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☆ UEFA president Ceferin offers condolences in letter to Israel FA
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Oct 12 (Reuters) - UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has written to the head of Israel's Football Association to express his condolences over the "senseless acts of violence" after Palestinian militant group Hamas killed over 1,300 people in the country. On Saturday, Hamas gunmen from the Gaza Strip rampaged through parts of southern Israel, in the deadliest Palestinian militant attack in Israel's history. But Slovenian Ceferin wrote a personal letter to Moshe Zuares, the president of the IFA. It is an unimaginable tragedy, and the pain and sorrow are profound and resonate across the entire football community. My friend, I pray for these deep wounds to heal and for a world where such senseless acts of violence have no place."

Persons: Aleksander Ceferin, Moshe Zuares, Ceferin, Gabrielle Tétrault, Farber, Rohith Nair, Ken Ferris Organizations: Israel's Football Association, Hamas, IFA, UEFA, European, Switzerland, Thomson Locations: Gaza, Israel, Kosovo, Bengaluru

NYON, Switzerland (AP) — UEFA has postponed Israel’s European Championship qualifying game against host Kosovo on Sunday. Israel was scheduled to host group leader Switzerland on Thursday in Tel Aviv and that game was postponed late Sunday. It will now be played Nov. 15 though it is unclear if Israel can safely host games. The delayed Kosovo-Israel game could prevent UEFA making the qualifying playoffs draw on Nov. 23 as scheduled. Israel will go to the playoffs even if it finishes third in the qualifying group because last year it topped a Nations League group in the second tier.

Persons: —, Israel, Jerusalem —, ___ Organizations: UEFA, Kosovo, Sunday, European, Switzerland, Israel, Romania, Nations League Locations: NYON, Switzerland, Pristina, Israel, Romania, Germany, Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Kosovo

NYON, Switzerland (AP) — The future of soccer’s European Championship for the next decade was decided Tuesday — the United Kingdom and Ireland will host in 2028 and an unusual Italy-Turkey co-hosting plan was picked for 2032. Turkey finally will get to host a European Championship after several failed previous bids, including by one vote against France for the Euro 2016 edition. Co-hosting by five UEFA members in 2028 and two in 2032 follows the radical 13-nation project that was agreed for Euro 2020. Though Italy and Turkey both get direct entry to Euro 2032 as hosts, UEFA will not offer five automatic places for the 2028 hosts. UEFA aims to rebuild its cash reserves above 500 million euros ($528 million) after being depleted during the pandemic.

Persons: Ireland — Organizations: soccer’s, UEFA, Italy, —, Ireland, France, Wembley, FIFA, Uruguay, Aston Villa, Manchester, Tottenham, Everton, European Locations: NYON, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Turkey, — England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Rome, Istanbul, London, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Paraguay, Ukraine, Asia, Oceania, Saudi Arabia, England, Manchester City, Newcastle, Liverpool, Belfast, Casement, Germany

☆ UEFA axes plan to lift Under-17 ban on Russia teams
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

"The agenda point was withdrawn as no technical solution to allow Russian teams to play could be found," UEFA said of the plan, which was fiercely opposed by Ukraine and other soccer federations. In the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which Moscow calls a 'special military operation', UEFA decided that all Russian teams - national or club sides - would be suspended from participation in its competitions. There was no immediate reaction from Russia. The Russian Football Union did not immediately respond to request for comment. Reporting by Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Denis Balibouse, Gabrielle Tétrault, Farber, Ken Ferris Organizations: Soccer Football, UEFA, Russia's, Russian Football Union, Thomson Locations: Nyon, Switzerland, NYON, Ukraine, Moscow, Russia

☆ Concerns around a rebrand in this video game maker's line-up are overblown, Bank of America says
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-10 | by ( Lisa Kailai Han | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Investors are way too worried about the impact a rebranding of Electronic Arts ' FIFA video games could have on the stock, according to Bank of America. The bank upgraded the video game maker's stock to buy from neutral and raised its price target to $150 from $145. A decadeslong partnership between FIFA — soccer's governing body — and Electronic Arts came to an end last year, when the company announced its longtime video game franchise would be rebranded to EA Sports FC. Additionally, Dessouky said that the company's new game video game could provide upside to consensus estimates and guidance in the near term and beyond, especially following above-trend growth in the PC and console gaming market. "We expect the PC/Console software market to grow above trend (mid/high single digits) in CY24 and beyond," the analyst wrote.

