English Football Should Prepare for a New Financial Reality After Coronavirus

Zak Guerfi back in his days at the Stevenage academy. Photograph: Tgsphoto/Rex/Shutterstock
Zak Guerfi back in his days at the Stevenage academy. Photograph: Tgsphoto/Rex/Shutterstock
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English Football Should Prepare for a New Financial Reality After Coronavirus

Zak Guerfi back in his days at the Stevenage academy. Photograph: Tgsphoto/Rex/Shutterstock
Zak Guerfi back in his days at the Stevenage academy. Photograph: Tgsphoto/Rex/Shutterstock

The decision of Barnet chairman Tony Kleanthous to lay off all non-playing staff at the club may look drastic, but he is unlikely to be the last owner to voluntarily lower his club’s status. English football is going to have to press the reset button in light of the coronavirus pandemic. The same concerns are everywhere.

Even where TV money is the major income, revenue is going to collapse. Almost every club in the country pays players more than it should, in most cases, more than the club can really afford. Players will have to take a reality check and reduced pay cheques. The £5,000-a-week League One star has to accept his next contract could be half that, unless he can secure a move to the Championship. Instead of being offered £40,000 a year, players in League Two may have to take the national layman’s £25,000. The non-league player on £200 a game may be offered £100 next season. And so it goes.

Last Friday morning, when the EFL announced they were suspending all football, I was pulling up at Stevenage FC’s academy base. Some youth team players yelped with joy at the prospect of a weekend off. But, with Stevenage bottom of League Two and already treading a financial tightrope, staff at the club realized how serious it was. Some immediately feared for their future, with contracts running out.

At Stevenage and throughout the country, there are teenagers in the final months of their apprenticeship contracts who may never play another game for their club, among hundreds of young players whose professional football careers are over. Just like that. They just don’t know it yet.

With the EFL called off, I ventured to Essex the following afternoon to watch the last throes of the National League: a relegation six-pointer between Braintree Town and St Albans City in National League South, the fifth tier. St Albans were streets ahead of the hosts from start to finish and should have won far more comfortably than the 1-0 scoreline, courtesy of an own goal.

Braintree, who operate on one of the smallest budgets in the division and their team did not look sturdy enough to survive. They had several teenage loan signings, and a handful of young players experiencing their first full season in men’s football. Among Braintree’s five past or present Stevenage academy lads was Zak Guerfi, plugging away in their overrun midfield. Two summers ago, the 21-year-old was deemed not good enough for League Two and he has had a series of extraordinary experiences since then.

Having earned a two-year contract with Swedish club Boden BK, Guerfi won promotion there, got picked for Tunisia Under-21s, was then called up to the national team training camp and secured a big transfer to Tunisian top-flight club Monastir. That was the up curve.

The down has been dramatic: after being injured in pre-season and then not paid for six months, Guerfi took Monastir to court and appealed to Fifa before finally being set free. He eventually signed for Braintree last month. Now, after playing his first three games since last summer, the coronavirus has brought his career to another shuddering halt.

“I haven’t had a paycheck from football since last June,” said the effervescent Guerfi. “I didn’t get one payment from Tunisia in six months. I’m still owed a five-figure sum by Monastir. I had a €200,000 buyout clause when I only wanted to sign for Wealdstone! Then they didn’t sign my international clearance which stopped me playing for Hungerford.

“I’ve been training every morning with a coach and living off my signing-on bonus from Tunisia, which luckily I banked. But like most Braintree players I’m non-contract so, if we don’t play, we won’t get paid. A lot of players are going to be jobless. Some live with their mums and dads, but most rely on their football money to pay the bills. A lot of the lads do coaching jobs in schools but, with schools closed, that is going to stop too. The captain has got a new baby – how is he going to cope? Where is the next cheque coming from?”

Guerfi is living with his mum, not knowing when or where he will get the chance to get his football career back on track. “It might sound wrong but I don’t want to get a normal job yet. Thinking that six months ago I was in a dressing room with Champions League players, on the bench across from Perisic and Modric [Guerfi was with Tunisia when they beat Croatia in June 2019], and now I might have to go on a building site, that kills you. But it’s life.”

