Football Stars Maldini, Villa Praise Progress of Sports in Saudi Kingdom

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Football Stars Maldini, Villa Praise Progress of Sports in Saudi Kingdom

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

The Saudi people are enthusiastic and passionate about football, according to football stars David Villa from Spain and Paolo Maldini from Italy, SPA reported.
Their remarks came while visiting Jeddah to promote the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by the governorate from December 12 to 22.
Maldini indicated that there are numerous significant cultural and sports changes taking place in the Kingdom recently. He stated that the Saudi people are highly enthusiastic about football and are actively contributing to the development of sports in all aspects.
Villa emphasized that the development in sports in the Kingdom is incredibly impressive. He also praised the passion of football fans and their love for the game, stating that this will contribute significantly to the advancement of sports.
Villa noted that the Kingdom showcases football in a magnificent way, not only on a local scale but also on an international level.
"The Saudi league is growing and evolving significantly, and football in the Kingdom, in general, is progressing. There is strength in increasing its popularity. Football, in general, must advance and evolve in any championship and country where its fans desire progress. This is very important for the Kingdom, and it is also crucial to have a tournament like the FIFA Club World Cup hosted here," the Spanish star said.



Tour Reverses Decision to Bar Israeli Players from Indoor Championships

Tour Reverses Decision to Bar Israeli Players from Indoor Championships
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Tour Reverses Decision to Bar Israeli Players from Indoor Championships

Tour Reverses Decision to Bar Israeli Players from Indoor Championships

The World Bowls Tour has reversed a decision to bar Israeli players from this month's World Indoor Bowls Championships in England after putting in place additional security measures.

The WBT said in a statement that the Israelis were welcome to participate in the Jan. 10-26 tournament at Potters Resorts in Hopton-on-Sea, near the eastern port of Great Yarmouth.

"Significant additional security measures have been put in place," it explained, Reuters reported.

"The WBT acknowledges that this has been a difficult time for all involved and we are pleased that we have been able to achieve an outcome that includes players for all supporting countries."

The U-turn restores Daniel Alomin to the singles draw and Amnon Amar and Itai Rigbi to the pairs.

The original decision, which followed a campaign by pro-Palestinian groups, was condemned by a local parliamentarian and Jewish representatives.

The WBT is not affiliated with World Bowls, the Melbourne-based international federation that organises a rival World Bowls Indoor Championships.