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☆ Lionel Messi and Inter Miami crash out of MLS playoffs in stunning loss to Atlanta United
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-10 | by ( Jacob Lev | Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Lionel Messi and Inter Miami suffered a shock elimination in the first round of the Major League Soccer (MLS) playoffs on Saturday, losing 3-2 to No. 9 seed Atlanta United on home soil in the best-of-three series decider. That secured the team a controversial invite to the FIFA Club World Cup, and Miami came into the playoffs as favorite to lift the MLS Cup. Atlanta United, which only sneaked into the playoffs on the last day of the regular season, will face No. The MLS Cup final is scheduled for December 7.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Matías Rojas, Jamal Thiaré, Messi, Bartosz Slisz, Jordi Alba, ”, “, Rob Valentino, We’ve, “ There’s Organizations: CNN, Inter Miami, Major League Soccer, Atlanta United, Miami, Argentine, Atlanta, MLS, Miami ., FIFA Club, ESPN, Orlando City, Eastern Conference, Columbus Crew, FC Cincinnati Locations: Miami, Miami . Miami, Europe, Atlanta

☆ China's Hisense aims to become the No. 1 TV company in the U.S. within 2 years, top executive says
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-05 | by ( Evelyn Cheng | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

BEIJING — Chinese home appliance company Hisense aims to become the No. 1 seller of television sets in the U.S. in about two years, Catherine Fang, president of Hisense International, told CNBC in an exclusive interview Monday. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström, and Hisense Group Chairman Jia Shaoqian attended an event in Shanghai on Oct. 30 to mark the partnership. "We hope through this sponsorship we can increase our market share," Fang said in Mandarin, translated by CNBC. The company was not immediately able to share to what extent those features were available on TV sets in the U.S.Hisense's 55-inch U8 TV series starts at around $700 in the U.S., while the 100-inch version costs around $3,000 or more.

Persons: Catherine Fang, Gianni Infantino, Mattias Grafström, Jia Shaoqian, Fang Organizations: Hisense, CNBC, FIFA Club, FIFA, Sports Locations: BEIJING, U.S, Miami, Shanghai

☆ Jürgen Klopp to become Red Bull’s global head of soccer in first job since leaving Liverpool
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-09 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Jürgen Klopp was announced as the global head of soccer for the Red Bull group on Wednesday in what will be his first job since leaving Premier League giant Liverpool earlier this year. “By joining Red Bull at a global level, I want to develop, improve and support the incredible football talent that we have at our disposal. Before managing Liverpool, Klopp won the German league title twice with Borussia Dortmund. “We are very proud of this outstanding and certainly the strongest signing in Red Bull’s soccer history,” Oliver Mintzlaff, CEO of corporate projects and investments at Red Bull, said in a statement. In his role as Head of Soccer, he will be a game changer for our involvement in international soccer and its continued development.

Persons: Jürgen Klopp, Klopp, ” Klopp, Red Bull, Klopp won’t, ”, “, Julian Nagelsmann, ” Oliver Mintzlaff Organizations: CNN, Red Bull, Premier League, Liverpool, RB Leipzig, RB Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, “, Bull, Champions League, FA, FIFA Club, UEFA Super League, Europa League, Sky Sports, Red, German, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Soccer Locations: Germany, Austria, New, Liverpool, “

☆ Benni McCarthy: Former Manchester United coach says Red Devils can qualify for Champions League this season
▼ + stars: | 2024-09-13 | by ( Zayn Nabbi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Former Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy says the Red Devils can finish in the top four this season, but are still behind the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool in the English Premier League (EPL) title race. But in the league last season, United languished in eighth position, the club’s worst ever finish in the Premier League era and nowhere near the qualification spots for the lucrative Champions League. Since McCarthy left ahead of the new season, United has lost two of its first three league games. Speaking to CNN Sport, though, McCarthy remained optimistic about the Red Devils and stressed that opponents may regret overlooking the 13-time Premier League winners. McCarthy, seen here in 2023 as a Manchester United first team coach, wants to get back into coaching.

