Latest news with #Al-Ittihad
Straits Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Al Hilal withdraw from the Saudi Super Cup
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Al Hilal are to skip the 2025-26 Saudi Super Cup, set for next month, amid their hectic schedule. Al Hilal finished the recent Saudi Pro League season second behind champions Al-Ittihad in late May, having been knocked out of the King's Cup quarter-finals and AFC Champions League elite semis. The Riyadh-based club then headed to the United States, where they kicked off their Club World Cup campaign on June 18 against giants Real Madrid. They made it to the knockout stages, where they stunned Manchester City in the last 16 before losing to Fluminense in the quarter-finals on July 4. The Saudi Super Cup is to be held between August 19-23 in Hong Kong, with the league campaign usually getting underway in late August. Their CWC campaign and following flight complications "reduced the players' annual leave to only 24 days in the event of withdrawal, and to 21 days if the club participated in the Super Cup," with the rules granting them "a minimum of 28 days of annual leave," the club said in a statement. Al Hilal were forced to postpone their pre-season preparations, "which further increased the competitive imbalance among participating clubs," the statement ran citing a letter sent to the local soccer federation. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Subsidies and grants for some 20,000 people miscalculated due to processing issue: MOH Asia At least 19 killed as Bangladesh air force plane crashes at college campus Singapore ST Explains: What does it mean for etomidate to be listed under the Misuse of Drugs Act? Business Why Singapore and its businesses stand to lose with US tariffs on the region Singapore NTU introduces compulsory cadaver dissection classes for medical students from 2026 World US passenger jet has close call with B-52 bomber over North Dakota Singapore Jail for man who conspired with another to bribe MOH agency employee with $18k Paris trip Singapore New research institute will grow S'pore's talent in nuclear energy, safety The Saudi federation (SAFF) said, in response, they "will begin taking the necessary measures in accordance with the relevant rules and regulations through the relevant committees," without providing more details. REUTERS
Libya Observer
3 days ago
- Sport
- Libya Observer
Libyan Football Federation announces date for League playoffs
The Competitions Organizing Committee of the Libyan Football Federation announced on Thursday the launching date for the Championship Playoff six-team playoffs) of the Libyan Premier League's 50th edition, set to begin on July 24 at stadiums in Italy. The announcement came after the committee published the schedule of the five playoff rounds on its Facebook page. The first round will kick off on July 24 with a top clash between the leaders of both playoff groups: Al-Ahly Tripoli and Al-Ahly Benghazi. Other matches will see Al-Ittihad face Al-Akhdar, and Al-Hilal take on Al-Sweihli. This announcement puts an end to days of speculation and controversy over whether the playoff could actually be held in Italy as previously declared by LFF President Abdulmawla Al-Maghribi. Concerns had circulated on social media about difficulties in obtaining Italian visas, leading to widespread speculation in the sports community about possible backup plans involving stadiums in Tunisia, Turkey, or Algeria. The committee has not yet announced the specific stadiums for the matches, pending the conclusion of a site visit by an organizing delegation currently in Milan to inspect hotels for the teams, training grounds, and match venues. Potential stadiums include Atleti Azzurri d'Italia, home of Atalanta, and U-Power Stadium, home of Monza. There are also circulating reports suggesting the iconic San Siro stadium may host the Libyan Cup final, which will feature Al-Akhdar, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahly Tripoli and Benghazi teams in the semifinals, scheduled to take place in Italy after the conclusion of the playoff tournament. Tags: Libyan Football Federation Libyan Football League
CAF
5 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Ashleigh Plumptre: The Super Falcons' Rock Driven by Heritage and Heart
