Latest news with #Riyadh-based
Straits Times
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Established order prevails at Club World Cup as minnows make little impact
MIAMI - The occasional threat of an upset result at the Club World Cup handed hope to the minnows of the world game but in the end the established order prevailed at the conclusion of the first round of the tournament in the U.S. All but three of the teams through to the knockout stages are from Europe and South America with the field for the last-16 settled after the last group-stage matches on Thursday. Among the last to qualify was Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal, but the Riyadh-based side is littered with players expensively purchased from European clubs like the Portugal internationals Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo, former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly and ex-Brazil international Malcom. Also through are Monterrey from Mexico and Inter Miami, where Lionel Messi is the kingpin in a side filled with former Barcelona stalwarts. But for the rest, it was a disappointing return from clubs from other continents. Al-Hilal held Real Madrid to a draw in their opening game and won a decisive clash with Pachuca of Mexico on Thursday to advance, but it was one of only two matches won by Asian clubs in the first round out of a total of 12 played. Africa had similarly disappointing statistics. Its four representatives went home with a combined total of two wins in 12 outings. 'It is a big step up for the players,' said Miguel Cardoso of South Africa champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who collected four points but still finished third in Group F. 'The level of competition is just that little bit higher than what the players are used to,' the coach added. EXPERIENCES 'These experiences will stay with us hopefully for the coming games we play,' said Seattle Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer as his side make a quick return to Major League Soccer action at Austin on Saturday after playing Atletico Madrid, Botafogo and European champions Paris St Germain. 'There were a lot of similarities in the style and approach to the game between us and the powerful clubs we played against. But you have to factor in that their players are playing at a much higher level.' Egypt's Al Ahly and Tunisia's Esperance also brought plenty of fans and helped create atmosphere in the large stadiums but went home without achieving their ambition of progressing to the last-16. 'The moment that you drop a little bit your level against this quality of opponents, you pay a price,' added Jose Riveiro, coach of Cairo giants Al Ahly who had a rollicking 4-4 draw with Porto in their last group game. But he said competing at the Club World Cup was a special experience. 'The players have the opportunity to showcase their talent and a fantastic platform to do it. 'It's a special occasion for sure something that, well, you don't always have the opportunity to be involved in,' Riveiro said. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Reuters
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Reuters
Established order prevails at Club World Cup as minnows make little impact
MIAMI, June 27 (Reuters) - The occasional threat of an upset result at the Club World Cup handed hope to the minnows of the world game but in the end the established order prevailed at the conclusion of the first round of the tournament in the U.S. All but three of the teams through to the knockout stages are from Europe and South America with the field for the last-16 settled after the last group-stage matches on Thursday. Among the last to qualify was Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal, but the Riyadh-based side is littered with players expensively purchased from European clubs like the Portugal internationals Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo, former Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly and ex-Brazil international Malcom. Also through are Monterrey from Mexico and Inter Miami, where Lionel Messi is the kingpin in a side filled with former Barcelona stalwarts. But for the rest, it was a disappointing return from clubs from other continents. Al-Hilal held Real Madrid to a draw in their opening game and won a decisive clash with Pachuca of Mexico on Thursday to advance, but it was one of only two matches won by Asian clubs in the first round out of a total of 12 played. Africa had similarly disappointing statistics. Its four representatives went home with a combined total of two wins in 12 outings. 'It is a big step up for the players,' said Miguel Cardoso of South Africa champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who collected four points but still finished third in Group F. 'The level of competition is just that little bit higher than what the players are used to,' the coach added. 'These experiences will stay with us hopefully for the coming games we play,' said Seattle Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer as his side make a quick return to Major League Soccer action at Austin on Saturday after playing Atletico Madrid, Botafogo and European champions Paris St Germain. 'There were a lot of similarities in the style and approach to the game between us and the powerful clubs we played against. But you have to factor in that their players are playing at a much higher level.' Egypt's Al Ahly and Tunisia's Esperance also brought plenty of fans and helped create atmosphere in the large stadiums but went home without achieving their ambition of progressing to the last-16. 'The moment that you drop a little bit your level against this quality of opponents, you pay a price,' added Jose Riveiro, coach of Cairo giants Al Ahly who had a rollicking 4-4 draw with Porto in their last group game. But he said competing at the Club World Cup was a special experience. 'The players have the opportunity to showcase their talent and a fantastic platform to do it. 'It's a special occasion for sure something that, well, you don't always have the opportunity to be involved in,' Riveiro said.
