Why Ivan Toney’s move to Al-Ahli is one of Saudi Pro League’s biggest statements yet

Analysis Why Ivan Toney’s move to Al-Ahli is one of Saudi Pro League’s biggest statements yet
Ivan Toney joins Al-Ahli from Brentford, a mid-level — at best — English Premier League team. (X: @ivantoney24)
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Updated 31 August 2024
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Why Ivan Toney’s move to Al-Ahli is one of Saudi Pro League’s biggest statements yet

Why Ivan Toney’s move to Al-Ahli is one of Saudi Pro League’s biggest statements yet
  • The England international was wanted by several Premier League clubs but will now form a formidable forward line with Riyadh Mahrez and Roberto Firmino in Jeddah

LONDON: The future of Ivan Toney has been one of the talking points of the summer. It has now been settled. The England striker has signed for Al-Ahli in a deal that is meaningful both on and off the pitch for the player, the club, and the Saudi Pro League.

A front-line of Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino and Toney is one that no defense in the world would relish facing, but it is one that the 17 other SPL teams will have to deal with in the coming season. The Jeddah giants swooped for Toney on Friday, doing a deal with Brentford that will keep the forward, who scored 72 goals in 141 appearances for the club, in Jeddah until 2028.

The 28-year-old is not the biggest name to head to Saudi Arabia since Cristiano Ronaldo shocked the world by joining Al-Nassr in December 2022. Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Neymar have won some of the biggest prizes in the game, and all play in the SPL. Mahrez joined Al-Ahli from Manchester City, who were European champions at the time; Benzema was the Ballon D’Or holder when he headed to Al-Ittihad from Real Madrid; and Kante is a World Cup winner. Toney joins Al-Ahli from Brentford, a mid-level — at best — English Premier League team.

Brentford may not be title challengers, but there were teams who are — such as Arsenal — who were very interested in Toney. The Gunners may regret missing out. Brentford are also sure to be happier selling their star forward to a club in a different league and not having to put their fans through the painful experience of Toney coming back to West London to do what he does best: score goals.

What will please Al-Ahli fans is that this is a star player, in demand, moving from the English Premier League at what should be the peak of his career. Toney has already shown that he is a force to be reckoned with, scoring against some of the best defenses in the world while playing for one of the league’s smaller teams that had, until just over three years ago, never played in the Premier League. In the 2022-23 season, only Erling Haaland and Harry Kane scored more.

Last season wasn’t so memorable for the Northampton-born striker who worked his way up through the lower leagues to reach the top. He was banned for most of it for gambling offences.

The inactivity perhaps cost him time with the national team but he still played a part as England reached the final of the European championships, and his no-look penalty in the shootout win over Switzerland in the quarter-finals made headlines around the world.

His prowess from the spot (he has scored 30 out of 32 in non-shootout situations) is just one reason why fans will be excited. Toney is not just a recognized talent but one with something to prove. He still wants to show whoever the new permanent England boss is going to be that he deserves to be starting for his country.

The SPL was well-represented at the Euros and Toney will have seen first-hand how solid Al-Nassr’s Aymeric Laporte was as the defender impressed in the final when Spain defeated England 2-1.

Toney will have a chance to make up for that disappointment with trophies. Al-Ahli finished third last season, a good showing on their return to the top tier after a surprise relegation. The platform is there for a genuine challenge for their first championship since 2016 and there is also the AFC Champions League to look forward to. The forward line is not just mouthwatering on paper, but should spell danger for defenses around across Asia.

Mahrez recorded more assists than any other player in the league last season. The two should relish playing together. Then there is Firmino, now looking fully settled into life in Jeddah. Toney is not only great in the air and a deadly finisher, but can play as a single striker or part of a pair. A potential partnership with Firas Al-Buraikan, the top-scoring Saudi striker last season with an impressive 17 goals, will have Al-Ahli’s famous green army of fans rubbing their hands in anticipation.

They, as well as Toney, could be in for quite a season.


