Author: Publisher
The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 third place play-off between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates has been indefinitely suspended due to lightning storms in close proximity to the Khalifa International stadium. The organizers said in a statement: “While the venue retained full operational integrity and the pitch remained in good condition, this action was taken by the referee and match officials to ensure the safety of all the players, fans and staff at the stadium.” The decision to award the third place winner will be decided in due course by the relevant committee within FIFA. Source link
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for Football Events announced that Qatar will host the men’s Finalissima 2026 at the iconic Lusail Stadium on 27 March 2026. The showpiece fixture will see European champions Spain take on South American champions Argentina in a highly anticipated clash between continental title holders. For Argentina, this match marks a symbolic return to the scene of their exhilarating victory over France in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final, where La Albiceleste ended a 36-year wait to reclaim football’s most coveted prize.His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Thani, Minister of Sports and Youth and Chairman of the LOC, said: “Qatar is proud to host this prestigious match between two champions. We have a track record of delivering world-class sports events, providing an exceptional experience for fans, supporters and media. Hosting Finalissima 2026 further demonstrates the trust our partners continue to show in Qatar.’ The organisation of the Finalissima 2026 comes following a record-breaking football season delivered by the LOC at the end of 2025, which showcased the country’s exceptional organisational capabilities and the international football community’s trust in its ability to deliver world-class football events.This includes Qatar’s hosting of the first 48-team FIFA U-17 World Cup, which saw 104 matches played at a single venue and the AGCFF U-17 Gulf Cup. Qatar is also hosting the U23 Gulf Cup Qatar 2025, while simultaneously delivering the final three matches of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025 during the rest days of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, which is set to conclude on 18 December.UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said: “This match symbolises the unification of two footballing continents and showcases the global reach of our sport in such a prestigious fixture. We look forward to an unforgettable evening of elite football and international celebration.” CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez added: “This showpiece game is more than a competition, it is a symbol of collaboration and respect between confederations, and an opportunity for fans to enjoy a truly historic occasion.” With world-class infrastructure, exceptional facilities, and a proven track record as a hub for elite football, Qatar offers an ideal venue for the Finalissima 2026, while its strategic location provides prime time broadcasting opportunities for global audiences. Further details on match organisation and ticket sales will be communicated in the coming weeks. Related Story Source link
A French court on Thursday sentenced a doctor to life in jail for poisoning 30 child and adult patients, 12 of whom died, reportedly in an attempt to discredit co-workers. Frederic Pechier, 53, worked as an anaesthetist in two clinics in the eastern city of Besancon, when patients went into cardiac arrest in suspicious circumstances between 2008 and 2017. Twelve could not be resuscitated. Pechier’s youngest victim, four-year-old Teddy, survived two cardiac arrests during a routine tonsil surgery in 2016. The oldest victim was 89.”You will be incarcerated immediately,” presiding judge Delphine Thibierge said. An investigation was launched in 2017, after suspicious cardiac arrests were recorded during operations on patients considered low-risk. During the more than three-month trial, prosecutors called for Pechier to be jailed for life, saying he “used medicine to kill”.They say he contaminated IV bags with potassium, local anaesthetics, adrenaline, and even an anticoagulant to trigger cardiac arrest or haemorrhaging in patients being treated by colleagues. His goal, prosecutors said, was to “psychologically hurt” caregivers with whom he was in conflict and to “feed his thirst for power”.Pechier had argued during the probe that the majority of poisonings were the result of “medical errors” made by his colleagues. He admitted during the trial that there had been a person poisoning patients in one of the two clinics where he worked, but said it was not him. “I am not a poisoner,” he said.One colleague described Pechier as a very good doctor with an “oversized ego”.In tears during the trial earlier this month, Pechier recounted trying to kill himself in 2021. The verdict comes after a court in May sentenced retired doctor Joel Le Scouarnec to 20 years in prison after he confessed to sexually abusing or raping 298 patients, most of them children, between 1989 and 2014. That case raised questions about how he was allowed to continue practising until retirement despite at least one colleague sounding the alarm Source link
