Latest news with #AlAhly
See - Sada Elbalad
3 days ago
- Sport
- See - Sada Elbalad
Squash Competitions Announced for 2028 LA Olympic Games
Rana Atef On Monday, the organizing committee of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics has officially announced the schedule for squash competitions, which will be held for the first time in the history of the Olympic Games. The competition will include men's singles and women's singles. Each competition will include 16 participants. Universal City Squash Center in Universal City Zone will host the competitions between July 15 and 24, 2028. This marks squash's first-ever appearance in Olympic history. Squash Schedule: Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 (LA28) Saturday July 15th: 19:30 – 23:15 Sunday July 16th: 19:30 – 23:15 Monday July 17th: 19:30 – 23:15 Tuesday July 18th: 19:30 – 23:15 Wednesday July 19th: 19:30 – 23:15 Thursday July 20th: 19:30 – 23:15 Friday July 21st: 20:30 – 23:15 Saturday July 22nd: 20:30 – 23:15 Sunday July 23rd: 20:30 – 23:30 (Medal Matches) Monday July 24th: 20:30 – 23:30 (Medal Matches) read more Japan Stun Spain 2-1 to Qualify for World Cup Last 16 World Cup 2022: Get to Know Confirmed Line-ups of Japan and Spain Group E Decider Saudi Arabia Bid Farewell to World Cup after 2-1 Loss to Mexico Tunisia Achieve Historic Win over France but Fail to Qualify Tunisia to Clash against France in World Cup Sports Get to Know Squad of Group D Teams in World Cup Sports Al Ahly Gift EGP 70,000 to Players After Claiming Egyptian Super Cup Title Sports Bencharki Hits First 2 Goals with Al Jazira Since Leaving Zamalek Sports Arsenal Possible Line-up for Nottingham Forest News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream
Miami Herald
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Was the 2025 Club World Cup a success? Depends whom you ask. Here are some takeaways
And so, after 63 games over 30 days in 12 stadiums across the United States, FIFA's expanded (and controversial) $1 billion Club World Cup came to an end on Sunday with Chelsea's stunning 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the championship game. A crowd of 81,118, including President Trump, packed Met Life Stadium in New Jersey for the occasion. The night before, a light show featuring 1,500 drones filled the sky over the Hudson River as a prelude to the finale, an advertisement befitting the event's glitzy marketing campaign. The tournament was the brainchild of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, a man not known for understatement, who declared the 32-team competition 'a huge, huge, huge success' and hailed it as the start of 'the golden era for global club football.' Four weeks ago, the cup kicked off at Hard Rock Stadium with Inter Miami against Egyptian club Al Ahly amid skepticism (especially from the UK and Europe) about whether fans would show up, whether players would care, and whether the tournament was anything more than a money grab that clogged an already crowded international soccer calendar. Many European journalists and fans derided the idea from its inception, predicting the tournament would either never happen or be a big flop. Former Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp called the revamped competition 'the worst idea ever implemented in football.' Much of the mocking continued from overseas throughout the competition. Although the tournament was imperfect and exposed a few issues that need to be addressed before the 2026 World Cup (more on that later), the harsh criticism from naysayers proved exaggerated and unwarranted. Let's review… ATTENDANCE Despite a handful of group stage games played in front of small crowds, the total attendance over the month was 2.49 million and the average attendance was 39,547. There were 16 crowds of more than 60,000 (six of them at Hard Rock Stadium), and five exceeded 70,000. Fans from 168 countries bought tickets. In addition to fans who traveled to the United States to see their favorite teams, the passionate support of each club's U.S. diaspora community was on full display. Although we call it 'soccer' and call the pitch a 'field', the notion that Americans don't know or care about the sport has been outdated for quite some time. This tournament offered a chance for fans all over the country to connect with their favorite clubs, the clubs whose jerseys they proudly wear year-round, the clubs whose matches they watch on T.V. and whose stars they idolize. Every time Real Madrid played, a sea of white followed. Tens of thousands of Egyptian Americans showed up for Al Ahly games. Fans of Argentine clubs Boca Juniors and River Plate injected the tournament with huge beach parties, 'banderazo' pep rallies, and never-ending singing and jumping. Flamengo fans partied on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway with Brazilian flags and decorated the Rocky statue with their team colors. Thousands of fans of Tunisian club Esperance rallied in Times Square and South African fans brought their bright yellow parties to Mamelodi Sundowns games. As for the games that drew small crowds, one way to fix that for next time is to avoid mid-week, midday games (that also would help with the oppressive heat) and not host as many group-stage matches in giant NFL stadiums. Infantino said he'd