THESSALONIKI, Greece: Tens of thousands of fans in Greece’s second-largest city partied through the night and into Monday after PAOK Thessaloniki became the first team outside Athens to win the Greek league title in more than three decades.
In wild scenes of celebration, fans packed along the city’s seafront — hundreds holding red flares — to catch a glimpse of the winning team on a double-decker bus after its 5-0 win over Levadiakos sealed its undefeated run to victory.
At the heart of the party was Ivan Savvidis, a stout Russian billionaire who transformed the club and bet heavily on the northern Greek economy. Supporters chanted his name as he walked between two rows of flame machines during a celebration ceremony.
The 60-year-old businessman, whose family is partly of Greek ancestry, took over PAOK in 2012 and rescued the club from financial ruin, settling debts and building a 63 million euro ($70 million) roster equal in value to that of the country’s largest club, Olympiakos.
Savvidis, who made his fortune in agriculture in southern Russia, tapped into PAOK’s underdog status and broader resentment throughout the city, which believes it has been overlooked by decision-makers in Athens.
“We have laid the foundations for what I hope is the start of some great achievements,” he said late Sunday, speaking through an interpreter. “Let those in Athens think with a clear head: What they did to us made us stronger by the day.”
Over the past decade, Savvidis has invested in northern Greek businesses, some on the brink of failure, as well as television stations and newspapers that are generally supportive of the country’s left-wing government. Despite his popularity in Thessaloniki, he is seldom far from controversy.
Greece’s western allies have noted his close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and he served as a member of Russia’s parliament before setting up his Greek businesses. And Savvidis’ dream of building a major club was almost toppled last season in a league game against AEK Athens, during which he stormed onto the field to challenge the referee’s decision with a handgun holstered in his belt.
He remains banned from attending PAOK’s games, but fans late Sunday were forgiving, chanting under the White Tower, the city’s main monument, “Ivan, get your gun.”
PAOK last won titles a generation ago, in 1976 and 1985, and Larissa was the last team outside Athens to claim the championship trophy when it did so in 1988. Olympiakos dominated subsequent decades, winning 19 out of 21 titles before AEK’s victory last season. (Another Athens club, Panathinaikos, won the other two.)
The stranglehold fueled bitterness among PAOK’s owners and fans. Controversy surrounding big-game refereeing decisions, as well as match-fixing prosecutions in the top-flight league, prompted league organizers to use foreign referees at all key matches this season.
PAOK was founded in the mid-1920s by Greek refugees who fled to the city after a catastrophic war with Turkey and owes much of its loyal following to that history.
Not only veterans and fans feel that burden.
Vieirinha, PAOK’s Portuguese captain, wasn’t born the last time the team won the league. On Sunday, in tears, he received a standing ovation from 25,000 fans at Toumba Stadium, playing the last five minutes despite an injury.
“A great team like PAOK does not deserve to wait 34 years to win a championship,” Vieirinha said. “What we lived through this past year is a dream for every PAOK fan. I am one of them. I come from them. For me, PAOK means everything.”
Backed by Russian billionaire Ivan Savvidis, PAOK Thessaloniki celebrates first title in a generation
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Backed by Russian billionaire Ivan Savvidis, PAOK Thessaloniki celebrates first title in a generation
- PAOK Thessaloniki became the first team outside Athens to win the Greek league title in more than three decades
- Savvidis’ dream of building a major club was almost toppled last season in a game against AEK, during which he stormed onto the field to challenge the referee’s decision with a handgun holstered in his belt
Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard confident ahead of crucial World Cup qualifier against Australia
- Green Falcons are guaranteed at least a play-off spot but could still secure automatic qualification, though it would take a 5-goal victory
JEDDAH: On the eve of Saudi Arabia’s crucial closing match against Australia in the third round of the Asian World Cup qualifiers, head coach Herve Renard expressed confidence in the readiness of his squad and stressed the importance of victory, despite the heavy odds against securing automatic qualification for the finals in North America next year.
Speaking during the prematch press conference at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah on Monday, alongside striker Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, Renard said: “We are in third place, and while 99 percent believe we are headed to the play-offs, we still have a chance (of automatic qualification).
“We have nothing to lose and are doing everything we can to make our fans happy. The most important thing for us is to win.
“We’re excited for this match. Some think we’re already in the play-offs but we still have hope. It’s very important to win (on Tuesday).”
Australia, led by coach Tony Popovic, sit in second place in Group C on 16 points, three ahead of the Saudis, and their superior goal difference means they need only avoid a five-goal defeat to confirm their seventh-consecutive appearance at the World Cup.
