PIF creates new Electric 360 partnership with Formula E, Extreme E and E1 powerboat racing

PIF creates new Electric 360 partnership with Formula E, Extreme E and E1 powerboat racing
PIF has unveiled an Electric 360 multi-year partnership with Formula E, Extreme E and E1. (Extreme E)
Short Url
Updated 25 January 2024
Follow

PIF creates new Electric 360 partnership with Formula E, Extreme E and E1 powerboat racing

PIF creates new Electric 360 partnership with Formula E, Extreme E and E1 powerboat racing
  • Partnership to support the growth of electric motor sports; bringing together Formula E auto racing, Extreme E off road SUV racing and newly established E1 powerboat racing series
  • Ground-breaking multi-year partnership will help drive technological innovation and sustainable technology education in electric motor sports

RIYADH: The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has unveiled a multi-year partnership, Electric 360, with Formula E, Extreme E and E1 to support the growth of electric motorsports and their role in advancing the future of electric mobility.

The new partnership will draw together initiatives that underscore the power of electric motor sports to drive technological innovation, and revolutionize sustainable transport and future mobility – while leading the way in carbon reduction.

PIF also announced the launch of its new brand revamp, which captures PIF’s heritage and essence and embodies its commitment to progress and growth in driving transformation at a historical scale. The new identity will be used at all PIF partnership events, including E360 events, throughout 2024 and beyond.

PIF is ranked by Global SWF as one of the top sovereign wealth funds in the world and number 1 in the Middle East for sustainability among the top 100 sovereign wealth funds globally. The E360 collaboration is in line with PIF’s broader sponsorship platform, bringing to life the brand’s ambition with a focus on four pillars: inclusivity, sustainability, youth, and technology.

The partnership announced today will also promote educational opportunities tied to the cutting-edge engineering of electric motor sports, as well as community, social programs and environmental stewardship.

With PIF as the sole principal partner to span all three series, this initiative will directly facilitate and accelerate the delivery of:

  • PIF Electric 360 thought leadership events, bringing together leading industry experts with the brightest minds to drive sustainable mobility change
  • STEM initiatives globally to coincide with each championship series
  • Community apprenticeship programs with industry partners in each championship

The partnership will support the mission-driven objectives of all three series by enhancing Formula E’s proven race-to-road transfer model and reinforcing its position as the world’s most sustainable sport, enabling Extreme E to forge new frontiers and spearheading E1’s revolutionary drive around marine mobility.

This partnership not only benefits each championship in its own right, but also underlines the commitment of all parties to drive technological innovation and sustainable solutions.

Alejandro Agag, founder and chairman of Formula E, Extreme E and E1, said: “This one-of-a-kind partnership with PIF is a huge milestone for us in our journey to pioneer the most cutting-edge sustainable transport technology. With so many examples of the positive real-world impact of each series, this 360-partnership takes our potential to the next level. PIF will not only play a strategic role in helping us leverage our unique technological platforms, but also foster global collaboration, education and skills development for the next generation worldwide.”

Mohamed AlSayyad, head of corporate brand at PIF, said: “At PIF, we believe in the power of partnerships, investing in innovative collaborations as part of our focus on ‘Investing in Better.’ These partnerships will enhance the quality of life for people, provide opportunities for the communities we serve, and help continue our work as a catalyst for transformation.

“Together with these championship series, Electric 360 will redefine electric sport and supercharge its growth, delivering tangible impact aligned with our broader business strategy as PIF drives new green technological innovation that will be the cornerstone of future electric mobility.”


Mbappe ‘seems unaffected’ by rape investigation reports: Real Madrid coach Ancelotti

Mbappe ‘seems unaffected’ by rape investigation reports: Real Madrid coach Ancelotti
Updated 4 sec ago
Follow

Mbappe ‘seems unaffected’ by rape investigation reports: Real Madrid coach Ancelotti

Mbappe ‘seems unaffected’ by rape investigation reports: Real Madrid coach Ancelotti
  • Mbappe’s lawyer said this week the France captain was “shocked” to see his name linked to the investigation
  • A Swedish prosecutor has confirmed that an investigation has been opened, without naming Mbappe

