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Two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka and Wimbledon winner Jannik Sinner lead the fields for the US Open that begins next month.The US Tennis Association announced the direct entry lists on Tuesday for the final Grand
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Qatari talent continues to strengthen its presence at the world’s biggest sporting events, reinforcing the country’s standing not only as a successful host and organiser of major tournaments but also as a valuable contributor to the global sports landscape through highly qualified professionals in leadership positions.At the FIFA World Cup 2026, this reputation was further enhanced by the appointment of several Qatari officials to key roles within the tournament’s organisational structure, reflecting Qatar’s growing influence and the international recognition of its sporting expertise.Among the most prominent figures was Hani Taleb Ballan, who serves as Vice Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, Chairman of the AFC Referees Committee, Chairman of the Arabian Gulf Cup Football Federation Referees Committee, and Chairman of the Qatar Football Association’s Referees Committee.During the FIFA World Cup 2026, Ballan played a pivotal role in overseeing the tournament’s refereeing operations alongside FIFA Referees Committee Chairman Pierluigi Collina and FIFA Director of Refereeing Massimo Busacca. His involvement highlighted the confidence placed in Qatari expertise and its contribution to the successful management of the world’s premier football tournament.In this interview, Ballan discusses his responsibilities in overseeing the World Cup refereeing programme, the mechanisms used to prepare match officials, the participation of Qatari, Asian and Arab referees at the tournament, the continued development of refereeing in Qatar, and his vision for the future role of Qatari talent in major international sporting events.Excerpts:Q. How do you view your participation at the FIFA World Cup 2026?A. I am certainly very happy and proud to be part of the team responsible for overseeing the referees at the World Cup and to represent my country at this global event. This was my third participation at World Cup tournaments, after the 2018 Russia and 2022 Qatar World Cups, an assignment that reflects the high level of trust placed in Qatari talent within FIFA. Working at the World Cup is a great responsibility, especially when the goal is to ensure the highest levels of refereeing fairness in the most important football tournament in the world. Being alongside Pierluigi Collina, Massimo Busacca, and the rest of the referees committee has been a great opportunity to exchange experiences and work within a fully integrated professional system, with the aim of delivering the best possible level of refereeing throughout the tournament. Qatari personnel continued their presence at international tournaments... Your view of this development?What we are witnessing today confirms that Qatar’s role is no longer confined to hosting tournaments; it has become a key partner in their management and organization. This is the product of years of investment in human capital. The State of Qatar believed early on that human development is fundamental, and therefore we now see Qatari personnel in various organisational, technical, and refereeing committees within the International and Asian Federations.This presence is not a matter of favoritism, but rather a result of competence, experience, and the ability to achieve, which makes us feel proud and, at the same time, increases our responsibility to maintain this position. Tell us about the final preparations for the tournament referees.Since the referees’ arrival, we began the final preparation program, which lasted nine days. The referees were divided into two groups: one for the on-field referees and the other for the Video Assistant Referees (VARs). The work was carried out in two sessions daily. In the morning, the programs included theoretical lectures and practical applications using the latest technologies, in addition to aspects related to nutrition and live review of refereeing decisions on the field. We also focused heavily on the use of VAR simulators. As for the evening sessions, they were dedicated to holding an official preparatory tournament called the ‘Referees’ Tournament,’ which lasted for 11 days. The refereeing teams officiated a full half of each match, with specialized instructors present to evaluate performance and provide technical feedback immediately after the matches. We also made sure to train the referees on the use of the latest technologies, such as semi-automated offside technology, goal-line technology, and other support tools, to ensure Their complete readiness before the start of the tournament. How were the referees monitored during the tournament and what were the most prominent activities during the matches?Preparation programs continue throughout the tournament but the primary focus is on preparing the teams assigned to officiate upcoming matches. Referees receive practical training through intensive application exercises, alongside tactical preparation through analysis sessions with specialized coaches who explain the playing styles of different teams. This helps referees maintain good positioning, movement, anticipation, and make appropriate decisions during matches. We have been conducting daily analysis sessions for all referees, whether at our headquarters in Miami or via video conference for referees in other cities. Technical instructors and performance analysts, in collaboration with the technology team, have prepared key refereeing clips to analyze referee performance, focusing on positive aspects and opportunities for improvement, which will contribute to raising the level of performance in subsequent matches. How do you view the Qatari refereeing team’s participation at the World Cup?The Qatari team that participated in the tournament, consisting of Abdulrahman al-Jassim, Saud Ahmed, Talib Salem, and Khamis al-Marri, has proven over the past years that it is among the best refereeing teams and deserves to be present in the biggest international tournaments. Being at the World Cup is no longer new for Qatari referees; it has become a natural achievement resulting from the great work done by the referees themselves, the Referees Committee, and the Qatar Football Association.I am proud of what the Qatari referees presented. They performed admirably, managed their matches with