Persons: Benni McCarthy, McCarthy, “, Andrew Boyers, They’ve, Pep Guardiola, Pep, Mikel Arteta’s, Manchester United’s, Jürgen Klopp, Mikel Arteta, ” McCarthy, Liverpool's Mo Salah, Michael Regan, Arne, Klopp’s, It’s, they’ve, ”, I’ve, Duif du, Bafana Bafana, Hugo Broos Organizations: CNN, Former Manchester United, Devils, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, English Premier League, Premier League, League, Champions League, United, CNN Sport, Red Devils, Manchester United, Porto, Blackburn Rovers, Champions League football, City, “, Pep Guardiola’s, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, Manchester, South, MLS, Cape Town City, Premier Soccer League, FIFA Club, It’s, South Africa national, of Nations, South Sudan Locations: Manchester, North London, Anfield, Liverpool, Old Trafford, Africa, South Africa, Uganda

☆ Why soccer players are demanding change to a calendar that has left them ‘at the limit’
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-27 | by ( Samuel Joseph | Sam Joseph | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

FIFPRO‘An industry-wide issue’European club teams are preparing for a revamped UEFA Champions League – the most prestigious competition in European club soccer – which will see teams play at least an additional two games. Manchester City hoist the Club World Cup trophy in December 2023. Conflict between national teams and clubs over minutes could arise, star players could see the field less and league structures would have to change. Over 40% of World Cup players surveyed by Football Benchmark said that they experienced extreme or increased mental fatigue after the tournament. Instead, it’s the calendar and consultation process that need to change for those in the game.

Persons: England CNN —, “, Maheta Molango, ” Molango, Amr Abdallah Dalsh, ”, Javier Tebas, Molango, Vinícius Júnior, Ballon d’Or, Ronaldinho, Jude Bellingham, Florencia Tan Jun, Wayne Rooney –, –, David Beckham, Takumi Minamino, Simon Brundish, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, Brundish, ” Brundish, Kevin C, Cox, David Terrier, ’ That’s, Richard Masters, you’re, Umberto Calcagno, FIFPRO, Jorge Mas, Lionel Messi, Henry Winter Organizations: England CNN, FIFPRO, ’ Association, PFA, CNN Sport, UEFA, League, FIFA Club, Manchester City, Reuters, La Liga, FIFA, des, Associazione Italiana Calciatori, CNN, Super League, Copa, Champions League, Vinícius, Madrid, Bellingham, Manchester United, Japan, French, AS Monaco, Sports, France, Football Benchmark, Premier League Chief, AIC, Inter Miami Locations: London, England, Wales, U.S, Canada, Mexico, Manchester, Europe, Real Madrid, Brazil, Bellingham, Qatar

☆ Soccer union launches legal action against FIFA over fixture congestion
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-13 | by ( Sammy Mncwabe | Samuel Joseph | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —FIFA is facing a legal challenge over the world governing body’s “unilateral” decision to set the international match calendar – notably an expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup – unions representing soccer players said in a statement on Thursday. CNN has reached out to FIFA for comment on the legal action. As their union, we have a duty to intervene and to enforce their legal rights as employees. Manchester City lift the Club World Cup trophy in 2023 - the competition is set to expand from seven teams to 32 in 2025. Francois Nel/Getty ImagesIn addition to the larger Club World Cup, all three European club competitions will be expanded to 36 teams for the 2024/2025 season.

Persons: –, ”, David Terrier, “ It’s, Maheta Molango, “, Molango, Gianni Infantino, ” Infantino, Francois Nel, Vinícius Júnior, Ballon d’Or, Ronaldinho, Vinícius Jr, Jude Bellingham, Wayne Rooney –, David Beckham Organizations: CNN, FIFA, FIFA Club, English, ’ Association, des, FIFPRO, European Court of Justice, of Fundamental, Commerce, PFA, World League, of Football, FIFA Congress, Manchester City, Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, Manchester United Locations: FIFPRO Europe, Europe, United States, Brussels, FIFPRO, Bangkok, Manchester, Real Madrid, Brazil, Madrid, England, Bellingham

