US joined by Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica in plan to host 2031 Women’s World Cup, the only bid
NEW YORK: The US plans to co-host the 2031 World Cup with regional neighbors, the same structure being used for the men’s championship next year.
South Africa Sport News
Fitter and hungrier, Luka Doncic embraces his new life before his first full season opener with Lakers
EL SEGUNDO, California: Although Luka Doncic has always loved the ocean, he had never lived in a coastal city until this year. Ljubljana, Slovenia; Madrid; and Dallas are all fine stopovers on the journey of a transcendent basketball player, but they’re not exactly near the beach.
Maccabi Tel Aviv to decline tickets for European tie at Aston Villa
JERUSALEM: Maccabi Tel Aviv will decline any tickets offered to their fans for a Europa League match at away to Aston Villa, the Israeli club announced Monday. The local Safety Advisory Group (SAG) covering Villa Park in Birmingham, central England, last week blocked visiting fans from attending the November 6 match following a police risk assessment. That decision drew widespread political criticism, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with widespread calls for the ruling to be reversed. The British government said Friday it was working to allow Israeli fans to be present. But a statement on the Maccabi Tel Aviv website said: “The wellbeing and safety of our fans is paramount and, from hard lessons learned, we have taken the decision to decline any allocation offered on behalf of away fans, and our decision should be understood in that context. “We hope that circumstances will change and look forward to being able to play in Birmingham in a sporting environment in the near future.” The announcement came only a day after Israeli police called off the Israeli Premier League match between Maccabi and city rivals Hapoel because of “riots” between rival fans. Maccabi insisted their supporters were not involved in the unrest Maccabi Tel Aviv’s atatement questioned the motivation of those leading calls for a ban on away fans. “We acknowledge the efforts of the UK government and police to ensure both sets of fans can attend the match safely, and are grateful for the messages of support from across the footballing community and society at large,” said the club. “Our first-team squad consists of Muslims, Christian and Jewish players and our fan base also crosses the ethnic and religious divide.
Al-Ittihad come from behind to kick-start Champions League campaign
JEDDAH: Al-Ittihad beat Al-Shorta 4-1 on Monday to claim their first win in the AFC Champions League this season, and also hand new coach Sergio Conceicao a welcome first victory in his second game since taking over from sacked Laurent Blanc on Oct. 7.
Pakistan punish sloppy South Africa to reach 259-5
RAWALPINDI: Pakistan punished poor catching from South Africa to accumulate 259-5 on the opening day of the second and final Test in Rawalpindi on Monday.
Dubai Sports Council backs return of Women’s Epic Arabia
DUBAI: The Women’s Epic Arabia, the region’s first and only trail running series created exclusively for women, is set to return to Dubai on Nov. 1.
Masood leads from the front as Pakistan make wasteful S.Africa pay
(corrects Babar spelling in paragraph seven)
Hansen out of Ireland squad for All Blacks clash in Chicago
DUBLIN :Ireland’s Mack Hansen has been ruled out of next week’s test against New Zealand while fellow British & Irish Lions Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw are doubts for the clash in Chicago, the Irish Rugby Football Union said on Monday.