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Madrid: Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe will miss the Champions League play-off second leg against Benfica on Wednesday because of a knee injury, AFP reported yesterday. The French superstar, Madrid’s top scorer this season, has been playing through knee pain over the past few weeks but will not be involved at the Santiago Bernabeu according to the source, confirming a report in French newspaper L’Equipe. Madrid hold a 1-0 lead over Benfica from the first leg in Lisbon last week, in a match which was disrupted by alleged racial abuse aimed at Los Blancos winger Vinicius Junior. Mbappe’s coach Alvaro Arbeloa said earlier that the player was “prepared to play” in the second leg and that he “valued his commitment” in playing through pain, but it was later decided that the forward would not feature against Benfica. Source link
Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum said there are “all the guarantees” for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be held in the country, after the capture and death of Mexico’s most-wanted cartel leader triggered roadblocks, arson and security clashes, notably in Jalisco state. Asked if the top international football tournament, which is expected to draw crowds of fans from around the world to matches in Mexico City, Monterrey and Jalisco’s capital Guadalajara, would pose a risk to visitors, Sheinbaum said there was “no risk.” A spokesperson for FIFA told Reuters that the organisation was closely monitoring the situation and was in close contact with the authorities. “We will continue to follow the actions and directions from the different government agencies, aimed at maintaining public safety and restoring normalcy, and we reiterate our close collaboration with federal, state, and local authorities,” they said. Local Mexican leagues postponed some matches that had been scheduled for Sunday, the day cartel members coordinated a series of violent attacks across the country in the aftermath of an operation to capture cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho,” which resulted in his death. Sheinbaum told a morning press conference that the situation was continuing to normalise, noting that several new roadblocks appeared overnight but said security forces were working to safeguard public security. Sheinbaum has largely followed the political map of her predecessor Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who prioritised alleviating poverty and other root causes of violence, adopting a slogan of “hugs not bullets.”Asked whether the killing of Oseguera marked a break from that policy, Sheinbaum said this would never be the case. “The detention of a suspected criminal with an arrest warrant can generate this type of circumstance, but we are looking for peace, not war,” she said. The arrests of other top cartel figures in Sinaloa state have in recent years also triggered cartel retaliation, including shootouts and vehicles set on fire. Mexico is set to host 13 of 104 World Cup matches. Four of these are set to be held in Guadalajara. It will also host some preliminary warm-up matches before the tournament opens on June 11. Source link
Ticket sales for the Qatar Football Festival, including Finalissima, will begin on February 25, Wednesday at 9pm, Doha time, at www.roadtoqatar.qa. Fans from across the globe are set to experience a star-studded football extravaganza, taking place between March 26-31 in Qatar, that will feature Spain, Argentina, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Serbia in six high-profile matches. The centrepiece Finalissima will feature an epic showdown between European champions Spain and South American and World champions Argentina at the Lusail Stadium on March 27. This is the first time that Qatar is hosting this prestigious international fixture, reaffirming its position as a global sports capital, as the country continues to gain recognition for its renowned legacy of hosting mega-sporting events. The much-anticipated fixture will see the return of reigning world champions and Conmebol Copa Amarica 2024 winners Argentina to the iconic Lusail Stadium – where they lifted the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 title – this time to face the UEFA EURO 2024 champions, Spain. Fans attending the Finalissima will witness a once-in-a-lifetime generational showdown, with Argentina’s legendary Messi set to face Spain’s rising star Lamine Yamal.The Qatar Football Festival will also bring together hosts Qatar, Serbia, as well as continental giants Saudi Arabia and Egypt, in a series of thrilling matches, offering participating nations valuable preparation to measure their readiness and assess their capabilities ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Fans planning to attend the Qatar Football Festival can purchase tickets in the following categories: Thursday, March 26: Egypt v Saudi Arabia at Ahmad bin Ali StadiumCAT 1: QAR 400 CAT 2: QAR 200 CAT 3: QAR 50 Accessibility Ticket: QAR 50 Qatar v Serbia at Jassim bin Hamad StadiumCAT 1: QAR 100 CAT 2: QAR 50 Accessibility Ticket: QAR 50 Friday, March 27: Finalissima Qatar 2026 (Spain v Argentina) at Lusail Stadium CAT 1: QAR 1200 CAT 2: QAR 600 CAT 3: QAR 200 Accessibility Ticket: QAR 200 Monday, March 30: Egypt v Spain at Lusail StadiumCAT 1: QAR 400 CAT 2: QAR 200 CAT 3: QAR 50 Accessibility Ticket: QAR 50 Saudi Arabia v Serbia at Jassim bin Hamad StadiumCAT 1: QAR 100 CAT 2: QAR 50 Accessibility Ticket: QAR 50 Tuesday, March 31: Qatar v Argentina at Lusail StadiumCAT 1: QAR 400 CAT 2: QAR 200 CAT 3: QAR 50 Accessibility Ticket: QAR 50 Fans can purchase up to four tickets for each match and will receive confirmation via their registered email. All fans attending a match will need their own ticket, including