☆ US and Mexico withdraw joint bid to host 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-30 | by ( Kevin Dotson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —The US Soccer Federation and the Mexican Football Federation have withdrawn their joint bid to host the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the two organizations announced on Monday. The announcement of the winning 2027 bid will take place at the 74th FIFA Congress in May. CNN has reached out to FIFA for response to the announcement from the US and Mexico federations. “Hosting a World Cup tournament is a huge undertaking – and having additional time to prepare allows us to maximize its impact across the globe,” US Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone said in a statement. The inaugural FIFA Club World Cup will take place in the country in 2025; the FIFA Men’s World Cup will be coming to North America in 2026 co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada; and in 2028, the summer Olympics will take place in Los Angeles.

Persons: ”, Cindy Parlow Cone, “ I’m, Ivar Sisniega Organizations: CNN, US Soccer Federation, Mexican Football Federation, FIFA, Brazilian Football Confederation, Royal Belgian Football Association, Royal Netherlands Football Association, German Football Association, FIFA Congress, Soccer, FIFA Club Locations: Mexico, United States, North America, Canada, Los Angeles, “

☆ Jürgen Klopp announces shock Liverpool soccer club exit in blow for U.S. owners
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-26 | by ( Elliot Smith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Jürgen Klopp will unexpectedly step down as Liverpool soccer team manager at the end of this season, the club said Friday. The charismatic German coach joined Liverpool in 2015 and led the storied club to a European Champions League title in 2019 and an English Premier League title in 2020. Klopp replaced Brendan Rodgers at the helm in October 2015, when Liverpool was languishing in 10th place in the Premier League. In the following year, Klopp led the club to a fourth-place finish in his first full season in charge. Liverpool is the most successful club in English soccer by number of awards, winning 68 trophies over its 132-year history.

Persons: Jurgen Klopp, Estadio Wanda Metropolitano, Jürgen Klopp, John Henry, Klopp, Brendan Rodgers Organizations: Liverpool, Champions, UEFA Champions, Tottenham Hotspur, Estadio Wanda, Liverpool soccer, European, League, English Premier League, Reds, FA, England's, FIFA Club, UEFA, Borussia Dortmund, Fenway Sports Group, League Baseball's Boston Red Sox, National Hockey League's Pittsburgh Penguins, NASCAR's RFK Racing, Premier League, Manchester City, City, Chelsea, Norwich City Locations: Madrid, Spain, German, Liverpool, American

☆ Jürgen Klopp to step down as Liverpool manager at the end of the season
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-26 | by ( Ben Church | George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has announced that he will step down from his position at the end of the current season. Since taking over in 2015, the German has overseen one of the most successful eras in the club’s history, notably winning a Champions League title and Liverpool’s first league title in 30 years. Video Ad Feedback Jurgen Klopp's influence on Liverpool FC 02:05 - Source: CNNUnder Klopp, Liverpool transformed back into a powerhouse of English and European soccer. Under his guidance, the team won the Champions League, Premier League, FIFA Club World Cup, FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Super Cup, as well as the FA Community Shield. Chief among them is perhaps the stunning comeback against Barcelona in the semifinals of the Champions League in 2019.

Persons: Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool’s, “, ” Klopp, ”, Pepijn Lijnders, Peter Krawietz, Vitor Matos, Jurgen Klopp's, Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio, Klopp Organizations: CNN, Liverpool, League, ” Liverpool, Liverpool FC, Klopp, Champions League, Premier League, FIFA Club, FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA, FA, Tottenham, Reds, Barcelona, Chelsea Locations: Liverpool

☆ Copa América 2024: CONMEBOL announces 14 host cities as tournament returns to the US
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-05 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —CONMEBOL, South America’s soccer federation, has announced the 14 cities that will host matches at the 2024 Copa América as the tournament returns to the United States for the first time since 2016. Ecuador was originally designated as the tournament host but pulled out in November 2022 due to economic and security concerns, as well as a lack of viable stadiums. CONMEBOL has encountered obstacles in hosting the last three editions of the Copa América held in South America. Now, for the third edition in a row, the host nation has been changed after the US took over organizing duties from Ecuador. Argentina won the postponed 2020 edition of the Copa América, which was moved to Brazil.

