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Qatar Stars League holds Co-ordination meeting with Doha Bank Stars League and QSL 2 teams in preparation for 2026-2027 season

Qatar Stars League holds Co-ordination meeting with Doha Bank Stars League and QSL 2 teams in preparation for 2026-2027 season

As part of the Qatar Stars League’s (QSL) commitment to ongoing communication, co-ordination and co-operation with clubs, and aligning with preparations and arrangements for new 2026-2027 football season, QSL’s Competitions and Football Development Department held a Co-ordination Meeting with coaches and captains of Doha Bank Stars League and QSL 2 clubs at the Aspire Academy. The meeting was attended by Dr. Ahmed Khellil Abbassi, Executive Director of Competitions and Football Development, Mr. Mohammed Ahmed Al Abdullah, Director of Professional Players Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Salman Al Adsani, Director of Competitions, Mr. Antero Henrique, Sporting Director at QSL, and representatives from National Teams and Referees Departments, Aspetar and Aspire. The meeting was held as part of preparations ahead of the start of new football season and aimed to enhance development through co-operation and co-ordination between QSL, clubs’ technical staff and players. The meeting also addressed several key aspects of competition, including a review of regulations and organisational guidelines for the new season, and operational mechanisms designed to ensure optimal conditions for a successful tournament. The meeting discussed new season’s calendar, aiming to achieve a balance between match schedule and preparation periods. The importance of morning training sessions in enhancing player readiness was also discussed, along with best practices in recovery and nutrition. These practices are crucial for improving player performance and minimising fatigue and injuries. The meeting also explored ways to optimise training intensity to meet competitive demands and enhance players’ technical and physical readiness throughout the season. Commenting on the meeting, Dr. Abbassi said, “I extend my thanks and appreciation to all technical, administrative and medical staff, and players for their vital and important roles, in addition to our partners (Qatar Football Association,  Aspetar, Aspire, National Teams Department, Referees) as they are a fundamental element in implementing the league’s development plan, and are among the main pillars of our football system.”

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The pain is immense, says Messi of World Cup defeat

The pain is immense, says Messi of World Cup defeat

Argentina's forward Lionel Messi reacts after he was handed a silver medal during the award ceremony of the 2026 World Cup at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. (AFP)

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Lamine Yamal’s little brother Keyne becomes one of…

Lamine Yamal’s little brother Keyne becomes one of…

While Lamine Yamal was making history on the pitch during Spain’s FIFA World Cup triumph, his three-year-old brother Keyne quietly became one of the tournament’s most endearing figures.As Spain celebrated their 1-0 victory over Argentina

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Judge approved night-time Tour de France doping tests

Judge approved night-time Tour de France doping tests

Slovenian rider Tadej Pogacar wearing the overall leader's yellow jersey, Mexican rider Isaac Del Toro and Belgian rider Remco Evenepoel cycle in the lead breakaway in the final ascent of the 15th stage of the

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DeChambeau threatened to call Trump over British Open penalty: Reports

DeChambeau threatened to call Trump over British Open penalty: Reports

Bryson DeChambeau reacts to making his birdie putt on the 17th green on day three of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 18, 2026.

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Spanish king hails World Cup heroes as celebration tour begins

Spanish king hails World Cup heroes as celebration tour begins

Spain's World Cup winners were hailed by the country's king on Monday in Madrid after returning from the United States with the game's most desired trophy in tow.King Felipe VI and the royal family met

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McCullum confident he can work with new England Test coach

McCullum confident he can work with new England Test coach

England's head coach Brendon McCullum helps the players warm up on the opening day of the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval in London on June 17, 2026. (AFP) Brendon McCullum insists he can work alongside England's next Test coach despite being sacked from the role.McCullum was dismissed as Test boss following England's 2-1 defeat by New Zealand in a series that culminated in the international retirement of red-ball captain Ben Stokes.But McCullum remains in charge of England's white-ball teams and oversaw a 4-0 T20 series whitewash of world champions India.On Sunday, there was more success for McCullum's team, with a 27-run win at Lord's to seal England's first one-day international series victory over India since 2018.England posted 387-3 - the highest ODI total at Lord's - thanks to Ben Duckett's 141, with both Jacob Bethell and Joe Root contributing fifties.But while England's white-ball teams are making progress, the Test side are on a run of seven defeats in nine matches heading into a home series with Pakistan starting next month.Asked how he would work with a new Test coach in a potential awkward situation, McCullum said: "Collaboratively, I think. I think once the new coach is put in place, we'll have a good conversation around everything."I think ultimately as long as everyone wants what is right for English cricket, there will be some give and take on certain things. That is the way it is."Andy Flower, a former England coach, has ruled himself out of succeeding McCullum as Test boss. Jonathan Trott, an ex-England batsman, and former Australia coach Justin Langer are among the leading candidates to take over from McCullum.Former New Zealand captain McCullum has been buoyed by England's white-ball form ahead of next year's ODI World Cup in southern Africa."I think we've seen some growth in the side over the last couple of series and there is some more growth to come, which is exciting and where my focus is on," he said.   Related Story

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Yamal’s embrace of Messi becomes defining image of Spain’…

Yamal’s embrace of Messi becomes defining image of Spain’…

Spain celebrated a memorable FIFA World Cup triumph on Sunday, but one of the night's most touching moments came after the final whistle when teenage star Lamine Yamal walked across the pitch to embrace a

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Rohit brushes aside retirement talk, says focus remains on representing India

Rohit brushes aside retirement talk, says focus remains on representing India

India's Rohit Sharma plays a shot during the third ODI against England at Lord's cricket ground in London on July 19, 2026. (AFP) Former India captain Rohit Sharma has dismissed speculation over his international future, saying his sole focus remains on representing the country and contributing to the team's success.The 39-year-old's comments ⁠came after he struck a blistering 138 off 110 balls in India's unsuccessful chase ⁠in the third and final One-Day International against England on Sunday, amid reports that the match at Lord's could be his last appearance in Indian colours. The hundred ended a lean run in which Sharma had gone 11 ODIs without reaching three figures, a stretch that fuelled questions about his place ahead of next year's World Cup in South ⁠Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. However, the opener retained the backing of the team management."My job is with the bat, come and play, represent my country, represent my team. That's what I have been told to do since my debut so that's what I am going to do," Sharma said in an interview on the Indian cricket board's website."The noise since I made my debut was there. And ⁠till the time I am going to stay ⁠here, it ⁠is always going to be there."So it doesn't really matter too much. What matters is what I do on the field, try and contribute to the success of the team. That's all my focus is right now. And let the noise be there. If there is no noise, there is no fun."Despite Rohit's innings, India lost the match and conceded the ODI series 2-1.India next travel to Zimbabwe for a three-match Twenty20 International series from July 23-26 before touring Sri Lanka for a Test series next month.   Related Story

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It’s tattoo time for Spain defender Cucurella, says coach

It’s tattoo time for Spain defender Cucurella, says coach

Spain defender Marc Cucurella is a man of his ‌word and must now go ahead with ​a ⁠tattoo of Spain coach Luis ‌de la Fuente's ‌face on his body after the European champions beat Argentina