Saudi Ministry of Sport to Support NEOM’s Aim to Become Global Sports Hub

The Saudi Ministry of Sport signed an MoU with NEOM to support its plan to become a world-leading destination for sports. (NEOM)
The Saudi Ministry of Sport signed an MoU with NEOM to support its plan to become a world-leading destination for sports. (NEOM)
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Saudi Ministry of Sport to Support NEOM’s Aim to Become Global Sports Hub

The Saudi Ministry of Sport signed an MoU with NEOM to support its plan to become a world-leading destination for sports. (NEOM)
The Saudi Ministry of Sport signed an MoU with NEOM to support its plan to become a world-leading destination for sports. (NEOM)

The Saudi Ministry of Sport signed on Monday a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NEOM to support its plan to become a world-leading destination for sports.

The agreement was signed by Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sport, and Nadhmi Al Nasr, CEO of NEOM, in the presence of Abdul Ilah bin Saad Al-Dalak, Assistant Minister of Sports, and Jan Paterson, Sector Head of Sport at NEOM.

The partnership will enable NEOM to deliver its strategic objectives and align with the Ministry of Sports’ vision through building an active society, the advancement of youth and women in sport and the creation of job opportunities in the sector, read a statement by NEOM. The agreement also includes cooperation between the two parties in Formula E in line with NEOM’s vision for sustainable sports.

The MoU comes as the Ministry of Sport seeks to develop the sector in the Kingdom in line with Saudi Vision 2030. It is also aligned with NEOM’s aim to become a global center for sports that provides an environment for athletes to excel while also offering exceptional livability. It also contributes to growth, innovation and economic prosperity in the sector.

Commenting on the cooperation, Prince Abdulaziz said: “We are pleased to sign this memorandum with NEOM as we aim from this fruitful cooperation to contribute to the development of this vital and important sector, and to open the way for all parties and companies to share their capabilities to elevate the sports industry, and to create the appropriate environment for athletes from our dear country to become the ambassadors of their country in international and regional forums.

“The sports sector in the Kingdom enjoys unprecedented support from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense - and we - in the Ministry of Sport, are working hard and continuously to develop this vital and important sector, which targets a large segment of the young men and women of this dear country, in line with the objectives of The Kingdom’s Vision 2030, and we will move forward to achieve these goals, with the combined efforts of all relevant authorities and stakeholders.”

Al Nasr said: “We are pleased to cooperate with the Ministry to create a vibrant and active living environment capable of attracting the best talent and minds from around the world. This is one of the priorities of the project, given that sport is of great importance, as one of the key components of NEOM societies.

“Sports investment in the Kingdom is growing significantly and tangibly to become one of the most lucrative and innovative sectors in the world, and this forms an important aspect of NEOM’s strategy to create promising sectors and build a solid economy.

“This memorandum will allow exploring all possible opportunities and building sports entities that contribute to empowering Saudi youth and residents of NEOM, so that sports will be a source of inspiration for them. We at NEOM are working to provide the most advanced sports facilities by attracting unprecedented investments in the field, hosting the most important sporting events, teams and athletes from all over the world, and attracting global industry leaders.”



German Soccer Targets Racism Before Hosting Euro 2024 

18 March 2024, Berlin: DFB President Bernd Neuendorf (C), Minister of State Reem Alabali-Radovan (SPD), Government Commissioner for Anti-Racism, and former national soccer player Gerald Asamoah, stand on the sports field next to youth players from Steglitz Football Club Star 1900 e.v. at the launch of the DFB's anti-racism campaign and hold a poster with the campaign motto "Football time is the best time against racism". (dpa)
18 March 2024, Berlin: DFB President Bernd Neuendorf (C), Minister of State Reem Alabali-Radovan (SPD), Government Commissioner for Anti-Racism, and former national soccer player Gerald Asamoah, stand on the sports field next to youth players from Steglitz Football Club Star 1900 e.v. at the launch of the DFB's anti-racism campaign and hold a poster with the campaign motto "Football time is the best time against racism". (dpa)
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German Soccer Targets Racism Before Hosting Euro 2024 

18 March 2024, Berlin: DFB President Bernd Neuendorf (C), Minister of State Reem Alabali-Radovan (SPD), Government Commissioner for Anti-Racism, and former national soccer player Gerald Asamoah, stand on the sports field next to youth players from Steglitz Football Club Star 1900 e.v. at the launch of the DFB's anti-racism campaign and hold a poster with the campaign motto "Football time is the best time against racism". (dpa)
18 March 2024, Berlin: DFB President Bernd Neuendorf (C), Minister of State Reem Alabali-Radovan (SPD), Government Commissioner for Anti-Racism, and former national soccer player Gerald Asamoah, stand on the sports field next to youth players from Steglitz Football Club Star 1900 e.v. at the launch of the DFB's anti-racism campaign and hold a poster with the campaign motto "Football time is the best time against racism". (dpa)

The German soccer federation is targeting racism and discrimination among fans and amateur players with a new campaign ahead of this summer's European Championship.

