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Telegraph
5 hours ago
- Business
- Telegraph
PSG winning the Champions League would be good for football
There are no Premier League teams in the Champions League final – and not even a British player, such as Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham or Jadon Sancho, then on loan at Borussia Dortmund, as there was last year at Wembley. But there are six good reasons to support Paris St-Germain as they aim to win the 'trophy with the big ears', as Jose Mourinho first described it, against Inter Milan in Munich. There may be misgivings over being state-owned and the huge amounts of money pumped in by the Qataris, but here Telegraph Sport explains why, for one night only, we should all be rouge et bleu. The most exciting – and best – team in Europe PSG are the great entertainers – along with Barcelona which, for many, would have been the dream final. But PSG's appeal is almost existential in an era when the football played in the Premier League has become a little bit safe and predictable, lacking individuality and even over-coached. One of the most telling quotes of the season came from Cole Palmer after Chelsea won the Europa Conference League final on Wednesday. 'I was just sick of getting the ball and going backwards and sideways,' the England international said after turning match-winner with two brilliant assists. No one can accuse PSG of being like this. As they showed in beating no fewer than four English teams in their run to the final, Luis Enrique's side try to attack and score goals with an astonishing intensity. They are also superbly organised and structured, but there is a key difference: they allow their attacking players to express themselves. Their wingers Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola and the most eye-catching player in Europe at present, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, are encouraged to stay high and wide and attack their full-backs with Ousmane Dembélé – the most in-form striker in the world – dropping in and leading the press. But all 10 outfield players are used to counter-press. It can be devastating and how refreshing it is to see, within that, a team with flair players who dribble. There's no stopping Kvaratskhelia in that position 💨 What a goal 👏 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 9, 2025 After Liverpool's fortunate 1-0 first-leg victory in Paris in the round of 16, Arne Slot talked about how all the underlying statistics showed PSG were the best team in Europe. It took everyone by surprise, but the Liverpool head coach was right and added: 'So much pace, so much work rate, so much quality in the midfield, how they handle the ball.' Following Liverpool's elimination in a penalty shoot-out at Anfield, Slot's captain Virgil van Dijk went even further by describing PSG as 'the best team I have faced in the last three years'. The metrics back this up. No Champions League side have attacked more this season, completed more dribbles, created more chances or had more shots. No more 'bling-bling' It is a phrase, used by PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, that has stuck. In June 2022 he told Le Parisien newspaper: 'Perhaps we should change our slogan. Dream bigger is good, but today we must be realistic, we don't want flashy, bling-bling anymore, it's the end of the glitter.' PSG had to change. They had gone down the galacticos route but at a heavy price – and not just the cost of signing Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappé, and before them a host of stars including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Mauro Icardi and even David Beckham. Back then it felt like PSG were focusing on brand to announce themselves on the world stage. To a degree it worked. The owners, Qatari Sports Investment, took PSG from the brink of relegation to the French second division to being a powerhouse of European football, with revenues touching €800 million (£668.4 million) a year, but they had to overpay to do so. It is a well-trodden path for any club wanting to make an impact, and PSG certainly did that. But it took them only so far. They have reached the Champions League final before, but did not win it, while financial fair play rules have made it more difficult – and there was a realisation there was too much 'player power'. In-fighting, egos, refusal to play with each other and underperformance had all affected the team and it felt like PSG were being run from the dressing room. An indication that there was a new mood was shown when Messi was fined after taking an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia in May 2023, and was suspended for two weeks for missing training. He later apologised. Even this season Dembélé was dropped after a falling-out with Enrique who – along with sporting director Luis Campos – has rebuilt the side after Mbappé's acrimonious departure to Real Madrid. There is now a new slogan at PSG: the superstar is the team. Youth policy is reaping rewards – on and off field PSG will field the second-youngest ever team in a Champions League final – at an average of 24 years and 110 days. Only the iconic Ajax side, led by Louis van Gaal, who triumphed in 1995 were younger at 23 years and 336 days. PSG are also the fourth-youngest side in Europe's top five leagues – Inter are the oldest, by the way – and selected the youngest team in their history in a cup tie in January; just 21 years and 327 days. Ce BUT de Desiré Doué, QUEL BANGER !!! ☄️ 🇫🇷 🎥 (@ChampionsLeague) — Instant