LONDON: Newcastle ended their long wait to hire a new manager on Monday, unveiling former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe as the man to lead the Magpies into a new era under Saudi ownership.
Howe, 43, takes charge of a side languishing second from bottom of the Premier League, five points from safety, and without a win all season.
He replaces Steve Bruce, who left the club by “mutual consent” on October 20, two weeks after the Saudi-led takeover propelled the club into the ranks of the super-rich.
Newcastle said Howe, who was not first choice, had been handed a contract “until summer 2024.”
“We have been incredibly impressed by Eddie through what has been a rigorous recruitment process,” said co-owner Amanda Staveley.
“As well as his obvious achievements with AFC Bournemouth, where he had a transformational impact, he is a passionate and dynamic coach who has clear ideas about taking this team and club forward.”
Howe said it was a “great honor” to take the helm at a club with the stature and history of Newcastle, who have not won a major trophy since 1969 despite a huge and passionate fanbase.
“This is a wonderful opportunity, but there is also a lot of work ahead of us and I am eager to get onto the training ground to start working with the players,” he said.
Former England and Newcastle forward Alan Shearer welcomed Howe, tweeting: “Good luck Eddie. We all hope you can bring us some much-needed drive and ambition.”
And Newcastle United Supporters Trust chairman Greg Tomlinson hailed the appointment of a “progressive, modern manager.”
“A big challenge to stay up but our long-term future is bright,” he tweeted.
Newcastle’s new owners had to pivot toward Howe after Villarreal boss Unai Emery turned down an approach to be Bruce’s successor.
Newcastle — now one of the richest clubs in the world — are expected to invest heavily in the January transfer market.
But they have another nine league games to navigate before then, including daunting clashes with Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United.
Just staying in the lucrative top flight this season would represent success for Howe.
Governor of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) Yassir Al-Rumayyan was in attendance for a 3-2 home defeat to Tottenham last month in the first match since the takeover.
Bruce left the club days later but Newcastle have continued to struggle under caretaker boss Graeme Jones, taking just two points from their past three fixtures.
Howe, who had two spells at Bournemouth, has been out of work since leaving the club in August 2020, days after their relegation from the Premier League.
The south coast club had risen from the fourth tier to become an established top-flight team under Howe.
The new manager’s first game in charge of Newcastle will be at home to struggling Brentford on November 20, following the international break.
Saudi-owned Newcastle appoint Eddie Howe as new manager
https://arab.news/mk8rx
Saudi-owned Newcastle appoint Eddie Howe as new manager
- The former Bournemouth boss succeeds Steve Bruce, who left the Premier League club by ‘mutual consent’ on October 20
- Howe, 43, said: ‘It is a great honor to become head coach of a club with the stature and history of Newcastle United’
‘It feels like a dream’: Hady Habib becomes first Lebanese in Open Era to win Grand Slam singles main draw match
- The 26-year-old upsets Bu of China to reach Australian Open second round
DUBAI: Hady Habib admitted his historic run at the Australian Open feels like a dream from which he would rather not wake as he stormed into the second round on Sunday in front of a roaring Lebanese crowd.
Making his major debut this fortnight in Melbourne, Habib became the first Lebanese player in Open Era history to qualify for a singles main draw when he came through a tight three-setter, saving match points en route, to defeat France’s Clement Chidekh last Thursday.
Three days later, Habib further etched his name in the history books by upsetting China’s Bu Yunchaokete — who is ranked more than 150 places higher than Habib — 7-6 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (6) to reach the Australian Open second round and become the first Lebanese to win a Grand Slam main draw singles match in the Open Era.
One of the biggest goals Habib had set for himself entering 2025 was to qualify for the main draw of a Grand Slam event. He managed to check that target from his bucket list, and even surpass it, less than two weeks into the new tennis season.
“It’s absolutely incredible,” the Texas-born Lebanese told Arab News after his first-round triumph.
“I achieved my first goal, which was to qualify, and now I’m in the second round. It just feels like I need to wake up from a dream. Everything’s been happening so fast. And then I’m in Round 2 of the Aussie Open, and I just can’t believe it right now, I’m lost for words.”
Habib had cousins fly over from Sydney to attend his matches in Melbourne, and the stands on Court 13 on Sunday were packed with his supporters, given the large Lebanese diaspora in Australia.
“I'm so grateful for their support. I think the Lebanese community, I sort of brought everyone together, and it was really special to win in front of them. Every time I’m playing, there’s a larger and larger crowd. So yeah, it’s just been amazing,” the 26-year-old said.
The support Habib has received has not come just from the stands. With five Arab players competing in women’s singles, men’s singles and men’s doubles at the Australian Open this fortnight, support is also coming from the locker room.
Tunisian Ons Jabeur and Egyptian Mayar Sherif are representing the region on the women’s side in singles, while Tunisians Aziz Dougaz and Skander Mansouri are competing in singles and doubles, respectively.
“When I won my last match, since it was a very close one, all the players were watching in the locker room. And I walked by Ons, and she congratulated me, and I was extremely happy just to see a fellow Arab player acknowledging my win, it just means the world,” Habib said.