infants. All tickets will be digital and will be made available on the Road To Qatar official ticketing app closer to the match date. Tickets are non-refundable. Tickets include accessible seating options for disabled fans. Disabled fans wishing to request accessible seats can do so by sending an e-mail to [email protected]. Throughout the festival, fans will also be treated to a variety of entertainment and cultural activities. Fans are requested to purchase tickets only through www.roadtoqatar.qa – the official ticket platform for Qatar Football Festival. Tickets purchased from any other unauthorised resale platforms are subject to cancellation. All three venues are connected by the Doha Metro, allowing fans to utilise Qatar’s state-of-the-art public transport network. For international fans, exclusive travel packages, including a round-trip flight, accommodation and a match ticket (CAT 1 or 2), are available through Qatar Airways and Visit Qatar, the marketing and promotional arm of Qatar Tourism. For more information, visit https://www.qatarairways.com/footballfestival.For tickets and more information on the Qatar Football Festival, visit www.roadtoqatar.qa and follow @roadtoqatar on all major social media platforms. Related Story Source link
Arsenal celebrate their victory at the end of the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London,…
During the closing ceremony of the Qatar Open 2026, ExxonMobil Qatar proudly recognized its long-standing educational partner, INJAZ Qatar, for reaching a milestone of 500,000 students through its collaborative programs. This achievement reflects a shared commitment to empowering youth and advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, directly aligning with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy.STEM education is a core corporate social responsibility area for ExxonMobil Qatar, recognized as a key driver of economic growth and opportunity. Through strong community partnerships, the company supports innovative STEM initiatives, equipping Qatar’s youth with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world.Taher Hamid, President and General Manager of ExxonMobil Qatar, presented Emad al-Khaja, Chief Executive Officer of INJAZ Qatar, with a commemorative plaque, honoring the organization’s exceptional impact and unwavering commitment to youth empowerment and educational excellence. Joining them was Neil Chapman, Senior Vice President of Exxon Mobil Corporation, along with senior representatives from ExxonMobil Qatar and Qatar Tennis Federation.“As we celebrate another outstanding Qatar ExxonMobil Open, we want to take a moment to formally recognize our partner, INJAZ Qatar, for its incredible work and for positively impacting half a million students since our partnership began,” said Hamid. “INJAZ Qatar has been instrumental in creating meaningful opportunities that impact the future of young people in local communities.”ExxonMobil Qatar has partnered with INJAZ Qatar since 2007 to provide young people with opportunities to channel their creativity and innovation into shaping a brighter future.As a founding board member, ExxonMobil Qatar supports programs such as the INJAZ Mubadara Annual Young Enterprise of the Year Competition, sponsoring the Best Company of the Year Award to encourage local student entrepreneurship.In November 2023, ExxonMobil Qatar signed a sponsorship agreement to support INJAZ Qatar’s Life Skills for Elementary Students Project. The initiative delivers five programs in Arabic for Grades 1 to 6 under the supervision of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.“We are proud of this recognition, which reflects the strength of our long-standing partnership with ExxonMobil Qatar and our shared commitment to education and youth empowerment. This milestone underscores the collective impact that can be achieved through collaboration between the private sector, educational institutions, and national partners. At INJAZ Qatar and INJAZ Al Arab, we remain committed to equipping young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to succeed and contribute meaningfully to the future of our communities,” said Sheikha Hanadi bint Nasser bin Khaled al-Thani, Chairperson, INJAZ Qatar and INJAZ Al Arab.An industry leader in nearly every aspect of the energy and chemical manufacturing industries, ExxonMobil’s commitment extends beyond the business world to make a meaningful impact within the local community. The company plays an active role in community development and education initiatives, aligning its efforts with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third National Development Strategy. This commitment supports the development of a skilled workforce that drives growth and fosters opportunities for a sustainable future. Related Story Source link
Hamish Kerr is the second major star announced for the Doha meeting, after pole vault world record holder Mondo Duplantis confirmed his attendance earlier last month.…