Fantasy football
Some British footballers are still playing. Due to most clubs attracting three-figure crowds, clubs in Sweden’s lower tiers are continuing to prepare for the new season, scheduled to start on 4 April. Prolific former Rotherham United striker Adam Johnson and teenage ex-Blackpool goalkeeper Harvey Simson played this week for fourth-tier Bodens behind closed doors up near the arctic circle. In the same division, Dylan Switters and Aaron Ekumah – released last summer by Stevenage and Norwich, respectively – have been in pre-season action for Gottne in Örnsköldsvik on the Gulf of Bothnia. And, a few hours south-west, Luke Hirst (once of Dagenham), Kain McGaughey (Wigan) and Raeece Ellington (Bradford City) are a fortnight into three-month deals at fifth-tier IFK Mora. Defender Jordan Boon, 19, who played three times for Bolton’s first team earlier this season, arrived at Östersunds last Wednesday, got injured in his first training session and has returned home already.

Yet again Category 1 academy giants Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City have reached the FA Youth Cup semi-finals, but that does not tell half the story. There were nine EFL clubs in the last-16. In the quarter-finals, Millwall – roared on by 1,000 fans – only went down 1-0 at Stamford Bridge, City scraped past another Category 2 academy in Burnley 1-0, and Blackburn thrashed a bewildered Arsenal 4-1 at Ewood Park.

In the other tie, Category 2 newcomers Wigan did themselves proud in a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford. Among the young Wigan heroes was left-back Luke Robinson, who has been rewarded with a two-and-a-half-year professional deal. “Luke has a huge amount of talent – with ambition to match – and if he maintains these qualities he has a very good chance of a successful career in the game,” said Wigan academy manager Gregor Rioch of the Scotland Under-19 international: “His reward of a professional contract is due to his dedication and commitment over the past four years. His progression has been a pleasure to witness.”

There was a familiar face gliding head and shoulders above the rest – literally in some cases - during the last night of Premier League 2 games before the lockdown. Ruben Loftus-Cheek played 90 minutes for Chelsea in their 1-0 win over Leicester at Aldershot. The England midfielder was impeded for the late winning penalty, converted by Luke McCormick. Loftus-Cheek, a regular for Chelsea Under-23s five years ago, is recovering from a major achilles injury.

Chelsea’s victory kept them three points clear at the top from Leicester, who won 3-1 at Southampton with Matty James in their midfield and George Hirst scoring again. At the same time, Maurizio Pochettino scored once and set up a goal for Troy Parrott as Spurs beat Wolves, 3-2. Playing the final four rounds of the season looks increasingly unlikely.

Watford were boasting of something that is commonplace at many clubs now: the average age of their reserves in a 1-1 draw with Aldershot was under 18. Among them was 17-year-old local lad Tony Currie, who, according to the Voice of Watford in the program “has only to increase his workrate off the ball and he will be surely knocking at the first team door very soon”.

It’s arguable whether Currie ever did that, but his wonderful natural skill soon saw him whisked up the M1 by Sheffield United within months of his Hornets debut. He would play more than 300 games for the Blades, becoming a club legend for his mercurial ability and play-to-the-crowd charm. Along with earning 17 England caps, Currie also had entertaining spells with Leeds and QPR. Incidentally, the 1966-67 season started late because of the World Cup: by mid-March several third division clubs still had 14 games to play, Swindon 15.

(The Guardian)



Japan Leukaemia Survivor Ikee to Swim at Paris Olympics

Rikako Ikee celebrates a bronze medal for the women's 50m butterfly at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last year. Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP
Rikako Ikee celebrates a bronze medal for the women's 50m butterfly at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last year. Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP
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Japan Leukaemia Survivor Ikee to Swim at Paris Olympics

Rikako Ikee celebrates a bronze medal for the women's 50m butterfly at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last year. Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP
Rikako Ikee celebrates a bronze medal for the women's 50m butterfly at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last year. Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP

Leukaemia survivor Rikako Ikee will compete for Japan in the 100m butterfly at the Paris Olympics after missing out on an individual place at the Tokyo Games three years ago.
Three-time world champion Daiya Seto will swim the men's individual medley after Japan's 27-member team for the Paris Games was announced by the country's Swimming Federation on Wednesday.
An 18-year-old Ikee was named MVP of the 2018 Asian Games after claiming six golds and two silvers, and was expected to be one of the stars of the Tokyo Olympics, said AFP.
In early 2019, a few months after those triumphs, she was diagnosed with leukemia and spent around 10 months in hospital.
She only returned to competition in August 2020 and completed an incredible comeback by winning the 100m freestyle and 100m butterfly at the 2021 Olympic trials.
Her times were not fast enough to qualify for the individual events in Tokyo but the performances gained her selection for both freestyle and medley relay teams at her home Olympics.
Now 23, Ikee secured her place in the 100m butterfly by just 0.01sec at Japan's trials earlier this month as she held off the fast-finishing Matsumoto Shiho to finish second in 57.34sec.
"In the end I think it was my long arms that won the touch," Ikee was quoted as saying by Olympics.com.
"I think God was on my side today."
The race was won in an impressive 56.91sec by 17-year-old Haiari Mazuki, one of several talented Japanese teenagers in the team.
Also heading to Paris are Mio Narita, 17, in the women's individual medley and Tomoyuki Matsushita, 18, who swims the same event for men.
"I'm glad lots of veterans and young talent made it to the national team this time," Daichi Suzuki, the swimming federation chief, was reported as saying by Japan media.
"I hope to see them on the podium with Japan's national flag on their shoulders in Paris," he added.


FIFA Series 2024 Concludes in Jeddah

The FIFA Series 2024 Saudi Arabia wrapped up its friendly matches in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - SPA
The FIFA Series 2024 Saudi Arabia wrapped up its friendly matches in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - SPA
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FIFA Series 2024 Concludes in Jeddah

The FIFA Series 2024 Saudi Arabia wrapped up its friendly matches in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - SPA
The FIFA Series 2024 Saudi Arabia wrapped up its friendly matches in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - SPA

The FIFA Series 2024 Saudi Arabia wrapped up its friendly matches in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking the first time the Kingdom played host during the international FIFA days, featuring eight national teams. Held in Jeddah, the matches took place in two venues -- the auxiliary stadiums of King Abdullah Sports City and Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Sports City -- from March 21 to March 26 of this year, Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) President Yasser Al Misehal said in a news release, SPA reported.
The first group featured teams from Cape Verde (Confederation of African Football), Cambodia (Asian Football Confederation), Equatorial Guinea (Confederation of African Football), and Guyana (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football), while the second group included Bermuda (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football), Brunei Darussalam (Asian Football Confederation), Guinea (Confederation of African Football), and Vanuatu (Oceania Football Confederation).
The SAFF president hailed the event as a "success" and emphasized the role of Saudi talents in showcasing Saudi Arabia's capacity to host global events.

"This tournament is seen as a collaborative effort between FIFA and the Saudi Federation to develop international football, aligning with FIFA's goals, particularly in developing national teams and creating more opportunities for their growth” he said.
Saudi Arabia recently has hosted numerous high-profile events, establishing itself as a global sports powerhouse. Its recent hosting of the FIFA Club World Cup, Spanish and Italian Super Cups, and the West Asian Women's Championship, coupled with its hosting the 2027 Asian Cup, showcase its ambition.

The Kingdom's potential candidacy for the 2034 World Cup further demonstrates its commitment to major sporting events.


Liverpool 'Not The Right Option' For Alonso, Says Matthaeus

Liverpool’s captain Virgil van Dijk and head coach Jurgen Klopp and teammates celebrate after winning the EFL Carabao Cup final match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium in London, Britain, 25 February 2024. EPA/ANDY RAIN
Liverpool’s captain Virgil van Dijk and head coach Jurgen Klopp and teammates celebrate after winning the EFL Carabao Cup final match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium in London, Britain, 25 February 2024. EPA/ANDY RAIN
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Liverpool 'Not The Right Option' For Alonso, Says Matthaeus

Liverpool’s captain Virgil van Dijk and head coach Jurgen Klopp and teammates celebrate after winning the EFL Carabao Cup final match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium in London, Britain, 25 February 2024. EPA/ANDY RAIN
Liverpool’s captain Virgil van Dijk and head coach Jurgen Klopp and teammates celebrate after winning the EFL Carabao Cup final match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium in London, Britain, 25 February 2024. EPA/ANDY RAIN

Ballon d'Or winner Lothar Matthaeus said Wednesday a move to Liverpool in the summer was "not the right option" for in-demand Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso.

Alonso has been linked with moves to Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, clubs where he all spent time as a player, having so far done a stunning job at runaway Bundesliga leaders Leverkusen.

Alonso has the unbeaten side 10 points clear of Bayern Munich and on track for a first-ever German title with eight games remaining this season.

In an interview with AFP and other media on Wednesday, Matthaeus said following outgoing manager Jurgen Klopp would be difficult for any coach and that the in-demand Alonso should stay with Leverkusen.

