Argentine goalie Martinez gets a hero’s welcome in his hometown
MAR DEL PLATA, Argentina: Argentina’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was greeted by a crowd estimated at 100,000 in his hometown, Mar de Plata.
Saudi Arabia Sport News
Kane’s state of mind no concern to Conte after World Cup penalty pain
LONDON: Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte has insisted Harry Kane will be in the right frame of mind when the England striker returns to Premier League action following his World Cup heartache. Kane’s missed penalty late on against Spurs team-mate Hugo Lloris was a key moment in England’s 2-1 quarter-final loss to France. However, Conte expects his star player to put that disappointment behind him now he’s back on club duty, starting with Monday’s clash at London rivals Brentford.
Ukraine’s Shakhtar tackles FIFA on $42M transfer market case
GENEVA: A $42 million claim for compensation from FIFA will be tough for Shakhtar Donetsk to win, the Ukrainian club’s chief executive acknowledged Friday, though a clear message had been sent by taking the case to sport’s highest court. Shakhtar are determined not to be a pushover in the January transfer window. Not after the club believed they lost control of too many players who left Ukraine this year as other teams gained from FIFA’s emergency transfer rules during the Russian invasion.
Police investigate crowd trouble during Man City win over Liverpool
MANCHESTER, England: Greater Manchester Police are investigating several incidents of crowd trouble during Manchester City’s League Cup clash with Liverpool on Thursday night, including one that led to a 15-year-old girl being treated for head injuries. The clubs issued a joint statement condemning the violence, which they called “hugely disappointing.” City won the match 3-2 to progress to the quarter finals.
Asian soccer set to get new Champions League format in 2024
KUALA LUMPUR: The Asian Champions League is set to be revamped in the 2024-25 season as part of reforms that should add a third club soccer competition for the continent. The marquee Champions League would be cut to 24 teams, instead of the current 40, playing eight guaranteed games in an opening league stage instead of six in a traditional group stage, the Asian Football Confederation said Friday. The proposal echoes changes in Europe’s Champions League which take effect with a new, 36-team league stage in 2024 before the knockout rounds.
King’s Cup round of 16 ends with no surprises
RIYADH: The Saudi King’s Cup round of 16, which took place Dec. 20-22, ended with no shock results.
Saudi boxer Sara Al-Shahrani strikes a blow for TKO Fighters
RIYADH: Dec. 23 marks a milestone for American coach Lee Starks and his Saudi-founded TKO Fighters gym as one of his prize pupils Sara Al-Shahrani will step into the ring in Yaounde, Cameroon to compete in a WBF international championship event. Al-Shahrani will face Mokam Jeanne in a professional event amateur fight in the 52 kg weight class.
Qatar sees off World Cup criticism to claim diplomatic victory
Qatar fought a "culture war", corruption claims and accusations over rights abuses in hosting the World Cup but experts say the Gulf state has reinforced its image everywhere except parts of Europe.