Foot ⚽️ (@lnstantFoot) April 11, 2025 PSG's youth policy should be applauded, and they are also good at engaging with young people off the pitch, not least with their fashion collaborations. Some might sniff at that, but there is cut-through that other clubs envy. In fact, the average age of the 21 players they have signed over the past two seasons is 21 and that includes the marquee January arrival of Kvaratskhelia from Napoli, who is still just 24. In 2020, the average age of the PSG squad was 28.5 years. From the old guard, only captain Marquinhos – certainly not 'bling-bling' – remains. And this from a club who broke the world record twice in one window to bring in first Neymar, for €222 million and then Mbappé – initially on loan – for €180 million in 2018. Unsurprisingly, such a young team have allowed Enrique to add the energy his demanding style of play requires. In the Champions League this season, PSG players have collectively run, on average, 73 miles – more than any other side. Gallic flavour It is not really about being French; rather – with a hat tip to PSG's large, and crucial, Portuguese presence – there is a real Gallic flavour to PSG with 40 per cent of playing time given to French players. Given the scale of the club that is unusual. Especially compared to Premier League clubs. There is even a French flag on the PSG shirt, although support for them is unlikely to stretch as far as Marseille. Bringing through young local players has to be a good thing. PSG are fortunate in that Paris, along with London and Sao Paulo in Brazil – produces the most footballers in the world, and yet until recently most had fallen through the net. There were 11 Parisians in the French squad that lost the last World Cup final, but only Mbappé played for PSG. Recently PSG have promoted academy players. Six in the squad are 'club-trained'. Not so long ago it was just Presnel Kimpembe, but now there is Ibrahim Mbaye and Axel Tape, both just 17, and a trio of 19-year-olds: Warren Zaïre-Emery, Senny Mayulu and Yoram Zague. Warren Zaïre-Emery 💎 @PSG_inside | #UCL — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 10, 2024 This has aligned with the opening of their impressive €300 million training ground at Poissy, west of Paris, with the long-term aim of having the majority of the first team drawn from the academy. They have done it the hard way No one can argue that PSG have not had an extremely difficult path to the final. Indeed, when they were 2-0 down to Manchester City in January it looked like they were not even going to finish in the top 24 of the enlarged league stage. The second half of that game has proved to a turning point as they rallied impressively to win 4-2. PSG COME BACK AGAINST MAN CITY 🤯 After going 2-0 down, Joao Neves fires home to give PSG the lead 🤩 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 22, 2025 'The group of death,' is how PSG describe their fixtures after having had to face – and lose to – Bayern Munich, Atlético Madrid and Arsenal in the league phase. But since that City victory they have taken off. There is also delight in knocking out, in successive rounds, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal, because PSG are acutely aware of the ridicule they face, especially in England, given their dominance of French football and how easy that, apparently, should be. 'The league of farmers, no? We are the league of farmers,' Enrique pointedly said after beating Arsenal to reach the final. It is a tag that clearly rankled, and one, it is safe to say, PSG have put to bed this season. There has been nothing fortuitous about their campaign. The likeable Luis Enrique The 55-year-old Spaniard is one of the most charismatic and likeable of coaches – despite a professed hatred of the media, which has even led him to declare he would take a hefty pay cut if it meant he did not have to face journalists and do press conferences. Far more importantly, there is the tragedy that hit the football community hard when his nine-year-old daughter Xana died from cancer in 2019. Enrique took time off from the sport, but has also referenced Xana as an inspiration which he hopes will help him lead PSG to win the Champions League for the first time. When he won the competition with Barcelona in 2015, Enrique celebrated on the pitch with Xana. 'I remember an incredible photo I have of her, after winning the Champions League, putting the flag of FC Barcelona in the pitch. I have the wish to be able to do the same with Paris St-Germain,' Enrique said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 433 (@433) 'My daughter won't be there, but she will be… she won't be there physically, but she will be spiritually and that, for me, is very important.' Enrique was coach of Spain when Xana passed away and, after her death, he released a statement which read: 'You'll be the star that guides our family'. Despite the tragedy Enrique has described himself as a 'very lucky man' because he has 'a thousand memories of her [Xana], videos, incredible things' and that 'Xana still watches us'. If PSG win, Enrique will become only the second manager in history to win European trebles with two different clubs, after Pep Guardiola with Barcelona and Manchester City. Given his coaching ability it is remarkable that Enrique – who speaks perfect English – has been overlooked by Premier League clubs in the past, with both Manchester United and Chelsea deciding against making a move for him when he was available. PSG believe they have the best coach in the world.
