Kylian Mbappe’s representatives say reports footballer faces rape probe are ‘false’ and a ‘slanderous rumor’

Kylian Mbappe’s representatives say reports footballer faces rape probe are ‘false’ and a ‘slanderous rumor’
Kylian Mbappe is being investigated for rape by Swedish police, according to a newspaper report in Sweden following a visit by the Real Madrid star to Stockholm, which Mbappe denounced as “fake news.” (AFP)
Short Url
Updated 15 October 2024
Follow

Kylian Mbappe’s representatives say reports footballer faces rape probe are ‘false’ and a ‘slanderous rumor’

Kylian Mbappe’s representatives say reports footballer faces rape probe are ‘false’ and a ‘slanderous rumor’
  • Swedish public broadcaster SVT and dailies Expressen and Aftonbladet, citing unnamed sources, reported that Mbappe, 25, was a suspect in the case
  • Mbappe’s representatives at PR firm Patricia Goldman said: “These accusations are totally false and irresponsible, and their propagation is unacceptable”

STOCKHOLM/PARIS: Allegations of rape against French footballer Kylian Mbappe are “totally false” and “a slanderous rumor,” his representatives said on Tuesday, following media reports that he was the subject of an investigation over an incident in a Stockholm hotel on Oct. 10.
Swedish prosecutors confirmed in a statement in response to the media coverage that a probe into an alleged rape at a hotel in central Stockholm had been opened, but did not identify a suspect.
Swedish public broadcaster SVT and dailies Expressen and Aftonbladet, citing unnamed sources, reported that Mbappe, 25, was a suspect in the case.
“A new slanderous rumor is starting to ignite the web,” a statement sent to Reuters by Mbappe’s representatives at PR firm Patricia Goldman said. “These accusations are totally false and irresponsible, and their propagation is unacceptable.
“Kylian Mbappe will under no circumstances tolerate his integrity, reputation and honor being sullied by unfounded insinuations.”
Mbappe posted a link to a French media story on the matter on X and wrote: “Fake News!!!!“
The France national team captain and Real Madrid forward had been on a private trip to the Nordic country’s capital last week with a group of friends, Swedish media reported.
Mbappe and his friends left Sweden on Friday Oct. 11. A report of the allegations against Mbappe was made to police by an unidentified victim the following day, Expressen and daily Aftonbladet reported.
“In response to media reports about a suspected rape in Stockholm, the prosecutor can confirm that a criminal report has been submitted to the police,” the Swedish Prosecution Authority said in a statement on Tuesday.
Reuters could not independently confirm the identity of the alleged victim or the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault.
Senior Prosecutor Marina Chirakova declined to comment further when reached by Reuters.
SVT and tabloid Expressen, citing unnamed sources, reported that the level of suspicion directed at Mbappe by investigators was “reasonable” — the lower of the two levels in the Swedish legal system. The higher level, “probable suspicion,” is usually required to have a suspect remanded in custody.
Mbappe trained with his Real Madrid teammates on Tuesday. The club did not immediately respond when asked if they were aware of the investigation and whether it had been contacted by the Swedish authorities.


Schar punishes Kelleher blunder as Newcastle hold Liverpool in thriller

Schar punishes Kelleher blunder as Newcastle hold Liverpool in thriller
Updated 28 sec ago
Follow

