How Budreya Faisal is looking to rejuvenate UAE women’s football with Banaat FC

How Budreya Faisal is looking to rejuvenate UAE women’s football with Banaat FC
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New Dubai-based club will be led by coach Noora Al-Mazrouie and has the backing of Emirati football stalwart Houriya Taheri. (Supplied)
How Budreya Faisal is looking to rejuvenate UAE women’s football with Banaat FC
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New Dubai-based club will be led by coach Noora Al-Mazrouie and has the backing of Emirati football stalwart Houriya Taheri. (Supplied)
How Budreya Faisal is looking to rejuvenate UAE women’s football with Banaat FC
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New Dubai-based club will be led by coach Noora Al-Mazrouie and has the backing of Emirati football stalwart Houriya Taheri. (Supplied)
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Updated 18 September 2023
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How Budreya Faisal is looking to rejuvenate UAE women’s football with Banaat FC

How Budreya Faisal is looking to rejuvenate UAE women’s football with Banaat FC
  • New Dubai-based club will be led by coach Noora Al-Mazrouie and has the backing of Emirati football stalwart Houriya Taheri
  • As CEO of marketing agency Ghost Concept, Faisal has worked with UAE’s Al-Nasr, Egyptian giants Al-Ahli, Emirati superstar Omar Abdulrahman and FIFA

DUBAI: Surrounded by football memorabilia in her office on Jumeirah Beach Road, Budreya Faisal is plotting the rebirth of women’s football in the UAE.

On Aug. 28, Emirati Women’s Day, she launched Banaat FC, a new Dubai-based club that is looking to push back the stagnation that has seeped into the women’s game over the last decade.

“Rise. Represent. Reclaim,” is the club’s motto.

But Banaat’s origin story has some plot twists.

The big idea of the CEO and owner of sports marketing agency Ghost Concept had, initially, little to do with women’s football. Or indeed any “real" football team at all.

“I was on my way from Egypt, and I decided I was going to do something crazy, which was start a fake football club that only exists online,” Faisal told Arab News. “I’d actually recruit micro influencers from the community as our players and create fake background stories and experience, and then create fake transfers and rivalries, and use AI as well to support with imagery. Boost this club up to a point where it becomes so cool that I can get sponsors for it and set an actual benchmark for how clubs in the Arab world should be operating.”

It was meant to be her way of showing regional clubs that, in marketing terms, “it’s time for you to wake up” and realize your potential.

Quickly, however, her targets changed.

“I was so excited,” she said. “And then I felt guilty immediately after the insane excitement because that effort wasn’t going towards someone that needed it. I thought I’ll take a third division men’s club, and transform that club. Women’s (clubs) didn’t even cross my mind at that point.”

There was a light bulb moment when she came across an Instagram account dedicated to women’s football in the UAE.

“The day after I came to the office after being away for six weeks, I went online and I saw this account called UAW football, UAE Women's Football,” she said. “It’s a relatively new account. And you can tell that it was someone that made it not an organization, but it actually represented, it was active and it’s cool. It’s sharing what it can about women’s football here.”

Faisal also noticed that the majority of the teams in the last iteration of the UAE Women’s League were expatriate clubs.

“And that was the aha moment. First I was annoyed then I thought why am I annoyed? Instead of getting annoyed, do something.”

Faisal called her friend Maria Khan, the captain of Pakistan’s national team, for advice.

“She used to play here and support that women’s football development in the federation. And she just signed for a club in Saudi. So I called her and I asked her a few questions. She had always helped me and supported me with all the info I needed.”

So what does it take to actually start a club here?

“She said ‘you need a coach, you need a coach’s assistant, a physio and a venue, like facility or pitch to play on.’ I said OK, and then in terms of salaries, she was like, ‘oh, no, no, no salaries.’”

Faisal says that it blew her mind to discover that female players had to “pay to play.”

The UAE Football Association has encouraged clubs to establish women’s teams that could play in a prospective professional league, with the criteria of having at least five Emirati players.

Academies and teams would charge foreign players to join, with a select number of international players receiving salaries, while Emirati players could join for free — with fees subsidized by the UAE FA — but would not receive any payment.

There was a risk that this situation would leave Emirati players disincentivi

zed or sidelined.

