MIAMI: Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will open the Club World Cup against Egyptian club Al-Ahly, with Palmeiras and Porto also part of that group for the tournament that will take place in the US next year.
Real Madrid will face the Saudi club Al-Hilal in Group H — a showdown of superstars, with Kylian Mbappé for Real Madrid and Neymar for Al-Hilal.
The draw was held Thursday in Miami, with the 32 teams finally finding out their first three opponents in the newly expanded event.
Emirati club Al-Ain and Morocco’s Wydad AC will face English Premier League powerhouse Manchester City and Juventus in Group G.
The tournament will be held in the US from Jun. 15 to Jul. 13, using 12 stadiums in 11 different cities. The final will be at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, the same stadium that will play host to the 2026 World Cup final.
Among the powerhouse clubs in the field are: Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan.
There’re also the four highest-ranked teams from South America: Flamengo, Palmeiras, River Plate and Fluminense.
And Messi’s team, as a representative of the host nation, get the distinction of playing the first match. It’ll happen at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
“It’s about inclusivity, it’s about bringing clubs from all over the world, the 32 best clubs and best players from all over the world together,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said.
Some would argue it’s not the 32 “best” clubs. Inter Miami’s selection was widely panned by critics, the volume of that only rising after the team that won the Supporters Shield as the best MLS team in the regular season — with a record-setting point total — lost in Round 1 of the MLS Cup playoffs.
“There’s no controversy,” Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas said.
Major League Soccer got two teams: Seattle and Inter Miami. The Sounders qualified for the field, and Inter Miami was placed into it as the host nation’s representative.
Other opening matchups include: Paris Saint-Germain vs. Atletico Madrid and Brazilian club Botafogo playing at Seattle in Group B, Monterrey against Inter Milan in Group E, and Real Madrid facing Al-Hilal in Group H.
The club competition uses the traditional 32-team format used by the World Cup from 1998 to 2022. Eight round-robin groups of four teams each were drawn Thursday, with the top two from each group advancing to a knockout bracket of 16.
Europe got 12 spots and South America six to lead the field, while Africa, Asia and North America all got four — with Inter Miami essentially a fifth from North America since it has host status. Oceania got one spot.
“There is no rule that said the MLS Cup winner needs to be in the Club World Cup,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said. “I have no interest in anything other than what I think is going to be best for the showcase, best for our league. I am supportive of the decision that FIFA made and I’m excited to put Miami and Seattle in a global media deal and be shown around the world.”
Mas said Inter Miami getting the privilege of playing the opening match of the tournament at home is “a testament to our community, the soccer culture that’s here.”
“Who would have told us five years ago, with no club, that we’d be here today at a draw with the best teams in the world,” Mas said. “That’s what we aspire to. That’s what we dream of.”
The groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al-Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
Messi and Inter Miami to open Club World Cup against Egypt’s Al-Ahly, while Real Madrid face Saudi club Al-Hilal
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Messi and Inter Miami to open Club World Cup against Egypt’s Al-Ahly, while Real Madrid face Saudi club Al-Hilal
- Real Madrid will face the Saudi club Al-Hilal in Group H
- Emirati club Al-Ain and Morocco’s Wydad AC will face English Premier League powerhouse Manchester City and Juventus in Group G
Nigerian federation, league and club found negligent for player’s death, says FIFPRO
The National Industrial Court of Nigeria ruled the club “breached their duty of care“
NAIROBI: A Nigerian club, the league and the country’s football federation (NFF) were found negligent for the death of player Chineme Martins after he collapsed during a game in March 2020, players’ union FIFPRO said on Thursday.
Martins, who played for Nasarawa United, died aged 23 when he collapsed during a match where the medical services were deemed insufficient.
According to FIFPRO, the National Industrial Court of Nigeria ruled the club “breached their duty of care” toward Martins and they must compensate his family.
The court also said the league, the NFF and match commissioner had a duty of care to ensure the club complied with relevant regulations and they breached it.
FIFPRO added that an NFF report concluded that there was neither a medical doctor nor a physiotherapist at the game while there was “no functional ambulance at the stadium” when he collapsed.
