LONDON: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has called for clarity over Covid-19 postponement rules after Premier League sides were told to return to emergency protocols to limit the spread of the virus.
Tottenham’s Europa League Conference game with Rennes on Thursday was postponed after Spurs reported that eight players and five members of staff had tested positive.
Sunday’s match between Brighton and Tottenham is also off as fears rise over the potential impact of the surging omicron variant on the English top flight.
Yet Arsenal’s Premier League match at Brentford on the opening weekend of the season, which they lost 2-0, went ahead despite four of Arteta’s squad testing positive.
Asked if he wanted league chiefs to set a threshold for the number of cases that would trigger a postponement, Arteta said on Friday: “I’m saying that would be really helpful, yes.”
“I think it is because you don’t know when you have to play and when you don’t and we have some examples about that,” he added on the eve of Arsenal’s home game against Southampton.
“The decision has to be made first of all to protect the players and the environment, this is the first thing. Afterwards obviously we need to maintain certain criteria so all the clubs are competing and we can all compete in the same conditions.”
The Premier League has written to its 20 clubs returning training ground protocols to “emergency measures.”
It followed an announcement this week by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson that the government was tightening virus restrictions in England.
The UK as a whole has had more than 10 million confirmed cases of coronavirus and over 146,000 people have died from the virus, one of the highest tolls in Europe.
Norwich manager Dean Smith, whose side lost 3-0 to Tottenham last week, faces a nervous wait to find out if any of his players will be ruled out of Saturday’s Manchester United clash because of a positive test result.
“We have got a couple of knocks and have got a couple of Covid-related issues that we are waiting on results for this morning,” Smith said.
“(They are) just feeling a little bit unwell, not likely to be linked to the game last week with Tottenham. It is just in general, I think (like) with the whole nation, (we are) holding our breath at the moment.”
Rules had been relaxed at Premier League clubs with high vaccination rates, allowing players to remove masks indoors and use their original dressing room, but they are now returning to the emergency measures.
“We will try to be as cautious and careful as possible and do all the things,” said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
“It might be an extra test per week. With Champions League games we get tests twice a week anyway — now we’ll probably get tested three times a week, which I’m completely fine with.”
Clubs have also been advised to limit social interactions, meaning Christmas parties are likely to be off the table.
Manchester City’s training ground was shut down by an outbreak of cases just under a year ago.
City manager Pep Guardiola said his players were still on “alert” to prevent a similar outbreak at the busiest time of the year for Premier League clubs, with six rounds of fixtures scheduled to take place between this weekend and January 3.
“The concern is always here — the variant or the pandemic is still in society,” he said.
“We follow the protocols. Everyone is alert. What happened with other clubs can happen here, absolutely. Wear masks, social distance, be careful.”
Arteta seeks clarity over Covid rules as Premier League goes on alert
https://arab.news/nd53m
Arteta seeks clarity over Covid rules as Premier League goes on alert
- Sunday's match between Brighton and Tottenham is off as fears rise over the potential impact of the surging Omicron
- "I think it is because you don't know when you have to play and when you don't," Arteta said
UFC lineup announced for February as part of Riyadh Season
- GEA chair Turki Alalshikh reveals fights will take place at anb Arena on Feb. 1
RIYADH: Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, announced the lineup of fights for the global event organized as part of Riyadh Season in collaboration with UFC, the world’s premier MMA organization.
The event, with tickets now available on the webook platform, will be held at the anb Arena in Riyadh on Feb. 1, 2025, and is expected to feature exciting matchups between some of the world’s top fighters.
In the bouts, Dagestani Said Nurmagomedov (18-3-0) will face Brazilian Vinicius “Lok Dog” Oliveira (21-3-0), while Tajikistani Muhammad Naimov (11-3-0) will take on Australian Kain Ofli (12-3-1).
In another bout, American Terrance McKinney (15-7-0) will meet Danish Damir Hadzovic (14-7-0), and Austrian Bogdan Grad (14-2-0) will clash with Brazilian Lucas Alexander (8-4-0).
