic moment for football". It is a unique strength of the English game and something that must be protected and nurtured," Parry said. Since the 1999-2000 season, 19 out of 23 Premier League seasons resulted in pre-tax losses for all clubs combined.

Persons: Park, Newcastle United's Kieran Trippier, Lee Smith, Rishi Sunak, King Charles, Niall Couper, Rick Parry, Parry, Tracey Crouch, Crouch, Lori Ewing, Ed Osmond Organizations: Soccer Football, Premier League, Newcastle United, James, Newcastle, British, Independent Regulator, Football, Bury FC, Super League, Sheffield, Reading, Scunthorpe United, English Football, Former Sports, England, Independent, LaLiga, Premier, Thomson Locations: Newcastle, Britain

☆ Newcastle's Bruno and Willock racially abused on social media after Arsenal game
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nov 5 (Reuters) - Newcastle United have condemned racist abuse sent to Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock on social media following Saturday's 1-0 victory over Arsenal in the Premier League. "We are providing support to Bruno and Joe and will work with relevant authorities and social media platforms to identify those responsible so that they can be held to account." The 24-year-old posted screenshots of the racist abuse he received on Instagram with the caption: "It's a game of football mate, no need for this. Anti-discriminatory body Kick It Out said the two players were "targeted with disgusting racial abuse", adding that social media companies must offer better safeguards and cannot escape without consequences. The Premier League and Arsenal also condemned the discrimination the players suffered, with the north London club saying they would take a "zero tolerance approach".

Persons: Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Willock, Bruno, Joe, Anthony Gordon, Rohith Nair, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Newcastle United, Arsenal, Premier League, Jorginho, St James, Thomson Locations: London, Bengaluru

☆ Man United players want to put things right, says embattled Ten Hag
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

MANCHESTER, England, Nov 3 (Reuters) - Manchester United under-fire manager Erik Ten Hag came out fighting during a media grilling on Friday ahead of his faltering side's Premier League trip to Fulham. Ten Hag, however, remains defiant and said the mood in the camp was to put things right after back-to-back 3-0 home losses to Manchester City and Newcastle United. But this squad is strong, the staff is strong and this manager is strong to put this right." Eighth-placed United have lost half their Premier League games and five of their first 10 home matches in all competitions. "I came here with my philosophy based on possession but also to combine it with the DNA of Manchester United and combine it with the players, the competencies and the characters of the players.

Persons: Erik Ten Hag, I'm, Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, Anthony, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Raphael Varane, Martyn Herman, Ed Osmond Organizations: Manchester United, side's Premier League, Fulham, Craven, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Premier League, Ajax, Old, Thomson Locations: MANCHESTER, England, Old Trafford

☆ Newcastle buoyed by win at Man United ahead of Arsenal test - Howe
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Newcastle won 3-0 at Old Trafford and Howe was pleased to see a heavily rotated starting lineup repay his faith in them. "It was great to be able to give everyone an opportunity and I thought they responded magnificently," Howe told reporters ahead of Saturday's game against Arsenal. A stern test awaits, however, with Newcastle welcoming Mikel Arteta's Arsenal to St James' Park. Since 2010, Newcastle have beaten Arsenal only twice in 24 matches in all competitions, losing 19 times. They are unbeaten, it is a really big test of our credentials," Howe said.

Persons: Eddie Howe, Howe, Mikel Arteta's, Matt Targett, Sandro Tonali, We've, Sandro, Rohith Nair, Ed Osmond Organizations: Newcastle United's League, Manchester United, Premier League, Arsenal, Newcastle, Old, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, James, Tottenham Hotspur, Thomson Locations: Old Trafford, Bengaluru

☆ Erik ten Hag: Manchester United just can’t find winning formula under Dutch coach
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-02 | by ( Michael Johnston | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

“It is below the standards you expect at Manchester United,” Ten Hag told reporters after Wednesday’s defeat. Rasmus Højlund joined Manchester United from Italian club Atalanta in August for a reported fee of $87.7 million. “You just can’t quite get the stability that Ferguson brought, and since then, people have come and gone,” Dutch football expert Michael Statham told CNN Sport. Manchester United manager Ten Hag has had a very public falling out with Jadon Sancho, who last played for the club in August. They are not thinking about strategic reviews or structures or whatever,” the United manager said before the Manchester derby on the weekend.