prefer having 30,000 people in an 80,000-seat stadium than limit potentially large crowds to 20,000 in a 20,000-seat stadium. But smaller venues would have created better atmospheres for the lower-profile matchups. The World Cup next summer will likely fill stadiums. The World Cup is the World Cup, the sport's most prestigious tournament. But for the next Club World Cup, if it winds up back in the United States in four years, a better mix of stadium sizes would be wise. EUROPE VS. THE REST OF THE WORLD In the buildup to the Club World Cup, the assumption was that European teams would cruise through the group stage without breaking a sweat and prove, once and for all, that they reign supreme. It turns out there is not as big a gulf between European clubs and top teams from other parts of the world as many experts and fans expected. Yes, the finalists were both European powers, as were three of the four semifinalists. Nobody will argue that PSG, Chelsea, and Real Madrid are world-class teams with phenomenal talent and enormous payrolls. The same can be said for Bayern Munich and other top UEFA clubs. But three European teams (Porto, Atletico Madrid, Salzburg) did not survive the group stage. Meanwhile, all four Brazilian teams reached the Round of 16, as did MLS club Inter Miami, Liga MX team Monterrey, and Saudi team Al Hilal. Even the MLS teams that did not advance, LAFC and Seattle Sounders, played like they belonged. 'I think the Club World Cup has been an incredible success and a proud moment for everyone involved in soccer across North America,' said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. 'The beauty of the Club World Cup is that our teams had the chance to go head-to-head with some of the best clubs in the world – and they held their own. Research tells us that our fans measure MLS by how our teams perform against top clubs. These matches raise the profile of MLS and show that our teams belong in the global soccer conversation.' Brazil's Botafogo shocked PSG in a group game. Monterrey tied Inter Milan. Lionel Messi produced magic moments and his Inter Miami teammates exceeded expectations, as the MLS club went undefeated through three group games. Miami wound up losing 4-0 to PSG in the Round-of-16, the same scoreline as PSG's victories over Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid. Non-European teams were highly motivated to prove they could compete at an elite level and showcase themselves on a global stage. There was legitimate concern that Europe-based players would not have the energy to play their best on the heels of long club seasons with an ever-more crowded schedule, but once the competition began and the whistles blew, the players' passion took over. Of course, the prize money was a big motivator. Each group win was worth $2 million, $1 million for each draw. Teams that reached the Round of 16 earned an additional $7.5 million, $13.125 million for quarterfinalists, $21 million for semifinalists, $30 million for finalists, and $40 million for the winner. Chelsea took home more than $110 million. Inter Miami went home $21 million richer. THE WEATHER It can be oppressively hot and humid in the summer in some American cities. This is not news. And this is why FIFA should not have held midday matches in outdoor stadiums. Even with water breaks, the conditions were less than ideal. Infantino acknowledged that weather is something they will take into stronger consideration for the World Cup next summer, vowing to play midday games indoors, in air-conditioned stadiums, whenever possible. TRANSPORTATION Some venues had great public transportation that made it easy for fans. Hard Rock Stadium was not one of them, which forced many fans to take share ride services that dropped them off a mile or more away from the stadium gates. Fans had to walk so far that enterprising locals with golf carts offered rides from the share ride lots to the stadium for fees ranging from $15 to $30. Apparently, there was bus service available, but it was not advertised enough. That needs to be addressed by next summer so that South Florida World Cup visitors have an easier time getting to and from games. INTROS, HALFTIME SHOW One of the wonderful things about international soccer is the fan experience does not rely on artificial noise and entertainment. No need for announcers or cheerleaders to hype the crowd. No volume meters on scoreboards. No halftime shows. The soccer is the show, and fans provide music with their vocal cords and dancing with their hips. The Club World Cup tried to be different, perhaps an attempt to Americanize the experience. Instead of the traditional team entrances with children escorting players, each player was called out one by one, like we do for NBA games. There was a loud '5-4-3-2-1!' countdown to kickoff. Legendary boxing ring announcer Michael Buffer did team intros for the semis and final, complete with his trademark 'Let's get ready to rumble!' (which, turns out, some PSG and Chelsea coaches and players did after the final whistle.) For the first time in tournament history, there was a halftime show. J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems and Coldplay performed on a giant stage. None of that was necessary. It all felt out of place. Next time, let the soccer and the fans provide the show.
