Jeddah hosts FIFA Club World Cup 2023 draw

The tournament matches will be held between Dec. 12 and 22 in Jeddah. Credit: @sport_ekh
The tournament matches will be held between Dec. 12 and 22 in Jeddah. Credit: @sport_ekh
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Updated 05 September 2023
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Jeddah hosts FIFA Club World Cup 2023 draw

The tournament matches will be held between Dec. 12 and 22 in Jeddah. Credit: @sport_ekh
  • Al-Ittihad will play against Auckland City in the first match on Dec. 12
  • Mexico’s Leon will meet Japan’s Urawa Reds

Jeddah hosted the FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023 draw on Tuesday, with the tournament emblem being unveiled during a live broadcast on FIFA’s digital platforms and Saudi sports channels.

The tournament matches will be held between Dec. 12 and 22 in Jeddah with the participation of seven clubs: the host Al-Ittihad from Saudi Arabia; CAF Champions League 2022/2023 winners Al-Ahly from Egypt; AFC Champions League 2022 winners Urawa Reds from Japan; Concacaf Champions League 2023 winners Club Leon from Mexico; OFC Champions League 2023 winners Auckland City from New Zealand; UEFA Champions League 2022/2023 winners Manchester City from England; and the yet-to-be-determined Copa Libertadores champions.

The draw was conducted by Jaime Yarza, director of FIFA Tournaments, with Samantha Johnson presenting and the roles of assistants performed by City legend Yaya Toure and Al-Ittihad icon Manaf Abushugair.

Al-Ittihad will play against Auckland City in the first match on Dec. 12 at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium in Jeddah.

In the same round, Mexico’s Leon will meet Japan’s Urawa Reds. The winners of the two matches will qualify for the semifinals to face Manchester City and the yet-to-be-determined Copa Libertadores champions.

Al-Ahly will play against the winner of the match between Al-Ittihad and Auckland City.

This is the first time the tournament will be hosted by Saudi Arabia.


New Global Sport Conference to discuss the rise of esports athletes as modern heroes

New Global Sport Conference to discuss the rise of esports athletes as modern heroes
Updated 05 August 2024
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New Global Sport Conference to discuss the rise of esports athletes as modern heroes

New Global Sport Conference to discuss the rise of esports athletes as modern heroes
  • The conference is scheduled for Aug. 24-25 at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre
  • A major theme of the conference is the emergence of modern sports heroes who balance traditional sports and gaming

Riyadh: The New Global Sport Conference 2024, with the theme “The Future of Fandom,” will welcome more than 60 speakers and more than 750 delegates from sectors including gaming, esports, technology, sports, entertainment, business and investment.

Scheduled for Aug. 24-25 at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre, the conference will feature discussions on fan engagement in sports and esports, the changing landscape of fandom, and its impact on the future of sports and entertainment.

A major theme of the conference is the emergence of modern sports heroes who balance traditional sports and gaming. Speakers will address the global debate about the positioning, value and impact of esports athletes.

With more than 3.4 billion gamers worldwide and an estimated 234 million esports athletes, competitive gaming has become a global phenomenon. Esports athletes exhibit the same dedication, discipline and physical skills as traditional sports stars, with rigorous training, strategic thinking, and the ability to perform under pressure.

Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, said: “Esports is not just a game; it is a movement that is reshaping the landscape of sports and entertainment. The New Global Sport Conference is a testament to the growth and importance of this industry, and a recognition of the stardom of esports athletes and the unmatched passion of esports fans. The conference and the visionaries attending it from all over the world will enable impactful discussions, networking, and collaboration to drive forward the future of esports.”

Meanwhile, Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, added: “Esports athletes have proven time and again that they possess the same qualities as traditional sports stars. They train hard, compete fiercely, and inspire millions of fans around the world.

“The New Global Sport Conference is crucial in recognizing their contributions and setting the stage for the future of sports. Esports athletes are real athletes, esports fans are as passionate and loyal as any sports fans, and esports is the new global sport.” 

NGSC aims to foster dialogue, partnership and innovation as traditional sports and esports merge. The conference will explore how esports and traditional sports can coexist and enrich the global sports community.

Building on the success of its inaugural event, NGSC will feature sessions on the challenges and opportunities in creating a new global sporting legacy, the role of technology in competitive gaming, and storytelling in esports.

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Saudi Cup 2020 title awarded to Midnight Bisou after Maximum Security is disqualified

Saudi Cup 2020 title awarded to Midnight Bisou after Maximum Security is disqualified
Updated 02 August 2024
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Saudi Cup 2020 title awarded to Midnight Bisou after Maximum Security is disqualified