"Liverpool is not the right option for Xabi Alonso after this season. He has better options."

Matthaeus spent the majority of his career at Bayern and said he would welcome Alonso as the replacement for outgoing coach Thomas Tuchel in the summer but admitted in Munich "(Alonso) would have to build a new team for the future, with new players".

Leverkusen have won 34 and drawn four of 38 games this season. With the club in the final four of the German Cup and the quarter-finals of the Europa League, Alonso has Leverkusen on course for a treble.

"Why move to Liverpool? Why should he leave this beautiful team which makes us happy with their beautiful football, like Barcelona 12 years ago?"

Klopp shocked the football world in January by announcing he would leave Liverpool at the end of the season after nine years at the Reds, citing exhaustion.

Matthaeus said Klopp's success at Liverpool made him a hard act to follow.

"To coach at Liverpool after Jurgen Klopp is not easy because Jurgen is a hero, he's fantastic. What he was doing is great and what could you do that was much better?"

The 1990 World Cup winning captain praised current Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann and said the side was "on the right path" after returning to form with wins over France and the Netherlands in the last week.

However, Matthaeus did add: "In Germany, our dream and wish was that Jurgen Klopp would be the next national coach."


Endrick and Yamal Shine as Vinícius Júnior’s Brazil Draws 3-3 with Spain in ‘One Skin’ Friendly 

Brazil's forward #21 Endrick celebrates with teammates scoring his team's second goal during the international friendly football match between Spain and Brazil at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, on March 26, 2024. (AFP)
Brazil's forward #21 Endrick celebrates with teammates scoring his team's second goal during the international friendly football match between Spain and Brazil at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, on March 26, 2024. (AFP)
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Endrick and Yamal Shine as Vinícius Júnior’s Brazil Draws 3-3 with Spain in ‘One Skin’ Friendly 

Brazil's forward #21 Endrick celebrates with teammates scoring his team's second goal during the international friendly football match between Spain and Brazil at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, on March 26, 2024. (AFP)
Brazil's forward #21 Endrick celebrates with teammates scoring his team's second goal during the international friendly football match between Spain and Brazil at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, on March 26, 2024. (AFP)

Teenagers Lamine Yamal and Endrick took the spotlight as Brazil drew 3-3 with Spain on Tuesday in the “One Skin” international friendly that was set up to highlight the fight against racism after a series of insults aimed at the Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior.

Vinícius was relatively quiet in a match in which Brazil equalized with a penalty converted by Lucas Paquetá deep into stoppage time after Rodri's spot kick in the 87th had put Spain ahead.

Brazil had rallied from two goals down with an equalizer scored by Vinícius’ future Madrid teammate Endrick, the 17-year-old Palmeiras player who had made his scoring debut with Brazil just three days previous.

The Spanish lineup was led by 16-year-old Barcelona forward Yamal, who helped set up three goals and received a standing ovation from the crowd at Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu Stadium when he was substituted near the end of the match.

“Yamal and Endrick are players who have a chance to be stars at the 2026 World Cup,” Brazil coach Dorival Júnior said. “They both play at a very high level.”

The international friendly came a day after Vinícius broke down in tears while talking about the continued racist insults that he is subjected to in Spain, saying he was losing his desire to keep playing but pledged to continue his fight against racism.

Vinícius was loudly applauded when he was substituted in the 71st. The 23-year-old Brazilian, the Seleçao’s captain on Tuesday, received some of the loudest jeers when his name was introduced ahead of the match.

Brazilian players went onto the field wearing black jackets with the slogan “One Skin, One Identity.” The jackets will be auctioned to help an anti-racism campaign.

Vinícius, who has been accused of provoking fans and opponents, got into verbal altercations with Spanish players, including from the bench after leaving the match. He also shoved Spain defender Aymeric Laporte from behind while play was stopped.

Laporte tweeted after the match the question: “Maybe he wanted to dance...?” accompanied by a previous tweet with the image of Vinícius’ shove and quoting the Brazilian from Monday, when he said, “I just want to play soccer.”

The friendly game was set up by Spanish and Brazilian soccer officials amid the uproar that followed the racist insults aimed at Vinícius in a Spanish league game in Valencia 10 months ago. Many believed the incident would be a turning point for soccer in Spain, but another wave of racist abuse targeting Vinícius has followed.

While most of the attention was on Vinícius, it was Yamal threatening the most with his speed and quick moves to get past Brazilian defenders.

