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Major League Baseball was the first to open its coffers to private-investment funds in 2019; a slew of other leagues followed, including the National Basketball Association, Major League Soccer and the National Hockey League. A big participant in that is Sixth Street Partners, a $74 billion behemoth, known historically for its direct lending and growth prowess, and has been making big inroads in the sports world in recent years, with several billion dollars' worth of investments. The firm recently co-founded Bay FC, part of the National Women's Soccer League, alongside several retired players, as well as Sheryl Sandberg. Sixth Street also made investments in FC Barcelona's LaLiga TV broadcasting rights and a majority investment in Legends, a sports and entertainment experiences company. In June 2021, Sixth Street led a strategic investment with Michael Dell in the San Antonio Spurs basketball team.

Persons: Carlyle, David Rubenstein, Sheryl Sandberg, Michael Dell, Alan Waxman, what's, it's, Waxman Organizations: Alpha, CNBC, Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, Major League Soccer, National Hockey League, Sixth Street Partners, Bay FC, National Women's Soccer League, Sixth, FC Barcelona's LaLiga, San Antonio Spurs basketball, Spanish soccer, Real Madrid Locations: U.S, Spanish

☆ PSG, Dortmund, Milan, Newcastle in tough Champions League group
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MONACO, Aug 31 (Reuters) - Paris St Germain will kick off their quest for a maiden Champions League trophy in a strong Group F featuring Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Newcastle United following the draw on Thursday. PSG, AC Milan and Dortmund have crossed paths on multiple occasions in Europe's elite competition, but it is a tough welcome back to the Champions League for Newcastle, who will be playing in the tournament for the first time in 20 years. Record 14-times winners Real Madrid will play Serie A champions Napoli, Braga and Union Berlin in Group C."It will be difficult. Braga and Union Berlin will be two very competitive teams," Real Madrid director Emilio Butragueno told Spanish media. The Champions League group stage will begin on Sept. 19 and conclude on Dec. 13.

Persons: Paris St Germain, Hans, Joachim Watzke, Pep, Emilio Butragueno, Harry Kane, Aadi Nair, Ed Osmond Organizations: MONACO, Paris St, Champions League, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Newcastle United, PSG, Newcastle, Dortmund, Manchester, RB Leipzig, Red Star Belgrade, Young Boys, G, City, Real Madrid, Serie, Napoli, Braga, Union Berlin, Spanish, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, FC Copenhagen, Galatasaray, United, Bayern, England, Bundesliga, Inter Milan, Benfica, RB Salzburg, Real Sociedad, Europa League winners Sevilla, Arsenal, PSV Eindhoven, RC Lens, Barcelona, Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk, Royal, H, Feyenoord, Atletico Madrid, Celtic, Dutch, London's Wembley, Thomson Locations: Paris, Dortmund, Leipzig, Napoli, Union Berlin, Royal Antwerp, Lazio, Bengaluru

☆ Vinicius Jr sidelined for several weeks with thigh injury
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-28 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

MADRID, Aug 28 (Reuters) - Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. is expected to be sidelined for a number of weeks after the LaLiga club said he had suffered a thigh muscle injury during last Friday's match at Celta Vigo. Jr by the Real Madrid medical services, the player has been diagnosed with an injury to the right biceps femoris muscle. The 23-year-old's injury is the latest setback to hit Real Madrid, whose goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender Eder Militao are expected to be out of action for the rest of the season with ACL tears. New-recruit Arda Guler will also be sidelined for several months as he recovers from knee surgery. Midfielder Dani Ceballos and fullback Ferland Mendy are also recovering from muscle injuries suffered during the first few weeks of the season.

