We will ‘do our best’ for Barcelona’s Saudi fans, says Raphinha ahead of Spanish Super Cup start in Jeddah

We will ‘do our best’ for Barcelona’s Saudi fans, says Raphinha ahead of Spanish Super Cup start in Jeddah
Barcelona's Raphinha speaking to the media in Jeddah ahead of the Spanish Super Cup semifinal against Athletic Club (Supplied)
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Updated 08 January 2025
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We will ‘do our best’ for Barcelona’s Saudi fans, says Raphinha ahead of Spanish Super Cup start in Jeddah

We will ‘do our best’ for Barcelona’s Saudi fans, says Raphinha ahead of Spanish Super Cup start in Jeddah
  • Barcelona face Athletic Club in Wednesday’s first semifinal, with winners tackling either Real Madrid or Mallorca in the final at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah

JEDDAH: Raphinha says Barcelona are determined to repay local fans for their support by winning the Supercopa de Espana in Jeddah.

La Liga runners-up Barcelona and Copa del Rey winners Athletic Club will contest the first Supercopa semifinal on Wednesday at King Abdullah Sports City, with kickoff at 10 p.m. local time.

The winners will face either La Liga champions Real Madrid or Copa del Rey finalists Mallorca in Sunday’s final at the same stadium.

Barcelona have an enormous fanbase in Saudi Arabia, a country with a thriving football culture that has been the hosts of the Supercopa de Espana since 2020.

The Catalans are sure to enjoy the majority of the support in Jeddah on Wednesday evening and Raphinha wants to ensure their fans are treated to a spectacle.

Raphinha, 28, said: “I would like to thank them for the love. We know how difficult it is for fans to be able to go to Barcelona and watch one of our games there, so to be able to come here, play in a semifinal and (possibly) a final is great, it’s exciting. What we can do is appreciate the love and do our best to try and win two matches.”

Raphinha arrives in Jeddah as one of Barcelona’s standout players this season, scoring 17 goals and creating 10 assists in 25 matches in all competitions.

The team, however, enter the Supercopa in mixed form. Following a blistering start to the season, Barcelona have lost three of their last seven matches, including consecutive defeats in La Liga.

Barca’s pedigree in the Supercopa is unrivalled, though, having won a record 14 trophies. They last won the competition in Riyadh in 2023, and Raphinha believes success in Jeddah this week can provide a vital boost for the rest of the season.

“A title gives confidence to any team,” the Brazilian forward said. “We have to be ready to fight for everything. We have the opportunity to win the first title of the year. It will give us a lot of confidence.”

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick echoed Raphinha’s comments by insisting his players are raring to go and are fully focused on achieving more Supercopa success in Saudi Arabia.

Flick said: “I can feel with the team everyone is ready for this tournament. The semifinal against Athletic is a tough match and we focus on that and not think about the days after that, only focus on this match.

“Of course, when you win titles, it’s very good for the club, very good for the team, for every player and also for us coaches, because we all work hard and train hard.”

If Barcelona are to add to their 14 Supercopas, they will need to get past extremely tough opposition, starting with semifinal opponents Athletic Club.

The Catalans edged the Basque club 2-1 in their most recent meeting at the start of the Spanish Liga season, although Athletic enter the tie with the better overall form, going unbeaten in their last 15 matches in all competitions and winning 11.

Athletic have also won their last two Supercopa matches against Barca, claiming a 3-2 victory after extra time in the 2021 final, and a comprehensive 5-1 aggregate win in 2015 before the format was expanded to four teams.

Athletic captain Oscar De Marcos is aware of the task against Barcelona, but insists they are ready for the challenge.

“We’re looking forward to being in another semifinal,” he said. “We know we’re facing a very tough opponent, but whenever you’re close to a title you have the hope of being able to win it. We need a great game to be able to win it.”

Athletic also have stellar Supercopa experience in the dugout. Manager Ernesto Valverde has been in charge for two of Athletic’s three Supercopa triumphs, while he is familiar with the tournament in Saudi having led Barcelona in the inaugural four-team tournament in 2020.

“We are excited about the Supercopa,” the Spanish coach said. “Our intention is to make the most of our chances. We are not favorites from the start, but we have to play like it. We will give everything to win it because we have travelled here for a reason.”

On the fans in Saudi Arabia, Valverde added: “There are more Barcelona fans than our own. That’s for sure. There will be a good atmosphere and we hope people can enjoy a good match. I know it well because it was my last match with Barcelona.”

The Supercopa de Espana is being staged in Saudi Arabia as part of a long-term partnership with the Royal Spanish Football Federation, which will keep the competition in the Kingdom until 2029.

