DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ German national soccer coach Julian Nagelsmann condemns ‘racist’ poll which asked if team has enough White players
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-03 | by ( Sammy Mncwabe | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —German national soccer coach Julian Nagelsmann condemned a “racist” poll which asked participants if the team has enough White players, in a press briefing on Sunday. Nagelsmann said it was madness that the broadcaster asked this question and said he agreed with midfielder Joshua Kimmich who described the poll as racist a day earlier. Another of the questions asked in the ARD survey was whether it’s a “pity that the current captain of the German national team has Turkish roots.” Gundogan is the team’s captain. In April, German soccer authorities said they would redesign the number “4” on the country’s national jerseys amid claims it resembles a logo used by Nazi paramilitary units. Euro 2024 host Germany will kick off the month-long tournament against Scotland at Munich’s Allianz Arena on June 14.

Persons: Julian Nagelsmann, Nagelsmann, Joshua Kimmich, “, Europe who’ve, Ilkay Gundogan, Leroy Sane, Antonio Rudiger –, Gundogan, Stefan Matzke, Kimmich, ” “, ” Kimmich, Karl Valks, ” Organizations: CNN, German, ARD, BBC, Nazi, German Football Association, DFB, Schutzstaffel, Scotland, Munich’s Allianz Arena Locations: Germany, Europe, “, Turkish

☆ New basketball league Unrivaled lands star-studded investor lineup, aims to pay highest average salary in women's pro league sports
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-30 | by ( Lillian Rizzo | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

A new women's basketball league has attracted a star-studded roster of investors from the media and sports world at a time when ratings and general interest in the WNBA and other professional women's leagues is rising. Unrivaled, the pro women's basketball league founded last year by New York Liberty's Breanna Stewart and Minnesota Lynx's Napheesa Collier of the WNBA, said Thursday that it had closed on a seed funding round ahead of its January launch. Athletes will be given equity in the new league, and Unrivaled said it will also feature contract opportunities that will offer the highest average salary in women's pro sports league history. Many female athletes play in other countries when the WNBA season ends to boost their earnings potential. Unrivaled's season will run from January to March and feature 30 of the top women's basketball players across six teams for a 3-on-3, compressed full court style of play on a soundstage in Miami.

Persons: Napheesa Collier, New York Liberty's Breanna Stewart, John Skipper, Turner, David Levy, Ann Sarnoff, Star Carmelo Anthony, Alex Morgan, David, Skipper, Alex Bazzell, Stewart, Collier Organizations: Minnesota Lynx, New York Liberty, Target, New York, ESPN, Warner Bros, NBA, U.S, soccer, Meadowlark Media, WNBA Locations: Minneapolis , Minnesota, New, Minnesota, U.S, Miami

☆ Cristiano Ronaldo set to play in 11th international tournament after 39-year-old makes Portugal’s Euro 2024 squad
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-22 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Cristiano Ronaldo is set to play in his 11th international tournament for Portugal later this year, after the 39-year-old was named in his nation’s squad for Euro 2024. It seemed as though Ronaldo might have made his last appearance in a major international tournament at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Ronaldo made his first tournament appearance for Portugal at Euro 2004. Darren Walsh/Action Images/ReutersHowever, Ronaldo will not be the oldest player in the Portugal squad. “His communication, his positioning mean that, when he’s fit, he’s a very important player.”Portugal will play Turkey, Georgia and Czech Republic in Group F at Euro 2024.