Al Wajba claimed a resounding 5-0 victory over Doha in the third Al Thumama Ramadan Tournament at Al Furjan Stadium on Sunday night.Mansour Khalid al-Ruwaili starred in the dominant performance and was named Man of the Match after leading his side with an impressive display. The football tournament, held in the Al Thumama area in cooperation with the Qatar Sports for All Federation, is dedicated to players aged 10 to 14 (born between 2012 and 2016). The competition continues to showcase emerging talent in a competitive Ramadan atmosphere.Al Zaeem secured a 3-0 win over Al Thumama with Ziad Muawad Khader delivering a standout performance and was awarded Man of the Match following his decisive contribution to the victory. In the other match, Al Rayyan and Abdullah Bin Turki shared the points after a 1-1 draw in a closely contested encounter.Mohammed Hassan al-Emadi of Abdullah Bin Turki earned the Man of the Match award for his influential performance. Youssef Abdul Noor, Director of the Al Thumama Ramadan Tournament, said the third edition has been strong and distinguished at all levels. He praised the remarkable level of skill shown by the young players, noting that the matches have been characterized by competitiveness and enthusiasm, reflecting the tournament’s sporting and educational objectives.He said the high number of goals has been one of the most notable features of this year’s edition, highlighting the attacking spirit of the teams and the players’ determination to perform at their best. Abdul Noor concluded by expressing satisfaction with the engagement of teams and parents, emphasising the commitment to providing a safe and motivating sporting environment. Related Story Source link
London: Police said yesterday they are investigating “abhorrent” racist abuse directed online at four Premier League footballers last weekend. Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare and Sunderland midfielder Romaine Mundle were the latest players to be targeted on Sunday. Chelsea’s Wesley Fofana and Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri suffered similar abuse on Saturday following a 1-1 draw between their clubs. Chief Constable Mark Roberts, the head of the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU), said Monday: “There is absolutely no place for racial abuse, either online or in person, and anyone who believes they can hide behind their keyboards should think again. “The UKFPU condemns this abhorrent behaviour and we will ensure that, through our dedicated team of officers, we do everything possible to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.” Arokodare missed a penalty in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace and subsequently received racist messages from several accounts. Sunderland later revealed Mundle had endured similar attacks following his substitute appearance in a 3-1 loss at Fulham. Kick It Out, a British-based charity aiming to combat racism in football, condemned late Sunday an “appalling weekend” of abuse and calling for meaningful action. The Premier League warned of “serious consequences” for those found guilty of abuse, insisting: “Football is for everyone — there is no room for racism.” But French defender Fofana had little hope of significant action. “2026, it’s still the same thing, nothing changes,” he posted. “These people are never punished. You create big campaigns against racism, but nobody actually does anything.” An official spokesman for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also condemned the “abhorrent” abuse and said the government would put pressure on technology companies to provide greater protection. “Meta has said that it will continue to work to protect people from abuse,” the spokesman said. “Ministers will be holding them to account to ensure it happens.” Meanwhile, Scottish giants Rangers condemned the “simply unacceptable” racial abuse directed towards Djeidi Gassama and Emmanuel Fernandez. The pair were subjected to racism on their Instagram accounts after featuring in a 2-2 draw at Livingston on Sunday. Rangers said Meta had been notified of the abuse and the incidents will be reported to the police. Nigel Dewale, who sent online abuse to England defender Jess Carter during last year’s Women’s Euros, is set to be sentenced on March 25 after pleading guilty to a charge of malicious communication in January. European football’s governing body UEFA last week began an investigation into claims by Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior he was racially abused on the pitch by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni during a Champions League game in Lisbon.The Argentinian has denied the allegations but was suspended from Benfica’s Champions League play-off second leg against Real Madrid pending the ongoing investigation. Benfica have also launched their own probe into two fans who were filmed making what appeared to be monkey gestures towards Vinicius. Source link
Croatian basketball legend Dino Radja will visit Qatar to attend the second window of the Asian qualifiers for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, following an invitation from the Local Organising Committee and the Qatar Basketball Federation. The 58-year-old former World Cup bronze medallist will be in Doha from February 26 to March 3 to attend Qatar’s two matches in the qualifying window – against India on February 27 and Saudi Arabia on March 2 – both scheduled at Lusail Arena. He will also interact with media at the Qatar Basketball Federation headquarters in Al Gharafa on March 1 at 10:30am. Born in Split, Croatia, Radja enjoyed a distinguished career spanning more than two decades across Europe and the United States, collecting numerous individual and team honours. He won two Olympic silver medals – first with former Yugoslavia at the 1988 Seoul Games and again with Croatia at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, where Croatia faced the United States’ famed Dream Team in the final. Radja later helped Croatia secure bronze at the 1994 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Canada, earning selection among the tournament’s five best players alongside stars such as Shaquille O’Neal, Shawn Kemp and Reggie Miller. He also claimed five EuroBasket medals, including gold in 1989 and 1991.In recognition of his achievements, Radja was named among FIBA’s 50 greatest players in 1991 and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018. Source link
(FILES) Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward #07 Vinicius Junior fights for the ball with SL Benfica’s Argentine forward #25 Gianluca Prestianni during the UEFA Champions League knockout…