Mbappe rejects mediation offer in $60m financial dispute with PSG

Mbappe rejects mediation offer in $60m financial dispute with PSG
France's forward #10 Kylian Mbappe (R) acknowledges the supporters at the end of the UEFA Nations League, League A - Group 2 first leg football match between France and Belgium at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais in Lyon on Sept. 9, 2024. (AFP)
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Updated 12 September 2024
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Mbappe rejects mediation offer in $60m financial dispute with PSG

Mbappe rejects mediation offer in $60m financial dispute with PSG
  • Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid this summer on a free transfer, says PSG owes him €55 million ($60 million)
  • PSG has argued that it does not owe money to the World Cup winner under an agreement when Mbappe was sidelined ahead of the 2023-24 season

PARIS: Kylian Mbappe is not ready to compromise with Paris Saint-Germain.

The France superstar rejected a mediation offer by the French soccer league’s legal commission on Wednesday in his dispute with his former club over wages and bonuses.

PSG officials and Mbappe’s representatives met in Paris after Mbappe asked the commission to get involved. Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid this summer on a free transfer, says PSG owes him €55 million ($60 million).

In a statement to The Associated Press, Mbappe’s representatives said the player asked the commission to take note of the non-payment of three months’ salary and the last third of a loyalty bonus.

“The eventuality of a mediation was mentioned this morning,” the statement read. “This possibility was rejected during the meeting by the player’s representative. A mediation would be useless to record a lack of payment that would be seen from a simple analysis of the player’s payslip.”

PSG, which said it was pleased with the two-hour hearing at the commission on Wednesday, said in a statement it recalled that Mbappe had formerly made “clear, repeated public and private commitments that must be respected, having been afforded unprecedented benefits by the club over seven fantastic years in Paris.”

PSG has argued that it does not owe money to the World Cup winner under an agreement when Mbappe was sidelined ahead of the 2023-24 season — following his decision not to prolong his contract with the club — with the player allegedly stipulating that he would relinquish bonuses over his reintegration into the team.

“To avoid its payment obligation, the club seeks to demonstrate the existence of a secret agreement that would justify it. But the club fails to demonstrate the existence of such an agreement,” Mbappe’s representatives said.

PSG said that the league’s legal commission recommended “mediation between the parties,” which the club said it had been seeking for months.

The French league did not respond to a request for comments from the AP.

The player’s representatives did not say what action they will now take. In light of the current deadlock, it’s likely the case will ultimately be settled by an employment court.

Mbappe’s relationship with PSG ended amid deep tensions during his final season at the club.

PSG felt let down by Mbappe after offering him the most lucrative contract in the club’s history when he signed a new contract in 2022. But Mbappe was frustrated because he felt promises to sign key players were not kept.

When he signed the new deal, he was paraded in front of fans holding up a jersey with 2025 on it. Mbappe was reportedly annoyed about this because the contract was until 2024 with the option for an extra year.

Mbappe stunned PSG in June last year by informing the club he would not take the option for an extra year. With his contract effectively into its final year, it put PSG in the position of needing to sell Mbappe to avoid losing him for free when the contract expired.

His PSG career could have ended in the summer of 2023 amid a tense transfer standoff. After telling the club he would not extend his contract for an extra year, Mbappe was left off a preseason tour to Japan and South Korea and forced to train with fringe players. PSG said it would rather sell him than let the player leave for free in 2024, but he rejected a €300 million move to Saudi team Al-Hilal.

PSG left Mbappe out of the team’s opening league game of that season as the standoff continued but eventually let him return to the lineup after “constructive and positive talks” between the two parties, PSG said at the time.


Ancelotti will likely have to replace an injured Mbappé for Real Madrid derby at Atletico

Ancelotti will likely have to replace an injured Mbappé for Real Madrid derby at Atletico
Updated 28 sec ago
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Ancelotti will likely have to replace an injured Mbappé for Real Madrid derby at Atletico

