Saudi Pro League reveals vision for football growth, global impact

Special Saudi Pro League reveals vision for football growth, global impact
The rapid evolution of the Saudi Pro League was discussed at the World Football Summit in Riyadh. (X/@SPL)
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Updated 03 December 2024
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Saudi Pro League reveals vision for football growth, global impact

Saudi Pro League reveals vision for football growth, global impact
  • Speakers at World Football Summit highlight rapid progress in both men’s and women’s games in the Kingdom
  • Potential for investment in Saudi football is huge, Al-Hilal head coach Jose Herrera tells Riyadh forum

RIYADH: Leaders from the Saudi Pro League gathered at the World Football Summit in Riyadh to discuss the league’s rapid evolution and its broader vision for football in the Kingdom.
SPL CEO Omar Mugharbe, along with Monika Staab, Technical Director of the Women’s Football Department at the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), and Jose Herrera, head coach of Al-Hilal, shared insights on the league’s transformation, its growing appeal to global audiences, and plans for long-term development in both men’s and women’s football.
“I think it’s important that we continue to open our doors to welcome people to experience things firsthand,” Mugharbe said during a panel titled “Inside the Revolution: unveiling SPL’s transformation,” emphasizing the league’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity.
“The work that is happening across the board when it comes to support, transformation, and development is happening not only with the league but … our approach to transformation is really looking at every single aspect of the game. Once you come and see and experience what’s really happening on the ground, you’ll definitely (have) a completely different opinion and will be a believer,” he said.
Mugharbe’s comments reflect the sweeping changes happening across the league, from improving the standard of football to creating a more open, inviting environment for both fans and international stakeholders.
“Global audiences are starting to see a lot of attraction in terms of media looking at the stadiums,” he added. “I would definitely want to share and support our love for the game, how competitive our league is, and how deeply ingrained football is within our society. Football is definitely a key.”
The discussion then shifted to women’s football, with Staab offering her perspective on the growth of the women’s game in Saudi Arabia in a panel discussion titled “Unraveling the opportunities for women’s football: the need to better understand ground reality for long-term impact.”
“When I arrived here, I couldn’t believe what I saw,” Staab said, reflecting on the enthusiasm and commitment of young female players in the Kingdom.
“These girls should have their opportunity to play football. They love the game. Saudi has just started, and we are doing grassroots programs. And this is important.”
Drawing a striking comparison with the history of women’s football in Germany, Staab noted how quickly Saudi Arabia is advancing. “It took us 40 years in Germany before this happened, and only three years here in Saudi Arabia,” she said, highlighting the impressive progress the country has made in such a short time.
Herrera spoke about the potential for investment in Saudi football, particularly as the league continues to grow.
“If you are an investor and want to invest, do it here. This is the right place,” he said. “We are a league, we are a country that is growing rapidly. My players and all players here have the passion and commitment to the game.”
As the panelists highlighted at the Riyadh summit, the sport is changing rapidly in Saudi Arabia, with a commitment to both domestic growth and global expansion. The country’s infrastructure, investment opportunities, and development of both men’s and women’s football represent a new chapter in its footballing history.
With a strategic vision that focuses on grassroots development, inclusivity, and international collaboration, the SPL is well on its way to becoming a global force in the sport. As Mugharbe, Staab, and Herrera emphasized, the future of football in Saudi Arabia is not just about expanding a league, but also building a sustainable and thriving “football ecosystem” that can compete on the world stage.


Blocked from international football, Greenland will begin talks with CONCACAF

Updated 9 sec ago
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Blocked from international football, Greenland will begin talks with CONCACAF

Blocked from international football, Greenland will begin talks with CONCACAF
The football-crazy Arctic Island, which US President Donald Trump said he wants to make part of the United States, has never played competitive international football
Greenland had for years sought to become a member of UEFA

