ROME: Christian Eriksen has terminated his contract with Inter Milan by mutual consent six months after suffering a heart incident playing for Denmark at the European Championships.
The 29-year-old has been fitted with a pacemaker. That means he is not allowed to play in Italian football, but other championships do not have the same rules.
“Internazionale Milano can confirm that an agreement has been reached to terminate Christian Eriksen’s contract by mutual consent,” the Italian club said.
“Although Inter and Christian are now parting ways, the bond shall never be broken. The good times, the goals, the victories, those Scudetto celebrations with fans outside San Siro — all this will remain forever in Nerazzurri history.”
Eriksen will now be free to consider his options with other potential clubs, and has recently been in training with his boyhood club Odense.
According to the Danish daily B.T, Eriksen mainly focused on physical exercises, but also trained with a ball, although this is not currently with a view to playing for them.
“Christian Eriksen is using the pitch for his rehabilitation” but “he is not training with our team,” Odense’s communications officer Rasmus Nejstgaardhad told AFP.
The former Tottenham man suffered a cardiac arrest in Denmark’s opening game at Euro 2020 against Finland in Copenhagen on June 12 and had to be resuscitated on the pitch.
Denmark then rode a wave of emotion at the tournament, reaching the semifinals.
The playmaker spent several days in hospital and had a pacemaker implanted to regulate his heartbeat, which would rule him out of even going to a gym in Italy.
Eriksen’s departure from Inter comes just days after Argentina striker Sergio Aguero announced the end of his professional career at the age of 33 following heart problems.
The former Manchester City striker signed a two-year deal with Barcelona but had made just five appearances, scoring one goal against Real Madrid, before being taken to hospital with “chest pains” after a match at home to Alaves in October.
Financially, Inter Milan, who are deep in the red, will make some savings by parting company with their biggest earner, although Eriksen’s salary, estimated at 7.5 million euros by the Italian press, was covered for a year under a FIFA insurance system.
Eriksen was a key member of Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham side that were runners-up in the Premier League in 2016/17 and then reached the Champions League final in 2019.
The Dane joined Inter in January 2020 and after initial problems settling into Antonio Conte’s system, was a driving force in their charge to a 19th Scudetto earlier this year.
Eriksen was unveiled at the Scala opera house in Milan when he joined Inter. Italian media reported on Friday that the club planned a tribute at their San Siro stadium before a game in early 2022.
The club posted a letter to Eriksen on their website praising his role in bringing the Scudetto back to the club last season.
“Christian was a key figure in our march to the Scudetto — a team effort to which Eriksen contributed with his vision, intuition, passing, assists and goals, including some big ones. Against Napoli. Against Crotone, in what ultimately clinched the title. Then another delightful free-kick to celebrate the title at San Siro on the last day of the season,” the note said.
“That is our final, happy, wistful memory of Christian.”
Denmark’s Eriksen leaves Inter Milan ‘by mutual consent’
https://arab.news/vwqr9
Denmark’s Eriksen leaves Inter Milan ‘by mutual consent’
- The 29-year-old has been fitted with a pacemaker
- He is not allowed to play in Italian football, but other championships do not have the same rules
The ESL Saudi Challenge returns in 2025 with two editions
- Events will highlight Saudi Arabia’s role in the e-sports world and its alignment with Vision 2030
- ESL Saudi Challenge is a platform for emerging local talent to shine on the world stage, linking Saudi players with international opportunities and audiences
RIYADH: ESL FACEIT Group, the world’s leading e-sports company, has announced the return of the ESL Saudi Challenge for 2025, with two editions confirmed for May and December.
The expansion is part of EFG’s long-term commitment to Saudi Arabia’s gaming ecosystem and supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and its National Gaming and Esports Strategy.
Kicking off the 2025 season, the first round of open qualifiers will take place on April 24-26, followed by a second round scheduled for May 1-3. The competition will then advance to the playoffs on May 7-8 and 14-15, culminating in a live grand final at VOV Gaming on May 30.
The ESL Saudi Challenge is a platform for emerging local talent to shine on the world stage, linking Saudi players with international opportunities and audiences.
“What’s happening in the Kingdom today sets the tone for the future of global e-sports.” said Franck Guignery, senior vice president for the MENA region at EFG. “We’re witnessing a generation of players with world-class potential. The ESL Saudi Challenge is more than a tournament, it’s a launchpad — a gateway that connects Saudi talent to the global esports arena. For the industry, this isn’t just an opportunity — it’s a turning point.”
Each 2025 edition of the tournament will spotlight Overwatch 2 as its flagship title, with a $20,000 prize pool and offering winners a direct path to global competitions. This year’s grand finals will culminate in a live showdown, bringing the region’s top talent to the big stage.
Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad in key Saudi Pro League clashes as title race heats up
- Al-Hilal hope to beat Al-Shabab to pressure leaders Ittihad
- Al-Ittihad host Al-Ettifaq and seek to extend 4-point lead
RIYADH: The Saudi Pro League title race intensifies on Monday as Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad both face crucial tests in round 29.
Al-Hilal take on Al-Shabab at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, aiming to keep the pressure on league leaders Al-Ittihad.
Jorge Jesus’ side come into the match full of confidence after a commanding 3-0 win over Al-Khaleej, while Al-Shabab were held to a goalless draw by Al-Okhdood in their last outing.
Hilal boast a strong record against Shabab, winning 19 of their 33 previous league meetings, with just five victories for Shabab and nine draws.
Hilal have scored 59 goals across those encounters, compared to Shabab’s 32, with their biggest win coming in the 2020–21 season — a 5-1 thrashing.
Jesus has a full squad at his disposal, including Portuguese defender Joao Cancelo.
Al-Shabab coach Fatih Terim is also boosted by the return of key players, including Ukrainian goalkeeper Heorhiy Bushchan, Belgian captain Yannick Carrasco, Moroccan striker Abderrazak Hamdallah, and Argentine midfielder Cristian Guanca.
Al-Hilal currently sit second in the table with 61 points, trailing Al-Ittihad by four points, while Al-Shabab are sixth with 50 points.
And later on Monday, attention shifts to Jeddah, where Al-Ittihad host Al-Ettifaq at Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium, with kickoff at 9 p.m.
After suffering a surprise 2-0 defeat to Al-Fateh in the last round, Laurent Blanc’s Al-Ittihad will be desperate to return to winning ways and protect their lead at the top of the table.
Al-Ettifaq, meanwhile, arrive on the back of a 1-0 victory over Al-Riyadh and will be hoping to cause an upset.
Al-Ittihad have enjoyed the upper hand historically, winning 15 of the 29 previous league meetings, compared to seven wins for Al-Ettifaq, with seven matches drawn.
Ittihad have scored 53 goals in those fixtures, while Ettifaq have 32. Their most emphatic result came in the 2013–14 season, a 5-2 triumph for Ittihad.
With just five rounds remaining, every point is crucial. Al-Ittihad currently lead the standings with 65 points, while Al-Ettifaq are seventh with 40.
As the season enters its final stretch, Monday’s results could have a major impact on the destination of the league trophy.
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.”
