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Sabalenka blasts past Paolini into Miami final

MIAMI GARDENS: World number one Aryna Sabalenka blasted her way into the final of the Miami Open with a convincing 6-2 6-2 demolition of Italy’s Jasmine Paolini. Sabalenka needed just 71 minutes to wrap-up her win against the sixth seed and she will now face the winner of Thursday’s other semifinal between American Jessica Pegula and wildcard Alexandra Eala. The win earns the Belarusian, who was beaten in the Indian Wells final earlier this month by Mirra Andreeva, a place in the Miami final for the first time in her career. “I’m super happy with the level I played today. Of course super happy to be in my first Miami Open final,” said Sabalenka. Sabalenka was never behind against Paolini, and the match was only tied twice — at 1-1 in each set.

Kenya probes goalkeeper match-fixing allegation

NAIROBI: Kenya opened a match-fixing investigation Thursday following allegations that a national team goalkeeper helped rig an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) confirmed it was aware of videos circulating online involving goalkeeper Patrick Matasi which raised concern about the possibility of match manipulation. “FKF upholds the integrity of football and has launched an official investigation, in collaboration with FIFA, CAF, and other relevant authorities,” the Kenya football board said in a statement. “We reaffirm our zero-tolerance policy on match manipulation and are committed to safeguarding the credibility of our competition.”

Mbappe, Vinicius among Real Madrid stars facing UEFA conduct probe

MADRID: UEFA opened an investigation into four Real Madrid stars including Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior on Thursday for alleged “indecent conduct” during their Champions League last 16 win over Atletico Madrid. Madrid’s two superstar forward, as well as defender Antonio Rudiger and midfielder Dani Ceballos, face potential punishment ahead of their quarter-final first leg clash at Arsenal on April 8. “A UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to investigate allegations of indecent conduct by Real Madrid CF players,” said the European football governing body in a statement.

FAI reports alleged racist comment during U17 match to Uefa

An alleged racist incident during an under-17 football match between the Republic of Ireland and Poland has been reported to Uefa.

How the sale of Newcastle United to Saudi Arabia’s PIF transformed the club’s fortunes

DUBAI: For the majority of football fans, Jan. 22, 2021, is unlikely to be a date that sticks in their long-term memory. But for supporters of one club in particular, it is one that is laden with significance.

French soccer federation sends support to Fofana after online racist abuse

PARIS: The French soccer federation has condemned the racist abuse directed at Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana after the Premier League team’s loss at Arsenal. The governing body said Wednesday the online attacks “are unacceptable” and called for the abusers to be prosecuted and sanctioned. “I want to assure Wesley of my full support,” federation president Philippe Diallo said. “On the pitch as elsewhere, racism is intolerable.

The Tour de France is returning to the UK in 2027 with a start from Edinburgh

PARIS: Britain will host the Grand Départ of both the Tour de France and the women’s version of the race in 2027, organizers said Wednesday. It will be the 28th time that the Tour de France starts from a foreign country, and the first time since 2014 — when the Tour began in the Yorkshire region — that Britain hosts the start of cycling’s biggest race. The 2007 Tour started in London. For the Tour de France Femmes, it will be the first time holding stages in Britain, with the start location to be announced later. The men’s and women’s races will take place on different dates. Full details of the route have yet to be announced but organizers revealed that the men’s Tour de France will begin in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah stars foresee bright future for Saudi game ahead of SAFF Women’s Cup final

RIYADH: Ahead of the SAFF Women’s Cup final on Wednesday night, Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah coaches and players have spoken to Arab News about their football journeys, and predicted a bright future for the women’s game in the Kingdom. Taking place on March 19 at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, the match will feature two of the top teams in Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning women’s football scene. Manar Fraij, Al-Ahli’s football coach, said that the Saudi league was competing to be one of the best leagues in the Arab world, even at the level of Africa and Asia. “The presence of players who meet high standards supports the Saudi league and draws more attention to it,” she said. “It has helped Saudi players to interact with experienced players, those who’ve played in the biggest international and global events.

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UEFA Sport News

Sabalenka blasts past Paolini into Miami final

Kenya probes goalkeeper match-fixing allegation

Mbappe, Vinicius among Real Madrid stars facing UEFA conduct probe

FAI reports alleged racist comment during U17 match to Uefa

How the sale of Newcastle United to Saudi Arabia’s PIF transformed the club’s fortunes

French soccer federation sends support to Fofana after online racist abuse

The Tour de France is returning to the UK in 2027 with a start from Edinburgh

Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah stars foresee bright future for Saudi game ahead of SAFF Women’s Cup final