Dubai Basketball to host Serbia’s Mega MIS in battle of unbeaten rivals

Dubai Basketball to host Serbia’s Mega MIS in battle of unbeaten rivals
Updated 33 sec ago
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Dubai Basketball to host Serbia’s Mega MIS in battle of unbeaten rivals

Dubai Basketball to host Serbia’s Mega MIS in battle of unbeaten rivals
  • Both teams go into Round 3 of Europe’s ABA League searching for a third straight victory

DUBAI: Dubai Basketball welcomes Serbia’s Mega MIS to the Coca-Cola Arena on Saturday night for a highly anticipated ABA League game that means one side will lose their perfect start to the season.

Dubai Basketball has stormed on to the scene with an undefeated start to their inaugural ABA League season after a thrilling 86-84 victory over Serbia’s defending champions, Crvena Zvezda, on the opening night, followed by their first road triumph, a 92-84 win over Slovenia’s Cedevita Olimpija.

Dubai might be facing their toughest contest yet, as Mega MIS — last year’s semi-finalists — are also unbeaten and looking to top the league’s standings.

However, Dubai Basketball’s captain, Klemen Prepelic, who was named the ABA League’s Fantasy Player of the Week for a stellar Round 2 performance, has been focused on his team’s preparations, and has called on Dubai fans to show up in force, creating an atmosphere like the one that nearly took the roof off the Coca-Cola Arena in their opener against Crvena Zvezda.

He said: “Our fans here in Dubai, they’re as much a part of the team as any one of us on the roster. When our fans show up in force, they really are the ‘sixth man,’ this place (Coca-Cola Arena) gets loud. We all experienced (last week) what our fans can do in big moments, the incredible atmosphere; they can make Coca-Cola Arena the toughest place for opponents to play, and we want to experience that again, all season long.”

Fans can expect a stellar contest, with both sides impressing so far and a sudden rivalry emerging. For Dubai Basketball, Prepelic is the team’s top points scorer with 39 as well as 14 assists and 8 rebounds while American Nate Mason will also be a threat with a 100 per cent record from his five free throws that have contributed to his 38-point tally.

Mega MIS, known throughout the world for producing NBA superstars, like NBA champion and three-time league MVP, Nikola Jokic, will not be short of confidence as they also aim for a 3-0 record. Filip Jovic (33), Kosta Kondic (32) and Mihailo Petrovic (30) have all passed the 30-point barrier in the opening two games so far.


‘Latino Night’ brings top boxing talent to Riyadh Season

‘Latino Night’ brings top boxing talent to Riyadh Season
Updated 03 October 2024
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‘Latino Night’ brings top boxing talent to Riyadh Season

‘Latino Night’ brings top boxing talent to Riyadh Season
  • Boxing fans in for a treat as fight card will be free on Nov. 16
  • Unification battle has Gilberto Ramirez vs. Chris Billam-Smith

LOS ANGELES: On Nov. 16, the Kingdom will host “Latino Night” featuring some of the world’s top fighters as a part of Riyadh Season, and will be free for viewers across the globe, it was confirmed at a press conference here on Wednesday night.

The event, organized by Golden Boy Promotions, will take place at The Venue, one of the new zones of Riyadh Season. The main event will be co-promoted by BOXXER.

During the press conference, it was confirmed that “Latino Night” will be the first Riyadh Season event offered free to boxing fans worldwide. DAZN will stream the event, with additional broadcasters in the region to be announced soon.

The event is expected to be one of the largest celebrations of Latino talent in boxing.

It will feature a unification battle between World Boxing Association cruiserweight champion Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez of Mexico and World Boxing Organization champion Chris Billam-Smith of the UK, who enters the fight after three consecutive title defenses.

In the co-main event, former unified champion and US Olympian Jose Ramirez will face dangerous undefeated contender and WBO No. 1-ranked challenger Arnold Barboza Jr. in a 12-round lightweight title eliminator.