“The court’s ruling stated it was ‘reprehensible’ that Martins was allowed to play without complete medical tests,” FIFPRO said in a statement.
“An echocardiogram was never conducted on Martins at the start of each of his three seasons with the club – and without the provision of adequate medical facilities at the Lafia Township Stadium.”
FIFPRO said its lawyers had helped the player’s family pursue the claim of negligence.
“I hope that the appropriate medical provisions are put in place for Nigeria’s footballers going forward, so that no family has to endure the pain we have suffered,” Martins’ brother Michael said.
Reuters has contacted the NFF and the Nigeria Premier League for comment.
Formula One brings thrills to Jeddah Corniche this weekend
- Fifth edition brings the world’s elite drivers to Saudi Arabia’s second city
- International artists including Usher, Major Lazer Soundsystem and Jennifer Lopez to perform
JEDDAH: The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has become one of the most popular races on the Formula One calendar. This year, in its fifth edition, the race is expected to be packed with enthusiastic fans and great racing action.
F1 enthusiasts are all set for the fifth round of the championship and the final leg of F1’s first triple-header.
Fans heading to the Grand Prix can look forward to an electrifying weekend as they witness the world’s elite drivers compete at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit — known as the fastest street circuit on the F1 calendar.
Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, chairman of the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation and Saudi Motorsport Co., said: “This year marks a significant milestone: our fifth consecutive F1 race at the record-breaking Jeddah Corniche Circuit, spectacularly set along the stunning Red Sea coastline.
“We are thrilled to return to our traditional Sunday race following the unique Saturday night spectacle of 2024.”
He continued: “We extend our profound gratitude to the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and to His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, crown prince and prime minister … for their visionary leadership.
“Their continued support fuels our efforts to position the Kingdom as a global hub for sport and innovation.
“Our sincere thanks also go to Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sport, whose steadfast dedication drives the success of Vision 2030.”
The race is expected to be a tough one as the McLaren driver Oscar Piastri heads to Jeddah after his emphatic win in Bahrain.
The Australian now trails championship leader Lando Norris by just three points, while Max Verstappen and Georg Russel remain behind them.
With the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix scheduled to be held April 18-20, millions of motorsport enthusiasts will be turning their attention to Jeddah as teams and drivers prepare for a new race on the fastest track.
Fans will be flocking to the corniche for everything from the high-speed thrills of the race itself to a wide range of side activities. One of the most anticipated events is the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Fan Experience, a free daytime attraction that has already sold out for Friday and Saturday.
Beyond the on-track action, attendees will enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with live music and entertainment, as well as opportunities to see F1 superstars up close.
Fans can enjoy an exciting lineup of live performances from global superstars, including Usher, Major Lazer Soundsystem, and Jennifer Lopez.
To make the race a success, the Saudi Ministry of Education has announced a school holiday April 20-21 for students and education staff in Jeddah, Makkah, and Taif to support the race.
Since its inaugural edition in 2021, the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has established itself as a highly anticipated annual event, attracting large audiences and a significant media presence from around the world.
Egyptians take on South Africans in African Champions League semis
- Holders Al Ahly continue their bid for a fifth title in six seasons in Pretoria on Saturday
- Egyptian giants Al Ahly are the dominant force in African football and have won 12 previous Champions League titles
CAPE TOWN: Two Egyptian clubs face two from South Africa this weekend in the semifinals of this season’s African Champions League in a rare bilateral contest.
Holders Al Ahly continue their bid for a fifth title in six seasons in Pretoria on Saturday against Mamelodi Sundowns, a side who once handed them a record defeat but have too often exited in the knockout stages after dominating the group phase.
Also on Saturday, Pyramids will be hoping to consolidate their fast-track emergence as a force in the African game when they take on Orlando Pirates in Soweto.
The return legs are both in Cairo next Friday with the winners advancing to the two-legged final at the end of May and in early June.
Egyptian giants Al Ahly are the dominant force in African football and have won 12 previous Champions League titles while the other three semifinalists have two triumphs between them — Pirates in 1995 and Sundowns in 2016.
But despite their strong track record, Ahly are not favorites after unconvincing performances in the league phase, where they were runners-up in their group.