“Especially what she’s done for Tunisian tennis, and the Arab world in general, it’s amazing to get congratulations from her. And also seeing Aziz do well. I think he’s playing tomorrow (against Yoshihito Nishioka). I really hope he gets the win as well.
“It’s good for Arab tennis and Arab sports in general. And I hope they can do great things this week.”
Habib has produced a series of clutch performances in the past three months, clinching a maiden Challenger title, a Grand Slam debut, a first Grand Slam victory, and a new career-high ranking of at least 163 in the world.
In his final round of Australian Open qualifying against Chidekh, he saved three match points to force a decider in the third set before he secured the win and a place in the main draw.
“I think winning matches only gives you confidence, and I know when it comes to clutch moments that I’ve put in the work,” he said.
“I would like to say that I’m an extremely hard worker, and I try to do the right things every day. So when it comes to clutch moments, I just trust in myself, and the training that I’ve put in and the preparation. That’s what gives me the trust to play like that on these important points.”
Up next for Habib in Melbourne is French world No.14 Ugo Humbert.
“I actually played him once before in a Challenger in 2022. I lost in straight sets. But let’s see,” Habib said of the French lefty.
“I think he is at his best ranking right now. I want to go out there and do what I've been doing the last couple matches, just play my game and just do my best.”
Arabs at the 2025 Australian Open
Monday
First round: Aziz Dougaz v Yoshihito Nishioka
Tuesday
First round: Ons Jabeur v Anhelina Kalinina, Mayar Sherif v Dayana Yastremska
Wednesday
Second round: Hady Habib v Ugo Humbert
TBD
Doubles first round: Skander Mansouri/Ivan Dodig v Blake Ellis/Thomas Fancutt
Pakistan to finish Gaddafi Stadium renovation this month for upcoming Champions Trophy
- The Champions Trophy tournament is set to begin on Feb. 19 in Karachi with Pakistan taking on New Zealand
- The stadium will feature over 34,000 seats, brand-new scoreboards and laser light shows during night games
ISLAMABAD: The renovation of Gaddafi Stadium in Pakistan’s eastern Lahore city will be completed this week, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on Sunday, with all major structural work finished and final touches being applied ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.
The PCB has been renovating stadiums in Lahore and Karachi for the 2025 Champions Trophy scheduled to take place in Feb. across three venues: Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. This will be the first ICC tournament held in Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup.
Pakistani fans have long expressed dissatisfaction with the country’s stadiums, particularly the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, citing a lack of basic facilities and a subpar viewing experience for spectators.
On Sunday, the PCB chairman paid a visit to Gaddafi Stadium and inspected the upgradation, renovation and finishing work on the ground, expressing his satisfaction over the pace of work at the iconic venue.
“Gaddafi Stadium, with all its modern facilities, will be ready this month. The work is being carried out at a swift pace,” he said.
“We are set to install brand new and comfortable seats for the fans, with an enhanced view, and work on new LED lights on the light towers is well underway.”
The stadium is set to transform into a world-class facility, featuring over 34,000 seats, brand-new scoreboards on both sides and state-of-the-art floodlights, ensuring exceptional visibility for both players and spectators after sunset.
“The fans will now be able to enjoy laser light shows during night games as well,” Naqvi said. “We are striving to make the ICC Champions Trophy a memorable event in Pakistan.”
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will take place from February 19 till March 9, with matches hosted across Pakistan and Dubai in a hybrid model.
The tournament’s structure follows a compromised decision after India refused to play in Pakistan, citing “security concerns.” Exercising its rights as the host nation, Pakistan designated Dubai as the neutral venue for India’s matches, ensuring all teams’ participation.
In Pakistan, Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi will host three group-stage games each. Lahore is also set to host the second semifinal. Dubai will host all three of India’s group matches and the first semifinal, should India qualify.
The tournament opener on Feb. 19 will feature Pakistan taking on New Zealand in Karachi, while India will face Bangladesh in Dubai on Feb. 20.
This will be the ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy, after an eight-year hiatus. The last tournament took place in England in 2017. The event will feature top eight teams in world cricket competing for one of the sport’s most prestigious titles.
Saudi Polo Federation names six participants for Desert Polo Championship in AlUla
- The teams are AlUla, Richard Mille, Dadan, Budget, Bentley, and Ikmah
- Pierro Dillier, president of the International Polo Federation, will attend the event
RIYADH: The Saudi Polo Federation on Saturday announced the six teams to participate in the 2025 Richard Mille Desert Polo Championship, which will take place on Jan. 17-18 in AlUla.
The teams are AlUla, Richard Mille, Dadan, Budget, Bentley, and Ikmah. They will compete in the fourth edition of the championship, which is being organized in coordination with the Royal Commission for AlUla.
A media statement said Pierro Dillier, president of the International Polo Federation, will attend the competition.
The matches will be held at the Village of Knights, featuring top international players, led by Adolfo Cambiaso, widely regarded as the greatest player in the history of polo.
