MOSCOW: In a FIFA election where money could be key, Morocco tried to heap doubt on North American promises of multi-billion dollar 2026 World Cup profits on Monday.
Moroccan jibes at projections from the United States-Canada-Mexico bid came when leaders of the rival campaigns met voters from five of FIFA’s six continental groups.
“There is lots of uncertainty,” Morocco Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa said of the detail in North American pledges of $14.3 billion revenue for FIFA.
“That doesn’t correspond either to historical facts or future extrapolation, it’s an exercise that goes beyond that,” Lekjaa said in French.
Money will not be the only factor on the minds of up to 206 expected FIFA member federations who can vote on Wednesday in Moscow.
Still, a FIFA-appointed panel assessing the two candidates already noted the “significantly higher” number than Morocco’s projected income of $7.2 billion for football’s governing body from a 48-team tournament.
Morocco’s counterattack is that $5 billion pure profit for FIFA would be a World Cup record.
“We do not blush when we propose that,” Morocco tourism minister Lamia Boutaleb said in an impassioned speech to 53 African voters in a Moscow hotel conference center.
The Moroccan bid team took to the stage at a Confederation for African Football (CAF) meeting minutes after the North Americans presented their plan to what shaped as its most hostile audience of the day.
“We have shown the best we have to offer to all the FIFA members,” Decio de Maria, the Mexico federation president, said.
Though the American team was met with just polite applause, and no follow-up questions, it still hopes for African votes on Wednesday.
Liberia, Namibia, and Zimbabwe pledged support before arriving in Russia, and the North Americans have targeted voters in the southern African group known as COSAFA.
It was perhaps telling that CAF President Ahmad stressed the need to “show cohesion within our continent” in a contest where FIFA will publish each member’s choice soon after the ballot.
“There is an obligation to remain within our family,” the Madagascar official said “But of course it is an individual choice.”
The African meeting began with Ahmad announcing his first vice president, Kwesi Nyantakyi, resigned from CAF and FIFA’s ruling council while facing a corruption investigation in his native Ghana.
A television documentary last week showed Nyantakyi taking $65,000 in cash from undercover reporters posing as businessmen to secure favor with Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo and other government officials.
Ghana can vote on Wednesday, though Moroccan attempts to pressure FIFA into acting against four American territories seem sure to fail.
FIFA election rules suggested American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands could be barred from voting by a potential conflict of interest.
“Our voting delegate has a New Zealand passport,” American Samoan official Sandra Fruean, a FIFA Council member, told The Associated Press.
The last-minute lobbying continues on Tuesday morning at another central Moscow hotel, where the rival bid teams make presentations to 54 European voters.
Morocco casts doubt on North American profit pledge for 2026 World Cup
Morocco casts doubt on North American profit pledge for 2026 World Cup
- Morocco’s counterattack is that $5 billion pure profit for FIFA would be a World Cup record
- Though the American team was met with just polite applause, and no follow-up questions, it still hopes for African votes on Wednesday
Finishing touches being put on Pakistan stadiums ahead of ICC Champions Trophy
- Eight-team 50-overs tournament will be first global competition held in Pakistan in 28 years
- India will play all their matches in Dubai due to political tensions with the northern neighbor
LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) this week allayed fears about the preparedness of the venues for this year’s Champions Trophy as they welcomed media for a tour of Lahore’s Qaddafi Stadium on Monday.
The eight-team 50-overs tournament will be the first global competition to be held in Pakistan in 28 years.
India, however, will play all their matches in Dubai due to political tensions with their Northern neighbors.
Stadiums in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi are being upgraded for the tournament whose success could invite more global tournaments to a country, which was deemed unsafe to tour after a 2009 attack on the visiting Sri Lankan cricketers.
“We are in the finishing phase. Our work is almost complete, the finishing touches remain. We will complete it by the end of this month,” PCB director of infrastructure, Qazi Jawad, told Reuters in Lahore.
