Djokovic calls for overhaul of ‘unfair’ anti-doping system

Novak Djokovic has urged tennis authorities to overhaul the sport's anti-doping system. He said a majority of the players don't feel that it's fair, adding he believes a change is needed. (File/AFP)
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Updated 18 February 2025
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Djokovic calls for overhaul of ‘unfair’ anti-doping system

  • Djokovic: There is so much inconsistencies between the cases
  • Djokovic, who is returning to action this week at the Qatar Open for the first time since retiring injured from last month's Australian Open semifinals, believes a change is needed

DOHA:  Novak Djokovic on Monday urged tennis authorities to overhaul the sport's anti-doping system, pointing to "inconsistencies" in cases involving top stars Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek and those of lower-ranked players.

World No. 1 Sinner agreed to a three-month ban on Saturday, admitting "partial responsiblity" for mistakes by his team which led to him twice testing positive for traces of clostebol in March last year.

Sinner was facing a potential ban of two years after the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against his initial exoneration by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), announced in August.

In a surprising move, WADA withdrew its appeal and came to an agreement with Sinner to accept a three-month ban.

In another high-profile case last year, five-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek accepted a one-month ban after testing positive for the banned heart drug trimetazidine.

"There's a majority of the players that I've talked to in the locker room, not just in the last few days, but also last few months, that are not happy with the way this whole process has been handled," said Djokovic.

"A majority of the players don't feel that it's fair. A majority of the players feel like there is favoritism happening. It seems like, it appears that you can almost affect the outcome if you are a top player, if you have access to the top lawyers."

In contrast, the recently retired Simona Halep, a former world No. 1, was handed a four-year ban by the ITIA in 2022 after testing positive for the blood-boosting drug roxadustat.

She argued it was the result of a tainted supplement and successfully appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which reduced her suspension to nine months.

"Simona Halep and (Britain's) Tara Moore and some other players that are maybe less known that have been struggling to resolve their cases for years, or have gotten the ban for years," said Djokovic.

"There is so much inconsistencies between the cases."

Djokovic, who is returning to action this week at the Qatar Open for the first time since retiring injured from last month's Australian Open semifinals, believes a change is needed.

"Right now it's a ripe time for us to really address the system, because the system and the structure obviously doesn't work (for) anti-doping, it's obvious," he said.

"I hope that in the next period of the near future that the governing bodies are going to come together, of our tours and the tennis ecosystem, and try to find a more effective way to deal with these processes.

"It's inconsistent, and it appears to be very unfair."

"If you are going to treat every case individually or independently, which is what's happening, then there's no consistency, then there is no transparency, and some cases are transparent, some are not," he continued.

"The problem is that right now there is a lack of trust generally from the tennis players, both male and female, towards WADA and ITIA, and the whole process.


Childhood fan Mbeumo joins Man Utd re-build

Updated 22 July 2025
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Childhood fan Mbeumo joins Man Utd re-build