Persons: CNN — Cristiano Ronaldo, Ballon d’Or, Roberto Martinez, “ Cristiano, It’s, who’s, ” Martinez, Ronaldo, “, Fernando Santos, Darren Walsh, Pepe, ” Organizations: CNN, Portugal, Saudi, Portugal’s UEFA Nations League, Al, UEFA, Porto, European, Champions League, Sporting Lisbon, Czech Republic, Czech Locations: Europe’s, Saudi Arabian, Portugal, Greece, Portugal’s, Qatar, ” Portugal, Turkey, Georgia, Czech, Czech Republic

☆ Lauren Price: The new boxing ‘superstar’ who played international soccer and juggled training with driving taxis
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-12 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —When Lauren Price was eight years old, she wrote down three goals for herself – to become a kickboxing world champion, play international soccer for Wales and compete at an Olympic Games. At 12, she was a world kickboxing champion, a title she won another three times. “This is just the start,” Price, now the WBA, IBO and Ring Magazine welterweight champion, told broadcaster Sky Sports afterwards. Lauren Price won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021. My nan used to say ‘reach for the moon, if you fall short you’ll land on the stars,’” Price told Sky Sports.

Persons: Lauren Price, –, Price, Matt Lewis, Jessica McCaskill, McCaskill’s, ” Price, “, Katie Taylor, Derek, Linda, Buda Mendes, ’ ” Price, it’s, ”, Ben Shalom Organizations: CNN, Wales, Olympic, Soccer, London, Tokyo, WBA, IBO, Sky Sports, National Lottery, Tokyo Olympic Games Locations: Cardiff, Wales, Ireland

☆ Rubiales to stand trial for unsolicited World Cup kiss
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Radina Gigova | Pau Mosquera | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Former Spanish soccer federation chief Luis Rubiales will stand trial for his unsolicited kiss of national soccer player Jennifer Hermoso, after a High Court judge in Madrid accepted the case, the court said on Wednesday. Rubiales faces one count of sexual assault and one of coercion for his alleged actions following the kiss, which occurred after Spain’s World Cup victory last year. “For me, there is no crime,” Rubiales told TV channel La Sexta in April. The court has set a bail of 65,000 euros ($69,836) for Rubiales’ charge of sexual assault. The court has also set a separate joint bail of 65,000 euros for Rubiales, Vilda, Luque and Rivera for the coercion charge.

Persons: Luis Rubiales, Jennifer Hermoso, Rubiales, Hermoso, ” Rubiales, La, “ I’ve, ”, Jorge Vilda, Albert Luque, Ruben Rivera, coercing, Rivera Organizations: CNN, Spain’s, Ministry, Royal Spanish Football Federation, GQ Spain, women’s Locations: Spanish, Madrid, Hermoso, Vilda, Luque

☆ 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, “

☆ Adidas’ retro-inspired shoes are flying off shelves
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-30 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Adidas’ Samba and Gazelle sneakers might look like they’re from another decade, but they’re the hottest shoes on sale right now. Buoyed by the strength of those shoes, plus higher demand for its running, basketball and soccer shoes, Adidas registered a net profit of about $182 million through the first three months of 2024 — a sharp reversal from the same time period last year when it reported a $26 million loss. In particular, sales in Europe soared 14%, and Adidas also had strong demand for its products in China and Latin America. “The markets are still volatile and not easy, but we feel we are making progress everywhere,” said Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden in a release. Last year, Adidas slumped to a rare annual loss, hit by the fallout from its costly break-up with rapper Ye, sluggish sales in North America and a huge tax bill.

Persons: Ye, ”, Bjørn Gulden, “ Organizations: New, New York CNN, Adidas, ’, Copa America, Rival Nike, German, soccer teams Locations: New York, German, Europe, China, Latin America, North America

☆ Marta: Brazil star to retire from international soccer
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Sammy Mncwabe | Duarte Mendonça | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Brazil and Orlando Pride star Marta will retire from international soccer this year, she told CNN Brasil in an interview which will air on Sunday, April 28. The 38-year-old is Brazil’s all-time record goalscorer, male or female, with 115 goals and has appeared in six World Cup tournaments. If selected for the Brazilian squad at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Marta could make her sixth appearance at the Games. There is no longer Marta in the national team as an athlete from 2025 onwards,” Marta told CNN Brasil. Three times Marta has come agonizingly close to glory with Brazil, losing the 2007 Women’s World Cup final to Germany and twice suffering defeat in the Olympic gold medal match.

