Riyadh to Host Gulf Esports League Finals 2024 on June 27-28

The Saudi Esports Federation said Riyadh will be hosting the GCC Esports League 2024 finals on June 27- 28. SPA
The Saudi Esports Federation said Riyadh will be hosting the GCC Esports League 2024 finals on June 27- 28. SPA
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Riyadh to Host Gulf Esports League Finals 2024 on June 27-28

The Saudi Esports Federation said Riyadh will be hosting the GCC Esports League 2024 finals on June 27- 28. SPA
The Saudi Esports Federation said Riyadh will be hosting the GCC Esports League 2024 finals on June 27- 28. SPA

The Saudi Esports Federation has announced that Riyadh will be hosting the GCC Esports League 2024 finals, taking place from June 27 to 28.
The championship will feature intense competitions in Rocket League and TEKKEN 8, with a total prize pool of $150,000.
This tournament is the latest addition to the growing esports scene in the Middle East; it will feature elite professionals and top clubs from six countries competing in thrilling matches.
The league's first event started with the group stage and ran from May 12 to 21. Twelve teams from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates competed in an online Rocket League tournament, one of the world's most popular titles.
President of the Saudi Esports Federation Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan emphasized the Kingdom's dedication to developing the esports sector, supporting talents, and organizing top-notch events and tournaments.
Among the contenders are Kuwait's Xenon Esports and Oman's National Team B, which secured their spots in the finals as winners of Groups A and B, respectively, in the first online stage of the tournament.
Other strong competitors include Bahrain National Team, Unity Esports from Kuwait, KHK Esports from Bahrain, Twisted Minds, and Team Falcons representing Saudi Arabia.



West Ham Stick with Espirito Santo Despite Relegation from Premier League

Soccer Football - Premier League - West Ham United v Leeds United - London Stadium, London, Britain - May 24, 2026 West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo reacts after the match REUTERS/Tony O Brien
Soccer Football - Premier League - West Ham United v Leeds United - London Stadium, London, Britain - May 24, 2026 West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo reacts after the match REUTERS/Tony O Brien
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West Ham Stick with Espirito Santo Despite Relegation from Premier League

Soccer Football - Premier League - West Ham United v Leeds United - London Stadium, London, Britain - May 24, 2026 West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo reacts after the match REUTERS/Tony O Brien
Soccer Football - Premier League - West Ham United v Leeds United - London Stadium, London, Britain - May 24, 2026 West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo reacts after the match REUTERS/Tony O Brien

West Ham United have decided to keep manager Nuno Espirito Santo in charge of the London side despite their relegation from the Premier League on the final day of the season, the club said on Wednesday.

West Ham finished 18th in the standings to drop down to the second-tier Championship for the first time since 2011.

"While the ultimate outcome on Sunday was a painful one, the Board of Directors believe that there have been broader signs of improvement and progress in recent months, and we want Nuno to continue developing that progress," Reuters quoted the ⁠club as saying in ⁠a statement.

West Ham ended the campaign with 19 defeats and 10 wins, finishing two points behind London rivals Tottenham Hotspur despite winning their final fixture 3-0 against Leeds United on Sunday as Spurs beat Everton 1-0 to stay up.

The writing was on the wall for West Ham when they lost ⁠three straight games earlier this month against Brentford, Arsenal and Newcastle United, leaving Spurs in control of their destiny on the final day.

The club said they held meetings with Espirito Santo earlier this week, with the Portuguese manager expressing his commitment to the club he joined in September on a three-year contract following the sacking of Graham Potter.

The board of directors added they had seen a "clear improvement in squad mentality and togetherness" since January, making the 52-year-old the ideal candidate ⁠to lead ⁠their promotion charge next season.

"Nuno made it very clear that he is highly motivated for the challenge of guiding West Ham United back to the top flight at the first time of asking. That must be the unquestionable goal for next season," the club added.

"Nuno has spent one previous year in the EFL Championship and it was an outstanding success as he secured 99 points to win the title with Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2018."

West Ham also said they were reducing season ticket prices by up to 30% after their relegation.