LONDON: Cameroon winger Bryan Mbeumo said he “grew up wearing” the Manchester United shirt on Monday after joining the club from Brentford on a deal until 2030, with an option for a further year.
Mbeumo, 25, will reportedly cost the 20-time Premier League champions an initial £65 million  having scored 20 goals in 38 league games last season for the Bees.
Tottenham, now managed by former Brentford boss Thomas Frank, were also chasing the France-born attacker before United’s improved offer sealed the move.
United’s third bid, worth an initial £65m with £6m in add-ons, was accepted last week.
“As soon as I knew there was a chance to join Manchester United, I had to take the opportunity to sign for the club of my dreams,” Mbeumo said in a United statement.
“The team whose shirt I wore growing up.
“This is a massive club, with an incredible stadium and amazing fans, we are all really determined to challenge for the biggest trophies,” he added.
United coach Ruben Amorim has signed two other players during this summer in an attempt to avoid a repeat of last season’s catastrophic display.
They lost to Tottenham in the Europa League final and a 15th-place finish in the top flight was their lowest since 1973-74.
Wolves forward Matheus Cunha and teenage Paraguayan defender Diego Leon have also moved to Old Trafford.
Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggled as Amorim’s main strikers last term.
“My mentality is to always be better than I was yesterday,” Mbeumo said.
“I know that I have the spirit and character to reach another level here learning from Ruben Amorim and playing alongside world-class players.
Mbeumo blossomed in six years at Brentford, scoring 70 goals and providing 51 assists in 242 appearances in all competitions following his move from French club Troyes in 2019.
“There is always a right time for a player to move on and, for Bryan, that time is now,” Brentford director of football Phil Giles said.
“He has the opportunity to go to one of the biggest clubs in the world, and we are very happy for him,” he added.
Mbeumo helped the Bees win promotion to the Premier League in 2021 and was instrumental in their impressive 10th-place finish in 2024-25.
“We are delighted to have secured another one of our primary targets ahead of the pre-season tour,” the Red Devils’ director of football Jason Wilcox said.
“The experience in the US will be the perfect opportunity for Bryan to work with Ruben and his new team-mates as we prepare for an exciting season ahead,” he added.
In terms of United outgoings, Marcus Rashford is set to leave his boyhood club for Barcelona and an announcement could come on Tuesday.
Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia continue looking for new clubs and are not expected to fly to the US as part of the tour squad.
United start their pre-season tour of the United States on Sunday by facing West Ham before their opening game of the new Premier League season against Arsenal on August 17.


Al-Ittihad Club: A season of success and community leadership

Updated 21 July 2025
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Al-Ittihad Club: A season of success and community leadership

  • The 2024-25 season saw the Jeddah club claim a 10th Saudi Pro League title, their second success in 3 years
  • Under the supervision of the club’s nonprofit organization, the Social Responsibility Department has implemented more than 42 quality initiatives in line with Saudi Vision 2030

JEDDAH: Al-Ittihad Club, the oldest sports club in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, continues to strengthen its position as a leading national sports institution that not only achieves championships on the field, but also strives to make a positive impact beyond its walls.

At the conclusion of the 2024–2025 season, which saw a 10th Saudi Pro league title win, the club presents an inspiring model of sustainable corporate social responsibility.

Under the supervision of the club’s nonprofit organization, the Social Responsibility Department has implemented more than 42 quality initiatives targeting people, the environment and the community, both locally and internationally. These efforts align with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aims to build a vibrant society, a thriving economy and an enhanced quality of life for all within an ambitious nation.

These initiatives reflect a clear leadership vision, firm strategic support and almost three consecutive years of consistent, institutional CSR activity, shaping Al-Ittihad into a national role model for sustainable development through sport.

Strategic Support from Club Leadership

This success was driven by the vision of Al-Ittihad Chairman Loay Mishaby, who made social responsibility a strategic priority for the club, not just as a symbolic commitment, but also as a pillar of its institutional identity.

The chairman’s vision was supported by the board of directors, who helped expand the reach and depth of initiatives through robust oversight, strategic facilitation and enabling public-private partnerships.

“This season, our goal at the nonprofit organization was to amplify our reach and deepen our impact through inclusive and meaningful CSR programs,” said Dr. Faisal Basha, board member of Al-Ittihad Club.

“By collaborating with more sponsors and partners who share our values, we were able to host a diverse range of events that brought joy and connection to fans across all walks of life. We are grateful to every entity that supported our vision of using the club’s platform to serve the community, promote inclusion and inspire a lasting positive change.”

Executive Leadership with Long-Term Impact

On the operational front, Ahmed Sadig Diab, CSR manager at Al-Ittihad for the past seven years, continued to lead the club’s community programming with a focus on sustainability and long-term social benefit. For almost three years, Diab has directed a well-structured CSR strategy designed to address actual community needs while building strong partnerships with public and private sectors, in line with national development priorities.

This year, the program experienced strategic growth thanks to the involvement of Ms. Dania Al-Maeena, CEO of the nonprofit organization at Al-Ittihad.

Under her leadership, the institutional framework of CSR was strengthened by expanding alliances with national charities and development organizations, optimizing program design and execution, and ensuring the long-term social value of every initiative, particularly in the areas of education, empowerment and environmental responsibility.