The French fighter Fares Ziam (16-4-0) faces the American Mike Davis (11-2-0) in a lightweight bout.
In a standout bout, Egyptian Hamdy Abdelwahab (5-0-0) will face American Jamal Pogues (11-4-0), while Bahraini Shamil Gaziev (13-1-0) will go up against American Thomas Petersen (9-2-0) in a tough fight.
The excitement continues as Americans Jordan Leavitt (11-3-0) and Abdul Kareem Al-Silwadi (15-4-0) face off, and Russian Sergei Pavlovich (18-3-0) takes on Surinamese Jairzinho “Bigi Boy” Rozenstruik (15-5-0).
Dagestani Ikram Aliskerov (15-2-0) will also meet Brazilian Andre Muniz (24-6-0) in a decisive battle.
Previously, Alalshikh announced the main event, featuring former middleweight world champion Israel Adesanya (24-4-0), known as “The Last Stylebender,” against rising star Nassourdine Imavov (15-4-0), ranked fourth globally.
Israel Adesanya, the Nigerian-born New Zealander, is one of the biggest names in UFC history, returning to the ring after his loss to current middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis earlier this year. He aims to regain his form with a decisive victory over Imavov.
Meanwhile, Imavov, the French fighter of Dagestani origin, seeks to maintain his momentum following a significant win over Brendan Allen. Known for his well-rounded skills and powerful knockouts, Imavov hopes to topple a legend like Adesanya in a spectacular night.
The co-main event will feature another thrilling middleweight clash between undefeated Shara Magomedov (15-0-0), a Dagestani fighter ranked 14th globally, and Michael “Venom” Page (22-3-0), the English fighter known for his kickboxing prowess. Magomedov seeks to strengthen his ranking, while Page aims to return to his winning ways.
After 2 years in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo says he is hungry for titles
- Portuguese legend reflects on life, football in the Kingdom and vision for the Saudi Pro League
RIYADH: Cristiano Ronaldo is celebrating two years in Saudi Arabia with his club Al-Nassr, and on Friday reflected on his journey so far in an interview published by the Saudi Pro League.
The Portuguese superstar said he was happy with his life in the Kingdom.
“I’m happy and my family is happy. We started a new life in this beautiful country,” he said. “Life is good, football is good. In terms of individual and collective, we are still there; we are still improving.”
Ronaldo’s impact on the pitch since arriving at Al-Nassr has been undeniable. During the 2023-24 season, his first, he shattered the SPL record for the most goals in a single season, scoring 35 goals in 31 matches and earning the Golden Boot.
However, Al-Nassr fell short of the league title, finishing second to Riyadh rivals Al-Hilal, who went unbeaten.
This season, Al-Ittihad, captained by Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema, lead the way. Despite the stiff competition, Ronaldo remains optimistic about Al-Nassr’s prospects.
“It’s hard to compete with teams like Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad, but we are still there, still pushing and fighting,” he said.
“Football is like that; you have good moments and bad moments, but the most important thing is to be professional, to push hard, respect the club, respect your contract, and believe that things will change. For Al-Nassr, we’ll keep pushing to win more titles.”
He also has his eyes on the AFC Champions League. “The Champions League is something I want to win for the club, but the most important thing is to keep pushing and be professional.”
Ronaldo’s influence extends far beyond football. With more than 1 billion followers across social media platforms, he remains a global icon. His No.7 Al-Nassr jersey is seen worldwide, and his presence has inspired many international players to join the league.
The subsequent arrival of other star players in the following transfer windows, combined with the launch of the SPL Transformation Strategy in 2023, has positioned the league as a focal point of global football, with Brazilian superstar Neymar hailing Ronaldo as a “trailblazer” for the league’s meteoric rise.
“To be the first star to come here is an honor, but what I’m looking forward to is the next five-10 years of the league improving — not only the first teams but also the academies,” Ronaldo said.
He added: “Not just for the future of the Saudi players and the league, but for the country to compete with other leagues. This is my dream, and I will try to help the country and league reach that level.”
When asked about his favorite moment with Al-Nassr, Ronaldo singled out winning the 2023 King Salman Arab Club Cup.