Persons: Vinicius Jr, Vini . Jr, Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao, Arda Guler, Dani Ceballos, Ferland Mendy, Fernando Kallas Organizations: Real Madrid, Celta Vigo, Reuters, Bolivia, Vini, Thomson Locations: MADRID, Real, Peru

☆ Barcelona fight back to win seven-goal thriller at Villarreal
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Aug 27 (Reuters) - Barcelona fought back to secure a barnstorming 4-3 win at Villarreal on Sunday, with last year's LaLiga top scorer Robert Lewandowski bagging the winner late in the second half. However, last year's LaLiga champions woke up with Yamal creating all types of trouble for the hosts' defence. It was Barca's second win in three games this season. They are third in the LaLiga standings on seven points, level with Girona, trailing leaders Real Madrid by two points. Reporting by Fernando Kallas in Madrid Editing by Toby DavisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Robert Lewandowski, Yamal, Villarreal's Alexander Sorloth, Alex Baena, Sorloth, Frenkie De Jong, Juan Foyth, Alexander Sorloth, Marc, Andre ter Stegen, Gerard Moreno, Alfonso Pedraza, Pedraza, Ferran Torres, Lewandowski, Fernando Kallas, Toby Davis Organizations: Villarreal, Barca, Girona, Real Madrid, Thomson Locations: Barcelona, Norway, Madrid

☆ Ancelotti rules out Real Madrid move for Mbappe in this window
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

MADRID, Aug 24 (Reuters) - Real Madrid have ruled out signing Kylian Mbappe before the transfer window closes next week, manager Carlo Ancelotti said on Thursday as the Paris St Germain forward continues to be linked with the LaLiga club. Ancelotti added that Real are unlikely to do any more transfer business in the current window which closes on Sept. 1. When asked about France striker Mbappe, he told reporters: "No, I rule it out 100%. The transfer window remains open in Saudi Arabia beyond Sept. 1, which means clubs from the Gulf nation could still poach Europe's best players, but the Real boss was not concerned. Midfielder Luka Modric did not start Real's first two league games, leading to speculation that the Croatian is unhappy with the situation, something which Ancelotti denied.

Persons: Kylian Mbappe, Carlo Ancelotti, Paris St Germain, Ancelotti, Mbappe, Luka Modric, Luka, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Real's, Andriy Lunin, Thibaut Courtois, Trevor Stynes, Ken Ferris Organizations: Paris St, France, Celta Vigo, Chelsea, Thomson Locations: MADRID, Real Madrid, Saudi Arabia, Real's

☆ Nottingham Forest sign Argentina's Montiel from Sevilla
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Aug 22 (Reuters) - Nottingham Forest have signed Argentina defender Gonzalo Montiel from Sevilla on a season-long loan with an option to buy, the Premier League club said on Wednesday. Financial details were not disclosed, but Argentine media reported the loan had a purchase option worth 11 million euros ($11.95 million). I've been watching the Premier League since I was child. As a player you want to play in the best league, and the Premier League is just that." Montiel made 72 appearances for Sevilla, scoring two goals and providing six assists, since joining from River Plate in 2021.

Persons: Gonzalo Montiel, I'm, I've, Montiel, Janina Nuno Rios, Angelica Medina, Toby Davis Organizations: Nottingham Forest, Premier League, I'm, Sevilla, Europa League, AS Roma, France, Thomson Locations: Nottingham, Argentina, Sevilla, Argentine, Mexico

☆ Saudi binge is fiscal free kick for European clubs
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-18 | by ( Streisand Neto | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The Saudi binge may help European teams raise funds and meet tough new financial rules. The Roshn Saudi League is a top scorer in the football transfer market. UEFA, the governing body for European football, has introduced new rules limiting clubs’ spending on wages, transfers and agent fees to 70% of revenue. European clubs should take the money before the referee's whistle blows. Saudi clubs have spent over 550 million euros buying players from European clubs in the 2023/2024 transfer season, according to Transfermarkt.