Persons: Marta, I’ll, ” Marta Organizations: CNN —, Orlando Pride, CNN Brasil, soccer, FIFA, Women’s Champions League, Copa Libertadores Femenina, Copa América Locations: CNN — Brazil, Brazil, men’s, Germany, Paris

☆ A complete timeline of Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris' relationship
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Eve Crosbie | Palmer Haasch | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Sophia Bush and former US soccer player Ashlyn Harris began dating in 2023. Bush confirmed her and Harris' relationship and came out as queer in a Glamour cover story. Here's a timeline of their relationship, and what they've said about it. AdvertisementSophia Bush has opened up about her relationship with Ashlyn Harris for the first time, six months after they were first romantically linked. Here's a complete timeline of everything we know about Bush and Harris' relationship.

Persons: Sophia Bush, Ashlyn Harris, Bush, Harris, they've, —, Grant Hughes, Ali Krieger, that's, you'd Organizations: Service, United States Women's National Soccer Team, ESPN

☆ Aya Nakamura: The most streamed female Francophone artist has become a target in France’s culture wars ahead of Paris 2024
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-26 | by ( Bea Adeleke | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

CNN —Aya Nakamura was born in the former French colony of Mali, raised in France and is widely considered the most streamed female Francophone artist in the world. However, ahead of Paris 2024, Nakamura finds herself at the center of France’s culture wars. Aya Nakamura attends the Kenzo Menswear Fall-Winter 2023-2024 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 20, 2023 in Paris, France. “I think that the people who criticize her actually don’t accept that she embodies France,” French activist Rokhaya Diallo told CNN. Politicians such as Le Pen hailed the legislation as an “ideological victory” whilst French health Minister, Aurelien Rousseau resigned in protest.

Persons: Aya Nakamura, Nakamura, Edith Piaf, Piaf, “, ”, I’m, Rachida, Kenzo, Pascal Le Segretain, Marion Maréchal, Marine Le, Rokhaya Diallo, ” Nakamura, ’, le, Geoffroy Van Der, Emanuel Macron, Nakamura “, Le Pen, Vincent Martigny, Thomas Samson, Marion Marechal, Emmanuel Dunand, Martigny, Diallo, Zinedine Zidane, ” Diallo, ‘, Oliver Roy, Reynaud Julien, Macron, Aurelien Rousseau Organizations: CNN, France’s, of Culture, Rally, Blacks, Rassemblement National, Getty, Olympic Aquatics, France Inter, Science, University of Nice, National Assembly, soccer team, Paris Olympic, Le, Palais des Sports, EUI, of Transnational Governance, Twitter, APS, France, BMFTV, RMC Locations: Mali, France, French, Paris, Bamako, Europe, ”, Geoffroy Van Der Hasselt, AFP, Rassemblement, Ukraine, North, Carhaix

☆ Bidens roll out the diplomatic – and literal – red carpet for Japan state visit
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-09 | by ( Betsy Klein | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

The White House will lean into the full pomp and circumstance of a state visit as the president seeks to emphasize the strong alliance between the two countries. The Bidens welcomed the prime minister and his wife to the White House on Tuesday evening, hosting the couple for a casual dinner at BlackSalt, a local seafood restaurant. The White House will serve wines from the Willamette Valley and Columbia Valley in the Pacific Northwest. The Bidens presented their counterparts with a three-legged black walnut table handmade by a Japanese American owned company in Pennsylvania, the White House said. The Biden White House has previously hosted the leaders of Australia, India, France and South Korea for state visits.

