Latest news with #AlAhlySC
Forbes
29-06-2025
- Climate
- Forbes
The Cost Of Extreme Weather Delays At FIFA Club World Cup
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 19: A general view as players leave the pitch due to a severe ... More weather warning during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group A match between SE Palmeiras and Al Ahly SC at MetLife Stadium on June 19, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by) When FIFA Club World Cup kicked off across the U.S. this June, extreme heat concerns were top of mind. These concerns turned out to be well-founded, but it has been unpredictable skies, thunder, lightning and torrential rain that have led to six matches so far experiencing long delays ranging from 46 minutes to nearly two hours. These frequent stoppages are a highly-visible sign of how climate change-driven weather extremes are reshaping the landscape of global sport, could have economic ramifications for the tournament and raised concerns about preparations for next year's FIFA Men's World Cup in the U.S. CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JUNE 28: The giant screen informs on weather delay during the FIFA Club ... More World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between SL Benfica and Chelsea FC at Bank of America Stadium on June 28, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by) Club World Cup Matches Impacted By Delays The first match of the tournament to be impacted by extreme weather was Ulsan HD and Mamelodi Sundowns, whose June 17 match in Orlando, Florida, was delayed for more than an hour due to the threat of lightning. On the same day in Nashville, Tennesse, Boca Juniors and Auckland City had their game paused for around 50 minutes due to FIFA lightning storm protocol being activated. Next was Pachuca vs. Red Bull Salzburg in Cincinnati, Ohio, on June 18. A one hour and 37 minute delay was caused by heavy rainfall and lightning. Palmeiras and Al Ahly had their match suspended for 46 minutes in East Rutherford, New Jersey on June 19, due to lightning strikes. Temperatures reached 88F, and a cooling break was given to players midway through the first half also. PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 15: Marquinhos of Paris Saint-Germain cools down in the hot weather ... More during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group B match between Paris Saint-Germain FC and Club Atletico de Madrid at Rose Bowl Stadium on June 15, 2025 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by) On June 20, the longest delay of the tournament so far took place in Orlando, between Benfica and Auckland City. Play was suspended for two hours due to a lightning storm in the area. The most recent delay comes as things heat up competitively, as well as physically. Chelsea secured a quarter final spot in Charlotte, North Carolina on June 28 against Benefica, in a game that took 4 hours and 4o minutes to complete, with a one hour and 53 minute delay happening just 5 minutes before full time. This match delay happened during 'lightning safety awareness week,' which takes place in the U.S. every June. What Has This Got To Do With Climate Change? The U.S. is no stranger to intense thunderstorms and lightning strikes, especially in June, July and August. However, climate change-induced rising global temperatures mean warmer air, which holds more moisture. This increases the chance of thunderstorms, leading to more violent storms, lightning strikes, and downpours that lead to localised flash flooding. TOPSHOT - A lightning is seen in the sky during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Group H football match ... More between Mexico's Pachuca and Austria's FC Salzburg at the TQL stadium in Cincinnati on June 18, 2025. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images) Florida is broadly considered the "lightning capital" of the country, with more than 2,000 lightning injuries over the past 50 years. Southeastern states, including Texas, Colorado, North Carolina, Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Missouri, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania are most at risk, according to U.S. Centers For Disease Prevention and Control. Economic Ramifications Of Extreme Weather Sport has an increasingly volatile opponent, extreme weather. Player, spectator and staff safety will always be the top priority, however, for major, televised sports tournaments, delays have wide-ranging economic ramifications. The timing and duration of delays caused by extreme weather can impact spectators staying in-stadia, have broadcasting implications for wider-viewership and scheduling, as well as leading to physical health risks and loss of focus from players and officials. EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 19: Fans return to their seats in the stands after a weather ... More delay during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group A match between SE Palmeiras and Al Ahly SC at MetLife Stadium on June 19, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) Schedule delays can force broadcasters to redistribute airtime, negotiate compensations, or lose advertising slots. Repeated and consistent game disruption, like we have seen during FIFA Club World Cup, indicates a pattern that could undermine viewer satisfaction, advertiser value and lead to reduced rights fees in the future events due to perceived risk. This pattern could also lead to economic impacts to entire economies when bidding to host major tournaments. "I think it's a joke to be honest, it's not football. I struggle to understand. I can understand that for security reasons, you suspend the game. But if you suspend seven, eight games, that means that probably [this] is not the right place to do this competition," shared Chelsea FC manager Enzo Maresca. In-stadia staffing and operational costs will rise, as ushers, security and concessions staff remain on duty for longer. Revenue could also be impacted if fans have to endure prolonged stadium confinement and demand compensation. With some FIFA Club World