Persons: Al Hilal's, Neymar, Fahd bin Saad Al, Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, Germain, Rúben Neves, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Len Blavatnik, China’s, Oscar, Marouane, Hilal, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Neil Unmack, Thomas Shum, Pranav Kiran Organizations: Soccer, Al, Saudi Pro League, REUTERS Acquire, Reuters, Paris Saint, Saudi, Saudi Public Investment Fund, Britain’s Premier League, Premier League, Deloitte’s Sports Business, UEFA, Deloitte, Reuters Graphics Reuters, Bloomberg, BBC, Thomson Locations: Al Hilal, Paris, France, Saudi, Hilal, Saudi League, Al, Ittihad, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, Kingdom, Saudi Arabian

A sign of Wanda is pictured at the headquarters of Dalian Wanda Group, in Beijing's Central Business District (CBD), China August 8, 2023. China's largest commercial property group has tapped Deutsche Bank for advice on the sale of Infront Sports & Media, the sources said, adding the process is in the early stages and could take months to complete. Headquartered in Switzerland, Infront's businesses include managing Italy's Serie A and the UK Premier League's international media rights, as well as event operations, media rights distribution and sponsorship sales. It raised $320 million through the partial sale of its entertainment unit Beijing Wanda Cultural Industry to pay it off. Spain's Mediapro, which manages international media rights for LaLiga, restructured 900 million euros in debt a year ago selling shares to investors including the group's majority shareholder Southwind.

Persons: Wanda, Tingshu Wang, China's, Wang Jianlin, Infront, Amy, Jo Crowley, Emma, Victoria Farr, Milana, Andres Gonzalez, Kane Wu, Clare Jim, Elisa Martinuzzi, Sharon Singleton Organizations: Dalian Wanda Group, Beijing's, Business, REUTERS, Reuters, Deutsche Bank, Infront Sports & Media, Serie, Premier League's, South East, Olympic Games, Beijing Wanda Cultural Industry, Infront, Companies, LaLiga, Thomson Locations: China, FRANKFURT, Switzerland, Central, South, South East Asia, Dalian, Beijing, Infront

☆ Barca name former midfielder Deco as new sporting director
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Workers and FIFA Legends Friendly match - Al Thumama Stadium, Doha, Qatar - December 12, 2022 Former Portugal player Deco warms up before the match REUTERS/Ibraheem Al Omari/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsAug 17 (Reuters) - Barcelona have appointed former Portugal midfielder Deco as the club's new sporting director for the next three seasons, the LaLiga champions announced on Wednesday. The 45-year-old, who played for the Catalan club between 2004 and 2008, will replace Dutchman Jordi Cruyff. Cruyff, the son of Barca great Johan Cruyff, left in June after two years in the role. "Deco will be in charge of setting Barcelona's sporting philosophy and putting together the squad with the coach and the coaching and becoming head of the football section," the Spanish club said in a statement. Barca, who claimed their 27th LaLiga title in the last campaign, said Deco and director of football Mateu Alemany would work together until the end of the close season despite the Spaniard formally leaving the club in June.

Persons: Al Thumama, Al Omari, Dutchman Jordi Cruyff, Cruyff, Barca, Johan Cruyff, Mateu, Pearl Josephine Nazare, Robert Birsel Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA World, Qatar, Workers, FIFA, Al, REUTERS, Spaniard, Thomson Locations: Doha, Qatar, Portugal, Barcelona, Bengaluru

☆ Factbox: Brazil and Al-Hilal forward Neymar
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

* Made 33 appearances and scored 10 goals in his first league season. * Scored 42 goals in 60 appearances in all competitions in 2010 as Santos won the Campeonato Paulista and Copa do Brasil. * Scored six goals in the 2011 Copa Libertadores as Santos won the competition for the first time since 1963. * The following season, Neymar became the fastest in the club's history to reach 50 league goals (58 games), but PSG finished second in Ligue 1. * Neymar scored 118 goals in 173 appearances in all competitions for PSG, winning 13 domestic trophies.