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
WATCH: SA's top 6 footballers playing abroad – and what they're earning
These South African footballers are not just flying the national flag high, they're cashing international cheques while doing it. They've swapped taxi ranks for training grounds in Europe and stadium roars from Soweto to Minnesota. From Premier League pitches to MLS goals, here's who's making the big moves, scoring both goals and bank, and how their salaries stack up. 1. Lyle Foster: The millionaire striker Lyle Foster. Picture via Richard Huggard/Gallo Images Club: Burnley FC (England) Position: Forward Estimated Salary: R28 million per year (£1.2 million) Burnley may struggle in the English Premier League, but Lyle Foster is still Mzansi's MVP when it comes to salary. The Johannesburg-born striker became the most expensive South African player ever after his transfer from Belgian side KVC Westerlo. Now earning a cool R2.3 million a month, Foster is not only a poster boy for SA football abroad but also serious bankability. He's young, he's fast, and his bank notifications probably need a bodyguard. Salary rank: 1st Tau: The lion of Al Ahly Percy Tau. Picture: Philip Maeta/Gallo Images Club: Al Ahly (Egypt) Position: Forward Estimated Salary: R22 million per year Affectionately nicknamed The Lion of Judah, Percy Tau has roared his way from Mamelodi Sundowns to English club Brighton, and now reigns in Egyptian football royalty, Al Ahly. Despite missing out on some Premier League minutes, Tau has found his groove (and a lucrative deal) in Cairo. With CAF titles under his belt and R1.8 million hitting his account every month, Tau's not just chasing trophies, he's chasing commas. Salary rank: 2nd ALSO READ: Andile Jali joins elite 10% black farmers: Midfielder farms cattle in Gqeberha 3. Bongokuhle Hlongwane: The MLS marvel Bongokuhle Hlongwane. Picture: Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images Club: Minnesota United FC (USA) Position: Forward Estimated Salary: R13.5 million per year ($750 000) Bongokuhle Hlongwane is one of the most exciting exports to Major League Soccer, where he's quickly become a fan favourite for his pace and flair. Known affectionately as 'Bongi', he's doing big things in the land of Super Bowl Sundays and oversized stadium snacks. Raking in more than R1.1 million a month, Bongi proves that you don't need Europe to live the footballer dream, you need American dollars – and a good winter jacket. Salary rank: 3rd 4. Dean Furman: The midfield mentor Dean Furman Picture via Steve Haag/Gallo Images Club: Non-league/Retired (last club: Altrincham FC, England) Position: Midfielder Estimated Salary: Previously R6 million per year Dean Furman, once Bafana Bafana's midfield general, had a solid career in the English lower leagues and PSL. While he's moved into semi-retirement, we still salute his grind, especially during his SuperSport United captaincy years. His earning power peaked back in the day, with PSL salaries of around R500 000 per month. Now, he's more about passing on wisdom than passing the ball. Salary rank: 4th (historically) 5. Olwethu Makhanya: Rising star in the MLS Olwethu Makhanya. Picture: Instagram Club: Philadelphia Union II (USA) Position: Defender Estimated Salary: R3 million per year ($160 000) Former Stellenbosch FC prodigy Olwethu Makhanya is cutting his teeth in the United States with Philadelphia Union II. Though he's not making Hollywood blockbuster cash (yet), his trajectory is promising, and he's in a league where salaries grow faster than your grandma's aloe vera plant. At around R250 000 a month, it's not bad for a 20-year-old who's just getting started. Salary rank: 5th (with star potential) 6. Shandre Campbell: The wunderkind-in-waiting Shandre Campbell. Picture: Daniel Hlongwane/Gallo Images Club: Potential European move (linked with clubs in Belgium and the Netherlands) Position: Winger Estimated Salary: TBD (rumoured R2–R3 million deal incoming) Matsatsantsa's teen sensation, Shandre Campbell, has Europe on speed dial. Rumoured to be fielding offers from Belgian and Dutch clubs, the left-footed dynamo is poised for his big international payday. While he's still technically local, this 18-year-old is already being valued like vintage vinyl, rare, exciting, and highly collectable. Salary rank: 6th (but watch this space!) South Africa may not have a Messi or Mbappé (yet), but our boys are holding their own in some of the world's top leagues. Whether it's Premier League pounds, Egyptian pounds, or American dollars, they're proving that South African talent travels and earns well.