“So yes, it’s a great initiative from the association to say we need a league,” said Faisal. “We need some kind of competition, so that’s a great start. And then what they’ve done to compensate that is they get the national team girls to train four times a week with the association, and they train twice a week for their club.”

It was then that Faisal decided to set up a club by Emiratis for Emiratis but she realized she needed the right people for the project.

There was only one person she felt she should start with, which was UAE national coach Houriya Taheri, who at the time was in Thailand with the under-20 squad.

“I said to her, I’m going tell you something crazy, but I’m going to do it. I don’t care if it’s a good idea, I’m gonna do something big,” Faisal said. “And she had this kind of smile on her face, it felt like she was smiling from the inside, almost like relief. And she told me this is going to change women’s football and the UAE. And it’s like they’ve been waiting for it.”

In her role as head of Ghost Concept, Faisal has worked on branding projects with the UAE’s Al-Nasr and Egyptian giants Al-Ahli, represented Emirati superstar Omar Abdulrahman and collaborated with FIFA on a documentary, “Aspire to the World,” before last year’s World Cup.

With Banaat, Faisal insisted that she wanted Emirati technical staff and Taheri knew just the right person for head coach.

“She said I have the coach for you, don’t even think about it. It’s going to be coach Noora.”

Noora Al-Mazrouie is a former goalkeeper and an Asian Football Confederation-certified coach, as well as being a mentor for the current UAE No. 1 Maha Al-Blooshi. She is currently the UAE national team’s goalkeeping coach.

Al-Mazrouie is considered the prototype professional female player in the women’s game.

“She had wanted to do everything she could to develop the game, and that’s what I want. And I want to be that opportunity for her. I want to be that support. She’s been waiting for someone to say I got you, let me celebrate you. So I wanted to do that for her.”

Faisal and Al-Mazrouie went about creating a squad, initially made up mostly of players from the UAE national team, with others joining through a series of trials that have taken place on Tuesday nights.

“I want every Emirati mother and father to look at our team and think my daughter can play there. This feels like a safe place. This feels like a healthy environment and a place where there are no bad influences.”

The team’s players will be expected to spread the positive message that Faisal is after.

 

“Every girl in Banaat FC must have a public Instagram and TikTok account. And an active one.”

“I don’t need this to be the strongest team. I don’t care if we’re last this year. I need to deliver a message I need to make a statement. I need to make (an) impact, and to create that impact sacrifices have to be made and that sacrifice is you’re going to have to be more active and more present and people are going (to) have to know you exist to support you. It’s not even a sacrifice.”

The UAE FA’s headquarters in Khawaneej is where Banaat have been holding their training sessions, and where the trials have taken place. Home matches will also be played there until a permanent venue is found.

“My ideal scenario is that Banaat develops and becomes something strong, where we get some kind of government support and we get a facility,” Faisal said.

Banaat will be the seventh team to join the top division, which kicks off on Oct. 14.

Faisal is confident that her present squad will gel quickly.

“Considering 14 of them are already training with the national team regularly, I’m not too worried,” she said. “That means 14 of them already know each other and play with each other. And that’s amazing that the chemistry on the pitch won’t be the biggest concern.”

When the launch of Banaat FC was announced in partnership with GQ Middle East, Faisal provided a link through which applicants could leave their details, and explain why they wanted to join the project.

It ended up being more than just recruitment for players.

“We’re getting such beautiful stories from people about their passion for the sport, and so many messaging saying they just want to support us, or ‘I used to play but I stopped because there was no proper league, I want to support you,’ ‘I want to give my time for free, tell me what I can do.’ It’s amazing, I feel like we’re going (to) have like a really strong community.”

Faisal says she is open to any individual or entity wanting to support the project, to give fans a unique match experience.

“I wrote community is our backbone. So for us, it’s us going out to them and then (them) coming in and supporting us.”


Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk to fight in title bout in Riyadh

Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk to fight in title bout in Riyadh
Updated 12 sec ago
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Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk to fight in title bout in Riyadh

Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk to fight in title bout in Riyadh

LONDON: WBC world heavyweight title holder Tyson Fury and WBA, WBO and IBF world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk will fight in Riyadh, it was announced on Friday.

Additional details, including the fight date, will be announced shortly, BBC Sport reported.

“Delighted to finally get this fight signed, this is the biggest fight that could possibly be made in our sport,” Queensbury promoter Frank Warren said.