The stadium’s capacity has been increased to accommodate 35,000 fans while new hospitality areas have also been constructed.
Lahore and Karachi will host a tri-nation series involving New Zealand and South Africa next month to prove their readiness for the Champions Trophy beginning on February 19.
Dubai BC coach says late defeat by Cedevita Olimpija is ‘unacceptable’
- The Slovenian team won 85-84 at Coca-Cola Arena with just seconds to go, thanks to a free throw
DUBAI: The coach of Dubai Basketball said his team’s defeat by Slovenian powerhouse Cedevita Olimpija on Sunday was “unacceptable” after his team suffered 19 turnovers at Coca-Cola Arena.
The teams were locked at 84-84 with just seconds remaining when the visitors capitalized on a crucial free throw to claim victory by a single point, running out at 85-84.
Dubai’s latest addition Jerry Boutsiele, playing at home for the first time since joining the team, delivered an outstanding performance with 18 points and eight rebounds. Davis Bertans matched his tally with 18 points and six rebounds and their efforts kept Dubai in the game until the very end.
However, it would be the team’s uncharacteristic turnovers that allowed the game to slip away.
Head coach Jurica Golemac highlighted the challenges his team faced, particularly in the third quarter where they conceded 32 points.
“This is unacceptable for a team like us,” Golemac said. “The 19 turnovers in the end cost us the win. We fought hard in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough. It’s a [team] sport, and we need to keep working.”
Bertans added: “There’s a lot to learn from every game. It’s a new team, and as long as we keep improving, the season is only going to get better.”
Cedevita Olimpija’s head coach, Zvezdan Mitrovic, praised his team’s composure and focus, despite their grueling schedule.
“This is our fourth game in one week, traveling from Bulgaria to Lithuania, and now Dubai. I want to congratulate my players for their effort and for enjoying the beautiful Coca-Cola Arena atmosphere,” he said.
The game was not just about competition but also celebration.
Lebanese basketball star Fadi El Khatib, recently inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame Class of 2025, was honored on court with a signed jersey. The team also welcomed an honored guest, the president of Basketball Club Bosna Sarajevo Dubravko Barbaric, renowned as a true ambassador of the sport and a strong supporter of Dubai Basketball. Antonello Riva, Italy’s all-time leading scorer, was also present.
Dubai Basketball will travel to face Mega MIS on Jan. 27 before returning home to take on Borac Mozzart at Coca-Cola Arena on Feb. 2.
Dubai Capitals snap Desert Vipers’ DP World ILT20 winning streak with 6-wicket triumph
- Capitals’ Gulbadin Naib led the charge with 78, while Dushmantha Chameera and Zahir Khan claimed 3 wickets each
DUBAI: The Desert Vipers’ undefeated streak finally ended on Monday as the Dubai Capitals delivered a stunning six-wicket victory at the Dubai International Stadium.
A dominant bowling performance, spearheaded by Dushmantha Chameera and Zahir Khan’s three-wicket hauls, restricted the Vipers to 139. Gulbadin Naib then led the chase with a fiery 78-run innings off 51 balls, ensuring the Capitals broke a three-match losing streak.
The Desert Vipers still lead the DP World ILT20 table after five matches of the competition’s third season.
Despite the low first innings total, skipper Lockie Ferguson kept the Vipers in the game with a sizzling opening spell. Ferguson picked up Ben Dunk and Khalid Shah in the second over to leave the Capitals in trouble at 17/2.
Though the run rate was on track, opener Shai Hope was run out for eight runs, following a mix-up with Naib in the sixth over.
Naib, who was also dropped for two runs earlier in the innings, redeemed himself in the very next over as he took down Nathan Sowter for three sixes, bringing the required run rate to less than six runs an over.
With Sikandar Raza at one end, Naib blitzed his way to a 31-ball half-century, including two fours and three sixes. The pair brought up a 50-run stand for the fourth wicket in 36 balls.
As a result, at the 14-over mark, the Capitals were in the driver’s seat needing 32 runs in 36 balls.