Persons: América, Atlanta United’s Mercedes, Michael Zarrilli, ” Ezequiel Fernández Moores, Copa América, Fernández Moores, Amanda Perobelli, ” Fernández Moores, “, Lionel Messi’s, Henry Romero, he’s, hasn’t, Messi, ” Sean Gregory, –, ” Organizations: CNN — CONMEBOL, Miami Gardens, Kansas City, Atlanta United’s, Benz, Copa América, CONMEBOL, CONCACAF –, Copa, Reuters, State, América, FIFA, USA, Canada, NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, US, National, Inter Miami, Host Chile, Copa America, –, Leagues, “, TIME, FIFA Club Locations: South, United States, Vegas, Arlington (, Charlotte, Orlando, Miami, Santa Clara, Atlanta, East Rutherford ( NJ, Houston, Austin, Inglewood, CA, Glendale, AZ, Kansas, South America, Ecuador, Peru, North America, Central America, Caribbean, American, America, Argentine, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Argentina, California, United, Mexico

☆ Vinicius Jr extends Real contract until 2027
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

MADRID, Oct 31 (Reuters) - Real Madrid's Brazil winger Vinicius Jr has signed a contract extension until 2027, the LaLiga club announced on Tuesday. The 23-year-old joined Real from Flamengo in 2018 for a reported transfer fee of 46 million euros ($48.76 million) and has since made 235 appearances, scoring 62 goals. "Real Madrid C.F. and Vini Jr have reached an agreement to extend the player's contract, linking him to the club until 30 June 2027," Real said in a statement. Vinicius Jr, who won the Socrates Award in Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony for his humanitarian work, has won nine trophies at Real, including two league titles along with the Champions League in 2022 and two FIFA Club World Cup trophies.

Persons: Vinicius Jr, Vini, Real, Trevor Stynes, Ken Ferris Organizations: Real, Flamengo, Madrid, Champions League, FIFA Club, Thomson Locations: MADRID, Brazil

☆ Saudi Arabia clear to host 2034 World Cup after Australia drops out
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Football Australia (FA) boss James Johnson had said the country was "exploring the possibility" of 2034, but on Tuesday the governing body said it would instead focus on bids for the 2026 Women's Asian Cup and the 2029 Club World Cup. The president of the Asian Football Confederation, the sport's continental governing body to which Australia belongs, said "the entire Asian football family" would stand united in support of the Saudi bid. Australia hosted a successful Women's World Cup this year but has never hosted a men's World Cup. "We believe we are in a strong position to host the oldest women’s international competition in the world - the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 - and then welcome the greatest teams in world football for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup," FA said. FIFA awarded the 2030 World Cup to Morocco, Portugal and Spain, also adding World Cup centenary games in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.

Persons: James Johnson, Bernadett Szabo, Ian Ransom, Neil Fullick, John Stonestreet Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA World, Qatar, Australia Press, Football Australia, Rights, Australia, FIFA, Asian Football Confederation, Saudi, AFC, Thomson Locations: Doha, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Asia, Oceania, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Morocco, Portugal, Spain, Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Melbourne

GENEVA (AP) — Saudi Arabia is all but certain to host the men's 2034 World Cup after the Australian soccer federation declined to enter the bidding contest. “We have explored the opportunity to bid to host the FIFA World Cup and — having taken all factors into consideration — we have reached the conclusion not to do so for the 2034 competition,” Football Australia said in a statement. Indonesia’s football association initially showed interest in a joint bid with Australia, potentially alongside Malaysia and Singapore, but that faded when Indonesia instead backed Saudi Arabia. Australia and New Zealand successfully co-hosted the Women's World Cup in July and August. Saudi Arabia also will host the men's Asian Cup in 2027 and has started a widespread construction program to build and renovate stadiums that likely also will be used for the World Cup.

