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☆ Saudi champions Al Ittihad sign 'global football icon' Benzema
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-06 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Benzema, who ended a trophy-laden 14 years at Real this week, joins the Saudi Arabian champions on a three-year deal and will wear the number nine shirt. I have been fortunate to achieve amazing things in my career and achieve everything I can in Spain and Europe," Benzema said. I am looking forward to joining my new team mates and, together with them, help take this amazing club and the game in Saudi Arabia to new levels." Al-Ittihad last month clinched the Saudi Pro League title for the first time since 2009. "Benzema's arrival is the most impactful transfer in the club's history to date," Al Ittihad said in a statement.

Persons: Ballon, Karim Benzema, Al, Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Ronaldo, Didier Deschamps, Mathieu Valbuena, Lionel Messi, Al Ittihad's, Anmar Alhailae, Karim, Osama Khairy, Aziz El Yaakoubi, Mohamed Yossri, Aadi Nair, Rohith Nair, Toby Davis, Ken Ferris Organizations: Al Ittihad, Real, Saudi, Olympique Lyonnais, Juventus, League, Saudi Pro League, SAUDI FOOTBALL, Reuters, Al, Benzema, Thomson Locations: Saudi Arabia, Real Madrid, Saudi Arabian, Spain, Europe, Portugal, France, Qatar, Ittihad, Portuguese, Al Ittihad, Argentina, Hilal

☆ EU, US concerned about Polish law that could ban people from public office
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

BRUSSELS/WARSAW, May 30 (Reuters) - The European Commission and U.S. State Department have expressed concern about a new Polish law they say could effectively ban individuals deemed to have acted under Russian influence from holding public office without providing proper judicial review. The law, which Poland's president on Monday said he would sign into law, was developed by the eurosceptic and nationalist ruling PiS party ahead of parliamentary elections due in October or November. Poland's foreign ministry rejected the criticism, saying the law provided for "due process in a fair procedure". "We have a special concern now about the situation in Poland with the creation by law of a special committee able to deprive citizens, individuals, from their right to be elected to public office," EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders said. Any party subject to the commission's decision will have the right to appeal in an administrative court, the ministry said.

LONDON, May 5 (Reuters) - The World Health Organization on Friday declared an end to COVID-19 as a global health emergency, marking a major step toward the end of the pandemic that has killed more than 6.9 million people, disrupted the global economy and ravaged communities. "It is therefore with great hope that I declare COVID-19 over as a global health emergency," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, adding that the end of the emergency did not mean COVID was over as a global health threat. The WHO's emergency committee first declared that COVID represented its highest level of alert on Jan. 30, 2020. The status helps focus international attention on a global health threat, as well as bolstering collaboration on vaccines and treatments. The decision to end the global health emergency status was supported by a majority of the committee, said Didier Houssin, head of the agency's COVID emergency committee.

☆ Bank of America is doubling down on a lesser-known chip stock — and gives it 50% upside
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( Zavier Ong | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Nvidia has undoubtedly been one of the sector's biggest winners this year, but Bank of America is doubling down on a lesser-known chip stock. That's significantly higher than the average potential upside of 16.1% given by analysts covering the stock, according to FactSet data. Bank of America described the firm as a "top pick" among European auto semiconductors and said the stock remains cheaper than its peers. The bank said it believes concerns about the company's poor track record and high Apple concentration are "likely to fade over the course of the next 12-18 months" as it improves gross margins and operating margins. Apple's share of the firm's revenue is also likely to drop to around 10% by end-2024, the bank added.

☆ Mbappe looking to reach new heights with ambitious France
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

DUBLIN, March 26 (Reuters) - Kylian Mbappe's rise continued as France started their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a 4-0 win against the Netherlands and the forward will be looking to reach new heights as Les Bleus face Ireland away in Group B on Monday. Mbappe has scored 38 goals for France and sits in fifth place overall in the list of the country's top scorers, three shy of former great Michel Platini and 15 behind all-time leader Olivier Giroud. Mbappe netted a double at the Stade de France last Friday as France crushed the Netherlands in seemingly casual, yet brutal fashion. "We want to show we can be a great team, that's the identity of this generation - this desire for greatness, a lot of players have that," said the 24-year-old Mbappe. To do that, France will rely on their pair of centre backs after Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate proved unbreakable last Friday.