COPENHAGEN: Greenland’s Football Association will send a delegation to the United States next month to begin talks on entering North American soccer body CONCACAF, hoping it will boost national pride at a time of global attention.
The football-crazy Arctic Island, which US President Donald Trump said he wants to make part of the United States, has never played competitive international football.
Yet in May last year, it applied for membership of CONCACAF, the governing body for soccer in North and Central America and the Caribbean.
Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory under Denmark but geographically part of the North American continent, had for years sought to become a member of UEFA, European football’s governing body.
Now, Greenland has been invited by CONCACAF general secretary Philippe Moggio for a meeting on Feb. 27 at the body’s headquarters in Miami, according to the head of Greenland’s Football Association, Kenneth Kleist.
UEFA requires its members to be recognized as fully independent by the United Nations. CONCACAF allows autonomous territories to join.
The meeting will take place at a time of renewed US interest in the strategically important island and amid an increasing desire for independence from Denmark among the island’s population of just 57,000.
“The invitation is not related to the current geopolitical interest in Greenland,” Kleist said in a press release.
The world’s biggest island, with just 18 football pitches, would be the 42nd member of the continental association if approved. The outdoor season on the Arctic Island runs from May to August.
“It’s about standing tall and showing that the Greenlandic people are capable and brave enough to take on the big guys,” national head coach Morten Rutkjer told Reuters.
The national team is made up of amateurs playing only friendlies. Greenland is planning three matches later this year against smaller CONCACAF nations.
“There is significant interest in playing against us from several major football nations,” Rutkjer said.

Djokovic tames Alcaraz; Sabalenka keeps Melbourne hat trick alive

Djokovic tames Alcaraz; Sabalenka keeps Melbourne hat trick alive
Updated 22 min 50 sec ago
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Djokovic tames Alcaraz; Sabalenka keeps Melbourne hat trick alive

Djokovic tames Alcaraz; Sabalenka keeps Melbourne hat trick alive
  • The 37-year-old Serb, who is chasing a record 25th Grand Slam crown, outlasted the Spaniard, 16 years his junior, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 despite having his left thigh heavily strapped

MELBOURNE: Ageless Novak Djokovic won an epic generational clash against Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday to stay on track for an 11th Australian Open title with Alexander Zverev next in the semifinals.

The 37-year-old Serb, who is chasing a record 25th Grand Slam crown, outlasted the Spaniard, 16 years his junior, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 despite having his left thigh heavily strapped.

It was a vintage 3hrs 37mins performance and put him into the last four at Melbourne Park for a 12th time, with only Roger Federer (15) doing so more often.

The win also extended his all-time record for most Grand Slam semifinal appearances to 50, four clear of the Swiss great.

To reach another final, he will need to beat second seed Zverev, who battled into the last four for a second year running with a 7-6 (7/1), 7-6 (7/0), 2-6, 6-1 win over American 12th seed Tommy Paul.

As the wind swirled, Djokovic opened with a commanding hold then broke immediately as Alcaraz struggled to find his range.

Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka battled through “unbelievable” windy conditions Tuesday to reach the Melbourne semifinals and keep her dream of an Australian Open hat-trick alive.

The world No. 1 faces Spain’s Paula Badosa for a place in the final after grinding past Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 at the Rod Laver Arena.

“The conditions were unbelievable. The wind was so strong. It was very difficult for both of us,” said Sabalenka, who can become the first woman since Martina Hingis in 1999 to win the Australian Open three years in a row.

If she does, she will join a select group of five women who have completed the Melbourne three-peat. The others are Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong, Steffi Graf and Monica Seles.

“I’m really happy that I put myself in this situation where I have the opportunity to become one of them,” said Sabalenka.

“To be next to those names, wow, that’s just a dream.”

The 11th seed Badosa earlier stunned world No. 3 Coco Gauff in straight sets to reach her maiden Grand Slam semifinal at the age of 27.

“She’s a great player and she has been through a lot. Now she’s back on her best game. I’m really happy to see that,” said Sabalenka of Badosa, who a year ago almost quit tennis because of a chronic back condition.

Sabalenka’s 19th win in a row at Melbourne Park turned into a battle for survival in increasingly blustery conditions.


Bayern sign Germany youth international Bischof

Bayern sign Germany youth international Bischof
Updated 21 January 2025
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Bayern sign Germany youth international Bischof

Bayern sign Germany youth international Bischof
  • Bischof, 19, signed a deal which runs until 2029
  • He will join Bayern at the end of the season

MUNICH: Bayern Munich on Tuesday announced the signing of Germany youth international Tom Bischof on a free transfer from Hoffenheim.
Bischof, 19, signed a deal which runs until 2029 and he will join Bayern at the end of the season.
“(He is) one of the biggest German talents, who has also attracted international interest,” Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund said in a statement.


The midfielder joined Hoffenheim’s youth system aged just six and has played for Germany at various age-group levels.
Bischof has played 16 Bundesliga games this season, scoring two goals and laying on two assists, while he has also started each of Hoffenheim’s six Europa League matches.
Bischof has been earmarked to replace 29-year-old Bayern midfielder Leon Goretzka, whose contract expires in 2026.