 


Annaf in good form ahead of repeat Saudi bid

Annaf in good form ahead of repeat Saudi bid
Updated 8 sec ago
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Annaf in good form ahead of repeat Saudi bid

Annaf in good form ahead of repeat Saudi bid
  • Mick Appleby stable star on course for G2 Turf Sprint defense after prep run
  • Japan is seeking its third win in the contest and are set to field Ten Happy Rose

RIYADH: Last year’s 1351 Turf Sprint winner Annaf is being prepared to defend his Saudi Cup night crown on Saturday Feb. 22, with trainer Mick Appleby reporting he has emerged from a recent prep race in good form.

Hailing from Ireland, Annaf is taking the same route to the $2 million G2 event, run over 1,351 meters on turf at King Abdulaziz Racecourse, by first warming up with a solid run on the all-weather in the Kachy Stakes at Lingfield in the UK.

“He would have finished a bit closer had he not missed the break,” said the trainer. “He was beaten in this race last year before he went to Saudi though, so hopefully we head there with a good chance again.

“He’s come out of the race well and is in good form and we now just need everything to go well in the next few weeks. The track there seems very fair and hopefully he gets a good draw for the race. Rossa (Ryan) will ride him once again.”

Ryan executed the perfect waiting ride 12 months ago, and when a gap emerged up the rail as the field swung off the final bend, he produced Annaf with a winning run to fend off the fast-finishing La La Christine and Byline.

The six-year-old’s success in Riyadh was a big moment for a relatively small UK yard, but one that has proved more than capable of producing horses for the biggest of occasions, as shown with Big Evs’s success at the 2023 Breeders’ Cup.

Speaking about the international opposition once again facing Annaf, Appleby said: “There’s great prize money on offer so it’s always going to be a strong race. We’re looking forward to the challenge once again.

“Last year everyone was very welcoming and it was a great occasion. We had great celebrations when he got back home too.”

Annaf is likely to face 13 rivals as he aims to become the first back-to-back winner of the race.

Japan is seeking its third win in the contest and are set to field Ten Happy Rose, winner of last year’s G1 Victoria Mile, Ascoli Piceno, winner of the G1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies as a two-year-old, and Win Marvel.

G1 Franklin-Simpson Stakes winner Howard Wolowitz of the US will line up for American-based handler Jose D’Angelo, while Topgear, of France, an impressive winner of Newmarket’s G2 Challenge Stakes when last seen, will represent trainer Christopher Head.

Byline, from Great Britain, will again line up for Bahrain-based trainer Allan Smith, along with compatriot Ava Go Joe, with Dark Trooper of Ireland representing Qatar-based Alban de Mieulle and owners Wathnan Racing.

Listed winners Task Force (GB) Witness Stand (GB) and Goemon (GB) will also represent the UK, with Uncle (GB) and Malyan (GB) racing for Saudi Arabia and trainer Thamer Aldaihan.


Spain's Supreme Court clears new soccer chief of malfeasance

Spain's Supreme Court clears new soccer chief of malfeasance
Updated 37 min 4 sec ago
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Spain's Supreme Court clears new soccer chief of malfeasance

Spain's Supreme Court clears new soccer chief of malfeasance
  • The decision saves the RFEF from further embarrassment and the need for a new election
  • The Supreme Court said in its ruling that the decision to grant a new subsidy for works not initially foreseen did not constitute the crime of malfeasance

MADRID: Spain's Supreme Court has upheld an appeal by the new president of the country's scandal-ridden soccer federation (RFEF), Rafael Louzan, against his conviction on charges of malfeasance and a seven-year ban.
The decision saves the RFEF from further embarrassment and the need for a new election.
Louzan was elected in December despite a previous lower court verdict against him after more than a year of turmoil at the football governing body following the downfall of former chief Luis Rubiales and his right-hand man Pedro Rocha.
The Supreme Court, which had taken up Louzan's appeal before his election, said on Thursday it had annulled the lower court ruling that barred Louzan from holding public office for seven years in a case involving a contract to improve a football pitch in the northwestern city of Morana in 2011.
The contractor undertook improvements not initially foreseen and after the works were completed, the provincial authority of Pontevedra, led by Louzan, called a new tender with the intention of awarding it to the company that had already done the job.
The Supreme Court said in its ruling that the decision to grant a new subsidy for works not initially foreseen did not constitute the crime of malfeasance as the authorities were already required to pay for the works done.
The Spanish government had said that were the Supreme Court to confirm Louzan's previous conviction it would seek new elections at the soccer federation.
Louzan, who is leading the RFEF as Spain gears up to co-host the 2030 World Cup, did not immediately answer a request for comment.
The court ruling comes in the same week as Louzan's predecessor Rubiales went on trial at Madrid's High Court, where he stands accused of sexual assault against player Jenni Hermoso after kissing her on the lips at the 2023 Women's World Cup awards ceremony in Australia.
He is also accused of attempting to coerce Hermoso - with the help of three other men - into declaring that the kiss had been consensual.
The episode eclipsed Spain's first women's World Cup victory and has triggered a national backlash against sexism in sport. Rubiales denies those criminal charges.