Persons: “, LIV, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Jamal Khashoggi, Gianni Infantino, Australia —, Minky Worden, ” Worden, ___ Organizations: GENEVA, FIFA, ” Football Australia, Newcastle, Saudi Crown, South America — FIFA, Asian Football Confederation, AFC, Qatar, soccer, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi, Rights Locations: Saudi Arabia, Australian, Saudi, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, South, Asia, Oceania, Australia, Qatar, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, New, Brisbane, Queensland

☆ Saudi Arabia set to host 2034 World Cup as Australia withdraws interest
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( Sammy Mncwabe | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2034 men’s FIFA World Cup after Australia withdrew its interest in hosting the global showpiece just hours before the bid deadline on Tuesday. Instead the Australia football federation has opted to proceed with their bids for the Women’s Asian Cup in 2026 and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2029. In a press release sent out on Tuesday, FIFA confirmed that Saudi Arabia was the only bidder for the 2034 tournament. In 2022, Oleksandr Usyk beat Anthony Joshua at the King Abdullah Sports City Arena in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in a heavyweight title clash. To host the World Cup would be viewed as a major coup for Saudi Arabia, which has been frequently been criticized of sportswashing.

Persons: “, Oleksandr Usyk, Anthony Joshua, Andrew Couldridge, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Luca Bruno, ”, Steve Cockburn Organizations: CNN, FIFA, Australia, ” Football Australia, FIFA Club, FIFA Council, ” FIFA, King Abdullah Sports City Arena, Formula One, Saudi Pro League, sportswashing, MBS, Fox News, Sports & Rights Alliance, Getty, Economic, Social, “ FIFA, Rights, Saudi Arabia Football Federation Locations: Saudi Arabia, Asia, Oceania, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, Jeddah, Saudi Arabian, Saudi

☆ 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

☆ Indonesia wants to co-host 2034 World Cup with Australia, Malaysia, Singapore
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"We are discussing (a bid) with Australia," PSSI President Erick Thohir was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald. When asked for comment on a possible joint bid, Football Australia referred Reuters to a statement last week that said it was "exploring the possibility of bidding for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and/or the FIFA World Cup 2034". The PSSI, Football Association of Malaysia and Football Association of Singapore have not responded to a Reuters request for comment. The 2026 World Cup, which will feature 48 teams, will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. "The potential to win if we join with Australia, Malaysia and Singapore is bigger too."

Persons: Erick Thohir, Akmal, Michael Church, Peter Rutherford Organizations: FIFA, Sydney Morning Herald, Football Australia, Reuters, Asian Football Confederation, Football Association of Malaysia and Football Association of Singapore, Qatar, Indonesian, Soccer, Herald, Thomson Locations: Indonesia, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Asia, Oceania, Spain, Morocco, Portugal, Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Bali, Peru, Malang

SYDNEY, Australia (AP) — Soccer officials in Australia and Indonesia have floated the idea of teaming up in a bid to rival Saudi Arabia for the hosting rights to the men’s World Cup in 2034. The Sydney Morning Herald reported comments Wednesday from Indonesia soccer federation president Erick Thohir about ongoing talks that could also include Malaysia and Singapore in a possible bid. Political Cartoons View All 1206 ImagesThohir is an Indonesian government minister who has ties to FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Any opponent to Saudi Arabia in the 2034 World Cup contest has to express official interest by Oct. 31. FIFA has said it will decide which months to play the 2034 World Cup after its members confirm the host at a meeting likely to be held late next year.

Persons: Erick Thohir, Israel, Gianni Infantino, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, ___ Organizations: — Soccer, Sydney Morning Herald, Indonesia, FIFA, Israel, International Olympic Committee, Inter Milan, Italian soccer, Asian Football Confederation, AFC Locations: SYDNEY, Australia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Singapore, Argentina, Indonesian, Italian, Asia, Oceania, United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Africa, South America, Saudi Arabian, Australian

☆ 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

Meanwhile, failed uprisings in Bahrain and eastern Saudi Arabia were followed by years-long crackdowns and a continuing civil war in Syria. “What we’re beginning to see in Saudi Arabia right now is the emergence of a new social contract. Saudi Arabia is the world’s biggest exporter of crude oil, and nearly two-thirds of its income still comes from selling fossil fuels. If Saudi Arabia can become a hub for major sporting events, then that’s a way of attracting interest to the country,” said Maguire. In response to previous criticism about Saudi Arabia’s purported “sportswashing,” the kingdom’s sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal said: “People that don’t know Saudi Arabia, have never been to Saudi Arabia, go out and talk about it as if they’ve lived there for 30 years, 40 years.