The federation presented its two-pronged strategy on Monday with a video message under the motto “Soccer time is the best time against racism.”

Fans will be encouraged to take part on social media, and a new pilot project taking anti-racist measures to amateur clubs in the Northeast German Football Association was launched. The pilot project will run through 2025 before being extended to other areas.

“Everyone can do something against racism, not only the players, but we want to reach spectators, and parents when it comes to youth teams, to raise awareness of this topic,” federation president Bernd Neuendorf said during a visit to kids from the amateur club SFC Stern 1900 in Berlin.

“That’s why it’s so important that we take a broader view and not only notice what’s happening on the professional fields at the weekend,” Neuendorf said. “We also have to clearly address the fact that it’s a general problem in society, but also in football. And that includes amateur football.”

The federation has had to deal with hateful abuse directed online at the Germany team that won the Under-17 World Cup last year. It announced in December that it was working with the public prosecutor’s office in Frankfurt to identify the perpetrators.

Gerald Asamoah, who made 46 appearances for Germany, was the target of racist abuse from Hansa Rostock supporters shortly after being feted as a hero at the 2006 World Cup.

“It was disappointing to be marginalized like that just a few months later,” said Asamoah, who sees Euro 2024 as “a huge chance to make amends, and I really believe we can do it.”

Asamoah said it takes civil courage for people to speak up about racism, and said he was more confident now than he was in 2006 that people had the courage to speak up and confront it.

He also took encouragement from the level of political action against racism, and the fact that it’s an important issue for the federation.

“When I compare it to my time, when I was marginalized in the youth teams, it didn’t interest anyone. I had to deal with it by myself. When I was 18, I played in Cottbus and had bananas thrown at me. But the game was so important for us, that my issue interested nobody,” Asamoah said. “That’s why I find it super that we’ve made a start, that the federation is taking matters in its hands. There is so, so much (racism) happening in amateur football, also at youth level.”

Reem Alabali-Radovan, who is Germany’s federal commissioner for migration, refugees and integration, outlined how local soccer clubs are often the first points of contact for migrants who have just arrived in Germany. She said they are often subjected to racist abuse that doesn’t get the same attention on a national level because the incidents are so localized.

“Far too many people are affected by racism every day in Germany,” Alabali-Radovan said. “They experience racism in all sorts of situations, not just everyday racism, but also in the housing market, when looking for a job, in schools, and also in sports.”

Asamoah, who graciously signed autographs and posed for photos with the young players of Stern despite the biting cold, concluded the launch by wishing such campaigns were not necessary, “that there is no racism, we’re all the same.”


Spurs Ace Son Back on Road to World Cup After Turbulent Asian Cup 

Football - Premier League - Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur - Craven Cottage, London, Britain - March 16, 2024 Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-min applauds fans after the match. (Reuters)
Football - Premier League - Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur - Craven Cottage, London, Britain - March 16, 2024 Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-min applauds fans after the match. (Reuters)
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Spurs Ace Son Back on Road to World Cup After Turbulent Asian Cup 

Football - Premier League - Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur - Craven Cottage, London, Britain - March 16, 2024 Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-min applauds fans after the match. (Reuters)
Football - Premier League - Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur - Craven Cottage, London, Britain - March 16, 2024 Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-min applauds fans after the match. (Reuters)

Son Heung-min and South Korea must move on from their turbulent Asian Cup when they return to World Cup qualifying Thursday, while Japan face North Korea in a double-header that sees them travel to Pyongyang.

Asian football is back on the road to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico, a month after Qatar retained the continental crown on home soil with a 3-1 victory over Jordan.

Much has happened since South Korea were dumped out 2-0 by unfancied Jordan in the semi-finals of the Asian Cup, including the sacking of coach Jurgen Klinsmann.