Persons: Omar Dessouky, Dessouky, Michael Bloom Organizations: Electronic Arts, FIFA, Bank of America, FIFA —, EA Sports FC, EA, SPORTS FC Locations: Monday's, CY24

☆ FIFA to 'mitigate environmental impact' of 2030 World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Oct 9 (Reuters) - FIFA will take measures to "mitigate the environmental impact" of the three-continent 2030 World Cup, world soccer's governing body said. FIFA last week named Morocco, Spain and Portugal as hosts of the 2030 tournament, while Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will also host the opening matches to mark the tournament's centenary. On its website, FIFA highlighted the fact that just three games would be played in South America, adding: "Morocco, Portugal and Spain will be the hosts of the FIFA World Cup 2030. "FIFA will take all required measures to mitigate the environmental impact of the FIFA World Cup. FIFA also confirmed that Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay would automatically qualify for the tournament, meaning six out of 48 teams have been confirmed.

Persons: it's, Aadi Nair, Christian Radnedge Organizations: FIFA, Thomson Locations: Morocco, Spain, Portugal, Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, South America, Bengaluru

☆ Streaming companies chase Spanish-language sports rights to capture growing Hispanic viewership
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-06 | by ( Lillian Rizzo | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

It's an effort to diversify viewership and advertising opportunities — and to capitalize on a growing Hispanic streaming audience. Hispanic audiences spend nearly nine hours per day consuming media, the majority of which is TV viewership, according to a recent study from Nielsen based on viewership habits from July. The study noted the Hispanic audience has been at "the forefront of cord-cutting," making it a growing majority of streaming viewership, too. According to the findings, Hispanic viewers spend more than 50% of their time consuming TV through streaming, eclipsing the general population, at nearly 40%. Traditional media companies across the board have been doling out cash for sports as live games still command the highest traditional TV viewership.

Persons: Roberto Firmino, Eder Militao, NBCUniversal's, It's, Shirin Malkani, Perkins, Lea, Eli Velazquez, Lionel Messi Organizations: Liverpool, Real Madrid, UEFA Champions, Liverpool FC, Anfield, . Media, Canela Media, Telemundo, ESPN, Nielsen, Telemundo Deportes, Major League Soccer's Inter Miami Locations: Real, Liverpool, England, Spanish, U.S

☆ Saudi Arabia will bid to host 2034 World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

CAIRO, Oct 4 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia announced it will bid to host the 2034 World Cup just minutes after the world soccer's governing body FIFA invited countries from the Asia and Oceania regions to submit bids. "Saudi Arabia’s inaugural FIFA World Cup bid is backed by the country’s growing experience of hosting world-class football events and its ongoing plans to welcome fans across the world to the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup and 2027 AFC Asian Cup." After FIFA said that the 2034 World Cup will be held in the Asia or Oceania region, Asian Football Confederation president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa welcomed the decision. "We strongly believe it paves the way for a more equitable opportunity for all confederations to bid for, and host, the prestigious FIFA World Cup - the pinnacle of world men’s football," he said. The 2026 World Cup, which will feature 48 teams, will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Persons: Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Karim Benzema, Moaz Abd, Osama Khairy, Mohamed Yossry, Rohith Nair, William Maclean Organizations: FIFA, Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Saudi, Saudi Arabia’s, AFC Asian, Asian Football, Saudi Pro League, Thomson Locations: CAIRO, Saudi Arabia, Asia, Oceania, Saudi, Morocco, Spain, Portugal, Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, United States, Canada, Mexico, Cairo