Persons: Erik ten Hag, Wednesday’s, Newcastle United –, Hag, “, they’re, “ You’re, Rasmus Højlund, Alex Livesey, Sir Alex Ferguson, Ferguson, Michael Statham, Mason Mount, John Walton, –, Mason Greenwood, Antony, Jadon Sancho, Ten Hag, Gareth Copley, Glazer, everpresent, Jim Ratcliffe, Jassim Bin Hamad Al, Sheikh Jassim, Ratcliffe, Michael Regan, Gary Neville, Erik, ” Neville, ”, Jamie Carragher, Lisandro Martínez, Johan Cruyff, that’s, ” Statham, Tyrell Malacia, Martínez, they’ve, Statham, Sancho, “ He’s, Erling Haaland, John Stones, Catherine Ivill Organizations: CNN, Manchester, English Premier League, Old, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Manchester United, of, Atalanta, United, CNN Sport, Chelsea, Spanish, Getafe, Arsenal, The Athletic, Qatari, Sky Sports, Getty, –, ” CNN, Dutch, Ajax –, Ajax, ”, humbling Locations: Old Trafford, Italian, Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Europe, Liverpool, Argentine, Manchester United's Old Trafford, United, Newcastle

☆ Adidas and Puma eye chances in soccer's fashion moment
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-01 | by ( Helen Reid | Thomson Reuters | London-Based Reporter Covering The European Retail Sector Through A Global Lens. Focusing On Companies Including Adidas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

One Premiership team has hired a creative director to expand its apparel offering, while Adidas in September launched an "exclusively off-pitch" apparel collection for some of the big-name teams it sponsors. "The love-in between football and fashion is only just beginning," said Richard Busby, CEO at sponsorship consultancy BDS Sponsorship. In August, Crystal Palace hired Kenny Annan-Jonathan as creative director focused on apparel. "We are experiencing hype around football jerseys and general designs influenced by football culture across streetwear and fashion," said Puma's global creative director Heiko Desens. "There's a risk of tension with existing fans whenever you start moving beyond the core culture," said Athens Kallithea's president and creative director, Ted Philipakos.

Persons: Asanka Brendon Ratnayake, Kim Kardashian, Richard Busby, Mary Earps, Busby, Kardashian, Germain, Mia Regan, Kenny Annan, Jonathan, GlobalData, Heiko Desens, Puma, popstar, cleats, Pele, Rihanna, Graham Renwick, Prada, Ted Philipakos, Philipakos, Helen Reid, Catherine Evans Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, England, Soccer, LONDON, Adidas, Puma, Nike, Greek, Athens Kallithea, Paris Saint, Arsenal, Crystal Palace, Premier League club, FOOTBALL, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Manchester United, Real, Liverpool, Newcastle United, Italy's Venezia FC, Athens Kallithea's, Premier League, Bundesliga, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Spain, Australia, Sydney, Brazilian, Real Madrid, Italian, Athens

☆ World Cup in Saudi Arabia would be structurally really good, says Howe
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Oct 31 (Reuters) - Newcastle United's Eddie Howe would expect a World Cup in Saudi Arabia to be well organised having previously travelled there with his team, the manager said on Tuesday. With Australia deciding not to enter a bid to host the 2034 World Cup, FIFA are expected to announce Saudi Arabia as the only bid received before the Oct. 31 deadline. "Our trips out there to Riyadh and Jeddah were two different experiences really," Howe told a press conference before Newcastle's League Cup tie against Manchester United. If that's a sign of what a World Cup might look like, structurally it will be really good." Newcastle also hosted two Saudi Arabia international games at St. James' Park in September with Costa Rica and South Korea.

Persons: Newcastle United's Eddie Howe, Howe, James ' Park, Trevor Stynes, Ed Osmond Organizations: Newcastle, Australia, FIFA, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Newcastle's League, Manchester United, Saudi Arabia, St, Thomson Locations: Saudi Arabia, Newcastle, Riyadh, Jeddah, Costa Rica, South Korea

☆ Sandro Tonali: Newcastle United and Italy midfielder banned for 10 months for violating betting regulations
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Newcastle United and Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali has been banned for 10 months for violating betting regulations, the president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Gabriele Gravina, said on Thursday. Tonali signed for Newcastle in the summer for a reported fee of $74 million, per Reuters. Tonali came on as a second-half substitute in Newcastle’s Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday. The decision comes just weeks after Juventus midfielder Nicolò Fagioli was handed a seven-month ban and fined €12,500 ($13,200) for also breaching betting rules. Tonali and his fellow Italy international teammate Nicolò Zaniolo withdrew from the national team squad earlier this month after their involvement in gambling investigations was released.