Schar punishes Kelleher blunder as Newcastle hold Liverpool in thriller

Schar punishes Kelleher blunder as Newcastle hold Liverpool in thriller

NEWCASTLE: Liverpool’s seven-game winning run came to a dramatic end as Fabian Schar’s last-gasp equalizer forced the Premier League leaders to settle for a thrilling 3-3 draw at Newcastle on Wednesday.
Arne Slot’s side were seconds away from wrapping up yet another victory in a dream start to the season after Mohamed Salah scored his second goal of the game in the closing stages.
But, in keeping with a testing evening on Tyneside, Liverpool were unable to hold on as Schar punished a mistake from Liverpool keeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
Alexander Isak’s first half rocket had put Newcastle ahead before Curtis Jones levelled soon after the interval.
Anthony Gordon restored Newcastle’s lead before Salah’s double took him to 15 goals in all competitions this season, including nine in his last seven league games.
Dropping points for the first time since a 2-2 draw at Arsenal on October 27, Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table is down to seven points.
After impressive 2-0 wins against Real Madrid and Manchester City last week, Slot’s men were hailed as champions elect in England and leading contenders for the Champions League.
Failing to kill off spirited Newcastle won’t change that status, but Slot will have noted the flaws in his injury-hit defense ahead of Saturday’s Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park.
With 18 victories in 21 matches this season, it was a surprise to see Liverpool rattled by Newcastle’s tenacious high press.
Despite their erratic opening, Liverpool couldn’t be completely subdued and Alexis Mac Allister’s snap-shot from distance drew a fine save from Nick Pope.
Again Mac Allister was inches away from the opener moments later with a low drive that clipped the outside of the post.
In the absence of the rested Trent Alexander-Arnold and the injured Ibrahima Konate, Liverpool remained unusually vulnerable at the back, an issue vividly illustrated as Jacob Murphy smashed a fierce shot off the far post from an acute angle.
It was a warning Liverpool failed to heed as Isak opened the scoring in the 35th minute.
Surging into Lewis Hall’s pass, Isak took a clever touch that wrong-footed Virgil van Dijk 20 yards from goal, opening space for a blistering strike that flashed into the roof of the net.
Gordon should have doubled Newcastle’s lead after Joe Gomez’s miscued clearance, but the forward’s hesitant shot was straight at Kelleher.
Liverpool were ragged and Slot threw his arms up in frustration after another Gomez mistake allowed Murphy to blast narrowly wide.
Yet in the blink of an eye, Liverpool conjured an equalizer five minutes after half-time.
Anonymous in the first half, Salah burst into life with a superbly measured cross toward Jones, whose run was perfectly timed to meet the Egyptian’s delivery with an emphatic close-range finish.
Newcastle were back in front after 62 minutes as Isak’s deft pass sent Gordon galloping into the area and he cut back inside before planting a composed finished beyond Kelleher from 10 yards.
But Liverpool’s resolve was unshaken, thanks in large part to the presence of the sublime Salah, as well as Slot’s decision to send on Alexander-Arnold.
Having set up Liverpool’s first goal, Salah hauled them level in the 68th minute, capping a flowing move with an instinctive close-range shot from Alexander-Arnold’s cross.
That was the signal for a late Liverpool siege and the visitors thought they had stolen the points in the 83rd minute.
Probing away patiently on the edge of the area, they pounced when Alexander-Arnold slipped a pass to Salah, who finished with typical aplomb.
However, there was a painful sting in the tale for Liverpool in the 90th minute as Kelleher completely misjudged a cross and Schar slid in to poke the loose ball into the net.


Football is ‘the new religion,’ says former Argentinian president Mauricio Macri

Football is ‘the new religion,’ says former Argentinian president Mauricio Macri
Updated 04 December 2024
Follow

Football is ‘the new religion,’ says former Argentinian president Mauricio Macri

Football is ‘the new religion,’ says former Argentinian president Mauricio Macri
  • The World Football Summit wraps up in Riyadh, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plans and the passion propelling it to become a global football hub
  • Experts discuss the evolving fan experience and lasting legacy of football in the Kingdom

RIYADH: The second and final day of the World Football Summit provided an exciting platform for football leaders to share their insights on the sport’s evolving role in society.
One of the most engaging discussions came during the closing ceremony from Mauricio Macri, executive chairman of the FIFA Foundation and former president of Argentina, who offered his perspective on the power of football to bridge cultures and unite people.
Macri emphasized that we are witnessing the dawn of a new era — what he called the “Expectations Revolution Era.”