Finishing touches being put on Pakistan stadiums ahead of ICC Champions Trophy

Finishing touches being put on Pakistan stadiums ahead of ICC Champions Trophy
Updated 21 January 2025
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Finishing touches being put on Pakistan stadiums ahead of ICC Champions Trophy

Finishing touches being put on Pakistan stadiums ahead of ICC Champions Trophy
  • Eight-team 50-overs tournament will be first global competition held in Pakistan in 28 years
  • India will play all their matches in Dubai due to political tensions with the northern neighbor

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) this week allayed fears about the preparedness of the venues for this year’s Champions Trophy as they welcomed media for a tour of Lahore’s Qaddafi Stadium on Monday.

Arshad Khan, manager of National Bank Stadium, addresses media persons regarding the progress of the renovation work ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tournament at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on January 20, 2025. (REUTERS)

The eight-team 50-overs tournament will be the first global competition to be held in Pakistan in 28 years.
India, however, will play all their matches in Dubai due to political tensions with their Northern neighbors.

Laborers work during a media tour, organized by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), to showcase the progress of the renovation work ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tournament at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on January 20, 2025. (REUTERS)

Stadiums in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi are being upgraded for the tournament whose success could invite more global tournaments to a country, which was deemed unsafe to tour after a 2009 attack on the visiting Sri Lankan cricketers.

Journalists attend a media tour organized by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), to showcase the progress of the renovation work ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tournament at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on January 20, 2025. (REUTERS)

“We are in the finishing phase. Our work is almost complete, the finishing touches remain. We will complete it by the end of this month,” PCB director of infrastructure, Qazi Jawad, told Reuters in Lahore.
The stadium’s capacity has been increased to accommodate 35,000 fans while new hospitality areas have also been constructed.

Laborers work during a media tour, organized by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), to showcase the progress of the renovation work ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tournament at the Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore on January 20, 2025. (REUTERS)

Lahore and Karachi will host a tri-nation series involving New Zealand and South Africa next month to prove their readiness for the Champions Trophy beginning on February 19.

Laborers work during a media tour, organized by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), to showcase the progress of the renovation work ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tournament at the Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore on January 20, 2025. (REUTERS)

 


Dubai BC coach says late defeat by Cedevita Olimpija is ‘unacceptable’

Dubai BC coach says late defeat by Cedevita Olimpija is ‘unacceptable’
Updated 21 January 2025
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Dubai BC coach says late defeat by Cedevita Olimpija is ‘unacceptable’

Dubai BC coach says late defeat by Cedevita Olimpija is ‘unacceptable’
  • The Slovenian team won 85-84 at Coca-Cola Arena with just seconds to go, thanks to a free throw

DUBAI: The coach of Dubai Basketball said his team’s defeat by Slovenian powerhouse Cedevita Olimpija on Sunday was “unacceptable” after his team suffered 19 turnovers at Coca-Cola Arena.

The teams were locked at 84-84 with just seconds remaining when the visitors capitalized on a crucial free throw to claim victory by a single point, running out at 85-84.

Dubai’s latest addition Jerry Boutsiele, playing at home for the first time since joining the team, delivered an outstanding performance with 18 points and eight rebounds. Davis Bertans matched his tally with 18 points and six rebounds and their efforts kept Dubai in the game until the very end.

However, it would be the team’s uncharacteristic turnovers that allowed the game to slip away.

Head coach Jurica Golemac highlighted the challenges his team faced, particularly in the third quarter where they conceded 32 points.

“This is unacceptable for a team like us,” Golemac said. “The 19 turnovers in the end cost us the win. We fought hard in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough. It’s a [team] sport, and we need to keep working.”

Bertans added: “There’s a lot to learn from every game. It’s a new team, and as long as we keep improving, the season is only going to get better.”

Cedevita Olimpija’s head coach, Zvezdan Mitrovic, praised his team’s composure and focus, despite their grueling schedule.

“This is our fourth game in one week, traveling from Bulgaria to Lithuania, and now Dubai. I want to congratulate my players for their effort and for enjoying the beautiful Coca-Cola Arena atmosphere,” he said.

The game was not just about competition but also celebration.

Lebanese basketball star Fadi El Khatib, recently inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame Class of 2025, was honored on court with a signed jersey. The team also welcomed an honored guest, the president of Basketball Club Bosna Sarajevo Dubravko Barbaric, renowned as a true ambassador of the sport and a strong supporter of Dubai Basketball. Antonello Riva, Italy’s all-time leading scorer, was also present.

Dubai Basketball will travel to face Mega MIS on Jan. 27 before returning home to take on Borac Mozzart at Coca-Cola Arena on Feb. 2.