Latest news with #Qatari-led
Scottish Sun
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Andy Carroll had ‘6 or 7 bigger clubs' chasing him for ‘more money' as he reveals why he chose Dagenham and Redbridge
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ANDY CARROLL has revealed he could have been playing at a higher level before signing for Dagenham and Redbridge. The former Premier League striker joined the sixth-tier side on a three-year contract after leaving Bordeaux. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Andy Carroll joined Dagenham and Redbridge despite interest from bigger clubs Credit: Getty 2 He will now play just 10 miles from his old club West Ham Credit: Getty Images - Getty Carroll, 36, has already made his first appearance for the club in a pre-season friendly against League Two outfit Crawley Town. The match was not a dream return to England as Dagenham were thrashed 5-1. However, he has admitted that he had offers from at least half a dozen clubs that play at a higher level. The striker has also insisted that his decision was made after speaking to the Daggers' owners and manager. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL END OF THE WORLD Man Utd, Man City and Liverpool STRIPPED of status as world champions He told The Athletic: "From the first meeting with the manager (Lee Bradbury), I just knew it was the right club. "I had probably six or seven clubs on the phone at higher levels, driving distance from home, and more money, but for me, it was the whole package of the club. "I could speak to the owners, and they'd tell me what the future was going to look like. "I could also speak to the manager, and he could tell me what it would be like. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS "I just felt like I wanted to be part of it." His move to Dagenham sees him land just 10 miles away from his old stomping ground, the London Stadium. Footballer Andy Carroll signing for Dagenham and Redbridge FC Carroll spent seven years at West Ham after joining the club from Liverpool - where he was once a £35million signing from Newcastle. During his prime, he earned nine caps for England and scored two goals, including a header at Euro 2012 against Sweden. Now, Carroll has taken on a player-owner role at Dagenham, which has recently been taken over by a Qatari-led investment group.
Qatar Tribune
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar facilitates breakthrough peace declaration in Democratic Republic of the Congo
DOHA In a landmark diplomatic achievement, Qatar has helped broker a historic Declaration of Principles between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement (M23), paving the way for a comprehensive peace deal aimed at ending more than three decades of violence in the eastern part of the country. The agreement, signed in Doha on Saturday, marked what many observers described as a turning point in the DRC's long-running conflict. It came after months of Qatari-led efforts that brought warring parties together for direct and indirect negotiations. These efforts culminated in a crucial meeting held in Qatar between Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, under the auspices of His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Speaking at a joint press conference following the signing ceremony, Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi emphasized that the declaration represents more than just a ceasefire, it sets the groundwork for a sustainable and just peace that meets the aspirations of the Congolese people for stability, dignity, and development. Al Khulaifi described the declaration as a milestone, noting that it goes beyond earlier frameworks by offering a clearer structure for implementation and more concrete political commitments. He credited the breakthrough to the spirit of cooperation demonstrated by both parties, praising President Tshisekedi and Bertrand Bisimwa, leader of the Congo River Alliance/M23, for their resolve in choosing dialogue over confrontation. 'This is not merely a suspension of violence,' Al Khulaifi said. 'This is a roadmap toward re-establishing governance, rebuilding lives, and giving the Congolese people a real opportunity for peace.' He reiterated that the State of Qatar played a central role in facilitating the dialogue that led to the agreement, expressing full confidence in the willingness of both sides to follow through on their commitments. Qatar, he confirmed, would continue to support the implementation phase, which is expected to begin immediately. Al Khulaifi also extended Qatar's gratitude to international and regional partners who played key roles in supporting the mediation process. He singled out the African Union, represented by its Chairperson Mahmoud Ali; the Republic of Togo; and the United States, whose Special Envoy to Africa, Massad Boulos, was closely involved in the negotiations. Additional thanks were given to Rwanda, the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands-based Dialogue Group for their technical and diplomatic support. 'This achievement embodies Qatar's belief in mediation as a powerful diplomatic tool,' Al Khulaifi added. 'We are proud to have provided a neutral and constructive platform that allowed peace to become possible.' Boulos, speaking on behalf of the US delegation, echoed that sentiment. He hailed the agreement as a definitive end to one of the world's longest-running and deadliest conflicts, pointing out that the violence had taken the lives of more than six million people and displaced over eight million others. The Doha Declaration, he said, was not only a diplomatic win, but a humanitarian imperative. 'This is a historic day for the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,' Boulos declared. 'We now have a final peace agreement that offers no path back to war—only a way forward to reconciliation, development, and national unity.' He emphasized that what distinguishes the Doha Declaration from previous attempts is its actionable structure. The document includes a fixed timetable for the fulfillment of its provisions and addresses not only security matters but also the root causes of the conflict, such as marginalization, economic disparity, and contested territorial control. According to Boulos, it represents the first major African policy milestone of the current US administration. He concluded with a congratulatory message to the Congolese people, describing the agreement as 'a new dawn for a nation long denied peace despite its immense potential.'