☆ Chicago Fire offer fans credit amid Messi uncertainty
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Sep 20, 2023; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) runs with the ball against the Toronto FC during the first half at DRV PNK Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 3 (Reuters) - Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire have offered a financial incentive to ticket holders who attend their home game against Inter Miami on Wednesday given the uncertainty surrounding Lionel Messi's availability. Mindful that Messi may not play, Chicago said on Tuesday they will offer a $250 credit toward new memberships for next season -- or a $50 credit for anyone unable to use the new member credit -- to all single-game ticket buyers who attend the Miami match regardless of which players make an appearance. "While we don't yet know the official status of Lionel Messi's availability for our match tomorrow ... we understand that many of our fans may be disappointed if they don't get the chance to see him play," Chicago said in a news release. Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Peter RutherfordOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Sam Navarro, Ballon, Messi, Lionel Messi's, Frank Pingue, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Inter Miami CF, Toronto FC, USA, League, Chicago Fire, Inter Miami, Soldier, Chicago, Miami, Thomson Locations: Fort Lauderdale , Florida, USA, Miami, Argentina, Qatar, Toronto

☆ 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.

Persons: Prince Mohammed bin Salman, bankrolled, —, Cristiano Ronaldo, Phil Mickelson, Anthony Joshua, –, Jamal Khashoggi, they've, Steve Luciano, AP Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Ballon, Karim Benzema, Neymar, Sadio, PIF, LIV Golf, Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, LIV, Joshua, that's, Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, Frank Warren, Prince Mohammed, Mohammed bin Salman, Leon Neal, Simon Chadwick, Chadwick, megastars, Ronaldo –, Salman, bin Salman, Saudi Arabia –, St Andrews, Nick Kyrgios, who've, Elsa, he'd, they'll Organizations: Newcastle United, Service, Washington Post, Saudi, Investment Fund, Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Saudi Public Investment Fund, Newcastle, AP, Saudi Pro League, Georgetown University Qatar, PGA, WWE, Fox News, SKEMA Business School, Indian Premier League, FIFA Locations: Saudi Arabia, Saudi, England, Riyadh, Brazil, Liverpool, Kingdom, Jeddah, Lille, France, Reiche, Iran, Miami, Augusta, bankroll

☆ UEFA set to reinstate Russian youth teams
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Following the invasion, which Moscow calls a "special military operation", UEFA decided in February 2022 that all Russian teams - national or club sides - would be suspended from participation in their competitions. "The Executive Committee has asked the UEFA administration to propose a technical solution that would enable the reinstatement of the Russian U17 teams (both girls and boys) even when draws have already been held." UEFA added that Russian teams' matches would be played outside Russia and would not feature the country's flag, anthem or national kit. "... by banning children from our competitions, we not only fail to recognise and uphold a fundamental right for their holistic development but we directly discriminate against them," UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said. Duka is head of Albania's soccer federation and has been a member of UEFA's Executive Committee since 2019.

Persons: Denis Balibouse, Aleksander Ceferin, Armand Duka, Luis Rubiales, Rubiales, Jenni Hermoso, Duka, Aadi Nair, Christian Radnedge Organizations: UEFA, Union of European Football Associations, REUTERS, Gazprom, Russian U17, Spanish Federation, UEFA's, Thomson Locations: Nyon, Switzerland, Ukraine, European, Limassol, Cyprus, Moscow, Russian, Russia, Bengaluru

Homophobic chanting by sections of Paris Saint-Germain fans targeting Marseille players has again marred the biggest game in French soccer, prompting calls for sanctions. “Very shocked by the unbearable homophobic chants heard at the Parc des Princes,” Klein said on X, the social network formerly known as Twitter. He added that he will ask PSG and the French league authorities to bring in sanctions, and will look at the possibility of starting judicial action. Homophobic chants, often heard at French league matches, have been tolerated for a long time by many club officials, and soccer authorities have struggled to find appropriate ways of tackling the issue. Following a match at the Parc des Princes four years ago between PSG and Marseille during which some home fans used homophobic insults, the French league launched an action plan allowing spectators to report sexist, homophobic or racist incidents they witness.

