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☆ Ten Hag sings praises of much-maligned Maguire, Onana after Champions League win
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( Lori Ewing | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MANCHESTER, England, Oct 24 (Reuters) - Harry Maguire and Andre Onana, two of Manchester United's biggest targets of fan criticism, earned a huge measure of redemption in their squad's 1-0 victory over FC Copenhagen on Tuesday -- and praise from manager Erik ten Hag. Maguire, whose abuse from supporters had former player David Beckham reach out to him in support, headed home in the 72nd minute, while Onana saved a penalty in the final seconds of the match for United's first Champions League win of the season. Ten Hag said defender Maguire, who was also excellent in Saturday's 2-1 Premier League win at Sheffield United, is playing much more proactively in possession. "Stepping in passing vertical, defending also on front foot, stepping in defending forward, very confident in the duels, he is dominating, dominating his opponents," Ten Hag said. "There is a great spirit and they are together and that is important always as a team, the team is more than the sum of the individuals," Ten Hag said.

Persons: Harry Maguire, Andre Onana, Erik ten Hag, Maguire, David Beckham, Onana, Hag, Eriksen, Jordan Larsson's, Bobby Charlton, Charlton's, Alex Stepney, Dan Gore, Lori Ewing, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Manchester United's, FC Copenhagen, United's, League, Premier League, Sheffield United, Christian, Inter Milan, United, Manchester City, Manchester, Thomson Locations: MANCHESTER, England, Manchester, Sheffield, Sunday's, Old Trafford

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

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

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

☆ Ohad Munder-Zichri, a child taken hostage by Hamas, turns 9 years old in captivity
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-23 | by ( Sarah Gray | Associated Press | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Ohad Munder-Zichri is believed to be a hostage, along with his mother and grandparents, held by Hamas. Ohad has not been seen since Hamas militants attacked the kibbutz of Nir Oz where he was visiting. Ohad's family members spoke with CNN about the 9-year-old and were asked what they'd say to those who apparently have him captive. For Zichri, Ohad's father, it was just another in a series of agonizing days, with anxiety consuming his every moment. Zichri was awaiting Ohad and his mom's return on October 7 when he heard air-raid sirens warning of incoming rockets.

Persons: Ohad, Nir Oz, —, Ohad's, Avi Zichri, Zichri, Keren Munder, He's, Avraham, Ruti Munder, Michael Herzog, Itay Raviv, CNN's Jake Tapper, Munder Organizations: Hamas, Service, Liverpool FC, Local, CNN, Israel Defense Forces Locations: Gaza, Kfar Saba, United States, Israel

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — If gaining much-needed Champions League points wasn't motivation enough, Manchester United’s players are sure to be driven by the memory of Bobby Charlton on what will be an emotional night at Old Trafford on Tuesday. United’s players paid similar respects to Charlton before the Premier League match at Sheffield United on Saturday — only hours after his death was announced — and captain Bruno Fernandes was among those who dedicated the 2-1 victory at Bramall Lane to Charlton and his family. Fernandes and United manager Erik ten Hag were at Old Trafford to sign a book of condolence on Sunday. And what he meant to Manchester United, the importance to Manchester United, the standards he set, they were emphasized.”The players and Ten Hag will not lose sight of the importance of the match against Copenhagen itself, however. He might have returned for the match against Sheffield United but got sick.

Persons: Bobby Charlton, Charlton, —, Bruno Fernandes, Bramall Lane, Fernandes, Erik, Hag, David Beckham, Charlton “, ”, Bobby, “, Jadon Sancho, Sancho, ___ Organizations: League, Manchester, FC Copenhagen, Charlton, Premier League, Sheffield United, Manchester United, Copenhagen, Bayern Munich, Galatasaray —, Arsenal Locations: MANCHESTER, England, Old Trafford

☆ Ten Hag calls on Man Utd to pay tribute to Charlton with CL win
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Charlton, who was a key figure in England's 1966 World Cup-winning team, died at the age of 86 on Saturday. He helped United win the European Cup in 1968 and three English league titles as well as the FA Cup. "Bobby was a legend - a giant not only for Manchester United, but for football. We have to live it every day," Ten Hag told reporters ahead of Tuesday's home game against FC Copenhagen. Asked about how United would deal with the emotions of the game, Ten Hag said: "We are professionals, it's our job.