Ashleigh Plumptre has emerged as one of the standout defenders of the TotalEnergies 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, earning her spot in the Team of the Group Stage. Known for her calm leadership and timely interceptions, the Al-Ittihad captain is proving crucial in Nigeria's pursuit of a record-extending 10th continental crown. 'My biggest growth as a player has come from my growth as a person. I don't feel like I have to prove myself anymore. I just want to be present for the team and give my all,' Plumptre told 'I have full trust in the team and what we're capable of. I've felt such an emotional connection with this squad and to be able to share these moments with them is something that I will forever be grateful for.' Background and Rise to Prominence Born in Leicester, England, Plumptre, began her football journey in England's youth setup, representing the country at U-15, U-17, U-19, and U-23 levels. Her club career saw her feature for Notts County, LA Galaxy OC, and Leicester City, where she helped them win the FA Women's Championship in the 2020/21 season. Ahead of WAFCON 2022, Plumptre made a pivotal decision to represent Nigeria, her paternal heritage, over continuing with England. It was a bold, heartfelt choice rooted in family and identity. Since then, the 27-year-old has become a key part of the Super Falcons, anchoring the defense and stepping up as one of the leaders on and off the pitch. Now the captain of Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, Plumptre has also demonstrated an eye for goal, notably during the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Round of 16 clash with England and throughout her ongoing stint in the Saudi league. On Commitment to Country and Mental Fortitude Despite the twists and turns in her footballing journey from England's youth system to becoming a mainstay in Nigeria's defense, Plumptre has remained grounded and fiercely proud of her heritage. Her personal compass, she says, is built on values far deeper than the game. 'Playing for Nigeria means everything to me. I've always been proud of my roots and being able to represent that on the field is something I carry with a lot of honor,' she said. 'I've faced injuries, moments of doubt, and changes in environment, but I've always leaned on my values — being kind, working hard, and staying grounded. That's what keeps me going.' On Motivation and Long-Term Dreams For Plumptre, success isn't just measured in caps or clean sheets, it's also about leaving a legacy. The fullback has her eyes on a bigger goal beyond her playing days, determined to impact future generations, particularly in Africa. 'Football is part of who I am, but what motivates me is knowing that I can inspire others — especially young girls who look like me or come from similar backgrounds,' Ashleigh added. 'I've also started working toward my UEFA coaching license. I want to remain in the game, pass on what I've learned, and help shape the next generation — especially in Nigeria. That's something I'm very passionate about.' Father's Pride: Tim Plumptre on Ashleigh's Journey Ashleigh's father and agent, Tim Plumptre, offered heartfelt insight into his daughter's inspiring return to top-level football. 'Super happy because it's only been 15 months since her foot surgery and I wasn't entirely sure how her body would react and recover,' he shared. 'She worked so hard in her rehabilitation and was desperate to represent Nigeria in last year's Olympic Games, but she couldn't recover in time. That was so disappointing for her because it was always her childhood dream to play in an Olympics. 'But being able to be fully fit for the WAFCON is fantastic, and she is going to do everything in her power to win this competition for Nigeria. I never have any doubts in her performances as I know her capabilities, they are always at the top. She has worked so hard for so long, and this is her way of life. It's amazing that she's been recognised for her performances in this competition.' As her father and agent, Tim also acknowledged the bravery and sacrifice in Ashleigh's decision to switch her national allegiance from England to Nigeria. 'Incredibly proud, as she's had to put a lot of pressure upon herself when she could've taken an easier path by remaining within the England setup,' he exclusively told from his based in Leicester. 'Statistics bear out the minutes she played representing Nigeria, and she's earned this right through sheer hard work and determination, as there are so many talented players on the squad.' For Tim, Ashleigh's connection to Nigeria is not only career-defining, it's personal and intentional. 'It was absolutely vital for me to consciously raise Ashleigh with an understanding of her heritage. I took her to spend time with her grandfather, Harry Dotun Plumptre (RIP), and as many of her extended Nigerian family as possible. As a little girl, I made it a point to take her to New York, California, and London to visit her uncles, aunties, and cousins. 'This exposure was essential, as she wouldn't encounter many Nigerians in her day-to-day life. I wanted to ensure that she knew about Nigeria and her Nigerian family, and she has always been proud to embrace this aspect of her identity. 