It emerged that skipper Son and Paris Saint-Germain attacking midfielder Lee Kang-in had been involved in a fracas on the eve of the match, leaving the Tottenham attacker with a dislocated finger.

Legendary German striker Klinsmann was dismissed after having promised to take South Korea to their first Asian title in 64 years. He was replaced on an interim basis by Hwang Sun-hong.

Son and Lee have since made up, and Hwang included the duo in his squad for the home game with Thailand on Thursday and the return fixture five days later.

"Lee Kang-in wanted an opportunity to apologize to fans and his team-mates from the bottom of his heart, and Son Heung-min said we should all embrace Kang-in and move forward," Hwang, South Korea's under-23 coach, said.

"Based on my experience as a national team player, I think issues like this can end up making the team even tighter," he added.

Before Klinsmann's departure, South Korea thrashed Singapore 5-0 and won 3-0 in China to top Group C and will be fully expected to collect six more points against Thailand.

Japan are also eager to move on from the Asian Cup, where they went out 2-1 to Iran in the quarter-finals and never justified their tag as pre-tournament favorites.

Hajime Moriyasu remained coach despite the disappointment and Japan face two matches against North Korea, travelling into the unknown on March 26 when they play at Kim Il-sung Stadium in Pyongyang.

Moriyasu will have to make do without Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma, who looks set to miss the rest of the Premier League season with a back injury.

Winger Junya Ito has been left out of the squad after an allegation of sexual assault. He denies the claim and is suing for 200 million yen ($1.3 million) in damages.

Japan have a perfect six points from two games with 10 goals scored and none conceded.

China and Qatar

China's Asian Cup was also a letdown, bundled out in the group stage with two points and no goals.

The Croatian coach Branko Ivankovic took over from Aleksandar Jankovic and China travel to Singapore for his first game in charge.

Of the Asian Cup finalists, Qatar will be expected to make it four wins from four in Group A when they play Kuwait home and away.

They will do it without Hassan Al-Haydos, who captained them to a second Asian Cup crown in a row last month but retired at the weekend from international duty aged 33.

He made a record 183 appearances for his country, scoring 41 goals.

While Qatar are on course for the next round of World Cup qualifying, Asian Cup runners-up Jordan sit third behind Roberto Mancini's Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan in Group G on one point from two matches.

With only the top two progressing, Jordan need to pick up six points in back-to-back games against basement side Pakistan.


Obstacles Faced by Black Coaches in English Football Highlighted in New Report 

Football - Premier League - Burnley v Brentford - Turf Moor, Burnley, Britain - March 16, 2024 Burnley manager Vincent Kompany applauds fans after the match. (Reuters)
Football - Premier League - Burnley v Brentford - Turf Moor, Burnley, Britain - March 16, 2024 Burnley manager Vincent Kompany applauds fans after the match. (Reuters)
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Obstacles Faced by Black Coaches in English Football Highlighted in New Report 

Football - Premier League - Burnley v Brentford - Turf Moor, Burnley, Britain - March 16, 2024 Burnley manager Vincent Kompany applauds fans after the match. (Reuters)
Football - Premier League - Burnley v Brentford - Turf Moor, Burnley, Britain - March 16, 2024 Burnley manager Vincent Kompany applauds fans after the match. (Reuters)

Non-Black former soccer players in England were 50% more likely than their Black counterparts to progress into management, said a report published on Tuesday.

In a latest study into coaching diversity, UK-based advocacy group Black Footballers Partnership (BFP) highlighted the ongoing disparity in the sport and concluded Black managers or assistants were also 41% more likely to be fired.

“Football should be a game for everyone on and off the pitch. If you are good enough on the pitch your dreams and hopes can and should be realized,” wrote a group of Black former players including Sol Campbell and Les Ferdinand in the report's foreword. “The significant drop off in off-field opportunities lets down Black players and an industry that relies on their talent.”

The group, which also includes Chris Ramsey, Paul Davis and Ricky Hill, described the lack of opportunities for Black coaches as a “systemic issue.”

Burnley's Vincent Kompany began the season as the Premier League's only Black manager. Then Nuno Espirito Santo, who was born on the African island of São Tomé, was hired by Nottingham Forest in December.

In its 2022 report, the BFP found 43% of Premier League players were Black, but only 4.4% of managerial positions for former players were taken up by Black applicants.