Persons: Diogo Dalot, Erik, Hag, Bobby Charlton, Carl Recine, Erik ten Hag, Bobby, Denis Law, George Best, Sir Bobby Charlton, Rasmus Hojlund, He's, Marcus Rashford, Aadi Nair, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Soccer Football, League, Manchester United Press Conference, Trafford Training Centre, Rights, Manchester United, Charlton, United, European, FA, FC Copenhagen, Champions League, Copenhagen, Galatasaray, Premier League, Brentford, Sheffield United, Thomson Locations: Manchester, Britain, Rights MANCHESTER, England, Old Trafford, Bengaluru

☆ Lionel Messi’s final game of the season for Inter Miami ends in defeat
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-22 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —After a fairy tale start to his Inter Miami career, Lionel Messi’s Major League Soccer (MLS) season ended in a 1-0 defeat on the road to Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium on Saturday. “When we arrived, we had two competitions in which we had the potential to compete well: the Leagues Cup and the U.S. Open Cup. David Jensen/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images“Out of the three tournaments, one was won by Inter Miami. The Argentine captained Miami and played the entire match. Miami ends the season 14th in the 15-team Eastern Conference, finishing with 34 points, while Messi concludes his campaign having scored 11 goals in 14 games in his debut season.

Persons: Lionel Messi’s, Kerwin Vargas ’, ”, Gerardo Martino, Lionel Messi, David Jensen, Messi, Ballon, Kristijan Kahlina Organizations: CNN, Inter Miami, Lionel Messi’s Major League Soccer, Charlotte FC, Bank of America, Miami, Charlotte, Leagues, Messi, U.S, MLS, Argentine, Eastern Conference Locations: Miami

☆ Opening win over Sydney leaves Popovic confident Victory have improved
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"We put (last season) behind us after the last game that we lost, to Brisbane at home," said Popovic. However, after a lengthy preseason working with his team, Popovic is confident they will improve on last season's showing. "I think the performance showed that we're not the same team as last year. Getting an away win against Sydney in the Big Blue, the fans going home happy, that's the icing on the cake. "But I thought the performance showed where we're heading and there's a lot more to come."

Persons: Tony Popovic, Bruno Fornaroli, Zinedine Machach, Popovic, we're, Michael Church, William Mallard Organizations: Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC, FFA, Melbourne City, Sydney, Thomson Locations: Brisbane

☆ Fans pay tribute to Bobby Charlton at Old Trafford
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-22 | by ( Lori Ewing | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/5] Soccer Football - Bobby Charlton Tributes - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - October 22, 2023 A fan is seen with a framed Bobby Charlton picture and flowers outside Old Trafford following his passing REUTERS/Carl Recine Acquire Licensing RightsMANCHESTER, England, Oct 22 (Reuters) - Fans of all ages gathered at Old Trafford on Sunday to remember Manchester United great Bobby Charlton, who died on Saturday, lining up to sign a book of condolence and laying flowers and scarves at the foot of the Trinity Statue. Someone had climbed the statue, which is now surrounded by fencing, to tie a red United scarf around Charlton's neck. Pep Guardiola, manager of city rivals Manchester City, called Charlton's death "a huge loss for his family, for Manchester United, for English football, for European football". Chants of "One Bobby Charlton" rang out from the away end after the goal. Manchester United said commemorative plans ahead of the team's Champions League group stage match against FC Copenhagen on Tuesday are being discussed.

Persons: Bobby Charlton, Carl Recine, Pep Guardiola, Guardiola, Diogo Dalot, Charlton, Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lori Ewing, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Soccer Football, Rights, Manchester United, Manchester City, Premier League, United, Sheffield United, Sky Sports, team's Champions League, FC Copenhagen, Thomson Locations: Trafford, Manchester, Britain, Old Trafford, Rights MANCHESTER, England, Trinity

☆ Albanian prosecutors charge former Prime Minister Sali Berisha in corruption probe
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha gestures as he speaks during an anti-government protest in front of Prime Minister Edi Rama's office in Tirana, Albania, November 12, 2022. REUTERS/Florion Goga/File photo Acquire Licensing RightsTIRANA, Oct 22 (Reuters) - Albanian prosecutors have charged former Prime Minister Sali Berisha and his son-in-law on corruption charges over a land deal involving the grounds of a sports club, investigators said on Sunday. Berisha has accused current Prime Minister Edi Rama of orchestrating the whole case. The accusations are baseless and are Edi Rama's direct political attacks against me," Berisha told reporters late on Saturday. Berisha served as president from 1992 to 1997, immediately after the fall of communism in Albania, and as prime minister from 2005 to 2013.

