KUALA LUMPUR: Saudi Arabian football teams will be required to play away matches in Qatar during the Asian Champions League despite the kingdom’s travel ban on its Gulf neighbor, Asia’s football governing body said Sunday.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) ruled all matches would be played on a home-and-away basis as planned, after Saudi Arabia had called for fixtures against Qatari teams to be shifted to a neutral country.
The ruling also means Saudi clubs must host Qatari teams for the return, home fixtures.
Since June last year Saudi Arabia, along with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, has adopted a diplomatic boycott of Qatar, accusing it of backing terrorism — a charge denied by Doha.
The Saudi-led coalition also imposed a ban on travel in and out of Qatar.
AFC said the decision to maintain the home-and-away format was made after an independent safety and security assessment was completed.
Saudi authorities previously insisted that their clubs would only play against Qatari sides on neutral territory amid reports they may boycott the tournament.
With the AFC ruling that “clubs from Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates should be played on a home and away basis in 2018 as per the AFC Regulations,” Saudi club football teams are due to travel to Qatar for away matches beginning next month.
AFC Secretary General Windsor John told AFP that Saudi Arabia has not lifted the travel ban imposed on its nationals against going to Qatar.
Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal have been placed with Qatar’s Al Rayyan in Group D of the AFC Champions League beginning February 12.
Qatar’s Al Sadd are in Group C along with the UAE’s Al Wasl, while in Group B Qatar’s Al Duhail are pitted against the UAE’s Al Wahda.
The AFC Asian Champions League is the top continental competition for football clubs in Asia.
Qatar is due to host the World Cup in 2022.
Saudi football teams denied neutral venues for Qatar clashes
Saudi football teams denied neutral venues for Qatar clashes
Pakistan Super League fails to ignite in early matches
- Excitement that once defined the PSL has been conspicuously absent in the first 10 games
DUBAI: As the 10th match was completed in the Pakistan Super League, a third of the way into the tournament, it feels as if it is stuck in first gear. The excitement that once defined the league — packed stadiums, electrifying contests, a sense of national celebration — has been conspicuously absent. This is especially the case in Karachi. In the 2019 final, the National Stadium, despite logistical challenges, hosted a rocking full house. Now, it has sparsely populated stands.
The explanations being put forward are poor experience for spectators, poor viewing and a difficult venue to access. This does not fully explain the decline. Perhaps the truth is more uncomfortable. After two years of underwhelming performances by the national team, the public’s passion for the game may be suffering from disillusionment. Even so, the pattern is not even, as attendances in Rawalpindi have been much better, suggesting that interest has not completely evaporated. Nevertheless, it is an ongoing concern.
A related concern is the quality of cricket. Only one of the 10 matches has been genuinely close. While there have been flashes of brilliance, 17-year-old Ali Raza’s four wickets for Peshawar Zalmi against Multan Sultanas, for instance. the overall standard has been patchy. The tournament desperately needs more competitive matches to reignite excitement.
Islamabad United have been a class apart amid the mediocrity, their star shining more brightly than the rest. United are unbeaten after four matches comfortably lead the table. IU have played like true defending champions. Their success is not accidental, being built on consistency, smart recruitment and a culture of professionalism from the top down.
The franchise’s owners, Ali and Amna Naqvi, have been model stakeholders from the beginning. They have created a professional cricketing environment and let their team’s performances speak for themselves. There are no mid-tournament podcasts, no unnecessary media grandstanding, just a quiet, determined focus on cricket.
It is no surprise that their squad always plays with freedom and smiles on their faces. Sahibzada Farhan has set the tone and leads the batting charts with 214 runs at an average of 53.5, transferring his domestic form into the PSL. New overseas signing, the experienced Jason Holder, tops the wicket-taking charts with 11 wickets at an average of 11. He has provided a boost for his captain, Shadab Khan, who came into the tournament with poor form but has captained impressively and performed well with both bat and ball. It looks as if IU are united and the team to beat, especially after comfortably defeating the Karachi Kings in the 10th match by six wickets.
In a mixed start by Karachi Kings, two wins and two defeats, there have been bright spots. James Vince, ever the elegant run machine, has carried his form seamlessly into the PSL, proving yet again why he is one of the most dependable overseas players in franchise cricket. Equally encouraging has been the resurgence of Hasan Ali, who looks in the best rhythm he has been in for years — bowling with fire, swing and his trademark aggression. Tim Seifert has had a good start to the tournament too, but the Kings need to find consistency in both batting and bowling, which means more players realizing their potential.