Japan top the group and have already secured qualification. Saudi Arabia and fourth-place Indonesia are guaranteed places in the play-offs, in which six teams will fight it out for the last three qualification spots.
Renard emphasized the need for focus and preparation ahead of Tuesday’s game.
“We have to approach the Australia game like any other, showing determination and being fully prepared,” he said. “I’ll do my best to select the best 11 players and the most effective approach heading into the match.”
The Green Falcons take on Australia at Al-Inma Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, and fans were invited to take up the offer of free entry to the match.
Japan and FIA united in global goals, says Ben Sulayem
- FIA president’s visit highlights mobility innovation and motorsport growth
DUBAI: An official visit to Japan by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has reaffirmed the ties between the organization and one of the world’s most influential nations in motorsport and mobility.
Hosted by the Japan Automobile Federation and President Masayoshi Sakaguchi, the visit highlighted the country’s investment in smart infrastructure and the evolving role of cities as arenas for both mobility innovation and sporting events.
As motorsport’s international governing body and federation for mobility organizations, the FIA is committed to building partnerships that drive innovation, safety and sustainability.
During his official visit, Ben Sulayem met with key figures including Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency Koji Murofushi, and Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Hiromasa Nakano.
“This has been an important milestone for the FIA as we deepen our relationship with Japan, a country that continues to lead by example in both mobility innovation and motorsport development,” said Ben Sulayem.
“It was a personal honor to meet with Prime Minister Ishiba and leading ministers, and to witness firsthand the energy and commitment driving progress across the sector.”
Discussions focused on common challenges and opportunities from advancing cleaner technologies and enhancing road safety to expanding access to motorsport and preparing for the future of urban mobility.
“From transformative government policies to world-class sporting activities including four FIA World Championship events, Japan shows how integrated approaches to mobility and sport can serve society,” added Ben Sulayem.
“The JAF’s dual role as a sport and mobility leader, representing more than 20 million members and hosting our championships, is truly remarkable and I am grateful for their hospitality and support.”
JAF President Masayoshi Sakaguchi said: “We were honored to welcome FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem on this significant visit. As proud members of the FIA, we are part of a truly global community united by a shared commitment to advancing mobility and motorsport.
“Our collaboration is essential to driving innovation, safety and sustainability in these fields. I am confident that our partnership will continue to grow stronger and deliver lasting impact worldwide.”
Ben Sulayem also highlighted the significance of having Akio Toyoda, the chairman of Toyota, as an active member of the FIA Senate, symbolizing the close relationship between Japan’s automotive leaders and the FIA’s global mission.
The visit comes at a time of growth and renewed momentum for Japan’s motorsport and mobility sectors. JAF now reports over 200,000 licensed racing drivers — a 20 percent increase over the past five years — while the 2025 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix in April recorded its highest attendance since 2006.
Ben Sulayem is now in Macau for the 2025 FIA Extraordinary General Assembly and Annual Conference. The event starts on Tuesday and will welcome more than 500 senior FIA mobility and motorsport delegates from 149 countries.
Beaten Sinner extends lead on Alcaraz at top of ATP rankings
- Italy’s Jannik Sinner extended his lead at the top of the ATP world rankings on Monday despite his defeat to second-ranked Carlos Alcaraz in the French Open final
PARIS: Italy’s Jannik Sinner extended his lead at the top of the ATP world rankings on Monday despite his defeat to second-ranked Carlos Alcaraz in the French Open final.
Sinner, who lost to Alcaraz in the semifinals last year, gained 500 points for reaching this year’s final.
Spaniard Alcaraz lifted the title for the second straight year, gained no points and remained second.
Germany’s Alexander Zverev remained third despite his quarter-final elimination to Novak Djokovic.
At 38, Serb Djokovic, who was unable to take a set from Sinner in the semifinals despite a strong fight, climbed one place to fifth, still behind Jack Draper.
The Briton also climbed one place to a career-high fourth after his memorable loss in the round of 16 to Alexander Bublik.
The latter, who was then swept aside by Sinner, jumped 19 places to 43rd.
Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, forced to retire against Alcaraz in the semifinal, continued his ascent with another place gain to reach world number six for the first time.
Taylor Fritz, eliminated in the first round, dropped three places to seven with fellow American Tommy Paul climbing to eighth, his best ranking ever.
Casper Ruud, a two-time French Open finalist, dropped eight places to No. 16 in the ATP rankings after losing in the second round this year.