“Football will continue to be more and more in our lives. People are more and more interested in their teams and the players, and social media has created a new engagement between the idols and the fans,” he said.
He pointed to Saudi Arabia as a prime example of a country using football strategically to boost its international influence.

“We see a country called Saudi Arabia, crashing in with a very aggressive strategy … but under that, there is an intelligent strategy, especially at the academic level. People are increasing their engagement and their passion, and this is wonderful because football unites the world,” Macri said. “So many countries have disputes, and now they dispute over kicking the ball. That’s much more friendly than using weapons. Football is the new religion of the world,” he added, echoing FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s famous sentiment.
Macri also shared a humorous story about his experience in Saudi Arabia following the country’s historic World Cup win over Argentina.

“I had an appointment with my friend Yasir Al-Rumayyan the day after the first match. I couldn’t believe it. I had to travel here to Saudi Arabia. When I entered the airport, they saw my passport. Everybody was laughing at me. The day after Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina, I have never seen such happiness in this country like that day,” he laughed.
Turning to the subject of social media and its impact on players, Macri advised athletes to focus on their true identities.

“Focus on who they are,” he said, highlighting the importance of authenticity in the digital age.
He also offered a comparison between running a popular football club and leading a country, suggesting that managing a football club could be even more challenging: “Running a very popular football club is more difficult than running a country — and I have been in both situations! Nobody cares about politics, but everybody cares about football.”
Recalling the goals Saudi Arabia scored against Argentina, Macri praised the second as “wonderful” and likened it to a Messi strike: “The first one was from an angle that was impossible. The ball pounded twice just before the hand of the goalkeeper,” he recalled.

Macri’s broader vision for the FIFA Foundation is ambitious, with a focus on empowering the next generation of young people. His goal is to reach a million refugee children and teach them digital skills, education, and robotics.

“They will build their own robot to play football among other kids,” he said, highlighting the potential for football to inspire and teach life skills to young people worldwide.
Meanwhile, in a panel discussion titled “Fan of Tomorrow: How is the stadium experience changing with the times,” speakers explored the role of technology in enhancing fan engagement.
They discussed innovations such as integrating public transport systems to provide seamless journeys for fans, and the use of augmented and virtual reality technologies to create emotionally engaging stadium experiences.

Data integration was also a key focus, with panelists stressing the importance of creating a 360-degree view of sports infrastructure to help plan cities and enhance the fan experience.
One of the key initiatives discussed was the creation of a one-stop platform to track sports infrastructure and venue availability in Riyadh.

Yazeed Al-Rasheed, chief marketing and communication officer at the local organizing committee of AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia, reflected on lessons learned from the 2023 Club World Cup.
“The Club World Cup that we hosted last year in Jeddah was a great exercise for us, even to test ourselves, and our capabilities,” he said.

He also highlighted the significance of the experience in preparing for future events, including the 2027 AFC Asian Cup: “We are investing in ourselves and our people, our teams, to be educated, to be aware, to try to see. By 2027, we will have a full-fledged system with services, airports, and airlines. It’s going to be totally different,” he said.
Alrasheed’s comments were echoed by Turki bin Oudah, general manager of the sports sector at the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, who discussed the city’s plans to create a comprehensive, user-friendly platform for residents and visitors.

“We have the database now that is ready. We are at the phase of developing that dashboard or tableau for residents and visitors. This will be a one-stop shop that gives you a 360-view of all the sports infrastructure in the city of Riyadh,” he said.
Bin Oudah also touched on the broader legacy of Saudi Arabia’s sports development, emphasizing that the real legacy of hosting major events would be the lasting impact on the people. “Our main legacy is the people,” he said. “We are going to deliver a huge document of legacy for the next competition, not only for 2034, but we have a lot between 2034 and 2027 — not only sport, not only football, but winter games, Asian games, all of these big events are going to take advantage of the legacy we are going to leave behind.”
As the World Football Summit in Riyadh drew to a close, it was clear that Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global hub for sports and innovation.