Ancelotti will likely have to replace an injured Mbappé for Real Madrid derby at Atletico
BARCELONA: Kylian Mbappé is expected to miss his first big domestic match since joining Real Madrid when the defending champion plays at Atletico Madrid without its injured striker in La Liga on Sunday.
Mbappé will be sidelined for an unspecified period after he hurt a hamstring, the club said this week. His injury came after the France star scored his seventh goal this season for Madrid in a win over Alavés.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti will have to make a choice to fill the void left by the club’s biggest blockbuster signing since Cristiano Ronaldo over a decade ago. The Italian coach could maintain his three-strong attacking line if he opts to give fellow newcomer Endrick his first start.
The explosive 18-year-old has already impressed with two goals in a handful of appearances as a late substitute that have totaled only 47 minutes. Endrick could line up alongside fellow Brazilians Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo.
The other option for Ancelotti would be to go back to the 4-4-2 setup that won the league and Champions League last year, with the exception of the now retired Toni Kroos.
That would mean adding another midfielder from among Luka Modric, Eduardo Camavinga, or Arda Guler to play alongside expected starters Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni.
“I don’t know if (Mbappé) is going to play or not, but they have several good players to turn to,” Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak said. “Whoever plays will play well and want to win as much as we do.”
Atletico was the only team to beat Madrid last season in its domestic title march. Diego Simeone’s side won its home derby 3-1 and earned a 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Madrid is in second place in the league standings at four points behind Barcelona, which has a perfect 21 points after winning all seven games since Hansi Flick took over as coach.
Atletico is third, two points behind Madrid after new arrival Julián Álvarez scored a 90th-minute goal to eke out a 1-0 victory at Celta Vigo on Wednesday.
That goal could help Álvarez make the starting 11 alongside the untouchable Antoine Griezmann for the derby. Striker Alexander Sorloth is Simeone’s other top option in attack.
Álvarez and Sorloth were joined by Connor Gallagher and Robin Le Normand as part of a major summer facelift for Atletico.
Barcelona will visit Osasuna on Saturday seeking to match its club record for a perfect start to the season with an eighth consecutive win.

Brazil goalkeeper Alisson set to return from injury for Liverpool in Premier League

Brazil goalkeeper Alisson set to return from injury for Liverpool in Premier League
Updated 49 min 55 sec ago
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Brazil goalkeeper Alisson set to return from injury for Liverpool in Premier League

Brazil goalkeeper Alisson set to return from injury for Liverpool in Premier League
  • Alisson has missed big wins over Bournemouth in the league last weekend and West Ham in the League Cup on Wednesday because of a hamstring injury

LIVERPOOL: Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker is back in training and is set to return to the team for the trip to Wolverhampton in the English Premier League on Saturday.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot gave a positive update on Friday on the Brazil international, who has missed the last two games — big wins over Bournemouth in the league and West Ham in the League Cup — because of a hamstring injury.
“We are expecting him in the whole (practice) session today,” Slot said of Alisson. “We think he is available.”
Backup keeper Caoimhin Kelleher replaced Alisson for the last two games.
Liverpool has won four of its opening five games in the league.


UEFA bans Barcelona fans from one away game in Champions League for racist conduct

UEFA bans Barcelona fans from one away game in Champions League for racist conduct
Updated 27 September 2024
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UEFA bans Barcelona fans from one away game in Champions League for racist conduct

UEFA bans Barcelona fans from one away game in Champions League for racist conduct
  • The disciplinary sanction will apply on Nov. 6 when Barcelona plays at Red Star Belgrade
  • UEFA gave no details of the misconduct during a 2-1 loss at Monaco last week. The ticket sales ban activated a probationary sanction UEFA ordered for Barcelona last season

NYON: UEFA banned Barcelona on Friday from selling tickets to fans for its next away game in the Champions League for “racism and/or other discriminatory conduct” during a game at Monaco.
The disciplinary sanction will apply on Nov. 6 when Barcelona plays at Red Star Belgrade.
UEFA did not specify details of the misconduct during a 2-1 loss at Monaco last week in the teams’ opening game in the new format Champions League opening phase.
The ticket sales ban activated a probationary sanction UEFA ordered for Barcelona last season. In April, fans made Nazi salutes at Paris Saint-Germain in a Champions League game.
UEFA said its disciplinary judges also fined Barcelona 10,000 euros ($11,000) and ordered a new probationary sanction for a repeat offense in the next year. That will activate another ticket sales ban for one away game in a European competition.


UAE is ideal setting for Sail Grand Prix, says managing director

UAE is ideal setting for Sail Grand Prix, says managing director
Updated 27 September 2024
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UAE is ideal setting for Sail Grand Prix, says managing director

UAE is ideal setting for Sail Grand Prix, says managing director
  • Andrew Thompson spoke to Arab News about the importance of the Middle East market and the introduction of SailGP’s first female driver
  • UAE to host the opening and closing races of SailGP’s 5th season, which starts in Dubai on Nov. 23

DUBAI: The UAE is set to play a pivotal role in Sail Grand Prix’s Season 5, which begins in Dubai on Nov. 23 before drawing to a close in Abu Dhabi next year.

Ahead of the new season, Arab News spoke to Andrew Thompson, SailGP’s managing director, who discussed the importance of the Middle East market, the introduction of SailGP’s first female driver, and what fans can expect from the most entertaining race on water.


What was the reason behind choosing Dubai for the season-opening event?

The UAE has become one of the most important global sporting destinations, with multiple high-profile events held consistently across the country and wider Middle East region. For SailGP, it’s imperative that our calendar includes key locations such as Dubai in order to engage as wide a fan base as possible.

Having held events in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi previously, we are aware of the appetite for sailing in the UAE, and the enthusiasm that those in attendance have for our races.