Saudi Cup 2020 title awarded to Midnight Bisou after Maximum Security is disqualified
  • Inquiry into the charges took place in May at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse
  • The Stewards Committee determined that charges issued against Jason Servis were proved, handing him lifetime ban from racing in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia has disqualified the winning horse Maximum Security from the Saudi Cup 2020 after an inquiry showed that its trainer Jason Servis had been involved in misconduct, misadministration, and corrupt practices.
JCSA’s Stewards Committee awarded the title of the winner of the race — which was held at Riyadh’s King Abdulaziz Racecourse on Feb. 29, 2020 — to Midnight Bisou.
The inquiry into the charges took place on May 22-23 this year at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse, where Servis was put on notice of the inquiry and invited to attend remotely, by himself, or by legal representation, but chose not to do so.
The Stewards Committee determined that the charges issued against Servis were proved and handed him a lifetime ban from racing in Saudi Arabia.
In respect of Maximum Security and the race, it was ordered that the placings be altered to reflect Maximum Security’s disqualification and the prize money to be redistributed accordingly.
A JCSA spokesman said: “The JCSA is satisfied that, following a full disciplinary process, the charges affecting the outcome of the 2020 Saudi Cup have now been determined by the Stewards Committee following a proper investigation.
“The JCSA will abide by the decision of the Stewards Committee. The JCSA looks forward to continuing with preparations for the Saudi Cup 2025 and the 2026 Asian Racing Conference with this matter concluded.”
The spokesman extended the committee’s congratulations to Midnight Bisou.
The JCSA announced the new result had Midnight Bisou in first place, ahead of Benbatl and Mucho Gusto, in second and third respectively.
Fourth to 13th in the race were Tacitus, Gold Dream, Chrysoberyl, Mjjack, Magic Wand, Gronkowski, McKinzie, Great Scot, North America and Capezzano.
Arab News reported at the time of the race that Maximum Security had made history in front of King Salman as the first winner of the Saudi Cup, claiming the winning prize of $10 million in the world’s richest horse race.
Luis Saez rode the Servis-trained 4-year-old to a victory many had predicted, leaving Midnight Bisou in second ($3.5 million) and Benbatl third ($2 million).


Saudi sprinter Hiba Malm to miss 100m race due to injury

Saudi sprinter Hiba Malm to miss 100m race due to injury
Updated 01 August 2024
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Saudi sprinter Hiba Malm to miss 100m race due to injury

Saudi sprinter Hiba Malm to miss 100m race due to injury
  • The Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee says on X that she suffered an injury to a metatarsal during training on Wednesday

PARIS: The Saudi team’s medical staff at the Paris Olympic Games announced on Thursday that sprinter Hiba Malm had suffered an injury that will prevent her from competing in Friday’s 100m race.
The Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee said on X that the sprinter suffered an injury to a metatarsal during training on Wednesday. The committee wished the runner a speedy recovery.
Malm is the 100m and 200m national record holder and the sole female representative for Saudi Arabia in athletics. The 23-year-old sprinter was granted a wildcard in the 100m event in Paris and was looking forward to improving her personal best time of 12.24 seconds.
Meanwhile, shot putter Mohammed Tolo is set to begin his participation in the Olympics, while Hussain Al-Hizam will take part in the pole vault on Saturday.


Saudi swimmer Zaid Al-Saraaj wins men’s 100m freestyle heat

Saudi Swimmer Zaid Al-Saraaj. credit: @saudiolympic
Saudi Swimmer Zaid Al-Saraaj. credit: @saudiolympic
Updated 30 July 2024
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Saudi swimmer Zaid Al-Saraaj wins men’s 100m freestyle heat

Saudi Swimmer Zaid Al-Saraaj. credit: @saudiolympic

PARIS: Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning sports scene received a boost after 16-year-old swimmer Zaid Al-Saraaj came first in his men’s 100m freestyle heat at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

While the teenager, the youngest member of the Kingdom’s delegation, did not progress to the next stage of the competition, he set a new personal best with a time of 51.21 seconds.

Al-Saraaj earned his place at the Games through a universality spot — a place offered to under-represented National Olympic Committees to increase the diversity of participating nations.

Earlier on Sunday, 17-year-old Mashael Al-Ayed finished sixth in her women’s 200m freestyle heat with a time of 2:19.61.

The Saudi Olympic team, a 10-strong group comprising seven men and three women, is competing across four sports — athletics, equestrian, swimming and taekwondo.

Previously, Saudi athletes have taken four medals across 12 Olympic Games. The most recent was a silver won by Tareq Hamedi in karate at Tokyo in 2020.


Saudi swimmer Mashael Al-Ayed shines in women’s 200m freestyle at Paris 2024

Mashael Al-Ayed secured a commendable sixth place in the women’s 200m freestyle heats. credit: @saudiolympic
Mashael Al-Ayed secured a commendable sixth place in the women’s 200m freestyle heats. credit: @saudiolympic
Updated 28 July 2024
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Saudi swimmer Mashael Al-Ayed shines in women’s 200m freestyle at Paris 2024

Mashael Al-Ayed secured a commendable sixth place in the women’s 200m freestyle heats. credit: @saudiolympic
  • Al-Ayed clocked a personal best time of 2:19.61 on Sunday, a significant milestone on her Olympic debut

Paris: In a notable achievement for Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning sports scene, 17-year-old Mashael Al-Ayed secured a commendable sixth place in the women’s 200m freestyle heats at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Al-Ayed clocked a personal best time of 2:19.61 on Sunday, a significant milestone on her Olympic debut.

Women's 200m freestyle heats results.

She earned her spot in the heats through a universality place, effectively a wildcard invitation, allowing her to compete at this prestigious global event. Her performance highlights the progress being made by Saudi women in international sports.

In addition to Al-Ayed, Saudi Arabia’s swimming team features 16-year-old Zaid Al-Sarraj, the youngest of the Kingdom’s representatives in Paris. Al-Sarraj, also granted a universality place, competes in the 100m freestyle, representing the future of Saudi swimming.

The two swimmers highlight Saudi Arabia’s growing presence and potential in the international sports arena.