Persons: Paris Saint, Germain, Olivier Klein, “, ” Klein, Amelie Oudea, Castera, ”, ___ Organizations: Marseille, PSG, Parc des Princes, Twitter, French Locations: Paris, Parc des, Parc

☆ PSG should take action over homophobic chants says French Sports Minister
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

During the 4-0 win over their rivals at the Parc des Princes, PSG supporters in the Boulogne kop were heard celebrating with homophobic chants aimed at Marseille and a lot of the home crowd clapped along. "It is unthinkable to remain deaf to such hateful and homophobic chants in our stands," Oudea Castera said on messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter. "Yesterday, these chants spoiled the party at the Parc. "I invite PSG to lodge a complaint to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice so that they can be removed from the stadiums." Oudea Castera added that the matter was now in the hands of French soccer's governing body LFP.

Persons: Sergio Rico, Benoit Tessier, Paris St Germain, Amelie Oudea Castera, Oudea Castera, Julien Pretot, Aadi Nair, Ken Ferris Organizations: Soccer Football, Paris St Germain, Clermont, de Princes, Rights, Ligue, Olympique de Marseille, France's, Parc des Princes, PSG, Thomson Locations: de, Paris, France, Parc des, Boulogne, Marseille

Whether she was advocating for equal pay and racial justice or just scoring a rare goal off a corner kick, Megan Rapinoe was always unabashedly authentic during her soccer career. Rapinoe sobbed following the U.S. loss to Sweden at this summer's Women's World Cup, knowing it would be her final tournament with the national team. "I’ve just loved every moment of my career,” she said through tears at the World Cup last month in Australia. At the 2019 World Cup in France, Rapinoe scored six goals, including a penalty in the final against the Netherlands. Rapinoe led her team's long fight for equal pay with their men's national team, which started with an EEOC complaint back in 2016.

Persons: Megan Rapinoe, Rapinoe, I’ve, ”, “ I’ll, Kelley O'Hara, There's, Christine Sinclair, “ I’ve, We’re, she’s, ” Sinclair, She’s, Ballon, Megan, Lynn Williams, Donald Trump’s, “ She’s, Jill Ellis, Colin Kaepernick, —, ” Rapinoe Organizations: Portland, Chicago's, Rapinoe, University of Portland, Pilots, Portland Pilots, FIFA, Ballon d'Or, national, U.S, Soccer, House, San Francisco 49ers, Sweden, soccer's Locations: Sweden, Australia, U.S, United States, South Africa, Seattle, Portland, Canada, France, Netherlands, New York City

☆ Julie Ertz to play in final US women’s national team match against South Africa
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-21 | by ( Amy Woodyatt | Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

ET Thursday will see the two-time Women’s World Cup winner and two-time Olympian earn her 123rd and final cap for the US. She announced her retirement last month, adding that she made the decision “with immense emotion and processing.”Ertz controls the ball against Sweden in what would be her final Women's World Cup match. Jenna Watson/USA TODAY Sports/ReutersErtz, 31, was an integral member of the US teams which won the Women’s World Cup in 2015 and 2019. She represented the US women’s team on 122 occasions, losing just five matches and scoring 20 goals during her 10-year international career. Ertz, pictured as the US celebrates its victory over the Netherlands at the 2019 Women's World Cup final, was an integral member of the US teams which won women's soccer's showpiece event in 2015 and 2019.