The card includes a highly anticipated lightweight bout between Mexico’s William “El Camaron” Zepeda and former International Boxing Federation world champion Tevin “2X” Farmer in a 10-round clash.

Oscar De La Hoya, chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, said he and Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, “share the same vision of bringing the best fights to the fans.

“From the world title unification fight to matchups between former champions and rising contenders, as well as a star-studded undercard, this event will showcase everything that’s great about the sport of boxing.”

Golden Boy Promotions’ Chief Business Officer Felipe Bouton said: “We are thrilled to work with Riyadh Season to promote ‘Latino Night’ and expand Golden Boy’s global footprint.”

The night will open with a 12-round WBA super-lightweight title eliminator between WBA No. 1 contender Kenneth “Bossman” Sims Jr. from Chicago and Oscar “La Migrana” Duarte.


ICC Women’s T20 World Cup begins in UAE today as Pakistan face Sri Lanka

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup begins in UAE today as Pakistan face Sri Lanka
Updated 03 October 2024
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ICC Women’s T20 World Cup begins in UAE today as Pakistan face Sri Lanka

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup begins in UAE today as Pakistan face Sri Lanka
  • Pakistan to feature against arch-rivals India at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Oct. 6 
  • Semi-finals set to take place on Oct. 17 and 18 while winner of series to be decided on Oct 20

ISLAMABAD: The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will begin today, Thursday, in the UAE with the Pakistan women’s team under the leadership of Fatima Sana taking on Sri Lanka in their opening match at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Ten teams are featured in the 18-day tournament, with the Pakistan women’s team slotted in Group ‘A’ alongside Australia, India, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh, England, Scotland, South Africa and the West Indies are in Group ‘B’.

“We have prepared well for the mega event,” Captain Fatima Sana said in a statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board. “The series against South Africa at home before coming to the UAE helped us know our strengths and allowed our batters to show their form.

“The two practice games have also helped us in assessing the conditions here and now has provided us with clarity regarding the right combination of players in the tournament.” 

The PCB said Pakistan would feature against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) on Oct. 6 and then be in action against defending champions Australia on Oct. 11 at the same venue. Their last group match will be against New Zealand on Oct. 14.

As per the format of the tournament, the top two sides from each group will qualify for the semifinals set to take place on Oct. 17 and 18 while the winner of the tournament will be decided on Oct 20. 

Pakistan have featured in two warm-up games against Scotland and Bangladesh prior to the start of the tournament and also took part in various practice sessions to acclimatize to the conditions.

15-member squad for the tournament:

Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (wicket-keeper), Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab and Tuba Hassan

Traveling reserve: Najiha Alvi (wicket-keeper)

Non-traveling reserves: Rameen Shamim and Umm-e-Hani


Messi strikes for two as Miami clinch MLS Supporters’ Shield

Messi strikes for two as Miami clinch MLS Supporters’ Shield
Updated 03 October 2024
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Messi strikes for two as Miami clinch MLS Supporters’ Shield

Messi strikes for two as Miami clinch MLS Supporters’ Shield
  • Messi made it 2-0, taking advantage of a poorly assembled wall to curl a laser-precision free-kick into the corner past the stationary Columbus keeper Patrick Schulte
  • The champions of MLS is determined by the winner of the MLS Cup playoffs — where Eastern Conference rivals the Crew and Miami could meet again

WASHINGTON: Lionel Messi scored twice as Inter Miami beat the defending Major League Soccer champions the Columbus Crew 3-2 to clinch the Supporters’ Shield awarded for the best regular season record.

Messi had been subdued until the 45th minute when he put Inter ahead — chesting down a long ball into the box and getting a lucky bounce off Crew defender Malte Amundsen before poking home.

Minutes later, Messi made it 2-0, taking advantage of a poorly assembled wall to curl a laser-precision free-kick into the corner past the stationary Columbus keeper Patrick Schulte.

But 20 seconds after the start of the second half, Columbus pulled a goal back when the ball fell to Diego Rossi just inside the box and he cleverly curled his shot into the far corner.

