Saudi Arabia - players.bio

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.