Cup delays stretching to up to two hours, some fans chose to leave entirely. Currently it might be that additional time in concessions areas will be a benefit, potentially leading to increased sales of food, drink and merchandise. There is no industry standard currently, but in the future there may feasibly be a duty of care to support the care comfort of fans coupons for hydration or food, as we see when delays are experienced in the aviation sector. Teams could potentially face added expenses, from extended rentals of hotels, buses, and likely more medical staff coverage. Performance impacts are a consideration too, including physiological and mental impacts for athletes competing in extreme heat or experiencing long breaks during play. After the match in which his team endured cooling breaks and a long delay, Palmeiras manager Abel Ferreira said, "I don't know if you could read the faces of the players but they felt the weather and the climate and that impacted them." CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JUNE 28: Enzo Maresca, Head Coach of Chelsea FC, reacts during the FIFA ... More Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between SL Benfica and Chelsea FC at Bank of America Stadium on June 28, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Steph Chambers - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) Enzo Maresca touched on another player impact. Loss of focus. 'As a manager, it's difficult to manage two hours suspended,' he said. 'How can you keep them two hours inside, focused?' He went on, 'we are happy to be in this competition. But it's something that is not normal.' Chief operations officer for the 2026 Men's World Cup, Heimo Schirgi, will no doubt be watching these goings on intently. Ahead of the tournament he said, 'everyone is eager to come back after the Club World Cup and say 'OK, this is what we learned. This is what we need to change. This is what we can keep.'' Delays at the FIFA Club World Cup caused by extreme weather have done more than just disrupt games, they have exposed the growing financial risks climate change poses to global sport. From extended broadcast windows and disrupted advertising schedules to rising staffing costs, the potential for fan compensation, and logistical strain on teams, the economic toll is clear and growing. As climate volatility increases, these disruptions will erode sponsor confidence, inflate operational budgets, and could devalue future media rights. The question facing 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup organisers, and those of all major global sports tournaments, is now how well prepared they are for extreme weather impacts, and how their organisations are helping tackling the cause, not just treating the symptoms. The cost of inaction is no longer theoretical.
See - Sada Elbalad
24-06-2025
- Sport
- See - Sada Elbalad
Despite Early Exit, Al Ahly Fans Shine in New Jersey, Turn MetLife Stadium into a Red Fortress
Walid Abbas Despite exiting the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup from the group stage with just two points and four goals scored, Egypt's Al Ahly SC captured global attention in their final appearance in the tournament, delivering one of the most thrilling matches in a 4-4 draw against Portugal's FC Porto at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey early Tuesday morning. Palestinian striker Wissam Abu Ali netted a brilliant hat-trick, while Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane added a stunning goal. However, defensive errors and more than 15 missed scoring opportunities cost the Red Devils a win that was within reach, leaving them with just two points from three matches. Nevertheless, it was the fans who truly stole the spotlight. Thousands of Al Ahly supporters from across the United States packed the stadium stands, waving flags and chanting, transforming MetLife into a true "Red Fortress" — a scene that astonished even head coach José Ribeiro, who said:"I've never seen anything like this before. Al Ahly fans are truly incredible." The passionate support wasn't limited to Egyptian expatriates in the U.S. Fans traveled from Egypt itself, as well as from countries like Canada and across Europe, to back the club in this global tournament — demonstrating Al Ahly's enormous worldwide popularity. Though eliminated, Al Ahly secured a generous financial reward from FIFA, earning $11.55 million (around EGP 585 million), including $9.55 million for participation and an additional $1 million for each draw against Inter Miami and Porto. Following their exit, the team's coaching staff granted the players an 18-day rest before resuming training ahead of the new season, with strong indications that a pre-season camp in Spain is likely. El-Shenawy Sends Emotional Message to Fans: 'This Is Not the End... It's a New Beginning' In a heartfelt gesture, team captain and goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy apologized to Al Ahly fans after the team's exit from the tournament. On his Instagram account, he wrote: 'We're sorry. We truly wanted to bring you joy today with a win. From the bottom of our hearts, we say: you deserve better. To Al Ahly fans who are always behind us, every moment, every match… thank you.' He added:'The bond between us has never been just about football. It's one soul, one heart, and one goal.' 'Our promise to you: this is not the end. This is the start of a new era. God willing, the best is yet to come. We will fight to bring you joy, to keep the Al Ahly eagle flying high — for you.' In the end, despite missing out on the Round of 16, Al Ahly left the tournament with significant technical, emotional, and fan-driven gains. The unwavering support — whether from Egypt or the diaspora — reaffirmed that 'Al Ahly is who shows up' isn't just a slogan. It's a living truth that continues to be proven on the world stage. read more Japan Stun Spain 2-1 to Qualify for World Cup Last 16 World Cup 2022: Get to Know Confirmed Line-ups of Japan and Spain Group E Decider Saudi Arabia Bid Farewell to World Cup after 2-1 Loss to Mexico Tunisia Achieve Historic Win over France but Fail to Qualify Tunisia to Clash against France in World Cup Sports Get to Know Squad of Group D Teams in World Cup Sports Al Ahly Gift EGP 70,000 to Players After Claiming Egyptian Super Cup Title Sports Bencharki Hits First 2 Goals with Al Jazira Since Leaving Zamalek Sports Arsenal Possible Line-up for Nottingham Forest News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