“Probably when we won the first title,” he said. “The final against Al-Hilal was probably the most intense one that we lived. To have the privilege to win my first trophy here in my first year was amazing.”
However, Ronaldo remains as hungry as ever.
“I want more. I will continue to push and help my team Al-Nassr to win titles. I believe that this year will be a good year for Al-Nassr, inshallah.”
Teun Koopmeiners seeks silverware for Juventus in Saudi Arabia
- Juve play AC Milan in the second semifinal of this year’s EA Sports FC Italian Supercup at Al Awwal Park in Riyadh on Friday. The winners face Inter Milan on Monday
RIYADH: Teun Koopmeiners says he has fulfilled a footballing dream by joining a club of the stature of Juventus — one that is always competing for trophies — and hopes the team known as the Old Lady of Turin is smiling brightly in Riyadh come Monday night.
To achieve the first trophy of his Juventus career, however, the summer signing from Atalanta will first need to play his part in overcoming AC Milan in the second semifinal of this year’s EA Sports FC Italian Supercup. The clash of the Italian giants kicks off at 10 p.m. Saudi time at Al-Awwal Park on Friday night.
Should they overcome the Rossoneri, they would face their city rivals, Inter Milan, after the Nerazzuri defeated Atalanta 2-0 through a double from Koopmeiners’ international team-mate Denzel Dumfries on Thursday in the other semifinal.
Inter now have the opportunity to win three Supercups in succession in Riyadh.
Koopmeiners is eager to bag a double of his own in downing both Milan clubs in the space of four days.
He was a key part of the Atalanta team that claimed UEFA Europa League glory last season — earning the 26-year-old the first trophy of his career — before joining Juventus for a reported fee of more than €50 million ($51.5 million).
Juventus enter the Supercup, which is being staged in Saudi Arabia for the fifth time, as winners of last season’s Coppa Italia.
Koopmeiners said: “The dream was to go to a club that plays everything to win prizes, to win trophies. Juventus has proven over the whole history of Serie A that they can win the most trophies. I wanted to go there to have a good chance but in sport there are never any guarantees. I also knew I wouldn’t go there and automatically win trophies; I have to work (hard) every single day to achieve that, and also with the team. It’s nice that in one week we can win a trophy inside two games. That’s what we go for and that’s what the full focus is on and that’s what I want to do.
“We need to be at our very best because AC Milan are a very strong team, as a team but also as individuals. We have to be confident to make it a great match. We have to play at our highest level to reach the final. Then we have to play another great game (against Inter) because one is not enough.”
Koopmeiners has a number of international team-mates playing in the Saudi Pro League, including Gini Wijnaldum at Al-Ettifaq and Steven Bergwijn at Al-Ittihad. The midfielder reports an overwhelmingly positive experience from those he has spoken to about living and playing in Saudi Arabia.
Koopmeiners, who starred for AZ Alkmaar — where younger brother Peer plays — in the Netherlands for four years before moving to Serie A, said: “They tell me that it’s developing a lot (in Saudi), that the facilities are really nice, and every month let alone every year it’s getting more attention. There are also some more players now that I’ve played against in other competitions that are playing here who are really positive and say the people are really nice.
“I also played at the World Cup in Qatar, which is quite close to here, so I’ve seen the culture there a little bit and the people were really nice. I think the most important thing is that the sport is bringing cultures together and everyone is enjoying this and learning from each other. Everyone can do better developing on the field, the training methods, and helping children to do better. I think everyone in sport and especially football should have the chance to enjoy.”
Bangladesh revamps worker training for Saudi 2034 FIFA World Cup projects
- Govt to prepare training centers with focus on Saudi market demands
- Reskilling, upskilling services to be provided to migrants already residing in the Kingdom
DHAKA: Bangladeshi authorities are revamping training for prospective migrant workers and will offer upskilling programs to those residing in Saudi Arabia to tap into the labor market ahead of the FIFA World Cup, which the Kingdom will host in 2034.
Last month, the football governing body confirmed that Saudi Arabia had won the bid to host the world’s largest sporting event.
