Saudi Arabia: SBF Board of Directors Approves Global Sports Tower Designs

The Global Sports Tower, the tallest sports tower in the world and a key landmark of the Sports Boulevard project, will play a significant role in achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. SPA
The Global Sports Tower, the tallest sports tower in the world and a key landmark of the Sports Boulevard project, will play a significant role in achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. SPA
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Saudi Arabia: SBF Board of Directors Approves Global Sports Tower Designs

The Global Sports Tower, the tallest sports tower in the world and a key landmark of the Sports Boulevard project, will play a significant role in achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. SPA
The Global Sports Tower, the tallest sports tower in the world and a key landmark of the Sports Boulevard project, will play a significant role in achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. SPA

The board of directors of the Sports Boulevard Foundation (SBF), chaired by Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, approved the Global Sports Tower designs, a prominent landmark within the Sports Boulevard project on Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road in Riyadh.

The Global Sports Tower, the tallest sports tower in the world and a key landmark of the Sports Boulevard project, will play a significant role in achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The tower is set to enhance the quality of life in Riyadh, positioning the city as one of the top 10 economies globally.
The Sports Boulevard, a groundbreaking project, will offer a unique destination that integrates all aspects of life. This project is envisioned as a bridge to a futuristic urban environment for Riyadh, promising to positively influence the Kingdom's economy and elevate its international standing.

The Sports Boulevard project extends for more than 135 km on Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road, connecting Wadi Hanifah in the West with Wadi Al Sulai in the East through a grid of safe green pathways for pedestrians, cyclists, athletes, and horse riders.

The project includes more than 4.4 million square meters of greenery and open spaces and up to 50 multidisciplinary sports facilities. In addition, there are several unique destinations and investment zones, totaling an area that exceeds 3 million square meters.

The world’s first sports tower of such scale will contribute to achieving the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030, which commits to creating a sustainable, regenerative environment that enhances the quality of life. This includes a real sports renaissance that not only elevates the Kingdom's international ambitions but also provides facilities to encourage grassroots sports participation.
The Global Sports Tower is set to be the tallest sports tower in the world, standing at 130 meters. The total internal area is 84,000 square meters. It will include more than 30 different sports facilities and the world's tallest indoor climbing wall, which totals 98 meters.

The wall offers opportunities for climbers from all levels from beginner to professional, all can enjoy the world's fastest-growing sport. The tower will be crowned with the world's highest running track. Fully digitized and with a circuit of 250 meters, any athlete can enjoy a unique training experience, whilst enjoying one of the best views of Riyadh.

The tower is distinguished by its unique architectural design that applies to the Sports Boulevard Design Code driven by the principles of Salmani architecture, which is based on both originality and modernity. The tower following these principles makes it a distinctive landmark on Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Road and across the whole of Riyadh.

The tower aims to achieve the goals of the Sports Boulevard project and improve the quality of life in Riyadh by promoting sports and enabling the community by providing world-class facilities that contribute to promoting a sports culture among all members of society.



Antonelli Stays Cool to Win Chaotic Monaco Grand Prix

 Formula One F1 - Monaco Grand Prix - Circuit de Monaco, Monaco - June 7, 2026 Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli celebrates on the podium after winning the Monaco Grand Prix. (Reuters)
Formula One F1 - Monaco Grand Prix - Circuit de Monaco, Monaco - June 7, 2026 Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli celebrates on the podium after winning the Monaco Grand Prix. (Reuters)
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Antonelli Stays Cool to Win Chaotic Monaco Grand Prix

 Formula One F1 - Monaco Grand Prix - Circuit de Monaco, Monaco - June 7, 2026 Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli celebrates on the podium after winning the Monaco Grand Prix. (Reuters)
Formula One F1 - Monaco Grand Prix - Circuit de Monaco, Monaco - June 7, 2026 Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli celebrates on the podium after winning the Monaco Grand Prix. (Reuters)

Formula One championship leader Kimi Antonelli stayed ice-cool to win a chaotic Monaco Grand Prix and extend his run of victories this season to five on Sunday.

The 19-year-old Italian built a commanding lead after starting from pole in his Mercedes but that evaporated after a late red flag to inspect a crumbling surface at the final corner following a crash that took out Ferrari's Charles Leclerc.

After a ‌delay of ‌around 40 minutes while repairs were ‌carried ⁠out, the race ⁠resumed with a standing start, but Antonelli remained unfazed as he became the youngest ever winner of the iconic race.

Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton was runner-up for the second successive Grand Prix with Red Bull's Isack Hadjar provisionally third, although he was one ⁠of a number of drivers under investigation ‌for a variety of ‌infringements.

Hamilton, who equaled the late Ayrton Senna's eight Monaco ‌podiums, moved above Antonelli's team mate George Russell ‌into second place in the standings, 66 points behind Antonelli.

"It's been an incredible weekend and an incredible race," said Antonelli, who was not even born the last time ‌an Italian won the Monaco Grand Prix - Jarno Trulli in 2004.

"We had ⁠incredible pace ⁠and it all came so natural and that gave me the confidence to push."

A year after finishing last on his F1 debut at Monaco, Antonelli showed incredible poise to shrug off the red flag drama that meant he effectively had to win two races.

"I wasn't super keen on re-starting but once the notification came out, I just gathered my emotions and re-focused again. Once I got away and was P1 into the first corner I could enjoy the last few laps."


Algeria Extend Coach Petkovic’s Contract

Football - Euro 2020 - Quarter Final - Switzerland v Spain - Saint Petersburg Stadium, Saint Petersburg, Russia - July 2, 2021 Then Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic applauds fans after the match. (Pool via Reuters)
Football - Euro 2020 - Quarter Final - Switzerland v Spain - Saint Petersburg Stadium, Saint Petersburg, Russia - July 2, 2021 Then Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic applauds fans after the match. (Pool via Reuters)
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Algeria Extend Coach Petkovic’s Contract

Football - Euro 2020 - Quarter Final - Switzerland v Spain - Saint Petersburg Stadium, Saint Petersburg, Russia - July 2, 2021 Then Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic applauds fans after the match. (Pool via Reuters)
Football - Euro 2020 - Quarter Final - Switzerland v Spain - Saint Petersburg Stadium, Saint Petersburg, Russia - July 2, 2021 Then Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic applauds fans after the match. (Pool via Reuters)

Algeria have extended Swiss coach Vladimir Petkovic's contract until 2028, just days before the start of the World Cup.

Petkovic, 62, had been in charge of the Desert Foxes since 2024, taking over following Algeria's first round exit at the African Cup of Nations.

"The Swiss coach has managed some remarkable results since he took over," the Algerian federation said in a statement on Sunday.

Under Petkovic, Algeria have "won 21 matches, had four draws and lost only three matches", the federation added.

Algeria will line up in Group J at the World Cup alongside reigning champions Argentina, Austria and Jordan.

Petkovic was Switzerland coach from 2014 to 2021 and before that won the Italian Cup with Roma in 2013.


Makenzie Replaces Injured Yahya in Iraq’s World Cup Squad

Football - International Friendly - Spain v Iraq - Riazor stadium, A Coruna, Spain - June 4, 2026 Iraq's Ahmed Yahya Mhmood Al Hajjaj in action with Spain's Pedro Porro. (Reuters)
Football - International Friendly - Spain v Iraq - Riazor stadium, A Coruna, Spain - June 4, 2026 Iraq's Ahmed Yahya Mhmood Al Hajjaj in action with Spain's Pedro Porro. (Reuters)
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Makenzie Replaces Injured Yahya in Iraq’s World Cup Squad

Football - International Friendly - Spain v Iraq - Riazor stadium, A Coruna, Spain - June 4, 2026 Iraq's Ahmed Yahya Mhmood Al Hajjaj in action with Spain's Pedro Porro. (Reuters)
Football - International Friendly - Spain v Iraq - Riazor stadium, A Coruna, Spain - June 4, 2026 Iraq's Ahmed Yahya Mhmood Al Hajjaj in action with Spain's Pedro Porro. (Reuters)

Iraq ‌have called up Ahmed Hassan Makenzie to their 2026 World Cup squad to replace Ahmed Yahya, who has been ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury, the national ‌team announced ‌on Saturday.

"Based on ‌the ⁠medical report, head ⁠coach Graham Arnold has decided to call up Ahmed Makenzie and register him in the final squad for ⁠the 2026 World Cup ‌finals ‌in place of Ahmed Yahya," ‌the national team said ‌in a statement on X.

The decision came as the Iraqi delegation arrived in ‌Chicago in the early hours of the ⁠morning ⁠to prepare for the tournament.

The tournament marks Iraq's first appearance at the World Cup since their sole participation 40 years ago. They are set to compete in Group I alongside France, Senegal and Norway.