Persons: Julie Ertz, Jenna Watson, Reuters Ertz, Richard Heathcote, Ertz, “ There’s, Momma can’t, Momma, ” Ertz, Madden, Twila Kilgore, Ertz’s Organizations: CNN, US, National, TQL, Sweden, USA, Reuters, Getty, Chicago Red Stars, US Soccer, National Women’s Soccer League, Angel City, Interim, “ Locations: South Africa, Cincinnati, Netherlands, Angel, Australia, New Zealand, Interim US

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Lionel Messi returned to Inter Miami's lineup on Wednesday night. Messi was subbed off in the 37th minute of Inter Miami's match against Toronto, after spending a few minutes laboring with what appeared to be a leg issue. But Messi's status overshadowed everything, and Inter Miami coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino said after the game that the Argentine star will miss Sunday's game at Orlando. It was the second big injury blow for Inter Miami on Wednesday. Despite its place in the standings, Inter Miami now controls its postseason destiny.

Persons: — Lionel Messi, he's, Messi, subbed, Robert Taylor, Gerardo “ Tata ” Martino, “, ” Martino, Martino, Ballon, Jordi Alba —, —, ” Taylor, Facundo Farias, Benjamin Cremaschi, Drake Callender, Messi didn’t, Yedlin —, That’s, ”, Win, Cruz Azul, ___ Organizations: Inter, Toronto, Miami, Major League Soccer's Eastern Conference, Messi, Inter Miami, Orlando, Bolivia, Atlanta United, Inter Miami's, U.S, Houston, MLS, New York City FC, Messi isn't, D.C, United, Atlanta, Leagues, Nashville, Miami club’s, Leagues Cup Locations: FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla, Argentine, Toronto, —, Chicago, Cincinnati, Atlanta, Miami

☆ Bellingham shines as England cruise to victory in Scotland
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Summary Foden, Bellingham and Kane score for EnglandMaguire scores own goal after coming off the benchGLASGOW, Sept 12 (Reuters) - England brought Scotland crashing back down to earth with a comfortable 3-1 victory in a friendly at Hampden Park with Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane on target on Tuesday. The depth in England's squad was apparent though as they controlled the contest to give Scotland a reality check. "The first half we didn't really get started and England dominated the ball," Scotland boss Steve Clarke told Channel 4. SELF-DESTRUCTEDScotland self-destructed soon after when they failed to clear their lines and Robertson played the ball straight to Bellingham who rifled a shot past Angus Gunn. Bellingham then rounded off a great display with a slide-rule pass to Kane who finished with his trademark precision.

Persons: Kane, England Maguire, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Foden, Kyle Walker's, Madrid's Bellingham, Andy Robertson, Harry Maguire, Steve Clarke's, Scotland's, Gareth Southgate, Lewis Dunk, Steve Clarke, Bellingham, Walker, Marcus Rashford, destructed, Robertson, Angus Gunn, Maguire, John McGinn glanced, Gunn, Martyn Herman, Toby Davis Organizations: Hampden, Tartan Army, England, decibel, Georgia, Channel, Real Madrid, Bellingham, Manchester United, Ukraine, Thomson Locations: Bellingham, GLASGOW, England, Scotland, Norway, Ukraine, England's

☆ Spain's soccer president resigns 3 weeks after kissing player at Women's World Cup final
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-11 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

Once the most powerful man in Spanish soccer, Rubiales insisted the kiss was consensual and done in a "moment of jubilation." "The former president of the Spanish soccer federation has done what he had to do," Spain's Secretary of State for Sport Víctor Francos told Spain's Cadena SER radio. Rubiales said that he had told interim Spanish federation president Pedro Rocha — who replaced him when Rubiales was suspended on Aug. 26 — of his resignation late Sunday night. The uproar against Rubiales coincides with a strike by Spain's women's league as its players call for higher wages. Those included the coaches of Spain's women's and men's teams.