Persons: Sali Berisha, Florion, Berisha, Taulant Balla, Florion Goga, Fatos Bytyci, Hugh Lawson Organizations: Democratic Party, Edi, REUTERS, Rights, FC Partizani, Thomson Locations: Tirana, Albania, Rights TIRANA, United States

☆ Albanian Prosecutors Charge Former PM Berisha in Corruption Probe
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-22 | by ( Oct. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

TIRANA (Reuters) - Albanian prosecutors have charged former Prime Minister Sali Berisha and his son-in-law on corruption charges over a land deal involving the grounds of a sports club, investigators said on Sunday. While his son-in-law was arrested late on Saturday, Berisha himself is a lawmaker and has immunity from prosecution. Berisha has accused current Prime Minister Edi Rama of orchestrating the whole case. The accusations are baseless and are Edi Rama's direct political attacks against me," Berisha told reporters late on Saturday. Berisha served as president from 1992 to 1997, immediately after the fall of communism in Albania, and as prime minister from 2005 to 2013.

Persons: Sali Berisha, Berisha, Taulant Balla, Florion Goga, Fatos Bytyci, Hugh Lawson Organizations: FC Partizani, Edi, Democratic Party Locations: TIRANA, Tirana, United States, Albania

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Lionel Messi is in the starting lineup for Inter Miami in its MLS season finale against FC Charlotte. He was in the Inter Miami bench area with his teammates for the match after returning from Peru earlier in the day. It’ll be the first time Inter Miami goes on a foreign tour. Messi has 11 goals in 13 matches with Inter Miami this season. He was able to play as a reserve on Oct. 7 against Cincinnati, but Inter Miami lost 1-0 in the outcome that sealed its playoff elimination.

Persons: CHARLOTTE, — Lionel Messi, Messi, Charlotte, Ballon, It’ll, ___ Organizations: Inter Miami, MLS, FC Charlotte, Miami, Eastern Conference, Argentina, Peru, Inter, Leagues, Cincinnati Locations: N.C, Charlotte, Inter Miami, Peru, China, Argentina

☆ Chiamaka Nnadozie: Her father didn’t want her to play soccer. Nigerian star defied him and rewrote the record books
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-20 | by ( Michael Johnston | Amanda Davies | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

It’s been a long, winding road from a small semi-urban town in Nigeria to the World Cup knockout stages. Cathrin Mueller/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images‘I was crying’The Nigerian goalkeeper rose to stardom after becoming the youngest-ever goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet at a Women’s World Cup back in the 2019. Only 19 years old at the time, Nnadozie played three games in France, showcasing confidence and authority on a level more commonly associated with seasoned professionals. Nnadozie saves a penalty against Christine Sinclair of Canada at the FIFA Women's World Cup. “When I saw the post, for me, I think she made a good point.”Nnadozie catches a cross while being challenged by France's Kadidiatou Diani at the 2019 Women's World Cup.

Persons: Chiamaka, –, CNN’s Amanda Davies, Nnadozie, It’s, Cathrin Mueller, ” Nnadozie, ’, Randy Waldrum’s, Christine Sinclair, Sinclair, parrying, Morgan Hancock, Alessia Russo, Frida Manuum, Wolfsburg’s Dominique Janssen, ”, ‘, Mary Earps, Chile’s Christiane Endler, France's Kadidiatou Diani, Stephane Mahe, “ Organizations: CNN, Paris FC, Nigeria, World, UEFA Women's, League, VfL Wolfsburg, Getty, ’ ” Nigeria, FIFA, England, Canada, Super Falcons, Women’s Champions League, Arsenal, Paris, Wolfsburg, Women’s, Reuters Locations: Nigeria, Wolfsburg, Germany, Europe, France, Australia, Canada, Randy Waldrum’s Nigeria, Jordan, Nnadozie, England

☆ Barcelona get ready to rock with Rolling Stones logo on shirt for Clasico
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Music streaming service Spotify have sponsored Barcelona since the 2021/22 season, and the club have previously had campaigns featuring Drake and Spanish singer Rosalia, but now rock fans can finally get some satisfaction. "FC Barcelona and Spotify have done it again. "The Tongue and Lips logo of The Rolling Stones (Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood) will replace the Spotify logo on the legendary FC Barcelona kit." The Rolling Stones' latest album, Hackney Diamonds, is released on Friday, and the jersey will be available to buy from Oct. 23. "We're big football fans and we're honoured that Spotify has put our Tongue & Lips logo on the FC Barcelona jersey to celebrate the release of the Stones' new album 'Hackney Diamonds'," the Rolling Stones said.