Raza, who had taken few chances, was caught off Mohammad Amir’s shorter one for 24 runs in 26 balls in the 15th over. Najibullah Zadran joined Naib as the latter continued to dominate the Vipers’ bowling attack. Naib launched two more sixes as the Capitals scaled the target in 17.4 overs.
Batting first, the Vipers made a brisk start, reaching 48/1 at the end of the powerplay. Fakhar Zaman set the tone early, smashing a six and a four before being bowled by Chameera in the second over.
Dan Lawrence, batting at three, matched Zaman’s intent, while Alex Hales anchored the innings from the other end.
However, the Capitals took control in the middle phase despite a 58-run stand between Hales and Lawrence. The Vipers suffered a triple blow in quick succession, losing Hales, Lawrence, and Sam Curran across three overs.
Haider Ali dismissed Hales for 34 in the 10th over, followed by Lawrence’s 24-run effort being curtailed by Naib. Curran was then stumped off Sikandar Raza for three runs, leaving the Vipers struggling at 80/4 in 11.3 overs.
The collapse continued as the Vipers were bowled out for 139 in 20 overs. Brief contributions from Azam Khan (10) and Wanindu Hasaranga (13) ended with both falling to Zahir Khan.
Sherfane Rutherford provided a glimmer of hope, striking three sixes in his 27 runs off 24 balls, but Chameera struck for the third time in the penultimate over to halt his charge.
Player of the Match Naib said: “We were at the bottom of the table, so we were looking for momentum. There’s still a long way to go. It’s not easy facing bowlers of this quality.
“Luckily, I gave myself some time. After the drinks break, the staff told me I was looking good, so I said to Sikandar, ‘I will play to my strengths.’”
The Desert Vipers’ captain, Ferguson, said: “It was a tough one. We were probably a few runs short and had some chances. They bowled well, and the pitch spun. There’s a quick turnaround again, but the boys have been batting beautifully.”
Brief Scores
Dubai Capitals beat Desert Vipers by 6 wickets.
Desert Vipers 139/10 in 19.5 overs (Alex Hales 34, Sherfane Rutherford 27, Dan Lawrence 24, Dushmantha Chameera 3 for 26, Zahir Khan 3 for 34, Haider Ali 1 for 17).
Dubai Capitals 140/4 in 17.4 overs (Gulbadin Naib 78 not out, Sikandar 24, Ben Dunk 13, Lockie Ferguson 2 for 29, Mohammad Amir 1 for 31).
Player of the Match: Gulbadin Naib
Swiatek steps into unknown against Navarro in Melbourne quarters
- All the Pole’s wins in Melbourne have come in straight sets and she has dropped only 11 games
MELBOURNE: Iga Swiatek said Monday she was stepping into the unknown against Emma Navarro after the pair had wildly contrasting runs to their Australian Open quarterfinal clash.
Swiatek showed no mercy to end “lucky loser” Eva Lys’s historic run, marching into the last eight 6-0, 6-1 in an hour.
All the Pole’s wins in Melbourne have come in straight sets and she has dropped only 11 games.
By contrast, Navarro spent 2hr 40min on court, blowing three second-set match points before beating Daria Kasatkina 6-4, 5-7, 7-5 as she was taken the distance for a fourth match in a row.
“I don’t know what I’m expecting,” said five-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek of the American Navarro.
“We played in 2018, but I’m not going to count this.
“I have to treat Emma as someone that I never played. We both made huge progress since that time. It’s a bit different when you don’t know the opponent that well.”
The world No. 2 has spent less than five hours on court at the first Grand Slam of the year, while eighth seed Navarro has been extended to more than double that playing time.
Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic got the mea culpas he wanted from a local broadcaster and its employee who insulted him on the air and so, according to tournament organizers, the 24-time Grand Slam champion is ready to concentrate on his quarterfinal showdown with Carlos Alcaraz.