☆ France already firing on all cylinders as new chapter begins
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-25 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Mbappe also set up Antoine Griezmann for the opening goal, soothing the Atletico Madrid player's disappointment after he was only named vice-captain. Eduardo Camavinga added: "His attitude hasn't changed, he's still the same, we're very happy that he scored that double. Deschamps wasted no time in installing Konate and Upamecano, 23 and 24 respectively, in central defence. France next face Ireland in Dublin on Monday. Reporting by Julien Pretot; Editing by Toby DavisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

BRUSSELS, March 6 (Reuters) - Meta Platforms' (META.O) WhatsApp has agreed to be more transparent about changes to its privacy policy introduced in 2021, the European Commission said on Monday, following complaints from consumer bodies across Europe. The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) and the European Network of consumer authorities told WhatsApp last year that it had not clarified the changes in plain and intelligible language, violating the bloc's laws. WhatsApp has now agreed to explain changes to EU users' contracts and how these could affect their rights, and has agreed to display prominently the possibility for users to accept or reject the changes and ensure that users can easily close pop-up notifications on updates. The company also confirmed that users' personal data is not shared with third parties or other Meta companies, including Facebook, for advertising purposes. Reporting by Foo Yun Chee in Brussels and Charlotte Van Campenhout in Amsterdam; Editing by Susan FentonOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Gourmet fish bladder races chicken, beef to profitability in Singapore's lab meat push
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-06 | by ( Chen Lin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Two years after Singapore greenlighted lab-grown meat for human consumption, mass production has yet to start. The technological, regulatory and scale barriers to entry for cultivated meat are very high compared to plant-based meat, said Didier Toubia, chief executive of Israel's Aleph Farms, which makes cultivated beef steak. "It's too high and it's embarrassing ... We lose money every time someone enjoys our cultivated chicken," Eat Just CEO Josh Tetrick said. Hong Kong-based Avant Meats is more bullish than Eat Just, with ambitions to make a premium food, cultivated fish maw. Fish maw is the swim bladder of a fish, a delicacy prized in China that could fetch up to thousands of dollars per kilogram, depending on its grade.

☆ Tesla's plan to slash silicon carbide use sends some chipmakers' shares down
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-02 | by ( Lora Kolodny | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Shares in some chipmakers dipped on Thursday after electric vehicle maker Tesla said it plans to greatly reduce the use of silicon carbide transistors in its next-generation vehicle powertrains. Campbell revealed that, "In our next powertrain, the silicon carbide transistors that I mentioned, that are key component[s] but expensive, we figured out a way to use 75% less without compromising the performance or the efficiency of the car." Chips made with silicon carbide transistors are widely used in electric vehicles. They added the possibility that "cheaper [silicon carbide chips] could drive up EV adoption globally so what vendors lose on content could be partially offset by greater EV volumes." New Street does not expect a lower-priced, next generation Tesla vehicle to "ramp in volumes before 2025 or 2026."

☆ French football bracing itself for Black Tuesday
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

PARIS, Feb 27 (Reuters) - French football is bracing itself for a major shakedown as both the president of the federation (FFF) and the women's head coach are expected to resign from their positions on Tuesday. Should he refuse to step down, Le Graet, 81, could be brought before the FFF's disciplinary committee or the executive committee could resign to force new elections. According to a report in French multimedia outlet RMC Sport, Renard will not play for the national team as long as Diacre is in charge. The 48-year-old Diacre, who in 2014 became the first French woman to coach a men's team when she took charge of then Ligue 2 side Clermont, was appointed France head coach in 2017. Diacre had previously attracted criticism from other French players, including Gaetane Thiney and Sarah Bouhaddi.

☆ Soccer–Vinicius is the most decisive player in the world - Ancelotti
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Liverpool had raced into a 2-0 lead at Anfield, but a double from Vinicius levelled the match before the break and laid the foundation for a thumping Champions League, last-16 first leg win. "Vinicius is the most decisive player in world football today," Ancelotti told a news conference. "There is no player with this continuity of action. He is the player with most goal attempts (28) and shots on target (15) in the Champions League this season and is the most fouled player in Europe's top five leagues (82). After scoring 22 goals with 20 assists last season, Vinicius has already scored 18 in all competitions this campaign and was named player of the tournament at the Club World Cup in January, helping Real to secure a record-extending fifth title.

☆ African artists show support for east Congo conflict at music festival
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-14 | by ( Crispin Kyalangalilwa | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/5] Revellers attend the 9th edition of the AMANI festival with the aim of conveying messages of peace, entrepreneurship and environmental protection at the Athenee d'Ibanda in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo February 10, 2023. REUTERS/Crispin KyalangalilwaBUKAVU, Democratic Republic of Congo, Feb 14 (Reuters) - Artists from across Africa performed at the "Amani" festival in eastern Democratic Republic to show support for victims of conflict despite growing insecurity in the area. "Our mission is to be there with you," he told a jubilant crowd in the city of Bukavu during the event. The Amani festival, which means "peace" in Swahili, usually takes place in Goma, capital of North Kivu province. Reporting by Crispin Kyalangalilwa; Writing by Sonia Rolley; Editing by Sofia Christensen and Alison Williams;Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Mysterious flying objects across the US probably aren't aliens, but experts believe life is out there. Here are 13 reasons why we haven't made contact yet.
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-13 | by ( Aylin Woodward | Morgan Mcfall-Johnsen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