“The heavyweights always spark the imagination of the fans, and I have no doubt this will be the biggest boxing event of the century,” he added.

“I can't believe that it's happening but it is,” Usyk’s promoter Alexander Krassyuk said.

Usyk - who has won all of his 21 professional bouts - defended his titles against British fighter Daniel Dubois in August.

Fury will fight a non-title bout against MMA star Francis Ngannou on 28 October, also in Riyadh.

The fight is part of the Riyadh Season line-up of events for its 2023 edition.


Man Utd’s Martinez ruled out for ‘extended period’

Man Utd’s Martinez ruled out for ‘extended period’
Updated 29 September 2023
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Man Utd’s Martinez ruled out for ‘extended period’

Man Utd’s Martinez ruled out for ‘extended period’
  • Lisandro Martinez will be out of action for an extended period due to an aggravation of the foot injury he suffered in April
  • Defender Sergio Reguilon will miss the game against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford

LONDON: Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has been ruled out for an “extended period” after aggravating a foot injury he suffered last season.
Martinez was sidelined for around two months when he sustained a fractured metatarsal in United’s Europa League quarter-final against Sevilla in April.
The Argentina center-back is now likely to be out of action for a similar period after United confirmed the foot problem is still an issue.
“Lisandro Martinez will be out of action for an extended period due to an aggravation of the foot injury he suffered in April,” a statement said.
“The Argentinian defender experienced the setback in our Premier League game against Arsenal earlier this month.
“Martinez bravely continued playing for the following two games against Brighton and Bayern Munich.
“But it has now been determined that he needs a period on the sidelines for recovery and rehabilitation. Assessment is ongoing to decide next steps.”
Adding to United boss Erik ten Hag’s problems, the club also confirmed that defender Sergio Reguilon will miss the game against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Saturday with a “minor injury.”


Abu Dhabi preseason games key to building championship-winning habits, says Dallas Mavericks’ head coach

Abu Dhabi preseason games key to building championship-winning habits, says Dallas Mavericks’ head coach
Updated 29 September 2023
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Abu Dhabi preseason games key to building championship-winning habits, says Dallas Mavericks’ head coach

Abu Dhabi preseason games key to building championship-winning habits, says Dallas Mavericks’ head coach
  • Dallas Mavericks take on Minnesota Timberwolves in two games as part of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023

Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd says his team will look to build “championship habits” when they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in two preseason games as part of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 presented by ADQ.

The matchups are scheduled for Oct. 5 and 7 at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island and mark the second consecutive year the NBA, in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, is hosting preseason games in the UAE capital.

“In both games, we will bring our competitive spirit to the court,” said Kidd, a 10-time NBA All-Star. “It’s all about improvement and developing championship habits. Our visit to Abu Dhabi provides a unique opportunity to cultivate those championship habits, and we are fully committed to doing just that.”

Reflecting on the previous season’s disappointing conclusion, which saw the Mavericks finish with a losing record for the first time since 2018-19, Kidd added: “We didn’t finish the previous season as we had hoped, but with a fresh start ahead, including a training camp and a full season, we anticipate stronger team chemistry, also between Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. Our primary focus is to build a championship-caliber team, and that requires adhering to the championship ethos while assembling the right pieces around Kyrie and Luka. The ultimate goal is to win the championship.”

The NBA’s partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi aims to promote basketball in the Middle East and foster local talent. Kidd, a two-time Olympic basketball gold medalist, is aware of the sport and its standing outside the US.

“When it comes to basketball, the NBA has made significant investments in the game’s development,” Kidd said. “I firmly believe that, given time and resources, we will see players from the Middle East make it to the NBA. This transformation won’t happen overnight, but I envision a future where every country in the world produces an NBA player.”

In addition to the games themselves, the Abu Dhabi experience offers players and teams an opportunity to explore what the UAE capital has to offer.

“We are excited to visit Abu Dhabi and discover a different part of the world,” said Kidd. “Basketball not only unites us on the court, but also opens doors to experiencing new cultures, cuisines, and languages. This presents a fantastic opportunity for those who have not yet explored the Middle East to embrace these enriching aspects.”

Tickets for the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 presented by ADQ can be purchased at etihadarena.ae and ticketmaster.ae.