“Novak acknowledges the apology has been given in public as requested," read a statement issued Monday by Tennis Australia, "and is now moving on and focusing on his next match.”
Also on Monday, Jannik Sinner battled dizzy spells to reach an Australian Open quarterfinal against Alex de Minaur, admitting a long interruption when he accidentally broke the net was “big, big luck.”
The world No. 1 and defending champion dropped a set before coming home 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 against Danish 13th seed Holger Rune on Rod Laver Arena.
Sinner struggled in the hot Melbourne conditions, his hand visibly shaking and his heart rate taken in the third set before he left court for a medical timeout.
There was then a bizarre 20-minute delay when Sinner demolished the metal brace that secures the net to the floor with a thunderous serve early in set four.
“I was not feeling really well. You know, I think we saw that today I was struggling physically,” said Sinner, 23, who is bidding to become the first Italian man to win three Grand Slam crowns.
He refused to say exactly what was wrong with him, only that he was “not there health-wise” and had been “a bit dizzy at times.”
“I don’t want to go into details. I think it was, you know, then also with the pressure and everything, it was not easy.”
He admitted that the time off court in air-conditioning while officials repaired the net helped him refresh.
“I was lucky today that ... 20 minutes off court, you know, trying to get back physically, putting some cold water in my head, it was very helpful. It was big, big luck to me today.”
Sinner is bidding to defend a Grand Slam title for the first time after beating Daniil Medvedev in the final last year.
His win put him into a clash against home hope De Minaur, who brushed past American Alex Michelsen 6-0, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 to make his maiden Australian Open quarterfinal.
De Minaur wiped the floor with Michelsen in the opening set, but his serve then faltered and he was forced to a close tiebreak after the American staged a fightback.
But De Minaur broke with a forehand winner in the sixth game of the third set and pulled away for the win.
“It means the world,” said De Minaur. “There’s nothing I want to do more than play well here in Australia. So glad I finally made the quarterfinals ... But let’s go for bigger and better things.”
As temperatures rose above 30 Celsius, Sinner assumed control against Rune by breaking to love.
McCullum sees India series as ideal prep for Champions Trophy in Pakistan
- The tourists, led by Jos Buttler, will face India in the first of five T20 internationals in Kolkata on Wednesday
- India series marks England’s first limited-overs tour under coach McCullum, previously in charge only of Test side
KOLKATA: England coach Brendon McCullum said Monday he hopes his side emerge from a host of limited overs matches against India in “good shape” for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
The tourists, led by Jos Buttler, will face India in the first of five T20 internationals at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on Wednesday.
The India series marks England’s first limited-overs tour under McCullum, previously in charge only of the Test side.
“I’m desperate for us to play a really watchable brand of cricket,” McCullum told reporters. “With the talent we have, there’s no reason we can’t.”
The teams will play three one-day matches, before they move into the eight-team ODI Champions Trophy starting February 19 in Pakistan and Dubai.
“We’ll use the next few weeks to try and hit the ground running, I’m sure there will be some times where we don’t quite get it right,” he added.
“But, hopefully, we will chisel away at that over the next few weeks, and we’ll be in good shape come that Champions Trophy.”
The 43-year-old McCullum said Buttler, who will only play as a batsman and not keep wicket on the tour, will leave a lasting legacy as England’s white-ball leader.
“He’s in a really good space, he’s excited about the team we’ve got, and excited about the opportunity that sits in front of us,” the former New Zealand skipper said.
“I’m sure we’ll see Jos over the next couple of years really enjoy himself, and hopefully finish with a real strong enjoyment for the game at the back end of his career.”
But India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, remain the favorites on home turf — and have been boosted by the return of fast bowler Mohammed Shami after he recovered from a foot injury.
Shami, 34, last played for India in the ODI World Cup final in November 2023 and recently participated in a few domestic matches to mark his return to competitive cricket.
“It’s a really good sign for us,” India’s T20 vice-captain Axar Patel said. “We hope he continues what he did in the World Cup.”