UAE weather in November provides great conditions to host an event and the port of Mina Rashid provides the perfect setup for a tight racecourse for exciting racing.

The UAE will also play an important role in the new season as both the starting and finishing point, and we are delighted about that.

 

Mina Rashid will play host to the event for the third consecutive year. What makes the location so special?

Mina Rashid is the ideal setting for a SailGP event, from the perspective of both competitors and spectators alike. The tight racecourse and very deep water close to the shoreline ensure hugely competitive action with boats coming within touching distance of the stadium, which makes for great viewing for all the fans on the water’s edge.

Our previous two events at Mina Rashid were a huge success, with the closest finish in SailGP history last season, and our athletes have told us they are excited to return. Mina Rashid is also home to the P&O Marina’s Sailing Academy, which is a home for watersports designed to introduce people of all ages to the joy of sailing.

 

How important is the Middle East market for SailGP?

Very important, as evidenced by the fact that the 2024-25 season both starts and finishes in the UAE. Our fan base in the region has grown considerably over the past three seasons and we look forward to continuing growth of the Sail Grand Prix in the region as a long-term established event.

Dubai is the home of both Emirates and P&O Marinas, who along with Dubai Sports Council, are playing a pivotal role in helping us grow the sport across the UAE and engage a brand-new audience. We are now approaching our third Dubai event, and the two previous editions have been a resounding success from the perspective of all involved.

We’re equally delighted to be working closely with Mubadala and Abu Dhabi Sports Council. Their commitment to SailGP is fantastic and we look forward to harnessing a mutually beneficial long-term working relationship.

Our inaugural Abu Dhabi event earlier this year was a fantastic occasion, and we are excited about returning for the 2024-25 season final next year.

 

The upcoming season features the addition of the Mubadala Brazil Team, who have announced the first-ever female (Martine Grael) SailGP driver. How important is that for the evolution of the brand?

It’s hugely significant, and fantastic news. In 2021, SailGP introduced the Women’s Pathway as part of its Better Sport strategy to accelerate inclusion, inspire change, and provide opportunities at the elite level of sailing.

The Spain event in 2021 (Season 2) was a milestone in SailGP’s Women’s Pathway. It was the first time the teams raced with six (or four in light wind configuration) athletes on board, with every team including a female athlete on the F50 for racing.

It will take time to close the gap in experience between women and men; we are proud of being a sport that has women and men competing alongside each other at the highest level in sport.

Martine is a decorated sailor — two-time Olympic gold medal winner — and a fantastic leader. Developments such as appointing her as driver of the Brazilian team are a step in the right direction, but there is still work to do.

What would you say would attract people to come to the SailGP events?

SailGP features fast boats racing close to shore between 11 rival nations in short-form 15-minute races across the weekend. As a spectator in Dubai, you can see the full racecourse from the comfort of your seat while almost being able to reach out and touch the boats as they fly past.

SailGP’s top athletes race identical boats, which fly faster than the wind: high-tech, hydrofoiling F50 catamarans at speeds approaching 100 kph, which is a sight to behold. Our events combine elite-level sporting action and a first-class hospitality and entertainment schedule, and as the season-opener, this is one not to be missed. If you like racing and entertainment by the water, it really is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.


1,500 athletes ready for Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship

1,500 athletes ready for Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Updated 27 September 2024
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1,500 athletes ready for Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship

1,500 athletes ready for Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
  • Round 3 No Gi takes place from Sept. 27-29 at Al-Bait Metwahed in Sharjah
  • This year sees registration numbers up 50% on the previous edition

ABU DHABI: More than 1,500 athletes are set to take part in the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship Round 3 No Gi, the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation has revealed.

The event takes place from om Sept. 27-29 at Al-Bait Metwahed in Sharjah.

During the opening day of the event on Friday, entrants will compete in the adults and masters categories, followed by the U12 and U14 sections on the second day. The final day will see the U16 and youth competitions.

The championship is part of a five-round series held across different emirates throughout the season. It holds special significance as it marks the final No Gi round, with double ranking points awarded.

Khalid Ibrahim Al-Nakhi, a board member of the Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club and jiu-jitsu supervisor, said: “Hosting the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Sharjah is an important step in promoting jiu-jitsu in the emirate. Our club’s training department has fully prepared for the largest participation in our history. We are confident our athletes will compete strongly and win medals.”

He added: “We extend our gratitude to the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation for its constant support of athletes and clubs across the country. This support has helped develop a strong pool of talented athletes, motivating them to strive for excellence. Our club is determined to compete for the championship title, building on our success in the second round.”

Yasser Al-Qubaisi, technical supervisor at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said: “The Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship — Round 3 No Gi has seen an incredible 50 per cent increase in athlete participation compared to the second round, with 35 academies and clubs taking part. This shows the rising importance of No Gi competitions across different categories. No Gi requires advanced technical skills, quick movement, and strategic flexibility, making it a unique challenge.”