Persons: Joe Biden, Jill Biden, Kishida Fumio, Kishida Yuko, Paul Simon, Biden, ” Jill Biden, ”, Bryan Rafanelli, “, Cris Comerford, Susie Morrison, George W, Bush, Lyndon B, Johnson, Carlos Elizondo –, ’ toasts, Elizondo, Billy Joel, CNN’s Arlette Saenz, Kayla Tausche, Sam Fossum Organizations: CNN, Japanese, White, White House social, Wing, State Department, White House, US, National Soccer Team, National Football Team, Biden White Locations: China, Ukraine, Gaza, United States, Japan, BlackSalt, California, Willamette, Columbia, Pacific Northwest, American, Pennsylvania, Australia, India, France, South Korea

☆ Adidas is banning the number '44' on German soccer team jerseys over concerns that the design looks like the Nazi SS flag
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-02 | by ( Matthew Loh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

People say it looks like a lightning bolt from the SS, a Nazi unit in World War II. Adidas said it's blocked fans from making jerseys with the "44," and an alternative design is being developed. AdvertisementAdidas has removed the option for fans to customize their soccer jerseys with the number "44" amid concerns that a design for the German national team resembles a Nazi symbol. Known widely as the SS, this unit was responsible for many of the war crimes and atrocities committed by Nazi Germany in World War II. DAMIEN MEYER/AFP via Getty ImagesAdidas told the BBC that the jerseys were designed by the German Football Association and weren't intentionally made to look like the SS logo.

Persons: it's, —, Adolf Hitler, Michael König, DAMIEN MEYER, weren't Organizations: German, soccer, SS, Nazi, Adidas, Service, German Football Association, Schutzstaffel, Getty, BBC, Union of European Football Associations, Nike, Business Locations: Nazi Germany, Germany, Nazi SS, Ploeuc, Saint, France, Herzogenaurach

☆ Chen Xuyuan: China sentences ex-soccer chief to life in prison in latest crackdown on sports corruption
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-26 | by ( Chris Lau | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

The ex-soccer chief, Chen Xuyuan, was jailed on Tuesday alongside multiple senior sporting executives, according to state media, following a months-long investigation. Five years later, the Chinese soccer association unveiled a plan to make the country a “world football superpower” by 2050. The Chinese men’s soccer team currently sits third in its FIFA World Cup qualify group, with four points, behind group leader South Korea, and second placed Thailand. Last Thursday, the team drew 2-2 with city-state Singapore, in a major blow to the country’s World Cup 2026 dream. The two sides face off again, on Tuesday, in what is being billed as a crunch match for underperforming China.

Persons: Chen Xuyuan, Xi, Chen, Yu Hongchen, Li Tie, “, ”, Chen Yongliang, Yu, Dong Zheng Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, league, Chinese Super League, Winter, men’s, soccer, FIFA World, South Locations: Hong Kong, Chinese, Hubei, Huangshi, China, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore

☆ I gave my son a common name — I have no regrets
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-08 | by ( Hannah Nwoko | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewIt took a while for me to realize a common name was the best type of name for my son. On one hand, my son could stand out immediately like a rockstar — memorable, fun, free-spirited; on the other, he could seamlessly slot into society, a Daniel among Daniels. While unique names reflect a shift in our society toward a culture of individualism, they also have drawbacks that I was keen to avoid. And ironically, in a sea of unconventional names, Daniel stands out in an understated way. Firstly, my son has never been the only Daniel in school, so when someone calls his name, every Daniel within earshot turns around.

Persons: —, Daniel, Daniels, Daniel Kaluuya, Daniel Radcliffe, Daniel Day Lewis, Daniel Craig, It's, Nameberry, I'm, insinuates, callbacks, Hannah, earshot, isn't Organizations: Service, rockstar, Business

☆ Julian Nagelsmann: Germany manager reveals father was a German spy and that he later took his own life
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-24 | by ( Issy Ronald | Sophie Tanno | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Julian Naglesmann, Germany’s national soccer team manager, opened up about the death of his father in an interview with Der Spiegel, revealing he was a German spy and later took his own life. Even my grandfather believed his son was a soldier,” Nagelsmann told the German publication. It wasn’t until the former Bayern Munich manager was 15 or 16 that he learned his father worked for the secret service, he said. Julian Nagelsmann won the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich in 2022. He was sacked by Bayern Munich in March 2023 during his second season in charge after the club slipped from the top of the Bundesliga table.