high efficiency, and lived up to their responsibilities. This is a continuation of their performance in previous World Cups, the Asian Cup, and other international tournaments. Khamis al-Marri was in the officiating team for the final. How do you see that?Khamis al-Marri’s presence on the officiating team for the final match is a culmination of the entire Qatari refereeing system, and he deserves this selection after the outstanding level he demonstrated throughout the tournament. How would you describe the development of the Qatari refereeing system in recent years?The Qatari refereeing has witnessed a qualitative leap at all levels. We have continuous training programs, internal and external training camps, technical lectures, the use of the latest technologies, and the assistance of international experts, in addition to a precise evaluation system after each match. Ultimately, the success achieved is the fruit of integrated teamwork, in which each individual performs their role to the fullest, which has contributed to building a generation of referees capable of competing locally, regionally, and globally. What is the secret to continued success of Qatari referees?Success doesn’t come by chance; it’s the result of daily work, discipline, and a belief in the importance of learning and never resting on any achievement. Qatari referees operate according to the highest professional standards, and this is what has brought them to the position they deserve today. Related Story
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Manchester City's midfielder Phil Foden celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the English Premier League match against Leeds United at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on November 29, 2025. (AFP) Manchester City forward Phil Foden gave a boost to new boss Enzo Maresca by signing a four-year contract extension on Wednesday.Foden's deal provides the England international with much-needed stability after a turbulent period.The 26-year-old had struggled for form during an injury-plagued period that included being left out of England's squad for the recent World Cup.He would have been out of contract at the end of the coming season, but his new deal, which contains an option for a further one-year extension, resolves his long-term future."Committing my future to City means everything to me. Playing for this club is all I've ever wanted to do and it's always an honour to wear the shirt," Foden said."It's not lost on me that I've been lucky enough to be part of a historic period with so many titles won, but we're always looking to the future and trying to win more."I can only thank the club, staff, team-mates and fans who continue to put their faith in me and trust that I give everything I can for City and I hope I'll be able to repay you for years to come."Foden has won six Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups and five League Cups with City since graduating from the club's youth academy.He is the most decorated player in City's history alongside Bernardo Silva and John Stones, who both left in the close-season.But a year ago, after struggling to replicate his form of previous campaigns, Foden opened up on his battles off the pitch with his mental health.Foden, who has 110 goals in 369 career appearances for City, started only seven of their last 26 games before boss Pep Guardiola resigned at the end of the season, with former Chelsea manager Maresca taking charge in June.Foden said he was looking forward to working with Maresca, who was part of Guardiola's coaching staff during the treble-winning campaign in 2022-23."So excited. Obviously, I've had Enzo before. When we had him in the treble season, he was brilliant," Foden said."His attention to detail, the small things that make a big difference, and even training with him at the moment, you can tell how good of a coach he is."The way he likes to play out from the back and play a lot of possession-based, it suits my game really well."
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Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton chasing record ninth Hungary win. (Reuters) Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton could go into Formula One's August break on a Hungarian high this weekend while championship leaders Mercedes seek urgent answers to George Russell's car woes.Russell's plight, with his car losing chunks of time on the straights, has dominated paddock chatter as his 19-year-old Italian teammate Kimi Antonelli goes from strength to strength with six wins in 10 rounds.The Briton, who started the season as title favourite and with the nickname 'Mr Consistency', is now 50 points adrift of Antonelli after spinning off into the gravel in Belgium last Sunday for his third no-score of the year.That blank let Hamilton back into second place overall, 45 points behind Antonelli, and the Hungaroring is a favourite for the seven-time world champion who won six of his titles with Mercedes before moving to Maranello. EIGHT TIMES WINNER AT THE HUNGARORINGHamilton has won eight times in Hungary over the years, an unparalleled feat at the Budapest track, and can equal his outright record Silverstone tally of nine wins at the same circuit.Hungary is also the scene of Hamilton's most recent pole position, back in 2023.Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur was wary of talking up the team's prospects, at a circuit where engine power and straight line speed matter far less, even if others were already doing so."Now each weekend we start from scratch. It's a lot about setup, tyre management. On this one Budapest will be probably much better than Spa, it will be a different game ... but it's not a given," said the Frenchman."I don't want to go to Budapest considering that it will be easy, because it won't be easy. On paper for sure the engine deficit will be less of an issue, but then we have to do the same thing."Charles Leclerc won at Silverstone and was second in Spa, and is the form Ferrari driver from the last two races, while Hamilton won in Barcelona and was third in Britain, fourth in Belgium. COULD BECOME A FOUR-TEAM BATTLE Antonelli said it could be a four-way battle, with Max Verstappen's Red Bull and champions McLaren in with a shout at a slower and twistier track where energy deployment is less of an issue."It’s going to be another track where it’s maybe a bit more like Monaco, where you just try to drive as fast as you can," said the Italian."It’s going to be interesting. I think it’s going to be very tight between all of us, and that’s why it’s going to be important to try to put things together."Four of the top seven drivers in the standings have won previously in Hungary, the Mercedes drivers and Leclerc being the exceptions, and Leclerc was on pole last year when Lando Norris won in a McLaren one-two with Oscar Piastri.McLaren will be bringing some big upgrades to Hungary, including a new floor and aerodynamic parts. They will also continue to test an experimental rear wing.Italian Leonardo Fornaroli, the team reserve and last year's F2 champion, will be taking part in Friday's first practice while Piastri sits out the session.Aston Martin are also bringing a long-awaited chassis upgrade but will have to wait until the Dutch Grand Prix at the end of August before they get the latest Honda engine. Related Story