Israel launched several strikes on southern and eastern Lebanon on Thursday, Lebanese state media reported, as the Israeli military said it targeted Hezbollah infrastructure including a military compound. The attacks come as the committee monitoring the ceasefire, in effect since November 2024, which includes the United States, France and the UN in addition to Lebanon and Israel, is set to meet on Friday. Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported several strikes in the south and east. In another statement, the military said: “A short while ago, the IDF struck a Hezbollah in the area of Taybeh in southern Lebanon.”Lebanon’s health ministry said four people were wounded in the Taybeh strike.Despite the ceasefire that was supposed to end more than a year of hostilities between Israel and militant group Hezbollah, Israel has intensified its attacks.A meeting on Lebanon is taking place on Thursday in Paris with the Lebanese army chief and American and Saudi officials, at a time when France and the United States are pressuring the Lebanese government to accelerate Hezbollah’s disarmament. Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri called the Israeli strikes “an Israeli message to the Paris conference dedicated to supporting the Lebanese arm. Source link
The German government said Thursday it would take in 535 Afghans who had been promised refuge in Germany but have been stuck in limbo in Pakistan.Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt told the RND media network Berlin wanted to complete the processing of the cases “in December, as far as possible” to allow them to enter Germany. The Afghans were accepted under a refugee scheme set up by the previous German government, but have been stuck in Pakistan since conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz took office in May and froze the programme.Pakistan had set a deadline for the end of the year for the Afghans’ cases to be settled, after which they would be deported back to their homeland.Dobrindt said that “we are in touch with the Pakistani authorities about this,” adding: “It could be that there are a few cases which we will have to work on in the new year.”Earlier this month, more than 250 organisations in Germany, including Amnesty International, Save the Children and Human Rights Watch, said there were around 1,800 Afghans from the programme in limbo in Pakistan, and urged the government to let them in. Source link
Naseeb Zakhir confirmed his rising form with a commanding performance to capture the feature Zekreet Cup, a Local Purebred Arabian Handicap (75–95) for four-year-old+ over 1200m, winning by four and a half lengths.Owned and trained by Osama Omer al-Dafea and ridden by Faleh Bughenaim, the four-year-old grey colt recorded his second win from four starts this season, following two runner-up finishes.Breaking sharply from barrier six in the seven-runner field, Naseeb Zakhir was prominent from the outset, briefly leading before settling just off the pace behind early leader Azzam FBR. PICTURES: Juhaim Flanked through the middle stages by Al Wasmi and Khaled Al Shahania, he traveled purposefully before unleashing a decisive turn of foot in the straight, quickly asserting superiority. Al Wasmi, representing Al Wasmiyah Farm, finished second, while Khaled Al Shahania held on for third.Earlier, Aljalta delivered a breath-taking performance to open his account in the card opener, a Thoroughbred Handicap (0–60) for three-year-old+ over 1900m, Class 6, contested by 14 runners. The three-year-old bay colt, owned by Khalid Rashid al-Mohannadi, trained by Rashid al-Jehani and ridden by Alberto Sanna, dismantled the field with a staggering 20-length victory.Settled neatly in third after the break, Aljalta tracked the early pace set by Villain’s Voice, who was closely attended by Allegorical as the pair edged a couple of lengths clear of the rest. Aljalta travelled comfortably in behind, biding his time through the middle stages as he began to close on the leaders. Approaching the home turn, Sanna asked his mount to quicken and the response was immediate and devastating.Turning for home, Aljalta raced against his own shadow, unleashing a devastating turn of foot that carried him clear with every stride. He swept past the leaders with ease and quickly put the race beyond doubt, drawing further clear with every stride to leave his rivals battling only for the minor placings. Little Lips, racing for Mohammed bin Hamad bin Abdulrahman al-Attiyah, trained by Jassim al-Ghazali and partnered by Marco Casamento, finished best of the rest to take second. Time Traveller, representing The Pearl Racing, trained by Mohammed al-Ghazali and ridden by Soufiane Saadi, stayed on strongly from midfield to claim third, a length behind the runner-up. Source link
