Juventus readmitted to ECA after failed Super League revolt

Juventus readmitted to ECA after failed Super League revolt
Juventus have been readmitted to the European Club Association (ECA) after the Serie A club's failed bid to create a continental Super League, the organisation's chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi said on Thursday. (X/@Paris_sginfos)
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Updated 10 October 2024
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Juventus readmitted to ECA after failed Super League revolt

Juventus readmitted to ECA after failed Super League revolt
  • Juve abandoned the ECA in order to push for the so-called European Super League
  • “I am pleased to welcome Juventus back to our family. Now, all top division clubs in over 20 countries are ECA members,” Al-Khelaifi said during the ECA’s General Assembly

ROME: Juventus have been readmitted to the European Club Association (ECA) after the Serie A club’s failed bid to create a continental Super League, the organization’s chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi said on Thursday.
Italy’s most successful club, Juve abandoned the ECA in order to push for the so-called European Super League, which was launched in April 2021 but quickly collapsed after fan anger and threats from governing bodies UEFA and FIFA.
“I am pleased to welcome Juventus back to our family. Now, all top division clubs in over 20 countries are ECA members,” Al-Khelaifi, who is also president of Paris Saint-Germain, said during the ECA’s General Assembly in Athens.
Juve, then chaired by Super League crusader Andrea Agnelli, intended to be one of 12 founder clubs alongside the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and a clutch of teams from England’s Premier League.
Since the original Super League project failed, Agnelli has been hit with two lengthy bans from Italian football after the country’s football federation found him and Juventus guilty of a series of financial offenses.
The project is still technically alive and being pushed by A22 Sports Management, who are promoting a redesigned version of the breakaway continental competition with 64 teams playing in three divisions.
In December last year the European Union’s Court of Justice ruled that a ban of the Super League enforced by the sport’s existing governing bodies was against EU law.


Australia rest Test stars for Pakistan T20 series

Australia rest Test stars for Pakistan T20 series
Updated 28 October 2024
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Australia rest Test stars for Pakistan T20 series

Australia rest Test stars for Pakistan T20 series
  • Selectors rest Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head
  • T20s follow a three-match one-day international series against Pakistan beginning on Nov. 4

SYDNEY: Australia on Monday left out their Test stars for the home Twenty20 series against Pakistan, with a new captain set to be named.

The three-match T20 series next month will conclude only four days before Australia embark on the first of five home Tests against India.

Selectors rested fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, along with other Test players Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head.

All-rounder Cameron Green is injured and will miss the entire Australian summer.

Marsh is the usual T20 captain, leaving Josh Inglis, Adam Zampa, Glenn Maxwell and Matt Short in the mix to take charge against Pakistan.

Fast bowlers Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis and Spencer Johnson all return after injuries for the matches in Brisbane on November 14, Sydney two days later and Hobart on November 18.

The first Test against India begins in Perth on November 22.

“This group of players have all represented Australia in T20 cricket, so we look forward to them continuing to enhance their international experience throughout this series,” said chief selector George Bailey.

“We are excited by the mix of experience combined with those closer to the start of their international journeys.”

The T20s follow a three-match one-day international series against Pakistan beginning on November 4.

Cummins, Hazlewood and Starc were included in the one-day squad announced two weeks ago, but Marsh and Head will be on paternity leave.

Australia T20 squad: Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa


Real Madrid condemn racist abuse of Barca players in Clasico

Real Madrid condemn racist abuse of Barca players in Clasico
Updated 27 October 2024
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Real Madrid condemn racist abuse of Barca players in Clasico

Real Madrid condemn racist abuse of Barca players in Clasico
  • The Spanish football federation expressed its “absolute condemnation” of the abuse