In the latest report, academics Sam Hoey from the University of Liverpool, Thomas Peeters from Erasmus University, Rotterdam, and Stefan Szymanski from the University of Michigan studied a sample of about 3,500 players from England's top two divisions from 1990 to 2010 and who stopped playing in 2013 or earlier.

The report said Black managerial staff were also less likely to be promoted.

“In sum, Black former players get fewer chances at management, get promoted more slowly (if at all), their progress stalls sooner, and they get fired quicker than their non-Black counterparts — and none of that is related to their performance,” the BFP said.

“A career in football management often looks like a game of snakes and ladders; but for Black former players it’s pretty much all snakes and no ladders, and we have the data to prove it,” BFL executive director Delroy Corinaldi said.


British Government to Introduce Independent Football Regulator 

Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Burnley - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - September 30, 2023 General view of the ball ahead of the match. (Reuters)
Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Burnley - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - September 30, 2023 General view of the ball ahead of the match. (Reuters)
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British Government to Introduce Independent Football Regulator 

Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Burnley - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - September 30, 2023 General view of the ball ahead of the match. (Reuters)
Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Burnley - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - September 30, 2023 General view of the ball ahead of the match. (Reuters)

The British government is planning to establish an independent football regulator to oversee the sport and encourage financial stability via a bill introduced in parliament on Tuesday.

The regulator will be independent of government and football authorities with the power to fine clubs up to 10% of their turnover for non-compliance with financial regulations, the government said in a press release.

The legislation will strengthen tests of the suitability for those running clubs and would also block "closed-shop competitions" such as the frequently proposed European Super League.

Clubs will also be obliged to consult fans over matters such as strategic direction and anything that impacts their heritage.

"For too long some clubs have been abused by unscrupulous owners who get away with financial mismanagement, which at worst can lead to complete collapse," Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said.

"This bill is a historic moment for football fans – it will make sure their voices are front and center, prevent a breakaway league, protect the financial sustainability of clubs, and protect the heritage of our clubs big and small."

The government announcement comes after the Premier League last week failed to agree a new financial settlement with the English Football League (EFL), which runs the professional game in lower tiers.

The government had warned the Premier League in February that it needed to reach an agreement for a new deal or have one imposed on it.

FUTURE GROWTH

The Premier League said it would study the bill.

"We agree it is vital that football clubs are sustainable, remain at the heart of their communities and that fans are fundamental to the game," the league said in a statement.

"(But we are) mindful that the future growth of the Premier League is not guaranteed, we remain concerned about any unintended consequences of legislation that could weaken the competitiveness and appeal of English football."

The EFL welcomed the bill.

"We hope (it) will be an important milestone to help us secure the long-term financial sustainability of England’s football pyramid," chairman Rick Parry said in a news release.

"The establishment of the independent football regulator will be at the heart of this reform, and we are encouraged that the regulator will be given backstop powers to deliver financial redistributions should the game be unable to agree a deal itself."

David Sullivan, the owner of Premier League club West Ham United, said he was opposed to the establishment of a regulator and suggested it would be expensive and inefficient.

"The Premier League is the best league in the world so why change a winning formula?" he told Sky News.

"I hope the government doesn't wreck something that works. This means we will be competing with teams from leagues in Europe who give a fraction of the money Premier League clubs give to both the EFL and grassroots football.

"If over the coming seasons the Premier League ceases to be the best league in the world, it will be down to an interfering government."


Guardiola Focused on ‘Final’ Against Arsenal 

Manchester City's head coach Pep Guardiola follows the FA Cup quarter-finals soccer match between Manchester City and Newcastle United in Manchester, Britain, 16 March 2024. (EPA)
Manchester City's head coach Pep Guardiola follows the FA Cup quarter-finals soccer match between Manchester City and Newcastle United in Manchester, Britain, 16 March 2024. (EPA)
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Guardiola Focused on ‘Final’ Against Arsenal 

Manchester City's head coach Pep Guardiola follows the FA Cup quarter-finals soccer match between Manchester City and Newcastle United in Manchester, Britain, 16 March 2024. (EPA)
Manchester City's head coach Pep Guardiola follows the FA Cup quarter-finals soccer match between Manchester City and Newcastle United in Manchester, Britain, 16 March 2024. (EPA)

Manchester City are still in the running to pick up two trophies at Wembley this season, but manager Pep Guardiola said all his focus is on their Premier League clash with title rivals Arsenal at the end of the month, a match he described as a "final".