News18
a day ago
- Business
- News18
£500+ Million, Ownership Stake, Private Jet: A Breakdown Of Ronaldo's New Extension With Al Nassr
Last Updated: Cristiano Ronaldo signed a two-year extension with Al Nassr worth over £492 million, including a £24.5m signing bonus, potential bonuses, incentives, and family benefits. Cristiano Ronaldo yet again proved his irrefutable influence and importance, securing one of the most lucrative contracts in sports history with Al Nassr. Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in 2023, kicking off an extensive attempt by the Middle Eastern nation to revolutionize their football landscape that saw a swathe of high-profile stars follow the Portuguese forward to Saudi Arabia on hefty contracts. On Thursday, the Riyadh club signed Ronaldo to a two-year contract extension, which shall yield the Portuguese superstar upwards of £492 million for his services at the capital city, on a basic salary of £488,000 per day. But the perks don't stop there for the 40-year-old legend. According to The Sun, Ronaldo has also been offered multiple other lucrative incentives, such as being named a 'dream ambassador" for the cash-rich Saudi Arabia: a deal that could see the Portuguese earn more than half a billion pounds for the next two years. Another massive incentive that has reportedly been offered to Ronaldo includes him receiving a minority ownership stake in the club, estimated to be worth around £33million. But all these are promises. What's been guaranteed already for the former Manchester United, Real Madrid legend is also a £24.5m signing bonus — one which will increase to £38m if he triggers the second year of his contract. If Ronaldo is to secure all of the aforementioned benefits, he could be earning well and more than half a billion pounds over the next two years. But not only does Ronaldo reap the rewards, but his family does as well. It has been reported that the Portuguese will have 16 people working full-time — three drivers, four housekeepers, two chefs, three gardeners, and four security people — all paid for by Al-Nassr, at a cost of around £1.4 million. There is also £4m for the use of a private jet, as well as the promise of sponsorship deals with Saudi companies. Despite the hefty price, Al Nassr will finally let out a sigh of relief after having secured their (and Saudi Arabia's) talisman. Ronaldo's contract renewal comes just a day after former head coach Stefano Pioli stepped down from his role at the helm of the Riyadh-based club. The reason for the decision was not disclosed as the club decided to part ways with the Italian after just nine months of collaboration. The Faris Najd finished the recently concluded season in third place, behind Al Ittihad and Al Hilal, earning qualification for the AFC Champions League next season.
United News of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- United News of India
Cristiano Ronaldo signs new deal with Saudi club Al-Nassr
Lisbon, June 26 (UNI) Cristiano Ronaldo has signed a new two-year contract with Al-Nassr that means he will stay with the Saudi Pro League club until beyond his 42nd birthday. The Portugal captain, 40, joined the Riyadh-based team in December 2022 after leaving Manchester United in acrimonious circumstances. His previous Al-Nassr deal had been due to expire at the end of June. In a post on X, Ronaldo wrote: "A new chapter begins. Same passion, same dream. Let's make history together." UNI BM
CairoScene
2 days ago
- Business
- CairoScene
Saudi Firm Equivator Commits SR 30M to UAE Rewards Platform Related
Saudi alternative investment firm Equivator has invested SR30 million in Dubai‑headquartered Related, marking a strategic move to develop a regional loyalty and digital payments hub for MENA brands. Jun 25, 2025 Equivator, a Riyadh-based alternative investment firm, has made a strategic SAR30 million ($8 million) investment in Related, a UAE-founded company specialising in loyalty and rewards technology for retail and consumer-facing industries. This deal signals Equivator's push to strengthen its presence in fintech and digital payments across the region. Related has quickly found traction in the MENA loyalty market with its platform, designed to help brands deploy rewards and incentives across channels. The firm plans to support Related's growth by providing capital and strategic backing as it scales its technology and client base across the region. This marks Equivator's latest move to expand its fintech reach, following earlier investments in venture platforms and digital financial services. With this capital injection, Related is poised to roll out new features, deepen market penetration, and strengthen its position as a loyalty infrastructure provider across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and beyond.