With the bid proposing to hold games across 15 stadiums in five cities, many new migrant workers will be involved in building new sports and transport networks, as well as hotel infrastructure.
In Bangladesh, which has a major expat community in Saudi Arabia, the trend is viewed as an “opportunity” for the country’s migrant workers, according to A.Z.M. Nurul Huq, joint secretary at the employment wing of the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment.
“It’s a huge task, and a lot of construction works will take place targeting this World Cup event. Here lies the opportunity for us as our migrants have been working with much goodwill in many sectors of the Kingdom for many years,” Huq told Arab News.
“Saudi Arabia has to build over a dozen new stadiums, renovate existing ones and develop numerous new accommodation facilities, along with necessary infrastructure and connectivity.”
Some 3 million Bangladeshi nationals live and work in Saudi Arabia. They are the largest expat group in the Kingdom and also the biggest Bangladeshi community outside Bangladesh.
Many are employed in the construction sector as masons, electricians, pipe fitters, plumbers and electricians.
“Bangladeshi migrants can be more actively employed in the construction work for the FIFA World Cup,” Huq said.
“Works are underway for providing reskilling and upskilling services to migrants who are already in the Kingdom. In this way, our workers will be able to secure their jobs and earn more.”
For the past few years, as Saudi Arabia is prioritizing efforts to improve the professional competence of employees under its Vision 2030 program, the expatriates’ ministry has been collaborating with the Kingdom’s skills verification authority, Takamol.
The agency, which manages migrant skill certification based on the needs of Saudi employers, provides Bangladesh’s 113 technical training centers with a list of the Kingdom’s latest workforce requirements.
“Our centers tailor their programs to equip workers with the necessary skills. Upon completing the training, the prospective migrants receive certification through Takamol, which is recognized by Saudi authorities,” said Shah Zulfiquer Haider, deputy secretary at the ministry’s training wing.
As demand is set to increase in line with 2034 World Cup projects, more Bangladeshi training centers will focus on the Saudi market in particular.
“We are planning to strengthen our collaboration with Takamol,” Haider said. “Currently, a dozen technical training centers are preparing skilled workers to meet Saudi Arabia’s demands. We will soon increase the number of training centers, which will produce more skilled migrants tailored to the needs of the Saudi labor market.”
Arsenal must ‘flip coin’ in Premier League title race, says Arteta
- Mikel Arteta says Arsenal must “flip that coin” as they hunt down Premier League leaders Liverpool in a quest to be crowned champions of England after two agonizing near-misses
LONDON: Mikel Arteta says Arsenal must “flip that coin” as they hunt down Premier League leaders Liverpool in a quest to be crowned champions of England after two agonizing near-misses.
The second-placed Gunners, runners-up to Manchester City over the past two seasons, are six points behind Arne Slot’s rampaging Liverpool, who have a game in hand, having played half their league fixtures.
Stumbles in October and early November left Arsenal playing catch-up and Arteta on Friday pleaded for consistency from his men, who travel to face mid-table Brighton on Saturday.
“We have to show the same level of consistency and a bit more, because the last year we have been the best team in the league, broken various records and still haven’t won a major trophy, so something is missing,” said the Spaniard.
“It’s going to be very thin, small details, you can pick up certain games and situations. But at the end, we’re so close and we just have to flip that coin to the other side to make it happen.
“That’s only going to happen if we do what we have to do and what we can control. The rest is out of our hands.”
Arsenal are bidding to win their first Premier League title since 2004 but are set to be without Bukayo Saka until March after the England winger suffered a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace last month.
“There’s not one player that’s going to play nine games in a row in that position, it’s impossible,” said Arteta.
He added: “We need more threat, we need more players fit and rotation in that unit. In relation to that, we will make decisions and as well, players’ performances, that’s simple.”
The Arsenal boss said he was unsure whether the club would strengthen in the January transfer window.
“The focus is on the players that we have,” he said. “When something is in the market that we can afford and believe is going to have a real impact on the team, we have to be open to that possibility.
“We have the ability to change the squad in the windows, but at the moment the focus is on what we have.”
