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Hail International Rally Celebrates Two Decades of Champions

Fares Al-Moshana won the 2017 edition, Issa Al-Dossary claimed the titles in 2018 and 2019, and Saleh Al-Abdulali captured the February 2020 edition - SPA
Fares Al-Moshana won the 2017 edition, Issa Al-Dossary claimed the titles in 2018 and 2019, and Saleh Al-Abdulali captured the February 2020 edition - SPA
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Hail International Rally Celebrates Two Decades of Champions

Fares Al-Moshana won the 2017 edition, Issa Al-Dossary claimed the titles in 2018 and 2019, and Saleh Al-Abdulali captured the February 2020 edition - SPA
Fares Al-Moshana won the 2017 edition, Issa Al-Dossary claimed the titles in 2018 and 2019, and Saleh Al-Abdulali captured the February 2020 edition - SPA

The Hail International Rally is regarded as one of the most prominent and long-established desert rally events in the region, having cemented its status over the years as a major arena for challenge and competition in motorsports since its inaugural edition in 2006.

Throughout nearly two decades, the rally has seen fierce competition for the championship title across its various editions, crowning an elite group of top Saudi, Arab, and international drivers, with the 2026 edition continuing this rich legacy of achievement and success.

The record of Hail Rally champions includes Saudi driver Farhan Al-Shammari, who won the inaugural edition in 2006, followed by Rajeh Al-Shammari in 2007, Qatari driver Nasser Al-Attiyah in 2008, and Saudi driver Yazeed Al-Rajhi, who secured the titles in 2009 and 2010, SPA reported.

Al-Attiyah returned to win in 2011, followed by another title for Al-Rajhi in 2012, while Czech driver Miroslav Zapletal claimed the first European victory in 2013. Saudi driver Ibrahim Al-Muhanna was crowned champion in 2014, after which Al-Rajhi extended his dominance by winning the 2015 and 2016 titles.

Fares Al-Moshana won the 2017 edition, Issa Al-Dossary claimed the titles in 2018 and 2019, and Saleh Al-Abdulali captured the February 2020 edition.

The December 2020 edition saw Al-Attiyah take the “Baja 1” title, while Spanish driver Carlos Sainz claimed the “Baja 2” title, before Al-Attiyah returned to win the championships in 2021 and 2023. Al-Rajhi secured the titles in 2022 and 2024, concluding the record by winning the 2025 edition.

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AFC Unveils 'Khuzama' as Official Ball for Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027

The ball's name draws on the wild lavender plant found across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - SPA
The ball's name draws on the wild lavender plant found across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - SPA
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AFC Unveils 'Khuzama' as Official Ball for Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027

The ball's name draws on the wild lavender plant found across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - SPA
The ball's name draws on the wild lavender plant found across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - SPA

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has unveiled the official match ball for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, named "Khuzama," in partnership with Kelme, to mark the 100-day countdown to the tournament scheduled for January 7 to February 5, 2027.

The ball's name draws on the wild lavender plant found across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, while its purple color reflects hospitality and welcome.

The design features geometric patterns inspired by "The Portal" element of the tournament's official identity, derived from traditional Najdi architectural doorways, in shades of deep purple, green, and sand, SPA reported.

Designed to meet match performance requirements, the ball incorporates contrasting purple and white panels to enhance visibility for players, referees, and fans in daylight and under floodlights.

Saudi Arabia will host the AFC Asian Cup for the first time, with 24 teams competing across Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al-Khobar.

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100 Days to Go Until AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027

100 Days to Go Until AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027
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100 Days to Go Until AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027

100 Days to Go Until AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027

The Local Organizing Committee for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 has affirmed Saudi Arabia's readiness to host the tournament as the 100-day countdown begins ahead of the competition's opening on January 7, 2027. The tournament will mark the first edition of the AFC Asian Cup to be held in Saudi Arabia.

The committee said preparations have entered the operational phase, with organizational work continuing in the host cities and stadiums ahead of welcoming 24 national teams competing for the tournament title, SPA reported.

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa expressed his appreciation to the Saudi leadership and government, the Local Organizing Committee, and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) for their efforts to host what will be the largest edition in the history of the AFC Asian Cup.

He said the 100-day milestone reflects the Kingdom's progress according to plan toward delivering an unprecedented edition to the highest standards, from the quality of its stadiums and facilities to providing an outstanding experience for fans. Al Khalifa also expressed confidence that all preparations would be completed to the highest standards by January, ensuring Saudi Arabia is fully ready to host the continental football event.

CEO of the Local Organizing Committee for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 Mai AlHelabi affirmed that all preparations are progressing in tandem as the countdown begins.

“Work to prepare the eight stadiums is proceeding according to plan, while more than 50 entities are working as one team to provide an outstanding experience for fans from the moment they arrive until their departure from Saudi Arabia, reflecting the essence of Saudi hospitality,” AlHelabi said.

She added that the scale of preparations reflects Saudi Arabia's ambitions for the tournament, as well as its capabilities and resources in organizing major sporting events. These capabilities are currently on display in Jeddah, where the Kingdom is hosting the 27th Gulf Cup, “Khaleeji Arabian Dyar 27,” marking another milestone in its record of hosting major football events.

A series of initiatives and events will continue in the run-up to the tournament. These include a film highlighting key milestones in preparations 100 days ahead of the competition, the unveiling of the official mascot, the launch of the tournament's official audio identity, and several other initiatives.

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UEFA to Distribute €31.5 Million to Clubs for Nations League

Soccer Football - UEFA Nations League - Group B4 - Romania v Bosnia and Herzegovina - National Arena, Bucharest, Romania - September 28, 2026 General view during the match Inquam Photos via REUTERS/Eduard Vinatoru
Soccer Football - UEFA Nations League - Group B4 - Romania v Bosnia and Herzegovina - National Arena, Bucharest, Romania - September 28, 2026 General view during the match Inquam Photos via REUTERS/Eduard Vinatoru
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UEFA to Distribute €31.5 Million to Clubs for Nations League

Soccer Football - UEFA Nations League - Group B4 - Romania v Bosnia and Herzegovina - National Arena, Bucharest, Romania - September 28, 2026 General view during the match Inquam Photos via REUTERS/Eduard Vinatoru
Soccer Football - UEFA Nations League - Group B4 - Romania v Bosnia and Herzegovina - National Arena, Bucharest, Romania - September 28, 2026 General view during the match Inquam Photos via REUTERS/Eduard Vinatoru

UEFA will distribute €31.5 million ($35.7 million) to clubs who released their players to compete in the 2024-25 season of the Nations League, European soccer's governing body said on Tuesday.

The payment is the first under the UEFA Club Benefits Program cycle, which is part of ⁠a memorandum of ⁠understanding between UEFA and European Football Clubs (EFC), which represents over 800 clubs across Europe.

"The payments form part of the €104 million allocated to ⁠clubs releasing players for the 2024-25 and 2026-27 UEFA Nations League and the qualifying competition for UEFA Euro 2028," UEFA said in a statement, according to Reuters.

"The program benefits 611 clubs across all UEFA's member associations, including several amateur clubs. RB Leipzig of ⁠Germany ⁠will receive the highest total compensation in this payment, with approximately €353,000 for releasing 16 of its players," it added.

Portugal defeated Spain on penalties in the 2025 final. The 2026-27 edition of the tournament began last week.