MADRID: Real Madrid condemned racism from some of their supporters aimed at Barcelona players including teenager Lamine Yamal during the club’s 4-0 Clasico defeat on Saturday.
La Liga said they would report the incidents to Spanish authorities, while the government was also critical of the abuse.
“Real Madrid strongly condemns any kind of behavior involving racism, xenophobia or violence in football and sport, and deeply regrets the insults that a few fans uttered last night in one of the corners of the stadium,” said Los Blancos in a statement Sunday.
Videos emerged on social media after the game of racial abuse aimed at Barcelona players including Yamal, with 17-year-old Spain star Yamal targeted during a goal celebration after becoming the youngest Clasico scorer.
The Spanish champions said they had “opened an investigation in order to locate and identify the perpetrators of these deplorable and despicable insults.”
“La Liga will immediately report the racist insults and gestures directed at Barcelona players to the hate crime unit of the national police,” said the Spanish top flight in a statement.
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, who has often been the victim of racial abuse in Spain himself, offered his support to Yamal and other Barca players who were abused.
“It’s regrettable what happened yesterday at the Bernabeu with the racist insults,” wrote Vinicius on social media network X.
“There’s no space for these criminals in our society. All my support to Lamine, Ansu (Fati) and Raphinha.
“I know that Madrid and the police will work to identify and punish those guilty.”
The Spanish football federation expressed its “absolute condemnation” of the abuse.
Spain’s sports council (CSD) said their Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance in sport would meet Monday to discuss the case.
“The Clasico is one of the greatest spectacles in the world, a true expression of the importance that football has in our country,” said the CSD in a statement.
“In it, as in any other sporting event, there can never be any room for expressions of violence, racism, xenophobia, hatred or intolerance.”
“Neither racism, nor insults, nor violence have a place in our country’s sport,” wrote Pilar Alegria, Spain’s minister for education, professional development and sports on X.
Elma Saiz, Spain’s minister for inclusion and migration, also offered support to Yamal.
“The racist insults aimed at Lamine Yamal in the Clasico are everything we in the government will fight against,” she wrote on X.
“We will not allow attacks that we do not tolerate in other spaces to become normalized in sport.”
Spanish football is struggling to combat racism in stadiums across the country.
Real Madrid forward Vinicius has become a figurehead in the fight against racism and has been targeted on numerous occasions since arriving in Spain in 2018.
The Brazilian winger earned worldwide support in May 2023 when he squared off with Valencia supporters after suffering abuse at their Mestalla stadium.
In June three Valencia supporters were sentenced to eight months in prison as a result.
In January 2023, an effigy in a Vinicius shirt was found hanging from a bridge near the club’s training ground alongside a banner saying: “Madrid hates Real.”
In December, four Atletico Madrid fans were charged over the incident, with prosecutors pushing for jail terms of four years.
This week Spanish police arrested four men suspected of inciting an online hate campaign against Vinicius.


Saudi Cup Festival 2025 to have upgraded races, record prize money

Saudi Cup Festival 2025 to have upgraded races, record prize money
Updated 27 October 2024
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Saudi Cup Festival 2025 to have upgraded races, record prize money

Saudi Cup Festival 2025 to have upgraded races, record prize money
  • Developments reflect Kingdom’s growing stature in equestrian world

LONDON: The upcoming 2025 Saudi Cup Festival will see notable upgrades to its race lineup alongside substantial increases in prize money, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Key races, including the Riyadh Sprint Cup and the Longines Red Sea Cup, have been elevated to Group 2 status, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global horse racing.

The Jockey Club has announced enhancements for the Riyadh Dirt Sprint, now boasting a prize of $2 million following a $500,000 increase.

The Red Sea Cup, a $2.5 million race won last year by Aidan O’Brien’s horse Tower of London, will retain its substantial purse.

Held on Feb. 21-22 next year, the Saudi Cup Festival’s second day will include one Group 3 race, four Group 2 races, and two Group 1 races: the $20 million Saudi Cup, the world’s richest horse race, and the Obaiya Cup for purebred Arabian horses, sponsored by the Diriyah Gate Development Authority.

Day one will host the Group 1 Manifa Cup for purebred Arabian horses, sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, alongside the four-round World Jockeys Challenge, drawing top riders from around the world.

Prince Bandar bin Khalid Al-Faisal, chairman of the Equestrian Authority and the Jockey Club, said that the developments reflected Saudi Arabia’s growing stature in the equestrian world, adding that they provided a strong foundation for the future of Saudi racing on a global scale.


Mo Salah strikes late as Liverpool snatch draw at title rivals Arsenal

Mo Salah strikes late as Liverpool snatch draw at title rivals Arsenal
Updated 27 October 2024
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Mo Salah strikes late as Liverpool snatch draw at title rivals Arsenal

Mo Salah strikes late as Liverpool snatch draw at title rivals Arsenal
  • Salah’s eighth goal in 13 games in all competitions this season was aided by Arsenal’s latest rash of injuries