MADRID: Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said Friday the club’s French striker Kylian Mbappe “seems unaffected to me” after Swedish media reported he is being investigated for an alleged rape during a visit to Stockholm.
Mbappe’s lawyer said this week the France captain was “shocked” to see his name linked to the investigation and he will take action for libel.
The forward was not selected by France for UEFA Nations League matches after an injury and visited the Swedish capital with a group of people last week.
“In this moment (the reports) are speculations, I see him working every day, he is happy, content, he doesn’t seem affected to me at all,” Ancelotti told a news conference.
“He’s looking forward to keep on helping the team.”
Ancelotti said Mbappe, 25, had been given time off by the Spanish and European champions.
“The days off were set for him and beyond that, individuals can choose what they want to do,” explained Ancelotti.
“I don’t care where players prefer to rest. I went to London for a couple of days and didn’t ask anybody.
“I also don’t have a travel agency to organize trips for players.”
A Swedish prosecutor has confirmed that an investigation has been opened, without naming Mbappe.
Mbappe claimed in a post on X on Monday there was a link between the report and a hearing before a French league committee on Tuesday over his bitter dispute with his former club Paris Saint-Germain over what he says is 55 million euros ($60 million) in unpaid wages.
“FAKE NEWS !!!!. It’s becoming so predictable, on the eve of the hearing, as if by chance,” he wrote.
Mbappe completed a dream move to join Madrid in the summer after seven years at PSG.
The striker scored five goals in his first seven La Liga appearances before suffering a thigh injury.
Mbappe made a quicker-than-expected recovery but France did not select him for their games against Belgium and Israel, earning the forward criticism in his homeland.
Madrid, three points behind leaders Barcelona, visit Celta Vigo on Saturday with Mbappe expected to start for Los Blancos.
Ancelotti said the superstar attacker looks a “different player” after doing some fitness work during the international break.
“Mbappe took advantage of this break to improve his condition, recover from injuries... he’s doing very well, happy and looking forward to playing tomorrow,” continued Ancelotti.
“This fortnight has helped him a lot — he’s a different player than he was from before the break.”


SAFF Women’s Cup 2024-25 set to kick off this weekend

SAFF Women’s Cup 2024-25 set to kick off this weekend
Updated 18 October 2024
Follow

SAFF Women’s Cup 2024-25 set to kick off this weekend

SAFF Women’s Cup 2024-25 set to kick off this weekend
  • Sixteen teams from the Saudi Women’s Premier League and First Division begin their quest to win the cup in March next year
  • Second elite competition sees cup-holders Al-Ahli welcome Al-Hmmah, with Al-Hilal hosting Abha and Al-Nassr heading to play Al-Taraji

RIYADH: The SAFF Women’s Cup 2024-25 kicks off this weekend, with 16 teams from the Saudi Women’s Premier League and First Division battling it out to lift the coveted trophy in March next year.

This is the second SAFF Women’s Cup. Last year’s inaugural competition saw Al-Ahli crowned cup-winners after beating Al Shabab 3-2 in the 2024 final at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh in March.

The Jeddah club begin their defense of the SAFF Women’s Cup with a home tie against Al-Hmmah on Saturday. Other matches to look out for in the Round of 16 this weekend include Al-Hilal hosting Abha on Friday and the back-to-back Saudi Women’s Premier League winners Al-Nassr’s trip to Al-Taraji on Saturday.

This season’s SAFF Women’s Cup final is scheduled to be played in March 2025, with the winning team earning a total prize of SR1 million ($267,000).

Aalia Al-Rasheed, head of the women’s football department at SAFF, said: “The inaugural SAFF Women’s Cup was warmly welcomed into the football calendar by clubs and fans last season, adding an extra layer of professionalism and competition to women’s football in Saudi Arabia. We have no doubt that the SAFF Women’s Cup will go from strength to strength this campaign, beginning with a Round of 16 featuring a number of fascinating fixtures this weekend.”

The full set of SAFF Women’s Cup Round of 16 fixtures this weekend is as follows:

Friday: Al-Qadsiah v Al-Amal; Al-Hilal v Abha; AlUla v Al-Riyadh; Al-Ittihad v Jeddah.

Saturday: Al-Shabab v Al-Anqaa; Al-Shoulla v Eastern Flames; Al-Ahli v Al-Hmmah, Al-Taraji v Al-Nassr.

The start of the SAFF Women’s Cup follows the successful start of the 2024-25 Saudi Women’s Premier League campaign.

The new season — featuring more than 200 players registered to play in the Kingdom’s top flight — began with a campaign called “See Us Play,” inviting football fans to celebrate women’s football across Saudi Arabia. There are almost 77,000 female players taking part in the nation’s schools league system.


