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Qatar Tribune
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
ITTF presidential election flawed: QTTA
Tribune News Network Doha The Qatar Table Tennis Association (QTTA) has called for an independent and transparent review of the 2025 ITTF Presidential Election held in Doha at the world table tennis body's Annual General Meeting on Tuesday. The QTTA on Wednesday questioned the 'integrity of the election and misleading international narratives' after incumbent Petra Sorling 'prevailed' in an acrimonious election – beset by online vote issue. Sorling, a Swede, was announced to have been re-elected for a second term emerging over Qatar's Khalil Al Mohannadi by 104 votes to 102. Al Mohannadi received 98 paper ballot votes against Sorling's 87 while the latter was announced to have received 17 online votes and Al Mohannadi 4. The official roll call had stated 16 online voters which in the results showed the number to be 21 - an increase of five. QTTA, hosts of the 2025 ITTF AGM), in a formal statement called out procedural failures during the ITTF presidential election. It stated: 'The facts are clear: * The official roll call documented 185 in-person delegates and 16 online, forming the legal quorum. * The final voting screen, now widely circulated, showed 21 online votes, five more than announced. These five ballots were never declared, validated, or included in the roll call. * The paper vote, conducted at the explicit request of the Member Federations, produced a clear victory for Mr. Khalil Al-Mohannadi: * 98 votes to 87 in his favor. That paper vote was open, monitored, and binding. It represented the collective will of the General Assembly, until it was nullified by an unexplained and unauthorized surge of digital votes that overturned the outcome and handed a narrow 104-102 win to Ms. Sorling. This is not only a discrepancy. It is a breach of electoral legitimacy, of constitutional fidelity, and of the very integrity on which international sport depends. The QITA, and countless Member Federations, have made repeated, reasonable, and legally grounded requests for the following: * A release of login timestamps and access logs for all online voters; * A public explanation for the inclusion of five additional votes after the quorum had been declared; * Preservation of the full AGM video recording, roll call documentation, and forensic access to the LUMI voting system. None of these requests have been honoured by the ITTF. The shock, disbelief, and frustration, expressed in real time, came not from one region, but from a chorus of voices from Europe, Africa, Asia, and beyond, all taking the floor to plead for justice and clarity. In the immediate aftermath of the AGM's suspension, QTTA received an overwhelming number of messages from Member Federations across all continents. These messages expressed: * Alarm at the gross irregularities observed; * Solidarity with Mr. Khalil Al-Mohannadi as a candidate subjected to unfair procedural treatment. The Qatar Table Tennis Association affirms the following: * All digital and physical records relating to the AGM are being preserved. * We are logging and documenting every communication, procedural action, and irregularity for legal and institutional review. * We are prepared to cooperate with any independent investigation or tribunal, including before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). We will not participate in a shadow war through the media. This battle is not for headlines, it is for the future of our sport. We urge the ITTF to abide by the principles and values that are central to our sport. The collective message from our ITTF family is clear: the election must be reviewed — independently, transparently, and immediately.'
Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
My mum never misses a game but she was 2,500 miles away when Aberdeen won the cup – dumping Celtic left her in tears
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ANN-MARIE DEVLIN rarely misses an Aberdeen game home, away or in Europe. But last Saturday she flew out on a hen do instead of revelling in her son Nicky's Scottish Cup triumph at Hampden. Sign up for the Celtic newsletter Sign up 2 Nicky Devlin with the Scottish Cup trophy Credit: Kenny Ramsay 2 Devlin celebrates cup final win with team-mates Credit: Kenny Ramsay The Dons defender revealed his dedicated mum has racked up tens of thousands of miles watching him over the years — but couldn't make the game last week to see him win the first honour of his 15-year career. She jetted to Tenerife as part of his soon-to-be sister-in-law's hen party and was in the air during the clash with Celtic and only found out he'd become a Pittodrie legend in a tear-filled call when she landed. Devlin, 31, said: 'My mum goes to pretty much all my games, but she missed the final. 'My brother Johnny gets married in the summer and his partner Kelsey was having her hen do last weekend. 'They flew out on Saturday afternoon, so she didn't know the score until she landed. 'They were in Tenerife, which is a four and a half hour flight, so when she got there she found out we'd won. 'She was very emotional, I spoke to her after and she was in floods of tears. 'I'm not sure she thought I was going to play since I've not been in the team much lately. If I'd been playing every week she might have stayed behind. 'She was telling me she was wishing she was here, but I'm sure she enjoyed herself over there with a few wines! 'It was an important event for the family, so she had to go. I'm sure she had a good time. Aberdeen fans react to historic Scottish Cup win 'On Sunday my dad was there for the party, so he would have sent her plenty of videos, but I limited the contact a bit to make her feel a bit better. 'My dad still takes an amateur team, so my mum probably goes to more of our games. She was even at the European away games. They spend a lot of money travelling to watch me, so it's times like this which make it all worthwhile. It's a reward for them, too. 'Weekends like that one are what it's all about.' Devlin lost his place in the Dons team earlier this season after being an ever-present early on under boss Jimmy Thelin. He had only started three games since January, but the Swede pulled a shock by bringing him in to play as a left wing-back against Nicolas Kuhn then James Forrest. Devlin managed to keep them quiet in a key role in the Dons' solid rearguard action. However he admits he was dead on his feet by the time he came off with a minute of normal time left. He said: 'I haven't played for a while, but when we got through the semi I had a feeling the manager would put me back in, with the way we were going to have to play it. 'I didn't expect it to be in that position, though! How they rated Dimitar Mitov - Saves from Callum McGregor and Alistair Johnston in the shootout plus denying Daizen Maeda late in regular time wrote him a place in Aberdeen's history books. Is now a legend. 10 Alfie Dorrington - Didn't know anything about it as Arne Engels' corner kick cracked off his shoulder before sneaking in. Luckless stuff for the defender, who'd started well and had Adam Idah's card marked. 7 Jack Milne - Shock inclusion as Jimmy Thelin moved to three at the back in a bid to outfox Rodgers. Was superb as part of their back three and showed he's got a big future. 8 Mats Knoester - The most experienced of Aberdeen's back three by far so was tasked with talking them through the afternoon and keeping them organised. Led by example throughout as the Dons dug in. 9 Alexander Jensen - Up against Maeda and kept the Japanese striker as quiet as anyone has throughout the first half here. Did deliver some good balls when he got high enough up. 9 Ante Palaversa - Asked to use his physical presence and cover the ground to block off Celtic's midfield from bombing forward - which he did. Slammed a superb spot kick high into the net. 8 Graeme Shinnie - Slotted back into the middle of the park as part of Thelin's tactical tinkering and brought the grit they needed in there. Great penalty in the shootout to win the cup. 9 Nicky Devlin - Brought back into the side as left wing-back in the Dons' new formation and did his job stopping Nicolas Kuhn cutting inside. Did well until running out of gas late on. 7 Leighton Clarkson - Normally Aberdeen's' creative spark but saw far too little of the ball to make an impact with waves of attack coming the other way. Second half free kick easily saved. 6 Topi Keskinen - Tasked with injecting pace into Aberdeen's rare attacks when they sprung forward but was unable to bring enough quality to the table to hurt the Hoops. Hooked for Pape Gueye. 