Persons: Julian Naglesmann, Der Spiegel, ” Nagelsmann, “, wasn’t, ”, Julian Nagelsmann, Leonhard Foeger, Reuters Naglesmann Organizations: CNN, soccer, Bayern Munich, Bundesliga, Reuters, TSG Hoffenheim, Prevention, Befrienders Locations: German, Munich

☆ Iran is arresting teens for celebrating a soccer match loss from the national team, human rights activists say
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-20 | by ( Matthew Loh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Iran has detained at least 10 teens for celebrating a soccer match, rights activists say. The Hengaw Organization for Human Rights said it identified at least three of the teens by name. Qatar beat Iran's soccer team in the AFC Asian Cup this month, knocking them out of the finals. AdvertisementIranian authorities have detained at least 10 male teenagers for "expressing joy" in response to a recent loss from the national soccer team, a Norway-based human rights organization said on Monday. The Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, which focuses on rights issues in the Kurdistan region, said it identified at least three of the minors by name.

Persons: — Organizations: Organization for Human Rights, Qatar, Iran's, AFC Asian, Service, soccer team, Business Locations: Iran, Norway, Kurdistan

"At a young age, I would write down all the tricks I wanted to learn," says Toby Miller, the pro snowboarder. A 2015 study led by psychologist Gail Matthews corroborates this goal-setting hierarchy: 43% of participants who merely thought about their goals achieved them (or were well on their way to success). Eric Potterat, PhD, is a performance psychologist who helped create the mental toughness curriculum used in Navy SEALs training. He spent 16 years at Google, partnering with executives to communicate the company's story to clients, partners, employees, and the public. He is the co-author of the books "How Google Works," "Trillion Dollar Coach," and most recently, "Learned Excellence."

Persons: we've, We've, Toby Miller, Gail Matthews corroborates, Eric Potterat, He's, Alan Eagle Organizations: Google, Navy, Los Angeles Dodgers, soccer team, Miami Heat, Olympic, NASA Locations: U.S

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Second gentleman Douglas Emhoff was in the first row on Saturday. Emhoff makes no secret of his basketball fandom; he's been a Los Angeles Lakers season ticket holder for years. “Things need to be fair, things need to be equal and men need to support women.”Emhoff has often represented the U.S. at sporting events, leading delegations when asked to do so by President Joe Biden. “It's one of the greatest parts of being second gentleman,” Emhoff said. And yes, even the second gentleman got a little excited to see NBA stars practice before the college game.

Persons: Douglas Emhoff, Kamala Harris, Emhoff, he's, Harris, ”, ” Emhoff, Joe Biden, Allyson Felix, “, I’m courtside, Steph Curry, I’m Organizations: INDIANAPOLIS, Virginia Union, Winston, Salem State, Los Angeles Lakers, Lakers, Associated Press, U.S, soccer team, Tokyo Paralympics, Washington Nationals Locations: Indianapolis, Salem, U.S, I’m, United States

The U.N.-backed International Labor Organization says reforms introduced following the World Cup have improved the situation of migrant workers, while adding that more needs to be done. Meanwhile, human rights group Amnesty International says migrant workers still face abuses. Photos You Should See View All 21 ImagesLast November, Amnesty urged Qatar and FIFA to do more for migrant workers - particularly in terms of compensation. Migrant workers collect litter, serve coffee, drive taxis and provide security. The number of work-related deaths in the delivery of the World Cup came under intense scrutiny in the lead-up.