Persons: Sandro Tonali, Gabriele Gravina, “, ”, Gravina, Tonali, Eddie Howe, Reuters –, Nicolò Fagioli, Nicolò Zaniolo, Zaniolo, CNN’s Barbie Nadeau Organizations: CNN, Newcastle United, Italian Football Federation, Federal Prosecutor’s, Sky24, Newcastle, AC Milan, men’s, Newcastle’s Premier League, Crystal, BBC, FIFA, UEFA, Reuters, Serie, League, Newcastle’s Champions League, Borussia Dortmund, Wednesday, Juventus, Italy Locations: Italy, Italian

☆ Newcastle's Tonali banned for 10 months for betting offences
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

ROME, Oct 26 (Reuters) - Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has been banned from soccer for 10 months over breaches of rules on betting on matches in Italy, the head of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) said on Thursday. It will rule Tonali out for the remainder of the club season and next summer's Euro 2024 tournament should Italy qualify. Tonali, 23, is the highest profile player caught up in a betting scandal that is shaking Italian soccer. Legal and sporting authorities have been investigating the use of illegal betting platforms by soccer players in Italy. Aston Villa's Italy midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo is also assisting authorities in their investigation into alleged illegal betting activity, the Premier League club said last week.

Persons: Sandro Tonali, Tonali, Gabriele Gravina, Nicolo Fagioli, FIGC's Gravina, Nicolo Zaniolo, Elvira Pollina, Keith Weir, Alvise Armellini Organizations: Newcastle United, Italian Football Federation, Newcastle, Milan, AC Milan, Champions League, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Aston, Premier League, Thomson Locations: Italy, Italian, Newcastle, Turin

☆ Pulisic backs Milan to turn around poor Champions League form
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Oct 26 (Reuters) - AC Milan winger Christian Pulisic has backed his team to turn around their mediocre Champions League form after the Italian giants suffered a 3-0 defeat against Paris St Germain on Wednesday. We're not out of it yet, we just need to string a couple of wins together," Pulisic told CBS Sports. "We've had some tough games in some tough stadiums but that's no excuse, we need to turn it around and we need to win." The 25-year-old Pulisic, who captains the United States, moved to Milan from Premier League club Chelsea in July. Milan are second in the Italian top-flight after nine matches, one point behind rivals Inter Milan.

Persons: Christian Pulisic, We're, Pulisic, We've, we're, Pearl Josephine Nazare, Robert Birsel Organizations: Milan, League, Paris St Germain, Wednesday, Parc des Princes, Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle United, CBS Sports, Premier League club Chelsea, Napoli, Serie, Udinese, Inter Milan, Thomson Locations: Milan, Parc, United States, Bengaluru

☆ Man Utd show signs of life, but City offer real test
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Another not-too-convincing victory at bottom club Sheffield United last weekend was admirable in its own way following the news of club great Bobby Charlton's death before kickoff. City suffered consecutive league defeats before the international break but have answered any doubts with wins over Brighton & Hove Albion and then at Young Boys on Wednesday in the Champions League. Guardiola will need no reminding that City lost at Old Trafford last year, having crushed United 6-3 at home. City also won the FA Cup final against United on their way to matching the Reds' treble of 1999. Sixth-placed Newcastle United will have to shrug off the disappointment of their Champions League loss to Borussia Dortmund as they face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

Persons: Erik Ten, Bobby Charlton's, Harry Maguire's, Andre Onana, Guardiola, Sergio Aguero, They've, they've, Rasmus Hojlund, Erling Haaland, Ange Postecoglou, Monday's, Postecoglou, Martyn Herman, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Manchester, Manchester City, Brentford, Sheffield United, FC Copenhagen, Champions League, Pep, City, Brighton & Hove Albion, Young Boys, Old, FA, United, Reds, Manchester Evening, Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur, Tottenham, Fulham, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United, Borussia Dortmund, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Saturday, Aston Villa, Luton Town, Thomson Locations: Old Trafford, City, Celtic, Liverpool

☆ Borussia Dortmund secure vital win at Newcastle
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

NEWCASTLE, Oct 25 (Reuters) - Borussia Dortmund rekindled their hopes in Champions League Group F with a gritty 1-0 victory at Newcastle United thanks to Felix Nmecha's clinical first-half strike on Wednesday night. Nmecha's first-time finish near the end of a high-octane opening half proved enough for the Bundesliga side to post their first win in the group at the third time of asking. After a wide-open half, Dortmund defended their lead solidly after the break although Callum Wilson headed a chance against the crossbar and Newcastle struck the woodwork again deep into stoppage time. Defeat was an anti-climax for Newcastle after their win over Paris St Germain in the previous match, and the group is now wide open. PSG have six points with Newcastle and Dortmund both on four points and Milan on two.