Al-Maeena said: “At Al-Ittihad Club, we believe football is more than a game — it’s a powerful platform to connect hearts and serve the community. This season, we expanded our CSR initiatives to reach all segments of our fans, including people with special needs and dedicated volunteers. We created opportunities for them to meet their favorite players, engage with them up close and enjoy meaningful moments within the club.

“Our commitment remains strong: To make Al-Ittihad a club that welcomes everyone and makes each individual feel like a true part of its story,” she added. “We focused on the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision strategy, with initiatives centered around developing capabilities, achieving environmental sustainability and empowering society, through effective partnerships and engaging volunteers for a vibrant society and an ambitious nation.”

Strategic Alignment with Saudi Vision 2030

All CSR initiatives this season were carefully aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, especially its pillars of “A Vibrant Society,” “A Thriving Economy” and “An Ambitious Nation.” The club made deliberate efforts to design programs that contribute directly to these national goals — from youth empowerment and quality-of-life improvements to environmental stewardship, volunteer engagement and education.

Educational and awareness programs empowered children and youth through football and learning, while health and humanitarian initiatives promoted public well-being and reinforced social solidarity. The club’s partnerships with government entities and NGOs served as a practical model of how sports institutions can directly contribute to national transformation.

Environmental Leadership: A Global First at COP16

One of the club’s most significant milestones this season was becoming the first sports club in the world to officially take part in the UN COP16 Conference, which focused on combating desertification and preserving vegetation. The event, held in Riyadh, saw Al-Ittihad organize a dedicated matchday activation where players were joined by children wearing the conference’s branding, with support from SAFE Security.

Additionally, Al-Ittihad partnered with Roshn to launch a marine environmental initiative, cleaning coastal areas and raising awareness about ocean preservation — reinforcing the club’s commitment to sustainability and green initiatives.

Ramadan of Generosity: “Fekkat Reeq” and Eid Clothing Drives

During Ramadan, the club implemented the “Fekkat Reeq” campaign, distributing more than 10,000 Iftar meals across 10 cities in Saudi Arabia in collaboration with Nama Charity and sponsored by Roshn. The initiative targeted workers, travelers and underserved communities, highlighting the club’s humanitarian commitment.

Al-Ittihad also collaborated with Kiswat Farah Charity to organize the Eid Clothing Drive, which saw wide engagement from fans and first-team players alike, while the distribution of Ramadan food baskets reached dozens of families in need — echoing the club’s core values of generosity and compassion.

Empowering Special Needs and Raising Awareness

As part of its commitment to inclusivity and special needs empowerment, Al-Ittihad organized its fourth consecutive Autism Awareness Program, benefiting more than 40 children through sports and arts activities focused on early detection and community integration.

A recreational day for early childhood students was also held at the club, engaging 50 children in interactive, football-themed learning experiences.

In October, Al-Ittihad partnered with Zahra Association and Roshn for a Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, during which 22 children walked onto the pitch with players, and the team captain wore a pink armband to symbolize solidarity with patients and survivors.

Education and Career Empowerment

As part of its commitment to youth education, the club partnered with KidZania to deliver a unique edutainment experience for 100 children, allowing them to play and learn in a football simulation environment styled with the club’s identity.

On the career development front, Al-Ittihad hosted a Job Guidance Forum in partnership with the Human Resources Development Fund, attended by more than 80 job seekers who received guidance on leveraging government employment initiatives, supporting the “Thriving Economy” pillar of Vision 2030.

International Outreach: Zaatari Refugee Championship

Affirming its belief that humanitarian work knows no borders, Al-Ittihad took part in the Zaatari Championship for refugee children, organized under the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center featuring eight Saudi clubs. Al-Ittihad’s U-12 team won the title, but the greater impact was the construction of a dedicated locker room reflecting the club’s identity, and the installation of a large viewing screen — bringing joy and a sense of belonging to children living in the camp.

Volunteerism: Contributing to the Million Volunteers Goal

Aligned with Vision 2030’s national target of reaching 1 million volunteers per year, Al-Ittihad registered more than 320 volunteers on the National Volunteering Platform. These individuals contributed to the club’s events, logistics and campaigns, helping build a culture of civic engagement and responsible participation among youth and fans.