Rodri put Spain ahead by converting a 13th-minute penalty kick after Yamal made a run through the right side and was brought down by João Gomes inside the area.

Vinícius had Brazil’s first shot on goal in the 17th but it was easily saved by Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón.

Yamal set up Dani Olmo's 36th-minute goal and Rodrigo pulled Brazil closer in the 40th after a mistake by Simón.

Endrick, who will arrive in Spain at the end of the season, equalized and was also set to take the late penalty but instead gave the ball to Paquetá. The crowed jeered as it wanted to see the new Madrid player try to score again.

Vinícius went to defend Endrick from the bench after Spanish players loudly complained because of a hard foul by his future teammate late in the match.

The Spaniards appeared unsettled with how Brazilian players celebrated the late equalizer near the Spanish fans.

Spain, preparing for the upcoming European Championship in Germany, was coming off a 1-0 loss to Colombia on Friday in London.

“I'm happy because we were better than Brazil in all areas,” coach Luis de la Fuente said. “I'm proud of the match we played."

De la Fuente said he was “ashamed” by the jeers directed at Atletico Madrid forward Álvaro Morata by the crowd at the Bernabeu, where Morata used to play for earlier in his career.

Vinícius has been subjected to multiple racist insults since arriving in Spain six years ago. He complained on Monday about the lack of punishment for perpetrators and asked for help from FIFA, UEFA and other soccer institutions in the fight against racism.


Defending Champ Medvedev, No. 1 Seed Alcaraz Advance to Miami Open Quarterfinals 

Daniil Medvedev serves against Dominik Koepfer of Germany during their match on day 11 of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 26, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP)
Daniil Medvedev serves against Dominik Koepfer of Germany during their match on day 11 of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 26, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP)
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Defending Champ Medvedev, No. 1 Seed Alcaraz Advance to Miami Open Quarterfinals 

Daniil Medvedev serves against Dominik Koepfer of Germany during their match on day 11 of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 26, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP)
Daniil Medvedev serves against Dominik Koepfer of Germany during their match on day 11 of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 26, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Getty Images/AFP)

Defending Miami Open champion Daniil Medvedev won his 350th career match to move into the quarterfinals for a fourth straight year, beating Dominik Koepfer 7-6 (5), 6-0 on Tuesday.

Top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz also advanced with ease in a 6-3, 6-3 win over No. 23 seed Lorenzo Musetti.

Alcaraz, who beat Musetti in less than 90 minutes and looked comfortable as ever on the court, said he's “probably” playing his best tennis since last summer. That ankle injury from last month is no longer a concern, he said.

“I don't know if this is the best game that I'm playing, but without a doubt it's the best feeling,” the Wimbledon champion said. “I'm feeling great on the court. I'm moving great. ... I'm not thinking about the ankle anymore on the court.”

Alcaraz will face No. 11 seed Grigor Dimitrov on Thursday in the quarterfinals. Dimitrov beat No. 8 seed Hubert Hurkacz 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (3) after a tiebreaker in which Hurkacz was penalized for touching the net with his foot.

Tied at 2-2 in the tiebreaker, the match referee said Hurkacz’s foot touched the net as he charged forward on a return. It cost him a point. Hurkacz slammed his racquet in protest.

In a match that lasted well into Wednesday morning, 2018 finalist and No. 4 seed Alexander Zverev reached his fourth Miami Open quarterfinal with a 6-1, 6-4 win over 15th-seeded Karen Khachanov 6-1, 6-4.

No. 3 seed Medvedev, after a tight opening set, pulled away to win his ninth straight match in south Florida and continue his run at back-to-back titles.

Medvedev trailed 4-0 in the tiebreaker before rallying to take the set. He said he used that momentum to get out to a fast start and finish his milestone victory.

“I would say before the match, the desire to win is the same, but for sure, the feeling of winning, and during the match while you're winning, is different,” he said. “The feelings are different, but the desire is the same and that's what keeps me going."

Medvedev goes for victory No. 351 on Wednesday against Nicolas Jarry, the No. 22 seed who ousted No. 7 seed Casper Ruud 7-6 (3), 6-3.

Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner, seeded No. 2, improved to 19-1 in matches this year with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Christopher O'Connell to reach the quarterfinals.

In the middle of the match, commentators said a spectator had fainted in the 82 degree temperatures and play was stopped. Sinner came to the sideline and passed up drinks and towels to the person.

Also advancing was Tomas Machac, who reached the quarterfinals to face Sinner with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Matteo Arnaldi.