Peace and Sport honors Saudi Arabia’s sports sector

Peace and Sport honors Saudi Arabia’s sports sector
Updated 04 December 2024
Follow

Peace and Sport honors Saudi Arabia’s sports sector

Peace and Sport honors Saudi Arabia’s sports sector

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s sports sector has received the prestigious Peace and Sport Award for its contribution to promoting the role of sport in fostering worldwide peace.

The recognition also highlights the Kingdom’s efforts in implementing a number of sports initiatives, including hosting elite international events.

The award was presented during the 14th International Peace and Sport Forum, held in Monaco under the patronage of Prince Albert II of Monaco. The forum was attended by Prince Fahad bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed, vice president of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

(SUPPLIED)

He accepted the award on behalf of Minister of Sports and SOPC President Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, who in a speech read on his behalf, said: “I begin this occasion by expressing my profound gratitude and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud — from them, we draw inspiration and unwavering belief in supporting global efforts to promote peace, development, and prosperity across the world.”

He said Saudi Arabia was a global leader in fostering coexistence through sports, which served as a noble and effective tool for peaceful communication among the world’s peoples. He also expressed his gratitude to Prince Albert and the Peace and Sport organization team, led by World Olympians Association President Joel Bouzou, for their efforts in spotlighting the organization’s programs and initiatives.


UAE’s Thani Al-Qemzi eyes big finish in Sharjah as Wyatt and Andersson chase title

UAE’s Thani Al-Qemzi eyes big finish in Sharjah as Wyatt and Andersson chase title
Updated 04 December 2024
Follow

UAE’s Thani Al-Qemzi eyes big finish in Sharjah as Wyatt and Andersson chase title

UAE’s Thani Al-Qemzi eyes big finish in Sharjah as Wyatt and Andersson chase title
  • Veteran Team Abu Dhabi driver returns to career starting point with sights already set on new chapter in powerboating

ABU DHABI: Team Abu Dhabi’s Thani Al-Qemzi is already looking forward to opening another chapter in his illustrious career as the Grand Prix of Sharjah brings the 2024 UIM F1H2O World Championship to a tense conclusion at the weekend.

For Al-Qemzi, Sharjah’s renowned Khalid Lagoon is where it all began in November 2000, when he made his debut in the flagship international series of single-seater inshore circuit powerboat racing.

On that occasion, his race ended prematurely in retirement. But in the 24 years since, he has built a reputation as one of the toughest and most enduring competitors in the F1H2O World Championship.

He has been world championship runner-up twice, finished third on six occasions, helped Team Abu Dhabi to a fifth consecutive world team crown two years ago, and still commands enormous respect at the top level.

On Sunday, Al-Qemzi will be starting his 158th Grand Prix, as defending champion Jonas Andersson and Sharjah Team rookie Rusty Wyatt go head-to-head in the title showdown.

While Al-Qemzi returns to action in Sharjah holding 11th place in what has been a difficult season for Team Abu Dhabi, he is determined to add to his career record of Grand Prix victories. If not at the weekend, then next season.

Joining forces again with Sweden’s Erik Stark, who returns to Team Abu Dhabi for a second spell in 2025, Al-Qemzi wants to get back to his best alongside last season’s world championship runner-up.

“The first priority is to find a big finish to the season in Sharjah,” says the veteran Emirati driver, who is once more partnered with cousin Rashed Al-Qemzi, the five-time F2 world title winner, at the weekend.

“It’s a long time since I started my first race there, and so much has happened in between. It’s always been a special place for me, and I look forward to racing on Khalid Lagoon again.

“Next season, it’s up to Erik and myself to push each other to get the results we’re capable of, and hopefully take Team Abu Dhabi back to the top.”