Persons: Felix Nmecha's, Nmecha's, Callum Wilson, Martyn Herman, Hugh Lawson Organizations: NEWCASTLE, Borussia Dortmund, Champions League, Newcastle United, Bundesliga, Dortmund, Newcastle, Paris St Germain, PSG, Thomson Locations: Milan

☆ Injuries add to Newcastle woes in Dortmund loss
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Defeat means Newcastle face a fight to progress from Group F although they are still well-placed with four points from three games, the same as Dortmund. But of even more concern to Howe were injuries to forwards Alexander Isak and Jacob Murphy. "Isak going off was a blow and Jacob came off with what looks like a serious injury," Howe said. Jacob looks serious, potentially a dislocation of his shoulder." Newcastle face Wolverhampton Wanderers away in the Premier League on Saturday.

Persons: Park, Newcastle United's Alexander Isak, Lee Smith, Newcastle United's, Eddie Howe's, Howe, Alexander Isak, Jacob Murphy, Sweden's Isak, Callum Wilson, Murphy, Isak, Jacob, We've, That's, Elliot Anderson, He's, Martyn Herman, Hugh Lawson Organizations: Soccer Football, Newcastle United, Borussia Dortmund, James, Newcastle, Champions League, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Premier League, Thomson Locations: Newcastle, Britain, NEWCASTLE, England, Dortmund

☆ Nmecha strikes to give Dortmund vital win at Newcastle
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

NEWCASTLE, England, Oct 25 (Reuters) - Borussia Dortmund rekindled their hopes in Champions League Group F with a gritty 1-0 victory at Newcastle United thanks to Felix Nmecha's clinical first-half strike on Wednesday. Nmecha's well-taken goal near the end of a high-octane opening half proved enough for the Bundesliga side to post their first win in the group at the third time of asking. The two sides will meet again in a fortnight in Dortmund in a match that is likely to be pivotal. Nmecha's first Champions League goal at the end of a high-octane opening half was Dortmund's first in the competition this season and ultimately it proved decisive. Dortmund stifled Newcastle after that but needed some luck in the dying minutes to go home with the points.

Persons: Felix Nmecha's, Nmecha's, Callum Wilson, Anthony Gordon, Eddie Howe's, Edin Terzić, Howe, Gordon, Nico Schlotterbeck, Pope, Donyell Malen, Malen, Gregor Kobel, Wilson, Alexander Isak, First Wilson, Matt Targett, Terzic, Martyn Herman, Hugh Lawson Organizations: Borussia Dortmund, Champions League, Newcastle United, Bundesliga, Dortmund, Newcastle, Paris St Germain, PSG, TNT Sport, League, Thomson Locations: NEWCASTLE, England, Milan, Dortmund, Kobel

☆ French connection strikes as PSG beat AC Milan to go top
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

PARIS, Oct 25 (Reuters) - Another Kylian Mbappe moment of magic and a Randal Kolo Muani goal helped Paris St Germain beat a toothless AC Milan 3-0 at the Parc des Princes to go top of their Champions League Group F on Wednesday. "We play as a team, we make the efforts for our team mates, that's how we do it." Kolo Muani said: "We wanted to control the match and go for the win. PSG got off to an aggressive start but were outnumbered in the midfield and struggled to free themselves from Milan's pressing play. PSG next travel on Nov. 7 to Milan, who will need what would be their first win in the group stage to maintain their hopes of reaching the knockout phase.

Persons: Randal Kolo Muani, Paris St Germain, Mbappe, Kolo Muani, Ousmane Dembele, Lee Kang, Warren Zaire, Emery, Luis Enrique's, Milan's Olivier Giroud, Manuel Ugarte, Dembele, Kolo, Mike Maignan, Christian Pulisic, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Rafael Leao's, Maignan, Lee, Julien Pretot, Hugh Lawson Organizations: Paris St, Milan, Princes, Champions League, Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle United, AC Milan, League, PSG, Borussia, Newcastle, Thomson Locations: Parc, France, Zaire, Milan

☆ PSG's games against Milan vital to qualify from 'Group of Death' - Enrique
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

POISSY, France, Oct 24 (Reuters) - Paris St Germain's Champions League games against AC Milan are vital to their bid to qualify from a difficult group, coach Luis Enrique said on Tuesday ahead of the clash at Parc des Princes. "These are vital games (against Milan) considering the circumstances of the last two rounds but we're concentrating on each game," Enrique told reporters. "The real value of AC Milan is that it's a great team that has always played in the major competitions. "Every club in the world has its ups and downs but AC Milan are doing well at the moment. Asked how PSG would approach Wednesday's game, Enrique said: "Attack as always, we're a team that has always attacked.