Indonesia ready to face Saudi squad at Futsal Asian Cup qualifier 

Indonesia ready to face Saudi squad at Futsal Asian Cup qualifier 
Updated 29 September 2023
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Indonesia ready to face Saudi squad at Futsal Asian Cup qualifier 

Indonesia ready to face Saudi squad at Futsal Asian Cup qualifier 
  • Saudi Arabia will play Indonesia in Dammam on Oct. 11 
  • Indonesia head coach says Saudi futsal league can become ‘best in the world’ 

JAKARTA: Indonesia is preparing to face Saudi Arabia in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers, the national team’s head coach said on Friday, as the team arrived in the Kingdom for the competition starting next week. 

The AFC Futsal Asian Cup is the biennial international futsal championship organized by the Asian Football Confederation for the men’s national teams of Asia. Its 17th edition is going to be held in Thailand in April next year. 

Sixteen teams are competing in the tournament and the top four will qualify for the 2024 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan. 

Indonesia is in Group B, together with the hosts and the national teams of Afghanistan and Macau. All Group B matches will be held at Green Hall Sports City in Dammam from Oct. 7 to Oct. 11. 

Marcos Sorato, the Indonesian team’s Brazilian head coach, said they had been training very hard ahead of the competition. 

“We are very happy to be here, and we will do our best for Indonesian futsal,” Sorato told Arab News over the phone from Dammam. “We are representing Indonesia’s futsal, the players, staff and fans.” 

Indonesia will play Macau on Oct. 7 and Afghanistan on Oct. 9. They will face Saudi Arabia on the last day of the competition. 

Sorato expected Saudi Arabia to be Indonesia’s toughest opponent, as the team have been doing “a great job” under their Spanish head coach Andreu Plaza. 

“They are doing great,” he said. “They are the strongest national team in our group.” 

He sees a bright future not only for the Kingdom’s side but also for the whole league. 

“Saudi Arabia’s futsal league can be the best in the world if there is investment and support,” he said. 

“The league is very good today, (with) 20 clubs. I’m sure it will be a great league in the next years.” 

Sorato was appointed the head coach of the Indonesian National Futsal Team in August. 

Previously serving as an assistant and head coach of Brazil, he steered his team to victory in the Futsal World Cup in 2008 and 2012. 


Olympics-No restrictions on hijab in Paris 2024 Games’ athletes village-IOC

Olympics-No restrictions on hijab in Paris 2024 Games’ athletes village-IOC
Updated 29 September 2023
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Olympics-No restrictions on hijab in Paris 2024 Games’ athletes village-IOC

Olympics-No restrictions on hijab in Paris 2024 Games’ athletes village-IOC
  • The sports competitions at the Olympics are organized and overseen by the individual international sports federations
  • There are 32 sports on the program of the Paris Games

BERLIN: Athletes can wear a hijab in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games athletes’ village without any restriction, the International Olympic Committee said on Friday, days after France’s sports minister banned it for the host country’s athletes.
The Olympic body also said it needed to better understand the situation in France and had been in contact with the French Olympic Committee (CNOSF).
French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera said on Sunday French athletes would be barred from wearing a hijab during the Paris Games to respect principles of secularism.
“For the Olympic Village, the IOC rules apply,” an IOC spokesperson said. “There are no restrictions on wearing the hijab or any other religious or cultural attire.”
The vast majority of the approximately 10,000 athletes at Olympic Games reside in apartments in the Olympic village and share common spaces, including dining halls and recreational areas.
“When it comes to competitions, the regulations set by the relevant International Federation (IF) apply,” the IOC spokesperson said.
The sports competitions at the Olympics are organized and overseen by the individual international sports federations.
There are 32 sports on the program of the Paris Games.
“Since this French regulation relates to the members of the French team only, we are in contact with the CNOSF to further understand the situation regarding the French athletes,” the spokesperson said.
Home to one of Europe’s largest Muslim minorities, France has implemented laws designed to protect its strict form of secularism, known as “laicité,” which President Emmanuel Macron has said is under threat from Islamism.
Some Muslim associations and human rights groups allege those laws have targeted Muslims, chipped away at democratic protections and left them vulnerable to abuse.
The French decision to bar its athletes from wearing a hijab was criticized by the United Nations human rights office this week.
Paris will host the Summer Olympics from July 26 to Aug. 11 next year.