LONDON: Mohamed Salah rescued Liverpool as the Egypt star’s late equalizer earned a pulsating 2-2 draw against title rivals Arsenal on Sunday.
Arne Slot’s side were on the brink of only their second defeat this season until Salah netted with nine minutes left at the Emirates Stadium.
Liverpool had fallen behind to Bukayo Saka’s early opener and, although Virgil van Dijk equalized, Mikel Merino put Arsenal back in front before half-time.
Salah’s eighth goal in 13 games in all competitions this season was aided by Arsenal’s latest rash of injuries, with defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber both forced off in the second half.
Manchester City were the real winners on Sunday as the draw in north London ensured they finished the weekend on top of the Premier League.
Unbeaten City, who beat Southampton 1-0 on Saturday, are one point ahead of second-placed Liverpool, with third-placed Arsenal sitting five points adrift of top spot.
It was only the second time Liverpool had failed to win since Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp in the close-season, starting his Anfield reign with 12 victories from 13 games in all competitions.
Even so, Liverpool will be happier with the point after showing impressive resolve to twice come from behind against a fellow title contender.
Arsenal were left to lick their wounds after the defensive injuries that left them fatally exposed.
They were already without Riccardo Calafiori, sidelined by an injury suffered against Shakhtar Donetsk in midweek, while William Saliba served a suspension following his dismissal in last weekend’s loss at Bournemouth.
Mikel Arteta’s side have now gone two league games without a win, leaving them with only three victories in their last seven top-flight matches in a major setback to their hopes of a first title since 2004.
Saka, back from two games out with injury, had given Arsenal the perfect start in the ninth minute.
Ben White’s sublime long pass sent Saka surging down the right flank before he deftly cut back into the Liverpool area, leaving Andrew Robertson trailing in his wake as he lashed a fierce close-range strike into the roof of the net.
Merino nearly gifted Liverpool an immediate equalizer when he carelessly let the ball run to Salah, who rifled his shot just wide from the edge of the area.
So often over the last two seasons, Arsenal have been dead ball masters thanks to their set-piece coach Nicolas Jover, but for once they were exposed as Liverpool drew level in the 18th minute.
Luis Diaz beat Kai Havertz to flick on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner and Van Dijk got in front of Thomas Partey as the Dutch defender stooped to head home from close-range.
But Arsenal’s prowess from set-pieces enabled them to regain the lead in the 43rd minute.
Declan Rice’s teasing free-kick arrowed into the Liverpool area and Merino was perfectly placed to thump his header past Caoimhin Kelleher from six yards.
A lengthy VAR check followed to confirm Merino was just onside as the Spain midfielder celebrated his first goal since his close-season arrival from Real Sociedad.
Arsenal keeper David Raya plunged to his right to keep out Alexis Mac Allister’s header on the final seconds of a thrilling first half.
Arteta’s already makeshift defense suffered another blow when Gabriel limped off with a knee injury after a challenge from Darwin Nunez early in the second half.
Without their first choice center-back, Arsenal adopted a more cautious approach and Raya was booked for time-wasting with over 20 minutes to play.
But the Gunners lost Timber to an injury in the closing stages as their defensive issues reached crisis point and handed Liverpool a lifeline.
With just nine minutes left, Arsenal’s under-manned rearguard was ruthlessly exposed as Alexander-Arnold’s lofted pass sent Nunez clear of teenage substitute Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Nunez slipped in the unmarked Salah and he slotted home as Arsenal slumped to the turf in frustration.


Cole Palmer fires Chelsea to victory over Newcastle, West Ham pile more pressure on Ten Hag

Cole Palmer fires Chelsea to victory over Newcastle, West Ham pile more pressure on Ten Hag
Updated 27 October 2024
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Cole Palmer fires Chelsea to victory over Newcastle, West Ham pile more pressure on Ten Hag

Cole Palmer fires Chelsea to victory over Newcastle, West Ham pile more pressure on Ten Hag
  • The Blues got back to winning ways with Palmer at the heart of their best work

LONDON: Cole Palmer inspired Chelsea to a 2-1 victory over Newcastle as West Ham piled more pressure on beleaguered Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag with a dramatic win by the same scoreline on Sunday.
Tottenham were beaten 1-0 at Crystal Palace, who picked up their first win of the season.
Chelsea had been beaten in the Premier League for the first time since Enzo Maresca’s first match in charge at Liverpool last weekend despite an impressive performance.
The Blues got back to winning ways with Palmer at the heart of their best work.
The England international had a goal marginally ruled out for offside inside the first five minutes.
Palmer was the creator for the opening goal, despite not being credited with the assist, as his sumptuous ball over the top freed Pedro Neto, who picked out Nicolas Jackson to slot in his sixth goal of the season.
Newcastle are now winless in five league games as the pressure mounts on Eddie Howe ahead of a rematch against Chelsea in the League Cup on Wednesday.
The Magpies did get back on level terms before half-time as Alexander Isak tapped in Lewis Hall’s cross at the end of a well-worked move.
Palmer took just two minutes into the second period to make the decisive impact with a driving run forward and powerful finish that beat Nick Pope at his near post.
Newcastle should have left London with a point, though, as Isak botched a huge chance to level 15 minutes from time after rounding Robert Sanchez.
Ten Hag was left to rue a familiar lack of ruthlessness as United’s fourth league defeat in nine games will spark further speculation on how long he will be given to turn the Red Devils’ fortunes around.
The visitors should have been out of sight by half-time at the London Stadium.
Alejandro Garnacho hit the woodwork inside two minutes and Edson Alvarez also headed off his own crossbar.
But it was Diogo Dalot who missed the biggest chance when the Portuguese international somehow fired over with the goal gaping after rounding Lukasz Fabianski.
Under-fire West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui showed his disgust with the Hammers’ first-half display by making three substitutions at the break.
Crysencio Summerville was one of those introduced and he slid in to open the scoring against the run of play on 74 minutes.
Casemiro brought United level nine minutes from time with a header from point-blank range.
But there was late drama when VAR intervened for a foul on Danny Ings by Matthijs de Ligt.
Jarrod Bowen smashed in the resulting spot-kick to take West Ham above United, who sink to 14th in the table.
Palace began the day in the relegation zone but were good value for the three points at Selhurst Park as Tottenham’s struggles on the road continue.
Eberechi Eze’s deft flick teed up Jean-Philippe Mateta to fire home the only goal.
Eze had a second ruled out for offside in the second half, but Tottenham, without injured captain Son Heung-min, were toothless in attack.
Spurs have won just once in five away league games this season as they slip to eighth, four points off the top four.