Persons: Neymar, Saudi Arabia's Al, Neymar da Silva Santos Jr, SANTOS, Santos, FIFA Puskas, Dunga, Pele's, Trevor Stynes, Ken Ferris Organizations: Saudi Arabia's, Paris St Germain, Portuguesa Santista, Santos, Real Madrid, Campeonato Paulista, Copa, Brasil, Libertadores, FIFA, Flamengo, South, Barcelona, Supercopa, Atletico Madrid, Barca, Champions League, Juventus, Brazilian, La Liga, Copa del Rey, PSG, UEFA, Manchester United, Rennes, Bayern Munich, Ligue, PSG's, Brazil, Confederations, Colombia, Croatia, Thomson Locations: Hilal, Spain, Barcelona, BARCELONA, Nou, BRAZIL, United States, Brazil, Germany, Belgium

☆ Depay rocket helps Atletico to 3-1 LaLiga win over Granada
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MADRID, Aug 14 (Reuters) - Atletico Madrid striker Memphis Depay scored with a stunning long-range strike in the second half to help secure a 3-1 home win over promoted Granada in their LaLiga opener on Monday. Alvaro Morata gave Atletico a first-half lead and Marcos Llorente put the icing on the cake with a late third against last season's LaLiga2 champions. Atletico were again on top in the second half and substitute Depay wasted a golden opportunity on the hour mark, sending his close-range shot wide. However, five minutes later substitute Depay put Atletico in front again when he unleashed an unstoppable rocket shot from distance that flew into the top left-hand corner of the net. The one negative for Atletico was that they lost captain Koke with a leg muscle injury early in the first half.

Persons: Atletico Madrid striker Memphis Depay, Alvaro Morata, Marcos Llorente, Antoine Griezmann, Yannick Carrasco, Rodrigo De Paul, Morata, Jesus Vallejo, Depay, Samuel Omorodion, Carrasco miscontrolled, Gonzalo Villar, Andre Ferreira, Diego Simeone, I'm, Koke, Fernando Kallas, Ken Ferris Organizations: Atletico Madrid striker Memphis, Granada, Atletico, Metropolitano, Movistar, Memphis, Thomson Locations: MADRID, Granada, Morata, Memphis

☆ Spanish midfielder Iniesta joins Emirates Club
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Soccer Football - Friendly - Vissel Kobe v FC Barcelona - Japan National Stadium, Tokyo, Japan - June 6, 2023 Vissel Kobe's Andres Iniesta applauds the fans as he gets substituted by Haruya Ide REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File PhotoAug 8 (Reuters) - Former Spain and Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta has joined Emirates Club, the UAE Pro league announced on Tuesday. "Welcome Iniesta", Emirates club said on messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The 39-year-old player left Japanese club Vissel Kobe last month after five years. Iniesta won nine LaLiga titles with Barcelona and four Champions League titles. With Spain, he won the 2010 World Cup and back-to-back Euro titles in 2008 and 2012.

Persons: Vissel Kobe's Andres Iniesta applauds, Haruya Ide, Kim Kyung, Andres Iniesta, Iniesta, Shady Amir, Clare Fallon Organizations: Soccer Football, FC Barcelona, Japan, Haruya Ide REUTERS, Barcelona, Emirates Club, UAE Pro, Emirates, Twitter, Vissel Kobe, League, Spain, Vissel, AFC Champions League, Thomson Locations: Kobe, Tokyo, Japan, Spain, Ras Al, Khaimah, Vissel Kobe

Soccer Football - Opening of 2023-2024 Saudi Pro League - Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - August 7, 2023 General view of the trophy at the opening of the Saudi Pro League Saudi Pro League Media Office/Handout via REUTERSAug 8 (Reuters) - The vast sums invested to entice some of the world's top players to Saudi Arabia this season is no one-off, but part of a long-term strategy to make the Saudi Pro League one of the best in the world, its chief operating officer has said. Soccer website Transfermarkt ranks the Saudi League as the fifth-biggest spender in the current transfer window, ahead of Spain's LaLiga. "One of the very first objectives that the Saudi Pro League was set was to improve the product. "We had to improve quality and in order to improve quality, you have to bring in the best. "What you're seeing is simply the Saudi Pro League doing what other leagues needed to do ... We have joined these ranks, and we're doing whatever it takes to improve quality on the pitch."