Daily Mail
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Sir David Beckham is seen beaming after finally getting his knighthood as he watches his team Inter Miami play during the FIFA Club World Cup
Sir David Beckham was seen beaming after finally getting his knighthood as he headed to Miami for the FIFA Club World Cup. The former footballer, 50, declared himself 'immensely proud' on Friday as he finally got a knighthood after years of being snubbed. And just after his honour, he jetted off to the US as the Club World Cup kicked off at the Hard Rock Arena in Miami on Saturday. The co-owner of Inter Miami watched on as his team played Egyptian squad Al Ahly SC. with the match ending 0-0. But the draw didn't stop Sir David from looking on cloud nine as he grinned from ear to ear pitchside. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Sir David said he 'never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour' receiving his knighthood on Friday, as his Spice Girl wife Victoria also became Lady Beckham. The former England football captain previously missed out when a 'red flag' from the taxman blocked him becoming a Sir in 2014. Leaked emails suggested he had savaged the nominations committee as 'unappreciative c***s' and branded their decision 'a disgrace, to be honest', although his office subsequently insisted they had been doctored by a hacker. But that was all behind him today as Sir David proudly led the King's Birthday Honours list recognising 1,200 people from community champions to cultural icons. The day before Sir David was given the honour, he was seen chatting with the King at a St James's Palace ceremony for the monarch's foundation, of which the retired footballer is an ambassador. He has been made a knight for his services to sport and to charity. He said: 'Growing up in East London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British I never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour. 'To have played for and captained my country was the greatest privilege of my career and literally a boyhood dream come true.' The co-owner of Inter Miami watched on as his team played Egyptian squad Al Ahly SC. with the match ending 0-0 He said that, off the pitch, his charity work 'gives me so much fulfilment'. And added: 'It will take a little while for the news to sink in but I'm immensely proud and it's such an emotional moment for me to share with my family.' He has been made a knight for his services to sport and to charity, having partnered with Unicef and campaigned with Malaria No More, a charity working to eradicate the disease. Sir David was made an OBE in 2003 and has been in the running for a knighthood for more than a decade. Congratulating her husband, Victoria shared a loved-up photo to Instagram and wrote: 'You've always been my knight in shining armour, but now it 's official. 'Sir David!!! What an honour, I couldn't be prouder of you. 'Your dedication to the things that matter most — your country, your work, your passion, and most of all, your family — has never wavered. 'The way you've touched so many lives over the years with kindness and humility speaks volumes about the man you are and continues to inspire us everyday.' She concluded: 'But above all else, I'm so, so proud to call you mine. I love you so much xxxx'
The Herald
07-06-2025
- Sport
- The Herald
20 players to watch at 2025 Basketball Africa League playoffs in Pretoria
Born: June 16 1999 Height: 6'11" (2.11m) Position: Power Forward/Centre Nationality: Egyptian Gardner is a big man who can shoot from deep, which is one of the attributes that makes him a menace to opponents. He had the highest efficiency rating (96) for Petro de Luanda in the Sahara Conference in Dakar, where the reigning BAL champions finished 3—3. He contributed 13.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Gardner, who is left-handed, is in his second BAL season, having played for Al Ahly SC last season. He played for Egypt at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup and played two seasons in the NBA G League, averaging six points per game. Basketball Africa League
TimesLIVE
27-04-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Al Ahly part ways with coach Koller after Sundowns semi defeat
Egypt's Al Ahly on Saturday announced they parted ways with coach Marcel Koller after being knocked out of the Champions League semifinal. The 64-year-old came under fire as the defending champions were stunned by South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns on the away goal rule as they played to a 1-1 second leg draw in Cairo on Friday, after a scoreless stalemate in Pretoria. Bottles of water were thrown from the stands at the Swiss as he left the pitch after the final whistle. You will always be part of Al Ahly family ❤️ — Al Ahly SC 🇬🇧 (@AlAhlyEnglish) April 26, 2025 'Due to the emergency circumstances and in light of the distinguished relationship that has been reflected in numerous previous positions, the club is currently negotiating with the coach to terminate the contract by mutual consent in a manner befitting the club and its coach,' the club said. Since taking the helm in September 2022, when he replaced South African Pitso Mosimane, the former FC Basel and FC Köln coach steered Al Ahly to several trophies, including two Champions League titles. In Friday's other semifinal second leg, also between a South African and Egyptian club, Pyramids FC beat Orlando Pirates 3-2 at June 30 Air Defence Stadium in Cairo to progress by the same scoreline on aggregate. The final will be played at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on May 24, with the second leg at June 30 Stadium on June 1.