Qatar Tribune
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar facilitates breakthrough peace declaration in DR Congo
Khaled Al Hameidi Doha In a landmark diplomatic achievement, Qatar has helped broker a historic Declaration of Principles between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement (M23), paving the way for a comprehensive peace deal aimed at ending more than three decades of violence in the eastern part of the country. The agreement, signed in Doha on Saturday, marked what many observers described as a turning point in the DRC's long-running conflict. It came after months of Qatari-led efforts that brought warring parties together for direct and indirect negotiations. The efforts culminated in a crucial meeting held in Qatar between Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, under the auspices of His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Speaking at a joint press conference following the signing ceremony, Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi emphasized that the declaration represents more than just a ceasefire, it sets the groundwork for a sustainable and just peace that meets the aspirations of the Congolese people for stability, dignity, and development. Al Khulaifi described the declaration as a milestone, noting that it goes beyond earlier frameworks by offering a clearer structure for implementation and more concrete political commitments. He credited the breakthrough to the spirit of cooperation demonstrated by both parties, praising President Tshisekedi and Bertrand Bisimwa, leader of the Congo River Alliance/M23, for their resolve in choosing dialogue over confrontation. 'This is not merely a suspension of violence,' Al Khulaifi said. 'This is a roadmap toward re-establishing governance, rebuilding lives, and giving the Congolese people a real opportunity for peace.' He reiterated that the State of Qatar played a central role in facilitating the dialogue that led to the agreement, expressing full confidence in the willingness of both sides to follow through on their commitments. Qatar, he confirmed, would continue to support the implementation phase, which is expected to begin immediately. Al Khulaifi also extended Qatar's gratitude to international and regional partners who played key roles in supporting the mediation process. He singled out the African Union, represented by its Chairperson Mahmoud Ali; the Republic of Togo; and the United States, whose Special Envoy to Africa, Massad Boulos, was closely involved in the negotiations. Additional thanks were given to Rwanda, the UK, France, and the Netherlands-based Dialogue Group for their technical and diplomatic support. 'This achievement embodies Qatar's belief in mediation as a powerful diplomatic tool,' Al Khulaifi added. 'We are proud to have provided a neutral and constructive platform that allowed peace to become possible.' Boulos, speaking on behalf of the US delegation, echoed that sentiment. He hailed the agreement as a definitive end to one of the world's longest-running and deadliest conflicts, pointing out that the violence had taken the lives of more than six million people and displaced over eight million others. The Doha Declaration, he said, was not only a diplomatic win, but a humanitarian imperative. 'This is a historic day for the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,' Boulos declared. 'We now have a final peace agreement that offers no path back to war—only a way forward to reconciliation, development, and national unity.' He emphasized that what distinguishes the Doha Declaration from previous attempts is its actionable structure. The document includes a fixed timetable for the fulfillment of its provisions and addresses not only security matters but also the root causes of the conflict, such as marginalization, economic disparity, and contested territorial control. According to Boulos, it represents the first major African policy milestone of the current US administration. He concluded with a congratulatory message to the Congolese people, describing the agreement as 'a new dawn for a nation long denied peace despite its immense potential.'
