Rafael Nadal Becomes Ambassador for Saudi Tennis Federation

FILE - Rafael Nadal of Spain reflects between games in his quarter-final match against Jordan Thompson of Australia during the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane, Australia, Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard, File)
FILE - Rafael Nadal of Spain reflects between games in his quarter-final match against Jordan Thompson of Australia during the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane, Australia, Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard, File)
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Rafael Nadal Becomes Ambassador for Saudi Tennis Federation

FILE - Rafael Nadal of Spain reflects between games in his quarter-final match against Jordan Thompson of Australia during the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane, Australia, Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard, File)
FILE - Rafael Nadal of Spain reflects between games in his quarter-final match against Jordan Thompson of Australia during the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane, Australia, Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard, File)

The Saudi Tennis Federation (STF) has unveiled a new collaboration with Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal.In this partnership, the tennis icon assumes the role of "Ambassador of the Federation," with a goal to inspire the next generation, promote tennis as a sport in the Kingdom, and contribute to the overall development of sports in the region.The partnership encompasses the establishment of a tennis academy named "Rafa Nadal." This academy will feature state-of-the-art facilities and employ the latest training methods, aiming to cultivate emerging talents in the realm of tennis.STF President Arij Mutabagani said Nadal embodies a true champion both on and off the court.

Mutabagani added Nadal is an exemplary role model for young individuals, highlighting his dedication and commitment to training.She also highlighted that the Kingdom has emerged as a hub for major international sports events in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and the ongoing social and economic transformation the country is undergoing.Nadal emphasized the widespread growth and progress occurring throughout the Kingdom.He expressed his pleasure in being part of this transformation and affirmed his determination to contribute to the global growth of sports, particularly in Saudi Arabia.“The academy represents a long-term commitment to tennis and the Kingdom. Serving as a center of learning, it aims to expedite the journey of talented individuals in tennis, providing players with an ideal environment to learn and enhance their competitive abilities,” Nadal said.



Türkiye’s Trabzonspor Part Ways with Coach Tekke

Head coach of Trabzonspor Fatih Tekke watches from the touchline during the UEFA Europa League play-offs second leg match between Ferencvaros and Trabzonspor in Budapest, Hungary, 27 August 2026. (EPA)
Head coach of Trabzonspor Fatih Tekke watches from the touchline during the UEFA Europa League play-offs second leg match between Ferencvaros and Trabzonspor in Budapest, Hungary, 27 August 2026. (EPA)
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Türkiye’s Trabzonspor Part Ways with Coach Tekke

Head coach of Trabzonspor Fatih Tekke watches from the touchline during the UEFA Europa League play-offs second leg match between Ferencvaros and Trabzonspor in Budapest, Hungary, 27 August 2026. (EPA)
Head coach of Trabzonspor Fatih Tekke watches from the touchline during the UEFA Europa League play-offs second leg match between Ferencvaros and Trabzonspor in Budapest, Hungary, 27 August 2026. (EPA)

Türkiye's Trabzonspor have parted ways with coach Fatih Tekke, the team said on Tuesday.

The 48-year-old Tekke joined Trabzonspor in March 2025 and ‌has overseen ‌62 games ‌with ⁠them.

Trabzonspor won the ⁠Turkish Cup last year with Tekke at the helm.

They were relegated ⁠from the Europa League ‌to ‌the Europa Conference ‌League after losing ‌4-0 to Hungarian side Ferencvaros last week.

Tekke announced his ‌resignation following Thursday's loss, which the club ⁠had ⁠previously refused to accept.

Trabzonspor lost 2-1 to Amedspor on Monday.

They signed former Liverpool players Mohamed Salah and Fabinho last month.


Chelsea Sign Atalanta's Ahanor and Loan Him to Palace

Defender Honest Ahanor - File photo/Reuters
Defender Honest Ahanor - File photo/Reuters
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Chelsea Sign Atalanta's Ahanor and Loan Him to Palace

Defender Honest Ahanor - File photo/Reuters
Defender Honest Ahanor - File photo/Reuters

Chelsea signed Atalanta defender Honest Ahanor in a deal worth a reported £40 million ($54 million) on Tuesday, but the teenager will spend this season on loan at Crystal Palace.

Ahanor, 18, will swap Serie A for south London during his temporary spell at Palace before joining Chelsea officially in 2027.

He made 22 league appearances for Atalanta last season having moved from Genoa a year ago, making his debut for Italy in a friendly against Luxembourg in June, AFP reported.

The move to UEFA Conference League winners Palace will mean the teenager will get Premier League experience as cover for Chadi Riad, who ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament against Everton.

"I'm very happy to be here and to be a part of this great family," Ahanor told Palace's website.

"To be at one of the best clubs for young players in the Premier League is something which makes me grateful and excited."

Meanwhile, Chelsea striker Marc Guiu has joined RB Leipzig on a five-year deal for £14.5 million, bringing to an end a two-year stay at Stamford Bridge.

The 20-year-old joined the Blues from Barcelona in 2024 for £5 million but struggled to impress, making only 11 Premier League appearances and failing to score.


Senegal Forward Mbaye Joins Aston Villa from PSG

Ibrahim Mbaye. (Getty Images)
Ibrahim Mbaye. (Getty Images)
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Senegal Forward Mbaye Joins Aston Villa from PSG

Ibrahim Mbaye. (Getty Images)
Ibrahim Mbaye. (Getty Images)

Ibrahim Mbaye has joined Premier League Aston Villa from Paris St Germain on a permanent transfer, both clubs said on Tuesday.

The 18-year-old Senegal forward leaves PSG after eight ‌seasons at ‌the club, having ‌joined ⁠their academy at ⁠the age of 10.

Mbaye became PSG’s youngest player to start a Ligue 1 match when he faced ⁠Le Havre in ‌2024 ‌aged 16 years, 6 months ‌and 23 days.

He made ‌his Ligue 1 debut in 2024 and won eight trophies, including two ‌Champions League titles and two Ligue 1 ⁠crowns.

He ⁠switched international allegiance from France to Senegal in 2025, having represented France at youth level.

Mbaye has 15 caps and four goals for Senegal. He scored against France at this year's World Cup.