Asian Cup, AFCON Scheduling ‘Not Good’ for Players, Says Arsenal’s Tomiyasu 

Football - Premier League - Fulham v Arsenal - Craven Cottage, London, Britain - December 31, 2023 Arsenal's Takehiro Tomiyasu in action with Fulham's Raul Jimenez. (Reuters)
Football - Premier League - Fulham v Arsenal - Craven Cottage, London, Britain - December 31, 2023 Arsenal's Takehiro Tomiyasu in action with Fulham's Raul Jimenez. (Reuters)
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Asian Cup, AFCON Scheduling ‘Not Good’ for Players, Says Arsenal’s Tomiyasu 

Football - Premier League - Fulham v Arsenal - Craven Cottage, London, Britain - December 31, 2023 Arsenal's Takehiro Tomiyasu in action with Fulham's Raul Jimenez. (Reuters)
Football - Premier League - Fulham v Arsenal - Craven Cottage, London, Britain - December 31, 2023 Arsenal's Takehiro Tomiyasu in action with Fulham's Raul Jimenez. (Reuters)

The Asian Cup should be shifted to June and played in the same slot as UEFA's Euros, Arsenal and Japan defender Takehiro Tomiyasu said ahead of the Jan. 12-Feb. 10 continental championship in Qatar.

The last three editions of the tournament have been played in January and February, opening up hosting opportunities for countries from the Middle East where summers often exceed 50 degrees Celsius (122°F), temperatures considered dangerous for football.

Arsenal could be without Tomiyasu for six games, including four Premier League matches, if Japan go all the way to the final in Qatar.

"I want the Asian Cup to be played in June, the same as the Euros," Tomiyasu told the Evening Standard newspaper in an interview published on Tuesday.

"I don't know why we are playing in January - not only the Asian Cup but the African Cup of Nations as well. It's not good for the players. But it is what it is and I will really try to come back with the title."

Japan, who are bidding for a record-extending fifth Asian Cup crown, kick off their campaign on Jan. 14 against Vietnam, before taking on Iraq and Indonesia in Group D.



Team Redline Wins First Championship of Esports World Cup 2025

The Esports World Cup features more than 2,000 professional players representing 200 clubs from over 100 countries - SPA
The Esports World Cup features more than 2,000 professional players representing 200 clubs from over 100 countries - SPA
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Team Redline Wins First Championship of Esports World Cup 2025

The Esports World Cup features more than 2,000 professional players representing 200 clubs from over 100 countries - SPA
The Esports World Cup features more than 2,000 professional players representing 200 clubs from over 100 countries - SPA

The British Team Redline clinched the first title of the Esports World Cup 2025, the largest event in the history of gaming and esports, by winning the Rennsport video game championship, SPA reported.

They earned the trophy, the largest share of the $500,000 prize pool, and 1,000 points, which placed them at the top of the club standings in the global tournament currently underway at Riyadh Boulevard City until August 24.

Now in its second edition, the Esports World Cup features more than 2,000 professional players representing 200 clubs from over 100 countries, competing in 25 tournaments across 24 game titles. With a record-breaking total prize pool exceeding $70 million, it is the largest in esports history.