The Saudi Pro League has become a global football powerhouse, luring top talent with record-breaking contracts and royal-level perks. Led by Cristiano Ronaldo’s $240M deal, players like Mahrez, Benzema, and Mané have redefined the league’s prestige. With stars in their prime joining, Saudi Arabia is reshaping football’s future, challenging Europe’s dominance and turning the desert into football’s new frontier.
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The US Open final is set for a thrilling showdown between Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova, with a $5 million prize at stake. Anisimova's strong return game poses a significant challenge to Sabalenka's serve, highlighted by her impressive record against top players like Naomi Osaka.
Luis Suárez's controversial behavior marred Inter Miami's Leagues Cup final loss to Seattle Sounders, with the Uruguayan striker allegedly spitting at a Seattle staff member during a post-match altercation. The incident, which followed Suárez's confrontation with Obed Vargas, escalated into a larger scuffle involving players and staff. Suárez, already known for disciplinary issues, now faces potential further scrutiny.
Naomi Osaka's U.S. Open semifinal defeat to Amanda Anisimova dashed her plans for a special Labubu plush toy. Throughout the tournament, Osaka showcased Labubu dolls named after tennis legends. She had envisioned a final Labubu inspired by her past U.S. Open appearance, complete with her green skirt and a green bow on a white jacket.
Germany went down to a shock 2-0 defeat in Slovakia in their opening World Cup qualifier on Thursday, while Spain kicked off their bid to reach next year's finals with a comfortable 3-0 victory in Bulgaria. Germany have gone out of each of the last two World Cups in the group stage, but have never failed in a qualifying campaign.
400m hurdles star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is far from done with her pet event as she focuses on 400m flat for world championships.
Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty were assured of at least a bronze medal at the World Championships in Paris, overcoming their rivals Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik in a thrilling quarter-final match. The Indian duo displayed dominance, winning 21-12, 21-19, securing their place in the semifinals against China's Chen Bo Yang and Liu Yi. This victory marks India's continued success at the championships since 2011.
Lovlina Borgohain, determined to add another Olympic medal to her collection, is set to make her international comeback at the World Championships in Liverpool after a break following the Paris Games. The bronze medalist, who contemplated retirement, was motivated by her performance in Paris and is eager to compete under the new global governing body, World Boxing.
Chelsea defeated Fulham 2-0 in a game filled with VAR controversy. Fulham's goal was disallowed after a VAR review. Chelsea's first goal came after stoppage time. A penalty, also VAR-reviewed, led to Chelsea's second goal. Fulham's manager, Marco Silva, expressed his anger at the decisions. Liam Delap suffered a hamstring injury, impacting Chelsea's transfer plans.
Shikhar Dhawan faced questioning by the Enforcement Directorate regarding his alleged connection to the 1xBet betting app in a money laundering investigation. The probe, already involving Suresh Raina and Rana Daggubati, examines promotional activities and their potential role in expanding the platform's reach in India, where real-money betting is largely prohibited.
FIFA has levied significant sanctions against six national football federations, including Lionel Messi's Argentina, due to racist abuse incidents during World Cup qualifiers in June. Albania received the heaviest fine, facing charges related to disturbing a national anthem and inappropriate messaging. These fresh set of sanctions highlight FIFA's focus on kicking out racism from the sport.