Reuters
5 hours ago
- General
- Reuters
ITTF to probe AGM disruption after presidential election
May 31 (Reuters) - The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) said it will investigate the disruption that forced the suspension of its annual general meeting in Doha this week after the re-election of Petra Sorling as president. The disruption started when Sorling, the ITTF's first female president, was re-elected until 2029 with 104 votes to the 102 received by her Qatari opponent, Khalil Al-Mohannadi. "After the presidential election had already concluded, the AGM had to be suspended following the disruption initiated by individuals who were neither delegates from member associations, nor members of the executive board, council, committees, or invited guests," the ITTF said in a statement on Thursday. "The ITTF regrets and strongly condemns the disruption. It will conduct an investigation to determine the various responsibilities and take measures, in particular, to avoid a similar disruption from happening in the future." The Qatar Table Tennis Association (QTTA) also released a statement claiming there had been discrepancies in the online voting and calling for an independent and transparent review of the election. "We are prepared to cooperate with any independent investigation or tribunal, including before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)," it said. The ITTF defended the legitimacy of the election process and said it was prepared to address any formal complaints in "the appropriate forum". Sorling decided to leave the meeting because she did not feel safe, as did the Swedish delegation, the Swedish Table Tennis Association (SBTF) said in a statement. The ITTF said it would reconvene the AGM before November this year to address agenda items that could not be completed in Doha.
Khaleej Times
6 hours ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
AI-powered cyber security for the region is a must for smooth digital transformation
The Middle East is undergoing one of the most ambitious digital transformations the world has seen. National strategies such as Saudi Vision 2030, the UAE's Digital Economy Strategy, and Qatar's Smart Nation framework are setting bold targets for a connected, intelligent future. These plans are already reshaping key sectors including energy, transport, healthcare, and manufacturing. Technologies like 5G, AI, and IoT are central to this shift, but their rapid adoption is bringing a critical challenge to the surface. With every new layer of connectivity comes a growing cybersecurity risk. The region now finds itself at a decisive moment: how can it scale digital innovation while ensuring the security and resilience of the networks that support it? Hyperconnectivity brings new levels of risk By the end of the decade, over one billion IoT devices are expected to be deployed across the GCC. While this will unlock new efficiencies and services, it will also multiply the points of vulnerability. Already, 15% of organisations in the region have experienced data breaches costing over $100,000. The threat landscape itself is evolving. Cybercriminals are using AI to generate new malware, automate large-scale attacks, and even create convincing deepfake phishing campaigns. These tactics can easily bypass legacy security systems. Despite this, the region is demonstrating encouraging levels of cloud readiness. Only 24% of regional businesses feel unprepared for cloud-related threats, compared to 34% globally. This reflects a growing understanding of the importance of building resilience into cloud-native systems. But as risks evolve, so must the defenses. Predictive threat detection and real-time response will be key to navigating what comes next. Intelligent networks and cyber resilience To secure the future, Middle Eastern enterprises must embrace networks capable of defending themselves. This means embedding intelligence, automation, and continuous verification directly into the fabric of network infrastructure. AI is already proving its value in 5G security. A strong example is the generative AI assistant within NetGuard Cybersecurity Dome, built on Microsoft Azure OpenAI GPT, which demonstrates how large language models can enhance threat detection and accelerate informed decision-making during cyber incidents. Yet identifying threats is only the first step. True cyber resilience demands more. It requires a shift to Zero Trust models, where every user, device, and application interaction is continuously authenticated to eliminate assumptions of trust. It also calls for automated incident response systems that can take decisive action in real time, dramatically reducing human error and accelerating resolution. Just as importantly, networks must harness real-time analytics to detect and mitigate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. These intelligent capabilities are no longer theoretical, they are being deployed across the region today. With the right tools in place, telecom operators and enterprises are beginning to move from reactive defense to proactive protection, where threats are anticipated and neutralized before they cause harm. A commitment to secure transformation Governments across the GCC are taking serious steps to strengthen national cybersecurity posture. The UAE's Cybersecurity Strategy is embedding AI into the country's digital infrastructure. Saudi Arabia's National Cybersecurity Authority is developing