Persons: Royal Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales, Reuters Luis Rubiales, Spain's, Rubiales, Jenni Hermoso, Hermoso, Sport Víctor Francos, Spain's Cadena, Pedro Rocha —, Piers Morgan, Britain's, Luis, Morgan, Letizia, Princess Sofía, Spain —, –, — Rubiales, Alexia Putellas Organizations: Royal Spanish Football Federation, RFEF, Reuters, Spain, England, FIFA, Twitter, Rubiales, State, Sport Víctor, Spain's Cadena SER, UEFA, Women's Nations, Pachuca, Barcelona, League, Ballon, Saudi Locations: Spanish, Sydney, Australia, Portugal, Morocco, Ukraine, Spain, Sweden, Europe, Ballon d'Or, Africa, Madrid

☆ Spain's soccer chief Luis Rubiales quits in kiss scandal
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-10 | by ( Graham Keeley | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Reuters reached out to Hermoso's representative for comment on Rubiales' resignation, and they did not return the telephone call. Hermoso, Spain's all-time top scorer with 51 goals, currently plays at Mexican top-tier side Pachuca, where she moved in June 2022 following her second spell at Barcelona. "The feminist country is advancing faster and faster," Spain's acting Labour Minister Yolanda Diaz posted on X after news of Rubiales' resignation. The Spanish Football Federation said in a statement that Rubiales had resigned as its president and also as a vice-president of UEFA. Although he stepped down as boss of the federation, Rubiales continued to defend his version of events.

Persons: Jennifer Hermoso, Royal Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales, Hannah, Luis Rubiales, Rubiales, Pedro Rocha, Jenni Hermoso, Hermoso, Yolanda Diaz, Jenni, Irene Montero, Pedro Rocha Junco, FUTPRO, Piers Morgan, Luis, Anita Kobylinska, Tommy Lund, Toby Davis, Frances Kerry, Aislinn Laing Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, England, Royal Spanish Football Federation, Spanish Football Federation, Sydney, High, Rubiales, Spain, UEFA, Twitter, Reuters, Pachuca, Barcelona, Labour, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Spain, Australia, Sydney, BARCELONA, Spanish, Gdansk

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

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

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

☆ Spanish prosecutors accuse Rubiales of sexual assault and coercion for kissing a player at World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-08 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Spanish state prosecutors have accused Luis Rubiales of sexual assault and coercion for kissing a player on the lips without her consent after the Women's World Cup final, the country's prosecutors' office said Friday. Prosecutors presented a case against Rubiales to Spain's National Court in Madrid two days after Hermoso formally accused him of sexual assault. The new law eliminated the difference between "sexual harassment" and "sexual assault," sanctioning any unconsented sexual act. Spain's women's players have said they won't play again for their nation until big changes are made in the federation. Rubiales, a former player and former head of Spain's biggest players' union, has run the federation since 2018.

Persons: Luis Rubiales, Jorge Vilda, Rubiales, Jenni Hermoso, Prosecutors, Hermoso, Germain, Spain, Spain's, Saudi Arabia —, Cristiano Ronaldo —, women's Organizations: Spanish Royal Football Federation, Spain women's, football team's, La, Spain, England, National, Prosecutors, Pachuca, Paris Saint, Atletico Madrid, FIFA, Spain's, Liga, Spanish, Super, UEFA Locations: Spain, Madrid, Spanish, Sydney, Australia, Barcelona, Paris, Saudi Arabia, Portugal, Morocco

☆ Spain men's coach dodges questions about women's team scandal
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

TBILISI, Sept 7 (Reuters) - Spain men's coach Luis de la Fuente tried to avoid questions on Thursday about the scandal sparked by football federation boss Luis Rubiales' unsolicited kiss of player Jenni Hermoso after her team's victory in the Women's World Cup. We need to win tomorrow with our eyes on qualifying for the European Championship and we are only focused on that," De La Fuente told a press conference. Spain midfielder Rodri said the players had a meeting with De La Fuente to address the issue. "The first thing we did was get together to talk about the situation and the responsibility of expressing ourselves as a Spain men's team," Rodri said. It is an unpleasant situation that we all find ourselves in, including the coach.