ATP rankings:
1. Jannik Sinner (ITA) 10,880 pts
2. Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) 8,850
3. Alexander Zverev (GER) 6,385
4. Jack Draper (GBR) 4,800 (+1)
5. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 4,630 (+1)
6. Lorenzo Musetti (ITA) 4,560 (+1)
7. Taylor Fritz (USA) 4,485 (-3)
8. Tommy Paul (USA) 3,510 (+4)
9. Holger Rune (DEN) 3,440 (+1)
10. Alex De Minaur (AUS) 3,285 (-1)
11. Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 3,100
12. Ben Shelton (USA) 3,080 (+1)
13. Frances Tiafoe (USA) 3,015 (+3)
14. Arthur Fils (FRA) 2,935
15. Andrey Rublev (RUS) 2,920
16. Casper Ruud (NOR) 2,905 (-8)
17. Jakub Mensik (CZE) 2,322 (+2)
18. Francisco Cerundolo (ARG) 2,285
19. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 2,205 (-2)
20. Ugo Humbert (FRA) 2,195 (+1)
Bangkok set to host Asian Boxing U19 & U22 Boxing Championships
- Event will see bouts take place across a range of weight divisions in men’s, women’s categories at Stadium Huamark
DUBAI: Asian Boxing, the first continental confederation established under World Boxing, has said the Asian Boxing U19 & U22 Boxing Championships will take place from July 30 to Aug. 12 at the Indoor Stadium Huamark in Bangkok, Thailand.
The continental event, organized in collaboration with World Boxing and the Thailand Boxing Association, will feature both male and female athletes in two age divisions: U-19 (born in 2007 or 2008) and U-22 (born between 2004 and 2006).
The championship is looking to build on the success of Asian Boxing’s inaugural continental event held in Amman, Jordan — the Asian Boxing U15 & U17 Championships in April 2025 — which featured more than 400 boxers from 18 countries.
Both age group competitions will include the following weight categories:
Men: 47–50 kg, 55 kg, 60 kg, 65 kg, 70 kg, 75 kg, 80 kg, 85 kg, 90 kg and +90 kg.
Women: 45–48 kg, 51 kg, 54 kg, 57 kg, 60 kg, 65 kg, 70 kg, 75 kg, 80 kg and +80 kg.
City Football Schools and Al-Jazira Club Academy announce talent development program
- The groundbreaking partnership will help provide a path to professional football for young players in the UAE
ABU DHABI: City Football Schools and Al-Jazira Club Academy have announced a landmark collaboration that will see talented players in the UAE helped on a professional pathway from the age of 6 years old.
From the start of next season, City Football Schools will deliver coaching for the Al-Jazira Club Academy’s foundation phase for 6- to 9-year-olds.
With more than a decade of coaching in the UAE, built on the philosophy and training program of the Manchester City Academy, City Football Schools will supply the coaches, all of whom hold a minimum UEFA B qualification and have undergone Manchester City’s in-house coach education.
They will coach and develop Al-Jazira’s young players, introducing them to a structured methodology designed to create elite players, one that is used globally across all City Football Group clubs. This will be combined with the principles of a safe, creative and positive space, with player happiness and welfare at the forefront of the learning environment.
The move will allow players who have demonstrated talent and aptitude for the game to flourish in a professional club and work through different age groups, with the ultimate aim of signing a professional first-team contract in the future.
For those behind this partnership, this not only offers the opportunity to help produce the stars of tomorrow for Al-Jazira Club, but it will also contribute to the wider development of football in the UAE.
Simon Hewitt, City Football Group’s head of football operations in the Middle East and North Africa, said: “This is a revolutionary partnership that will provide young players an incredible footballing opportunity for years to come. Early sports and football fundamentals are so important for a player’s development. We will look for the best 6- to 9-year-olds in Abu Dhabi and give them an incredible start to their football journey. Everything from coaching to facilities and wider pastoral care will be best in class with the goal of harnessing their skills and supporting them to reach the next level.”
The new partnership will complement the market-leading City Football Schools program that coaches over 2,500 players, both male and female, who train with City coaches on a weekly basis across eight venues in the UAE.
“The pathway being created between City Football Schools and Al-Jazira Club hasn’t been seen before in the UAE and will benefit players, the club, and the wider football ecosystem in the country,” added Hewitt.
Scott Sellars, sporting director of Al-Jazira Club, said: “We are delighted to partner with City Football Schools on such an exciting and visionary initiative. As the Pride of Abu Dhabi, we want to be able to offer young players the opportunity to excel and go as far as possible in the world of football. We are excited that some of the players who join us next season might be those running out with not only our first team, but also the UAE national team in the future.”
Open trials for young players born in 2017, 2018, or 2019 will take place on Saturday, June 21, at Active Al-Maryah Dome, Al-Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi.