Straight from the restart, Columbus gifted Miami a third when Schulte raced off his line but with defender Rudy Camacho in his way, he dropped the ball to Luis Suarez who headed into the unguarded goal.

The Crew battled back again though and made it 3-2 through a Cucho Hernandez penalty after Noah Allen handled in the box.

But once again, the momentum Columbus had gained was lost when Camacho was sent off for a second yellow card after a studs up challenge on Federico Redondo.

Seven minutes from the end though, the Crew had a glorious chance to grab a point — and deny Miami their celebration — when a penalty was awarded for handball against Ian Fray after a VAR review.

But this time Colombian Hernandez’s penalty was weak and Miami keeper Drake Callender dived to his right and saved.

The champions of MLS is determined by the winner of the MLS Cup playoffs — where Eastern Conference rivals the Crew and Miami could meet again.


NBA legend Michael Jordan files anti-trust lawsuit against NASCAR

NBA legend Michael Jordan files anti-trust lawsuit against NASCAR
Updated 03 October 2024
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NBA legend Michael Jordan files anti-trust lawsuit against NASCAR

NBA legend Michael Jordan files anti-trust lawsuit against NASCAR
  • The legal fight in the most popular form of US auto racing had six-time NBA champion Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports jointly filing against France and NASCAR
  • The suit argues the closed-cockpit stock car racing circuit and its leaders have used anti-competitive practices to prevent fair competition

WASHINGTON: An auto racing team co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan filed an anti-trust lawsuit on Wednesday against the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) and its chief executive Jim France.

The legal fight in the most popular form of US auto racing had six-time NBA champion Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports jointly filing against France and NASCAR in the Western District of North Carolina at Charlotte, where former Chicago Bulls star Jordan, 61, is a part-owner of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets.

“Everyone knows that I have always been a fierce competitor and that will to win is what drives me and the entire 23XI team each and every week out on the track,” Jordan said in a statement.

“I love the sport of racing and the passion of our fans, but the way NASCAR is run today is unfair to teams, drivers, sponsors, and fans.

“Today’s action shows I’m willing to fight for a competitive market where everyone wins.”

The suit argues the closed-cockpit stock car racing circuit and its leaders have used anti-competitive practices to prevent fair competition.

“We share a passion for racing, the thrill of competition, and winning. Off the racetrack, we share a belief that change is necessary for the sport we love,” the teams said in a joint statement.

“Together, we brought this anti-trust case so that racing can thrive and become a more competitive and fair sport in ways that will benefit teams, drivers, sponsors, and, most importantly, fans.”

According to the lawsuit, NASCAR and the France family operate without transparency, stifle competition, and control the sport of stock car racing in ways that unfairly benefit them at the expense of team owners, drivers, sponsors, partners and fans.

The teams accuse NASCAR of such anti-competitive practices as buying most of the top racetracks exclusive to NASCAR races, imposing exclusivity deals on NASCAR-sanctioned tracks, acquiring stock car competitor Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA), preventing teams from participating in other stock car races and forcing teams to buy their parts from single-source suppliers chosen by NASCAR.

“No other major professional sport in North America is run by a single family that enriches themselves through these kinds of unchecked monopolistic practices,” the teams said in a statement.

Front Row and 23XI did not sign recently updated NASCAR charter agreements, claiming the terms were unfair to teams.

“After more than two years of attempted negotiations over the 2025 agreements, during which NASCAR continually stonewalled and refused to engage constructively, we concluded that litigation was the only way to address the anti-competitive practices of NASCAR and the France family,” the teams said.

The teams plan to file a preliminary injunction to allow the teams to race in NASCAR next year while pursuing anti-trust litigation.

Denny Hamlin, a 54-time NASCAR winner as a driver and a part-owner of 23XI Racing, said not all teams share fairly in NASCAR’s success.

“Everyone who invests in making the sport a success should share fairly in that success,” Hamlin said. “With the right changes we can certainly make that a reality in racing.”