Even if intelligent aliens aren't flying overhead, though, many experts believe they're out there. Nobel Physics Laureate Didier Queloz speaks during a press conference at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm, Sweden. Jonas Ekstromer /TT News Agency via AP"I can't believe we are the only living entity in the whole universe. Queloz had just won the Nobel prize in physics for his discovery of the first exoplanet orbiting a sun-like star. He said that his work has led him to become "absolutely convinced" that humans will detect alien life in the next 100 years.

The most contentious reforms for those in Poland's ruling camp concern the judicial system. To become law, the bill needs to be signed by President Andrzej Duda. "We will now continue to follow the next steps in the legislative process," Didier Reynders, EU Commissioner for Justice, said on Twitter. Relaxing rules on wind farm investment is also among the milestones Poland has to pass to unlock the EU funds. The amendment will slash potential onshore wind investments by 60-70%, effectively discouraging them, according to the Polish Wind Energy Association which groups some 150 investors.

☆ Meat cultivated from cow cells is kosher, Israel's chief rabbi rules
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-19 | by ( Ari Rabinovitch | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] People prepare Aleph Farms' cultivated thin-cut beef steaks in this handout image taken November 9, 2022. Cultivated meat, grown from animal cells in a lab or manufacturing plant, has been getting a lot of attention as a way to sidestep the environmental toll of the meat industry and address concerns over animal welfare. Jewish dietary law designates kosher meat as having come from a cow slaughtered in accordance with ritual - and requires that it be kept and consumed separately from dairy. Aleph Farms says it collects sample cells from a living animal and then grows more in a cultivator that mimics conditions in the animal's body. While the decision was specific for Aleph Farm's process, it sets a foundation for others.

☆ Messi headlines shortlist for FIFA Best Men's Player award
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Messi, along with his Paris St Germain team mate Kylian Mbappe and Manchester City's Erling Haaland, were among the 14 players shortlisted for The Best FIFA Men's Player award, the world governing body said on Thursday. Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, who won the 2022 Ballon d'Or award, is also in the shortlist. Sarina Wiegman, who led England to last year's European Championship title, is joined on The Best FIFA Women's Coach shortlist by Chelsea's Emma Hayes and Germany manager Martina Voss-Tecklenburg. Liverpool's Alisson Becker, Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois and Aston Villa's Martinez are among the nominees for The Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper award. FIFA also announced an 11-player shortlist for this year's Puskas Award for the "most beautiful" goal of the year, with Mbappe's spectacular volley against Argentina in the World Cup final among the nominees.

☆ French football president apologises for 'awkward remarks' on Zidane after backlash
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Le Graet added he would not even pick up the phone if Zidane called, prompting a backlash and his subsequent apology. 'LACK OF RESPECT'France forward Kylian Mbappe was one of the first to voice his disapproval after Le Graet's comments were aired. "The statements by the president of the French Football Federation are inappropriate for someone holding such representation and are in themselves unsuitable." France's Minister for Sports Amelie Oudea-Castera was one of many politicians who reacted to Le Graet's comments, saying the president of the country's "biggest sporting federation" had crossed a line. French politician Pieyre-Alexandre Anglade had also demanded an apology from Le Graet, saying on Twitter: "Zidane is a monument of French football and sport.

☆ TikTok CEO Plans to Meet European Union Regulators
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-06 | by ( Stu Woo | Laurence Norman | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is set to meet with the European Union’s antitrust chief and other officials. TikTok Chief Executive Shou Zi Chew is scheduled to meet with European Union officials and regulators in Brussels next week, as the popular app faces heightened scrutiny in Washington over its Chinese ownership. Mr. Chew is scheduled to meet with Margrethe Vestager , the executive vice president of the EU’s executive arm and its top competition regulator, on Tuesday. He also plans to meet Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders , Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson and Vice President for Values and Transparency Vera Jourova .

☆ Pelé remembered for transcending soccer around world
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-30 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +5 min

Pelé was remembered for a life beyond the field, for transcending the sport of soccer and becoming perhaps the most well-known person on Earth. I would say that before Pelé soccer was just a sport. He is gone, but his magic will endure.”Pelé scored 12 goals in 14 World Cup matches and is the only three-time world champion, winning titles in 1958, 1962 and 1970. Throughout his life, Pelé inspired generations of athletes and deserves every tribute.”Ronaldo, who led Brazil to a fifth World Cup title in 2002, described Pelé as “Unique. Four years ago, Mbappé became only the second teenager — after Pelé — to score a goal in a World Cup final.