Australia’s injured Cummins and Hazlewood ruled out of Champions Trophy

Australia’s injured Cummins and Hazlewood ruled out of Champions Trophy
Updated 06 February 2025
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Australia’s injured Cummins and Hazlewood ruled out of Champions Trophy

Australia’s injured Cummins and Hazlewood ruled out of Champions Trophy
  • Batting allrounder Marcus Stoinis dropped out after surprisingly retiring from one-day internationals on Thursday
  • Australia is in Group B with England, South Africa and Afghanistan, it begins against England in Lahore on Feb. 22

MELBOURNE: Australia captain Pat Cummins and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood were ruled out of the Champions Trophy because of injuries on Thursday.
Also, batting allrounder Marcus Stoinis dropped out after surprisingly retiring from one-day internationals on Thursday.
Allrounder Mitchell Marsh withdrew last week due to back injury.
Cummins couldn’t recover from an ankle issue during the Border Gavaskar Trophy test series against India, and Hazlewood has a hip problem.
“Unfortunately Pat, Josh and Mitch are managing some ongoing injuries and haven’t come up in time for the Champions Trophy,” Australia selectors’ head George Bailey said. “While disappointing, it does present a great opportunity for other players to perform for Australia in a world event.”
Cricket Australia said Cummins and Hazlewood begin an “extended period of rehabilitation.”
Steve Smith and Travis Head are the front-runners to lead Australia in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan starting this month.
Australia is in Group B with England, South Africa and Afghanistan. It begins against England in Lahore on Feb. 22.
Australia is due to play two warmup ODIs in Sri Lanka. Fast bowlers Sean Abbott, Spencer Johnson and Ben Dwarshuis along with leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha, allrounder Cooper Connolly and opening batter Jake Fraser-McGurk have been added to the squad for the Sri Lanka ODIs.


Saudi hosts world-class golf tournaments in February

Saudi hosts world-class golf tournaments in February
Updated 06 February 2025
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Saudi hosts world-class golf tournaments in February

Saudi hosts world-class golf tournaments in February
  • LIV Golf Riyadh from Feb. 6-8 and PIF Saudi Ladies International 13–15
  • Players include Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson

RIYADH: This February, Golf Saudi is hosting two of the sport’s biggest men’s and women’s international events.

The tournaments at Riyadh Golf Club will include fan zones, food festivals, fun fairs and concerts by global stars.

It will feature the highly anticipated launch of the 2025 LIV Golf League with LIV Golf Riyadh from Feb. 6 to 8, and the PIF Saudi Ladies International from Feb. 13 to 15.

Known as “The Oasis of the Capital,” Riyadh Golf Club is one of the greenest spots in the city, surrounded by lush landscapes.

The season-opening $20-million LIV Golf Riyadh will include US megastars Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka and Golf Saudi ambassador, Dustin Johnson.

Using Riyadh Golf Club’s advanced and powerful lighting systems, the tournament will also include nighttime sessions.

The PIF Saudi Ladies International will have top players competing for a share of the $5 million prize money — the biggest non-Major prize fund on the Ladies European Tour.

Golf Saudi’s mission to grow the game is central to these events, with on-site initiatives including free lessons for all ages under professional guidance.


How the ILT20 is building a global brand

How the ILT20 is building a global brand
Updated 06 February 2025
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How the ILT20 is building a global brand

How the ILT20 is building a global brand
  • In 2024, it was the 2nd most-watched T20 cricket league globally, with 348 million unique viewers, of whom 63 percent were from India

In Dubai, last Sunday, from my vantage point overlooking the parking area for coaches carrying spectators to ILT20 matches, it was apparent that there were more coaches than normal. They began arriving around 2 p.m., continuing in a steady stream lasting close to three hours. The match which they had come to watch was between the Dubai Capitals and the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders.

