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Saudi Sports Minister Emphasizes Kingdom's Distinction in Organizing Major Sports Events

Saudi Minister of Sports and Chairman of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal highlighted the Kingdom’s distinction in organizing the largest sporting events and activities. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Sports and Chairman of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal highlighted the Kingdom’s distinction in organizing the largest sporting events and activities. (SPA)
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Saudi Sports Minister Emphasizes Kingdom's Distinction in Organizing Major Sports Events

Saudi Minister of Sports and Chairman of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal highlighted the Kingdom’s distinction in organizing the largest sporting events and activities. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Sports and Chairman of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal highlighted the Kingdom’s distinction in organizing the largest sporting events and activities. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Sports and Chairman of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, highlighted the Kingdom’s distinction in organizing the largest sporting events and activities, SPA said on Saturday.
This came on the occasion of the 2024 Formula 1 stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, within the second round of this year’s Formula 1 World Championship, held in Jeddah Corniche Circuit from March 7 to 9, 2024.
The Kingdom held this major event for the fourth time in a row as part of the calendar of global activities and events.
The Minister said: “We are proud to host Formula 1 competitions again, and this confirms the Kingdom’s distinction in organizing the largest sporting events and activities, and the unremitting support and follow-up from the Saudi leadership.”
On his part, President of the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and Saudi Motorsport Company (SMC) Prince Khalid bin Sultan bin Abdullah bin Faisal, praised the return of the Formula 1 championship to the Kingdom.
He noted that Jeddah has been hosting this major sports event for the fourth time in a row confirming the great and pioneering status that the Kingdom has reached in accordance with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
He added: "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has become a leading global destination in hosting the largest international events and tournaments."

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PSG Leads Lens by Just 4 Points as Race for French League Title Heats Up

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Soccer Football - Ligue 1 - Paris St Germain v FC Nantes - Parc des Princes, Paris, France - April 22, 2026 Paris St Germain's Marquinhos, Goncalo Ramos and Fabian Ruiz celebrate after the match REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
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PSG Leads Lens by Just 4 Points as Race for French League Title Heats Up

Soccer Football - Ligue 1 - Paris St Germain v FC Nantes - Parc des Princes, Paris, France - April 22, 2026 Paris St Germain's Marquinhos, Goncalo Ramos and Fabian Ruiz celebrate after the match REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
Soccer Football - Ligue 1 - Paris St Germain v FC Nantes - Parc des Princes, Paris, France - April 22, 2026 Paris St Germain's Marquinhos, Goncalo Ramos and Fabian Ruiz celebrate after the match REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

The suspense remains intense in Ligue 1, where Paris Saint-Germain is not as dominant as on the European stage at this crucial final stretch.

The reigning French champions defeated Nantes 3-0 at the Parc des Princes midweek but they had suffered a fifth loss in the French league last weekend — compared to two all last season — with a 2-1 home defeat against Lyon.

With five Ligue 1 matches left to play, they have just a four-point lead over second-place Lens ahead of Saturday's trip to Angers.

Luis Enrique's team has to travel to Lens in May, after the league postponed their game on April 11 due to PSG’s involvement in the Champions League.

And with PSG's busy schedule due to the Champions League, the Ligue 1 title is far from being decided.

“You wanted a more open and competitive league? You’ve got it,” Enrique said. “Lens is having a very good season, and it will be difficult all the way to the final match.”

Lens travels to Brest on Friday, The Associated Press reported.

Key matchups Although the duel in the title race is taking the spotlight, the battle for the Champions League places is just as close.

Seven-time champion Lyon leads fourth-place Lille on goal difference with the top three gaining direct entry to the Champions League and the side in fourth entering qualifying. Lyon hosts struggling Auxerre on Saturday while Lille travels to Paris FC on Sunday.

Although its hopes of qualifying for the Champions League have been dented by a 10th loss this season, Marseille remains hopeful, lagging just two points behind Lyon ahead of hosting Nice at the Vélodrome stadium on Sunday.

Fifth-place Rennes is also in the mix, one point above Marseille, and takes on Nantes.

Rennes has been transformed under coach Franck Haise — who was won six of eight games since taking charge.

Players to watch Afonso Moreira: The 21-year-old Portugal forward had his best performance of the season against PSG, according to his coach Paulo Fonseca, and was outstanding either breaking from the left flank or holding up the ball. He also combined well with Brazil forward Endrick in what could be a crucial partnership in the remaining games.

Dominik Greif: The imposing Slovakian has been brilliant in goal for Lyon this season and saved a penalty against PSG, following a standout performance in the previous game.