5 Kevin Nisbet - Defended from the front as the Dons sat in for the first part of this game. Had a good chance from Leighton Clarkson's free kick but headed over. Fed on scraps. 6 Subs: Pape Gueye (Keskinen 56) - Sparked the Dons into life with his pace and energy, turned the game. 7 Dante Polvara (Dorrington 79) - Replaced crocked Dorrington at the back. 7 Shayden Morris (Clarkson 79) - Caused Kasper Schmeichel's late OG leveller within seconds of coming on. 7 Oday Dabbagh (Nisbet 79) - Slammed his penalty in the top corner. 7 Jack MacKenzie (Devlin 89) - Will bow out a cup winner. 6 Kristers Tobers (Milne 93) - Replaced Milne in extra-time. 6 'It's difficult coming in when you've not played much, but when you're told you're playing in a final you're obviously delighted. I was shattered when I came off. I've never cramped up in my life, but both my calves were screaming. 'You can't be selfish in those situations, you don't want to make a mistake and it costs everyone. 'You have to think about the team more than yourself and I knew Jack MacKenzie was ready to come on in that position — and would probably do better than me anyway!' Devlin, who made his Scotland debut last October, admits this has been the best and worst season of his life. He said: 'It's so bizarre, the season has been mental. 'At one point it was the worst I've felt in my career because I wasn't playing. I found that really hard. 'But at the same time, it's also been the best season of my career because I've played for Scotland and now won a Scottish Cup for Aberdeen. Aberdeen end 35 years of hurt as they lift the Scottish Cup in Celtic penalty thriller 'Now we're in the group stages of Europe too, and that only really started to sink in on the bus home. 'It'll makes things difficult playing Thursdays and Sundays, but we'll be better prepared for it this time. The manager will have everyone ready to go. 'The experience of two years ago will help us and the players the manager has signed, most have experience of Europe, so it's not a new thing for anyone. 'Hopefully what happened before can put us in a good position to compete. 'We don't just want to show up. We want to go into Europe and do well.' Ex-Livingston defender Devlin was front and centre during the wild celebrations on Union Street on Sunday. He said: 'The parade was amazing, so many people were there. 'I was delighted for Graeme Shinnie, too. 'He's lost a good few finals, including against Celtic, so he wanted it more than anyone. It was great to see him enjoying things the way he did.' Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Arsenal learn staggering Benjamin Sesko asking price in striker search twist
Arsenal's search for a new striker has seen them renew interest in Benjamin Sesko - but RB Leipzig will not sell the Slovenia international on the cheap this summer Arsenal have been told it will cost them a mammoth £92.5million to sign Benjamin Sesko this summer with RB Leipzig ready to play hardball over their sought-after striker. The Gunners are in the market for a new No.9 in the upcoming transfer window and have set their sights on Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres. Both have been linked with numerous top European clubs and are expected to be on the move ahead of the 2025-26 campaign. Sesko, 21, is a long-term Arsenal target; the Londoners were courting the Slovenia international last summer only for him to sign a new contract with Leipzig. After keeping their powder dry in January, Arsenal are now ready to spend big on a new frontman - but a deal for Sesko would not come cheap, with Leipzig demanding more than £90m for their star striker. According to The Telegraph, Leipzig are in a strong bargaining position given Sesko is on a contract which runs until 2029. They value him at €110m (£92.5m) and are prepared to stand their ground amid interest from the Premier League. Sesko plundered 21 goals for the Bundesliga outfit this term across a disappointing campaign which ended in a seventh-place finish. Another of their exciting young stars, Xavi Simons, has also been linked with Premier League clubs. While Sesko is a player Arsenal admire, the north London outfit have other options: namely Gyokeres, who it is thought will be available for between £60m and £70m this summer. The Swede, 26, has a fan in the form of Arsenal's new sporting director, Andrea Berta, and has also enjoyed a stellar season, scoring 54 goals in all competitions for Sporting Lisbon. Arsenal are also in the market for reinforcements in midfield and a left winger, while they have been heavily linked with the Espanyol goalkeeper, Joan Garcia. Leroy Sane has emerged as a new target to bolster Mikel Arteta 's options in attack and is a player the Spaniard knows from his time at Manchester City. Sane, 29, is out of contract at the end of next month. Martin Zubimendi is poised to become the club's first summer transfer; the playmaker will undergo a medical imminently before leaving Real Sociedad for £51m.