City face Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals next month, as well as Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, which has its title decider at Wembley this season.

Guardiola, however, said he was not looking past their next league fixture against Mikel Arteta's side on March 31.

"One step at a time," he told City's website. "We have a final against Arsenal.

"I don't want to think too much in the future right now. It's been an intense period."

Guardiola said he hoped all his players return from the international break fit and ready for the match against Arsenal, who lead the league on goal difference from Liverpool with City a point further back.

"I will not watch the (International) games. I will rest and when they arrive we will see which players survive," he added.

"When we come back we will have three days to prepare for the game against Arsenal. Let's go"


Türkiye: Trabzonspor Fans Invade Pitch, Attack Fenerbahce Players

Fenerbahce's players clash with Trabzonspor supporters at the end of Turkish Super Lig soccer match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce at the Senol Gunes stadium in Trabzon, Türkiye, Sunday, March 17, 2024. (Huseyin Yavuz/Dia Images via AP)
Fenerbahce's players clash with Trabzonspor supporters at the end of Turkish Super Lig soccer match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce at the Senol Gunes stadium in Trabzon, Türkiye, Sunday, March 17, 2024. (Huseyin Yavuz/Dia Images via AP)
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Türkiye: Trabzonspor Fans Invade Pitch, Attack Fenerbahce Players

Fenerbahce's players clash with Trabzonspor supporters at the end of Turkish Super Lig soccer match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce at the Senol Gunes stadium in Trabzon, Türkiye, Sunday, March 17, 2024. (Huseyin Yavuz/Dia Images via AP)
Fenerbahce's players clash with Trabzonspor supporters at the end of Turkish Super Lig soccer match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce at the Senol Gunes stadium in Trabzon, Türkiye, Sunday, March 17, 2024. (Huseyin Yavuz/Dia Images via AP)

Turkish top tier club Trabzonspor fans invaded the pitch following a home loss against Fenerbahce late Sunday, touching off violent scuffles between the fans and visiting players.
The Trabzonspor fans charged onto the pitch as Fenerbahce players celebrated their 3-2 win following the final whistle of the Turkish Superlig game in the Black Sea coastal city of Trabzon.
Some Fenerbahce players hit back at fans who kicked or punched them, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported. Security staff later helped the Fenerbahce players down the tunnel into the dressing room, The Associated Press said.
The incident came just months after the president of top-flight club Ankaragucu was arrested for punching a referee following a match, prompting the Turkish Football Federation to briefly suspend league games.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, that an investigation has been launched and that those who invaded the pitch would be identified.
“The occurrence of violence on football fields is not acceptable,” he wrote.
The Turkish Football Federation also condemned the incident and said those responsible would be punished following an investigation.


Alcaraz Defeats Medvedev to Defend Indian Wells Title

17 March 2024, US, Indian Wells: Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz celebrates with the trophy after defeating Russia's Daniil Medvedev during their Men's final tennis match of the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament at Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Photo: Charles Baus/CSM via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
17 March 2024, US, Indian Wells: Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz celebrates with the trophy after defeating Russia's Daniil Medvedev during their Men's final tennis match of the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament at Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Photo: Charles Baus/CSM via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
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Alcaraz Defeats Medvedev to Defend Indian Wells Title