Scottish Sun
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Andy Carroll reveals what persuaded him to join Dagenham and Redbridge in rarely-seen player-owner role
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ANDY CARROLL says being able to use his on-pitch 'experience' in the boardroom was why he invested in Dagenham and Redbridge. He has also credited his time with West Ham for making him want to join the non-league Essex club. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Carroll is back in English football for the first time since 2023 3 He's investing in Dagenham as well as playing for them, and he's buzzing to be back in the area with his family Credit: Ian Whittaker 3 He's familiar with Essex after playing for West Ham - but that's not the only reason he's joined Credit: Reuters Thousands of fans will have had to double take when they saw the former Liverpool and West Ham striker was announced by the National League South side on Sunday. The Daggers, who currently play in the sixth tier, sent social media into meltdown after being taken over by a Qatari-led investment group. Carroll has also invested in the club. Now, he's explained just why he was so keen to be a part of the unique takeover. He told the Daggers social media channel: 'What inspired me to be a part owner of the club was the first conversation with Lee [Bradbury] the manager. Read more BLUE MURDER Enrique explains why he slapped Pedro as PSG coach faces TOTAL coaching ban 'He said they've got a magic team behind the scenes. The 'all-star team', that's what he said.' Carroll continued: 'I step off the pitch and go into the boardroom, I can give my experience of what I've lived and what is expected of a great club.' The 36-year-old also jokingly admitted his kids thought he was signing for Chelsea. Carroll left French fourth-tier club Bordeaux at the end of last month after signing for them last summer before coming to Essex. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK The Gateshead-born striker has previously played for English clubs Newcastle, Liverpool, West Ham, Reading, West Brom and Preston, spending 16 seasons in the Premier League in total. But it was his time in east London, he says, that helped persuade him to join the Daggers. Will 'hothead' Kudus fit in at Tottenham after controversial West Ham exit? | Transfers Exposed He said: 'I know the passion that the people have around here for football. 'The size of Dagenham, with 220,000 people around here, to have a team like this and to support a big club like this in the smaller leagues, it's massive. 'I was fortunate to have seven years at West Ham, so I know the people and I know how much it means to them. 'To be part of this club now I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be here.'
The Irish Sun
14-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Andy Carroll reveals what persuaded him to join Dagenham and Redbridge in rarely-seen player-owner role
ANDY CARROLL says being able to use his on-pitch 'experience' in the boardroom was why he invested in Dagenham and Redbridge. He has also credited his time with Essex club. 3 Carroll is back in English football for the first time since 2023 3 He's investing in Dagenham as well as playing for them, and he's buzzing to be back in the area with his family Credit: Ian Whittaker 3 He's familiar with Essex after playing for West Ham - but that's not the only reason he's joined Credit: Reuters Thousands of fans will have had to double take when they saw the former Liverpool and West Ham striker was The Daggers, who currently play in the sixth tier, sent social media into meltdown after being taken over by a Qatari-led investment group. Carroll has also invested in the club. Now, he's explained just why he was so keen to be a part of the unique takeover. He told the Read more 'He said they've got a magic team behind the scenes. The 'all-star team', that's what he said.' Carroll continued: 'I step off the pitch and go into the boardroom, I can give my experience of what I've lived and what is expected of a great club.' The 36-year-old also jokingly admitted his kids Carroll left French fourth-tier club summer before coming to Essex. Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK The Gateshead-born striker has previously played for English clubs Newcastle, Liverpool, West Ham, Reading, West Brom and Preston, spending 16 seasons in the Premier League in total. But it was his time in east London , he says, that helped persuade him to join the Daggers. Will 'hothead' Kudus fit in at Tottenham after controversial West Ham exit? | Transfers Exposed He said: 'I know the passion that the people have around here for football . 'The size of Dagenham, with 220,000 people around here, to have a team like this and to support a big club like this in the smaller leagues, it's massive. 'I was fortunate to have seven years at West Ham, so I know the people and I know how much it means to them. 'To be part of this club now I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be here.'