African heavyweights Morocco and Asian Cup finalists Jordan meet at the Lusail Stadium today with the FIFA Arab Cup title on the line, in a final that pits the tournament’s most prolific attack against its most resilient defence.Jordan have been the free-scoring kings of the competition, plundering ten goals in five matches. Over the same span, Morocco have conceded just once, which was an own goal inside the first hour of their opening group match.Even in the absence of injured Nashama forward Yazan al-Naimat, the decider at the regional showpiece is set up as a battle between a prolific Jordan side and a watertight Moroccan unit.The Atlas Lions are aiming to continue their love affair with Qatar, three years after reaching the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup. Lusail has also been a happy hunting ground for Jordan, who played the Asian Cup final at the same venue two years ago.Jordan have been rocked by a long-term knee injury suffered by al-Naimat in their quarter-final win over Iraq, but head coach Jamal Sellami has quality depth to call upon, led by the prolific Ali Olwan, the tournament’s top scorer.Morocco have proved close to impenetrable at the tournament, even in the absence of several regulars. For the last four matches, goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid, central defenders Soufiane Bouftini and Marwane Saadane, and full-backs Mohamed Boulacsout and Hamza El Moussaoui have played all but half an hour.Together with captain Mohamed Hrimat, they have formed an outstanding defensive unit. The Nashama will need to do what no team has managed so far — find a way through them.Both nations exited at the quarter-final stage four years ago and, with defending champions Algeria falling at that hurdle in the current edition, a new name will be engraved on the trophy today on Qatar’s National Day.On the eve of the final, Moroccan coach Tariq Sektioui stressed the scale of the task ahead, noting that both teams fully deserve their place after consistently high-level performances throughout the tournament.Sektioui said: “We are ready and we will not squander our chances of winning the Arab Cup. We will do our utmost to achieve the goal we set from the beginning,” while acknowledging Jordan’s advantage in squad continuity and cohesion. He also highlighted the presence of compatriot Jamal Sellami on the Jordan bench, noting the coach’s deep familiarity with Moroccan players.Despite limited preparation time, injuries and the challenge of assembling players from clubs at home and abroad, Sektioui remains confident, pointing to his squad’s fighting spirit and tactical discipline.Moroccan midfielder Marouane Louadni echoed his coach’s confidence, saying: “The entire team is fully prepared to face the final, and the goal is clear, which is to win and claim the title.”Aware of Jordan’s perfect record, Louadni underlined the importance of focus at both ends of the pitch, adding: “We know the method adopted by the Jordanian team and have studied it thoroughly. The most important thing is to remain focused at all times, defensively to deal with counter-attacks and offensively by taking advantage of our opportunities.”Jordan coach Jamal Sellami acknowledged the difficulty of facing Morocco but insisted his players are ready. He said: “This is a highly anticipated final in a fantastic tournament organized by the State of Qatar in an impressive manner. We know our task will not be easy against a strong opponent with many individual and collective qualities, which requires full technical, mental and physical readiness.”Sellami also spoke of the personal significance of facing his homeland and former teammate Sektioui, calling it a reflection of Moroccan football’s progress, while reaffirming his responsibility to an ambitious Jordan side.He added: “I believe we need this title more. Morocco have achieved many titles and global successes in recent years, while we reached the Asian Cup final and fell short. Winning the Arab Cup would represent a major leap for Jordanian football, cement this generation and give a strong push to new players. Playing a final without winning means nothing.”Saudi face UAE in third-place play offEarlier in the day, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates will clash to determine which nation picks up the bronze at Arab Cup. The pressure will be on a Saudi side headed for the World Cup in six months’ time to end on a high here but they will have to do so without the suspended defender Waleed al-Ahmed. The UAE were rolled 3-0 by Morocco in the semi-finals and that may prompt some changes from coach Cosmin Olaroiu as the nation gears up for the Asian Cup – to be hosted in Saudi Arabia – in one year from now. Source link