Persons: Luis Enrique, Enrique, we're, We've, We'll, Mike Maignan, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Donnarumma, Milan's, Aadi Nair, Ken Ferris Organizations: Paris St Germain's, League, AC Milan, Parc des Princes, PSG, Newcastle United, Milan, Newcastle, Borussia Dortmund, Thomson Locations: POISSY, France, Paris, Parc, Milan, Bengaluru

☆ Leeds fined by FA after fan push on Newcastle's Howe
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Oct 23 (Reuters) - Leeds United have been fined 40,000 pounds ($48,924) after Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe was pushed by a supporter who ran into the technical area during the Premier League game at Elland Road in May, the FA said on Monday. The fan was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison and banned for life by Leeds following the incident in the 2-2 draw on May 13. Leeds were also warned as to their future conduct, the FA added in a statement, with 20,000 pounds of the fine suspended until the end of the 2024-25 season. "Leeds United admitted that they failed to ensure their spectators ... conduct themselves in an orderly fashion and don't use words or behaviour which are improper, offensive, violent, threatening, abusive, insulting or provocative," the FA said. ($1 = 0.8176 pounds)Reporting by Anita Kobylinska in Gdansk; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Eddie Howe, Anita Kobylinska, Ken Ferris Organizations: Leeds United, Newcastle United, Premier League, Elland, Leeds, Thomson Locations: Gdansk

☆ Will the Saudi prince get his 1.5% GDP growth from sports?
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-17 | by ( Elliot Smith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The PIF, with estimated assets of around $700 billion, has also flexed its financial muscle in golf, tennis, boxing and motorsport, to name a few, along with a slew of music and entertainment ventures. These investments are all part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 program, an ambitious plan to diversify the country's economy away from its traditional reliance on oil and gas exports. Saudi Arabia's growing presence in sport and entertainment around the world has given rise to allegations of "sportswashing" — with critics claiming the regime is using sport to launder its international reputation against the backdrop of a dismal human rights record. In a recent interview, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the country's de facto leader and architect of Vision 2030, said he was happy to sportswash if it boosted the kingdom's GDP. But what role does this sporting spending spree play in the kingdom's efforts to secure its economic future, and will it work?

Persons: Prince Mohammed bin Salman Organizations: Saudi, Public Investment Fund, English Premier League, Newcastle United Locations: Europe's, Saudi

☆ Martinelli fires Arsenal to late win, Liverpool held at Brighton
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-08 | by ( Peter Hall | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

LONDON, Oct 8 (Reuters) - Arsenal moved level on points with neighbours Tottenham Hotspur at the top of the Premier League after beating champions Manchester City on Sunday as Liverpool were held to a 2-2 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion. Mohammed Kudus scored an 89th-minute equaliser to earn West Ham a point against Newcastle United in a 2-2 draw and Aston Villa stayed fifth in the standings after drawing 1-1 at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Arsenal came into the match having not beaten City in the league since 2015, a run of 15 games -- their longest winless streak against a single opponent in league history. Arsenal did not have a single shot on target in the opening period, but upped the tempo after the break. West Ham retained their grip on seventh place while Newcastle are eighth, a point behind.

Persons: Mohammed Kudus, Aston Villa, Declan Rice, Martinelli, Nathan Ake, Ederson, Mikel Arteta, Lewis Dunk, Mohamed Salah's, Simon Adingra, Alexis Mac Allister, Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, Dunk, Juergen Klopp, Alexander Isak's quickfire, Tomas Soucek, West, Kudus, Ham, Defender Pau Torres, Villa, Hwang Hee, chan, Pedro Neto's, Torres, Ollie Watkins, Mario Lemina, Peter Hall, Ed Osmond Organizations: Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, Manchester City, Liverpool, Brighton & Hove Albion, West, Newcastle United, Aston, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Emirates, Spurs, Brighton, Seagulls, Sky Sports, London, Newcastle, Defender, Wolves, Thomson Locations: West Ham, BRIGHTON, Liverpool