On the women’s side, No. 4 seed Elena Rybakina outlasted No. 8 seed Maria Sakkari 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-4 in a grueling match that lasted 2 hours and 48 minutes to earn a spot in the semifinals.

Two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka defeated Yulia Putintseva 7-6 (4), 1-6, 6-3 to also make the semifinals. It was the second time that Azarenka, 34, has made it to the semifinals this season after going that far just once in 2023. She has won the Miami Open three times.


Saudi National Team Postpones Advancement to 2026 World Cup Final Qualifiers

Saudi national team players celebrate a victory at the World Cup qualifications. File Photo/ Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi national team players celebrate a victory at the World Cup qualifications. File Photo/ Asharq Al-Awsat
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Saudi National Team Postpones Advancement to 2026 World Cup Final Qualifiers

Saudi national team players celebrate a victory at the World Cup qualifications. File Photo/ Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi national team players celebrate a victory at the World Cup qualifications. File Photo/ Asharq Al-Awsat

The Saudi national football team has postponed its qualification to the decisive third round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This came following a 1-1 draw with host Tajikistan in a match played on Tuesday evening in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, for the fourth round in Group Seven as part of the second round of qualifiers.
The Saudi national team opened the scoring with a header from Feras Al-Brikan after a precise cross from Mohammed Al-Brik in the 46th minute, SPA reported.
However, the home team applied pressure to equalize, which Tajikistan succeeded in through its player Rustam Soirov in the 80th minute, resulting in a 1-1 draw.
With this draw, the Saudi team raised its tally to 10 points, leading the group. Nevertheless, it still needs one point to officially advance to the final qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Tajikistan's team increased its points to five, securing second place in the group.


Ukraine Raise Country's Spirits with Euro 2024 Qualification

26 March 2024, Poland, Wroclaw: Ukraine fans cheer in the stands during the UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifying play-off final soccer match between Ukraine and Iceland at the Wroclaw Stadium. Photo: Krzysztof Zatycki/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
26 March 2024, Poland, Wroclaw: Ukraine fans cheer in the stands during the UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifying play-off final soccer match between Ukraine and Iceland at the Wroclaw Stadium. Photo: Krzysztof Zatycki/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
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Ukraine Raise Country's Spirits with Euro 2024 Qualification

26 March 2024, Poland, Wroclaw: Ukraine fans cheer in the stands during the UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifying play-off final soccer match between Ukraine and Iceland at the Wroclaw Stadium. Photo: Krzysztof Zatycki/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
26 March 2024, Poland, Wroclaw: Ukraine fans cheer in the stands during the UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifying play-off final soccer match between Ukraine and Iceland at the Wroclaw Stadium. Photo: Krzysztof Zatycki/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Ukraine's qualification for the Euro 2024 soccer finals has cheered a country suffering hardship in its conflict with Russia and for a few weeks in June and July the tournament will provide a welcome distraction from the harsh reality of war.
The team came from behind to defeat Iceland 2-1 in their playoff final in neutral Poland on Tuesday and book a fourth successive appearance in the continental finals, Reuters reported.
They will be in Group E with Belgium, Slovakia and Romania, who they face in their opening game in Munich on June 17.
Russia's war with Ukraine has now entered a third year and, despite heavy casualties on both sides, it shows no sign of coming to an end following Russia's invasion of February 2022.
"I am very proud to be a Ukrainian, to be of the same blood as those who are now giving their lives for our freedom," team captain Oleksandr Zinchenko said after Tuesday's victory.
"We need to talk about it, shout about it every day. This is the only way we can win. It was one of our most emotional games.
"It is an amazing feeling. I am very happy because it is another dream come true. A big thank you to our fans, they helped us through these difficult times amazingly."
Coach Serhiy Rebrov said in the build-up to the Iceland match that it was hard for his team to concentrate on football.
"The missiles are flying every day. Our mission is to show that we're all alive and fighting against the Russians and that we need Europe's support," Rebrov said.
The coach hailed the "character of our players and our nation" to keep going in a qualifying campaign where, as refugees from the war themselves, Ukraine have staged 'home' matches spread across Europe.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy praised the team's resilience in difficult times.
"Thank you, team. For the important victory and making it to EURO," Zelenskiy said in a post on X.
"For proving once again, whenever Ukrainians face difficulties they do not give up and continue to fight, Ukrainians certainly win.
"In times, when the enemy tries to destroy us, we demonstrate every day that Ukrainians are and will be. Ukraine is, and will be! Glory to Ukraine!"