17 March 2024, US, Indian Wells: Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz celebrates with the trophy after defeating Russia's Daniil Medvedev during their Men's final tennis match of the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament at Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Photo: Charles Baus/CSM via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
17 March 2024, US, Indian Wells: Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz celebrates with the trophy after defeating Russia's Daniil Medvedev during their Men's final tennis match of the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament at Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Photo: Charles Baus/CSM via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Carlos Alcaraz arrived at Indian Wells full of doubt about his twisted right ankle. He's leaving as a two-time champion, The Associated Press reported.
He defeated Daniil Medvedev 7-6 (5), 6-1 for the second straight year in the BNP Paribas Open final on Sunday, earning his first title since winning Wimbledon last year.
Iga Swiatek beat Maria Sakkari 6-4, 6-0 in just over an hour to win the women’s title, with Swiatek losing just 21 games in six matches during the 12-day tournament — an average of 3.5 games per match.
Alcaraz sprained his ankle at the Rio Open in late February. His first practice at Indian Wells lasted 30 minutes without any movement. His first practice with his fellow pros “was really tough for me,” he said in a Tennis Channel interview.
Alcaraz outlasted Jannik Sinner in a three-set semifinal after needing three sets to get out of his second-round match.
“After every match I was feeling better,” Alcaraz said. “I was getting more confident after every match. Winning a Master 1000 again, a really important tournament to win, gives you motivation to keep going.”
Alcaraz became the first man to defend his Indian Wells title since Novak Djokovic won three in a row from 2014-16. He beat Medvedev 6-3, 6-2 last year in the Southern California desert.
“It’s definitely your court, you like it here,” Medvedev told Alcaraz during the victory ceremony. “Hopefully you can one day let me play a little bit better here.”
Medvedev led 3-0 in the first set while Alcaraz had eight unforced errors over those games. The Spaniard won three games in a row to tie it, 3-3.
The players held serve the rest of the set, with Alcaraz serving a love game to get into the tiebreaker. He led 3-0 and 5-2 before Medvedev tied it 5-5. Alcaraz won the next two points to close it out.
Alcaraz got the only two breaks in the second set, when Medvedev had one winner and nine errors.
For the match, Alcaraz hit 25 winners and had 26 unforced errors, while Medvedev had 11 winners and 23 unforced errors.
Swiatek improved to 20-2 this year, with her wins leading the WTA Tour.
It was a repeat of the 2022 final, in which Swiatek beat Sakkari 6-4, 6-1. Sakkari hasn’t defeated the Polish star since 2021.
Swiatek raced to a 3-0 lead in the opening set. Sakkari recovered to win three straight games, including a break of Swiatek. She served a love game to tie it, 4-4. Swiatek lost just two points on her serve the rest of the set, wrapping it up with a forehand winner in the corner.
Swiatek was more dominant in the second set, breaking Sakkari three times all in love games. She lost just five points in the set.
Swiatek hit 15 winners and had 11 unforced errors in the 1 hour, 8-minute match. Sakkari had eight winners and 18 unforced errors.
Alcaraz and Swiatek earned $1.1 million each for their wins. That's less than the $1.26 million the women's and men's champions received in 2023. This year more prize money was allocated to the earlier rounds, reducing the champions' prize money by nearly 13%.


Fourth Place Not the Goal for Tottenham, Postecoglou Says

Tottenham Hotspur's Greek-Australian Head Coach Ange Postecoglou gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage in London on March 16, 2024. (AFP)
Tottenham Hotspur's Greek-Australian Head Coach Ange Postecoglou gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage in London on March 16, 2024. (AFP)
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Fourth Place Not the Goal for Tottenham, Postecoglou Says

Tottenham Hotspur's Greek-Australian Head Coach Ange Postecoglou gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage in London on March 16, 2024. (AFP)
Tottenham Hotspur's Greek-Australian Head Coach Ange Postecoglou gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage in London on March 16, 2024. (AFP)

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou said he is more interested in building a competitive team than in finishing in the top four of the Premier League, after his side were beaten 3-0 by Fulham on Saturday.

Tottenham would have moved above Aston Villa into fourth place in the standings with a win, but the defeat ensured Postecoglou's side remained in fifth with 53 points from 28 games.

Asked if Tottenham could still finish fourth and secure the final Champions League qualifying spot, the Australian told reporters: "I don't see fourth as the prize. I don't want to finish fourth if we haven't grown and developed as a team.

"Part of the narrative is to push you in these kinds of positions where you think that fourth is some kind of achievement that gives you something for next year.

"Fourth would be great if I feel like we're growing as a team, and we're creating something that is going to bring us success next year. But fourth is not our goal... If we finish fifth, and if I think we've got a team to challenge next year, then I won't be disappointed."

Tottenham next host 18th-placed Luton Town in a league game on Saturday.


Casemiro Out of Brazil Squad with Injury, Porto Forward Pepe to Take His Place

Casemiro of Manchester United thanks the fans after the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton FC, at Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain, 09 March 2024. (EPA)
Casemiro of Manchester United thanks the fans after the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton FC, at Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain, 09 March 2024. (EPA)
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Casemiro Out of Brazil Squad with Injury, Porto Forward Pepe to Take His Place

Casemiro of Manchester United thanks the fans after the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton FC, at Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain, 09 March 2024. (EPA)
Casemiro of Manchester United thanks the fans after the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton FC, at Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain, 09 March 2024. (EPA)

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is out of the Brazil squad for this month's friendlies against England and Spain due to injury, coach Dorival Junior said on Saturday, with Porto winger Pepe set to take his place.