Persons: Carlo Nohra, Ballon, Karim Benzema, Jordan Henderson, Riyad Mahrez, Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo, spender, Nohra, We've, we've, Al Ahmar, Shady Amir, Simon Jennings, Christian Organizations: Soccer, Saudi Pro League, Saudi Pro League Saudi Pro League Media, REUTERS, Reuters, Saudi, Liverpool, Manchester City, Al, Saudi League, Thomson Locations: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Real Madrid, Manchester, Spain's, Saudi

☆ Bellingham fever fuels Real Madrid hopes
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-07 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Soccer Football - Real Madrid present new signing Jude Bellingham - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - June 15, 2023 Real Madrid's new signing Jude Bellingham during the presentation REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura/File PhotoMADRID, Aug 7 (Reuters) - Real Madrid are banking on the arrival of England midfielder Jude Bellingham to regain the LaLiga title from Barcelona andchallenge seriously for a record-extending 15th European Cup. Bellingham has made an instant impact in the dressing room with his coach and team mates delighted by his performances in pre-season matches. For now, however, Real are lacking a top-level striker to replace Benzema and coach Carlo Ancelotti is relying on the versatile Bellingham, changing the system he used in his former spells at Real Madrid when they won the Champions League in 2014 and 2022. "Bellingham is a complete midfielder and different from the others we have," the Italian told reporters during Real's pre-season trip to the U.S."He is a fantastic player. Real Madrid start their bid for a record-extending 36th Spanish title on Saturday at Athletic Bilbao.

Persons: Jude Bellingham, Violeta Santos Moura, Ballon, Karim Benzema, Marco Asensio, Joselu, Kylian Mbappe, Paris St Germain, Carlo Ancelotti, Ancelotti, Vinicius Jr, Vinicius, Fernando Kallas, Ed Osmond Organizations: Soccer Football, Real Madrid, Santiago Bernabeu, Borussia Dortmund, Spain, Espanyol, France, Paris St, Benzema, Champions League, Real's, Madrid, Athletic Bilbao, Thomson Locations: Santiago, Madrid, Spain, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bellingham

☆ Barcelona bank on Gundogan, Lewandowski experience
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-07 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BARCELONA, Aug 7 (Reuters) - Barcelona claimed their 27th LaLiga title and first for four years last season led by coach Xavi Hernandez, relying on a mixture of young talent and seasoned veterans like striker Robert Lewandowski who was the league's top scorer. They recruited experienced midfielder Ikay Gundogan, who captained Manchester City to the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble last season, ending a successful seven-year stint in England during which he won 12 major trophies. Gundogan will help mentor a young Barca squad as they try to retain the LaLiga crown and get back to winning ways in the Champions League after years of European disappointments. A Barcelona court has agreed to take on the case and UEFA has provisionally cleared the club to compete in this season's Champions League despite ongoing investigations. Reporting by Fernando Kallas, editing by Ed OsmondOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Xavi Hernandez, Robert Lewandowski, Ikay Gundogan, Gundogan, Lionel Messi, Jose Maria Enriquez Negreira, Marc, Andre ter Stegen, Gavi, Ronald Araujo, Luuk De Jong, Jules Kounde, Ousmane Dembele, Fernando Kallas, Ed Osmond Organizations: Manchester City, Premier League, FA, League, Champions League, Europa League, Manchester United, Barcelona, UEFA, Nou, Paris St Germain, Getafe, Thomson Locations: BARCELONA, Barcelona, England, Spanish

☆ Arsenal in better position than City, says Guardiola ahead of Community Shield
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

City, who won their first Champions League title in June, will kick off their 2023-24 season against runners-up Arsenal on Sunday in the traditional curtain-raiser to the Premier League season. "The situation that we are in, we finished (last season) two weeks later than Arsenal and we start (this season) two weeks later. Arsenal have bought a really good player," Guardiola said. Guardiola reiterated his desire to keep England defender Kyle Walker, who has a year left on his City contract, amid interest from German giants Bayern Munich. Guardiola said Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol, who is set to join City from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig, is undergoing his medical test.

