Saudi Football Federation Unveils Redesigned King's Cup

The winner of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup receives a prize of 10 million Saudi Riyals. - SPA
The winner of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup receives a prize of 10 million Saudi Riyals. - SPA
TT

Saudi Football Federation Unveils Redesigned King's Cup

The winner of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup receives a prize of 10 million Saudi Riyals. - SPA
The winner of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup receives a prize of 10 million Saudi Riyals. - SPA

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) revealed the newly redesigned trophy of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Cup during a ceremony held in Riyadh. The event was attended by club representatives, athletes, and media personnel.

The new King's Cup is an evolution of the previous design that was introduced in the 2011-2012 season.

Its unveiling follows Al-Hilal club's achievement of winning the cup for the fourth time. Under the competition's regulations, a team that wins the cup three consecutive times or four times in total has the right to keep the original trophy, SPA reported.

The new precious cup draws inspiration from past editions, incorporating the same design concept that emphasizes the cup's historical significance and value in the region.

The new trophy is crafted from 925 sterling silver coated with 24-carat pure gold. It weighs 9.32 kg, symbolizing the year 1932 when the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was unified.

The new King's Cup is adorned with a football-shaped piece coated in gold and malachite, featuring four distinct handles. In the center, the emblem of crossed swords and a palm tree represents the Kingdom. The cup's name is manually engraved in a circular pattern.

Standing at a height of 54 cm, with a base diameter of 17 cm and a width of 18 cm, the cup rests on a base made of marble and malachite.



Belgian Grand Prix Gets Contract Extension but Set to Be Dropped from Schedule in 2028 and 2030

Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany steers his car during the second free practice at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Belgium, on Aug. 21, 2015. (AP)
Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany steers his car during the second free practice at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Belgium, on Aug. 21, 2015. (AP)
TT

Belgian Grand Prix Gets Contract Extension but Set to Be Dropped from Schedule in 2028 and 2030

Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany steers his car during the second free practice at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Belgium, on Aug. 21, 2015. (AP)
Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany steers his car during the second free practice at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Belgium, on Aug. 21, 2015. (AP)

Formula 1 has extended its contract with the Belgian Grand Prix, but one of the sport's most established races is set to be dropped from the schedule in 2028 and 2030.

The extension starting from next year includes races only in 2026, 2027, 2029 and 2031, F1 said Wednesday.

F1’s push in recent years to expand the schedule with more races in the United States and Asia has meant more competition for traditional venues in Europe seeking to keep their places on the calendar.

The Spa-Francorchamps circuit, a favorite with many drivers for its flowing high-speed layout through forested hills, was on the F1 schedule for the first championship season in 1950 and has been on the calendar every year since 2007.

"The Belgian Grand Prix was one of the races that made up our maiden Championship in 1950, so as we kick off our 75th anniversary year it is fitting that we can share the news of this important extension," F1 president and chief executive Stefano Domenicali said in a statement.

"Spa-Francorchamps is rightly lauded by drivers and fans alike as one of the finest racetracks in the world and it has played host to some incredible moments over its many seasons in Formula 1."

This year's Belgian Grand Prix race weekend is from July 25 through 27, including a sprint race.