Persons: Hilal, Kylian Mbappé, Germain, Neymar Jr, Ballon d’Or, Cristiano Ronaldo, Nassr, Patricia de Melo Moreira, it’s, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman –, Leon Neal, Ballon, Karim Benzema, Al Hilal, spender, –, Carlo Nohra, Jordan Henderson, Henderson, “, ’ ” Simon Chadwick, “ We’ve, ” Chadwick, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Al Nassr, Stringer, you’re, Kieran Maguire, they’re, Everybody’s, ” Maguire, Chadwick, Ronaldo, Maguire, … Mohammed bin Salman, ” James Dorsey, ”, Chadwick –, Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al, Faisal, don’t, they’ve, LIV Golf, Jimmy Dunne, LIV, Dunne, Aleksander Ceferin, Erling, Haaland, Jurgen Klopp, Michael Emenalo, Steven Gerrard, Nohra, ” “ They’ve Organizations: CNN, Saudi, Al, Paris Saint, PSG, Saudi Pro League, Ligue, Liga, Serie, Bundesliga, English Premier League, Deloitte, Investment Fund, AFP, Getty, SPL, Saudi Crown, Spanish, Arsenal, CNN Sport, English, Newcastle United, Liverpool, The Athletic, SKEMA Business School, Argentina, Zamalek, King Fahd Sports City, Anadolu Agency, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, Football, AFC Asian, FIFA, Greece, Royal Spanish Football Federation, Spanish Super, ”, Amnesty International, Amnesty, Middle East Soccer, Saudi Ministry, Sport, PGA Tour, European, UEFA, Premier League, Ettifaq Media, Reuters New Saudi Pro League, Major League Soccer, La Liga, Peterson Institute for International Economics, Russian Direct Investment Fund, Investigations, PGA Locations: Saudi Arabian, Brazil, Saudi, Ittihad, Al, Ahli, Real Madrid, England, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Liverpool, China, Qatar, Taif, Egypt, Spanish, East, North Africa, Libya, Yemen, Tunisia, Bahrain, Syria, “, ”, Europe, ” Liverpool

☆ UEFA Super Cup: Manchester City wins title for first time in its history after penalty shootout victory over Sevilla
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-17 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Manchester City struggled but ultimately won the UEFA Super Cup for first time in its history on Wednesday night after a penalty shootout victory over Spanish club Sevilla. The win continues the club’s remarkable success over the past 18 months, having won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League last season. Manchester City players celebrate on the podium after winning the UEFA Super League. However, City was made to work for the Super Cup victory, struggling to break down a stout Sevilla defense. The manager made it so clear to us before the game how much he wants this trophy,” City midfielder Grealish said.

Persons: –, Youssef En, Nesyri, Cole Palmer, Sevilla’s Nemanja Gudelj, I’ve, Pep Guardiola, Palmer, Claudio Villa, Erling Haaland, Julian Álvarez, Mateo Kovačić, Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker, Grealish, “, They’ve, We’ve, ” City’s Organizations: CNN, Manchester City, UEFA, Spanish, Sevilla, The Premier League, League, Europa League, City, Premier League, FA, Arsenal, FIFA Club, UEFA Super League, Aris Messinis, Getty, Croatia, ”, Premier Leagues, Newcastle United, La Liga, Alavés Locations: Athens, Greece, Saudi Arabia, AFP, City, Sevilla, Rodri, ” City

☆ Kylian Mbappé: Saudi Arabian club submits world record bid superstar
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-24 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Saudi Arabian soccer club Al Hilal has submitted a world-record bid of over $332 million (300 million euros) for Paris Saint Germain (PSG) striker Kylian Mbappé, according to multiple reports on Monday. CNN has reached out to PSG, Al Hilal and Mbappé’s representatives for comment. The current world record fee is $262 million (€222 million) when Neymar moved from Barcelona to PSG in 2017. Al Hilal reached both the FIFA Club World Cup and the AFC Champions League finals last season. Last month, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced that Al Hilal was one of four Saudi clubs that have been transformed into companies, each of which is owned by PIF and non-profit foundations for each club.

