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Emir of Qatar: All Welcome without Discrimination at World Cup 2022

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani addresses the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 at UN headquarters. (AP)
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani addresses the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 at UN headquarters. (AP)
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Emir of Qatar: All Welcome without Discrimination at World Cup 2022

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani addresses the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 at UN headquarters. (AP)
Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani addresses the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022 at UN headquarters. (AP)

Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani stressed on Tuesday that his country will welcome the world and open its doors without discrimination during the FIFA World Cup 2022, which kicks off on November 20.

Speaking before the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Sheikh Tamim said Qatar is on the threshold of hosting the world's teams and their fans.

It is opening doors for all of them “without discrimination to enjoy the football matches and the amazing atmosphere of the tournament, in addition to witnessing the economic and cultural renaissance in my country,” he added.

He pointed out that Qatar took on the challenge of hosting the landmark event 12 years ago, which required absolute resolve, determination, planning, and hard work.

Sheikh Tamim explained that the Qatari people will receive with “open arms football fans from all walks of life,” adding that no matter how diverse the nationalities, religions, and ideas are, “our duty is to overcome obstacles, extend a hand of friendship, build bridges of understanding and celebrate our common humanity.”

He concluded his address to the General Assembly: “On behalf of my people and my behalf, I invite you all to come to Qatar and enjoy this unique tournament. You are all welcome.”

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Iraola Vows to Remain True to Himself at Liverpool

Andoni Iraola, the new manager for English Premier League football side Liverpool, poses as he meets the media at the team's training ground in Kirkby, Liverpool, north-west England on July 13, 2026. (AFP)
Andoni Iraola, the new manager for English Premier League football side Liverpool, poses as he meets the media at the team's training ground in Kirkby, Liverpool, north-west England on July 13, 2026. (AFP)
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Iraola Vows to Remain True to Himself at Liverpool

Andoni Iraola, the new manager for English Premier League football side Liverpool, poses as he meets the media at the team's training ground in Kirkby, Liverpool, north-west England on July 13, 2026. (AFP)
Andoni Iraola, the new manager for English Premier League football side Liverpool, poses as he meets the media at the team's training ground in Kirkby, Liverpool, north-west England on July 13, 2026. (AFP)

Andoni Iraola said on Monday he wants to enjoy the "magic" linked with being the manager of Liverpool but is determined his Anfield appointment does not change him fundamentally.

The former Bournemouth boss is well aware of the magnitude of the position he holds, with Liverpool's demand for success exemplified by the fact he arrived in Merseyside as a result of the six-time European champions sacking Arne Slot a year after the Dutchman led the club to the Premier League title.

"Until I go through certain experiences I will not fully know but I'm here to experience those situations, I'm ready for it," said the 44-year-old Iraola in his first press conference as Liverpool manager.

"I understand this is a massive club. Everything that I'm going to say now, it's going to get the biggest scrutiny. You have to be very aware of the mistakes but I wouldn't like to be too careful."

"I would like to act quite normal: I'm not going live in my bubble -- just training ground, home. I would like also to go to the city, experience the city - I know some places.

"But it's part also of the magic of being the Liverpool manager and I would like not to change too much," the Spaniard added.

Liverpool finished a disappointing fifth in the Premier League table last season, losing 12 matches, and Iraola understands the need to refresh his squad following the recent departures of Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson.

"Obviously we've signed two players already (center-back Jeremy Jacquet and winger Victor Munoz) but we need more players, we know this.

"As a coach, selfishly, I want the players here from day one ready to train for pre-season but understand football doesn't work like this. I know the club is working hard for those signings and I'm trying to help also."

Iraola, meanwhile, wants to restore trust with fans frustrated by the team's performances under Slot by providing the kind of attacking football not seen at Anfield since the end of Jurgen Klopp's reign in 2024.

"I would like to give them a team that they can feel proud of," he said. "I think football -- and especially Liverpool -- is about connecting: connecting with the people, connecting with our supporters.

"We have to be a team that works hard, intense, aggressive, vertical so everyone can be identified and everyone can feel comfortable supporting this team."

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Manchester United Signs Andrey Santos from Chelsea to Fill Midfield Hole Left by Casemiro

The then-Chelsea’s player Andrey Santos celebrates after scoring during a Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Tottenham in London, Tuesday, May 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wiggleswort, File)
The then-Chelsea’s player Andrey Santos celebrates after scoring during a Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Tottenham in London, Tuesday, May 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wiggleswort, File)
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Manchester United Signs Andrey Santos from Chelsea to Fill Midfield Hole Left by Casemiro

The then-Chelsea’s player Andrey Santos celebrates after scoring during a Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Tottenham in London, Tuesday, May 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wiggleswort, File)
The then-Chelsea’s player Andrey Santos celebrates after scoring during a Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Tottenham in London, Tuesday, May 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wiggleswort, File)

Manchester United has a Brazilian presence in central midfield again after signing Andrey Santos from Chelsea on Monday to replace the departed Casemiro.

Santos joins United on a five-year contract, weeks after Casemiro left when his contract expired.

He featured as a substitute when Chelsea won the Club World Cup last year and played 43 times in all competitions for the team last season, The AP news reported.

“Everything about Manchester United is special; it is an incredible feeling to join a club that some of my biggest idols have represented,” Santos said in a statement.

“As a midfielder, I am really excited to have the opportunity to learn from (former midfielder) Michael Carrick, he is the perfect coach to help me take the next step in my career and push to achieve my dreams."

Santos has played six times for Brazil but was left off its squad for the World Cup, which ended with a last-16 loss to Norway.

His arrival comes amid speculation United is about to make another significant midfield transfer in Aston Villa's Youri Tielemans.

Sports

Former Athens Olympic Hall Gutted by Fire

A firefighter sprays water from an aerial platform onto the roof of the Badminton Theater as smoke rises following a fire, in Athens, Greece, July 12, 2026. REUTERS/Stelios Misinas
A firefighter sprays water from an aerial platform onto the roof of the Badminton Theater as smoke rises following a fire, in Athens, Greece, July 12, 2026. REUTERS/Stelios Misinas
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Former Athens Olympic Hall Gutted by Fire

A firefighter sprays water from an aerial platform onto the roof of the Badminton Theater as smoke rises following a fire, in Athens, Greece, July 12, 2026. REUTERS/Stelios Misinas
A firefighter sprays water from an aerial platform onto the roof of the Badminton Theater as smoke rises following a fire, in Athens, Greece, July 12, 2026. REUTERS/Stelios Misinas

Fire has severely damaged a badminton hall built for the Athens 2004 Olympics, causing the roof to cave in.

The fire department said it sent nearly 40 firefighters and 13 vehicles to contain the fire, which started late Sunday, inside the hall, which had not been used for several years.

It took until early Monday to control the flames, AFP quoted the department as saying.

There were no injuries reported. The badminton hall is situated in a park popular with local residents.

The complex, originally built as a temporary venue, cost over 20 million euros ($23 million). It was leased as a private concert hall after the Olympics at a cost of another 16 million euros, hosting shows including Cats, Mamma Mia! and Jesus Christ Superstar.

Greece's highest administrative court in 2012 ruled that the venue contravened building regulations and should be demolished. The venue's 20-year lease had expired in April, the city of Athens said.