Casemiro is the latest absence for Brazil, following injuries to Man City keeper Ederson, Arsenal striker Gabriel Martinelli and Paris St Germain defender Marquinhos, ahead of a match at Wembley on March 23 and one in Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu three days later.

"From a preliminary list of 50 names, 13 had already been ruled out by injury at their clubs," coach Junior said.

"Unfortunately, we also lost Casemiro. Pepe, from Porto, a forward by origin and now a midfielder, has been called up."

It is the 27-year-old Pepe's second call-up by Brazil, after his debut in a 2-1 loss to Colombia in a World Cup qualifier last year.

Dorival named Vasco da Gama keeper Leo Jardim, Flamengo defender Fabricio Bruno and Porto forward Galeno to replace the injured. It is the first call-up to the national side for all three players.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Bento (Athletico-PR), Leo Jardim (Vasco da Gama), Rafael (Sao Paulo)

Defenders: Danilo (Juventus), Yan Couto (Girona), Ayrton Lucas (Flamengo), Wendell (Porto) Beraldo (Paris St Germain), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Fabricio Bruno (Flamengo), Murilo (Palmeiras)

Midfielders: Andre (Fluminense), Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa), Joao Gomes (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham United), Pablo Maia (Sao Paulo)

Forwards: Endrick (Palmeiras), Pepe (Porto), Galeno (Porto), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham Hotspur), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Savinho (Girona) and Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid).


Paris Games Could Feature Only 40 Russian Athletes, Says IOC’s Coates

 A view shows the Eiffel Tower and rooftops of Paris, France, March 16, 2024. (Reuters)
A view shows the Eiffel Tower and rooftops of Paris, France, March 16, 2024. (Reuters)
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Paris Games Could Feature Only 40 Russian Athletes, Says IOC’s Coates

 A view shows the Eiffel Tower and rooftops of Paris, France, March 16, 2024. (Reuters)
A view shows the Eiffel Tower and rooftops of Paris, France, March 16, 2024. (Reuters)

Senior International Olympic Committee (IOC) Vice-President John Coates is unsure how many Russian athletes will compete as neutral athletes at the Paris Games, but thinks reports that it might be as low as 40 could be close to the mark.

Under sanctions put in place because of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, for which Belarus acted as a staging post, the IOC is allowing only some Russian and Belarussian athletes to compete in Paris under tight restrictions.

The inclusion of the neutral athletes remains a contentious issue, with Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba describing December's decision to allow them as "shameful", and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo saying last week she hoped they would not come.

"The issue is how many of them are going to be there too, because they're not going to be in any team sports because they can't compete as Russia," Coates said in Sunday's edition of Sydney's Daily Telegraph.

"And then anyone who is prepared out of the Russian military clubs, they're not going. I don't know, but obviously some athletes might choose not to go if they're not competing for Russia.

"I mightn't be right, but I think that I've read something that it might be as little as 40."

Neutral athletes will compete only in individual sports without flags, emblems or national anthems, and athletes who actively support the war in Ukraine, or are contracted to the Russian or Belarusian military, are not eligible.

Moscow, which describes the invasion as a "special military operation", called the restrictions "illegitimate, unfair and unacceptable", but Russia's Olympic chief, Stanislav Pozdnyakov, has confirmed its athletes would not boycott the Games.

Because of doping sanctions that prevented them from competing under the Russian flag, 335 athletes took part in the 2021 Tokyo Summer Games as the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) team, winning 71 medals. Belarus sent 101 athletes who won seven medals.

The ROC has since been suspended by the IOC for recognizing regional Olympic Councils in territories annexed from Ukraine, a decision upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) last month.

Of 4,600 athletes who had qualified for the Games at the time of the December decision on neutral athletes, eight were Russians and three held Belarusian passports. More than 60 Ukrainians had qualified.

Some sports, such as equestrian, have announced they will not allow any athletes from the two countries to compete, while World Athletics has had a blanket ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes since early 2022.

Others, such as World Swimming and the International Tennis Federation (ITF), will allow Russians and Belarussians to compete under the IOC restrictions.

Russia's world number four tennis player, Daniil Medvedev, said earlier this month he was looking forward to competing and would abide by the rules.

The Paris Olympics run from July 26 to Aug 11.