Starting his final Grand Prix for Victory Team in fourth place, before his move to Team Abu Dhabi, Stark will be looking to reproduce the form that took him to victory in the Grand Prix of Binh Dinh-Vietnam back in March.

2024 UIM F1H2O World Championship standings

1. Jonas Andersson (SWE) 99

2. Rusty Wyatt (CAN) 96pts

3. Peter Morin (FRA) 79.5

4. Erik Stark (SWE) 77.5

5. Bartek Marszalek (POL) 64

6. Sami Selio (FIN) 52

7. Marit Stromoy (NOR) 43

8. Stefan Arand (EST) 34.5

9. Ben Jelf (GB) 30.5

9. Ferdinand Zandbergen (NED) 30.5

11. Thani Al-Qemzi (UAE) 27.5


Ethara CEO ‘excited’ as Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concludes Formula 1’s longest season

Ethara CEO ‘excited’ as Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concludes Formula 1’s longest season
Updated 04 December 2024
Follow

Ethara CEO ‘excited’ as Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concludes Formula 1’s longest season

Ethara CEO ‘excited’ as Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concludes Formula 1’s longest season
  • Saif Al-Noaimi speaks to Arab News about the 2024 season, the race at Yas Marina Circuit and other sporting events in the UAE capital

ABU DHABI: Max Verstappen may have clinched his fourth consecutive drivers title a few weeks ago, but as Abu Dhabi prepares to host the finale of Formula 1’s longest season yet, two teams are still in with chance of winning the World Constructors’ Championship.

In the driver and team championships, the 2024 F1 season ended being far more gripping than the early races of the campaign had suggested as the Dutchman and Red Bull went about obliterating their rivals.

Saif Al-Noaimi, CEO of Ethara, organizers of the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, was at Yas Marina Circuit when Formula 1 witnessed arguably its greatest championship finale. Verstappen’s last lap overtake of Lewis Hamilton three years ago has become known among fans, simply, as ”Abu Dhabi 21.”

He believes a renewed sense of competitiveness after a few years of complete Red Bull dominance, is welcome.

“It has been a very exciting season,” Al-Noaimi said. “Max Verstappen dominated the first half, but then (McLaren’s) Lando Norris, and even Oscar Piastri, and the two Ferraris caught up quite a bit in the second half. Brazil was a surprise. Max really dominated in that race and delivered an amazing result.”

Three weeks later, Verstappen won his fourth consecutive World Drivers’ Championship after a fifth-place finish in the Las Vegas Grand Prix. 

“But it is also exciting to see the fight for the Constructors' Championship,” Al-Noaimi said. “McLaren leading, they haven’t won since 1998, Ferrari in second, they haven’t won it since 2008. So they’re going to be fighting really hard to finish on top.

“It’s been a long season. This is the longest in history, Abu Dhabi will be the 24th race.”

Al-Noaimi is impressed by the changes that teams have made throughout the season that have allowed for this thrilling end.

“It’s showing the evolution of the cars from the beginning of the season and how teams are quickly catching up towards the second half of the season. So it’s good to see that innovation, and how quickly some of the teams have been able to catch up in the second half of the season — 2025 is going to be an interesting one. And obviously 2026, with the new rules, is going to shuffle all the cards.

“You have some exciting developments with Adrian Newey’s move (to Aston Martin). We have Hamilton ending his Mercedes era in Abu Dhabi this year, next year going to Ferrari. So there’re a lot of moving parts, exciting things.”

Al-Noaimi also highlighted the fact four rookies will be introduced to the grid next season, a development that means there are no seats for more seasoned drivers such as Mick Schumacher and the popular Daniel Ricciardo.

“It’s a very competitive sport,” he said. “You have a chance to get it right and deliver and you have, in some cases, a few races to prove yourself, otherwise, you’re moved on. I mean, Daniel Ricciardo is an amazing driver, amazing personality. I think he did so much for the sport, he brought in completely new audiences. It’s unfortunate to see him being dropped in the middle of a season and not towards the end of the season. But he had to make way for someone else to be given an opportunity.”