Peshawar Zalmi, usually one of the league’s most consistent sides, have looked oddly out of balance. The makeup of their bowling attack in the first two games was confusing. The continued exclusion of Mehran Mumtaz, a promising young spinner, has raised eyebrows, especially when their current combinations are not working.
An apparent reluctance to blood younger players feels like one of the significant failures of the PSL. It compares unfavorably with the Indian Premier League where a 14-year-old recently burst on to the scene. In the PSL, some of the best young players either warm the bench or are not even in the squads. An exception to this for Zalmi has been the young bowler, Ali Riaz. His wiry frame will need filling out to deal with the demands of fast bowling but he has consistently reached speeds of 140kph or above, combined with swing and skill. He has also shown character, especially with four wickets for 21 in the win against Multan Sultans.
Zalmi also has the big issue of Babar Azam to address. The former Pakistan captain’s form has been uncharacteristically subdued but, as everyone knows, class is permanent. Zalmi’s hopes hinge on Azam quickly rediscovering his touch. If he does, they will have the firepower to challenge. The team management will be delighted to see Saim Ayub slot back into the team after injury, while the attacking batting style and character of Mohammad Haris is the sort that the national team ought to be looking to build the future around. After losing the first two games, Zalmi appear poised for improved results.
At the bottom of the table, Multan Sultans remain winless after three matches. Owner Ali Khan Tareen has been omnipresent, attending training sessions, involving himself in team huddles and making himself a constant talking point. He speaks about raising professionalism and standards, but his approach may not be the optimum one. A step backwards may better serve the players, rather than give the impression that he is about to pull on the shirt and take the field himself.
Quetta Gladiators, after a brilliant first game, stumbled in the next two matches, exposing the batting frailties that many suspected existed in the squad. Meanwhile, Lahore Qalandars have been a pleasant surprise, holding second in the table on net run rate. The team has displayed fight and good skills. One player living up to my prediction is Rishad Hossain, the young Bangladeshi leg-spinner, who has been exciting in claiming six wickets.
The 11th match will be the last played in Karachi, as the tournament moves on to Multan, Lahore and Rawalpindi. It is to be hoped that closer matches ensue, along with a better standard of cricket to encourage the fans to come out in greater numbers. All of those outcomes are much needed to attract future investment and quality players in the increasingly crowded space for franchise tournaments in cricket’s calendar.
Saudi Arabia not ruling out a bid for 2035 Rugby World Cup
- The Times newspaper reported last month that Saudi Arabia could join with Qatar and the UAE in a joint bid for 2035 or 2039
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia, hosts of the 2034 football World Cup, could make a bid for the 2035 Rugby World Cup despite barely playing the game.
Sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal was not ruling it out when he met reporters on the sidelines of Sunday’s floodlit Formula One grand prix in Jeddah.
“We’re interested in rugby, we’re interested in developing the sport locally, so we created a federation to see what we can do to develop the sport,” he said.
“I don’t think we’re on the level of hosting yet but ‘35 is in 10 years so maybe it grows in that direction and we see a big interest in that, then why not?”
The Times newspaper reported last month that Saudi Arabia could join with Qatar, who hosted the 2022 football World Cup, and the United Arab Emirates in a joint bid for 2035 or 2039.
It quoted Asia Rugby President Qais Al-Dhalai, an Emirati, as saying it could happen.
“A multi-host could be a successful story and a new model for rugby. UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia. Why not? The stadiums are ready there. It will be the most successful event in the history of rugby,” he said.
The UAE are ranked 49th in the world, with Qatar 87th and Saudi Arabia not in the top 113.
Australia hosts the next men’s tournament in 2027 with the United States in 2031.
Al-Faisal said Saudi Arabia, which has also been awarded the 2029 Asian Winter Games, has 97 sports federations and could not host everything.
“But why do we have 97 federations? Because we want to promote sports, even the smallest sports that maybe a small number of people participate in in Saudi or there isn’t that big of an interest, so at least someone can play that sport in the kingdom.”
Al-Faisal said boxing was showing rapid growth, with more and more gyms opening as the country hosted world title fights, and golf was the same.