Persons: Pep Guardiola, Manchester City's Mateo Kovacic, Jack Grealish, Kim Kyung, Mikel Arteta's, Guardiola, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Rice, Kyle Walker, Bernardo Silva, Kyle, Bernardo, Silva, Josko Gvardiol, Pearl Josephine Nazare, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Soccer Football, Yokohama F Marinos, Manchester City, Japan, Manchester, Arsenal, Community, City, Champions League, FA, Premier League, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, West Ham United, Chelsea, Ajax Amsterdam, England, Bayern Munich, LaLiga, Barcelona, Croatia, Bundesliga, RB Leipzig, Thomson Locations: Tokyo, Japan, London, West, Portuguese, Bengaluru

☆ Saudi Mbappé bid even less rational than it looks
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-25 | by ( Liam Proud | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Yet a possible outlay of 1 billion euros, including compensation, takes the country’s sporting tactics to surreal new heights. Added to the transfer fee, that takes the outlay to around 1 billion euros. Spain’s LaLiga generated about 900 million euros in international broadcast revenue in the 2020-2021 season, according to Deloitte. CBS Sports reported that Al Hilal was also offering Mbappé a total one-year compensation package worth 700 million euros. The Guardian reported that Mbappé’s one-year salary would be 200 million euros, rising to 700 million euros after including other commercial arrangements and proceeds from image rights.

Persons: Al Hilal’s, Kylian, Germain, Declan Rice, Mbappé, Mbappé aren’t, Al Hilal, George Hay, Streisand Neto Organizations: Reuters, Paris Saint, Arsenal, Saudi Pro League, Guardian, Deloitte, English Premier League, Saudi, Newcastle United, Premier League, Economics, Regional, Qatar, Britons, Al, Financial Times, Bloomberg, CBS Sports, Thomson Locations: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Paris, China, Saudi, France’s, Saudi Arabian, French

☆ Former Barcelona defender Alba to sign for Inter Miami, says club president
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

July 18 (Reuters) - Former Barcelona defender Jordi Alba will join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer (MLS) club's president Jorge Mas said on Tuesday. Alba, who has won more than 90 caps for Spain, will be part of a strong ex-Barcelona contingent at Inter Miami, with Messi and Sergio Busquets having already joined the club. Miami are also looking to sign another former Barca player, Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez, who plays for Gremio in Brazil. Mas said that talks had taken place but "he is a Gremio player and I respect that". The MLS team's president also confirmed the arrival of Paraguayan midfielder Diego Gomez from Libertad, and said they had made formal contact with Argentine side Racing Club to enquire about Tomas Aviles.

Persons: Jordi Alba, Lionel Messi, Jorge Mas, Alba, Messi, Sergio Busquets, Gerardo Martino, Mas, Luis Suarez, Diego Gomez, Tomas Aviles, Angelica Medina, Toby Davis Organizations: Barcelona, Inter Miami, Major League Soccer, Champions League, Copa del Rey, Tata, TyC Sports, Barca, Uruguayan, Gremio, MLS, Libertad, Argentine, Racing Club, Thomson Locations: Barcelona, Spain, Miami, Brazil, Paraguayan, Mexico

☆ Vinícius Jr.: Rio government names anti-racism law after Real Madrid star
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-06 | by ( Story Reuters | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