Australia, Iran, Iraq and Uzbekistan Advance in Asian Qualifying Tournament for World Cup

John Iredale (L) of Australia fights for the ball with Nassar Nassar of Lebanon during the FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Asian Qualifiers match between Australia and Lebanon at GIO Stadium in Canberra, Australia, 26 March 2024.  EPA/LUKAS COCH
John Iredale (L) of Australia fights for the ball with Nassar Nassar of Lebanon during the FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Asian Qualifiers match between Australia and Lebanon at GIO Stadium in Canberra, Australia, 26 March 2024. EPA/LUKAS COCH
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Australia, Iran, Iraq and Uzbekistan Advance in Asian Qualifying Tournament for World Cup

John Iredale (L) of Australia fights for the ball with Nassar Nassar of Lebanon during the FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Asian Qualifiers match between Australia and Lebanon at GIO Stadium in Canberra, Australia, 26 March 2024.  EPA/LUKAS COCH
John Iredale (L) of Australia fights for the ball with Nassar Nassar of Lebanon during the FIFA World Cup 2026 AFC Asian Qualifiers match between Australia and Lebanon at GIO Stadium in Canberra, Australia, 26 March 2024. EPA/LUKAS COCH

Australia thrashed Lebanon 5-0 and became the first team to advance to the third round of Asia qualifying for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday.
An early goal from Kusini Yengi in Canberra sent the Socceroos on the way to a fourth successive win in Group I and ensured progress to the next stage with two matches to spare.
Palestine stayed second in the group after beating Bangladesh 1-0 and on course for a first appearance in the third round of qualifying.
With less than two minutes on the clock, the impressive Craig Goodwin crossed from the left for Yengi to score his first goal for Australia from close range, The Associated Press reported.
Australia put the game beyond Lebanon in the first three minutes of the second half. Bassel Jradi knocked in an own goal following a corner and Goodwin fired home a third.
John Iredale came off the bench to make it 4-0 midway through the second half with his first international goal, and Goodwin added his second and Australia’s fifth with nine minutes remaining thanks to an Iredale assist.
“It means the world to me personally, and to the boys,” Iredale said. "We set out to score more goals tonight and we’re pleased we did that.
“Craig Goodwin's got an unbelievable left foot, and having him in the squad really boosts our quality. I was really pleased to help him get his second goal.”
Michel Termanini scored Palestine's winner in Dhaka four minutes into stoppage time.
Palestine has seven points, five more than Lebanon and six clear of Bangladesh.
Australia will be joined in the next stage by Iraq, which defeated the Philippines 5-0 in Manila to win a fourth straight game in Group F. Iran and Uzbekistan progressed from Group E thanks to respective wins over Turkmenistan and Hong Kong.
Son Heung-min scored for the second time in five days as South Korea defeated Thailand 3-0 in Bangkok. It was the first victory for Hwang Sun-hong, appointed as interim coach after Jurgen Klinsmann was fired in February.
“This was a difficult match, and the players came together as one and had a great desire to pull out this win,” Hwang said. “We couldn’t have won this match without the players’ drive and determination.”
Korea has appeared at every World Cup since 1986 and is top of Group C with 10 points, three clear of China — which beat Singapore 4-1 — and six above Thailand.
Saudi Arabia also has 10 points in Group G after drawing 1-1 in Tajikistan. Afghanistan defeated India 2-1 in Guwahati.
The North Korea-Japan qualifier in Pyongyang was canceled by FIFA after North Korea said it couldn't host the game.
The top two teams from each of the nine groups in the second round progress to the next group-stage round where six of Asia’s increased automatic allocation of eight World Cup places will be on offer. The first 48-team men’s World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Two more World Cup entries from Asia will be decided in a subsequent group stage in October 2025. An Asian confederation team also can advance in the intercontinental playoffs scheduled in March 2026.


Former China Football Chief Given Life Sentence for 'Huge' Bribery

Chen Xuyuan has been jailed for life for bribery - AFP
Chen Xuyuan has been jailed for life for bribery - AFP
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Former China Football Chief Given Life Sentence for 'Huge' Bribery

Chen Xuyuan has been jailed for life for bribery - AFP
Chen Xuyuan has been jailed for life for bribery - AFP

The former chairman of the Chinese Football Association has been sentenced to life in prison for accepting bribes worth $11 million, state media said Tuesday, as a string of sports officials were jailed for corruption.