Pakistan crush England in second Test to set up series decider

Pakistan crush England in second Test to set up series decider
Updated 18 October 2024
Follow

Pakistan crush England in second Test to set up series decider

Pakistan crush England in second Test to set up series decider
  • Spinner Noman Ali grabbed 8-46, Sajid Khan took 2-93 as the pair wrapped up England’s second innings for 144
  • It was Pakistan’s first home win since Feb. 2021 and came after they were thumped by an innings in the first Test

MULTAN: Spinner Noman Ali took eight wickets as Pakistan crushed England by 152 runs in the second Test to level the series 1-1 on Friday in Multan.
Noman grabbed 8-46 and Sajid Khan took 2-93 as the pair wrapped up England’s second innings for 144 after the visitors were set a daunting target of 297.

Pakistan's Sajid Khan poses for photo with player of the match trophy on the end of the second test cricket match between Pakistan and England, in Multan on October 18, 2024. (AP)

It was Pakistan’s first home win since February 2021 and came after they were thumped by an innings in the first Test, also in Multan.
The third and final Test starts in Rawalpindi from October 24.
Noman finished with a match haul of 11-147 while Sajid had figures of 9-204, only the second time in Pakistan’s history that two bowlers took all 20 wickets in a Test.

Pakistan's Kamran Ghulam, center, shakes hand with England's Shoaib Bashir, fifth right, as his teammate celebrate after winning the second test cricket match against England, in Multan on October 18, 2024. (AP)

Pakistan’s last Test win at home came against South Africa in Rawalpindi more than three years ago. It was followed by 11 home Tests without a win.
This also becomes Shan Masood’s first win as skipper after getting the job last year, including 3-0 and 2-0 whitewashes at the hands of Australia and Bangladesh.
Pakistan’s ploy of dropping ace batsman Babar Azam in one of four changes after the first Test defeat and playing on a reused pitch with three spinners paid off handsomely.
Resuming at 36-2 and facing a tough task on a pitch offering sharp spin, England managed to add just 108 runs before folding.

England's Ben Stokes in action during the second test cricket match against Pakistan, in Multan on October 18, 2024. (REUTERS)

In just the second over of the day Sajid removed Ollie Pope with a sharp turning delivery and caught the miscued drive off his own bowling. Pope made 22.
Noman then trapped Joe Root leg-before for 18 and Harry Brook for 16 to leave England facing defeat at 78-5.

Pakistan’s Sajid Khan, fourth right, celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of England’s Brydon Carse during the third day of the second test cricket match between Pakistan and England, in Multan on October 17, 2024. (AP)

Brook smashed an epic 317 and Root a brilliant 262 — eclipsing Alastair Cook’s England Test run record — in the first Test, and their dismissals signalled England’s doom was approaching.
Noman’s fourth wicket came in the form of Jamie Smith whose uppish slog sweep was held by Masood at mid-on. Smith scored six.
Skipper Ben Stokes and Brydon Carse fought hard to take the total to 125 when Stokes was stumped in a comical manner, jumping out of the crease to loft Noman but missing the ball as his bat flew out of his hands.
Noman wrapped up the match with the wickets of Carse (27), Jack Leach (one) and Shoaib Bashir (nought), improving his previous best of 7-70 against Sri Lanka in Colombo last year.


UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation looks ahead to national campaigns after a successful season

UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation looks ahead to national campaigns after a successful season
Updated 18 October 2024
Follow

UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation looks ahead to national campaigns after a successful season

UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation looks ahead to national campaigns after a successful season
  • The UAE national team will take part in the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship in Greece this month

ABU DHABI: This year’s successes in local, national and international championships came under the spotlight at a UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation board meeting on Thursday.

The directors also focused on the achievements of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Championship and looked ahead to future competitions, including the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship taking place in Greece this month.

The meeting, held at the Federation’s headquarters, was chaired by Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohammed Al-Hashmi, chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, president of the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union, and senior vice president of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation.

He said: “The support of our wise leadership is the key to the success of jiu-jitsu locally and internationally. It has helped position the UAE as a global leader in the sport and achieve significant accomplishments at both the continental and international levels.”

Discussions focused on an intensive training camp which aims to boost the athletes’ technical and physical readiness for the world championship, helping them build on a legacy of four consecutive world titles.

The board also reviewed the current season, which has seen significant local and international participation in various events that are key to expanding the number of jiu-jitsu participants, creating community engagement and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

A comprehensive report on the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship highlighted the success of the event, particularly the increase in numbers of those taking part. So far, the four rounds have attracted 7,700 male and female athletes from 60 clubs and academies across the UAE, testament to the Federation’s strategy to broaden the sport’s reach and raise awareness of its physical and mental benefits.