Sports Beyond the Pitch

Al-Ittihad’s initiatives aim to demonstrate that football is more than just a game; it is a powerful platform for positive social transformation. With visionary leadership from Mishaby, and professional on-ground leadership by Diab and Al-Maeena, Al-Ittihad has elevated CSR from a supporting function into a core strategic pillar of the club’s identity.

The 2024–2025 season will be remembered not only for victories on the field, but also for the lasting impact made in the lives of children, families, volunteers and communities, all in alignment with the values and aspirations of Vision 2030.


Formula E and PIF tackle green skills gap

Updated 21 July 2025
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Formula E and PIF tackle green skills gap

  • Driving Force uses the appeal of all-electric motorsport to engage students aged eight to 18 in sustainability education
  • Formula E delivered an in-person Driving Force workshop at Hammersmith Academy, London, July 16, reaching over 90 students

LONDON: A major electric motorsport-backed education initiative is targeting Britain’s critical shortage of workers in green industries, with Formula E’s Driving Force program, presented by PIF E360, predicted to reach over 50,000 students worldwide by the end of 2025.

Formula E, the world’s first and only all electric motorsport, continues to accelerate change on and off the track through its flagship STEM and sustainability youth education program Driving Force presented by PIF E360. The program comes as the UK faces a projected deficit of 200,000 skilled workers in net-zero zero roles by 2030, while green job opportunities continue to expand by 9.2 percent year-on-year.

The skills gap has prompted new Department of Education statutory guidance for schools to create stronger links between subject lessons and careers. Every pupil is required to learn how the knowledge and skills developed in that subject helps gain entry to, and work within, a wide range of careers.

All students between Years 7 and 11 are to experience at least one meaningful encounter with an employer each year and to learn about careers through every subject.

Driving Force uses the appeal of all-electric motorsport to engage students aged eight to 18 in sustainability education, equipping young people with the knowledge, confidence and role models needed to pursue the ever-growing roles in sustainability, science and tech.

As part of its community engagement, Formula E delivered an in-person Driving Force workshop at Hammersmith Academy in London on 16th July, reaching over 90 students.

The session represents the type of direct intervention that can significantly influence young people’s career aspirations and STEM representation, and is part of a series of 5 workshops delivered across London in July, focusing on schools close to the upcoming London E-Prix race location of the Excel in East London, and the Formula E HQ in Hammersmith.

Earlier this year, Formula E also delivered Driving Force workshops in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and Miami, United States during their respective race weeks.

Through hands-on learning, the in-person workshops connected classroom learning to real-world careers in motorsport, mobility, engineering, battery innovation and clean energy, leaving behind a lasting community legacy in the heart of London.

Julia Palle, VP of Sustainability, Formula E said: “A survey in 2024 of more than 7,000 UK secondary-school students reveals a worrying downward trend in both their involvement in and their ambition to pursue STEM subjects — a stark wake-up call for educators and policymakers alike. Teachers are being asked to make stronger connections between subjects and careers, but they need support from employers to do that effectively. Driving Force, presented by PIF E360, is part of the solution to help the education system deliver what our students and our green economy both desperately need to succeed.”

As the world’s first all-electric FIA World Championship and the only sport-certified net zero carbon since inception, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship brings dramatic racing to the heart of some of the world’s most iconic cities providing an elite motorsport platform for the world’s leading automotive manufacturers to accelerate electric vehicle innovation.

The Formula E network of teams, manufacturers, partners, broadcasters, and host cities is united by a passion for the sport and belief in its potential to accelerate sustainable human progress and create a better future for people and the planet.


Berlin MP triumphs as Global Champions Arabians Tour ends

Updated 21 July 2025
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Berlin MP triumphs as Global Champions Arabians Tour ends

  • The 2018-born grey horse, owned by Hleetan Qatar Stud, took the coveted Senior Stallion Gold Championship Title

VALKENSWAARD: The 2025 Valkenswaard edition of the Global Champions Arabians Tour in the Netherlands concluded on Sunday, with Berlin MP, owned by Hleetan Qatar Stud, taking home the prestigious Senior Stallion Gold Championship title.

The 2018-born grey stallion was handled by Glenn Schoukens, delivering a performance that captivated judges and spectators alike.