These teams occupied the bottom two spots in the ILT20 table. Defeat for the Knight Riders would mean elimination from the competition, whereas the position of the Dubai Capitals was less precarious. The team had two matches remaining in which to secure a top four finish and a place in the playoffs.

In 2024, the Capitals had shown an ability of putting together a late flourish. Then, after eight out of 10 matches in the group stage, it was bottom of the table. Victories in the last two matches, followed by two in the playoff matches, propelled the Capitals to the final. This was despite David Warner returning to Australia to join the national squad, with Sam Billings taking over as captain.

This year the pair arrived late, having played in the final of Australia’s Big Bash League for Sydney Thunders. Warner’s impact against the Knight Riders was immediate. After an uncertain start he adapted to the conditions, batting throughout the innings for 93 in a total of 217 for four. The substitute rule in ILT20 meant that he could recover from his exertions by not fielding. Faced with a daunting target, the Knight Riders set about their task enthusiastically, reaching 96 without loss in 10 overs.

This entertained the almost capacity crowd but not Billings, whose captaincy skills were being tested. Two wickets in two balls brought relief for him, the Knight Riders faltering to lose by 26 runs. Consequently, the Capitals progressed to the playoffs. Even more remarkably, they negotiated these to reach the final via a tense last ball victory against the table-topping Desert Vipers.

There were few people in the stadium to savor this result. One of the stadium’s drawbacks is its lack of connection or even proximity to the metro. This, along with a lack of a cricket-watching hinterland, creates a significant marketing challenge. In recognition of this, the tournament’s management has worked hard to generate interest within the local community and mobilize it through the busing-in policy. It also knows that it needs to be prepared to try out innovative measures.

One eye-catching initiative has been the deployment of a social media influencer, Dolly Chaiwala, for three matches. The Indian, a tea seller from Nagpur, real name Sunil Patel, runs his dolly_ki_tapri_nagpur page on Instagram, which showcases his distinctive style of making tea. Early in 2024, in a scarcely believable moment of serendipity, he was catapulted into a social media frenzy. None other than Bill Gates approached his tea stall. They were pictured side by side, Gates with a glass of tea in hand.

The picture went viral, accompanied by wild speculation that the Nagpur tea seller was to become a brand ambassador for Microsoft. This speculation was fanned following a post by the Bindu Times, a satirical news parody account on Instagram. The account carried an “only for satire” purposes disclaimer, which seemed to escape the attention of readers. Their oversight has done wonders for Dolly’s exposure and, indeed, his whole life. His Instagram site has now achieved a following of some 4.5 million viewers and he is in high demand.

At one of the ILT20 matches in Abu Dhabi queues of people waited to meet him. In Dubai, former Pakistan pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar met Dolly before a match between the Gulf Giants and MI Emirates. As a former professor in marketing communications, I have observed the extraordinary developments in communications channels over the last decade in amazement. Yet, the spine of marketing remains the same — identify and know the target market, design an appropriate message, select the correct channel(s) of communication, budget accordingly, set realistic, desired, outcomes and monitor performance. All of this must be geared to building or sustaining a brand.

ILT20 is in the process of building a brand. It has a stable name sponsor in DP World. In 2024, it was the second most-watched T20 cricket league globally, with a total of 348 million unique viewers, of whom 63 percent were from India. Almost half of viewers were women and 55 percent were categorized as youth viewership. This Indo-centric appeal, despite no Indian players being part of the franchise teams, is likely to have been enhanced this year by the presence of Dolly Chaiwala.

If generating and sustaining audiences for ILT20 presents a challenge, then the next big event to occur in the UAE and, specifically, Dubai, offers challenges at the other end of the scale. As previously highlighted in this column, India’s matches in the International Cricket Council Challenge Trophy will be played in Dubai. This includes the clash between Pakistan and India on Feb. 23. Tickets went on sale online on Feb. 3. Unsurprisingly, they sold out within an hour. There is no stadium in the world large enough to cater for the demand for such a match and it needs no marketing.

However, the match poses a unique set of operational challenges. The Pakistan Cricket Board is the official country host of the tournament, the ICC is the organizer and administrative body, whilst the Dubai International Stadium is owned by Dubai Properties and tenanted by the Emirates Cricket Board.

All parties must work together to manage the hosting of both this match and the others involving India in the Champions Trophy. Whilst other major ICC tournaments have been held in the UAE in the past, this one has the added dimension of Pakistan as official host. Furthermore, those within the ECB are having to juggle their part in the organization of the Champions Trophy with the ongoing hosting of ILT20, which concludes on Feb. 9. These are hectic times for cricket in the UAE, but additional exposure can only be good for ILT20’s image.