The UN Convention on Negotiable Cargo Documents creates, for the first time, a single document that can be used for trains, trucks and planes which allows…
An emotional Alex Carey slammed a controversial 106 on his home ground and Usman Khawaja hit a defiant 82 yesterday to put Australia in the driving seat of the third Ashes Test against England.Batting after captain Pat Cummins won the toss as temperatures topped 36 Celsius at Adelaide Oval, the hosts were 326-8 at stumps on day one after the shock of Steve Smith being ruled out with illness.Mitchell Starc was not out 33 and Nathan Lyon yet to score.”To make a hundred here in front of home fans and family was special,” Carey said, although it was shrouded in controversy over a let-off on 72.Carey conceded he likely edged a delivery from England quick Josh Tongue that was caught behind by Jamie Smith.”I thought there was a feather or some sort of noise when it passed the bat,” he said.”If I was given out I think I would have reviewed it, probably not confidently.”He was given not out and England failed to have the decision overturned on review with replays showing a noise spike before the ball reached his bat.The “snicko” technology’s operator, BBG, admitted to reporters after play there had likely been an error with England raising the matter with match referee Jeff Crowe.”I don’t think we’ve done anything about it so far but after today, maybe that might go a bit further,” said England bowling consultant David Saker.It overshadowed Carey’s maiden Ashes ton that saw him gesture towards the sky in a nod to his father Gordon, who died from cancer in September.”I guess you know as well why I was looking to the heavens. I’m trying not to tear up. But, no, it was great,” he said.A tireless Jofra Archer ended with 3-29 on a tough day for England’s bowlers in the field.”I thought it was a good performance from our bowlers, the heat took us a bit by surprise,” said Saker.”The boys toiled away.”Khawaja reprieveAustralia lead the five-Test series 2-0 and will retain the Ashes if they win or draw, after back-to-back eight-wicket thumpings in Perth and Brisbane.Smith, who has more than 10,000 runs, had been feeling unwell in the lead-up but was on Tuesday named in the side.He was on the field during the morning warm-up but left 20 minutes before the toss shaking his head.His absence gave an unexpected reprieve to Khawaja, who had been overlooked as opener in favour of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald.Khawaja, who missed Brisbane after suffering back spasms in Perth, grabbed his chance in a stoic knock.He was eventually out just before tea, slog-sweeping to Tongue in the deep off the spin of Will Jacks.Carey picked up the mantle, first alongside Josh Inglis (32), then Pat Cummins (13), and latterly Starc, who once more showed his prowess with the bat.Carey hit eight fours and a six in his third Test century, bringing up the milestone in front of family, friends and 56,298 fans — the biggest cricket crowd ever at the venue.Archer burstA blistering first over after lunch from Archer had left Australia reeling at 94-4.He removed Marnus Labuschagne for 19 with his first ball after the interval.Two deliveries later Cameron Green was gone, with Brydon Carse collecting catches at midwicket to dismiss both.Inglis and Cummins fell in the final session to Tongue and Carse respectively.Players from both teams wore black armbands as a mark of respect to the victims of the Bondi Beach mass shooting.A moment of silence was held before the game with security tightened and flags flying at half-mast.At the start, Weatherald raced to 18 but his gung-ho approach cost him against the pace of Archer, who fired down a bouncer and induced a top edge to Smith.Head followed next over for 10, with Zak Crawley taking a sensational instinctive catch low to his left off Carse.Khawaja, on five, was fortunate to survive when Harry Brook dropped a sitter at second slip and went on to bring up his 28th Test 50 to big cheers.Carey had another life on 52 when Carse put down a difficult chance in the covers and the 34-year-old made the most of it before falling when he top-edged Jacks to Smith just before the close.BRIEF SCORES: Australia 326 for 8 (Carey 106, Khawaja 82, Archer 3-29) vs England. Source link
The agreement marks the first time governments have committed to addressing chronic illnesses – such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes – alongside mental health, recognising…