See - Sada Elbalad
4 days ago
- Sport
- See - Sada Elbalad
Iga Świątek Defeats Anisimova to Clinch Historic Wimbledon Title
Rana Atef On Saturday, Poland's Iga Świątek delivered a flawless performance to win one of the most prestigious titles of her career, the Wimbledon Championships. It is her sixth major overall, crushing American Amanda Anisimova 6-0, 6-0 in the final. With this emphatic victory, Świątek not only became the first Polish player to win Wimbledon in the Open Era, but she also soared to No. 3 in the world rankings, effective early next week. Świątek needed just 57 minutes to dispatch Anisimova in a final that will go down in history for its sheer dominance. The Polish star broke her opponent in the 1st, 3rd, and 5th games of the opening set, wrapping it up in just 25 minutes. The second set unfolded in identical fashion, with Świątek applying relentless pressure to clinch the match in under an hour. This marks Świątek's first Wimbledon title and adds to her impressive Grand Slam tally, which already includes four French Open titles (2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024) and one US Open crown (2022). Saturday's final was the first at Wimbledon to end in a 6-0, 6-0 result since 1911, when Britain's Dorothea Douglass Chambers achieved the same scoreline. Moreover, Świątek became the first player in the Open Era to win a Grand Slam final without dropping a single game. read more Japan Stun Spain 2-1 to Qualify for World Cup Last 16 World Cup 2022: Get to Know Confirmed Line-ups of Japan and Spain Group E Decider Saudi Arabia Bid Farewell to World Cup after 2-1 Loss to Mexico Tunisia Achieve Historic Win over France but Fail to Qualify Tunisia to Clash against France in World Cup Sports Get to Know Squad of Group D Teams in World Cup Sports Al Ahly Gift EGP 70,000 to Players After Claiming Egyptian Super Cup Title Sports Bencharki Hits First 2 Goals with Al Jazira Since Leaving Zamalek Sports Arsenal Possible Line-up for Nottingham Forest News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream
See - Sada Elbalad
6 days ago
- Sport
- See - Sada Elbalad
2025 Wimbledon: Alcaraz to Face Sinner in Men's Final
Rana Atef On Friday, the final of 2025 Wimbledon men's title was officially set as World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz both won their semifinals. Sinner defeated Djokovic in straight sets 6-3, 6-3, 6-4. It seemed that Djokovic suffered an injury during the game. After the match, Djokovic said: 'I don't think it's bad fortune. It's just age," Djokovic said Friday. "The wear and tear of the body. As much as I'm taking care of it, the reality hits me right now the last year and a half like never before, to be honest." He added: "It's tough for me to accept that because I feel like when I'm fresh and fit, I can still play very good tennis. I've proven that this year. Playing best of five, particularly this year, has been a real struggle for me physically. The longer the tournament goes, the worse the condition gets. I reached the semis of every slam this year. I have to play Sinner or [Carlos] Alcaraz. These guys are fit, young, sharp." He concluded: "And I feel like I'm going into the match with the tank half empty. It's just not possible to win the match like that. It is what it is. It's one of those things you just have to accept and embrace in some way, deal with reality the way it is and try to make the most out of it." In the earlier semifinal, the defending champion Alcaraz knocked Fritz off 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 7-6(6). Alcaraz has won the latest two editions of Wimbledon, and he is looking for a third consecutive Wimbledon title. The final will take place on Sunday. read more Japan Stun Spain 2-1 to Qualify for World Cup Last 16 World Cup 2022: Get to Know Confirmed Line-ups of Japan and Spain Group E Decider Saudi Arabia Bid Farewell to World Cup after 2-1 Loss to Mexico Tunisia Achieve Historic Win over France but Fail to Qualify Tunisia to Clash against France in World Cup Sports Get to Know Squad of Group D Teams in World Cup Sports Al Ahly Gift EGP 70,000 to Players After Claiming Egyptian Super Cup Title Sports Bencharki Hits First 2 Goals with Al Jazira Since Leaving Zamalek Sports Arsenal Possible Line-up for Nottingham Forest News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Arts & Culture Hawass Foundation Launches 1st Course to Teach Ancient Egyptian Language