Persons: Jordan, Stephen Cockburn, ″, ”, Max Tunon, ” Tunon, it’s, “, ” Cockburn, ” ___ James Robson Organizations: Qatar, International Labor Organization, Amnesty International, “, AP, FIFA, Qatari, Workers, ILO Locations: DOHA, Qatar, Doha, Kenya, Ghana, Saudi Arabia

☆ China Keeps Building Stadiums in Africa. But at What Cost?
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-10 | by ( Elian Peltier | Joao Silva | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The Alassane Ouattara stadium rises like a piece of sculpture from the dusty brown earth north of Ivory Coast’s largest city, its undulating roof and white columns towering over the empty landscape like a spaceship that has dropped onto a uninhabited planet. On Sunday, the three-and-a-half-year-old stadium will host its signature moment, when the national soccer teams of Ivory Coast and Nigeria compete in the final of Africa’s biggest sporting event, in front of tens of thousands of fans chanting and cheering in a stadium financed and built by China. While that is nothing new for the tournament, the Africa Cup of Nations, the arena is just the latest example of the contradictions that emerge from Chinese projects built on Chinese terms, and on African soil. Stadiums have been a cornerstone of China’s diplomatic reach into Africa since the 1970s, but their number has increased since the early 2000s, part of a larger Chinese strategy to build infrastructure — from highways to railroads, ports to presidential palaces and even the headquarters of the African Union — in exchange for diplomatic clout or access to natural resources.

Persons: Ouattara Organizations: Africa, of Nations, African Locations: Ivory Coast’s, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, China, Africa

☆ Playing Soccer in Abidjan? Get Yourself a Pair of Lêkê.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-07 | by ( Elian Peltier | Joao Silva | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

The wealthy pros of Ivory Coast’s national soccer team were resting in their luxury hotel last week, preparing for a match in Africa’s biggest tournament, when Yaya Camara sprinted onto a dusty lot and began fizzing one pass after another to his friends. Shiny soccer cleats like his idols’? No thanks, said Mr. Camara, a lean 18-year-old midfielder, as he wiped sweat from his brow. “How did the pros started playing when they were kids like us? With lêkê,” he added, referring to the sandals that are ubiquitous not only in his pickup game but almost any place an Ivorian puts their feet.

Persons: Ivory, Yaya Camara, ’, Camara Organizations: soccer team, Africa’s Locations: Ivory Coast’s

☆ Amid anguished joy, ‘nothing is impossible’ for the Palestinian national soccer team on its Asian Cup adventure
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-29 | by ( Eoin Mcsweeney | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —As the echoes of the final whistle rang out around the Abdullah bin Khalifa stadium in Doha, Qatar, Palestinian players celebrated with anguished joy last week. The historic sporting moment for Palestinians comes as Israel’s war against Hamas rages in Gaza, causing widespread destruction and initiating a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. The Palestinian Football Association says that, as of December 6, 55 football players are amongst the dead, including amateur and youth members. Some Palestinian national team footballers, like Saleh, have reportedly lost family members or have relatives and friends trapped in Gaza. Palestinian national team players observe the national anthems prior to the AFC Asian Cup Group C match between Iran and Palestine at Education City Stadium on January 14, 2024 in Al Rayyan, Qatar.

Persons: Abdullah, Oday, Israel, Rami Hamada, Mohamed Saleh, Mohammed Rashid, CNN’s Eleni Giokos, “, Hong Kong, ”, “ We’re, Rashid, Mohammed Saleh, Hector Retamal, Saleh, ” Rashid, there’s, “ They’ve, ” Mohammed Rashid of, Mohammad Mohebbi, Masashi Hara, Gianni Infantino, we’re, Robert Cianflone, Monday’s Organizations: CNN, Palestinian national soccer team, AFC Asian, Hong, Qatar, Iran, Palestinian, UAE, Group C, Janoub, Getty, Ministry of Health, Palestinian Football Association, West Bank, Palestinian soccer, Education City, FIFA, UEFA, Russian, Israel, Persib, “, Hamas Locations: Doha, Qatar, Palestinian, Gaza, Hong Kong, Hong, Palestine, Al, AFP, “, Ramallah, Israel, Iran, Al Rayyan, Ukraine, Persib Bandung, refence, Russia