Northern Ireland Boss O'Neill Extends Contract Until 2032

FILED - 26 March 2026, Italy, Bergamo: Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill applauds the fans after the 2026 FIFA World Cup European semi final qualifying soccer match between Italy and Northern Ireland at the New Balance Arena. Photo: Mike Egerton/PA Wire/dpa
FILED - 26 March 2026, Italy, Bergamo: Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill applauds the fans after the 2026 FIFA World Cup European semi final qualifying soccer match between Italy and Northern Ireland at the New Balance Arena. Photo: Mike Egerton/PA Wire/dpa
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Northern Ireland Boss O'Neill Extends Contract Until 2032

FILED - 26 March 2026, Italy, Bergamo: Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill applauds the fans after the 2026 FIFA World Cup European semi final qualifying soccer match between Italy and Northern Ireland at the New Balance Arena. Photo: Mike Egerton/PA Wire/dpa
FILED - 26 March 2026, Italy, Bergamo: Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill applauds the fans after the 2026 FIFA World Cup European semi final qualifying soccer match between Italy and Northern Ireland at the New Balance Arena. Photo: Mike Egerton/PA Wire/dpa

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has signed a four-year contract extension until 2032, the country's Football Association said in a statement on Wednesday.

The 56-year-old, who returned for a second spell in 2022 having left the team in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, has managed a record-breaking 104 games for his side.

"This is a role that means a great deal to me," Reuters quoted him as saying.

"I continue to believe strongly in the potential of this group of players and the direction we ⁠are moving in. ⁠There is a lot of work ahead, but I am excited by the future."

O'Neill first took charge of Northern Ireland in 2011 and oversaw their qualification for Euro 2016 - the nation's first major international tournament in 30 years - where they were ⁠knocked out in the last 16.

He had also been appointed interim Blackburn Rovers manager in February, balancing the role alongside his Northern Ireland duties, but it was confirmed earlier this month that he would not take that job on a permanent basis.

Northern Ireland also missed out on a place at the World Cup after a 2-0 defeat by Italy in a UEFA play-off semi-final in March, ending ⁠their hopes ⁠of qualifying for the tournament for the first time since 1986.

Irish FA President Conrad Kirkwood praised O'Neill's impact and said his contribution has been significant to the team.

"I am delighted that he will continue that work into the future and I look forward to more memorable achievements for the team," he said.

Northern Ireland face Guinea in a friendly on June 4 before travelling to France as part of preparations for the UEFA Nations League, which begins in September.


Lampard Lands England's Manager of the Year Award

Soccer Football - Championship - Coventry City Promotion Parade - Coventry, Britain - May 4, 2026 Coventry City manager Frank Lampard talks to the fans as he celebrates promotion to the Premier League REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
Soccer Football - Championship - Coventry City Promotion Parade - Coventry, Britain - May 4, 2026 Coventry City manager Frank Lampard talks to the fans as he celebrates promotion to the Premier League REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
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Lampard Lands England's Manager of the Year Award

Soccer Football - Championship - Coventry City Promotion Parade - Coventry, Britain - May 4, 2026 Coventry City manager Frank Lampard talks to the fans as he celebrates promotion to the Premier League REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
Soccer Football - Championship - Coventry City Promotion Parade - Coventry, Britain - May 4, 2026 Coventry City manager Frank Lampard talks to the fans as he celebrates promotion to the Premier League REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

Frank Lampard has been named England's Manager of the Year by his peers after leading Coventry City back to the Premier League after a gap of a quarter of a century.

Coventry finished top of the second tier Championship by 11 points to return to the top flight, all while playing ⁠an attractive brand of ⁠attacking football.

Former England midfielder Lampard edged out seven other coaches, including Arsenal's Mikel Arteta, to take the Sir Alex Ferguson Trophy at the League ⁠Managers Association (LMA) awards on Tuesday.

"Your personality as a manager and a leader is so clearly defined in how your team has played great football this season, with confidence and self-belief, and I've enjoyed watching them," Reuters quoted former Manchester United boss Ferguson as saying.

Spaniard Arteta was named Premier ⁠League ⁠manager of the Year at the awards after guiding Arsenal to their first league title in 22 years.

Andree Jeglertz took the Women's Super League Manager of the Year Award after his team won the league and reached Sunday's Women's FA Cup Final in his first season in charge.