“We had a very small percentage of youth playing in golf but now after LIV Golf, and after the tournaments that we’ve hosted in the kingdom, we see a big number of participation,” he said.
Cricket was another sport with potential due to the large number of foreign workers from elsewhere in Asia.
“I think in the cricket league we have around 35,000 players already, 90 percent of them are not Saudi, but we want to accommodate that because they live here, we want to provide for them,” said the prince.
“So does it mean we’re going to host a big cricket tournament or match in the future? Maybe. But we’ll see how it goes toward that, and if it makes sense to host these events.”
‘A new era for boxing begins in Riyadh,’ says WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman
- Riyadh Season WBC Boxing Grand Prix has reimagined the sport, the WBC head tells Arab News
- Sulaiman says the WBC is committed to supporting Saudi Arabia’s long-term development as a global boxing hub
RIYADH: In a sport steeped in tradition, disruption rarely comes gently.
Yet the Riyadh Season WBC Boxing Grand Prix has done just that – reimagining professional boxing through a groundbreaking global tournament and an unprecedented collaboration of fighters, promoters, and nations.
In an exclusive interview with Arab News, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman described the Grand Prix – whose initial stage took place from April 17 to 20 – as “a dream come true.”
“This Riyadh Season WBC Boxing Grand Prix is the first event of this magnitude ever in the history of boxing,” said Sulaiman.
“Never done before in professional boxing. Fighters from all over the world in four different categories with limited experience or years of age. It is for the talent of the future.”
Sulaiman added: “It has been such a great success, and we always expect this to be groundbreaking, because so many fighters are getting the opportunity to show their skills on this world stage here in Riyadh.”
“It is the dream come true of my father – he always wanted to have an opportunity for those who don’t have an opportunity in life.”
At the heart of this transformation is Turki Alalshikh, head of the General Entertainment Authority, whose leadership has united the boxing world in ways few thought possible.
With long-standing promotional and broadcast rivalries bridged, the sport has entered an era of collaboration and spectacle.
“Riyadh Season, with the leadership of His Excellency Turki Alalshikh, has changed the boxing world in only two years,” Sulaiman explained.
“Riyadh and Jeddah have shown some of the most important fights in the last 20, 30 years – fights that were not being put together because promoters were fighting each other, networks fighting each other.”
“And his excellency came in, invited everyone to sit down and negotiate, and made this happen,” said Sulaiman.
“I believe that a new era has begun. A new era that will change forever the way boxing is featured.”
While the Grand Prix has drawn international headlines, Sulaiman is particularly energized by local and regional talent.
“I have seen two Saudi fighters – not in this tournament – but in the Riyadh Season events, and they have talent. They have good skill which you need when you’re born.
“You cannot teach that, you have to be born with it … The Middle East is known for having courageous, brave fighters. It is just a matter of getting the boxing technique and experience.”
He also praised an emerging fighter competing in the tournament. “I saw a fighter from Jordan yesterday. He was sensational. And I believe that he will be advancing in the tournament and that could be a great, great talent.”
To young Saudis hoping to one day hold a world title, Sulaiman offered candid and heartfelt advice. “Boxing is a sport that is very demanding. You need dedication, you need passion, you need patience, and a lot of hard work,” he said.
“You have to be in perfect shape, working every day, running, and then going to the gym and learning the skills. You cannot be a boxer in one year, just as you cannot be a doctor.”
“Boxing is a great sport. It teaches you discipline, brings opportunities, and gives an open door for many things in life.”
With the Grand Prix setting the stage, Sulaiman said the WBC is committed to supporting Saudi Arabia’s long-term development as a global boxing hub.
“This is the first step. Ever since His Excellency Turki Alalshikh came into the picture two years ago, the WBC welcomed him with open arms,” said Sulaiman.
“Because what we have seen is something never done before.”
He emphasized the importance of grassroots investment and consistent activity for young fighters. “You need to have local tournaments for young talent.
“Ten fights every year, 12 fights every year. Then go find opportunities abroad. I am certain that the Saudi boxing program will emerge.”
With follow-up Grand Prix events scheduled for June, August, October, and a grand final in December, the foundation for a new boxing powerhouse is being laid brick by brick.
“The result has shown the greatness of the concept. I am hopeful that next year we will be doing another tournament and give continuity. This is what is needed.”