☆ Top Official’s Resignation Reveals Tension Atop European Soccer
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-25 | by ( Tariq Panja | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Zvonimir Boban, a top aide and longtime confidant to the powerful president of European soccer’s governing body, resigned abruptly on Wednesday, a departure that laid bare a deep rift inside the leadership of one of the world’s richest sports organizations. Mr. Boban’s sudden exit from the governing body, UEFA, which oversees soccer in 55 nations and organizes billion-dollar competitions like the Champions League and the European Championship, signaled growing disquiet among some of the continent’s soccer leaders at efforts to significantly change the organization’s rules. One of the most contentious revisions under consideration would allow UEFA’s president, Aleksander Ceferin of Slovenia, to remain in his role beyond a 12-year term limit imposed as part of a suite of reforms enacted after a corruption scandal that shook international soccer almost a decade ago. “Despite having expressed my deepest concern and total disapproval, the UEFA president does not consider there to be any legal issues with the proposed changes, let alone any moral or ethical ones, and he intends to move forward regardless in pursuit of his personal aspirations,” Mr. Boban said in a lengthy statement sent to The New York Times.

Persons: Zvonimir Boban, Aleksander Ceferin, ” Mr, Boban Organizations: European, UEFA, Champions League, The New York Times Locations: Slovenia

☆ Palestinian soccer team claims emotional first Asian Cup win to reach knockouts as war rages in Gaza
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-24 | by ( Helen Regan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

The historic sporting moment for Palestinians comes as Israel’s war against Hamas following the group’s October 7 attacks rages in Gaza, causing widespread destruction and a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Some Palestinian players have reportedly lost family members, or have relatives trapped in Gaza, and have spoken about the difficulties of playing while not knowing what’s happening at home. Many of those in the stands in Qatar waved Palestinian flags or held up keffiyeh scarves to show support for the team. Thaier Al-Sudani/ReutersStarvation, bombing at homeAs the Palestinian team progresses to the knockout stage in Qatar, back home the Israeli military campaign is intensifying in southern Gaza. On Monday, the Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza said the number of Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza since October 7 has risen to 25,295, with at least 63,000 injuries recorded.

Persons: Dabbagh, Abdullah, Zeid Qunbar, Mohammed Saleh, Thaier, Makram Daboub, ” “, ” Daboub, Hector Cuper, Hong, Everton Camargo, Khan Younis Organizations: CNN, Palestinian, soccer team, AFC Asian, Hong, Hamas, West Bank, Reuters, ”, India, United Nations Relief, Works Agency Locations: Hong Kong, Qatar, Doha, Gaza, Israel, Palestine, Reuters Palestine, Syria, Iran, Hamas

Somali authorities have spent years working to restore the national stadium in Mogadishu, and on Dec. 29 Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre inaugurated the national soccer tournament. Now, the air crackles with anticipation as thousands pour into the stadium each afternoon. Political Cartoons View All 253 ImagesBut many Somalis are willing to brave the stadium, which has a heavy security presence. Most recently, between 2012 and 2018, the stadium was a base for African Union peacekeepers. “When this stadium was used as a military camp, it was a source of agony and pain.

Persons: Hamza Abdi Barre, Siad Barre, ”, Mohamud Abdirahim, Khadro Ali, “, Ali Abdi Mohamed, Mohamed Barre Organizations: soccer, East, Hirshabelle, Ethiopian, African Union, Somali Football Federation Locations: MOGADISHU, Somalia, Mogadishu, East Africa, Shabab, Jubbaland, South West, Puntland, Somaliland, al

Search resuls for: "national soccer"

25 mentions found