☆ Soccer-In year of drama, World Cup shines spotlight on growth in the sport
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-20 | by ( Manasi Pathak | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Dec 20 (Reuters) - Lionel Messi's World Cup fairytale lit up the year in soccer as heroics and heartbreak at the finals captivated fans and highlighted the growth of the world's most popular sport despite the criticism of host country Qatar's human rights record. With matches played in air-conditioned stadiums to cope with the heat of the desert state and no beer on tap in stadiums, spectators experienced a World Cup like never before. Playing in a fifth World Cup for Argentina, the incomparable Messi once again left everyone in awe of his magical powers on the field as he smashed records and delivered on the hopes of a nation, bringing the World Cup home after 36 years. The South American giants were handed a shock defeat by Saudi Arabia in their first group game, which statisticians Gracenote credited as the biggest upset in World Cup history. With every continent represented in the World Cup last 16, the most diverse knockout stage in the tournament's history was evidence of the sport's expanding reach.

☆ French hearts are broken but future looks bright
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-19 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Mbappe, who turns 24 on Tuesday, netted all three French goals, taking his tally from two World Cups to 12. "Potentially, this France team has an important reservoir of talents," said Deschamps. "We'll always need experienced team leaders to groom the young players but the reservoir is big." "Some players have been in the Euro 2016 final, won the 2018 World Cup, they bring their experience. "We have to keep this France team at this level, with the best players on the world and European stage."

☆ Analysis: Drama specialists Argentina deserve their World Cup title
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/5] Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Final - Argentina v France - Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar - December 18, 2022 Argentina's Lionel Messi lifts the World Cup trophy alongside teammates as they celebrate after winning the World Cup REUTERS/Kai PfaffenbachLUSAIL, Qatar, Dec 18 (Reuters) - Sunday's World Cup final turned from a one-sided affair into a nerve-racking vintage showdown and it was somehow fitting that footballing diva Argentina prevailed over France amid the drama. "Argentina have been playing a World Cup final, not us," Deschamps said at halftime. The whole Argentina bench ran onto the pitch like headless chicken, but it was somehow not enough drama for a night to remember. France have conceded all the last 14 penalties against them in shootouts, with the last person to miss Luigi Di Biagio in the 1998 World Cup quarter-final. After France's shootout defeats in the Euro 2021 last 16 and 2006 World Cup final, it was a coherent end to a logic-defying final.

☆ Stage set for clash of titans as Argentina take on France in World Cup final
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-18 | by ( Rohith Nair | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

DOHA, Dec 17 (Reuters) - After 63 matches, the World Cup in Qatar comes to a close on Sunday when reigning champions France take on Argentina in a showpiece final at Lusail Stadium with both teams looking to add a third star to their crest. The last time these two teams met was at the 2018 World Cup where France beat Argentina 4-3 in the last 16, an encounter that was arguably the most entertaining match of the tournament in Russia. The final will also see a clash of generational stars when 35-year-old Messi, playing in his final World Cup match, faces his 23-year-old Paris St Germain team mate Kylian Mbappe. Both players have scored five goals at the World Cup and could potentially leave Qatar with three trophies as they also vie for the Golden Boot for the top scorer as well as the Golden Ball for the tournament's best player. Reporting by Rohith Nair in Doha Editing by Toby DavisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Beware the penalty specialist if final goes to shootout
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

The less than magnificent shootout seven:Jamie Carragher, England v Portugal, 2006 World Cup quarter-final. =Marcus Rashford, England v Italy, Euro 2020 final. =Sancho, England v Italy, Euro 2020 final. Italy missed their fifth attempt, which left Bukayo Saka with the chance to keep the shootout going but his was also saved and Italy were European champions. =Badr Benoun, Morocco v Spain, World Cup 2022, last 16.

☆ Stopping the stars won't be enough to win World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-17 | by ( Mitch Phillips | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

DOHA, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Despite the high profile performances of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in Qatar, Argentina and France can create danger all over the pitch, so stopping the superstars is only one battle in Sunday's World Cup final war. England were quick to double-team Mbappe whenever he picked up the ball and Argentina, probably through Nahuel Molina and Rodrigo De Paul, will try to do the same. Tchouameni and Adrien Rabiot have both been excellent in Doha, with the latter expected to return after missing the semi-final through illness. As hundreds of opponents before them can attest, there is no real way to plan to keep him quiet. In general, the two attacks look stronger than the two defences, which, for the neutral at least, is always a good thing in a World Cup final.

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