Daily Mirror
15 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Arsenal and Man Utd in no doubt over Gyokeres transfer after family messages
Viktor Gyokeres' family have spoken out on the striker's future after he concluded another triumphant campaign at Sporting Lisbon, with Arsenal and Manchester United chasing his signature Arsenal and Manchester United fans are buzzing at the prospect of Viktor Gyokeres joining their ranks this summer. And certain members of his inner circle have already given some considerable clues concerning his transfer fate. The ex-Coventry star has thrived since joining Sporting Lisbon almost two years ago, having signed for the club under current United boss Ruben Amorim. Gyokeres has propelled the Lions to back-to-back Primeira Liga triumphs and topped the scoring charts in both campaigns, bagging an impressive 54 goals in all competitions this term. Sporting's dramatic comeback to secure a 3-1 victory over Benfica and lift the Taca de Portugal saw the Swede bag a pivotal 101st-minute penalty that forced extra time. Partner Ines Aguiar was at the game and found herself swamped by eager fans, all desperate for a scoop on her beau's future. Amid the frenzy, Lisbon-born actress Aguiar reportedly assured the clamouring crowd and media that he would be staying put, according to A Bola, as she "promised" to do her utmost to convince him to commit to a third season with Sporting. The sway of a significant other can't be underestimated when it comes to transfers, but the Emirates has some significant edge over Old Trafford in terms of its current allure. Arsenal will return to Champions League contention next term, while United's fall to Tottenham in the Europa League final means they won't play European football of any kind. The Gunners reportedly entered discussions with Gyokeres' agent this week after Correio da Manha said representatives had jetted to Lisbon. Mikel Arteta caught criticism for failing to add another forward to his ranks last summer, but appears to be on the front foot in correcting that error this time around. Meanwhile, Gyokeres' uncle, Chris, dished the details on his nephew's future during a chat with the media ahead of the Taca de Portugal final. He divulged the Gyokeres family met up for dinner the night before, where the star's transfer future was a hot topic. And Uncle Chris wasn't shy about sharing his views from that discussion, albeit perhaps with a pinch of personal bias. Since Gyokeres settled into life at Estadio Jose Alvalade in 2023, his relatives have come to love Lisbon, and Chris went so far as to say the family agreed their golden child should continue calling the city his home. "Yes, very much," he told when asked if he and the family felt a connection to Lisbon. "Yesterday at dinner, we decided that he has to stay." The desires of Gyokeres' family won't concern Arsenal or United as much as the player's intentions, given that he will make the final decision. The Red Devils have at least one edge, given Amorim's shared history with the player, but United are no longer the same attraction they once were. And in fact the team may have already accepted defeat in the race amid word United seem close to bagging Wolves forward Matheus Cunha for £62.5million. Premier League rivals Chelsea are also understood to be eyeing a move for Gyokeres and can offer the Champions League football he'd desire. Sporting don't appear to be in a rush to sell their prized asset, believed to be on the market for £60m. At a recent press event set up by Radio Renascenca's Bola Branca, vice-president Francisco Salgado Zenha provided some clarity on the matter. "Gyokeres? He has three more years on his contract," he said. "At the moment, there are no offers. He has three more years on his contract. I think the answer has been given."
Daily Mirror
19 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Sporting Lisbon issue statement on Viktor Gyokeres exit as Arsenal eye transfer
Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres is heavily linked with a move to Arsenal but the Portuguese club's vice-president insists they've had no offers and don't want to sell their top players Sporting vice-president Francisco Salgado Zenha says the club are yet to receive any offers for Viktor Gyokeres as Arsenal circle - but maintains they will not be forced into selling their best players. Gyokeres has just enjoyed a stunning year in Portugal, smashing the 50-goal barrier as he helped Sporting win two trophies, which has made him one of Europe's most wanted frontmen. It is understood that a fee of around £66million will be enough to lure him to the Emirates. Sporting's hierarchy though are yet to receive an offer and are loathed to see more of their top players leave the capital. In recent years they've lost the likes of Nuno Mendes and Manuel Ugarte whilst Geovany Quenda will depart this summer - he's signed for Chelsea. Gyokeres would undoubtedly be their biggest loss but Zenha insists their Swedish star has years to run on his deal and their champion status will make it easier to warn off potential buyers. Zenha told reporters in Portugal: 'He has three more years on his contract. At the moment there are no offers, he has three more years on his contract. I think the answer has been given. [Sporting's transfer plans] won't be any different from last year. We want to keep the best players and retain talent. "We want to continue to be champions, have competitive teams and fight on all fronts. I have been in this role for seven years. In the years when Sporting were champions, we even made fewer sales than in other years... the fact that we are champions gives us a greater ability to retain players and talent. 'Coincidence or not, we have not had to sell any players in those times. Not that we have not received offers, but the market is not under our control, we are always dependent.' Arsenal have made signing a striker their priority this summer with Gyokeres at the top of their wishlist. The Gunners have shown how willing they are to spend big in order to land top talent and are likely to do so again in the coming months. The Swede, formerly of Coventry City, has had to address the ongoing speculation around his future and said at the weekend: 'Let us see. It's hard for me to say, because yeah it is football and you never know what's going to happen in the summer. So for me to say anything else than that is impossible.' Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