Esteban Lepaul: He was without a club a few years ago when Lyon released him and is now Ligue 1's top scorer with 17 goals for high-flying Rennes. Lepaul shoots with every precision and has a gift for finding space.

Ilan Kebbal: The Algeria midfielder is Paris FC's top scorer with nine goals and his outstanding recent form has been at the heart of the club's inspired turnaround under coach Antoine Kombouaré.

Out of action PSG will be without Vitinha after the Portugal midfielder limped off with a right foot injury during the loss to Lyon. PSG said Vitinha is sidelined by an inflammation in his heel following a knock sustained during the match.

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Archer Steps Down as WTA CEO After Less Than 2 Years in the Role

FILE - Alejandro Davidovich Fokina of Spain's racket lies on the court during his second round match against Reilly Opelka of the US at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, on Jan. 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
FILE - Alejandro Davidovich Fokina of Spain's racket lies on the court during his second round match against Reilly Opelka of the US at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, on Jan. 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
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Archer Steps Down as WTA CEO After Less Than 2 Years in the Role

FILE - Alejandro Davidovich Fokina of Spain's racket lies on the court during his second round match against Reilly Opelka of the US at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, on Jan. 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
FILE - Alejandro Davidovich Fokina of Spain's racket lies on the court during his second round match against Reilly Opelka of the US at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, on Jan. 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Portia Archer has stepped down from her role as chief executive officer of the WTA less than two years after being appointed, the governing body of elite women's tennis said on Wednesday.

WTA chair Valerie Camillo informed staff, members and other stakeholders of Archer's departure on Wednesday in a note which the organization shared with Reuters.

The letter did not specify a reason for Archer's departure but said she had left her role effective April ⁠20 ahead of ⁠her contract renewal.

The American had replaced Steve Simon, who relinquished his role as CEO after eight years in late 2023. Simon remained as executive chairman of the organization until Camillo was appointed in October last year.

"We are ⁠working through a transition plan for the leadership of the WTA and will share an update on this by mid-May," Camillo wrote in the note.

Archer, previously a senior executive at the National Basketball Association, took charge as WTA CEO in July 2024 and led day-to-day business strategy and operations, helping it expand into new markets.

Sports

Trump Envoy Reportedly Seeks to Replace Iran with Italy in World Cup

FILED - 13 December 2024, Switzerland, Zurich: The FIFA logo is seen on the facade of FIFA headquarters before the draw ceremony for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Photo: Christian Charisius/dpa
FILED - 13 December 2024, Switzerland, Zurich: The FIFA logo is seen on the facade of FIFA headquarters before the draw ceremony for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Photo: Christian Charisius/dpa
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Trump Envoy Reportedly Seeks to Replace Iran with Italy in World Cup

FILED - 13 December 2024, Switzerland, Zurich: The FIFA logo is seen on the facade of FIFA headquarters before the draw ceremony for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Photo: Christian Charisius/dpa
FILED - 13 December 2024, Switzerland, Zurich: The FIFA logo is seen on the facade of FIFA headquarters before the draw ceremony for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Photo: Christian Charisius/dpa

A top envoy to US President Donald Trump has asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming World Cup, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday.

The plan is an effort to repair ties between Trump and Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after the two fell out amid the American president's attacks against Pope Leo XIV over the Iran war, the FT reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

"I confirm I have suggested to Trump and (FIFA president Gianni) Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup. I'm an Italian native and it would be a dream to see ⁠the Azzurri at ⁠a US-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion," US special envoy Paolo Zampolli told the FT.

The White House, FIFA, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

Italy suffered a shock in March after the national team missed out on the World Cup for the third time in a row following a 4-1 penalty shootout defeat by Bosnia and Herzegovina in their ⁠qualifying playoff final.

Iran qualified for a fourth successive World Cup last year but after the start of the war requested that FIFA move the team's three group matches from the US to Mexico.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on a visit to an Iran squad training camp in Türkiye last month that all matches would take place as scheduled, while offering the team help with preparations for the tournament.

"We are preparing and making arrangements for the World Cup, but we are obedient to the decisions of the authorities," Iranian football federation (FFIRI) President Mehdi Taj told reporters at a pro-government rally in Tehran on Wednesday.

"For now, the decision is for the national team to be fully prepared for ⁠the World Cup."

The decision ⁠on which country would come in if the Iranian government withdrew the team lies in the hands of FIFA, which under Article Six of the World Cup regulations is at liberty to call up any nation it chooses to fill the vacancy.

The World Cup, which is also being co-hosted by Mexico and Canada, gets underway on June 11 with Iran scheduled to kick off their campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles four days later.