According to Sulaiman, Saudi Arabia is no longer just a host but becoming a home for elite boxing. “Saudi Arabia had some fights in 2018 and 2019. Then the pandemic came, and it seemed to be finished,” he said.
“And then his excellency came in, brought technology, brought Tyson Fury, the heavyweights … and the talent started coming.”
Next on the calendar is Canelo Alvarez, boxing’s biggest superstar, who will fight in Riyadh on May 3 under a two-year contract.
“It all looks like it’s going to be a continuous effort, continuous promotion,” said Sulaiman. “The world knows Saudi Arabia and boxing together is a great combination.”
Despite the high stakes and elite production, Sulaiman reminded Arab News that boxing’s core identity as a sport of the people remains as powerful as ever.
“Boxing is a sport of poor people. They come from difficulties. They come from opportunities to take a wrong life in the streets,” he said.
“And boxing gives them a change of life – for them, their family, their friends, their neighborhood, their country.”
“Every person that visits Saudi Arabia for a boxing event goes back home as an ambassador of Saudi,” Sulaiman said.
“Because the hospitality, the respect, the beauty of the country – it stays in your heart. It’s a beautiful country with beautiful people.”
Olaroiu’s UAE appointment has been 10 years in the making
- Romanian coach is now tasked with taking the Whites to their first World Cup since 1990
- Olaroiu has regularly been linked to take over as coach of the UAE national team after winning 14 club trophies in the country
DUBAI: If the UAE Football Association’s bold plan comes to fruition, 2025 will be remembered as the year unfulfilled dreams became reality.
After nearly a decade of recurring speculation, the widely respected Cosmin Olaroiu was finally unveiled this weekend as the Whites’ new head coach on a two-year deal. Last month’s surprise dismissal of ex-Portugal boss Paulo Bento has allowed the garlanded Romanian space to arrive on the back of a decorated career in Asia, featuring 14 trophies won during 10 campaigns in the UAE — plus five further successes with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal, Qatar’s Al-Sadd and China’s now-defunct Jiangsu Suning.
That this imposing tally could be further added to next month in the finals of the AFC Champions League Two and President’s Cup when gloriously seeing out his Sharjah tenure, as reported by local daily newspapers Al-Khaleej and Al-Bayan, speaks volumes about the 55-year-old managerial behemoth.
There could be no one more qualified, or longer coveted, to resuscitate his adopted country’s ambition of direct entry to World Cup 2026 from third place in the third round’s Group A.
A high-pressure pair of deciding qualifiers feature a must-win home clash on June 5 against Uzbekistan — who are four-points clear in the second-and-final automatic spot — and a face-off at second-bottom Kyrgyzstan five days later.
Time would always be in short supply for Bento’s replacement once the decision was made to axe him the morning after March’s deeply unconvincing, last-gasp 2-1 win against bottom-placed North Korea. The annual rigours of May’s compact fixture list guarantees it.
Olaroiu has unmatched knowledge of the Whites’ squad and an enviable winning touch. This is the man to secure the UAE only a second outing in football’s grandest event.
Since the shine began to wear off a “Golden Generation” during World Cup 2018’s fitful cycle, Olaroiu’s name would always appear in conjunction with the UAE job.
The former Al-Ain and Al-Ahli/Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club supremo was cast as the alluringly unattainable target when eight permanent managerial selections — including two stints for Bert van Marwijk — were made since Mahdi Ali stepped aside in March 2017.
This time, however, felt different.
Unease defined Bento’s 20-month spell. No one could question a CV that contained a Euro 2012 semi-final with Portugal or record four-year stint at South Korea that culminated with World Cup 2022’s first round-of-16 tie since 2010’s edition.
Undoubted highlights followed with two maulings of perennial rivals Qatar, especially November’s Fabio De Lima-fueled 5-0 victory.
Yet plentiful contrasting memories existed. A 2023 Asian Cup exit in the round of 16 on penalties to debutant Tajikistan, October’s grim 1-1 home draw with North Korea that has caused such lasting damage in the third round and winless group-stage exit from 26th Arabian Gulf Cup.
Last month’s toothless 2-0 qualifying defeat in Iran also featured a shock switch to an unfamiliar 5-4-1 formation. Days later at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium, composed Uzbekistan equipped themselves expertly in a characterful 2-2 draw that leaves them in control of their qualifying destiny, no matter the UAE’s results.