'Even at school, Ashleigh followed the women's U-17, U-19, and senior women's Super Falcons. Family means everything to Ashleigh, and that is why she treats her teammates as an extended family. This connection is evident both on and off the pitch, especially in the way she interacts with her Nigerian teammates when they score. She truly loves this team.' Madugu Recounts Plumptre's Consistency and Impact Super Falcons assistant coach Justin Madugu was full of praise for Ashleigh Plumptre following her inclusion in the WAFCON 2024 Team of the Group Stage. 'She [Ashleigh Plumptre] really deserves to be in the team of the group stage because we did marvelously well in both games that she featured. She was very outstanding defensively and offensively. 'The performance is there for everyone to see. She really did very well and I quite appreciate her performance and being part of the team for the group stage.' Madugu, who has closely observed Plumptre's steady rise since joining the Nigerian setup, stressed her growing influence in the squad. 'With every game, she keeps improving and generally as a team, our expectation is that we want to do well. We want to win. That is what we are here for and will be going for. 'Of course, she is very important to the team. She is an important member of the team. Looking at the role she played in both games she played, she really brought a lot to the team. 'She was quite outstanding. We expect that she will maintain such performance, standard, and even probably do better than what she did in both games.' As the nine-time African champions' Mission X intensifies, Plumptre is poised to be a defining figure in the West Africans' knockout campaign, blending heart, heritage, and high-level consistency to anchor their quest for a historic 10th WAFCON title.
RTHK
09-07-2025
- Sport
- RTHK
Saudi Super Cup featured in HK for the first time
Saudi Super Cup featured in HK for the first time The four-team tournament will take place from August 19 to 23 at the Hong Kong Stadium. Photo: RTHK Hong Kong will make history next month by hosting the first-ever Saudi Super Cup to be staged in East Asia, and could potentially feature superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. The four-team tournament will take place from August 19 to 23 at the Hong Kong Stadium. The action kicks off on August 19 with a highly anticipated clash between league champions Al-Ittihad and Al-Nassr, whose squad currently includes Ronaldo. The following day sees last year's Super Cup champions Al-Hilal face off against Al-Qadsiah. The tournament culminates with the final on August 23. Eric Fok, chairman of the Football Association of Hong Kong, China, hailed the event as a significant milestone, proving the SAR's capability to stage major international sporting events. He expressed strong confidence in a full house, citing Hong Kong's renowned passion for football. "By hosting this event, I'm sure that we'll bring in lots of tourism. Secondly, Hong Kong, we have a big heart for developing sports, especially in football," he said. "Recently, a local team playing against India, we had a filled-up stadium and it really reflects the passion for Hong Kong people for football." Fok added that the tournament also signifies deepening ties between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia. "I believe this is only the beginning. This arise from last November [when] we signed the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) to see how do we cooperate and partner going forward," he said. "We know Saudi Arabia is hosting the 2034 World Cup and they are preparing for that. "In terms of the team, in terms of the federation of preparing for this world-scale tournament , there's many areas that Hong Kong can learn and cooperate with them. I believe this cup just symbolises the partnership that we have. Going forward, it should be more exciting for Hong Kong football." Tickets for the tournament will go on sale from July 15.
Libya Observer
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Libya Observer
Al-Ahly Tripoli and Al-Ittihad qualify for Libya Cup semifinals
Al-Ahly Tripoli and Al-Ittihad have advanced to the semifinals of the Libya Cup for the 2024–2025 season, joining Al-Ahly Benghazi and Al-Akhdar, who had previously secured their spots in the semifinals representing the eastern region. Al-Ahly Tripoli qualified after a convincing 4-1 victory over Al-Swehli in a match held at the Tarhuna City Stadium on Monday. At the Tripoli International Stadium, Al-Ittihad secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Al-Madina, earning their place in the semifinals as well. As a result, Al-Ahly Tripoli will face Al-Ittihad in a highly anticipated semifinal clash, with the winner set to meet the victor of the other semifinal match between Al-Ahly Benghazi and Al-Akhdar. Sources close to the Libyan Football Federation revealed that the federation is seeking to host both the semifinals and final of the Cup competition in Italy, coinciding with the Italian hosting of the Libyan League's six-team playoff phase. Tags: Libyan Football Cup