The sixth stage of the Tour in the Europe & the Middle East series unfolded at the renowned Longines Tops International Arena in Valkenswaard.

Over three days, more than 100 of the world’s finest Arabian horses competed in a venue filled with breeders, sponsors, influencers, VIPs, and fans.

With a total prize purse $1.64 million, of which $1.22 million was allocated to championship classes and $419,000 to qualifiers, Valkenswaard reinforced the GCAT’s status as the most prestigious and rewarding series in the history of Arabian horse sport.

“Valkenswaard continues to surprise and inspire,” said Bader M. Al-Darwish, CEO of the Global Champions Arabians Tour. “We witnessed world-class competition at the epicenter of equestrian sports in the Netherlands.”

The show now moves to London, where the tour will make its much-anticipated UK debut from Aug. 14 to 17 at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

The season’s grand finale in Doha, the World Arabian Horse Championship Supreme, is from Dec. 3 to 6.

Championship Winners – Valkenswaard 2025

Yearling Fillies: Gold for VERONICA BV, owned by Al-Shaqab and bred by Bautista Vich Stud, Qatar.

Yearling Colts: Gold for SK KAYAN, owned by Aljumail Stud, Qatar, and bred by Abdulaziz Mohammed A. Almudimigh.

Junior Fillies: Gold for Shahalel Al-Shaqab, owned and bred by Al-Shaqab, Qatar.

Junior Colts: Gold for D Borkan, owned and bred by Dubai Arabian Horse Stud, UAE.

Senior Mares: Gold for Al-Aryam Banafsaj, owned by Ajman Stud – Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al-Nuaimi, bred by Al-Aryam Arabians, Ajman, UAE.

Senior Stallions: Gold for Berlin MP, owned by Hleetan Qatar Stud, bred by Mindy Peters, Qatar.

Championship Points Standings after Valkenswaard

Top Female: Shahalel Al-Shaqab – 120.

Top Male: Berlin MP – 104.

Leading Handler: Glenn Schoukens – 307.


EVOS Esports win Free Fire Championship at Esports World Cup

Updated 21 July 2025
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EVOS Esports win Free Fire Championship at Esports World Cup

  • 15-year-old ‘wonderkid’ Rasyah ‘Rasyah’ Rasyid named MVP as team earns 1,000 Club Championship points

RIYADH: EVOS Esports have won the Free Fire Championship at the Esports World Cup 2025 after a tense final game that almost saw them finish in second as they did last year.

 

EVOS Esports were the first team to trigger match point in game five, but it was a nervous wait for them to claim the victory.

By the 10th and final game of the day, it was effectively sudden death. Either the team with the most points after the match would win, or one of the nine teams on match point would secure the trophy.

Having had championship point for five games in a row, EVOS Esports almost went out first in the final game of the tournament with just one player left standing.

However, some quick thinking and revives saw the team get back to full strength, and they would go onto a tense final battle.

Team Vitality and EVOS Esports were the final two teams in game 10, and both were on championship point, making it a winner take all fight. With an aggressive play, EVOS managed to get the upper hand and took the win in dramatic fashion.

The Esports World Cup 2025 is the last tournament EVOS Esports will play under their coach John Theo Eusebio. Paying tribute, the players recognized his influence on the team as they collected the trophy.

“I am proud of all of you guys,” said Aji “AimGOD” Apri Wicaksono to his team after the win. “Thank you all of you, thank you to our manager. We are so happy, we didn’t expect it at all.”

EVOS Esports players Rasyah “Rasyah” Rasyid, Wicaksono, Rayandra “Reyyy” Eka, M.Excel “Koceel” Putra overcame challenges from 17 other clubs to win a $300,000 prize and secure 1,000 Club Championship points.

Adding an additional accolade, 15-year-old Rasyid was also named the tournament MVP in League of Legends, winning $10,000 for his outstanding performances throughout the Esports World Cup 2025.

“I can’t believe this day,” said Rasyid. “As the youngest player in the EWC, I tried my best to be champion and I got it. I am the true wonderkid.”

The third week of EWC 2025 takes place until Sunday, July 27, with finals across StarCraft II, Honor of Kings and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.