The report also noted the strong public turnout, with over 10,000 spectators attending. Their support has enhanced the competitive atmosphere and motivated athletes. The championship has uncovered new talent, elevated the standard of competition, boosted public interest, and provided a highly competitive environment in line with international standards.

The fifth and final round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship will take place in December at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi.

The meeting also touched upon final preparations for the 16th edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, set to take place in November.

Mohamed Salem Al-Dhaheri, vice chairman of the Federation and chairman of the championship’s organizing committee, said: “Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship continues to establish itself as the top international jiu-jitsu event, drawing elite athletes from around the world. This edition marks a key moment, especially in terms of global participation further strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as the world’s jiu-jitsu capital.

“We are focused on maintaining the high standards of the world’s largest jiu-jitsu championship, ensuring top-level organization and creating the best experience for both participants and fans.”

The board also discussed the agenda for the 2025 season, with a focus on diversifying events to support sustainable development and growth in the sport. Plans were outlined to expand the scope of competitions to include additional age groups and attract elite athletes from around the world.


South Africa reach final and end Australia’s title defense at Women’s T20 World Cup

South Africa reach final and end Australia’s title defense at Women’s T20 World Cup
Updated 18 October 2024
Follow

South Africa reach final and end Australia’s title defense at Women’s T20 World Cup

South Africa reach final and end Australia’s title defense at Women’s T20 World Cup
  • Anneke Bosch led the way with 74 not out off 48 balls, including eight fours and a six, as the Proteas finished with 135-2 in 17.2 overs
  • Having beaten Australia for the first time in this tournament’s history, South Africa now await the winner of the second semifinal between West Indies and New Zealand in Sharjah on Friday

DUBAI: South Africa stunned defending champions Australia in the first semifinal of the Women’s T20 World Cup on Thursday, winning by eight wickets to reach their second straight final.

In a reversal from the 2023 final at Cape Town, South Africa chased down Australia’s 134-5 with 16 balls to spare. Six-time champions Australia had won three straight titles.

Anneke Bosch led the way with 74 not out off 48 balls, including eight fours and a six, as the Proteas finished with 135-2 in 17.2 overs.

She had support from skipper Laura Wolvaardt, who set the early pace with three fours and a six in scoring 42 off 37 balls.

Having beaten Australia for the first time in this tournament’s history, South Africa now await the winner of the second semifinal between West Indies and New Zealand in Sharjah on Friday.

The final will be played in Dubai on Sunday.

It ended Australia’s 15-match winning run in the tournament. Since 2009, it is only the second time in nine Women’s T20 World Cups that the six-time champions failed to make the final.

“It’s gonna be pretty hard to take. We just didn’t really show up tonight, and can’t afford to do that in tournaments like this,” Australia’s stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath said.

McGrath was skipper in the place of Australia’s star player and regular captain, Alyssa Healy, who suffered a foot injury earlier in the tournament.

South Africa had opted to bowl and made two vital early breakthroughs.

Opener Grace Harris was out caught for three off Ayabonga Khaka, while Georgia Wareham was caught off Marizanne Kapp for five runs.

Australia was down to 18-2 in the third over, but rescued by a 50-run partnership between Beth Mooney and McGrath.

Mooney top-scored with 44 off 42 balls, hitting two fours, and looked set to shepherd the innings to a competitive total.

Left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba got the breakthrough — she dismissed McGrath in the 13th over for 27 off 33 balls.

The turning point came in the 17th over — Kapp ran out Mooney. Ellyze Perry scored 31 off 23 balls to take them past 100. But Australia failed to gather sufficient momentum in the final overs.

Annabel Sutherland provided the early wicket in the chase — she bowled Tazmin Brits for 15.

But Wolvaardt and Bosch seized initiative to put on 96 off 65 balls for the second wicket — South Africa’s highest partnership for any wicket against Australia in T20s.

Bosch brought up her 50 off 31 balls, and went on to score the tournament’s highest individual score.

Sutherland did get the breakthrough in the 15th over, but it was too little too late for the outgoing champions, who were thoroughly outplayed on the night.

Bosch was named player of the match for her unbeaten knock.

“My heart is racing. It was tough out there and I am just glad we got past the finish line. We knew we are capable and had a good tournament coming into this game. To restrict them under 140 tonight was outstanding,” she said.