☆ Hakimi shines as PSG win 3-1 at Rennes
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

RENNES, Oct 8 (Reuters) - Paris St Germain returned to winning ways with a 3-1 win at Rennes after Achraf Hakimi scored one goal and created another on Sunday to help the capital club move up to third in Ligue 1 two points off the pace set by AS Monaco. Before Rennes could recover, the Roazhon Park crowd was silenced once again four minutes later when PSG right back Hakimi ghosted past an unsuspecting defence and headed in 17-year-old Warren Zaire-Emery's cross from close range. Rennes improved after the break and hit back in the 56th minute when they pounced on a loose pass and Amine Gouiri headed home Ludovic Blas's cross to halve the deficit. PSG's Luis Enrique brought on Randal Kolo Muani a minute later and the forward got on the scoresheet almost immediately with a first-time finish from Hakimi's pass, leaving Rennes shell-shocked and their coach Bruno Genesio fuming on the bench. Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Paris St Germain, Achraf Hakimi, Clermont Foot, Ousmane Dembele, Vitinha, Warren, Ludovic Blas's, PSG's Luis Enrique, Randal Kolo Muani, Bruno Genesio fuming, PSG's Kylian Mbappe, Steve Mandanda, Frenchman, Rohith Nair, Ken Ferris Organizations: RENNES, Paris St, Rennes, Ligue, AS Monaco, PSG, Clermont, Newcastle United, Champions League, Thomson Locations: Paris, Rennes, Warren Zaire, Hakimi's, Bengaluru

☆ PSG and Kylian Mbappé humbled by Newcastle United in Champions League
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( John Sinnott | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Paris Saint-Germain and Kylian Mbappé suffered a chastening defeat in the Champions League group stages, losing 4-1 at the hands of Newcastle United on Wednesday. The win put Newcastle top of Group F with four points, a point ahead of PSG. If you make mistakes you pay for that.”Mbappé is challenged for the ball by Jamaal Lascelles and Bruno Guimarães of Newcastle United. Qatar Sports Investment (QSI) acquired PSG in 2011 and lavished money on bringing some of the world’s most talented players to Paris, and a Champions League title seemed inevitable. Mbappé had little effect on the game at St. James’ Park in Newcastle, with the Premier League side completely physically overpowering their French opposition.

Persons: Germain, Kylian Mbappé, Miguel Almirón, Dan Burn, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sean, Lucas Hernández, Fabian Schär, ”, Luis Enrique, Mbappé, Jamaal Lascelles, Bruno Guimarães, Richard Sellers, Enrique, Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr, –, Wednesday’s, James ’ Organizations: CNN, Paris Saint, Champions League, Newcastle United, Newcastle, PSG, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, “, ” PSG, TNT Sports, Real Madrid, Mbappé, La Liga, Monaco, Qatar Sports Investment, Paris, League, St, Premier League Locations: Newcastle, Paris

☆ Nobody wants to face Newcastle, says PSG manager Luis Enrique
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Oct 3 (Reuters) - Paris St Germain coach Luis Enrique said no one wanted to face Newcastle United in the Champions League because of their high level, wit his side determined to survive the "hostile but unrivalled atmosphere" at St James' Park on Wednesday. Newcastle will play their first home Champions League game since 2003, something Luis Enrique is not taking lightly, adding that it will be a clash that will prove what PSG is made of. Tomorrow is going to be a great test for us," the manager told a press conference on Tuesday. "Nobody wanted to play against them because of what they did last season. PSG top Group F after beating Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in their opening match.

Persons: Paris St Germain, Luis Enrique, Eddie Howe's, Nobody, I'm, Angelica Medina Organizations: Paris St, Newcastle United, League, James, Newcastle, PSG, San, AC Milan, Ligue, Borussia Dortmund, Thomson Locations: Paris, Europe, San Siro, Mexico City

☆ Saudi Arabia is pouring billions into soccer, golf, and Formula 1. Its crown prince doesn't care if anyone calls it 'sportswashing.'
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-30 | by ( George Glover | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Saudi Arabia is pouring billions into sports in a bid to transform its economy. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has made the sector a key part of his Vision 2030 plan. But the reality is that the crown prince has a grander ambition: to level up Saudi Arabia's economic growth. "But Saudi Arabia is piling into other sports too, because they want to achieve a lot in a short period of time." AdvertisementAdvertisementAs Crown Prince Mohammed made clear last week, all this forms part of a broader strategy to supercharge Saudi Arabia's economy through investment.

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