Hamilton defends F1 Vegas race after Verstappen outburst
LAS VEGAS: Seven-times Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has defended the organization of the Las Vegas Grand Prix after criticism from current world champion Max Verstappen.
Saudi Arabia Sport News
Saudi Pro League: Meet the managers who have made the move
So far this year, we've seen Karim Benzema, Neymar, Sadio Mane and N'Golo Kante, amongst others, make the move to the Middle East. However, it's not just the players who have opted to swap continents. Several managers, household names in Europe, have also made their way to the region.
Riyadh pulls out all the stops in its bid to host World Expo 2030
Riyadh City is one of the fastest-growing capitals in the world and a thriving metropolis. Part of Saudi Arabia's 2030 Vision masterplan for its transformation includes a bid backed by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City to host the World Expo 2030 with a budget of €7.2 billion. World Expos are global events that aim to find solutions to challenges to humanity and create a dynamic space to activate change.
Hungary qualify for Euro 2024 after clinching draw
PARIS: Hungary qualified for Euro 2024 when a Bulgarian own goal late in stoppage time gave them a 2-2 draw in Sofia on Thursday. The Hungarians needed a single point to clinch their ticket to the finals in Germany but were trailing 2-1 before Alex Petkov headed into his own net in the 97th minute. The Hungarian players exploded in joy at the end of a match played in an empty stadium because of fears of violence. However Bulgarian fans protesting against their own football federation clashed with police outside the ground. The draw gave Hungary 15 points from seven games in Group G of European qualifying, two ahead of Serbia. The Hungarians join host nation Germany, Austria, Belgium, England, France, Portugal, Scotland, Spain and Turkiye as the teams qualified so far for next year’s finals. Hungary, whose play was largely directed by Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, took the lead in the 10th minute through Martin Adam but Spas Delev pulled Bulgaria level on 24 minutes. Bulgaria grabbed the advantage in a hard-fought game when Kiril Despodov placed a penalty beyond the outstretched hand of the Hungarian ‘keeper after Despodov had been fouled by Attila Szalai. But just as it seemed Hungary were slipping to defeat, the unfortunate Petkov headed a Hungarian cross into his own net.
Salah scores four, Lesotho shock Nigeria in World Cup qualifying
JOHANNESBURG: Liverpool star Mohamed Salah scored four goals as Egypt trounced Djibouti 6-0, and minnows Lesotho pulled off a shock 1-1 draw in Nigeria in World Cup qualifying on Thursday. After reaching the 200-goal mark in English football last Sunday, Salah netted twice in each half of a Group A matchday one romp in Cairo.
Al-Shehri the star as Saudis defeat Pakistan to kick off World Cup qualification campaign
RIYADH: Two goals from Saleh Al-Shehri, plus late strikes from Abdulrahman Ghareeb and Abdullah Radif, ensured Saudi Arabia’s 2026 World Cup qualification campaign got off to a winning start on Thursday with a 4-0 home win over Pakistan.
Arsenal boss Arteta charged over VAR rant
LONDON: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been charged by the Football Association over an explosive VAR rant following his side’s controversial defeat against Newcastle. Arteta said the VAR decision not to disallow Anthony Gordon’s goal in the 1-0 loss at St. James’ Park earlier this month was embarrassing and an “absolute disgrace.” “Mikel Arteta has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3.1 following comments that he made in media interviews after Arsenal’s Premier League game against Newcastle United on Saturday, November 4,” an FA statement said on Thursday. “It’s alleged that his comments constitute misconduct as they are insulting toward match officials and/or detrimental to the game and/or bring the game into disrepute.” VAR checked to see whether the ball had gone out of play before Joe Willock’s cross, whether Joelinton had fouled Arsenal defender Gabriel and whether Gordon had been offside. All three decisions went in Newcastle’s favor, even though the ball appeared to have gone out, while Joelinton clearly pushed Gabriel in the back. Arteta could not hide his anger after the match, saying: “You have to talk about how the hell did this goal stand up? Incredible.
Fury to fight Usyk for undisputed heavyweight crown in Riyadh on Feb. 17
LONDON: Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will clash in a “historic” fight for the undisputed heavyweight title in Saudi Arabia on February 17. British star Fury will put his WBC belt on the line, with the WBA, IBF and WBO titles held by Ukraine’s Usyk also up for grabs in Riyadh. The winner will be crowned the heavyweight division’s first undisputed champion since Lennox Lewis from 1999 to 2000. Fury, 35, and Usyk, 36, were originally expected to clash on December 23. But Fury’s disappointing performance in a split-decision victory over MMA star Francis Ngannou last month forced a delay to the hotly-anticipated bout. He was left with a swollen eye and cut on the forehead after the contentious win against Ngannou. Fury had already been criticized for failing to agree a deal with Usyk when a proposed meeting at Wembley in April couldn’t be confirmed. The pair will finally step into the ring in 2024 as Fury looks to add to his record of 34 wins with one draw since turning professional in 2008. “This is a historic event. The whole world of boxing has been waiting for many, many years, and they now have this fight,” Fury’s promoter Frank Warren told reporters at a press conference in London on Thursday. “For the first time this century, we will have an undisputed heavyweight champion. “As a promoter I’ve been banging my head against the wall.