Persons: Ronnie Wood, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Drake, Rosalia, Barca's, we're, Trevor Stynes, Toby Davis Organizations: FC Barcelona, Clasico, Real Madrid, Spotify, Barca, El Clasico, Hackney Diamonds, Sevilla, Thomson Locations: Catalan, Barcelona, Spanish

☆ The 16 most valuable global AI companies in sports, plus other takeaways from new data on VC investment in the sector
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( Margaret Fleming | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

While generative AI startups are attracting more investment overall, 2023 could be a notably slow year for venture capital investment in sports AI following several years of activity, according to new data from PitchBook. The year could mark the lowest level of investment in the sector since 2018 when PitchBook tracked just under $200 million in VC activity. Both those years had 114 VC investments, compared to just 54 in 2023 through mid-October, PitchBook data shows. These are the top 16 highest-valued sports AI companies globally in 2023, according to PitchBook:1) SigmaStar — $4.55 billion. The Beijing-based computer vision technology company offers solutions in sports and health, evaluating movement in real-time, according to its website.

Persons: PitchBook, Hudl, STATSports, Creatz, Ligatech, Simplebet, Zepp Organizations: Yi Technology, WSC Sports, Cleveland Cavaliers, Kakao, Arsenal FC, US, National Soccer Team, Duke University, Kansas City Chiefs, Ligatech, Tempus, Francisco's Tempus, Chelsea FC, NFL, Sports, NBA, MLS, Premier League, AI Research Locations: deepfakes, Beijing, Israel, New York, Korean, Europe, Mexico, Lincoln , Nebraska, Northern Ireland, Shanghai, PitchBook, Los Angeles, China, Vancouver

☆ Joan Laporta: FC Barcelona president under investigation for bribery and other crimes, according to court document
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-18 | by ( Matias Grez | Patrick Sung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta is officially being investigated as a “suspect” in the ongoing alleged improper payment scandal, according to court documents obtained by CNN – the latest twist in a scandal overshadowing the club and Spanish soccer. The investigation relates to alleged improper payments made by Barça to José María Enríquez Negreira, a former leading refereeing official in Spain. CNN has reached out to FC Barcelona for comment from Laporta but has yet to hear back. Laporta began his second term as club president in 2021. “As such, the statute of limitations of the crimes referred to previously has not expired in respect to [Laporta], as well as those people who were members of the Board of Directors of FC Barcelona respectively during his leadership,” Wednesday’s court document read.

Persons: Joan Laporta, ”, Barça, Judge Joaquín Aguirre López, Enríquez Negreira, Javier, Aguirre López, “, –, Judge Aguirre López, Negreira, invoiced, Blaugrana, Xavi, Caso, Juan Manuel Serrano Arce, Laporta’s, Laporta, Pau Mosquera Organizations: CNN — FC Barcelona, CNN, Spanish, 1st, FC Barcelona, Mundo Deportivo, Caso, Prosecutors, CTA, Osasuna, Barcelona, Estadio El Locations: Spain, Barcelona, Spanish, Estadio El Sadar

☆ Rio Ferdinand: Soccer needs to ‘quickly’ address lack of diversity in leadership roles, says Manchester United great
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-17 | by ( Aimee Lewis | Zayn Nabbi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

“I think you look at my sport, football, you look at the pitch, you look at grassroots, it’s a huge mix,” Ferdinand said. “But the representation on the pitch isn’t reflected in other areas of football, especially where decisions are being made,” added Ferdinand. So I think that needs to change hugely and quickly.”Rio Ferdinand lifts the FIFA Club World Cup Trophy in 2008. In 2021-22, 83 coaching positions were advertised by English Football League clubs. Ferdinand, who captained England, won multiple Premier League titles, and the Champions League, said he would be open to moving into a leadership position within the sport.