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Morgan Rogers is the most expensive signing in Chelsea's history. (Reuters) Chelsea signed England midfielder Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa on Tuesday in a deal British media valued at £117mn ($157mn), a price that smashed the transfer record for a British player."The 23-year-old forward has signed a contract at Stamford Bridge until 2033," the London club posted on their web site.Rogers passed a medical on Monday following his return from the World Cup in North America."I'm so excited," said Rogers. "For me, Chelsea are the biggest club in London and a club I've always admired since I was a kid," Rogers was quoted as saying by the club."I'm really excited about the project with the new manager, the players we've got and where the club is heading. That's why I'm here and I can't wait to get started."The transfer surpasses the previous record fee for a British player set by Manchester City when they signed England midfielder Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116mn earlier in July.Rogers is the most expensive signing in Chelsea's history, eclipsing the £107mn paid to sign Enzo Fernandez from Benfica in 2023.The swoop is a significant statement of intent from Chelsea, who convinced Rogers to leave Villa even though - unlike his former club - the west Londoners will not play in the Champions League in the coming season.Chelsea had been chasing Rogers for two years and beat Arsenal to his signature after the Premier League champions refused to match the eye-watering fee demanded by Villa.Rogers' departure is another blow for Villa boss Unai Emery after Youri Tielemans' move to Manchester United and Lucas Digne's expected switch to Paris Saint-Germain."A player with impeccable behaviour and commitment, Morgan leaves Aston Villa with the best wishes of everyone at the football club for both his service to the club and for his future career," said Villa on their website.Championship side Middlesbrough will receive 20 percent of the fee due to a sell-on clause in the deal when they sold Rogers in Villa in 2024.Rogers scored 21 goals in 85 league appearances for Villa and was a key figure in their Europa League final victory over Freiburg in May.'Cold' celebrationHe enjoyed a breakout campaign last season, netting 14 times and producing 11 assists in 55 appearances."He will always remain a core part of our recent great moments and memories," said Villa.Chelsea's new manager Xabi Alonso will have to find a way to fit Rogers, Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, Estevao Willian and another close-season signing Geovany Quenda into his attacking midfield positions.Following Rogers' arrival at Stamford Bridge, Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho is expected to be sold by Chelsea before the transfer window shuts.Rogers is close friends with Palmer after their time together in Manchester City's youth academy.Palmer's famous 'cold' celebration was inspired by Rogers, who first struck the pose as a Middlesbrough player.Rogers' signing shows Chelsea can still attract top-class signings despite their failure to qualify for Europe after a dismal 10th place finish in the Premier League last season.Rogers will link up with Chelsea after taking a break following his role in England's run to the World Cup semi-finals. Related Story
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From left to right: Ben Cowen, Chief Tournament and Operations Officer, DP World Tour; Christian Hardy, SVP, International, PGA Tour; Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner & CEO, Asian Tour; Guy Kinnings, CEO, European Tour Group. (asiantour.com)
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The Qatar Stars League (QSL) announced the QSL 2 League schedule for 2026-2027 season, which will kick off on August 23, 2026, with 12 teams competing: Al Khor, Al Markhiya, Al Bidda, Mesaimeer, Muaither, Al Kharaitiyat, Umm Salal, Al Waab, NextGen (Al Rayyan), Etihad Al Gharafa, Al Shamal Future and Qatar Under-23 National Team. The announcement of schedule is part of QSL’s preparations for the new season, ensuring that competitions are ready according to the highest organizational and technical standards. As part of QSL’s commitment towards providing the best technical and organizational conditions for the start of season, the first three rounds of matches will be played in airconditioned stadiums, providing an ideal environment for players and fans, and enhancing the quality of competition during this time of year. The first three rounds of matches will be hosted by Al Thumama Stadium, Khalifa International Stadium, Al Bayt Stadium, Lusail Stadium, Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium and Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium. Venues and dates for the fourth and subsequent rounds will be announced later. Related Story
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Critics blasted Argentina for dirty tactics and poor sportsmanship during their 1-0 loss to Spain, cementing the country's status as World Cup villain that grew throughout the tournament.But Argentines argue they are just passionate and
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Fifa opened an investigation Monday after Spain's celebrations on beating Argentina in the World Cup final took an ugly turn when players briefly clashed on the field.Video replays showed several players involved in a scuffle,
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Mercedes may appear to be the runaway Formula One leaders, but closer examination suggests rivals Ferrari have found the consistency and reliability to fight for both championships after the summer break.As the 22-race season approaches