At the UAE FA’s Al Khawaneej headquarters, uncertainty surrounded Bento’s ability to steer the team. There were doubts not only related to securing automatic qualification, but also about navigating the intricate back-up route, which could involve two additional AFC rounds and an intercontinental play-off.
The stars aligned and with Olaroiu soon unattached at Sharjah, a once-fantasy appointment swiftly materialized.
A deep understanding of the ubiquitous 4-2-3-1 formation deployed in the Middle East and the characters required to make it tick fell heavily in the Romanian’s favour. There are further unquantifiable, but vital, elements involved.
Chief among them is winning spirit. A rare ability to inspire it was on display, once again, earlier this month when Sharjah produced two second-half stoppage time goals in the second leg of an exacting AFC CL tie against Saudi Arabia’s Al-Taawoun to proceed into next month’s final with Lion City Sailors of Singapore.
The King will also not fear a meeting with runaway ADNOC Pro League leaders Shabab Al-Ahli in the 2024-2025 President’s Cup decider.
Sharjah’s Shahin Abdulrahman, Majid Rashid, Mohammed Abdulbasit and Majed Hassan were curiously ignored by Bento. Future recalls would not be a surprise.
The club’s Brazil-born trio of Caio, Marcus Meloni and Luanzinho should grow into pivotal figures within the national set-up. Olaroiu will bolster their inductions.
Will an olive branch also be offered to 85-goal UAE record scorer Ali Mabkhout, rejuvenated at Al-Nasr? The 34-year-old was an unused substitute at the 2023 Asian Cup.
Al-Wasl talisman Ali Saleh was another to fall foul of Bento’s regime who has the unquestionable talent to be a lead figure once more in white.
So far, so perfect. The only blemish on Olaroiu’s record is a lack of international experience.
A small taste came on loan with Saudi Arabia at the 2015 Asian Cup. His Green Falcons were brought down to earth by a group-stage exit in the wake of losses to China and Uzbekistan.
Rather than be cast purely in a negative light, a natural-born winner’s unquenched desire to prove himself on the global stage could be to the UAE’s significant benefit.
At long last, a most-anticipated coaching appointment has been secured.
In Olaroiu, the Whites gain a proven winner and sharp tactician, trusted to deliver when it matters most. If history is to be made in June, his leadership could provide the spark to reignite a nation’s belief.
Pakistan Cricket Board refutes former head coach’s non-payment claims
- Jason Gillespie recently said PCB had not paid him his dues for his nine-month coaching stint
- PCB says Gillespie “abruptly” left his position without giving a four-month notice period
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently rejected claims by former head coach Jason Gillespie that he had not been paid his dues, clarifying that the ex-Australian cricketer breached the terms of his contract and left his position “abruptly.”
Former fast bowler Gillespie took up the coaching assignment in April 2024 but stepped down in December due to disagreements with the PCB. Since resigning from the role, Gillespie has been an outspoken critic of the PCB, criticizing the board for what he described was its short-sightedness and accusing current interim white-ball coach Aqib Javed of interfering in his job.
When asked during an interview last week with sports website PakPassion.net about his relationship with the PCB, Gillespie wished the board well but said he was still waiting for it to pay him his dues for the coaching job.
“The Pakistan Cricket Board refutes claims made by a former head coach on the non-payment of his dues,” the PCB said in a statement on Sunday. “The PCB spokesman states that the former head coach abruptly left his position without giving a four month notice period, which was a clear breach of the contractual terms.”
The board said Gillespie’s coaching contract “explicitly mentioned” a notice period applicable to both parties, adding that the former coach was “fully aware of it.”
Earlier this month, Gillespie’s comments during an interview made headlines when he revealed that his time with the PCB had a negative impact on his passion for coaching cricket.
“The Pakistan experience has soured my love for coaching, I’ll be honest,” Gillespie said. “I’ll get it back, I’m sure I will, but that was really a blow.”
The former fast bowler said he had been disappointed with how his coaching stint with Pakistan ended.
“It’s had me question whether I want to coach full time again,” he said.
Pakistan cricket analysts and critics have slammed the PCB for appointing a plethora of coaches, selectors and captains over the past few years, blaming the increasing instability within the board as the main reason for the national cricket team’s recent dismal performances.