For Al-Noaimi, preparations for the season-ending events started months ago, and it is not just the Formula 1 action that he has to oversee, but all events throughout Abu Dhabi GP race week.

“It’s actually a full week of activities this year. On the ground, some new products that we’re launching, some innovation in the overall experience for our customers. We have redeveloped the Paddock Club this year.”

The changes to the Paddock Club include a completely upgraded rooftop, allowing 360-degree views of the track; an increased capacity;  and a totally new premium customer journey.

These developments come on the back of host of additions last year, such as new viewing platforms Deck on 2, Horizon 360 and Trackside Terrace. This year there is the new Garden on Yas at the W Hotel.

Demand for tickets, Al-Noaimi said, continues, both among tourists and UAE residents.

“We actually sold out of many products as early as June, including circuit grandstands, and that’s six months before the event.

“Since then, we’ve tried to find new ways for people to come and enjoy the action. We didn’t want them to get disappointed, so we had one-day tickets come up in that period. But demand is unprecedented.”

“Last year, we had 170,000 attendees over the weekend, about 70 percent coming from outside the UAE,” he added. “That’s huge for supporting Abu Dhabi’s tourism strategy. And this year we expect similar or larger attendance numbers.”

Another aspect of the event that Al-Noaimi is proud of is the sustainability across the entire weekend.

“Sustainability is essential in our planning for the event. When we’re starting to plan for the event early on, we always view it from a sustainability lens.

“Last year was the biggest year we’ve had in terms of the footprint of the event and the scale of the event and the number of attendees. However, we had a reduction in our carbon footprint despite that significantly larger event. And that’s a result of all the different sustainability initiatives we’ve had over the last few years starting to show results.”

While the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix remains the crown jewel of Ethara’s calendar, and one of the biggest sporting weekends in the region, Abu Dhabi has become home to several other global events in recent years.

“Right now our flagship events are Formula 1, NBA Games and UFC,” Al-Noaimi said. “And then, expanding on the partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism, we were involved last year with delivering Abu Dhabi Art, which took place over a few months across multiple locations in Abu Dhabi. This year, we are also involved in the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial with the Department of Culture and Tourism.”

For those visiting from abroad, the F1 ticket comes with a lot of benefits, Al-Noaimi said.

“It’s truly a full week of activities for an Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holder. On Wednesday, you can upgrade and get a ticket to the World Supercross at Etihad Arena. Throughout that period, you have access, with ‘Yas All In’ pass, to one of the amazing theme parks we have on Yas Island, access to the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island, access to Qasr Al-Watan in Abu Dhabi, as well as a few other tourist destinations.”

But there is little doubt where all eyes will be this weekend, at Yas Marina Circuit.

“From Thursday, you have the pitlane walk, you have the first of the Yasalam after-race concerts happening in Etihad Park. And then you have the entire activities. Obviously the Formula 1 race, but also the support races, Formula 2, we have a Formula 4 Middle East Trophy Round, and Formula 1 Academy for the first time coming to Abu Dhabi as well.”

In two of these support races young local drivers will take to the track.

“We’re fortunate to have three Emiratis racing at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend in front of the same crowd that’s here to watch the Formula One,” said Al-Noaimi. “Amna and Hamda (Al-Qubaisi) are participating at the highest level of the F1 Academy. It’s the first time we bring that to Abu Dhabi. So it’s a proud moment for us to see them race in front of their home crowds.

“Rashid Al-Dhaheri returns for the F4 Trophy Round as well. He just stepped up to Formula Regional. He’s performing extremely well. Last season he took part in Formula 4 UAE. He also did Formula 4 Italy. And he’s participating in a few rounds in Europe and Southeast Asia. He's been doing amazingly well.”