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France Not Considering Soccer World Cup Boycott over Greenland for Now

President Donald Trump is presented with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center, Dec. 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, file)
President Donald Trump is presented with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center, Dec. 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, file)
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France Not Considering Soccer World Cup Boycott over Greenland for Now

President Donald Trump is presented with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center, Dec. 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, file)
President Donald Trump is presented with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize by FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center, Dec. 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, file)

France's sports minister says her country is not currently thinking about boycotting the soccer World Cup in the United States amid growing tensions related to Donald Trump's quest to control Greenland.

“At the moment we are speaking, there is no desire from the ministry to boycott this major, much-anticipated competition," sports minister Marina Ferrari told reporters on Tuesday evening. "That said, I am not prejudging what might happen.”

Ferrari added that she wants to keep sports separate from politics, The AP news reported.

“The 2026 World Cup is an extremely important moment for all sports lovers,” she said.

With the tournament kicking off in June in the United States, Canada and Mexico, the US president's ambitions to wrest control of Greenland from NATO ally Denmark has the potential to tear relations with European allies.

In France, leftist lawmaker Eric Coquerel said the opportunity of a boycott by France, a two-time winner of the men's World Cup, should be considered.

“Seriously, can we really imagine going to play the footie World Cup in a country that attacks its ‘neighbors,’ threatens to invade Greenland, undermines international law, wants to torpedo the UN," he asked in a message posted on social media.

“The question seriously arises, especially since it is still possible to refocus the event on Mexico and Canada,” he wrote.

France lost to Argentina in the final of the World Cup in 2022.

No boycott by Scotland after 28-year wait In the UK, the Scottish National Party’s Westminster leader, Stephen Flynn, said boycotting the World Cup was not the right option for Scotland, which will feature at the World Cup for the first time since 1998.

“Without being flippant, we have boycotted the World Cup proactively since 1998 and I’m not entirely sure that’s a route that we want to go down again,” Flynn said.

“Instead I think we need serious and committed international dialogue with our allies on the European continent."

On Tuesday a number of MPs called for the home nations to boycott the World Cup. England and Scotland have qualified for the showcase event, while Wales and Northern Ireland are in the playoffs.

 

 

 

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Saudi Minister of Energy Signs Energy Cooperation MoUs with Kuwait, Qatar and Egypt

Saudi Minister of Energy and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and Kuwait’s Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Dr. Subaih Abdulaziz Abdulmohsen Al-Mukhizim. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Energy and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and Kuwait’s Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Dr. Subaih Abdulaziz Abdulmohsen Al-Mukhizim. (SPA)
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Saudi Minister of Energy Signs Energy Cooperation MoUs with Kuwait, Qatar and Egypt

Saudi Minister of Energy and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and Kuwait’s Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Dr. Subaih Abdulaziz Abdulmohsen Al-Mukhizim. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Energy and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and Kuwait’s Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Dr. Subaih Abdulaziz Abdulmohsen Al-Mukhizim. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Energy and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz signed on Sunday three memoranda of understanding with ministers from Kuwait, Qatar and Egypt, expanding cooperation across a broad range of energy fields.

Prince Abdulaziz signed an MoU on electricity and renewable energy cooperation with Kuwait’s Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy Dr. Subaih Abdulaziz Abdulmohsen Al-Mukhizim.

The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in electricity, renewable energy, power grid interconnection and electricity exports, as well as energy efficiency, energy storage and smart grids. It also covers related areas including digital transformation, innovation, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

The two countries will also work to develop strategic partnerships between their institutions, localize energy-related materials, products and services, and strengthen cooperation between companies operating in these fields.

The MoU further provides for cooperation on technologies and solutions related to climate change mitigation, including Circular Carbon Economy technologies and solutions.

Saudi Minister of Energy and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Eng. Karim Badawi. (SPA)

Prince Abdulaziz signed an MoU on energy cooperation with Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs Eng. Saad bin Sherida Al-Kaabi.

The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Qatar across oil and petroleum products, gas and its derivatives, refining, petrochemicals, electricity, clean hydrogen and its derivatives, renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy storage.

It provides for the two countries to explore opportunities for joint projects involving pipelines for the transportation and export of oil and gas; the development and use of sustainable petrochemical materials in construction and other sectors; and cooperation on infrastructure to support access to energy.

The MoU covers cooperation in international negotiations, forums and organizations addressing energy transitions and climate change, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Paris Agreement and the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee tasked with developing an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, among others.

Prince Abdulaziz also signed an MoU with Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Eng. Karim Badawi on cooperation in oil, gas and their derivatives.

Saudi Minister of Energy and Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz and Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs Eng. Saad bin Sherida Al-Kaabi. (SPA)

The MoU establishes a framework for Saudi-Egyptian cooperation in crude oil, petroleum products and natural gas, including their trade, handling, transportation, storage and distribution, as well as the development of related infrastructure and logistics.

The cooperation will strengthen energy market integration and supply chain resilience and reliability, enhance energy security, and help meet demand across domestic, regional and international markets. Activities will be carried out in accordance with the laws and regulations of both countries and on commercial terms that advance their mutual interests.

