Three Dead, Dozens Injured after Fall from Upper Stand in Algeria

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Reuters file photo
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Reuters file photo
TT

Three Dead, Dozens Injured after Fall from Upper Stand in Algeria

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Reuters file photo
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Reuters file photo

Three spectators died and more than 70 others were injured after falling from the upper stand of a stadium, following MC Alger's win in the Algerian top-flight league for the second season in a row, the Algerian ministry of health said on Sunday.

"The Beni Messous University Hospital received 38 injured people, while three deaths were recorded," the Algerian ministry of health said in a statement via Facebook, adding: "Ben Aknoun Hospital also received 27 injured people, while Bab El Oued Hospital received 16."

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune offered his condolences and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured.

"It is with great sadness and sorrow and with hearts that we received the news of our supporter Younes Amguzzi, who passed away after falling from the upper stands," MC Alger said earlier in an Instagram post.

The club has yet to comment on the additional fatalities.

Local media reports said the spectators fell after a fence in the upper stand broke, with El Heddaf TV's Facebook page posting a video showing part of a railing collapsed onto the lower tier.

The injured spectators were rushed to hospital, where MC Alger players, staff and administrators also went to donate blood as the trophy presentation ceremony was postponed, the reports added. 
 



Saudi Arabia and Qatar Gain Home Advantage in Next Asia Qualifiers for 2026 World Cup

File Photo: The World Cup Trophy displayed ahead of the draw of the groups of the European qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Zurich, Switzerland. AFP
File Photo: The World Cup Trophy displayed ahead of the draw of the groups of the European qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Zurich, Switzerland. AFP
TT

Saudi Arabia and Qatar Gain Home Advantage in Next Asia Qualifiers for 2026 World Cup

File Photo: The World Cup Trophy displayed ahead of the draw of the groups of the European qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Zurich, Switzerland. AFP
File Photo: The World Cup Trophy displayed ahead of the draw of the groups of the European qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Zurich, Switzerland. AFP

Saudi Arabia and Qatar drew home advantage in the fourth round of Asia qualifying for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday.

In October, Qatar will host Group A that also contains the United Arab Emirates and Oman, The Associated Press said.

Saudi Arabia welcomes Iraq and Indonesia into Group B.

The winner of each round-robin group will take Asia’s last two remaining automatic spots at next summer’s tournament, to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The teams that finish second will then meet, with the winner progressing to inter-confederation playoffs, which are scheduled for March 2026.

Six teams from Asia secured qualification last month: Japan, Iran, South Korea and Australia have all participated numerous times, while Jordan and Uzbekistan will make their first appearance.