NEOM, AFC Extend Global Partnership for 4 More Years

23:19-10 July 2024 AD ـ 04 Muharram 1446 AH

NEOM, AFC Extend Global Partnership for 4 More Years

NEOM and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) announced on Wednesday the extension of their partnership for an additional four years until 2029 in the AFC Women's Champions League, the first women's football tournament in Asia, as well as their support for national team competitions and member clubs within the federation.

Through the partnership, NEOM and AFC aim to promote diversity in sports and support women's football in Asia.

NEOM project CEO Nadhmi A-Nasr emphasized that the partnership with AFC provides a significant opportunity to develop the sports sector across Asia and create more pathways that meet the needs of talented individuals and football enthusiasts worldwide.

He added that the partnership with AFC aligns with NEOM's strategic vision and goals, contributing to realizing the targets of the Saudi Vision 2030.

Meanwhile, AFC secretary general Datuk Seri Windsor John explained that renewing the partnership with NEOM boosts the attractiveness of AFC competitions by engaging hundreds of millions of Asian football fans.

He hoped the partnership would create more historical successes with NEOM and advance the development of football globally.

Sports

Thomas Mueller Ends Germany Career Following Euro 2024

FILED - 05 July 2024, Baden-Württemberg, Stuttgart: Germany's Thomas Mueller reacts after the UEFA EURO 2024 quarter-final soccer match between Spain and Germany at the MHPArena. Photo: Tom Weller/dpa

Asharq Al Awsat

11:45-15 July 2024 AD ـ 09 Muharram 1446 AH

Asharq Al Awsat

11:45-15 July 2024 AD ـ 09 Muharram 1446 AH

Thomas Mueller Ends Germany Career Following Euro 2024

Germany striker Thomas Mueller said Monday he was retiring from international football after a disappointing Euro 2024 in which the host nation were eliminated in the quarter-finals.
"After 131 national team games and 45 goals, I am saying goodbye," Mueller said in a video statement announcing his decision, reported AFP.
Mueller, who turns 35 in September, was a key member of the German team that won the 2014 World Cup.
The charismatic forward also scored the opening goal in Germany's unforgettable 7-1 win over the hosts Brazil in the semi final.
"When I played my first international match for the German national team over 14 years ago, I could never have dreamed of all this," Mueller said in the video.
"It always made me very proud to play for my country. We celebrated together and sometimes shed a tear together," he said.
A tearful Mueller had hinted at retirement following Germany's exit from Euro 2024.
The tournament hosts lost 2-1 in the quarter-final to Spain, who went on to lift the trophy on Sunday against England.
After the Spain game, Mueller said he would hold talks with national team coach Julian Nagelsmann and decide whether it was the "sensible option" to step aside in favor of younger players.
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is the only member of Germany's 2014 World Cup-winning side still involved in the national team set up.
Germany and Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos announced before Euro 2024 that he would retire from football after the tournament.
Unlike Kroos, Mueller will continue to play for his club Bayern Munich, where he is under contract until 2025.
Only Lothar Matthaeus and Miroslav Klose have played more games for Germany than Mueller, who is also Germany's sixth highest goalscorer of all time.

NEOM, AFC Extend Global Partnership for 4 More Years