Persons: Rio Ferdinand, Ferdinand, ” Ferdinand, ”, “, Shaun Botterill, Preeti Shetty, Deji Davies, Brentford –, Lorna Falconer, Justin Cochrane, ’ “ I’m, ’ “, haven’t, I’ll, Warner Organizations: CNN, Manchester United, England, TNT Sports, FIFA Club, Black, ’, – Premier League, League, English Football League, West London, Brentford FC, Brentford, Premier League, British, Premier League club, Champions League, Warner Bros . Discovery

☆ Esports made their 'tense and exciting' debut at this year's Asian Games
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-15 | by ( Polly Thompson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Esports, or professional video gaming, were an official sport at the Asian Games for the first time. AdvertisementAdvertisementEsports, or competitive video gaming, debuted as an official event at this year's Asian Games in Hangzhou, China that concluded earlier this month. Due to the event's popularity, esports tickets were sold on a lottery basis, with more than five million entering the ballot, according to Hangzhou Asian Games data. We're excited to see the landscape of esports events around the world expand," said John Robinson, president of US esport organization 100 Thieves. The Olympic Esports Series is "a global virtual and simulated sports competition created by the IOC, and in collaboration with International Federations and game publishers."

Persons: —, esports, Chris Liu, Liu, Esports, JADE GAO, John Robinson, Kim Gwanwoo, WANG ZHAO, Matt Woods, AFK, Grant Rousseau, " Rousseau Organizations: Asian Games, of, EA Sports FC Online, Singapore, Service, Professional, EA Sports FC, South Korea, Team Malaysia, China, Xinhua News Agency, South, Associated Press, Fighter, Getty, Olympic, IOC, International Federations, Guardian, Team Falcons Locations: Hangzhou, China, Thailand, Wuxi, esports, Asia, Pacific, US, South Korea, AFP, Los Angeles

☆ Exclusive: Ratcliffe would pay more than $1.5 bln for 25% Manchester United stake-source
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-15 | by ( Anirban Sen | Thomson Reuters | Anirban Sen Is The Editor In Charge For U.S. M A At Reuters In New York | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

That is slightly higher than a rival offer from Qatar's Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al Thani for $100% of the Premier League club. Manchester United is currently valued by the stock market at $3.3 billion. Sheikh Jassim informed the Glazer family in the last few days that he would not be raising his bid further. Ratcliffe has offered to be in charge of hiring and managing talent at Manchester United should his bid prevail, the source said. Manchester United and Ratcliffe did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Persons: Jim Ratcliffe, Glazer, Qatar's Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al, Sheikh Jassim, Ratcliffe, Malcolm Glazer, Ineos, Todd Boehly, Erik ten Hag, Anirban Sen, Greg Roumeliotis, Sandra Maler, Diane Craft Organizations: Manchester United Plc, Manchester United, Premier League, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Forbes, Ligue, Nice, Swiss Super League, FC Lausanne, Racing Club Abidjan, Ivory Coast Ligue, Grenadiers, Chelsea Football Club, Clearlake, Manchester, League, Manchester City, Thomson Locations: Qatar's, Qatar's Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al Thani, Manchester, Ineos, British, New York

☆ David Beckham says he supports a sale of Manchester United
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( Drew Richardson | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Beckham also dispelled reports that he would serve as an ambassador for Manchester United in a potential sale to Qatar's Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani. David Beckham of Manchester United '99 Legends warms up prior to the Manchester United '99 Legends v FC Bayern Legends match at Old Trafford on May 26, 2019 in Manchester, England. Beckham's success at Manchester United is featured prominently in the documentary. In November last year, Manchester United announced star player Cristiano Ronaldo would leave the team following an interview where he criticized manager Erik ten Hag and the Glazer family. Manchester United is currently ranked 10th in the Premier League and sits at a record of four wins and four losses.

Persons: there's, Beckham, Germain, Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al, CNBC's, David Beckham, Matthew Ashton, Jamie Salter, Victoria Beckham, Glazer, Cristiano Ronaldo, Erik ten Hag, Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Jorge Mas Organizations: PSG …, Paris Saint, Qatar Sports Investments, Manchester United, World, Qatar, Premier League, FC Bayern Legends, Old, CNBC, Authentic, Authentic Brands, Netflix, DB Ventures, Premiere League, English, Soccer, Inter Miami Locations: Qatar, Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Beckham, Old Trafford, Manchester, England

☆ 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

☆ Albania coach Sylvinho eyes Euro qualification after dream start
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-10 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

The Poles are struggling down in fourth on six points, two points behind Moldova and the Czechs with three games left. The 21,000 tickets were sold-out within a few hours for the clash at the Air Albania stadium in the capital Tirana. "We're aware of the enthusiasm of our supporters but the players know that's the external scenario, something we can't control. Since Sylvinho's debut in a hard-fought 1-0 loss away to Poland in March, Albania have had three wins and a draw. "We have to be here (in Tirana) because it is where our work will be developed," Sylvinho said.