Persons: Al Hilal, Kylian Mbappé, Neymar, Mbappé, Nasser Al, Khelaifi, Luis Enrique, “, ” Al, doesn’t Organizations: CNN, Al, Paris Saint Germain, PSG, Saudi, FIFA Club, AFC Champions League, Saudi Public Investment Fund, Sovereign Wealth Fund, French Locations: Saudi Arabian, Japan, Al Hilal, Barcelona, Paris, French, Saudi Arabia, Spanish, Real Madrid

☆ United States to host expanded Club World Cup in 2025 - FIFA
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

June 23 (Reuters) - The first edition of FIFA's new 32-team Club World Cup will be held in the United States in 2025, world soccer's governing body said on Friday. FIFA had confirmed in March that the revamped Club World Cup will be played every four years from June 2025. The FIFA Council unanimously appointed the United States as the competition's hosts for the first edition of the expanded format. "The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will be the pinnacle of elite professional men's club football," FIFA President Gianni Infantino said. The current version of the FIFA Club World Cup -- an annual competition with seven teams -- will be discontinued after 2023.

Persons: Gianni Infantino, Rohith Nair, Toby Davis, Christian Organizations: FIFA, America, FIFA Club, Real, League, Manchester City, FIFA Council, FIFA Congress, Thomson Locations: United States, Mexico, Canada, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Europe, Bangkok, Thailand, Indonesia, Argentina, Bali, Peru, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Bengaluru

☆ FIFA says 2026 World Cup will have record 104 matches
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"The FIFA Council unanimously approved the proposed amendment to the FIFA World Cup 2026 competition format" FIFA said. The 32-team World Cup in Qatar last year had a total of 64 matches completed in 29 days. Confederation champions from 2021-2024 will be eligible to play in the Club World Cup, which means Chelsea and Real Madrid have already qualified. The current version of the FIFA Club World Cup -- an annual competition with seven teams -- will be discontinued after 2023, with a new yearly club competition approved from 2024. "With 56 days, the total combined number of rest, release and tournament days remain identical to the 2010, 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cup editions," FIFA added.

☆ IFAB agrees extension of VAR broadcast trial
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

LONDON, March 4 (Reuters) - A trial to broadcast the VAR decisions to fans inside stadiums and television audiences was confirmed by soccer's law-making body the International Football Association Board (IFAB) at its annual meeting in London on Saturday. The trial was introduced at the FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco last year and will continue at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Indonesia in May to June 2023. VAR decisions often take several minutes to be decided, leaving players and fans in limbo and unsure of exactly what methodology is being applied by officials. A decision will then be made as to whether the trial will be continued at other FIFA tournaments later this year. It was also agreed that a more accurate calculation for 'additional time' at the end of matches -- a notable feature of last year's World Cup in Qatar, should be followed in competitions around the world.

☆ Analysis: Tite's courage pays off as Brazil forwards deliver
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-24 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The answer came in an impressive 2-0 victory over a strong and organised Serbia team who did not make it easy for Brazil and frustrated them in a goalless first half. Tite's decision to start Vinicius Jr. alongside Neymar, Richarlison and Raphinha should not have been a surprise as the Brazil coach has been much more inclined recently to unleash his talented young forwards together. Thinking that he would leave Vinicius on the bench was an assumption of those looking at the 61-year-old manager’s past rather than his present. Though Richarlison scored a brace, Vinicius was arguably the best player on the pitch, creating most of Brazil´s chances. Brazil sent a clear message to their World Cup rivals.

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