The agreement also covers the exchange of Saudi expertise in fuel station and service center qualification, operation and maintenance, as well as the Kingdom’s experience in opening the liquefied petroleum gas sector to competition. It expands cooperation in petrochemicals and investment in ongoing and planned projects.

Business

Abdulaziz bin Salman: Riyadh is the Capital of Energy Security

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman speaks at the opening of the ministerial meeting of the International Energy Forum (IEF) in Riyadh (Turki Al-Agili)
Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman speaks at the opening of the ministerial meeting of the International Energy Forum (IEF) in Riyadh (Turki Al-Agili)
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Abdulaziz bin Salman: Riyadh is the Capital of Energy Security

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman speaks at the opening of the ministerial meeting of the International Energy Forum (IEF) in Riyadh (Turki Al-Agili)
Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman speaks at the opening of the ministerial meeting of the International Energy Forum (IEF) in Riyadh (Turki Al-Agili)

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman stressed on Sunday that Riyadh represents the capital of energy security, noting that this status reflects the Kingdom's efforts, as well as those of the men and women working in the energy sector, to ensure reliable energy supplies and fulfill Saudi Arabia’s commitments to the world.

Achieving energy security requires cooperation among all countries, he said.

Speaking at the opening of the ministerial meeting of the International Energy Forum (IEF) in Riyadh, at the start of Riyadh Energy Week, the minister expressed hope that the gathering would help direct attention toward the most important issues that energy stakeholders should focus on.

He noted that the current period makes dialogue on energy security more important than ever and that in-person meetings enable participants to exchange assessments directly, discuss concerns, and build the understanding necessary for practical cooperation among nations.

He emphasized that Saudi Arabia will continue implementing its plans, meeting its domestic needs, and honoring its commitments to the world regardless of circumstances, stressing the Kingdom’s resilience and ability to continue advancing toward its objectives.

Prince Abdulaziz said that Saudi Arabia’s commitment to energy security is one of its defining characteristics and expressed hope that the event would help more participants understand the depth of that commitment.

“I am proud to say that this country, and the city of Riyadh, is the capital of energy security,” he said, attributing this standing to the efforts of the women and men working in the energy sector and to the work they undertake to ensure the continuity of supplies and the fulfillment of the Kingdom’s obligations.

He pointed to the significant amount of work Saudi Arabia has accomplished over the past eight months, stressing that the Kingdom continues to reassure its partners that it will meet its commitments to the world and will not fail to do so.

Abdulaziz bin Salman also noted that Saudi Arabia has demonstrated its ability to support the reliability of energy supplies under challenging circumstances through investment, preparedness, and decisive action.

He cited the East-West Pipeline as a clear example, explaining that it connects production centers in the Eastern Province with export facilities in Yanbu on the Red Sea, providing an alternative route for oil to reach international markets.

He further spoke about ongoing work on additional pipeline routes, expressing hope that the Kingdom’s commitments in this area would become clearer soon, ensuring the continuation of its efforts and strengthening its role in global energy markets.

Business

International Energy Forum: Security of Supply Requires Ensuring Energy Access for Consumers

International Energy Forum (IEF) Secretary General Jassim Alshirawi speaks with Asharq Al-Awsat on the sidelines of the 17th Ministerial Meeting of the International Energy Forum (IEF) in Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat
International Energy Forum (IEF) Secretary General Jassim Alshirawi speaks with Asharq Al-Awsat on the sidelines of the 17th Ministerial Meeting of the International Energy Forum (IEF) in Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat
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International Energy Forum: Security of Supply Requires Ensuring Energy Access for Consumers

International Energy Forum (IEF) Secretary General Jassim Alshirawi speaks with Asharq Al-Awsat on the sidelines of the 17th Ministerial Meeting of the International Energy Forum (IEF) in Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat
International Energy Forum (IEF) Secretary General Jassim Alshirawi speaks with Asharq Al-Awsat on the sidelines of the 17th Ministerial Meeting of the International Energy Forum (IEF) in Riyadh. Asharq Al-Awsat

International Energy Forum (IEF) Secretary General Jassim Alshirawi stressed on Sunday that supply security remains a top priority amid growing global energy demand, driven by population growth, industrial expansion, and the increasing needs of data centers and artificial intelligence applications.

He emphasized that the challenge goes beyond producing energy and includes ensuring that it is delivered reliably to consumers.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat on the sidelines of the 17th Ministerial Meeting of the International Energy Forum in Riyadh, Alshirawi praised Saudi Arabia for hosting Riyadh Energy Week, which opened with the forum's ministerial meeting.

He noted that these gatherings provide an opportunity to strengthen dialogue between energy-producing and energy-consuming nations and to explore ways of safeguarding energy security amid the ongoing transformations in the energy sector.

He explained that the forum comprises around 70 countries representing the majority of the world's energy producers and consumers. It also includes an industry advisory board that enables companies to participate in the dialogue between governments, helping to bridge perspectives among stakeholders and address challenges related to energy availability.

Alshirawi added that population growth, industrial needs, and the new demand generated by the expanding use of artificial intelligence are increasing the importance of ensuring adequate energy supplies and the infrastructure needed to transport them to consumers.

He stressed that energy security is not only about a country's ability to produce energy, but also about ensuring that supplies reach their destinations in order to meet the needs of economies and industries.