Under President Xi Jinping a sweeping crackdown on official graft has struck hard at China's sports industry, especially football.

About 10 senior leaders and executives of the CFA, including former national team coach Li Tie, have been brought down in recent years.

Former chairman Chen Xuyuan took advantage of his positions at the CFA and other bodies to "illegally accept sums of money from other people totalling 81.03 million yuan ($11 million)", the Communist Party-run People's Daily newspaper said.

The bribes were "particularly huge" and his actions "seriously damaged fair competition and order", the report said.

He "caused serious consequences for the national football industry", it added.

Xi is a self-confessed football fanatic who has said he dreams of his country hosting and winning the World Cup, according to AFP.

That ambition appears further away than ever after the corruption probe and years of disappointing results on the pitch.

National skipper Zhang Linpeng last week quit international football over the "disgrace" of a World Cup qualifying draw with Singapore, before reversing his decision.

Chen held other positions in football before serving as CFA chairman from 2019 until he came under investigation in February last year.

In January, Chen appeared in a televised documentary confessing to having accepted money from those wishing to get in his good books.

"Fans can accept the fact that the state of Chinese football is bad," Chen said in the documentary.

"But they cannot forgive corruption."

Rulings in other major graft cases are expected to be announced on Tuesday, according to state news agency Xinhua.

They may include the fate of the former coach Li, who was close to Chen.

The former Everton midfielder admitted in the January documentary that he arranged nearly $430,000 in bribes to secure that position and also helped fix matches when he was a club coach.

"There were certain things that at the time were common practices in football," he said.

In separate bribery verdicts announced Tuesday, former senior CFA official Chen Yongliang was handed a 14-year sentence.

Former Chinese Super League general manager Dong Zheng received eight years.

State media also reported that Yu Hongchen, the former chairman of the China Athletic Association, had been sentenced to 13 years for the same crime.

Another case that sent shockwaves through the Chinese game and beyond was that of South Korean international footballer Son Jun-ho, who was detained by Chinese authorities last May.

Beijing said at the time that the World Cup midfielder was detained "on suspicion of accepting bribes by non-state employees", without providing details.

Seoul's foreign ministry said Monday that he had been released and returned home.

Son played for Shandong Taishan in the Chinese Super League and also appeared in three of South Korea's four matches during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

International teammate Lee Jae-sung told media that he was grateful for Son's release.

"It broke my heart when I first heard about his detention last year," he told a press conference in Bangkok, where South Korea play Thailand later Tuesday in a World Cup qualifier.


Germany Plans Border Controls for UEFA Euro 2024

25 March 2024, United Kingdom, Cardiff: A general view during the training session of Poland's national soccer team at the Cardiff City Stadium, ahead of the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match against Wales. Photo: Nick Potts/Press Association/dpa
25 March 2024, United Kingdom, Cardiff: A general view during the training session of Poland's national soccer team at the Cardiff City Stadium, ahead of the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match against Wales. Photo: Nick Potts/Press Association/dpa
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Germany Plans Border Controls for UEFA Euro 2024

25 March 2024, United Kingdom, Cardiff: A general view during the training session of Poland's national soccer team at the Cardiff City Stadium, ahead of the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match against Wales. Photo: Nick Potts/Press Association/dpa
25 March 2024, United Kingdom, Cardiff: A general view during the training session of Poland's national soccer team at the Cardiff City Stadium, ahead of the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match against Wales. Photo: Nick Potts/Press Association/dpa

Germany will introduce temporary border controls as part of ramped-up security around soccer's 2024 European Championship which it is hosting, the interior minister said.
The tournament starts on June 14 and is set to attract 2.7 million fans to stadiums and up to 12 million at public viewing events.
"For the Euros, we are pooling the forces of the security authorities even more strongly and preparing for possible threats," Interior Minister Nancy Faeser told the Rheinische Post newspaper, according to Reuters.
"During the tournament, we will conduct temporary border controls at all German borders to prevent potentially violent actors from entering," she said.
The comments follow a mass shooting at a concert in Moscow. Western intelligence has linked the attack to ISIS and France said it was raising its terror alert warning to the highest level following the attack.
Germany already has temporary controls at its borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria and Switzerland, as part of efforts to combat migrant smuggling gangs.
These could be extended but no specific measures have been decided yet, an interior ministry spokesperson said on Monday when asked about security surrounding the European championship.