Saudi rider Prince Sultan bin Khaled Al-Faisal, alongside Prince Abbas bin Ali and Prince Hamza bin Abbas from Jordan will participate in the tournament.
The contenders will be divided into two groups; AlUla, Dadan and Ikmah in Group 1, while Group 2 comprises Bentley, Budget and Richard Mille.
Chairman of the Saudi Polo Federation, Amr Zidan, confirmed the readiness of the Village of Knights to host the event, promising strong competition and highlighting the continued development and growing popularity of the sport in Saudi Arabia.
“This fourth edition of the championship has witnessed significant improvements, alongside accompanying events and entertainment activities for spectators,” Zidan said.
EA Team of the Year celebrates top football players
RIYADH: To celebrate the best football players of the year, EA Sports has launched Team of the Year, allowing fans to create and vote for their dream team.
Saudi Arabia’s football talent is Salem Al-Dawsari, midfielder for Al-Hilal, who has earned his place as one of TOTY’s nominees, showcasing the region’s growing impact in the world of football.
Portuguese soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo, who is currently playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, has also been nominated for TOTY.
Following the Italian and Spanish Super Cup matches, which were held in Riyadh and Jeddah, this year’s TOTY card lineup includes players from Italian teams AC Milan, Inter Milan, Atalanta, and Juventus, and Spanish teams Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.
TOTY has cards for each position — goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and attackers — allowing fans to create the ultimate fantasy men’s or women’s football team.
The EA FC 25 TOTY vote will be closed on Jan. 12, 2025.
For more information on Team of the Year, visit www.ea.com/games/ea-sports-fc/fc-25/toty
Arab tennis hero Ons Jabeur plans to bounce back in 2025
- After a year beset by injuries, the Tunisian star tells Arab News she is confident of hitting the heights again
DUBAI: Last year was not one that Tunisian tennis superstar Ons Jabeur will remember with great fondness.
Having enthralled fans with her unique brand of tennis in the two previous years, reaching two Wimbledon finals and hitting the world No.2 ranking, 2024 was beset by injuries and disruptions.
As Jabeur prepares to launch her Australian Open campaign against Anhelina Kalinina of the Ukraine, she is determined to get back to the form that her army of supporters had come to expect of her.
“I’m feeling much better, happy to be back,” she told Arab News. “I feel like I’m playing good, I’m getting back into the game. I feel very motivated and definitely very positive. I can continue playing even better and the good news is there are a lot of great things to improve.”
Since landing in Australia at the start of the year, Jabeur has taken part in the Brisbane International, where she reached the quarterfinals, as well as the Adelaide International. Improving her form, and not her current WTA world ranking of 39, is the priority.
“I feel like ranking maybe would be a bit irrelevant in this case because if I focus a lot on it, I might kind of not see the level that I was in (before). I was in the top 10 for a good time and I think I need to always remember that I have that level to be one of the great players in the world.
“I always say the most important thing is that I should have the level and the ranking will follow up no matter how much time it will take.
“It is very important for me to get back to my game, and definitely improve a lot of points in my game. That would help me be a better player, especially, playing against these unbelievable players, they’re improving all the time and tennis is improving all the time. And I think it is really important for me to keep up with that game.”
Despite a tough year, Jabeur is now looking forward to mixing it with the next generation of players, for whom she has plenty of praise.
“It’s very impressive. A lot of things are growing very fast, (there are) a lot of unbelievable players,” she said. “You can see the level is super close between different players and it’s definitely an honor for me to be part of this generation, they are younger than me, but playing at the same time, it’s great to see that.
“It’s definitely motivating to get back on to the court and try to impose my game, because I know my game is a bit different than any other player and the challenge is kind of exciting.”
The Arab tennis hero is confident that she can return to the form she showed in 2022 and 2023.
“Definitely, yes. I think it’s a matter of time, a matter of motivation, and how mentally I feel about it because I always say if you’re mentally ready, and if in your head you’re ready, you can achieve anything. I think your body will follow and everything will follow.
“Now I think I have more experience than in 2022, which is a bonus I could use. But I’m definitely ready to get back into the game, to fight hard and leave everything on the court.”
Aside from her personal targets on court, Jabeur continues to be an inspiration for young Arab tennis talent, Both female and male.
“Of course, it’s one of my goals,” she said. “One of my dreams is to see our players playing on tour. I think we have the talent, I think we have so many motivated players to play on tour and I can say nothing is impossible.
“Just training from Tunisia, I discovered a lot of things and like I said, I’m happy to share my experience and … one day when I’m 100 percent focused, on maybe giving back more. That’s something I really want to do, and I think our region deserves to have more and more champions at international level.”
Saudi Arabia recently awarded citizenship to 15-year-old French tennis player Maysan Hussein, who is of Tunisian origin, and Jabeur believes such moves can help more players get a platform to realise their potential.
“I know Maysan, I met her and met her father, very nice people. Every player deserves the support, deserves to be there, deserves to not think about how much everything will cost. They just need to focus on their training and doing their best. And what Saudi and other countries are doing is really great and I hope they can help her and they can set a good program for her. I wish her well.”