frameworks for critical infrastructure protection. Qatar is fostering collaboration between public and private sectors to strengthen cloud resilience. Together, these efforts signal that the region is ready not just to adapt to cyber threats, but to lead in shaping global standards. To do so, the next phase of investment must focus on scalable cloud-native security, AI-powered threat detection, and unified threat response platforms. Building a secure hyperconnected future As digital transformation accelerates, Nokia continues to support the region's cybersecurity goals through innovations that are specifically designed for telecom and enterprise environments. Our AI-driven threat detection platforms are significantly reducing the time it takes to identify and neutralise threats. Advanced solutions such as NetGuard Cybersecurity Dome use generative AI to proactively hunt threats, while our endpoint detection tools monitor the telecom infrastructure in real time. Our collaboration with hyperscalers and cloud providers, such as Microsoft, is enabling integrated, real-time threat visibility across multi-cloud and telecom ecosystems. Trust through autonomous security The Middle East's digital ambitions are bold and achievable, but they rest on a single foundational requirement: trust. As digital economies depend on interconnected networks, intelligent, autonomous security is not a luxury. It is essential. At Nokia, security forms the foundation of our Sense, Think, and Act framework. Built into every network layer, from physical infrastructure to cloud-based applications, our solutions shift from reactive defense to proactive protection. Advanced threat detection, robust encryption, and rigorous authentication at each network layer enable secure, autonomous operations. By embedding AI-driven resilience directly into networks, communication service providers can move towards proactive, self-healing systems that are secure by design. For the GCC, this presents an opportunity to lead the way in establishing secure, scalable, and sustainable digital infrastructure.
Arabian Business
12 hours ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Hyatt eyes Middle East growth as Q1 revenues increase
Hyatt has announced its Q1 2025 financial results, showcasing continued business strength and strong performance globally. The company is progressing towards its growth plans to triple its portfolio in Saudi Arabia within five years, supported by high-profile upcoming openings, brand debuts and a growing development pipeline. The company also continues to grow with intent across the Middle East and Africa, with new regional openings celebrated in the first quarter of 2025, including Andaz Doha in Qatar, Hyatt Place Nairobi Westlands and Hyatt House Nairobi Westlands in Kenya. Hyatt eyes MEA growth In Q1 2025, Hyatt reported a 5.7 per cent increase in comparable system-wide RevPAR, reflecting strong demand across global markets. Hyatt also announced that its global net rooms grew by 10.5 per cent, and Adjusted EBITDA reached $273m, a 24.4 per cent increase after adjusting for assets sold in 2024, demonstrating the strength of the company's asset-light business model. In Saudi Arabia, Hyatt is preparing for several openings that reflect its strong alignment with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the rapid evolution of its tourism sector. Miraval The Red Sea, scheduled to open later this year, will mark the debut of the wellness brand in the region and the first of the brand's resorts outside of the US market. Set on Shura Island, the resort will feature 180 guestrooms and suites, offering immersive wellness programming tailored to each traveller. Additionally, Grand Hyatt The Red Sea, expected to open in 2026, will offer a premium beachfront resort experience and an array of facilities, including several distinctive restaurants and exceptional meeting and event spaces. With 430 rooms, the property is the largest resort on the island, and it will be the premier venue for large-scale conferences, exhibitions, and celebratory events. Within the rising cultural destination of Saudi Arabia, AlUla, Hyatt is set to open Hyatt Place AlUla in 2026. This 215-key property will offer guests and World of Hyatt members more travel choices to experience destinations that showcase rich heritage and unique landscapes. These high-impact developments form a key part of Hyatt's plan to expand its presence across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, meeting increasing demand for luxury, wellness, and lifestyle experiences while contributing to national tourism goals. Hyatt's commitment to enhancing its lifestyle and luxury portfolio in the GCC was reflected in the recent opening of Andaz Doha in Qatar. Opened in February 2025, Andaz Doha introduced Hyatt's lifestyle brand to the country. Located in the prestigious West Bay area, the hotel offers 256 guestrooms, including 32 suites and 4 Royal suites, as well as 56 residences for long-term stays. The property features distinctive dining concepts and design elements that pay homage to Qatari culture. Hyatt continues to lead with a development pipeline of approximately 138,000 rooms globally under executed management or franchise agreements. The company's first-quarter performance also included net income of $20m and the repurchase of approximately 1.1m shares of Class A common stock for $149m, reflecting its continued focus on delivering shareholder value.