Persons: Robert Lewandowski's Poland, Albania's, Sylvinho, Armand Duka, Pablo Zabaleta, Doriva, Duka, Gianni De Biasi, Asani, Fernando Kallas, Ken Ferris Organizations: Arsenal, Barcelona, Eagles, Moldova, Poland, Air Albania, Reuters, Albanian, League, Manchester City, Middlesbrough, Olympique Lyonnais, Corinthians, Brazil, South Korean, Gwangju FC, UEFA, Thomson Locations: Albania, Czech Republic, Germany, Tirana, Moldova, Faroe Islands, Poland, France, Warsaw, Macedonia

☆ Lionel Messi suffers first defeat in Inter Miami colors while Wayne Rooney parts ways with D.C. United
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-08 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Lionel Messi suffered his first defeat for Inter Miami on Saturday, succumbing to a 1-0 loss against FC Cincinnati which ended the club’s hopes of reaching the playoffs. Messi had missed Miami’s last four games due to injury and the club faltered in his absence, losing two and drawing two of its fixtures. “His injury is healed, but his rhythm was just off,” Miami’s head coach Gerardo Martino said, according to ESPN. Geoff Burke/USA Today/ReutersThe former England and Manchester United forward was appointed head coach last July after a two-year spell at the helm of English Championship club Derby County. Rooney first joined D.C. United as a player in 2018 and made 48 appearances for the team during the final chapters of his playing career.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Messi, Miami’s, Álvaro, “, ”, Gerardo Martino, hasn’t, Wayne Rooney, ” Wayne Rooney, Geoff Burke, Rooney Organizations: CNN, Inter Miami, FC Cincinnati, Cincinnati, ESPN, Miami, Paraguay, Major League Soccer, United, New York City FC, Audi Field, Reuters, Manchester United, English Championship, Derby County, MLS, D.C Locations: Argentine, Peru, USA, England

☆ For U.S. investors seeking an edge in European soccer, the cheaper the better
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-08 | by ( Lillian Rizzo | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

This comes as deep-pocketed investors — from top U.S. private equity and venture capital firms to global rivals like sovereign wealth funds — have intensified competition. Meanwhile, more than one-third of the clubs in the so-called "Big Five" leagues in Europe are backed by U.S. investors, including private equity and venture capital firms. "These recent transactions have set a precedent in terms of club valuation but also prompted many owners to consider selling to [private equity]," according to an analyst report from PitchBook. Some firms, like Sixth Street Partners, have found different outlets into taking a stake in European soccer, particularly in Spain's LaLiga. The shift is happening as soccer clubs have been looking for fresh capital following the distress stemming from the earlier days of the Covid pandemic.

Persons: Liverpool's Curtis Jones, Charles Baker, PitchBook, Todd Boehly, English Premier League's, Elliott Management's, Lionel Messi Organizations: Premier League, King Power, U.S, Manchester United, Chelsea FC, Newcastle, Clearlake Capital, English Premier, English Premier League's Chelsea, Redbird Capital Partners, Italy's AC Milan, Sixth Street Partners, FC Barcelona, Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool FC, Dynasty Equity, English Premier League, Sheffield United Locations: Leicester, European, U.S, Europe, PitchBook, LaLiga, Spanish, Real Madrid's

WASHINGTON (AP) — Wayne Rooney is out as coach of D.C. United after one season, the team said Saturday night. D.C. United and Rooney agreed to part ways, the team posted on social media hours after a win over New York City FC. D.C. United becomes the ninth team to change coaches in the MLS this season. Despite a 2-0 victory on Saturday, D.C. United failed to qualify for the playoffs. “He remains an important part of the D.C. United family and a valued and cherished friend.”___

Persons: — Wayne Rooney, Rooney, Jason Levien, Priot, Wayne Rooney, ” Levien, ” Organizations: WASHINGTON, United, D.C, New York City FC, MLS, CF Montreal, Portland Timbers, Derby Locations: Derby County, United

☆ 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

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