Persons: Luis de la Fuente, Luis Rubiales, Jenni Hermoso, De La Fuente, Rubiales, De la Fuente, women's, Jorge Vilda, Rodri, Hermoso, Fernando Kallas, Ed Osmond Organizations: Georgia, Scotland, European, FIFA, Thomson Locations: TBILISI, Spain, Tbilisi, Sydney, Spanish, Madrid

☆ Vilda says Spain sacking 'unfair'
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-06 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

MADRID, Sept 6 (Reuters) - Former Spain's women's team coach Jorge Vilda said on Wednesday that he didn't expect to be fired by the country's football federation (RFEF), adding it was "unfair" and "undeserved" weeks after winning the Women's World Cup. The RFEF later announced it had appointed Montse Tome to succeed Vilda. Considered to be a close ally, Vilda applauded Rubiales when he refused to resign on Aug. 25 but later issued statements condemning his behaviour. The suspended RFEF president praised Vilda for the World Cup triumph in his speech and offered him a new four-year contract, increasing his annual salary to 500,000 euros ($536,000) from 160,000 euros. Their explanation was that of 'structural changes'," Vilda said about how he learned he was being sacked.

Persons: Spain's, Jorge Vilda, Vilda, Luis Rubiales, Jenni Hermoso, RFEF, Montse Tome, Cadena, Rubiales, Pedro Rocha, Danae Boronat, Fernando Kallas, Christian Radnedge Organizations: RFEF, FIFA, Spanish, Thomson Locations: MADRID, Spain

☆ Spanish women's soccer team coach Jorge Vilda fired after kiss furor
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-05 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Jennifer Hermoso of Spain is congratulated by head coach Jorge Vilda after the team's victory in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Final match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia on August 20, 2023 in Sydney / Gadigal, Australia. Spain's football federation (RFEF) has sacked Jorge Vilda, the coach of its World Cup-winning women's team, the RFEF said on Tuesday, 10 days after FIFA suspended its president for kissing national team player Jenni Hermoso on the mouth. In a statement that did not mention Hermoso, Rubiales or the scandal, the RFEF thanked 42-year-old Vilda for his "extraordinary sporting legacy. The furore involving Rubiales has quickly spiraled into a national debate over women's rights and sexist behavior. Vilda and Luis de La Fuente, the men's national team manager, applauded Rubiales when he refused to resign on Aug. 25 but later issued statements condemning his behavior.

Persons: Jennifer Hermoso, Jorge Vilda, Jenni Hermoso, Luis Rubiales, Rubiales, Vilda, Danae Boronat, Spain's, Luis de La Fuente Organizations: FIFA, England, Australia Locations: Spain, New, Sydney, Gadigal, Australia

☆ Spain women's national team coach Vilda fired after kiss furore
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-05 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

MADRID, Sept 5 (Reuters) - Spain's World Cup-winning women's team coach Jorge Vilda has been sacked, the country's football federation (RFEF) said on Tuesday 10 days after FIFA suspended its president for kissing national team player Jenni Hermoso on the mouth. "The coach has been key to the remarkable growth of women's football and leaves Spain as world champions and second in the FIFA rankings," the RFEF statement said. The furore involving Rubiales has quickly spiralled into a national debate over women's rights and sexist behaviour. Vilda and Luis de la Fuente, the men's national team manager, applauded Rubiales when he refused to resign on Aug. 25 but later issued statements condemning his behaviour. Spain's top 58 female players said they would not play for the national team under the existing leadership.

Persons: Jorge Vilda, Jenni Hermoso, Luis Rubiales, RFEF, Rubiales, Pedro Rocha, Rocha, Vilda, Danae Boronat, Spain's, ”, Luis de la Fuente, Fernando Kallas, Inti Landauro, Charlie Devereux, Christian Radnedge, Ken Ferris Organizations: FIFA, Reuters, Thomson Locations: MADRID, Spain, Spanish

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