The Sun
17 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Emirates airline president reveals staggering cost to transform Qatari ‘sky Palace' into Trump's new Air Force One jet
DONALD Trump's luxury "sky Palace" gifted to him by Qatar will cost a few billion dollars, says the President of Emirates airline. The US government now faces a "Herculean task" to transform the huge Boeing 747-8 into a new Air Force One fit for a president, warns Sir Tim Clark. 9 9 9 9 President Trump, 78, sparked concerns earlier this month with his willingness to accept the plush flying mansion from the Qatari royal family. The giant gift, worth an estimated $400m (£300m), has raised several ethical questions about if the US leader should be allowed to accept such expensive goods from other states. But despite the controversy, Trump gladly took the 13-year-old mega jet back to Washington with him. He now plans to make it part of his Air Force One fleet alongside two other Boeing 747-200 jumbo jets. They have been operational since 1990 but are now said to be not up to scratch compared to modern planes such as Qatar's 747-8. In order for it to become a fully fledged member of the president's aviation arsenal however, it will need to go through some serious work. It would have to be kitted out with top-tier communications and security tech before ever ferrying around Trump. And significant retrofitting and clearance from security officials would be required. Sir Tim, president of Emirates, told Piers Morgan Uncensored that President Trump's flashy plans may cost a 'couple of billion dollars'. He explained to Piers: 'I think you're talking a couple of billion dollars to start with. "Just roll back a little bit and look at what it takes for us to convert our 777s - from the old to the new - because we haven't got the Boeing's coming in at the pace we want them so we're having to reconfigure all of them." The top aviation boss said trying to fix up all the jets as an airline has been an extremely tough task. Tim admitted to "pulling his hair out" over the regulators and the tiny tweaks that have to be made to modernise a plane of that size and stature. And he believes the US government will face an even trickier - and much more expensive - battle to get the gifted plane ready for presidential trips. He said: "It's a Herculean task, make no mistake about it. "Whether President Trump will adapt fully, this present from Qatar, to an Air Force One I doubt it, but he'll certainly get a lot of it done." Aviation specialist Jeff Wise also told The Sun that he expects the Air Force One replacement to take years and need billions of dollars pumped into the project to make the jet viable. Trump's Air Force One jets currently in use come with dozens of specialised security features. 9 9 9 These include armoured glass and plating, on board flares to confuse enemy missiles, mirror-ball defences and even an electric jamming system. Another unique yet needed element is an electromagnetic shield for nuclear explosions. This has to be on a presidential plane as the leader of Washington can actually launch a nuke from the aircraft. But the new Qatari jet lacks most of these security features. Instead, the lavish aeroplane boasts a luxurious interior, featuring spacious suites and rooms with ornate interior decoration. It also has glittering gold-coloured furnishings and hallways that echo Trump's well-know interior design preferences. The president is believed to have spent an hour inspecting the plan when when it was parked at West Palm Beach International Airport back in February. The luxury Boeing was once even listed for a whopping $400 million, according to the Business Jet Traveler. During his first stint in office, Trump had ordered two new Air Force One jumbo jets from Boeing to replace the pair that have been in service since George H. W. Bush's presidency. But the Boeing contract has faced delays, and reports suggest the new plans would not be ready until after Trump leaves the Oval Office. By Chief Foreign Reporter, Katie Davis A LAVISH jumbo jet Donald Trump plans to receive from Qatar will be vulnerable to hacking, an expert has warned. The Boeing 747 - dubbed a "palace in the sky" - could even be blasted out the sky, aviation specialist Jeff Wise believes. He fears Trump may bypass necessary measures to save time and money - which could therefore invite hacking or a devastating assassination attempt. Wise told The Sun: 'This Air Force One would be a major intelligence target for any adversary nation or even our allies, because allies love to spy on each other. 'The United States is being given this albatross that they are going to have to spend billions of dollars on to fix up for the personal use of Trump. 'If your job is to protect the President of the United States or if your job is to protect the secrets of the United States, then this is a massive headache for you. 'This is a plane that does not have secure communications and the anti-missiles defence systems that a normal Air Force One has. It's just wide open. 'This is an administration that is completely irresponsible in the way they use their personal devices. They're using these off-brand apps to communicate. It's just a hacker's dream.' Wise continued: 'I would say an increasing number of people would like to target Air Force One. 'America's list of enemies is growing longer and longer as we become an increasingly horrible nation, from the Houthis to the Iranians to the Russians.' 9 9