Reuters —The Rio de Janeiro government named an anti-racism law after Real Madrid forward Vinícius Jr. on Wednesday which will see sporting events stopped or suspended in the event of racist conduct. Brazil forward Vinícius was racially abused by fans when Madrid played Valencia in May, the 10th such incident involving the 22-year-old that LaLiga has reported to prosecutors that season. The ‘Vini Jr law,’ unanimously approved by the Rio government in June, includes protocol on how to process complaints of racism and mandatory educational campaigns. “Today is a very special day and I hope my family is very proud,” said Vinícius during a ceremony at the Maracanã Stadium, where he made his senior debut for Flamengo in 2017. “Sometimes, I wonder if I deserve so much,” he said.

Persons: Vinícius, LaLiga, Vini, ’, ”, “, ” Vinícius, Garrincha, Ronaldo Nazário, Sports Rafael Picciani Organizations: Reuters, Real Madrid, Madrid, Valencia, “, Flamengo, de Janeiro’s, Sports Locations: Rio, Janeiro, Brazil, Rio de Janeiro

☆ Barcelona sign Gundogan on free transfer after Man City exit
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

June 26 (Reuters) - Barcelona have signed Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer after his departure from treble winners Manchester City with the German midfielder signing a two-year contract, the LaLiga club said on Monday. "For me it has been a total privilege and pleasure to be part of Manchester City for the last seven years," Gundogan said in a statement. "Manchester has been my home and I have felt part of a very special family at City. Gundogan leaves City having made over 300 appearances, scoring 60 goals and grabbing 40 assists in all competitions. "Ilkay has truly cemented his place in the history of Manchester City and we all wish him well in the next chapter of his career."

Persons: Gundogan, Pep Guardiola's, Txiki Begiristain, Ilkay, Xavi, Sergio Busquets, Rohith Nair, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Manchester City, City, Premier League, FA, League, Borussia Dortmund, Barca, Barcelona, Champions League, Copa del Rey, Thomson Locations: Barcelona, Spanish, England, Manchester, City, Bengaluru

☆ Bournemouth sign Kluivert from Roma
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

June 23 (Reuters) - Bournemouth have signed Dutch winger Justin Kluivert from Serie A side AS Roma on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee, the Premier League club said on Friday. Kluivert, son of ex-Netherlands striker Patrick Kluivert, has joined for a reported 9.6 million pounds ($12.21 million). "We are delighted to have made Justin our first signing ahead of the new season," Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake said in a statement. Kluivert, who has two caps, also had loan spells with Bundesliga side RB Leipzig and Ligue 1 team Nice. Bournemouth face Maccabi Tel Aviv in Marbella on July 16 before hosting Atalanta two weeks later and Lorient on Aug. 5.

Persons: Justin Kluivert, Kluivert, Patrick Kluivert, Justin our, Neill Blake, Justin, pacey, Janina Nuno Rios, Ken Ferris Organizations: Bournemouth, Serie, AS Roma, Premier League, Bundesliga, RB Leipzig, Ligue, Nice, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Atalanta, Thomson Locations: Dutch, Netherlands, Valencia, Europe, Marbella, Lorient, Mexico City

☆ Inter Miami to sign Barca midfielder Busquets as free agent
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

June 23 (Reuters) - Barcelona's former Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets is joining Inter Miami as a free agent, the Major League Soccer club announced on Friday. Miami made the news official by posting a video on social media showing quotes from the likes of Pep Guardiola, Xavi Hernandez, Luka Modric and Messi praising Busquets. loadingThe former Barcelona captain, who retired from international duty last year, played over 700 games for the Spanish champions, winning nine LaLiga crowns, seven Copa del Rey titles, three Champions League trophies and three Club World Cups. Busquets was also linked with moves to the Saudi Arabian league as Al Hilal and Al Nassar made bids for his services. Miami are reportedly looking to sign a third former Barca player as they are keen on left-back Jordi Alba, who is also leaving the Spanish club after the end of the season.