There has been criticism of their Swiss coach Marc Koller in recent days after they also stumbled against Pyramids in the Egyptian league.
Sundowns handed Ahly a record 5-0 defeat in the 2019 quarter-finals and also scored five against them in Pretoria two years ago in the group phase.
But the South African club, owned by the family of Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe, have a long history of falling short in the knockout rounds.
Pyramids are competing in the Champions League for only the second time.
The club was formed in 2008 but moved to Cairo a decade later after being taken over by Saudi investors and are well placed to win a first Egyptian championship at the end of this season.
Opponents Pirates were one of only two unbeaten sides in the group competition and have won three away matches in north Africa in this season’s campaign.
But they will need home success on Saturday to ensure a defendable lead to take to Cairo for the return leg.
It is not the first time clubs from two countries have clashed in both Champions League semifinals.
In the 2020, Al Ahly beat Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca 5-1 on aggregate in their semifinal, while Zamalek were too good for Raja Casablanca, winning 4-1 over their two ties.
Al Ahly edged Cairo rivals Zamalek 2-1 in the final in the Egyptian capital.
Bayern defender Stanisic sorry for pushing ball kid in Champions League loss
- “Every team in the world tries to run down the clock a little," Stanisic told German media
- “It was also maybe a bit stupid of me and I'm sorry that I pushed him”
MILAN: Bayern Munich defender Josip Stanisic has apologized for pushing a ball kid during the Champions League quarterfinal loss at Inter Milan.
Stanisic pushed the ball kid off his stool after the boy appeared to throw the ball away to delay Stanisic taking a throw-in during added time. Bayern were seeking another goal to force extra time and went on to lose Tuesday's game 4-3 on aggregate.
“Every team in the world tries to run down the clock a little. They did that a bit better than some others," Stanisic told German media in comments broadcast on Wednesday by sports website RAN.
“It was also maybe a bit stupid of me and I'm sorry that I pushed him. In that moment I was just really annoyed that these little games were being played and I found that unnecessary.”
Inter's coaching staff spotted the incident immediately and appealed to the referee. Stanisic was not booked.
UEFA didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on whether it would pursue any disciplinary proceedings against Stanisic.
One-legged footballer shines in German amateur league
- The social worker now showcases that passion weekly with Bavarian club TSV Brand’s second team
- Coach Ulf Forster highlights Kaiser’s tangible contribution during his debut appearance
ECKENTAL, Germany: Pierre Kaiser has truly mastered the art of ball juggling. And when it comes to the classic rondo drill, the 35-year-old is right in the thick of it. What makes it special: in 2007, Pierre lost his leg in a train accident. Since then, football has become his greatest passion.
The social worker now showcases that passion weekly with Bavarian club TSV Brand’s second team, where his remarkable determination has earned him a spot in regular league play this season.
“I moved out here, to the countryside with my wife, and our neighbor came over and said, ‘Oh, you played amputee football? Well, you’re coming along to training’,” Kaiser recalled. “At first, I didn’t really want to, but he kept asking, and eventually I joined the guys — and they were just an incredibly friendly bunch. It was so much fun.”
His impact extends beyond mere participation. Coach Ulf Forster highlights Kaiser’s tangible contribution during his debut appearance.
“He already got a run-out from us once, and everyone was absolutely thrilled. He basically helped set up the 2-1 goal by unsettling the defense,” Forster said. “That’s what led to the goal — the opponents just didn’t know how to respond.”
Kaiser’s commitment shines through in every training session, though he acknowledges certain limitations remain — matching teammates’ speed and enduring full matches present ongoing challenges. His crutches, meanwhile, follow specific rules: if he deliberately blocks the ball with them, play stops as with a handball.
Between amateur league matches, Kaiser competes at the elite level of German amputee football.
“In four or five weeks, the amputee football Bundesliga kicks off again. There are five teams competing. We have five matchdays, and the champion is decided through a playoff in October,” he explained.
While continuing his Wednesday training routine with TSV Brand, Kaiser is simultaneously working to establish an amputee football team in nearby Eckental — because football, after all, is for everyone.