Persons: Sergio Busquets, Lionel Messi, Pep Guardiola, Xavi Hernandez, Luka Modric, Messi, Busquets, Al Nassar, Jordi Alba, Janina Nuno Rios, Ken Ferris Organizations: Inter Miami, Major League Soccer, Barca, Copa del Rey, League, Saudi, Al, Spanish, Thomson Locations: Spain, Nou, Miami, Barcelona, Al Hilal, Mexico City

☆ Barcelona to begin LaLiga title defence at Getafe
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-22 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

MADRID, June 22 (Reuters) - Barcelona will begin their Spanish league title defence away to Getafe on Aug. 13 while Real Madrid visit Athletic Bilbao the same weekend, the Spanish FA (RFEF) said on Thursday. Both teams will meet again at Santiago Bernabeu on matchday 32, on the weekend of April 21, 2024. LaLiga's final weekend could be a high-tension climax to the season, with Barcelona visiting Europa League champions Sevilla, Real Madrid hosting Real Betis and Champions League side Real Sociedad hosting Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid. The Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia will take place between Jan. 10-14 with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Osasuna and Atletico the four participants. The 2023-24 LaLiga season will kick off on Friday, Aug. 11 and will end on Sunday, May 26, 2024.

Persons: Fernando Kallas, Toby Davis Organizations: Getafe, Real Madrid, Athletic Bilbao, Spanish FA, Clasico, Santiago Bernabeu, Europa League, Sevilla, Real Betis, Champions League, Real Sociedad, Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid, Spanish, Osasuna, Atletico, Copa, Rey, La, Thomson Locations: MADRID, Barcelona, Catalan, Saudi Arabia, Real, La Cartuja, Seville

☆ Brazil wears all-black kit for the first time in its history as part of team’s anti-racism campaign
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-18 | by ( Duarte Mendonca | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —The Brazilian men’s national team wore an all-black kit for the first time in its 109-year history during a friendly match against Guinea in Spain on Saturday as part of the team’s anti-racism campaign. Pau Berrena/AFP/Getty ImagesFIFA President Gianni Infantino visited the Brazilian delegation Thursday, announcing his full support for the anti-racism campaign. As for the match, Brazil won 4-1 with goals scored by Joelinton, Rodrygo, Eder Militão and Vinícius. Vinícius was invited by Infantino to participate in a FIFA anti-racism committee with players who will help suggest a course of action to deal with discriminatory behavior in football, the FIFA president said on Thursday. Brazil is set to play its next friendly match on Tuesday against Senegal in Lisbon, Portugal.

Persons: “, Vinícius, Pau Berrena, Gianni Infantino, Joelinton, Eder Militão, Guirassy, Pele, Infantino Organizations: CNN, men’s national, Guinea, Espanyol, FIFA, Federation, Real, Valencia, Getty, Brazilian, Brazil, Brazilian Federation, Senegal Locations: Spain, Barcelona, Brazil, Real Madrid, AFP, Lisbon, Portugal

☆ Monchi leaves Sevilla to become Aston Villa's President of Football Operations
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

June 16 (Reuters) - Monchi has left his role as Sevilla sporting director to be President of Football Operations at Aston Villa where he will be reunited with coach Unai Emery, the two clubs said on Friday. Under Monchi's direction, Sevilla won a record seven Europa League titles, the Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup) twice and the European Super Cup. "I am very excited to join Aston Villa... I am also delighted and can't wait to work with Unai Emery again, one of the best managers in football," Monchi said in a statement. He left Sevilla in 2017 to become AS Roma's sporting director before returning to the Spanish side in 2019.

Persons: Monchi, Unai Emery, Emery, Angelica Medina, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Sevilla, Football Operations, Aston Villa, Europa League, Copa del, Sevilla FC, AS Roma's, Villa, Premier League, Thomson Locations: Spanish, Mexico City

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